The next day a call came in for Darth Vader. When he switched on his, holoprojector, Vader saw Emperor Palpatine's image come up on it.
"Yes, my master? What do you want?" asked Vader.
"Ah, Lord Vader, I want you to come to Imperial Center immediately. Oh, and bring along your new lady friend."
"What are you talking about, master?"
"Don't play dumb, Lord Vader. When you didn't call me a few days ago, I knew something was up. I called a crewman on your ship and he told me that a beautiful lady in a strange dress and an odd hairstyle had been seen with you. Bring her along, whoever she is. I would very much like to meet her."
"Understood. I'll be there in 3 days."
"Good, see that you're here."
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In the brig, the Goddesses' cell was suddenly filled with Stormtroopers, at least 2 dozen of them. They pointed their blasters at all three of the Goddesses.
The Stormtrooper captain said to Belldandy, "Get a move on. Lord Vader wants to see you, right now."
"No, I won't unless you let my sisters come with me."
The Stormtroopers looked at each other. "Why do they always want to do this the hard way?" one of the asked. At this, five Stormtroopers grabbed Belldandy while the others pointed their weapons at Urd and Skuld to ensure Belldandy's cooperation. She did not put up a struggle, because she was afraid for her sisters' lives.
Skuld yelled at them, "Put my big sister down and let us go, or else!"
"Ha!" laughed the Stormtrooper captain, "Or else what, little girl?"
"How dare you call me a little girl!" screamed Skuld.
"Skuld, please calm down," said Belldandy, "I don't want to see you two tortured again, so I'll go willingly."
A pair of Stormtroopers led Belldandy out of the brig, leaving behind an enraged Skuld and a quietly worrying Urd.
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Belldandy was led to Darth Vader's meditation chamber and then the two Stormtroopers left. Darth Vader turned to face her.
"It seems we have a problem," Vader said, "The Emperor wants me to come back to Imperial Center, and to bring you with me."
"How does he know about me?" asked Belldandy.
"A crewmember reported you to him. He asked after I didn't call him when I was supposed to. Incidentally, I called you by mistake while trying to call him. The problem is, if he finds out your true nature, there will be bad consequences for both of us."
"What will he do?"
"He will probably torture you and your sisters for information, and then kill you all. I will probably be killed as well."
Belldandy was horrorstruck at the thought of all this.
"What can we do?" she asked, "If he asks me what I am, I cannot lie."
"No, but I can. If he asks that, I will answer and you will be silent. The same goes for any questions that might lead him to find out that you are a goddess."
"Why don't you just make your wish before we arrive? Then I will be gone and that will not be necessary."
"I won't because he would think I was hiding you, and I would suffer for it. No, no, you will accompany me to Imperial center to meet with the Emperor, just as he requested."
"And what if I don't want to?"
"You have no choice. Or would you rather my other torture droids have a go at your sisters?"
"Alright, you win. I'll do whatever it takes to keep them safe."
"I thought as much."
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Three days later, Vader's Super Star Destroyer arrived at Imperial Center. His shuttle exited the massive warship and descended to the planet, landing on a platform set up for it.
As the shuttle's bottom opened to allow its passengers to exit, the Emperor's red-armored royal guards walked up. The Emperor himself soon followed, meeting Darth Vader and Belldandy at the bottom of the shuttle's ramp. He took a good look at Belldandy, committing her appearance to memory as he sensed she had a mysterious power about her.
"I wonder where Lord Vader found a woman like this?" thought Palpatine.
Darth Vader said, "It's good to see you, my master."
"Like I believe that for a nanosecond," thought the Emperor. Out loud, he said, "The feeling is mutual, Lord Vader. Come, come. We must get off of this ramp and into somewhere nice and relaxing. Then, after you two have had refreshments, if you want them, I wish to learn about this lady here."
The three went to the Imperial Palace. In Palpatine's guest chamber, they all sat down. There was some food and drink on the table. Belldandy and Palpatine ate some of it, but it was mostly untouched by Vader.
Palpatine ended their silence, "Now then, are you feeling better?"
"Yes," said Vader
"Yes, thank you," said Belldandy cheerfully. She was a little puzzled, despite her calm tone. This Emperor Palpatine did not seem at all the way Vader described. He seemed very nice. How woefully ignorant she was.
Palpatine faked a warm smile. "Ah, such good manners. Tell me miss, what is your name?"
"Belldandy," said Belldandy.
"Where are you from?"
"She is from Naboo," said Vader quickly.
The Emperor looked annoyed. "I think she can answer that for herself, Lord Vader. Now then, my dear, if you'll kindly tell me where you are from."
"Oh no!" Belldandy thought, "I cannot lie under any circumstances, so what do I tell him?!!!"
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