Chapter 36

Present Day: Abandoned moon of Kessel

The rumbling beneath Vader and Pamila was growing. In his mind's eye, Vader could almost see the support beams crumbling and the walls beginning to cave in. He had to get Pamila out of here. The stairs were no longer a viable escape route, not with the building collapsing and the fire growing. It would only serve to endanger Pamila even more. No, there was only one option. It was dangerous, but given the alternatives…

Vader stood up, still holding Pamila in his arms. He walked to the edge of the roof, ignoring his labored breath and the foggy sensation growing in his head.

Pamila looked up at him questioningly, "Vader? What are you doing?"

Vader ignored her.

"Hold on to me." He stated calmly. Soon he was standing at the very edge of the four story building.

A look of realization entered Pamila's eyes, along with fear, "Whoa! Uh…I'm not real comfortable with this! Maybe if we took a moment to figure…!"

Vader jumped, feeling Pamila arms tighten around his neck. She buried her face in his chest, clearly trying to suppress a scream. Using the Force, he made his body decelerate slightly before he reached the ground and absorb the impact. With an audible thump, he landed in a crouched position on the dirt. As he did, he took in a sharp breath, winching at the sudden pain in his chest. He couldn't maintain his healing while softening the landing at the same time. His heart was failing and the fumes of this planet saturated his lungs…But then Vader glanced at Pamila in his arms, seeing her hiding her face near his chest. That moment is what made it all worth it.

Pamila finally showed her face, her eyes open with exhilaration. "Hey! Wow, we're alive! I don't know how you did that, but please, let's not do it again!"

When Vader didn't answer or move out of the crouched position, Pamila looked up at him. She could see his chest heaving now, his eyes beginning to glaze, and his mouth open as he fought to get in air. Cautiously, she moved to touch his cheek. Slowly, he shifted his gaze to meet hers.

Pamila smiled meekly, "Let's get out of here. I think we are both a little worse for wear."

For the first time in forever, Vader truly allowed himself to smile. "So it would seem." Vader stood up slowly with Pamila still securely in his arms. "Don't worry. We are close to my shuttle."

As he made his way back to his shuttle, he could feel Pamila's grip loosen around his neck. Her head bobbed up and down as she lost consciousness. Vader looked over her body as he walked. Given all her blood loss, he was surprised she remained conscious for as long as she did. Before long, he reached the base of the ramp of the shuttle. Two med droids rolled down to meet him.

"What is it you require, my lord?" One asked their monotone, robotic voice.

"Large Bacta-bandages, splints, and an oxygen mask!" Vader barked as he carried Pamila to a cot in the shuttle cabin. "Now droids!"

The droids scurried away while Vader laid Pamila down on the cot. He brushed hair out of her pale face, admiring her sleeping form as he sat in the cabin's seat next to her. When the droids came back, they began placing the Bacta-bandages and splints around Pamila's shins. However, they gave the mask to Vader.

"I do not require this!" Vader bellowed, quickly placing the oxygen mask over Pamila's nose and mouth. As the oxygen was administered, Vader could see her breath fog up the translucent mask. A good sign.

The droids eyed him, "But my lord, your suit's mask is…"

"I am aware of my condition! Get the shuttle going and engage the auto pilot. Set course for the Executor."

The droids lowered their heads, "Yes, my lord."

When the shuttle took off, Vader began perusing the medical supplies. He pulled out an anti-bacterial vaccine and an anti-radiation vaccine. All infants were given the Anti-Rad vaccine in this galaxy for the purpose of future space travel. However, since Earth did not have any dealings with interplanetary travel, Pamila would be in desperate need for this shot.

Carefully, he administered both vaccines into her arm. Over the years, Vader had become a skilled medic for he rarely allowed anyone to treat his battle injuries except himself and a handful of droids. After Pamila was taken care of, Vader gave himself the booster vaccine of the Anti-Rad, hoping it would lessen the impact of the radioactive fumes.

Vader grabbed some small Bacta-bandages and started wrapping them around the tips of Pamila's fingers, where her nails had been pulled. Then he placed bandages on the small cuts that littered her body. Soon, nearly all of Pamila was covered in bluish gauze, but she was no less beautiful to Vader. He placed a hand on the crown of her head and bent forward, gently kissing her forehead. He stroked her head softly with his hand.

"I promise you Pamila, soon this will be nothing but a distant memory. No more harm will come to you now. I promise you."

The only response Vader got was Pamila's breathing in her mask, but that was enough for him. She was alive and he was glad of it.

The shuttle arced as it made its way back to the Executor. The various sounds of clicking and whirring that followed indicated they were going to land soon. This should have worried Vader. It meant that soon he would be seen on his own Command-Ship without his mask or helmet. His handicaps would be open for all to see. Yet Vader remained unfazed. He simply held onto Pamila's hand as the shuttle docked within the Executor. She would be his strength.

