Title: Vader's Quest Chronicles
Summary: Darth Vader learns that he has a son and the search begins
Chapter 13
Disclaimer: Star Wars is the property of George Lucas. No disrespect is intended with this story.
Vader knew that the Rebels considered Luke to be some sort of hero; after all, he had blown up the Death Star! Vader could almost hear a stupid, heroic fanfare when Luke appeared in the carbon-freeze chamber. This was Vader's first good look at him. A little short -- his mother hadn't been very tall, Vader fondly recalled -- but he was definitely a Skywalker, with blond hair and blue eyes and an air of easy self-confidence that sent rippling pride through Vader. His son, Luke Skywalker, aspiring Jedi who would soon learn that the ways of the Sith opened far more realms of power. Together they would destroy Palpatine and rule the Empire. Soon -- very soon -- the Skywalker dynasty could begin! He moved out of the shadows to face his son.
Luke's lightsaber flashed into readiness at Vader's appearance. Behind his mask, Vader smiled. Surely, that was his own old weapon, the one he had thought lost on Mustafar. A swift image of Kenobi bending to retrieve Anakin's weapon flashed across his eyes. Had he saved it for all those years and then given it to Luke? For some unaccountable reason, Vader was amused at the thought of facing a lightsaber he had himself crafted so long ago. His smile broadened as he thought to himself, All right, Luke, let's see what you have learned from my own old Padawan Master.
"The Force is strong in you, young Skywalker. Obi-Wan has taught you much, but you are not a Jedi yet!" Luke met his own blade in a series of thrusts and parries that impressed him. Force, but the kid is good! He has a natural aptitude for this -- after all he is my son! -- and he'll be a great sparring partner someday. Only now…. With his mind only half on his technique, Vader spoke aloud to Luke. "Impressive. You have learned more than I had anticipated."
"Oh, I'm just full of surprises," replied Luke as he confidently met each thrust of Vader's lightsaber.
And your confidence will be your downfall, thought Vader. With quick precision he disarmed Luke, who tumbled backward down the steps. Unthinking, Vader leapt after him. His landing, although graceful, jarred his already aching knees, Owwww! While I'm on Coruscant, I really need to get these knees checked again...
"Your future lies with me, Luke. You will turn to the Dark Side. Obi-Wan knew this to be true."
"No! Never!" rang Luke's confident reply.
"There is much that Obi-Wan did not tell you, young Skywalker. I will complete your training!" Though he knew that it wouldn't work, he tried a little Sith mind control. The boy's resistance was all he had expected. Vader gradually forced him toward the waiting carbon-freeze pit.
"I'll die first!" proclaimed Luke, his eyes never leaving his opponent. A sudden lunge by Vader startled Luke who lost his balance and fell backward.
Sighing, Vader deactivated his lightsaber as he turned away. "All too easy. Perhaps you are not as strong as we had thought." Too bad, my son. I was really starting to enjoy this little duel...
"Time will tell," came Luke's voice from above and behind Vader.
Whoa! Vader grinned in delight. That boy can leap -- and he is unexpectedly fast -- he should have been encased in a carbonite slab by now! He looked up to see Luke hanging from the network of piping and hoses at the ceiling. "Your agility impresses. Obi-Wan has taught you well! Now. Release your anger….Only your anger and hate will give you the power to destroy me!" He taunted Luke. "Use them! Strike me down! Don't hold back! Strike with all the rage within you. You know that is what you desire to do!" Come on, Luke, try! I won't really hurt you, well, not fatally anyway. Yeah! That's it. Come on. Let the path to the Dark Side open within you…. Luke's saber was once more swinging at Vader as Luke advanced on him.
Well, my knees are going to kill me, but here goes…. Vader took a step backward into empty air and dropped to the floor below. He landed lightly enough, but, as he had known they would, his knees protested -- I really should have practiced more leaps and landings lately, not that it would have made much difference. He waited for Luke to follow him, grinding his teeth in the effort to control the now constant aching in his knees.
