Star Wars
Episode 3
A Lost Hope

The Galactic Senate's bid to control the military of the member planets has caused the Republic to split even as it faces the Clone Armies of the evil Darth Sidious. The young senator from Naboo, Amidala Skywalker, has allied her planet's forces with those of Alderaan and Corellia, to form an Independent Alliance that will face the Clone Army without the support of the Galactic Senate and Supreme Chancellor Palpatine.

Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi's search for his former apprentice has brought him to the Independent Alliance in a last desperate attempt to stop Darth Sidious' conquest of the galaxy and of Anakin Skywalker.

The Jedi, the guardians of peace and justice, stand at the brink of extinction as events unfold in a galaxy of fear and suspicion.

---

Chapter 1
62 days after Building of Empires
Deep Space
day 1

Debris from the badly mauled fleet floated past the viewport of the Independent Alliance command ship, the Moons of Alderaan. Garm Bel Iblis stood there, hands clasped behind his back, watching silently. They'd arrived too late to help--all they could do was rescue survivors, gape at the wrecked fighters and Corellian cruisers, and stare in horror as the bodies gently carried on the stellar wind drifted by--their faces frozen into the horror of their death.

The enemy had suffered damage too: just nowhere near as extensive as that suffered by the Independent Alliance fleet. Garm Bel Iblis turned from the viewport and quietly checked the status on their rescue and salvage efforts.

"It's not good." Bail Organa said softly as he spoke to Garm. The others backed away from the viewport. Amidala Naberrie of Naboo shook her head sadly.

"Sir," Amidala's protocol droid said. Garm glanced at her, but she seemed lost in the distance. "The odds of the clone army ambushing us like this three times in succession are..."

"We can't continue like this," Garm cut him off. He didn't need to know the odds, not today. He instinctively knew that this was more than misfortune. The droid harumphed slightly, but remained silent. "Too many have died." He glanced back out toward the nebula where the clone fleet had been hiding. "I want to know how they knew we would be here."

Several of the Alliance representatives who had stood in the back talking softly turned to face the Alliance leadership. "Perhaps we all would be wise to rejoin the Galactic Republic," the shorter human, Harol d'Aryl said. "They have been triumphant over the Clone Armies."

"Without the help of Jedi," the taller, long-haired blond man spat out. The five Jedi in the room remained calm, but Garm was getting tired of these attacks on the characters of the Jedi and others.

Amidala stiffened. "The Jedi represent peace and justice. The Jedi Council cannot condone any action..."

Lady d'Aryl of Commenor glanced at the others in her group, then pushed her reddish gray hair back. "They do nothing. We are the ones who suffer. I have it on excellent authority that the Jedi Council has carried out secret experiments. These clones were an accidental discovery they now use against us..."

"You mustn't believe everything you hear," Amidala said. "There are similar rumors about Commenor."

"Commenor will side with those who truly back peace and justice." Lady d'Aryl pointed at the five Jedi while ignoring Amidala's response. "They do not."

"Then why are they here?" Garm asked.

"Spies, of course...They are Jedi." Harol d'Aryl, spat out.

Nejaa Halycon stepped forward and pushed his emerald green hood off, revealing his long sandy-colored hair. "We are here, because we disagree with the Council." His voice was low and very soothing. "Contrary to popular belief, we are allowed to have our own opinions." Garm smiled slightly at that statement, Lady d'Aryl had said almost the exact opposite about the Commenor ruling family just the other day. "The Jedi are disturbed by recent events."

Lady d'Aryl laughed. "There is a disturbance in the Force?" The Commenor delegation joined in her laughter.

"We must put aside our differences," Garm said as he stepped into the center of the room. "Only by cooperation..." He didn't finish as he sadly watched the Commenor delegation march out.

Lady d'Aryl, spoke from the door. "Commenor has decided to rejoin the Galactic Republic,something the rest of you should consider. Supreme Chancellor Palpatine also speaks of cooperation and unification. Only his words have the power of success behind them." Then she too turned to leave.

"Wait," Amidala called out. "We need you..." She took a deep breath as if to speak some more, but Bail shook his head.

"We can't force them to remain," he said. "They must do what they consider best..."

"But..." They all knew he was right. To do otherwise would make them like the dictatorship they feared the Republic might become. Silently, Garm also agreed. The Independent Alliance was only a loose coalition of the many of governments that had left the Galactic Republic after the Senate had declared the state of emergency and assumed greater authority. Since that day two months ago--and three major losses--several of the participating governments had rejoined the Republic. He feared they would lose more.

