Chapter 36
(Coruscant, Imperial Palace, designated research labs.)
Standing with hands clasped behind his back, Kalev stood blankly awaiting for the Emperor to arrive and officially discuss more matters that concerned Kalev personally. Although he found it frankly annoying, to be pulled from his designated research. He had after all been working on projects that were ordered by the Emperor himself. So to be pulled from such tasks by the man whom ordered them was yes, annoying!
But on the matter he would not speak until the time was appropriate. Kalev for as long as he knew the Emperor had never held his tongue when thoroughly angered from his scientific studies or duties. And strangely enough Kalev was never "disciplined" for doing such. In fact he noticed the Emperor enjoyed quizzical conversation with Kalev. Or at the very least found Kalev humorous for such anger.
Why though was left unknown to Kalev, as such he cared little for the reasons. But he assumed it was for the fact maybe that Kalev was hardly afraid of Palpatine. Hardly, no Kalev had seen enough in his life to not fear anything. As was the official diagnoses of a "professional" Kalev was a sociopath. Uncaring, unfeeling, unremorseful, and to an extent self caring alone. But the sciences of the galaxy and modern times had and continue to intrigue him. They were far too easy to discover and understand for Kalev at times. As thus, he opted to place himself in the most advanced and intricate of scientific fields of research.
Bio-genetics were of the most fascinating to him, and under the Empire he was given access to the scientific research tools and knowledge, of species far and wide. All of it he could learn to implement in his own tests of course. In fact Kalev was proud to have implemented a fraction of all the information he had collectively learned in his work for Palpatine.
Genetic tampering, predetermined life expectancies. Disorders and diseases wiped from simple manipulation of the nuclei. How to improve cell growth, protein development and just how long you can extend a humans body. And what the absolute limits of it are. Yes his current field was enthralling to him and Kalev didn't see him leaving anytime soon either.
But Kalev never has nor would he ever forget the lessons of his past experiences in his life. That was why he kept his carefully hidden and well cleaned and maintained sleeve blade.
Even now he could feel it rub against his skin. Its large jagged edges that twisted and turned. Thus creating a far more lethal killing object. With a simple balling of his fist Kalev would be able to extend the defensive and hunting weapon. Kalev had never parted with it. And throughout time it has served him well. In fact it was particularly useful when in need of a quick and silent weapon for defense. Or in Kalev's case when hunting someone yourself. Yes the thrills of his old profession were not forgotten upon his memory.
But those times were long over with. And it was something Kalev missed from time to time.
Green eyes were still plastered to the entry doors to the labs, when the red suited royal guards came marching in, silent as ever. Of course signaling the coming of Palpatine himself. Kalev rather enjoyed the Emperor himself. It took to men with superiority complexes to get along anyhow. But Kalev never was one to understand the old mans ways for attaining power. Kalev preferred to seize his power through ways of total fear and domination. While he saw the Emperor try his very hardest to draw a curtain across the eyes of the galaxy. Hide away the things he did, and attempt to force the masses to love him as their leader. But then again, Kalev didn't see himself as a political man. Never could see himself that way anyhow.
Just as quickly as the guards came in, so did the black robed contradiction of said guards. The Emperor.
"Your majesty, I would welcome you to the labs. But then again it would be of bad taste, considering these are your labs." Kalev addressed the skeletal emperor as he walked forward.
It didn't go unnoticed by the guards or Emperor that Kalev had failed to bow or kneel. But Kalev did notice the yellow toothy grin Palpatine gave him in response to the stubborn move.
"Dr. Kalev Zalliste, it has been quite some time since our last meet has it not?"
Kalev shrugged his shoulders in what would seem like a childish gestures to others. But as things were Kalev cared little for others and their opinions.
"Hmm it doesn't matter. What does is how comes along the progress of the tasks I have given you? I do hope that my chemical weapons will be of good use to me in the coming years The last scientists on the job had failed severely in concocting a viable mix."
Kalev walked over to his personal datapad to retrieve his notes and information.
