| Author |
Topic:
"In The Emperor's Shadow" (Vader/Palpatine, Intertrilogy) UPDATED 8-26
|
Kae-Din
Registered:
Apr '05
|
Date Posted:
8/21 10:34am
Subject:
"In The Emperor's Shadow" (Vader/Palpatine, Intertrilogy) UPDATED 8-26
- Date Edited:
8/29 6:49pm (3 edits total)
Edited By:
Kae-Din
|
Hi all.
This is the first part of a much longer story. Lots more to come if people enjoy it, I will post more. The other parts are all written, but they are in word format so will take some time to re-format them for the forums, etc.
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TITLE: "In The Emperor's Shadow"
AUTHOR: Written by. D.C. Smith
ERA: Intertrilogy
CHARACTERS: Darth Vader, The Emperor, Obi-Wan (mentioned), Padme (mentioned)
Book I: Ruminations of the Dark Side
Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith, turned from the window of his command ship, and strode slowly across the bridge. It still felt wrong, every time he used these cursed legs that were not his own. The fine machine noise of the robotic limbs haunted him at all times – as did the incessant sound of his breathing apparatus. If possible, he hated the mask most of all, because it kept him alive…forced him to continue this accursed existence. With each step, he felt the humming of the machines, and the pains of his flesh, not yet healed from the operations they had performed to extend his life – re-birthing him as this freakish creature. His was a life that should have ended. But it had not.
Vader stared at the holoprojector as it hummed to life. The image appeared slowly, crackling into view, encompassing the central portion of the bridge. The pale, disfigured face, sunken and hidden beneath the black hood…the cold, deathly expression…the eyes, burning with intensity that contrasted the pale, clammy skin. Of any face, this was the one he hated most. The face of his master…Darth Sidious…known to the galaxy as the new Emperor.
He sensed the displeasure in Palpatine’s voice immediately. “My young apprentice…I trust your rehabilitation is proceeding according to plan?”
“Yes, Master,” said Vader. “However, the medical droids are having some difficulty. The skin welds are not taking properly. My movement is still greatly restricted.”
“That is to be expected,” said Palpatine. “You will never regain your full mobility. Your old body is gone. Anakin Skywalker is dead. Only Darth Vader remains. Each passing moment, you make yourself more my servant.”
“Yes, master,” said Vader mechanically. He couldn’t help it; his only choice was to do the will of this creature, who owned his very life. It was hardly different than Watto the slave master on Tattooing…except worse, in every way possible. As a child, Anakin would never have believed that anything could be worse than being a slave. Now, Darth Vader knew that boy had been wrong.
Even over great distances, Vader could feel the cold touch of his master’s mental prying through the force. Palpatine knew what he was thinking almost all the time, and never hesitated to remind him of what had brought them to this point. “Forget her,” said the Emperor. “It was your own hand that killed her. And rightly so…she betrayed you to Kenobi. She deserved to die.”
“Padme…” Vader wanted to smash the holoprojector into bits. More correctly, he wanted to smash the face within it. The puppet master, who had single handedly brought about the near-destruction of the Jedi and the creation of the First Galactic Empire, had also orchestrated his own fate…to serve at the will of the one who had destroyed everything he loved and believed in. Gone was the Jedi Temple, the five spires having been incorporated into the beginnings of the Emperor’s Grand Palace. Gone was the Council, wise and just. Gone was democracy, now to dictatorship. Gone was Padme, the one he loved most, along with the child she had carried within her. His child.
“She is gone, Lord Vader,” reiterated Palpatine. “She cannot be brought back. Not even the power of the dark side can save her now. Forget her, my young apprentice. I will expect a status report again tomorrow.”
“Yes, Master.” The holoprojector flickered, and soon vanished. Vader turned, and strode back to the window, where the dim outline of the planet Telos glimmered against the blackness of space. The planet was dying; its energy waning, from wounds inflicted by old wars. The surface had been almost obliterated in the great Jedi Civil War of five thousand years ago. And the blackness of space was only too appropriate for the dark fate of Darth Vader.
Vader knew now that the dark side had never held the power to save his beloved Padme. He had been a fool to believe it in the first place. This was nonsense - another lie, as everything else had been. It had all been part of his Master’s plan. Palpatine could see into the minds of others, and even into the future…everything had been a part of his elaborate ruse for power. The Clone War had been merely a device to thin the ranks of the Jedi, while Palpatine gave orders to both sides. The Trade Federation and the Banking Clan of Muunilist had been used by Darth Sidious, even as the Supreme Chancellor had secured constant increases in his ‘emergency’ powers through the Senate. All the while, the two sides had remained oblivious to the fact that their greatest enemy was also their leader. The Chancellor’s skillful powers of persuasion were enough to convince almost anyone to see his point of view; thusly had he continued to increase his power in the Senate.
The minds of the Jedi Council – even Yoda - had been clouded merely by the presence of Sidious on Coruscant. They had sensed the darkness, and yet had been unable to discover Palpatine’s true identity…until he revealed himself to Anakin as the Dark Lord of the Sith. The powers of Sidious were like no dark lord before him. During his silent rise, he had honed his skills incessantly in secret. Perhaps Yoda, in his younger years, might have challenged him. But not Mace Windu.
Knowing that Yoda presented the only real threat to his plan, Palpatine had waited quietly for the perfect moment to strike. Like a Cobra waiting to inject their venom, he had waited, not caring how long it took. Finally, the time came, when Yoda was sent to assist the Wookies of Kashyyk in the defense of their planet from the encroaching droid armies. Master Kenobi was also off-planet - sent to ‘deal’ with General Grievous on Utapau. Which left young Skywalker all by himself. The time had come.
Master Windu had truly been a fool, to think that he might take on the Sith Lord with only three companions. At that moment, Anakin Skywalker still maintained control over his own destiny. But Palpatine had known that his control would not last, having foreseen the outcome from the outset. He knew of the distrust Master Windu held for the young Jedi, having planted it himself with his appointment of Anakin as his personal representative on the Council – something never done before in the history of the Republic. He knew the mind, feelings, and inner motivations of Anakin, his ultimate tool. Palpatine knew that Anakin felt rejected and insulted by the Council’s refusal to grant him the rank of Master – something for which Windu was at least partially responsible. He knew that even a Jedi Master was vulnerable to their own overconfidence; and Windu had grown arrogant, with all the battles he had fought. Anakin would offer his assistance to the Jedi Master, and be rejected again out of mistrust.
Most of all, Palpatine knew of Anakin’s nightmares - of the secret love he shared with the young senator from Naboo. The power of their attachment was great indeed. Sidious knew that in the end, this passion, forbidden by the Jedi Code, would be the young man’s undoing. In order to save her, Anakin would do anything.
As the dark lord revealed himself in his full fury, slaughtering almost instantly the three companions accompanying Master Windu, Anakin stared from the Council Chamber, across the surface of Coruscant at the outline of Padme’s apartment. Palpatine had no fear of Master Windu; for he felt the strong tremors in the force as Skywalker’s passion consumed him – as he raced to his speeder, and took off into the twilight sky, speeding towards the Chancellor’s Office. He had known all along that Anakin would not allow him to die. He could feel the conflicts in the force as the speeder raced between high towers at breakneck pace. And the dark side was winning.
Palpatine had never truly been defeated in his duel with Mace Windu. All the while, he was only delaying. The dark lord knew that it would be his new apprentice that would strike first at this Jedi hero. It would not be greed, power, or jealousy, but the attachment of love that would drive him to the path of the dark side. Palpatine knew these things; he had foreseen it.
Vader still remembered the crazed look in his Master’s eyes as he channeled the power of the dark side into the crippled body of Master Windu. He heard the piercing screams of the Jedi Master, and the terrifying, almost gleeful voice of Palpatine. as he electrocuted Windu, and sent him tumbling to his death. “Unlimited…Power!” He saw the frightened faces of the younglings at the Temple…heard the terror in their small breaths as he ignited his lightsaber. Their screams haunted him always – certainly more than the Separatist Leaders, for whom he still felt no sympathy. They were merely tools as well, and no longer needed, with the Jedi all but destroyed.
Not all had been killed, of course. Yoda was ‘presumed dead’ among the Clone Troopers who had searched the Senate Chamber for his body. But the Emperor did not believe such rumors, and had enacted a search of all the core worlds for the diminutive Jedi Master. Yoda was still the greatest threat to Palpatine, if he lived. And the Empire would continue to search for him…until the Emperor said otherwise. There were other stragglers, who had somehow escaped the galaxy-wide treachery of Order Sixty-Six. Not that it mattered anymore. None remained who was powerful enough to challenge the Emperor…and Yoda, if he lived, had hidden himself in exile. They would never find him.
