Niece
The Emperor has given Darth Vader many tests throughout the years, but this may be his greatest challenge yet...
Chapter One
A New Game
Six BBY or Six Years Before the Battle of Yavin
Coruscant
The Imperial Palace
Heads of servants and various beings snapped in his direction to see him.
He moved through the palace like a ghost. His cape flowing in the air behind him. The only thing that gave away his approaching presence was his well known, nonstop breathing.
"I thought Lord Vader was off Coruscant killing those two-timing Jedi. Somewhere in the Outer Rim," the middle aged man said he overheard.
No, but he should be. The Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Vader was about to head that way this morning, but then the Emperor called him back. For some yet to be known reason of importance.
However, it was most impressive could hear the pathetic being's whisper. The new implants recently added in his rebuilt ears from Mustafar were most impressive, Vader thought to himself.
The Dark Lord kneeled as he entered the throne room, "You requested my presence, my Master."
"Yes, my friend." The Dark Lord of Sith, Lord Sidious turned in his chair. "I'm sending you to Imperial Executive Building this evening to speak with a new Senator." In the times of the Republic it was known as the Republic Executive Building, or also called the Senate Office Building where naturally each senator held their offices and the building also served as a spaceport.
For several long moments, Vader just stared at Sidious. The only noise that could be heard was his continuous breathing. Had he been able to control it‑something he was constantly working on‑there would have been silence.
That was it?
That was it?
Vader felt his anger boiling.
That was why the Emperor sent for him?
Vader had no idea why Sidious was sending him to do this. Did he not realize he had far more important things to do?
Jedi to hunt.
The 501st to lead.
And other things that his Master did not know of…
This…this was a job more suited more Amedda or his Master's little pet Pestage.
Darth Vader hated politicians. He loathed everything and anything about them. Vader longed for the day when the Emperor would finally dismantle or better yet-blow up the Senate. Either would please him.
Was old age starting to weaken the old man's mind?
Vader did not have his Master's games with the Senate...
...or was this actually a new game for him? A new test?
Vader did not see how that was possible. He had nothing to do with the Senate or its Senators. Except killing them from time to time. Perhaps he was over thinking-over analyzing this. Perhaps this Senator was simply more than he appeared to be. "Is this Senator believed to be part of the Rebel Alliance?"
The ghostly hands met together as the Emperor gave this some thought. "Hm, possibly, Lord Vader." Palpatine would not put it past this Senator. Given the family was full of naïve idealists. "Time will tell."
So that wasn't the reason. What then?
Vader crossed his gloved arms. He did not care if Sidious sensed his impatience. "Who is he?" He would go and get this-whatever it was-over with.
"I'm sorry, Lord Vader."
Vader did not like the smile growing across the old man's crinkled face.
"But the Senator I'm speaking of is in fact a young woman." The smile continued to grow. "She is new to the Senate and I feel you should...welcome her."
As Sidious said his next three words, Vader felt his heart do something it had not done in a very long time. Another life time. His heart skipped a beat.
"Senator Pooja Naberrie."
End of Chapter One.