Chapter 38
(Teth.)
Star destroyers littered the skies over Teth, virtually blanketing the sky in metal and imperial might. There large magnificence seemingly dulling that of the stars themselves! Even the star that gave the world its warmth and day was less magnificent by comparison. But what could compare to the sheer might of the imperial navy?
Streaking through the skies adjoining the fleet were squadrons of three TIE fighters. Dozens of squadrons that in turn meant hundreds of fighters and bombers ruled the skies of Teth now. Every couple of minutes one would hear the screeching of their mechanical presence. And one would more then likely tremble in fear. The thought of their strike was too much great a risk not to duck really.
The full might of the Empire had indeed, been brought down upon Teth.
Sarn knew not why though. And that scared the Moff more then anything.
Especially since lord Vader only made his arrival known once his grand armada arrived above Teth. Not a word had been given to Sarn for preparation. And lord Vader is most definitely not one to just drop by.
The master of the Empire's armed forces then had dozens of stormtrooper squads in individual carrier shuttles swarm Shild's estate landing pads!
Where the ominous white troops immediately departed their shuttles and fell into offensive standby positions facing the estate. Blasters drawn, and troopers falling into kneeled positions as they were supported by fellow troops standing at their back. Which in turn caused the Moffs own troopers to fall into standby positions facing the now platoons of Vader's troops! That's when the TIE fighter squads had begun to constantly circle the estate. And when the utter silence amongst the estate staff began.
Sarn had been adamant in his command for his troops to stand down. But even then they remained ready to fire at the overwhelming invading force. A sight that will not be pleasant should it happen.
"And to think, I thought today was going to be dull."
Sarn announced to himself as he stood overlooking the scene that lay out before him, hands clasped behind his back and a strained look upon his brow line.
Sarn was now awaiting Lord Vader himself to arrive and speak with him.
"Whatever the reason for this. I'm sure Vader is enjoying himself." He spat sourly.
Sarn had heard from his fellow Moffs and other governing officials of Vader's near boiling hatred for the Moffs and governing politicians of the Empire. And the overdone imperial force was perhaps the greatest evidence of that.
"What a quaint introduction to Vader this should be."
Sarn thought aloud.
Sarn would never admit such, but he was beyond scared!
No one would display this kind of scene if they weren't trying their hardest to scare another!
Sarn could feel the damp beads of sweat form along his forehead. His heart quicken.
He knew that something was very, very wrong. And he knew whatever it was, it was likely to shape his future.
For better or worse.
Vader stepped off his shuttle's ramp unto an estate landing pad of Moff Sarn Shild.
Where stood before him were dozens of ready and aiming storm troopers. Just waiting for the word to fire on their Moff guarding counterparts. But as Vader had predicted the troops opposite to his own had immediately dropped their aim upon his arrival. Seeing the large commanding lord of the Empire apparently set them straight.
Besides that Vader saw an Imperial officer among his troops. Whom was now approaching him.
A young officer, he seemed to be just one of the hundreds of fresh men requested for Vader's armada.
Inexperience was a quality Vader, loathed.
"My lord, Moff Shild has denied our troopers entrance to his estate! He claims it to be on grounds of suspicion, my lord! Suspicion that we are some sort of pretender imperials! The nerve!" Practically cried the officer. As he had obvious anger from being simply brushed off by a Moff.
"This just gives more credit to the charges he will face."
Vader said as he moved passed the officer towards the estate. Vader took note that the officer had taken step behind him. Also noting the anger boiling in him.
Vader gave him little mind though, as he continued on passed the guarding troopers, through the estate doors and very easily past the estate working staff.
From then on he was given no resistance by the estate staff, or its troops. Not a soul wished to even try and stop Darth Vader.
As he rounded halls and passed the spacious rooms of Moff Shild's estate, Vader could see that like most Moffs of the Empire. He spared no expense towards his personal home and tastes.
