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Liliumconvallium - Maybe...you have to keep reading. Muahahaha! Maestro is such a cute little thing to write about. He's like a talking cat that serves as an ipod. I wish my little I-Robot floor cleaner would develop some skills. *Glares angrily down at it.* And yes how would you feel if someone that knew every last thing you did and were doing could turn on you at anytime. You'd want to get rid of them too after awhile. Especially if you didn't know if they could be trusted. To answer your other statement we as people do a lot of things when no one is looking. Why should Vader be any different? And He's still a human after all. XoXo

AViewerLikeMe - Yes, that is the one thing I did not like about Star Wars. Like there is no accountability from anyone! Everyone played a role in his descent including himself because he's an adult and can make his own choices. However, he was getting shit from all kinds of ways. Even those that sat on the sidelines and watched him spiral out of control played a part. And as for the ROOM-Read this chapter lol. It will ALL make sense. I promise.

Thank you for the additional Follows and Favs.

LArunner

AViewerLikeMe

mbshadow

Chapter 6: Valuables

An alarm sung in her ear blaring loudly for her to hear; waking her up none too gently. Kleio rolled to her side gradually chasing the last few remnants of sleep. However, Maestro's audio was too obnoxious to ignore. Her eyes opened and she looked around the room before a gentle smile came to her lips. Boxed in the view of her clear window was a view she prayed to see for a long time since she became a slave. Her heart beat increased to see a blue planet rotate in the distance with rings circulating about its gaseous sphere. Another planet say far behind it. She sat up slowly knowing very well where they were. Her feet pushed the soft silky red covers from her skin and her feet touched the cool floor of the ship. Excitement bubbled inside of her and immediately she got up to rush to the glass. Her fingers touched it to try and her eyes tried to see all the celestial bodies about their new destination.

"We're here!" she squealed excitedly bouncing on the tops of her toes. Her mind had categorized every star and planet to guide her way home and it was without a doubt in her mind that they were in the Rim. Her reflection shined in the glass and she could see her hair change into a curtain of shimmery pinks and purples with blue tips. They had been traveling leisurely with her regular meetings with Vader being scheduled in the early mornings like what was to happen today.

Immediately she went to her heavy trunk and pulled out a dress she had been saving for ages to wear should she find a ray of happiness in her bleak existence. She held the yellow dress close to her body and spun around in excitement. Maestro flew down having turned off the alarm and played Dmitri Shostakovich's The Second Waltz, very pleased with her serotonin levels. He flew around her as she excitedly hummed along with him. "Finally Maestro!"

The little droid flashed many colors and played the song louder with great enthusiasm. Kleio spun herself right into the bathroom and quickly began to get herself in order. A small margin of time passed and the song had ended before she came out dressed in the long flowy yellow gown with her hair styled in an intricate bun shaped fashion on top of her head. She looked at herself in the mirror with a smile feeling odd to be dressed so brilliantly but surrounded by so much darkness in the ship. Shrugging her shoulders, she quickly grabbed Vader's chronicle and her writing utensils. Carefully she slipped her feet into white slippers with multicolored crystals all over the patchwork. She looked around the room to see if she was missing anything. Maestro came following after her and she smiled shaking her head.

"No my love. You must stay." She soothed hearing him beep in acknowledgement. "But I will return quickly." And with that said she turned to exit her new quarters leaving behind Maestro to do as he pleased.

Vader sat in his chair looking over accounts and reading up on a few reports regarding the Empire. His mind was content and everything was as it should be. The cold hair blew heavily in the room keeping his skin from overheating in his cage. His hair stuck to his forehead bothering him a bit and the desire to return to his room to be free of his confinement taunted him. The giant glass window reflected Naboo in the distance giving Vader much food for thought. The Emperor had not reached out to him but had sent many messages of acts to take and things to oversee. His gloved fingers touched the touch screen device no longer paying attention but thinking of his own agenda. Naboo was in sight and he had things to check up on there. The planet was slowly rolling into turmoil and would attract his master's attention. This was most unfavorable as they were a planet with many resources; resources that he would need for his own devices when the time came for him to strike back. If his master got a hold of the planet before he could strike fear and take it under his nose as his own then he would be at a disadvantage. He would have no base of operations. Naboo was a perfect place to hide in plain sight. He needed to make sure Palpatine stayed blind during this trip. And to do this, he needed Kleio.

