I don't sleep like Padmé insisted. Bad dreams plague me much of the night, things about my past which I would really like to forget.

Nobody would believe it. A Jedi with a bad past? Unheard of. Unthinkable.

Not in my case.

"You look miserable," Padmé comments. She's half-dressed, milling about the sitting room. "You didn't sleep, did you?"

"Sorry to disappoint." I stretch. Traffic never ceases in Coruscant; speeders continue to zip on by. "What's your secret to sleep?"

"Quieting my head."

"I don't think that's possible with me." I chuckle. My hand consciously finds my hidden weapon, my lightsaber. It's not supposed to be the first option when Padmé is in danger. As far as most know, I'm an average bodyguard. I'm skilled with a blaster, yes, but my first instinct is lightsaber.

But imagine how that would look, if it was known that Padmé Amidala had a Jedi as a bodyguard. It wouldn't be too big of a scandal, but it would be something everyone would be talking about. Hell, it would possibly start a trend. It would be one that wouldn't catch on, I'm sure.

"Where are we headed to this morning, senator?" I ask mockingly through a yawn.

"We're going to pay the Chancellor a visit."

"Is it necessary that I go with you?"

"Please tell me you did not just ask that."

"I thought my health would be more of a concern to you? Wouldn't you rather me stay here and rest?" I raise an eyebrow.

"Stop trying to be smart. You and I both know you wouldn't sleep if I left you alone. You'd pace and worry if I was alive or not."

I roll my eyes. "I'm a bodyguard, not your mother." I sigh dramatically. "Finish becoming a senator, and I'll escort you, m'lady." I do a sarcastic curtsy.

"Did the Jedi ever appreciate this sass?" She wags a finger in my direction.

"Honestly, this sass grew the longer I was away from the Temple. And, yes, I know how to control it." I hold my head proudly.

"Do you miss it, the Temple?"

"Some days, yes," I admit. "But here there are no restrictions. Well, except for one."

"Speaking of that, didn't you used to have a lightsaber?"

"Oh, I still do. I just don't use it as often. It would look suspicious if the senator's bodyguard was carrying one, don't you think?"

"But you do carry one."

"Yes, but nobody ever sees it."

"I haven't seen it, and you've been my bodyguard for years."

"Are you asking to see it?" I wave her away. "Go finish getting ready! You have an agenda, I can't stall you!"

"Yes, mother."

"If I were mean, I would throw something at you."

"That wouldn't be very Jedi-like of you, Thea."

"Technically, I'm not a Jedi."

"Technically you are. You still carry the weapon of one. You're in-tune with the Force." She smiles triumphantly. "Points for me."

I roll my eyes playfully as Padmé disappears to finish getting ready. I remember my first lightsaber that I had, when it was a very different color. I'm glad I got rid of that thing. When I left it, I left my past behind.

But even now, I still wonder when it is going to catch up to me. They exist, though small in numbers. They're vile, always scheming in the shadows. If only I knew the mastermind's identity, I could've ended them. The galaxy would have one less shadowed threat to worry about.

* * *

Padmé has been quiet from the time we left her apartment. We're joined by a few others, including three senators, Captain Typho, a Gungan by the name of Jar Jar Binks (don't even get me started on my opinion of him), and a few others from the senate chamber of last night.

We make our way into Chancellor Palpatine's office. I feel slightly distressed, as when we enter, I encounter a few familiar Jedi faces: Masters Windu, Yoda, and Ki-Adi-Mundi. No, I don't have any bad blood with them. It's just...my career path is one that some have not agreed with. Master Windu I believe, and maybe Ki-Adi-Mundi, are two who didn't approve.

It wasn't like I needed their permission to walk my own path.

Master Yoda, a small green creature garbed in robes (who is someone you don't want to mess with), walks towards Padmé, taking his slow time with his cane. "With you, the Force is strong...young senator," he greets her. "To see you alive brings warms feelings to my heart."

"Thank you, Master Yoda," Padmé responds kindly. "Do you have any idea who was behind this attack?"

"Our intelligence points to disgruntled spice miners, on the moons of Naboo," says Master Windu. He's wearing tan robes and has the face that could send cowards running within five seconds.

"I don't wish to disagree, but I think that Count Dooku was behind it."

I glance at Padmé. I didn't realize she was thinking up assassin suspects in her mind. How long has she been at that?

"You know, m'lady, Count Dooku was once a Jedi," Master Windu says firmly. "He wouldn't assassinate anyone, it's not in his character."

"He is a political idealist, not a murder," Ki-Adi-Mundi adds gently.

"Count Dooku has always avoided any kind of conflict," says Chancellor Palpatine. "It appears he has no desire to start a war. Why would he kill you? To what end?"

"I don't know," says Padmé, "but everything in my being tells me he was behind it."

"In dark times, nothing is what it appears to be, but the fact remains, Senator, in grave danger you are," says Yoda. Though the green creature's dialogue is confusing, and sometimes backwards, it's how he's always spoken for as long as I've been around him. It's something you just accept and get used to.

Chancellor Palpatine rises from his chair, taking a slow stroll towards the window. "Master Jedi," he says, "may I suggest that the senator be placed under the protection of your graces."

"Do you think that is a wise use of manpower during these stressful times?" asks Senator Bail Organa. "Besides, it looks as though she has enough protection already."

I give a grateful nod towards Senator Organa.

"Chancellor, if I may comment," Padmé begins a little angrily, "I do not believe the—"

"'Situation is that serious.' No, but I do, Senator."

"Chancellor, please! I don't want any more guards! I have all that I need." She glances at me, and I find myself standing up straighter.

"I realize all too well that additional security might be disruptive for you, but perhaps someone you are familiar with...an old friend like...Master Kenobi."

Master Kenobi? When did that happen? The last I knew of Obi-Wan Kenobi, he was an apprentice. Of course, that was at least a decade ago. I guess he couldn't remain an apprentice for the rest of his life.

"That's possible," says Master Windu. "He has just returned from a border dispute on Ansion."

"You must remember him, m'lady," the Chancellor insists to Padmé. "He watched over you during the blockade conflict."

"This is not necessary, Chancellor," I say quietly. "Like it has been said, the senator has more than enough protection. She doesn't want anymore."

"Do it for me, m'lady, please." The Chancellor completely ignores me and looks to Padmé pleadingly. "I will rest easier. The thought of losing you is unbearable."

Padmé's sigh is a sign of defeat.

I'm guessing the Chancellor has no faith in my abilities. I can protect Padmé on my own, I have for as long as I've been her bodyguard. She looks at me abashedly.

She's not the person who I'm slightly mad with.

On the plus side, it'll be nice to see an old friend again. 

**Each chapter makes me love Thea more and more. And we've only just begun Part 1**