All under Heaven
Disclaimer: The characters belong to someone else.
Chapter 3
Leia was pacing the living-room, knowing full well that she was getting on Han's nerves. He was watching her, concern plain on his face, but he refrained from saying anything.
It had been just two hours ago that her father had flipped, almost going berserk when he had learned of the attack on Daala. Authorities had been quick to appease the twins that they would do anything in their power to find the assaulters as soon as possible. And Luke had told them very drily that they better had, or else Anakin would go looking himself. And that was something they all wanted to avoid. The princess had to admit that her father had truly frightened her, and not only when he had attacked her brother without hesitating at all.
"Where is he now?" Han asked finally, heaving a tiny sigh.
"They have sedated him, but I doubt that they can keep him under for long."
"He is lucky they did not just shoot him there and then."
"Yes, true," Leia conceded, throwing her hands up in disgust.
That was something else that bothered her. They had managed to keep this relatively low, but news was hard to contain and especially news like this. For the night she expected yet another media commentary and she could well imagine what they would say now: that the trial was obsolete, that the guard should have shot him anyway. And there was nothing she could do about it. It was politics. If Anakin had been killed, the government might have been accused of trying to belittle their role in all this. As if they were not going to have to expect criticism anyway. She could already see herself on some podium discussion, justifying the actions of the Provisory Council and the New Republic government later on. And the Senate discussions she would have to face... Gita Deron, her father's lawyer, had been very close-mouthed ever since the incident, understandably. She was seeing all her client's hope vanish down the drain. First his statement on Alderaan and the Emperor and now this. Luke had taken the attack surprisingly well, but he too seemed concerned. And Leia could truly bear with him.
"Do you know what Luke said?"
"No," Han frowned. "What was it?"
"When Father told him that he did not want to lose her -"
"Yes?"
"Luke says he is not sure if he meant Daala."
"Who else should he mean?"
"My mother."
"I am not sure I understand."
"He was reliving Mother's death, sort of, or at least that is what Luke thinks."
"Why?"
"The Dark Side was very strong in him, stronger than before. I think Luke might be right. He was not himself."
"You mean that he is losing it?"
"What? No. How can you say that? He is not mad, believe me."
"Then why?"
"Don't you see? We only know him as being under tight control, but he is only human. Now that he is under this much pressure... I understand how he feels."
Han barked an incredulous laugh: "Under control? Him?" He hesitated, blinked his eyes and gave her a faint smile: "You are right. Even when he is angry it is a sort of controlled fury. Now that you mention it."
"Han, right now he is reliving his worst nightmares. He is locked up, his beloved has been injured by a mob and there is nothing he can do about it without.... Oh my stars. I don't even want to think about it!"
Anakin Skywalker was wandering the dunes just West of Mos Espa on Tatooine. He knew that he was technically unconscious, but his mind was as free as ever. No, not quite. How could he be truly free with all these restrictions placed on him? And on the other hand, what would he be without emotions? A machine, nothing more. He winced at the thought, remembering his service to Palpatine. What he had told Gita Deron was true: he was Darth Vader and Vader was Anakin Skywalker. A cold machine without feelings, with only logic to guide him. And his anger, admittedly. He did not want to go back to being that ever again. And yet he had the distinct feeling that it was his only choice if he wanted to survive. Anakin sighed deeply. And froze. He remembered this place now. The desert. Looking up he felt his mind drawn into the sky and beyond. His head spinning, he closed his eyes, trying to concentrate. But he really had no chance as the darkness started closing in, swallowing the light. His desperate scream was lost in the void, unheard.
It was as if someone had drawn a knife across the inside of his head and the pain brought Jix awake in an instant. "Damn!" he cursed, sitting up. "Shit."
The split-second between becoming aware of the three thugs standing at the balcony door and vaulting himself off the bed was filled with a sudden surge of adrenaline, making him feel as if his skin was being peeled off by an icy hail storm. Jix came up against the doorframe, already shooting. The desert being was a sharp blade, poised for action in the back of his mind, and that was the way he liked it most. But why had he not heard them earlier? Had he really been that tired from just walking around the city? Aiming a shot at the last man standing, Jix relaxed a bit.
He rose with a sigh, then walked over, keeping the wall between himself and the balcony, in case there were snipers hidden anywhere in the vicinity. That they had caught up to him that fast worried him immensely. Was he so easy to read? For a moment he squeezed his eyes shut. Alright. Time to stop playing by their rules.
Turve Glat was slouched over his compad, yawning heartily into his full cup of caf. "Come on, where are ya?" he said to himself, hitting the search key.
"Right behind you."
Whirling around in his chair Turve hit his right knee on the edge of his desk, jumped up and caught his foot in the jacket he had left on the floor the previous evening. When he hit the floor, face down, Turve was pretty sure that things could not get any worse. But then Wrenga Jixton sat down next to him, balancing himself on his haunches with a cat-like grace.
"Hello. We meet again."
"A pleasure," Glat wheezed and pushed himself upright again.
The other's blue eyes were twinkling in quiet amusement. "Thought I might pay you a visit since you are having such a hard time finding me."
"Really?"
"You and I need to talk."
"The secret?"
"The one. Why are you looking for me? I thought you wanted to cover the trial."
"Yeah, true. Did you know that Vader was nearly killed yesterday?"
"What? Why should I care?"
But Turve had noticed the incredulous tone in Jixton's voice and his eyes narrowed slightly. A mistake. A low growl was his only warning before he was pushed up against his desk.
