Liora sat still, her back resting against the cool stone of the fighter's interior, the vibrations of the engines humming beneath her like a distant heartbeat. The glow of the dim cockpit lights cast shadows across her face, but her sharp eyes seemed to pierce through the gloom with ease. Her hands, delicate yet strong, were folded neatly across her belly, her fingers lightly brushing the fabric of her tunic as if lost in thought.

The rhythmic whir of the ship's engines was interrupted by the soft hiss of the hatch as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker entered the cockpit. The two Jedi had just finished their duties in the back of the ship, and their presence brought a slight shift in the air. Anakin's smile appeared before he even fully stepped into view, a warm, confident expression that contrasted the usual stoic nature of his mentor.

"Liora," Anakin's voice was gentle yet playful, his eyes catching hers as he leaned against the cockpit's doorway. "How long until we reach Coruscant?" he asked, the question light, but his gaze lingering on her for a moment.

Liora, for a moment, didn't answer, but her eyes sparkled with curiosity, a subtle glimmer of amusement dancing within them. She had always admired the way Anakin's confidence contrasted Obi-Wan's calm, measured demeanor. With her hands resting over her belly, she sighed softly and let the question hang in the air for a moment, savoring the tension before finally replying.

"Not long now," Anakin continued, sensing her delay. He shifted slightly, leaning a bit more casually against the wall of the cockpit, his arms crossing loosely over his chest. "About an hour or so, I'd guess." His smile widened, and he offered, almost teasingly, "You should get some sleep. You look like you could use it."

Liora couldn't help but smile softly at his words. Sleep had always been a rare luxury for someone like her—someone who was constantly shifting between forms, constantly in motion. But the gentle suggestion from Anakin, the warmth in his voice, somehow made the idea more inviting than usual.

Still, her hands remained folded across her belly, and she offered a quiet nod. "I'll consider it," she said, her voice carrying the faintest hint of a laugh, a touch of mystery that only someone who knew her well might catch.

Obi-Wan, who had been silent, watching the exchange with an ever-calming presence, finally spoke up. His voice was measured, the calm that only he could bring radiating through every word. "Rest would be wise, Liora. You've had a long journey."

Liora's gaze shifted briefly to Obi-Wan, a quiet respect in her eyes, before turning back to Anakin. The soft hum of the fighter continued to surround them, the tension of the moment giving way to a comfortable silence as Liora leaned back, her mind drifting towards the distant planet that was soon to be their destination.

An hour had passed in the blink of an eye, the ship slicing through hyperspace with the usual blurring streaks of light outside the viewport. Liora remained nestled in her seat, her hands still lightly resting over her belly as the ship hummed steadily around her. Her mind wandered, a quiet stillness settling over her, even as the stars stretched and merged into the singular glow of Coruscant's bright atmosphere.

Then, with a sudden jolt, the ship emerged from hyperspace. The familiar, breathtaking sight of Coruscant's sprawling cityscape filled the viewports. Towering spires, glowing lights, and the never-ending expanse of bustling streets spread out beneath them like a glittering sea of steel and stone. Liora blinked, her sharp eyes narrowing as she took in the sight, the sheer scale of the city-planet reminding her of the immense power and complexity of the galaxy she found herself in.

"This is Coruscant?" she asked quietly, her voice almost lost beneath the hum of the ship's engines, but there was no mistaking the wonder in her tone.

Obi-Wan, who had been standing at the controls, turned to her with a soft smile, the weight of experience in his calm eyes. "Yes," he said, his voice steady and reassuring. "We're approaching the central spire now. Once we land, we'll head straight to the Senate. They'll want to speak with you immediately."

Liora gave a small nod, her gaze lingering on the glow of Coruscant's heart as it neared closer. Despite the grandeur of the scene outside, she could feel the weight of what was to come. A conversation with the Senate was no small matter, especially given the mysteries surrounding her presence in the galaxy and the reputation of her abilities.

Obi-Wan's voice broke through her thoughts, the gentle authority in it unshakable. "They'll want to know why you didn't seek help earlier. Why you felt it wasn't necessary." His eyes were serious, though there was a hint of amusement beneath the surface, as if he too understood that the nature of her independence was something they'd need to address diplomatically.

