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Chapter 19
Vader meditated, centering himself-feeling the struggle.
Luke had been an exceptional Jedi; he accepted the Dark Side within him and didn't fear it or his emotions. The Jedi before him believed that the Force could be titled, subtitled, and categorized. One of Vader's reasons for refusing to convert from the Dark Side was his inaction. What the past Jedi didn't know was that one was merely surrendering to their own potential for evil to harm others. It was not part of the Force that is evil... it was the conduit themselves who surrendered to the Dark Side and thus lost ground.
No Jedi alive at the time claimed the Nightsisters were evil because they wielded the Dark Side. Separatists had those who pushed for peace. The Republic was entirely corrupt. The Jedi were, in a way, romanticists from their own Dark Sides, exceedingly dogmatic and increasingly blinded and foolish, making mistakes all the time. Obi-Wan and Yoda had their Dark Side, and Windu almost used his in battle.
And there was at last that meeting, where Yoda traversed through his journey, he realized that he had to face his Dark Side, and acknowledged it to be part of him instead of a deadly cancer. He told Skywalker later. Through refusal, the dark force acquired strength in turn; through admission, one controlled his Dark Side. And that was also applicable to the Force.
The Dark Side was no cancer of the Force. It was just the other side. The Sith was the cancer of the Force.
And for him to become a true Sith by Sidious's standards, he would have to cast aside his children.
He loved Luke and Leia.
Loved them enough not to betray them or attempt to seduce them to the Dark Side, even though they wished not to. The Sith's dogmatic interpretations of the Force drove as much of a wedge between him and his family as the Jedi did.
And for balance to be achieved, both Orders must fall and be reborn as something new.
The Force was simply the Force.
Summoned to Organa's office a few hours after he gained a leash over his temper, Vader and Luke moved side-by-side, and only then did the two feel a disturbance through the Force. It took much within Vader not to grip his lightsaber in that moment and seek out the treacherous figure, grounded in the form of his son.
The door opened, and four figures sat around, with one standing at Organa's side. Two figures were also present. The familiar forms of Mon Mothma and Garm Bel Iblis, via Holo, were at different points in the galaxy. Though Vader didn't care to know where they were at this point. Included were the closest military advisors, including Jan Dodonna. Beneath Moth, the Minister of War, and the CoS were the Alliance Supreme Allied Commanders, such as Admiral Gial Ackbar.
Organa gave him a long, weary look, but only for a moment before opening his mouth.
"Lord Vader, this is-"
"Jedi Master Yenic It'kla." Vader said in a clipped tone, eyeing the Jedi of old.
The male Caamasi, gold with purple stripes and amber eyes, narrowed his gaze at him.
"Skywalker, I never thought you would have given Kenobi another thing to reflect about," the Caamasi said vacantly.
"Don't test my patience, Jedi," Vader replied sharply. "My intentions are far beyond your understanding."
"I am not here to instigate a fight with you, Sith," the Jedi spat. "You would know that I am a pacifist who only fights for knowledge and defense, never for attack. Nineteen years on Alderaan and remaining undiscovered is no small feat..."
"Exactly why you didn't fight in the Battle of Geonosis and secluded yourself on Alderaan," Vader pointed out archly, wondering how this Jedi had escaped proximity under his very nose. He should have been traced by the Emperor and Vader years ago.
"Considering what the war has done to you, Skywalker," It'kla said simply, eyeing his battered form from his prosthetic legs to his arms to his scarred face, "I do imagine part of you has wished to follow my example."
"Your temperament would have led to the Jedi being annihilated sooner."
"Enough!" Breha Organa raised her voice, holding up her hand. "Lord Vader, Jedi Master Yenic It'kla is here for our protection. Forgive us, but we do not exactly have any reason to trust you aside from hope."
"Your fear blinds your sight, Organa," Vader said, grinning. "Surely, the Queen of Alderaan should carry herself better."
Organa didn't even look insulted, remaining full of dignity. "Is it too much to ask that you not act like a child while we proceed with this, Lord Vader?"
"Yes," Luke added sternly in a tone that meant business, staring pointedly at Vader, "restrain yourself, Father."
Several amused stares were shot at Vader as he recoiled from the firm stare of his son. Very few would ever think such a young man looked so intimidating.
Mothma nodded at the younger man, her demeanor softening at the sight of Luke. Vader could assume why. "Master Skywalker, I do wish to hear more if you will allow it in the future."
Luke nodded with a fond smile, almost pained. "Of course."
"Let's cut straight to the matter," Vader said.
Mothma's face transformed from polite to professional coldness yet again. "Lord Vader, your crimes against the galaxy are unforgivable," she began to speak. Vader knew not to underestimate Padmé's old friend. She had given a staggering speech about her distaste for Imperial policy in general and the genocide at Ghorman in particular. She had been one of the main callers behind the Declaration of Rebellion and the pamphlet: A Call to Reason. "Why should the Rebellion even entertain your insistence to remain with the Rebellion?"
