Travien woke up the next day feeling refreshed. He took a moment to get up before realizing that he couldn't. He looked around to find out why he couldn't get up and noticed a mane of curly brown hair spread over his chest, he followed the hair to the head it was attached to and saw Padmé half lying on top of him. Apparently she had come in at some point during the night. Travien smiled, he didn't understand how he was so comfortable with this, but he accepted it anyway.

He took a while to revel in the fact that Padmé had come to him but remembered that they had a lot to do. He shook Padmé slightly,

"Padmé, love. It's time to wake up. We have a lot to do today."

Padmé groaned, but remained still, "I was going to teach you how to use the Force in a fight, remember?"

Padmé perked up and looked at him, "I get to use lightning?"

Travien chuckled and nodded, "Yes love, you get to use Lightning. Now we can't do that in bed."

Padmé nodded happily, now fully awake. She jumped out of the bed and ran back to her room to get changed. Travien chuckled and began to get his armour back on. He was thankful he had been using the Force to make a small cooling breeze around him or the armour would reek.

Shmi watched Padmé run past in her underclothes and turned to Qui-Gon, "Are they always that intimate?"

The older Jedi, who had been up early, nodded, "Yes. I believe that Travien serves her, rather than the Queen of Naboo. He helps because it is convenient for Padmé."

Shmi shook her head, "How does someone so young become so apparently powerful?"

Qui-Gon chuckled, "If everything I've learned about Travien is true then his parent's tuition is easily enough to accelerate his learning. Travien himself appears to be a driven individual." They were still talking when Padmé walked past them again, this time she was carrying a lightsaber.

Shmi turned to Qui-Gon, "Is she a Jedi, like you, then?"

Qui-Gon shook his head, "No. Travien is teaching her. He tells me that she is merely a student and not a Sith. Whether that is true or not, I don't know."

Shmi looks at him piercingly, "I noticed some tension between the two of you yesterday, why?"

Qui-Gon sighed, "There is traditionally a great deal of tension between the Jedi and Sith Orders. We have fought wars over our beliefs. If Travien had never met Padmé I have no doubt we would have tried to kill each other at first sight. Entire worlds have been decimated in the conflict between Jedi and Sith."

Shmi looked troubled by this, "Why?"

Qui-Gon shrugged, "The Jedi view the Sith as the height of all evil. They usually take without thought for others and are self centred in the extreme. There are a small and select group, more powerful than the usual Sith called the Dark Lords of the Sith. Travien is a Sith Lord the likes of which I have never heard of. His experiences have forged him into a different kind of Sith, a Sith that could perhaps co-exist with the Jedi." He trailed off quietly and looked at Shmi, "Perhaps we should follow young Padmé. I am curious about how Travien has been training her."

Shmi nodded and they walked out into the main courtyard to see that Anakin and a group of children were already gathered near the houses. Qui-Gon chuckled inwardly. He knew that he would have to battle Travien to get Anakin to join the Jedi. He should have realized that the Sith do not play fair. They both looked to the middle of the courtyard where Travien and Padmé stood in front of one another.

Travien grinned and activated his crimson lightsaber. Padmé did the same. Qui-Gon was surprised that she was using a red lightsaber, as was Travien,

"You changed the crystal. Why?" asked Travien.

Padmé shrugged, "It felt right."

Travien nodded, "Okay, before we fight I want you to know how to deflect lightning. Fire it at me and open yourself to the Force; I want you to see what I'm doing."

Padmé nodded and raised her hand in a claw like fashion, letting her lightsaber fall beside her. Qui-Gon was about to dash forward, when lightning shot from her fingers straight at Travien. Travien simply grinned and raised his lightsaber to block the tendrils of energy. They slammed into his sabre as Padmé maintained the attack. Eventually she realized that she would not overpower him and stopped her attack.

Padmé grinned, "I have to say, I'm impressed."

Travien shrugged, "Lightning is a fairly basic Sith trick. Blocking puts you ahead of ninety percent of the half-wit, knuckle dragging morons who think they're Sith because they don't have to pay the electricity bill. Now, try again when I give the signal."

Padmé nodded and Travien switched his lightsaber off and hooked it to his belt. He looked at Padmé and nodded. She raised her hands again, a little pensively this time and fired the lightning again. Her eyes opened wide, along with those of Qui-Gon and Shmi when Travien extended his arm and caught the lightning. Padmé watched as it formed a glowed blue white ball in his hands. Padmé stopped her attack and watched as the energy stayed in his hands. Travien looked at Qui-Gon for a second. He turned to Padmé and smiled,

"This is why you can never be disarmed." He stated,

Padmé looked curious. Yes the lightning was powerful but it was nowhere near as useful as a lightsaber.

"What do you mean?"

Travien grinned and his face took on a strained appearance as he concentrated. Then to the shock of everyone watching them the ball of lightning began shifting and sparking. Soon it was no longer a ball, but to everyone's amazement it was the same shape as a lightsaber. Travien grasped the end as he would with any other sword.

He was breathing heavily, "It will take you years to learn this, if you're lucky. When I was studying I had no other obligations so I studied nearly twenty four hours a day. I control my powers, not the other way around." Padmé nodded dumbly,

"Now my love, attack me." He stated with a grin. Padmé raised her sabre and charged him. Qui-Gon watched the display in awe and more than a little terror. He began to wonder if the Jedi Masters who had attacked him had actually been a challenge. Yes he had been taught by Revan and Bastila, but even they had not demonstrated this kind of control over the Force. For the first time in his life Qui-Gon was afraid for the future of the Order. It was a terrifying thing to watch as the 'lightning sabre' held up to the attack.

