One of the guards escorted me personally to the grand hall, where Lord Vader was actively conversing with High Inquisitor Tremayne. I quickly acknowledged my gratitude before entering the room.

“There is a matter which you keep hidden from me, Inquisitor…” Vader prodded, “I aim to know what, and why…”

“Lord Vader, know that I would never attempt to hide anything from you…”

“Then, state your purpose here.”

“Regrettably, that information is classified, my lord…even from you. Were I at liberty to say, know that I would gladly do so.”

Vader ceased his verbal exchange as he saw me enter.

“Aria…”

“My lord…” I nodded in reply, assessing the situation, “Is this how you express your gratitude towards the man who helped you to defeat Master Thalis and ensure my safety?”

Vader crossed his arms, taking on a more stern demeanor.

“Chastising your commander without once stopping to question his motives?” he countered, “I had expected better of you, Admiral Brisard…”

“Forgive me, my lord…I only wanted High Inquisitor Tremayne to know that I was grateful for his assistance.”

“Had you returned only seconds before, you would have heard me express such gratitude myself.” Vader scoffed, turning, “At the moment, I find myself in your debt. Make no mistake, Inquisitor…I will uncover the purpose of your being called down to Coruscant…and when I do, your reasoning had best prove sound.”

Tremayne favored Vader with a nod.

“My lord, know that I serve you faithfully, as always.”

“Pray that you do…” Vader replied, “I would hate to see such a spirited career reach an untimely end. Go now…but remember who you serve.”

Tremayne acknowledged the Dark Lord as the Noghri guards saw him safely outside the palace.

“Vader,” I said, softening, “Tremayne has long been a friend to us both. Must you meet him with such hostility at every turn?”

“Enough, Aria.” Vader commanded.

I held my silence as Vader stood, his imposing height towering over me as he circled slowly. I could sense his eyes upon me from beneath the depths of the obsidian mask. Vader was scanning, I realized, appraising me thoroughly to determine that I had indeed emerged unscathed from my encounter with Palpatine.

“Don’t trouble yourself.” I whispered, taking his hand, “I’m fine.”

“Did he harm you?” Vader returned, not content with my half-truths. Gently, he cupped my face in his gloved hand, angling his mask down just to where his eyes became visible. “Tell me, Brisard, I have reason to know.”

“N…no, my lord.”

“Aria…I will ask only once more. I expect an honest reply.”

“He pried at my mind…at my emotions…” I returned, “He wanted me to…”

Vader shook his head and placed a finger to my lips, holding me close.

I yielded, as the Dark Lord gently caressed my cheek, probing subtly at my mind.

“Please…” I murmured, attempting to draw away.

Vader held me fast, whispering adornments in a language foreign to me, as I felt them resonate inside my mind, their meaning suddenly clear.

My lover…my cherished one…

Comforted by the dark strength which now flooded me, I sank against Vader’s chest, opening my thoughts to him as he sought out the nature of my ordeal. His curiosity satiated, Vader held me closer still.

“Incorrigible one…” he chuckled, looking down at me, “You could have been killed.”

“To betray you…to cause you such pain…that to me would be a worse fate than death, my love.”

Vader shook his head.

“Do not challenge the will of my master again.”

“And let you become broken once more? No, Vader…I could never hurt you like that…”

“He wishes for you to learn to harness my power.” he replied absently.

“You worry that I would betray you…” I replied with a smile, “Who could ever hope to understand the depth of your power, my lord? The Emperor himself cannot comprehend it, nor shall he.”

“What value will my power have, if it comes at the cost of losing you? I mean to rule this galaxy in time, Brisard…and to do so with you by my side. Until that day comes, do whatever you must to make my master believe you are, for all accounts, loyal.”

I shook my head, trying earnestly to comprehend Vader’s request.

“I scared you just now…” I whispered as he relented, nodding slightly.

“Only in that your actions were sporadic…spontaneous. In all matters, you must tread cautiously. Know that soon there will come a time where we may live freely…as we so desire. Until that time…”

“We must play our part.” I finished, managing a smile, “I know, Vader…I’ll do my best not to fail you.”

“You never have.”

“Come, child.” The Emperor beckoned, motioning for me to approach the throne, “I have much to discuss with you…”

I did as commanded, dropping reverently to my knee a second time to properly acknowledge the Emperor.

