Vader Unleashed 002

AN: I kind of go into the weeds of armor upgrades in the 1st half of the ch, so feel free to skip ahead if that's not for you. Just know Vader is a mechanical genius, and his suit is going to be BAD-ASS.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After subduing the pests that had interrupted his brooding, Vader had sent them-alongside the garrison commander-to the former CIS outpost. Once they had discovered the ancient Sith temple, he would arrive to claim the prize that rightfully belonged to him. 

Meanwhile, he was within his workshop. Starship parts, droid components, and all sorts of miscellaneous collectibles spanning conflicts from the Clone Wars all the way back to the Mandalorian Wars were hung up on display. None of that mattered to him, as his singular focus was on one topic.

His armor. 

Going over designs for his new suit, Vader had become obsessive as he thought up every possible improvement. Trapped within this wretched cage for the last five years, Vader had long contemplated how he would make it a weapon worth fearing, one worthy of being synonymous with Darth Vader. 

Typed up on a terminal, he had a list of all the design features he intended to implement into his greatest creation: 

IMPERIAL ADVANCED SYSTEMS DIVISION – CLASSIFIED BLUEPRINT

Project Code: OBSIDIAN REBIRTH

Designation: Mark II Cybernetic Life Support Armor

Subject: Lord Vader

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

Redesign the Dark Lord's life-support armor for optimal combat performance, long-term survivability, and increased autonomy, while preserving or enhancing Force-user integration.

CORE SYSTEM MODULES

NEURAL & CYBERNETIC INTERFACE

1) Neuro-Command Matrix (NCM-7)

Replaces legacy spiker interface. Full cortical-limb synchronization via spinal neuro-coil mesh.

2) Biofeedback Suppression Layer (BSL-12)

Adaptive pain modulation + shock-dampening to reduce feedback from prosthetic overloads.

In essence, these upgrades made his limbs move without any input delay. Mechanical limbs had been the bane of his existence since Dooku had parted his hand. 

RESPIRATORY & LIFE SUPPORT

1) Quad-Phase Rebreather (QPRU-X)

Sealed, vacuum-rated. Oxygen recycling efficiency: 98.9%. Operable in lava-rich or frigid zones.

2) Auto-Stabilizing Cardio Unit (ASCU-3)

Regulates thoracic pressure and supports necrotic tissue with semi-organic synth-muscle buffer.

3) Micro-Bacta Gel Dispensers (MBG-X)

Critical trauma self-response system. Can stabilize puncture, burn, or internal hemorrhage.

POWER & ENERGY SYSTEMS

1) Kyber Resonance Conduit

For Dark Side augmentation, and general power supply. 

2) Redundant Energy Grid (REG)

Routes energy through backup circuits if primary limbs or chest are compromised.

SENSORY & TACTICAL SYSTEMS

1) Multi-Spectrum HUD (VRS-4)

Modes: infrared, ultraviolet, biosignature, tactical overlay. Synchronizes with TIE/Imperial command relays.

2) Target Discrimination Array (TDA-5)

AI-assisted combat prediction, prioritizes threats in real time. Learns from prior engagements.

3) HoloLink Tactical Projector (HTP)

Mid-chest mounted; enables real-time battlefield holographic displays, fleet control interface.

As a young man, Vader often ‘winged it’ leaving the finer details of command to his Generals and Master. Having matured five years since that fateful encounter, and merged with a foreign soul, he now appreciated being able to direct those incompetent officers with a more hands on approach. 

In terms of the differing visual modes, and AI assistance, Vader was no fool. His Master may mock him or others for their reliance on technology, but where Force purists saw weakness, he saw strength. He was well aware of the technological terrors of the galaxy, and how science & the Force often bended the realms of physics into a new reality. Whilst his future self had made a mockery of the Death Star, Vader had always had an appreciation for technology since he was a boy. 

ARMOR & DEFENSE

1) Cortosis-Reinforced Outer Plating (CROP)

Resists blasters and temporary lightsaber contact. Stealth matte black finish.

