Despite her best efforts to retain the professionally cheerful demeanour that was a requirement when she was working, Guild Girl couldn't help but feel slightly depressed as yet another batch of rookie adventurers missed their deadline.

In itself, this wasn't a serious concern since few adventurers, even those who had managed to obtain the incredibly rare rank of gold, ever managed to complete their assigned quest within the standard time allotment the Guild judged to be appropriate for each mission. Though there were several instances when an adventurer returned far sooner than previously predicted, even if most of the time they returned without fulfilling their goals.

But for those who chose to take on a Goblin quest, the golden-haired girl, thanks in part to her association with a certain goblin specialist, had managed to work out a system that could tell her if the mission had been a success or a failure.

If a party returned back to the guild in a short amount of time, wearing mixed looks of triumph and exhaustion, then it meant that the Goblin menace had been both small in number and had occurred outside of their natural habitat.

If, however they returned days, or even a week later than intended, and possessed clear signs that they had been in a struggle, which could range from visible injuries, missing party members, or horrified stares, commonly worn by new female adventurers, then it was clear that the mission was far more difficult than they had expected. It was usually at this time that they decided to either persevere or abandon their dreams of becoming legends.

For apart from Goblin Slayer, few adventurers willingly chose to take on Goblin quests once they had advanced in rank.

And then of course there were those who failed to return from what many had dismissed as low-class jobs.

Thanks to the blunt reports from her favourite silver rank, Guild Girl knew that Goblins would kill and eat any male adventurer that failed against them. While a female adventurer would have the horror of enduring a fate that was, in many ways, worse than death.

Of course, more than one woman had been rescued from this fate, but even the blindest of men could tell that for all intents and purposes, they were dead in all the ways that mattered.

But since Goblin Slayer, and his rather adorable helper had recently accepted a request to perform two jobs, the likelihood of someone coming to that trio's rescue, for their continued absence left little doubt of their fate, was slim to none.

Sometimes, in her darkest moments, she wished that there would be a Goblin attack on a good-sized town, for it would then reveal to the rest of the world that those creatures that most dismissed as a minor pest were in fact an evil that should be wiped from the face of the earth.

However, such thoughts were always accompanied by a sense of guilt and shame since such an occurrence would undoubtedly inflict more suffering on those who were truly innocent.

Which she suppose is why Goblin Slayer was so obsessed with his one-man campaign.

It did not matter if the news only carried the barest rumour of goblin activity. The silver-ranked adventurer would pursue any lead that resulted in the discovering of a growing goblin menace.

But sadly, he couldn't be everywhere.

Which is why the guild kept losing an unacceptable number of rookie adventurers on what had been labelled 'simple goblin hunts'.

She wished they took her advice to treat their mission with the same seriousness they would show to a more physically imposing enemy, but her warnings largely went ignored by those who believed that their previous training would get them through any peril.

The last person to show some concern had been Goblin Slayer's newest companion, who had only managed to narrowly avoid the fate of her first party thanks to his timely intervention.

But as much as she would have liked to celebrate this stroke of good fortune, even if she was a tad miffed that her favortie adventurer was being accompanied by a rather cute girl, Guild Girl could not.

For as her more pragmatic, and slightly dismissive superior kept reminding her, it wasn't her job to keep quests requests from those that wanted them.

Thus, it was with a heavy heart that she forced herself to retain the pleasant demeanor that all employees of the Adventurers Guild had to wear during their shifts.

However, judging by the way the building's internal heating seemed unable to combat the sudden chill that was oddly growing in strength, she doubted that it would be easy.

….

Though it had been some years since he was forced to acknowledge that he was in someone's debt, Sidious's occasional reminders notwithstanding, Vader was nevertheless grateful to the unlooked-for generosity of the old farmer.

Yes he had acted as most beings did whenever they were in his presence, something which had no doubt been his former master's intention when designing his mobile prison. But after using the Force to calm the man's nerves, something which he had rarely done during his tenure as a Sith Lord, and supported by the nervous words of the slowly recovering trio, the old dairy farmer had offered to transport them to the nearest settlement.

