A/N: Crying about this chapter because I've had it written since before I started posting this story and I refuse to change the minor similarities between some scenes in this and in the Kenobi series. Truth be told, I gained some inspiration from the sequel trilogy but, when I watched Kenobi I was excited and heartbroken all at the same time… I had hoped to get to this point much sooner. Like an entire year sooner, lol. Anywhoooo ENJOY this one! It is quite action packed AND we are still quite a distance away from the end my 'padawans'! (Warning: This hasn't been edited)

Chapter 33: At What Cost?

It was like a nervous tick, the way her nails bit into the bed of her palm. Padme had noticed the behavior had become more frequent. Each time she felt the pressing strain of stress across her shoulders, it was the only way to keep her sane. Snatching her hands away from one another, her eyes flashed to the skyline as the Senate building drew closer.

"You get back to sleep last night?" Eryx wondered from the pilot's seat, his hands twisting around the yoke ever so slightly.

"Yes actually," the Senator nodded, glancing at him for only a moment before her attention pulled galaxies away. That day was the first day in years where she'd become truly nervous about a vote. In the past, she had always believed that voting with the emperor would protect her - protect not only her secrets but those of others… Now, those secrets were no more… Bail, Mon, her confidants on Coruscant were all but gone. She no longer was required to do the right thing, she no longer had anyone to protect.

"After the vote, we are leaving the Senate grounds immediately," Eryx announced. "It will be dangerous to linger… Loyal men are spread too thin right now. The safest place for you is your establishments."

Padme rolled her eyes, resting her temple on the window, "You say that as if Palpatine would have me murdered the second I disobey him - he's not that stupid, ya know-"

"Never said he was… This vote has drawn a significant amount of attention. A significant number of protestors. Senators that have been stationed off world are required to make an appearance bringing staff along with them. You have too many enemies in too many places-"

"The Senate Building is the most fortified structure in the galaxy, especially with the Emperor present. You're telling me Palpatine and Vader's men do not work in accordance with one another?"

"We cooperate, that doesn't mean we share the same objectives."

"We can leave directly after then, whatever makes you sleep better at night," Padmé muttered with an eyeroll as she glanced away from him.

The rest of the journey to the Senate was made in silence and for the first time she was finding the quiet not as peaceful as it had been in the past. Part of her felt as though she needed the distraction. Though time passed quickly and before she knew it, she was planted patiently in her pod, waiting for the Emperor to begin the session. The disfigured man ranted for the better part of an hour until finally calling the chamber to vote. Taming her nerves, she waited. Diligently listening for her title.

When Mas Amedda announced her system, Padmé stood from her seat as she held her shaky hands. She could barely register her own voice declaring the simple word, 'nay.' Yet, the moment the word slip past her lips she could hear the entire chamber begin to whisper. The Emperor's eyes immediately sending daggers before she even had the chance to take a seat. Out of the hundreds of other senators who had already cast their vote, she was the only one who had voted against. The Senator knew it was the risk she was taking but as the Senator from Corellia was called to cast, the Naboo Senator was shocked to hear another 'nay.' Her eyes widened hearing each vote against the bill. Though even when others were in opposition, the Emperor's eyes remained locked upon her while she remained stoic, unemotional.

Launching himself from the dropship, Vader's crimson saber was already humming viciously by his side. Boots slamming against clay, it didn't take long for him to draw the fire from the ground troopers. Haunted shrieks and hollers of rebels played through his ears like a demented symphony as he redirected every blaster beam. Saber slicing into each body that appeared in his proximity.

The Dark Lord tore through countless men and women without care – they were but worm fodder as he searched for the presence that lured him. A twisted gleam shrouded his features, his presence not far off. The destruction of rebel cruisers quaked the earth from above, explosions luminating the sky with lethal violence. Jagged daggers of lightning pierced through sky, the rumble of their thunder booming in harmony with the chaos. The initial trickles of water turned into a monsoon as Vader sprinted through the forest. The rebels were uncoordinated, unprepared for the attack as expected – their defensives worthless. Vader scanned the perimeter of their base, his eyes searching for lingering combatants that could no longer flee. Blaster fire tore in his direction, not even phased the Sith Lord took a step back – the beam shattering against a tree. Reaching with the Force, Vader tore the rebel from his cover, invisible hold collapsing around his throat.

