Uncertainty rooted Adrina in the corner of the starship's main room. Shifting once on her feet, Adrina's gaze swept over the room before focusing her attention on the two crewmen that were hunched over a computer console. She tried to imagine what they were looking at that caused their puzzled frowns and furrowed brows.

The door hissed open, stealing Adrina's attention. A dark skinned man walked in with an air of self-confidence – security, no doubt. She blinked at the rapidity with which he spotted her. She sighed internally when he walked straight towards her. Although not unexpected, the visit didn't bode to be pleasant. When had security ever cared for slaves?

The man sat down across from Adrina at the table. "I'm Captain Panaka, head of the Royal Security Forces."

"Adrina." She inclined her head politely.

Panaka observed her for a long moment. "The Queen tells me that Master Jinn rescued you on Tatooine from a junker."

Adrina clenched her fist under the table and kept her eyes low. "No, my mother freed me. Master Jinn freed my brother and transported us."

"I see." Panaka arched an eyebrow. "You sound bitter."

"No, sir." Adrina lowered her eyes. She smothered a sarcastic response.

"JarJar Binks speaks highly of you."

"JarJar Binks?" Adrina frowned. She doubted the word of a good-hearted buffoon held any merit in anyone's mind.

Panaka nodded gravely. "Tell me, Miss. Skywalker – what are your plans for when we reach Coruscant?"

Adrina fought the urge to squirm in her seat. She did not like Panaka's line of questioning, although her gut told her he was only trying to gauge whether she was a threat. Finally, she said, "I will remain with my brother until I am no longer able. Then I will make my way as I have before."

Panaka continued to study her. Adrina kept her eyes on the table between them. "It is my privilege to protect Queen Amidala; I do not approve of Master Jinn's decision. We are at war. This is no place for children. I cannot offer you the same protection extended to the Queen."

Adrina swallowed hard. They didn't need Panaka's protection.

"Nevertheless, the Queen agrees with the Jedi and so you will stay." Panaka shook his head. "Keep your heads down and stay out of the way."

Adrina nodded mutely.

Standing abruptly, Panaka gave her a short, courteous bow before walking out the door.

Her posture eased upon his exit, but anxiety was mounting quickly. Something niggled at her, telling her that something was about to go very, very wrong. She'd felt it faintly when Panaka had entered, but it had only grown stronger with each passing minute. Adrina stood and strode out of the room, carefully retracing her steps back to the loading ramp.

Surely they should have returned. Why had they not yet shown? Had there been trouble with Watto? Or, worse yet, had someone accosted them? Her vivid imagination produced images to dance before her eyes of everything that could have befallen the Jedi Master and former slave boy on their way to the ship.

Safely alone, she paced the width of the loading ramp, eyes darting across the vast expanse of sand for any sign of her brother. Heat reflected back onto her face and she welcomed its familiarity.

The back of her neck prickled. Adrina turned around; Obi-Wan Kenobi stood in the doorway, observing her.

"Why do you not wait on the ground?" He gestured outside. "It's clear you're not comfortable here."

Adrina carefully monitored her expression, studying the man's boots. "Master Jinn ordered me to stay on the ship." She smoothed a stubborn tendril of black hair, tucking it back into the neat bun at the nape of her neck.

Obi-Wan risked a few steps closer. "They'll be back soon." He smiled encouragingly. "Don't worry."

Adrina tensed. She clenched her fists behind her back, out of view from Obi-Wan Kenobi's keen eyes, to prevent herself crossing her arms tightly across her chest. Her short nails dug into the palms of her hand.

"Master Qui-Gon is wise and trustworthy," Obi-Wan said gently. "They'll be here; try not to worry. It's hardly been one hour. I'm sure everything is fine."

Adrina frowned.

Obi-Wan laid a hand on her shoulder and offered her another smile. "They'll be here."

Adrina turned her head slightly so she could stare at his hand, still resting lightly on her shoulder. She looked back up at Obi-Wan cautiously and slowly leaned away from him.

Obi-Wan blinked and removed his hand. "You seem distressed. It was meant as a comforting gesture."

Adrina frowned. What kind of person was Obi-Wan Kenobi? "Most people on Tatooine would refuse to touch a slave, unless they were beating them. Or raping them." She knew too well.

"I intend to do neither, I assure you!" Obi-Wan exclaimed, taking a hasty step backward.

Adrina shrugged. "Such is life. Slaves are nothing. We are lower than the scum of the earth. Kung, bantha poodoo. Koochoo." He wasn't certain what those words meant, but he could draw inferences. She gave him a pointed look. "And other synonyms for pathetic life forms."

