Chapter 6 : Anniversary
Anakin awoke gradually. He turned over to lay his body against Padme'. The slow rhythm of her breathing told him she was still asleep. Her skin felt so soft and warm against his chest. He put one arm across her belly, pulling her tighter against him. He nuzzled her hair out of the way, first kissing, then gently biting the nape of her neck. "Careful," she whispered, "you'll wake the baby." As if on cue, an infant's cry arose from the nearby crib.
Darth Vader sat bolt upright in his bed within the darkened hyperbaric chamber. His heart pounded, the sound of the baby's cry still ringing in his ears. The dream felt so real he thought he could taste her on his lips. He sat in the dark, holding on to the last tendrils of the sensations, before reality intruded completely. This was unlike his other Force driven visions. Always before they had revealed events in progress, or yet to be. He knew Padme' was dead; this was not their future, and he had mourned the death of his child as he had mourned for Padme'. Still, he had learned not to doubt that which the Force chose to show him.
The implications of his vision filled his head. What if his child did exist somewhere in the Galaxy ? Certainly it would have been Obi-Wan who took the child ; he had been there on Mustafar, and must have flown Padme''s ship offplanet at the end. He couldn't imagine Obi-Wan raising the child, though, toting a small infant as he slunk in exile, wherever he was hiding. And if he was not hiding, he was dead; there had been no evidence of Obi-Wan in the past year.
So if Obi-Wan did not have the baby, who did ? It seemed unlikely that the baby would have been given to Padme''s parents on Naboo, since that would have surely caught Palpatine's attention. As for himself, there was only his stepfamily on Tatooine. Not his blood, and not of very long acquaintance, the Lars were the closest people in the Galaxy to pass as his family. The desolation of Tatooine did make it an easy place to hide things. Logic told him to look for the baby there.
He admitted he was thinking as if the baby's existence was a certainty, when he had nothing but his vision to support that view. A visit to Tatooine would solve the mystery, but that was out of the question. The Emperor had assigned him elsewhere, and would not take well to him following his own agenda. Then there was the matter of Palpatine's denial of the baby's life. If the baby did live, then either the Emperor had lied to him, again, or he was unable to see clearly in this matter. Perhaps the Force spoke louder to him regarding the child than to Palpatine.
It was a daunting task to find a single small consciousness from this distance, but he felt the need to try . He quieted his mind, and with utmost concentration tried to reach across the Galaxy with the Force. He sat for several minutes, intently feeling for the slightest ping of return.
His heart opened to hope for a moment, an emotion he had thought he would never feel again. Realistically, though, he was not going to be able to sense the child's presence from this distance. If the baby lived, it was but a toddler, of insufficient awareness to answer. He would somehow have to make the trip to Tatooine. He would patiently await the opportunity, and if he was very careful, he might even be able to nudge the Emperor's thinking in that direction.
When his mind returned to the present, he realized he had been unconsciously tracing the seam where the metal of his prosthesis met the flesh of his leg. For all the advanced circuitry present in his artificial limbs, the sensation did not match living tissue. He glanced at the time. Too early to get up, he thought, better get a few more hours of sleep. He was shipping out in the morning, his first assignment without the Emperor.
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Captain Mazdan, commander of the Victory class Star Destroyer Justice, stood before his lieutenants at the conference table in the officers' strategy room. He had worked with most of these men for many missions, and they were a solid team. Uncharacteristic anxiety had infiltrated that team, however, the result of rumors circulating regarding a visit from an emissary direct from the Emperor.
"Gentlemen," Mazdan began,"I want to give you the details of our new assignment, as well as answer any questions you may have about our, uh,... envoy from the Emperor who will be on board for this mission."
He waited a moment to let them grasp the fact that the Imperial representative would be discussed, and felt the tension in the room decrease. He continued," Our assignment is to go to Neria and negotiate an agreement with the planetary authorities to allow the Empire to establish a military base there. Neria had no direct Senatorial representation under the Republic, and is content to continue its independent path. Its location, however, is of strategic importance to the Empire. The Nerian Council will be allowed to continue local control as long as they cooperate with the Emperor's demands. If they are resistant, then the Empire will assume control of the planet. Questions ?"
