Recovery and Reflection
By: Cariel
The well-timed explosions assured that Lord Vader would not be able to reach his beloved unscathed. He could feel Dormé’s pain through the Force as it manifested itself into his own pain. His thoughts were too distracted in the need to get to her before it was too late to even fully register what he was experiencing. It was not the explosions that did the worst damage, but another sniper. This sniper was hidden and from her position was taking out clone troopers left and right until the Sith Lord was in her sights. Aiming her blaster at the breastplate, she took a shot.
A good portion of Vader’s respirator was damaged, which decreased his mobility, due to lack of oxygen, tenfold. But this did not prevent him from continuing onward, feeling his wife’s pain, knowing she was in danger. The nightmares haunted him and he would not let her die.
He slaughtered everyone in his way, whether they were imperial or not. Nothing mattered to him anymore except saving Dormé. Time was not on his side.
Struggling onward, using most of his powers to keep himself conscious, he refused to give up his search. Gasping for air, he moved the corpse that lay atop Dormé’s unconscious figure. She was still alive though severely wounded. With the last of his strength, he lifted her into his arms and headed back to his ship, not caring that this had been a trap, nor that his respirator would take some time to repair. The only thing he cared about was getting Dormé to safety and seeing that she was healed.
When Dormé fell victim to the assassin’s fire, she did not cry out as she had when the shrapnel entered her leg. Lying on the ground, her spirit called out to her beloved, but her breath hitched at the same time the shot damaged his respirator. The pain made her as dizzy as the struggle Vader had for oxygen and she was unaware how his injuries affected her too.
She was conscious enough to see the traitor approaching and had one last trick up her sleeve. As the woman drew her blade, Dormé prepared herself to use the last of her strength to kill her. When the body collapsed atop her, Dormé resigned herself to unconsciousness.
Even in her unconscious state, she was able to register Vader’s presence and it was a comfort to her.
Once Dormé was safely returned to the ship and under the care of the medical droids in the infirmary, Vader finally succumbed to his own wounds. Had it not been for the medical droids who moved swiftly to his aid, the fallen Jedi would have collapsed upon placing her onto the cot. With assistance, he was able to reach the closed-off section of the infirmary which had been specifically designed for him and promptly collapsed on a cot.
Hours later, he finally resurfaced, his thoughts immediately turning to his beloved. Though separated by glass, he was able to see her. His heart clenched to see her lying there looking pale as death. Reaching out to her with the Force, he sensed that despite appearances, her Force signature was growing stronger though it was too weak for his liking.
Despite protestations from the medical droid attending him, he rose and went straight for the doorway that would lead to where she was. It was only when he reached the door that he remembered his respirator needed repair. It was a time-consuming matter and while he could easily fix it, he was too distracted to even attempt it. Cursing in Huttese, he returned to his cot, taking a seat while his eyes remained on his wife’s unconscious form. He would not begin repairs until he was assured of her condition.
Reaching out with the Force once more, Vader gently caused her hair to shift as if he were running his hand through it. He also manipulated the molecules around her to give her the sensation that he was holding her. It was with the hope that he could provide some sense of comfort that he did so, knowing they were both able to rest easier when they were in each other’s arms. Though he was unskilled in Force healing, he hoped this would aid in her recovery.
As Anakin’s oxygen levels returned to normal, Dormé’s breathing stabilized. For a long while, a consistent level of a tranquilizing anaesthetic was administered to keep her in the realms of unconsciousness while the medical droids worked on repairing the damages.
Once the major operations were completed, she drifted into a productive sleep, but was far more content when she unknowingly registered the familiar sensation of Anakin being near, as if he were holding her.
The injuries on her leg were now bandaged as well as the wounds to her upper body. Drawing nearer to the surface of consciousness, her thoughts drifted to the last moments of the battle, the horror she felt at being separated from her beloved, how she killed that woman who shot her. She could only slightly register the pain in her shoulder and leg, for she was still quite medicated, but not to the extent that she could not register, she was in a medical centre of sorts.
Registering her stirring, Anakin’s heart soared. While he was not given all of the details pertaining to her injuries or the operation, it increased his concern for her. However, her strengthening Force signature, despite being hindered by anaesthetics, gave him hope.
Finally blinking her eyes open, she quickly shut them again for the blaring light of the room needed getting used to. She exhaled, finding it much easier to breathe than before, unaware that it was Vader’s injuries she had felt which affected her own ability to breathe at that juncture. Now she opened her eyes slower and as they adjusted to the luminosity, she turned her head slightly to either side before her eyes found Anakin.
He was near, so near, yet glass separated them. Relief washed over her to see he was all right. A GH-7 analysis droid hovered nearby as she awoke, scanning her as her attentions were focused on Vader. She was also unaware how long she had been out. However, it was clear to her just how close she had come to death this time. It would not be until later that she would question how this had all come about though the conclusions would be unsatisfying.
When she looked to him, her desired to go to her, but knew he could not. Sensing her relief, he sent her a shy smile as he continued wielding the Force to give her the sensation of him stroking her hair and holding her.
