Chapter 14
Darth Plagueis has hardly been bemused before as much as he is now. Ever since he killed his Master, he have his hand in his cards, establishing a new Order surrounded by warriors of the dark side and abolishing the rule of two that limits the Sith and their potential.
Darth Vader did warn him to be cautious of those close to him, but who should he be vigilant of?
Immediately, Plagueis begins contemplating his options after he and Vader parted ways, calling off the dark side of the Force completely to search for answers.
Darth Plagueis is a very powerful Sith, but still inferior to his more ancient predecessors - like Marka Ragnos and Exar Kun. He is an extremely powerful combatant. He utilizes a wide range of offensive techniques, including Force Lightning, telepathy, telekinesis, Force Scream, Force Wave, as well as Force Convection - amongst others. He also channeled the Dark Side to amplify his speed and reflexes, to the point that he was able to fight off an entire army alongside his apprentice, Darth Sidious.
Plagueis is also extrmeley knowledgeable about the Force. He understands even its most esoteric aspects; he even sought to challenge the Force itself and tilt the balance towards the Dark Side. In a few months of intensive meditation with his apprentice, the Sith managed to overpower the will of the Force into darkness. Such is Plagueis's power - he fought the Force itself…..and won through sheer willpower.
However, despite all this, Plagueis is still somewhat inferior to the more powerful ancient Sith. The ancient Sith Lords like Naga Sadow, Exar Kun, and Lord Vitiate could perform feats of power that put even those of Plagueis to shame. For starters, Sadow could rip the core out of a star by focusing his power through Sith crystals. Exar Kun drained the life force of thousands of Massassi warriors and survived a combined attack from the entire Jedi Order. Vitiate wiped out all life on a planet twice to fuel a ritual that would ensure his own immortality.
Yet in the end, he comes down to a few acknowledgments.
Is it possible the Jedi have managed to connect a link between him and the Sith? He wouldn't put it above him slipping up as he and his apprentice have been in hiding for the past many years.
It isn't long before he dismisses the idea since that mental suggestion has many problems and holes. Wouldn't they already be set in arresting or killing him if they have discovered his Sith connection as they did to all Sith in ancient history? He begins considering other options and alternatives.
Darth Vader could be warning him and fighting him for dominance of being Master of the Sith, seeking to acquire his power and continuing what many of the Sith have continued in the shadows for thousands of years except in the open and publicly - which will be uncomplicated due to gaining the support of one monarch in this timeline already - and be manipulating the Republic in the eyes of the Jedi and the Jedi Order would have little choice in the matter.
He dismisses that idea as quickly as the last as if should Vader wish to do combat with him, wouldn't they have engaged one another into a fight at the secret warehouse instead of leaving without confrontation? It would have been a clean opportunity for Vader to gain control or confront him even now.
Then that leaves only one other option, an option that Plagueis once wouldn't have thought possible, but have more merriments than the others.
It feels like a stab in his cold and dark heart, but Plagueis isn't blind to the Force.
Shmi Skywalker will admit that she is not used to being free but there is also a knowing factor that she has been freed for less than a day. Perhaps through time she would grow used to those traits of the known galaxy. She is now undergoing surgeries in order for diseases to be tracked on her by being on Tatooine for years so they wish to cure her. When she worriedly asked about her son, the handmaiden assured her that the Jedi is with her son.
The same black hair doctor from earlier walks in with a smile, a datapad clasp in her hands. "We have detected your slave chip with our scanners. Our medical droids would be prepared for your surgery shortly. The risks of eating and drinking when you have been instructed not to do so are higher than you might imagine so we would have to check on you. It's a good idea to eat healthy, nutrient-rich foods in the days before surgery. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables as much as possible. Avoid processed foods and red meats, since they can be difficult for your body to break down and may increase inflammation. It is important to avoid all food and drink at least eight hours prior to having anesthesia, as the alternative may be aspiration pneumonia or other serious complications after surgery if said instructions are not followed."
Shmi nods, not knowing what some of those words mean but this is the woman who has offered to check after her. "I'm ready but I just need some time."
"Of course, Ms. Skywalker," the doctor replies, not sounding annoyed nor irritated at all as she walks out. Quite the contrary, she sounds genuinely concerned for her wellbeing and Shmi gets the impression that she is one who takes her job extremely seriously.
She has been sternly advised not to stand up from the bed but part of her is slightly worried at having to be in a hospital she has never been in before and now she has to trust them to check over her.
"Ma'am you have a visitor," an assistance droid declares, walking in, being accompanied by a young woman. It is just not any young woman. It is Padmé. She hasn't seen the girl since they have departed from Tatooine mainly because she confused her with the other girls in her outfits. The girl is wearing black pants and a white shirt.
"Hello, Shmi," Padmé greets with a kind smile, walking up and grasping her shoulder tightly before switching her grip to grasp the older woman's hand. "I wanted to check on you before your surgery."
"Padmé, where's Anakin? Is he a Jedi?" Shmi asks.
"Shmi, it's been only one day," Padmé chuckles, "I don't know much about the Jedi but highly doubt he would become a Jedi that fast."
"Oh," Shmi responds, cracking a smile. "I guess I'm just worried."
"I won't allow anything to happen to your son," Padmé promises, genuinely meaning it as she form a soft spot for the innocent little boy that called her an angel.
"I have always... wanted this life for him... if I am free and am on the same planet as the Jedi can I see him?" Shmi asks Padmé, glassy eyes staring hopefully
Padmé clenches her hands up into fists. As much as she wants to say yes, she knows that the Jedi are cold and emotionless, detaching their young ones from their families, and if they accept Anakin into their ranks, he may be morphed into that type of direction too, meaning Shmi wouldn't even be able to contact him.
"The Jedi are strict in not allowing their disciples to form attachments," Padmé tells her, closing her eyes, undoubtedly wishing that she didn't have to squash the woman's world since all she has known for the past nine years is raising her sweet son.
Shmi's heart slightly shatters at that admission. She has raised him for the past nine years, giving him what little food and drink she could have earned similar to what he has done to her, taking care of each other and surviving in a tough and depressing home with the trend of slavery at their back.
She nods solemnly. "It's a better life than slavery for such an innocent child like himself. If I have to give up him for him to have a better life, I would."
Padmé smiles. "You are a good mother, Shmi, and I will see to it by the Queen that you are brought to my homeworld for a better life."
Shmi nods, smiling, her eyes and lips pained at the fact that she would not be able to see her son again but thankful she would finally live a better life than slavery. Padmé Naberrie has to be the kindest person she has ever met.
The Jedi and the boy, having been made aware of Amidala's imminent departure for Naboo, goes directly to the landing platform where the Queen's transport is anchored to await her arrival. The shuttle ride over is marked by a strained silence between the Jedi and discomfort in the boy he can not dispel. He looks down at his feet most of the time, wishing he could think of a way to stop Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan from being angry at each other.
When they disembarks from the shuttle at the landing platform, R2-D2 is already bustling about. The little droid beeps at Anakin cheerfully, then wanders over to the edge of the rampway to look down at the traffic. In doing so, he leans out too far and tumbles over. Anakin gasps, but a second later the astromech droid reappears, boosted back onto the rampway by his onboard jets. On hearing R2-D2's ensuing flurry of chirps and whistles, the boy smiles in spite of himself.
At the head of the loading ramp, Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi are engaged in a heated discussion. Wind whips down the canyons of the city's towering buildings, hiding their words from the boy. Carefully, he edges closer so that he could listen in.
"It is not disrespect, Master!" Obi-Wan is saying vehemently. "It is the truth!"
