Author's Note: I fudged the timeline just a little bit. The differences are obvious and hopefully will not interfere too much with the storyline. Hope you like this part and forgive me for taking so long with it. I have a few other projects that have taken up my time.

Author's Thanks:

Alley Parker: Thanks. I am trying to keep it angsty and yet real. Plus, in character is always a good thing. Not close enough to get me in trouble, right? Slap Obi? Oh, I don't think I could do that. I sympathize with the guy for he doesn't have the slightest clue of what to do. Still, I agree that something should be done.

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When he was twenty, he met Ambassador Amidala once more. He felt a connection with her he couldn't explain to his Master, though he wanted to. He was nervous to see her after so long. More than ten long years had gone by since they had last met.

What if she didn't remember him? What if she did but he disappointed her? What if her memories of him weren't as fond as the ones he had of her? What if she no longer looked as wonderful, as angelic as he remembered? What if she saw him and laughed at him, seeing him only as a silly and clumsy young boy?

Their reunion was anything but ordinary, due to the circumstances. The kind of meeting he'd wanted to have with her did not include an assassin trying to kill her. It was especially trying for she had just lost her friend to an assassin's bomb. Of course, it was highly reminiscent of the situations behind their first encounter, so he wasn't to upset.

Danger brought them together then, it seemed only appropriate that it would reunite them now.

And, other than the assassin and the tragic circumstances of her arrival, she seemed genuinely pleased to see him. It was not the uncomfortable meeting he had dreaded, far from it. Though he felt a bit worried about the intoxication he felt when he was around her, he did not let it distract him from his duty to protect her. He couldn't. Their reunion felt a bit like coming home to a good friend.

But not quite for there was something else going on between them that frightened him somehow.

Talking with her once again, laughing with her, reminiscing with the one person who had known his mom, he felt at ease with himself for the first time since leaving Tatooine. She listened to him and heard what he had to say with an open mind. She even had some words of encouragement for him, though she occasionally seemed to feel uncomfortable around him.

It must be love, he thought dreamily, but how does one know what love really is when it is forbidden to us save as charity for all beings?

Glancing around the room, he noticed his Master's concerned look and felt a wash of comfort rush over him. Recognizing the tilt of his head, he nodded that he was well and purposefully went back to studying the room, relieved when he felt that all to often knowing gaze leave him.

On the other side of the room, he saw the Chancellor and nodded his greeting to the man who had become a good friend to him.

One of his only friends, if he was being honest with himself and he tried hard to do so, life was much less complicated when he was. The man crooked his finger, inviting him to come over and join him.

Anakin walked slowly over to him, greeting guests as he did, a great reluctance weighing him down. It was a new experience for him. Usually, he couldn't wait to seek out Palpatine and learn from him. Yet for the first time in their acquaintance, an uneasy feeling filled him.

His internal warnings were going off.

Suddenly, his Master's words came back to him and he wondered if he was letting Obi-Wan's suspicions cloud his own judgment. It's possible, he unwillingly thought, not liking the idea for it smacked of mind control. Except that his words have never bothered me like this before. I don't let them.

His friendship that been something that the Jedi Council had not liked one bit. It had often been a point of contention between him and his Master over the years. They had had many arguments over his relationship with Palpatine in the past, yet Obi-Wan did nothing to stop their friendship. Why would they be affecting him now?

Supreme Chancellor Palpatine was a good man, he knew this. Everyone acknowledged this truth, even his Master admitted that it was so. The Republic would be in greater trouble without his able guidance. Senator Amidala trusted him, he had helped her.

In fact, he had helped them all in those days after the Qui-Gon's death and the fight for Naboo was over. It was he who helped guide and direct her through the complicated peace talks between the governments of Naboo, the Republic, and the Trade Federation. His fingerprints could be seen on the final agreements that had been drawn up.

As talented as Padme had been in the political arena, she didn't have the same amount of credibility and pull as the Chancellor did among the members of the Senate. Sure, they had listened to her and valued her opinion. But it had not been enough to propel them into actually helping her earlier or siding with her and asking for nothing in return.

Then why feel this doubt about him?

"My boy," Palpatine greeted him, a paternal note in his voice, "You seem most troubled. Surely you are not worried about this assignment? I recommended you for I feel that you will do your very best to protect the Senator."

"Thank you, Chancellor. I do appreciate the vote of confidence. I do not believe that my Master feels the same way," he said, feeling a twinge of disloyalty at the words. "Though I am sure it is only because I was a bit rash in our earlier discussions with my lady as to what we should be doing there," he hurriedly added.

"No need to explain, dear boy," he soothed him. "Your Master is one of the wisest of the Jedi. I am sure that he honors your opinions, even when he cannot properly say so. There are certain constraints upon him, you know, for the things you do reflect upon his ability to train you."

