Here's another chapter of my ramblings ;) hope you are all having a good day : ) I gotta say that I like my readers quite a lot! And I say that in a friendly, non-stalker way ;) I think you are all adorable. I know I can't see you, but you all have adorable auras : ) thank you for all your support!

PS: Before writing this I watched Padme's funeral scene, then right after I watched Darth Vader's death scene. I gotta tell you it punched me right in the feels! I wonder if Vader thought of Padme before he died…probably because he was looking at a product of their love, Luke. Both Luke and Padme knew there was good in him. Aww the feels!

Chapter 29

Present day: Coruscant, Imperial Palace; Meeting between Moffs and the Emperor

The Emperor leaned back in his shell-shaped chair and sighed inwardly. The meeting had been going on for the last three hours and Palpatine was about to kill someone.

Look at them, he thought while staring at the room full of Moffs, regional mayors, and Imperial officers. They all think they are something special. They don't see how expendable they truly are. Each think they are too precious to be replaced. At that moment, most everyone was talking over each other. A simple discussion of taxation turned quickly into a full argument. Each person tried to say something "Intelligent" to try to impress Palpatine, but in truth it just irritated him.

There was one person who was uncharacteristically quiet: Grand Moff Tarkin. He had barely said two words since he sat down at the expansive table. Palpatine knew why and the reason pleased him greatly.

Freedom with Blood had unofficially relocated to Eriadu under Grand Moff Tarkin's guidance. Palpatine knew they were planning a raid to capture Pamila. Tarkin's silence was just evidence that the time for action was coming very soon. Just as Palpatine wanted. Just as he planned.

"TARKIN!" A loud, deep voice boomed.

Darth Vader.

Lord Vader had barged into the conference room and stormed over to Tarkin. Before Tarkin had a chance to react, Vader already had a grip on his neck and began to throttle him violently. The other officials abruptly stood up from their seats and moved away from the black, homicidal figure.

"Where are they Tarkin? Where have you hidden them?!" Vader roared at the Grand Moff as he turned a deep shade of purple.

Every other official looked at the Emperor as if asking what to do. They were shocked when they saw a small smile play across his face. To put them out of their misery, Palpatine stood up sharply.

"The council is dismissed." After that, everyone hastily shuffled out of the room. All who remained was a happy Emperor, an enraged Vader, and a dying Tarkin. Tarkin's eyes kept darting over to Palpatine, pleading for help. But Palpatine just stood and smiled.

"My, my Tarkin. I do believe Lord Vader is upset. Do have any idea why that can be?" The Emperor mocked cruelly.

Tarkin's knuckles were visibly white as he tried to pry Vader's hands away from his throat to no avail. Still, he had enough energy to be snarky. "How should I know? He's your lapdog!" Tarkin barely managed to say in-between painful gasps. Vader tightened his hold on the Grand Moff. At this rate, Tarkin would be dead before he could answer any of Vader's inquiries. That just wouldn't do. Plus Palpatine needed Tarkin alive…for now.

In a calculated maneuver, Palpatine walked over to his apprentice, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. A gesture that was both a reassurance and a threat.

"Now Lord Vader, you should at least give the poor governor a chance to respond. Give him a little air." The Emperor tutted in a fabricated compassionate tone.

Feeling his Master's lethal hand upon him, Vader very grudgingly released Tarkin's deceitful neck. The Grand Moff sucked in a very loud breath and slumped onto the table, trying to take in as much air as he possibly could. He didn't know how long he had until Vader resumed his death grip.

Palpatine let a very sickly smile grow on his face as he watched Lord Vader and Tarkin stare each other down. Both were breathing heavily. Vader's dark demeanor towered over Tarkin's frail old body. The Emperor walked around Vader and stood in between the two men to prevent any preemptive bloodshed.

"Now, perhaps Lord Vader can calmly explain the situation." Palpatine moved his body to look directly at Vader while also blocking his path towards Tarkin. "Lord Vader, what seems to be the problem?"