"What do you know, Glat? Tell me!"
"Know what about?" Turve hissed.
"Don't play games with me! Who told you to drop the trial in favor of some nobody keeping dubious secrets? You are a professional and you dismissed my story. Now - again - who told you?"
"Jellan. My boss."
Jixton let go of him abruptly, and took to pacing the room restlessly.
"Your boss. Who is he?"
"He owns the J.A.F. MediaGroup."
"What is that?"
"The biggest media conglomerate around. They produce Coruscant Daily, among a few other shows."
"And you work for them?"
"Obviously."
"Cute. You have no idea what you got yourself into. You said that Vader nearly got killed? Why?"
"He tried to break out. That's all I know."
"There must have been something else."
"Why?"
"I know him, remember? Is there any chance we could see him?"
"No way. That is, if you can't get past his lawyer you only have to get past the security system."
"So you cannot get me in there?"
"You are a wanted man, Mister Jixton."
The man did not react at all. Apparently he was deep in thought. "They've got a 77ex2 model. I don't think I've ever managed to crack that one."
"What are you talking about?"
"The prison's security system. What else?"
"You really want to see him?"
"Definitely. Oh, and Mister Glat. You too, are a wanted man. If you don't get off my trail and out of my way you will wish that you had never met me or else taken my offer the first time."
Gita was watching her client with some concern. He had promised to behave in the court-room, but she was not sure if his being there was a good idea. The audience was staring at him as if they were only waiting for him to flip again. He requited their curious attention with a stony expression, his blue eyes pits of ice. Ur'tek had agreed with Gita that it might not be a good idea to question him just yet. Not that there was any need to hear his point of view. The facts alone condemned him well enough without him helping out. By listening to the charges alone Gita felt her heart sink further and further. At her side Anakin Skywalker was staring straight ahead and she was not even sure if he was aware of what was going on around him.
He had spent two days in an artificial coma and the prison's security personnel had been really worried when the doctors had woken him again. Gita remembered how he had first opened his eyes, not all of a sudden, as if in surprise or panic, but slowly, deliberately, as if it was nothing more but a calculated move and not an instinctive reaction to the stimulant he had been given to start his metabolism again. He had not uttered one word, had just stared up at the ceiling, waiting for whatever would happen next. The head warden had lectured him about the rules under which they would release him again and he had simply nodded in aquiescence. They had unstrapped him from the bed and taken him back to his cell. And Gita had watched it all, and she had never felt so helpless. He had plain given up, just like that. If there was one ounce of fight left in him, she would rather not know what he was planning to use it for.
He was shielding himself against any intrusion. Not that Luke would ever have thought about examining his father's mind without his permission. But Anakin had shut himself off completely. He could not even get an inkling of his current mood. A really bad sign. Gita had told him that he had not said one thing since he had awakened again. To noone. She had tried talking to him repeatedly and he had not even looked at her. If asked something he would nod or shake his head, as if in some sort of trance. And Luke had the distinct feeling that he did not care for the trial's outcome anymore. He would have to talk to Gita soon, to see what chances she saw. But, looking at her grim-faced expression he could already guess at her answer.
Right now Ur'tek was going on about the Empire's treatment of captured Rebel soldiers, of refugees and planets behaving out of line. It was an ugly tale and Anakin did not seem to be fazed at all by the gruesome details. Luke could already hear the protesting voices rise up again, in a hushed whisper, but he could see the wardens throw suspicious glances into the crowd. Suddenly Anakin rose from his seat, a faint smile on his lips. The attorney swallowed his last words, sputtering, as he stared at the defendant, wide-eyed with fear. Luke was taken completely by surprise. He just knew that his mouth was hanging open and clamped it shut immediately.
"If I may?" Anakin's voice was perfectly calm and under the current circumstances his tone seemed unreal.
"Lord Skywalker, the Court would ask you to take your seat again. Else we will have to remove you from this court-room."
The Judge gave him a meaningful nod, clearly urging him to sit down again. But Luke would have been really shocked if his father had complied with her demand. Instead Anakin left the stand, shaking off Gita's hand when she reached out to stop him. He moved towards Firek Nab with a slow, predatory grace, his black-clad body conveying an image of unlimited dark power. This was not Anakin Skywalker, Jedi Knight, but the Dark Lord of the Sith come back to life again. Luke could feel his heart beat in his throat, ready to jump out of his mouth. As Anakin turned to face the suddenly very silent crowd his smile deepened.
"I think we have heard enough. There is no need to carry this - further."
They all could hear the unspoken word. A farce. It was nothing more and everyone knew it. Luke swallowed hard. Anakin had finally run out patience. And he apparently was determined to end this the hard way.
"Lord Skywalker, the Court will decide when to close this trial."
"Then I suggest you do it now."
The low hiss cut into their heads like a red-hot knife, and Luke could feel the fear roll like a shock wave over the audience, freezing everyone to stone. Even the judge was speechless for a moment. But she rallied magnificently.
"Very well. The session is closed for today. I would ask the defense and the state attorney to prepare their speeches for tomorrow."
The look she gave Anakin was icy cold, but he simply nodded in grim satisfaction, closing his eyes for a moment before he rejoined Gita Deron in the defendant's stand. Things could not get any worse, Luke decided and rose on unsteady feet. He managed to intercept his father when he was led out of the chamber by five very nervous guards.
"We need to talk," he told him.
"Yes, we do."
