Chapter 32

'Familiar Territory'

'A Speech to End Thunderous Applause'

'Road to the Sith is Not Easy'

Another academic year passes by. Dantius learns as much as he can from his mentor. Kaiburr crystals are quite fascinating. He had not appreciated them as much when he first set eyes on them during that mission he went on for Darth Plagueis. The power that the crystals hold astounds him. Unfortunately, these crystals are off limits for his personal use. He must sit and watch as Plagueis manipulates them, pontificating about the power of the Sith and the future of the galaxy.

Dantius feels exhausted; he has lost weight these last few years running clandestine 'errands' for his master only to be denied their use. It was a struggle juggling his academic work along with these after-class activities. The guards on the nightshift at his dorm got used to him strolling in during the wee hours of the morning. It was still the topic of discussion in the security office. They noticed his haggard look. He seemed to be aging before their eyes. Could it be drugs? They did not care what he did with his life but it was interesting to gossip about it. Lots of the students had issues. Brutus, the nightshift guard, attributes it to too much money and privilege.

Dantius resents the fact that he is doing all of these deeds without any real compensation. Even Darth Taras was given a long leash to garner power. He may be dead but he accomplished more than Dantius in a shorter time. Dantius feels that he has been treated unfairly and watches as his Master's spindly white fingers weave between the crystals. "If only…" He stops himself.

"Bide your time," He thinks to himself. "Be patient…power and greatness will come." Listen and learn. Do not appear too eager. Until things begin to go his way, he has to find a diversion.

On the days that Dantius is scheduled to meet with his mentor, he would wait in the main hallway. He had never spent much time getting to know the building. Dantius makes a point to arrive earlier than normal. Plagueis does not expect him so this gives Dantius time to roam through the historic gallery of the philosophy department. He is always alone when arriving at this building…except for today.

Dantius realizes how fascinating this place is. The artifacts are impressive. He is actually enjoying his time here. As he walks down the corridor and makes his way to the next room, he senses that he is being watched. Someone speaks. The voice is vaguely familiar. Dantius turns to see the face.

"Admiring great architecture I see. It's a sign of a truly loyal student of the arts."

At this point Dantius turns. The tall raven-haired young man with steely blue eyes speaks to Dantius. It is Finis Valorum. The voice matches the elegant features of this respected scholar.

Dantius musters up the nerve to respond.

"I honestly can't say that I am all that loyal. I've been coming here since freshman year and I am just starting to notice it. You must think I'm a terrible student."

"You're not the only student who is just noticing the exquisite interiors of the Philosophy department. Most of us are too much in a hurry to see the dean their exam grades or report their progress on a thesis."

Dantius ponders for a moment. He feels compelled to engage in historical "chit-chat" with a student hardly knows; a post-graduate too. He does not feel worthy.

"You must have seen a lot over the years."

"I suppose I have. I'll be finished here soon."

"I am presenting my doctorate thesis before the committee."

"I see. Congratulations."

"Well, I've got to go. I have a meeting with my advisor."

"Oh…of course."

Dantius gets the impression that Finis is working his way out of the conversation that he started.

"Oh, of course." He backs away a bit to give Finis some space to make his exit.

"Listen; there is a symposium and cocktail reception at Theed Royal Hall tomorrow. You're welcome to attend."

He grabs something from a slot on a table at the end of the hall, looks through the document as if to verify that everything is in order then starts to leave. He turns to Dantius as he reaches for the door handle.

"You might learn something interesting."

Finis leaves the building. The door closes quietly behind him.

Dantius does not recall ever being invited to any of these types of events; not even by his master. Finis seems so amiable. Dantius had him figured all wrong. The elegant doctoral candidate is not stuffy at all. He is so approachable. Dantius feels he had judged him too harshly. His bias influenced from the infatuation with Sigi. How silly he had been to allow a woman to come between him and someone who could help him. He vows never to become so smitten with a pretty woman to the point that it would cloud his judgment. Lesson learned.

Once again, Dantius is alone with his thoughts. He glances up at the holoportaits of ancient philosophers and of the stone images of others. Much was learned during this stroll through the hall of the philosophy department. These progressive thinkers of politics, religion and ethics give Dantius pause. Perhaps his secretive alliance with this mentor was a step in the wrong direction. What had he really achieved so far?

