Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.
AN: Here's chapter 11! Thanks for all the great reviews. Enjoy the update!
Burning Vendetta
Chapter 11: Ambushed
The Solaris Compound. It was a highly sophisticated military base located in the wastes of Coruscant. The wastes were a small section of the planet where there was no life, nor any towering buildings that occupied the rest of the planet. Located in the lowest parts of Coruscant, this dome shaped compound was home to a vast store of weaponry and technology, as well as a wealth of vital information to the Empire. It would be the very site that Grievous would lure Vader to and capture him. It was also the place where Bail Organa resided now, as he waited to be rewarded for providing the Emperor with the inner workings of the rebellion and all the names of those involved. He knew that he had just sentenced them all to death...but Bail would do anything to get what he wanted. He hadn't always been like this. In fact, before the Empire, he had been a kind, generous person. And a good friend. But the inception of the Empire proved that kindness and good virtues would get you killed. It was survival of the fittest...and Bail intended to survive. He was startled, as Grievous entered his living quarters unannounced.
"The Emperor is pleased with the information you have provided for us. After Vader is captured and executed, those involved in the Rebellion will be arrested and executed as well. Clone Troopers have already been dispatched to deal with the traitors. Upon your return to Alderaan, a battalion of Clone Troopers will accompany you to take care of parliament and implement Imperial rule over Alderaan. You will be their ruler...and you will obey the Emperor's commands," Grievous said.
"And Amidala?" Bail asked.
"He does not care what you do with the woman, as long as she does not interfere with anymore Imperial operations," Grievous said.
"She will be controlled...I assure you," Bail replied.
"See that she is...or her fate will be the same as her masked lover's," Grievous spat, as he stalked out. Everything would soon be as Bail wanted it. He would be supreme ruler of Alderaan and Padme Amidala would be his queen...whether she liked it or not...
"So, that's how we met," Padme said, as she finished the story about the night she met Vader.
"So, you two have gotten really close?" Dorme asked.
"Yes...and I love him," Padme replied.
"I'm glad you've finally found happiness," Dorme smiled.
"Thanks. I just wish we weren't always looking over our shoulders. I wish the Empire wasn't allowed to torture people and destroy lives. I'm just so afraid that they're going to catch up to us and they'll rip him away from me. I couldn't lose him, Dorme. I love him so much and it would kill me if I lost him..." Padme fretted.
"Hey...hey...you're not going to lose anyone. Not this time. And as for the Empire, it seems you two have proved that you're a force to be reckoned with. If anyone can take down the Emperor, I know it will be the two of you," Dorme said.
"I hops so," Padme replied, as it neared closing time. She was seized with another flash of an electro whip tearing at the flesh on Anakin's back.
"Padme, are you okay? You blanket out for a moment," Dorme said. Padme shook the remnants of the horrible nightmare away.
"I'm fine," Padme replied, as she went about closing the books for the day. Dorme wasn't convinced, but decided to let it go for now. Anakin came from the back and locked the shop up.
"I just got a message from Dex. Ben wants to meet with us tonight. It sounded important," Anakin said.
"Something big must be going down," Padme replied.
"Who's Ben?" Dorme asked.
"He used to be a Jedi and has been undercover as an Imperial officer for years now. He's been helping us," Anakin explained. They walked out back and got in the speeder, before Anakin sped off to Dex's diner.
"Thanks for coming," Ben said, as they took their seats. Ben eyed the woman next to Padme that he did not recognize.
"Oh Ben, this is Dorme. She can be trusted," Padme assured him.
"Pleased to meet you milady," Ben nodded curtly.
"Likewise," she replied.
"Your message sounded urgent," Anakin said.
"It is. I've just learned of a new operation that is underway. This information is highly sensitive, as I don't even know which Officer is in charge," Ben informed them.
"What is it?" Padme asked.
"Tomorrow night, an extremely large shipment of weapons chemicals is being delivered to the...Solaris compound," Obi-Wan said.
"What is the Solaris compound?" Padme asked.
"It's a military base out in the wastes. Security is extremely tight, because the base has a plethora of Imperial technology and information. I've been wanting to get in there for years, "Anakin replied.
"It is dangerous...but much is at stake," Ben said.
"What do you mean?" Dorme asked in confusion.
"I've heard that there is enough radium and kelvacite being shipped to complete the Death Star's weapons," Ben replied.
"The Death Star. So, you've seen it?" Anakin asked.
"I've seen the plans. It is larger than a space station. And if they get the needed chemicals, they will have enough power to destroy a planet...with a single blast," Ben replied.
"What?! That's impossible!" Padme protested.
"I wish it were Padme, but I have seen the plans. The Death Star is a technological and scientific marvel. If it is completed, then the galaxy will be at Palpatine's mercy, even more than it already is," Ben replied.
"So, you want us to stop the shipment and destroy it?" Anakin asked.
"It is what you do. I know it is short notice, but this operation is very secretive," Ben replied.
"It's risky...but if we don't, millions of lives will be lost," Anakin said. Padme agreed. No matter how frightened she was about losing the man she loved, she knew they had to do this for the greater good.
"I'll help you where I can," Ben promised.
