Imperial Palace, Galactic City - Imperial Center
3rd person POV...
The door to the Emperor's throne room slides open with a hiss, allowing Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Vader, to step into the large and darkened chamber. As he approaches the throne he takes a moment to observe his surroundings.
The Emperor's throne room was a massive space, unadorned, and solid black in color with large circular windows to provide natural lighting from the planetary horizon. The throne itself is raised on a platform above the rest of the chamber, a wide and elegant staircase leading to it. Like always, a team of several highly trained Imperial Royal Guards stood watchfully in their positions throughout the throne room, always ready and willing to defend their master at any cost, even from Vader himself. While he's been in this chamber many times whenever his master has summoned him, this time Vader couldn't help but falter in his step with surprise at seeing who else was present.
A young girl with red hair and green eyes stood before the Emperor, dressed in an all black skin-tight suit. She turned to look at him upon his entry, to which Vader frowns underneath his mask. He knows fully well who the girl is, of course, having brought her before Palpatine not long ago for training so that she could serve as Mara Jade's equal. But the Emperor nowadays seems to be giving more and more attention to her, rather than to him.
Vader's surprise lasted for barely a moment and he resumes his approach, to which the Emperor finally takes notice of his presence.
"Ah, Lord Vader. Excellent," he greets with a thin smile. "You may go now, Shira."
Shira nods her head once and turns on her heel, walking at a formal pace down the steps. She glances at Vader as they move past each other, but the Sith Lord gives her no acknowledgement. She soon exits the throne room through the doorway while Vader bows to one knee before the Emperor's throne. Darth Sidious regards him in silence for a few moments and then takes out something hidden in his robe.
"Tell me, my friend, do you know what this is?" he inquires.
Vader looks up to see the Emperor holding up a small device for him to see. He frowns upon analyzing it, taking note of the circular shape and intricately crafted symbols on its metal surface, along with the blue gem placed in the middle.
"I do not, Master," he admits.
"I am not surprised. For it is an ancient relic, one that even ancient Sith scholars have no documentation of, though my own Master theorized the existence of it," Sidious replies, his gaze focused on the device in his hand. "Fortunately, following the late Minister Hyden's untimely demise, his scholars uncovered clues that hint to what this, 'Star compass,' is meant for."
"And what is that?" Vader asks, curious.
The Emperor smiles.
"The key to discovering the birthplace of the Jedi Order," he reveals. "The planet called Ahch-To."
Vader widens his eyes in astonishment, which quickly turns to cruel satisfaction. At last he now has a direct path to destroying his enemy, just as he foresaw he will. He recalls what he saw in his vision, in which he saw himself putting his crimson blade through the Jedi's heart.
"The planet that Shan is hiding on?" Vader says eagerly.
"Indeed, my apprentice," the Emperor replies, though lacking a smile. "I know you are most eager to destroy him yourself, but you must be patient. Unlocking the secrets of this compass will take... time."
He fixes his servant with a cold gaze, his yellow eyes gleaming.
"Until then, you must prove to me that you are capable. Should you failed to kill him again, I will be forced to assign someone else," Sidious warns him.
Vader's thoughts turn toward some of the many servants the Emperor has at his disposal, the highest among them being Shira. He boils with rage at the thought of another seizing the victory that belongs to him, but quenches it in the presence of his master, submissively bowing his head.
"Yes, Master," he begrudgingly agrees.
"Good," the Emperor nods in approval, smiling once more. "But be assured, Lord Vader. It is no longer a matter of if we will find him... but when."
His laugh echoes throughout the throne room.