Lady Vader was to make her appearance before the military at the Imperial Fleet's Remembrance Ball. At this point, it was closing in on a year at Lord Vader's side.
Remembrance is a week-long celebration of the active, retired, and deceased armed forces. Since the Empire was so young in those days, there wasn't much of the last two. A parade starts off the festivities with the Ball ending it. Most people have the week off from work or school, especially if you're a veteran. Families have meals honoring their loved ones. If that person is deceased, it is tradition to set a place at the table for them. Organizations, usually boot camps and those in basic training, will go out and tend to the final resting places of the deceased vets.
I made my last appearance as just Aniasis Brahe at the parade. The parade route was 8.9 kilometers long, snaking its way through the heart of Imperial City, featuring floats for each military branch and offsets such as Special Forces, The Medical and Nurses Corp, and the Reserve. The Imperial Military band led the parade. Even the secondary school bands throughout the galaxy and school Training Corps joined to provide music after the Imperial Band was out of hearing distance. In addition, there were flyovers and maneuvers. The parade can easily last two and a half hours.
Mother had been fretting about it for weeks. She always did anytime we were all together in public. Enceladus was conveniently away from home, saying she went to get her hair done before the parade.
"We all must be on our best behavior." She said, pacing. She had us all lined up in the living area to inspect before leaving. "Kenna, mind your consumption. Enoch, mind your pocketbook. Mira, no silly faces. Eri, no undoing your hair. Aniasis," She stopped before me and sighed, "Mind your sister." Her look was apologetic, saying it shouldn't have to be my job, but it was.
I always had to mind my sister.
Enceladus came in with half of her head shaved and the rest perfectly coifed to accentuate it. I could see the hidden smirk as she took off her jacket.
Mother gasped, "Enceladus Elara!"
"Uh oh, she used the middle name," Enoch muttered.
Enceladus just rolled her eyes.
"You look like an alien!"
"Pft, I do not," Enceladus replied casually, joining us in the lineup. She crossed her arms.
"I'm not particularly bothered by it," I replied, examining her partially bald scalp.
"Like lookin' in a mirror, huh? Feel how smooth it is." She wiggled her eyebrows and leaned in close.
"We will talk about this when we get back. But, for now," Mother said, trying to figure out a plan, "…try not to show it. I think I have a hat in the speeder." Mother said, her hand buried in her purse. She paused to apply a coat of lipstick in a nearby mirror.
"Our chariot awaits," Father said, opening the front door for us, and like a family of rabbits, we emerged into the bright sun and the speeder. Per tradition, we would watch the parade from Father's office building. His office had a spacious terrace that overlooked the start of the parade route.
Pre-parade traffic snarled us. Hovering there and not moving, I realized with Lord Vader, my already privileged life would become more so. We could have already made it to our destination with an escort.
Mother was buzzing with anxiety from being five minutes late as we arrived. We got out of the speeder, and suddenly, people near us started to cheer and shout Enceladus' name. For a moment, I thought she was about to be arrested.
People were already lining up for the parade. The security guards of Father's office building had cordoned off the entrance and stood waiting for us for our safety. That didn't stop Enceladus from posing for holos with fans of her art. A smolder on her face looked impossibly cool, a level I could never reach. I watched her and wondered if she truly cared about these people. She seemed genuinely invested in the small conversations she was able to have, learning their names and taking time with them. I never thought she cared. I wondered if maybe she wasn't as depraved as I thought.
Her art indeed was beautiful and worthy. She used any medium she could; paint, watercolors, papercraft, sculpture. Then, when she was sober, she would emerge from her studio, covered in her chosen medium of the moment and a look of satisfaction. She could capture the feeling of the best day of your life with carefully arranged colors and the hidden depths of agony with the harshest strokes.
She turned back to me with a small smile, looped her arm through mine, and we went into the building.
Father's staff had already set up the terrace for us with chairs and refreshments. We were a single building away from the grandstand. Police barricades and a large viewscreen blocked part of the street to prevent accidental traffic. The commentators were two morning show hosts. Mother and Kenna had been on several times to discuss the virtues of living an Imperial life and the importance of political servitude amongst the public. Stay-at-home mothers usually watched it.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the third annual Remembrance Parade! I'm your host Zarron Fontas, and I'm here with my co-host Halda Mitta. You can find us on Channel 8.36 on all your viewing devices for the latest news, weather, and sports every weekday from 6 AM to 9!"
"It's a lovely day in the Empire, Zarron, sunny and 23 degrees out with a nice breeze. It can't be a better day to gather and celebrate our active-duty soldiers and veterans! We at Channel 8.36 hope the weather is just as nice wherever you are in the galaxy!" It was common for the parade and other events to be streamed throughout the galaxy.
"That's right, Halda, those weather controllers are working overtime to keep us comfortable! But, before we get started, we have a special message from our glorious Emperor!"
Emperor Palpatine's grizzled face appeared on the screen. Further down and where the screen was no longer visible, mini-screens were in use. By then, he had taken to the black robe and hood but was still playing into the grandfatherly figure schtick. The public speculated that the new outfit was a sign of depression from the injuries sustained by his battle with Mace Windu.
