Chapter 24
Throughout the months, Vader utilized the means of bounty hunters to discover the location of the Millennium Falcon. The Empire was wealthy which was why recruiting bounty hunters were simple, but now that those days and ages are at an end, he would find himself using the wealth which he has gained from Naboo wisely should they track the location of the Falcon down.
And, at last, after avoiding the Jedi for months now one bounty hunter tracked down the freighter.
Anakin and Obi-Wan are standing across from Vader and Qui-Gon right now, lightsabers clashing against one another, crimson with cerulean. The former is using what has been taught to him intensely in these last weeks, dodging to the right just as the former Jedi Padawan chases after him. The latter is holding back, not wishing to harm Anakin due to the bond forged between them.
But only in a matter of time, Anakin would be the one holding back against the older man. Once he would get older, even in this timeline Obi-Wan would not be able to stand against him.
As per what Vader has taught him, Anakin vaults over the former Jedi Padawan by applying the Force before landing on the ground behind Obi-Wan and lunging forward towards him, attempting to get a hit on him. The former Jedi parries all of the strikes coming in his direction, before shoving his blade to the right and sending the hilt flying away, colliding onto the floor with a crunch.
Vader is not out proud of proving that their brotherhood is beginning to build more and more, but also proving to be less toxic and abusive between the two, something he would consider a victory. This Anakin is different from Vader. Whereas he looked to his Obi-Wan as his father and the other looked at him as a brother, both Anakin and Obi-Wan from this timeline see each other as brothers.
Despite how much their colors changes, the two duels remind him much of Obi-Wan and him sparring from their timeline. The latter would lose much of these battles in his younger years, however in the later years, even Obi-Wan - the Master of Soresu - had to think strategically to emerge victoriously which would sometimes be a failure and other times an absolute situation.
"I would get you next time," Anakin quips, calling his lightsaber over in his direction and standing back up.
"Sure you will," Obi-Wan retorts, chuckling before rotating his lightsaber blade and at last extinguishing it. "You have much to learn, Anakin."
Yes, Vader agrees that he does, but the boy is still a child and hasn't learned anything. Had the boy been raised since birth, the boy would have been as powerful as Luke was by the time of his confrontation with Vader and Sidious on the second Death Star at this point, his youth only being the only disadvantage, but there is still a chance in morphing Skywalker to be stronger than the Skywalker of his time and someone who has his independence instead of being someone who is exploited by the Republic.
"How did I do, Vader?" Anakin queries, always craving for praise from his mentor, a hopeful smile across his lips as he stands below the man who has been watching the whole time. It is one of the consequences due to being a slave, but Vader knows that would have to change through due time. One of the tenants about the rules of the Jedi is that they are correct despite them going about it wrongly. His younger self needs a personal balance without relying upon others for attachments, and that is only something Vader can offer, for no one know his younger self aside from the same man who has gone down a similar path and has suffered the same childhood as he has.
In the other timeline, the boy wanted his Master's approval of him, trying his hardest from battle after battle but Obi-Wan had too many flaws and lack of understanding of Anakin before it was too late. By the time he has understood Anakin Skywalker at least somewhat, the boy had already fallen, meaning that their relationship has been burned into flames due to the manipulations from Palpatine.
That isn't a mistake Vader would make this time. He would not allow the dark side itself to turn himself against everyone who had ever loved him.
"You have done well, young Skywalker," Vader replies, touching his hair tenderly and affectionately, sending reassurances through the Force to his younger self. "Now spend some quality time with your mother if you will. Training shall continue on a later date between you and myself."
Vader turns around and walks off to his quarters while leaving Anakin with his mother where they walk away for some time privately, something that both lacked in the other timeline due to the Jedi believing his attachments to be entirely wrong but that isn't something he would allow.
This is the first time Vader has removed himself from the armory that has been placed on him the moment he time traveled, feeling uncustomary refreshing for him, now wearing dark robes similar to those that Skywalker had once worn, a hood raised over his head with the only addition being a cape. He would have to admit it is refreshing to wear only robes and remove the armor. For decades, he has worn armor and now is human again, and can eat normally, interact with other humans, and finally be allowed to live as any other human would. The only thing robotic is his arm but that is a preferable outcome to having to wear walking magnesium to live.
Throughout the prior weeks, there have begun to be makings of a beard forming across his face. The only reason why he didn't have a beard at his time as Skywalker is because it made him feel uncomfortable with such a thought at the time. Besides, Anakin felt like a beard would have never suited the likes of him like almost any would suit Obi-Wan.
Vader as of late had to utilize the means of the Force to deepen his voice which isn't difficult. As of now, until he has the complete trust of Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon, and until his younger self is old enough, Vader shall not disclose such information about his true identity to any of his allies. There is still a possibility that the Jedi would return to their Order by revealing who he is though he severely doubts it since they both would still be imprisoned and Anakin would live in nothing but danger with the information that he knows.
