Thank you for the favorites, follows, and reviews.
Apologies for taking so long. I've been busy real life and I wanted to get this chapter just right. Though I don't know, I fear some of you may feel this chapter is boring. I think it's more of a character chapter. Not much happens plot or character wise I feel.
This chapter is Ruwee heavy so we get to know him more and see what makes him unique. There's also a flashback where we see a little of Luke, Leia, and Ruwee's time in the Imperial Academy. We some faces from canon and get to see an outsider's perspective on the Vaders.
There's also a little bit of language in this chapter.
Chapter Seven
Ordinary
One month later...
From his bedroom chamber, Prince Ruwee stared out at Coruscant skyline.
The bedroom was fairly large. The walls were blue and a cream color. They were all covered in posters, figurines, scrolls and books on every subject. The rest of the furniture was made up of his large dresser, mirror, bed, comfy chair, and closet on the far left.
Ruwee's medium length brown hair was parted neatly down the right side. He was wearing his black Imperial Academy uniform, which he just had the droids neatly press. Their parents preferred them to do at least some of their own chores, but less chores meant more time to read. Besides, Luke had the same in his own chamber only Ruwee felt he had perfected the droids' malfunctions.
Outside it was a bright and beautiful day. Though it did seem rather dim, though perhaps that was the shield. Ruwee pressed his fingertips against the thick, blaster-proof glass. If he leaned close enough, he could even see the near invisible security shield. Ruwee watched the nearby and far away buildings and the busy, traffic lanes all glimmering in the morning sun. All those beings out there. Going on with their busy yet unnoticed lives.
Ruwee pressed against the glass harder.
How he yearned to be out there, to be one of them. How Ruwee wished he could have had been born an ordinary being. Well, he was ordinary, but in another way. It was what made him different from most of the family.
Another thing that separated Ruwee from the family was that Ruwee hated being a Prince. He hated the spotlight, the media attention, the titles, responsibilities, duties, attention, all of it.
Thankfully as the third born child of the Vaders, little had been expected from him. It wasn't like Ruwee was Luke, Leia, or the rest of his siblings. He did not possess...special abilities or position like the rest of his siblings. He wasn't the eldest, inheriting the Throne, or likely to. Nor did he share an interest in politics and dreaded public speaking. He excelled at homework and tests, but nothing else it seemed. So where did he belong?
Ruwee shrugged, no where, it seemed. Granted he was smart, so he had been told countless times, but mostly by his mother. So did that really count?
Ruwee supposed he was smart, but then again he had his doubts. Maybe he could find out and put his mind to use. If given the chance to...
He bit his lip.
Who knows, but one thing was for sure, he did not belong.
Even the HoloNet felt the same way which Ruwee did not mind. Thankfully for most of his life the only times they usually took a holo of him was at a public event with the rest of the family. Such as galas, military functions, and other gatherings such as the dinner with Queen Mother Ta'a Chume and her son, Prince Isolder. They had not paid to much attention since his sister Arabella had been born a few years after him. Then six years later, his little brothers were born. So they had paid attention to him even less since they youngest, the cutest, and identical twins of course.
Ruwee liked it that way. Not being the center of attention. Though recently that had changed when about a month ago, his older sister Leia had disappeared. Weeks before, Luke had gone away for some "special training" at an "undisclosed location".
Ruwee fumed as he paced around.
Why?
How?
How could Leia do this to him? How could she do this to him? To them?
Why had Leia disappeared? Where had she gone? Was she really that upset that their parents expected her to marry Prince Isolder?
Ruwee sniffed.
That was how their parents had met and married. Why did she believe it would be any different for them? Had none of them figured it out? All six of them were probably going be sold off and married to beings they did not want to wed. At least Isolder seemed like a decent human being. He and Leia were even given time to know one another. Their parents were not given time and Ruwee doubted the rest of them would be that lucky. Well, maybe...
Again, mostly importantly, where was she?
Their parents had said little on the matter. At least around him. Though they didn't seem worried as far as he could tell, but he knew they were masters at deception. Apparently so was Leia, she had yet to be spotted by the HoloNet. Possibly even Mother and Father too. Which was rather impressive, if that was the case. So where was she? More importantly, when was she coming home?
Ruwee made a fist. He did not care. He just wished she would come home. Right now. Ruwee paced around a few steps. He felt like Mother and Father were expecting more from him. They were even trying to speak with and ask him more questions.
"What are you watching?"
Why did she care?
"Have you heard from your sister?"
"What are you reading?"
Again, since when did they care?
"Have you heard from your sister?"
How would he know?
Even the paparazzi and HoloNet droids were starting to take more notice of him.
After all, Ruwee was currently the eldest child and heir at the Palace. It made sense, but that did not mean he liked it. Some had caught Ruwee coming and going to the Imperial Academy this week. Getting in and out of the black speeders that came to drop and pick him up.
Again, Ruwee did not like it.
