Chapter 36: Inopinatum Morsus

-PART ONE-

CORUSCANT: IMPERIAL PALACE

To foresee the future.

The death of his Master, the fall of the Republic, the annihilation of the Jedi and the rise of the Empire.

Results of years of hard work and patience, carefully manipulating events from the shadows until all of the pieces finally came together. Events that had ultimately hinged on the successful seduction and corruption of the Jedi's chosen one.

That still hinged on him to this day. There was still so much that needed to be done. He'd felt certain that releasing his new apprentice to deal with Naboo was the correct decision at the time.

Now, standing in the darkness, watching the insignificant pawns of Coruscant as they carried out their pathetic little lives from his throne room window, Darth Sidious contemplated the future.

His visions had become clouded – obscured by uncertainty. With no news on Lord Vader's whereabouts, he was left analysing and over thinking every tiny tremor he sensed through the Force. And there had been so many to ponder. Whispers of Jedi sightings were rampant throughout the Senate, igniting hope into the hearts of those whom would one day stand against him.

Hope that his apprentice was supposed to be out there taking care of.

This was when he needed Vader the most. To unleash him on the galaxy with his bloodied saber in hand, finishing off what they started with Order 66. Hunting down the surviving Jedi and eradicating them from their Empire.

Was that what he was currently doing? It was difficult to know for sure, seeing that their last conversation was so abruptly interrupted by static interference. He wanted to believe it and in the short spans of time prior to his confrontation on Naboo, he would have. But circumstances had changed, his impetuous little wife inconveniently back in the picture, gradually and determinedly eroding all of the fruits of his efforts, drawing the man inside the suit back out of hiding.

He would have to exercise a great deal of caution in dealing with her. Vader was yet to realise his true potential. Blind as to how powerful he had veritably become.

An ignorance that he did not have the luxury of indulging.

The transceiver alarmed from his command desk, signalling an incoming call. Tearing his gaze away from the cityscape, he stalked over to activate it.

"Yes Admiral, what is it?" Sidious sneered into the comm.

"My Lord, we have an incoming transmission from the Exactor," the male officer announced. "It's Lord Vader, Sir. He demands to speak with you."

"Good. Put him through."

STAR DESTROYER EXACTOR: DROMUND KAAS

Vader knelt subserviently on the holopod, his senses stretching out into the Force. He could feel his Master, even from this distance, and it was anything but comforting. As attuned as his senses were, they were nothing in comparison to those of his Master.

A disturbing thought indeed.

Sidious remained silent, his ghostly blue holo-image hovering threateningly in the air before him, his gnarly, twisted features knotted into a tightly compressed scowl. He felt his inquisition, the distant probing at his psyche digging for information. Easing his shields back just a fraction, he focussed on remaining indifferent.

"Lord Vader," the Emperor purred, his withered tone laden with annoyance, "I trust you have a good explanation for your extended absence."

"Yes, My Master." This was going to test him. Lying was not a skill he was overly proficient in and as such he had already decided on simply bending the truth.

"Well? I'm waiting."

"We were tracking two Jedi throughout the Outer-rim. Unwilling to risk detection, I ordered the fleet into stealth mode."

"And?"

"Fortunately for them, they escaped, Master," he replied, dipping his helmeted head marginally lower. "The crew are currently mapping out their last known trajectory."

Vader felt something begin to stir between them – a rising anger festering – but it was just as quickly hidden away.

"I see. And where is your fleet now?"

He drew on the Force, using it to keep his emotions in check. In the presence of his Master, the Dark side came easily, wrapping around him like a thick security blanket, its steel-cold embrace steadying his racing heart and clearing his mind. He took a quick moment to absorb its inherent power before continuing. "We are sitting in orbit over Dromund Kaas and preparing to head to the planet's surface."

"Dromund Kaas?"

The revelation seemed to surprise him. There was a definite undercurrent of shock hidden behind his words. But why? What was so important about this long forgotten planet? Perhaps there was more to his being guided here than he had initially suspected.