Once Skywalker is powerful enough, and once the Force deems it, he would learn the truth many years from now. The Force has many plans for Anakin Skywalker, and Vader shall follow the ways of the Force and whatever it has plans for his younger self.
The thought of removing the suit has always been a possibility for another suit that is but never receiving limbs or being human again until his time travel experience and the Force deciding to show some mercy to him.
"I never thought you were the type to ever remove your armor."
From the door's entrance, Qui-Gon Jinn folds his arms across his chest, an amused expression across his face. Vader would have to admit that he had missed Qui-Gon Jinn and would relish in the talks both engage about their views of the Force as well as the teachings in the light side of the Force he has been teaching the Jedi Master. In all actuality, Qui-Gon is the Grandmaster of the Order Vader has planned to build eventually would benefit his plan.
And Vader has to admit he has been dwelling so much that he didn't sense the Jedi. At that moment, Vader is glad that he has his hood raised above his head to cloud his head from those to see. He would have to be careful with being more in the proximity of his younger self unless it is likely the pieces would be concocted together.
"You think yourself as humorous, do you, Qui-Gon?" Vader replies, though there is a smirk on his face despite his tone recommending otherwise. "It is quite a shame that I would have to deal with you as of now that the Jedi have pragmatically advocate you as an enemy to their Order and would bring you back into chains. And here I was thinking your student is the rash one."
Qui-Gon rolls his eyes. "I am far from rash."
"Sure, you are," Vader responds, knowing that in the making of this crew that he is forming, there must be trust and friendship which means he would have to open up more. "You have intended to recklessly rescued a boy from slavery by challenging a slaver. If that is not rash for you, my friend, your definition of rash is beyond words."
Qui-Gon arches an eyebrow. "You disapprove?"
Vader frowns. "No, I am not someone who would scold you for doing what you believe is the will of the Force despite how imperious you are. Nevertheless, the fate of Anakin Skywalker is important to be taken into consideration as well as his other choices, but we would have to hone his abilities and eventually give him some help that only I can offer. That boy would need some help that is beyond the league of yours."
"He is someone who has emotional issues and is often condemned to anger," Qui-Gon replies, his voice giving away his confusion, as if he understands his younger self's issues and about who he is in their short time together.
"Ah, and you already assume that is all you know about the boy," Vader replies, his disapproval evident for the Jedi Master to see, though he could not be angered with him especially since he doesn't know a thing about slavery let alone what his younger self has been through since he has been raised in the light, namely on Coruscant where slavery would never happen due to that being the core of the Republic. "The boy has anger issues because he has been abused in different type of matters. How would you feel if you are struggling for food on a daily basis and being beaten around by a Master who was merciless and don't care if you live or die as long as you fulfill their purposes at the end?"
Qui-Gon can only shiver at the thought of living through that. To think, the boy and his mother have only each other and they still selflessly brought them into their apartment in their time of need when he didn't have to do so and played a part in protecting the real Queen of Naboo. They didn't deserve the likes of Anakin and Shmi Skywalker who came selflessly to their assistance when they needed it so desperately at the time.
"How would you feel if you are beaten for your emotions and having to witness horrible things? They would torment him by means of his mother, knowing that they would have control over him as long as his mother lived. While the Toydarian from Tatooine was a horrible owner, he treated both Skywalkers better than many other slavers would aside from the physical abuse that he would endure at that slaver scum." Vader continues, unable to blame the Jedi despite his rage at the memories.
"That is why the Jedi refused him," Vader's hands are now clenched up into fists. "The Jedi are supposed to be so wise and compassionate and do not give in to fear, yet they make their choice based on the fear of failure with him. With or without the Jedi, Skywalker would've become a powerful force user, and may have even fallen to the Sith. But hypothetically, let's theorize that if he returned to Tatooine, what would he have been able to do? Nothing, but the Jedi wouldn't care as long as he isn't a threat for them which is precisely why he was going to be sent back to begin with."
Vader, now seeing that it is best for this conversation to end as they are going to be stealing a ship pretty soon, grasps hold of his lightsaber and walks out with former Jedi following him behind.
"I'm not sure this is a good idea," his younger self's mother says, her face highlighting her concern for the three men who are about to face some slavers to gain access to this ship that they have been tracking for some time. He would never be able to refer to her as his mother unfortunately as his mother died on Tatooine years ago and what is in front of him is just a different individual with the same appearance and attitude but also an honor that died.
"Not to worry, your son would remain safely out of this mission," Vader assures, knowing that she has many of his overprotective tendencies which is also a side effect of being under slavery for so long, something that would also have to tend to as she is a woman of many traumas.
