Sidious caused the boy great confusion through the years. Anakin was a Jedi and trusted them beyond the norm. The Sith Lord misled him which gave Anakin reason to doubt the Jedi. Due to the Sith Lord’s lies, Anakin placed more trust in him then he did the Jedi. This made the Sith Lord extremely happy. He was right to latch onto the boy when young. He’d foreseen that Anakin might one day pledge his soul to the Sith.
The tide turned in his favor when Anakin started having visions of his wife’s death. Due to his fear of losing her, Darth Sidious managed to seduce his friend to the Dark Side of the Force. He’d sent the newly named Darth Vader to the Temple in order to kill all the Jedi, but Obi-Wan hadn’t been there. He’d followed Anakin to Mustafar and confronted him. Sensing Vader’s danger, Sidious went to the volcanic planet. He arrived too late. After severely wounding him, Obi-Wan left believing Anakin would soon be dead .
The Sith Lord felt Anakin’s excruciating torture as he knelt beside his incinerated body. The young man had to fight for each and every breath, but it was a good thing. The agony he suffered bound his loyalty to the Sith. Sidious could feel Vader’s exorbitant hate flow like the lava around them. He had an overpowering need to exact revenge on the Jedi. This made his new apprentice a most valuable ally.
Darth Sidious then leaned over Anakin and touched his charred brow. He’d used the Force to reach inside the young man’s mind. He’d captured every thought, every emotion, every experience the troubled soul had gone through.
Sidious then transferred his life experiences to his apprentice, as well as his complete knowledge of the Dark Side. He’d left an imprint of himself within every cell of the young man’s mind and body. Their essences mixed and blended into one. No longer were there two separate intellects, but one intelligence merged together in two separate bodies. Darth Sidious was one with his young apprentice, and Darth Vader had become one with him.
The Sith Lord hadn’t really lied when he’d told Anakin that together they’d learn the secret to cheat death. He’d just never explained that he already knew the technique to accomplish this miraculous deed. One could not actually save one’s body from expiring. One could only achieve immortality by integrating oneself with another being. Due to his age, and meshing with a much younger man, Sidious had quadrupled his life expectancy. He’d mused with satisfaction that he might even live even six times that length.
The Emperor had been very pleased with himself for being able to trick Anakin into believing he had the ability to save Padme. It wasn’t possible to bring the woman back as she once was, of course. He could have saved her essence from death, but not her body. Darth Vader would’ve killed him for that small misrepresentation of facts. The Sith Lord was surprised he’d been able to keep the information hidden from his apprentice all the years that he’d served him.
Darth Sidious had forced himself to withdraw from Vader’s mind, least he sap all of his power and his life force. He couldn’t allow either one of them to be sucked down into death. His new apprentice had been extremely important to the Emperor’s vision of the future. He’d needed this vessel to continue his conquest. Vader’s powers were immense, even with all his injuries, while Sidious’ powers were weakening. As he withdrew from Vader’s mind, the Sith Lord locked this method of transference deep inside his subconscious. The young man was never aware that his Master had transferred his essence into him. This knowledge was meant to be awakened well in the future when Sidious’ frail body failed.
Emperor Palpatine had seen visions of the Empire’s future though it was very clouded. Vader could have been a tremendous threat to him once his revenge against the Jedi was sated. With the extraordinary abilities Anakin held, and his continuing lust for power, the young man could’ve easily overthrown him. Since Sidious needed Vader to survive to a ripe old age, he needed to find a way to subdue him. The Sith Lord hadn’t wanted to eliminate his apprentice. He had become quite fond on Anakin.
Darth Sidious soon realized that he’d already had the solution to this problem. He’d used Anakin’s overwhelming love for Padme Amidala to secure his transition to the Dark Side. He used that weakness again. The Sith Lord made certain that Anakin knew he’d caused his own wife’s death. Sidious continually tortured him by bringing the subject up at opportune moments, never letting the young man forget that he alone was responsible for Padme’s demise. Anakin’s love for Padme had been so intense that his guilt completely consumed him. His soul literally withered up and died. The Dark Side soon devoured what was left of his spirit. Sidious was assured of Anakin’s loyalty after what little emotion left inside him was destroyed. His desire to overthrow his Master was substituted by an extraordinary need to seek revenge against the Jedi, especially Obi-Wan Kenobi. Darth Vader was easily controlled from that moment on.
