Laurence banked the ship slowly as they neared Coruscant's atmosphere. He felt inexplicably anxious, and his eyes kept instinctively drawing to the force binder on his wrist. The only time the force ever managed to get past the block was when it was practically screaming for his attention. During those times, Laurence knew he had to be extra alert.

Not for the first time, Laurence wished Padme had agreed to take his own ship instead of the silver Naboo cruiser. His was much better equipped for attack manuevers.

As they cleared the atmosphere, the highest buildings began to poke up out of the cloud banks. Diving into the lower spectrum was always like entering a sea of mist and the unknown, where one never knew what to expect.

As Laurence eased the ship into a perfect landing, he glanced warily into the fog. Something was wrong, but he couldn't place it.

Leaving the cockpit abruptly, he went to find Padme. His senses raging now, Laurence broke into a run and caught up with the senator just as the explosion hit.

Laurence felt the concussion blast sear through his clothing as he allowed the force of the explosion to carry him forward. A searing pain hit his right leg as a piece of shrapnel drove through his calf. Every moment seemed to unfold in slow motion. Grabbing the senator around the waist, Laurence twisted into a roll and felt his head hit the pavement as they cleared the danger zone.

Slowly Laurence sat up as the barrage of searing heat died down. Scrambling over to the senator, he checked her vital signs. She was still alive.

"Corde!"

A short, slim pilot ran over towards them. She pulled off her helmet, allowing a wave of brown hair to unfurl.

"Milday," the decoy Laurence had just rescued said. "I'm so sorry. I failed you."

"No," Padme shook her head as Corde's head fell back limply.

Laurence felt for a pulse again and was relieved to find it still beating.

"She needs medical treatment right away," he signed to Padme.

Discreetly he loosened the force binder on his wrist. The flow of power was almost overwhelming, but Laurence managed to concentrate it enough to give Corde the neccessary burst of his life force the handmaiden needed to continue breathing. Hurriedly clasping the bracelet shut, he stepped out of the way so that the medics could get through. One of them took a quick look at Laurence's leg and immediately ordered him to sit back down again.

"Milady, you're still in danger here," one of the security guards warned as he drew Padme away from the scene.

"I shouldn't have come back," Padme said, sounding sick to her stomach.

"This vote is very important," the guard told her. "You did your duty, Corde did hers. Now come."

Padme hesitated a moment, looking back at Laurence with concern in her eyes.

"Senator Amidala, please!" the guard insisted.

Laurence nodded once, indicating that he was allright. Padme smiled slightly in relief and allowed the guard to lead her away.

...

Several hours later, Padme led Laurence over to a chair so she could check him over herself.

"Is your head all right?" she asked bruisquely as she grabbed an ointment bottle and poured some of the liquid onto a cloth.

Laurence rolled his eyes and nodded, then grimaced as the movement increased his headache tenfold.

Padme was immediately at his side as she examined his eyes. "Hm, looks like you have a slight concussion," she noted. "I'm ordering you off duty for the rest of the day. I don't want to see you doing anything but resting until tommorrow, is that understood?"

Laurence glared at the ceiling. "It's not that bad," he signed.

Padme gave him a stern look. "I won't have my guardian killing himself because he tried leaping over roof tops with a brain injury. Bed. Now."

Laurence stared at the former queen, taken aback by the direct order. Usually he was the one who had to be concerned about Padme ruining her health, not the other way around.

"Yes, milady," he signed sarcastically as he rolled his eyes.

Padme smiled, then bent down and kissed him on the cheek. "Try and be more careful," she said softly, her eyes shining with genuine concern. "I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you."

The moment should have been perfect, but it was suddenly broken as one of the guards entered the room.

"Milady, the chancelor is ready to meet with you," the guard said.

"Good, I'll head over right away." Padme's voice was strict and formal again as her role as senator took over. Glancing back to Laurence, she reminded him, "Eight hours of sleep. At the least. Is that clear?"