"Mercy!" the fool pleaded, with one flinch of his thumb – the man's neck contorted, body falling limp like a bag of bones into the mud. More blaster fire erupted around him, Vader sent back each blast, their own trigger pull being the end of them. Boots slipping in clay caught his attention as he felt Kenobi's presence drawing close.

"Seems you're better at hiding than confronting your fears, Kenobi," Vader taunted. A wounded rebel squirmed in the mud towards the blaster at his fingertips. Without care, the black knight's boot crunched down upon man's neck with a sharp twist. Killing him instantly. Stepping over the corpse he stalked towards his next prey. "How many of you have I killed… Each one standing gallantly to face me and here you are cowering." The hum of a saber caught his attention. Vader's stride trudged to a halt as Kenobi revealed himself – celestite saber shimmering in the darkness. Lightning tore through the sky, luminating his opponent while the clouds poured – dirt and blood beneath his feet now sludge. In the crimson hue of his own saber, a callous smirk grew.

"I would have thought Sidious taught you better than to converse with a Jedi," Kenobi muttered.

"All I see is a dead man," Vader shrewdly retorted. A roar of thunder reverberated as another set of sabers drew his attention. The Sith tilted his head, even if it was under his breath, he could have sworn Kenobi instructed the youngling by his side to flee. "She won't get far," Vader informed him cynically watching the padawan sprint into the forest. "You should've let her stay – then perhaps this would have been a challenge." Revolving his saber, the Sith's fingers inched tightly around the hilt.

Though, his jaw tensed hearing the Jedi hoot a laugh, "I will not fall as easily as you believe, Darth," Kenobi shot back, "Perhaps you should fight me before you decide." With impossible speed, Vader lunged forward, the cretin narrowly blocking his strike. Celestial blue and carmine raged when their sabers clashed. Irritation churned inside the Dark Lord feeling the power behind his opponent. Just from the initial contact, he knew Kenobi was stronger than many of the other Jedi he'd encountered. Even if he was strong in the Force, Vader's brute strength alone was driving him off balance.

Eyes darting, Vader wasn't surprised when Kenobi quickly drew back. He'd sensed his loss before it occurred. Obi-wan didn't get far as Vader launched forward, his saber relentlessly colliding– shoving the weaker man further backwards towards the blast doors. Everything for Vader slowed as Kenobi used his surroundings to slip away from the cage behind him. Annoyance etched against the Sith's shoulders as the man raced into the forest. Deactivating his saber, Vader used the darkness to his advantage – vaulting himself into the trees. It was if it were daylight for Vader while Kenobi hurried away to better footing. Springing from the branches, Vader's saber ignited – the Jedi's eyes bolting wide as he attempted to block the Sith's strike from above.

"Running away so soon, to think we were just starting to have a bit of fun!" Vader roared, shoving the man backwards. Opposing luminescence reverberated violently, light crackling and entering an unyielding deadlock. Vader could hear the crystal imbedded within the hilt of Kenobi's saber sobbing. The specters shadowy grin grew. He'd been intentionally hacking away at it, his own crystal's abhorrence fueling his viciousness. A duel between dark and light was never only between two swordsmen. The crystals themselves had their own conviction. Darth Vader's lightsaber was superior to any other beheld. It bled with determination and loathing passion – burning with the desire to prevail. He had shattered many Jedi blades, only making his crystal stronger. He would obliterate his rival's stone to dust before striking them down. Vader could sense it as did his kyber crystal – the weakness of the contending crystal and its wielder.

Just as the screech of the Jedi's lightsaber became desperate for reprieve or risk fracture, Vader was met by something unexpected. An image flashed in his mind. Padmé's eyes… her love for the man on the other side of the stalemate. Disgust drank away at Vader's composure, his grip suddenly unsteady.

"This is about her," Kenobi chortled, Vader's eyes widened a fraction – not realizing he'd let down his guard. "That's why you're so desperate to kill me. I bet she still thinks of me. My, that must make someone like you furious." The Sith's eyes flashed a deep crimson. For the first time during the fight, Vader collapsed his second hand around the hilt. Swiftly fortifying his mental barriers, Obi-wan cringed as his presence was tossed from the Sith's mind. With the upper hand, Vader didn't hesitate to tear his metal hand from the hilt. Coiling his fist, he struck Obi-wan in the face – hard. The energy propelling the man back into a towering tree - slamming against the bark to slump against the ground.

