A/N : Sorry about the short chaps. I promise the next one will be a bit longer.

Kaime: LOL! The scary part is that I actually do understand you. Thanks for always letting me know you're around.

TinTin: Thanks for always reviewing as well. Perhaps hotheaded Ani will be grateful before all is said an done...maybe...it could happen...

LuvObi: Glad to see that you stuck around. Ani just isn't Ani without a bit cheeky edge to him.

Glad you think I'm getting him right.

Solokenobi: Hearing from somebody new is always a thrill. I like the one's where Qui survives as well.

Chapter 5

Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker cleared the distance to the palace, and, using Jedi enhanced stealth, avoided the few battle droids that were patrolling the halls within.

They rounded the corner to their destination and found Qui-Gon Jinn standing before the entrance of the throne room with a look of deep concentration on his face as he tried to manipulate the wiring to the door.

"What's the problem?" inquired Obi-Wan.

Qui-Gon frowned. "The door's been jammed shut, and I can't seem to-"

"If you'll allow me, Master," Anakin interjected as he took the wiring from Qui-Gon's hands and began to work it on his own. It was only a matter of seconds before the door hissed open.

"You're almost as handy as an astromech," Obi-Wan quipped .

"Handier," Anakin answered back.

Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. "Yes, but droids are never obnoxious and they always do as they're told. The same can hardly be said of you."

Before Anakin could respond an exasperated Qui-Gon pointed to the door and said, "Shall we?"

The Jedi Master led the way into the darkened room and the two younger Jedi followed. All was quiet for the space of a heartbeat, but then a shot rang out from the corner. Qui-Gon Jinn ignited his lightsaber and deflected the blast harmlessly into the ceiling.

"Master Jinn?" a small feminine voice called.

"At your service, Senator."

The lights flickered on to reveal the 21 year old senator hovered in the corner and still in her nightclothes. In an unusual abandonment of all decorum Padme Amidala ran across the room and embraced the large Jedi in a warm hug.

"It's so good to see you again," she started but was rendered silent as she became suddenly aware of her lack of dress and the intense gaze of the young man just to Qui-Gon's left.

Sensing the woman's deep discomfort, Obi-Wan shrugged off his cloak and draped it over her shoulders. "Here, m'lady," he offered.

Padme visibly relaxed as she wrapped the garment around herself and felt a good measure of her dignity return. "Please forgive my inappropriate attire," she said, automatically resuming her political persona. "Upon hearing of the presence of the battle droids I rushed right over here to contact the Senate before they could tamper with our communications."

"A very prudent decision," Qui-Gon said.

"Are we being invaded again?" Padme asked.

"Qui-Gon folded his arms over his chest before launching into his explanation of his presence. "I believe the droids are merely an attempt at diversion. We encountered an assassin nearby and have reason to believe that you're his primary target. We need to escort you to safety at once."

"You mean to hide me," she said defiantly.

"Senator, we are here at the behest of the Supreme Chancellor himself. He grew concerned for your safety when his sources told him you would be targeted next."

"I hate cowering to some political bully,"

"Padme," Qui-Gon began in an attempt to get past the woman's political self, "I needn't remind you that there have been six Republic senators assassinated in the past year- three while under Jedi protection. And the attempt on Senator Bitsma was very close. You do your people or your ideals no good dead.

"Very well," Padme conceded, for she knew the Jedi Master well enough to know that she would not change his mind. "Lead the way."

Qui-Gon turned and led the senator out of the throne room. After she followed, Obi-Wan and Anakin fell in step behind, effectively forming a protective circle around the young woman.

"Once again I am grateful for your service, Master Jinn. I am indebted to you and your companions," she said.

Qui-Gon laughed softly. "We are merely doing our duty, Senator, which I'm sure you can appreciate. And I believe we've all met before, so you may drop the formalities if you like."

Padme spared a glance at the two Jedi behind her and recognition finally dawned. "Obi-Wan?" she laughed.

"Yes, Senator."

"When I last saw you, you wore a padawan braid. And is that little Ani?"

"I'm afraid so, Padme" Anakin beamed.

Padme looked back once more at young man and smiled warmly. "You've grown up so much since I saw you last."