NINE:

Vader returned to his future with a brighter hope than ever before. He could feel it in his bones that the choice he made was the right one.

Opening his eyes, he discovered he was standing before an opening in the hull of a small freighter ship, which revealed its inner workings. His flesh hand was dirty and greasy while the other tightly held a ratchet. It was apparent to him that he was repairing the ship, but it was not the Nubian skiff they left Coruscant in nearly two years ago. It was YT2400 light freighter. A ship one wouldn't expect to find an exiled family of four in.

Looking at his surroundings, he recognized that he was standing in a Corellian docking bay. His face, chest and arms were covered in sweat, engine grease and other fluids from the ship. He was shirtless, only wearing pants and a pair of boots. Smiling to himself, he touched the sides of his legs. They were whole again. Every inch of him was authentic Skywalker, save for his right forearm. He wasn't expecting perfection but this was close enough.

"Ani? Are you alright?" A voice filled with concern reached out from behind him, bringing with it a presence that overwhelmed his heart with joy. He turned around to see her and saw the warm loving brown eyes of Padme. He could barely contain his happiness. It was as if there were fireworks exploding inside him and the feeling was more than he had ever experienced. She stood at the foot of the landing ramp with R2D2 behind her.

Unable to control the impulse, he dropped the ratchet and wrapped his arms around her, enveloping her in a passionate kiss. He closed his eyes and breathed in the scent of her hair and the pleasures of being in her presence. In those few seconds, he envelope himself in her being.

When he released her, she could barely feel her knees, "Wow. Anakin, what's gotten into you?" she said with a slight naughty smirk.

He had not kissed her like that since the clone wars. Her cloak now had a few spots of sweat and grease but she didn't mind, she rather enjoyed it. However she couldn't avoid noticing the fatigue in his eyes. Lately she noticed that he had been working and doing surveillance non-stop since they left the last system they were on.

"I just--I missed you." He tried to hide the joy bursting inside him with just half a smile, "I –I just ah—"

"You're tired." The annoyance in Padme's voice was clear, but it didn't sway Vader's happiness. "lt's written all over your face. Since we left Zarnese, you have been pushing yourself. You haven't slept. You barely eat. It's like you are going non-stop…"

While Padme went on about her disapproval of his unwillingness to rest, he stretched his feelings throughout the ship and picked up the signatures of Luke and Leia. He was beaming. For once he truly felt like a doting father. He felt happiness like he never felt since before his turn to the darkside. He couldn't fight the smile stretching across his face. He couldn't wait to be with them. It would be the first time he could truly see them and know them. In his past lives, he was so consumed by the darkside that he was more occupied with ruling the empire than raising his own children. There was always a nanny, a handmaiden or some sort of servant to see to his children's care. This time he could be with them --one on two--if he wished. He could almost feel a sense of completion. He had his wife, who loved him just as deeply as he loved her. He had his children, who adored him as much as he adored them.

"…that when we leave and get a moment's peace you will rest?"

But despite having the things that mattered most, he couldn't deny that he felt something was missing. The feeling was illusive and irritating, giving him the sense that he forgot to do something important. This unknown variable was keeping him from fully enjoying the life he returned to.

"Anakin!" Padme folded her arms in frustration.

"Huh? Oh!" Vader snapped out of his thought, "I am sorry. What did you say?"

"See what I mean?"

"What?" Vader asked shrugging his shoulders. Looking his wife adoringly, he removed a rag that dangled from his back pocket and casually wiped the dirt and oil off his hands.

"You're doing it again! You are somewhere else--zoning out again! That's a sign of fatigue. Promise me you'll rest the first chance we are clear of any signs of trouble?"

Vader furled his brow and hardened his gaze, "Trouble? What sort of trou—", He took a step toward to her, but stopped when a searing pain tore its way through his brain. It was like cold steel freezing his brain tissue until the pain blocked all sound from him. Vader trembled slightly under the pressure and braced himself with one hand against the hull of the ship.

"Anakin?" Padme reached out to hold him steady. "Oh Ani, are you alright?"

Fresh memories poured into his consciousness saturated with feelings new and old. He remembered his wife giving birth to the twins shortly after going into hiding. They traded in the Nubian skiff for another less conspicuous transport in order to remain hidden. He remembered hearing the news that Master Windu and the other masters were slaughtered during their coup and the Jedi order was declared the enemy of the republic. Things had drastically changed around him. The Jedi temple was demolished and in its place stood the imperial palace. The Jedi order was all but extinct as rumors of few surviving Jedi were spread across the galaxy. There was also news of a rebellion set to take down the emperor and restore democracy. Vader also remembered Padme admitting to him the she was one of the founding members. A flicker of anger that should have appeared didn't and instead was replaced by compassion and understanding. What little remained of Darth Vader was hard to discover but the darkness was still there.

