Chapter 3
Attachment is not a sin
Padmé Amidala, former Queen-elect and now Senator of Naboo, walked across one of the hallways of the Theed Royal Palace. Padmé sighed when she walked down these massive hallways, having missed this place after her second term as queen had ended and hadn't been inside these halls for more than a year cause of her work as Senator of Naboo in the Galactic Senate on Coruscant.
Padmé was so popular as Queen of Naboo, that a fraction even wanted to amend the constitution so she could remain in office longer. However, Padmé politely declined the offer of staying longer in office and stepped aside for her successor, Queen Réillata. But seeing that Padmé was such a gifted leader, speaker and a great politician, the new queen asked Padmé to represent their home-world in the Senate as Senator, which Padmé gladly accepted.
After her meeting with the queen, Padmé wanting to say hi to some of her former handmaidens as she was good friends with them.
Finally, after 15 minutes of searching, Padmé found Saché and Yané in a room watching the holonet-news "I hope I'm not disturbing you guys, or anything?" Padmé asked with a smile.
Saché and Yané both looked and smiled bright when they saw her "Padmé!" both said out loud and ran over to her to hug their friend, which Padmé returned. But then Saché and Yané quickly broke the hug and apologized before making a bow "Oh, we're so sorry… Senator." Saché said with embarrassment.
Padmé laughed "It's okay. You don't have to do that." and hugged them again.
"It's been over a year, Padmé." Yané said as how relieved she is to see their friend again.
Padmé nodded "I know. I've had a very busy schedule in the Senate."
"Because of the increasing Secession Movement?" Saché wandered.
Padmé gave a nod "Yes. Well, it's not just that but also… other politics."
"Speaking of which, me and Yané have been listening about it on the holonet-news."
Yané nodded "Yes. Count Dooku sure inspires lots of people in the Outer Rim."
That was when the holonet-news told, which got Padmé's attention:
"On Coruscant, the Supreme Court have finally spoken about the case of Viceroy Gunray of the Trade Federation. The Viceroy, who lead the illegal blockade and invasion on Naboo 6 years ago, has been acquitted a 3rd time of all charges, including for the crime of genocide against the people of Naboo.
Though the court's decision was met with public outcry from the victims of the Federation's brutal occupation, their lawyers are determined to bring the Viceroy of the Trade Federation to justice.
However, not long after Viceroy Gunray's trail, the Neimodian leader has made an official statement, declaring his and the Trade Federation's open support for Count Dooku and the Separatist Movement to show that the Trade Federation will not be intimidated by the Republic's 'political witch-hunt' and even talks openly about possible secession from the Galactic Republic."
Padmé sighed. Though she'd heard of the Supreme Court's decision while on her way to Naboo and too was angry that Gunray once again hasn't been prosecuted for his crimes, she hoped deep down that the truth would prevail. But what worried her most, is that the Trade Federation now even aligned themselves with Count Dooku and joined his cause. Though this would shake the everlasting peace within the Republic, she still believes that this increasing crisis could still be resolved peacefully through diplomacy.
"Can you believe this?!" Yané snapped "After everthing that monster did to our people, the court still won't put him behind bars for his crimes! THIS IS NOT RIGHT!" she yelled as tears formed in her eyes.
Both Saché and Padmé tried to comfort Yané, knowing how much the occupation had affected her and her family, as the Trade Federation had brutally killed two of her brothers during the occupation.
"Please, Yané, calm down." Saché said softly.
Padmé walked over to the holonet, wanting to turn it off "Let's not think about politics right now and just… try to enjoy our moment together."
But just as Padmé was about to turn off the holonet, she suddenly froze when the news spoke about someone she hadn't seen in a long time
In other news; Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan apprentice Anakin Skywalker, have successfully dismantled an illegal smugglers base on Balnab,"
The holonet showed images of a large group of smuggler being arrest by Republic Security Forces.
"Though the defenses of this base were overwhelming, these two Jedi Knights against all odds managed to make their way into this infamous operation and were able to apprehend most of its members before the Republic's Security Forces arrived. It seems that though an increasing worry splits the galaxy, the Republic can still count on the Jedi as protectors of the people."
Finally, the holonet showed images of Qui-Gon Jinn and a now 15-year old Anakin Skywalker.
Upon seeing Anakin's face on the holonet, Padmé was surprised to see how much he's changed ever since they last saw each other 6 years ago when he left to start his Jedi training 'Is that… Anakin? Oh my…! He has grown so… handsome… and…' Padmé mentally said, which confused her.
Though she hadn't thought about Anakin a lot, she was deep down happy how he'd turned out. As she kept staring at his face on the image, she began to form a small smile 'Ani… I truly hope we will see each other again one day… and be close together.' That last thought shockingly made her gasp while she blushed and quickly turned off the holonet.
Yané and Saché had seen Padmé sudden blush and wandered "You okay, Padmé?" Saché asked.
Padmé collected herself and turned back to her friends "Oh, uhmm… yeah. Of course." She then suggested as they left the room "C'mon, let's go and spend the rest of the day together. We have some catchup to do."
Yané and Saché exchanged a raised eyebrow, but then smiled and followed their friend to what she had planned for the day.
-:-
Several hours later, on Coruscant
Qui-Gon and Anakin's ship landed into one of the hangers of the Jedi Temple.
Anakin, wearing a brown Jedi robe with black leather, stepped out of the ship first. He looked at how messy his Jedi robes were with mud and dirt after he and his master had apprehended the smuggler leaders on Balnab before glancing to his master, who said while folding his arms and formed an amusing smile "You know, if you hadn't raised the alarms on that base, perhaps your robes wouldn't be that messy, Padawan."
"I guess," Anakin shrugged "But if I hadn't stopped that transport from leaving, those smugglers would have gotten away before we could arrest them, right master?"
Qui-Gon gave a small chuckle "That's true," he then suggested as they left the hanger "Now that our mission is done, what plans do you have to fill in the rest of the day?"
Qui-Gon would sometimes allow him to make some of his own decisions to spend the rest of the day after a mission or when there are no training sessions. Anakin was glad that Qui-Gon isn't that stern as the other Masters are to their Padawans and gave him more freedom to fill in his own schedule to see what best suited for either his training or sometimes relaxation.
Anakin formed a small smile as he answered "Well… since Caleb and Newt are off to a mission with their masters and Leo is kinda busy with his own training under Master Obi-Wan, doing some Floatball-practice would be a bit lonely and it wouldn't be fair to spare with the youngling-players, I'm thinking to swim some labs at the swimming pool of the Temple, fix that droid I'm working and then just do some meditation."
Qui-Gon nodded as it suited best for Anakin to fill in the rest of the day as their mission on Balnab was already like a big training for Anakin "Yes, that seems like a good plan," he then suggested "And perhaps you should change your robes as your outfit clearly needs to be washed?"
