Darth Vader had been positive that Sidious could’ve taught him the method of bringing the dead back to life, but he’d been miserly with his wisdom. He’d only allowed his apprentice certain bits of information. He’d never let on that he already knew this miraculous secret, and Vader never let on that he knew Sidious was lying to him. He’d repeatedly begged his Master to pursue his never-ending quest to bring Padme back, but the Sith Lord told him there were other matters to attend to first. Sidious had wanted complete control over the galaxy and that wouldn’t be achieved until every Jedi was found and killed. If Vader hadn’t held some fear of Sidious’ powers, he would’ve killed his Master for such treachery. But such is the way of the Sith.
It seemed that Darth Sidious heartily enjoyed watching his apprentice suffer. Darth Vader tolerated the physical pain his Master bestowed upon him without flinching a muscle, but the mental anguish Sidious made him endure tore at his soul. He’d constantly reminded him that he was the only reason Padme died. Vader vowed that one day Darth Sidious would pay for all he’d had to endure at his hands.
Once reborn in this new body, the cloned Vader became aware of Sidious’ memories. He realized just how much Darth Vader’s Master manipulated him through the years. He now knew beyond any doubt that Sidious had arranged Padme Amidala’s reunion with Anakin Skywalker. It had a part of his devious plot to turn the Jedi Knight to the Dark Side. It seemed Sidious knew just how much Anakin cared for Padme as a child and was certain that, once reunited, they’d fall in love.
Darth Sidious had been the one who’d orchestrated the assassination attempt made on Padme’s life years ago. He’d known that the attempt would fail and suggested that Obi-Wan be her bodyguard. Anakin, being Obi-Wan’s padawan learner, would certainly assist his Master. When the young couple reunited they did fall in love, just as Sidious had foreseen.
Things couldn’t have worked out better for the devious schemer. Vader’s unquenchable lust to overthrow Emperor Palpatine and rule the Empire died when he lost Padme. Without her nothing seemed to matter to the man, other than his extreme hated for the Jedi. The only emotion that fully survived Anakin’s transformation was his inconceivable need for revenge. Darth Vader devoted himself to learning all he could about the powers of the Dark Side. Only then could he retaliate against everyone who’d forsaken him, as well as freeing himself from Sidious’ unending torture.
Vader’s foresight had been clouded about his unborn child. He’d assumed the baby had died along with Padme. Once he learned that she’d birthed twins, it gave him hope again of overthrowing Palpatine. He was certain that if he could turn one of them to the Dark Side, their combined powers would be beyond Palpatine’s allowing him to could easily kill the man.
Darth Vader yearned to rule the galaxy with Luke by his side, but the boy had been swayed by Obi-Wan Kenobi. He’d scorned him, just as Padme had. Vader’s clone couldn’t quite remember exactly how or why, but the imp had ruined all of Darth Vader’s plans.
The Supreme Ruler vowed that he would not make the same mistake. He was certain that his grandchildren would surrender to him. He was determined not to fail in his unrelenting desire to turn his bloodline to his alliance.
*
It seemed as if Padmay stood in the reception line for hours. Introductions appeared to be taking forever. The young woman sighed as she looked towards the end of the line. Only a few more dignitaries remained, thank the Force. Her responsibility of greeting high ranking officials would soon be at and end. She’d then be allowed to find Ben and take her seat.
*
Grand Moff Gris started up the steps of the former Imperial Palace with renewed vigor. His faith in his Master gave him the strength to walk with an air of pride and dignity. His confidence was very high. Surely nobody would discover they were here to spy on them. Lord Vader would make certain their true identities weren’t discovered as they mingled with the crowd.
Lucian Gris gingerly shook hands with his enemies while wearing a false smile. He was filled with contempt, but kept his feelings hidden. What pomp these rebels had, he mused. Thought quite a bit of themselves. They were extremely proud of their New Republic and positive they were in command of the entire galaxy. We’ll soon change all that, Lucian thought with smug satisfaction.
*
“Thank goodness only six more pairs of hands to shake,” Padmay said quietly to Senator Hugo’s wife. The elderly woman nodded her head in agreement. Padmay wondered how the woman kept a smile on her face knowing she had to be exhausted. Padmay’s own back ached and she couldn’t wait to get off her feet.
