Hey there folks. Really sorry that it is taking me so long to update between chapters. I feel really guilty... Anyways my New Year's resolution is to update a story every week, this one at least every other week, and finish one of my stories. Let's see how long that works out. *Nervous chuckle*
A slight side note: I forgot to post the poll results for how to deal with Star Wars Rebels which is now closed. 45% voted to use characters from Rebels but forge ahead despite Rebels events. The runner up, with 20%, was to address Rebels events but put up a spoilers alert. I'll probably put up spoiler alerts for major reveals from Rebels such as who Fulcrum is and list the episode its revealed in, but otherwise read at your own risk. Most people didn't want time skips, but they're going to be happening as I'm terrible at pacing and I really don't want a 100+ chapter story. My chapters are long enough and when I think they're going to be short they end up longer. :(
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Leia ran from the interrogation room, tears streaming from her eyes. She ran past Caden, the stormtroopers, and imperial droids. The desire to flee and escape the hell that her life was becoming overpowered her rational mind. The star destroyer, despite its massive size, no longer seemed large enough. The walls pushed on her and confined her. Memories whispered through her mind.
Lord Vader was her father… She couldn't understand how that happened. They'd been together for a while, sometimes even enjoying each other's company but he couldn't be her father. A part of her wished that her father was confused, that he had lied to her for whatever reason, but the Force whispered its affirmations in her ear.
"Vader may be a monster, but he'll keep you from them."
Anger coursed through her body as she thought about her father orwhatever she should call him now. He had lied, but he was right: Vader was a monster. She could still feel the ghostly pains of the civilians from Vader's last campaign. The echoes of their cries of pain and fear hung in her mind. She hadn't been there, but her mind reeled from the blood bath. His penchant for violence, murder, and destruction exhibited itself nearly everyday. There were the innocuous elements of items Vader broke in his rage and the more noticeable asphyxiated bodies lying on the floor.
Could she mad at the man who had raised her, comforted her, and in a few days would be gone forever? His pleading face hung in her mind and the desperation as she ran off. He had been hurt, repeatedly, yet she couldn't help but feel as if she caused him the most pain. For all his faults, he loved her.
Glancing around, Leia saw no one. The hallways were white as always, but the place seemed dark and dreary. The lack of activity caused her to tense and realized that she was hopelessly lost. Still not to terms with her revealed parentage, she wandered around the desolate portion of the Star Destroyer. Dark tendrils prodded her through the Force and the place felt like Lord Vader. The feeling wasn't as strong as his residence on Coruscant and it was muddled with something else, but it was unmistakingly there. Not knowing what else to do, she followed the alluring tendrils.
Ten minutes later, Leia couldn't help but feel more lost. The corridors twisted and turned, while locked doors hindered her exit. The place was a maze. The tendrils grew stronger and she could feel their malevolence. Perhaps she should have gone the other way. Morbid curiosity drove her forward as she wondered what Lord Vader… her father could be doing down here. She stopped at a door and let the Force flow through her. Hesitantly she stepped inside the dimly lit room.
Darkness seemed to permeate every aspect of the room and despite being used to the constant state of darkness next to Lord Vader, she couldn't help but shiver. A noise caused her to jerk around and she wondered if she was alone. Straining her eyes she could almost hear the sound of… footsteps?
One split second later, Leia dove out of the way as the Force hummed in danger around her. She stood up hesitantly, knees slightly bent and prepared to leap into action. Something glinted in the darkness, reflecting whatever meager light there was in the room.
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Everything was a haze and Obi-Wan could feel his body preparing to sneeze again. His head pounding and his limbs sore, he tried to look around. He didn't know how long he had been unconscious and he wasn't in a position to find out. His hands were locked together behind his back and he couldn't feel the Force. The absence of the Force, disturbed him as he had come to rely on it. Vader had seemingly taken no chances for him to escape. His stomach twisted as he wondered what Vader planned to do with him.
"I'll break you until nobody will recognize Obi-Wan Kenobi. Then I'll kill you."
