T-minus 1: Emperor Palpatine
""By bringing the entire Galaxy under one law, one language, and the enlightened guidance of one individual, the corruption that plagued the Republic in its later years will never take root. Regional governors will eliminate the bureaucracy that allowed the Separatist movement to grow unchecked. A strong and growing military will ensure the rule of law… Under the Empire's New Order, our most cherished beliefs will be safeguarded. We will defend our ideals by force of arms. We will give no ground to our enemies and will stand together against attacks from within or without. Let the enemies of the Empire take heed: Those who challenge Imperial resolve will be destroyed."
―Palpatine
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Bevel Lemelisk walked unwillingly towards his fate. He was being escourted by two of the red garbed Royal Guards, so he knew there was no escape. After the Death Star had been destroyed, Bevel had intelligently gone into hiding on his retreat on the planet Hefi, but they had found him anyway. He knew that his life was forfeit, so he decided to attempt to bluff his way out of this. Perhaps Palpatine didnt know the specifics of how the Death Star had been destroyed. He could easily lie and say that the Rebellion used a new type of secret weapon...
He entered the main chamber and gasped. Surrounding him was enough of the Imperial High brass to populate a parade. Most of the Grand Admirals were there, as well as the Inquisitorious, various Moffs, and others of such high rank that Bevel knew practically most of them. He saw Grand Admiral Batch, standing by Admiral Sarn, both of them from Research Station Imdaar Alpha. There was Grand Admirals Makati, Pitta, Syn, and Takel. Sitting at a table was Grand Admirals Declann, Grunger, Tigellinus, and Grant. Standing near Lord Darth Vader was Grand Admirals Il-Raz, and Teshik. Standing near the Emperor's hand Ardyn Lyn was Grand Admiral Zaarin and General Rohm Moc. Vice Admiral Thrawn stood alone near the rear of the room, his glowing red eyes giving away his position. Sate Pestage stood besides Emperor Palpatine's throne, with Imperial Intelligence agent Ysanne Isard. Judge Advocate General Micah and his little protoge' Chi'anna Eclipse watched as well. Prince Xizor and his bodyguard were there as guests. And standing with the group of Inquisitors was Inquisitor Jerec, as the personal liason of Grand Inquisitor Kael.
And standing in the middle of the room was the Emperor himself. Palpatine smiled as Bevel looked around the room. "Welcome, Bevel. I am pleased you have decided to join us on Imperial Center."
Bevel took a deep breath and tried to prepare himself for the inevitable. "I had very little choice, my lord."
Emperor Palpatine nodded. "You my friend are going to assist me in a demonstration." With a gesture, two tubes lowered from the ceiling. One fell exactly where Bevel was standing, trapping him within a cylindrical transparent prison, while the other was a cloning tube... with a clone of Bevel Lemilisk inside.
Palpatine turned to the crowd around him. "The demonstration... is show everyone here the price of failure."
Bevel looked around in fear and desperation, and then there was a small click above him. He looked up to see a small opening iris open, and in flew a swarm of insect like creatures.
"The Piranha Beetle..." Palpatine explained to the watching crowd, "...are a voracious life form from the planet Yavin IV. Alone, a single beetle is only a small pest. But together, in swarms, they have been capable of taking down creatures the size of Rancors."
Within the cylinder, Bevel Lemelisk screamed as he was attacked by the swarm of piranha beetles. No matter how he tried to defend himself, the small insects tore at his flesh and began to devour him. Palpatine turned to watch the little girl's reaction, and was surprised to see her actually giggling at the gory spectacle.
It took Bevel Lemelisk fifteen minutes of agony to finally succumb to death. Palpatine stretched out his arms, and called the full power of the Dark Side to him. Eldritch energies flowed through him, and he blasted the cylinder with the power, catching Bevel's soul. With infinite care, he directed the escaping soul energy into the clone body. Darth Vader and Chi'anna Eclipse watched the entire display of power with utmost interest, while others turned away and averted their eyes in fear. All except Vice Admiral Thrawn, his glowing red eyes taking in every second.
Finally the clone screamed as it awoke within the cylinder. Bevel Lemelisk felt around his body, and looked down to see himself whole. "Your no good to me dead, Bevel." Palpatine said, opening the cylinder with a gesture. "Remember this moment, Bevel, for if you fail again, I will come up with infinitely more interesting ways to execute you." He gestured to his guards. "Take him away."
The Royal Guards led the trembling scientist away, and Palpatine turned to face his audience. "Now you see my power. The Jedi have returned. I will not have this. You are to unite your fleets and strike back at the Rebellion. Do whatever it takes to wipe this threat from the face of the galaxy! Fail..."
He gestured to the remains of the original Bevel Lemelisk, slowly being wittled down to the bone.
"...and you can join him."
