Still within the cloning laboratory, the newly-born young man waited patiently for the return of Pellaeon. It wasn't as though he had much of a choice. All of those scientists had decided to take off for some reason, so he was left on his own. He entertained himself first by hunting down a towel to wipe off that odd blue fluid, then by looking through a medical book about species he had never heard of.
Indeed, he knew very little about his surroundings. He liked to think of himself as an observant person, but he had no recollection of any Empire, or a Rebellion. Truth was, he admitted silently to himself, he had no real idea of who he was either. He supposed that it was probably because he was an artificial being. However, he knew that, if he wanted to be the Emperor that they intended him to be, he had to become aware of his new life.
A sharp hiss drew his attention, and he glanced up to find a glittering silver figure, bipedal and clearly mechanical, approaching him with a plastic sack on one arm and a covered tray on the other. The machine gasped as it nearly dropped the tray, and the man rose quickly to keep it from falling.
"Oh, thank goodness! My apologies for my clumsiness. I am I6-S2, at your service. I was sent up by Captain Pellaeon to deliver clothing and a meal, as well as lead you to Grand Admiral Thrawn when you were prepared to meet with him."
The clone regarded the plastic sack, and, placing the tray on a relatively safe-looking spot on a table cluttered with medical instruments, pulled out a simple outfit of pure black. Slacks, a button-up shirt, socks, undergarments, and boots. He wasted no time in covering up, then set to work eating his meal, which seemed to be ground red meat on a bun. Downing the sandwich quickly, he said to the robot, "I'm ready to meet this admiral."
"Very well, sir. Right this way."
As they passed through numerous halls, the would-be-Emperor had several glimpses outside of massive windows. The blackness of the stars greeted him, and he soon had accepted as fact that he should become accustomed to space travel. Also, white-armored troops seemed in abundance, and outside of the ship he saw many smaller fighters swarming. This Imperial Navy seemed to be quite powerful.
After a good deal of walking, they finally approached the doors of a prominent chamber, which opened as they drew near. The young clone entered alone, and found art- or holograms thereof- on every wall. Holographic sculptures were scattered about the floor, and light music, low and contemplative, surrounded him. Running a hand over his still-hairless head, the clone ventured cautiously, "Is there anyone here?"
Out from behind a tall, solid statue of red marble stepped a lean figure, blue-skinned and black-haired, with glowing red eyes. The alien bowed, and answered, "I am Grand Admiral Thrawn, and welcome to my sanctuary. This gallery is a place where I study the art and thinking of various cultures around the galaxy."
Nodding appreciatively, the young man returned, "A culture's creations are a direct result of- and window into- their way of thinking."
"Yes, that's precisely correct." Thrawn strolled over to a pedestal, where a small cube lay. Lifting it, he continued, "To many, this is a mere block, however, I know the history behind it- and a few of the secrets it contains. Have you ever heard of the Sith?"
Shaking his head, the clone replied, "It is an unfamiliar term."
"The Sith were the leaders of this galaxy for a time, but they were deposed by the young man that we had meant to replicate. Somehow your source's hair was mistaken for Skywalker's." Regarding the cube, Thrawn pointed at some symbols on its side. "This cube was made by the last true ruler of the galaxy, Emperor Palpatine. Within it lies the secrets of the Sith. I cannot access its secrets, for I am not strong with the Force."
"The Force?"
"As far as I am knowledgeable regading the Force, it is believed to be the living energy of the universe, which Sith can manipulate and use for power. The Jedi, also, wield the Force, but they are the sworn enemies of the Sith."
"So this... Skywalker, who killed the Emperor, is a Jedi?"
"Correct. I also believe that the genetic material used to create you came from a Jedi."
"And you wish for me to be a Sith." It was not a question.
"We wish for an Emperor. I am an effective military man, but with the Rebellion gaining ground, we need a leader who can use the Force to bring us victory."
"Tell me about the Rebellion."
With a charismatic smile on his face, the Admiral offered the cube to the clone. "Why not allow the Emperor to tell you?"
Curiously, the youth reached for the translucent crimson box. No sooner had he touched it when it gave off an explosion of blinding ruby light. With a gasp, he fell to the floor, clutching the cube tightly in his hand.
Desert. The feel of the hot sun baking his skin was all too familiar, although he could not place it. With a groan, the boy opened his eyes. Sitting up, he tried to remember what he had been doing.
Ah, yes. That Sith cube. Thrawn had said that it held the secrets of the Force. Rising to his feet, the clone found that he was at the steps of a great temple. Clearly, he was intended to enter.
With an amused grin on his lips, the youth made his way through the labyrinthine corridors. Decked with gigantic statues of demonic creatures, tapestries of massive battles, and flame-throwing torches, the halls gave off a deep aura of power that the clone drank in with excitement. Shortly he came upon a majestic throne room of black stone and red light. Boldly, he strode to the empty throne, prepared to receive the darkness due him.
As he set foot upon the dais, a raspy chuckle filled the air, and he whirled. A shriveled figure cloaked in deepest ebony applauded, and the clone was no longer so certain of himself.
"Well, what are you waiting for, boy? That throne will never be any more vacant."
"You are Palpatine."
"Very good, boy. Do you know where we are?"
"No."
"Welcome to my tomb, on Korriban. This is the resting place of all Dark Lords of the Sith. Here, I will teach you the ways of the dark side of the Force."
Darkness. Yes, it was coming to the clone now. It was natural- right- for him to be of the darkness. Images swirled through his mind, of dimly lit tombs and shadows, monsters and mind tricks. The youth smiled serenely. "I am ready to learn the way."