He watched as Padmé and Travien fought with a ferocity and skill he had not seen outside the council. Travien would deflect and attack only for Padmé to attack him again a mere moment later. All the time they were smiling as the young woman seemed bent on trying to kill him. The apparent duel had been going well for Padmé until a particular block and Travien began to fight back. His attacks came faster now and his 'lightsaber' was almost a blur. Travien pushed back against Padmé until they were caught in a sabre lock. Qui-Gon saw them both move slightly and anticipated that they were going to head butt each other. He was surprised when they leaned forward and kissed each other.

He turned to Shmi, who looked on with amazement, "I think we know how things got started, at least."

She nodded and watched as the two combatants broke away from each other. Padmé fired lightning at Travien again and watched as it seemed to destabilize the 'sword' in Travien's hand. Travien opened his hand and let it dissipate. Padmé charged forward at that moment and began swinging her sabre. Travien laughed happily and began dodging the lightsaber by moving his body slightly. He drew his sabre a few moments later and clashed with Padmé again. He began pushing her back again. He started batting her sabre backwards, using the circular motions of Djem So to push the blade in its weakest direction. Eventually he spun around, catching Padmé's hand with the hilt of his lightsaber and flinging the now de-activated blade away. He pinned Padmé to the wall that she had been backed up against and kissed her again. He grinned,

"Surrender, love?" he asked,

Padmé placed both hands on his stomach and smiled lovingly, "Never." The rest were confused as they heard that until Padmé channelled a Force blast through her hands, flinging Travien away and calling her lightsaber to her. Travien impacted the wall the other side of the courtyard. It was fortunate that the wall wasn't an attachment to anyone's home as Travien was embedded in the wall from the strength of Padmé's attack. They all looked on in horror at what Padmé had done. Even she looked concerned until Travien opened his eyes and grinned. He pulled himself out of the wall and released some of his hold on his aura. It was the first time he had done that when they were sparring. It was the first time that he had to.

Qui-Gon gulped as he felt the darkness within the young man and shuddered at the feeling. He was slightly uplifted to see Anakin shudder along with him. Travien began walking forward. Small sparks of lightning arcing into the ground where he stepped. He reached Padmé and extended his hand. Everyone was terrified until they saw it close around the lightsaber blade. Eyes bulged at that, especially as the cuts Travien had gained seemed to heal before their eyes and the lightsaber flickered. He released the blade and stepped back.

"I have to admit, it's more efficient when you drain the energy from a living being, but that will have to do."

The Dark Side flowing through him enhanced his remaining senses and he stood just over ten foot from Padmé. He dropped his stance as he faced her, placing his right foot forward and his weight on his left foot. He presented his profile to the woman he loved and brought the hilt of his lightsaber up by his head. Finally he pointed the blade, after a small flourish, at Padmé.

"You have learned well, sweetheart. Your memories are integrating faster than even I predicted. Let us see how far you have come."

Padmé nodded and gulped slightly. This would be much harder than any of her previous training. Little did they know that some of the children had recording devices and were taping the duel. She shifted into her favourite Makashi stance. Bringing her lightsaber into position she attacked Travien with her best. She was mildly disappointed when he deflected all of her blows with ease. He kept this less circular movements going and began to attack back. His movements were now sharp and precise. The sabre never went anywhere other than its destination. The flourish and flow of Djem So was gone, replaced by the sharp precision and ferocity of Juyo. Padmé was surprised at the sheer strength behind the blows and she could sense that he was using the Dark Side to empower himself.

Travien continued to land blow after blow on her failing defences. Padmé knew that there was nothing she could do and was barely holding up against this assault. She tried to back away but he followed. Eventually she was simply too tired to carry on. Travien batted her sabre aside one last time and it fell from her hands. Travien stopped and looked at her. He let the Dark Side leave him and dropped his lightsaber on the sand and rushed over to Padmé. She wavered on the spot and Travien caught hold of her. She grinned weakly,

"I think I've improved. I also think I need to sleep." Padmé closed her eyes and Travien summoned both of their lightsabers to him and clipped them to his belt using the Force. He picked her up bridal style and carried her back into Shmi's house. He was followed by Anakin, Qui-Gon and Shmi. Travien placed her on the bed he had used and reached his hand out. Qui-Gon was surprised when his communicator flew from his belt and into Travien's hand. Anakin was about to tell him not to take things when Qui-Gon placed a hand on his shoulder and shook his head.

Travien activated the communicator, "Hello?"

An irritated voice answered, "What do you want Sith Lord?" asked Obi-Wan

Travien snarled, "A galaxy blissfully free of interfering pacifists like yourself, Jedi. I'll settle for you fetching the handmaiden Eirtaé." He had no patience for the irritating padawan when Padmé needed help.

Obi-Wan growled at him, "What if I should refuse?"

Travien rolled his eyes, "Remember to whom you are talking, Jedi."

There was a moment of silence, and then a female voice came over the COM link, "Lord Shan, this is Sabé, what can I do for you?"

Travien frowned, "Where is the Queen?"

"Resting. She has had a difficult time of things recently." came the reply.

Travien nodded, "Padmé has over-extended herself, again. I need a standard training kit and a gallon of water. I also want you to bring it yourself or send Eirtaé, understood."

"Understood My Lord, is there anything else?"

Travien frowned for a second as he felt a strange presence appear in his senses, "In fact send the younger Jedi and Rabé instead. I want you two near the ship incase anything happens. I do not want the interference of another pacifistic meddler around the Queen. I do not trust these Jedi at the best of times."

Sabé's grin could be heard, "Absolutely My Lord, I will send the Jedi along with Rabé. What if he refuses?"

