The Protector

[therealthing]

CHAPTER ONE

Darth Vader stood in brooding silence doing his best to master his impatience. Around him the festivities carried on, as the Imperial elite from across the galaxy celebrated another glorious year of the Galactic Empire. Vader hated parties, hated the obsequiousness of the socially well connected. He made a point of being as curt as possible to anyone who dared speak to him, and soon he was left to himself, which was his goal all along. He was far more comfortable on the periphery, watching rather than participating, for it afforded him the chance to think without being constantly bombarded by the inane babble of the people he was forced to endure.

Vader looked over the crowd, watching with decided disinterest at the extravagantly dressed delegates. He stopped when his eyes rested upon Queen Kylantha of Naboo. Unlike her predecessor, Queen Apailana, Kylantha was loyal to the Empire, at least outwardly. Vader was aware of the changes Kylantha had made to the planet Naboo’s democratic government, changes that smacked of sympathy to the fledgling Rebel Alliance. She will be dealt with in good time, he pondered. Naboo was not a planet he wanted to ever visit again, the very thought of it brought back too many painful memories. It had been almost five years since the death of his wife, who had once been the queen of Naboo herself, Padmé Amidala. His angel.

Vader pushed the memory of her face from his mind and looked away, not giving in to his weakness for her. She is gone, and nothing can bring her back. I must move on, I must put the past behind me.

“Lord Vader, the Emperor is requesting your presence.”

Vader looked down at the Imperial flunkey and nodded his understanding, moving away from his vantage point to seek out his master.

On the other side of the galaxy…

"Happy Birthday, Luke and Leia, Happy Birthday to you!!”

“I get to wish first,” Leia announced. “You wished first last year.”

“Did not!” Luke protested. “You did! You always do!”

“I did not!! Mom, Luke is being bossy again!”

Padmé Amidala exchanged a look with Dormé, who simply shook her head with a smile.

“Now children, this is a special day,” Padmé told them. “Your birthday. Let’s not ruin it with squabbling, okay? Make a wish at the same time, that way no one has to go second.”

Leia looked at Luke and almost stuck her tongue out at him, but thought better of it. They both closed their eyes and concentrated for a moment, and then, as though in silent communication, opened their eyes and blew out all 5 candles, amid the applause of the small gathering who sat around the table with them. Around them sat their mother, her friend Dormé, the household droids, C3P0 and R2D2, as well as Obi-Wan Kenobi, who had been a friend of their father’s when he was still alive.

The birthday celebration, like every previous one, was a subdued affair, celebrated in the privacy of their family’s secluded home deep in the forested region of the Outer Rim planet, Hannas II. Neither Luke nor Leia knew any different, for they had been here all their lives, or at least as long as they could recall. Padmé was grateful that infants were incapable of retaining memories, for the memory of the day they were born was something less than joyous. Padmé rarely spoke of that day, to them or to anyone for that matter; for her it was too painful, and too much a reminder of all that she had lost on that terrible day on the planet Mustafar.

Five years ago today, she thought as she watched her children dig into their cake and ice cream. Five years since I lost him.

Obi-Wan Kenobi had also reflected on that day many times over the past five years. He bore a measure of guilt over what had befallen his best friend and former padawan that day. He had sworn on that day that he would do all that he could to protect the children of his dear friend as well as his wife from the reach of the evil emperor and his henchman, Vader.

For five years Padmé had lived in seclusion with Anakin’s children, having faked her death on the day they were born, leaving the galaxy to mourn both her and her unborn child. She had told Obi-Wan on that day, moments after the children were born, that she still believed that there was good in Anakin; Obi-Wan refused to believe it. Everything that was good in Anakin died on Mustafar on that dreadful day, leaving behind only darkness. He will never find this family, Kenobi had vowed. Not if I have to give my own life to protect them.

Part of Kenobi felt guilty for lying to Padmé about the demise of Anakin; yet, in every way that mattered, Anakin Skywalker was dead. All that was good in Anakin Skywalker was destroyed in the fires of Mustafar. Darth Vader was more machine than man, twisted, evil and ruthless. No, Obi-Wan reflected. He will never know they are alive, not so long as I live.


Padmé had finally settled the twins down to sleep, and went outside onto the large veranda behind the house to admire the clear night sky. The twins’ birthday was always bittersweet for her; it marked the beginning of a new life with her precious children, and the end of her life with the only man who had ever captured her heart, her Ani. Padmé had vowed not to allow the agonizing memories of that day mar her children’s birthday, and had done so valiantly until now, when they were asleep, and the brilliant stars above reminded her of so many night she had spent waiting for him to arrive home from the War. And when he had arrived…the passion, the longing that finally could be fulfilled was almost too much to bear. The bond between them had been forged in the deepest love, and had seemed unbreakable. Until Palpatine drove us apart…the thought of the former chancellor, her one time friend, filled Padmé with quiet rage. Her life since the death of her husband had been one living in fear of discovery, in fear of Palpatine, whom she hated with all of her being. She knew that if he ever found her and her children, they would all be destroyed. Just as their father had been. He will never find us….without Anakin, he has no way of finding us.

Padmé closed her eyes, trying with all her might to put the image of Anakin’s face as he turned on her out of her mind, his beautiful face, twisted with insane rage and jealousy. What happened to the pure hearted little boy I once loved? What happened to my soul mate? How could it all have gone so wrong??

“Padmé? Are you alright?”

Padmé turned to see Obi-Wan standing there, a concerned look on his face.

“Yes,” she replied. “I’m just thinking about …well, you know what I’m thinking about,” she said, turning away again.

Obi-Wan nodded. He could not understand how Padmé could think of Anakin with anything less than resentment now, not after what he had done to her on Mustafar. Yet, he never truly understood the bond that they shared; a bond that Anakin threw away when he chose the Dark Side over the woman he loved.

“Yes, I know,” Obi-Wan replied at last. “It’s been five years, Padmé. Time to put the past behind you. Anakin is dead; he died before he ever reached Mustafar. Surely you realize that.”

Padmé turned back to Kenobi, anger flitting across her face. “Don’t patronize me, Obi-Wan,” she retorted. “I know what happened to Anakin. You don’t need to remind me.”

With that she turned away and walked into the house, leaving Kenobi alone, shaking his head in wonder at the irrational nature of the female heart.

[therealthing]

CHAPTER 2

“So, tell me,” she says. “What’s on your mind? Or should I ask?”

I look up at the clouds moving across the sky above us, not wanting to put a damper on the perfect day we’re sharing. “You don’t want to know,” I say at last.

She frowns. “The war?” she asks.

I nod. “Yeah,” I tell her. “I know I shouldn’t be thinking about it, but it’s only a matter of time before…”

She leans down and puts a finger over my lips. “Don’t say it,” she tells me. “I know what you’re going to say, Ani, and I don’t want to hear it.”

I look up at her, sensing that the same thoughts have plagued her mind as well. I reach up and take her hand and kiss the tip of her finger. “Okay,” I tell her. “I won’t say it.”

She smiles. “Good,” she replies. “Let’s just enjoy this time we have, Ani. I don’t remember ever being so completely happy in my life, do you know that?”

I smile as I kiss the palm of her hand. “I know I’ve never been so happy,” I tell her. “I wish I could just make time stand still and stay with you here forever.”

Padmé nods and I can see her eyes grow moist.

“I’m sorry,” I tell her. “I didn’t meant to make you cry, Padmé.”

She shakes her head, brushing an errant tear away from her cheek impatiently. “You didn’t,” she replies softly. “I’m just too emotional sometimes. I just love you so much, Ani…the thought of being apart from you…”

“Shhh,” I tell her, “don’t think of it, Padmé. I’m here, right now we’re together,” I say, pulling her down on top of me. “And that’s all that matters.”

She looks down at me, her hands framing my face as she runs her fingers through my hair. “Do you remember us lying like this on this very hill only last week, Ani?” she asks with a smile.

“Yes,” I reply. “Seems like a lifetime ago, doesn’t it?”

She nods. “I can’t tell you how difficult it was for me to walk away from you that afternoon,” she admits. “I was such a fool to deny what I felt for you.”

“No, not a fool, Padmé,” I reply. “You were just concerned about the future, that’s not foolish.”

“Maybe not,” she says. “But to consider a future without you now is beyond my ability.”

I smile. “Mine too,” I reply. “Good thing old Paolo is out of the picture for good,” I tease her.

She laughs. “Are you still on that??” she says. “Paolo was never in the picture, my dear husband,” she replies. “So you never had anything to worry about.”

“That’s good to know,” I reply, pulling her down so I can kiss that delectable mouth of hers.

I run my fingers through her hair, savoring the delicious mouth that drives me so wild.

“Ani, maybe we shouldn’t’ let things get out of hand,” she says suddenly, pulling up.

I frown. “Why not?” I ask.

“Because it’s going to rain,” she said, looking up at the sky. “We don’t want to get caught out here.”

“Nah, it’s not going to rain,” I tell her, ignoring the way the clouds have darkened. “It’s just clouds.”

“Ani, I can smell the rain coming,” she tells me. “Trust me.”

“Smell the rain?” I laugh. “You can smell rain?? How is that possible?”

She smiles. “You wouldn’t understand, being from a desert planet,” she replies. “But the air has a certain smell to it when it’s about to rain,” she explains. “And I can smell that right now.”

“All I can smell is you,” I say, nuzzling the side of her neck. “And it’s driving me wild.”

Padmé laughs. “You are so bad,” she says. “What am I going to do with you?”

I look up at her with a devilish grin. “I can think of a few things,” I tell her. “Do you need a suggestion?”

She laughs again and simply gives in to the moment unfolding between us and kisses me once again.

Vader forced himself to wake up, shattering the memory from an impossibly beautiful moment so long ago. He sat up, pressing his hands to his forehead as though trying to squeeze every last memory of that life from his mind. She is gone, don’t’ you get it?? She is gone, and you killed her. You have no right to those memories; you forfeited all rights to them when you killed her along with your unborn child.

Vader activated the devise that returned the mask to his face, and lowered his helmet back onto his head. There would be no more sleep tonight; even the few hours he’d had was a rarity anymore. The little sleep he did have been riddled with images of Her, memories of the past, poignant and passionate moments that they had shared before he had thrown it all away, the scent and feel of her skin as clear in his mind as though it had been just yesterday that they had been together.

Leaving his hyperbaric chamber, Vader paced about in his chambers, his mind troubled. Why am I plagued with dreams about her? Why is her image forever in my mind? If he didn’t know better, he would think that there was a reason for this, that somehow she was trying to communicate with him through his subconscious mind; but that wasn’t possible. She was gone, and even were she alive, she’d not want anything to do with him. Not after Mustafar. Not after the way he’d turned on her….

Deciding upon the best way to keep his mind off of the images his dream had conjured up; Vader left his chambers, and headed for the bridge.

********************************************************
Obi-Wan resided in a small cottage not far from the home where Padmé and her children lived. He had taken it upon himself to watch over the family of his old friend, to protect them at all costs from Vader and his emperor. Of course, Padmé did not completely understand Obi-Wan’s insistence that her life was in danger; if Anakin was dead, then what possible threat could she pose to Palpatine? Besides, that, the galaxy believed she was dead. What reason would Palpatine have for believing otherwise? He had managed to convince her that Palpatine could still find her and subsequently the children if she were not careful, and this was enough to keep Padmé on her guard.

Kenobi wasn’t foolish enough to think that he could keep the secret forever; there would come a day when the twins would grow up, and they continued to manifest the same abilities that they had thus far in their lives, it would only be a matter of time before Vader would sense their Force presence and seek them out. I shall cross that bridge when I get to it, Kenobi had decided. For now, it is for her own good that she believes him to be dead.

Obi-Wan started each morning the same way: mediation, a light, nutritious breakfast, and then to his computer where he would scan the Imperial holonet, check for any messages (there rarely were any since he too was technically in hiding) and then a rigorous work out to keep in fighting form. He considered himself to be the personal body guard of the Skywalker family, and as such, needed to be ready for anything should the unthinkable happen.

To his surprise, there was a message waiting for him this morning. Curious, he sat in front of the comm. screen, a hot cup of caff in his hand, and activated the message. As he listened, he felt the warmth drain from his body. Oh no…this cannot be…how did he find her??

The message was from the administrator of the Polis Massa medical facility. Padmé had been brought to this same facility 5 years earlier after being attacked on Mustafar by Darth Vader, and had given birth to his children there. Kenobi, Yoda and Bail Organa had made certain that the droids working in the facility had had their memories erased, so that the record of Padmé’s stay there would not be available to anyone who might be trying to find her. But there were more than droids working on that facility…and their memories had not been erased, their memories had been ripped from their minds by an agent of the emperor obsessed with finding the wife of his henchman. And now he knew that she lived, he would begin the search; now her life was truly in danger.

Kenobi sat at the computer screen as this information sank in, and the implications of it soon followed. Padmé and the children are no longer safe. Somehow I have to convince her of this…but how do I do so without telling her the truth? Obi-Wan felt sickened by the realization of what he needed to do hit him. I have to tell her about Darth Vader – somehow I must tell Padmé that the man she loved is an inhuman monster now…and that I have been lying to her for five years. Which is worse?? Which one will cause her more pain? Ana which one will she hate me for more??

Obi-Wan finally stood up, knowing that he had no time to lose. He needed to tell Padmé what he had just learned: tell her that Palpatine knew she was alive, and why this was suddenly such a threat to her. He will find her through Vader, her and Vader’s children. Kenobi felt anxious at the thought of the conversation that faced him, but he left his cottage nonetheless, knowing that he had no choice in the matter. The safety of Padmé and her children depended upon it.

[therealthing]

CHAPTER 3
Padmé sat on the sandy beach enjoying the bright morning sunshine. In the lake before her, Luke and Leia splashed about, laughing and enjoying the warm summer day. Both of the twins had become excellent swimmers, taking after their mother in their love of the water. Padmé thought wistfully back to the idyllic time she had spent on Naboo with Anakin, and how reluctantly he had agreed to swim out to the island with her. But he had done it, despite his misgivings. She remembered making love on the beach of that small island a few days after they were married, not a care in the world save for one another, madly and deeply in love, existing only for the other…

“Mommy, look at what I can do!”

Padmé shook herself from her painful recollections to watch as Leia demonstrated her newest skill, the backstroke.

“Excellent, Leia!” she called out to her daughter with a smile. “You’ve learned that very quickly.”

“I can do it too!” shouted Luke, not to be out done by his twin. Padmé smiled as she watched her son perform the backstroke with equal skill.

“Fantastic!” she called out to him. “Ten more minutes kids!”

“Okay!”

Obi-Wan stood on the beach watching the children swimming, a sinking feeling deep within him as he thought about what he needed to do. The thought of Darth Vader learning of the existence of those two precious children made Kenobi angry, and he vowed that he would never allow him near Luke and Leia, even if he needed to take on the Sith Lord himself.

“Good morning,” he said as he came up behind Padmé, trying his best to sound chipper.

Padmé turned around, startled by the sound of his voice. “Good morning,” she replied. “You’re here awfully early today,” she added.

Kenobi simply nodded as he returned his gaze to the children on the lake. “They are fine swimmers,” he commented.

“Yes, they are,” Padmé replied, watching them again.

“Padmé, I must speak to you about something,” Kenobi said without preamble. “I’m afraid it’s quite urgent.”

Padmé turned and looked at him, shielding her eyes with her hand so that she could see his face clearly. “What is it?” she asked. “You look pretty rattled.”

Kenobi sighed. “It’s not good,” he said simply. “I’m sorry, Padmé, but something terrible has happened.”

Padmé frowned. “What?” she asked simply, fear starting to blossom within her.

“I’m afraid Palpatine has learned that you survived Mustafar,” he said.

“So?” she said, turning back to her children. “I don’t pose any threat to him,” she added. “What would he want with me? Besides, what makes you think he hasn’t known all along?”

She isn’t going to make this easy, Kenobi realized. “I’m afraid there’s more to it, Padmé. Much more. Can we go inside and talk? I’m afraid this cannot wait.”

Padmé turned back and looked at him. She had known Obi-Wan a long time, and had never seen him so agitated. Whatever it was he needed to tell her, it must truly be serious.

“Very well,” she said, standing up. “Dormé, keep an eye on the children,” she said to the young woman seated with her. “And bring them inside for breakfast in another 10 minutes or so.”

“Yes, milady,” Dormé replied.

Padmé brushed the sand from her pants as she walked over to Obi-Wan. “What is going on?” she asked. “You’re starting to scare me.”

Good, he thought, that’s exactly the way I need you to feel.

“Come inside, and I’ll tell you everything,” he replied.

Padmé followed Obi-Wan up to the house, her heart pounding harder with every step. Obi-Wan said nothing until they reached the large sitting room on the main floor of the house. Padmé sat down on one of the sofas as Obi-Wan walked over to the large picture window and gazed out at the lake below. Where do I begin? He thought. How do I tell you this?

“I’m waiting,” Padmé said at last. “You can start by explaining why all of a sudden Palpatine is such a threat to me. The way I see it, the only reason I was ever a threat to him was because of Anakin, because he loved me. But Anakin is gone. I don’t represent any threat to him, Obi-Wan.” She stopped as a horrible thought struck her. “Unless…oh gods, Obi-Wan,” she said, standing up slowly. “He found out about the twins! He knows about Luke and Leia!!”

Obi-Wan turned around quickly. “No, no Padmé, that isn’t it,” he reassured her. “Bail Organa and I made sure we planted some false information in the record banks there. According to the data banks, twin babies born on that day died at birth.”

Padmé relaxed at once, relieved beyond measure to hear of Kenobi and Organa’s foresight. So what was this all about then?

“Then I’m afraid I don’t understand why you’re so worried,” she said. “If he thinks the twins died, then why do you think…”

“It’s because of Vader,” Obi-Wan said at last. “Darth Vader.”

Padmé frowned. “Darth Vader?? What has he to do with me?”

Obi-Wan sighed. How do I tell you the truth, Padmé? How do I tell you that the man you loved is now the monster known as Darth Vader??

“Padmé, there’s something you need to know,” Obi-Wan said, walking over to her. “Please, sit down.”

Padmé sat down on the edge of the sofa, her alarm rising again. “What?” she asked simply.

Obi-Wan sat down beside her, turning his body to face hers. “Padmé, what do you remember about that day on Mustafar?”

His question took her by surprise. That was a day she did not think about if she could help it. Why was he asking about it now, after five years??

“I remember everything about that day,” she replied at last. “Everything.”

