Vader's Angel
By: wertman25
Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own Star Wars…. Or Anakin Skywalker… Which is a pity…
This is not going to work, Vader thought as he stormed through his personal chambers, stripping off the clothes that hid him from the galaxy. As the clothes fell to the floor, Vader felt the cold air hit his skin. The coldness was like needles against his wounds. The wounds that would not heal. The pain delighted him. He looked in the mirror that stood before him and was disgusted with the man that stared back. A constant torment of so many things, but that's what Vader's life was… torment. He looked around him, admiring the emptiness. Here, when he was truly alone, was when he did not have to hide. He sat back onto the black sheeted bed that sat in the middle of the room. The soft material contracted around his body, but it gave him no comfort. Softness was not something Vader was accustomed to, and when he felt it, it repulsed him. It reminded him of his early teachings as a boy. He did not need softness. He did not need comfort. Comfort was for the weak. He was not weak.
Vader growled annoyed, pushing away from the sick softness. He couldn't just sit there. He had more important things to accomplish. Using the Force, he called a datapad from across the room to his gloved hand. Holding the device tightly, he skimmed through the countless files within as he moved through his chambers before reaching his office. Entering the dark room he sat at his desk, sulking in his misery. He opened the file that had been sent to him by his Master. It contained all details of the dreadful weeks to come. The details that his Master should have told him personally and more importantly before he had arrived on Coruscant.
The very thought of his Master made Vader's anger blister. That fool. This whole situation was a waste of time… and completely insulting. Vader didn't like being in the dark when it came to missions. What was his Master's plan? Was it all just a test? Vader didn't like that… not at all. A test to prove what? A test to prove himself? His power? His devotion? His loyalty? Had he not proven himself by now? He was sure after everything he had done, after everything he had accomplished, that he had proven himself by now. Extinction of the Jedi Order. Rising of the Empire. Extinguishing of the Rebel Alliance. Always bowing to Darth Sidious's every command and wish. The list went on and on. He had done nothing but proven himself. And now this? It was insulting. A waste of his time and effort.
None of this was what he expected when his Master had requested him to return to Coruscant. He had hoped that his Master was just requesting his presence for some act of fear. Palpatine always got his way easier when Darth Vader was in the room. Everyone feared Vader's wrath and for good reason. He did not hold back. That sort of mission Vader could deal it. It wasted valuable time but it would be quick and effortless, but as always, it wasn't that simple.
Of course, Vader knew that his mission with Senator Amidala was not over, but he never thought his Master would resource to this. Vader had hoped that it would be a much longer time before he had to deal with the young girl again. He still wished that the senator would die tragically, perhaps an assassination, something that was painful; but anything to rid his life of her. Forever. Though he knew it was unlikely, and he couldn't prolong the enviable forever. It was only a matter of time before he saw her again. Even so, this was not at all what Vader had expected.
The Emperor knew Vader was outraged at the moment the words left his lips. Vader had made no attempt to block out his feelings. He hated her and every idea of being near her, now it seemed that he would constantly have to be near her. He would have no escape. Vader understood his Master wanted answers, but going to this extent? By all means, lock the girl up, but not like this. Let Vader squeeze the truth out of her, torture her until she could no longer take anymore. Not play some silly game with her.
During his quick briefing of his Master's plan, Sidious had railed on about the young girl's naïve nature and how easily it would be to break her. Vader disagreed, not that he would tell his Master that. He would not hind his feelings, but he knew better than to speak his doubts. He knew the consequences of such an action.
Naïve girl.
Even when Vader himself called the young Senator naïve, he didn't really mean it. He just hated her– loathed her, but she was anything but naïve. She had something within her that most senators did not. She was smart, ambitious, and… dangerous. His Master was a fool to think differently. He underestimated her. Just as many others estimated her; but not Vader. Sure, she was young; but then again, so was he. Not that anyone knew that particular fact, but he could only imagine if they did. They would probably treat him the same way. Thankfully Vader had his cover. To the galaxy, Vader was ageless. He had no beginning. No life before the Empire. He just appeared at the moment the Empire was created and that is the way Vader intended to keep it.
