Darth Sentinel Two

Chapter Seven: Mission Recruitment

2006-10-15T23:10:00.000-07:00

“No”, Kalira responded.

Sentinel continued to stare at Vader. “I said, ‘get out’.”

Kalira looked straight at Sentinel. “No.”

“You would be well advised to do as Sentinel says.” Vader rumbled dangerously. His hand hovered over his lightsaber, ready to pull it free of his belt. His eyes never left Sentinel’s. Sentinel’s right hand was open, the fingers pointed at the bed, where her own lightsaber moved slightly.

Behind Vader, Kip cautiously bent down and dragged the still gasping Commander Javel out of the room. Kalira watched this, nodding to Kip briefly when she caught Kip’s eyes. Kip looked at her anxiously, and mouthed, “get out” to her. Kalira briefly shook her head.

Sentinel’s lightsaber twitched again on the bed, without actually leaving the bedspread. That was enough to trigger Vader’s reactions, and his saber leaped into his grip and ignited, humming, pointed loosely in Sentinel’s direction.

Kalira gasped as it ignited, and watched Sentinel react, calling her lightsaber to herself. It ignited on it’s way to her hand, and she held it at the ready.

The two red lightsabers seemed more real than anything else in the room, shining with an unholy light, a near intelligence.

Kalira unconsciously started to dig her fingernails into the palms of her hands.

Vader and Sentinel started to approach each other.

“Stop!” Kalira shouted.

“Do not interfere.” Vader warned.

“I will not leave so two people who love each other can have a little privacy while they kill each other!” Kalira growled.

Vader and Sentinel both turned to face Kalira.

“I don’t care if you are both trigger-happy Sith. I don’t care about your posturing, your need to prove which of you is in charge, which of you has the bigger… lightsaber! This is stupid, and it solves nothing!” Kalira yelled. She alternated between glaring at Vader, then Sentinel.

Vader glared down at Kalira. “You should keep your nose out of things that are none of your business…” he growled, taking a step towards her.

“Do you love Sentinel?” Kalira asked.

“Yes!” Vader said. “But she must be taught to respect me.”

“She already respects you. So all your teaching her is that if she has an argument with you, she can expect a fight to the death.” Kalira stated.

“This is not merely an argument. And this is still none of your business.” Vader hissed.

“You are ready to kill my backup singer. You’ve made it my business.” Kalira said. Her gaze was steady, her voice strong, with just the slightest quaver.

Sentinel watched this interchange with amazement. She had never seen anyone other than herself stand up to the Dark Lord.

Vader stalked over to Kalira. Before Vader reached Kalira, Sentinel moved to stand between the two. “She only wishes us to stop arguing. To remember that we are on the same side”, Sentinel said, her own anger practically forgotten, her lightsaber held in a slightly more relaxed but still defensive position.

Vader stopped, staring down at Sentinel. With great difficulty, he reigned in his anger.

“If only that were true, Sentinel.” Vader growled softly. He turned, switched off his lightsaber, found a chair in Sentinel’s room, and sank into it.

Kalira visibly relaxed when Vader sat down. Sentinel switched her lightsaber off, hooking it to her belt, and gave a long silent sigh.

Sentinel crossed the room to Vader, and got down on one knee, her hands on his thighs, palms down, looking up at him. “I’m not in any danger, m’Lord. Commander Javel’s men are trustworthy. And I have no intention of revealing who I am to the natives… I will be wearing a trooper uniform. I will keep my lightsaber out of sight.” She bit her lip. “And I have never stopped respecting you.”

Vader touched Sentinel’s cheek with his gloved hand, cupping her face. Sentinel leaned into his hand, closing her eyes.

“I would not fear for you so much if you were Sith. As it is, you trust others too easily. And you are far too willing to sacrifice yourself on lesser altars.” Vader rumbled.

“And the greater altar would be?”

“To assist me in overthrowing the Emperor. To rule by my side, and in so doing, to bring order to the galaxy.” Vader spoke very softly, aware that Javel was somewhere in the other room, and aware that Kalira was just across the room from them.

“So, I should ignore helping people now, so I can help more people later by ruling the Empire?” Sentinel asked, speaking just as softly.

“Yes! And the best way to attain the power necessary to rule is through the Dark Side! You simply must see that!” Vader said, his voice rising with the passion of his words, in spite of his desire to speak softly.

“I do see that the Dark Side is powerful, my Love. I also see that it bends and twists its users to its own will. And I don’t trust its will.”

“I can train you to control it, to control yourself.” Vader said, emphasizing his point by clenching his fist in front of her.

“To control my temper, the way you control yours?” Sentinel asked, a faint smile playing across her lips.

Vader growled. “Those slips of my temper are inconsequential to the benefits gained by my eventual rule. But I cannot attain that rule without your help.” Vader paused, and then spoke much more softly. “I cannot defeat the Emperor alone… without you.”

Sentinel sighed, and looked down at her hands, which were still in Vader’s lap. She took a deep breath. She spoke so softly it was almost a whisper. “You don’t think I can help you defeat the Emperor if I’m using the Light Side of the Force? You don’t think I will be strong enough?”

“No. You will not. He has easily faced down and killed several well-trained Jedi. He is nearly invincible.”

Sentinel stared at Vader’s mask as he spoke, trying to see past it to his eyes. To see into his soul. She swallowed and cleared her throat. “I will think about it, m’Lord. But I can’t promise anything. And before I even begin contemplating once more being a Sith, I have to help Commander Javel on this task.”

Vader was torn between relief that Sentinel was willing to at least try the Sith ways once more, and frustration that she was still willing to involve herself in this dangerous and reckless task. “Why did Javel ask you to handle this? Why not request help from his superiors? Why ask you to put yourself in danger? To expose your presence here?!” Vader asked.

Commander Javel chose that moment to re-enter the room. His complexion was ashen. Sentinel sensed great fear from the man, but also great courage.

“Why don’t I answer that question, Lord Vader. If I may”, Commander Javel said.

Sentinel rose to stand beside Vader.

Vader looked up at Javel. “Proceed, Commander.”

Commander Javel cleared his throat, his hand rising unconsciously to his collar. “Lord Vader, we’ve had problems before that I haven’t had sufficient men to handle locally. I made the mistake on 2 separate occasions to request help. In both cases, we had non-local people, members of the Black Sun, who were trying to setup business here. In both cases, they were frightened off by the influx of offworld stormtroopers, but not before the offworld troopers had tortured and killed innocent locals they incorrectly identified to have something to do with Black Sun.”

“In any struggle to be rid of a criminal element, sometimes innocents will be harmed…” Vader started.

Commander Javel interrupted Vader. “There was no reason for this harm to have occurred. These offworld troopers raped women… even girls as young as 10 years old… in order to try to extract information from innocent locals… innocent people who knew nothing, who had nothing to do with the Black Sun. My troopers are instructed not to oppress the local populace in their pursuit of justice. My troopers care about the people here. Many of my troopers are locals, having signed up to serve the Empire, and then having requested a post here. Those that have been sent to serve under me have been instructed thoroughly about respecting citizens’ rights. And they have been informed that if I hear that anyone’s rights have been abused, the troopers in question will be… dealt with.”

“So… since your own troopers were insufficient to find this murderer, and since outside troopers would, in your opinion, make the situation worse, you chose the help of someone you could trust who would hopefully be powerful enough to handle this murderer…” Vader rumbled.

“Yes, Lord Vader.” Commander Javel said.

Vader sat silently, thinking.

“What have you done, with your troopers and other personnel to ensure Sentinel’s safety?” Vader asked.

Javel cleared his throat again. “I have instructed them to talk to me first if they see anything unusual. And I also told them that the backup singer bears a striking resemblance to the wanted criminal Sasha Yod, but that they should pay that no mind, as it is a merely a resemblance.”

Sentinel added, “My band name is Jeru Cantel.”

“Jeru…” Vader said softly.

“Jeru was my great aunt’s name,” Sentinel said.

Javel continued. “I understand that I should have spoken to you first about this matter, Lord Vader. I felt this would be a simple matter for Sentinel to handle, considering her own power and finesse. I did not consider how it would give you cause for concern.” The Commander bowed his head slightly.

Vader rose. His lightsaber was still in his hand. He smoothly hooked it to his belt, and walked right past the Commander, to stand in the doorway. He turned to face Sentinel and the Commander.

“Who on this base can be sent with Sentinel and be trusted to keep her identity a secret? Eventually she will probably have to draw her lightsaber or use her Force abilities.” Vader asked.

“I wasn’t planning… I didn’t think that…” Javel started.

“I am going alone,” Sentinel stated.

“That is unacceptable.” Vader thought for a moment. “I am coming with you.”

“My lord!” Javel exclaimed.

“I’m coming too. Sasha, I can’t believe you were going to go face to face with some insane murderer without any kind of backup.” Kalira snarled.

“You are not combat trained.” Vader said.

“Actually, I was in the local police force on my home planet for 5 years after I finished school. How do you think I paid the bills while getting the band started?” Kalira said, smiling.

“I’m coming too.” Sal popped his head in. “I’ve got military experience. I served for five years under General Bisbain.”

“We can all wear trooper armor. And you, Lord Vader, can go as… uhm… you.” Kalira finished.

“I can’t allow this. I won’t let you all endanger yourselves.” Sentinel said.

“No, but you’ll expect all of us to allow you to endanger yourself.” Vader growled. “And besides, this isn’t a bad idea. They have combat experience. They can be trusted to keep your identity a secret. I believe they even already have armor they have borrowed….”

