Gabby was really excited. Her parents' second wedding was set to happen in less than three months, and there was still so much to do.

It warmed Gabby's heart so much when she saw her parents together. And it wasn't hard for them to follow through most of keeping their cover story. Gabby was also excited because the wedding was going to be on Naboo, and her maternal relatives would be there. Gabby was excited that she would get to meet her cousins Ryoo and Pooja, her aunt Sola, and her grandparents while she was old enough to remember. Padme already finally decided on bridesmaids, and asked Ahsoka to be her maid of honor. But there were still other things to take care of. Cake sampling, wedding rings, choreographing the first dance, finalizing the catering, and of course the wedding outfits.

A few days ago, Roya came for a visit and helped design a beautiful dress for Padme, and a pretty dress for Gabby too as the ring bearess.

"What do you think?" Roya asked Gabby, showing her a sketch of the wedding dress.

The dress was, of course, white. It was a beautiful flowing strapless floor-length gown of find silk with a sweetheart neckline, beautiful patterns of green vines and little blue flowers on the skirt, and it had a train that would glide when Padme walked.

"Mommy will look so beautiful in that dress." Gabby said. "I think she should have a crown of flowers to match too."

"Good idea." Roya smiled. "I'll just design one to fit with her veil."

"I've only been to one wedding and seen weddings in stories and movies, but I already love weddings so much," said Gabby. "I wonder if any other Jedi will get married later."

"It's a possibility with the change in the code," shrugged Roya. "Obi-Wan seems like the kind of man who could definitely attract a good woman. Something about a combination of his accent and how polite he is just makes him so charming somehow. Not that I'm interested in him like that."

"I think he told me a story once about a duchess he met when he was younger. If only we knew if they still had feelings for each other."

Today, Gabby would probably get answers sooner than she thought. Now, she was in the Coronet ship with Obi-Wan, her father, Carousella, and Obi-Wan's new horse Peppermint, who was sent for him through the Ride of Love Ceremony.

After Obi-Wan and Satine rescued each other from the terrorist organization known as Death watch, the beautiful duchess was now traveling to the Senate so she could plead her case against her involvement in the war as the Jedi prepared a defense against her opponents.

Now, the Jedi, some clones, and the two horses stood in a storage unit in the lower levels of the Coronet.

"You know your marching orders." said Obi-Wan. "The safety of the Duchess Satine is of the utmost importance. The Death Watch will stop at nothing to assassinate her before she pleads her case to the Senate."

"Then we'll stop at nothing to protect her." Carousella said.

"I don't have royal guard training like Carousella, but I'll do my best to help too." Peppermint said.

With this being a dangerous mission, Carousella took what extra pieces of clone armor she could find and used a little magic to turn them into a protective breastplate for Obi-Wan's unicorn. Peppermint was also determined to prove she was a good match as Obi-Wan's horse despite their differences in age, personality, and backgrounds.

"The Death Watch may be backed by the Separatists," said Anakin. "So stay sharp. R2, use your scanners to probe for any suspicious droid activity."

R2 beeped affirmatively.

"Carousella, your job will be watching for any suspicious activity above..."

"And to keep Gabby out of trouble, I know." Carousella nodded.

"Anything else, sir?" Rex asked.

"No, that will be all." Obi-Wan said.

Suddenly, Obi-Wan's wrist-com beeped, and he received a message saying that the duchess and her retinue requested his presence.

"Very well." said Obi-Wan.

"Better take her with you." Anakin smirked, motioning to Peppermint.

Obi-Wan sighed. He remembered using those very same words when Anakin first got Ahsoka as his Padawan.

"Come, Peppermint." Obi-Wan said, taking Peppermint's rein and guiding her into the elevator.

It was a bit of a tight squeeze with two horses in the elevator, but they made do.

"I sense some anxiety from you about the duchess." said Anakin. "She couldn't be in safer hands."

"Yes I know." said Obi-Wan.

"Then why...?

"Never mind."

"Obi-Wan, don't hide your feelings." said Peppermint. "You can talk to us about it. You can talk to me. We're all friends here."

"It's all in the past."

Peppermint didn't look so convinced.

"So you're close to the duchess?" Anakin and Peppermint said at the same time.

"I knew her." Obi-Wan said, sounding annoyed. "A long time ago."

Peppermint sighed in a snort. "Typical humans."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Obi-Wan asked, glaring at his unicorn.

"Nothing. I'm just saying. Some humans, from what I know, have a bit of a tendency to let their emotions get a little too crazy when they hide them for way too long."