Obi-Wan nodded. “You remember what happened when Anakin and I fought? How our duel ended?”

Padmé frowned. “You mean when you killed him? Yes, of course I remember,” she replied tersely. “Why are you dredging all that up now??”

“He didn’t die, Padmé,” Obi-Wan said, looking her straight in the eyes. “Anakin did not die that day. In fact, he lives still.”

Padmé sat as though she were a statue. She felt as though the air had been knocked clean out of her. No, I didn’t hear him correctly…I’ve misunderstood.

“I’m sorry,” she said at last. “I cannot have heard you properly. It sounded to me as though you said that Anakin was alive.”

“I did,” he said. “Anakin did not die. He was terribly injured, and probably very nearly did die; but he did not. Palpatine found him after we had left the planet, he found him and took him to a medical facility and…”

“And???” Padmé cried. “And? Where is he??”

“Padmé, please,” Obi- Wan said gently, taking her hand. “I know this is a shock, but please hear me out. There is no easy way to tell you this, so I’ll just put it plainly. Padmé, Darth Vader is Anakin. The only way he could survive the injuries he sustained on Mustafar was to be fitted with the breathing apparatus he wears, the mask is a part of that. His arms and legs…”

But Padmé was no longer listening, her mind having shut out his voice. That monster…that….inhuman cyborg was Anakin…my sweet, beautiful Ani…

Padmé stood up and walked over to the picture window where she saw Dormé below wrapping large towels around each of the twins. She felt numb, as though she were walking in a dream. Anakin is alive…but is there any part of Anakin left in him?

“Why didn’t you tell me this years ago?” She said without looking at him. “Why did you lie to me?”

Obi-Wan did not like the tone of calm detachment in her voice. He knew her well enough after all these years to know that such a tone meant her anger was monumental.

“Do you really have to ask me that?” Obi-Wan asked. “The man you know, the man you loved is dead, Padmé. Darth Vader is more machine than man, twisted and evil. Don’t think for a moment that if he knew that you and the twins were alive that he wouldn’t do everything in his power to find you and destroy you??”

Padmé whirled on him, her dark eyes full of rage. “Don’t you dare try to justify what you have done!” she cried. “You have let me live the past five years mourning him, and it was all a lie!”

“No it wasn’t,” Obi-Wan countered, standing up to face her. “The man you love, Anakin Skywalker, is dead,” he insisted. “He died when he chose the Dark Side, when he slaughtered the innocent younglings at the Jedi Temple, when he tried to kill you! Have you forgotten what he did to you, Padmé?? How he turned on you and tried to choke you to death??”

“Of course I haven’t forgotten,” she snapped. “But…”

“Don’t you see?” Kenobi interjected. “Palpatine will find you and the twins through Vader,” he said. “Before too much longer, Vader will sense the existence of his children. Their Force signature will be impossible to hide soon, and he will know that they are alive, and will find them. Is that what you want, Padmé?”

“How can you be so sure that is what he would do?” she retorted “There is still good in him, Obi-Wan. I know you don’t believe it, but I do. Even though he did all those horrible things, there is still a shred of Anakin Skywalker in him, and so long as there is, I can’t give up on him.”

“I don’t like the sound of this, Padmé,” Kenobi responded. “What are you saying?? What misguided notions have you got in your mind?”

“The only misguidance has been your doing, Obi-Wan,” she replied. “Anakin would never harm his children, and would do everything he could to protect his family. He would never allow Palpatine to hurt any of us.”

Obi-Wan shook his head. “You are wrong, Padmé,” he said. “You cannot believe for a moment that Vader would hesitate to do to Luke and Leia what Palpatine did to their father. That is why we need to take measures to make sure that never happens. I know you won’t like it, but I think perhaps it would be prudent if the twins were split up and…”

“Are you insane??” she cried. “Split up my children?? I suppose next you are going to suggest they be split from me as well!”

Obi- Wan hated to tell her so, but that is exactly what he thought. In fact, that was what he had wanted to do when the twins were born, but she wouldn’t hear of it. Now after five years, how would he possibly be able to convince her that this was the most prudent course of action?

“Padmé, you have to think of the twins,” he began.

“Stop right there,” she replied hotly. “You’ve meddled in our lives enough, Obi-Wan. I am fully capable of taking care of myself and my children without your guidance or your help.”

“Padmé, please don’t be this way,” Obi-Wan pleaded. “I’m begging you! Don’t let your love for Anakin cloud your judgment! He will not return it; he is no longer capable of it!”

“Enough!!” she cried. “I don’t want to hear any more!! Leave my home, Obi-Wan. Leave me and my children alone. You are not going to interfere in our lives anymore.”

Obi-Wan frowned, hurt by her words. She had every right to be angry, however; but this was beyond what even he had anticipated. Give her a day to cool off, he reasoned. She is thinking irrationally right now. Give her a day or two and she’ll begin to see reason.

“I’m so sorry, Padmé,” he said at last. “Please know that everything I have done has been out of love for you and your children. I have always had your best interest at heart.”

“That may be,” she conceded. “But you have gone too far, Obi-Wan. Surely you can see that.”

Obi-Wan did not reply, but merely left her and walked out of the room.

“Uncle Obi-Wan!” the twins chorused as they entered the house.

Obi-Wan forced himself to smile and opened his arms to the twins.

“Hello Luke, hello Leia,” he said. “Did you have a nice swim?”

“Yes, we can do the backstroke,” Luke replied. “Can you come over and swim with us later?”

Obi-Wan sighed. “I’m afraid I can’t today, Luke,” he replied. “Perhaps another time, okay?”

Luke nodded, disappointed. “Okay,” he said.

“Are you staying for breakfast, Master Kenobi?” Dormé asked.

“No, thank you Dormé,” he replied. “I cannot today.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” she replied. “Perhaps another day.”

Obi-Wan nodded. “Absolutely.”

Dormé directed the twins towards the stairs to get them changed for breakfast. Obi-Wan watched the two young Skywalkers ascend the stairs, his heart heavy. I won’t let you destroy those beautiful children, he vowed. Not while I have breath in my body- you won’t win, Vader. You won’t steal them from her too.

[therealthing]

Chapter 4

Padmé stood staring out the window for what seemed like an eternity, her heart and mind in equal torment. Anakin is alive… No, he wasn’t the Anakin she knew, but surely deep inside him, the heart of the man she loved still beat. How he has suffered, she thought as the images conjured up by Obi-Wan bombarded her mind. He must have suffered tremendously…and he has lived the past five years believing that I am dead.

Doubts and anxiety ate away at her as she considered what she would do with this information. Obi-Wan seemed convinced that Darth Vader was incapable of loving her or their children, that he would destroy them all, that he would allow his master to destroy them. Padmé refused to believe that, she refused to believe that the man she had known was gone. She knew that there was a part of Anakin in Darth Vader, that there was still good in him. No one capable of loving as deeply and completely as Anakin Skywalker did could simply stop loving as though turning off a switch. He was in pain, of that she was certain; and had probably suffered tremendously over the past five years. Would the knowledge that she and the children lived be enough to save what was left of Anakin? Would it be enough to bring him back?

“There’s only one way to find out,” she decided resolutely. If he is given the chance to undo the past, to protect us from Palpatine after the way he allowed that monster to destroy us, will he take that chance? Is there enough of Anakin left inside of Darth Vader to choose us this time?

“My lady, breakfast is ready.”

Padmé turned to see Dormé standing there.

“Where are the children?” she asked.

“They are already eating,” Dormé replied, walking over to Padmé. “What is it? You seem very distracted, very upset. Is something going on?”

Padmé frowned. “Yes, I’m afraid there is,” she replied. “Dormé, Anakin is alive.”

Dormé’s eyes widened in shock. “What??” she exclaimed. “How? Where??”

Padmé thought for a moment. If he’s Darth Vader then he is the commander of the Fleet. No doubt he is on the flagship of the fleet right now.

“I don’t know exactly where he is, but I am sure I can find out,” she said, walking over to her computer.

Dormé followed her, looking over her shoulder at the search she was performing. “Darth Vader??” she asked. “Why are you looking him up??”

“Because that is the name Anakin is using now,” Padmé replied matter-of-factly.

“Anakin is Darth Vader??” Dormé cried. “How is that possible? What happened to him? How did Anakin become that monster??”

Padmé frowned. “He was injured on Mustafar,” she replied. “Obi-Wan nearly killed him, and left him to die. The emperor found him and turned him into the cyborg we know as Darth Vader.” She turned and looked up at Dormé. “But I know that inside that suit, Anakin still exists, Dormé. I am certain of it.”

“I don’t like the way you’re talking, Padmé,” Dormé said with a frown. “It sounds to me like you intend on finding him.”

“That’s exactly what I intend to do,” Padmé replied, returning her attention to the computer screen. “Palpatine knows that I am alive, Dormé. It’s only a matter of time before he finds us. Anakin won’t let that happen; he will protect us. I know he will.”

“Padmé, are you mad?” Dormé asked. “We’re talking about Darth Vader here, the man who almost single handedly wiped out the Jedi! He is a monster, Padmé! He’s barely human! How can you think for a moment that he will care anything about you or the twins??”

Padmé frowned, ignoring her friend’s outburst. “I just do,” she said quietly. “You don’t understand, Dormé, just like Obi-Wan. No one could understand how I feel. But I know I’m right. And I will prove it.” She pointed to the screen. “The imperial flag ship,” she said, indicating a star chart. “There it is.”

“Padmé, please, I’m begging you,” she said. “I know how much you loved Anakin, but he isn’t Anakin anymore! Don’t let the feelings you had for him make you do something foolish!”

Padmé sighed, tuning Dormé out. You don’t understand, Dormé, how could you or anyone understand the depth of the love that Anakin and I shared? The strength of the bond between us? That bond still exists, that love is still there, even if it is buried under layers of pain and anger; I know it’s still there.

“Please attend to the children, Dormé,” Padmé replied at last. “I have a lot to do.”

Dormé shook her head, knowing that once her mistress made her mind up about something, it was useless to try and argue. Obviously Obi-Wan had also tried to talk her out of this reckless course of action. Obviously he had failed, as he had left the house with his tail between his legs. Padmé Amidala was nothing if not single minded.

Padmé copied the coordinates of the location of the Imperial flag ship onto a data disc. She stood up, the disc in hand, and headed upstairs to pack.
********************************************************************************************
Darth Vader returned to his chambers, trying to master the pain his body was engulfed in. The emperor was not pleased with him, and had no qualms about telling him so. Sidious had revealed how truly sadistic he was, forcing Vader to remain on his knees, knowing how painful it was for him with his prosthetics; but more sinister was his use of images of the past to punish Vader whenever he displeased him. His favorite was the image of his wife clutching her throat, choking. Sidious enjoyed the guilt and agony that particular image conjured up in his servant; for it always reduced Vader to a sniveling weakling, the weakness he still felt where Padmé Amidala was concerned still serving to control him.

Vader entered his chambers and sat down, trying to master the shaking in his limbs. He sat at his desk, holding his helmeted head in his great gloved hands, willing the agonizing images away. While physical pain was no stranger to Vader, the way his master had treated him was far more painful. At one time Vader had believed that he and Palpatine were close friends, and that his master valued Vader’s advice and the part he had played in the construction of the Empire. But it was obvious to Vader now that he had been mistaken. No, not mistaken, used. Fooled, bamboozled and duped. He meant no more to Palpatine then any of the thousands of officers and technicians who served aboard any one of the many ships in the vast Imperial fleet. How could I have been so foolish? Vader reproached himself bitterly. I am nothing more than another servant to him, after everything I’ve done, after everything I’ve sacrificed …I am no better than a slave. The thought of what he had done, how he had killed his wife and their unborn child, ate away at him in light of this agonizing revelation. He told me he would help me save her…was that just a lie too? Did he ever have any intention of helping me? Or was it just part of his plan to use me for his own ends?

“Lord Vader, please excuse the interruption.”

Vader growled at the sound of the comm., and jabbed a finger on the response button. “What?” he snarled.

“Sir, a rather…unusual situation has arisen, sir,” the voice on the other end replied. “We have a ship in our tractor beam sir. The pilot claims to be a rebel informant, and wants to talk to you.”

Why me?? Vader thought petulantly. Am I the only commander in this fleet??

“Scan the ship,” Vader replied. “It could be a trap. Scan for explosives or any weapons of mass destruction.”

“We’ve done so, sir,” the officer replied. “No sign of anything except for a small personal blaster. There are three life forms on board, sir; humans. Two of them are younglings.”

Vader frowned. “Did you say younglings??” he asked incredulously.

“Yes sir,” he replied.

Vader grew more puzzled by the moment. “Bring the ship on board,” he said at last. “But be sure to have a full detachment ready, just to be sure.”

“Of course, my lord.”

Vader stood up and pushed the pain that still filled him deep down inside. He left his quarters and headed for the interrogation room. You chose the wrong day to surrender, Rebel. I’m in no mood to be clement.




The room was empty when Vader entered it. Let’s get this over with, he thought sullenly. He sat down at the metal table, hoping that the interrogation would not require its use, and waited. As he did so, he became aware of a tremor in the Force, and it startled him. It wasn’t very strong, but it was there nonetheless. Was the Rebel who was surrendering a renegade Jedi?? Someone who had escaped the purges? Could it possibly be Kenobi?? No, his force signature was unmistakable, and much stronger. This was not as strong, and yet, somehow, familiar….

The door slid open, and two armored clones escorted the small group into the room. Vader looked at the two children first; a boy and a girl. Who are these children? They looked up at him with eyes that were so familiar, so…gentle. Why aren’t they afraid? And what was it about these children that was somehow unsettling?? He turned his attention away from the children and looked at the adult who accompanied them. A hooded cloak hid the person’s face, but even without it he knew that it was a woman standing before him. A strange feeling starting coming over him as he focused on her, something intangible and yet undeniable. It’s almost as though I know her…almost as though…

“Leave us,” he ordered the clones who complied at once. He then lifted one hand and used the Force to lower the woman’s hood, not speaking a word to her. When he beheld the face that was revealed, he stumbled back. Padmé!!

“Padmé….how…how can this be??” he stammered, holding onto the table for support. “This can’t be…you’re dead, you’ve been dead for five years! What sort of a joke is this?? Who are you??” he demanded angrily.

Padmé stepped forward, swallowing her fear and the pain of seeing the man she loved so changed, so dark and so full of anger and pain.

“It’s not a joke,” she said. “It’s me, it’s Padmé. And these are my children.” Our children.

Vader looked back at the children, realizing that it was their Force signature that he had felt…that meant that they truly were his children, and that meant that she truly was …my angel..

“Palpatine told me that you were dead,” he said at last, finding his voice. “He told me that I had killed you.”

Padmé shook her head. “He lied,” she said softly. “Just like he lied about everything. We’ve both been lied to. Obi-Wan told me that you had died on Mustafar; I only found out a few days ago that you were alive. I’ve believed that you were dead for the past five years, just as you thought I was dead.”

Vader felt the anger welling up within him again. “How did you find out? I find it hard to believe that Kenobi would tell you the truth all of a sudden.”

“He did,” Padmé replied. “He felt it was necessary to tell me because Palpatine has managed to find out that I am alive, and he was afraid that he would find me and the children through you.” She watched him, wishing she could see his face, read his eyes. His silence worried her, and yet she pressed on. “I told him that he was wrong to hide the truth from me,” she continued. “I told him that you would never do anything to harm the children, or me.”

Vader was shocked by her words. How could she be so certain after what he had done to her on Mustafar? How was it possible that she still had faith in his humanity when he himself did not see a shred of it within himself anymore?

“Tell me I’m right, Anakin,” she said at last, using his name for
the first time, unable to stand his silence any longer. “Tell me that my belief in you hasn’t been misplaced.”

Vader sat down, overwhelmed. If this is a dream, I will go mad, I know it…He looked at the young children who were watching him with guarded curiosity. Do they know who I am? Has Padmé told them that their father is a monster?

“They are beautiful,” he said at last. “What are your names?” he asked them.

Luke and Leia looked up at their mother as though seeking her approval to speak to the dark, mysterious stranger. Padmé simply nodded.

“My name is Leia,” Leia spoke up, the bolder of the two.

“And you….my boy?” he asked, the words creating a rush of emotion he had never expected he would feel again.

“Luke,” Luke replied quietly in a small voice.

“My brother is shy,” Leia said, not at all shy. “He’s not afraid, just shy.”

Vader nodded, amused by his daughter’s outspokenness. “Is that so?” He asked. “And you’re not afraid either?”

Leia shook her head. “No, mommy told us that you would never hurt us, that you would protect us.”

Vader looked back up at Padmé. “Your mother is correct,” he said, feeling the bond with his children beginning to form. “I will.”

Padmé smiled, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

“What is that for?” Leia asked, demanding her father’s
attention once again.

Vader looked to where her small finger was pointing. “That helps me to breath,” he said. “It also controls how warm I am.”

“Why do you need it?” Luke asked timidly.

Vader turned to his son, amazed at the startling resemblance the boy bore him as when he was a boy. “It’s a long story, Luke,” he said. “I will explain it all to you.”

“I like your cape,” Leia continued, rubbing the silky fabric between two chubby fingers. “It’s soft.”

Under his mask, Vader smiled for the first time in five years. “Thank you,” he said simply. He looked back up at Padmé, wishing she could see the look in his eyes, the adoration he felt at that moment for all of them. “We need to make a plan,” he said to her. “I am not going to allow any of you to be found by the emperor, even if it means killing him with my own hands. I promise you, Padmé. I won’t let any harm come to any of you.”

Padmé nodded as the tears spilled down her cheeks. “I knew you wouldn’t,” she said softly. “I knew I would find you, Ani.”

[therealthing]

Chapter 5

“Mommy, I’m hungry,” Leia announced as Vader escorted the three of them down the corridor. “And so is Luke,” speaking for her brother, as she often did.

“I’ll get you something as soon as we reach your quarters,” Vader told his daughter. “Not much further.”

Padmé felt uneasy at the strange looks the men who passed them by gave her, some more than a little appraising. How is he going to explain our presence here without raising suspicion? She wondered, looking at the tall, broad figure of her husband ahead of her. She thought it would be best if they maintained the appearance of being enemies; but the children’s fascination with their father might make that difficult. Leia in particular was absolutely captivated by the tall dark man, the bond between father and daughter already forming despite the fact that she did not yet know he actually was her father. Luke was a little more reticent; being more reserved than his twin, he was naturally uneasy around all strangers, and this one was no exception. Yet even he felt drawn to the masked stranger, and managed to get a word or two in edgewise while they walked through the corridor.

