A/N: Holy… the next chapter is finally here. Plot development in this one and I'm hoping to get the next chapter out within a reasonable time period. Tbh, I'm trying to finish this story by the end of this year. I think it can totally happen and chapters will be coming out left and right (hopefully) because I will have more time to write in August (and I will write as much as I can in July). Thank you all for the support! Hope you enjoy! :Dxx (P.S. THIS IS NOT EDITED -yikes-)
Chapter 39: Reward of Sacrifice
Thunderous explosions hammered through his ears. The boots beneath him were sprinting at an unmatched pace. Every nerve in his body was heightened, a wave of panic flooded him as he rounded the corner. Vader did not recognize the starship. He had never witnessed a dreadnought with such a novel and advanced design. His thoughts dispersed; his mental frozen as he felt himself launch towards a pair of imperial sentinels. Every fiber of him roared in protest as his lightsaber ignited. Questions gushed as he watched the salivating blade. Stupefied, the bloodied light effortlessly sliced through the guard's impenetrable armor. In a blur, they were no more than a disordered clump of limbs. Revolving the hilt, he gaped at the blade as it pulsed. It was as if he'd been thrown back into his body, his boots finally registering on his feet while his movements staggered.
'What is this?' He couldn't help but wonder. It was as if the crystal had heard him, the color of the blade fluctuating bright crimson before seeping back into a deep maroon. There was a hiss beneath him, acid eating through metal. The Sith shook his head, clearing his thoughts as he deactivated the blade. Everything around him faded, until only the doors remained. A sudden fear seeped into his soul. A chill so frigid that not even the waters on Vandor were as cold. It passed down his shoulders, trickling down his spine. His instincts were screaming to not venture forward. That he should never had come here. Should never know of what resided on the other side. Against every warning, Vader waved his hand and the barriers peeled open, inch-by-inch. Everlasting darkness poured from the opening, constricting him. Once again, he could only watch himself walk into the vast emptiness.
"We meet at last," A distorted baritone voice affirmed. Vader struggled to see through the darkness. He fought to precieve even the slightest until a set of red lenses came into view, a silhouette of plate armor sharpening in the cavernous void. Never had he faced the masked figure in any of his visions. Never could he interact with it. He was always on the outside looking in or the crimson lenses were detaining his own vision.
"You are a part of me that has yet to come to pass," the young Lord said aloud. It was an assurance for the apprentice – this creature was only but one conclusion... A grumble escaped the mask, a mechanic haunting chortle.
"Even now you are more malevolent than I could have ever achieved," the creature mused, taking a step forward. "Yet, you are still weak and oblivious."
Vader's jaw tightened; his teeth ground together as his eyes narrowed. "You and I are one of the same. If I am weak, then you are as well," the dark lord pointed out, his head tilting ever so slightly. He had always viewed this masked being as something to fear but as he analyzed the figure's presence further it was not spiteful; it wanted the same thing he did. To rid the galaxy of their master.
"You will never defeat our Master without understanding what he knows and more," the demented demon glowered. "You have had the key to this knowledge for some time. Do not let her interfere."
Shaking his head, his thoughts were turbulent – the fluctuation through the Force imploring him to look past the mask. There was something else he came here to find. "You are attempting to divert me of my purpose with a truth," Vader growled, "There is another reason why I have come."
The masked beast's head turned, staring at the ground just short of his boots. A small body appeared behind him, draped across the hollow floor. The Sith's heart pounded as he stepped forward, yet the creature thwarted his advance. "She is mine," Vader growled, "I made a promise-"
"A promise you will never keep if you do not let her go," the sonorous voice reasoned, "leave her and seek the knowledge you require." There was something in his tone that placed Vader on edge. There was a deep sadness emanating from his presence. A black hole of despair and regret swarming him.
"You lost her," Vader said quietly, "Is that why I am here?"
"We are destined to lose her if you do not heed my counsel. We will lose everything if you do not seek the emperor's truth."
Vader shot up right panting, caught off guard, a harsh wave of pain speared through him. His entire body screamed. Reaching for his head, panic racked his mind recognizing the nub of his right arm. His eyes darted around the room desperately searching for the chrono. What time was it? Where the hell was he? His gaze flashed to the window, the moon hanging high above a familiar mountain range. He was on Naboo. The Sith shook his head, recalling he'd been there for Padmé's birthday. An unexpected disturbance rattled him further, the door gliding open revealing 3PO.
