Credit where credit is due. George Lucas owns Star Wars. I borrow his amazing universe for my own personal entertainment. I receive no proceeds.

Note: I am revising some chapters. Content and storyline will remian the same. I am correcting, grammar, spelling and flow. Enjoy!

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Sunrise was breaking over the planet as it loomed larger and larger in the window. The pilot maneuvered the ship into a turbulent but controlled descent to the surface. His co-pilot laughed, "Kind of bumpy, I'm going to lose my breakfast." He grinned at her and said, "It's not me, it's the unstable atmosphere."

She stretched in the seat next to him and yawned, "Long trip all the way out here." He replied, "It was long, try flying the whole time." She glared at him and said, "I offered." His eyes sparkled as he laughed, "No thanks I know how you fly."

She shrugged her shoulders and said, "I don't know what you are talking about. I'm not such a bad pilot." He leveled the ship and set it down light as a feather on the landing pad. He turned to her and said, "Yes, but I am a better pilot." She turned to look out the window and thought, "Boring." He laughed as he read her thoughts and said, "Not boring, safe."

He finished the shut down sequence and powered down the ship. Just before exiting they slipped on their robes and attached their lightsabers. The two Jedi opened the side hatch and exited the ship taking their first steps onto the Macaven landscape.

Located on the outer rim, Macaven is far from Coruscant and until now outside the influence of the Republic. Macaven experiences very little rainfall except in areas adjacent to the coastlines. It is a warm arid planet with one large inland sea surrounded by desert in all directions.

The Macavens developed rudimentary space travel early but have since fallen behind much of the galaxy in scientific and technological advances because they spend all of their time and resources fighting each other.

Obi-Wan Kenobi and Amira Organa, two Jedi knights, have been sent to negotiate peace and subsequent trade. The Macavens have been at war with each other for decades and a truce must first be negotiated between the five warring provinces before the Republic will agree to trade. The negotiations are taking place in a neutral location on the island of Maceve in the middle of the Macaven Sea.

The Jedi were soon greeted by a Macaven female, who appeared no older than sixteen standard years. She looked at the Jedi warily. She greeted them, "Welcome, I have arranged your transportation to Maceve Island. Accommodations have been provided for you near the Sacred Hall where the province representatives will convene this afternoon once you have rested, please follow me." Obi-Wan and Amira exchanged glances and followed her. She led them to a hydro speeder docked near the landing site.

During the short walk they saw many signs of battle scarring and neglect on the buildings and the landscape. So many years of war had left very little intact. The mission briefing had told of extreme poverty. Social facilities were overrun with the poor, widowed and orphaned. The economy, or what was left of the economy, teetered perilously close to collapse.

The problems were rampant throughout Macaven society affecting all five warring provinces equally. Tragically the endless years of war had produced nothing more than a stalemate. Intervention was needed quickly.

The Macaven's had failed to solve their differences so the Republic was stepping in with the offer of galactic trade routes passing through Macaven space. The offer is conditional on whether a treaty can be negotiated and peace brought to the long suffering planet. It was the possibility of intergalactic trade that enticed all five provinces to agree to talk peace.

Before boarding the hydro speeder Amira turned to the Macaven girl and asked, "What is your name?" The girl hesitated and then replied, "Deelina." Amira bowed slightly and said, "My name is Amira Organa and this is Obi-Wan Kenobi. Thank you for your assistance Deelina."

Obi-Wan and Amira could not help but notice the sadness in the young girl's eyes. She bowed to the Jedi and said softly, "I am pleased to meet you and hope that your efforts bring peace to my world." Deelina stayed behind as Obi-Wan and Amira boarded the hydro speeder.

He sat down and looked back atthe girlstanding on the dock. Amira took a seat next to Obi-Wan and said, "She seems very sad." He replied, "She has never known peace. The Macavens have been at war with each other since before she was born."

She turned to look at him and said, "Our success here is imperative. There are undoubtedly many more like Deelina who have suffered for too long." The two Jedi sat in silence for the remainder of the trip to the island.

The hydro speeder docked and the Jedi disembarked. Another young woman met them. She was even less talkative and seemed almost afraid of the Jedi. Amira's thoughts touched Obi-Wan's mind, "I don't think they get many off worlders here." His thoughts flowed back to her, "Probably not, but that's not why they seem to be afraid."

