Denial: "What-if" for The Trial of Darth Vader

Anakin's Prison Cell: One Day Later + One Month Later

(Short chapter. It's more of a filler.)

One day later

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Anakin's condition improves as Sal fakes his identity as Luke Skywalker.

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Luke... Luke?

Tendrils of the Force were cast out, desperate to find Luke's signature. Anakin had not been able to feel his son's presence for nearly an entire day; the only reply he would receive was a cold, harsh void. Anakin would be lying if he said he wasn't worried.

The tendrils shifted back, then reached out again.

***

Faded blue eyes altered their gaze towards the slowly opening door. A spike of excitement and relief ignited within Anakin as he saw the cropped blonde hair of his son.

"Luke! Come here, my dear son," he greeted with a rasp, gesturing towards the cot with his metal hand, his shriveled face beaming with love. Sgt. Sal moved towards the man, and carefully sat onto the cot with a smile of his own. The two men sat in silence for a little while, Anakin running his gaze over his son's body with pride.

"Is your health in good condition?" Anakin suddenly asked. "I could not feel you through the Force."

Sgt. Sal's face paled a little, but he nodded, squeezing Anakin's hand to reassure the man. "Everything's fine, Father." He swiftly glanced at the table, were one of Anakin's new creations resided. I suppose that would be good for switching topics.

"Could you show me what that is?" Sgt. Sal pointed at the object.

In a childlike fashion, Anakin proudly displayed his work at his admiring 'son'.

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One month later

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Anakin, who had returned to the Alliance in shambles, was getting healthier and healthier by the day. He had Sgt. Sal to thank for.

Sometimes Anakin would ask about Leia; Sal would always reply that she was "well", but very busy. Anakin knew the truth, though he kept it to himself: she was avoiding him on purpose. He was disappointed but understood her perfectly valid reasons.

He's lived with pain for over twenty years. He's accustomed to it. Surely, he could live with it for a while more. He can accept her neglect.

'Luke' had assured Anakin that the Alliance was giving him a break from missions, so he could linger around and come visit his father daily, for as long as the prison allowed.

Every day, Anakin would insist in trying to reach out to Luke through the Force, but each day there would be no prevail. However, Sal would return with no scratches and wounds on his body and give Anakin comfort that his 'son' was still alive and well. Anakin could not make sense of why he had lost his connection towards his son, and nor could the impersonator of Luke Skywalker. (Of course, he couldn't.)

***

Sgt. Sal stepped into the dimly lighted room, ignoring the wooziness in his head. He had to complete his obligation first, before going to bed.

"Luke!" Anakin greeted, just like he always would. Extra warmth was in his voice today. "If my knowledge of today's date is correct, it is your mother and I's anniversary. Sit," he patted the edge of his cot, motioning Sgt. Sal to come forth.

Sal sat down next to Anakin, and asked, "could you tell me about it?"

Sadness, which usually lingered only at the back of Anakin's head, penetrated his eyes, filling them with grief. But the grief was soon overcome by a wave of joy.

"Of course."

The two engaged in a pleasant conversation.

***

As he strode out of the room, Sal promised to be back tomorrow.

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A/N: This chapter is more of a filler type of thing, just to skim over the time that passes before the finale.