Kamino, shimmering deep blue, undoubtedly held the honor of being one of the most beautiful planets to view from orbit. The battle had raged too fiercely for her to spare a moment to truly look upon the planet her father had made home, the only home her men had ever known, when she was last at Kamino. "It is beautiful," Adrina murmured.

"You never did say why you were accompanying us."

Adrina dropped her arms and twisted slightly around. "Glee," she said sternly. "You are supposed to be resting."

"I was. Then I got bored." Glee grinned. He leaned against the frame, unmoved by her chastising expression.

"I'll let this slide - just this once - but you have to sit down." Adrina planted one hand on her hip and pointed a finger at him. "Don't think that I can't force you back to bed."

Glee held up his hands and hobbled over to the table. "Oh, we know better," he grunted as he dropped into the booth. "You gained some notoriety after word spread of you taking out Captain Fix."

Adrina rolled her eyes. "I hardly took him out. I gave him a sedative."

"Yeah, after you knocked his legs out from under him and put him in a headlock."

Adrina shook her head. "It really wasn't that dramatic. One obstinate Captain is nothing."

"Yeah, but you're short."

"Hardly," Adrina snorted. "I'm average height for a human female and you know it."

He ignored her. "So," Glee leaned back. "Why are you here?"

Adrina hitched a shoulder. "The Council wants to study the illness further. This was the most convenient way." It was partially true. Master Windu had expressed an interest in knowing more about the illness and how it was weaponized, but the primary reason for her visit to Kamino was far different. But she was not comfortable admitting that the real reason she was sent to Kamino was to contribute DNA in the hopes of augmenting their dwindling supply of her father's DNA.

"Alright, keep your secrets." Glee raised an eyebrow. "You could have said it was official, need-to-know."

The door slid open, cutting off Adrina's response. Tsun Ke stepped through. "CT-3248, return to bed at once."

Glee sighed and pushed to his feet.

"It's alright, Doctor Ke," Adrina said. "I gave him permission for a brief walkabout. We were just returning. It appears we have begun our descent." She smiled and extended her arm to Glee. Adrina led Glee past Ke's disapproving eyes.

"Those Kaminoans can be scary," Glee whispered once they were out of earshot.

Adrina chuckled. "I've seen scarier, but there is something about those eyes."

"They see right through you. It's unnerving."

"Come on, then," Adrina smiled, shaking her head.

0

Walking between the two Kaminoan doctors, Adrina felt simultaneously diminutive and wide. Being of average height and - in recent years - comfortable with her 'child-bearing hips' (as one elderly woman had once described them), it was an odd sensation. The troopers had been quickly whisked away upon landing, along with all the data she had meticulously collected.

The bright white halls temporarily blinded Adrina. She squinted against the light until her eyes adjusted. Doctor Ke wasted no time in ushering Adrina towards the DNA room. She tried not to think that her father once, not many months ago, walked the very same corridors and undergone the same procedure.

Why, after years of resignation to their dissolved relationship, did she suddenly feel so...? Adrina didn't have words to describe her swirling emotions. They were most inconvenient. She thought she had made progress on that front.

Adrina halted abruptly as the door closed behind her. The sample case stood lone and proud in the center of the room, small cylinders gleaming under the fluorescent lights. So strange to think that tiny samples of her father - the last things that were purely him that existed - still resided there.

"Healer Skywalker." Ke's smile provided a flimsy mask for his irritation.

She bowed her head politely. "My apologies," Adrina murmured. She followed Ke into a small room.

Ke worked in silence. Adrina acknowledged that what the doctor lacked in bedside manner, he made up for in efficiency.

"General Shaak Ti has graciously extended an offer to tour the training grounds," Ke said as he finished labeling the jars. The chryo drawer hissed closed. He gestured towards the door. "Refreshments are available."

Adrina slid off the exam table and smiled graciously. "Thank you, Doctor."

Ti's serene face met Adrina at the door. Adrina bowed. "Healer Skywalker," Ti smiled. "Welcome to Kamino. I apologise that I could not greet you upon your arrival."

Adrina waved the comment away. "No need to apologize, Master Ti."

Ti stepped to the side. "Come. Allow me to give you a proper tour."

The women walked side-by-side down the corridor, pausing to salute the passing trainees. Adrina smothered uncomfortable emotions when a squad of young clones stumbled and stared when they saw Adrina. She had received similar reactions from some of their adult counterparts. "They've never seen a human female before," Adrina commented softly when they had passed.

"They are quite sheltered here," Ti said.

It was a fact Adrina knew well. She elected to remain silent.

Ti gestured to their left. "The incubation chambers."

Adrina's breath caught.

"You don't approve." Ti inclined her head. "I sense your unease."

Adrina paused to select her words. "It is jarring," Adrina said. "Seeing a beautiful thing reduced to clinical efficiency."

"Indeed." Ti's soft voice hinted at agreement. Her comlink beeped, muffled under the folds of her sleeves. "Go ahead, Bric."

"You're needed again," the male voice growled. Adrina raised an eyebrow at the mumbled curses that followed.

"Thank you, Bric," Ti did not bat an eye. "I will be there shortly." She turned to Adrina. "I'm afraid I must leave you. You are free to wander as you like." The corner of her mouth tipped up ever so slightly. "The Kaminoans will certainly direct you as they see fit."

