Vader's Angel
By: wertman25
Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own Star Wars…. or Anakin Skywalker… Which is a pity…
Author's Note: Please note this was a previously deleted chapter, which was re-added to the story.
Status: Updated.
Chapter 2: Devotion to the Dark Side
There was a thunderous noise. A death like symphony which featured a stampede of the biggest and wildest beasts, but was far worse than anything imaginable. It was a deafening sound to all that stood near, bringing fear into their hearts and panic to their minds; hopeless but to watch the storm of white slowly approach and overtake them. It caused absolute chaos to all but one: Darth Vader.
To the Sith, it was a pleasant noise– a righteous noise, his perfect battle symphony. He watched from the hovering ship above as his troopers began to storm the grounds of the Imperial Senate building, marching their way in sync up the long stone steps and into the grand structure, their footsteps echoing into the future, signaling the progress that awaited them.
The sight wasn't unlike another pleasant memory that the imagine conjured to his mind. A time in which Darth Vader had been first revealed, not so much to the public eye, but to the atrocities called Jedi. That had been a moment of the future as well, although that milestone had come in the dead of night and he had lead the march. When it was his time to finally come out of hiding and begin the mission his master had trained him all his life to complete. It was hard for him to believe that only two years had passed since he had first led his squadron of troops up those long stone steps. He could still see the horror and betrayal in those halfwits' eyes as the men they believed to be their comrades in war, turned the blaster in their direction, finally revealing their true purpose and at last, their true target.
His eyes flickered to the abandoned temple just across the city, still able to see the smoke that rose into the air that had long since vanished. He could still hear the screams– their petrified cries. Some nights he even relived the waves of fear, anger, and finally doom that washed over those poor, weak creatures, as they ultimately realized their fate of extinction– of what was to become of themselves and their pathetic Order. For no amount of training or preparation had prepared any of them for him. For they were all weak compared to Vader's power and the power of the Dark Side of the Force.
It almost made Vader laugh; for how invincible the great Jedi Order had believed themselves to be, for how long they had stood on top of their throne, and yet, how quickly they fell from such power. Even those considered the most grandest of masters were unable to detect the power of the Sith, and all while so close too, and furthermore unable to stand up to his blade. It had been almost too easy to kill all of them– almost, but Vader wouldn't follow that thought to conclusion.
He looked forward to the day that he was able to topple the building down to the ground with the final ashes of the creatures that once inhabited its walls, finally erasing all trace of the Jedi from existence. Soon, the galaxy would be rid of every whisper of the word "Jedi" and the lone survivors who scattered to galaxy like womp rats to a hole would meet their end at the end of his crimson blade. It may have been true that some of the ratchet slime had been able to elude him before, but soon, like the corrupt politicians below and the pitiful Rebellion hidden away like cowards in the galaxy, they would all soon meet their end.
His eyes turned back to his troops below and he watched as the never-ending stream of white armor seemed to be like a river in monsoon season, flooding around the vast building and trapping all the inhabitants inside. This was the reason he had suggested to his master an attack during a slightly later hour of the morning. A time in which all the senators and delegates would be peacefully inside, and therefore unable to escape or further elude them. His master had merely waved a hand at such a suggestion, agreeing to it without much thought or argument. He knew that Vader had a mind for such things, but the older man had had much to say about the protocols of the act, knowing that is where Vader's mind lacked.
The reservation had annoyed Vader at first, but he soon came to realize his master wasn't entirely wrong. He, after all, had spent very little time on Coruscant, and even less so in the public eye. Vader had been trained as a secret weapon, a Sith Lord, and was not cutout for the hazards of things like politicians or social protocols. Why would he be? It wasn't like he needed any of those skills. His master was the one for that particular façade, with his shows of political power and his words laced with deceptive lies. Vader had hardly even had a conversation, unless it had something to do with the briefing of a battle or an exchange with his master. He preferred his blade to do the talking and with his superior skills, he found that he rarely needed words.
Vader supposed him and his men weren't unlike in that aspect. Both the misfits of proper society, isolated from the general public and hated by most civilizations for their actions, simply because they showed proper skill in warfare while being both the silent, but deadly type. Much like Vader and his saber, his men preferred to allow their blasters to do their talking, more often than none, although he had to admit, they were a bit chatty among themselves. Even to him, on some occasion, although that was usually short lived.
Most knew better than to converse with the lot of them, either out of shrewd fear or some other emotional based discrimination; but Vader and his troopers accepted the isolation all the same. Vader couldn't even remember the last time he'd been in the graces of anyone other than his master or troops, save for last night. This would be the first time in months that Vader stepped foot into the Imperial Senate and he knew it was the same for many of the troopers as well.
He had been away from Coruscant for sometime now, though he couldn't say for sure how much time had truly passed, the time blurring together into a wide array of havoc and carnage, all equaling into a less than pleasant and unexpected return. Vader hated Coruscant. He hated the people, their way of life, and everything that the double-dealing city stood for. His hatred for the repugnant planet almost matched his hatred for his master... only, almost. But more than anything, Vader hated to be interrupted while on a good hunt, especially one with such bloodshed and destruction in the eyes of the enemy.
