Chapter 17:

In the purple of the falling day a single black vessel touched down on the sands of Tatoonine. Its metallic soot finish almost seemed to swallow light, like an ominous shadow. The ease with which it landed and the calm by which its payload door opened was in direct contrast to the maelstrom appearance of its crew. The two beings were clad in hoods of black, covering all of their features. They walked as a pair to the edge of the cliff. Below them, stretched out on the horizon, were the blazing lights of a blossoming city, a spaceport.

"It is as mentioned. The Jedi hide in the city."

"We should contact home base to tell them of our discovery. Then we should attempt to locate the Jedi." The first being turned to the second. "Soon the Jedi filth will be swept clean of the galaxy. A new order shall be built."

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A lone speeder careened down the narrow canyon floor. It was riding low on its repulsor field due to the extra weight that was crammed into its interior. Normal capacity for a TX-3 type was two and a small load of provisions that could be stored behind the seats. This refitted TX-3 was pushing its manufacturer's limits by having six people in it. Obi-Wan drove with his arm out and extended over Shmi's shoulders. The woman held one child on her lap and another was seated between her feet on the floor of the speeder. Across the back, resting in a semi-erect position against the aft fin, was Qui-Gon. His arms were wrapped around Padme as she rested against his torso, also in a semi-erect position. With every turn, Padme and Qui-Gon leaned precariously to one side or the other, but their combined Force presence and concentration created a cushioned bubble to keep them where they were.

No one spoke. The only sounds that broke the running noise of the speeder were the children's cries. There had been blessed little time to pack necessities such as food and water, let alone toys and clothes for the children. All that the small band had were blankets, the clothes on their backs, and what little scavenged staples that they could find.

Padme leaned a little too far on the following turn and Qui-Gon crushed her a little too hard to his chest and she winced. "Padme, concentrate." He admonished.

"Yes, Master." She stated, lowering her hands to grasp his. Her mind was focused on the overwhelming feeling of evil, of hatred that had woken her in the dead of night. She had dreamt of it stalking her, of it feasting on her soul until she couldn't breathe. She had awakened fully alert and had awoken the house with yells of warning. She knew that it was coming for her; for her and those she loved. All through the mad dash to gather items, to bundle the children, to gather the sabres and various other Jedi paraphernalia, her mind had shouted for her to hurry, to run, flee. Qui-Gon had nearly leapt from the bed that he shared with her as the feelings that she felt overflowed into his brain. With shaky hands, the both of them had gathered the children. Shmi and Obi-Wan were roused from their beds by Qui-Gon as he pounded through the lower level of the dwelling, Magrie in his arms. The speeder was loaded and they piled in and left; the lights in the house still burning in the dead of night.

"Your insight does you credit, Padawan." Qui-Gon said into her ear, his warm breath tickling its shell. "It was only after several minutes that I was able to feel for myself the dread you were experiencing."

"You still interpret it to mean the Sith?" Padme turned her head so that her nose was in his neck.

"The only time I felt that much hate and anger was in the palace on Naboo when you were hurt. It hung in the air. Yes, I truly feel that the Sith were in Mos Espa. They have found us; that can be the only explanation."

Obi-Wan turned the speeder again, this time taking the ninety-degree turn into the Jedi compound. He stopped the speeder with difficulty because of the added weight and they slid to a stop in the center of the compound.

As opposed to the last time that Padme and Ben were there, the cliffs were teeming with life. A myriad of Jedi stood on the surrounding cliffs, still others lined the floor. The remaining Masters, Yoda and two others, stood shoulder to shoulder on the highest cliff. Yoda's walking stick was banging against the ground as the noise from the landspeeder's engines died down. "The Sith have come. Master Qui-Gon, your council we need."

Qui-Gon turned from helping Padme off the back of the speeder. He made eye contact with his former master briefly. Padme reached to help Shmi with one of the girls, turning back to Qui-Gon with a knowing look on her face. Briefly he touched her arm, touching her mind as he did so.

*Hide our time. Bury it. Shield it. You have the power. * His mind said, as his blue eyes stroked her face.

*Go, I will be fine. * She thought back, bouncing the fussy child on her hip. She smiled at his grim nod. As he moved away to go with his master and peers, she sighed and turned back to Shmi.

"What do you think they will decide?" Padme asked Ben as he unloaded several blankets and a container of water. Padme took the blanket, wrapping her charge in its protective cocoon and laying her back against the seat of the speeder.

Ben sighed, turned to lean against the speeder with Padme. His eyes appeared tired and old in the light of the moon. "I don't know, Padme. I don't know. But whatever it is, it needs to occur quickly. If we stay and fight, then we need to plan our strategy. If we leave, we need to plan our rendezvous point."

"If we stay and fight?" Padme tossed a look over her shoulder at Shmi as the woman sat on a rock a short distance away. Another Jedi had already offered her his cloak and was helping her with Albie. Ben followed her gaze to Shmi and the child. His mouth settled into a firm line. Padme could sense his thoughts without even touching him. "They will have to leave."

"Yes." Obi-Wan hung his head in sadness. "Yes, they will have to leave."

Qui-Gon entered into the cave. A glowing fire blazing in the center of its large gaping depth lighted the cold brown stone. As he stepped to the seated elders, he folded his hands in his sleeves. A slight bow ended his entrance and he straightened to look at his peers. "The Sith have come to Mos Espa."

"This we know." Yoda hummed, his ears lowered in concern. "Foreseen it was. Our future clouded it remains. What say you, Master Qui-Gon?"

Qui-Gon hung his head, his long hair falling over his shoulders. His legs were braced apart; his sabre hanging from the front of his belt bumped his hip. His eyes shut momentarily as he cleared his mind of thought and action. A peacefulness of his soul settled like a wave washing across a tidal pool. His consciousness ebbed and flowed, floating on the crest of the wave of his connection with the Force. He hummed quietly as he felt direction take him and he opened his eyes. "We must leave, Master Yoda. It is the will of the Force."

"That too, I sense, young master." Yoda sighed. "Easily we could remain, easily we could fight. But the Force has plans for us elsewhere."

"Fight we will, one day soon, master. I sense that." Qui-Gon inclined his head. "But that day is not today. If we stay and fight, we will lose. If we win, the future will be changed apart from the path. We must follow what the Force tells us."

One of the remaining elders next to Yoda raised his head to look at the tall Jedi Master. "I concur with this advice."

"As do I." Yoda stood with difficulty and moved to stand next to Qui-Gon. "Leave we must, then go we do. Another spaceport, another planet. To Dagobah I will go. To continue building this Jedi Temple for us. Uninhabited it is, safe it will be."

Qui-Gon nodded, knowing the esteem in which his former master held the planet. Yoda had spent several years in a monastic existence in the swap. Upon his return to Corsucant, his powers were immense. "It is a good decision, Master." He turned to the rest with a grimace. "I think that some Jedi should go to Mace on Alderaan. It remains a safe planet for Jedi."

"It is a good plan, Qui-Gon." Yoda smiled gently. "You should go, as should Kenobi and Amidala. Several students will travel with their masters and meet you there separately. Leave we must, now. The distance is great."

When Qui-Gon emerged, Padme could tell that he was relieved. Her bond with him had grown powerful in the last month. She watched as he strolled down the stone steps, his cloak billowing out behind him. When he reached the bottom, he approached his small band of travelers with a nod. "Time to reload, Padawan."

"To Mos Eisley, then." Obi-Wan called, coming over with another student.

"To Mos Eisley, yes, Obi-Wan, and then to Alderaan." Qui-Gon grabbed Padme's arm as he walked passed her. "But we must leave quickly, they will be alerted to us in this large of a numbered gathering."

"Alderaan?" Padme was already moving toward the speeder. Around her several Jedi scurried, gathering materials and staples.

Qui-Gon grimaced as he picked up Magrie to allow Shmi to slip into the seat. He handed the child back to Shmi with a nod. "Alderaan, yes, Padawan."

"Is it safe?"

"No. But more safe than here, Padme." Obi-Wan climbed into the seat of the speeder with practiced ease. Qui-Gon sat behind the seat again, drawing Padme yet again into his arms. He sighed as he felt the speeder leave through the back outcropping of the wall. The speeder slowly picked up speed and moved again across the desert.

Qui-Gon reached forward to lay a hand on his former Padawan's shoulder. The man had been driving for several hours, drawing on his inner strength to stay awake. "We should stop for the night, Ben." In Qui- Gon's arms, Padme was near unconscious. The strain of the last day and very little sleep was having a tiring effect on her. He had told her there was no need to stay awake, that he would hold them in their position. Her head lulled in the hollow that his arm made on his chest.

"Do you think we have gone far enough?" Ben called back. Shmi shifted in her sleep at the sound of his voice.

"I think that we have, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon stated in return. "We should stay as near to the speeder as we possibly can. Leave the children sleeping in its interior. Regardless, it is sleep that you need, as do I."

Obi-Wan nodded as he slowed the speeder. They were in the deep desert, no cliffs were nearby. The speeder drifted to a stop between two large dunes. Obi-Wan leaned back in the seat, clasping his hands to his eyes and rubbing with a wince. He nudged Shmi who came awake quickly. "Shmi.Shmi, lets get you a proper sleeping arrangement."

The woman nodded, eyeing the children at her feet. Obi-Wan shook his head slowly with a smile. "Leave them where they are. We will be sleeping close to the speeder, and it will be quicker if we need to leave if they are in the speeder."

