A side note: I do not have any right to be using these characters - George Lucas owns them all, with the exception of the unconscious female I'm writing of... to explain further at this point would spoil the story for you!


"Ahh, my young apprentice!" Emperor Palpatine wheezed when Vader entered the room. "I sense you are troubled. Sit and tell me all about it."

Vader did as he was told, groaning slightly as he settled into the chair offered to him by his master. It was only months since he'd been left for dead by his former master, left a burned amputee that necessitated the bulky suit and helmet. His legs, arms, even breath and voice were mechanical now. All that remained of his humanity was his torso, neck and head... the wounds had not quite healed yet.

"It still hurts?" the Emperor asked, surprised.

"Not nearly so badly as before, my master. The troopers sent to sweep the base have returned with a prisoner. She is unconscious, but unhurt. No one else survived. I feel an immense disturbance in the force, my master."

"Yes, I've felt it too. Go to her. Learn about her. Perhaps... guide her to us?" the Emperor suggested.

"Yes, my master."