Adrina bowed as Master Ti departed. She turned again to the nascent infants. Arms folded, Adrina slowly continued down the corridor until she came to a viewing platform. Adrina gripped the cold metal railing. Below, thousands of young men intently studied their view screens. Teenagers in appearance, in another year or two they would be facing their final training and testing. If they passed, they would be sent to the frontlines. She pursed her lips.

"Oh, you - you're Adrina Fett."

Adrina turned around sharply. "Skywalker," she corrected automatically, momentarily startled and confused. He was a clone, but unlike any of the others, with grey hair, wrinkles, and a hunchback.

"Oh, I see." He leaned against his mop. Adrina doubted he did, but nodded politely. "I saw you earlier - with the doctors."

"What is your name?" She asked instead.

He smiled. "They call me Ninety-Nine. I'm a maintenance clone." He gestured to his mop.

Adrina smiled. There was something endearing about the halting lilt in his voice. She bowed. "It's nice to meet you, Ninety-Nine."

"Skywalker," he repeated softly. He tilted his head. "Not Fett."

The statement inexplicably jabbed Adrina's heart. "Not Fett."

"My mistake." Ninety-Nine scrutinized her. "There is something I think you'll be interested in seeing. Follow me." He gestured over his shoulder.

Adrina glanced over her shoulder at the young clones. Sighing softly, she followed Ninety-Nine down bright hallways. "Where are you taking me?"

"You'll see."

Sensing no guile or hostility, Adrina silently followed Ninety-Nine and his squeaking mop bucket.

"Here we are," Ninety-Nine muttered to himself. Punching the pass code with surprising rapidity, Ninety-Nine smiled up at Adrina. "Let me get the lights." He entered the darkness. Moments later, lights illuminated the entryway.

"Whose quarters are these?" Adrina asked, peering in.

"Well don't just stand out there," Ninety-Nine beckoned her. "Come in, come in."

Adrina slowly stepped over the threshold. The walls and tables were devoid of objects. Why would Ninety-Nine want to show her empty quarters?

"Well," Adrina said slowly. "These are very nice rooms. Very...bright." Too bright for her tastes. "And clean."

"They belonged to Jango Fett. This is where he lived."

Adrina narrowed her eyes.

"Oh, come on," Ninety-Nine chided gently. "I may just be a maintenance clone, but I-I have eyes, and, and I use them."

"You are perceptive," Adrina agreed. Too perceptive.

"I saw how you look at us clones, and I know you gave DNA to the Kaminoans. And you look like us." Ninety-Nine lifted a shoulder. "Figured it wasn't a coincidence."

It was true, Adrina knew. Her more feminine features helped disguise the truth, but even so she was surprised no questions had arisen - especially from Anakin. He played the fool well, but he was usually perceptive.

Adrina folded her arms. "Perhaps the Jedi thought I would make a good template."

Ninety-Nine shook his head. "I reckon it's none of my business why you don't have your father's last name," he tapped his temple. "And I don't know what it's like to have a father…. but I do know about family."

Adrina's posture softened. "So you do," she murmured. If there was one undeniable truth about the clones, it was that theirs was a brotherhood of steel.

"Anyway," He shifted. "I suppose I just wanted to thank you for-for helping give future batches a better starting chance. It's a good thing you did."

"Is it?" The words slipped out.

"Yes," Ninety-Nine said earnestly. "Oh, yes."

Adrina settled on full honesty. "I don't want to help breed men to die. You're human beings, not cannon fodder. You are created for one purpose and given no choice to alter that."

"Well, now, now that's not quite right." Ninety-Nine shuffled over to the couch and dropped onto it with a grunt. "You're right. We are designed to be soldiers, but plenty of troopers have deserted. There are consequences if they're caught, sure, but we-we all have a choice. The ones that stay, we stay because we believe that we are fighting for good reasons. Like the Jedi. And I heard the leader of the Separatists left the Jedi Order."

"He did."

Ninety-Nine nodded. "The way I-I see it,by giving your DNA, you're helping make them the best they can be, so they won't be bad batchers - like me. I…. I never got a chance."

That surprised her."You want to fight?"

"Well, yes. It's what I was made for. But now I am a maintenance clone. I do what I can to help those who can fight." He sighed. "We may be created to fight in the war, but it doesn't take half a brain to see that it is a war that we need to win. I-I think we are fortunate to-to have a noble purpose."

"The age-old question," Adrina murmured. "Do the ends justify the means?"

Ninety-Nine shrugged. "I don't know. But I.. I, at least, am glad for what you're doing." He stood. "And - for what it's worth - they treat us well."

Adrina hesitated for a moment. "Can you tell me anything about Boba Fett?"

Ninety-Nine shrugged. "Not much. Strictly speaking, I'm not supposed to leave the training grounds. But, he poked his head around now and again. Curious boy. Liked to read. He-he, uh, kept his hair longer - helped tell him apart from us clones. He's got curly hair." So did she.

Adrina's smile trembled. "Thank you, Ninety-Nine."

"Well, I best be getting back to work." He gestured vaguely to the room. "He took all of his belongings with him when they left, but feel free to poke around. The door will lock behind you when you've finished."

Adrina smiled. "Thank you, Ninety-Nine."

Her smile faded when the door hissed behind Ninety-Nine. She drew her cloak close against the sudden chill.

She had spoken truthfully to Master Windu. Her relationship had ended with her father. She had mourned its loss years ago. So why now did she mourn him still? She knew that she was dead to him. She had harbored no hope of reconciliation. What did it matter that he had been the one to perish for eternity? Nothing substantial had changed.