Many times throughout his short life he had been left alone and ignored, but he liked it. Preferred it actually.
Even if it was lonely.
But it beat being the center of attention.
His older brother, Luke was officially heir to the Throne. As for his sister Leia, it seemed she was being groomed for the Hapan Throne or possibly to take up the position of Grand Vizier someday. For a time, she was possibly even being considered for the Imperial Throne as a co-ruler or the Empress herself. However their parents had decided the Galactic Empire would have a primogeniture where regardless of gender or the parents' homeworld traditions the eldest child would inherit the Throne.
So he had little to worry about.
Unless both Luke and Leia unexpectedly passed without producing their own legitimate heirs.
As his Father once said with a firm grasp on his shoulder, "Unlikely as it may be, there's always a chance you may inherit the Throne." His Father had said this days after the assassination attempt on Luke and Leia. "If they had succeeded, do you realize how different your life would be?"
Ruwee supposed his father was right. If the assassins had succeeded...he shuddered. He did not even want to think about it.
Becoming Emperor...
Losing his siblings.
Inheriting the Throne.
It was his worst nightmare.
One that Ruwee had dreamt far too many times to count. For a time, the dream had gone away. However, since Luke had gone away, it had returned. Leia's absence did not help either.
In another variation of the dream, Ruwee's parents could not decide between Luke and Leia and chose Ruwee instead.
In a third dream, their parents grew tired of Luke and Leia's partying and troublemaking ways and again, chose Ruwee. He guessed he didn't need to worry about Luke. True, he was Father's care and Father liked him, but Leia... He hoped she did not do anything stupid, wherever she was.
With his siblings away and the stars only knew where, he could not help but worry about the third dreaming coming to pass.
But it wouldn't...would it?
Ruwee gulped.
No.
No way in hell.
He was not an alternative to his siblings.
Ruwee did not envy Luke or Leia.
Well, maybe that wasn't entirely true. At least Father seemed to like them and they all had a connection he never would.
Ruwee frowned.
He could hardly speak to his Father. Though it didn't help the man was not exactly fond of him. Nothing he ever did was good enough. Though they didn't exactly have much in common. And anything he did was minimal compared to his siblings. From killing Hutts, Rancors, excellent piloting skills, surviving assassination attempts, then there was the Force...
The Force...
It had rejected him, just like his father.
Ruwee shrugged, he couldn't say he cared for his father either or the Force. Sometimes he even wondered if the Emperor truly was his Father. They were nothing alike. Maybe the medical droids had some sort of circuit glitch and there had been a mix up. Though he had been born at the private medical wing here at the Palace so how could—
Beep! Beep!
Beep! Beep!
Ruwee wrist chrono chimed. He set the timer earlier. Ruwee had wanted to read before he had to go. Maybe work on the droid he was making. He supposed it would have to wait.
He looked down and sighed.
It was time to return to hell, in other words the Royal Imperial Academy of Coruscant.
Five years ago...
Coruscant
The Royal Imperial Academy was located near the Museum of Multispecies Sciences and the Imperial Palace.
It was a very large and ancient structure. Dating back to the time of the Old Republic. Back before the Clone Wars when it served some other purpose though no one seemed to recalled what.
Around the outside of its walls was the yard or as others called it the Pit.
"More like hell." A human male grunted as he marched past this year's rookie class.
He doubted most of them would last a week.
"LISTEN UP!" Yelled the large, human male boomed. He had pale-white skin and graying red hair. He wore a fully decorated, dark Imperial uniform.
A man in red armor stood by his side then began walking beside him.
"I am Commandant Brendol Hux, and I had the misfortune to be assigned to train you mongrels." He could not believe he was being pulled from own specialized troops to train a bunch of teenagers.
Why couldn't Headmaster Gentis have been given this "honor"?
Or Tratcha? He and Emperor Vader had much in common. Them and their cybernetics.
Brendol's lip curled in disgust.
Was his own work not enough? Was he not good enough?
Brendol clenched his teeth. It was so degrading and insulting.
"Nor am I here to welcome you at all! Right now, you're nothing but blaster fodder. Turds, turds lower than mud troopers."
Brendol could practically hear a few of these cadets, the so-called best of the best from their homeworlds shake in their boots. He would bet a shot of whiskey that at least two of them dropped out before the sunset. He could only hope. Maybe they would all drop out then he could get back to his own troopers. He could dream.
Brendol continued walking past the cadets. "In three years, we'll take you're worthless hides and train you! Give you the means to fight our enemies and serve the Empire." He looked around the scared and timid bodies. "In a few years, when you stand on the battlefield or fly in your cockpit, will you still be afraid?" Though perhaps there was hope. He saw a few faces in the crowd not shaking or sweating. At least as far as he could tell.
Who would have guessed the Rimmer scum like cadets Ree and Kyrell would be among those beings. Was this what Tarkin saw them? The man had personally recommended them for the Imperial Academy here on Coruscant.