Unrelenting, Vader lunged forward trapping the older man pressing him into the sludge. The Sith's gleam never faltered as noxious heat inched closer and closer to the man's neck. "She still thinks of you," Vader admitted, "But only when I allow it," he added smugly imbedding the man further into the clay. "Every piece of her is now mine. -To think she was hopeful you'd save her," the menacing figure mocked. The man's grey eyes widened, somehow shoving the Dark Lord away – forcing him to slide to regain his footing. With a growl, the Dark Lord sprung to strike again but not before the Jedi had rushed to his feet. Their sabers waged, zaps of electricity becoming cyclic as each contact shred through the dark. The melody of rapid thunder and crushing voltage echoing. "She will forever be beyond your reach."

"You sound so certain," the Jedi bit back, "You underestimate her. Her will is stronger than most. I know you are lying!"

"A mere girl has no power," he scoffed, "Even you can barely hold your ground!" Vader boomed knocking him backwards. The man's eyes narrowed attempting to restabilize as the Sith brutally slashed against his electric azure blade. A scream ripped from the fool's throat as crimson fire sliced against the flesh of his stomach. Kenobi tumbled back, sweat condensing on his forehead. He flipped a safe distance away. No doubt trying to regain his composure.

"She is more than that," Kenobi panted. "You wouldn't have done everything in your power to have her if it were that simple."

"Enough." The single word struck a twinge of fear into the Jedi's signature. The cruel, menacingly low nature sending Kenobi's senses on high alert. The Sith was fuming, monster clawing its way to the surface as Vader stood idly. It was as if his irises had vanished. Eyes pitch-black like cave darkness.

Obi-wan had never seen such pure hatred. He had never seen such absolute power. Shuffling back, raindrops stilled and trees around them shriveled. Abruptly, Obi-wan found himself outmatched as Vader sucked the life-force from every living thing around them. Even in old Jedi texts the control Vader had harnessed was never mentioned. He was stealing the energy from his surroundings – making himself even stronger. The foreboding vortex circulating the Sith Lord was stifling. The Jedi found it hard to even move as he was compelled to his knees.

"Vermin." The rasp in Vader's voice sent shockwaves of terror down Kenobi's spine. He hardly sounded human. Unable to move a muscle, Obi-wan couldn't prevent the creature of pure evil from stalking towards him. Sweat had condensed on his skin, body struggling to hold up as the weight of star systems resided upon his shoulders. Just as the weight was there it suddenly receded; Kenobi could only move an inch to see that Vader's attention had shifted. A tandem X-wing screamed overhead, coercing the Sith to dodge six laser beams in the blink of an eye. Tie fighters and x-wings alike were no doubt waging against each other above the planet's atmosphere, but the Rebellion had already lost the ground battle. There was no reason for an x-wing to linger. The ship took a dive into the trees – disappearing. That was until it roared between the Sith and Jedi. Kenobi used every bit of strength to launch himself into the open cockpit. Ahsoka was planted in the pilot's seat, R2 in the astromech socket.

Vader's attention slingshot upwards watching the x-wing zip away. Without comprehension, his hand had reached – desperate to snag the starfighter in his invisible hold. Watching the ship shutter, the Sith's eyes narrowed, drawing it back to him. He was in his most lethal state, no emotions remaining as he dragged down the ship. A snarl formed on his expression feeling Kenobi's power challenging his own. Abruptly something snapped, Vader howling in agony as he was thrown back his spine and skull flexing, whipping against bark. As soon as the x-wing was there – it was gone.

"NO!" the Sith roared, tearing himself from the ground. His eyes searched the sky as rage dripped from his presence. "Fuck!" He boomed hurdling his saber into a nearby tree – crushing right through the trunk. The tree tumbled like a tower, thundering the ground beneath his feet. Vader was seething as rain pelted against leather. Drenched, steam rose from his robes as his chest was left heaving. Eyes seeped to sulfur as he glared at his boots. "Not a single x-wing is to leave the atmosphere," Vader barked into the comms.