Shmi sighed with a slight smile and rose to climb out of the vehicle. Qui-Gon had already removed himself and Padme from the back of the speeder and was currently climbing one of the dunes to collapse just over the rise. He waved to Obi-Wan to let him know that they would be keeping vigil. The younger Jedi waved back as he collapsed to the ground and wrapped himself in his cloak.

Padme climbed next to her master, and followed his example as his legs folded and he collapsed. As Qui- Gon stripped his cloak, Padme did the same. It was short work to construct a cocoon with one cloak on top and the other below. Qui-Gon lay back against the sand with a groan and stretched his legs. Save the cloaks, the two travelers remained fully clothed. Padme tucked their legs into the cloak and lay back, as the elder Jedi lifted his arm to let her close to his chest. "It will be a long trip." She stated.

"Aye, that it will, and many things will have to change." Qui-Gon sighed. "We will not be able to sleep together regularly, Padme. It will be too risky with Mace so close."

"He does not need to know our involvement, Qui-Gon." Padme lifted herself on her elbow to look at him. "It is none of his business."

Qui-Gon opened his eyes to look at his love with a smile. "The fire in you is incredible, love. But it remains that it is not proper for a Jedi."

"Explain to me what is proper about this situation, Master." Padme asked forcefully.

"Padawan." He warned, his voice low. He sighed as he saw her exasperation at his forceful and terse answer. "I wish it were otherwise, Padme."

She nodded slowly, a contrite look on her face. Gently, she eased a hand down his front to his belt. With a gentle push, she removed the catch and it fell heavily to the ground. Qui-Gon smiled at her movements, holding her hand for a moment before kissing it. She eased further down to unwind his waist tie. "Padme." He sighed as she then parted his tunic.

Padme smiled and leaned to part his tunic. Her hands teased his chest, drawing a lone finger down his chest to his legging's top. A slight twitch of Qui-Gon's face was the only response that he gave. In the past month, Padme had learned much about the art of lovemaking. As in all things that he did, Qui-Gon was a natural teacher, and Padme was, by nature, an excellent student. Their days had been spent in work, submersing themselves in the need to gather the remaining Jedi. Their evenings were spent with the rest of the household, reaffirming bonds and making new ones. The nights, though, had been reserved for time with just each other. And even in that, Qui-Gon strove to use it as another chance to further her Jedi abilities. She smiled that, even over the course of the last week, when her master delved into her mind she was able to still keep secrets from him. But, oh what a secret it was, she thought; her smile turning to a frown as her hand retraced its former path.

Qui-Gon's hand fell to stop hers and pulled it to his mouth for a kiss. "Something is bothering you. It is not this situation, though. It has bothered you for most of the week."

Padme sighed and shrugged, twisting her hand to touch his lips. "There is something, Master, but nothing that anything can be done for."

"Would you like to tell me?" Qui-Gon buried a hand in her hair with a sigh, "As I said before, your mind abilities are formidable; whatever it is you are hiding, you are hiding it well."

She removed her hand to stare at her lover. The best answer for most situations she knew to be honesty. To release her secret, though, would be something that she feared that her Master could not handle. She did not fear his anger, but rather his honor. She had not told him this secret out of fear for their relationship and its repercussions on his Jedi status. But, now, under the moonlight, he appeared more just a man than a Jedi Master. As he lay back against the sand, his dark cloak around him, Padme thought that he had never looked so handsome. His dark hair had grown more silver in their time on Tatoonine, his natural blond highlights coming out as well. His face was leaner and his features were more pronounced. His physique was a little more muscular than it had been before they had come to Tatoonine, and his stint in the sun had darkened his skin. All in all he was a beautiful sight to see. Padme sighed and lowered her head.

Qui-Gon reached out his hand to lift her chin with one finger. "What is it, love?"

Padme stared in his eyes for a moment and then whispered barely heard above the shifting sand. "I am with child."

Qui-Gon maintained all of his facilities simply by his Jedi training. He searched her eyes for a moment before nodding gently. "A child." He echoed. He dropped his hand for a moment and grasped her hand. "How long?"

"Not very, Qui-Gon. Shmi helped me to determine this earlier this week." Padme gathered her Jedi strength to remain calm. "My cycle was primed at the time that we first began our relationship. It is possible that a standard lunar cycle has passed."

"A child. My child." Qui-Gon's voice seemed to tunnel away from her, as a deep emotion settled into his eyes. "You are sure?"

"I confirmed yesterday; Shmi helped me. I searched myself. Yes, I am positive." Padme sighed as she grasped his hand harder. "I am sorr.."

Qui-Gon placed his hand over her mouth in a quick movement. "There is nothing to be sorry for, love. Our love for each other has decided to manifest in a child. It is the way of things."

She hung her head, gazing at the strong knuckles and fingers that held her hand. The thumb was brushing back and forth on his hand. "You are angry. Disappointed and."

"I am none of those things." As Padme lifted her head to look back at him, she saw a stray tear course out of his eye and cascade down the side of his face. "How could I be anything but happy, Padme? The woman I love will bear me a child." His grin that was starting to emerge contradicted the tears that fell. "It is the Force's will for us, Padme. I have tried to be as careful as I could to avoid this situation. So, if you are indeed pregnant, than it is not ours to ask, but ours to accept."

She smiled, as tears began for her as well. "I love you, Qui-Gon. But the changes."

"This will change nothing, Padme, except your training and the amount of battle that you see." The Jedi nodded as he saw a grin begin. "Come here, little mother," he stated, moving his cloak back to allow her closer.

Padme crawled closer to him, leaving his tunic as it was. Her hand and head lay on his bare chest exposed. She sighed as she felt his hands moving against her back. "I fear for your Jedi status, Qui-Gon. This was a forbidden occurrence."

"Aye, it was, little one." His hand burrowed under the covers to lay against her abdomen. "It was forbidden, but it occurred out of love. And nothing evil can come out of love, Padme. I do not know what the future holds; I have no wish to know. My life has always been adherence to the here and now, young Padawan. I let the Force take care of the future, I simply act as a conduit as best I can." He turned and moved down so that his face was even with hers. "A baby, Padme. Half of you and me; it is a miracle. The Force would not have allowed this to happen if it were against its will, nothing occurs without permission or plan."

"But what the Jedi council."

"The Jedi council acts in accordance with dictates to control man for the betterment of the masses. It does not always act as a decisive body for the Force. But in this, young one, I will say that we have done as our preordained course has decided. I have no regrets, and I intend to keep it that way." His hand caressed the soft mound of her abdomen. "This is the greatest gift anyone has ever given me, Padme. I have often dreamt of a child of my own."

Padme smiled, joining his hand on her abdomen. "A child of our own, Master."

Qui-Gon smiled and pulled her closer. After a quick kiss on her forehead he stated. "We will need to decided what to do when we get to Alderaan. You will show soon."

"I thought that you said that the Jedi council does not have jurisdiction over the true course of the Force's will."

"It doesn't. That won't stop them trying to take the child away from us." Qui-Gon held Padme even closer as a frown crossed his features. "I sense much fear surrounding this event. They have been wary of you and your relationship with me since it began. I sense that they will take and hide the child from you at birth."

"Then they must not know about the child." Padme stated. She reached out to hold her master's face. "I sense your happiness and your joy, master, but there is also pain."

"Yes, pain, Padme." Qui-Gon closed his eyes, "I only hope that we can protect this child. We can barely protect ourselves." His smile was wide though as he whispered. "Our child, Padme."

She sighed and curled against his chest. With a mighty yawn, she drifted into slumber as Qui-Gon lay awake contemplating the miracle of life. He had often dreamed of children. His time spent with the twins was special and he loved them for their small child selves. He had accepted that Magrie and Albie would be his and Padme's long after they left Tatoonine; they would be their children. But, this announcement of Padme's had suddenly changed all of that. He closed his eyes in an effort to ward off the intense emotions that were swelling within him. Pulling on all of his training, he willed a sense of calm into his mind. He could feel something on the horizon. Something ominous. Something that he had not prepared for, and something that would endanger all that he had. Alderaan, he thought as he rubbed his hands over her back, was a bad decision for her now. Had he known, other plans could have been made.

She sighed and shifted against him in response to his caresses. With a look of total adoration, he shifted his arms to kiss the top of her head. In the short time that he had spent with her, the three short seasons, she had become his life love. It was not hard, though, to keep his mind focused on what he needed. He was Jedi by nature, choice and training. It was natural for him to be as focused as he was, but now he found that he wished he could be focused on her more. This, he decided, was why most Masters refrained from indulging in life mates and loves. The person always played a second to their devotion to the Force; many thought that it wasn't fair to the mate. He agreed, although with Padme force sensitive herself, she understood the drive and the need to be submersed in the Force. He only hoped that for all their sakes, in this time of trouble, that they would all have their focus.

Chapter 18: The Exodus

Padme raised her hood to look at the collection of men surrounding the hanger. There were at least five that she could not sense their purpose. Her mouth turned to a frown as another emerged from the hanger itself. She had not felt his presence, either. It was very strange. She slowly peeled herself from the wall to stroll down the alley away from the collection of men and various offworlders. Quietly, she used her force powers to blend into the scenery and the passersby. She moved quickly to the outskirts of the town.

Trudging over the last of the low dunes, Padme approached the small group of Jedi that had amassed outside of the port. As she neared, Qui-Gon lifted his head from where he was looking at one of the twins and called to her. "What did you find?"

