Sequel to Learning and Survival,

Disclaimer, I own nothing, sobs

Protecting

(Beginning of Attack of the Clones, 2 years after end of Learning)

Senator Amidala's ship landed on the landing pad in Coruscant. Two fighters were on either side. The pilots from the fighters got out as the ramp of the main ship lowered to allow the Senator and her entourage off. The two accompanying pilots moved to stand by each other as they watched the passengers disembarked. "We made it. I guess I was wrong, there was no danger at all." Captain Typho said to the female pilot.

Once the Senator had reached the foot of the ship, it blew up. Everyone flew away from the ship. The escort pilots ran to the Senator. Taking off her helmet as she knelt down beside the Senator, it was revealed that it was in fact the Senator and the woman lying on the ground was a decoy. "Cordé…" Padme said in anquish as she gathered the injured woman in her arms.

"...I'm so sorry, M'Lady... I'm... not sure I... I've failed you, Senator." came a broken sentence from the dying woman.

"No...!" Padme cried as Corde died in her arms.

"M'Lady, you are still in danger here." Captain Typho said.

"I shouldn't have come back." Padme said, looking at the devastation all around.

"This vote is very important. You did your duty - Cordé did hers. Now come." the captain continued when Padme didn't reply. "Senator Amidala, please!"

Padme walked away with Captain Typho, repeatedly looking back. R2 followed along behind them.

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Anakin stood in a viewing room overlooking the proceedings of the Senate. The Jedi knew that the decision to create a clone army would eventually come, it was inevitable it seemed as the corrupted delegates were bought out. Mas Amedda stood up as Palpatine conferred with his aide, Uv Gizen who was riding in a scooter. "Order! We shall have order! The motion for the Republic to commission an army takes precedent, and that is what we will vote on at this time."

Everyone calmed down and the aide left and Palpatine stood up to the podium, "...My esteemed colleagues, excuse me... I have just received some tragic and disturbing news. Senator Amidala of the Naboo system has been assassinated!" shock filled the arena, Anakin looked around and noticed a surprise coming for the Senate. "This grievous blow is especially personal to me. Before I became Chancellor, I served Amidala when she was Queen. She was a great leader who fought for justice, not
only here in this honourable assembly, but also on her home planet. She was so loved she could have been elected Queen for life. She believed in public service, and she fervently believed in democracy. Her death is a great loss to us all. We will all mourn her as a relentless champion of freedom... and as a dear friend."

Anakin seemed to think the Chancellor lacked true sincerity. There was a moment of silence until Ask Aak from Malastare moved his pod to the centre of the arena. "How many more Senators will die before this civil strife ends! We must confront these rebels now, and we need an army to do it."

" Why weren't the Jedi able to stop this assassination? We are no longer safe, under their protection.?" Darsana from Glee Anselm asked as he moved to the centre. Anakin payed close attention to this as a slur on the Temple could cause problems, and Darsana was in the Chancellors pocket.

"The Republic needs more security now! Before it comes to war." Orn Free Ta added.

"Must I remind the Senator from Malastare that negotiations are continuing with the separatists. Peace is our objective here... not war." Palpatine said. Anakin thought that the Chancellor was very clever, gradually gaining more power as he looked meek.

Anakin smiled as he watched Padme move to the centre. She was obviously using everything she could to her advantage. She waited for her time to strike. A natural tactician.

"My noble colleagues, I concur with the Supreme Chancellor. At all costs, we do not want war!" She started, Anakin had a feeling it was not the end though as the Senate cheered and applauded her arrival.

"It is with great surprise and joy the chair recognizes the Senator from Naboo, Padmé Amidala." Palpatine said.

"Less than an hour ago, an assassination attempt was made against my life." Padme said, Anakin had a feeling this would be a speech for the history books, "One of my bodyguards and six others were ruthlessly and senselessly murdered. I was the target
but, more importantly, I believe this security measure before you, was the target. I have led the opposition to build an army... but there is someone in this body who will
stop at nothing to assure its passage…" Many Senators booed at this. "I warn you, if you vote to create this army, war will follow. I have experienced the misery of war
firsthand; I do not wish to do it again." This statement caused yelling for and against. "Wake up, Senators... you must wake up! If we offer the separatists violence, they can only show us violence in return! Many will lose their lives. All will lose their freedom. This decision could very well destroy the very foundation of our great Republic. I pray you, do not let fear push you into a disastrous decision. Vote down this security measure, which is nothing less than a declaration of war! Does anyone here want that? I cannot believe they do." This speech, though brilliant caused much booing and groaning.