“Rise, Admiral…” he said, now standing, “It appears I have greatly misjudged your worth to my apprentice.”

“Your Excellency?” I questioned.

“Lord Vader’s rage is a valuable and powerful weapon.” the Emperor replied, “Unknowingly, in your moment of need, you commanded it well.”

“I’m afraid such things are beyond my comprehension, Excellency.”

“As with all things, you know far more than you let on, Admiral Brisard.” he returned, “The Sith are possessive by nature…instinctively, we defend what is rightfully ours. Lord Vader, however, displayed an earnest want to protect you from your Jedi assailant.”

“I see nothing wrong in his actions, Your Excellency. It was an act of service. I myself would have done the same for him…and for you.”

“My fragile-minded apprentice has formed an attachment to you.” the Emperor replied, “For all my knowledge of Anakin Skywalker as he lived, I could never have predicted that against all odds, he would favor you as he does now. Only one person held such sway over him, and I dare say, you are rising to meet her at every turn.”

“Surely this can’t be the reason you’ve summoned me…” I redirected.

“Not in its entirety.” Sidious returned, circling, “Allow me to present the manner to you in a different light. My apprentice has formed an attachment. In the history of the Sith, such attachments have only led to distract and deceive, rendering us weak as a result.”

I maintained eye contact for several long moments, wishing I could pry past the Emperor’s defenses and glance into his mind.

“You display fear, Admiral…” he taunted, favoring me with a sickly smile, “You are perhaps wondering if I intend to put an end to the misguided affections of my apprentice once and for all…”

“Your Excellency, I have served this Empire admirably, and so has Lord Vader. In all manners I have carried out your will. But if you intend for me to put aside my feelings for the man I love, know that I will not obey. I’ll die long before I allow anyone to torture him further…”

The sound of the Emperor’s laughter flooded the room, as blue arcs of lightning shot towards me, missing me by mere inches as they redirected and flew about to encircle me.

“Defiant child…” he spat, “Is this the loyalty you reserve for your Emperor? Know that if I wanted you to betray Vader, I could easily force the words from your very mouth.”

I fought to retain a sense of calm as the blue energy swirled about, closer and closer, at last ceasing altogether.

“You are courageous, Admiral.” Sidious returned, appraising me, “You are also adept in the Force…why not embrace that power for your own?”

I shook my head.

“Excellency, I have no want for the Force. It has only brought me pain.”

“A half-truth, though true, nonetheless.” he replied, “You fear that which you cannot hope to understand, am I right?”

“Yes, Excellency.”

“Then answer me this…why call upon our power, yet reject our teachings?”

Again, I shook my head, earnestly confused.

“You were unable to defend yourself against your assailant, so you summoned Lord Vader to do so for you.”

“What Lord Vader did, he did of his own accord!”

“Silence!” The Emperor hissed, “Do you think me so incapable when it comes to understanding the will of my apprentice? You have seduced him, Admiral. You quite willingly allow Lord Vader to believe that his actions will ensure that your feelings towards him endure.”

“I would never bait the Dark Lord with a feigned display of affection!”

“An impassioned remark, yet your actions suggest otherwise. Tell me, Admiral…what is it that excites you and draws you to Vader? It is his power, is it not? You find the idea of commanding a man such as Lord Vader to be addicting…”

I fought to liberate myself from the assault of images thrust in my direction. I saw my influence on Vader for the first time, and basked in it. Indeed, there was wisdom to Palpatine’s counsel; power in itself was addictive, and the notion  that I readily influenced Vader only enticed me all the more.

Desperate not to submit to the Emperor’s will, I fought back with every shred of my being, embracing a simpler destiny as I forced the visions from my mind. The Emperor’s scowl spoke volumes, alerting me to my success.

“Your resistance is impressive, Admiral…” Palpatine chuckled, “Almost as impressive as your ability to draw power from my crippled apprentice…which is why I wish for you to continue your relations with him.”

“Your Excellency, I thought you said…”

“Attachments are frowned upon, that is correct.” the Emperor returned, “But you have only served to strengthen Vader, not weaken him. Therefore, I am prepared to allow you to maintain your relations, so long as you continue to further that power. Is this understood?”