"It is good to see you are finally awake, Master," his loyal droid chimed. A tray was situated in his hands with a glass of water and a cup of pills.
"How long was I out?" Vader impassively questioned as he tossed his legs off the bed. Shifting his shoulder, hateful eyes stared at his missing limb.
"Three days," the golden droid hummed, setting the tray on the nightstand. Vader winced as his opposing shoulder throbbed, jaw clenching he stared at the old wound with distain.
"Where is she?" He wondered with labored breath, "Where is Padmé?" When silence once again filled the room, Vader's amber eyes stared back to 3PO. "I asked you a question, Threepio. Where is Padmé?"
"She is at her sister's residence, Master," the droid finally responded. The Sith's eyes narrowed as his gaze fell to stare out the window. "It was determined that she would be safer there."
"Determined…" Vader repeated, the word foul, "Determined by who?"
"After what happened when you arrived home… Your chief inquisitor and I believed it was in her best interest to evacuate the dwelling until you were well enough to operate rationally." The young lord clutched his forehead, the ache in his brain pounding as he struggled to remember anything. His stomach twisted as he could only recall Sidious' voice in his mind. His orders.
"Is she safe?" A beat. "Is she alright?" He murmured, glancing at the droid from the corner of his eye.
"She is safe. She sustained a few injuries. Perhaps Master we can discuss this at a later time-" the droid began to deflect.
"Answer the fucking question, Threepio!" Vader roared. Pain tore through his body from the strain, he winced his teeth gritting together as he tried to numb the unpleasant feeling.
"You attacked her, Master," the droid desolately admitted.
Vader's eyes darted from his hand to the nub of his arm. "I want to see her."
"Perhaps Master you should give her and yourself time. Both of you need to heal," 3PO suggested, shuffling in front of him. "Even I have never seen you in such a state… If it was not for her own self-preservation, y-you would have-"
"Please do not finish that statement, Threepio," Vader tersely demanded. Regret swarmed his as he stood from the bed. Drawing closer to the window, his shoulder rested upon the frame as he stared at the horizon. He wanted to see her. Yet, the vision and even 3PO were guiding him towards a vastly different direction.
When he'd lost his mother, Vader could recall how much that boy he used to be suffered. Broken. Afraid. Vengeful and enraged. It was hard for him to admit but he'd felt similar emotions when hearing of Padmé's death. The panic that encompassed him and the rage that followed was overwhelming. He was helpless - desperate to see her alive. To hear her voice. He had come to terms with how he lost his mother. He'd also come to the realization that Padmé was alive, and he had not failed on his promise. This was different. Regret and disappointment consumed him. He was responsible for this. Vader was the one that could have blindly killed her. It was his failure. I have to get stronger… His thoughts concluded. Staring at his cloak draped across the tufted chair, he knew the wayfinder that he'd found those months ago was imbedded within the pocket.
"When will this all end, Master Ani?" The droid wondered quietly. Ache struck his chest as he listened to the droid's agony. "I have been in your service since you were a boy. Since… before all this. I do not understand. She would have wanted you to be happy-"
"Do not bring her into this Threepio," Vader darkly warned, knowing where the conversation would end.
"She taught you differently, Master Ani. I thought you cared for Lady Padmé. I have tried to make sense of what you have done to her… but it does not logically compute. Your mother would be-"
"Silence!" Vader bellowed, his bare fist slamming through glass pane. "You have no business lecturing me!" Through his teeth he snarled, "Get out."
The droid shuttered then and with a reluctant, 'yes, Master,' he fled the room. Nauseousness churned in his belly as he stared at the empty space of his arm. Taking a deep breath, he tried to silence the thoughts racing in his mind as he attempted to focus on what mattered in that moment. He needed a new arm. Glancing back to the nightstand, he stared at his commlink. 3PO did raise a good point, when will all this end? The Sith repeated the question in his mind over and over. Striding towards the table, he snatched the device before ordering the medical droids to fetch his new arm. He already had one crafted, just in case, after the incident on Vandor. After the surgery, Vader would give his wife the time she needed.