"The strangest thing." She answered, moving to stand next to him. Several other Jedi crowded around. "I found the hanger, and several men loitering in front. But I could not sense their presence, it was only with my eyes that I could confirm their existence." She shivered. "It was almost as if there was a hole in the Force around them."

"Sith," stated Qui-Gon, "and even though, you cannot sense them, it is almost a sure bet that they will sense you. That is why they have come. Tatoonine is isolated and lonely in the outer rim, but with this many Jedi in one place, even without using our Jedi abilities, we attract them. Separation might be in the best interest."

One of the other Jedi nodded in agreement. "Master Qui-Gon, we should separate."

"That is right, Master, we know of the central point. We know of Master Yoda and Dagobah. A central place that can be for us, when we need it." Mace's student, Farre answered. "We can return there when it is needed."

Qui-Gon stared at the small band of Jedi surrounding him. All were either Knights or Padawans; their masters either killed or missing. Yoda and the other masters, and a few students had waited behind in the camp to wait out the passing of the Sith to return to Mos Espa at a later time. These remaining Jedi were all that the Order could count on. As he took in the faces of those around him, he knew that it would be hard times for them in the future. "Where would you go? Do each of you have safe places to venture to, friends or family that would take you and hide you? How will you know of the massing of the Jedi if such a time does come?"

Those around him answered with their steady return gazes. He knew that they would try to accomplish this task or die in the trying. "Very well then, decided it is. Venture to where you feel is the safest for yourselves. Report to Yoda in due time. The Padawans here should accompany Knights.it is a dark time for the Jedi and those young in their training might be affected more than those longer in the Force."

Padme grimaced as she pulled on her master's sleeve. "With all due respect, Master Qui-Gon, in order to leave the planet, we must first get through the spaceport and into freighters."

Obi-Wan turned from the speeder where he was holding a fussy baby. With ease, he crossed the area to hand the baby to Padme. She took the child and cooed it. The Jedi Knight smiled with knowledge and held out his arm to the woman with a smile. A look of mild disbelief crossed her features as she reached out to touch his arm. She closed her eyes to read his mind, opening them a minute later with a slight grin. Qui- Gon stared at the two of them with annoyance. "Obi-Wan, Padme..what is it?"

Padme nudged Ben who spoke to his Master with a measure of glee. "Due to my job as a person responsible for trade between the spaceports; I know quite a few people. A few that would be glad to get us on a freighter and get us out of here.for free."

"And, Obi-Wan, how do you propose to find these people." Qui-Gon answered, a slight grin touching his features.

"In the cantina, of course," Padme answered, bouncing the baby. "And I know just how to get to them."

Ben gripped Padme's arm with savage force. Even though the cantina was away from the multiplex of hangers, it was still closer than the edge of the town. The thought made the young knight edgy. Padme grimaced at the thoughts flowing from his mind and admonished him for it. "Peace, Ben. Peace, down those emotions."

Ben nodded. He took a deep breath and cleared his mind. Ruefully, he thought back to seven lunar cycles earlier and his same words to the young Padawan next to him. He shook his head at the change in her. The time that she spent extensively training had forged skills of iron in the woman. The time that she had spent with Qui-Gon in a relationship had toned her personality, adding layers of maturity to her already sophisticated persona. As she rounded the next corner nearing the cantina, he caught a glimpse of her face under the cloak. Her mouth, lush and full, was set in a firm line. Her brown eyes were warm, but they burned with the light of determination and not friendliness. Her hair was in a strict braid. All in all the woman was ready for trouble. He was so busy observing her, that he almost shot past her when she stopped suddenly and hung back in the shadows. Ben followed her instinctively, berating himself as he saw two bipedals in black cloaks step by them.

"Gods, I did not even sense them." He stated as they reemerged from the shadows into the alley once the Sith had passed. "How did you know?"

"I did sense them, Ben, but they have to be close for me to do so when they force cloak themselves like that." Padme sighed as she got ready to move on. She stopped when Obi-Wan grasped her arm again. "I have enhanced abilities in some areas right now." She answered his unspoken question, her eyes darting around the area as she waited for the next inevitable question.

"How?"

Padme grimaced as she began to move off again towards the loud clamor emanating from a semi- subterranean building. "I am with child, Obi-Wan." She answered quietly and concisely. "It will increase my ability to detect danger to the child and myself."

Obi-Wan stopped her with another hand on her arm as he caught up to her. "Qui-Gon's?" he asked, instantly knowing the answer to be true. "Of course it is. Have you told."

"Last night, Ben." Padme sighed again, "We need to accomplish this, Obi-Wan." She turned to look at him. "I know the consequences of what it means to him, and I know how much he has craved for a child of his own. It is something that we both want, Ben. Qui-Gon's child will be born, although it will be some time. Although the child could be born here while we wait to finish this task."

Ben grinned at her sharp tongue and moved to the door ahead of her. "Come then, young Padawan, let us find our friends."

The interior of the cantina, thought Padme, is the same as the one in Mos Espa. As they stepped through the door, she instantly felt at ease. She was acquainted with the atmosphere: dark, loud, and rambunctious. Ben looked to relax almost immediately as he entered also. "What do your friends look like, Ben?" Padme's eyes skittered around the enclosed space.

"Tall, and amphibian looking." Ben answered shortly, turning in a circle. He was saved from looking further by the appearance of a tall, snout- nosed finned creature that came over to him to lay a fin on his arm.

"Ben Kenobi." It spoke with difficulty in the Basic language. "So far from Mos Espa. What brings you here."

"Ishar," Ben sighed with relief. It was one of the more friendly captains that he had dealt with in Espa. "Yes, it is a long way, but we have desperate situations that bring us this far."

"Desperate for a Jedi, is desperate indeed." Ishar swung bulbous eyes to Padme. "Another of your women, Ben?"

At that comment, Padme raised her brows and turned to Ben with a smile. "Another? How many are there now, Obi-Wan?" She smiled at the blush that crept across the man's features.

"Enough." He stated, turning to his friend and with a wave of his arm, beckoned into the depths of the bar. "I have need of you, Ishar, if you could help us. We have need to move a large number of people to various places in the galaxy. Payment would be whatever we can scrounge and."

"I would rather have a debt from the Jedi, as would any of my comrades, than to have their wrath." Ishar waved to a table. "Payment can be whatever you are able to pay, so long as my guild is looked upon kindly by the Order."

"That," Padme answered for Ben, "is not a problem."

It was falling night by the time that the two Jedi returned to the camp. It was almost empty as most of the Jedi had retreated in pairs or alone, back to the depths of the desert to put distance between them and the Sith. Farre and two other students remained with Shmi and Qui-Gon. The elder master looked relieved to see the two approaching and handed Magrie to Farre. "What is your news?" he asked as they approached.

"There will be passage, to as many planets as is needed, within reason. Ishar, my Hagndanian contact, will be finding his comrades. It will take at least two days, though, Qui-Gon. But he thinks that they can land out here in the desert to avoid the Sith. I am to meet with him tomorrow night to find the details and the plans. The Jedi will owe him a large debt."

"A Jedi debt is always fulfilled." Qui-Gon answered, " enough Obi-Wan. We have to move to the desert tonight." A last thought had him turning to look at his former student. "Can you trust him?"

"Remember that young Hagndanian that I brought back to Hagnda two seasons ago?" Ben smiled. "That was his sister. His honor code forbids harming me or mine and he is very fond of me and Padme for that matter."

Qui-Gon smiled at his love. "Fondness follows you." He stated. "Come, let's go."

Farre and the others waved as the small band climbed into the speeder to go deeper into the desert. The other three remained behind to serve as a forward warning post. The speeder started and the small group retreated back between the dunes.

Chapter 19: Interlude

Padme fussed over the two girls as they lay in the seat of the landspeeder. The girls were entwined upon the seat, their hands and feet a mass of gathered flesh. Their brows were sweaty from the heat of the day. They were her angels, she thought, as she tucked them in. They comforted each other and quieted themselves when needed. Of course, with Qui-Gon and her bond with them and their ability to touch their minds, it was not unbelievable that they behaved themselves. She smiled at Shmi as they sat down near the speeder to gaze at the two men sitting on the rise of the dune. Shmi tilted her head at the younger woman with a questioning gaze. "Did you tell him?"

"Yes." Padme answered back with an equally quiet tone. "I told him last night."

"And?" Shmi smiled the knowing smile that she always reserved for the two Jedi. "I know that he is happy."

"Very, Shmi." Padme answered, subdued. "That is he. But I think that Ben is taking him to task for it. They have both closed off their minds to me and I cannot sense what they are thinking."

Ben shook his head as his arms circled his legs. He had not spent time alone with his former master; present friend in a long time and it was refreshing. He would have wished for a better topic of conversation for the two of them, though. "What you ask will not be necessary, Qui-Gon."

The elder Jedi sighed, holding his knees in a similar position to his younger friend. His face was turned to the three moons in the east and the light cast eerie lines across his face. "It might not be, Obi-Wan. As master Yoda says, the future is always in motion, many outcomes there might be. This is one possible outcome, Obi-Wan. Something might happen to me; I cannot see the future, as I do not have that gift. But my wish is that Padme would be protected and our child would be raised in safety, regardless of what happens to me. I would hope that you would not only care about me as much to do this favor, but also care what happens to Padme. If the Jedi council were to know that she has conceived."

"The child would be as good as gone." Obi-Wan grimaced. "I wonder why."

