Though he had seen the same thing many times since the start of the Clone Wars, Emperor Palpatine still enjoyed the sight that greeted him as he made his way down the ramp of the newly constructed Lambda shuttle.
To the Sith Lord, the assembled display of armed soldiers, standing obediently at attention, was the prime example of what he was trying to bring to the galaxy.
Order and Security.
Of course his more vocal opponents in the muzzled Senate, and he was pleased to see that they were steadily becoming a diminishing minority as more and more people saw the benefits of what the Empire had to offer, would argue that the constant military presence was only the latest example of the death of democracy, but frankly he did not care.
Unlike the Republic, whose reliance on corrupt law makers to ensure the facade of a stable government, the Empire would maintain its authority through the use of overwhelming might. And thanks to men such as the newly appointed Moff Tarkin, the time was fast approaching when even his most hated enemies would not dare to raise a hand against him.
But since Tarkin was busy in the Outer Rim consulting with the Director of the Empire's Advanced Weapons Research Division, the Emperor was allowed to focus his sole attention on the only person present who was not wearing the full combat gear of a clone trooper.
"Ah my boy. I am pleased to see you. Come walk with me. After my most productive journey, I am in the mood for some company, so please, tell me what you have been up to since I have been off world".
Falling into step with the aging Sith Lord, the uniform wearing Boy allowed a satisfied smile to cross his face as he told the listening Emperor about what he had accomplished during the past 2 weeks.
"Well your majesty, as per your orders, I have successfully found some competent teachers to raise the training standards of the Storm Troopers, though only a battalion's worth of men will benefit from this until we can duplicating the training regime. And I have also found a worthy candidate to take charge of the remains of the Hutts criminal empire once you give the order to eradicate it".
Humming in approval with the boy's diligence, the Emperor allowed a hint of curiosity to enter his tone as he asked a question that suddenly made the boy somewhat nervous.
"And just who did you have in mind for this endeavor? The Pyke syndicate? Black Sun"?
Doing his best to steady his nerves, a somewhat difficult task given that he had just remembered that the Weequiayan pirate had at one time tried to con the Sith Lord, the boy spoke the words that he hoped would not result in a lightning blast once they were away from prying eyes.
"No actually. I thought that given his more trustworthy nature , for a pirate at least, Hondo Ohnaka would be a suitable leader for whatever criminal elements remain after the Empire deals with the Hutts".
Keeping his face hidden within the shadows of his hood, and easily sensing the boy's steadily mounting fear, Palpatine's tone betrayed nothing as he asked the boy for details.
"Really. Indulge an old man's curiosity and tell me why you decided to give Ohnaka a chance to rise above his base instincts. I trust your fully aware of his past relationship with all 3 of my apprentices"?
Hesitantly nodding his head, for he knew that their was no chance of deceiving a man who could clearly sense his unease, the boy hastened to explain what had transpired during his meeting with the Weequiayan pirate.
(Flash back)
Having accepted his potential contractor's invitation to sit down, and uncaring of the fact that the boy was annoyed by the fact that his boots were now resting on the rather well organized desk, Hondo stared at the uniformed boy with a mixed look of amusement and curiosity.
"So my very young friend, tell me why you have called for me today. I take it from the amount of credits your offering that you have a job for someone of my most humble station".
Doing his best not to snort at the pirate's false modesty, for he knew despite appearances the Weequayian was far more intelligent then he let on, his capture of Dooku being a prime example of this, the boy managed to keep his tone level as he answered the slightly delusional criminal.
"Your correct Mr. Ohnaka, though I suspect that your humility is not all that it could be".
Laughing boisterously at the boy's comment, Hondo took a moment to calm down before offering a reply to that dryly delivered wit.
"You got me their boy. But I'm afraid that these days I have a lot to be humble about. My once great empire was often targeted by Separatists and some Jedi crazies, but thats life for you. I'm still in business, and that puts me ahead of many other people in this war torn galaxy".
Nodding his head in agreement with the pirate, and sensing an opportunity to reveal the reason for the meeting, the boy adopted a tone of sympathy for Hondo's plight before casting the bait.
"Yes, well apart from some Separatists hold outs, which I'm pleased to say are being dealt with, the Clone Wars are over, which means that its time to start picking up the pieces and return to normal. Though for some truly enterprising individuals, their is a chance that they can achieve a higher status from what they had before the war".
