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Published:
2023-06-11
Updated:
2024-01-02
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4/?
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Invitation To Fortress Vader

Summary:

Padmé survives and stays with Vader, years later a certain captain catches his eye. The couple decide to invite him to dinner.

Chapter 1: The Invitation

Summary:

Vader shares his thoughts on a certain captain.

Chapter Text

Vader had forgotten the conversation he and Padmé had had all those years ago, before his fall, the death of their child, the day they were married. They had sat on the porch of the lake house where the ceremony had taken place, discussing their future and what they wanted with it. Once the war was over, he’d leave the Jedi Order and they’d raise a family there in that very house. As they spoke, their topic shifted; they had agreed that if either developed feelings for anyone else, they would discuss it with each other and they’d determine if they wanted to include that person in their relationship. The conversation had completely slipped Vader’s mind for years, he never thought he’d fall for anyone other than his angel. Yet the closer he got to a certain captain, the more that conversation came to mind.

Firmus Piett was an intelligent man, he did his job well and he did it quickly and efficiently. His mind was calm, yet he had a tendency to think about the most random, mundane things and still perform perfectly. He could always read Vader and was never afraid of him. He wanted to be near him, wanted Padmé to be near him, but he never spoke to her about him. Vader would only end up hurting him, as he had hurt his angel, but she still loved him, didn’t she? Sometimes Vader doubted it sometimes, but she always assured him.

“Ani, darling,” Padmé spoke, her voice filled with worry. “I may not have the Force, but I know when your mind wanders.” Of course, she always knew. Vader was currently without the suit, only a respirator, snuggled behind his amazing wife in their bed, in their room, in their castle on Mustafar. Breaks like this were rare and only when Vader required maintenance, but the bliss he felt was worth it.

“I can never hide from you, can I?” Vader replied, wrapping his cold prosthetics around her waist, though she never complained, and continued. “Do you remember our wedding day?”

“Of course I do,” she said in mock offense, shifting to face him and wrapping her own arm around his neck.

“Do you remember our conversation?”

“Ani, you shouldn’t fixate on what we’ve lost, it wasn’t your fault,” her tone was serious. Vader thought of what could have been very often and he blamed himself, but that wasn’t what he meant.

“No, Angel, after that.”

“Oh? Oh… Did you have someone in mind?” she asked and kissed his cheek right where the respirator ended.

“…yes…”

“Tell me about them?” She asked, gently.

“He is… intelligent, efficient, calculated… It feels like he can see right through the helmet, like he knows me… and a mess in the best way.”

“He sounds charming,” she said, amused. “Perhaps we should invite him for dinner.”

Vader was shocked at the suggestion, Firmus? Here? In his fortress, eating dinner with his wife, maybe even joining them permanently. Vader hated heat, kept the castle cold because of it, but felt a pleasant warmth in his face.

“Perhaps…” he whispered. “But you must speak with him first.” Padmé giggled and cuddled closer to him, kissing him gently on the neck.

“Of course, Love.” Vader sighed, melting at her touch. He could die in her arms and be satisfied, though she would never let that happen.

“I love you…”

“I love you, too, Darling,” she replied as the two drifted to sleep.

Piett had just finished his shift, it had been a long and stressful day of Ozzel dumping more work on him and idiot coworkers being too terrified of their commanding officer to do their work well. Fortunately, Vader wasn’t on the Executor at the moment so it wasn’t as bad as usual.  Force, he was so tired, it was a perpetual state at this point. He made his way to his tiny room and unlocked the door to begin his daily routine. It started with checking his mailbox, it was always empty but his mind wouldn’t allow a break in his pattern. Oddly enough, sitting at the bottom of the slot was a plain black envelope. He picked it up and examined it, there wasn’t a name on it. He debated opening it as he moved to sit at his desk. Maybe it’s from Lord Vader, he thought, it wasn’t like any other letter he’d gotten. No, why would he write to me? It was probably a notice of some kind. He ripped it open and started reading.

Dear Captain Piett,

I hope this letter finds you well. I would like to formally extend an invitation to Fortress Vader on Mustafar over the next few days for dinner as well as discuss important personal matters. There will be a shuttle waiting for you in hangar C at 0900 hours tomorrow. I look forward to meeting you, my husband has had nothing but compliments for you.