There were things he needed to do alone. Places he needed to visit. He would heed the masked being's warning. Find the Emperor's truth and secrets. His cloak flew into his clutches as he dragged the pyramid map from the internal pocket. When his flesh felt the pointed edges, a memory flashed before his eyes as the droids rolled into the room. It had been ingrained in his remembrance of Athiss. It was that of a woman's skeleton which blurred into another vision one consisting of a regal sarcophagus with Padmé's name. He wasn't sure what to make of the visions. Unsure whether the Force was warning him to not search for the Sith planet or warn him of what would happen if he did not. Taking a seat on the bed, Vader's eyes hollowed witnessing his new beskar arm. He felt nothing as his nerves were split to allow for the affix of microscopic wires to his nervous system. It would take him a week to travel to the unknown regions, an unknown length of time to search and find what he needed. Everything else could wait till he returned. Padmé would have the time with her family that she needed and freedom away from him.
Brushing out the creases of her dress, Padmé took in a deep breath when the speeder's door glided open. Her eyes lingered on the beautiful home that she'd always dreamed about and how much that dream had drifted into a nightmare. Glancing at the man who'd opened the door she gave him a soft smile. She'd seen him before, yet they'd never had the chance to speak. He was tall, only an inch shorter than Vader. With his jet-black hair contained in his patrol cap, the rest of his attire was the strikingly similar to that of Captain Grett and Lasky.
"Lady Vader, I am Captain Paxton. It is an honor to formally introduce myself," he said with a curt smile. "Lord Vader has appointed me to the head of security for this property. If there is anything-"
"I'm sure she will be perfectly capable of finding you if she needs to Captain," Eryx called from afar as he rounded the garden. His boots scuffed against the cobblestone. Unease swept against the woman's skin as she adverted her gaze. "Njord and Sobek will also be here if you require anything."
Padmé's brows furrowed in confusion of what he meant until she caught movement at the main entrance. Vader was resting against the archway and the second she saw him; she felt her heart stammer. He was donned in onyx, though loose-fitting pants and a short-sleeved gambeson replaced his usual robes. Even in the shadows he still seemed pale, eyes sunken, yet she was happy to see that a new silvery arm had replaced the one he'd lost. His expression was unreadable and when she saw his face – the smile fell from her own. Vader's men took the hint and backed away towards the security tower. Padmé glanced at them as they left but her attention swiftly fell upon the Sith waiting for her to join him. She urged herself to keep taking another step and in time she finally reached him.
The second she got close enough, Vader backed away allowing her inside. Swiftly her gaze went to trace the room. The sofa, chandeliers, and every piece of glass that had broken had been replaced. The home looked brand new – as if nothing happened. However, Padmé knew what occurred that night was no fragment of her imagination.
"Please sit," Vader invited his voice hoarse before he cleared his throat.
Questions stirred in her mind. He was acting in a way that she'd never seen before. He was distant – extremely so. Anyone else may have been apologetic or perhaps he'd be angry she'd been gone for days. But she couldn't comprehend his emotions, they were too well guarded. Padmé nodded taking a seat on the new leather couch.
"I will be leaving for an indeterminate amount of time," Vader announced suddenly, voice empty. All of the thoughts swirling around in her mind froze and her eyes popped a fraction. "In my absence you will remain on Naboo. If there is anything you require Sobek, Njord, Captain Paxton and the men under his command will be of assistance. I will also be leaving Threepio under your discretion as well. The terms of your new occupation have been amended. You will begin your efforts for the Empire when I return. You have been away from your family for quite some time. Use my absence to reconcile this affliction."
"You don't need to do this Vader," Padmé pleaded, standing. The Sith reeled away, as if she were poisoned and he did not wish for it to spread. Dejection broadcasted from every pore. Her heart palpating as she drew back.
"There is nothing left for us to discuss until my return." The absence of passion did not match the mourning swarming in his gaze.
Padmé knew she should have been livid with him, completely appalled with what transpired those nights ago. Perhaps a day or two back she would have been but, truthfully what happened was not his fault.