The former Jedi had been fully prepared to make the journey on foot, even if the trek would have served as a painful reminder that his suit had been designed by incompetent amateurs. But since he lack confidence in his companions ability to walk for extended periods of time, the armored Force user had accepted the farmer's offer with only minimum hesitation.

However, while the constant sound of his breathing served to unnerve the fully organic members of his little party, the journey itself was uneventful. Which in turn gave him the perfect opportunity to delve into the currents of the Force in order to get a better understanding of his new found environment.

And for the most part, he was largely unsurprised by what he felt.

The farmsteads that dotted the country side, while possessing a certain picturesque quality, were filled with the same sort of unease and acceptance that had existed in the wastes surrounding Mos Eisley. And while that didn't prevent the rural populace from carrying on with their lives, Vader could nevertheless detect that their fear, while muted, nevertheless required little to bring it out.

The approaching town however was entirely different. Albeit in a way that caused him to question whether or not the women had been correct in their overall perception of the society they had sprung from.

Yes, the atmosphere was much lighter than that of the countryside, especially when compared to the areas that bordered the forests that whispered, if not outright pulsed with the Dark Side of the Force. But he could still detect the same type of concern that had been common for Systems who were concerned that they would soon become the newest battleground of the Clone Wars.

While this knowledge wasn't enough to stoke the full fires of his rage, it was sufficient enough to make him experience the same sort of disdain he had developed after watching the countless debates of the Republican Senate.

For with the exception of his wife, and perhaps some of the senators who joined the Rebellion, few beings ever possessed the courage to play an active role in fighting what they viewed to be a credible evil.

The Jedi of course had been of a similar mindset, even if they had been willing to risk their lives on a daily basis. They knew what they needed to be done in order to bring the war to a swift conclusion. But their inability to do more than respond to a crisis, plus their unwillingness to sacrifice all for the pursuit of victory, ensured that countless billions suffered needlessly.

Pulling himself out of these musings for it served no purpose to dwell on those he had once called his comrades, Vader soon found his attention drifting towards the hushed conversation of the trio.

"Do you think he's going to hurt us?"

"No. If he wanted to do that he would have done so in the nest."

"Then what do you think he wants?"

"I head some adventurers ask for 'favors' after they've rescued a maiden from a horrible fate."

"Don't be an idiot. You saw what he could do. If he wanted to take advantage of us, he could have done it after he killed the goblins."

"That's true. But that still doesn't mean he doesn't intend to do something to us as soon as were cleaned up. I heard that most men prefer their girls to be cleaned up before they..do it."

"How do we even know he's a man? He could be a demon or some enchanted suit of armor that's leading us to his master."

Fighting the urge to scoff at this world's version of the theory that he was nothing more than a droid, Vader decided to enter the conversation to clear up the misunderstanding.

"As I've already told your companion, I am not a demon. Nor am I a construct that has been given a degree of sentience. I am a human. One that has no interest in lowering himself to act like a more…refined version of those…creatures."

Of all the crimes he had committed as his tenure as Sidious's errand boy, the act of forcing oneself on an unwilling woman was one that he had never condoned. Of course, he had also never accepted the offer, rare though it might have been, to engage in the more physical aspects of intimacy.

His regular medical examinations had informed him that he was still capable of reproducing should he ever wish to, but the injuries he incurred on Mustafar, both physical and emotional in nature, ensured that he would find no pleasure in the act.

However, he had no intent on sharing that, or any other detail of his tragic history. So before the women could press for more information, he directed the conversation to a more relevant topic.

"I trust that after today, you three will be thinking of choosing a less…troublesome vocation. If your performance against those creatures, which you have stated rank amongst the lowest vermin, is anything to go by, I foresee that your lives will end in a manner that most would find to be…unpleasant."

Cruel though it might have been for him to mention what could have happened to them if he hadn't allowed his curiosity, and the prodding of the Force, to direct his actions, Vader nevertheless felt that his words had merit.

Something which to his mild surprise earned a nod of agreement from their previously silent driver.