“Right in here,” Vader said as he opened a door leading to a rather spacious suite. “This is reserved for visiting dignitaries,” he explained to Padmé as the three of them entered after him. “I think the three of you qualify.”

Padmé smiled, watching Luke and Leia as they ran around the room, checking out the amenities. “A food synth!” Leia exclaimed as she saw the computer console embedded in one wall near a table and chairs. “Mommy, I’m hungry!!’

“What would you like, Leia?” Vader asked as he walked ever to the console. He bent close so that only she could hear him. “I’ve been told that the ice cream is particularly good,” he told her.”

Leia looked up at him, her large dark eyes sparkling. “Did you say ice cream?” she asked. Vader simply nodded. “Oh yes, that’s what I want! Chocolate please.” She added, anticipating her father’s question.

“As you wish, my lady,” he said, typing in the command. Leia giggled. She looked at Luke, communicating with him in the uncanny manner that Padmé had come to accept as normal for the children of the Chosen One.

“Luke would like some too,” Leia told Vader, turning back to him.

Vader turned to Luke. “Is that right?” he asked.

Luke nodded. “Yes, sir,” he replied softly.

Within moments Luke too had a large dish of ice cream. He and Leia sat at the table, amazed that they had been permitted to eat ice cream so close to bed time.

Vader watched his children for a moment before returning to Padmé.

“They are already starting to love you,” she said to him. “Did you see the look in Leia’s eyes when you gave her that ice cream?”

Vader looked back at the children. “I don’t know about that,” he said. “I think the ice cream is the object of her adoration, not me.”

Padmé laughed, and the sound of it was like music to his ears.

“Do they know, Padmé?” he asked, turning back to her. “Have you told them who I am?”

Padmé shook her head. “No, not yet,” she said. “There hasn’t been time. All of this happened so fast. I don’t think it will be a problem though, do you? They seem very comfortable with you.”

“Yes, they do,” he said. “Which surprises me. I expected them to be afraid.”

“Why would they be?” she asked.

“Look at me, Padmé,” he replied. “I don’t even look human anymore.”

Padmé frowned, her anger for Obi-Wan welling up within her again. “Thanks to Obi-Wan,” she muttered.

Vader was surprised by her comment. “He told you what happened?” he asked.

Padmé nodded. “Yes,” she replied. “Although originally he had told me that you had died. I can’t imagine how you must have suffered, Anakin…”

“I no longer use that name, Padmé,” Vader replied. “Anakin Skywalker died on that day. He died when he was told he had killed you.”

Padmé frowned. “But you didn’t,” she argued. “I’m alive, Anakin. And I refuse to call you Vader. I’m sorry, but if I didn’t believe with all my heart that you were Anakin, I wouldn’t be here right now.”

Vader did not reply. Her words were so unexpected, and so provocative. He had stopped thinking of himself as Anakin Skywalker many years earlier; was there anything left of that man within him now?

“Look,” she said, nodding in the direction of the children. Both of them had their heads resting on the table top, fast asleep, their faces covered with chocolate ice cream. The sight of them grabbed at his heart, filling him with unfamiliar warmth. If there is no trace of Skywalker within you, why do you love these children already?

“It’s been a long day,” she said, standing up and walking over to the table.

Vader stood up and followed her, watching as she picked up Leia in her arms. She kissed her gently on the forehead and carried her over to the large bed in the adjoining room. Vader looked down at the small boy who was sleeping so peacefully before him. Gently, tentatively, he picked Luke up in his arms. He stood for a moment, examining his son’s face, his heart aching with love for the boy. How can I feel such fierce devotion to someone I just met? Because we are connected. Because he is a part of me. Gently he took one hand and brushed the hair from Luke’s brow, wishing fervently that he could kiss his child, that he could feel the softness of his hair.

Padmé left the sleeping area and stopped in the doorway, riveted to the floor by the sight before her. There stood Vader, holding his small son in his arms, looking intently into the boy’s face, one hand gently stroking Luke’s golden hair. She felt her tears returning, moved beyond words by the poignant scene. You are Anakin Skywalker, no matter how much you try to deny it…she thought. You just need to admit it to yourself.

Vader sensed Padmé’s presence and walked over to her. Padmé kissed her son’s cheek, and then stepped back so that his father could carry him to the bed. Carefully Vader lay Luke down beside Leia, and stood watching the two of them for a moment. What do I do now? He thought. How do I protect this precious family from that monster Sidious? I will protect them, though; no matter what it takes. No one will ever harm this family so long as I am alive. I swear it.

Vader pulled a blanket up and tucked it under the children’s chins with more tenderness than he would ever have imagined himself capable of.

"'You should sleep as well,” he told Padmé as he left the room. “I’m sure you must be tired as well.”

She nodded. “Thank you,” she said.

“There is no need to thank me,” he said. “After all I put you through, Padmé, this is the least I can do.”

Padmé frowned. “Is that why you are helping us? Because you feel guilty about the past?”

Vader shook his head. “No,” he replied. “That isn’t what I meant. I mean that…this is what I should have been doing all along, Padmé; protecting you and our children. That is what I thought I was doing when everything went so wrong.”

Padmé knew what he was referring to. She remembered on that horrible day on Mustafar how he had tried to justify all his dark deeds by telling her that he had done them for her, to protect her. That was Sidious’ doing.

“Can I ask you something?” she asked as she sat down on one of the chairs in the sitting room.

Vader sat down facing her, nodding. “Yes, of course.”

Padmé hesitated momentarily, trying to phrase her question in a way that would not anger him.

“Do you know now what really happened?” she asked. “Do you see now how Palpatine used you?”

Vader sat for a moment, reflecting upon her words. “Yes, I see everything all too clearly now, Padmé. I see now that when he told me that in order to save you from my nightmares I needed to embrace the Dark Side that he was lying; that when he promised to help me save you if I became his apprentice, he was lying; when he told me that you had died at my hand…” he stood up, agitated by the anger that these horrific truths bombarded him. “He used me, Padmé,” he said, not looking at her. “He used my love for you to destroy both of us. But I allowed him to do it, and so I am as guilty as he is for what happened.”

Padmé watched him, seeing how much pain he was in, how deep the guilt was that he felt. If only he had told me back then what was going on…if only I’d known the way he was suffering, the struggle he went through, and how Palpatine fed on this struggle to destroy him. “I wish I’d known what you were going through, Ani,” she said at last, refusing to use his Sith name. “I wish you had let me help you with the struggle you went through.”

Vader turned back to her. “How could I tell you, Padmé?” he asked.

Padmé stood up. “You could always tell me anything, Anakin, you know that. Perhaps if you’d confided in me, if you’d trusted me more, this never would have happened.”

Vader did not reply.

“I didn’t know Obi-Wan was on board my ship when I came to Mustafar,” she continued. “I hope you realize that now. I never would have betrayed you, Anakin. Never.”

“I …I know that now, Padmé,” he said at last. “And I blame Obi-Wan almost as much as Sidious for what happened that day. I know that he used you to get to me. I only wish that I had seen that five years ago, instead of believing the worst.”

Padmé nodded sadly. “Yes, me too.”

They looked at one another in silence for a moment, reminders of the past causing them both to become pensive and melancholy.

“You need to sleep,” Vader said at last. “And I need to get to the bridge. Sleep well, Padmé.”

“Thank you,” she said, watching him as he left, wondering what the future would bring now that he was back in her life again.

[therealthing]

CHAPTER 6

“Where is she, Dormé, where did she go?”

Dormé could see how desperate Obi-wan was to find Padmé and the twins, but she had promised her mistress that she wouldn’t tell anyone of her plans.

“I can’t tell you,” Dormé replied. “I’m sorry!”

Obi-Wan stared at the young woman, trying to find the information he needed in her mind; but Dormé was doing an effective job of blocking him. No doubt her mistress had warned her of Kenobi’s Jedi skills, and she was on her guard.

“You can’t or you won’t,” he said at last, folding his arms over his chest.

Dormé shook her head. “Both,” she replied, not letting him intimidate her with his icy stare.

“Dormé, I don’t think you realize how dangerous a situation Padmé is in,” he continued, trying a different tactic. “If she has gone where I think she has, then she and the twins are in grave danger. Vader will kill them all!”

Dormé shook her head. “Padmé would never place her twins in jeopardy,” she replied. “You know that.”

“Padmé is blinded by her love for Anakin,” he replied. “Who is dead, and has been dead for five years. She won’t listen to reason, Dormé, that is why she has gone. Now tell me, tell me what you know.”

“I don’t know anything!” she cried. “Why do you think I know where she is??”

“Because you are her confidante,” Kenobi returned. “She tells you everything.”

“Not everything,” she replied. “I’m sorry, Obi-wan. I can’t help you.”

It wasn’t like a Jedi to feel anger, but Obi-Wan couldn’t help but feel a surge of it, coupled with tremendous frustration. If you won’t help me, Dormé, then I will just have to find her myself. Without another word, he left her and ran out of the house.

I have to contact Senator Organa, Obi-Wan thought as he headed back to his own home. Between the two of us we will know what to do. I won’t let Vader take Padmé and her children prisoner, I won’t let him win.

Kenobi headed to his computer console as soon as he reached home, and immediately contacted the Alderaanian embassy on Coruscant. Sala Dak`win, Organa’s assistant, answered his hail.

“Master Kenobi,” she said, surprised to see him. “What are you doing on this frequency?”

“I know it’s risky, Miss Dak`win, but I have no choice,” Kenobi replied. “I must speak to the Viceroy at once.”

“I’m sorry, sir,” Sala replied. “But he’s not on Coruscant. He left just yesterday for Alderaan. It’s Winter’s birthday,” she explained.

Kenobi nodded his understanding, inwardly frustrated at his inability to contact Organa. “Thank you,” he replied simply and switched off the screen. Obviously Organa would want to be home to celebrate the birthday of his adopted daughter, the child of his previous assistant, Sheltay Retrac, who had died along with her husband a few years earlier. Winter was only a year older than Padmé’s twins, enjoying a life of privilege under the protection of the royal family or Alderaan. It had been Obi-Wan’s hope that the Organa’s would adopt one of the Skywalker twins, but Padmé would not hear of giving up her precious children, no matter what. I hope you will not regret that decision, Padmé, Kenobi thought anxiously as he entered the call sign for Alderaan next. I hope Vader doesn’t make you regret your decision.

After being redirected several times, Kenobi finally came face to face with Bail Organa.

“Obi-Wan,” Bail said, not trying to hide his surprise at seeing the Jedi master. “It’s good to see you. What is going on?” Organa knew that there must a very good reason for Kenobi to be making contact; they had agreed that only in the most dire of situations would communication between the two be necessary.

“A lot,” Kenobi replied. “Palpatine has found out the Padmé is alive.”

Organa’s eyes widened. “What?? How??”

Kenobi went on to describe to Organa the message he had received from the administrator of Polis Massa, and how it undoubtedly meant that Palpatine was now on the trail of Padmé Amidala.

“We have to move her,” Organa said at last. “My family has a retreat on...”

“There’s more to it, Senator,” Obi-Wan interrupted him. “Padmé has gone. She left two days ago.”

“Gone? Where did she go? Did she take the twins with her??”
Kenobi sighed. “I’m afraid she has gone to find him, Bail. She’s gone to find Vader.”

“Why in the name of the seven moons of Fresia would she do that?” Organa cried. “Has she lost her mind??”

“I’m afraid she has,” obi-wan replied. “I had no choice but to tell her Vader’s true identity, and now she is convinced that he will protect her and the twins from Palpatine. She is blinded by her love for Anakin, and doesn’t understand that Vader is not he.”

“This is terrible,” Organa replied with a frown. “Just terrible; we have to stop her, Obi-Wan. Vader will destroy her and take her children to his emperor.”

“I tried to tell her that,” Kenobi replied miserably. “But she went anyway. I am assuming she has gone to the fleet to find him. But how do we get to her without the Empire blasting us from the stars?”

Organa thought for a moment. “Perhaps I can intervene,” he said at last. “I’m an Imperial senator, after all; the Empire would kill you on sight, Obi-wan, you know that.”

“Yes, I’ve thought of that,” Kenobi replied. “But if it meant that it could save them, I would gladly give my life to do so.”

“I know that, old friend,” Organa replied. “But let’s hope it doesn’t get to that point. Let me see what I can do first before we make any drastic moves.”

Kenobi nodded. “Very well,” he replied. “I will wait to hear from you, Bail. Thank you. And good luck.”
********************************************************************************************

It had been a long time since Darth Vader had actually looked forward to anything; but with his wife and children on board the Exactor, he found himself looking forward to every moment he could steal away to see them.

It was morning, and Vader had arranged the previous evening to have the few personal belongings that Padmé had brought with her brought to her quarters. Let’s hope the idiots managed to follow that simple order, he reflected as he made his way to the quarters where his family was staying. Using this as his excuse for going there helped him to maintain the outward appearance of detachment where they were concerned; however, he himself knew that was a lie. The entire previous night he had done nothing but think of them, and even the short stretches of sleep he managed to get were full of dreams of them. Dreams of her…Dreams from another life time, of times spent with her that seemed unimaginable now. It had been five years since he had seen his wife, and during those five years he had fought to sublimate the feelings he had for her, the physical need he had for her. He had managed to conquer those feelings; but now that she was back in his life, they were returning once again. She was just as beautiful as he’d remembered, just as desirable; put that out of your mind, he told himself. You’re living in a walking coffin, remember?

He arrived at the door of his family’s quarters and stopped. He remembered a time when he used to love surprising Padmé, when he would arrive home from the war and steal into their apartment and sweep her off her feet….but those days are long gone, and will never return…no matter how things seem right now.

Vader used the door chime, and it wasn’t long before a voice on the other side was heard.

“Yes?”

“It’s me, Padmé,” he said. “May I come in?”

The door slid open and Padmé stood there before him, still in her nightgown.

“Good morning,” she said with a smile. “Come on in.”

Padmé stepped aside and allowed him to pass. Trying to ignore how feminine and pretty she looked in her white nightgown and her hair loose around her shoulders, Vader entered the room.

“Did you sleep well?” he asked.

“Yes, thank you,” she replied.

“Where are the children?” he asked, looking around.

Padmé looked towards the bedroom. “Oh, they’re in there, playing,” she replied.

He nodded his understanding and sat down. “I think I have an idea, Padmé,” he said as she sat down across from him. “We are approaching the….”

His sentence was interrupted as the twins came running into the room, laughing.

“Hi!” Leia said, stopping short when she saw Vader.

“Good morning, my lady,” Vader replied. “How are you today?”

“I’m good,” she said. “How are you?”

How am I? When was the last time someone asked me that?

“I’m good too,” he replied at last. He turned to Luke. “And you, young Luke? How are you today?”

“I’m good, thank you,” Luke replied with a shy smile.

“Guess what I had for breakfast!” Leia said, demanding the spotlight once again.

Vader turned his attention to her once again. “What did you have?” he asked.

“Eggs,” she replied. “Scrambled eggs. Luke had pancakes. What did you have?” she asked.

An intravenous filled with some sort of fluid…I don’t even know what it tastes like…

“Nothing nearly as good as eggs or pancakes,” he replied at last.

Padmé could sense how uncomfortable the child’s questions had made him, and felt awful for it. Are you even capable of eating anymore, Ani? She wondered sadly.

“Well I need to get dressed,” she said a last, standing up. “Would you mind?” she asked Vader. “I won’t be long.”

Vader looked up at her. “Of course,” he replied. “Take your time.”

“Thanks,” she said. She looked at the twins. “Be good,” she said.

Vader couldn’t help but notice that she was looking directly at Leia when she made that comment, and smiled to himself. It
seemed his daughter was something of a character, her personality as outgoing and lively as his had once been.

Padmé left the three of them alone and went to the fresher to have a shower and get dressed.

“So, did you sleep well?” he asked his children when they were alone.

They both nodded, both of them regarding him closely.

“Why do you wear a mask?” Leia asked. Both of the twins had wanted to ask him, but Luke was far too shy to do so. Leia, however, was not.

“I need to wear it, I’m afraid,” he replied. “I cannot live without it.”

Luke and Leia frowned, almost simultaneously. “Why not?” Luke asked.

Vader sighed. How do I explain it to you, my little ones? He thought sadly. How do I make you understand something so horrible?

“It’s a long and rather painful story, I’m afraid,” he said at last, putting a gloved hand on a shoulder of each child. “But if you would like to hear it, I will tell you some day.”

Luke and Leia accepted this, and continued their examination of him. Vader sensed that the two of them were communicating silently, and it amazed him how strongly the Force was with them. Why should that be a surprise, though? They’re your offspring.

“You’re our daddy, aren’t you?” Leia said at last.

Vader turned to her, astonished beyond words. Padmé had not told them yet, that he knew for certain. So how did she know? And how do I answer her question?

“Why do you ask me that?” he asked at last.

Leia turned to Luke. “Because we know it’s true,” Luke replied, looking at his father. “It is true, isn’t it?”

Vader nodded. “Yes, it is,” he replied. “I hope that doesn’t disappoint you.”

“What does that mean?” Leia asked. “Disappoint?”

“It means that…well, that you wish your father were someone else,” Vader explained patiently. “Or that he didn’t look the way I do,” he added self-consciously.

Luke shook his head. “Mommy always says what is inside you is more important than what is outside,” he said.

Vader couldn’t speak for a moment, he couldn’t respond to his small son’s words. How could one so young be so wise?

“You’re mother is a very wise woman,” Vader said at last.

“Our mommy is the most beautiful woman in the whole wide galaxy,” Leia stated proudly.

Vader found himself smiling again. “Yes, she certainly is,” he replied.

“She certainly is what?”

The three of them looked up to see Padmé standing there, wearing trousers and a tunic, braiding her long hair.

“What are the three of you talking about?” she asked, walking over to them.

“You,” Vader replied simply.

Padmé raised an eyebrow. “Oh?” she said, looking at the twins. “What about me?”

Luke and Leia looked at one another and smiled.

“Leia told Daddy that you were the most beautiful woman in the galaxy,” Luke informed her.

Padmé’s eyes widened at her son’s words. Daddy?? She looked at Vader, assuming that he had told them of their paternity, upset that he had done so without her permission.

“Children you need to get dressed,” Padmé announced. “I’ve laid clothes out for you on your bed. Go on, go get dressed.”

“Okay,” Leia said with less than enthusiasm. “Come on Luke,” she said, taking her twin’s hand.