Vader's fist tightened upon the pad nearly cracking it in anger. He did not like having someone tale him everywhere he went. Especially, one who could see everything and even report it to Palpatine. To have someone he couldn't control in his space yet was as breakable as a blade of grass drew him into madness when thought of. Vader looked at the door feeling her presence draw closer. Her mood was jovial no doubt because of his oblige to their pact. Her power was indeed great despite her soft exterior. This was her only saving grace.

But she was very dangerous. To have someone who held knowledge of not just Palpatine but of himself was nauseating. And if she was captured or decided to succumb to ignorance and seek to blackmail him again, she would be killed regardless of consequences. But she served a great purpose to him for now. And so he would feed into her fantasies and just as his master did to him. He would show her what she wanted to see in exchange for her loyalty and her power. But, the woman was weak. Vader's dark energy filled the room like an invisible fog with the turn of his dark thoughts.

When he walked into his library to find her so vulnerable lying on the floor like lamb to be slaughtered it infuriated him. The feeling was that of like leaving his ship void of protection in front of a Tusken Raider village. She truly had no sense of self-preservation other than the gift she carried. The room she had now was a safety measure for her as a valuable that belonged in his arsenal. She was now placed nearby where he could reach her before any intruder could. Or if Palpatine came onboard to search for her, he would reach her before Palpatine did to ensure she stayed loyal to his cause. Where she previously was roomed was asinine. If the enemy boarded his ship, she would have been one of the first rooms to breech thus vulnerable and easily slaughtered. The man that placed her there would be dealt with severely later. Vader breathed in heavily hearing the sound of the machine that helped pump his lungs along with the power of the dark side. His thoughts linger on Kleio a bit longer as she approached when a thought most devious struck him. Underneath his mask lay a smirk of a plot brewing.

"Maybe the dark side is in need of one more."

She walked passing by many soldiers and storm troopers confused as to her demeanor. Their stares weren't hidden and their annoyances of her apparel didn't go unnoticed as well. She smirked finding it odd that something as a bright color could upset others whose senses were constantly focusing on shades of greys, whites, and blacks. She walked with her head held high actually excited for once to see the Dark Lord himself. Her mind wondered if he would find her attire equally distasteful and demanded she change. She giggled at the thought and decided she would take great joy to have caused him such discomfort with her bright colors and disposition. She came to the meeting room and watched the doors slide open upon her arrival. Immediately, she waltzed in and bowed lowly to Darth Vader who sat as always waiting for her arrival.

Darth Vader stared at her choice of attire. He hadn't seen something so bright since he passed out from falling in the lava pits of hell. He could feel her joy and happiness contrasting greatly to the mood of the ship. She radiated such warmth like a personal star that floated around his domain clearly pleased that morning. He watched her rise from her position to move towards the table and begin her usual routine. Her dress flowed behind her elegantly and moved like lilies blowing in a soft wind. A gentle smile fell on her lips that contrasted against her normal stoic facade he had grown accustomed to. His eyes narrowed from irritation behind his black mask.

"You are…pleased." He stated uncomfortably at her glowing radiance.

She nodded and moved to sit down in her chair preparing for another session. "I have much to be happy for." His dark energy filled the room as always but it did not crush her spirits that morning.

Vader crossed his arms over his chest nodding his head in approval of her statement. Yes, she should be on her knees kissing the ground he walked on for agreeing to their little "bargain." As well as the luck she had at surviving so long under the rule of the Empire. She opened his book and quickly went to the spot they last left off. "We will be departing for Naboo shortly. Today will be a simple debrief for I have much to do upon our arrival." He informed.