"I do not know, Obi-Wan. All I know is that Mace told me it had to do with an ancient prophecy." Qui- Gon shook his head. "Regardless, logic dictates that a child is not responsible for the sins of the father. I have broken my dictate. I have rebelled. I will not allow this to fall to my child."

Both men were quiet for a moment before the younger knight sighed. He turned to face his friend again, "If she goes to Alderaan, to Mace, he will know she is with child."

"Not necessarily," the older man smiled lightly, "She kept this knowledge hidden from me for a week. She has an outstanding ability to hide things in her mind. Another master would be hard pressed to find information within her brain."

Ben smiled in answer and leaned back on his arms. "You do realize that this child will have an incredibly high midi-chlorian count. It would be a shame if the child were to not be trained."

"That decision I will leave to Padme," Qui-Gon answered. "As long as I live, the child will be trained by me without the knowledge or consent of the council, unless she thinks otherwise. Training this child would be a necessity, Obi-Wan, if the child has the count that we think it might."

Obi-Wan nodded with agreement. "So why this talk of you passing, Qui-Gon?"

"Just an option for the future, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon answered again. "For my peace of mind. I have not often planned the future. You know that. But this is something completely different." He sighed, looking at his friend. "There is danger all around us. I can feel it hanging over us like a storm. Two of us looking out for her will increase the probability that she will survive this. And that is my first priority."

Obi-Wan was a bit taken back by the force of his master's statement. It was unheard of for Qui-Gon Jinn to place anything above the mission. The elder Jedi sensed his friend's reaction and turned to look at the man. Ben's hair had grown out a little, but was still short and spiky on top. Its red-gold color had lightened in their time on the desert planet. His face was leaner, both as a result of age and of physical activity. His eyes remained as they had always, bright hazel and burning with alertness. "Obi-Wan, I love her. You know that I do. And I have a feeling that our child is the central to something larger than this mission. It was the Force's will that we found each other, remained together and engaged in a relationship. I have no doubt of that, or of the fact that our child is preordained in some fashion by the will of the Force. Nothing happens by accident. There is something momentous happening here and I will not endanger it."

Obi-Wan nodded, extending his hand. He would not deny his friend this favor. He could not deny the man anything. "Protect Padme, I will." He solemnly shook his older friend's hand. "With my life."

Padme smiled as Qui-Gon approached her from the dune. Obi-Wan paced behind him by several meters, as was normal. When the master had purpose to his strides, his long-legged gait could distance him quickly from anyone trying to keep up with him. The Jedi quickly scooped her up with one hand on her elbow and she sighed as he began to pull her back towards the same dune that he had recently vacated. As they passed Obi-Wan, the younger Jedi called, "See you in the morning." With a wink, he approached the speeder.

Padme sighed as she was brought up to the pile of sand. Qui-Gon's grip on her arm was not tight, nor was it painful. It was the suddenness of the movement that had her resisting. "Qui-Gon, we promised to watch the twins tonight."

Qui-Gon took off his cloak with a quick movement and reached for his belt. Padme placed her hands on her hips with a confused look. The Jedi saw her look and smiled out of the corner of his mouth. Leaning over her, he said, "As you said last night, Padme, it will be a long trip. And one on which we will be separated or prevented from being with each other."

Padme softened her look and clucked her tongue. "And still, that prevents you from asking?"

Qui-Gon smiled fully for a moment before kissing her soundly. Padme's arms remained where they were for a moment before she slid her arms up his broad chest to his shoulders. When he pulled away, her lids were over her eyes, and her lips were parted. His smile of affection was bright. "May I take you to bed tonight, Padme?"

"You know I would never say no." she whispered, opening her eyes. "Master, what is bothering you? Why have you closed yourself off to me?"

"No talk of training tonight, Padme." He sighed, cupping her cheek in his hand. "Accept and be at peace. We will talk later." His finger stroked her cheek as the girl gazed at him. He cocked his head to the side with an equally soft gaze in his eyes. "Trust in me, Padawan."

Padme sighed as the man bent again to kiss at her neck, nibbling gently as she tilted her head back on her shoulders. Her arms tightened across his neck to hold him where he was. Slowly he drew his mouth back up the muscle at the neck's side to kiss her lips deeply. His tongue gently eased between her full lips to caress the inside of her mouth. Her lips slid open and he groaned at the heat he felt within. His hands clutched at her hips, pulling her closer to him. She sighed as she felt his arousal firmly press into her stomach. "Yes."

Qui-Gon disengaged for a moment, drawing back from her with difficulty. "Help me with the cloaks, Padme." The girl nodded, pulling at her own covering to lay it on the ground over her master's. She gazed lovingly as the man bent at the waist to straighten their hastily thrown cloaks. Her hands found his belt with little trouble and unclasped it. His face was turned away from hers, hiding his smile of anticipation. They hurriedly created their nest and turned to face one another. His hands were gentle as they fell to her belt; some of his desperation had bleed from him in the expenditure of energy. He removed her belt allowing it to fall to the ground next to them. Her waist tie followed quickly, fluttering to the ground in the evening breeze. He began to intone as he reached for her tunic. "Let me be your equal tonight, Padme. Do not call me master; let me be your life love, your mate." The material parted from her chest and he eased it off of her shoulders. His large hands drifted down the cool skin to lightly cup her breasts. "It is all that I would truly ask of you."

Padme sighed, tilting her head back again, allowing his warm hands to cover and worship her breasts. "We are always equals in this, Qui-Gon."

"Aye," he released a short laugh. "We have been, haven't we, Padme." He knelt in front of her as he gently lifted her foot to unlatch her boot and remove it. His hands massaged the sole and arch of her feet with long sweeping strokes. She purred at the sensuous feelings that released and she sighed as he repeated the act with the other foot. As he finished, he eased back on his knees to pull at the top of her leggings. She shimmied out of them with his help until she stood in front of him in her glory. He looked up at her in love; his mouth slightly turned down in a sudden feeling of melancholy. With reverence, he placed his hands so they spanned her abdomen. She smiled as she placed her smaller hands on top of his.

"A baby," he whispered. With a glassy look in his eyes, he stood again. Padme sighed and held his hands as they remained where they were on her. She nodded gently. "And he'll be a Jedi like his father."

"He?" Qui-Gon's eyes widened. "Are you sure?" his hands brushed against her before moving up to her face. "It will be a boy?"

"Yes." Padme eased her hands to his waist tie. As she eased it from his body, she nodded. "I have had dreams for several nights of a small boy: blond and possessing his father's intense blue eyes. I feel that it is the future that I see."

She bent to remove his boots as he had done for her, only to be rebuffed by him. He squatted again to unlatch the articles and, as he stood, he stripped off his leggings. Padme grinned as his erection sprung free from it confines. Qui-Gon sighed as he looked to himself and her. "I am eager tonight, young one."

"That I can see, Qui-Gon, I have barely touched you." She sighed as his hands gripped her hips to pull her to his chest again. She shook her head with humor and gently placed her hands on his shoulders again. "You are as eager as a Padawan."

"You change me." He rumbled, picking her up by her rear so that her face was even with his. "You peel away all of the Jedi training that I have had and leave a quivering apprentice." The rest of his words were cut off as she nibbled across his lips and sighed into his mouth. He groaned lightly and bent at his waist to sit her on the cloaks. A grumbled laugh bubbled out of him as he sunk next to her. "And, Padme, I think that I need to point out that I never was a quivering apprentice in the first place."

"That does not surprise me." She sighed as he laid her back and settled his weight on her. His hands gently captured her breasts again, rolling the nipples between his fingers. Her neck arched as she moaned with anticipation of further touches. His hands were warm to the point of unpleasantness and she fidgeted as they traveled low on her body, teasing and tempting her legs to quiver. They quivered into a spread position. His smile was wide as he ran his hands down the length of her body to tangle in the curls below her waist.

She returned his smile with a knowing one of her own as he probed her. "I only need you to be near tonight to ready me, Master."

"I would like to hear my name on your lips, though." He answered with passion. "I want us to remember this night during our travels." His finger gently eased inside, as his other stroked her thigh. She was white hot, a feeling that he was beginning to associate with their love. She moaned and arched her back in pleasure. "That's it, Padme."

Her head twisted on the ground as she allowed his caresses to become bolder and more passionate. His fingers swept inside and out, gaining in speed until she clutched at his hand to slow him. "No, not like this tonight." She gasped.

"What do you want, then, love." He whispered in return, his eyes bright as he slowed his movements. "What is it that you need from me?"

She gently pulled his hand from her body, lifting it to her mouth and kissed it gently. He sighed as she drew one finger in her mouth for a second before withdrawing it. "I want to do the work tonight. I want you to relax and revel in the feelings, Qui-Gon." She kissed his palm before laying it back on the cloak. "Let me please you."

"If that is what you wish, Padme, I will not argue." He added, smiling, his mustache lifting from his lips with the movement.

Padme smiled as she gently pushed his body back to the ground. She leaned over him nibbling on his neck. He closed his eyes to sigh. She continued to roam her mouth down his chest, skimming his light hair to twirl around his belly button. He coughed a laugh as she smiled knowingly. When her mouth continued lower, Qui-Gon drew a sharp breath and held it, releasing it in a rush when he felt her hand encircle his length. "Padme." He warned, as she lowered her head closer to his erection.