"He's got a point ladies. I've known my share of folks who drove themselves into an early grave just because they couldn't accept the undeniable proof that they were unsuited for their chosen lifestyle. All three of you are still young, so take my advice, choose a profession that gives you a better chance to live to a ripe old age. I know the abbeys are always looking for those who wish to lend a hand to those who need it. Sure it's a less glamorous job, but at least you don't have to worry about a goblin knifing you in the gut".

A kinder answer than he was capable of giving, but it still carried the same message that the armored Force user was trying to convey to the female trio.

They were not cut out for the life of an adventurer.

Of course, as a child he had been told that he too old to be trained as a Jedi, which he supposed carried some truth to it considering how easily Sidious played him, but the circumstances for these women were far different.

For unlike the Jedi, whose training standards ensured that only the most promising ever got a chance to become a full-fledged knight, let alone a padawan learner, these girls did not undergo a strict, supervised training regime that would allow them to survive their first experience with the darker aspects of the world.

However, it appeared that his observation, tempered though it was by the gentle interference of the old wagon driver, had managed to get through to the trio of traumatized women.

"I…I suppose your right. Once the others find out that we failed a goblin quest, we would have been forced out of the guild anyway."

Though his own track record when dealing with failure had been well known amongst the upper ranks of Imperial society, even if the rank and file understood that he never ordered them to risk their lives for something he himself could not accomplish, Vader found himself fighting to keep his voice calm, or as calm as his voice vocoder would let him, as he gave voice to his growing suspicion.

"Why? Surely your…guild would have simply excused your actions as novices who simply overestimated their skills. And from what I recall, the situation in the tunnels was something that even the most hardened solider would find…challenging."

Fighting the urge to roll his eyes as the trio flinched at his observation, though no one but him would have been able to tell that he had done so, the former Jedi felt his anger begin to rise as the braver of the three women answered his question.

"Well, officially the guild wouldn't kick us out. Gods know that we wouldn't be the first party of adventurers to fail a mission. But to fail a quest that many adventurers believe can be accomplished by a single Obsidian class? Our reputations would be shot, which means that no experienced adventurer would ever hire us on for the more lucrative quests".

For a moment, the only sound that could be heard was the constant rhythm of his accursed respirator. However, that moment quickly passed as the former Jedi allowed a hint of disgust to enter his tone as he was confronted with something that reminded him of his own youthful career.

"So, what you're telling me is that these goblins, vile disgusting creatures that spend their days capturing women to spawn additional members of their kind, are allowed to exist just because the so called 'heroes' of your society deem them to be unworthy of their time?"

Hesitantly nodding her head at the armored Force user, and doing her best to fight the urge to shiver as the warmth of the summer evening steadily dropped with every word her rescuer said, the failed adventurer's sense of foreboding only grew as Vader turned his head so that she could see her reflection in the blackened lenses of his helmet.

"Then it appears that I must have a chat with those who fail to perform such necessary tasks because they are beneath them. I trust you have no issue in leading me to the center of this….agency?"

Receiving a single, albeit nervous nod from the girl's head, Vader found his already strained control over his more volatile emotions slipping as the girl pointed towards what appeared to be a large tavern.

"N…no issue at all. The guild headquarters is just up ahead anyways. Though I feel I should warn you, you're current…appearance might cause some of them to act rashly. Perhaps it would be best to find you a change of clothes so you don't provoke anyone?"

For a brief moment, the girl could have sworn she felt a slight pressure on her throat as the evening suddenly became as frigid as a winter storm. But the sensation quickly passed as Vader, whose posture had stiffened at the mention of his armor, seemed to slightly relax as he uncurled his fist.

"That…is not an option that is available to me. And should your former compatriots have an issue with my…appearance, I am quite prepared to deal with them."

Getting the hint that it would be unwise to ask any further questions, and tightening their cloaks around their bodies in an attempt to help fight off the chill they now expected to be coming from their black armored rescuer, the soon to be former adventurers marched towards the entrance of the Adventurer's Guild.

Doing their best to control their growing unease since Vader's nightmarish breathing reminded them that some heroes could be more terrifying than the very monsters they fought.