"Yes, sir." The first to speak was Lieutenant Vierda, who had served with Mazdan the longest. "If the inhabitants are uncooperative, what will be the extent of our engagement ? This ship is certainly no Imperator. "
"Point taken, Lieutenant," replied Mazdan."Our instructions are to maintain a presence until reinforcements arrive. However, the Emperor feels that his envoy will make resistance less likely." There, he had opened that door.
"Permission to speak freely, sir, " asked Lieutenant Grylta. Younger than most officers of his rank, he had earned top marks at the Academy, and his ambitious nature was always noted in his performance evaluations. When Captain Mazdan gave a consenting nod, he asked the question that was on everyone's mind. "Ok, so who is this special envoy ? Darth Vader is the name I keep hearing, but who is that ?"
Throughout the room murmurs echoed, as neighbor leaned in to neighbor to discuss their own views on the subject.
A reprimanding look from Mazdan hushed the room."You are correct, the envoy is named Darth Vader. I cannot tell you much about his background, except that he appeared about 10 months ago at an Imperial Senate meeting, where the Emperor introduced him as Darth Vader, Lord of the Sith. Since then he has appeared periodically in public and military settings, always in the presence of the Emperor."
"Sir, but what does this mean for us ? What is the chain of command ? Do I have to obey his orders ?" Grylta asked.
"I am still commander of this ship and the ultimate authority onboard," Mazdan assured them."Military decisions will follow the normal chain of command. However, being that he is a direct representative of the Emperor, it would be prudent to follow any instructions he gives you that do not conflict with normal military operations."
"Excuse me, sir," interjected Lieutenant Okka, "but what if he gets in the way ? What does he know about military protocol ? And who are the Sith, anyways ?"
From the back of the room came a reply that was completely out of order. "I heard that he used to be Anakin Skywalker, from the Clone Wars."
Heads turned to look at Lieutenant Bren, the source of the errant comment.
"Not likely," disputed Vierda. "Skywalker was a Jedi, and they were all wiped out at the Emperor's command. Why would he save just one of them ?"
"I've got a cousin stationed on Tarkin's ship, and I'm just saying, that's what I heard," insisted Bren.
"Gentlemen, enough speculation," Mazdan said, taking back control of the room."Our guest will arrive at 14:00 Standard hours, and I expect you all to be in the hangar bay to welcome him. I also expect your complete commitment to the success of this mission. Dismissed."
The line officers of the Justice filed out of the strategy room. Bren was not ready to give up his assertion."I still say he's Skywalker."
Vierda had had enough of this conversation. "Fine, when he gets here, you ask him."
Bren took the gauntlet."You watch me."
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Darth Vader looked out through the cockpit glass of his fighter, a former Jedi ship rebadged as Imperial property. Now that TIE fighters had become the new small ship of the Imperial Fleet, he supposed he was going to have to give up his familiar Eta-2 Actis. From the fighter's position on the floor of the Justice's hangar, he could see a small group of Imperial officers and troops standing in formation. Not the kind of spectacular reception the Emperor received, but enough to show respect.
He popped the hatch on his ship, unbuckled himself, and stepped down from the fighter via the wing. He walked towards the waiting group, as the commander came forward to greet him.
"Lord Vader, welcome to the Justice. I am Captain Mazdan, commander of this ship. I have to say that when your clearance code came in, we were expecting you to arrive in a transport, not a fighter."
"Thank you, Captain. I fly myself whenever I can," Vader said. "When will you be conducting the briefing for this mission ? I need to go over your plans."
The inquiry caught Mazdan off guard. Already Vader was not what he had expected, although he really was not sure what he had expected."We..I already held the officers' meeting. After you are settled in your quarters, I will arrange to go over the details with you separately."
"Good," Vader pronounced,"it will take less time with just the two of us there."
They passed the detachment of crew waiting patiently in parade rest. All eyes swung to watch the imposingly tall figure in black pass by. Whatever bravado had existed in the strategy room quickly wilted. Vierda glanced questioningly at Bren, who had become an uncharacteristic model of decorum. When it became obvious that Bren was refusing to make eye contact, Vierda counted himself the victor, and allowed himself a broad grin.
