Introduction:

Coruscant,

Emperor Palpatine's palace.

"My faithful apprentice. I trust you're mission was successful." The Emperor said flatly, as the former Jedi knight entered the throne room. Darth Vader kneeled down before his master, and bowed his head in respect.

There was a moment of silence before he answered. "Forgive me master, it did not go as we planned." He said and paused, keeping his head down. "The circumstances were changed drastically."

Palpatine raised an eyebrow at that, "Changed you say. How?" He sneered. "It must have been quite the surprise if the mighty, Lord Vader was taken aback... and failed."

Vader winced beneath his mask and responded with extreme caution. Not wanting to speak out of line. "Skywalker's former apprentice intervened, and aided the rebels before I could get ahold of the Sith holocron."

Surprisingly, the Emperor chuckled wickedly from under his cloak. "She has become a great enemy of the Empire, has she not?"

"She has." Was all Vader said, not showing a single hint of emotion. More machine than man. That's exactly what he was. A machine with no heart and no soul. He would carry out any order he received without thinking twice. He's killed thousands and not a single part of him felt guilty for it. That's exactly what Palpatine wanted; his own puppet that he could manipulate in any way, shape or form.

The chuckle quickly disappeared and was replaced with a scowl. "I'm assuming you and Fulcrum dueled in your encounter." He asked bluntly.

Not hesitating Vader replied, "We did. I was close to killing her, yet a trap was set off-the temple was falling apart." He said, the memory still fresh in his mind. "Fulcrum took advantage of that during our duel, I ended up falling through the temple's floor. I was then able to escape before it fully collapsed." Vader said, still kneeling.

"Hmm... It was no accident you survived, but you already know that." Palpatine said and smirked. "It would seem she deliberately saved you."

Vader clenched his teeth together, fully knowing Palpatine was mocking him. "It would seem that way."

"Hope is a dangerous thing. It keeps you from doing what needs to be done." The Emperor said, looking down directly at Vader. "Fulcrum is a perfect example, instead of killing a monster, she decided to save it. All because of her morals." He laughed once again. "Tell me apprentice, what is your opinion on her actions." He asked genuinely curious.

Vader thought for a second, he didn't necessarily know what to say at first. But, something quickly came to mind. "Guilt."

Palpatine nodded his head. "Ah.. yes. Guilt. For abandoning Skywalker. She must blame herself for his downfall, that must tear her apart from the inside out, as you Lord Vader, already know." He responded... an idea forming.

Vader could clearly sense that, he slightly looked up at his master, his interest peaked with curiosity. "Permission to speak freely?"

The Emperor nodded his head, his teeth only barely showing through his evil smile. "Why is it you're talking so much of Skywalker's apprentice?" Vader asked.

"I have.. plans for her." The Emperor replied, smirking again. "You failed an important task today, my friend. But you have an opportunity to redeem yourself."

Darth Vader felt a wrench in his gut, whatever was about to happen would be immensely difficult. But he knew he would complete it. He had too. It was his job too. He looked completely up at Palpatine, the damage in his mask was visible; showing one of his dark, sith yellow eyes. The Emperor stared back at him menacingly, and uttered only four words that would change the very force surrounding us...

"Bring me, Ahsoka Tano."