As it was decorated in ancient and expensive tapestries. Such as unnecessary weapons of old, or even hung heads of exotic animals from galaxy across. Then there was the floors. Lined with fine carpeting and rugs that ran whole halls and corridors. Even exotic statues stood lining the halls, each having been at least in the high hundreds of thousands in credits!
This will come to an end once I have full command! These fool Moffs tempt my last nerve!
Eerily, and very angrily Vader proclaimed inwardly.
It wasn't long before Vader reached a sort of mock audience chamber. That as with the rest of the palace, was filled with exotic and unique furnishings. All of them of course were completely unnecessary.
But for now Vader kept his sights on the figure standing to the far end of the chamber. Hands clasped behind his back while he solemnly stared out a viewing panel that overlooked much of his surrounding estate.
Glancing over his large armored shoulder, the dark lord was pleased to see the officer, as well as four troopers behind him at ready. Though Vader did not know where the troopers came from, he thought it safe to assume they were direct underlings for the officer.
Seeing what he wanted Vader returned to his march towards the awaiting Moff.
"I would welcome you lord Vader. But I can see you rather prefer to invite yourself." Without turning towards Vader, Shild jested in a more sour then humorous fashion.
"I have little time for your ridiculous attempts at a jest Sarn. As I have even less patience for you, Moff!"
Ever commanding and imposing Vader came directly to the Moffs back.
Forcing the suited man to turn to Vader. An obvious ill like look upon his features.
"The time has come Moff Shild! I have all documents needed to prove your traitorous acts and ways. In fact I have already presented this before the Emperor himself." Vader proclaimed, immediately putting a shocked look upon Moff Shild. Mouth agape and eyes widened in shock, he seemed to be at a loss for words. "Now it is you decision on whether you come quietly Moff."
"You cannot he serious!" Snarled Sarn, apparently loosing his sense of decency.
"I am far from a traitor I shall have you know Darth! I am a Moff of THE GALACTIC EMPIRE! I shall not be called and accused of being a traitor! In fact I have half a mind to call you such! Come to a planet under MY jurisdiction! Furthermore I…."
Antoll came to a loss for words, and breath.
Vader tired of his rant simply held out his hand and lazily pinched his fingers.
Allowing the dark lord to watch as the man clawed at his neck. Trying with all his might to claw away the invisible object that now cut him off from breath. Sarn making choking gurgles fell to his knees before lord Vader and his men.
All of which seemed to just blankly watch the display before them.
"Now listen to me, Moff! This is not up for debate. You are charged and found guilty of your crimes against the Empire!" As he loosened his force grip just so slightly, Vader could see Shild look up to him with tears in his eyes. A side effect from oxygen deprivation.
"As it is Moff, I find your outburst before a clear sign of your nature. Not only towards me, but towards those superior to you within the Empire. Which is a most interesting fact considering your claim to be a true imperial."
Reproaching the Moff at every angle of his tirade, Vader found pleasure in the mans look of growing anxiety. "I leave you to your fate, Moff."
Vader letting go of the Moff watched as the man violently gasped for air. While he fell backwards from sheer shock of being let free.
Vader turned away and began to march towards the exit. Causing Shild confusion.
"Officer!"
"Yes my lord?" Called back the young officer, whom remained near the Moff.
"Be rid of this pathetic man!"
Turning to Sarn, a smirk of pleasure plastered on his face. "Very good, my lord."
With those last words the young officer nodded to his troopers. Whom in turn all raised their blasters in unison. The sounding clicks announcing their readiness to fire.
And a eye bulging look of terror upon Shild's still reddened face.
"Blast the scum!" The officer ordered, in a slick and proper tone, that just seeped in oily pleasure. The silent and complying soldiers simply did as ordered. Firing hundreds of blaster shots into the ex-Moffs body. Leaving smoking scorch marks riddled across his corpse.
These were the echoing noises that Vader heard as he continued his way to leave the estate.