"From your point of view, perhaps." Qui-Gon's face is hard and tight with authority.
The younger Jedi's voice drops a notch. "Master, I like the boy, but however, there is a risk that Vader has his influence on him. I believe he is the boy's father as their Force Presences are linked, but regardless if he's not the boy is dangerous. They all sense it. Why can't you?"
"His fate is uncertain, but he is not dangerous," Qui-Gon corrects sharply. "The Council will decide Anakin's future. That should be enough for you." He turns away dismissively. "Now get on board."
Obi-Wan wheels away and stalk up the ramp into the ship. R2-D2 follow, still whistling happily. Qui-Gon turns to Anakin, and the boy walks up to him.
"Master Qui-Gon sir," he says uncomfortably, riddled with doubt and guilt over what is happening, "I don't want to be a problem."
Qui-Gon places a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You won't be, Annie." He glances toward the ship, then kneels before the boy. "I'm not allowed to train you, so I want you to watch me instead and be mindful of what you see. Always remember, your focus determines your reality." He pauses, eyes lock on Anakin. "Stay close to me, and you will be safe."
The boy nods his understanding. "Can I ask you something?"
The Jedi Master nods. "What are midi-chlorians?"
Wind whips at Qui-Gon's long hair, blowing strands of it across his strong face. "Midi-chlorians are microscopic life-forms that reside within the cells of all living things and communicate with the Force."
"They live inside of me?" the boy asks.
"In your cells," Qui-Gon pauses. "We are symbionts with the midi-chlorians."
"Symbi-what?"
"Symbionts. Life forms living together for mutual advantage. Without the midi-chlorians, life could not exist, and we would have no knowledge of the Force. Our midi-chlorians continually speak to us, Annie, telling us the will of the Force."
"They do?"
Qui-Gon cocks one eyebrow. "When you learn to quiet your mind, you will hear them speaking to you."
Anakin thinks about it a moment, then frowns. "I don't understand."
Qui-Gon smiles, and his eyes are warm and secretive. "With time and training, Annie, you will."
A pair of shuttles eases up to the loading dock, and Queen Amidala, her handmaidens, Captain Panaka, and an escort of officers and guards disembarks. Last off the second shuttle is Jar Jar Binks. Amidala is wearing a purple velvet travel cloak that drapes her body in soft folds and a gold-rimmed cowl that frames her smooth white face like a cameo portrait.
Qui-Gon rises and stands waiting beside Anakin as the Queen and her handmaidens approach.
"Your Highness," Qui-Gon greets with a deferential inclination of his head. "It will be our pleasure to continue to serve and protect you."
Amidala nods. "I welcome your help. Senator Palpatine fears the Federation means to destroy me."
"I promise you, we will not let that happen," the Jedi Master advises solemnly.
"Where is Vader?" She inquires, raising her left eyebrow in curiosity as the last time she saw him is when they arrived on Coruscant.
"Speaking with the Jedi Council," Qui-Gon informs her, signing somewhat between resignation and exasperation.
"I wish to speak with him," Amidala replies without elaboration, clasping both hands behind her back.
"Your majesty," Obi-Wan Kenobi's eyes go wide, "while he is not an enemy of Naboo, the Council is correct to presume he is still a risk to the Order and the Republic. A Sith Lord accompanying us would only complicate matters."
"I do not believe such a thing, Jedi," Amidala corrects coolly with such authority that is enough to make even Master Windu slightly intimidated. "My handmaidens have informed me that he had been essentially less than threatening. In spite of how different he may be, I trust him with becoming our ally. Additionally, I am displeased with the Jedi and the Senate's inefficacy. Darth Vader is our best chance."
Obi-Wan's mouth clamp close at that, eyeing Master Jinn for assistance but the older Jedi remains quiet, appearing to stare without staring at all. Truth be told, he cannot argue with the logic of the Queen since Vader has the testimony of the Queen's handmaidens themselves at his back who he stares at, checking for any wounds but the handmaidens stare at him with a cool face before he sighs and accept defeat.
Part of him fears that Vader corrupt the handmaidens and the Queen and poisoned their view on the Order since, to put it bluntly, the handmaidens didn't act this cold to him several days back.
He reaches out into the Force, probing their aura and finding their auras light. What he finds worse is that their view of the Jedi Order that they possessed several days before has been poisoned simply because the Jedi are reluctant to assist their home planet. He can additionally sense the Queen's vexation for the Jedi Order as well. Should he speak with them again, it would undoubtedly end heatedly.
Not to mention, Vader undoubtedly is far more powerful and stronger than both Master and the Knight.
"Captain, see that we do not lift off until Vader returns," fake Amidala orders, the words of Kenobi going on death ears. She trusts the Jedi but she would have more reassurances with someone like Vader who is experienced in battle and can push back the Trade Federation.
"Yes, my lady," Panaka replies, commanding to the pilots under no condition are they to lift off.
The real Queen turns and with her handmaidens follows Panaka and the Naboo guards and officers into the transport. They went on board of the ship, to Queen Chambers, deciding to use this time to learn more about Vader alongside Sabé. Eirtaé give the progress report about Vader on their whole time to Tatooine, about their encounter with the tuskens, up to the battle with a mysterious dark entity.
"So, Vader actually says the Jedi Council would attempt to destroy him and he is not above slaughtering Jedi?" Padmé asks Eirtaé with a cool demeanor as she wonders what is happening to their dark - can they really call him a friend - as they speak. She started forming a liking for the anonymous man before their arrival of Coruscant so she hopes he is alright, but it's Vader. He would be fine... hopefully.
Should they return to Coruscant, they rather not exactly witness on the Holonet Vader slaughtering the Jedi within the Jedi Temple nor a recorder revealing the Jedi executing Vader and him dying with his beliefs whilst one of Naboo's hope diminishes. Both are horrible outcomes, but given Vader's beliefs, one may happen as the Jedi in ancient history combat the forces of evilness.
However, Vader isn't evil, just heavily misinterpreted. Controversially, Darth Vader isn't as cold as the Republic and they have witnessed the harshness of the Jedi Order itself in their jest of doing nothing but sending two Jedi; one who is obviously unexperienced while the other is aged instead of sending their best. They trusted Kenobi at least slightly but they now doubt him as they doubt the rest of the Jedi. It comes to a speedy realization that they have a better chance with Vader than they do with the rest of the Jedi.
Padmé would consider Vader, even as intimidating as he is, as someone who is a dark knight of Naboo, someone who she would trust even more than the Jedi. In spite of Vader being an absolute warlord like in the legends and is capable of switching attitudes, Vader is not a brute like the warlords are described as. He does not lust for blood but he is someone who is willing to take life given he didn't bat an eyelash on murdering an entire Tusken Camp with her handmaidens. He is calm and unpredictable and that is the terrifying part about him because Vader can do something next that completely goes against their expectations.
"Yes," Eirtaé confirms, straightening under the sharp stare of her Queen though in her eyes is evident anger that her Queen and her fellow handmaidens share. Despite them being close behind the mask of Queen Amidala, this is now handmaiden and Queen speaking. "I don't believe this would end well for either party should Darth Vader and the Jedi Council lock blades."
"Yeah, you should have seen him, Padmé, he fought against a Zabrak... oops!" Rabé slips up, placing a hand on her mouth and receiving a sharp glare from Sabé and Eirtaé for totally unintentionally snitching on each of them.
Padmé catches on and sighs in annoyance before she turns to face Sabé, saying with exasperation as she glares at her closest handmaiden. She knows she cannot stay angry with her, for Sabé is as close as Sola, even closer maybe, but her tendency to annoy her at times can grow infuriating. Then again, she annoy Sabé more so it goes both ways.
