Dynasty: Chunk Forty
by Valerie Vancollie and Rebecca Thomson
"Well, it seems that young Vader managed to foil your little plan," General Ragorsh sneered as he looked at Mon Mothma and General Rieekan. "I told you it wouldn't work. They've come too far to let such small things bring them down."
"It was clever handling on Luke Vader's part, I'll admit," Rieekan said. "But at least we didn't gain any bad publicity out of this plan and we did learn more about Darth Vader."
"Not to mention foiling his plans," Mon Mothma added. "He could have done huge amounts of damage by using his good health. With everyone thinking he needed the mask he could have infiltrated practically anything without anyone knowing that he was Darth Vader. All he would have to do was remove his mask and armor and he would be another person."
"And just how does that help us?" Ragorsh demanded. "If he wanted to do damage that way he would have done it long ago. Your plan was useless in the end, it is time to stop wasting time with such things and move on to better things. You're holding back the Alliance from what it could truly be."
"This body decides what will happen and what won't," Mon Mothma stated. "Is there a problem with that?"
"Yes, actually there is," Ragorsh replied. "With both of you two being too blind to see what the Alliance needs you are destroying it as I and those who see things my way don't stand a chance of getting our methods approved as it is always two against one."
"Perhaps you should take this majority as a sign for what the members of the Alliance want," Rieekan responded.
Ragorsh snorted and shook his head. "I am beginning to question why I even attend these meetings anymore. Nothing comes of them. We come in, say what plans we have, and leave doing your plans," with this the General got to his feet and left the room.
Ragorsh clenched his fists as he walked down the corridors of the base they were on. Perhaps it was time that he took things into his own hands. Mothma and Rieekan were simply leading the Alliance to a slow but certain death. He wouldn't do anything just yet as he'd be kicked off the Council and possibly even lose his rank once he moved without permission. Whatever he did would have to be major and show the Empire and the other members of the High Command Council that the Alliance could win this war and would do it.
Ra'chealla gritted her teeth, Davron was worse than her father when it came to politics and women. Where Buchanan sometimes discussed matters with her, he never did. Said it was none of her business and that he would take care of things and that she shouldn't worry about them. If she wasn't on thin ice with her father as it was, she'd tell Davron exactly what she thought of him. But then her father would send her home in an instant and who knew when he would allow her to return to court then?
With a forced smile on her face, Ra'chealla took a bite of the salad they were having. "What did you think of the symphony?" she asked him.
"It was okay," Davron replied as he motioned for one of the restaurant waiters to approach. "I ordered plain fris-salad," he stated angrily as he gestured to his plate. "What's this piece of glo-salad doing in here?"
"I'm sorry, Sir," the waiter replied. "It must have slipped in. Do you wish a new serving?"
"Of course I do!" Davron declared loudly. "What do you think I am? What kind of restaurant is this that can't even get simply orders correct?"
"I'm sure it was a accident," the waiter said as he picked up the plate. "I'll be right back."
"I should hope so," Davron stated angrily even as Ra'chealla tried to hide her embarrassment as the other customers started looking towards their table. "And this is supposed to be a good restaurant. Humpf."
"What part did you like best?" Ra'chealla asked, hoping to get the man to quiet down.
"The last piece," Davron replied just as the waiter returned with a new plate of salad.
"I hope that is more to your liking," the man said.
"I looks better," Davron said before he picked up his glass of water. "This has gotten warm in the meantime. I like my water cold."
"It shall be taken care of," the waiter replied as he took the glass and rolled his eyes as soon as the man's back was turned. Some customers were just so picky!
Elizabeth let her thoughts wander as she put on her yellow dress. Over the past months she and her father had managed to slowly crawl their way back up the social ladder to their previous position. It had been hard work with the Vaders placing extra obstacles at every turn, but they had finally done it. And just in time for this major celebration as it was the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Imperial Empire.