Had it?

Except, while he was alive there was the possibility of reconciliation. Dead….

Perhaps that was what she continued to mourn.

Adrina shook her head. Her musings helped no one. Studying the virus would help people. Nodding resolutely, Adrina marched from her father's quarters.

She forced herself to not look back.

0

Adrina supervised the re-provisioning of the shuttle. By her calculations, the Shining Star would have arrived on Christophsis a little more than one rotation ago, unless they had been waylaid on the way. She would not be that far behind them.

"Our preliminary report will be finalized momentarily."

Adrina looked up at Doctor Ke. "I look forward to reading it."

Ke inclined his head. "The Jedi will, of course, be kept informed of our findings."

"Thank you, Doctor."

Adrina reluctantly took her place in the pilot's chair. The Astro unit chirped a greeting. "Here we go," she muttered as she cautiously initiated take-off protocols. The craft wobbled. "I hate flying."

Once in hyperspace, Adrina settled back in the chair. She pulled up the Kaminoan report. At first glance, their report reiterated the same details she had notated in her field report. She frowned. Surely, even in their preliminary studies their superior equipment had gleaned something. She re-read the document more closely. There, buried on the last page, lay a supposition that chilled Adrina's blood.

"This engineered virus bears remarkable similarities to the Blue Shadow Virus, thought to be eradicated."

"Poodoo," Adrina muttered. "That's what I was afraid of." Beside her, the Astro cooed and rocked. Adrina slowly lowered the datapad. The attack, then, was likely a test run. If she was a betting person, she would have staked a good deal that the run had not borne the intended results. Another run would be forthcoming - and with more deadly results. The mind - or minds - sophisticated enough to recreate the virus as well as they had would quickly refine their work. They were lucky the virus had not yet been engineered to the full deadly effectiveness of its namesake.

Adrina quickly sent a copy of the report to her counterparts on the Shining Star. She slumped in the chair, head resting on one hand. If the Separatists were reviving an eradicated virus - and the Separatists were the most likely culprits - devastating times lay ahead of the Republic. There was no known cure for the Blue Shadow Virus. It was only by good fortune that her treatment had been effective. They would not likely be so fortunate in the future. Should this virus produce it's intended results, nothing would stand in the Separatists way. The war would be lost within weeks - if that.

Discovering the mastermind behind this new virus and shutting them down needed to become paramount.

Adrina mulled over these new, disturbing revelations for the remainder of the flight.

0

The warm breeze stirred her cloak as she disembarked on Christophsis. Two troopers flanked a dark-haired man in fine, though practical, clothing. He stepped forward and bowed, which Adrina mirrored. "You must be Healer Skywalker. I am Senator Bail Organa. Welcome to Christophsis."

"Pleasure to meet you, Senator," she said as she straightened. "Your reputation precedes you." He was, besides Senator Amidala in the days leading up to her train wreck of a decision to marry Anakin, one of the few senators about which she had ever heard Obi-Wan Kenobi utter a kind word.

Organa raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh?" He chuckled. "Come, allow me to show you the relief station."

"I was under the impression that the Shining Star was dispatched here to supplement your relief effort," Adrina commented. She side-stepped a rubble pile. "They should have arrived a rotation ago, but I don't see her."

"Yes," Organa nodded. "I believe they were delayed at a medical station. They should be arriving any minute - and none too soon, I can assure you." That much had been clear from the atmosphere. The situation appeared even worse on the ground.

"I will help however I can in the meantime." They stopped in front of the station. "I have some provisions from Kamino and I know the Star has been freshly resupplied."

"Excellent." Organa clapped his hands together. "We are running low on-"

"Senator Organa," a trooper approached. They turned. "I'm afraid we have a situation."

Organa turned his full attention to the trooper. "Go on."

"Sir, the medical frigate just exited hyperspace. But," the trooper glanced at Adrina. "So did a Separatist fleet."

"The Star is alone," Adrina whispered. "She doesn't stand a chance against a fleet."

The trooper shifted. "No, they didn't. They were destroyed."

"Escape pods?" Organa pressed. "Any survivors?"

"No, sir. They didn't have a chance to launch. They're gone, sir."

Patches, Snatcher….all of them, her friends... gone. Dead. Adrina pulled her cloak tighter. She forced deep, even breaths, combating her racing heart and wobbly legs.

And she had almost been among them.

"They destroyed a hospital frigate," Organa breathed. He shook his head incredulously. "Have they no mercy?"

"No," Adrina murmured, turning her face to the sky. "No, they do not."

0

Adrina hastily re-braided her hair and twisted back into its usual knot as she walked, stumbling when a Separatist blast rocked the ground. She cursed under her breath. The explosions were growing closer. The tell-tale metallic clank of marching battle droids could be hard between artillery blasts. The situation for their relief effort had grown dim indeed.

She may have escaped certain death on the Star, but the battle droids would certainly attempt to rectify that.

Droid bombers shrieked overhead. A blast threw Adrina to the ground. Ears ringing, she coughed as she staggered to her feet. She blinked against the dust. "Here," Adrina helped the trooper beside her to his feet.

Adrina ran to the relief command center.

"Get me General Kenobi," Senator Organa was ordering.

"Senator," Adrina shouted over the passing bomber. She clutched her head and leaned heavily on the panel beside Organa.