Vader hadn't hidden his immediate and upmost displeasure upon receiving his master's orders to cease his hunt and pullout his troops during his moment of triumph. It was hard for Vader to pull away after such great success and being given such leeway. After he had tasted such sweet blood and conjured such intoxicating fear. For a fleeting moment, the Dark Lord of the Sith even considered just delaying his response to the direct order for a small moment longer, just enough so that he was able to finish his hunt... but that defective idea had died the moment it had sprouted within his brain. For the young Sith knew better than to disregard his master's orders, even if only for a moment, knowing that even the smallest additional unnecessary second would lead to unspeakable consequences.
So Vader, as always, had been the faithful servant and and loyal apprentice to Darth Sidious. He had taken action immediately, pulling his troops off the ground and stationing them back on their star destroyer, before he, himself, headed in the opposite direction away from his fleet towards the Core Worlds. He had made sure to use the entire duration of the flight back to Coruscant to morph himself into the proper Sith his master required, to be the silent, fear-evoking apprentice and not the ruthless warhorse.
Oh, but what a pleasant surprise it had been to return back to the Imperial Center and learn that his master required both, the loyal apprentice and merciless warhorse. A deadly and powerful combination that Vader often wasn't allowed to embrace while in such public space and even more so on the grounds of the Imperial Senate. Yes, Vader was only too pleased to be both, even if he did have a slight preference towards the warhorse. Nevertheless, the Sith Lord had morphed into everything his master needed and commanded of him, but still Vader sensed his master's displeasure at his impetuous-type behavior.
That was expected, however, at least on some level, as it wasn't uncommon for Sidious to feel as he did towards Vader, especially after an extended time apart. It was a known fact between them by now that there was always something his master was displeased about when Vader returned from a mission, even if Vader had seemingly done everything right. It was always a matter of something that caused Sidious to be displeased and on most counts, an equal something that created grounds for Vader to be disciplined. Whether it be, Vader's report of the mission, or a tactical something which his master knew nothing about, or on most counts, simply Vader's somehow unsuitable behavior upon returning. They both knew it was simply fabricated grounds for Sidious to keep Vader in his place below the elder Sith, but still Vader often found himself irritated by such things since he knew there were some truths to it.
Though the mere idea of Vader becoming totally reckless was hardly plausible in Vader's own mind, his master thought him arrogant, even egotistic. Vader didn't agree with that conclusion. He saw only confidence and authority, the attributes he needed to run the Imperial Army. His master's judgement was clouded by such worries and ignorance. The old man did not understand these things, such as life on the frontline of wars and battles. He was too worried whether the time apart would lead to a too-self-reliant apprentice or create more established means for the younger Sith to rise against him... and so Vader suffered. And although the old man's worries weren't completely unrealistic, it wasn't very much that Vader became undisciplined and unfaithful during his time away from his master, but there were simply just certain elements of war in which his attitude and behavior were acceptable, whereas not with his master's arena.
Vader's attitude and behavior worked well to command his army, as if he actually needed something other than his mere order to earn their respect. Vader was perfectly capable of handling most matters signal handedly, but he had to admit, the clone troops usually proved their worth when the time showed. And in most recent cases, it usually did. Without the help of the troopers, the most recent battle would have never been won, at least, not as quickly as it had been. Yes, the clones had been a fine asset to his plan... just as he planed for them to be in the future. Vader preferred the clone troopers, more so than those dreadful human brigades his master seemed to force. In fact, it was because of that very push of just why the clone troopers favored Vader over his master. That, and a number of other reasons.
It was true, his master had done enough damage to cause even the most loyal of troopers to sway when it came to his command. Of course, they could never act against the Empire or its rulers, but that did not mean the glimmer of hesitancy did not remain somewhere within the troopers. Not that Vader had a care about it. It worked in his favor. For it was not Vader that had the clones' minds in a tailspin, and their programing would never allow anything less than what they were commanded, but that did not mean that anyone could stop the favoritism within the ranks, all of which pointed to Darth Vader.
It was for this very reason that Vader knew the troopers were anxious, at least in a very broad sense. Many of these troopers from the the newer batch of arrivals– and as he expected the last of the clone batches, completely shiny and new, compared to the hardened veterans Vader had been used to working with. He had made sure to have at least have a few dozen seasoned troopers within each brigade, but he felt even those troops' unease.
It was all due to his master, of course, a complete oversight that the older man just seemed to fail to understand. Neither, Vader nor his troops, had ever seen much of the innards of the Imperial Senate itself, or even Coruscant, for that matter. Most of the troopers stationed on Coruscant never having left the boundaries of the Imperial base, having been banned some time ago from the grounds of the Senate. It was true there were some that were moderately more familiar with the area, those who had qualified as the more social type trooper, who simply paraded around with a blaster as a simple image of the Empire. Though, that was random and vastly uncommon here.
