13"Do you know the difference between an error and a mistake, Ensign?" 'No, sir.' "Anyone can make an error, Ensign. But that error doesn't become a mistake until you refuse to correct it." - Grand Admiral Thrawn, date 24-25 ABY
The Executor orbited around Batuu, along with the rest of Death Squadron. As of now, the Rebellion was nearly and utterly destroyed with any survivors either captured or they escaped the Interdictor fields into hyperspace. Darth Vader didn't care, as he carried his son into his wifes' bedchambers. Luke had quieted down during the journey to the SSD, to the point that if it wasn't for the boys' weight, Vader would of forgotten he was even there in the first place.
Mara Jade had done her job until Luke had escaped her grasp, leading to the death of Obi-wan. Vader wasn't pleased with Mara at all, as he already had to deal with the political idiocy of the Imperial Navy climate that kept him away from his real apprentices. The door slid open to show Padmé standing there, waiting for him and Luke to enter. The moment they did, Padmé pulled Luke into her arms, holding him close.
Vaders' breathing filled the room as mother and son held onto each other tightly, mother tearing up as the son was on the verge of breaking down. Vader turned and left the room, he would have his moment with Luke but right now, he would need to focus on Mara Jade. He headed down to one of the hangar bays that had been semi-incorporated into a dueling ring to train the new sith. Ahsoka Tano and Ayylin were sitting next to each other as one was facing Mara in the ring, the other two former padawan's were busy studying ancient history of the Sith.
When he got in close, everyone but Mara stood and bowed to him. The red-head glowered at him instead, her purple blade still active in her hands. Darth Vader could feel the defiance rolling off of her so he decided to show her why her defiance was going to be her downfall.
Padmé ran her hand through her sons' hair, as Anakin left. The Grand Admiral felt a tidal wave of emotion overwhelm her, which made it hard to speak at all. She could only hold her son close and comfort him. Luke wasn't so speechless however.
"I-I thought you had died, m-mom…"
She winced, that was what he had to bring up fist, her death.
"Well, most everyone did as well but it wasn't real information, Luke," She said, her voice soft and gentle, "So any account of my death is really exaggerated to the extreme."
Luke looked up at her and tightened his grip, like he wasn't so sure about this so he had to make sure by hugging. Padmé kissed her son's brow before Luke started speaking up more.
"M-mom...w-what happened? Why didn't you come for me if you weren't dead?" His lips quivered from his emotional turmoil inside.
She thought for a few heartbeats on how to tell him without having to scar him even more. Once she collected her thoughts, Padmé finally answered him.
"Your father and I were unable to come because we had both been busy, only recently, we were able to begin trying to look for you. I know seven years is a long time but we were unable to do anything until much later. As of now, you are the son of the right hand man to the Emperor and your mother is in charge of your father's fleet, Death Squadron."
Luke blinked, eyes wide in shock and wonder. She smiled, even now, it seemed that her son had his fathers' interests in the military. How far into the military was unknown but still, like father like son. She ran her fingers through her son's dirty blonde hair as Luke pondered on what she had told him. Thank the Force that Luke instinctively recognized her, with or without the force helping. They stayed in this comfortable silence until her comm chirped, meaning she was needed on the bridge.
She stood, putting Luke on his feet before taking his hand. She lead him towards the bridge of the Executor, hoping they wouldn't be under attack from anyone after just finding her son.
Admiral Firmus Piett grimaced as he looked over the readout, this wasn't good at all. After the battle was over, it seemed that the Rebels had gotten Death Squadron into a trap. One that Piett had to admit was very smart on the Rebels part, putting them between a rock and a hard place.
"What is it Admiral?" The calm voice of Grand Admiral Padmé Amedala asked, making Piett look up.
He nearly tripped when he saw the little boy holding her hand, which he was pretty sure that they weren't allowed up here. But he didn't bring it up, one thing you don't do is spit regulation at a superior officer if he or she has a guest on board.
"The Rebels, Ma'am," He said, joining her in a few strides, "They have us surrounded on all sides."
Padmé's mouth formed a thin line before she took command.
"Get all fighters ready to handle the Rebel starfighters, have the gunnery crews at the ready. We are not going to let the Rebels win without a fight!"
The crew cheered as one, making the young boy jump as the crew members went to work, preparing the SSD for the fight of its life. The boy wrapped the Grand Admiral's leg in a hug, making Padmé brushes her hand through the boys' hair to calm him.
"Piett, have Thrawn be ready to do his job, cause we are not losing this battle."
"Of course, Ma'am." Piett saluted and quickly went to the holocom to get Grand Admiral Thrawn.
This battle was going to be a nightmare if things turned south, especially if the Rebel's had someone that could have done this.