"What feelings? I'm not hiding any feelings."

"I don't know, I'm getting a sense you're hiding something too." Carousella said. "Remember, horses can sense emotions long before most humans can."

"They only wanna help, Uncle Obi-Wan." Gabby said.

Meanwhile, some of the clones were inspecting the storage area.

"All secure here." said one clone. "Let's move on to the next sector."

It was really dark in the area, and even though the clones had their flashlights on, the place still looked as dark and creepy as something out of a scary movie. But they didn't know that something was sneaking out from a box in the sector they just left.

"War is intolerable!" said Duchess Satine, sitting comfortably on a bed of red silk pillows. "We have been deceived into thinking that we must be a part of it. I say the moment we committed to fighting, we already lost."

Senator Merrik picked up a drink from a tray and said, "Excuse me, Your Grace, are you suggesting we oppose the war on humanitarian grounds?"

"I'm going to oppose it as an affront to life itself." said the Duchess firmly. "As the designated regent of 1,500 systems, I speak for thousands of worlds that have urged me to allow them to stay neutral in this war."

"And yet some might argue that the strongest defense is a swift and decisive offense," said Obi-Wan, walking into the room with Anakin, Gabby, and the ponies.

"You are quite the general now, aren't you, Master Kenobi?" said the Duchess.

"Forgive me for interrupting, Your Highness. I meant no disrespect."

"Really? Senators, I presume you are acquainted with the collection of half-truths and hyperbole known as Obi-Wan Kenobi?"

"Your highness is too kind."

"You're right. I am."

"Who says being kind is a bad thing?" Peppermint said. "I say it's sweet."

Anakin couldn't help smirking as he noticed the way Obi-Wan and Satine seemed to bicker like an old married couple. Peppermint could also clearly sense chemistry between the two.

"Allow me to introduce my fellow Jedi Anakin Skywalker." Obi-Wan said. "And his stepdaughter, Princess Gabriella."

"Your servant, My lady." Anakin bowed.

Gabby got off her horse and curtsied politely. Carousella and Peppermint gave a polite bow.

"And this is my guardian Carousella Mareheart, and Master Kenobi's horse Peppermint Twist." Gabby introduced.

"I remember a time when Jedi were not generals, but peacekeepers." Satine said.

"We are protectors, Highness." Anakin explained. "Yours, at the moment. We fight for peace."

The duchess chuckled.

"What an amusing contradiction." she remarked.

"What Master Skywalker means is that we are acting at the behest of Your Highness to protect you from the Death Watch and the Separatists who don't share your neutral point of view." Obi-Wan defended.

"I asked for no such thing. If you must protect anyone, why not the princess?"

"Because I have Carousella for that?" Gabby said. Carousella snorted in agreement as she walked around to familiarize herself with the area and everyone in it. "Sorry. Equinaro ponies are really curious."

Carousella looked curiously at some of the senators around the room. Some didn't seem to mind, seeing as she was a royal guard, and a young pony.

"Must these horses be sticking their noses into everyone's business?" Merrik said as Carousella looked at him. "Down, boy."

Carousella snorted angrily when Merrik called her a 'he.' Her ears flopped backward, which usually signaled aggression or annoyance, and she snorted again at him as she dug one hoof roughly at the floor. She started to sniff Merrik to get his scent.

"She's a girl." Gabby corrected. "And she gets pretty upset if you call her a stallion."

"Down, horsy!" Merrik roughly slapped Carousella in her muzzle, and in response, she knocked the cup out of his hand and bit his hand. "OW!"

"Carousella, no!" Gabby said. "Let his hand go!"

Being trained to follow orders from royalty, Carousella let go, and Senator Merrick held his hand in pain.

"Carousella, you know biting is very bad."

"I'm so sorry about that." Anakin said, pulling Carousella by her rein, the musicorn snorting as she did not wish to be moved. "She's usually much better behaved than this. Down, girl!"

"Carousella, lay down." Gabby said.

Reluctantly, Carousella ceased her fighting and got down onto the floor as commanded.

"You might not have asked for such protection, Duchess." said Obi-Wan. "but a majority of your court did."

"I do not remember you as one to hide behind excuses." said Satine, glaring at Obi-Wan.

"i do not remember you as one to shrink from responsibilities." Obi-Wan remarked.

"Hello, how long have you two been dating?" said Peppermint. "Because you bicker like an old married couple."

"We're not dating." Obi-Wan said, his cheeks turning red.

That was when Senator Free Taa stepped in between the Jedi and Duchess.

