"Ahh Governor Tarkin. I'm pleased to see that the end of the war has not caused you to do away with your punctuality".
Bowing his head respectfully at the Emperor, the former admiral adopted a proper military stance as he replied to his sovereign's amused observation.
"Despite our crushing victory over the Separatists your majesty, I'm afraid that we cannot let our guard down since their is much work to be done to consolidate the grip of the Empire. CIS holdouts, opportunistic criminals who expanded their territory while our attention was focused elsewhere, rebellious systems. Until they have been brought to heel, I predict that the Empire will have to retain a level of alertness in order to combat these threats".
Pleased with this response, for it was this mindset that would allow him to justify the continued buildup of the military without much opposition, Sidious graced the militant governor with a single nod before voicing his own opinion on the matter.
"Indeed. Fortunately this will only be a passing phase as the Empire devotes its growing forces to the consolidation of our territory instead of trying to defeat a more equipped adversary. And once construction of our more...revolutionary assets have been completed, even the most vocal of opponents will be forced into submission. However until that happy day arrives, and in order to ensure that it does, we will have to use what resources we have at our disposal. Now, let us discuss why I called you here today".
Gesturing for the newly appointed governor to sit, the Emperor gave him a moment to get comfortable before starting the conversation that would help to ensure the supremacy of the Sith.
"It is come to my attention that the Death Star in its current state might not be the ultimate weapon that has been promised to me. I am eager to hear how you will rectify the flaws that my newest...advisor has discovered in the current plans. And it might be interesting to hear your thoughts on the more...interesting ideas he's come up with".
Concealing the irritation he felt at being told that his current project was less than the master piece he had envisioned, Tarkin barely managed to keep himself from flinching as the deformed politician broke off into amused croaking laughter.
"Your thoughts betray you Tarkin. But you needn't worry. The boy recognizes the limits of his capabilities, and is quite content to offer his aid for a rather paltry reward".
Doing his best to appear unaffected at the reminder that the Emperor possessed Jedi like powers, Tarkin allowed a frown to mar his features as he processed what he had just been told".
"A boy your majesty? How can an ambitionless boy prove to be of value to the Empire"?
Smirking at Tarkin's indignation, and sensing the approach of a familiar presence that possessed a level of exhaustion that hadn't been present the day before, Sidious answered the dour looking Governor before he used his abilities to let his advisor in.
"His ideas and knowledge will do much to ensure that our Empire remains unchallengeable. And while his eagerness is somewhat reminiscent of some of the more...liberal speakers in the senate, the boy at least recognizes that some situations require military force rather than peaceful discussion. Also his loyalty to the New Order, while enthusiastic, is nonetheless unquestionable. So I expect you to hear his ideas for yourself before you dismiss him compleltly".
Not bothering to wait for Tarkin to come up with a reply, Sidious waved his hand to open the office door, and used the same tone he had used to gain the confidence of a young Skywalker to welcome the boy in.
"Ahh my young friend. Your right on time. I trust you had a pleasant evening with your...companions"?
Allowing an exhausted, but nonetheless satisfied grin to grace his features at the mention of his lively night with some of the most attractive species of the Star Wars Universe, the boy nodded his head at the Emperor's question before switching his attention to an unimpressed looking Tarkin.
"Yes I did my lord. I mean your majesty. It was..quite something. But since you have Admiral...or is it Governor?...Tarkin here, I take it that you want me to go over the technical stuff we talked about"?
Pleased that the boy was able to ascertain the reason for his presence, and recognizing the unspoken question of how much should be revealed in this discussion, Sidious nodded his head before gesturing to Tarkin.
"Yes. You are here to go over ONLY go over the technological aspects of yesterday's discussion. Using your..unique mind, I want you to tell Governor Tarkin how you think our current project can be improved, as well as any other technological wonders you may have thought of".
Having been granted permission to talk to the balding governor about what he knew, the boy bowed his head in gratitude towards the Emperor before focusing his attention on a skeptical looking Tarkin.
"Well, I think the first place to begin is about the various flaws that are present in the current design for the Death Star".
Choosing to conceal his shock that this boy knew about the Empire's ultimate secret weapon, Tarkin scoffed at the presumption that this boy could tell him anything if importance.
"Really? And what flaws are you talking about exactly"?
Surprised when the boy didn't appear discouraged at his dismissive tone, indeed he looked more energetic than ever, Tarkin allowed his face to show surprise as the oddly dressed body answered his question.
"Well for starters, the targeting system for the main weapon is gross inaccurate. I mean sure if your aiming to destroy a planet it doesn't really matter if your laser beam cant hit a target that's smaller than a star destroyer. But if your trying to destroy an entire fleet in one blast, then it will miss every time. Also, if you plan to use the laser at full power, then its recharge time is ridiculous. 24 hours between shots would allow enough time for the enemy to evacuate, meaning that your efforts in tracking them down had gone to waste".