Anakin chuckled as he looked at his dirty robes "Yeah, you're right, master."
Before they parted ways, Qui-Gon said "Well, if you need me, I'll be at the Jedi Archives for the meantime."
As Qui-Gon had been spending lately lots of time in the Jedi Archives, Anakin asked his master "Master, if I may ask; what exactly are you looking for at the Archives? I know you've been spending their lots of times since a couple of years. What exactly are you looking for?"
Knowing that he owned some explanation to his Padawan, Qui-Gon formed a smile as he stated "The truth is, my Padawan, I'm trying to find a way to master the skill to retain consciousness after death."
This surprised Anakin greatly "You mean… becoming one with the Force?"
"Yes," Qui-Gon answered.
"Can you teach me that as well?!" Anakin asked with a bit of enthusiastic.
That made Qui-Gon laugh a bit before he explained "Honestly, Anakin, I haven't even mastered the skill myself," he then placed his hand on his shoulder, ensuring his student "When the time comes and I have mastered it myself, I will teach you,"
Anakin nodded, trusting his master to teach him that technique one day.
Qui-Gon then asked his apprentice "But, promise me that for now, we keep this between us."
Anakin gave another nod "Sure, master. I promise."
Qui-Gon smiled and both gave a small bow before Qui-Gon left for the Archives and Anakin went over to his own quarters to change himself.
A few minutes later, Anakin left his quarters, wearing normal Jedi robes and held his dirty ones in his hands and brought it over to the dry cleaning section.
Anakin sighed as he preferred his brown/black robes more than the regular robes of the Order. Though him wearing different robes than the other Jedi wasn't encouraged by the masters, Qui-Gon didn't mind.
While on his way to the Temple's swimming pool, Anakin glanced into a training room where Jedi Knight Ky Narec was training his 20-year old Padawan Asajj Ventress in saber combat.
Asajj gave a big sigh when deactivating her green lightsaber as Ky Narec placed his hand on her shoulder "Well done, my Padawan. If you keep this up, I'm sure you'll be ready for the Trials in no time."
Asajj smiled at her teacher "Thank you, master."
Anakin continued his way to the pool.
After Anakin has changed into wearing swim trunks, he entered the pool section. He saw a few Jedi swimming laps in the pool, and at the shallow part of the pool there was a female Chiss Jedi Instructor who was giving swimming lessons to a group of five and 6-year old younglings.
When Anakin looked to his left, he saw Dia Zebb, wearing a white swimsuit, exiting the pool. Anakin sighed while forming a smile as he saw his now 18-year old close friend. He did admit that she'd truly turned into a beautiful young woman, but tried to keep his mind at bay as it wasn't the Jedi way to have these thoughts. But as he was now basically a teenager and in the middle of puberty, Anakin sometimes just couldn't control his hormones as he gazed at her amazing body.
Anakin was however thankful to have Qui-Gon as his master and told him that having these thoughts or imaginations isn't sinful and are only natural for a teenager.
So, trying to control himself after giving a sigh, he confidently walked over to Dia.
While the icy-blue colored Twi'Lek was drying herself with her towel, she noticed Anakin was walking over to her and formed a small smile "Oh, hi Anakin. Deciding to go for a swim too, huh?"
Anakin nodded "Yeah. And you?"
Dia gave a shrug "I already had done some. I just want to relax a bit before doing some more laps," Anakin gave a nod in understanding before Dia asked curiously "So, how was the mission at Balnab? I heard on the Holonet that you and Master Qui-Gon had caught quite some attention."
Anakin shrugged while scratching the back of his head "Yeah, that was partly my fault." He then chuckled.
Dia sighed while giving an disappointed look while shocking her head.
Anakin raised an eyebrow as Dia gave him that look "What?"
Dia then told him "Anakin, you can't keep doing that kind of stuff. If you're not careful you could possibly get hurt," she began to look serious at him, but then her face turned a bit saddened "Or worse…"
Anakin again gave a shrug "Hey, me and master Qui-Gon got the job done and those smugglers are captured."
"I know, Ani, but…" she stood a bit closer to him "Promise me you'll be more careful next time."
Anakin formed a small smile, taking a step closer to her as he ensured her "I promise,"
That Anakin stood this close to her, made Dia to blush.
Anakin the softly stroke her arm and sighed softly while saying "You're a very sweet women, you know that…?"
Dia blushed even deeper when he said that and took a step back "Uhm… Ani…?"
Anakin raised an eyebrow at her, noticing she was blushing "What? Is something wrong?"
Dia shook her head "Uhh… no. Nothing's wrong."
"You sure?"
Dia nodded "Yes."
For some reason, Anakin could sense she wasn't really honest. He could even sense that her minds were on… him.
Dia excused herself, telling a little lie "Oh, I…! I forgot I need to do… something! See you later, Ani!"
Dia walked away, heading to the girls changing rooms, leaving Anakin in a confused state "What was that about?" He wandered before jumping into the pool, taking several laps. But as he swam, he tried to think why Dia was reacting when he was standing close to her 'Is she… into me?' Anakin asked himself in his mind. But thinking that Dia was probably really into him made him form a smile.
Inside the changing room, Dia sighed deeply with her back to the wall, being shocked by the way she reacted to Anakin and even blushed "What is wrong with me? I never reacted that way towards Anakin! I…" but as she thought about it, having… noticed how her best friend had physically changed and had always been very supportive. Not to mention that she kinda… liked the sweet touch of him on her arm.
For one moment, she imagined Anakin holding her in his arms with his strong muscles. Their faces move closer and-
Dia quickly shook her head, trying to bring these wrongful thoughts out of her mind "No! It's not the Jedi way! It's wrong and… and…" but though she felt that having feelings for someone was against the Jedi-Code… then why was she somehow feeling that… it didn't felt wrong.
She looked up the ceiling as a small smile formed at her face.
Maybe… having these secret feelings for Anakin wasn't wrong, she thought.
But as she sat down, basically fell on the chair, some robotic squeaking was heard, startling Dia and stood up, checking what caused that noise.
To Dia's surprise, she found an old Mouse-Droid under the seat "What's this doing here?" She took it to examine it "Wait. Is that…?" She wandered before her eyes went wide as she noticed it was the modified Mouse-Droid with a small video cam in it that Anakin made!
She gasped as she thought why Anakin left this little droid with a cam inside the girl's changing room.
"Was Anakin…?" She gasped in both shock and anger "He… he was… peeking at girls in here?!"
Dia felt some burst of anger and disappointment "Ugh! That… pervert!"
Keeping the Mouse-Droid under her towel to prevent it would make any more videos, Dia quickly changed herself back into her Jedi robes and marched out of the changing rooms. Though trying to keep her anger at bay, she was determined to confront Anakin about this.
