A/N: Sorry about the long wait. I wanted to post this chapter earlier but our computer died for 3 days and had to be fixed, then my dad hogged it for ages and then it was my birthday. I have now left my teens behind but I refuse to act more mature, lol. Anyway, onwards...

Chapter Forty-Nine – Two Jedi, Two Sith.

Padmé was resting when Obi-Wan and Sabé arrived. The baby had been fussing alot recently and it was making her weary. C-3P0 came tottering across to identify them as soon as the ship had docked. Sabé stepped out of the cockpit to hurriedly reassure the droid that Obi-Wan was not an enemy.

"I know, Miss Sabé. Mistress Padmé has already given me orders to admit any Jedi."

"Good. Where is Padmé?"

"She felt tired when she came home and decided to retire for a while."

Padmé had heard the voices and ventured downstairs, wrapping a soft blue robe over her nightgown. When she saw that it was Obi-Wan and Sabé she flew to embrace them. Sabé explained everything that had occurred at the Senate and Padmé was horrified to learn Cherek's true identity.

"I'm so glad you're both safe," she said. "I was getting worried."

"What about Anakin?" Sabé asked.

"He's alive."

"I haven't seen him," Obi-Wan said woodenly. "I need to find him."

Padmé glanced over at him warily. "He hasn't been in contact with you?"

"No. When was the last time you saw him?"

"Yesterday."

"And do you know where he is now?"

"No," she answered quickly. A little too quickly for Sabé's liking.

"Padmé, I need your help," Obi-Wan said with a sigh. "He's in grave danger."

"From the Sith?"

"From himself." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "Padmé, Anakin has turned to the Dark Side."

"You're wrong," Padmé said at once. " How could you even say that?"

Obi-Wan walked away from her, collecting his thoughts. "I have seen a security hologram of him…killing younglings."

"Not Anakin. He couldn't."

"He was deceived by a lie. We all were. It appears that the Chancellor is behind everything, including the war. Palpatine is the Sith Lord we've been looking for. After the death of Count Dooku, Anakin became his new apprentice."

The Senator moved to sit down on the curved sofa, not managing to find the strength to stand any more. "I don't believe you," she stated with attemptedconviction. "I can't."

"Padmé, I must find him."

She turned to regard him, horror etched on her pale face. "You're going to kill him, aren't you?"

Obi-Wan couldn't bring himself to answer yes or no. "He has become a very great threat."

"I can't."

The sombre Jedi rose to leave and glanced back at her, noting her pregnancy, visible through the robe. "Anakin is the father, isn't he? I'm so sorry." With that he turned and walked away, stepping into his ship and flying off.

Sabé let out a deep sigh and turned to her cousin. "Padmé, I–"

"Don't. Just don't." The Senator stood up and faced her, eyes blazing. "You can't just come in here and start accusing my husband of killing children. Just because Yoda never endorsed our marriage."

"Padmé, that's not fair. You know I hate to think of Anakin in that way, but the holos show–"

"Save it. Just get out, Sabé."

Sabé halted, a tear making it's damp way down her cheek.

"Get out!"

She turned and ran out of the apartment, heading down to the air taxi platform. Sitting there, she watched the sky turn steadily pink and considered her options. She was a declared enemy of state, her best friend had turned against her and her husband had flown off to who knew where. Obi-Wan had been right. Padmé clearly did know where Anakin was. And she would probably go to him.

Sabé hurried to hail a taxi, knowing exactly where to go. She travelled to Padmé's ship's landing platform and spoke to the attendant droid. "I am one of Senator Amidala's staff, she will shortly be arriving to use the ship. You can go now, I'll take care of everything." She showed her ID and the droid left her alone.

She found a hiding place behind a crate and crouched there, convinced that she would not have long to wait for Padmé. When she heard approaching footfalls she tensed, waiting. A pair of brown boots entered her line of sight, reminding her briefly of that meeting in the hold when she was still a handmaidenand when shehad tripped straight into Obi-Wan's arms. She followed the boots upward, finally resting her gaze on a very familiar face. An outsider observing the mirrored looks of disbelief on their faces might have found it comical, but they certainly did not.

"Obi-Wan."

"Sabé. What the blazes are you doing here?"

"I might ask the same thing of you."

"I'm tempting my fate, as you well know. It's not safe for you to go where I must."

"It's not safe for Padmé either," Sabé countered.

"You're not her bodyguard any more."