Padmé watched them go and then turned back to Vader. “You told them?? We hadn’t even talked about how we were going to do it, and you just went ahead and did it??”

Vader shook his head. “No, Padmé, I didn’t tell them, I swear to you,” he said.

Padmé frowned, sensing that he was telling her the truth. “Then, how did they know?”

“They simply did,” Vader replied. “I can’t explain it,” he said. “Leia just came out and asked.”

Padmé was stunned, and didn’t know how to respond. The Force connection…the same connection that enables Luke and Leia to communicate without words that is how they knew...

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I never dreamed they would be able to just …guess.”

“It wasn’t a guess, Padmé,” Vader replied. “They can sense it; they can feel the connection we share.”

She nodded. “I guess so,” she replied. “And they are fine with it, aren’t they?”

“Amazingly enough, yes they are,” Vader replied.

Padmé smiled. “They know who you truly are, Anakin; the appearance means nothing to them. They can sense how much you love them, and that’s all that matters.”

Vader nodded, not even trying to deny that he did love his children. It frightened him how much he loved them, how much he still loved Padmé; protecting them was all that mattered to him now. The focus of his life had shifted irrevocably, and for the first time in five years he felt as though his purpose was one worth living for.

“You said that you had an idea earlier,” Padmé said, throwing her long braid behind her and leaning forward to look at him. “What is it??”

Vader looked at her, his eyes taking in every centimeter of her beautiful face. His eyes were attracted to the pendant around her neck, and was astonished to see that it was the very japor snippet that he had given her as a boy so many years ago. He leaned toward her and took it in his gloved hand, looking at it reflectively. “You still have this,” he commented, stating the obvious.

Padmé nodded. “Of course,” she said. “I have worn it every day since you gave it to me, Anakin.”

He looked up at her, surprised by her revelation. “Have you?”

She nodded, looking down at it. “Yes,” she said, taking it from him. They both sat in silence for a moment, the tension between them suddenly palpable. “Tell me about your plan,” she said at last.

Vader sat back in his seat. “Who besides Kenobi knows that you are alive?” he asked, playing out a hunch.

Padmé was surprised by his question. “Bail Organa,” she replied. “And Master Yoda. Why?”

Vader nodded. Just as I suspected.

“We obviously cannot go to Coruscant, or Naboo, or to any of the planets where I own property,” he began. “Sidious would look there at once. We need to go somewhere that he would never think of, somewhere that has no connection to you or me.”

Padmé nodded. “Yes,” she replied. “Obviously. So what do you have in mind?”

Vader was about to answer her when Luke and Leia came barreling into the room. To Vader’s utter shock, each of them came straight to him, and proceeded to seat themselves on his lap, each one sitting on one of his massive thighs. Padmé smiled, surprised but pleased to see them so accepting of him. Vader put an arm around each of them, and then turned his attention back to Padmé, as though it was every day that he had two small children perched on his lap.

“We are approaching the Alderaan System,” he told her. “Bail Organa may be able to help us. His loyalty to you is above question; he is a powerful man with many connections.”

Padmé nodded. “Yes, I think that’s a brilliant idea,” she said. “He will help us; I have no doubt of that.”

“Good,” he said. “I don’t think it would be wise for you to go to him, though; we cannot take the chance that you would be seen by someone with a connection to Sidious. I will go to him.”

“Okay, I think that’s probably for the best,” she said. “I only hope he can accept that you are trying to help us, and trust you enough to offer help.”

“Yes, me too,” Vader said. He turned his attention to his children, noticing how his son looked upset. “What is it, Luke?” he asked.

Luke looked up at him, his big blue eyes shining with tears. “I can’t find Spotty,” he said softly.

“Spotty is Luke’s favorite stuffed bear,” Leia explained. “It wasn’t in his bag.”

“It must have been left behind,” Padmé said. “I’m sorry, Luke,” she added, reaching over and stroking the boy’s face as the tears started to fall.

The sight of his small boy’s tears tore Vader up more than he ever could have imagined possible, and it made him realize the ferocity of his protectiveness for his family.

“What does Spotty look like?” Vader asked, determined to fix the situation.

Luke looked up at him. “He’s yellow,” he said softly. “And he has blue spots on him.”

Vader nodded, seeing the image of the toy in his son’s mind and committing it to memory. “I will find him, Luke,” he said. “Don’t worry.”

Padmé did not question his statement, reasoning that if he set his mind to it, Anakin would make it happen.

“I need to get back to the bridge,” he said. “We’ll be reaching Alderaan within the next few hours.”

Padmé nodded her understanding. “Okay, come on children,” she said, holding her hands out to them. “Time for Daddy to go.”

Reluctantly the children left their father and sat down with their mother.

“I will be back later,” he told them all. “Don’t worry, Luke. I won’t rest until I find the renegade bear.”

Luke smiled, not completely understanding his father’s comment, but appreciating the sentiment behind it.

Vader looked one more time at his wife, and then left the family he loved and returned to the bridge.

[therealthing]

Chapter 7

Bail Organa and his wife, Breha had just finished their mid day meal when one of the household servants entered the dining room.

“Excuse me, your highness,” he said, addressing Bail. “Lord Vader is here.”

Bail and Breha looked at one another. “What does he want??” Breha asked with a frown.

“I don’t know,” Bail replied, standing up at once. “But I’d better see at once. The last thing we need is him losing his temper.”

Breha and their six year old daughter, Winter, watched him leave.

“What does Lord Vader want with Daddy?” Winter asked.

Breha shook her head. “I don’t know, darling,” she replied, trying to hide her fear from the child. “But I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about,” she added, trying to convince herself that this was so.


Vader was in the spacious office of Bail Organa, standing with his hands behind his back, examining the many holographic portraits on the walls. The child in the photo was dark haired with dark eyes, much like his own daughter, and looked roughly the same age as Leia. Vader smiled to himself as he thought of how spunky she was, how outspoken and confident she was. Padmé has done an incredible job with them both, he thought. The twins were so different; Luke seemed more like Padmé in personality, gentle, more reserved, and yet wise beyond his years; while Leia seemed much more like himself. Or at least the person I used to be, he corrected himself.

“Lord Vader, what brings you to Alderaan?”

Vader turned around and saw Bail Organa standing there, his dark eyes full of trepidation and barely concealed animosity.

“A matter of great importance,” Vader replied. “Involving my family.”

Organa’s eyes widened. “Your family??” he repeated. “I wasn’t aware you had one, Vader.”

Vader did his best to master his anger at the man’s audacity. “You of all people know that I do,” he replied evenly. “You are, after all, one of the few people who know my wife did not in fact die on Mustafar.”

Organa did not reply immediately. Is he trying to trick me? Is he laying a trap??

“Padmé and our children came to me recently,” Vader continued when Organa did not respond. “It seems all these years she believed that I was dead, just as I thought she was.”

“You expect me to believe that Padmé would go to you?” Organa exclaimed at once, unable to hold his tongue any longer. “After Mustafar? After the way you betrayed her?”

Vader clenched his fists angrily. “If it were safe for her to be seen in public, I would have brought her down to the planet,” he replied at last. “But as you surely realize, the emperor has been looking for her and I will not risk her safety.”

Organa frowned, not believing his ears. “And you pose no risk to her safety? Is that what you want me to believe?”

Vader sighed. “I realize that is difficult for you to believe, but it is the truth. Padmé came to me seeking my protection, and I will do whatever it takes to protect her and our children, even if it means killing the emperor myself to do it.”

Organa was taken aback by the adamancy of Vader’s words. Was he sincere in his desire to protect Padmé and the twins? Or was this some sort of elaborate ruse? To what end, though; what does he hope to accomplish??

“So what do you want from me?” Organa asked at last, still trying to discern Vader’s motives.

“I need a place to hide her and the children,” Vader replied. “A place that the emperor would never think of, a place that has no connection with Padmé or with me.”

Organa wasn’t sure how to respond. What are the real reasons you want to hide her, Vader? What is really going on?

Vader, of course, could easily read the questions and doubts in Organa’s mind. And although he resented them, he couldn’t really blame Organa; after all, what reason had he given anyone recently to trust his motives?

“My family means more to me than anything in the galaxy, Viceroy,” Vader said at last. “You may not believe that, but it is the truth. Perhaps I was wrong to expect you to help us,” he said. “Padmé seemed certain that you would, but I have my doubts.” He walked towards the door, frustrated and disappointed that his plans had gone awry. Padmé will be so disappointed, he thought to himself. Now what?? “Vader, wait.”

Vader stopped in his tracks and turned back to Organa.

“I would like to see Padmé,” he said, “and the twins. See for myself that she is unharmed and that you are on the level with this.”

Vader nodded. “Very well,” he said. “Come with me.”

Organa was surprised, expecting Vader to find some reasons why he could not see her; but he had not. His desire to help her seemed genuine; we’ll see... Organa thought.

The two men walked through the embassy towards where Vader had left his shuttle. They spoke very little, both of them lost in their own thoughts.

“Oh, before we go,” Vader said as they boarded the shuttle. “There is one thing more I require.”

Here we go, Organa thought smugly, waiting for the excuses to start.

“I need to …to visit a toy shop,” Vader replied.

Vader’s words could not have been more surprising. “What did you say??” Organa asked.

“A toy shop,” Vader replied. “A place to buy toys. Do you know where I may find such a place?”

Organa nodded. “Of course,” he replied. “I’ll take you there if you wish.”

“I do,” Vader replied. “Let’s go at once. I have a promise to keep.”

Organa was intrigued by the Dark Lord’s words, and lead him to a speeder. Organa drove into the city center, starting to think that this was all some sort of surreal dream he was having. I’m driving Darth Vader to a toy store…this can’t be real…

“Here we are,” Organa said as he parked the speeder in the street across from a large toy store. “Will that do?”

Vader nodded. “Yes, it should suffice,” he replied, opening the door to the speeder. Organa got out too, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Vader walked into the store, ignoring the shocked and alarmed looks of the other patrons. The shop keeper approached him nervously, wringing his hands together.

“C-c-c-can I help you, Lord Vader??” He asked.

Vader nodded. “I’m looking for a stuffed bear,” he said.

Organa stood behind Vader, hearing him with incredulity.

“We have a number of stuffed bears, my lord,” the shopkeeper said, “please, this way.”

Vader and Organa followed the little man to a section of the store where there were many shelves of plush toys.

“As you can see, my lord, we have many bears,” the store keeper said proudly. “Of every size and color you can imagine. Is there something particular you’d like?”

Vader ignored the man, his eyes scanning each and every toy on the shelf, searching for the one he had seen in Luke’s mind. Too big, wrong color, no dots…. He thought in frustration, not seeing what he wanted. And then he saw it. Using the Force, he brought the small yellow bear to his hand.

“This is the one,” he said, turning to the merchant.

The merchant nodded. “Of course, sir,” he said. “Let me wrap if for you.”


“Shall we?” Vader said as he and Organa returned to the embassy.

Organa nodded as they boarded the shuttle. He had not said anything since they had entered the toy store, for he had no idea what to say. The sight of the Dark Lord of the Sith with a small teddy bear in his hands was one he never expected to see as long as he lived, nor one he would forget either. Was this all part of his plan? To lull me into a false sense of security? To fool me into thinking he is human under all that leather and metal? Yet, the single mindedness of Vader as he scoured the shelves for just that particular bear was very much like that of a father looking for just the right toy, just as he himself had searched for the very doll that his own child, Winter, had wanted for her birthday a few weeks earlier.

As for Vader, he had stopped caring about what Organa thought. He felt certain that Padmé would convince him of the sincerity of their request. But what was foremost on his mind was how pleased he was to have found a bear to replace the one Luke had lost. He could hardly wait to give it to him and see the look on the boy’s face when his beloved Spottty returned.

“Who is it for?”

Vader turned and looked at Organa as they headed for the Exactor.

“What?” Vader asked simply.

“The bear,” Organa said. “Who is it for?”

Vader turned his attention back to the controls. “My son,” he replied simply.

Organa nodded, understanding completely, and yet still not understanding at all. If Darth Vader were the cold, heartless beast that the galaxy knew him to be, why had be been so hell bent on finding just the right bear for his son? Were those the actions of a heartless cyborg? Or a loving father?

“He lost his,” Vader explained. “And is miserable without it.”

“I know what that’s like,” Organa replied. “My little girl couldn’t find her favorite doll for nearly a week,” he told Vader. “One of the longest weeks of my life, I tell you.”

“I can imagine,” Vader agreed.

As incredible as it seemed, particularly to Organa, the two men were actually sharing a fatherly discussion about their children. And by the time they reached the Exactor, Organa was starting to see that the presence of his twins in Vader’s life had made a huge impact, changing the Dark Lord at a level that no one who had not witnessed it first hand would ever believe.

“Padmé is not expecting you, but I’m sure she will be pleased to see you again nonetheless,” Vader told Organa as he led him to the quarters where Padmé and the twins were staying.

Organa simply nodded, bracing himself for anything, for even still he was not entirely convinced that this change in Vader was not apart of an elaborate plan. As soon as the door to Padmé’s quarters opened, however, all doubts in his mind evaporated.

“Daddy!” Leia exclaimed as she rushed him at the door. Vader bent and picked up the child.

“Hello, my lady,” he said. “Are you all alone this afternoon?”

Leia giggled, as she did every time he called her that. “No, of course not,” she said.

“Bail! What are you doing here??”

Organa looked over to see Padmé entering the room, holding the hand of a small boy he assumed must be Leia’s twin brother, Luke.

“I came…came here to see you,” he said, watching as the boy greeted his father in much the same manner as Leia had, though not quite as aggressively. Vader picked Luke up as well, as Organa watched in utter shock.

“Well come in and sit down,” Padmé said. “It’s good to see you after so long. How is Breha? And your little girl, Winter, right?”

Organa nodded, dumbfounded by the picture of familial harmony that he was witnessing.

“They are fine, thanks,” he said.

“Senator Organa felt the need to speak to you personally, Padmé,” Vader explained, sitting down with the twins. “He naturally has some …reservations where I am concerned. “

“Oh?” Padmé said. “Such as?” she asked, turning back to Organa.

Organa didn’t know what to say at this point. Clearly the man seated between two obviously adoring children was not same Sith Lord Organa had come to hate and fear; the look in the eyes of the children, as well as Padmé, told him that Vader had indeed changed, that the presence of his family in his life had created some sort of metamorphosis in him. Suddenly it seemed entirely possible that what Vader had said down on the planet surface was true, that he was telling the truth. This was a not a man intent on keeping prisoners; this was a man who was desperate to protect his family, who he obviously loved a great deal.

“I’d almost forgotten,” Vader said before Organa could speak. He reached into the great folds of his cloak and pulled out a package, and handed it to Luke. The boy took the package, looking up at his father questioningly.

“Go ahead, son,” Vader urged him gently. “Open it.”

“Yeah, open it!” Leia urged, only slightly envious that her brother had received a gift and she had not.

Luke pulled back the store wrapping to see the small yellow, spotted bear that Vader had bought on the planet below. He looked back up at his father, his eyes conveying the love and appreciation he felt within him.

“I told you I’d find him,” Vader told Luke, tousling his blond locks affectionately.

“Mommy, look! Spotty!!” Luke said excitedly, showing Padmé.

Padmé smiled. “That is wonderful!” She replied. “See how much your father loves you?”

Luke turned back to his father and nodded, and then put his small arms around Vader’s neck to embrace him.

Bail Organa sat watching the scene before him, his mind almost refusing to believe what his eyes were seeing. How can I not help this family? He thought to himself. How can I betray them to Kenobi the way he hopes I will?

“Well Bail, will you help us?” Padmé said at last, seeing the look of shock on the senator’s face.

Bail turned to her. “Yes, Padmé,” he replied finally. “I will.”

[therealthing]

Chapter 8

“My family has a cottage on Delaya,” Organa told Padmé and Vader. “Deep in a heavily forested area. It’s quite remote. Would that suffice?”

“Yes, that would do nicely,” Vader replied, nodding his head. “Aside from Alderaan itself, the Emperor would have little interest in the system.”

“I agree,” Organa replied. “The place hasn’t been used in a while; it may be a in need of a little work.”

“That’s alright,” Padmé said. “I’m not afraid of getting my hands dirty.”

“I’m sure you’re not,” Organa replied with a smile. “And with two extra pairs of hands, you will have no trouble at all getting the place all set.”

“I wish I’d brought Threepio and Artoo with us,” Padmé sighed. “They’d be a great help too.”

“Arrangements can be made to bring them to Delaya,” Vader said.

“That would be wonderful,” Padmé said with a smile.

Vader nodded, pleased that things were falling into place. Yet, he realized that he had a long way to go. I still need to find a way to deal with Sidious, he reminded himself.

“I will leave the details to the two of you,” he said, standing up. “I must return to the bridge.”

“Stay for dinner, Daddy,” Leia said, taking his hand in hers. “Please?”

Vader looked down at his young daughter, wishing more than anything that he could do something as simple as sharing a meal with his family. “I’m afraid that isn’t possible, little one; I am needed on the bridge.” he said, taking her small face in his hand. “But thank you for the invitation.” He looked up at Padmé. “I shall return soon,” he told her.

Padmé nodded. “Okay,” she said, standing up to walk him to the door. As he reached the doorway, he felt her take his hand. He turned and looked down at her in surprise.

“Thank you for what you did for Luke,” she said looking up to him. “You’ve made him so happy.”

Vader nodded. “I was glad to do it,” he replied. “They are so beautiful, Padmé, so precious. I have already placed a protective shield around all of you; the Force shall protect you from the emperor’s detection.”

Padmé smiled. “Thank you,” she said. “But I’m worried about you, Anakin. I hate the thought of him abusing you and patronizing you,” she said with a frown.

Vader lifted his other hand to her face. He touched her face tentatively, half expecting her to recoil under his touch. But she did not. “Do not worry, Padmé,” he told her. “I will not let him win, never again.”

She nodded. “I know you won’t,” she said.

He looked at her for a moment longer, and then turned and left.

Organa had watched the exchange, not hearing the words, but seeing the tenderness Vader had imparted to his wife. Incredible, he thought. Who ever would have imagined this could happen??

Padmé returned to where Organa was seated and sat down. “So, let’s get down to it.”
.
************************************************

Vader reached the bridge, forcing himself to focus on his duties there.

“The report you ordered, sir.”

Vader turned to the captain and took the data pad, examining it briefly. There had been reports of a renegade Jedi in the Garos System. Sidious had been quite explicit in his orders with regards to the Jedi- they must all be destroyed, down to the last man, woman and youngling. If I don’t at least investigate this, Sidious’ wrath will be great indeed.