Travien sighed, "Without the Queen to give commands you and Panaka are the authority on the ship. If he doesn't like it he can buy his own bloody ship to be in charge of."

"Yes my Lord." With that she cut the connection.

Anakin looked at Travien, "Why did she call you a Lord?"

Travien turned slightly to acknowledge him, "Because that's what I am, the Lord of the Star Forge. One day, with Padmé's permission, I may even begin rebuilding my Empire." Qui-Gon's breath caught. He needed to use the Archives to find out more about Travien's parents, but he knew full well about the Star Forge. If Travien was the Lord of the Star Forge that must mean that it still existed. Qui-Gon had a terrible thought, What if this is what he meant by his father's resources? What if he has used the Forge already?

Anakin's eyes bugged out, "But why are you here? Why would a Lord or an Emperor care about slaves?"

Qui-Gon looked at Travien, "I must confess, I am curious as well."

Travien sat down beside Padmé's sleeping form and turned to Anakin, "My parents ruled the Empire before me. A political enemy of theirs tried to hold me to ransom. After the rather brutal deaths of his conspirators he decided that having me near him was a death sentence. He sold me into slavery and hid himself within the Republic. My time as a slave was unpleasant to say the least. I required a great deal of healing after those six months. I spent two months in a Bacta tank. Up until five months ago I responded poorly to any form of physical contact. I became the more brutal of my father's Sith. Slaves within my Empire were treated fairly. Even then, if there were slaves it was a life they had chosen. I made certain that no one mistreated another person in my Empire. Abuse didn't happen."

Anakin gulped at the darkness in Travien's blind eyes and changed the subject, "Lord Travien, sir. Do all Sith train that hard?" he asked quietly

Travien nodded, "Most do, yes. Originally, before father brought a semblance of civility to the Order, killing a superior officer was seen as a way to rise in the ranks. In order to survive a Sith had to be the best. After father stopped that kind of behaviour it became a matter of pride. We were Sith. We were supposed to be the best. We pushed all of our boundaries; we broke all of our chains. Although, Padmé is not a Sith. That is a misconception she seems to encourage. Padmé is in fact a neutral."

Anakin frowned, "What's a neutral, sir?"

Travien smiled slightly, "Firstly, Anakin, call me Travien. A neutral is a person, just like you, someone who is trained in the Force but doesn't ascribe to an Order or a particular set of rules. I am training three at the moment."

Anakin looked at Padmé, "If you trained me, would I train like that?"

Travien shrugged, "That's up to you, Anakin. I don't dictate how hard the girls train. The others proceed at a pace more suitable for them. One of my students is at the level of a relatively experienced Jedi Knight, another at the level of a newly promoted Jedi Knight. Padmé is by far my best student. I'm not sure what level I would pit her at. She certainly surprised me. If she can do that without passing out again then she would rank at about the level of Jedi Master."

Anakin gaped at the sleeping form of Padmé when Qui-Gon spoke up,

"I am curious to know how she reached such a level in only five months of her education?" asked the elder Jedi.

Travien looked at him thoughtfully. He then sighed "I suppose telling you can do no harm. Padmé trusts me implicitly. I have been placing my knowledge in her subconscious mind. Each time we spar, she learns something new, remembers something else she never forgot. She's been learning from me in a way that's never been tried before. I think it works because of Padmé really. I won't say she's incorruptible, because no-one is, but she has a will of steel. She won't fall because of power."

Qui-Gon looked at him piercingly, "Do you want her to fall? Do you wish to turn her to the Dark Side?"

Travien looked at Padmé speculatively and thought for a few moments. He just stared at her blindly,

"No" the answer seemed to shock Qui-Gon, "I don't want to turn her. I don't want to turn her anymore than she wants to turn me. I will find the Sith in this time and I will bend them to my will, but that will ultimately be her will. I will not change who I am, but I will not disappoint her, either."

Just as he finished talking, two people walked through the door. The first was a woman wearing a similar outfit to Padmé and the second was a younger looking main with a small braid over his left ear. Obi-Wan arrived with a scowl on his face. Qui-Gon looked at him in surprise,

"Obi-Wan, what are you doing here, I ordered you to remain on the ship?" asked Qui-Gon.

Obi-Wan's scowl deepened as the Handmaiden walked past him and over to Travien, "I was ejected from the ship, master. I was told to escort this handmaiden here with the supplies that his lordship requested."

Qui-Gon turned to Travien to see him applying several medicines to Padmé, "What are you doing Travien?"

The Sith Lord ignored him for a moment before turning round, "Anakin can call me Travien, you cannot. I can co-exist, Jedi. I might even be able to ignore your existence, but we are not on a first name basis. I have done all the reaching out I am going to do."

Qui-Gon nodded stiffly, "Very well, Sith Lord." His tone of voice made it very clear what he thought of the title, "What are you doing with Padmé?" he demanded,

Travien answered him distractedly, "I am treating her. She often over extends herself like this. I soon put together a treatment to make sure she did no permanent damage."

Qui-Gon nodded as he finished the last of the treatment. "What will you do now?"

Travien stood up and looked at him, "Now? There is nothing I can do but wait. Rabé here will keep an eye on Padmé. She is trained to resist Mind Tricks, as are all of the handmaidens who cannot directly use the Force, so your Apprentice may stay."

Obi-Wan interrupted him, "I am a padawan, Sith. I am not some Apprentice!" he spat,

Travien smirked knowingly, "If that's what helps you sleep at night, Jedi." He turned back to Qui-Gon, "You and I are going to visit this Watto character and ensure my entrance into the race."

Qui-Gon looked surprised, "You are willing to leave Padmé incapacitated with a Jedi nearby?"