"All initial tests have gone well. Although some of your chemicals cocktails were shown to completely kill off any organic matters ability to create necessary proteins to function and rejuvenate vital organs. Thus killing all test subjects. Further testing showed a natural human immunity to the chemicals existed in some. But on all alien test subjects the chemical was a complete success." Looking up Kalev could see the old man take in all he said. And he seemed quite pleased. "While I do understand that this is the point of weapon based chemicals, I don't see how this has anything to do with my initial recall from my lab on Lianna." Kalev pointed out tossing the datapad back onto a nearby desk.
"Ah it is good that my chemical researchers have not failed me. As for your recall, there is much more behind it then I stated in the recall order." The frail shaped emperor said as he began to slowly and limply circle Kalev. An act that to a lesser man would be extremely uncomfortable. Then again, Kalev wasn't normal. Kalev didn't allow his body not to move, save for his steady breathing. Which in turn made the Emperor all the more humored.
"Indeed, I have need of your particular skills again. You of course do remember what came about the last time you worked for me do you not?" Kalev gave a small nod in response to the old mans quizzical question.
"Excellent, for there is growing unrest in the galaxy and Empire. A time maybe coming where I will need more of your creations at my disposal." In his natural oily speech the Emperor spoke. Kalev knew what the Emperor wanted, after all what else would he be recalled for if the Emperor did not want more of Kalev's special projects so to speak. It just was about time that the old man had said something.
"That would not be a problem. If said original product were here for me to extract needed genetic material for study." The Emperor stopped, leaving the two face to face now.
"And what exactly would be the purpose for that? If I know as much as I do about your work. Then I know you don't need to have the original here. In fact you have your notes and all the documents from your first success! Don't play me for a fool Kalev."
The Dr. smirked to that. Although hollow as it was.
"I could never be as so stupid to think you foolish or incompetent. I simply wish to examine my specimen. After all I created it. May I remind my lord that I am the only one with the correct genetic sequence for such a task. May I remind you that I want only simple things. May I remind you that I've been working for you since the Clone Wars!" It was turning out to be one of those tense moments between Kalev and the Emperor. Both unwilling to show any weakness, thus unwilling to back down.
Yellow glowing eyes stared with ire rising into the dulled and lifeless green of Kalev's. Yet it was in times like this that Palpatine was reminded that the doctor before him was unfazed by him.
And strangely enough, he found that appealing in Kalev. Where with others he would simply teach them to submit to his will.
"Perhaps there is a way we can compromise and meet both our needs Zalliste." Turning around, Palpatine looked to see if someone other the his royal guard were there. Rather paranoid like as if someone could sneak up on him anyway.
"Lord Vader will be leading a mighty fleet into a few minor campaigns. The details of which don't concern you." To that Kalev simply nodded.
"Afterwards I am having it arranged so that he meets with another one of my high ranking underlings. The one in question happens to be traveling with your specimen as you call it. I can have it arranged that you travel along with lord Vader's fleet. Then once done you may see your accomplished specimen, and thus return here to complete the task I want of you! Is that satisfactory to you, Zalliste?"
Kalev was no fool and could see this was not the act of a desperate man. No this was the act of an unrushed man, who wanted Kalev to work and to do it unhindered.
"It's a deal then, your majesty." Simple and to the point. As to not raise the ire of the cloaked man. Kalev didn't want to upset the man that had his specimen. Then again Kalev knew he had the research the good Emperor needed. So between the two men was something each had, and the other wanted. With neither willing to pert with it at the moment either.
Kalev turned back to his desk attempting to ignore the man now, when Palpatine uttered, "Don't play me Dr. and don't think I cant get to you whenever and wherever you are." Turning his head sharply Kalev saw the guards leaving, and their black robed master was already gone. A huff sounding from his throat, Kalev returned to his desk and notes. It was as simple as that. No more needed to be said.
(Alderaan, Aldera Palace.)
