AUTHOR'S NOTE
Just a quick note. I had to go on hiatus for a while and for that I apologise. My heartfelt thanks go out to all of you who are still reading/following/favouriting/reviewing for your patience. Life is such a challenge at the moment and I find myself so emotionally drained and exhausted, that I can't keep my eyes open long enough to write when I get home from work.
For those of you who are in isolation or quarantine at the moment, please stay healthy and safe.
And, although I pray to the Force that this isn't the case, if any of you are ill, my heart goes with you. Please stay strong and hang in there. We will get through this x.
So double upload tonight, the final chapter of this episode will be published in the next few hours.
MTFBWY
X X X
CHAPTER 38: UMBRAE CADUNT
"The shuttle has left," Obi-wan said, walking into the palatial suite they'd discovered. "Although, I'm not convinced bringing them all here is the wisest of moves."
"Duly noted," Vader remarked, turning his attention back to the fusion furnace connected to his suit.
Moonlight shimmered through the floor length window doors, bouncing off the railing of the portico just outside. Rain scattered sheets over the city, playing with the now illuminated lights that danced in the night. It was hard to believe that just short of two hours ago Kaas City was previously abandoned and left for ruin. Now, centuries of ruinous existence blown away in an instant by some supercharged, Sith holocron induced EMP, it was as pristine as any other industrialised monstrosity Obi-wan had had the pleasure of stumbling into. Albeit, utterly infested with darkness.
He crossed the room, briefly glancing around the opulent chamber and slumped into a chair opposite the brooding Sith.
"So we're back to not talking to each other again, I assume?" he asked, dragging his hand through his dirt encrusted fringe.
"Indeed," the Sith said.
Obi-wan sighed, watching Vader remove the glove from his flesh and blood hand and flex his fingers. Here he was thinking they had started to make progress. Obviously he was mistaken. Looking around, he wondered what they were going to do now they had finally arrived. He contemplated asking, but judging by the current climate, doubted he'd get any sort of answer.
What was this place anyway? It had to be somewhere of great significance to someone eons ago, as the strategic defences it had in place were overkill to the max. Gundark guard dogs – as Vader had called them – Ysalamiri projecting a Force-shield around the perimeter, it screamed all kinds of keep out.
"Must you insist on thinking so loudly?" Vader said.
"First I can't talk, now I can't think," Obi-wan said. "Next you'll be telling me not to breathe."
"I was unaware that was an option."
"It isn't," Obi-wan said pointedly, folding his arms.
The black mask turned to him. "Pity."
They sat in silence for another few minutes. Vader adjusted the controls on his suit while Obi-wan tried to come up with explanations in his head.
"How long are you going to keep on pretending you aren't conflicted?" Obi-wan asked with a huff. "Why deny it? Who are you trying to fool?"
"It is not so much as fooling someone," Vader said nonchalantly. "More, a refusal to give power to something that is pointless."
"So you're just going to ignore the truth in the hope it will go away?"
"Something like that."
"In my experience, ignorance and hope don't work, Anakin. If anything, they only serve to exacerbate the situation."
"And yet you remain a faithful servant to those exact beliefs, Kenobi."
Vader disconnected the power cables from his suit, seeing the recharged confirmation message appear. Replacing his glove, he tugged it down, realigning it over his fingers. He rose to his feet, took two steps to the window, clasped his arms at his lower back and stared out over the reawakened cityscape. The Force was whispering, the Dark Side touching at his mental shields. A brief stretch out with his senses confirmed it wasn't his Master, but another presence – hidden, concealed within the shadows.
But it was difficult to pin down. Ominously drifting in and between the latent power echoes of the city itself. He stretched further.
"And you are blinded by your own hatred," the Jedi stated from behind. "So consumed by your fear, so drunk on your new power, that you can't see reality for what it truly is."
"Spare me your lectures. They are both inane and irrelevant," he said, trying to focus. The Dark side whispered again. Even closer this time. It bristled his scarred skin, tingled in the tips of his fingers. Whatever this lingering presence was, it desired an audience.
"Why hold on to your hate?" Obi-wan asked. "You have everything you wanted. Power, Padmè, the death of everything I held dear. What else in the galaxy is there?"
Vader tried to ignore his inquest, but struggled to hone in on the Force through the light-sider's endless prattle. He spun to face his former master, clenching his hand. "Your ignorance is abhorrent," he said. "Spoken like a true Member of the Jedi Council. You are as blind as what they were and twice as apathetic."