"They fear the power of the Clones more than they do the power of the Galactic Senate," Nejaa Halycon said sadly. "They have seen what the clone armies can do. The loss of freedom is less tangible."

"There must be a way," Amidala looked out the viewport, Garm returned his attention, briefly, to the view. The death and destruction of a Clone attack was indeed tangible, visible, and now. It was difficult to fight an invisible threat while a very real and visible enemy wreaked such havoc.

"The galaxy is in chaos...I fear there is a greater evil happening," Jedi Master Nejaa Halycon said. He glanced at each of the other Jedi, their cloaked bodies gave no information of their thoughts or emotions. Garm could understand why some were leery of them. The Jedi Council had officially decided not to participate. That hadn't stopped many of the Jedi from joining the Alliance. He suspected there were some serving the Galactic Republic--despite the opinions of the d'Aryl family.

Amidala looked thoughtful and distant. There were times, Garm felt, that she knew far more than she let on. In her own way, she was as mysterious as the Jedi themselves. Especially recently. The last two months had been hard on everyone, but she seemed to be suffering from some private turmoil. He watched as she wandered away from the viewport. His attention was captured by the arrival of another young woman. Kalla Organa was dressed in long, flowing, white robes, a symbol of her status. The Royal Princess of Alderaan was only twenty, but Kalla Organa had been raised to be the ruler of her people. Her sparkling blue eyes and long blonde hair she usually wore in various elaborate hairstyles befitting her title hid her intelligence and training. She whispered something in her husband's ear. Bail shook his head then nodded. The couple left.

Alderaan was as loyal to the Alliance as any government. The Corellian government was questioning their status--he wouldn't be surprised if the Alderaan government was as worried as his own. His frown deepened. Their situation was precarious, another loss could be the end. He motioned for the Sullusti Admiral to come forward. "Admiral Trevon, there are rumors of a clone fleet massing at Neimodia." Garm knew they had to go, even though Neimodia was not a member of the Republic or Independent Alliance.

Amidala glanced at him quickly, then away. She didn't argue with him, a good sign.

"Sir?" Trevon said.

"Come, we need to do this quietly. You'll be taking the Sullusti and Chandrilan fleet to Neimodia."

Coruscant
day 2

"Supreme Chancellor?" Palpatine waited a second before acknowledging Doriana. The older man handed him two datapacks. "The most recent reports on clone activity. The Independent-Alliance has suffered another grievous loss. Data is sketchy right now. The Commenor government has petitioned the Galactic Senate for readmission."

"Excellent." Palpatine took the datapacks and fingered them as he spoke. "We shall make it easy for them to rejoin."

"There is increasing dissatisfaction among the other governments in the Alliance, while the approval rating of the Galactic Senate and yourself continue to climb." Doriana smiled slightly. "The press will be given a copy of the information later this afternoon."

Palpatine allowed himself to give a half smile in response. "And the other matter?"

Doriana beamed. "There is a rapidly growing movement to truly centralize power and to concentrate it within one person. The representatives from several systems have started a petition." He paused. "And there is an Anakin Skywalker here to see you, I advised him you were busy, but he insists upon waiting. He apparently wants to serve the Republic."

Palpatine remained very calm at the news. Finally. "Send him in. There is always time to see a Jedi." Doriana's eyes widened slightly.

"This may not be wise, sir. There is a growing backlash against the Jedi--you should remain distant from them..."

"For Skywalker, I'll make an exception." Palpatine made a small motion with his hand, indicating the meeting was over. "I'll see him now."

"Yes, sir." Doriana turned to leave, obviously wondering what was so special about Skywalker. The door opened again, and the young man entered.

Anakin bowed politely as he greeted the Supreme Chancellor. Palpatine smiled in return as he slowly turned to face his visitor. "Young Skywalker. I'm delighted to see you again. Minister Doriana informs me that you wish to work with the Republic armies."

"Yes, sir." Anakin didn't return the smile. Palpatine nodded as he studied the young man. Palpatine knew Obi-Wan and Amidala were with the Independent Alliance. Palpatine frowned ever so slightly at that thought. Skywalker had distanced himself from the others in the order by shedding those things that marked him as a Jedi: he'd cut his hair, he wore nondescript dark clothing, and he'd not yet replaced his lightsaber.

"I see. You've lost your lightsaber?" Palpatine said with a quick glance at the boy's hip. Skywalker was still serious about proving himself worthy of the Jedi--he wasn't quite ready to accept the darkpath he'd started on, but he would be, he would be.