Kleio nodded her head in understanding. "Yes, I am aware." She said a bit solemnly feeling her mood drop a bit after reading between the lines. "The Emperor wishes for you to do a thorough sweep of Naboo to ensure its allegiance with the Republic. He is aware of the turmoil that he wishes to use for his gain."

Vader nodded and stood to walk towards the window. His steel armor sat heavy on his body as he gazed out to look at the planet resting far in the distance. "And you will come with me thus meeting the Emperor's request. All is in order."

"And what of your other plans?" She asked boldly watching as he turned to look at her. She could feel the heat of his glare dig holes into her eyes despite the mask being in the way. "I would be very careful. We both know Palpatine is somewhere weak but not ignorant. You need to cover everything you do to avoid Palpatine's suspicion of you. I'm just asking for this reason."

She watched him begin his usual behavior of standing still as a statue apparently deep in thought. Kleio waited patiently before opening his book and writing a few things inside regarding his planned trip to Naboo to do the will of the Empire. "We must create a cover as to why you aren't with me when I go to certain destinations should he decide to check in." He stated bawling his leather gloved fist tightly.

Kleio nodded in agreement. "To be rid of his suspicion, I will accompany you on specific missions. However as a cover we could simply use the risk of danger to my person being too high and that I would hinder your performance by being a liability thus taking away your focus. This should suffice."

Vader nodded in agreement already feeling that this was true. So there was no lie in the statement. She finished writing down a few things before she shut his black book up tightly and very carefully put away her pen. He watched her stand and gather her things, clearly enjoying her garment. He watched the yellow material move along the floor and shake from just the slightest movement. "A simple dress causes you so much joy." He stated questioning her good sense.

She blushed a bit before standing straighter. She looked at him unashamed of her behavior or her dress. "It does. Lord Vader, I would have never been able to wear such lovely colored gowns such as this before." She stated pulling gently at the material. "The last time I wore this dress is nothing but a distant memory to me now. Besides, it isn't wise for me to dress in this fashion around the Emperor. Palpatine does not hide his…desires. I wish to not tempt him and draw his attention in such an unwanted way. I imagine you have heard of his ways with women? I'm very lucky indeed. And I feel despite your ability to kill me at any moment, you will not force yourself upon me in such a way." She spoke shuttering at the horrible scenes she had to endure when the Emperor was having his pickings of concubines. Even they were written in a book noting each of their stories for Palpatine's own sick amusement.

Vader stood still in silence deciding what to make of her distress. Palpatine did many things that were horrendous by many standards. However, Vader always made sure to make it known that he was far more devilish then his master. His ways with women weren't something that crossed his mind. He preferred a bloody gruesome death to all his foes and those that stood in his way. The idea of using a woman's body in such a way didn't entice him at all. So much rage and anger consumed him that it became all who he was. His pleasure came from revenge not from bodily attentions and forced ones at that. Also to preserve his appearance he had withdrawn from the courtesies of women completely. He watched her hold her shoulders securely clearly thinking of something that brought displeasure to her.

"He has tried with you?"

Kleio looked away a bit embarrassingly. "He has made it known he would. But he knows I will lose my gift if forced and violated. He forced himself on another muse sister." Her voice was thick and filled with anguish. "He thought to have himself the best harem ever. The famed muses all bearing gifts to be used for his sexual pleasures and their bodies to carry his seed. In front of us all he violated my muse sister Melpomene. She died immediately from the violation and burst into fire. He got burned immediately and yelled in pain despising us all." She spat. "He never tried after that because we all claimed to do the same thing if he was to violate us. However, Melpomene's actions were that of suicide but we managed to hide this fact from him well. He ordered us killed but paused when he learned of my skills. We were all split up and I haven't heard about them sense. But I have seen the atrocities he has done onto women." She stated clutching her fists tightly.