As she sat herself so that her maids could do her hair, Elizabeth knew that, although nothing was set in stone just yet, the announcement the Emperor was going to make today was going to be the one in which Darth Vader was proclaimed heir to the Imperial throne. When Palpatine had first stated that the party would be held and that he would have a speech, people had instantly began probing to learn the exact topic of the speech. It hadn't taken long for everyone to know that it would be about the Imperial throne as it made logical sense that that issue would be dealt with on the anniversary of the Empire's birth and it was more than clear to everyone that the Emperor was nearing the end of his rule. He was getting old.
Elizabeth sighed as she looked down at her dress; how the fashions had changed as soon as Lady Vader had returned from her honeymoon. Her new wardrobe had not consisted of the elbow length gloves that had been frequently worn by the ladies of court and, with everyone imitating her, the gloves had soon vanished.
'Pity,' Elizabeth thought to herself as the maids strung strands of jewels through her hair. 'I liked those gloves.' Instead the ladies now wore more nail polish and rings. Lady Vader had made a few other small changes as well.
"Here we go again," Anjaleen said as she and Luke entered the court room where Palpatine had his throne.
"I know," Luke replied as he smiled at her. "You look great and everyone will notice when we're in the center of attention."
"Thanks," Anja responded as she smoothened her black dress with its white and yellow pearls and the fire-eyes, emeralds, and Riggilean water-stones. "You look good to."
"I hope so," Luke stated as he fingered his white outfit. "This is the first time I've worn white in years."
"Well, with the colored jewels, it works really well," Anja declared.
"Good," Luke said as he caught the surprised looks people were sending him, they were so used to seeing him in dark colors that they did a double take, which was exactly the intended effect he wanted for today. His father had used a similar technique by dressing in a scarlet jeweled outfit to match the color of the Imperial Sovereign Protectors.
Vladimir stood to the left of the Emperor, Buchanan to the right. The elder Lord Vader was off to the side, politely talking to a small group of people. 'It is the same as it has always been,' Vladimir mussed, 'We are here, talking to his Majesty, and Lord Vader is talking to the crowd. Except for one small difference. We are still courtiers, and he has been named the Imperial Heir. A small thing, but it means big things.'
The gathering had gone off without a hitch, the Emperor had assembled everyone and then quietly made a speech. He had mentioned, for the first time that anyone could remember, that he wouldn't live forever, and then he had said that it was time for him to name the heir. He had then listed Lord Vader's better known accomplishments before pronouncing on him the new title of 'Prince Vader.' It had been a very simple speech, just an announcement really.
Vladimir sourly smiled, noting the new Prince Vader's scarlet outfit, the color matching perfectly with the Sovereign Protectors. That color was a message if he ever saw one. And the younger Vader, off on the other side of the room in shinning white, overlaid with a multitude of colored gems. Heads constantly turned, taking in the sight. The effect was more shocking than stunning; the idea of a Dark Lord in white was intriguing.
The courtier turned back to the conversation that Buchanan was having with the Emperor, realizing that the man was talking about his daughter.
"Yes, Sire, I think that the young man appears to be a good choice for my daughter. A very advantageous match."
"Yes, I could understand that." His Majesty replied. "One should always arrange for your child to marry the partner best suited for your station."
The two courtiers blinked, wondering if the Emperor had just made a jibe towards Lady Vader. Her family hadn't been the highest at court, and now she looked to be Empress. Was his Majesty displeased?
"Of course," his Majesty continued, "everyone will have to understand that there are other considerations than status when it comes to the Vaders. I feel the need to warn you, not every woman has the ability to bear a child who can become a Sith. Prince Vader assured me that his son was actually quite lucky to find even one woman at court who could."
The two men stood still, weighing the ramifications for the future. Buchanan cleared his throat, covering the silence. "Well," he said, "I'll be sure and tell my children. After all, that will only effect my grandchildren."
"Of course." The Emperor said eyes on Prince Vader. "After all, his dynasty should be around for awhile."
"Yes, Sire," Buchanan said, "it appears that it shall. You will leave a long legacy in the form of the Empire."
The Emperor snorted. It came out as almost a wheeze. "I have more than that. Much more."
"Sire?" Vladimir asked, the statement tickling the back of his brain.