"Or rise up to the occasion? Will you become a noble officer? One of the Empire's glorious pilots? Perhaps one of the Empire's glorious General, Moffs, even a Grand Moff? You will decide."
Brendol walked past a familiar golden-haired brat. The "golden brat" as many Imperials secretly called Luke, the Emperor and Empress's eldest son and heir. Though he was so incredibly spoiled and arrogant from what Brendol had observed. Even the Emperor had admitted this.
"Despite my many victories, I'm losing the battle in fatherhood."
"One of you will even become our Lord and Emperor."
Brendol stepped past the golden brat. He had never seen him up close before. He was a bit short and skinny. Still, he was handsome and strong looking.
Was that a flicker of fear he saw the in the golden brat's deep blue eyes?
Good.
"Or Empress," Brendol replied as he walked past the blonde's twin sister. Thank the stars the Emperor was not around. He did not know if he could truly read being's thoughts, but he did not need to find out.
The Princess was a pretty little thing. Pretty, small breasts, but a nice ass like her mother.
He saw no fear on her face. Though perhaps she simply masked it better. Good, she would need it.
Brendol continued past her, to another familiar face.
Though this was one was not nearly as familiar as his well-known elder twin siblings. This one was the third born child yet something of the runt of the Vaders' litter. Not that he was the youngest or the smallest. Actually the boy showed signs he might be grow to be taller than his elder brother. No, the boy's shy and meek nature were made him weak according to his own father.
"I'm tasking you to correct this."
"But that day is not today." Brendol stopped and turned to stand right in front of the boy. "You, what do they call you?" Of course, Brendol knew all their names and backgrounds, but he wanted to officially meet this one in particular. After his brother, this was the one the Emperor talked about and wanted to work on the most.
Brendol felt himself hesitate.
However, the Emperor had instructed him to not hold back when it came to his children. "No special treatment. I want you to teat them as you would any cadet...no, be harder on them. Especially Ruwee."
"My lord, are you certain?" He asked the Emperor. He was not naive and knew how ruthless he could be. Also, was he really the right being for this job? Again, Gentis would have been better suited. If only he not been busy running the Academy and mourning the death of his eldest son, Saul. The Emperor's damn crusade was stealing so many young lives.
The Emperor looked him in the eye. He looked almost furious to be second guessed. "Do not hold back."
"Oh, uh," The boy was caught off guard while clumsily raising his hand to salute. He had not expected to be singled out.
"Oh uh?" Brendol raised a brow, "That's your name? What were your parents thinking?" He said aloud.
A few gasps and snickers came from the crowd.
The boy's face darkened, "Sir, I'm Prince Ruwee of the Royal Imperial House of Vader," He replied in a medium tone. Not very loud or confident sounding, but louder than Brendol was expecting.
Like most of the family, the boy was probably used to getting his way.
Brendol was a large man. In recent years, his health had declined and he had gained a considerable amount of weight, but it something he was trying to work on. He took three steps forward, entering the boy's personal space. He put his large hand on the boy's puny shoulder.
"Do you feel like a Prince?" In the blink of an eye, Brendol raised a fist and punched Ruwee in the stomach. The boy probably never saw it coming. He moaned, made a face, and fell to his knees.
His eyes were two different colors, one blue and the other brown.
Huh, how unusual.
Perhaps Brendol should have done this to the golden brat. Not the whelp that was third-in-line. That would have sent a real message to the cadets. Then again, despite Emperor Vader's orders, even Brendol was uncertain about hitting his future Emperor in case the boy remembered it after his ascension to the Throne. Brendol figured if he lived that long, he'd be retired and he wanted a peaceful retirement.
"There are no Princes or Princesses here. The same goes for the rest of you. I don't care where you came from or who your mummies and daddies are. The few years YOUR ASSES ARE MINE!"
Present...
As he did each morning, Commandant Brendol Hux walked around inspecting his unit. He made sure every boot was polished, every uniform was neat and clean. Sometimes he even noticed changes and growths in the cadets.
To his side was his personal bodyguard, Cardinal also known as CD-0922 or Archex.
Archex was born on Jakku, his parents died when he was young. He and a number of orphans learned to survive on the harsh, world of Jakku. The desert planet was located in the Western Reaches, before the Unknown Regions. Some of Palpatine's loyalists tried to flee and hide out there. Especially after the bombing of Geonosis. However, Lord Vader caught up with them at Jakku.
After the Battle of Jakku, Archex was among a number of orphans invited by Brendol Hux to come with the Imperials back to Coruscant. He agreed, wanting to leave behind the cruelty of Jakku. He was inducted into the Stormtrooper Cadet Program and given the codename CD-0922. CD-0922 was one of the first of Brendol new stormtroopers, codenamed the First Order.
Brendol was dressed in red armor he had specially made and given him. "Red is a powerful color." He also hoped it would serve as inspiration for these now third year students.
