Plot: What if Vader wasn´t Luke and Leia´s father after all, but the real Dark Lord of Sith

On board the Rebel corvette in orbit around Yavin 4 Corran was bent over Luke Skywalker's limp form, shaking his head: "The things you do, kid," he sighed and straightened again. "Will he be alright?"

Looking up at him the 21B-droid gave him a reassuring nod: "He will heal."

"Yeah. Sure. Luke, can you hear me?"

"What happened?" the young Jedi mumbled tiredly.

"He's gone, Luke. And I don't want to know what he is planning next."

They had been so close to capturing Vader, so close. But what had happened inside the Great Temple had shaken Corran too. The Dark Lord's burning eyes had etched themselves into his memory and he knew that he would never forget the look of hurt and betrayal he had found there. Although Corran did not pretend to have understood what exactly Vader had been doing there, he still remembered the strange construct's blades reaching for Luke hungrily, eager to draw more blood. Had the Sith tried to kill himself? A ritual suicide? Well, it had certainly looked like one. And good riddance too. Unfortunately it had not worked out. Vader was gone, vanished somewhere, and they had other things to do than turn the whole planet upside down to find him again. And Corran was sure that the Dark Lord would resurface sooner or later. Definitely.

Exar Kun was pacing the length of the Great Chamber restlessly. Safe for the moon shining through the skylight overhead the room was plunged in total darkness. And in the gloom the last Dark Lord of Sith was sitting cross-legged on the floor, meditating. He did not pay any heed to the ancient Lord's mood, and his silence was getting on Kun's nerves. "How can you be so calm?" he hissed, coming to a halt in front of the younger man. Darth Vader opened his eyes slowly and their cold depths reflected the dark spectre of Exar Kun like a mirror of memories long past. The greatness of Sith was like that, nothing more but remembrance, a dream that seemed forever out of reach. But they had a chance now, to regain all that. All hope rested on the Dark Lord's shoulders, and a heavy burden it was. Exar Kun smiled at the other's stony expression, at his effort to control the wild current of darkness that had replaced his very being. That sheer, raw power of most exquisite destructive potential, a hungry beast waiting to be released. The Shanda. The blood-rage, as the ancient ones had called it.

It was a dark fire that would consume anything in its path and it required a strong mind to guide

it. Exar Kun knew that Darth Vader had an iron self-control, but he lacked the shields to protect his mind from being overwhelmed by the torrent. He had been weakened by too much pain, an agony that he had not managed to embrace as a part of himself yet. If he did not want the Dark Lord to go insane he would have to focus his senses elsewhere. Reaching out the ancient Sith caressed the other's face gently, tracing the scars running over his forehead light as a feather. When his fingertips touched the younger man's cheek-bones he saw the Dark Lord flinch. With a cold smile Exar Kun drew his hands over Vader's temples, increasing the pressure on his skin slowly.

"Hold still," he whispered, concentrating, and waited for the other to acknowledge his presence and accept his touch. "Listen to me. There are those who want the Sith to perish forever. They are weak and full of arrogance. They do not deserve to live as long as there is one ounce of fight left in you. You will avenge the Sith, the way you wanted it all along. You will make them pay. You will make them tremble with fear, make them cower with dread. You are the Dark Lord of the Sith, and you will be victorious." Smiling in grim satisfaction he sought the other's gaze and their eyes met across the millennia that seperated them.

"You are a fool, Exar Kun," the Dark Lord said coldly. A low hiss escaped the ancient Sith's lips as he drew his hands away with a snarl marring his ebony face. "But you are right. I will make them pay dearly." Darth Vader's blue eyes narrowed dangerously: "They will never be safe again."

Mara crossed her arms in front of her chest, watching Torlok closely. He was smiling at her smugly and she did not like his expression at all. "Please, take a seat." She walked over to sit down on the chair in front of his desk, not bothering to hide her dislike of him. But Torlok apparently was not fazed by her hostility at all. Without waiting for her he continued:

"I have reviewed the files you gave me and they are very interesting. Did you have a chance to look at them yourself?"

"Not yet. I was still busy decoding them when we met."