"Relax, Jedi." She whispered. "I have wanted to do this for so long. I will not hurt you." As he relaxed slightly, she pressed to kiss his tip. Qui-Gon swallowed deeply as he felt her tentative, but exploratory tongue sweep over him. Her mouth was warm in the cool night air and the differential caused electrical charges to move along his nerves. She was gentle in her caress, but firm in her grip as she began to stroke in time with her tongue sweeps. He stopped breathing as she eased it between her lips. "Padme."

Her name became a chant as his voice hummed in the night. He laid a hand on her head as she began to move up and down on his length. His fingers curled in her soft mane, wrapping his fist in her silken locks. He did not pull or push, rather simply connected with her. Her hand ran up his length as she let his erection slip from her mouth. She gazed up at his face as she continued to stroke him. His head was thrown back in pleasure, short bursts of air exploding from between his lips. His chest glistened slightly from the fever of arousal and to Padme, he had never looked so handsome. "Am I hurting you, Qui-Gon."

"No," he croaked, "you are killing me." She lowered her head again, reveling in his moans of pleasure. She had never performed this act for him before, and she loved the feeling that she received as his voice caught on her downward strokes. He pulled on her hair as the pressure began to mount inside of him. "Padme, darling, stop. Please stop." He pleaded.

She pulled him from her lips with a kiss and sat back on her heels to look at him. His hand fell from her hair with languid ease and he smiled gently as she looked at him. "Please, Padme, let me be in you. I need to be in you." The throbbing in his groin grew to a heavy pitch. "Please."

Padme nodded gently and pushed on his shoulders until he lay flat. She shook her head as he tried to rise. "Stay there, Qui-Gon." She said. Gliding her hands and body up his, she gently straddled his hips. After a moment of positioning, she slid herself onto his waiting erection. His groan was guttural, emanating from deep within his throat. "By the Gods, Padme."

She threw back her head as she settled on his thighs; her sigh was long and drawn out. For several seconds she rested before she began to move. Her hands pushed on his broad chest as she rose and fell on his hips. His hands fell to her hips, helping her to rise above him. He licked his lips as he bent her forward. "That's it, Padme, ride me." He groaned as he took a breast in his mouth.

"I love you." She gasped as she pushed her hips back into his again. "I think that I have always."

He laid his head back on the sand, reaching to pull her hair so her back arched. "My Padme. I love you too."

She groaned as she sped up her movements. Her hips rocked constantly against his as she began to chant his name. Her eyes were shut, squeezed tight in pleasure pain. She could feel him growing, expanding. "Open your eyes, love." He pleaded, watching as her deep brown eyes opened. "Look at me."

She gasped as she saw herself astride his legs; saw her hair falling around her in waves. She felt her hands pushing on her own chest. She knew that she was experiencing what Qui-Gon was: seeing it through his eyes, feeling it through his body. She could hear her moans; her cries of passion as the hips under her began to buck in time to her movements. Qui-Gon groaned as he approached his climax, holding back as he felt her softening and climbing that high cliff. He gripped her hips to stop her movements as he began to thrust upwards. Padme shuddered as she rocketed off the cliff into space. The only thing that held her to the solid ground was Qui-Gon's hands, his thrusting hips and his voice. He followed soon after, moaning and twitching until both their bodies slowed to a rest.

Padme fell forwards on his chest with a sigh. He gripped her to his body with powerful arms, sighing as he petted her head. They were silent as they clutched each other in passion and in comfort. When she sat up, she had tears in her eyes. "You want me to hide, don't you? You want Obi-Wan to take me away from all that could endanger me and hide me until the baby comes."

Qui-Gon gripped her head and pulled it down to his chest. "The thought has crossed my mind, Padme."

"I need to be here with you." She stated her face and body at peace.

"And I need you with me." His voice was harsh and low. He lifted her head to look at him. He brushed his hands against her cooling skin with a smile. "We do need to talk of the future, though, Padme. We must talk of possibilities."

"This is what you hid from me tonight." She answered, crossing her hands on his chest to hold her up.

"Yes." He answered simply.

She looked deep within his eyes, as the man's hand curled around her neck. She knew that this future bothered him; bothered his sense of who he was and what his purpose was. "Tell me what you wish, love." She stated, brushing her hand on his chest.

"That you keep yourself safe regardless of what happens to me." He answered. "I want for our son to be raised with the Jedi code, but I want him to be kept safe from the fear of the council. His parentage should be kept secret from them for as long as possible. I would want to train him myself apart from the council, but if something should happen to me.."

"If something happens to you, Qui-Gon." Padme answered in serious tones, knowing that he was resting his peace of mind on her answer. "Rest assured that Obi-Wan and I will act appropriately." She smiled as his eyes lighted on hers. "I love you with my life, Qui-Gon, and I would not let anything happen to our son while there was a breath in my body. I know of the fear. But I also know of the love, Master."

He smiled, a few stray tears escaping from his eyes. "You have brought me the happiness that I never knew I could feel, Padme. It amazes me." He stroked her back. "I love you. And you must promise that you will follow through on that which you just said. You will keep yourself and our son safe."

"I promise as a Jedi." She stated solemnly. As an afterthought, she added, "And as a queen, you have my word."

He nodded, rolling to his side, laying her against the sand with a sweep of his strong arms. His kiss was searing in intensity as his lips pulled hers apart. For several moments, their sighs drowned out the soft whispering of the night breeze. Reaching behind them, Qui-Gon drew a forgotten cloak across their naked bodies as they cooled in the night. As he tucked it behind her, she drew a finger across his chest. "But, Master Jedi, I must have your word that you will strive to protect yourself. I would like to have a father for my son."

He nodded, willingly. "I will not endanger myself without reason, Padme. I have no reason for heroics now."

The morning cast its rays across the sky as the two suns of the planet rose. Padme awoke with her head pressed to Qui-Gon's shoulder; his large arm was across her shoulder, holding her to him. She raised her head slowly, watching the Jedi take his breaths. Slowly she raised her hand to stroke his beard with reverence. "Always, Qui-Gon."

Chapter 20: Dawning Day

"It would be our destiny that our transport would have to land at the hanger." Obi-Wan grumbled. He eased his head around the corner to look at the door to the multiplex. There was currently nothing to see, but all present could feel the pressure surrounding them. The feelings of oppression and hatred hung around their necks like a noose.

"Our destiny is as it was ordained to be, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon answered back, standing with his arms crossed on his chest.

Most of the other Jedi had been removed from the surface of the planet. There still remained one or two small bands waiting their turn for transport. The ship that agreed to take Qui-Gon, Padme, Obi-Wan and Shmi had arrived that morning within the confines of the spaceport. The captain could not be dissuaded to move his ship and, therefore, the Jedi needed to enter into the port to gain their escape.

Shmi and Padme stood off the side of the alley; the two children firmly encased in their arms. Both women were exceptionally tired and worn-out. The last two nights had consisted of constant fleeing and fighting as the Sith had grown tired of waiting and had gone on the offensive. Padme had again seen her master fight heartily in battle with Obi-Wan and her at his side. On the evening before, as they had settled into a small protected area of cliffs, the Sith had set upon them. With little else to do but fight, the trio had struggled to ensure that Shmi and the twins would be safe. The battle had been long and tiring, but in the end, they had triumphed. Padme had been unable to remain awake for long after the fight was completed, and Qui-Gon had held her as they traveled into the depths of the desert. Obi-Wan's throat had tightened at the strength of emotion that he saw in the elder Jedi's eyes.

Even now, as Obi-Wan stared at his former master, he saw those same feelings peeking out from the iced depths. He reached out a hand to lay upon his friend's arm. Qui-Gon looked stricken for a moment and then nodded solemnly. "We will have to try and get around them. Battle will only occur if we are cornered." He turned to look at Padme, a gentle gleam in his eyes. "We will not have a repeat of last night, I assure you. Padme, you and Shmi will have to carry the children." He looked out at the hanger again, as a sigh pressed out of his mouth. "The two of you will have to situate yourselves between Obi-Wan and I, is that understood?"

Shmi nodded, mutely tugging at Magrie's tunic. She understood that tone of voice, having heard it from the man once or twice. Padme opened her mouth momentarily to answer him, only to be confronted with the back of the Jedi's head. His voice was without emotion as he answered her obvious question. "You can argue with me later, Padawan."

Padme grimaced, holding Albie tighter in her arms. Obi-Wan nodded and sent a message to Qui-Gon indicating his want to search out their surroundings. With a firm nod, the Jedi Master waved his friend past. As the younger Jedi strode out into the midday crowd milling in the area surrounding the hanger, Qui-Gon pushed his small band further back into the alcove. Padme waited until Obi-Wan's head disappeared into the crowd before she released her full inquiry.

"Why must I remain as you state, Qui-Gon?" The Jedi flinched at the use of his proper name. "You will need my help."

"Yes, to carry the children, Padme." He turned, grabbing her by the arm and forcing her deeper into the alcove. "Do not argue with me now, please. You can argue with me once we are offworld."

She stood silently, stroking the girl's head that she held. Qui-Gon leaned further into her, his hand above her head. "Obi-Wan and I can champion this fight, Padawan. It will be easier if you remained with Shmi. If the need arises, you can cover your own back and Shmi's. Besides, if something should happen to me-"

Padme raised her hand to cover her lover's mouth. Her eyes spoke volumes of sorrow as she used her vocal skills as opposed to her force skills to silence Qui-Gon. "Don't."

Qui-Gon's eyes turned soft as he removed her fingers from his lips. He kissed all of her fingertips before holding her hand. "Something might happen, Padme, and by remaining separate from me and Obi-Wan, you are in a more advantageous position to escape a similar fate. We both know that if you are to separate from Shmi and the children evil will befall them."