"Attack! Destroy me. Only then can you save yourself" His voice goaded Luke as the boy cautiously approached. Vader used the Force to hurl machinery and tools at Luke from every direction. Something crashed through the windows and Luke was pulled out with the force of the wind. "You are beaten, young Skywalker. If you will not join me, you may join Obi-Wan in death!" He saw Luke then, on a narrow catwalk and advanced toward him. "You will never escape, Luke. Resistance is futile."
His son was determined to do just that. He struck at Vader, meantime backing cautiously down the narrow walkway, their lightsabers clashing. Abruptly Vader took advantage of a moment's distraction and slashed at Luke, severing his hand, sending it and the boy's saber into the void below. In shock and pain, Luke continued to back steadily away from Vader's inexorable advance.
"There is no escape, Luke," Vader kept his voice soft, almost pleading. "Don't make me destroy you. Join me. I will complete your training. Together we can destroy the Emperor and rule the Galaxy. If only you knew the power of the Dark Side" He held out a hand to Luke in invitation.
"I'll never join you!" Luke's voice was ragged with pain. "Never!"
Vader continued using all his persuasive powers, trying to overcome the youth's surprisingly strong resistance. You certainly inherited your mothers stubborn streak, Son. She also refused to see the power….maybe…. "Obi-Wan never told you what happened to your father, did he Luke?" There! That had touched a nerve. Luke's face contorted in anger.
"He told me enough! You murdered him!"
"No, Luke. I am your father. Come!" He kept his hand extended to Luke in invitation. "Join me. Father and son, we can rule the Galaxy!"
"No. No!" screamed Luke, now near to tears. "That's impossible! It's a lie! It can't be true! It can't!"
"Search your feelings, my son; you'll know it to be true. Join me. You can destroy the Emperor; he has foreseen this. Come with me. It is your destiny." His quiet and persuasive voice contrasted sharply with Luke's panic-stricken and unbelieving denials.
"No! You can't be! It's not true!" He was at the very end of the catwalk, his emotions raw, his face wracked with pain. He looked down behind him, and was suddenly calm. He took a deep breath and a last long look at Vader; then he closed his eyes and just let go, falling, falling, following his hand and the lightsaber into the depths below.
Aww, Luke, why'd you have to go and do that? Vader was not amused. Looking down, he watched Luke hurtle toward a refuse outlet. What is it with this kid -- always leaping into garbage chutes? Turning suddenly he spoke into his comlink. "Prepare my ship!" He strode rapidly toward the landing platform. Now he would have to rescue his idiot son! Power certainly doesn't always bring wisdom, does it? He saw no irony in the thought. As a Padawan, he had done a certain amount of free-falling from heights himself, but at least there hadn't been garbage chutes or trash compactors at the bottom! Well, not usually, anyway, not on Coruscant. He briefly wondered if Luke's was a predilection related to being raised on Tatooine. Maybe it was something that teenagers did there and he had missed out because he'd left the planet and spent his teen years with the Jedi. If so, thanks be to the Force for small favors. And he would have to wean Luke from the habit; it was an unsanitary practice.
He knew exactly where Luke would be; He dispatched fighters to rescue the boy, then boarded the Executor, confident that he would soon have his son aboard. Inquiry as to the whereabouts of the Wookiee and the Princess elicited the unwelcome, but predictable, news that once again, they had escaped in the Millennium Falcon, this time taking along Calrissian, also. After a moment's silence, during which he could sense his men's fear of reprisals, he calmly asked, "Did they disconnect the hyperdrive on the Millennium Falcon?" In quickly dawning relief, they agreed that it had indeed been disconnected. Well, at least one thing was going right! "Good! Prepare the tractor beam. They will soon be within range."