"Ah. A pity. Did you know that Darth Vader was trained by the Jedi? In addition to his own training as Sith Lord, that is."

She nodded: "Of course. He taught me a few things too."

"Really? And did you also know that his daughter fled Coruscant shortly after the destruction of the first Death Star?"

"I knew that she had left, yes."

"Any reasons why?"

"Frankly, I did not care."

He smiled at her: "Maybe you should have taken more of an interest in our precious Dark Lord. According to these files he did not serve the Emperor entirely out of his own free will."

"What do you mean?"

"This is curious. Apparently Palpatine did not tell you everything, or else you have a remarkable acting talent."

"What did you expect? I knew what I had to know."

"I see, of course."

"So, what was that about Vader?"

"See for yourself," Torlok answered, turning his datapad's screen toward her.

Mara leaned forward in interest, a slight frwon appearing on her forehead. It took her some time to go through all of the entries, but in the end she leaned back, deadly pale.

"Devious, isn't it?" Torlock commented gleefully.

"And if it's true we have no chance of gaining his trust."

"I am certain that it is true. And the fact that the files were sent from Coruscant the same day the capital was attacked tells me that he did not want the Rebels to know either. Whatever his motives may be, I think it is clear that he wants to keep the past secret."

"But why? If he made this public he could save his life."

"I don't think that is what he wants."

"Then what is it he desires? Do you know?"

"Actually I want you to find that out."

"What? Me? Why me?"

"I am quite certain that he does not view you the same as he does the rest of the Imperial military. As you said, he evne taught you. Gain his trust and bring him to me. After all, we have something that belongs to him."

"That is a dangerous gamble."

"No more than any other."

Luke stood next to Corran and stared at the huge holodisplay stretched across the far wall of the medical ward. Two images were displayed there next to each other. One showed a star chart, the other a strange pattern of criss-crossing scriptures. Along with the two pilots a team of scientists was assembled throughout the ward. They were conversing quietly and somehow Luke felt slightly out of place. What they were talking about was as alien to him as gardening, having grown up on a moisture farm. And he knew that Corran felt the same. So the two men kept on studying the images pensively. The data had been found in the memory chip of the construct they had uncovered on Yavin 4. And even though it had been examined in detail for three weeks now the images and coordinates still remained an enigma. Luke frowned deeply. Over the past days random attacks had been reported to the Military Command on Coruscant and half of them were said to have been carried out by the Dark Lord. Apparently the Sith had decided to keep on fighting despite the defeat on Yavin 4. The young Jedi shook his head gravely. He himself had recovered from his injuries just fine, but he was not satisfied with his accomplishment. Master Yoda had wanted him to get Vader to listen, not to make him even madder than he was already. But somehow Luke felt that he could not have changed a thing anyway. Whatever the Sith was going through, he was not yet ready to accept help. Maybe he believed that he did not need any assistance, but to everyone else his actions seemed as irrational and inexplicable as that of a madman.

Which was why they had to get to the bottom of this under any circumstances. It had been clear from the beginning, from the encounters on Gyndine and Coruscant, that the Dark Lord was not to be trifled with. He had proven time and again that large odds did not frighten him. Luke smiled at that. Just like a certain Corellian he knew.

"Commander Skywalker," one of the scientists called and snapped the Jedi out of his broodings.

"Hm?"

"We have prepared the presentation."

"Great! Can you activate it?"

All of a sudden the star chart began to blink with red and green dots. Red for Imperial targets they had learned of, green for Alliance facilities the Dark Lord had destroyed. Corran shook his head and sighed:

"Nothing, no obvious pattern there. Or do you see something?"

"No," Luke answered softly. "But maybe it is just not that obvious. And perhaps there is not pattern behind his actions."

"Then what are we going to do?"

The young Jedi straightened to his slim height and nodded with grim determination: "I will track him down. I will need the coordinates of the last sighting, my X-wing and all the help I can get."

Corran laughed. "Sounds like you really want to go Sith-hunting, kid. But maybe you would reconsider? I mean, the last time you barely escaped with your life."

"Then I will have to try a different approach."

"Luke!"

"No. This I must do. Master Yoda said so too."