“Respectfully, Your Excellency, Lord Vader’s power is his own…”

“Is this understood?” The Emperor said firmly, cutting me off.

“Yes, Your Excellency.” I returned, bowing, “You have my gratitude.”

“As in all things.” he replied with a sinister smile, “Go now, my child…and with my blessing…”

Through the hushed whispers, I could easily make out the exchange between the three women to our left. Their remarks were overly callous; sharpened daggers, each aimed at the Dark Lord, under the foolish notion that the distance they kept would prevent Vader from hearing.

I glanced up at Vader, marveling openly at the man I so earnestly admired. How he moved with an elegance foreign to even those of the highest stature…even now, he seemed to glide across the marble floor, rather than walk. His gait was broad, overconfident, and it carried with it the power that only a man such as Vader could ever possess.

“Come, Brisard…” he openly acknowledged, extending his arm to me, as I eagerly took it.

Already, I could hear the murmur of the crowd grow, as we pressed past them and into the Emperor’s throne room. The power and the wonder I felt at being openly recognized by the Dark Lord both startled and delighted me. I fought to suppress my feelings as I knelt alongside Vader, waiting for the Emperor to acknowledge our presence.

“Rise, Lord Vader…Admiral Brisard…” the Emperor spoke, “I understand that yet another of our enemies has been purged from the galaxy. Well done.”

“Those who would stand against us shall all meet their end, my master.” Vader returned.

“As they rightfully should, my young apprentice. What I found impressive was the manner in which you chose to dispatch this latest threat. Tell me, Lord Vader…what did he do?”

I heard the slightest catch in Vader’s mechanized breathing, a tell-tale sign that the Sith Lord found himself outmatched.

“The captive turned on Brisard…” he replied at last, “Her life was in jeopardy.”

“The practice of Morichro is rare among Jedi…” the Emperor returned, prying at Vader’s mind, “You were wise to act against him, my apprentice.”

Vader offered a nod in return as the Emperor turned his attentions to me.

“Tell me, Admiral, when this Jedi assaulted your mind…did it frighten you?”

I glanced down at the floor, momentarily reliving the horror of my encounter.

“Yes…” I replied, as the sensation stopped, “I was defenseless against such an attack, Your Excellency. I had prepared for death.”

“You are fortunate, Admiral, that Lord Vader has taken such a personal interest in your well-being…” the Emperor replied, his voice sickly-sweet, “Leave us, my apprentice. I wish to speak with Admiral Brisard  in private…”

If anything, Coruscant had only grown more beautiful. The Empire was thriving, and Coruscant seemed to embody our every success.

I walked alongside Vader as we made our way to the launch pad where his silver Valorean speeder awaited.

“You remembered…” I said, climbing inside.

Vader nodded.

“I intend to set my mark on the Imperial court, so play the game.” he replied.

“I strive to impress, my lord.”

“You’ve never failed…” Vader said, softening, “You deserve more than I can give, Brisard.”

I favored Vader with a soft smile.

“You command me, my lord. As with everything which is rightfully yours…use that mindset and bend the Imperial court to your will.”

Vader held his silence and nodded, setting a course for the Emperor’s palace. I could see the tension flare in his shoulders and lightly grasped his arm.

“A charade, my lord, and nothing more. You are too good a man to be pompous as the courtiers. But, for this instant, set yourself above them. Delight in it.”

“It is foreign to me…” he replied, “Unsettling…”

“View it as a challenge.” I suggested, “A game of wits.”

“Everything is a game, Brisard. Therein lies the problem.”

“Everything worth having, my lord, is worth fighting for…”

“And just how many of the Moffs and courtiers have lifted a finger to fight for anything, Brisard?” he asked, “They have not. Instead, they have had everything handed to them on a silver platter.”

We reached our destination before I could argue the situation further.

“Come with me, Brisard.” Vader said, extending his arm, “The Emperor will wish to speak with you.”

“Admiral, the fleet has come out of hyperspace and is nearing Coruscant…”

“Affirmative, Captain Sardon. Have you informed Lord Vader?”

“Yes, Admiral.”

“I owe you one, Sardon.” I laughed, “Brisard out.”