And as he emerged from the estate Vader took notice of the troopers who guarded the estate. At how they continued to stand guard for a man they didn't even know was dead.
Then the dark lord looked towards the settlements in the distance of Teth.
This whole world is indeed, pathetic! It is not only a Moff I must rouse here today.
Vader continued to his shuttle. His brooding thoughts still at the forefront of his mind.
And as he boarded, and watched as his forces boarded their own respective transports. Vader allowed the final part of his plan to swirl around in his mind.
(Super Star Destroyer Exactor, moments later.)
The dark lord arrived to his ships bridge. Awaiting him, his ships captain Piett.
"Welcome back lord Vader. I hope all business planet side went accordingly." The captains greetings was dully accepted by the silent Vader. "I await your further commands, my lord." Planting his hands into a clasp behind him, the captain awaited expectantly.
"Have all troop transports returned from Teth?"
Piett glanced to another officer manning the armadas takeoff and boarding histories.
The officer returned a pleased look towards Piett.
"Yes my lord all transports and fleet personnel have re-boarded. All vessels have reported in. And all are prepared to jump to hyperspace on your orders, my lord." Clear and to the point. Something Vader rather approved of among his officers.
"Very good captain. Now inform all ships to ready their planet side turbo lasers and cannons. Contact Grand Admiral Zaarin. He is to position his ship and his fleets division on the opposite side of Teth. His ships are to do the same. We are to fire on my command!" Piett gave a silent nod over to the communications officer. Whom was already in the process of relaying the orders.
In the space around Teth, dozens of ships that were free floating in orbit began to simultaneously turned side bound. All cannons aiming towards Teth activated. Many more moved in unison to aim at the world.
The ships under the grand admirals control soon disappeared around the world.
"My lord, all ships are in position! Zaarin and his vessels are also in position! All ships are ready to fire."
Vader gave an ever so slight nod of his helmeted head. His silent acknowledgement left all to grow silent on the bridge. Even more silent then was usual of Vader's crew. They were all awaiting the command.
"All vessels are to fire!" Loudly and abruptly Vader commanded in a boom that made some officers jump slightly.
But without another word, the communications officer sent out the mass firing order to all ships.
In an instant all cannons burst to life! Firing repeatedly unto the unsuspecting world.
Pounding its land into nothing but super heated waste lands! Every smashing blast eroding the world bit by bit. Turning settlements to craters! Trees and grass to fiery deathtraps! Rock to dust!
As the millions of lives that lived upon Teth were snuffed out in blinding and burning fury! Some had time to scream in terror. Most had no time to react at all.
Even the stormtroopers guarding the Shild estate flew into disarray! Before being blasted out of existence themselves of course!
And from his bridge side view. The dark lord watched with mild interest.
And this will show the galaxy. The price you must pay, for a Moff!
All officers aboard the bridge too watched in dazed awe.
After all, four hundred and fifty imperial warships were turning a world into a wasteland.
So….why not watch the "show?"
(Alderaan, Aldera Palace.)
"Very good senator!" Exar boisterously praised in a mock cheer. "You played your part just as smooth as ever. You should be proud of this senator. I myself am very, very pleased by your cooperation."
As Exar carried on, Bail simply remained back turned to the dark lord. He could not stand it anymore! He was near a breaking point. He had now condemned around the seventeenth rebel organization to the sith lords twisted scheme. And Bail was far more afraid now more then ever of what he was doing.
Even if Leia grows into an adult and manages to make it from here. Who would trust her? I will be the example they set upon her. It's almost as if this has been for nothing!
"Ah senator I am just so filled with joy. I almost wish I could reward you!" The dark lord enjoyed mocking the self righteous senator, perhaps more then he would have liked.
In fact Exar grew a very wicked and crooked grin as he thought of the ultimate taunt.
"You know senator. I do believe I had a rather strange conversation with my apprentice the other day."