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Ambassador Tan Nikord from the Governing Council of Neria waited outside the terminal of the spaceport serving the capitol city of Zillah, supported by Nerian Security forces. More troops waited at the Capitol building, not to defend against the contingent from the Empire, but to keep the Independent Society of Neria from attempting a guerrilla attack on the negotiations. Ambassador Nikord prayed that the ISN would not interfere with the negotiations. The presence of a resistive force on Neria could only make total occupation by the Empire a more likely scenario.
Nikord watched the landing craft disgorge its passengers. Stormtroopers, two squads of them, marched down the ramp, followed by two Imperial officers, and, finally, a tall helmeted figure all in black. Nikord had never seen this type of Imperial armor before. Was this a Special Ops soldier, or perhaps a nonhuman representative from the Empire, unable to tolerate atmospheric conditions on Neria ? He rubbed his jaw in concentration. He had not had many dealings with nonhuman lifeforms ; he hoped he would not breach some alien protocol.
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Darth Vader stood before the steps of the Nerian Capitol building, flanked by Lieutenants Grylta and Vierda. "Give me a stormtrooper from each squad, while you remain outside with the rest of the troops," Vader instructed.
Vierda and Grylta glanced at each other. "You'll be highly outnumbered if there's a problem. Caution says to take a squad inside with you," Vierda said.
The two lieutenants thought they sensed a smile flash across Vader's face, though it was impossible to see through the black mask. "The stormtroopers are for appearances. I am in no need of protection," Vader said.
The lieutenants each motioned a man forward, and the stormtroopers ascended the steps of the Capitol behind Vader, where Ambassador Nikord and his entourage awaited.
"Welcome to Zillah, Lord Vader," Nikord said with a bow of his head. Inside the spaceport the dark figure had introduced himself as Darth Vader, Lord of the Sith. However, Nikord was still unsure what sort of being he was facing. "Do you have any special requirements that we can attend to before the meeting begins ?" the Ambassador asked courteously.
"No," Vader said curtly,"this will not take long."
Nikord led Vader to the Nerian Council chambers, which were paneled with purple liawood, the predominant tree in the great Nerian forests. Inside the Council members rose from the oval table emblazoned with the planetary crest, as Nikord made the introductions. "Honorable members of the Council, may I present Lord Vader, special emissary from the Emperor Palpatine. Lord Vader, these are the leaders of our world, representing the nine continents of Neria."
The chairman of the Council, Par Lasko, called the meeting to order. "Lord Vader, previous communications with the Empire regarding the Emperor's desire to establish a presence in this region were not very specific. What else can you tell us about this plan ?"
" As you know, Neria sits very near the intersection of the Corellian Run and the Hydian Way space routes, a strategic position. Denon sits precisely at the intersection, but it is too developed and too well represented to permit the establishment of a new base. Neria's location is a satisfactory alternative. The Emperor is willing to allow you to continue local rule, if you concede to his requests," Vader said.
"That carries a veiled threat of conquest," responded Lasko. "We are a sovereign world. The Republic always left us in peace."
"The Empire is a 10,000 kilo Rancor; it sits where it likes," Vader replied. "The Emperor is only asking for land on which to construct a base, and an open orbit around your world for the installation of a military space station. These are small concessions to maintain your autonomy. Your planet would then be under the protection of the Empire. This could be of benefit to both sides."
"What assurances do we have that the Empire would uphold to its end of the bargain if we agree to the Emperor's demands ?" asked Lasko.
"The Emperor never gives assurances," Vader laughed, "but I can tell you that the Empire is an enormous beauracracy to maintain. Places that manage themselves are quite valuable.The less attention you draw , the easier things will go for you. If there are problems the Empire must attend to, the more likely it is that the Emperor will take direct control."
"It sounds as if we have no choice in this matter- the Empire is coming regardless of our wishes," Lasko said.
"You have a choice, but it is a matter of degree, " Vader countered. "Again, conform to the Emperor's requests, and you will have only an Imperial outpost on your world. Resist, and you will have stormtroopers in every major city."
