Heart of a Sith

[therealthing]

16

“Mom, there’s no hot water!”

Padmé set her cup of tea down on the table and headed over for the fresher. Inside Leia was standing with one hand on her hip in her pajamas, looking thoroughly annoyed.

“This is getting ridiculous,” Padmé muttered as she tested the water. It was barely tepid.

“Maybe you ought to talk to Dad about it this time instead of some flunkey,” Leia suggested.

Padmé lifted an eyebrow. “Flunkey? I hardly think Captain Ozzel qualifies as a flunkey.”

“I don’t like him,” Leia said. “He patronizes me.”

Padmé laughed. “Leia, you think that of just about everyone,” she said as she walked out of the fresher. “I will contact the bridge and see if your father is still there.”

Padmé walked out into the common room in time to see the door open and Vader walk in.

“Good morning,” he said.

“Good morning,” she replied. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Oh?” Vader asked, his curiosity more than a little tweaked.

“Yes, I’ve already spoken to your second in command who told me that he would assign someone fix the problem, but he hasn’t, or they haven’t, and it’s just getting ..”

“What are you talking about?” Vader interjected.

“The hot water,” Padmé replied. “It runs out in a ridiculously short time. Just yesterday I hadn’t even rinsed the shampoo from my hair when it ran out. It’s rather annoying.”

Vader nodded. “I can imagine,” he replied, imagining how annoyed she must have been to have to finish her shower in cold water. No, bad idea, don’t go there…

“I will look into at once,” he said. “But there is something of greater importance I must discuss with you.”

Padmé frowned. “What?” she asked warily.

“The emperor is coming to Kamino,” Vader replied.

Padmé sat down on the sofa behind her, her eyes widening in fear. “He’s coming here??” she asked.

“No, he’s coming to Kamino,” Vader replied, sitting across from her. “He will be on his own ship, there is no reason he will come here.”

“That doesn’t mean he won’t,” Padmé stated. “Why is he coming? Did he say?”

“He is coming to inspect the new shock troops,” Vader replied as Leia entered the room. “That is his focus, Padmé. He will not come here.”

“I hope you’re right,” she said.

“Who?” Leia asked. “Who is coming here?”

“The emperor is coming to Kamino,” Padmé told her daughter.

“The emperor?” Leia asked the fear evident in her voice.

“He will not learn of your presence here, Leia,” Vader assured her. “I promise you. Nevertheless, it is imperative that you remain here,” he added. “Where is Luke?”

“Still sleeping,” Padmé told him. “I think he’s been overdoing it lately.”

“Teenage boys do have a way of doing that,” Vader quipped. “Be sure you inform him of the emperor’s presence and the importance of remaining here for the duration of it.”

“Don’t you think the emperor will be able to sense that Luke and I are here?” Leia asked.

“Not if you shield yourselves from him,” Vader replied. “I trust Kenobi taught you at least that much.”

“How else do you think they remained hidden all this time?” Padmé said, not liking the way Vader was belittling Obi-Wan.

Vader turned to her. He hated hearing her defend Kenobi, and yet she was right, after all. If it had not been for his former master and friend, the twins and Padmé may have been discovered years ago by the emperor.

“I will send a technician to look at your water problem,” he told Padmé, not wanting to get into another fight. “I must get to the bridge.” He walked to the door, Padmé following him.

“Wait,” she said.

“Padmé, I do not wish to get into another discussion about your dear friend,” he told her tersely.

“No, neither do I,” she replied. “I just wanted to ask you if you knew how long Palpatine will be on Kamino.”

Vader could sense his wife’s fear, despite her efforts to hide it, and it bothered him. It bothered him a lot. “I cannot say,” he replied. “He is anxious to inspect his new troops and then see to their deployment. I would guess perhaps a week.”

“A week!” Padmé exclaimed. “That long?”

“Perhaps,” Vader replied. “Perhaps more, perhaps less. I cannot say. Believe me, I do not relish his time here any more than you do.”

“I’m surprised to hear you say that,” she remarked.

Vader looked away as the conflict that he had been trying to deny for days churned up within him again. “The last time I spoke to him he nearly killed me,” he told her, surprising himself with his candor. “I am not sure what to expect this time. And while death does not scare me, I do not wish to leave you and the twins alone and unprotected.”

Again his words left Padmé surprised. “It almost sounds as though you care about us,” she said.

“I have always cared, Padmé,” he told her touching her face lightly. “Whether or not you wish to believe it.”

And with that he left, leaving Padmé more confused and uncertain than ever.


The Emperor Palpatine did nothing without a great deal of fanfare; his visit to Kamino was no different. Before it was deemed safe for him to set foot on the landing platform, his royal guards had to erect a large canopy under which the aged monarch could walk without facing the harsh elements of the planet.

Vader stood inside watching as the emperor slowly made his way to the doorway, his step having slowed considerably since the last time Vader had seen him.

“Welcome to Kamino, your majesty,” Taun We greeted Palpatine. “I trust your journey here was an enjoyable one.”

“It was tolerable,” Palpatine replied sourly. “Ah, Lord Vader,” he said, turning to his apprentice. “It is good to see you, my friend.”

“My master,” Vader replied with a bow. “The troops await your inspection.”

“Then let us proceed,” Palpatine said. “I am eager to see them.”

Vader walked along slowly with Palpatine, having to slow his stride down considerably to keep pace with the old man. Luckily the old man was too busy thinking of his troops to bother probing his apprentice’s thoughts as he usually did; if he had, however, he would have been disconcerted to find that Vader was blocking him, shielding his thoughts from his master.

Palpatine, however, knew his apprentice well, and knew that there was indeed something occupying his thoughts. “Something troubles you, my friend,” the old man said as they walked along. “I can sense you are …conflicted.”

Vader turned and looked at his master uneasily, thinking fast, pushing every thought of his family from his mind. “I have had some …health issues lately,” Vader said. “It seems my heart is in rather bad shape.”

Palpatine frowned. “Has that physician been remiss in her duties?” he asked.

“No,” Vader replied. “I have been remiss in taking the medication she prescribed.”

“Indeed,” Palpatine responded. “And why is that?”

“I cannot say,” Vader replied. “Perhaps I am merely tired of all the medical intervention required to keep me going. If only there was a way to repair my injuries.” Vader watched his master closely as he waited for his response.

“Yes, a pity indeed,” Palpatine replied at last, a look of deep regret on his wizened visage. “You have your former friend, that traitor Kenobi to thank for that.”

“Indeed,” Vader replied, allowing himself to feel a surge of anger. This pleased Palpatine and he continued.

“Of course, with you out of the picture, he would have had Amidala all to himself,” he commented.

Vader looked sharply at him, the comment angering him further, which only egged the old man on further.

“I would even hazard a guess that the child she carried when you killed her was his,” Palpatine said, enjoying the fury he felt smoldering within Vader. “After all, betrayal is betrayal.”

The anger that Vader felt was potent and consuming. So you have been lying to me all along, he though angrily, you have lied to me about everything!

“Indeed, betrayal is betrayal,” Vader replied at last. “And revenge is a sweet thing. I shall have mine one day, Master; I promise you.”

Palpatine smiled. “I’m sure of it, my friend.”


Padmé found herself on edge all day. The fact that the twins were restless and squabbling off and on all day did not make matters any better. She did her best to keep them occupied, but entertaining fourteen year olds was not always an easy task.

“When is the emperor leaving?” Luke asked over dinner that night. “We’re not going to be stuck in here all week, are we?”

“I don’t know, Luke,” Padmé replied, trying hard to be patient. “I don’t like this any more than you do, believe me.”

“Did Dad say if he would be back to see us while the emperor is here?” Leia asked.

“He didn’t say,” Padmé replied. “But I wouldn’t count on it. The emperor is very demanding.”

“He’s not going to tell the emperor about us,” Luke stated. “I know he won’t.”

“I don’t know, Luke,” Padmé replied. “I’m not sure even he knows what he’s going to do. He seems very indecisive.”

“He’s conflicted,” Leia said. “It’s very clear, isn’t it Luke?”

Luke nodded. “Yes, very.”

Padmé did not doubt her children, but did not want to think what the implications of his conflict could be.

Leia could sense that her mother had many questions, and that she too was conflicted.

“He really does care about us, Mom,” Leia told her mother. “Although he is trying hard not to.”

“Why would he do that?” Padmé asked.

“It’s not the way of the Sith,” Luke explained. “They care for no one, love nothing. Having us in his life is turning everything he has lived by for fourteen years upside down.”

Padmé could see how this was possible; but it made her wonder which would win out, the Sith or his family. “I suppose so,” she replied at last as she stood up from the table. “Come on, let’s get these dishes into the kitchen.”


Finally, Padmé thought as the twins finally surrendered to sleep. They had been restless most of the day, and Padmé began to wonder just how many more days like this she would have to endure.

“Is there anything I might get for you, Mistress Padmé?” Threepio asked.

“No, I’m fine, Threepio,” she replied. “You may shut down for the night.”

“As you wish, milady,” he replied and then left the room.

Padmé sat down on the sofa, feeling exhausted and stressed. Deciding that a nice soak in a warm tub of bubbles sounded like a good idea, she got up and headed for the fresher that adjoined her room.

This was definitely a good idea, Padmé thought as she relaxed into the warm sudsy water. She closed her eyes, the scent of her favourite bubble bath heralding a memory from the past, from what seemed like a life time ago….

I enter the fresher and smile at the sight before me. There in the tub, surrounded by a sea of foamy bubbles, is my very handsome and very naked husband. “Enjoying yourself?” I ask.

He nods. “Yeah, this is great,” he tells me. “I think I’ve found my feminine side.”

I can’t help but giggle at his comment. The thought Anakin Skywalker having a feminine side is just too ludicrous for words, and I tell him so. “Ani, you don’t have a feminine side,” I say, kneeling beside the tub. “I’ve done a thorough search. Not a trace of one.”

He nods. “Well that’s a relief,” he says with smile. “Care to join me?” he asks.

I return his smile. “I though you’d never ask,” I reply…

Padmé opened her eyes, refusing to dwell on the memory further. I miss you, Anakin, she thought desolately as tears sprung to her eyes. Why do I torture myself this way?

She sat up at this point, pulled the plug and got out of the tub, deciding that perhaps a bubble bath was not such a good idea after all.


Damn you, old man, Vader thought darkly as he exited the shuttle bay close to midnight. He was exhausted and tense, having spent the betterpart of the day in the presence of his master. And while Palpatine was pleased with the progress of the clone army, he nevertheless managed to get in as many mental jabs at his apprentice as he could. Head games: Palpatine was a master at them, and Vader despised them. It was all he could do sometimes to hold himself back from taking his lightsaber and slicing the old man in two.

As he approached the apartment where his family lived, Vader was struck with a strong wave of emotion emanating from within. It was not coming from either of the twins, for they were asleep; he could tell by the soft edge to their force signature that he sensed as he approached their apartment. No, this was coming from Padmé, who was still very much awake. She is thinking of him, he thought as he stood outside the door; she is thinking of Skywalker.

Torn between the man he was and the man he had become, he stood at the door for a moment, wrestling with the conflict that had been growing within him steadily since he had first discovered that she was alive. There was a time when the thought of her sadness was enough to tear at his own heart; wasn’t that what he felt right now? Wasn’t that why he could not walk away? But it isn’t you she longs for, it isn’t you she wants.

Padmé had just finished her cup of tea when she heard the door to her apartment open. Startled, she looked up, and was surprised to see Vader standing in the doorway.

“I hope I’m not disturbing you,” he said as the door slid closed behind him. She was wearing her dressing robe and her hair looked damp as though she had just had a bath.

Padmé shook her head. “No, come on in,” she said. She was about to ask him if he wanted a cup of tea, but stopped herself in time.

Vader walked into the apartment, unsure what to say to her. He looked around the apartment briefly. Normally the twins were around acting as a buffer between them. “The children are asleep?” he asked.

Padmé nodded. “Yes, for a while now,” she said. “They missed you,” she added.

“I was later than I thought,” he explained. “The emperor is rather…demanding.”

Padmé frowned. “That’s an understatement,” she muttered. “I’m sorry you missed the kids, but you are welcome to sit down if you wish.”

Vader was surprised by her invitation, and sat down across from her.

“So was he pleased?” she asked.

“Seemingly,” Vader replied. “But one never knows with the emperor. He is fond of playing head games.”

“What did he say?” she asked.

Vader wasn’t sure he wanted to tell her; the words the emperor had spoken were so hateful, so vile. “He tried to imply that the twins were not mine,” he said, his hands clenching into fists as he recalled the way Palpatine had delighted in suggesting it.

Padmé was outraged. “What!?” she cried. “He tried to tell you that you are not their father?”

Vader nodded. “Yes,” he said, his voice edged with fury. “He suggested that Kenobi was their father, not me.”

“I hope you didn’t believe that garbage,” she said. “I hope you know me better than that.”

“I do,” he replied. “The emperor is fond of toying with me,” he added, the anger growing again. “While pretending to be concerned for my well being.”

Padmé wasn’t sure what to say at this point. This was the first time since they had seen one another again that he had come close to opening up to her, and she felt oddly encouraged by it. Yet it was a fine line she walked, and knew that it would not take much to anger him.

“Palpatine has never cared for anyone but himself,” she said at last, deciding she didn’t care if she angered him. “Can you see that now?”

Vader said nothing for a moment, and merely looked down at his hands that were clasped between his knees. “There is another reason I stopped in,” he said, changing the subject. Padmé was becoming used to it.

“Why?”

“I sensed that you were …upset,” he told her. “And I wondered what was wrong, if there was anything I could do or get…” he stopped, his words falling between them lamely. “You are not happy here,” he stated. “Are you?”

Padmé was shocked that he would ask, or even care. “Does that matter?” she asked.

Vader looked up at her. “As I told you on Alderaan, I do not wish this to be a prison,” he told her. “I had hoped that in time you would learn to accept the way things are.”

“I have accepted it, for the sake of Luke and Leia,” she told him. “But being resigned to something and being happy about it are two entirely different things.”

“Were you happier running all over the galaxy, hiding from me?” he asked. “Is that what you want for Luke and Leia? A life with no security or direction?”

Padmé frowned. “I’m not sure what you are implying,” she replied tersely. “I have done the best I can under the circumstances; circumstances created by you, I might add.”

“I did not mean to imply anything,” he replied. “You have done an excellent job raising Luke and Leia. They are remarkable.”

“Yes, they are,” she said, growing more confused by the minute. She looked at him for a moment. “I don’t understand you,” she admitted softly. “I don’t begin to know you anymore,” she added, the sadness that had beset her earlier filling her again. “I miss you,” she said, unable to hold her tears back any longer. “I miss what we had. Don’t you miss that, Anakin? Don’t you miss what we had together?”

Vader did not respond, just as Padmé expected he would not. She stood up. “I see,” she said quietly. “I’m tired,” she told him, her voice cracking with emotion. “Good night.”

Vader watched as she retreated to the bedroom. He then stood up and left the apartment, more conflicted than when he had walked in.

[therealthing]

17

Doctor Thek was walking through the corridors of the Kamino clone facility when she found herself face to face with none other than the emperor himself. He grew suspicious immediately.

“Why, if it isn’t Doctor Thek,” he said, smiling at her. “What brings you to the facility, Doctor?”

“Your majesty,” she began. “I …I came here to access the database,” she explained, doing her best to remain calm. “The clones have some rather…unique health concerns,” she told him. “And I was hoping to get some treatment ideas here.”

You are not a good liar, Doctor, Palpatine mused as he read the woman’s thoughts easily. What are you up to, really? He wondered as the doctor rambled on. What is the real purpose of your interest in the database?

“Your dedication to your profession is to be commended, Doctor,” Palpatine said at last.

Athlena smiled nervously. “Thank you, your majesty,” she said in reply.

Palpatine nodded benevolently as he walked on. As soon as she was out of earshot he turned to the red robed guard at his side. “I want her watched,” he said. “I want to know every file that she accesses and every test she runs.”

“I will see to it personally, your majesty,” the guard replied with a bow.


Padmé awoke with a pounding headache the next morning. She had slept very little, and what little sleep she’d had was filled with dreams of the past, dreams of Anakin. The conversation she’d had with Vader the previous night only made matters worse. She was almost afraid to consider what his response might have been had she given him the opportunity to give it. Her heart wasn’t prepared for that though; it had been through too much, suffered too many losses to endure another. It was difficult enough having him close and yet still so far away.

“Morning Mom,” Luke said as he entered the dining room where Padmé was picking at her breakfast. He could see at once that she was upset.

“Good morning sweetheart,” she replied as Luke kissed her cheek.

“What’s wrong?” Luke asked as he sat down.

“I didn’t sleep well, that’s all,” Padmé replied, looking down at her tea.

Luke watched his mother closely, knowing that there was more to it than simply a bad night’s sleep. He sensed that somehow his father was involved, but did not feel it was his place to pry.

“Morning!” Leia sang as she bounced into the room. She stopped when she sensed the tension and stopped. “What?” she asked.

“Good morning Leia,” Padmé said. “Have some breakfast.”

Leia sat down, looking over at Luke questioningly. What happened? She asked.

I don’t know, Luke replied. I think it has to do with Dad.
I’ll ask, Leia replied.

No don’t!

“Did Dad come by last night?” Leia asked as she helped herself to some juice.

Padmé looked up at her. “Why do you ask?”

“Just a feeling,” Leia replied casually. “Did he?”

“Yes, he did,” Padmé replied. “It was very late, you two were already asleep.”

“Did you have a fight?” Leia asked.

Padmé frowned, her daughter’s candor unsettling her. “Leia, I don’t want to talk about it,” she replied. “Can we just leave it at that?”

“Okay,” Leia replied. An awkward silence ensued while the three of them ate their breakfast. It was interrupted by the door chime.

The three of them looked at one another as Threepio headed for the door.

“Good morning, Dr. Thek,” Threepio said as he ushered the doctor in.

“Good morning Threepio,” she replied. “Is Luke up and about?”

“Yes, he is eating breakfast,” Threepio replied. “Right this way.”

“Good morning everyone,” Dr. Thek said as she entered the dining room.

“Good morning, Doctor,” Padmé replied. “I’m glad you’re here. Luke was feeling a bit off yesterday.”

“Oh?” she replied. “What seems to be the trouble?”

“Just tired, that’s all,” Luke replied. “I’m okay, really.”

“Well let’s have a look at you and determine that for sure, alright?” she said.

Luke stood up and followed Dr. Thek into the common room, knowing the drill by now.

Leia followed her brother with her eyes, sensing that the physician was nervous about something.

“What is it, Leia?”

Leia looked at her. “Something is troubling her,” she said. “Something serious.”

Padmé nodded. “What do you think it is?” she asked.

“I have no idea,” she said. “But I mean to find out.”

“Leia, don’t,” she said, but Leia was already out of her chair and on her way to the next room. Padmé got up and followed her.

“Luke is in fine shape,” Dr. Thek told Padmé as she took a seat. “I think perhaps he’s just been over doing it. I understand he’s been doing a lot of swimming.”

“Yes, he loves to swim,” Padme replied.

“Well that’s good exercise, but perhaps a little less of it would be best,” she said.

“Good advice,” Padmé said, looking at Luke knowingly.

“You seem upset this morning,” Leia said looking at the physician.

Thek looked at the girl, surprised by her comment. “Oh?” she asked.

Leia nodded. “Yes,” she said. “Something has you upset.”

“It’s nothing really,” Thek replied. “I just …ran into the emperor earlier. He can be a little …intimidating.”

“Yes, I’m sure,” Padmé replied.

“Is there some reason you’d be afraid to talk to him?” Luke asked, picking up on what his sister was sensing.

Thek was becoming uncomfortable around the twins’ uncanny ability to read her thoughts and feelings. “Well, no,” she began.

“I don’t think that’s true,” Leia said.

“Leia, that’s enough,” Padmé said at last. “Stop hounding the doctor.”

Thek looked at Padmé, and then back at the twins, wondering if she ought to tell them what she was working on.

“Well, there is something that I’ve been trying to keep secret,” she said at last. “Something that would get me into serious trouble if the emperor found out.”

“What is that?” Luke asked, intrigued.

“I have never felt right about keeping the truth from Lord Vader about his injuries,” Thek began. “Looking at it now, it seems cowardly of me to withhold that from him.”

“The emperor would have killed you if you’d told him,” Padmé reminded her.

“Yes, I know,” Thek replied. “But I swore an oath to provide the best care possible to my patients, all of my patients. And in Lord Vader’s case, I have failed to uphold that oath.”

“I’m afraid I don’t understand,” Padmé said. “Vader already knows that his injuries can be repaired. What is the big secret?”

“I have been working on a way to do just that,” Thek replied. “To repair his injuries. That is why I have been on Kamino so much, why my assistant has been here sometimes instead of me. I have been researching my theory on their database, and using their equipment to get everything that I need ready.”

“You mean to fix our father’s injuries? Is that what you are telling us?” Luke asked incredulously.

Thek nodded.

“How?”

“Using your father’s DNA, I have begun the process of coding cell samples from his body, healthy cells, bone, skin, heart; all the vital organs that need replacing. Now that the codes have been activated, the cells can be implanted in the areas of his body in need of repair,” Thek explained. “First off we need to remove all the prosthetic devices from his body, both external and internal,” she explained. “And then implant the activated cells in their appropriate areas of his body and the regeneration process begins. The new cells repair the damaged ones by regenerating new tissue.”

“That is incredible!” Leia exclaimed.

Padmé did not want to get her hopes up that such a thing could actually work; but it was difficult not to. “Have you told him this?” she asked. “Does he know what you’re working on?”

Thek shook her head. “No,” she replied. “I haven’t, and I must ask that you do not say anything to him yet either.”

“Why not?” Leia asked.

“Because I don’t have all the components yet,” she replied. “The damage that he suffered utterly destroyed his lungs, and I have no cells from his lungs from which to generate new cells. Until I do, the operation cannot take place.”

“No, of course not,” Padmé replied, utterly disappointed at this news.

“Maybe I can give you the cells you need,” Luke offered. “He and I are the same blood type, after all. Would that work?”

Thek’s face lit up. “Yes, yes of course!” she replied. “It would work very well indeed!” she looked at Padmé. “Of course, we would need to wait another few weeks to harvest cells from you, Luke. It is a rather invasive procedure, and you are still recovering from surgery.”