"Very soon, I think."
Anakin gave him a short nod: "Tomorrow."
And then he was gone.
Sitting in her office, Leia was barely able to keep her mind on the problems at hand. Her thoughts were drifting off to the trial every five seconds or so. And no wonder. She did not like what was going on at all. Of course she understood her father's motivation, but why did he have to be so selfish? For that was what he was, only seeing his own point of view and acting solely on that view. As if his family did have no say in the matter. She felt a single tear slide down her left cheek. Why can't you just be dead? The thought shocked her, and if only because it was what she truly felt. During the whole week this trial had lasted so far she had not been able to see her children for two hours a day, let alone her husband. She was only busy with Senate meetings, complaints, signing off press releases and official announcements, feeling that what she did was the least important of what she could possibly be doing. How could she let this trial eat up so much of her time? For heaven's sake, she had been President of the New Republic for barely a month now. She had other things to do.
The intercomm chimed suddenly. "Alole, what is it?"
"Madam, there is a man here to see you."
"What man? Does he have a name?" Why did her aide sound so nervous?
"He didn't give me one."
"Send him in and alert security, just in case."
"Yes, of course."
Leia raised her head expectantly, leaning back in her chair slowly. The newcomer was a man of average height, with very short and very blonde hair. His eyes were a calm sea of blue, but there was something about him that made her frown suspiciously.
"Who are you?"
"That is of no consequence," he answered with a smile and took a seat in front of her desk.
"No? Then maybe you would like to tell me what you want instead?"
"With pleasure. Have you, apart from the trial, heard anything else on the news?"
Her eyes flickered for a second: "No. What are you trying to tell me?"
"You understand, I have no proof for this, but there is something going on. And you had better watch out."
"A bit cryptic. You could not give me more detail, could you?"
"Of course. If I knew where to look, I could."
"What?"
"They are very subtle and you will not spot it at first glance. But take a close look at what is going on. Look for unexplained happenings. Weather changes, uprisings, new building projects. You name it."
"What do you mean?"
"Creating your own markets and news. Ever heard of that?"
"Of course. It is basic economic strategy."
"Yeah, true. But the means are a bit different here."
"Who are you?"
"I won't bother you much longer. If they find out that I talked to you at all, you will be on their list too."
When he rose Leia followed his lead with a sardonic smile on her lips: "It is not as if you told me anything."
"You are a smart woman. Your father's daughter. You will find a way. And I will too. There is just one thing I have to ask. I have to talk to Lord Vader. Can you help me there?"
Leia frowned at him: "You'd have to clear security and they'll double-check your identity."
"You are the President."
"I imagine that I could pull some strings, yes, but if anything happens I'll never hear the end of it. And why should I grant you that request at all?"
"That's what you are afraid of? You father never bothered about what other people thought of his actions."
"And look where that leaves him now," Leia shot back coolly.
"Point taken."
"Does that mean that you will not take my offer?"
A smile appeared on his face as he shook his head: "I wouldn't want to get you into trouble. But thank you anyway."
"So, what do you plan to do?"
"Find proof."
"Why don't you tell me about the people who are after you?"
He rose abruptly, scanning the room suspiciously.
"This office is swept for listening devices twice every day."
"But can you trust those who do the job?"
"Well, I can see that you do not trust anyone. Please, calm down. And tell me what you know."
Pacing his small office furiously Turve Glat was trying to make sense of this mess. What did Jixton want from him? He had said something about the trial being nothing new. So the secret he had been going on about had to be something else. For the sixteenth time that afternoon the reporter scanned the news agencies' reports. There was nothing but the usual stuff. An earthquake had made it close to the top of the list, but the trial still dominated the first five places. Looking further down Turve sighed. Pakrat Minor was behind schedule with their harvest and their clients were getting impatient. That was hardly something that would interest the public. The economy seldom was.
Even the fusion of Agracorp and Celltec had virtually gone unnoticed. And those two were the market leaders in food processing and genetic engineering. It could well be that they were planning to work on a new product together, but people would notice it only when faced with the commercials. Local news reported a set of killings in the lower levels of the city and some protests. Nothing from Nar Shadaa. Hutt space in general seemed strangely quiet. Of course, those who needed to know always got the information they required. And the J.A.F. MediaGroup was specializing in entertainment anyway.
What was it about Jixton? There was a clear connection to Vader, but to the trial too? Why was the man here on Coruscant, even though someone was on his trail? And who was that? He had to talk to Vader, that was for sure. And very soon. Maybe he would go to see the trial tomorrow and perhaps he could slip past Deron unnoticed somehow. Turve grinned at that. Well, he could try something else too.
"Leia, what a charming surprise." The princess returned Borsk Fey'lya's smile weakly. Stepping into his neat office she closed the door behind her.
"I need to talk to you."
"Of course. At any time. Please, take a seat."
"I'll get straight to the point. What do you know about the black market?"
"Depends on the product," he told her.
"Anything, really. Information mostly. And information is what your people excel at."
"Ah, prejudices."
"Justified ones. I know that the Bothan spynet is still intact. There are a few things I need to find out and I can only use the- How shall I put it? The less conspiciuous channels."
"And you mean the NRI is too forward in their approach?"
"They'll expect an attack from that side pretty soon. I want to surprise them."
"Them?"
"Who they are need not concern you."
"I see. And what do I get in exchange for that small service?"
"We'll talk about retribution later."
"You know, I hate working for nothing."