Later that day, inside his room, Anakin was constructing a new small surveillance-droid with a few modifications that it would be able to float in the air and with a communicator. He had been busy for several days to improve and/or repair a few droids for a homeless shelter in the lower levels of Coruscant.
Though Anakin at first, when he came to the Temple 6 years ago, wanted to make several droids for the Jedi Temple, the masters told that they were unnecessary as everyone in the Order takes care of the temple themselves. As Anakin was disappointed that they didn't needed his skills for making droids for the Jedi, Qui-Gon told his student that if he couldn't make his droids for the temple, he was sure that other people could use it.
And so, inspired by Qui-Gon's advice, Anakin instead decided to use his skills to at least help the poor and needy on Coruscant, which met with great results and some people started to see that the Jedi perhaps didn't hadn't turned their heads away from the real problems that the poor in the Republic's capital were facing.
But even so, with Anakin being glad to at least help the people of Coruscant a bit, he was frustrated that the Jedi would turn a blind eye on the Republic's inner problems, as he could remember well from his master that the Jedi are suppose to be defenders of the Republic and serve the people, not only just the Senate. But luckily Qui-Gon was there to calm his student and encouraged him that 1 day, Anakin's example will sure inspire future Jedi generations to do the same.
Anakin was happy to hear that and continued with his good community service to the poor people of the planet.
Just as Anakin managed to fix the first hovering ring around the droid, there was a knock on the door.
Anakin could sense it was Dia, which made him smile and said "Come in."
Dia opened the door and stepped inside while Anakin placed his tools aside "Hey, Dia. What brings you here?" but upon seeing Dia's serious face, he raised an eyebrow and guessed it was probably of what happened at the pool.
Dia sighed, trying to be calm and asked him "Anakin. You know that I'm your best friend, right?"
Anakin formed a little smile "Of course I am. What makes you say that?"
Dia walked into the room further, glancing at the droid that Anakin was working on "It's… it's just the way you have been lately, and… I kinda feel you've… changed." She sighed before glancing back at him "What I'm trying to say is… is that though you're growing and it's only natural… sometimes, those things you're doing can actually…" she looked away, as she felt both disappointed and sad at her best friend.
Anakin ensured her "Dia… I'm still your best friend. And nothing is going to change that, even how old we're becoming," he then scratched his head as he asked "If this is about the way I was trying to flirt with you back at the pool, then-"
Dia's eyes went wide and began to blush "Wait. You were… flirting with me?"
Anakin awkwardly nodded "Yes… I was," but then ensured her "Look, if it made you uncomfortable and all, I won't try to-"
Dia buried her face in her hands "Oh, by the Force! Anakin!" she felt really embarrassed and a bit angry too.
Anakin gave a sigh as he said "I know it might be against the Jedi-Code. But… it's only natural." He finished with a shrug.
"Natural? Natural?!" she nearly shouted before forming a bit of angry face, though she tried to be calm "Is it also natural to you to be a Peeping Tom and peek at other girls?!"
"A peeping tom?" Anakin asked confused "What are you talking about? I never-"
Dia then took out from her belt "I found this in the girl's locker room, Anakin! It's your little Mouse-Droid with a video camera inside!"
Anakin was completely surprised "What?"
She puts the Mouse-Droid on his desk and asked him while trying to be calm again "Anakin, look. I want you to be honest with me, okay? Now, did you make secret videos of girls in the changing rooms?"
Anakin shook his head "No! No, I did not! I would never do something like that."
"Then why was your Mouse-Droid hidden in the girl's changing room? You're the only one in the whole Jedi Order that I know who's making these droids, Ani!"
"I did not!" Anakin repeated himself, telling he was innocent "I never made videos of naked girls and I'm most certainly not a Peeping Tom!"
Dia sighed before she asked "Okay, If it wasn't you, then who else would?"
Anakin shrugged "I don't know. I swear, the last time I ever made a Mouse-Droid like this one was when I made 1 for a little kid," then Anakin remembered "But… I actually made 2 at that time, but the other one was lost and I never managed to find it again, and I don't know who else took it or where it has gone," he held both her shoulders and ensured her "Dia, I'm not that kind of guy. You have to believe me. I…"
As Anakin was holding her shoulders again, Dia felt that same sensation from before and glanced into his eyes. She began to blush. Anakin stared into her eyes, never realizing how beautiful they truly were.
No words or any kind of thoughts went through their mind. They just looked at each other in a way they both never did…
Anakin slowly moved his head closer to hers and moved his right hand to her cheek, softly stroking it… both closed their eyes… and… their lips made contact…
Out of her own movement, she placed her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to her as their kiss resumed and he puts his arms around her back.
But after 10 seconds, Dia's eyes went wide open when she realized what she and Anakin were doing, making her break the kiss and stepped backwards quick to the wall. She panted as she was shocked.
Anakin never wanted her to be upset and tried to apologize "I… I'm sorry, Dia, I didn't know what-"
Dia wanted to get out of the room quick "I… I gotta go!" she opened the door and walked quickly through the hallway with her hands on her head.
Anakin watched her walking away. He wanted to go after her but didn't wanted to make her more upset then she already is. When he closed the door, he cursed himself as he sat back at desk "Ugh! I'm such an idiot!" he groaned with annoyance as he shook his head "Nicely going, Anakin Skywalker. Really smooth."
As Dia had returned to her room, she immediately locked the room and panted in shock and sat down somewhere "By the Force…! What have I done? I can't believe I kissed Anakin!" she heavily shook her head cause of her increasing feelings for Anakin "No! No no no! This is wrong! This is wrong! The Code forbids it to form attachments!" she nearly began to cry, thinking she'd just ruined her friendship with Anakin by allowing her hormones to take over and go against the sacred Code "What have I done? What have I done?"
After she kept begin emotional for about an hour, there was a knock on her door.
Dia shook her head and told to whoever was behind her door "Please, leave me be."
"Dia? It's me, Newt." the female human Jedi said from behind the door, revealing to be 1 of Dia and Anakin's other friends, Annemir Newib, but everyone nicknamed her Newt.
Dia sighed and stood up while saying "Okay. Come in."
Newt opened the door and walked inside. The 16-year old Padawan asked her "Dia, are you alright? I heard you left Anakin's room being all emotional and I could sense you were feeling troubled."
Dia rubbed her forehead "I'm sorry, Newt. Me and Anakin had…" she couldn't reveal that she and Anakin had kissed and just said "We… had an argument."
Newt seemed to be understandable and asked "Oh, I see. What was the argument about?"
Dia sat down while saying "I… I cannot tell."
Newt sat next to her "Why? You don't need to keep things from me. I'm your friend, Dia."
"I know, Newt. It's just… I have a lot on my mind, okay…"
Just before Newt wanted to say that she could sense there was more than the eye could see, there was another knock on the door.
