DESTINY
Chapter 9
Had the weapon not been so battered and tarnished, the barrel of the EE-3 blaster would have reflected the sunlight, almost certainly blowing the assassin's cover. Instead, gloved hands held onto the piece, firm and steady as the target came into view. Darth Sideous, now making his way up the steps of the once grand Jedi Temple, would be the ultimate prize for this bounty hunter.
Ever patient, he watched. Step by step Sideous brought himself further into the open. Boba Fett took careful aim and applied a gentle pressure to the trigger. He concentrated, willing himself to wait for the exact moment, 'steady.... steady....'
He stopped! Frozen to the spot.
The gyroscopic hum caught him off guard, but he recognized the threat. Moving his eyes to the left, Fett saw the familiar and terrifying glow of a lightsabre beam. Chills descended his spine as his mind flashed to the quick, clean stroke which ended his father's life on the Geonosian battle arena. He silently lifted his sight, carefully releasing the pressure on his trigger.
The voice from behind him was whispered, but vicious, "Did you not get my message?"
"There was no way to be sure it was you who sent it." Fett responded coolly. A tone, which over the years, he had perfected for situations exactly as this.
"Fool! You knew it was a genuine command."
Still remaining motionless while he assessed the situation, Fett responded with a truth of his own. "Be that as it may, it was Lord Vader who commissioned me for this job, not you! Until I hear otherwise, I will continue to take my orders from him."
Luke looked down to where The Emperor stood, noticing him safely enter the temple, he removed the sabre from Fett's throat. He took a step back allowing the Bounty Hunter to rise, "Understand this!" Luke's voice contained an earnest threat which underlined the information he offered. "Darth Vader has turned traiter. My advice to you is to ignore any further instructions you may receive from him. My alliance is now with the Emperor."
Fett turned to see Sideous vanish inside the temple door. Even if Skywalker was telling a lie, it was certain that his cover was no longer secure and his contract was at an end.
"Your power struggles do not interest me, I only expect to receive my fee and leave." He turned the face of his mask back to Skywalker, "I still expect to be paid for my trouble."
Luke eyed Boba Fett with disdain. It would be so easy to be rid of the scum, but he was forced to quietly acknowledge his specialized talent, admitting that he may be of further use. "Return to The Executor as ordered and wait for me there. You'll have your money on my return."
*****
Darth Sideous sat confidently within his fortress, his ever present red guards standing sentry at the enterance to his chambers. With his eyes closed and head tilted back into the high seat, a cruel smile crept over his lips and his fingers tightened on the arms of the chair. 'Did that fool really believe he could deceive me?' He sensed Skywalker's approach, in fact, he had forseen it, just as he had seen Vader's betrayal. It was obvious to the Dark Master that the young Sith grew more nervous as he neared. The Emperor was already dissatisfied with his new charge. He had waited many years to snare Anakin Skywalker, the strongest and most powerful of his apprentices, that even the gaining of the son was not enough to compensate for the loss of the father. He would feel the impact of this detrimental turn of events greatly. In time, however, all matters would be put right. So for now, the younger Skywalker would have to do!
He turned in the chair and waved an order for the guards to stand aside as Luke Skywalker prepared to announce himself. "Let the boy in."
Luke momentarily stopped just inside The Emperor's chambers and cast a glance about the dark, seemingly empty room. Upon seeing his new Master, he raised his head in a show of pride and stepped slowly toward him. Sideous bade him to stop several feet from his chair and Luke obeyed, bowing low, almost to the point of genuflection.
"I have been expecting you, young Skywalker." Sideous rose easily from his chair and approached the boy, placing a welcoming hand upon his head as he walked past him "I have seen you in my visions and know of your plight." Then he turned suddenly a few paces behind him, adopting a poisonous mood, "And I have seen the conspiring you have indulged in with your father!" Luke shivered at the terror of Sideous' rage "Yes....I have been aware of your pathetic plot to destroy me and assume my position! Such a futile cause!" He turned away, but spun quickly around, "Such a dangerous tactic!" The great Sith Lord circled the boy, mocking and taunting him. "But now, it appears that your father has removed that burden from you....he has betrayed you!" Sideous stopped in front of the still kneeling Luke and peered down at him. "A terrible act of deceit, to both of us." He turned again, this time to settle himself in his throne-like chair. "And now I sense you wish to stand by my side and seek revenge upon your father."