Vader felt her rage and it intrigued him. It was passionate and burned brightly. Oddly enough the fire began to change and her aura calmed. Like the wind it faded away as quickly as it came. Sorrow came and then contentment. He found her alarming purple eyes had fallen onto him. She had collected her things and bowed to him clearly ready to leave. He waved his hand using the force to open the doors hearing it hiss. "Report to the hanger in one hour. We depart for Naboo." He watched her upright herself. Her spirit lifted and once again her aura brightened. Very quickly, she walked out practically rushing to get back to her room.

Kleio stood in the docking room looking out into the hanger as men and storm troopers prepared for their departure. Maestro rested in her arms tightly for the journey back to her home planet. Her bag had already been taken and placed onto their small carrier craft that would take them to Naboo. Her stomach tumbled with anticipation of finally going home and being away from her oppressor. She watched as the craft was being prepared and resources were being loaded. The ship was small clearly meant for only two people to travel unlike his other vessels that she had seen. Heavy footsteps could be heard and deep breaths taken echoed the halls. She waited patiently hearing the sounds grow louder until they were next to her. Her eyes turned to watch Vader pass her and out into the hanger. The doors opened and she followed not needing to be told to do so. They walked on the ramp as everyone scurried around them frantically putting more effort and speed into their assignments.

She walked up to the craft where the door was opened. A man came to her and offered her his hand. She took it carefully and allowed herself to be escorted safely into the craft. She stepped inside and immediately sat in her leather black seat while looking at the many colors and buttons on the panel. A screen of their ship with information reflected on one side and a perimeter scanner sat on the other blinking. She quickly leaned back and secured the safety straps across her chest. Vader soon stepped up into the craft and the doors were closed sealing them inside.

Her heart hammered loudly as the siren went off warning of their departure. Everyone cleared the area moving back into the safety of the ship. She watched as Vader turned on the operating system and began preparing it for launch. Once it was clear, the engine roared to life loudly in her ears. She leaned back in her seat looking out the window in front of them. The doors to the hanger opened introducing the Rim to their senses. She clutched Maestro tightly to her while looking excitedly out into space. The ship moved slowly forward until she could feel the power in their ship through her seat. Vader communicated something before he grabbed the controls and they were thrusted out into the galaxy. She held her breath feeling their movement of flight watching as they passed the big blue planet and sped towards the tiny gem awaiting her arrival. She leaned forward a bit to look out of the window at everything enjoying the journey and excited to see even the tiniest meteor that floated by them.

Vader held onto the controls watching out for signs of danger while avoiding particles that could possibly harm their craft. A positive aura hummed beside him and he turned slightly to catch her awed expression as she watched the universe around her like a child seeing space for the first time. Her yellow dress was a like a beacon to be shot at by aggressors. He found it to be too bright for his liking. He shook his head finding her behavior troublesome and focused on getting them to Naboo.

Soon they found themselves entering into the atmosphere of Naboo. Their ship was surrounded by flames as they broke through the thermosphere of the planet. Their ship rocked uncomfortably and Kleio held onto her seat not liking this particular part as it always scared her a bit. The sky was blue and at each drop in altitude the color began to lighten. Gravity pulled upon them and soon they found themselves in the skies of Naboo flying over a crystal sparkling blue ocean shining brightly from a star. She looked outward with a happy spirit smiling brightly filled with anticipation. Vader moved their craft sideways sending them towards the coast where a great city lay built upon beautiful white marble and quartz. Her eyes took in the lush greenery of the farms and the large plains of crops and flowers that made up Naboo. Small little huts were still in place with a few individuals out working the fields. Hills and mountains were plentiful rolling and showing off their beautiful deep valleys filled with rushing blue rivers, gloriously large lakes, and streams.

