Chapter 11: Cruciati Animarum
ALDERAAN: HOUSE ORGANA
A circle of red and green lights blinked in the night, highlighting the private landing platform at the base of the palace. A small rectangular transport slowly lowered to the deck, its landing props silently dropping to the duracrete.
Waiting in a neighbouring bunker was a small company of local guards dressed in khaki uniforms and white domed helmets. As the docking ramp lowered, they rushed out onto the platform keeping their weapons trained on the ship's door.
Four robed figures emerged from the transport, cautiously making their way down the ramp. They stopped before the guards, keeping their hoods locked over their heads.
"Stop right where you are. This is a restricted area. Who are you and what is your purpose here?" one of the guards ordered cocking his blaster.
One of the figures stepped forward, holding his hands out. "We are here to see Viceroy Organa. He is expecting us," he replied.
The guards closed ranks, blocking their path. "The Viceroy is not expecting visitors. Get back in your ship and leave at once or we will be forced to open fire," he barked.
"Lower your weapons, Lieutenant. They are perfectly safe," a husky voice called out from the bunker.
A tall dark haired man wearing a floor length blue tunic and grey cloak stepped out from within the shadows. He walked between the guards and stopped before the four hooded figures, holding his hand out to greet them. "I am Senator Bail Organa, welcome to Alderaan," he said.
Ferus moved forward and shook his hand, staring into his soulful brown eyes. "Good evening Senator," he replied. "I am Ferus Olin, this is Sabè and these are my two padawans; Caleb and Jaina," he said gesturing at his companions. "My apologies for the lateness of the hour."
The Viceroy smiled. "There's no need, Master Olin. Why don't the four of you come inside and I'll fix you all something warm to drink."
Ferus nodded. They were all bitterly exhausted from the journey and the thought of a nice hot herbal tea sounded delightful. "Thank you Senator."
The handmaiden and the three Jedi followed the Senator from the platform and into the palace.
• • •
Everything about the palace screamed opulence. It was filled with grand corridors all lined with decorative vases and gold busts. Hung on the softly lit walls were beautiful pictures adorned with equally attractive frames; some of mountains, others of a lake and the odd few of the palace itself.
They followed the Senator into a large Corinthian sitting room. There was a cream circular couch, big enough to seat a small army, positioned in front of a wall sized window that overlooked the neighbouring lake. To the side was a bar-come-kitchenette, complete with different alcohols from all reaches of the galaxy.
The Viceroy stopped on the plush rug in the center and turned to face them. "Please, take a seat and make yourselves comfortable and I'll fix the drinks," he said gesturing toward the lounge.
"Thank you, Senator," Ferus replied with a nod, watching as he headed over to the prep area.
The four of them each took a seat and sat quietly for a moment, using the downtime to peruse the room. Jaina stared at one of the bureaus against the wall. It was covered in what appeared to be an assortment of family photos and memorabilia. She got up from her seat and walked over to it, looking at each of them intently.
"Jaina," Caleb scolded.
She shot him a glare and shrugged her shoulders. "What? I'm only looking," she replied, turning her attention back to the pictures.
"It's quite alright, be my guest," Bail said, carrying the tray with their drinks into the lounge room. He placed it down on the coffee table, took one of the cups and sat down beside Ferus.
The older Jedi leant forward, helping himself to one of the cups and sat back taking a sip.
"So Master Olin, Obi-wan informed me that you were forming a small rebellion against the Empire. Tell me how is that all going?" Bail asked, crossing his legs.
Ferus went quiet for a moment, remembering the way his biggest supporter was ruthlessly struck down by the Dark Lord in the hangar. He sighed, taking another sip from his cup before meeting the Senator's gaze. "Not too well, I'm afraid. Queen Apailana was our biggest benefactor. She was secretly funding our efforts, without her I'm unfortunately out of resources," he replied sadly.
"Has she suddenly decided to stop financing you?" he asked.
Caleb scowled, grabbing a tea and staring at the Viceroy. "No, that force-forsaken cyborg of a Sith murdered her," he growled before taking a gulp from his drink.
"A Sith?" Bail asked, glancing between the two Jedi curiously.
"Yes Senator," Ferus replied placing his cup down on the table and dragging his hand up through his shaggy brown hair. "I'm not sure if you've heard of him. He goes by the name Darth Vader; he's the Emperor's personal enforcer."
"Can't say that I have."
