Carpathia

The grand doors of the Supreme Chancellor’s office slid open with a soft hiss, revealing the spacious chamber bathed in warm golden light. Towering pillars framed the expansive window overlooking Coruscant’s endless skyline. As Senator Amidala entered, all eyes turned to her. Despite the assassination attempt, she carried herself with poise, her expression composed, though those closest to her could sense the weight pressing on her shoulders.

Yoda was the first to step forward, his wise eyes filled with quiet relief. “Senator Amidala, your tragedy on the landing platform, terrible. Seeing you alive brings warm feelings to my heart.”

Padmé dipped her head respectfully. “Do you have any idea who was behind this attack?”

Mace Windu, his expression grave, answered with certainty. “Our intelligence points to disgruntled spice miners on the moons of Naboo.”

Padmé, however, wasn’t convinced. “I think that Count Dooku was behind it.”

From his place among the gathered Jedi, Ki-Adi-Mundi spoke up, shaking his head slightly. “He is a political idealist, not a murderer.”

Mace Windu nodded in agreement. “You know, Milady, Count Dooku was once a Jedi. He couldn’t assassinate anyone. It’s not in his character.”

Yoda, though silent for a moment, studied Padmé carefully before speaking. “But for certain, Senator, in grave danger you are.”

Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, standing near his desk, took the moment to interject, his voice smooth, measured. “Master Jedi, may I suggest the Senator be placed under the protection of your graces?”

Captain Typho, standing protectively near Padmé, stole a quick glance at Cassandra, his expression unreadable. Meanwhile, Bail Organa, who had been observing quietly, stepped forward, his deep voice carrying weight. “Do you really think that’s a wise decision under these stressful times?”

Padmé, sensing where this was heading, raised her chin. “Chancellor, if I may comment, I do not believe that the situation—”

Palpatine smoothly cut her off, his tone almost fatherly. “That the situation is that serious? No, but I do, Senator. I know all too well that additional security might be disruptive for you, but perhaps someone you are familiar with. An old friend… like Master Kenobi.”

Mace Windu considered the suggestion, then gave a slow nod. “That’s possible. He’s just returned from a border dispute on Ansion.”

Padmé said nothing at first, her expression unreadable, though Thalia, standing just behind her, could sense the shift. Whether it was relief or unease, it was hard to tell.

The conversation continued, but Cassandra remained watchful. The attack was only the beginning, and she had no doubt that whatever was coming next would test them all.

Feeling the gaze of someone made her nauseous after earliers events. Whenever she felt it, it made her think that someone one was here for the Senator. It wasn't that, this time. She met the eyes of the Kel Dor Jedi. A hand signal passed between the two.

ok?

Yes

Some tension that the Kel Dor was held is released.

---

Back at the apartment, the air was thick with tension. Cassandra paced near the balcony, her senses still on high alert. She barely turned when the door slid open and Jar Jar announced their guests. "Lookie... lookie... Oops!... Oh, dear, I'm afraid I've forgotten myself again."

Two figures entered. Obi-Wan Kenobi stepped in first, his sharp gaze sweeping the room. Behind him, Anakin Skywalker followed, his posture stiff but eyes immediately locking onto Padmé. Cassandra exhaled slowly.

Obi-Wan was the first to greet the senator. "It's a great pleasure to see you again, M'Lady."

Padmé smiled. "It has been far too long, Master Kenobi. I'm so glad our paths have crossed again... but I must warn you that I think your presence here is unnecessary."

"I'm sure the Jedi Council has their reasons," Obi-Wan responded evenly.

Cassandra fell back into place, silently observing. It was second nature now—listening without engaging, blending into the background. But standing among them, she felt like a shadow of herself, flickering between what was real and what was required.

Padme moved in front of Anakin. "Ani? My goodness, you have grown." They looked at each other for a long moment.

Anakin, attempting to be smooth, responded, "So have you... grown more beautiful—I mean, and much shorter... for a Senator, I mean."

Obi-Wan sighed, clearly disappointed in his apprentice. Surely, he had taught him better than this. Better than those words, at least.

Padmé laughed and shook her head. "Oh Ani, you'll always be that little boy I knew on Tatooine." Anakin looked down, clearly embarrassed. Obi-Wan and Cassandra exchanged amused glances.

"Our presence will be invisible, M'Lady," Obi-Wan assured.