"Yes Master."

Another contemplative pause. Sidious pulled his head deeper into the shadow of his hood, his burning eyes gleaming in the darkness.

"Did your search for the Jedi lead you there?"

Vader lifted his head, staring directly at the holoprojection. "No Master."

"Then what?"

"The Force," he stated matter-of-factly.

Anger surged between them again, only this time it was allowed to flow freely along their bond. Vader felt it, knowing full well, that if he were in fact kneeling before his Master in person, the lightning would not be far away.

"Your orders were to locate your wife and bring her to me, Lord Vader. Not to go traipsing off into the galaxy, chasing down your own foolish crusade."

Vader dipped his head back to the floor. "Yes ... My Master," he groaned in submission.

"Speaking of your wife, I seem to recall you saying that you'd found her. How is she after her little escapade?"

He had expected this. After leaving the bridge, he'd returned to his chamber and contemplated several possible outcomes. He needed a way of protecting her, a safeguard against his Master's vengeance, and he had come to one final conclusion. She now possessed something he wanted, and what better way to ensure her safety than to use his own malevolent desires against him? All he had to do was fulfil his role as the ever dutiful apprentice, following his orders to the letter, and their baby growing inside her would keep her safe.

"She is doing well, considering ..." Vader baited, allowing his words to trail off.

"Considering?"

Bait taken. He swallowed down the dryness in his throat, the suffocating tightness that arose whenever he discussed Padmè. "She is ... with child, My Master."

Across the galaxy, perched upon his angular throne, Emperor Palpatine leaned forward, his discerning glare penetrating the hazy blue mass that was his apprentice.

"And you are certain of this?"

"Aleria has confirmed it," he rumbled quietly. No matter how much he knew this was the correct decision, it still didn't sit right. He kept his eyes to the floor, fighting to hold his nerve. He suddenly felt as though he'd betrayed her. And perhaps in a way, he had.

"Bring her in, I wish to speak with her."

Vader lifted his gaze, his breath caught in his chest. "But ... she is sleeping, Master."

"Then go wake her, Lord Vader. Unless, of course, you would prefer for me to come there in person."

"As you wish," he rumbled in resignation. There was no backing out of this now. He pushed himself up and tugged his cape into position, then with a curt bow, turned and left his chamber.

Padmè and Kenobi were both still fast asleep when he entered the guest quarters. Someone had obviously been out to return Leia to her crib, because she was no longer where he'd left her. Trying his hardest to stay quiet, he slowly moved to the couch and knelt down beside his wife. Placing his flesh and blood hand upon her forehead and taking her hand in his gloved prosthetic, he stretched out with the force. "Padmè ... Angel ... wake up, My love."

Her eyelids twitched, but remained closed. "Ani?" she mumbled, gently squeezing his hand.

He glanced at the Jedi, then back to her. "I need you to wake up, Padmè," he whispered through the Force.

She squeezed his hand tighter and slowly opened her eyes. For a brief moment he could've sworn she'd seen his expression behind the mask. It was as if her penetrating eyes had successfully pierced straight through his armour, sweeping across his obscured face in curiosity then deepening as realisation dawned. Silently taking both of her hands, Vader gently pulled her to her feet, not missing the questioning glance she shot the still slumbering Jedi.

Not wanting to speak lest he disturb Kenobi, he simply nodded and went about leading her from the suite, closing the door behind them.

"Where are we going?" Padmè asked with a yawn, groggily following her husband's lead.

He turned his mask to her then back to the corridor, not breaking his stride. "I am taking you to my chamber. He wants to speak with you."

He felt her eyes upon him, sided with a sudden surge of anger. She abruptly yanked on his hand and pulled him to a stop. Tilting her head off to the side, she glared up at him as he spun around.

"Wait. Who wants to speak with me?" she demanded.

"You already know who, Padmè," he growled, unease slowly worming its way through his veins. "It is unwise to keep him waiting."