"Come on, Fey'lya. You've had your victory. Leave it be and for once do something that benefits this government."
He smiled at her: "The government. I see. Afraid for your power?"
"No. I just don't want to lose our flexibility. This trial is eating our time and we have other things to do than justify the Truce of Onderon."
"Are you trying to imply that my work does not benefit the New Republic?"
"You are looking to your own interests, Fey'lya, admit it. The past shows it clearly. You endangered the New Republic when you tried to provoke the Empire just to gain personal fame. Don't make that mistake again."
"Your father won't hold your hand this time."
"I am very capable of making my own choices. Now. Will you help me or not?"
Gita was sitting on her chair, arms crossed in front of her chest, and stared out of the front viewport of her small apartment. The screen of her datapad was blank and she had not typed one word on her closing speech. As she had no intention to do so. She was pretty sure that she could not sway the judge's decision, but Gita would be damned if she would grant the audience the satisfaction of a calm conscience. Whatever Anakin Skywalker had done, he had paid a thousandfold for his crimes. And on the other hand he was too dangerous to keep alive. As cruel as it sounded, there was no way anyone could control him. Not even himself.
But if she could not save his life she could at least try to redeem his name. His little speech in the court-room today had surprised her, because it had shown more initiative than she had expected after his outbreak. Something had to have happened over those two days of unconscious slumber. Anakin seemed poised for action, impatient to get this over with and move on. There was something on his mind and all he craved was action. Luke Skywalker had paid her a visit this afternoon and they had talked for a long time. Both had come to the same conclusion: the sentence would not stop him in whatever enterprise he had found for himself. But the young Jedi Master had insisted that his father would stick to his word, once it was given. When Gita had reminded him that the Dark Lord had broken his word more than one time he had been really surprised.
No, reason would not help them here. They had to play this by heart.
Turve Glat stared at the local news reports in horror. Why had he not spotted it earlier? Protests from the ex-Imperial worlds had been swallowed by the general hubbub the trial created, but he should have paid more attention to that. There was a rift growing there and the protests on the capital showed plainly that people were willing to do more than just shout. The killings, he suspected, were Jixton's doing though. Was he planning a coup then? Was that why Jellan had urged Turve to get to the bottom of his story? Nah, Jixton didn't strike him as a man who would be that straight forward. Media reports had paid no heed to those happenings, apparently. Why? Everyone was just busy trying to uncover more and more gruesome details from Vader's past, which wasn't hard at all. But maybe he should have a look at the other side, the one out of the light. The dark side. Turve smiled to himself. That would make for a nice, surprising header, wouldn't it?
Getting on his comlink, he tried calling Gita Deron again. It took some seconds before she finally accepted the call and he could tell at once that she was in a foul mood.
"Mister Glat. I thought I had made it perfectly clear that I do not want to talk to you."
"Busy, are you? It won't be a minute."
"I am glad to hear that. What can I do for you?"
"Well, I had a visit from a man harboring secrets."
"His name?"
"Wrenga Jixton. I suggest you ask your client if he knows him."
"Why should he?"
"He indicated as much. And I have the distinct feeling that Jixton is trying to contact your client."
"What? You mean he is a Jedi?"
"No. No Jedi. No Sith either, I think. He's a professional, definitely."
"And what secrets is he keeping?"
"Frankly, I have no idea. He doesn't trust me anymore. Apparently he's had some nasty visitors himself and now he thinks I brought them on his trail."
"Wait. You mean he came to you with a story?"
"Yes."
"And you declined."
"That's right."
"Thank you, Mister Glat. I suppose you want to know how my client will react to the news?"
"If that is possible?"
"Judgement day is tomorrow. Nothing gets out until all this is over. Understood?"
"Understood. One last question: do you think your client would agree to an interview?"
"We shall see."
Turve smiled smugly at the comm after she had ended the connection. He had no clue as to what he was supposed to be looking for, but Gita Deron most certainly had more insight into and, above all, access to her client's knowledge. Let her do the thinking. If she tripped over something he was sure she would come to him. As for Jixton... If he really was trying to contact Vader he would either show up in the court-room or else at the prison. Remembering the man's statement concerning the facility's security system Turve excluded the latter option. Which meant that he himself would be present too when judgement was announced tomorrow.
She had her head propped onto her left fist as she stared out into the distance. They had been working for hours and hours, scrutinizing every petition, every little anomaly. Leia knew that, theoretically, not a day did pass without something happening somewhere. It was a big galaxy out there, after all. And now they were here, totally exhausted and badly in need for some rest. At her side the Bothan Senator stirred in front of his datapad's screen.
"Latest report coming in," he announced quietly.
"And?"
"Just what you suspected."
"Oh. Good," Leia groaned and turned around to throw a look over his shoulder.
"What are you going to do? Call off the trial?"
"Not a chance. It is not as if they had done anything illegal. At least not on the surface. It will take months to get past regulations and send the auditioners in there."
"This Jixton. What do you think he is planning?"
"Well, if your people could not find any proof I doubt he could. I mean, what sources does he have access to that we don't?"
Fey'lya got out of his chair and took to pacing the office slowly, obviously deep in thought.
"So, what we have here is very deeply rooted into the system. Getting rid of the vermin will take a long time under current circumstances."
"Nicely put," Leia said with a smile.
"It's the Empire's fault really. Oligopols aren't good for competition or the economy and if they work the way we assume they do here..."