There she passed yet another. In fact she lost count of how many she had seen scattered throughout the palace. But Leia knew there was more today then yesterday! Her home, the Aldera palace was now crawling with these large crimson aliens. They were big, tall and easily able to tower over a common human. While they also had massive muscles and builds, that too outclassed a human. She didn't mind the alien part of course, it was their size and whom they seemed to serve that did. Also the fact that they were silent to all but once in awhile each other. Or the two Imperial men whom had come with them, it was all so unnerving for the Alderaanian princess. Her father in the last few days had also become distant and preoccupied. And all the time would she see the older imperial, the one with the mark upon his head, loud dark clothing along with a cape, she found to be perhaps the most interesting. In fact whenever around him, Leia knew that something was very different about him. And frankly it seemed, wrong. From the looks of things the imperial was ordering her father around. He always had an air of command and self superiority anyway.
Its not right!
The thirteen year old thought angrily, as she wandered the once calm yet lively halls of the Aldera palace. That now only seemed dulled and hushed over. A silence had indeed swept across the palace, and the silence itself was unspoken about. Leia knew when something was happening, especially from living around her father like she did. She recognized that the Empire was a terrible plight upon the face of the galaxy even. But what she couldn't understand was how submissive her father had become to this man, Exar Kun. How he could allow him to simply take essentially command of the whole palace and hold Alderaan captive!
He was a completely changed person. At times he would be sullen and wouldn't speak to her or to her mother either. Then at other times he would be wallowing in undirected anger. In the past days Leia could swear her father had raised his voice to her then in the past few years combined! That was saying something about the usually politically stoic man. Leia only wished she could know what this Exar Kun held over her father. Then she would do every-and anything to fix the problem. After all it was her father!
Stepping into an indoor garden room of the palace, Leia took a quick survey to see if any of those giant red aliens were randomly placed in there. Much to her pleasure she didn't see anyone. Not alien or the Aldera guards. She needed time away from them as well. Especially since they were far too alert, and overbearing. Even more so then usual.
So she allowed a long held shaky breath out. The tension along with the silence was rampant in the palace. Even she was stressed out over matters she didn't know! The guards were stressed. Her parents were stressed. The people of Alderaan even seemed stressed.
Now sighing Leia sat herself down on a patch of grass next to a small pond. Normally this room wasn't a major place for her to take her free time. But as things were Leia wasn't permitted to leave the palace, or go too far from her father for that matter. She was surprised that she had gotten this far anyway. Leia wanted so badly to do something, not only about this current situation with the palace, but the galaxy as a whole. She knew that wasn't going to happen anytime soon though. Which made it all the more harder.
Being confined to the palace wasn't exactly great either. Making Leia lonely beyond what she thought she could be. Especially since Winter her best and long time friend, had been outside the palace when the imperials initiated their lockdown. Forcing Bail to order Winter's guards to take her to an out of palace home.
Pushing a stray lock of her brown hair away from her eyes. Leia tried her hardest to try and relax here in this most calming and beautiful gardens of the palace. But no matter how much she would try, it wouldn't work. It was like having a second voice in her head telling her over and over again that an impending darkness was coming. Even darker then the current dark?Now that was a hard thing to think about. What thirteen year old should be dealing with stuff like this?
She thought sighing again. Sure she wanted to be like her father. Leia enjoyed politics, but at times. At times it was tiring, and frankly annoying. Not to mention the Empire, and how it was always in her mind to a degree. Leia just wanted to do more! Was that too much to ask? To want to help, and make things better? She didn't think so. But her father was adamant she not deal in politics, not at least for a couple more years. And lately she simply didn't bring her wishes up. Out of fear of harsher reprimands then the norm. Leia decided to close her eyes and simply let her mind settle for a time.
But the door to the garden suddenly opening sent her reeling backwards in surprise.
Stupid nerves!
Was the first thing that came to her mind. But soon she heard more then one pair of footsteps.
From where she was sitting, Leia was mostly obscured by the gardens thick synthetic bushes. Especially to anyone entering from the door that had opened. The one that was opposite of the one she entered from. And just based off a feeling she had, Leia decided to remain hidden and peek from where she was. It didn't feel like it was anyone from the palace. And based on that alone Leia felt confident in not moving.