Again in a mocking tone the Sith lord informed the senator. A smirk still evident upon his face.
Bail raised his head in confusion. Not liking the knowing sound within the lords voice.
Exar caught the concerned look. Which only caused him to chuckle near silently but still a chuckle it was.
"You see he came to me with a rather intriguing observation, that I myself found hard to believe. But he has not been one to overreact and jump to conclusions you see. He was also rather shocked and intrigued himself. Which I can tell you is a hard feat to accomplish."
Walking around the com station in a slow pace. The Sith lord know seemed more predatory, it was obvious in his walk and fixed look upon his face.
"He claims to have been in a mild conversation with the young princess you see."
Bail's eyes grew wide immediately, as he tried to fight the urge to look up in shock.
"Now I am not a fool, but I have not been around your daughter as per our agreement. But you see this does not count for my pupil. And from what he explains, she was listening in on Imperial conversation."
Now that news simply made Bail close his eyes and sigh heavily.
"That minor breach in rules aside, my pupil informed me that the princess became rather irate towards my apprentice. Whom I might add was simply informing her that she had needed not sneak." Said in a matter of fact tone.
"Now I don't expect you to know too much of the force senator. But I will and can tell you, she has a great amount of potential within her."
He stopped his small circular pace around the quiet Organa. Allowing his news to fully seep into his mind.
But reaching out with his great power in the force, Exar found what he had hoped.
Ah, you are worried and yet expectant! HA so you do know! Oh senator, you haven't ceased to entertain me.
A wicked gleam in his eyes, the dark lord came closer to the tense senator. Coming to stand at his direct side. Allowing himself to lean on the console and cross his arms as he trained his stare on Organa.
"Senator, I have more power then I'm sure you realize. And I know from simply listening to my apprentice that there is far more to this girl then one would want known."
The senator glanced with a hard and pained look to Kun. Whom only caused Bail to shake with anger, as he had to stare into a cocky grey eyed face.
"I can assure you that you and your apprentice must be mistaken. Leia is MY daughter and she is as normal a human, as a human can be!" He retorted with an icy voice.
Tilting his head to his side with a renewed smirk forming.
"Senator." The dark lord drew out the one word. Darkly and foreboding almost.
"I never said she wasn't your daughter." Smirk turned to grin, as Bail's heart sunk and he realized his critical slip of the tongue. He allowed his head to sink in open despair.
"Come now senator. I have little interest in harming your daughter!" It sounded hollow to Bail. But he knew Exar most likely was telling the truth. The dark lord most likely had no desire to harm her for fun.
The dark lord pushed himself up from his lazily leaning. Allowing himself to cockily pace around the senator.
"You see senator. I would like to think of myself as a man of facts. At least of the facts that in the course of the future will bring one greater glory and power. Now I am also a man of intrigue and yearning for knowledge. It was my want for knowledge that lead me down this greater path." He informed in a manner that seemed almost self glorifying. Probably is self adoration! It crossed Bail's mind that Kun did indeed adore himself.
" Now when a topic grabs my interest I cant seem to get my mind off of it." Kun continued on.
"And sadly this is the exact case with your daughter." Matter of fact like Exar came to a stop across from Organa.
"I intend to know any and all facts that could directly influence my operations and my plans.
Now I can make this very simple for you, and you can simply reply. Mind you there are two choices, perhaps a third. But I can tell you two of these options have dire consequences."
A dark smirk and humorous tone about him. It was more then Bail thought he could bare.
"Choice one is perhaps the most simple of them all. All it requires is you speak the whole truth and satisfy my interest. And this would mean no lying of course….and believe me I can tell." He fit his threat nicely into his sentence. Gaining a disgusted grimace from Bail.
"Choice two, well you don't tell me, or lie during choice one and I will sadly have no choice but to painfully track down your daughters heritage by means of drilling through her force essence and trace it back. You would be allowed to watch and listen to her tremendous screams of pain if you like. While I carve my way past her mind, into her very source of power, and rip all that I want from her!" He grinned as he said such. The Sith lord enjoyed pressing all the right buttons on Bail.
