28
Vader woke up several hours later, astonished that he had managed to sleep at all. But then, he reasoned, her presence had always soothed him. He looked down at her as she slept in his arms, her angelic face peaceful in sleep. Softly he caressed her cheek, wishing fervently that he had the ability to feel its silkiness. His prosthetic hands were capable of feeling pain, but he knew that the pleasure of feeling her silken skin would be impossible. So fitting, he thought, that his master deprived him even of that much, just as he had deprived him of the ability to smell the delicate scent of her hair, the scent that had filled his senses every night he had shared her bed. Soon, he reminded himself, soon this nightmarish existence will be over, soon I will be whole again. And then, my master, you will pay for your lies, for your betrayal…
Padmé's eyes fluttered open and she looked up at him. "Good morning," she said with a smile.
"Good morning," he replied, his hand not leaving her face. "Did you sleep well?"
She nodded. "Yes," she replied. "Did you manage to get any rest?"
"I did," he told her. "I slept for several hours, which is highly unusual for me."
She smiled again. "I suppose you'll just have to spend the night in here more often," she told him.
He nodded, tracing a finger down her neck, playing with the lacey edging of her nightie. "I would be most happy to do so," he told her.
For a moment neither spoke, the tension and longing between them rearing up again. Slowly he traced the length of her arm, stopping when he saw the still visible bruises on her wrist. The reminder of the pain she had endured filled him with anger anew.
"Monsters," he growled.
"I'm fine," she assured him. "Don't get upset again, please. Remember your heart."
He nodded, doing his best not to. "I'm going to fix that damn replicator once and for all," he told her. "As I should have in the first place."
Padmé smiled. "Luke will be thrilled," she said. "That boy eats more than Leia and I put together."
Vader chuckled. "I see he takes after me in more ways than one."
Padmé nodded. "I'm going to have a shower," she told him as she got up from his lap. "And let you get to work. Artoo said that the program is incompatible with his, if that helps at all."
He looked up at her. "I can override the program," he told her as he stood up. "It won't be difficult to fix."
"Good," she said. "I won't be long."
He nodded as she walked into the fresher, wondering if the little Artoo unit would be able to help him with his unwanted droid problem.
Dr. Thek was just entering the apartment when Vader entered the common room. She was more than a little surprised to see him, and her mind started racing, wondering what had gone on between him and his wife. Vader was amused by her thoughts, and smiled to himself. "Good morning Doctor," he said.
"Good morning," she said her face coloring slightly as she realized he had read her thoughts.
"You seem rather surprised to see me," he said, enjoying her embarrassment.
"Well, no," she said, looking around uneasily. "I just …well that is to say, it's..."
"Dad! What are you doing here so early?" Luke asked as he entered the room, saving the good doctor from a most embarrassing situation.
"That seems to be the question of the day," Vader quipped. "I'm here to fix the replicator," he added. "I understand you have been suffering without it."
Luke grinned. "Big time," he said. "Thanks Dad."
"Where is Artoo? I will need his assistance," Vader said as he walked over to the replicator.
"I'll get him," Luke replied.
"Good morning Dad," Leia said as she entered the kitchen.
"Good morning," Vader replied, deciding he liked being here to watch his children as they started their day.
"Where's Mom?"
"Having a shower," Vader replied as Artoo entered the room. "Artoo, open the access panel," he told the droid.
The droid complied, but issued a string of beeps and chirps as it did so.
"I know that," Vader replied. "I can override."
Artoo beeped in response.
"Yes, of course," Vader replied. "Proceed."
Leia watched the exchange in astonishment. "You…you understand what he's saying??"
Vader looked over at her. "Yes," he said. "Artoo and I logged many hours together over the years," he added.
Artoo whistled in agreement.
"Cool," Leia decided.
Once Artoo had removed the access panel, Vader set to work with the computer within. "Computer, override program," he said, "authority Vader One." He looked down at Artoo. "Try it now."
Artoo established a link with the computer and quickly found the error, reporting to Vader of his findings.