"When I say have one handmaiden, I mean it. Not two. Not three. Not five. One!" Padmé reprimands, staring at the taller woman, not bothering to hide her irritation.
"Hey, it was more Rabé's idea," Sabé argues with a smirk, looking far more relieved without having to wear the disguise. "Besides consider this vengeance for pushing me in that cold lake not that long ago."
Padmé is about to offer a sharp response to her older sister figure when they hear the sounds of all too familiar marching makes itself known on the shuttle, a quick clang before all become silent, the hanger ramp closing.
Rabé flips a nearby lever within the Queen's chambers which have security cameras, playing back the footage and showing Darth Vader who enters the shuttle, cape attach and hood and mask clouding his expression as always.
The last time they seen him was on the landing platform shortly after they learned Darth Vader is capable of having fun though they have a feeling that it won't happen again. He told them hilarious stories about his travels as well as dark ones to Rabé who prefer that type of genre. It ended with them falling asleep on top of Darth Vader with him eventually doing the same; Rabé was at his legs, Padmé and Sabé on his armored stomach, and Eirtaé at his right arm. They also remember Darth Vader appearing to be humiliated and barging out after they woke for breakfast which is something they probably would giggle at for days since the very said quiet intimidating Darth Vader just apparently is incapable of being rude for so long. The thought of the man blushing behind his mask at falling asleep next to them is beyond hysterical.
"Looks like Vader is back. My confidence for us retaking Naboo suddenly boosted. Hope we can see that cocky smirk wiping off of Gunray's lips." Eirtaé declares, earning a nod from Rabé but a sharp frown by Sabé. Both wish the same things too as they just want to return home, but Sabé, ever the cautious one, does trust Vader a lot more but she still believes he is just one man that they can't waste all their resources in. Hopefully, the man wouldn't lose his life along with countless others as they each know some and probably even themselves wouldn't ever go home. Though their names would remain as heroes in history.
"Not that much confidence in Kenobi and Jinn?" Sabé asks, quirking her eyebrows at her fellow handmaidens. Despite their involvement not being as big as Vader, they still portrayed a minor role and assisted in their protection upon Naboo, Jinn even calling the right call with the boy back on Tatooine. She may agree with her fellow handmaidens about Darth Vader's strength and ruthlessness in battle, but she has problems trusting one who doesn't reveal his or her identity.
"I trust the Jedi with wishing to preserve our protection and having good intentions to protect her Highness, but my trust in Vader is maximum. He managed to beat us all at once; trained handmaidens, and given the demonstration of Vader and of Kenobi when he sparred..." Eirtaé replies, earning grins from her friends as they know that demonstration eventually ended, but they only managed to scratch the surface at seeing what Vader can do in combat and whatever personality Vader has behind his mask.
Padmé has a personality behind the mask she wears and she breaks character at times but Vader is complicated and problematic, having no character, and is completely an impassive and unmoving individual; but he is quite a character for certain. The most they got within seeing whoever Darth Vader may have been when they sparred with him but even so they didn't even discover more about whoever he is. Constantly, Vader just remains with a sharp calm that leaves intentions unknown and leaves whatever he will do next beyond terrifying.
"...suffice to say Darth Vader has to be more powerful than Kenobi and Jinn if not the entirety of the Jedi Order. Whereas you and Padmé have preferred reading novels, Sabé, I read many books, one consisting of major descriptions of warlords dated back to the Jedi Civil War, and having one on our side means Nute Gunray is going to encounter complications. Besides, rather have him on our side which he appears to be so far despite his opportunities to betray us than against us and on the side of the Trade Federation. If that happened, well... highly doubt Jinn and Kenobi could have stopped him and Naboo would be beyond recognition so let's be glad someone like him is on our side and not jinx it. Army or not, we will be dead if Vader was our enemy."
Padmé snorts. On that, she definitely agrees with every proclamation of her friend. Still, she needs to speak with him, hoping that he wouldn't kill her but at a very young age, she has faced life and death already for the past week so she is prepared to die. However, something tells her Vader would never hurt her.
"Well, if there was a battle, given he is present, Vader won," Eirtaé murmurs to her fellow handmaidens. Besides, how else is Vader walking among the ship now if he and the Order are supposedly loathing each other to no end? Though instead of the terror they suspect to feel to the destruction of the Jedi Order, there is a strange sense of relief that Vader is returning and is still alive.
"That worries me," Sabé replies, finding herself not caring so much about the potential destruction of the Jedi as much as she should and feeling slightly horrible for it, but they don't appear to care much about her homeplanet.
Padmé feels her spine tightening as she opens the door to the Queen's Chambers, leaning against the wall and placing her shoulder on it. Since she's not in her Queen Amidala outfit, she's able to go out in public though there are still reservations.
"Vader," Padmé says, slightly worried, "Would you come here please? I need a word with you."
Vader walks up, and Padmé walks into the room with him trailing behind her before she closes the doors to the chambers, thus lowering her shields.
'I wonder if they would ever find out what I became in the other timeline. Maybe they will meet Luke and Leia.' Vader thinks, wishing for a moment that he can see the versions of them from his time.
Outside the ship, Jar Jar hurries over and envelops Anakin in a huge hug. "Weesa goen home, Annie!" he exclaims with a grin, and Anakin Skywalker hugs him back.
"Oh boy. Those two..." Rabé trails off, though the grin on her face shows she is far from exasperated.
Slightly affronted since that is his younger self, Vader inquires. "Rabé, were you the one who was leaping up and down almost two days ago, interest to see my abilities like a ten-year-old girl receiving her favorite birthday present?"
Rabé blushes slightly, her cheeks becoming a deep crimson. That moment of wanting to see Vader's abilities caused her inner child to form. Well, they are still children, 17 at tops.
"Why did you have to bring that up?" She mumbles before she gets another sentence as if it is a afterthought. "Hey, you are not that taller and probably not that much older than us. Surely you are 21 at most."
"46," Vader lies.
He is 23 once more but if the Jedi find out his true age, they would place one of the clues together which can lead to further complications. He needs to conceal the truth since he is determined to remain more or less an ambiguous individual to almost every one of this timeline. Besides, he's not completely deceiving them as he does have his 46 year old mentality.
Shock looks are given to him by the teenagers.
"And he talks about our age," Eirtaé replies, running her hand through her blonde hair with a teasing grin. "You could practically be our father or uncle."
"No, you all are too unconditionally infuriating to be my daughters and nieces."
"We get that a lot."
Silence follows until Vader stares at his younger self, knowing that his mother would have a heart attack should she ever figure out he had got in a starfighter or lead a bunch of men in an army. And considering she is on this planet... that cannot be pretty for Qui-Gon Jinn...
"I wonder why his mother is willing to allow him to go into the battle," Vader speaks inquisitively. "Pod racing is one thing but going into a battle that is another. I can't see Ms. Skywalker accepting that." He has learned to start calling her Ms. Skywalker without feeling urges to correct himself and call her mother.
"I have ordered for her to be check for diseases since Tatooine is full of ones," Padmé declares. "Most remedies have been discovered long ago and not to mention the bruises and scars on her body needing checking or they could potentially become affected. There is also the slave chip I have ordered to be removed for her and Ani as well, but right now, Ani is under Qui-Gon's protection and she is undergoing surgery. I'm certain the Jedi would deal with the removal of Anakin's slave chip and others such things."
He can sense she is not exactly thrilled about the boy going to a battle, but that is out of jurisdiction since Qui-Gon declared himself as Anakin's protector. He knows his younger self still has a slave chip but the Jedi removed it shortly after he became a Jedi so he needn't worried about such things.