Doing so she was surprised completely when the younger cloaked imperial along with an entourage of three large red aliens came into the garden. She wanted to leave in that moment, but she knew she would be seen easily. And most likely held by the Imperial for him being paranoid or something along those lines. She couldn't fight the growing urge to listen in either.
I'm stuck sitting here anyway. So why not?
With that in her mind, Leia did all she really could do. She leaned forward and listened.
"Commander, I highly doubt the senator would try anything such as that." Said the cloaked imperial, attempting to assure the largest of the aliens. "Now as far as our lords thoughts on this matter goes, he sees no immediate danger coming from the senator, at least anytime soon." They came to a stop in the center walk path of the garden. "Mattizz, I can assure you that I am handling our lords security personally. At the moment are biggest concern is ensuring not one person leaves this palace! If so lord Kun will be very displeased with us all!" The aliens nodded in agreement, while the imperial looked about his surroundings in his own paranoid manner.
Which made Leia shrink down lower in her position.
"Now commander, another unit of Massassi will be arriving tomorrow from the Scorcher. Our lord wants you to establish a perimeter around the palace grounds. This will make any ground escape attempt far more difficult then it already is. As for the royal guards, lord Kun will have the senator deal with them soon enough. As such I believe this palace is at the time more secured then ever before."
Again the cloaked figure looked about his surroundings in a paranoid fashion. As if he could see things that weren't there. It definitely made Leia far more uncomfortable.
"Lastly I want a full report of any and all suspicious activities experienced by the Massassi captains, Mattizz." He readdressed the largest alien.
"If that is all Mattizz. I would much like to be left alone now." Crossing his arms it was obvious the imperial was done with conversation. Leia noticed that the aliens did not seem to offended, as seen by the one called Mattizz bowing and leading the others out of the garden.
To her confusion and disappointment, the imperial simply stood looking upwards. Not leaving the garden, Leia couldn't understand why he would remain there simply staring up to the viewing ceiling. A rather marvelous look of Alderaan's skyline sure. One that gave the viewer a wondrous look of either the shining day, or glittering night of Alderaan. So yes Leia was a bit confused at what an imperial could enjoy about…. "Perhaps you would prefer to join me? Rather then crouch there and make a fool of yourself."
Leia immediately tensed. Hearing the imperial suddenly and unrepentantly address her was very unnerving.
Her heart began to race, and she could hear every pound as if it were right in her ears. The blood seemed to drain from her face, but she could feel the adrenaline burst inside her.
How did he, how does he know I'm here? I didn't make a noise! I didn't even peek out too much!
"Its up to you really. I could always just drag you out of there too." No hint of menace in his voice as he spoke. "I would much prefer for you to come out on your own." Now he sounded more like he was demanding.
"I will have you know that no one, and I mean no one! Will be dragging me anywhere!"
Defiantly saying and coming to stand the princess retorted.
To her first words to him, the imperial looked over to her. Though she could only make out the lower portion of his face. Leia was sure he could care lees for her defiant words. "I will also like to remind you that you are a visitor here. I am princess Leia Organa!"
Though she said it with pride in her voice. Claiming the royal title made her feel like she overdid the introduction. In fact as she came closer to the cloaked figure, she could see he seemed unimpressed with her statement. As he made no sign whatsoever of caring whom she was.
"Indeed you are the princess Leia Organa. Many apologies." He seemed more knowing then he let on as he spoke his lighthearted apology. "I would ask as to why you were crouching and listening to my conversation with my Massassi?"
Leia raised her brow. Massassi?
"What makes you think that I was there throughout your conversation?" She asked rather unassuming, even to herself.
"Because milady, I could sense you there the entire time. Please don't bother to ask of what I mean. Just know that it doesn't matter that you were there. And know that I'm not going to take you away or whatever you want to call it."
To that Leia could hardly believe.
"Why not then?" The imperial seemed rather taken aback by the manner in which she asked this. In fact Leia even realized it sounded a bit more disappointed then she expected it to be.
"Frankly milady, all that you've heard is nothing that wont be known soon enough anyhow."
