The Purple Circle {Branching Out - Book VI}

"Honestly, Master Anakin," Threepio began, his tone teetering between indignation and exasperation, "I still don't understand why we didn't just settle down somewhere civilized. Naboo, perhaps? Or even Alderaan! Lovely places, far less likely to involve blaster fire."

Anakin didn't answer immediately, a half-smirk tugging at his lips as he tapped a finger absently against the console. "And miss out on all the fun?" he said finally, his tone dry. "Where's your sense of adventure, Threepio?"

"My sense of adventure, sir, is precisely calibrated for situations that don't involve you blowing up government facilities!" Threepio shot back, his arms flailing for emphasis. "You've been declared persona non grata on five planets! Five! I'm surprised we haven't been intercepted by the Senate yet."

"Mostly because we have been mavericking around the wild space and the outer rim, you know the Senate does not care what happens here," Anakin let out a low chuckle, the sound warm but tinged with weariness. "Relax, Goldenrod. We've been through worse."

"Worse?" Threepio nearly screeched, throwing his hands up. "Worse than being chased off a planet by an angry mob with pitchforks? What could possibly qualify as-"