He excelled academically after a rough patch during that semester of debauchery that led him astray. He could very well graduate early if he maintains his focus. He did make a few friends along the way, short-lived as they were; he was able to prove to Doctor Melfi that he could do it. His visits to the good doctor decreased but that did not mean that he was considered "cured". Plagueis continued to ridicule the visits as tactics by the elder Palpatine to keep the boy under control. Plagueis was succeeded in creating a deeper rift between father and son. Dantius took it upon himself to drop the weekly sessions with Melfi and setting back any progress already made. Dean Kingsfield was disheartened to hear about this and made his disappointment clear to Dantius. Dantius countered that the dean and elder Palpatine's lack of faith in him only made him stronger. They said he would open himself to failure. He would prove them both wrong.

The truth is that Dantius was no closer to personal success nor was he advancing anywhere near universal greatness. Mr. Palpatine was consigned to the belief that his son would become a public failure and shame the family. 'Achieving honors each semester did not make one great if no one respects you as a person.' This was his father's way of telling him, 'I still do not accept you.'

Mrs. Palpatine had no harsh words for her son but neither did she refute those uttered the father. Dantius did sense that she was heartbroken that the father and son could not come together.

Dantius looks up again at the monuments of the great thinkers.

"What wisdom can you instill in me? How can I become a channel of your greatness? When will I be the one on that lofty pedestal looking down on the minions?"

He clenches his right hand into a fist and strikes his chest. He closes his eyes as if attempting to absorb the collective greatness symbolized in this hallway. He inhales, taking in one long breath, raising his arms until they are outstretched. He appears to be in deep meditation as he stands before the statue of one of the ancient philosophers, his face tilts towards the heavens. He imagines crowds clamoring to touch his velvet robe, all the while thunderous applause fill the air. A smile of satisfaction creeps across his pale he absorbs the rapture. The last rays of the afternoon sunlight pierce the stained glass windows.

"This is as close as you can get to meditate."

The roar of the applause suddenly dies and the floor feels as if it has been pulled from under him. Dantius feels a dull pain. When he opens his eyes, he discovers he is on his back on the marble and granite floor. Plagueis looks down at him.

"Up, boy! Daydreaming will be your undoing."

Dantius blinks a few times before scrambling to his feet. His academic robe is in a heap on the floor. He scoops it up under his arm before following Plagueis towards the opposite end of the hall to the office.

Plagueis sits at his desk. Dantius hesitates for a moment before sitting in the guest chair. His face is flushed with embarrassment. Plagueis spreads his long fingers then places his hands on the black quartz blotter.

"Ah! Alas! Back in familiar territory. You are better off expressing your thoughts down this end of the hall. You will soon learn that, like this campus, the galaxy is full of false idols that will cloud your judgment."

"Who are you to judge who is a false and who speaks truth?"

"My dear, young man, I know that you feel unloved and unappreciated by your peers…your family…rejected by the girl to whom you were once betrothed…betrayed by someone you loved who does not love you back. What about your friends? Those alliances did not last long. Your so-called friends drifted away like Tatooine sand between your fingers. Perhaps, in your thoughts, I too have been a disappointment to you. I know that you feel that I am not accelerating your training to your satisfaction. I apologize. But you needed to experience the harsh reality that things don't come easily. You must work harder. You must have patience.

"I want to be trained to use the Kaiburr crystals."

"What makes you think that I have not?"

"But…"

"That is one of your failings, my dear boy. You have not taken the opportunities presented to you."

"How can I learn if you hold tools to your power so close to your chest?"

"Your time will come. There are things you must do to prove your worth and loyalty. Do this and some day you too will have an apprentice of your own."

"I see."

Plagueis smiles. It is something he rarely does.

"So, you will graduate soon from this great university." Plagueis glances up at the vaulted ceiling as if mocking the institution. "What are your aspirations? How do you plan to spend the remainder of your time in this place?"

"I am looking into a few internship positions. "

"Really? Indulge me."

"I don't care to discuss it right now."

"You mean to say you choose not to discuss it with me."

"Your words, not mine."

"Touché!"

"I need to consider all of my opportunities."

"Yes… do that. Go to that symposium tomorrow. You may find opportunity but also disappointment."

Dantius did not mention the invitation from Finis Valorum but somehow Plagueis knew. Plagueis the all-knowing could read through Dantius. The young apprentice knows that in order to overcome this vulnerability, he needed to gain power and standing; his future depended upon it. For now, he would need to remain patient and learn from this impossible creature. Tomorrow he will prove his master wrong.

The symposium is an impressive event. Professors and members of the Galactic think tank are all in attendance. Dantius was lucky to get a seat near the last row. There was even a name tag for him at the registration table when he arrived. He had no idea he would need anything since Finis seemed rather low-keyed about it during their conversation a day earlier.