Like Vader, his troops had been properly hidden majorly from the public eye, at least in a way that never allowed anyone to get a dependable count on their numbers. Sure, there would be a squadron here, or a trooper stationed there, but it was never an overwhelming amount. The Emperor showed them just enough to keep the intimidation, but never cause a panic. The same went for Vader, himself. In fact, Vader could only think of a half of dozens times he was even allowed within the detestable walls. Excluding the night that his master had taken power, Vader was only called about to attended some sort of meeting or whenever a major statement was to be made. Always simply instructed to stand as the loyal obedient force to bring fear, unless instructed otherwise.
It was almost the same for the troopers as well, the Emperor usually electing his own royal guard, unless matters were proposed otherwise. Even then, they were only allowed in permitted areas, or when they were needed to act as security for important events. His master rarely called on them personally, unless he needed a demonstration of power or had thought force was necessary. His master liked to keep him and his men busy with matters elsewhere. Spread throughout the galaxy doing his labor while he reported the outcomes to apprehensive ears.
The mind was a dangerous thing, and his master liked to use the ill-fit imagination of his people to his advantage. He liked to keep them wondering, and the only way to do that was to keep his infamous apprentice hidden. His master preferred it that way, and if Vader was honest, so did he. He preferred to be out of the public eye, only showing himself when needed. At least, until the time was right.
That's how Vader had made a name for himself in such a short time, not only by his actions, but remaining the Empire's ghost. People always feared a ghost and a terrified tale whispered in the darkness always traveled. In only two short years, his name had reached every corner of the galaxy, known on every tongue, striking fear into all that dared mutter his name, and all without truly emerging from the shadows… yet.
That's why he was away from the battle now, and although he knew his troops to be inadequate, he yearned more than anything to be leading the charge now. Just so that his face would be the last that so many would see, but he knew that would be unwise and displease his master.
Unlike his attack on the temple, this raid require a bit more...discretion. They were being watched after all, which was hardly a care to him, but knew his master liked to keep a certain image, especially in the Imperial Center. It was hard enough to keep the star systems in line, let they see their appointed representative harmed without reason. He would have to deal with that all, in time, when his feet were on the ground. Until then, it was beneficial to his master's plan for him to maintain distance until he was needed, that way he conducted but did not blatantly lead, at least in the public's eyes.
He suppressed a sigh. The stupidity of it. How easy it was to fool such simple minds.
The trooper who stood beside Vader within the ship informed him of their progression down below, before giving an estimated time till they could land to join them. It was a pleasing report, but one that Vader simply ignored, keeping his mind on the task at hand and his energy within the Dark Side of the Force.
Usually, Vader hated to be locked up in places such as Coruscant, but today, he was finding he didn't very much mind. He had waited for this moment for far too long… to see the beginning of the end. With this progress, it was only a matter of time before the Rebellion and its traitorous followers no longer stood in their way. It was only a matter of time before he would achieve what he was created to do.
He continued to survey from where the ship hovered above, watching and listening as his troopers began to take the betrayers into custody. He was pleased with their work, their quick thinking, and their clean results. An immoral smirk pulling at his lips as he couldn't help but relish in the idea of when the troopers finally turned against the old man. He couldn't wait for that day.
As he had expected, last night's outburst had not come without consequence, for the politicians and Vader alike. For the politicians were now facing their own consequences, while Vader had received his the night prior. At first, sensing his master's pleasure with how the night progress, Vader believed that he may have just been free from punishment, but it had been a foolish thought. It didn't matter that his master was pleased with him, because Vader had still stepped out of line and the Emperor wouldn't allow that sort of insubordination. He couldn't allow Vader to think he could act against his wishes, disobey his authority. The younger Sith had to be reminder of just who was in charge, of who was his master.
The effects of the Sith lightening still burned through Vader's blood stream and his muscles ached beneath his tunic, but he paid that no attention, finding his strength from the darkness that surrounded him. He had found some relief the night prior in knowing of his attack the following morning, sleep never finding him, which wasn't unusual, so he had mediated deeply, falling into the deepest corners of hell and calling upon the darkest of beasts within the darkness. His training exercises had brought him focus– strength, only furthering his connection to the Force, swearing himself more deeply to its will, and renewing his devotion to the Dark. With revitalized strength and renewed anger, Vader's hunger was ravenous and it was even worse because he was close to his prey. He was ready and the Force was beckoning.
"Lord Vader," the same trooper reported from beside him, finally catching the Sith's attention with the news he had been waiting for. "We're making our descent."
Vader nodded as he breathed in the darkness one final time, knowing his eyes were glowing with his power as the ship lowered to the ground. Stepping out onto the tarmac, Vader was greeted by an Imperial officer and another squadron of troops.
"Lord Vader, sir," the officer greeted formally, pleasing his Commander by keeping his greeting short before obediently falling in line behind the Sith as he walked.
Even though this was still a battle within Vader's mind and would be conducted as such, he knew the changes that awaited him. This was never as easily as a battlefield. There were too many witnesses. Too many cameras. Too many people to serve. And he was too close to his master. If Vader had his way, he would kill them all or force them to see things as he did. It was simpler than the countless bickering and lies that had no point. After all, what he was doing was for the good of the galaxy– for the Empire. He saw no wrong with his actions, and neither should they. He was only correcting wrongs and keeping the peace.
