Anghraine

YES THIS to your first two paragraphs, but then, we know all about all my love for Anakin-Vader.

I... still kind of tend to read Tarkin's reaction as more "generic dudely shock that a mere woman had that kind of brass under her belt" because dudes like him don't realize that brass gonads come in internal as well as external configurations, lol. But, again, your version is just so much more complex and therefore interesting! And AHAHAHAHAHAHHA about Mata Hari!Leia and Tarkin wanting her dead to shut her up. (And also I kind of like the idea of Vader being especially alert to and aware of other people's Sekrit Sex Lives, given, well, Padme. He may not be (willing to admit he is) Anakin Skywalker anymore, but, man, he knows how that particular weakness works.) (And also. Daala. I am interested in how Tarkin's relationship there would tie in.)

(And also. I just reread Revenge, I love it more than ever, and for some reason, this time I am really just All About Shmi and her matter-of-fact maternal responses to Vader's Sithliness. Not that I didn't love that last time, mind you, but this time it was really huge for me. And also Vader getting some relief from pain by using the Living Force was kind of awesome. And, well, your!Anakin, but I even like canon!Anakin, so. But the "Daddy's going to make the galaxy safe for you" moment was like SO MANY KINDS OF FLAIL this time out, I just wanted to cry and pet the poor boy.)