Author's note: Again, thanks for all the reviews! We're thrilled to see this story is being so appreciated! Keep it up! As for the grammar, we're sorry but English isn't our first language. We are both French Canadians, and we do our best and re-read several times, but things might still slip through and we are sorry if this cause some readers inconveniences.
If anyone would want to beta Read this for us, we'll be very glad. Thank you!
Chapter Three
**=**Meanwhile on Coruscant**=**
"...And we will reach our destination in two days time."
Grand Admiral Thrawn completed his report, his hologram shimmering in the middle of the Comm. unit placed on the large conference table. One of the Imperials, Grand Moff Panaka, Chief of the Planetary Security, spoke up first, voicing his concern.
"Are you sure that the rebels knows about what had transpired? it wouldn't do if you're being attacked the moment you get out of hyperspace on the Endor system."
"According to our agents in the Rebellion, they were all glued to the holoprojectors for the reading of the Will. They were, understandably, greatly interested in what it contained." Sate Pestage replied, looking at the Moff. "I don't think they would attack because they'll know it wouldn't be in their best interest at that point."
"Preparations must be made for the arrival of the new Emperor. The Security must be tightened, both around the planet and on the surface." Panaka continued, lines of worry creasing his forehead. "Especially around Imperial City. I know that the new Emperor is a Jedi, therefore able to defend himself, but backup is never a bad idea. Jedis aren't omniscient. I will take care of it when we are done here."
"Good idea, Grand Moff, I'm sure you'll do a perfect job as ever." Pestage thought for a moment, hands crossed in front of him on the table, before voicing his own concerns. "Our New Emperor will understandably be wary of us, with good reasons. We must show him our good faith. Be on our best behavior, so to speak. That means you, too, Isard."
The woman gave the High Councilor a dark glare, not amused at all by the turn that the events had taken in the last week or so. She was on a razor's edge and she knew that. She'll have to be extra careful. She just sat back and crossed her arms over her chest, keeping silent for now.
"Somebody has a proposition?" Pestage continued, ignoring her.
There was a silence around the table as everyone thought of a way to do just that. The young assistant that was serving drinks had been listening though, and he cleared his throat to get their attention. All eyes were on him suddenly and he felt like he should have kept his mouth shut.
"Yes, what is it?" Panaka said, looking at the young lad critically.
"I may have an idea, Sir. Why don't you free all the rebel prisoners that we still have? That would show good faith for sure." He said, clutching his tray maybe a bit too hard.
Isard was obviously about to explode and chew the young impertinent into submission, perfectly outraged by that proposition. Sate Pestage cut her before more than a word escaped her mouth and he smiled at the young man approvingly.
"That is a good idea, young lad. You'll go far with that mind of yours. What's your name?"
"Huh... Coran Blaine Sir. I started working here two weeks ago." Coran said, relaxing ever so slightly.
"Well, Coran, you're going to have a great career if you keep that up. I can see it. The idea is a good one, it will indeed show good faith to the new Emperor." Pestage replied making the young lad blush and mumble something before backing out of the room with his tray.
"What a nice young lad, isn't he? I think he'll get along just fine with our new Emperor, don't you think?" The older High Councilor chuckled watching him leave the room. "They are almost the same age. I think you should affect him to the service of the new Emperor."
"He won't stay Emperor for long. I have a plan to make that claim null and void. My team are already working on it." Isard cut in with a chilling, cold tone. "And then he and all the rebels scum would be arrested and threw in prison where they belongs."
"And I suppose that you think YOU would make a better Emperor, Isard? We all know of your raging ambitions." Grand Moff Panaka said coldly, keen, sharp eyes locked on her. "I, for one, think that it was a good idea for Vader to keep his son hidden within the Rebel Alliance. He had been well protected there all those years. Yes, it would be dangerous and a gamble to do so, but no more dangerous than to keep him here, where he would have been pray to assassins and kidnappers."
"Better me then a rebel Scum!" She retorted, anger flaring in her voice now.
"Everyone would be better then you Isard! Your reputation precedes you, Heart of Ice. I would even prefer a Wookie was named Emperor rather then you!" Another Councilor shot back to the woman, he had lost half of his department because of her machinations a few years back. Of course, the other half had had to work extra hard until he could rebuild the ranks. It had been hell.