I hastened to prepare for our arrival as the door to my quarters slid open, allowing Vader access.

I blushed at my appearance. Dressed in my camisole and grey officer’s pants, I was a far cry away from receiving the Sith Lord properly.

“Forgive me, my lord…I was not aware…”

Vader waved a hand of dismissal.

“It is no matter, Brisard.” he returned, circling an arm around my waist as he pulled me to his side, “There is much to be done. I require you to accompany me to the Imperial Palace.”

I nodded.

“Of course, my lord…I had just pulled my dress greys as you walked in.”

“The Emperor will wish to hear about Thalis, no doubt.” Vader replied, assisting me with my officer’s jacket, “I could use the time on Coruscant to monitor Xizor.”

“The last reports I’ve read show that he is gaining power at an alarming rate. If he gains more favor, a strike will be necessary.”

“Jixton’s last report stated that Xizor had been spending much of his time in the Emperor’s circle these past few months. Aria…do you know what that can mean for us?”

I fumbled nervously at the buttons of my jacket as Vader took notice, assisting.

“Kriffin’ lizard’s gotten cocky with all that wealth.” I hissed, “If the Emperor won’t let us put him in his place, perhaps we can design a trap for him instead.”

Vader froze momentarily, piqued with intrigue.

“What are you suggesting, my pet?”

“I’m not certain yet…we need to gather enough intel on Xizor first. I’m simply suggesting that the process of removing this thorn from your side is not as difficult as it may seem.”

“Find a way, Brisard…” Vader whispered, caressing my cheek, “And I will be in your debt.”

Tremayne stayed aboard, offering us his assistance until we reached our destination. Once there, he would go on to train a new generation of Imperial Inquisitors.

The circumstances of Thalis’ capture and the subsequent events on Devastator were for the most, carefully swept under the table, yet the rumors of how I’d successfully cheated death were rampant among the officers of rank, as were the tales of Thalis’ brutal interrogation. To them, it was a matter of pride; vengeance for the attempt on my life, and properly justified. It confirmed the overall belief that the Jedi were indeed our enemies, and resulted in a more unified crew.

I realized during the journey back to Coruscant, that my demeanor as an  Admiral had greatly changed. I had likened myself to the seasoned space Admirals of my father’s time; stone-faced and overly analytical. Nights without sleep had taken their toll…I now wore my fatigue as openly as my rank badge.

My feeble attempts to conduct business as usual could not elude Vader. Perceptive to a fault, he had fixed his eye on me, monitoring me for a complete shift at the bridge before discreetly pulling me aside.

“Relived of duty, Admiral…return to your quarters until you are capable of performing.”

“My lord…” I argued, “The ship is at peak efficiency…”

“You are approaching your limits, Brisard…sit down before you fall down.”

“Lord Vader…”

“That is an order.”

Dejected over being dismissed from my post, I made my way to the officer’s mess hall. Lost in fulfilling my duties, I had been without food the entire day.

I sat down just as a voice from behind broke the silence.

“Surely you don’t intend on eating alone, Admiral…”

I flashed a bright smile, turning to greet the High Inquisitor.

“Antinnis…”

“Aria…” Tremayne smiled, moving to sit across from me, “You’re looking better…I’m glad.”

“I wish I could convince Lord Vader of the same…” I argued, “I was ordered away from my post.”

“Lord Vader will reinstate you to active duty when you are ready, and not a moment before.” Tremayne replied, “He has a right to protect the best officers in his service. I fail to see your point in engaging him on the matter. His words are law.”

“I see every point in contesting my suspension when I’m entirely capable of performing admirably.”

“Say what you will…only, another day’s rest wouldn’t hurt, and you know it.”

I paused, taking my colleague’s words into consideration.

“Maybe you’re right, Antinnis…I don’t know anymore…”

Tremayne placed a comforting hand atop my own.

“Lord Vader interrogated and tortured Adal Thalis more severely than anyone I’ve ever seen taken captive. He did so because of you…because he had your best interests at heart. Trust him now. You owe him that much, if not more.”

“You always did have a knack for putting things into perspective.” I replied, “How long has it been now since your transfer from Exactor?”

“Ten years.”

“Ten years…” I echoed, “Kriff, has it really been that long?!”