This time, Dia sensed that it was her master, Benjako Dalkai behind the door. She and Newt stood up while Dia said "Come in."
Master Dalkai opened the door and walked inside "I thought I would find you here. The Council has a mission for us, my Padawan," but seeing Dia and Newt together, he wandered "Did I… interrupt something?"
Dia and Newt gave each other a short glance before Dia shook her head to her master "No, not all, master."
Newt nodded "Yeah, I was just about to leave. Good day, master Dalkai," she gave Dia's master a small bow before leaving.
Dia nodded to her master and followed him to the Jedi Temple communications center.
When they arrived, Dia saw that Anakin and his master, Qui-Gon Jinn were there too.
Upon seeing Anakin, both eyes met. Anakin looked in surprise before Dia looked away in shame. Anakin sighed sadly before he too looked away.
Not long after, the two Jedi Masters and their Padawans were met with three of the Council members; Mace Windu, Shaak Ti and Yoda.
"An important mission, for you we have. To planet Onderon, go, you must," Master Yoda stated.
Mace Windu gave a nod and showed on the holographic starmap the planet Onderon, located in the Inner Rim Territories "We recently have received numerous reports of a possible plan for a coup by separatist-fanatics lead by an unknown person,"
Benjako then asked "So, I take that you want us to protect the royal family?"
Shaak Ti nodded "That's right," she then told Qui-Gon "We know that you and your Padawan have only recently returned from your previous mission, but seeing the seriousness of the situation, we agreed it would be best that Master Dalkai and Padawan Dia would be joining you both."
That was when Anakin asked the council members "Masters, if I may, shouldn't it be better that we also launch an investigation into who is leading this group of separatist-fanatics? If we only focus on protecting the king when they try to take over the planet and possibly fail, there is no guarantee that these fanatics won't try to overthrow the government again."
Mace Windu narrowed his eyes at Anakin for speaking out against the council's plans.
But Qui-Gon stepped forward, agreeing with his Padawan "My Padawan is right. We should also investigate into this separatist group."
Yoda scratched his chin, before he said wisely "True your words are, Master Qui-Gon and young Skywalker. But, having barely any leads on this group, we have, your top priority to protect the king and his family, it is."
Shaak Ti nodded, seeing that it was for the best.
That was when Benjako thought of something "Well… maybe while we protect the king and his family from a possible coup, possibly the leader of this group of fanatics would reveal themselves to us?"
Yoda nodded "I agree. Remain close to king Ramsis Dendup, and find the leader of the fanatics, you will."
Seeing that this was the best option, Anakin, Qui-Gon and Benjako agreed. However, Dia had remained quiet during the meeting, which Benjako noticed about his Padawan.
-:-
Several hours later, while flying through hyperspace
Inside the ship that Anakin, Qui-Gon, Benjako and Dia used to travel towards Onderon, Anakin and Qui-Gon were in the cockpit with Anakin doing most of the flying as he was the most skilled pilot.
In a storage area nearby the cockpit, Dia sat on a chair while thinking of Anakin and the kiss they shared, feeling confused. Benjako then walked up to her and asked his apprentice "Dia, is everything alright?"
Knowing that her master would suspect something has happened, Dia tried to answer the same thing as she told Newt "It's just… me and Anakin had an argument about something and…"
Benjako, forming an understanding smile sat next to his Padawan and told her "Dia, whatever this argument was between you and Anakin, I am sure you have the right to be angry about it. But believe me when I say you don't want to feed that emotion. If you just talk to him about it, I'm sure you both can come to a solution."
Dia nodded "I know I should, master… it's just…"
Deciding to leave her be for now, he said before leaving "I know it is difficult at some point when you're growing up and try hard to not form any attachments. But frankly, my Padawan… attachments are not a sin at all."
Dia looked in surprise that her master said that when he left. She began to think what her master said. If the Jedi say that attachments will lead to the dark side, then how is it not a sin at all?
Like Qui-Gon Jinn, Dai's master too had his doubts about the Jedi Code and wouldn't be afraid to say his opinion or to follow the true will of the Force.
Thinking hard about all this, even imagining what normal people than the Jedi are going through every day of their lives, feeling that even though they are going through the same thing, their emotions don't always lead to the dark side. But… the Code taught her always otherwise.
Dia decided to meditate in order to have a clear mind and see whether her master is right and the Jedi Code is wrong.
After some time, their ship came out of hyperspace and arrived at the planet Onderon.
When Anakin had landed the ship, Dia appeared to join her master along with Qui-Gon and Anakin. Her mind seemed to be more at peace, having come to a conclusion during her meditation.
Anakin asked her while putting on his long robes "All ready to go?"
Dia formed a little smile and gave a nod while taking her own long robes "I am."
Seeing that she wasn't that mad at him anymore, made Anakin form a smile too. Although he still felt he should apologize to Dia at some point after having shared a kiss with her.
Inside the large living room of the palace, the old king Ramsis Dendup was having a talk with his senator, a female Onderion named Mina Bonteri and a representative, a male Onderian named Rom Gerr.
Rom expressed his worry of the increasing support for Count Dooku and the Separatist cause "My Liege, our population is getting divided more and more. If we allow this to continue, the people will demand of us to leave the Republic."
King Ramsis thought about this "Indeed. Count Dooku is a masterful speaker when it comes to gain support. But… I cannot allow the news to be censored. Ever since our planet joined the Republic centuries ago, we have allowed freedom of speech no matter who's opinion."
Mina then proposed "Perhaps it is wise to consider a compromise, to see what would be beneficial to both sides?"
"Perhaps…" king Ramsis said.
Representative Rom Gerr however was against this idea "Negotiate?! With separatists?! They are traitors to the Republic!"
Mina frowned at the representative and stated "You better watch what you're saying about our people, Rom. Either to the separatist supporters or pro-republic, we still respect the people's opinions. Surely you should know that."
Then, a small holographic image was shown, revealing 1 of the king's guards, telling the king "My apology for the interruption, your majesty. The Jedi have arrived."
King Ramsis nodded "Thank you, captain. Send them in."
The big doors opened, revealing Anakin, Qui-Gon, Dia and Benjako.
The old king slowly stood up, followed by the female senator and Rom Gerr.
The four Jedi gave a bow to the king as he greeted them "Ah, Master Dalkai and Master Jinn. Thank you for coming on this short notice."
Mina nodded while saying "The situation is dire with these rumors of a possible coup and we don't know who we can trust these days."
Qui-Gon ensured the king and senator "That's why we're here to provide you protection whenever that may come."
Rom was now frustrated by this and spoke out angrily "My liege! You only asked the Jedi to come over here to protect us while our enemies are planning a takeover?! We're wasting valuable time with this! We need the Jedi to investigate these fanatics and bring them to justice!"
Mina had enough of the representative's outburst "That's enough, Rom!"