"Yes, sir. But a Jedi has many other skills besides using his saber. I'm an excellent pilot."

When Palpatine didn't ask for any explanations, the young man relaxed. "I understand. A Jedi in any capacity is a welcome addition. We shall have to use your skills to our advantage..." He placed a hand on Anakin's shoulder. "I'll have Minister Doriana arrange something." Skywalker started to speak, but Palpatine knew what he was going to request. "There is much you could do here. Help us in intelligence. We must stop these clones before they destroy everything." He removed his hand. "Welcome to my staff."

"Thank-you, sir." Anakin bowed again. "It is an honor."

Palpatine smiled as the door shut behind Anakin. "Finally." He walked over to his desk. "Send General Merlyk to me, now." He didn't wait for any acknowledgment. The Bothans were an arrogant, manipulative race, well worthy of the contempt he held them in.

And completely in his power.

Merlyk arrived quickly. "Sir," The gray-furred Bothan said.

Palpatine controlled his irritation at his intelligence officer. "The Independent Alliance?"

Merlyk must have wondered why Palpatine was so interested in their allies, but hadn't asked. "They are now at Endor, sir. Senator Naberrie is with them. Sir, we have received reports of a clone fleet massing near Neimodia." Palpatine just nodded. After the Trade Federation's invasion of Naboo, Neimodia had been forced to leave the Galactic Republic and was now under an planetary embargo. The yearly review was soon. Not that he really cared.

"Sir," Merlyk said again. "The massing clone fleets?"

"Monitor the situation," Palpatine said quietly then he motioned slightly, signaling an end to the meeting. As Merlyk left, he fingered the broach he wore. It was very old and rare. He doubted even the Jedi knew its significance. His smile grew. Anakin Skywalker had come, just as he had always known he would.

But it was still a dangerous time for the young man: a time when he could still be tempted by the lightside.

Palpatine would have to be patient. Skywalker's links to the Jedi and the lightside would have to be severed before the young man would fully open himself to the darkside.

Endor Sector
day 3

Amidala stared at the holoprojection of the disastrous battle from two days earlier, before returning her attention to Garm Bel Iblis, the senator from Corellia and now in command of the Corellian forces. "There were more than we thought. Our initial intelligence suggested that the clone forces here were small..." He glanced at the faces of the many leaders of the Independent Alliance armies. "Somehow they learned we were going to attack."

There was a whirring noise beside her. Annie's protocol droid that had assigned himself to her staff whispered something to the little Artoo unit, then spoke up. "Excuse me," Threepio said. "But Artoo here says that he had monitored the communications from the fleet for the week prior to the attack. There were exactly seventy-two unauthorized transmissions." Artoo whistled some more, then Threepio translated. "However none of these communications involved our plans for this recent assault."

The Malastaran general grumbled something about privacy, but Bel Iblis waved off his remarks. "All communications are routinely monitored--we are in a military situation. We are aware of those unauthorized transmissions and have spoken to those involved."

"Are you suggesting that one of us is a spy?" The Malastaran general glared at Bel Iblis. The dozen or so representatives of the Independent Alliance forces were equally worried.

"I'm suggesting nothing, just pointing out one obvious conclusion. Perhaps they were lucky." As Garm spoke, Amidala tapped her protocol droid to advise him not to interrupt. The situation was touchy enough, and Threepio still needed to learn more about the finer points of diplomacy.

Bail Organa stood. "Senator Bel Iblis is correct. This is the third time we have attacked and been beaten back by a foe larger than we expected."

"Yet the Galactic Republic Armies are victorious," someone called out. "Perhaps we were wrong to leave the Republic so hastily."

Bail closed his eyes. Amidala watched curiously. As the nominal head of the loose association, Bail worked hard to keep the governments, generals, and many egos placated. "You are free to rejoin the Galactic Republic anytime," he said after several seconds.

The golden-fur-covered Caamasi Jedi stood. Ylenic It'kla rarely spoke in public. He looked at Bail, then at the gathered officials. "Yes, we are free. Free to leave, free to stay. But remember why we left in the first place--to preserve that freedom. The emergency measures granted too much power to the senate. We risk losing too much."

"Freedoms we would regain, once the war is won." The speaker this time was a human.

"Perhaps," It'kla said. "Remember, once lost, freedom is not easily regained."

"Easy for the Caamasi to say," the same voice said. "You speak much but fight little. Even if you are Jedi."