“Your orders, sir?”

“We shall head for the Garos System as soon as we deliver our delegates to their respective planets,” he said. “Until then, maintain orbit.”

“Yes sir,” the officer replied. “Oh, and sir, the emperor commands you to make contact with him.”

Vader nodded his understanding, his body tensing at the thought of talking to his master. “I will go now,” he said. “You have the bridge, captain.”

Vader walked through the corridors of the Exactor, his mind focused on the conversation he was about to have with the emperor. He will never find you, Padmé, never.

He entered the great hall where a large holographic platform had been set up specifically to communicate with the galactic emperor. His mind was set, the mental barriers firmly in place as he knelt down to wait for his master’s image to appear. He did not have to wait long before the enormous holographic image of Sidious appeared.

“What is thy bidding, my master?” Vader said, the words leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.

“What is the situation on Alderaan?” Palpatine asked without preamble. “Have you had the discussion with the Viceroy that I requested?”

Requested? Don’t you mean ordered?? Damn it, I’d forgotten about that, Vader thought to himself. Palpatine was incredibly paranoid, and as such saw spies and traitors at every turn. He had not trusted Bail Organa since his involvement in the Delegation of 2000. Palpatine had ordered Vader to let the Viceroy know in no uncertain terms that he was considered an enemy of the emperor, and that he and his entire household were being watched closely. Vader, of course, had had no such conversation with Organa; and Palpatine knew just by the Dark Lord’s silence that he had not.

“I have not yet had the opportunity,” Vader replied at last. “But I assure you that…”

“This is not the first time that you have disregarded my orders, Lord Vader,” spat Sidious. “You seem to think that you have a choice in these matters; I assure you that you do not!” Sidious punctuated his comment with a blast of Sith lightening directed at Vader’s spine. Vader was engulfed in pain, crippling pain, and he fell forward, bracing himself with one hand.

“I am…sorry, my master,” he gasped as the attack abated momentarily. “I will not fail you again…”

“See to it that you do not,” Sidious replied, sending another blast through Vader’s body, carefully avoiding the electronic circuitry of his breathing apparatus. While he took great pleasure in punishing his servant, he still needed him nonetheless. Vader’s second hand hit the floor, as he knelt before the fading image of his master as a slave would kneel before his owner. He squeezed his eyes tightly, willing the pain away. Slowly he rose to his feet, the pain still filling him. He made his way out of the room and to the nearest turbo lift. Once inside, he slumped against the wall, fighting for control. I did it, he thought triumphantly, despite his enormous pain. I kept them protected…I kept them hidden… If it took ten times the pain, he knew he would endure if it meant keeping those he loved safe.

Vader had almost made it back to Padmé’s quarters when he was met in the corridor by Bail Organa.

“I need to go over a few things with you,” Organa said as Vader reached him. “Padmé and I have….” He stopped as he saw Vader brace himself with one hand against the bulk head, obviously in great pain.

“What happened?” Organa asked, putting an arm around the Dark Lord’s waist.

“The…emperor...” Vader managed to say. “He is displeased….”

Organa frowned as he struggled to help the faltering Sith Lord down the corridor. When they reached Padmé’s quarters, he helped Vader inside. Padmé had just settled the kids down to bed when she saw Organa enter the room with Vader in tow.

“Ani!” she cried, running over to two men. “What happened??”

Organa sat Vader down on the sofa. “I don’t know,” he panted. “Something to do with the emperor I think.”

Vader sat and leaned back, closing his eyes and trying to master his pain.

“What did he do to you?” Padmé demanded. “What did he do, Anakin?”

Vader opened his eyes and looked at his wife, her concern for him evident in her eyes. “He is angry with me,” he replied. “He…punished me…”

Padmé felt the anger welling up within her at the thought of Palpatine. “What did he do?” she asked her voice a little more calm.

“Sith lightning,” Vader replied simply.

Padmé shook her head, the anger making tears spring to her eyes. “We won’t let him win, Anakin,” she said, taking his hand. “We will destroy him; somehow we will destroy him and end his thrall on you forever.”

Vader squeezed his wife’s hand. “Yes, my angel, we will.”

[therealthing]

Chapter 9

“I think this latest incident with the emperor only serves to underscore our need to get you away from here,” Organa said to Padmé. “He is a sadistic monster who would stop at nothing to destroy every member of this family.”

Padmé nodded, hearing his words, but still concerned for her husband. It infuriated her to see him in such pain, inflicted by the monster he called his master.

“I agree with the Viceroy,” Vader said. “You and the children must hide, and soon.”

Padmé frowned, not liking where he was going with this. “Wait a minute; you’re coming with us, aren’t you? You are in as much danger from that maniac as we are, Anakin. Isn’t what he did to you today proof of that??”

“I cannot simply disappear, Padmé,” he replied. “That would rouse his suspicions. I have no intention of letting you and the children fend for yourselves in isolation; I will join you, but it must be at the proper time, otherwise Palpatine will suspect that something is going on.”

Organa nodded. “I agree,” he said. “The emperor is already so suspicious, it wouldn’t take much for him to suspect that there is something afoot. Perhaps you can fake your death, just as Padmé did five years ago.”

Vader nodded. “That might work,” he replied. “But even if I do that, it has to be in a way that is believable. I’m a Sith; we are not easily killed, Viceroy.”

“I realize that,” Organa countered. “But you’re not immortal, Vader. Surely between the three of us we can think of a way to make it look like you’ve perished; perhaps in a crash, or…”

“Anakin is the best pilot in the galaxy,” Padmé cut in. “No one would believe that.”

Vader looked at his wife, a smile under his mask. “Well, perhaps under the right circumstances they might,” he replied.

“Such as?” Padmé asked.

“An attack,” suggested Organa. “There are plenty of people around who would like to see Darth Vader dead; perhaps an ambush from the Rebel Alliance.”

“But how would they know where he is?” Padmé asked. “And what would they be doing in this sector if they are trying to avoid detection from the Empire?”

“You’d be surprised where you’d find Rebel sympathizers, Padmé,” Vader said matter-of-factly. “Believe me. Part of my assignment this past five years is to seek them out, and I can tell you, they are everywhere. The idea is a sound one,” he concluded.

Organa nodded, finding it strange to hear Darth Vader speak of the Rebels so casually. Ironic indeed that the existence of this alliance may serve to help its greatest enemy...

“I will be visiting the Garos System very soon,” Vader continued. “Perhaps the unfortunate accident could occur while I’m on that mission.”

“That would work,” Organa said. “It’s pretty far from the Core, probably not too closely watched by the Empire.”

Vader nodded. “Yes, you’re right. We’ll make this work, Padmé, don’t worry. You and the children will not be there alone for long, I promise.”

“I hope not, Anakin,” she replied quietly, trying to shake a growing feeling of unease.

“If it would make you feel better, I will have Padmé and the twins escorted to Delaya and keep a small contingent of guards there to keep an eye on things,” Organa suggested. “Until you can join her there.”

Vader nodded. “That is a good idea,” he said. “And I know it would make me feel better about sending you on alone,” he said to Padmé. “Knowing that you are under the protection of the Viceroy’s personal guard.”

Padmé sighed. “I suppose that is what we should do, then,” she said at last.

“Good,” Organa said, standing up. “So it’s settled then. I will arrange for your escort this very evening, Padmé, and can have you and the twins taken to Delaya first thing tomorrow morning if you wish.”

Padmé looked back at Vader, and although she could not see his face, she knew that he felt the same way about their impending separation. “Thank you, Bail,” she said softly. “I appreciate all your help.”



Bail Organa returned to the planet surface within the hour, leaving Vader alone with his wife.

“What takes you to the Garos System?” she asked him.

Vader hesitated, not knowing what to tell her. His true reasons for going were not ones he wished to share with her, for he knew they would only upset and horrify her. You owe her the truth, after everything you’ve done, you owe her at least that much.

“There have been reports of a renegade Jedi in the vicinity,” he replied, looking away from her. “I am going there to…investigate.”

Padme felt a chill go up her spine, reminding her that despite the devotion he demonstrated to her and their children, he was still very much a Dark Lord of the Sith.

“Investigate? Or eliminate?” she asked pointedly.

Vader turned back to her. “Padmé, you know the position I’m in,” he replied. “What would the emperor think if all of a sudden I stopped doing my job? Don’t you think he would suspect something?”

Padmé hated to admit it, but she knew he was right. “Yes, I suppose he would,” she admitted. “But still…”

Padmé was interrupted by a small child running into the room. It was Luke.

“What is it, Luke?” Padmé asked as he ran into her embrace. “You’re trembling!”

“I had a bad dream,” Luke said, burying his face against her shoulder.

Padmé stroked the boy’s hair gently. “It’s okay, Luke; it was only a dream.”

Don’t be so sure, Padmé, Vader reflected, remembering the many occasion he’d suffered bad dreams in his youth, dreams which often turned out to be portents of the future.

“What was it about, son?” Vader asked.

Luke looked up and over to his father. “It was about you,” he said softly. “I saw you, Daddy, I saw you being hurt, hurt bad.”

Padmé looked over at Vader, both of them realizing the same thing; Luke had witnessed what his father had just suffered. It astounded them both. Obviously Luke’s connection to his father was truly strong, only after such a short time.

Vader sighed deeply, and held his hands out to the boy. Luke came to his father at once.

“I’m fine, Luke,” Vader said, pulling his son onto his lap. “You needn’t worry, son. I’m just fine.”

Luke examined his father’s mask closely, as though trying to discern if he were telling the truth. “I was scared that you would die,” he told him solemnly. “I don’t want you to die, Daddy.”

Vader did not know how to respond to his son’s words, or to the outpouring of love the he felt emanating from the small boy. He never imagined that he could feel so connected to another human being. “I’m not going to die, Luke,” he replied at last. “I’m going to be around for a long time to protect you, your sister and your mother. Do you hear me?”

Luke nodded, believing his father’s words.

“Good,” Vader said. “Think you can sleep now?”

Luke nodded again, rubbing his eyes tiredly.

“Okay then,” Vader said. “Let’s get you back in bed.” He picked his son up in his arms and carried him back into the bedroom, where Leia slept peacefully. Vader gently lay Luke down in the bed beside his sister and pulled the covers up over him, and tucked Spotty into the crook of the boy’s arm. “Sweet dreams this time, okay?” he said.

Luke nodded a smile on his face. “Goodnight, Daddy,” he said, reaching his hands up to frame Vader’s mask. To Vader’s utter astonishment, Luke planted a kiss on the tip of his nose, and then rolled over and closed his eyes. Vader straightened up, ignoring the pain he felt shooting through his back as he did so, and simply watched his children as they slept.

“Is he asleep?” Padme asked as Vader returned to the sitting room.

Vader nodded. “Yes, “he replied. “He is such a remarkable child, Padmé.”

Padmé smiled. “Yes, he is,” she agreed. “Just like his father was.” She watched him as he walked across the room. “Are you alright?”

“Yes,” he replied, a little too quickly. “Nothing a little sleep won’t help. That is if I’m lucky to get any.”

“How do you sleep?” she asked, the curiosity getting the better of it. “I mean, you obviously cannot remove that breathing apparatus,” she added.

“I can only when I’m in my meditation chamber,” he told her. “I had it built so I could feel human, at least on occasion,” he told her.

“You can take off your mask??” she asked in surprise.

Vader nodded. “Yes, it is the only place I am able to breathe unaided for any more than a short span of time.”

“I’m sorry,” she said softly. “I know this must be so difficult for you to talk about,” she added.

“You are my wife, Padme,” he replied. “You can ask me anything. I will even show you the chamber if you wish.”

“I’d like to see it,” she replied. I’d like to see you. I need to see you.

“There is a passage way that leads to my quarters,” he said, walking over to the computer screen and showing her its location on a schematics map. “It would be prudent if you were not seen by anyone.”

“Yes, I agree,” she said, looking at the map. She felt excited, and yet a great sense of trepidation too. As much as she longed to see the face of her Anakin, would he allow her to? Or would it be too difficult for him to show her the ravages left by the fires of Mustafar?

“Then I will see you later on,” he said, looking up at her. “If you’re sure you want to do this.”

Padme nodded. “I’m sure,” she said. “I want to know everything I can about your life, Anakin. Everything.”

Vader nodded. “Very well,” he said, walking to the exit, trying not to show his anxiety. “And so you shall.”

[therealthing]

Chapter 10

What was I thinking?? She will be horrified when she sees the way you must live…what if she asks to see your face? What then? Vader walked along, growing more apprehensive with each step.

“You, protocol droid,” he said to a passing droid.

“Yes, how might I serve you, Lord Vader?” it asked.

“Report to the dignitary’s quarters at once,” Vader ordered. “The Senator requires someone to watch her children while she takes a tour of the ship.”

“I shall report there at once, sir,” the droid responded, shuffling off.

Vader continued on his way, his nervousness not ablating the closer he got to his personal quarters.


“Lord Vader asked me to report to you, m’am. I understand you require someone to mind your children.”

Padmé smiled. He still thinks of everything, she reflected. “Thank you,” she replied. “they are asleep now, so you won’t have much to do I’m afraid.”

“I understand, milady.”

Padmé walked into the fresher to fix her hair. She looked at herself in the mirror, trying to decide if she ought to take out her braid, or leave it in. She tried to deny how nervous she felt at the prospect of seeing where Anakin spent his private time. Will he allow me to see his face? Or will he be too self-conscious, too ashamed…

Pulling her braid apart, Padmé tried to put her fears aside, her fears of what she would see. From what Obi-Wan had said, Anakin’s injuries had been massive; the thought of seeing him and witnessing the extent of those injuries was daunting and more than a little unnerving. No matter what, he’s still Anakin; she resolved as she brushed out her long hair and arranged it around her shoulders. Ani always loved it loose.... She left the fresher, picked up the dark green cloak from the end of her bed, and, after kissing each of her sleeping children, left the room.

Vader paced in his quarters, hands clasped behind his back. She’s changed her mind…she isn’t coming…she cannot face this nightmare that is my life…Fool!! he admonished himself bitterly. What makes you think she’d truly want to know? Want to see the monster you have become?

Vader turned his head as he heard doors opening. She is here… He walked to meet her, excitement and trepidation filling him both in equal measure.

“Good evening,” he said when he reached her.

“Hello,” she said, lowering her hood. She smiled, nervous energy filling her all of a sudden. “Thank you for sending the droid to watch the children.”

“You’re welcome,” Vader replied, taking her cloak from her shoulders. “Protocol droids do come in handy on occasion,” he commented wryly.

Padmé laughed. “Well, Threepio seems to think the entire household would fall apart without him to hold it together.”

Vader could not help but smile at this comment, remembering the droid well. “I can imagine,” he said.

“He is good with the children though,” Padmé continued, looking around the room briefly. “Even though Leia makes fun of him mercilessly.”

Vader actually laughed at this comment, something he had not done in so very long. “Does she??”

Padmé nodded. “Yes, and Artoo only encourages her,” she continued. “And you know Threepio, so long suffering, so persecuted.”

Vader nodded. “Yes, I remember that well,” he said. “I think I over did it with the personality when I created that droid.”

Padmé smiled. “Maybe so,” she conceded. She couldn’t contain her curiosity any longer, and walked further into the room. “So this is where you spend your time when you’re not on the bridge,” she said, looking around. She stopped at the sight of the meditation chamber. “Is that the chamber you were telling me about?”

Vader nodded. He watched as Padmé approached the chamber which stood open. Tentatively she looked inside, amazed by the intricacy of the controls, the complexity of the design. She looked back at Vader. “So how does it work?” she asked.

Vader stepped over to stand beside her. “Well, this is where I sit,” he said, pointing to the seat in the middle of the chamber. “And up there,” he said, pointing to a mechanical claw suspended from the top of the chamber, “is the device that removes my mask and helmet. While I’m in here, I can breathe on my own; the atmosphere is hyper-oxygenated.”

“So this is where you sleep? How long are you able to be in here without your mask?” she asked.

“Sleep isn’t something I get a lot of anymore,” he replied. And what little sleep I do get is full of your face…”But I can exist in here for several hours without the use of my mask.”

Padmé nodded, fascinated and yet heart broken to see the great lengths he needed to go to simply to sleep, something that most people took for granted.

“So I suppose that means you need to be inside with the chamber closed for it to work properly,” she observed.

He nodded. “I am able to keep it open for short periods of time, but not for long. Fifteen minutes tops before the atmosphere is compromised.”

“I see,” she said. She hesitated before asking what was foremost on her mind, not sure how he would react. “I want to see your face, Anakin,” she said, turning to him. “Will you let me?”

Vader turned to her, not surprised by the question, but unnerved by it all the same. “I don’t know,” he said hesitantly. “I’m not sure you’ll want to, Padmé. I’m not the man you remember.”

“I know you don’t look the same,” she said. “But you are the same man, Anakin. The outside doesn’t matter much to me.”

Vader sighed. “You may change your mind when you see me, Padmé,” he replied. “But I will show you, if that is what you truly want.”

“It is,” she replied.

“Very well,” he responded, stepping into the chamber.

Vader sat down, his apprehension rising. He activated the mechanism that controlled the claw above his head, and it slowly began its descent.

Padmé watched as the claw took a hold of the helmet, encircling it. She heard the mechanism release the mask from the neck brace, and watched as it slowly retracted, lifting the mask and the helmet with it.

The moment their eyes met Padmé felt her strength nearly give way, but she remained strong and held his gaze. His beautiful golden locks were gone, leaving him bald. He was so pale, his once uncommonly handsome face marred with vicious scars. But his eyes, they were the same, they had not changed. Those are the eyes of the man I love, she thought, her heart aching at the sight of his face. She smiled at him, and, without a moment’s hesitation, brought her hands to his face.

Vader closed his eyes, overwhelmed by the sensation of her touch upon his skin. It had been five years since he’d had any human contact at all, five long years.

Gently Padmé caressed the battered face of her Anakin, over his brows, down the sides of his face, just being able to touch him again after so long leaving her shaken and emotional. Vader opened his eyes, shocked at her reaction. How can she bear to look at me, much less touch me??

“I’m sorry, Padmé,” he said at last, his voice weak without the voice enunciator. “So sorry I look this way,” he said his voice barely audible.

She shook her head, her eyes brilliant with tears. “Don’t,” she said. “Please. This wasn’t your doing.”

“But it was,” he replied. “I didn’t listen to you, didn’t listen to anyone but the monster who used me for his own ends. I deserve this, Padmé…after what I did to you, I deserve…”

She stopped him with a finger over his lips. “Stop,” she said. “No one deserves what you have suffered, Anakin. No one.”