"So how did the meeting with the Council go?" Sabé inquires, intrigue, seeing that her friend is undamaged. One would expect bloody armor and on the verge of defeat should one return in battle especially with the members of the famed Jedi Order.
"Pragmatically telling them to grow up, their arrogance in their ways, and making my way back to the shuttle," Vader explains without further elaboration. Given his attitude to the Council previously, at the very least, he is not taking his anger out on them.
"Why am I not surprise that you just start a verbal war with the Jedi?" Eirtaé queries, now scowling in annoyance as one of her bands fall off and she bends down to lift it up.
Vader sneers. "The Council are beyond idiotic. Be glad you're not among their Order."
"We are hardly worthy of being Jedi. How is it possible we can be Jedi?" Rabé queries.
"You each are strong with the Force," Vader replies, sensing their Force Sensitivity from a mile away.
"Strong in the Force?" Eirtaé repeats, narrowing her eyes. "We are not Jedi."
"Naboo is strong with the light side of the Force. Have you ever wonder how or why you can sense something before they occur? If you were detected by the Jedi Council, you each would have become Jedi." Vader replies, sensing the Force Sensitivity albeit untrained in their auras as much as he was able to sense it with children during the time of the Empire.
They begin to rethink the times throughout since they became handmaidens and realize there were times they had seen things before they happened. A bounty hunter came after Padmé 5 months back a week after she became Queen and Sabé got the jump on her before the attack even happened. They shot him before he got in but they just shrugs it off as instincts, nothing more. Is it possible that the Force - which they hardly know about - itself is fueling through them as Vader claims? How would they be as Jedi?
"Were you all Jedi, I have little doubt that you would all have a bond, however, you would have been absolutely been brainwashed to the point where you would not have your own independence or where it would have been a miracle that you broke away from them." Vader continues sardonically, sounding not pleased at that admission, imagining them where they are emotionless beings who care more for the precious Order of the Jedi Council instead of finding their own path and ways.
"What type of Jedi would we be?" Sabé asks after a second of hesitation as she sits down on her bed and begins to stroke her empty blaster. Vader remembers when he use to grow apprehensive Sabé was going to shoot him as Skywalker when she did that around his younger self but she quickly shut down his worried by saying that it's just a hobby she does when she is intrigued or bored.
"You each would have the same class due to the specific age group you each share," Vader replies, wishing he hadn't vocalized this subject.
"Well, if we were Jedi," Eirtaé chimes up, finally clipping the band to her ponytail, "which would our path would be?
"You each would have your own talents; Padmé is marvelous at leadership and battle, Sabé is impressive at assuming leadership if she is injured or if the situation deems it and would detect danger just before they happen, Rabé would advise patience, you read many other languages and have remarkable skill with electronics that match Skywalker, Yané would be the healer, and Saché is impressive at security and intelligence. Nevertheless, I feel as if you each are better off being handmaiden and Queen; you each are able to exploit more of your talents. Being a Jedi means you would have to struggle with the dark side and sever bonds so each of you would have to maintain reservations so you wouldn't be as attached." He responds pointedly, sensing their immediate dislike of that admission as they are close, and if they were Jedi, their friendship would either be nonexistent or restrained.
"They say that Jedi have a mantle. What type of mantle would we have?" Sabé inquires after several seconds.
"Padmé, you, and Eirtaé would be Jedi Guardians, fighting in a direct battle. Rabé and Saché would be a Jedi Sentinel, using other instruments in conflict. Yané would be a Jedi Consular, exploiting more of the Force around her environments." Vader replies, knowing that he has started this conversation and that it would be just right for him to finish it.
"Will we be like we are now?" Eirtaé asks.
"No, the Jedi's preaching would have made you gone down a path that would have made you yourselves view me as a dangerous enemy or a cautious ally along with Jinn and Kenobi and the rest of the Order. You each are better off as who you are now." Vader replies, wondering what would happen if they were Jedi but Anakin Skywalker somehow became a student. Would they treat him well or would they mistreat him like the rest of his past Jedi class? Would they save him from the dark side? If not and he still time travel, how would their interactions proceed if there was ever ones?
"Why didn't the Jedi collect us as children at that rate?" Rabé asks, scowling fiercely at that concession as they don't perceive Vader as a threat right now.
"The will of the Force deems that the Jedi mustn't discover you," Vader replies. "The Force controls every life and sentient throughout the galaxy. It decides your fates and who you are meant to be."
And that puts an end to the conversation.
Moments later the sleek transport lifts off, leaving the surface of Coruscant behind for Naboo. Now, they have to return to Naboo and bring the fight to the Trade Federation personally in spite of how much countless lives would be lost. To be honest, it would be a miracle if they survive the day's end, but hopefully, with someone like Vader, they would have a fighting chance.
"I still can't believe the Republic denied ours pleads for help. I'm not even certain Senator Palpatine would help now." Sabé states, sour and uncertainty in her tone.
"I have warned you the Senate would not concern themselves with your issues neither would the Jedi Council. They care little unless their Republic at the core is at risk." Vader replies, earning a brief glare from the handmaiden before she sighs. "A lesson from me, your Highness, rely on you and your handmaidens in future conflicts, for far more problems would be solved."
Padmé turns her eyes on him. There is the bigger part that still relies on that the Republic would thrive under the leadership of Chancellor Palpatine and that such an incident like this wouldn't occur again when he begins making an effect on the galaxy should there be future occupations, a small part of her is wondering if Vader is right, pondering if the current order in things is the wrong direction for the safety of the galaxy.
The former Sith Lord walks over to a nearby terminal and lays something small down they can barely see as he pulls up a report of some sort, strolling through whatever it is before deactivating it and placing it back in his belt.
"The Republic may not help you, Padmé, but I have a chip I managed to slice through that would assist your case on the later date when we capture Nute Gunray and you may provide as evidence to the Senate," he continues, reaching down for the sliced chip he has hidden for the past days and holds it out for her.
Padmé stares down at the chip and pockets it before she burns holes into Vader, "You didn't think it was wise to show us this before we got to Coruscant?! We could have used this to convince the Republic of the Trade Federation's involvement and acquire the Senate's help!"
Vader's expression remains impassive. He understands her irritation at him for not showing them earlier of this.
"Padmé, the outcome would have remain the same even should I have exposed the truth, exactly the reason why I didn't feel the need to hand the chip to the Jedi Council. Certainly, the Chancellor would have helped but it would have taken months if not years for Naboo to be free from the occupation of the Trade Federation and it would have brought enough time for them to collect this datachip with their lackeys. At that rate, you would have only your handmaidens, guards, and the Senate will not believe them, given your close affliction in you being Queen of Naboo and them being your loyal handmaidens, guards, and friends. Now, you have evidence and witnesses, and if we capture Gunray, it would prevent him from escaping from the hold of the Senate." Vader replies flatly, knowing that his wife is desperate and wishing to save her planet, reminding him much of his younger days when his Master was captured multiple days and something - now that he recognizes - his dark side reigned supreme. He presumes that is why their impulsive attitudes were part of the reason why they were soulmates.
Padmé purses her lips, wrinkling her face, before she sighs, "I'm sorry for snapping."
Vader smirks. "In my short experience of you, you are extremely impulsive, Padmé."
"Boy, is that the truth," Sabé quips, earning an immediate glare from Padmé and knowing smirks from her fellow handmaidens. "I have to practically live with her and I can say, Vader, she is far too reckless and defiant for her own good. Her future husband or wife is going to face lots of complications."
