She ran her hands through her short black hair, her brows knotting together as she examined her room. She wasn't particularly sure why she was so anxious about this mission; according to Qui-Gon, it was merely an escort mission. But her heart twisted painfully every time she thought of the mission that she had taken with Master Wathearu; the mission that should have been "routine". Ana, above all people, knew how differently "routine" missions could turn when something went wrong. She clipped her lightsaber onto her belt and closed her eyes, willing her hands not to tremble. This was not the time for fear or apprehension. She knew she needed to release it into the Force, but her fear was building painfully inside her chest. Something probably would have broken or snapped had there not been a gentle knock on her door. Ana stiffened and her eyes opened, then she turned to the door, licking her lips worriedly. She touched the Force briefly with her mind, stroking the currents that pulled her to the conclusion that Clah'Diam was outside. "Come in," she said, surprised at the weakness of her own voice. The door hissed open and the short Twi'Lek came in, her dimpled face smiling and cheerful. As soon as she saw Ana's anxious face, the smile dropped and a sympathetic expression flickered on her face.

"Oh, Ana, it isn't that bad, is it?" she asked, sitting down on the bed. "Its just an escort mission. Qui-Gon will keep you safe, I know that. Don't you trust him?" she asked. Ana clenched her fists, fighting back the tears that were springing to her eyes. She pried her jaws apart and answered her, keeping her head bowed so her friend would not see the hot blush nor the tears.

"I do trust him, if only a bit; and that is what I fear for, Clah'Diam. He will be able to protect me, I have no doubt; but can I protect him? I failed my last Master, disobeyed his specific orders and he paid for it with his life! How can I go on another mission knowing that if I error in any way, it might cost Qui-Gon dearly?" she said, and she felt her shoulders tense as Clah'Diam approached her from behind. She still hated to be approached from behind - it always made her feel as though she were being stalked.

"It's a good sign, Ana," Clah'Diam soothed. "You care for Qui-Gon and you don't want him to be hurt. If you work together, you'll both be fine. He is very fond of you, Ana. And I know you are fond of him, or at least you are a little bit." she smiled a little, knowing her friend better than anyone else. Clah'Diam was probably the only one aware of her friend's mingled feelings of betrayal, trust, need, and fear. It was complicated, and Clah'Diam wanted to be there every step of the way.

"I have to go," Ana said softly, running her hands through her hair again, mussing it and sending a shock of blue-black curls into her eyes. "Qui-Gon is waiting for me, and I don't wish to keep him that way." She half-turned, and Clah'Diam saw the apprehension in her eyes. "Will you come down to the docking bay with me?" It was more of a plead than a question, and Clah'Diam heard it. The Twi'Lek smiled.

"Of course I will. I'll always be with you, Ana. You know that."

Qui-Gon saw her coming up the docking bay with Clah'Diam at her side. Even from this distance, his sensitive ears could hear the Twi'Lek burbling happily about something or other, most likely what her Master had taught her to do. Ana was fidgeting, running her hands through her hair every now and then. Her dark curls were rumpled and messy, but somehow it would have looked halfway appealing had her eyes not contained so much fear in them. He knew what she was thinking, knew that the last mission she had been on was a disaster, a disaster that had scarred her for life most likely. But he was determined to alleviate her fears in any way possible. All she needed was confidence and, with the blessing of the Force, she would be fine. As they came up beside him, he saw the worn leather traveling bag that was far too big for Ana slung about her waist. It had probably been Wathearu's. Qui-Gon relieved her of it and greeted Clah'Diam. "Good morning, Clah'Diam. Have you come to see your friend off?" he asked. Clah'Diam smiled at him, but the smile had a layer of something he couldn't quite recognize. It almost appeared to be a knowing smile.

"Yes, I have. I hope you have a good mission, both of you," she said, and embraced Ana quickly. Ana had a look of grim determination on her face, but she could feel the rolling waves of nausea churning in her stomach. Clah'Diam added something in her ear that Qui-Gon couldn't quite catch, but made Ana look a little less frightened and a little more eager to begin the mission. She followed Qui-Gon up the stairs to the sleek white spacer, running her fingertips briefly along the edge of the beautiful craft. Qui-Gon noticed her approving look at the slender ship.

"You like Nubians, I see," he said with a smile. "This ship is the best in its class. Senator Bulgrasse likes to travel elegantly; Nubians are part of his signature. That, and several glasses of rock-steeped whiskey before eleven o'clock in the morning." This part was added with a regretful chuckle. Ana swallowed nervously, but tried to focus on the mission ahead. And she should not be examining his broad shoulders in that manner, she told herself firmly. Especially not with she saw the muscles ripple under his accommodating beige cloak … She chastised herself and bit the inside of her lip to keep her mind off of Qui-Gon.

"So who are we protecting?" she asked, fiercely telling herself to keep her mind on the mission. "The other day you spoke of Senator Bulgrasse, but why would he need protection?" Qui-Gon didn't answer for a moment as he stowed their bags in a small room off to the side. Then he gestured for Ana to sit down on one of the plush, mauve-colored seats that were camped around a small table.