His master had commanded him to be subtle, to not kill any of the senators or other traitorous personnel out in the public eye. Vader had to be sure not to leave any loose ends and to clean up his mess throughly. The Emperor would have to explain this later and he still needed to keep the support of the Galactic Senate until he could disband of the operation entirely, when his secret weapon was fully operational and he could keep control by means of fear.
"Lord Vader," a brave member of the Press stepped forward as he walked towards the entrance, passing through the growing crowd with ease. "Please, could you give us a–"
Vader said nothing. He never did, but he motioned to the officer behind him to give a statement to the waiting Press, that would at least make his master pleased and at the very least keep the fools called citizens in line.
The officer immediately did as silently instructed, nodding to Vader before pausing to look at the members of the Press. "If you are loyal subjects of the Empire, you have nothing to fear," he stated clearly and confidently, making his Commander pleased. "Lord Vader is merely keeping us safe. He has tracked Rebellion spies within the Galactic Senate itself and we are simply dealing with the issue to keep the galaxy safe. This is simply an investigation."
The same man asked another question to the officer as more members of the Press and their camera droids swarmed around the area, but the question was silent to Vader's ears. As he entered into the building, Vader could hear claps echo from behind him following the conclusion of his officer's statement from the small group that had gathered to listen– or in truth, gathered to be intrusive. They seemed to be pleased and cheered after the news, biting at Vader's temper. They were all fools, smart enough to not go against the Empire, but stupid enough to believe the lies his master fed. The idiotic higher-class subjects were the worse, but even more irritating were the people that stood ahead, the professional liars.
As Vader stalked by the grand columns with his troopers marching close behind him, terror was tangible in the air, many knowing what the sight of him would bring. Pausing as he reached one of the main chambers that led to many of the senators' offices, he did nothing but allow his troops to pass him by and take in the glorious sight of which was unfolding. Vader simply watched as his troopers brought the traitors out from their holes, some screaming while others tried to fight. Some screamed of their innocence, while others screamed pointlessly about their loved ones or their lives, trying to touch something inside of Vader or his troops that did not exist.
It was like screaming silence to him, only hearing the acclaimed sound of freight and not the words within it. Their words hardly mattered anyways, Vader already knowing the instinct that lived within every living soul: the need to survive. He had been watching others die since he was young and knew very well that a being about to die would say anything to prolong his or her judgment. What their misunderstanding was that they believed the judgment came after death, but Vader knew the truth. The child of the Force had already judged and found them unworthy, thus securing their fate.
In fact, he had already decided that all the pests they were obtaining today were unworthy, and therefore deserved to die. He knew that they were not securing all of the traitors, only the weak links, but they were hardly significant, simple supporters of the Rebellion with no real Intel about the Alliance. They were practically a waste of his time.
"You can't do this, Lord Vader!" a senator shouted wildly, knocking down a trooper and catching Vader's attention before the troopers restrained him and dragged him by his arms out of the chamber. "No! You can't do this! You can't do this!"
"Shut up!" the trooper on his right shouted, knocking the man in the back of the head to silence him as Vader nearly rolled his eyes and continued forward.
Watch me, Vader thought at the ridiculous statement, placing his hands on his belt as arrogance bubbled within his belly. He couldn't do this? It almost made him laugh. What fools! What idiots! He seemed to already be doing it… and had been doing it all of his life. What didn't they understand? They couldn't stop him. He was the most powerful Sith ever... or at least he would be soon enough.
Growing somewhat bored and in need of more action, Vader finally moved from his place of surveillance within the room and went off in search of other more interesting matters he could sink his teeth into. He knew the movement on his part was inevitable; that he couldn't stay still forever, and most surely won't just watch. It wasn't technically against his master's wishes, because he had allowed the true action to happen without him. Vader was merely rounding up the scraps. He was merely a surveyor of the operations, sticking to the main levels, though through the Force he could sense his troops spread out among four or five levels, proceeding with the plan as he had order, all while he waited for further instructions, or until he found a situation that would require his personal assistance.
The people that the troopers escorted from the chambers continued to scream for mercy as he passed and those who did not, simply watched from the sidelines, peaking out from their offices or around corners, knowing that they could be next. It was one of the most pitiful displays Vader had ever seen and he could see in the weaklings' eyes the desire to run. He hoped they would be foolish enough to follow their thoughts into fruition, desiring a good chase.
"Lord Vader," a commander called as he paced up behind him, bringing Vader from his thoughts as he paused to turn towards the man.
"What is it, Commander?"
"The Emperor has demands," the man reported, handing him a holopad that had seemingly come from his master himself. "There are instructions for you on the following page and he requires these senators, sir. Says it's urgent."
Vader took the holopad, skimming the list quickly as the commander scurried away. All high-class senators, Vader thought with the most outward disgust, swiping to the following page. A sudden wave of curiosity overtaking his hate. What is he up to?
It wasn't uncommon for the two to keep secrets from each other, but it felt odd. The Force itself seeming to swirl around Vader in the most peculiar of ways. The Emperor was up to something. Something that he had not yet clued his apprentice in on.
