VII. BLOOD & LAW
word count: 3209

          Aerrik's heart was in his throat. The streets surrounding the Senate District were heaving with foot and air traffic, people stopping to stare at the smoke trailing from 500 Republica. It was that day again: nine years ago on Naboo when his life fell apart for the first time. Aerrik found it in himself to be grateful for living so close by. Even though the streets of Coruscant were haunted by his memories, there were people who mattered far more than his fear. (His daughter. His sister. His wife.) He would drop anything for his girls, his son too if Aerrik was able to reach him one last time. And now Alana needed him and it was the only thing in the galaxy that mattered.

Kaldani Spires was heavily guarded and he barely managed to squeeze through as he sprinted into the foyer. Aerrik slammed into the reception desk, his breath ragged. The droid behind the desk turned to look at him. "Sir, this building has been closed off to the public."

Aerrik brushed his dark hair out of his face and pushed his glasses up his nose. "My sister. Al–uh, Elia. She's with Senator Amidala. I need to see her."

"Name please."

"Aerrik Uttara." He could barely hear himself speak above the pounding of his heart. He was always sure and well-spoken until he was stressed or nervous.

"And you're here to see?"

"Senator Amidala."

"I don't see you listed in her emergency contacts–"

"Then find my sister — Elia Valarys–" (Aerrik hated saying her other name. Just another reminder of how everything had been taken from his family.) "I'm her brother. Her first contact."

Aerrik was glad droids didn't have facial expressions. He probably looked crazy. One more minute and the guards would probably throw him out for trying to break in. But it was far from his first time at Kaldani Spires, and he did know every secret and quiet exit. (The memory quelled the tension squirming in his body, if only for a moment. Fallon always had a habit of doing that to him, calming every worry he had, even when she wasn't by his side.)

"You're down as her fourth contact," the droid said. Fourth contact? Aerrik thought, That's mean. "But everything seems to be in order. They're in Apartment 325."

Aerrik wasted no time, hurtling up the building until he reached the right floor. Resisting the compulsion to break into a run, he found the apartment and knocked on the door as calmly as he could. The door was opened moments later by a blonde mirror of Aerrik's past. Athena Palpatine looked startlingly like her parents. She looked at him with a guarded expression, keeping the door half closed. So familiar and yet completely unknown, her every move sent Aerrik's stomach plummeting through the floor. But she didn't know who he was, didn't remember — and he couldn't tell her.

"I'm Aerrik. Um, Al-Elia's brother. Padmé's friend."

Athena considered him for a moment longer, one hand over her utility belt with weapons ready and the other hand holding the door. But Aerrik and Alana looked too alike for anyone to deny their relation, and not everyone could pass the security check downstairs. As Athena looked at him, Aerrik wondered if she did remember him — if she did, she did not make it known. With valid reluctance, she allowed Aerrik into the apartment.

The apartment was huge and richly finished. There was no surprise that the Chancellor had set his homeworld's senator in Kaldani Spires for her protection. It still felt like some cruel joke. Athena bolted three locks on the door when she brought him inside. They weaved past Padmé's attendants and security to find the senator in the living room.

R2-D2 barreled across the room at record speed, bumping against Aerrik's legs and telling him how much he had been missed. Aerrik missed the astromech too. He had spent months in his workshop at the University of Coruscant, fixing up the old droid for his girlfriend — who was very grateful for the gift. Violet always loved Artoo, so did little A'den when he was old enough to play. (Aerrik's life was so quiet without them. Too quiet.)

"I missed you too, buddy." Aerrik grinned, crouching down to the droid's height. "How have you been? How's Lana? — Yeah, I hate these circumstances too. — Fal is good, despite everything. Maybe I can take you and Lana to see her when this is over? — Ha. You should tell her that."

Padmé's brown eyes sparkled when her gaze reached Aerrik. The thick skirts of her dress would not stop the senator as she flung her arms around Aerrik, who hugged her close. He had known Padmé all her life, after all. Aerrik had been there with his twin siblings and parents the day after the second Naberrie daughter was born. He remembered the day like it was yesterday.