And there was Obi-Wan. Vader’s thoughts dwelled on his old teacher…who had been his greatest friend, before the dark side had claimed his destiny. Master Kenobi surely thought he had died that day on Mustafar. No doubt, he was hiding as well…probably in the same place as Yoda. The Empire would never find him. Obi-Wan was far too clever, and had already escaped the Clone Troops more than once. But sooner or later – if it had not already done so - word would reach Kenobi that his old apprentice had survived the fires, and been reborn in a body of gears, tubes, and metal. What would Obi-Wan think, when he heard? Would he stay in hiding, or seek to finish the job he had failed to do the first time?
Vader often wondered why his former master had spared his life. After crippling him on the riverbank of lava, Obi-Wan could have – should have – finished him. Instead, he had walked away. Why? Was it compassion that prevented him from killing a former padawan? Or had he simply believed that crippling him was enough…that he would be unable to survive without his limbs? Or was it something else? No…Obi-Wan must have thought him lost. Anakin had rejected his old master, even as he burned.
Of course, Obi-Wan would have been right to kill him. But he had left him to the mercy of the force. Vader knew that the burns would have certainly killed him, had the Emperor not come to retrieve his defeated apprentice; no longer the powerful young Jedi who had sworn his allegiance, but instead a mangled, burned shadow of a man. Vader wished now that his old master had finished their duel…instead, Obi-Wan had left him to a fate worse than death.
To Coruscant the Emperor had taken him - to the high tower, where the horrific reconstruction of his body had been performed. He could still feel the rain on his burned form for the last time as they wheeled him in from the landing pad - could still feel the searing pain as the medical droids tore the flesh he had left. Attaching metal replacement ligaments to what remained of his muscles; injecting liquid metal into his bones to stabilize the robotic legs; the burning as the metal chest plate was welded to his skin. Under the plate was the horrid breathing device, in place of his removed lungs, consumed by the fires of Mustafar. Along with the breath mask, this device was his primary life support system. Then again, only a minority of his new body was truly ‘living’. He had become like Grievous…more machine now than man…a creature, a freak…and in the end, merely another tool of the Emperor, puppet-master of the galaxy.
Vader hated his master more than any other. It was Palpatine who was to blame for his downfall. That thin voice, softly speaking its poison, had actually made him believe that the dark side could save Padme from his dreams. And that seed had somehow driven him to acts which he still couldn’t believe he had committed. He had done it all for Padme...to save her…but once he knelt before the Dark Lord of the Sith, there was no turning back.
Palpatine’s dark-side presence in the force was greater than any Jedi, except perhaps Master Yoda. How he had managed to mask himself successfully for so long was still a matter of mystery. He had certainly not divulged this secret to Vader…or any other, except perhaps Dooku, who was no more.
Vader remembered how the then-Chancellor had goaded him into murder, when the Count should have stood trial. It had been Palpatine’s first test…and Anakin had done his will, though he knew it not. Dooku - and all his Separatists - had been tools themselves…just waiting to be replaced.
Darth Sidious had known then that he had found his new apprentice. And later, when finally Anakin had knelt at his feet, and called him master, the dark lord had fulfilled his intentions. “Henceforth…you shall be called…Darth…Vader.”
As Palpatine spoke the accursed words, Anakin had felt the dark lord’s immense power flowing around him, over him, inside his mind. He had been completely unprepared and overwhelmed. Again he had been made a slave, and could do nothing but agree, as Palpatine tasked him with the destruction of the Jedi Temple, and the leaders of the Separatist factions. The dark lord’s voice and presence had an effect like no other, once one submitted themselves to its power. Inside your mind he went, and re-wired it according to his own choosing. So he had done with Vader, offering as a reward the one thing he could not refuse – the ability to save Padme. Anakin’s passion for her had indeed been his undoing; Yoda had been right all along. But once you bowed before the Emperor, there was no going back. Having already lashed out at Mace Windu, it was easy for Palpatine to convince him. “The Jedi will kill us,” he had said. Instead, it had been the Jedi who were killed – masters and padawans alike, in the Temple and all across the galaxy.
The preemptive strike was the only way for two Sith to deal with thousands of Jedi. There was no alternative. They had to be efficient…and strike so hard that the Jedi would have no chance to recover. Vader had been immediately convinced. The Jedi had spied on his Master already, and would soon find out the truth behind Mace Windu’s demise…and his role in it. The shroud of the dark side had clouded their judgment, but now, with Sidious revealed, they would surely feel his presence, and come to kill him…and with him, all chance of saving Padme. Vader could not let it happen…could not control himself.
And so he had done it…everything Palpatine had asked. Only once he had completed these tasks would he grow strong enough to save her. The dark lord had said so. And Darth Vader had believed him.
Vader knew now that he had been a fool. He had underestimated the powers of Palpatine…had let his mind be twisted to ludicrous actions, none of which would do a single thing to save the one he loved. He should have killed the Chancellor when he had the chance…Palpatine had dared him to do it, when he had first revealed himself. But Anakin had hesitated, not in small part due to the Chancellor’s promise of the power to save Padme. He had tried to do the right thing by revealing Sidious to Mace Windu…but this too had played into the dark lord’s hands. For Windu had grown arrogant, and the dark lord knew this overconfidence would draw him to a battle he was destined to lose.
Much of what had happened had been foreseen by the dark lord, long before his rapid rise to Emperor. He had explained part of this to Vader, though not all. Palpatine had known that Windu would die from the start, and had made him the main target of his scheme. It had been a long time waiting for the right moment…but it had come. And the result had sent shockwaves through the galaxy…and through the force, as countless Jedi were slaughtered by their own soldiers, and their great temple lit the sky of Coruscant with its flames.
As he stared out from the bridge, Vader pondered all these things in his misery. He had truly destroyed himself…and instead of peace and justice, he had brought only tyranny to the galaxy. And instead of saving Padme…he had killed her.
Vader sobbed, his tears welling up in the eye-sockets of the cursed mask; oh how he despised it…despised himself; the creature he had become. He felt the rage flowing within his body, bristling with the shivers it caused. He could not control it…
“Lord Vader?” said a voice, one of the bridge commanders. Vader did not know his name. But he did not like being interrupted. Spinning around, he grabbed the commander by the neck, and let all his rage flow into his grasp. He felt the life ebbing from the poor soul; all too soon, it was over. Vader threw the body aside, as easily as if it were a fly, and turned back to the window. No one on the bridge spoke, for quite some time. And Lord Vader preferred it that way.
Palpatine’s treachery had dawned on him far too late; even when Obi-Wan had utterly defeated him, he could not bring himself to admit his mistake. Instead, his mouth had spouted the words of a Sith. “I hate you!” Vader had only truly realized his error after the horrific machines had turned him into a monster. And Padme was gone forever.
Vader had tried to kill the Emperor right then and there – and himself as well, for he did indeed wish for death. But the loss of his limbs had also severed much of his connection to the force. He had tried so hard to bring the walls in, and the ceiling down, smashing windows, tables, and droids in the process. At least then he could rest, knowing that his hated Master would die, and rule no more. But his powers were so severely weakened…he had not been strong enough to crush the chamber, as he had hoped. Instead, the release of his anger had only pushed him further away from the man he had once been…and closer to the creature he had become.
Interestingly, Vader had noticed that his thoughts were actually more clear now than when he had first joined the dark side. During his attacks on the Jedi and the Separatists, Palpatine’s power – and his own fear and rage - was the driving force behind his actions. Vader had barely felt the lives he was crushing…had steeled himself against the pain and guilt. All the time, his mind and thoughts were being influenced – controlled. Having sworn allegiance, it had been impossible to deny the will of the Dark Lord of the Sith. Even knowing the fault of his actions, Vader had been unable to stop himself, having surrendered to his anger. The powers of darkness had consumed him, and would not let go.
Vader had already observed that his own thoughts - and the essence of the force - felt much more clear in the absence of the Emperor. Palpatine’s power was so great that it seemed he almost ‘sucked’ the force from any room he entered - effectively lessening the powers of any other force users in his presence, somehow draining their energy. When separated from his Master, Vader felt his own connection to the force strengthen. His power was returning, slowly...but it would never be what it once was. He would never command the force as he had before the loss of his physical body. And whenever he heard the voice of the Emperor, he was bound to its will and command…even against his own judgment.