Five soldiers of according rank were moving slowly forward in the line. Padmay noticed a tall, distinguished figure standing behind them. He must be someone of high rank or royalty, she assumed. He walked with a regal air. He acted aloof, barely acknowledging those around him. It was as almost if he assumed he was above everyone in status. This person certainly thought of himself as someone of great importance. He barely touched hands with those he was introduced to. Perhaps he had a fetish about germs, Padmay snickered.
*
At long last, Vader thought. Your destiny is approaching you my child. I shall reach into your mind and extract all of your deepest, darkest, secrets. The Sith Lord was full of expectation as he took a quick glance towards his granddaughter. He couldn’t see her face clearly as she was turned the other way. He could hardly contain his excitement as he inched his way forward.
When the Supreme Ruler finally stood in front of his granddaughter he ignored Hugo’s wife completely. He reached his hand out towards Padmay, seeing her clearly for the first time. The Sith Lord was taken aback and halted his hand.
*
The tall stranger finally stood before Padmay. She couldn’t see his face clearly because a hooded cloak shaded his features. She felt drawn to this person, but couldn’t understand why. Padmay was certain they’d never met before. They reached out to shake hands at the same time and their fingers touched ever so slightly. As they did, an ominous foreboding engulfed her entire being. The whole room darkened abruptly. The mass of people seemed to crush against her. Padmay felt trapped. The claustrophobic space suddenly seemed as hot as an oven and she couldn’t catch her breath. She became lightheaded and the room started to spin. She swooned. The girl felt herself starting to fall, but could do nothing to prevent it. She collapsed in a heap. Those who stood next to her gasped. Senator Hugo rushed to his aide’s side.
*
“Padmay. Can you hear me? Are you alright?” Padmay heard her twin’s voice inside her mind and sensed his concern. Opening her eyes, they slowly began to focus on the surroundings. There were people standing over her while Senator Hugo waved a bottle of smelling salts under her nose which made her eyes water. Padmay pushed his hand away. Looking for Ben, she saw her brother and Steffen Antilles shoving their way through the crowd towards her.
Senator Hugo asked, “Are you alright my dear?”
“Yes. I’m fine now. Please don’t make a fuss.”
“Quite right. Too many people and far too many hands to shake. Not used to all the hubbub. You go and find a quiet place to rest for a while. Ah, here’s your brother.” Senator Hugo turned to Ben, “Take her out into the garden for some fresh air. I’m sure she’ll be fine in no time at all.”
The men helped Padmay to her feet, but she almost swooned again. Something or someone was trying to probe her thoughts. She shivered and sent a silent plea to Ben telling him that she had to get out of there, immediately!
Ben and Steffen held Padmay around her waist as they helped her from the crowded room. When in the garden, Padmay took a few deep breaths of the cool evening air and it seemed to clear her head a little. She was still trembling so Ben asked if she was alright. Padmay turned towards Steffen and asked if they could be alone. He looked a little dismayed, but honored her request.
As soon as they were alone Padmay almost shouted, “Alright? How can I be alright? Didn’t you feel it? Somet
hing vile was trying to reach into my mind. I feel as if I’ve been violated. It was terrifying.”
“Terrified?” Ben asked, puzzled by her statement.
“What are we going to do Ben?”
“Calm down Padmay. You’re not making any sense. What the hell are you so afraid of?”
“Didn’t you feel it?”
“Feel what? I didn’t feel anything but your sudden panic.”
“I don’t know how you couldn’t sense such a vile presence?”
“What could make you, of all people, fear anything? Why are you so afraid?”
“It’s our nightmares Ben. They were real. Whatever or whoever caused them is right here on Coruscant.”
“You must be mistaken. I didn’t sense anything. Are you sure you didn’t faint due to the excitement? Maybe you’re coming down with some ailment. You’re run down sis. It’s no wonder after waiting on Uncle Luke the way you did. You haven’t stopped racing around since we got back to Coruscant.”
“I’m not sick, nor did I pass out due to excitement. You know me better than that. I fainted because the evil I felt overwhelmed me.”