Padme closed her eyes as the memory of the fight from the night before crowded her mind. Images of flashing sabres burned her retinas; the loud sound of her own breathing echoed in her ears and was joined by Obi-Wan's as his back came into contact with hers. The wailing of scared toddlers screeched in the night air. She could hear Shmi's sharp intake of breath that held for an eternity as she scrambled into a cliff outcropping with both toddlers. In her mind, she saw Obi-Wan cut down his opponent with difficulty, turning to leap over to the two pursuing Shmi into the alley. Padme recalled her struggle against her battle partner with a shudder. The swordsmanship that the Sith presented had not been hard to overcome. A few rapid-fire turns and sweeps had been all that was needed to triumph. Instead, it was the bubble of darkness, of evil that surrounded the humanoid that repulsed her, causing her body in the midst of her memory to shiver. It was, however, Qui-Gon's shout of horror that remained first and foremost in her mind. The two Sith had reached Shmi first and were swinging their sabres to try and dislodge the woman from her small, cramped hiding place. Obi-Wan had arrived at the crevice in the rock to engage one warrior; the second, however, remained in pursuit of Shmi. Qui-Gon leapt across the small space, landing in front of Padme as her opponent fell. He engaged the remaining Sith, cutting him down, with a swift turn and draw. The shaking in Qui-Gon's hands as he gathered Padme and Magrie to him and hauled for the speeder was very telling. Padme knew of the mental anguish that her lover had undergone, could feel his pain.

His arms as he piled onto the back of the speeder trembled with repressed emotion. It was only as he had lowered his lips into her hair and tightened his arms around her waist that she knew the extent of his pain. His eyes were closed and a stray tear coursed down his cheek. Magrie cried as she clung to the Master's robe, crushed in his embrace. His other arm had been looped underneath Padme's arms grasping at her waist as the speeder raced away. His lips found her ear in the roaring of the wind. "Never again," he had stated as his arms trembled. "I will never come that close to losing someone I love.never. They will have to kill me first."

Padme centered her eyes on Qui-Gon's in the alley only to see that they were remembering the same instance. Albie whimpered at the feelings that she felt flying around her and buried her face further into Padme's cloak. The young padawan set her chin and nodded, knowing that Qui-Gon's piece of mind was her first priority here. "I understand what you want, Qui-Gon, but if you were to be killed." her voice broke on the last portion of the sentence as the full weight of what she said settled on her shoulders.

"I will be fine, Padme." His eyes were liquid blue as he cupped her cheek. "Besides, if something did happen, I would rely on your healing powers, my beautiful healer." His smile was wide as he continued. "I have seen your handiwork and it is first rate."

She smiled in pleasure at his compliment but became somber in the next minute. "I just.don't want to."

"I know, padawan, I know." He intoned his voice gritty. "But trust me that this is the only way to keep the children safe. I'm not too enthralled with having you separated from me either, little one. But it will only be until we are onboard the ship. And I anticipate very little trouble getting there."

Padme nodded in final acceptance of his words and looked to the street as Obi-Wan sauntered back. His face was neither strained, nor relaxed. Both Qui-Gon and Padme had not felt his presence nor sensed his return; his schooling to withhold his emotions was complete. She smiled at her friend as he came to a rest against the wall next to Shmi.

"Well, Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon pressed his arm still above Padme's shoulder on the wall.

"There are a few that are milling around the hanger, Qui-Gon, but not an outrageous amount. From what I could gather, they are scouring the city looking for us." Obi-Wan released a restrained breath. "We might just be able to do this without a conflict."

"It is as I hoped." Qui-Gon nodded, "But we must be vigilant. Be mindful, Obi-Wan."

"Yes, Mast." Obi-Wan stopped and looked to his friend, who was both serious and joking. "Sir?"

"You may be a knight, Obi-Wan, but there are still things on which you need to work." He edged to his friend, moving toward the front of the alley. "And your ability to sense the living force and be mindful of the present are two things in which you are lacking. But," he smiled warmly at the man, turning his shoulder as if to include the man in a secret. "But you will be a powerful knight someday, Obi-Wan. And you will have more control over your feelings than I do over mine. I am proud of you. Remember that.always."

Obi-Wan blinked for a moment in shock and then schooled his features. "Thank you, Master. I-" he shivered for a second as a thought rippled across his mind, and then shook his head. "I will remember that, Qui-Gon."

"Good." Qui-Gon waved the younger man on. Obi-Wan stepped out into the street with a slight smile. He had never received such praise from his friend and former master before and it amazed him. Padme nodded in satisfaction as the younger man moved off with Shmi a short distance behind carrying Magrie.

"You did that well, Master." She stated as she moved past him to begin walking. "I have never heard you reprimand Ben and praise him in the same sentence."

"Regardless of all the times that I have bumped heads with the boy, Padme, I still love him like I will our son." He sighed, nodding to get her moving. He thought for a moment and pulled on her shoulder to get her to stop. He cupped her chin for a moment, tilting her head back on her shoulders. The wind ruffled her hair momentarily and he ran a hand over it to stop it from blowing. He smiled at the lovely sight in front of him. Padme had begun to glow in her pregnancy, a radiance that basked her features and lit her brown eyes from within. She returned his glance with a sly grin. "And I love you, Padme. Completely, or as near to completely as this old Jedi is able to attain. I want you to remember that. Even when I am angry and in disagreement with you, I never want you to doubt that I do indeed love you, Padme. And when you become a Knight, I want you to become my lifemate."

Padme opened and shut her mouth quickly and then smiled widely and nodded. "I accept your offer, Qui- Gon." A lifemate was as intimate as Jedi were allowed to become; conventional marriage was not looked upon kindly by the order. A lifemate meant that they would be hand bound for life, essentially enjoying a single lover relationship without the marriage ceremony.

He smiled gently and bent to kiss her, sweeping his mouth across hers in gentle ebb and flow. She leaned into the kiss and sighed as he wrapped his arm around her and hugged her tightly. When he drew away, he had the largest smile that Padme had ever seen. "By the Gods, that makes me happy." He stated lowly. She smiled and nodded her agreement. Albie squirmed in Padme's arms drawing their attention back to their surroundings.

"Move on, padawan." He sighed, putting a large hand on her back to guide her. "Stay a good distance in front of me, and do not look back."

"Yes, Master." She answered, tucking the child tighter on her hip and burying Albie's head into the folds of her cloak. She began to move away from him in quick steps, her eyes peeled for Shmi and the other child. Seeing her target, Padme moved purposefully through the crowd.

Qui-Gon smiled, his hands resting on his hips as he watched his love weave through the crowd. He looked to the ground for a moment in reflection and then began to stroll through the streets after her. As he stepped through the crowd, he felt a wave of hatred roll over him and he stopped. Swinging his eyes around the small cove, he saw no sith, nor felt their immediate presence. He sighed and ground his teeth for a moment and muttered: "May the Force be with us. We will need it."

Obi-Wan entered the main door to the hanger multiplex with a purposeful stride. His hands hung limply at his side, swinging slightly in his strides. His lightsabre was well within reach. He could sense Shmi's unease at entering the building and could relate to her. An enclosed space was not the ideal ground on which to meet any enemy, especially one that was your equal. He waited by the door until Shmi rounded the corner. Padme was close at the other woman's heels, hugging her charge. Albie was fussy, and making whimper noises that were muffled in the cloak. Ben grimaced at the distress that he felt coming from the child. It had been obvious since the children had come to stay with them that they were somewhat force sensitive. And that kind of emotion projection was not good for keeping them hidden.

He waited were he was, encouraging Shmi and Padme to catch up to him. Padme shook her head with a frown as she joined him. "Why have you stopped, Ben?"

"Albie is projecting." Ben nodded to the toddler. "She will attract the Sith."

Qui-Gon hurried into the hanger, stopping short as he saw the gathering. He had heard the conversation in his head and was nodding in agreement. "I know, Ben. This is not good. I can feel their hatred, they are tracking us."

"What."

"We should keep going, Padawan." Qui-Gon nodded toward the depths of the hanger. "Stopping will only let them catch up to us sooner." He laid a hand on Albie's head with gentleness. "She is too young to understand her emotions let alone control them." His hand rubbed for a moment and the girl drifted into slumber with little fanfare. "There, that should do it."

Padme sighed as she felt the girl become a dead weight in her arms. "I only wish that I could do that."

"Practice, Padawan." Qui-Gon nodded that they needed to keep going.

The quartet moved along the hall, searching for their docking bay. As they rounded the corner and saw their transport, a collective sigh was raised. "There she is." Ben whispered, leaning against the wall. "And no Sith in sight."

Padme shook her head; her mouth turned in a frown. "That's not entirely true, Ben. I can feel them; they are nearby."

Qui-Gon looked to Padme with a nod. He accepted her feelings as truth in this matter. Although he himself could not feel them, the hatred that they carried for the Jedi rang through the Force like a tolling bell. "Then we must be careful. Obi-Wan, lead the way and be on your toes."

The knight sighed and began to stalk across the open hanger towards the stock light freighter that was their ticket to freedom. He balanced on his toes as he walked; the hair stood up on the back of his neck. Shmi followed, holding the sleeping Magrie in her arms. Padme looked to Qui-Gon over Albie's head and smiled. The master returned her reassurance and waved her on.

As they left the protection of the wall, the sound of an opening door echoed in the hanger. It was then that the seven hells of Naboo were unleashed.