Vader smirks, knowing that Sabé is right about that. Whenever someone dares to tell Padmé Naberrie one thing the woman does exactly the other.
Unknown to the ladies, Vader begins to formulate a plan in his head as a backup plan should a situation deems it. When the time comes, should Padmé be in a grave injury or - he cringes - killed, he wants the handmaidens to be the guardians of Luke and Leia.
To put it bluntly, the handmaidens raising the children of Skywalker and Amidala would ultimately be the better option than the Jedi forcing their flawed teachings down their throats to be tools of their Order.
The handmaidens would not conceal the truth of their lineage. While Kenobi and Yoda did well so far that his son became what a Jedi should be, saw the light in his father, and redeemed him, in terms of raising his children is a touchy subject as they didn't tell the children of their mother who should have been told when the time came. Additionally, the handmaidens would raise them to be warriors, teaching them that they are capable of defending themselves and exploiting their training and the training that is to come into Luke and Leia. They would be capable of hiding them from Sidious too if they have to, since under his time as Skywalker and working with them a few times, he knows that they are far more sneaky than they appear to be.
It would only be right for the handmaidens to be backup plans.
Aboard the Queen's transport, coming out of hyperspace and approaching the Naboo star system, Qui-Gon Jinn pauses on his way to a meeting with the Queen to study Anakin Skywalker.
The boy stands at the pilot's console next to Ric Olie. The Naboo pilot is bend forward over the controls, pointing each one out in turn and explaining its function. Anakin is absorbing the information with astonishing quickness, brow furrowed, eyes intense, concentration total.
"And that one?" The boy points.
"The forward stabilizer." Ric Olie glances up at him expectantly, waiting.
"And those control the pitch?" Anakin indicates a bank of levers by the pilot's right hand.
Ric Olie's weather face breaks into a grin. "You catch on pretty quick."
'As quick as anyone he had ever encountered,' Qui-Gon Jinn thinks. That is the reason Anakin is so special. It gives evidence of his high midi-chlorian count. It suggests anew that he is the Chosen One.
The Jedi Master sighs. Why can the Council not accept that this is so? Why are they so afraid of taking a chance on the boy, when the signs are so clear?
Qui-Gon finds himself frustrated all over again. He understands their thinking. It is bad that Anakin is so old, but not fatal to his chances. What troubles them is not his age, but the conflict they sense within him. Anakin is wrestling with his parentage, with his separation from his mother, his friends, and his home. Especially his mother. He is old enough to appreciate what might happen, and the result is uncertainty that works within him like a caged animal seeking to break free. The Jedi Council know that it could not tame that uncertainty from without, that it could be mastered only from within. They believe Anakin Skywalker too old for this, his thinking and his beliefs too settled to be safely reshaped. He is vulnerable to his inner conflict, and the dark side would be quick to take advantage of this.
Qui-Gon shakes his head, staring over at the boy from the back of the cockpit. Yes, there are risks in accepting him as an apprentice, but few things of worth are accomplished in life without risk. The Jedi Order is founded on strict adherence to established procedures in the raising and educating of young Jedi, but there are exceptions to all things, even this. That the Jedi Council is refusing even to consider that this is an instance in which an exception should be made is intolerable.
Still, he must keep faith, he knows. He must believe. The decision not to train Anakin would be reconsidered on their return and reversed. If the Council did not embrace the boy's training as a Jedi voluntarily, then it would be up to Qui-Gon to find a way to make it do so.
His thoughts goes to Vader who for the past two days has barricaded himself in chambers he occupied, likely meditating as he and Obi-Wan frequently sense the dark side surrounding the ship than the light than the coexisting presence that is Darth Vader. Additionally, him attempting to detect whoever Vader may be behind the mask and hood results in constant failures, and he knows that the presumed Sith Lord deactivated the cameras to the chambers several days back.
He turns away then and walks from the cabin to the passageways beyond and descends one level to the Queen's chambers. The others she call together for this meeting are already present when he arrived. Obi-Wan give him a brief, neutral nod of recognition, standing next to a glowering Captain Panaka. Jar Jar Binks hugs the wall to one side, apparently trying to disappear into it. Amidala sit on her shipboard throne on a raised dais sat against one wall, two of her handmaidens, Rabé and Eirtaé, flanking her. Her white-painted face is composed and her gaze cool as it meet his own, but there is fire in the words she speaks next.
What the Jedi Master did not see is Darth Vader walking behind them, staring intently at the scene, arms crossed across his chest.
"When we land on Naboo," she advises the Jedi Master after he bows and takes up a position next to Panaka, "it is my intention to act on this invasion at once. My people have suffered enough." She should have done this in the first place. Now, she can see how patience is not always the correct action.
Panaka can barely contain himself, his dark face tight with anger. "When we land, Your Highness, the Trade Federation will arrest you and force you to sign their treaty!"
Qui-Gon nods thoughtfully, curious as to the Queen's thinking. "I agree. I'm not sure what you hope to accomplish by this."
Amidala might have been carved from stone. "The Naboo are going to take back what is ours."
"There are only fourteen of us!" Panaka snaps, unable to keep silent. "Your Highness," he adds belatedly. "We have no army!"
Her eyes shift to Qui-Gon. "The Jedi cannot fight a war for you, Your Highness," he advises. "We can only protect you."
Vader scoffs, not able to take this hypocrisy any longer. "I'm not surprised. You Jedi have a tendency to abandon the people of your Republic."
The room turns to face him, slight smirks coming on the lips of the handmaidens and the Queen. Qui-Gon finds himself worry at that, sensing the resentment Vader holds at the Jedi have since then spiral, but there are still no ill intentions to the Jedi Order. He can sense something has happened between the Queen and the handmaidens that appear to make them trust the mysterious being greater than before along with growing hatred to the Order. He probes the Force to see if the dark being manipulate them to the point where they don't trust the Jedi, shock to see the Force ringing a negative.
Qui-Gon stands straight, crossing his arms across his chest as he stares at the armored man. "It's not that we don't want to help, Vader, it is just not in our mandate to fight a war."
"If the Trade Federation was sacking Coruscant, you would have all helped without hesitation," Vader replies pointedly, cutting off the Jedi Master's protests and sending him into deep thought, walking closer which slightly worries him. "You Jedi have the livelihood to attempt to be pure pacifists and allow countless lives to be lost, doing nothing to those in the Outer Rim and even those in the Lower City of the planet you reside on."
Qui-Gon opens his mouth to respond to that but then closes it again, knowing deep down that Vader is right. If it was Coruscant, the Jedi would have found it critical to assure the attack is ended in order to protect the Republic. Naboo is not a core world like Coruscant has been for over 25,000 years.
"What do you suggest we do?" It is Obi-Wan who asks the question, his nose raised slightly as he stares at Vader.
"I suggest the Queen deploy a few guards down and dispatch the droids. Not at the palace in order to make it less complicated for us to break through the attack." Vader replies, staring at the Padawan briefly before turning to the Queen.
"That is not a possibility!" Panaka interjects. "We need all hands on deck!"
"Correct me if I'm wrong but there are many guards on the ship," Vader replies coldly, inhospitable cerulean eyes lingering on the Captain's gaze, causing his spine to twitch inwardly, "unless your guards are pure incompetent, you should be able to send little less than a platoon."
"A platoon?!" Panaka shouts, pointing at him with his index finger. "We have limited numbers as it is!"
"I'm afraid I will have to agree with my guard, Lord Vader," the Queen replies, though it is evident that she is conflicted about this.
"Deploy less than five soldiers," the former Sith Lord replies, "they are capable of picking off several droids. It is likely the droids have droids snipers that you can utilize as well and we can acquire more armory."