To assure his younger self doesn't stab himself or cut his own arm off with the lightsaber that has been given to him, Vader outstretch his hand towards Skywalker, the lightsaber hilt coming off of his belt and into the waiting hand of Vader. The last thing he needs is for his younger self to kill himself by a simple accident as he is still learning how to grip a lightsaber correctly despite how he knows how to fight.
There have been accidents by even Jedi and Sith learners before where they would stab themselves with their lightsabers and either got themselves kill or mortally injured though it is uncommon and extremely rare.
Vader knows his mother from another timeline would raise hell if his younger self killed himself by accident. Besides, there is a likely chance that Skywalker getting himself killed would end up killing Vader as well due to them being the same person, and both of them are connected whether either wish to sever that bond or not.
Jedi in training, of all ages, have to use a training saber until they can use the Force to safely assemble their own lightsaber. The training saber is safer to use, plus its weight is very similar to the weight of a lightsaber. Also, lightsabers are so tricky to make, that the wrong combination can trigger an explosion. So, by the time a Jedi can own his\her lightsaber, they're slightly familiar with its weight, and they respect how dangerous they are. This means that it's probably rare for Jedi to hurt themselves with their lightsaber.
Sith training is survival of the fittest, in all aspects of Sith combat, including lightsaber combat. They're trained to be fast and skilled in combat, however, there's very title focus on caution, depending on how fast they graduated from training. After they graduate from training, they're usually chosen to be an apprentice of a Sith Master, who gives them more personal training. So, any sense of caution that a Sith has usually depended on how thorough their master was at training them.
Unlike a regular physical sword with weight from a blade, a lightsaber does not weigh the blade to be able to feel exactly where is located when it's behind your back or is not in direct view. This means that it can be very easy to cut your ears off if are being moved around your head, or you can graze your hips or even legs if you're moving out in large circles to block blaster bolts or bullets coming at you, etc.
Jedi not only use the lightsaber to train to feel and perceive the force but they have to use the force to know exactly where the Lightsaber is when they're using it. So, without that Force-trained ability, using a saber can be very dangerous and lead to seriously injuring yourself, being crippled, or killing yourself.
That's why non Force users never adopted the weapon as it would make little sense to carry such a weapon when you can't use it to its full potential.
When Jedi are training as Padawans, they do use training lightsabers at far lower power levels so that when they make mistakes and get cut it only causes a slight burn or cut until their force sensing and saber skills are good enough to use a regular full power lightsaber.
As of now, they have no training saber which means they would have to be cautious when involving the training Skywalker and assure that he doesn't make an enormous mistake when involving his training that shall begin extremely soon, just as soon as they have a suited base or a permanent ship. The Jedi would seek to get their hands on the boy, and they would have little choice but to fight back.
Skywalker would have little choice but to fight back.
"Come."
Vader walks off the small ship with the two former Jedi flanking him, leaving behind both Skywalkers. While he does not doubt that his younger self can take care of himself, Vader would not allow his innocence - what is left if not all been squashed on Tatooine - to be insulted even further. He has been left with little option to bring his younger self onto the surface of the planet.
The darkness on the planet can overwhelm Anakin Skywalker easily, and Vader knows that he can still fall under the temptations despite all. What insults them only proves that Vader was correct to choose to leave them behind, the moment they roam onto the planet emotions of all types, sending a chill down both former Jedi's spines but leaving him mainly unaffected despite all the death that is quite brutal, despite the despair and fear of those higher in power instilled in the heart of many.
Vader's hatred for the planet immediately rises, especially since the undeserved suffering of many people which is something that he is unfamiliar with, another reason why he would have to go to war with the Jedi and the Republic eventually, to make them open their damn eyes eventually even if it means he would have to kill them all to accomplish that goal.
The darkness surrounding the planet is something they both are alien to. This planet is a planet the Jedi Council has never allowed their students to travel to, due to the darkness would not be something that could easily be overwhelmed no matter the Jedi's preaching otherwise.
Certainly, he has been on horrible planets before, some much more horrifying than this and has witnessed atrocities beforehand, some of which have been caused by him in a future past, but that doesn't mean Vader would enjoy the suffering of the people, those who haven't done anything except being born on this planet and having to suffer and die is outrageous and unfair.
"This is not a lovely planet," Vader hears Obi-Wan murmur, his eyes burning a crystal golden once more. He would have to remind himself that this is a different individual from the one he knows, one of his major mistakes in this timeline that could have been avoided if he hadn't overestimated it, but now he would have to own up to it and fix it.
"No, it is not," Qui-Gon replies almost musing, casting an eyebrow at Vader as another chill forms up his spine. "Why are we even here?"