Quickly, several Sith warriors entered into the hanger, their sabres lit and prepared for battle. One by one, they filed into the open space and found attack positions. Their movements were precise and controlled, planned. Shmi took a deep breath. Padme reached out to comfort the woman and to keep her moving toward the ship. As the young padawan moved, she jostled Albie, who in return woke.

The child screeched in protest, her arms flaying against Padme's shoulders. The Sith, drawn by the push of emotion began to close in. Ben turned from his walk in an instant and ignited his sabre, his cloak billowing around due to his pivot. Qui-Gon mimicked his old student's move and had his sabre ignited almost as soon as it left his belt. The black cloaked humanoids began to close in as if rancors on a hunt. Ben engaged one only as he came close enough to the knight to be drawn in to a fight. Obi-Wan gritted his teeth as he swung his sabre in retaliation to the swing of his opponent. "Get to the ship!" he yelled to Shmi and Padme.

Padme nodded, pushing and then grabbing at Shmi to move her along. The elder woman was frozen in her place, her eyes wide in terror. Padme reached around the woman's shoulder to grab at her shirt. "Move, Shmi. Go." She shouted.

Shmi grunted in terror and moved behind Padme. The younger woman was already striding across the hanger with quickened steps. Running was impossible with the child. As they approached the ship, several Sith emerged from behind it, essentially cutting them off from the ship. Padme groaned in disbelief and quickly handed Albie to Shmi. She turned, igniting her sabre. "Get to the ship, Shmi. I will keep them busy." She cried, swinging to block a sweep from her opponent.

The elder woman nodded and balanced the children in her arms. She began to move toward the loading ramp. The captain of the ship heard the scuffle and was beginning to fire up the engines. Padme cried to Shmi as the woman neared the ship. "Tell the captain to fire at the Sith with his lasers. Tell him to not ask questions."

Qui-Gon heard the heated voice exchanged, but remained focused on his battle. He could sense the fear and the eminent engagement of Padme with the other Sith, but could feel that she had it under control at that time. He swung his sabre, and leapt into the air, twisting to land behind his opponent. With a quick draw, he cut the being down from behind. He made a mental note that these Sith were lacking in some respects the cunning of the earlier warriors that they had engaged. He grunted though as he realized that the sheer number of Sith in the hanger would be the problem and not their skill. "Obi-Wan."

The two men lock gazes for a split second, exchanging battle plans with their minds. Obi-Wan nodded and began to swing his sabre one handed as if a scythe in a field of wheat. Qui-Gon immediately took up position behind the younger man, swinging in counterpoint. Sith were momentarily disoriented with the new, improvised attack and several were cut down in seconds. Obi-Wan grimaced as he completed his pass and turned to look at Shmi.

The woman was almost to the boarding ramp, lugging her precious cargo. As she began to climb its slope, a Sith appeared near the ramp and moved to engage her. Padme sensed the anguish and fear in the woman and disengaged her warrior and flipped over to the ramp. She swung her sabre over her head to engage the Sith, but she was too late. The warrior swung his sabre at Shmi with incredible force.

And clipped Magrie.

The child's cry of pain was quickly cut off as the sabre sliced her. Padme gasped in anguish and immediately began to block the rest of the being's swings. Tears burned her eyes as she engaged the Sith in battle. "Get on the ship." She gasped. "Don't stop, take the children."

Qui-Gon almost doubled over at the immediate lost that he felt in his heart. The pain sliced through his body like a dagger through Alderaanian silk. He realized that it was his own pain magnified by Padme's. He turned to see Padme being joined by Obi-Wan. He grimaced and leapt over the remaining Sith to help the two knights. "Go, Shmi!" he yelled.

He landed near Padme with a rush of air. They exchanged only a look and turned to take on their respective battles. They fought valiantly, striving to clear a path for themselves to safety. Shmi ran up the loading ramp and into the interior of the ship. Obi-Wan began to move slowly, trying to move the fight closer to the ship. Momentarily, the lasers of the ship whined into use and began to fire at the Sith farthest from the Jedi.

"Thank the Maker." Obi-Wan sighed.

He neared the ramp and leapt into its interior. "Come on, you two." He shouted.

Padme nodded in agreement, still engaging the Sith that had maimed Magrie. She tried to move toward the ramp, but the being was adamant about not approaching the ship. Qui-Gon noticed that the remaining Sith was moving toward Padme with purpose, and in her sorrow, she was not realizing the approaching danger.

"Padme!" he yelled, leaping over to her.

As he landed, he pivoted to parry the strike that the sith and aimed at Padme's midsection. He was successful in the move, but put himself off balance. As the sith swung the sabre again, he was unable to return the attack.

The sabre pierced his chest with burning hot accuracy.

Padme's eyes widened in pain as she felt an overwhelming anguish wash over her. "No!" she screamed, feeling Qui-Gon's essence ebb from her mind.

Obi-Wan turned from the landing ramp and gasped in disbelief. "Master!" he cried. He leapt down from the ship with a loud whoosh. He landed just as Padme turned and swung her sabre at the Sith that had cut Qui-Gon down. She sliced through the being completely, leaving his top half to crumple to the ground. Obi-Wan sighed as a laser blast was fired and hit the last remaining Sith. He turned to see Padme leaning over Qui-Gon; her sabre still lit. He grimaced at the pain he felt coming from her. "We've got to go.there will be more." He yelled, coming over to her.

"Qui-Gon." She gasped. "I can heal him. But.."

Obi-Wan sheathed his sabre and looped his hands under the fallen Jedi's arms. "Help me drag him on the ship. We can't lift him."

She nodded, reaching for Qui-Gon's arm and began pulling him across the hanger. The loading ramp was steep and they struggled to pull him inside. But once that was accomplished, the door slid shut and the ship gracefully lifted and flew out the open space door.

Padme helped Obi-Wan drag the Jedi far enough inside so that they were not in danger of falling out and they released his arms. She began to pull at his clothing with purpose, ripping the pieces that she was unable to loosen. Obi-Wan joined her in the rush to undress the Jedi. "Magrie?" he gritted out.

"Is beyond help." Padme answered. "She is dead, I can do nothing for her." Her voice was shaking. "But I can help Qui-Gon." Her vision blurred as she pulled at the undertunic and ripped it. What she saw made her blood run cold.

The Sith had pierced the Jedi through the upper torso, through the stomach and the maker only knew how many arteries. There was no trace of blood on the outside of the wound, but Padme knew that the bleeding was in an incredible amount inside the chest cavity. "Qui-Gon?" she sighed, grasping at his hand.

Qui-Gon opened his eyes with effort to meet her tearing brown ones. "I don't think that even you.." He drew a deep breath, "will be able to fix this."

"I can and I will." She grimaced.

"And it will tire you out.." he whispered, " beyond what you can afford with the baby."

"I will do it, stubborn Jedi." She answered, tears falling down her cheeks.

"It's too late." He gasped, " for me, Padme."

"No." she whispered. "I won't allow it." She met Obi-Wan's eyes over the Jedi. "Ben, get the medical supplies."

Ben ran off, nearly tripping over his feet as he entered the hallway. As he left, Qui-Gon lifted his hand to Padme's face, pulling away with tears on his fingertips. "I will be passing into the Force, soon, my Padme. It is only a matter of minutes." He whispered. "I love you, my queen."

"Reserve your strength, Qui-Gon." She sounded in return. "I love you too, and I won't let you go without a fight."

"Remember to hide the child." He whispered. "Give him to Ben."

"I will." She said, as she felt his presence enter into her mind again. It was a feeling of loneliness and deep ache. In the depth of her heart, she knew. She knew that he was leaving her. And the realization made her mouth fill with a scream that never sounded.

"I will be with you always, padawan." He grit out, the light of life dying in his eyes. "You and our children. Look for me."

"Rest." She sighed, easing her hand on his chest, stroking the skin there. A fight would not save him, she realized. "Rest and flow into the force, Jedi Master. For I will see you again. My love."

The only sound that Padme heard was the roaring of the ion engines as the ship fought to leave the planet's pull. The ship rocked gently from side to side. She gazed into his eyes, now open and lifeless. With a sob, she reached up and closed his eyes with her small hand. Then she kissed his lips with the gentleness that she had the first time that they had kissed. And with tears of pain and of loneliness, she laid her head on his chest.

"Wait for me." She moaned out in anguish. "I will join you when my mission is done. My love, my Lianim."

And silently, she felt the material of his clothes loosen and fall to the deck, as the mass of his body drifted into the Force. She buried her face in the empty cloak and sighed. "It is done. As it is written, so shall it be."

Ben rounded the corner minutes later to see Padme leaning back on her heels and staring at the empty clothing. He dropped the medical kit and knelt slowly next to the woman. "He is gone?" he spoke, the disbelief evident in his voice.

Padme nodded, her chin set. Tears rolled down her cheeks unbidden and Ben reached out to draw her into a fierce embrace. The two Jedi remained, joined in their grief as the planet of Tatoonine grew dim in the star filled sky.

Epilogue: The Cycle of Life

The rising of the sun on Naboo had always been a thing to see. The rays of the star as it engaged the atmosphere was incredibly beautiful and a blessing to see. The fingers of purple and pink reached across the sky. The leaves of the trees rustled gently. A lone woman stood on the outside landing of the Grand House, her long black hair unbound and tumbling down her back. The breeze ruffled its strands making it dance. Her robe of blue silk brushed against the skin.