With appreciation, Lady Vader

Lady Vader?! Piett had thought she was a myth! Lord Vader never mentioned having a wife, but rumors ran rampant in the Imperial Navy. He’d first heard of her from Max, he thought she was some poor girl forced into the marriage and most agreed with that sentiment. Piett’s mind was having difficulty processing that she wrote to him of all people. Wait, Vader talks about me?! Now that was quite the thought. He scrambled for his commlink and called Max.

“What is it, Firmus?” he asked.

“I got a letter, Max!” Piett exclaimed.

“And?”

“It’s from Lady. Vader,” Piett heard Max spit out whatever it was he was drinking.

“What?!” he yelled. “Why?!”

“She invited me to Mustafar! She said we had ‘personal matters’ to discuss,” Piett was. Pancing.

“Firmus, you can not go,” Max said sternly.

“Max, I can’t not go! Vader would kill me.”

“He’ll kill you anyway for talking with his wife!” he yelled.

“But she said he had only compliments for me!” Piett countered.

“THAT’S WORSE!!”

“WHY?!”

“Any attention from Vader is bad, you should know this by now!” Max scolded. “When are you expected to leave?”

“Tomorrow at 0900,” Piett answered.

“Well, good luck, Firmus, you’ll need it,” Max replied sarcastically, though it was certainly true.

“I’ll see you in the after life, Max,” Piett said and hung up. He was going to need a good rest.

Chapter 2: The Hostess

Summary:

Piett meets the infamous Lady Vader.

Chapter Text

“Welcome aboard, Captain,” The pilot droid said as Piett boarded the shuttle.

“Yes, thank you,” he replied. The shuttle was a Nubian royal starship, only with a black exterior rather than the classic silver. How very Vader, Piett thought. “How long will it be till we get there?”

“The flight will be approximately one hour and 30 minutes,” it replied and began to lift off as Piett sat down. He really should’ve brought something to entertain himself; the only thing to do was think. His mind rolled over what ‘personal matters’ Lady Vader would even have with him. It must’ve been related to Lord Vader, that was their only connection. And then there was the fact Vader talked about him, with his wife of all people. Lady Vader said they were positive, but what compliments would Vader even have for him? He was entirely average. Actually, now that he thought about it, Vader never scolded, yelled, or threatened him. He mostly just ignored Piett, he wasn’t shy about threatening any other officer. Piett had to admit, he did find Vader… intriguing. He could tell how much the Empire under appreciated the man. Despite his immense strength and power, he was still a man on constant life support. He deserved much better than the Empire gave him.

“We have arrived,” the droid announced. Oh, I guess I didn’t need any entertainment. The ramp opened to reveal black stone, rivers of lava, and another droid waiting at the entrance to the infamous Fortress Vader.

“Welcome to Fortress Vader, Captain,” it said. “Please follow me.” Piett nodded nervously and followed the droid inside. The temperature drop was very dramatic, it was freezing. Everything was of a very Imperial style, only with red accents and with very old looking decor. The droid led him to a large parlor room with a floor to ceiling window overlooking the lava rivers below and left him. There was no else there so he guessed he was supposed to wait. He went to sit on one of the couches when a door on the other end of the room opened.

“I trust the flight was enjoyable,” Piett jumped. The speaker was a beautiful woman with long brown hair and wearing a flowy white dress with a golden necklace and bracelets. The dress had sleeves but they rested off her arms, revealing severe burn scars. She was older than Piett expected.

“Y-yes!” he answered. “Thank you for inviting me, Lady Vader.”

“Please, call me Padmé,” she said, sitting down across from him. “It’s wonderful to meet you. Do you play?”

“Excuse me?”

“Dejarik,” she gestured to the table between them. “It’s a good way to pass the time.”

“Oh! Yes, I used to play in the academy,” he replied, he had been quite good at it. Padmé laughed quietly and turned on the board. It was a very nice laugh.

“First move is yours,” she said and Piett did just that. The two played a few games (Padmé had won all of them)  until another different droid entered and announced that dinner was ready. “Shall we?”