Vader didn't stop in his walk. "We are here so you both can see what is allowed by the Republic that you have once defended. I wish you to see this as a learning experience."
At that moment, they walk down an alley where they see a Twi'lek surrounded by three Trandoshans, the fear radiating through the heart of the poor individual and the satisfaction of the other three.
"Your time is up, now pay us or your body would find itself meeting the pit."
"Please don't kill me!" The Twi'lek begs. "I have a family!"
"Hmmm, you hear that, boys? He has a family. Perhaps we can use them as bargaining chips... and something more." The main one replies, chuckles forming onto the companions behind.
Obi-Wan snarls. "We have to do something."
Vader agrees but he wants to test Obi-Wan as of now, giving him another reason to doubt the Republic and the Jedi Order further.
"It is not the Jedi way to get involved with aggression."
Due to Obi-Wan's Master snapping his head toward Vader, it is obvious he realizes what he is doing, but he doesn't comment as he watches his student's reaction, his face morphing between conflict and cold resolve.
"It is the Jedi way to protect people. I would not allow them to hurt that man." Obi-Wan snarls, storming forward and glaring at each of them. "If you don't leave him alone, I will chop all of your heads off."
"My, my, we got a hero, boys. Let's go. It's showtime."
And that's when they immediately open fire at the former Jedi, provoking an immediate activation of an azure lightsaber, two pairs of golden eyes staring out before the leader's head is decapitated off of his shoulders, the other's arms chopped off before his stomach impaled through, and the final one being the smarter one and drop his weapon.
"Please don't kill me."
Obi-Wan scowls, this time showing no reluctance especially since the darkness within his soul is currently being revealed. "You don't deserve mercy. You were going to kill someone and now your time of greed has come to an end."
And the former Jedi Padawan swipes upwards vertically, killing him instantly and allowing his headless body to collapse to the floor, much to the disturbance of his Master but the approval of the time traveler. It has to be done especially since they are still fighting for peace despite their reactions to such things would be immediate and curt.
If Vader has anything to say about it, Obi-Wan would still be a beacon of light, fighting for peace and serenity but would be in battle as well and understanding the darkness that the Jedi have failed to train him. His Master from another timeline still has a pure soul, but he would have to understand the emotions that are within his soul without tipping over to the edge and falling into a life of darkness.
If he is to fall deeper into the dark side without proper guidance in those emotions, his change in way of thinking and demeanor would make him much crueler and more lethal, but he wouldn't have gained any significant boost in power. It would only look like that since he would be willing to use the Force to bring harm to his enemies.
"Tha-thank you," the Twi'lek says before running off.
While what he did was surely cruel, it was also a good outcome. Those animals would never be able to hurt another being again, and even regrettable choices would have to be made to assure peace is in the galaxy. Many individuals who Vader knows would be different by the time his mission is completed with changing the Jedi from the inside and finishing with his decision on what to do with Plagueis.
Vader knows the death of the slavers would have to come in a slow process, an agonizing death once he has the ship to be able to evacuate those who wish to leave as well as track them to a planet where they would be able to relocate safely too. He has some ideas but, for now, that's all they are...
Ideas.
Vader storms through the door with Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon following, keeping their lightsabers concealed and walking through the street, none wishing to begin a conflict unless provoked as before.
Once they reach the hanger after minutes of walking, Vader is proud to discover the ship that his family in the future has traveled in, proving that the bounty hunter who has found this was not attempting to deceive him. The Falcon was the beginning of Luke's journey as well as Leia, and his son led that crew successfully, leading campaigns against the Empire and emerging triumphant against them during those said assignments.
Under the ownership of both Calrissian and Solo, the Falcon underwent countless modifications and rebuilds. Calrissian had hidden cargo sections installed under the Falcon's deck plates that proved to be crucial. They provided both Calrissian and Solo easy storage for their smuggled cargoes and hid the crew when the ship was captured by the first Death Star. Calrissian also increased the ship's shields and installed a pair of smaller blasters on the bow mandibles.
The Falcon featured duralloy plating over most of the vital areas of its hull and a sheet of armor plating from the Liquidator aft of the starboard docking arm. In addition, the ship was equipped with a set of advanced Kuat Drive Yards, Novaldex, and Nordoxicon shield generators "liberated" by Solo from the Myomar shipyards. These shield generators gave the Falcon warship-grade shielding, allowing it to survive laser hits that would destroy an ordinary YT-1300. A set of high-grade sensor suites were tied into the Falcon's oversized rectenna sensor dish. Powerful sensor jammers also protected the ship in combat.
