The Empire has done a respectful job of picking up the pieces left behind by the Republic in these last five years. There were pockets of resistance still, mostly from those who held too firmly to the idea that a Galaxy spanning "Republic" that was even less effective than the European Union in managing logistics and laws. As a rational person, and one that firmly believes in personal freedom and choice, I can say that the Republic was generally going to be better on that count compared to a government that ultimately answered to one man. That said, as a rational person, I can also say that for peace to reign, we needed a strong hand in order to get everyone to calm down in there trying times. Hopefully, with time, we will see the restoration of a more democratic system, but for now I was content to bow my head to the current regime.

Hopefully I could soon find a replacement for myself as the headmaster of the Imperial Mage Academy, or IMA, the finest institute for training the force sensitives in the galaxy (mostly due to being the only one currently) on how to control and use their abilities and a fast track into the prestigious, if occasionally dangerous, role of Inquisitor. It is not that I dislike the job per say, I just find the art of training new employees from the ground up tiring and tedious. Much better to train a replacement for yourself while learning how to do your boss's job so you are the best option to replace them when the time comes for promotions. And my current boss has a very nice job of overseeing the various training facilities and recruiting from then the best of the best to go on to be the future officers in the imperial military, currently the largest provider of jobs in the galaxy. I just need to prove to Skywalker, or Darth Vader as he goes by now, that I am the best successor to his role as he moves up into what I recall being the right hand to the emperor. While I recall the Empire being framed as the bad guys in my previous life, I was sure a future of comfort was more assured climbing this ladder and if I could just make sure that no bad PR, like blowing up an important and highly regarded mid rim planet, occurs, then the rebellion should have little support in growing to a size to match and defeat the best stabilizing force in the galaxy.

Bowing respectfully, I allowed Vader into my office and offered him a seat as we began our meeting. It was in this that I get to see the face of the man I had fought beside in restoring peace to a galaxy torn apart by criminal greed and a disrespect for the common sentient. I could happily support any entity's desire to gain wealth, but steady growth built upon a generous and livable wage for the employees generally is far more sustainable than maximizing profits at the cost of the employees.

Vader's face seemed to grow paler and more worn each time I saw him. He always did try so hard to protect everyone he could and even more I could see the weight of those he could not save was continuing to stop from being harmed was wearing on him. Not that he ever let his emotions get in the way of business, keeping a firm voice and strong, swift decisions.

"Good to see you again Vader. Would you care for a drink?" Seeing his agreement I sent a message to my loyal assistant to bring up Vader's usual and a cup of caff for me.

"As I am sure you saw coming in, the IMA is continuing to operate fully and the next class of students are about ready to graduate. May they be able to serve you, the inquisitors, and the Empire well."

"Yes. You have done well, but it is now time for a change in leadership."

Praising me for doing well before telling me I was no longer going to have this job means something must be going on. Restructuring was an important part of any business and putting a proven employee as head of a struggling department was a solid way of discovering where the problem lay. By the same token, this was also the same strategy used to get rid of employees that are somewhat effective, but have not shown much in the way of initiative and were just coasting along.

"I take it that my position is one of the ones that will be experiencing a change."

"Yes. All of our attempts to train your clones have resulted in subpar results. With your record as a highly effective, if unorthodox trainer, as well as being the genetic template, we have high hopes for you."

Putting a proven employee into a struggling department it is. I just need to show that I can whip a few of my clones into shape and I should be set for a comfortable position of overseeing the production and training of the clones. Comfortable apartment and good food here I come. Just need to make sure there are no unrealistic expectations.

"I am honored that you feel I am the right person for the job, but in order to properly train the clones, I will need to first evaluate and possibly detrain what has already been done. I hope you are not too pressed for time in receiving these troops."

"How much time do you require?"

I had to hide a grin at Vader's willingness to give me however much time I wanted, but I would have to be careful with how much I ask for. Accurate time tables are an important part of making any government institution run smoothly and asking for too much time may hurt my future advancement.

