-1Part IV
The entire conversation with Mon Mothma had lasted close to an hour. After getting over the initial shock and disbelief of what she had told him, Vader had proceeded to question her relentlessly about the details of Luke's illness. She told him everything, and even went so far as to send him his son's medical records. He knew this virus well. It was something the Emperor had concocted as a method of control.
The very best doctors, microbiologists, and exotic disease specialists had been gathered together on a whim from Palpatine. Together, they created a virus with no cure…it was pure propaganda and the Emperor used it to his full advantage. Entire star systems surrendered to his control with the mere threat of the virus being unleashed upon them. It was a yoke of fear he place upon the necks of millions. Once his biological warfare had served its purpose, he moved on to other terrors. All personnel connected with creating the super-bug were terminated. No one living had any knowledge of exactly what spurred the virus, or even how to combat it. Vader knew, in the vast pit where his soul should be, that his son would most likely die from this disease. He knew of only one man who had beaten the virus, and he was dead now anyway. Yes, he remembered that man….Jolon Bae'din. Vader would look into that later.
He was silently thankful for two things. One, that his son had the weak and misguided desire to attempt to bond with his errant father. And secondly, that the foolish members of the Alliance had allowed him to leave their ranks. Possible deception flooded Vader's mind, and he probed Mon Mothma's intentions more deeply.
"What was it that made you do this? Why did you not use Luke against me, once you had learnt his true lineage?"
Mon Mothma gave a sad, soft smile. "We considered everything good he has done for us. He told us the truth, and asked for help. We could not, in good conscience, betray his trust….or his last request."
Vader considered this a moment. His son was obviously much loved by his friends and colleagues. He decided, in a moment of surprising good-will, to return the favour. "I give you my word that your landing party and those escorting my son will come to no harm during the handover. You will be allowed to leave the system peacefully."
Again her well-bred manners assisted her, as she bowed slightly and keyed off her computer.
In his Super Star Destroyer, Vader sat for many hours, contemplating the stars.