He watched as, unexpectedly, the Falcon reversed its course and headed back toward the base of Cloud City, where a nearly exhausted Luke hung from some kind of aerial. Vader suddenly smiled and told his pilots to hold back -- This was getting better and better! Let Luke's friends rescue him, then Vader would have them all in one fell swoop. He did not especially want Calrissian, but surely someone did -- more than likely one of those bounty hunters would have a use for him. There! They had Luke! He ordered his Star Destroyer on an intercept course, the tractor beam ready.
Watching, he could sense each abortive attempt that the Falcon made to engage its hyperdrive. He smiled and spoke to his son through the Force -- Join me, Luke... it is your destiny... you know it to be trueand to the small ship on the viewscreen, he whispered, "Almost within range... that's it.. that's it... come to Papa... Now!" The Millennium Falcon disappeared.
Vader stood very still. The control room was deathly silent as his men awaited retribution. But he simply turned abruptly and, without a word, left the bridge. Punishing his crew would leave him in the unenviable position of flying this monstrosity alone. Even Leia's extensive vocabulary of obscenities would be inadequate to express his feelings.
And so it was back to square one in finding the boy. At this rate, Vader mused, Palpatine would die a natural end to his unnatural life before he and Luke could rule. And Palpy was steadily becoming more and more erratic in his commands and his behavior in general. Vader guessed that senility must be setting in, but that only increased his own need for constant vigilance. A vindictively enraged and senile Emperor would be very dangerous, indeed. Resignedly, Vader sent a message that he would be arriving, as commanded, on Coruscant, but without young Skywalker.
He headed to the refresher for a long hot shower to wash away the sweaty grime from the lightsaber encounter with Luke. Perhaps it would also remove some of the distaste he felt at having given Solo to Fett; it wasn't the action itself that bothered him, but the who; he really wished that it had been any other bounty hunter. He had a grudging respect for the man, but association with Fett engendered revulsion and made Vader feel somehow unclean.
Under the shower, he closed his eyes and mused on his actions and reactions. He really was starting to like Leia; she was resourceful and spirited, too bad she was emotionally involved with Solo -- but she would get over it once they were apart for awhile. Surely Sidious would marry her off to one of his compliant minions, or try to make her his own Empress -- an even more repulsive thought. Vader found that he didn't want either for Leia -- she deserved better. Damn! He was starting to feel almost fatherly toward the girl, maybe she and Luke…. No, that wouldn't be good, they were both currently part of the Rebel Alliance. While Vader did not doubt where Luke's future loyalties would lie, Leia's were definitely more difficult to predict -- she'd probably remain loyal to her precious Rebellion. With a start, he realized that Leia reminded him more and more of his lost wife, who had not been willing to shift her loyalties from Jedi and democracy to Sith and Imperial rule. He regretted choking her, but she had just made him so damned angry!
Toweling himself dry, Vader noticed a tender red mark on his side -- a lightsaber burn? He winced as he touched it, but grinned in spite of himself. He hadn't noticed at the time, but Luke had succeeded in injuring him. Bravo, my boy! You are a great swordsman! One would almost believe that Master Yoda had been instructing you…. Yoda? Surely, that ancient swords master had perished….Let me think…. Vader frowned in an effort to recall. Yoda had escaped from the massacre on Kashyyyk, only to turn up on Coruscant to challenge Palpatine/Sidious in a monumental duel that had wrecked the Senate chamber. Struck down by Sidious, Yoda's body was never found. To all intents and purposes, he was presumed dead, but Vader and his Master had always privately assumed that he had somehow escaped and was hiding somewhere in the Galaxy, no longer a threat. Their search for him had been cursory and had effectively ended years ago. Had Luke somehow made a connection with Yoda? If so, no wonder the boy's expertise in swordsmanship was so advanced!