Palpatine had given him no tasks, besides his daily scheduled muscle and movement rehabilitations. These took place in his private chambers, where droids crowded all around, stimulating his broken nerves to heal more quickly, and tinkering for hours with the mechanics of the artificial limbs. Vader did notice that their functionality was improving. But never again would he feel the force at his fingertips…his real fingertips. Those had burned, along with the life he had known. Anakin was truly no more.
Strangely, even in his weakened state, Vader had felt his connection to the dark side growing steadily more powerful. All his hatred, self-loathing, and misery was fueling the powers of the Sith. Since the Emperor had retrieved him from death, Darth Vader had killed all but one Imperial Officer who dared disturb him. They were but pawns anyway; part of Palpatine’s grand scheme, they came by the hundreds, and were expendable. As each one died, Vader had felt the tremors of their struggle; deep inside the suit, where still a part of his physical self remained. And as he crushed them, he had felt his power increasing.
Vader knew that power was what he required. And the only power he could draw on now was that of the dark side. He could never go back to the Jedi; surely, his name was a curse word to any survivors of Order 66 and the temple massacre. Yoda and Obi-Wan thought him destroyed. The Emperor had kept his continued existence a secret from all but the most trusted military advisors. True, rumors would soon filter through the galaxy of his return – leaked by one of the Commanders on this very ship, no doubt. They, at least, seemed to know his name. And they were learning to respect him, to fear him…that was good. It increased his strength, his influence.
Soldiers he understood, having commanded thousands during the sieges of the outer rim, and later during the surprise attack on the Jedi. Vader knew that soldiers – even Clones – would develop great loyalty to their leaders. And yet, just a few words from Palpatine had been enough to wipe out half the Jedi in a matter of minutes. Ironic that the Clones, who had saved so many Jedi on Geonosis, had come to be their eventual destruction. None of the Order had recognized the plans and ambitions of Palpatine…much of which had taken place right before their eyes. They had been blinded by the power of the dark side. As he himself had been.
In one way, Vader respected the skill with which Palpatine had ascended to power. His elaborate plans had all played out, just as he had known they would. Vader envied his Master’s power and knowledge of the dark side, as he had once envied the calm wisdom of Yoda. He would never achieve the rank of Master now...but he might achieve an even greater power. The Empire should have been his to command; he could have killed Palpatine, had he not been crippled on Mustafar. At least he had thought so. Would his power have been great enough to defeat Sidious?
It didn’t matter now. And Vader knew that his powers were still far too weak to hold any hope of victory by force. Only through the dark side was this power available; for there was no light left in the heart of Darth Vader. He wondered if he even had a heart anymore – or had he lost his soul when he lost his body? Either way, the powers of the light side were lost to him. Only by delving deep into the knowledge of the Sith would he increase his own power enough to eventually challenge the Emperor. Perhaps even that would not be enough. But it was the only thing he had left. The hope of vengeance.
However slim his chances might be, this was the one thought that drove Vader forward; gave him cause to submit himself to the torturous droids, rather than destroying them. He could have surely taken his own life by now, had he chosen to do so; none of the peons on this ship would have been able to stop him. And Darth Vader did indeed wish for his own death. But the one thing he desired even more was to make the Emperor pay...not just to kill him, but to ensure his suffering.
In the meantime, he would do his Master’s will. If that meant killing more Jedi, then so be it. The Order was destroyed anyway; the stragglers were of no real consequence. But Palpatine was obsessed with finding and destroying all that remained. For all the knowledge and brilliance the new Emperor possessed, he was paranoid - almost to a fault. Vader knew that none of the surviving Jedi – Yoda excepted, if still he lived – stood any chance of victory over Palpatine. The dark lord was simply too powerful. None but the most accomplished Masters of the Old Order would have even stood a fair chance. For only through the dark side could one obtain the full mysteries and power of the force in combat.
The ancient Masters, in the first age of the Jedi, had known this to be true. In the days of Kaja Sinis, founder of the Order, the Jedi had indeed studied both sides of the force - both the Ashla, the way of the light, and the Bogan, later known as the dark side. And these ancient Masters had accumulated power – and wisdom - greater than most who followed them. The holocrons of Kaja Sinis were a testament to this fact, having become the very foundations of the Order. The practice of the Bogan was soon disbanded, once the Masters discovered some of its more…unnatural effects. The dark side was banned from the Temple, and the corresponding holocrons destroyed. It was at that time when an imbalance was created…for the knowledge of the dark side was not wholly lost. A small number had continued to practice the Bogan in secret, allured by the dark side, and loth to give up their power. And so the millennia-old conflict between the light and the dark had begun.
Later, there would be war, and battle on a thousand worlds. The dark side bred greed and jealousy in the hearts of those who practiced it. They would come to hate the Jedi, and attack them relentlessly. The Dark Jedi conquered the planet Korriban, and the Sith, a primitive species who called it home. The Sith were not human, and possessed a most ancient and fascinating form of magic and religion. The Dark Jedi called themselves “Lords of the Sith”, and they learned the magic of Korriban, combining it with their own force skill to great - and devastating – effect. Kaja Sinis himself slew three of these Sith Lords, including Darth Mirage, who first perfected a technique later employed by Sith Assassins all across the galaxy. Through the dark side, they could make themselves ‘blend’ with their surroundings, so that they might be invisible to their enemies. But Kaja Sinis saw through this technique, and cut down Mirage and several other assassins on the very steps of the Jedi Temple. Henceforth, the Dark Lords of the Sith would always be the enemy of the Jedi.
Sinis, before his death, had left a prophecy to his apprentice, Shintor Beerus, inside a closely guarded Jedi holocron. It regarded an as-yet unborn individual – “The One” - who would bring balance back to the force, and restore peace to the galaxy. Beerus believed that this could mean only one thing – the destruction of the Sith. For thousands of years, the prophecy had been almost forgotten - through war after war, battle after battle. The power of the Sith had waxed, and waned…through the Great Jedi Civil War, when Darth Revan, a Sith of unforeseen power, had nearly destroyed the Jedi. Revan had eventually forsaken the Sith, and returned to the light. Vader wondered sometimes if there was any possibility of his own redemption.
No, no…it was impossible. Ever since Qui-Gon had discovered him on Tatooine, Anakin had heard the whispers of others, who sensed the greatness for which he was destined. For the prophecy had been rediscovered by the Jedi Council, some eight hundred years before. Many had believed that Yoda was the one spoken of in the ancient holocron, given his vast powers, as great or greater than any preceding him. But Yoda himself knew this to be false. The prophecy stated clearly that the one would be a “child of the force”, born without a father. And many of the Jedi did not even believe in the prophecy, which was almost again forgotten…until fate chanced that Qui-Gon Jinn would find a young boy, strong in the force, and without a father.
When Anakin was brought before them for the first time, all the Jedi Council had immediately sensed his tremendous potential. But also they had felt the fear of a slave-boy, taken from his mother…the attachment, the pain…the uneasiness in his soul. It was for these reasons they had at first forbidden his training. But the death of Master Qui-Gon had left Obi-Wan Kenobi with a fierce determination that Anakin must be trained. Yoda had disagreed, but the Council as a whole had given their permission. And suffered the consequences.
Vader knew that he had fallen far from the great destiny he was meant for. He had not brought balance to the force, or peace to the galaxy. Even now, the war machines of the Empire were moving over the skies of a thousand worlds, destroying all who opposed them, and expanding the area of the Emperor’s control, pushing even to the Outer Rim. From the seas of Mon Calamari to the forests of Naboo, the Clones marched. The Empire was growing, fueled by the power of war…and the spoils. Whole planets had already been devastated. The grassy fields of Dantooine were ablaze. The Wookies of Kashyyk had suffered a crushing defeat following the Clones’ treachery, with an estimated casualty rate of ninety percent. Similarly, all the Core Worlds were firmly in the grasp of the Empire. Vader had helped to create it…he had thought it the right thing to do at the time…but now he hated it. He had envisioned that the Empire would be his, or at least partly his – when in fact it was the Emperor, and only the Emperor, who now ruled over the galaxy. It had all been a lie.
What a fool he had been. As Anakin, he had not been able to see through the veil of the Chancellor’s lies. Of course, the Jedi had never intended to overthrow the Republic. And Anakin had never intended to do the things he had done. But Palpatine had pushed all his buttons, right to the breaking point…and beyond. Capitalizing on his lack of self control, the Chancellor had read his thoughts, and intricately planned the betrayal of Master Windu, so that he would be the one to strike. That way, he had already committed himself. Coupled with the presence and power of the Dark Lord, fully revealed, Anakin had been unable to resist the allure of the dark side. He was in the power of his new Master.
