(Footsteps In Front Of Imperial Palace – Imperial Centre)
Larrona Yousta was confused, afraid and nervous at the same time. For last one and two months, she lost hope for herself. Being an analyst by profession and past passion for journalism had landed her into trouble. Trouble from which only way to escape was death. Either by quick execution or slow and painful death in a prison cell.
Being an Arthurian in a xenophobic Empire was difficult enough, working for HoloNet News was worse. And foolishly thought she would succeed somehow. It was no-win situation there. The news agency was independent once, but since the war started, they changed. And after that, they became worse than ever. It became a state-run agency with competitors out the picture due to censure and anti-sedition policies. But realised soon after the creation of Empire, she was not going to be safe like before. However, she decided to stay and resist. To rebel, essentially. Brave, but extremely foolish. With all her ideologies and principles, she went on to start her own little cell of Rebels, specializing in countering whatever propaganda the Imperials pushed for. And she paid the price for this and got caught, betrayed by someone she considered friend.
And then, she was taken from her cell, promptly, without given an explanation, as always. She was given comfortable garbs to replace the prison ones. At first, she assumed the worst. Then, when she was taken to a transport dock, she saw several prisoners also being escorted there. Some of whom she recognised. They were either Rebels or convicted due to their anti-Imperial activities. She kept quite and followed their new guards, who seem to be there to collect them. She noticed that they were no ordinary trooper, they were clones troopers, recognizing their insignia. They were taken in a large transport shuttle.
Several moments later, they reached outside Imperial Palace. Just outside of the Palace, she could arrangements were being made for sitting for at least thousands. And at the large entrance of the Palace, a makeshift podium was had been assembled. From the looks of it, she observed that everything here, the arrangements, the staff and the security, all felt military to her.
A clone general, easily recognised by his uniform, stood waiting for them. When everyone were off the transport, the general (A clone general? In Imperial uniform? Who would have imagined that?) started speaking to them.
"Good Afternoon. I am General Wolffe. I don't like to mince my words nor to repeat myself. So please pay attention to what I am about to say. Once the press conference is concluded, I will be taking questions. For now, I have some information regarding you all. Since you were in your confinement, things have changed. Emperor Palpatine died almost six weeks ago. Since then the planet has been under martial lockdown to avoid the chaotic aftermath."
There were some gasps around her. But she focused on the General.
"Our new Emperor has different views on the matters of Galaxy. Now he will be going to present himself as the new Emperor. He has already declared his intentions to make peace with the Rebel Alliance, which was declared a terrorist organisation by his predecessor. For that purpose, as a token of trust and will to negotiate, we will be releasing you all today after the event is over."
New Emperor? Releasing them? Negotiate? With the Alliance? She never thought she would hear those words from the Empire.
The General continued, "Many of you were working directly against the Empire and accused and penalised for attempts in destabilising order and peace, and labelled as terrorists, traitors and criminals. We have reviewed all of your case files, by the Emperor's trusted staff, including me. We came to a conclusion that while you all have committed crimes against the law, as petty as some of them are, your intentions were not to go against the Empire, but the Emperor himself and his iniquitous laws and policies. And that would be all for now. All your queries will be answered as much as possible after this."
Larrona's mind was still reeling from the series of information dumped on her and she could feel the same about the others. This was too much. When she woke up this morning, she never imagined this happening to her.
After all, this was too good to be true. And that is why she was so scared.
(Naberrie Residence – Planet Of Naboo)
When Obi-Wan received the news of the press conference from Padmé, he was on the call with his wife and his one year old daughter. The safety of the exiled Dutchess and their daughter was the topmost priority for Obi-Wan, everything else came afterwords. Even the Jedi, much to the annoyance to her. He had lost almost everything. His Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, whom he loved like a father. His former Padawan, Anakin Skywalker, who was his responsibility. Siri Tachi, who was an old flame of his and close friend. His remaining closest friend, Quinlan Vos, who betrayed the Jedi and the Republic when turned to the Dark side, who Obi-Wan failed to slay. The Republic which he sworn to protect. And the Jedi Order, the only home he had known, along with countless Jedi. He lost everything and was almost broke to be point of hopelessness. He tried to fight for everything and lost them anyway. Then Satine came back to his life. Dealing with own problems, multiple assassination attempts on her life and displeasure of her own warrior populace drunk on glory of the past, she chose self imposed exile. But when they met, they found solace in their embrace. At the time, Obi-Wan didn't care for Jedi or, for that matter, anything else. After their private marriage, she helped him on getting back and re-ignite the flames of fortitude and determination. Since, then he started to work with the fragmented groups of rebels, independently of course. As the Jedi should have been from the start.
Master Yoda, who had failed to vanquish the Sith Master, took it hard. He went to a swamp planet of Dagobah, for his own exile for his gross failure. That left the remaining Jedi in a very vulnerable situation. Only surviving members of High Council, Masters Shaak Ti, Kit Fisto and Depa Billaba formed a new council and started their own plans to contact other Jedi who were scattered around the Galaxy and in hiding.