As he dressed, Vader mused more about Yoda and Luke. Where had Luke just come from? Some obscure system, he could recall that, but the name escaped him at present. He'd look into it, and send someone to investigate; it was not of any vast importance. The boy had been trained and trained well; Vader would just have to fine tune Luke's technique to the Sith ways, teach him to use his anger and hatred and fear. He would then be an awesomely powerful Force-user. Yes, Vader had to in fairness admit, even more powerful than himself. Surely, Luke could eliminate one senile old man where Vader himself had failed. Fully dressed, Vader picked up his lightsaber and returned to the bridge. They would soon be approaching Coruscant and an extremely angry Emperor.
As expected, the interview with his Master had not gone well. To say the Emperor was angry was an understatement. He was livid with rage. He screamed. He ranted. He even threw a little Sith lightning at Vader, but recalled himself and stopped before doing irreparable harm to his apprentice. Well, that did it! thought Vader as, supported on each side by a trooper, he hobbled painfully and awkwardly into the Imperial Surgical Reconstructional Center -- there was just no way he was going to let himself be taken in on a repulsorlift medical capsule, not while he was in command of his senses! At least Palpy'l1 have to consent to replacing my knees now! Maybe even both legs entirely! Could I claim that the damage is worse than it appears? He resolved to test the possibility.
Entering the facility, he brightened when he saw the med-droid assigned to him; it was his old friend from a few years back who had rescued him from Palpy's ceaseless wining and dining, by recommending dieting, no drinking and more exercise. "Good day, Lord Vader. They tell me that your knees are not functioning at optimum?"
Optimum? Optimum? They are malfunctioning at steadily increasing rate! Give them a few minutes and they won't work at all! Droids all had a talent for understating the obvious! However Vader suppressed his impatient thoughts and merely nodded; his jaw ached from clenching his teeth at the painful efforts to move his legs.
The emdee observed Vader's painful and increasingly halting hobble. Hobble? Lord Vader does not hobble; he moves with the arrogant self-assurance of a predatory animal…. "Oh my! They are not are they? And are the ankles...?"
Vader readily agreed that the ankles also were malfunctioning -- if they weren't already, they assuredly soon would be; his entire legs were shutting down.
A quick exam by the droid, and he heard the news that he had expected and even hoped for -- the bionics in his legs were no longer reparable and would have to be totally replaced. Suppressing his overjoyed elation -- the Empire would have to foot the bill -- Vader pressured for an upgrade in quality.
The med droid agreed; it would be a wise move, as the legs would last longer, saving the Empire credits in the long run. Not to worry, The SurgReconCenter would contact the Emperor, put Vader on extended sick leave, and handle all the details. Vader relaxed and prepared for a painful, but much desired stay in the facility. If Palpatine didn't like it, he could just lump it! After all, an apprentice who couldn't walk wouldn't be of much use to him! He awaited the pain deadening injections and allowed his mind to cut itself off from present reality. He would dream of Naboo, the lakes, -- and Padmé .
He awakened to a tingling sensation in both legs and in his left arm. Tingling that reached far beyond the remaining organic portions of his limbs. Had he merely dreamed of his life as Vader-in-the-suit? Was he still whole in body, his limbs not amputated by Kenobi? There was a heaviness to them, along with the tingle, as if they had been asleep and were reawakening. He cautiously tried moving his arm as he opened his eyes. A med-droid was watching him.
"Carefully, Lord Vader, carefully! The healing is not yet complete. We had to replace your left arm also -- it suddenly malfunctioned and began shutting down as we began surgery on your legs. What kind of cut-rate med facility did your last replacements? Surely we did not do it? The parts were all substandard, no wonder the bionics shorted out on you!"
Why that cunning, miserly old bantha! thought Vader. He had them use cheap bionics and told me that they were just not making the advances in bionics that I'd hoped for! I will murder him! I won't wait for Luke's help! He became aware of the droid's continuing voice.
"Of course, Lord Vader, you will have to become re-accustomed to some feeling in your limbs. It has been too long since the nerves were severed for optimal performance, but the synthetic nerve extensions should allow you to regain some sensations."