Bail raised a hand. "We are not here to debate this matter, but to discuss whether or not we have a security breach." He motioned to his left. "Colonel Baryl Arasta of CorSec has been investigating the matter."

The reddish-brown haired woman stepped forward. Amidala had met her only a few times on Y'mala. The other woman's frown deepened. "Security is lax, but we have determined the clones did not learn of our plans from the Alliance." She took a deep breath. "Despite our disagreement with the Galactic Republic, we have continued to cooperate--more or less--with them...Including coordinating our attacks. CorSec's conclusion is that the leak is coming from within the Galactic Republic military's high command."

Amidala's heart rate soared, and she started to speak. She couldn't. She'd told Kenobi that she couldn't accuse this man of being Darth Sidious. Not without proof--and all this was circumstantial, at best. Everything she believed in, understood, lived was against her saying anything. She remained silent, but she was positive that Colonel Arasta was watching her. She turned away. She would not accuse Palpatine without real, tangible proof.

The moment passed and Arasta continued with her evidence. The CorSec officer never looked at her again, but Amidala was positive Arasta knew what she was thinking. She'd barely acknowledged her suspicions to Obi-Wan before he'd taken off to seek his apprentice, her husband. She hadn't heard from either man for just over two months.

Two months of a personal Hell she couldn't share with anybody. And a new torment had begun. She placed her hand on her stomach to ease her inclination to vomit and slowly counted to ten.

Bail leaned over and whispered, "Are you all right?"

"Fine," she lied. Fortunately the meeting was showing signs of breaking up. She couldn't hide forever, but she was compelled to keep her secret safe for as long as possible. Bail nodded then smiled at her.

"Take it easy, you look a little pale." Silently she agreed with him as she stood to leave. She noticed her Gungan ally in a heated argument with several of the non-human members. She smiled at his distinctive speech patterns.

She was stopped in the hall by the sound of his voice. "Meesa need to speak with yousa." Jar-Jar tripped and somersaulted. He landed on his feet with a sheepish smile on his face.

"Hello," she said--ignoring Threepio's not so whispered comment about the Gungan's use of Basic.

"This is bombad bad. Many want to leave the bombad alliance." He waved his hands wildly. "Themsa believe that the human are no good. Yousa all want non-humans all dead."

She felt nauseous. "That's not true."

"Meesa tells them all that, but themsa no believe meesa." Jar-Jar looked at his feet. "Meesa think...Are yousa all right?"

"I'm fine. Your information is shocking, that's all."

"Meesa will talk with themsa more. Yousa should sleep." Jar-Jar patted her shoulder. "Meesa bombad good talker." He stuck his tongue out at Threepio before trotting away.

"That annoying Gungan is correct," Threepio said. "You need sleep..."

Coruscant
day 4

Anakin reeled as he stood and grabbed the back of his chair. It had been another vision: yet another variation of the same dream that had haunted him most of his life. A dream swirled in darkness that had only become grimmer these past few months. There were times, he wondered, if he was losing it. He'd spent the past two months meditating, trying to bring his darkside back under control.

Since that horrible day what seemed so long ago, he'd felt helpless against the undercurrents that were pulling him deeper into the abyss. Once only darkness and despair had followed him into his sleep, images always danced through his dreams: images of Amidala, of Obi-Wan, of a faceless young man and woman. Images of great sadness and great fear. The dreams often ended in a long gray corridor where he stood staring at the empty cloak of his teacher, Obi-Wan Kenobi.

He couldn't allow this possible future to happen. He couldn't bring further pain to those he loved. He would continue to seek redemption. He would continue with his meditation. It was a constant struggle to control his anger. There were times it seemed he was deliberately seeking out situations where his anger was his final weapon. He shivered. Or were these situations seeking him out? Was he failing yet another test?

Light and dark. Dark and light. Both sides brought control to the Force. And with the Force came the power to destroy their enemies. He leaned against the wall, no longer sure where he stood in the galaxy.

He'd never felt so alone.

Jedi Council, Coruscant
day 4

Yoda was quieter than usual, Mace thought as the council took their seats. He wondered what the Jedi Master knew and suspected. Adi Gallia spoke first.

"This conflict has brought dissension to the Jedi." Her voice was faint.

"Too much," Even Piell said as he turned his crested head. "The Jedi order is falling apart because of disagreement. We must act..."

"No," Yoda said calmly. "The representatives of peace and justice the Jedi be. Not warriors."