Travien snorted, "You know as well as I do that if Padmé weren't here you would already be dead. Her dying is possibly the worst thing that can happen to you. Besides, you and I need to talk, away from our students."

Qui-Gon nodded, "Very well. Obi-Wan will remain here with Padmé and Rabé."

Obi-Wan looked to protest but his master silenced him with a look as he and Travien stepped out of the door. They walked down the sandy streets, everything staying clear of the glare on Travien's face. Qui-Gon finally gathered up his courage,

"You wished to speak with me."

Travien nodded slowly, "I have been considering this greatly. I have thought and come to the realization that I cannot be everywhere at once. What I am about to tell you is for you and you alone. If I find out that you have told anyone you will suffer immensely, understand?"

Qui-Gon bristled at the implied threat but nodded. It would do no good to fight Travien on even terms.

Travien accepted the nod, "You may have by now noticed that you never see the handmaidens Padmé and Sabé at the same time." Qui-Gon's eyes widened slightly, "I am sure you understand what I am saying. Contrary to the belief of the Jedi Order, a Sith is capable of love. I love Padmé, but that is not the only reason I am here."

Qui-Gon gulped at the thought of his taking command over the Queen and spoke in hushed tones, "But then why is she here, why not on the ship where she is safe?"

Travien shrugged, "She wanted to see the planet, I give her what she wants. There is nothing more to it. The closer she is to me, the safer she is."

Qui-Gon nodded, "May I ask a question?"

Travien considered the smart reply but nodded silently, "Why do you personally dislike the Jedi?"

Travien thought about it for a second and decided to answer honestly, "Your council is made of people who were chosen by the last council, yes?" Qui-Gon nodded, "So, individually chosen because they share the same attitudes and ideals as the people that already sat there, yes?" Qui-Gon nodded more hesitantly, "By that template your council hasn't changed significantly in four thousand years. It is therefore the same council that wiped my father's mind because he believed something different, the same council that attempted to assassinate my mother because it was easier and more permanent than rescuing her."

Qui-Gon was beginning to see his point when Travien decided to drive it home,

"The first time I ever set foot in the Republic was on Naboo. I had never even seen another Republic world. The Jedi knew nothing about me other than my name. Yet still I was attacked. By that point all I wanted was to raise a family of my own. What reason did the Order have to attack me? You expected me to answer for the crimes of all the Sith who have come before me, therefore I shall hold you responsible for the crimes of the Jedi who comes before you. I shall hold you responsible for the Padawan Massacre of Taris and The Jedi Covenant; I shall hold you responsible for your crimes against my family. I tolerate you because Padmé respects you. She does not see you through my eyes."

Qui-Gon remained silent until Travien spoke up, "Besides, we have larger problems."

The Jedi looked at his acquaintance, "What problems?"

Travien frowned deeply, "A little over an hour ago, another being landed on Tatooine. Not quite as Dark as myself and nowhere near as powerful, but it doesn't have to attack me. Padmé needs all the goodwill she can get with the Republic, meaning you and your padawan must be alive when we reach Coruscant. To be honest this feels more like a Dark Jedi than a Sith."

Qui-Gon looked at him curiously, "What is the difference?"

Travien shrugged, "Sith are taught not to lose themselves to the Dark side. Most fail to prevent that, but they retain important qualities, like patience. Dark Jedi do not. More often than not they are impatient and overly violent. They have little care for the long term consequences of their actions. Their primary emotions are anger and rage. Granted there are exceptions to both rules."

Qui-Gon looked thoughtful, "That was why you wanted Obi-Wan to accompany the handmaiden on her journey and remain with Padmé while she was incapacitated."

Travien nodded, "Partly. I will always trust a warrior with a lightsaber more than one with a blaster. In comparison to a lightsaber, blasters are inaccurate and unreliable. Anyone who can wield a lightsaber will be a better shot with a blaster." Qui-Gon nodded in agreement, "Apart from that, Padmé can deal with your apprentice as easily as I can deal with you. I still don't trust Jedi."

Qui-Gon nodded sadly and they remained quiet for the rest of the journey. Travien smiled and greeted several people in the streets that, to Qui-Gon's surprise, smiled and greeted him back. It wasn't too long before they arrived at Watto's shop. Travien placed a subtle compulsion on the doorway telling people to come back later while he and Qui-Gon went into the store.

Watto looked up and saw the two Force users enter. The Jedi just irritated him, but the other one, the blind one, terrified him. He gulped and got up slowly,

"What do you want this time?" he asked.

Qui-Gon looked at Travien who shook his head, "Oh no, you want to make deals, you make deals. Padmé can't blame me for this; I'm just the humble Sith Lord trying to remain inconspicuous."

Watto nearly fell out of the air at that remark. When you spend all day dealing with spacers who have dozens of stories you hear just about everything. Watto was very familiar with the idea of a Sith Lord. The idea that one would follow a Jedi around was laughable, but the Jedi's next comment put paid to that belief.

Qui-Gon snorted, "After your display earlier, Sith Lord, I sincerely doubt you know the meaning of inconspicuous."

Travien sneered, "This coming from the cross-dressing mystic? Hah!"

Watto's fears were confirmed; only one type of person in the galaxy would dare taunt a Jedi like that, especially as this was no Jedi. He would be very careful here.

Qui-Gon ignored that last statement, "As I said, I wish to make a deal with you."

Watto looked nervous, "What kinda deal?"

Qui-Gon smiled, perhaps bringing Travien along wasn't a bad idea after all, "I obtained a podracer in a game of chance. I wish to enter the podracer into the Boonta Eve race; however I lack the entry fee."

Watto nodded slowly, "Alright, keep going."

