Anakin and Obi Wan Kenobi separated outside of the Congressional Hall, where throngs of citizens enveloped the Senators and Jedi. A member of that crowd was the chancellor himself... smiling, shaking hands, and kissing babies.

When he was done he walked to Anakin, a kindly old smile fixed upon his benign features. "Anakin my boy, I trust you are well..."

"Yes, Chancellor."

"So, tell me, son... what did the others think of my bid? I understand some of the senators, as well as the Jedi disliked the suggestion immensly. Which is why they sent you and Master Kenobi to do the Council's bidding."

Anakin looked away. He didn't like these discussions. He only went to the meeting because Obi Wan asked him to. Or rather, he had no choice but to do what his Master told him.

"I know you had no choice in the matter, son." Palpatine laid a cold wrinkled hand upon Anakin's shoulder. The young man shuddered.

"Thank you, sir. I know you mean well."

"Good, Anakin. I'm glad you understand. Your friendship means everything to me."

Anakin nodded, happy his friend was not angry with him.

"Senator Amidala was there," Palpatine said in a conspiratorial voice.

Anakin pretended not to notice.

"Yes, I saw her just outside of congress."

"She was happy to see you, was she not?"

Anakin's face turned two shades of red. "Uh, I suppose so," he stammered.

"Senator Amidala will be very busy the next few weeks," Palpatine started, sounding like a gossipy old woman. "Such a shame...being so young. She'll be working closely with Cobra Sien for the next few weeks. He's very fond of her... VERY. You've met him, haven't you? Handsome, tall young man? Recently elected Senator from Endor?"

Anakin flexed the muscle in his jaw. No longer did he look like the tall awkward teen assigned to Padme those weeks ago. Anakin could be downright intimidating. And losing his hand only made him harder... tougher. He'd seen Cobra before. Tall, dark haired, aqua-green eyes, curly-hair... renown artist...

Artist?

The revelation collapsing upon his head like a ton of bricks. Padme did seem a bit reluctant when he talked to her beneath the balcony. The way she "flinched" when she promised never to leave him. Even worse wa that, Cobra was a perfectly suitable mate for a Senator. They shared the same rank and career. Who was he, but a Jedi -- as a matter of fact, not even a Jedi, but still a Padawan learner?

Anakin bristled, eyes focused ahead. "Thank you, Chancellor, I must go now," he blurted.

Anakin raced off, without giving the Chancellor the chance to reply... Padme was still close, he could feel her. His eyes scanned the crowd for her face. And when she saw her, she was with him. Cobra Sien. They were quartered off amongst themselves, engrossed in conversation. Anakin slipped to a corner and watched intently.

Unbeknownst to him, was that Obi Wan Kenobi was not far behind. Anakin was in fact, so focused that he didn't feel his master's approach. Obi Wan followed the Padawan's gaze to Senator Amidala, whose attention was elsewhere.

"Anakin?" Obi Wan called. "Come along, the Council have given us an assignment."

Anakin didn't care about the assignment. He couldn't only think of Padme and their missed wedding night. "What about my rehabilitation?" Anakin asked. "Would the Council send me on a mission when I have physical therapy tomorrow?"

What he meant to say was that he would have Padme tonight, then physical therapy tomorrow.

"Of course not, Anakin. The assignment will be here on Coruscant. At the temple. Master Yoda thought it would be a good idea to have you work with other Padawans."

At the temple with other Padawans? Who did they think he was? A boy? He lost an arm fighting a Sith Lord -- after saving his own Master! He's already fought the first battle of the Clone Wars and they think...

Anakin turned, his face burning with anger. "After all I've done, the Council is sending me to work with the other Padawans? How dare they," Anakin barked. "This is an insult!"

Obi-Wan laid a hand on Anakin's shoulder, his face a mask of serenity. "Be calm, Anakin. They're merely trying to give you something to do while on medical leave. We know how restless you can be. The Council isn't asking you to train with other Padawans... they are asking you to train them."

"To train them...?" Anakin couldn't contain the surprise in his voice. "You mean, like a teacher? Like... a master?"

"Not a master in its fullest sense... but yes. The Council are impressed by you Anakin. You dared to fight a Sith Lord. And you saved me from certain death."

"You think I'll become a full fledged Jedi Knight? You think, they'll send me to take the trials?"

"When the time is right, Anakin. When you are healed."

Suddenly, Anakin was smiling again. "Thank you, Master. I'm honored." Suddenly, he was breathless...but he couldn't fully enjoy his newfound success. Padme. If she wanted someone else... he couldn't even think it.

Obi-Wan smiled, glad the boy wasn't fixating on Senator Amidala again...instead showing concern for his career.