A/N Ok I promise that I haven't given up on this I just wanted to have writen more for the next chapter before I updated this one but it kinda dragged out a bit :s Sorry about that.

This has lots of quotes in but is still AU and for those who are interested - I have drawn a sketch of Echo and it is now my avatar on my profile so check it out :)

Hope you enjoy.


Chapter eight

Senator Amidala's ship was attacked. Fortunately, for the Galactic Senate, she had used a decoy and so was not harmed, herself. Unfortunately, Padmé had now lost a friend – a close friend. The Chancellor and the rest of the Senate now feared for her life. Chancellor Palpatine wanted her under constant supervision until they could find out who was responsible for the attack but, naturally, she had refused.

Knowing that Padmé had been attached to Young Obi-Wan Kenobi and his little padawan, the Chancellor had decided to poke at her weak spot to try and get her to bow to his wishes and allowing him to place her a supervisor.

"I don't need a body guard, Chancellor. I can take care of myself." Padmé sat in one of the large recliners in the Chancellor's quarters as he tried – yet again to persuade her to let the Jedi help.

"Evidently, my dear." He chuckled menacingly. Padmé rolled her eyes but maintained her 'diplomatic composure'. She was going to get through this and find whoever it was that killed her friend on her own.

"Chancellor, is it not more important to be discussing how to rely up an Army of the Republic, as we are meant to discus? We are going to need all the help we can get against these separatist involvements, I mean, what else could be behind all these withdrawals if the motive is to the diminish the potency of the Galactic Senate?"

"Enough of all this. When was the last time you saw your old friend, Master Kenobi?" There was that smile again. Taunting and sly.

Padmé couldn't come up with a retort fast enough and the Chancellor took her hesitation as her acceptance.

"Well, there we have it." He clapped his hands together. "I shall arrange for them to meet you immediately." He thanked her and said that he now had a lot to do and promised to see her later. With Obi-Wan. Padmé took a deep breath and exhaled quickly; pasting a polite smile to her features she stormed out of the room.

It would be good to see her friend again just … not under these circumstances, if he heard about this he would be sick with worry and she didn't need more people telling her she needed help. She knew that Obi-Wan had a padawan: Anakin – the adorable little boy from Tatooine – it would be good to see them both again.

The three of them were in the elevator on their way up to the Chancellor's quarters. They stood in a triangle, with Obi-Wan at the point, all clad in their cloaks; Obi-Wan in his trademark brown with his two padawans draped in black.

Anakin's fidgeting became more and more obvious the higher they went and this only made it harder for Echo to not laugh at him.

"Calm yourself, Anakin." Soothed Obi-Wan as he heard Echo snigger again at his shoulder. He glanced over his other shoulder at Anakin, who was obviously nervous; constantly straightening his cloak, moving his padawan's braid in front of his shoulder or behind his shoulder, only to change his mind again. Obi-Wan couldn't help but give a chuckle. "You're sweating, relax, take a deep breath."

Echo's laughter erupted again at his comment and her hands flew to her mouth to try and contain it.

Anakin glared at her, his blush deepening.

"I haven't seen her in over ten years, master." He muttered.

"It is the same with me, Anakin."

"I've never met her but you don't see me freaking out." Echo grinned tauntingly.

Eventually the elevator reached their platform and Obi-Wan led them out and down the corridor. As they reached to ominous oak wood doors Echo stepped closer to Anakin and took his sweaty hand loosely. He smiled at her weakly. The doors swished open and she dropped his hand again as they stepped through.

The Chancellor sat in a large and low wooden recliner with regally coloured velvet cushioning. His robes were striped in red and purple and flowed over his knees to the floor.

"Ah, Master Kenobi, and you brought your students too, I see. I welcome you all." He greeted them in a patronising tone but his arms were opened in a friendly gesture and the three Jedi bowed to him.

"Thank you, Supreme Chancellor." said Obi-Wan.

"Please. Come sit." Palpatine waved a hand to the sofa and he obliged and Anakin and Echo took up their positions to stand behind him, hands clasped in front. This was a formal visit, after all. As far as they were concerned. "I trust you remember Senator Amidala of Naboo."

They turned to see a pretty young woman with thick brown hair tied back in an extravagant head dress. She wore a glittering blue dress with long black skirts that brushed the floor as she sat.

"Of course. It's a great pleasure to see you again, my lady. How are you?" Asked Obi-Wan, his face brightened as he turned to her.

"Very well, thank you Obi-Wan. It's been too long. And yourself? How have you kept over the last ten years?"

"Not too bad, my lady."

"I am pleased." Padmé looked over the two jet-black henchmen that stood behind Obi-Wan. The girl was a little taller than she was, and had ebony hair that was tied high on the back of her head with only her padawan's braid loose. By the looks of it she was highly amused by the encounter. The boy however was very tall, with brown hair and a braid of the same fashion, Padmé felt that she remembered his face from somewhere…

"Ani? It is you. My, how you've grown."