"Then you are committed?"

"Yes."

"May the Force be with you, Luke." Stepping forward Corran patted his shoulder amiably, but Luke caught his wrists and sought his emerald gaze easily. "What-?"

"Corran. Promise me one thing: go to Dagobah and find Master Yoda. If I fail ... You will be our only hope."

"Aw, come on Luke, our only hope is for Vader to run across a Destroyer's lasers."

"Promise me."

"Mirax will hate you for this."

"Sorry about that, but when I'm back you can make it up to her."

The Corellian sighed. "I am telling you again: this is foolishness."

"Yes, I heard. Give my regards to Master Yoda."

Corran shook his head at Skywalker's retreating back. The kid was mad, almost as mad as Vader himself. But perhaps he was right, in a way. The Corellian had met the Dark Lord back on Coruscant and he had been lucky to escape with hs life. And he still did not know why Vader had been onplanet at exactly that time. The Sith had escaped detention back on Dantooine and had vanished for quite some time. Now though he was back and worse than ever, it seemed. Corran did not know where he had been so far, but he did not really care either. To him Vader was a dangerous criminal who needed to be brought down as fast as possible. As an investigator he had to ask himself, of course, what motives the Dark Lord might have for his actions, but so far there had been nothing. The strange thing was that he had started attacking Imperial worlds first and only after the incident on Yavin had he started to attack the Alliance too. The Corellian started pacing the length of the room pensiveley and his eyes were drawn back time and again to the images displayed on the screen. Suddenly he stopped and squinted at the star chart.

"Can you display the targets in chronological order?" he asked quietly. The scientists stared at him, but after a moment's hesitation the one at the display controls complied. So, Gyndine, Carida, then Coruscant. Yavin had not been attacked, of course. Vader had tried to kill himself there, for reasons unknown. Surely not because he had not seen any other way to escape his hunters. Taking a step closer Corran mentally drew a triangle between the first three planets. One corner pointed straight at Yavin. He drew a sharp breath. "See that? Can you give me the coordinates of any planet in that corridor?" Immediately the computer started spewing out data, but Corran did not have the feeling that any of those worlds where important to the Dark Lord. Then something caught his attention. "This one."

"ST-0923? That one's been charted a thousand years back. Doesn't seem very interesting."

"You telling me that noone's been there for a millenium?"

The scientist shrugged: "Who knows? People don't sign a guestbook when they go there, I guess."

"Who charted it?"

"Let's have a look. Ah, here it is. Master Uloana."

"A Jedi?"

"Is it? I have no idea. Could be."

"Too bad the Emperor destroyed all information on the old Jedi." The Corellian frowned. "But I know someone who might be able to provide a bit more information. Can you give me a copy of those files? The star chart and the scripture."

"Sure. Where are you going?"

"Another one of those uncharted worlds," Corran replied with a grin. If anyone knew about this it would be Luke's Master Yoda. And on his way to Dagobah he could study the images again.

Rising from his crouch Darth Vader threw a cool glance at the soldiers huddling against the ruined fortress walls for shelter. It was exhiliarating to command this sort of power and he found that he could not get enough of it. It had become the air he breathed, all that he knew. There was no turning back anymore. With a mirthless smile he stalked toward the destroyed facility, flexing the fingers of his hands in anticipation. They were helpless against his onslaught, but they still clung to their weapons like drowning men holding on to a straw for help. Vader shook his head in disgust. He had warned them explicitly by attacking only military targets. They knew what and who he was after. And yet they had made no attempt at changing anything. No, they had continued to increase their defenses, had sent more troops and weapons to what they perceived as strategically important facilities. He would destroy them all. Just as they had destroyed his world and his people. Striding grim-faced toward the anxious crew the Dark Lord felt his anger rise ina glorious fire that built to a thunderstorm of pain and grief inside his heart. Frowning slightly Vader hesitated. In theory he knew very well that there was noy way for him to avenge a genocide. And yet he did not want to listen to those reasonable voices that whispered to him soothingly. All there was for him was the sweet taste of rage racing along his veins. He lunged at the soldiers with a furious scream, forgetting everything around him instantly, lost to revenge and hatred. Just at the edge of the battlefield an ancient spirit kept a close watch over him, smiling to himself in satisfaction. But even though Vader was aware of the ancient one's presence he pai him no heed. This was his fight, after all. And he would allow noone to interfere.

