Lady Obscura: Vader's Shadow [Star Wars | Luke Skywalker]

Chapter 6

The Emperor smiled smugly as the transmission ended, leaving Vader and Athara in tense silence. As soon as the glow of the hologram faded, Athara let loose an anxious breath, squeezing her eyes shut as fear threatened to flood her senses. She heard Vader stand slowly, his respirator the only remaining sound in the room. Lifting her gaze to her Master, she started at the sudden change in his demeanor. Gone was what she could have only described as resigned helplessness, replaced with anger and determination. For the first time she could remember, she felt a flash of fear as he took a step toward her. Lowering her gaze in shame, she could barely speak.

"I'm sorry, Master, I've failed you."

"Get off this ship." Her eyes shot up to meet the gaze of her Master, shock rendering her nearly speechless.

"But—but Master—" He reached forward, taking hold of her upper arm and steering her out to the main chamber of the suite.

"I want you off this ship immediately." He paused, turning to look at her. His respirator hitched, creating a sound reminiscent of a sigh. Resignation was once again visible in his body language. "I will not deliver you to the Emperor. I—I cannot. He means to break me, to punish me for crossing him by training you, of this I am certain, and he means to do it by way of your pain and your death." Athara felt herself go cold, nearly shivering as fear seeped through her. She had always known that the Emperor would likely want to destroy her should he discover her true potential, Vader had alluded to it before, but to hear her Master say it so bluntly made the threat all too real. Especially given the conversation she had just witnessed. This time she was speechless. Vader placed his hands on her shoulders.

"Go, my young apprentice. Take the Consular's Ship. Make sure you are not found." Struggling to keep her fears in check, she nodded. "Good. May the Force be with you, Athara." She looked up, surprised by the tenderness she sensed from him.

"And with you, Master." Taking a deep, fortifying breath, she pulled away, her mind suddenly whirling as she tried to plan her next move. Years of training meant that she was never without a course of action for long. Nevertheless, she was still deeply shaken, so keeping her thoughts straight was tougher than usual.

Having never had a chance to settle in upon arriving onboard the Devastator, there was no need to pack. She needed only to collect her minimal belongings before making her way to the Tantive IV.

So far as the crew of the Devastator was concerned, nothing had changed. Athara was still 'Milady' and her every order was to be obeyed. Everything felt surreal, though, knowing that she was now on the run, a fugitive, even though no one else knew it yet. So it was that she met with no resistance when she passed along orders to prepare the Tantive IV for immediate departure. However, the unquestioning compliance did nothing to ease the dread growing in the pit of her stomach.

As soon as she set foot on the Tantive IV, she was met by a pair of R3 Astrodroids and the Officer she had left in charge of preparing the ship.

"The ship is ready, as you requested, Milady." Nodding her assent she glanced over the droids quickly before sending them to prepare the ship for take off. The Officer beside her shuffled quietly, catching her attention. He hesitated for a split-second as she turned her gaze to him.

"You have something to say, Captain?" He cleared his throat nervously.

"My Lady, I can put together a crew at your pleasure. Droids alone cannot always—" Athara nearly smirked. She could tell he was trying to be helpful.

"Do you doubt my judgment, Captain?" she said mildly. The words seemed to catch in the man's throat. Athara had to restrain a chuckle, allowing a small smile to escape instead...then again, he likely wouldn't have seen it anyway, thanks to the shadow cast by her cowl. "Droids suit my purpose. Thank you, Captain. I will depart immediately." With a sharp salute, the Captain turned and exited the ship, leaving Athara alone.