"But, as I have already stated, there is nothing we can do at once. We have to take this to the Senate."
"Madam, you won't be around anymore by then. They'll force you and your ministers to step down from office for keeping Darth Vader from justice."
She sighed: "I know."
"So? What do we do?"
Leaning back in her chair again Leia remembered her father's eyes in the court-room, his cool tone and the way he had moved. He was definitely up to something. Did he know then? If so, she almost pitied anyone who got in his way.
With his eyes open he tried to penetrate the darkness above in an attempt to recapture some of what he had felt long years ago, before he had become what he was now.
What had changed? He still did what he thought was the right thing, protecting the interests of the people, admittedly whether they wanted his protection or not, but they did not even see his efforts, let alone honor them. And he knew exactly why that was so.
Groaning softly he rolled around on his bunk to lie on his side, his head pillowed on his right arm. In the very last lesson he had given his son he had told Luke that his limits were those he set for himself. But something about that felt not right at all. It had seemed very logical and true at that time. For someone with his power the rules had to be different, yet rules had to exist.
In the years that had passed since his resurrection Anakin had always had the feeling that something was amiss in his life. First he had thought it was his family and their love, then he had believed that what he was truly craving was peace. And still he was not content with his life. It had taken him so long, running around in circles, never seeing the truth. He had been running from himself. But what he had seen in the desert had opened his eyes to his true core. And it hurt to look at it.
There was too much darkness there, and despite all his efforts of reshaping his life and himself he still was the same. Maybe he had grown up too fast, maybe his masters had tried building a fortress on a sand dune, but one thing was certain: his need for controlling everything around him was the logical reaction of someone who was, in essence, terribly insecure. He could not control himself and that was what frightened him so. On the one hand he was still the idealistic boy he had been when he had first met the Jedi, believing firmly in the Light and the good inside people. On the other hand though he had been through too much to simply close his eyes to reality. And the idealist had made good use of the pessimist's dark power to make his dreams come true. How could he have ever been so arrogant to assume that just because he had the power it was his place to take action? The trial had shown him that he had come a very long way from the compassionate, selfless slave boy to a contemptuous, selfish despot. Without compassion he was nothing but a killer, exactly the way everyone saw him, even his children.
Maybe he could have started anew, letting love guide his way, leaving everything to Luke, who was a better warrior than himself anyway. But he was granted no chance to do just that, neither by himself nor by the people. He had always assumed that he had to take care of everything and now he found that he could not let go of that responsibility. He could not simply stand back. That was why he wanted to die. Gita had told him that he was choosing the easy way out. But she did not realize that there was no other way for him left. Anakin shuddered with dread, remembering the desert again. The road to redemption was blocked for him, he knew. And just as he had learned to live with the darkness he would have to learn living with that too. Or at least he would have to accept it.
When the door to his cell chimed suddenly he started violently, so immersed had he been in his dark broodings. Raising his head he turned to squint at the light, barely able to make out two guards standing there in the doorway. "What is it?" he asked hoarsely.
"A visitor for you."
Staring at her hands stretched out neatly on the table top, Gita tried to compose herself. When Anakin was led into the room she gave him a small smile, but she could not help but notice the dark rings circling his eyes. He had not slept well, if at all. He took his seat quietly, his features slack as if he had just wakened from a dream and still was not fully awake. Well, maybe she could rile him up a bit.
"There is a man onplanet who has been asking for you."
He laughed at that: "Is there anyone who doesn't?"
"His name is Wrenga Jixton. Do you know him?"
"Jixton. What is he doing here?"
"You tell me. Who is he anyway?"
"An agent of mine. I haven't seen him since... I haven't seen him in a very long time."
"And the last time you saw him?"
"Seven years ago, here, on Coruscant."
"Any idea why he could be here?"
He hesitated, his eyes flickering a bit before he shook his head. But Gita did not let herself be fooled. She was certain that he was hiding something.
"Maybe he's here because of the trial. Did he contact you?" he said finally.
"No, he met with Turve Glat."
"The reporter? Fancy that. Did he have any idea?"
"No. I believe that be thinks he can let me do all the work."
"What work?" Anakin asked innocently. Gita didn't buy it.
"Getting answers from you. You have a suspicion?"
"Yes."
Drawing a deep breath the lawyer tried a smile: "Now we are getting somewhere. So?"
"So what? Just because I may have an inkling of what is going on does not mean that I will tell you."
"No?"
"No."
"Then what about Jixton? What if he is trying to see you?"
"Let him try."
She sighed deeply: "Tomorrow you will most certainly be sentenced to die. Doesn't that bother you?"
"No."
"You aren't planning anything stupid, are you?"
"Stupid as in?"
"I don't know!" She threw her hands up in disgust: "I simply cannot see you giving up just like that."
"Then maybe you should get used to it."
Morning came far too soon for Leia's taste and she knew that she must have been looking terrible when she saw the look in Luke's eyes upon meeting him in her office. They had decided to go to the trial together and Han had been content to stay home and take care of the children. Her brother hugged her tightly and that gesture told her more than any words could have. She returned it fiercely. Once they had parted again Luke took a seat and he too looked exhausted.
"Where is Mara?" Leia asked at last.
"She says she doesn't want to see it. And I can understand that very well."
"Did you get my message yesterday?"
He nodded: "I am going to talk to him today anyway, and I will ask him about that too."
"How do you think he will react?"
A roguish smile lit up his face: "The same way you wish he would too."