Organa glanced at Adrina before Obi-Wan's shimmering form appeared. "We are under attack by the Separatist fleet. They are coming by air and by ground. We can't hold out any longer. We have little chance of survival. Help us, General Kenobi. You're our only ho-." Organa pivoted towards the trooper beside him when the transmission died.

"They've knocked out our transmitters, Senator," the trooper said.

"Obi-Wan will help us." Adrina drew herself up. "I'll rally everyone I can."

"If he's going to do something, it needs to be soon."

"He will," Adrina declared. She held her head high, shoulders back. The ground trembled under a fresh onslaught. The troopers glanced at each other. She sensed their disbelief, though their helmets masked their expressions. "We must have faith."

"Your head, Healer Skywalker!" Organa exclaimed as she turned.

"It's nothing," Adrina waved away his concern. "Just a scratch."

Adrina enlisted as many able-bodied men as she could find to help carry the wounded to the medic station. The retreating droid bombers left tense silence in their wake.

True relief did not come until Anakin landed, announcing the certain destruction of the Separatist blockade, though the battle for Christophsis was far from over.

0

Adrina leaned back against the retaining wall with a heavy sigh. She opened her eyes. The twinkling lights in the night sky mocked her pain with their cheer.

"Hey."

Adrina released a breath. "I am glad you are here, Ani," she murmured.

"I heard about the Star," Anakin said. Adrina shifted over slightly to make room for Anakin on the rock she perched on.

Adrina's throat constricted. "They didn't stand a chance."

"When I heard…" Anakin clenched his teeth. Adrina patted his arm. "I thought you were on it." Emotion clogged his voice. "I nearly…"

Adrina leaned forward, her forehead resting on her knees, arms caging her head. "I should have been," she said. "I should have been."

Anakin draped his arm around his sister. "But you weren't."

"You don't know how close I came," Adrina lifted her head. She exhaled, gathered her last ounce of courage, and said, "Anakin, there's something you should know."

Anakin raised an eyebrow. "Uh oh. That sounds serious."

"The Council sent me to Kamino after Lianna."

"I know," Anakin interrupted. "Something about a virus. I have the document. I'll read it...eventually. Obi-Wan gave me the gist."

"Yes," Adrina said slowly. "That was one reason. But not the main reason."

Anakin frowned. "Well, what was?"

"To give the Kaminoans my DNA in order to, hopefully, continue to make clones with fewer...defects."

Anakin's frown deepened. "Your DNA? What are you talking about? That doesn't make sense."

Adrina took a deep breath, steeling herself to admit the truth she should have told him years ago. "It does if you know that my father was Jango Fett." She watched her brother's face carefully.

Anakin recoiled, but his hand remained on her shoulder. "What?"

"Jango Fett was my father," Adrina repeated slowly.

Anakin's gaze strayed to a trooper emerging from the Mess. He pointed vaguely at the trooper and then at Adrina.

She nodded.

Anakin settled back, rubbing his forehead. "I guess I can see it," Anakin finally said. He frowned again. "Wait. How did the Council know? Obi-Wan knows? He never said. Why did you never say?"

Adrina briefly summarized her escape from captivity and the ensuing fallout with her buir. "Of course I told the Council. But I couldn't… I wanted to tell you, but I wanted to spare you - and me - the pain. I never thought it would be relevant."

Anakin hesitated. "You know he's dead."

Adrina bowed her head. "Yes. I heard."

"Why didn't you say anything then?" Frustration crept into his voice. "I would have… given you a hug or something. Comforted you."

Adrina raised an eyebrow. "You were too busy being angry at me and ignoring me."

Anakin appeared suitably ashamed. "Oh." He scratched his neck awkwardly. "Sorry."

"And…" Adrina debated for a moment. "I was afraid you would be even more angry at me."

Anakin frowned. "Why?"

Adrina blinked. "He tried to kill Senator Amidala."

In a surprising move, Anakin shrugged. "Yeah, sure. He did. Obviously I have no love for the man - sorry - but you didn't try to kill her. Besides, what was that saying you used to remind me of? 'It doesn't matter who-"

Adrina murmured the phrase with him. "-your father is, only the father you'll be.'"

"That's the one." Anakin pulled her closer. "I don't care about who your father was. I only care about you. You're my big sister. Your scumb-" Anakin cleared his throat and winced. "Sorry. Your father being Jango Fett isn't going to change that."

Adrina swiped at the tears pricking her eyes.

Anakin cursed under his breath. "This must be hell for you."

Adrina hitched a shoulder. "It's… It's not easy, but it's getting better. I think I've turned a corner. Don't worry about me."

"It's my job."

Adrina smiled. She rested her head on Anakin's shoulder.

"So are the clones going to start looking like you?"

Adrina snorted. "Hardly. And it may come to naught, anyway, but the Kaminoans are hoping that my DNA could augment my father's remaining DNA. Copies of copies don't produce good results."

"Ah."

Neither spoke for several minutes.

"They were my friends," Adrina whispered. She sniffled. "I've buried too many of them."

Anakin tightened his hold. "It's hard to be the one that survives," Anakin said quietly.

"It's not fair."

"Never is."

0

The morning's rations roiled uncomfortably in Obi-Wan's stomach. The situation on Christophsis had finally taken a positive upward swing with the arrival of reinforcements led by Master Yoda, but he brought an unpleasant assignment along with him.

"A problem, is there, Master Kenobi?"

Startled, Obi-Wan cleared his throat and straightened. "Not at all, Master Yoda." But the wizened master smiled knowingly and chuckled.