"Understood Lord Vader… Though Sir, one escaped through the blockade moments ago-"

Vader cursed, struggling not to destroy everything in the vicinity as he tempted to squander his rage. "How many other vessels escaped deactivation?"

"Only one cruiser, Sir. From our initial assessment over ninety-seven percent of their fleet has been decommissioned or destroyed. I also have preliminary confirmation that both the General Jan Dodonna and several other high-ranking officers have been terminated. Dodonna's remains are currently on transport to the Executor for identity confirmation, My Lord." Piett said briskly with hollers of orders in the background.

"How many prisoners have we accrued?" Vader snarled storming back to the LZ where his own tie-fighter was waiting idly.

"Seven-thousand eighty-four with that number still climbing."

"How many squadron commanders were apprehended?"

"Of the fifty-five designated for neutralization or capture… Twenty-eight were confirmed KIA, and I have preliminary confirmation that twenty-three have been apprehended. A marvelous victory my Lord."

Vader could feel his teeth quaking from the tightness in his jaw. Usually after such a sweeping triumph his mind would be onto the next. However, he found himself replaying his loss. Even though by all accounts the rebellion army had been squandered, Kenobi had escaped his grasp… Without even glancing at the list Vader knew two of the four commanders missing. Obi-wan and Yoda. The only two lingering Masters of the Jedi Counsel.

"The remaining Commanders are to be interrogated immediately regarding the location of the Jedi Masters Yoda and Obi-Wan," the Sith Lord harshly ordered as he launched himself into the cockpit. "If any decide to lack reason, leave them to me."

Before checking his commlink, Eryx peered to the small woman sitting inside her senate chamber pod. She was fidgeting with her nails, eyes lightyears away. Resting back against the wall, he finally glanced at the communication. His head bowed to the side as he frowned, the Battle of Queel was a sweeping victory of course… Internally, the man groaned as his boots scuffed. Force, he could feel himself salivate, imagining what it would have been like to kill the number of rebels his brothers had. Eryx was benched. It may have been for a good reason – but still, nothing irked him more than missing a good fight. Once a roaring applause filled his ears, his emerald eyes finally pulled up as the Senator stood and played her part.

Standing taught, his arms folded behind his back, eyes analyzing the Senator once again. He watched her chocolate curls bounce elegantly; her lips poised with a purse. The inquisitor had decided he liked her in silk and lace dresses – the tight fabric better accented her curves. A slight smirk tugged at his lips from the confidence in her eyes. For once he had to admit that she had every right to hold herself higher than the rest. He'd seen it clear as day, her vote changed the outcome for over two hundred other senators. It was no doubt an accomplishment, however Eryx's smile soon faded as she strode towards him. Her success was impressive, yet it was certain to be over-shadowed by her husband's military triumph.

"Well done," Eryx said with a warm smile as the Senator passed.

"I said one word," Padmé muttered rolling her eyes.

"Yes, but with that one word you changed ten percent of how the vote would have proceeded," as the fact fell from the inquisitor's lips, Lady Vader froze in her tracks as she stared up at him.

"No one else was going to vote against?" She gaped with a small frown.

Eryx shook his head, "You should know by now how fearful many of the Senators are considering what transpired with the Senators from Alderaan and Chandrila. You showed some of them that voting against the Emperor might be a risk worth taking."

When she didn't respond, Eryx caught lingering her on the accredited reporters posted inside the foyer. The inquisitor was centimeters from snagging her arm when one of the reporters caught eye of the Naboo Senator standing idly. Roars of questions choked Eryx's ears as he quickly moved in front of the young woman. "We should return to your residence, my Lady," he implored her, his eyes communicating the fact that they'd already discussed the matter.

"I haven't spoken publicly in months," Lady Vader argued, "Please, let me make one statement." Eryx's firm emerald gaze sent daggers down into her large doe eyes, knowing they were anything but innocent.

"Two minutes, no questions," Eryx snarled. The woman nodded fiercely before trekking away, leaving him to only watch as she made her way through to the podium. The announcer introduced her briefly as she stepped up, pinching her fingers nervously. However, when Eryx stared into her eyes, it was as if her confidence was tangible, her courage contagious.