"I am certain we all agree," said Free Taa. "Duchess Satine and General Kenobi have a proven there are two sides to every dilemma."

"Indeed." said Merrik, still rubbing his hand from Carousella biting it. Luckily for him, Gabby walked over and kissed his hand. "Thank you, Princess."

"Now, in regard to the Senate vote, we think-"

"I think a multitude makes discord, not good counsel." said Satine.

"Right again, my lady." said Senator Free Taa.

"Maybe instead of arguing about this stuff, it would be a good idea to take a deep breath and look for the sweeter bits." Peppermint said. "Like we say where I'm from, just a spoonful of sugar turns sour lemons into lemonade."

While the senators and duchess argued, Obi-Wan whispered to Anakin.

"There may be two sides to every dilemma, but the duchess only favors hers." said Obi-Wan. "And I'm not sure Peppermint can sugarcoat it, no matter how hard she tries."

"I'm just saying. Sour attitude leads to sour meet and greetings." Peppermint said.

Meanwhile, R2 was helping the clones inspect another sector in the storage area.

"I'll check the south quadrant." said one clone, named Redeye.

"Careful over there. It's dark." the other clone, named Mixer teased.

"Yeah, very funny, Mixer." said Redeye sarcastically.

However, as Redeye journeyed into the dark, he heard a strange beeping sound. But when he signed his flashlight, it was just R2.

"Stop messing around." said Redeye. "That's not funny. Droids."

Suddenly, as the clone turned around, he was met by a giant spider droid with glowing red dots that looked like beady red eyes. And it attacked him.

"A Republic military presence is the only sure defense against the Separatists." said Obi-Wan.

"Think of it as people showing they care." Peppermint said. "A certain Jedi wouldn't be willing to risk his life if he didn't care about you."

Peppermint said that last sentence in a singsong voice and wrapped her tail around Obi-Wan, rubbing her head against him affectionately. Obi-Wan blushed again.

"Even extremists can be reasoned with." said Satine, standing up.

"Perhaps, if one can be heard over the clanking of their battle droids." Obi-Wan said, swatting Peppermint's tail off of him, approaching the duchess.

"Ah, the sarcasm of a soldier."

"The delusion of a dreamer."

The Jedi and Duchess came close to each other, almost directly in each other's faces.

"Dreams are a wonderful thing, Dear Obi-Wan." Peppermint said.

"If you guys are gonna kiss, get a room." Carousella teased. That only made Obi-Wan turn red as Peppermint's hair.

"Duchess, Master Jedi, it's been a long trip." said Senator Merrik. "I think we could all use a little rest and refreshment."

"Here, here." agreed Senator Free Taa. "Now let us put politics aside until after dinner."

"Fine!" said Obi-Wan and Satine together.

The duchess was the first to leave.

"You're looking a little hot, Obi-Wan." Peppermint said, startling Obi-Wan. "And you seem like you're on a sugar high."

Obi-Wan sighed and said, "The only sugar I'm getting too much of is you trying to sugarcoat everything."

"At least I'm trying to spread a little positivity." said Peppermint, making a little heart-shaped lollipop appear. "Everyone in Candy Corn Cove seemed to like it."

"Well, you aren't even in Equinaro right now." Obi-Wan said. "So, I suggest you start taking things here a little more seriously."

"Well, I suggest you lighten up." said Peppermint.

"Looks like they're gonna take longer to get along than we did." said Gabby to Carousella.

"I don't need strong animal instincts to see that." Carousella nodded.

Meanwhile, Mixer found his side to be clear and tried to get in touch with Redeye. But Redeye didn't answer. Instead, Mixer saw a blaster that had been dropped on the floor.

Mixer picked up the blaster and looked around as an eerie whirring sound filled the area, and Mixer turned around, and there it was... the big spider droid monster!

After the Jedi were dismissed, Anakin took Carousella's rein and gave her a stern talking to, regarding her behavior.

"Carousella Arianne Mareheart! What were you thinking biting Senator Merrik like that? You're lucky you're an animal, or that could've been so much worse."

"You saw how he pushed me like that. And I don't have a good feeling about him either." Carousella explained.

"What do you mean?" Anakin said, confused.

"Equines can feel what other beings are feeling within a certain distance, remember?" Peppermint said.

"It's true. Horses especially feel what the people they're closest to are feeling." Gabby said.

"Like how I could feel something going on between you and Satine." Carousella smirked. "And the way I see it, Peppermint is right. You two argue like an old married couple."