He swallowed nervously as he remembered Vader's threats. Anakin was truly gone and all that was left was a machine to do the Emperor's bidding. He wondered how much of Anakin was still human after the Emperor got hold of him. Part of him was admittedly guilty at having left Anakin to burn and he wondered how Vader survived from day to day.
The door slid open and Obi-Wan gazed up at Vader. Not even looking at him, Vader swept in. The cloak moved to the side slightly and Obi-Wan felt his breath hitch as he saw his lightsaber on the monster's belt.
"Officially you're dead Obi-Wan, but you won't be dying on me anytime soon," Vader began as the door slid closed.
Obi-Wan watched as Vader trailed his hand across his lightsaber and couldn't help but hiss, "Leave it alone."
The helmet tilted slightly to the side, "Now why would I do that Master? You're my… prisoner."
"Please Darth," Obi-Wan mocked, "I'm more your plaything. Frankly I think I'm a rather bad toy."
"Well Obi-Wan," Vader began as he moved forward and grabbed Obi-Wan's chin, "You're going to be much more than a toy. Leia needs someone to practice on."
Obi-Wan stared at Vader his heart pounding. Luke would truly be their only hope and his heart was heavy as he considered what she'd turn into. He could only hope that he'd be able to keep Luke a secret. In hindsight perhaps he had been foolish running off, but he had thought the worse thing that could happen was death. He was prepared to die and become one with the Force, but he wasn't prepared to be a prisoner for the rest of his life.
Anger rose within him like a viper, "You're a monster Vader."
The hand rose up and slapped him across the cheek, "You're the monster Obi-Wan… You stole my daughter from me."
Obi-Wan shrunk back and pressed himself into the wall as Vader moved in even closer and towered over him. He couldn't help but look up at the mask and the red lenses to try to see Anakin. Once that had been his padawan, his little brother.
"I'll escape… Anakin… I'll escape," he whispered.
Pain blossomed on his face again as Vader stared down at him, "Do not call me by that name. It has no meaning to me."
"Yet you claim Leia, the daughter of Anakin Skywalker."
"You killed him Obi-Wan when you left him to burn," Vader replied slowly, "And whoever said I was claiming Leia as my daughter."
Shaking his head, Obi-Wan hoped that Leia wouldn't become a twisted tool of the darkside. It was unlikely that she'd be able to resist, not with Vader whispering honey sweet promises in her ear. Yet, Vader was whispering in his ear too. The words were more like venom and Obi-Wan looked back up at his former student.
"Are you trying to turn me to the darkside?" he hissed, "I won't fall. Not like you."
"I said I'd destroy you Obi-Wan and I intend too," Vader replied his voice strangely calm before he pulled Obi-Wan to his feet, "We've wasted enough time. It's time to head back to Coruscant."
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Leia raised her hands in front of her trying to appear unthreatening as she listened for the strange creature stalking the room. Occasionally it would try to charge her and she'd leap out of the way. The near pitch blackness though prevented her from seeing what the creature was.
"Hello," she whispered and her voice echoed slightly, "I mean no harm."
She dodged again as something hurtled towards her and she could almost hear a snarl. There really had to be a light switch somewhere. Sighing slightly she closed her eyes and drew into the Force, ignoring the dark coils. Somewhere in the room was something else that was strong in the Force. It felt strange to her because unlike herself it didn't shine brightly, nor was it a black hole, like Lord Vader.
Grasping the creature through the Force, she levitated it slightly. The Force presence struggled for a minute, before settling down. Opening her eyes, Leia gingerly levitated the creature closer, so she could see it. There in her grasp was a girl.
Shocked, Leia lost control over her Force grip and let the girl fall. She cringed slightly as the girl collapsed on the floor, but then looked on in confusion as the girl knelt, looking at the floor.
"My apologies my Lord," she whispered, her voice unsettling polite.
Leia took a cautious step forward, "I'm no Lord."
The girl remained still, "My Lord said to respect one's betters. My betters are Lords."