"My offer is that you front the entry fee. In return you get the prize money, minus the cost to the parts we need. Everyone gets what they want."

Watto nodded more thoughtfully, "You gotta put up some collateral. I'm not just gonna sponsor you for this." He said forcefully.

Qui-Gon nodded and pulled out a small holographic emitter. He activated it and a picture of the royal cruiser appeared over it, "This will be our collateral." Qui-Gon gulped slightly when he saw Travien's intense glare.

Watto nodded, happy to note that the Sith Lord wasn't focusing on him, "Deal." And stuck out his hand. Qui-Gon was about to reach out and shake when Travien intervened,

"No deal." They both looked at him and he turned to Watto, "You get a clean third of the cut. There is no way that the prize money is that little for an event like this. A custom made Nubian Starship is far more than the entry fee to this race any day. We pay for our own supplies, understand?"

Watto protested, "Come on! That's not fair, you don't need that money! You can't even use it in the Republic!"

Travien growled, "I might want to work on my sun tan. Do you feel that I am being unfair, Toydarian?"

Watto felt a subtle pressure at his throat. It was nowhere near enough to restrict his breathing but enough to remind who he was dealing with. He nodded frantically, "It's a deal!"

He slapped his hand into Qui-Gon's and shook enthusiastically. He felt the pressure around his throat ease off and sighed in relief. Watto looked at them, "Who's your pilot gonna be?"

Travien grinned, "Me," and walked out. He was shortly followed by Qui-Gon who glared at him. Travien removed the compulsion he placed on the door and smiled at the Jedi. He then proceeded to walk off down the street.

Qui-Gon caught up with him and glared, "What the hell was that?!" he growled. Travien smiled at him,

"Anger, Jedi? Perhaps we're not so different after all." Qui-Gon glared at him, "Don't get on your high horse with me, Preacher. You just gambled the personal ship of the head of a Sovereign State of the Republic. That's not only taking part in an illegal race, that also aiding and abetting the actions of an enemy of the Order and could be classed as theft of property. Padmé hasn't been out of my sight around you so she can't have given you permission. All I did was intimidate a shopkeeper. You, however, are in for it."

Qui-Gon followed him with a frown. Technically Travien was right in everything he had said. Qui-Gon knew he was doing what he had to do to help the Queen, but perhaps so was Travien. He had to wonder what the Sith Lord wanted with the money though. It was a troubling thought. What on in the name of the Force could a Sith Lord want with currency from a backwater planet such as this? Travien smiled cheerfully at him

"If you keep frowning like that then it's gonna stick!"

Qui-Gon just sighed. The journey back to the Skywalker's home took much less time than the journey there. Unfortunately for Qui-Gon any time spent alone with Travien was an eternity. He knew that the young man had justifications for his actions and beliefs but that did not make his life any easier. They arrived back at the hut to see Padmé sitting outside with Rabé. Travien grinned and was happy to see that she had already recovered.

Padmé stood up and walked out to meet him. She stopped right in front of him and smiled slightly, "I'm never going to beat you, am I?"

Travien shrugged, "Do you need to?"

Padmé laughed and hugged him, "So, what happened, are you in the race?"

Travien turned to Qui-Gon and smiled, "Check on your apprentice, I'm going to indulge in one of my favourite hobbies." Qui-Gon frowned and left, Travien turned back to Padmé and led her back to her seat,

"Hi, Rabé. Thanks for coming out here."

She nodded, "Your welcome, My Lord."

Travien frowned, "Okay, what's with the 'My Lord' stuff? You lot never used to call me that."

Padmé was curious too. Normally she was the only person that they showed that kind of deference to. Rabé grinned,

"After you and Padmé left, the handmaidens all got together. That whole 'trust my judgment' thing was really irritating so we decided to remind the Jedi that you two actually hold authority. One of you is Queen and the other is Naboo aristocracy."

Travien sat back, "I'm really aristocracy?"

Padmé nodded, "Technically you didn't exist in the Republic so I had you registered as a citizen of Naboo. After you showed me the Star Forge I decided that you definitely held dominion over enough territory to be a landed noble and gave you the title of Baron. That way the Handmaidens and I can refer to you as Lord Shan without attracting too much attention. I didn't figure it was all that important."

Travien nodded and bowed slightly in his seat, "What's mine is yours, my Queen." He stated formally.

Padmé smiled at that but schooled her features, "Now, you wanted to talk to me about something?"

Travien nodded, "In a nasty situation I didn't want our Jedi friend getting confused, so I unfortunately had to let him in on our little deception. He knows not to tell anyone. I'll be peeking in on his apprentice later to check. I know I can't be everywhere, so I did what I had to do."

Padmé nodded her head, "That's alright. I was wondering whether to tell them. Naboo traditionally holds the Jedi in high regard."

Travien nodded, "There's more and it gets worse as we go." Padmé raised her eyebrows, "I'll be dispatching Kenobi back to the ship soon. A little over an hour ago I sensed another arrival on Tatooine. My counterpart has decided to do something stupid. The being that landed here was undoubtedly a Sith. He is an apprentice at most, but still more powerful than Sabé or Eirtaé alone. Together they're okay. I wanted Kenobi here while you were incapacitated."

Padmé nodded, "Please tell me there's nothing else." She pleaded,

Travien grinned, "I'd love to. But I can't. Qui-Gon got me into the race. Unfortunately Watto required some form of collateral before he was willing to front the entry fee per the terms of our deal."

Padmé sighed, "What collateral and what was the deal?"

Travien smirked, "Qui-Gon wanted to give him the prize money minus the cost of the parts we need. I assume he was then going to buy the parts. That would have been fine if Anakin was flying as he is technically Watto's property as much as I despise that fact, but he's not. I am. I put my foot down and said that Watto gets one third of the money and we buy our own parts."