Her brows dropped into a heavy frown, wiping every last trace of sleep from her face. He knew she wouldn't be happy, had expected it the very moment he left to wake her. She was just so emotional lately, overreacting to every insignificant little thing. Tears one minute, argumentative the next. For a fleeting second, he caught himself feeling rather thankful he'd spent so much time away during her first pregnancy; especially if this was anything to go by. Force only knew how he would've handled the stress of that on top of the Clone Wars.

And the Clone Wars had ruined him.

"I don't understand," she snapped, quickly pulling her hand away and folding her arms. "I thought we were on communication silence. Isn't that what you said? How is it that he has suddenly managed to contact you?"

Vader folded his own arms in kind, pulling his back straight. "He didn't," he growled lowly. "I contacted him."

"You what? Why, Anakin? Why would you do that?"

Why couldn't she just do as he asked for once? Just once. Was that too much to ask for? He rolled his eyes behind the mask and squeezed his jaw tight, save him saying something that would really upset her. Dropping both hands heavily upon her bare shoulders, he lowered his head inline with her uptight face. "Padmè, this is not the time. Now, you can either come with me willingly, or I can pick you up and carry you there myself."

The fire in her eyes burned out. She knew he wasn't messing around anymore, he could feel the waves of disappointment and confusion rolling off her through their bond. It actually hurt, knowing that he had now verbally beaten her down, squashing the very spark that he always found so irresistible. Maybe he wasn't changing as much as he first thought.

"Fine, I'll go," she said. "But this conversation isn't over ... My Lord."

It took two full cycles of his respirator before he managed to bite back the flurry of retorts threatening to fly from his mouth. Releasing her shoulders, he turned and strode for his door, his gloved hand hovering over the security panel. As she walked up to stand alongside him, he hesitated. "Whatever you do, do not think of Luke and Leia. I will do my best to shield you from him, but you must try and keep your feelings hidden."

"Are you implying that he can read my mind?" she asked.

He turned back to the panel and entered his code. "I am not implying it."

The door to his chamber slid open and he held his hand up, gesturing for her to enter. She lifted her head high and stalked inside. Vader followed and closed the door, being careful to stay very close so as to show his support.

The blue light of the holo-projector lit up the otherwise darkened quarters, covering every wall and floor panel with the same cerulean hue of her husband's old Jedi lightsaber. Padmè swallowed, and stepped onto the holopod, vaguely aware of her state of undress. Her husband moved alongside her and immediately dropped to one knee, his head bent forward in total submission. She couldn't believe it. She'd never seen him actually conversing with Palpatine in this manner before, and seeing it now made her realise just how dominated and controlled he truly was.

"Ah, my dear Padmè," Palpatine sneered as his wrinkled face rezzed into focus. "It is so good to see you again."

She glanced down to Anakin, his body heat radiating on her side, seeing he still had not moved and then back up to the holo-projector. "I wish I could say the same for you, Emperor."

Sidious cackled. "I'm not sure if he's told you, but Lord Vader was rather distressed when you escaped. He worked himself up into such a frenzy, that I had to shock him back to his senses. I trust I won't be needing to do that again in the near future."

Still Anakin didn't budge. Surely he wasn't going to stay kneeling like that for the entire conversation, was he? Padmè glared back up at the ghostly face. "Escapee is usually a term applied to one who has fled imprisonment. I was unaware that that was the case. I left with Senator Organa on official business, there was nothing unusual about it. As for you torturing my husband, you do that regularly as a means of beating him into submission, do not try and deflect the blame for that onto me."

"Ah yes, Bail Organa of Alderaan, he is one of your friends, isn't he? Lord Vader and I are both well apprised of his extra-curricular activities, as I have no doubt you are."

"I don't know what you are talking about."

"Yes ... you do. It wouldn't surprise me if he asked you to join his efforts. In which case, I want you to agree. Then you can report to both Lord Vader and myself on his dealings."