Anakin walked over to the representative and stated "Representative Gerr, I want to investigate and stop these fanatics just as much as you do, but we cannot thrown ourselves into something without any leads or proof. You won't be able to find these fanatics by patrolling the streets."
Benjako agreed with Anakin and proposed "Indeed, by just patrolling the streets we won't be able to find them. But perhaps while me and Master Qui-Gon provide protection, our Padawans could conduct a little investigation?"
Dia looked surprised at her master and asked "But, master… the council stated that we're only here to provide protection to the king."
Benjako gave a simple shrug while he smiled "Why else do you think we're assigned here to the king if not to find the conspirators, my Padawan? Though we should do exactly as the council instruct us, investigation is implied in our mandate which goes beyond what the council says."
Qui-Gon and Anakin both exchanged a short glance, clearly agreeing with what Benjako says.
King Ramsis smiled with hope and gave an approval nod "It is good to see that some Jedi do know what it takes to do what is necessary."
Senator Mina Bonteri was unsure about this while Rom Gerr smiled with hope "Than it is settled!"
Dia thought about what her master said and formed a little smile and told her master "I suppose you're right, master. Forgive me my doubts."
"It's alright, my apprentice," Benjako ensured before he asked the representative "I assume you have some leads that my Padawan and Anakin could start with?"
Rom Gerr nodded "Oh, yes indeed! I have all the reports in my office."
"Then we better start now," Anakin suggested.
While Rom Gerr would escorted the two Padawans to his office on the other side of the palace, Qui-Gon and Benjako remained behind with the king and the female senator.
But before they left, Qui-Gon told his Padawan Anakin "If anything comes up, contact us."
Anakin nodded "Yes master."
10 minutes later, inside Rom Gerr's office, the representative took out some files from his desk and showed them to Anakin and Dia to be read.
While Anakin and Dia tried to solve these confusing tactics of the fanatics, Rom Gerr left his office for a moment "I'll be right back. I had received another report this morning but I left it in Senator Mina Bonteri's office."
Anakin simply nodded while the representative left and closed the door.
With Anakin and his Twi'Lek friend being alone with all the files, Dia examined two different cases from a few weeks back "Hmmm… it's almost like a pattern,"
Anakin nodded as he examined three different cases "Indeed. It's almost like they provoke these things, like they're testing the Onderon's government's defenses with probing attacks."
Dia got a little idea and placed the two files she checked on the desk, putting more files together with it "If we put these together,"
Anakin nodded and did the same thing "And these maybe here,"
"Perhaps we'll be able to-"
But as Anakin and Dia both wanted to take the same file, their hands touched…
Both glanced to each other, staring into each other's eyes…
But thinking back of the kiss they shared, Anakin looked away while removing his hand from her and said "Dia, I… I want to say that I'm sorry that I… kissed back in my quarters…"
Dia shook her head "No, Anakin. You don't need to apologize," she formed a little smile "Honestly… I did enjoyed that kiss."
Anakin glanced back at her with a surprised raised eyebrow "You… you did?"
Dia nodded and stated "Yeah. Honestly, Ani… while we were on our way to Oderon and what my master said that… attachments are not sinful at all, I began to meditate and think about all this… and us…. Sure, attachments are forbidden and possession is forbidden according to the Jedi Code, but… the Jedi are also taught to show compassion and is central to a Jedi's life."
Anakin nodded as he added "Yes. Compassion is what is actually defined as unconditional love," he chuckled as he never thought that Dia would begin to see things the way he sees about love.
Dia smiled while looking away before glancing back at him "Yeah… if we're taught that attachment is forbidden, then…"
"…why would we be encouraged to love?" Anakin finished her sentence.
"Yes!" Dia said with a big smile.
But then, Dia became a bit sad and looked away in shame.
Anakin placed his hand on her cheek, slowly turning her head to look at him, ensuring it was alright.
Dia sighed as she said to him "Ani… I'm sorry for the things I accused you of. I was just… so frustrated about when you were flirting with me back at the pool, then that Mouse-Droid that I found…"
"It's alright, Dia. We all make mistakes," he said while softly rubbing her cheek.
Slowly, Dia formed a sweet smile as he glanced into his eyes "You really do like me, don't you?"
Anakin gave a nod "Yes… I do…"
Dia moved her face closer to his as she softly said "Then… proof it to me… with a kiss…"
Anakin slowly moved his face closer to hers. Both closed their eyes and pressed their lips onto another.
For over a minute, both shared several soft tender kisses. Both felt amazing in their spirits, as if all the walls that prevented them from going any further cause of the Jedi Code had broken down and felt a big lift was removed from their shoulders, as if they'd embraced the first touches of true freedom through the Force, neither light or dark, but love.
When they stopped and looked into each other's eyes for a few seconds, both resumed their kiss, with Dia, feeling more confident, moved her tongue inside Anakin's mouth, touching his, which Anakin gladly received and both tongues danced like a heated tango in their mouths as Dia puts her arms around Anakin's neck and he his hands on her back and butt cheek.
"Mmmm mmmm, oh, Ani…" Dia began to moan while they kept French kissing.
"Mmmm mmmm…"
After a minute, both slowly broke the kiss while leaving a trail of saliva and looked into each other's eyes.
"That was…" Dia tried to say.
"Indescribable…"
Dia gave a nod "Yeah…"
Feeling Anakin's touch on her butt, Dia bite her lip.
But just as Anakin wanted to resume their kissing, Dia stopped him by telling "Though I'd love to continue this amazing moment together, Ani, we uhm… still have a mystery to solve." She reminded him.
Anakin, though a bit disappointed, gave a nod in agreement and both slowly broke their lovely embrace "Yeah… you're right," both went back to the files on the desk "Let's search for these… fanatics."
Dia nodded and resumed with finding clues with Anakin. Both exchanged a short glance, with both chuckling as they blushed before looking back at the files.
After a minute, Anakin wandered why representative Rom Gerr kept so long "Hmmm. It's been a while since Rom Gerr had left. Maybe I should check on him?"
Dia nodded "Okay. I'll stay behind with these files," but as Anakin was about to leave, Dia called him back and asked "Ani?"
"Yes?" he asked.
"Contact me if necessary."
He nodded "I will." And went out of the office to search for Rom Gerr.
As Anakin walked through the massive hallways of the palace, he somehow finds it odd that there were barely any royal guards.
Anakin felt a disturbance in the Force as he reached Mina Bonteri's office. When he entered, he finds the office empty "Representative Gerr? Hello?" Anakin looked around, but finds the office suspiciously empty, like Rom hadn't entered the office at all.
This was getting very suspicious to Anakin. When he checked the desk, he finds a holographic schematic of the lower levels of the palace. Anakin wandered why the representative was going down there.
Anakin took out his communicator and contacted Dia "Hey, Dia. I'm in Senator Bonteri's office, but Rom Gerr isn't here."