"How do you come to that conclusion?" the Jedi Master demanded. "I defended you. I broke the code for you." He closed the distance between them and folded his arms. "I knew of your clandestine relationship with Padmè – however understated – and kept it to myself, relieved that you'd finally found someone who made you happy."
"Be careful, Kenobi," Vader warned. "You are at risk of showing emotion. That's not the Jediway."
"Your arrogance was always your failing. One would think having your arse handed to you on Mustafar would've gifted you with some humility, but no. You're just as arrogant and obstinate as you always were. Only now, the fate of the entire galaxy is at your feet."
Vader's fists loosened as the Jedi huffed and walked away. The Dark side stalked him, testing the Light.
Obi-wan stopped by the threshold. "You were both right and wrong, Anakin."
Vader crossed his arms and inclined his ventilator.
"You didn't die on Mustafar. Merely showed your true colours. And I was blind. Blind as to who you really were and in the belief I could actually help you." Taking a deep breath, he made an effort to calm himself, feeling the Dark side swarming around him. This city, this situation, this companywas toxic. He could feel it literally poisoning him, peeling away his inner self-balance layer by excruciating layer.
With one last look over his shoulder he made a silent promise to himself – he would not fall. He closed his eyes and sighed. "Come and find me when you do eventually come to your senses. Perhaps then, we can even work out, together, how to best go about dealing with your new Master."
The Dark Lord watched him leave, feeling his aura dripping with pain. The dragon latched on, suckling at the emotion like a hungry newborn as it filtered across their bond. The ever resilient Negotiator, suddenly giving in to his emotions.
"I must say, watching the two of you interact is ... rather entertaining," a deep, synthetic voice said from behind.
Vader spun on his heel, suddenly on high alert. He gripped his lightsaber. "Show yourself," he hissed. "I'm in no mood for petty shadow games."
A robed figure emerged from the corner, a dark mist swirling at his feet. Two red lights shone either side of his triangular ventilator and his burning gold eyes glowed within the shadow of his hood. "I do not play games, Lord Vader," the voice warned.
"Darth Malgus," Vader said, releasing his weapon. "So... it was your presence I sensed approaching."
The ethereal Sith folded his arms, the fluid movement lifting his cloak, revealing his bulky body armour. They were matched size for size. Their armour a similar combination of bodily protection and life support system.
"Yes. And it would appear your internal conflict has not ill-affected your adept skills of perception," Malgus said. "Although I do question your peculiar taste in associates."
"The Jedi and I have reached an understanding," the Dark Lord said defensively.
"That much is apparent. Your former Master, however, is persistent. He hangs on to your memory as if it alone has the power to turn you back."
Vader looked to the door, half-expecting Kenobi to walk back in. He folded his arms and snorted. "He is deluded. That boy is dead."
"Deluded or not, the Jedi has a dark stain on his heart," Malgus said. He turned back to him, a bright fire burning in his eyes. "One that given sufficient motivation would be easy to manipulate."
"Kenobi cannot be turned, Malgus," Vader stated with knowing confidence. "His high sense of morality is insurmountable."
The ethereal Sith led them both to the glass doors to gaze out at the City. The rain continued its deluge, making the slippery transparisteel and duracrete shimmer in the moonlight. They folded their arms and stared, the cycle of their breathing hissing in harmony.
"How did you get here, Malgus?" Vader asked. "I was of the impression you were unable to return to this realm."
"Under normal circumstances that would be accurate. However, thanks to you delivering my holocron to Korriban, I am finally home. The Citadel Spire released me during the reawakening."
Malgus turned to him, his emblazoned stare penetrating. He placed his hand upon Vader's pauldron, sending an icy chill through his skin. "And as a token of my gratitude, I offer my home to you. Kaas City is yours, Lord Vader. All of her. She will help you, along with all of the souls who remain trapped here."
Vader turned to him, a mix of pride and confusion filling him. But what good was a City without its inhabitants? Left to fester and rot as it was, without so much of a whisper of its existence to the galaxy at large. "You mentioned the formation of an army. Without beings to enlist, that seems unlikely."
"Force users spanning the galaxy will no doubt have sensed the City's call ... they will come." Malgus squared himself, standing before him chest to chest. "I have a gift for you. One that will inspire and unlock the greatness lurking within you."
"A gift?"
"Kneel before me and I will show you."