Padmé shook her head, "Shmi's told me about dealers on Tatooine there was no way he went for that!" she stated firmly,

Travien shrugged, "He must have heard Qui-Gon calling me a Sith Lord. It might have been because I was about to strangle him, who knows, but he accepted."

Padmé just looked at him incredulously, "You were about to strangle him?!"

Travien shrugged defensively, "I was using the Force so no-one would have known. I didn't actually do anything. I just applied enough pressure for him to feel it, no damage was done."

Padmé huffed, "Alright, fine. So long as he wasn't hurt…badly. What was the collateral?" Travien smiled at her.

"Our ship." He said flatly,

Padmé shook her head, "Tell me you're joking. Please tell me you're joking." She pleaded. Travien shook his head. "I am going to kill that Jedi." She growled. Padmé took a moment to collect herself before talking to Travien again,

"So what are you planning on doing now?"

Travien shrugged, "I'll send the ickle Jedi back to the ship and get to work with Anakin. The race is tomorrow and I need to learn the controls on that damn podracer."

Padmé nodded and they went back into the house. They met the others, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Anakin and Shmi, who were all talking. They walked in smiling and Travien looked at Qui-Gon, from behind Padmé, who returned the look curiously and Travien mouthed 'Busted' at him. Qui-Gon slumped in his seat, Obi-Wan looked at him curiously and then to a grinning Travien. He scowled,

"What do you want, Sith Lord?"

Travien shook his head, "You're not that smart are you Jedi? My father would have killed you for mouthing off like you have been." Obi-Wan paled, "As it happens I want a lot of things. None of which I can have right now." Travien turned his attention to Rabé, "Are you heading back to the ship now?" Rabé nodded, "Yes, I think that would be for the best."

Travien nodded, "If you're sure. Well, I'm not entirely happy with you travelling alone, so Obi-Wan will accompany you."

Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow, "What makes you think I will do anything you tell me Sith Lord?"

Travien shrugged, "Because you're not suicidal or stupid. I'm tense right now, you are a Jedi. Do you, as a Jedi, want to be around a tense Sith Lord?"

Obi-Wan huffed and walked Rabé out of the house and back to the ship.

Travien sighed, "Well, it seems I don't get to try turning Obi-Wan today so I'll settle for asking Anakin if he'd be willing to teach me how to use his podracer."

Anakin nodded warily and led him and Padmé out to the back of the house. He looked up at the pair,

"Travien, sir. Why don't you like Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan?"

Travien sighed. How does one explain this to a child? He gave it a try, "Historically the Jedi and Sith have always been hostile to each other. With me it goes a little deeper than that. The Jedi have attacked me in the past, even though I have done nothing wrong."

Anakin frowned, "Why would they do that? Jedi are good guys, aren't they?"

He really didn't want to disillusion the kid, "The Jedi uphold the law. From their perspective, they are the good guys. My parents felt that the system in place didn't work and waged a war to try and make the galaxy into what they believed was a better place. Have you heard the phrase that history was written by the victors?" Anakin nodded, "Well, my parents lost the war. The Jedi won, and now their enemies, the Sith, are the bad guys. They attacked me because of who my parents were. That's why I don't like Jedi."

Anakin looked at the ground, "I don't think I could train like you and Padmé. I was thinking that maybe I'd be a Jedi, if I could. Does that mean that you won't like me?"

Travien sighed and looked at Anakin. He waited for a few moments, "I don't normally do this. My girlfriend has been corrupting me again, but I'll make an exception for you, okay?"

Anakin smiled, "Thanks. C'mon you gotta see my podracer."

An enthusiastic Anakin ran ahead of them, keeping them in sight all the time. Padmé turned to her boyfriend,

"Why were you so gentle? It doesn't make sense."

Travien shrugged, "He's almost made the decision to join the Jedi. Anything else I do will make it look like I hate his childhood heroes. He doesn't think he can handle our training for now. Knowing the Jedi Council they're going to do something fantastically stupid to drive him away at some point. I'll stay his friend, and when they drive him away, he'll come to me. His friendship with me won't win him any trust in the Order anyway."

Padmé shook her head, "I've said it before, I'll say it again, you are manipulative."

Travien smiled at her, "Thank you my love. I feel better every time you say that." Padmé just laughed and they followed Anakin to another area where the podracer sat. Travien walked around it and nodded appreciatively. He hummed occasionally,

Anakin looked nervous, "What do you think, Travien?" he asked innocently,

Travien nodded for a second, "I think this is one of the best designs I've ever seen." He looked around at the assembled kids, "Do any of you know where I might be able to get some lightweight metal panelling?"

They all shook their heads as Anakin looked at him, "Why would you need that?"

Travien smiled, "Not everyone plays nice, Anakin. It's better to have the internal workings completely covered so that no-one can tamper with it. Other than that, it's got to be the best podracer I've ever seen." Anakin beamed at the praise. Travien nodded and walked up to the seat and looked at the controls, he turned to Anakin and gestured to the cockpit,

"Mind if I have a seat?"

Anakin shook his head and Travien jumped in. He looked around the dashboard. Most of the controls and readouts were fairly obvious. He looked for some form of joystick and then noticed the handlebars beside him. He sat back mutely for a second before grabbing onto them and checking the manoeuvrability. He heard Anakin's friends laughing at his expense and jumped out of the podracer.

He walked over to the group of kids and knelt in front of Anakin, his black armour making him an intimidating figure to them,

"Anakin, do you have any schematics for that racer?"

Anakin nodded, "Yeah, why?"