Damn! These were state-of-the-art, weren't they? He would bet that the Emperor would explode when he learned the cost of the repairs to his apprentice. He looked at the joining of the new parts -- he would swear it was real skin, a bit more pinkish than his own, but other than that, it appeared real….He directed a question to the droid.
The emdee's voice sounded almost amused as it replied. "It is real skin, sir. The technology exists now for a partial regeneration of your own body. As I told you before, it has been too long for full regeneration; you still have artificial components -- quite a lot of them, in fact. Although the bones are of alloy, most muscular tissue and the skin covering them is your own. Of course, we could clone parts for eventual full replacements in the future but there is no time now. The Emperor becomes increasingly impatient for your return to duty."
Clone parts? He shuddered at the idea of cloning any part of himself. If it were the only way... But this regeneration thing seemed to be working out pretty well. He flexed his new legs and arm. It was a bit awkward still, but he smiled -- it felt good"What about this one?" He waved his right arm. "When can I have this one replaced?" Although he had grown used to this one -- it had been the first loss, courtesy of Count Dooku on Geonosis, years before Mustafar and the lightsaber of Obi-Wan Kenobi.
The answer was ambiguous, but had to satisfy him -- when it also began to malfunction, but it was still in excellent condition; apparently its components were of quality materials, and why replace something that continued to function as well as that arm still did? Droid's logic, which meant argument would be useless, thought Vader in resignation.
Cautioned to use care and gradually increase exertions of his new limbs while the muscular tissue gained strength, Vader showered to remove any remaining bacta fluid, dressed and returned to duty. He could already feel his increased agility; he flexed his fingers, enjoying the sensation. He couldn't stop smiling -- he felt more alive than he had felt in years! He briefly wondered about his ability now to use Sith lightning, but immediately rejected the idea -- his body still contained a lot of bionic components. If only Palpy would obligingly drop dead and his son walk through the door, life would be perfect -- well, no, without his wife, it could never again be perfect -- but it would be pretty damned terrific!
He grasped the little ball, pulled it back and let it go. Then he idly watched the balls strike one another into motion: tick-click-tick-click-tick-click -- back and forth. Soon becoming bored with just watching, he began using the Force to influence their motion -- not as easy as it looked -- there must be some sort of physics law involved. Again losing interest in the process, he looked around for some other amusement to pass the time. He had spent a lot of time lately, waiting in medical offices, longer than usual this time, but was, so far, controlling his own impatience -- he would endure these interminable checkups, if it meant a return to humanity! A stack of business cards and a jar of tongue depressors caught his eye, along with a row of data pads….
He was working on the seventh level of an elaborate construction when the human doctor finally entered -- a fortunate occurrence, as he was rapidly depleting his available supply of construction materials; that would lead to boredom which would lead to anger which would lead to….
The doctor chuckled behind him. "Trying our hand at construction, are we, Lord Vader?"
Carefully, he pulled his hand away from his project, gritting his teeth, forcing himself to not focus on the doctor's throat, Vader answered, "I don't know about you, Doctor, but I found that I had time on my hands. Someone was late for this appointment!"
"Yes, Lord Vader, I am sorry about that. I was reviewing your files. Didn't anyone discuss your follow-up therapy with you? I can't seem to find the reference in your files…."
Missing references in the files? That development had Palpy's interference written all over it. "What therapy, Doctor? I have been allowed to return to only limited duty; I am carefully monitored during my daily light saber drills; I report in here each morning; I am not allowed off-planet to even visit my Star Destroyer! What else can you dump on me and claim is more therapy?"
"You must have adequate nutritional intake, such as plenty of blue milk, fresh vegetables, fruits, a --"
Vader interrupted with an impatient gesture. "I don't drink milk of any color --it doesn't agree with me."