"I'm so glad you're safe," he said, holding Padmé at arm's length to get a better look at her. "The second explosion, is Alana–?"

Padmé nodded, taking Aerrik's hand and leading him back to the sofa where she had been sitting next to Dormé. She spared a glance at Athena, who had resumed her place standing behind them. "Elia is alright now. But Aerrik it's been horrible. I'm glad you're here."

Aerrik squeezed Padmé's hand. He'd gotten a lot of information from his contacts, but not knowing why this had happened was already eating away at him. "Of course. You're my sister too. And I heard about Cordé. Padmé, I'm so sorry. If there's anything I can do..."

A small smile came onto Padmé's lips. "Thank you. Two Jedi are being sent here to protect me — Master Kenobi and his padawan."

"That sounds like a smart idea." Aerrik had met Obi-Wan Kenobi more than once. He had reason enough to trust the Jedi Knight. (After all, Obi-Wan was the one who had brought his daughter, Violet, to the Jedi Temple and had watched over her ever since.) "But you don't think so?"

Padmé shook her head. "I don't want to waste the Republic's resources. I fear this will only postpone the vote on the Military Creation Act and make our opposition look weak. Aerrik, I cannot let that happen."

"I know. But you're brilliant at what you do, and so are the Jedi. They'll get to the bottom of this."

Padmé sniffed. "I've taken enough of your time. You should see your sister. She's in the guest room."

Giving the young senator one last hug, Aerrik stood and walked across the apartment. He gently knocked on the door of the guest room and Alana quickly opened it. The siblings wasted no time in embracing each other, clinging on tightly as if they would never let go. Alana brought him into the room. Her cheeks were wet with tears, cuts and growing bruises littered her arms. Sitting back on the soft bed, Alana rested her head on her brother's lap.

"The second explosion...what happened?"

Alana shook her head and wiped her eyes. "I hardly know. Someone came by to tell us that Padmé was going to be alright — this girl from the landing platform. I recognised her. She was a medic. Then a bomb exploded. Gods, and then Alerie shielded me from the blast. Aerrik, she's in a coma! It's all my fault. If I hadn't been there..."

Aerrik pulled his sister into another tight hug and wiped away her fresh tears. He kriffing hated Coruscant. "It is not your fault, sunshine. You cannot blame yourself when it was outside of your control."

Alana sniffled. "It isn't fair."

"I know. But the Jedi will find who did this. I'm sure Alerie will be alright soon. And then you'll have other things to think about."

With a sigh, Alana nodded. "Thank you for being here."

Aerrik smiled. "Always."

Then came a soft knock at the door and Padmé poked her head inside the room to say, "The Jedi are here."

✶

Elia remembered Obi-Wan Kenobi from the Crisis of Aphelion nine years ago. They had not met officially, but she heard plenty from the people around her. If any Jedi were to help Padmé and Alerie, Elia was glad it was him. Master Kenobi's padawan, on the other hand, Elia was far less excited to see.

The night Alana met Anakin Skywalker was a distant memory. They had both grown so much since that night. It wasn't even that she had not seen him since, then at least the reunion would be nine years in the making and they wouldn't know each other anymore.

Elia walked into the main space of the apartment with Aerrik, Artoo at their side. Determined not to make eye contact with her sister, Elia sat herself in the armchair next to the two sofas — one where Padmé was sat, the other for the Jedi. Athena greeted the Jedi first. She had known Master Kenobi since she joined the Jedi Order, and Padawan Skywalker had been her closest friend since they met during the Crisis of Aphelion. It was two years since Elia had last seen Anakin. Shamefully, her gaze still reached towards him.

The first night was clouded by Alana losing her family. She barely remembered the parties — only the fire. Only the screams, and the embers catching in the sky like fireworks. In fact, it was Anakin who noticed her four years later, when Elia joined her family on a holiday to Naboo to taste what real summer felt like. He was there too — Athena's guest, as she discovered too late. The Jedi guest of her Jedi sister. He had recognised her as Alana and treated her as such, creating a fantasy that Elia was all too happy to play into. Those days had been perfect and she was able to be the real Alana again for the first time since before that fateful day. But like all things, summer ended and Alana was left disappointed again, left alone again.

