Chapter 13
Location: Galactic Confederation Base 1, Alderaan
Day 21 Month 1 14 BBY
( Padme's POV)
Obi-wan had escorted me back to the base. I hadn't spoken a single word to him as I had contemplated my next steps. The rebels think I was murdered and once the news reaches my father, war can break out, but on the other hand- I am free to live my life- free of Darth Vader. The weight on my shoulders has been lifted in ways I cannot comprehend. Once he discovers of my friend's death, I will be free- truly free to be anyone and go anywhere I want.
Is it worth the cost? I gulp down the little bit of shakt-steak left on my plate. My appetite hasn't been the same since I came back from the morgue. I've seen dead bodies before, yet each time it is someone close to me, their images cannot leave my mind. Rush and now Corde'- both had been risking everything for the rebellion or my life.
Am I supposed to ignore their sacrifices and go on with my life? I have always had protection surrounding my life- people have died because of me and I cannot sit back and watch others die because they think I'm dead and gone. If my father starts another war with the Galactic Confederation- more men will die for their cause- including Ferus-Obi-wan or even Anakin.
My heart sinks, knowing I could lose those newfound friends around me. I will not take that chance. I have to clear the air and stop Anakin from investigating my so called death.
My eyes peer up from my evening meal and scan for any sign of my Commander. Ferus' gaze is upon me and he questions, " If you're looking for Commander Skywalker, I haven't seen him."
My eyes scan the chow hall and all the men laughing and chatting about their training from earlier in the day. No sign of Anakin can be found. I don't see Obi-wan either.
I murmur without turning to Ferus, "We have a study session tonight. I need to find him."
He nods and I stand to my feet to prepare to search the entire base for Anakin. I need to find him and explain the truth…..
Location: Galactic Confederation base 1, Alderaan
Day 21 Month 1 14 BBY
( Anakin's POV)
I reach my quarters and my rage cannot be withheld any longer. I growl under my breath and the sofa in my quarters is struck via force lighting. My fury surrounds me- engulfing my thoughts and I observe my handy work. The plush stuffing flies into the air as my force lightening continues to bash my sofa. I allow the force to engulf my rage and several holodiscs and datapads from the counter shatter.
My heart pounds in my chest as I release my anger. I breathe in the thickness of the room and my hands shake. I peer down at my robotic hand and my humanoid hand. I needed to kill someone- anyone- to consume their being and watch the light die from their eyes.
I sense a presence enter my quarters and without thinking- I use the force to lift them up and send them flying into the nearest wall. Instinctively, my right hand lifts and I use the force to begin my usual force choke. It is my signature move as Vader. My hand has taken more lives this way, then my light-saber.
My eyes peer into the pitiful creature that is gagging under the pressure of their neck enclosing around them. My eyes peer into brown ones- familiar brown ones. Her eyes are widen and in between her gurgles she stammers out, " Anak-in stop-"
I can sense the person's fear and dread. I close my eyes as I can feel his fear- of me and the dreadful idea of death. I needed this being to die at my hands- to release my rage of her murder.
Amidala is dead: dead at the hands of some rebel. It is her fault- she chose to leave me. She chose the rebellion over me.
Wait- she didn't chose the rebels over me… No- I am angry because my pawn is gone. Her death had been useless and pointless. Once the Emperor hears of her demise, he'll desire my head. He had been very clear of his plans of her. She was to bear children to continue his bloodline and power, so that the Empire wouldn't die with him. That purpose can no longer be served, she wouldn't have gave herself willingly to me anyway. She meant nothing to me- just a pawn in my game of chess. I have other plans- I don't need her any longer. I can figure out another way to keep her death hidden from the Emperor- I will.
She meant nothing to me.
My force choke has tightened around the man that would die underneath my grasp. My head is clouded over from my haze.
" Anakin-please-"
This time the pleading is softer than before. The voice of a boy has lightened in tone- almost familiar- a voice from my past. My eyes dart up to the boy's fearful eyes. Those brown eyes- and its as if reality has snapped the truth back into me.
I drop my force choke on the person in front of me. The brown eyes stay placed on me as the body slides down the wall. My racing heart continues to pound in my ears as the name of the person in front of me falls upon my lips- and spills from them. " Padme?"
To Be Continued….