Organa grew more livid by the moment. It was far too unlike him that even bail knew he wasn't supposed to be like this. He never was like this! And that just caused him to grow more livid and show it on his face.
"Now choice three would simply be to kill you. Take your daughter and present her to say the emperor or maybe lord Vader even, and have one of them do with her as they wish. Which I am sure will be far worse to you then her being forced into a life of…..shared pleasures." He darkly grinned as Bail exhaled heavily. The breath seemingly coming from his very core of anger. But it did little to subdue his rage.
"Why should ANY of this matter to you dark lord! What use to YOU is a thirteen year old girl?"
The senator spat to the Sith lord. Malice now laced in the voice of the once calm man.
"Oh senator believe me, there is much I will gain from a new addition to my collection of force trainees."
In his knowing voice and manner Kun informed Organa.
"I have little patience, Organa. You have exactly one minute to decide! Starting now!"
Watching the many emotions flash across the senators face was quite amusing.
Anger, fear, hatred, and loss. It was all wickedly pleasing to the dark lord of the Sith.
You have no route out of this Organa. Exar knew this to be fact.
"You are the most arrogant, power hungry, heartless, man IF you can be called that even! I am not one to act on my emotions but you, Exar Kun are disgusting to me! One of the most if not THE most disgusting THING I have ever had the displeasure of meeting!"
Bail shaking with anger spat with bitter ice in his words. He could feel the pounding of his body. As with every pound to his body, pure unadulterated rage shot up his spine. So much so he even twitched involuntarily.
And to his complete dismay and revitalized anger. Exar Kun smiled, and let a deep chuckle erupt.
"Why yes, I will agree I am ever hungry for more power to add to my already mighty power. As for arrogance, it comes with being the greatest sith lord to ever live." Such an ironic thing to say. And Exar knew so.
"As the heartless argument go's. That is an argument that could be up for debate one day."
Shooting Bail another smirk. Only caused him to shake his head in total disbelief.
Final chance senator. I already have someone following your daughter. And I am assured he can grab her and subdue her, without rousing a peep from her."
Angered brown eyes, glossed over with near hatred, bore into the grey taunting ones of the dark lord.
"I will resist you at every level, lord Kun. Know this, and I know you still need me for your own gains for the time being. Enjoy your victory while you can. For I can assure it shall not last! I am sure, even more then sure that this galaxy will never fully accept you and your kind! And one day you will see, the galaxy shall be free of you and your kind. As will my daughter be! And that I will have my victory, dark lord. As will the galaxy have its victory!"
Exar smirked in return.
"We shall see Organa. We shall see."
(Elsewhere, Aldera Palace.)
Leia had been walking. Just simply walking, aimlessly even. Up and down the silent and foreboding halls of the palace that have indeed dulled all around. Leia simply wished to find solace from the wave of emotions that clouded her mind in recent days. Making her feel ever more out of place then usual. And Leia knew what it was to not feel like you should belong somewhere. What's worse was she had nobody to talk to, not even her ever more withdrawn father. Her friend was stuck outside the palace. And well she didn't really converse with her aunts.
That thought alone made her grimace.
She just wanted, just wanted….peace? Yes peace was what she wanted.
And frankly the galaxy could deal with its own problems! She wanted her peace now!
Wearing a simple white outfit, that she had plenty doubles of. She walked the halls. And thankfully no guards or huge red aliens looming over her. Her hair tied up in a simple bun, Leia was happy enough, for now at least to get away again.
These had become harder and harder to do as the days passed by.
Letting a frustrated sigh loose, she put a hand to her forehead. She could feel the early stage of a headache forming. That's the last thing I really want, or need for that matter.
She allowed her thoughts to wander, while the ache in her head took a bit of her attention as well.