To reduce his expenses and maintain his privacy, Solo modified the Falcon so that most of its major systems could be accessed through the cockpit or the engineering station in the main cargo hold. The myriad ship-control functions were funneled through what was once a Hanx-Wargel SuperFlow IV computer. It was since modified with three droid brains, which caused the Falcon to have schizophrenic arguments with itself, although the brains nonetheless worked together during emergencies. The droid brains were cannibalized from a military-issue R3-series astromech droid, a V-5 transport droid, and a corporate espionage slicer droid.
The Falcon's unkempt interior matched her dilapidated exterior. The interior corridors were littered with all sorts of mechanical gear. In addition to the hidden cargo holds under her deck plates, it had a cargo-jettison feature. The Falcon lacked a bacta tank, and to make up for it, was equipped with a cryogenic hibernation capsule. This could be used to transport live cargo or to keep the critically injured stable until acceptable medical facilities were reached.
The cobbled-together nature of the ship presented many problems throughout her smuggling days and during the era of the Rebellion. Systems were barely held together and had many incompatibilities, resulting in numerous malfunctions, though the Force itself has been with Luke, Leia, and Solo as well to protect them from certain death.
The Millennium Falcon didn't look like it did at peak potential when Solo had it. There certainly are modifications that are needed. The Falcon was equipped with a pair of dorsally and ventrally mounted Corellian Engineering Corporation AG-2G quad laser cannons, which drew their power directly from her Quadex power core.
Out of respect for Solo, he would indeed install those modifications and improve the Falcon in his own manner. Whatever flaws there are shall be amended by Vader, but he would see to it that the Falcon eventually falls into the possession of Solo, owning it to him for saving his son and daughter's hides all too many times.
Han Solo is someone who shall live a happier life this time if Vader has anything to say about it. He was someone who Leia was able to lend her shoulder on through the harsh times and thus Vader would have to see to it that Solo and Leia eventually encounter one another as there are worse men who would have taken advantage of his daughter especially since many smugglers only wished for credits and pleasure houses if anything else.
"There's our target for us," Vader says, causing both Jedi to regard the Millennium Falcon. Their emotions are enough to amuse Vader, as he has been thinking the same about the Falcon at one point when it eventually proved itself to be one of the most beneficial ships in the Rebel Alliance as did its crew. Now, his crew of this era would follow down the same path.
"It is unique..." Obi-Wan says speechless, a scowl on his lips at the fact that Vader is keen on allowing them to pilot this garbage.
Vader finds himself amused. "It is beautiful. No longer would we have to rely ourselves on a ship that is incapable of downloading modifications, nor would we have to fear that we'll be blasted out of space should we be attacked."
Both former Jedi eye each other, thinking Vader has lost his mind.
"Don't be dense; I know what I'm doing," Vader continues vigorously.
"Even if it is a decent freighter as you claim," Qui-Gon replies, still heavily in doubt about Vader's plan to take this shuttle, "I highly doubt the owner would be happy to give us that willingly, and without luring us into a trap no doubt given what planet we are. The greed I sense on this planet as well as the darkness is surely something that is to be taken for caution."
"Follow my lead," the Force User replies, walking forward up to the shuttle, both following with little reluctance, until coming to a stop outside.
"We are just going to walk in?" Both of Obi-Wan's now blue eyes flare with bemusement.
"Of course," Vader replies nonchalantly, staring at the shorter man. "What this shuttle would accomplish would be wonders, so let's entertain her potential. Besides, would you relish being in a cramped ship like we have been as of the past months? At this point, we would be able to have a preferable number of quarters as well as storage where we would be able to store our future weapons and perhaps any other Holocrons that are still lost in the galaxy."
"Holocrons," Qui-Gon replies. "You are recommending we steal Holocrons from the Jedi."
Vader is unable to resist rolling his eyes at that. "The Jedi are not the only one in custody of Holocrons. Believe it or not, there are knowledge that had not yet been accessed on planets of the Jedi's past, all but forgotten and neglected. They are scarce, believe me, but they are there all but waiting to be tracked down for centuries and finally opened to share their knowledge through the galaxy. Of course, the ones declared forbidden was either destroyed entirely or locked into a vault for only few Jedi to witness and learn."
"Hey, you there!" Someone exclaims in a sharp clipped tone, causing Vader to stare into the eyes of a Togruta all armored up. "Get away from my ship!"
"I don't believe I will," Vader replies. "This ship is of sentimental value."
"Look, fool, if you wish to avoid trouble," the Togruta threatens, his hands going down to two of his blasters, "you would leave. This ship is not for sale especially since I happened to borrow it from one of my friends who is not suited to be with us as of now. If you wish to avoid the same fate, you would leave."
"You would hand over the ship to me," Vader replies, tapping into the Force and applying a mind trick.
The Togruta appears reluctant for a moment, trying to put up resistance against the ringing within his head for a moment before replying in a robotic voice, "I will hand over the ship to you."