"Old habits die hard."

Obi-Wan sighed and crouched down beside her. "I can't let you go. It's too dangerous."

"You always say that."

"Only because I'm concerned for your safety."

Sabé smiled briefly. "I know you are. But I get concerned for yours and it doesn't stop you charging beard first into dangerous situations."

"The beard doesn't deserve to be brought into this." He almost smiled but didn't quite reach it.

"What would you propose I do then?" Sabé asked softly. "I'm an enemy of state."

"Go to Senator Organa. He's agreed to give aid to Master Yoda should he need it."

"And who will be there to aid you?"

He did not answer, merely took her hand. "I can't bring you anywhere near Vader. He knows I care for you and if he sensed you nearby he may try to use you to get at me. You must see that, Sabé."

She nodded, suddenly weeping. "What if I never see you again?"

"I love you. Too much to ever truly leave you." He put an arm around her, offering what comfort he could. "Anyway," he said more lightly, "we haven't had our daughter yet. I'd hate to be wrong about something like that."

Sabé looked up at him and tried to smile. "No."

Obi-Wan kissed her forehead then turned to look out at the streams of traffic. "Here she comes," he said simply.

Sabé felt a sharp stab of fear and reached up to turn his face towards her. "I know that whatever the outcome you will do everything you can. I'll just pray for you to come back to me. I'll always love you."

"You're too good to me. I have one final favour to ask of you." He reached into the pocket of his robe and drew out a lightsabre. "This was Qui-Gon's. I retrieved it from my quarters at the Temple. Will you take care of it for me?"

She nodded, clipping it to her belt. "Of course."

They studied each other for a long moment before tightly embracing, all too aware that it could be the last time. There was just one kiss, but it spoke volumes.

Padmé's speeder came to a smooth stop on the landing platform and its three passengers stepped out.

"M'Lady, let me come with you," Typho began.

"There's no danger," Padmé reassured. "The fighting's over. And this is personal."

"As you wish, M'Lady, but I strongly disagree."

"I'll be alright, Captain. This is something I must do myself. Besides, 3P0 will look after me."

All 3P0 could think to say to this was, "Oh dear."

Sabé heard their footsteps pass the hiding place and Obi-Wan stood up to follow. His hand slipped from hers and she watched his figure disappear up the ramp. She was not the only watcher. Typho toohad seen from his seat in the speeder.

The ship's engines fired up and it took off, vanishing in mere seconds. Sabé got to her feet, wandering over to the still-frowning Captain, wiping the remnants of her tears away.

"I'm glad he's gone with her," he stated.

"She won't be, when she finds out. You are not anti-Jedi, Captain?"

"I hoped you would credit me with more sense than that, M'Lady."

"Enough of the 'M'Lady'. I'm just Sabé now."

Typho raised his visible eyebrow. "Well, just Sabé, can I take you anywhere? Seeing as you'll probably end up under arrest if you try and use public transport."

She smiled gratefully, walking around to step into the speeder. "Thank you. I need to go to the Senate docks. There's a ship there called the Tantive IV."

Typho nodded and set off. "That's Senator Organa's ship, isn't it?"

"Yes. He's assisting us."

The journey was not long and they soon found themselves landing beside the well-guarded vehicle. The guards recognised Sabé and nodded to her as she got out of the speeder.

"Thank you, Captain. Where are you going now?"

"I don't know. Senator Amidala dismissed me for now."

"If I may make a suggestion," Sabé said. "I don't think Coruscant is safe for anyone associated with Padmé anymore. The Emperor sees her as too much of a political threat. I think it would be best if you took Moteé and Ellé and got back to Naboo as soon as possible. Make sure Dormé is alright."

The expression on the loyal Captain's face showed his desire to be with his wife. "But what about when the Senator returns?"

"Master Kenobi or Senator Organa will take care of her. And she'll have me."

Finally he nodded. "Alright. We'll leave this evening. I know someone who can get us a ship."

"Good. I hope it goes well for you." She reached out to shake Typho's hand. "Good luck, Captain."

"And good luck to you, Sabé."

The speeder took off again and Sabé entered Tantive IV. Bail and Yoda were sitting in the conference room, making strategy plans. They both greeted her with grim expressions.

"So," Yoda began, "young Obi-Wan is on his way to Lord Vader. See it in your face I can."

Sabé said nothing and looked down at her boots.

"Almost time for me to face my own destiny it is."