“Of course,” Luke said, trying to contain his excitement. “This will mean he won’t have to wear the mask or the suit anymore, right?”

Thek nodded. “Yes, if all goes as planned.”

“And his heart will be okay?” Leia asked.

Again Thek nodded.

“May I ask why you haven’t told Vader about any of this?” Padmé asked.

“I know he is angry with me for not telling him about the possibility of fixing his injuries,” Thek began. “I’m not sure if he is ready to talk to me yet. Besides that, I didn’t want to get his hopes up if it turned out I couldn’t do it. But with Luke’s donation, I will be able to make it happen.”

Leia watched the doctor closely, sensing the deep feelings she had for her father. She loves him, Leia thought, she is in love with my father!

“Dr. Thek, I know we all got off to a rather bumpy start,” Padmé said, ever the diplomat, “but if you can make this happen, then this family will be forever in your debt.”

Thek smiled. “Thank you, Milady,” she said. “I’m just doing what I should have done years ago; but I appreciate your support nonetheless.” With that she stood up. “I should get back,” she said.

“How long do you think we need to wait before I can donate the cells you need?” Luke asked as they all stood up.

“At least three weeks,” Thek replied. “But I suppose if an emergency should arise, it could be sooner.”

“An emergency?” Padmé asked.

Thek nodded. “His heart is in bad shape,” she said. “He could have heart failure that mere drug therapy cannot repair. I have to be prepared if that happens.”

“I understand,” Padmé replied. “Thank you again,” she said, offering the doctor her hand. “And we will not breathe a word of this to anyone, will we kids?”

Both Luke and Leia shook their heads, both knowing the gravity of their word.

“Great,” Thek replied. “I will keep in touch, and I will see you the day after tomorrow, Luke.”

“I’ll be here,” Luke replied with a smile.

[therealthing]

18

Vader kept his distance from his wife for the next two days, and when they did happen to meet on occasion, he couldn’t help but notice that she was quite formal with him. Her senator face was how he used to describe it, teasing her for the formality with which she spoke to him whenever they happened to meet in public. How quickly that senatorial face would morph into a face of pure love and bliss when they were alone together, and able to demonstrate their love openly without fear of discovery.

Despite his best efforts, Vader could not stop thinking about the last intense conversation he’d had with his wife. He had refused to entertain the possibility that she still cared about him; but now it was impossible to deny. She did care, and, much to his consternation, so did he. He had never been able to deny how he felt about Padmé; not from the very first time they had met in Watto’s junk shop. It was as though she had left an invisible and yet indelible mark upon him, claiming him as hers for all time. He had once told her that she was in his very soul, and he knew that she still was. And yet, what was the point of it all? It was not him she wanted; it was the Other, the One he could never be again. That was who she cried for in her sleep, it was his embrace she longed for.

The end of the emperor’s visit was welcomed by everyone, most especially his apprentice. The six days of Palpatine’s sojourn on Kamino had seemed eternal to Vader, the tension he endured as a result of it rendering him tired and grouchy. More than one of his men were at the receiving end of a sound reprimand as a result of this, a few even felt the iron grip of his fingers on their throats. So when the royal yacht left the orbit of Kamino and disappeared into the vortex of hyperspace, a collective sigh of relief went up from the crew of the Exactor.

Vader could feel the tension level dropping as he walked onto the bridge. The men were more at ease; the air of dreadful expectation had vanished from their subconscious.

“Your orders, sir?” Lieutenant Piett asked as he appeared at Vader’s side.

“Signal the transports,” Vader replied. “Ask them for their ETA. The troops will be deployed once they have reached Kamino.”

“Very good sir,” Piett replied.

Vader liked Piett; he was reliable and he was smart, which, Vader had decided a long time ago, was a rare combination among imperial officers.

“I am going to see my family,” Vader told Piett. “You have the bridge Lieutenant.”

“Very good sir.”

Vader started to walk away, and then he remembered something. “Did someone look into the problem they were having in their quarters?”

Piett frowned. “Problem, milord? I wasn’t aware of a problem. May I be of some assistance?”

“Never mind,” Vader replied, leaving the bridge, cursing himself for letting it slip his mind.

Vader made his way to the apartment, finding himself eager to see his family. He had not seen them in two days, and was astonished to find that he missed them. Not that he would admit it to them; though he suspected his children would be able to guess. Their ability to read him was uncanny.

Vader entered the apartment where he found his twins involved in a rather heated argument. He stood for a moment, not sure what to do. And then he heard Padmé’s voice from the other room.

“If the two of you cannot get along, then stay away from one another!”

That was definitely her I-mean-business voice, he mused as he simply stood and watched the on goings for a moment.

“It’s your fault,” Leia said, sticking her tongue out at Luke.

“What is going on?”

Luke and Leia turned, startled by his presence which they had not noticed in the heat of their argument.

“Leia used up all the memory on my datapad,” Luke said. “And is denying it.”

“I only did that because Luke erased half of my files from mine,” Leia countered, glaring at her brother.

“Half of that stuff was garbage anyway!” Luke replied. “A waste of memory!”

“Says you!”

“ENOUGH!” Luke and Leia stopped as both their parents uttered the word simultaneously. Padmé did not know that Vader was there, and seemed rather embarrassed to see him.

“I didn’t know you were here,” she said awkwardly.

“I seem to have arrived at an inopportune time,” he said, looking back at the twins.

“No, you’ve arrived just in time,” she said. “I’ve had it up to here with the bickering. If these two don’t get out of this apartment soon they are going to kill each other.”

For the first time Vader was grateful for his mask, for it hid the
smirk of amusement he had witnessing Senator Amidala lose her cool. “Well then my visit is well timed then after all,” he said. “For I’ve come to let you know that the emperor is on his way back to Coruscant.”

Luke and Leia looked at one another, the argument they’d just been having going completely out of their minds. “Yes!” Luke said, giving his sister the high five.

“That means we can leave the apartment, right?” Leia asked.

Vader nodded. “Yes,” he said. “I thought perhaps you’d enjoy a tour of the ship,” he told them. “I haven’t had a chance to give you one yet.”

“We would love , wouldn’t we Mom?” Leia exclaimed happily.

Vader looked at Padmé, not quite sure what to expect from her.

“Yes, we certainly would,” she said at last. “It will be nice to
get out of the apartment for a while.”

“Excellent,” Vader said, offering his arm to his wife. “Shall we?”

Padmé hesitated for a moment, and then took his arm, noting the way Luke and Leia looked at one another as she did so. She decided to ignore them and walked out the door with the twins close behind.

It was apparent very quickly to Padmé that the crew and officers of the Exactor were curious about the family of their commanding officer. She garnered a great deal of attention, and, much to the annoyance of Vader, more than a little admiration. And while there was nothing inappropriate about the way they were looking at her, Padmé could feel his tension rise through the muscles of his arm each time an officer or crewman gave her a smile or an admiring look.

Leia and Luke were full of questions, most of which Vader himself was able to answer. Occasionally he would allow a crewman to do so, more as a test of their knowledge than anything else. Padmé almost pitied the young officers who were obviously terrified of their commander. No doubt he was a harsh task master.

“And this, of course, is the bridge,” Vader said as they walked onto the bridge. “The command center of the entire vessel.” He looked at Luke and Leia, knowing that each of them was brimming with question. “Feel free to look around,” he invited them. “My officers will answer any questions you may have.”

The twins did not need to be told twice, and immediately moved to the various stations of the bridge and commenced grilling each of the officers and men with questions. Vader watched them, impressed with the maturity with which they composed themselves. Paternal pride filled him, unstoppable, as he watched them interact with the officers. There was no doubt that having them in his life was changing him; he would be foolish to try to deny it. And then there was Padmé…

He turned to watch her next. She was speaking with Lieutenant Piett, the grace and elegance he had always associated with her completely charming Piett as well as the other officers she held in her thrall. He realized that he need not worry about the loyalty of the officers where she was involved; judging by the way they were falling over themselves to impress her, they would be loyal to her to any end.

“Time to go,” Vader told his children. “These men have work to do.”

“Thank you for your patience,” Padmé told them officers who had spent the past twenty minutes being peppered with questions.

“It was our pleasure, Lady Vader,” Piett replied with a smile. “They are welcome any time, as are you, Milady.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant,” she replied with a smile. She turned to Vader who was watching her, making her wish for the hundredth time that she could see his eyes.

“All set?” he asked.

“Yes,” she replied, walking to him. “Thank you. This was just what the twins needed.”

Vader nodded. “Yes, I imagine it was a long week for them. For you as well.”

“You might say that,” Padmé replied as they left the bridge. “Though I don’t imagine your week was any better.”

“It had its challenges,” he replied. “I imagine the twins presented you with challenges of your own.”

“You could say so,” she replied.

“No doubt they are restive,” he said. “Perhaps some time in recreation will help alleviate their restlessness.”

“I’m sure of it,” she said, looking back at the twins. “Are you two ready for a swim?” she asked them.

“You bet,” Luke replied.

“We’ll just get our suits on and be there in a minute,” Leia said as she and Luke stepped out of the turbolift and took off down the corridor.

“Will you join them?” Vader asked his wife.

“Perhaps,” she said, not wanting to tell him that she was content just to spend time with him for the moment.

Vader nodded, sensing her unspoken feelings. They surprised him, and gave him an idea. “Come with me,” he said, taking her hand suddenly. “I want to show you something.”

Padmé was surprised by his gesture, and more than a little curious. “What is it?” she asked as they walked down the corridor.

“You shall see soon enough,” he replied.

Padmé looked up at him. “Won’t you give me a hint?”

Vader looked down at her, amused by her impatience. “Patience, milady,” he said. “Patience.”

Padmé was reminded of many times in the past when Anakin would surprise her, and she would nearly expire with anticipation. At least that hasn’t changed, she mused.

“Right this way,” he said as they entered the gymnasium. From the next room over they could already hear the twins splashing and laughing in the swimming pool.

“Sounds like they are enjoying themselves,” Padmé commented.

“Indeed,” Vader replied as he directed her to the door on the far side of the huge room. “Right in here,” he said.

Padmé could not begin to imagine what lay behind the door that Vader was unlocking with a security code. She stood behind him as he keyed in the code, and then followed him in once the door slid open. As the lights came up, Padmé gasped when she beheld what the room held.

Somehow, with the magic of technology and engineering, Vader had managed to transform the enormous room into the mountain meadow from Naboo, complete with the thundering of tumbling water from the waterfalls in the distance, and the smell of wildflowers in the soft breeze.

“Oh, Ani,” she said softly as tears filled her eyes. “It’s …it’s incredible,” she said as the tears streamed down her face.

Vader was transfixed by her, watching the utter astonishment and wonder on her face. It did something to him, something he didn’t want to admit, something he never imagined could ever happen to him again: it made him happy. Her joy at seeing a place so close to her heart again was streaming from her in waves of brilliant, glowing light that compromised the darkness that had filled him for so long. This shook Vader, and he decided it would be best if he left.

“Please,” she said, taking his hand. “Don’t go.”

Vader looked down at her hand and then up into her face. “I have no place here,” he told her. “This is a sacred place, Padmé. I do not belong in it.”

His words and the sadness behind them were like a knife in her heart. “Don’t say that,” she said softly. “This place means as much to you as it does to me,” she told him. “You can’t deny that, can you?”

Vader felt uneasy under her scrutiny. Despite the fact that she was not Force sensitive, she had always been able to read him. “No,” he replied at last. “I cannot.”

It was the first admission he had made to having once been Anakin Skywalker, and it gave her a glimmer of hope. “Thank you,” she said, walking over to him. “This is a wonderful gift.”

Vader looked down at her, his struggle to keep the ghosts from his past at bay growing worse with each moment he remained. “You’re welcome,” he said at last. And with that, he left her.

[therealthing]

19

Padmé managed to get the twins into bed with very little resistance, and for that she was grateful. Obviously the tour around the ship and the swim afterwards had worn them out, for they were asleep within minutes of their heads hitting the pillow. Padmé stood in the doorway of their adjoining rooms, simply listening to the sound of them breathing.

The day had been an eventful one, bringing surprises that she had not anticipated. The gesture that Vader had made in recreating the meadow had been so unexpected that she still found it hard to believe. She had tried not to think of it, tried not to let her hopes be fueled by his unexpected sentimentality, but it was difficult not to. Over the past few days she had seen glimpses of the man she had once known, the man she knew Vader was trying desperately to keep locked deep inside of him. If only he would let himself feel something other than anger, other than pain, then he would return to us, I know he would. Perhaps all he needs is a nudge in the right direction, or an invitation to it…

Padmé walked over to each of them in turn and planted a kiss on their forehead, just as she had every night for the past fourteen years. Sliding the door between the twins’ rooms closed, she left through Leia’s room and returned to the common area.

“May I get you something, Milady?” Threepio asked as Padmé walked into the common room.

“No, thank you Threepio,” she replied. “I think I’m going to get to bed actually.”

“I wish you a good night in that case, milady.”

“Thanks Threepio.”

Padmé headed for her room with a yawn, looking forward to a good night’s sleep.

Padmé found herself alone in the apartment. The twins were off exploring the vessel, having brought the droids with them. She was happy to have the place to herself, for it gave her the opportunity to ponder over all that had transpired in the past few days.

The gift that Vader had presented her with had been so unexpected that it still had her wondering. Such an overt gesture of sentimentality was not the action of a Sith; no, it was more like something Anakin would have done. And yet, time and time again he had denied that he was Anakin, and corrected her whenever she used that name. He was a paradox, a contradiction; but then again, he had always been that way, hadn’t he?

Padmé’s musings were interrupted by the door chime, and she walked over to the door to answer it. The door slid open to reveal the Dark Lord, as though she had somehow summoned him with her thoughts.

“I hope I am not disturbing you,” he said as he stepped into the room.

“No, you’re not,” she replied. “But if you’ve come to see the twins, they are not here, I’m afraid.”

“You are alone?” he asked.

Padmé nodded.

“Perfect,” he replied. “I was hoping you would be.”

“Why is that?” she asked as she sat down once again.

“It is you I came to see, Padmé,” he told her. “What I have to say to you is best said in private,” he replied as he sat next to her, “and without interruption.”

Padmé found herself growing curious by his uncharacteristic candor, and said nothing in reply, merely waiting for him to continue.

Vader reached over and picked up one of her hands in his. “I cannot go on like this any longer,” he told her.

“I don’t understand,” she said, watching him as he gently stroked her hand.

“I have been a fool to try to deny how I feel, Padmé,” he continued. “But no more.” He moved closer to her. “You asked me if I missed the way things were between us,” he said.

She nodded.

“The truth is, not a day has gone by in the past fourteen years that I haven’t thought of how it was between us,” he told her. “And now that you are back, now that I have found you again, I am tortured by those memories, tortured by the knowledge that I can never touch you, never feel you close to me, never awaken to your body next to mine. That is the truth, Padmé. You are in my soul, you always have been. I have been empty without you.”

Padmé felt her eyes fill with tears at his proclamation, her heart filling with his tender words. “I have been lost without you,” she told him, turning to face him. “And it doesn’t have to be that way, don’t you see? Dr. Thek told me that there is a way to repair your injuries, a way to make you whole again! Won’t you let her help you, Anakin? I love you, Anakin! I need you so much.”

Padmé woke up, the images and feelings from her dream too intense to bear. She sat up in her bed, her heart racing. And then reality crashed down around her, and she dropped her face into her hands, her whole body trembling with emotion. If only I knew he felt that way, I would wait for him for as long as it took, she thought fervently; if only he would open his heart to me again. But he had done that, hadn’t he? In his own fashion, in the only way he could; hadn’t he done that when he created her surprise? Padmé sighed, and ran her hands through her tousled hair, realizing that she needed to be patient. Fourteen years was a long time to be immersed in Darkness; the road back again was bound to be a long, arduous one. Fourteen years is a long time to be alone, she reflected, realizing that while she’d had the twins, he had been utterly alone all these years; alone and believing he had killed his wife and unborn child. Is it any wonder he’s afraid to love us now?


“Lord Vader, the commander of the first transport is signaling. They will be entering the system in less than an hour.”

Vader nodded in response. “Relay the message to the prime minister,” he commanded.

“Yes milord,” Piett replied. “Sir there was also a request for us to take on some passengers,” he added.

“Passengers?” Vader asked. “Who?”

“Miners, sir,” Piett replied. “They are en route to the Anoat System and since we are eventually headed in that direction…”

“Yes, I see their point,” Vader interjected. “How many?”

“Thirty seven sir,” Piett replied, looking at the information on a datapad.

“Very well,” Vader replied. “Have arrangements made for them in the lower decks,” he said. “I don’t want them having access to the ship. They are not to have access to the ship, make that clear, Piett. I don’t want their sort wandering about unchecked.”

“Understood, milord,” Piett replied. He shared his commanding officers distrust of miners, and would be more than happy to place restrictions on their movement within the ship.

Vader folded his arms and looked out the view screen as he awaited the arrival of the transport ships. He had tried his best not to allow thoughts of his wife to enter his conscious mind; bad enough he had started to dream of her again. Her reaction to the gift he had presented to her the previous day had been profound, and he could not stop himself from reflecting upon it. Vader was not sure how she would react; part of him thought she would be angry and resentful, hating him for daring to defile her memory of that special place in such a manner. He could not have been more wrong. What was more, she had managed to look right into his heart, right to his soul, just as she always had. How could he keep up the pretence of detachment and aloofness when she was doing her damnest to undermine it?

“My lord,” Piett said, appearing at Vader’s elbow.

Vader turned to him.

“We have visitors,” Piett said with a smile, indicating with an arm to the other side of the bridge.

Vader looked over to see his twins on the bridge, an uncharacteristic feeling of warmth settling into his heart as he did so. You’ve lost, he told himself as they came over to him, but it was hardly a fair fight…they outnumber you.

“Good morning,” he said as Luke and Leia reached him. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your company so early in the day?”

“Luke is trying to avoid Doctor Thek,” Leia said, looking at her twin with a conspiratorial grin.

“Indeed,” Vader replied. “I have been known to do that myself on occasion,” he told them.

“She’s got the hots for you, you know,” Leia told him.

“Leia, shut up, will you?” Luke said, rolling his eyes.

Vader looked at his daughter, his arms folded over his chest. “The hots?” he asked.

Leia nodded. “Yep,” she said knowingly. “Surely you have sensed it.”

“I think you are imagining things, young one,” Vader said, amused by his daughter’s lack of inhibitions. “She is my physician, nothing more.”

“So why is she so upset that you are angry with her?” Leia challenged.

Leia, shut up.

Leia ignored her brother’s warning. “She’s even got some elaborate plan to get back in good with you.”

Vader was suddenly interested. “What are you talking about, Leia?”

Leia, don’t go there!

This time something in Luke’s eyes made her stop, and she looked up at her father and then back to Luke, realizing she had gone too far.

“Tell me,” Vader demanded in a tone that brooked no dissent. “Tell me what she is doing.”

Leia looked away from her father, wishing she could disappear into a black hole.

“Leia, answer me,” he said, trying to maintain his calm for her sake.

“Something to do with your DNA,” Leia said at last, looking nervously from Vader to Luke who had his face in his hand, shaking his head in disbelief. “I don’t know what she meant, most of it was too technical, but…”

Leia stopped, as she and Luke both sensed the anger exploding within their father. It frightened them, for while they had both known all along that their father was a Sith, seeing his anger, feeling it, was another thing.

“She has crossed the line,” Vader said as he strode across the bridge, the anger rippling around him with each step. Luke and Leia followed their father, half afraid to do so, half afraid to leave him.

“Dad, calm down,” Luke said as he and Leia followed their father onto the turbolift.

Vader did not reply, and both Leia and Luke were afraid of what would happen when they reached the medical wing. Leia felt terrible that she had brought on such a frightening reaction within her father, and wished with all her heart that she had heeded her brother’s warning.

“Dad, please don’t do this,” Leia pleaded with him as they stepped off the turbolift. She took one of his enormous hands in her two small ones, looking up at him with her mother’s eyes. “Please!”

“Do not get in my way, Leia,” he warned, “I have no desire to harm you.”

His words shocked Leia. “You wouldn’t do that, I know you wouldn’t!” she cried, her terror mounting with each second as the waves of Darkness crashed all around them, unrelenting and potent.

Vader clenched his fists in monumental frustration and fury. “Stand aside!” he shouted, causing Leia to shrink back from him, releasing his hand at once.

Luke looked at his sister, sensing her terror, which mirrored his own. But Luke was not about to let his father do something that would mire him further in the Darkness, as well as negate any chance of being healed. Dr. Thek may have crossed the line, but she was the only chance he had.

Luke ran after his father, leaving Leia sobbing in the corridor.


Dr. Thek’s assistant was at the computer console when the Dark Lord entered the room.

“Where is she?” Vader demanded.

“My lord?” Andrew asked, standing up slowly. He could see that Vader was very angry. “Who, my lord?”

Vader’s hand closed around the man’s throat with deadly speed. “You know damn well who!” he roared. “That fraud, Thek! Where is she??”

“I…I don’t…” the hapless man gasped, his eyes bulging from his skull. “She…” Vader lost his patience and crushed the man’s windpipe, tossing his dead body against the bulkhead once he had finished him off.

“Andrew, what…”

Vader looked up and saw Dr. Thek standing in the doorway, her eyes taking in the grisly scene with silent horror.

“You!” Vader roared. “You dare to call yourself a physician!” he growled, advancing upon her menacingly.

“Lord Vader, what is this about?” she asked, trying to master her terror. “Why is Andrew dead?”

“What have you done?” Vader demanded closing the distance between them with terrifying speed. “You have been tampering with my DNA?? How dare you do such a thing without my knowledge, without my consent!” he roared as instruments began flying from the shelves.

“Lord Vader, please let me explain!” she pleaded, ducking as shards of glass and chrome were hurled everywhere.

“Where are they?” Vader demanded, advancing upon her next.

“I don’t…” she began, but stopped as she felt his invisible grasp around her throat.

“WHERE ARE THEY?”

Thek looked frantically around the lab, indicating the far side where the cell samples were storage. Vader reached out and grabbed her roughly by the arm, dragging her across the room. “Now, Doctor,” he hissed as the vials containing the precious cell samples shattered, “you will see what happens when you betray me!”

“My lord I would never betray you!” she cried, heart broken to see her hours of pain staking work destroyed. “I only want to help you!”