"Mommy?" A small, three-year-old child toddled out onto the porch and Padme turned to smile at her in the morning light.

"Yes, Albie?" Padme laughed as the girl raced into her arms. The both of them enjoyed their morning time on the porch before Padme was drawn into the demands of her ruling profession and Albie was engaged in her lessons.

"Uncle Ben says that he has to leave this morning." Albie was now forming complete sentences to the amazement of her mother and her teachers. Her dark hair tumbled similar to her adopted mother's. And her wide brown eyes shown with an intelligence that was remarkable.

"I know, darling, I know." Padme hugged the girl before resetting her on the ground.

"He's taking Aniakin, isn't he?" Albie knew that Aniakin was not her brother, but loved him nonetheless.

"Yes, Albie, he is." Padme grasped the girl's hand and moved back into the house. "He has to."

"Is he taking him to the Jedi?" Albie asked, tugging on her mother's hand to slow her.

"Yes." Padme rounded the corner into the main room with a sigh. Ben Kenobi had remained with her for the last year, through her pregnancy and the birth of her child. He stood in front of her, holding the very young and powerful, Aniakin. The child's midicholarians had been tested upon his birth and was found to be off scale, as might be expected by the matching of two such powerful Jedi as his parents. The child was barely six months old, but Ben knew that he had to leave with the child before either the mother or the child would be unable to part.

He approached Padme with a sigh. "I will follow the plan, Padme. They will be unable to ascertain his parentage and I will follow him. Hopefully I can take him as my padawan when he is of age."

Padme grimaced as she stroked the baby's head, a mass of blond curls. The child's large blue eyes opened to gaze at his mother. She nodded with a sigh. "It is as Qui-Gon would have wanted."

"I will let you know how he is and where he is, Padme." He watched as the woman continued to stroke the child's head. "The Temple is safe, now..the Sith have been beaten back. We have a chance to regroup and grow again."

Padme nodded, "and you will become a master someday, Ben." She added. "Take him, Ben, he is yours now."

Obi-Wan nodded solemnly. "He is my master's son. I will love him like a brother." He balanced the child in his arms and laid a hand on her cheek. "Will you be okay?"

The woman covered her friend's hand with hers and nodded. "I will always be all right; I can feel Qui-Gon everywhere. He is truly with me all the time."

"He has visited you, hasn't he, Padme." Ben said, gazing at her eyes.

"Yes, he has, but only momentarily. He is still recovering his aura. Someday he will be able to materialize for sometime." Padme sighed. "But I have Naboo to look after, and a daughter to raise. I will be busy. Don't worry about me, Ben, I will be fine."

"You must come to the temple to take your trials soon, though, Padme." Obi-Wan turned to walk with Padme to the doors. He grimaced as he felt her pain at the loss of her son.

"I will, Ben, when I stop mourning the loss of Magrie and Qui-Gon. Soon, within a year. I must train again. The end of my pregnancy prevented me from finishing the last portion of it. As soon as I complete that I will come to Corsucant."

"Then I will see you again, if they have not sent me off somewhere. But regardless of where I am, Padme, I will let you know about Ani and I and how we get on." Ben stood by the doors, looking sorrowful himself.

"I will miss you, Jedi." She whispered, reaching to kiss his cheek. She leaned down to kiss her son and ruffled his hair.

"And, I, you, Padme." He answered in return. "But we will see each other again."

She nodded and opened the door. "Then.May the Force be with you, Obi-Wan. And may the winds of Naboo carry you swiftly to your destination."

He nodded and stepped through the doors, passing down the hall into the hanger with little noise or fuss. Padme watched him go with a measure of sadness. Her son and her best friend were leaving her life and she felt their loss profoundly.

"Mommy?" Albie asked, coming along side of her.

"Yes, darling?" Padme answered, leaning her cheek against the pillar where she stood. It was still scarred with the wounds of a laser battle that had occurred there four seasons earlier. Her eyes closed in pain. This was the only place in the palace where she felt Qui-Gon's spirit the most and often came there to meditate. She could feel her daughter's confusion at the situation.

"Will we be following them?" Albie moved to the window and the small box that was placed beside it for her. She moved to the sill and stepped up to look out at the hanger.

"Someday, Albie." Padme whispered, moving along side her child. Her heart broke as she looked to the hanger. Ben was standing in the door, his head hung low. Aniakin was grabbing at his tunic, pulling on it. As if sensing Padme in the window, he turned to look up. In the early morning light, he appeared much younger than he was. Lifting a hand, he waved solemnly, gripping the child in his other arm.

Padme allowed the tears to fall, as she heard her son cry out. She and Ben had discussed leaving Aniakin on Naboo, although the Jedi Temple was safer. They had talked of raising him and training him themselves, but it would have meant that Ben would be away from the temple for years. And the order needed him. And Padme. But her responsibility was to Naboo and to raise Albie to take the throne after her. And therefore the plan was formulated that Ben was to go to the Jedi and Padme was to remain on Naboo until she took her trials. Ani was to be `found' and brought to the council for training. It was the only way, in this time of change, that the child could be trained properly.

Ben stood at the entrance watching Padme with tears in his eyes. For all intents of purpose, he was leaving his sister. Padme's face, framed by flowing black hair was all that he could see. She had grown to be a very lovely, very mature young woman in the years he had known her and he dreading being apart from her. But his destiny lay on a separate path from hers at the moment and he was determined to be mindful of the present. He hugged the baby and waved one last time, retreating inside the building. As he stepped, he heard his master's voice in his ear echoing across time. "That's it, Obi-Wan. Follow your destiny and you will never be led wrong."

He nodded and climbed aboard the transport quickly with a little less heavy of a heart.

Padme leaned against the sill and sighed through her tears. Albie got down from the box and was running to her room that afforded her a better stance for watching the liftoff. The ship's engines jumped to life and lifted off, flying out the opening into the purple sky. She raised her hand to her lips as she watched its shiny silver body disappear into the sky. She gasped for a second and then released her breath. Through her sorrow she felt the ghost of a heavy hand land on her shoulder.

"They will be fine, Padme." She heard Qui-Gon's voice in her head. She nodded, not bothering to turn around. His aura was not properly healed yet and would not allow him to materialize. "I know, but that does not stop the pain." She answered wisely.

"Your paths will cross again." The voice was light, but was the same low reassuring tone that he used in life. "Obi-Wan and Ani's both."

Padme nodded and sighed. "I miss you and I will miss them just as much. Ani especially, I hardly got to know him."

"That is the way of the Jedi, Padme, but his life will be good. Hard, as you know, but good. You bore me a beautiful son, little one." He gripped her shoulder a little harder through the Force. "I can come to you soon, Padme. But it will not be the same."

"I know." She answered again, watching the sky as the purple began to fade. "I know."

The touch faded momentarily and Padme felt oddly alone. For the first time in years, she felt the weight of loneliness on her shoulders. But as the outside lightened, the woman raised her head and straightened her shoulders. There were things to be done, decisions to be made and training to be accomplished. Grief would not get her any closer to achieving her goals, nor would it make her son and Ben come back. And she had survived this long with the hole in her heart from Qui-Gon's death. Time would only ease the pain, but never dispel it. She sighed and gripped the sill, leaning out to look into the courtyard below.

A lonely leaf flickered to life in the breeze and floated up to the window and she helped it with the Force to come to her. As it landed in her palm she smiled. Life would continue. She would be a knight soon, and her daughter would rule Naboo in peace. There was nothing that could be done about Palpatine currently and she had ceased to be viewed as a threat. Her grin widened and she moved back from the window to stroll the hall. Shmi would be waiting for her for breakfast and she needed to touch ground with another soul who would mourn the passing of their friends, but understand the need for the living.

As she passed from the room, a shadow darkened the pillar where she had stood. It was tall and broad, only lightly dusting the stone of the pillar. "I will come to you." Qui-Gon's voice spoke in the ether. "And I will watch over our son and Obi-Wan. I can promise you that, my love. I will never be far from you." The shadow faded into air and the room remained empty. Only the sound of rustling leaves could be heard through the halls.

The top floor of the Jedi Temple was empty except for Mace Windu. He sat alone in his chair, his proud face weighed by years of anguish. A small hologram flickered to life in front of him and he lifted his gaze to see Yoda.

"Master Yoda." He intoned, lowly.

"The son of Qui-Gon, there he will be." Yoda spoke leaning on his cane.

"I know, my master, I know." Mace looked out the window. "The prophecy will come true, we are unable to stop it."

"With his heart he thought, not his head, Master Windu." Yoda grimaced.

"He loved her completely, Yoda." Mace rose from his chair to look out at the passing traffic. "The child was conceived out of love. They did no greater harm than any other beings in this Republic."

"Broke his oath, he did." Yoda resounded, but then grew solemn. "The truth you speak."

"We can still train this child, Master." Mace said, turning back. "We can try to ease the full outcome of this prophecy."

"All we can do, that is true, Master Windu. Well you must train, this boy." Yoda sighed. "With the others he must remain. Give him to Kenobi as a padawan."

Mace nodded and sighed as the hologram faded. He sat back down on the chair, leaning back to look at the ceiling. There was much to do and prepare. He folded his hands over his chest with a sigh and thought of friends long gone and times long past, and of prophecies and padawans.

Abide in your teachings and trust in the Force. Follow your destiny and you will never be led astray. And when I too shall pass into the ether of the Force, remember that I will be with you always.

Excerpt from Qui-Gon Jinn's personal diary.