“Well, no, Sal, Kip, and Drej all have armor… but Sasha and I didn’t borrow any as we wore our gowns last night.” Kalira said.

“A problem easily fixed.” Commander Javel turned and spoke a quick message into a comlink he pulled off his belt. Once finished, he said, “Someone will be here very shortly with an assortment of uniform and armor pieces to try on. Although, I must admit, I have reservations about sending band members – even combat trained ones – on a mission.”

“You had no reservations about sending the woman I love alone into danger.” Vader rumbled dangerously. Sentinel blushed furiously and happily at Vader’s public admission of his love.

“I, uh…” Javel stuttered, then simply cleared his throat.

“Guys, this is too dangerous. You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into.” Sentinel said.

“Too late. They have volunteered, and I am officially accepting. Kip, will you be joining us? I don’t think we have a helmet that will fit your… your head…” Vader said.

“Meesa liking da idea an all, but someone needsa stay with Drej.” Kip responded.

“Then it’s settled. I shall lead the team, you three will accompany me as my escort.” Vader announced.

Sentinel sighed, shook her head, and then looked up with a wry grin. “Wait, how did this become your mission?”

“Because I’ve made it my mission.” Vader softly rumbled.

Chapter Six: Temper, Temper

2006-10-01T23:35:00.000-07:00

Sentinel woke early the next morning. She had spent the night in Vader’s room, snuggled up to him. For her it was as if she were snuggled up to something warm and cuddly. For anyone else… well, they would have likely been more comfortable getting cozy with a rancor.

Vader was asleep, looking peaceful. He had told her, last night, that when she’d been with him 5 years ago, he had had the best sleep in years. She hoped his sleep this past night had been free of any unpleasantness.

Before they had become close, she had happened to get a glimpse of what his normal sleep was like. His nightmares could curl the tail of a womp rat.

Sentinel sighed. She knew she wouldn’t be able to stay with him. The band needed to move on. Vader would need to return to his duties. And Sentinel... Sentinel would need to go with the band and remain in hiding.

Admittedly, singing in a band would seem like a poor choice of methods to hide. But Bantha Fodder wasn’t exactly popular enough to appear in the holo news feeds yet. And somehow, she didn’t think the Empire would ever even look for her there. How many Sith Lords joined bands?

About as many Sith Lords who go to parties, and go dancing, apparently, Sentinel mused, staring lovingly at her Dark Lord.

She got out of bed, careful not to wake Vader. She went into the fresher, shooing out the medical droids that were in there. Vader went nowhere without his medical necessities.

After a short shower, (water, not sonic... she never felt clean enough after a sonic shower), she exited, hair piled up under a towel. She dressed in last night’s dress and heels, not wanting to walk back to her quarters wearing a robe. She left the towel hung on the back of a chair, next to her robe.

Sentinel paused at the door to Vader’s quarters, and looked back at him longingly. She wanted to wake him up then, with a passionate kiss. She wanted to spend the entire day there with Lord Vader, having room service, and much more intimate time alone.

But her friends would be worried about her. And more importantly, she had promised to help Javel to find the creature who was murdering innocent citizens and stormtroopers alike. If she were to spend the day with Vader, it could be at the cost of yet another innocent life.

Sentinel exited Vader’s quarters, using the Force to lock his door after it auto-closed behind her. She walked down the long hallway, and through the maze of connecting hallways that made up the guest quarter’s area. She reached the suite that the band was staying in, and used the Force, rather than her door key, to unlock and open the door.

There, sprawled on the couch in the suite’s common room, lay Kip. She was snoring quite noisily. Several empty brown bottles lay on the floor next to her. Someone had draped a blanket over Kip’s torso. Sentinel was pretty sure Kip hadn’t thought of doing that... she was too far gone.

The common room was a mess. The band had had a rather large party in her absence. She sighed a little sadly. She always enjoyed their post-gig celebrations... well, all except for the hangovers the next day.

Sentinel entered her room, and proceeded to change. She put on a pair of light black pants, and a light black tunic. She put her lightsaber down on her bed, next to a dark green knapsack. She braided her thick hair into a long tail down her back. She was putting the finishing touches on her braid when someone knocked on her door.

“Enter.”

Kalira walked in. “Thought I’d heard you come in.”

“I thought you were all still asleep. And hung over... well, all except Drej.” Sentinel grinned, then coiled her braided hair snugly to the back of her head.

“Unlike the others, I didn’t have much to drink.” Kalira answered. “And Drej succumbed to temptation after you went off with Vader.”

Sentinel frowned. “Oh, poo-doo”, she muttered.

“She started talking about just having a small drink. We tried to talk her out of it. We thought we had succeeded. But she found out, well before the rest of us did, that each of the suite’s rooms has it’s own mini-bar.” Kalira flopped down onto a chair near Sentinel’s made and unslept-in bed. Sentinel sat down wearily on her bed and sighed.

“Did you make sure she was sleeping on her side?” Sentinel asked. If Drej was true to form, she would have had enough to drink, on her first night of binging, to make herself sick enough to vomit, and drunk enough to not wake up when she did vomit. She could literally end up choking to death that way. But if they made sure she was sleeping on her side, she would probably be ok.

“Yeah, when we put her to bed, we propped her back to the wall. I was just in to check on her... she’s fine. But she’s definitely not going to be happy when she finally wakes up”, Kalira said, shaking her head.

Sentinel sighed again. She was disappointed with Drej, but felt hardly in the position to judge. On several occasions, Sentinel had come so close to succumbing to the Dark Side in the past 5 years, it made her head spin.

“Where are you off to, anyway? Going to spend the day with Mr. Tall, Dark and Asthmatic?” Kalira asked, smirking.

“If I’m not, are you going to see if he needs your company?” Sentinel asked, half teasing and half serious.

Kalira rolled her eyes. “Hey, I thought he was interesting. But I’m not after him.”

“Yeah, right. You were fawning all over him last night.”

“Oh, please. There’s nothing wrong with a little flirtation”, Kalira said.

“You were taunting me, you little imp!” Sentinel said, hands on her hips.

“It was fun. It was alot of fun... to be dishing it out instead of on the receiving end, for once.” Kalira grinned.

“You’re idea of revenge for a little playful teasing is to flirt with a dangerous Sith Lord? Remind me never to truly piss you off!” Sentinel chuckled.

“How dangerous can he really be? You’re dating him... that must mean he’s not all bad.” Kalira responded.

“No, he’s not all bad. But you don’t want to toy with him.” Sentinel said while tucking a few stray hairs under her braid.

Kalira got a mischievous grin. “Maybe I wasn’t entirely toying.”

“Ahah! I knew it!” Sentinel stood up, pretending to be outraged.

“I couldn’t steal him away: he’s obviously in love with you, and I wouldn’t do that to you, anyway”, Kalira said, pretending to take Sentinel’s outrage seriously.

Sentinel got off the bed and walked over to primp in front of the mirror over the dresser. She looked at Kalira in the mirror. “Then why did you do it?” asked Sentinel.

“He’s fascinating, and I was enjoying myself.”

Sentinel shook her head. “He is fascinating, but he’s also dangerous. I thought you were the smart, levelheaded person in our group.”

“I am. I was just being... friendly.” Kalira said, smiling. “Anyway, what are you trying to say? Only you get to play with fire?”

Sentinel snorted at the last comment. “Just don’t get too friendly, Kalira.” Sentinel crossed her arms across her chest.

Kalira tilted her head at Sentinel, and laughed. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were being possessive and jealous!” Kalira exclaimed.

Sentinel’s door slid open, and Vader strolled in. Both women turned in unison to stare at him, struck silent.

Vader looked at the two of them. “Ladies... please. While I am honored that you are fighting over me, perhaps you could do so in a more civilized manner?” Vader held his lightsaber out to Kalira.

Kalira turned bright red. Sentinel chuckled.

“How much did you hear? Were you standing outside the door this entire time?” Sentinel asked.

“Actually, no. But I could read both of your emotions when I was walking on my way here.” Vader said. Before either could say anything more, Vader said, “Sentinel, where you going? And why did you... sneak off this morning?”

“I have a promise to keep... a task I must complete for a friend.” Sentinel said.

“And you didn’t think you could confide in me regarding this task?” Vader asked.

“I told Commander Javel that I would help him with something.” Sentinel said.

“What does he need your help for?” Vader asked.

“He needs my help to capture and in all likelihood kill the murderer that has been plaguing the nearby town. Many civilians have died. Any anyone, Troopers, etc., that he’s sent to try to find this… person… have also not survived the task.”

“Why did he not contact his superiors for help? Why does he find it necessary to put you in danger, to bring public attention to your presence here? It’s bad enough that you were seen last night with the band.” Vader rumbled.

“Because he’s had poor results from asking for outside help. He needs someone more specialized, and someone who won’t brutalize the local populace in order to find this murderer,” Sentinel said.

“I have my spies monitoring all communications from this base. So far, we’ve been lucky, and no mention of you and all your various names have come up. But if you go out there, in public, using the Force, you’re going to make your presence here well known,” Vader said. “And I might not be able to spirit you out of here in time to hide you from the Emperor.”