One of the pictures suddenly caught Jaina's eye. She could hear them talking behind her, but she wasn't particularly paying attention to what they were saying. She picked up the photo, staring at it curiously. It was one of the Viceroy in the foyer of the Senatorial building with Padmè standing next to him. Neither of them appeared much younger than they were presently, although she did look considerably larger than she was at Naboo.
"I love that picture."
Jaina fumbled with the frame, trying not to drop it and quickly turned around. Standing behind her was a beautiful woman, with long flowing brown hair that cascaded down over her shoulders. Her royal blue and silver gown shimmered in the lights and accented the warm hazel hue of her eyes.
"I'm sorry, I don't mean to pry. It's just ... this picture is so beautiful," the young padawan said.
"It's fine my dear. Anyway, I'm Breha, Bail is my husband, welcome to our home," she sang.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Breha, I'm Jaina," she replied with a shy smile.
"Padmè was one of our dearest friends. It's so hard to believe she's actually gone," Breha said, staring at it.
Jaina glanced up at the woman curiously. "Is she pregnant in this photo?"
A subtle smile graced her features as she gently traced her finger over the picture. "Yes, I believe so. She died not long after it was taken. Did you know her?"
Before she could answer, a sudden shrill cry echoed from outside of the room, stealing Breha's attention. "I'm sorry dear, please excuse me for a moment," she apologised, patting her on the shoulder and turning away.
All eyes locked onto the woman hastily leaving. Bail smiled taking another sip from his tea. He looked to Sabè and the Jedi around him. "Sorry, it sounds like my daughter has just woken up. She suffers from terrible night-terrors, it's a wonder she gets any sleep at all."
They all continued talking while Jaina returned her attention to the picture. There was a hand around Padmè's waist, the black gloved fingers just barely visible over the side of her belly. She traced the side of the image, running her finger down the inner edge of the frame. It looked folded, as if part of the picture had been concealed within the back of the frame. Try as she might, she couldn't bring herself to put it down. She cautiously glanced over her shoulder to see everyone was still busy in their conversations and carefully slid the picture inside her robe, tucking it into her tunic.
Moments later the lady of the house returned, cradling a very unsettled baby in her arms, wrapped in a white muslin cloth. She was still crying, tears streaming down her tiny plump cheeks. "Sssh Leia, it's alright, you're safe now," the mother cooed, rocking her gently.
Jaina walked over to her, admiring the young child in her arms. She had beautiful thick brown hair, and deep soulful hazel eyes. "She's adorable," the young padawan said, gazing at her.
Breha sighed, exhaustion lines marring her face. "Yes, but she's not sleeping. We just can't seem to get her to settle lately. Bail and I have tried everything and we are both dreadfully exhausted."
The child wailed again, scrunching her tiny cherub face up and wriggling about. Jaina looked up at the mother questioningly. "Would you mind if I tried?" she asked.
Breha glanced over at her husband on the sofa and he nodded before returning to his conversation. "By all means dear. I could use the rest," she replied, laying the child into Jaina's outstretched arms.
Crystal blue locked with deep hazel, and the baby and padawan stared at each other. The silence only lasted a moment before Leia started crying once more. Jaina could feel her anxiety pulsing through the force. The light was billowing from her, as bright as any sun. Closing her eyes, she gently rocked her, using the force to soothe her fears. An angelic hum whispered from her lips, her hips gently swaying in time to the rhythm. Instantly the baby's face smoothed out, relaxing from the hypnotic melody and she softly cooed in her arms.
"Wow, you certainly have a way with children," Breha exclaimed, watching in awe as Leia finally settled. "What did you do?"
Jaina continued to sway, keeping her gaze glued to the lulling baby. "She is gifted, my lady," she whispered reflectively, gently brushing a stray lock away from her tiny face. "The force is strong with her, I simply spoke to her through it, letting her know everything will be alright."
Breha's eyes glistened with tears and she turned to her husband who was also staring at the young woman who had managed to calm their daughter. He sighed turning his gaze to the floor. "Bail?" she gasped beneath her breath, as she approached him.
He stood up and took her into his arms, running his hand soothingly along her back. "Its alright, don't worry. We'll figure it out," he comforted.
She pulled back staring agonizingly into his eyes. "I don't have what she needs Bail. Neither of us do," she cried, dropping her head back onto his shoulder and sobbing.
"Our love for her will hold us together dear, we'll get through this, we're all she has."