And so it had come to this. Vader hated the Emperor – wished to see him defeated, suffering, and dying. He had believed Palpatine was dying that fateful night, in the high office. Now, he knew his Master had merely been playing a charade. So knowing were his eyes, as they glinted with pleasure, and his mad screams as he executed Windu. He had known all along. Vader was merely a tool, as all the others. But now, as he stared into space, Darth Vader swore to himself that he would not be fooled again. He had failed to bring peace. But he could still kill his hated Master. He could end the war, the conflict…bring order to the galaxy. His order.
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"Execute Order 66..."
"Every single Jedi is now an enemy of the Republic..."
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mujapple-juicey
Registered:
Jul '08
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Date Posted:
8/21 1:17pm
Subject:
RE: "In The Emperor's Shadow" (Vader/Palpatine, Intertrilogy) Book 1
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Cool!
This really lightens him up.
This is almost how it should be (except for that commander person who died)!
I loved it!
Every thought was deep!
It's amazing!
And Iget first dibbles!
tapping fish
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Padawan to Alley_Skywalker If only I could get a new lawn mower... I'd rule I write stories too!  dance!! and shoes!! and baby powder purple halipinos
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Kae-Din
Registered:
Apr '05
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Date Posted:
8/21 2:53pm
Subject:
RE: "In The Emperor's Shadow" (Vader/Palpatine, Intertrilogy) Book 1
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mujapple-juicey posted:
Cool!
This really lightens him up.
This is almost how it should be (except for that commander person who died)!
I loved it!
Every thought was deep!
It's amazing!
And Iget first dibbles!
tapping fish
I can't tell if you're joking, but thanks if you really liked it. I know its a little long for these forums but that is about one seventh of what I have. About 60 pages total.
More to come...
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"Execute Order 66..."
"Every single Jedi is now an enemy of the Republic..."
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Kyana-Morgaine
Registered:
Oct '04
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Date Posted:
8/22 4:06am
Subject:
RE: "In The Emperor's Shadow" (Vader/Palpatine, Intertrilogy) Book 1
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This is absolutely great!!! 
Please add me to your PMList! And keep up the good work!!!
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Kae-Din
Registered:
Apr '05
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Date Posted:
8/22 7:14am
Subject:
RE: "In The Emperor's Shadow" (Vader/Palpatine, Intertrilogy) Book 1
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Thanks!
I'm not even sure how to use the PM list yet tbh. I have been on these forums awhile but never really utilized them. I will try to post another part of this story ASAP. Just need to deal with the formatting issues.
It gets real juicy as it goes along - Vader goes to Korriban and kills a Terentek, He also goes to Polis Massa colony after the imperials receive reports that Padme/Obi/Yoda were indeed there and something fishy happened. Won't reveal everything but needless to say the situation gets pretty tense by the end.
More coming!
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"Execute Order 66..."
"Every single Jedi is now an enemy of the Republic..."
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DarthCambius
Registered:
Jul '07
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Date Posted:
8/22 10:09am
Subject:
RE: "In The Emperor's Shadow" (Vader/Palpatine, Intertrilogy) Book 1
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This looks great!! I love the depicting of a remorseful Vader, resigned to his fate.
Please post more and add me to your PM list. I am sure one of the more experienced authors or mods could help explain it to you...
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The Dark Side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural...
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Lady_Skywalker87
Registered:
Aug '08
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Date Posted:
8/22 3:55pm
Subject:
RE: "In The Emperor's Shadow" (Vader/Palpatine, Intertrilogy) Book 1
- Date Edited:
8/22 6:23pm (1 edits total)
Edited By:
Lady_Skywalker87
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That was excelent! You've superbly potrayed Vader's tortured soul!!! I'm really looking foward to reading the rest of this piece. Keep up the good work! Please add me to your PM list.
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A Jedi's Angel  http://boards.theforce.net/a/b10476/29014631/ -"In The Emperor's Shadow" By: Kae-Din
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Kae-Din
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Date Posted:
8/22 7:10pm
Subject:
RE: "In The Emperor's Shadow" (Vader/Palpatine, Intertrilogy) UPDATED 8-22 Books 1-2
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Here it is, folks - Book 2 
As this story is already basically complete, I will post a new part every few days so long as someone is there to read it (and hopefully respond!)
"In The Emperor's Shadow" Book II: Korriban
Some hours later, a message was received from Coruscant. The Emperor would soon make contact, with “new information”. Vader was summoned to the bridge, where again the holoprojector hummed to life, as all the ship’s commanders looked on.
Palpatine appeared, his face almost entirely dark in the projection. “Lord Vader…I am changing your orders. You will go to Korriban. There you will find the temples of the ancient Sith Lords. In a cave near these ruins is contained all the materials you will need to construct a new lightsaber. Do this, and return to Coruscant. In the meantime, continue your rehabilitation procedures.”
“Yes, Master,” said Vader. The image vanished immmediately. “Admiral Virras,” said Vader, addressing his ship’s highest ranking officer. “Set your course for Korriban.”
“Yes, my lord,” said the Admiral, motioning to the other officers; they moved off, not wanting to stay in the presence of Vader any longer than necessary. The journey to Korriban would not be long; it was only a few parsecs away from Telos - a straight shot through hyperspace. Vader had never set foot on the surface of the ancient Sith stronghold. The Temples and Sith Academy were long-ruined, and the volcanic surface of Korriban was a harsh climate…desert and ash. But Palpatine claimed to have trained there with his mentor Darth Plagueis. Hidden within the ruins were the ancient secrets of the Sith. Perhaps Vader would find something…there were rumors of ancient dark side artifacts, which magnified the powers of the force. He would order a full search of the ruins, while he investigated the caves.
It was less than half a day later when the bridge notified Lord Vader on the viewscreen in his private quarters. It was Admiral Virras again. “We have entered the atmosphere of Korriban, my lord,” he began. “Our scanners have pinpointed what we believe to be the ancient ruins. The valley is large enough to land the Tormentor. Shall I proceed, sir?”
“Yes, Admiral,” responded Vader. “When we have landed, send a detachment of Clones to each of the ruined Temples, as well as the Academy. Order your commanders to search each site thoroughly, and retain anything of interest. Place the cargo in the main rear hanger, and have each commander report all their findings to my personal log.”
“Yes, sir,” said Virras. But his expression was troubled. “My lord…”
“What is it?” said Vader, irritated that this man would dare question his orders.
“Well, my lord…that hanger is full of fighters. It’s the bulk of our defense force.”
“Leave the fighters,” said Vader forcefully. “Send them to the nearest Imperial Base.”
“It’s too far, sir,” offered Virras, almost stuttering. “The nearest Sector Base is on Centares. The fighters will never make it. And we need them to defend the ship if we’re attacked…”
“Don’t question me again, Admiral,” continued Vader, his tone threatening. “The decision is not yours to make.”
“I…understand, sir,” said Virras, terrified. “It will be done.”
“See to it,” said Vader. “And ready my ship.” He hit the button to end the transmission, then made his way to his private hanger, as the Tormenter descended to the planet’s surface.
The Ancient Valley of the Sith Lords was just large enough to accommodate the size of the massive Imperial warship, which sent sand and dust whirling into the sky as it touched down – quite softly, for its size. Immediately, the side ramps were extended, and the Clones began marching out into the desert. The Sith Temples were quite near to the ship, and built directly into the high rocky cliffs that lay on either side. The massive entrances stood as high as that of the Jedi Temple. There were ornate carvings in the stone of all, in forms mysterious and entrancing. Darth Vader looked down and out from the edge of his hanger-bay as the troops entered each of the great temples. He could feel the power of this place – without even leaving his ship.
Taking four squads of Elite Clone Commandos, Vader boarded his personal landspeeder, and led his troops to the far end of the valley, past the temples. Here, a thin, rocky path wound its way upwards into the mountains.
“Seven,” said Vader to one of his squad leaders, whose number was clearly displayed in red on his helmet. “Take your group. Follow this path. Ignore the caves. You will find the ruins of the Sith Academy. Gain entrance, if you can, and extract any artifacts of interest. Use any methods necessary – I have instructed the Admiral to send any aid you may require.”
“Yes, sir,” said the Clone in the customary monotone. Vader had saved the task of the academy for the commandos, who were more intelligent and efficient than their standard counterparts. The difference was extensive genetic modification and extra training – the commandos were the ultimate achievement of the Kaminoans, developed with time and experience. They were like hardened soldiers…before they ever had seen action. These particular troops had proven themselves worthy in battle; first in the service of the Republic, and the Jedi; and now in the service of the Empire. The four squad commanders had attained their status through a series of covert operations, when they had been called Republic Commandos. Their exploits were well known among the ranks of the Clones, and their subordinates respected them. Also, these four squads had been intricately involved in the assault on the Jedi Temple; they already knew Vader well as their commander, and would take orders without question.