"Thanks Ben," Anakin replied.
"I must go though. I've already been gone longer than I should have been. May the Force be with us all," Ben said, as he quietly slipped out.
Later that night, Padme tossed and turned, unable to sleep. She finally got up before she woke Dorme with her restlessness and quietly slipped out into the living area. She discovered she was not the only one who couldn't sleep, as Anakin sat on the edge of the pull out sofa bed.
"Couldn't sleep?" he asked. She shook her head no and he opened his arms. That was all the invitation she needed and she dove into his warm embrace. She sat across his lap and gently held his face in her hands. She caressed his face and ran her fingers through his hair.
"I think you spoiled me last night. I can't seem to go to sleep without you now," she said softly.
"You can stay here, if you want to," he replied. She smiled and captured his lips in her own. After several passion filled embraces, the young couple laid down together.
"Hold me," she requested.
"For the rest of my life," he answered, as she snuggled against his bare chest.
"I love you," she said sleepily.
"I love you too, angel," he replied. She was asleep against him almost immediately. He sighed in contentment, as he kissed her hair. He was so in love with her and when he said he would hold her for the rest of his life, he was completely serious. He raised his hand and used the Force to open the small drawer on the end table. He floated a small trinket to his hand and examined the ornate carvings he'd fashioned on the small trinket. He didn't have the credits to buy her an engagement ring or bracelet, so he was hoping she would accept this japor snippet as a token of his undying love for her. After this mission was over...he was going to ask her to be his wife. He clutched the japor snippet for a few moments, before he used the Force to return it to it's hiding place. He found that now he was very sleepy too, as he held the woman he loved in his arms...
The next day passed quickly and the evening dawned with an ominous dread in the air. Dorme paced nervously in the bedroom, while Padme dressed in her tight body suit for battle.
"I don't like this at all, Padme," Dorme complained.
"Neither do I Dorme. But I also don't like the thought of millions of innocent people dying either, because the Emperor "feels like" making an example out of them. It has to stop and Anakin and I will stop them," Padme said, determination lacing her voice.
"Please be careful...both of you," Dorme pleaded.
"We will," Padme said, as she clipped her light saber to her belt and then put her dark indigo cloak on. She hugged Dorme fiercely. They exited the bedroom and Vader was waiting. It was the first time Dorme had seen the mask up close. She watched as Padme put her hood up and took his gloved hand, as they slipped out the back way. Dorme couldn't shake the bad feeling she had and decided she would wait up in the shop in case Ben or Dex came by...
Ben entered the Officer's lounge at the base that had been his station for the last twelve years. He saw Officer's Murray and Landis wave him over. The bartender poured him a glass of Corellian scotch and he went to sit with them. He didn't like socializing with any of them, but if he refused, then he would seem suspicious...and that was the last thing he needed.
"Good evening, gentlemen," Ben greeted politely.
"Evening Ben. Have you heard yet?" Murray asked.
"Heard what?" Ben asked.
"They've started making arrests tonight of the Rebel leaders," Murray replied. Ben was stunned.
"How did they find out who they were?" Ben asked.
"King Organa turned on 'em all I guess. He gave General Grievous all the information he had on those Rebel scum bags. They're all dead where they stand," Murray laughed.
"Wait...General Grievous? But he's dead," Ben said, as a feeling of pure dread filled him.
"That's what we thought too. We just learned that Grievous managed to survive that explosion, even though there was almost nothing left of him," Murray said.
"Yeah, I guess Lord Malice oversaw months of surgery on Grievous. He's now some droid-like monstrosity and has a big bone to pick with Vader," Landis added.
"Oh Force...no..." Ben fretted silently.
"So, the Solaris compound operation is just a set up. That's brilliant," Ben lied.
"Yeah, that masked scum is walking right into a trap. I'd hate to be him when Grievous gets his hands on him, cause it ain't gonna be pretty," Murray and Landis chuckled.
"You look a little confused, Ben," Landis said.
"Oh...I'm just surprised. I thought Organa would stick with those Rebel fools. It's good to see that he's made the right decision and joined the right side," Ben lied.
"Yeah...I heard he did it with the promise of full rule over Alderaan. Emperor Palpatine is disposing of parliament." Landis said.
"Force...what in blazes have you done Bail!" Ben cursed silently.
"That's not the only reason he did it. I heard...Organa is going to take possession of Vader's female accomplice," Landis chuckled.
"Lucky bastard," Murray chortled.
"I'm sure they'll both get what they deserve," Ben lied, as he finished his drink.
"Unfortunately for me, my break is over. Good evening gentlemen," Ben said, as he calmly exited the lounge. Once he was out of sight, he began sprinting to the hanger.
"Force...don't let me be too late..." Ben prayed.
Vader and Padme scaled the domed shaped building, until they landed on the roof. From there, Vader ignited his sapphire blade and cut through the bolts on the roof hatch. Quietly and quickly, they slipped down inside. They surveyed the scene below, as Officers and Storm Troopers milled about.
"Ready?" he asked her. She nodded.
"Be careful," she replied.