After the transport touched down in the docking bay and the ramp was lowered, Vader could see Captain Piett waiting eagerly at the bottom of the gangplank. The captain's eager face quickly became filled with apprehension and horror as an unmasked Vader walked toward him, holding Pamila in his arms. He was not alone. Others in the bay halted whatever they were doing, struck with fear. Many made their way out of the bay as quickly as possible

Piett swallowed dryly. He had nowhere to run. Trying to keep his composure, he averted his eyes from the dark lord's visage. "My lord, how can I be of assistance?"

Vader mentally dismissed the captain's horrified face, "Captain, you are to escort Pamila to the medical bay and remain with her until my arrival."

As Vader gestured that Piett should take Pamila out of his arms and into his own, Piett shook his head in fear. "Oh no, my lord! That wouldn't be appropriate. I…"

Vader shot him a look that made Piett fall silent instantly. Then Vader spoke softly, "I need someone trustworthy to watch over as I attend to my own needs. You are such a person, Captain Piett."

This time when Vader gestured that Piett should take Pamila from him, the captain did not hesitate. Having Darth Vader's trust could probably be the greatest achievement of his naval career. Piett carefully gathered the young woman in his arms and held her securely. Then he looked confidently into Vader's bare face.

"This is an honor, sir. I will guard her with my life."

"Good," Vader nodded. "After I arrive, set course for Mustafar."

Once again, Piett's face flushed with fear, "But the Emperor has requested that you and Pamila return to Coruscant!"

Vader shook his head, "Worry not. I will take responsibility for disobeying that order. Set course for Mustafar."

Defeated, Piett nodded solemnly, "Yes, my lord."

After that was settled, Piett made his way gingerly to the medical bay, being extra careful with his precious cargo. Once he was out of view, Vader made his way to his private quarters. He had a suit to attend to.

… … … … …

Pamila felt like Ricky Ricardo used her head to play Ba-Ba-Loo.

She didn't have the strength to open her eyes. She was still trapped in that state between being asleep and being awake. It felt like she was floating in goop. Her body felt weightless, like her consciousness was suspended on a cloud. Despite the pounding in her head, everything felt peaceful. She didn't know what was happening, couldn't keep her thoughts straight, and could barely remember the past. All she knew was she was safe.

Finally . . . she was safe.

Eventually, she could feel the sensations around her body. She felt a tight iciness around her shins and her fingertips. There was something foreign on her face, making her feel cluster phobic. It felt really weird. She wanted it off. When she moved her hand to take the thing off her, someone pushed her arm down.

Pamila's eyes shot open and turned to whoever touched her. To her side, she saw a middle aged man with a pleasant face staring at her with greenish-brown eyes. He wore a familiar grey uniform and she could see the greying hair underneath his cap. She also saw him blush as he removed his hand from her arm. Clearly the traditional "Man-cannot-touch-woman" type. Again, that seemed familiar.

I know him! Oh crap…What's his name?

"Please," he said in a gentle British voice. "You need to keep that on. It appears your body isn't used to space travel."

Pamila nodded, still sorting through her memories. She remembered this man came with the Emperor to pick up Vader. When he sat by her on the couch, he avoided touching her so much, he sat on the corner edge of the couch. Pamila remembered thinking he was going to fall off. Then it hit her.

"Piett," she mumbled into her mask. "You're Captain Piett, right?"

He blushed and adjusted his cap nervously. "Yes, my L… Yes miss. You have a good memory."

Pamila smiled and snorted, "Well, it's easy to remember the time space people come to your home."

As Piett blushed once again, Pamila took in her surroundings. It appeared she was lying down in a hospital somewhere, but there was no other patients. Only Piett sitting next to her. There were weird robot things everywhere, which kind of gave Pamila the creeps. She noticed her shins and finger were wrapped in a cold, light blue bandages. It made her feel like a smurf mummy.

"Where am I? Where's Vader?" Pamila asked, her fatigue getting the better of her again.

Piett looked at her with concern, "You are aboard Lord Vader's ship. Specifically in the medical bay. Lord Vader will be back shortly." Piett's worry grew in his eyes. "Are you alright? You suddenly look very pale."

"Yeah, I'm good. Just been a long week. I don't think it helps that I haven't eaten anything in days."

Piett looked guilty. "I'm sorry miss, but the med droids say you can't hold down anything. Your stomach can't handle food."

"That's ok. I'm just sorry you got put on baby-sitting duty."

Piett smiled. "I don't mind. It's a great honor."

Hoool-Puur . . . Hoool-Puur . . . Hoool-Puur

"As it should be," a familiar, deep voice bellowed.