Vader's gloved robotic hands balled themselves into tight, trembling fists. His whole rigid body seemed to quiver in an unyielding anger. "Pamila…It…," Vader began, stumbling over his words. "I located Freedom with Blood's hideout only to arrive and find they had relocated! And I had previous information that my time with Pamila had been leaked to the press by a source on Eriadu. Now it appears the same leak is conspiring and assisting Freedom with Blood in a plot to hurt Pamila! MY Pamila!" Vader roared, moving forward towards Tarkin but only to have his Master hold him back with an enormous amount of hidden strength.

Now it was Tarkin's turn to be defensive, "And just because the leak came from Eriadu, you think it's me? Believe it or not, I am not the only person on that planet!"

"Don't play innocent, Tarkin," Lord Vader bellowed. "Only four people know of Pamila and her exact location! And only one of the four resides on Eriadu!"

"The press along with the Rebellion have always been resourceful. Perhaps they hacked the Empire and gleamed information about Pamila from a server." Tarkin retorted once his strength began to return to him.

Vader shook his head, trying to push past his Master but failing. "I wiped all official record of her myself! There is no electronic record of Pamila in any server. I'm going to enjoy killing you Tarkin!"

As Vader tried to get to Vader, Palpatine used very little effort to withhold him. The Emperor looked back at Tarkin, "I suggest you leave Governor. Now!"

No sooner did the Emperor finish that statement did Tarkin get up from his chair and move toward the door. As he did, Vader tried to launch for him, but Palpatine intervened. Sidious slammed his apprentice into a nearby wall. The cracks forming behind Vader's body indicated much damage had been done to the wall. Using the Force, Sidious pinned Vader's limbs motionless to the wall. Sidious could hear Vader's respirator click in acceleration. The leather of Vader's suit scraped against the wall as he raged against his invisible bonds.

"He is a traitor!" Lord Vader yelled. "He deserves to die!"

Sidious's voice morphed into a toxic hiss, "A traitor you say? Then what proof have you? You accused the Grand Moff of helping a small and alleged rebellion faction in an attempt to attack a non-imperial planet in order to apprehend a non-imperial citizen." Sidious paused, watching Vader as his words sank in. "It's not so very treacherous after all."

Vader turned his face away, avoiding his Master's gaze. "A non-imperial citizen." He mumbled.

Sidious nodded slowly, "That's right. Pamila has no legal claim in the Empire." With that, the Emperor's mouth turned upward into an evil smile. "Perhaps the Empire could've protected her if she was married to an Imperial citizen. But if I remember correctly, it was you who said that she had no business in the Empire."

"I didn't mean…I thought… I just wanted…" Vader tried speaking, but his voice kept getting tripped up in a river of emotion. This satisfied Sidious. He felt Vader's wounds were salted enough. When he saw Vader slump in defeat, Sidious released his apprentice from the Force that bound him.

In a moment of out of character weakness, Vader let himself slouch to the ground, crutching on hands and knees, unable to stand. The tall, dark, powerful enforcer of the Empire was reduced to pathetic groveling. Sidious watched as his apprentice trembled in this vulnerable position. It reminded Palpatine of a time long ago, when Anakin first kneeled in front of him, pledging allegiance to the Dark Side. All in order to save his pregnant wife. And he failed.

Now history was repeating itself. Once again the apprentice was subjugated before his master. It was truly clear in that moment who held the power and who was forced to cower below him.

And once again, familiar words were uttered by Vader: "Save her."

Sidious smirked, "Politically, my hands are bound."

Vader stomped to his feet, now looming over his Master, "I don't mean politically and you know it. Save her. Use whatever power you have at your disposal and help her!"

Sidious placed his hands on the top of Vader's arms and held him at length, "This is a test of your strength, your skill, and your power. Only you, my dear apprentice, can truly save the ones you love."

… … … … …

Present Day: The Executor

The sound of air filling the sealed chamber flooded Vader's auditory system. Once the sensors showed an acceptable amount of oxygen in the meditation chamber, Vader began to remove his helmet and mask. He felt the mechanical arm lower and remove the tapering helmet. Then he felt the same mechanism painfully remove his mask. He felt the respirator move away from his damaged nose and mouth and he felt the neural needles get pulled from his skull. As agonizing as the process was, it was nothing compared to what was coming next.