Anakin’s guilt slowly subsided after time as all traces of humanity were absorbed by the Dark Side, of course. That was when he truly became a Sith Lord. Sidious had been keenly aware that Vader craved his knowledge and would attempt to learn all he could before he tried to murder him. He didn’t blame his apprentice. The temptation was just too strong. After all, he’d done the same. He’d killed his Master, Darth Plagueis. Being a cautious man, Sidious kept Vader at bay, only allowing him tidbits of information. Just enough to keep the young man yearning for more, but never quite enough to overthrow the Sith Lord.
Sidious had often seen visions of the great empire he’d one day rule, but the future wasn’t carved into stone. He hadn’t been certain that Darth Vader would survive any more than he would. His vision of events to come had been too obscure. Because they’d fused at the molecular level, taking Vader’s blood had guaranteed Sidious’ survival in a more suitable body. Regardless, he needed to find a way to insure that he’d be reborn without interference.
Coruscant was the center of the Empire and the Sith Lord was assured of his safety, but Geonosis was a more suitable place to maintain the secrecy needed to put his plot in motion. The planet provided the perfect setting to do what had to be done. He’d be able to maintain the strictest security. Since he’d be reborn as an infant, he’d be extremely vulnerable. His protection was paramount. He would’ve preferred if Poggle the Lesser still ruled Geonosis. He was more intelligent than his son, but unfortunately, Poggle was long dead. That being the case, Ceris had to suffice. The Emperor had gained the insectoid’s complete loyalty when he lied to him about the Separatists’ attempt made on father’s life. Appointing the ugly beast the ruler of Geonosis added to Sidious’ security. He was well aware that the creature would never allow harm to come to his Master. The Sith Lord’s safety was guaranteed.
The Emperor’s plot worked out perfectly. Ceris had carried out his orders to the letter, and Darth Vader had been of great value to Sidious in his attempt to destroy the Rebels. It was a shame his apprentice had been so weak willed and easily manipulated, but it had been extremely advantageous for the Sith Lord. Through Anakin’s vulnerability, he’d given Darth Sidious free reign to gain control of the galaxy. The Emperor had become exceedingly powerful with Vader’s help, and through Darth Vader, Sidious had been reborn. With their combined abilities, the Emperor’s powers would be limitless.
There was one enormous flaw that the vain man had overlooked. Sidious came up with a brilliant plot, but he hadn’t perceived Vader’s increased abilities since merging with him. The only thing that fully survived his rebirth was his complete knowledge of the Dark Side. The Sith Lord’s essence was dominated by his apprentice, just as Sidious once dominated and controlled him. Vader had gotten what he’d continually yearned for and managed to keep hidden from his Master for so many years. He’d beaten Darth Sidious at his own game. Darth Vader had finally overthrown Emperor Palpatine.
*
The new Lord Vader had almost forgotten that Gris was sitting patiently waiting for his response, so intense were his memories. “My apologies for making you wait while I reminisced Grand Moff. I’ll answer your questions now. Unfortunately, I’
m afraid you’ll never comprehend the full extent of just who and what I’m now capable of. I’ll do my best to explain it in terms you can understand.”
“I won’t bore you with the science that made this all possible, but I’m not merely Darth Vader’s clone as you so cleverly deducted. I’m much more than that Lucian. Though I inhabit a new and younger body, I can assure you that I am Darth Vader reborn. His full essence resides within this shell, including all of his past experiences and knowledge. Palpatine’s life force also dwells within me, as well as his vast knowledge of the Dark Side of the Force. Our powers have been fused. I am more powerful than Emperor Palpatine ever hoped to be. I am definitely more powerful than either of us were separately. You could consider me a Force child. I was born with unlimited powers. That’s why I refer to the army as my children. They were born from my blood and each one contains my abilities. They’re invincible. Hence, my Grand Army will be the greatest and most feared fighting force the galaxy has ever seen. My children all have the ability to defeat our enemies through the powers of the Dark Side. Our success is assured.”