The Jedi Master and the Senator both stood and turned to Sabé. "If you want to come along," Bail offered, "I can explain what's been going on."

Sheltay Retrac materialised out of a doorway and asked Sabé to follow her. "I have my own business to conduct on Coruscant," she said, leading the curious Nabooian woman to her small sleeping quarters. "Senator Organa has agreed to my resignation."

"I wish you luck," Sabé offered.

"There's something I can do to help you first." She turned to the single storage cupboard and pulled out a white outfit identical to the one she was wearing. "You and I are about the same size. If you dress like me people may mistake you for me. I know it wouldn't be the first time you've had to do something like that."

Sabé shook her head. "No it isn't, but your clothing looks much more comfortable than the robes I wore as decoy Queen."

Sheltay smiled and excused herself to allow Sabé time to get changed. Indeed they were the same size. The white dress fit perfectly and Sabé slipped Qui-Gon's lightsabre in a pocket. Sheltay returned to fasten Sabé's hair in her favoured style. She had changed into nondescript citizen's clothing and looked considerably different. When Sabé was ready they returned to the conference room.

Bail and Yoda nodded their approval. "Well spotted, Sheltay," Bail said. "She does look like you. I think she's successfully stolen your identity."

"Borrowed," Sabé corrected, pleased by the credibility of the disguise.

"No, you can have it," Sheltay said. "From now on I go by the name of Liana Merian. It was my mother's maiden name," she added with a smile.

Bail offered a hand. "Well, Liana, I hope you find what you're looking for."

"Thank you, Senator Organa. You too."

The group moved down the corridor, the newly named Liana disappearing into the shadows, the others heading out to Bail's speeder, which was parked next to the ship. Yoda took the passenger seat and Sabé sat behind. They dropped Yoda off at one of the Senate's taxi platforms, then joined one of the traffic routes. Bail told Sabé that he and Yoda had developed a plan. The wise Jedi had not predicted success for his duel with Sidious, and had asked that Bail remain nearby to provide a getaway vehicle.

"I take it you've been to the Senate?" Sabé asked when he had relayed the plot.

"Yes."

"How is it looking for us?"

"Not good. There have been executions."

Sabé leaned forward, resting her elbows on the front seat. "Executions? I didn't think they could do that."

"They couldn't, not when the Senate had a practical function. With the new Empire comes a round of new and convenient laws. Twenty of our petitioners have been executed."

"Who?"

"Mainly Senators I wasn't familiar with."

"Mainly?"

He sighed, turning the speeder to travel back the way they had come. "Mainly. But there were four friends included in that number. Bana Breemu, Malé-Dee, Fang Zar and Jar Jar."

"Jar Jar? Gods. How corrupt, he wasn't even a Senator."

"I know."

"What's happening to us all, Bail?" Sabé sighed. "When did everything change so much? Sometimes I think it's a recent development. Other times it feels like it's gone on forever."

"I don't know. I wish I could offer some other comment." Bail flicked the speeder controls to take them back to their original path. His plan was to have them fly in wide circles around the Senate building until Yoda should need them.

Sabé sighed again, another question entering her head. "Do you think–" she began, but was interrupted by her comlink buzzing. "Oh, excuse me." She answered the comlink with a curious, "Yes?"

"Sabé?" came Saché's unsteady voice.

"Saché?"

"Oh Sabé. He's dead. Jago is dead. The clones killed him for protecting a Jedi. He's gone. What do I do now?"

Sabé blinked, shocked, taking in the information as best she could. "Saché, I'm so sorry. I truly am, but this really…really isn't a good time."

"What's happening?"

"I can't tell you. Not yet. I'll come and see you as soon as I can, I promise. Go to mother, she can help. I'll tell you everything soon."

Saché sniffed. "Alright. Promise you'll come soon."

"I promise, Saché. I have to go. Be strong, my friend."

"I'll try." Saché signed off.

Sabé tucked her comlink back in her boot, feeling deeply sorry for her friend. She remembered how she'd felt when she'd thought Obi-Wan dead on Jabiim. Saché had comforted her then. Now she was feeling that black despair and there was nothing Sabé could do to help.

"Which one was Saché?" Bail asked.

"She was replaced by Ellé when she got married. She had dark hair, always hated the shape of her nose." At the memory of Saché's light-hearted complaining, Sabé almost smiled.

"Oh yes. I know the one. Will she be alright?"