The physician sighed. "All right then, can you eat cheese? Do you include leafy greens in your diet? What about fish and eggs? Those all provide important vitamins and minerals, necessary for the successful regeneration to continue."
"Yes, I eat eggs; I like cheese omelets for breakfast. Leafy greens? I am not a rodent or a neek! I do generally eat whatever is before me, especially at breakfast -- eggs, sausages, cured meats, smoked fish, toasted breads, cereals, fruits, sautéed mushrooms…I eat very good breakfasts! I generally don't eat much throughout the rest of the day, as I have a tendency to gain weight easily."
"But, Lord Vader, that is my point! You are losing weight. Such a phenomenon is not good for the regeneration process! Regeneration requires ample caloric intake spread throughout the entire day. I think you should see a dietitian, Lord Vader, to help you plan your meals! Meanwhile, continue eating your healthy, adequate breakfasts each morning, but also eat a good lunch and a satisfying dinner at night. And until regeneration is complete, a fruit smoothie at bedtime might be a good idea…."
All that food? In one day? Vader had a bad feeling about this…. "And just how long am I to continue this food regimen, Doctor? A few months?"
"Oh, dear, no, Lord Vader. Far longer than that! Complete regeneration usually takes two or three years, and has been known to take as long as five."
Vader groaned, envisioning his movements being severely restricted for that length of time. He shook his head. "I don't think so, Doctor. I cannot wait around the planet forever. The Emperor needs my services as his Emissary; I have important duties to perform -- off planet!"
The physician laughed. "Of course, Lord Vader. We can soon release you for limited travel within the Galactic Core. Then for longer travel, with frequent exams and lab tests and evaluation of your progress. The time will pass quickly, you'll see…."
Vader shook his head. His son was out there somewhere, growing more powerful by the day, and Palpy was here -- and growing more senile by the day. Time was of the essence! Besides, he was bored.
Inside him, Anakin's voice reminded him that they had a new arm and two new legs that were of flesh and blood once again, and begged him not to jeopardize their development. Hyperspace wasn't especially beneficial for children and pregnant women, so surely it wasn't good for regenerating limbs….
Vader brushed off the worries of his alter-ego; those were just old Corellian's tales, weren't they? Besides, he didn't want to spend excessive time in hyperspace -- just up to the Executor and a gentle cruise about the core systems, maybe meet Jett somewhere, he hadn't seen his friend in quite some time. He wanted to see stars again! To have the galaxy laid out as jewels before him. The dizzy blur of the jump to hyperspace. He couldn't even see the stars from the Imperial Center on Coruscant. He vowed that he'd see them sooner rather than later.
As predicted, Palpatine was not pleased with the cost of Vader's 'repairs'. However, beyond muttering that Vader could have been cloned for less cost, the Emperor accepted the explanation of economy in the long run. He was impatient for Vader's return to full duty, 'light duty' wasn't even worth the classification as duty. Vader couldn't travel off-planet, even to visit his flagship Star Destroyer -- some nonsense about the stress on the regeneration process. Not only had the procedure been prohibitively expensive, but for now, he couldn't even employ Vader in any reasonably useful manner! It was enough to drive a Sith to drink! So he drank Corellian brandy; it wasn't really a substitute for Alderaan ice wine, but he hadn't considered losing his preferred beverage when he had suggested Alderaan as a demonstration of the Death Star's powers….
His thoughts returned to his apprentice. Spying on the treacherous reptilian humanoid, Prince Xizor of Black Sun was all well and good, but Vader's talents would be much useful elsewhere. Maybe out along the Outer Rim, intimidating Moff Jerjerrod on the Death Star. Or actively investigating rumors that the Hutts were trying to infiltrate the secret Maw installation facility for Imperial Weapons Development. Or planting false leads for the rebels -- for some reason, if Vader was involved, the Rebels were much more inclined to regard the rumor with respect. The emperor cackled. Just as long as they believed the rumors, and this next one would be their death knell. But since Vader wouldn't go, he supposed that he would have to take a jaunt out to the Death Star himself in the very near future. He shuddered. He really hated to travel….