‘Anakin,’ she murmured, unsure if he would even be able to hear her. She reached out to the glass, but her shoulder protested. She relinquished the idea of trying to reach for her husband who was just beyond the glass. Dormé only then concluded that he was in a special pressurized chamber since he was without the mask and helmet.
He saw her speak his name and he whispered via the Force into her thoughts, My love, I am so relieved to see you are all right. I was so scared I was going to lose you... How are you feeling? Is there anything I can do to help?
His gentle whispers made her wish she had the ability to communicate with him in this way as well. She was tired, very tired, but it did good to see him, even if it was through glass. Dormé’s eyes filled with grateful tears as she felt him, as if he were caressing her hair and holding her close. It was a sensation she would not soon forget though it paled in comparison to the real thing. Wanting nothing more than to be with him, she contented herself with gazing upon him.
Watching her intently, Anakin hated feeling helpless but knew there was little else he could do for the time being. He wished he was in better condition so as to be able to heal her himself, but this too was an impossibility. It infuriated him to think just how close he had come to losing his beloved, and just how foolishly they had walked into this trap. But she was going to be all right; despite the nightmares he had once again been able to save her. The thought brought a relieved smile to his lips. Though he could perceive her exhaustion, he also registered her contentment and this was encouraging in and of itself. I am going to tend to the repairs of my respirator and then I will join you. With this in mind, he then began the repairs needed though still mindful of her presence which caused him to pause once in a while to give her a glance and a reassuring smile.
Her uninjured arm moved slowly so she could touch her hair where she felt Anakin’s caress as if hoping to feel his hand. All the while, she looked on him, smiling softly when he looked her way, glad to know he would soon be with her. She watched as he set about repairing the damaged respirator, his fingers working so diligently and swiftly on the mechanical device after so many years of practice. It was a marvel to see. Each time her beloved paused to look at her, she rewarded him with a smile, which was growing softer by the moment. Soon she was once more asleep, though far more content than she was previously, for she knew her love would be with her soon.
He could see her hand slipping to her hair as though hoping to feel his hand and it caused his heart to clench. How he longed to be by her side to properly hold and comfort her. But while this was not possible, it certainly served to add to his determination to tend to his repairs as quickly as possible so he could join her. Working as swiftly as possible, he paused only to steal glances to his beloved who rewarded them with gentle smiles. But soon she had drifted off to sleep and while he missed her loving gaze, he was more grateful to know she was resting comfortably and well on her way to being fully healed.
Time passed and soon his respirator was repaired, permitting him to exit the confines of his medical room. As soon as his helmet had been set in place, he moved to join her side. Slipping his hand into hers, he gently ran his gloved fingers through her hair as he waited with much patience for her to awaken.
In her sleep, she felt his hand in her hair and unconsciously reached up to touch him, leaning into the palm of his hand. Though she was unaware, her soul registered that its other half was much nearer than before.
Though she was still resting Anakin could feel her Force signature shift at his touch just as he could feel her unconsciously leaning into his palm. His heart swelled at her subtle gesture and the unspoken emotions felt from it. Through the Force, he opened his thoughts and shared his emotions with her. It was not the same as speaking into her thoughts but he did not wish to disturbed her sleep and hoped that she would understand his silent gesture.
Upon easing into consciousness, she murmured, ‘Mmmm,’ as her eyes slowly opened. Her uninjured hand squeezed his, expressing her gratefulness for his company. She had not died. Once again, his nightmares had not come true. ‘Can we go home now?’ she asked.
It brought him such joy to see her awake and upon hearing her question he moved to touch her cheek gently. ‘We can go home now if you like, that is if you are certain you’re well enough. I just don’t want to hurt you further.’ He explained gently wanting to carry her but fearing he might tear her wounds open again.
‘I know you would never intentionally hurt me,’ she murmured in reply, her eyes filled with trust.
The scanner droid returned to access her condition once more and when it gave her clearance, Dormé nodded to Vader.
Her soft words brought a smile to his features and once more, he found himself cursing the confines of his helmet. How he would have loved to kiss her at the moment. Nevertheless, it did not stop him from touching her cheek gently despite the fact the scanner droid was monitoring her condition. Once the clearance was given, Dormé nodded and Anakin soon was carefully lifting her up.
‘Carefully,’ she said, though she knew he would be mindful of her injuries, as she reached up with her good arm to wrap around his neck. They would be going home and she could not wait to be back, with her beloved by her side.
At her warning, a mischievous smile played on his hidden lips. She was not the only one who was eager to return home and Vader was more than happy to comply. Between the rush of relief at her survival and feeling her gingerly holding onto him, Anakin once more found himself feeling as though he were the luckiest man alive.
The journey itself was not long and soon they were back in the inner sanctums of their chambers once more. Gingerly resting her onto the bed the Sith Lord was careful to ensure everything was perfect for her to rest. Once he was certain that she was comfortable, he proceeded to remove his helmet so he could properly enjoy her with his own eyes. Watching her quietly he gently played with strands of her hair as he gave her a loving smile. This was once more far too close a call for his liking but in the end all that mattered was that Dormé was all right and safe.