Hesitantly, Vader lowered to one knee, keeping his helmeted head bent low. He focused on taking slow and steady breaths.
"See," Malgus instructed, touching the top of his helmet.
Visions pulsed in his mind. Rage. Power. Victory. Vader stood triumphantly before a sea of glowing red sabers. His army, standing victoriously at his back on the floor of the Jedi Temple Grand Hall. Sidious slain at his feet. His withered body turning to dust.
Star Destroyers surrounding orbit of Coruscant, each with two members of his army at the helm, basking in their glory.
The Galaxy at his heel, kneeling before him in submission.
"See what you will become," Malgus said. "It is yours, your destiny, you need only take it. Seize the Darkness."
Swimming in the sensation, Vader rose to his feet. Power swelling in his veins. The visions were so real he could taste the sweet spoils of victory, the sticky molasses of his Master's blood dancing on his tongue. With an ungraceful shake of his head, he focused back on the ethereal Sith standing before him and hungrily cleared his throat. "Where do I start?" he said, clenching his fists tight.
Malgus laughed. "Your training starts here. I will teach you how to truly harness your powers. But first, you must find an apprentice to practice on and bring them to the sparring chamber."
"An apprentice? But, the Rule of Two —"
"— Is obsolete."
The glass doors blew open, a violent gust blustering into the room. The ethereal Sith strode out onto the balcony, his black cloak rippling in the air. With a glance back he said: "Remember Skywalker, the pathway to the Dark Side is through Fear."
Vader watched him ascend into the night, his form morphing with the rain then vanishing from sight. Finally he was getting answers, now he just needed to find an apprentice and his training could start.
He lifted his head. The shuttles had arrived. With a flourish of his cape, he turned and strode for the doors.
• • •
Obi-wan stood in the Grand Foyer accompanied by Commander Appo and a handful of troopers. He was thankful to be away from the Sith, if even for only a short while. His presence was oppressing, the radiating waves of hate and anger hammering away at his resolve. To make matters worse it appeared as though the City itself was encouraging it, the malevolent energy serving to amplify that of Vader. For all his Jedi training, the Order had never prepared him for something like this. Why would they have needed to? As far as the Order was concerned, the Sith had been extinct for over a millennia.
Anakin was right in that respect, they had all been blind. He shook off the depressing thought.
"So Commander, have your men settled in to their sleeping quarters alright?" he asked.
"Yeah, this place is ... it's something else," Appo answered.
"You're not wrong there," he agreed with a sigh.
Appo shifted his feet. "Word has it we're gonna be here a while."
"Yes. I did get that impression, but he hasn't confirmed it." He folded his arms watching the trooper escort party start to file in.
Padmè walked up the stairs cradling one of the twins, surrounded by the rest of the girls and a seemingly large group of officers. She had her black velvet cloak drawn over her head in an effort to fend off the dreary weather. But the rain appeared to have made short work of soaking the garment judging by the way it draped.
The officers barked out commands to their ground staff as they escorted hover crates left and right. Surprisingly they all seemed to know exactly where they were going.
"Yep. Definitely here for the long haul," Appo said, laying his blaster over his shoulder. "Well ... suppose we should go help them find their way around."
"I suppose we should. I'll take the girls upstairs. It doesn't look as though he will be joining us any time soon."
Appo laughed and started forward. "You'll get used to that. He keeps to himself most of the time."
"Obi-wan," Padmè greeted with Luke in her arms. "You're alright."
"Yes, I'm fine Padmè," he answered quietly, his gaze drifting around their surroundings. Several officers had taken a keen interest in them and were currently staring, some even reaching for blasters.
"Where is Anakin?" she asked.
"Shh, not down here."
A shiver suddenly swept over her, making every hair stand on end. Her eyes were drawn to the ceiling, looking up at the upper-most levels of the building. She saw him, a looming black shadow leaning on the balcony railing overlooking the foyer. A surge of emotion hit her as he turned away and disappeared.
"Is he still brooding?" she asked.
"When isn't he?" Obi-wan said, putting his arm around her back. "Come on, I'll take you up to him. Something tells me not everyone on the ship knows who we are."
• • •
Jaina kept pace behind Padmè and Obi-wan as they left the turbo-lift, the Doctor and Handmaiden either side of her. Leia fussed in Sabè's arms and she tried to settle her. The young Skywalker no doubt sensed what she could – the chill of the Dark side throbbing in the air.