"It was Angel," he scarcely whispered, desolation entwining his words. "It was my fault. I will not let it happen again." A shaky breath left him as he approached, his hand gathering the curls at the back of her neck pressing them flush. "I cannot be weak," he said breathlessly, "you- you have made me such."
Padmé's heart fell as her stomach fluttered, "Anakin, please… it wasn't your fault."
Vader's grasp on her tightened, his breath accelerating as his flesh hand grasped her chin, "never use that name." The severity in his voice quaked her with fear to the core. "Do you hear me? Never use it." He warned, his golden eyes swirling with an ocean blue of worry. Padmé nodded unable to tear her gaze away from his. A frown pulled at his features as his hand left to shuffle through his robes. "I will return when I am able. Until then, please attempt to behave," he sighed gently kissing her forehead. Something cold touched her, Vader slipping metal into her hand as he blustered away. The second she felt the handle of a blaster, her hand clutched the weapon with unmatched vigor as she slipped it securely into the sleeve of her dress.
Padmé gulped witnessing him storm out the door. An emotion she'd never experienced tugged at the tendrils of her throbbing heart. "Vader!" She cried rushing after him. He was almost to his shuttle, Eryx and Aker already on board waiting at the top of the cargo ramp. Mind not rational, she raced up to him. Flung her arms around his neck frantically as she buried her face deep into his chest. "Please be careful." The broken plea was almost unbearable for her to announce.
Heavy arms wrapped around her tenderly as she felt an inhale against her curls, his lips placing one final kiss on the top of her head before he released. "I will," his voice promised in her mind as he began his climb up the ramp. Padmé could only watch as he disappeared, her eyes falling to his inquisitors. As the door began to rise, Eryx gave her one last glance. Emerald eyes swimming with remorse. The hiss of hydraulics filled her ears. Captain Paxton gently grasped her upper arms escorting her a safe distance away. Witnessing the lambda shuttle ascend, she toyed with the necklace dangling above her sternum. Even when the ship was long gone, disappeared amongst the clouds she couldn't help but continue to stare.
"My Lady?" Paxton uttered by her side, "Are you alright?"
The woman snapped out of it, her eyes darting towards him. "I-I'm sorry, I was just…"
"There is no reason to apologize. The only thing I would like to ask of you is to please inform me of your schedule so I can prepare our resources accordingly."
"Of course. Erm… my sister will be over this evening. That's… all I have planned for now," she said turning back towards the house.
"Understood, Lady Vader," he nodded before returning to his post.
"Captain!" Padmé called after him. "Feel free to call me Padmé, there is no need to be so formal," she smiled weakly.
The man glanced at his boots and tugged at his collar. "I don't believe that's proper, my Lady."
A frown formed across her features as she nodded, "Whatever is comfortable with you I suppose if fine with me. I was just saying that you can if you like."
"Yes, milady," he nodded a small smile crossing his features.
Heading back inside, Padmé took the stowed blaster from her dress as she headed up the stairs. Tossing it within the nightstand beside the bed, she unzipped her dress to change into something more comfortable. Shimmying out of the satin fabric she went to the closet finding a pair of Vader's sleep pants and one of his undershirts. Holding the cotton up to her nose, warmth cloaked her from the scent of the detergent. Threepio had to wash their garments separately – hers always smelled of millaflowers and his of musk and sandalwood. Wavering towards the sitting area, she frowned taking a seat upon one of the sofas her eyes taking in the gorgeous view of the falls and mountain range in the distance.
Questions stirred in her mind, unable to mix and dissolve like water and oil. However, one thing kept her mind at ease. Vader had left but at least he was willing to give her a proper goodbye. Even if it was done in his own way, he'd made the effort to see her. He could have just left. Leaving her to wonder if or when he'd return. Though, a small part of her was nervous… nervous to know how long he would actually be gone. He spoke about his weakness. That he had to leave in order to find strength. The task not straightforward.
The woman shook her head not understanding that in the slightest. Any other person would have succumbed to those injuries. He was alive, up and moving only three days after the fact. He was not weak… quite the opposite. He was strong. Impressively strong. That in and of itself vexed her. How strong can a mortal man actually become? Padmé understood to some extent the power of the Force. She knew it bestowed Vader with power that normal sentient beings could never obtain. That still did not detract from the fact that he was only a human. Mortal. Made of skin, blood, and bone.