"My motion to defer the vote must be dealt with first. That is the rule of law." Orn Free Ta said. Amidala looked angry and frustrated at this, and Palpatine gave her a sympathetic look.

"Due to the lateness of the hour and the seriousness of this motion, we will take up these matters tomorrow. Until then, the Senate stands adjourned." Palpatine said, going down to his office. Anakin went back to the Council to report the goings on.

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Mace, Yoda, Plo Koon and Ki Ad Mundi sat across from the Chancellor inhis office. Two royal guards flanked him. "I don't know how much longer I can hold off the
vote, my friends. More and more star systems are joining the separatists." Palpatine was saying.

"If they do break away…" Mace said.

"I will not let this Republic that has stood for a thousand years be split in two. My negotiations will not fail!" Palpatine said adamantly.

"If they do, you must realize there aren't enough Jedi to protect the Republic. We are keepers of the peace, not soldiers." Mace said bluntly.

"Master Yoda, do you think it will really come to war?" Palpatine implored.

"Worse than war, I fear... Much worse." Yoda said once he had closed his eyes.

"What?" Palpatine asked.

"What do you sense, Master?" Mace asked worried.

"The Dark Side clouds everything. Impossible to see, the future is. But this I am sure of…" Yoda said opening his eyes again, "Do their duty, the Jedi will."

A bizzer sounded, with an aid addressing the Chancellor in Huttese, "The loyalist committee has arrived, my Lord. "

"Good. We will discuss this matter later." Palpatine said to the Jedi. "Send them in."

Senator Amidala, Bail Organa, JarJar Binks and Horox Ryyder entered with their attendants and Mas Amedda. The Jedi Masters got up to great the new arrivals. Yoda tapped Amidala with his cane, "Padmé, your tragedy on the landing platform, terrible. With you the force is strong... young Senator. Seeing you alive brings warm feeling to my heart."

"Thank you, Master Yoda. Do you have any idea who was behind the attack?" Amidala replied.

"Our intelligence points to disgruntled spice miners, on the moons of Naboo." Mace said.

"But I think that Count Dooku was behind it." Padme put in, causing a shocked silence.

"He is a political idealist, not a murderer." Master Mundi said.

"You know, M'Lady, Count Dooku was once a Jedi. He couldn't assassinate anyone. It's not in his character." Mace said.

"In dark times nothing is what it appears to be, but the fact remains for certain, Senator, in grave danger you are." Yoda said.

Palpatine looked out the window at the vast city, thinking, "Master Jedi, may I suggest that the Senator be placed under the protection of your graces."

"Do you think that is a wise decision during these stressful times?" Senator Organa said.

"Chancellor, if I may comment, I do not believe the…" Padme started.

"..."situation is that serious." No, but I do, Senator." Palpatine finished for her.

"Chancellor, please! I don't want any more guards!" Padme implored.

"I realize all too well that additional security might be disruptive for you, but perhaps someone you are familiar with... an old friend like... Jedi Kenobi and Master Jinn?" Palpatine suggested nodding at Mace, who nodded back.

"While Master Jinn is on a mission, Jedi Kenobi has just returned from a border dispute on Ansion with Jedi Skywalker."

"You must remember them, M'Lady... Kenobi watched over you during the blockade conflict. And Skywalker helped you on Tatooine," Palaptine added.

As much as Padme wanted to see Anakin again, she could not condone this extra protection, "This is not necessary, Chancellor."

"Do it for me, M'Lady, please. I will rest easier. We had a big scare today. The thought of losing you is unbearable." he added as Amidala sighed in agreement.

"I will have Obi-Wan and Anakin report to you immediately, M'Lady." Mace said as they got up to leave.

"Too little about yourself you worry, Senator, and too much about politics. Be mindful of your danger, Padmé. Accept our help," Yoda said, bending into her ear.

