Hello again! I have been on a writing splurge today, so I already have another update today! Now I cannot thank robot-keayleuu enough! Their continued support and encouragement has meant the WORLD to me! They have kept me from giving up!

(and as for Starkiller, keayleuu, I'll see what I can do! ;D)

As usual, let me know what you think! What do you want to see more/less of? Any particular scenes you just gotta see take place? Review and let me know!

Chapter 3

Are you kidding me?

That was my only thought as I stared from the cockpit of my TIE Advanced in frustration. The Rebels had managed not only to break through our barricade, but left heavy damage on my aging flagship Devastator, in their wake.

Now, with only three of her five sublight engines working, and a great smoking crater where the main hangar bay used to be, I couldn't help but be grateful for the speedy construction of my newest project. One that will surely handle these Rebels like a Nexu would devour a sniveling womprat.

"Milord," The thin voice of Captain Piett routed through my built in comlink, "I regret to inform you, that along with the destruction of the hangar bay and engine damage, we have also taken damage to our hyperdrive. It appears we can get no farther than the edge of the Kuat System before it completely blows, you may want to go ahead before us to make it on schedule.. That is, if you haven't taken substantial damage yourself Milord."

"That is fine Captain, I will send a ship to the edge of the system to await your arrival once I make it to the Drive Yards."

"Many thanks Milord, we look forward to returning planet side for repairs."

As do I Piett, as do I...

"I am now setting course for Kuat," I remark, my hands flashing across the control panel in front of me, "I will see you in a few days Captain, Vader out."

Whoever said space travel is boring obviously hasn't flown a ship.

Idly, I stared out at the soothing swirl of hyperspace, it's always had that effect on me I suppose...

Then again... I have been rather mild lately...

Thinking back on the past week or so, I realized just how much learning of my young son's survival has affected me. True anger has slipped away from me, no longer my constant companion. Replacing it is mere annoyance or frustration most of the time... Even with this humiliating defeat from the Rebels I did not feel the burning hatred and anger I usually do.

What is wrong with me? Exhausted from the battle, I slump in my pilot's seat, the crash webbing snagging slightly on the edges of my control panel.

Nothing Anakin.

"Gah!" I jerk up as much as the webbing and armor allow in the small cockpit, there are not supposed to be voices in here!

Suddenly, I am met with a ghostly echo of a child's laughter before an all too familiar small form materializes onto my lap.

"You."

"Yes me," the youth replied, "but I am you as well... I am your past, and future if you'd let me..."

"What do you mean?"

Playfully, my doppleganger rolled his eyes, "Don't you see Anakin? You're already changing! Soon enough we will be one and the same again! You are closer to the Light than ever before!"

Before I could even fully register just what he meant, my youthful mirage disappeared, once again leaving me alone as the Drive Yards warped into view before me.