a/n: Sorry about the lack of updates...(please don't eat my head)

The figure spoke with the up most confidence in front of the three men who were serving as Senator Amidala's body guards. He seemed to have a cockiness that assured the three loyal men that he was not a person you would want to call you in the middle of such an important function.

"Why hello gentlemen," the figure spoke in a mocking tone "I assume you are keeping the senator safe, as should be expected."

Captain Typho knew better than to reveal important information to a stranger who he couldn't identify. To add to his suspicions, he didn't like the way this stranger spoke of the senator and the way he carried himself.

Anakin and Obi-Wan exchanged a worried glance. They both sensed something wrong about the mysterious caller and knew that they should keep an extra eye out, no matter the outcome of the up coming conversation. The source of their uneasy feelings came from no particular location so they decided to stay focused in hope that all this would be sorted out. They were such deep in thought that they almost missed Captain Typho's question.

"May I ask who I am speaking to?"

"Yes you may, but you won't get a response," the dark figure responded.

At that last statement Anakin began his search for Padmé in the crowd. His eyes passed over the dance floor. His panic grew as he checked more areas and couldn't find Padmé. He knew she was in danger from the continuing call from he hooded silhouette.

He finally found Padmé. She was being asked to dance by a dark haired man who seemed to be a few years older than her. A wave a jealousy washed over Anakin. He wanted to cut in but he knew that she would never betray him and he had more important issues to address. He had to make sure his wife was safe from all harm and that this plotting man was caught.

Anakin quickly withdrew himself from his thoughts and gave his attention to the now speaking hologram.

"…I hope that everything is secure because we wouldn't want anything unfortunate to happen to our beloved senator. I hope no part of the security was overlooked."

Anger overcame Anakin as he listened to the figure's mocking tone. He wanted to protect Padmé from everything and he just knew that this man was a threat somehow. He felt his temper begin to simmer and he had the desire to hunt down the threat that was a danger to his love. Anakin's rainbow of emotions came to an abrupt halt as realization dawned on him. When he was consumed with thoughts of seeing Padmé, he overlooked his duty to check his part of the security. He left it wide open and he began to panic. He glanced at his master to check if he sensed his panic and to his dismay his master was glancing at him as well, with worried eyes.

Captain Typho didn't notice the silent exchange between the two Jedi, but that didn't mean that words weren't exchanged telepathically.

As master and apprentice feuded in their minds, Captain Typho responded to the mace caller's comment.

"I wouldn't try anything because we the senator is perfectly safe under our protection. I advise you to stand down before we are forced to take severe action." His voice showed both anger and fear.

Meanwhile the Jedi were in a dispute.

Anakin what is wrong? I can feel your panic. Obi-Wan asked with a concerned voice in Anakin's head.

Nothing master, I am just trying to address the threat on Senator Amidala. I have a very bad feeling about this mysterious man. I sense danger. Anakin replied with pure devotion to the cause in his voice.

I know Anakin. I sense something as well. I think we should focus extra hard and keep our senses in check. Senator Amidala is an important senator in the issue of the war. We can't afford for anything to happen to her and she is also a dear friend of mine and I know she is also for you. Obi-Wan stated while his eyes were focusing on the figure that was silent for a substantial amount of time.

I think I should secure the area while you and Captain Typho sort this out. It would double our chances of figuring out what is really going on here. Anakin was anxious to be close to Padmé to protect her and his thirty minutes was just about up.

I believe that is a wise decision Anakin, check in with me as soon as you are done. You know what to do in case of an emergency. Obi-Wan instructed.

Without another word Anakin ventured off into the crowd with great speed to make up for the lost time he had spent with Padmé. He knew that it meant keeping her safe he would miss the thirty minute meeting they planned but the dominant half of him yearned to hold her again.

You can keep her safe either way, A voice in his head told him.

You must do your duty and keep her safe even though it means you cannot see her now. Another voice rebutted. Anakin thought of it as the more sensible part of his mind but he couldn't bring himself to listen to it. He had to see Padmé. He knew that he could protect her better both ways and his mind was made up.

He would do a quick check of the security and see her as soon as the time for them to be parted was up and he could embrace her again.

He smirked and hoped that his security check would be enough to keep Padmé safe although he swore that he would keep her safe with every breath he had. He would die before he would let anything happen to his angel and he only hoped she knew that.

Meanwhile, back with Captain Typho and Obi-Wan…

"…the Jedi won't be enough to protect Senator Amidala." The mystery man stated.

None of this made sense to Obi-Wan. If this strange man was planning something, why would he call to the head of security and warn him. Obi-Wan had analyzed everything the stranger said. He said something about a beloved senator and some part of the security being overlooked.

Why would he say that? How could he know that? Anakin and I personally—

That was when it hit him.

Anakin was panicking and was so eager to recheck the security. But what could possibly distract him from his duties other than—

Padmé.

Obi-Wan knew that Anakin had feelings for the young and beautiful senator and Obi-Wan knew that Anakin would never break the code.

Anakin was probably just making small talk. Obi-Wan thought to himself. He was desperate to convince himself that Anakin probably checked his part of the security.

I am just over analyzing things. I should probably just stop thinking about this because Anakin is going to make wise decisions and will do his best to keep Senator Amidala safe. Obi-Wan was still on his path of denial, but allowed his thoughts to return to the present.

He had no idea why Captain Typho was still talking to this stranger.

Perhaps he is trying to track him. Obi-Wan concluded.

"I am sorry to disappoint you sir but I am afraid the senator is quite safe from you," and with that statement Captain Typho hung up on the mysterious caller but his eyes were still glued to the comlink. He continued to click buttons but his face twisted into a disappointed frown.

"Master Kenobi, I am afraid the connection was untraceable," the captain didn't try to cloak his worry, "I think we should warn the senator about this uprising."

"I don't think we should worry the senator on her birthday just yet. My padwan is taking care of this situation and we should double the security until we find the source of this threat. I am sure Senator Amidala has enough stress. Now if you will excuse me, I should tend to my part of the security."

With that statement, Obi-Wan left Captain Typho to give orders to the rest of the security force. Obi-Wan was soon invisible and lost in the crowd.

"General Grievous, what are your orders?" The hooded figure asked his employer.

"Make the snatch and I want her alive." General Grievous ordered with a raspy voice.

"Yes, general."

And with that the hologram of the droid army general disappeared and the hooded figure left for his speeder and set his destination for the Ballroom of the Grand Opera House…