Darth Vader - Volume 1 - Heir to the Empire - Part 11

The trip to Coruscant is slower aboard the Adjudicator than it was with my fighter. An annoying complication. Who knows what Hassan is whispering in my master’s ear as I speak. No doubt reminding him of how much of a constant disappointment I’ve been. First failing to defeat Obi-Wan at Mustufar, then being unwilling to expel the remnants of Anakin Skywalker from my mind. Being unsuccessful in preventing this band of pirates from stealing old Republic contraband will simply enhance Hassan’s narrative further.

 

Part of me longs to ram my saber through Hassan’s skull to remove him as a thorn in my side, permanently. Another part of me simply wishes to keep him alive, if only to make the remainder of his existence hell, to the point where he begs me to end his life. Were it not for my master’s protection, you’d have been dead months ago, Hassan. He can’t protect you forever…..sooner or later he’ll be unable to protect himself.

 

By the time we arrive in Coruscant it’s been almost four hours since I attempted to speak with my master via hologram. I dread to think what Hassan has managed with in that time. Admiral Fel generously ‘donates’ his shuttle to me so I can make my way to the palace. A most generous donation indeed. Perhaps, if he’s fortunate I may return it.

 

As the shuttle lands in the palace’s private docking port I make my way inside carrying the young jedi apprentice’s lightsaber. My master will no doubt be disappointed that she lives, but this should please him somewhat. A jedi may have the power of the force, but without a lightsaber they are just as vulnerable as anyone else. It would only take one lucky shot from a stormtrooper to put her out of commission, and without a saber to block said shot, those odd have exponentially increased.

 

As I enter the reception to the throne room, Kyra activates the energy barrier blocking my path. Foolish child.

 

Kyra: He’s busy.

 

Vader: It is a matter of utmost importance.

 

Kyra: It doesn’t matter. His orders are for no-one to disturb him.

 

Vader:….

 

Kyra: Have a problem with that?

 

Vader: I’m just trying to discern whether you’re devoutly loyal, or simply stupid.

 

Kyra: Just for that, I’m not going to allow you into the waiting room.

 

Kyra is many things, but the most evident is clearly a narcissist. She believes herself to be far more value to the Emperor’s vision than she actually is. In many ways this is by design. Though he’s been in public service for almost three decades my master loathes interactions with the public. The lack of hospitality shown by his staff is a deliberate attempt to dissuade people from attempting to meet with him. Especially Senator Bail Organa.

 

As a sign of good will, my master surrendered some of the executive powers granted to him during the Clone Wars as a sign of his intent to steer the Empire towards peace rather than to warmonger with the systems that do not wish to join the Empire. Mercifully, the fools actually believe that he might resign once the Empire is fully established and allow the senate to dictate the future of the Empire. Stupidity is common amongst many members of the senate.

 

One would have kept the Republic if they intended to allow democracy to reign. My master is simply waiting for an event to erupt that would require military involvement, and thus require the senate to grant him the emergency powers once again. Powers which he has no intention of rescinding once they’re granted to him again.

 

Kyra: Are you just going to stand there?

 

Vader: That is not your concern.

 

Kyra: You know I find it uncomfortable when you do that.

 

Vader: How unfortunate.

 

Kyra: You know he’s a busy man, Moff Tarkin is to meet him shortly. Perhaps you should come back later.

 

I don’t give her the dignity of a response. What could be happening that’s so important for him to keep me waiting? With the senate making an effort to remove military control from him the last thing my master needs is to be uninformed. One misstep could be all it needs to give Mothma or Organa the courage to call a vote.

 

After all, the continued presence of Jedi fugitives in the mid and outer rims could be all the reason he needs to ask the senate to grant him the emergency powers. The Jedi would have destroyed the Republic were it not for my actions, the continued threat of their existence may prove to be a valuable tool for my master.

 

Vader: Tarkin can wait.

 

Kyra: I don’t think he’ll agree or be very happy with that idea.

 

Even to this day it’s difficult to discern why I continue to distrust Tarkin so significantly. With the end of the Clone Wars he's been one of the most effective military leaders in purging derelict Separatist strongholds and salvaging their parts for the battle station. Yet I cannot overcome the anger I feel towards him for his role in pushing Ahsoka away from me. But, in hindsight he also pushed her way from the planned Jedi rebellion. Was she also planning to betray me? Surely not. I taught Ahsoka everything she knows….she….she wouldn’t betray me….

 

Ahsoka….

Sadly I may never truly know where her loyalties lied. According to recovery crews on Mandalore she was a victim of protocol 66. Killed by Rex no less. Rex….the poor man was merely a tool in my master’s schemes. Had I refused to join the dark side, would it have been my fate to fall by Rex’s hand just like Ahsoka?

 

Perhaps in time, I’ll learn the truth on that matter.

 

Vader: Governor Tarkin values Imperial security above all else. He would be concerned if you didn’t make him wait.

 

Kyra: I don’t think you’re talking about the same Tarkin that I am…

 

Vader: Enough of this.

 

With that I use the force to crush the barrier’s projectors, causing Kyra to panic. The Emperor is known in many different ways across the galaxy, be it as the head of state for a galactic government, or as a greedy warmonger. Either way, it’s widely known that he appreciates his privacy. That’s in part how he was able to hide in front of the Jedi order and they were none the wiser. Kyra’s more than aware of his desire for total privacy during meetings. It was the mistake her predecessor made that resulted in her acquiring her current position.

 

Kyra: You can’t go in there!

 

Before I can respond, the door to the throne room opens and out steps the boy who had cut one of my training sessions short. The same one who seemed to spark fear within the Emperor. Who is he And why is my master so keen to ensure I do not know his identity? I cannot afford to be kept in the dark on this matter.

 

Vader: You.

 

???: Me? Are you talking to me?

 

Vader: That is irrelevant. The more pressing matter is your identity.

 

???: What matter is that to you?

 

Vader: I am responsible for the Emperor’s security. It is paramount that I know the names of all his….guests.

 

Kyra: Lord Vader, this is beyond unaccepta……

 

Before Kyra can interject further, I silence her by applying pressure to her throat through the force. Her continued interference is an annoyance, and I must know this boy’s name.

 

???: I take it you’re this Vader my father talks about then.

 

Vader: Father?

 

???: It’s a honour to meet you Lord Vader. I’m surprised my father hasn’t introduced us yet, my name is Synar Palpatine.

 

Vader:…..Pal…..palpatine……

 

Synar: Yeah. I’m…. I’m the Emperor’s son.

Done