Marching off the shuttle, Vader could feel numerous eyes lingering upon him. He supposed it was a bizarre sight to see the Supreme Commander lacking his full battle regalia. His neck flexed, creaking of vertebra loud in his ears. It helped drown out the loud thoughts of his crew. It was hard for them to even register that he had skin – even if it was shrouded in scars. Even if they'd witnessed him on the holonet and in other instances on the ship – it was still scrutinized. He internally complained that it was such a captivating spectacle.
Witnessing his new prosthetic was a relief. Once again, his fingers moved seamlessly on command. It was the perfect weight and fit, it was impermeable in comparison to his former. He faintly scowled. It was to most weapons anyway, but it still had the normal risks of being torn from the rest of him.
"It is wonderful to have you back on-board Lord Vader," Piett announced jogging up and folding in next to him. "Are we to rejoin the armada?"
"No… I want them stationed above Naboo," the young lord muttered. There was confusion on the older man's face as his brows furrowed. "Is there a problem Admiral?"
"No Sir," Piett replied hastily with a swallow. From the corner of his eye, Vader watched the officer reel back half a foot. "I received your directive and set the course to Csilla. The Executor is ready to depart whenever you give the order."
"Let us leave then," Vader muttered as he trekked towards the lift. Once again, bewilderment shrouded the admiral's features. "What is wrong, Admiral?" The Sith growled.
"Lady Vader, my Lord… will she be joining you?" Piett asked hesitantly.
With narrowed eyes, he held open the lift. "You don't see her here, do you?" The Sith snarked, "She is remaining on Naboo. Is there anything else you would like to know Piett?"
"No, my Lord… my apologies if I overstepped." The dark lord rolled his eyes as he pulled his hand away. Swiftly the door shut to haul him towards his chambers. He needed a shower and new robes. He should have dressed before leaving but there was no time. If he remained any longer, she may have tempted him to stay. Just thinking about her doe eyes made his loose trousers feel tight. When the lift decelerated, there was no hesitation as he unfastened his shirt heading towards his quarters. His gaze lingered on the viewport for a moment as he felt the ship rotate. The Naboo system fell out of sight. There was nothing but darkness and speckles before them now. As a soft lunge waved the ship, the whirl of hyperspace appeared.
Placing the wayfinder on his chiffonier. He winced as he undressed. Staring at his scars in the mirror, they were humming an angry red. There was only one pleasant reprieve that he'd received from his Master. The bones which had been fractured from his prior wounds had not been burst. The worst wound of them all had not fully surfaced. The happenstance with a rancor at the age of fifteen had crushed his upper body. Ribs, and his left collarbone were completely mangled. The fact that beast's fangs had not pierced and tore apart his heart was either a blessing or a curse. He shouldn't have moved for weeks after that encounter. Yet, Sidious required him. His training was excruciating for months. He couldn't recall how many times the medical droids had reset his bones. The fact he still had full mobility was downright fascinating. Taking a full assessment of his body, the wound from the leviathan was almost as painful. The scar tissue was curled, scabs struggling to expand over the torn flesh. The medical droids had glued it back together as much as they could. Still, the subdermal wounds would only heal once again with time.
Even if he had the desire to heal himself through the Force – rid himself of the pain. His mental barriers were still too weak. They had been decimated by his master's intrusion. Vader not only had to heal from his physical wounds but, mental ones as well. Stepping into the shower, the young lord washed away the remnants of adhesive, soot, and blood. The droids had obviously tried to clean him while he was out, but nothing was as effective as a shower.
After he scrubbed himself clean, he changed into a new set of robes. He situated his cloak, covering his features with his cowl before leaving his chambers. Darkness was his home. He left his deck heading down to the bridge. They'd be in hyperspace for a week. They were on the opposite side of the galaxy and once they arrived above Csilla, he would be on his own from there.
While approaching the bridge Eryx and Aker were waiting idly at the blast doors. Stationed sentinels. The flash of red armor spread across his vision, knocking him out of his normal stride as he recalled the vision.
