Disclaimer: Obviously I do not own Star Wars or any of its characters, therein.—Darth Gladiator45
When he returned to the Executor, he met his boss in the hanger bay, he was working on his tie-fighter, it had some panel damage and Lord Vader was also repairing the coolant leak.
"Good evening, Lord Vader."
"You are late, Ascaron. I do not like to be kept waiting." Lord Vader stood as he wiped his large hands on a rag.
"Sorry, Lord Vader, shopping for a young girl is not exactly my forte."
"Did you get the clothes I requested?"
"Yes, have I ever failed you, Lord Vader?"
"Not yet. I would hate to have to terminate your services, Ascaron." The Dark Lord threatened.
Ascaron had only felt his boss's displeasure one time and he knew that he never wanted to feel the tight constricting throat ever again. The only reason he had felt it that time is because he had mouthed off to Lord Vader in front of Motti who was laughing and gloating. But Motti was dead now and so was the despicable character Tarkin.
"Where am I taking the young lady?"
"You will bring her to my ship, do not leave her side until I arrive, is that clear, Ascaron?"
"Yes, Lord Vader."
"I will have another mission after that once the girl is settled."
"Please send me somewhere tropical, Lord Vader. I grow tired of these nasty planets with slimy aliens and shadowy characters."
"I am not your travel agent, Ascaron. You will go where I need you or you can find other employment."
Ascaron nodded and left the Executor and returned to Lord Vader's home. The young girl was playing with her teddy bear, hugging him and making him dance.
"Hello, Anne."
She waved at him and smiled. Ascaron wished the young girl could talk, but knew that it wasn't possible without a major miracle.
Anne had packed her bags as Lord Vader had instructed and she was wearing a black dress with a black velvet cloak. Ascaron knelt down to the young girl and put her hood on top of her head. She gently kissed him on the cheek and hugged his neck.
"Are you ready, kiddo?"
"Yes." She responded telepathically.
Anne was amazed by the size of the large ship looming ahead of her, she never saw such a large capital ship, and it was a unique color blue. Ascaron removed her seat restraints and grabbed her small bag and held on to the little girl's hand. She was very excited; he didn't need Lord Vader's special powers to note this. She wanted to look at everything and everyone.
"Anne, let's not keep Lord Vader waiting, he's not very patient. Maybe he'll give you the fifty credit tour." Ascaron stated as he picked up the young girl and she happily threw her arm around his neck, still very inquisitive.
"Will I live here?" Anne sent to Ascaron.
"Honey, I don't know, that's up to Lord Vader."
Anne smiled as she picked up a familiar presence; it was dark and cold, but considerably warmer than the Emperor. "He's coming." Anne watched as the soldiers and commanders snapped to full attention. Ascaron gently lowered her to the floor holding her hand as the tall Corellian also came to attention. Lord Vader's cape billowed out and Anne knew that she had to behave or else he would find a reason to have her publicly whipped.
"Young one, whenever you need discipline it will be delivered privately, I promise." Lord Vader answered her telepathically. Anne breathed a sigh of relief, but no one noticed if they did they simply didn't care.
"Ascaron, take the youngling to my quarters without delay."
"Yes, Lord Vader." Ascaron bowed and the young girl was about to prostrate when she found herself unable to move.
"Do not prostrate, young one. It is unnecessary. You are excused."
Anne nodded her head in deference and followed Ascaron to Lord Vader's quarters. Anne ran to the large living room furniture and lay on the black leather sofa it was very soft and the leather was a very soft bantha hide. Ascaron smiled at the young girl's enthusiasm. She was free from the Emperor at least for now.
Anne knelt at the entrance of the room as Lord Vader entered the double doors. Her head was bowed and she was very quiet.
"You may rise, young one. It is not necessary to always kneel before my presence."
"I must."
"You do not; you will find things are far different here in the Imperial Navy than in the palace."
"He beat me when I disobey and defy him."
"Yes, I know. Are you hungry?"
"No." Anne responded.
"I can feel your hunger, young one. Why lie about it?"
"Because I am not allowed to eat; I must earn my keep." Anne swallowed hard.
"You are in my care; I'm your guardian. You do not have to earn your keep. I thought I already explained this?"
"Lord Vader, I meant no disrespect. But why did you save me? I am nothing, nobody; even people in the high court treat me with great hatred."
Lord Vader sighed this is why he hated going to Coruscant and dealing with the hypocrites including the biggest hypocrite of all his Sith Lord Master Sidious.
Anne was the result of many years of abuse and even though she had been through so much, the abuse didn't seem to taint her, her spirit though very weak was still in the survivor mode. She did what she had to do to get through each pain-filled day. Anne was taken to the table where a fine spread of bread, cheese, and meat was laid before her; she also noticed a glass of blue milk.
"May I eat, Lord Vader?"
"Yes, but please stop asking. You can eat anytime you feel hungry and even have a dessert occasionally."
"Dessert, what's that?"
"Usually something sweet it's to be consumed occasionally."
Anne ate her fill reveling in each delicious bite; Ascaron the fool that he occasionally liked to play, "May I eat as well?" trying to lighten the mood as he knelt to the Dark Lord's knee.
Lord Vader sighed deeply, "Get off your knees, Ascaron and quit the theatrics." Lord Vader intoned severely.
A strange look came across Anne's face and Lord Vader sensed her humor and she wanted so desperately to be able to hear herself laugh, but she knew that it was impossible. The only way for her to communicate was through telepathy and notes. Ascaron saw her gentle smile and he sat across from her and also partakes of the fine cuisine.
Anne stretched her arms high above her head and yawned; it had been a long day, "Tired young one?"
"Yes, Lord Vader. I'll do these dishes and clean before I rest."
"You will do no such thing, go take a bath and come see me in my office." Lord Vader ordered.
Though Anne wanted to protest saying that she had to serve the Sith Lords or receive a public beating, she also knew that there was no arguing with Lord Vader, once his mind was made up that was it there was no room for arguing.
Anne bowed her head in deference and went to the refresher to do as she was ordered.
"Ascaron, I want you to get intelligence on this young lady, I want to know everything about her. I don't care what methods you have to initiate to get the information."
"Yes, Lord Vader. It will take some time."
"Take all the time you need. However, I want to hear from you once a week as you progress. Understood?"
"Yes, Lord Vader. Good luck with the young lady."
"In my experience there is no such thing as luck."
Author's Note:Thanks for all the kind reviews. I'm once again surprised, especially since this story is so incredibly dark and angst filled. -- Darth Gladiator45