"Do what she must, Healer Skywalker will," Yoda said confidently.

"She will not like this assignment, especially with the loss of the Shining Star. She is needed here."

"Needed more on Tatooine she is." Yoda nodded decisively. "See the Council's wisdom, she will."

Obi-Wan did not share Yoda's confidence. He knew little of her experiences as a slave - a decade was not enough to ease its burden or loosen her tongue - but Anakin had shared enough of his own. Anakin's task was taxing enough, but the Council was asking Adrina to return to the place he knew haunted her dreams. Duty or not, Obi-Wan wished there was another way.

"I best be on my way," Obi-Wan said. Bowing slightly to Master Yoda, he made quick strides towards the RMSU. Shaking his head, Obi-Wan ducked into the RMSU.

Maelle Amon, who had arrived on Christophsis with Anakin's new padawan, emerged from the bacta chambers, nearly colliding with him. She jumped. "Master Kenobi! I am so sorry; I didn't see you there."

Obi-Wan smiled and held up his hands. "It's quite alright. No harm done." He glanced at the door behind her. "Is Healer Skywalker still within? I must speak with her as soon as possible."

Maelle shook her head. "She is in the Infirmary now. If you follow me, I can take you to her."

"Thank you, Assistant Amon."

Maelle led him down the hall. "Wait here, please."

"Of course," he nodded. Maelle disappeared behind the doors. One hand on his hip, Obi-Wan stroked his chin. He catalogued the possible ways he could present the news of her temporary reassignment, rejecting each one in turn.

Minutes later, Adrina emerged. "Maelle said you needed...me." She frowned. "What's wrong?"

Obi-Wan dropped his hand. "I just received word from Master Yoda."

Adrina folded her arms and nodded. He sensed her deep unease, certainly a response to his own.

"We have an opportunity to secure hyperspace lanes in the Outer Rim."

Adrina frowned. "That's excellent, Obi-Wan. Why do you seem unhappy?"

"Yoda has requested you accompany me to the negotiations as translator and advisor," Obi-Wan said carefully.

Adrina crossed her arms. "This is no time for jokes, Obi-Wan. There's a war still raging and there are over one hundred men still waiting for treatment."

"Master Yoda was very clear." He winced.

"I can't leave now. Maelle will be a great help, but we are still under-staffed and under-supplied. Requisition a protocol droid!"

Obi-Wan sighed. "I told Master Yoda that you were needed here more, with the wounded, but acquiring a protocol droid would take too long. We have to act now."

"These men need me to act now!" Adrina hissed. She huffed and ran a hand over her hair. "What use would I be as an advisor, anyway? I may be a Consular, but I never received much diplomatic training. There is a reason I am addressed as Healer."

Obi-Wan grimaced. He paused, choosing his words carefully. "I must say, I believe Master Yoda is right; your advice would be invaluable."

Adrina threw up her hands. "Unless you're dealing with the Hutts or some other lowlife scum, I don't see how I-" Adrina gasped. "Of course. The Hutts. No. Absolutely not."

"Jabba the Hutt's son has been kidnapped," Obi-Wan said. "Anakin has been tasked with recovering him. I'll be negotiating with Jabba for use of the space lanes."

"Finally getting a taste of his own medicine, is he?" Adrina snorted. "Serves him right."

"Adrina…"

"I'm sorry, but I can't go. These men need me here. You don't need me to deal with Jabba. He's a gangster and a Hutt. Expect duplicity, stroke his ego, and you'll be fine. You're a smart man. You don't need me."

Obi-Wan kept his voice carefully calm and neutral. "If we succeed with Jabba, we can hopefully prevent more casualties and make resupplying much easier. We need these lanes, before the Separatists make their bid for them." He sighed. "I would not ask you to go if I thought you would do more good here."

"Only, you're not asking me," Adrina said softly. "The Council is ordering me."

Obi-Wan sighed, "Yes."

"You don't know what they are asking of me," she whispered. Adrina scoffed and shook her head. Her foot tapped the floor. After several long moments, Adrina finally spoke. "I'll prepare Maelle for my absence."

And she turned on her heel and strode away, arms wrapped tightly around her middle, before Obi-Wan could reply.

0

The clean air on their shuttle seemed foreign after more than a week in the trenches on Christophsis. Adrina breathed deeply. She followed Obi-Wan into the cockpit. He gestured to the pilot's chair with a questioning glance at Adrina. She shook her head. "All yours."

"Flying is for droids," Obi-Wan muttered without acrimony.

Adrina pursed her lips.

Within minutes, they were jumping to hyperspace.

Adrina leaned back in the co-pilot's chair and closed her eyes. The leather rustled softly beside her. For a moment, the silence of the ship soothed Adrina's aching heart. Growing dread quickly overcame the peace.

Sighing, Adrina said, "I'm not entirely sure Master Yoda's decision was wise." She opened her eyes

"I don't like leaving the troopers anymore than you do," he replied, genuinely regretful. "But-"

"It's not just that." Adrina cut him off before he could continue. "I used to be Jabba's slave, Obi-Wan." She took a deep breath. "You asked me once how I came to Jabba's palace." Adrina grimaced. "Now you need to know. I was four. My father refused to take a job for Jabba - I never knew what it was. He had standards, you see. Anyway, that infuriated Jabba. Kidnapping me was retribution." Adrina sighed. "I escaped once, when I was eleven. He almost rescued me, but I was too sloppy. Next day, Father tried to grab me during one of Jabba's parties on his land barge. I never did learn exactly what happened - all I know is the result: my best friend was dead and Father was presumed dead, as well."