There were chuckles and smiles around the table, and Isard blushed in anger and some amount of shame. She was rarely talked down like that. She looked around the table at the row of cold, hostile eyes locked on her. She realized that, now, she didn't had the Emperor's protection to cover her back, and she was by herself with whatever she wished to accomplish. The new Emperor would certainly not back her! But if SHE somehow managed to snatch the coveted position... Things would change. She just had to be patient.
Thrawn, who had been keeping silent for the last few minutes listening to the conversations, narrowed his eyes on her. She was dangerous, more than he anticipated. He'll have to keep an eye on her at all times. She was a wild card, and he didn't like dealing with wild cards. They tended to screw the best of strategy in a matter of minutes. He noted to himself to warn the Emperor about her thoroughly. He had intentions of briefing the new Emperor about everyone of importance so he was prepared once he arrived. He would be as prepared as possible, he would make sure of it.
"Sirs, with your permission, I will brief our new Emperor about everything he needs to know when he arrives. Including who his allies and enemies could be. He will know what to expect." Thrawn cut in then, his eyes never leaving Isard. It was obvious he didn't trust her at all. His image flickered a little and he turned briefly to the side apparently listening to someone off-comm. "If you'll excuse me, I have duties to attend to."
The comm stopped abruptly in a fizzle of static and his image disappeared. Most probable was that they ran into a interference field. They were plenty in hyperspace. The room was silent for a few more moments, before Pestage spoke up to end the reunion then.
"Gentlemen, I think that's all for today. We all have things to do to prepare for the arrival of our new Emperor."
"What about the coronation?" Panaka asked before the session was adjourned.
"We will speak about that in the presence of our new Emperor. He is, after all, the first concerned." The High Councilman replied. "Session adjourned."
Everyone filed out of the room to tend to their own duties. One of them being the cleaning process of the entire palace for the Emperor's arrival, as well as the redesign of his personal quarters. After all, Pestage didn't think the new Emperor would like a torture room in his quarters. He might even protest loudly. Better to transform that into a secondary office. He smiled to himself while making some calls that would insure everything was ready in time.
**=**Meanwhile on Endor...**=**
During the last three days, Luke had been subjected to crash courses on politic and diplomacy by both Mon Mothma and Leia. He was surprisingly good at that, and learned pretty fast. However he thought this was boring as all hell. Han wasn't helping matter, teasing him about it every time he got the chance. Luke was seriously about to kick his ass but good. Along with those lessons, there was also the matter of his new wardrobe. During one of those times when he had his measurement taken for yet another set of clothing, he had a wicked idea to get back at Han for his idiocy. Since, unlike Wedge who got the hint the first time he turned him down after he teased him, Han didn't seem to get the hint already, so he was going to make sure he learned some amounts of humility. In his apartment, trying on new clothes with the tailor, Han, Leia and Chewie nearby, he couldn't help but glare at his friend. He had that look, the look that meant he was going to say something very stupid again.
"How do I look?" Luke asked C-3PO who was standing close by, ignoring Han.
"Oh, very regal, master Luke! This color looks very good on you!" The golden droid replied in a knowing tune. Surprisingly enough, he had a pretty good taste when it came to that kind of things. He seemed to know what he was talking about.
"He's right, Luke. This suits you well. You're starting to look like an Emperor." Leia added with a small smile, her brown eyes sparkling. "Not a word, Han! You sure have no idea what you're talking about so just don't." She shot the dark haired man a chilling look and he looked slightly put down.
Luke's eyes started to get a sparkle then, a little light that meant he was up to mischief, and casually, while Han was starting to make his way to the door with Chewie after Leia's rebuke, he spoke up.
"Leia, am I right in saying that, since you'll be my personal advisor in politics and diplomatic matter, you'll be spending a lot of times in the Court?"
"Yes, Luke, I would say so." She replied with a nod. "I won't leave you alone to deal with all those politicians."
"I'm grateful for that, little sister. But would you also say that Han would still follow you around like the lost puppy he is when you're concerned?" He had to fight himself not to grin and give himself away.
"I suppose so. He's so lost without me." Leia was starting to understands where he was going and managed not to grin as well. This was going to get interesting...
At that moment, Han had stopped at the door and was looking at them suspiciously. Something was up, and it wasn't going to end well for him. Maybe he ought to make a hasty retreat.
"Well, he's a little scruffy looking, don't you think? It's not suitable for an Imperial Court, is it?" Luke continued, looking at Han this time with a predatory smile.
"Oh but you're right, Luke! It certainly wouldn't do." She turned around to look at Han and her smile was just as bad as her brother. "Oh, Han, why don't you come over here, hum? I'm sure that this kind man would be glad to take your measurements and start on a new wardrobe for you too."