The following page held a decoded message, no doubt from his master, written in the language of the Sith, a command that translated to: Kill the senators from Anaxes and Nubia. They are of no further use to me. Once my demands are complete, come see me.
"Lord Vader," a voice called angrily, causing the Sith to look up from the holopad and almost smirk.
How convenient…
The senator from Nubia strutted his way arrogantly towards the Sith, pausing before the Dark Lord and gesturing around as if he held any sort of power. "What is this?"
"None of your concern," Vader replied back smoothly, only poking at the senator's belligerent anger and causing the man's face to increase to a brighter shade of red.
"You're so bold, Lord Vader," he snapped in return. "And you know as a member of the Imperial Senate, I have a right to know." He gestured to the scene around him, just as another woman was being pulled out of her office, kicking and screaming as if she could break free and someone would help her. Vader would like to see someone try. "What is the meaning of this... this... madness?"
"A cleansing," Vader answered simply and truly without much thought, locking the holopad and snapping it onto his belt.
"Cleansing?" the man repeated mockingly as his eyes widened and a crease formed on his forehead. "More like a purge. The Emperor agreed to keep these barbaric troops away from here. The Imperial Senate will not stand for this. The Senate voted–"
"My master," Vader snapped, "is the Senate."
The man regained himself, moving his body into a strong posture as he crossed his arms tightly over his chest. "That may be true, but democracy–"
"Is no longer the power at play," Vader finished, his words more a threat than a statement.
The man took a moment to think, composing himself and switching tactics. "Lord Vader," the senator said, considering his words as he kindly motioned to the room behind him. "May we talk? In private?"
Vader nearly laughed once more. This man was practically asking for his own death and giving Vader a perfect way to do so cleanly. Without hesitation, Vader followed the senator into his nearby office before the troopers closed the doors behind them, standing on the outside of the doorway knowing what was about to come next.
As Vader paused in the center of the room watching the man take his seat behind his desk, the Sith sensed before he noticed the woman that stood in the corner, his head turning just a fraction in her direction as her wide eyes looked upon him and she took a large step towards the male senator in false protection.
"This is my wife," the man spoke as if that explained her reason for being there and as if Vader cared. To him, she would just be another useless loss for the sake of his greater cause.
"We would like to come to agreement," the senator eventually spoke, folding his hands professionally and again, with false power.
Vader stilled in the center of the room, crossing his arms tightly over his chest as he looked towards the man and began to pick apart his mind. It wasn't a hard task to read the man's thoughts and fathom his intentions, his wife's mind being even easier, but as weak-minded as the pair was, Vader still found himself slightly dumbfounded that they had come to this conclusion. Were they really just as stupid as they appeared? They were trying to bargain? They were trying to bribe? Trying to turn him against his master?
"We both know the Emperor is in charge here," the man continued stupidly, but not entirely untrue. "But we all know that you are the man with the true power." He paused, motioning to the woman that stepped sideways to stand beside him, still visibly shaking with her wide eyes locked on Vader. "My wife," he continued, his emotions mixed and thoughts wild as he placed his arm around her. "Sarah, is pregnant with our first child and we have decided we would like our child to grow up in a better place such as this. We want to overthrow the Emperor–"
Upon the vocal confession, Vader raised his hand immediately, doing as trained to defend his master. The words rattled into the man's throat, falling limp as the senator choked, Vader's invisible grip crushing against his throat and his hands leaving his wife to fly to his neck in a state of panic.
"It's treason then…" Vader whispered, taking a step forward as he closed his fingers tighter.
"Please, Lord Vader!" the woman begged with wide pleading eyes, her hands on her husband's neck trying to loosen the invisible grip as she looked between him and the Sith. "We speak of a plan– of a future, where you rule the galaxy." It was a fair attempt, but also a vain one. Her words did nothing to stop Vader and as her husband began to pale, something inside her snapped, unable to watch the life drain from her husband and father of her unborn child's eyes. "Stop!" she screamed, becoming ballistic. "We had to try for the sake of our child! Don't leave me a widow! Don't leave my baby without her father!"
Her pleads that were meant to stop the Sith Lord merely pressed him on, the twisted monster enjoying her pain and her suffering. As she screamed one final plea, Vader snapped her husband's neck in one final move, the man's head falling to an unnatural position before collapsing to the ground. The woman wailed a loud and painful filled cry, watching the dead body of her husband before realizing the fate that awaited her as well. With a pale face and tear filled eyes, the woman's head spun towards the Sith, his hidden gaze already looming on the pregnant woman.
Sensing that she was now the one in trouble, she took a large step back, the tears pouring from her eyes as her hand formed protectively over her swollen stomach. "You wouldn't hurt a pregnant woman," she tried to plead, stumbling until she was against the wall. "You wouldn't hurt my baby."
"You don't want your child to grow up fatherless," Vader breathed, not even attempting to hide his mockery. "I'm merely fulfilling your wish."
"Please don–"
Vader snapped her neck before she was able to finish her pleads, feeling the life drain from her body as it hit the floor and soon after, the life force of her unborn child. Fools, Vader thought, turning without a single emotion on his mind and swinging his hand to open the doors to the closed office. The did as he bid and opened to the small amount of troopers who had been waiting for his return. The group saluted him as he exited, waiting for their instructions.