She looked ahead to see her city of Theed come into view. A happy gasp came from her mouth to see it had survived the Republic's path of destruction. She wondered if that meant to Royal family was spared or had sided with the Republic. Her eyes took in the large dome like architecture with the gold crest of the city on top of each dome. Naboo flags were everywhere as were small carrier ships that carried the symbol along with a few storm trooper vessels. Homes sat among beautiful gardens and roads that led all around the great city. Flowers bloomed and vines crawled decoratively along the walls of various homes, public offices, bath houses, schools, hospitals, and other buildings. Her eyes were open looking at the various temples that still stood except for one that caused her to cringe. The Templum Pacis seemed to have suffered a bit of damage as her exterior was cracked and a few of her once strong columns lay fallen. Her reflective pools and gardens remained untouched however and true testament to the strength of positivity. She looked about noticing the great castle that sat built into the cliff side of a waterfall at her back overlooking the ocean.

They flew over the large area towards a valley hidden in the mountains. She gasped in excitement to see the famed temple of her home tucked onto a hill top. The Temple of Mnemosyne stood battered yet resilient with her strong white pillars and rounded structure with a gold dome shined brightly in the morning sun. They flew quite fast and she was barely able to make out the great Renaissance Deas Garden that featured various statues of all the muses and lovers throughout the maze. No one could be seen among the pillars or the gardens which greatly disturbed her. She turned forward in her seat to look straight seeing more stretches of farmland and huts built into hills and mountains. They continued on gliding upon beautiful trees and great streams that weaved deeper into the valley at the base of the mountains.

The ship began to slow as they approached a waterfall. She looked to see Vader communicate his coordinates and force clearance. Slowly they flew to a snail's pace and broke through the waterfall. Water dumped heavily on the top but it broke apart to reveal a landing pad. They hovered above the spot before gently coming down for landing. Wind whipped around the area and with a jerk they finally settled down on land. The engine slowly dulled until its power shut off. Her hand rested over her heart before the doors opened around them to the elements. She smiled quickly undoing her seatbelt and cutting on Maestro. He flashed multicolor before he floated again in the air scanning everything around him recording it into memory. A few storm troopers came forth to help her down as she picked up her gown gently. Once she was down she smiled looking at the rushing water of the fall spill like a wall before her. She took in a deep breath smelling the scent of fresh pine and florals all around her bringing memories of a loving past and the gentle caress of nostalgia. She turned to see Vader walk by her towards a larger room. She followed him along with the troopers into the safety hall of the base. The hall way was clearly a safety measure to stop anyone from getting in or chasing someone through the tunnel. They reached the end where two giant doors opened revealing a very large empty foyer. She walked slowly until she came to a stop seeing Vader converse with a few soldiers.

She looked around seeing stairs and made her way to them. With care she walked forward with Maestro flying around her. She looked up at the spiral staircase watching it ascend onto many levels. She grabbed her dress and rushed upwards until she saw something she desire. Carefully she stepped onto the platform of the third floor and walked forward. She walked until her hands rested on a glass sliding door. The doors opened allowing her to exit onto the balcony where her breath was caught. Birds flew high over an epic scenery of forestry and water filled streams. Her eyes traveled down to see that this base was built into the base of a mountain using the valley as a clever shield and camouflage. In the distance she could see the city of Theed resting on the edge of greatness just as she imagined it would. Dreamily, she rested her chin on her fist feeling for once safe, content, and happy among the Dark Lord. The wind blew against her face gently and picked up her dress blowing it a bit before settling down. She gazed longingly at the city watching the many shuttles and ships fly over the city and around her build like swans. She wasn't sure how long she had stayed like so trapped in the memories of a time lost.

"Lady Kleio."

She hummed realizing the Dark Lord now stood next to her overlooking the area and sharing her space. Slowly she stood upwards and turned to him waiting for whatever would come next. She prayed for peace not wanting to have her temporary haven ruined by acts of violence and distress.

Vader looked down at her noticing her eyes seemed darker almost reflecting a brownish purple color. They seemed richer and lax as she looked upon him with question. Her aura was calming like a gentle pond housing a water lily on its surface. He held the Emperor's book in his hands tightly.