"That would only waste lives," Panaka replies through gritted teeth.
"Traversing in the city, lightsabers and blasters blazing would too," Vader replies flatly. "Either way lives will be claimed. Following my plan, there could be more survivors."
The Queen sighs. "In spite of my reservation at this not working, but since you have been helpful so far and correct in judgment every step of the way, Lord Vader, I will allow it."
Panaka looks like he is about to argue at that but decides to take his defeat in stride, other than staring at Darth Vader with absolute hatred at the corner of his eyes.
The Queen let her gaze drift from them to settle on Jar Jar. The Gungan is studying his toes. "Jar Jar Binks!" she calls.
Jar Jar, clearly caught off guard, stiffens. "Me, Your Highness?"
"Yes," Amidala of the Naboo affirms, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I need your help."
Deep in the Naboo swamps, at the edge of the lake that bores downward to the Gungan capital city of Otoh Gunga, the fugitives from the Queen's transport are grouped at the water's edge, waiting for the return of Jar Jar Binks. Amidala and her handmaidens, the Jedi Knights, Captain Panaka, Anakin, R2-D2, Ric Olie, and several other pilots, and a handful of Naboo guards cluster uneasily in the misty silence. It is safe to say that even now no one but the Queen knows exactly what it is she is attempting to do. All she have been willing to reveal to those in a position to inquire was that she wishes to make contact with the Gungan people and Jar Jar would be her emissary. She insisted on landing in the swamp, even after both Panaka and the Jedi advised against it.
A single battleship orbites the planet, all that remains of the Trade Federation blockade. Housed within is the control station responsible for directing the droid army that occupied Naboo. When Panaka wonders aloud at the absence of the other battleships, Qui-Gon points out rather dryly that you don't need a blockade once you control the port.
"The Jedi don't wish to lead an army and fight a war," Padmé says with barely controlled rage to Vader silently.
"Like I said before, your highness, they are beyond complacent," he replies, somewhat bitter about the indifference of the entire issue since he never liked when she was angry in his time as Skywalker. "I am not held back by such reservations."
Anakin, standing apart from the others with R2-D2, studies the group surreptitiously. Jar Jar have been gone a long time, and everyone but the Queenias growing restless. She stands wrapped in her soft robes, silent and implacable in the midst of her handmaidens. Padmé, Eirtaé, and Rabé changed from their crimson hooded cloaks into more functional trousers, tunics, boots, and long-waisted overcoats, and there are blasters strapped to their waists. The boy has never seen Padmé like this, and he finds himself wondering how good a fighter she is. Darth Vader is not far from them, presence as foreboding as always.
As if realizing he is thinking of her, Padmé breaks away from the others and come over to him, though most notably he can swear there are little smirks sent at their direction by the handmaidens and even by the Queen.
"How are you, Annie?" she asks quietly, her kind eyes locking on his.
He shrugs. "Okay. I've missed you."
"It's good to see you again. I'm sorry I haven't had a chance to talk with you before, but I've been very busy."
They haven't spoken more than a few words to each other since leaving Tatooine, and Anakin hasn't even seen Padmé since their departure from Coruscant. It bothers him, but he keeps it to himself.
"I didn't-I-" he stutters, looking down at his boots. "They decided not to make me a Jedi."
He recounts the story for her, detailing the events surrounding his appearance before the Jedi Council. Padmé listens intently, then touches his cheek with her cool fingers but anger is in her eyes. "They can change their minds, Annie. Don't give up hope."
She bends close then. "I have something to tell you. The Queen has made a painful, difficult decision-a decision that will change everything for the Naboo. We are a peaceful people, and we do not believe in war. But sometimes there is no choice. Either you adapt or you die. The Queen understands this. She has decided to take an aggressive posture with the Trade Federation army. The Naboo are going to fight to regain their freedom."
"Will there be a battle?" he asks quickly, trying unsuccessfully to hide his excitement.
She nods. "I'm afraid so."
"Will you be involved?" he presses.
She smiles sadly. "Annie, I don't have a choice."
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan stand together some distance away. The Jedi still aren't speaking to each other, or only barely so. Their words on the journey out from Coruscant have been reserved almost exclusively for others. The hard feelings cause by Qui-Gon's bid to train Anakin did not soften. The boy tried to talk to Obi-Wan once aboard the Queen's ship, just to say he was sorry this happened, but the younger Jedi brushed him off.
Now, though, Obi-Wan is beginning to feel uncomfortable with the situation. He have been close with Qui-Gon for too long to let a momentary disagreement put an end to many-odd years of friendship. Qui-Gon is like a father to him, the only father he know. He is angry that the Jedi Master would dismiss him so abruptly in favor of the boy, but he realizes, too, the depth of Qui-Gon's passion when he believes in something. Training this boy to be a Jedi is a cause Qui-Gon championed as he championed no other in Obi-Wan's memory. He did not do so to slight his protégé. He did so because he believes in the boy's destiny.
Obi-Wan understands. Who can say? Perhaps this time Qui-Gon is right. Perhaps Anakin Skywalker's training was a cause worth fighting for.
Obi-Wan least expects for Darth Vader to storm up.
"Kenobi, follow me," he announces curtly, cerulean eyes flashing as if he is daring him to argue. At this point he is willing to drag Kenobi to the other side where they would have their privacy and where Vader can see what Obi-Wan is upset about, additionally learning key information about Qui-Gon Jinn which he accepts he would never understand as much as Obi-Wan Kenobi, due to Qui-Gon Jinn rarely having time to train him.
Obi-Wan is about to argue but silent himself when he sees the daring in his eyes and he follows without hesitation, much to his amazement as he still didn't know exactly what to feel about Vader. Besides, he has a feeling denying Vader will not exactly end well for him regardless if he wants to do so or not. The Jedi Padawan is far weaker than Darth Vader, him apparently favoring the Form, Djem So and Juyo, both forms far more aggressive that would overwhelm his Ataru and he has years of experience at his back.
Once they are far away from the others, Vader turns on him, asking. "Now I am not a Jedi nor would ever be an ally to the Jedi but I am not blind. What is the matter, Jedi?"
"He just abandoned me," Obi-Wan spoke, surprised that he is speaking his problems with a Sith, but he just feels the strange urge to get all of this off his chest to Vader. "I have been his student for the longest but he's acting like the child is more important. I know Anakin was a slave and I really like him, but why does he act like I'm not relevant?"
Vader narrows his eyes at Obi-Wan, reading him slowly and noticing the pain on the now Jedi Padawan's face. He wants to understand why Obi-Wan blamed himself for Qui-Gon for so many years in his former timeline but what if the problem was not Obi-Wan? What if it was Qui-Gon?
He assumed Obi-Wan was acting like a child, throwing a temper tantrum, given his age and how rebellious he was when he was without his 46-year-old mentality along with experience in different sides of the Force. When he was a Jedi Knight and even as a Jedi Padawan, he was naive, wishing his Master's approval and attention, and he assumed it was merely a phase that would pass.
How wrong he was.
"Your Master didn't put you aside on purpose, Kenobi. He just is getting catch up in the revelation with boy's potential that it just takes up all of his attention. Furthermore, your two's relationship is like that of a father and son, and sometimes the relationships between parents and children get a little strained as the children become adults or a new pack enters. There are plenty of parents and children who don't have that, but some do. So your relationship may be slightly strained already, but you are not a horrible person for feeling these emotions." Vader replies, planting his hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder, not believing how horrible he feels for his Master in the other timeline.