“I will be in costume. I will be dressed as a Stormtrooper. And I won’t use the Force in any obvious manner unless I’m pushed into a corner and have no choice,” Sentinel said. “Oh, and by the way, Commander Javel has instructed his people that while some might see in me a slight resemblance to Sasha Yod, I am in fact simply ‘Jeru Cantel’, the backup singer of the band Bantha Fodder. So you are unlikely to find any communications regarding my presence… at least from any people on this base. They trust Commander Javel. Implicitly.”

Vader stood silent for a full minute. “You seem to have covered your tracks.”

“I think I’ve taken care of every contingency,” Sentinel said.

“All but one. I refuse to allow you to go on this foolhardy mission,” Vader said.

“You what!?”

“You will stay in your quarters… or my quarters, if you like. But you will not go running amok among the general populace.” Vader hooked his thumbs into his belt, as if to emphasize the non-disputability of his directive.

“I will be in trooper uniform… no-one is going to see me…” Sentinel said.

“I don’t care. It is still too big a risk.”

“I’m not working for you. You can’t command me to do anything!” Sentinel exclaimed, her voice rising. A vial of perfume on the top of the dresser wobbled slightly, as if in response to her rising anger.

Kalira stood up, and moved closer to a wall, away from the Sith Lords. She found herself staring at the perfume vial.

Vader seemed somehow to grow taller. “I can command you to do anything I wish. I command the Empire. I am second only to the Emperor himself. You would do well to remember that.”

“I do remember that. I am merely trying to help Commander Javel out of a desperate situation,” Sentinel growled.

“Commander Javel should have gone through normal channels to obtain assistance,” Vader rumbled. He promptly turned, and pressed several keys on the communications panel next to the door. “Commander Javel, report to the band’s quarters. Immediately.”

A tinny voice responded. “Yes, m’Lord.”

“He’s already tried normal channels in similar situations. The results have been disastrous!” Sentinel said.

“More disastrous than having it be known that he requested the assistance of the ‘Mystery Sith’? What will that do for the man’s reputation? It already must have been shot to hell by some ineptitude of his, considering the fact that he’s been in the same position for 5 years.”

“He’s been offered multiple promotions. He’s declined them to stay here. He and his wife are very fond of this planet and the people who have decided to call this home,” Sentinel said.

“How very charming.” Vader’s voice dripped sarcasm.

The perfume vial tipped over. The stopper remained in place, however. Kalira felt her eyes drawn upward towards the mirror above the dresser… which seemed to ripple as if it were a pond and a stone had just been dropped in it.

“He cares about the people here. If he leaves, he’s not sure who they will get in his place. He tried to ensure it would be someone he trusted, but…”

“But his incompetence knows no bounds,” Vader said.

Sentinel merely growled in response.

Kalira watched a hairline crack form in the center of the mirror.

Commander Javel came through the open door to Sentinel’s bedroom, with a bleary Kip trailing him. Kip had opened the door for Javel. Sentinel was guessing Vader hadn’t needed anyone to open the suite’s door for him.

Vader whirled to face Javel.

“M’Lord, what can I do for…”, Commander Javel said, and then promptly started choking. He dropped to his knees, as if some invisible weight had pushed him there, and started scrabbling at his neck. He acted as if he was being both held down on his knees and yet held upright so that he couldn’t fully fall down.

“Why did you deem it necessary to send Sentinel out to risk her life, and further expose her presence here?” Vader said, almost gently.

“Release him!” Sentinel yelled.

Javel merely gurgled, and his eyes bulged. Both his hands were pulling at his collar, and frantically searching his neck for the source of his strangulation.

“Vader, release him! It’s me you want to throttle right now. Don’t take out your anger on him!” she said.

Vader turned to face Sentinel, and to Sentinel’s relief, she saw Javel collapse on his side and gasp for breath.

“Very well…” Vader said. His hand shot out and just missed Sentinel’s throat as she jumped back a full 2 meters, knocking into her nightstand when she landed.

Vader advanced on her, his anger fighting with his reasoning… his anger winning.

“Since you wish to live dangerously, Sentinel, let me show you what true danger is.” Vader reached out his hand, squeezing the empty air.

Sentinel stood unmoving, unblinking. Her eyes sparkled dangerously. She blocked the Force-choke with ease. Her own anger, which she had held in control these 5 long years, came dangerously close to the surface.

The perfume vial rolled off the dresser onto the floor, cracking. The room began to reek of it’s sweet essence. Other objects in the room began to vibrate, to tremble in place, as if a tectonic disturbance was in progress. The room’s walls and floor shook, and the mirror above the dresser went from being slightly cracked to fully broken, depositing glass shards on the dresser top and the hardwood floor surrounding it.

Sentinel had not called upon the Force in anger in a long time, and her anger was causing the power to spill out.

Sentinel had a single rational thought just then, before her anger took over. She stared at Vader, keeping her gaze locked on him. Without changing the focus of her attention, she said, “Kalira, get out.”

Goto Chapter Seven

Chapter Five: Multiple Admirers

2006-09-03T16:54:00.000-07:00

Author's note: Adult themes in this chapter.

Sentinel finished her few songs, and left the stage to rejoin Vader. She passed Kalira on the stage stairs, and gave her a confused look. Kalira blushed and kept walking. Sentinel’s eyebrows went up at that.

Sentinel joined Vader back out on the dance floor. Vader took her into his arms and started dancing with her the moment the band had started the next song.

“You seem to be enjoying yourself...” Sentinel said.

“You have entertaining friends.” Vader said.

“Oh, really? Why, what did Kalira say?” Sentinel said, her eyes flashing dangerously.

“For one thing, that I’m a sharp dresser.” Vader said, chuckling again.

Sentinel couldn’t help herself. She started laughing too. “That sounds like something Kalira would say. She says the most interesting things when she’s nervous.” Sentinel grinned.

“Would you say I made her nervous?”

“You make me nervous, and I know you.”

“You haven’t had time to get to truly know me.” Vader rumbled gently.

“What little time I have had, I have made the most of.” Sentinel said.

Vader was silent over that.

“Do you feel you know me?” Sentinel asked.

Vader looked down at her. Sentinel felt his gaze bore into her, encompass her. Overpower her. She had to fight to keep her knees from buckling. Yet she knew he wasn’t trying to overpower her just then... it was the possessiveness in his intense gaze that made her suddenly weak in his arms.

She had never known anyone who could make her melt with his gaze.

“I know you.” Vader said.

“Yes”, she whispered in response.

Vader tightened his embrace, and she sank into it in response, head once again pressed against his chest. She heard his heart beating, and the rather odd, mechanical sounds of his breathing. She sighed.

Several songs later, the band thanked the audience and said goodnight, to uproarious applause. Sentinel was on stage with them, having gone up for the last song of the night. The band members all stood and bowed low, then left the stage, heading for a room behind the stage. Vader watched them leave, clapping for them as the rest of the audience was.

Javel, standing several meters away with his wife Reah, watched this with a slight smile. Any encounter with the Dark Lord where no-one died was a success, in his opinion. Since this was his second success in as many visits, he wondered if he was going to develop an ego problem over this.

As the band entered the relaxation room behind the stage, Sal stopped and said, very dramatically, “Best... gig... ever.” Everyone else laughed. Kip headed straight for the bar in the room, pulled out a bottle of some amber liquid, opened it, and collapsed on the couch. Drej joined her, leaning her head on the Gungan’s shoulder’s, and massaging her wrists, which were a little achy from playing the drums.

Sal sat at the bar and opened a large bottle of something expensive, and started pouring it out into 3 glasses. He handed a glass to Kalira and Sentinel. They all clinked glasses. Kip briefly got up off the couch far enough to clink her bottle to the glasses as well, then collapsed once more. Drej just grinned, lifted an empty hand, and made “clinking” motions with her imaginary glass, much to the others amusement.

Drej didn’t drink.

Sentinel was halfway through her drink when the unmistakable noise of Vader’s breathing just barely preceded him into the room. He stood at the doorway, enjoying the nervousness his presence inspired.

Sentinel walked up to him, smiling, and stood beside him. “Well, what did you think?” she asked.

Vader gave them all a glance before looking down at Sentinel. “Very original style, with an unexpected beat. You remind me a little of ‘Citadel’.”

The nervousness lessened as the band members echoed their thanks. Everyone in the band was a huge fan of Citadel, Sentinel included. They weren’t trying to directly copy Citadel’s work, but they all knew that another band can automatically influence your own sound, if you like that other band.

Kalira shyly moved closer to Vader. “Do you play any instruments, m’Lord?”

Sentinel watched her, suddenly feeling like her territory was being encroached upon. I’m jealous. I was jealous of Kalira making Vader laugh, spending time with Vader on the dance floor, and now I’m still jealous. Bad future Jedi, no dessert for you, Sentinel chided herself.

“My instruments all sit inside a cockpit.” Vader rumbled pleasantly.

Sal discreetly rolled his eyes at Kip and Drej.

“Have you ever tried to play anything, m’Lord? Or tried to sing?” Kalira asked.

Kip snorted slightly, and suddenly became the target of four alarmed and one angry glance. She immediately quieted down, becoming very interested in the floor and in the remaining contents of her bottle.

“No, I have not.” Vader said, staring directly at Kip. Kip seemed to wilt under that gaze, doing her best to become one with the couch.

“I’m really tired, guys,” Sentinel said, yawning for effect. “I think I shall retire.” Sentinel started to leave the room, holding onto Vader’s hand in an attempt to guide him out of there.

“You have not introduced me to your friends.” Vader said, ominously.

“Oh. Uhm, sorry. Well... guys, this is Lord Darth Vader,” Sentinel said. Vader received friendly, if terrified, nods from everyone, including Kip, who was brave enough to look Vader in the face for this formality.

