Chapter 3: Attack of the Clones Pt. 1

Ten years had passed and Anakin had been very busy with assignments that he had no time to visit his mother or Padme. The last time he had seen them was five years prior when QuiGon married his mother in a private ceremony on Naboo.

Obiwan and Anakin had been given the task of protecting the newly elected Senator from Naboo because her life had been threatened. This made Anakin nervous because he had fallen in love with his best friend but to see her again after five long years he had no idea if she felt the same way.

When they arrived on the platform both Jedi leapt into action as Anakin had seen what was going to happen. Anakin force pushed the carrier away from the platform so Sabe wouldn't get hurt in the explosion.

"Sabe are you alright?" Obiwan yelled running to her.

"ObiWan I'm fine Anakin you saved my life thank you," Sabe said leaning into Ben's embrace.

Anakin rushed to Padme's side, "Senator are you alright?" he asked.

"I'm alright Ani really. Ohh Ani I've missed you come you're going to tell me what you've been doing since your mother's wedding," Padme said walking arm and arm with him to the apartment.

Obiwan smiled as he watched the two walk in front of them laughing and flirting like the best friends they are. Shmi had moved to Coruscant after the wedding and was now working as Padme's aid on the Senate, she smiled as she saw her son the happiest he had been in a long time.

When they arrived they found the Chancellor's aid Palo waiting for them to arrive.

"Palo what are you doing here?" Anakin snarled the few times he had actually met with the chancellor and met this man he disliked from the beginning.

"The Chancellor wishes to you Senator right away," Palo said.

"Of course," Padme said, "After I am ready. I will be up to see him," she replied before nodding to Anakin who then force pushed Palo out the door.

"Padme are you alright?" Anakin asked knowing she might be upset with seeing Palo again.

"I'm alright Ani," Padme said.

"Padme there's something I've been meaning to ask you?" Anakin said.

"What is it Ani? You know you can always talk to me," Padme said.

"Well I love you, I have for awhile now and I was wondering if you would be my girlfriend?" Anakin asked her.

"I love you too Ani of course I'll be your girlfriend," Padme replied and they kissed passionately.

"Shmi could you come in and help me into my Senatorial gown. I gave Sabe the day to be with Ben. Ani could you please tell Ben I am perfectly safe with you Sabe missed him terribly," Padme said.

"Of course Angel," Anakin said leaving his mother and girlfriend alone.

After not much convincing Anakin sat alone waiting for Padme to finish getting ready when there was a knock on the door. When Anakin opened the door he found Palo standing there.

"The Chancellor wishes to speak with Senator Amidala immediately," Palo said.

"The Senator has had a trying morning and is still getting ready," Anakin replied with a fierce look on his face.

"The Chancellor asked me to stay and wait for the Senator so that I may escort her to him," Palo said.

"That won't be necessary, the Senator has Jedi Protection and we'll see to her safety," Anakin growled at the man.

"What can a mere padawan do?" Palo goaded.

"Have you forgotten that I slayed Darth Maul the Sith apprentice within mere minutes," Anakin snarled.

"It's alright Ani I'm ready. Let's get this meeting with the Chancellor done so I can rest some more," Padme said coming up to the door behind Anakin.

Anakin walked directly beside Padme while her guard and Captain Typhoo surrounded them. When they reached the Chancellor's office Palo walked in announcing them properly.

"Good morning Chancellor," Padme said with all respect due to the man before her.

"Good morning Milady," Chancellor Palpatine said to her due to her station and rank from their native planet of Naboo.

"May I ask what is so important Chancellor? I have had a trying morning and would like to take a nap," Padme asked the man in front of her.

"I simply wanted to make sure you're alright Milady and that you have proper protection. But as I can see you have our chosen one who better to protect you then the savior of our Naboo. Are you taking good care of the Senator Young Skywalker?" Palpatine asked.

"I'm fine Chancellor," Padme insisted.

"I've taken very good care of her Chancellor," Anakin said with a small hint of anger.

"And where is Master Kenobi?" Chancellor Palpatine asked.

"He and my friend Sabe have gone out for the evening which has been approved not only by me but the Jedi council as well," Padme replied.

"Are you sure you're alright Padme?" Palpatine asked.

"Of course Chancellor. Oh one more thing when you send someone to my rooms make sure he isn't Palo as he is under a restraining order for stalking and statutory rape," Padme said.

"Of course milady my apologies I was unaware of any previous employment or records upon the lad," Palpatine said as Padme and Anakin left for the afternoon.

Padme and Anakin walked back to her apartment where they found Ben and Sabe sitting there. Ben was setting up tiny cameras in Padme's room for further protection.