"Lord Vader," both of them announced simultaneously as he approached. Vader's expression soured, the walls of Eryx's barriers strengthening as he hesitated to acknowledge them. Vader knew the Inquisitor's feelings regarding returning to the world that caused him exceeding misfortune. The first time Vader had visited Csilla was when his fighter crash landed on the icy planet. It was the first time he failed to locate Exegol. It was perhaps by chance or the will of the Force that the young Lord had met Eryx. The common thief accepted Vader's proposal when it was that or certain death. Both him and the Dark Lord shared a similar hatred for where they were raised. Not ever had Vader thought about stepping foot on Tatooine. It was a secret hope of his that he never would again. However, what he sensed was a different worry. It was not about returning to his home world – there was something else.
"Is there something you wish to inform me, Eryx?" The Dark Lord said sharply, standing in front of him – blocking any attempt to escape.
"We are just uncertain as to why we are traveling to Csilla, my Lord." He offered. There was a deep ill-hearted emotion emanating from the Inquisitor when announced the systems name with unmatched hatred. The Sith's head tilted knowing that he was circumventing his question with another less significant topic that was prodding him.
"That is not the answer I was expecting, Eryx."
The inquisitor's shoulders shifted, "The other I wish to speak to you about in private, my Lord," he said without hesitation. Emerald eyes attempted to see through the darkness of his cowl. Aker sent him a perplexed glance. It was obvious his comrade did not know what he was referencing.
The hall was bustling. Officers speaking and going to and from their posts. Vader nodded, "Very well then." Stepping to the side, he trudged onto the bridge witnessing Piett speaking with their navigation officer.
"My Lord there's a solar radiation storm impacting communication frequencies expanding from the Woostri and Vandelhelm systems… These storms are expecting to peak when we are crossing through the sector."
Vader stared at the navigation map, "Augment our course and veer towards the Azum sector. I do not want us anywhere near the Core. Stay clear of major trade routes."
"But my Lord, steering us away from normal routes could risk the collision with an asteroid field or worse other storms-"
"Then be sure to monitor activity in each sector before we enter. Even if we must come out of hyperspace to navigate through – I do not want this ship near the Core. Monitor other imperial activity. If any attempts of communication are made inform me immediately. Understood?"
"U-Understood, My Lord." Piett nodded swiftly ordering the change in routing. Even though there was no question in the order, Vader could hear his thoughts question why staying clear of other imperial vessels was imperative. The Sith frowned beneath his cowl, his attention venturing towards the viewport. There were numerous Imperial strongholds near the Core. He could go without one wondering the Executor's business and why the Supreme Commander was traveling within his flagship without his armada away from known space. Even if it was none of their concern, whispers meant the leak of information through ranks. That was something he could go without until the emperor requested his presence himself.
Hearing an 'understood' from Piett in the background, Vader turned to the Admiral as the man rushed back to his side. "A communication from Raxus Prime, my Lord," he said swiftly handing him a datapad. Vader scanned through the document and fury roared to the surface of his skin. Imbedded within the report was a recording of a cloaked man scurrying into a complex. Even if he saw the man's face for a split second, the still image below showed him that his assumption about the planet did not fail him. Obi-wan Kenobi.
"The timestamp says this was tape was recorded more than a week ago. Why is this the first I am witnessing this report?" Vader demanded his grip tightening around the holopad.
"Governor Ronald informed me that there was a backlog of footage. He assured me he sent it over the moment he verified the identity." Taking a deep inhale, Vader resisted the urge to crush Piett's neck. It was not his fault. It was that of Governor Ronald. It was a high priority order for every system under imperial control to conduct facial recognition on whoever entered or departed from the system. The misstep was unacceptable. With a rage so fierce, Vader continued reading the report. Once he read that a vessel that was unable to be captured fled the atmosphere, his teeth almost disintegrated in his mouth from the force of his jaw. There was negligence plastered all over the report. Especially once Vader read the outside assessment for what transpired.
"And to top it all off, they have no idea where he could have gone," the Sith glowered in a deadly voice, causing the Admiral to step away. He shoved the datapad back to the officer, "Send a transmission to the Governor, Admiral."
"At once, Lord Vader," he acknowledged swiftly following his command. Above the transponder panel, a hologram of the Governor appeared. An apprehensive smile upon his features.