Laurence gave an overexaggerated salute and walked out with them, turning down the corridor to his own temporary quarters. Once there he switched on his computer and hacked into the senate building security cameras. Padme could ban him to his room, but she still couldn't prevent him from protecting her, even if it all he could do was listen in on the meeting.

As he found Chancelor Palpatine's senate room, Laurence's head suddenly began to pound. As much as he had tried to escape it, his past had caught up with him again.

Three Jedi were there.

"Senator Amidala," Master Yoda's voice came over the holograph. "Your tragedy on the landing platform. Terrible. Seeing you alive, brings warm feelings to my heart."

"Do you have any idea who's behind this attack?" Padme demanded.

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

Laurence's breath came faster. He was not prepared for this. He had come with Padme expecting to fill out a vote, not getting involved with Jedi Masters.

"I think that Count Dooku is behind it," Padme replied to Windu's theory.

"He is a political idealist," a third Jedi commented, "not a murderer."

"You know Milady, Count Dooku was once a Jedi," Mace explained. "He couldn't assasinate anyone. It's not in his nature."

"But, for certain, Senator," Yoda said, "in grave danger you are."

"Master Jedi," Palpatine spoke up. "May I suggest the senator be placed under the protection of your graces?"

"You really think that's a wise decision under these stressful times?" Bail Organna spoke up.

Laurence's eys widened at Palpatine's suggestion. Oh, no. No way! I am not working with Jedi! I spent too much of my life trying to get away from all that for you to just shove it into my life again!

Padme spoke up, agitation lacing her voice. "Chancelor, if I may comment, I do not believe the situ-"

"The situation is that serious?" Palpatine filled in. "No, but I do, Senator. I realize all too well that additional security might be disruptive for you, but... perhaps someone you're familiar with." He smiled as an idea came to mind. "An old friend, like... Master Kenobi."

Laurence's heart dropped a thousand miles. No. Please, anyone but Obi-Wan!

"That's possible," Mace Windu said the dreaded words. "He's just returned from a border dispute on Antion."

"Do it for me, Milady," Palpatine pleaded. "Please. The thought of losing you..." he swallowed, and Laurence felt a strange sense of distrust rise in him. "... is unbearable."

"I'll have Obi-Wan report to you immediately, Milady," Mace Windu told Padme.

Laurence sighed and turned the holograph off. So this was it. He was finally going to meet up with his former master. Had Obi-Wan changed since he left? Would he still recognize his old padawan? A sudden though made Laurence shudder. Had Obi-Wan taken on a new apprentice in his stead?

The tension beginning to overwhelm him, Laurence began pacing around the room, ignoring the dull ache in his leg as the torn muscles protested. Suddenly he stopped, wheeled around, and opened the trunk that held his extra clothing. If he had to meet Obi-Wan, he might as well get it over with.

Pulling out a clean tunic and pair of trousers, both of which were lined in bright blue material, Laurence quickly changed out of his rubble streaked outfit. When he entered the room at Padme's side, it would be as the 'Queen's Guardian.'

...

Padme put up a show of annoyance when she saw Laurence out of bed, but she was secretly pleased. She hated the fact that the chancelor felt she needed extra security. Couldn't he tell that Laurence could look after her well enough?

Patient as usual, Laurence sat back and listened as Padme vented her frustrations over the meeting. First the Jedi didn't believe her, and then the chancelor had given orders for the Jedi to watch over her.

"Does he really think I'm that incapable of taking care of myself?" Padme paced around the room, her voice barely holding her anger.

Laurence just raised his eyebrows teasingly, hinting that he was of the opinion that the chancelor was correct in this matter.

"Why you - you - " Padme stumbled for a perfect insult, but drew a blank. It was hard argueing with Laurence when he just sat there with that innocent grin on his face. Even worse, he had chosen to wear his formal clothing for the occasion.

