*****

Feeling slightly bereft, Anakin glanced briefly at the remnants of the balcony and held back a shudder as he realized how close he'd come to death. It was not an unusual occurrence, he'd been in far more dire circumstances more times than he could count. It was the suddenness, for lack of a better word. He hadn't felt it coming. And that was the problem.

His hands moved without thought to his ribcage and leg, confirming what he already knew. A dull ache had taken up residence in his body and the newly healed skin tightened painfully when he stretched. But aside from that and the headache that had yet to subside, one could hardly tell he'd been injured less than an hour ago.

"Have they found her?" Anakin asked.

Without missing a beat, Adi answered, "At the bottom of the ravine. She was killed instantly in the blast."

Unsteadily, Anakin reached his feet. His thoughts were a confused muddle of emotion, information and logic. A state he was becoming rather familiar with, he noted. "This doesn't make sense," he muttered angrily.

"Calm yourself, Padawan." Her tone held the rebuke of the Council, but interlaced with it was compassion. "Accept your feelings and let go. Remove yourself from the equation and find the pattern."

`Easy for you to say, you didn't get anyone killed,' he thought.

With a heavy sigh, Adi folded her arms across her chest. "I admit, the lack of warning I find disturbing. I sensed nothing of this."

Anakin blinked. So it wasn't just him. He'd been distractedin those last moments, yes. The woman had pushed his buttons, albeit unknowingly. It wasn't the first time he'd lost control but always some warning of danger managed to slip through his emotions and alert him. But here, on the terrace there had been nothing.

And Master Gallia had confirmed it. This was not a coincidence. The skill required to mask a Force-signature was beyond all but the most adept Jedi Masters. Unexpectedly, an echo of his recent healing raced through his system, mixed with a memory of infinite green eyes and red-gold hair.

Ignoring the pounding in his head and heart, he addressed their suspicions. "There could be Force-sensitives on Siesna."

Adi shook her head. "There's been no evidence of that. And the possibility that someone here could have such an awareness as to be able to channel it to that degree? Highly unlikely."

Anakin's eyes drifted to the tall Ranger with chocolate skin who caught his gaze with a grim smile.

"I don't think we should dismiss it so lightly, Master Gallia. But we'll see where the Force takes us." His eyes remained focused on the Ranger who was directing security for the diplomats. "We need to know more about Nemagi Province. The woman mentioned something about apophylite. I think it would be best if we ask questions while everyone is so willing to give answers."

Adi followed his gaze, and turned back to Anakin with a puzzled frown. "I'll start with Lady Telah. You seem to have the Rangers covered." Looking into Anakin's troubled eyes, Adi's expression changed to one of concern. "Will you be alright?"

How to answer that? Anakin was more unsettled than ever. Too many things were crowding his mind. The effective concealment of such Darkness from two Jedi indicated the presence of the Sith, not that he would say that to Master Gallia. She knew it just as he did. But until they could prove it, they would hope another explanation would present itself.

The possibility of Sith involvement, his recent doubts about the Jedi, the pressure of his Trials, the attacks, his rescue, those eyes...made for one befuddled padawan. He felt like his life was spiraling out of control, and it was a feeling he detested.

`And this damned headache isn't helping!'

He inhaled sharply, held it, and then slowly released his breath. Desperately, he tried to find some sense of peace in the Force. A soft caress and a warm glow answered him with strange familiarity. 'Thank you, Master.'

Aloud he said, "Yes, Master Gallia. I'll be fine."

Adi wasn't convinced, but it was not her place to draw Anakin out. He would have to find his own path. She was merely an observer, meant to watch and support, and only intervene when there was no other choice. She was confident that wouldn't be necessary. But she wished she could somehow make this easier for a padawan with so many burdens already. Not being able to help was its own trial. She found Lady Telah across the room, nodded to Anakin and set off.

Before he had time to turn around, Anakin heard a light, teasing voice in his ear, "Shouldn't you be resting?"

"Ranger...Nauco?"

"Jedi Skywalker. I don't suppose you're a workaholic whose devotion to duty supercedes personal health?"

"Excuse me?"

"Because in my opinion, someone who's just been practically blown up shouldn't be trying to find all of life's answers in one night and exhausting himself in the process."

In spite of himself, Anakin laughed. Nauco had a charm and honesty about him that engendered trust. His relaxed attitude should have seemed out of place under these circumstances, but Anakin saw the way he took in the room and its inhabitants and knew that no matter what his demeanor, the Ranger was a keen observer. He had a feeling Master Qui-Gon would get along well with him.

"I've always been an overachiever."

Nauco's face split into a wide grin. "Ah, so Jedi do have a sense of humor. Now there's a chance of me believing you if you say you're fine."

Still smiling, Anakin said, "There seems to be a lot I don't know about the Rangers. Your over-protective tendencies, for example. But why I should be your target, I don't understand."

Nauco answered with a shrug. "As you said, there's a lot youdon't know about us."

"I'd like to change that."

"We ~have~ told you everything we know about the attacks," he said pointedly. "We prepared as well as we could. Any loss of life is tragic, but I'm grateful that the many were spared. I understand the need to find answers, Jedi Skywalker, but we can learn nothing more tonight."

Nauco smiled again and there was a mischievous glint in his eye as he spoke. "Lady Telah has already informed us that she intends to proceed with the scheduled tour tomorrow. I'll be happy tosatisfy your curiosity in the morning. Until then, I suggest you get some sleep." He nodded and turned to leave.

A brief debate raged inside Anakin between his practiced patience and a burning desire to know who had rescued him. The hunger won.

"Nauco, wait. There was someone here...before. He saved me. He had green eyes and red-gold hair. Was he one of your Rangers?"

Nauco paused mid-stride. "No." He turned back and searched Anakin's eyes. Anakin suspected hewas being evaluated. As Nauco's features twitched in delight, he knew he had been found worthy. Nauco's words were a benediction, spoken with reverence. "He is one of the Quenya."

Nauco bowed in a more formal farewell, "Good night," and left the room.

*****

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