2) Pulse-Shock Defense Grid (PSDG)

Emits high-frequency pulses to disable nearby enemies during melee.

3) Adaptive Heat-Displacement Sheath (AHDS)

Regulates internal temperature and disperses directed energy attacks.

MOBILITY ENHANCEMENTS

1) Servo-Enhanced Myomer Actuators (SEMA-7)

Doubling of grip strength. Allows overhead lifts of 700 kg+. 

2) Micro-Thruster Stabilizers (MTS-J)

Short-range directional boosters for evasion, verticality in zero-G or battlefield terrain.

3) Kinetic Absorption Liners (KAL-2)

Internal joint dampeners for fall survivability up to 50m. Silent landing mode, and steps. 

He had yet to master flight, and at the moment could only glide. These enhancements would significantly aid in his mobility. Of particular interest to him was the silent landing mode. All too often, he charged straightforward into the enemy. Yet on occasion, he enjoyed getting the drop on arrogant foes. Seeing the color drain from their faces as he silently walked up to them would be most amusing. 

COMMAND & CONNECTIVITY:

1) Encrypted Command Relay Node (ECRN)

Links to all Imperial networks. Can override droid behavior or pilot vessels remotely.

2) Darknet Uplink Interface (DUI-9)

Slicer-resistant port for accessing Rebel or foreign systems. AI auto-sanitization protocols installed.

3) Emergency Shutdown Bypass (ESB)

Prevents remote deactivation by Imperial High Command, or any other hacker. 

By fixing these issues, none could press the buttons on his chest, and regulate his breathing, or disable him. Instead, those blinking lights would remain and act as decoys. Vader imagined a scenario in which a Jedi attempted to deactivate him by pressing the buttons, only for nothing to happen. Such a scene reminded him of his young ‘prankster’ days as Anakin Skywalker, drawing a grim chuckle from his burnt lips. 

FORCE SYNERGY MODULES:

1) Dark Side Harmonic Channeler (DSHC)

Amongst the few books and holocrons he had access to, as well as his outside knowledge thanks to the memory merger, Vader was well aware of how special kyber crystals were. He intended to experiment with them more, and see if he could integrate them into his suit as not just a battery for powering the machine, but to see if it could act as a battery for himself! 

Adding a few finishing touches, Vader took some measure of satisfaction in his ultimate creation. As a boy, he had built his podracer and C-3PO with the hopes of earning money or sponsorship, and escaping slavery. 

Now, here was more than 20 years later, and his mechanical know-how would once more break his chains. The fires of invention had ignited within his once depression fueled mind, and for the first time in years, he dared to hope. 

Once he had obtained the Chu-Gon Cube, he would construct his suit, and a powerful droid army in secrecy. Then, as he positioned himself to confront the Emperor, he would find a trusted doctor to aid him in limb construction. The plan would take patience, but as a man who had his impatience severed at the limb, what was another five years of servitude? 

Oh yes, Vader would enjoy snapping the neck of that decrepit old man, and finally ruling the galaxy as Father to Luke & Leia. 

Whilst Vader was deeply fantasizing about the numerous ways he could torture Palpatine, the door to his workshop hissed open, and his seneschal, Vaneé walked in. 

Vader turned to regard the man. Bowing his head, and staring at the floor, Vaneé knew better than to interrupt him whilst he was working. That meant something important had come up. 