Though his smile was one of amused disbelief, Hondo wasn't one to throw away a potential opportunity before he heard all the details.
"And what status could a humble pirate like me achieve in this war weary galaxy? And since your new Empire seems to be quite enthusiast in bringing unofficial business agents under its heel, I sincerely doubt you want to help me reestablish my former glory".
Once again nodding his head, the boy quickly moved to explain the role Hondo could play in the Imperial run galaxy.
"Your right. The Galactic Empire doesn't want you to become a leader of another pirate gang. But before I tell you what preciely it is we want from you, perhaps you could satisfy my curiosity by answering some questions".
Putting on the airs of a nobleman who was about to do a minor service for some low born peasant, Hondo waved his hand to indicate that the boy had his permission to carry on.
"Oh very well ask your questions. I mean, you have already payed me quite handsomely so I suppose I can answer some of them for you".
Nodding his head in false gratitude towards the no longer prominent pirate, the boy proceeded to ask the questions that would determine whether or not Hondo would be the one to suit the purposes of the Empire.
"First off, what is your personal opinion about the Hutts and how they run their business"?
Surprised at the boy's question, for he fully expected to be asked about the nature of his past exploits, Hondu nevertheless managed to keep his jovial tone as he provided the boy with an answer.
"That is a question that has many answers my friend. On one hand I admire the fact that they have a finger in every single crooked deal that spans across the galaxy, but on the other hand, their inability to provide bargains for entrepreneurs like myself is something that does not sit well with me".
Nodding his head to show that he understood the pirate's reasoning, the boy decided to ask one final question that would determine whether or not Hondu would be offered a position in the galaxy that he was helping to shape.
"And does this personal uneasiness extend to the practice of chattel slavery? Cause as we both know, Hutt society is dependent on the labor it can get from the backs of its oppressed labor force, so I'm curious if you would partake in this highly profitable business if you had the means to do so".
By the sudden scowl that appeared on the Weequyian pirate's face, the boy knew what the answer would be.
"THAT, is a business that I have no interest in being part of. Kidnapping people to hold for a hefty ransom, stealing cargo, intimidating isolated farmers, that I have no problem with. But selling sentient beings so they can be worked to death, that is not in my job description".
Pleased with the answer, since it provided him the opportunity he had been waiting for, the boy quickly voiced his agreement with the pirate's business parameters before offering him the chance to rise above his current circumstances.
"Couldn't agree more Mr. Ohnaka. Slavery is something that must be weeded out from the galaxy, and that is in part why you have been called here to day".
Shooting the boy an incredulous look, Hondo regained some of his earlier joviality as he mocked the boy's declaration.
"Oh so that's it is it? You want to hire me to free as many slaves as I can just because your precious Empire doesn't want to expend the effort to bring an end to the suffering of countless millions? Well I'm afraid that...wait until I've finished rejecting your proposal before you shake your head boy. I may be a pirate, but even I believe in the basics of common courtesy".
Trying his best not to laugh at the irony of Hondo's statement, the boy proceeded to explain just what he had in mind for the red jacketed pirate.
"You haven't been summoned here because the Empire wants you to free the slaves Mr. Ohnaka. You've been summoned here because I believe you might be the only person suitable for keeping the criminal underworld in line after the Hutts have been disposed of".
For the first time since he had met the boy, Hondo was rendered completely speechless, allowing the boy to outline the particulars of his future role.
"Since the Emperor wishes to bring security and stability to those systems that have been ravaged by the effects of the Clone Wars, the Empire is seeking to remove any organized threats that could destabilize these efforts. The Hutt Families, Black Sun, and the Pyke Syndicate are seen to be disruptive influences during this time of rebuilding, so the Emperor as decreed to use whatever force is necessary to destroy their influence. Naturally it has been recognized that the resulting power vacuum that stems from such an event could lead to further chaos, so in order to ensure that doesn't happen, the Emperor has charged me with finding someone who can keep these fractured criminal elements in line. For you and I both know that crime will never be completely eradicated from the galaxy, so the next best thing is to reach an agreement with someone who is smart enough to appreciate the limits of his authority".