A heavy feeling formed in her stomach as she asked, "And what's your Lord's name?" already knowing the answer.
"Lord Vader."
Leia stepped closer and stared at the girl dressed in a drab prison outfit. She had expected Lord Vader to kill people but the girl's existence in the darkness showed another facet of his personality. After the execution she could easily be placed in a cell like this; trained to kneel and be subservient. Was that what Lord Vader had planned for her?
"Can you look at me?" She probed, hoping to unravel her mystery.
The girl raised her head, revealing eyes of green filled with sorrow.
Surprised, the girl whispered in horror, "You're younger than me."
Finishing her observation, she immediately cowed back down as if expecting to be punished. Knowing Lord Vader, Leia had a feeling he dealt punishments swiftly and quickly for the slightest offense. She regretted having become lost in the lower levels of the Star Destroyer. Knowledge was power, but she didn't want to know what Lord Vader did.
She moved close enough to touch her and knelt down, "I'm not going to hurt you."
The green eyes pierced through her, "Why my Lord? You're stronger."
Leia held out her hand, trying to not dwell on the girl's flinch, "Because I don't want to."
The girl watched warily as Leia touched her hand, "Why?"
Leia smiled warmly, "I was wondering if you'd be my friend."
The girl looked into her eyes, "Lord Vader wouldn't like that. He'd say it makes me weaker my Lord."
"Lord is only used for men. I'm no Lord and I'm no Lady either. My name is Leia and what Lord Vader doesn't know won't hurt him."
The girl shook her head, "You're stupid if you think you can deceive Lord Vader, he always knows," she paused and Leia could feel the Force tensing, "You're a traitor."
Quickly she withdrew her hands and refuted the claim, "I'm not a traitor. You can tell Lord Vader if you want but I'm not planning on betraying him. I'm not stupid."
The girl remained unconvinced and glared at Leia coldly.
Sighing, Leia tried to appeal to the girl, "Look Lord Vader isn't here right now. We could become… allies. Just try it for a few days and then if you still think I'm trying to betray Lord Vader, you can take action then."
The girl looked at her contemplatively, "Fine but I don't like you."
A brief smile flashed on Leia's face, "What's your name?"
"I don't have a name," she hissed back, "Shouldn't you know that?"
"I just need something to call you by," Leia replied crossing her legs as she took a seat.
Almost hesitating she whispered, "Syrena. Mum called me that."
Grabbing Syrena's hand, Leia shook it, "Nice to meet you Syrena. I'm Leia."
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After hours of searching, Caden finally found Leia wandering in the lower levels, where she technically wasn't supposed to be. He grabbed her arm and gently guided her back to the upper levels. Her lack of reaction to his presence worried him and he wondered if perhaps something had happened.
"Caden," Leia prompted quietly, "What will happen to me?"
Caden appraised her quietly, he thought it had been rather clear, "Your father will be taking you in."
He didn't miss her almost imperceptible flinch as he mentioned Lord Vader and she turned to look at him in the eyes, "But what does that mean… Will he hurt me?"
"Lord Vader has never hurt you Leia," but Caden had to ask himself if he had despite not wanting it to be true, "What brought this on?"
She looked up at him beseechingly, "Don't be mad."
Caden closed his eyes and silently counted back from five, "Leia…"
"I made a friend."
Unfortunately it seemed as if luck wasn't on Caden's side, "You found the girl?"
Standing still, Leia looked up at Caden, a slimmer of anger in her eyes, "Why's she kept there?"
Oh, Caden knew why she was kept there, but how could he explain it to Leia. One wrong word and Lord Vader would wring his neck. He didn't know the girl's name, but he remembered holding her captive as the troops descended with Vader to squash the rebellion. One little Force-sensitive child taken to be trained and her parents shot in front of her own eyes.
"Leia," Caden slowly began, "She's Force-sensitive and a threat to the Empire if the Jedi got their hands on her. That room is to help train her to aid the Empire."