Said in a matter of fact tone. "I merely found it strange that you would be so paranoid as to hide in the artificial shrubs of this room. If you were open about your presence I hardly think I would have moved to another room." To this Leia grew slightly embarrassed. Especially after hearing him say it that way. It did seem rather weird. And made her look more suspicious to him indeed.
"Well then why did you bring those aliens in here to talk to? There are plenty of rooms in the Aldera palace, plenty since you and your alien friends cleared them."
He crossed his arms over his dark clothed chest looking defiantly himself.
"Under the lockdown rules and laws of the Aldera palace, I may take my business anywhere I please in this palace, milady. But frankly I didn't foresee any harm in talking in this room. I find it quiet and far more appealing then the boring halls of the palace. Also the conformed rooms of the palace held no appeal either. For the palace of Alderaan it sure is reminiscent of Imperial décor." The last part said with a hint of matter of fact in his tone.
Leia was beginning to make out a subtle but present Coruscanti proper accent. It seemed to come out more as his tone grew louder. It reminded her of many imperial officials whom she had seen and overheard talking with the same accent. Including many military officials.
"Well then I'm confused why you wished to speak with me at all then!" Now Leia was growing more agitated. Which caught his attention more apparently.
"You are princess Leia Organa, am I right?" Now despite how strange a question to Leia this was. The cloaked imperial asked as if he wasn't sure. He even raised an inquisitive hand towards the princess.
"Of course I'm the princess!" She stated loudly, and angrily. "Are you deaf and blind? Didn't I tell you this already as well?" Leia grew angrier by the moment. She knew it was the stress that had been welling inside her over the last couple days. She knew it was foolish to speak to an imperial like so. Her father had taught her that much of course. But she just let her anger loose. And only seemed to intrigue him further.
"That is…..interesting then." Very cryptically he said just above a whisper. He re-crossed his arms and seemed to be deep in thought while aiming his face downwards toward the ground.
"Forgive me milady, but I seem to be late for a meeting with my lord." Bowing politely, the imperial simply walked off. Leaving a stunned and confused Leia standing in the middle of the garden room.
Ok, that was very odd. Why did he walk off so fast?
These thoughts ran through her mind. But soon enough she gave up on pondering them for the time being. And soon she went on back to the "safety zone" surrounded by royal guards and of course her father.
Thus ending a very strange day for Leia Organa.
(Short time later.)
Looking up from his desk as his apprentice entered. Still clothed in all dark, and a hastened pace about him.
"Why have you returned so soon Viathan?" The dark lord queried. A hint of aggravation in his voice.
The boy continued forward, soon enough coming to a kneel.
"Forgive me for my intrusions master. But I have a matter or some importance to discuss. It has just come to my attention, and felt it necessary to inform you." With a sense of haste in his voice the boy spoke. This must be good. It had better be anyway.
Rising from his seat Exar thought. "Then be quick about it! I have many documents left to go over."
Exar gestured for Viathan to rise, which he did quickly enough.
"I was a short while ago discussing with commander Mattizz on further Massassi guard deployment throughout and around the palace. Per your orders master." Exar nodded for the boy to continue.
"At some point we made our way into an enclosed garden room. Here I sensed another's presence in the room with us. It seemed to be paying attention to the conversation I was in with the Mattizz and the other Massassi.
I sensed no threat from it, and thus finished ordering Mattizz. It then occurred to me that I should address whomever was taking their time to make a fool of themselves. Little did I expect the princess Organa herself to be said person."
Now Exar was far more interested. In fact he was caught by surprise, as was evident by his raised brow line.
"Princess Leia Organa? The senators daughter?" Of course Kun knew whom she was. It was surprising enough to cause him to ask again for reassurance. He had seen the girl and even passed her at least once. But Exar didn't believe her to be the sneaking kind.
Receiving a nod from Viathan, Exar gestured for him to continue again.
"Now I was simply stating that it was unnecessary for her to have hidden in the artificial flora. It was then that she became rather angered by my comments. That when I felt her presence in the force swell and boom with power master! I had not felt it before, which I assume is because it is untrained and uncontrolled. But it was in fact very present. It needed only be persuaded to present itself."
