Chapter 12
Present Day: Dagobah System
The Imperial shuttle docked within the Executor, its side panels folding down. The platform descended, showing four guards in blood red uniforms. They held their staves gallantly as they exited the shuttle, lining up in front of it along with a garrison of stormtroopers and imperial officers, awaiting their master. The click of the dark walking stick was audible upon the metal platform. Soon the Emperor emerged. He smiled internally as he saw a trembling Captain Piett in front of him along with an even more petrified Captain Swift. A man once overflowing with arrogance now humbled to a state of groveling.
Sidious had planned this exact moment weeks before. He had seen it all. Vader's doubt, Yoda's plan, their confrontation, and even Vader going missing, seeing him travel through the Universe to the embrace his Twin Flame. A week ago he informed Captain Piett to let him know when the Executor lost contact with Vader.
"Is Lord Vader planning on deserting?" Piett had asked.
"Assuredly not Captain. I just wish to know if and when he fails to contact you."
Piett had been flummoxed, but of course agreed.
Now they were meeting again and a look of astonishment paired with fear in Piett's eyes. Palpatine formed his face into a comforting smile as he reached the captain. "I received your report Captain Piett. I appreciate your need for efficiency."
"Of course, my lord," Piett bowed.
The Emperor then turned to Swift, his smile turning into an expression of disgust. "You, on the other hand Captain Swift . . . we will have to think hard about your future in the Imperial Navy. One of the greatest assets of the Empire missing on your watch? Disgraceful." Swift said nothing and simply looked away in shame. Smudges of mud from the swamp still hid behind his ears.
"My lord," Piett began to speak again while slowly walking beside the old Emperor. "We have prepared the coordinates of Vader's last known location and are currently forming an investigative team to be sent there."
"That won't be necessary, my dear captain. My royal guards will escort me to that location. I have no need for anymore assistance."
Piett gave him a surprised look, mouth agape, but quickly closed it and remained silent.
"You disapprove," Palpatine stated, not asked.
Piett began to shake his head, "No my lord. I am only concerned. Vader is important to the Empire, but I do not wish for your safety to be jeopardized."
"Your concern is noted captain. For now, show me to the conference quarters. My advisors and I must discuss pressing issues."
"Yes my lord."
"And Captain Piett," the Emperor stopped walking, glancing back at Swift. "Captain Swift is now in the custody of my Royal Guards. They will take out the trash."
... ... ...
She felt so warm. It was a very good warmth. Friendly, safe, and inviting. Like the first pleasant spring day of the year when she would lay in a grass field, changing the clouds to be whatever she wanted. She didn't want this feeling to end.
Hoool—Puur…Hoool-Puur . . . Hoool—Puur
Her eyes fluttered open. She smiled.
Vader
The man she rescued barely more than a day was holding her as she slept. Her head was carefully tucked under his armored chin, his leather arms encircled her to his chest. God he was irresistible! Things were just going so fast, like a summer haze. First he was unconscious, then when he woke she could barely talk in front of him, now they had slept together on her couch.
Poor choice of words! Pamila criticized herself. It was only sleep.
She shifted her weight a little. When she did, the arm around her tightened, securing its hold on her. She snuck a peek at his face. Was he asleep? Or was he simply being quiet? She didn't mind his mask or suit, since she guessed it was a requirement for him (he never did explain). However, it would be nice to get some sort of reading from this mystery man! She even tried reading his aura, but for some reason she couldn't. It felt like something was blocking her. Maybe him. She didn't know. At least with his arm around her, it was safe to assume he didn't hate her guts.
Her fingertips traced the edges of his leather chest plate. So strong, so gallant, so dignified. Like some futuristic knight in shining armor. Even with a sword. It definitely could beat the crap out of her car.
She was enjoying herself as she moved her hand slowly back and forth, enjoying the coolness of the leather. She felt a squeeze on her shoulder.
"Are you awake?" his deep voice asked.
She let out a light laugh, "Maybe."
Pamila felt his head move to look at her, "Maybe? Is there some doubt?"
She nodded, still not moving away from him. "I don't know how all this can be real." She cursed herself after she said that. She had said too much. It would probably scare him off. Freak him out with her assumption of friendliness.
Instead, he gave her another squeeze then let his hands travel softly up and down her arm. "Neither do I," he finally responded. "However, I hope that it is and . . ." he paused again. She could feel him tense up for a moment as if suddenly afraid. "I like to think that you share this hope."
He was still rigid. Pamila smiled a bit. She thought she was supposed to be the nervous one. The thought of him being able to be nervous made her melt. Now she just wanted him to relax.
"Yes, I do." She stated. With this declaration, she wanted to admit more to him. Admit her feelings and to hear him say his. She moved gently from his arms to sit up and look at him. She was about to speak when he placed an index finger tenderly on her lips.
"Please, not yet," is all he said. He wasn't harsh or demanding, just solemn. She smiled at him and nodded.
The device from the night before caught her eye. She gingerly lifted it from the coffee table. "What is this?" She asked sleepily, moving back to lean against him. Vader picked it up nicely from her hands, as if inspecting it.
"It's a beacon. It is used by the Empire. If set to the right frequency, they may be able to detect the signal."
"You hope they can detect it?"
Vader paused for several breaths, "That isn't what I said."
She tried to ignore his cryptic response. "Is it on now?" she asked.
"Not yet."
She nodded, "The Empire you speak of you… it needs you, right?
He went silent again then reluctantly answered, "It would be challenging to find another to take my position."
She nodded. What was his position? Did she dare ask? She looked at her kitchen clock. 7:30 in the morning. She had to get ready.
"Speaking of job positions, I gotta go to work." She told him sadly. He said nothing. He sat there has she moved away from him to her bedroom door. She was closing it when a loud THUMP sounded.
"Oh hell, not again! The damn hinges! And I can't change in the bathroom. It's freezing in there."
Vader walked over and inspected the door frame. He saw the problem right away. "I'll fix it."
Pamila got a bit flustered, "Well, you could fix it while I change really fast. But don't look!" she warned, half hoping he did
"I am a man of honor," he responded.
... ... ...
Vader found longer screws that could dig deeper into the wood frame. With drill in hand, he aligned the hinges and began his work. He could fix it quickly, but then Pamila started to change, slipping her trimmed body out of tight fitting clothes.
He looked back at his next project. He was going take his time for the most optimal results. It may be more complicated than he thought . . .