"Effect repairs," he said.
Artoo did so at once.
"Is it fixed?" Leia asked in amazement.
"Test it out and see," Vader suggested.
Leia walked over to the replicator and thought for a moment. "Hmm," she thought, finger on her chin in a gesture that reminded Vader of her mother. "Waffles, with chocolate sauce and whipped cream," she said at last. Within moments the food appeared, just as she had ordered.
"Yes!" she declared happily. "Thanks Dad!"
"Hardly a nutritious breakfast, Leia," Vader replied.
"I know," she said. "But after a few days of granola, I'm dying for something with some taste to it."
"I see," Vader replied, amused by her comment. "In that case, enjoy."
"Oh I will," she said, taking the plate and parading out into the dining room. "Oh Luke, look what I have," Vader heard her sing.
"Sounds like you fixed the replicator," Padmé said as she entered the kitchen. Her hair was still wet from her shower and she had gathered it into a long braid down her back.
"Just in time by the sounds of it," Vader replied as Artoo replaced the access panel.
Padmé laughed. "Thank you," she said.
"Not at all," he said. "There was a flaw in the design, obviously," he said. "But it was easily fixed."
"Dad, you are the best," Luke said as he entered the room. "Hi Mom," he added hastily as he headed for the replicator, almost salivating at the thought of what delicious treat he would soon enjoy.
"I have an assignment for Artoo, if he is not needed right now," Vader said as he and Padmé left the kitchen. "Something only his …specialized skills can attend to."
"What is that?" Padmé asked. "Oh, hello Dr. Thek," she said, noticing the doctor. "Can I get you some tea?"
"No thank you," Thek replied, rather anxious to be on her way. "I need to be going. Lord Vader, I'd like to see you later when you have a chance."
"Very well," he replied.
Thek left them, and Padmé couldn't help but notice that she was rather in a hurry to do so. "What's wrong with her?" she asked.
"I believe she suspects that I spent the night with you," he replied, looking over to make sure the twins were out of earshot.
"So?"
"I imagine she is …concerned that I have done something to jeopardize by health," he quipped.
"Ah," Padmé replied. "I see. Maybe that's why she wants to see you," she added with a smile. "Just to make sure you don't take any unnecessary risks."
"As I told you last night, it would be a risk I would gladly take," he told her.
Padmé laughed. "Why do you need Artoo?" she asked.
"An unwanted gift," he said as the little astromech joined them. "From the emperor."
Padmé became alarmed at once. "What gift?"
"A medical droid," he replied. "Whose sole purpose is to monitor my health. At least, that is what it claims."
"What do you mean?" Padmé asked. "Do you think Palpatine is up to something?"
"Of course," Vader replied. "He does nothing without a purpose. I suspect that this droid is here to watch me and the good doctor."
"You think Palpatine suspects what she is planning?" Padmé asked in alarm.
"He knows she was on Kamino," he replied. "She encountered him while he was there, and she had the impression that he was suspicious of her activities there."
"But what about the clones? That was why she was there, at least officially, wasn't it?"
"Yes," he replied. "But Palpatine has always been paranoid and mistrustful. That is why he has deemed it necessary to watch me."
Padmé shook her head. "You know why he doesn't want you to have your injuries fixed, don't you?"
"He knows that my strength would eclipse his own," Vader replied.
Padmé nodded. "Yes, by a great deal I would imagine. He's afraid of that, he's afraid of the potential within you."
"He has good reason to be afraid," he replied. "I must go," he added, "no doubt he is waiting for me to thank him for his kindness," he added sarcastically.
"I'm sure," she said. "I hope to see you later," she said as he made for the door.
He looked back at her. "You will," he said. "Until later."
She nodded, and then returned to the kitchen to make herself some breakfast.
Having left Artoo in his quarters to get acquainted with Three-Six Bee, Vader made his way to the audience chamber to make contact with the emperor. He could not help but notice that each time he made contact with the emperor he did so with a greater sense of resentment, and a more guarded approach. There was so much he was now hiding from his master that he began to wonder how much longer he could keep it up before Palpatine began to suspect something. He already does, he reflected; that was why he sent the droid.