"During my time as Naboo's queen, each time a bill was brought before me - I would always view it through a certain lens. I would ask myself, 'Is what I'm reading just? Would the implementation and approval promote equality and provide better protection for my people?' During my tenure as Senator, until today, I found myself voting for what I thought was right. However, a question forced me to rethink the fine line between the right choice and justice. A week ago, I was asked whether I would support the galactic budget bill without the assurance of the reinstatement of anti-slavery laws. Today, I finally gave you my answer." Eryx's jaw flexed as her eyes peered in his direction, her falter depicting her reluctance to continue. Watching her grip the tips of her shaking fingers, the man took a step forward – his gaze one of warning as she turned away.

"As I step down from my Senatorial position, I believe that it is imperative for me to share my reservations in regard to the lack of transparency between our governing body and the public." From the corner of her eye, she saw Eryx take a small step forward… she was teetering on dangerous territory. "I believe that it is a right for citizens to know whether the credits from their taxes are being diverted from their children's education, their healthcare, and further protections to the enslavement of others. Today, I was proud to see I was not alone in my decision to look past the 'right choice' and vote for what was just. Thank you." Questions roared from the reporters as Padmé stepped down, the announcer trying to fend off the barrage. Within a few moments, the Senator rejoined Eryx's side as he guided her away from the entrance hall and back towards the elevators.

The inquisitor remained silent as her words turned the gears in his mind. He should have been furious with her, and he was, but he was more blown away with the fact she'd created that speech on the spot. He decided to allow his anger and interest to pass as a relieved smile crossed her features.

Gaze fixed on the small woman to his left, a small smile broke across Eryx's features hearing her laugh. "I can't wait to go home," Lady Vader smiled rolling her neck as they entered the lift. The squad of troopers that folded in after we invisible in the inquisitor's eyes as the lift carried them down to the restricted lot.

"What is the first thing you'd like to do when you reach Naboo?" He wondered with a small tilt of his head as she rested back against the lift.

"Probably sleep for a few days before visiting my parents." Her small smile was genuine as she giggled.

"Well after that," he chuckled, "I mean what is your favorite thing to do when you're at home?"

"Visiting the lake country… It's always been my favorite place. Considering how things ended last time I was there; I would like to go back for a few weeks and just… I don't know…"

"Be?" Eryx finished for her.

"Yeah, it'll be nice not having to worry about anything for a while. I'm not sure if I've ever had the pleasure to not think all the time. Anyway, there's this magnificent cave system about four kilometers from the lake house, I found it with Sola when we were little. I've been wanting to go back; I just haven't had the time."

"What's so 'magnificent' about a cave? They are dark and cold," he muttered with a purse of his lips.

Padmé rolled her eyes, "Yes, it's a bit dark but there's a hot spring in the center, completely untouched. Sola and I had been walking around in the rain for hours trying to get home so when we found it, we put our feet in. But besides that, unspoiled," she mused, "I would like to go back and not be lost."

"A hot spring does sound nice right now," Eryx mumbled as he closed his eyes, "I'm sure if you asked Sola to go with you - Ryoo and Pooja would have fun going on an adventure. They seemed like very sheltered children. Could use a good hiking trip. -What?" The man wondered with a small laugh as he caught her staring at him with puzzled eyes.

"Nothing… I- I just, t-that's just a good idea is all," Lady Vader said gently as a tint of pink reached her cheeks. Eryx glanced away as the lift shifted to a halt, the troopers leading them out into the lot. Small whispers entered the man's ear as they continued moving towards his speeder, his eyes star systems away as he tried to decern what they were saying. "Eryx?" Padmé wondered pulling at his sleeve, the man hadn't even noticed he'd stopped in the middle of the lot. His eyes lingered on his speeder as the whispers became louder. In a millisecond the disturbance through the Force became screams. Eryx didn't think about his next actions, his arms were already coiled around the woman beside him as an explosion ripped through the bowels of the building.

Thick stench of molten metal was heavy in the air. Bricks on his lungs. The daunting whine of sirens droned in his ringing ears. His arms flexed around the body tangled inside them as Eryx's eyes finally tore open. "My Lady," he could barely hear his own hoarse voice over the ringing in his ears. He may have saved her from the brunt of the impact but as he looked closer, it was as if his heart had been torn from his chest. "P-Padmé," His broken voice called again, she was limp – carmine ink oozing from her nostrils as he shifted her gently. Gauntlets collapsed around her head until his eyes flashed to the pool of blood beneath her. He had thought his armor had shielded them, but he was met by the harsh reality of metal slick in arterial red protruding from her side.