"Lord Vader," the Governor stuttered. "It is an honor-" Instantaneously, Vader had his throat between his fingers with the Force. He sensed everyone in the room still, the air silent.
"You allowed a known traitor to enter, live and flee right under your nose. Your blatant carelessness cannot be tolerated." Vader snarled, "He should have been in custody the second his presence was detected. I have read the report Governor," he growled, "Your officers implored you to transmit an inform letter. Where I could have sent men skilled in the art of detaining such vermin. And you failed to sign because you feared my reaction for such delay." Gurgles responded on the other end as he tore the collar of his shirt. "I would have spared your life if you had only heeded the intelligence that was so plainly placed before you. Now it is forfeit." With a distinct snap through the audio, the man's neck contorted as he fell forward slamming against the console – the video feed ending. Vader rolled his neck as he terminated the transmission on his end. "Send the affirmation that Lieutenant Governor Velimus has been promoted to Governor, ensure he understands that not a single mistake will be tolerated."
"Understood, Lord Vader," Piett nodded, trekking to the communications officers, and ordering the message to be sent. The Sith shook his head and seriously started to wonder whether they were heading in the wrong direction. If he changed course now and reach Raxus Prime within several days. Perhaps find clues as to where Kenobi would have fled too next. He internally cursed, how could he have found a ship with an operational hyperspace drive without having help? The answer was clear – he couldn't. There must be an organized rebel operation within the system. There was no other way he could have come across the funds or build the vessel without some form of assistance. Vader gnawed at his cheek; his eyes mesmerized by the whirl of hyperspace. The discovery of the Jedi's movements would soon reach his master's ears. Sidious would no doubt order him to hunt down the man who had escaped his grasp twice.
"Another transmission, my Lord. From the Emperor," Piett informed him hesitantly. Vader's eyes gently shut as he pressed his palms flat against the control panel.
"Do not respond," Vader demanded.
"E-Excuse me my Lord?" Piett said aloud, the young lord peered back at him.
"You heard my orders. Now obey them," he snapped. The Admiral reeled back and nodded.
"I follow your command, Lord Vader," he announced, bowing his head, and returning to his station. The Sith's eyes narrowed, he needed to get the hell out of charted space as fast as possible. The last thing he needed was for Sidious to be aware of his ultimate motive so quickly.
"I will send a transmission once we have passed the Minfar system," Vader said quietly, more to himself than anyone else. Four days without returning his master's call was not unusual. However, he needed to keep regular transmissions with him or risk the old cretin traveling back to Naboo. The last thing he needed was for him to pay his wife a visit. Vader would be across the galaxy and there wouldn't be a damn thing he could do to stop what his master had in store.
"Inform me if we must exit hyperspace and of any more transmissions," the young lord commanded, allowing Piett to pilot the ship.
Leaving the bridge, Vader glanced to his inquisitors – the two falling in tow to follow him into the lift. It carried them up to his personal deck. As they exited, he instantly felt an overwhelming fear emanating from Eryx. Even if he tried to shield it. The feeling was seeping from his mental barriers as they approached the seating area. Brushing down his cowl, he snagged a bottle of scotch. Vader poured each one of them a glass before shuffling a case of deathsticks from his robes. He downed the liquor in a single gulp.
Aker took a sip of his, his blue gaze peering at Eryx before he took another cautionary gulp. Eryx followed Vader's lead, downing the entire glass before slamming it atop the center table. "I think it's time you told me what is actually going on within that mind of yours before I have to find out for myself," Vader muttered, even if his words sounded friendly – his eyes were warning.
"Sidious is planning something-" Eryx began.
"Tell me something I don't know," Vader snorted, pouring himself another stiff drink before rounding the sofa and taking a seat in front of them. The Sith lit a smoke, inhaling as he leaned back.