"My beloved Empire. I must deeply apologize for my absence. My arthritis is acting up," He weakly showed his hands. "But I want every one of you to remember what this day is truly about, sacrifice. We must sacrifice for our new Empire. Imperial-made goods and products may cost more than others, but they support the underprivileged human that made them. Of course, I cannot forget the ultimate sacrifice," He put his hand over his heart, "I wish to truly thank those who have served and the families of our fallen heroes. Be safe during our Remembrance."
The message ended, and there was a pause in the festivities. Then, at the start of the parade route, the military band prepared to start. Snapping at attention, they were ready.
"Oh, it looks like we're starting! First, let us all stand for the Imperial Anthem."
We all stood.
A young woman dressed in an Imperial uniform stood in front of the band and began to sing Glory to the Empire, accompanied by the band. I loved the new uniforms. Whoever wore them always looked smart and put together. Even the portliest of an officer could still cut a fine figure in them.
Mother hushed Eri for fidgeting.
At the crescendo, fighters flew overhead with red and black colored ion trails. It was a beautiful rendition, and we all clapped. With that, the band began marching, and the parade started.
"To start our festivities, we have the Imperial Military band under the instruction of Johs Liamms." The hosts then went on to name several elite families in attendance in their private viewing places.
"And lastly, we have the Brahes'! A shining example of the Imperial way of life! Enoch Brahe has been Emperor Palpatine's Chief Financial Advisor for decades, with his son Enoch Jr. to follow! We all know Kenna Brahe for stirring political interest in our youths."
"Don't forget about Enceladus, Zarron. I have a sculpture or two of hers!"
The holocams zoomed in on us, and Father kissed Mother on the cheek, and we all smiled and waved. The crowd cheered.
"If I had known we'd be on the viewscreen, I would have had our hair and makeup done professionally," Mother grumbled. But, of course, they forgot me.
"We all look fine, dear," Father sighed.
"Next up, Zarron, we have the mayor of Imperial City, Trey Duna!" The mayor was sitting on the back of an open-topped speeder, waving to the crowd.
Private companies had floats to show their partnership and support of the armed forces, speeder manufacturers, shipping and mailing companies, banks, and brands. Each float or speeder usually had a music player, either playing official songs of the Empire or patriotic songs sung by famous musicians. No one played the Imperial March; that music set was only for Lord Vader.
AT-Ats towered over us, and AT-STs scurried about the streets. Eri covered her ears during flybys, her little face grimacing. I grinned when I saw Mira pull out earplugs for her and Eri for the next round.
"Look, Mom, puppies!" Mira exclaimed, pointing.
Next were the K9 units with their handlers. Dogs and other species known for their strong companionship to humans and their sense of smell were used in the war effort. They did everything from search and rescue to supporting veterans with post-traumatic disorder.
The parade stretched on and on. Eventually, I sat back and enjoyed the show.
"And to close out our parade ceremony is the Supreme Commander himself, Lord Darth Vader! We sleep well at night because of him, folks."
I sat up, certainly not expecting him to be involved. However, I was learning he loved attention on his terms. The heavy notes of the Imperial March began to play, signaling his approach.
"That right, Halda. I'd hate to see the state of the galaxy without him around! So, let's all give our Supreme Commander a round of applause!"
The crowd dutifully obeyed, likely too afraid not to. I clapped and cheered as loudly as I could. He even noticed me when he walked by, addressing me with the slightest of nods. Lord Vader did not acknowledge the audience in any way.
We all sat down to dinner when we returned home. Mira and Eri gushed about their favorite parts of the parade.
"So, have you seen his lightsaber yet?" Enceladus asked.
Mother choked on her wine.
Father looked like he wished to be anywhere else.
Kenna was fuming.
Enoch was trying to hold back a laugh.
My face burned.
"Well, have you?" Mira asked, genuinely curious, not understanding what she meant.
"No. I haven't." I said, trying to hide Enceladus' innuendo from the innocent ears of her and Eri.
"Really? Haven't you tested it out yet? See if it fits?" Enceladus urged, wiggling suggestively in her chair.
"Enceladus, have you taken your medication?" Mother asked.
"Why do you always think I need my pills? It was a joke."
"Because I know how my daughter should act. You aren't this crude person! I taught you manners!"
"It. Was. A. Joke."
"Well, I didn't find it very funny. It appears Lord Vader was injured in the line of duty. But, of course, it's not polite to make fun of any," Mother searched for the nicest word, "impairments he might have."
I put my elbows on the table (a big no-no in our house) and covered my face. "Oh my god…." I muttered.
"Let's play the quiet game!" Father announced, "Whoever speaks first loses!"
Thankfully, we lapsed into our usual silence.
After dinner, I received a recorded transmission from Vaneé. I must have missed it during dinner.
"Miss Aniasis, Lord Vader would like to extend an invitation to the Remembrance Military Ball this weekend. Please wear the dress and jewels he provided."
It was to be my unveiling and my final test. Lord Vader wanted to see if I could look and play the part of Lady Vader.
My family and I spent the night outside, watching legal and not-so-legal fireworks displayed by the city and our neighbors. Law enforcement was usually good-natured enough to look the other way if the civilians were careful.