“After you,” Piett stood after Padmé. He was more comfortable than he was when he first arrived but he was still nervous. Padmé hadn’t mentioned Lord Vader. His curiosity reached its limit as they walked to the dining room. “If you don’t mind me asking, where is Lord Vader?”

“Oh, he’s hiding in his personal wing,” she answered casually. “He may be scary, but deep down he’s terribly shy.”

Shy was not a word Piett thought would describe Lord Vader, but he supposed Padmé of all people would know the man best. The two arrived at the dining room and sat across from each other. There was a third chair at Padmé’s side, though it didn’t have a plate.

“Dinner is served,” a droid announced and presented their food. It smelled divine. Padmé began eating and Piett followed suit. The meal was better than anything he’d ever had before and Padmé was an amazing hostess, but he was still on edge.

“I am very grateful for the invitation,” Piett began. “But I would like to know why I’m… here.”

“Of course,” Padmé spoke, not the least bit offended. Piett let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. “You see, my husband has become quite fond of you.”

Well, shit.

“Vader has never really allowed himself to like anyone anymore,” she explained. “I wanted to meet the exception.”

“He… likes me?”

“Yes,” she teased. “More than you know.” Piett felt his face heat but he pushed the thought away. The man’s wife was sitting right across from him!

“Oh.”

“I quite like you too,” she began. “You see, when we got married, we made an agreement. If either of us became interested in someone else, we’d discuss whether or not to include them in our relationship.”

“Ex-excuse me?”

“I invited you here to see if I like you,” she said. “And I’ve decided I do.”

“I-I…”

“We’d love for you to join us, but you don’t have to answer now. There’s plenty of time to make a decision,” Piett was having trouble processing this. Padmé resumed eating but Piett only picked at the food. He felt bad for wasting such good food, but he’d lost his appetite. The rest of the dinner went by quickly. Another droid cleaned their plates and Padmé stood to show him his room.

“Uhm, Padmé?” he asked.

“Yes?”

“Will Lord Vader… join us tomorrow?”

“I hope so, but he’s rather indecisive when it comes to you,” she answered. Piett hoped so, too. 

“Here’s where you’ll be staying,” she gestured towards a door. “You can call a droid for anything you need.”

“Uh… Goodnight,” Piett said, a little unsure.

“Goodnight, Firmus,” Padmé replied and walked off. With that Piett entered the room. It was much larger than his usual quarters. And much more luxurious. Everything he needed was already there, even night clothes in his size. A little creepy but mostly nice. He fell  asleep almost instantly, the bed was too soft and warm to stay awake. He wondered what it would be like if his hosts were there with him.

Chapter 3: The Lord

Summary:

Padmé and Vader discuss the night

Chapter Text

Vader was in his medical wing, waiting for Padmé to tell him how it went. He could sense Piett’s nerves since he arrived, though they had calmed. Vader wanted to be there to greet him but his own nerves prevented it. He really should start his bacta bath but he wanted to know how things went first. Fortunately, Padmé entered just as the thought did.

“Angel!” he exclaimed. “How did it go?”

“Shouldn’t you be in the bacta tank by now?” she scolded.

“Yes, but-” she cut him off.

“I went well, I’ll tell you about it after your bath,” she pushed him towards the tank.

“Will you join me?” he asked, taking her arm to caress the scars there. She shouldn’t have tried to help him.

“Ani,” she began. “I chose to pull you out. I did. Not you.”

“I know, but it barely helped.”

“I’d take a thousand more scars to ease even a little bit of your pain,” she put her other hand over his own. Vader didn’t want that, he wanted to be the one doing that. “Now, let’s get into that bath.”

Vader didn’t reply, only allowed Padmé to pull him towards the tank. She turned just in front of it and lifted her hair off the zipper of her dress. He unzipped it and the dress fell to the floor. Padmé turned back around and reached for his prosthetics, unlatching each arm and setting them aside on a nearby table. The legs would be removed by a droid once they were in the tank. The two entered the tank as Padmé secured her oxygen mask. Vader's legs were removed and the tank began to fill. Soon they were suspended together, Padmé holding him close even as Vader couldn’t hold her back. Her mind was calm as they drifted to sleep, as was their guest’s. Vader couldn’t not stay awake with the two minds settled around him like a soft blanket.