After a few seconds, Vader storms over to Qui-Gon Jinn, his cape billowing behind him as he grabs the Jedi Master's shoulder and practically begins dragging him away without much effort. The handmaidens and guards stare at the former Sith and Jedi Master with shock until he comes to a stop a private distance away.
"Explain," Vader demands, receiving a raised eyebrow of confusion.
"Explain what?" Qui-Gon asks, oblivious.
Vader would have sighed if he was not angry with the Maverick Jedi but he simply points at the Jedi Padawan who is staring at them with shock. Is Vader going to actually stand up for him? Why since Obi-Wan been treating him like an cautious ally since the beginning of this mission?
"About what's going on with you and your Padawan," Vader states curtly.
"The boy is important for the future..." Qui-Gon replies, trailing off, astonished that the man is defending the man, considering the tension between him and his Padawan since mere days ago. He's also attempting to conceal the truth about Skywalker as they are at great risks with him being discovered by this being.
"So you replace your student, Jinn?" Vader demands, planting his hands on his hips. "I am well aware of the boy being the Chosen One but you are going to lose your student if you act like this." There is no misplacing the shock on his face but Vader isn't merciful. "That man loves you and looks up to you; he'd worked hard to become your student, and one thing I don't like is when a teacher abandons their student."
"Obi-Wan is ready to face the trials," Qui-Gon counters, crossing his arms across his chest, repeating his words in the Council Chambers. "He can learn no more from me. I focus on the boy more because he needs my attention more, Obi-Wan is grown up and ready for knighthood. I know how important it is to train Anakin because he is the chosen one. I need to make them understand that Anakin will become a great Jedi Knight. He was more occupied with just getting him in training so he could bring balance to the force, the thought of him turning to the dark side most likely never occurred to him.
"Just because you ran into a boy who has the potential to become far more powerful than your protégé does not mean you replace your first student," Vader can't resist the urge to snarl, beginning to wonder his father figure requires a lesson as well. "Skywalker is not a liability but you are disregarding one person, an individual you have worked with for years, for another who you barely know. Your telescoping vision also causes you to unconsciously verbally backhand your apprentice a couple of times. Even though it's not on purpose, the neglect to watch your tongue and not behave as though you don't care about your student who assisted you through many trials and struggles. What either makes it worse or better is the fact that your student is the humble, level-headed individual that he is, assumes you have ultimately placed your priorities in the right place. So he forces himself to believe he's wrong and to believe that Skywalker is top priority. Mostly, the worst damage you inadvertently caused was to start off Kenobi and the boy off on maladroit terms. It isn't smart to toss aside your old protégé in front of the Council and treat your new apprentice as if he is nothing to you."
Qui-Gon's eyes widen. Admittedly, he hasn't thought about that. He figures, Obi-Wan, being the loyal and by-the-book type of Jedi he is, would control his emotions as the Council preach for him to do for years. What if Obi-Wan resents Anakin for stealing Qui-Gon's attention and leaving him out? The more he thinks about it, the more the realization starts to form. Obi-Wan is jealous and he is hurt.
"Listen here, Jinn, you are going to speak with your student or so help me I will drag you into the back room and give you a near-live demonstration of what I have done to that droid days ago in the Naboo's hanger."
There is rarely a time where Qui-Gon Jinn admits he is frightened, given which type of Master he had. But that intimidating glare by Vader is truly enough to make the Jedi Master shiver. The man is unquestionably angry with him because of how coldly he had dismissed Obi-Wan; that much is clear, but why? Why does his Padawan appear to mean so much to Vader?
Vader, sensing the fear boiling up in the Jedi, turns to Obi-Wan. He guesses overprotective little brother has his habits. Old habits die hard after all.
"Kenobi, get over here," Vader commands tersely, the Padawan not moving an inch. "So help me, if you don't come over here right now, I will drag you here like a child and I won't stand for disobedient as I have inconvenient methods." Knowing that Vader is far stronger than him, the Padawan hastily follows his orders, approaching his Master and the former Sith, and the two men stare at each other, the Master staring at him with a solemn stare but the Padawan is just glaring at him with pain and sadness. "Now talk."
"I've been thinking lately," Qui-Gon announces, keeping his voice low, his eyes direct toward the others. "We are treading on dangerous ground. If the Queen intends to fight a war, we cannot become involved. Not even in her efforts to persuade the Gungans to join with the Naboo against the Federation, if that is what she intends by coming here. The Jedi have no authority to take sides."
"But we do have authority to protect the Queen," Obi-Wan points out.
Qui-Gon's eyes shift to find his. "It is a fine line we walk, then."
"Not that type of conversation," Vader snaps furiously, feeling the urge to lift these two idiots up and levitate them right here and shake them until they actually talk about amending their problems. "About your Master and Student relationship."
"Our relationship?" Obi-Wan repeats incredulously with raised eyebrows. "I fail to see how that is of any business it is of yours."
Vader scowls. "It is my business when your negative emotions are conspicuous through the Force and even the passengers on the ship notice it."
Obi-Wan bites down on his lip bitterly as he eyes his Master. "I don't want to talk about it."
He is about to walk off, but Vader has enough; he seizes the Jedi Padawan with the Force and pulls him in impulsive speed. He will not allow Obi-Wan, the man who helped him become one with the Force, to blame himself for all of his life and become a depressed old man in the desert. He gave the old man a warning and the fool continues to attempt to deny this because he wants to be a perfect Jedi to the Jedi Council.
Obi-Wan, attempting to break free, place up barriers, however, the former Sith have a firm hold until he brings him in front of the Maverick Jedi Master. The Padawan now stands in front of his Master, and upon him attempting to resist, his legs suddenly give out not painfully but they are not operating correctly with him right now, his arms soon tangle behind their back undoubtedly so he would not be able to break free.
"You two will talk unless you want me to fix it." Vader threatens, crossing his arms across his chest. "And unless you two want me to drag you onto the ship and force you two to talk which would not be as peaceful as I am attempting to make it now, Jedi, it is wise you talk now." Force, why do these two have to act like children? They are both adults too.
Obi-Wan sighs before speaking. It's not like he is able to crane his neck away with Vader paralyzing his body movements with the Force in some power that he hasn't either mastered yet or doesn't know of, considering whoever Vader's Master must be is likely someone outside of the Jedi Order, an ex Jedi who wanted to explore different sides of the Force, or a Sith which is becoming unlikely more and more than Vader is around.
"Master, I behaved badly on Coruscant, and I am embarrassed. I meant no disrespect to you. I do not wish to be difficult in the matter of the boy." the young man replies, sounding defeated at not being able to resist this conversation that he dreaded to have since he knows it was coming regardless of Vader's intervention.
"Nor have you been," the older Jedi replies, a faint smile appearing. "You have been honest with me. Honesty is never wrong. I did not lie when I told the Council you were ready. You are. I have taught you all I can. You will be a great Jedi, my young Padawan. You will make me proud."
As quickly as that the breach that opened between them is closed. Instead of attempting to stretch the bond further to the point where one or the other falls to the dark side and pin each other as enemy, Vader actually makes them amend their relationships and connections.
"Good, if you two have another argument, we are doing this again," Vader continues, not having to use the Force to add extra weight to his words as he stares at the Master and Padawan with an icy glare that is enough to make a Korun run before he releases Obi-Wan, untangling him and allowing him to sit on the ground, him having to stretch in order for feeling to return to his body.
And that is how the duo of Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi just got defeated but reborn.
Vader is the type of person who would follow whatever he says he would do. Since he came, they thought he was bluff a few times, but he is a dead serious individual that is not to be taken lightly. He does not spat empty promises. Much like Qui-Gon's own Master during their duo and partnership all those years ago which brought up good memories from long ago, Vader is deadly and effective, but it has been years since Qui-Gon saw his former Master.
