A/N: Aaaaaand I'm back! Woah, that took me awhile... Sorry. I was working on another story of mine. And then school... But I finally finished writing the Movie 2 arc! Though, some of the ending stuff may change.
Anyways, welcome to Attack of the Clones! We're finally going to get some good stuff. And then Clone Wars! So excited. Be warned, this is going to start diverging from canon towards the end of Attack of the Clones. You'll see what I mean once you reach Chapter 17. MWAHAHAHA!
Enjoy!
Seven years later…
I stood on the platform, disguised, as I watched Senator Amidala's ship descend along with three fighters for protection. Something felt… off. I hoped the Senator had used proper security measures this time.
I didn't want a repeat of the previous assasination attempt.
R2-D2 descended from one of the fighters as the pilot climbed out of the cockpit. I reached out and sensed it was the Senator. Good. She had used precautions.
A man from one of the other fighters approached me and Senator Amidala hurried over. He took his helmet off and took in a gulp of air.
"We made it," Captain Typho said. The ramp to the Senator's ship descended and one of the handmaidens exited as the Senator, surrounded by guards and another handmaiden. "I guess I was wrong. There was no danger at all."
"Something still isn't right," I said, eyeing them both.
"And you are?" Captain Typho asked with a frown. I opened my mouth to reply when I sensed danger and turned.
The handmaiden stepped on the bottom of the ramp and the ship exploded. Senator Amidala, Captain Typho, and I were flung back. I righted immediately, watching in horror as the ship was destroyed, debris flying everywhere.
Captain Typho had the good sense to get his gun out and follow the Senator as she ran to one of the handmaidens in the aftermath. I followed at a distance, reaching out with the Force to sense who was nearby.
The Senator removed her helmet as she knelt next to the almost dead form of the handmaiden.
"Corde," she gasped, turning her over.
"Milady, I'm so sorry," the handmaiden replied. "I've failed you, Senator."
"No," the Senator said, grief-stricken. Corde slumped, her breath expended. I had to shut myself off from the Senator. Her grief brushed against me like furious waves. Captain Typho knelt beside the Senator.
"Milady, you're still in danger here." I agreed silently, casting my eyes about. Captain Typho and the Senator stood as I approached.
"I shouldn't have come back."
"This vote is very important," I responded. Captain Typho turned to face me, glaring.
"You did your duty. Corde did hers. Now, come," Captain Typho said, attempting to lead the Senator away from me. She did not follow, only continued to stare at Corde in distress. "Senator Amidala, please."
The two walked right towards me.
"I won't ask again," Captain Typho growled, pointing his blaster at me. "Who are you?"
"I'm Jedi Knight Drinna Berrik," I responded with a bow. "I've been sent to help escort the Senator to safety." I turned to the Senator. "I am glad you are alright," I whispered, sending a wave of comfort through the Force. She relaxed a little and we went to her quarters.
I followed the Senator as she entered the Chancellor's office in haste with various other Senators and aides.
Grand Master Yoda walked toward us as my former Master, Master Windu, rose to greet me. Masters Ki-Adi Mundi, Kit Fisto, and Plo Koon exited, followed by Master Luminara and her Padawan Barriss Offee.
"We will discuss this matter later," the Chancellor said, rising to greet Senator Amidala.
"Senator Amidala, your tragedy on the landing platform - terrible," Master Yoda said. He gave me a small nod. "Seeing you alive brings warm feelings to my heart."
"Do you have any idea who was behind this attack?" Senator Amidala asked. I stood off to the side and Master Windu approached.
"Our intelligence points to disgruntled spice miners on the moons of Naboo," Master Windu said, standing beside me.
"I think that Count Dooku was behind it," she replied, turning to face Master Windu and myself. I glanced at my former Master. Dooku had been a friend of mine. Why he would want to assassinate the Senator of Naboo was beyond me.
"He is a political idealist, not a murderer," Master Mundi said from above.
"You know, milady, Count Dooku was once a Jedi. He couldn't assassinate anyone. It's not in his character," Master Windu said. I looked steadily at Master Windu. Did he really believe that? He looked at me, sensing my question.
What is it?