Padmè once again looked to Anakin. She thought that he might have said something – anything – in response to what Palpatine was saying. Instead, the only noise that came from him was the constant rhythmic hiss in and out of his mechanical breathing. Turning back to the transmission she squared off her shoulders and adopted her most regal stance, not caring about her silken white nightgown any longer.

"And if I refuse?" she demanded.

Palpatine leaned forward, his twisted mouth morphing into a sinister sneer. "Then I shall have no choice but to allow your husband to deal with the traitorous Viceroy in whatever manner he sees fit. I know for a fact he would thoroughly enjoy it."

She tried to suppress the unwelcome shiver that surfaced from that horrifying thought. Or perhaps it was from the sudden chill rippling through the air from beside her. Bile rose in her throat. It was truly sickening to know how badly Anakin wanted to harm the Alderaanian Viceroy. "I don't appear to have much of a choice. But if I do this, what do I get in return?"

"The protection and support of the two most powerful men in the galaxy. The freedom to come and go as you please. The privilege of being granted continued access to my apprentice. All of which can be revoked, should you decide to change your mind."

Anakin's breathing suddenly shifted, the respirator oddly clicking and skipping a beat. The chill in the air, amplified. She looked down at him, only to see both gloved hands now balled tightly into fists upon the floor. The veiled threat was clear to the both of them. She either did this, or Palpatine would make sure they never saw each other again. Padmè sighed and turned her eyes back to the holoprojector. "Alright, I'll do it. But I'll need my own ship. I can't turn up at Alderaan in a Star Destroyer."

A rumbling growl sounded from the floor beside her. Anakin didn't seem to like that idea very much.

"Good. Lord Vader," Palpatine commanded, and the black mask lifted to look up at him. "You will ensure that Padmè is properly taken care of. See to it that she is given her own ship and security detail."

"Yes ... My Master," he ground out, once more lowering his head back to the floor.

"Security detail? And how exactly is a contingent of clone troopers following my every move supposed to help me?" Padmè protested, throwing her hands on her hips. "Bail Organa is far too observant for that, he will suspect something is up the moment he sees them."

"Padmè," Vader warned, tilting his head to look at her.

Palpatine glanced between them. He sighed and leaned back. "Whilst I can appreciate your concerns regarding this matter and I trust Lord Vader will agree, that your safety is paramount. After all, it would be a terrible tragedy if the two of you were to lose yet another of your precious offspring as the result of an otherwise preventable incident."

Padmè turned immediately to glare at her kneeling husband, who met her stare with wordless silence. She fought down the urge to demand answers, not wanting to give Palpatine the satisfaction of seeing them argue. Unfortunately her body language and facial expression failed to participate.

"It appears the two of you have a great deal to discuss," the Emperor purred with amusement. "So, I shall leave you both to it. Lord Vader, I expect a full report the instant you return from the planet."

"Yes, My Master."

"As for you, Senator Amidala ... I look forward to seeing you at the next Senate meeting."

Padmè didn't take her eyes off her husband. "I assure you, Palpatine ... the pleasure will be all yours," she spat back.

The holoprojector rezzed out, plunging them both into a sudden awkward silence. Vader rose from the floor, fists clenched and body rigid. He didn't dare look at his wife. He couldn't. The thought of her wanting to leave him thrumming in his head. His heart was pounding like a drum. The white-hot, dark-side fuelled, adrenaline rushing through his veins doing nothing to abate the simmering rage swelling inside him.

"I can't believe you!" Padmè yelled from behind him.

He didn't turn around.

"Here I was thinking – hoping – that you were coming around! And then you go and betray me to him like that!"

His vision started to pulsate in sync with his heart. He squeezed his hands tighter. Clenched his jaw. He couldn't shake the thought. She wanted to leave him. After everything he'd done. After how hard he'd been trying. None of it mattered. Nothing mattered.

"Aren't you going to say something?"

But he couldn't. He couldn't even turn around for fear of hurting her. She needed to go. He needed a chance to think, to settle, to get his emotions back under control.

"Get ... out ... Padmè," he hissed, keeping his eyes glued to the port window in front of him.