"It isn't right," Leia retorted angrily, "She's hurt, scared, and what about me? Is Vader just going to throw me in a cell too? Make me a slave to the Empire?"
Scratching the back of head, Caden looked down at Leia and soothingly replied, "He's not going to hurt you Leia. He's your father."
She didn't reply and Caden sighed before leading her back to her room, "Sometimes you have to bad things to do good things."
She stared at him, frowning, "No. Bad things are still bad no matter the excuses."
Life wasn't that simple as Caden knew. There were an infinite amount of shades of grey and things were rarely simple or easy. An unexecuted prisoner was more danger than a live one. Torture was necessary to obtain information that could save hundreds of lives. One life was insignificant to many. Leia wanted to believe in the good of people, but Caden knew that each person carried darkness within him. He had seen it and so he walked in silence as he thought of his past. Everything he had done was necessary.
Finally they reached Leia's room and Caden looked at her over, noticing her wrinkled and smudged clothing, "You may want to freshen up. We will be dropping out of hyperspace in an hour."
Leia nodded and palmed the door, giving a small wave to Caden. He smiled and turned around, he would have to check where Leia had been on the lower levels.
Ten minutes later, Caden watched the security footage in awe. There was no audio and while Leia and the girl seemed to have been hostile at first, he noticed at the end each one of them were smiling. Vader was going to kill him for letting his daughter get so close to the dangerous child. Perhaps it wasn't so bad, he thought as he looked at the two children smiling. It wasn't meant to be and it wouldn't last, but Lord Vader would find better friends for his daughter. He deleted the footage.
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Leia watched in trepidation as the ramp lowered and light began to stream in. Squished between two guards, her father sat on the bench, his eyes downcast. Leia wanted to scream and cry as she observed him out of the corner of her eye. Her mother was wringing her hands anxiously, while the Nabberies were on a separate shuttle. There was no reason for them to meet the Emperor.
The ramp settled on the ground and Leia watched in fascination as two Royal Guards stepped forward silently. Admiral Leeson exited first, followed by various other officers Leia didn't know. At last Caden stood up and walked over to her, motioning for her to stand. A warm hand grabbed hers, and Leia looked up to the side as her mother smiled gently down at her. Together they exited shuttle.
Leia gritted her teeth as cameras flashed all around them and she could hear the droll of news reporters commenting on the event. The admiral and officers waited in a line upfront, and Caden gently guided them to the end of the line.
He leaned down slightly and whispered, "Remember Leia, you're being watched. Don't look at your father unless you're told to and if you have to, don't let them know what you're feeling."
Leia nodded, her throat parched and she stared forward anxiously. She ignored the whispering of the crowd as the Royal Guard began to file into the courtyard. The instance the Emperor appeared, they knelt. Nervous and scared, Leia checked her shields and looked at the ground, observing the lines in the stone.
"May I present," the Emperor cried out, "Bail Organa."
The crowd cheered and Leia could hear a body being thrown on the ground. She winced, but didn't let herself look. The Royal Guards moved around, their footsteps echoing slightly.
The Emperor continued his speech, "A threat to the Empire has risen and thanks to Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin we may take action. Rise my friend."
Heavy steps echoed across the courtyard as someone stood up and walked to the Emperor, who continued in his deceptively kind voice, "Where does this threat come from? Who threatens the peace and prosperity of this Empire? He's before you… Senator Bail Organa."
The crowd burst into cheers and Leia could hear the cheers for blood and the Emperor led them on, "Oh he will be punished for his deceit. As the Emperor I revoke Senator Organa's position in the Senate. What else should I do?" and the crowd began to chant for an execution, "That's right. I hereby announce Bail Organa as a traitor to the Empire and to be executed the day after tomorrow."
Waiting for the cheering to subside, the Emperor continued, "Do you Bail Organa have anything to say in your defense?"