They passed door after door. In her mind, the sterile corridor walls breathed, pulsing in-and-out in time with the Force. The thick carpet muffled their footsteps, its red hue reflecting off the steel-grey duracrete.
Master Kenobi stopped at the last door. His expression was tense, like he was somewhere else, listening. He too, seemed affected by the darkness, it hovered about him like a storm cloud.
"He's in here," he said, turning to them. "Sabè, I'll take Leia and go in first with Padmè. The rest of you, follow my lead." Taking the infant from the Handmaiden, he nodded to Padmè and opened the door.
It felt like they had suddenly entered a dark tunnel – the air thick and heavy. No one spoke. Even Sabè, who was forever voicing her opinions seemed to know better. The rustling of robes echoed in the silence, the only noise audible as they drew closer.
They reached the end and paused at an open doorway. That's when Jaina finally heard it – the steady rasp of the Sith's respirator. Her heart started to race. Master Kenobi glanced back then guided them inside.
The chamber seemed to swallow them whole. Triangular lights dotted the high walls and there was a large command desk off to the right. To the left sat a long sofa, separated in two by another recessed doorway.
But her attention was instantly drawn to the Dark Lord at the far end of the room.
He looked like a god, standing with his cloaked back to them in front of two glass doors that overlooked the City. His presence was dominating, rumbling through the Force like a thunderstorm.
"Welcome to Kaas City," Vader said. "My officers will deliver your belongings shortly. I suggest you unpack and get comfortable. You are going to be here for a while."
Jaina couldn't help but stare. Despite the rough way he'd manhandled her when they were captured, she still couldn't dislodge the need to understand him. The Force had chosen to show her those dreams and visions. There had to be a reason, it never acted without purpose.
"We're staying here?" the Handmaiden asked, turning to Obi-wan. "I thought he was taking us back to Coruscant."
"Not now, Sabè," the older Jedi said, looking back to the Sith.
"How long are we staying here, Anakin?" Padmè asked.
Vader slowly turned around and folded his arms over his chest. "For as long as I deem it necessary," he said.
Emotions started to spiral out of control and Jaina struggled to focus through them. Beside her, the Doctor appeared unperturbed, her green eyes meeting her own. Confusion and frustration rippled from the Sith's wife in front of her. But she seemed to be reserving her objections for later. Disappointment was written all over Master Kenobi's face, as he adjusted the infant cradled in his arms.
But two surges of anger clashed in the middle of it all. One from the Handmaiden and the other from Vader. Only, hidden behind his was a salivating dragon, preparing to strike. It dared her to give him an excuse to be released. Jaina could see it. A creature borne of fire, eyes flaming amber and gold, methodically sizing up its victim.
The black mask shifted. The obscuring lenses suddenly angled straight for her. He dropped his arms and rested his hands on his belt.
Jaina shivered. Cold needles stabbed at her shields.
"I see you, Padawan."
She stifled a gasp and tried to pull away.
"You can not hide from me."
The room around her started to spin. Their voices turning to whispers. A suffocating weight crushed her chest, the vice tight grip stealing her breath. Suddenly drowning, she clamped her eyes shut and tried to fight back.
He dragged her under.
"Foolish girl. Did your Master never warn you not to stray into the shadows?"
Jaina rubbed her eyes and looked around. "Where am I?"
The Dark Lord, cloaked and armourless, appeared in the darkness. "Your location is irrelevant," he said.
"I don't understand what is happening," she said, rubbing her eyes again. She heard muffled voices in the distance but could only see him.
Vader growled and folded his arms. "You breached my shields and I caught you."
"But how?" sheasked.
He started to circle her. "That is what I intend to find out."
A tight pressure formed in her mind. Closing her eyes, she fought to stay upright. She grabbed her forehead, as if the futile effort could prevent it from exploding.
"I sense much fear in you, Padawan. Fear of abandonment. Of failure. Of loss of purpose. Yet, you do not fear me. Why?"
His voice seemed to surround her, echoing in the deepest pit of her psyche. She turned in place and tried to face him.
"I know who hides behind that mask you wear," she said.
The pressure dissipated.
"Indeed," he snarled.
She spun around to stare at the Sith.
He growled, his burning eyes piercing the dark. "I assure you, on that, you are gravely mistaken."
Jaina stared him down. This was the opportunity she had been waiting for. To be face to face and alone with the former Chosen One. She steeled her nerve and matched his stance.