"The friend who was in the wrong place at the wrong time."

"Yes," Adrina blinked, surprised he remembered her heavily edited tale from all those years ago. "Aralyn. She was on the barge in my place. Father didn't know." She took a deep breath and rallied herself. "Anyway, Father was presumed dead; that's what everyone believed. He knew that and, thinking me dead, was happy to let the galaxy believe the lie. I suppose Kamino was his peaceful retirement."

"I see."

Adrina leaned forward. "My father blew up nearly half of Jabba's court, Obi-Wan, not to mention obliterating his barge. Jabba won't forget something like that - nor easily forgive. Jabba is many things, but forgiving is not one of them." She shook her head. "He once killed his favorite dancer for wearing a color he didn't like. I was lucky to be sold and not killed outright."

Obi-Wan was quiet for a moment. Finally, he said, "He knew you as Adrina Fett, not Skywalker. Perhaps he won't recognize you. After all, it has been over a decade."

Adrina arched an eyebrow. "Deceiving a Hutt never ends well, Obi-Wan. Believe me. But I am confident he will remember me. Anakin made a name for himself when he won the Boonta Eve - it won't take Jabba long to connect the pieces."

"We won't hide your past, then," Obi-Wan agreed. "We will have to show that you come in good faith."

Adrina mutely shook her head. Obi-Wan did not understand. How could he? They could tell Jabba whatever they wanted, could spin her presence as a symbol of healing and renewal, but Jabba the Hutt was not weak-minded. He would not be easily convinced. And, truthfully, Adrina hadn't forgiven Jabba, either. She never would.

"Surely if Jabba wanted you dead, you would already be dead," Obi-Wan rationalized. "Something stayed his hand then, and it will stay it now."

Adrina folded her arms. "Perhaps." Master Che had once commented that it was the will of the Force that she left Tatooine and came to the Temple. Perhaps she was right. Her chest momentarily seized.

"Speaking of Anakin, he has taken a padawan."

"Yes, Maelle mentioned that. Ahsoka Tano, I believe. I was surprised. I had not expected Anakin to want a padawan or the Council to assign him one."

Obi-Wan grinned.

Adrina stared at him for a moment. "You tricked him into it, didn't you?"

Obi-Wan's eyes widened, but his innocent appearance didn't fool Adrina. "The best way to learn is to teach. The Council believes that having a padawan like Ahsoka will help Anakin resolve some of the conflict Anakin feels. You should meet her; it is a good match."

Adrina smiled in spite of herself. "You're devious, Obi-Wan Kenobi."

Obi-Wan chuckled. "Perhaps." He settled back in the seat. "I must admit, he is handling his separation from Senator Amidala better than I had anticipated."

"Being on the frontlines of the Outer Rim, I can't imagine he's been able to contact her. We have struggled to maintain communication with the Temple."

"Yes. But the battles keep him more than occupied."

"The men speak highly of him." She smiled. "Of both of you."

Obi-Wan brought his hand to his beard. "I can't imagine any of this is easy for you. The clones."

Adrina bit the inside of her cheek and shrugged. "It is war. They're never easy."

Obi-Wan tilted his head toward her in the same chastising manner she had seen directed at Anakin so many times.

"I know they are not my father, Obi-Wan," she sighed. "They are each distinct beings in the Force. And it doesn't take long to realize they are different even from each other."

"Yes, of course," Obi-Wan agreed. "But the eye does play tricks on the mind."

Adrina looked away. "You don't need to worry about me, Obi-Wan." It made her uncomfortable.

He chuckled. "Well, someone's got to. I know we may not know each other well, but it is obvious that you have always placed the needs of others ahead of your own."

Adrina frowned. "I take care of myself."

"No doubt," Obi-Wan agreed.

Adrina kept silent.

Shifting and looking away, Adrina asked, "How long until we reach Tatooine?"

"Not long now. Enough time for a nap, if you wanted one."

Adrina snorted. As if she could sleep…

"I'm worried about Ani," Adrina confessed softly. She glanced at Obi-Wan. "Rescuing Jabba's son…. It is a hard assignment. Emotionally."

"I know."

"I don't think you do, Obi-Wan," Adrina whispered. She looked at him. "It's alright. I wouldn't want you to. The Hutts….slavers…. the things they do….." Her throat constricted. Her nails dug into the palms of her hands. She exhaled slowly. "Perhaps one day I can tell you about it."

"I will be here." He smiled.

Adrina straightened, planting her hands on her thighs. "Enough of that. We should discuss the mission."

0

Obi-Wan, under the guise of straightening his clothes, carefully observed Adrina out of the corner of his eye. She stepped gingerly onto the shifting sand, her eyes locked on the looming palace. He kept silent. She moved her lightsaber from its harness in her boot to a much more visible location on her belt.

"There," Adrina said, so softly he nearly missed it. He turned to follow her gaze. "That's the path I took."

Understanding came a heartbeat later and horror quickly followed. Beyond a long expanse of sand lay jagged rock bluffs and he knew only miles of sand dunes lay beyond. Even from where he stood the undulating forms of mysterious creatures were visible, weaving through a field of corpses. He knew Adrina was hardy and resourceful, but at the tender age of eleven?

