Luke's training had come along well. After three years, the Emperor let him cease his more covert assignments and learn to grasp the fine points of commanding a capital ship. After a few years commanding the Devastator, Luke was promoted to the bridge of the second Death Star, complete in its harsh spherical glory.
Vader and Luke both noticed a change in their Master around the twenty-eighth anniversary of the Empire. He had grown increasingly restless and touchy. Even as he stressed the importance of patience to his apprentice, his own would quickly dissipate. The elite guard that attended him strayed further and further across the room as his tempers grew more and more violent.
They had just returned from a successful campaign against the Hutts, when an incoming message arrived for the Emperor. Both Vader and his son made their way across the throne room as a blue-skinned man in a white uniform shimmered into view.
"Your Highness, things have been going well here but there are concerns of an extragalaxial invasion."
"Who would dare challenge me?" The angry rasp of the Emperor's voice carried all the way to his Sith.
"It is uncertain, your highness, however all we can do is build up our arsenals and keep our ears open. Any further action would only drive these rumors underground." The Grand Admiral seemed strictly in control of any emotions he may have been feeling.
Palpatine's eyes, however were burning. "I do not accept that, Thrawn. It is a weaklings' plan. I am sending two of my operatives to address the matter. They will succeed where you cannot."
"Your Highness, if you are willing to risk the personnel involved in such a venture that is your prerogative. It is not my responsibility.
There are currently ten ship-."
"You will decide how best to employ such agents." The Emperor's voice was menacing now. "It will be very much your responsibility." With his last admonition, Palpatine cut off his Grand Admiral's response.
"Lord Skywalker!" Palpatine was done with attempting to be civil. "You will access all the information you need on Wild Space particularly the langaues and customs of the Chiss. Leave!"
As Luke beat a hasty retreat, Vader was beckoned forward.
"My friend. I neeed you to fulfill a special task for me. I find myself faced with the need to increase our ranks....."
Vader and Luke both noticed a change in their Master around the twenty-eighth anniversary of the Empire. He had grown increasingly restless and touchy. Even as he stressed the importance of patience to his apprentice, his own would quickly dissipate. The elite guard that attended him strayed further and further across the room as his tempers grew more and more violent.
They had just returned from a successful campaign against the Hutts, when an incoming message arrived for the Emperor. Both Vader and his son made their way across the throne room as a blue-skinned man in a white uniform shimmered into view.
"Your Highness, things have been going well here but there are concerns of an extragalaxial invasion."
"Who would dare challenge me?" The angry rasp of the Emperor's voice carried all the way to his Sith.
"It is uncertain, your highness, however all we can do is build up our arsenals and keep our ears open. Any further action would only drive these rumors underground." The Grand Admiral seemed strictly in control of any emotions he may have been feeling.
Palpatine's eyes, however were burning. "I do not accept that, Thrawn. It is a weaklings' plan. I am sending two of my operatives to address the matter. They will succeed where you cannot."
"Your Highness, if you are willing to risk the personnel involved in such a venture that is your prerogative. It is not my responsibility.
There are currently ten ship-."
"You will decide how best to employ such agents." The Emperor's voice was menacing now. "It will be very much your responsibility." With his last admonition, Palpatine cut off his Grand Admiral's response.
"Lord Skywalker!" Palpatine was done with attempting to be civil. "You will access all the information you need on Wild Space particularly the langaues and customs of the Chiss. Leave!"
As Luke beat a hasty retreat, Vader was beckoned forward.
"My friend. I neeed you to fulfill a special task for me. I find myself faced with the need to increase our ranks....."