Jaina walked up behind the couple and tapped the crying woman on the shoulder. She slowly turned to face her, wiping the tears from her eyes. "She's sleeping now, my lady," she said, carefully handing her back to her.
"Thank you dear. I wish I had your gift, you are truly blessed," Breha sniffled, taking the sleeping child back into her arms. "If you don't mind, I think I'm going to try putting her down now, hopefully she sleeps through the night. Thank you again."
"Thank you for allowing me to hold her, she is a sparkle of hope in such oppressing times."
Breha smiled, glancing between her daughter and the young Jedi. "That she is my dear. She most certainly is."
Bail watched his wife leave the room with Leia and tried to stifle a yawn. He turned to his companions and sighed. "Well, the hour is late. Why don't I show you all to your rooms so you can get some much needed rest. In the morning I will have Captain Antilles ready the ship for your journey to Tatooine."
The group all rose from their seats. Ferus glanced between his fellow travellers and then back to the Viceroy standing before him. "Thank you Senator Organa, your kindness truly is a balm to all who encounter it."
• • •
Jaina straightened her nightgown and sat cross-legged on her bed, staring at the picture she'd swiped from the living room.
"What have you got there?"
She turned to glance at Sabè who was meticulously brushing her hair by the mirror behind her. For a moment she'd forgotten they were sharing a room and was now scolding herself for being so short-sighted. "Just one of the pictures," she dismissed, turning it over to assess the clasps.
"You took one of them?" she asked again.
"Just this one," she replied, slowly lifting the tiny claws up with her fingernail. "Part of it seems to be hidden inside the frame." The last of the clasps lifted and the back gently popped away. Being extra-careful not to damage it, she gripped the back stand in her fingers and pulled it away from the glass. The mattress lurched and bucked as Sabè suddenly sat down beside her.
"Alright, now I'm curious. What is this picture of anyway?" Sabè inquired leaning closer.
"Of your mistress and the Viceroy at the Senate building." She turned the frame over and slowly pried the photo out from it's housing, holding it gingerly in her hands and laying the glass down. "Let's see who they didnt want us to see," she muttered slowly unfolding the glossy paper.
Both women gasped as the image was unfolded. Standing next to Bail and Padmè, with his hand wrapped protectively around her stomach was Anakin. Standing next to him, with his hand tight upon his shoulder, was none other than Chancellor – now Emperor - Palpatine himself. Anakin was smiling but she could tell it wasn't a true smile, she had seen him often enough in the temple to know that much.
"Are you putting the pieces together yet?" Sabè snapped darkly.
Jaina twisted around to stare questioningly at the handmaiden beside her. "What do you mean? What are you implying?"
"It's him. He's the Sith. It's what I was trying to tell you back on the ship before those interfering medics so kindly knocked me out. You're so-called 'chosen one' is Darth Vader," she hissed.
Jaina shook her head in denial. "No, I won't believe that. Anakin was the strongest and most gifted Jedi in the order. All of us younger padawan's idolized him. Don't defile his memory with such unfounded heinous accusations."
Sabè shrugged her shoulders and got up, moving to crawl into her own bed. She stared into the naive blue eyes of the young Jedi. "Why else do you think he was in her mausoleum? I spoke to him. He called me Padmè. He thought I was her, but when he woke up from his daze and realised his mistake he was enraged, chasing after me like a raging rancor." She huffed dropping her head down on the pillow and pulling the blankets up. "Think what you want about him. You will see for yourself eventually. He has her now, and all that matters to me is that we get her out of there as soon as we can. Force knows what he will do to her."
Jaina went deathly silent staring at the picture in her hands, her fingers trembling around the edges. There was a definite darkness in his eyes and on his face. And she couldn't refute the closeness between him and the Chancellor; the way his hand was so possessively draped over his shoulder. The wicked smile that was plastered across his face. As much as it pained her to admit, Sabè was right and she had the evidence right in her hands. She sighed placing the photo down on the table beside her and crawled into bed. "I wonder what made him snap. He was the best of all of us, something had to have made him do this."
"It's no mystery, Jaina. Look who's standing next to him," Sabè groaned with a huff.
CORUSCANT: IMPERIAL PALACE PRIVATE MEDICAL FACILITY
Padmè followed the Emperor into a small chamber. It was sterile and empty, the bright lights rebounding off the grey durasteel blast walls. He stopped by a glass partition, recessed into the wall before him and silently turned to face her.