Do you truly believe that he wouldn't do so? I asked. He did leave the Order after all. And he mentioned being trained by someone when he spoke to me. He was angry. I think it quite possible that Dooku ordered this.
I will consider, came the response as Master Yoda spoke.
"But for certain, Senator, in grave danger you are."
"Master Jedi," the Chancellor inputted. I sucked in an inaudible breath, but Master Windu still looked at me. "May I suggest the Senator be placed under the protection of your graces."
"The Senator is-" Master Windu began, gesturing to me.
"Do you really think that's a wise decision under these stressful times?" Senator Organa asked, an apology in his eyes as he glanced my way.
"Chancellor, if I may comment, I do not believe-" Senator Amidala began.
"-The situation is that serious?" the Chancellor finished. "No, but I do, Senator," he said, moving towards us. "I realize all too well that additional security might be disruptive for you, but perhaps someone you're familiar with," the Chancellor said, ignoring me completely. "An old friend, like Master Kenobi."
I glanced at the Senator. She seemed… conflicted. And I? I was downright confused. I was a friend of the Senator and was already assigned to protect her. Why bring in anyone else?
"Senator Amidala is already under the protection of my former Padawan, Drinna Berrik," Master Windu spoke up. "Surely that is enough."
"Perhaps," the Chancellor said, his gaze narrowing and sweeping to me.
I froze, eyes widening as I was fixed with the most cold feeling I had ever felt. Something was very wrong about the Chancellor. Master Windu sensed my discomfort, but could do nothing as the Chancellor approached and began to speak again.
"However, I would like the Senator in more… capable hands. Hands I know. Your former… Padawan fits neither of those," the Chancellor said dismissively, waving me away.
Master Windu and the Senator frowned.
"Bring in Master Kenobi," the Chancellor said. "It will be good for the Senator."
"That's possible," Master Windu said slowly, removing his gaze from mine. "He's just returned from a border dispute on Ansion." I glanced in surprise at Master Windu. Obi-Wan had returned so soon?
"Do it for me, milady. Please?" the Chancellor implored Senator Amidala. "The thought of losing you… is unbearable." The Senator gave a slight nod and the room burst into movement again.
"I will have Obi-Wan report to you immediately, milady," Master Windu said, sparing me a regretful glance.
"Thank you, Master Windu," the Senator replied. Master Windu and I left the room immediately thereafter, communicating via our bond.
Something is… off about the Chancellor, Master Windu mentioned.
I felt it, Master, I responded, my eyes straight ahead. It was… cold.
Cold? Hmm… That's odd.
Yes, well, Obi-Wan and Anakin will take good care of the Senator. I sighed, rubbing my temples.
"I'm sorry the Chancellor said that about you, Drinna," Senator Amidala said to me as we walked down one of her hallways.
"It's alright, Senator," I responded. "Master Kenobi is more suited for the job anyways."
"Drinna, please call me Padme. You are my friend after all."
"My apologies, Padme," I said with a smile and a bow to tease her. I got the desired result of laughter. "Are you nervous to see him?"
"Who? Obi-Wan?" Padme asked incredulously.
"No. Anakin." The Senator's breath hitched momentarily, a dizzy smile on her face. She shook it away suddenly.
"No. He will have to remain the little boy from Tatooine," she responded with a frown. "I can't get caught up in things."
"You may well find that he is no longer such a little boy," I responded softly as Padme moved away at the sound of Jar Jar's voice.
"Senator Padme!" Jar Jar called. "Mesa palos here! Lookie, lookie, Senator. Desa Jedi arriven." Obi-Wan bowed as Padme, Captain Typho, and Dorme approached. I held back by the window. Anakin merely stared at the Senator, not bothering to conceal his feelings.
"It's a great pleasure to see you again, milady," Obi-Wan said, ever the diplomat. I smiled at him, but he didn't seem to recognize my presence.
"It's been far too long, Master Kenobi. Perhaps you would be more pleased to see an old friend?" Padme asked, waving me over. I walked over slowly and Obi-Wan's gaze slid to mine. My smile widened as he looked stunned, but happy to see me.
"Drinna," he finally said with a grin as I stopped before him.