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Anakin and Obi Wan were in an elevator to Padme's apartments, Anakin was shuffling his clothes around nervously. "You seem a little on edge, Anakin."

"Not at all." Anakin replied.

"I haven't felt you this tense since we fell into that nest of gundarks." Obi Wan said.

"You fell into that nightmare, Obi Wan, and I rescued you, remember?" Anakin said smiling.

"Oh yeah." Obi Wan said as they laughed. "Breathe Anakin, she's not a Queen anymore," Obi Wan said reassuringly.

"She's still Padme though," he replied. And that was all it took for Obi Wan to understand.

The apartment door slid open, JarJar walked inot the corridor as the Jedi exited the elevator. "Obi! Obi! Obi! Mesa sooo smilen to seein yousa. Wahooooo!" JarJar said excitedly, jumping up and down. Obi Wan and Anakin smiled.

"It's good to see you, too, JarJar." Obi Wan said. JarJar then noticed Obi Wan's companion

"...and this, I take it, is your friend... Noooooooo! Annie? Noooooooo! Little bitty Ani," JarJar looked shocked, "Noooooooo! Yousa so biggen! Yiyiyiyyi! Ani!"

"Hi, Jar Jar." Anakin said laughing as JarJar gave him a huge hug.

"Shesa expecting yousa. Ani... Mesa no believen!" JarJar said guiding them to the next room. Inside Padme was talking with Dorme and Captain Typho, "Mesa here. Lookie... lookie... Senator. Desa Jedi arriven."

Padme and Typho rose as they entered. Padme tried not to glance hard at Anakin, Obi Wan and Anakin gave respectful bows. "It's a pleasure to see you again, M'Lady." Obi Wan said as Padme walked over to take his hand.

"It has been far too long Jedi Kenobi. I'm so glad our paths have crossed again... but I must warn you that I think your presence here is unnecessary."

"I'm sure the Jedi Council has their reasons." Obi Wan replied.

Padme moved to in front of Anakin. "My goodness, you've grown." They looked at each other for a while, "And a Jedi already. You must be proud that your old Padawan has gained so much so quickly Jedi Kenobi," Padme said looking at Obi Wan.

"Indeed I am proud of him, he has faced everything thrown at him with great strength," Obi Wan said looking at Anakin, who smiled at the compliment, "But I was not his Master, Master Yoda was, must be why he turned out so well."

"You know that you have taught me so much Obi Wan, without your guidance and the teachings of the council I would not have become the youngest Jedi in the history of the Temple." Anakin then addressed Padme, "Our presence will be invisible, M'Lady, I can assure you." Anakin said, all proffessional again.

"I'm very grateful you're here, Jedi Kenobi and Jedi Skywalker. I'm Captain Typho, head of Her Majesty's security service. Queen Jamillia has informed you of your
assignment. The situation is more dangerous than the Senator will admit." Captain Typho said stepping forward.

"I don't need more security, I need answers. I want to know who is trying to kill me." Padme said.

"We're here to protect you Senator, not to start an investigation," Obi Wan warned.

Obi Wan, you know that the easiest way to protect is to attack deal with the root of the problem, Anakin thought to Obi Wan.

I know, but if Padme knew we were unofficially investigating, she would insist on getting involved Obi Wan replied.

True, but she's going to do that on her own anyway, Anakin replied.

We can't help that, now quickly say something, this silence is noticed. Obi Wan said. Only then did Anakin realise that their silence had been noticed and Padme, Dorme and Captain Typho looked at them oddly watching the silent exchange.

"Perhaps with merely your presence, the mysteries surrounding this threat will be revealed. Now, if you will excuse me, I will retire," Amidala said getting up with a bow as she and Dorme left the room.

"Well, I know I feel a lot better having you here. I'll have an officer situated on every floor and I'll be at the control centre downstairs." Captain Typho got up and went down the elevator.

Obi Wan turned to Anakin, "Do you want to check security on the top floors or shall I?"

"I will," Anakin said as they dispersed to their tasks.

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"Why couldn't we see this attack on the Senator?" Mace asked as he and Yoda walked down the corridor in the Temple.

