Chapter IV: Ethical Diplomacy
Vader found himself sitting across from his wife as she was rocking their daughter, Leia. Luke was in a crib, sleeping already.
"Padme, I... came to seek your advice. It's about your friends in the Senate. Mothma, Organa... a few others," Vader spoke, keeping his voice low so as to not disturb the children. Padme slowly placed Leia down in her own crib, and then walked over to Vader. She kissed his cheek, and sat down next to him in the large chair. Vader smiled, softly, at his wife as he said, "they aren't an issue - yet - but I fear that they do not understand the Empire's necessity."
"I am not certain of its necessity, either, Anakin," Padme replied, keeping her voice level and soft. Vader looked over at her, feeling surprised, but did not move, instead opting to hear what she meant. She sighed, and then said, "It is unlikely you will convince my friends of it, even if you do convince me. But I can tell you that, as long as you allow the Senate to operate as it has been since during the war, their complaints will die down."
"I have left Isard in charge of overseeing the Senate, remanding the more... tedious aspects of the Emperor's powers inherited from the Chancellor in the hands of the Grand Vizier. I do have final say on most things, and absolute control over the Imperial Military, but beyond Imperial Decrees, it is the Grand Vizier who oversees legislation," Vader informed his wife, and then added, "All amendments to the Imperial Charter and the New Constitution are another matter entirely, and must be reviewed by myself in person prior to approval."
"I see," Padme responded, a pensive look on her face. She then asked, "does that mean the Imperial Senate has full legislative powers, again?"
"For the most part, yes. The Galactic Emperor holds all power that the Office of the Chancellor held during wartime under the Republic, including control over the Galactic Banks. The title of Grand Vizier is bestowed upon someone of my choosing, to represent me in the Imperial Senate; he is my Voice in the Senate, speaking with my authority," Vader clarified, nodding his head once. At Padme's concerned look, Vader added, "I only override the Senate's decisions if I feel they are not with the best of interests. Otherwise, I stand behind the Grand Vizier's decision in matters. I chose Isard for a reason; he is competent and loyal. I trust him to oversee the Imperial Senate's sessions and to consider all information available to him."
"But, in the end, you have all the power. Is that right?" Padme's voice sounded somewhat upset.
"I know you dislike the idea of the Galactic Empire, Padme. But give it a chance, please. That's all I ask of you," Vader whispered into her ear, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her into a hug.
"Ani, I love you. You know I love you, but... maybe I should return to the Senate," Padme sighed.
"If that would sooth your concerns, my Angel, you need only ask. I could tell the Grand Vizier to be expecting the Empress to be sitting in on Senatorial sessions," Vader replied, offering her a gentle smile. Really, he wasn't certain what she intended to do - but he could ask Isard to give a report, as well as watch the holorecordings. Depending on how things went, this could be good for propaganda usage; after all, if her friends saw her supporting the Empire, surely they would think twice before moving against it? To do so would be moving against her, at first glance.
"I want to. Just one, for now. I... need to see all this for myself, I think," Padme decided.
"As you wish, my Angel. I will inform Isard to expect you and arrange for the necessary security," Vader replied, smiling brightly. She returned it, but not as large. With a brief kiss, they separated.
Vader wondered how he could be rid of Organa and Mothma, still. But maybe Padme could convince them. Maybe things would be different, this time. The Force seemed to quiver about him, and Vader was certain that he'd find a way to get rid of his adversaries.
It was only a matter of time.
"Very good, my apprentice," Vader commented as he finished his spar with Ahsoka. He smiled at her as she walked over to him, breathing in the fresh air. It had been so long, yet... it felt good.
"Thank you, Master," Ahsoka responded, smiling up at him.
"Ahsoka, I have... a very important mission, for you. One of the utmost importance, in fact," Vader told her as he sobered.
"Is... something wrong, Master?" Ahsoka asked, raising a metaphorical brow.
"The Empress will be going to the next session of the Imperial Senate. I want you in charge of security there. Discreetly," Vader replied, keeping his voice as serious as possible. He added, "there is a possibility that there are... traitors among the Senate. Those who would have supported the Jedi Council's move against Palpatine, who could not foresee the chaos it would have wrought. Those who believe that I, or the Empress, have betrayed them in some way. I... fear they could attempt to attack her, either before or after the session."
"I'll protect her, Master, you have my word. And... if someone does try to hurt her, I'll... take care of it," Ahsoka responded, her voice sobering up and sounding serious. Vader nodded in appreciation. He'd forgotten that, after leaving the Order, Ahsoka had gone bounty hunter briefly. Or... something along those lines. She'd keep Padme safe, no matter the cost.
"Very good. I can give you a list of names, if you like; both old friends and enemies of the Empress from her time as a Senator. Others who would be likely to strike at her. I'll have a trooper bring you a datapad," Vader told her.
"Right. I'll get prepared for the mission, then. I'll see you later, Master," Ahsoka offered as a leave. Vader smiled, softly, nodding as she left.
After her presence - as felt through their bond - had moved a sufficient distance away, Vader turned and activated his comm.
"Lord Vader?" Vader smiled at the sound of the distorted voice. A perfect patsy; they were no match for Ahsoka or the Imperial security team, yet were dumb enough to make the attempt.
"That is the pseudonym I gave you, yes," Vader answered, his voice being equally distorted at this end.
"I hope you have my credits," the voice responded.
"Complete the mission I gave you, and you'll get your credits afterward as promised," Vader lied.
"Very well, then," the voice sounded eager, even through the distortion.
Soon, Vader would have all the justification he needed to rid himself of all of his enemies. At the very same time, he'd also have the eternal loyalty of his wife to him alone, along with that of his apprentice.
In the meantime, Vader decided he'd go ahead and review the Holocrons in the Palace Archives. Sith and Jedi alike. They could be of use to him, as he pondered.