"Obi-Wan," I responded softly, reaching to hug him. His arms slid around me gently as I tucked my head onto his chest and closed my eyes. He was still taller than me.
"Ani?" I heard Padme ask as we straightened. She had finally acknowledged Anakin. "My goodness, you've grown." I had to repress a sigh as Anakin moved forward eagerly.
"So have you," Anakin said breathlessly. I bit my lip to keep from groaning. Poor teenagers. "Grown more beautiful, I mean." Padme had a hard time fighting her emotions. "Well, f-for a Senator, I mean."
And just like that, the moment was ruined. Obi-Wan glanced at me in distress and I shrugged as Padme chuckled awkwardly, grinning nevertheless.
"Ani, you'll always be that little boy I knew on Tatooine," she finally said. Obi-Wan winced as he glanced at me and I nodded. Padme turned away and walked to the couches and the others followed suite. I stood behind Padme's couch as Anakin and Obi-Wan took the opposite couch.
"Our presence here will be invisible, milady, I can assure you. And with Drinna here as well-" Obi-Wan began.
"Oh, Drinna won't be helping you, I'm afraid," Padme said with a frown. "The Chancellor requested you two for the job and didn't want Drinna involved."
"Why not?" Obi-Wan asked, confusion evident in his voice and on his face.
"I don't know," Padme responded.
"I'm Captain Typho of Her Majesty's security service," the Captain said to break the silence, standing beside me. "Queen Jamillia has been informed of your assignment. I am grateful you are here, Master Kenobi. The situation is more dangerous than the Senator will admit," he said, glancing at Padme.
"I don't need more security," Padme said, barely concealing her exasperation. "I need answers. I want to know who's trying to kill me."
"We are here to protect you, Senator, not to start an investigation," Obi-Wan replied.
"We will find out who's trying to kill you, Padme," Anakin said, staring steadily at the Senator and ignoring any sense of tact or politics. I sighed. Perhaps Anakin wasn't ready to face Padme yet. His lessons had been going good, but now? "I promise you."
"We will not exceed our mandate, my young Padawan learner," Obi-Wan said, turning his head to face Anakin. I was inclined to agree with Obi-Wan.
"I meant that in the interest of protecting her, Master," Anakin responded.
"We will not go through this exercise again, Anakin," Obi-Wan muttered, "and you will pay attention to my lead."
"Why?" Anakin asked suddenly. I glared at the boy. Hormones.
"What?" The Senator's party watched the conversation unfold tensely. I was on the verge of stepping in and speaking to Anakin.
"Why else do you think we were assigned to her if not to find the killer? Protection is a job for local security, not Jedi. It's overkill, Master. Investigation is implied in our mandate."
"We will do exactly as the Council has instructed," Obi-Wan said through gritted teeth. "And you will learn your place, young one."
There was a moment of silence and I cleared my throat.
"Anakin, it's been so long. Would you care to go on a walk with me?" I asked, motioning towards the elevator. Anakin glared, but Obi-Wan looked over to me in relief.
"Perhaps with merely your presence, the mystery surrounding this threat will be revealed," Padme said placatingly. "Now, if you'll excuse me," she said, standing, "I will retire." Obi-Wan and I bowed while the Senator and Dorme left the antechamber.
"I know I'll feel better having you here," Captain Typho said. "I'll have an officer stationed on every floor, and I'll be in the control center downstairs."
Captain Typho left and I took Obi-Wan on a silent tour of the antechamber.
"Mesa busten wit happiness seein yousa again, Ani," Jar Jar said.
"She hardly even recognized me, Jar Jar," Anakin replied. "I've thought about her every day since we parted, and she's forgotten me completely."
Obi-wan and I walked over.
"Shesa happy. Happier den mesa seein her in a longo time."
"You're focusing on the negative, Anakin," I said. "Be mindful of your thoughts."
"She was pleased to see us," Obi-Wan said softly, trying - and failing - to conceal a grin. "Now, let's check the security."
"I need to head back to the Temple for reassignment," I called as Obi-Wan and Anakin moved away. "I'll come check on you later."
"Bye, Drinna," Anakin called. Obi-Wan merely smiled and waved.