Salvation

Author: Fraoch A'Ronaigh

Summary: AU, Semi-Cannon. It's been five years since the birth of Darth Vader. Believing his wife and unborn child were murdered by his own hand, Vader willingly cast aside the last connections of his humanity and, along side the Emperor, he became one of the most feared beings of the Galactic Empire. Will he stay this way, or are forces beyond his control about to change his destiny once again?

Disclaimer: Star Wars belongs to the creative genius of George Lucas.

Rating: M. It may eventually go down to an M rating, so it's best to just rate the whole thing M..

A/N: Heavy spoilers for Episode III. Anakin/Padmè pairing. I've never actually written a fan fiction before, mainly articles about real life situations, so this is new to me. Think of this as Episode III ½ J

Chapter 2

The ship, a Nabboian Royal Cruiser, gleaned dully in the docking bay. Rarely seen during these times, many of the troops waiting to board were impressed by it's sleek design and obvious importance. Vader stopped when he entered the bay and stared, momentarily nonplussed at seeing it sitting there. Today seems to be a day of memories he sighed in his mind as he began to walk towards the ship.

"Report," he barked to the leader of the guards, his mind filled with images of Padmè.

"Royal Cruiser 39-437, Commander. Non-aggressive ship, used by those thought to be of importance on Naboo," the guard replied.

"I am aware of what type of vehicle it is," Vader growled as he turned to look at the guardsman. "I would like to know why it is here."

The guardsman swallowed audibly and rushed to answer. "They did not say Sir. The only thing we were told was that the one of the occupants wished to speak to you personally."

"How many are aboard?"

"Six, Sir. Four driods and two life readings were given during the scan."

"Weapons?"

"None can be seen from the scans, Sir."

"Secure the ship," Vader ordered the guardsman. He stood back while the troops boarded and within moments a static voice spoke out of his com link. "Ship secured, Sir. Her Royal Highness Jamillia and her escort awaits you in her cabin."

Mulling over the fact that Jamillia was still Queen of Naboo when her term ended three years earlier, Vader entered the ship making a mental note to check on the current standing of Naboo. When he arrived at the Queen's chambers he mockingly bowed to her. "Your Highness, how may I be of service?" Even with his mechanically enhanced voice, the sarcasm of the question was obvious.

"Lord Vader," Queen Jamillia replied, her tone curt and showing strain at her obvious dislike of the creature before her. "I am here on a mission of great importance. I have been given the unfortunate duty of personally requesting your help in the matter." She looked up at the royal guard standing next to her and then back to Vader. "We-I need you."

Knowing the occupants of the room could not see his face, Vader allowed his surprise to show. Need him? For what? What could anyone on Naboo possible want from him? He looked at the woman before him, her beauty in no way matching that of his Padmè and contemplated how to reply.

The guard, standing next to the Queen shifted impatiently as silence filled the room drawing Vader attention to her. She was roughly five seven in height and wore the colors of the House of Naboo. Her face, covered by the customary veil of the guard, was not visible to him and he searched her using the force. Finding nothing of interest, he turned back to the Queen.

"What is it you request of me?" He finally asked.

The Queen let out an audible breath she didn't realize she was holding. She was going to be allowed to plead her case. "A child of great importance has been taken from Naboo by the remnants of the Trade Federation, we need you to help get her back."

"You're here to request that I help you find a child?" His surprise was evident to all in the room this time despite his efforts to mask it.

The Queen held her breath a moment before replying knowing that what she said next could easily cause her death. "Not just any child, Lord Vader. Your Child."