The Emperor chuckled. "I wasn't always so old, Vladimir. I was young once, with a young man's cares. Politics, power, and pretty women." The Emperor fell silent. He shook his head, muttering, "I should have married her. I should have. But it would have damaged my career, so I just had her shipped off." The Emperor leaned back in his chair, still watching the scarlet clad Sith. "History shall say I have no children."
The courtiers turned to the elder Sith, shock on their faces. The tall man turned to them, raising an eyebrow before turning away with a smirk on his face. "He's your son?" Vladimir heard himself squawk.
"Illegitimate. But yes. Told him that I refused to acknowledge him till he proved himself." The Emperor said, sighing. "And being so instrumental in getting rid of those pesky Rebels was very useful. They are practically wiped out, only remnants remain."
"Practically harmless." Buchanan said, still stunned.
"No. Even more dangerous." The Emperor whispered.
Vladimir looked down, noticing how frail the Emperor seemed. His skin was so thin, and wrinkled like wadded fabric. He looked up at the crowds, not wanting to think about the Emperor's death. "But they'll be gone soon." Vladimir said, "the last of the Rebels will be captured soon. Your- son will see to that."
"Yes, he will."
"Oh baby," Sasha exclaimed as she took her daughter's hand. "This is fantastic!"
"Yes it is, Mother," Anjaleen replied even as she wondered whether Sasha fully understood just what the announcement meant.
"Lord Vader," Randolf said as he approached the group.
"Mr. Winiterure," Luke responded even as he probed the man and found the immense joy there. He knew what Darth Vader's nomination as Imperial Heir meant, and he was extremely pleased with the fact that his daughter would now definitely become Empress one day. Going a little deeper he found that the man was also enormously relieved that Jerklin hadn't asked for his daughter's hand any sooner as then he would have missed all this.
"I'm just so happy for you," Sasha gushed as smiled at her son-in-law. "Now all you needed are a few children and all will be perfect."
"I can't say when," Anja began. "But there will be one."
"One?" Sasha repeated as she frowned slightly. "Why not more?"
"Inheritance reasons," Randolf cut in. "An Emperor can't afford to have squabbling heirs, that could ruin the Empire and once more lead it to war."
"An Emperor??" Sasha questioned, confused before realization dawned. "Oh. OH!"
"Mother," Anja exclaimed worriedly as Luke swiftly moved forward and caught Mrs. Winiterure as she fainted.
"She'll be fine," Luke reassured her.
"She never was one to take in too much at one time," Randolf complained as Luke lightly touched her temples to revive her with the Force.
"What..." Sasha began, puzzled as she found herself in an uncomfortable position looking up into her son-in-law's face.
"You fainted," Randolf explained as she stood up.
'Having fun there?' Vader asked sarcastically as he sent the group a glance.
'No,' Luke replied frankly before he looked to his grandfather. 'Have you told them?'
'Yes,' Palpatine declared. 'The news is out.'
"Mr. Winiterure," Luke said as he turned his attention back to Anjaleen's parents. "Can I talk to you for a moment, alone?"
"Sure," Randolf stated he followed the young Lord to one side of the room. "What is it?"
"Another rumor is about to make its rounds and I'll tell you now that it's true." Luke said.
"Thanks," Randolf replied, pleased that this time he was informed beforehand. "And what rumor would this be?"
"That Darth Vader is Palpatine's illegitimate son," Luke explained and watched the man before him freeze with shock.
Buchanan hesitated some more, looking to where Lord and Lady Vader were talking with Admiral MacNelly and his wife. He had watched the young couple go from talking with her parents to various of the courtiers. He had been pondering if he should or shouldn't approach the young man who would be the third Emperor of the Empire, but finally he pushed his doubts aside. Right now only he and Vladimir knew the truth about Prince Vader's relationship, and thus that of Lord and Lady Vader as well, to Emperor Palpatine. It wouldn't be long, however, before Vladimir spread the news and this time he wanted to beat his rival to it.
Decision made, Buchanan started making his way towards the young Sith Lord, knowing that if he were to act as if he had known that info for a while it would make him seem important. "My Prince and Princess," he said, hoping to loosen the younger man's tongue with a little flattery.