"Find a way to dispose of them," Vader commanded.
The troopers immediately doing as he commanded. "Yes, Lord Vader."
They ran on either side of their commander, grouping within the office as the captain instructed his own plans for the quiet disposer of the bodies. Vader was about to turn away, leaving them and the bodies behind when a man entered into the chamber and immediately paused, taking in the sight of the dead bodies before the doors could be completely shut. The fear and utter horror was familiar and one that Vader knew well, and he turned to gaze at a motionless and wide-eyed Bail Organa, the man frozen just beyond with his mouth hanging open in utter shock.
"Senator Organa," Vader called, not caring for the man's reaction as he unclipped the holopad from his belt and sauntered over to the frozen senator.
It took a moment, but the man regained himself, far quicker than the rest. "Lord Vader," her responded, almost too clearly, his swirling emotions being forced beneath a forced layer sensibility for the man's own protection. Vader could see his chest rise and fall, the man fighting to control his emotions despite such hard efforts. As Vader paused, the man showed no emotion, only professional respect. He stood before the Sith like Vader was no different than any other man. It was a classic show– a political show. They both held no respect for the other and Vader knew he had something to hide. His master and him both knew, but Senator Organa wasn't as foolish to let it slip. However, the man was foolish enough to believe that if he could control his emotions it would make him look innocent. If he only knew the opposite effect that it had, that without allowing his fear and hatred to flow forward, it made him ever more guilty than the men that freely admitted to their crime.
"I was just on my way to see some of my colleagues," Organa continued, motioning down the hall and trying to offer some kind of explanation. "I didn't mean to intrude. I see that you are very busy."
"I sensed as much," Vader replied, conveying nothing but his lack of amusement. He could see clearly in Organa's mind exactly who the senator had been on his way to see, and he could feel the man's panic begin to break through his attempt void the longer Vader forced him to remain here with him. "That is precisely why I stopped you."
"Oh?" the man answered, not attempting to hide his surprise as he rose an eyebrow at the Sith in questioning.
Vader held the holopad out for him, the names clearly on display. "The Emperor has requested you and a number of your comrades' presences."
The man seemed shaken, his hand slowly reaching out to take the device and skimming the datasheet on the screen before looking back at Vader with sudden doubt. "You aren't going to question us, my Lord?"
Vader remained unfazed. "Not unless you have something to hide."
"Of course not," he answered too quickly, his emotions beginning to leak through his mask tenfold as his nerves grew to an extended amount. Even the man's heart rate was thunderous in Vader's ears, and the Sith didn't miss the way a thin layer of moisture was beginning to form near the man's hairline. "We will meet with him at once. I– I assume that all my peers are not ones that you have taken into… into custody?"
Not yet, Vader thought, knowing the truth despite their fair act. "Are they traitors?"
"Of course not, my Lord."
"Then you shouldn't have anything to worry about."
"Oh, yes," Organa replied, almost in embarrassment as he bowed his head. "I– I will find them all at once and do just as the Emperor wishes." Rising his head once more, the senator was unable to keep his sadness from blossoming as his eyes found the lifeless bodies behind Vader. "Sarah Tilka was five months pregnant…" he whispered almost absently, a strange hurt within his words. "With a baby girl…"
Vader simply placed his hands on his belt, staring down at the man. He wasn't in the mood for any sort of chatting and immediately Bail Organa got the hint.
"Well," he regained himself, standing to his full height, while trying and failing to hide his newly developed anger. "How wonderful they could die together." He stared at Vader for another moment, a million thoughts loudly passing though his mind before he forced himself to give a sneering bow. "Thank you, Lord Vader."
Vader turned without giving a vocal response, heading towards the main chambers. He already knew the man was a traitor, as well as countless of his close peers, and it was only because of the Emperor's direct order that any of them were still walking free, or breathing for that matter. What he didn't think Bail Organa was, was a coward, but Vader knew that look in his eyes. He had seen it countless times before in even lesser, and some greater men than the Senator from Alderaan. He was looking into the eyes of a man that was about to run. He could sense it. Bail Organa was going to flee, but the question still remained of how many others would follow? And where would it lead him?
"Lord Vader," an officer stated as he fell into stride beside him. "We have detected quite a lot of chatter on the Senate's main server. Personnel warning others of our presence and of yours also, sir."
"Chatter does not concern me," Vader replied in annoyance. "Jam any further transmissions from leaving this building. Have a group monitor the server for outliers."
"Yes, sir."
There was a great silence. The kind of silence that drove some to insanity. The kind of silence that came just after the final bomb had been dropped in battle, or after the final solider fell to his demise... or perhaps, when the last rebel that stood in the wake of Imperial progress was exterminated. It was almost like death. Almost like new life... the life of the Empire. The Imperial Senate was unusually quiet. The building had been finally cleared out completely, save for the few individuals that remained– loyalists, individuals pending judgement, or traitors who were simply pawns in the greater plan. The usually bustling building was empty and quiet, something that Vader found almost pleasing. It wasn't filled to the brim with liars and schemers– it wasn't completely filled with fools that stood in the way of progress. It was a small start to their ultimate plans for the galaxy, but a start nonetheless.