Vader awoke the next morning Padmé still wrapped around him comfortably. Piett was already awake and restless in his room, unsure of what to do. They really should check on him; Vader poked gently at Padmé’s mind until she awoke as well. With that, she clicked a button to drain the tank and return Vader’s prosthetics. Pamdé yawned as they exited the tank and reached for his arms.

“Our guest is restless,” he said as she reattached them.

“Will you be joining us?” she asked. “He was asking about you yesterday.”

Vader felt his face heat before he answered, “I… suppose I could.”

“Good boy,” she said and Vader’s face warmed even more. “Now come on, we have to get dressed.”

Vader grumbled but followed her to their room, picking up her abandoned dress on the way. He didn’t know what he’d even wear; he didn’t have many other clothes than the suit and what he wore for training.

“I got you a new outfit,” Padmé called from their extensive closet. “So we could match.” She emerged with one of her black dresses that had a lace collar and what he presumed was what she wanted him to wear. She handed him the outfit and he examined it.

It was a plain black shirt without sleeves, revealing what little muscle he had left of his arms and loose black pants. But what caught his eye was the pair of knee high, lace up boots.

Vader looked towards Padné and spoke, “Really?”

“What?” she said, shrugging on her dress. “They’ll look good on you. I’m sure Firmus will like them.”

I suppose they would look nice, he thought and began putting on the outfit.

“Can you help me with my hair?” she asked as she finished with the dress and sitting at her vanity. Vader had finished putting on his own outfit, even the boots.

“What will it be today, angel?” he asked, pulling a brush into his hand and moving behind her.

“Loose bun with a crown braid,” Vader hummed and began delicately tying her hair as she started working on her makeup, not that she really needed it. Soon they were both ready and making their way towards the guest room.

Piett had woken up early the next morning only to stay in bed for far longer, too comfortable to move. That was until he checked the time, much later than when his shift started. He bolted upright, scrambling to get ready, until he recognized the room.

Oh, right, he thought. I’m on Mustafar. He remembered the night before, Padmé had been very nice. He wondered how she came to be Vader’s wife; the two were very different, at least as far as he knew. He supposed he could ask Padmé later. Piett got up from the bed and went to the wardrobe to get dressed. He was going to just wear his uniform again, but as he approached, he noticed a neatly folded outfit with a note resting on top.

Please wear this today, it read. Piett examined it; a full black suit, save for the jacket. It was clearly high quality and very expensive. He hesitated, he’d never even owned something this expensive,  but put it on eventually. It was surprisingly comfortable. He guessed he should just wait now, a droid or Padmé would retrieve him when he was needed. He sat down at a desk and started working on some documents he’d missed the day before. It was nothing difficult, just something to pass the time. Only when he was finished, no one had come to get him. So he just sat there for a while, twiddling his thumbs. He was starting to get worried when a knock sounded through the room. Piett sighed and went to open the door.

“Good morning, Firmus,” it was Padmé. “I hope you slept well.”

“I did,” he replied. “And I must thank you for the suit, it’s very nice.”

“Of course, I wanted the three of us to match.”

“The three? Does that mean Lord Vader is joining us?” he asked, maybe a bit more excited than he should.

“I already have,” Piett jumped. Vader had been standing just out of sight the whole time. “Good morning.”

“G-good… morning,” Piett replied. He looked the man over; Piett had never seen Vader without the suit before and Force he was handsome. He may have been burned but that hardly mattered, his arms more than made up for it. Force, his boots! He thought, face bright red. He’s too handsome, I’m gonna pass out!

Vader looked away from him and shifted his feet, his ears turning pink. Piett was confused for a moment before he remembered the man was a force-damned TELEPATH!!!  

“Now!” Padmé snapped him out of his thoughts. “Breakfast?”

Chapter 4: The Meal

Summary:

Piett, Padmé, and Vader converse over breakfast.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Breakfast wasn’t exactly awkward, but it was quiet. Piett sat across from Padmé and Vader was at her side. The food was delicious, a very sweet Nubian dish, but Vader didn’t have a plate. He supposes that made sense, Vader’s injuries likely gave him a strict diet. He was curious how the man got them; it must’ve been painful. Piett couldn’t imagine anyone being more powerful than Lord Vader.

