ME: Time for some fun. Spoiler alert: Vader is an utter badass. Not that you guys didn't already know that.

Master and apprentice activated their blue lightsabers (the boy's looked unique-too bad for him he would be unable to use it effectively with an ex-Padawan as his current instructor). "Hera, go!" The older one said, undoubtedly to the Twi'lek pilot (the Mandalorian girl had been identified as Sabine Wren by security footage, a former Imperial cadet who deserted the junior Academy on Mandalore). "We'll cover you!"

"Kanan, look out!"

Jarrus was barely able to react in time to block Vader's slash. Even though the Sith Lord was only using one hand to grip his weapon, his superior strength both physically and in the Force kept the man once named Caleb Dume at bay.

Though this rebel cell must be kept alive-for now, at least, to reveal the whereabouts of other traitors. Though only one survivor is needed to act as bait.

As the sound of blaster fire reached him, Vader pulled back his blade then Force pushed the two back with his left hand. The teenager landed on his side, while his mentor actually managed to land on his boots and shook his head before charging.

Idiot, just like in my youth. Oh well-if I had to learn two painful lessons before my twenty-fifth birthday, Jarrus will endure at least one in his late twenties.

Vader slashed at Jarrus's blade, forcing the younger Human back. He then blocked two attacks aimed at his torso before grabbing both of his opponent's wrists and raising him in the air.

Assuming this self-promoted Jedi Knight ever becomes a Dark Jedi in the service of the Empire-probably as a member of the Inquisition or the Emperor's Shadow Guard, but just as likely he could end up as an unofficial subordinate of either myself or my master-the last thing I need is another potential rival who can use Force lightning to either harm me or my allies. Jarrus will manage fine with two prosthetic arms, just as I have.

Vader started with his armored right arm, slicing it off. Just after the screaming started, he swiftly removed the left one.

Pathetic. Snips probably could do better at fourteen, and I'm toying with Jarrus. Either Master Billaba was an incompetent teacher or he is just unworthy of a lightsaber.

Without ceremony, Vader tossed the garbage over to the Sentinel-class landing craft the rebels were stealing then turned his attention to the boy. His fairly long hair matched his blue eyes (did the Padawan have Zeltron ancestors?), and he ignited his mentor's weapon in his left hand.

"YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT, INQUISITOR!"

So young and naive; I won't even bother dignifying his words with a certain response.

Instead the Sith Lord slammed the child into the leg of an AT-DP. To his credit, the young insurgent managed to keep a grip on his weapon in spite of his left hand dropping his master's lightsaber.

Vader remembered one of Chad's best friends growing up; Serra Keto, a Jedi Knight and Jar'Kai practitioner. Unlike this boy, Serra had trained long and hard to use dual blades properly in combat.

"Your master has deceived you into believing you can become a Jedi," Vader began as he started to force the Padawan's lightsaber towards his neck. "Instead, you will either surrender and become a servant of the Emperor and the Empire or die."

Just when it seemed the boy would die futily, his blade deactivated and a round emerged from the attachment of his lightsaber.

What?

Evidently the youngster had built a blaster into his weapon, explaining its unique appearance. Vader attempted to deflect the shot, but shock delayed his reaction just long enough for the stun bolt to hit.

For the first time in a while, the Sith Lord let out a cry of pain as he sank to his knees.

*CUT TO: TARKIN'S OFFICE*

The first Grand Moff of the Empire spit out his wine. While it was amusing to see Lord Vader toss the rebels around as if he was playing grav-ball with them (and even more entertaining to reflect on the fact the only reason they were surviving at all was to lead them right to the rest of their terrorist organization, which did not stop him from besting Dume/Jarrus like General Grevious of the Separatist Alliance slaughtered Jedi), his death from what appeared to be a mere stun round would sour the taste of victory.

He contacted Captain Montferrat immediately via a secure HoloNet frequency. If any ship's hospital could treat the Emperor's Executor, Lord Vader's own flagship could.

"Devastator Actual here, sir."

"Captain, Lord Vader is down," he answered. " I repeat, LDV-Zero-One needs immediate medevac. Send a shuttle to pick him up and ready his surgical team; if you fail to comply, Montferrat, and we lose Lord Vader, I will personally report your hand in his death to His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Sheev Palpatine the Great Uniter."

"Right away, sir." Sure, Lord Vader was more terrifying, but Tarkin did not earn the post of Governor of the Outer Rim for being approachable.

Luckily enough, the boy wisely initiated a retreat the moment Vader let him down.

"C'mon, c'mon!" Wren, the Mandalorian girl, yelled.

Both she and the Lasat covered the Padawan's retreat with suppressive fire that forced Agent Kallus and Delta Squad behind crates. Offee and her apprentice, however, stood in the open.

In a testament to the effectiveness of the Imperial Inquisition, only one blaster bolt (fired by the Lasat) made it past their lightsaber blades. It struck Jade's vest, but the Commander was only knocked on her back. It was a good thing the girl had armored up, otherwise there'd have been a cauterized wound right on top of her heart.

The Mandalorian girl, however, wasn't as lucky. Offee deflected two shots from her twin sidearms into her breastplate and helmet before yanking away the Lasat's rifle. Tarkin had heard quite a few stories about Mandalorian iron, AKA beskar. Given the Death Watch and Imperial regulations on possession of the ore, the Eriaduan reflected, odds are Wren couldn't have afforded much coverage, therefore explaining her armor's unconventional design and/or a possible emphasis on mobility over protection. Either way, the juvenile delinquent was either dead or unconscious. The Imperial Military would be unable to confirm at the moment, for the shuttle fled at full speed.

"Shall I scramble Baron Fel and the One Hundred and Eighty-First Wing, sir?"

The Grand Moff shook his head (having just finished informing Offee of the incoming transport for Lord Vader). "Negative, Count Vader. The rebels will not leave Lothal just yet."

ME: A/N: As either Sabine or Mara will testify, Armor is Useless will be averted in this story to the best of my ability.

And yes, I lampshaded Sabine's lack of armor coverage. Sue me.

Zeb's rifle has been confiscated by a vengeful Barriss. Like Kanan losing his arms, this will have a impact.

Speaking of Kanan, I wanted my version of the duel to be particularly Darker and Edgier. Anyone who watched that scene can see Vader's clearly toying with Kanan and Ezra since he passed up a good opportunity to slice off Kanan's arms (which would make it look like he wasn't holding back). As ForFutureReference put it (paraphrased), "Having Kanan get such an injury like that would be a good case of Reality Ensues plus a dose of Oh, Crap...without actually killing anyone off."

In case you were wondering, I envision the Inquisition as being more loyal to Vader than Palpy and the Shadow Guard being a case of vice versa, with unknown agents for both Sith Lords.

Please note that it was nearly eleven o'clock/2300 Hours CST when I posted this, so please point out any spelling mistakes and stuff.

Please read and review, my faithful audience! I appreciate CONSTRUCTIVE criticism and praise.