Succession

Author: jedipati

Rating: PG

Disclaimer: Do I look like George Lucas? No? Then I don't own them.

Summary: Luke is Darth Vader's son, right? So, doesn't it follow that he'd be his father's heir? Yeah, it surprised Luke too.

Canon, technically, as I have… issues… with the books.

Many, many thanks to Arquenniel for the beta!

Part 1/3

Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith, former Jedi Knight, second in command of the Empire, heir to the throne, entered the audience chamber and knelt before his master.

He wasn't sure why, exactly, he'd been summoned. The Emperor had made his feelings on Vader's failure at Bespin quite clear already. The punishment had not been pleasant.

Still, it had been a month, and Vader felt that was enough time for his master's ire to fade.

"Rise, Lord Vader," Emperor Palpatine said as his chair turned around.

Lord Vader did as ordered. He almost always did. For a few minutes, the sound of his breathing was all that cut through the silence of the room. "We have already discussed your failure on Bespin, Lord Vader."

"Yes, my Master."

"For now, we must discuss young Skywalker," Palpatine continued. He stood up. "Walk with me."

They left the throne room and entered the Emperor's office.

Vader did not consciously note the furnishings. As opulent as they were, he'd seen them hundreds of times before. After he sat down, the Emperor nodded to Vader. "You know that I am old, my friend."

"I… yes, my master," Vader said. He was utterly mystified. Palpatine was perhaps the only living being who could do this to him.

The Sith Master bared his teeth in a grotesque parody of a grin. "I have merely been planning for the future of our Empire. And, rebel or not, Luke Skywalker will be an important part of that future."

Vader smiled behind his mask. "It is known that you are my heir, Lord Vader," Sidious cackled briefly. "After all, there is no one else qualified. But we must discuss who you will name as your own heir."

"My son will be my heir," Vader said. "I am in the process of making it happen."

"Good," Sidious said. "You have done well. My visions have shown me that this is the only way, though I am wary. He does not meet all the requirements."

"Not yet." Vader promised. "In time, he will. But for now, he is the only one who meets even some of the requirements of Emperor."

"And you would have no other as your heir." Sidious cackled. "No matter. He will join us in time. I have foreseen it."

For a moment, the Sith stood there, silent. Finally, Vader released a breath and spoke. "He will make an excellent Emperor."

Sidious laughed.

I promise, the next two parts will be longer.

Please let me know what you think!