"Buchanan," Luke replied, surprised at the titles but hiding it even as he sensed the surprise radiating from Anja as well as Nastalia and Nathaniel. He also felt the other couple wince because, since they didn't know the truth about his relationship to the Emperor, it could be seen as a form of treason to hand him that particular title when he hadn't been given it yet.
"I was wondering, my Prince," Buchanan began, smiling inwardly at the emotions he had already been able to create. "Are you illegitimate?"
Gasping, Nastalia's eyes flickered to Luke's face and she was astonished to see him simply raise an eyebrow at the question, as if he were only slightly surprised. Looking to Anjaleen, she found that her friend was trying to keep a straight face. She obviously knew something here. Squeezing her husband's hand, she looked up at Nathaniel to see if he had any idea of what was going on, but got a negative response.
"No," Luke stated, knowing that the information would keep the courtier busy for a while as he would look to see if he could discover the identity of his mother. However, his father had long since destroyed any record of his former marriage. "I'm not."
"Ah," Buchanan commented. "I was just wondering after what your grandfather said about Darth Vader. Since your name was different when you first arrived here I wondered if you were like your father in that area or not."
"No," Luke repeated, knowing very well why Buchanan was even asking him these questions, let alone have his voice loud enough so that the people around them could clearly hear what he was saying. "Queens tend not to have illegitimate children."
"Queens?!" Buchanan sputtered, surprised at the sudden turn of events. "Well your grandfather certainly didn't mention that fact."
"Grandfather?" Nathaniel inquired, unable to remain quiet at the astonishingly revealing conversation taking place before him.
"Yes, didn't you know?" Buchanan asked, turning to face the Admiral as if what he were about to say were common knowledge. "Prince Darth Vader is the illegitimate child of the Emperor Palpatine."
Nastalia looked at Anjaleen, feeling her eyes widen as her jaw dropped, and found her friend nodding her head as she sent her a questioning glance. Darth Vader was the Emperor's son! In a way it made sense, but the news floored her and she absently noted that it did the same to the people who had been eavesdropping in on their conversation. Studying Luke's face she saw that while his eyes bored into the courtier's back, his face was expressionless. No doubt the whole fact about him being the grandson of the Emperor being revealed had been planned, but she knew that the way Buchanan had emphasized that Darth Vader was illegitimate had angered the young Sith Lord. Buchanan would pay for his wording later on.
"How is your little girl?" Luke inquired as soon as Buchanan had walked away.
"Very well," Nathaniel replied as he thought of his little daughter, Mirabel. "She's doing fine. Although she seems to love crying in the middle of the night."
"Yes," Nastalia agreed as Anjaleen giggled and Luke smiled. "But it's worth it."
"That it is," Nathaniel agreed as he beamed with pride. "You two should come over again soon and see her."
"I'd love to," Anja declared just as Vader walked up to the group.
"Your grandfather wants to have a word with you," Vader told Luke as he indicated the Emperor.
General Ragorsh smiled to himself as he looked over the report that the spies had brought him. Not Alliance spies, true, but the best his credits could buy. He had hidden hiring these spies from the rest of the Council, but he doubted that they would have approved. He had gotten the money from selling some of the extra equipment they had gotten on their last raid. Not that the Council would have approved of selling spare parts to smugglers. They didn't approve of many of his moves, and they were slowly strangling the Alliance with their inactivity. The rest of the Council might as well be Imperial Operatives, for all their reluctance to take the necessary steps.
'Imperial Operatives,' Ragorsh thought to himself. 'They might as well be, for all the good they do. Perhaps I should start a rumor that anyone unwilling to do anything necessary to win this war is suspected to be an Imperial Operative. I have to start wrestling control away from the others, or we will never win.'
"But Davron is an idiot!" Ra'chealla burst out, then clamped her hand over her mouth. Her father had just told her that he had worked out her marriage to the man. Buchanan had pulled her into his study after lunch, and informed her that Davron had asked for her hand in marriage and that he had accepted for her. Davron would be presenting her with a piece of engagement jewelry tonight.
"He has good connections and adequate status." Her father coldly replied, ignoring her outburst, "and I expect you to act sufficiently pleased tonight."