"Retrieve several medical capsules, quickly!" Captain Lasky's voice tore through the ringing of his ears as several pairs of boots rushed towards him. "Sir, you need medical attention, we will see that she is taken-" Within a split second the man was choking, sputtering as Eryx's hand formed into a fist.

"Lock down the planet, no one is to leave," Eryx roared releasing the death grip on the man's neck.

"Yes, Sir," the captain panted. The inquisitor shook his head, trying to keep his eyes focused as darkness threatened to take him. All he could feel was the relentless pain piercing through the back of his ribcage and the metal grinding against bone that had shot through the joint of his knee guard. A sickly cough escaped him, blood splattering into his glove before he catatonically shifted to lift Lady Vader into the medical capsule. Nausea churned his stomach; the sight of blood had never caused him such turmoil. Yet, Eryx knew this was different – it wasn't the blood that ailed him, it was who it had come from. He was frozen as she was carried away, the men to his side urging him into another capsule hadn't broken through his ears. Eryx had failed her. The man could only train his gaze on the angel's face until the shadows stole his sight.

SNAP.

The loud crunching sound of a man's neck filled Vader's ears before he tossed the body across the interrogation room. A raging sense of twisted pleasure clawed against his chest as another member of the rebellion crumbled before his commander. Blood, sweat, vomit, urine filled his senses as he stalked towards his next victim. Vader had missed this too much; he could feel every cell in their bodies screaming with fear. Being with the Senator had made the monster he was now roar with rage. Such a pathetic waste of time. This was where he truly belonged. Feeding off the fear of his prey.

"I will ask you again Commander, where is the Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi," Vader snarled before effortlessly slicing an arm off another soldier under the man's authority. His victim screamed as his body dangled by one wrist from the suspended chains, his body contorting and flailing about the wall as fresh urine dribbled down his leg.

"Fuck you!" The Commander barked and with one small movement of his finger, Vader ripped out the man's front incisor with the Force. Blood poured from the man's mouth gushing down his face as a howl of agony erupted from his body.

"You will tell-" Vader's voice caught in his throat.

Pain.

Pain, crippling unbearable pain shattered through his mind causing him to stagger, his hand clutching the wall for a brace. His heart stammered within his chest, the monster and rage within him even howling with alarm- in concern for something that was his.

Padmé.

His eyes darted towards the door feeling a disturbance beyond the metal until Piett stormed in, hidden trepidation written within his eyes. True dread then rippled through Vader's chest seeing the officer in such a state- something had happened.

"My Lord, a word," Piett stated hastily his eyes showing a hint of nervousness and haste.

Mirth boomed from the rebel Commander Elaskon on the metal slab. Vader's head snapped towards the man in pure fury, "It seems that they came through, my men must have killed that traitorous whore you married." The Sith's senses were on high alert as true panic raced through him. Yet, the panic soon was replaced by uncontrollable violent mania. In two large steps, Vader's hand lunged towards the man's neck- digging his fingers into the sides. But the man never stopped laughing. Even when Vader's fingers pierced the skin, and the sounds became gurled - he never stopped taunting the Sith Lord until he was silent. Dead on the slab. Vader bared his teeth before ripping the man's vocal cords from his throat- hurling the innards across the room. Without another word, he stormed from the chamber, Piett in tow.

"Set a destination course for Imperial Center- immediately," Vader demanded his voice void of any emotion.

"Sir-"

Vader turned on his heel, snagging the man by the throat tossing him to the floor before bellowing, "DO IT NOW ADMIRAL!" The demonic beast that was rampant and unhinged while it clawed at his ribcage. Vader paid no mind to Piett scampering from the floor relaying to the bridge to set a course. He left the interrogation deck, knowing he couldn't be seen – he couldn't risk killing his trusted men if they misspoke a fraction. Impatience burned him alive as he felt the ship launch back into hyperspace. They had fallen out of transit to refuel; they were now only a little over four hours away from Imperial Center.