"Masking the future, is this disturbance in the Force," Yoda replied.

"The prophecy is coming true, the Dark Side is growing." Mace replied. "It's been ten years, and the Sith still have yet to show themselves."

"...Out there, they are. A certainty that is." Yoda said, "Dark times are coming, and Anakin continuing to see death." They walked on in their thoughts.

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Anakin stood in the living room as Obi Wan entered. "Captain Typho has more than enough men downstairs. No assassin will try that way. Any activity up here?"

"Quiet as a tomb." Anakin replied.

Obi Wan looked down at a palm sized scanner that Anakin had designed. It showed only R2 by the door. "What's going on?"

Anakin shrugged, "She covered the cameras. I don't think she liked me watching her."

"What is she thinking?" Obi Wan said angrily.

"I programmed R2 to automatically sense for intruders," Anakin said.

"It's not an intruder I'm worried about. There are many other ways to kill a Senator." Obi Wan said.

"I know, but we also want to catch this assassin. Don't we, Obi Wan?" Anakin said, "besides, the things your talking about wouldn't be picked up with cameras."

"You're using her as bait?" Obi Wan asked incredulously.

"It was her idea... Don't worry, no harm will come to her. I can sense everything going on in that room. Trust me." he replied. "You need to quick being such a scardy cat, Obi Wan, if you don't take chances you won't get results."

"Hmm," Obi Wan replied, not convinced, "Anyway, where's Padu now?" Padu had been given his first solo assignment to search for Force sensitive children on the outer rim worlds.

"He's on Tatooine," Anakin replied with a smile, "I don't think he believed the things we told him about that place, but I'm getting worried along with the dream's I have had of him, I haven't had any contact in 6 months, I think the council are getting worried as well."

"We'll have to trust that he knows what he's doing," Obi Wan said as they walked away to the balcony.

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"How are you doing Obi Wan?" Anakin asked.

"The grief is not as strong anymore," Obi Wan replied, knowing that the question was directed at their loss of Qui gon, than general health.

"How are you?" Obi Wan asked, "You look tired."

"I don't sleep well anymore." Anakin said looking down the building with a frown.

"You visions still haunt you?" Obi Wan asked.

"Every night," he said, "It's been worse since Padu left." he replied.

"You'll get through this in time," Obi Wan said, "For the moment, find something else to dream of, like the newest speeder."

"I'd rather dream of Padmé. Just being around her again is... Intoxicating."

"Be mindful of your thoughts, Anakin, they betray you. We've a mandate to protect her, don't let your feelings get in the way, and don't forget she's a politician. They're not to be trusted." Obi Wan cautioned.

"She's not like the others in the Senate, Master." Anakin said, "And I should know, i have spent a large amount of time there."

"It's been my experience that Senators are only focused on pleasing those who fund their campaigns... and they are more than willing to forget the niceties of democracy to get those funds."

"You're lecturing me?" Anakin said with a smile, "I know, politicians are not to be trusted, most are corrupt, but some are trying to do what they think right for their people."

"Like Palpatine?" Obi Wan asked, fishing.

"I have never trusted Palpatine, he wants something from me," Anakin said.

"That's why your always visiting him," Obi Wan pointed out.

"He keeps asking me, I can't refuse, he's the Chancellor," Anakin was saying, "besides…"

Anakin and Obi Wan looked sharply at each other. "I sense it, too." Obi Wan said as they rushed off.

They burst into Padme's room, Kouhuns crawling around Padme, as they stood up and hissed at the entrance they woke Padme up. Anakin quickly sliced the two creatures in half with his light sabre, as he jumped on the bed. Meanwhile, Obi Wan saw a droid outside the window. He jumped through the glass window and grabbed the droid before it could escape. Obi Wan then went flying, Anakin turned to the Senator who was trying to cover herself for modesty sake, "Stay here!" Anakin said gruffly as he raced off. Captain Typho and Dorme with several guards entered as Anakin rushed out.

"Are you all right, M'Lady?" Dorme asked as Padme nodded yes, looking after where Anakin had gone.