"Not in there? How come?" Dia wandered.
"I'm not sure. But what's more strange is… all the guards at this section have all left as well."
Dia too became suspicious "That's very strange,"
"Indeed. I just found a schematic of the catacombs of the palace in lower levels. I'm gonna check it out to see why Rom Gerr went down there," Anakin stated.
"Okay. Be careful, Ani."
"I will," Anakin ensured before breaking contact.
-:-
Back in the king's quarters, the Oderian king had a long conversation with Qui-Gon and Benjako about the increasing separatist-movement.
King Ramsis sighed "I know that the Senate is worried that Onderon also has the possible desire to leave the Republic. But I can ensure you that our planet will not,"
Qui-Gon and Benjako both formed a smile, seeing that king Ramsis has no desire to join Count Dooku's cause. However, Qui-Gon could still sense some worries at the king and wandered "But you seemed to not join the Republic's cause either, do you?"
Ramsis sat down at his chair before he shook his head "No. Somehow I fear that this secession crisis would escalate and I want to spare my people from the horrors of war."
Senator Mina ensured the king "Don't think like that, your majesty. I am sure that this crisis with the Outer-Rim systems can be resolved through diplomacy. And besides, there hasn't been war in the galaxy for over a thousand years."
That was when they all heard some shouting from outside the palace, like thousands of people were protesting.
"What is that?" Ramsis wandered and walked up to the big window.
Mina, Qui-Gon and Benjako also looked. To their surprise, thousands of citizens were protesting, calling that Onderon should secede from the Republic and shouted 'Freedom' or 'Away with Ramsis'.
Benjako and Qui-Gon were feeling a disturbance. But suddenly, both spotted several citizens aiming rocket launchers at the palace!
The rockets were launched, heading towards the palace, with 3 of them heading towards the King's quarters!
Ramsis and Mina's eyes went wide.
Qui-Gon and Benjako quickly used the Force to shield them from the blasts, which was successful as the rockets exploded before the window, shattering it as all were pushed back hard by the shockwave of the explosion!
The crowd of anti-Republic protesters cheered before all stormed the palace!
The royal guards did their best to keep the crowd at bay.
The explosion was heard and felt throughout the palace, causing it to shake!
Dia felt the shock too and became worried for Anakin. But just as she was about to contact him, she saw something at the files she placed like a puzzle, seeing by putting all the lines and symbols together… that the separatist-fanatics would use an angry mob as a distraction to… assassinate the king by the destroying the palace with explosives down below!
"By the Force…!" Dia looked in shock and ran out of the office, heading to the hangar to where Anakin would go and tried to contact him "Anakin! Anakin, do you read me?!"
"I'm here, Dia. Are you alright-"
"Anakin, listen! These fanatics have placed powerful explosives down below the palace! They plan to kill the king by destroying this place!"
"What!? Are you sure?!"
"Yes! I saw it when I placed the files of those separatist-fanatics attacks together!" she ran to a hallway where royal guards were called to keep the angry mob from entering the palace "Where are you now?!"
Anakin stated "I'm inside elevator 23-A, but it has stopped cause of that explosion earlier. Won't be a problem to get out," Anakin said as he ignited his lightsaber to make a hole in the elevator in order to get out.
"Okay! I'm on my way!" Dia said before she tried to contact her master "Master?! Master Dalkai?!"
She managed to contact him and he answered "I'm here, Dia. We're alright," Benjako said as he, along with Qui-Gon, king Ramsis and Senator Mina were going to escort the Oderian king to the king's bunker underneath the palace.
But after Dia told that what the separatist-fanatics truly were planning and she and Anakin would go down the catacombs of the palace to stop them, Qui-Gon and Benjako knew that staying in the palace wasn't an option. Mina had an idea that they should use her personal speeder in the hangar in order to get out of this place. Seeing it was the only option, Qui-Gon and Balkai agreed and escorted the king there.
-:-
Suddenly, when wanting to take an elevator to the hangar, a group of royal guards appeared, with the captain telling the king "Your majesty. We're here to get you to shelter,"
But Ramsis ensured them "Not to worry, captain. The Jedi and Senator Bonteri will escort me out."
The captain however insisted as he stepped forward "With all due respect, your majesty. We have a protocol to follow. Please, come, we'll take you to the bunker."
But Benjako and Qui-Gon could sense there was something odd about these guards. Benjako then told the guard's captain "Listen, my Padawan found evidence that those fanatics have placed explosives down the palace. If the king goes down the bunker, he will die."
But as the elevator doors opened and Qui-Gon, Benjako, Mina and king Ramsis were about to enter it, the royal guard captain and the other guards aimed their blasters at them "You're not going anywhere,"
Mina and the king looked in shock "What is the meaning of all this?!" Mina asked in shock.
"For Onderon!" one of the fake guards called before he wanted to fire
Qui-Gon and Benjako quickly ignited their green and blue lightsabers and Benjako deflected the blast, killing the guard! The other ones began to shoot as well, but Qui-Gon and Benjako deflected the blasts, protecting the king and Senator Mina!
While Qui-Gon killed the fake guard's captain and a few more, he called to the king and the senator "Go! Now!"
Mina and the king nodded as they stepped quickly into the elevator before Qui-Gon and Benjako used a combined Force-push, sending the others flying hard backwards and joined them and took the elevator down to the hangar.
But as the elevator reached the floor where the hangar was, a few more fake guards appeared, attempting to shoot at the king, but Benjako deflected the blasts while Mina quickly took out a small blaster from her pocket and shot at the guards, killing them!
Ramsis was shocked and confused what was happening "What is going on?! Why would my guards attack me?"
Mina took a look at one of the dead fake guards, taking off his helmet, revealing the face of a middle-aged old man, with a marking on his right cheek, which was the symbol of the anti-Republic terrorist group. Mina said in shock before she frowned "They're not the royal guards. These are separatist-fanatics."
Qui-Gon began to understand now "Those fanatics must've taken the real guards hostage somewhere and took their uniforms in order to kill king Ramsis." He told Benjako.
Benjako nodded "In that case, we need to be extra careful of who we can actually trust." He took out his communicator to contact his Padawan "Dia, do you read me?"
"I hear you, master," The Twi'Lek Padawan answered.
"Listen, we just found out that some of the royal guards are actually fanatics in disguise. There may be more where you and Anakin are." Benjako informed his apprentice.
"Understood, master. I just found Anakin and we're about to enter the catacomb-" but Dia interrupted herself as she said in shock "By the Force… there are enough explosives here to wipe out not only the palace but a large portion of the city as well."
Benjako however advised differently "Wait, Dia, if they'd planned that many bombs those fanatics could detonate them any moment! You and Anakin need to get out of there and meet us at the hangar."