Enoch and Eri raided a nearby grocer for snacks; chips and candy, the sweet, the salty, and the savory. Mother made everyone's favorite dessert, an ice cream dish with fruits and just the right herbs. It was the only time she was ever in the kitchen. One bite, and everyone was in a good mood again.
We giggled as we used sparklers as magic wands, wrote our names in the sparks, told nearly decades-old inside jokes, and embraced a moment of peace with each other. Mira and Eri choreographed little dances like Enceladus, and I used to in the glittering lights. It was a moment in time when we were okay. Mother ate, and Father genuinely doted on Mother. Kenna and Enceladus were sober, and Enoch wasn't placing bets. I went to bed almost not wanting to wash the smell of smoke from my skin.
In the morning, my training started. Mother and ET-EKT spent the entire time quizzing me on essential names and ensuring my etiquette was on par for the Ball. She even heavily monitored my diet to ensure I didn't gain an ounce. When the night came, I slipped on my new dress like I was putting on armor. While Mother usually went for more understated and delicate makeup for my sisters and me, she let Enceladus take control, understanding that we had some room for the dramatic.
I was one of her works in progress. She focused on my skin as her palette was so close to my face. She even got into my lap to perfect my eye makeup, holding my head still in her free hand.
"Ence, that lipstick is almost black."
"So? Look. You're dating Darth Vader." She looked me in the eyes, "You have to look the part and act the part. If there was ever a time to be a bitch, it's now. You are hot shit; everyone is a maggot under your shoe. Hold that schnoz of a nose we all have as high as it can go."
I nodded and rolled my shoulders.
"Here, wear these," she said, handing me a pair of shoes. They were a pair of low heel boots that came to my knees.
I put on all my earrings, and Enceladus wrapped the choker around my neck. I inhaled slightly at the feel and brought a hand to my neck. It was like someone was putting the slightest pressure on my trachea. Not enough to cause any discomfort, but enough to notice.
I slipped on the boots and stood up. I looked in the mirror and was stunned at what I saw. My dark clothes and makeup contrasted with my skin mysteriously; my blue eyes were doubly noticeable against my dark eyeshadow.
Enceladus quickly painted my nails a blood-red and pushed me to the dryer. I was still frantically blowing on my nails as I hurried down the hall to Lord Vader's speeder. I noticed something else different about myself, this Lady Vader. I made noise with every step, the sound of jewels clicking together and the clomp of my boots.
The Imperial Ball was at the Imperial Palace. We did not have a formal introduction, going in from the back and emerging on the dais in the ballroom. Lord Vader nor the Emperor needed an introduction.
There was still fanfare, however. Lord Vader and I entered to the swell of the Imperial March and stood next to Emperor Palpatine's empty throne. Then, he emerged, hobbling on a new cane. I hurried to his side to help him to his seat. He smiled and nodded at me but muttered to only me, "You're good at this."
I was beginning to wonder if everything about Palpatine was an act. Aniasis Brahe genuinely believed him and wanted to help. Lady Vader saw through it and tried to show him and Lord Vader that she could play along.
I returned to my space next to Lord Vader, and he was pleased. I would later learn that this was when he felt it appropriate to have access to my mind.
I quickly learned that I was a supporting role in this situation. Usually, I would participate in the festivities, the eating, the dancing, but Lord Vader did none of those things, so neither would I. I stood beside Lord Vader, standing beside Emperor Palpatine, dutifully. I was still happy. I held my head high and tried to melt into my new persona.
The ballroom brimmed with Imperial flags and banners represented by each military branch. The soldiers were in their dress blues were polished to perfection, their dates in gowns and robes. But, of course, pro-military politicians had invitations as well.
I watched from the dais as the receiving line commenced, meeting each other, making connections, and then a cocktail hour.
Eventually, a woman in an olive-green dress came up to me. "Hi, I'm Suna Madish, head of Public Relations for the Emperor's Council. I wanted to introduce myself before tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" I asked, almost panicking. I stepped out of earshot from the men, though I was never indeed.
"Has no one told you? Tomorrow night, you're throwing the first pitch at the Army vs. Navy grav-ball game." She explained.
I was a bit relieved. It didn't sound like much, but something neither of them would be caught dead doing, "So, I do the press the Emperor and Lord Vader don't want to do."
She smiled, "It seems like it. Though between you and me, I don't think the Emperor is spry enough to do so, and Lord Vader could accidentally kill someone with his pitch!" She laughed heartily.
Suna and I would become fast friends I cherished for the rest of my life. She was one of my first and few friends. Then, of course, I had them, but they were never true friendships, just surface-level for the sake of a connection or entertainment.
When Lord Vader had enough with the party, he took my arm and led me outside.
"They did not mention you during the parade." Lord Vader stated.
I smiled witheringly. "It happens. My mother forgets my name sometimes." We stopped on the veranda overlooking the Imperial Gardens.
"It won't happen again." Lord Vader said. I noticed Vaneé standing off to the side, and he strode up to us. He handed Lord Vader a ring box.
Lord Vader slipped a ring on my finger. "You may commence with the wedding planning."