Obi-Wan winced. She looked away, a shadow falling over her face. Her eyes jumped to his as panic swelled deep within her. Something was wrong. Something was very, very wrong. She inhaled sharply.

"We have to go after Master Jinn – right now."

Obi-Wan frowned. "Master Qui-Gon will be back any moment." He shook his head and offered her a smile. "There's no need to fret."

"Yes, there is," Adrina stated forcefully. Her nails dug into her palms. "Something very bad is about to happen. Evil is coming. We have to help them and there is no time to waste." Her eyes pierced him. "I'll go alone if I have to." Not waiting for a response, Adrina spun on her heel and dashed away.

"Miss. Skywalker, wait." Obi-Wan grabbed her arm before she got far.

"Come on," Obi-Wan led her inside the cockpit against her resistance. "We'll have a better view in here. We'll be on the look-out." Obi-Wan leaned on the back of the empty co-pilot's chair, staring out hard. Adrina clenched her fists tightly, pressing them hard into her thighs. She whirled around when the cockpit door slid open to reveal Padmé, Panaka, and Anakin. Adrina ran forward and immediately checked Anakin for injury, giving him a hug.

"Qui-Gon's in trouble!" Panaka barked. Ric Olie, the pilot, frowned.

"I don't see anything." Olie muttered nervously.

"There!" Obi-Wan exclaimed, pointing out the view screen to a cloud of dust. Adrina could barely make out two dark figures and two beams of light, one green and the other red. "Fly low," Obi-Wan instructed softly. Olie nodded, expertly maneuvering the craft.

Obi-Wan dashed out of the cockpit, Adrina and Anakin hot on his heels. They found Qui-Gon collapsed on the floor covered in sweat and dust, the ramp closed behind him. His labored breathing concerned Adrina. Anakin and Obi-Wan rushed to his side, but Adrina remained a few steps away, observing.

"Are you alright?" Anakin asked worriedly.

"I have a medpac, if you need it," Adrina offered softly. She then bit her lower lip and lowered her eyes. "Well, half of one, anyway."

Qui-Gon smiled and shook his head. "I'm quite alright; just a little winded," Qui-Gon assured. "But I thank you for your kind offer, Adrina."

"What was it?" Obi-Wan asked, at an obvious loss. Qui-Gon shook his head. Adrina wanted to know the very same thing and it troubled her when neither Jedi appeared to know the answer.

"I don't know," Qui-Gon admitted. "But he was well trained in the Jedi arts." The air seemed to tangibly tense as soon as he uttered those words. "My guess is that he was after the Queen." Adrina frowned.

"What are we going to do about it?" Anakin asked, wide eyed. Obi-Wan glanced briefly at Anakin, quizzical, before looking back at Qui-Gon. Adrina smiled internally, wishing him to remain forever innocent. Qui-Gon sighed, still trying to catch his breath.

"We should be patient."

Anakin readily accepted Qui-Gon's counsel. Even Adrina internally admitted the wisdom of Qui-Gon's words. After all, caution with careful planning tended to pay off, at least when paired with decisive action. That was what Adrina's father had drilled into her since she was born.

Qui-Gon gestured at Anakin and then to Obi-Wan. "Anakin Skywalker, meet Obi-Wan Kenobi."

"Hi!" Anakin greeted cheerfully. "You're a Jedi, too? Pleased to meet you!" Obi-Wan merely nodded, flashing a small smile. Qui-Gon chuckled.

"Well," Qui-Gon announced. "I think it's time for me to get up off this floor."

"Are you sure you're alright, Master?"

"I'm quite alright." Qui-Gon assured.

"Anakin, come on; I'll show you our sleeping arrangements." Adrina tugged Anakin away; he chatted about how wicked freedom was and enumerated all the things he wanted to do as a Jedi. She smiled as she listened, in that moment content to hold him close and bask in his innocence.

0

Adrina stared out the small viewport into the vast, cold abyss of space. The spaceship was silent, save the quiet hum of the engine and life support system. Even the lights were dimmed in an imitation of nighttime. She held her middle tightly, trying to keep warm. She wondered how often she had looked up at the night sky on Tatooine as a child, wondering what it would be like to fly among the stars. Now she was there, it was more impressive than she had imagined. Her own romanticized notions paled in comparison.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Obi-Wan's voice, quiet as it was, seemed too loud.

Adrina stiffened, surprised to hear Obi-Wan behind her. She forced her muscles to relax; Obi-Wan was not an immediate threat.