Risking a look towards the Emperor, Tarkin was surprised that the boy's explanation was being seriously considered. And while he could admit that these were valid concerns, the Governor was still not convinced that this boy could be of use to the Empire.
"And how exactly would you rectify these problems? While I concede that these are flaws in the overall design, I am curious as to how you would solve them".
Taking a moment to think of answer to Tarkin's question, the boy soon came upon a solution that he hoped would prove that he could be a competent servant of the Empire.
"Well for the targeting system, you could always use tactical droids to calculate the laser's trajectory. Much more efficient than having a living being do all the complex calculations. And this way you can ensure that the trigger man..or droid in this case, will always listen to your orders. As for the recharge time, the only way that I can think of that doesn't result in making the station larger in order to accommodate more fusion generators is to convert some of the hangars into more power stations. Yes it would mean that you would have less fighter support, but since the primary point of the Death Star is to destroy, or terrifying planets into submission with its super laser, you don't really need that much fighters on hand. And if you manage to improve the shield coverage of the Death Star, you might even be able to cut that number down even further".
Finding merit in the boy's words, and finding himself raising his opinion of the boy, Tarkin decided to see what other ideas he might have. Starting with the most obvious one.
"You have a point. However I'm interested to know just how the Death Star's shield can be improved upon. It's been designed so it can withstand the debris of a destroyed planet, and the full fire power of an enemy fleet. And since theirs no one else who possesses the resources to undertake a project of this magnitude, I don't think we have to worry about an enemy super weapon".
Nodding his head in agreement with these points, the boy moved to point out the one thing he was missing.
"Your right Governor. However while the shield can prevent the Death Star from being damaged by capital ships and large debris, it is complelty ineffective against smaller space craft like fighters and bombers".
Though what the boy said was true, Tarkin couldn't help but scoff at this minor flaw.
"So? I hardly believe that a small group of fighters could pose a threat to a moon sized battle station".
Doing his best not to grin at Tarkin's overconfidence, the boy was about to reveal how a small fighter could destroy the Empire's ultimate weapon when the Emperor decided to join the conversation.
"You would be surprised by how much can be accomplished by a single pilot and his fighter Governor Tarkin. And since technology is always moving forward, it is possible that our enemies might develop bombs that could damage, or even neutralize the Death Star. So I believe we must take the boy's reasoning into consideration".
Unable to deny that the Emperor had a point, and deciding to give the boy another chance, Tarkin chose another to talk about another topic. But not before asking a question that would once and for all prove that this boy's ideas were in agreement with the doctrine that had gained Palpatine's approval ever since he had transferred his loyalties to the man.
"Tell me something boy. What is it that you believe in? Who do you support the concept of a super weapon"?
Having expected such an answer, and knowing that the only way to gain the respect of the first primary antagonist of the Original Trilogy was to have a pro military response, the boy decided to use a line that he had heard from another film series that he likes.
"Theirs a saying where I'm from that the best weapon is one you never have to fire. I disagree. The most effective weapon is one where you only have to use it once. Once your enemies see that you not only possessed overwhelming force, but aren't afraid to use it, peace is far easier to obtain".
Nodding in agreement at this rather sensible philosophy, Tarkin allowed a smirk to cross his face as he voiced his approval.
"A sensible policy to be sure. It does me good to see that the youth of today have a good sense of the Empire's priorities. Now, what other methods do you think will ensure the success of the Death Star's purpose".
Happy that he had managed to prove himself to the future Grand Moff, the Empire fan boy told him.
"It has to do with wookies".
...
I think this is a good place to stop :)
Very happy to see that more and more people are liking, AND COMMENTING on this story :D. Gives me the motivation to continue lol.
And I have no problem with the reviews being used to reply to other reviews. Provided of course you comment on the course of the story lol.
Playing around with the idea of giving the Empire Independence Day Alien ships. Yes I know the sequel did poorly, but you can't deny that the Harvestor ship is bad ass.
Intend to ensure better storm troopers (though I point out...even in the movies, they are efficient soldiers against NON main characters and elite rebel units), or at least raise the idea of more elite units.
Pretty soon...will devote a chapter to either the most famous/powerful Muppet in history (hopefully I don't have to say who XD) or the Desert Hermit. Not a lot of respect/sympathy for these 2. I mean...they basically leave the galaxy in darkness until they deem 'the time is right'. They withhold important information until the last minute. And they do nothing to help their Jedi Brethern escape the purges. If they truly wanted to make things right...they could have rebuilt their order...using a DIFFERENT set of guidelines for a Jedi's lifestyle.
But until that time...GLORY TO THE EMPIRE.