Dantius reads the program handed to him by a greeter as he enters the room. Five quest speakers are scheduled to take the podium. The topics were standard fare such as the state of the Galactic politics, ethics and religion in the emerging planets of Tatooine, Geonosis and Yavin, climate change concerns on Hoth, Ryloth, Kamino and Tatooine. Few believed that these areas of the Galactic Republic would be immersed in political turmoil decades later.

A group of officials from Coruscant seemed to find the discussions interesting as they huddled at a special table whispering as the topics changed. The group of men had no name tags. They looked important and deathly serious. One man is a tall gaunt and too harsh looking for his age. He could not be more than forty years old. Dantius imagine what sort of person he is and what position he held. Dantius is not easily distracted but the panel discussing climate change is a big bore to him.

After a brief question and answer session, the speakers and guests gravitated over to several banquet tables to enjoy refreshment and to mingle. Dantius helps himself to some food and drink but stands quietly at the sidelines as the speakers exchange niceties with the host, the Grand chairman of the political Philosophy department. Dantius takes a bite of a canapé when he sees a hand in the crowd waving in his direction. Before he could chew what was already in his mouth, he sees the crowd open up. The person waving him over is Finis Valorum. Dantius gulps down the rest of his wine, sets his plate and glass on a nearby waiter's tray. He wipes his hands and walks over to Finis and joins the group.

Dantius immediately recognizes several people in the group as doctoral candidates, classmates of Valorum. Finis greets Dantius. The others are not impressed and smirk as if waiting for something funny to happen. There have been whispers around campus that Dantius is an oddball with an overbearing father. Finis appears genuinely welcoming.

"Dantius, I'm so glad you could come. Please join us. Gentleman, I would like to introduce you to one of the university's brightest students, Dantius Palpatine. He could possibly bring a brand new perspective to the debate. Dantius, this is His Excellency Ranulph Tarkin and his colleagues from the political think tank 'Planetary Initiative'."

Dantius nods politely and feigns an attempt to shy away from the discussion.

"Oh, I'm not much of a political person. Mr. Valorum, you are much more versed in the political climate than I."

"Nonsense. I sat in on some of your classes for my doctorial. You had some good insight on the topic. I was impressed."

"Oh, you are too kind, sir…"

The serious looking Ranulph Tarkin waits impatiently for Dantius to say something.

"Come now, young man, if you have something to say, speak up, our time is valuable."

There are a few muffled chuckles from within the group. Waiters pass by to offer glasses of Chimbak wine and Bespin Port. Dantius is not expecting to be put on the spot this way. He does not want to embarrass himself. Someone has joined the group that he had not noticed before he walked over. It is a distraction. He takes a breath then speaks.

"Well, I believe that the state of the Galactic Republic is fragile and in need of new leadership or the topics discussed today will be meaningless…"

There is a long silence as the group stands around him. Dantius hears the background noises of metal trays and crystal wine glasses, chattering from several different conversations in the room along with some hearty laughter. Apparently someone is telling a joke or retelling a humorous story in the crowd.

Dantius feels as if he is in a vacuum and cannot hear anyone in the group speak. Finis and the others stare at him. Dantius feels a slap on his back. Suddenly, as if a bolt of lightning pierces his body, he can hear again.

"Dantius, you're an impassioned speaker."

"Wha?"

Tarkin clears his voice.

"Well, interesting insight, young man. You evidently have a lot to say. Unfortunately, my entourage and I must take our leave as we have a ship leaving in an hour for Eriadu." He turns to Finis. "Valorum, we have much to discuss when we meet again in Coruscant City."

"Yes, Excellency. I bid you a pleasant journey."

Tarkin musters a crooked smile at the blonde beauty on Finis' arm.

"Milady." Tarkin bows.

Tarkin and his entourage exit the room. The doctoral candidates roll their eyes then grab drinks from a waiter carrying a tray. Finis looks down at the floor for a moment as if deciding what to say next. He scratches his forehead then looks up and turns to Dantius.

"Have you ever considered a career in public speaking or an internship in the Galactic Senate?"

Dantius has his eyes on Sigrid. She is more beautiful than before. He does not remember why they stopped speaking or having lunches together. He snaps out of his trance and looks at Finis. Dantius stutters his response.

"Wha…what do you mean?"

"You spoke for ten minutes non-stop."

"Oh, I did not realize…"

"Don't worry; I believe he was impressed by what you had to say."