"I suppose it is," Adrina murmured. She glanced at him when he joined her in front of the viewport. "I think I prefer viewing it from the ground, though."

Obi-Wan chuckled. "I'm not a fan of flying either." His light tone soothed some of Adrina's tension.

"It's too cold and silent," Adrina stated crisply.

Obi-Wan smiled and shrugged. "I imagine anything would be cold after Tatooine. I thought Tatooine was too hot."

Adrina didn't reply.

Obi-Wan hesitated for a moment. "Will you forgive me for my thoughtless words earlier?"

Adrina exhaled. She had given forgiveness much thought. She continued to stare out into space. After a moment, she spoke quietly, "The Gungan, Jar Jar Binks. You didn't want to bring him."

Obi-Wan snorted. "Would you?"

She looked at him then, briefly. She allowed a small smile. "No." She was quiet for a moment. "Jar Jar told me about the invasion of Naboo. He said that you and Master Jinn are escorting Queen Amidala to Coruscant so she can beg for help."

Obi-Wan snorted and shook his head. "Jar Jar does not understand the meaning of secrecy. I don't understand why Master Qui-Gon took him with him." Adrina had wondered the same thing. "But what he told you is true."

Adrina listened to Obi-Wan's recounting of the tale in silence. After a moment's reflection she asked, "What will happen if the Queen does not reach Coruscant? Or if the Senate does not send aid?"

Obi-Wan gave a heavy sigh. "In all likelihood, the utter destruction of the Naboo people. They're a pacifist society; they have no army, only a small security force and most of that is for the Queen."

"I see," Adrina murmured. The Queen was desperate indeed. She released a shaky breath. "Yes."

Obi-Wan lifted an eyebrow. "Pardon?"

"Yes, I will forgive you," Adrina clarified. Her gaze didn't move from the stars, a ghost of a smile crossed her lips.

Silence descended for several long moments.

"Your thoughts are heavy."

Adrina looked at him sharply.

Obi-Wan grinned wryly. "Don't worry; I can't read them."

Adrina pursed her lips, but was appeased. "How could they not be heavy? I'm leaving behind the only home I truly knew for a world I know nothing about." And soon Anakin would be ripped from her. That her honesty startled Obi-Wan was obvious.

There was nothing Obi-Wan could say.

"All I know," Adrina continued after taking a fortifying breath, "Is that when I was a slave, any of us could have been sold or killed at anytime, not able to say goodbye or to see each other again. Ani and I were lucky – we left of our own accord. We could make our peace on our own terms." Adrina shoved away the tears that prickled her eyes. "A luxury many slaves are never afforded." The pain still haunted her.

"I can't begin to imagine what your life was like," Obi-Wan murmured, crossing his arms.

Shoving her pain away, Adrina cocked her head, observing him with curiosity. "Your life must be very different."

Obi-Wan couldn't help but chuckle. "Yes, I believe you are right about that."

"Tatooine isn't so bad, really."

"Oh, yes. Aside from the sky-high crime rate, rampant criminal population, and blistering heat, it's a lovely planet." Obi-Wan said wryly.

Adrina shrugged, choosing to ignore his sarcasm. "Is Coruscant so different? The climate may be different, but I know that crime is still rampant." She paused and tilted her head. "But, of course, Coruscant has a better reputation and fancy buildings. Crime looks more respectable there." She glanced at him with an impish twinkle in her eye. "Although I have to imagine that even Coruscant has a seedy underground that would very much resemble Tatooine."

Obi-Wan had to admit the validity of her argument.

Peaceful silence settled between them.

"May I ask you something, Jedi Kenobi?" Adrina asked softly.

"There's no need for formality." The corners of his lips tipped upwards. "It's Obi-Wan. And it's okay to look me in the eye."

Adrina paused. "May I ask you something,...Obi-Wan?" She still kept her eyes averted.

Obi-Wan didn't hesitate to consent.

"Qui-Gon Jinn said that the Force is strong in my brother." Adrina's brow furrowed. "And he said that I… that I am also sensitive to the Force. What does that mean? He never explained."

Obi-Wan considered her question for a moment. "What do you know of the Force?"

She hitched a shoulder. "Only what the deep space pilots say. They say that the Force is...magic. That the Jedi use it to control other people, that it gives them extra speed and agility. Some pilots say that they can see the future. I never much believed in it, but Ani does."

"The Force..." Obi-Wan frowned as he searched for the proper words. "It's not magic. The Force is an energy field. It connects everything in the universe. We are all bound together through the Force. Now, there are some individuals who, through the midi-chlorians in their body, are able to tap into that energy field and manipulate it. Those individuals are 'Force-sensitive'. In the Republic, these individuals are identified very young and brought to the Jedi Temple to be trained."