He shook his head. “How can you be so forgiving, Padmé?” he asked incredulously. “How can you bear to look at me after the way I betrayed you? I don’t deserve your compassion. I don’t deserve to have you and our children in my life after the way I turned on you…” Vader’s emotions started to break through the meticulously built wall he had erected around himself.

“Forgive me, Padmé,” he said as hot tears slid down his shattered visage.

Padmé wrapped her arms around his neck as they both wept, their tears a mix of sadness, of regret; but also of joyful reunion, of love, of forgiveness. Padmé pulled back and planted a tender kiss on his brow, and then another on one cheek, and then the other. She looked into his eyes, seeing there the same emotions reflected that she herself felt. “I’ve missed you so much,” she whispered as her tears continued to stream down her face.

Vader lifted his hands to her face, holding it tenderly, reverently. “I’ve been an empty shell without you,” he told her, his voice raspy as his oxygen supply started to wane.

She noticed the change at once, and frowned. “Are you alright?” she asked. “Maybe it’s time to replace the mask,” she suggested wistfully.

“I’m afraid so,” he replied. Padmé stepped away, and allowed him to activate the mechanical claw once again. She watched as it returned the mask and helmet, stealing him away from her once again. Once it was in place, Vader stood and joined her outside the pod.

“Thank you for sharing that with me,” she told him. “I know that wasn’t easy for you.”

“You made it much easier than I expected,” he told her, taking her hand. “Thank you, Padmé. Thank you for not hating what I have become.”

Padmé shook her head. “You are still the Ani I love,” she said. “Even though you don’t realize it yet, even if you won’t admit it even to yourself. That hasn’t changed.”

Vader stood, scarcely able to believe his ears. “My angel,” he said, touching her face lightly with his other hand. “My life has meaning again now that you have come back to me.”



Vader stood at the door where Padmé had just exited, his hand leaning against the door. The brief contact they’d shared was more than he ever imagined he could hope for in his life time; and yet, it had served to augment the longing he already felt for her, deepening his desire for her. He clenched his fist in frustration as the reality of his situation crashed down around him, reminding him all to keenly of his physical limitations. With monumental anger and frustration, he slammed his fist into the bulkhead, leaving a gaping hole in the wall. Vader turned and stalked away from the door, returning to his pod once again where he was sure to spend a restless night.

Padmé managed to control her emotions long enough to reach her quarters. Once there, she quickly dismissed the droid, and sat down on the sofa. Face in her hands, she wept, giving full vent to the anguish and crushing sorrow that filled her heart. My poor Ani, she thought desolately. How you have suffered!!

Through her sorrow an idea pushed its way through, one that she had tried to ignore, but would not be ignored. He can be helped…his injuries can be repaired…there has to be a way…and I will find it, not matter how long it takes me, I will find a way...

[therealthing]

Chapter 11

Imperial City-Coruscant

Emperor Palpatine stood amid the fawning sycophants he loved to surround himself with, enjoying an after theater aperitif and he compliments of his adoring subjects. The play had been mediocre in his opinion; he’d fought hard to stifle to his yawns through the excruciatingly long ordeal.

As he stood there, he was struck with a dark ripple in the Force. Narrowing his yellow eyes, he concentrated on its source, smiling when he determined whence it had come. It seems Lord Vader is a particularly dark mood tonight, Palpatine reflected. The Dark Lord felt a tumultuous swirl of dark emotions surrounding his young apprentice: anger, frustration, pain…..and one he had not expected, lust. No doubt dreaming of his dearly departed wife again, Palpatine thought, disgusted at the weakness of his apprentice. Yet, if these fruitless desires serve to drive him deeper into the abyss of Darkness, then so much the better.

Palpatine turned his thoughts away from Vader and back to the party at hand.



Darth Vader arrived at the Padmé’s quarters early the next morning. Organa was already there, along with a young officer in his service, Captain Raymus Antilles. Vader felt a surge of jealousy as he saw Organa sitting beside Padmé, his hand on her arm in a gesture of protectiveness. He had to fight the urge to send the man across the room for daring to touch his wife, reminding himself that Organa was helping them, that he was an ally, not an enemy.

Padmé looked up when she heard Vader in the room. She smiled at him. “Good morning,” she said.

Vader nodded in response. “Good morning,” he replied. “I hope you slept well.”

Padmé shrugged. “not too well I’m afraid,” she admitted, “you?”

“It has been a long time since I slept well, Padmé,” he replied, sitting down across from her and Organa. “Where are the children?”

“Getting dressed,” Padmé replied. “They are excited about going to Delaya,” she told him. “But they don’t realize that you’re not coming with us, Anakin.”

“It cannot be helped, Padmé,” Vader responded. “Besides, it will be for a short time only.”

She nodded, knowing that the children would be very upset to have to say goodbye to their father.

“If there is nothing else, I will take your bags to the ship, my lady,” Antilles said, moving to the door.

“Thank you Captain,” Padmé replied. “We’ll be along shortly.”

Antilles left the three of them and headed off for the Tantive IV which was moored in the belly of the star destroyer.

“There is something I haven’t told you,” Organa said, turning to Vader. “Obi-Wan Kenobi contacted me just before you arrived at my home.”

Vader frowned under his mask, and turned to his wife. “What did he want? Or do I even need to ask?” he said.

“He suspected that Padmé was gone to look for you, and was looking for my help,” Organa responded. “He doesn’t think you’re capable of changing,” he added. “And fully expects you to bring harm to Padmé and the children.”

“Obi-Wan is the reason Anakin and I have spent the past five years apart,” Padmé retorted hotly. “He told me that Anakin had died on Mustafar, and has been lying ever since.”

“What did you tell Kenobi?” Vader asked Organa.

“I told him that if I learned anything I would contact him,” he replied. “But that was before I realized that things were not as any of us expected them to be.”

“And now that you know that Anakin is not going to harm any of us?” Padmé asked. “What will you tell him now?”

“Nothing,” Organa replied. “I will tell him nothing. He is bent on finding you though, Padmé; whether or not I help him to do so.”

Vader frowned under his mask, a dark surge of anger flashing through him. “I will deal with Kenobi in good time,” he pronounced ominously. “He will regret it if he tries to interfere with my family again.”

Padmé did not like the sound of his words, for he sounded too much like the Darth Vader who had terrorized the galaxy for five years. It was as though he were two men now; the fearsome, ruthless Sith Lord and the loving, protective father and husband. How can the two be reconciled without destroying him utterly?

Organa stood up. “I will see to the last minute arrangements,” he said, realizing that Vader and Padmé no doubt wanted some time alone together before their separation.

Vader stood up too. “Thank you Viceroy for everything you are doing to help us,” he said. “You have my gratitude.”

“You’re welcome,” he said, holding his hand out to Vader. “I will keep your family safe until you return.”

Vader nodded, shaking Organa’s hand. “Thank you,” he said.

Organa nodded, and then left the room, just as the twins made their entrance. They ran to their parents, excited at the prospect of their new home.

“Isn’t it exciting, Daddy?” Leia asked as Vader picked her up. “We will be living in the middle of a forest, just like our old house!”

Vader nodded. “Its sounds beautiful,” he said. “I look forward to seeing it.”

“Mommy said we’re going this morning,” Luke told his father. “After breakfast.”

Vader sighed, looking back at Padmé. “Well, children, I won’t be coming with you today,” he told them, hating the disappointed looks on their faces.

“Why not??” Leia demanded her indignation evident in the set of her shoulders.

“I have some work to do first,” he told his daughter and son. “But I will join you in a few days. It won’t be long, children. I promise.”

“Daddy is right,” Padmé said. “We’ll be together soon. Right now I want you two to eat your breakfast. It’s on the table right now.”

“Okay, Mommy,” Leia replied, the tone of disappointment not leaving her voice. The twins walked over to the table and sat down to eat their breakfast. When they were out of earshot, Vader turned to Padmé.

“I meant what I said, Padmé,” he told her. “I won’t allow Kenobi to come between us again.”

Padmé made no reply, his serious tone unnerving her. “He doesn’t understand the bond between us, Anakin; I don’t think he ever did.”

Vader shook his head. “No one did, Padmé,” he said, taking her hands in his. “I dreamed of you all night, Padmé,” he told her, “just as I have so many nights over the past five years.”

Padmé smiled. “I dreamed of you many times too,” she told him. “I can’t tell you how much it meant to see your face again, Ani.”

“Not exactly the face you remember, though,” he replied somberly.

Padmé heard the pain behind his words, and remembered the pain in his eyes, the immeasurable pain.

“Anakin, have you ever thought that perhaps your injuries could be repaired?” she asked. “If Palpatine lied about my death, then surely it’s possible he lied about your injuries too. Have you ever considered that?”

Vader remained silent for a moment, her words evoking a tumult of feelings within him. “No, I have not,” he replied at last. “I believed him, just as I believed everything else he told me, Padmé. Besides, I never considered that I was worthy of being healed, not after what I did to you. I’ve always looked upon these injuries as my punishment.”

Padmé frowned and shook her head, her hatred for Palpatine growing each moment. “But now that you know he lied about me, now that you know what truly happened, what do you think now? Don’t you think it’s at least worth investigating?”

Vader remained silent for a moment as he considered his wife’s words. Think of what it would mean to be whole again…no more mask…no more living as half a man…I could live my life normally, I could kiss my children goodnight, touch my wife in the way I have longed to for so long…

“Yes, I do,” he replied at last. “But promise me one thing, Padmé.”

“What is that?”

“That you don’t place too much hope on this,” he replied. “It may be that there is no way to repair my injuries, and I may very well have to exist like this for the rest of my life.”

Padmé nodded, not wishing to think of that as being a possibility. “I promise,” she replied. “But think of what it would it would mean, Ani. We could live a normal life, you and I. We could even have more children.”

Vader tried not to let her words get his hopes up, but it was difficult not to. The thought of living a normal life, of spending each night with her, making love to her, having more children with her, was like a dream to him. Was it possible??

“Nothing would make me happier,” he said at last. “I just don’t want you to pin your hopes on this, Padmé. Palpatine could have been telling the truth, as unlikely as that is.”

Padmé shook her head. “I don’t believe it,” she said. “If the technology to create clones exists, then surely your injuries can be fixed with similar technology.”

“Surely you don’t mean cloning,” he said.

“No, not cloning,” she replied. “Organic replication, from your own cells, “she replied. “I remember hearing about it when I was still a senator. I’m sure the technology has been perfected by now.”

Vader nodded. “It sounds promising,” he admitted.

“I will begin investigating it as soon as I ready Delaya,” she told him. “I won’t stop until I find the answer, Ani, because I know it’s out there.”

“All done!” Leia announced as she and Luke rejoined their parents. “Are we going soon, Mommy?”

“I’m afraid so, Leia,” Padmé replied. “Our bags are already on the ship. Time to say goodbye to your father.”

Vader sat down on the sofa as the twins came over to him, climbing onto his lap as soon as they reached him.

“I will be joining you very soon,” he told them, putting an arm around each of them. “But in the meantime, you be good, aright? Promise me you’ll help your mother.”

“We promise,” Luke said. “Don’t we Leia?”

Leia nodded, her eyes filling with tears. “I want you to come with us,” she said, her bottom lip pushing out ever so slightly. “It’s not fair.”

Vader stroked her dark hair gently. “I know it doesn’t seem that way,” he told her gently. “But sometimes we must do things that seem unfair, Leia. You will understand when you are older.”

Leia frowned, willing herself not to cry in front of her father, not wanting him to think her a baby. “Yes, Daddy,” she said quietly.

The door slid open, and Bail Organa entered the room. “Are well all set?” he asked.

Padmé nodded, a lump forming in her throat all of a sudden. Don’t be foolish, you’ll see him in a few days…a week tops...

Vader embraced his children. “I love you both, very much,” he said, the emotions welling up within him.

“I love you Daddy,” they told him, almost in unison as they hugged him as closely as possible.

“Come along, children,” Bail said, holding a hand out to each of them. “Let’s go.”

Luke and Leia left their father and joined Organa, turning to look at Vader once more before leaving the room with the Viceroy. When they’d left, Vader stood up to face his wife.

“We won’t be apart long, Padmé,” he said, taking her by the arms. “I promise you.”

Padmé nodded, trying to master her tears. “I know,” she said. “I just hate to say goodbye, not after we just found one another again.”

He pulled her close, as close as he could; wishing he could smell the fragrance of her hair again, feel the softness of her skin. Soon, very soon, he told himself. We will be together once again.

“Goodbye, my angel,” he said, holding her face in his hands. “I love you.”

That was all it took for Padmé’s tears to flow. “I love you too,” she whispered. “Please come back to us soon.”

And then she was gone. Vader stood in the empty quarters, where mere moments ago he had basked in the love of his family. And now they were gone. But this time it is temporary, he told himself. This time we will find one another again, and it wont’ be after five years this time.

Mustering the iron control over his emotions that he’d perfected over the past five years, Vader left the quarters, the Sith Lord once again.

[therealthing]

Chapter 12

Darth Vader arrived at the bridge just in time to see the Tantive IV moving out away from the great star destroyer. Take good care of my family, Organa, he thought to himself. Or you will pay dearly, that I promise you.

“Captain, lay in a course for the Garos System,” Vader ordered. “Maximum velocity.”

“Yes sir,” Captain Phipps replied at once, relaying the order to the bridge’s helmsman.

Vader stood, hands folded over his chest, watching as the planet Alderaan grew smaller in the view screen. It wasn’t long before it disappeared altogether, as the Exactor made the jump into hyperspace.

Vader tried to focus on the mission at hand, but his mind was too occupied with thoughts of his children, of his wife. Their last conversation still echoed in his mind, the suggestions she had made still very present in his thoughts. Was there a chance that what she had said could happen? Was it possible that he could be made whole again??

Vader reflected over the myriad of lies his master had told him over the past twenty years; what would stop him from lying about this too? Until now Vader had never questioned his physical condition; as he had told Padmé, he considered his injuries to be just punishment for all that he had done to her. But she was alive, she was well, and so were the children…these facts changed everything. There was no doubt that Palpatine considered Darth Vader to be more menacing as a cyborg than as fully human; the fact that his face was hidden alone made him terrifying. Was this the reason the emperor had lied about his injuries? Simply to retain the menacing specter of Darth Vader as his henchman? Or was there a more insidious reason?

To deprive Vader of his humanity would keep him forever mired in the misery and pain that had claimed him on Mustafar, and would serve forever as a reminder of all that he had lost on that fateful day. Pain, physical and emotional, were a way of life for Darth Vader, and Palpatine knew this. Pain kept him in line, kept him subservient, and kept his hold on the Dark Side firm.

The more Vader pondered it, the angrier he became. You made me what I am, my master, he thought darkly, as surely as if it had been you who had pushed me into the fiery hells of Mustafar. He had lied, of that Vader had no doubt. Padmé was right; which meant that there was hope.

It had been so long since Vader had felt anything akin to hope that it felt strange and foreign to him. Yet, he could not deny it; there was hope that his injuries could be repaired, hope that he could become fully human again. And when I do, you will regret having used me the way you have, Sidious, he thought as the star destroyer raced its way to the Garos System. You will pay for all that you have done, I promise you that my master.



Padmé and Bail Organa entered the cottage a few hours later. Luke and Leia each held one of their mother’s hands, excited at the prospect of their new home. However, when they entered the house, their excitement soon turned to dismay.

“Oh my,” Padmé said, looking around at the dirty, disheveled mess that surrounded them.

“I had no idea this place was this bad,” Organa said more than a little embarrassed. “I’m sorry, Padmé. This place is awful.”

“Nothing some hard work and a little elbow grease won’t clean up,” she said, trying not to let the surroundings get her down. “Let’s look around, kids.” She and the twins walked around throughout the large house, finding it was well furnished, despite the thick layer of dust everywhere. On the second floor they found a number of small bedrooms as well as two refreshers.

“This will be perfect,” Padmé told Organa as they met down on the main floor again. “It will take some work to get it cleaned up, but it will be lovely when it’s finished.”

“I’ve sent a man to retrieve the droids,” he told her. “They should be here by night fall. Antilles brought a number of men along as well; they can help out.”

“Thank you, Bail,” she replied. “I appreciate all this, truly I do. I just hope that…you did tell them not to speak to anyone about what they were doing, didn’t you?” she asked. “If Obi-Wan gets wind of what they are doing, he will surely be able to find us. He’s very clever.”

Organa nodded. “Yes, I told him to avoid contact with Kenobi at all costs,” he replied. “Still, if Kenobi is determined to find you, Padmé, he will. He’s a Jedi Knight, remember.”

“I know,” Padmé said, frowning. “I hate to think of what would happen if he and Anakin encountered one another right now.”

“I agree,” Organa replied. “While he has changed a lot, Vader is still a Sith, Padmé. You do realize that don’t you?”

“Yes, I realize that,’ she replied quietly. “But you’ve seen with you own eyes the affect his children have on him, Bail. If anyone can bring out the Anakin Skywalker that I know is still inside of him, they can.”

Organa nodded. “Don’t underestimate your influence, Padmé. As much as he loves his children, his adoration for you is quite obvious. Your belief in his humanity will destroy Vader, Padmé, that and your unconditional love.”

Padmé smiled. “I’m glad that you can see that there is good in him, Bail; Obi-Wan refuses to acknowledge that there could be even a shred of humanity left in him.”

“Until I saw him in that toy store, I didn’t see it, Padmé,” Organa admitted. “I thought he was just trying to trap me somehow by asking me to help you. But the single-mindedness with which he searched for that teddy bear for Luke convinced me; only a father who adores his child would take such pains to find a toy.”

“Yes, you’re right,” she replied. “He adores his children, and they adore him. No one who was completely evil could evoke such feelings; surely Obi-wan would understand that.”

Organa sighed. “I’d like to think so, Padmé, “he replied. “But I can’t say for sure. I think it’s best that he not know where you are, at least until you can find a way to convince him that Vader is not the same man he thinks he knows.”

“Yes, I agree,” Padmé said. She sighed, looking around the room again. “Well, I suppose it’s time to get busy,” she said, removing her cloak. “Luke, Leia!” she called. “Come here children. It’s time we got busy.”

Hannas II – The Outer Rim

“You’re here to take the droids? On whose authority? How do I know that you’re telling me the truth?” Dormé asked suspiciously.

“I assure you, miss, that you can trust us,” one of the guards replied. “We have been sent by Bail Organa himself.”