"Ooh! Uncle Obi-Wan has a girlfriend?" Gabby teased.

Obi-Wan's cheeks started to turn pink, but he shook it off as he explained how he knew Satine back when he was younger than Anakin was now.

"An extended mission when I was fifteen, maybe sixteen." Obi-Wan said. "Master Qui-Gon and I spent a year on Mandalore protecting the duchess from insurgents who had threatened her world."

As the group entered an elevator, Gabby tried to imagine what Obi-Wan might have been like when he was a teenager, but it was hard to picture him without his beard.

"They sent bounty hunters after us," said Obi-Wan as he, Anakin, and the girls entered an elevator. "We were always on the run, living hand to mouth never sure what the next day would bring."

"Sounds romantic." Anakin said, and Obi-Wan glared at his former Padawan.

"You know, with the changes in the rules of Jedi, there's nothing wrong with being with her now." Gabby said, falling in love with the idea of a Jedi falling in love with a beautiful duchess.

"Kid's got a point," Anakin smirked. "I didn't see a ring on the Duchess."

"Even if I weren't focused on the mission at hand," said Obi-Wan. "I'm not very good with this whole romance thing."

"Only because you spent your whole life being forbidden from experiencing it," said Peppermint.

"Yeah. Believe it or not, Queen Reigna and King Orpheus almost couldn't be together." Carousella said.

"Really?" The three Jedi asked.

"Yup. But you should ask her to tell you that story. She tells it way better than me."

"It's obvious you still love her, Uncle Obi-Wan." Gabby said. "You wouldn't be blushing if you didn't."

"And my specialty may be candy canes, but I know a thing or two about love." Peppermint said. "And I know a stallion who can get you some great chocolate for your girl, if that's what she likes."

"We can worry about my love life later." Obi-Wan said.

"When you're ready, just tell me Satine's favorite flowers and I'll grow them." Gabby said. "For now, will you tell more of the story, please?"

And so, Obi-Wan continued the story.

"A civil war killed most of Satine's people, hence her aversion to violence" said Obi-Wan.

"I don't blame her, and that's coming from a guard." Carousella said.

"When she returned, she took on the difficult task of rebuilding her world alone."

"You didn't stay to help her?" Anakin said.

"That would've been problematic."

"Because you had feelings for her and weren't allowed to?" Gabby asked.

"That's right. And my Jedi duty demanded I be elsewhere."

"That sounds a lot like a tragic love story I heard Mommy talk about with a friend." Gabby said. "I think it was about two fighting families, and the couple died together."

"Romeo & Juliet," said Peppermint. "A beloved classic, yet tragically ended love story."

"It's obvious you had feelings for Satine," said Anakin. "Surely that would affect your decision."

"Oh, it did." Obi-Wan said. "I lived by the old Jedi Code."

"Of course. As Master Yoda used to say-"

"Form attachments, A jedi must not." Gabby said, imitating Master Yoda, making Carousella giggle.

"When did you learn to impersonate?" Carousella asked.

"I got bored and learned how just by acting out my favorite stories." Gabby said. "I can impersonate other people too. Like this."

"I'm Anakin Skywalker, Hero with no fear." Gabby said, imitating her father's voice.

"I don't sound like that," said Anakin.

The girls just laughed.

"Master Yoda did say that, but he usually left out the undercurrent of remorse," said Obi-Wan, and received a nuzzle from Peppermint. "Oh, thank you. I actually needed that." Then his comm beeped. "Yes, Captain?"

Captain Rex reported that something spooked R2, and he lost contact with two of his men.

"I'm on my way down to assist you," said Obi-Wan.

"I'll go, Master." Anakin said, stepping up. "If there's something dangerous down there the clones and I can handle it."

"I'll go too." Carousella said. "Peppermint? You mind watching Gabby?"

"Of course I don't mind." Peppermint said, picking the little girl up with her magic and placing her onto her back.

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan entered the dining room with Peppermint and Gabby as the senators were having deep-fried nuna legs for dinner.

"I beg your pardon, Senators." Obi-Wan said. "Our men are investigating a situation below decks. I respectfully ask you to wait here until it is settled."

"Must you have a horse in here?" Merrik asked.

Wow. He must really not like horses. Or he's just mad at Carousella for biting him. Gabby thought.

"She's a guardian," said Obi-Wan, stroking Peppermint's muzzle. "Rest assured, she isn't as aggressive as the other one."

Peppermint whinnied in agreement.

Meanwhile, Anakin and Carousella entered the storage area to meet with the clones.