“Speak.” Vader demanded, his deep voice rumbled across the stale air within the workshop. 

~~~~~~~~~~~

Veneé kept his eyes locked on the floor, and felt sweat building up within his robes as he beheld his master. Just hours ago, the dark lord had erupted with a level of fury and magnitude that had seemed inconceivable! 

Surely with such power, he must be considering taking on the Emperor!...only it was such a shame…

“My patience is growing thin, steward.” 

Following Lord Vader's words, Veneé felt the barest tickle to his throat, and he knew he was moments away from a snapped neck. 

“Of course, my master. Forgive this lowly one for interrupting your grand work, but I come bearing ill tidings.” 

“Huagh tshh. Huagh tshh.” Lord Vader silently breathed as he regarded him. 

“The spy network you had instructed me with has gone dark, it-aurgh!” Veneé got out before he felt himself levitating in the air, and gasping for breath. 

Lord Vader slowly, menacingly hovered him over a bubbling boiling muk of some black oily substance. His master coldly stared him in the eye without saying a word. 

“Choose your next words carefully, Veneé.” Lord Vader's deep timbre echoed not only in the workshop, but punctured deep within Veneés mind like a vice grip. 

Within his psyche it was as if Vader's clenched fist had his brain under his command, under his dominance. Should he even have the inclination to lie, that option had been taken from him. There were to be no secrets hidden from the Dark Lord of the Sith. 

Suddenly the pressure was taken off his neck and he could speak. 

“The holonet, Lord Vader, I checked the holonet, and as preposterous as it sounds, Mustafar has reverted to over 3,000 years into the past!” Veneé said with certainty, and made sure his devotion to his master was seen both in word, thought, and soul. 

When it came to Lord Vader, there was one maxim above all else that Veneé understood as his steward: Obey. 

“I am listening.” Lord Vader slowly replied, as if what Veneé had to say wasn't as surprising as it ought to be. 

‘Of course master would not be shocked. Lord Vader's poise was unmatched.’ Veneé felt worship in his soul, and once more pledged himself to His Malevolence deep within his heart. 

Lord Vader was giving him the look, and Veneé knew he had thought too much. Coughing to clear his throat, the bald hooded man continued with his tale. 

“Yes, Lord Vader, whilst you were busy, I had been conducting research, and discovered that the Republic Supreme Chancellor is Dorian Janarus, the Jedi Grandmaster is Satele Shan…and a Sith Empire is headquartered on Dromund Kaas!” Vaneé said with unmatched excitement. 

As a servant of the Sith, and worshipper of the darkside, he had gone to great lengths in his study of the scripture, and discovered many a dark artifact for his master to plunder. This ancient civilization would surely prove useful to his lord! 

“What year is it exactly, seneschal? Do the two sides engage in open warfare?” Lord Vader lowered him down, and asked. 

“Thank you, Lord Vader, for your magnanimity.” Vaneé bowed. “As for the date, we're approximately 3644 years in the past, or in local parlance, 9 ATC (After Treaty of Coruscant). It seems that close to 10 years ago, a treaty between the two sides brokered a peace deal of sorts. From what I could glean from online commenters, this seems to be a Cold War of sorts.” 

“Then we do not have much time to prepare. The war for the fate of the galaxy is upon us, and shall begin within a year.” Lord Vader said with great certainty, and looked at him with meaning. 

“I have several probe droids, a dozen cultists prepped for infiltration, and my stealth cruiser is fully operational. However, our Imperial Credits are worthless in this era…” Vaneé began with enthusiasm, but as he peaked a glance up at Lord Vader, he was quick to amend his statement. “But we shall make due with what we lack.” 

“You need not concern yourself with this petty quibble over credits. Resources valuable beyond your comprehension shall be transferred to your hands soon enough.” Lord Vader said with an unshakable surety that Vaneé did not doubt a word. 

“Then I await your benevolence, master.” Veneé bowed. 

“Go now. Prepare your men, and await my command.” Lord Vader dismissed. 

Bowing his way out, Vaneé caught the tail end of a transmission. Captain Junuss’ pale blue form flickered to life, and the man took a knee. 

“My Lord, we have found the structure you have described, but there are uhm, c-complications.” 

Vaneé shook his head. If there was anything Lord Vader despised, it was incompetence. Junus was the fifth garrison commander in two years. It was estimated this man would last less than three months with that kind of track record. 