Vader entered the chamber and made contact with the emperor, kneeling as he waited for the image of his master to appear, preparing himself mentally for the encounter.
"Lord Vader," Palpatine said as his image coalesced before Vader.
"My master," Vader replied, bowing before him. "I hope I am not disturbing you."
"Of course not, my friend," Palpatine replied benevolently.
Vader was not fooled by this. "I wanted to thank you for the most generous gift you sent," he said, the words sticking in his throat. "It was most kind of you to do so."
Palpatine smiled. "Think nothing of it, my friend," he said, pleased that Vader had been fooled so easily. "I am concerned about your health, Lord Vader. This droid has been programmed to attend to you night and day."
Vader nodded. "My physician is concerned that my heart will not last much longer without surgical intervention," he said, testing the old man.
Palpatine's smile slowly faded. "Indeed," he said. "Surely as your doctor she knows such a thing is impossible," he added.
"Yes," he replied, "but surely if a way existed, it would be worth the risk, considering my death would be inevitable if nothing were to be done."
Palpatine grew angry at Vader's comment for the simple fact that it was true. As much as he hated to even consider Vader's physical condition being improved even in the smallest amount, the thought of his most valuable apprentice dying, without a suitable replacement, was of even more concern. He had not foreseen this, and it angered him that his master plans were being compromised.
"I suppose then the good doctor will have to find a way to repair your heart," Palpatine said at last. "After all, your life is too important to be jeopardized, my young apprentice."
Vader nodded, feeling as though he had won even a small victory. "Thank you, my master," he said, bowing again. "I will tell Thek to proceed with her research."
"Yes, do so," Palpatine replied, suspecting that the doctor had already begun that research. "And keep me informed as to her progress. I will be watching this situation most intently, Lord Vader."
"As you wish, my master," Vader replied, and then ended the transmission. He stood up, a smile spreading across his face under his mask. "And so it begins," he said aloud.
Vader left the audience chamber and headed for the bridge, the feeling of victory buoying his steps as he strode through the corridors. He considered going to tell Padmé about his conversation with the emperor, but reasoned that with Motti on board it would be wise to get to the bridge. Upon arriving there, he was annoyed to see that his suspicions were right, and that the admiral was loitering about, questioning his officers in a most tenacious manner.
"Admiral," Vader said as he approached Motti. "What brings you to the bridge?"
"Nothing in particular," Motti replied. Vader could see that he was lying easily, and folded his arms over his chest.
"No?" he challenged.
Motti grew somewhat nervous under the Dark Lord's scrutiny, and decided to come clean. "Well, if you must know, I was asking your men if they knew where I might find that charming Lieutenant Sola," he said at last.
Vader clenched his fists as he saw the lurid thoughts in the man's mind. "Why?" he demanded.
"She and I were getting rather close," Motti replied, "that is until you went and ruined everything," he added petulantly. "I have half a mind to tell the emperor what you did, Vader," he added.
"By all means," Vader retorted. "Do so. I am certain the emperor would be most interested to learn of your distain for the Force," Vader replied.
Motti's eyes widened in fear, and decided to change the subject. "So where might I find her?" he asked. "She agreed to join me for dinner tonight. A private dinner."
"Liar," Vader spat. "Sola would never agree to such a thing. No doubt she was being polite to you only as a matter of protocol."
Motti smiled smugly. "How little you know women, Lord Vader. A woman like Jobal is far too sophisticated to show her desires openly, but I assure you, she wants me."
Vader moved so quickly that Motti didn't even see him coming.
"You will not speak of her in that manner," Vader warned ominously as he grabbed Motti roughly by the front of his tunic with one hand. "Nor will you continue to entertain your obscene notions where she is concerned. She is a lady, and you are not worthy to be in her presence!"