"No Anakin! We are going to talk about this now!"

He could feel the muscles in his neck constricting. The radiating heat inside his mask, suffocating. Any second now he was going to lose it. The annoying voice chanting in his head.

She wants her own ship so she can leave you. She lied to you. She doesn't love you. She doesn't want you. She only pretended to love you, so she could use you to find your children. How could she possibly love you? You're twisted, crippled and deformed, more machine now than man.

Barely restraining himself, he waved his hand to open the chamber door and whirled on her. "I told you ... to get ... out," he snarled. Shoving his hand into the air, he force pushed her through the door.

Padmè suddenly flew back, landing on her backside in the middle of the passage. It wasn't a strong push, just enough to launch her from his chamber. It didn't even hurt really. Shaking her head, she stared up at the open door, just in time to see it slam closed. The initial shock of being thrown out of his quarters quickly wore off. Pushing to her feet, she stormed back to the door and pounded on it. "Anakin! You let me back in there this instant, we're not finished."

She stopped pounding, listening to his boots thundering around on the floor inside. A strangled howl ripped through the silence accompanied by some odd whistling noise. She went to press her ear to the door.

CRACK!

She jumped back.

Something suddenly crashed into it, the impact so forceful, it nearly wrenched the door from its track. Whatever it was shattered, rattling and clunking as the pieces fell to the floor just inside.

"FINE!" she yelled, stomping her foot and throwing her hands into the air. "STAY IN THERE!"

Muttering her frustrations, she stormed down the passage to return to her suite. Obi-wan was awake when she returned, standing in the middle of the room and staring at her with his arms tightly folded.

"I'm almost afraid to ask," he said.

Padmè glared back. "Then don't!" she snapped. This was hardly the time for his holier-than-thou attitude. She charged past him, disappearing into the kitchenette to make a caff. Turning on the replicator, she impatiently rapped her fingers upon her folded elbow and waited for it to start up.

"Well, whatever just happened seems to have seriously upset him," Obi-wan commented from the open doorway. "I can feel it from here."

She glanced over her shoulder, seeing the older Jedi leaning casually against the wall. "Good," she said, returning her attention to the whistling replicator. "After what he did, he deserves it."

He sighed and dragged his hand up through his hair. "What's he done this time?" he asked wearily.

The replicator beeped and Padmè pulled the steaming hot caff from its cabinet. "Did you know he was talking to Palpatine?" she asked, keeping her back to the Jedi and carefully blowing the steam away.

"No. If you hadn't noticed, we haven't exactly been on speaking terms."

She spun to face him, cradling the cup in both hands. "Well, he is."

"And?"

Padmè took a sip from her caff and closed her eyes, savouring the comforting taste. With a deep breath, she leant back onto the bench and tried her best to calm down.

"He told him about the baby, Obi-wan," she said, dropping her gaze to the floor.

"Oh."

"I just don't understand why he would do that," she said, taking another sip. "He didn't ask me about it. He just did it. And after the performance he made when I first told him about the pregnancy, it's the very last thing I expected him to do."

"I'm sure he has his reasons for doing so Padmè," Obi-wan calmly explained. "Sidious is his Master after all."

Padmè dropped her cup onto the bench and folded her arms. "What has that got to do with anything? Don't tell me that you're suddenly taking his side on this."

Shaking his head, he walked into the kitchenette and set the replicator to make himself a tea. "This isn't about taking sides Padmè. The bond between Master and Apprentice is ... well ... it's incredibly powerful. It takes something quite catastrophic to sever it."

She rolled her eyes and huffed indignantly. "What? Like your apprentice suddenly deciding to pledge allegiance to the dark side and then murdering all of his Jedi brethren? Was that catastrophic enough, Obi-wan?"

Obi-wan rested both hands onto the bench and dropped his head. Tidal waves of heartbreak, fear and anger were relentlessly crashing into him from across their battle-scarred Force bond. He couldn't blame her. She didn't understand how it worked – none of them did really. Perhaps the real reason his and Anakin ... Vader's was still intact, was more to do with the fact that deep down, neither of them really wanted to let the other go. An apparent downfall of their own attachment. He sighed.