“Explain yourself.” Lord Vader demanded. 

“W-well, it's best you look for yourself.” 

The image then cut, and revealed a massive worm the size of a skyscraper consuming dozens of Mustafarians every second. Stormtroopers were blasting it in the distance, but their blaster-bolts did nothing. 

“Huagh tshh. Huagh tshh.” 

“L-Lord Vader? Are you still there?” Junus fretted, and glanced over his shoulder at the massive worm in fear. 

“That's twice you've failed me.” 

“N-no! I mean, Lord Vader please, I can fix thi-” 

Lord Vader cut the comms, then held up a hand, silently commanding Vaneé to halt. 

“Prepare my ship. None shall stand in the way of my destiny.” 

“As you wish, Lord Vader.” Vaneé bowed one last time, and left. 

Once the door to the workshop hissed closed, Vaneé shivered in anticipatory ecstasy. He didn't care one bit that his life had been threatened, as it belonged to his lord. No! Instead, he was pleased that he had been of service! He could feel something magical in the air. That by the end of this, Lord Vader would become known by a new monicker, Emperor! 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Junus rubbed his hands, and desperately wiped his forehead with a silkin napkin as he watched Lord Vader’s newly christened army become worm-food one by one. 

“Kriff it, has anyone gotten that damned Admiral on the line?! We're all dead if someone doesn't take care of that beast!” Junus yelled at his subordinate. 

“I'm sure it will all work out, afterall, Lord Vader is on the way, sir.” His lieutenant said from the side. 

‘Smug bastard knows he'll be getting a promotion after this!’ Junus grinded his teeth, and wracked his brains to think up a way to survive this one. 

Pacing back and forth, Junus realized he was going to have to do something radical if he was going to make it out with his neck intact. 

“Form up, Lord Vader's shuttle has landed!” The LT shouted. 

Moments later, a Sentinel-class shuttlecraft slowly landed, and folding its wings, and releasing pressure for stability as it descended. A compliment of Stormtroopers lined up on both sides, and a second later, the ramp opened up. The large looming figure of Darth Vader came prowling out of the hatch like a phantom, causing Junus's throat to run dry. 

Lightly holding onto his neck for a second, Junus saluted, then turned to point at the giant worm. 

“Charge!” Junus shouted, and then ran at the monstrous beast, hoping against hope that Lord Vader would forgive his earlier blunders, and join the frey before he ever made it to the colossal worm. 

He ran and ran, getting closer and closer. Intentionally tripping, he hoped to lay this conflict out, yet something invisible held him up, as if he were a marionette on strings. 

Glancing back, Junus came face first with a metal chestplate. 

“Let us hope you show such…vigor everytime you face the enemy, Captain. Or perhaps you require me to wait at your flank to inspire such courage?” Lord Vader said in a mocking tone. 

“N-no! Of course not, Lord Vader! I live to serve the Empire, to serve you!” Junus was quick to deny, realizing his cowardice had been seen through. 

“Good. I expect such devotion from your next engagement as well. Remember Captain, whether it be some worm the size of a building, or the blackmail of a Rebel spy, there is one thing you should fear above all else.” Vader said with a heavy tone, and leaned in close so they were eye to eye. 

Junus felt terror, as well as a creeping cold in his system. Too terrified to blink, what he witnessed next was permanently burned within his minds eye forever. 

Vader marched past him, and lunged at the worm. 

“Impossible.” Junus muttered in awe as he saw the dark armored figure combat the beast a thousand times his size. 

Earthquakes shattered the landscape, and the tiny figure in black rode the worm through rocky crags, and fields of lava. 

After hours of awe-inspiring, landscape-altering combat, Lord Vader smote the worms ruin upon the mountainside, and emerged from a pool of lava undamaged. 

From across the distance of a few miles, Junus witnessed it all through a pair of macrobinoculars. 

And Vader was looking at HIM! 

Feeling his mouth go dry, Junus could only take a knee, and bow his head in shame. He had heard stories, rimors, and legends, but he didn't believe them until he witnessed the truth with his own two eyes. 

It was true, he was fearful of death, terrified even!...but Lord Vader was right. What was a worm or some incriminating evidence? What was all that noise when compared to the Supreme Commander of the Empire himself?! 

All paled in comparison to the Heir to the Empire: 

Lord Vader!