Motti, although certainly alarmed by Vader's vehemence, couldn't help but smile derisively. "You…you want her for yourself, don't you?" he said mockingly. "Come now Vader, surely you must realize that you couldn't possibly offer her what I can? She needs a man, not a machine. What makes you think she'd even think of you as anything more than one?"
Vader lifted the man from the ground easily, his rage exploding within him. "Because she is my wife," he growled as he used the Force to crush the man's larynx.
Motti's eyes bulged from his head. "Your…wife?" he gasped in astonishment. But they would be his last words as with one last strike of dark fury, Motti's heart exploded within his chest, killing him instantly and effectively. Vader threw the man's body down on the deck in disgust.
"Get rid of this," he ordered one of his underlings. "Before it starts to stink up the bridge."
"Yes milord," a junior officer replied at once.
"You have the bridge, Piett," Vader said as he strode away.
Piett nodded, his admiration for his commanding officer having just risen several notches.
Dr. Thek looked up from her desk when she heard Vader enter her office. "You're here sooner than I expected," she told him with a smile. "I usually have to hound you for days to get you to come here."
Vader did not reply, and she could see that he was in a foul mood.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Motti," Vader growled.
"Say no more," she said as she got up and came around to the front of her desk. "I noticed how friendly he was getting with Padmé last night."
"He is dead," Vader told her.
Thek's eyebrows shot up. "Oh?" she asked, trying not to show how shocked she was. "May I ask why?"
"He went too far, suffice it to say," he told her. "But that is not what I came here for. I actually have good news. Well, more good news, that is."
Thek smirked. "What is it?"
"The emperor has sanctioned the surgery," he said.
"What!?" she cried.
"Wait," he said, holding up a hand. "Not the surgery in the way you are thinking," he explained. "I told him that my heart is in dire need of surgery, and that without it I will surely die. He agreed that you may proceed and find a way to repair my heart."
Thek frowned. "But…how is this good news?" she asked. "We are not going to simply fix your heart, Lord Vader."
"Yes, I realize that," he said. "But don't you see? It will alleviate his suspicion if he knows that this surgery is imminent."
Thek nodded. "Yes, yes I suppose it will," she said, seeing his point. "But surely you realize that he will find out eventually."
"Leave that to me," he said. "Perhaps you ought to harvest the cells you need from my son as soon as possible so we can get this underway. I am tired of living half a life."
Thek nodded in agreement. "I will do so as soon as possible," she replied.
"You wanted to see me about something?"
"I did? Yes, yes I did," she remembered. "Well, I'm not quite sure how to put this delicately," she began, "but as your doctor I feel obliged to warn you that your heart is in far to fragile a state to engage in…that is, for you to over exert yourself in any way."
Vader nodded, amused by her attempts to remain unflustered. "I am aware of that," he said. "Is there some reason you feel I needed to be reminded of it?"
"Well," she said, rubbing the back of her neck nervously, "I couldn't help but notice that you were at your wife's apartment early this morning."
"So?"
"So, I wondered if you had spent the night with her," Thek asked.
"Yes, I did," Vader replied. "Is there a point to all this?"
"Well, yes there is," Thek replied, the color rising in her face. "Your heart is the point. You are taking a terrible risk by engaging in…intimate…that is, sexual activities at this time."
Vader wanted to laugh, but decided it would only make matters worse. "I see," he said, folding his arms over his chest. "You assumed that because I spent the night in my wife's bedroom that we were engaging in sexual activities."
"Well, yes," Thek replied.
"Once again, Doctor, you were wrong to assume," Vader replied. "My wife is very cognizant of my delicate health," he assured her. "She will not allow anything to compromise it, no matter how I may feel."
Thek's face went completely red. "Oh, well, I'm pleased to hear it," she muttered.
"Is there anything else you needed to discuss with me?" he asked, growing more amused by the minute.
"No, no that's it," she said.
"I thank you for your concern, Doctor," he said.
"No problem," she said, watching him leave, wishing she could disappear into a black hole.
