The Meaning of Chosen

II - The Watcher

For long hours, the people of Anoat had waited in anticipation. Not the good kind of anticipation, as, those long hours ago, a fleet of star destroyers had entered their system. The people waited, unsure of what was to happen to them. They would not have to wait much longer.

On the bridge of the leading star destroyer stood a black cloaked man, staring out at the system before his eyes and the planet they were about to destroy. The star destroyers had been positioned around the planet, ready to attack it from all sides.

"Ready the bombs," the man said in an authoritative voice.

"Yes, Lord Vader!" came the reply and with a swish of his cloak, the man left the bridge, to a separated communications room.

He breathed in deeply and let out the air again, carefully sorting and shielding his mind. After he was satisfied, the man typed in the code, then he swiftly stepped back and gracefully fell to one knee.

"Lord Vader," the cold voice greeted. "I trust everything is going as planned?"

"Yes, my Master," Vader replied, equally cool.

"Very good, I think we have waited long enough," the cold voice said. "You may proceed, I expect Anoat under the empires control by it's next rotation."

The hologram of a hooded head flickered out, and Darth Vader rose. He cast the communications table a dry look, and stepped onto the bridge once more.

"The bombs are ready, Lord Vader."

"Good," the man replied. "You shall fire the small ones first, then proceed with the others, until we have covered the planet fully."

"Yes, Lord Vader."

Vader watched as his admiral began to dish out orders to the rest of the star destroyers in the system. None questioned his strategy, they would be very foolish to do so, and they knew that. It was useful not to be questioned. He did not need anyone to know the reason behind his actions. He made them start with the smaller bombs, so that the inhabitants of the planet might have a chance to escape before the poisonous gas in the bombs took hold and settled into their atmosphere.

Vader watched as the first bombs hit the planets surface. Then he closed his eyes and concentrated on cutting himself off. He did not need to feel this pain, there was no use in agonising over something that was inevitable. As the first few ships left the planet, he had managed to dim the pain in his chest, and opened his eyes.

"Let them get away," he said as his admiral was about to send out the fighters. "The planet is our concern, not it's people."

"As you wish, Lord Vader," the admiral agreed hastily.

Darth Vader concentrated on the ache in his chest again, as the bombs continuously rained down on Anoat. He felt the last ones being fired and had to suppress a sigh of relief.

"Admiral," Vader said loudly, "are the troops ready?"

"Yes, Lord Vader!"

"Prepare the transports for landing," Vader commanded, turned and walked away.

He joined the troops in the largest transport. As they were waiting for take of, he surveyed the troops unnoticeable by anyone, his eyes moved to study them. He liked clones so much better. These storm troopers reminded him more of droids, mindless drones. Even though the empire had started to recruit actual people instead of using clones, he missed the times when he could actually talk to his troops, ask their opinion if he wanted or gain their support.

There was nothing to be done about it though, so he pushed the thoughts out of his mind. The transport lifted off, and made its way down to the surface. Vader put on his mask – a rather simple black mask, that nonetheless seemed to invoke fear, wherever he turned –, and opened communication to the transports.