They met again sixteen months later, in the middle of a Nubian winter. A trip that left her shamefully bitter, knowing that she would always be second to her sister. And whatever Elia thought towards Anakin, he would never look at her twice when Athena was around. Alana used to compare herself to her siblings, but she never wished to be better than them or compete against them. Elia's siblings were different: Athena (future Queen, Jedi and darling of the Republic), Atlas (Coruscant's favourite prodigal son, the heir of the Supreme Chancellor), Eden (the Realm's Delight and her father's angel). Still fifteen, Elia knew she had to become something else — shine in her own way. On visits with her family, the Core Worlds seemed to adore her: the orphan girl welcomed into a decorated monarchy. She was the galaxy's favourite rags to riches tale. The People's Princess. And it was then that she decided to do something about it. It was the turn of the year when she agreed to her mother's proposition for her to attend university — and the same time when she became engaged to one of Naboo's favourite sons: the hope for the future and their eagerly awaited hopeful next candidate for King, a boy who liked her easily and saw her truly.

(Elia didn't like to think about the last time she saw Anakin Skywalker. Two years ago and she signed the death certificate on her relationship with her sister. Truly, Athena's accident had not been Elia's fault. But with the way everyone acted, she almost thought it was. The dear heir to the throne narrowly missed being branded as a disgraced former Jedi, and Athena's Jedi Master apparently wasn't the same. After that day, Elia did not blame Anakin — why would he listen to her side? After all, they hardly knew each other anyway.)

"I appreciate that you've arrived so soon, Master Kenobi," Athena said. She'd guided the Jedi to the sofas and the groups made their reintroductions. When she was mentioned, Elia gave a polite smile and quickly turned her attention away. As soon as she was in a room with a big group, she felt like a child again, far out of her depth. "As much as Padmé disagrees, I believe that the attack on Senator Sitara only proves that something grave is taking place."

"Which is why I believe that your efforts here are misplaced," Padmé interjected. "I don't need security. I want to know who is trying to kill me and Alerie." She spared a glance at Elia, who shuffled under her friend's gaze.

"I understand, Senator," Master Kenobi replied, "But our job here is not to start an investigation. Your safety is our priority."

Padmé huffed. She already had a small army of people ready to defend her. Elia too had hoped that the Jedi were here to solve what was going on. Everyone seemed to share the same disappointment.

"Master," Skywalker said, "Surely it would do no harm to assist the investigation? Two senators have already been attacked. Surely that is a pattern?"

"Padmé has been leading the opposition to the Military Creation Act," Elia stated quietly and everyone looked at her. "Alerie has been her main supporter. Maybe whoever is behind this is trying to take out the opposition?"

Athena frowned. "Why would someone in the Republic Senate try to harm one of their own?"

Elia shrugged. She liked reading holojournals late at night and she had found herself reading conspiracy theories about suspicious incidents and suspicious deaths involving senators in the last fifteen years. There was no official proof of foul play, but the world of politics was too dirty for there to be no backstabbing. "Many people do not want war, but some groups within the Senate will surely benefit from the conflict."

"Elia could be right," Padmé said, "At least about the opposition. Perhaps protection details could be extended to Senators Organa and Mothma too? They have been my greatest allies during this time. If they will be targeted as well, I cannot stand by and allow them to be harmed." Elia almost smiled, grateful for her oldest friend's support.

Obi-Wan nodded. "I shall bring it to the Council's attention. But for tonight, I would like to at least discuss immediate security measures with Athena."

"Hopefully your mere presence will deter the attackers." Padmé rose to stand with all of her usual grace. "If you will excuse me, I would like to retire for the night."

