XXII
Vader returned to Coruscant to relay the news of the Amidala's Cult unfortunate demise. As he stalked the halls of the Imperial Palace he could not shake the smallest trace of fear that had begun to manifest itself in the back of his mind. The Captain's cruel taunts and accusations echoed in his memory as he found himself trying, in vain, to push back the memories of Padmé as she lay crumpled and dying on the platform.
"I sense much turmoil in you, Vader," the Emperor's harsh baritone shook Vader from his reverie. "I am sorry, my master. The disturbance weighs heavy on my mind." Vader bowed before his master. "You are plagued by visions of your wife. The Senator is dead Lord Vader, you killed her. Your hate, your jealousy that is what brought her death. You'd do best to remember your place as my apprentice. Forget Padmé, remember your mission to bring peace and stability to the galaxy." The Emperor stalked slowly forward, eyes narrowing as he approached. "Yes, my master." Vader knelt before the Emperor as the old man laid his hand on Vader's shoulder. "Return to the Death Star and make sure there are no more delays. That is your sole mission. Leave the investigations to the Inquisitors and trouble yourself with it no longer," the Emperor lifted his hands and motioned for Vader to rise. "It will be done, my master." And with that, Vader returned to his ship and prepared for the journey back to the Death Star, far from the memory of his fallen wife.