Pulling out a bottle of Corellian whiskey from his desk, the boy poured himself a glass before offering the remainder of the bottle to the still stunned pirate. Snapped out of his shock by the rather tempting offering, Hondo accepted the bottle but did not raise it to his lips as he considered what he had just been offered.
"And just why would I accept this rather generous offer. Don't get me wrong, I am rather flattered that the Empire wishes for me to regain my former position, but I'm curious as to why you came to me with this offer instead of just placing some mid leveled flunky at the head of this enterprise".
Taking a sip from his glass, and enjoying the pleasant feeling of warmth that coursed through his body, the boy proceeded to explain.
"Well first off, despite your questionable business practices, your know to be a man who keeps his side of the deal, even if you have the odd habit of abducting the negotiators so you can make more money, so we could trust you, to a certain degree anyway, to keep your word if you made an agreement. Secondly, while its true that we do have the option of selecting one of our more compliant agents to handle this task, I don't believe that it would work out since many of your kind could manage to easily dupe an office jockey with little effort".
Grinning as he listened to the reasons why he was currently being courted for such an interesting proposition, and deciding to ask one final question before he let the boy know his final decision, Hondu took a long swig from the whiskey bottle before he turned his attention back towards the slightly scandalized Imperial.
"Before I give you answer, I want to know something. In my kind of work, I'm always going to cross paths with all kinds of criminal scum, however I recognize that some of them might have only turned to crime due to...current political upheavals. And while I have no doubt the Empire is eager to remove what ever criminal elements it can, I assume that priority would be given to those who once belonged to a...shall we say religious order. IF I was to find such a person among my employees, would I have to turn them offer to satisfy my Imperial handlers"?
Knowing exactly what the Pirate was talking about, and hoping that he would be able to convince the Emperor to allow some inconsequential survivors of Order 66 to survive without being forced to join his Dark Side Adepts, the boy shook his head.
"Not at all Captain Ohnaka. As long as they keep their head down, and act like a typical pirate crew member, then there is no reason for those former Jedi to be turned over to the proper authorities. However, if you came across any Jedi that refuse to cooperate with your...practices, then I expect you to turn them over. Agreed"?
Adopting a serious expression, the non human pirate extended his hand.
"As long I don't have to turn over any children, I agree to these terms".
Accepting Hondo's outstretched hand with a firm grip, the boy was relieved when the Weequyian fell back into his more jovial state.
"This calls for a celebration. To properly toast our new alliance, I suggest we visit one of Coruscant's most highly recommended drinking establishments. It's been some time since I've been their, but I hear that the drinks are still cheap, and the girls are still more than friendly".
Having no real desire to leave the comforting security of the government building, not to mention the fact that Palpatine had made it clear that he wasn't to travel anywhere without a proper escort, the boy declined the offer.
"I'm sorry Captain, but I'm afraid that my schedule is booked for the next couple of hours. However, I'm sure you'll be pleased to learn that I took your method of celebration into account when I contacted you. So if you would like to follow my assistant, I'm sure you'll have a marvelous time in enjoying all the luxuries this planet has to offer".
Laughing in agreement, and recognizing that he had been dismissed, the goggled pirate made his way to the door, but not before offering one final toast with the remains of the whiskey bottle.
"Here's to a most profitable partnership".
(Flashback ends)
Having finished his tale by the time it took for him and the Emperor to reach the now deserted throne room, the boy waited nervously for the ageing Sith Lord to deliver his verdict.
"I confess my boy, that Ohnaka would have not been my first choice, but as your counsel has yet to fail me, I am prepared to overlook my slight distaste for that particular pirate for the time being".
Allowing himself to sigh in relief at the Emperor's decision, the boy was somewhat shocked by the next topic he wanted to discuss with him.
"Tell me my boy, how much do you about this universe's cybernetic technology. I'm aware that your already familiar with the basics of droid technology, as well as possessing vision for weapons of great power, but I am unsure of whether your knowledge extends to other areas".
Though he was somewhat confused by the change of topic, the boy nevertheless quickly came up with an answer.
"Well, I know that it ranges from giving a person certain minor upgrades, like implanted communication devices and language translators, to more extreme options like replacing the majority of a person's limbs and organs. Other than that though, I'm afraid I don't know much".
