~ A MONTH LATER ~

Another month passed without much opportunity for excitement, save the occasional training session or diplomatic meeting. One sunny afternoon, I accompanied Padmé to visit a new Senatorial edifice, eagerly anticipating fresh perspectives and potential allies. Upon entering, we discovered that today's host was none other than Chairman Papanoida himself—a being whom I had never met prior. However, Padmé assured me that he was quite affable and mentioned that his daughters shared our age group. Perhaps this social call may yield unexpected benefits after all...

We entered Chairman Papanoida's office, greeted warmly by our host. Beside him stood two young girls and a boy, each displaying curiosity mixed with trepidation. Sensing Padmé's concern, I offered assurance, whispering confidentially, "Fear not, Madame Amidala. I shall maintain composure provided there are no dangerously sharp objects within reach."

Padmé sighed softly, knowing full well my disregard for formalities despite standing before a high-ranking official. Although we maintained a cordial relationship, true friendship remained elusive between us. Nevertheless, together we embarked on this mission, determined to secure support for Naboo and bring peace to the galaxy.

The Chairman returned our greeting with genuine enthusiasm. He introduced his children, sons Olee Starstone and Korkie Kryze, followed by daughters Chi Eekway and Che Amanwe. They looked at us with wonderment, unsure whether to feel awestruck or comfortably welcomed.

With grace, Padmé responded, "You're most welcome, Chairman. Allow me to introduce Jedi Master Nyx, apprentice of Master Kenobi and esteemed ally of mine."

As per custom, I lowered my gaze respectfully and bowed my head to acknowledge the Pantorans present. An uncomfortable silence settled briefly before breaking into light conversation regarding politics, trade disputes, and intergalactic relations. Despite the tension, I vowed silently to protect these innocents should harm arise—for friends and strangers alike fell under the purview of a Jedi Knight's duty.

"Perhaps I can offer some refreshments," suggested the Chairman, pouring us glasses of wine. After sniffing mine cautiously, I decided to indulge—these Pantorans wouldn't poison a Jedi Knight, certainly not someone like myself.

For hours, Padmé and I conversed in their quarters, getting acquainted with the sisters and even the brothers. Eventually, Chi rose from her seat. "Father, Che and I are heading home," she announced, causing Korkie to stand abruptly.

"Shall I join you?" he asked hopefully, but Chi merely shook her head and grasped her sister's hand instead. "No, you must remain here. Your negotiations with the Trade Federation blockade are vital for removing it from our planet."

Chi nodded farewell to Chairman Panaoe before leaving with her younger sister. Korkie let out a sigh, receiving consolation from his brother. "Don't worry too much about our sisters, brother. They know what they're doing," he assured him. Yet Korkie frowned, rolling his eyes. "Yes, I understand that, but they could get hurt! I don't want anything bad happening to our precious sisters."

A subtle exchange of smiles passed between Padmé and me as we observed this protective dynamic, reminiscent of Moonwhisper caring for Frost while simultaneously keeping Indoraptor at bay. Emotions swelled inside me, evoking memories best left forgotten, yet poignant enough to remind me of the importance of protecting loved ones regardless of circumstances.

"Well, then we ought to return to the Senate," he told Padmé, rising from his chair. I nodded before addressing the woman courteously. "I'll be outside if you need me, madame," I stated, then headed for the Jedi Temple. I required rest; political discussions proved exhausting today.

Anakin appeared halfway down the stairs leading from the Senate. "Enough politics already," he grumbled, prompting a sigh from me. "Unfortunately, yes. Padmé is a fine woman, but her policies wear me thin. Useless," I muttered disparagingly.

Ankit approached, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Come on then, we'll head to your bedroom," he said, trying to mask his nerves. I gave him a sidelong glance, arching an eyebrow. "We?" I repeated, fighting back a smirk as he blushed, stammering out his words. "I-I mean... I will take you there." He recovered haltingly, and I couldn't help but laugh at his obvious discomfort. "Oh, and you're so obvious sometimes," I teased gently, wrapping my arm around his before leading him up the stairs.

Anakin nervously swallowed, choosing to sit down on my bed, his gaze flickering everywhere except for me. I smiled warmly at him, beginning to undress leisurely. My movements caught his attention, and he swung his gaze back to me, swallowing hard again. "Tell me when..." he whispered weakly, anticipation lacing his voice. I laughed lightly, finding amusement in his sudden shyness. Once I had shed my outer garments, leaving only a silken undergarment behind, I climbed onto my bed and looked over at him with heavy-lidded eyes. "Good night, Ani," I murmured softly, allowing sleep to claim me as my eyelids grew heavier by the second. In response, I felt him shift closer, drawn in by curiosity and longing, before everything faded away into darkness.

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When I woke once more, I found Anakin curled up sound asleep near my feet, warmth spreading across my chest at the sight.

 As I stirred, however, I noticed someone clearing their throat loudly nearby. Turning my head, I spotted Obi-Wan standing a few paces away, hands folded sternly across his chest.

 A sigh escaped his lips as he surveyed the scene before him. "Well, this isn't exactly something I would rather see," he admitted slowly, though his expression softened somewhat. "But I suppose I cannot fault you since you are not doing anything improper." Another sigh followed, accompanied by a shake of his head. 

"Regardless, I do require your assistance for something," he stated firmly, bringing the conversation back to business. Despite the unexpected intrusion, I couldn't suppress a small smile at his mild reaction to discovering Anakin in my quarters.

 It seemed even formidable Jedi Masters could be surprised every now and then. Reluctantly tearing myself away from the peaceful scene, I rose from my bed and prepared myself to follow Obi-Wan, eager to learn what mission awaited us both.

