As the group made their way down the steps of Padmé's residence and onto the street, the evening air carried a slight chill, and Liora's cloak billowed around her, hiding her identity from anyone who might have been watching. The shadows of Coruscant's towering buildings loomed over them, adding a layer of secrecy to the already quiet scene. Her mind whirred with thoughts of potential threats; after all, in a city like Coruscant, one could never be too cautious.

She glanced over at Obi-Wan and Anakin, both of whom walked with her, their presence a steady reassurance in the uncertainty of the moment.

"So," Liora said, her voice cutting through the silence as she glanced between the two Jedi, "where will we go if I can't stay at my suite here on Coruscant?" She was always looking ahead, always aware of the next move, the next potential danger. The Jedi were wise in their caution, but she too had learned the importance of discretion.

Obi-Wan stroked his beard thoughtfully, his eyes scanning the street ahead as if calculating every move before speaking. "How about an island?" he suggested with a small smile, his tone carrying a hint of warmth and mystery. "I know of one, and no, it's not Isla Nublar or within your archipelago." His smile widened slightly as he glanced at Liora. "It's where I come from. It's actually not far from the mainland of Naboo, somewhat hidden."

Anakin's brows furrowed as he shot a glance at Obi-Wan, his curiosity piqued. "You never told me about this place," he said, his tone slightly teasing but also filled with genuine interest.

Obi-Wan shook his head slightly, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "It wasn't important," he replied calmly. "It wasn't really my birthplace, just a place my mother took me to before I became a Padawan."

Liora's curiosity deepened at Obi-Wan's words. The Jedi Master was always one to keep parts of his past hidden, but she could sense there was more to this island than he was letting on. "A hidden island," she mused softly. "Sounds like the perfect place to keep things... low-key. I could use the break."

Obi-Wan met her gaze and nodded, his eyes filled with the quiet wisdom that Liora had come to respect in him. "It's a peaceful place, away from the chaos of Coruscant. Not many know of it. It will be safe for now."

Anakin, though a little taken aback by the idea of this hidden island, couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. "Sounds like a good place to clear our heads," he said, his voice a little lighter now. "Maybe I'll get some time to train on this mysterious island, then."

Liora gave a small, amused smile. "It sounds like a plan, then. If you think it's safe enough for us, Obi-Wan, I'll follow your lead."

The trio continued walking, their destination set, and the quiet night around them seemed to wrap itself like a blanket over them, shielding them from the world. The city lights reflected off the buildings, casting shadows that seemed to follow them as they made their way through the bustling streets, but none of them paid the slightest bit of attention. They knew the world could be full of threats, but for the time being, they were together, and that was enough.

Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Liora were no strangers to danger, but tonight, at least, they had each other. And that was all they needed.

SCENEBREAK

As the ship touched down on the platform, the soft hum of its engines slowly faded, leaving behind a serene silence. The air on the island felt different—fresh, crisp, filled with the scent of saltwater and earth. This place, hidden from the eyes of many, was a haven, untouched by the chaos of the galaxy. The island had been a refuge for Obi-Wan, a place where he had found peace as a child, and it would now serve as a sanctuary for them all.

The ramp lowered with a quiet hiss, and as they stepped out into the soft light of the island, Queen Jamaica was there to greet them. She stood tall and regal, the very embodiment of grace, her flowing robes catching the gentle breeze. Her presence was magnetic, like the force itself had woven around her, making her seem even more majestic than the tropical surroundings that surrounded them.

"Greetings, my knights and the highest Queen Liora," Queen Jamaica said warmly, her voice a melodic blend of strength and kindness. Her smile was genuine, a welcoming sight for the weary travelers.

Liora, ever poised, stood with a slight bow of her head. Her eyes reflected the depth of her respect for the queen, but her tone remained calm and composed. "Thank you, Queen Jamaica, for allowing us to stay here," Liora replied with a hint of gratitude in her voice. Though she was a queen herself, she knew the importance of such alliances, and Jamaica's hospitality was not something to be taken lightly.

Queen Jamaica's smile widened, her eyes twinkling with understanding. "Of course, anything for royal matters," she said, her tone light but purposeful. "Now, come along. There is a guide waiting to take you to the Badlands."

Anakin, who had been quietly taking in the scenery, felt the weight of the situation settle on him. The island, though beautiful, was far from ordinary. He could sense the history and mystery that hung in the air, the knowledge of ancient times buried beneath the island's soil. He looked to Obi-Wan, who seemed deep in thought, and then back at Liora, who stood as composed as ever.

"Badlands?" Anakin asked, raising an eyebrow, curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar term. He had seen many parts of the galaxy, but this island and its surroundings were completely new to him.

Obi-Wan glanced at Anakin, a quiet smile on his lips. "The Badlands are a place of great significance. There are secrets hidden there, lessons to be learned, and trials to face," he explained. "I visited it once when I was younger. It's not a place you just stumble upon, and certainly not a place for the faint of heart."

Liora gave a small, knowing smile. "Sounds like just what we need," she said, her voice steady. "A place to clear our minds and strengthen our resolve."

With that, the group followed Queen Jamaica, their footsteps echoing softly on the stone path that led away from the ship and toward the waiting guide. The guide, a local islander with a serene expression, greeted them with a respectful nod, ready to lead them through the dense jungle and to the Badlands.

The air grew heavier as they ventured deeper into the island's heart, the lush greenery surrounding them like a wall of life. The sounds of the jungle were vibrant, from the rustling of leaves to the distant calls of creatures hidden within the foliage. It was a place both beautiful and untamed, as if the very earth itself held onto its secrets.

As they walked, Liora found herself lost in thought. The Badlands awaited them, and with it, the promise of something important. The galaxy was on the brink of great change, and every step they took would bring them closer to understanding what role they would play in the battles to come.

In the distance, the edge of the Badlands began to appear—a stark contrast to the vibrant jungle. Jagged cliffs rose out of the earth, and a strange, eerie stillness hung in the air. It was clear they were nearing a place of power, and though it seemed dangerous, it also seemed like a place where the answers they sought might be found.

The journey had just begun, and already, Liora felt the weight of destiny pressing down upon her.