Brotherhood

Chapter 1 - The Years Gone By

Anakin stares stonily out the window making sure his displeasure is known. He doesn't want Jedi anywhere near Padme. He can protect her just fine. It's too bad that the Jedi disagree, but that's just how they are. Always sticking their noses where they don't belong, uncaring for who they harm. Selfish. He doesn't know how the Senate can even tolerate them.

The sound of the opening turbolift doors draws his mind back to the present, and he stands impassively as Jar Jar Binks, the Gungan representative from Naboo, welcomes the two Jedi. He can feel their Force signatures radiating light all around him, and a dark part of his mind viciously wonders how long he could torture them before they'll break. He could do it. He wants to do it sometime if his master will let him.

That's the moment that Jar Jar enters the room. "Lookie! Lookie, Senator!" he exclaims cheerfully. "Desa Jedi arriven." Only years of practice keep his expression neutral. He turns with Padme, following her at a distance as she approaches the pair. Captain Typho, the head of security, falls in step beside him, and Dorme, Padme's handmaid, rises from her seat.

He quickly scans them. The leader is a Tholothian female, and he knows he recognizes her. She's on the Council. Gallia. That's right. Her name is Adi Gallia. The second is a human who he can't quite place. The man's hair and beard are ginger, and his blue grey eyes seem familiar for some reason. It takes a moment before it dawns on him that it's Obi-Wan Kenobi. He hasn't seen him since Naboo ten years ago. How time changes things.

The two Jedi bow. "It's a great pleasure to see you again, M'Lady," Obi-Wan greets Padme, "This is Master Gallia, who will be helping me protect you." His Coruscanti accent is just how Anakin remembers it. A bitter smile twists up his lips. Years ago, he would have been thrilled, but now, he just doesn't care. It's too late for him.

"It has been far too long, Master Kenobi. I'm so glad our paths have crossed again, but I must warn you that I think your presence here is unnecessary," Padme says to him. Anakin can feel her joy in the Force, feeling a knot of resentment twist at him. She shouldn't have Jedi friends. She's so much better than the Jedi could ever hope to be. She's – she's an angel, not a hypocrite.

His shields are strong, so no one can pick up even the slightest feeling of discomfort. He continually projects a front of relief and happiness, emotions so different from how he really feels. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Master Gallia," Padme tells her politely, a smile – her politician's smile – on her face.

"And you as well, Senator," the Jedi replies. "The Council has its reasons for assigning us to protect you." Yes. Of course, it does. Anakin refuses to show a reaction, but he can't bring himself to eliminate the tension in his body.

There's a heartbeat of silence, and Anakin steps closer to Padme. She glances at him, and an unspoken communication passes between them. She smiles gently at him, before focusing on the Jedi again. "This is my fiancé, Anakin Skywalker," she continues. "He is the adopted son of the Chancellor."

Anakin catches a flicker in Obi-Wan's eyes he wouldn't have seen if he hadn't been looking right at him. He inclines his head but doesn't speak. He doesn't want to pretend to be courteous to Jedi. Not when he'd rather run them through with his lightsaber. The thought of the shock on Master Gallia's face if he stabbed her in the back gives him a savage pleasure which he reveals in. Silently, he reaches out and takes Padme's arm to escort her back to the couch.

"It is good to see you again, Anakin," Obi-Wan murmurs, his voice completely sincere. Anakin still wants to punch him. He's just as guilty as the rest of the Jedi for his current predicament. Instead, he nods stiffly, keeping his focus on Padme.

Padme turns towards the seating area, the others following her. Anakin sits on one side with Dorme on the other. The two Jedi sit across from them. Captain Typho takes up his position behind them. "Our presence will be invisible, M'Lady," Obi-Wan assures her.