Yoda sighed. Luke Skywalker had failed miserably. But he should not mourn this passed chance. There would be others. Looking up at the dark-haired man seated across from him the Jedi Master sighed deeply. Corran Horn was a trained soldier who had difficulties wrapping his mind around the physically inexplicable power that was the Force. But maybe it was fortunate that the pilot was as of yet untainted by Vader. Contrary to Luke he did not have this bond of hatred that connected him to the Dark Lord. He had a healthy ego and was much more realistic than the young Skywalker. Which was also good. But still, they had a long way ahead of them. And in wa way Master Yoda was glad that he had the chance to train two students. If Luke survived, and he sincerely hoped he would, he would be an accomplished knight and the future of the Jedi would be secure. The Dark Lord on the other hand had to cope with his people's extinction, and the Jedi Master understood that he was desperate. He wanted to help him, but on the other hand he was very afraid. Vader was bitter and he had his own views on how the Sith should fit into the galaxy. And his dreams meant nightmares for others. Well, it was far too late to change anything. In a horrifying way Yoda was even glad that the Sith had perished. But the danger they represented was lingering still.

The Jedi Master shuddered at the memory of what Corran had reported of the events on Yavin 4. Even though he was not versed in the rituals of the Sith it was clear to him that the Dark Lord had wanted to die badly. But something must have changed his mind. Something or someone. The old Jedi Master did not like at all that this shadow was beginning to move across this galaxy again. But he could sense the darkness and he knew that he would have to do something to prevent its advance. And yet, he was still stuck solid in this dilemma. If he wanted to affect anything the Jedi would have to change, as well as the Sith, to ensure the survival of both orders. Which was exactly why he had sent Luke on Vader's trail. It was a gesture of goodwill, an offer of a truce, and he sincerely hoped that the Dark Lord would take it. He was a reasonable man, he would see the futility of this senseless crusade in the end.

"Master Yoda?"

"Hm?"

"Master, are you certain that Luke will be allright?"

"Worry not you should. Compassionate they both are."

"You must be kidding. Vader, compassionate? Sorry, Master," Corran added, embarrassed.

"Understand you will in the end."

"But not now, right? That's okay. I can wait."

"Doubt that I do. A detective's mind you have. Solve this puzzle you want to."

"Yes, sorry. I shall work on that."

"Need that you do not. But learn you must new understanding of the world around you."

"Yes, Master. One last question: if Luke manages to calm him down, what will happen to Vader?"

"The Force will decide."

"Watch it!"

The warning came too late and the soldier who had sounded the alarm died instantly, neither the first nor the last to fall prey to the Dark Lord's blade in this battle. Darth Vader moved purposefully through the surprised troops he had found stationed on Sullust. New Republic troops or Imperial, he did not care anymore. Both had betrayed him in their very own way although he found that he hated the New Republic even more for destroying his only chance at appeasing the ghosts of his people back on Yavin 4. He had sworn to make them pay and since then he had been on the move constantly, hunting for prey. The Shanda was raging through his veins like fire, allowing him no rest, but through the red haze of vengeance and fury that filled his mind he could see himself weaken gradually.

But that too was part of the ritual.

Exar Kun had taken great delight in telling him just what he had risked by his foolish enterprise and finally he had had to admit that it had been a mistake to waste his energy on the Shanda at all. Unfortunately there was no way to turn back the effects of the ritual. He had to see this through either way. Mowing down more of the soldiers opposing him the Dark Lord's face turned into a snarl at the memory of the ancient Sith Lord's glee. There was something about Kun that he did not care for at all. He was as devious as a viper and had less honour than a Gammorrean.

Vader shuddered as he remembered the spectre's cold touch on his bare skin, the way Kun treated him as if he were his property. An investment, or at the most, a disciple. He had been glad to be away from Yavin 4 again.