Air pulled through his nostrils as he attempted to control his rage, his knuckles cracked sensing his inquisitors approaching. The Dark Lord's eyes snapped wide, Eryx. Lips parting, he didn't hesitate to reach into Sobek's mind. They froze knowing Vader was searching for the information himself. Eryx was alive but gravely injured. It would take him weeks to recover. He would have sought for more, but they knew nothing of the Senator. Their sole intent to see if their comrade was alive. The Sith sneered, "Leave me." They departed without a word as he stormed inside his chambers.

Vader stood in silence, his chest heaving as he struggled to control his actions. In a blur, he had reached out hurling whatever furniture was closest to him. His rage through the Force crimpled the spare parts and shattered mirrors. He was livid, manic, hysterical with anger- hatred, and worry. Desperate to sense anything from her, he focused – reaching out to find her mind silent… void.

Jaw quaking, he fell to his knees – mind splitting as unequivocal desperateness tore through him. He stared at his palms; no doubt a medical report had been sent to him. Yet, every datapad in his chambers had been shattered. Even if he knew her injuries, in that moment, there was nothing he could do for her – nothing. That realization sent his mind into a downward spiral. Panic suddenly boxed him into a corner as his objectivity slipped away.

He shouldn't be worried for her- he shouldn't be concerned. Being forthright with himself, he knew every feeling contrary to his love for her was a ludicrous lie. Anakin should have told her- told her how much he cared… how much he loved her. A staggering realization came to him, he hadn't even shared his name with her… At that his piercing crimson eyes washed azure. The Sith Lord in him was gone, only the man remained. Tidal waves of realization, empathy, sorrow, and the irrevocable attachment of love crashed into him.

The only light in the galaxy for his demented and adrift soul was flickering. He needed her, he needed her grace, her happiness, her hope. He needed her smiles, he longed for her laughs, he'd always loved every part of her being. However, the warm emotions bled into resentment. His azure eyes bleeding amber – no longer consoled by the thought of her. He wanted to feel anger towards the Rebellion, towards his soldiers, towards Sidious, but all he felt was anger towards himself. There was nothing he could do but harness them, transform his emotions into power which would give him strength to move his deranged and conflicted body.

Prying himself from the floor, he fumed out of his chambers knowing there was only one way he could find out her condition. It only took him several minutes to reach the bridge.

"What is her status," the Sith demanded in a tempered tone.

"She is in surgery, My Lord," Piett stated hesitantly, taking a step back from the fuming, volatile monster that made up his character.

"And what of the attack, was it indeed the Rebellion who orchestrated it?"

"Three men were detained shortly after a bomb was detonated in the restricted lot of the Senate Building, my Lord- all three are loyal to the Rebellion," Piett continued to inform him. "It seems the Inquisitor in control of her escort detected it seconds before it was detonated. If he'd been moment later…" the man stopped himself, "He was able to move her sufficiently away from the initial impact of the blast. However, there was shrapnel and debris thrown which caused her injuries."

"And," Vader swallowed hard, "What are her injuries?"

Piett shifted pulling at the collar of his shirt in reluctance, "They could not disclose the extent of her head injuries as she is still in surgery. She did suffer a substantial amount of blood loss. However, I have been assured that they were able to subdue the bleeding by the time she reached Imperial Medical Center. She also sustained a ruptured eardrum from the blast and…" he gulped staring down at the datapad, "P-Perhaps Sir, you should read the medical report…" He replied almost muted before handing him the device.

Vader frowned under the security of the darkness before taking the glass tablet from his hand. His eyes scanned over the medical report, skimming through what Piett had already informed him. His heart fell through the floor as he read the final portion of the report:

'Patient arrived with abnormal vaginal bleeding; after an analysis of symptoms the abnormal hemorrhaging was due to a possible trauma induced spontaneous abortion. Further tests must be performed to confirm the validity...'

The holopad shattered in Vader's hand. He didn't even notice as Piett took another step backwards, as pain stabbed him– his decomposing heart lurching. His fist curled around the glass in his hand, the sharp fragments digging through his leather glove and into the metal of his hand. He was shaking, the only hindrance on his temper was the threat of destroying the entire bridge. Murder and revenge were not the Jedi way… how could any Jedi support such behavior? Especially against someone who was a pivotal facilitator for their cause.