Besides, his spies had informed him that the Princess was on Coruscant, rumored to be Prince Xizor's guest. Palpatine did not want Xizor to have Leia within his repulsively reptilian clutches -- he had his own plans for the lovely Princess of Alderaan…. She would make a lovely Empress…regal…beautiful…intelligent…and, he hoped, fruitful. For the first time in his long life, Palpatine seriously pondered a relationship with reproduction in mind. Cloning was a way to keep options open, but a child from his own seed…. He dozed off with vaguely erotic images of Leia swirling through his mind, imagining the blurred human male in the vision to be a younger version of himself, although he couldn't remember ever looking quite that romantically dashing….
Vader had finally been released for travel about the entire Galaxy. The Emperor was having one of his increasingly rare days of lucidity. He even agreed with the principle of the savings. "And now, Lord Vader, I sense that you wish to return to your search for your son. I have discovered that young Skywalker is indeed that child! Skywalker is such a common name among the humans of the Galaxy, that I did not originally make the connection to your former self."
If Palpy thought that this was big news, he was losing it. Nevertheless, Vader remained courteously attentive. "Yes, my Master?"
"I sense that eventually he will come to you and your patience in this matter will be rewarded. As for now, go to the Death Star and inform Moff Jerjerrod that I will be arriving. Construction is not proceeding at a fast enough pace. I will put them back on track! Then take the fleet to the far side of the Sentry moon and wait. Trust me in this, my young apprentice; trust me. Things are proceeding just as I have foreseen." He cackled obscenely, a sound which annoyed Vader more and more.
Grinding his teeth, Vader bowed. "Yes, my Master." He turned and strode rapidly back to his shuttle. The old fool was definitely on a downward spiral if he seriously thought that Vader had not realized for quite some time that young Luke Skywalker was his son. He had made the possible connection soon after Luke's appearance on the galactic scene, then sensed it with certainty after Luke had accomplished the impossible and blown up the first so-called 'invincible' Death Star. And Vader was just as certain that Palpy had known his son's identity at least as long. Yes, Palpy was slipping further into dementia by the day. Vader would need to tread warily to save his own skin. If he was to go with the fleet, he would do it. Remain with the fleet? Vader could imagine nothing more boring; he would remain long enough to lull Palpy or until something interesting happened to catch his own attention. After all, he had always followed orders to the spirit, if not to the letter.
Vader's arrival on the Death Star was greeted with pomp and ceremony. Ignoring it all, Vader strode immediately to Moff Jerjerrod, who made a perfunctory bow.
"Welcome, back, Lord Vader. We --"
Vader cut abruptly into his greeting. "Enough! I am here to put construction of this satellite back on track!"
Jerjerrod gulped. "But Lord Vader, my men are working as fast as they can. There have been delays, materials --"
"Then tell that to the Emperor when he arrives!" Vader dismissed the excuses. "Perhaps he can find new ways to motivate your men!"
Beside him, Jerjerrod surreptitiously inserted a finger to loosen a collar that he suddenly imagined was growing tighter. "The Emperor is coming here? We'll get right on it, Lord Vader!"
"See that you do!" Vader summarily dismissed him. He had nothing but contempt for Jerjerrod, who was the polar opposite to Tarkin. Tarkin had been hated by his men, but they had at least respected him; he had been a capable administrator and a good leader. But Jerjerrod! He was heartily despised by those under his command. His baby -face and unsure manner did not engender their respect, he was an able enough administrator, but was weak in leadership skills. Vader suspected that the man's continuing tenure would be shortened considerably. Palpatine would not accept Jerjie's excuses for poor performance, any more than Vader had accepted his mistreatment of Aay'i'sha. Vader smiled to himself. Perhaps Jerjie would finally pay...