Padmé took Elia's hand and took both of them away from the group. "You are welcome to stay here tonight, if you wish," the Senator offered. "Athena told me that another Jedi — her old master, Ilara Alden — is guarding Alerie at the medical centre. I know you're likely itching to go home, but I would appreciate the company."

Elia smiled and gave her friend a hug. "I will stay for as long as you can stand me being here."

They crept into Padmé's bedroom while one of the secondary rooms was made up for Elia for the night. The bed was soft and Elia sunk into the mattress as she sat down. Outside, most of the skyline was clear — that was what made Kaldani Spires so appealing for residents — besides a few skyscrapers that still pierced the evening cloud cover. Padmé drew the curtains closed and laid down next to Elia.

"Who do you think is behind this?' the Princess asked.

Padmé sighed heavily. Her Amidala mask broke now they were alone and Elia saw the Naberrie girl she had been raised with. "I really don't know. When I visited the Chancellor, some of the Jedi Council were there and Master Windu told me that their intel pointed to disgruntled farmers on one of Naboo's moons..."

"But you don't believe that?"

"My first assumption was Count Dooku, the leader of these Separatist systems. But I don't know why he would do this," Padmé explained. She brought one of the pillows between her arms and hugged it to her chest. Elia kicked her shoes off and laid down beside her friend. "And you made a wise point. I don't know who I can trust, not really. But whatever happens, I cannot let this vote win."

"You need to rest," Elia advised. "Have one night where you shut your mind off from politics."

Padmé laughed. "I wish it was so easy." She rolled onto her side to look at Elia properly, brunette curls fanning across the pillows.

They were quiet for a moment. Elia's gaze stretched out, staring towards the viewport and beyond. Alerie was unconscious, trapped in a coma. All the other senators were being guarded and transported away by their own security forces after the bombing in their home. Surely Padmé would be able to sleep tonight? (And if not? If the assassination struck again when everyone least expected it If Elia was here right now, powerless, and Padmé died... — Alana would never forgive her.)

"How is the view from the secondary bedrooms?" she asked, still transfixed on the ebbing aftermath of the sunset.

"One of them has a better view of the sunrise, one has a balcony — which is pretty but probably not safe for tonight so Athena will probably lock it down. I think the last room is a little smaller than the others."

"Athena likes the sunrise."

Padmé smiled, a tiny blush across her cheeks. "She does." Then it was if she registered what Elia was trying to insinuate. "Are you scheming to kick me out of my own room?"

Elia laughed, using a pillow to shield herself when Padmé swatted at her. "I am merely thinking about your safety. It would be unexpected for you to change rooms. Tell no one except Dormé and she can pass a message to Athena. We don't need to tell the Jedi or the rest of your guard."

"And what is your plan? Tricking the assassin if they come back by using yourself as bait?" Padmé sat up. Her gentle expression froze as the Amidala mask replaced it. "I will not allow you to put yourself in harm's way for me. Alerie would not appreciate it either."

"Do you have a safer plan?"

Padmé fell quiet. "Fine. But I don't like this."

"But Athena will agree — the Jedi too in the morning — that a diversion is a safe course of action. The assassin may move on, but I am not willing to watch you get hurt again."

Padmé sunk back down onto the bed and stared at the ceiling. "You were supposed to be returning home tomorrow, weren't you?"

Elia almost laughed. "Not if I can help it. You know the Queen will be going insane the longer we dodge her calls, but she is the only one who wants this wedding to happen."

"Well," Padmé said, taking Elia's hand, "may love bloom between you and keep you both safe and happy for all your days. And you cannot truly complain," she began to add before tapping a finger on Elia's nose, making both girls giggle, "we will finally be sisters by law."

Elia grinned. "You will always be my sister. Blood and law be damned."

✶

AUTHOR'S NOTE.

it is a great day for aerrik uttara nation. hope you enjoyed! 🤍 sorry for the text being central at the end, wp literally won't let me fix it and it's pissing me off 🥰

gorgeous new title gif by the loml houseofamidala (who i can't even tag bc wp is stupid. but ami ilysm.)