The muffled voices suddenly got louder. They were arguing again. She could just make out Sabè yelling. He'd heard them too, his hooded head snapping to the side, completely distracted.
"This is not over, Padawan," he said, and abruptly vanished from sight.
Jaina shook her head and tried to focus. Everything around her a blur. A dark shadow thundered passed her.
"That is quite enough, Sabè," she heard the Jedi warn.
"No, Obi-wan!" the handmaiden said. "I don't like this. This whole situation feels wrong!"
As her vision finally cleared, it became apparent their voices were coming from another room. The Dark Lord had now positioned himself just before the split sofa facing the recessed doorway. He was eerily quiet, his respirator silent.
"I appreciate your concern, Sabè. But, I made this decision knowing the risks involved, and I stand by it," Padmè said.
"But he's holding you prisoner, My Lady. If he truly loved you he would let you leave, not keep you trapped in this."
"Sabè, Padmè is here of her own volition," Obi-wan said. "Your over-protectiveness isn't helping matters."
"What if he hurts her again, Obi-wan? Or the children? What if this time he actually kills her? Why am I the only one who can see he is dangerous?"
Vader stood fists clenched and body rigid. She could see his dragon being forcibly restrained. There was something shifting in his presence, a riptide in the Force. It was clear their conversation was affecting him. In a flash, he spun on his heel and turned away.
Jaina went to follow, calling out to him. "Master Skywalker wait-"
He snapped around midstride, gloved fingers clawed into pincers. She grabbed her throat.
"Call me by that name again," he growled, "and I will destroy you."
He released her and turned away. With a wave of his hand the wall opened, revealing a dark stairwell and he charged inside.
Jaina looked over her shoulder, sensing the others about to join her. She knew she should've stayed put; that Obi-wan would've cautioned her to keep her distance; that her obsession with the Sith would end up getting her into trouble.
But they'd connected again, however accidental. And what she'd just felt barrelling through the Force from him, was enough to tell her that she was meant to follow.
Throwing caution to the wind, she used the Force to open the wall and ran after him.
• • •
Obi-wan stepped into the main chamber shaking his head. He could understand where the handmaiden was coming from, but she had no tact. Fancy yelling such things with only a wall separating her from the very man she was damning. Foolish woman. Was she trying to get herself killed?
He suddenly stopped, turning in place and stroking his beard. That was odd. Anakin and Jaina had both been here when he'd gone into the bedroom. He'd had no warnings from the Force. Or if there were, he hadn't noticed.
"My Lady, please," the handmaiden said, following her mistress into the chamber.
Obi-wan tried to block her out.
"I grow tired of this argument," Padmè said, turning around to face her and folding her arms.
This was going to be interesting. He was used to hearing that tone from her husband. The very last thing he expected was to hear it coming from her.
The handmaiden stopped.
"Sabè, you have been nothing but supportive over the years," Padmè said, starting to pace. "You held me together when I thought all hope was gone and I had nothing left to live for."
She stopped and spun to face her, pointing her finger.
"So, in honour of that loyalty, I am giving you a choice. You can either stay by my side or you can leave. But know this. If you do indeed choose to remain here, you do so respectfully. Anakin is my husband and the father of my children. You will respect him as such. No longer will you insult and antagonize him, for whatever reason, under any circumstance. Is that clear?"
"Yes, My Lady," the handmaiden said, dropping her head. "Sorry, My Lady. Please ... forgive me."
Padmè huffed and folded her arms. "I am not the one you should be apologizing to."
"Yes, well ..." Obi-wan said, interrupting their moment, "as entertaining as that would be, we would need to find him first."
"Where do you suppose he went, Obi-wan?" Padmè asked.
He stroked his beard. "I'm not sure exactly, but it looks like he has taken Jaina with him."
"Why would he do that?"
Crossing the room, he sat on the split sofa and sighed. "I don't know..."
• • •
Jaina felt her way down the stairs, running her hands along the wall, following the steady rasp and thud of the Dark Lord. She blinked, but each time the darkness returned. With no light to guide her, she quickly but carefully checked every step.
His presence drifted on the Force like a heady scent trail, dragging her deeper into the abyss. The claustrophobic passage sunk further and further, the stairs never-ending.
The sounds changed and suddenly stopped. She held her breath. Had he heard her following? Could he see her somehow? She checked her shields. They were still intact.
A light appeared in the distance. A subtle white glow illuminating the landing. She hugged the wall and edged closer, slowly creeping down the stairs toward the light. She could hear him again, the rasp in and out.
