Chapter IV
As Vader bowed deeply, the enormous hologram of the Emperor solidified before him. "I have received word that you once again have captured Rkvzlnmara," the dark figure stated. "Yes, my master," Vader answered. "This development is unanticipated," the Emperor mused, "I sense that there is more going on than there appears to be. I have also learned that Admiral Il-Raz was the one responsible for capturing him to a certain degree." "His ship was damaged in the process, and he commandeered another vessel to bring his prisoner here," Vader said.
"Considering that Grand Admiral Vhaldoq was involved in this alien's previous attempts to disrupt the Empire, the Admiral has acted wisely for once," the Emperor admitted, "You may inform him that his vessel has been repaired and has returned to its regular duties." "And what of the one who helped subdue this Wookiee?" Vader inquired. "She has returned to my side until I need her to perform another service for me," the Emperor said, "Do not allow your pride to interfere with your ability to carry out my commands, Lord Vader." "As you wish, my master," Vader intoned.
"How does the construction of the Star Empire proceed?" the lord of the galaxy asked. "Everything is on schedule; it will be finished soon," the Dark Lord replied. "Excellent," the Emperor said, "Continue to work closely with Vhaldoq and monitor any unusual events that transpire. Nothing the Rebellion can do will stop us from eliminating them once and for all." The image faded, leaving Vader alone with his thoughts.
"Chewie!" There was an answering bellow from the cockpit. "Han, wait!" Luke pleaded. "Listen, kid, you can follow him and his friend on this fool's errand if you want to, but I'm not risking my hide," Solo retorted. "What happened to the man who came back to save me from incineration above the Death Star?" Luke asked. "He hasn't gone anywhere," Han said, "But where he's going will be a lot more dangerous than the heart of a supernova. Chewie, get in here!" The shaggy alien appeared at last and the Wookiee rumbled a question. "Keep an eye on our guests while I find a nice quiet planet to ditch them on. Maybe then we can find some people who aren't insane," Han told his friend.
Chewbacca started around Han, but before he did Zol Xarh had drawn twin blasters and held them steady on the Corellian and his copilot. "Before we do anything rash," Rianes said, "Perhaps you should let me finish explaining why we're going on such a treacherous assignment." "Pointing a weapon at someone is a good way to shorten your life expectancy," Han growled. "Let's at least hear him out," Skywalker said. Shrugging, Han sat back down across the room, while Chewie just stood there. The bounty hunter didn't lower his guns, probably because he knew that the Wookiee would jump him the instant he did.
"Grand Admiral Vhaldoq is indeed at Fondor. It is his presence that motivates me to go now and find others close to me that he holds captive," Jonas said. "And who might they be?" Han asked. "My wife and son," Jonas said. Han frowned, glancing across at Luke. "What would Vhaldoq want with them?" the smuggler asked. "Like your friend, my son and I have a unique gift," Rianes told them, "We can use the Force."
Darth Vader surveyed the array of artifacts before him as the door to the room opened. For a moment, the Dark Lord did not move; his mask turned towards a display that showed the space around the unfinished Super Star Destroyer. "I have joined you at the Emperor's request," Vader said after a time, "My master feels that my judgment may be influenced by my prior encounter with our captive." Slowly, the Sith turned to face him. "I trust you will commence the interrogation shortly, Grand Admiral Vhaldoq," Vader stated.
"It is curious that he should arrive here now when we are both present. One might almost say that this is too much to be a coincidence," Vhaldoq suggested. "The reason for his presence is not important," Vader said. "I think it is, just as you felt it important to try and ascertain the identity of the Rebel pilot responsible for destroying the Death Star," D'ukal went on. "That search was... unfruitful. I was unable to uncover any specifics," Vader said, "This Wookiee has proved to be troublesome in the past. He is our concern now." "Your point is well taken, Lord Vader," Vhaldoq said, "I would hate for our efforts to come up dry after so much work."
"What are you implying?" the Dark Lord said. "Merely that someone of your talents should be able to extract the required information from our prisoner. Even in the search I alluded to previously, you were able to trace the pilot in question to one world," D'ukal said. "He eluded me there, just as the Wookiee did long ago," Vader said angrily, "Is there some point to your questioning me thus?" "I serve the Empire just as you do," Vhaldoq said, "It does appear that you will indeed require my assistance in handling this matter."