Exar grew silent. In fact so silent that Viathan began to become uncomfortable.
A pondering and thoughtful finger came to his chin. Showing that the Dark Lord was deeply in thought.
How very interesting! Never would I have thought I could be so entertained on Alderaan of all places!
Thinking to himself, the dark lord couldn't envision the brown haired girl he'd seen throughout the palace ever being a wielder of the force. Perhaps there is more on this pathetic world then I first anticipated. Perhaps this could work to my advantage indeed! But first…
His thoughts trailed off as he noticed his apprentice awaiting a reply from him.
"I must say this is a most interesting development. The princess having such potential as you say is intriguing for a number of reasons. Tell me. What of the power you felt? Did it seem at all like it held potential?" Exar queried.
""Most definitely my master. As I said it blossomed more as her anger grew towards me. As such I could tell, the power was there. And it was completely untapped. In fact I would be comfortable enough to say it felt neglected, or repressed on purpose." It was apparent to Exar that Viathan was especially surprised and intrigued himself. Though why Exar could only assume. But considering the extreme rivalry most Sith carry even in their early stages, it was interesting for Exar to see him unfazed by what he claims to be great power.
Are you that assured of your strength and skill Viathan? Or are you merely apathetic to the power and skills of others? Exar could think all he wanted. But he doubted the true reason would be presented to him.
"Indeed." Exar simply replied.
"Before I act on any information presented on this matter. I will need more information. I want you to gather information on the princess. Both of her personally, as well as any records of her in both Alderaanian and Imperial databanks. After such tasks are complete and I'm adequately satisfied by the findings. Perhaps I may have bigger plans to enact upon. Until then I want her watched far more closely. Especially her conversations and interactions with the senator. I have a feeling he knows more then we should assume. I want nothing left forgotten or ignored apprentice!"
Exar could see his apprentice taking in all tasks asked of him. It seemed that his apprentice was fully willing and prepared to do all he said. Down to the letter. Which made Exar all the more approving of his pupil.
"As you wish master. Once I have gathered all I can, I shall return to you immediately. I think I can personally extract some information from her. Of course that is, if this action is approved by you master.."
Exar simply nodded with approved and silent acknowledgement.
Bowing to his lord and master one final time. Viathan made quick for the door. Leaving a contemplating Sith lord to muse alone.
I feel that this will have a greater effect on things to come. Why? I do not know. But I do know, nothing can stop me of course. But maybe, just maybe I could have a quick boost of allies.
A devious small smile came across his face, as he allowed a deep chuckle to rise.
Honestly, what did Exar Kun the dark lord of the Sith have to fear?
(Coruscant Orbit.)
He wasn't fully ready, in fact the whole of his operation wasn't ready to commence.
But still Vader was impressed, even if just slightly. At his usual spot at the front of his ship, the Exactor. Vader was as said, impressed. Looking out the viewport before him were dozens, no Hundreds of Imperial warships! None of them were old versions, or hand me downs, so to speak. No, no the majority of these ships were fresh off the yards of Kuat, Mon Calamari, and Fondor!
Their ship captains were by majority at least seasoned and well mannered officers.
Vader even had a fleet admiral, as well as Grad Admiral Demetrius Zaarin. Whom as head of Imperial research and development for the Empire's star fighters, was ordered by the Emperor to travel with Vader and test several prototype fighters.
In total the dark lord was put in command of one hundred and fifty "Imperial class-Star Destroyers" along with one hundred and twenty five "Victory I-class star destroyer" with one hundred "Victory II-class star destroyers" and seventy five "Acclamator II-class assault ships!"
A fleet that in the end consisted of Ten million-four hundred and eighty five thousand-five hundred and twenty five, imperials!
I really must thank you for the grand fleet my master. It will be of great use to me, as I seal your fate!
Gloating in silence, the dark lord allowed himself to simply watch. The fleet, Coruscant, and the glittering of space itself. Today he would not have stray thoughts of his past enter his mind. Today marked the beginning of what will become the greatest campaign Vader embarked on personally!
This day marked the start of his rise!