"I don't want him to die and yet - I want this to end. I don't want the past to dictate our present and future. It is too much of a burden."
Her brother shook his head solemnly: "It is exactly the burden that keeps us from losing our heads, Leia. Despite what he has done, he is an example to all of us."
"I wish everyone were as wise as you are, Luke. But people don't think that way."
"Some do."
"But they can't save him."
"No, probably not. But what are you going to do?"
Leia shook her head and gave him a brave smile: "Someone told me that I should not heed other people's views when I think that what I am doing is right. I will see this through, either way. We cannot go on like this anymore. Changes are badly needed. All I have to do is convince the Senate that they are indeed more important than keeping their power to themselves."
"Truly a monumental task."
"Easy is not for you and me, brother."
"Very true. Come on," he said, rising abruptly and in a flash the smile was back." Let's go and face our destiny."
Security was very tight that day, Gita noticed as she took her seat nervously. There was a general air of anticipation and a hint of violence ready to break out at any point. But with luck the session today would not take long. She had thought hard on what to say and now she believed she had found a satisfactory solution. Still, she would need to be flexible enough to be able to react to Ur'tek's speech. Not that she could not already guess at what he would say.
Judge Nab was already in place, calm and composed as ever. Had she already felled her decision? Gita was almost certain of it. A sudden commotion behind her made her turn her head to see the Skywalker twins slip into the room, and into their seats in the front row, right behind Gita. They gave her a couple of reassuring nods, but she could see the sadness in their eyes plainly. They too knew what today would bring. Everyone did. A few rows back Turve Glat was sitting grim-faced and ramrod straight, his eyes constantly searching the crowd. Who was he looking for? Of course. His mysterious informant, Jixton. Ur'tek hurried in, looking a little bit flustered. When he passed Gita he flashed a smile at her, not unkindly.
Silence fell suddenly when Anakin Skywalker strode into the court-room, his powerful steps measured and calm. He closed the distance to the defendant's stand fast, not bothering to meet anyone's eye. It was not a grand entry, she thought, and there was no arrogance in his posture when he sat down next to Gita. Apparently he had decided that he would give the cameras no suitable fodder for any sensational report. For now. But, knowing him, that could change in a heart-beat. They had talked a bit more the last night and when Gita had come home very early in the morning she had felt like crying. Despite his calm appearance she could see that he was restless, but maybe that was just the normal reaction to having all eyes fastened on him alone.
"The Court opens today's session," the Judge announced suddenly. "The trial New Republic versus Anakin Skywalker will be concluded today. The Court has heard all evidence and has examined the facts closely. I would ask Mister Ur'tek to step forward for your concluding statement."
The attorney ambled into the center of the small circle unhurriedly, and bowed slightly towards Firek Nab:
"This trial, like no other, has caused so much commotion in the past week that we have nearly forgotten what it is about. This is not about Anakin Skywalker, but about what he has done. The charges encompass genocide and murder, proven facts. And yet the defense has described to us in great length what the defendant has accomplished in favor of the New Republic. But I say we cannot forget what has gone before. It is true that Anakin Skywalker died for his crimes once already, but the facts remain. Throughout the trial he has shown no remorse and has assaulted our minds with his undeniable logic, without paying any heed to ethics or moral grounds.
I am sure that for him his actions were valid and still are, but they are against everything the New Republic stands for. There are rules and everyone has to abide by them. Even if we forget every crime Anakin Skywalker committed as Darth Vader we can see no change in his behavior. He has continued breaking his word to accomplish his own goals and he has not refrained from going against the law repeatedly. I need not recount those tales for you. We have heard enough of them.
Now the Court has to decide whether this man continues to be a threat for the public, as he has proven to be in the past, and if we can take the risk of controlling him if he still is. The facts show that there is no way to control someone like him, as long as he cannot control himself. He has not managed to do so for the past year and I personally doubt that he ever will. In the light of all facts I am obliged to call for the highest penalty in this case."
Gita wanted to close her eyes and ears to shut out the roar of cheering voices as the state attorney ended his speech with a triumphant smile on his lips. The shouting went on for an eternity before the wardens managed to regain some sort of silence. But she could still hear the words when she took her place. For a moment she remained standing perfectly still, drawing all attention to herself. Finally she raised her head, holding it high, and when she spoke she spoke softly, forcing the audience to strain their ears to hear her.
"This trial, as Mister Ur'tek has stated so boldly, is not about Anakin Skywalker. It is about justice, or rather, the absence of justice. I agree that what crimes the defendant has committed in his past life and this one cannot be excused, as he himself has told me over and over again. And yet, I cannot condemn him for what he has done. I know that at heart he is an idealist, as hard to understand as that seems when one examines his deeds closely. Anakin Skywalker was born a slave and became a hero. How so? Because he believed that what he did was good, that the way of the Jedi was the right one. But then everything changed. And why? Because he understood that this way would not gain him what he truly desired: peace and justice. Justice again. A concept that is harder to explain than many care for.
It was not simple black and white thinking that drove Mister Ur'tek to demand the death penalty for this man. But everything has two sides, and one has to decide which side to take. As Anakin Skywalker had to decide what path to choose. Now we claim that he chose wrong, but we have no clue as to what would have happened if he had chosen differently. I realize, of course, that the 'if' does not matter, but still, Anakin Skywalker's vision was just. Even as the dreaded Dark Lord Darth Vader he wanted nothing more than to accomplish the goals the Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker did not have the means to achieve. Again, I make no excuse for the defendant's crimes.