No one would figure out his mysteries– his secrets. Not even the most curious person of them all. Not even Senator Amidala.
A smirk formed on Vader's face as he remembered the senator and how flustered he had caused her to become moments ago. Perhaps, he had taken it too far, but he didn't care. If he had to suffer from her being there, he might as well find some enjoyment from their predicament. And he did. It had been so entertaining. He had tried to stop himself, but he just couldn't. The responses he received from his comments only provoked him further. He may have hated her deeply, but he absolutely loved her reactions to his comments. Perhaps he could have some fun while she remained inside his walls.
Vader let out an annoyed sigh realizing he had allowed his mind to wonder to a useless topic such as the senator. There was no time for thinking of such things, especially the nuisance of a girl that was just several doors down from him. The fact that she was even in the same building as him repulsed him. He had deliberately pushed the Senator to the deepest portions of his mind, just like he had deliberately deleted the bastard of a man, Rush Clovis. Now he was forced to remember them both. Would the torture never end?
The sound of shuffling footsteps nearing his office made Vader lose his train of thought and look up from his work. A golden protocol droid entered the room, throwing his arms up happily; "There you are Master! Bless my circuits, I'm so pleased to see–"
"I'm not in the mood, 3PO." Vader growled moving his gaze away from the droid and back to the device in his hands.
The droid was not bothered by his Master's rudeness. He was accustomed to it. It was something that he had learned to live with after the years of being with the Sith Lord. Ignoring his Master's fowl mood, 3PO moved towards Vader, "I take it your trip was successful?"
If the droid would have been anyone else, Vader would have crushed him for not leaving him be; but the droid wasn't anyone else. He was Vader's droid, a project from long ago, the only "person" that Vader held somewhat dear. Still, Vader didn't respond to him.
It did not bother the droid. Realizing that his Master was not going to respond, 3PO took it upon himself to respond to his own question. "Oh course it was successful! You would accept nothing less!"
Vader continued to remain silent, his gaze locked on his datapad.
3PO shuffled backwards knowing he was not wanted. "I will leave you be, Master. It is very good to see you back home."
Home.
The word angered Vader. That was the second time tonight someone had referred to this… this prison as his home. Darth Vader didn't have a home. He didn't need one. He didn't want one. It reminded him of too many things… too many memories…memories he could not afford to remember. Memories that he had buried long ago.
Pushing the dangerous thoughts away, Vader's thoughts moved to the first person that had referred to this prison as his home. Senator Amidala. His gaze rose from the device in his hand and towards the retreating figure of his droid. "3PO." He called and the droid immediately turned.
"Yes, Master?"
Vader dropped the datapad onto his desk, locking it securely, before crossing his arms tightly over his bare chest. "I need you to do something for me."
"Oh anything Master!" 3PO exclaimed delightedly as he shuffled back to Vader's side.
"Lord Sidious has given me a new assignment." Vader said as he rose from his chair and moved towards the golden droid. "It seems that we have acquired a guest for the time being and–"
"A guest!" 3PO yelled happily, "How wonderful! I never thought I'd see th–"
3PO's happiness was short lived as Vader's hard glare silenced him; warning him not to over step his boundaries.
"As I was saying," Vader continued coldly, "I need you take care of her."
"Her, Master?" 3PO asked surprised.
Vader sighed annoyed as he pointed towards the golden droid. "Yes, her. Don't get any ideas, 3PO. She is a senator in the Imperial Senate. The Emperor is keeping her prisoner here until further notice."
"Pity." 3PO muffled, "I was hoping–"
"Well stop hoping." Vader hissed as he turned away from his droid. "Hoping is for the weak." It was silent for a long moment, before Vader spoke again, but C3PO waited patiently respecting his Master's space. Without turning to face his droid, Vader spoke, "I need you to assist her to the best of your abilities." His voice said somewhat softly, "She is not to leave her room without my permission. I do not need her getting into things. Make sure she stays out of my way, I wish to forget her presence even resides within these walls."