"Apparently not," he whispered.

"I'm going to check on the twins, then have a shower. Let me know if he comes in please, I still want to talk with him," Padmè said, rubbing her arms and turning away.

"Will do my lady," he said, retrieving his tea and slumping back.

• • •

Vader, minus helmet and mask, sat in his open hyperbaric chamber, surrounded by the rubble and chaos of his fit of fury. Fists clenched and eyes squeezed shut he focussed on the Force, rasping as he tried to will his ravaged lungs into breathing unaided. The act was desperate. If Padmè could actually see his face, as horribly scarred and damaged as it was, then just maybe she would think twice about leaving him. It was a far stretch, one that he knew only too well, but at this point he was willing to try almost anything.

A tightness grew in his chest. Each new wheeze more difficult to ignore than the last. He clenched his fists harder. If only there was some way he could beat this.

BEEP, BEEP. BEEP, BEEP.

"E-chuta!" he cursed, thumping his fists onto the command console. Amber eyes burning, he glanced down at the incoming transmission in disgust. The bridge was hailing him. For now his attempts would have to wait. Activating the retractor arm to replace his head gear, he waited until it was secured before accepting the call.

"Yes Captain, what is it?" he growled, glaring up at the screen in his chamber.

"Lord Vader, we have reports coming in from the probe droids."

"Have they found something?"

"Yes Sir. There appears to be remnants of some ancient abandoned city. But the planet's atmosphere is highly electrified, making it difficult for the ship's scanners to penetrate."

"Are there any lifeforms?"

"From what we can see, nothing sentient. Although there are life-readings coming from within the surrounding swamp land. Our guess is from native wildlife."

"Good. Have Commander Appo prepare his men for ground assault. Inform him that I will meet him in the main hangar shortly."

"Yes, Lord Vader."

• • •

It was unusually quiet in the guest quarters. Both Jaina and Sabè were still in the bedroom, along with the twins. Padmè had disappeared into the shower over half an hour ago and was yet to return. The only company Obi-wan had was Artoo, quietly perched in the corner seemingly still recharging.

Normally the silence would be comforting, enabling him to sit in peace and focus on meditating. But not today. Meditation was proving to be somewhat of a challenge. He couldn't quieten his mind, not with Vader broadcasting his angst through the Force. He may as well have been standing right beside him, the tremors were that strong.

Sitting cross-legged in the middle of the floor, Obi-wan opened his eyes and glanced around. Artoo turned his domed head toward him and twittered. Stretching his arms, he yawned and pushed himself up. "Fancy a tea, Artoo?" he jested, giving the Astromech a quick smile as he headed for the kitchenette.

Turning on the replicator, he scratched his beard and waited. The tremors continued to grow, getting more potent as each second ticked by. Just as the tea was ready, he heard the main cabin door sweep open, closely followed by the steady rasp of one all too familiar respirator.

"Perfect timing, as usual," he muttered to himself, retrieving the cup and turning to leave.

Vader was standing in the middle of the room, not far from where he'd just been sitting. Without the Force, he'd have had no way of telling what kind of foul mood he was in. Thankfully, that wasn't the case.

"If you're here to see Padmè, she's in the shower," Obi-wan said, leaning against the kitchenette door frame.

"I am not here to see her," Vader answered, folding his arms. "I have come to retrieve you and Artoo."

Obi-wan spat out his tea, trying desperately not to choke. Wiping his dripping beard, he stared up at the armoured Sith in shock. "Me? Why? Where are we going?"

"I am going down to Dromund Kaas and you two are coming with me."

Artoo had already removed his charging port and started for the door. Obi-wan looked between them, still undecided. "Can I at least finish my tea first?"

"If you must," he said, spinning on his heel and turning to leave. "But be quick about it. I will be waiting outside."

