Chapter 58

Vader was not surprised that, after felling the mutated humanoids, he returned to find the child was using a flat piece of metal as a crowbar in an attempt to try breaking into his starship.

He was failing.

Vader pressed a button on his belt, causing the ship's door to open the ramp with a hiss. The child backed away in surprise before finally noticing him.

The child stared at Vader for all of one moment before attempting to run into the ship.

Vader casually and effortlessly used the Force to drag the boy out to his feet.

"How did you do that? Do you got some kind of grappling string?" The boy asked in bewilderment, reaching all over to find anything that might have pulled him to the man.

Vader ignored the question, levitating the helmet up into his hand to the child's awe. "You wish to find where people with this armor are? So do I," Vader stated evenly. "If you can refrain from attempting to steal my ship, I will take you there."

"I've heard adults say that to people before, kids too," the child said with a frown.

"Child, I am many things. I've killed more lifeforms than you have lived days. But I have no interest in violating anyone," Vader said with disgust that bled through his voice synthesizer.

The boy stared for a moment before standing, reaching his hand up to Vader to shake. "I'm Drewmar Farmile. You?"

"Vader," he answered flatly without taking the hand, refusing to provoke the question of if "Darth" was a name and if not, what it meant. Introductions done, he ventured into the ship and allowed the child to enter the vessel.

The Sith came out of the cockpit, but he could feel the child's wonder and awe. It had likely been ages since anyone on this planet had seen a functioning starship of this level of technology, if any. Keeping one eye on his passenger through the Force, Vader activated his ship's scanner and fine-tuned them to any messages or beacons put out by stormtroopers.

He smirked as he got a signal.

Then he scowled.

"Attempt it, and you may find a limb missing," Vader warned without looking.

Drewmar stopped, holding the slab of metal high over his head as if to strike the adult. Realizing he was outmatched, he shrugged and lazily dropped the makeshift weapon. "So, are you a human?" Drewmar asked curiously.

"I am not a droid if that is your inquiry," Vader said as he prepped the ship for takeoff.

"What? Why would I think you're a droid? I'm just confused by the suit. I read in a book that some outer species can't handle our kind of air," Drewmar explained curiously.

Vader glanced minutely at the child. That was far more understandable than assuming he was a droid. "My species is of no concern to you. All you need to be aware of is that I am your way to these White Helms you wish to find," he said as the ship took off. "And you will find yourself dropped out of my ship if you attempt to kill me again."

Drewmar nodded, unphased by the threat but Vader could sense he took it seriously. Such was life for children in situations like this, growing used to life and death situations being casual and every day. "So, what do you want with the White Helms?"

"I believe I know them," Vader said vaguely. "And what do you know of them?"

"Just the stories everyone tells. The White Helms showed up a while ago and tried to put a stop to the Open-Closed War. And they kind of did? I mean, people still fight, but most people are trying to get to where the White Helms are. They set up a place without the war and where they tried to rebuild things. I hear it's good, as long as you're willing to work."

"Are you, Farmile?" Vader asked, giving him a slow look.

"Depends on the work, I guess," he answered with a shrug, glancing down below at the ruined cities and seas of poisonous gas. "Better than out here with the Fishers and holdouts that just want to keep fighting."

Vader said nothing and thought about what this meant. A Star Destroyer had arrived here and attempted to take control of the planet. Which wouldn't be too hard in terms of firepower, this planet's technology had drastically slid backward. But in terms of manpower and logistics and intelligence? That was questionable.

Strange though. Executor or not, he expected to have picked up their signal by now. What could be blocking it? Or had the entire ship crashed and the survivors were making these efforts? It was hard to guess.

For now, he just had to let his ship do the flying while he kept this very not-innocent child from doing anything stupid.

A tall order, he was sure.

Meanwhile

Oseon was not a place Anakin would have guessed one would look for crops of any sort.

Namely, because the Oseon system was mostly known for its sub-planetary asteroids and none were capable of naturally sustaining life. But the ingenuity and stubbornness of sapients was an amazing thing, giving these desolate rocks areas of artificial atmosphere and artificially increased gravity.

It was mainly a system for the rich. And while many would assume the rich to just be lounging in their luxury, there were those who tried to use their money for good even as they lounged. Philanthropy, Anakin recalled the term.

He had no desire to live like that but didn't judge those who did. He cared more about how they obtained and kept their wealth. If a soul lucked out and came into a lot of credits, or just made a successful business, that was fine. Bask in their wealth and comfort all they want. Helping the galaxy would be nice, but Anakin would settle for them not making it worse like the Hutts and Black Suns, and other criminals that grew rich on the suffering and misfortune of others.

Oseon, unfortunately, was home to a good deal of both. Parts of this place were compared with the shadowports of Nar Shadaa. Not a flattering comparison in most regards. As a place of wealth and exploration on the Outer Rim, there was a careful balance between the legal and criminal factions.

Still, Oseon did have one true planet, Oseon VII.

It was telling that when people called someplace simply "Oseon" they were usually referring to the asteroid designated as Oseon 6845, and not the proper planet in the system.