“Sometimes it feels even longer…I work alone now, of course. It still feels awkward without Lord Vader nearby. Opinions of cyborgs have dwindled so sharply…I’m met with rejection and inferiority at each turn; a far cry away from what I enjoyed in Vader’s service. Worst of all, the caliber of my work goes unappreciated by the Moffs and Admirals I find myself called to serve.”

“It won’t be like this forever, my friend…”

“If I only knew that to be true…”

“Trust that the day is soon coming in which the Moffs will get their comeuppance. Do not lose hope.”

Vader turned from his place on the floor so that he could see my face.

“There was a span of time in which Obi-Wan had been captured.” Vader returned, with a hint of remorse, “A failed mission. I was to blame.”

“My lord, please…”

“A slave died because of me, Brisard…because I failed to follow the orders of the Council.”

I shook my head.

“Others have lived because of you. Don’t dwell on your past…focus only on what you can accomplish.”

Vader glanced down as I took his hand.

“There’s something more, isn’t there?” I probed, “You feel a sense of regret even now for what happened to Master Kenobi, am I right?”

“You must understand.” Vader replied, “Our intentions were to rescue the slave and train her in the ways of the Force. Obi-Wan instead spent the duration of that ordeal living as a slave, Aria…I would never wish that burden on another…”

“You are a good man, Vader…” I returned, kissing him gently, “And the best hope for this galaxy. Think of all the slave hubs you’ve helped to abolish since you became Darth Vader…thousands credit you with their freedom.”

“And yet the Empire relies upon slave labor to construct Tarkin’s super-weapon…I cannot sway the opinion of my master.”

I shook my head.

“In time, you will be the sole power in this galaxy, my love. Then, there will be no one to stand in your way.”

Vader held his silence.

“Tell me about Thalis…” I redirected.

“Thalis became my temporary master in Kenobi’s absence.” Vader returned, “For nearly a month, I was his pupil.”

“What was he like?”

“He was the only member of the Council to show me any kindness.” Vader replied, “When news of my failure reached the Jedi Council, I was severely reprimanded. Thalis cared for me in Kenobi’s absence, and helped me come to terms with the grief I felt over my failure. When I was called to lay waste to the Jedi Temple, I allowed him to escape with his life. A mistake I now regret, if only for the harm it caused you.”

“Vader, I’m sorry…I called for you to kill him, and in such a brutal manner…I didn’t know…”

“You couldn’t have known.” Vader returned, “Either way, he would have been dead at my hand. He became too great a threat to me, and to the Empire.”

“Thalis’ death should have never been your burden…”

Vader pulled me close.

“You are wrong, Aria. Anyone who brings harm to the one I love becomes mine to destroy as I see fit. Never underestimate your importance to me, or the length I’d go to ensure your safety. You are all that matters to me.”

“Vader…”

“What is it, Brisard?”

“What if Qui-Gon Jinn had truly appeared to you?”

Vader gave an amused chuckle.

“A trick of Master Thalis, my love…nothing more.”

“Are you so certain?” I questioned.

“What does it matter, Aria?”

“It matters because…because I believe in what he had to say.”

“Aria…”

“I believe you to be the Chosen, Vader. The one destined to bring order to the galaxy…”

“Master Jinn had fourteen years to lecture me about destiny, Brisard.” Vader returned, “Accept the truth of the situation.”

“No.” I replied, shaking my head, “You told me once that Master Jinn was known for his unconventional ways…it seems plausible that he would wait until he found the time was right to confront you.”

Vader sighed.

“If only I could believe that to be true…”

“How long did my own brother wait before he confronted me?” I returned, “Vader, these are things beyond our comprehension. I am willing now to accept my own destiny…I challenge you to accept your own.”

Vader managed a smile, holding me closer still.

“I shall believe, Aria…if only for you.”

“And we cannot go back to that life, Aurelia.”

“Your solution is to have Aria suffer? Force her to abandon her dreams and pursue the spice trade?”

“Perhaps I know Aria better than you do…she’s got a lot of her old man in her when it comes to flying…” 

“Terin…I wish so badly that it didn’t have to be this way. This was never what I intended for Aria or for Adrian…”

I shuddered and opened my eyes. To my relief, I saw that Vader was still with me, resting soundly at my side.

