Ruby: Hello everyone! We are here today with the two the only�(drum roll please)�Anakin and Padme!

Anakin (to Padme, seemingly continuing an earlier debate): Are you sure we agreed to this?

Padme (to Anakin in a sideways speech in an attempt not to be overheard): It�s all a part of the Senator re-election campaign, Ani�just grin and bear it!

Anakin (incredulously): Grin and bear it?!!!

Padme (to Ruby): Hello Ruby! It is a pleasure to be here today!

Anakin (under his breath): Hah! Pleasure.  I�d rather be trapped in a sandpit with Obi-Wan.

Padme (giving Anakin a warning nudge): Today was Anakin�s and my one-year anniversary, you see.  An interview wasn�t quite what he had in mind to celebrate, so you�ll have to forgive his grumpiness.

(A few chuckles from the crowd are heard)

Ruby: Well, I�m sure the fact that you are willing to do an interview on such a special day is just another testament to how seriously you take your duties as Senator.

(Anakin clears his throat as if he has something to say, but Padme jumps in)

Padme: Every politician would be wise to remember that our main duty is to execute just decisions with the people�s best intentions at heart.  Such a duty must be taken seriously.

(Anakin once again clears his throat, and even though Padme shoots him an indignant look, he speaks this time)

Anakin: Padme is one hundred percent right.  (At this, Padme visibly relaxes a little.) However, (scratch the part about the relaxing�) I think an interview proves nothing about Amidala�s integrity.  (A few gasps from the crowd are heard and Amidala turns towards Anakin giving him a confused and almost angry look. Anakin gestures for her to hold on a moment.) Amidala�s integrity in her duties has already been proved countless times through her actions; I think if you consider all she has done for the Republic you will need no additional reasons why Amidala should be considered for a re-election.

(Amidala places a hand over her heart and gives Ani a look that says 'you saved yourself this time, my love')

Ruby: But Anakin, are you aware that never before has a Senator been re-elected?

Anakin: I am.

Ruby: (for a moment speechless) Well, we didn�t come here solely to discuss politics did we?   That wouldn�t make for much of an interview! (Ruby winks visibly).

(Laughter trickles in from the audience)

R (continuing): We came here to learn more about the person behind the position!   Or, should I say, the people!   After all, where would one be without the other?

(At this, the audience releases a few joking "awwww"s)

R: So, does anyone out there have any questions for the couple?

-------

The following was submitted by Jasmine Storm...

In the crowd, a lone female stands, long wild brown hair, and bright white eyes. Her chisled face is rock hard, and the arm she raises is sheathed in a silver-like metal from her shoulder to her fingertips.

"I have a question," she says.

"Yes, go ahead, ma'am," Ruby says, gesturing to the woman. Anakin's posture stiffens, he feels strong ambiguity through the Force from her.

"I am Jasmine Storm, from Orlicia," she says, her head high, and her voice thundering through the now silent crowd. "What makes you think, Senator Amidala Skywalker that we," she gestures to the crowd, "wants a Jedi-influenced Senate?"

Padme smiles. "My work in the Senate will be to benefit the Republic as a whole, which is the same goals as the Jedi Order."

"Yet you marry a Jedi, against their doctrine of celebacy and passion? What does that prove?"

----------

The following was submitted by me, Ruby-Flame...

Amidala shifts uncomfortably in her seat, and the audience turns their heads to stare at this woman, whose very presence now casts a shadow upon the room.  The light mood of before is replaced with a quiet hush, and soon all faces turned towards Amidala, waiting for her reaction.

"Sometimes, Jasmine," Amidala begins, regaining her composure after such a sudden attack, "change is needed. Many doctrines are created on a premise that over time, no longer proves as effective. My husband once told me that in a way, the jedi are encouraged to love, so should they be denied from acting upon this love? I understand that the jedi encourage celebacy so that no enemy may use an emotional attachment against them. However, the choice to take such a risk should be placed in every jedi's own hands. It should not be for the council to decide. Whatever the case, I have made my own decisions in my personal affairs, Jasmine Storm from Orlicia, and I will stand by them. What do my decisions prove? They prove that I will stand up for what my heart says is right, even if it may not follow the opinion of the majority.  My goal is to benefit the Republic, whatever it takes, and for the most part, the Jedi Order and I see eye to eye on this matter."

Amidala finishes speaking, but Jasmine Storm is not ready to back down. However, Ruby, trying to recapture a lighter atmosphere, interrupts Jasmine with her own commentary.

Ruby: Amidala, your strength of character has been proved time and again, and what noble words you speak before us tonight. Anakin, do you have anything more to add to Amidala's response?

Anakin still feels unsure of what to say underneath the gaze of this white-eyed female.  What exactly was it about this female that bothered him so?  He wanted to continue the interview as if nothing was wrong, but he was not sure if this was the case.  Ruby's plastered smile loomed ever closer as Anakin tried to discern what course of action to take.

---------------

The following was submitted by Jade Blood on 01/12/05...

A figure toward the back of the audience watched this beneath the hood concealing her face. She knew Anakin well enough to see that he was perplexed, though not by Ruby's question. His eyes were on the mysterious Jasmine Storm, and he seemed to notice little else. Stepping solemnly forward, the figure spoke out.

"I have a question."

The crowd rustled and mumbled as their attention pulled from the senator and her husband. When dozens upon dozens of eyes had settled on her, Jade Blood pushed back the hood of her cloak. Her fiery hair reflected the overly bright set lights, and her eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Master Jade?" Anakin asked warily. "Where's...?"

"Your master?" Jade prompted. "Continuing the Republic's campaign against the Separatists. But is this not an interview for you? Therefore, should I not be asking you the questions?"

Anakin nodded morosely, hating how he felt like a child in the presence of Obi-Wan's companion.

"Proceed, Master Blood," Padme said graciously.

There was a murmur through the crowd as it was confirmed that this mysterious woman was a Jedi. Jade smiled modestly at such awe.

"Firstly, I can say publicly and without shame that I do not agree with the Council's stance on love.� Gasps followed this. �Forbidding the union of two beings who are connected by love is a travesty. But this does not change the fact that it is the Code, and all those who hold the title of Jedi Knight are sworn to follow it. My question is what makes you above the Code while the rest of us must push our feelings aside for the greater good?�

---------------

Now it's YOUR turn, I need more additions to the chainstory from all of you fanfic readers out there: Play the role of a person (or being) in the audience, and continue the interview.  Submit (in other words, e-mail me) your "question" to the "couple" and I will add another portion of the interview responding to your "question."   Got it? Okay, now readysetgo!