Luke kept his head down, partly with respect, partly through fear. "Yes, my Master!"
The Emperor huffed with abhorance. "Your father's disasterous actions will prove a bitter blow to my Empire! But perhaps your strength allied with mine will bring about his fall and subsequent death." Sideous' venemous and spiteful threat only re-inforced in Luke's mind that he had made the right decision to come here. Both he and his new Master had been bitterly deceived by Vader, both had been deserted and betrayed and it was time to exact their vengence.
Luke felt a peculair sense of calm flow through his body and wondered if it was his destiny all along to stand beside The Emperor, rather than his father. That Vader's betrayal was somehow meant to be, in order for him to take his rightful place. Sideous looked down upon the boy who still knelt respectfully before him and silently bemoaned the loss of Vader's strength at his side. In a perversely welcoming manner, still somewhat patronizing, he bid Luke to rise, "Walk with me now. You have much to discover in your new home."
****
Try as she might, Leia still struggled with Vader's revelations. She couldn't help but wonder if this was the perfect ruse orchestrated by her estranged family. She replayed events over and over in her mind. The bottom line was that she would not allow herself to believe it to be anything other than a cruel attack! Her mind and body were depleted and her heart ached. If the deception was designed to drive her mad, then she considered they might very well succeed! She turned to Vader abruptly and demanded of him, "Tell me your true name!"
He paused, but only momentarily. "Anakin Skywalker"
She snorted her dissatisfaction. 'Of course, he would be prepared for such a question.' she accused him silently, 'A much too simple test.' But her cynicism was interupted by Vader's sudden show of pain and trouble! He walked, almost staggered, from the window to support himself against a couch, his hand placed across his chest. Leia briefly considered offering a word of concern, but declined. She still couldn't be certain if it was all an elaborate act for her benefit.
"I should have foreseen this. But my thoughts were clouded with other issues."
"What are you talking about?" Leia still struggled to conceal any emotion in her voice.
"Luke has joined with the Emperor! Even now he stands by his side." For the second time, Leia was sure she could see Vader's mask take on an element of emotion as she watched the giant struggle with his feelings over losing his son once again. "I will have no choice now but to face him...and destroy him."
Leia all but threw her hands in the air and screamed with exasperation. "Just where does all this end?!"
Ignoring her cries, Vader lifted his head and spoke. Until the Sith is no longer, I will not have complete freedom of will. Even with Luke at his side, in one way or another, I will still be compelled to do what is ordered of me. If Luke remains with The Emperor, I must fight him." Leia watched and listened while Vader pleaded with her. "Leia." Never had she heard Vader, nor any man, speak with such sorrow or desolation, "Leia. I was a slave when I met your mother, and I am still a slave to the Emperor." His voice failed him and cracked, "I want to be free, Leia! Please! Help me break the bindings of the dark side and become free!"
One silent and single tear ran quickly down her cheek. Finally she believed. At last, she extened a hand to her father.
****
On the wastelands of Tattooine, Yoda sat in meditation. Slowly he opened his eyes. He reached for his walking stick and began to draw circles in the sand. "Shall we now witness the prophecy in it's true form."
****
Luke perceived himself to be in a state of near completion! The power of the Dark Side was fulfilling beyond his imagination. The strength which flowed through him was exhilarating and his turning offered him position and priviledge and immunity.