Few times had I seen Vader rest. Sleep so often gave way to flashbacks of his past which unfolded into agonizing nightmares. In that moment, I actually found myself grateful for the slain Jedi Master. The events which had transpired with Master Thalis had overwhelmed the Dark Lord both physically and emotionally, resulting in allowing Vader this brief moment’s peace.

I ran my hand across Vader’s forehead, continuing down to trace my fingertips across the thick scar tissue above his cheek. I smiled to myself as Vader responded unconsciously, leaning into my touch. Not wanting to rouse my lover further from his slumber, I crept out of bed, determined to come to terms with the glimpses of my past that had so shaken me.

Shivering as my feet touched the stone floor, I walked to the center of the enclosed room and sat cross-legged. Vader had found peace through his meditation; I intended to do the same.

What had been the reason for my flashbacks?

I shut my eyes and reached out towards the Force, searching for an answer.

There had been many times I’d contemplated the life I would have known had we not been forced into the spice trade. In the end, I always came to the conclusion that to do so would have only resulted in the loss of everything I now knew. Life as a pilot in the Empire had given me some semblance of peace. For years now, I had wrestled with feelings of guilt over my love for flying. How could I find peace when what peace I knew was taken from me? Still, in all things, my father had been right…my passion of flying only rivaled his own. We were alike in so many ways.

I loved the ideals my parents had for me, but I wanted more than just that life. Often in dreams, I saw myself as an officer in the Corellian Royal Navy, working under the watchful eye of my father. Such visions only caused me to wake startled and shaken in Vader’s strong arms. For as much as I loved them, I could never leave his side. My parents were lost to me forever. Vader had become my world…I could no longer find happiness in a place where he was not.

Almost as quickly as I made my peace with this idea, I heard the marked sound of Vader’s alloy feet upon the floor. Dressed in flowing black robes, he took a place directly beside me, reaching for my hand as I took his in my own.

“Why did you not wake me?” he asked, “You were in pain…I would never have you to suffer alone.”

I shook my head.

“I found my peace.” I reassured him.

Vader drew upon the Force, transferring the power he commanded from his body into my own. I sighed contently at how comforting it felt to be enveloped in such strength.

“I felt your visions as I woke.” he said softly, “You grant me a favor I could never be worthy enough to deserve…”

“No, my lord,” I replied, breaking my meditation, “You deserve more than I can give.”

Vader said nothing, deepening his connection to the Force as I moved behind him, gently massaging his shoulders.

“My lord, there is something I must know…”

“Speak freely.”

“How did you know Master Thalis? You told me yourself that at the time of the purge, you allowed him to survive.”

I felt Vader tense slightly as I pulled him back.

“It’s alright.” I whispered softly, “You don’t have to…”

“Yes,” Vader replied, “I do. You see…for a short time, he was my master.”

“It has been done.” he said solemnly, “You are unharmed?”

I nodded, pulling Vader closer as he tightened his embrace, almost instinctively.

“Aria…I shall never fail you…” he whispered.

“You never have.” I replied.

Vader gave a slight turn of his head.

“I have failed others…” he returned, “I will not lose you as they were lost. I am powerful enough now to ensure that it is so.”

“You have always kept me safe, my lord.” I replied, “I would never fail to trust you.”

Vader pondered the weight of my words, running a gloved hand through my hair.

“Aria…” he spoke at last, “Why did you go and question Thalis alone, against my wishes?”

“I wanted to know whether or not your visions of Qui-Gon Jinn were real, or merely a tool fashioned by the enemy.”

“Why, Aria…why do that for me?”

I shook my head.

“In your visions, Master Jinn spoke of your destiny. He called you the Force’s Chosen. Are you willing to turn your back on fate? I had to know…my only peace is that which I find with you…”

Vader held me fast.

“You humble me, Aria…you are so much more than I could ever deserve.”

I gave a faint smile before turning away.

“Master Thalis was the second Jedi…” I murmured, “The one who accompanied my brother Adrian when the Jedi thought the time was right to collect me. Was Adrian the same as Thalis, Vader? How would I look upon my own brother?”

“You cannot judge your brother based solely upon the influence of the company he maintained.” Vader replied, “For every similarity I shared with Obi-Wan, I was still my own person. Markedly different from that of my master. As I remain…”

Vader could determine from my lengthy silence that all was still not right.