He remembered that since going to hiding, they have encountered close calls with the empire. They have never really found peace in any system for long. The disease of the empire was rapidly infecting the free and unrecognized systems that remained outside of the republic. The emperor knew that he was still alive and set a reward for the capture of Anakin or Padme Skywalker. Running from the empire and avoiding any Jedi required a lot of his ability and strength with the force. He had to seal off his and the children's force signatures. He remembered that their ship was in dire need of repairs and since it was a Corellian ship, the essential parts they needed could only be found on Corellia.

"I'm fine, Angel. I'm fine." He raised a gloved hand, "Don't worry it was just a headache. You're right. I am tired." He rubbed his temples with his mechanical fingers. "As soon as we get the parts and the repairs are done, we'll be on our way. When we are clear of any danger, I promise I'll rest."

Padme watched him warily for a moment and said in agreement, "Alright. I've just put the children down for nap. C3PO is looking after them. They should be out for the next hour or two unless you decide you want to play and wake them."

Vader smirked.

She playfully raised an eyebrow and said, "R2 and I are going out to get the parts. We should be back before they wake."

Vader's smirk was quickly disappeared.

As she turned to leave, he grabbed her arm, "No, wait. I should go for the parts. You stay."

"We've been through this Anakin."

"Padme, the parts we need for the ship happens to only be available on a planet under the control of the empire. We need to get the parts and leave undetected. I don't want you to get caught or hurt. Please Padme." Vader rubbed her arms and gazed pleadingly into her eyes. He feared coming so close to happiness just for it to be ripped away. He didn't think he could bare it happening again.

"Corellia is a breeding ground for lawlessness. The longer we stay here, the more danger we put ourselves in—if not from the empire then from the inhabitants. We can move faster if you stay and make repairs on the ship while I go out. You have nothing to worry about, my love. You have taught me how to conceal myself and to avoid trouble. I know when I am being watched or followed. I can certainly defend myself if conflict is unavoidable. I have my comlink and I will notify you on the first sign of trouble. I'll be back before you're done."

Vader couldn't shake the feeling that he should go and get the parts himself. He knew that whatever it was it had something to do with that uncomfortable feeling he kept having.

"Leaving quickly should not be at the expense of capture or detection. Trust me on this. If it were any other time, I wouldn't object and I haven't in the past. This time something tells me I should go."

"Will there be trouble?"

"I am not sure. If there will be, which I am sure there isn't, you must be prepared to take off without me. Just like we agreed."

"Anakin--" Padme protested.

He brushed his fingers against her cheek and smiled encouragingly, "Don't worry. If we get separated, I will find you."

"I don't like this." Padme shook her head, "Let's leave now and get the part another time."

"We are already here. We can't risk coming out of hiding more than necessary. Besides we've been putting this off for far too long. If we wait any longer there is no telling how far we'll get or what tight fixes we'll end up in. As soon as I get back, we will leave Corellia and I land somewhere where I can install the parts. It'll be alright, you'll see." He winked an eye.

After a moment of thought, Padme acquiesced. "You'd better make it back to me in one piece."

Vader said looking at her amusingly. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

With his face hidden beneath the hood of his robe, Vader made his way through the streets of the industrial district's marketplace. Along the avenues of vendors and mechanic shops, he walked past a shop that had parts on display in front. Looking at the condition of some these parts he decided that it might be well worth his time to stop in. Vader entered the store and noticed a short old man sweeping the floors.

"Oh!" The owner said surprised as he looked up. "Good afternoon sir, how may I help you?"

"I need some parts for my ship."

The old shopkeeper, leaned on his broom, "Well, what do you need?"

"A V13 type nitro inducer, one constrictor valve, and an XE power converter."

"Hmm." The owner rubbed his chin in thought, "Yes, yes. What type of ship are these parts for?"

Vader questioned the need for him to know this information. He knew there are many civilians employed as spies for the empire. He decided not to take any chances. Narrowed his eyes, "Why is that necessary to know?"

While the shopkeeper babbled on about his reasons, Vader searched for any clue of deception.

"YT-series"

"Nice. Those are very popular." The owner nodded, "Fast ship."

Vader sighed and spoke emotionlessly. "I know."

"What model?"

He paused before answering, "Doesn't really matter, does it?"