Sentinel said, “Lord Vader, this is Kalira Darkstar, our lead singer, whom you’ve already met.” Kalira nodded, trying to conceal her irritation at her last name being given out.

Sentinel continued, “This is Sal Gathan, our guitarist.” Sal nodded. “Drej Roth, our drummer.” Drej nodded and smiled. “And this is Kip Pindy, our keyboardist.” Kip nodded, smiling weakly, then gazing back down at the floor.

“Ms. Pindy, you wouldn’t happen to be related to a Mr. Jar Jar Binks, would you?” Vader asked.

“Meesa Uncle, mee-Lord.” Kip said, nervously.

Vader nodded.

Kalira stepped forward. Sentinel had the distinct impression that Kalira didn’t want Vader to leave.

“M’Lord, I know your voice is... electronically enhanced. But it is also very melodic. You should try singing... I’m sure you would sound incredible.” she said.

Sentinel gaped at her. She’s flirting. With MY Dark Lord, Sentinel thought, her jade eyes going a darker, emerald green as she watched Kalira.

“Ms. Darkstar”, Vader said, saying her last name very slowly, “I think it’s a little late for me to be contemplating a career change.”

Kalira laughed a little nervously. Sentinel narrowed her eyes, giving her a dangerous glare. But Kalira didn’t notice, and anyway, it’s hard to look dangerous to someone who is taller than you are.

“It’s time to leave.” Sentinel said, with obvious anger in her voice. This time Vader allowed himself to be pulled out of the room.

Vader had to stifle a chuckle as Sentinel dragged him back into the dance room, then through a doorway and into a long hallway. Vader was about to yank his hand out of her grasp, when Sentinel suddenly stopped.

“Where am I going?” she said, mostly to herself.

“My quarters are at the far end of this hall.” Vader said. He held her hand tightly, and started moving. This time it was Sentinel who was being dragged.

“Wait, I’m not sure this is a good idea.” she said.

“I’m very sure it is.” Vader said.

Sentinel didn’t answer, but gave in to their destination, and sped up to keep in step with Vader.

“I didn’t realize you could sing.” Vader commented.

“Neither did I, until I tried out for the band.” Sentinel said.

Several stormtroopers walked down the hall towards them, then gave them a wide berth. Once they were past, Vader said, “You were very good.”

Sentinel almost blushed, but right now she was worrying about what was about to happen. “Thank you. The band spent a alot of time training me”, she said.

They entered Vader’s quarters. Sentinel watched the door auto-close behind her, and started to nervously crack her knuckles. The more time she spent with Vader, the harder it would be later on to fight the Dark Side. Just being this close to him... it was as if his darker Force aura kept crowding in on her aura. She knew he was going to do his utmost to seduce her back to the Dark Side.

She wanted to be with him, but she was afraid of what the final price would be.

Vader lifted a finger at the door and used the Force to lock it. He then pulled out a hose from the wall, and hooked it to his breathing port underneath his shoulder armor. He stopped to look at Sentinel.

She was standing in one place, looking around at his room. She had her arms crossed in front of her, and was nibbling on her lower lip. Vader had never seen her this nervous.

Vader smiled thinly. He had her back. And this time, she seemed more respectful of his power and authority. Good.

But at the same time, Vader didn’t want her to fear him. A small part of him wanted back the trusting, confident Sentinel. He didn’t want to dominate her. He wanted their relationship to start back up as if 5 long years hadn’t passed in the interim.

But still, it was rather enjoyable to see her act almost as nervous around him as one of his lieutenants.

“Why are you so nervous?” He asked, with some amusement.

“Things are different this time. You’re much more dangerous.” she said.

“Are you afraid I will once again throttle you?” Vader asked, almost laughing.

That remark seemed to settle Sentinel’s nerves. “I’m not afraid of what you might do to me physically, Lord Vader.” she said, arching an eyebrow. “I’m afraid of you the way a recovering drug addict is afraid of being around Death Sticks.”

“I’m your addiction,” Vader remarked, starting to remove his helmet. “I like the sound of that.”

“I didn’t mean it quite that way...” Sentinel started.

“Too late. The truth is out.” Vader laughed.

Sentinel laughed in spite of herself, and began to relax.

Vader finished removing his 2 piece helmet and adjusted the controls on his chest so that he was now breathing through the hose. This was one of the few ways in which he could comfortably exist without the mask.

Sentinel found herself staring at his eyes. She was a little alarmed to see them glow with a yellow light. He was so immersed in the Dark Side that right now, at a time when he should have been relaxed, his eyes were still windows into the darkness.

But they were still his eyes. And this was still his face. Even with the influence of the Dark Side, there was still almost a kindness to his expression.

Sentinel’s fear evaporated, and arousal took it’s place. She walked up to Vader and laid her hands on his chest. Vader placed his arms around her, laying one hand at the small of her back, looking down at her possessively. “Are you sure you are not afraid of what I might do to you, physically?” he purred, in his normal voice. He leaned over and kissed her, one hand on the back of her head.

Sentinel moaned slightly and returned the kiss. Vader felt her body yielding to him, and was tempted to use this moment to flood her senses with the Dark Side, to tempt her fully. He had been training himself in the art of influencing people, trying to improve his already extensive abilities in this area. He had been focusing on projecting emotions and desires, in literally changing people’s intentions for their lives. He had, in short, been training himself for this moment.

But out of respect for her, he held himself back. But almost as if in response to denying himself this moment to bring her over, he found himself acting ravenous with her.

Well, it had been 5 years.

His intensity only seemed to mirror her own. Both Vader’s and Sentinel’s mental shields went down, and Sentinel found herself saying a little prayer to whatever good forces/spirits might be nearby, to please not let Vader see anything he could use to harm her friends or the Rebellion later!

Vader, however, wasn’t looking for secrets. He was, however, seeking to share his pleasure and hers.

To say that making love is quite a different experience for Force users from non-Force users is an understatement. Two Force-sensitive partners can easily tell what is pleasing to the other, and get to experience each other’s sensations, to boot. Of course, both partners have to be enthusiastic about the goal for this to work.

Sentinel and Vader were very enthusiastic. Their enthusiasm led them eventually to the bed, where they both lay, exhausted, after the event was over.

Sentinel lay there, by Vader’s side. She looked up to see that her dress was hanging over a chair, and her heels were in different corners of the room. When did I get undressed? she wondered.

She looked at Vader. His eyes were closed, and he had a very satisfied grin on his face. There was something so playful to that grin, so unlike a Dark Lord of the Sith, that it made Sentinel chuckle.

“What are you laughing at?” Vader asked, opening his eyes. But his eyes sparkled with amusement. And to Sentinel’s delight, they were also back to their normal, intense blue.

“You look very satisfied with yourself.” Sentinel said, grinning. “Very smug, really.” And then some weird temptation took over, and she started tickling the Dark Lord under the armpits. It was difficult through his environmental suit, but Sentinel applied herself with full dedication.

Vader laughed, and knocked her hands away with some difficulty. But then she was attacking his exposed stomach with near ferocity. He found himself doubled over, having a difficult time stopping her. And realizing what two of his vulnerable spots were, she alternated between armpits and stomach.

Vader finally got the upper hand, managing to get his weight on top of her and pinning her to the bed. He had her wrists captured above her head with his left hand, and her legs pinned by his sitting on them. With his free, right hand he tickled her mercilessly. She squirmed under him like a pinned gundark, laughing hysterically, unable to defend herself.

“Stop! Stop! Ok, I give up... stop!” She said, in between bouts of laughter.

Vader released her, and lay back down on the bed, laughing.

Sentinel got up and grabbed a robe... It’s in my size, she thought. Vader meanwhile stood, closed up his environmental suit, then sat back down on the bed.

She put the robe on, then gestured at it. “This robe is a little small for you, don’t you think?”

He smirked. “I think Commander Javel had the room prepared with the two of us in mind.” He gestured at a much larger robe hanging in the fresher.

“Hhmmmm.”

Sentinel stood, leaning against the back of a chair. “I’ve been meaning to ask you something, but I didn’t think there was a safe way to get a message to you...”

“Your brother...” Vader said.

“Did you find out anything more about Tarnis’s death?” Sentinel asked.

Vader gazed at her, knowing what she was feeling. He remembered losing his Mother, and knew Sentinel could not feel closure until she was sure that Tarnis had really committed suicide, or sure who his killer was and saw his killer’s lifeless body in a dead heap before her.

“I wasn’t able to find out anything further. I... did my best, but I couldn’t continue searching without my search eventually being found out by the Emperor.” Vader said. He felt overwhelmed with a sense of failure on his part, and was uncomfortable meeting Sentinel’s gaze.

Sentinel seemed to understand his discomfort. She walked up to him, held him and kissed him on his scarred forehead. “Thank you for trying. I know it was risky,” she said.

He looked up at her, holding her close. He sighed, then said, “If I ever do find out what happened, you will be the first to know, my Love.”

Goto Chapter Six

Chapter Four: Dancing on Thin Ice

2006-08-31T23:31:00.000-07:00

Sentinel stood at the front of the stage, ready to sing.

Kalira stepped down from the stage for a much needed break, drinking a glass of water as she walked down the steps. She stood at the foot of the stage, watching Sentinel, and glancing warily at the Dark Lord.

Sentinel started to sing a slow, romantic song.