Captain Typho nodded. "I am very grateful you are here, Master Kenobi. The situation is more dangerous than the Senator will admit."

Padmé, her expression firm, countered, "I don't need more security. I need answers. I want to know who is trying to kill me."

Obi-Wan frowned. "We're here to protect you, Senator, not to start an investigation."

Anakin, with conviction, added, "We will find out who is trying to kill you, Padmé, I promise you."

Obi-Wan gave Anakin a sharp look. "We are not going to exceed our mandate, my young Padawan learner."

Anakin, slightly defensive, clarified, "I meant in the interest of protecting her, Master, of course."

Obi-Wan sighed. "We are not going through this exercise again, Anakin. You will pay attention to my lead."

Anakin frowned. "Why?"

Obi-Wan narrowed his eyes. "Why else do you think we were assigned to her, if not to find the killer? Protection is a job for local security, not Jedi. It's overkill, Master. Investigation is implied in our mandate."

Obi-Wan's expression darkened. "We will do as the Council has instructed, and you will learn your place, young one."

Padmé, ever the diplomat, interjected, "Perhaps with merely your presence, the mysteries surrounding this threat will be revealed. Now, if you will excuse me, I will retire." Everyone gave Padmé a slight bow as she and Dormé left the room.

The evening air was crisp, a welcome contrast to the warmth inside the apartment. Coruscant’s skyline stretched in a sea of golden lights, speeders weaving through the city like fireflies in the dark. She let out a quiet sigh, resting her hands on the balcony railing. There was no reaction to Obi-Wan as he stepped beside her, his presence a familiar anchor in the storm.

"You’re supposed to be blending in, not standing dramatically on a balcony," he murmured. She laughed softly, shaking her head. For a moment, they just stood there, the hum of Coruscant filling the silence between them. It was a rare kind of quiet—not the absence of sound, but the absence of urgency. It was like they were just them, Obi-Wan and Thalia.

Obi-Wan’s expression was unreadable when he turned to her. "How have you been? Truly?"

She hesitated. It would be so easy to say she was fine, to brush it off as she always did. But something in Obi-Wan’s voice—gentle, knowing—made her pause. She was allowed to be herself with him.  "Tired," she admitted quietly. "More than I thought I would be. The council thinks I like the movement, the challenge." She begins to struggle getting words out. "I feel so detached, from everything... everyone."

Obi-Wan studied her for a moment before speaking, "You don’t always have to be."

Thalia huffed a quiet laugh. "The council would consider my words as an attachment, and send me off for good." The air shifted—a ripple through the Force, slow and creeping, like a whisper of something unseen. "I hate this part," she whispered. Obi-Wan’s posture stiffened. They moved in unison, slipping back inside just as the tension snapped.

They sprinted towards Padme chambers, bursting through the doors just in time to see Anakin’s blade slice through a pair of writhing creatures near Padmé’s bed. Thalia barely registered the charred remains of the kouhuns before her attention snapped to Obi-Wan. He was standing on the ledge.

No. He was jumping.

"Obi-Wan!" Thalia shouted as he launched himself through the shattered window, disappearing into the Coruscant night like a complete lunatic. Well, It was nice to know not that much changes. Anakin was already moving, giving chase. Thalia exhaled sharply, rubbing her temples.

Padmé, still shaken, looked at her. "Will he be alright?"

Thalia forced a small smile. "He’ll land on something. Eventually." The humor faded quickly, reality settling in. This wasn’t over—not by a long shot. The room felt tense, the shattered window a gaping reminder of how close Padmé had come to death. The city hummed outside, indifferent to the violence that had nearly occurred within these walls. Thalia remained near the bed, arms crossed as she scanned the room with a careful eye.

Padmé sat upright, her hands resting in her lap, but Thalia didn’t miss the way her fingers twitched slightly. “Let’s get you moved to another room,” Thalia said, her voice quieter than usual. “You won’t do yourself any favors by staying up all night replaying what just happened.”

She let out a breath, her gaze still distant. “I know,” she admitted. “But it’s not that simple.”

Thalia nodded, understanding. “It never is.” She hesitated before stepping closer, her voice firm but steady. “You’re safe. We won’t let anything happen to you.” Padmé looked up at her then, searching her expression. After a moment, she nodded.  She let Thalia maneuver her into the guest bedroom, accepting the cup of tea placed in her hands. A calming blend—it would help her sleep, and she would need it that night. Thalia had one as well, though not a sleeping blend. "I'm sorry the Council pushed this upon you, but it was good that they were here." Padmé wasn't going to sleep anytime soon, so she started with questions that had been in her head. "Why would the Council send them? They know you are with me."