"Ben you know damn well that those camera's aren't necessary. Anakin is staying with me," Padme said and Anakin looked at her as if she was joking. Padme smiled at him and he smiled back.

"Alright so you two have finally made it official. Does Shmi or QuiGon know yet?" Ben asked.

"No and I'll be the one to tell them on my own terms Ben. Now be gone with you Padme

will be safe with me in here," Anakin said.

"Alright but I'll be outside the room," Ben said.

"Good afternoon Ben, Sabe," Anakin and Padme said before retiring to her room for a nap.

Later that afternoon Anakin woke with a start he reached out into the force and felt something coming in the window he jumped and killed the two slugs and Ben grabbed onto the droid outside which then went speeding away. Anakin threw his tracking device to Ben who caught it.

"Ani what's wrong? Padme said.

"Another attempt on your life Padme. I'm going after Ben, Sabe get Captain Typhoo in here, and then stay with Padme," Anakin yelled jumping onto her veranda and shot away in his newly built speeder which was fastest in the Galaxy.

Anakin chased after Ben catching after he fell from the droid, she took off in her own speeder, Anakin forced pushed the tracker onto the speeder before she got very far. They followed her throughout the city. Anakin took a detour so he lost her but knew she came toward him he jumped and Anakin followed her. Anakin sat at the bar and waited when she went to attack him he sliced her arm off with his saber.

"Go about your drinks this is Jedi business," Anakin said using Jedi mind trick.

"Who are you? Why are you after Padme Amidala? Who do you work for?" Anakin asked and placed his recorder holo on.

"I'm Assaj Ventress and I was hired to kill the Senator of Naboo by Nute Gunray and Darth Sidious," She said with a half smile.

"You're under arrest for the attempted murder of Senator Amidala by order of the Jedi Council," Anakin said walking outside the club he sensed a disturbance and he force pushed Ventress out of the way and stopped the incoming dart with his saber. He quickly got her into his speeder with Obiwan and took off for the temple and the council room.

Meanwhile back at Republica 500 in the Senator's apartment Padme had sent for QuiGon and Shmi.

"I apologize for disturbing you but I'm worried about Anakin stopped another attack on my life. He and Ben took off after the person but they haven't come back yet and I'm so worried," Padme said slightly crying.

Shmi wrapped her arms around her, "You love hi don't you Padme?" Shmi asked.

"With all my heart. If I were to lose him I don't know what I'd do," Padme said.

"Master Jinn, Master Jinn," came a voice on the holo com.

"What is it Master Yoda?" QuiGon answered.

"Needed in the council room you are. Urgent this is," Yoda replied.

"Shmi, are you and Padme going to be alright here by yourselves?" QuiGon asked the girls sitting opposite him.

"Yeah we'll be fine, send Typhoo to block the door," Shmi replied.

"Alright I love you," QuiGon said to Shmi kissing her cheek.

"I love you too," Shmi said still holding a crying Padme.

When QuiGon reached the council room where he found everyone waiting including Anakin and Obiwan with their prisoner held under a ray shield.

"Masters what is going on here?" QuiGon asked them.

"Anakin has uncovered and captured the person responsible on the latest attack on Senator Amidala," Mace Windu said.

"Tell us you will what happened this afternoon," Yoda said.

"It started with a visit to the Chancellor where he expressed his concerns for the Senators safety. When we went back Padme readied for an afternoon nap and then I sat inside the room watching her sleep and the room. I sensed something come in the room through the window and killed two poisonous slugs. Master Kenobi jumped out the window and onto the droid he took my tracker. I left Senator Amidala with her handmaidens and Captain Typhoo. I chased after him in my speeder and caught him as he fell off the droid. We then chased Asaaj Ventress in her speeder. I took a short cut and ended up on top of her. I jumped out of my speeder with a tracker and forced her to land. She tried to attack me but she got nowhere and I forced her to tell me everything," Anakin said.

"What were her answers?" QuiGon asked.

"She is Asaaj Ventress from Tantooine hired by Nute Gunray and Darth Sidious to kill the Senator," Anakin replied to his father.

"By order of this council Asaaj Ventress you are sentenced to the Jedi Council prison for life," Master Windu said.

"Master Kenobi please escort the prisoner to a ray shield cell in the basement please," Master Windu said.

"Anakin step outside for a moment while we discuss something of more importance," Mace asked him.

"Of course Masters," Anakin said.

Anakin walked out of the council room. When he got outside he was immediately engulfed in hugs by the younglings.

"Anakin what have you done now?" Knight Tachi asked.

"Nothing just finished reporting to the council when I was attacked by these little ones," Anakin said with a smile.