"Lady Padmé. It's … good to see you again." Anakin bowed to her and smiled slightly. She hasn't changed a day since I last saw her. He thought.

In her eyes he was clearly no longer the little boy she had remembered him being, but all grown up.

Echo bit her lower lip hard as she felt another wave of giggles wash over her.

"You've changed a lot over ten years, I see."

"Oh, but you haven't changed a bit … I mean … you have but … um. But you've grown too … but not upwards – I don't mean … um." He quickly looked down, clearly uncomfortable now, remaining in a slight pout for the rest of the conversation – staring at the floor. Echo felt that she couldn't laugh at him for this. Padmé just smiled to herself and changed the subject for him.

"I don't believe we've met." She turned to Echo.

"No we haven't. I'm Echo."

"She's my second padawan." interjected Obi-Wan.

"Really? I thought there were strict rules about this kind of thing?" Padmé glanced from Echo to Obi-Wan and back again.

"Well, then I guess we must be the only exception." Echo smiled. Padmé chuckled gently.

"I can see you are, and every rule must have one. You joined soon after Anakin, then?"

"Yes, I think I was found … a month after Anakin?" She turned to her Master who nodded once.

"Well, then we will have to make up for lost time and get to know each other quickly." Padmé's smile expanded and Echo matched her with an open grin.

"I think you're going to get along just fine. You're both ruthless enough." Teased Obi-Wan and the girls laughed at him.

"I'm glad you are bonding." Interrupted Chancellor Palpatine. "And, young miss … Echo, how are you recovering? You've been through quite and ordeal, I am told."

"Um … well I feel perfectly fine thank you, Chancellor, but I don't remember what I'm supposed to be recovering from." All traces of her grin dissolved by her frustration at his question.

"Ah, of course. That's because you died, wasn't it?" His eyes were intent on her reaction. The snoopy bastard, what's he fishing for? Echo thought.

"You died?What does he mean? What happened?" Asked Padmé.

"Well …" Echo avoided her eyes and rubbed the back of her neck with her hand, it was her turn to be uncomfortable yet Anakin couldn't bring himself to laugh at her. "We don't really know what happened, but-"

"She was being tortured." Anakin interrupted simply.

"Her body was under great stress and just didn't react in a way that we would have expected. The consequences aren't known yet but all that matters now is that Echo is alive and well." Obi-Wan gave Padmé a meaningful look, his eyebrows raised. She could tell that they couldn't really explain now, whether it was without the council being there or because they truly didn't know, Padmé wasn't sure. She nodded in understanding anyway.

"Indeed, it is more than enough to know she is safe. However we have the safety of another to be concerned about now. Senator Amidala please reconsider letting us give you specialised assistance. You are in danger."

"Excuse me, Chancellor, but I don't need help and, in any case, I'm sure that the Jedi have more to do than to simply watch over me." Padmé stressed.

"That's what I said-"

"Echo." Hissed Obi-Wan, she glared at the floor and Padmé chuckled at them.

"I do believe that the situation is that serious, Senator." Continued Palpatine.

"I don't need more security I need answers. I want to know who's trying to kill me. I can do that alone, without disrupting the Jedi any further." Padmé persisted.

"Understand that extra security could be disrupting to you, Senator but, perhaps if Master Kenobi, here, could oblige to the challenge?" he raised his eyebrows at Obi-Wan who nodded the affirmative. "I am sure that you would be far more comfortable in company you trust." A concerned expression transformed the features of the Chancellor's face as though he were trying to convince her to listen using his eyes alone.

Padmé fell into silent rage of frustration.

"Please, my lady. Do this for me. The thought of loosing you … is … unbearable." Stupid coercive … stupid … duty! Thought Padmé. She gave a curt nod.

"Perhaps, simply by your presence, the mystery around this threat will be revealed." Her voice revealed that she had given in – probably having not been able to come up with any excuses.

"Thank you, my lady." Said the Chancellor.

"Now if you will excuse me, I will retire. I look forward to getting to know you better, Echo, we haven't known each other for far too long." Her expression was steely and cold after her reluctant acceptance.

"The feeling is mutual, my lady." Echo enthusiasm couldn't help but lifting Padmé's spirits – even just a little bit – and exposed a hint of a smile.

The men and Echo bowed to her as she walked out of the room toward her own apartments.

"She can be so … stubborn, but I am glad she saw my way of thinking."

"Yes, Chancellor Palpatine, she can be difficult but for good reason. She can see that we are on the verge of war." Said Obi-Wan.

"The Galactic Senate is greatly appreciative of you for doing this."

"It won't be a problem, Chancellor. Now, if you will excuse us as well, we must check the security." He said as her stood up, bowed and left the room, his padawans on his tail.

"I like her." Echo smiled as they climbed the tower up tot the Jedi Council Chambers.

"She looks happier than I was expecting. I had heard that since her instating as Senator of Naboo she had been rather troubled. I rather think it suits her." Said Obi-Wan.