"It is simple, madam," Luke answered for him, nudging him through the Force in warning to prevent himself from taunting the woman. "Restraining Vader, my father, is dangerous for everyone involved. Additionally, the Rebellion has given past Imperial defectors opportunities to prove themselves."
"That is true," Bel Iblis pointed out with a curt nod of agreement, "however, those don't pose as much of a threat as Vader, who I might add, is the personal armed Enforcer of the Emperor."
Luke inputted, "There are far worse enemies."
Bel Iblis frowned. "Another one of the Emperor's superweapons?"
Ah, so the Organas didn't tell them? Understandable when Vader thought twice about it. If information was revealed that someone knew of the future, it may lead to codependency that such events would occur again and that they should prepare for it. In that regard, Vader pitied his son. His burden may have been too overwhelming for him had it been him who traveled in time.
"Senator, with all due respect, I come from a galaxy beyond your worst imagination. You have already seen how the Emperor rose among the Senate under the guise of Sheev Chancellor Palpatine. Do you believe there would not be a threat in unknown space?"
"Chancellor," Leia pointed out reasonably, playing the mediator, "if this was indeed a trap, why would Vader go as far as to remove the suit? It's too obvious."
Mothma contemplated it for a moment before nodding three times. "I acknowledge that it is possible that his intentions are genuine. I just ask if they have actual proof."
"We do," Luke said.
He gripped a recorder and placed it on the table, playing it for all to hear.
"Is that the Death Star?" Leia asked, surprised.
"Yes."
In the Hologram, the Death Star remained visible for a moment before it exploded, and the disbelief, if not outright relief and hope, that spread through the room was evident.
"The Death Star is now a floating husk in space," Vader noted with placid humor that didn't go unnoticed.
"Above Geonosis, to be exact," Luke added, knowing that they had that question.
"This amuses you, Lord Vader?" Dodonna spoke up for the first time. "This is an instrumental part in the Galactic Civil War. The destruction of the Death Star can allow the Rebellion to find fertile soil and far more attacks for supplies and people."
Oh, if he only knew- "Tarkin's dependence on that weapon was foreseeable. For years, he had striven to gain control over the galaxy, not only under the Tarkin Doctrine but on a wider spectrum." The implication was clear.
"That means-" a sharp intake of breath came from Leia, "he was plotting to use that weapon to overthrow the Emperor?!"
"Correct," he confirmed. "The Death Star's construction was contrary to my initial fulmination. From all accounts, the then-Chancellor Palpatine created an environment, especially among the higher offices, of perpetual abstruse indoctrination and manipulation, all geared towards exposing and remunerating people's worst instincts and punitively punishing their better natures."
"...You must know we have to launch an investigation into the legitimacy of these claims," Mothma pointed out, though she didn't have much hope currently. "If this is legitimate, why, Lord Vader?"
Bah, foolish idiots who believed that there would be consequences, yet Vader could exploit this.
"The expungement of any charges and allowing me to remain free," Vader bargained.
"Unacceptable!" Mothma said instantly, followed up by protests from others in the room.
"Silence!" Organa regained his voice. "Besides, this is not a tribunal."
"Nevertheless, according to you, this is an Alliance to Restore the Republic."
"You have no case."
"The armor could actually be interpreted as a form of punishment, as I was conscious without any sedatives during the entire operation to repair my burned body. The suit was also excruciating for me to wear, as pins and needles constantly embedded into my skin, feeding my hatred and suffering."
"And you couldn't remove it?" someone pointed out from across the galaxy. A man whose name he didn't catch.
"A slave does not have the permission to remove their detonator. Only to follow their Masters orders."
"You're implying you're a victim," Bel Iblis stated more than asked, his face contorted into a flat line. Vader rather respected the man. He had escaped from the Emperor's custody multiple times.
"The suit kept me powerful with the Dark Side. The constant pain meant that I had to continuously draw on the Dark to keep the sempiternal agony at bay. It also kept me a slave to the Emperor. Shrouded in the suit, I was predominantly impeded from forming any real connections with most people. Everyone perceived me as a monster, and that's exactly what the Emperor needed me to be. As long as I was trapped in the suit, I would always be dependent on Palpatine for his only companionship until he finally set me free."
He watched, out of the corners of his eyes, the shifting of Mothma and the frown of Organa.
"Regardless of your mistreatment by the Emperor," Jon Dodonna said, "you could have fought Palpatine and died instead of serving him."