“Firmus,” Padmé broke the silence. “You have more experience outside the Empire, right?”

“Yes,” Piett began. “I severed in the Axxilan Anti-Pirate fleet.”

“Is that your home world?” Vader spoke, his head perking up and the planet.

“Yes, I was born there,” he replied, skeptical. Piett’s outer rim origin had caused him discrimination in the Imperial Navy.

“Oh! Ani is also from the outer rim, though he did leave when he was very young,” Padmé remarked.

Ani? Does she mean Vader? Piett thought. Wait. “You’re from the outer rim?”

“Yes…” Vader looked away. That made sense, the little high ranking people in the Navy that were from the outer rim were ashamed of it, it certainly didn’t help them get their high rank.

“May I ask where, specifically?”

Vader hesitated, sighing through the oxygen mask. “Tatooine.” He spoke with a very controlled, neutral tone. Tatooine was a desert planet, Piett recognized the name. It was the playground of Jaba the Hutt, notorious for its slave trade. Piett found himself glad Vader left young.

“We met there, too,” Padmé said. “A long time ago.”

“How long?” Piett asked, curious.

“I was nine.” Vader spoke once more.

“Nine?”

“Yes,” Padmé clarified. “We didn’t meet again until ten years later, right before the Clone Wars began. Though we got married not long after it started.” She giggled before continuing. “He used to be so awkward!”

“Really?” Piett couldn’t imagine it. Vader perked up at the statement.

“Yes! Always so dramatic, and his version of flirting was going on long winded rants on his hatred of sand.”

“Angel!” Vader exclaimed, his ears pink. The blush was very visible against his pale skin. Piett found it endearing. And angel? The pet name was fitting for Padmé.

“Oh, hush!” Padmé swatted at his shoulder. “It’s adorable.”

Vader only grumbled in response. “I would hardly call it that.”

Piett couldn’t help but giggle. Vader glanced at him; blush spreading down his neck.

“I think I agree with your wife,” Piett spoke. “It’s very charming.”

Vader looked away and hummed, fiddling with his prosthetic finger. That should hurt, shouldn’t it? He was dislocating it.

The rest of breakfast went by quickly in pleasant silence.

“Firmus, do you like reading?” Padmé asked as a droid collected their plates.

“Yes, I quite enjoy it. Unfortunately, the military doesn’t provide good material,” he didn’t mention his small collection of banned books in his apartment.

“Well, you’ll be happy to know we have a library!” she spoke.

“Really?”

“Yes, not much to do around here except read. Especially when he’s away,” she gestured towards Vader. “Which is, unfortunately, often.”

Vader looked away, suddenly far more interested in the table.

“That sounds lonely,” Piett replied. Even with his introverted nature, he couldn’t imagine being alone for that long.

“It’s not that bad, really,” she explained. “I have my handmaidens to keep me company. They’re on Kashyyyk right now, helping put down the rebellion there.”

“They are quite formidable,” Vader chimed in, turning back to Padmé.

“I’ve heard,” Piett huffed. “Quite the legend they’ve become, you along with them.”

“Are we?” Padmé seemed surprised by the statement.

“Very much so. The name ‘Lady Vader’ sparks quite the conversation on the Bridge,” he said, taking another bite of his meal. “When Lord Vader is absent, of course.”

“And what exactly do you say when I’m gone?” Vader asked. Momentarially, Piett panicked, until he registered the teasing spirit of Lord Vader’s voice.

“Just theories about why and how you got married,” he began. “Most think it’s some tragic tale of an arranged marriage, people just can’t imagine you being domestic.”

“That’s… understandable,” Vader said. Padmé noticed the rather dejected tone and placed her hand over his, smiling.

“Hardly,” Piett quickly added. Vader gave him a confused look. “You're still human under that armor.”

Padmé smiled at that and squeezed the cold metal of Vader’s hand.

He probably can’t even feel that, Piett thought, but keeping his expression as it was. No need to sour the mood even more.

“Well!” Padmé exclaimed, clapping her hands together as a droid collected their empty plates. “Shall we head to the library.”

“Sounds like an excellent idea,” Piett responded, standing up after Padmé. Vader lingered for a moment before following them silently.

Notes:

Took awhile to finish this chapter, hope you enjoy! (: