Star Wars: Infinities – The Apprentice

Epilogue 2

By: Christopher W. Blaine (darth_yoshi@yahoo.com)

DISCLAIMER: The characters and situations contained in this story are used without permission for non-profit entertainment purposes only and are ©2002 by George Lucas. This story (pertaining to this chapter and all subsequent chapters) is ©2002 by Christopher W. Blaine and may not be reproduced in any form, except hard printouts for personal enjoyment, without the express permission of the author.

3 years later…

"Governor Tarkin, the Emperor's emissary is here to speak with you," the young aide said. She stood with the door open, not waiting for the gaunt man in the olive drab uniform to answer. She stepped in to provide enough room for the woman who entered.

There was no doubting who she once was, Tarkin thought to himself as he looked her over with a cautious eye. Even with the cybernetic enhancements, her beauty was undeniable. Perhaps it was the haze of darkness that seemed to follow her wherever she went.

"Thank you, Daala, that will be all," Tarkin said to his aide and waited until the door was closed before he addressed his guest. "Darth Deceptra, what an unexpected pleasure. I received no word of your vessel in the system," he said, slightly annoyed.

Deceptra moved over to a hologram of the Emperor and adjusted it so it was sharper. Tarkin noted that she still wore the black glove on her right arm, indicating that she had refused to have a new arm cloned to replace the bionic one. Cybernetics were becoming quite popular among the upper class of late. "Because I ordered that information withheld from you, governor," she replied, her voice carrying with it the promise of forbidden desires. Her cybernetic left eye glowed red as she turned to him. "His majesty wanted an unbiased opinion of your progress."

Tarkin smiled. "The I trust the Emperor's Hand is pleased with my efforts since I am still alive?'

She strolled around the table holding the hologram, her gloved finger sliding along its edge. Her black uniform and cape clung tightly to her form, making her appear small, yet seductive. Her charms were lost on Tarkin. "You live, that should be enough. The Death Star prototype has met expectations. You are authorized to begin building the first station. Depending upon your efficiency, my master will make his decision regarding your request to construct a second one at a later date."

Tarkin was pleased and his face betrayed his sentiments. "This is cause for celebration."

She raised the one eyebrow that was not hidden by the metallic plate over her eye. "Don't you find her a little young?"

"Who? Daala? I'm fear that I must settle for her since the most beautiful woman in the galaxy is much too busy," Tarkin remarked with a small bow.

Deceptra allowed herself a smile before she stopped in front of Tarkin's desk. "You are a politician at heart, Governor Tarkin." Her ungloved hand was stroking the hilt of her lightsaber. It never left her side. "I will be remaining on Tatooine for several days, showing my son the places his father once blessed with his presence."

Tarkin closed his eyes and bent his head slightly in respect for the fallen Lord Vader. Though he had been young and headstrong, Tarkin had found himself liking Vader and he knew that his posting to this facility had been at Vader's express request. "Your husband's loss is felt by many of us, Lady Vader." It was an honorific she only allowed a very select group to refer to her as. "I hope to honor his wishes with my projects."

"It will be his son, young Luke, who will honor his father's name. As the Emperor's Fist, he will be the first warrior of a new age of the Sith," she said. She then sat down slowly in one of the chairs reserved for guests. Crossing her legs slowly, she beckoned him to relax. As she had said, he wouldn't die today.

"Have you heard the latest from the Emperor's court?" Tarkin asked her as he sat on the edge of his desk.

She indicated she had not. "I have been prosecuting a war against the Separatists and away from court for over a year. In any event, it bores me."

"Then you haven't heard of the scandal between Bail Organna and Mon Mothma?"

Her interest was peaked. She had not spoken directly to Bail since the day her beloved Anakin died. "Please tell me they have done something that will give me cause to execute them."

"I'm afraid nothing so serious," Tarkin said remorsefully. It was a little known fact that he had once harbored string feelings for Mon Mothma. Deceptra wondered if all former senators lusted for young girls. "It appears it has been revealed that she is the mother of not one, but two, illegitimate children. Both of them fathered by Bail Organna."

"Really? I was aware that his daughter Mara came from a mistress, but a second one? I never saw Mon Mothma pregnant," Deceptra said, turning her head to look out of the window for a second.

Tarkin caught a glimpse of the end of the intricate tattoo that just showed when her neck turned a certain way. It was rumored that those who saw the full drawing would experience pleasure beyond description prior to dying. "It is possible that she merely hid it. Anyway, when Bail refused to marry her, she took the matter before the Emperor!"

"Indeed…did he call for their immediate imprisonment?"

Tarkin laughed. "No, but the youngest child, Leia, was allowed to remain with Bail while Mara was sent to be with her mother."

"Interesting, but hardly newsworthy." Deceptra stood up. "While I am on-planet, I am not to be disturbed. I have my own aid onboard the Hammer of the Empire; you can contact her if you require anything."

Tarkin was not aware of this new change in his ability to contact the Emperor's Hand. "Whom should I ask for?"

"Ysanne Isard, the daughter of the new head of Imperial Intelligence," Deceptra replied as she opened the door and stepped out. "Remember to be polite, governor," the Sith called from the other room, "you never know who might be listening."

The cold laughter was enough to almost spoil Tarkin's good mood.

Almost.