Commander Seven led his squad upwards along the pathway, the red accents of their helmets soon vanishing around the bend. Vader turned to the other three squads, which had followed behind. “Thirty-Eight – you will take Blue Squad ahead into the caves. Eradicate any hostile lifeforms, and contact me. We will follow once you have cleared the caves.”
“Yes, sir,” said Thirty-Eight. “Let’s go, squad! Form up…march!” The blue helmets headed up the path, weapons at the ready.
It was not even an hour before Thirty-Eight reported back. “There’s nothing here, Lord Vader. Our scanners read no life, except a few little bugs…some dead mynocks, and old bones.”
“We will see,” said Vader. “Yellow and Green Squads, follow me.” He led them up the path, walking somewhat gingerly; his balance was not yet perfect by a long shot. If the Clones thought anything of his difficulty, none voiced it – and they were smart, for this would surely have been their doom. The caves were not far, and soon they had reached the entrance, where four troopers from Red Squad stood guard.
“Good job, troopers,” said Vader matter-of-factly as he passed.
“Thank you, sir,” came the customary response, as the Clones bowed their heads in respect. Vader passed through the dark stone doorway, and entered the caves, where all was dark.
“Night vision,” said the Commanders behind him. Vader himself could see just fine; the vision lenses in the mask adjusted automatically to light and dark. The cave walls were of the same volcanic rock that had formed the valley, long ago. Troopers stood at regular intervals on the sides of the cave.
“Spread out,” Vader ordered. “Search every inch.”
“Yes, sir,” said Commander Forty, leading Green Squad. Commander Sixty-Two followed suit, followed by Yellow Squad. The troops dispersed quickly down the many paths and halls of the cave, their night-vision goggles lighting the way.
Vader himself walked slowly along the central, larger corridor of stone, as the clones searched for anything of interest…he heard them calling out to each other.
“I’ve found something, sir!”
“Yes, trooper?”
“Oh, wait…it’s nothing. Just an old blaster…it doesn’t even work.”
“Here’s a skeleton…I wonder how this guy died?”
“Keep searching!”
Vader wandered to the far end of the hall, the troops stepping out of his way as he slowly strode past. At the very end, there was a large door of stone, seemingly cemented to the rocky wall. Commander Seven stood just near the great stone.
“We can’t move it, Lord Vader,”” he said. “And the heavy equipment won’t fit through the cave entrance. We tried detonators already…but this stuff is hard. It barely chipped.” Seven rapped his knuckles on the stone, and a tiny piece of dusty rock fell to the cave floor.
“Stand aside, Commander,” said Vader. “Move your troops away from the door.”
“You heard him!” yelled Seven, turning around. “Move back now, soldiers!”
The Clones stood aside and watched as Vader stood dead-center in front of the giant door. Even in his weakened state, this was no great task. Stretching out, Vader felt the force. This place was strong with the dark side, and as it flowed over him, he felt his body buzz – a taste of the power he had once commanded. He concentrated all his energy on the stone…not to move it, but to break it. He focused…
A deafening noise split the ears of all those in the cave, as the great stone split right down the center, and fell about the doorway in two massive slabs. Some of the Clones jumped aside to avoid being crushed. But all stood in wonder at this display of the power of the force.
“It’s really him!” said one of the common troops.
“Quiet, soldier!” quipped Commander Seven. “Of course it’s really him!”
Vader might have executed the man for his ignorance. But he didn’t care to make the effort right now, and was more interested in what lay behind the broken door. It was only natural; surely, some of the Clones had questioned his identity when he returned to them in his new form.
“Seven,” he said dryly. “Take your squad, and clear the area beyond the door.”
“Yes, sir.” The Clones moved off into the blackess of the dark doorway. Vader stood at the opening, staring. Just then, he thought he sensed something…it was faint…a threat, perhaps?
His question was soon answered, as several screams and blaster fire issued from further down the corridor. “Contact Blue Squad,” Vader ordered to one of the common troops. “Red Squad needs their help.”
“Of course, sir.” The trooper clicked on his comlink, built into the arm of his suit, and began speaking into it.
Without waiting to hear the response, Vader strode forward into the darkness of the secret hallway. He still heard the sounds of battle ahead; but he had no fear. The dark side was with him…he felt its power, blazing now, growing by the moment. He focused all his energy, and moved forward.
Soon, he found the Clones. The corridor soon opened into a larger chamber, where a massive creature was making short work of the Emperor’s best. The Commander was shouting orders…but the creature was dispensing with the troopers in short order, tearing them literally in half with massive pincers and claws, that worked together as a scissors. It moved on two legs, and used the other two to shred its prey with deadly efficiency.
“It’s a Terentek!” shouted Commander Seven, retreating to the small hallway where Vader waited. They crouched behind rocks as they spoke. “They were once bred on this planet!”
“I know that,” said Vader, slightly irritated. “The Jedi archives speak of this creature…the ancient Sith used it to hunt their enemies. Clearly,” he added, “an efficient killer.”
“Clearly,” said Seven, glancing back to his troops, who were doing everything in their power to keep the beast out of the corridor. “Where is Blue Squad?!” Vader detected a hint of concern in the voice.
“They are coming, Commander,” said Vader, rising. “But we may not need them. Stay here.”
Vader rose, and strode towards the center of the chamber. Summoning the force, he grabbed and threw the Terentek into the opposite wall of rock. It was more difficult than he had anticipated; the creature seemed to have some sort of resistance to the powers of the force. The beast howled as it hit the rock, and fell to the ground. Picking itself up, the Terentek snarled and growled as it’s thin eyes focused on Vader. He had made the creature feel pain; now it saw him as the biggest threat in the area. The Terentek prepared to charge…
Vader had no weapon. And the creature seemed to be resisting his powers. But its skin could not resist physical damage. Seeing thin, pointed stalactites on the cave ceiling, he reached out with the force. The cave began to rumble. The beast snarled, and ran forward…
…and howled in screaming pain, as the knifelike rocks came crashing down, tearing its flesh and crushing its bones, pinning it to the cavern floor. Vader heard the sounds grow more helpless as the creature realized its peril…which was now grave peril. In a moment of late mercy, he brought another stone from the ceiling crashing down squarely on the head of the Terentek, ending its life instantly. The mournful sounds ceased. The cave was again silent…save the cheers of the troopers, who were ecstatic.
“Well done, sir!”
“You got’im!”
Vader waved his hand to silence them, then motioned for them to follow. He led the way into another corridor, then another chamber, this one with a low ceiling. Through a small slit in the roof, a greenish light illuminated a small box inside a slot in the far wall. Vader could feel the energy of the contents, though he did not know what was contained there. But he would get nowhere by hesitating. Lifting the box from its place in the wall-slot, Vader unlatched the lid, and opened it.
The reddish light flooded the chamber even before the box was opened fully. It brightened the cave considerably, and Vader noticed the Clones were switching off their night vision. He knew what it was, even before he pulled it out of the box.
The crystal glowed brightly as he held it aloft, examining its shape and form. Somewhere, natural forces had made it, over long years. Perfectly symmetrical…it was the ideal lightsaber crystal. Also in the box were a series of blade emitters, and all the other parts necessary to complete his new weapon.
“That’s it,” he said, turning to the Clones. “I have found what I came for. Let us return to the ship.” The troops followed Vader as he led the way back, using the light of the crystal as a torch in the darkness.
Some hours later, Lord Vader sat at the window of his private chambers. The red crystal glowed from its stand on the table behind him, glinting on the window. Vader was used to staring into space; now, it was the dull landscape of Korriban at which he looked.
The Clones were still preoccupied with the removal of artifacts from the Sith Temples and the accompanying tombs. All these were being transported to the ship’s hanger, while hundreds, perhaps thousands of small fighters were moved to the desert floor to make room. Since there was no base in range, Vader had ordered the fighters abandoned. Even he would not send all those pilots to their dooms…even if they were Clones. And there were more than enough fighters in the aft hangers to deal with any foreseeable enemy. No one would dare attack them…certainly not so soon after the Emperor’s exponential rise to power. All thoughts of rebellion would be deterred by fear…for now. But Vader knew this would not last forever.