Han was about to dash out the door sensing danger, but Chewie's big hand on his shoulder stopped him in his tracks. The Wookie growled something amused and Han shot him a nasty glare.
"Thank you Chewie! Could you bring him over here now? You're a dear." Leia said as Chewie lifted a protesting Han up and hauled him towards where Luke and Leia were standing.
"Put me down you big hairy rug! I'm not doing this! I don't need any clothes, mine are just fine the way they are!"
"No they're not!" Luke and Leia countered together has Han was deposited beside Luke where the tailor was also waiting, observing the little commotion calmly.
"Oh dear..." C-3PO mumbled, taking a few steps back stiffly, not wanting to be caught in the crossfire.
Leia motioned for the tailor to get closer but before that, the man took a last look at Luke's new suit and nodded approvingly.
"This is just perfect. We're done for today, Commander. Now General, if you could take your clothes off, I'll take your measurements. You can keep the undergarments on." He turned to Han with a big smile. He was a rebel after all, his work had been of a tailor before his life went to hell, but he had been in the ranks for long enough to know all of those presents at least by reputation. And Solo was less than stellar. He would be nice taking him down a few pegs. He wouldn't say that out loud though.
"No way! There is no need for new clothes! I won't do it and you can't force me!" Han protested with his arms crossed over his chest and not budging.
"Well, maybe I can ask your Wookie friend to help. He seems like a nice enough guy." The tailor replied in a stern tone.
Luke and Leia laughed then and Han felt utterly alone, even more when Chewie joined in and looked down at him cracking his knuckles. The meaning was clear even without him saying that he could either do it himself, or he would do it for him, and his clothes wouldn't survive the process. Hand glared at him, and saw he was utterly outnumbered.
"You'll all pay for that, I swear." He grumbled but started to undress. Leia stepped away and a curtain was drawn so he was kind of in privacy.
Well hidden behind the now pulled curtain, Luke took his communicator and called Wedge. His friend answered soon enough and he hastily said to him, in a hushed voice.
"Want to see something funny Wedge?"
"Sure, what is it Commander?"
"Han's being forced into the process of having new clothes made for him." Luke's tune was very pleased and he seemed to be enjoying himself.
"That I have to see. Should I bring the Rogues?" Wedge asked, starting to get where this was going.
"Yes, do. I think they'll all like the opportunity to get a good laugh."
"Ok, I'll be fast. Rogues, follow me!" He then cut the communication, and Luke put his comlink back in his pocket.
It didn't take long for Wedge and the others to enter the room silently, and Luke motioned them to be silent. Using the Force - Sorry Yoda, I know this isn't how I'm suppose to use it - he pulled the curtains swiftly and they all saw Han in his undergarments, his measurements being taken. Han was startled by the sudden breeze caused by the movement of the curtains and spun around, froze, and let out a very girly surprised scream. Which made all the rogues and Luke burst out laughing. After a few minutes, Wedge managed to say, teary eyed.
"Oh my Han, you sound like a girl! I didn't thought you had that in you general!"
Han's glare could have melted durasteel. Chewie was almost rolling on the floor holding his ribs, and Han glared at him with a betrayed expression. He looked totally embarrassed to death. Chewbacca calmed down and told him that he had teased the kid long enough, and he should've known there would be payback at some point. Luke was already calm enough to give him a very calm, mischievous smile and say.
"Call it payback time, Han."
The door opened again then and in came Lando who looked around with a surprised look.
"Is there a party and I wasn't invited. Well, that's rude!" His eyes fell on Han then and he slowly lifted an eyebrow, before breaking into a laugh himself. "Han, didn't you forgot to put something on? Like clothes, maybe? I think the Princess isn't ready to see you in the nude. Me neither, for that matter."
That was the killing shot for Han and he pulled the curtains back so hard they were almost torn off their support. He was redder then a tomato and looking like he would murder someone. They heard C-3PO say 'Please general, the poor curtains didn't do anything' and laughers burst out again from all assembled.
"Shut it Goldenrod!" Han shot back with venom.
"How rude!" Came the outraged reply, and everyone was almost rolling on the floor.
Han started to think that he was glad there was no recording... Oh crap! Threepio was a droid, so OF COURSE there will be a recording in his memory banks! He'll have to do something about it later... This had to be the most embarrassing day of his life. He chased the droid out for the moment and Threepio went to stand by Luke's side with an outraged look to him.