Both Piett and Pamila looked quickly at the doorway. Standing there with his usual bold and dark presence was Darth Vader. Helmet and mask restored, he cut an imposing figure. A new suit free of burns and holes reestablished his dominant air as he black cape spread out behind him. While Piett stood in attention, flushing with fear, Pamila couldn't help but lament not seeing Vader's true form.

Vader walked towards them, his footsteps heavy. With each step, Piett seemed to quiver more and more. Pamila winced. She didn't like seeing people being afraid of Vader. It was just another reminder that he had a shady past that she knew nothing about. More secrets, more darkness, more proof that Willmeif's actions might have been justified.

Before long, Vader was at Pamila's side. Pamila noticed Piett gulp in sheer terror, his bottom lip quivering ever so slightly as Vader stood next to him. Pamila felt her stomach sink.

Oh Vader, what skeletons are in your closet?

"Captain Piett," Vader began to speak. "You are relieved. Set course for Mustafar."

Piett's expression became twitchy, his face growing even whiter, "My lord, I humbly ask that we follow the Emperor's request. The Emperor…"

"Is not here," Vader interrupted sternly. "I am. So I suggest you follow my orders."

"Yes, my lord." Piett said, giving Vader a curt bow before he left the room.

As Vader watched the captain leave, Pamila found the courage to speak, "He's afraid of you."

Vader slowly turned to her, his expression once again unreadable, "Yes, I know."

"Seems to be a trend," Pamila continued. "People either seem to fear you or hate you around here."

"Yes," Vader said simply. Clearly he was not in an explaining mood. However Pamila wanted answers and she wanted them now.

"Sheela," Pamila spoke. "She was Willmeif's wife?"

Vader turned to look at Pamila fully now, "Yes. And I know what you are going to ask next. Yes, I killed her, along with their daughter."

Pamila looked at the ceiling, not feeling strong enough to look at Vader, "How o…"

"She was barely two months old." Vader answered quickly and emotionlessly.

"Oh god," Pamila muttered, feeling sick. Not only because the man she loved was a baby killer, but because she was not feeling as disturbed as she should be. Maybe it's because she always suspected and sensed his darkness, but for some reason, she wasn't as distressed as one might expect upon being told the guy you like is a murderer. And that made her feel even guiltier.

Vader must have sensed her feelings, "You don't seem overly surprised."

Pamila scoffed, "I'm not overly thrilled either! But I guess after I found your Glowstick of Death, I figured your…occupation…was less than philanthropic. When Willmeif showed me videos of you…cutting people down, killing them one by one, I couldn't believe you were the same person I rescued. But you are."

It was silent for several moments. For the first time, there was real tension between them. Surprisingly, it was Vader who made the first move. He sat in the nearby chair and held Pamila's injured hand. To Pamila's own surprise, she didn't pull away. She should have pulled away. He was a killer. A brute. But he had her heart. She didn't want to pull away.

"So," he began to say in that alluringly deep voice. "Do you now hate and fear me like all the others?"

Pamila searched her feelings. Did she? The answer scared her.

"Worse," Pamila spoke. "I think I'm in love with you…despite everything. God help me."

If Vader was surprised or taken aback, Pamila couldn't tell. She felt Vader squeeze her hand tighter. She felt her own hand wrap around his. Her mind was screaming two different things: I love this! And… What the hell am I doing?

Then something unexpected happened. Vader gently pulled her hand toward his chest, laying her palm flat over his heart. The sudden feeling of his beating heart under her skin made her gasp slightly. She could feel it beating rapidly, just like hers. Pamila blushed as she felt his body heat even through his suit. He placed one hand over her hand on his chest, the other he cupped her cheek. This sweet gesture made Pamila's heart quicken.

He pressed her palm harder against his chest, his heart beating more strongly.

"For you only," he said simply, caressing her cheek with his hand.

As tears welled in Pamila's eyes and fell down her face, Vader silently wiped them away. No more words were spoken. Vader's sweet gestures had stilled all the confusion and all the anger in Pamila's mind. She should have deemed him a cruel murderer, should have demanded he take her home and get the hell out of her life! But she didn't. This was still the man who she rescued, who was kind to her, and who had risked his life to save her. All she could do now was pray that the good outweighed the bad. And hope this man wouldn't be the death of her.

Minutes felt like an eternity. Vader's gloved hand on Pamila's face was a welcome sensation, as was the feeling of his beating heart. Especially in comparison to her days of being tortured. Slowly, Vader removed his hand from her cheek and let her hand drop back onto the bed. He stood up, his tall stature made Pamila feel small. He gave her hand one final squeeze.

"We will arrive at our destination shortly." He said as he began to walk away.