Kalira heard the ominous breathing of Vader’s respirator growing louder, and turned to see him standing only a meter away.

“Would you care to dance?” Vader asked.

Kalira’s eyes got very large. She drank the rest of the water, set the glass down. “Why not?”, she said, smiling.

Kalira took Vader’s arm and was escorted out onto the dance floor. She was trying to treat this as dancing with any other fan of her band. But this wasn’t just any other fan.

Vader watched Sentinel singing. He thought her voice to be very sweet, but that Kalira’s voice was much more polished, much more practiced. He looked down at Kalira, who was studying his chest controls absentmindedly.

“We haven’t been introduced... although I think you already know who I am.” Vader rumbled, breaking Kalira’s train of thought.

“Yes, Lord Vader, I know who you are.” Kalira said, as respectfully and carefully as she could.

“And you might be?” Vader asked.

“Uh, I’m Kalira”, she said, unwilling to give out her last name. She felt like she might need to keep that secret in the event they needed to make a run for it.

“You almost don’t sound certain of that.” Vader mused.

“No, no, I’m sure: my name is Kalira.” she said.

“No last name?” Vader asked.

“It’s... uh... it’s a band thing. A music thing.” she stammered.

Vader grinned behind his mask, amused at her little subterfuge, but unwilling to call her on it.

“How long have you known Sentinel?” Vader asked.

“Sentinel? Oh, you mean Sasha. Uh, 2 years, Lord Vader.” Kalira said. Because of her height, she didn’t have as difficult a time of maintaining eye contact with the Dark Lord as Sentinel did. But Kalira found herself once more studying his chest controls.

“Where did you meet her?” he asked.

“Naboo. We had try out’s at the end of one of our gigs.” Kalira said.

“And, what has she told you about me?” Vader asked.

“Uh... uh, nothing in particular, Lord Vader.” Kalira said, nervously.

“Tell me.” Vader said with the voice of one who is used to having his orders carried out.

“She said... that you were worth saving.” Kalira said. Of all the things she could have said, it seemed the safest one to pick.

“I wasn’t aware I was in need of a rescue.” Vader commented, dryly.

“Well...”, Kalira said. Kalira was wishing desperately that she’d excused herself to the fresher instead of accepting the invitation to dance. Vader was making her increasingly nervous.

“You sing very well.” Vader said.

Kalira looked up at his masked face. “Thank you, m’Lord,” she said.

“How long have you been singing?” he asked.

“Ever since I was a child. When my parents realized I had talent, I was sent to the Hall of Music on Coruscant. I was very young... it was hard. I barely got to see them.” Kalira’s eyes lost their focus as she saw back into her memories. She came back to the present, abruptly. “I don’t think my parents would appreciate my little band. They hoped I’d sing in a famous Opera company.” Kalira smiled wistfully.

“Did your parents give you a choice regarding going to the Hall of Music?” Vader asked.

“No, m’Lord, they didn’t. They thought that it was more important that my ‘talent be given a chance to reach it’s full potential.’”, Kalira said, lowering her voice an octave in order to quote what Vader assumed was her father.

Vader felt a sudden pang of sympathy for the woman. He had had a choice in going to the Jedi Temple, but all the other students had been forced into their life by their midichlorian count.

“You have the right to choose your own future.” Vader rumbled. He almost sounded surprised by what he said, and he realized it was because Sentinel also had that right, whether he liked it or not.

“I think you have that right, as well, m’Lord.” Kalira said.

“What do you mean?” Vader asked.

“I... just mean the Emperor shouldn’t get to rule your life.” she said, carefully.

“He does not rule my life.” Vader growled.

“I’m sorry, m’Lord. I meant no disrespect.” Kalira said.

Vader remained silent. Sentinel finished her song, to some clapping, and started in on the next one.

“What do you and your friends think of Sentinel’s relationship with me?” Vader asked.

“We... we think you’re a very dangerous person, m’Lord.” she said.

“You are worried for her safety?”

“Well, yes, m’Lord. We care a great deal for Sasha.” Kalira said.

“As do I.” Vader stated. “I intend her no harm,” he added.

“I’m glad to hear that, m’Lord.” Kalira said.

“Do you find it strange that she is attracted to me?” Vader asked, curious.

“Well... uh... you are a very sharp dresser.” Kalira said.

Vader let out a loud laugh. His electronic voice enhancer made it almost into an electronic bark, but his body language was obvious, in spite of his environmental suit. Heads turned in his and Kalira’s direction, and Sentinel was looking at them, curiously. Kalira proceeded to turn bright red.

“So, you think she’s attracted to me because of my outfit?” Vader asked, thoroughly enjoying himself.

“Well, I mean, we really haven’t discussed it very much.” she said.

“No, no lying. You were doing so well.” Vader said, chuckling.

“Uhm, well, she likes your broad shoulders, your height.” Kalira said. She was dying to ask about his increase in height, but wisely kept that to herself. “She said you’ve got very beautiful eyes.”

“And what did you say to all of this?” Vader asked.

“Uhm... well, I like broad shoulders and tall men, as well, so I guess I can’t say anything bad about her physical attraction to you.” she said.

“Really... so, you are also attracted to me?” Vader asked, grinning broadly behind his mask.

“Uhm, I’m not sure you are my type, m’Lord.” she answered, nervously.

“Not your type? So, what about myself makes me not your type?” Vader teased.

“Uh... uh...” Kalira faltered.

Vader chuckled. Coming through his electronic voice enhancer, it sounded slightly like staticky clicks. “Not into Dark Overlords who rule with an iron hand?” he asked.

“Uh, well...”

Vader just chuckled some more. They danced some more in silence.

“Why are you attracted to Sasha, m’Lord?” she asked.

He gazed up at Sentinel, who was singing her heart out. His heart soared with her song.

“She’s beautiful... inside and out.” he finally answered.

“But you want to bring her back to the Dark Side. Will she still be beautiful inside if you do that?” Kalira asked.

Vader glared down at her, his good mood suddenly gone. “Do not speak about things you don’t understand.” Vader growled.

“I... I apologize, m’Lord.” Kalira said, carefully.

Vader continued to dance with Kalira, but stiffly. Kalira whimpered under her breath as the Dark Lord held her hand a little too tightly. She tried to think of something to bring back his good mood.

“M’Lord, Sasha has been greatly looking forward to seeing you again.” she said.

Vader’s grip on Kalira loosened, much to Kalira’s relief.

“What did she say?” Vader asked.

“She missed you. She says you are inside her soul.” Kalira said.

Vader was silent for a moment. “Thank you.” he said, at last.

Kalira smiled. Vader was very dangerous and volatile. However, in spite of herself, she found herself greatly liking the Dark Lord.

Goto Chapter Five

Chapter Three: Incompatible Expectations

2006-08-30T01:57:00.000-07:00

Author's Note: Song lyrics used w/o permission, but with much appreciation. Lyrics are to the song "Holding Out for a Hero", sung by Jennifer Saunders, from the Shrek 2 Soundtrack.

Sentinel had her jet black hair pulled back and up in an elegant hairstyle, exposing her neck. She wore a strapless red dress that showed off her elegant ivory shoulders to perfection, as well as showing more cleavage than she was ordinarily comfortable with. The flowing gown had no place to conceal a weapon. She felt naked without her lightsaber. She was wearing red sling back pumps... at least, if she’d been wearing her red boots, she could have hidden a knife in one.

She stood on the stage, next to her fellow band members. The band members were all dressed up as Storm Troopers, in honor of their audience, with the exception of Kalira and Sentinel. Since their gig was at a military base, it seemed fitting to dress up as clone troopers. The singers, however, usually dressed to stand out from the band.

Kalira was dressed in an elegant off the shoulder black gown. She had short, stylish silver-white hair, which went well with her striking gray-blue eyes. Kalira was young, tall, voluptuous, and strikingly beautiful. Sentinel was tall, but even wearing her red sling back pumps, she still had to look up when talking to Kalira.

A big tan sign with white lettering was on the wall behind the band; it was lit up with blue light and read, in Basic, “Bantha Fodder”. Underneath the sign was a drawing of a steaming pile of, well, bantha fodder. It was inaccurate enough to not make the audience ill, but accurate enough to get the point across.

None of the band members were wearing their trooper helmets. The helmets were hot, they were hard to see through, and, as far as Kip was concerned, were not well made for Gungan heads.

Sentinel was fidgeting with her dress, attempting to ensure it remained securely in place. Never should have worn a strapless... these things never cooperate with me, she thought.

Kalira leaned over. “Stop fidgeting. The dress hasn’t moved a centimeter. It will stay in place.”

“I should have worn my other red dress. It still fits, and I already know he likes it.” Sentinel muttered.

“You know, I was looking through old holonet feeds of your, uhm, boyfriend.” Kalira said, chuckling a little on the last word. “And then looking at current holonet feeds. Is it just me, or is he getting taller?”

“What?!? Wait... I think you’re right!” Sentinel said. In her excitement over seeing him again earlier, she hadn’t noticed that she had to crane her neck a little more than usual in order to talk to him.

“Why would he make himself taller?” Kalira asked. Kip overheard the exchange and started chuckling hard enough to flop her long ears around.

Sentinel said, “Well, his legs and arms are all half cybernetic, inclusive of his knees and elbows. Uhm, maybe not both of his elbows. Anyway, maybe there was some good reason he needed the extra few centimeters, a matter of balance or something.” Sentinel glared at Kip as she said the last. The Gungan was smirking, and still shaking a little.