Regardless, both agree with both their stares and through the Force in every sense of the word, coming to a subconscious compromise that they rather not see another one of Vader's... unmerciful aggressive negotiations.
Darth Maul clench up his fist as he stares down to one of his wounds that haven't be healed. Most of his wounds have been tendered to but the pain he felt is still there by his Master along with the wound of abandonment and his title being dissolved by the same man.
All of his anger is direct at Darth Vader. He vows to kill the man on the battlefield once he kills the two Jedi and fight to the man's very end. Maul would not allow himself to be placed in such a feeble position once more as he was on Tatooine. His anger and rage for Vader are beyond imaginable due to being his first failure for the first time in many years. It is due to the man that his potential is being call into question by his Master.
Suddenly, the Force itself wraps around him, along with a familiar presence that provokes the Zabrak in staring around slightly frantically.
"Tell me, Darth Maul, why do you serve Darth Sidious?" A voice - a voice all too recognizable to him - that he last heard on Tatooine demands, provoking him to turn around and seeing the hooded form of Darth Vader, reaching down and grasping the hilt of his lightsaber, prepared to impale him through the sternum as this man alone is the cause of all the pain aching through his body and the torture he received for a week.
"Boy, you cannot defeat me even should you attempt to," Darth Vader growls, sensing his intentions through the Force. "You are a mere instrument, a tool that maintains no purpose in the galaxy."
Maul's hand trembles. "And yet you serve Jedi. You call me an individual with no purpose but you are the one who works alongside their pitiful Order."
"The Jedi do not control me. Additionally, I am aligned with the Queen of Naboo, not the Jedi. Were it not for this insignificant invasion on this planet, I wouldn't have made my presence known to the galaxy, but upon sensing your Master having something to do with it, it presented an opportunity for me to overthrow him that I have chosen to take. Darth Sidious will be run to the ground."
Maul is stunned. Vader knows the identity of his Master, likely aware of the identity he hides behind, and there is a probable chance that he knows his plans.
"You are betraying our ways. You use the light side as much as the Jedi do. You are a threat to our future plans." Maul snarls, pondering for a brief second if Vader spots the lightsaber angeled at his torso.
"I use the light because it proves a purpose-"
"A purpose?!" Maul interrupts with a scoff. "The light is always weaker than the dark."
"Weaker," It is Vader's turn to scoff. "Humor me, animal. Do the dark side heal you during times of feasibility? Do the dark side gives you clarity in battle when you are attacking without control of your forms? Do the dark side presents courage to your soldiers in battle? Do the dark side allow bits of peace and harmony in your life?"
Now Vader is pacing the Zabrak, and he can sense his growing irritation and dark amusement.
"The dark side does not require those powers," Maul retorts furiously, activating his crimson blade and impaling him clean and through, only for his lightsaber to go through him, not affecting him in the slightest.
On the contrary, Vader chuckles. "You honestly believe I would show myself in the flesh and permit you such a clean opportunity, insignificant child."
Stunningly, the setting around them alters as an entirely into a different setting and place. The place is temperate and verdant, with a comfortable atmosphere despite its challenging ecosystem and perpetually bathe in a red mist, its terrain is one of the contrasts, ranging from the murky swamps to the harsh, barren rocks.
Suddenly, there is a masked mechanical breathing that causes Maul to freeze in place in near terror as he turns to see an individual clouded in a suit and mask. Wires are connected to the figure, the breathing rapid almost mockingly, and what he swears as a life support system is connected to the figure's suit. Most evidently, there is an all too familiar crimson lightsaber humming at his side, poised to strike.
And what Maul recognizes as Nightsisters assume positions, energy bows grasp in each of their hands before they open fire at the figure who parries each shot without taking even one step back. It is child play as each of the Nightsisters is falling to their reflected bolts before the being finally moves.
The monster moves with a lazy precision, blocking each shot with merely his lightsaber grasp in his right hand, the surroundings soon becoming a bloodbath swiftly.
Decapitating the last Nightsister's head from her shoulders, the figure moves into a camp, striding right past him as if he doesn't exist. The monster approaches a woman who stares up at him, beyond startled and fearful, spiking an inner rage in Darth Maul for a reason that escapes him as the monster raises his hand, and the woman is lift off of the ground, grasping her throat desperately, pain evident in her eyes.
"Show me, Maul," the figure thunders, staring at the woman still. "Show me you can save her. Show me you can save the woman who suffered unimaginable agony by Mother Talzin in order for you to live a free life. Show me that the dark side of the Force is powerful enough to save her."
It is the first time Darth Maul has ever seen his mother though there were flashes and images in Sidious's teachings of him as his Master taken pleasure in tormenting his apprentice.
"Shame."
It mocks before it elevates the woman higher, her gasps falling on death's ears before he nods slightly, and the woman's neck snaps, her collapsing onto the ground, the scene replaying in his mind constantly. The mask's mechanical breathing appears to be taunting him, adding salt to the wound.
"You have failed, you animal. That is why your Master stripped you of your title, is it not. You are nothing but a failure to everyone around you; your Master... your clans... your mother..."
The Zabrak wants to do something, to heal the individual of a forgotten past. He is helpless, and so with a rallying cry, he lunges towards the being, lightsaber swinging horizontally though the figure remains impassive until he was seconds away from decapitating him into two, dodging each of his strikes before he catches his hands into a tight grasp, deactivating the lightsaber and pressing down tightly, kicking the Zabrak in the abdomen, kicking the wind out of him, and slamming him to the ground before the Zabrak is levitated to the air and throws him in front of his limp mother.
"You said so yourself that the light side is not required. Go on, beast, save her with the power of the dark side. Kill me."
The Zabrak knows he doesn't have the power to save her, despite his deeply immense power in the dark side.
"Failure."
The scene changes.
And Maul is free again, staring into the crimson eyes of Darth Vader, much intensity and power evident in his eyes.
"The dark side cannot save, beast. It can only intensify the power that is trimming within us. While it has its uses, the foolishness in you and your Master's beliefs is beyond preposterous. A true Sith does not hide. A true Sith does not create absolute delusions. You and your Master are an utter and complete humiliation to not only the Order of Bane but to the Sith's original designation, what defines them, and goal."
And the being evaporates, the tension hanging in the air suddenly disappearing, though the pressure and the oxygen that he felt being in that machine that must be-must have once been Darth Vader at one point. Darth Vader must uave once fight with his rage and anguish to fuel his resolve, enabling him to dispatch his enemies without compassion or remorse. He can tell where Darth Vader was involved the situation was always the same: he was the predator, and one was the prey.
Darth Maul is the apprentice of Darth Sidious, and under his tutelage, he becomes one of the most powerful Sith Lords of the time. He is extremely proficient in the seventh form of lightsaber combat 'Juyo'; this is considered one of the most aggressive forms, using one's hate to power one's strikes. Maul is exceptional with it and is one of the best duelists in the history of the Sith. He manages to dispatch multiple Jedi in the shadows and avoid many others, hunting like prey for years, assassinating without leaving a trace.
Darth Vader however doesn't require being in the shadows for the end result would be the same. He would win. No one can bring someone such as him down easily.
Maul, deep down, knows under no circumstances, no matter the predicament Vader is in, he would never be able to conquer someone such as Darth Vader.
Arthur's note: Hello, everyone, I would like to let you each know I'm administrator of this Discord link that you have the option to join for mainly little spoilers.
Discord. gg/YykVxVRZ
May the Force be with you all always.