Ben knew his sister honestly believed she’d felt something ominous, but he hadn’t sensed anything out of the ordinary. There wasn’t any sinister presence that he’d detected. Regardless, he had to calm her down. She was extremely distraught. “I believe you Padmay, but there’s absolutely nothing for you to fear. You’re perfectly safe. Nothing is going to happen to you. There’s far too many people around for anyone to try and harm you. Besides, I’m here to protect you.”
Ben said this to reassure his sister, but he didn’t really believe she needed protection. Nonetheless, he kept a close watch over his twin. Something had happened to upset her, but he had no idea what it was. He didn’t leave Padmay’s side for the rest of the evening.
*
When Padmay dropped to the floor in a faint a crowd of people had gathered around her. Vader and his men quickly drew far away and stood on the sidelines.
Was it really her? It was! He felt it! He knew it! His wife, his love, his Padme was reborn in his granddaughter. She was alive again, as was he. Could she feel his presence as he felt hers? Had she recognized him? Did she still love him as he much as he loved her? No. Padme had fallen in love with Kenobi. She’d betrayed him. Lord Vader couldn’t take the chance that she’d betray him again. The man abruptly turned and stormed from the palace.
*
It was easy for Lord Vader to concentrate on his wife and sense where she lived. He planned on taking her tonight. There wouldn’t be any guards. She was a lowly aide, to a lowly senator. His men could easily gain access to her apartment and snatch her.
The only problem might be with her twin. Vader knew he could take Ben too, but the lad mattered little to him. He hadn’t believed his sister when she’d told him she’d felt a presence, and wouldn’t be expecting anything unusual. That would make it easier for the Sith Lord to put his grandson in a deep sleep, keeping him oblivious of the event entirely.
His granddaughter was entirely different. She could become a threat. Being shocked to discover his wife alive again, the Sith Lord had lost control of his emotions. He knew that Padmay hadn’t seen through his disguise, but she had sensed who he was. He was certain of it. The Supreme Ruler knew he had no choice but to bring the girl back to Geonosis. It was more than just the threat she posed. His desire for her was very strong. He’d lost Padme once through her lack of faith and Kenobi’s treachery. It would not happen this time. He would not lose his Padme again!
*
“But Lord. We aren’t equipped for passengers.”
“She won’t be a bother,” Vader informed the complaining Gris.
“There’s no room for her on board the shuttle.”
“Then one of us will have to stay behind.”
“Stay behind? But who?”
Vader just glared at him.
The Grand Moff turned towards the crew as an invisible force abruptly lifted one of the men off the deck. The man dangled in the air like a puppet on a string. He frantically grabbed at his neck and gasped for air, but the constriction only tightened around his throat. The crewman struggled uselessly. He thrashed and kicked, his eyes bulged from their sockets. Lucian heard fragile bones snapping. The man gasped his last breath and shuddered violently. The body hung limply in the air before the force that held it finally loosened. It smashed down to the deck like a sack of wet mortar. The body hadn’t even completed its fall when Vader stated matter-of-factly, “Now we have room.”
Gris stared at the mangled form that was once a human being. Their new Emperor was definitely the clone of the infamous Darth Vader, he thought. He’d witnessed the former Sith Lord kill indiscriminately before. Perhaps if he’d worded it differently the poor man might still be alive. They could’ve retrieved him after they’d transported their “guest” to the destroyer.
The Grand Moff ordered the remaining crewmen to dispose of the lifeless form. They rushed over to the body and dragged it away. They knew enough to keep silent and not provoke their Emperor. Lucian Gris dared not either. He followed his orders without further complaint.
*
They stole into her bedchamber like thieves in the night. It was easy. There wasn’t even a droid standing guard. They were all in sleep mode elsewhere in the apartment. Lucian wrapped the young woman in a blanket and took her out to Lord Vader who was waiting impatiently in one of the speeders they’d acquired. The Grand Moff delivered the unconscious figure into his Master’s arms.