"And where exactly is our 'destination'?" Pamila called out.

Vader looked back, "My fortress." Then he continued walking out the door.

Pamila arched an eyebrow. Fortress? Yeah, because it was totally normal to date a guy with a freaking fortress! Happens all the time… Then again, it's not exactly a cry of sanity to date a guy who has his own spaceship full of people who look like space Nazis!

Pamila rolled her eyes and sighed.

What have I done?!

… … … … … …

She loved him.

Pamila was alive and she loved him. Vader got more than he could ever ask for. All Vader dared to wish for was to rescue Pamila. He succeeded, but in doing so, she learned some terrible truths about him. She learned he was a killer and an enforcer of the Empire. For a moment, her eyes looked at him the same way everyone else's did: Fear. Anger. Resentment. But soon that looked was replaced with something else. Something Vader treasure: Love. Despite all the horrible things she had learned about him, her face could still look at him with affection. Even though she had seen his horrid visage and deformities, she still smiled warmly at him.

A realization washed over Vader. All was as the Force willed it to be. Padme had doubted Anakin, leading to her death and the birth of Darth Vader. For the longest time, Vader deemed it a cruel twist of fate. But now he saw the truth.

Padme was made for Anakin. Padme was meant to die, just like Anakin. Pamila was born for Vader. She was meant to live.

The clicking of boots sounded behind Vader. Without turning around, Vader addressed the new arrival.

"What is it, Captain Piett?"

When Vader finally turned around, he saw worry lines dig deeply into the captain's face. "My lord, I have set course for Mustafar. However, we have been hailed by Mas Amedda. He says the Emperor demands you make contact with him right away," Piett paused, trying to gather his words. "My lord, I really think you should reconsider follow…"

"I will reconsider nothing!" Vader snapped. "Keep to your current course. I will speak to the Emperor."

Piett bowed as Vader stormed past him, making his way to his private quarters. As he entered the cabin, he sealed the doors behind him, denying access to anyone who tried to enter. Vader kneeled on a pad at the base of the large HoloProjector as he hailed the Emperor. Before long, a sizable image of the Emperor appeared before him. Vader bowed his head in genuflection.

"What is thy bidding, my Master?"

The Emperor sneered, "You know my bidding, but have elected to ignore it! Captain Piett informs me you ordered him to go to Mustafar even though I requested you come to Coruscant. What exactly is the meaning of this?"

Vader looked up at the image of his Master, "Pamila is sick and injured, Master. What's more, she is also frightened. I think a populated planet like Coruscant would be too much for her to handle at this moment in time."

"Do you now?" the Emperor jeered. He fell silent for several moments before he spoke again. "I hope this won't become a pattern, my apprentice. I hope Pamila will not always serve circumvent my will. If it does, I may not be your Master anymore."

Vader was not afraid, "You are the one who brought her to my attention to begin with, Master. By looking out for her wellbeing, I am doing your bidding."

For a second, Vader could actually see the Emperor look surprised. Vader had never seen the Emperor caught off guard before. This pleased Vader.

The Emperor spoke softly yet menacingly, "Yes, through those constraints, it would appear as if you follow my will." The emperor paused to lean forward, glaring at Vader. "I expect you and Pamila at the Imperial Palace in three days' time. Regardless of her…condition."

Vader gulped and bowed his head, "It will be done, my Master."

The Emperor leaned back, "I know."

As soon as the Emperor killed the transmission, Vader walked out of his quarters. Waiting for him outside was Piett.

"Was the Emperor upset, Lord Vader?"

"That is no concern of yours, Captain." Vader reprimanded. Piett looked defeated and began to walk away, but Vader called him back.

"You are married, are you not?"

Piett cautiously turned around, looking confused. "Yes, my Lord. Nearly seventeen years."

Vader nodded, "Is it a happy marriage?"

Piett gave off a small smile, "I like to think so, sir."

Vader took a step closer to the Captain, "And where did you acquire your wife's ring?"

Gee, I'm just not liking these last two chapters. But I thank all of you who commented on Pamila/ Vader's reunion chapter. It was nice to see people happy and excited about the chapter : ) Thank you all : ) I'm still not liking this Chapter or the last one, but it may grow on me at some point.

And I think I have a crush on a star wars character even more than Darth Vader! Hard to believe right? Nope, it's not Lando, Han, or Poe…It's Grand Admiral Thrawn! I just got the new Thrawn book as a gift. I didn't think I would like it because the original Thrawn trilogy in Legends bored me…but this book was amazing! Thrawn is so smart and calm and charismatic. And despite what you see in Rebels, he actually has a kind and considerate side ;) I have developed quite the crush on him…maybe even more than Vader ;) Nah...that's impossible