The black tunic was lined at the sleeves, colar, and base with bright blue, perfectly matching the diamond streaked blue belt about Laurence's waist. The black cloak he wore gave him a far younger and more vulnerable appearance, and it too was trimmed in the eye catching sky blue color. Altogether he looked positively adorable in the outfit, and Padme found herself blushing as his gaze rested on her.

"You horribly wonderful person," Padme finally managed to finish. She couldn't help a grin at his cheeky look.

Laurence was beginning to get quite agitated at the present circumstances. All he wanted to do right then was sweep his beautiful angel into his arms. Unfortunately, they were not alone. Even if they had been, however, as the Senator's guardian he knew there was a time and a place for everything. Padme's duties came first. When the right moment came he would tell her everything.

"Senator Padme," Jar-Jar's voice rang out, once again proving that finding a moment alone with a politician was practically impossible. "Meesa pallos here! Lookie, lookie, Senator. Deesa Jedi arriving."

Laurence drew back into the shadows of a pillar where he could observe the scene without drawing attention to himself.

All of a sudden Laurence knew Padme was right about his concussion. He really should be in bed right now, as he was positive he was seeing things. Laurence's breath stopped as he stared at the person standing next to Obi-Wan.

It was him. Laurence could have been looking at a mirror version of himself as a padawan. It was impossible! How could -

Abruptly the pieces fell together. The Jedi never sending out search parties. The easy grin on Obi-Wan's face, as though all of life was normal. The bypassing gaze that never even hinted that Obi-Wan recognized his former padawan.

According to the Jedi, Anakin had never left the temple.

Laurence closed his eyes a moment as his emotions surged. He had been replaced. Laurence's heart clenched painfully. Not only that, but he hadn't even had a chance to meet a new padawan under Obi-Wan's tutilege. He had been replaced by Anakin Skywalker.

His breath coming hard as he stared at his other self, Laurence began to feel an anger he hadn't known for a long time. How dare this imposter take his place! How dare he look at his angel with such passion?

"Ani?" Padme's smile was radient as she looked at the imposter. "My goodness, you've grown."

Laurence suddenly had an inexplicable urge to punch the wall as the imposter spoke.

"So have you. Grown more beautiful I mean." He looked around, slightly embarrased. "Well, for a senator I mean," he finished lamely.

Laurence rolled his eyes. Strike one. He grinned wickedly, hoping the imposter would keep it up.

Padme laughed slightly, but Laurence could tell she was unimpressed. "Ani, you'll always be that little boy I knew on Tatooine."

The imposter looked stung at the comment, but he wisely kept silent.

"Our presence here will be invisible, Milady, I assure you." Obi-Wan said.

Laurence swallowed the lump in his throat as he watched his former master. Too many memories were swarming him, and he tore his gaze away.

Looking over at the other Anakin, Laurence gave him a fierce glare. The imposter appeared confused and pointed him out.

"Who's that?" he asked, matching Laurence's stare with his own challenge.

Padme smiled. "Oh, that's Laurence. He's my guardian."

"I have heard of him," Obi-Wan commented as he sat down. "Apparently he has saved your life on more than one occassion."

Padme beamed as she glanced back at Laurence, and he could feel the imposter's fursious gaze burning into his skull.

"He's the best security guard anyone could wish for," Padme confirmed. "And he's a great friend."

"Allow me to introduce Master Siri Tachi and her apprentice Darra Thel-Tannis," Obi-Wan indicated to two Jedi who had just entered the room.

Laurence swung his head in their direction. He hadn't heard about this on the holograph.

"I'm Captain Typho of the Queen's security services," one of the guards introduced himself. "Queen Jamila has been informed of your assignment. I am grateful you're here, Masters Kenobi and Tachi. The situation is more dangerous than the senator will admit."

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

"We're here to protect you, Senator," Obi-Wan pointed out. "Not to start an investigation."

"We will find out who's trying to kill you, Padme," Anakin said. "I promise you."