"OI ROOKIE! TOSS ANOTHER LOG ONTO THE FIRE! ITS COLD AS AN ICE BOX IN HEAR!"

Though she agreed in principle to her often brash companion's shouted command, for the temperature was far from the comforting warmth that many had come to expect from the usually boisterous hall, Witch flashed the male spear user a chastising expression.

"That's rather….rude is it..not? If you wanted…to warm up….you could have employed….other means to do so. Our status as…silver ranked adventurers…does not mean that…we can treat those who are….less experienced as us like…servants you know?"

Having expected Spearman to either dismiss her words, or act with a degree of maturity that was more akin to children who had only recently escaped infanthood, the voluptuous spell caster found herself more than a little surprised by how quickly he accepted her way of thinking.

"Yeah, I suppose your right. Far be it for me to set a bad example for those who wish to follow in my footsteps. Still, you have to admit that the place does need to be warmed up a bit."

Pleased at how mature Spearman was acting, Witch puffed on her elongated pipe before commenting on the guild's shift in temperature.

"Your right. It is very…unusual for it to be…chilly this time of year. I wonder if perhaps….something unnatural is the cause….for this disturbance."

Frowning as he considered the possibility, the spear wielding adventurer's expression quickly gained a more irritated look as the door to the guild was thrown wide open.

"OI! SHUT THE DAMN DOOR! YOUR LETTING OUT ALL THE HE…"

"KHOOOOOH PUUUUUHR".

…..

Though her position ensured that she was made perfectly aware of the dangerous challenges that awaited each and every adventurer, as well as the fear of those who had been forced to pose a potentially lethal quest in the first place, Guild Girl had never before felt the same icy grip of terror that all adventurers felt when first confronting a monster.

Until now that is.

And judging by the nervous expressions that had come over most of the present adventurers, especially the magic users, the young receptionist could easily tell that she was not the only one to feel this way.

For in addition to the terrifying appearance of this black armored new comer, not to mention the inhuman way it seemed to draw its breath, the sheer menace pulsing from this being could rival that of any monster.

A feeling that only managed to grow as it turned its helmet to speak to whoever was brave enough to walk in its shadow.

"I see I was wrong in my expectations. Your….compatriots are far less impressive than I expected."

Though flinching at that deep, almost soulless voice, Guild Girl was nevertheless surprised by the slightly exasperated, yet still noticeably fearful tone of someone she had only recently given up for dead.

"Everything is less impressive when compared to you. Though I doubt even you could handle the entire room if you did anything to provoke them."

Seeing the immense figure turn his head to observe the tense atmosphere his presence had created, the blonde receptionist could only pray that his next words wouldn't provoke an incident.

She was wrong.

"Perhaps. But apart from a select few, none of these so-called heroes possess the ability to become more than an irritating nuisance. Though I am surprised at your concern for them considering your impeding departure from this life. Its not as if…"

"WHAT THE HELL DID YOU SAY YOU BASTARD?!"

Though she knew that the Gods seldom answered the prayers of those who had not devoted the remainder of their lives to their service, Guild Girl nevertheless felt that she had inadvertently drawn the attention of one of the more chaotic entities as she watched one of her more persistent suitors interrupt the armored being.

"You think you can come in here, insult us all, and then threaten to kill an innocent maiden? Who the hell do you think you ar..GRKKKKK!"

Eyes widening at the sight of Spearman desperately clutching at his throat while hovering in mid air,, for she had never seen magic used in such a way, Guild Girl quickly moved to defuse the already tense situation before it could lead to further violence.

"Ex…excuse me sir. But can you please release him? I know he has a bit of a mouth, and isn't exactly the brightest man you'll meet, but he's generally harmless. So, if you please?"

The last words of her plea came out as a squeak when she saw her own nervous expression reflected in the soulless mask. And for a brief moment, Guild Girl felt as if the armoured giant was looking into her soul.

But to her great relief, her request was granted.

"As you wish."

Releasing the foolish boy from his grip, for he sensed that his little demonstration had served its purpose, the former Jedi made a gesture towards the understandably nervous trio.