Bail Organa?? “Does this have something to do with Senator Amidala?” she asked warily, worrying that she was walking into a trap.

“Senator Padmé is under the protective custody of the Viceroy,” another of the guards spoke up. “Along with her children. We are simply here to gather her droids, as well as her and the twins’ personal belongings.”

Oh, thank the gods that she didn’t go through with it!! Dormé thought with relief. She saw reason at last…Obi-Wan will be so relieved!!

“In that case, let me help you pack some things for them,” she said at last.



The Garos System was in the Outer Rim, in a part of the galaxy that the Empire had little interest in. Until now. The Jedi were Public Enemy Number One in the eyes of the emperor, and every measure was to be taken to eliminate their corruptive influence from the galaxy completely.

“Do we have any information on the renegade Jedi?” Vader asked his second in command as they drew closer to the Outer Rim. “His name at least?”

“Yes sir, we have a name,” Captain Phipps replied. “We don’t actually know if the fugitive is male or female, however. The name is,” he continued, picking up a data pad to read the name. “Nejaa Halcyon.”

Nejaa Halcyon…one of the few masters who treated me like an equal when I was still a padawan... Vader remembered the name well, having served with Halcyon on the mission that had earned him his knighthood. And now I must hunt him down and destroy him…

“Halcyon is male,” he said at last. “As soon as we drop from hyperspace, proceed directly to the planet of his last known whereabouts.”

“Yes, my lord.”



By nightfall, the cottage was looking considerably better. Luke and Leia had collapsed into bed, exhausted by the day’s events. Bail Organa had departed earlier, leaving a small detachment of guards to watch over the house and its occupants.

“Mistress Padmé, Miss Dormé, is there anything I can get either of you?” Threepio asked as he shuffled into the large sun room where Padmé and Dormé sat sipping a cup of tea.

“No, thank you,” she replied. “It’s so good to have you here, Threepio. I know the twins will be delighted to see you when they wake up.”

Threepio seemed pleased to hear it, and shuffled away to continue unpacking the bags that were left to attend to.

“I’m so relieved that you saw reason, Padmé,” Dormé said at last, able to get a word in edgewise now that Threepio was otherwise occupied.

Padmé frowned. “What do you mean?” she asked.

“Well, I was really afraid that you would go to Vader,” Dormé replied. “And that he’d take you and the twins and I’d never see any of you again.”

Padmé made no reply, realizing that her friend had no idea what was truly going on. Obviously the guards who had escorted her to Delaya had neglected to mention that rather significant piece of information.

“Dormé, you don’t understand…” Padmé began. She was interrupted by a guard entering the room, and her anxiety rose at once. “What is it?” she asked. “Is something amiss?”

“No, milady,” the guard replied. “There is a delivery here for you.”

Padmé stood up, frowning. “A delivery? From who? From where?”

“From Alderaan,” the guard told her. “It came with this,” he said, handing her a data pad.

Padmé took the pad and proceeded to read it. With the compliments of Lord Darth Vader.

She looked up at the guard, relieved. “Bring it in,” she said.

“Well, that will take some doing, milady,” he said. “It’s quite a large amount of goods.”

“Let me see,” she said, and followed the guard outside.

Outside the cottage Padmé was astounded to see four huge storage compartments sitting on the grass.

“Oh my!” she exclaimed. “What is all this?”

“Only one way to find out, milady,” the guard suggested with a smile.

“Dormé, give us a hand out here please!” Padmé called into the house.

“I’m coming!” Dormé replied. She saw the data pad that Padmé had set down on her way out the door. Curious to see who had sent the delivery, she activated it to read the name. Darth Vader!? Dormé dropped the data pad in her shock, and could only stand there for moment, too stunned to move.

“Dormé, what is it?”

Dormé looked up to see Padmé standing before her, holding a large box.

“Oh Padmé, what have you done?” Dormé said at last.

“What are you talking about?” Padmé said, setting down the box. It was then that she noticed the data pad on the floor. She looked back up at Dormé, realizing the reason she was so upset.

“You did go to Vader, didn’t you?” Dormé asked in horror. “He knows you’re here!! Padmé, are you mad?”

Padmé frowned, angry at Dormé’s patronizing attitude. “You don’t know anything about this situation, Dormé,” she said, turning to leave the room again. “Don’t you dare try to patronize me!”

Dormé ran over and took Padmé by the arm. Padmé turned around in surprise, yanking her arm away from her friend. “What are you doing?” she demanded.

“Padmé, surely you realize that he is not to be trusted,” she said. “You know what a fiend Darth Vader is!”

“Darth Vader loves me,” Padmé retorted hotly. “He loves his children! He has gone to great lengths to arrange for our protection, and now he has sent all these supplies for us! Does that sound like something a fiend would do??”

Dormé remained silent, stung by her mistress’ harsh tone. “No, but it does sound like something a master manipulator would do,” she replied at last. “Can’t you see what he’s trying to do? He wants you to trust him; he wants to lull you into a false sense of security…”

“To what end?” Padmé cried. “If he meant to do me harm, he would have done so when he had me on board his ship! Why can’t you understand that he loves me, Dormé? He is still Anakin, despite what he looks like, despite all the terrible things he has done the past five years. The man I love is still there, full of pain, full of guilt and remorse. You and Obi-Wan are cut from the same cloth, aren’t you? Neither of you can see that there is still good in him. Well I know there is, I have seen it, you haven’t. I have seen the way he treats his children, the love he shows them, the love he shows me; you haven’t! How can you be so quick to judge a situation you know nothing about?”

“Because I remember what he did to you, Padmé,” Dormé replied. “I was with you, remember? I was there when your life fell apart because of him! So don’t tell me I don’t know anything about this!”

Padmé stood, trembling with rage. She made no reply, and proceeded to open the box sitting on the floor before her. You don’t understand, Dormé; you haven’t seen his eyes, you haven’t seen the love and the pain that I have seen…you haven’t seen the way his children look at him...

“I’m sorry you feel that way,” Padmé said at last, continuing to open the box. “But this is my life, Dormé; perhaps it would have been better if you’d stayed…” she stopped when she saw what was inside the box. She looked up at Dormé. “Does this look like something a cold, calculating monster would take the time to send?” she said, indicating the box.

Reluctantly, Dormé walked over to the large box and looked inside. Inside was the last thing in the galaxy she expected to see; toys. Many toys, of all sorts, of all sizes, toys for girls, toys for boys, stacks and stacks of them. Darth Vader bought these? She thought in astonishment. She looked up at Padmé, who was watching Dormé’s reaction with great satisfaction.

“Luke left Spotty back on Hannas II, and was heart broken,” Padmé told Dormé. “Anakin went to great lengths to find a bear identical to Spotty for Luke,” she continued. “He loves the children, Dormé,” she added, her voice softening. “I wish you could understand that, because it’s true. He loves us all, and we love him.”

Dormé picked up one of the many toys in the box, a doll with long blond braids and a frilly pink dress. Leia will love this, she thought despite herself. She looked at Padmé. “I can’t believe this, “she said softly. “Vader bought this?”

Padmé nodded. “You should see all the provisions he bought,” she said, seeing that Dormé was perhaps starting to see the truth. “Clothes for us all, food, bedding, dishes….it goes on and on. It will take hours to get it all unpacked.”

Dormé replaced the doll in the box. “Well, maybe we ought to give them a hand then,” she suggested with a smile.

Padmé smiled at her. “Good idea,” she said, and the two women left the house to help bring the boxes inside.

[therealthing]

Chapter 13

It had been very late by the time Padmé had gone to bed; she and Dormé spent many hours unpacking the enormous delivery. Early in the morning, Padmé’s sleep was interrupted when the twins burst into her room and climbed into her bed.

“Good morning, Mommy!” they chorused as they snuggled next to her. “Is Daddy coming home today?”

“No, not today I’m afraid,” Padmé replied.

“Where is he?” asked Luke.

“He’s on his way to the Garos System, in the Mid Rim, “Padmé replied, hoping the twins wouldn’t ask what he was doing there. How do I tell you that the father you adore is on a mission to hunt down and kill a man?

“Just wait until you see what he sent for us, though,” Padmé continued, diverting their train of thought.

“What did he send?” Leia asked, wide-eyed.

Padmé kissed each of the twins in turn. “Come and see.”

The excitement of the twins was tremendous as they burrowed their way through the mountain of toys that their father had lavished upon them. The clothes and other items held little interest for them, however. Padmé and Dormé had tremendous difficulty dragging the excited children away from their booty to give them breakfast.

“I found computer hardware, Padmé,” Dormé told her as each of them set to continue the unpacking. “There’s everything’s here!”

Padmé smiled. “Anakin has always been very generous,” she said.

Dormé was surprised to hear Padmé use that name.

“Is he Anakin, Padmé? Really?” she asked. “I know he’s loyal to you and the children; but is he truly Anakin Skywalker again?”

Padmé did not reply right away, focusing on the task she was occupied with. “He’s Anakin to me,” she said at last, not looking at Dormé.

“That’s not what I’m asking, Padmé,” Dormé said. “Where is he right now? Why isn’t he here with you and the twins?”

“He’s on a mission,” Padmé replied noncommittally.

“What kind of mission?” Dormé persisted.

“What difference does it make?” Padmé asked in irritation, not wanting to think about it. “What do you think Palpatine would do to him if he just started disregarding his orders? He must maintain the outward appearance of Darth Vader to prevent Palpatine from finding the twins and me. Don’t you see?”

Dormé regarded her mistress for a moment. “Who are you trying to convince, Padmé? Me or yourself?”

Padmé said nothing, and continued to fold the towels neatly and pile them on a small table. “I’m going to take a shower,” she said at last, not looking at Dormé. “Please keep an eye on the children.”

Dormé nodded, and watched as Padmé retreated upstairs.

Once in the fresher, Padmé stared into the mirror, Dormé’s harsh, provocative question making her question everything she’d staked her and the twins’ lives on. Was he truly capable of changing completely? Was he even willing to do so? Anakin, please don’t kill him… please show mercy…only that will enable the healing to start…***************************************************************************************

The Exactor reached Garos IV and established a high orbit to avoid the planetary sensors. Garos IV was a heavily forested planet, which made the job of finding Halcyon even more challenging. Vader had given great consideration to the mission, for it would be the vehicle by which he would stage his own death. He had already planned it out in his mind; the irony of the methods he would use not lost on him.

Master Halcyon proves to be fair and easy to get along with. He and I spend the day assembling and organizing troops and requisitioning supplies. It is a huge job, an enormous responsibility; but Halcyon is an easy man to work with, and treats me like an equal, rather than a subordinate. I appreciate this, for at 21, I am getting tired of being treated like a child.

“You’ve put in a long day, Anakin,” Halcyon tells me as we leave the supply depot. “Tomorrow we will do a final run through of everything, and then we should be ready to go.”

I nod my understanding. “Of course, Master,” I reply.

“Anakin, call me Nejaa,” he tells me, putting a hand on my shoulder amicably. “You’re a grown man now, after all, not a boy.”

“Thank you, Mas…I mean Nejaa,” I reply with a smile. “I appreciate that.”

“No problem,” he replies. “Now get to bed. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep.”

“I will,” I reply. “See you in the morning.”

Vader pushed the memories from his mind, memories of another lifetime, of a past long gone, and focused on his mission.

Twilight was falling upon the planet surface as Vader landed his shuttle. He had gone alone, knowing that the success of his mission depended on it being so. The falling light did not concern Vader; he would not require light to find his quarry, only the Force. It had been the Force that had drawn his shuttle to this spot where Vader suspected a hidden outpost was nestled amid the great trees of the Garos IV forest; and it would lead him to the renegade Jedi.

Twigs snapped under his boots as he made his way through the foliage, his senses alert to the slightest movement, the slightest ripple in the Force. Where are you, Halcyon? He thought to himself. Nejaa Halcyon had been a Jedi Master, and was no doubt able to block his Force presence. The fact that he was still alive five years after the Purges proved that his ability to do so was formidable indeed. Just as Yoda’s…just as that traitor Kenobi’s... The thought of his former master, his former friend sent a dark surge of fury through Vader. It crackled around him like static electricity.

“Stop right there, Vader.”

Vader did not even turn to acknowledge the source of the voice, but merely used the Force to push him away, sending his body to shatter against a nearby tree. More rebels emerged from the forest, and the forest’s quiet serenity was shattered with the sound of blaster fire. Vader deflected the blasts, the Dark Side aiding him, his blood-red blade flashing furiously, dispatching the hapless men to their deaths with incredible speed. Vader stepped over the dead bodies and continued, relentless, with single-minded determination towards the small building he knew was hidden in the forest.

Nejaa Halcyon stepped out of the bunker to face his pursuer. He had been too late to stop the slaughter of the rebels who had vowed to protect the Jedi Master; their dead bodies were strewn obscenely everywhere. But the killing would end now; he would make sure of it.

“Nejaa Halcyon,” Vader said simply as the Jedi Master and he stood facing one another, each with their lightsaber ignited.

Halcyon nodded. “Darth Vader,” he returned. “Your killing ways will end here, Vader. I mean to see to that personally.”

Vader snorted. “I am not intimidated by your weak powers, Jedi,” he rumbled menacingly. “The Jedi were weak, including you, Halcyon.”

“You are the weak one, Vader,” Halcyon returned, shaking his head. “You are the one who allowed yourself to be enslaved by the Sith. Tell me, Anakin, is slavery any easier the second time around?”

Halcyon’s words angered Vader, and he lifted his saber high above his head, his fury surging through him.

Anakin, no!! Vader was shocked to hear the voice of Qui-Gon Jinn, and it stayed his blade. But only for a moment. He brought it down viciously, clashing against the green blade of Halcyon.

“You can’t deny it, can you, Skywalker?” Halcyon taunted as the blades sparked and crackled against one another. “You know you’re a slave, you know you’ve sold your soul to that fiend who you call master. Think of the price of that servitude, Anakin! You were once a great Jedi, the greatest of all! You threw it all away, and for what? To live your life as half a man in fealty to an insane demon that treats you no better then the Hutts who owned you as a boy?”

“I am no slave!” Vader retorted at last, not even sure if his words were directed at Halcyon or at Sidious himself.

“Prove it then,” Halcyon challenged him as he pushed Vader’s blade away. “Abandon the Dark Side, and become the man you were born to be once again.”

Vader stood facing the man he had once fought alongside with, the man who had helped him earn his knighthood, and who had treated him with more respect than any of the other Jedi masters ever had. Listen to him, Anakin, Qui-Gon’s voice urged him. You are the Chosen One! You are better than this! Think of your family…think of your children, Ani.

To Halcyon’s astonishment, Vader stepped back and turned off his lightsaber. “Run,” he told him. “The emperor knows you are here, you must get off this planet or he will surely find you.”

Halcyon blinked in astonishment. “What…what did you say?”

“You heard me,” Vader grumbled. “Get out of here, Nejaa. Get off this planet while you still have a chance.”

“And what about you, Anakin?” Nejaa asked, lowering his saber. “What will you do?”

Vader sighed. “Much of my destiny is still hidden from me,” he replied. “But I know that I must destroy the emperor. I will not allow him to destroy my family.”

“Your family? I had no idea you had one,” Nejaa replied.

Vader nodded. “Senator Amidala is my wife, and we have twins, a boy and a girl. Sidious told me I had killed her five years ago, before the twins were born, and I have only found out recently that he lied to me. He lied about everything, Nejaa…everything! And for that he will die.”

Nejaa frowned. “Your devotion to your family is commendable, Anakin, but don’t let the hatred you bear the emperor destroy the good man that is still inside of you.”

Vader made no reply. “Leave, Nejaa,” he said. “Before it’s too late.” With that he turned and left the Jedi Master, who could only watch in astonishment at his retreating figure.

[therealthing]

Chapter 14

Dear Obi-Wan:
By the time you read this, I will be on my way to the Alderaan System. I was wrong about Padmé; she did not go to Vader, thank the gods above. She is living on the planet Delaya, under the protection of Bail Organa, Viceroy of Alderaan. I was so relieved when his men came to collect the droids and I; I am certain that she would have been in great danger had she sought out that monster Vader. So you can rest assured, Obi-Wan: Padmé and twins are safe on Delaya. Vader will not find them. I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you in person, but the men were quite anxious to get us all to Delaya as soon as possible. Please come and visit us there if you get the chance- I know Padmé and the twins must miss you, as do I.
Dormé

Obi-Wan reread the message a second time, and then a third. Was this truly from Dormé? Or was it from Padmé, trying to throw me off her scent? Surely Padmé wouldn’t invite me to visit…if she’s even on Delaya at all… Obi-Wan cursed himself for not being around when Dormé had left; if there had been any duplicity on the part of either her or the men who came to collect her, he would have sniffed it out. But reading a message- it was impossible to do so. Padmé wouldn’t want to see me now anyway, he reminded himself, remembering how angry she was when they had parted. No, not angry, incensed…

The love she still bore Anakin staggered Kenobi, for he could not understand for the life of him how she could love him after what he had done to her at Mustafar. The image of Vader Force choking his own pregnant wife was one Kenobi knew he would never forget; one he’d had many a nightmare about over the past five years. What would have happened had I not been there to stop him? Would he have killed her?? And how can she still love him after he did that to her?

The very fact that she had not gone to Vader gave him hope, however; perhaps upon reflection she realized how foolhardy an idea it was. Even if she still loved him, surely she must realize that the man who once was Anakin Skywalker no longer existed, and the monster that had once borne his name was incapable of loving her. Obi-Wan had always thought Padmé was an intelligent woman; no doubt that superior sense of reason of hers finally kicked in and forced her to see this before she did something rash.

Thank the Force for that, Kenobi reflected with relief. You may hate me right now, Padmé, but at least you’re safe from that villain. At least he has no idea that you and the twins are alive. Eventually he would insinuate himself back into her and the twins’ lives; he had vowed to protect them, after all. Besides that, the twins would need his guidance once they were ready to learn how to use their Force abilities; all in good time, he told himself. Like it or not, Padmé, our destinies lie along the same path.

Planet Delaya in the Alderaan System

“My lady, there is one large crate left, but we aren’t certain it’s something we can unpack.”

Padmé looked up from the box that she had been unpacking to the guards. “Why not?” she asked simply.

“Well, it seems to just be filled with….building materials,” one of them said, at a loss. “It looks like some very sophisticated material, too.”

Padmé frowned. What could it be? She wondered. “Let me see,” she said finally, standing up. “Threepio, Artoo, come with me.”