"You have done well." He stated gesturing towards the book. "Now tell me, once you connect with an individual. Can you stay connected regardless of time and distance?"

She thought on this hesitating to speak not knowing where this was going. "Well I can if I focus long enough. However, I don't keep tabs on everyone all the time otherwise I would drive myself mad. I forget some naturally and others I remember especially if they do something that will affect my interests. My mind sometimes forces the connection if the bond between myself and the individual is strong enough. What grips you?" She asked with concern in her voice.

"Tell me what Palpatine is doing right now." He stated a bit forcefully. Kleio frowned at his tone not liking how he demanded that she use her gift for his immediate benefit. But, what was she to expect. He brought her here as she requested and thus they no longer had an accord really. She still could threaten him but he could also destroy her so they were locked in a stalemate. She sighed heavily before focusing. She opened the channel connecting her spirit to Palpatine's. His evil aura wasn't too hard to find. She frowned slightly before opening her eyes to look into the masked sockets of Vader.

"He is currently seeing to situations on Coruscant. He isn't too pleased about his weakened state from transferring bodies. I believe he will hide himself soon until his body can sustain the force of his power."

Vader nodded in understanding. Soon as the words left her mouth she understood too. Palpatine trusted no one. And so while he was weak he was planning to hide himself while his army made sure his empire was ran with a firm hand. She felt as if something wasn't quite right suddenly and she looked back out into the landscape. She didn't see anything but she knew there was more to this then just a visitation. Worry crept into her bones but she quickly grounded herself. She had a small taste of paradise and joy today but she was not out of the trenches. She looked back at Vader as he seemed to read her but she stood strong revealing nothing to his use. She looked at him as clairvoyance passed through her. "You have a mission and you will require my presence." She stated calmly knowing very well the ugly she may witness.

He nodded but held his hand. The look on her face was enough to convince him she disliked seeing tragedy but she would endure. He knew well the look on her face finding it once sat on his own before he sunk into the darkness that surrounded his heart. Her aura dampened from its previous brilliant rosy hue to calming blue. Her body spoke nothing of her feelings and once again she put on the expression of carelessness. He silently began to wish her hatred would grow and flow through her veins like it did with everyone around him. Yet once again he could feel her emotions changing in a flux and returning to a neutral state. Her eyes turned slowly bright purple again before him and he was immediately reminded of her silent power that could be used against him. He rethought his intentions finding it best to not take her into the city. She could be captured or become a runaway. The well of information she had could be extremely dangerous and ruin even his own plans. Anger built inside of him at the thought of betrayal. "I will be in need of your skills." He voiced matter-of-factly. His voice was a cold shower upon her hopes and wishes. "A rebellion I feel is growing here. You will find them soon as I come across a suitable connection for you to search." He stated. "I shall return. Your orders are to stay here and do not leave the premises. If you do, your death with be painful and absolute."

Kleio gasped before anger settled inside of her at his words. Truly word of her employment had got around and she would be frowned upon for her part in the great betrayal. Regardless if she was a slave, she would be condemned for having her gift used so vilely. Tears came to her eyes but she refused to have them fall instead she focused on his cape that traveled behind him like a shield watching it disappear around the corner. "You are the worst!" She yelled angrily turning around to glare at the scenery she previously marveled. Her heart beat in her chest as she focused on calming herself and processing her situation further. The star shined brightly in the sky still with no clouds above to block its rays. Her mood had fallen and she wished now for the cold exterior of the ship to reflect her current mood. Suddenly her eyes widened and her chest felt like it was about to explode. Small footsteps were heard behind her and she quickly turned around letting loose the tears that wanted to fall.

"Erato!" She whispered laying eyes on the red headed beauty with tanned flesh. Her bright blue eyes reflected the emotional relief inside of herself.

"Kleio!" The woman cried rushing over to hug one of her muse sister's that she thought was lost to her forever.