Notes: This is a (relatively) short piece exploring the character of
Palpatine- his early history, his motives, his rise to power, and
introduction into the Sith. It is based on a few paragraphs in my Episode
II - however, reading that story will not be necessary - though if you
enjoy this piece, feel free to check out my other work here (listed in
bio). However, certain things peculiar to my Republic-era GFFA in that
story apply here - the existence of a Republic military, for example.
I've found Palpatine to be, as Churchill once said of Stalin, "a riddle wrapped in a mystery wrapped in an enigma" and let's face it- it is horribly tempting to see him as simply pure evil - but I'm of the belief that no one is born evil - or good - but with the potential for either. Yet even those who revile him will have to admit that the man was a genius.and such patience and elaborate planning would, IMHO, not be possible without a deep-rooted motivation.
I make no claims to follow the EU of the period, and Palpatine's service in the Navy is entirely speculation on my part. However, the man is clearly a master of strategy, so to me it did not seem entirely implausible.
Disclaimer: Star Wars belongs to one George Lucas, who is obviously not the author of this piece. Said author merely enjoys playing around with Mr. L's characters and other various and sundry objects of his creation, and you know it must be out of love, because he is receiving no financial or material gain from the writing of his stories. Darth_Tim however is known to be territorial regarding his original characters, planets, and hardware and would much appreciate that those wishing to use them would declare their intentions. Despite his sithly name he really IS a pretty nice guy, and hey, he might let you.
He also wishes to mention that he adores discussion and feedback of any variety, and if you think he's nuts in doing this and wonder what in the heck he was thinking, he'll want to know that too, being a fellow who loves to argue.
In Darkness, Bind Them: The Story of Palpatine
By Darth_Tim
"True power is not to be found in the command of fleets and armies, nor in government office, but in the ability to look into a man's eyes and see into the deepest recesses of his soul, his secret ambitions, fears, and desires. One who does this owns that man forever."
-Darth Bane II
"CO on the bridge!"
The bridge crew of the Republic's newly commissioned frigate Audacious, snapped to attention on hearing the Executive Officer's announcement.
The subject of the crew's attentions. Lieutenant Commander Ruk Palpatine, made his way into the ship's nerve center. In stature he was unimpressive, being neither of remarkable height nor build, yet few who met the young human male with the aristocratic bearing and features left unimpressed. It was a presence about him that struck the observer - the eyes, which suggested politeness rather than familiarity, constantly searching, evaluating, missing not even the smallest detail - the piercing intelligence, suggesting real brilliance in the man - and finally, the feeling of meeting one who, beneath the composed exterior, concealed a well of single-minded ambition. It took little to see that he was no ordinary officer.
"At ease," the crisp, educated voice replied. His eyes swept across the bridge and paused briefly at each crewman on station. He had met the ship's officers the day before, and had pored over the personnel files of each several times, and all were highly motivated, competent professionals in their fields. Most of them were rather young, and to Palpatine, showed considerable promise.
The choice had been easy for him. Upon promotion, he was offered either the position of Chief Tactical Officer on a Dreadnaught, or command of his own frigate. While the opportunities in serving on one of the Republic's prize cruisers were considerable, he wanted his own ship.
The Audacious was not the fastest ship in the Fleet, her turbolaser batteries were not the most powerful, her shields and armor not the most formidable, but none of that mattered, because it was his ship, and his crew, and he would make Audacious the best frigate in the Navy. Once he had proven himself as a commander, bigger and better commands would be sure to follow. Of both, he was certain. Frigates were the scouts of the Fleet, and their commanding officers were not only encouraged, but expected, to perform with a degree of independence and initiative, rather than being locked within a rigid battle line.
First Lieutenant Adran Sola, the Corellian XO, approached Palpatine and saluted. "All crew present and accounted for. All systems online and functioning within operating parameters. Command of this vessel is now turned over to the Commanding Officer."
"CO now has the ship," Palpatine replied, in the formal tradition. While awaiting Palpatine's arrival, the Audacious was under temporary command of the Executive Officer, whose duty was to ensure the ship was ready to get underway once her captain arrived. He returned Lieutenant Sola's salute and stepped to the CO's station at the center of the bridge. As he prepared to give his first order while in command of a vessel, he was careful not to allow the rare twinge of excitement he felt make its presence shown. A commanding officer was to maintain his composure at all times.
"Communications Officer, obtain clearance for departure. Chief Engineer, Navigation, and Helm stand by."