"I'll believe that when I see it. How's Senator Amidala? Have you told her yet?" Siri asked him.

"Yes, we're together now," Anakin said.

"Good now maybe you'll get your head out of the clouds of Bespin," Siri said jokingly.

"Yeah, yeah," Anakin replied.

"Interrupt may I?" Master Yoda said coming up to them.

"Of course you may Master Yoda," Anakin said.

"Younglings I'm afraid I'm going to have to take Anakin with me alright? You may see him after his next assignment. Run along you will, make sure they get to bed you will Knight Tachi," Yoda said.

"Yes Master, come along kids, maybe I'll tell you a story," Siri said as the kids went off with her.

"Anakin come into the council room you shall," Yoda said.

"Of course Master," Anakin said following the small but brilliant master into the council room.

Meanwhile as soon as Obiwan had been dismissed he got to the speeder and rushed to Senator Amidala's apartments to assure her that everyone was fine. He knew she'd be worried about both him and Anakin. When he arrived on the veranda he found Padme and Shmi standing there.

"Senator you should really be inside, it's still dangerous out here," Ben said.

"Ben you're alright. But where are Anakin and Master Jinn?" Padme asked him immediately.

"We're both fine, Anakin got held up by the masters. He and QuiGon should be along shortly even faster if Anakin is driving," Obiwan said with a laugh.

"We'll wait inside for them. Padme could you get Sabe I would like to brief all security and hands all at once," Ben then said.

"Sure Captain Typhoo go collect Sabe from her room please," Padme said to the Captain.

"Should we not wait for Anakin to come back Master Kenobi?" Captain Typhoo asked when he came back with Sabe.

"Anakin already knows what I'm going to be briefing you about," Ben replied.

Meanwhile Anakin was sitting in the middle of the council room waiting as patiently as he could for them to be finished so he could go see his angel.

"Anakin you have faced more than most in your young age and more than most members on this council," Mace said with pride.

"Bestow upon you the rank of Knight this council does," Yoda said.

"Thank you masters," Anakin said as his father cut off his padawan braid and set it in the boys hand.

"Go you will to the Senator; take her into hiding the council must. Dangerous Coruscant is," Yoda said.

"Of course Masters," Anakin said walking out of the council room and into his speeder. He stopped at his quarters for a change in attire, he now wore a long black Jedi robe and trainers.

Anakin then sped off in the direction of Padme's apartment; he brought with him a change of clothing and his spare light saber. He had built the extra one but he favored the double sided blade. When he arrived at the apartment her could hear Obiwan explaining to Padme the situation they were in and the council's decision.

Meanwhile inside the apartment Obiwan was beginning his explanation.

"Milady the threats on your life are beyond simple bounty hunters. This threat was ordered by Darth Sidious the Sith Lord through Nute Gunray. That's why it is imperative Anakin take you into hiding until we can track down Nute Gunray for more information," Ben said.

"But what about my place on the Senate?" Padme asked him calmly.

"Milady I will take your place on the Senate until you are ready to return," Shmi said.

"Alright I guess we can use Ani's com to talk about issues in the Senate so that you have my own decisions on the matter at hand," Padme said.

Just then Anakin decided to make his presence known. When he came into the room he had his hood over head but Padme knew immediately who it was as did Obiwan.

"Ani you're alright, I was so worried," Padme said running into his arms.

"I'm fine angel, we leave two days from now. Ben take Sabe out tonight I'd like to be alone with my mother and Padme please?" Anakin requested.

"Of course Knight Skywalker. Come on Sabe Padme will be absolutely safe here with Anakin," Ben said with a smile hugging Anakin as he passed.

"My little Ani a Jedi Knight. I knew this day would come and it has. Ani where is QuiGon?" Shmi asked.

"He and Ben will be going on an assignment and that's why I told him to get lost tonight they leave tomorrow for the outer rim to track down Bobba Fett but they were also being sent to Kamino. Dad should be along… actually he just arrived," Anakin said as QuiGon stepped inside the room.

"Nothing gets passed your senses son," QuiGon said with a smile.

"Padme I know you don't like the thought of going into hiding but we're headed for Naboo to the Lake Country. I commed your parents and told them to meet us," Anakin said wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Oh Ani but by leaving I'm putting your mother in danger," Padme said.

"Padme I can truly take care of myself. I may not be a Jedi but I am well versed in Dathomirian magics as is Ani," Shmi said and Padme smiled a small sad smile.

"Well why don't we all go to the mall, the chancellor is having a gala tomorrow night in Anakin's honor that's why he can't leave for two days," QuiGon said taunting Anakin.

"Oh yes what a grand idea dad," Anakin sighed with a heavy evil smirk.

"What it's true, how that man found out so quickly I a mystery to the entire Jedi council," QuiGon said.

"It's a mystery alright one I intend to weasel out of the man," Anakin said.

"Oh Ani I know you hate gala's but can we please go shopping," Padme said with a small smirk.

"You know I can't say no to you angel," Anakin said receiving a huge kiss from Padme.

"Mom are you sure you'll be alright taking over for Padme in the Senate with both me and dad gone," Anakin asked.

"I'll be fine, now QuiGon can take us shopping but you need to report to the Chancellor's office. Palo called while you were gone and upset Padme by telling her you were dead but don't worry about him. Just see the chancellor and get out of there," Shmi said.

"If you encounter anything don't forget to put up your shields. I love you my sweet boy," Shmi said hugging Anakin tightly.

"I love you too mom. Angel I'll see you later. I love you Padme and nothing will take me from you," Anakin said with a sad smile.

"I know Ani. I love you too, be wary of the Chancellor my love he's been asking to be granted emergency powers," Padme asked and Anakin nodded.

QuiGon walked the girls to his speeder which Anakin had built for him and they took off towards the shopping district. Anakin watched them leave; know both his mother and girlfriend would be perfectly safe. Anakin jumped into his speeder and rushed off to the Chancellor's office where he landed on his veranda.

"Ah Knight Skywalker, thank you for coming. Where is the Senator?" Palpatine asked him.

"Safe I assure you Chancellor," Anakin said.

"Anakin I wanted to inform you that Palo has a shrine of pictures and Padme may be in more danger then we thought. You must take her away from here," Palpatine said.

"Chancellor don't worry about the Senator she is going into hiding after your gala and my mother Shmi will be taking her place as Senator until we find who is responsible," Anakin said.

"Well my boy it seems you're on top of things. Most excellent," Palpatine said.

"Thank you Chancellor. Tell me how did you know I'd been promoted so fast? If you don't mind me asking I'm just curious," Anakin asked feeling a strong pull of darkness coming from him.

"The council told me," Palpatine said lying. Anakin knew this but kept it to himself.

"Is there anything else you need Chancellor? It's just I have supper cooking and I need to get set up," Anakin asked.

"Not at all my boy, go on home and enjoy your dinner," Palpatine said shaking Anakin's hand.

Anakin rushed back to Padme's apartment where he found his mother lying on the couch.

"Mom are you alright?" Anakin asked rushing to her side.

"I'm fine Ani I just wanted to come back here," Shmi said with a smile.

"Would you like me to take you home? Or would you like to stay for dinner with Padme and I?" Anakin asked hoping his mother was as fine as she said.

"That would be great Ani. Where is 3PO, is he making dinner?" Shmi asked.

"Actually I am, I shut 3PO down for the night," Anakin said.

"Ani were you planning on doing something special for Padme?" Shmi asked her son worried they were intruding on their night.

"No I just wanted to cook, Padme had a very trying day today and this is my way of helping her relax. Now get some more rest supper's not going to be ready for a while," Anakin said.

"Alright Ani, if you're sure we're not intruding on your night," Shmi said closing her eyes and falling asleep.

Anakin smiled and continued preparing supper for Padme who had yet to come home with QuiGon.

"Come in Anakin, this is urgent," QuiGon said over the comm.

"What's wrong dad? Is Padme alright?" Anakin asked worriedly moving to the living room to grab his saber.

"She's fine it's Obiwan he's injured. I thought you might want know," QuiGon said, "We're on our way home."

"Alright dad, may the force be with you," Anakin said and left to draw a bath for Padme.

Padme walked into her apartment to smell a wonderful aroma coming from the kitchen. Anakin felt her presence and walked out of the room and into her waiting arms.

"There's a surprise waiting for you in the bathroom angel," Anakin said kissing her cheek.

"What are you up to my handsome Jedi Knight? Padme asked.

"Nothing angel; hopefully getting you to relax after such a trying day. I'm cooking supper," Anakin said and she smiled.

The night continued on and Padme was truly relaxed.

"Dad would you stay here with Padme while I go see Ben?" Anakin asked.

"Of course Ani, Ben has been like the brother you never had," QuiGon said.

"Padme sleep tight my angel. I'll be back I'm going with Sabe to check on Obiwan," Anakin said kissing her cheek.

"Love you Ani," Padme said.

"Love you too," Anakin said leaving the apartment in his speeder.

When they got to see Ben they found out her had a slight fracture in his arm and would be fine to go home. Anakin dropped him and Sabe at her apartment then went to sleep with Padme in his arms.