"All right, men. What's the problem?" said Anakin.

"We're missing dinner, and I'm getting hungry." Carousella said.

"We're not sure yet, Sir," said Cody. "but there's still no sign of Mixer and Redeye."

R2 beeped frantically.

"What's the matter, buddy?" Anakin asked his droid. R2 beeped again. "I know, I know, but I'm here now. Use your scanners. See if something's out of place."

R2 rolled out and activated his scanners.

Anakin and the clones followed the astromech droid to a large, empty crate.

"What have we here?" said Rex. "Looks like the contents of this box are missing."

"Or it got up and walked away." said Carousella.

Anakin turned to his men and ordered them to fan out.

"Separate squads. I'll contact Obi-Wan."

A chair was pulled up for Obi-Wan and for the princess, who needed a couple pillows since she was so small.

Gabby grew some fresh green grass, carrots, and dandelions in the ground for Peppermint to eat.

Suddenly, Obi-Wan's comm beeped.

"Please excuse me," said Obi-Wan, standing up.

Obi-Wan answered his communicator quietly. Anakin was on.

"There's a large open container and the contents are missing." Anakin explained. "And I still have two men unaccounted for."

"That's not good." Obi-Wan said. "Keep things quiet. I'll stay with the senators." And with that, he hung up.

"Got it," said Anakin, then he noticed R2 beeping again. "What's up? Did you find something?"

Anakin followed R2 into a dark hall and they saw a clone.

"There you are. Redeye, where have you been?" said Anakin. "You had us all worried."

Anakin thought Redeye was moving on his own, but he wasn't. And the Jedi grew concerned when the clone didn't answer him.

Anakin ignited his lightsaber as whatever it was came closer and threw Redeye's body onto a box and tried to attack Anakin, only for the Jedi to slice off two of its legs, and the clones to shoot it down. But, the team was quick to discover there was more than one giant spider droid.

"The lift!" Anakin and Carousella exclaimed. And the big robot spider quickly began climbing up the elevator shaft.

Carousella knew immediately that Gabby would be traumatized by such a huge spider, and more importantly, it might kill her if she didn't act now. So, she used a teleportation spell to get to where it was headed before it got there.

While Anakin and his men searched for the missing clones, Obi-Wan stayed with the senators and babysat Gabby too. Gabby was still a growing child, so he made sure she ate something to keep up her strength. Many senators found the little one quite adorable. Some, having met her when she was a baby, still couldn't believe how much she'd grown.

Secretly, Obi-Wan started to wonder... what would it be like to have with Satine what Anakin had with Padme? They were planning a wedding soon, and they had a beautiful child together. Would Obi-Wan be a good parent if he had children of his own? Would he be a good husband if he'd married Satine? Would he even be a good boyfriend if she allowed him to court her now?

Anakin quickly contacted Obi-Wan.

"There's assassin probes down here. One made it up the lift. Carousella's gone after it. We'll try to hold the others here."

Suddenly, Carousella appeared in a flash of silver sparkles.

"Oh, thank goodness! I got here just in time." Carousella sighed with relief.

"Quickly, secure the lifts!" Obi-Wan ordered, taking out his lightsaber. "Carousella, shield!"

Carousella jumped in and lit up her horn, ready to fight. Peppermint did too. And that was when the huge assassin probe jumped in.

Gabby screamed and ran as she saw the spider-like robot enter and attack. If she wasn't afraid of spiders before, she was terrified of them now. Something told her they'd need a pretty big book to squash that one. But instead, they had Obi-Wan, who jumped onto the probe and killed it with his lightsaber. Except, a bunch of smaller probes popped out of a bunch of small holes in the big probe.

Carousella and Peppermint quickly started stomping the probes or hitting them with magic before they could attack Gabby or the senators. Peppermint shot magic that literally gummed up the probes with bubblegum.

Gabby got so scared she ran out of the room, leaving Obi-Wan to protect the others.

Obi-Wan and Satine stood back-to-back as Obi-Wan held his lightsaber and Satine zapped the probes with a deactivator gun.

"Do you always carry a deactivator?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Just because I'm a pacifist doesn't mean I won't defend myself." Satine said.

"Now you sound like a Jedi." Obi-Wan asked.

It wasn't long before they crushed all the bugs. That was when Gabby popped in with a little frying pan in her hands.

"Oh, looks like I missed the party." Gabby said.

"Don't worry. You didn't miss much." Carousella said.

"Maybe hold onto that pan, though." Peppermint said.

Carousella put Gabby back onto her back to keep her safe.