"Is this some kind of joke?" Padmè snipped, glaring at him and folding her arms. "There's nothing in here."
He turned back to face the glass partition ignoring her outburst. "Come my dear, stand beside me," he replied keeping his robed back to her.
Padmè crossed the floor and stopped alongside him with a huff, following his stare at the glass. He lifted his withered hand and with the slightest of movements, turned off the lights plunging them both into complete darkness.
Instantly, as if someone had opened a window, the theatre appeared in the glass before them. Two women, dressed in white lab-coats were hovering over a medical bed in the centre of the room. Perched around them were several battered med-droids each holding different pieces of equipment, some with tools on metal trays. Positioned alongside the bed were numerous machines with computer monitors all connected to the lifeless body within.
She stepped closer, unable to look away. Squinting her eyes, she focused on the patient before her. He had no hair, and charred skin that ran right down to his chest. His waist was covered by a white sheet that draped down either side and hung just above the tiled floor. Two reflective cybernetic legs were suspended in restraining stirrups, slightly bent in the air. His arms, one prosthetic and the other flesh, were cuffed to supports protruding from either side of the bed.
"Who is that? Why are you showing me this?" she asked, suddenly feeling cold.
He turned his smouldering eyes toward her, his grey wrinkled face oddly subdued. He shifted his footing and placed his claw-like fingers upon her shoulder. "You asked what I did to him," he replied staring soullessly into her eyes, "so I am showing you."
She felt the tears building and covered her mouth to stifle her cry, turning her gaze back to the theatre. "Please ... tell me that isn't Anakin," she choked, fighting the sudden ache rising in her chest.
He wordlessly turned back to the glass and took his hand from her shoulder, turning on the speakers so they could hear inside. Beeps, alarms and the steady rasp of artificial breathing echoed all around them, mingling with the running conversation between the two doctors.
"Palpatine, answer me."
He didnt respond, instead leaning forward to press the intercom. "How is he?" he purred over the microphone, the tiniest hint of compassion hidden in his tone.
The dark haired doctor in glasses looked up from the monitor straight at them, as her counterpart moved to the foot of the bed between the stirrups. "He is stable and in stasis. WBC count is still high and his BP is one-sixty over ninety-five and climbing. Aleria is preparing the sample harvest now, so we should know the other test results shortly, providing his condition doesn't worsen."
Padmè threw her hands against the glass, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Anakin!" she cried, "Anakin, can you hear me?" Feeling the pressure of the Emperor's hand back upon her shoulder, she spun around to face him, her sodden face tight with despair. She swatted his hands away and screamed: "What did you do to him?"
"Padmè, my dear. I didn't do this to him ... you did."
"What do you mean I did? He was fine when I last saw him, how dare you say such things!"
"He paid the ultimate price for your betrayal." He grabbed her shoulders tight and forcefully spun her around to stare through the window. "What you see now is all that remains of Anakin Skywalker. You see, when you brought your beloved Jedi friend, Obi-wan Kenobi to Mustafar, they fought each other and he left your husband dismembered and burning alive on the bank."
"I didn't bring him. I didn't even know he was on my ship," she cried, clawing at the glass. Fighting against his grip, she pulled and pushed herself free looking for an exit. "I want to see him. Let me in there so I can speak with him."
"Not yet. You will be with him soon enough."
Alarms blared, and the brunette doctor started frantically moving around the theatre securing the equipment. Aleria remained crouched between the stirrups staring at the heart monitor and watching for movement. "BP ONE-SEVENTY OVER NINETY-EIGHT," she yelled out over the alarms. "HE'S WAKING UP."
"Have you got that sample yet?" the brunette called out checking that the monitors were secured to the floor.
"He's almost there, but he's not happy about it." She caught movement out the corner of her eye, seeing his prosthetic feet starting to yank on the restraints.
"I told you he wouldn't be! Just get ready to grab that sample Aleria, we don't have much time."
The room started to vibrate, shaking the lights in the ceiling, causing them to flicker in and out. Vader's eyes flew open, the burning gold orbs flaming in anger. He wrenched on the cuffs securing his arms, snapping the one holding his prosthetic. Thrashing his head left and right, he threw it back hard into the pillow and bucked his torso, thrusting his hips off the bed.
"ALERIA! NOW!" the brunette yelled holding onto the side of the counter.