"Hey, Threepio, do you have a recording of this scene?"
"Well, of course Master Luke. It's in my memory banks." The droid replied with a tilt of his head.
"Could you put it in Artoo for later use? It would be a laugh when days gets a little boring." Luke grinned imagining what a good blackmail material this would be.
"Hey, I want a copy too! Put it in Whistler!" Wedge said still trying not to laugh.
Luke just grinned, that day had gone a lot better than the others since he was suddenly made to be an Emperor out of the blue. He was even starting to get used to the idea, so all in all, it was pretty a very good day indeed. He has a laugh with his friends and he was sure that Han would stop teasing him about this 'Majesty' crap.
All in all, a very productive day.
**=**Two days later**=**
"Rogue leader to Rogue Two, do you copy Wedge?"
Luke's voice rang through the Squadron' s channel loud and clear, and the answer was soon following. They were all out practicing some new maneuvers to kill time. Luke had managed to get away from both Leia and Mon Mothma earlier for his lesson today and he had immediately called on all the Rogues for some fancy flying. He needed that. Something to get his mind off the fact that his Imperial escort will be arriving any day now.
"Loud and clear Rogue Leader. Falling into formation now." Wedge cut his thoughts and Luke smiled.
"Alright guys, let's try this new maneuver. Formation Delta Zero!" Luke ordered, and like a well-oiled machinery, the Rogues went flawlessly into formation.
The maneuvers were actually going very well when suddenly, out of hyperspace, came five Imperial Star Destroyers, almost in the middle of their squadron! They scattered, but Wedge was so close, he was going to collide with the nearest ship!
"Wedge, pull up, PULL UP!" Luke screamed through the comlink and Wedge did manage to avoid colliding with the huge ship's bridge by mere meters.
"Damnit! Who do they think they are?!" The Correllian cursed breathlessly through the channel, returning to his position beside Rogue Leader. "Shouldn't come out of hyperspace so close to a planet! Idiots!"
"They're hailing us." Luke retorted, silencing the nascent argument. He opened a new channel to the Destroyer and said. "Imperial Star Destroyer, this is Commander Luke Skywalker of the Rebel Alliance. You have entered a highly secured system. Please identify yourself and the reason of your presence."
"Commander Skywalker, this is Imperial Star Destroyer Chimeara, Captain Pellaeon speaking. We apologize for our untimely arrival. We meant no harm." The voice was calm and steady, not like they just almost got vaporized by an X-Wing colliding with their bridge. "As for the reason of our presence, we are here to escort our new Emperor to Coruscant. Are you ready to board our ship, Commander Skywalker?"
Luke didn't answer the imperial right away. it felt weird to be courteously invited to board an enemy ship. Well, former enemy. He sighed and answered the Captain's request with as much calm and courtesy as the other did.
"Yes, my luggage are in my X-Wing. Just give me a few moments, I have to talk to some of my people."
"As you wish, Commander. Hail us when you are ready." The voice replied and the line was cut.
"Luke, you really going to go with them?" Wedge asked a bit dubiously.
"Yes, I am. We already discussed that and I made my decision already. I'm not going back, and if they want me to travel with them well... Maybe I'll have the opportunity to learn more about the people I'm about to rule." He replied, but the slight tension in his voice was audible.
"I wish I could come with you. All of us would like to." Wedge replied in a slightly scornful tune.
"I know, but I'll be fine. They're not going to kill me, if it is who I think it is that commands that fleet. He's supposed to be my protector, after all..." Luke opened a new channel to Leia then and she answered immediately.
"Luke, we caught Imperial ships coming out of hyperspace in the system. Are you alright?"
"Of course I am. My escort has arrived, sis. I'll be boarding their ship in a few minutes. And no, I'm not worried they'll try to pull something nasty on me. Not if Grand Admiral Thrawn is the one in command of this fleet, Leia. He's supposed to be protecting my back, not stabbing it." Luke retorted with a hint of a smile in his voice.
"Just be careful okay, and remember what we taught you!" She sounded like a mother hen then and Luke couldn't help the annoyed snort. "I'll be following with Han and the Falcon, so don't do anything stupid while I'm not there, little brother!"
"Leia, we don't even know who's the older twin... Give me some slack will you? I'll be fine, I swear!" he paused and added, smiled a bit. "Are you sure you're going to manage with the kids?"