Brendol had done his best with these young beings, though he still preferred training from birth or a very young age. It was easier that way. They were easier to mold that way. Still, he'd like to think he had made at least some progress with these mongrels.
The class was full of Core world scum, but it had produced noteworthy students.
Among his favorites were Zare Leonis and Leia Vader. Leonis was incredibly fit and excelled in sports such as grav-ball.
As for the Princess, she was an excellent shot and very quick to learn and adept. She also had incredibly fiery spirit. Though he sensed it would land into trouble in the future. He hoped she would return to graduate.
There was Jude Edivon was a skilled slicer. Such a thing would be useful against their enemies.
Some excellent pilots including Thane Kyrell, Ciena Ree, and even the golden brat, Luke was quite the pilot. Underneath that spoiled facade and playboy image, there was actually a half decent kid in there. It was a real tragedy his father pulled him out.
"Come on!" Brendol said from his speeder bike. "Come on, let's see some hustle!" Today the cadets were running through one of the large simulation chambers. Today's climate was a rainy forest. Everyone was wearing black and green parkas and heavy knapsacks. Which were all made even heavier by the rain and muddy boots.
At least two or three had slid off the paths and sprained their ankles.
They had been jogging for nearly thirty minutes. The simulation was thankfully over halfway over now. Brendol could not be sure, they were always changing.
A green-skinned Rodian that later dropped out was struggling. Panting and sweating meters behind everyone else.
Almost everyone.
Someone sighed "Come on," Luke said through gritted teeth.
Suddenly it was as if a great weight had been lifted from the Rodian's back. It was hardly noticeable, but his pack was floating.
The Prince was clearly using his Force powers. Which was against the rules.
The Rodian looked both panicked and relieved, "B-but won't you get into trouble?" He panted in that thick Rodian accent.
"Only if he finds out." Luke panted. "Now finish the course and we're even."
True, the boy was still a brat.
"My parents will not allow it." The boy boasted at a lunch table. He had gotten into some heated discussion with an upper class-man. "They won the real war! They defeated the usurpers, they took the Throne! And one day the whole Galaxy!"
But a genius in the cockpit. He had aced all the simulations. He had even jumped ahead to the advanced flying classes.
An Artoo unit beeped nervously.
Beep! Beep! Booop!
"Yeah, I know! I know!" Luke replied with his teeth gritted. "Just hang on." He had shot down three dozen fighters, but now the enemy was on top of him. At least fifty enemy fighters were chasing him though his ship managed to swiftly duck and dodge all the enemy laser blasts and now missiles. However, they were coming up on Luke's tail. He swerved towards the large star cruiser. He then switched on his radio.
Ping!
"Red Leader, fire all your missiles across the bow of the Executor."
"...But commander," A fellow trainee said through static.
"There's nothing out there," Said another.
"Do it now!" Luke snapped.
Whoosh!
The baffled pilots obeyed and Luke led the cloud of enemy fighters around the ship into the missiles. With the remaining missiles still chasing him, Skywalker leads them into the docking bay of enemy's gun platform, destroying it.
"Woohoo!" Luke grinned as "WIN" sprung across the holo screen.
"Nice flying, Red Five!" Which was often the Prince's codename.
"Thanks Red Three!" Who was an upper class-man named Biggs Darklighter.
Even the brat's sister had gone AWOL though the Emperor had not given a reason only that she would not be back for the foreseeable future.
With the two Vaders now gone, only about half the class remained. Most who had dropped had done so during the first year. He figured most that those who had last this long were here until the end. It was almost amusing to think he was disappointed about losing two of his students.
For a long time, he hated how had been assigned these cadets. He had even briefly hated his Emperor for it.
Looking back, he supposed it meant that his Lord and Emperor trusted and thought so much of him. He had done so well that Lord Vader trusted him to train his three eldest children. Which he supposed had been an honor, given that one or possibly more would one day become their sovereign.
Brendol continued to make sure their uniforms were straight and clean. Not a speck of food or dirt in sight. Such a thing was punishable by dismissal, detention, or sheer humiliation. Brendol had even suffered such a thing when he was a green and raw recruit.
Even the younger of the two Princes had suffered the ritual, as Gentis called it.
It was not a stain, but a crease around the collar.
Brendol made the boy drop and do thirty lift-ups. Which took nearly thirty minutes, seeing how the boy did not know how to do proper lift-ups. He kept arching his backside in the air and Brendol finally put a boot down the boy's backside. "Did your Father teach you nothing?" Apparently not, he supposed the Emperor's many victories had left little time for him to teach his children much.
Brendol was certain he had gone to his mommy, begging to taken out of here. There was a time or two, Brendol almost wished they would, he could focus on the ones with actual potential and the most important, Luke.
He wondered if the fates had a sense of humor. The elder two were no longer here and yet their younger, meeker brother was still standing. If Brendol had made a bet on the three Vaders, he certainly would have lost this one.
Brendol stopped walking when he stood in front of the Princeling.