Upon returning home, it was hard to believe she had nearly died today. It certainly made her appreciate everything in her life so much more. Once comfortably reclined on their bed, she watched as he attended to the escaping the confines of his helmet, nearly as eager as he was to see him without the mask. It was not until he was running his hand through her hair that she wondered why she had had so many narrow escapes with death. First, there was the incident with Saché, but that was because of Dormé’s own actions... Then there were the times Vader was not in control of his powers, but that was something he had attended to in hours of training for her sake as well as his own... Then there was more recently the toxin administered to her from some unknown source... Then the assassin and the explosion.
The threat was far more real today and she could not help but consider the possibility that she had not killed her only assassin. Why did someone want her dead? She could not understand it. Her mind reeled with possibilities instead of fully enjoying the presence of her dearest Dark Lord.
It did not take long for Anakin to register the change in his wife’s mood. Something was troubling her greatly and this, in turn, caused him much concern. Inwardly, he wondered if she was still in pain and furrowing his brow, he gently touched her cheek. ‘My love, what’s wrong? Did I hurt you? I didn’t mean to...’ he began as his expression turned apologetic.
‘No, no you did not you hurt me,’ she said. It’s nothing.’ She only lay there for a little while before gave in, knowing even though he wouldn’t pressure her for what she was really worrying about, she would feel bad if he was worrying about her...
Anakin normally would have felt relieved by her words but he was quite concerned that perhaps the med droids had not done their jobs properly. He inwardly assured himself if this were the case, he would make sure they would never see a medical room again...Or anything outside of a parts yard.
‘I think,’ she slowly began, ‘that someone is trying to kill me.’ She exhaled, meeting his eyes. ‘I know I killed an assassin this time, but I don’t think she’s working alone, or that she was the only one.’ She looked to him, knowing if her concerns were uncalled for, he would let her know; she knew he would be honest with her.
But then Dormé continued and spoke the deep rooted concerns that Vader had been secretly beginning to harbour. Furrowing his brow, he fell silent as she admitted to killing the assassin. While he was proud of her for taking out her enemy, he was angrier with himself for being unable to stop the attacker. But then his thoughts moved forward for he knew she was right. His expression turned dark and dangerous to the realization. ‘The rebels. They’re the ones behind this. The fools think they can stop us with their pathetic attacks and attempts of assassination,’ he then frowned deeply as a new sense of determination filled his thoughts. ‘I’m going to get to the bottom of this and when I do I swear to you I will make them regret the day they were born...’
Dormé was glad to know she was not incorrect in her assumptions, but could not understand why she would be someone they would want to kill. What possible purpose would her death serve for them? What was she to them? She believed he would take care of it, that he would find out who was trying to have her assassinated and make them pay dearly. ‘Make them suffer so much that their ancestors will feel it, yes,’ she replied in agreement.
At her words, his expression took on a steely resolve as he studied her intently. ‘You have my word, I will make them pay and dearly,’ Vader stated in quiet determination as he touched her cheek.
But her fear remained. What if they were try poisoning her again or some other form of nefarious scheme that was indictable by droids? ‘What can I do?’ she wondered. ‘I don’t want to stop going with you on missions...’
But he could still sense her fear and at her words, he furrowed his brow and shook his head slightly. The thought of her not being by his side in battle was not something he wanted to consider. In truth, he felt she was much safer by his side then away from him. Even in this situation despite the fact they were separated Anakin was still able to get to her in time. If they were apart and an incident much like the one that involved her former mentor he would be helpless to do anything to intercede. This too was a thought he did not wish to think about. ‘I will stop at nothing until this matter has been settled. But I will not lie to you; I do believe you are far safer by my side then if you were to refrain from join me. At least this way I can protect you should those fool’s try something again.’
‘Yes, I agree. I feel so much safer when you are with me.’
His expression then relaxed slightly as he hoped in some small way that he could comfort her troubled thoughts. ‘Besides, I couldn’t bear to be without your company. Not to mention I think it would serve the rebels some good to learn first hand just what happens to those who dare try to stand between us, don’t you think?’ he added as he gave her a proud smirk.
At the thought of the rebels seeing her alive and well after their pathetic attempt on her life, a smirk grew on her features. She would really be thought of as a Goddess then. Undefeatable in battle with her Dark Lord of the Sith at her side. His proud smirk warmed her heart and returned courage to her. ‘Our wrath they will fear,’ she replied vehemently, reaching for his hand.
He smiled, grateful that despite all that had happened she would still wish to join his side. She truly would be like a goddess of vengeance to their prey. His smile widened at the thought, just as her vehement words added to his determination to end the attacks on her life. He would see to it personally that they paid. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze as he bent over to kiss her lips. ‘That they will, my love...’ he purred in reply.
A/N: The only way to properly present this chapter was to have it completely co-written with Jody (who wrote Vader’s dialogue and thoughts). You can find her Vader tales at my site or under her sig: Blood Raven1. She is extremely talented at voicing Vader.
The next chapter might be awhile before I can post it, but until then, I hope you will check out The Ill-Made Handmaiden.
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