"You would forget that you have ever seen me," Vader says, knowing that Qui-Gon is frowning deeply behind his back at the intrusion he is utilizing the Force against another.
"This invasion of the Force," Qui-Gon whispers, "is wrong. You should not be using the Force in such an invasive manner."
The Togruta didn't appear to hear him, and if he has, he doesn't recall true to the Force prodding him in his mind.
"I will forget I have ever saw you."
It is with that that the Togruta runs off, leaving the three Force Wielders alone. Vader knows by the time he realizes what he has done, they would be long gone.
While Qui-Gon is correct that invading the will of another is immoral, back in his service under the Empire, Vader would have snapped his throat and just taken the shuttle with no questions asked. However, like all that have once been Anakin Skywalker, Darth Vader from that time is dead with a Vader who is broken from the war and from times as a Sith, attempting to find his path.
And the Skywalker of this timeline has not yet committed such a sin, thus leaving his conscience pure and innocent despite the danger he posed to the entire galaxy itself. Vader has witnessed the destruction of the galaxy caused by his iron fist, but Skywalker has yet to live that, and even so, when the Clone Wars begin, he would have to adapt to the ways of war.
Something which Vader shall train his younger self to do when the time comes.
"While I would be the first to admit you are correct," Vader finally replies, knowing that the Maverick is still very much of the Jedi Master who he had been for decades, "sometimes events are unavoidable and we would have to commit choices that even we would frown at on a later date. I won't lose sleep in what I have just done, for it is a deed that would only allow us to be successful and one that would have avoided an unnecessary conflict. Additionally, didn't you utilize the means of a mind trick on a Toydarian not that long ago?"
Qui-Gon considers the words for a moment, but Vader knows Qui-Gon shall understand someday.
"Now, Qui-Gon, it would be wise if you retrieve the boy, his mother, and the Threepio unit," Vader says, knowing that the former Jedi Master is still displeased about the misusing of the Force at least in his eyes, but he would soon learn a different view if Vader has anything to say about it as Qui-Gon severely lacks an understanding to the Force. "You can protect the child from the emotions on this planet with the shroud of light he always felt around you."
"Very well," Qui-Gon replies, turning and walking off to carry out his duties.
Both Vader and Obi-Wan are left alone with the former crossing his arms and closing his eyes, beginning to meditate, while the younger attempts to control the emotions boiling from within.
"This planet... the suffering of these people... it's horrible..." Obi-Wan speaks up to Vader after a moment, his cerulean eyes full of horror and shame as if he is responsible for something. "And the Jedi refuse to act among these poor people as if their title as peacekeepers of the galaxy doesn't involve them unless it is truly necessary."
"Yes, and that would be an issue that shall be amended shortly, young one," Vader responds, sharing Obi-Wan's distaste with the dark emotions boiling from this planet, an undeserved path for all. "Yet, what about you, Obi-Wan? When the time comes to break your vows from the code as you have previously done for the past few months, will you liberate yourself of their chains and perform the moral choice or continue to stand by and watch while people are assaulted in different mangers like the Jedi silently do from the shadows unless a Force Sensitive child is concerned?"
Obi-Wan's aura flares coldly, his response coming out, sounding poison and detached. "These people would not suffer no matter what. I was meant to protect people no matter who or what they are or where they came from. The Jedi are failing their own code and I will not make the same transgression."
"Easy now," Vader responds, sensing Obi-Wan's emotions swiftly falling out of control, especially a side-effect of the coldness that defines Nar Shaddaa. "Do not allow yourself to fall to the temptations and become an animal which only would confirm the suspicions of the Jedi about you. Control your temper before you lash out and go among the point of no return. Redemption is always possible but that does not mean you cannot become evil, especially for Force Users, if one does not control themselves."
Obi-Wan heeds the warning of Vader and closes his eyes, reaching for the light side but struggling so he does the second best thing. He reaches out to Vader's light, to pass off his compassion, fairness, and justice into his own, something which the Force User readily accepts without hesitation and allows the light side to press against his shields, soothing comfort and an anchor for him not to convert to the impulsive nature that has been born in him the moment he slain Darth Maul.
The two golden pairs of eyes slowly become blue, his face becomes calmer, and his emotions become under control. Vader once would have been astonished at the fact that Obi-Wan of all Jedi would lean onto him and break his vows, becoming less of the Jedi the Council wanted him to be, breaking their codes for his happiness and what he wanted.
First, Obi-Wan would have to be stable enough to reach into the darkness without losing control, and that means Vader would have to be at his side throughout it, along a far crueler path that would await both of them. To conquer the darkness, Obi-Wan would have to understand it and find a way to control it without a leading shoulder just like his younger self. Otherwise, Vader shudders at the thought of what may happen should he is ever dragged to a planet like Korriban. The remnants of the past Sith Empire have been exterminated decades ago, and the Sith that have once resided there have been all but destroyed, but what remains on that planet is nothing but decayed emotions of those of the past, meaning that should Obi-Wan ever encounter such a planet would result in a struggle with the darkness.