Sidious's words had stuck with Vader. If Vader wanted Pamila safe, he had to take matters into his own hands because they were the only hands he could truly trust. He needed to warn Pamila about what was going to happen, about what malice was afoot. Vader got himself into a meditative position on the chair within the chamber. With his face freed from the confines of the mask, he could concentrate better on Pamila. He closed his eyes and let his mind sink into all the sweet memories he had of her.

Oh Pamila. Her sweet smile. Her wide blue eyes looking at him nervously when he first spoke to her. Those sapphires looking up at him lovingly each morning. Vader remembered how she used to trace her sweet little fingers over his suit, showing no fear. It made him smile. He remembered the first time she fell asleep next to him, her head slumping against his shoulder. He remembered how her thin body fit perfectly in his arms. Never in a million years did he think he would hold a woman like that again. He was curious of her because she was Padme reborn, but he had fallen in love with her because she was Pamila. Pamila the merciful healer. And Pamila, the gentlest soul he had ever met.

Loving feelings filled his heart, making him feel elation and regret simultaneously. Still, he let all those emotions fill in every crack of his soul. Vader made if fuel his power and power his connection with the Force. It made him stronger. Soon he felt larger than life. He felt his aura pulse.

Once he was content with his strength, he mentally reached out across the cosmos, seeking out Pamila. He just wanted her to hear his voice. Hear his warning. He spiritually stretched his reach, feeling the presence of Earth. Going deeper, he searched for his heart. Soon he found it. Found her. In his Mind's Eye, he was back in her apartment. It looked the same. Terrariums, plants, crystals, even all the mechanical waterfalls. And even Sekhmet was curled up at the end of the sofa. However, he did not see Pamila. Mentally he walked toward her bedroom door. In his mind, he opened it and found Pamila asleep on the bed. The purple comforter was barely on her. He moved to look at her face. In sleep, she clutched a pillow tightly to her. Vader could see the tears that stained the pillow. She had been crying. He grimaced at the sight because he knew he was the one to cause her emotional pain. And even now he was putting her in danger.

Since he was only there in mental form, hopefully she would not be able to see him. He just wanted her to hear his voice and heed his warning. Mentally, he sat at the foot of her bed. Since he wasn't really there, the bed did not sink under his weight. He slowly moved a mental hand toward Pamila and touched one of her hands that clutched the pillow. He took a gentle hold of his and rubbed his thumb across the top of her hand.

"Pamila, can you hear me?" he spoke, then cringed. His voice! Oh, how could he be so stupid! This was his real voice, not his suit's voice. She wouldn't recognize the voice of a sick old man! He needed the mask. He was about to break the mental connection when Pamila began to stir. She placed her other hand over his as her eyes fluttered open sleepily. She yawned, covering her mouth with the pillow before she opened her eyes fully. When she did, her eyebrows raised and her eyes widened. Pamila sat up abruptly. Her mouth opened and closed like she was trying to say words, but they wouldn't come out. Cautiously, she moved forward toward him.

"Vader? Is that you?"

Now it was Vader's heart that beat rapidly from fear. Could she see him? He had no mask. He was vulnerable.

"Can you see me?" He asked, hating the sound of his real voice.

Her eyes still wide, Pamila nodded slowly. She inched even closer, making Vader more and more anxious. Soon she was on her knees, facing him, her body barely a few inches away from him. Slowly, she lifted up a hand, moving it carefully towards his unmasked face.

He flinched, "Don't"

She gave off a weary smile, "This is just a dream. Nothing can truly happen here."

Vader furrowed his brow. She thought this was a dream? Perhaps that was best. He did not want to cause her any more confusion and pain.

Bearing that in mind, Vader had to use all his resolve not to pull away from her soft hands as her fingertips brushed against his cheek. It was a kind touch and the first time someone touched his skin in decades.

Eventually, he let his light blue eyes meet hers. He examined her expression very carefully. He looked for the slightest sign of disgust, of fear. He could not find any. Pamila's face was full of wonder, curiosity, and tenderness. A smile began to form at the corners of her mouth. When she let her entire palm cup his cheek, he could not stop himself from sighing. Even if he was not physically there, he could still enjoy the softness of her touch. His eyes closed, trying to keep an unshed tear from falling.