"Eventually, I'm sure she will. She's stronger than she thinks she is. My mother will help her." She paused, flicking her high-ponytailed hair over her shoulder. "Listen, Bail. Now that everything is falling so much apart I think we need to have complete honesty. I don't know if Obi-Wan or Padmé will ever come back from where they've gone. I don't know if Master Yoda will ever call us. You need to know the full story." She told him the identities of Vader, Sidious and Tarkin. She told him of Padmé and Anakin's marriage and the pregnancy. She told him everything she could think of that he did not already know. "What am I to do now that I'm to be arrested on sight?" she asked. "Live somewhere on the Outer Rim no doubt."

"We'll have time to sort that out. Master Yoda may yet succeed. If he does we can restore democracy."

"I don't want to seem a killjoy, but this is a Sith Lord who has been living beneath the noses of the Jedi for over ten years, manipulating the Republic into an Empire. I know what a capable swordsman Yoda is. I've seen it firsthand. But I fear for him."

From the expression on what she could see of Bail's face it was clear he shared her sentiments. It made them both jump when the Jedi Master's voice suddenly filtered through Bail's comlink. "Hurry, careful timing we will need."

"Activate your homing beacon when you're ready," the Senator replied calmly.

There was a pause, then the signal came up on the speeder's small monitor. Bail immediately broke away from the traffic stream to its source. A hatch above them opened and the tiny Jedi jumped through, landing in the passenger seat. Bail drove off at once.

"Into exile I must go," Yoda said despondently. "Failed I have."

Sabé's heart sank. Exile was what she too now faced. She wondered if it would be safe to go back to Naboo. She was thoroughly fed up with the life of lies she had made for herself by marrying Obi-Wan. She wanted to tell her mother that the nice young Jedi she had met at the parade celebration was now her son-in-law. She wanted to tell her everything. But she put all that from her mind and enquired, "What do we do now?"

"We get back to the Tantive," Bail said.

"Wait for contact from Obi-Wan we must. Know of a secluded place I do."

"Where?" Sabé asked.

"Polis Massa. A mining asteroid it is."

Bail piloted them back to the ship and it was not long before they were seated in the cockpit and Captain Antilles was making the jump to hyperspace. Polis Massa was as remote and bleak as Yoda had promised. His fight with Sidious had left him deeply distressed and he retreated to an empty room to meditate. Bail and Sabé sat on their own in another empty room, silent in each other's company. The Captain and the rest of the crew stayed on board the ship. There was nothing to do except sit and wait. Sabé could not sit still, wandering up and down and moving from chair to chair until Bail almost despaired. He did not have to heart to tell her to stop it.

Finally there was a beeping. Sabé and Bail both leapt up and reached for their comlinks. It was Sabé's, however, that was the one demanding attention. "Yes?" she answered quickly, formality going out the viewport.

"Miss Sabé," came a familiar pernickety voice.

"Hello, 3P0."

"Master Kenobi asks if we may have the coordinates for where you are. He really was very insistent, I don't know–"

"I'll do it, 3P0," Obi-Wan's voice said wearily. "Where are you?"

Sabé sat back down in her chair, weak-kneed with relief at hearing him alive and well. Bail smiled. "We're on Polis Massa," she replied.

"We can be there within the hour. Is there a medical centre?"

Her heart froze. "Yes. Why? What's happened?"

"It's Padmé," he said simply.

Sabé closed her eyes. "I'll forewarn them. Please hurry."

"We will."

Opening her eyes again, Sabé turned to Bail. "We should tell Master Yoda."

"I'll do that, you find the medical staff."

The time seemed to pass as slowly as was possible. Sabé pulled one of the grip pins from her hair and spent the time bending it in and out of shape. Then Bail spotted Padmé's ship approaching. They both got to their feet.

"Gods, let them be alright," Sabé murmured. "Please."

Bail gave her hand a quick squeeze and they stepped out to the hangar to greet the ship. The ramp lowered and Obi-Wan, tired, regretful and pained, his tunic stained with soot and singe, emerged with an unconscious Padmé in his arms.

"We'll take her to the medical centre, quickly," Bail said at once.

The two men led the way, followed by the droids, and finally Sabé gathered her wits about her enough to hurry after them. She had been so relieved to see her husband unhurt. But then she had seen the look in his eyes. And it had been terrible.

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A/N: Oh dear, poor Obi-Wan. Next chapter, Luke and Leia arrive and this story turns slightly AU. .