His time with Obi-Wan and the Alliance had been unsatisfactory and restrictive, in fact, his entire life had been overshadowed by the necessity to serve and to wait. Whereas now, he finally had the opportunity of complete power. He considered the Emperor. It wouldn't be so difficult to overthrow him! He was old and surely near death. In time, he believed it possible to challenge him....and win!
end chapter
Chapter 9
Had the weapon not been so battered and tarnished, the barrel of the EE-3 blaster would have reflected the sunlight, almost certainly blowing the assassin's cover. Instead, gloved hands held onto the piece, firm and steady as the target came into view. Darth Sideous, now making his way up the steps of the once grand Jedi Temple, would be the ultimate prize for this bounty hunter.
Ever patient, he watched. Step by step Sideous brought himself further into the open. Boba Fett took careful aim and applied a gentle pressure to the trigger. He concentrated, willing himself to wait for the exact moment, 'steady.... steady....'
He stopped! Frozen to the spot.
The gyroscopic hum caught him off guard, but he recognized the threat. Moving his eyes to the left, Fett saw the familiar and terrifying glow of a lightsabre beam. Chills descended his spine as his mind flashed to the quick, clean stroke which ended his father's life on the Geonosian battle arena. He silently lifted his sight, carefully releasing the pressure on his trigger.
The voice from behind him was whispered, but vicious, "Did you not get my message?"
"There was no way to be sure it was you who sent it." Fett responded coolly. A tone, which over the years, he had perfected for situations exactly as this.
"Fool! You knew it was a genuine command."
Still remaining motionless while he assessed the situation, Fett responded with a truth of his own. "Be that as it may, it was Lord Vader who commissioned me for this job, not you! Until I hear otherwise, I will continue to take my orders from him."
Luke looked down to where The Emperor stood, noticing him safely enter the temple, he removed the sabre from Fett's throat. He took a step back allowing the Bounty Hunter to rise, "Understand this!" Luke's voice contained an earnest threat which underlined the information he offered. "Darth Vader has turned traiter. My advice to you is to ignore any further instructions you may receive from him. My alliance is now with the Emperor."
Fett turned to see Sideous vanish inside the temple door. Even if Skywalker was telling a lie, it was certain that his cover was no longer secure and his contract was at an end.
"Your power struggles do not interest me, I only expect to receive my fee and leave." He turned the face of his mask back to Skywalker, "I still expect to be paid for my trouble."
Luke eyed Boba Fett with disdain. It would be so easy to be rid of the scum, but he was forced to quietly acknowledge his specialized talent, admitting that he may be of further use. "Return to The Executor as ordered and wait for me there. You'll have your money on my return."
*****
Darth Sideous sat confidently within his fortress, his ever present red guards standing sentry at the enterance to his chambers. With his eyes closed and head tilted back into the high seat, a cruel smile crept over his lips and his fingers tightened on the arms of the chair. 'Did that fool really believe he could deceive me?' He sensed Skywalker's approach, in fact, he had forseen it, just as he had seen Vader's betrayal. It was obvious to the Dark Master that the young Sith grew more nervous as he neared. The Emperor was already dissatisfied with his new charge. He had waited many years to snare Anakin Skywalker, the strongest and most powerful of his apprentices, that even the gaining of the son was not enough to compensate for the loss of the father. He would feel the impact of this detrimental turn of events greatly. In time, however, all matters would be put right. So for now, the younger Skywalker would have to do!
He turned in the chair and waved an order for the guards to stand aside as Luke Skywalker prepared to announce himself. "Let the boy in."
Luke momentarily stopped just inside The Emperor's chambers and cast a glance about the dark, seemingly empty room. Upon seeing his new Master, he raised his head in a show of pride and stepped slowly toward him. Sideous bade him to stop several feet from his chair and Luke obeyed, bowing low, almost to the point of genuflection.
"I have been expecting you, young Skywalker." Sideous rose easily from his chair and approached the boy, placing a welcoming hand upon his head as he walked past him "I have seen you in my visions and know of your plight." Then he turned suddenly a few paces behind him, adopting a poisonous mood, "And I have seen the conspiring you have indulged in with your father!" Luke shivered at the terror of Sideous' rage "Yes....I have been aware of your pathetic plot to destroy me and assume my position! Such a futile cause!" He turned away, but spun quickly around, "Such a dangerous tactic!" The great Sith Lord circled the boy, mocking and taunting him. "But now, it appears that your father has removed that burden from you....he has betrayed you!" Sideous stopped in front of the still kneeling Luke and peered down at him. "A terrible act of deceit, to both of us." He turned again, this time to settle himself in his throne-like chair. "And now I sense you wish to stand by my side and seek revenge upon your father."