Her foot finally touched the floor. The light came from an open door to her left. Staying close to the wall, she crouched down and peered around the corner.
Vader deactivated the map-reader in his heads-up display and surveyed the room. It was coded as a communications hub, but he doubted that was its primary purpose. With containment cells embedded in the rear wall and an upright restraining bench tucked in the far corner, it resembled more of an interrogation chamber than a comm room.
He strode over to an old command desk and brushed off the surface. It was crude and basic, but the essentials were still there. The switches and dials appeared to all be intact. Providing it had power, he should be able to make it work.
He was grasping at straws now, trying to sort out the chaos in his mind. Padmè wanted to leave him. Kenobi was trying to get close to him. Kriff, even the untrained padawan had managed to penetrate his shields.
Focus!
Pulling the tools from his belt, he set to work.
His mind continued to wander.
Then there was Malgus, leading him here to build and train some fictitious army. Sure, Kaas City was powerful, he'd felt it at the gates, but was that enough? At least the apprentice part was easy, that padawan had enough fear to work with. Yes, he should be able to manipulate her. But it was one thing to pledge yourself to the dark side and another entirely to truly commit to it. That would be her real challenge.
Of course, Kenobi would try and stop him.
He stopped and gritted his teeth, squeezing the screwdriver in his prosthetic hand.
He could kill him. He should kill him. Padmè would eventually forgive him that indiscretion. Even she could understand his motivations for doing so.
Pulling himself together, he carried on.
But in reality, he didn't want to kill him. His former Master was suffering. He had felt his self-loathing and guilt slowly eating away at him through their bond.
It was oddly satisfying.
Then there were his children. His two perfect, precious little miracles. And another on the way. What was to become of them? How was he going to keep them safe? From what he'd seen and felt in the swamp, the resident Ysalamiri were doing an adequate job of shielding the City. In theory, their Force signatures were now protected by that. He'd need to test it before trusting it of course.
But he couldn't leave them here alone. Which meant he had two choices: find someone he could trust or take them with him. One thing was for certain, they were not going with Padmè. She couldn't shield them, nor protect them. If anything their signatures would act like a beacon, attracting attention to her and putting her life at risk.
And her life was already at risk. His Master wanted the baby now growing inside her. Force forbid whatever perverted plans he had for it.
The thought made his skin crawl.
As if he hadn't taken enough from him as it was: his confidence, his life, his body, his sanity, his soul. Now he wanted his legacy as well?
DAMN HIM!
He launched the screwdriver across the room. It clanked and banged against one of the cell doors and landed with a thump.
The respirator skipped. His heart pounded.
What if this whole 'Spy on the Rebellion' scheme of his was just another fail-safe?
A way of separating him from Padmè, so he could swoop in, steal her away and use her as leverage?
He'd probably secure her inside the Palace somewhere to ensure his obedience, threatening her safety if he stepped out of line.
He thumped his fists onto the console.
The switches and lights suddenly sparked into life and he smirked.
Stupid thing, of course you would work after I beat you. Perhaps I should have tried kicking you first!
Taking a step back, he folded his arms and tried to calm down. The pause clearing his mind and renewing his focus.
Yes. That was exactly what this sounded like. Another scheme. Another plot. Another twisted trap to keep his beloved pet in-check. Well ... perhaps, it was time for this 'pet' ... to finally bite back.
Flicking the switches, he turned on the console and scanned for a signal. The screen lit up. So far, so good. Now to see if the transmission system was operational. He punched in the secure coordinates and waited for a response.
Behind him the holo-pod started to hum. He turned around. White lights flashed around the base of the circular platform. He was good to go.
He took a moment to secure his shields, not wanting to give away too much. Shields locked in place, he moved to the platform and dropped to one knee.
This is where the fun begins, he thought darkly, slowly dipping his head into position.
CORUSCANT: SENATE DISTRICT: EMPEROR'S OFFICE
Sidious looked up from his terminal. A pulse in his mind yanking him from his midmorning routine of perusing the latest updates and reports. It was like the heavy beat of war drums suddenly tugging at his senses. Pulling his hands to his lap, he methodically tapped his fingertips and turned his chair to face the cityscape.
He hadn't felt a ripple quite that significant in a long time. It called to him, demanding his undivided attention.
Oh... and it had it.