Thalia sighed, her fingers tightening around the warm cup. "I’ve been wondering the same thing." She lowered herself into the chair beside the bed, her expression unreadable. Why would they?

"It means they think the threat is greater than we anticipated." Padmé studied her carefully. "Or they don’t trust their own instincts anymore."

Thalia exhaled, rubbing her temples. "It’s possible. The Council has been… different lately. More cautious. More divided. I don’t know if it’s fear or something else, but it doesn’t feel right."

Padmé took a slow sip of tea, watching her over the rim of the cup. "And do you trust them?"

Thalia hesitated, then met her gaze. "I trust Obi-Wan. Beyond that... I don’t know."

A thoughtful silence stretched between them. The quiet hum of Coruscant outside was a stark contrast to the unease lingering in the air. Finally, Padmé set her tea aside. "Whatever their reasoning, I won’t let their doubt dictate how I move forward. And neither should you."

Thalia gave a small, tired smile. "Easier said than done."

Padmé’s lips quirked. "Isn’t it always?"

Thalia chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You sound like Obi-Wan. Always steady, always determined. I don’t know how you manage to keep your resolve when the people who are supposed to guide us seem so lost."

Padmé’s expression softened. "Because I believe in what I’m fighting for. Even when the Senate fails me, even when the Jedi hesitate, I know that justice still matters. And if I stop believing that, then what’s left?"

Thalia considered that, staring down at her tea as the steam curled upward. "I used to think the Jedi were unshakable. That we were above doubt, above politics. But now… it’s like watching something sacred crumble before my eyes, and I can’t stop it."

Padmé reached out, placing a gentle hand over Thalia’s. "Then don’t let it crumble alone. You’re not the only one who sees it. And maybe, together, we can do something about it."

Thalia looked up, meeting her gaze. There was something reassuring in Padmé’s words, something steady amid all the uncertainty. She nodded slowly. "Maybe you’re right. Maybe it’s time we stopped waiting for the Council to have the answers."

Padmé smiled knowingly. "Now you’re starting to sound like me."

Thalia huffed a quiet laugh. "Force help us all." Her comm startled them both. She exhaled and pulled it from her belt, already knowing who it was. “Thalia here,” she answered.

Obi-Wan’s voice came through, calm and direct. “The assassin is dead.”

Thalia closed her eyes briefly. She wasn’t surprised—it had been a possibility from the start. But it still meant their only direct lead was gone. “Figures,” she muttered. “Any idea who did it?”

“A dart lace with some kind of poison,” Obi-Wan replied. “Unusual, but I have an idea where to start looking.” A pause. “I will comm you when I have more information.”

Thalia glanced at Padmé, who was watching her carefully. “Understood,” she said. “See you then.” Obi-Wan ended the call, and Thalia lowered the comm, her grip tightening slightly before she took a breath and turned back to Padmé.

“That’s it, then?” Padmé asked, her voice measured.

“For now.” Thalia sighed, running a hand through her hair. “Whoever hired her made sure she wouldn’t talk. But we’ll keep digging.”

--

The Jedi Archives were quiet, save for the occasional soft hum of droids and the faint rustle of robes as scholars moved between the towering shelves of holobooks. Golden light filtered through the high windows, illuminating the ancient texts and casting long shadows across the floor.

Thalia found Obi-Wan exactly where she expected—standing at one of the central data terminals, arms crossed, his expression contemplative as he studied a holographic star map.

“You look like you’ve been here for hours,” she noted as she approached, resting a hand on her hip.

Obi-Wan glanced at her, his mouth curving slightly in greeting. “Hello to you too.”

She arched a brow. “I take it you found something?”

He gestured to the hologram. “Dex came through. He identified the weapon used on the bounty hunter—it's a saberdart from Kamino.” Obi-Wan held the small, slender dart between his fingers, turning it so the silver metal gleamed under the archive lights.

Thalia raised a brow. “Kamino?”

“A planet beyond the Outer Rim,” Obi-Wan continued, slipping the dart into a small compartment on his belt. “Twelve parsecs outside of the Rishi Maze. The Kaminoans are known for one thing above all—cloning.”