Travien smiled, "That is the best interface system I have ever seen. It has far more control than I've seen on most starfighters. As I used to design them I know what I'm talking about. Do you think I could get a look at the schematics at some point?"

Anakin nodded, dumbfounded that this man actually wanted his designs. The other children stopped laughing and looked at the strange man. A Rodian child stepped forward,

"You can't be thinking of flying that thing, can you?"

He looked at the Rodian child with the same stare as he gave to Kenobi, "Young man, even a blind man could tell that that is a bloody good podracer, I should know, I am one. Yes, I will be flying it in the Boonta Eve Classic tomorrow. Do you have anything constructive to say?"

The Rodian backed off. Travien returned his blind gaze to Anakin, "Well, I have a power pack for it; all we need to do now is make sure it flies. I think you should be the one to do that."

Anakin looked up, "Me, Travien sir?"

Travien smiled, "Yes Anakin. Its a little tradition of mine, I hope you don't mind. When I design or build a ship or racer, I'm the first one to fly or test it. That way it's mine, no-one else had anything to do with it. You don't share the credit with anyone." Anakin nodded and they headed over the pod. Anakin sat in the pod with Travien's help and Travien handed him the power pack. Anakin placed it in the slot and started the ignition. Anakin's voice came over the roar of the engine,

"It's working! It's working!" he screamed. Travien smiled and clapped his hands. He was genuinely happy for the kid. Anakin shut it down and smiled at Travien,

"That's it Anakin, that podracer is yours, you did it all on your own. You designed it, you built it, and you flew it. If I win the Boonta Eve race tomorrow I'll have won it in Anakin Skywalker's podracer."

Anakin's grin threatened to cut his face in half. Travien helped him get out of the pod and looked him over. He saw a small cut on the boy's hand. He'd get the Jedi to see to it later, knowing exactly what would happen. Anakin began telling him all about the Boonta Eve Classic and how things were done, from the flag parade to the prize money. They stayed out there until it was nearly sunset and Travien looked up.

Travien turned to Anakin, "Alright, kiddo, we've made good progress out here and there's nothing else we can really do. You head into the house and see Qui-Gon about that cut. I need to talk to Padmé for a second." Anakin nodded and ran off. Travien got up and turned to Padmé, who had been watching them work,

She smiled, "What do you need, Travien?"

Travien smiled at her, "Do you have any spare fabric onboard your ship, love?"

Padmé nodded slowly, "Yes. Mostly red and black because it doesn't normally fit into royal regalia, why?"

Travien smirked, "Anakin told me about the flag parade, I figured I should have my own. I'm certain the handmaidens are bored with nothing to do." Padmé laughed for a second and nodded,

"Go on, steal Qui-Gon's communicator again, and tell them I authorized it."

He kissed her on the lips quickly, "You're the best, love."

He ran into the house and met Shmi, "Hello, Ms. Skywalker." He smiled happily, "You wouldn't happen to know where I could find the chief meddler, would you?"

Shmi chuckled at him, "The Jedi is upstairs and outside, and he's just finished treating Anakin for his cut. Why?"

Travien smiled sheepishly, "He's the only one of us that thought to bring a communicator, I need to borrow it again." Shmi just laughed and shook her head,

Travien ran upstairs and found Qui-Gon standing on the balcony, if it could be called that. He walked out and stood beside him,

"So, what's his midi-chlorian count?"

Qui-Gon looked at him in feigned surprise, "I don't know what you're talking about." He said,

Travien snorted, "Come on. I sent the kid to you. I know you checked his blood. I just want to know, professional curiosity."

Qui-Gon stared at him, "Do you seek to turn him into a Sith or a neutral?"

Travien shook his head, "Neither, kid's made his choice. He wants to be a Jedi. I can't do anything about that. If your council screws up then I'll be there for him, but beyond that there's nothing I can do."

Qui-Gon nodded, "Obi-Wan had to re-calibrate the sensors. His count is twenty three thousand. What about yours, will you tell me?"

Travien shrugged, "There's nothing you can do about it I suppose. Why not, my count is twenty seven thousand. Remember though I am the child of two of the most powerful Sith in history." Qui-Gon nodded dumbly, "Anyway, that's not why I came up here. I came to borrow your communicator again. I need to talk to the handmaidens." Qui-Gon handed the communicator over to Travien and went downstairs.

He activated the comlink and the voice came over instantly, "Master?"

Travien snorted, "You wish Jedi. I need to speak to the handmaidens."

Obi-Wan growled at him, "Which one?"

Travien shrugged, whether Obi-Wan could see him or not, "I don't care, I like all of them. They can all handle what I need them to do."

Obi-Wan just sighed, "Wait a moment."

There was a brief silence, "Lord Shan?"

Travien smiled, "Rabé?"

"Yes milord."

"Fantastic. I need a favour. Padmé gave me permission to raid the cloth storage. I need you to make a flag for me." He spent a few minutes outlining the design of the flag. When he was done he carried on talking, "Will you lot be able to get that done for tomorrow?"

Rabé sounded like she was smiling, "This is to get at the Jedi again, isn't it?"

Travien smiled, "You know me well. This was my parent's banner as well as my own. Can you do it?"

Rabé replied after a moment, "Yes. I'll get the others to help me and deliver it with Eirtaé tomorrow morning. Will that be okay?"

Travien grinned, "You, Rabé, are a lifesaver." He closed the connection and walked back downstairs. He saw the others all gathered around the table and smiled at the group. He walked around and handed the communicator back to Qui-Gon before sitting beside Padmé.

Padmé shook her head, "I know that grin. What have you done?"

Travien looked hurt, "Padmé, how could you assume I've done anything?"