Regardless, it was the place where most of the crops for the entire system were grown. Massive industrial greenhouses grew all kinds of food goods. By a happy coincidence, Alberries were something of a favored flavor for the humans and other creatures in the regions.

Things would have been more suspicious if that hadn't already been confirmed.

"Well, I never expected a Jedi to be involved in all this," the Oseon representative explained, politely guiding them to the greenhouses where the Alberries in question were. "Even way out here, we hear there are more interesting events going on on core worlds."

"Saving lives is always of interest to the Jedi," Qui-Gon said neutrally. "I was sent to mediate between the different factions of the ALbingi, but the High Counsellor said he would feel relieved if we ensured the arrival of these berries."

"May I ask something?" Anakin piped in curiously.

"Of course young...Padawan, that is the word, correct?" the representative asked in thought.

Anakin nodded. "It is. But I was wondering, what did Oseon want in return for the aid?" he asked with a head tilt.

The representative eyed him intently for a moment before chuckling. "You have been to the Outer Rim a great deal, am I right, Young Jedi?"

"You can definitely say that," Anakin admitted. "Out here, worlds like this? Even at their best, unconditional support is usually just for those you see as your own. Everyone else, most want something for their efforts. That's how some people have to be to survive."

Qui-Gon said nothing as he watched the conversation, knowing that Anakin was speaking from experience.

"You're certainly not wrong! But it is nothing so underhanded," the representative assured. "We merely hope that once this blight is eradicated, we will be able to continue as trading partners, our systems."

Anakin looked curious while Qui-Gon glanced up at the large greenhouse. 'It's cheaper, isn't it?" he asked, getting a surprised look. "The Albingi need the berries for their young to survive, but they don't care for it as a food. It's cheaper to buy it from them than to grow your own."

"You Jedi are truly uncanny sometimes," The representative mused. "Yes, that is the desired outcome. As I said, nothing underhanded."

Unless they engineered this crisis.

That was the thought they both had, shared through the bond. But there were holes in that. It was a clumsy scheme if it was just to save some credits and free up some facilities to grow other crops.

Anakin could hear the words of Damask in his head. This might be about more than just credits.

Actually, he was positive it was, as he glanced to the side of the Greenhouse door, just before they entered.

He saw the Dark Side lurking and knew it was grinning.

Greed was not enough to make the Dark Side grin.

Meanwhile

Vader was not surprised by what he saw. But he was curious.

The ship was flying towards a highland region, a large area above the sea of poisonous gas, in the shadow of a tableland mountain.

And upon that flattop mountain was a star destroyer. Not the Executor, but clearly one of the Death Squadron.

There was a city formed around and on the mountain, with many natural and artificial paths to the upper level.

The city itself was nothing extraordinary to Vader, but relative to the rest of the planet? It was populated and looked to be thriving without constant conflict. Around the parameter were defensive barriers and patrols. Lining the edge of the mountains were a sparse few anti-air turrets

Farmile took it all in with awe. "Would you look at that, Mister Vader? Have you ever seen a city like that?" he asked in amazement.

Vader didn't need to ask to know what he meant, the boy was basically broadcasting the images into the Force. Desolate cities, devoid of life or containing people still fighting a war that should have ended long ago.

If this planet was anything, it was a lesson in not allowing a conflict to go on to the point that both sides only lost from continuing to struggle.

He was saved from the need to answer the child as a beeping came over the communications, followed by a voice. "Attention Unknown Craft! This is Commander Marwel of the Helmfront Defense Force! You are entering secure airspace. State your identity and intentions! You will be fired upon if you attempt to flee."

"I hope you really do know them," Farmile remarked idly.

Vader ignored him as he sent his imperial codes back as a reply.

Silence came before a voice came hesitantly. "...Lord Vader?"

Finally, Vader addressed them properly. "Prepare for my arrival, Commander."

"Sir, yes sir!" the soldier answered instantly, adding in one last thing before the line was cut. "Sending locations for the landing space!"

Vader felt the boy staring at him in confusion and decided not to acknowledge him.

"What's a Lord?" Farmile asked eventually.

"A title of respect," Vader answered automatically as he navigated the ship.

Farmile seemed satisfied with that answer. "What is that big building we're flying towards?"

Vader glanced to confirm that, yes, Farmile was pointing at the landed Star Destroyer. "That is a starship. Like this, but greater in size."

Farmile started laughing. Vader did not. "That? A ship!? There's no way something that big can fly!" he said, about to fall out of his chair in amusement.

"It is amusing that you think size is truly a factor in the situation," Vader retorted calmly.

Farmile went silent at that. "I think I heard some people say something like that while touching their crotch."

Vader paused, if only for a second, and realized the other innuendo that could be read in his phrase. Still, he merely gave a noncommittal hum as they came to land on a docking space near the star destroyer.

"Are you sure they're not going to kill us and take the ship?" Farmile asked doubtfully.

"If they do, you shall have plenty of corpses to scavenge," Vader answered morbidly as he rose from the pilot seat.

"Good point," Farmile agreed without missing a beat, following Vader but at a healthy distance. Just in case shots were fired before questions were asked.