"Lord Vader, what specifically would the Empire require from Neria in terms of land requirements ?" inquired Councilor Rako. His continent was the least densely populated on Neria, and he could see the other Councilors voting his continent the home of the Imperial base.
Darth Vader did not answer immediately. He was gazing out the windows of the Council chambers, and appeared to be deep in thought.
The Councilors turned to each other, dismayed. If the answer was this long in coming, it must be a terrible truth.
The silence continued, and the Governing Council grew more uncomfortable. Ambassador Nikord sought to gain the attention of their black cloaked guest. "Lord Vader ?" he inquired, with great trepidation.
Vader whirled about suddenly, causing the collective Council to flinch in their chairs. His attention was not directed at them, however, but at the pair of stormtroopers. "Rejoin your squads, and make a perimeter defense around the building !" he ordered them.
He then swung his attention to the Nerian Council. " A group of fighters is advancing on this building, and they mean to mount an assault. They are coming for you as much as for the Imperial presence. Is there anything you need to tell me ?"
"That can't be possible. If there were intruders, the city alarms would have sounded," Chairman Lasko assured him. "You must be mistaken. No one in their right mind would attack the Empire."
"I have seen them, and they are coming," Vader insisted. "If you are unwilling to defend yourselves, I will take matters into my own hands." He rose from the great table, and strode out of the Council chambers.
At the head of the Capitol steps, Vader could see that the stormtroopers were not in a perimeter defense, but were gathered in formation by the Imperial lieutenants. "Why have you disregarded my orders ?" he said angrily. "There is an approaching offensive."
Lieutenant Grylta spoke first. "We are in charge of our men here. We assessed the situation, and decided a defensive posture was not necessary."
"Would you disobey an order from the Emperor ?" Vader fumed. "Because that is tantamount to what you are doing."
Grylta was unwavering in his certainty. "With all due respect, the command of my men is my responsibility. We conferred with the Nerian Security Force, and they will alert us to any approaching hostiles."
"Fool ! The Nerian Security Force does not know how to use the Force. They cannot see the intruders like I can," Vader said.
Lieutenant Grylta meant to respond, but the sound of blaster fire disrupted his thoughts. Then a thousand things seemed to happen at once. A stormtrooper in his squad collapsed in a heap, taken out by sniper fire. A crackle and a hum sounded loudly behind him, and then Vader shoved past him, his lightsaber deflecting incoming blaster fire. Screams and shouts errupted from pedestrians in the Capitol streets, and, in the background, he heard an alarm sound.
The stormtroopers were kneeling now, returning the blaster fire that came from the rooftop of a building a few hundred meters from the Capitol. Grylta looked for Vierda. He found him at the side of a downed stormtrooper; Vierda's squad had lost a man, too. In his ear came Vader's deep electronically amplified voice ordering him to get his men under cover. Grylta nodded, recovered his wits, and ordered his squad to make a retreat into the Capitol building. Vierda was now doing the same, and only Vader remained on the steps. Grylta wasn't sure how Vader could track multiple snipers, but the blazing lightsaber was always there in time to meet the incoming fire.
Nerian Security troops made their way into the building in pursuit of the snipers, and the blaster fire ceased. Vader returned to the interior of the Capitol building to find the stormtroopers in a protective ring around the Nerian councilors and Ambassador Nikord.
"Now, Ambassador, are you sure you have nothing to tell me ?" Vader boomed.
"They must be crackpots, renegades, rogues," answered Nikord, a tremor in his voice.
"I can feel your fear, Ambassador. You are lying to me !" The volume of Vader's voice had ratcheted up a notch.
"Lord Vader, please," Chairman Lasko stepped forward from the group of councilors. "Let the Ambassador be. He is only following our orders."
The Chairman gave a great sigh before proceeding. "Not all of our citizens agree with letting the Empire on to Neria. We have been combating an insurgent group, the Independent Society of Neria. I'm sure the snipers, when caught, will prove to be members of the ISN."
"It is unwise to lie to the Empire," Vader said. "I will have to report to the Emperor that many troops will be necessary to secure Neria. If you can prove you enough control over the situation to return us to the troop ship without incident, then I may soften my report."