"Sir," a trooper saluted Vader before giving a final report. "All floors are secure. We have either exterminated or detained all traitors, with the exception for the personnel that have not arrived as of yet."
"Good work, trooper." Vader replied somewhat pleased. "Keep a squadron on location and another on standby, send all others back to base. Monitor the situation till after my meeting with the Emperor."
"Yes, sir."
The trooper left to do his bidding, and as he did, Vader turned in the opposite direction to report to his master. Unlike usual, Vader found himself walking the halls instead of the shadows as he made his way towards his master's chambers. Now, he could be seen amongst the crowds, now he could be seen for what he truly was, he could walk among his fear and destruction among the empty halls that now felt like home– if Vader could have a home.
As he entered into the holding room before the red suite of his master's office, the red guards who stood at attention at each side of the closed doorway gave him a silent decline from entering. It was an irritating appeal, but one that Vader decided to ignore. The Sith could sense seven presences still with his master, including that of Bail Organa, knowing that there were twelve senators on the list. Irritatingly enough, he couldn't remember who could be missing, except the senator from Anaxes and the senator from Naboo, both of who had seemingly disappeared. He tried to mentally recall the list from his memory, but came up short as another annoyance spread within his veins.
"Seems quite weak," a voice stated arrogantly, interrupting his thoughts as the presence stepped into the room. "Needing so many men to keep so few in order."
"Tarkin." Vader growled immediately, not even needing to reach out into the Force to identify the infuriating presence. "Only you," he breathed annoyed. "Would be so bold."
"Come now, Vader." the man replied, stating his usual response while trying to dispute the air between them. "You," he continued, placing a hand on Vader's back, "my friend, need to lighten up."
The action only made Vader's irritation grow, the Sith turning to face the man at his full height, and pulling away so the man's hand could no longer touch him. "What brings you to Coruscant?" Vader hissed, trying to press the elder man's limits in return. "I would have thought you too busy overseeing to be pulled away from such a project."
"And I thought you too deep in the hunt to waste time with such petty purges," Tarkin snapped back without hissing a beat before waving his hand in triumph. "But yet, here we both are."
It may have been a true statement, but it did nothing for Vader's anger. Games were not something that Vader was in the mood for and the one that Tarkin was trying to play would not end in his favor. So Vader remained silent, staring down at the man until the air and darkness between them became too heavy not to give the young Sith what he wanted, forcing the man into submission.
"The Emperor requested my presence," Tarkin eventually answered, his face conveying his displeasure, with Vader and with the Emperor.
"And Director Krennic?" Vader pressed, turning to look at the white-uniformed man that stood just behind the pair, almost attempting to hide in the darkness.
Upon being noticed, the other man bowed his head in respect, but did not take a step forward. He did not speak, giving Vader the exact answer to their sudden arrival.
"Another delay?" Vader pressed somewhat amused, trying and knowing how to spike both of the men's anger.
Tarkin was merely just an overseer of the project, but Director Orson Krennic was the planner and creator, for he was the director of Advanced Weapons Research for the Imperial military. Even though it was Tarkin with high hopes for the secret weapon, Orson Krennic was obsessed with the completion of the delayed Death Star project. A cruel but brilliant man, Krennic had staked his reputation on the delivery of the functional battle station to the Emperor and as of recently, he had been failing to deliver.
"It will be finished as promised," Krennic responded, his voice strong as he defended it. "Creating a weapon of this size and multitude has never been done. There will always be unforeseen issues, but nothing I cannot handle."
"Unforeseen issues," Vader repeated, the pure mockery of it, remembering the report well. "I hear there are issues with such plans."
The man seemed to become flustered, a redness rising to his cheeks at the insult burning. "It is being dealt with."
"I would hope so," Vader replied casually. "You do have a great many things to explain."
"Nonsense," Tarkin snapped. "The man who tried to leak information has been convicted of treason against the Empire. The plans are safe on Scariff."
"The weapon still remains a secret," Krennic added. "It has been hidden perfectly since the Clone Wars and the Rebellion knows nothing of its existence."
"I would hope not," Vader replied, keeping with the same tone that insulted both men while also adding a silent threat. "Because the weapon, being unfinished as it is, if found could become a risk of being destroyed."
"Lord Vader." Krennic smiled, waving his hands in the air. "I thought you believed my weapon insignificant, yet here you are–"
"My feelings towards your weapon have not changed," Vader retorted deeply, not allowing the man to achieve a higher ground with some ridiculous false accusation. "But allowing the traitorous fools such a target would bring them hope and hope is something these people are not allowed. If they were–"
I can't wait to get that woman on her knees, a thought screamed within Vader's mind, the idea being broadcasted so loud that even the Sith could hear the fantasy. I can't wait to get her naked before me, with her mouth around my cock while I slide down the back of her throat. Hmm... Those lips will feel so good. She will be such a prize.