A chorus of "Yes, Sir"'s sounded in reply.
Again, he struggled to suppress his excitement. In a few moments, a new journey, the latest of many in the life of Ruk Palpatine, was about to begin.
I've found Palpatine to be, as Churchill once said of Stalin, "a riddle wrapped in a mystery wrapped in an enigma" and let's face it- it is horribly tempting to see him as simply pure evil - but I'm of the belief that no one is born evil - or good - but with the potential for either. Yet even those who revile him will have to admit that the man was a genius.and such patience and elaborate planning would, IMHO, not be possible without a deep-rooted motivation.
I make no claims to follow the EU of the period, and Palpatine's service in the Navy is entirely speculation on my part. However, the man is clearly a master of strategy, so to me it did not seem entirely implausible.
Disclaimer: Star Wars belongs to one George Lucas, who is obviously not the author of this piece. Said author merely enjoys playing around with Mr. L's characters and other various and sundry objects of his creation, and you know it must be out of love, because he is receiving no financial or material gain from the writing of his stories. Darth_Tim however is known to be territorial regarding his original characters, planets, and hardware and would much appreciate that those wishing to use them would declare their intentions. Despite his sithly name he really IS a pretty nice guy, and hey, he might let you.
He also wishes to mention that he adores discussion and feedback of any variety, and if you think he's nuts in doing this and wonder what in the heck he was thinking, he'll want to know that too, being a fellow who loves to argue.
In Darkness, Bind Them: The Story of Palpatine
By Darth_Tim
"True power is not to be found in the command of fleets and armies, nor in government office, but in the ability to look into a man's eyes and see into the deepest recesses of his soul, his secret ambitions, fears, and desires. One who does this owns that man forever."
-Darth Bane II
"CO on the bridge!"
The bridge crew of the Republic's newly commissioned frigate Audacious, snapped to attention on hearing the Executive Officer's announcement.
The subject of the crew's attentions. Lieutenant Commander Ruk Palpatine, made his way into the ship's nerve center. In stature he was unimpressive, being neither of remarkable height nor build, yet few who met the young human male with the aristocratic bearing and features left unimpressed. It was a presence about him that struck the observer - the eyes, which suggested politeness rather than familiarity, constantly searching, evaluating, missing not even the smallest detail - the piercing intelligence, suggesting real brilliance in the man - and finally, the feeling of meeting one who, beneath the composed exterior, concealed a well of single-minded ambition. It took little to see that he was no ordinary officer.
"At ease," the crisp, educated voice replied. His eyes swept across the bridge and paused briefly at each crewman on station. He had met the ship's officers the day before, and had pored over the personnel files of each several times, and all were highly motivated, competent professionals in their fields. Most of them were rather young, and to Palpatine, showed considerable promise.
The choice had been easy for him. Upon promotion, he was offered either the position of Chief Tactical Officer on a Dreadnaught, or command of his own frigate. While the opportunities in serving on one of the Republic's prize cruisers were considerable, he wanted his own ship.
The Audacious was not the fastest ship in the Fleet, her turbolaser batteries were not the most powerful, her shields and armor not the most formidable, but none of that mattered, because it was his ship, and his crew, and he would make Audacious the best frigate in the Navy. Once he had proven himself as a commander, bigger and better commands would be sure to follow. Of both, he was certain. Frigates were the scouts of the Fleet, and their commanding officers were not only encouraged, but expected, to perform with a degree of independence and initiative, rather than being locked within a rigid battle line.
First Lieutenant Adran Sola, the Corellian XO, approached Palpatine and saluted. "All crew present and accounted for. All systems online and functioning within operating parameters. Command of this vessel is now turned over to the Commanding Officer."
"CO now has the ship," Palpatine replied, in the formal tradition. While awaiting Palpatine's arrival, the Audacious was under temporary command of the Executive Officer, whose duty was to ensure the ship was ready to get underway once her captain arrived. He returned Lieutenant Sola's salute and stepped to the CO's station at the center of the bridge. As he prepared to give his first order while in command of a vessel, he was careful not to allow the rare twinge of excitement he felt make its presence shown. A commanding officer was to maintain his composure at all times.
"Communications Officer, obtain clearance for departure. Chief Engineer, Navigation, and Helm stand by."
A chorus of "Yes, Sir"'s sounded in reply.
Again, he struggled to suppress his excitement. In a few moments, a new journey, the latest of many in the life of Ruk Palpatine, was about to begin.