Liora met his gaze, the flicker of a smirk tugging at her lips. "Perhaps I simply didn't need it," she replied, her words light but layered with meaning. She knew the importance of diplomacy but also the necessity of maintaining her position. To appear in need of help would undermine everything she had worked for on Isla Nublar.

Obi-Wan's smile was subtle but knowing. "That's exactly why they'll be interested," he murmured. "But don't worry, Liora. We'll handle this, as we always do."

The fighter glided smoothly through the upper levels of Coruscant's atmosphere, heading toward the familiar landing platforms of the Senate. The quiet between them deepened as they neared their destination, the weight of what was about to happen hanging in the air. But in that moment, Liora felt a sense of quiet resolve settle over her. Whatever was to come, she would face it with the same strength and grace that had brought her this far.

SCENEBREAK

The jet smoothly touched down on one of Coruscant's high-level landing platforms, its engines winding down to a soft hum as the doors hissed open. Liora, Obi-Wan, and Anakin stepped out, the rush of air from the ship's descent lingering around them. The towering architecture of the Senate building loomed ahead, its massive columns and grand steps bathed in the soft, golden light of Coruscant's endless cityscape.

The trio made their way toward the building's entrance, their footsteps echoing in the vast, empty space. As they approached, two figures emerged from the shadows, standing in quiet anticipation. Jedi robes flowing around them, Master Yoda and Master Mace Windu both awaited their arrival, their presence calm and commanding. When they saw Liora, the two Jedi Masters exchanged a look, a faint smile tugging at their lips, but there was no mistaking the weight of their curiosity.

Liora, always aware of the eyes upon her, allowed her gaze to meet theirs, her posture graceful but with an undeniable strength that radiated from within. She held herself with a quiet regality, her hands still resting lightly on her belly, her expression composed. Despite the uncertainty that had surrounded her arrival on Coruscant, there was no mistaking the aura of confidence she exuded.

Master Yoda was the first to speak, his voice carrying an ancient weight as he bowed his small green head in respect. "Ahh, Your Highness," he said, his voice smooth but carrying a deep wisdom that only centuries of life could grant. "I see you're here."

Liora gave a small nod in return, her lips curving into a serene but knowing smile. "I am here, Master Yoda," she said softly, the words holding more meaning than just a mere greeting. "I trust the Senate has been waiting for me."

Master Yoda's eyes twinkled with a mix of amusement and curiosity, the lines of age on his face deepening as he tilted his head slightly. "Waiting, yes. But not in the way you think, young one," he said cryptically. His expression remained one of gentle wisdom, but there was an unmistakable glimmer of intrigue in his gaze.

Master Mace Windu stepped forward, his tall frame exuding an air of quiet authority. His deep voice was calm but firm as he spoke. "The Senate has many questions, Liora," he said, his gaze steady. "Not just about your arrival here, but also about the choice you made to avoid seeking aid. The galaxy is complex, and your... unique abilities are of great interest to us. We need to understand why you felt it wasn't necessary to involve others."

Liora's eyes locked with Mace's, her posture unwavering. "I did not seek aid because I believed I could handle the situation," she replied, her voice calm and unyielding, yet carrying an underlying strength. "I know my own power, Master Windu. And sometimes, relying on others can create more complications than it solves."

There was a brief silence, the weight of her words settling between them. Obi-Wan and Anakin stood just behind Liora, watching the exchange with quiet respect. Yoda's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, and Mace Windu's lips pressed into a tight line, as if weighing her words carefully.

"You are wise for your years, Liora," Mace said finally, his tone not dismissive, but deeply analytical. "Yet, we must also learn to trust those around us. The galaxy does not stand alone. And while your strength is undeniable, even the greatest of us need allies."

Liora met his gaze without flinching, her expression unchanging. "I understand, Master Windu. But sometimes, the greatest strength lies in knowing when to stand alone."

Yoda chuckled softly, his ancient face wrinkling in a smile that was both kind and enigmatic. "Stand alone, you may," he said, his voice full of understanding. "But always, the Force you must trust. In it, your path will be revealed."

The exchange hung in the air for a moment before Mace Windu nodded, his expression softening. "We will speak more of this within the Senate chambers, Liora. For now, welcome to Coruscant."

As the group made their way into the grand Senate building, Liora felt the weight of the moment press upon her, but it was a weight she was ready to bear. The Senate awaited her, and whatever questions they had, she would answer them in her own way.