The two droids followed their mistress as she made her way outside to where the final crate sat. It had been opened, but, as the guard had alluded to, it was basically untouched. Padmé walked up to it and peered inside. What is all this?? she wondered. She turned to Threepio

“Have a look and see what you think,” she instructed.

The protocol droid trundled over to the crate, his curiosity giving him extra, highly unusual speed. He peered into the box, trying to make out the connection between all the unusual machinery within.

“It looks to me as though someone is planning on building something, my lady Padmé,” the droid pronounced at last.

Padmé sighed with exasperation. “Yes, we were able to figure out that much,” she replied. “Any idea what?”

“I’m afraid I’d have to have a look at all of the materials to even hazard a guess,” Threepio replied. “Shall I commence doing so?”

Padmé shook her head. “No, not out here,” she replied, looking up at the sky which was growing darker by the minute. “It looks like rain. Bring it inside, put it in the spare room upstairs, and start unpacking it here. I want to know what all this is.”

“Very good, milady,” replied Threepio.



Darth Vader lifted the shuttle from the planet surface, trying to put the image of the human carnage he’d left behind out of his mind. How many men did I kill back there? Twenty? Thirty??

But you spared the life of a friend…remember that Anakin.

Vader shook his head, certain that he was imagining the voice in his head, the voice of his first master, Qui-Gon Jinn.

That is the first step towards the light, Ani, and you know it is.

Vader didn’t have time to consider the master’s words, for no sooner had he escaped the planet’s atmosphere than he was met by at least a dozen Rebel snub fighters.

Organa set me up… he thought angrily, and then realized this wasn’t the case. Organa had known that Rebels were here; he had warned Vader of their presence, in and offhanded way, without openly betraying the Rebels who he also considered allies. He thought no more of it as he immediately raised the shields of the shuttle and prepared for battle.

Perhaps I will not need to fake my death after all, he thought somberly as he dove into the midst of the rebel ships. Perhaps it is my destiny to die here.

It had been a while since Vader had been involved in a dogfight such as this, but his skills had not diminished nonetheless. Using the Force and his natural abilities as a pilot, he dispatched ship after ship, evading others and making maneuvers that he knew no rebel would dare attempt. It soon became evident, however, that despite his superior skill, he was too greatly outnumbered to win with conventional means. Time to do something crazy, he thought grimly. Directing his ship at the heart of the rebel fleet, he accelerated, knowing that they would not have time to react due to the breakneck speed that he was traveling. Closer and closer he raced until finally – impact. Using the Force, he made a micro-jump into hyperspace, timing it perfectly to look as though he had perished in a fireball when his ship had made contact with three rebel ships.

Planet Delaya

Padmé stood in the room with the droids and looked around at all that had been unpacked. What is all this? she wondered. And then she realized what it was…the hyperbaric chamber…

“I know what this is,” she announced at last.

Threepio looked up at her. “What is it, milady?”

“A hyperbaric chamber,” she replied. “Do you know what that is?”

“Oh yes, milady,” Threepio replied proudly. “You seem to forget that I…”

“Do you know how to build it?” Padmé interjected.

“I do believe so, milady,” the droid replied.

“You believe so?” she asked. “If you don’t know, then don’t even try. I don’t want you messing it up, Threepio. It’s a very important piece of equipment.”

“I won’t …mess it up, milady,” the droid replied in a hurt tone. “I assure you.”

Artoo made comment at this point that Padmé interpreted as one of derision and had to hide a smile.

“Okay then,” she replied. “Artoo, keep an eye on him,” she said as she left the room.

Dormé and the children were just sitting down as Padmé joined them for the evening meal.

“Did you figure out what all that is?” Dormé asked.

Padmé nodded. “Yes, it’s for Anakin,” she replied, not saying any more on the topic. She and Dormé had said very little to one another where he was concerned, for Dormé still harbored serious doubts about the trustworthiness of Darth Vader.

Barely had they begun their meal when one of the security guards came into the room.

“Senator Amidala, a ship has landed on the platform in the clearing,” he told her.

Immediately Padmé’s heart jumped to her throat as she and Dormé looked at one another.

“I’ve sent a detachment down,” the guard continued. “I suggest you and your children go upstairs and…”

“It’s Daddy,” Luke said to his mother. “Daddy is here.”

Padmé looked at her son, astonished with the calm sureness the boy manifested.

“Are you sure, Luke?” she asked.

“Luke is right, “Leia said. “It’s Daddy!” she added, getting out of her chair.

“Leia wait!” Padmé shouted, jumping up and following Leia. Luke joined his mother, leaving Dormé alone and bewildered.

“Now children, wait here,” Padmé commanded the twins as they reached the path that led to the forest. “If it isn’t your father...”

“But it is,” Luke insisted. “I know it is, Mommy.”

“And so do I,” Leia insisted.

Padmé was torn; it was obvious that the twins shared a psychic bond with their father through the Force, and were more than likely right. But what if they weren’t?

“See? It is him!” Leia exclaimed, pointing behind Padmé. She turned to see Vader emerge from the forest, followed by a small group of guards. She smiled, and allowed the children to run to him.

Vader stopped when he saw his children running towards him and got down on one knee to greet them. He opened his arms and held them close as they reached him, his heart swelling with love for the twins.

“We missed you so much!” Leia said to her father. “What took you so long!?”

Vader wanted to laugh at his daughter’s imperious attitude. “Forgive me, my lady,” he replied, tugging one of her braids gently.

“Thank you for all the toys, Daddy,” Luke said, looking up at his father with adoration.

Vader took the small boy’s face in one large hand. “You’re welcome, son,” he said. “I’m glad you liked them.”

“Come on,” Leia said, taking his hand. “Mommy probably wants to see you too,” she said.

Vader grinned. “Yes, probably.”

Vader walked the rest of the way with a twin on each side, their small hands hidden in his enormous ones. When he reached the edge of the forest, he saw Padmé standing there waiting for him. She smiled when she saw him, the relief filling her. He walked to her, and, releasing the children’s hands, embraced his wife.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” she said as she wrapped her arms around his waist. “We’ve been so worried.”

“I’m fine,” he said, stroking her hair softly. “Better than fine, actually.”

Padmé looked up at him. “What do you mean?”

“Come inside and I’ll tell you all about it,” he said.

From the window, Dormé witnessed the tender familial scene with shock. How can this be? She thought in astonishment. But the manner in which Vader greeted his wife and children, the love tenderness that were evident even without seeing his face, was enough to convince Dormé that she was wrong; Vader had changed. No, he was not Vader anymore; he was truly Anakin Skywalker once again...

“Dormé,” Vader said as he and Padmé entered the room. Vader held the twins in his arms.

“Hello,” she said, not even sure what to call him. “This is quite unexpected,” she said at last.

“I told you he had changed,” Padmé said, linking her arm through his. “Can you see that now?”

Dormé nodded begrudgingly. “Yes, I can’t very well deny it now,” she said.

No, you can’t, Padmé thought triumphantly as the children escorted their father into the house. No one can deny it now, not even Obi-Wan Kenobi.

[therealthing]

Chapter 15

Luke and Leia Skywalker were as excited as two five year olds can get. Despite the fact that their father had in fact been the one to buy the toys, they insisted on showing him every one of them nonetheless.

As for Vader, he simply sat and enjoyed their enthusiasm, even using the Force to make some of the ships Luke had been drawn to fly around the room, to the delight of his children.

Padmé watched, knowing even without seeing it in his face how tired Vader was. How is he going to sleep? She wondered anxiously. The chamber he required to sleep was far from complete; she had no delusions that Threepio would be able to put it together despite his assurances to the contrary. When was the last time you did sleep, Ani? She wondered. The last time she had known him to sleep truly well was during their second honeymoon, the glorious ten days that they had spent together on Naboo after he had been knighted. The thought of those days brought warmth to her face as she recalled the unbridled passion that had consumed them while they had been there. It seemed like they couldn’t’ get enough of one another, their passion for one another unquenchable. I conceived Luke and Leia during that ten days…she reflected.

“I think it’s time for bed, children,” Padmé said at last, forcing herself to push the heated memories from the past out of her mind. It’s just too frustrating to think of that now…

“Mommy, can’t we please stay up a little longer?” Leia pleaded, her big brown eyes looking up at her mother imploringly.

“You’ve already stayed up a little longer than usual,” Padmé said, not letting her daughter get her way. “Come on, let’s go. Daddy will be here in the morning, you can play with him then.”

“I’ll help,” Vader offered, figuring it would appease his outraged daughter.

“Good idea,” Padmé said as they stood up. “Come along you two.”

Dormé watched as Padmé and Vader brought their children upstairs, both of the twins in their father’s arms. Who ever would have imagined this could happen? She thought in wonder. Darth Vader the family man? It hardly seemed possible, even imaginable; and yet she herself had seen it with her own eyes. There was no doubt how he felt about Padmé and the children; his adoration of them was clear. What was most startling of all, however, was the children’s acceptance of him. But it was more than acceptance: it was love, pure and innocent. They had no idea who their father was, or the dark deeds he committed over the past five years; to him he was simply Daddy, a loving man who doted on them and who loved their mother. The way a father should be.

Dormé shook her head, wondering how Obi-Wan would react if he knew of the change in Vader. Suddenly she remembered the note she had left him, and a cold wave of fear spread over her. What if he comes here and finds Vader?? What will happen if the two of them meet face to face now? She hated to consider it, for she felt certain that she knew the answer; one of them would die. I have to tell Padmé, she thought anxiously, hating the thought of it. All she could hope for was that Kenobi was content to leave well enough alone. If he truly believed that Padmé was under the protection of Bail Organa, then he would not leave Hannas II to seek her out. He was, after all, a fugitive of the Empire, and traveling to the Alderaan System would be chancy. Don’t do it, Obi-Wan, Dormé thought desperately. Vader will surely kill you this time if you try to take his family from him.

“Now then, time for sleeping,” Padmé announced as the twins snuggled under the covers. “It’s been an exciting couple of days,” she said, sitting on the end of Luke’s bed. “And the two of you have been going non-stop. Time for a nice big sleep, okay?”

“But we’re not tired,” Leia tried to protest as she rubbed her eyes. “And I want to see Daddy.”

Padmé looked at Vader with a smile. “Daddy’s not going anywhere, Leia,” she said. “You’ll see him in the morning.”

“Okay,” Leia replied with a yawn. Padmé looked up at Luke, who was already asleep.

“Sweet dreams,” Padmé said, standing up and moving to the top of Luke’s bed. She kissed him on his brow, and then moved to Leia’s bed and did the same to her.

“Good night Leia,” Vader, said wishing fervently that he could kiss his children goodnight as well. Leia held her arms open to him, and he moved to her bending down so the child could wrap her arms around his neck. “I’m glad you’re home,” she told him, and then kissed him on the mask.

Vader couldn’t speak, for the emotions he felt overwhelmed him temporarily. “I’m glad to be home,” he said at last. “Sleep well little one.”


“Mistress Padmé, I have started assembling the…” Threepio stopped when he saw Darth Vader emerge from the twins’ room behind Padmé.

“Oh my!” the droid exclaimed, throwing his hands up in the air in alarm. “We’ve been taken over by the Empire! Oh woe is me! Captured by Darth Vader!”

“Threepio, that’s enough,” Padmé admonished him. “Keep your voice down, the children are asleep!”

“But…but Mistress Padmé,” the droid babbled on, puzzled by the calmness with which his mistress walked along side the notorious Vader. “What has happened?”

“Come in here and be quiet, and I’ll tell you,” she retuned. She led Vader to the room where the guards had brought the crate containing the parts for the chamber. “Here it is,” she said to Vader as they entered the room. “I’m afraid no one here quite knew what to do with all of this,” she added apologetically.

“No doubt,” he replied. “Perhaps I should have sent schematics as well, though I doubt Threepio would have been up to the challenge.”

Padmé smiled at his comment, knowing how easily the droid was offended. As for Threepio, he simply stared at the couple, more confused than ever.

“What’s the matter, Threepio,” Vader continued, enoying the droid’s confusion. “Don’t recognize your maker anymore?”

“My maker?!” the droid replied. “My maker was Anakin Skywalker, sir. And…”

Artoo, who had by now caught on, let out a long series of whistles and beeps that anyone would recognized as being patronizing. Threepio looked at his companion, hands akimbo.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” he snapped, “How could he be Master Ani??”

“He is Anakin,” Padmé put in. “Why else do you think he’s here?”

“I ….I have no idea why,” Threepio replied, hating to admit that he was at a loss.

Vader was amused by the entire incident. “You haven’t changed a bit, Threepio,” he said at last, turning to see what progress the droid had managed to make with the chamber. What a mess, he thought. “Did you do this?” he asked Threepio.

“Oh, yes sir,” the droid beamed, pleased that his work had been noticed at last. “I’m only too happy to…”

“It’s all wrong,” Vader told him. “Take it apart at once.”

“I told you to leave it alone,” Padmé said, shaking her head, trying not to laugh at the droid’s unusual loss for words.

Artoo put his own opinion in at this point, making matters worse.

“Come on,” Padmé said, taking Vader’s hand. “I’m afraid you won’t be sleeping in there tonight,” she said.

“No, it doesn’t appear that way,” Vader concurred.

“You need to rest, Ani,” she said, stopping and turning to him. “I can tell you’re tired.”

Vader nodded. “Yes, I won’t deny it,” he said. “What do you suggest?”

Padmé sighed, thinking for a moment. “I don’t know,” she admitted.

Vader thought for a moment. “Where is your room?” he asked.

Padmé was surprised by his question. “This way,” she said, leading him to the other end of the corridor.

“There,” he said, pointing to the upholstered chair in the corner of her room. “That’s where I’ll spend the night.”

Padmé frowned. “You can sleep in a chair?”

“I didn’t say I’d sleep, Padmé,” he replied. “But I’ll rest, nonetheless. Being close to you will help me to relax. I hope you don’t mind,” he added, thinking perhaps he was overstepping.

“Mind?” she said. “Why would I? You’re my husband, of course I don’t mind. I just wish there was some way you could sleep too.”

“I will,” he replied, sitting down. “I will build the chamber tomorrow; that is if that idiot Threepio hasn’t damaged all the parts.”

Padmé laughed. “Let’s hope he hasn’t done that much damage. I’ll be right back.”

Vader nodded as his wife disappeared into the adjoining ‘fresher. He was tired, more tired than he had let on to Padmé. The thought of spending the night sitting in a chair was most unappealing to him; but what choice did he have? At least I’ll be close to her, he reflected, realizing that this alone would make the night bearable. He had always found comfort in her presence, her serene, gentle aura acting like a balm upon his tempestuous soul. She still had that effect on him, he realized. With her he was closer to being human than he’d been in five years; she and the children were drawing his humanity out from deep within him where he had imprisoned it five years earlier. Is it possible to be truly human again? To be the man she loves and deserves in her life?

Vader looked toward the fresher, suddenly recalling he and Padmé’s wedding night. With a smile he remembered how he’d stood there, inexperienced, nervous, a mere nineteen years old, and wondered if he ought to undress while his new bride was in the fresher. How innocent we were then, he thought wistfully. Nothing mattered then but our love...

Every rational thought stored in my brain evaporates as Padmé emerges from the ‘fresher. She is wearing a pale pink negligee, its sheer, silken fabric clinging to every sensual curve of her body. My eyes travel slowly from her head down to her toes and then back again. Finally our eyes meet.
“Padmé,” I manage to say. “You…you look so…so beautiful.”
She smiles as she walks over to me. “Thank you,” she replies softly. “I’m happy you think so.”
“You take my breath away,” I tell her as I run my hands over her bare arms. I pull her close and kiss her, a slow, passionate kiss. My hands slide the thin straps off of her shoulders as my mouth travels down to her neck and onto her bare shoulders.
“Ani,” she sighs as my mouth grazes her neck softly, the scent of her skin driving me mad with desire….

Vader’s recollections were interrupted when the fresher door opened and Padmé retuned to the room. For once he was glad of the mask, glad she couldn’t see the way his eyes roved over her as she stood there in her nightgown.

“Ani?” she said, puzzled by his silence, wondering if he’d fallen asleep.

“Yes?” he asked.

“Oh, I thought you’d drifted off,” she said, picking up her brush and sitting in front of the mirror. “So tell me about your mission,” she asked, bracing herself for his response.

Vader watched his wife as she brushed out her long tresses, his mind anywhere but on Garos IV. He forced himself to concentrate, however, and looked away.

“It was…interesting,” he said at last.

“How do you mean?” she asked.

“The Jedi on Garos IV was Nejaa Halcyon,” he told her.

Padmé stopped her brushing and turned to him. “Nejaa?” she asked, remembering the name at once. “Oh Ani, please tell me you didn’t…”

“I didn’t’ kill him, Padmé,” he interjected. “I killed the rebels who were guarding the outpost, but I didn’t kill him.”

Padmé winced under his words, the way in which he told her how he’d killed, so effortlessly and methodically….but he’d spared Nejaa.

“Can I ask why you spared him?” she asked tentatively.

Vader considered her question, not even certain he knew how to answer it. “I’m not sure,” he replied at last. “I think a lot of it had to do with you and the children.”

“Really?” she asked, surprised by his words.

Vader nodded. “Yes,” he said. “I can’t explain it any better than that,” he said, not sure he ought to mention hearing Qui-Gon’s voice in his head. “Nejaa was another reason. He knew who I was, Padmé; knew who I had been at one time, and he challenged me to be that person again.”

Padmé put her brush down and turned her body to face him. “You’re already there, Ani,” she said. “Don’t doubt that for a moment.”

Vader was silent, her words surprising him. “I don’t know who I am right now, Padmé,” he admitted to her.

She stood up and walked over to him. “I can tell you who you are,” she said. “You’re Anakin Skywalker. If you weren’t, why would you be here protecting your family? Why would you love your children, and they you? Why would I love you?”

Vader was shaken by her words, and made no reply. He wanted to believe what she was saying was true, but if it were, then who was the vision of terror who slaughtered the rebel soldiers on Garos IV? Was that Anakin Skywalker?

“I don’t know anymore,” he said at last. “I’m tired, I’m confused…”

She came over to him and put her hands on his shoulders. He looked up at her.

“I know you are,” she said gently. “You need to rest,” she added.

He nodded, and then, most unexpectedly, pulled her to him, right onto his lap. Padmé, though surprised, was not unhappy by the move, and laid her had on his armored shoulder, taking comfort in his strong embrace.

“Goodnight, Ani,” she said sleepily as he wrapped his great cloak around her.

“Goodnight my angel,” he replied.