The Secret Apprentice | Vader x OC

The Truth

He kept his pace level with mine, "and my justification remains the same, my lady. Lord Vader's word to us is law. For the garrison to address you as such pleases him, regardless of his presence in hearing it."

Sighing bashfully, his initial question was answered, "and, no. I did not reach him. But I had a bizarre dream, though. Yet it felt as though I had dreamt of it before...almost like deja vu."

We made our way to Vader's chambers, I began to dry myself off and stepped inside. Martin hesitated at the threshold of the room, familiar with the room's usual terms of being off-limits to all. The floor alone was typically to be off-limits, but for now Vader's garrison had access. Waving a reminder of my permission for his entry, he entered despite being understandably uneasy. He held his hands behind his back, continuing on with the conversation while standing by the door, "do you wish to speak of it?"

Sitting down at Vader's worktable, I opened the pack of food and laid everything out, "sure. It was as though the dream took place here, on Mustafar. The lava raged on in an unnatural manner, though. Everything was so chaotic. Two figures were in combat, holding blue lightsabers. They fought so hard against one another, their emotions were so powerful and twisted so painfully. It was like the Force was reacting to it, and because of that, the planet was almost enraged. I have a theory that they may have been Jedi, or at least I knew for sure that they were Force-sensitives. The battle ended with one of the two being dismembered and left to die not far from a lava river. He was abandoned, despite how much the other man loved him like his own blood. But the injured one hated the other man. That rage was so unbridled, it was surely unnatural. A name was spoken...it becomes more clear to me each time I think back to it. Anakin, I believe."

Martin had been concerned at my recollection, appearing to also be curious about what may be causing the dream to occur to me, "Anakin? The name is oddly specific. The dream may be a result of one of those abilities some force-users have. Some I believe, if I recall correctly, can see visions of the future. Some are even capable of witnessing past events. The dream may be a vision, allowing you to foresee the event before it happens."

Eating my food, I take a bite while listening to him. His assumption worries me, "oh by the Gods, we may have a chance to break up the fight before it even starts. What if saving this Anakin from dying could change something detrimental for the future?"

Martin chuckles mildly, "Lady Reina, do not become too ambitious. This castle is under construction. The Mustafarians, and their lava fleas continue to pose a threat to this operation. Even more so without Lord Vader here to defend his fortress if they were to attack at any given moment. My orders, and yours, do not forget, are to remain within this fortress, and to protect you at all costs. Venturing beyond the protection of these walls in search of a stranger across all of Mustafar is not an option. If Vader were to return, that may change. But in his absence, it will not happen, I am afraid."

"What about if I get his permission? Would it be possible to send out a search party to scan the planet from above? I understand that the sheer magnitude of the planet's size would take time to complete each scan, but I feel it to be worth a try."

Martin came across as being interested in my idea, despite how truly challenging the operation would be, and how unlikely it would be for it to be approved, "If approval is granted by Lord Vader, I will fully support the matter. In the meantime, please enjoy your lunch. Should you require any assistance, I will be stationed just outside these quarters."

Nodding at his words, I focus on eating, "Of course, sir. Thank you."

He bowed respectfully before departing, prompting me to power Blip back on.

She spurred to life, beeping in excitement and energy. She separated herself from her charging station, hopping onto the table to report her lack of updates regarding any form of communication from Lord Vader.