Rising from the bed, I straightened my posture and met Obi-Wan's steady gaze, still dressed in my sheer sleeping attire. 

Noticing his subtle unease, I quickly assured him, "Ah, apologies Master. I tend to prefer sleeping without clothes; it helps ease my mind." At my confession, I detected a slight reddening of his ears, confirming my suspicion that beneath his stoic exterior, the usually composed Jedi Master shared similarities with his Padawan. 

Grinning mischievously, I pointed out the resemblance between them, remarking, "You know, you two are really quite alike." Seizing the opportunity presented by my newfound appearance, I summoned my clothing using the Force - a sleek black shirt hugging my torso tightly, complemented by my long, flowing hair neatly brushed back and adorned with a dark pendant hanging elegantly around my neck.

 With renewed confidence, I stood ready to tackle whatever challenge Obi-Wan brought forth, grateful for these rare moments of levity amidst the turmoil of war. And perhaps along the way, I might also come to understand the deeper connection binding these two enigmatic figures together. But until then, adventure called, and I was eager to answer.

Upon hearing Obi-Wan's request, I turned toward him with keen interest, knowing full well the gravity of such a mission. 

"Very well," I responded thoughtfully, considering the information already gathered regarding the kidnapping of Chairman Papanoidas' daughters. "Padmé does indeed have a lead," I continued, recalling her suspicions. "She believes the Trade Federation may somehow be involved in this matter." 

At my revelation, Obi-Wan simply nodded in agreement, evidently aware of Senator Amidala's involvement in investigating the incident.

 Our partnership struck a balance between duty and personal interests, offering each other valuable insights and resources necessary to solve pressing concerns within the galaxy. Together, we embarked upon our latest endeavor, united in purpose and guided by trust in one another's abilities. Alongside my esteemed mentor, I delved deep into the shadows cast by political machinations and criminal networks, determined to bring light to those plaguing the innocent and restore order among the stars.

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After she had meticulously adorned herself, the stoic Obi-Wan and I were escorted into the austere abode of the enigmatic Chairman Papanoida. His eyes, filled with a mixture of intrigue and formality, greeted us as we crossed the threshold. 'I'm grateful for your presence,' he quipped, his voice resonating within the chamber.

A subtle nod of acknowledgment was all I offered in response. 'Remember, while our intent remains shrouded in secrecy, the veil of ignorance prevails among the masses,' I murmured, a hint of a smile crossing my lips. Papanoida's laughter, rich and warm, filled the air, betraying a camaraderie unbound by protocol.

'Of course, Master' he bowed slightly, his arm extended in a sign of hospitality. 'The living room awaits you.' As we stepped into the dimly lit expanse, my eyes alighted upon the silent sentinels of stone—moon goddess statues, each a testament to the celestial lineage of Papanoida's lineage.

'Behold this one,' I whispered, cautiously lifting a figure whose alien skin bore the wounds of a recent skirmish. A slow, crimson trickle traced a path down its junctions—a stark reminder that the seemingly passive guardian of this domain harbored a prowess that belied its delicate form.

Papanoida's gaze, initially one of nonchalance, shifted to a contemplative stare as he uttered, 'Indeed, the creature before us possesses a most peculiar trait.'

Obviously intrigued by the anomaly, Obi-Wan swiftly initiated the scanning protocol. The data stream swirled on the screen, revealing the silhouette of a Rodian, its armor gleaming faintly in the artificial light—a stark contrast to the cold, hard surface of the living room's statues.

My growl, a low rumble resonating within, punctuated the room's silence as I acknowledged the creature's identity. 'Rodian,' I asserted, a hint of respect creeping into my voice despite the circumstances.

Papanoida's hesitation was fleeting, quickly giving way to a clear, albeit wary, resolve. 'Our political discourse has never extended to hostility towards Rodians,' he confessed, his eyes narrowing at the screen's revelation.

'Indeed,' I replied, my tone laced with the weight of the discovery. 'The data indicates the presence of an assassin—a task-specific entity, summoned by political directive, with instructions to seize young Papanoida's daughters. A regrettable yet common thread in the fabric of our galaxy's politics.'

'A dismal truth,' Papanoida muttered, the corners of his mouth twitching with a mixture of frustration and resignation. 'As always, the machinations of politicians weave a tapestry of deceit and danger.'

In the dimly lit room with walls lined with books, the scent of worn leather and aging paper wafted through the air. Papanoida, a man weathered by the trials of a life untold, exhaled softly. He slumped into the plush embrace of an armchair, its crimson fabric whispering secrets of countless previous occupants. "Who would lay claim to my daughters?" he murmured, his voice a hushed blend of anger and despair. He pondered the question, his furrowed brow casting shadows over his weary eyes.

I, on the other side of the room, sat poised with an unwavering resolve, the sharpness of my gaze betraying none of my inner turmoil. Obi-Wan, my companion in this unexpected adventure, stood by the window, his eyes reflecting the last remnants of daylight as it succumbed to the encroaching twilight.

"It's the Trade Federation," I finally broke the silence, my voice steady yet tinged with urgency. "They're masters of commerce and manipulation. They'll stop at nothing for profit."

Papanoida's eyes, a tumultuous sea of confusion and distrust, met mine. "Lott Dod spoke of Nute Gunray's men; exiled from their tribe, they harbor no desire to harm."

I couldn't help but let out a scoff, my voice carrying a sharpness that pierced the quietude. "You trust a man whose words are as fickle as the winds of change? Sometimes those words are the seeds of betrayal."

He shook his head, a gesture signifying a refusal to concede to my doubts. I offered a knowing smile, acknowledging his defiance. "Then let us set our course and seek out the truth. Your daughters await their return."