“Maybe he is self conscious about his appearance, and needed the height boost,” Kalira said, grinning mischievously.

“I find it hard to believe that he felt the need to make himself taller for a psychological boost,” Sentinel said, indignant. “I doubt he felt the need to make himself more intimidatingly tall than he already is.”

Movement at the far end of the auditorium caught Sentinel’s attention. Commander Javel and his lovely wife, Reah, formerly his assistant, entered the room. Javel was resplendent in his dress uniform, and his wife was stunning in a deep blue gown.

Sentinel watched them walk in. She sighed a little... they looked very happy together. She was torn between feeling happy for them and being terribly jealous.

Sentinel looked back at her band members. Instruments were either tuned up or warmed up. They would be starting soon. Sentinel would be needed for a few of the songs, but for the rest, they had agreed to let her spend time with Lord Vader.

Sentinel turned away from the band, and saw Lord Vader entering the room from the same doorway Javel had used. Sentinel felt a huge lump in her throat, and her pulse quickened. She watched Vader as he scanned the room, and then locked gazes with her.

Every surface of his armor and environmental suit was either buffed to a high sheen or well oiled, as applicable. But otherwise, he had not changed his appearance for this dance. Sentinel wondered if he was under orders by the Emperor to never change his appearance, to always show the same face to the general public.

Kalira leaned in close to Sentinel. “He is rather impressive...” Kalira whispered.

Vader walked across the long room, his great strides covering the distance in very little time. His black cape billowed behind him. Sentinel’s lips parted, then she smiled.

Vader reached the stage, and looked up at Sentinel.

Vader drank in her appearance. He was still irritated at her for insisting on coming to the dance instead of simply going with him to his quarters. But seeing her dressed like this... it was worth the delay.

Commander Javel walked up on stage. “Ladies and Gentlemen. Please welcome the band, ‘Bantha Fodder’”

The audience started clapping, as did Javel. All the band members bowed, including Sentinel. Javel left the stage. The music started, and couples walked onto the dance floor.

Sentinel’s services weren’t required for the first few songs of the set, so she left the stage and stood in front of Vader.

Vader closed the distance, and held her. She pressed her cheek against his chest and sighed contentedly.

Kalira started to sing a very sweet and sentimental love song. People drifted onto the dance floor. Vader danced closely, slowly, with Sentinel.

“I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.” Vader said softly.

“I wasn’t sure I’d be able to see you again.” Sentinel answered.

“Why not?”

“Well, the Emperor, for one thing. Visits have to be carefully engineered.” Sentinel said.

“But... that’s not the only reason.” Vader said.

“No...” Sentinel admitted.

“You’ve met someone.” Vader said, his tone becoming accusatory. He tensed, waiting for her answer, waiting for the name of the man he would soon be killing.

Sentinel looked up, startled. “No! Not at all!”

Vader relaxed somewhat. “Then why?”

Sentinel looked up at him. Wow, he is taller! she thought, fighting an urge to grin. Then she stared at his chest for a moment, letting herself be distracted by the blinking chest console.

Vader released her hand and lifted her chin so she was looking at him again.

Sentinel sighed. “I needed time... time to become stronger. Because I know what’s going to happen.”

“And what’s going to happen?” Vader asked

“You’re going to try to bring me back to the Dark Side.” Sentinel said.

“I am?” Vader asked. Of course I am! Vader thought.

“Aren’t you?” Sentinel asked.

Vader looked up. Kalira had finished singing the first song, and everyone was clapping. Vader’s hands remained around Sentinel. The band started on another song.

Sentinel reached up and pulled down on his mask so he was looking at her again. “Well?” Sentinel asked.

“You are strong enough to use the Dark Side without letting it control you.” Vader said.

“That’s not true. No-one is strong enough to keep the Dark Side from controlling them.” Sentinel said.

“Not even me?” Vader asked, with some hostility.

Sentinel looked away.

They danced in silence for a moment.

“You’ve been engaged in some activities I cannot support, Sentinel.” Vader rumbled gently.

“I know. I couldn’t sit back and watch anymore. The stormtroopers have been getting more and more... abusive,” she said.

“I expected you to remain quietly in hiding, instead of running amok and putting yourself in danger. The Emperor was been trying to locate you, originally in order to possibly bring you back to his cause. Now, after everything you’ve been up to, he merely wants you destroyed.” Vader said.

Sentinel sighed. “I’d hoped beyond hope that when Gilly and Mortis ran over him, he’d died. That I’d be hearing from you later that it was safe to return.”

“He is much stronger than you realize,” Vader responded. He flashed back onto that moment in time, the last one he’d had in which he could have ended the Emperor’s life. He had had his chance, and he’d blown it. But then, in the past 5 years, he’d learned so much from the Emperor, so much more about the Dark Side of the Force, so perhaps the postponement of the Emperor’s death had been worth it.

“He must be destroyed. Under his leadership, in his name, so many horrific acts have been performed.” she said.

“His fall needs to be well orchestrated so that the transfer of power, to myself, will go as smoothly as possible,” Vader rumbled. “Let me handle the details of that transfer...”

“You still wish to rule the Empire?” Sentinel asked.

“You thought I would change my mind? You will rule alongside me, as my apprentice... assuming you are still amenable to that...” Vader rumbled.

Sentinel pursed her lips. “I’d hoped I could talk you into coming with me. Into returning to the good side.” Sentinel instantly regretted what she’d said. She sensed she’d jumped the gun too quickly.

“You and I know that’s not possible.” Vader said. “You should know by now that I will never turn from the Dark Side.”

Sentinel frowned but kept silent.

Vader held her closer, possessively. He had known she was going to be difficult, had known she had been immersing herself in the good side of the Force, and avoiding the Dark Side. But he would bring her around. He knew he could.

Sentinel held Vader tightly. Somehow, I will bring you back to the good side. I know there is still good in you... Palpatine hasn’t driven it from you fully, Sentinel thought.

The song ended, and they stood apart from each other a little.

“You will return to the Dark Side. You will be my apprentice.” Vader rumbled softly.

“If I return to the Dark Side, something inside me will die. Or worse, someone like Darth Hedra will possess me.” Sentinel said. “But I’ve discovered I can distance myself from the Dark Side, and break free of it’s hold over me. I can help you do that, too. I can...”

“I repeat, I will never turn from the Dark Side. This is my destiny.” Vader growled. “And I’m sure I can help you protect yourself from the likes of Darth Hedra.” Vader paused, then put the Force fully into his next words, attempting to make his desires hers. “The Dark Side is your destiny as well.”

The effect of his will over hers made her melt. She did not want to succumb once more to the Dark Side... but having his power touch hers so intimately and forcefully made it hard for her to think clearly. She shook her head, more in an attempt to clear it than to answer in the negative to his statement.

Sentinel sighed. “Back to square one.” Sentinel said. “I can’t go dark, you can’t go light.” She bit her lip.

A new song started, and they began to dance once more. Vader was very stiff in her arms, very quiet. Sentinel laid her head back against his chest.

Where have all the good men gone,
And where are all the gods?
Where’s the street-wise Hercules,
To fight the rising odds?

Isn’t there a white knight upon a fiery steed?
Late at night I toss and turn and dream of what I need...

I need a hero
I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the end of the night
He’s gotta be strong
And he’s gotta be fast
And he’s gotta be fresh from the fight

I need a hero
I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the morning light
He’s gotta be sure
And it’s gotta be soon
And he’s gotta be larger than life

Sentinel listened to the song, and smiled, her cheek rubbing against the leather-like material of his environmental suit. I need my black knight to turn into a white knight, she mused.

Vader’s thoughts had been following a different path. “You refuse to see things my way?” Vader growled. Vader’s anger and frustration radiated from him, causing Sentinel to shudder a little in response.

Sentinel pressed her cheek against Vader’s chest. “Please, do we have to have this discussion again? Right now, I just want to be with you, to be close to you.”

Vader sighed inaudibly behind his mask. “All right, we won’t speak of it right now,” he said, then gently rubbed one of his hands upon her back as they moved to the slow music. “But we will speak of it later.”

They danced in silence. The song finished, to much clapping, and Sentinel pulled away. “My turn to sing,” she explained. She reluctantly turned and walked on stage.

Vader watched her, trying to calm his emotions.

Goto Chapter Four

Chapter Two: New Friends, Old Friends

2006-08-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

Author’s note: inspiration for flight scene and landing scene are the songs “Higher” and “Sacrifice” by Creed.

“Youssa be crazy.” Kip said, as she tinkered with the settings of her sophisticated keyboard.

“I believe we’ve already had this conversation.” Sentinel said, with a long sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. She was sitting on a couch in one of the guest quarters of Pitoma base.

Around Sentinel were her fellow band members: Kip Pindy, the keyboardist, who happened to be a female Gungan; Sal Gathan, the guitarist, who was also a native of Naboo, but a human male; Drej Roth, the drummer, a female human from Dantooine; and finally, Kalira Darkstar, a female human from Coruscant, and also the lead singer of the band.

Sentinel had joined the band 2 years ago. They had been playing a gig on Naboo. After their set, they let the public know they were looking for a new backup singer, having just lost their last backup singer when she got married.

It was at that point that Sentinel had found out that she had some singing talent.

“I can’t believe we are here... this is so stupid and dangerous”, Sal growled, as he sat upon a table and tuned his guitar.

“Let it go.” Kalira said, looking up briefly from her song book.