"But, but, I don't love him." Ra'chealla countered, too stunned to come up with a different argument.
She knew that she had taken the wrong track when Buchanan narrowed his eyes at her. "Where did you ever get the idea that you could marry for love? You are a daughter of the court, and you will do your duty."
"But, he's stupid! And pretentious! And his status isn't that good. He doesn't have nearly the rank you do, or even of half the other higher courtiers." Ra'chealla begged. "He's bound to offend someone sometime."
Buchanan sighed. "That is a problem with being so highly ranked in court. All my counterparts are more enemies than allies. I did the best I could for you. You're lucky I didn't even try to marry you to Vladimir's son. The boy is five years your junior, but otherwise would have been a good match. If I could have trusted you to retain some loyalty to me." Buchanan shot his daughter a glare.
Ra'chealla was appalled. Vladimir's son wasn't even old enough to attend court yet. Men were introduced a few years later, it was true. But not even attending yet? Ra'chealla shuddered. "But... wasn't there anyone else?" She whispered.
"Not really." Buchanan said, "I either was already so closely allied to them as to not need to further tie them to me, or the marriage would not be enough to fully ally them to me. Davron is one of the few people that a marriage would benefit me."
"Am I only that? A piece of flesh to be bartered for your gain?" Ra'chealla asked, infuriated.
Buchanan sighed. "It is the way of the court. I spoke more with Davron's father than him before you two began seeing each other. And your children will be married off the same way."
Ra'chealla hung her head. "And I could have been Empress." she whispered.
"What?" Buchanan asked, unsure what his daughter had said.
Ra'chealla's head snapped up, fire shone in her eyes. "You're marrying me off to a fool, but if you would have just listened, I'd be married to a man who will be Emperor one day. I'd be Empress. That alliance would have helped you far more than Davron can even dream."
Buchanan glared at his daughter, rising in his chair. "I told you to drop that silly idea out of your head."
Ra'chealla rose up, surprised at her own anger. "If you would have listened, I would have been able to see him when no one knew who he was, but you didn't, and that little snit snuck in behind my back."
"Ra'chealla." Her father warned.
"We never would have dropped out of favor, either. And if you would have let me take care of her, then I could have taken her place. And if you would have listened, you would have ignored those rumors that they were fighting."
"Ra'chealla!"
"But you wouldn't listen to me. And now you're marrying me to that fool!"
"Ra'chealla, be quiet!"
"WHY!?!? If you would have just listened, I would have been Empress. But your short-sightedness cost-"
"SILENCE!!" Buchanan roared. "I doubt the young prince would have let even me stand in his way if he wanted you. He probably wanted nothing to do with such a rebellious woman." Buchanan sneered, then frowned. "Your behavior around 'Luke Skywalker' caused no end of trouble, I can assure you. You're lucky I could find anyone at court who was willing to forget your past actions."
Ra'chealla fumed, obviously holding her tongue by shear force of will. Her father sat down again. "Now," he said, "go upstairs, pick out your prettiest dress, and have the maids prepare you for tonight. And you will come down, looking wonderful and acting happy for dinner. And you will act extremely pleased when Davron asks you to marry him."
Ra'chealla took a deep breath. "What if I don't?" She whispered.
"Then," Buchanan said with finality, "I will disown you. Put you out on the street with nothing. Not even a fancy dress to wear. Now, go. Upstairs."
Ra'chealla paused, as her father pulled out a datacard and stuck it in the reader in his desk. He glanced up, and she gulped, then left. As she walked up the long marble staircase to her rooms, she looked at all the lavish furnishings with new eyes.
"I live in the fanciest prison in the galaxy." She whispered.
"Are you absolutely sure about this?" Grand Moff Bel-Zessa demanded as he looked between his daughter and son-in-law.
"Yes," Nastalia confirmed as she shifted Mirabel in her arms. "Buchanan stated it, Luke didn't deny it, and then Prince Vader confirmed it when he told Luke that his grandfather needed to see him."
"And Vader was also married at one time," Nathaniel continued and frowned when his father-in-law choked on his wine. "Seems his wife, who was Luke's mother, was a Queen."