Many of the council nodded their agreement. For almost a thousand years the Jedi Council had avoided active participation in war, preferring to help mediate rather than fight.

Even Piell spoke again, this time standing, his arms crossed. "One thousand years ago we fought the Sith. Since that time we have purposefully chosen a path of peace and justice--but the Sith have risen again. And again we must participate."

"While the Sith were mostly destroyed," Gallia said, "the Jedi suffered a great many losses. To fight now would mean greater loss."

"And not to fight," Master Piell replied, "could mean the complete destruction of everything. Outside the temple, even inside, there is wonder and puzzlement at why we do nothing. I, myself, wonder. I can no longer remain here and discuss doing nothing." He waited patiently for a response.

Mace studied each participate. For his entire life he'd lived by the code and principles of being a Jedi, but that had been a life in a time of Galactic peace. There had not been a conflict like this in his lifetime or many lifetimes before then. Only Yoda had been here in the early days after the Sith Wars.

Yoda's eyes were full of sadness as he spoke. "Much I do not see or understand. The prophecy of the chosen one, of a great darkness speaks..."

Gallia nodded in understanding. She was truly worried but made no move to join with the two others who had moved to stand by Even Piell. "So be it," Piell said. "We shall return, when the council decides to act." The three left. No one stopped them. Mace glanced at the door then at Yoda.

Deep Space
day 7

Harol d'Aryl stared at the holo-image, transfixed and scared stiff. He barely managed to greet the figure with only a minimum amount of squeak in his voice. "My Lord, I have convinced my sister to leave the Alliance. Commenor will be rejoining..."

"Excellent," Sidious hissed. "You have done well."

"Thank-you my Lord." d'Aryl shivered slightly and pulled his cloak tighter. He could feel Sidious' smirk develop, even though he couldn't see the Sith Lord's face. "I am privileged to serve you..."

Sidious raised his right hand, silencing the young man. He fell to the floor. "My Lord, I didn't mean to offend you..."

"Better. I have a task for you. The Jedi."

d'Aryl gathered himself into a kneeling position. "My Lord?"

"The time has come. Everything you need will be waiting for you at Coruscant." Sidious lowered his hand. "Continue to please me and the rewards will be endless." The image vanished, but d'Aryl remained kneeling.

"Yes, my Lord," he whispered to the empty air. He practically jumped when the door opened.

"You all right?" Lady d'Aryl asked as she stared at him. "Bad news? I heard the communication system..."

"No," he said with a toss of his deep red cloak. "Everything's fine..."

She sighed. "Those damn gambling bets again." She turned away. "You promised that you would stop..."

Harol took her hand. "I have sis...Really, I have."

"I wish I could believe you." She squeezed her brother's hand. "We should arrive in Coruscant in twelve hours."

He smiled. "Great. I have things to take care of..." She frowned as she turned away. He would make it up to her, later--first he had to tell his friends they were finally dealing those Jedi fanatics.

Endor
Day 7

Obi-Wan waited, meditating in the lounge. He'd left a message for Senator Naberrie. A vague message. He sensed her approach--and something else.

"Obi-Wan?" She asked quietly, hopefully. She looked solemn and calm.

"Senator Naberrie," her droid said. "You have a meeting with Senator Organa in fifteen minutes. Hello Master Obi-Wan." Threepio managed to not sound enthused in his greeting.

"Yes, I know." She looked at the Jedi Knight questioningly.

"Nothing." He stood and took her hand. "Not here." He reached out with the Force and almost frowned.

"Yes," she whispered. "I've known for a month." She motioned toward the door. "Wait here, Threepio." With that they left the droid as he muttered something about civilized behavior.

"He's with Chancellor Palpatine," Obi-Wan finally said when they entered her small quarters.

"Then we are too late," her voice was resigned and sad. She sat down on her single chair. "What shall I do? No one knows...At least I haven't told anyone."

"Don't tell anyone." Kenobi closed his eyes and concentrated. "Anakin has chosen a dark path, perhaps his child..." He stopped. "Children," he smiled, "Perhaps his children can return him to the light. But Palpatine mustn't find out." They both looked at each other in horror as he spoke Palpatine's name. This was the first time either of them had voiced the Supreme Chancellor's name in connection with the darkside.

"We need proof," she said softly.

"I know. Even now it may be too late." Obi-Wan sighed. "The Galactic Republic hails him as a hero. Their forces meet with victory after victory..."

"And we have suffered three disastrous defeats. Many of the governments are voicing a desire to rejoin the Republic." She shook her head sadly. "Mostly humans..."