Thalia crossed her arms, her gaze flicking toward the rows of ancient holobooks and glowing archive displays. “Cloners,” she repeated.

Obi-wan nodded then exhaled through his nose, gaze flicking toward the archive terminal. “Kamino doesn’t appear on any of our star charts.”

That made her pause. “Not at all?”

“No records, no listings. It’s as if it was never there.”

Thalia frowned. “That doesn’t just happen. Someone had to erase it.” A rustle of fabric made them both glance up as Jocasta Nu approached, her usual air of authority as present as ever.

“Master Kenobi, Master Monore, may I be of assistance?” Jocasta Nu, the Archives keeper, someone that Thalia looked up to. Also where she got most of her attitude from.

Obi-Wan gestured toward the map. “I’m looking for Kamino. It should be about here…” He pointed at the empty space. “But it is not in the archives.”

Jocasta Nu gave a small, confused smile. “If an item does not appear in our records, it does not exist.”

Thalia arched a brow. “That’s an interesting way to say ‘I don’t know.’” Jocasta Nu stiffened slightly at the comment, but Thalia was already focused on Obi-Wan. “You know it should be there,” she said, serious now. “The gravity of that system is still affecting the nearby stars, isn’t it?”

Obi-Wan nodded. “Yes.”

Thalia crossed her arms. “Then Kamino exists. Someone just doesn’t want us to find it.”

Jocasta Nu sniffed, clearly unimpressed with the direction of their conversation. “I assure you, our archives are complete and accurate.” She was a prideful woman, and to say that someone tampered with her library was unacceptable.

Obi-Wan merely inclined his head. “Thank you for your time, Master Nu.” She gave a sharp nod before sweeping away, leaving them alone once more.

Thalia exhaled, rubbing her temples. “So, our official Jedi database has been tampered with, a lead is dead, and neither one of us has slept yet.”

Obi-Wan hummed in agreement. “An insightful summary.”

Thalia shook her head. “I hate it when things don’t add up.”

“Then you’re going to love this investigation.”

Obi-Wan turned, already heading for the exit. First they had to find Yoda, to get another opinion on their findings. Thalia studied him as they walked. “You are planning on going to that system to search for that missing planet.” It was not a question, she knew what his plan was.

Obi-Wan’s expression was unreadable. “If there’s a chance Kamino holds the answers we need, I have to investigate.”

She didn’t hesitate. “Then I’m coming with you. A planet that was erased from the system makes the force uneasy.”

Obi-Wan didn’t argue. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

It wasn’t long before they found Yoda. He was where he was most of the time The soft glow of the Coruscant skyline filtered through the tall windows of Yoda’s meditation chamber, casting long shadows across the smooth stone floor. The chamber was quiet, save for the distant hum of the city outside and the rhythmic tap of Yoda’s clawed fingers against his cane.

Obi-Wan and Thalia stood before the Grand Master, their expressions solemn as he absorbed the information they had just presented. Yoda’s ears twitched slightly as he let out a thoughtful hum. “Removed from the archives, this planet has been. Troubling, this is.”

Obi-Wan’s arms remained tucked neatly into his robes, his features schooled into careful composure, but Thalia could feel the weight of the revelation pressing down on both of them. She kept her hands clasped in front of her, her posture straight but not rigid. “Master Yoda, if someone went to the trouble of erasing Kamino from the records, then they had a reason. I don’t believe this was a simple oversight.”

Yoda’s wise gaze settled on her. “Trust in the evidence, you do.”

She met his eyes and nodded. “Yes, Master. The records may be compromised, but the truth is still there if we’re willing to look for it.”

A quiet moment passed before Yoda hummed in approval and turned his gaze to Obi-Wan. “To Kamino, you must go.”

Obi-Wan inclined his head. “We will depart immediately.”

Thalia hesitated only a second before speaking again, her tone respectful but firm. “Master Yoda… do you believe this is connected to the Senate?”

Yoda closed his eyes for a brief moment, as if searching the Force for an answer. When he opened them again, his gaze was heavy with something unspoken. “Shrouded, the truth remains. But deception, there is.”

Thalia exchanged a glance with Obi-Wan. That wasn’t exactly a confirmation, but it wasn’t a denial either.

Yoda’s ears twitched slightly as he studied them both. “Cautious, you must be.”

Thalia dipped her head in understanding. “We’ll be careful, Master.”

Yoda nodded, his expression unreadable yet knowing. “May the Force be with you.”