Luke kept his head down, partly with respect, partly through fear. "Yes, my Master!"
The Emperor huffed with abhorance. "Your father's disasterous actions will prove a bitter blow to my Empire! But perhaps your strength allied with mine will bring about his fall and subsequent death." Sideous' venemous and spiteful threat only re-inforced in Luke's mind that he had made the right decision to come here. Both he and his new Master had been bitterly deceived by Vader, both had been deserted and betrayed and it was time to exact their vengence.
Luke felt a peculair sense of calm flow through his body and wondered if it was his destiny all along to stand beside The Emperor, rather than his father. That Vader's betrayal was somehow meant to be, in order for him to take his rightful place. Sideous looked down upon the boy who still knelt respectfully before him and silently bemoaned the loss of Vader's strength at his side. In a perversely welcoming manner, still somewhat patronizing, he bid Luke to rise, "Walk with me now. You have much to discover in your new home."
****
Try as she might, Leia still struggled with Vader's revelations. She couldn't help but wonder if this was the perfect ruse orchestrated by her estranged family. She replayed events over and over in her mind. The bottom line was that she would not allow herself to believe it to be anything other than a cruel attack! Her mind and body were depleted and her heart ached. If the deception was designed to drive her mad, then she considered they might very well succeed! She turned to Vader abruptly and demanded of him, "Tell me your true name!"
He paused, but only momentarily. "Anakin Skywalker"
She snorted her dissatisfaction. 'Of course, he would be prepared for such a question.' she accused him silently, 'A much too simple test.' But her cynicism was interupted by Vader's sudden show of pain and trouble! He walked, almost staggered, from the window to support himself against a couch, his hand placed across his chest. Leia briefly considered offering a word of concern, but declined. She still couldn't be certain if it was all an elaborate act for her benefit.
"I should have foreseen this. But my thoughts were clouded with other issues."
"What are you talking about?" Leia still struggled to conceal any emotion in her voice.
"Luke has joined with the Emperor! Even now he stands by his side." For the second time, Leia was sure she could see Vader's mask take on an element of emotion as she watched the giant struggle with his feelings over losing his son once again. "I will have no choice now but to face him...and destroy him."
Leia all but threw her hands in the air and screamed with exasperation. "Just where does all this end?!"
Ignoring her cries, Vader lifted his head and spoke. Until the Sith is no longer, I will not have complete freedom of will. Even with Luke at his side, in one way or another, I will still be compelled to do what is ordered of me. If Luke remains with The Emperor, I must fight him." Leia watched and listened while Vader pleaded with her. "Leia." Never had she heard Vader, nor any man, speak with such sorrow or desolation, "Leia. I was a slave when I met your mother, and I am still a slave to the Emperor." His voice failed him and cracked, "I want to be free, Leia! Please! Help me break the bindings of the dark side and become free!"
One silent and single tear ran quickly down her cheek. Finally she believed. At last, she extened a hand to her father.
****
On the wastelands of Tattooine, Yoda sat in meditation. Slowly he opened his eyes. He reached for his walking stick and began to draw circles in the sand. "Shall we now witness the prophecy in it's true form."
****
Luke perceived himself to be in a state of near completion! The power of the Dark Side was fulfilling beyond his imagination. The strength which flowed through him was exhilarating and his turning offered him position and priviledge and immunity.
His time with Obi-Wan and the Alliance had been unsatisfactory and restrictive, in fact, his entire life had been overshadowed by the necessity to serve and to wait. Whereas now, he finally had the opportunity of complete power. He considered the Emperor. It wouldn't be so difficult to overthrow him! He was old and surely near death. In time, he believed it possible to challenge him....and win!
end chapter