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Obi Wan was flying through the city holding onto the droid. The droid sent several shocks to Obi Wan's hand to try and shake him off, it didn't work. They darted in and out of the speeder traffic, the droid trying to get Obi Wan to hit a speeder.

Meanwhile Anakin jumped into a speeder and took off after the droid and his friend.

Obi Wan was being thrown against the wall by the droid as it tried to dislodge him. Heading towards a building, Obi Wan could see a bounty hunter waiting. She pulled out a gun and started to fire at him. As the bounty hunter took off in a scruffy looking speeder, the droid carrying Obi Wan then blew up causing Obi Wan to fall fifty floors. A speeder made a veer downwards till Obi Wan was able to land on the back of it and haul himself towards the cockpit. Anakin was behind the wheel, only sparing a glance to Obi Wan to make sure he wasn't hurt before speeding after the bounty hunter.

"That was wacky! I almost lost you in the traffic." Anakin said with a smile.

"What took you so long?" Obi Wan demanded.

"Oh, you know, Obi Wan, I couldn't find a speeder I really liked, with an open cockpit... and with the right speed capabilities... and then you know I had to get a
really cool colour…" Anakin went on as they zoomed upwards.

"If you'd spend as much time working on your sabre skills as you do on your wit, Anakin, you would rival Master Yoda as a swordsman."

"I thought I already did." Anakin said throwing Obi Wan a smile.

"Well maybe you would be able to beat him," Obi Wan said, knowing of that infamous match two years ago where Anakin and Yoda had drawn, it was still the talk of the Temple, adding to Anakin's mystique. "Careful! Hey, easy!"

Anakin weaved expertly through the traffic gaining on the speeder as the hunter continued to firs at them.

"Sorry, I forgot you don't like flying, Obi Wan."

"I don't mind flying... but what you're doing is suicide!" Obi Wan said in terror as they barely missed a commuter train.

"Obi Wan, you know I've been flying since before I could walk. I'm very good at this." Anakin said earnestly.

"Just slow down!" Obi Wan said looking green, "There! There he goes!"

The bounty hunter went into a tram tunnel, "Wait! Don't go in there! Take it easy…"

"Don't worry, Obi Wan," Anakin said as he raced into the tunnel after the hunter. When they saw a tram coming towards them, they barely made it out without being squashed.

"You know I don't like it when you do that!" Obi Wan said.

"Sorry, Obi Wan. Don't worry, this guy's gonna kill himself any minute now!" Anakin said absolutely positive, because he only knew two pilots good enough to pilot like this, himself and master Saesee Tiin, and he was sure the hunter was neither. The Hunter then turned into oncoming traffic, the traffic split up to avoid the two speeders coming towards them. The Hunter then looed over to behind the Jedi, this gave the hunter a better position to fire at them. Anakin then slammed on the breaks and ran along side her. "What are you doing? He's going to blast me!"

"Right - this isn't working." Anakin said as he slid underneath the speeder, the hunter the skimmed over rooftops, forcing Anakin to drop behind. They then chased the hunter around a building, Anakins speeder got caught up in a flag.

"That was too close!" Obi Wan said.

"Clear that!" Anakin ordered.

"What?" Obi Wan said, looking puzzled.

"Clear the flag! We're losing power! Hurry!" Anakin said, as Obi Wan climbed out of the speeder and along the front of the engine and scooped the flag free. The speeder lurched forward with added power and Obi Wan fell backward, "Whooooaaa! Don't do that! I don't like it when you do that!" Obi Wan admonished

"So sorry, Obi Wan." Anakin said suitably chastened.

They then followed the hunter through a power refinery, the hunter shot a power coupling causing it to over power and form lightning strands across the gap. Anakin stayed on course, right through the voltage, Obi Wan and Anakin's bodies then rippling with power. "Anakin! How many times have I told you to stay away from the power couplings! Slow down! Don't go through there!"

Huge electrical bolts shot between the buildings as the speeders passed.

"Yiiii, what are you doing?"

"Sorry, Obi Wan!"

"Oh, that was good…" Obi Wan said sarcastically.

"That was crazy!"

The hunter slid round a corner, blocking the alleyway and fired point blank as Anakin approached.

"Ahh, damn."

"Stop!" Obi Wan ordered.