His hands clenched over the durasteel supports and he growled and groaned through his teeth.
The redheaded doctor grabbed her sample and crawled as fast as she could across the floor, desperately trying to escape the impending aftermath. "I've got it Celeste, I've got the sample!"
"Good, now get out. We can't risk losing it."
The dark lord's head snapped in the brunette's direction, his amber eyes glowing. Instantly she was dragged from her feet and launched at the glass, her face slamming into it with a thud.
Padmè jumped back in shock, watching as the woman's glasses pushed up the side of her face and her cheek dragged along the partition. She could hear Palpatine laughing behind her, suddenly delighted in his apprentice's overwhelming display of aggression. She whirled to face him. "He's going to kill them! Let me in there, please!" she demanded.
"He won't kill them, my dear. There's no need to be dramatic. He's simply warning them. But by all means," he snickered waving the door open and stepping back, a twisted grin worming across his face. "Go in there and see him. See if he wants to talk."
Moving to leave she headed for the door, when he called out to her.
"Oh, Padmè ..."
She stopped and spun to face him.
"Just remember, this. In what was one of his darkest, most chaotic moments, he still brought you to ME."
She turned and ran from the room, bolting down the corridor. The theatre doors burst open and she froze, horrified by the sight. Vader was standing there, completely naked, holding the redhead doctor up against the wall by her throat. His breathing was raspy and strained and his scarred face was contorted with rage.
"The next time you require that particular sample," he growled, his voice raspy and rough, "you will ask me for it. Do I make myself clear, doctor?"
Her wide green eyes stared up at him in panic. "Y-yes ... my ... lord," she croaked.
He relaxed his grip and dropped her, watching as she collapsed at his cybernetic feet. Lifting his prosthetic hand he pointed to the door. "Now, get out."
Still clutching the sample in her hand, she scrambled across the floor and pushed passed Padmè frozen in the doorway, darting out into the passage.
"Anakin?"
He took one look at her, glanced down at himself and then without saying a word turned away, thumping over to the chair holding his suit.
"Aren't you going to say anything?" she asked.
He picked up his black skin-pants and stepped into them, tugging them up over his legs. "No," he growled, continuing to get dressed.
"Hey, what are you doing in here?" the dark haired doctor demanded from behind the bed, pushing her glasses back up onto her nose. "Get out, this is a restricted area."
Vader briefly glanced over at the her and snarled, "If you wish to continue breathing Celeste, I recommend that you leave."
"But ... my lord?" she asked, stopping in place.
"Now."
She glared at Padmè and then made for the door, grabbing her clipboard and test samples from the counter along the way.
He continued pulling on his suit, attaching his utility belt and replacing his boots. "What are you doing in here?" he growled keeping his eyes focused on the task at hand.
"Palpatine let me in," she answered, cautiously stepping further into the room. "What were they doing to you?"
"Tests, nothing out of the ordinary," he dismissed, rising to his full height and replacing his cloak, still refusing to look at her.
"Won't you at least look at me?" Padmè asked, her voice breaking.
He paused, holding his head gear in his hands and staring at them. He closed his eyes and coughed, his lungs struggling without the support. "Why?" he rasped, suddenly feeling short of breath. "So you can admire Kenobi's handiwork?"
"No, so I can see you," she whispered, slowly edging closer. "Please, let me see your eyes. It's been so long Ani, just let me see them."
His posture stiffened, the helmet and mask shaking in his hands. Her presence had stifled his connection with the force, soothing the dragon inside him. He slowly turned to face her, his hairless brow furrowing into a deep v across his forehead. Two hazy blue eyes lined with thick blonde lashes stared down at her.
She gasped, taking another quick step forward. It was definitely him, there was now no doubt in her mind. Before she could reach him he quickly averted his gaze and stared back at his mask in his hands.
"What happened to you?" she asked, reaching out to touch his face.
He jerked away, staggering into the wall. "Don't," he hissed leaning back. "Not in here."
She retracted her hand in shock and stood trembling before him, watching as he replaced his mask and helmet. Now fully concealed within his suit, he straightened up and tilted his head down to look at her. "You want to talk?" his robotic voice demanded.
She nodded, fighting the sudden onset of tears forming.
He grabbed her arm and gently ushered her to the door. "Fine. We can talk. But we do so in my chamber." With a subtle push, he guided her into the passageway and strode for his quarters, his black cloak drifting in the air behind him.