"And risk what? Deactivation? If I had fought the Emperor, won, and came before you, that would have went against the Empire's laws." Vader pointed out. "That would have been an act of treason. Every mission I have done was proceeded legally until now. No laws were broken. The Empire was declared a state when the local governments and planetary systems followed him after Order 66."
"That is another matter," Dadonna said icily.
"Order 66 was not a private matter. It was imperative. Judging me for what I did in the Jedi Temple especially wouldn't be found on any statutory basis. Afterwards, the Emperor was informed, and each order was carried out."
Mothma eyed him, and it felt like she was looking deep to discover his game. Finally, she said, " We strive to be better than the Old Republic. As such, we have a difficult decision to make. You have participated in so many crimes throughout the Empire's reign and doomed the galaxy to darkness. Yet, you present an interesting case." She sighed and looked at her fellow advisors and senators who nodded slowly. She looked like she was tasting rat. "Your time in the suit can be accurately categorized as sensory deprivation, and your extended time, considered torture."
She held up a hand. "However, that does not mean you haven't committed wrongdoing. Countless lives you've taken; when the New Republic is established, it will be expected for you to be prepared and face trial for your crimes."
Vader grinned. "What the law was then isn't the law now. As it is, the Rebellion is not a standing force in the galaxy. That title is held by the Empire. Will you violate your laws for vengeance?"
"Not vengeance, justice!" Mothma snapped.
"Nevertheless, I believe that in this body that claims to wish to restore the Republic, any action attained by torture is impermissible," Vader pointed out, watching as Organa and all within the room stiffened and finally caught on. The military advisors glared. A slight scowl appeared on Mothma's face. And Bel Iblis looked down at her, "and as such, any of my actions during my confinement are inadmissible at best due to the circumstances, correct?"
Mothma seemed displeased but finally accepted. "Yes, you are correct."
"Good, I believe that is all."
Luke scowled at Vader before turning to the rest. "Forgive me for my father, who clearly hasn't learned the meaning of diplomacy, but I promise you that Vader will not harm anyone. If you don't want his aid, we'll just leave."
"We'll hold you to that, Jedi," Bel Iblis stated, an ounce of flatness in his tone.
Three days later, the Council was assembled...
"I have just received the report. Their story is accurate. The Death Star has been destroyed." Mothma began, her hand on her chin in thought. While she had been an advocate for justice, part of her was reluctant to condemn Padmé's husband now knowing who Darth Vader really was.
"It is obvious what we must do," Bail closed his eyes.
"This could be," Dadonna recommended, "a method for them to manipulate. Perhaps they wish to exploit the Rebellion."
"I agree! We cannot consider this! This can violate everything the Rebellion is supposed to stand for!" Mothma exclaimed.
"No, I don't think so," Bel Iblis said. "At any rate, Skywalker and Vader has gathered many of Jabba the Hutt's former slaves who are purposeless and without meaning. Most likely, they wouldn't be recognized by the Hutts, preventing a long war with them. They might be our chance for the Rebellion."
General Vernan, the male Chief of Intelligence who kept it all going, sighed. "He's right. At any rate, I don't believe we could successfully obtain the resources to arrest Vader. It could be a tragedy for everyone involved."
Mon stared at the Mon Calamari among them. "Ackbar, your input?"
The Mon Calamari spoke. "I served with General Anakin Skywalker in the Clone Wars. He's not only intelligent but also a combat warrior. If we do entertain the idea of locking him away, not only would Skywalker, or should I refer to him as Vader, escape, but we may lose a convenient ally."
Bel Iblis shook his head. "Vader's a brutal force of nature. We have to remember that we're the underdogs in this war, not the Empire. Ultimately, the Core supports Palpatine. They view him as a god. We may have to make sacrifices."
It'kla craned his neck, faint disgust across his face. "Yes, but I imagine such a servant of the Dark Side wouldn't have his own tricks and schemes. The Rebellion cannot be plagued by the poisonous nature of the Dark Side if you are to maintain your values and morals."
"He's extremely volatile," Bail acknowledged. "He may view our soldiers as expendable, and I imagine a mere consultant will not be enough to hold Vader's hand."
"He should be on trial, answering for his crimes," Mothma murmured in displeasure.
"Technically speaking," Dadonna placed a hand over his forehead and sighed, "Vader's actions and misdeeds, sickening as they were, were within the laws of the Empire. For many, holding him will not be possible with the pre-existing law of the galaxy."
"Holding him for sacking of the Temple is out of the question. For all intents and purposes, Master Mace Windu committed a Jedi Coup." Iblis answered in disappointment, obviously wishing otherwise.
The Jedi amongst them contributed, "The Jedi had their reservations about Skywalker from the beginning, yet the stubborn insistence of Obi-Wan Kenobi changed the Council's minds. A big mistake that was..."