Darra gasped softly in exhasperation, and Laurence's brow furrowed. Surely he wasn't that bad when he left the temple! He knew he had matured a lot since then, but he hoped he hadn't been this much of a brat to his master.

"We will not exceed our mandate, my young padawan learner," Obi-Wan ordered strictly.

Laurence felt his jaw tighten instinctively as memories rose unbidden. Obi-Wan hadn't changed at all.

"I meant that in the interest of protecting her, Master, of course," Anakin said cooly.

"We will not go through this excersise again, Anakin," Obi-Wan lectured as Padme shifted uncomfortably. "And you will pay attention to my lead."

"Why?"

Laurence's eyes widened at the outright defiance radiating from the other Anakin. Darra meanwhile gave the Senator a helpless look as Siri's brow furrowed in agitation.

"What?" Obi-Wan asked in shock.

"Why else do you think we were sent here if not to find the killer," Anakin pointed out. "Protection is a job for local security, not Jedi."

If Laurence had been alone with imposter right then, he might have taught him a few things about how a security guard protects those he is watching over.

"We will do exactly as the council has instructed," Obi-Wan said tightly. "And you will learn your place, young one."

For the first time in his life Laurence began to understand Obi-Wan's harsh attitude towards him in his temple days. For sure, there had been many times when the Master had reacted unfairly towards him, but if Laurence had acted like this it was no wonder Obi-Wan always seemed angry! For the first time Laurence felt shame washing over him as he thought back to his old life.

Padme attempted as best she could to dispel the cold atmosphere. "Perhaps with merely your presence the mysteries surrounding this threat will be revealed." She stood up. "Now if you will excuse me, I will retire."

Laurence shot one more glare in the direction of the imposter, then left the room. He needed some time to think.

..

Darra sat back and resisted the urge to chew a fingernail as Obi-Wan and Anakin continued to bicker. Over the years since Korriban, she had slowly come to the realization that as old as he was, Anakin still acted like such a child sometimes. While at nearly nineteen, Darra was now considered mature enough to take the trials, it appeared that Anakin still had a long ways to go.

Looking around the room, Darra's gaze was drawn to the dark figure standing against the wall. His black hair and outfit helped him blend into the shadows, but his cold blue eyes were lit with an eery fire as he glared at Anakin.

So this was the Queen's Guardian. Laurence Stalin was known all across this sector of the galaxy, and Darra could see why. He was incredibly young for his reputation, yet he carried himself with a maturity and pride that few other than the Jedi could bear. His clothing brought the term 'Sith' to Darra's mind, but his manner was subdued other than the occasional glare he sent Anakin's way.

Glancing between the two of them, Darra noted that something seemed familiar. Perhaps it was the same ice blue eyes, or the pride with which they carried themselves. Perhaps it was the contrast of Laucence's confidence versus Anakin's arrogance that made them appear alike to each other.

Darra wasn't quite sure, but she couldn't help the naggling feeling that she was missing something very important.

After the senator left, Siri excused herself to go report to the council after an unexpected summon.

Anakin was apparently agitated at the Senator's reaction towards him, causing Darra to feel a little concerned. Didn't he realize that emotional attatchment could destroy a Jedi? Then again, Anakin had always been different from the others. His passions ran deep, and nothing the Jedi drilled into him would change that. He had grown up away from the temple for far too long.

"Let's go check the security," Obi-Wan ordered, snapping Darra out of her thoughts.

She nodded and followed them, her mind elsewhere.

...

Slightly short, but I'm going according to the movie now and it seemed like a good chpater break. Yes, Anakin is a real brat in Attack of the Clones. Hopefully Laurence will be able to knock some of that out of him before things get too out of hand. (Hint hint, wink wink.)

Thank you for the reviews! I have four stories I'm writing at once (two aren't published yet), so it's kind of a review-termed update basis. The more comments I get on a story, the greater my chance is for updating sooner. :)