He had grown seven or eight centimeters in the last two and half years. He looked almost...angry. The boy had surely grown to hate him.
Good.
If one didn't lose control, anger could be a useful tool, a weapon. He had even said so multiple times.
"Cadet Ruwee."
"Sir," Ruwee answered back with a salute.
It was hardly the best salute Brendol had ever seen, but it was one of the boy's better salutes. He also seemed calm.
"What is the name of the first Grand Admiral?" Unless one studied their military or Imperial history well, he doubted many would know the answer.
"Sir, Grand Admiral Wilhuff Tarkin of Eriadu."
"And the most recent Grand Admiral?"
"Sir, Grand Admiral Thrawn of Csilla also known as Mitth'raw'nuruodo."
Brendol did not reply or move. He was impressed that the boy knew the Chiss's name full name and actually said it correctly. Few beings could do that.
He may not have been an excellent shot, pilot, or much of a soldier.
But no one could match the boy in terms of knowledge. He had highest grades when it came to the classroom, especially history which he had earned a perfect 11.0, the highest grade a student could achieve. An 10.0 was actually the highest grade one could achieve, but Ruwee had aced his extra credit homework and testing.
Brendol scanned the boy up and down. His boots were clean and polished. His uniform straight and uncreased. He kept looking for something wrong, but found...nothing. True, the boy's salute wasn't the best, but Brendol was not feeling that petty.
"Keep up the good work, soldier," Brendol gave him a nod of approval. Something he rarely gave and certainly never to this boy.
Brendol sensed the boy's confusion and eyes on him as he walked past him.
Later that week...
Imperial Executive Building
Empress Padmé Amidala shuffled some her documents and punched numbers into her data pad.
She was sitting inside her private office. Padmé had two offices in the Imperial Executive Building. Her private and her main office. She was currently in the private office, it was painted blue and green. The colors of her homeworld. Padmé also kept toys, books, and a playpen for the children when they were small. The playpen had made its return since Animé's arrival.
Her second and official office was on the other side of the wall in the front. The walls, desk, and furniture were red and black. The colors of the House of Vader.
Padmé had to prepare some numbers for this evening's Imperial Ruling Council.
She exhaled.
They were coming out even. Though by the skin of their teeth.
Her husband's continuing conquest of the Outer Rim had been costly. While the making of weapons, uniforms, and other resources had been beneficial for the Galactic economy. It provided many with jobs and opportunities. Though the cost of fuel for military ships had been exponential.
Padmé then glanced over the many documents.
Including one Padmé written herself, it regarded the inheritance of the Throne. This new law stated only legitimate children would be eligible to inherit the Throne. While she and Vader had little to fear, all their children were legitimate and born well after their marriage. Still should Animé, her descendants, or perhaps another discovered their true heritage, Padmé did not wish for such a discovery to cause a civil war.
It was expected to be voted and passed early next week.
The other newly formed laws and treaties for those Outer Rim worlds. Such as voting rights for those sentient beings. Most of whom had Senators recently or would soon join the Imperial Senate. Where they would come to thank her and Vader for the welcome and opportunities for their worlds. While some might be genuine. Others would complain, some openly, but most would in private.
Some may even plot behind their back. Let them. Perhaps their spies would come up with evidence to arrest them. Who knows, maybe even Versé would overhear something on their private comm channels.
The complaints included the new Senators' banks accounts growing smaller. Many of those worlds had relied on slavery, spice mining, piracy, or other illegal trades. They now had to find new trades. Some of the bills and documents included plans for the construction of buildings, apartments, the mining of legal substances such as plasma reserves, and moisture farming.
"My Empress," Said a familiar Mid-Rim accent. "Your son has arrived."
Padmé briefly looked up at her secretary.
She knew it was Ruwee and she was glad he came to visit. Though every time she heard the word son, she could not help but wish it was Luke. She ached to see her firstborn, to brush his long blonde hair behind his ears, and hold him in her arms. She was so thankful she now had Animé, she feared she would have gone crazy between Luke and now Leia's absence. "Send him in," She looked up and back down at the documents.
"Thank you," Empress Padmé Amidala said in her politician voice.
Her secretary, Versé lowered her head and exited the office.
Versé had served as her handmaiden many years ago during Padmé's time as Queen of Naboo. She was a top-notch slicer and used her talents in Amidala's service in more ways than one. She was also the niece of Mariek Panaka, the wife of Captain Quarsh Panaka. Versé was originally recommended by Panaka to join Queen Amidala's new cohort of Handmaidens. She had served well during both her terms as Queen. Her record was spotless, she was always on time, loyal, and calm during the Invasion Crisis.
Yet, when Versé had first applied for the position of secretary, Padmé had been hesitant to trust her. The Empress had been reluctant to trust most of her former handmaidens thanks to Sabé's betrayal all those years ago had made it even harder, especially among her handmaidens.
While they never spoke of Sabé, Verse must have known this.