Having suspected as much, the Emperor allowed himself to smirk in amusement as heard the boy give voice to the same question that undoubtedly resonated within his latest apprentice.
"Forgive me for asking this, but why did you purposefully use substandard materials to rebuild Lord Vader? I mean, I know that time was running out when you found him, but surely you could have stabilized or put him on life support while a better body was being designed"?
Swiveling his chair so that he was now facing away from the inquisitive boy, the Emperor gave his answer in the form of a question.
"Do you know how frustrating it is to spend over a decade grooming the ideal apprentice, only to have your efforts nearly come to ruin because of hubris"?
Knowing that the Emperor could probably sense his negative response, the boy shook his head as he listened to the explanation.
"While it is well within my power to grant him a more sophisticated suit, the injuries that Lord Vader suffered that day, along with the agony the suit's nature provides him, will always serve as a reminder of all that he had lost thanks to his arrogance. Besides, it is part of Sith training to experience constant pain in order to help one deepen their connection to the Dark Side, and with Vader's limitations, he will need to make up for his loss of power with greater control".
Turning his throne so that he was now facing the boy, the Sith Lord grinned as he revealed the purpose for this discussion.
"As for you my boy, I have been thinking of various way to reward you for your continued loyal service. And since it has occurred to me that you cannot always rely on others to defend yourself from danger, I have been considering whether or not your body could stand to undergo various upgrades to make you more resilient".
Unsure whether he should be terrified or thrilled at this news, the boy tentatively asked a question that he hoped wouldn't offend his patron.
"I...uhhh...don't have to go through your profered method of making my body ready for enhancement"?
Amused by the boy's nervousness, the Emperor merely tilted his head to the side.
"And what method would that be"?
Doing his best not to stutter, the boy told him.
"Ship explosions, falling into lava, having my limbs cut off by a light saber. That sort of thing".
Chuckling at the list of options that had served to increase the anger and rage of both his past and current servants, the Emperor shook his head.
"No no. For one your lack of a strong connection to the force means that you would likely die from such an occurrence, while I am unsure if you possess the necessary will to keep yourself alive if I were to go with other more survivable, yet no less harmful options. But their are other less risky methods to improve oneself both physically and emotionally. I trust that if I provided you a list of what can be done, you would be able to decided what you want done"?
Taking a moment to sigh in relief, since he did not want his body to end up like a charred husk like Darth Vader, or reduced to a state that would make even the current remake of Robo Cops to cringe in horror, the boy pondered his options before coming to a decision.
...
It was gone.
All thanks to her.
For decades he had devoted his life to discovery a mystery that he hoped would once again bring true peace to the galaxy.
But as he watched the flames devour his life's work, he knew such a goal would not happen in the near future.
But what saddened him was that the one responsible for this travesty wasn't the least bit sorry for what she had done, and in fact seemed to go to great lengths to make sure that he knew just how much she cared for his lifes work.
"You know dad, I get that you care more about scraps of paper than your family, but you really should have invested in a computer. You could have saved some of these useless scribblings, but then again, your head's always stuck in the past so I shouldn't be too surprised that you don't have anything more modern than a radio".
Turning towards his vandal of a daughter, he had to keep himself from screaming in frustration as she gestured to the 2 unexpected, and very unwelcome guests that had pulled him from his important dig and brought him back to the flaming wreckage of his home.
"Since this is the 4th...or is it 5th?..time the Imps had to come to our house after my 'latest cry for attention' they decided to declare you an unfit parent and are gonna take me to some special school for other troubled youths. Hopefully you'll manage to visit me on bring your parent to school day, but I doubt it".
Watching with muted sadness as Chelli turned her back on him, he managed to keep his tears to himself as one of the black colored storm troopers managed to once again make his question his work.
"You were warned before Aphra. Now face the consequences of your actions".
And though he didn't know it at the time, he wouldn't be able to see his beloved Boop until well after she had secured for herself a unique position in the Imperial hierarchy.
...
And will stop here for now.
Got some Hondo action going on, along with the ONLY female character of the Star Wars Universe who has the courage to mouth off to Lord Vader and get away with it (most of the time lol)...
Anyways...hope you enjoyed...sorry for the wait...and till next time.
OH...also looking for a beta read for editing this story...so if your interested...msg me.