"It would be my pleasure." 3PO responded kindly, "I will do everything in my power–"
Vader held up his hand silencing 3PO and the droid obey instantly. The Dark Lord reached into his pocket pulling out the com that was sounding loudly.
"This better be good." Vader snapped as he held the device up to his mouth.
Vader heard a hard intake of breath, and took pleasure in knowing he had scared whoever it was on the other end of the com.
"I don't have all night." He growled.
"My apologies, Lord Vader." A man's voice replied hesitantly, "but there has been a situation –"
Vader frowned. "What sort of situation?" He growled annoyed, not allowing the man to finish.
The man's voice cracked and he breathed in deeply. "Members of the Rebellion managed to penetrate our main base here–"
"What!" Vader yelled angrily, breaking a small object that was on his desk. He didn't seem to notice, but 3PO looked quickly between his Master and the shattered pieces that fell to the floor.
"Of course we have apprehended them!" The man announced quickly trying to soothe the Dark Lord's nerves.
It didn't work.
"I will be there immediately." Vader responded angrily.
He did not wait for the man to respond, he was already on the move. Quickly, he returned to his personal quarters and began to dress back into his robes. By the time 3PO entered his room, he had recomposed into the infamous Darth Vader that the galaxy knew.
"I'll be back." He announced as he passed by 3PO, "Remember what I said."
"Of course, Master." 3PO responded automatically, before looking at the man with concern. "I just wish you would rest before going back out. You never–"
3PO never got to finish his sentence before his Master disappear into the night.
All the while Vader's mind was snickering, feeling the Force around him. Yes, Vader thought, the Force is with me tonight.
Rebel Alliance Secret Location
At the same moment in time, the Rebel Alliance members were conducting a meeting… a meeting that was not going well. Havoc had taken over the Rebellion's secret base and everyone within was in a panic. They were failing, slowly depleting. There was almost nothing left and many people feared the worse. They knew it was only a matter of time before Vader destroyed them too. It seemed that all hope was lost and any chance of defeating the Empire was destroyed just like their friends.
"We sent five men in! Only one came out!" A man screamed referring to the rebel spies that had just been taken into custody by Vader's forces.
Bail attempted to calm the crowd, he knew they were worried. Everyone was, but they had to focus on the positive. "Everyone calm down." He called out motioning to the crowd with his arms. "I know we lost some men today, but one spy did return. We have gained some information and that is enough for me." He paused turning towards the only spy that escaped Vader's forces. "What is it that this spy has learned?"
Everyone remained silent, knowing the answer. They moved their gazes away from Bail Organa. No one dared to make eye contact with him.
Bail noticed immediately and froze as he feared the worse. "Tell me." He demanded loudly.
It was silent for a moment before one lone Senator spoke up.
"Senator Amidala has been captured." Senator Mon Mothma spoke up, moving towards Bail Organa.
Bail's face dropped. "Captured?" He repeated in disbelief.
Mon nodded, moving her gaze away from Bail's broken eyes. "Taken into custody of Lord Vader." She whispered, "We must assume the worse."
"What!" Bail yelled, outraged at what the young woman was implying. "You can't be serious?"
"Bail please!" Mon yelled, moving her gaze from the floor to meet his eyes. "We will mourn her loss but we must continue!"
Bail couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Mourn her loss?" He yelled angrily. "She isn't dead!"
Mon frowned, her gaze that was locked with Bail Organa hardened. "You know as well as I do that once Vader gets his hands on someone he will not let them go."
"We must try!" Bail argued, trying to talk sense into the Chandrila senator.
Mon looked away. "No."