Four months had passed since he had last met Luke Skywalker and his friend, Horn. Four months he had spent hoping to meet them again. An upward slash decaptivated another soldier. Four months of searching, his hatred festering in his heart like an old wound. He had turned from hunted to hunter and he just knew that the New Republic would not wait much longer before they decided to act. For a moment he relished the thought of facing an overwhelming enemy force just to slaughter them as he was slaughtering their troops right now. But Darth Vader was very aware of the fact that his power was failing. He did not know when it would leave him for good. Four months were a long time and the Shanda traditionally lasted for only a short period of time. In a way he knew that he had gone beyond the energy the ritual had given to him and that he was using up his own life force now, unable to escape the trance the Shanda had imposed on him.

And once it ended his life would be forfeited.

A sudden movement to his right caught his attention. Across the bloody battle-field he watched a slim figure advance on him slowly. Mara Jade's mouth was drawn in a tight line, disgust plain on her face. He extinguished one of the blades and let the remaining blue beam swing towards her elegantly.

"Mara Jade. It has been a long time."

She tensed when he turned toward her, his calm blue eyes somehow looking out of place on his scarred face. But despite the gruesome setting he could not scare her. After all she had known him for so long now, and he had never acted toward her with anything else than respect. She nodded slowly:

"Yes. A long time."

"Whatever you want from me, it has to wait." He gestured at the bodies strewn across the floor at his feet. "I am busy." Suddenly his head snapped around and he frowned at the sound of distant thunder, signalling the advance of more New Republic troops. With a low growl he started stalking toward the exit.

"Wait!" she called.

But he did not heed her words. Instead he was stopped short by the sight of a young, blonde man standing there and blocking the doorway. A low hiss escaped the Dark Lord's mouth at seeing the other and Mara had no time to shout a warning before his lightsaber snapped at the newcomer angrily. The stranger took a step back, but from his posture it was clear that he would retreat no further. Only then did she recongize him. Skywalker. The rebel pilot who had single-handedly destroyed the first Death Star. A Jedi.

"Lord Vader, we need to talk," he said calmly.

"Now?" the Sith's tone was a curious mix of amusement and fury. Behind them the noises became louder and it was only a matter of time until the New Republic troops would reach them. And by then she would need to have Vader securely on her ship, Mara knew. But how to convince him to leave with her? To her surprise the Dark Lord took that decision from her. Shutting down his blade he pushed past Skywalker and simply walked away. Hurrying after him Mara had to run to catch up with the Sith.

"Where are you going?"

"Away."

"Please, there is someone who wants to see you."

"Really."

"Admiral Torlok has something you might need."

"I don't need anything."

"A package of certain files that were deleted on the Coruscant Mainframe?"

He stopped short, a look of hurt crossing his face as he turned back toward her: "He has them? Where - No. He is not that adept." Pausing for a moment Vader was visibly fighting himself before he made a decision. His cool eyes narrowed dangerously and the young woman involontarily took a step back. "For your part in this you should die, Mara Jade. But it is Torlok who has proposed this - deal. So he will pay. Take me to him." She heaved a relieved sigh.

"Mind if I come along?" the young Jedi injected coolly.

"Skywalker! Only you could be so bold," Vader snarled.

"There is no reason to fight," the other replied smoothly.

"No? Really. You are telling me that you have no grudge against me for killing your father and the Jedi?"

"I cannot bring them back by killing you too."

Mara saw the Dark Lord hesitate and for a second it seemed as if he had aged by decades. Knowing what she did now she could feel with him and her heart was aching horribly. He knew all too well what the young Jedi meant. For this lonely crusade was nothing more than a desperate effort to ease his own grief.

"True wisdom, Jedi," he whispered, his voice broken. "But you are too late. You cannot make deeds undone with words. And I have sworn to make you pay for keeping me from joining my people."

"Not now," Mara interrupted sternly, trying to prevent more bloodshed. She swallowed hard when Vader turned on her. "Please, we have to go." Suddenly his features softened again.

"Torlok. I almost forgot. Very well. If you are coming, Skywalker, we will talk. If not, you will die."

"After you," the young man answered smoothly and Mara rolled her eyes at his cool expression. Men. It was ridiculous sometimes.

TBC