Lucian was utterly speechless. Vader had been right when he said he wouldn’t be able to understand his explanation. Though dumbstruck, he forced himself to reply, “Yes my Master. We’ll know the glory of your Empire once again.”
“We surely shall. Now then. The reason I called you in to speak with you privately...,”
Chapter Eleven
- Anniversary -
~19/00/00 ABE: Nineteen standard years after the death of Emperor Palpatine.~
Coruscant is an incorporated city that covers the entire surface of the planet. The sphere is located at the core of the galaxy. It’s only fitting that the metropolis be dubbed the center of democracy. It is on this orb that the Galactic Senate creates the laws that govern the systems belonging the New Republic.
The Solo family has resided on Coruscant ever since the downfall of the Empire. It was important that Leia Solo make this planet her permanent residence because of her position in the senate. This day was significant to the Solo household because Ben and Padmay celebrated their birthdays.
It was also the anniversary of the death of Emperor Palpatine and the fall of his evil Empire. On this date, exactly nineteen years ago, the second Death Star exploded over Endor ending his sadistic control over the galaxy. Victory was declared as the Imperial Fleet fled. The Clone Army laid down their weapons in surrender allowing the Rebel Alliance to claim independence from the tyranny they’d endured for so long. The New Republic pronounced this date a day to celebrate. The festivities always lasted for days.
The annual “Independence Dinner” was to be held tonight at the “Freedom Palace,” formerly known as Palpatine’s “Imperial Palace.” Dignitaries from every system would be attending the dinner, as well as attend other festivities that were planned for the following days.
Padmay was to go the banquet with Senator Hugo and his family. She would’ve preferred to go to local parties and celebrate with her friends like she always did, especially since it was her sixteenth birthday. Unfortunately, Senator Hugo requested that she attend the affair with him this year. She could hardly refuse. Besides, Ben would be there to celebrate with her.
There would be quite a few speeches made by politicians. They’d glorify the heroes, as well as honor the thousands of lives that were sacrificed during the war. Padmay knew her family name would be high on that list. Senator Hugo recognized a political opportunity when he saw it and took advantage of the situation. That was why he’d insisted Padmay attend the affair with him this year. He planned to introduce her as Han Solo’s daughter, a renowned hero of the New Republic. Padmay was certain that Hugo wouldn’t be flaunting her family name if he knew she was the granddaughter of the infamous Darth Vader.
A group of new recruits had been chosen to honor the Rebel Alliance and their role in the Empire’s defeat. The Solaris was just one of the vessels who’d been granted the extreme honor of providing pilots to participate in reenactments of battles fought against the terrible dictatorship. Ben’s squadron was selected to be among this group. He was home on leave and anxiously awaiting the event.
Padmay was sitting at her vanity trying to style her hair for the evening when she heard a knock on her door. Hoping it wasn’t the seamstress she whispered under her breath, “If I have to go through another fitting I’ll scream.”
Ben cautiously opened the door and poked his head in. He could sense Padmay’s mood and it wasn’t a very happy one. He asked, “Are you decent?”
“Oh. It’s just you. I was afraid I’d have to try that gown on again. How many times does one have to be fitted for just one dress?”
Ben entered the room stifling a laugh.
“Don’t you dare laugh at me Ben Solo. You don’t know how lucky you are. All you have to do is put on your dress uniform and you’re ready. I must’ve tried on at least a dozen dresses for this grand affair. I’d just as soon go in my dressing gown.”
“Calm down Padmay. It’s just a dress.”
“Just a dress, he says. I wish just for once men would have to go through this ridiculous ritual. You’ve no idea what it is to be a woman and what we have to endure in order to receive male approval. Men rule the galaxy, after all.”