"Did Buchanan state this as well?" the Grand Moff inquired as he saw his daughter nodding her head to what her husband said.
"No," Nathaniel corrected. "Luke said that himself. It was in response to Buchanan's question on whether or not he was illegitimate."
"That guy just doesn't know when to stop," Nastalia stated. "He has too much nerve. One can see where Ra'chealla gets it from, only with her it backfires when she uses it against her father's wishes."
"Yes," Nathaniel agreed with a smile. "And rumor has it that Buchanan is going to wed her to Davron, I wonder if Luke will be invited to the wedding."
"He probably will be," Nastalia responded. "Especially now that it is almost assured that he will one day rule as Emperor. I still can't believe that."
"Well, it isn't as if it was a total shock," the Grand Moff said as he watched his new born granddaughter play with her mother's hair. "Prince Vader has been the expected heir for years, ever since his powers and importance first became known."
"Yes, but it just never fully sunk in," Nastalia said as she smiled down at her little girl. "I mean Luke has always been a leader, but the throne has always seemed so far away. I'd never expected to be friends with the man who will sit upon it one day. I can still see him when he first arrived, an unknown boy who was rarely seen, and who never appeared at court."
"I wish I'd been able to see that," Nathaniel declared. "I have a hard time picturing Luke that way."
"I can imagine," the Grand Moff stated. "But what else do you know about Vader's former wife? This Queen? Is she still alive or dead?"
"I don't know," Nastalia replied. "Buchanan didn't ask as he was more interested in stating that Palpatine was Prince Vader's father. And I didn't want to pry as Luke didn't seem in the best of moods at the moment."
"True," Nathaniel agreed. "But it was he who brought the information to light. We should see if we can learn more at some other time. But he probably won't want to talk about it, after all Darth Vader has kept everyone in the dark about it for this long already, why talk now?"
"You've got a point there," the Grand Moff admitted. "But it can't hurt to try, especially since young Vader brought it up to begin with."
General Ragorsh smiled to himself as he put down the datapad. This was perfect. Slowly he had begun contacting the necessary people who could start spreading the rumor while making it look trustworthy. After all, he had quite a few people who stood with him against Mon Mothma and General Rieekan. Now all he needed before he could openly make a move against the two respected leaders of the Alliance was proof that he could succeed where they had failed. And he knew just how to do that.
Indeed, the plan had formed in his mind the instant he had first learned that Darth Vader was in fact the son of Emperor Palpatine. After all, what better way to prove his capabilities to lead the Alliance to victory than to terminate a member of Imperial Royal Family? By marriage, true, but then Palpatine and the two Vaders themselves were not an option. But even the death of a member of the Royal Family who held that status by marriage would cause a tremendous impact.
Ragorsh nodded his head in satisfaction, looking back to the report he had just finished reading. His spies had managed to provide him with some critical information. Information as to just when he could strike at his intended target. Now all he had to do was arrange the details and sit back and watch his plan unfold. No doubt it would get full media coverage and everyone across the galaxy would see the might of the Alliance. They would learn that they were a force to be reckoned with and that they would win this war.
General Ragorsh knew that after this enlistments would soar as would moral among all the Rebel cells across the galaxy. Something neither Mothma nor Rieekan had been able to achieve. He was sure that others would notice this with a little help of his men and then he could be able to suggest taking command from them. The only problem was what to do with the General and the former Senator? He couldn't kill them, but he doubted that he could imprison them either, and they knew too much to be simply kicked out of the Alliance or to be placed among the rest of the Rebels. He needed to think about it, but first he had to get his plan ready.
Luke awoke with a start, instantly alert, as the strange warning ripple flowed through the Force. Carefully disentangling his arms from around his wife, Luke scanned the room for any signs of danger. Finding none he sat up in bed and reached outward, scanning the whole castle even as he looked down at Anjaleen. Her long hair was spilt partially onto her face, and partially onto the pillow and her eyes closed, clearly still asleep.
'Luke?' Vader mentally questioned as he was woken by his son's cautious probe. 'What's wrong?'
'I'm not sure,' Luke admitted as he finished the search before reaching out towards the Palace, but finding nothing.