"Hey!" Both Han and Lando's voices sounded from somewhere behind the princess. She chuckled and answered firmly. "I'll manage, I can handle those two any day. Beside, Chewie will be there to act as a nanny. Have a nice trip, Luke. I'll see you in a week." Luke heard the friendly Wookie agreeing with her.
"You too Leia. Give my regards to Mon Mothma and the others. I won't want them to worry." Luke cut the communication after that, and hailed the Chimeara again. "Star Destroyer Chimeara, this is Commander Skywalker. I am ready to come aboard."
"We copy you, Commander. Be ready to relinquish control to our tractor beams to be safely pulled into Hangar Bay 11." Pellaeon's voice answered him, and Luke did feel the pull of the tractor beam locking on him then. He let go of the commands of the X-Wing and sat back.
Soon, he landed smoothly in a wide, brightly lit hangar where stormtroopers were waiting with a couple of officers. A ladder was brought up to his ship so he could disembark and finally set foot on the larger ship. Some Officers were waiting but two of them immediately caught his attention. One of them was a blue skinned, red eyed alien wearing the white uniform of a Fleet grand Admiral. The other was obviously a Captain, and was maybe in his forties. The taller alien was obviously grand Admiral Thrawn, and he waited until Luke had completely left the X-Wing before walking up to him. He gave a short, military-like bow but his red eyes never left him. They slightly unnerved the Jedi, they had a cold, dangerous edge to them that he didn't quite like.
"Commander Luke Skywalker, I presume? Welcome aboard." he said to him calmly, extending a hand.
"It's... a pleasure, Grand Admiral Thrawn." He replied, taking the offered hand and shaking it firmly. he was slightly surprised to be offered such a human way of greeting by the Chiss Officer. "And thank you."
"If you will please follow me, I will lead you to your quarters for the duration of the trip back to Coruscant." The Admiral continued and he turned around, cuing Luke that he should follow him now.
Luke decided not to comment on the almost-rudeness of the gesture, imagining that the Imperial had just as much doubts as he about this turn of events. They followed a few hallways, and while walking, Thrawn spoke up again, still courteous and apparently unperturbed.
"I would like to extend to you an invitation to diner in my quarters tonight, Commander. Maybe then we can 'get to know each other better' as you humans say."
"I will be honored, Grand Admiral." Luke replied, he was very curious to know more about this man who was going to be a big part of his life from now on.
"Perfect, perfect, an aide will come fetch you at 1900 precise. Here we are."
He stopped in front of a door and pressed a few touches on the lock pad. The door opened and Luke peered inside. He stepped in with the other and the lights came on automatically. The apartment was Spartan but large and he could see it was meant for high ranking officers. There was a lounge, a main bedroom, a secondary bedroom, a refresher and a kitchenette.
"I hope this is to your liking?" Thrawn asked, lifting a inquisitive eyebrow. Even that small gesture was slightly intimidating and Luke swallowed a little lump in his throat before answered firmly.
"It's perfect, Grand Admial. Thank you for your hospitality." The Admiral was about to leave when Luke asked him something else that had been running through his head since he heard his father's last words. "Why did my father chose you? Off all people that had ever served under him, why you, specifically. Why did he trusted my safety to you, personally?"
The Admiral stopped at the door and turned around to face the young Jedi once more. His eyes were keen and sharp as steel. His hands clasped behind his back, he answered in an even, cool tune that left Luke with a feeling of security. This was a man that knew what he was doing at every given moment.
"Your father was a wise man, Commander. I don't think Darth Vader ever really trusted anyone but a scarce few. I am humbled to realize I had been amongst those very select ones. I was surprised when he entrusted your safety to me, your Majesty, but there are a couple of things you must know. First off, your father was the one to recommend me for the position of grand Admiral. He trusted me enough to think I was worthy of that position. Secondly, and this had come as a surprise to me as well, he had known about my doubts towards Palpatine's regime. Maybe because he always had those same doubts. I can't tell for sure. All I can say is that I will not fail him. I take that new task very seriously, your Majesty. You can be sure that your security will always be my utmost priority."
Luke couldn't detect any deceptions or lies in those words, and he felt deeply reassured. He nodded, understanding, and accepted that explanation. hHe only said, his tune softened and more relaxed.
"I didn't ask this because I didn't trusted you, Admiral. I was merely curious about why my father trusted you so much. His reputation didn't depict him as a very trusting person."
The Grand Admiral merely nodded and then left his quarters to return to his duties. Luke stared at the closed door thoughtfully for a few more minutes, before sighing and getting to work unpacking his things.
-TBC-