But I want you all to consider this: the ends may not justify the means, but is the same true for the opposite? By his deeds and by his means Anakin Skywalker brought about the end of Emperor Palpatine and the beginning of what we now proudly refer to as the New Republic. He has suffered greatly for his dream, both at the hands of his enemies and allies, and still he went on to make it come true, despite all the obstacles that were laid into his path by people who sometimes did not have half as much honor and insight as he does. And even if his original intention was different, and even if he has strayed from his path, we would not be here without his help. I do not want to make him an example for anyone, for he has made grave mistakes that have hurt and killed very many people. But the Court should consider this too: there is no justice and there is no objectivity, but we can at least try to see both sides. That is all I ask. Thank you."
The silence following her words was suffocating, but what she could see on the faces of the audience, stunned expressions, or disbelieving snarls, frozen in place, told her enough. She had managed to rattle them severely. Luke Skywalker was staring at her wide-eyed and his sister wore a faint smile on her beautiful face. Walking back to her seat slowly, as if in a trance, Gita only belatedly noticed the look in Anakin's eyes. She stopped short, shocked, and for a split-second she considered calling for a medic. His complexion had turned deadly pale, almost gray, and his blue eyes were shining with a feverish gleam.
"Are you alright?" she whispered when she had overcome her surprise and had sat down at his side.
He did not answer.
"Thank you, Miss Deron. The Court will decide this afternoon. This session is closed until the sentence is announced."
Gita spent the next four hours pacing her office nervously. Maybe, just maybe, she had been able to sway the judge's decision also. But when they were called back into the court-room she saw all her hopes vanish in the black vortex of Firek Nab's gaze.
"Anakin Skywalker, after a close examination of all facts and the statements made both by the defense and the state attorney the Court sentences you to death. The sentence will be carried out in fifteen standard days. Do you accept that sentence?"
Swallowing hard Gita nodded, but her eyes flickered towards Anakin for a heart-beat: "Just one thing: the defense asks for thirty days."
"This is not a bazaar, this is a court-room!" One of the aides bent over towards the Bith and whispered something in her ear. Blinking her huge black eyes the judge harrumphed musically. "I am told that there is a specific reason for your demand and it is hereby granted under the provisions of paragraph 143 of the Judicial Charter. Thirty days it is."
"Thank you, Your Honor," Gita whispered, feeling her voice choked with silent tears.
They had lost. They had well and truly lost.
Jix watched the Judge pronounce the sentence with mixed feelings. On the one hand he thought that Vader had deserved it anyway, but on the other hand what his lawyer had said was valid too. He remembered the Dark Lord well enough to recall the man's fierce sense of independence, his hunger for control and above all his desire for peace. He had hated unnecessary conflicts and had used to end them quite violently. Or rather, he had Jix end them.
But the Corellian never would have expected Vader to give up like this. He had expected a snide comment at the least, not this cool silence the defendant kept as he left the court-room again, the cameras zooming in on his calm face. He had changed, definitely. And he was the only one who would be able to help him in his enterprise.
Leia lay on her bed, her arms hugged around her pillow hard, staring straight ahead at the wall. She knew that Han was standing in the doorway, watching her, but she did not have the strength to talk to him just now. And yet she could feel his hurt at her rejection across the room.
"Han, please. I need some time alone."
"What you need is something to take your mind off all this."
"Not just yet, okay?"
"Okay. If you say so, hon'."
She listened to his quiet footsteps as he retreated into the hallway, closing the door behind him. Why was she so sad anyway? She had expected this, hadn't she? And yet, Gita Deron's words had shown her that she had deluded herself. She loved Anakin more than she cared to admit, but keeping a distance had seemed so convenient to keep herself from being hurt again. It was hard to decide on her feelings in the matter at first, because she too had learned to carry responsibility, to see everyone's point of view. But in this case she could be nothing but a daughter about to lose her father again. The tears came easily once she recalled him playing with his grand-children, the radiant smile whenever he looked at her, his strength and determination that had always been an example to her, no matter what.
When they had thought that he would die back on Dromund Kaas her heart had been almost broken. And now she found that it truly had this time. It was so unfair. All of it. Burying her face in the soft pillow Leia tried to drown out the noises of her own sobbing, not wanting to scare the children, in case they heard her. How she would tell them that their grandfather was not going to come back this time she did not yet know. They loved him fiercely, just like she did. She was still lying on her bed when Han called her a few hours later.
Sitting cross-legged on the floor Luke watched his father with some concern. He had been able to convince the guards to leave and they were all alone. Anakin seemed too calm for someone who was facing an execution, but then, he had dealt with death two times previously.
"Are you afraid?" he asked finally.
"Of what?"
"Of death."
Anakin hesitated: "I would rather be a spirit flying by your side than a condemned soul walking the desert for an eternity."
"Please, don't say that."
"Luke, you do not understand. There is no peace for a warrior. Ever."
"What did you find in death then?"
"The first time I died I had only begun my journey to wisdom, but it was ended too soon. There was a lot that I had not understood yet. For example, when you hesitated to kill me aboard the Death Star I cursed your weakness. In your place I would not have hesitated at all. Never."
"You were my father. How could I kill you?"
"It would have minimized your risks."
"You are so cold."
"No, just practical. But the story did not end there. When Palpatine resurrected me I swore that I would learn patience and control, that I would not succumb to the Dark Side ever again."
"But you did, in the end."
