Thread: Star Wars:  The Dying of the Light (TheCorsair, Miss Melly)

What is thy bidding, my Master? One knee bent, arms folded across his thigh, Darth Vader knelt before the Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic. The man simply known as 'Palpatine', after his noble family from Naboo. The man known to a select few as Darth Sidious. Head bent, he waited. Rise, Lord Vader. You have done well. The Sith Lord's voice was like oiled silk. Darth Vader rose, meeting the gaze of the wrinkled, scarred old man who was the most powerful force in galaxy. The purge is not yet complete, he said. Many Jedi have escaped both Order 66 and Knightfall. The scarred face twisted in a feral, evil grin. It matters not, my young Apprentice. They will be found. You will find them. A laugh. Find them, and destroy them. Yes, my Master. Destroy them utterly , Darth Vader. Render unto them, as they rendered unto our ancient Sith bretheren. Sidious leaned back in his chair, watching his apprentice's face. But... you are ill at ease. Tell me. Vader sighed. Padme. Sidious nodded. As I expected. She is willful, is she not? The very attribute that made her a great queen - and that attracted you to her - makes her... difficult. His eyes went distant, focusing on the horizon. She will join us, in time. I have forseen it. He watched his apprentice again. Go to your wife, Lord Vader. She fears me, Vader answered. Fears what I have done. Sidious cackled. As she might, yes. But it is the nature of women to draw close to power. And besides... He smiled again. Women are changeable. But... Go, Lord Vader! We have much work to do, in the coming months and years. And you have earned a night's rest! Bowing, Vader turned on his heel and strode away. Sidious watched him leave, then rotated his chair to stare out into the early dawn light. I have forseen it, he murmured. She will join us. Or she will die. Rex was waiting as he returned to the Embassy - it didn't feel like home, not now. But... where else would he go? The blasted remains of the Temple, to sleep among the dead? It might be better, that way. But then, Rex was at his side and handing him a lavender envelope scented with delicate perfume. From your lady, he observed. Vader slit it open, then laughed as hope surged through him. Rex! Do you... do you know what this means? The Clonetrooper shrugged. Dunno. Does it let me toss you off the Embassy roof? Not tonight,Vader laughed, clapping an armored shoulder with a prosthetic hand. Not tonight, at least! He walked the meandering paths of the Embassy slowly, using a measured pace to calm his nerves and keep his legs from shaking. Come to bed soon , she'd written! Had... had she forgiven him? What else cold it mean? Grinning, he slung his cloak by the door and passed through the darkened house, then quickened his pace as he heard her cry out. By the time he reached the bedroom, his lightsaber was in his hand. Had the Jedi come? Would they strike at him through... Suddenly, he was laughing. Oh, dear, he gasped out, slumping against the door frame. Not... not gone an hour... and I'm replaced? Master Skywalker! the golden droid protested, sounding distressed. I would never! I am not programmed for such... Six million forms of communication, right 3P0? Vader laughed harder. I'm sure that... that somewhere... there's... He couldn't keep it up. Sides shaking, tears of relief and release glinting in his blue eyes, he stepped forward and dragged the protocol droid from the bed. Never mind, 3P0, he laughed. I did a good job, putting you back together. And I'm sure I didn't make any... ah... specialized modifications. Despite being unable to display expressions, C-3P0 managed to look both offended and disturbed. I'll... I'll depart for the evening then, Master Skywalker. Go, 3P0, Vader laughed. And take R2 with you. The stumpy astromech droid seemed to hesitate for a moment, staring at him with various eyes before trundling away. Clutching his sides, which ached from the sudden burst of laughter, he shook his head and gave Padme the first real smile he'd worn since leaving for Mustafar. But the amusement faded swiftly as he watched her, and he wondered if he dared to hope. So... he said, resisting his urge to simply gather her into his arms. Uhm... A sigh. Damn it, Padme. I'm a fool. No, something worse - and I can't think what. But... He started to reach for her with his real arm, then stopped. I... hurt you. And all I can do is say that I'm sorry. And that will never be enough, Padme. Never. He looked away, emotions struggling on his face. You deserve better than me, Padme.