“More of your lies!” he retorted, turning back to her once again. He reached out one hand, choking her with the dark power that surged through him. “Give me one reason why I ought to believe anything you ever say to me again after your treachery??”

“Dad, don’t!” Luke cried coming up from behind his father. “Don’t hurt her! I’m begging you!”

“Stand aside, Luke,” Vader warned, “she has this coming! She is nothing more than an impostor, a fraud!”

“And she is the only person alive who knows how to repair your injuries,” Luke told him. “Don’t do this, Dad! Please!”

Vader looked down at his son, who was bravely putting himself between himself and the doctor, knowing full well what danger he was putting himself in. “She is telling the truth, Dad,” Luke said, “she has found a way to fix your injuries! Do you really want to lose the only chance you have to live a normal life again?”

Vader could feel the light emanating from his son’s aura, pure and brilliant. He could feel it surrounding him, compromising the darkness that filled him.

“Please Dad,” Luke said, his brilliant eyes shining with tears. “Don’t do this.”

Vader looked at the doctor who was clutching desperately at the invisible fingers around her throat. And then suddenly she was released, and fell to the floor on her hands and knees. Vader looked down at her. “You have my son to thank for your life, Doctor,” he told her as she coughed and sputtered for air. He turned and walked out of the lab, the glass crunching under his boots.

“Are you alright?” Luke asked Thek as he helped her to her feet.

She nodded as she stood up slowly. “Thank you, Luke,” she said hoarsely, rubbing her neck tenderly. “If you hadn’t been here, I would be dead right now. Like Andrew,” she said, as tears sprung to her eyes. “Poor Andrew,” she whispered, walking over to the body of her dead colleague. “He was so young!”

Luke did not know what to say to assuage the woman’s sorrow. “I’m sorry,” he said at last. “I…I don’t know what else to say.”

“It isn’t your fault, Luke,” she replied as she stood up, brushing the tears from her face. “I knew the risk I took when I began in your father’s service. He is not an easy man to please.”

Luke frowned. “He did have a right to be angry with you,” he stated. “You’ve been lying to him for years; can you blame him for not trusting you now?”

“No, I don’t suppose so,” she admitted quietly. She looked over to the remained of the cell samples she had tended to so lovingly. “All this work,” she said, shaking her head sadly. “For nothing. Perhaps I was foolish to even try.”

“No, you weren’t,” Luke said, walking over to her. “You are a gifted physician to have found a way to help him, and I for one am grateful to you for trying.”

Thek looked down at the boy, astounded by his maturity and wisdom. “You are a remarkable young man, Luke Skywalker,” she said with a smile. “Do you know that?”

Luke shrugged, self-conscious all of a sudden. “Is there anything you can salvage here?” he asked.

Thek sighed. “Perhaps,” she said. “I’ll see what is left. Perhaps you ought to leave, Luke. I’m sure your mother will be concerned.”

Luke nodded. “Okay,” he said. “I hope your work hasn’t been all destroyed, Doctor. I know you can help my father, once he allows himself to be helped.”

Thek nodded. “Thank you, Luke,” she said. “I hope so. Oh and Luke,” she called after him.

Luke turned around.

“Take this,” she said, handing him a data disc. “When he calms down, have your father look at this. This is what I have been working on, my plans to fix his injuries. Perhaps this will help.”

Luke nodded, and took the disc from her. And then he turned away once again. He left the lab, walking carefully amidst the wreckage that a droid was now cleaning up. He looked in the corridor for his father, but did not see him anywhere. Nor did he see Leia, who he had left by the turbo lift. Luke felt a twinge of guilt for not having left her the way he had; but given what had happened in the lab, he reasoned that he’d had no choice. He stepped onto the turbolift, deciding to return to the apartment, where he hoped he would find his sister. As for his father, Luke felt it would be prudent to give him some time to cool off. The anger that Vader had felt was unlike any that Luke had ever witnessed in his short life, and it terrified him. Is this what he has been immersed in all these years? Is this all he’s had in his heart for fourteen years?

Leia had started on her way back to the apartment, her vision blurred by the tears that filled her eyes. Why didn’t I listen to Luke? She reproached herself over and over. Why can’t I just keep my mouth shut??

Leia had reached the level where her new home was, when she heard the second turbolift door open. She turned to see her father emerge from it. In an instance she could sense the change in him, the anger that had consumed him had begun to abate. She said nothing to him, but merely waited for him to reach her. He walked towards her, the sight of her tears and the fear in her eyes making his heart sink. He held out a hand to her wordlessly. Leia could feel his remorse, his guilt for frightening her as he had. She walked to him and took his hand, and then wrapped her arms around him tightly. Vader looked down at his daughter, the last remnants of anger being pushed out of his heart by the innocent, pure love he felt emanating from her.

“Forgive me, young one,” he said, stroking her hair gently.

Leia looked up at him and merely nodded. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t realize…”

“You have nothing to be sorry for,” he told her. “It is Doctor Thek who has done something wrong, not you, Leia. Now come, let’s get you back home.”

“Where is Luke?” Leia asked as they started down the corridor together.

“He stayed behind,” Vader told her. “It was he who stopped me from killing her.”

Leia felt a shiver go down her spine at the calmness with which her father spoke those loaded words. “You…you were going to kill her?”

Vader nodded. “She betrayed my trust,” he told her matter-of-factly. “I do not tolerate betrayal, Leia.”

Leia frowned, disturbed by his words. This was a side of her after she had not seen, and had not wanted to admit existed. But now, in light of what had happened, or so nearly happened, she could no longer deny it. “Dad, I think she is really trying to help you,” Leia said at last. “She really cares about you.”

Vader remained silent as they walked along the corridor, his mind in turmoil.

Padmé looked up from the laundry that she and Threepio were folding when the door slid open. She knew at once that Leia was upset.

“What’s wrong?” she asked as Leia and her father stepped into the room. “Where is Luke?”

“He is with Doctor Thek,” Leia said.

Padmé nodded, looking from Vader back to Leia. “Why do I get the impression that something is going on?” she asked.

“Were you aware of what Doctor Thek was working on?” Vader asked her.

Padmé looked down at Leia, realizing that she had spilled the beans. “Yes,” she said. “I take it you are now as well.”

“She was out of line doing such a thing without my permission,” he said, the anger starting to flare up again.

“Even if it means saving your life?” Padmé challenged.

Vader had no reply for her question, and said nothing. At that point Luke walked into the apartment.

“Good, you’re here,” Luke said to his father. “You need to see this,” he said, holding up the data disc.

“Why? What is it?” Vader asked.

“It’s Doctor Thek’s research,” Luke replied, looking over to the data reader embedded in the large table in the center of the living room. “Her plans to help you.” He fed the disc into the device and turned back to his father. “Will you at least see what she has in mind before you decide it’s a bad thing?”

Vader looked at his son. He has never asked anything of me- how can I deny him this one thing?

“Very well,” Vader said, sitting down on one of the sofas. “I will watch your disc, Luke. But this does not erase what she did.”

“No, I told her you had a right to be angry,” Luke said as Padmé sat down as well.

Leia sat down beside her father, relieved that he had calmed down. They waited as the data disc was read, and soon the information appeared on the screen before them. Thek had extrapolated the information she had gleaned from the database on Kamino and created a computer simulation of the procedure. All four watched in silence as the miraculous transformation took place on the computer generated patient, how in a matter of weeks he was whole again, without any prosthetics whatsoever.

“Wow,” Leia said softly when the disc had concluded. “That is …amazing,” she said, turning to her father. “Dad, you have to let her do this,” she said. “You can live without the mask forever! Think of it!”

Vader nodded, more than a little impressed with what he had just watched. “It does seem…promising,” he admitted at last. “But the problem of the emperor remains,” he hastened to add. “He will be suspicious if suddenly I am surgically repaired in this way. I will not risk that.”

Padmé nodded, knowing that he was right. Palpatine was already angry with Vader for his delay on Alderaan; were he to find out the real reason he had stayed so long, all hope of keeping the twins safe would be lost.

And then, an idea struck her.

“What if he didn’t know about it?” she said at last.

“How could he not know?” Vader asked her.

“What if you continued to use the mask and suit, whenever you were in his presence at least, but had the surgery?” Padmé replied.

“That’s brilliant!” Luke cried. “Mom, you’re a genius!”

Padmé smiled at her son’s enthusiasm; but it was Vader’s approval she was looking for. “What do you think?”

Vader was silent as he thought of this. Living without the mask and suit was something he did not allow himself to ever dare dream of; was it truly possible?

“I will consider it,” Vader said at last as he stood up. “I must return to the bridge, the transports will be arriving imminently.”

Padmé and the twins stood up as well, knowing better than to push the issue further. At least, for now.

Luke and Leia walked their father to the door.

“Will we see you later?” Leia asked him as she took his hand.

“Perhaps,” Vader told her. “The transport of the troops needs to be overseen,” he said. Leia and Luke knew that their father had many underlings competent enough to see to this task, and sensed that he needed time alone to sort out all that he had learned. They respected him tremendously, and knew that this was a huge decision for him to make.

Padmé watched her children interact with their father. Until he had come back into their lives, she hadn’t realized just how much they needed a father in their life. And while he wasn’t exactly a conventional father, he did seem to fill a void in the twins’ life, as they are filling the one in his, she reflected. Perhaps it is time to extend the invitation, she thought as an idea struck her. She smiled as she watched him leave, and then returned to the laundry that had been left unattended.

[therealthing]

20

Vader watched from the bridge as the transports settled into orbit, his arms folded over his chest. It was a familiar pose; the men around him were accustomed to his brooding, ominous presence on the bridge. What the men didn’t see was how conflicted their commander was.

Since finding his family again, Vader’s emotions had run the gamut from shock to elation, from blinding rage to deepest regret. And now he was presented with an opportunity he never thought he would be afforded: a chance to live a normal life again. To live without the mask, to live as a normal man again was beyond his wildest dreams.

“My lord, the passengers have been brought aboard,” Ozzel informed him. “We have troopers ready to escort them to their accommodations.”

“Is Piett there as well?” Vader asked.

“Yes, milord,” Ozzel replied. “As per your orders.”

“As soon as transport is complete, prepare to leave orbit, Ozzel,” Vader replied. “I wish to speak to these passengers myself so that there is no room for…a misunderstanding.”

Ozzel couldn’t help but smile. “An excellent idea, my lord.”

Vader made his way down to the lower levels, where the thirty-seven miners had been brought. He was uneasy with the idea of the rough men on board now that his family had taken up residence on the ship. Of course, the ship was enormous, and the men would be well watched, well contained. Still, it did not sit well with Vader that they were on board, and he knew that he would be happy once they had been delivered to their destination in the Anoat System.

“The men have been shown to their cabins, milord,” Piett informed Vader as the Dark Lord joined him.

“I trust they have been briefed,” Vader replied. “They are not to leave the level under any circumstances.”

Piett nodded. “Yes sir, they have been warned not to leave. And there are troopers posted at the lifts just in case they try something stupid.”

Vader nodded. “Excellent,” he said. “I do not trust these men,” he grumbled. “Scum of the galaxy, that’s what they are.”

Piett smiled. “Yes, my feelings exactly, sir,” he replied. “They have already made a few…colorful comments with regards to the restrictions placed upon them.”

“Is that so?” Vader replied. “Who? Show me who, Piett.”

“Very well, sir,” he said. “This way.”

Vader followed Piett into a small common area where a number of men were sitting playing cards. They looked up when they noticed someone enter the room.

“Where is Cassus Bendix?” Piett called into the room. No one replied.

“The lieutenant asked you a question!” Vader bellowed. The men fell silent, and one man stood up.

“I’m Bendix,” he said, trying not to look as intimidated as he felt. “What’s it to you?”

Vader strode over to him in a few steps. “I understand you are unhappy with the arrangements,” he said.

Bendix gave his tobacco wad a few more chews before he responded. “Yeah, they stink,” he said.

Vader grabbed the man by the front of his shabby coveralls. He lifted him off the floor, relishing the fear he saw in the man’s eyes. “Perhaps the brig would be more to your liking?” he growled.

Bendix shook his head. “No,” he said. “This’ll do.”

“Are you sure?” Vader asked, applying the slightest bit of pressure to the man’s larynx.

“Yes,” the man gasped.

“Yes, what?” Vader snapped.

“Yes….Lord….Vader!”

“That’s better,” Vader replied, releasing the man. Bendix crumpled to the floor, while his comrades laughed at his humiliation.

“No one leaves this level,” Vader told them all. “So long as you abide by this simple rule, your trip will be an uneventful one. But should you test me on this, you will not fare nearly as well as your brave companion here,” he said, looking at the man at his feet.

The men fell silent, and Vader could feel their fear, their shock. It pleased him.

“Piett,” he said as he rejoined the lieutenant. “Let’s get out of here.”

“With pleasure, milord.”


“That’ll do it,” the technician said as he packed up his tools. “You should have plenty of hot water now, Milady.”

“Thank you,” Padmé said. “I appreciate you coming here at such a late hour.”

“No problem at all, Lady Vader,” the man replied with a smile.

Padmé hated being called that, but she did not say anything. It was not the man’s fault after all; and after his kindness, the last thing he needed was a reprimand.

“If you have any more trouble, just let me know,” he said as Padmé walked him to the door. “Name’s Ardinn, Barak Ardinn. You can find me on the engineering level, milady.”

“Thank you, Barak,” Padmé replied. “I will be sure to do that, as well as mention to my husband of your excellent work.”

Ardinn’s smile grew. “Thank you, milady,” he said with a bow. “You’re very gracious.”

Padmé smiled as he headed out the door. She had discovered that the crewman and officers of the Exactor were exceedingly eager to please, and nearly fell over themselves to serve her in any manner they could. I suppose there are some advantages to being Lady Vader, she mused as she sat down. Luke and Leia had gone to bed already, and she had the apartment to herself. Her mind harkened back to the events earlier in the day, and she couldn’t help but wonder if Vader had made a decision yet. The thought of having him restored to his former self, at least physically, had occupied her thoughts a great deal of late. Fourteen years was a long time to live without the companionship she’d come to treasure with Anakin; they had always had an exciting, even torrid physical relationship, the chemistry between them electrifying. She had lived without that for fourteen years, and had come to accept that she would be celibate for the rest of her life. Bail Organa had tried to convince her to start again, to make a clean break with the past and start a new life; but Padmé could not do it. Despite the fact that Anakin was gone, she could not bring herself to divorce Vader, much to the dismay of the Viceroy. He could not understand Padmé’s steadfast devotion to a man who was for all intents and purposes dead, and Padmé was unable to explain it to him. After a while, she stopped trying.

But now, now there was a chance that the man who had been her husband could be restored to his formal self. Had he considered the ramifications of such a thing? Did he still think of her the way she thought of him? Were fourteen years of abstinence as painful for him as they had been for her?

An idea had come to her earlier that day, but she had decided it was too much, and had put it out of her mind. But now, now it didn’t seem so unseemly. She was his wife, after all; perhaps he needed a gentle nudge to get him to make his decision. Perhaps she had a way to persuade him that no one else could offer.

Padmé stood up and walked over to the twins’ room, ensuring that they were still asleep. And then she went to her own room, determined to put her plan into action.



It had been a long, emotionally wrought day, and Vader was anxious to retreat to the privacy and solitude of his quarters. Even the few hours he was afforded without his mask were like a blessing to him, for it allowed him to feel human, even for a short time.

Rubbing his eyes tiredly, Vader had just closed the pod when he heard someone entering the door to his quarters. He opened his eyes, preparing to blast whoever it was for disturbing him at such a late hour, for daring to enter his quarters without an invitation, when he realized who it was. Padmé.

Padmé approached the strange spherical pod in the center of the room, knowing from Vader’s descriptions of it that this was the hyperbaric chamber where he spent the night. She had begun to wonder if he were even within it when the pod emitted a loud sound, and began to open. Padmé watched as the top portion of the pod lifted.

“I hope I’m not disturbing you,” Padmé said, her eyes drawn to the startlingly blue ones that were watching her.

“No,” he replied. “Though I am rather surprised to see you here.”

“I’m sure,” she said.

Vader watched her, sensing that she had a reason for being here. Padmé never did anything without a reason.

“To what do I owe the pleasure of your company, milady?” he asked.

“I wanted to talk to you,” she said. “I hope this is okay, me being here.”

“You are my wife,” he replied. “Of course it is.”

Padmé nodded.

“What is on your mind?” he asked.

“You,” she said, walking closer to the pod.

Vader looked at her, the softness in her eyes disarming him.

“What about me?” he asked.

“I was wondering if you had thought about what Doctor Thek had proposed,” she said. “If you’d made a decision yet.”

Vader sighed, rubbing his eyes tiredly. “I have thought of little else,” he told her.

“Neither have I, truth be told,” she said, smiling nervously. “I can’t stop thinking about what it would be like to have you whole again.”

Padmé’s words surprised him, as did the thoughts behind them.

“And what is it that you’ve been thinking?” he asked her pointedly.

Padmé hesitated before responding as she summoned her nerve. Making her mind up, she stepped closer to the pod. She looked up at him. “May I?” she asked.

Vader nodded, intrigued and even a little surprised by her familiarity. He watched her as she stepped into the pod and approached him. He looked up at her, trying hard not to get excited by the look in her eyes.

“I don’t think I need to spell it out, do I?” she said. “I think you remember as well as I do what it used to be like between us,” she said.

Vader only nodded in response, too shocked by her provocative words to say anything.

“It could be like that again,” she said, stepping closer. “Don’t you want that? Don’t you want me?”

Vader said nothing for a moment, his resolve eroding rapidly. Finally he could hold back no longer. Lifting his hands, he grabbed her by the waist, pulling her closer. He ran his hands up the sides of her body, his eyes locked onto hers. “Do I really need to answer that?” he asked.

She nodded her heart racing by the feel of his hands upon her. “Yes,” she said. “I need to hear it.”

“I want you,” he told her, his hands moving slowly over her, his eyes holding hers.

Padmé closed her eyes, the paucity of his words doing nothing to detract from the power he had over her, the power he’d always had over her.

“Then please,” she said, opening her eyes, and bringing her hands to his face. “Please do this,” she pleaded with him. “Do it for us, do it for the children.”

The feel of her touch after so many years in isolation was intoxicating, exhilarating. He closed his eyes as she gently caressed the parts of his face that were exposed to her. “Padmé,” he whispered, feeling as though he were in a dream.

Padmé felt tears spring to her eyes, seeing how deeply affected he was by this the simplest of touches. Such isolation, such utter loneliness; it broke her heart to think of what his life must have been like all the years since Mustafar.

“I should get back to the kids,” she said, taking her hands away and stepping back. “I’m sure you shouldn’t keep this open for long.”

“No, you’re right,” he said, feeling cold without her touch. “Goodnight, Padmé.”

“Goodnight,” she said. She hesitated for a moment, and then leaned toward him and kissed his brow. And then she turned and left him.

Vader watched her leave, unable to take his eyes from her, even though his breathing was becoming labored. It was not until the door to his quarters had closed behind her that he closed the pod once again.

[therealthing]

21

Vader slept little that night. The unexpected visit from his wife had his brain working overtime. He’d be lying if he said that he hadn’t thought of the possibility of resuming a physical relationship with his wife. She had been in his dreams virtually every night since he had first seen her again on Alderaan. And now to learn that she still wanted him; he could hardly believe it. After Mustafar, after what he had done to her in that one, horrifying moment of madness- how was it possible that she still wanted him? And then it hit him: she thinks that if I look like Skywalker again, I will be Skywalker again. It’s him she wants, after all, isn’t it? But it was you she came to, you she touched.

Knowing that he would not rest until he had settled this issue in his mind, he left his quarters.


“Mom! The food replicator screwed up again!”

Padmé stood up with a sigh and headed to the kitchen where Luke was holding a bowl of wholesome looking granola. “What do you mean it screwed up?” she asked her son. “What’s wrong with this?”

“It’s not what I asked for,” Luke replied, looking askance at the offensive health food.

Padmé shook her head at her son. “Did you get Artoo to try and fix it?”

“Yeah,” Luke said, picking at the cereal. “It didn’t make any difference. Threepio said something about the program being incompatible with Artoo’s.”

“Well, I suppose you’ll just have to live without your favorites until I get a chance to have someone look at it,” she replied.

“Maybe Dad can fix it,” Luke suggested hopefully.

“Maybe,” she replied, heading back to the dining room. “And maybe he has more urgent matters to tend to rather than your junk food fix.”

“Mom!” Luke whined.

Padmé just laughed and walked away, seeing Vader walk into the apartment.

“Good morning,” she said with a smile. “What brings you by at this hour?”

“I wanted to discuss something with you,” he said as he took a seat a across from her. “With regards to what we talked about last night.”

Padmé smiled, pleased that, evidently, he had thought as much about their conversation as she had.

“Yes?” she asked.

Vader paused before continuing, looking down at his hands folded on the table top. “If I do this,” he began, “I need you to understand something.”

“What is that?”

He looked up at her. “I need you to understand that even though I may look like Anakin Skywalker, I will not be him.”

Padmé nodded. “I know that,” she replied.

“Ad yet, knowing that,” he continued, “you would still…”

“Dad!” Leia said, sliding into the chair beside him. “I didn’t know you were here!”

“Here I am,” Vader said, turning to his daughter, trying to hide his dismay at not having had the chance to continue his discussion with Padmé.

“Hey Dad,” Luke said, sitting down beside Padmé. “Think you could have a look at the replicator? It won’t give me any good stuff.”

Vader looked from his son to his wife, realizing that there would be no more privacy at this point.

“I will do so when I have a moment,” he told Luke. “I plan to spend a great deal of time with my physician today,” he added, looking back at Padmé.

Her eyes widened as she realized what he was saying. “Does that mean…you’re going to do it, aren’t you?” she asked.

Vader nodded. “Yes, I have given it a great deal of thought, and I have decided to go ahead with the procedure.”

Luke and Leia took a moment to process what was going on, and then they both jumped out of their seats and attacked their father with enormous hugs. Padmé could only watch with a smile as they rejoiced, feeling hopeful for the first time in a very long time. For despite what he said, what he even believed at this point, she knew that Anakin Skywalker was inside of Vader somewhere.

“I must get to the bridge,” Vader said once his children had released him, “before I consult with Dr. Thek.”