Leia tensed, wondering what her father would say and then she heard him speak, his voice raspy but strong, "I'm innocent of the crimes I'm accused. I'm proud to be called a traitor. Let freedom return to the galaxy. I hope you and your Empire burns. People will fight, you-"
Leia heard her father cry out in pain as he abruptly stopped talking, "And he admits to being a traitor. Let the execution go forward!" the crowd cheered and bile rose in Leia's throat, "May I have the Organas stand up?"
Her body stilled, but with a slight nudge from Caden besides her, Leia stood up to face the flashing cameras and inclined her head to the Emperor, "Your highness."
Her mother did the same, while Leia maintained a blank face. She couldn't reveal anything regarding her true feelings. The Emperor's face remained obscured in the shadow of his hood. She could see a flash of yellow within the darkness and she shivered. Lord Vader was a monster, but that creature was worse. His dark Force-presence began to slide over her, inspecting her. Maintaining her shields, Leia remained still despite the urge to retreat from the slick darkness.
The Emperor walked slightly closer, "Organas what do you think of Bail Organa's treachery?"
Leia held her breath as her her mother shifted and spoke, "Your highness, he was my husband and his surprise came as a great surprise to me. I'd never have agreed to marry him had I known of his desire for war and destruction."
The crowd cheered, while she resisted the urge to scowl at them. Her mother had woven a tale out of truth and honesty to save them. Leia had to wonder if her mother knew that Lord Vader would rip her away.
"And you, my child?" Asked the Emperor as he ripped her out of her thoughts.
She looked up at the strange dark smile that rested on the Emperor's face, "He was my father your highness and I still can't believe he has done the things he was accused of."
"Alas child, he did… he did," The Emperor turned to face the others, "The day after tomorrow is the execution…. I hope to see everyone there, but I have business to attend to now," turning back to them, "Follow me."
Leia and her mother followed the Emperor into the throne room while Leia looked around, desperate for a way to escape his oily presence. The Royal Guards walked behind them and stopped as the Emperor sat down on the throne.
"Breha Organa," he began, "There are some technicalities for us to deal with."
Her mother stood still and whispered, "Yes your highness," as if fearful about what was to occur.
The spidery hands lay on the arm rest, slowly tapping to an invisible rhythm, "Due to the treasonous activities committed in your household, you are being relieved of your duty as a mother," two Royal Guards grabbed her arms and Leia looked on in fright, "Unless Leia's new guardian permits, you are no longer permitted contact."
"No… No, Mommy, no!" Leia cried in surprise as tears began to form in her eyes.
Her mother stared at her back, her own anguish clear, "And who gets the task of raising my daughter?"
The hands continued to tap on the armrest, "She seems to have made quite an impression on her stay on Coruscant. Numerous people are asking for custody… some even for marriage."
A look of horror and disgust crossed Leia's face while the Emperor cackled, "I've looked at some of the proposals, but she's still young. A few years from now though…"
"I won't marry anyone I don't want to," Leia hissed back her eyes burning in anger.
"Leia!" Admonished her mother.
"We'll see," replied the Emperor before gesturing to her mother, "Take her away."
"Mommy. No. Please," Leia screamed in anguish as her mother cried out, "Leia! Let me go, she's my daughter."
A Royal Guard wrapped his arms around her as she watched two others drag her mother away, "Let me go… Please… Let me say goodbye!"
Tears rolled down her cheek as the Emperor continued to speak, "Put her down. Now there are a few things we need to talk about child."
He extending his finger, silently asking her to come closer and Leia did as the Royal Guard shoved her gently forward. A finger trailed down her face and Leia tried to reconstruct her mask to hide her feelings of disgust and fear.
"Tell me child," he whispered, "Why is my apprentice so smitten with you."
"What?" she replied, startled, as she wondered if he knew that Lord Vader was her… father.
"He applied for custody without informing me of his intention. He did a good job doing it all behind my back and managed to get all the proper paperwork in order. I'm quite lucky I managed to catch it so I can prevent his folly. You're making him weak and I want to know why."
Leia shivered as the Emperor looked at her, "I don't know what goes through his head. There are always more questions than answers."