"Well," The shopkeeper said in thought, "for a ship like that you'll probably need router cables. And if you are going to need a nitro inducer, you'll alsoneed the abduction cuff to conduct--"

"I don't think so." Vader shook a glove hand

"You will also need more than one constrictor valve to support the exponential power compression." The shopkeeper walked toward a large cabinet. "As a matter of fact, you might be interested in our extended warranty plan. The product is guaranteed to perform at top quality for the next five years. If you incur any problems or manufacturing errors, you are covered for repair and/or repla--"

"I only need what I asked for." Vader grew annoyed at the shopkeeper's sales tactics. He obviously didn't know to whom he was selling.

The shopkeeper stopped his sale pitch and said, "Yes, of course sir. I'll get your items."

As the old man busied himself about the store, Vader contemplated this new reality and the life he was faced with. As half man and half machine, Darth Vader spent his life in self-disgust, under the belief that he killed his wife and unborn child. He would have lived life devoid of humanity, freedom and happiness had he not discovered the nature of the emperor's mission. Quietly, he thanked the force.

Vader could hear the force more clearly in this reality. The darkness that clouded his perception was clearing. He felt a need to kill the emperor and rid the galaxy of the Sith rule. His desire to take Palpatine's place had dissipated as now he discovered a better quality of life than that of a Sith apprentice.

Perhaps all the stories and all the talk he had heard in the past about being the chosen one were still true. He considered that what the force was telling him was exactly what the prophecy dictated. Vader brooded as he walked about the store.

Life on the run was hard on his family. Though Padme didn't mention it, he could still sense that in her. He could see it in the way she'd look at the children and the look in her eyes when it was time to move. She hated having to move to another planet or system every time the empire got too close. Vader sensed how difficult it was for her to support his decision to keep going when all she wanted to do was stay and give the children a stable life. But she knew running was for her own good as well as the good of the children. She feared the empire finding them. She feared her husband being captured and taken away. There would be no telling what Palpatine would do once he had the children in his clutches. Padme would die if that happened and Vader would do everything in his power to keep them all safe.

So deep in thought was Vader that he didn't realize a hooded figure had entered the store and approached him from behind. Instinctively, Vader reached for his lightsaber but something stayed his hand. A presence he had not felt since…

"I've often wondered how long it would be before I saw you again." A familiar voice sailed towards him.

"Apparently not long enough." Vader spoke without turning, knowing full well who it was.

Taken aback by the response, the hooded figure spoke again. "I sense great pain and bitterness in you, Anakin. You're angry…with me." He sounded surprised.

Vader remained silent. Internally he questioned why he was not growing angry from being in the vicinity of this man. But he had no answer.

The figure removed his hood and revealed a face stricken with cares almost to great for one to bear. His shoulders carried a sadness that he prayed would be lifted or lightened by his sight of his once brother, Obi-Wan.

"Anakin, please tell me what I have done to incur such anger from you –to even cause you to leave."

The shopkeeper returned with Vader's parts and rang up the purchase.

He considered for a moment that Obi-Wan in this reality never severed his legs and arm on Mustafar. He never poisoned Padme's mind against him by telling her the things he did. He never tried to persuade her to take the children and leave. Obi-Wan hadn't turned against him yet, but Vader understood that Obi-Wan had the potential to do these things.

"Don't think that you alone caused me to leave, Obi-Wan. It was—it was everything." Vader glanced over his shoulder at Obi-Wan. He didn't want to talk or explain why he felt the way he did. It would mean having to reveal the things that happened in the alternate past-revealing his discovery of the Farfalla stone. But Vader felt the urge to continue, "It was the council, Palpatine and you."

He waved a small device past the cash register's scanner, transferring the amount due into the merchant's account. He snatched up the parts and stuffed them in a sack.

Obi-Wan stepped closer intrigued by what he was hearing.

Tossing the sack over one shoulder, Vader turned around. "You and the council lost your trust in me. There were things that I was left out of. The council is full of greedy hypocrites and liars."

"How can you think that? We all trusted you with our lives. The council was not certain of your ability to fulfill your task. Despite what they thought and believed, I remained by your side. I never doubted you because you never let me down."

Vader snorted, "You asked me to commit an act against the code!"

"I knew Palpatine was a—a close friend to you." Hiding the hurt in eyes, Obi-Wan looked away from Vader 's face. "I didn't want to put you in such a delicate position, Anakin, I've told you that. There was no other way."

Vader looked at Obi-Wan, determining whether he wanted to kill him now or let the discussion continue. He found it strange that it was taking him longer than necessary to come to a decision. In this new reality, the last time he saw Obi-Wan was when he left for Utapau. Back then Obi-Wan couldn't sense that it was a time with Anakin needed him most. Vader stepped around Obi-Wan and walked out of the store.

Obi-Wan followed him out of the store and confronted him again. "I have been loyal to you, Anakin. You must believe that."

"You are a member of a corrupt council."

Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow, "If I recall, Padme was part of a corrupt Senate."

"She was not a corrupted member."

"Neither was I." Obi-Wan folded his arms.

"How is that so when you along with the others were willing to use me?"

"You know full well that the council suspected the Chancellor of abusing the power granted by the senate. He constantly interfered with Jedi affairs. You were granted a seat on the council because of your relationship with him. We needed to watch him and you were the only one he trusted. He was a Sith lord who manipulated you in to a position where you had to choose between us and him. You must understand that."

Vader considered Obi-Wan's point. He remembered the years of deception and havoc Palpatine wreaked on his marriage and children. "How does that make the Jedi any different from the Sith?

"You know that the allegiance of Jedi belonged to the republic--to democracy. The council may have made decisions that were unfair. There have been times I'll admit, when the council did things that seemed narrow minded or even appeared contradictory to what they stand for. But back then it was a time of war. In order to defeat a formidable evil we felt we needed to do what had to be done. The council was not corrupt."

"Was?"

Obi-Wan sighed somberly, "The Jedicide killed many of us including the members of the council except myself and master Yoda. Very few Jedi survived."

Vader remembered the son of the assassin and quietly asked, "What of the younglings?"

Obi-Wan nodded slowly, "Most have survived. They were able to escape through secret exits into designated safe havens."

Vader nodded and looked at his surroundings. Through the force, he sensed the need to move around the corner and down a neighboring alley. Following his instincts, he began walking. He wanted to stay mad and distrustful of Obi-Wan, but he discovered that talking with him and being with him again seemed to chase away the anger, hostility and resentment.

Walking along side him, Obi-Wan asked, "You have told me about your conflict with the council and with me. What has Palpatine done other than the obvious?"

Vader didn't want or like confiding in Obi-Wan, but like an involuntary function, the words spilled from his mouth. "He betrayed me. He wanted me to become his apprentice. He manipulated my feelings for Padme in order to turn me to the darkside. I have resisted but it came at a cost." He turned and faced Obi-Wan. "We live our lives on the run. I don't know how much longer Padme and children can hold on living like this. If he finds them he will kill them whether I turn or not." A streak of rage ran through Vader as he utter the last few words.

Obi-Wan narrowed his eyes sensing a strange presence within the man before him. "I sense a darkness in you."

Vader remained silent as he finally found some anger to direct toward Obi-Wan. He hoped this would be enough to attack and defeat him.

"Something has changed in you since that last time I saw you." Obi-Wan concern was evident.

The good in Vader was formidable and prevented him from following through with his plan. Through clenched teeth, he answered, "You have done much to me, Obi-Wan. Things you have no knowledge of."

Vader tried to fight the urge to reveal himself to Obi-Wan but it appeared to be a forlorn battle.

"What are you talking about?" Obi-Wan furled his brow.

In the depths of his mind, a dark faint voice shouted, 'Kill him! Kill him now!

Another more stronger voice answered, 'No!'

Vader touched his forehead with his gloved hand. The emotions swimming in his heart and mind were conflicted and were overpowering him.

"There is much conflict in you, Anakin. Please let me help you." Obi-Wan stepped forward offering a hand.

"There is nothing you can do to help me!" Vader recoiled from his touch. "Just go away."

"It has been two years since I last saw you and not a day went by when I didn't wonder if you were alright." Obi-Wan placed a hand on Vader's shoulder and slowly shook his head. "I will not leave you now."

Vader remained silent, listening to Obi-Wan and searching for a sign of deception.

Obi-Wan continued, "I am truly sorry for the things you were forced to do. Please know I would never turn against you. You are my brother and you always will be. And though you spent your years hating me, I have spent mine loving you. I have raised you and trained you from the time you were a boy. Seeing you now and knowing what you've become makes me proud."

Vader sighed and looked away. He felt a wave of guilt knowing that he was not the same person Obi-Wan thought he was. Too much had happened. The evil he had committed was too great for him to be worthy of the things Obi-Wan was saying.

'You have no idea of the things I've done'. Vader thought to himself

"Do you think that you would return to the order?"

Slowly shaking his head, he spoke, "I don't ah—I-I don't think I can make that decision right now, Obi-Wan." Vader looked at him.

"Then what will you do? You can't just continue running."

"What do you suggest?"

"Join the rebellion. The prophecy will come to pass. You are still the chosen one. You cannot hide from destiny. It will continue to chase you until you stop running. If nothing else, trust in the force. It will not steer you wrong. "

Suddenly, Vader straightened and looked up and down both ends of the alley. "Trouble approaches." He withdrew his lightsaber and ignited.

Obi-Wan ignited his weapon and took a battle stance. "I sense it too."