"Compassion, Luke, is what has to rule a warrior. You had realized that even before you became a Jedi Knight. It was compassion that let you spare my life at Endor."
"It was love."
"No. How could you love me when you did not know me at all? Do not delude yourself here. You were much more courageous than I would have been when you decided to let your enemy live and even turned your back to him. I could have killed you so easily then."
"But you did not."
"I was humiliated. I was ashamed because I had failed to turn you. Don't look at me like that, Luke! It is the truth."
"Who did you have compassion with then, back on Byss?"
"You, your sister. Palpatine had hurt you two so much. I could not let him continue."
"Then it was not revenge that made you kill him?"
"No. Well, maybe a bit. Compassion means that you have to share with your fellow beings everything they experience, be it fear, solitude, pain or even joy. I am much too pragmatic for that because I want to reach my goals no matter what. I am - in a way - afraid to give myself over to that sort of commitment. You are not."
"Maybe I could teach you."
"Too late for that, my son."
"It is never too late."
Anakin laughed. "You speak so lightly of time, when there is never nearly enough to accomplish anything."
"Father, you did not answer my question yet," Luke admonished him gently.
"Ah, you are very observant, my son. Indeed. I did not." Closing his eyes Anakin sighed deeply. "If you compare death to a desert you will find that the void will strip you of an identity, of all you are, until all that is left is the core of your being. There is nothing but memories. Can you imagine that? Can you imagine how that feels for me? It is hell, I am telling you. And I have been to quite a few bad places. So yes, I am afraid to die yet again. Especially now."
"Are you afraid of the way or afraid of what you will find at the end of the journey?"
"Both, I think. Back on Dromund Kaas I thought that I had finally learned my lesson, but now I find that I could not let go, as I have taught you to. I wanted to make amends for what I had done and had to realize that it would never be enough."
"Father, I am so sorry for you."
"Thank you. It is good to know that someone cares."
"We all care for you."
"Yes, I know."
"I... do not want to lose you again."
"And that too, Luke, is a wish that comes too late."
The young Jedi Master stared at the tall warlord sitting opposite from him, a stranger and yet so close that it hurt to hear him say something like this. With a small, desperate cry he threw himself in his father's arms, hugging him tightly, afraid to let go ever again. He could feel the bond they shared, like a warm wind caressing his soul, but there was a coldness on the other end that made him shiver. It was as if Anakin was walking the desert already, moving further away with every step he took on his endless journey, leaving everything behind that held him back in this world. But Luke would not let him go that easily. Burying deeper in a desperate attempt to catch him he found his father retreat before him slowly, raising up cold walls at any turn to keep him away.
"Father," he whispered finally. "Please don't go."
Anakin lowered his head slowly, resting his cheek against Luke's forehead: "I will be with you. Always."
Night was falling quietly over Coruscant, but life went on. That was, it would go on if he managed to evade his hunters and the prison's security system. Crouching atop the roof, Wrenga Jixton ignored the silent humming in his head. He could not hear the melody, but there was just a feeling, like an echo reverberating in his skull. Alright. First to get inside. He set to work swiftly, remembering vividly each single step and trap. But only twenty minutes later he was stuck in a ventilation shaft.
"Shit," he cursed whole-heartedly. "Every damn time it is the same."
Jix stared at the shaft accusingly, as if it were the construct's fault that he had no idea how to bypass the next security level. He had worked his brain to exhaustion on finding a solution for years, but he never had been able to come up with an idea that had led him anywhere else than the medical ward. Growling at the memory he retreated a bit into the shaft, unwilling to go on. And yet, he had to try.
"Are you quite comfortable up there?"
Jix froze.
"It's alright," the hoarse voice announced cheerfully. "I have been expecting you."
"Lord Vader?" the Corellian whispered, incredulous.
"Surprised?"
"Guess I shouldn't be. Any idea how I can get to you?"
"Try a circuit-breaker."
"Doesn't work."
"Really? What did you use it on?"
"What sort of question is that?"
"A smart one. Well? There's a relay next to the plug-in for the security camera, right from where you are when you look at the metal girding."
Jix squinted at the small opening. "Got it."
"Good. See the relay?"
"Yeah. But how do you know it is connected to the system?"
"I never said it was."
"What?"
"Connect the circuit-breaker and get the cable. Use the voltage to break the lock once you disconnect the breaker again. And then you can short-circuit the system on this level."
"There never was a handy plug-in whenever I tried that," Jix grumbled quietly.
"Luckily this time there is."
"Yeah, lucky us."
He set to work again, doing as Vader had told him and exactly five minutes later he was standing inside the other's darkened cell. He could not see anything, but he could hear enough. For a while though neither said a word. Then:
"So, we meet again."
"You got me quite into a mess with that last mission, do you know that?"
"No, I was too busy dying."
"Oh, right. I forgot."
"So, what do you want now?"
"Your help."
"Concerning our special friends I sent you to observe those seven years ago?"
"Yep. The same."
There was a low hiss and for a second Jix froze, unsure of how Vader would react to that news.
"This time they shall pay."
"Then you are coming with me?"
"Yes."
"Just like that? You have just been sentenced to death."
"Not my problem. And besides, a lot can happen in thirty days."
"Yeah, a lot. So you really plan on coming back for your own execution?"
The Dark Lord was silent for a while and Jix was growing more and more uncomfortable. But in the end the other heaved a deep sigh:
"I guess I have no other choice."
TBC