No, Vader would see to it that someone who he loves so much not becomes a decaying creature, relying on dark side trickery to learn the secrets of eternal life like Darth Nox. That is not the Force Adept he would allow Obi-Wan to become let alone a being with such darkness. He will allow him to become someone who understands the darkness and know of its abilities, but that does not mean he would allow Obi-Wan to become a creature that spats dark lectures and teachings.
"You are right," Obi-Wan replies, sighing and rubbing his hand against his forehead, thankful that Vader's compassion has overwhelmed those of the Jedi that were willing to abandon him in his time of need and practically refer to him as a disgrace to their ways. "I feel myself descending into darkness, but it is due to you that I am remaining stable as a person. You could morph me into a Sith but you are adamant in allowing me to become whatever I choose to be and not allow the darkness to torment me. Why?"
"I care about you: Skywalker, Qui-Gon, Shmi, and you. I would protect you-all of you. Loyalty and family are cultured within me, a part of who I am, and when push comes to shove, I shall protect you both no matter who gets in my way. It is who I am." Vader responds, knowing that this is the first time he has confessed he loved all of them despite how he would never publicly announce such a settlement.
Their conversation ends just in time, for Qui-Gon walks up with their company. Skywalker is the one at the front, appearing to be disoriented slightly by the presence of Nar Shaddaa but focusing on his connection with his family to ensure he doesn't fall by the temptations of the dark side on the planet.
"What a piece of junk!" Anakin exclaims, his voice coming out more of a squeak.
Vader is unable to help but feel amused. Why does it appear familiar?
"There are lacking qualities apart of the ship but improvement can still be made," Vader replies, managing to maintain calmness in his voice despite his younger self's reaction truly being quite hilarious. "At least we are in a better position than before if you can consider that a virtue. Don't deny true beauty for what it is."
By the glances shot to one another behind Vader's back, this antic of his has confirmed each of their suspicions that Vader must be the most insane person in the galaxy.
Anakin isn't sure where he is let alone his mother, Vader, Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan. He is searching desperately but he cannot detect them, their Force Signatures being like this making Anakin feel alone and wishing to find someone in the small band of the family he has grown to call them.
"Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, mom, Vader!" Anakin shouts out to the empty corridors, hoping that he can find someone. Last, of all, he hopes to find the last above all else as he always seemed to protect him with his presence alone despite his mother could do very much the same.
It isn't long before he notices something odd. Anakin sees men and women, dressed in different clothing of all types which he never recognizes. What is this? The white uniforms are working proficiency in their apparent duties by some standing in position or those involved in weapons/technology development. There are black uniform individuals who are carrying out their duties below obviously manning the torrents and the light grey uniforms are seemingly technicians.
A few months ago, Anakin had enjoyed the thought of being in space but being in this chilly atmosphere only leaves him full of dread. The cold, emotionless feelings that are across their face only reminds him of Tatooine, of the slavers who would cruelly witness the suffering of their slaves and care little about the torment of the others.
That is when the doors open, and a figure from Anakin's worse nightmare enters the chambers, his rapid breathing causing all to tense as they stand in attention, obviously wishing not to disappoint this dark figure. Not that Anakin can blame them, especially since this is one figure who he wouldn't wish to get on his bad side either.
The dark figure does not regard all but instead walks about the bridge without hesitation, seeming to absorb through Anakin for a brief moment, before standing at the viewport and staring out.
For moments, he just stands there, his breathing never halting for even a second. Whereas outwardly, he is devoid of emotion, inwardly there are emotions traversing from anger to fear to hate and it is almost addicting to the young man, causing him to feel something within him to reach. The lightsaber clipped to his belt confirms he is much more than just a superior officer of those on board if not something more, that or an advisor, which he cannot envision this dark figure to be.
"My Lord," one of the gray uniform individuals approaches behind the dark figure. "The troops at last just sent a progress report of the status of Naboo."
"Proceed at will." Although Anakin senses much of Vader's familiar and soothing signature within him, the voice only confirms what the Force has been ringing to him. Is it possible that this dark monstrosity is what to happen to his power mentor should Anakin prove to fail him?
How? Vader has always had a lit on his temper and kept his darkening emotions at bay, but Anakin can already tell that this is his mentor figure. It would not happen no matter what. Anakin would make sure Vader would remain human and not become this machine who is living under tubes and seemingly surviving under machines.
"Our troops has all but gained control with only 5% of the troopers receiving casualties," the gray uniform individual responds. "Queen Apailana has been eliminated per your orders by the 501st. However, there is still fighters present who is putting up resistance that are currently being wiped out."