Anakin listened and nodded, thoughtfully turned to study Obi-Wan across the crowded room, trying to see in him what the Chancellor described. "Do you really think so?" he asked, seeking reassurance that it was not vain imagination that had him seeing it reflected in Obi-Wan's actions.

"Of course I do. Master Kenobi sees your potential as easily as I do. He is just bound by the code he lives by to not encourage you like this for it may lead to foolish pride," he smiled and accepted a glass from one of the passing waiters. "Tell me, what do you think you should be doing about the attempts on the Senator's life?"

"I think that we should find out who's behind them," he decisively said, quickly explaining. "Don't get me wrong, Chancellor, I think we do need to protect her from these attacks on her life. We should avenge the loss of life on the landing by keeping her safe, thus honoring their sacrifice and their dedication to doing what they felt was right. But I believe that it isn't enough to merely protect her from further attempts. That only burns out our energy. Rather, we should spend that energy seeking the one who put the price on My Lady's head. If we do this, then we can definitely stop them."

"Would it help if I spoke with the Jedi Council?" he asked, watching him carefully. As good as the boy's shielding had grown to become almost faultless, there were still some cracks within it that he could gingerly pry open. As of late, Anakin had become more distant around him, confiding less of his worries to him where once he would have spoken freely.

"Oh, don't do that!" he protested furiously. A quick, furtive look around showed that no one was near to overhear them and he went on, frantically. "Mas…I mean, the Jedi Council would think that I put you up to it."

"Do you think that I am incapable of protecting myself from them? That I have so little ability to protect myself against suggestions from a Jedi? Even one as gifted as you have proven to be?" he teased, watching the young man color slightly. He found it most amusing to bait Anakin.

Had the boy but known it, with those few words, he had given him a key to help drive a wedge between the Padawan and his Master. It troubled him that the two had been growing into their bond. They weren't yet at the point were Kenobi allowed himself to see that they were equals and friends, but it was getting there.

That was something that he could not allow.

"Chancellor," he began to protest.

"No, Anakin," he firmly interrupted. "I believe that you are quite right in your assessment of the situation. I shall speak with Master Windu. It was I, after all that suggested she have the Jedi protect her from these attempts. It will not seem at all out of place if I ask that they find the perpetrator of them."

"I don't know," he hesitated. It was a nice way out and would give Amidala peace of mind to know that those who had killed her beloved friend would be found. Still, should he accept it? Should he let the Senator do this? It felt somehow dishonest, almost as if he was betraying his Master even thinking about it. "I would hate to disappoint anyone."

"You could never be a disappointment to anyone," he paused, catching the startled look on Anakin's face. "What is it?"

"I've got to go," he walked off as quickly as he could after his Master, leaving the party far behind him. "Master!" he yelled out, watching the cloak turn the corner. "Wait for me!" The demand left his lips, though he knew it was most unwise of him to request it.

If his Master had found the assassin, he should not wait for him. That would cost them both precious time and even risk having the assassin kill Obi-Wan while he waited for him.

If that happened, he didn't know how he'd be able to live with the guilt.

Turning the corner at a run, he came to an abrupt stop. His Master was nowhere to be seen. In fact, the hallway was completely empty of any signs of life. "What?" he started to turn when a familiar feeling trickled through his consciousness.

It was the feel of his Master nearby.

Glancing up at a thought, he saw that one of the tiles from the ceiling had been moved. A tile, he knew from his studies, which lead into one of the utility pipes. "Go to the docking bay," he whispered urgently to his Padawan. "I'll try to intercept our friend from here. If not, the assassin will have to go there."

"How will I know who it is?"

"I tagged it," he replied. "Quickly now, we can't let it slip away."

It? Anakin wondered, even as he followed his orders. And why didn't I notice when the attacker had made their move? Why hadn't anyone else? He cursed his unobservant attitude, knowing he'd never hear the end of it from his Master when they were alone later. He would have to be more observant in the future.

Master?

'Yes, my Padawan?'

Why did I not hear or feel the attempt made on My Lady's life?

'There was no attempt, just a feeling I had.'

Oh. But I did not feel it.

'You were otherwise occupied' the reply sounded dry.

Still, I should've felt something. A sense of…he trailed off, realizing that he had been feeling uneasy all night. He had thought it had to do with a wave of doubt about the Chancellor. Obviously, the Force had been warning him about the assassin's arrival.

'A sense of what?' Obi-Wan asked, pulling himself free from the large pipe he'd been climbing up.

Unease, Master. I realize that I had felt it but thought it was nothing more that being upset to be at that function. You know how I hate them. He tolerated them at best, endured them as a test of his patience at most. There seemed to be nothing to accomplish standing around and exchanging small talk with people one had little in common with.