"Senator Bulgrasse is a very peculiar politician," he said after a minute. "He is one of a kind in most galaxies. He speaks his mind, plainly and simply, and does not mince words at all. He believes in order and structure, simplicity and organization."

"So why do we need to protect him?" Ana said, giving Qui-Gon a puzzled look. She felt the rumbling of the engine starting and her hands instantly went to the arm rests. She despised flying until they were in hyperdrive. Then it was smooth and easy, but the beginning bumps always made her feel sick.

"Because as such, he makes a very bad negotiator. He is not glib at all; in fact, the more passionate he gets, the more insulting he becomes. And we are going on a planet where social structure is very important. If he insults the wrong politician or the wrong relation, there is a very good chance he will be imprisoned. The planet Iridonia is very harsh on newcomers; we shall have a bit of respect since we are of the Jedi Order, and they think very highly of us. I would recommend letting the Senator do most of the talking; if he appears to be offending anyone, I shall step in."

So what am I going to do, Ana wondered. Qui-Gon quirked a brow at her thoughtful face. "You are to watch and observe. There is more to the Jedi Order than dueling and sparring. Your physical strength is very impressive, but now you will be tested as a peacemaker and a negotiator. This will be especially difficult considering the politicians we are about to meet will take great stock in what you say." he said.

"But why would they care about what I have to say?" Ana asked aloud. "I am simply a Padawan, and a young one at that." Qui-Gon shrugged.

"King Bu-taan, who is the current leader of Iridonia, takes great value in the minority. If you do not offer your opinion, there is a good chance he will ask it of you, especially if he likes you. Although I am told it is rather difficult to win his favor. As it is with most leaders, King Bu-taan is very temperamental and fickle." Qui-Gon said.

The slender Nubian purred as it began taxiing down the runway. There was a brief, sudden blast of sound as the engines sparked to life, and the ship pulled smoothly out of the hangar. Ana clenched her teeth and swore not to look out the window until they were safely in hyperdrive. Qui-Gon noted her frightened demeanor and he stroked her wrist, soothing her. "Do you wish do see the Senator before we arrive?" he asked gently. Ana swallowed hard. Anything to get her out of this blasted seat.

The Senator Bulgrasse was certainly a character. He was sitting on a huge couch which was covered with plush furs of all different colors, and he was smoking a cigar. The cigar was letting off an extremely sweet-smelling smoke, something like vanilla and strawberries. It was most pleasant, but almost bitter in its cloying sweetness. He was a short, square man with a balding head and a scruffy gray beard. He wore most unconventional clothes: a denim shirt buttoned over his considerable belly, pointy-toed boots, and a large silver belt buckle gleaming in the overhead lights. A hat was slouched over his eyes, but he knocked it upwards with one knuckle as he saw Qui-Gon approach. A large grin split his craggy features; he looked quite Southern and very simplistic, despite the luxury of his surroundings. "Well, slap me with a stick and call me a piñata! Fancy seein' you again, Qui-Gon!" He had a thick drawl that slurred along his words, and the dip in his vowels were greatly enhanced by the tumbler of amber liquid in his left hand.

"May I present my new Padawan, La'Ana Shaddem?" Qui-Gon said, his voice dropping to a low purr that sounded as though the Senator would be doing a him a great favor if he acquiesced. Ana wanted to clap her hands over her ears. The purr was maddeningly sultry and almost seductive, and it was doing queer things to every nerve in her body. It felt like a shockwave had just stroked down her spine.

"Well, ain't you a pretty little thang," Senator Bulgrasse cooed, a cockeyed smile curling the left side of his mouth. He took her hand in his and pressed a kiss against her knuckles. "What's a swee' little thang like you doin' with an old man like Qui-Gon?" Ana, not being able to find a sufficient answer to that, said nothing, but Qui-Gon merely shook his head and gave a smile that was a little too revealing for Ana's liking.

"La'Ana is doing me a large favor by being here at all and gracing us with her most lovely presence." Qui-Gon said with a sidelong look at Ana. Ana scowled at him. He was doing this on purpose, she decided. She spoke up and glared hard at Qui-Gon before answering.

"Yes, I most certainly am. Senator, it was charming to meet your acquaintance, but I shall have to go meditate for now." this was accentuated by a hard nudge to Qui-Gon's ribs. Qui-Gon was knocked backwards half a step and he flashed a mischievous smile at Ana, who went off with her nose in the air. Bulgrasse blew a waft of sweet-smelling smoke after her, and raised an eyebrow at Qui-Gon.

"Pretty little thang," he commented. "She seein' anyone?" He roared with laughter at the mingled exasperation and surprise on Qui-Gon's face. "Aw, I'm just kiddin', Qui-Gon."

Qui-Gon certainly hoped he was.

A/N: Again, short chapter, but the next one will be longer I promise!

*Waves hand*

You WILL review, and you WILL give me some concrit to keep me on track!