Lord Vader strode along the vast corridors of the Imperial Palest with measured steps. 
He took no notice of the people around him, most of them aids, who were making sure not to 
invade his space. 

He was on his way to the throne-room. Palpatine had called for him, now that the investigation 
was closed. Vader was sure that the Emperor believed in the result of it, at least for now. 
But he couldn't be sure how long that would last. He hoped he had bought enough time, until 
he got suspicious, to get him ahead in his plans to bring on the Emperor's fall. He was 
relatively sure that his Master would command him to hunt down Antilles for insulting him. 

When he came to the enormous doors of the throne-room, the two red-clad Imperial Guards stepped 
aside and the doors swept open effortlessly. The room itself was almost completely dark, as 
it was most of the time. But as he was used to it, Vader found his way to the staircase 
with ease. He climbed the stairs until he was almost at the platform, which held the large, 
ominous looking throne. 

Vader bent one knee and his head to kneel on one of the last steps, while the throne swung 
around slowly, revealing Palpatine. 

The Emperor hadn't made him wait, which could only mean two things. Either the matter was 
urgent or Vader was again in his good grace after those last tense weeks. The summons hadn't 
sounded extremely urgent. 

"What is thy biding, my Master," Vader intoned, his head still lowered submissively. 




"Rise, my friend," Palpatine in the cracking voice of his, slightly waving his skeletal hand. 

Upon his command, his giant servant stood straight and patiently waited for him to speak. 

"Now that your investigation finally brought you the identity of that rebel-scum, who insulted 
us both, I assume you'll want to hunt him down personally? He brought you a great deal of 
trouble," started the old dark robed Sith, skipping the fact that he was the one, who extended 
that "trouble" on Vader. 

"Yes, my Master. If you and my duties to you allow it, I would like to do this very much," 
Vader answered, slightly bowing is head. 

"You might do so, after your next assignment, Lord Vader," came the allowance in return. 

"You seemed not to be in a hurry to find the pilot, Master," Vader concluded. 
"What is your need of me," he inquired farther. 

"But on the contrary, my friend," Palpatine gave a false smile. "I want him as soon as possible." 
His smile faded away faster than it appeared. 

"But first, I want the new Super Star Destroyer to be ready for duty as soon as possible. 
As a bit symbolism of the mighty of this Empire. They are behind the schedule at Fodor. 
I think your presence where will speed up the proceedings quite marginally," Palpatine explained. 

"I presume so, my Master," Lord Vader calmly answered. After a moment of pretended thoughtfulness, 
he continued 
"The Executor will be indeed useful in my cause to find the pilot and Princess Organa." 
He had decided that was the best opportunity to throw in his intention of seeking out Leia, 
as well. And indeed the Emperor was surprised. He jerked up his head and fixed his gaze on 
Vader's mask. His yellow eyes narrowed into small slits. 

"Where did this sudden interest in bringing that Organa-child of yours to punish come from, 
Lord Vader," he sneered. "Grand Moff Tarkin thought you to be too protective of her. And I 
told you so before, too," he was still leering at Vader suspiciously. 




"This time she has gone too far. Not only did she beget treason against the Empire and me, 
but she, in an intolerable manner, stole the Death Star plans. She got away with it. 
She managed to withhold information from me during her capture and lying about the rebel base," 
the Dark Lord worked up a rage, clutching his fists. 
"I also discovered that she was also the one behind that assassination attempt on me 
at La'a zum." Vader made a short pause, visibly trying to calm himself before he continued. 
"She has offended me too much and she must pay the consequences for it." 

Palpatine relaxed back into his much to large throne, enjoying Vader's rage. 

"I see, Lord Vader. But finding her is of no high interest to me. To me, she is no more than 
any other Senator who has turned Rebel. That will mostly be your private business," he sneered. 
"Is that understood?" 

Lord Vader bowed his head. "Yes, my Master. But I presume that finding Antilles will be the 
same as finding her and the other way round," he explained. 

"Very well, so be it," Sidious decided. 

"Thank you, my Master. Is there anything else you wish of me before I depart to Fodor, 
your Highness," Vader wanted to know. 

"Yes indeed, there is. I think it will spare us time for you to chose officers and senior 
stuff for the Executor and take them with you at your departure," stated the Emperor and 
handed a data-pad to Vader. "This is a short list of personnel to take with you on my behalf." 

As Vader tucked it away in his utility-belt, he dismissed him. "You may go now, my friend." 

Vader gave a deep bow and left the Sith Master to his own thoughts, a satisfied smile 
on his face, invisible under his mask. 

It hurt but it was worth it.