“I’m glad I was born a man then.” Ben teased.
“I’m sorry Ben. No offense meant. I’m just in a foul mood.”
“I know.”
“You always aware of my moods. I sometimes forget how easily you sense my feelings.”
“I sense them very well. Too well in fact. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. You look tired Padmay. How have you been sleeping?”
“Have you been having the nightmares too?” she asked, although Ben sharing the same dreams didn’t really surprise her.
“Yes. I’ve had a few.”
“Oh Ben. They’re so unsettling. Why would we be having such disturbing dreams?”
“I can’t imagine why. I’ve never experienced anything like them before. It’s those strange eyes that are so unnerving. Just thinking about them gives me the creeps.” Ben shivered despite the heat of the day.
“I’m worried Ben. I’ve felt so, so...,”
“I’ve felt unsettled too. Something is happening within the Force. I can feel it. I know you can too. I wish I knew what’s going on. I wish I could understand our nightmares. More than anything, I wish Uncle Luke was here to talk to. He might be able to explain them.”
“I miss him too,” Padmay sighed.
Ben walked over to his sister and put his arm around her shoulder. They consoled each other while still wondering what their horrifying nightmares meant.
*
The newly promoted Grand Moff was fidgeting and tugged at the collar of the vestment he wore. He was accompanied by four other officers. They were all dressed in rebel uniforms and were deep inside enemy territory. What if they were caught? Spies were executed.
“You’re sweating Lucian,” Lord Vader stated. “There’s no reason for you to be so nervous. These renegades can’t see through our disguises. You’re perfectly safe.”
“I’m sorry your Grace. It’s just that I’ve never worn one of these uniforms before. I feel so...,”
“Traitorous? You needn’t worry over such minor matters Grand Moff. I shall protect our little entourage. You have my word that no harm shall befall you. I assure you of it.”
“I’m certain of that my Lord. It’s just that being here is extremely dangerous.” Lucian tried not to think about the foolhardiness of this mission, knowing Vader could easily sense his thoughts.
“I agree it is a little risky, but foolhardy, never. Only in this way can we learn the strength of our enemy. I have the power to probe these insignificant minds and see exactly what we’ll have to overcome in battle. We have to know exactly where to strike in order to make the most impact. We have to rattle this New Republic to its foundation. What better way to eliminate their alliance than to
strike all their weak points? It’s easy for me to read their thoughts. I’ve already learned where their important bases are. Sending spies would’ve taken too long. I’ve waited long enough as it is.”
Lucian looked at his Master in amazement.
Vader looked back with knowing eyes. “I see you finally understand.”
Lucian Gris did understand. He was in awe of his Master. Never before had Lucian felt such confidence and determination in an individual. The man was the most powerful being he’d ever encountered. The old Vader had never expelled this amount of authority. He couldn’t read people’s minds like his clone could. Lucian had complete faith in this..., what was the term he was searching for? Supreme Ruler?
“Yes. Supreme Ruler. I rather like that title Grand Moff. I like that title very much. It’s very befitting.”
*
Though espionage was the main purpose for this mission, it wasn’t the real reason the Sith Lord wanted to come to Coruscant. He could’ve gained this knowledge without making the trip. He had the ability to reach this far with his mind alone, but the man was compelled to come. He’d sensed his grandchildren’s life force from Geonosis. He’d already probed their minds, but wanted..., no, he needed to see his grandchildren with his own eyes. He felt a deep desire to penetrate to the very root of their souls.
The former Vader had become an empty shell after his wife’s death. Though Padme had betrayed him, the Sith Lord’s heart still belonged to her. Darth Sidious told Anakin that together they’d find the secret to cheat death, but he’d already gained this knowledge when he’d killed Darth Plagueis. Vader had been certain that Plagueis revealed all his dark secrets before Sidious murdered him. He would’ve never killed his Master otherwise. The Sith Lord would’ve never made such a serious mistake.