He closed his eyes and stretched out. Further and further. Past the jostling speeders. Past the former Jedi Temple. He could see the curvature of Coruscant from orbit, but the call still pulled him. He followed it, deep into the stars, slowly edging closer.
His private comm chirped. Wrenching himself back into his Office, he quickly checked the signal and smiled. Not a joyful smile, but one of wicked pleasure.
"Ah... Lord Vader," he said, narrowing his gaze at the bent down holoimage of his apprentice, "you're early."
"Yes... My Master."
Something was off. He sensed an unusual amount of turbulence surging between them. An unorganised chaos of conflicting emotions. As if he was looking at a storm, staring into a black twisting tempest that sparked and churned in fury.
"Do you have something to report?" he asked, feeling along their bond.
His shields were up, but unlike previously, minute cracks had started to appear. Immediately his concerns multiplied. He pushed harder.
"I have managed to successfully locate the City."
The cracks trembled and widened, temporarily blinding him like lens flares obscuring his vision. The young Sith Lord's emotions were wild and unchained. Unsettlingly so. He hadn't felt him this unbalanced since the day the young Jedi had reluctantly accepted his fate.
"And?" he asked.
Vader paused and lifted his masked head, the dark lenses boring into him. So far, he'd refrained from forcing his probing from his mind, but the desire was definitely there, he could feel it.
"Eleven months ago you made a promise to me in your office," Vader said.
This was different. He remembered making many promises, most of which were wholly intended to help seduce the Jedi's prized possession into his servitude. But what was even more interesting was how his apprentice was suddenly referring to that Jedi as himself – something he had been violently opposed to doing since Mustafar.
"To which promise might you be referring, my Apprentice?" he asked, continuing his attack on the young Sith Lord's shields.
His mind was like a crepuscular tomb littered with corroded blast doors that randomly shuddered open and slammed shut. Each door concealed thoughts, memories and secrets. One rattled and shook, thrusting itself open. He caught a glimpse of a bearded man with two haunted grey eyes that stared through him with alarming intensity.
The door crashed shut, shunting him back.
He focused on the conversation.
"You said I could have anything that I wanted."
"Yes. I remember," he said, pushing the surprising memory out of mind for the moment. "What is it you desire, Lord Vader? Naboo? A new star destroyer? A palace of your own?"
Another door creaked open. The void behind bleached in virgin light making the occupant inside difficult to distinguish. Forcing his presence deeper he strained to focus. It was ... a child? A blonde child. Blue eyed and curious. What was this? A memory? A vision?
The rumbling baritone of Vader's growl cut through his attention and immediately the door slammed down.
"No...," Vader snarled. "The Esstran Sector."
Wait! He wanted the Esstran Sector? The Sith homeworlds? Sidious bared his yellowed teeth and leant forward. He had his own plans for that sector. Plans that ultimately didn't include him. He hadn't foreseen this.
"Why?" he demanded, barely containing his mounting frustration.
"You said I could have anything that I want. That is what I want. Are you breaking yet another of your promises?"
So it seemed the ego of Skywalker had finally returned. He could use this to his advantage.
"My boy... you want Esstran? Then it is yours," he said, rocking back and clasping his hands together. "When you return to Coruscant we will make it official."
"And the trade and supply routes?"
"Yes, yes..." he said, dismissively. "We can discuss the particulars upon your arrival."
Jaina clapped both hands to her mouth. She couldn't believe it. The two Sith were testing each other. Where before she'd been able to sense a tremor of light lingering within the former Jedi, in the presence of his Master she saw only darkness. The realization hit hard.
The transmission phased out and Vader rose to his feet. He clasped his hands behind his back and started to walk forward.
"I detest spies," he grumbled.
She gasped and quickly hid behind the wall, her heart suddenly leaping into her throat. Was he ... was he talking to her?
"Did you think I was unaware of your presence?"
Jaina gulped. How long had he known she was here? Was this it? Was he finally going to kill her for this? Her knees quivered. She looked to the stairs. Should she try and make a run for it?
"Interesting... so you do fear me. Perhaps I was wrong about you after all."
She steeled her nerves, rose to her feet and took a deep, calming breath. He sounded disinterested, neither angered nor pleased and it gave her a sudden urge to confront him. "I fear what you have become," she said, stepping into the light, "not who you truly are inside."
Vader turned to her and folded his arms.
"Are you not going to deny it?" Jaina asked.
He spun on his heel and headed for the cell doors then abruptly stopped. "I have decided to reconsider your request."