The young girl led them along a stone path that skirted the island coastline. From the mission brief the Jedi knew that the island had been the center of government before the provinces had split up into the various warring factions.

The buildings were completely intact here and somewhat reminiscent of Naboo architecture. There was an abundance of tropical plant life due to the proximity of the sea. Across the sea the coastlines were also dotted with tropical fauna but just a short distance inland it faded into desert.

Their escort stopped in front of a building that resembled a much smaller version of Naboo's Theed Palace. She explained that this building was to be their quarters for the duration of their stay and down the path a hundred meters was the Sacred Hall where the negotiations would take place. Then she led them inside the impressive building and directed them to a reception desk.

They proceeded across the ornately tiled foyer and approached the desk to find yet another woman waiting to help them. Obi-Wan turned to thank their guide only to discover she had already left. He turned back to the woman at the desk and greeted her, "My name is Obi-Wan Kenobi and this is Amira Organa."

The woman nodded and asked, "You are the Representatives sent by the Republic?" Amira replied, "Yes we are." This woman behind the counter smiled warmly at them and said, "Welcome, my name is Kaatrin." She handed them two data cards that would unlock the rooms and stated, "Your rooms have been prepared and are on the second floor up the stairs to the right."

They thanked her and as they ascended the massive staircase to their quarters Amira stated, "All of our assistance has been female. The absence of Macaven men is noticeable." Obi-Wan nodded recalling the mission information, "All the men, including the young men, fight in the war…many have died." Amira slid her data card in the reader and opened the door to her room and said, "These people need something to hope for." Obi-Wan nodded his agreement as he entered his room.

A few hours later the two Jedi were rested and made their way down the pathway to the courtyard in front of the Sacred Hall. They remained outside the hall seated on a stone bench in the courtyard.

Obi-Wan watched intently as the various members arrived. All most all were men of varying ages. He sensed a wide range of personalities. Some were hardened warriors, others were intellectuals, and still others were very young and inexperienced. When the last of the representatives had entered the building Obi-Wan turned his attention back to Amira.

They had worked together on many missions, missions far more dangerous than this one would be. Since their arrival something had been nagging at him. He looked at his friend without speaking trying to figure it out.

Amira asked, "What is it? What's bothering you?" He replied, "I am not sure I agree with the council sending you on another mission so soon. You just returned from a difficult mission on Hoth; you didn't take any time to rest before coming here."

She laughed, "Just because I was ambushed by an oversized abominable Ewok with a nasty disposition and a taste for raw meat doesn't mean I need a rest." She smiled, "I'm fine. Besides you can't handle this all by yourself. These people would rather kill each other than talk peace."

He shook his head at her comment, "No…something doesn't feel right. This could be more difficult than we thought. She smirked, "Don't you trust in my abilities?" He replied, "Of course I trust your abilities. I am just...I have a bad feeling about this."

She smiled, "Ben, if I had a Republic credit for every time you said that I'd be richer than the Huts." She placed her hand on his shoulder and gave a gentle squeeze, "Besides we make a good team. We'll have this truce negotiated in no time then I'll take a vacation."

He looked at her and smiled. Ben was a nickname she had given him early on in their friendship. She was the only one who ever called him Ben and he liked it. He asked, "Are you always so certain?"

She didn't answer but simply smiled at him. Her hand was still on his shoulder. It amazed him how her presence and her touch always seemed to be comforting. He let the feeling linger a moment longer before standing up.

He stared at the hall they were about to enter, "I can't put my finger on what I am sensing, but let's not disclose to the Macavens that we are anything other than Republic Representatives. They are probably unaware that we are Jedi and I think we should keep it that way for the time being."

She trusted his instincts implicitly and replied, "Yes, of course." He gave her a wide grin and asked, "They should be ready for us. Shall we go?" She stood up and smooth her robe making sure her lightsaber was not visible, "Let's go."

They entered the large hall. It was an impressive circular room. The floor was inlaid with beautiful tiles representing the muted colors of the Macaven landscape. Massive wooden columns that extended from floor to ceiling were evenly spaced around the perimeter of the room.