The thought penetrated his mind before he could stop it, making him hesitate and unable to finish his sentence. It had only taken a second or two for the thought to process within Vader's mind, but the time had been long enough for the other two men to notice.
"What's wrong, Vader?" Tarkin pressed with a laugh. "Something bothering you?"
"Your lack of trust in the Force," Vader answered without delay, regaining him with ice on his breath.
A brown-haired woman lay beneath him, her naked body his for the taking. He wasted no time thrusting into her, pressing into her as far as he would go before beginning to thrust. Her moans started to fill the air as he continued to move in and out of her, his hands kneading her breasts and his lips hot on her skin.
"Oh, Rush!" she screamed. "Harder! Harder! Fuck me harder!"
He closed his eyes in annoyance, his hands curling at his sides as he tried to block out any further distractions. There were always pros and cons to having strong abilities such as Vader's, and this was always a downside. It wasn't the first time Vader had witnessed such a fantasy, the visions usually ranging between sexual encounters to secret lives to murders. It was always infuriating when it happened and even more so at a time like this, when it was being thought so loudly that he could not tune it out. At least, he knew now the man that was creating the fantasy– the idiot from the night before that he should have never allowed to live: Rush Clovis.
Tarkin nearly rolled his eyes, shaking his head in annoyance. "I believe we already had this conversation."
"You cannot stand in the way of progress, Lord Vader." the director stepped forward, suddenly feeling brave. "The weapon will be unbeatable and I will go down in history as the man that–"
His patience between it all; his master, the senators, the officers, and the fantasy, fell short and Vader raised his hand before he could stop himself. The director immediately felt the clasp of his throat, his words stopping as he pulled on his collar.
"Be careful to not choke on your aspirations, Director." Vader warned, before using the other hand to capture Tarkin, not allowing either man to move. "And you Tarkin are no different. It would a pity for either of you to forget your place."
"Lord Vader."
His master's voice suddenly resonated from behind him, making Vader immediately release both men before turning and watching as the small amount of senators nearly scurried out of the room.
"Come my friend," the Emperor motioned, not commenting on Vader's actions as he beckoned his apprentice forward, only sparing the two other men a single glance. "I'll deal with you two in a moment." He turned back around, the mood in the room immediately changing. "Lord Vader…" Sidious greeted again, walking around the large Sith as he made his way towards his desk across the room. "I trust everything is going as planned."
Vader paid no attention to his master's comments, his gaze staying on the room just outside the office where he had been previously, watching as the doors shut. His mind and energy focused on feeling the thoughts of the senators that had just been released... their thoughts and plans as they made their escape. "Master–"
"Yes, yes," his master commented uncaring, not allowing Vader to finish as he waved his hands to match his statement and met his apprentice's frown. "I know. They are going to run. And you are going to let them."
Vader's frown hardened beneath the hood, not understanding his master's commands. "If we follow," Vader pressed. "We will have the location of the Rebel Alliance."
"They aren't that foolish to run straight to the Rebellion," Sidious snapped, his anger beginning to grow. "Their plan is to hide first. I have already foreseen it."
"We can still-"
"They are prepared," Sidious snapped once more, making his word final as he sat down behind his desk. "We need information, Lord Vader, not just the location."
"I can handle them," Vader said confidently, striding across the room in attempt to change the crazy old man's mind. "They are no match for me."
The Emperor merely smiled, flashing his yellow teeth and pointing a pale, wrinkled finger at Vader. "You think yourself indestructible, Lord Vader," he commented. "But let's not forget what will happen to you in the not too distant future."
Instantly thoughts of lava and fire swirled within Vader's mind, engulfing his train of thought. He could practically feel the burning of his skin and the pain within his lungs. It was enough to make him hesitate– to make him yield.
"I haven't forgotten," he stated clearly, obviously backing down.
His master's smile widened profoundly, always enjoying Vader's pain and submission. "They," he pointed another pale finger, gesturing to the door, to the senators that had just escaped his office. "Are not the weakest of links. They are too dedicated to break, to reveal anything… even to you."
Vader disagreed but remained silent, knowing his place.
"I have foreseen their future," Sidious continued. "I have foreseen our future. A most glorious plan to ensure the stability and preservation of the Empire." The old man smiled, breathing in and reveling in the vision before turning back to Vader. "We must wait," he commanded, holding up his pale finger again. "I have sensed a far greater internal complication within this foolish group. One that will work to our advantage. We will further break them from afar and we will watch as they further break themselves. The precise opportunity will present itself to finish the job, but for now my plan must start here."
Vader tried his best not to sound bitter. "And what may that be?"
"We will break the weakest link," Sidious stated clearly, a plan clearly on his mind, but not one that Vader was able to penetrate, his master safely guarding it in his mind.
"How?" Vader asked, his eyes moving back to the closed doorway and feeling through the Force as the senators' presences were beginning to become weaker as they moved farther and farther away. "They are all going to flee."
"Not all of them," Sidious frowned as he shook his head, correcting the comment. "We still possess the weakest link."
"Who?" Vader pressed, turning back to his master and watching as an evil grin curled onto the old man's features.
"Senator Amidala."
Author's Note: Like the added chapter? Leave a review! Much love guys!