She stared at his back in disbelief. "Really?" she asked, trying to keep the hope from her voice. "You mean ... you would actually take me on as your apprentice?"
"Yes," he said, turning around again.
She suddenly felt drawn to his side, like some magnetic pull was dragging her forward. Before she could stop herself, she crossed the floor and stopped at his feet. His tinted lenses never once strayed from her face, as if he were scrutinizing her every move. Her heart fluttered, her pulse raced. Unable to speak, she stared up at him and allowed the even rasp of his breathing to fill her senses.
With a wave of his hand she dropped to her knees and dipped her head in submission.
"But first," he said, his rumbling voice a seductive purr, "you must give yourself to me. All of you. Surrender to the Dark Side of the Force."
Vader's close proximity was so intoxicating she could barely keep her eyes open. It was like she was stuck under a heavy blanket, the weight forcing her head closer to the floor. She shuddered in a shaky breath, feeling his presence enveloping her. "I ... I commit myself... to your tutelage."
"Good. Now... close your eyes and release your shields."
The instant she dropped her guard their bond flamed into life. The Dark Side grabbed hold, its chains locking tight. Visions appeared in the shadows. Screams rang in her ears. Blaster fire ricocheted from everywhere. The hum and screech of lightsabers clashing. Her heart raced. What was happening? Where was she?
"You remember this. Don't you, Padawan?"
His naked voice echoed from all around. It wasn't Vader's robotic baritone, but rather the deep, silky voice of Skywalker. Her vision cleared. She was standing in the temple on the night of the purge. A blue blade wielded by a dark cloaked figure suddenly slashed through two padawans one level up and they fell to the floor.
"Why are you showing me this?" Jaina cried.
One of the Jedi Knights ran past her, green blade ignited. "RUN PADAWAN!" he yelled, charging forward.
The cloaked figure leaped from the upper level and landed, blocking his path. Two more Knights ran to join the fray. The cloaked figure parried and counter-attacked their blows with ease, mowing down one ... then the other ... before finally moving to deliver the fateful strike on the last.
She turned and fled for the Council Chambers. Reaching the doors, she scrambled inside and stopped, seeing the others from her classes. They were huddled behind the Masters' seats, each one staring wide-eyed at the doors.
"This isn't my memory! Why are you showing me this?" she cried again.
"Your fears are misplaced. It is time to correct them," Vader countered.
Crouching behind the seats, huddled with the other younglings, she joined them in staring at the doors.
Watching.
Waiting.
Hoping.
The doors creaked open. The cloaked figure strode in. She recognised him now – his shiny, black tabard; his elongated stride.
Sors, one of the blonde boys that was in her lightsaber class, jumped up and went out to seek refuge. "Master Skywalker, there are too many of them! What are we going to do?" he asked.
They all jumped when the blue lightsaber suddenly ignited. In a flash, Sors was no more.
Some tried to run, others went to fight. She jumped from chair to chair in a panic, hearing the screams as one by one, the younglings were taken out. There were only two of them left now. She watched in horror as the last of her friends was killed.
His robed head turned to her as he stalked closer. Too paralysed to react, she stared up into his dead, blue eyes in silence. They all knew his face. The handsome, rugged face of the Chosen One. He said nothing, his glassy daze staring distantly back at her.
As the lightsaber struck true and plunged her into darkness, a burning stab erupted in her neck.
Wrenched from the vision, Jaina's hand flew to her neck. A warm throbbing sensation grew, violently pumping through her veins. It burned and stung, stabbing at her muscles like hundreds of tiny needles. She opened her eyes.
Vader stood before her with a needle in his hand. He opened his belt and stuffed it inside.
"What ... what was that?" she cried, trying to focus on him as the room started to spin.
"Something that will assist you in your transition."
She dropped to all fours, hands shakily braced on the floor. Her body was on fire. "Why ... why did you ... why did you show me that?"
"Now you fear the man... as well as the mask."
He went to leave. The sound of his boots on the cold duracrete echoed in her head. Fighting the crippling sensation, she stared up at his blurry figure walking away. "Wait!" she choked, "my name ... you didn't give me my name!"
He stopped and slowly about-faced, his cloak rippling lazily at his boots. "Syrennè. You shall be known as Darth Syrennè. And from now on, my apprentice, you will refer to me as ... Master."
"Yes..." she said, bowing her head in subservience, "thank you... My Master."