“You would take it all back, wouldn’t you?” he questioned softly, “Your hatred of Thalis does not yet outweigh your sense of compassion.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.” I replied, taking his hand in my own, “A man such as Thalis deserves no compassion. I’m grateful to you for your protection. I only regret that my actions ruined your chances for a proper interrogation.”

Vader laughed.

“You underestimate my power. Before his death, I was able to obtain the location of two of the remaining Jedi.”

“Master Kenobi?” I asked, now sitting upright.

“No.” Vader replied, waving his hand as the pressurized chamber closed to encase us, “But I am closer now than before. The time will come, I have foreseen it. Help me to remove this mask, Brisard, so that I might see you clearly.”

“Trust in your foresight, my lord…I have seen it also.” I replied, stowing the dome of his mask just beside me, “Darth Vader shall have his vengeance. It is the will of the Force.”

“It is enough that you are unharmed.” Vader returned, looking down at me.

I drew him close, kissing him passionately as Vader tightened his embrace.

“My warrior…” I whispered, looking up at him, “I owe you such a debt.”

“There is nothing you could ever owe me, Brisard.” Vader returned softly.

“I’m ready now…” I replied, “Ready to accept the truth of what you’ve told me about the Force. I want to know your ways…I wish to be attuned to you in all matters…”

Our lips met again, the Dark Lord fervently deepening our bond until I at last drew away, lightheaded. Vader looked down on me with a sense of reverence.

“Aria…know that nothing could please me more…”

“Aria…” Tremayne asked, “Did he harm you?”

“No…” I replied, embracing him fondly, “Antinnis, thank you…for all you’ve done.”

“You have done the same for me in the past.” he smiled, “One good turn deserves another. If you are unharmed, then I must return and see if I can be of any help to Lord Vader. Will you be alright here?”

I nodded.

“Very well.” he replied, stopping just short of the door, “Relax, Admiral…this won’t take long, I promise.”

Alone at last, I flung myself onto the Dark Lord’s bed and wept bitterly. I had been emotionally overwhelmed, I realized, and was only now coming to terms.

I knew nothing of Adal Thalis aside from the horrific encounter I’d had just moments before. How much, if any, of what he said could I truly believe? Had I ordered my enemy put to death, or had I ordered the execution of the only friend my brother may have known?

My attempt to procure any answers to the mystery regarding the visions of the Force which had served to torment Vader was made in vain. My emotions had betrayed me, just as Vader had always warned that they could.

Fighting to calm my shattered nerves, I drew a deep breath and held it, releasing it slowly. Vader’s scent dominated the room, comforting me to the point where I could at last shut my eyes.

Unable to meditate further on my actions, my thoughts turned to Vader; my lover, my warrior…he watched over me now with the same steadfastness he had bestowed upon me for the past fourteen years. Even now, his only intentions were to ensure my safety.

A chill went down my spine as I felt Thalis’ anguish resonate throughout the Force. At the same time, an unknown voice cried out to me.

Stop him, Aria…

I ignored the voice’s plea, reaching back out to the Force. There, in a dark holding cell, I could see the form of Master Thalis stretched out upon a long table. Vader stood over him, a T0-D interrogation droid directly facing the Dark Lord, a modified 2-1B surgical droid at his side.

“Increase the intensity of the sonic stunner to three times the accepted amount…”

“Sensors indicate that such levels will result in the loss of the offender’s hearing, with an increased possibility of  permanent impacts to even his most basic neural functions.” The T0-D’s vocabulator intoned, “Do you wish to continue?”

“Yes. Inquisitor Tremayne…have the surgical droid ensure Master Thalis be fully awake for the duration of the procedure…”

I closed my mind to the events unfolding in the detentionary and set my focus solely on Vader himself.

Stop him, Aria…before it is too late…

But this is what I asked for… I rationalized, This was what I wanted…

Again, I shook off the voice and sharpened my focus, prodding gently at Vader until at last I knew he was aware of my presence.

“I love you…” I sent, retreating from his mind as quickly as I had entered.

Sinking back against the bed, I gave in to the overwhelming desire to rest, letting sleep take me.