"Sit child," he ordered patting his lap, and with trepidation she did, "You're quite something, not only have you ensnared Lord Vader, but my others commanders too."
Leia flinched as his hands began to move through her hair, "I'm sorry?"
"No my child," he whispered as his hands inspected her scalp, "I just wish to understand what's so special about you. Perhaps I should keep you… No? You don't want that."
The door hissed open and Leia tried to scoot off the Emperor's lap, but a surprisingly strong arm kept her from moving. Through the door walked Lord Vader and he ignored her, not pausing in his path to the front of the throne where he knelt down.
"Master," he said respectfully.
Leia looked at the scene curiously, it felt odd to see Lord Vader doing anything but towering over everyone. She couldn't help but feel disappointed though as he ignored her and remained kneeling. He hadn't even looked at her and it made her feel insecure. Perhaps he didn't care for her at all.
"Lord Vader, I believe you have some explaining to do."
The helmet bowed down slightly lower as a hand moved out, holding a lightsaber, "On route to Coruscant I got a lead concerning Obi-Wan. I killed him."
Leia watched the Emperor take the lightsaber and shifted uncomfortably, "While it's admirable that you have finally gotten revenge, you have some other subjects to explain on."
"Master?"
The hold around her tightened, "Tell me why you find her that important."
Vader finally looked up, "You've never said I couldn't adopt a child and she's bearable."
Leia could feel the Emperor's glower as he stared down at Vader, "Stop playing games Vader. I can stop your custody claim and I think I should because she makes you weak."
Anger poured off Vader and he stood up. Leia gazed at him fearfully as the dark energies rolled off him and she could see a monster right now. Various items began to rattle and the Royal guards began to kneel over clutching their throats.
"She doesn't make me weak Master; she makes me strong," Vader unclenched his fist, "Let her go. She's mine."
"Tell me why she's important Vader!" he barked.
"She gives me a purpose," Lord Vader answered and in his hands was his lightsaber.
The Emperor shoved her off his lap and Leia stumbled slightly at the unexpected force. Vader didn't move and she hesitantly approached him. Only when she was behind him did the tension in the room seem to dissipate.
The Emperor clicked his nails against the armrest, "Careful Vader that your actions do not become… treasonous."
"Of course not Master," Lord Vader replied and Leia shivered at the dark look in the Emperor's eyes. She could feel the oily presence of the Emperor retreat from her as Lord Vader's presence crept over her. It soothed her tense nerves although she couldn't help but feel like Vader was claiming her.
"Vader," the Emperor stood up and scowled, "Do what you will to the Princess just make sure she's there at the execution. I expect you back in an hour, I don't tolerate insubordination."
Anger coiled around Lord Vader and he bit out a furious, "Yes Master," before storming out and dragging her along.
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The fingers clicked slowly on the armrest as he stared down at the latest imbecile he had to deal with. Usually he would play games, maybe even torture the fool, but not today. Unfortunately, he was rather distracted. The Emperor raised his hand and waved the fool out and watched him leave. Noticing that he didn't have another meeting, he stood up stretching his back slightly before walking over to the window a scowl on his face.
"Vader…" He whispered as he looked outside at the chaotic traffic of Coruscant. In the distance he could see the Jedi Temple, but even the symbol of his ultimate victory didn't appease him today. He shook his head and frowned thoughtfully.
He knew how lucky he had been that Vader survived his battle on Mustafar and that it curbed his reckless nature. Out of the ashes of Skywalker, he formed his perfect weapon. Vader inspired fear, hatred, and demonstrated the Empire's ultimate power. Without his apprentice, the Empire wouldn't be functioning so smoothly. Indeed he was lucky and he hated luck.
The darkside rolled out from him, ignoring the Imperials guards and other busybodies, and reached out to his apprentice. As always he was closed off and impossible to read. His own apprentice power reached back at the dark tendril, and Sidious retreated quickly, the warning received.