Who luckily possessed enough intelligence to understand what he wordlessly prompting them to do.

"Par..pardon me miss, but if it's possible, the three of us wish to resign from the Guild."

Pleased to see that the girls had listened to his suggestion, for it wasn't every day where he came across beings who recognized their own limitations, Vader found himself somewhat amused as the young secretary managed to compose herself in a professional manner despite her understandable feelings of nervousness.

"I…I understand. If you would please give me a moment to collect the necessary forms, I will be back shortly. As…as for you sir, may I ask that you refrain from attacking any other member of the guild? While I know that it would be foolish to ask you not to defend yourself, I humbly request that you do nothing to provoke such an occurrence from happening in the first place."

Amused at the fact that this girl, who couldn't be older than twenty, was daring to do something that even the most insolent Rebel would never dream of doing, Vader crossed his arms before slightly inclining his head forward.

"Very well."

Pleased to see the girl rush to perform her assigned task, and ignoring the suspicious murmurings that had broken out amongst the rest of the building's patrons, the former Jedi was caught off guard when one of the more powerful individuals he had sensed approached him in a manner that was akin to how someone would approach a dangerous animal.

"Please forgive my...comrade for his harsh words. His concern stemmed from the….fact that he has seen….very few people… of your nature. Especially since…it is not every…day that we….see such a…being accompanied by…young members of… our guild. May I ask….how you became…involved with them?"

Sensing only honest curiosity from the purple-haired woman, even if her companion was currently sporting a stance that could only be labeled as hostile, Vader answered her question in a manner that was unsurprisingly met with both discomfort and dismissiveness.

"I found them in the lair of the vile creatures you call goblins. Luckily, I had arrived before the vermin could do more than rob them of their clothing. Which makes me wonder why an organization such as this would detail such a dangerous mission to those who were clearly… unprepared for it?"

His question drawing a sigh from the voluptuous women, who he judged was one of the few people expressing an emotion that was appropriate for this sort of situation, Vader found himself surprised at the answer he received, though that did nothing to lessen his anger.

For it was a variation of the answer he would have received if he had asked that question during his tenure as Kenobi's padawan learner.

"Because there are not enough high-ranking adventurers to deal with the missions that pose a greater threat to our lands than the goblin menace. It's a sad state of affairs, but since the danger, not to mention the coin that is offered is significantly less than a necromancer, or even a demon horde, few adventurers wish to waste their time on something that's usually only a minor threat. And since I suspect that you're the one who's doing this, do you mind turning the heat back on? It's freezing in here."

Turning his head to regard the blonde female warrior, whose hand strayed close to her sword in a manner that was similar to another young brash female he had once known, Vader tightened his control over his emotions. Which immediately caused a sigh of relief to be expressed by the adventurers.

Though this proved to merely a temporary reprieve since his tone easily conveyed his disappointment with such an answer.

"I see. So, because its neither challenging or rewarding enough, you choose to simply pass on the responsibility to those whose current skill set makes it impossible for them to compete with you? A true standard of heroism if ever there was one."

If he had been anyone else, the former Jedi would have been wary of the murderous looks that were currently being directed his way by the majority of the building's occupants.

But since it had been many years since he cared for what others thought of him, Sidious's perception on his continued reliability as his apprentice non withstanding, Vader felt only mild amusement at their attempt to intimidate him.

However, perhaps their ineffectiveness could be useful since it was obvious that the Force had some sort of plan for him. For why else would his first interactions with the inhabitants of this world involve the type of heroics that served to remind him of his failure on Tatooine?

And even though his son managed to stoke the embers of light in his tattered soul, it was clear that he was still strong with the Dark Side.

Yes, Sidious was responsible for twisting him into the broken creature he was today, but that did not mean that his lessons were completely useless. For though he had achieved his long sought after victory against the aged Sith master, his chains were still in place.

But since they seemed to loosen ever so slightly while acting like his former self, perhaps he would continue until they were broken.

And then finally, he would be free.

FINISHED REWRITE FOR CHAPTER 3!

Pleased with how it turned out.