Days after applying for the position, Versé had once more proved her loyalty. She gave Empress Vader the information needed to oust Moff Panaka from office.
Panaka and Padmé had a falling out years ago during her time as Queen. A rift that only grown worse over the years. Needless to say, Padmé was relieved to have replaced as Moff of her homeworld. Panaka was then replaced by Saché, another of Padmé's former handmaidens. She had gone into planetary legislative assembly after Padmé's time as Queen.
Which Padmé preferred but in time she planned to replace Saché with another. She longed to give Naboo's position of sector governor or Moff to someone in the family. Since Naboo was her homeworld and they spent much of their family retreats there.
For a time, her niece Pooja had been a strong possibility. However while Padmé would always love her niece, she knew of her Rebel sympathies. How far they went, that remained to be seen. Though it was clear she could not be trusted with such a position.
For a time she had even considered Ruwee, but felt he deserved something more as their third born child. Also a position like that would not make him happy. He loved books and history, a powerful position would mean little to him.
"Ruwee," Padmé greeted her son.
Verse shut the door behind them.
Then they were alone except for the pair of Red Crimson guards. One was stationed by the door and another near the window. Padmé wished to dismiss them, but that would not please her husband. After the attempt on young Luke and Leia, they took no chances.
"Empress," He bowed his head.
Padmé looked up, "We're alone, Ruwee." She smiled warmly. "Address me as your mother."
"Yes, my lady."
Padmé gave him a sharp look.
"I mean Mom."
He had been around too many commanding officers for far too long now. "Have a seat," Padmé continued going through her stack of documents and parchments. "How was school?"
Ruwee scowled. "Uh, fine. I guess." That was not entirely true. It was strange. Maybe Commandant Hux was actually almost nice today. Maybe he wasn't feeling well. It was the only logical explanation.
Padmé sat down her quill and gave a silent sigh. "I've spoken with your Father. Due to your sister's..." Her voice trailed off. She finally said, "Her leave of absence, I've been thinking...do you still wish to leave the Academy?"
Ruwee leapt up, "Yes! Er, yes." He gathered himself and lowered his tone.
Padmé smiled as she rose from her chair. "The documents are being drawn up. This will be your last week."
Ruwee looked as if he could not believe what he just heard. "T-Thank you! Thank you! Thank you Mom!" He liked like he could have leaped across the desk.
Padmé gave him an amused look. Ruwee had always been so quiet. Even as a small child.
"Thank you Mom." He cleared his throat as he regained his composure. He paused. "Is he...is Dad mad?"
Padmé paused, trying to find the right words.
"I at least hoped one of them would last."
"It seems my son is not only weak, but also a quitter."
"He's...not happy, but he'll be fine." She wrapped an arm around his shoulder and bent down to kiss his cheek.
"What's new?" Ruwee pulled away and sighed as he shrugged. "Nothing I ever do is good enough for him. He just doesn't like me," He mumbled.
Padmé tried to reach for him. "Ruwee, darling, that's not—"
Tears streamed down Ruwee's face. His face twisted as if he was trying to hold them back. Was that upset? Was he just that sick of the Academy? Was he missing his elder siblings?
"Why am I so different?"
"You're not," Padmé kissed his forehead again and tried to pull him close.
Ruwee surrendered as his mother pulled him in, "Yes," He cried against her breast. "I am!"
Padmé wrapped her arms around him. "Ru..." Padmé rubbed his back. "Ruwee, you're not the only member of this family who does not possess the Force."
"You're not his son." His third child and heir. "If I had...that's why he doesn't like me." Ruwee had always felt he was a disappointment.
"Stop, stop it. Your Father loves you," Padmé reached and wrapped her arms around him. "We both love you."
Tears leaked and ran down Ruwee's cheeks. Maybe his Mother did, but Ruwee did not believe his Father cared for him. Not in a very long time.
They sat there for awhile. Both staring out at the Imperial City.
"I don't know. I do, I do want to leave the Academy. I don't know. If I do stay then I won't be behind and I can graduate sooner..." His voice trailed off. He looked like he wanted to say something more but was not ready.
What did he want to do?
Padmé considered it, but decided not to push him.
"And it's all so...so strange lately. Lately, Commandant Hux has actually been..."
"Harsher?" Padmé asked hesitantly. It would make sense since two of siblings had dropped and Vader had always encouraged the man to be harsh on Ruwee. Something Padmé greatly disapproved of.
"No, kind of nice. He hasn't made me do any extra laps or lift-ups for a little while."
"Hm," Padmé was not sure what to make of that. She had never cared for the man. Especially when she head he had sired a child with a woman who was not his wife.
"You're afraid to disappoint your father," Padmé guessed.
"Yes," Ruwee nodded. "That and I know I'm not cut out for a military post, but it makes me wonder what...I could do. I'll never be a politician, Mom."