What had she endured that made traversing the dangerous barren wasteland stretching before him more appealing than remaining at the Palace? He locked eyes with Adrina. Her lips pressed into a thin line as if to say 'see?'

Puffing out a breath, Adrina straightened, emotion wiped from her face. "We need to go in. Jabba will have noticed our arrival. He will be insulted if we linger out here too long."

Obi-Wan opened his mouth to respond, but the metallic screeching of the Palace door grinding open interrupted him. A silver protocol droid flanked by three Weequay emerged from the darkness.

"We should not keep the wise and powerful Jabba waiting," the droid said. Adrina lifted her chin.

Obi-Wan bowed. "Of course."

Adrina took careful, deep breaths - fists clenched at her sides beneath her cloak - as the droid led them into the dark, dank passage.

Little had changed.

Adrina's skin crawled. She unconsciously moved closer to Obi-Wan.

She was not alone in Jabba's Palace. Not anymore. The knowledge made her hold her head higher, even as her legs were turning to a gelatinous mess. Her lungs seized with the dull thud of the door closing behind them. She vaguely registered Obi-Wan introducing themselves to the droid. Why did he sound so far away?

The ground swayed precariously under her feet as they were led into Jabba's throne room. The heady stench of smoke and body odor nearly gagged her. Adrina felt a pressure on the small of her back and jerked away, wide-eyed. "You're alright," Obi-Wan whispered.

Adrina took deep breaths and quickly righted herself. Her skin crawled. She tugged her cloak closer to block licentious eyes. "Sorry," she muttered.

"Quite alright," Obi-Wan assured."I nearly stumbled there myself."

Adrina smiled at him gratefully. Her smile dimmed to a polite shell when she looked up and found Jabba leering through hooded eyes. Her eyes darted around the room. Some tension eased from her shoulders; she saw no familiar faces. The world began to steady itself.

The droid led them to stand in the center of the room. Adrina eyed the dust covered grate beneath their feet. What monster dwelled there now, she wondered. Not the monsters that belonged to be there. She looked up. No, the real monsters in Jabba's Palace roamed the halls at will.

The droid bowed before Jabba. "Oh Mighty Jabba, may I present Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and Consular Adrina Skywalker," the droid gestured to them.

"Skywalker," Jabba boomed.

Adrina clenched her fists. Movement in the corner of the room caught her eye. Squinting slightly, she could just make out the battered form of a Chiss girl carrying a pitcher nearly half her size. Anger swelled.

What was wrong with the world - or perhaps wrong with the Jedi - that they could help Jabba the Hutt, but not the hundreds and thousands of slaves still existing in the galaxy?

A gentle nudge from Obi-Wan redirected her attention to the droid. "The almighty Jabba demands to know why the Jedi have brought the daughter of his enemy to his court."

Adrina glanced at Obi-Wan, took a deep breath and said in Hutteese, "Esteemed Jabba, I have not come to dredge up a past that is painful for us both. I have come in service of the Republic that I love, in hopes that we may come to a mutually beneficial agreement." She licked her lips and forced the words out of her throat, "I know the pain of losing a father. I am not here for you, Mighty Jabba, but for your son and for the troopers defending the Republic."

Obi-Wan stepped forward. "Mighty Jabba, the Jedi Council selected Consular Skywalker as a symbol of good will. She provides invaluable service to the Jedi and we are confident she will do the same now." Adrina translated Obi-Wan's words and the protocol droid confirmed her accuracy.

"Jedi do not hold grudges," Adrina added. She felt no guilt for her half-truth.

Jabba laughed. Obi-Wan and Adrina glanced at each other. "Pretty words, slave. I should have killed you years ago." Obi-Wan's eyes widened at the translation.

"Perhaps," Adrina agreed. "But you didn't. And now I am once again at your service."

Jabba's eyes traveled up and down her body. Adrina's nails dug into her palms.

"Mighty Jabba, I assure you, we have one of our most powerful Jedi searching for the degenerates who took your son," Obi-Wan spoke with confidence. "We will return your son to you."

Jabba's eyes narrowed. "There is one more condition. Return the sniveling piece of slime that kidnapped my little punkie muffin." He paused to allow his droid to translate. "Dead or alive!" Adrina had no doubt that if they returned the kidnapper alive, the poor soul would not remain so for long. "And if you do not succeed, Count Dooku and his droid army will."

"Rest assured, we will recover your son," Obi-Wan said.

"Bring me my son," Jabba boomed, "Then we will discuss a treaty."

Irritation flashed through Adrina. Her presence, then, served no purpose. "Yes, Mighty Jabba," Obi-Wan said cheerfully, bowing. Adrina reluctantly mirrored his action. He looked at Adrina. "We will join the team recovering your son and look forward to discussing the treaty with you upon our return."

Jabba's protocol droid stepped down from the dais. Obi-Wan and Adrina silently followed the creaking droid back down dark hallways until they came to the entrance.

"Little Bird?"

Adrina froze, blood turned to ice. Her vision swam and heart raced. Obi-Wan halted. She turned slowly to face the gravelly-voiced nightmare.

"Pretty little thing." Adrina jerked her head in an attempt to banish the memories.

"I heard a rumor that little Adrina Fett was all grown up and come home," the Wequay inspected his nails, "But I didn't believe them." He looked up at her then, eyes combing her body appreciatively. "And grown up you certainly are. My, my. A treat for the eyes."

"Zar," Adrina whispered, suddenly six years old again. Her legs threatened to give way completely.