'Padawan, these functions are very important. They serve a very important role.' He half-heartedly scolded as he scanned the room with his eyes and the feel of the Force. There was no point in bringing up an old debate, so he didn't even try to get up the requisite arguments to use. On this subject, his Padawan was as stubborn as his old Master had been-and just as irritating. If it wasn't so irritating, he would've found comfort in the connection.

I know, Master, I know. There was a snippy sound to the rejoinder, he'd heard this lecture before. It hadn't impressed him then either. This was one subject he refused to bend on, even if he did attend the functions.

'If you know of their importance, then why don't you act like it?' Turning towards the door, he made his way up to the rooftops.

Knowing of their importance and actually caring are two different things, he retorted, wondering if it would do any good. Anakin braced himself for some kind of partial lecture, knowing that his Master couldn't resist scolding him.

For a moment, Obi-Wan was tempted to scold him but gave up the effort as futile. It wouldn't do either of them any good. Besides, he seemed to be at a dead end with his search. Though he did not want his charge in danger, he hoped that Anakin had more luck. 'Padawan?'

Yes, Master?

'Where are you?'

Near the docking bay. Why?

'Be careful. The one we're looking for isn't here.'

And if I don't find it down here?

'Take your pod and meet me on the roof.'

Yes, Master. Master?

'What?'

Why do you keep referring to the assassin as an it?

'Because it's a shape shifter.'

Great.

'Keep your focus, Padawan.'

You to, Master. Though he was worried for his Master, he pushed it aside to focus on the matter before him. Slowly, he crept into the darkened area and felt about, extending his senses as far as he dared.

Nothing.

Getting into his pod, he started up the engine and drove off to meet his Master on the roof. As he neared it, he felt a prickle of warning and glanced around, trying to feel the thoughts and moods of the other drivers but found nothing to be wary of. Glancing up, he sighed. I should've known, he thought ruefully. Always has to be right in the center of the danger, no matter what its form. And he claims that I'm the reckless one.

Battling against the changeling, his Master waltzed around in a familiar dance the young Padawan knew by heart for he had seen it many times. For every move made, Anakin knew how to counter them and press his own advantage in a fight. Knew every move his body would make and how to met it and twist it around to put him in a vulnerable position. Yet, it never failed to capture his attention, the simplistic grace of his Master's saber form and his style was inspiring.

For a moment, he just watched Obi-Wan in awe before recalling his duty to his Master and the Order.

Guiding the ship as close as he dared, he levered it just right over the building before activating his saber and joining the fight. He caught his Master's glare and shrugged, moving into a defensive position to best protect him.

Between the two of them, they forced the assassin to the edge.

Looking between the two of them, she knew that she was out manned. She seemed to wilt, knowing that this battle had only been prolonging the inevitable. When one of them reached out, she bent away from his hand and leapt off the building.

If she was going to die, she was going to die her way. It would be her choice on how to end it. And not the dictates of some Jedi Knights.

"Master!" Anakin yelled, shocked by the sudden turn of events. Anakin had been so sure that they had her. That they were getting a lead in their search for the one who hired the assassins. She'd been resigned to her fate, just wilting before them and losing the will to fight. Then she had revived and jumped off the building without a second thought, a last glance. This was not how it went. They should've taken her into custody, not let her die.

What kind of being valued their life so little that they would take it so suddenly and violently?

Obi-Wan rubbed his face wearily. Though he had half expected this to happen, he was not pleased to be proven correct. He hated it when that came to pass. And this…this was not a lesson he had wanted his Padawan to ever learn, unwise though that desire had been. "It is their own code of honor. They would rather die by their own hand with a sense of their honor preserved."

"But that is our only lead to finding out who is behind the attempts on Padme's life!" he protested, facing him, eyes wide with anger and distress. The very air vibrated with his feelings.

"Do you think that I am unaware of that fact, my Padawan?" he sharply asked him, meeting the gaze evenly. He decided to wait until later to point out that it was Senator Amidala, not Padme. Anakin needed to be reminded that he should not be so causal with her name. Friend or not. "What would you have me do?"

"How about stop it?" he snapped, refusing to back down.

"I can no more stop that downward fall than you can, powerful though you are becoming," he mildly retorted, a frown forming on his face. "Have you not learned that there are limits to even the power of the Jedi?"

"We have to do something!" he argued, glaring down at him. It was on the tip of his tongue to point out that if they'd been searching for the real villain behind these attacks, this one wouldn't have gotten away. Only the fact that he'd talked to the Chancellor stopped the words cold.

Palpatine would take care of everything.

As he always did.

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What an ominous thought to end on.