The cabin door slid closed behind him, and Obi-wan nervously glanced once more around the room. Padmè was going to be beside herself when she came out and discovered him to be missing. But for some reason, he knew informing her of this was not a good idea. If Anakin – blast it – Vader had wanted to speak with her, he would've done so.

Quickly gulping down the rest of his tea, he dropped the cup into the kitchenette, felt for his lightsaber and headed for the door. As promised, Vader was waiting in the corridor, arms folded and mask tilted to the ceiling. He opened his mouth to speak when the Dark Lord turned and started to walk away, his black cloak flapping in his wake. As unexpected as this was, they were clearly still not on talking terms.

The long walk to the hangar was filled with nothing but more awkward silence. Obi-wan kept his eyes trained on the striding Sith and his loyal Astromech up ahead, being careful to avoid any and all eye contact from curious Imperial Officers and crew as they passed. It must've seemed so incredibly odd to see their Supreme Commander entertaining the company of a Jedi, let alone one as infamous as himself. Especially if what the Holonet reports proclaimed was indeed accurate.

Reaching the Exactor's main hangar, Obi-wan pulled to a stop, standing alongside his former padawan. Shuttle after shuttle were being loaded with his clone troopers, all sporting the very same blue markings as they'd had during the war. Commander Appo saluted Vader from the deck and started toward them. It was so painfully familiar and for a moment he found himself looking around for Anakin.

"Lord Vader," Appo acknowledged, standing proudly before him. "The men are prepped and ready. I have organized for the new scout walkers to be dropped on site, it'll be interesting to see them in action."

Vader swept his mask left and right. "Good work, Commander. I see you have things well under control."

"Yes, My Lord," he answered, his head slowly turning to Obi-wan. "Will the ... Jedi ... be joining us, Sir?"

"Indeed he will," Vader said, sparing him a brief glance. "Pay him no mind. He is with me, and that is all you need concern yourself with."

The trooper nodded. "Right you are. Your shuttle is ready and waiting."

"Good. Let us go."

• • •

The shuttle touched down in a small clearing, surrounded by dense jungle and swamplands. Ancient crooked trees covered in snaking vines stretched as far as the eye could see, reaching toward the electrified sky. Thunder clapped and lightning flashed, both from directly above and far off in the distance. Obi-wan stood by the foot of the ramp, staring out at the savage landscape, watching as Vader squelched forward onto the marshy ground to join his men.

There was a distinct chill in the dark air that penetrated his robe and wormed its way beneath his tunic. He didn't like this. Stretching out with his feelings, he sensed ... nothingness. The Force was eerily silent, little more than a whisper or memory, hovering in the shadows just out of reach. Casting his eyes across the gathering, he quickly tallied the strength of their forces. It wasn't the entire 501st battalion, but still an impressive display. Over two hundred troopers huddled in their squads, supported by ten two-legged armoured walkers – the likes of which he'd never seen before – clanking and thumping in-between the trees.

Artoo whistled from beside him. He glanced down at the Astromech before turning his attention back to Vader briefing Commander Appo and the squad leaders. As if sensing his stare, the Sith turned to him, beckoning him over with a flick of his wrist.

"All squads are to hold formation and push north for Kaas City," the Dark Lord ordered, pointing at the holomap. "Walkers to the rear, five a side. Kenobi and I will head the assault from the centre. Be on the lookout for anything sentient and subdue on contact. This is uncharted territory and as such we must be prepared for anything."

Obi-wan moved to stand beside him and folded his arms. He looked between the troopers and the Sith, overwhelmed by a sudden sense of melancholy gripping at his chest. Flashes of the Clone Wars ricocheted inside his head. Anakin appeared beside him, his long golden hair drifting on the winds, his determined blue eyes focussed on the mission. He shook his head and Vader reappeared, standing in exactly the same place. His black helmet and mask turned to his eleven troopers, his deep baritone voice booming over the sound of the drizzling rain pattering on his armour.