Mind your own business
He looked aside again at the remnants of the Jedi Temple. His apprentice was changing and in ways he hadn't heard expected. The most worrisome aspect was the anger. Vader was angry, but not in the way he was supposed to. Even more befuddling was his apprentice's attempt to hide the anger.
Sighing he looked back at his throne. Vader had always been angry and he encouraged it, as it made his apprentice more powerful, but the anger was different now. Before it burnt like an old fire restrained with iron control, briefly leaping up to consume the objects if its ire. Now… Now there was no fire but magma prepared to erupt and destroy. Normally he'd be pleased, but despite his apprentice's effort, he could feel the target of the anger, him.
He sat back down on the throne wearily and his fingers clicked against the armrest. Oh Vader was mad at him and he had no idea why. He thought back to his apprentice insubordination and felt a sliver of fear; he was a volcano ready to erupt. A frown emerged and his fingers stilled, a volcano didn't seem quite right. He thought back to the girl, an insignificant child and how is apprentice stood there ready to defend her. The Force was silent around her and he frowned, something felt wrong.
"Your Majesty," a voice clearly stated.
Sidious shook his head slightly. His break was over and he had other things to focus on. He looked down at the man, enjoying the fear drifting off him. Others would have quivered, but the man didn't knowing he was safe as long as he continued to be useful.
"Report," he ordered as he slowly probed the man's mind.
"Intelligence has nearly finished planting new bugs in all the Senators homes and workspaces. So far none have been found or disabled. We have one confirmation of treasonous activities from a Senator. While the head of intelligence disagrees, I believe it'd be easy to turn him into a double agent. Despite his beliefs, he's a coward."
Sidious nodded, "I'll inform the head of intelligence that an attempt should be made to convert him… for your sake I hope you're right. What of my apprentice?"
The agent stilled slightly, his fear increasing, "Our ability to spy on Lord Vader's residence is still insufficient. Lord Vader destroys most of the bugs himself but the few spies working for him have confirmed he believes the spying attempts to be from Xizor."
"What position do those men hold?" He asked, already preparing for an abysmal revelation.
Cringing slightly, the agent continued his report, "After the attack on his palace, Lord Vader deemed the intruders had inside help. He killed three of our own after interrogating them. The other ten took precautionary measures to protect the cause. We have two left, one is a janitor and the other is a technician."
Anger rose within him, "So you've got nothing."
"Yes your highness," the man replied quickly, "Lord Vader has bolstered security since the attack and interview every candidate himself. His security has also been nearly replaced by retired clones."
Leaning back Sidious had to admit his apprentice was becoming crafty… or sentimental.
"Tell me about the girl," he ordered as he pried deeper into the man's mind.
"The girl?"
"Leia Organa," he replied, annoyed.
Images flashed through the man's mind, "There's not much we know about her. Intelligence has a file on her but it is rather sparse with her being a minor. Despite public appearances, she seems to be a bit of a daredevil. Since she became under Lord Vader's supervision, Intelligence has nearly stopped looking into her."
He leaned forward, "But why would my apprentice want to adopt the girl?"
The agent shrugged slightly, "The few video surveillance we have of them together show her to be scared of him," He paused slightly and Sidious could feel a dawning revelation, "After the attack on his Palace, Lord Vader took her to the medic. The logs show that her father checked her out, but video surveillance shows her leaving with Lord Vader. After that any information about her stopped almost entirely."
Sidious relaxed slightly as he withdrew from the man's mind. He could feel his agent's confusion and knew he was attempting to solve the puzzle.
"Anything that changed in Lord Vader's behavior then?"
The agent furrowed his eyebrows, "He methodically eradicated any of the bugs we planted, killed nearly all the spies, and used the clones for his security force. I assumed it was due to the attack…"
Sidious reached out to the Force, seeking guidance but it remained silent. He heard the door slide open and waved the agent away as he observed Vader entering the room. His apprentice kneeled before him, head bowed respectfully, as if nothing happened a mere hour ago.
"Master," Vader intoned respectfully.