"No, I mean he is planning to rip apart the loyalties of your men by any means necessary," the inquisitor warned. "He knows that even after revealing your age that your favor with the Moffs and war chiefs has not been swayed. They know you still remain the mind behind every victory. He knows that we," he spoke, glancing to Aker, "Are your most trusted servants. That when the time comes, and you ask us to defect we will do so without hesitation." Vader's eyes narrowed as he paused. "I could feel him slithering around my mind, Lord Vader. The other night, something came over me that I cannot explain. I tried to hurt her," Eryx whispered. "When it was happening, it was as if I had no control. I sensed his presence. Like he was there in the room with us. In my head. I was able to force him out before anything actually happened but, I could feel his anger when the sensation suddenly vanished."
Standing from his place, Vader stood rounding the settee to stare out the massive viewport. His jaw flexed slightly as he took another sip of his drink. "Considering how it went, I highly doubt he will ever try such a thing again. He misjudged your strength… Whether that is a good or bad thing, I do not know," he uttered taking a drag of his deathstick. Relief gushed from Eryx's barriers, the walls lowering ever so slightly as he released his heightened guard.
"I'm sorry I did not explain earlier."
"There was no time for you to explain such a thing," Vader said sensibly, "There is no need for the apology."
"If his plan was to stay hidden then he would have wished you to lose trust in one of us," Aker said quietly his hazel eyes contemplating, "he is worried. He understands how strong you've become. We should not wait any longer, my Lord. There is no doubt in my mind that he will use anything he can against you."
Vader shook his head, "Perhaps he wanted me to learn that this had happened. Force me to act rashly against him. If I acted now, I'd lose. I still have matters that need dealt with before I can make my move against him. Matters that will grant me full control of all influential star systems. My marrying the Senator from Naboo was not ill-witted. I need more time to build a foundation."
"She hasn't seemed keen on aiding you so far, my Lord. We can't trust a former rebel leader," Aker argued, "what could she possibly offer?"
"There are still systems spread across the galaxy that have remained neutral even after four years. Why? – they either have natural barriers barring an invasion or enough funds where their remaining neutral is beneficial because they are more likely to continue their cooperation under their own governance. I need those systems loyal. Neutral and cooperative are not enough. She is the key to securing that loyalty."
"What makes you think she will help? She's been very clear about where her loyalty remains," Eryx muttered.
"She loathes Sidious just as much as I do. Deep down all she wishes is to see him removed from power, during the process – she will not care how," the young lord hummed, his eyes catching sight of a small pod of purrgil passing through hyperspace alongside them. They moved effortlessly as if gliding through water. They were incredible creatures. To a human and most species space would suck the gas out of lungs, rupture blood vessels while you froze to death. While they moved through space with such grace, unfazed by the harsh conditions.
"Then what is the purpose of this trip to Csilla. If you have it all figured out why the hell are we returning to that barren fucking system," Eryx grumbled, ashing his deathstick.
"Have no fear Eryx, you won't need to travel to the surface," Vader sighed, turning back to take a seat. "It is the closest registered planet before the unknown regions. When we arrive both of you will remain on the Executor and wait for my transmission."
"Where are you going?" Aker wondered.
"To finish a search that I started many years ago." With that the young lord snuffed his deathstick and knocked back the rest of his drink. "That is all, both of you are free to leave."
"Yes, Lord Vader," they announced standing from their place. The Sith eyed them as they left, moving in synchronicity towards the lift. His head tipped for a moment as they left. He was taught from a young age to never trust anyone – that everyone had their own motives. However, he could look deep within their minds and see that betrayal was not something they would ever think about against him. They shared their own distaste for the emperor. Even if they had their own motives, they had the right to them. If or when Vader ever usurped his master, the reward for their loyalty would be monumental.
Venturing back towards his quarters, he tossed away his cloak. Kicking off his boots and peeling off his gloves, he shuffled out of his robes as he swayed towards the bed. The weight upon his eyes was heavy as he sat on his bed. Beskar swept across black silk and swiftly his mind went to Padmé. His chambers never used to feel empty before her. Now the entire room felt like an echo chamber. A frown tugged at his features as he rested back against the pillows. Force, he wished that he'd brought her – had someone to hold as he slept. Someone to connect with and draw his mind away from all the things that plagued him. Force, he'd been gone less than a few hours and he was already missing her. Grabbing a pillow he plopped it over his eyes, he needed rest in order to be prepared for this mission. Something deep down told him that once he found Exegol what he needed to find was not likely to be easily found.