Padmé just chuckled, "Because I know you far too well. You're winding someone up. It's probably Obi-Wan."

Travien shrugged, "Can I help it if he's an easy target? Besides, winding him up is only a happy side effect. The Handmaidens are going to be able to finish my flag by tomorrow morning for the flag parade."

Anakin looked at him, "What's it gonna be?"

Travien smiled mysteriously, "That's a secret, Anakin. It's an old symbol though. The colouring is a bit off, but better I think."

Padmé looked at him, "What's the traditional colouring?"

Travien smirked, "Blue and white."

Padmé frowned for a second and then her eyes lit up in realisation, "Is it that symbol we saw at…uh…your place? When you took me along for the inspection?" Travien nodded and Padmé grinned, "Oh, that's going to irritate a few people. Are you sure it's wise to use it. That would basically announce your presence."

Travien shrugged, "My enemies already know that I'm here. Now I need my potential allies to know. The Hutts will likely know it and start spreading the word. The Trade Federation will quickly run out of support when their allies find out about my allegiance to Naboo."

Shmi looked at him thoughtfully, "Why does everything you do seem to have an agenda?" she asked slowly,

Travien looked at her for minute in silence. Qui-Gon began to get very nervous until Travien spoke again, "I can see how it would appear that way. Most of what I do has an agenda, I will admit. I intend to rebuild my old alliances, get back some of the loyalties I once held. I'd like to rebuild my Empire, but I can't do that until Padmé here tires of democracy. For the most part I need to bring the current Sith to heel."

Shmi looked confused, "What do you mean 'the current Sith'?"

Travien levelled a measuring stare in her direction, a particularly worrying expression from a blind Sith, "I am not from this time. I placed myself in 'exile' many centuries ago. Back then I was the Lord of the Sith. I ruled an Empire that existed outside of the Republic. It was destroyed by a civil war, but I survived. The only way for another Sith to claim the title undisputedly is to kill me. As they haven't done that then I am still their Lord, but these Sith are different. They are weak."

"How so?" asked Shmi,

"My computers and satellites have recorded the actions of some of the Sith for the time after I left the galactic scene and many of them carried on the traditions that me and my father started. They were leaders and generals. When they fought, they fought at the front. This Sith does not. He manipulates and hides. He refuses to attach his name to his actions. I know when not to fight, I know when a battle is lost but I have never run away or hidden for the sake of hiding. I despise cowards, especially Sith cowards. Before the civil war there were as many Sith as there are Jedi, he survives now because he is the only Sith around. There are no others to challenge him." Travien looked around the table at his rapt listeners and decided that he had said enough,

Travien sighed, "There is a great deal about the Sith that few know. The Sith of this time appear to have lost a great deal of what makes them Sith. If you will excuse me, I need to rest for tomorrow."

Travien got up from the table and walked to his bed. The others watched him leave and Shmi turned to Padmé,

"What is he?" she asked,

Padmé sighed, "I'm well aware that Travien is capable of being a monster. All Sith are. The important thing about him is that he isn't a monster. I'm sure he'll let it out when he needs to, but he doesn't let it rule him. I love him, monster included, and I believe he genuinely loves me. He didn't have to become my bodyguard, or stay on Naboo. He certainly didn't have to teach me how to use the Force."

Shmi looked pensive, "What does he intend to do? I've heard of the Sith, albeit only in stories. He doesn't seem to act anything like the Sith Lords I have heard about."

Padmé took a deep breath. She refused to speak of what little she knew of his plans, "Travien is keeping me in the dark as much as he is you. I know a little of what he intends but not how he plans to get there. He doesn't view you as a threat which means he'll help you if it's within his power. Beyond that I won't say anything."

Qui-Gon looked at her piercingly, "You said earlier that you had seen his 'place'." Padmé nodded slowly, "Yes, I have, why?"

Qui-Gon's stare became stern, "I think perhaps I should warn you of the dangers of the Star Forge."

Shmi gasped and Padmé levelled a sharp glare at him, "You should be more careful with what you say, master Jedi. I can neither confirm nor deny the existence of the Forge, although Travien has told me what he remembers of it. His current holdings were deemed acceptable to allow him entry into the peerage, that's all I will say." She turned to Shmi an Anakin, "I thank you for both the meal and your continued hospitality." She got up from the table and left the room to find Travien lying on his back staring at the ceiling.

Padmé looked at him in concern, "Are you okay?"

Travien continued staring at the ceiling, "Not really. I'm not nervous about the race, its other things. I'm worried that you'll get hurt if the council tries to attack me. I know that the Jedi will tell their masters everything as soon as they have the full back up of their masters. I don't know if the Jedi are stronger or weaker than they were. The other Sith worries me. He's a trained manipulator, I can see that. I may have to act to keep the Republic together, but I don't want to. A part of me wants to conquer, to take it and re-forge it into your image of paradise." He looked at Padmé, "I'm afraid that despite everything I am going to end up in a fight. At that point you are going to see the ugly truth of the Dark Side and leave me. I don't know if it will be the Jedi, or the Sith, or the Nemoidians. I don't want to lose you. Either I fight, and you leave me, or I don't fight and you may die. I seem to be screwed either way."

Padmé sat next to him, "I feel the Dark Side every time you wake up, just before you shield your aura. I know you do that to protect me. I know you are Sith and that doesn't just mean you believe something. I understand that there is a monster within you. I honestly don't know how I'll react to that. I know that I will be more prepared for it when it happens than I was for finding out that there was a Sith Lord in my office. I will try, that's all I can promise." Travien nodded. Padmé lay down beside him and manoeuvred herself under the covers with him. They slipped into an uneasy sleep soon afterwards.