The columns were intricately carved with Macaven historical scenes. In between the columns were banks of seating. The dome, which topped the room, was masterfully painted with depictions of significant events in Macaven history. The representatives of the planet's warring provinces had convened to hear what the Republic Representatives had to say and were seated in the seats that surrounded the central floor.

Over the years alliances between the provinces had been made and broken and the lines were blurred. The five provinces were known by many names and there were arguments as to who had rights to what name. For these negotiations they would be referred to as Macaven North, West, East, South and Southeast.

They had fought each other for so many years it was unclear as to why they harbored such animosity towards one another. It would be key to the negotiations to determine the initial cause of the hostilities.

Obi-Wan sensed an immense amount of tension. So thick you could slice it with a knife was understating it. Amira felt it too and sent a reassuring thought his way, "They are here Obi-Wan, that means they are willing to listen." He nodded at her as she took her seat and he said, "Despite my concerns I am glad you're here."

Obi-Wan proceeded to the center of the floor and began his speech, "We are Representatives here by the request of the Republic. We are here to help you resolve your grievances. The Republic is interested in opening trade with your world, but cannot until hostilities between the provinces cease and a stable environment is created."

He paused to let his opening words take affect then continued, "Trade between your world and the Republic would bring the prosperity and growth your world so desperately needs. Your peoples have fought many long years; this fighting has done nothing to resolve your differences and has only made your world destitute, with many widows and orphans to care for."

Again he paused to briefly sense the audience. Sensing something but not able to label it he continued, "The Republic proposes establishing intergalactic trade routes that will pass through Macaven space. These trade routes would bring new technology, medicines and goods of every kind to your war torn world, but unless a truce exists between the provinces, the Republic will not be able to safely institute trade relations."

He walked in a circle as he spoke making eye contact and addressing all the groups. "Perhaps further in the future we would invite you to elect a representative of your world and be welcomed into the Republic Senate. We are here to listen to your grievances and provide an impartial viewpoint. In the coming days we hope to find an avenue towards peace for the people of Macaven."

He walked back to where Amira was seated and finished his speech, "The fact that you have gathered together here and allowed us to come to this beautiful place and speak in your sacred hall is an excellent sign that many of you want an end to hostilities. We are at your service and will answer any questions you may have."

For the next several hours they answered questions. About the Republic and what trade would do for their world. Obi-Wan and Amira learned that each province represented had an individual that spoke for them and they would be engaging primarily with these representatives.

Despite being seated in such close proximity to the enemy the provinces were behaving themselves. It seemed by the end of the long day that the doors were open to attempt negotiations towards peace. They would convene again the next day and begin sorting out what the people were fighting about.

Obi-Wan and Amira walked slowly back to their quarters. The walk from the Sacred Hall to their rooms was just long enough to provide ample appreciation of the natural beauty of the area.

The sun was setting on the sea and the bright orange star bathed the area in twilight. She was the first to speak, "It is so beautiful here; hard to believe they have been at war for so many years. This part they have kept untouched, kept sacred." He nodded in agreement, "Yes it is beautiful, it reminds me a little of Naboo."

Amira touched his arm instinctively. She knew that he had painful memories of Naboo. It was before his knighting; Obi-Wan had been a Padawan and had traveled there on a mission with Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn.

The Trade Federation's invasion of Naboo and the subsequent battle for Naboo's sovereignty had cost Qui-Gon his life. She changed the subject, "I think things went well considering just yesterday they were still trying to kill each other. They sat and listened very intently." She added, "Your speech was exceptional and well received." He turned his head to look at her. His eyes betrayed a smile even if his lips did not, "Thank you."

They continued walking through the grounds towards their quarters. Obi-Wan glanced out at the tourmaline colored Macaven Sea and asked, "What were your impressions of the people?" She thought for a moment and said, "Intelligent, somewhat suspicious and very afraid."

He agreed, "Any other perceptions?" She replied, "Yes, but I can't describe it correctly. It felt like, I don't know…involuntary deception. Especially from the leader of the Eastern Province, Dumaas, I think his name is."

He stopped in mid stride and turned to look at her, "Actually I think you described it perfectly, but what does it stem from? What would be gained by deceiving us and who is forcing this deception on them?" She shook her head, "I don't know, perhaps tomorrow will bring the answers we seek." When they reached their quarters Amira and Obi-Wan went to their rooms and retired for the evening.