Before he was aware, the men about-faced and marched away, leaving him alone with his former padawan and Artoo. Vader turned to him, hooking his hands into his belt.

With a sigh, he watched as the squads moved out, dispersing into the surrounding swamplands, the clank and thud of the armoured walkers and the rattle of the duraplast trooper armour setting the mood. "What are we doing here, Anakin?" he whispered.

The Sith gazed at his army and turned back to him, folding his arms. "Searching for answers, Kenobi."

"Answers to what?"

Vader paused for a moment, then abruptly spun on his heel and charged forward.

"How to ... end ... it," he growled lowly, striding away.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

So I've had to split this last chapter into two parts. The second half is almost complete, but I thought I would let this one out just in case Christmas got too hectic and I couldn't get it finished in time. I hope you enjoy it.

First of all, thank you everyone who has followed/favourited/reviewed. It is truly humbling. And now for something a bit different, a quick Q & A:

Morality is a Spook: Rise of Skywalker, hmm, I personally am just relieved they are still making content. I think it would be worse to abandon the trilogy after the failure it has experienced, rather than to at least finish telling the story for those who are invested in it. Rey is far from a Mary Sue, and she has just as much of a back story as Luke did in A New Hope, so I don't mind her character so much. Kylo however needed a bit more 'fleshing out'. To me he appears whiny and spoilt, with no true push to lead him to the dark side. Perhaps if they had fleshed him out a bit more the story they are trying to tell would have a little more punch.

The Mandalorian though! Now what a winner, loving that.

Abyss Trinity: Thank you so much. Each chapter is a challenge to keep on course and this first installment of the final is no different. So often the characters take you off on some strange tangent and before you know it, you're deleting nearly 3000 words to course correct it. If only they'd stay on target.

Guest: Kylo needed more character development to strengthen his cause. Which is a shame because he HAD all the back story, all they needed was the initial conflict. And no I don't consider Luke stopping himself from hurting him to be motivation enough to turn to the dark side. Rey, well let's just see where they take her I guess.

RyuuShadow: You're in luck, I needed to split this as it became too long for one chapter. Guess you're stuck with me hanging around a bit longer, lol.

Ferus Vs. Vader (look out for Episode 2) not giving away any details on that one though.

Guest: I too find myself lost in the Star Wars Galaxy, that is why I write these.

Stacy: Yes, unfortunately Vader really should consult his wife before speaking. But Anakin never did think things through very well before jumping in.

Sfloresf: The significance of his dreams are to highlight how he is seemingly trapped by his decisions and showcase his inner regret and desires. In the canon comics he is often portrayed as dismayed, upset and depressed. It's one of the things I truly enjoy about his character. He is a good guy stuck in a bad situation that becomes the bad guy to deal and survive. Heartbreaking really.

Laurapal: sorry word won't let me remove the capital L from your pen name. Welcome aboard, I am glad you're enjoying it.

Freya: I too see Vader this way. I wanted to explore his transition from a reckless and foolhardy young man to the humbled tyrant we see in the films. But at the same time throwing in his family and Obi-wan. Padmè is such a strong woman, and I know she cries a lot in this episode, but I think any hormonal mother dealing with the insecurity and conflict she is dealing with would struggle with it. But throughout everything she knows Vader loves her and that she ultimately has a large amount of control over him.

HaywireEagle: I did do some pretty extensive reading before this and discovered that the TIE fighters were commissioned as early as 19BBY. Naturally I was pretty excited by this revelation, which is why Vader refers to "taking his new TIE fighter out on test flights" at the beginning of the story and explains why Padmè has no idea of them until she sees them on her way to Alderaan. As for the Lambda shuttles, they have no canon-conclusive release dates to work with. So maybe we could call it creative licence. Padmè is also dead in Canon, so naturally it doesn't follow it 100%. But it's fun to write and thank you so much for your review. Plus those shuttles are just awesome.

The Jingo: Thank you so much, and welcome aboard.

So back to the grind and I'll get the next installment out as quick as I can.

MTFBWY