“We’ll meet you there,” Luke told him.

“That won’t be necessary,” Vader said as he stood up. “I have no intentions of …repeating yesterday’s incident.”

“We know that,” Leia replied. “But we still want to be there. For moral support.”

Vader nodded the acceptance and love of his children continuing to astound him. “Very well,” he said. “I will see you later then.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Padmé said as she stood up as well while the twins resumed eating their breakfast.

“I’m so happy you’ve decided to go through with this,” Padmé said as she and Vader reached the door. “The children are thrilled too.”

Vader nodded. “Yes, I rather had that impression.”

Padmé smiled. “Oh, and the question you were about to ask? The answer is yes.”

Vader said nothing in response, but merely lifted a hand to her face. “Until later,” he said.

Padmé nodded, and then watched as he left the apartment.

On the other side of the room, Luke and Leia gave one another a knowing smile, and then resumed eating their overly healthy breakfast.


The last person that Dr. Thek expected to see that day was Lord Vader; in fact, he was the last person she wanted to see. She was still shaken from the incidents of the previous day. And while there had been other occasions when she had suffered the Dark Lord’s wrath, he had never demonstrated such fury as he had the previous day. It angered Thek that her young assistant had been caught in the crossfire, for he’d had very little to do with any of it. And yet, Andrew was dead. Thek had sent a message off to his parents on Corellia informing them of his demise. Died in the line of duty was how she had phrased it; how else could she tell them that their youngest child had died because Lord Darth Vader had lost his temper and he happened to be in the way? That should have been me, not him, Thek thought morosely as she packed up the young man’s belongings from his locker in the medical wing.

“Doctor Thek?”

Thek looked up to the medical droid addressing her. “Yes?”

“Lord Vader is here,” the droid replied. “He wishes to speak with you.”

Thek felt her entire body tense at the droid’s words. No, he will not intimidate me this time- even if he kills me. “I’ll be right there,” she said, rising to her feet. She smoothed down the tunic of her uniform as she made her way to her office. Vader was sitting down on the edge of her desk when she entered the room.

“What can I do for you, Lord Vader?” she asked in a formal tone.

“I have viewed the datadisc you gave to my son,” Vader began.

“My lord, if you are here to further berate and punish me for doing what I thought was in your best interest,” she began, shocking herself with her nerve, “then…”

Vader held up a hand to stop her. “I’m not here to do either,” he said. “My actions yesterday were…regrettable,” he said. Thek knew that this was the closest thing she would ever get to an apology from him, and she relaxed a little.

“I should have consulted with you first,” she replied. “I apologize for not doing so.”

Vader nodded, wishing she would shut up so that he might continue.

“I am intrigued by what you propose,” he said when she at last gave him a chance to speak. “And wish to proceed.”

Thek’s eyebrows shot up. “You…you want to go through with the procedure?”

Vader nodded again.

Thek couldn’t help but smile. “That is wonderful!” she exclaimed, and then quickly recovered herself. “I mean, I am glad to hear it, Lord Vader,” she said. “There’s just one thing.”

“What is that?” Vader asked with a sinking feeling.

“Some of the cell samples I was working on were…damaged yesterday,” she said as delicately as possible. “They will have to be replaced.”

“I understand,” he replied.

“Also, we will require a donation from your son,” she continued. “Your lungs are far too damaged for us to harvest enough healthy cells for regeneration. Since Luke and you are compatible, he would make the perfect donor.”

“Of course,” Vader replied. “Does he know this?”

“It was his suggestion, actually,” Thek replied. “But since he’s only recently had surgery himself, I must wait before I harvest cells from his lungs. It is a rather invasive procedure, and I simply won’t risk his well being.”

“No, nor would I wish you to,” Vader replied.

At this point, Luke and Leia appeared in the doorway. Vader looked up to greet them. “Speaking of whom,” he said.

Thek turned around to see the twins. “I guess you’ve heard about your father’s decision,” she said.

Luke and Leia nodded. “I think it’s fantastic,” Luke said with a smile.

“We both do,” Leia said, coming over to stand with her father.

“I was just telling your father about your offer to donate cells for his lung regeneration,” Thek told Luke.

“That is very generous of you, son,” Vader said.

“You gave me a kidney,” Luke countered. “It’s the least I can do.”

“How soon can you do this?” Leia asked.

“It will be at least another three weeks before I will harvest the cells from your brother,” Thek replied. “And then recode those cells and allow them to develop; I would say six to eight weeks.”

“That’s not too long,” Luke said. “Two months, not long at all.”

“Not long at all,” Thek agreed. “Well, since you’ve decided to do this, we need to run some tests, see what samples we need to gather, do some blood work- there’s a lot to do in the meantime.”

“That’s why I’m here,” Vader replied.

“You want to get started now?” she asked.

Vader nodded.

Thek smiled. “Very well,” she said. “Right this way, Lord Vader.”





“Your majesty, the data you requested.”

Palpatine looked up at the red robed guard, who stood with one hand extended to the emperor, a data disc in his hand.

“Just tell me what you have learned,” Palpatine said, not wishing to pore through hours of boring surveillance data. “What is she doing?”

“While on Kamino, Dr. Thek spent a great deal of time on the data base,” the operative replied, lowering his hand. “It seems the area she was most interested in was organ regeneration.”

Palpatine frowned. “Organ regeneration?” he repeated. “Is that it?”

“It seems she was looking for alternative medicine options for the clones, sire,” the man replied. “That seems to be the nature of her interest in the data.”

“Perhaps,” Palpatine replied. “Perhaps there is more to it than simply her doing her duty. She is the personal physician of Lord Vader, is she not?”

“Yes sire.”

Palpatine nodded, suspecting that there was a correlation in there somewhere. “We need to keep her watched,” he said, drumming his bony fingers on the armrest of his throne.

“But how, sire, without arousing suspicion?”

Palpatine’s frown deepened as he considered this. And then he had it.

“I believe I have a way,” he said last.

[therealthing]

22

“I’m sorry, Mistress Padmé,” Threepio apologized, “Artoo isn’t able to override the program.”

Padmé shook her head. “Very well, Threepio,” she said. “I suppose we’ll have to get our friend from engineering back to have a look. I did promise the kids I’d have it fixed today.”

“Could I go for you, milady?” Threepio offered.

Padmé considered it, but since Threepio had got lost on his way to the gymnasium down the corridor, she figured it was probably not a good idea.

“No, you stay here and give the kids their supper when they get back,” she said. “I’ll go.”

“Very well, Mistress Padmé,” Threepio replied.

“I won’t be gone long,” she called over her shoulder as she walked out of the apartment.



“With the exception of the lung cells, we have all the samples we need,” Dr. Thek said.

Luke and Leia listened to the doctor prattle on excitedly about the next steps while they waited for their father to wake up. Clearly she was very happy about their father’s decision to go ahead with the procedure. They suspected that she was anxious to make amends for the fourteen years of withholding the truth from him.

“How long will he need to recover after the surgery is complete?” Leia asked.

“He will need to spend several days in stasis while his organs regenerate,” Thek told them. “And then treatment in a bacta tank. All in all, a week or two in total; depending upon your father’s rate of regeneration.”

“This is so amazing,” Leia said with a smile. “I can’t believe that in a few weeks our father will be able to live a normal life!”

Luke nodded, sharing his sister’s enthusiasm. And yet, at the back of his mind, he could not stop wondering if the change would be more than skin deep; would their father be able to return to the light once he was freed of the shackles of his injuries? Did he even want to return? Luke had been sure that he was seeing his true father, more and more each day until the previous day. It had been a rude awakening to see what the Darkness within his father was capable of. Could he ever conquer that darkness?

“Why don’t you go and check on your father,” Thek suggested to the twins. “He ought to be waking up very soon. I’ll be right there.”

Luke and Leia left her, sensing that she wanted them out of her hair for a while. When they reached Vader’s bed, he was just starting to come around.

“How are you feeling?” Luke asked him.

“I’ve been better,” Vader replied. “How soon before I can get out of here?”

“Soon,” Leia told him. “Dr. Thek will be along in a minute, so try to relax.”

Vader nodded, closing his eyes again and doing his best to take his daughter’s advice.



Padmé had reached the engineering level of the ship, or at least what she had been directed to as being the engineering level. As she walked along the corridor, she began to get the feeling that she was on the wrong level, for the shop where she’d been directed to go was not where it should have been. Deciding it best to ask for further directions rather than simply carry on and get even more off track, she continued on her way towards the sound of what sounded like a crewman’s lounge.

She reached the room, and stood in the open doorway for a moment, trying to decide who she ought to ask. A few of the men noticed her, and elbowed their mates, and soon she had the attention of the whole room, approximately thirty men by her reckoning.

“You lost, gorgeous?” one of the men asked as he walked towards her.

Anxiety started to blossom within Padmé as the men watched her. These were not the curious looks of crewman that she had come to become used to; these were the appraising looks of men, dangerous men.

“Yes, apparently so,” she replied, doing her best to remain calm. “I’m Lady Vader,” she said, hating the name, but figuring it would provide protection should she need it. “I am looking for the engineering level.”

“Lady Vader?” one of the men said incredulously. “You mean- Vader’s wife?”

Padmé nodded. “Yes, that’s right,” she said, giving the men her best regal look. “Perhaps I will try to look for it myself,” she said, backing away, sensing that she had stumbled into a very dangerous situation. “Thank you anyway.”

“Not so fast,” the man closest to her said, blocking her way. “You only just got here, Milady,” he said with a leering smile. “You wouldn’t want to deprive these poor lonely men the pleasure of your company, would you?”

Padmé could feel her heart starting to pound within her. “I will have to insist that you step aside,” she said, willing herself not to panic. “I’m sure you know who my husband is, and what he is capable of.”

“Yeah, I know what he’s capable of,” the man said, advancing upon her slowly. “And I’m pretty sure I know what he ain’t capable of too, if you get my drift,” he said with a smile. The other men laughed uproariously at his comment.

“You are a fool if you think you will get away with talking to me this way,” Padmé said, as two other men moved towards her. “He will kill you if you lay a hand on me!”

“Come on, pretty lady,” the man to her left said. “Don’t tell us you’re not lonely at night, looking for some loving. Vader’s a machine; he can’t give you what you need.”

“We can show you a good time, can’t we boys?” the man before her said. “It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a woman,” he said, stepping closer to Padmé, looking her up and down with open desire, “especially one as fine as you.”

Padmé felt the two men at her sides move in closer, and then felt their hands grabbing her arms tightly. She was about to scream when the man in front of her clamped a hand down over her mouth. “Vader’s wife, eh,” he said. “I’m really going to enjoy this.”

Padmé’s mind screamed out as she tried to wrench free – Anakin! Help me!


Vader’s eyes snapped open. He sat bolt upright in the bed. Luke and Leia had left the room for a moment, and he was alone. “Padmé,” he said. Getting out of the bed, he used the Force to bring his helmet and mask to him, donning them faster than he ever had. He was halfway to the door when Luke and Leia entered the room.

“Dad! What are you doing!!?” Leia cried.

“Stay here!” he commanded as he bolted out of the room, his lightsaber already in his hand.

Luke and Leia were confused and alarmed by their father’s odd behavior, but did as they were told.

“Where is your father?” Dr. Thek asked as she entered the room.

“He just left,” Luke told her. “Bolted out of here as if…” he stopped, sensing the reason his father was in such a panic. He looked at Leia. “Mom,” he said softly.

Leia nodded, her eyes wide with fear. “She’s in trouble,” Leia whispered. “Oh Luke!”

Luke put a hand on her shoulder. “She’ll be okay,” he said. “Dad is going to her; he won’t let anything happen to her.” And he will kill whoever tries to harm her…


Vader had no trouble locating his wife. Her presence was as clear to him as a Tatooine sun, her terror just as clear. With each step he ran, the fury built within him, until Darkness enveloped him, his eyes glowed Sithly yellow under his mask. He drew closer, and then he heard her scream.

With a shout of rage he entered the room, the sight that met his eyes pushing him over the edge. His lightsaber moved with deadly speed, slashing through the men who held his wife captive. Screams of pain filled the room as he dismembered man after man, Force pushing others against the bulkhead where their skulls were smashed into pulp. At last there was but one man who stood amidst the carnage, his shock and terror clear on his face as he watched his comrades as they died in agony, their bodies broken or dismembered.

Vader stepped over to Bendix, pulling his wife behind him as he did so. Padmé stood trembling from head to foot, pulling the tatters of her torn clothing around her, doing her best not to go into hysterics at the thought of what so nearly had happened.

“Foolish, foolish man,” Vader said as he reached out one hand to choke the man. He wanted this one to suffer the most, to see the look in his eyes as he gasped for air. “To dare such a thing!”

Bendix grabbed at his throat as the iron grip closed around his windpipe. Vader lifted him from the ground with one hand as the man’s face turned blue. “Die now and join your comrades in Hell,” Vader growled as he tossed the man against the bulkhead, his body landing with a sickening thud accompanied by the sound of his neck breaking.

Vader turned to his wife. “Are you alright?” he asked her, taking her gently by the shoulders.

Padmé nodded, and then shook her head as the tears burst forth, the hysterics she had managed to keep at bay finally crashing over her. Vader wrapped his arms around her and held her, her body trembling in his embrace. “I’m so sorry, Angel,” he said. Padmé could say nothing, and merely wept as he held her. Finally when she had started to calm down, he removed his great cloak and wrapped it around her. Wordlessly he picked her up into his arms and carried her out of the room.

Vader headed to the nearest lift and stepped aboard. He looked down at his wife who was content to take comfort in his protective arms. What was she doing down here? He asked himself angrily, how did this happen?? Pain stopped his thought process, pain and tightness in the center of his chest. He ignored it, pushed it deeper inside of him; his wife needed him, and he was not about to let her down.

“What happened!!” Leia cried as Vader stepped off of the lift in the medical wing.

“She was assaulted,” Vader said, the words making his jaw tighten with anger.

“Who did this to her?” Luke asked as he and Leia followed their father.

“Miners,” Vader growled, the very thought of them infuriating him. “They have been dealt with.”

Luke and Leia exchanged a look, both of them knowing exactly how their father had dealt with the men who had dared to harm their mother.

“Lord Vader, what has happened?” Dr. Thek cried as she saw Vader with his wife in his arms.

“My wife was assaulted,” he said. “I am not sure what the extent of her injuries is.”

Vader set Padmé down on a diagnostic bed as the doctor hastened to examine her. The tightness in his chest that he had been trying to ignore was worsening, and was now accompanied by pain radiating through his left shoulder and the part of his arm that was still human flesh. Luke and Leia waited outside the room as Dr. Thek gently removed the cloak that Padmé was wrapped in. She handed it to Vader, who took it from her with hands that trembled.

“Are you alright?” She asked.

“Never mind me,” he told her. “Look after Padmé.”

Thek nodded, knowing that he was not alright, and turned back to Padmé. Vader stood at the end of the bed as Thek attended to her patient.

“How did this happen?” she asked Padmé.

“I got lost,” Padmé replied. “I was looking for the engineering sector, and ended up in a room full of …” she stopped, closing her eyes as the still fresh memories of her ordeal jumped to mind.

“Why were you looking for the engineering sector?” Vader asked her.

“I wanted to have someone fix the food replicator,” she told him. “I’d promised the kids I’d have it looked at.”

“You were lucky not to be killed,” he told her as another spasm of pain hit him.

“Or raped,” Thek put in. “Judging by the bruises and the state of your clothing, that is what they were attempting, wasn’t it?”

Padmé nodded as tears rolled down her cheeks. “They would have,” she said, “if you hadn’t come when you had,” she told Vader.

Vader nodded, the sight of her bruises filling him with anger anew, and aggravating the now persistent pain in his chest.

“I’m going to give you something to relax you, Milady,” Thek told her. “As well as alleviate the pain. It will make you drowsy, so just try to relax.”

Padmé closed her eyes as the sedative took effect, while Thek attended to her injuries. There were bruises on her face, her wrists, arms, and even her thighs. Monsters! Vader’s mind screamed, wishing he could kill each and every one of them a second time, even a third time. I should have warned her about them- I should have…

“Lord Vader, Lord Vader!” Thek cried as he toppled over and crashed to the floor.

[therealthing]

23

Medical droids hastened to the fallen Dark Lord, lifting his unconscious body to a nearby diagnostic bed. Thek was torn between her two patients. “Check his vitals,” she called over her shoulder as she attended to Padmé’s scratches and bruises.

“Blood pressure is 210 over 120,” one of the droids called out.

“Administer vasodilator at once,” Thek instructed. “Monitor his blood pressure carefully,” she added.

The droids worked together to administer the necessary injection and closely monitored Vader’s blood pressure as it gradually started to regulate itself.

“BP is 180 over 110 and decreasing slowly,” one of the droids reported.

With the assistance of a nurse, Dr. Thek dressed Padmé in a gown, and then covered her up with a blanket. She was sleeping now, which, Thek decided, was probably the best thing she could do right now.

“BP is 120 over 70,” the droid reported as Dr. Thek turned her attention to Vader.

“Let’s get him to the hyperbaric treatment room,” she said.

The droids lifted the sides of the bed and proceeded to move the bed and Vader with it across the room into the adjoining treatment room.

“Dr. Thek? Can we…” Luke and Leia stopped in the doorway as they saw their father’s unconscious form being wheeled out of the room.

“What is wrong?” Leia cried. “What happened to our dad?”

“He’s had a heart attack,” Thek told the twins as she suited up. “He’s stable now, but I need to get to him.”

“What about our mom?” Luke asked.

“She’s sedated,” Thek told them, “but she’ll be just fine. Why don’t you go see if she’s awake yet?”

Luke and Leia nodded as Thek left them after donning a surgical mask. They walked over to Padmé’s bedside, one on each side.

“I can’t believe this happened to her,” Leia said as she picked up one of her mother’s hands. “Why was she down there anyway?”

Luke frowned. “I think she was looking for someone to fix the food replicator,” he said. “I wouldn’t stop bugging her about the stupid thing all day,” he added.

“Luke, don’t,” Leia said, knowing what her twin was thinking. “You have no reason to feel guilty.”

“I can’t help it,” Luke replied. “Just the thought of her being harmed,” he said, shaking his head. Leia looked up at him, feeling the anger welling up within him.

“I know,” Leia said. “I can only imagine what Dad did to the men who did this to her.”

“He killed them,” Luke told her matter-of-factly as he looked down at his mother’s sleeping face. “Every last one of them. And you know what, Leia?” he asked, looking up at her. “They deserved it.”

Leia couldn’t disagree with her brother; but there was something about the way he said that, the look in his eyes that disturbed her. “Anger is the quickest way to the Dark Side, Luke,” she reminded him.

Luke was startled by her words, and nodded, as the anger began to abate.

Padmé slowly opened her eyes, and looked up to find her children at her sides. Luke and Leia smiled at her as each of them took a hand in theirs.

“How are you feeling?” Leia asked.

“I’m okay I suppose,” she said, still groggy from the sedative. She looked around and then back up at the twins again. “Where is your father?”

Luke and Leia looked at one another briefly, and Padmé grew alarmed at once. “What is it? What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Dad’s had a heart attack,” Luke told her gently. “Dr. Thek is with him right now.”

“What!” Padmé cried, sitting up, wincing as she did so. “Where is he?”

“Mom, calm down,” Leia said, “you shouldn’t be up and about until the doctor says it’s okay.”

“I’m fine, Leia,” Padme replied, willing herself not to think about what had nearly happened to her. “I want to see him, where is he?”

“He’s in here,” Dr. Thek said from the doorway. “He’s awake now, if you’d like to see him.”

“I would,” Padmé said, swinging her legs over the side of the bed.

“Are you up to this?” Thek asked.

Padmé nodded.

Thek smiled, her admiration for Padmé going up a few more notches. “You’ll need to put a mask on,” she said. “We have him in an oxygen pure environment. And I’m afraid I’ll have to ask for one visitor at a time.”

“How long does he have to stay in there?” Luke asked.

“Not long,” Thek replied. “And knowing your father as I do, I doubt he’ll stay even as long as I want him to.”

Padmé could not deny a brief surge of jealousy for this woman who had spent the past fourteen years looking after Anakin, my Anakin, she thought. “May I see him now?”

“Of course,” Thek said, handing her a mask. “Right this way.”

Luke and Leia watched as their mother made her way across the room, both of them sensing the twinges of pain she felt as she went along the way. She fitted the mask over her mouth and nose, and then entered the hyperbaric treatment room.

Vader was starting to get annoyed with his substandard heart and the troubles it was giving him. I don’t have time for this, he thought impatiently as the droids fussed around him. He clenched his fists as he fought to maintain his calm, and then he felt a warm presence enter the room. He turned to see his wife walking towards him.

“What are you doing up?” he asked, immediately concerned for her.

“I’m fine,” she assured him as she reached his bedside. “Which is more than I can say for you,” she added with a slight smile.

He looked up at her, sensing that she was fighting to keep her mind off of her assault. She always was strong, stronger than me in many ways…

“The crisis has passed,” he told her. “But they seem to think I need to remain here.”

“I’d have to agree with them,” she said. “A heart attack is not something to take lightly.”

“I suppose not,” he said.

“Did she tell you when you could have the surgery?” Padmé asked, sitting down on the side of the bed.

“Two months,” he told her, sensing her fatigue. “Perhaps sooner if this sort of thing persists.”

“I would think so, yes,” she replied. She looked down at her hands in her lap, the intensity of his eyes disarming her. “I can’t begin to thank you for what you did for me earlier,” she said quietly. “If you hadn’t arrived when you did…” she stopped as the panic that had beset her earlier threatened to overtake her again.

Vader could sense the tenuous control she had on her emotions. He reached over and took one of her hands. “There is no need to thank me,” he told her. “It is my job to protect you, Padmé. You are my wife. I just wish that I had fixed the damn replicator myself rather than leaving it up to you to…”

“Don’t,” she said, putting a finger over his lips. “Don’t blame yourself for this. It was foolish of me to go wandering the way I did. But you know me,” she said, a small self-deprecating smile on her face. “I always did want to do things my way.”

“Something we have in common,” he told her.

Padmé nodded. “Yes, I suppose so,” she said. “I should let the twins come in,” she said, standing up suddenly. “They are anxious to see you as well.”

Vader nodded. “Promise me something,” he said, not releasing her hand just yet.