"Provided I do not need to train them from the ground up in which way to point a blaster, I can have them evaluated and the bad habits knocked out in one month and trained up to an acceptable level in another month. I will make sure to include all issues I corrected in my report."

"I am sure your report will be... enlightening." Vader then put his helmet on, his drink still half full. In a mechanically modified voice, he then suggested a meeting with my replacement.

She was a Mirialan Inquisitor that had not gone through my school, so likely one of the initial group and thus knew more precisely what would be needed for those students pursuing that path. Deciding that Vader would choose the best person for the role he assigned them, his excellent choice proven with his appointment of me to train my clones proof of that, I showed the Seventh Sister as she wished to be known as around my office before suggesting a tour of the facilities.

"That will not be necessary," Vader interjected. "You will ready yourself for leaving. I wish to be off planet within the next two hours."

"Very well. What about my assistant? Will she be going with me or staying to help?" I could deal with not having her caff, but I would miss the wonderful flavors she always managed to extract if I had to leave her behind. Her ability to keep all my paperwork organized would be missed as well, but is far easier to replace.

"Take her with you. I will be personally overseeing the transition." Vader said before turning to Seventh Sister. "I expect to see no disruptions to the training here."

"Yes Lord Vader," my replacement's said with a bow while I contacted my assistant and told her to pack up.

The thing about former Jedi is a general minimalist, some might even say anti-materialist, lifestyle. While I as a rational fan of capitalism tried to help support the economy by actually engaging in it, I have not had the time to build up a lot of material goods. For the most part, I mostly just had a few outfits, none containing any robes reminiscent of the classical Jedi outfit, and a couple of datapads containing a collection of written works. My assistant has even less, not having lived through a previous life outside a strict religious order. Needless to say, we were on the Perilous with plenty of time to spare.

Bring a non-commanding, non-crew passenger on board a military vessel was a novel experience. We were given limited access to the ship where my last time aboard a ship of the line I was given free access anywhere. Due to the limited locals, I spent most of the trip either in the quarters assigned to me or in the Stormtrooper break room. Several of the troopers were formerly apart of my 203rd battalion and had to be reminded that I was no longer their general and no longer held a formal military rank as I was effectively a civilian educator. I would have to get that corrected at as early as possible in order to properly train and discipline my clones as the military required a clear hierarchy of command.

It was during this time that my assistant and I had a sit down and chat. One long overdue from being too busy with setting up and running the IMA.

"Visha, how are you holding up? I know you have been in the Jedi order your whole life and you seem to be having difficulty with adjusting to being a civilian."

Best to start off any conversation like this by laying down the premise and getting your subordinate's input before suggesting a course of action.

"I am fine, what about you? You have also been with the Jedi your whole life, and you actually stayed at the temple the entire time. I at least went to the agricorps and spent time around non-Jedi before the war started."

I could tell that Visha wasn't being entirely truthful with me, her Lekku always twitch when she is uncomfortable with something, but I would allow her this little lie, at least until it actually started to impact her work.

"I think I am adjusting much better than you have been. You have a pay check and I never see you using any of it for anything besides the essentials. Look at your outfit, it is simple to the point of utilitarian. You could easily afford something to show off your looks a bit more."

Really, who has ever heard of a Twi-lek choosing to hide their looks? While my clothes would not be considered high fashion, they were tailored and made from quality materials. I even splurged on a few for natural materials instead of simply high quality synthetic. In contrast, everything Visha had seemed to be off the rack, mass produced synthetic weave. I wouldn't be surprised if they had a made in China sticker on them somewhere.

"Maybe you could help me with that?" Visha suggested, looking a bit embarrassed with a slight darkening on her cheeks.

I gave a theatrical sigh. "I suppose it would be best if I showed you how to pick out a decent outfit or two. We should have a bit of time when the ship resupplies."