As distracted as she was, it was no real surprise that she bumped straight into someone.
"Oh excuse me. I didn't see you there."
Leia apologized while rubbing a finger to her temple.
As she looked up and focused on the figure she ran head first into, Leia's eyes grew wide with surprise.
"It is quite alright. I was not paying attention either. I'm surprised to meet you again princess Leia."
Standing there cloaked and dressed in all dark as before was him. The imperial from the garden!
Leia allowed her brow crease together in mild annoyance.
"Humph." She huffed loudly.
"If I had known it was you I wouldn't have bothered to apologize. Believe me."
She snapped.
His head tilted in what looked to be interest. Or perhaps it was in arrogance.
"I will assume you would say such a thing because of our earlier confrontation in the gardens."
Leia rolled her brown eyes.
"Of course that's why! You were absolutely rude and rather unbecoming for someone who is technically a visitor of another's residence."
Ever so properly she reproached, with her chin raised high in defiance to whatever he may have said in retort.
Raising his gloved left hand to his chin, he seemed to be deep in thought.
"Hmm, indeed." Finally he retorted, if that was a retort at all.
"You are correct milady. I was out of proper Imperial guidelines. For that I apologize your highness."
Now Leia's brow scrunched in confusion.
For one she had no clue if it was honest at all. Even as she watched him give an ever so slight bow.
"I hope that you will accept my apology milady." Rising from his bow he seemed to be honest enough.
Which only caused Leia to shake her head with disbelief.
"I suppose it will do." She returned with another frustrated sigh. "Perhaps I shouldn't have been crouching in bushes listening in on your conversation." Giving what she hoped was a satisfactory smile, Leia acknowledged.
And she was pleased to receive a small nod in return.
"All is well milady." He spoke in return.
"I will not trouble you any longer milady. I'm sure you were on your way to somewhere."
Bowing and beginning to walk towards where Leia had just come from. She found herself rather disappointed.
"Wait!" She called out for him rather loudly. More so then she had intended. Something that seemed to happen more often. He responded by turning slightly back towards her.
"I hope its not too much to ask what your name may be?"
She queried, with general interest. He paused, only for a moment.
"Viathan. You may call me Viathan milady."
Quite the odd name. She thought to herself with a raised brow.
But still she gave him an honest smile this time. "Well you know who I am, so no introduction needed."
He gave a terse nod. While she gave a rather more humorous smile.
I cant believe that I'm going to ask him. But here goes nothing.
"I was um, wandering if, well if…you were doing anything?" She stuttered out abruptly and fast.
He tilted his head confused. Or perhaps humored. Although he didn't seem like the humored type.
"Can you repeat that milady?"
Confused he asked.
Leia then huffed loudly and walked nearer towards him.
Am I honestly this desperate?
It hurt to ask herself what she knew the answer to. But she had nothing better to do. And he seemed more toned down then her first impression. In fact he seemed pleasant even. But that would need a bit more investigation before she would claim him to be anything.
"Well I wasn't really heading anywhere. And I have nothing else to do, and thought maybe neither did you. Honestly there has been little to do and frankly, I'm bored." In a very bored like tone she explained to him.
"I have nowhere pressing that I need be at. I suppose I can accompany you."
Immediately after he spoke Leia brightened. And she seemed to get a small reboot of energy.
"Is there somewhere in particular that you were planning on strolling to?" His proper imperial rolling off his tongue easily now.
Shaking her head in return, "No, just walking.
You could also consider this a proper apology for the garden. While the same go's for me."
She still had a small hopeful smile plastered on her face.
"Very well. I can walk with you for a time."
And to that she practically jumped. Oh how lonely you are. She criticized herself.
And as he walked up next to her, the two began their walk.
All the while Viathan had one thought in his mind.
Let us see where this leads princess.
And with that he nodded to Leia. Whom gave him a return nod.
Then they walked off.