"Pretty little thing." The words continued to echo.

Obi-Wan stepped between them. "I don't believe we have been introduced." A hard edge laced his polite tone. "I am Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi."

Zar eyed Obi-Wan. A slow smile grew on his face. "Zar Levoe. Bounty hunter." He turned his attention to Adrina. "Champion of the unloved and lonely."

"You're a monster." Adrina's eyes widened at her own words. She clamped a hand over her mouth and stared at the ground.

"I'm afraid we must be going," Obi-Wan said. He pivoted and led Adrina into the harsh Tatooine daylight.

"Come back soon, Little Bird," Zar called after her. His chuckle echoed in her ears.

She tipped her head back, eyes closed, and breathed deeply. Obi-Wan stepped up beside her as the loading ramp lowered. "Let's go," Adrina whispered before he could speak, avoiding his eyes. "Anakin needs you."

Adrina dashed onto the ship and ran straight to the refresher, palming the lock behind her. She sunk to the floor and drew her knees to her chest and head to knees, arms covering her neck. Somewhere along the way, goo replaced her stomach and she didn't know what was happening in her lungs because despite gasping for air, none seemed to reach her organs. And when had the lights gotten so bright and loud?

A knock sounded. Adrina yelped and pressed further into the corner.

"Adrina?"

She tightened her hold on her head and squeezed her eyes shut.

"Adrina?"

She cursed Obi-Wan's kindness. "I'll be out in a minute."

"Adrina, please. Open the door. Let me help."

"I don't need help," Adrina mumbled. "'M fine."

But the door opened anyway. Adrina shifted, turning her back to the door and further shielding her face.

"Adrina," Obi-Wan said, barely audible. "I am here to help."

"'M fine," Adrina repeated, not lifting her head.

Obi-Wan settled on the floor next to her, shoulders touching as much as by choice as by necessity; the refresher was not designed to fit two people. He patiently waited for Adrina to gather her nerves and emotions

Adrina focused on deep, even breaths. After some time - several minutes, she guessed - she swiped the moisture from her cheeks and wearily lifted her head. The fog receded from her brain and her organs resumed their places. She sighed. Concern shone clear in Obi-Wan's eyes.

"I'm fine," Adrina stubbornly muttered. "No need to give me that worried look."

He raised an eyebrow. "That is why we are huddled on the refresher floor. An honest mistake."

Adrina scowled.

"As your friend, am I not allowed to express concern?"

Adrina pursed her lips. She gestured to her body. "Do I look injured to you?"

"You and I both know that not all wounds are physical," Obi-Wan said softly. "Nor do they vanish with a practiced smile."

Adrina crossed her arms. "I'm fine," Adrina repeated. She shook her head and hauled herself to her feet. Obi-Wan followed her out of the fresher. "We need to get going. Anakin will need back-up."

Obi-Wan's eyebrows rose. "We jumped to hyperspace ten minutes ago."

Adrina winced. "Oh. Well, good." She brushed past Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan caught her gently by the arm. "Adrina-"

"I'm fine," Adrina drew out the words.

"I can sense your distress."

Adrina huffed. "Your concern is supremely annoying. I hope you know that." Obi-Wan grinned and released her. She sighed. Leaning heavily against the cool wall, Adrina wrapped her arms around her stomach and studied Obi-Wan's boots. "Fine." She sighed, eyeing Obi-Wan before reluctantly speaking. "Zar was - and it appears still is - a fixture at Jabba's. He was a favorite bounty hunter. Jabba likes to keep his favorite patrons happy. Zar has-" she swallowed the bile, "peculiar… tastes… He...They're not what they ought to be… And…sometimes… many times I was…He would…touch..." Adrina squeezed her eyes shut, holding herself as firmly as she could. She couldn't finish.

Obi-Wan closed his eyes. "I believe I understand," Obi-Wan said softly. "And I am so very sorry."

She searched his face for signs of disgust or repulsion, letting out a breath, shoulders drooping, when she found only acceptance and understanding.

Adrina let out a strangled laugh. "When I didn't see him with Jabba, I thought for sure he had finally died, but…" She looked up. "Why is it that the good people die and the bad live? Why is he still alive, but Mom isn't?"

"I wish I knew," Obi-Wan murmured. "I asked myself the same thing on Naboo."

"I know what Master Yoda says. And I know….. I know he is right. I know I should take comfort that they are one with the Force. And I do, I truly do, but…." Adrina sighed.

Obi-Wan nodded. There were a great many things Adrina knew Obi-Wan could not understand about her past, but pain and loss - those she knew he understood.

"There has been so much death," Adrina whispered. "And no end in sight."

"Having unfettered access to Jabba's space lanes will hopefully bring an end to the war more quickly," Obi-Wan reminded.

"Yes," Adrina agreed slowly. "But don't you have the sense that we are being played?"

"Hm," Obi-Wan stroked his beard. "Yes, I have wondered the same thing before. The Dark Side clouds everything."

"I wouldn't be surprised if Count Dooku orchestrated the kidnapping."

"I'm afraid you might be right," Obi-Wan agreed. "It would be logical. If this deal fails, not only will we have lost trade routes, but we will face Jabba's ire as well."

"The Republic would face two wars."

"Anakin will not let us down," Obi-Wan said confidently. He nodded towards the cockpit. "We should rest while we can."

"Obi-Wan…" Adrina bit her lip. "Thank you."

"For what, my friend?'

The corner of her mouth lifted. "For being my friend."