“What is that?”

“That you let me protect you,” he said, looking up at her intently. “Always.”

Padmé’s eyes shrouded over with tears, which she quickly blinked away. “I promise,” she said.

He released her hand and watched her as she walked out of the room, worried about her despite her assurances.

Luke and Leia were waiting anxiously to hear word of their father upon Padmé’s return.

“He’s anxious to leave,” she told them. “So I think he’s feeling okay.”

“Yeah, sounds like it,” Luke said. “You go ahead, Leia. I’ll wait here.”

Leia didn’t argue with her twin, and immediately headed into the room to see her father.

“Mrs. Skywalker, I’d like a word with you please,” Dr. Thek said. “But not before you get off your feet.”

Padmé complied without complaint, for she was feeling achy and fatigued once again. She sat down on the bed, assisted by her son, and looked up at the doctor expectantly.

“It’s about Lord Vader,” Dr. Thek began. “He had a heart attack, and yet technically that shouldn’t happen.”

Padmé frowned. “Why not? You said he had an enlarged heart.”

“He does,” Thek continued. “But the device he wears on his chest regulates his heart beat, as well as his breathing. It should prevent this from happening.”

“So why is it?” Luke demanded. “This isn’t the first time he’s had an episode involving his heart.”

“No, it isn’t,” Thek replied. “And I have a theory about that.” she walked across the room, formulating her thoughts. “We know that the emperor wanted to keep the truth from Lord Vader,” she began, “with regards to the nature of his injuries. I also suspect now that when he was operated on after his accident, substandard apparatus was used to repair him.”

Luke frowned. “You mean…he did that on purpose?” he asked. “For what reason? How would it serve his purpose to have my father weaker than he could be?”

“I don’t know, Luke,” Thek replied. “It is a mystery to me, it always has been.” She looked at Padmé. “Perhaps you have some idea why he would do that,” she suggested.

“I have a theory,” Padmé replied. “But that’s all.”

“Tell us,” Luke prompted her.

Padmé sighed, and ran one hand up along the length of her arm, a gesture Luke had come to recognize as one of agitation. “I think Palpatine wants to keep Anakin, that is, Vader, subservient to him. In order to do that, he must ensure that Vader is weaker than he is. Were he to be fully human again, he would be stronger than Palpatine, much much stronger. Anakin was the most powerful Jedi there ever was; Palpatine knows this. He knows that were Vader to be restored to his former self, at least physically, then he could challenge him, and win.”

“So he ensured that Dad would never have a chance at regaining the strength he lost,” Luke said, following his mother’s line of reasoning. “That’s why he had you swear to never tell my father that he could be helped,” he added, looking at Dr. Thek.

The physician nodded. “It makes sense,” she said. She frowned as the implications of the emperor’s master plan hit home. “I know I am committing high treason for saying so,” she said quietly, “but the man is a monster, a fiend of the worst kind.”

Padmé felt a surge of loathing just thinking of the man she once called friend. “He has used Anakin all his life,” she said. “He used his fear of losing me to lure him to the dark side, all the while feeding him lies.” She stopped, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her again. “If you can help my husband, Dr. Thek, then you may be setting into motion a series of events that could topple the Empire.”

Thek’s eyes widened at this statement. “What are you saying, Milady?”

“I’m saying that if you can restore him physically, then he will, eventually, become Anakin Skywalker again,” Padmé replied. “And if Anakin Skywalker returns…”

“The emperor won’t stand a chance,” Luke finished, a smile on his face.

Padmé nodded.

“In that case,” Thek replied, “we need to be sure to make this happen as soon as we can. Luke, we may need those cells sooner than expected, given the unstable nature of your father’s heart.”

“I’m ready whenever you are,” Luke replied. “Just tell me when you need me.”

Thek nodded as the ideas Padmé had planted in her mind started to blossom. “Very soon, Luke. Very soon indeed.”

[therealthing]

24

“Hi, how are you feeling?”

Vader turned his head to look at his son who had taken his sister’s place at his bedside. “Well enough to be on my feet,” he replied. “Not that I can convince anyone of that,” he added.

Luke smiled. “Now I know where I get it from,” he said.

“Get what?”

“My stubborn streak,” Luke replied.

Vader lifted an eyebrow. “Your mother has a stubborn streak a parsec wide,” he remarked.

Luke laughed. “Yeah, now that you mention it, she does.” The thought of his mother brought to mind the ordeal she had just been through, and Luke felt a surge of anger just thinking of it. Vader watched his son closely, sensing his anger, pleased by it.

“I sense your anger, Luke,” Vader said. “You are angry about what happened to your mother.”

Luke nodded, not even trying to deny it. “You killed them, didn’t you?”

“Yes, every one,” Vader replied. “They deserved nothing less.”

“I know,” Luke agreed. “I told Leia you were right to do it.”

Vader watched his son closely. The outrage he felt over his mother’s ordeal reminded him greatly of the way he had felt himself when he had found his own mother who had been brutalized by the Tusken Raiders. It surprised him that Luke gave vent so freely to his anger; and made him realize that he did not know his son nearly as well as he thought he had.

“I feel responsible for what happened,” Luke said after a moment.

“Why?”

“Because I was bugging her to fix the replicator,” Luke replied, his anger giving way to shame. “She only went down there because of me.”

“Do not blame yourself, Luke,” Vader replied. “If I had fixed the damn thing when you had asked me to, there would have been no need for her to go.”

Luke watched his father, the protectiveness he felt from him undeniable. But there was more to it, much more.

“You love her, don’t you?” Luke asked pointedly.

Vader was startled by the question, and by his son’s intense scrutiny. He sensed that no matter what he said at this point, Luke would know the truth. “Yes,” he said at last, deciding it pointless to deny it.

Luke nodded, knowing what a momentous step it was for his father to admit such a thing. “What are you going to do, Dad? Dr. Thek told us that the reason you keep having these problems with your heart is because the breathing equipment you were fitted with is defective, substandard. Mom thinks it’s more than likely that the emperor made sure it was, and I think she’s right. Now that you know the emperor lied to you about everything, are you going to tell him about us? About Leia and me?”

Vader turned his head so that his gaze was focused on the ceiling above him. “He will not learn of your existence until it is too late,” he replied at last.

Luke frowned. “What do you mean?” he asked.

Vader turned and looked at his son. “I think you know,” he said simply.

Luke searched his father’s eyes for a moment, and then he realized what he meant. “You…you mean to kill him, don’t you?” he asked quietly.

Vader nodded. “With him out of the way, our family will rule the galaxy, Luke.”

Luke wasn’t sure how to respond to such a thing; rule the galaxy? How can I do that? I’m just a kid.

“Visiting time is over I’m afraid.”

Luke turned to see Dr. Thek standing in the room, wondering if she had overheard any of the conversation he’d had with his father.

“Okay,” Luke said. “I’ll see you later,” he told his father.

Vader nodded, sensing his son’s uneasiness. He’s just a boy, he reminded himself; in time he will learn to accept his destiny.

“I am needed on the bridge,” Vader told Thek without preamble.

Thek nodded. “The bridge can manage without you for a little longer,” she told him. “A heart attack isn’t something you just get up and walk away from.”

“Watch me,” Vader challenged.

Thek smiled. “Why do I even try?”

“Is Padmé alright?” Vader asked watching the doctor with growing suspicion as she stood with her back to him.

“Yes, physically,” Thek replied. “An ordeal such as this inflicts more damage on the emotions than anything else. She is a strong woman, though; she’ll be just fine.”

“She is,” Vader agreed as the doctor turned back to him, syringe in hand. “What is that?”

“Something to make you sleep,” she said approaching him.

“I just told you that I am needed on the bridge,” he retorted, starting to sit up.

“And I’m telling you that you need some rest,” Thek replied. “Just for once, will you listen to me?”

Vader looked up at her, and then at the syringe and then back at her. ‘No doubt you will try to trick me into giving me the injection if I refuse,” he remarked.

Thek lifted her eyebrows. “Oh I’m not so foolish to think I could trick you, Lord Vader. You can read every thought in my head.”

Vader nodded. “Yes, I can.”

Thek looked away, the intensity of his eyes more than she could handle. “May I proceed?” she asked.

“If you think it is necessary, then do so,” Vader replied. “Although personally I think it is a waste of time.”

Thek nodded as she injected him with the sedative. “Yes, I know you do,” she replied. “But I’m the doctor here. Now rest.”

Vader closed his eyes, not wanting to admit to her how much the idea actually appealed to him.



Leia had returned from the apartment where she had fetched her mother some fresh clothing to wear. Padmé absolutely refused to spend the night in the infirmary, despite Dr. Thek’s suggestion that she ought to do so.

“I do wish you would reconsider,” Dr. Thek said as Padmé emerged from the fresher wearing the clothes her daughter had brought her.

“Luke and Leia need me,” Padmé replied. “I’m not going to leave them alone all night. Besides, I am fine, really.”

Thek nodded, knowing Padmé enough to realize that she was fighting to maintain control of her emotions. “I have prescribed some meds; I want you to take them.”

“What for?” Padmé asked, taking the vial that the doctor was extending to her.

“For anxiety,” Thek replied. “You’ve been through a terrible ordeal, and chances are you will probably have flashbacks,” she
said. “It is very natural in sexual assault cases.”

Padmé frowned. “I wasn’t raped,” she said steadily.

“No, but you very nearly were,” Thek countered. “That is traumatic enough to cause some emotional instability for a while.”

“I’ve been through a great deal of trauma in my life,” Padmé told the doctor. “I lost the love of my life to the Dark Side, and I survived. I will survive this too. But I thank you for your concern.”

Thek said nothing but merely watched as Padmé and her twins prepared to leave.

“Is Dad leaving too?” Leia asked.

“Your father is sleeping,” Thek replied. “Against his will, I might add.”

Padmé smiled. “I’m sure,” she said.

“I suppose I don’t need to ask what he did to the men who did this to you,” Thek asked.

Padmé shook her head. “I’m sure you can imagine, Doctor,” she replied simply. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” Thek called after her as she and the twins left the infirmary.


Leia and Luke ate their meal in tension filled silence that evening. They knew their mother was still very rattled by what had happened, despite what she said to the contrary.

Luke could not stop thinking about what his father had said to him. Our family will rule the galaxy. Had that been his father’s plan all along? To merely use Luke and Leia to gain an advantage over his master? Was he planning to convince his twins to become Siths? Had Obi-Wan been right all along?

Leia was too consumed with her own thoughts to sense her brother’s. The ordeal that her mother had gone through had been terrifying to contemplate, and something that Leia could not put out of her mind. Leia’s mother had spoken to both her children about the birds and the bees, and both felt confident that they had a solid understanding of the entire concept; and yet, the thought of why a man would rape a woman eluded Leia. If sex was something that two people who were in love with one another did, then why would a man do such a thing to a woman he didn’t know, much less love? Leia looked at her mother, wanting to ask her, wanting to understand; but knowing that it was too soon. She could see that Padmé was far too upset about the ordeal she had been through to discuss it rationally.

“Time for bed,” Padmé said as Threepio commenced clearing the dinner dishes. “Tomorrow Threepio is going to resume your tutoring, so I want you both up early.”

Luke and Leia looked at one another, groaning inwardly. Neither of them had ever seen the inside of a classroom, but they had been well educated thus far by their mother and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Threepio’s attempts to instruct the twins had always resulted in them tricking him into ending the lessons early, or else distracting him and then disappearing, leaving the bewildered droid with no one to instruct.

“Maybe there’s someone on board the ship who could tutor us,” Luke suggested hopefully.

“How many children do you see around, Luke?” Padmé asked.

“None,” he replied.

“So how likely is it that there would be a suitable tutor for the two of you?”

“Not likely.”

“Exactly. Threepio will do fine, he always has,” she said. “Now to bed, both of you.”

Luke and Leia knew better than to question their mother further on the issue. She was edgy and upset; they didn’t want to make it worse.

“Good night Mom,” Luke said, embracing his mother tightly. “I love you,” he said as she hugged him back.

Padmé felt tears well up in her eyes. “I love you too,” she told him softly.

Leia was next. She hugged her mother wordlessly, not wanting her own emotions to get the better of her. Padmé knew that both the twins were very upset by what had happened; for not one but both of their parents had gone through a terrible crisis. She was proud and amazed at how well they were handling it.

“Is there anything else I might do for you, Mistress Padmé?” Threepio asked.

“Just clean up the kitchen, and then you can shut down for the night,” Padmé replied “Ask Artoo to come into my room tonight.”

“May I ask why, Mistress?” Threepio asked, rather put out.

“I just feel better with him there,” she replied somewhat abruptly.

Threepio wasn’t entirely sure why his mistress felt the need for Artoo tonight when she had not done so before; and yet he had the feeling, if indeed a droid is capable of such a thing, that something serious had happened earlier, and he didn’t ask any questions.

“I will send him at once, Milady,” Threepio replied. “Good night.”

“Goodnight, Threepio.”



Vader woke up a few hours later to find a medidroid peering down into his face. He resisted the urge to Force push the droid across the room, and sat up.

“I’m leaving,” he told the droid. “Get my things.”

“Lord Vader, Dr. Thek had not released you,” the droid told him. “I don’t think…”

“I am releasing myself,” Vader retorted. “Now get my things. NOW!”

The droid scurried over to the counter at the side of the room to fetch Vader’s mask and helmet, and hurried back to his bedside. “Do you require some assistance?” the droid asked.

“No,” Vader replied, “just get out of my way.”

“As you wish milord,” the droid replied, stepping back as the Dark Lord rose to his feet. Once he had replaced his mask and helmet, he headed for the door, determined, this time that he would leave.


Padmé could see the intent in the men’s eyes as they closed in around her. They meant to rape her, to force themselves upon her, and there was nothing she could do to stop them. Hopelessly outnumbered, unarmed and alone, she tried to scream out for help, only to have a rough dirty hand clamp down over her mouth. She had bitten at least one hand, only to receive a sound slap across the face in return. Hands were everywhere on her, ripping, tearing, pulling, yanking- she could hear her clothing being rent from her body as strong hands held her wrists like vice grips. Laughter in her ears, close enough to smell the stinking breath of her assailants, as she was brought to a table and roughly thrown upon it. Legs kicking as hand grabbed her ankles in an attempt to pry her open, while others held her down upon the table, pressing down on her thighs. “Please don’t do this!” she pleaded, near hysterics; “I’m begging you! I have two children! Please don’t do this to me!”
“Shut up,” she was told harshly, punctuated with another slap to her face, this one harder than the last. “If you stop squirming you may even like it – I know I will…”
Lifting her head up she spat in the face of her tormenter, which only angered him more. A rough hand grabbed her hair and yanked her head back down as the man wiped her saliva from his face.
“You little b*tch,” he snarled. “You asked for this, and now you’re gonna get it,” he told her threateningly as he began to unbuckle his belt.

“Padmé wake up, Padmé!”

Padmé’s eyes snapped open, her heart racing from the images of her dream. Her eyes darted about in the dark room until they saw Vader sitting on the side of her bed. She was confused for a moment. “Ani?”

“You were having a nightmare,” he told her, ignoring her stubborn refusal to acknowledge his Sith name. “I was coming down the corridor and…”

“Oh Anakin, I was so scared!” she cried as the terror of her ordeal welled up again. She sat up in her bed. “If you hadn’t come…there were so many of them! They would have…they all would have…” she stopped, the words to horrible to utter.

Vader took her by the shoulders. “They are dead,” he told her, pushing aside his own terror at the thought of what so nearly had happened to her. “Every last one of them. They will never harm you again.”

“I know,” she said softly, as tears filled her eyes. “I know they are…I just wish…” she stopped again, her emotions too raw to permit her to speak in a rational manner.

“It is natural that you would be experiencing feelings of fear so soon after such an experience,” he said, the words sounding as mechanical as his voice. The truth was, he didn’t know what to say. He wanted to make it better, wanted to fix things; but how could he? He could not erase the memory of what had happened; if he could, he would.

“I’m sorry,” he said at last, “I wish I could do something more…”

Padmé shook her head. “You saved me,” she told him. “What else could you have done?”

“Prevented it from happening in the first place,” he told her. “I should have warned you about those men being on board,” he continued. “I didn’t want to alarm you, so I said nothing.”

“Don’t blame yourself,” she told him. “The only ones to blame have been dealt with.”

Vader nodded. “I only wish I could kill each one of them a second time for what they did,” he told her, an edge of anger in his voice.

Padmé realized suddenly how Vader was affected by this; he’d had a heart attack because of it, and the anger still simmered within him. “Let it go, Anakin,” she said, reaching over and taking one of his hands. “Don’t let this eat away at you.”

Vader looked down at her hand in his, the conflict raging within him again. “How can I not?” he asked. “You are my wife, Padmé. The thought of any harm coming to you…” he stopped, lest his anger boil over again. “All I’ve ever wanted is to protect you,” he told her. He did not say it, but Padmé knew he was referring to what had happened fourteen years ago when he had first turned to the Dark Side. She remembered all to well the last conversation they’d had on Mustafar when he had told her that all the atrocities he had committed had been done to protect her.

“I know,” she told him. “And you did protect me. Were it not for you…I shudder to think of what would have happened.”

Vader nodded, for he too hated to consider what might have happened. “You should sleep,” he said, standing up.

“I will try,” she replied. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” he said, “sleep well.”

Padmé watched as he left her room, closing the door behind him, casting the room into darkness once again. She lay down on her side, curling her legs up under her and closing her eyes.

Vader walked into the common room and was surprised to see his daughter sitting there. She looked up at him as he entered the room.

“What are you doing up at this hour?” he asked.

“I couldn’t sleep,” she replied quietly.

“Why not?” he asked sitting across from her.

“I can’t stop thinking about Mom,” she said, looking at her hands folded in her lap.

Vader nodded, knowing how close both the twins were to their mother. “It was a terrible thing she went through,” he replied. “But she is unharmed, and in time she will get past this.”

“Why would someone do this?” Leia asked, looking up at her father. “Why would a man so such a thing to a woman?”

Vader was taken aback by his daughter’s question; but he could see that she was upset and needed to understand why her mother had been attacked as she had. “There are some men who use their physical strength to brutalize others, particularly women,” he said. “It is a matter of control, of power, Leia.”

She nodded, trying to understand, trying to reconcile in her mind how someone could be evil enough to do such a thing to someone as good and kind as her mother. “I’m just glad you got to her,” she said at last, “before they…”

“So am I,” he said. “And that is what you must focus on, young one; not what might have happened.”

Leia nodded. “Yes, I’m trying,” she said. “Just as you are, Dad.”

Vader was startled by her comment.

Leia sensed this, and continued. “You love her,” she said. “Just as she loves you.”

Vader did not know how to respond to such a statement which seemed so strange coming from a fourteen year old. And yet, the insight of his twins was not to be underestimated. “Time for bed,” he said, standing up, avoiding the issue at hand as he usually did.

Leia knew that he was uncomfortable, and stood up as well. “Okay,” she said. She wrapped her arms around his waist. “Goodnight Dad,” she said. “I love you.”

Vader stoked his daughter’s hair gently, not speaking a word in response, but not needing to. She could see his heart, and she knew that her love was returned in equal or greater measure. “Good night, young one,” he said. “Sleep well.”

[therealthing]

25

“Lord Vader, we have a message here from Coruscant.”

Vader walked over to the comm. station to where Lieutenant Piett was pulling up the message.

“What is it about?” Vader asked.

“It’s….rather unusual, sir,” Piett replied. “See for yourself.”

Piett stood back to allow Vader to read the message. It was from the Imperial Palace.

Star Destroyer Exactor- be prepared to rendezvous with the Imperial shuttle Endeavour in twenty-seven hours at the following location.

Vader noted that cited location was only two parsecs away from their present location. It was obvious that the emperor knew exactly where the Exactor was at all times. What are you up to now, my master?

“Is there any more to this message?” Vader asked Piett. “This is very strange.”

“That’s it sir,” Piett replied. “I suppose we have more passengers coming on board.”

Vader frowned under his mask. More passengers we do not need, he thought angrily. “Perhaps so,” he replied. “Still, see what you can find out, Piett. I want to know what is going on before I take on any more passengers.”

“I shall find out what I can, sir,” Piett replied.

Vader briefly considered contacting the emperor for clarification on the order; but realized that he was tempting fate to do so. Palpatine had punished Vader for far less, and given the current state of his health, Vader could not afford another assault from his master.

“My lord, the reports you requested,” a junior officer said as he handed Vader a datapad.

Vader took the datapad and activated it, scanning over the report quickly. His mind was not focused on it however; he was anxious to hear what, if anything, Piett had been able to learn. He did not have to wait long. Efficient as ever, Piett had managed to find out more about the mysterious order. Vader looked up as he noticed Piett approaching him.

“You’ve learned something?” he asked.

“Yes, milord,” Piett replied. “It seems we are taking on passengers after all. Admiral Motti is coming on board, and we are to transport him to the Death Star.”

“Motti,” Vader grumbled. “That pompous windbag is coming on board my ship?”

Piett nodded, doing his best to suppress a smile. “So it seems sir. I understand that he has recently been appointed senior commander in charge of operations for the Death Star.”

Vader folded his arms over his chest. “I suppose they are expecting him to remedy the mess Tarkin has made,” he remarked. “I wish him luck.”

Piett indulged in a smile. “Shall I arrange for appropriate accommodations for our guest, sir?”

“Yes, do so,” Vader replied. “As far away from mine as possible,” he added. Padmé and the twins- he mustn’t find out who they are. “I have something to attend to,” he said as he began to walk away. “You have the bridge, Piett.”

“Yes milord.”

Vader headed for the apartment, part of him dreading telling his family. Is this how it is to be from now on? Every time someone comes on board? Forever hiding them and living in fear of discovery? No- only until he is dead- and then everything will change. No more hiding, no more secrets…Vader stopped in his tracks as he realized the irony of the situation; there had never been a time when he could acknowledge his marriage to Padmé openly. They had always been forced to live in fear of discovery. But this time it will be different- this time I will not lose her, I will not lose them.

Entering his family’s home, he found his daughter alone at the computer terminal. She turned to him when she heard him enter and smiled.

“Hi,” she said.

“Milady,” Vader replied with a slight bow. “Are you alone?”

Leia nodded. “Yeah, Mom and Luke are swimming.”

Vader walked over to her. “Why didn’t you go with them?”