"Absolutely, Lord Vader," Said Chairman Lasko."The ISN makes trouble, but we can handle them. Please reconsider your report to the Emperor. We will cooperate with all Imperial requests."
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Once again, Captain Mazdan headed the table in the strategy room onboard the Justice. This time not only his officers were seated at the table, but also Darth Vader. "Gentlemen, I need your reports. "
Vader rose to speak first. "The Nerian Council has agreed to allow the establishment of an Imperial base planetside. They have an opposition group, however, that will probably make it necessary for the Empire to assume control of the planet in order to avoid needless guerrilla attacks on Imperial troops. Needless like the loss of the two men that this mission suffered."
Lieutenant Grylta spoke without requesting permission. "Captain, we were attacked by snipers. These losses were unavoidable, sir."
"I told you they were coming !" Vader thundered." You countermanded my orders to put the squads in a defensive position. Your action, or better said, inaction, led directly to the loss of those men."
"But, Captain, you told us we were still in charge of our men. There was no indication of imminent attack, other than Lord Vader's hunch." Grylta was determined to admit no fault.
"Do they teach you nothing of the Force?" Vader was livid."The Force is not a 'hunch'. The Force allows me to see the future. It is idiocy to go against the will of the Force."
"Lord Vader, you must understand that the use of the Force as a strategic weapon is not part of Imperial military training," Captain Mazdan said, as he stepped in to deflect Vader's anger. "They were following my orders, and I take full responsibility. I have to admit you are a bit of a mystery to us. My instructions from my superior officer described you as an envoy from the Emperor, not a commanding officer."
"I am right hand to the Emperor. To disobey me is to disobey the Emperor himself," Vader said. "Your opposition to my orders will be noted in my report to the Emperor."
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From his quarters onboard the Justice, Darth Vader configured the portable holoprojector to send his report to the Emperor. Though his words in the strategy room had been unswerving, he had to admit his relationship with the Emperor was at times vague. His apprentice, the Emperor called him, but he knew the Emperor intended no ascension for him. That left him not as heir, but as what, enforcer, errand boy, servant ? The encouragement Palpatine had given him when the Jedi were slow to use his talents had vanished now that Palpatine stood as his master.
The holoprojector signaled the presence of an incoming message, and he positioned himself in the visual range of the transmitter. A small holographic image of Palpatine arose from the device.
"Was your mission a success, Lord Vader ?" began Palpatine.
"Yes, Master. The Nerian Council has given full agreement to the establishment of Imperial bases on their world. Internal opposition exists, however, among their citizenry, possibly requiring Imperial military intervention," Vader said.
"Excellent. I had forseen that you would do well. The minor resistance on Neria will be of little consequence to the Empire," Palpatine concluded.
"Master, I do have a concern about the mission," Vader said.
"And what would that be, Lord Vader ?"
"Apparently I am outranked by even the lowest Imperial officers. My commands to the stormtroopers were overridden by mere lieutenants, resulting in the unnecessary loss of men."
"Why would you wish to be part of the Imperial Naval hierarchy ? And the loss of stormtroopers is like water over the Deeja Falls- they are instantly replaced, and the power of the whole is undiminished. That's why we bought them."
"Future missions will run more smoothly if my position is made clear," Vader insisted.
"Are you asking me to intervene on your behalf, Lord Vader ?" Palpatine said with derision.
Vader realized that, once again, Palpatine had maneuvered the discussion so that only one reply was possible. "Of course not, Master."
"You're a smart boy. You will find a way to circumvent the military structure. We can talk more about this when you return to Imperial City". The holographic image disappeared, an inarguable end to the conversation.
While Palpatine had easily dismissed his concerns, Vader's conviction was undiminished. His lack of formal position within the military was an obstacle, apparently placed there by Palpatine's design. The stormtroopers would be at his command only so long as the military did not contradict his orders, a failsafe measure that protected Palpatine. Always his abilities were feared by those above him; in this the Emperor was no different than the Jedi. There would come a time, he promised himself, when he would throw off the restraints placed by his masters. Especially if, indeed, he was father to a living child.