Chapter Six

Anakin wasn't worried where Obi-Wan had gone. During functions such as this, his Master's actions were driven by one thing: Food.

And from the looks of it, there were plenty to tempt Obi-Wan's palate. The entire rear section of the vast hall was littered with buffet tables all elaborately decorated with colorful selections. And indeed, that was where his Master loitered.

Anakin's attentions therefore, could be focused upon the object of his interest. One, Padme Amidala, who, at the moment was engrossed in conversation with Senator Baldor, both of them having bariccaded themselves near the arched balcony doors.

The young Padawan smiled as he passed by Jedi and politicians, intent on reaching Padme as quickly as possible. Before the auction begins tonight, he has to make Padme understand the importance of winning a bid on his Master. Otherwise, they won't spend the evening together, they won't fall in love, and the entire galaxy will come to its complete and utter destruction!

Okay, maybe nothing that drastic, but Anakin can't help but think this evening is the turning point in saving Padme's life, and he is not going to allow anyone to stop him from reaching her.

Anyone except Master Windu, of course.

"Young Skywalker, I see you've arrived safely this evening. Is your Master not with you?"

What's with the obsession? "He's here, over at the dining area."

As expected, the Jedi Master turned his head to see for himself. For some reason, Obi-Wan's presence was important to more than just Anakin, and the reason was starting to become more clear.

Just behind Mace Windu stood a rather attractive female. Her dark eyes met his and then fluttered to the floor. It was hard to tell much about the rest of her with her body being covered in fabric from neck to toe, but Anakin had a feeling she may be the explanation for Windu's odd behavior.

"Skywalker, I would like to introduce my niece, Delphi. She's here for the celebration. I would like for you to show her around for a while. I need to speak with Master Yoda."

"I..."

Anakin was not offered a chance to refuse, not that he could have. Before he could think of a valid excuse, Windu was halfway across the room, headed toward Yoda, who was seated amongst a group of Senators and Jedi just to the right of the dance floor.

What was he going to do with this young girl? Drag her all around the Hall while he worked his magic? What if she wanted to dance? That certainly wasn't a part of his plans for the evening. First impressions however, assured him Delphi surely had no intention of dancing. She was too shy to even look at him.

But, you know what they say about first impressions: They shouldn't be trusted.

By the time Anakin had spun round to speak to the young woman, she had removed her oversized outercoat revealing a curvaceous figure concealed by very little fabric. Her smile had turned from timid to provocative as she approached, flinging the outer garment over a passing waiter droid and taking Anakin's arm with confidence.

"So, you are Master Kenobi's apprenctice? Is that right?" she purred, tossing her long dark hair over her honey-colored shoulder, while steering him through the crowd.

"I am," Anakin answered as politely as possible, although alarms were going off in his head.

"Tell me, is he as handsome in person as he is on the Holo? I was hoping to make his acquaintance this evening. Do you think you could help me?"

Oh, one of those. Fifteen, sixteen standard maybe. Anakin had met them before. Young female or male species who were infatuated with the Jedi, and would do anything, and he meant anything to be with one. Surely, Delphi had kept her uncle in the dark concerning her hobby.

"I suppose you could wander over to the buffet and introduce yourself." Seemed the easiest way out of this mess. Anakin was sure Obi-Wan could handle this situation much more diplomatically than he could. His Master surely had more experience in such matters.

"Padawan Skywalker! Don't be so rude! I only want to meet him. I don't want to hurt him, unless he's into that sort of thing."

Oh no. She did not just say that. He had to keep this little wench as far away from his Master as possible, while at the same time, bringing Padme closer, without raising Master Windu's suspicions.

Anakin knew this evening was going to be a challenge, but he had no idea it was going to be as complicated as this.