"There's no reflecting on what ifs, but on what's now. Given that Master It'kla has no reason to lie about Skywalker telling the truth, we have an opportunity."
"Agent..." Ackbar spoke up abruptly. "We'll give him the role of Agent. That way, we can make the best use of Vader's skills and strike a crucial blow against the Empire without taking too much of a risk. We don't have to worry about our soldiers being marked for death because of his disconnected views."
"Disconnected..." Leia scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Not the word I would use."
Mothma nodded. As part of the leadership, she had to call for these votes. All of the military advisors, most of whom stayed quiet and were thinking about this event, were gathered. Signing the Corellian Treaty two years ago was nothing compared to this.
Damn...
Everything hinged on this.
A minor mistake and the Rebellion would be doomed to fall. She wanted to think that Vader hadn't filled that boy with treasonous thoughts and abhorrent beliefs. That boy was Padmé's son, as was Leia her daughter. Oh, she would have words with Bail for not telling her sooner.
Mothma sighed. She couldn't wait to get some rest. The base on Yavin IV was peaceful. "Let's begin the votes..."
The votes were decided by a narrow margin with several "arrangements" in place.
Luke and Vader were called in.
"Lord Vader," Mothma started, "Master Skywalker, you have done a great service to us by annihilating the Death Star."
Luke nodded.
Disgust and trepidation crawled across her face. "A minority vote deem that you may remain with the Rebellion, but there are conditions. We hold the innocent until proven guilty standard, Vader, and while you are guilty of crimes, Luke Skywalker is not. If you assist the Rebellion, your crimes will be bargained away per the agreement. But..."
Ah yes, the catch. Unpredictable...
Mothma looked at Iblis who nodded and continued. "Your arrangement will be altering your sentence with equal term serving as a soldier. Considering that you would get life for all you've done if we were the core factors of the galaxy, you'd be aiding our Army for a long time. And if you go rogue, depending on the circumstances, we trust that your son will do the honorable thing and apprehend or kill you at the worst circumstances."
Luke nodded immediately, "I will do whatever's necessary if that happens no matter our attachment."
"Intimidation? So uncivilized," Vader mocked.
Unimpressed looks were tossed at him, including Luke and Leia's.
"Do you accept?" Mothma asked hotly.
Vader smirked nastily. "I am at your disposal, Chancellor," he stated dauntingly.
"Good," Mothma declared. "Now, do you have any rebuttals to this?"
"I must warn you, I am not helping the Rebellion," Vader declared. "I am helping my children who are part of the Rebellion. Two different sentiments. We will need each other, especially with my plans."
"That's an arrogant statement," Dodonna replied.
"It's nevertheless the truth. My troopers are loyal to me." And what could be best described as a mischievous smirk crossed his lips. "But that will be a matter to be concluded on a later date."
General Vernan glared at him suspiciously but chose to allow the matter to drop. "Furthermore, I offer you a place within our ranks, not as a Commander or a member of our military, but as a personal agent of the Rebellion. You will work independently from our military, receiving personalized and classified missions with interference from only HQ and monitored access to Rebellion resources should the need arise. When the time comes, we'll call upon you. You'll be deployed to heavily mobilized areas with Imperial findings. We will also see if you uphold your end of the bargain."
Vader?
Agent of the Rebel Alliance?
It's quite an interesting title to be told.
While Vader needed the accessible role he could get, he knew that pressing further at this moment would be seen as a move to wanting more power.
That would not do... for now.
Author's note: I'm not going to lie. I have been conflicted about balance with the Force for a while. I do not doubt that at one point, balance meant the eradication of the Dark Side per Lucas's explanation. However, his actions show otherwise as Star Wars has become a lot less black and white with the Prequels, and we get a wider perspective. Witness that the Jedi are far from being incorruptible and full of wisdom, but can be dangerously close to becoming victims of their ideology.
I would like to mention that, despite talking about events from the 2008 Clone Wars and Rebels, there are no Inhibitor Chips in my stories. The Clones either followed the order or rebelled. I used to like the Chips, but I grew up and came to prefer the older explanation. In Germany, people ratted out their neighbors for no reason other than the Germans telling them that they were the problem—some of them even being friends. Now, you take soldiers who have been raised by birth, mentally conditioned, and indoctrinated to follow orders... Humans raised like that would follow the order. Not all of them, as shown in the EU, but most of them:
"I've never disobeyed an order," said the ARC captain. Zey didn't seem to have the strength to turn and look at his former aide, just shutting his eyes as if he was waiting for the coup de grace. "What am I supposed to do? Pick and choose? That's the irony. The Jedi thought we were excellent troops because we're so disciplined and we obey orders, but when we obey all orders - and they're lawful orders, remember - then we've betrayed them. Can't have it both ways, General."
May the Force be with you all always.