"You too," he answered, as he squeezed her hand. With that, they leapt from the ceiling rafters and used the Force to propel them downward, until they landed solidly in the center of the commotion. Their sapphire blades blazed to life, as they began to cut through the onslaught of Storm Troopers that came at them. Grievous watched from the shadows. He would have been wearing an evil smirk, if he was able to smile. Vader...and his lover would pay for their transgressions against him. He gave the signal to two of his officers and they descended upon Padme. She blocked their blaster bolts expertly, but was unprepared when she felt something hard and metal kick her in the back. She cried out and fell forward, but Grievous caught her. He yanked the hood of her cloak down and Padme stared into his frightening yellow eyes. She struggled against the droid-like man's grip, but she could not break free.
"Padme!" Vader called, as he tried to get to her. Grievous raised his hand to signal his men. In the four corner of the room, four EMP devices were activated. Four electro magnetic pulse beams hit Vader simultaneously. He cried out in agony, as the sheer pain of the electricity coursing through his body dropped him to his knees.
"Noooo!" Padme screamed, as she tried to get to him, but was held back.
"Who are you?!" Padme demanded with tears in her eyes.
"Why, we've met before, my dear. I am...General Grievous," he replied. She gasped.
"That's impossible!" she cried.
"Thanks to Lord Malice's exceptional surgeons, it is not. But you can blame the majority of your capture on...him," Grievous spat, as he shoved her into another man's arms. Padme gasped again, as she saw his face.
"Bail?" she asked in disbelief.
"Hello Padme. At last, I've finally found you," Bail replied, as he placed a pair of shackles on her wrists...
"Dex...you gotta a call!" one of his waitresses called from the back. Dex walked back to the holocom and switched it on.
"Ben, how are ya?" he asked.
"No time Dex, we've got big trouble. I've just found out that the operation at the Solaris compound is a set up. Grievous is somehow alive and plans to capture them. I'm on my way there now," Ben said.
"What can I do?" Dex asked.
"If I get them out of this, then we'll have to get them off Coruscant. Does Vader have a ship?" Ben asked.
"Yes...in fact, he keeps it in an old abandoned hanger in the east side slums," Dex replied.
"I need you to get the droids and get them to prep the ship. I'll be there as soon as I get them out," Ben replied, as he cut the transmission.
"I hope I'm not too late," Ben said, as he punched the throttle down. He and Anakin or Vader hardly ever agreed on anything and bickered quite often. But...he was Obi-Wan's last link to Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had grown fond of them both, whether he wanted to admit it to himself or not...
"What...what are you doing here?" Padme asked in confusion.
"I'm here to claim my reward for providing the Empire with all the information they need on the Rebellion," Bail answered.
"What?!" Padme exclaimed.
"That's right darling. In exchange for the information, I get complete rule over Alderaan. And, as an added bonus...I get you," Bail replied,. Padme struggled against her bondage.
"How could you! How could you betray your friends! They trusted you!" Padme screamed angrily.
"They are fools. The Emperor's offer was much too good to refuse," Bail replied.
"So, you've betrayed them for..." Bail cut her off.
"Power...greed...lust...yes, I am well aware of the immorality of my reasons. But we both know it's all about survival in this screwed up galaxy. And you and my alliance with the Empire will ensure that survival," Bail stated.
Grievous snarled, as Vader tried to get his bearings. As the masked man rose to his hands and knees, Grievous shoved his metal foot into Vader's chest and kicked him onto his back.
"No!" Padme cried, as Bail held her back. Two Officers lifted Vader's arms and shackled them above his head.
"Unmask him. I want to see the pain and fear in his eyes as I make him pay for what he did to me!" Grievous spat.
"No! Oh Bail, please...help us!" Padme pleaded.
"I am helping you Padme. Grievous would just as soon kill you as well. But I am saving you from that fate and you will become my Queen," Bail replied.
"I'd rather die by the side of the man I love than spend the rest of my life with you," Padme spat. Bail clenched his jaw in anger and slapped her across the face. Padme whimpered, as it stung. Bail turned her around to witness the demise of the man she loved.
"Resisting me will only bring you pain, darling. I will break you...no matter what or how long it takes. You will bend to my will...and you will marry me. Consider it a far better fate than the one your lover is about to receive," Bail spat. Tears streamed down Padme's cheeks, as she watched helplessly, as the two Officers kicked him and beat him with their fists, before finally ripping his mask off. What was underneath was not what Grievous was expecting. He was a kid! A stupid child had done this to him?! That realization angered Grievous even more. One of his Officers chortled.
"Look here boys. Pretty boy here's been the one giving us all the trouble," Officer Peyton chuckled.
"I think we should teach this punk kid a lesson," Officer Rand added.
"Well, well, Starkiller. I knew there was something off about you," Jenkins said, as he and the other Officers picked up plasma charged pikes.
"Make him suffer," Grievous ordered. Jenkins ripped the shirt from his back and the other two Officers shoved the plasma end of the staves against each of Vader's sides. He screamed in agony, as pain seared through his entire body.
"Nooo...please no!" Padme begged, as Bail held her back. It was just like her dream. They were torturing him...and there was nothing she could do about it.
"Someone help us...please..." she pleaded silently to the Force...