“There was something I wanted to look up,” she said. “I’ve wanted to see if there’s something I can do to help Mom.”

“Help her in what way?”

“With what she’s going through,” Leia explained. “She’s not herself at all, and I’m worried about her.”

Vader looked at the screen. Leia was reading an article entitled Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. “She had a nightmare last night,” Vader told her, scanning over the page Leia was reading.

Leia looked up at him. “That’s why you were here, isn’t it?”

Vader nodded.

“It says on here that she will have nightmares,” Leia said, looking back at the screen, “as well as flashbacks, depression…” she stopped. “Poor Mom,” she said softly.

Vader put a hand on her shoulder. “She will get through this, with your help, with Luke’s help...”

“And yours,” Leia told him. “She needs you, Dad, we all do.”

Vader did not respond, but was saved from doing so by the entrance of his wife and son into the apartment. He could tell at once that Padmé was not herself, despite the smile she gave him.

“I’m glad you’re here,” Vader said as he walked over to her. “I must talk to you about something.”

Padmé frowned. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

“It is nothing to be concerned about,” he told her. “Please, sit down.”

“What’s going on, Dad?” Luke asked as he sat down with his mother.

“We are taking on a passenger in a few hours time,” Vader told them. “I have been ordered to transport him to his new assignment on board the Death Star.”

“Oh no,” Luke groaned. “We aren’t going to be stuck in here again all week are we?” he asked.

“No, but it would be prudent if you remain on this level. While Motti is not capable of sensing your identities, he would no doubt be suspicious to see younglings on board.”

“What’s his name, Dad?” Leia called from the computer.

“Motti,” Vader repeated. “Conan Antonio Motti, Admiral.”

“Conan??” Luke repeated. “What a name!”

“It suits him,” Vader remarked. “As pretentious and idiotic as he is.”

Luke laughed at this comment. “I guess that means you don’t care for the admiral, huh Dad?”

“You could say that, Luke,” Vader replied.

“Luke, check out this guy’s nostrils!” Leia said with a laugh. Luke jumped up and ran over to the computer terminal where he burst out laughing upon seeing the image of the admiral.

“Such disrespectful children,” Padmé commented with a smile.

“The man deserves no respect,” Vader assured her. “I promise you.”

“Sounds like you have something of a history with this man,” she remarked.

Vader nodded. “We’ve had…disagreements. I do not relish the thought of having him on board.”

“No, I don’t imagine so,” she replied.

Vader watched her, sensing her melancholy. “Are you alright?” he asked.

Padmé was startled by his question. “Yes,” she replied, not convincing him. “A little tired is all; I didn’t sleep much last night.”

“Understandable,” he replied. “Neither did I.”

Padmé smiled, knowing that in his own, economical manner, he was telling her that he was worried about her. “So how long will this admiral be on board?” she asked, changing the subject.

“Only as long as it will take to reach the Death Star and jettison him out into its gravitational pull,” he replied wryly.

Padmé laughed, appreciating his attempts to lighten her spirits. “Pity I won’t get to meet this Motti,” she said. “He sounds rather entertaining.”

“He would recognize you, Padmé,” Vader reminded her. “You were rather well known when you were in office.”

“Yes, I know,” she said with a sigh.

Vader considered this for a moment, realizing that the distraction would probably do her good. “Perhaps there is a way you could observe him without him recognizing you. I think you might find him…amusing.”

Padmé smiled. “I’m sure I would. But how could we do that?”

“Leave it with me,” he said as he stood up. “I will think of a way.”

Padmé looked up at him. “Thank you,” she said.

“I haven’t done anything yet, Padmé,” he replied as she stood up.

“Yes you have,” she said, taking one of his hands. “More than you know.”

Vader said nothing, but merely squeezed her hand lightly, and then left. Padmé watched him go and then walked over to where her twins were still reading up on their VIP visitor.

“Look at the smug expression on his face,” she said shaking her head.

“I’d love to see Dad take him down a few pegs,” Luke said with a smile.

Padmé smiled too. “Yes, so would I.”



The shuttle of Conan Antonio Motti, admiral in the Imperial fleet, was brought on board the Exactor several hours later. Motti was accompanied by several other officers, junior officers, who were well trained at fawning over the arrogant Motti and followed him wherever he went on the ship. Vader had delegated the job of greeting Motti and his entourage to the ship to his second in command, feeling that Ozzel was more efficient in the groveling department. Vader knew that he could not avoid the admiral for the duration of his stay on the ship; but figured that he would do well to stay away from him as long as possible.

Along with the human passengers, there was another who was somewhat forgotten in the shuffle. Having seen to the accommodations of Motti and his entourage, Captain Ozzel was left alone in the shuttle bay with the last passenger- a medical droid.

“What is your designation?” Ozzel asked the droid. “What is your assignment?”

“Designation Three-Six Bee at your service,” the droid replied. “I have been programmed to serve Lord Darth Vader.”

Ozzel frowned. “Lord Vader? He wasn’t aware of any medical droid being assigned to this ship. Check your programming, there must be some mistake.”

“There is no mistake,” the droid replied. “I was sent by the emperor himself.”

Ozzel’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Oh, well,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. The last time he had failed to report an order of the emperor to Lord Vader, he earned the ire of the Dark Lord. “In that case, let me take you to Lord Vader at once,” Ozzel said at last. “Come with me.”

“Dr. Thek, perhaps you can help me with this.”

Thek looked up from her work and was surprised to see Captain Ozzel in her office. Beside him was a medical droid, one of the latest models.

“What can I do for you, Captain?” she asked.

“This droid has just come on board,” Ozzel explained, “and claims to be programmed to serve Lord Vader. Do you know anything about this?”

Thek walked over to the droid. “No, I don’t,” she said. “You said you’re programmed to serve Darth Vader? In what capacity? Who programmed you?”

“I am Three Six Bee, medical droid, equipped with a medical diagnostic computer and a treatment analysis computer. I have been sent by the Emperor Palpatine as a special assistant to Lord Darth Vader, whose personal physical well being I am to monitor and treat.”

Thek frowned. “I am Lord Vader’s personal physician,” she told it. “That is my job. He doesn’t need…”

“The emperor wishes it,” the droid interjected. “He is concerned about Lord Vader’s heart condition, and has deemed it necessary that Lord Vader be receiving supplementary care.”

Thek’s face reddened in anger and indignation; but she knew that she could do nothing. If the emperor wanted it, then that was how it was to be. She could only imagine Vader’s reaction when he found out…

“If the emperor commands it, then so be it,” Thek said at last. “Captain Ozzel can escort you to Lord Vader, I’m sure,” she added, looking at the captain. Ozzel did not particularly relish the idea of springing this unexpected boon onto his commanding officer; Vader was not above shooting the messenger after all.

“Come along,” he said at last. “Thank you, Dr. Thek,” he said tersely.

Thek smiled. “Any time, Captain Ozzel.”


And so Captain Ozzel went off in search of Lord Vader, with the droid in tow. He found Vader back on the bridge.

“My lord, this droid belongs to you,” Ozzel said indicating Three-Six Bee.

Vader looked at the droid. “I do not own such a droid,” he stated. “Take it to the infirmary.”

“My lord, it is a gift, apparently,” Ozzel said nervously. “From the emperor.”

Since when does the emperor give gifts? Vader reflected suspiciously. “What is this about?” he asked, addressing the droid. “Speak!”

“I have been programmed to attend to your personal health issues, Lord Vader,” the droid replied. “The emperor is concerned about you and wanted to ensure that you are well cared for.”

Vader frowned under his mask, alarms going off in his mind. There is something very suspicious about all this, he thought to himself. Yet, what could he do? If the emperor had given him this droid as a gift, there was no way he could refuse it.

“I see,” Vader replied at last. “You are not needed at present. You will go to my quarters and shut down until you are needed.”

“My lord, I have been instructed to be operational at all times,” the droid replied.

Of course, Vader thought. “Go to my quarters,” he said again, “and stop questioning everything I say.”

The droid complied at once, and turned around and left the bridge.

“I don’t like this,” Vader said aloud.

Ozzel turned to him. “My lord?”

“The emperor does nothing without a reason,” Vader replied. “There is more to this than meets the eye.”

“I thought so as well, sir,” Ozzel replied, although he had done nothing of the sort.

“Did you see to our guests?” Vader asked.

“Yes sir,” Ozzel replied. “I have already ordered preparations for a formal dinner to be held tomorrow evening. I hope that is acceptable.”

“It is,” Vader replied, his mind still preoccupied with the droid. “I shall return shortly,” he said, deciding upon a course of action. “You have the bridge, Ozzel.”

“Yes, milord,” Ozzel replied.


Vader made his way to the medical wing to have a word with Dr. Thek. It was his hope that she knew something about the droid, that she had requested it on his behalf. Otherwise, it seemed that there was a serious problem in the making.

“Dr. Thek,” Vader said as he entered her office. “A word with you.”

Thek looked up, bracing herself. “Yes sir?”

“This droid that has come on board,” he said. “Do you know anything about it?”

Thek shook her head. “No, not a thing,” she replied. “I was as surprised as you to see it. It claims to be a gift from the emperor.”

“Claims?” Vader repeated. “Do you suspect some sort of duplicity?”

“Well, no,” she said, “droids are incapable of that.” She hesitated before continuing, unsure if what she felt compelled to tell him would anger him. “I ran into the emperor while I was on Kamino a few days ago,” she told him. “He seemed very interested in what I was doing there.”

Vader did not reply as an idea started to formulate in his mind. “What did you tell him?”

“I …I told him about the problems we’ve been having with the clones,” she told him, “and that I was hoping to find some solutions on their database.”

Vader nodded. “Was he satisfied with your explanation?”

“I don’t know,” she replied. “It’s hard to say with him.”

“I wonder,” Vader muttered.

“Sir?”

“Just be very mindful of that droid,” he said. “And discuss nothing about your plans for surgery with it or in its presence.”

“I understand sir,” she said, starting to grow fearful.

“I will try to think of a way to …deactivate the blasted thing,” he said. “Without arousing the emperor’s suspicious, of course.”

“Of course,” she replied. “Do you think he suspects something, my lord?”

“It’s possible,” he replied. “We must be vigilant, Doctor. If the emperor did discover your plans, both of us would be in serious jeopardy.”

Thek nodded, her fear growing. “I will be sure to keep all my research in a secure location, sir,” she assured him. “The droid will learn nothing from me.”

Vader nodded, and then left her, a new source of anxiety growing within him.

[therealthing]

26

“This is a beautiful place,” Leia said as she sat beside her mother amidst the tall grass.

Padmé nodded, her eyes fixed on the distant waterfall. “I would love to bring you and Luke to Naboo,” she told her daughter. “My parents don’t even know you exist,” she added wistfully.

Leia turned to her mother. “Maybe some day we’ll be free to go there,” she said hopefully.

Padmé looked at Leia. “So long as the emperor lives, we will never be free, Leia,” she replied. “We must remain hidden, you know that.”

“I know,” Leia replied, looking down at the grass she was playing with. “I wish I knew what Dad’s plans were,” she added.

Padmé sighed. “So do I,” she replied.

“If he was going to tell the emperor about us, don’t you think he would have by now?” Leia asked.

“Perhaps,” Padmé replied. “I don’t know, Leia. Your father is not an easy man to read any more. There was a time when I could see in his eyes what he was feeling, but now…”

“In a few weeks he will be able to throw away the mask forever,” Leia reminded her.

“Yes, hopefully,” Padmé replied. “But even if he looks like the man I married, he won’t be, Leia. He is Darth Vader now, remember?”

“He is, but he’s changing, Mom, I can feel it,” Leia declared. “Can’t you? Don’t you think he’s different than he was when we first met him?”

Padmé couldn’t deny it; he was different. But he was still Darth Vader, as different as he was; he may never be Anakin Skywalker. Could she live with that if it were to be the case? Could she accept him as Darth Vader should he never make his way back to the light? You already have, don’t deny it- you love him no matter what or who he is. You will always love him; he is as much a part of you as you are of him.

“Mom?”

Padmé returned her attention to her daughter. “Sorry,” she said. “I was just thinking.”

Leia watched her mother closely. “You love him even as he is now, don’t you?”

Padmé frowned. How can I love him? He has committed uncounted atrocities, taken hundreds of innocent lives; how can I love him knowing all that? What does that say about me?

“Yes,” Padmé replied finally, her voice no more than a whisper. “I don’t know why,” she hastened to add. “But I do.”

Leia nodded. “You know, I’ve only known him the way he is now, and I love him. Luke does too. And I know he loves us too, including you.”

“What is your point, Leia?” Padmé asked, sensing there was one coming.

“I guess what I’m trying to say is, don’t feel like you’re betraying the man you married by loving the man he’s become,” she said. “Does that make sense?”

Padmé was surprised by her daughter’s words, by the profoundness of them. “Yes, it does,” she replied. “How did you get so wise?” she asked with a smile.

Leia shrugged, reminding Padmé of her twin with the gesture. “I don’t know,” she said, tugging at the grass beneath her. “I guess having a cool mom helps,” she said with a smile.

Padmé laughed. “Cool? Am I cool?”

“The coolest,” Leia replied with a smile. “I can’t believe what you’re doing tonight, for example. That is way cool.”

Padmé laughed again. “I half believe it myself,” she said. “To tell you the truth I’m kind of surprised your father is going along with it.”

“He’s worried about you,” Leia replied. “I think he’s just trying to find ways to keep your mind off of…well, you know.”

Padmé nodded. “Maybe so,” she said. She checked her wrist chrono. “Maybe we ought to think about going back,” she said, standing up. “I need to get ready for my big date,” she added with a smile.

Leia stood up. “I’m helping!” she said with a grin.

“Good, I’m going to need it,” Padmé replied as they made for the exit.


Vader made his way to the apartment later that evening, a sense of uneasiness within him. He had not told Padmé about the droid, reasoning that she had enough to worry about without this as well. It was his hope that an evening spent amidst adults, even if they were merely the officers of his ship, would be a pleasant diversion for her. As for himself, he found himself looking forward to the dinner. Granted, eating was not possible for him; but the thought of spending the evening in the company of his wife was one he could not get his mind off of. Of course, he would not be able to openly acknowledge her as his wife, not with the emperor’s lap dog Motti present; but just having her near, being able to watch her to his heart’s content, was all he needed for now.

He entered the apartment, having insisted that he escort Padmé to the dinner party. He had informed the officers that were attending to expect her, and not to address her by her proper name. No, for tonight she would be Lieutenant Sola, Imperial officer. She always did have a flair for the dramatic, he thought to himself, remembering the many nights he had endured at the opera or the theatre just to be at her side.

“Hi Dad,” Luke said as he walked into the common room.

“Luke,” Vader replied. “Is your mother ready?”

“I don’t know,” he replied. “Leia’s helping her with her hair or something.”

“I see,” Vader replied, “then this could take a while,” he added, taking a seat.

Luke grinned. “You sound like you’re used to this.”

“You could say so,” Vader replied.

Luke laughed. “Well she couldn’t be any worse than Leia,” he said, taking a seat across from his father. “Sharing a fresher with her is brutal.”

“I can only imagine,” Vader replied. He looked up when he heard the door to his wife’s room open and soon enough she and Leia emerged.

“Well? What do you think?” Padmé asked.

Vader stood up, grateful that the mask hid the expression on his face. Seeing his wife dressed in the drab uniform of the Imperial navy was a startling sight. Her hair was pulled back severely and tied in a tight chignon behind her head. The disguise was a good one, for no one who remembered Padmé Amidala would ever guess Lieutenant Sola to be the same woman. And yet, Vader was certain that he had never seen a uniform look so good.

“An effective disguise,” he said at last after a rather long silence. “I hardly recognize you.”

Padmé smiled. “I guess we really shouldn’t enter the room together,” she said. “It might make Motti suspicious.”

“By the time we get there he will have already indulged heavily in the Corellian brandy,” Vader assured her. “He will not be able to spell his own name, much less suspect your true identity.”

Padmé laughed, as did Luke and Leia at Vader’s comment.

“Will Doctor Thek be there?” Leia asked.

“I would imagine so, yes,” Vader replied. “Why do you ask?”

Leia shrugged. “Just wondering,” she said.

Luke shot her a dirty look, knowing exactly what it was she was wondering.

“Perhaps we should get this over with,” Vader said as he started for the exit.

“Such enthusiasm, Lord Vader,” Padmé replied as she joined him. She looked back at the twins. “Be good,” she told them.

“Have fun!” Leia called back with a smile.

The door slid behind them, leaving Luke and Leia alone in the apartment.

“What’s going on in that brain of yours?” Luke asked his twin.

“What, you can’t read my mind?” Leia said as she flopped down on a sofa.

“I can, but sometimes your thoughts make no sense,” Luke replied. “Most of the time, in fact,” he added with a grin.

Leia frowned and then used the Force to toss a cushion at him, hitting him clear in the face.

“Sure you can read my mind,” Leia said with a triumphant smile as she stood up to leave. “Sure you can.”

Luke fired a cushion at her in retaliation, but missed her as she bounded out the door.



“So Dr. Thek is going to be there?” Padmé asked.

Vader nodded. “I’m certain she will be,” he added. “Why do you ask?”

“I was rather hoping that she would be,” Padmé replied. “I can’t help but notice how few women there are on this ship. It’s nice to know I won’t be the only one present.”

“I see,” Vader replied, sensing that there was more to it than that.

Padmé looked up at him. “I was rather surprised that you’ve had a female physician all this time,” she told him.

“And why is that?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know,” she replied. “It’s just…strange to think of another woman looking after you.”

Vader turned to her. “You almost sound jealous,” he remarked.

Padmé frowned. “Don’t be ridiculous,” she replied. “Why should I be?”

“I don’t know,” he replied. “You brought her name up, not me.”

Padmé was about to reply when she saw that they had arrived at the dinner party.

The officers’ mess was crowded and noisy when Vader and Padmé arrived there a short time later. As Vader had predicted, Admiral Motti had already imbibed a good deal of the ship’s finest fare, and was in a rather ebullient mood.

“Lord Vader!” he called as he saw Vader enter the room. “How kind of you to join us!”

Vader braced himself for what was sure to be an unpleasant encounter with the man, and stood his ground as the admiral approached. As Motti grew closer, he noted the female officer who had entered the room with the Dark Lord, his smile growing as he noted how well her shapely figure filled in the uniform she wore. Vader could see the man’s unguarded thoughts clearly, though anyone could have guessed them by the look on his face. “And who have we here?” Motti asked.

“This is Lieutenant Sola,” Vader replied. “Lieutenant, Admiral Motti.”

“How do you do, sir?” Padmé replied.

“Very well,” Motti replied. “Very well indeed. I had no idea that there were such beautiful women on board your ship, Lord Vader. Pity that you aren’t capable of appreciating them fully.”

Padmé’s eyes widened at the comment, and she looked sideways at her husband.

“Pity that you aren’t capable of seeing a woman as something more than an object of your base and superfluous admiration,” Vader countered. “If you will excuse us, Admiral,” he said, leaving Motti standing with his mouth agape.

“Ah, Lord Vader,” Dr. Thek said as she noticed Vader and Padmé. “And Lieutenant Sola,” she added with a smile. “Nice to see you.”

“Dr. Thek,” Vader said with a bow.

“I see you’ve had the pleasure of meeting Admiral Motti,” Thek said to Padmé.

“A dubious pleasure,” Padmé replied. “He’s quite the charmer, isn’t he?”

Thek rolled her eyes. “Oh yes,” she replied. “Be still my beating heart.”

Padmé laughed out loud at this.

“Perhaps it would be prudent if we were to split up,” Vader suggested to his wife. “We don’t want to arouse suspicion.”

Padmé nodded. “Yes, you’re right.” She looked back at Dr. Thek, realizing that she was leaving her alone with Vader. So? She’s his doctor, nothing more. “Wish me luck,” she said.

Thek smiled. “Good luck,” she said.

Vader watched as his wife walked away, noticing how the eyes of most of the men in the room followed her. Granted, she was one of only a handful of women in the room; but none can compare to her, he decided. He frowned as he noticed Motti approaching her again, starting to think that this was not such a good idea after all.

“So tell me, Lieutenant…do you have a first name?” Motti asked as he maneuvered his way over to Padmé again.

“Yes,” Padmé replied.

“May I ask it?” he persisted.

Padmé thought fast. “Jobal,” she told him at last.

“Such a lovely name,” he said, giving her what he hoped was a debonair smile. “Of course, one would expect nothing less for such a stunning woman,” he added.

Padmé smiled her best diplomatic smile. “You are too kind, Admiral,” she said.

“Nonsense,” Motti replied. “Now I hope you haven’t already made arrangements for dinner, because I would be honored if you would sit beside me. This group here is so boring, particularly that oddball Vader. He and that strange religion he follows, I mean, really!”

“You may wish to keep that opinion to yourself in his presence,” Padmé told him. “I don’t think he’d take kindly to it.”

“Oh, he doesn’t frighten me,” Motti assured her. “Though I imagine it must be rather challenging being under his command.”

Padmé only nodded as her eyes sought out Vader in the crowded room. He was still engaged in conversation with Dr. Thek, Padmé was annoyed to notice. Is Leia right about her? Does she have feelings for Anakin?

“Jobal? Everything alright?”

Padmé looked back at the Admiral who was watching her closely. “Yes, I’m fine thank you. Would you excuse me, please?”

“But…” Motti began, but could only watch as Padmé left. He watched her admiringly as she walked across the room, surprised to see her return to the Dark Lord. Motti thought no more of it, but was determined to enjoy the company of Lieutenant Sola at dinner.

“Back so soon?” Dr. Thek asked Padmé.

Padmé lifted an eyebrow. “Oh, am I interrupting something?” she asked with a smile.

Thek looked embarrassedly up at Vader briefly. “Of course not,” she said.

Padmé could see how uneasy the woman was, making her think that Leia was right after all. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, quite,” Thek replied. “We were just discussing the upcoming surgery.”

Padmé nodded. “Ah, yes of course,” she said. “I have to thank you again for what you’re doing, Doctor, as well as for looking after my husband all these years.”

“It has been my duty to do so,” Thek replied. “There is no need to thank me.”