Senator Mon Mothma, along with several others among her colleagues, had fled Coruscant when Palpatine declared them traitors to the Empire, citing intelligence of secret meetings, and talk of rebellion. Vader knew that his wife Padme had been in attendance for at least one of these illicit gatherings, before the ‘Jedi Rebellion,’ as the Emperor called it. He had seen the holo-vids himself.
Padme had been right, of course, to question the motives of Palpatine, who had soon afterwards made his great play for power, revealing himself as the monster he was…the Dark Lord of the Sith, already in control of the Republic, with all its military might at his disposal. Her intuition had been correct. Vader knew now that he should have listened…to Padme, to Obi-Wan, to Yoda…even to Master Windu. They had all warned him. And he hated himself now for not listening.
But more than the hate, Vader’s suspicions had been aroused. He had not contacted the Emperor with his report yet, for his mind wandered on the possibilities of the day’s events. The Terentek Beast had clearly been sealed into the rear chamber of the great cave on purpose. And Vader was sure that his Master was responsible; after all, Palpatine had sent him here to retrieve the saber crystal, and the other necessary parts. But he had neglected to mention such a dangerous foe as the Terentek. Had it been a test, Vader wondered – or an attempt to destroy him?
Darth Vader knew well that his Master was greatly dissatisfied with his new apprentice. Palpatine held nothing but contempt for him in his current form; Vader would never be as powerful as his Master had envisioned. It was wholly possible that the Emperor already was searching for a new apprentice; he had betrayed Dooku, after all, and others before him – including his own mentor Darth Plagueis. It would be only too easy for him to turn on his new apprentice so soon. Vader wondered if this was true.
It didn’t really matter. Vader was sure that he was still more powerful than the deceased Count, weakened as he was. Dooku had defeated him once, but only by his own lack of concentration. His victory on the Invisible Hand had been decisive; once he had allowed his emotions to drive his blade, the Count had stood little chance.
Strangely, the fury of the dark side had not succeeded against Obi-Wan, whom Dooku had easily thrown aside. Vader swore to himself that he would regain all of his power, and more…power enough to crush the Emperor, and replace him as the leader of the galaxy. Power to destroy anyone who stood against him…even Obi-Wan, if he was foolish enough to seek out his old padawan. Kenobi’s one-time apprentice wondered what his old Master would do, when he learned that Darth Vader lived. Would he search for him? Or would Obi-Wan simply disappear, never to practice the Jedi Arts again?
No, Vader thought…Master Kenobi was far too powerful a Jedi to deny his connection to the force entirely. He would continue his training, as all good students of the force do. Vader wondered where his old master was hiding. The jungles of Naboo? The vast cityscapes of Corellia, or the mile-high trees of Kashyyk? Imperial agents had reported sightings of the former general on no less than two dozen worlds since the inception of the Empire, less than a month prior. Clearly, their intelligence was lacking.
Vader turned from the window, and strode to the viewscreen on the opposite side of his chambers. Punching up the code for the bridge, he sent a message to Admiral Virras.
“Admiral Virras. You will send the daily report to the Emperor. Tell him that I have completed my mission in the caves.”
“Shall I also report on the results of our excavations?” asked Virras.
“No,” said Vader. “That was not part of the mission.”
Virras was uncomfortable. “But you ordered it done, sir. The Emperor requires that all such activities be logged and reported…”
“Well, Admiral, I require you not to report it,” said Vader icily, his anger rising. Virras could sense his displeasure – the Admiral was frightened, he could tell. “Is that a problem?” he reiterated. “It would be unfortunate if we…disagreed.”
“Nn....nn......no, my lord,” said Virras quickly. “I understand. It will be done, sir.”
“Good,” said Vader, satisfied at least that the Admiral would do his will. Whether for fear, or loyalty – he cared not. Reasons were only a root for action. And he had begun to act. “Send also this message,” he added. “Tell the Emperor that we will be delayed on our return journey.”
“Why, sir?” said Virras.
“The planet Yavin is near,” said Vader. “That place is strong with the force. Jedi trained there – they built a Temple on one of the moons. We will investigate the site before our return to Coruscant.”
“Very well, sir,” said the Admiral. But he hesitated.”
“What?!” said Vader, angry now.
“The…the Emperor will not be pleased, sir,” said Virras. “Our standing orders were to return after your visit to the caves. Breaking Imperial Fleet protocols is grounds for discharge, or a court martial.”
“I know that,” said Vader loudly. “But tell me this, young Admiral…do you value your life?” He paused, allowing for an answer.
Virras shuddered again, and spoke. “Yes, sir.”
“Do you have a wife?” said Vader cuttingly.
“Yes, sir.”
“Children?”
“Yes, sir…two, sir.”
Vader paused for a long moment, as Virras stood terrified on the bridge viewscreen. All the other officers could see him as he cringed before the Sith. Vader spoke again. “Then you would do well not to question my orders, Admiral. I am sure your family needs you.”
“Yes…my lord,” said Virras quickly, dropping to his knee and bowing his head low. “I apologize, sir.”
Vader did not wish to speak any more. “Alert me when we reach the Yavin system,” he said, clicking off the screen. Turning towards the window, his thoughts of Padme and her loss overwhelmed him, consumed him. He had killed her…he had killed her himself…no, no…
“Nooo!” Vader screamed. He staggered about the room, flinging everything in his grasp violently. The walls rippled, and the large window rattled. Grabbing the central table and wrenching it from the floor, Vader used all the power of the force to send it crashing at the hanging viewscreen, which shattered into thousands of pieces, raining down all over the room, as he stood where the table had been, breathing heavily. It made his chest hurt.
Just then, he spotted at his feet the small red crystal, glowing brightly; it had fallen to the floor when he destroyed the table. It might have shattered – but no; its lines were still perfect. The other saber components lay strewn about the floor. Kneeling to pick them up, Vader examined the pieces silently. Several were similar to components from the one he had lost – along with his limbs. He would construct a new lightsaber; it would be complete by the time they returned to Coruscant. And someday, he would use it to destroy the Emperor – once his powers had grown strong enough.
Within less than a day, the Korriban operation was concluded, and the Tormentor had made the short coreward journey to Yavin. The scanners found the ancient temple easily enough, but the deep forest prohibited the landing of a capital ship. Vader ordered Virras to send the Clones in medium transports. He would remain in orbit; the operation would be short. Either they would find something, or they would not.
Several hours later, Clone Commander Thirty-Eight, who was leading the operation, reported directly to Vader, now back on the bridge. “Lord Vader,” began the monotone, “we have discovered several unknown artifacts. I assume they are of Jedi origin.”
“Good. Complete your search, and bring anything of interest to me.”
“Yes, sir. It won’t be long.” The image flickered out. Vader stared off into space. The large outline of the massive gas giant planet lay before his eyes, with its several moons arrayed in the space surrounding it. The ancient Sith Lord Exar Kun, said to be one of the most powerful ever, had ruled this system in his day. There had been thousands of Sith warriors then, for the rule of two had come later. A massive battle had eventually been fought on the surface of the Jungle Moon, wherein the Jedi had been able to take back their nearly ruined Temple and Academy. But it had taken dozens of Jedi to bring down Exar Kun. And Sith legends said that his dark spirit dwelt still on the surface of the moon - in the shadowy places of the forest, where no light shone through the thick canopy of leaves and vines.
Regardless of the legend’s truth, the moon was strong with the force; it was for this reason the Jedi had originally selected it as a Temple site. Vader hoped that some remnants of the ancient knowledge remained. Perhaps he should have gone himself; the Clones could not feel the force as he did. Even if they found a Jedi holocron, they might not know what it was. But they were diligent in all aspects of their operations; they would likely find anything that was left in the ruins. Vader let himself stare again, and forgot about it. He could investigate the jungle moon again later. For now, he would be satisfied with the artifacts they had recovered. They would return to Coruscant…and if he found anything of great value, or power, he would keep it to himself. Palpatine had earned his mistrust a hundred times over.
Satisfied with his decision, Vader retired from the bridge, saying nothing as he departed for the medical wing. The officers did not so much as look at him, though they did acknowledge him by the bowing of their heads. They were terrified. And Vader didn’t mind it that way, so long as they obeyed.
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"Execute Order 66..."
"Every single Jedi is now an enemy of the Republic..."
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Lady_Skywalker87
Registered:
Aug '08
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Date Posted:
8/23 2:59pm
Subject:
RE: "In The Emperor's Shadow" (Vader/Palpatine, Intertrilogy) UPDATED 8-22 Books 1-2
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great update! keep it up!
