Padmé and I enter the hangar bay about an hour later. The security officer waiting there looks rather surprised to see my wife with me.

"I have assigned two guards to accompany you, Lord Vader," he tells me. "I hope that is acceptable."

"Yes, quite acceptable," I reply. I turn to Padmé. "I am bringing Lady Vader along," I tell the officer. "They can keep a close eye on her to ensure that she stays out of trouble."

Padmé makes no reply, but merely lifts an eyebrow in mild irritation.

"Indeed," replies the officer with a smile. "I am sure they are up to the challenge."

"I doubt it," I mutter as we board the shuttle. Having the clones with us is probably a good idea, but their presence will mean maintaining the charade for the duration of the journey.

"Coordinates have been fed to the computer, Lord Vader," one of the clones informs me.

"Set your course," I tell him.

"At once," he replies as he returns to the computer.

I turn and look at Padmé, who seems as dismayed as I do to have unexpected traveling companions.

"ETA 7 hours, sir," the second clone tells me.

"Understood," I reply. We leave the hangar and are soon underway.

Padmé and I sit in the hold of the shuttle, away from the clones so that we can speak openly.

"Ani, I hope I didn't undermine your authority back there," Padmé says.

I look at her, wishing I could rid myself of the burdensome mask and helmet, but knowing I must not dare take the risk.

"I know how vital it is that you maintain a certain image," she continues. "I'm afraid I might have got a little carried away."

"I don't know about that," I reply. "This situation is rather unique. I suppose it's a fine line we're walking."

She nods thoughtfully. "I guess you're right," she concurs. "If we want to convince everyone that I'm with you against my will, then a certain amount of hostility is necessary. On the other hand, I don't want to undermine your position, or do anything to make you appear weak in the eyes of the men."

"Don't worry about that," I reassure her. "Vader's reputation has most definitely preceded him. Besides, I'm rather good at intimidating people when I need to."

"Yes, no doubt of that," she replies, "Though somehow I get the impression that under that mask you are smiling when you do so."

I chuckle. "Well, perhaps sometimes. I just hope I don't have to do anything…violent."

Padmé frowns, the thought of that as unsettling to her as it is to me. "Yes, so do I," she says. "What if you are put in a position where you have no choice, Anakin? What will you do?"

I think for a moment before answering, trying to formulate my response in such a way that it will not upset her.

"I will do what I must, Padmé," I tell her finally. "Our mission is dependent upon everyone believing that I truly am Darth Vader. If that ruse is jeopardized, then we are both in grave danger. I won't let that happen, Padmé; I won't put you in harm's way, not for a moment."

She smiles at me. "I know you won't," she replies. "But I'm here of my own free will. If there is danger to be faced, I'm fully prepared to face it with you."

I reach over and take her hand. "Let's just hope it doesn't come to that, angel," I tell her. "Let's hope we can fulfill our mission without the need for violence."

"Agreed," she replies. "So what is that plan when we reach the Aggressor?"

"First and foremost we must find the Endeavour," I tell her. "This Malz must be brought to heel, and I'm willing to do what it takes to do so, even if it means using the Aggressor to disable his vessel."

Padmé's face grows serious. "You mean engage him in battle, don't you?" she asks.

I nod. "Yes, Padmé, that's exactly what I mean. If he will not comply with my commands, then he must be dealt with harshly and swiftly. If he opposes me, then he could end up causing us a great deal of trouble, not to mention peril. He must be either brought to heel or..."

"Or killed," she finishes quietly. The frown on her brow deepens as this sober reality hits home. "I didn't think of that," she admits, looking down at her hands folded in her lap. "But I suppose there is no choice, is there?"

I reach over and lift her chin so that she is facing me. "I'm afraid not, my love," I tell her. "War is an ugly thing; and this is war, make no mistake. It's us against them; and don't think for a moment that they would hesitate to kill us, our children or any of their friends if it meant helping them win."

I can sense her revulsion as I speak; but she needs to know the truth. Up until now this masquerade has had its amusing moments; but there is nothing amusing about the reality we are now facing. Malz represents a very real threat to the Rebellion and to my authority. He is a loose cannon, and must not be allowed to go on blatantly disregarding direct commands and flaunting his disrespect for my authority. If I need to make and example of him, then I will do it, if for no other reason than to ensure that he is not given an opportunity to devise a plan that could be catastrophic.

"I'm sorry, angel," I tell her, trying so soften my voice. "I know that is harsh, but…"

"Don't apologize, Ani," she tells me. "I've been out of circulation for a long time, but I still know what war is about. You don't need to soften the blow for me, just let me know what you need from me."

"What I need from you is to be safe," I tell her. "Other than that, I won't know until I surmise the situation."

She nods. "Alright Ani," she replies. "Just promise me that you won't be afraid to get me involved in this," she says. "Don't be afraid to let me help. Do you promise?"

What am I supposed to say? The thought of putting her in harms way, of involving her in a way that could endanger her makes my blood run cold. Yet, she is right: Padmé has always been a fighter, a brilliant strategist, and an asset to any cause.

"I promise," I reply at last. "But you must make me a promise as well, Padmé."

"What promise is that, Anakin?"

"That you let me decide what it best," I tell her. "I know the way these men think, Padmé; you do not. Let my expertise and experience guide us, and follow my lead. Can you do that?"

She gives me a smile. "Yes, I think I can manage that," she replies.

"Good," I respond. "And one more thing. Please, please do not take any unnecessary risks. Promise me you won't do anything reckless, Padmé, and don't try to deny that you have a reckless streak. I know better."

"Alright, I promise," she says with a sigh and an exaggerated roll of her eyes.

"Anything else?"

"No, that's it for now," I tell her.

"For now?"

I smile under the mask. "Yes, for now. If I think of anything else I will let you know."

"That's reassuring," she mutters. Our conversation is interrupted as a clone enters the hold.

"We're coming up on the coordinates, Lord Vader," he tells me. "And are prepared to drop out of light speed."

"Very good," I tell him. "Inform them that we are on our way."

"At once," he replies and leaves us.

I turn to Padmé. I can feel the sudden wave of fear that has beset her, despite her best efforts to hide it from me. I take her hand once again. "This is it," I tell her. "Are you ready?"

She nods. "Yes, Ani," she replies. "I'm ready."

I squeeze her hand. "And so begins yet another adventure," I tell her, trying to alleviate the tension.

She smiles. "Yes, so it begins."

I stand up and hold out my hand to her, and then together we return to the cockpit and await the next part of our journey.