"We must rescue Senator Amidala!" Bail yelled angrily as he slammed his hands onto the table. "We cannot lose her–"
"She is already lost!" Mon screamed moving towards the much larger man in front of her. "We cannot risk losing anymore people!" She cried, motioning to the low population of people around her, "Vader is already on our tails as it is and now you want to take the fight to him! We have almost nothing left! That is suicide!"
Before Bail could answer a knock against the wall interrupted their thoughts and the arguing senators watched as a robed man walked into the room. When all eyes were on him, the man removed his hood.
"Master Kenobi!" Bail yelled delighted.
"Hello Senator Organa." He greeted before turning to the others in the room, "Senators, I hope I am not interrupting." Obi-Wan said sheepishly with a small bow, "Master Yoda apologizes that he cannot be here now himself, but we have gotten word of a small group of Jedi survivors that has taken refuge on a small moon of Endor. He will be here in a matter of days, that is after he figures out if the rumors of the Jedi are true or false. "
"How convenient." Mon said under her breath trying not to be heard.
It failed. Obi-Wan heard her loud and clear. However, he decided to ignore it, "What can I help you with?" He asked, as he stepped closer to the now somewhat calm group of senators. "I overheard something about a missing Senator?"
"Not missing. Taken." Bail corrected, moving closer to the Jedi with pleading eyes, "By Lord Vader."
"Vader." Obi-Wan breathed, remembering the name well. He was the Sith that had destroyed everything. He had never come face to face with the dreaded Sith Lord, but many of his fellow Jedi had. He had never seen any of them again. Darth Vader was the reason the Jedi were all but depleting from the universe. He had destroyed the Jedi Order and afterwards chased down the remaining Jedi until there was hardly any left. He was the reason the galaxy was suffering.
"The senator cannot be saved." Mon shouted, bring Obi-Wan out of his thoughts. "We must accept that Senator Amidala's loss–"
Usually Obi-Wan did not interrupt anyone in midsentence, but this time he could not hold himself back. "I'm sorry." He said almost stuttering, "Did you say Senator Amidala? Senator Amidala former Queen of Naboo?"
"Yes." Mon nodded.
Obi-Wan remembered the Senator well, he had met her during her reign as Queen on Naboo. He had been a young man then and her still a young girl. A Queen and Jedi Padawan. The Trade Federation had blockaded her planet and he had been sent with his Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, to negotiate an agreement. It never happened. Nothing went as planned. It had been the last mission that Obi-Wan had ever seen of his Master.
During the Jedi's time of reminiscing, the senators had again began to argue. For a moment, Obi-Wan listened to the senators bicker and was immediately reminded of why he disliked to be in the presence of politicians. He listened quietly to the senators as they fought over Senator Amidala's fate before he picked the correct moment to share his contribution.
"I have to agree with Senator Organa." Obi-Wan admitted, "We should rescue Senator Amidala." Immediately everyone was taken back, surprised at what the Jedi had said in his contribution to their discussion. All the members of the room stared at Obi-Wan with wide eyes.
Finally, a young man stepped out of the pack, looking at Obi-Wan with all seriousness. "Do you think you can defeat Vader."
Obi-Wan didn't hesitate to nod, although his mind screamed otherwise. The Force screamed otherwise. Defeating Vader would be a huge undertaking, but he had to keep his faith. It was possible. "The Lightside of the Force will always win over the Dark." Obi-Wan stated, making eye contact with everyone within the room. "We will just need to be mindful. We must find answers before enacting a plan. Then, and only then will we be able to take back what Vader has taken from the galaxy."
Slowly, all members of the room nodded, silently agreeing not to give up. They had come too far. They had worked too hard. They had to keep their faith. They would defeat Vader and take back the galaxy that he and the Emperor had enslaved.
"Good." Obi-Wan nodded, looking out into the sea of Rebellion members that were looking upon him for leadership. He couldn't say much more, but he did know one thing that would help everyone in the room. He turned back to Bail Organa and forced a small smile, "I can feel the Force is with us."
Author's Note: Love you all! Drop a review!