'What did you sense?' Vader inquired, knowing that something must have happened, Luke was too tense and alert for anything else.
'Danger,' Luke stated, confused as there was clearly nothing nearby that had created the threat. 'There was a warning ripple, but it was...'
'Was what?' Vader pressed even as he did his own sweep, feeling nothing out of the ordinary, and not liking the fact. Luke was too well trained and too strong in the Force to receive useless warnings, so why hadn't he felt it as well? Was the danger specifically his son's? But why could neither of them detect anything?
'Distant,' Luke declared, putting into words the strange feelings he had experienced. 'It was almost as if it wasn't intended for me to sense it, but somehow I did.'
'Like is wasn't your danger,' Vader concluded. 'It could be Anjaleen's.'
'Could be,' Luke agreed doubtfully as he looked down at his wife and watched the slow rise and fall of her chest. 'But the last time she was in danger, it was much clearer. This time the warning was almost too faint to be for her.'
'Strange,' Vader said. 'But better safe than sorry. You should speak of this matter with your grandfather tomorrow. Now that our relationship with him is out he will probably agree to temporarily assigning one of his Royal Guards to protect young Anjaleen.'
'That would be good,' Luke replied even as he smiled at the emotions that had slipped past his father's shields. Although the newly pronounced Imperial Heir would not admit it outright, he had come to care for Anjaleen deeply and Luke knew that over time that affection would only grow. True, his father had never had anything against his wife personally, but he hadn't been overjoyed with her either, this only proved how quickly things could change. 'I shall see him tomorrow than. But I think the warning was something else. Any ideas?'
'No,' Vader declared. 'You say it was faint and I wasn't aware of any warning at all, thus it must be something more closely tied to you. From his lack of words, I'm assuming that your grandfather felt nothing either.'
Luke shook his head. It bothered him that he couldn't understand the Force's message as something inside him told him that it was important that he did. So why had the warning been so weak? Indeed, had he been concentrating on something then he probably would have missed it all together. 'I'm going to alert our security to a possible danger tomorrow,' Luke informed his father.
'Good,' Vader stated. 'Now go back to sleep, worrying about it won't achieve anything when the danger is not now.'
'Yes, Father,' Luke responded, letting false exasperation leak into the mental statement.
'Kids,' Vader muttered before he cut the link.
Luke chuckled and kissed his sleeping wife's temple before lying down next to her once more.
The young Lord Vader bowed to the Emperor as the guards whisked themselves away, emptying the throne room. Luke waited till the last one had left, before lifting his head.
"Come up here, child." Came a whisper. Luke took the steps with easy strides, coming to stand before Grandfather. "Heh." The old man sighed. "Why don't you take a seat? I don't feel like being as formal today." Luke let himself down, sitting on the upper step, cape fanning out behind him. "Now," the old man whispered, "tell me what happened last night. I felt you two probing around." The wrinkled arm rose up, waving through the air to demonstrate.
Luke briefly cleared his throat. "I felt a slight disturbance. A warning in the Force, but it wasn't directly aimed at me. Father couldn't feel it at all."
"Humpf." The ancient man snorted, pulling his huge black cowl tighter over his body. "It must be more connected with you than with your father."
"Yes, your Majesty. We figured that, but couldn't figure out what it might be about."
A dry chuckle. "It probably has to do with that horrid mother-in-law of yours. She's probably going to embarrass you at the next social function."
Luke chuckled back. "Probably. Father's convinced she doesn't have any sense."
"No, she doesn't." A deep sigh, and then the Emperor's tone took on a whining note. "It's cold in here. I asked that they raise the temperature, but it's still cold."
Luke hid his surprise, he had actually thought it rather warm when he had entered, but thought nothing of it. "I will see to it when I leave." He said, then continued, "but I was worried that it might be a warning for Anja. I wanted to ask if I could have a few of the Imperial Guard stationed at the castle to protect her. We have much more company with her living there, and the house guard have never been formally trained on how to deal with the increased visitor traffic."
"Very well." came the whispered reply. "Perhaps I should have my guards train the ones at the castle."