Sigrid still holds onto Finis' arm.

"I don't remember ever hearing you speak as long as you did just now, Danni."

"Now I'm terribly embarrassed." Dantius blushes but not much color comes to his face. Sigrid smiles softly.

"It was actually kind of funny because he was looking at you instead of me. He's sort of creepy."

"Oh?"

"If I knew we were going to be stuck here hanging out with him, I wouldn't have shown up until later. So, how are you, Danni?"

"I'm well, thanks, Sigi. You?"

"Great. Fin, do you have to stay any longer?"

"No. Would you like to leave?"

"Please! I could go for some real food."

Finis adoringly smiles at Sigrid. He has to reward her somehow for showing up tonight. He respects her political views. She played the role of the admiring date to perfection this evening. He knows by morning, she will be at her table outside the student cafeteria getting signatures to march on Coruscant to protest oppression and injustices across the Galaxy. Her usual gang of suspects: Boone, Fern, Son'ya, Magnus, and Roman will be stopping hungry students in their tracks desperate to get some sustenance before venturing on to early morning classes. This gang of six is merciless but a hungry student will sign almost anything. Bless them one and all!

"You want to go to the Corellian Waffle House, don't you?"

"You're a good man, Finis Valorum." She stands on her toes and gives Finis a kiss on the cheek.

"I do what I can. Come on, let's get out of here."

They turn to leave. The others get rid of their drinks and follow. Suddenly Finis remembers something and turns.

"Dantius, would you like to join us?"

"Oh…uhm…no…I have an early class tomorrow. Thanks."

"Okay. Goodnight."

Sigrid waves to Dantius.

"Bye, Danni."

Dantius waves as the faint smile fades as soon as Sigrid turns away. His hand drops to his side and curls into a clenched fist. Now he remembers why he stopped speaking to Sigrid. He loved her. Why did she choose Finis Valorum?

Dantius walks to the beverage table when he cannot catch the attention of the passing wait staff. A balding bartender greets him.

"Good evening, Sir. What will you have?"

"Chimbak…double please."

"Double, Sir?"

Dantius is in no mood to hear this servant tell him that Chimbak is not served as a double. Things could turn violent. Instead, the bartender takes a goblet and fills it with Chimbak. His job is to make the guests happy.

Dantius grabs the goblet and drinks in one gulp. He sets the empty goblet on the bar then walks out of the room.

There were several full moons over Naboo that evening as Dantius steps out of the Theed Royal Hall. The winds pick up, blowing his hair in his face. He arrives at his destination across campus and stands in the shadowing archway of the Philosophy department. Returning to his dorm room is not an option right now. The staff had left for the day and most of the professors were at the symposium. He grabs the doorknob. Air rushes in as he holds the heavy door ajar. The walk down the hall felt like a journey to death. The office door opens like a large dark wing of an unseen creature. He hesitates for a moment before releasing a heavy sigh and crosses the threshold.

"Sit Dantius."

A long spindly arm attempts to console him. Dantius rejects the gesture. Plagueis continues to speak.

"Well I won't say I told you so. I understand how you must feel. They laughed at you…at least that is how you saw it."

Dantius pounds his chest. He is quivering and filled with anger and raw emotion.

"One day people will listen to what I have to say and see me as a great leader! I will be important enough for people to take notice!"

"Sit down, Dantius a calm yourself. You're not going to draw in the masses in the state you're in right now. You've had too much to drink and your ego is wounded. No one humiliated you. They were having good fun until she arrived. You did not expect to see her tonight, did you? So much beauty and yet you cannot have her. The man who has her attention is not worthy. You are better than he is. You resent the way she respects him. You covet her affections but it eludes you. He has not harmed you but you feel the need to punish him. You want him to feel the pain of a lost love. You want justice. I cannot stop you; I can only advise. No one cares about your future more than I, Dantius. I hope you realize than when you stop your self-pity. You have much to learn, my dear boy. Until you fully commit yourself to the ways of the Sith, there is little I can do for you. You cannot be halfway in as you pine for young love."

Dantius gets up and heads for the door. He does not like what he hears. Plagueis continues to speak. Dantius stops but does not turn to face him.

"In the future, if I were you, I would refrain from giving grand speeches in large crowds. Your words tend to have a polarizing effect that could enrage the masses. You are a student, not a politician."

Dantius continues on and leaves the office. As he makes his way across campus to his dormitory, he tries to remember what he said for ten minutes that would alienate people. If he cannot remember now, it will come to him in the morning accompanied by a sickening hangover.