A very wise child in terms of survival instincts, Vader concluded.

The exit to Vader's large custom ship opened and he walked out to meet a line of stormtroopers, along with one imperial officer. Vader absently noticed their uniform was blue-gray instead of the normal olive-gray.

"Lord Vader!" the officer greeted with a salute, his voice a mixture of terrible dread and overwhelming relief. "It is truly a pleasure to see you, Sir."

He was speaking the truth, Vader could tell. The fear seemed to be chiefly aimed at Vader for being, well, Vader. "Commander Marwel, I presume," Vader addressed with his hands on his belt, recognizing the voice from the transmission.

"Yes, Sir," he answered before pausing. "Lord Vader? I don't wish to insult you, but-"

"I am aware of the child on my ship," Vader informed flatly. "He is a local I found who was seeking this place. I trust you have a procedure for taking in new citizens."

Marwel nodded, looking at the stormtroopers. "Take him to the screening facilities."

"The What-facilities?!" Farmile called out as the soldiers approached.

"Relax, Kid," one of the troopers said. "Just got to make sure you're not one of the loonies of the holdouts who try to sneak in here."

"Oh," Farmile said before shrugging. "Okay. Thanks for the ride, Vader."

Marwel seemed to be struggling between being stupefied and being amused that a child just thanked Darth Vader for "giving him a ride" of all things. He managed to keep his composure as the area grew silent.

"How long have you been here, Commander?" Vader asked pointedly.

Marwel's shoulders slumped. "About seven years, Sir."

Longer than he had been in the past. He expected just as much, but still, confirming it was something else altogether.

"After the hyperdrive malfunction, we came out near this planet's atmosphere, and we were already taking damage from the debris field. We're not sure what caused the hyperdrive to send us here, but it fried the shields and communication systems. And this planet wasn't exactly a good source for parts, My Lord."

Vader nodded in understanding, glancing up at the Star Destroyer. "You have been attempting to repair it, and get a signal out, I take it."

"Yes, Sir. You're the first sign of the Empire we've seen in all this time. The people here didn't even know the empire existed before we got here," Marwel informed with a small quirk of amusement on his lips.

Vader paused as he registered what was just said. These soldiers had no idea they had been sent back in time. That was a surprise, even if it shouldn't be with how isolated they were. Still, this would be the first time he had to break the news to them. For most Star Destroyers they found, the crews well already knew their destination had become more about when instead of where.

"There is a great deal I must discuss here, Commander, with those in charge here," Vader informed.

Marwel nodded in understanding. "I already sent word to the Captain and the General, Sir. They'll be expecting you."

They certainly wouldn't expect this news, Vader knew.

Meanwhile

"He did what, ask you? Offered me, a plate of flies, he did!" Yoda said, chuckling as the younglings laughed and giggled incessantly around him. "Toadlike, do I seem? With great ears, many toads, have you found!?"

That set off another peel of laughter around the Grandmaster.

Plo Koon observed the exchange with fondness yet also curiosity. The eldest Jedi had been doing this more often lately, telling stories of both wisdom and humor to the younglings after training with them.

Yoda's story time, some called it.

Still, Plo Koon had noticed the shift and was mildly concerned. Was it just the grandfatherly persona fitting Yoda so well, or were the years showing and weighing on him more than they had before? The Kel Dor Jedi was unsure and found himself observing from someplace between enjoying the sight and being wary of it.

Much how he felt about the growing divide between his fellow Jedi. He wasn't sure there even needed to be a divide. One could be wary of the Sith while accepting this peace for as long as it would hold. One could want to do more for the wider Galaxy while taking careful consideration into how to do that.

Change didn't have to mean destroying a foundation completely, just adding to it and altering it where needed. But not all had such views.

"Go, go! Hungry, you are! Bellies growling, I hear!" Yoda waved the youngling away with several gestures from his staff. Once they were gone, he looked to Plo Koon with an amused look and an ear perked up. "Enjoy my stories do you, old friend?"

"I can't say I didn't, Master Yoda. The one about the wild beast that tried to adopt you was most amusing," Plo Koon said lightly.

"To this day, unsure I am, whose wrinkles were more: mine, or her child," Yoda said with a chuckle, the humor dimming somewhat now. "A concern, you bring to me?"

"In truth, no," Plo Koon answered, looking to where the younglings had left. "Merely considering a potential future padawan."

"Hmm, Young Ahsoka. With you, learn well she would," Yoda acknowledged with a few nods of his head.

"Tell me, Master Yoda, is all well?" Plo Koon asked curiously.

"No, much is most unwell. But for what you ask, concern there should not be," Yoda assured, looking out to a nearby window. "A visit, I recently made. To sages I know. With them, I felt my memories anew. Flashed before me, many old journeys I have taken," Yoda explained fondly. "Share them, I wish to, with these younglings. Ahead, hard times are. A well of light and peace, I wish this time to remain."

Plo Koon nodded in solemn understanding. That did explain much. Most people were so interested in visions of the future, they sometimes forgot that visions of the present and past happened as well. And sometimes, remembering the past was more important than trying to predict the future.