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A Jedi's Angel http://boards.theforce.net/a/b10476/29014631/ -"In The Emperor's Shadow" By: Kae-Din
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Kae-Din
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Apr '05
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Date Posted:
8/24 7:48am
Subject:
RE: "In The Emperor's Shadow" (Vader/Palpatine, Intertrilogy) UPDATED 8-24 (Book III)
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BOOK III: The Powers of the Emperor
The return trip to Coruscant was made longer by their position in the galaxy. As any starpilot knows, there are no straight lines in hyperspace. To fly into a supernova or through asteroids at light speed was certain doom. For these reasons, great care was always taken in the calculations for the hyperspace jump. Yavin’s position in the sparsely inhabited Outer Rim meant that less information was available to the navigating technicians. This led to a significant detour, before the Tormentor reached the well-explored and safe hyperspace corridor known as the Hydian Way. It had been used by businesses and smugglers for millennia. Now, it was the property of the Empire…along with everything else in the galaxy.
All told, it was nearly ten days before they reached the Core Worlds, where the stars lay thick against the blackness of space. Vader stared out from the bridge as the Tormentor approached Coruscant – the heart of the Empire, and before it the Republic. He remembered vividly the first time he had ever seen the great city-planet, from the cockpit of Padme’s Royal Cruiser. He had truly been a boy then, unaware of the destiny that awaited him; he had simply stared in awe at the size and majesty of the Capitol.
Vader was hardly awed by the sight now, having looked upon Coruscant an almost countless number of times during his training and time as a Jedi. Before you betrayed them all, he thought. Before you destroyed the Order you swore to uphold.
At all times, the guilt of the horrors he had committed weighed heavily on Vader’s mind. He had been a damned fool, to believe that the power of the dark side…the power of Sidious…would not consume him. That he might use it, but only to save Padme. There had been no turning back, once he struck out at Master Windu. And the powers of Palpatine had dominated his actions, once he heard for the first time that terrible voice…
It had been here, on Coruscant, that his greatest atrocity had been committed. Not against the Separatists on Mustafar, who had cowered from his wrath; but against the Jedi…even the younglings, who had come to him for help. His thoughts dwelt on them once again, as he re-lived every moment. The children…the children…how had he actually brought himself to do it? Why had he not come to his senses then…before all was lost?
Vader would probably never really know the undisputed answers to these questions. But he knew well that the mind control of the Dark Lord had played a large part in his own horrific deeds. He would never forgive himself; but Palpatine bore the greater responsibility for the Jedi’s downfall. Order Sixty-Six had been his doing, and his alone…along with all the rest, the Jedi had been consumed in the Emperor’s exponential rise to power. None had been able to foresee his brilliant plan, or to prevent its execution…even Yoda, for whom the Emperor’s search still continued. Vader wished now that he had attacked Palpatine, instead of Mace Windu. But he could never go back. Anakin was gone. He had sold his soul when first he had betrayed the Jedi. Now, the only pathway to more power was the depths of the dark side. Vader felt his hand grip the cylinder of his newly finished lightsaber; it was perfect.
The massive starship moved at very slow speed as it entered the atmosphere, and began to descend. Soon, the clouds gave way to the familiar endless cityscape that Vader knew so well. As the Tormentor flew above the spires and floating landing platforms of the senate district, Vader’s eyes focused squarely on one of the domestic towers. Padme’s apartment – surely still empty - looked so tiny from this height…he could barely keep his eyes focused on it as the ship passed overhead.
Vader’s mood darkened, now that he was thinking again of his lost love. He had committed atrocities such as the galaxy had never seen; he deserved death. But Padme…she had done nothing to deserve the end fate had accorded her. Nothing besides trying to love her husband. And for that…Padme had died.
Vader brooded as the Tormentor drew closer to the capital ship docks - the only place on-planet with space to afford the landing, loading and unloading of the Empire’s massive warships. At any given time, dozens of Imperial starcruisers were docked here, refueling and resupplying. The gargantuan landing and loading platforms were miles long, and stretched out of view in the distance.
The Tormentor, being one of the Emperor’s Elite Command vessels, was afforded a special, reserved location in the dock. The great ship touched down, quite lightly for her size. Without a word to Admiral Virras or the other officers, Darth Vader left the bridge, and headed for his personal hanger.
Later, as he raced through the narrow traffic corridors between buildings, his speeder’s engines revving high, Vader pondered silently the intentions of the Emperor. Had Palpatine hoped to get rid of him by sending him to the Terentek? Or had it simply been a test of his powers? Either way, Vader was sure that his Master had arranged for the beast’s presence in the cave. The Clones had been expendable, as always – mere instruments of the Emperor’s plans. Vader wanted to know for sure if his Master had indeed tried to eliminate him. And there was only one way to find out.
Vader sped towards the Senate Dome. With the new Imperial Palace under heavy construction, it was from his old office that the Emperor directed the maneuvers of his many pawns…for now. Soon enough, the construction would be complete enough for Palpatine to move his operations there. But not yet.
Vader felt the presence of his Master increasing by the moment as he approached the massive dome. Landing on a small, singular platform near the base, he disembarked and headed inside.
The former Chancellor’s office had been quickly repaired after the ‘assassination’ attempt by Master Windu, and now seemed just as it had been…the entrance hallway looked as clean and prim as ever. Except the last time Vader had set foot here, he had still been Anakin. He had still possessed his own destiny. No longer.
Swiftly he strode down the corridor, and entered, to find his Master, who sat in the usual high-backed chair at the broad desk. The great long window behind the chair had been repaired. But the desk in front was conspicuously empty. Because the decree of the Emperor was considered law, there was no longer any cause – or tolerance for – Senate challenges. Although the governing body still met in session, all the real power had been consolidated directly under the Emperor. Each sector of the galaxy had been assigned an Imperial Grand Moff, to enforce the will of the Empire. With time, the subsectors would receive their own Moffs, to monitor individual systems and planetary governments. The various Moffs would work directly with the Fleet Admirals and Grand Admirals – all serving at the pleasure of the Emperor. Furthermore, the Imperial Security Service, headed by Grand Inquisitor Tremayne, would ensure compliance within the ever-growing structure of the military hierarchy, and on individual worlds as the Emperor saw fit. The Principles of the New Order and the Expansion Decree would serve to steadily broaden the Galactic Empire’s territory and influence. Palpatine now possessed a greater level of control than any leader in the long histories of the galaxy.
The Emperor raised his eyes as Darth Vader entered his presence. “Welcome, my apprentice.” Immediately, Palpatine noticed the new weapon. “I see you have constructed a new lightsaber. Your mission on Korriban was a success, Lord Vader.” He said nothing of the Terentek beast. And neither did his apprentice.
“Yes, Master,” said Vader, feeling the power of Sidious, prying into his mind. “It is the finest saber I have ever constructed. The crystal was perfect.”
“Yes, I know.” Palpatine’s eyes thinned. “Now you possess a weapon worthy to be wielded by a Sith. And wield it you will. The Jedi traitors are crippled, but not yet defeated. Master Yoda has escaped, along with Kenobi…and they are not the only ones.”
“The others present no real threat,” said Vader. “Yoda failed to defeat you. The rest will not have the courage…“ He was interrupted.
“Do not be overconfident, Lord Vader,” said the Emperor. “Every single Jedi that yet lives is a threat. We will not allow them to re-gather their strength. They must be found, and dealt with…all of them.”
Vader wished to protest, but he couldn’t help it. “Yes, Master.”
Palpatine’s eyes blazed with the silent fire of the dark side. “I have recruited the celebrated warrior known as Lettow with the task of assembling an Elite Imperial Commando force. Their numbers will be small, and they will operate secretly. Their objective will be the discovery and eradication of all Jedi traitors. And you, my young apprentice…you will lead them.” The Emperor grinned. “The Legions of Lettow will be the final downfall of the Jedi…I have foreseen it.”
“I understand, Master.” If he had other opinions, Vader did not offer them.
Palpatine’s face changed; he was curious. “Do you, my apprentice? I sense the hesitation within you.”
“There is no hesitation,” said Vader, trying to block his mind.
“You lie,” answered his Master coldly. “I know it.” His skin drew thin over his face.
Vader did not answer presently; he listened to the sound of his breathing apparatus, and tried to protect his mind from the Emperor. But he could not…Sidious was far too powerful. The dark lord smiled.
“So…” he said, “…I see you found the Terentek.” He cackled softly.
“Yes, Master.” Vader could not lie now; Palpatine saw right through him.
“Did you find the beast a challenge?” The Emperor’s expression was one of almost rabid anticipation. Vader hesitated, then spoke.
“No.”