"I've missed you," Vader heard himself admit.

Now her expression turned to surprise. She smiled a bit, "Really?"

He turned to look at her fully, he hand never leaving his cheek. He allowed one arm to wrap around her and pull he closer, filling in the space between them. "You seem surprised."

Now it was Pamila's turn to blink away some tears. "I just never thought you would miss me. I thought I was a fool for missing you." Her smile widened, but then shrunk suddenly. "Oh who am I kidding? This is just a dream. You don't really miss me. You probably on a spaceship with some hot alien girl. You're just saying what I want you to say."

Vader softly held her jaw in a gloved hand and looked at her sincerely, "I am not a man for false words and promises. I have never been more truthful when I say that being away from you is unbearable."

She tilted her head, looking at him doubtfully. Then she let out a little snort and rolled her eyes. She caressed his weary brow, "Oh! Why do you always have to be so sweet even in dreams? Makes it really hard for a girl to get over you."

Stunned, Vader tentatively placed a hand on her cheek now. She leaned into his touch. He wiped away a stray tear. When he was satisfied with the smile on her face, he moved his hand gently to the back of her head, lacing his fingers into her hair.

"Come here," he requested.

She complied.

Easily avoiding the neck brace that still surrounded him, she kissed him softly. It was simple, but it was more than enough. She cupped his face now with both hands. The touch was warm and electric, awakening every sense in Vader's body, demanding attention. Completely happy, Vader returned the kiss, deepening it slightly. Not too much, but enough to show how much he cared. She melted right along with him.

Gently, he pulled away. Her azure eyes sparkled with joy as her smile beamed. Her golden hair had fallen a little over her face, shielding her eyes in waves of honey. Vader brushed her hair back behind her ear. She smiled, moving closer to him again, but this time he stopped her with a simple touch on her shoulder.

"Pamila, there is something I must tell you." His eyes filled with sadness and his voice trembled slightly.

Pamila's face quickly turned concerned. "What is it? You seem so sad. Please tell me what is wrong."

He looked down, holding her hands softly in his own. "All I want to do is keep you safe. I need to warn you. There is…"

He couldn't speak. No matter how hard he tried to enunciate, his voice would not work. Suddenly, he felt himself slipping away. Being forced back towards the Executor.

Pamila reached out toward him, but when her hands tried to touch him, they went right through him. Her eyes went wide with fear. "Vader? What's happening? Don't go!"

Pamila, he tried to say, but the words couldn't come out. In a blinding rush, he flew backwards. He flew out of the room, out of the apartment, past millions of stars and galaxies. He rushed backwards until he felt is soul meld into his body with a painful jolt. He sucked in a deep breath. What happened? He needed to go back.

That is when he heard a pitiful little knock on the side of his chamber.

"Lord Vader? Are you in there, sir? It's Corporal Bradly sir"

Vader, too angry for words, reattached his mask and helmet and unsealed the pod. As the hatch opened fully, Vader stood imposingly and marched toward the corporal. He moved forward at such an aggressive pace, he backed the terrified corporal into a wall. Then, with his thumb and index finger, he used the Force to cut off the young man's windpipe.

"Do you have ANY idea of what you just did?!" Vader boomed. "Your actions could cost a young woman her life!"

The pale face corporal was crying. His eyes were red and his tone was pleading, "Please…Sir! Free… Blood."

Vader loosened his grip, ignoring the boy as he gasped for air, "What about Freedom with Blood? Speak!"

"Anonymous source…says…on the move! Thousands of ships spotted!"

Vader gripped the boy tightly by his tunic, pulling him closer, "On the move to where?"

The boy gulped, "Earth. They will be there in less than an hour."

Ok, so there was a little romance ;) but next chapter will be a big battle scene where the Rebellion and Empire fight on the same side for once ;) That chapter may take a while, so don't hold your breath for too long ;) Hope you have a good day!

PS: I will be leaving for Florida for spring break in 2 days and I don't plan on doing much writing. So you won't see an update from me for at least a week :P For all the other spring breakers, I just say be safe and have fun! ;)