Vader watched with astonishment as the two women continued their conversation, the tension rising as they continued their feigned banter. She is jealous, he reflected, looking at his wife. The realization both shocked and pleased him. Padmé had never been the jealous or possessive type, unlike him. He had always been driven insane by the smallest amount of attention she gave any man. Just watching her across the room talking to that space slug Motti had increased his blood pressure.

“Ladies, I believe we are wanted at dinner,” Vader said as he noticed the guests heading for the tables.

“Excuse me,” Thek said, only to happy to leave them for the moment.

“Jealousy does not become you, my love,” Vader said, bending to his wife so she alone could hear him.

She looked up at him and was about to refute his statement when she saw Motti craning his neck looking for her.

“Oh great,” she muttered, turning to avoid eye contact. “He’s looking for me.”

Vader looked down at her. “Who?” he demanded.

“Motti,” she replied.

Vader looked up to see the Admiral walking towards them. “Damn it,” he growled, possessiveness filling him. “I do not want you to sit with that serpent,” he told his wife.

Padmé looked up at him. “If I refuse he will become suspicious,” she replied. “Don’t worry, I can handle Motti,” she assured him.

“Yes, so can I,” he replied.

Padmé smiled at him. “Now who’s jealous?” she teased as she walked away, leaving Vader alone and steaming.

“Ah, there you are,” Motti said as Padmé joined him. “I hope Lord Vader wasn’t giving you a hard time.”

Padmé shook her head. “No, not at all,” she replied. “Shall we sit down? I’m starving!”

Motti smiled. “Yes, I’m rather hungry myself,” he told her as he pulled out a chair for her.

At the other end of the table Vader took a seat. Even though he had no intention of eating, he wanted to be close by nonetheless. He could feel every muscle in his body tense up as he watched in seething silence as Motti spoke almost exclusively to Padmé, pouring her wine, leaning close to talk to her more intimately. Why did I allow her to talk me into this? he raged silently in his mind.

“Perhaps we could go somewhere more …private to continue our conversations, Jobal,” Motti said, accompanied by a hand on hers. “Say, my quarters?”

Padmé did her best not to appear as repulsed as she felt at the thought of such a thing. “I’m afraid I can’t do that, sir,” she said. “My duties resume as soon as this dinner concludes.”

“Pity,” he replied, “but perhaps another time. I will be on the ship for a few days, after all.”

Padmé merely smiled in response, suddenly losing her appetite. She was keenly aware of her husband’s intense scrutiny as she fended off the overt advances of the admiral. He was now doing his best to impress Padmé with his knowledge of the Death Star and the important post he would be assuming once he reached it. The officers of the Executor were all quite interested in hearing about the Empire’s super weapon that had been so long in the making, and began asking the admiral questions about the fire power of the station, its size, and crew compliment. Motti’s already puffed up ego was swelling to outrageous proportions as he fielded each question, being sure to inflate his own position and insinuate himself into every aspect of the space station.

“The Death Star is now the ultimate power in the universe,” Motti declared proudly, his nostrils flaring dramatically. “The Rebel Alliance won’t stand a chance against its might.”

“Don’t be too proud of this technological terror you’ve constructed,” Vader spoke up, having heard enough of the Admiral’s bragging. “The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force.”

Motti turned his eyes to Vader as all conversation around the table grew silent. “Don’t try to frighten me with your sorcerer’s ways, Lord Vader,” he retorted. “Your sad devotion to that ancient religion has not helped you to put an end to the Rebellion, nor has it given you clairvoyance enough to find their hidden fortress…” he stopped as he felt invisible fingers tightening around his windpipe. His eyes bulged as he grabbed as his throat, gasping for air.

“I find your lack of faith…disturbing,” Vader told the man as he gasped for breath.

Padmé looked over at her husband. She looked at him and shook her head, doing her best to convince him not to do it. Don’t kill him, she pleaded, please release him.

Vader looked at her, not understanding why she wanted him spared, but decided to do so nonetheless. The emperor was rather fond of the slimy little man, after all.

Motti fell forward onto his plate, sputtering and gasping for air.

Padmé jumped to her feet as he fell, the food from his plate spraying her. She left the table as the admiral’s entourage rushed to help him.

Vader saw Padmé leave the table and stood up to join her, having had enough entertainment for one night.

The turbo lift doors had just opened when Vader reached his wife. She turned to him. “That was pleasant,” she said wryly.

“I did warn you about him,” he replied as they stepped onto the lift together.

She nodded. “Yes you did,” she said. “Somehow I don’t think he’ll be nearly as forward after the face plant he did into his dinner,” she added.

“He was forward with you?” he asked.

“Yes,” she replied. “He invited me back to his quarters.”

Vader’s fists clenched angrily. “And yet you asked me to spare him?” he asked hotly.

“You know the emperor would punish you if you killed Motti,” she pointed out. “Besides, it isn’t the first time I’ve had to deal with a man’s unwanted attention.”

“What do you mean?” he asked, “who?”

“Never mind,” she said, wishing he hadn’t said anything.

“No, tell me who,” he said. “It was Kenobi, wasn’t it?” he asked, his anger growing.

“No, it wasn’t Kenobi,” she replied, growing annoyed with his interrogation. “When are you going to believe me where he is concerned?”

“Who then?” he persisted. “Who?”

Padmé realized that he was not going to let this go, and felt like kicking herself for even saying anything at all. “Bail Organa,” she said at last. “Okay? Happy now? It was him.”

Vader remained silent, his mind racing furiously. “What did he do?” he demanded.

Padmé sighed. “He wanted me to divorce you,” she told him. “And marry him.”

“Bastard!” he growled, “I should have killed him when I had the chance!”

“Listen to me,” she said, growing tired of his ranting. “Are you listening?” she asked, taking his hands in hers.

He looked down at her. Finally he nodded.

“I didn’t do it, did I?” she reminded him. “I didn’t divorce you. And do you know why?”

Vader shook his head.

“Because despite everything, I never stopped loving you,” she told him.

Vader did not know what to say in response, her words shocked him so. More than that, they caused the anger that had been raging through him to dissipate and eventually evaporate completely.

Before he could respond, the lift doors opened and they found themselves on the level where their respective residences were. Vader took her hand wordlessly as they stepped off of the lift. Padmé, although disappointed not to hear him say the words, knew that he felt the same way. It was her hope that in time he would tell her, he would open his heart to her again; but not so long as he was still Darth Vader.

“Will you come in to see the kids?” she asked as they reached the apartment.

“They’re not there,” he told her, sensing their presence was close by. “Probably swimming.”

“Yes, no doubt,” she replied. “You’re welcome to come in anyway,” she said. “Please come in. I don’t want to be alone right now.”

[therealthing]

Vader nodded. “I will stay as long as you wish,” he told her. Padmé smiled as they entered the apartment.

“Is that so?” she asked. “As long as I wish?”

“Of course,” he replied.

She sat down on one of the sofas. “Does that include spending the night?” she asked looking up at him.

Vader sat down beside her, wishing to be close to her, but not sure how to respond to her question.

“I’m sorry,” she said, looking down at her hands in her lap. “That was insensitive of me.”

Vader reached out and lifted her chin with one finger. She looked at him. “No it wasn’t,” he assured her. “Believe me, there is nothing I want more.”

Padmé could feel her heart starting to race, the images from a recent dream coming to mind. “I miss you in my bed,” she told him, not caring if she shocked him. He was her husband, after all; her soul mate, her lover, the father of her children. “I miss touching you, you touching me.”

Vader was stunned by her candor, but more than that, he was
excited by it. He traced the finger he held her chin with down her jaw line and down her neck, wishing fervently he could feel the silkiness of her skin.

“I would give anything to touch you right now,” he told her, “to carry you into that room of yours and show you how much I want you.”

Padmé swallowed hard, his words spreading warmth throughout her body. His hand traveled from her neck down to her shoulder, and then slowly down the length of her arm. “How would you do that?” she asked softly. “Tell me.”

He hesitated, but only for a moment as his hand traveled back up the length of her arm again. “I would kiss you,” he said, surprising her. “The taste of your mouth still keeps me awake at night. I would kiss you, long and deep as I freed you from the confines of this preposterous uniform you are wearing.”

She smiled. “You don’t like it?”

He shook his head. “It doesn’t do you justice,” he said, his hand reaching her shoulder.

“And then,” he said, “I would just look at you for a moment, drinking in the beauty of you. But that wouldn’t last long; I would not be able to keep my hands off of you for more than a moment or two.”

“Nor would I want you to,” she told him. “I would be begging you to touch me by that point.”

“Would you?” he asked.

She nodded the tension between them electric, their need for one another almost tangible.

And then, abruptly, he withdrew his hand and moved away from her. She was about to question him when the door opened and Luke and Leia walked in.

“Hey, how was the big dinner?” Luke asked.

“Interesting,” his father replied, shielding he and Padmé’s emotions from their children.

“How was Conan?” Leia asked with a grin.

Padmé lifted an eyebrow. “Pretty much as your father described him,” she replied.

“A pompous windbag?” Luke asked. “Isn’t that what you said?” he asked his father.

Vader nodded. “You can add slimy to that now,” he said, making the twins wonder what had happened.

“Don’t forget humiliated,” Padmé put in.

“Ah yes, that too,” Vader said, standing up. “I will let you get to bed now,” he said.

“Yes, it’s pretty late for you two to be out,” Padmé added, standing up as well.

The twins, tired from their swim, didn’t put up a fight, for which Padmé was grateful. They bade goodnight to their father and left the room as Padmé walked Vader to the door.

“Thank you for an enjoyable evening, Milady,” he said to her as they reached the door. “Pity it was interrupted.”

“Perhaps it was a good thing it was,” she said. “Your heart might not be able to take too much more right now,” she added with a smile.

“A chance I would be willing to take,” he assured her.

Padmé laughed. “It won’t always be this way,” she said softly.

Vader shook his head as he traced a finger down the side of her face. “No, I know it won’t,” he replied. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” she replied. She watched him as he walked away down the corridor, feeling more than ever that her Ani was coming back to her.

[therealthing]

27

Darth Vader could not remember when he’d had something to look forward to. For the past fourteen years his life had been dedicated solely to duty, to following the orders of his master. He had given up any hope of ever having a normal life again, and the possibility of having his family back in his life was simply beyond his wildest dreams. He’d had to learn to accept that they were dead, that he had killed them, and that they were gone forever. And yet, they were back in his life. His son, his daughter, his remarkable children who loved him unconditionally, who in the short time they had been in his life had turned his lonely, empty existence into one with purpose again. The connection he felt with his children was stronger than he’d ever imagined possible, and he knew now that it was being a father that had given his life meaning again. Indeed, he could not even imagine his life without Luke and Leia now.

And then there was Padmé…

How she could forgive him for what had happened at Mustafar was beyond Vader’s understanding. And yet, she had. More than that, she loved him. I never stopped loving you…Her words still astounded him. He did not feel worthy of her love; and yet, she gave it to him freely, as precious a gift to him as it had always been. And with that love came her desire for him, a desire that she had always been so careful to hide from the public, but which was undeniable and overwhelming when they were alone. That she still felt that way about him had been shocking to Vader. And in a few weeks time…

Vader’s thoughts of his wife were suddenly invaded, as though he were seeing the thoughts of another mind. And then he realized that he was, he was seeing the thoughts of his wife, her dream in fact. He allowed her dream to become his own as he held onto the connection he’d made with her through the Force; a connection that he’d thought had been severed long ago. And yet, here it was, as strong as ever. It didn’t take Vader long to realize what she was dreaming about…

The room is dark, except for the fire in the hearth. The only sound I can hear is my breathing as I wait for him. I hear someone at the doors, and my heart starts to race. It has been so long since we’ve been alone, I need this, I need him…the doors open, and then he is before me. I can scarcely believe it as I watch him walk into the room, looking around the room, trying to find me in the dim light.

“Hello Ani.”

He turns to the sound of my voice and sees me.

“Hello,” he replies, walking over to me. I stand up, wearing only my dressing gown. Without a word I untie the belt cinched around my waist and opens it, letting it slide off my shoulders and drop to the floor. Judging by the reaction I get from my husband, this was a good idea….

The dream ended a short time later, and Vader sensed that his wife had woken up. He could feel the power of her desire through their connection, it matched his own. It won’t always be like this…that was the hope that he focused on.

Padmé sat up in her bed, the images from her dream still fresh in her mind. She had dreamed of a time when she and Anakin had been purely and completely happy. They had gone to Naboo to celebrate ten days furlough granted to Anakin after he had been knighted. The ten days had been filled with passion as the two of them had spent every moment together, unable to get enough of the other. Luke and Leia had been conceived during those ten days, she reflected as she ran a hand through her tousled mane. She wondered if Vader ever thought of that time, or if the memories of Anakin Skywalker were too painful for him to dwell on. Padmé’s mind drifted back to the previous evening, smiling as she recalled the tender moments she had shared with her husband. He’s coming back to me, I know he is, she thought. The closeness, the intimacy that she had missed for so long, that she had never dreamed she would share with him again, had returned. Granted, there were limitations to what they could do, but that was only temporary. Once Vader’s injuries were repaired, once he was whole again, it would be safe for them to resume the physical relationship that had been such a vital part of their relationship. With the current condition of his heart, Padmé knew that anything too strenuous could be dangerous, even fatal.

She lay back down, rolling onto her side and closed her eyes. I miss you, she thought as her throat constricted with sadness. She squeezed her eyes shut as hot tears slid from them and fell onto her pillow. Frustration and need filled her, augmenting the sadness she felt as she recalled the way it used to be. I need you…

Vader had just begun to drift off to sleep when he sensed Padmé’s desolation. Without hesitating for a moment, he donned his mask and helmet, and left the hyperbaric chamber.

“May I be of assistance Lord Vader?”

Vader stopped in his tracks, having forgotten completely about the medical droid. “No,” he replied. “Just get out of my way.”

The droid did so at once, but not before taking a quick scan of his charge’s vitals. “Lord Vader, your heart rate is slightly elevated,” the droid reported. “I would advise that you…”

But the hapless droid was unable to finish its statement as the Dark Lord was already out the door.


Padmé had been unable to fall asleep again, and had gone to the fresher to get herself a drink of water. Upon returning to her room, she was astonished to see Vader standing in her room.

She said nothing and for a moment they simply looked at one another.

“I…hope I’m not intruding,” he said at last, the sight of her in her nightie with her hair loose and tousled from sleep doing nothing to take away the images from her dream from still his mind.

She shook her head. “I’m glad you’re here,” she said. “I dreamed of you, and woke up missing you.”

He walked over to her. “I know,” he told her simply.

She looked up at him. “You know what I dreamed?”

He nodded. “A beautiful dream,” he said.

“Yes,” she said softly. “But only a dream.”

He took her face in his hand. “For now,” he said, “but not forever. Soon, beloved, soon we will be together again.”

“I know,” she said, her emotions filling her again. “Will you…stay with me? Here? Tonight?”

“Yes,” he replied without hesitation. “I will stay as long as you need me to.”

Padmé smiled. “Thank you,” she said. She looked around. “I …I don’t know how you will sleep,” she admitted.

“I don’t sleep most nights,” he told her. He looked around and found a chair to sit in. “This will suffice,” he told her, sitting down.

Padmé picked up a blanket from her bed and walked over to him.

“I don’t need that,” he told her.

“No, but I do,” she said. “That is, if you don’t mind me sitting with you.”

He looked up at her, and opened his arms to her wordlessly. Padmé sat down in his lap, cuddling up to him as best she could. He pulled the blanket around her, the feeling of her body so close both exciting and frustrating him.

“Goodnight,” she said as she rested her head against his shoulder.

“Goodnight,” he said, stroking her hair gently with his hand, feeling her relax in his arms until soon she was asleep again.

“Sleep well, my angel.”

[therealthing]

28

Vader woke up several hours later, astonished that he had managed to sleep at all. But then, he reasoned, her presence had always soothed him. He looked down at her as she slept in his arms, her angelic face peaceful in sleep. Softly he caressed her cheek, wishing fervently that he had the ability to feel its silkiness. His prosthetic hands were capable of feeling pain, but he knew that the pleasure of feeling her silken skin would be impossible. So fitting, he thought, that his master deprived him even of that much, just as he had deprived him of the ability to smell the delicate scent of her hair, the scent that had filled his senses every night he had shared her bed. Soon, he reminded himself, soon this nightmarish existence will be over, soon I will be whole again. And then, my master, you will pay for your lies, for your betrayal…

Padmé’s eyes fluttered open and she looked up at him. “Good morning,” she said with a smile.

“Good morning,” he replied, his hand not leaving her face. “Did you sleep well?”

She nodded. “Yes,” she replied. “Did you manage to get any rest?”

“I did,” he told her. “I slept for several hours, which is highly unusual for me.”

She smiled again. “I suppose you’ll just have to spend the night in here more often,” she told him.

He nodded, tracing a finger down her neck, playing with the lacey edging of her nightie. “I would be most happy to do so,” he told her.

For a moment neither spoke, the tension and longing between them rearing up again. Slowly he traced the length of her arm, stopping when he saw the still visible bruises on her wrist. The reminder of the pain she had endured filled him with anger anew.

“Monsters,” he growled.

“I’m fine,” she assured him. “Don’t get upset again, please. Remember your heart.”

He nodded, doing his best not to. “I’m going to fix that damn replicator once and for all,” he told her. “As I should have in the first place.”

Padmé smiled. “Luke will be thrilled,” she said. “That boy eats more than Leia and I put together.”

Vader chuckled. “I see he takes after me in more ways than one.”

Padmé nodded. “I’m going to have a shower,” she told him as she got up from his lap. “And let you get to work. Artoo said that the program is incompatible with his, if that helps at all.”

He looked up at her. “I can override the program,” he told her as he stood up. “It won’t be difficult to fix.”

“Good,” she said. “I won’t be long.”

He nodded as she walked into the fresher, wondering if the little Artoo unit would be able to help him with his unwanted droid problem.

Dr. Thek was just entering the apartment when Vader entered the common room. She was more than a little surprised to see him, and her mind started racing, wondering what had gone on between him and his wife. Vader was amused by her thoughts, and smiled to himself. “Good morning Doctor,” he said.

“Good morning,” she said her face coloring slightly as she realized he had read her thoughts.

“You seem rather surprised to see me,” he said, enjoying her embarrassment.

“Well, no,” she said, looking around uneasily. “I just …well that is to say, it’s...”

“Dad! What are you doing here so early?” Luke asked as he entered the room, saving the good doctor from a most embarrassing situation.

“That seems to be the question of the day,” Vader quipped. “I’m here to fix the replicator,” he added. “I understand you have been suffering without it.”

Luke grinned. “Big time,” he said. “Thanks Dad.”

“Where is Artoo? I will need his assistance,” Vader said as he walked over to the replicator.

“I’ll get him,” Luke replied.

“Good morning Dad,” Leia said as she entered the kitchen.

“Good morning,” Vader replied, deciding he liked being here to watch his children as they started their day.

“Where’s Mom?”

“Having a shower,” Vader replied as Artoo entered the room. “Artoo, open the access panel,” he told the droid.

The droid complied, but issued a string of beeps and chirps as it did so.

“I know that,” Vader replied. “I can override.”

Artoo beeped in response.

“Yes, of course,” Vader replied. “Proceed.”

Leia watched the exchange in astonishment. “You…you understand what he’s saying??”

Vader looked over at her. “Yes,” he said. “Artoo and I logged many hours together over the years,” he added.

Artoo whistled in agreement.

“Cool,” Leia decided.

Once Artoo had removed the access panel, Vader set to work with the computer within. “Computer, override program,” he said, “authority Vader One.” He looked down at Artoo. “Try it now.”

Artoo established a link with the computer and quickly found the error, reporting to Vader of his findings.

“Effect repairs,” he said.

Artoo did so at once.

“Is it fixed?” Leia asked in amazement.

“Test it out and see,” Vader suggested.

Leia walked over to the replicator and thought for a moment. “Hmm,” she thought, finger on her chin in a gesture that reminded Vader of her mother. “Waffles, with chocolate sauce and whipped cream,” she said at last. Within moments the food appeared, just as she had ordered.

“Yes!” she declared happily. “Thanks Dad!”

“Hardly a nutritious breakfast, Leia,” Vader replied.

“I know,” she said. “But after a few days of granola, I’m dying for something with some taste to it.”

“I see,” Vader replied, amused by her comment. “In that case, enjoy.”

“Oh I will,” she said, taking the plate and parading out into the dining room. “Oh Luke, look what I have,” Vader heard her sing.

“Sounds like you fixed the replicator,” Padmé said as she entered the kitchen. Her hair was still wet from her shower and she had gathered it into a long braid down her back.

“Just in time by the sounds of it,” Vader replied as Artoo replaced the access panel.

Padmé laughed. “Thank you,” she said.

“Not at all,” he said. “There was a flaw in the design, obviously,” he said. “But it was easily fixed.”

“Dad, you are the best,” Luke said as he entered the room. “Hi Mom,” he added hastily as he headed for the replicator, almost salivating at the thought of what delicious treat he would soon enjoy.

“I have an assignment for Artoo, if he is not needed right now,” Vader said as he and Padmé left the kitchen. “Something only his …specialized skills can attend to.”

“What is that?” Padmé asked. “Oh, hello Dr. Thek,” she said, noticing the doctor. “Can I get you some tea?”

“No thank you,” Thek replied, rather anxious to be on her way. “I need to be going. Lord Vader, I’d like to see you later when you have a chance.”

“Very well,” he replied.

Thek left them, and Padmé couldn’t help but notice that she was rather in a hurry to do so. “What’s wrong with her?” she asked.

“I believe she suspects that I spent the night with you,” he replied, looking over to make sure the twins were out of earshot.

“So?”

“I imagine she is …concerned that I have done something to jeopardize by health,” he quipped.

“Ah,” Padmé replied. “I see. Maybe that’s why she wants to see you,” she added with a smile. “Just to make sure you don’t take any unnecessary risks.”

“As I told you last night, it would be a risk I would gladly take,” he told her.

Padmé laughed. “Why do you need Artoo?” she asked.

“An unwanted gift,” he said as the little astromech joined them. “From the emperor.”

Padmé became alarmed at once. “What gift?”

“A medical droid,” he replied. “Whose sole purpose is to monitor my health. At least, that is what it claims.”

“What do you mean?” Padmé asked. “Do you think Palpatine is up to something?”

“Of course,” Vader replied. “He does nothing without a purpose. I suspect that this droid is here to watch me and the good doctor.”