A child? How was it even possible? Another sharp jab of poignant pain ached in the cavern of his heart. Turning towards the canopy, Vader stared at the whirlpool of hyperspace. It didn't matter how… all that mattered was that the possibility for that child was gone... People who she sacrificed for stole that decision from her... Fury and wrath vortexed through his body as the man and beast inside him howled in agony- agreeing on something for once. He would only find his resolve when the Rebellion was exterminated- eradicated from the galaxy. Staring down at the shards imbedded in his glove, an emotionless glass covered his eyes. He had the hierarchy archives for the Alliance, Amidala's name already omitted. Every family of known Rebellion affiliates would be extinguished- the linage of their mutiny terminated.

Darth Vader stormed from the bridge, heading down to the lower levels of the ship back to the detention deck. Crewmen parted like the sea as he ignited his crimson blade. Stationed beyond the blast doors to the detainment sector, his inquisitors stood idly awaiting his command. "Execute and jettison every prisoner who is not a squadron commander," The Dark Lord ordered not waiting for their response as he stormed into the detainment sector. Stalking down the dark hall, his hand reached out towards the first cell, effortlessly wrenching off door. The five men within the small chamber flinched as the door distorted violently, snapping off and flying inwards. With one swift stroke of his blade, he decapitated them without warning before exiting the room abruptly- moving onto the next. His ship contained over a thousand prisoners, the rest of his fleet containing just under eight thousand. Death was an inevitable end for all of them. Darth Vader did not take prisoners.

Each room the blood thirsty beast thundered into, he thrived off the screams, off the pleas, and the smell of burning flesh. With each stroke of the blood-absorbed saber, bodies plunged headless to the floor or in dismembered pieces if they pled for mercy. He ripped through every prisoner, each death feeling like it wasn't enough to fuel his desire to bring pain, death, and obliteration. As the lives of men and woman alike were snuffed out, it encouraged Vader's anger and vengeance long side the crystal's roars of hatred.

With tears of wrath cascading, he entered the final room- three last rebel soldiers to be executed. Without a moment of hesitation, his blade tore through them. Each of their bodies landing in a heap of limbs on the floor, however he left one alive. The man was writhing in pain, the nubs of his arms and legs squirming with futile movements as pain-induced screams left his throat. Vader was demonically impressed that the man had not passed out from the pain, but as he threatened too the Sith pulled him back from the darkness.

Without a word, Vader maliciously drove the blade of light into the skin below the man's chin. The man only convulsed relentlessly for a moment, until he was lifeless on the cell floor. Baring his teeth, Vader's jaw clenched as his hand twisted violently around the hilt of his lightsaber- no amount of life quenched would fill his thirst. His mind and body alike were blistering, mad with an emotion he'd never felt before.

Hanging his head, he began to imagine of a life without her, without her touch, her laugh...her smile. He wasn't sure how many prisoners had perished by his hand as he stumbled back against the wall - lightsaber deactivating before tumbling to the floor. Padmé… he groveled reaching out to her again only to find the same result as before- emptiness. His left hand tightened into a shivering fist, he released his fury into the wall and shooting pain stretched up his arm sending his mind some relief. He deserved to feel pain. He had failed her again and their unborn child. With his self-loathing and rampant thoughts, a low growl left his throat as his personal commlink sounded from his belt.

"What is it Threepio," Vader asked abnormally soft.

"Lady Padmé-" he began frantically.

"I am aware of the situation, I am returning now," he stated emotionlessly cutting off the droid.

"Master! They will not let me see her, they said she has come out of surgery-"

"Then she has most likely not woken up yet." Vader swallowed hard at 3PO's new information, "Is she in stable condition?"

"Yes, they said she is responding well and her blood oxygen levels should return to normal within the hour. Bless my circuits, that there was no serious brain trauma. The hearing in her right ear should return within a few days. Right now, they are leaving her in the ICU- but I do wish I could see her," Threepio murmured forlornly. "Master, they said she may be here for several days."

Vader ran a hand through his sweat drenched hair, allowing the hood to fall against his shoulders, "I will be there within the next two hours." With that, he ended the transmission returning to his own despair and thoughts. He had just slaughtered over a hundred rebel soldiers, yet he felt no respite from the madness in his mind. Though, there was some relief from 3PO's transmission, she was stable… safe. Still, it was sobering that her mind was so empty, her signature still wavering yet stronger. It was as if a part of him was unresponsive and until he was on Imperial Center with her- that unpleasant sensation would not change.