Once their “passenger” was safely on board the shuttle, the Grand Moff ordered the pilot to head back to the cloaked destroyer. They’d be returning to Geonosis now, thank the stars. Finally on board the destroyer, Lucian left Vader alone in the compartment with the young woman. Why her abduction had been so important was a complete mystery to him, but after the Supreme Ruler “made room” for her, Gris wasn’t about to question his orders again.
*
Emperor Vader stood quietly over the cot and looked down at the still figure as she slept. Padme was so beautiful. He longed to reach out and caress her and run his fingers through her hair. He wanted to hear her voice. He needed to hear her sparkling laughter. How he yearned to taste her sweet lips upon his again. He’d forgotten just how much Padme meant to him. He hadn’t realized that he missed her so much. It seemed like ages since he felt her body next to his. He literally ached for her embrace. It was so long ago that they held each other close in passion, but now was not the time.
The Supreme Ruler sighed very deeply and walked to the other side of the cabin. He paced restlessly back and forth, his eyes never leaving the sleeping form. Like a moth to a flame he was soon drawn back. He wanted Padme desperately. Lord Vader reached out to touch her, but restrained himself at the last second. He held his trembling hand inches above her chest just to feel the heat from her body. He wanted to lie down next to her and caress his wife. His need for her was enormous. He didn’t want to wait to make love to her, but knew he had to be patient. He’d have to keep the young woman in a deep sleep until they were safely back on Geonosis. He knew he’d have all the time in the universe to be with Padme then. It took all of Lord Vader's will power to walk away from his love as he turned and left the compartment.
*
The Emperor seemed unusually quiet, Gris thought as he gazed up him. The brooding figure turned and looked directly at the Grand Moff. Lucian quickly averted his eyes and hastened to the other side of the bridge, far from Lord Vader’s harsh glare. The whole crew kept their distance from their monarch as he stood rigidly above them. It was clearly evident that he was very distressed.
The Supreme Ruler stood as still as a statue as he stared out the viewport looking deep into space. The stars streaked past in a blur, but he took no notice. The Sith Lord’s thoughts remained on his beloved wife. His Padme.
Chapter Twelve
- Missing -
~19/00/01 ABE:
Nineteen years, one day after the death of Emperor Palpatine.~
The Chosen One walked into the Temple that stood in the center of the Netherworld. This half-world was separate from where normal human souls went upon their demise, but the Temple was considered the heart of the Netherworld. Anakin felt insignificant as he stood silently booking through the pillars regarding the beauty of this wondrous dimension. The sky was a deep mixture of azure, crimson and gold. No sunrise or sunset he’d ever seen could compete with its beauty. The grass was greener than any emerald. Flowers sang out vibrantly as tranquil breezes carried their voices through the trees, their leaves rustling gently. There was no comparison in the entire universe. But even this extraordinary beauty was muted by the ripples caused by the disturbance in the Force.
Anakin went to find Obi-Wan and Yoda after he’d left Padme. Reaching out within the Force, he asked them to meet him at the Temple. They were waiting for him when he arrived, and they weren’t alone. There were quite a few Jedi gathered outside the Temple, all feeling disorder in the Force.
“How good it is to see you again Master,” Anakin said to Obi-Wan as they embraced. He was extremely happy to see his former Master again. He hadn’t seen him since they stood together on Endor in spirit form and bid Luke farewell. Anakin had begged for Obi-Wan’s forgiveness. The Jedi Master eagerly accepted his apology, begging for Anakin’s forgiveness as well. They’d both failed each other in life.
“Good for me also to see you again, but for such greetings, time there is none,” Yoda said solemnly. “Great is the disturbance we have felt.”
Obi-Wan asked, “What is causing this Master?”
“Very dark and clouded it is. Cannot see, but feel it I do. Such violent, dark tremors I have not felt since alive was Darth Sidious.”
“I agree Master Yoda,” Mace Windu said as he walked into the Temple.
“This disruption of balance is causing great anxiety among all the Jedi,” Qui-Gon Jinn stated as he entered the Temple behind Master Windu.
Anakin spun all the way around when he heard the familiar voice. He exclaimed in excitement, “Master! I’m so glad you’re here.” He smiled broadly as he hurried over to Qui-Gon and hugged him. His smile suddenly disappeared and his face grew serious. “I wish our reunion was under different circumstances.”