That was when Anakin told in the communicator "Actually, master Dalkai, by the look of how these bombs are old-fashioned wired to another, they seem to be connected to some… timer of sorts. If me and Dia follow the wires, we can get to the time-clock and disable all the bombs at the same time."
Qui-Gon took Benjako's communicator and told his Padawan "Be careful, Anakin. It could be a trap."
"We'll do, master,"
While Qui-Gon, Benjako, king Ramsis and Mina went further through the hallways, but keeping an eye on any disguised fanatics, the senator wandered "Hang on. Has anyone seen Rom Gerr?"
Neither of the Jedi masters knew or king Ramsis.
-:-
In the old catacombs, Anakin and Dia walked through the ancient old hallways deep under the palace. It was cold and dirty, smelling like old sewers.
While following the long wires, bypassing another big bomb, Anakin theorized "If those fanatics had infiltrated the royal guards, it would explain why nobody knew about this."
Dia nodded, but then thought "Or… they could have had help from the inside?"
"From the inside?" Anakin asked before his eyes went wide "Wait… you mean that Rom Gerr could have been involved in this?"
Dia shook her head "I don't know, Ani," both went to their right, having to walk through some dirty water "But why would he show us all these files, allowing us to find the clues of what those fanatics were planning?"
"Not to mention that there is no security down here," Anakin added as so far they hadn't spotted any security. But then, Anakin stopped as they came by another bomb "Wait a minute…" he checked the bomb itself.
"Anakin? What are you doing?" Dia wandered.
Anakin took out his lightsaber, pointed it at the bomb, ready to ignite it.
"No, Anakin! DON'T-" Dia tried to stop him from detonating the bomb, but was too late as Anakin ignited his saber, piercing right through it!
Dia closed her eyes tight, waiting for the blast. But… nothing happened.
Confused, Dia opened her eyes in shock "What…?"
Anakin ripped the bomb open, finding barely any compartments in it "It's a fake." Anakin revealed. He ran to the other bomb, kicking it open, finding also barely any compartments inside "These bombs are fake!"
"But…!" Dia was totally confused "Why would they place fake explosives down here?"
Anakin frowned as he figured "Because Rom Gerr wanted us to be here."
-:-
Some minutes before, back with Qui-Gon, Benjako, Mina and king Ramsis…
While Qui-Gon, Benjako, king Ramsis and Mina went further through the hallways, but keeping an eye on any disguised fanatics, the senator wandered "Hang on. Has anyone seen Rom Gerr?"
Neither of the Jedi masters knew or king Ramsis.
Just then, a heavily armed separatist fanatic walked through the hallway, holding a big blaster, spotting the two Jedi along with the senator and the king "Hey you!"
But just before the fanatic wanted to shoot, a sudden blaster fire killed him from behind, revealing a wounded Rom Gerr having shot the blast to safe the others.
"Rom!" Mina said in shock and ran over to him "You… you're injured."
Rom held his hand up "I'm fine… Those fanatics have to try harder to try to kill me." he jokily said before telling "We have to hurry and get to safety from them."
Mina and puts his arm over her neck, helping him to get moving as Benjako stated "We're taking the king to the hanger where Senator Bonteri has her personal speeder. She can take the king to safety till the heat is down."
Rom nodded while putting his blaster on his belt "Then there's… no time to lose."
Qui-Gon and Benjako went up ahead in case of more fanatics in Royal Guard disguises.
After a few minutes, they reached the main door leading to the hanger. Inside, some of the ships having been damaged or destroyed, but some of them had remained intact, including the Jedi's ship and Mina's speeder.
"We made it," King Ramsis said in relief.
Then, Qui-Gon and Benjako spotted more fanatics in the hanger and began to exchange blaster shots, with the two Jedi Masters taking care of them while Mina, the king and Rom remained behind the main door for cover.
Rom then groaned as he grabbed his wound around his waist and sat down with his back to the wall.
Worriedly, Mina went to check on him "Rom! Are you okay?"
Rom gave a nod "I told you, I'll be fine…"
Mina shook her head "No. You need medical attention," she took out a nearby medic-kit that had some Bacta in it "Let me take care of this while Master Qui-Gon and Master Dalkai handle those fanatics,"
While Mina wanted to removed the clothing so she can put bacta on the blaster-wound, Rom sighed as he said "Mina… I'm sorry."
"For what?" Mina asked, but as she removed the clothing, she finds that there was no blaster-wound at all. Shocked, she looked at Rom, who smirked.
"For this!" Rom fired his blaster, stunning Mina Bonteri and fell unconscious on the floor. King Ramsis looked in shock as Rom stood up before he fired the button next to the main door, making it fall down, closing so neither the king could escape or the Jedi could come to their rescue.
"Rom Gerr?!" King Ramsis asked in shock as he took a few steps back while Rom puts his blaster to 'kill'.
"Not to worry, your highness," he ensured while glancing at the unconscious senator "I'm not going to kill her. She's too valuable," Rom then aimed his blaster at the king.
"But… why…?"
Rom kept smirking at King Ramsis as he stated "Isn't it obvious? It's called: Regime Change. Oderon has been ruled by the same royal family for far too long. It's time for a new era, Ramsis. A new future for our people. And that future… Count Dooku can give that to us. The Republic is failing, but you're too blind to see it or too afraid to choose a side! Our new king will lead us to that future," he then smiled evilly "It's too bad you will not live long enough to see it."
Ramsis looked horrified, as Rom Gerr had betrayed him and everything he stood for, and was secretly a supporter of the Separatists.
But, as Rom was about to fire the killing shot, his blaster was suddenly pulled through the air, which was caught by Anakin!
Anakin and Dia, both their blue lightsabers ignited, glared at the Oderian traitor.
When Anakin destroyed the representative's blaster with his lightsaber, he stared with his narrowing eyes at Rom, who looked in shock as he hadn't expected the two Jedi Padawans to be here "You really thought you could fool us with those fake bombs down in the catacombs, so you could assassinate the king behind our backs?"
Dia shook her head with disappointment at him "All this? For what? Just because you believe that Onderon would be better off leaving the Republic?"
"We ARE better off without the Republic!" Rom yelled "Do you really think my planet has a future by beING ruled by corrupt bureaucrats and a government that has ignored the will of the people for too long?!" he asked while taking a few steps back.
"It's not going to happen, Rom." Anakin said with a serious face "Your plan has failed. Now, stand down."
But then, Rom took something from behind his pocket, revealing it to be a thermol detonator that was armed and tossed it towards King Ramsis!
"No!" Dia quickly used the Force to pull it away, to a wall, destroying it, causing Anakin, Dia and Ramsis to be thrown away cause of the force of the blast!
Anakin and Dia got up, seeing Rom Gerr sprinting away. While Dia checked if King Ramsis was alright, Anakin went after Rom!