"I tried to talk to Yoda before I returned. The Jedi Council is reluctant to intervene. They say, 'It isn't our place.'" He angrily hit the wall. "There is dissension in the Council too..." He took several deep breaths as he calmed down.

"The Jedi may be all that stand between us and a dictatorship. Only you can expose him..."

"How?" He then nodded. "I know. But can we in time?" Yoda's words haunted him. 'Clouded his future is...'

He wondered whose future.

#

It was with a heavy heart that Obi-Wan slowly made his way back to his quarters. The future of the galaxy hung in the balance, and it was all his fault. If only he'd been less willing to fulfill Qui-Gon's wishes, if only he'd listened to Yoda, if only...So many ifs.

He had become Qui-Gon's Padawan learner under less than traditional circumstances: maybe he should have remained in the ag-corp. Farmers didn't effect the coarse of galactic events. A Jedi did not play what-if games: it was too easy to get lost in the quagmire of possibilities and hind-sight. But for the first time in his life he understood Qui-Gon's reluctance to accept him as his Padawan learner. The pain of losing an apprentice to the darkside was beyond description.

He froze at the door. It wasn't a feeling of danger that stopped him, but it felt like trouble of some sort. He fingered his lightsaber, but didn't remove it from his belt. The door swished open. Obi-Wan stared at the intruder for a second before he smiled and removed his hand from his lightsaber hilt. "You should never surprise a Jedi."

Colonel Arasta of CorSec shook her head then pushed her forest green hood off her head. "Yet you didn't use it." She pointed at his saber.

"I didn't sense the need. Why are you here?" He looked at the door to his cramped quarters, then back at her. "And how did you get in?"

She laughed. "I'm CorSec, breaking and entering is a required skill. And on a starship a pretty easy one. I hope you don't keep your valuables lying about?"

He shrugged. "Don't have any. Why?"

"I've had two months to think and learn. There was much you didn't tell me on Y'mala...And Senator Naberrie was just as closed mouthed. We traced the explosives used on the generators to Neimodia." She waited for him to acknowledge the significance of that place before she continued. "The trail stops there...Or rather, because of the planetary embargo we were denied permission to go to the planet." She glanced around the room quickly. "I scanned it while waiting for you. It's clean." She paused to collect her thoughts. "Darth Sidious." He frowned, but waited silently for her to continue.

"You said there was more to the destruction of the planet than hatred of Y'mala. Naberrie mentioned Sidious. I spent two months building a case against this mysterious person's involvement. And came to another more interesting question. Who is Darth Sidious? I think you know." She took a deep breath before continuing. "Most crimes involve money, love, and or power. The motive here is power. Several people have profited in that regard. But, only one has truly profited from Y'mala AND the events on Naboo ten years ago." She stopped and stared at him. "Two months ago I sensed you suspected or knew who was behind the destruction of Y'mala...I believe I have come to the same conclusion."

Obi-Wan nodded once. "There is no evidence. A hunch has no..."

"No self-respecting judge would authorize a warrant on a hunch--but we investigators often build cases that start with a hunch. And you are right, there is no evidence." She again paused for several seconds. "The Y'mala investigation has officially been closed. I've been reassigned to intelligence. The Independent Alliance is being betrayed--the defeat a week ago was just another example--by someone high up in the Galactic Republic...Very high up." The last three words were whispered. "It makes no sense, unless he is using us, and I need to prove this. I have taken an extended leave of absence."

"You are going to investigate to see if they are really the same person?"

"I want us to investigate. You know more about the Sith."

Obi-Wan bit his lip and stared at her for four full minutes before nodding. "There is something else I need to investigate, and your expertise will be useful."

She scowled at him. "We don't have time..."

"It's related," Obi-Wan quickly reassured her. "Trust me. We'll start on Tatooine."

"The home of your apprentice?" He knew then that he would have to tell her some of the story, including his own failure and his own distress at the news that Anakin had been seen in the company of the Supreme Chancellor just a few days earlier.

"Yes." Her first oh was calm, noncommittal. The second one radiated a growing sense of understanding. "I need to learn where the Skywalker family came from." He closed his eyes. "There is more there than meets the eye. Something deep, dark, and hidden away."

She shook her head. "That little Artoo unit that is assigned to Senator Naberrie...He might be useful"

He sensed her troubled thoughts and nodded. "I'll arrange it." He didn't want to leave Amidala at this point: but he needed to uncover the Skywalker secret, and the Force was urging him on.