"Anakin you've been unusually quiet." Echo turned and walked backwards to look at her companion properly.

"She hardly even recognised me, Echo." He still had a frown on his face, but he did lift his gaze to hers.

"People change a lot in ten years. She might not be the girl you remember. But, hey, at least you didn't stick your foot in your mouth." She ended cheerily, granting him a small smile at her.

"You're focusing on the negative, Anakin, be mindful of your thoughts." Obi-Wan lectured his padawans seriously but his stern expression quickly dissolved. "She was happy to see us. I think she realises that she has more to fear then she might let on, she knows our company is needed." A slight smile graced his lips.

They reached the wide steps leading up to the Jedi Council Chamber, paused and waited until granted entrance to the room. Greeted by the Jedi they stood in the centre of the circular room and informed them of their prior meeting.

"In grave danger, she is." Stated Yoda, palely, shaking his head slightly.

"Your presence will help out enormously, Obi-Wan; I believe that finding this threat will be a good challenge for your young ones." Windu appeared to be whole-heartedly for this assistance. Echo and Anakin inclined their heads in acknowledgement.

"Very well. If changes are made, informed we will be." At Yoda's last words their brief touch base was ended and they bowed and descended the tower.

"Rest now?" Asked Echo hopefully but Anakin just made a short snort in the back of his throat. Hypocrite. Who's being pessimistic now? She thought as Obi-Wan explained.

"Not yet I'm afraid. Senator Amidala will be in her apartments now so we will have to tell her our plan."

"So we'll make that plan up on the spot. Got it." Anakin smirked, clearly cheered up from earlier.

"No, I have a plan, don't you worry."

Padmé Amidala, being a visiting Senator, had a large apartment to herself with adjacent ones for her hand maidens and closer colleagues. Like Bail Organa. Her personal living space was very open planned with a large domed ceiling with blue panelling on the wall and blue flooring. The large windows covered the extent of the walls, allowing as much light as possible – and as much possibilities of being watched as possible. Two beige sofas were centred in the living space and it was here that they found Senator Amidala.

"I don't like this." She warned.

"We know Padmé, but you are in great danger. We need to check your security and probably place you under our surveillance." Padmé physically slumped at Obi-Wan's words. She knew that it was necessary but that didn't mean she had to like it. "Would you mind if we looked around your room?"

"Go ahead." She sighed.

Obi-Wan sat in the sofa opposite Padmé and nodded to Echo and she left with Anakin hot on her heels.

"Why are you so afraid of her?" She whispered to him.

"Give me time." He replied.

Padmé's room was circular and decorated in a similar fashion to the living quarters. It had a low, wide bed to one wall and only one large, curved window perpendicular to the bed. They inspected every corner of it, form the huge wardrobe to all the ledges outside the window.

"Ok, well the only entrance in here is the window - other than the door of course." Anakin started to scour the room for possible vantage points – if he was an attacker.

"Yeah, looks like it's actually quite a secure apartment. The job shouldn't be too hard."

"Oh, don't jinx it." He grinned at her slyly and headed back to the main room.

"He's grown up so fast." Said Padmé to Obi-Wan once the other two had left them.

"Fast? It has been ten years Padmé and surprisingly enough people can change a lot over that amount if time. You yourself aren't the little inexperienced Queen you used to be."

"Yeah, I know. I suppose I'll always see him as that little boy from Tatooine." She sighed. "I like Echo, she has a clear head, but … if she's been ill she probably shouldn't be put under too much strain."

"Echo can more than take care of herself; she's proved that many times. There was one time – when Echo was eleven – we had gone to the Bestine System to go and check out a shipyard in the Imperial base they had there. The Shipyard didn't allow females so we left her on the ship to 'keep watch', anyway, time went by and we returned to the ship to find Echo, light sabre in hand, circling a band of drunk shipyard hands all tied up and gagged." Obi-Wan chuckled. "From what she told us, it sounds like they had tried to take some spare parts from our ship – thinking that it had been abandoned. Big mistake."

"You have two very special students, by the sound of it."

"Oh, yes. I'm lucky to have the both of them." He smiled softly at another memory.

"You're not ratting us out to our new client, are you Master?" Said Anakin as they approached.

"Not at all. Find anything interesting?" Obi-Wan smiled innocently, a deep chuckle still in his throat.

"Not really, the only concern we have is the window but otherwise it looks to be a pretty sturdy room." Reported Echo.

"Surveillance shouldn't be too hard to place either. One of us can sit anywhere it in the room and get a good feeling for it so sensitivity to any changes would be easy to distinguish." Said Anakin.

"Surveillance? You're going to be watching me?"

"It's safest. We could take shifts and-" Began Anakin.

"I don't want to be watched every moment, it's my life – I'll endanger myself if I have to."

"Alright, we'll monitor your room from out here if you'd prefer." Obi-Wan made peace before they all exploded.

"If that's what her ladyship wishes."