Meanwhile, Anakin and his men managed to defeat the tiny assassin probes that tried to take them down too.

"How did that monster end up in the hold?" Cody asked.

"Question is, who smuggled him onboard?" said Anakin.

Obi-Wan picked up one of the dead droids.

"Just like that swarm of venom-mites on Draboon, remember?" Obi-Wan asked Satine.

"How could I forget? I still have the scar." Satine said.

"Begging your pardon, Duchess. I distinctly remember carrying you to safety."

"I meant the scar I got after you fell and dropped me."

"Oh. Yes."

"Don't let Anakin here you say that, especially when Obi-Wan is the one holding the princess here." Carousella said. "He's already protective of her as is."

Anakin approached a protocol droid in the cargo bay.

"Are all those creatures dead?" the protocol droid asked.

"That's what I'm trying to find out." said Anakin. "You're in charge of the cargo manifest, right?"

The protocol droid took out a tablet and pulled up the list of shipments for the cargo bay, which he then showed to Anakin.

"It is right here on the manifest." said the protocol droid.

Anakin read the manifest. He only found it said "For immediate delivery to Coruscant: one container marked 'medical supplies.'"

"There's no name on this chart!" said Anakin angrily. "There is no indication of who shipped it."

"No, sir, just the Senate stamp." said the protocol droid. "always accepted for transport here aboard the Coronet."

Anakin knew that this was definitely not good.

Anakin went upstairs and showed Obi-Wan the manifest.

"One of our four distinguished senators appears to be a traitor." Anakin said.

"I sense it too," said Obi-Wan.

Then, Obi-Wan thought of when Carousella started sniffing the others before, and how she bit Merrick. But he couldn't be sure. That was when Obi-Wan looked behind him and saw a single probe crawling around like a little spider. Good thing Gabby and Carousella were in another room, or what happened next wouldn't be possible.

"It looks like one of our little visitors is still alive," said Obi-Wan. "I have an idea how to expose the turncoat. Return to the hull of the ship. Destroy the last assassin droids. I'll find out which of the senators is the traitor."

"Got him!" Peppermint said, catching the probe underneath a cup.

"You've read my mind." said Obi-Wan.

"Catching is sweeter than killing."

Everything was cleaned up, and the senators were once again at dinner. This time, Carousella and Gabby went down with Anakin. Carousella knew the droids would be tricky, and Anakin worried about what might happen if Gabby were left in the same room as the traitor.

"Duchess, you are not eating." Senator Free Taa said.

"I have no appetite," said Satine, looking down.

"Begging your pardon, you must keep up your strength."

"By all means, be my guest, Senator."

"If you insist." That was when Obi-Wan came in with something under a blanket. "Ah! Dessert! Excellent!"

"This morsel might prove too much even for the legendary appetite of Orn Free Taa." Obi-Wan said, removing the cloth, revealing an assassin droid under a clear cover. "Enjoy."

"On second thought, it wouldn't agree with me." Senator Free Taa said, afraid of the droid.

"I don't blame you." Peppermint said. "There's no sugarcoating this."

"My theory," said Obi-Wan. "is our little friend will attack the duchess and anyone who defends her. Anyone, that is, except the traitor who programmed it."

"Take it away! Please!" begged Senator Free Taa.

"Obi-Wan, this line of questioning borders on torture!" Satine said angrily.

But, Obi-Wan went through with his plan, carrying the little droid around, seeing how it responded to each senator.

"Oh, I assure our pacifist duchess that all is under control. I'm trying to expose a bigger threat." Obi-Wan noticed something. "Interesting. The droid displays unusual hostility toward the honorable Kin Robb. But it seems to like you, Senator Merrik."

And it was true. The droid seemed calm when it was held to Senator Merrik.

"Well, Prince?" Obi-Wan smirked.

"Really, General Kenobi, you're quite clever." Merrik said, slapping the droid out of Obi-Wan's hands and onto the table, and it immediately went after Satine, and then Senator Onaconda Farr.

Luckily, Obi-Wan sliced the droid with his lightsaber before it could hurt anyone, but Merrik took Satine, to Obi-Wan's horror.

Obi-Wan ran down the hall and immediately contacted Anakin.

"Tal Merrik is the traitor." Obi-Wan said. "And he's taken Satine hostage."

"Copy that, but I've got problems of my own right now." Anakin whispered.

The minute the girls heard the word 'hostage,' the princess and her pony sprang into action.

Obi-Wan ran as fast as he could to find the duchess, but gasped when he found himself lifted up and on Peppermint's back.