Sidious curled his lips slightly as he looked down at him. As usual Vader's emotions were hidden from him. It was irksome not being able to get a proper read on his apprentice, not being able to determine what he was hiding. Never before had he had such problems. Maul, the idiot, had never tried to shield his thoughts, so perhaps it was an unfair measure. Dooku had attempted to hide his thoughts and emotions and believed himself successful, while Sidious trailed through his mind unobtrusively. The problem with Vader, something that originally seemed like a benefit, was that the Force like him too much. When Vader didn't want someone to know something, it was near impossible to find it out.
"I don't tolerate insubordination Vader. Explain yourself."
Vader body stiffened, "You'll have to clarify Master."
Annoyed, he sent out a blast of Force-lightning, "You were ready to commit treason an hour ago Vader. Explain to me what that little girl means so much to you."
The helmet tilted upwards and Vader's posture screamed defiance, "She's mine and if you hurt her… I assure you Master that I will not content myself with the position of apprentice anymore."
The threat was clear and it hung in the air, but Sidious didn't let himself be cowed by it, "The tell me why don't you do so today."
Amusement leaked from Vader's shields, "Because I really don't want to sit on a throne."
Sidious scowled and in irritation let out another blast of Force-lightning, "Kill her Vader by the end of the day and I won't punish you."
Vader stood up quickly, his hands resting on his belt next to the lightsaber. Anger poured from him through the Force and Sidious resisted the urge to flinch.
He stood and glared up at his apprentice, "Remember who the Master is Vader. You cannot beat me just yet."
The air reeked of sulfur as dark energy radiated off of Sidious and Vader. His apprentice didn't move, refusing to be cowed. He deliberately pulled out his lightsaber and held it out unlit.
"Master," his apprentice hissed almost sarcastically, "I don't need to defeat you, I just need to kill you. If I can trace back a single scratch on the girl to you or one of your associates I will kill you even if I kill myself," he trailed off, "Who knows perhaps you'll survive, perhaps I will, but more likely we'll kill each other off and so the Sith will end."
Curiosity burned through Sidious mind as he wondered why Vader would willingly die for her. His apprentice was right though, he would not risk the end of the SIth. He had brought the Sith to power and would not be remembered for ending the line.
Eyes red he spat, "Fine Vader…. But she'll be the Senator of Alderaan when she's of age and you'll prepare her for it. That's my condition."
Vader remained still before finally kneeling again, the lightsaber still in his hand, "Yes Master."
"Submit Vader," he ordered.
Vader offered his lightsaber and bowed his head to the ground in submission. Perhaps he could kill his apprentice now, but even now he wasn't sure he would succeed. The dark side hung closer to Vader than it had in years. Sidious sighed mentally, for he would keep to the tradition of the Sith, he wouldn't kill the strong and Vader had earned the title.
Like a viper, he attacked his apprentice's mind. For now he was still the Master and it was his job to remind the apprentice of his place and so he doled out the harshest punishment he had ever given Vader. In the back of his mind, plans began to form. Backup plans would have to be accelerated and he needed new methods to control his apprentice. Perhaps a gift for Kenobi's demise would be appropriate.
Despite his plotting, Sidious was aware of one important factor. Vader would defeat him and he had to insure that his weapon would be able to continue his legacy. There would be no other apprentice and despite his backup plans, he knew that. His apprentice, a man who hated politics, would have to be groomed for the political arena.
He really hated the Organa child right now.
? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ?
... And as promised Coruscant! I really hope by Obi-Wan is believable because he never wants to be written. Concerning events from Rogue One, it's movie canon so there will be references. I'm going to wait until the next chapter before introducing elements so that people have time to see the movie spoiler free. (I must say, "No spoilers! what are you doing here in the Star Wars fandom?") At that point you either don't care or have seen the movie. To those who haven't seen the movie, the last tenish minutes would make even the lousiest films worthwhile and I highly recommend watching it because it is no lousy movie. Until (hopefully) next week.