"No, we can make it." Anakin said, as he expertly dove under the speeder, they turn around to see the hunter taking off, Anakin gave chase. The speeder went through a tunnel and Anakin turned the other way, "Where are you going!... He went down there, the other way."

"Obi Wan, if we keep this chase going, that creep's going to end up Deep-fried. Personally, I'd very much like to find out who in the hell he is and who he's working for... This is a shortcut... I think." Anakin said.

"What do you mean, you 'think?'" Obi Wan asked sarcastically. Anakin swerved through traffic, hovering fifty stories up. "Well, you lost him."

"If you say so," Anakin said, counting the ships coming out of the tunnel below.

"Well, this is some kind of shortcut. He went completely the other way!" Obi Wan ranted.

"...Excuse me for a moment." Anakin said as he jumped out of the speeder and started to fall towards the hunter's speeder.

"I hate it when he does that." Obi Wan said. Anakin landed on top of the speeder, causing it to wobble on impact and the hunter realise what had happened. Anakin worked his way up the speeder, noticing the creature briefly change into it's Clawdite form through surprise. The speeder abruptly stopped causing Anakin to fly forward. The hunter then started shooting at him causing Anakin to turn to the other fork of the speeder where he would be out of aim. Anakin then worked his way to the roof of the speeder and ignited his light sabre and started cutting his way through the lid. The sword was knocked out of his hand by the pistol fire the hunter started. Behind them Obi Wan caught the light sabre. Anakin then used the Force to take the gun and then there was a struggle as the hunter grabbed it and started pulling at it. The speeder careened wildly out of control. As it nose dived, the hunter pulled it up, but it landed in a shower of sparks and sent Anakin flying down the street. Anakin picked himself up and ran down the busy street. It was the seedy underbelly of the street with the lowest forms of scum from all around the universe. Anakin managed to see the hunter go into a club when Obi Wan caught him up.

"Anakin!" Obi Wan shouted.

"She went into that club, Obi Wan," Anakin said, " She went in there to hide."

Obi Wan handed him his light sabre. "Here. Next time try not to lose it." he said with a smile as Anakin took it.

"Why do I get the feeling you're going to be the death of me!" Obi Wan said.

"Don't say that Obi Wan... You're the closest thing I have to a father... I love you. I don't want to cause you pain." Anakin said. Obi Wan only looked at him, "Can you see him?"

"I think he's a she... and I think she's a changeling." Anakin replied.

"In that case be extra careful…" Anakin nodded in agreement, "Go and find her." Obi Wan started to walk away.

"Where are you going?" Anakin asked.

"For a drink." Obi Wan said as he went to the bar. Anakin just shook his head in amused resignation. Anakin looked around, not able to discern the presence in the room, but instinct told him she was there.

Obi Wan stood at the bar, drinking, "You wanna buy some death-sticks?" some strange creature asked him.

"You don't want to sell me death-sticks." Obi Wan said waving his fingers.

"I don't want to sell you death-sticks." he repeated.

"You want to go home and rethink your life." Obi Wan said, waving his finger again.

"I want to go home and rethink my life." the creature said as he left. Obi Wan tossed back his drink. In a quick movement Obi Wan ignited his sabre and sliced of the hunters arm. Everyone in the room grew silent. "Easy... Jedi business. Go back to your drinks." Anakin said as he moved to beside the body. Conversation slowly resumed as Anakin and Obi Wan dragged the hunter outside.

"Do you know who it was you were trying to kill?" Obi Wan asked.

"The Senator from Naboo."

"Who hired you?" Obi Wan asked.

"It was just a job." she said as she glared at Obi Wan.

"Who hired you? Tell us!" Anakin said forcefully.

"That Senator's gonna die soon anyway, and the next one won't make the same mistake I did…"

"Tell us... tell us now!" Anakin said, putting force suggestion behind his voice and in her mind.

"It was a Bounty Hunter called…" she didn't get to finish her sentence as a dart was fired at her, killing her instantly. Anakin and Obi Wan turned to see a rocket man lifting off and disappearing, even they could not follow. Obi Wan looked down at the dead shifter and pulled out a dart. "Toxic dart…"

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