"I know," Padmé had long known and accepted this. "I know and I'm perfectly fine with that." She brushed a loose strand of hair behind his ear. "There's more our family and the Empire than politics and Force users. There are other ways you can serve the Empire and your brother when the time comes."
"I guess," He shrugged.
Padmé paused, she wasn't sure how else to help her son.
"Are you going home?"
"Yeah," Ruwee got up. "See you later?"
"Hopefully," Padmé stared at the pile of documents all still laying there on her desk. "Oh, and Ruwee," She called out.
He turned back.
"And take a shower. You stink." His Mother laughed at his expression.
Ruwee headed towards the door.
Could this be real?
Was he really leaving the Imperial Academy?
He was happy. So happy.
He could have leapt for joy.
And yet, why did he feel so...hesitant? He didn't know what else to call it.
How peculiar.
Upon exiting his mother's office, Ruwee head something unusual. Well, it was not usual in the private chambers of the Palace, but certainly unusual for the Imperial Executive Building. He heard giggling?
Ruwee raised a brow.
A girl?
No, girls. There were two of them.
He peaked around the corner. He had been right. There were two. A brown haired girl and...
Force!
Was that Princess Winter?
She slightly turned her head and he saw her face.
Force, it was!
Ruwee's mouth slightly fell agape.
She was so beautiful. She had exotic white hair, blue eyes, and lightly tanned skin. She was the adopted daughter of Senator Bail and his wife, Queen Breha Organa of Alderaan.
His eyes widened as he froze in place.
He must have stood there for several moments. Maybe, he had no idea.
Then Winter looked over in his direction.
Their blue eyes met.
Crap...
Crap! Had she seen him?
Panicked, he looked around, up, and down. What should he do? What to do?
He didn't want to go back to his Mother's office and disrupt her work.
He was still in his sweaty, stinky uniform. No way he could talk to her. Not like this, she probably wouldn't talk to him anyway, but what if...
"Your Highness?"
"Oh, uh..." Ruwee sputtered.
"Your Highness, it is you." Winter only lowered her head slightly since she was a Royal herself.
"Oh, uh, good afternoon my ladies." He gave a small in nod in respect.
"Your Highness," The browned haired girl introduced herself as Neena. She was a foster sibling to Winter. Though Ruwee guessed the Organas wanted children, Neena also served as a backup should something rob them of their heir, Winter.
Winter looked past him, "Visiting the Empress?"
"Y-yeah, that's right."
They clearly noticed his sweaty uniform.
He scratched the back of his neck. He hoped they couldn't smell him. "I just got out of class," He explained. "I was...uh, working out." It was not really a lie.
They looked amused.
Ruwee frowned.
Perhaps Winter saw his frown and asked, "Hey, I tried contacting your sister the other night by comm," She said curiously.
Winter and Leia had been friends or were. Ruwee did not know what happened between them, though he would not be surprised if Luke had been involved.
"She is off-world," Ruwee answered. "Apologies, I am not sure where." It was the truth.
"Oh," Neena said with obvious disappointment.
"That's too bad," Winter said while looking at Neena.
"Yeah," Ruwee slid his hands into his pockets.
Silence passed between them.
"Well, um," Ruwee said awkwardly. "I should probably go. Nice to meet you." He said to Neena then turned to her side. "It was great to see you again." He wished he thought of something better to say. Luke was always the smooth one with girls. He would have complimented their gowns and kissed theirs hands. That's what he should have—"
"Hey, Ruwee!" Winter called out.
"Yeah!" Ruwee said very quickly. Almost cutting her off. He winced and hoped he didn't sound too desperate.
"Today's my birthday and I'm having a pool party."
Ruwee held his breathe.
"Would you to come?"
"Yes!" Ruwee leapt. "Yes, I would." He had not been invited to many parties and when he had, he was usually a third wheel to Luke and Leia. Before Leia left, he had gotten invited to a party to a former classmate, but in the end he had chickened out. Not wanting to go alone.
"Great," Winter gave him the time and information. "See you then."
Ruwee then walked down to his transport grinning.
Cody held the limo door open. "Something wrong with your face?" He had never seen the young Prince so happy.
A few hours later...
Padmé Amidala-Vader did not like this and she made no attempts to hide it. "Where is this party?" She asked for the second or third time.
"It's at Princess Winter's," Ruwee frowned. Clearly wondering why his Mother was interrogating him like this.
"Really?" Padmé could help but answer eagerly. A little too eagerly.
Princess Winter Organa was the heir to the Alderaan Throne. She was the daughter of Senator Bail Organa and his wife Queen Breha, known Rebel synthesizers. Padmé long suspected they were actual Rebels themselves, but she had no evidence to prove so. However if one her children married into the family... Her eyes narrowed.
"Oh, Mom!" Ruwee said in frustration. He knew what she was thinking. "Is that all you think about?"
He probably pitied Luke when he came home. She had been organizing a list of potential future wives for Luke for years. For a time, Winter Organa had been on the list, but Padmé knew the Organas would never allow it happen Pity Ta'a Chume did not have a daughter.