Anakin wonders who this said 'Queen Apailana' is. While the child is still learning about other cultures from his mentor as well as proper education which has been lacking in Tatooine, he learned that Padmé would have eventually been replaced with another monarch but this also raises the question: is she again fighting for her planet and trying to free it from the monster his mentor has become or has she already become another fallen under the merciless grip of death?
He doesn't know which outcome is worse but he would rather not find out.
The dark figure appears to stiffen slightly.
"And the palace?"
"Compromised."
There is hesitation within the monster that has once been Anakin's father figure who is staring at the planet below. Or perhaps dark amusement at the prospect of claiming the planet. Whatever it is, Anakin knows that nothing shall change.
"Good," the dark figure responds, though there is no pleasure within those words.
"My Lord, there have been signs of Jedi leading these resistance movements and our troopers have managed to captured one." And just as that sentence is spoken, a Jedi is led in front in binders by two white armored men who stand at his back with their blasters pointed elsewhere the side though prepared to fire should the Jedi attempt to so much as move.
"So, you must be Darth Vader," the Jedi spats, glaring at the dark figure with all the defiance expected from him due to being trained as a Jedi for so many years but there is deep fear within his eyes.
Meanwhile, Anakin can feel hurt ripping at his chest. He knew it was Vader but that didn't make the pain evaporate. How could Vader have become such a machine who is lost, appearing to be reduced to an animal that he warned him countless times not to be?
"The planet would soon be under our control, Jedi. Any endeavors to deny is foolish, for we both know that my forces would wipe out any of those who opposes the Sith Empire." Vader responds.
"You would not get any answers from me," the Jedi growls, attempting to resist the sudden rush of the dark side flowing through him.
"Unfortunately for you, I have no use for you, Jedi."
And Vader raises his hand into the air, calling about the Force and focusing the full power of the dark side against the Jedi who grasps at his throat involuntarily, his face becoming blue the more he is elevated into the air. It isn't long before several cracks fill the air, his neck spinning into an unnatural position, and the Jedi is released onto the bridge with all aboard attempting to not stare at the dead body.
Vader simply stares at the dead body - both through the Force and with the eyes behind the visor - without any emotion before turning towards the uniformed individual:
"Prepare my shuttle."
And that is when Anakin wakes up, his hands resting on the side of his cheeks as he makes his way to the sink within his quarters that he has claimed as his own. The Millennium Falcon appears to have been fit enough to fit each of them in each of their chambers of their own, and that means he can do whatever he wishes to do within here but bigger than in his room back on Tatooine. There is freedom here.
Vader would never imprison him let alone cause him pain at least not unintentionally, but right now, it is almost as if he is on Tatooine as if he-he has a reason to be terrified of what Vader could do to him without effort.
As if he is a slave to Vader despite how he appears to be the only one who ever understands him.
That only fills him with shame.
Anakin breathes heavily, sweat coursing down his body and off of his forehead. He turns on the sink and begins to wet his face, the water wiping off the need for sweat and allowing him to physically feel better despite how mentally his mind is fractured at what he has just witnessed.
And Skywalker can feel the signature that suddenly brushes through him. For the first time, in the proximity of his mentor, he grimaces at the two pairs of eyes, the softness of his presence that is frequent around him especially when he is with Anakin.
"You had a vision," Vader says, as always straight-forward, something that inspires Anakin since his bravery to be blunt and dominant is attributes he craves to follow. But now, he wishes to be anywhere close to Vader because the monster is still flesh within his mind.
"What was that?" Anakin retorts. "I know it was a vision but it must be clearer than that. And something tells me that you know more than you are telling me."
"You are correct," Vader informs. "I do know more than what it appears, but it is cold comfort that you would eventually find the answers that the Force is challenging you through due time. For now, under my instructing of you, open up with me and I would guide you more and more until the answers you seek are discovered."
Anakin, although slightly hesitant, opens himself up with the Force and allows Vader's presence to nudge against his. For a brief moment, there is shock flickering from his presence, but as he continues on, there is apprehension and compassion, understanding. All these emotions confirm within his mind that Vader is not yet a monster and that overreacting is not right.
It makes him seem as ungrateful because who knows how much Vader has been willing to sacrifice just for him to accomplish the dream he has been longing for? Whereas the Jedi wished for him to be severed from his mother and make a sacrifice, his mentor did the precise opposite and allowed him to be both a Force User who can become someone outside of the Jedi and still harbor the attachment with his mother.
"I'm sorry," he says weakly.
Vader rubs his hands into Anakin's hair, knowing that his younger self is still fragile. "I would not become a monster, that I promise you, Nini."
Vader can keep a promise. He never failed him before and would never do so now.