"What's a Jedi Knight to the rescue without a steed?" Peppermint smiled.

"And what's a royal rescue without a royal guard?" Carousella said, running beside Peppermint.

"Where's Gabriella?" Obi-Wan said, concerned for the younger girl's safety as well.

"Don't worry. She's safe with Anakin." Carousella said.

Anakin, who was carrying Gabby, soon ran into the hall to meet with Obi-Wan and the horses.

"Did you find them?" Obi-Wan asked.

"No," said Anakin. "but I've stationed troopers at every escape pod."

"Merrik will try to signal his allies for help. We have to find him."

The group got into a lift.

"This might not be the best time to ask," said Anakin. "but were you and Satine, ever..."

"I don't see how that has any bearing on the situation at hand." Obi-Wan said.

"It is a lot like the classic story of a princess in danger," said Gabby. "and a handsome prince or charming knight comes to rescue her."

"You're even sitting on your own pretty horse to rescue her." Carousella smirked.

Obi-Wan just sighed.

"There's no denying it." said Peppermint. "Satine is more than just a friend, isn't she?"

"Alright! I'm in love with her!" Obi-Wan snapped. "Is that what you wanted to hear me say?"

"Only so you would be true and let it all out." said Peppermint. "Right now, we've got a duchess to rescue."

As if things couldn't get worse, Death Watch reinforcements entered the ship.

Clones immediately got to their stations as the alarm sounded.

"We'll take care of this, Obi-Wan." Anakin said, climbing onto Carousella's back. "You? Go find your girlfriend."

"Right," Obi-Wan said, then froze. "Uh, no, Anakin, she's not my..."

"Do we really have time for arguing?" Peppermint asked.

Obi-Wan just pulled and snapped the reins to get Peppermint running in the right direction.

Peppermint and Obi-Wan arrived at the hull of the ship, and Obi-Wan activated his laser sword. He definitely looked like a knight in a fairytale now, but in space.

"Come in, Kenobi. You're expected." Merrik smirked.

"Tal Merrik, you are under arrest." Obi-Wan said. "Release the duchess."

"Hmm, I took the precaution of wiring the ship's engines to explode." Merrik said, holding up a remote. "I press this remote, and we all die."

"Obi, if you have any respect for me, you will not take such risks with so many people's lives at stake." Satine begged.

"Satine..." Obi-Wan said. Peppermint could practically hear tears in Obi-Wan's voice.

"Don't... Obi-Wan said, pointing his lightsaber. He had Peppermint step very slowly as they followed the duchess and the traitorous senator out the door.

Meanwhile, Anakin, the clones, and the duchess's guards were all fighting the deadly droids Death Watch had sent.

Gabby made lots of plants to devour the droids while Carousella blasted them with her magic, but it seemed like more just kept coming... until they were all gone.

Anakin picked Gabby up, and they rushed off to find Obi-Wan and the duchess.

Peppermint and Obi-Wan followed Merrik and Satine until they were near an exit.

Merrik called his allies to tell them to stand by to disengage.

"Say farewell, duchess." Merrik smirked.

"Obi-Wan, it looks like I may never see you again." Satine said, close to crying. "I don't know quite how to say this, but I've loved you from the moment you came to my aid all those years ago."

"I don't believe this," said Merrik with disgust.

"Shut up!" Peppermint exclaimed. "Romantic moment here!"

"Satine, this is hardly the time or place for..." Obi-Wan started, then he saw the look in the duchess's eyes, and Peppermint motioned for him to let it out. "All right. Had you said the word, I would have left the Jedi Order years ago. And I've felt the same ever since."

"That is touching." Merrik said sarcastically. "Truly, it is. But it's making me sick, and we really must be going."

Satine scoffed. "You have the romantic soul of a slug, Merrik." And she stomped on Merrik's foot and pointed his own gun at him. "And slugs are so often trod upon."

Obi-Wan climbed off Peppermint and held his lightsaber out, and the unicorn lit up her horn.

"Interesting turnabout," said Merrik. "but even if I do not deliver the duchess alive to the Separatists, I still win. The second I'm away, I'll hit the remote and blow the Coronet to bits."

"I will not allow that," said Satine, threatening to shoot,

"What will you do? If you shoot me, you prove yourself a hypocrite to every pacifist ideal you hold dear. And you, Kenobi. You are no stranger to violence. You'd be hailed as a hero by everyone on this ship... almost everyone. Come on then... who will strike first and brand themselves a cold-blooded killer?"