Adrina nodded slowly, mulling over the new information. "And what can you do with the Force?"

Obi-Wan shrugged. "A lot of things. It is true that you can use the Force to influence others, but not always. Toydarians, for example, are immune, as well as other strong-minded individuals. Jedi do not often use mind tricks. We prefer to not violate the sanctity of the mind." He shrugged. "The Force can be used as a defensive tool, to heal or to sense impending threats or attacks, but it can also be used offensively. We use the Force in lightsaber combat, or to push or pull objects, levitate…" Obi-Wan grinned suddenly. "But I can show you that."

Adrina watched wide-eyed as Obi-Wan held out his hand, palm out, and her backpack came flying at him only to stop inches from his palm. He shifted his hand to be parallel to the floor, palm up, and her backpack continued to hover as if suspended by invisible wires. After a moment, he shifted his hand again and her backpack floated gently back to its original resting place.

Adrina's heart hammered in her chest. "That's incredible." She breathed. She stared at Obi-Wan, utterly speechless. "And you did that. You did that with your mind."

"With the Force," Obi-Wan corrected gently. "Yes."

"I always knew Ani was special," Adrina whispered. She held herself tighter. "I just never thought it was because of some cosmic energy field." Even after witnessing Obi-Wan's display, it was difficult to believe the Force truly existed; it was too fantastical and strange. Still, she could not refute what she had seen with her own eyes and it could not have been a pre-arranged illusion.

"If I may ask, did you never suspect that you were different than other humans?"

Adrina sighed and shrugged. "Not really." She had always had a knack for knowing when bad things were going to happen – for somehow knowing people's intentions. Shmi had always said she had good instincts and she remembered Qui-Gon commenting on her healing ability, but she was reluctant to share that secret part of her with a stranger, even one as kind as Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan was silent for a moment. "Master Qui-Gon only had me analyze one blood sample: young Anakin's." He looked at her, waiting.

Adrina said nothing.

Obi-Wan took a deep breath and closed his eyes. The skin around his eyes crinkled slightly. "But I sense the Force in you – not like Anakin, but I do sense it in you, buried. Strong." He opened his eyes. His curiosity was plain to see.

Adrina did not want to believe Obi-Wan, but she knew – somehow – that he spoke the truth. She found that the truth hurt; everything special about Anakin and herself wasn't so special after all. The truth scared her, too; it was frightening to know that there was a power within her body that was unknown and untamed. But she felt hope, as well. It meant that Ani really could become a Jedi. Perhaps he wouldn't be left to the streets after all.

After several minutes Adrina softly admitted, "Qui-Gon saw me do something. That's how he knew." Obi-Wan looked at her with interest. "I always thought it was something genetic – a dormant gene finally awoken. But Qui-Gon said I was using the Force." She held up the once-injured hand. "I healed a cut."

Obi-Wan blinked, mouth open. "That's very impressive, Adrina. Using the Force to heal is a difficult thing to do, especially for someone untrained in the Jedi way."

Adrina shrugged uneasily. She couldn't admit that she had discovered the ability when she was seven.

The pair twisted around when the door slid open. Qui-Gon entered, looking much better than the last time Adrina had seen him.

Qui-Gon smiled. "You should be asleep," he said, joining them by the port.

Adrina merely shrugged. "Anakin is sleeping soundly." She gestured to the far corner of the room, where Anakin slumbered, slumped against the wall. The Queen's ship was not meant for a large entourage; creativity was required to find sleeping arrangements. "Ani can sleep anywhere, any time. It's amazing, really." A fond smile flitted across her face.

"But not you?"

Adrina shrugged off Obi-Wan's question.

"Try to sleep, Adrina. You must be exhausted." Qui-Gon encouraged.

Adrina frowned. "I can take care of myself."

"Of course. My apologies." Qui-Gon bowed his head. Adrina drew herself up, feeling patronized. "Still, Obi-Wan and I will retire and allow you privacy."

She managed a smile and politely bid them a good night.

Adrina held herself upright until the door had slid closed behind the Jedi. Her legs collapsed out from under her and she crumpled to the ground. She drew her legs close to her chest, hugging them tightly. Tears pricked her eyes again and would not be pushed aside.

She was far, far from home.

And she would never be home again.

There, cold and alone in the shimmering darkness, Adrina allowed herself to mourn for all she had lost and to weep for the heartache she knew would come in the strange new world.