“Again you lie,” observed Sidious. “The Terentek is resistant to the force.”
“Yes,” agreed Vader. “But not to a crushed skull.”
The Emperor cackled at this remark. “Good.” His eyes pierced into Vader, even through the helmet. And the apprentice felt his master’s power. “You adapted to the threat,” said Palpatine. “And overcame a dangerous obstacle. By the power of the dark side was this done.” He paused, still holding his gaze steady. “Remember, my young apprentice, that being a Sith means always being a warrior.”
“Yes, Master.”
“How did you feel?” inquired Palpatine. “When you killed the beast? How did it make you feel?” He grinned wryly, awaiting the inevitable response.
“Powerful,” said Vader, not wanting to admit it, unable too deny it.
“Yeeess,” said his Master slowly. The voice deepened. “The same power you felt when you slaughtered the sandpeople. The same power you felt when you cut the hand of the…unfortunate Master Windu. The same power you felt as the Separatists fell under your blade?!” Palpatine awaited an answer, his eyes blazing.
“Yes,” said Vader, suffering as he admitted the truth.
“Your hate has given you this power,” said Sidious, still grinning. “Your body is broken…and yet I sense great potential still within you.” Vader was suspicious that the Emperor was lying. He still believed that his Master had meant for him to be eliminated in the Korriban caves. On the other hand, the beast’s chamber had contained the parts Palpatine had promised…
The Emperor spoke. “You have the power of a Sith. It increases with each enemy you vanquish…each foe you defeat.” There followed a lengthy pause, during which Vader felt again his Master’s mental pryings. He tried to block his mind...to no avail. “Aah, yes,” said Palpatine, his eyes almost closing as he stretched out through the force. “Your thoughts betray you. Already, you have begun to doubt my teachings. And yet it was I who freed you from the confines of the Jedi Order – from the restrictions their Code placed on your abilities.” Sidious rose from the chair, and slowly turned, walking towards the wide window. “I have shown you the true nature of the force. The Jedi speak always of peace. But their Code is a denial in itself. There is no peace. There is only passion, and the power it provides. The Jedi deny it - suppress it. The Sith harness it. That is the truth of the force.”
Darth Vader had little to say in response. “Yes, Master.”
Palpatine was not pleased; his apprentice could feel that clearly enough. “Your memories are powerful, Lord Vader. They will fuel your blade in battle, if you let them…perhaps even beyond the abilities of your replacement limbs. But I sense…” Palpatine paused, almost hissing as he stretched out through the force, “…great conflict…no, no, do not try to hide your feelings...it is no use, my apprentice…I can see through you…”
There followed another long moment of silence, as Vader struggled to keep his own thoughts within his mind. Again, the power of his Master was simply too great; Palpatine was inside his head…probing…prodding…Vader knelt to the floor as the sheer power of the Dark Lord flowed into him. He wished to stand…but he could not. And his Master cackled.
The Emperor turned from the window, his eyes a blazing glare. “I told you not to resist!” he said, with great irritation. Unexpectedly, he raised his right hand, unleashing a vicious bolt of force lightning.
Unable to resist, Vader felt the charge flow through him. He cried out at the tremendous pain, and nearly fell to the floor; but he did not, and maintained his kneeling position. The pain was only for a moment, and nothing as severe as the surgeries he had already endured.
“I sense…disloyalty,” said Palpatine, his eyes piercing. “Your mind is laid bare before me. Do you believe you are my match?” His face was quietly furious.
“No…” said Vader defensively. “No, Master, I…” His speech was drowned by his own screams as the energy surged again through him. The pain was far more severe this time, and he keeled over on the floor, despite his best attempts to the contrary. Vader jerked and convulsed, while the Emperor looked down on him with great disdain.
The torture, as painful as it was, was but a taste of Palpatine’s powers – enough to hurt, even wound – but not to kill. It abated soon enough, leaving Vader helpless on the floor, verily begging for his Master’s mercy.
“Enough,” said Palpatine. “You are weak as it is,” he scorned. “I will not weaken you further, my young apprentice. And I will not kill you,” he continued, “…even for your disloyalty.” The eyes of the Emperor pierced the hated mask, right into Vader’s soul. He could not resist…
“Thank you…my Master.” Vader despised himself for saying it. Slowly and gingerly, he pulled himself to his knees, keeping his head down, and awaiting the bidding of the Dark Lord.
Sidious spoke again, the deep registers of his voice commanding attention. “Your rage gives you great power, Lord Vader.” He paused, looking to the window again. “To a Sith, emotion is the greatest ally in battle. It acts as fuel, which drives us to victory over our enemies. The Jedi deny their power…we embrace it, harness it. That is the true nature of the force, my young apprentice.” The Emperor’s tone changed. “Consider this: the Jedi preach of calm, and peace. But even now, those who remain will seek to re-establish the Order in secret. Eventually, they will come to kill us. And so you see…the Jedi also long for revenge, though their Code denounces it.”
Vader could not resist; he was somewhat convinced. “Yes…the Jedi will kill us if they can.”
Sidious almost grinned as he continued; however, there was hatred as well within his gaze – hatred of the Jedi, whom he had despised for so long. “We must not allow this vengeance, Lord Vader.”
“Yes, Master.”
“We will find the Jedi,” continued Palpatine. “One by one, they will be revealed…and eradicated.”
“Yes, Master.”
“Even Master Yoda cannot hide forever,” said the Emperor, strangely pensive. Vader knew, deep down, that this was completely false. Yoda was perhaps the greatest Master Jedi the Order had ever seen; he had skills that even Sidious did not understand. And the new Emperor, despite his best efforts, had been unable to destroy the diminutive Jedi. How did he think that mere soldiers would fare any better?
“I sense your doubt,” said Palpatine. “But know, Lord Vader, that even now we are receiving new intelligence. We have reports of Jedi sightings in dozens of systems, on hundreds of worlds. They will not escape the judgment of the Empire.”
“Yes, my Master,” said Vader without hesitation.
“I have a new assignment for you,” said Sidious. “One of my most reliable spies has reported that both General Kenobi and Master Yoda were sighted on the Polis Massa asteroid colony, shortly after the Jedi Rebellion.” The Emperor paused, as his face twisted. With Mace Windu gone, his hatred for Yoda was now greater than all the other Jedi combined. The Whill presented by far the greatest threat to his reign; and he knew it.
“Do they have proof of these sightings?” said Vader.
“That is what you will determine,” answered his Master. “The locals claim to have holographic proof. But these reports are often unfounded. Take your newly assembled legions, Lord Vader. Go to Polis Massa, and discover the truth. If you encounter any resistance among the locals…show them the mercy of the Sith. Make an example, so that none will forget the fate which awaits traitors to the Empire.” Palpatine paused, almost grinning. “Lettow and his warriors have already been sent to your command ship. They await only your arrival. Admiral Virras and his officers will relinquish control of all ground-based regiments on the Tormenter to General Lettow.”
“I understand,” answered Vader. “I will go to Polis Massa, and retrieve any evidence of the Jedi’s presence. Lettow and his warriors will deal with any malcontents.”
“Good.” Palpatine almost looked pleased, though Vader suspected otherwise. “When you have completed your mission, I will give you new orders via holoprojector.”
“It will be done, Master.” Bowing his head, Darth Vader turned, and exited the chamber.
-----signature-----
"Execute Order 66..."
"Every single Jedi is now an enemy of the Republic..."
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Lady_Skywalker87
Registered:
Aug '08
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Date Posted:
8/24 9:29pm
Subject:
RE: "In The Emperor's Shadow" (Vader/Palpatine, Intertrilogy) UPDATED 8-22 Books 1-2
- Date Edited:
8/24 9:31pm (1 edits total)
Edited By:
Lady_Skywalker87
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An outstanding post Kae-Din! I love how you bring up the different aspects of Vader's feelings. My heart ached for him throughout the whole reading!(I DESPISE Palps SOOO MUCH RIGHT NOW!  ) Beautifully written!
Vader’s mood darkened, now that he was thinking again of his lost love. He had committed atrocities such as the galaxy had never seen; he deserved death. But Padme…she had done nothing to deserve the end fate had accorded her. Nothing besides trying to love her husband. And for that…Padme had died.
~~~
Not against the Separatists on Mustafar, who had cowered from his wrath; but against the Jedi…even the younglings, who had come to him for help. His thoughts dwelt on them once again, as he re-lived every moment. The children…the children…how had he actually brought himself to do it? Why had he not come to his senses then…before all was lost?
~~~
Except the last time Vader had set foot here, he had still been Anakin. He had still posse | |