“I told you that none of you had to come. I could have simply come alone.” Sentinel said. She stood up from the couch. “Matter of fact, why don’t you guys leave? Please? You still have time. You can claim that you had a family emergency. They can just play prerecorded music at the dance.”

“We don’t back out on a gig.” Kalira said, narrowly eyeing Sentinel.

Sentinel threw up her hands and sighed. “I know you guys don’t understand this. I know you can’t believe that there is anything there left to save. But I know there is still good in him, and I have to try.” Sentinel bowed her head. “Even if I fail, I can’t stop loving him. I know it’s stupid, but he’s inside my soul. I have to see him again.”

“He’s a Sith, and a dangerous, evil person!” Sal yelled.

“So was I! Remember? I told you who I was, I... I told you what I did.” Sentinel growled, starting to pace. “I’m no innocent. I’ve fought off the Dark Side for the past 5 years, and it’s still so hard to resist it’s call.” She put her face in her hands, shuddering. “It still tempts me.”

Kalira and Kip got up and held Sentinel. She returned the embrace for a moment, head bowed, then gently pushed them away.

“I’m ok. I’m ok. I’m sorry, guys. I shouldn’t have gotten you into this.” Sentinel said.

Sal sighed. “No, I’m sorry, Sasha. It was our decision to come with you.” Sal said. “I shouldn’t be complaining. I just... I just really don’t like this.”

“Sasha, we’re a team. We’ve been through sticky situations before. This is just the next... sticky situation. You’ve gone to gigs with us that you didn’t want to go to.” Kalira said, holding Sentinel’s hand.

Drej sat back on her chair in the corner, by the drum set, fingering her drumsticks in one hand and her dreadlocks in the other. “Yeah, like that gig on Coruscant. We’re here for you Sasha. Like you’ve been there for us.” Drej said.

The door to the guest quarters opened, and everyone looked up to see Commander Javel walk in.

“Welcome to Pitoma Base. I am Commander Javel.” Javel said.

“Thank you, Commander.” Sentinel said, regaining her composure. “Let me introduce you to the band.” Sentinel proceeded to introduce everyone to the Commander. Handshakes and pleasantries were exchanged.

“Miss Yod, I would like to talk to you. Do you have a minute?” Commander Javel asked.

“Guys, I’ll be right back.” Sentinel said, then nodded towards Javel as they walked out into the hallway together. The door auto-closed behind them.

The Commander leaned in closely. “Lord Vader has been made aware of your presence. He said you were a wanted criminal, but did not direct me to arrest you. So, the game is on, if you will.” He smiled warmly, but a little nervously.

“Thank you, Commander.” Sentinel said.

“Miss Yod... you are taking a big risk. I understand how you feel, believe me. When I fell for my wife, Reah, I fell very hard. But this...” Javel shook his head.

“Commander, I understand your concerns. Thank you, but I already am well aware... that the object of my affection has sharp teeth and claws.” Sentinel’s voice went up on the last part, and she grinned. Sentinel licked her lips, and dropped her voice. “I have been meaning to ask you to please accept my apology for my behavior the last time we met...”

Javel waved her off. “It is not necessary.”

“Yes it is. I was... very rude. And then, even after how rude I was, you were so kind about my... my brother.” Sentinel said, choking slightly on the last words.

Commander Javel held her hand, brought it up to his lips and kissed the back of it. “My lady, outwardly you were a Sith. But inwardly I knew you were really an Angel.” He smiled at her generously.

Sentinel smiled embarrassedly. “From your mouth to the Force’s, uhm, ears, Commander.” she said, shyly.

The Commander sighed. “I don’t know what’s going to happen tonight, Miss Yod. But assuming things go well between you and Lord Vader, and you are still a free woman, I hope you will still be able to perform that favor...”

“Are the attacks still occurring, Commander?” Sentinel said, looking suddenly all business and very grave with concern.

“I’m afraid they are. My men have not been able to find the source. Or rather, those that have possibly come close to the source haven't lived to tell me what they found. More and more civilians are being brutally murdered. All that’s left are bodies that have been torn to pieces as if by some wild animal... except we have sufficient evidence to know that a weapon was involved. I don’t know what else to throw at this. This person hasn’t left me sufficient clues with which to locate him... or her.”

“I will find this person and take care of it for you, Commander.” Sentinel said.

“Thank you, Miss Yod. I very much appreciate the help.” Commander Javel said, breathing a sigh of relief.

Sentinel smiled reassuringly. “In the meantime, Commander, could I ask you for a small favor?”

* * * * * * * *

Sentinel had asked Commander Javel if she could borrow one of his fighters for about an hour. And so now she was standing in front of several sleek fighters in the main hanger, walking around them, admiring their lines. She finally picked one, got suited up, and took off in it.

She soared up over the base, then gunned the engines and screamed towards the cliff. The base itself was positioned on the edge of an incredibly deep and steep cliff. Once over the edge, she plunged the ship almost straight down, thrilled at the speed and power, and the onrushing level of clouds a couple of kilometers below her, near the base of the cliff.

Just as she was about to hit the cloud cover, she pulled up and skimmed them, heading straight for the waterfall, laughing as the spray peppered the ship.

She performed several barrel rolls as she arced the ship back up the face of the cliff, then plunged the ship back down again, to follow the cliff from the other direction. She passed the waterfall once more, and saw the base’s cliff viewing platform up ahead in front of her. Someone was standing out there, watching her.

Vader, she thought. She sensed his identity before she had gotten close enough to see the man. Her heart was suddenly in her throat. She felt his mind gently probe hers, identifying her. She heard his voice in her head then, Sentinel, let me see what you see....

His words in her head sent a thrill through her entire body. She swallowed, and carefully dropped her mental shields, keeping just enough shield up over information she was afraid would be harmful towards her friends and/or the Rebellion. Then she poured out what she was experiencing along the mental connection she and Vader had just formed. She felt his heart start to race as he, too, was thrilling at the speed of her travel.

She flew the ship underneath the platform, keeping her flight level, but very tight with the cliff. The sight of the wall of rock on her right moving blindingly fast past her increasing the sensation of speed. She then pulled straight up, and barrel rolled into the sky. Her body was slammed into the back of her seat from the extra gravity, and her face was split with a fierce grin.

Back on solid ground, Vader wore a similar grin, hidden behind his mask. His gloved mechanical hands gripped the railing tightly.

Sentinel stared straight ahead. Eventually, the color faded in front of her, and the stars started to appear. The planet’s horizon fell slowly behind her.

Sentinel cut the engine, and let the craft stall. She let out a cry of elation as the weightlessness hit. The ship leveled out and then proceeded to fall back towards the ground. She let it glide for the longest time before giving in to common sense and restarting the engines.

With Vader sharing the experience, she found herself taking bigger and bigger risks, enjoying greater thrills. She buzzed the edge of the cliff again, almost coming close enough for Vader to have raised his hand and touched the ship as it screamed past. The blast of her passage caused him to be knocked about a little on the platform.

Are you all right? she sent to him, concerned that she had cut that last pass a little too close. She received in response a feeling of pure joy, and a nonverbal request to ‘do it again!’ She laughed, banked, the ship, and buzzed his position again, this time being a little more cautious.

Vader treated her to what he was seeing: the ship heading towards him at breakneck speed, looking like it was going to run him over. She fought with herself not to pull away further, not to make this vision make her be more cautious than was actually necessary. Knowing, with the guidance of the Force, that she had adequate distance for her safety concerns did not stop her from squealing with both fear and delight at the vision Vader provided her, as the ship went screaming over his head and once again buffeted him with the winds of it’s passage.

She banked the ship up over the cliff, and used the air brakes to gently bring it in for a landing back at the base. She powered down the engines, removed her helmet, and did a quick final check of the systems before fully shutting things down. As she was exiting the cockpit, she saw Vader’s ebony clad form walking towards her. As her feet hit the ground, Vader halted about 5 meters from her.

She put her helmet on the wing of the fighter, then leaned on the wing. The wing was between her and Vader.

Vader stood there, motionless. His thoughts were racing. He had a speech all planned out, one where he chewed her out for her activities against the Empire. One where he ironically berated her for coming out of hiding, and yet also told her she should have contacted him a long time ago. But the intimacy of their shared vision of her flight left him feeling unable to hold on to his anger and frustration.

There was that part of him that wanted to accuse her of no longer having any feelings for him. But admitting that her silence where he was concerned had hurt him, deeply, seemed too much an admonition of weakness on his part.

Then she surprised him; she came out from behind the wing, ran up to him, grinning fiercely, and hugged him tightly.

He was momentarily shocked. Any remaining rage, frustration, and loneliness he was holding on to melted away under the outpouring of her unconditional love.

He found himself wrapping his arms around her tightly, crushing her to himself. He felt like a drowning man who had just been thrown a life preserver.

“I missed you so much.” Sentinel sobbed into his chest.

He wanted to say that he’d missed her too. But the words wouldn’t come. Instead he said, “Why didn’t you contact me earlier?”

“It wasn’t safe. And I wasn’t ready.” she said.

He released her enough so that he was still holding her, but she could look up into his face. “Ready?” he asked.

“I’ll explain later.” she said, smiling.

“Come with me, to my quarters. We should talk.” Vader rumbled.

“I can’t, I need to get ready for the dance,” said Sentinel.

“The dance is not important.” Vader said.

“You don’t understand...” Sentinel began.

“The dance is not important.” Vader repeated, an edge of irritation in his voice.