As Dia helped King Ramsis back on his feet, the main door to the hangar opened, thanks to Qui-Gon and Benjako used the force to move it open. Both looked in surprise what happened as Senator Mina was lying unconscious on the floor and Dia helped the light wounded king "Dia, what happened?!"
The Twi'Lek Padawan said "It was Rom Gerr! He's with the fanatics and wanted to kill the king."
This revelation shocked the two Jedi Masters. While Benjako helped Mina, who slowly woke up, Qui-Gon went after Anakin.
Rom tried to bypass many hallways, heading further upwards using the stairs.
"Rom! Stop!" Anakin called, but Rom didn't stopped.
Rom called a squad of disguised fanatics in Royal guards to protect him "Open fire! Kill the Jedi!"
While Rom quickly bypassed his comrades, the fanatics shot at Anakin, but he was able to deflect every single blaster shot with his lightsaber very fast and killed several of them with his saber or knocking them unconscious by using Force-push! Anakin continued his pursuit.
As Rom made it to a large balcony, he saw in shock that his way was blocked by debris, having reached a dead end.
Rom stopped before he sighed and walked up to the edge of the balcony, glancing down at the crowd of a thousand Separatist-supporters that were being kept under control by a group of royal guards and now also by the local authorities.
Anakin appeared from behind and slowly approached Rom "There's nowhere to go, Rom. It's over."
Rom glanced at Anakin before he made a step back, standing on the very edge of the balcony. Anakin watched as what looked like the traitorous representative was going to do.
Rom began to form a grin as he told Anakin "You may have stopped me and my brothers today, Jedi… but you have only postponed the inevitable… The Separatist cause will rise… And you… the Jedi… and the Republic… in the end… will be on your knees, begging for mercy…"
And with that, Rom closed his eyes and let himself fall from the balcony.
Anakin gasped as he tried to reach out for him, but was too late as Rom fell over 40 stores high, crashing on the ground below, dead.
Anakin looked down below, seeing Rom Garr's dead body. Anakin frowned as the representative had chosen the cowards way to escape, by taking his own life.
Anakin extinguished his lightsaber. Those words that Rom Garr meant with only postponed the inevitable, would be a mystery that would be hard to solve.
Qui-Gon then appeared, seeing his apprentice looking down. He looked down too, seeing a dead Rom Gerr. Sensing that Anakin wasn't responsible for his death and had committed suicide, he placed his hand on Anakin's shoulder, understanding that he tried to safe him.
-:-
Several hour later
Back at the hangar of the palace, King Ramsis made a small bow to the four Jedi "Thank you for everything. Not only have you saved my life, but too our world from a sinister plot,"
While some fanatics were being taking away by the Onderian authorities, Senator Mina Bonteri, with her arm in bandage, too gave a small bow to them "Oderon owns you much, Jedi."
Qui-Gon, Benjako, Anakin and Dia both gave a small bow in return, while Qui-Gon ensured "Gratitude is unnecessary. We're just glad to be at the right place at the right time."
"Indeed," King Ramsis said before he stated "I'm going to make sure that finding the leaders of these separatist-fanatics will be the authorities' top priority and bring these terrorists to justice,"
However, Mina was still unsure if more investigation and intimidation was necessary and if this was the right way to bring peace.
Anakin then suggested to the king "And you might also add to do a better background check on any government officials. You may never know who you can trust?"
Seeing that the Padawan might have a point, the king gave nod "I will. After Rom Gerr's treason, something like this to happen a second time is the last thing that I and the people want."
All then said their goodbyes as the Jedi entered their ship and were about to leave the planet, heading back to Coruscant.
However, during the flight, while Qui-Gon and Benjako informed the Jedi Council of what had unfolded on Oberon during their mission, Anakin sat in a different room, watching behind a window to the endless void of space.
Anakin gave a yawn as he leaned to the wall.
At that moment, Dia entered that room, seeing a bit tired Anakin sitting next to the window. She formed a small smile as she walked over to him and asked "Can I join you?"
Anakin gave a nod as he smiled back "Sure."
Dia sat next to him, snuggling close to him. This feeling, of being so close to each other felt good. Both looked out the window together for some time.
Anakin then softly asked his Twi'Lek secret girlfriend "Dia…?"
"Hmmm?"
"About the kiss we shared…? I… really liked it."
Dia formed a sweet smile "Me too, Ani…"
Both shared another soft kiss and looked into each other's eyes for a little while.
Anakin then sighed, feeling tired after this mission and not having the chance to rest a bit after his last one "I'm so tired right now…"
Dia gave a nod as she puts her head on his shoulder "Yeah… me too…"
As they held hands, with their fingers slowly intertwined, they closed their eyes and tried to catch some sleep before the ship flew into hyperspace.
-:-
Meanwhile, back on Onderon
Inside a hideout of the Separatist-fanatics, a group of fanatics had informed their secret leader of their failure at the palace.
The leader appeared out of the shadow, looking very angered by this failure. This man was Sanjay Rash.
Immediately, he dismissed his comrades and walked into a private chamber, where he opened a secret Comlink, with an holographic image showing Count Dooku.
Dooku folded his arms as he looked with disappoint at the Onderian Separatist-leader "You and your supporters attacked the palace without my approval,"
Sanjay apologized "I am sorry, Count Dooku. But my men were getting impatient and so did I! This was our best shot-"
"And yet you have failed!"
Sanjay tried to make an excuse "It's not my fault, Dooku! It was Rom Gerr that screwed everything up; he with his so-called brilliant plan to fool the Jedi and kill King Ramsis without their knowledge."
Dooku frowned at Senjay and used a Force-Grip on the Odorian Separatist, and began to get chocked.
"You're a fool for underestimating the powers of the Force, Rash. In the end, it is you who went against my orders and make excuses for your failures! Your reckless actions and that of your comrades nearly comprised everything!"
As Senjay couldn't breathe, he begged for forgiveness "Dooku… I'm sorry… it… won't happen again. I swear."
Dooku released him. Senjah gasped for air.
Dooku looked very serious at him and instructed him "You will remain patient, Senjah Rash. If you still wish for the throne of Onderon, you and your followers will do exactly as I say."
Senjah Rash made a bow and apologized again "Yes, Count Dooku. I swear, it won't happen again."
Dooku narrowed his eyes at him "That remains to be seen." And broke communications.
A/N: My original plan was to add some more for. But seeing it would make this chapter too long, I decided to split it into 2 separate chapter.
So, the next chapter will focus on Anakin and Dia's secret relationship (and who was trully being a Peeping Tom that placed Anakin's little self-made droid with a camera in the girl's changing rooms).
Not to worry, the Anaking/Padmé ship will remain the same. Just see this as a little exploration of Anakin being in a different relationship before the parts with Padmé, as it would be normal for teenagers at that age.
I will work on the next chapter soon ;)
And to all, may the Force be with you.