“You think Palpatine suspects what she is planning?” Padmé asked in alarm.

“He knows she was on Kamino,” he replied. “She encountered him while he was there, and she had the impression that he was suspicious of her activities there.”

“But what about the clones? That was why she was there, at least officially, wasn’t it?”

“Yes,” he replied. “But Palpatine has always been paranoid and mistrustful. That is why he has deemed it necessary to watch me.”

Padmé shook her head. “You know why he doesn’t want you to have your injuries fixed, don’t you?”

“He knows that my strength would eclipse his own,” Vader replied.

Padmé nodded. “Yes, by a great deal I would imagine. He’s afraid of that, he’s afraid of the potential within you.”

“He has good reason to be afraid,” he replied. “I must go,” he added, “no doubt he is waiting for me to thank him for his kindness,” he added sarcastically.

“I’m sure,” she said. “I hope to see you later,” she said as he made for the door.

He looked back at her. “You will,” he said. “Until later.”

She nodded, and then returned to the kitchen to make herself some breakfast.


Having left Artoo in his quarters to get acquainted with Three-Six Bee, Vader made his way to the audience chamber to make contact with the emperor. He could not help but notice that each time he made contact with the emperor he did so with a greater sense of resentment, and a more guarded approach. There was so much he was now hiding from his master that he began to wonder how much longer he could keep it up before Palpatine began to suspect something. He already does, he reflected; that was why he sent the droid.

Vader entered the chamber and made contact with the emperor, kneeling as he waited for the image of his master to appear, preparing himself mentally for the encounter.

“Lord Vader,” Palpatine said as his image coalesced before Vader.

“My master,” Vader replied, bowing before him. “I hope I am not disturbing you.”

“Of course not, my friend,” Palpatine replied benevolently.

Vader was not fooled by this. “I wanted to thank you for the most generous gift you sent,” he said, the words sticking in his throat. “It was most kind of you to do so.”

Palpatine smiled. “Think nothing of it, my friend,” he said, pleased that Vader had been fooled so easily. “I am concerned about your health, Lord Vader. This droid has been programmed to attend to you night and day.”

Vader nodded. “My physician is concerned that my heart will not last much longer without surgical intervention,” he said, testing the old man.

Palpatine’s smile slowly faded. “Indeed,” he said. “Surely as your doctor she knows such a thing is impossible,” he added.

“Yes,” he replied, “but surely if a way existed, it would be worth the risk, considering my death would be inevitable if nothing were to be done.”

Palpatine grew angry at Vader’s comment for the simple fact that it was true. As much as he hated to even consider Vader’s physical condition being improved even in the smallest amount, the thought of his most valuable apprentice dying, without a suitable replacement, was of even more concern. He had not foreseen this, and it angered him that his master plans were being compromised.

“I suppose then the good doctor will have to find a way to repair your heart,” Palpatine said at last. “After all, your life is too important to be jeopardized, my young apprentice.”

Vader nodded, feeling as though he had won even a small victory. “Thank you, my master,” he said, bowing again. “I will tell Thek to proceed with her research.”

“Yes, do so,” Palpatine replied, suspecting that the doctor had already begun that research. “And keep me informed as to her progress. I will be watching this situation most intently, Lord Vader.”

“As you wish, my master,” Vader replied, and then ended the transmission. He stood up, a smile spreading across his face under his mask. “And so it begins,” he said aloud.

Vader left the audience chamber and headed for the bridge, the feeling of victory buoying his steps as he strode through the corridors. He considered going to tell Padmé about his conversation with the emperor, but reasoned that with Motti on board it would be wise to get to the bridge. Upon arriving there, he was annoyed to see that his suspicions were right, and that the admiral was loitering about, questioning his officers in a most tenacious manner.

“Admiral,” Vader said as he approached Motti. “What brings you to the bridge?”

“Nothing in particular,” Motti replied. Vader could see that he was lying easily, and folded his arms over his chest.

“No?” he challenged.

Motti grew somewhat nervous under the Dark Lord’s scrutiny, and decided to come clean. “Well, if you must know, I was asking your men if they knew where I might find that charming Lieutenant Sola,” he said at last.

Vader clenched his fists as he saw the lurid thoughts in the man’s mind. “Why?” he demanded.

“She and I were getting rather close,” Motti replied, “that is until you went and ruined everything,” he added petulantly. “I have half a mind to tell the emperor what you did, Vader,” he added.

“By all means,” Vader retorted. “Do so. I am certain the emperor would be most interested to learn of your distain for the Force,” Vader replied.

Motti’s eyes widened in fear, and decided to change the subject. “So where might I find her?” he asked. “She agreed to join me for dinner tonight. A private dinner.”

“Liar,” Vader spat. “Sola would never agree to such a thing. No doubt she was being polite to you only as a matter of protocol.”

Motti smiled smugly. “How little you know women, Lord Vader. A woman like Jobal is far too sophisticated to show her desires openly, but I assure you, she wants me.”

Vader moved so quickly that Motti didn’t even see him coming.

“You will not speak of her in that manner,” Vader warned ominously as he grabbed Motti roughly by the front of his tunic with one hand. “Nor will you continue to entertain your obscene notions where she is concerned. She is a lady, and you are not worthy to be in her presence!”

Motti, although certainly alarmed by Vader’s vehemence, couldn’t help but smile derisively. “You…you want her for yourself, don’t you?” he said mockingly. “Come now Vader, surely you must realize that you couldn’t possibly offer her what I can? She needs a man, not a machine. What makes you think she’d even think of you as anything more than one?”

Vader lifted the man from the ground easily, his rage exploding within him. “Because she is my wife,” he growled as he used the Force to crush the man’s larynx.

Motti’s eyes bulged from his head. “Your…wife?” he gasped in astonishment. But they would be his last words as with one last strike of dark fury, Motti’s heart exploded within his chest, killing him instantly and effectively. Vader threw the man’s body down on the deck in disgust.

“Get rid of this,” he ordered one of his underlings. “Before it starts to stink up the bridge.”

“Yes milord,” a junior officer replied at once.

“You have the bridge, Piett,” Vader said as he strode away.

Piett nodded, his admiration for his commanding officer having just risen several notches.



Dr. Thek looked up from her desk when she heard Vader enter her office. “You’re here sooner than I expected,” she told him with a smile. “I usually have to hound you for days to get you to come here.”

Vader did not reply, and she could see that he was in a foul mood.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Motti,” Vader growled.

“Say no more,” she said as she got up and came around to the front of her desk. “I noticed how friendly he was getting with Padmé last night.”

“He is dead,” Vader told her.

Thek’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh?” she asked, trying not to show how shocked she was. “May I ask why?”

“He went too far, suffice it to say,” he told her. “But that is not what I came here for. I actually have good news. Well, more good news, that is.”

Thek smirked. “What is it?”

“The emperor has sanctioned the surgery,” he said.

“What!?” she cried.

“Wait,” he said, holding up a hand. “Not the surgery in the way you are thinking,” he explained. “I told him that my heart is in dire need of surgery, and that without it I will surely die. He agreed that you may proceed and find a way to repair my heart.”

Thek frowned. “But…how is this good news?” she asked. “We are not going to simply fix your heart, Lord Vader.”

“Yes, I realize that,” he said. “But don’t you see? It will alleviate his suspicion if he knows that this surgery is imminent.”

Thek nodded. “Yes, yes I suppose it will,” she said, seeing his point. “But surely you realize that he will find out eventually.”

“Leave that to me,” he said. “Perhaps you ought to harvest the cells you need from my son as soon as possible so we can get this underway. I am tired of living half a life.”

Thek nodded in agreement. “I will do so as soon as possible,” she replied.

“You wanted to see me about something?”

“I did? Yes, yes I did,” she remembered. “Well, I’m not quite sure how to put this delicately,” she began, “but as your doctor I feel obliged to warn you that your heart is in far to fragile a state to engage in…that is, for you to over exert yourself in any way.”

Vader nodded, amused by her attempts to remain unflustered. “I am aware of that,” he said. “Is there some reason you feel I needed to be reminded of it?”

“Well,” she said, rubbing the back of her neck nervously, “I couldn’t help but notice that you were at your wife’s apartment early this morning.”

“So?”

“So, I wondered if you had spent the night with her,” Thek asked.

“Yes, I did,” Vader replied. “Is there a point to all this?”

“Well, yes there is,” Thek replied, the color rising in her face. “Your heart is the point. You are taking a terrible risk by engaging in…intimate…that is, sexual activities at this time.”

Vader wanted to laugh, but decided it would only make matters worse. “I see,” he said, folding his arms over his chest. “You assumed that because I spent the night in my wife’s bedroom that we were engaging in sexual activities.”

“Well, yes,” Thek replied.

“Once again, Doctor, you were wrong to assume,” Vader replied. “My wife is very cognizant of my delicate health,” he assured her. “She will not allow anything to compromise it, no matter how I may feel.”

Thek’s face went completely red. “Oh, well, I’m pleased to hear it,” she muttered.

“Is there anything else you needed to discuss with me?” he asked, growing more amused by the minute.

“No, no that’s it,” she said.

“I thank you for your concern, Doctor,” he said.

“No problem,” she said, watching him leave, wishing she could disappear into a black hole.

[therealthing]

29

Luke and Leia were enjoying a leisurely swim later that afternoon when their father entered the pool deck. He had gone to the apartment and, finding it empty, reasoned that his family would be in here. Padmé, however, was not present.

“She’s in the Meadow Room,” Leia called to her father before he even had a chance to ask the question.

Vader left his children and went in search of his wife. Entering what his children had named the Meadow Room, he found Padmé sitting in the grass. She had been swimming, and still wore her bikini. Hearing him in the room, she turned to him and smiled.

“May I join you, Milady?” he asked as he walked towards her.

“Of course,” she replied, stretching out her legs in front of her. “Did you speak to the emperor?” she asked.

Vader nodded as he sat down beside her. “Yes,” he replied. “It was a rather interesting conversation.”

“How so?”

“I tested him,” Vader replied.

Padmé frowned. “Do you think that was wise?” she said. “Considering how much he enjoys punishing you?”

“Perhaps not,” he agreed, “but it needed to be done, Padmé. I told him that my heart needed repairs, and that I would die without it.”

Padmé nodded as she began to understand why he had felt the need to push the issue. “You backed him into a corner,” she stated.

“Precisely,” he replied. “He no more wants me dead than he wants my injuries fixed. He needs me too much.”

“Yes, he does,” Padmé agreed. “So what did he say?”

“It annoyed him that I had cornered him that way,” Vader told her, “and that I was correct. He had no choice but to concede that surgery was needed.”

Padmé’s eyes widened in surprise. “He is permitting it?”

Vader nodded. “But so far as he knows, it is simply surgery to repair my heart. At least it will deflect his suspicions for now.”

“Let’s hope so,” Padmé replied. “Did you tell Dr. Thek?”

“Yes,” Vader replied. “We had a rather…unusual conversation.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, she seemed to think that you and I had spent the night engaging in sexual activities,” he told her.

Padmé frowned. “And why would that be her business?” she asked, her jealousy rearing up again.

“Because she is my doctor,” he replied, amused by her jealousy. “And she felt she needed to point out to me how such activities could be dangerous to my heart.”

Padmé nodded. “I see,” she said. “So what did you tell her?”

“I told her not to make assumptions,” he said. “And that you would never do anything to compromise my health, despite how much I want you,” he added, his eyes drifting down over her body.

Padmé’s eyes widened. “You told her that?” she asked with a smile.

“Not in those precise words, but yes, that was the message,” he told her.

Padmé’s smile widened. “I hope she was properly embarrassed,” she replied.

Vader nodded. “She was,” he assured her. “There was an…incident on the bridge earlier. I wanted to let you know that you needn’t worry about the advances of Admiral Motti any longer.”

“What happened?” she asked, knowing exactly what he meant.

“He went too far,” Vader replied. “He had the audacity to claim that you and he had arranged to meet tonight in his quarters for a romantic dinner.”

Padmé would have laughed if it weren’t for the fact that the man in question was now dead.

“The man was clearly delusional,” she remarked.

“Yes, among other things,” Vader replied. “Unfortunately his death, as deserving as it was, creates a problem,” he continued. “Governor Tarkin will be expecting to see Motti among the other officers when we reach the Death Star in a few days.”

“Well, accidents happen,” Padmé replied.

“Yes, particularly when someone is as intolerable as Motti was,” Vader commented.

Padmé nodded.

“I’m happy to see you are enjoying this place,” he said, tired of talking about Motti.

She turned to him. “Yes, very much so,” she replied. “It’s almost like being there.”

Vader watched her, knowing how much she missed her home world.

“One day I would like to take Luke and Leia to Naboo,” she said. “Do you think that is possible?”

“Once Palpatine is dead, anything will be possible,” Vader replied. “There will be no more need to hide.”

Padmé nodded. “That day cannot come soon enough for me,” she said quietly.

“Nor me,” Vader replied. “I promise you.”

Padmé wanted to question him further, but they were interrupted by the sound of Vader’s comlink.

“What is it?”

“Lord Vader we’ve just received a message from Naboo,” Piett reported.

Padmé looked at Vader in surprise.

“From Naboo?” Vader asked suspiciously. “What is the nature of it?”

“It is a private message for Lady Vader,” Piett reported. “Shall I send it to her comm.?”

“Yes do so at once,” Vader said, standing up. He held his hand out to Padmé. “I don’t like this,” he said, sensing something was amiss.

“It does seem strange,” Padmé agreed, taking his hand and standing up. “I suppose we should have a look to see what is going on,” she suggested.

Vader nodded. “Yes, let’s go have a look right now.”

As Vader and Padmé left the Meadow room and headed back to the apartment, Vader could not shake the feeling that something was not right. Who knew that Padmé was on board the Executor? Only those on board the ship and the handful of personnel on the medical facility on Alderaan were privy to that information. And then, of course, there was Kenobi, Vader thought angrily.

Padmé sat down at the comm. station in the apartment and activated the message that had been sent from the bridge. Within moments the screen coalesced and the face of Padmé’s sister, Sola, filled the screen.

“Padmé, I hope you are permitted to see this message,” Sola began. “I only just learned that you are alive after believing you dead all this time! And now to find out that you are living on board a star destroyer! I don’t understand any of it, and I haven’t told Mom and Dad. They have been declining tremendously in the past few years Padmé, believing you to be dead. If you truly are alive, and still care about your family, then come to Naboo to see them. It might just be what they need to pull out of the depression they have drifted into. Please consider it Padmé, please come to Naboo.”

The message faded out, leaving Padmé silent and shaken.

“How did she know you were here?” Vader asked at last, his suspicions not being allayed at all by the message.

“I don’t know,” Padmé replied quietly. “My parents are…” she stopped and looked up at him. “I have to see them,” she said.

Vader was not surprised by this. “Padmé, I know you must miss them,” he began.

“Miss them?” she cried. “I’ve spent the past fourteen years deceiving them! Longer, if you count the years we were married! Sola says they are depressed, and they are getting worse! It’s my fault that they are, can’t you see? I need to see them!”

“Out of the question,” Vader replied. “It is simply too dangerous. If Palpatine found you…”

“Why can’t one of your officers or troopers come with us?”

“Us? You mean to take Luke and Leia with you??”

“Yes, of course,” she said. “They have never met their grandparents, and it would mean so much to my parents to meet them!”

Vader said nothing, but commenced pacing in the room.

“You don’t trust me, do you?” she said at last, standing up to face him. “That’s why you are so reluctant to let me do this.”

Vader stopped his pacing and looked at her. At one time he was certain that if given the chance she would leave and never come back. But now… “I trust you,” he said. “That is not the issue. There is the element of danger that I still am uneasy with and…I have to wonder if once you are on Naboo if you will want to come back.”

Padmé walked over to face him. “I love Naboo,” she told him, “there is no doubt of that. And I love my parents. But I love you more.”

Vader was rendered speechless by her declaration. He took her face in his hands tenderly. “I don’t want to lose you again,” he told her. “Not ever.”

“You won’t,” she assured him. “You have men who can protect us; we can use disguises- it will only be for a few days, maybe while you’re on the Death Star. We’re not far from the Chommell Sector now, you could leave us on Naboo for a few days and then return after your business on the Death Star has been completed.”

“And you would come back here? Willingly?” he asked.

Padmé nodded. “Of course,” she told him. “Do you think the twins would want to be parted from you now? Do you think I would? We are a family now, Ani, one that has been apart for more years than I want to consider. We belong together, the four of us.”

Vader nodded. “Yes, we do,” he agreed. “Very well, I will make arrangements. I know you will not let up until I agree to this.”

Padmé smiled. “You know me so well,” she said.

“I do,” he agreed. “Contact your sister, just to be sure that this message is legitimate, and I will go check our position.”

“Thank you,” she said, embracing him as tightly as she could. “You have no idea how much this means to me.”

“I think I do,” he said, stroking her hair softly.

Luke and Leia entered the apartment as their father was leaving. Both of them could sense that he was upset about something, but he did not stay long enough for them to ask him what it was.

“Mom? You in here?” Luke called as they walked into the common room.

“What do you think is going on?” Leia asked.

Luke shook his head. “I don’t know,” he replied. “But something sure is. Dad is more tense than usual.”

“I know,” Leia agreed. At this moment Padmé entered the room, having changed her clothes.

“Good, you’re back,” she said. “I have some exciting news for you.”

Luke and Leia looked at one another briefly. “What is it, Mom?” Luke asked.

“We’re going to Naboo!”

“What??” Leia cried. “How? When?”

“In a few days,” Padmé replied. “I received a message from your Aunt Sola, who is concerned about our parents. I need to see them; I want them to meet you.”

“Dad is okay with this?” Luke asked, realizing what it was that had his father so upset.

Padmé nodded. “He’s not thrilled, but he is willing to let us go. He knows how much my parents mean to me.”

“But what about the Emperor?” Leia asked. “Isn’t he the reason we haven’t been to Naboo all these years?”

“Your father’s men will escort us there and bring us back in a few days,” she said. “Plus we will use aliases while we are there, and disguises if need be. Do you think your father would let us go if we weren’t going to be protected?”

“He’s worried,” Luke said. “I could feel it, we both could. He’s not happy about this.”

“He’s afraid we won’t come back if we leave,” Padmé told them. “I promised him that we would.”

“Why would he worry about that?” Leia asked. “He knows how much we love him.”

Padmé sighed. “I suppose part of him is still insecure,” she replied. “I told him that we are a family now, and we belong together, all four of us.”

Luke and Leia smiled. “I bet he liked hearing that,” Leia said.

“I think so,” Padmé replied, walking over to the comm. station. “I must contact your aunt.”

“How did she know we were here?” Luke asked.

“I mean to find out,” Padmé replied as she sat down. “Just as soon as I can contact her.”

Luke and Leia sat with their mother, both anxious to ensure that this situation was as it appeared to be.


Vader stood at the navicomputer on the bridge, brooding. Padmé had been right about their position; Naboo was but a short distance away. Why does she always have to be right? He thought moodily.

“Piett, come here,” Vader called out to the young officer on the other side of the bridge. Piett came over at once.

“Yes, milord?”

“Alter our course so that we pass by the planet Naboo en route to the Death Star,” Vader said, half believing he was saying it.

“Milord, you realize that this will delay our arrival at the Death Star by almost 24 hours,” Piett pointed out carefully.

“It cannot be helped,” Vader replied, folding his arms over his chest. “And I want you to select a pilot, the best we have, and three of the finest troopers available. They will accompany my family to Naboo once we have arrived and see to it that they reach their destination there safely.”

Piett, surprised by his commander’s orders, merely nodded. “Yes milord,” he replied. “I will see to it at once.”

Vader watched the young officer leave him, unable to shake the uneasiness that had beset him since seeing Sola Naberrie’s message.


“Padmé! I can’t believe it! I’m so …” Sola broke down as her emotions got the better of her. “I can’t believe you’re alive!”

Padmé felt tears of her own welling up in her eyes. “I’m sure it must be a tremendous shock,” she said. “But there’s a good reason for my disappearance, Sola.”

“What reason? Where have you been? Why didn’t you tell any of us you were alive??” Sola asked.

Padmé sighed, realizing she couldn’t blame her sister for feeling this way. “It’s a long, very complicated story,” Padmé replied. “And I will explain it to you when I see you.”

Sola’s eyes widened. “You mean you’re coming home?” she asked.

Padmé nodded. “Yes, I’m coming home. And I’m not coming alone,” she said with a smile, motioning for Luke and Leia to come into the holocameras’s range. “This is Luke and this is Leia,” Padmé said. “Kids, this is your Aunt Sola.”

Sola smiled at the twins. “It’s wonderful to meet you both!” she said. “I can’t wait to see you in person. When do you think that will be, Padmé?”

“In a few days,” Padmé replied. “I will know better by tomorrow. Tell me something, Sola; how did you know where I was? No one knows I’m here.”

“Bail Organa does,” Sola replied. “He was here recently, and paid me a visit. He told me everything, Padmé.”

Padmé nodded in understanding. Everything meant she undoubtedly knew of Padmé’s relationship with Darth Vader. “I see,” she said. “Do Mom and Dad know?”

Sola shook her head. “No, I didn’t tell them in case you weren’t able to come,” she said. “I didn’t want to disappoint them.”

“Good thinking,” Padmé said. “Perhaps you ought to tell them before we get there,” she suggested. “I wouldn’t want to shock them too much.”

“I will,” Sola said. “They will be so excited,” she added with a smile.

Padmé smiled. “I’ve missed you all so very much,” she said. “I can’t wait to see you all.”

Sola nodded. “Same here,” she said.

“I’ll be in touch soon to let you know when we’ll be arriving,” Padmé said.

“Okay, I’ll look forward to it,” Sola replied. “Goodbye for now, Padmé.”

“Goodbye,” Padmé replied, and then turned off the transmission.

“She didn’t seem too surprised to see us,” Luke observed.

“I’m sure Viceroy Organa filled her in,” Padmé replied as she stood up. “No doubt they are concerned about us being here with the infamous Darth Vader.”

“They don’t know him,” Leia pointed out. “Otherwise they wouldn’t be.”

“Exactly,” Padmé said. “I’m going to the bridge to let your dad know I’ve spoken with Sola.”

“What about Conan?” Leia called after her.

Padmé stopped. “He had an accident earlier today,” she said, and then left the apartment.