“I’ve made a commitment. I have to be there,” Sentinel said.

Vader stared at her a moment. “Why?”

“I’m in the band.” Sentinel said, grinning sheepishly.

Goto Chapter Three

Chapter One: Mystery Sith

2006-08-06T12:36:00.000-07:00

Darth Vader walked through the halls of the Exactor, on his way to his personal quarters. The men who passed him in the hallways gave him a wide berth and a respectful glance... just enough of a glance to not incur his wrath, and not enough to make him notice them and direct his anger at them.

Vader had gotten reports of yet another Rebellion attack upon an Imperial installation. They had come close to finding out the existence of the hidden Death Star, still under construction. The Death Star had about another 10 years of work needed before it would be fully operational. It was crucial it continued to remain safely secret, that it’s construction site remain unknown. Every time it had to be moved, every time it had to be transported to a new construction site, valuable time and money was wasted.

Vader was not happy that it’s existence had almost been found out. He was very disturbed by it.

Add the fact that the “Mystery Sith” had been at it again...

Also known as the “Black Knight”.

Also known as the “Dark Avenger”.

The Holonet had ironically not been able to find a good name for this person with Force abilities, a red lightsaber, and a tendency to come to the rescue of anyone who was being treated harshly by the Imperial authorities. This person seemed to avoid actually killing anyone, but in some skirmishes, this person had killed some troopers, albeit in semi-obvious self defense.

One Holonet reporter had tried to call this person the “Dark Sentinel”, but his name for this person was mysteriously squashed. Actually, most of the Holonet stories about the Mystery Sith had been squashed, but a few had still escaped.

This Mystery Sith had remained a mystery for several reasons. First, this person always wore a different costume, and always concealed his or her face, and never spoke. The one common thing about the costume was it was usually black. Second, this person somehow always knew how to evade capture... even when the stormtroopers purposefully tried to set a trap for this person. Third, this person seemed unpredictable. This person never seemed to appear twice on the same planet. This person never sat still.

Vader knew, the moment he saw the first Holonet feed, that the Mystery Sith was in fact Sentinel. Unfortunately, the Emperor had also recognized that the Mystery Sith must be Darth Sentinel.

Vader had already been under standing orders to find and destroy Sentinel. The moment the Emperor had recovered from his injuries on Sentinel’s homeworld, the order had gone out.

The Emperor had occasionally reconsidered the order. He still wanted Sentinel found, but he thought that Sentinel could successfully be convinced to become his apprentice. He had made it clear to Vader that he did not intend for Sentinel to replace Vader... had never intended for that. That he merely wanted to fully test Sentinel. That he never intended for Sentinel to kill Vader or Vader to kill Sentinel.

Vader opted to pretend he believed every word the out of the Emperor’s mouth. It was safer that way.

But with the whole “Mystery Sith” thing, the order had once again been upgraded to destroying Sentinel.

Lord Vader took great pains to keep his Master up to date on the search, especially once the Mystery Sith had appeared about 3 years ago... 2 years after Sentinel had escaped. But Vader did his best to ensure the search results were only given to him, so he could then tell the Emperor what he pleased about the search.

Vader silently cursed Sentinel for deciding to no longer remain in hiding. He understood that she must be growing impatient for the Emperor’s rule to end and Vader’s joint rule of the Galaxy, with Sentinel, to begin. But her undermining the authority of the Empire was not helping. He knew she was having one of her bouts of moral conscience, not enjoying seeing personal liberties of the civilian populace being trampled. But she had to be made to understood -- if he could make contact with her -- that these were necessary steps in the continuing effort to bring peace to the Galaxy.

Now if I can just find her and pound that message into her thick skull! Vader thought.

While Vader was dealing with the search for Sentinel, and with stomping out the Rebellion, he had periodically also been investigating Sentinel’s brother’s death. Or trying to. Either her brother Tarnis Yod had really committed suicide 5 years ago, or the coverup of his death was nearly perfect. No-one would admit to foul play, or to knowing that any foul play had occurred... even when he impressed upon them the... importance... of their cooperation.

Vader had to give up the search for more information regarding Sentinel’s brother. It was proving fruitless, and was likely to attract unwanted attention.

He stalked through the hallways, turning corners sharply, clenching his fists, and basically making his men very nervous. Or rather, making them more nervous than he normally made them.

He was walking through the area of the ship devoted to the stormtroopers quarters. A trooper left his shared room, just in front of Vader, and hurried off on some duty. The door hadn’t quite auto-closed behind him, and Vader stopped in front of the open door, hearing something familiar. Music. And a trooper humming along to the music as he polished his white boots. The trooper did not look up, so intent was he on both the music and the polishing.

If you need a lover, I’d do anything you ask me to...

The trooper was suddenly startled by his music player emitting several sparks and catching fire! He dropped his boot in order to extinguish the flames, and looked over to the doorway. The door was auto-closing, and he couldn’t see anyone in the doorway. But he could just barely hear the sound of Vader’s breathing as the Dark Lord strode away.

That song. He had to be listening to that song, Vader thought.

Vader entered his quarters, his thoughts tormented by a fear he didn’t want to deal with. With the continued defiance of Sentinel, and her silence, i.e., her lack of trying to contact him, he had decided that perhaps she no longer had any feelings for him. Perhaps she had fully gone over to the good side of the Force, and in so doing, had rejected him, forever. He didn’t know how to handle that fear. He knew he shouldn’t automatically assume the worst. But to him, it was the only explanation that made sense.

Admittedly, he wasn’t sure how she could safely arrange to contact him. But still... she should have tried some way of contacting him by now.

She had betrayed him. But instead of trying to kill him, or trying to become his Master, she had done something worse: she had stopped loving him. She simply must have, after all this time.

Vader shook his head, trying to shake off these thoughts of self pity. They did him no good. He was a Dark Lord of the Sith, and the Dark Side was his very jealous mistress. He did not need Sentinel... not her love, nor her help in ruling the Galaxy. He was invincible, and needed no-one.

His anger replaced his loneliness, making the dark cloud of emotion surrounding him darker still.

Vader opened his hyperbaric chamber and entered it. He sat down roughly, flicked a finger in the direction of a control on his chamber’s 360 degree ‘desk’, and the chamber closed. He removed his helmet, and breathed a sigh of relief to be free of it.

He toggled through his communications, looking at further reports of what was going on within the Empire. Then he went through his personal communications, which were few.

Darth Vader stared at the screen of his console. He wasn’t sure if he was reading the display correctly.

It seemed that Commander Javel, of Pitoma Base, had invited him to another dinner/dance. They even had a new band coming to play.

He had been invited, once before, to a similar event by Commander Javel, 5 years earlier, when he and Darth Sentinel had been staying at Pitoma, waiting for Sentinel to recover from injuries sustained on one of their missions.

Why would Commander Javel choose to invite him now, of all times, back to his base?

And also, why was Commander Javel still just a lowly commander? It had been 5 years! Who had the Commander perhaps upset? Who was keeping the Commander from being promoted?

Perhaps that was why Vader was being invited to this event. Perhaps Javel needed his assistance in acquiring a promotion. Vader sat back in his chair, musing over things. He supposed he did owe the man, after all. Javel had helped him out in the past, and had kept quiet about it. Without Javel’s assistance, Vader would probably not have been able to rescue Sentinel when the evil spirit of Darth Hedra had taken over her body.

And Vader was in need of a pleasant distraction. The Emperor did not seem to understand the concept of Vacation. Neither had the Jedi. Perhaps this would give Vader some peace, some time to relax and not think about Sentinel, the Emperor, and the war in general. Pitoma Base was a huge reminder of Sentinel, but still, it would be a change of pace.

Vader accepted Javel’s invitation, and made his plans to travel to Pitoma Base.

* * * * * * * *

Several weeks later, Vader’s shuttle took him in to land at Pitoma. Once there, the shuttle crew transported his effects to his guest lodging, and Vader strode directly to Commander Javel’s office.

Javel’s office door slid open at Vader’s approach. Javel stood up and bowed slightly as Vader walked in.

“Lord Vader, I am glad that you were able to come visit us.” Javel said.

Vader noted new wrinkles on the man’s face. The past 5 years appeared to have been rough for Javel.

“Commander Javel, I find it hard to believe that you asked me here simply to attend a party.” Vader said, intending to get directly to the point.

“Lord Vader”, Javel said, a little nervously, “I confess I have an ulterior motive.”

“And that would be?” Vader asked.

“A... mutual friend asked me to invite you.” Javel said, carefully.

Vader stared at Javel, disliking the air of mystery Javel was trying to maintain.

“And this friend is?” Vader asked, impatiently.

“Sasha Yod, m’Lord.” Javel said.

Vader remained silent, inscrutable behind his mask. But his thoughts were racing, and in spite of his attempt at control, his heart was beating faster, and his breathing quickened just a bit.

“You know, Commander Javel, that Sasha Yod is a wanted criminal,” Vader rumbled gently.

Javel pursed his lips. “I know, m’Lord. But I wasn’t sure what your opinion on... the matter was.” He paused, took a breath. “Shall I have her arrested, m’Lord?”

Vader stared at the wall behind Javel. He sent his senses out, scanning the base, and found the spark that was Sentinel. She was already here, and she wasn’t hiding herself from him.

“No, Commander Javel. Leave her to me. I will deal with her myself.” Vader answered.

“As you wish, m’Lord.” Javel said.

Vader whirled and left Javel’s office.

Goto Chapter Two