Padmé looked at her son, "When you have seven children and an Empire to run, what else will occupy your thoughts?"
Ruwee looked like he was about to say something, but decided against it. Which was probably smart.
Padmé did not really want to ask this, but she had to do it. Especially after Luke, "Will there be drinking? Sex at this party?"
"Drinking and wh—" Ruwee looked horrified and embarrassed.
Padmé was too, but maybe if she had pressed Luke harder on these matters, things might have been different now.
"Look, Mom, I was thrilled that I was invited. I don't plan to drink or have any...sleepovers." He said, hoping he wasn't flushed. "I'm hoping just to talk to her. Until a few hours ago, I wasn't even sure she knew I existed."
Padmé was confused. "Her who?"
"Winter!"
"Will Senator Organa be there?"
Ruwee paused, "I think so." Though what if he wasn't? If Organa wasn't, Ruwee didn't want his mother to think he had been lying. "To be honest, Mom, I'm not for sure, but I can't see Bail Organa letting anything crazy going on at his apartment."
Padmé considered this and he had an excellent point. Still she worried. She also did not want anymore of her children to have offspring outside marriage. They managed to cover up one, she doubted they would be so lucky again.
Still, maybe she would contact Bail Organa to be sure everything was in order and safe.
Also Ruwee would certainly not attend this party alone.
"You will have two guards accompany you." One probably would have been sufficient, but Padmé took no chances with her children.
"Oh, Mom!" Surely the Organas would have their own security.
His Mother's cold gaze met his, "Do you want to make it three?"
Ruwee ground his teeth.
"You'll be home at 2100 hours," She added.
Ruwee frowned as he crossed his arms, "You let Luke stay out far later than that." That didn't seem fair.
Nor was it.
"And Luke has been sent away," Padmé quickly answered.
Ruwee made a concerned face. "2100 hours then," He lowered his head.
Padmé got up and hugged him. Then reached up to kiss his forehead. "Go on, have a good time."
Meanwhile...
Elsewhere in the Galaxy...
They were in a guest suite. The plush red carpet were covered in Sabacc cards, credits chips, a few jewels, and scattered clothing. A bottle of ale and a goblet of wine on the bedside tables.
Outside the curtains, there was also an amazing view with an endless sky full of bright, fluffy clouds.
"I don't trust him," Said Princess Leia of the House of Vader. Garmentless, she was laying on her side and underneath the covers.
"Hm, I don't trust him either," Said Han Solo with his eyes closed.
Leia played with the hairs on his chest.
Then Han reopened his eyes, "But he is my friend."
"Lando's a scoundrel," Leia said in a grumpy tone.
Han made a face, "Well, I'm a scoundrel." He said gesturing towards himself.
"Hm, yes, but a very attractive scoundrel," Leia leaned in closer to kiss his cheek. "Love you," She whispered.
"I know," Said Han as he kissed her back and pulled the covers over them.
Leia did her best to smile.
Han paused, "I also know something's on your mind."
Leia shrugged and looked away, "I...it's nothing."
"Leia..." Han reached for her.
She exhaled as she accepted his embrace, "What are we going to do?"
Han was confused, "What do you mean?"
"This," Leia gestured towards both of them.
Han frowned, "Isn't this enough?"
"No...yes...it's been wonderful." Leia said. "But soon it'll have to end." Then she finally looked back at Han, "Why does it have to end?" She asked.
"Doesn't have to," Han said with a bit of a slur. He had far too much Corellian ale or whatever that stuff was.
Leia shook her head, "I've already stayed away for too long." It was miracle her parents had not found them.
Yet.
Han raised his head, "Doesn't have to end," He said again. This time with more certainty.
Leia raised a brow. "What you do mean?" She took a sip from her goblet and put it back on the bedside table.
Han responded while looking into her eyes.
Leia blinked as Han finished making his...suggestion.
What do you think?
Trivia: Brendol Hux is General Armitage Hux's father. My guess is Brendol must be around Vader's age or a little younger because he served as a junior officer during the Clone Wars according to canon. He was in the novel Phasma, but there's not much else known about him.
This chapter was supposed to have way more, but I just kept adding to these scenes, so I divided it up. I hated not posted something for so long.
Versé was killed in AOTC during the opening assassination attempt, but this is an AU.
Next up: More Ruwee, also Han and Leia. I was going to make this an all Ruwee chapter then Han/Leia next, but I decided to divide up Ruwee's stuff then I'll get to Han and Leia.
This was a difficult chapter. I wanted to make Ruwee an interesting character and get Brendol just right. Also I've been busy with real life lately. I've been searching for a new job and hopefully something is on the horizon.
I'm also trying to edit The Supreme Commander and the Grand Vizier, mostly just going back and editing spelling and grammar.
Thank you for reading and please leave a review. Again, sorry it's been awhile.
