The Secret Apprentice | Vader x OC

The Truth

There had not been any contact through Blip, and I had begun to go as far as meditating in an attempt to reach him. It was possible, I knew it was. Either he had been struggling to find a moment to meditate, or maybe neither of us had been searching for one another at the correct time. Him having yet to contact through Blip, a more simplistic, but risky method of communication, makes me think he has yet to arrive in a position of pure isolation.

His reasoning for being so careful is obvious to me, but the aching in my heart and the list of worries in my mind make it difficult for me to remain content.

I excessively fear for his safety, and whether or not I will receive news of his demise with each coming morning. The loyal garrison continued to reassure me of his status, reminding me that the event of his death would spread like wildfire and they would be the first to know and report to me about it. With that, Karlson often reminded me of all that Vader had survived up until this point. He is an expert at leading military personnel, a survivor of countless attempts on his life, and the best star pilot in the galaxy. Karlson had said that if Vader were to die, Mustafar would freeze over first. His humor is always appreciated, especially recently.

Within the bacta tank, the warm water had been seducing my mind to return to a state of slumber. Unlike Vader's meditations within this tank, there had not been nearly as much bacta in my mixture as there would be for his. Bacta is an expensive resource, and I figured I'd not waste it on myself if a 50/50 mixture of it and water would create a similar sense of isolation for me. Vader uses the bacta primarily, due to his body's injuries and its thick consistency which assists him in feeling comfortable and isolated. The more comfortable one is, the easier it is for them to delve deep into the Force, and their own mind.

Using the Force as I have done numerous times before, I prompted the tank to begin draining. Unlike Vader, I do not require the frame to remain in place. I am thankful to be able to skip the process of being assisted by the robotic arms, being free to go the instant the glass retracts itself into the ceiling. Wearing a silky black wrap around my chest and my usual silky black undergarments, the air around me began to chill my exposed skin once the fluid had completely drained. Without the fluid, I was able to hear the troopers' discussions amongst one another more clearly. Vader would never allow conversation anywhere near him whenever he would meditate, and the troopers would never dare chit-chat around him either purely out of respect for his authoritative position and because they had been accustomed not to. But I do not expect them to act any particular way around me, allowing them to break free from their almost robotic shells, to behave more human than soldier. They respected me for this, and I respect them for their duties.

The glass withdrew itself into the ceiling, and the men around me quieted down. Despite knowing they are allowed freedom to speak, they never fail to remain courteous regardless.

Due to the lack of bacta that had been in my tank, it usually takes longer for me to dry than it does Vader. My long hair alone drags it out. The doors to the chamber erupted mechanically upon being triggered to open, Karlson entering the chamber while carrying a thick black towel in one arm. His helmet was previously removed, his sharp features, brown eyes and short ebony black hair presented to me while he approached. Despite being a hardened soldier, he had a very friendly face and a wonderful personality. He stopped before me, signaling the other troopers to be dismissed before wrapping the towel around my shoulders.

My body trembled beneath the towel despite how warm it was in the chamber, he allowed me to take hold of the towel and wrap it comfortably around myself, "were you successful this time around, lady Reina?"

Smiling at his formality, we began to exit the chamber, "you and your garrison of troopers do not need to address me as 'Lady', I've told you this countless times, Martin. It feels unnecessary."