"Yes, that would be a good idea." Luke said, considering. "But I don't want to have too many of them permanently stationed there. The castle guards will always be unmasked, and they need to be able to recognize outsiders on site. It has saved us." Luke stopped, looking at Grandfather.
The Emperor was asleep in his chair. Luke swallowed, suddenly unsure. The young lord didn't sense any danger, any unnatural reason that the Emperor had fallen asleep. There was no sense of poison in the ancient body. Luke blinked, feeling suddenly cold in the warm room. Very old people did this sometimes, fall asleep for no reason. But that didn't mean that Luke had to like the idea of Grandfather being so old.
The ancient man suddenly roused himself. "Eh?" He asked to no one in particular. "Oh yes. I will send some of the guard over. Tell them for me, will you child?" Luke nodded wordlessly. "I think," Grandfather whispered, "I will go and take a nap. The courtiers can wait."
The Emperor got up, ever so slightly wobbly on his feet. He shuffled off, Luke restraining himself from offering help. Grandfather didn't want to lean on him, Luke could just barely feel the old man's embarrassment over his infirmaries through his shields. Lord Vader hid a grimace, knowing Grandfather was quite upset with himself, if he could feel it. Luke had never been able to feel any emotions of the old man before, unless Grandfather had wanted him to.
Young Lord Vader bowed towards the retreating back, holding himself still until the Emperor had left. Then he turned to go.
Garret Ravenell sat in one of the finely carved chairs in the sitting room outside Prince Vader's office at the castle reading over a datapad. He had asked the Sith if he could speak with him when he had a free moment. The tapping of booted heals across the marble floor made the Major look up, seeing the young Lord Vader march across the room and to father's office door.
"Morning Garret." Luke said. "Father says you can come on in and say your piece first- if it won't take too long."
"No, my Lord. I just have to ask him a question, but he doesn't have to answer right away."
"Good."
Garret followed Luke into the room, noticing how the two men locked eyes, the silent communications flying between them. It was unnerving sometimes, to think that they could be talking about him, or reading his mind.
"Yes Major?" Prince Vader asked.
"Sire." The Major bowed, as he continued, "I won't take up much of your time. But my family has asked me to request time off, if possible. They have found a wife for me, and wish to know when I can get married."
The room was very quiet, and Garret suddenly realized that he had actually managed to catch the two Sith off guard. But when the two locked eyes again, and were obviously discussing something, he felt a little nervous.
"Who is she?" The elder one asked.
"Ah, I brought a copy of the information my parents sent me." Garret handed over the datacard. "I know," he tactfully added as the Imperial Prince began to page through the information, "that you will probably want to look her over, since she will most likely want to live on Coruscant once we are married. However, I leave that decision to you."
Garret heard Luke sigh beside him. He couldn't blame either of the Sith, Garret and his cousin Sean had been temporarily lodged in the servant wing of the castle prior to Luke's wedding because of the assassination attempt on Sean. They still slept here while on planet, having never gotten around to moving back to the officer barracks on planet. Neither of the two adjuncts where here much, usually sleeping on ship, but a wife would be a different matter.
"I'll have to think about it." Prince Vader replied.
"Of course." Major Ravenell said, bowing before he turned to go.
Luke watched the door close behind Garret. "That was a surprise."
His father snorted. "For him as well, from what I saw in his mind."
Luke sadly sighed. "I hate to say it, but it is almost a moot point. He'll be retiring soon." His father shot him a look, and Luke continued. "Grandfather fell asleep in the middle of our conversation. He doesn't look very good, and he complained about the cold, even though the room was hot. I'm afraid that..." Luke didn't finish.
His father sighed. "Yes, I have noticed that age is starting to catch up with the Emperor. Everyone has noticed. At least with our kind the end will be fast. The power burns us out at the last." The Prince stopped, then changed the topic. "So it would be best if the Major's new wife lived wherever he plans on living once I no longer need an adjunct for military missions."
"Very well, I will tell him, if you want me to."
"Please. And since I'll have to spend more time at court as things progress, have him arrange with your adjunct when he will take time off."
Thoughts? Comments? Suggestions? E-mail Rebecca or me at valeriev84@hotmail.com