"You're forgetting one thing, Merrik." Peppermint said, and she bit Merrik's wrist, making him drop the remote, which Carousella picked up with her mouth as she jumped into the scene.

And before Merrik could do anything else... BONG!

Merrik fell forward to reveal Anakin behind him, holding Gabby up, who was holding the same frying pan from before.

"Strike and he's out." Gabby joked.

"Little one's first takedown of a traitor. Daddy's so proud of you." Anakin smiled, kissing his daughter's cheek.

Gabby used some vines to tie Merrik up, and Carousella dragged Merrik away by his leg. And Satine threw away Merrik's gun in disgust.

Satine started to approach Obi-Wan, when some clones arrived to report that the last of the droids had been defeated.

Anakin looked at the duchess and Obi-Wan and said, "Don't stop on our account."

"Out," said Gabby, using her vines and Peppermint pushed and snorted to urge the guys out to give Obi-Wan and his lady some privacy.

Obi-Wan and Satine couldn't help laughing at the way Gabby and Peppermint each took charge to get the others out of there.

Finally, the two of them were alone.

"Obi-Wan... I..." Satine started as she and Obi-Wan held hands for what seemed like the first time.

"I love you too." Obi-Wan said, gently placing his arms around Satine.

Obi-Wan slowly closed his eyes and leaned forward. So did Satine. And before Satine or Obi-Wan knew it, they were kissing.

Obi-Wan felt his heart racing as he felt Satine's lips against his, and he didn't want it to stop. Neither did Satine. Now that there was no code to stop them from courting, they could feel free to do so now. They didn't even need to say anything, as they sealed their love with the most passionate kiss they had ever felt in their entire lives.

The Coronet eventually landed on Coruscant.

Everyone exited the ship.

"Get your butt off this ship, Merrik!" Carousella said, poking a now cuffed Merrik in the back with her horn just hard enough to make a point.

"Ouch!" Merrik exclaimed, as Carousella poked him for the fifteenth time in the last ten minutes.

"General Mareheart would be proud if he could see how Carousella handles criminals," said Anakin, holding his daughter.

Anakin and Obi-Wan soon met with the chancellor.

"A job well done, Master Jedi." Chancellor Palpatine said.

"Thank you, Chancellor." Obi-Wan bowed.

"Your Excellency." Anakin bowed.

Gabby said nothing, and just rested her head on Anakin's shoulder.

"I think someone's tired," said Anakin. And he and Obi-Wan walked off to the side as the other senator exited and greeted the Chancellor.

Satine was the last to exit the ship.

"How ironic to meet again only to find we're on opposing sides." Satine said.

Now it started to sound more like Romeo & Juliet, only with words Gabby and her friends could understand. With all at stake, Obi-Wan and Satine decided not to make a huge fuss about their new relationship now, especially with a wedding approaching; the last thing they needed was everyone asking when they were going to be next down the aisle.

"The needs of your people are all that matter." Obi-Wan said. "They couldn't be in a better hand with you to protect their future."

"Kind words indeed from a mindful and committed Jedi." Satine said. "And yet..."

"What?"

"I'm still not sure..." Satine stroked Obi-Wan's beard. "About the beard."

"Why? What's wrong with it?"

"It hides too much of your handsome face."

That was when Gabby appeared by Obi-Wan's side and tugged at his robe, wanting him to hold her. And Obi-Wan picked her up.

"Uncle Obi-Wan's beard might hide his face..." said Gabby, rubbing her cheek against his beard. "But it does make him cuddly."

The duchess chuckled and said, "You are a fortunate man to have a child around who cares about you so much."

And with that, the duchess left.

"What was that all about?" Anakin laughed. He placed a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder. "A very remarkable woman."

"She is indeed." Obi-Wan said.

"And very lucky too." Gabby said. She kissed Obi-Wan's cheek. "She's not the only girl who loves you. Just in a different way."

The guys both laughed at the child's cuteness.

"Think you'll be able to handle raising one like her?" Anakin joked, which made Obi-Wan seem to choke on air.

"Anakin!" Obi-Wan scolded.

Anakin just laughed at his friend.

Peppermint also nuzzled Obi-Wan with a playful snort.

"You were very sweet to risk so much for Satine, Obi-Wan." Peppermint said. "There's a lot more to you than being super polite and following rules."

"And clearly there's more to you than sugarcoating everything from treats to real-life scenarios." Obi-Wan said, stroking Peppermint's muzzle.

Obi-Wan was starting to think maybe having a horse wouldn't be so bad after all.