Only around four hundred Jedi were left. Most of them were either younglings, non-combatants or former members of Service Corps. Very few Knights and fewer Masters. Thankfully Master Jocasta Nu, Master Bant Eerin and Knight Ferus Olin were were their for him. Due to shortage of Jedi Masters, an exception was made, he was given the rank of Master and a seat on the Council. Along with a Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, who never got the chance to become a Padawan before the Purge. The problem with situation was two fold. First, during the Clone Wars, no one in the Jedi was capable to take up her as Padawan as she was so brilliant and talented. Second, similar to his former Padawan, she was powerful and was too old when she brought to the Temple.
But after some initial discord, they soon became a team. A very formidable team. And with time, she grown up on him. How could had that not happened. His tendencies to grow attached and she... she was brilliant, energetic and kind. Some would say they were attached. But he didn't care. His priority was his family which included Ahsoka and his Jedi friends. Not after Anakin...
He had realised his mistake. He could have done more, but didn't. His former Master certainly would have. The boy wanted love and care. Care he provided, but he chose the Code above the boy when it came to the former. He also realised that the boy never wanted love, but needed it. Desperately. So, Anakin sought for love in the form of friendship with Ellya Organa. It would be foolish to keep the guilt, but it was hard, very hard. Sometimes he thought that maybe he was not worthy of what he had now. But that would be his guilt. And the wound re-opened when those words came out of Vader about them. News of their deaths was a finality, crushing every hope that at least one of them was alive somewhere.
And Vader. Whoever he was, Obi-Wan he had realised he was powerful. And the way Force danced around him, he deduced was already at the level of Master. In the ways of the Sith, becoming a Master was very different. Its either death or taking the place of your Master. And weak doesn't become a Sith Master, it was the Sith way. And for that to happen, it required intellect as much as power.
Another thing that irked Obi-Wan about Vader was his words to Sidious. Vader used the word "Betrayal" as the way of the Sith. As far as he knew, the saying was 'Treachery is the way of the Sith', not 'Betrayal'. He was sure there was more to it. Something between the former Sith Apprentice and Master.
Now he was focussed on the upcoming event. As passive and calm he could be, and according to his smart Padawan, he had come to the conclusion that sometimes a great offence can be good defence, if the circumstances demanded it. And to go on the offence, they needed intel, hard and actionable ones. Since, he was touted as the great Negotiator in the Order, he would use it for whatever negotiations Vader had planned with the Alliance. Ahsoka was smart and dependable, she could take care of herself. And if things went wrong, she would be there as back-up. Also there were also Knights Olin and Thel-Tanis for help when needed. They created a plan after much deliberations. The current Council were cautious but once they heard the reasoning, they got behind the idea in exchange of frequent contacts and many safety measures. Each of them with guard and work with Bail, Mon, Padmé and Jan. Obi-Wan with Bail, Ahsoka with Padmé, Ferus with Mon and Darra with Jan. They would start this new assignments when they would figure out the logistics. The four prominent members of the Alliance were in danger in more ways than one could imagine. First, there would be distrust among the remaining members since they were caught and would be considered compromised. Second, even if the magnitude of distrust was minimal, they would be isolated and would be in constant danger.
"Master, have hope. We will work something out eventually.", said his Padawan with a cheery smile. That girl's optimism was infectious. That or Obi-Wan was always in need of assurances, no matter he never showed it.
"I hope so, my Padawan, I hope so.", replied Obi-Wan with a smile of his own. "Now, give all of your focus on the conference. We need to be on our best against this new enemy. All our estimations and informations. We have to analyse him and find his weaknesses. So he and his allies will be our primary concern. Other than protecting our assigned allies of our own. Ahsoka, the Order made the mistake of under-estimating the Sith and paid the price for it. We are still being hunted. Never believe a Sith. We are still in a war. Keep your that in mind, focus on the present. Don't centre on your anxieties, Ahsoka. Keep your concentration here and now, where it belongs."
Ahsoka took a moment to take it in.
"It's starting...", someone, probably Pooja, shouted.
(Royal Palace – Alderaan)
Bail was feeling safe and confident. He was feeling like he could take on the Galaxy, if he wanted to. Since he came back to Alderaan, to his wife and family, he felt somehow unburdened, free of all realities and the anxiety that came with them. But here, he belonged. He came from this place, his root were very Alderaanian. No masks, no games, just being himself.
It took some time to be comfortable around Winter, his new daughter that Breha adopted. But when he told her about Ellya, they shared their grief over it. And he sensed a change, that they can now finally move on. The guilt of failing Ellya was still there, but now he had to move on and actually wanted to.
His Queen wife's staff were also present, ready to watch the conference. He was still angry at Vader, but he restrained himself. This was bigger than him, bigger than his family or Alderaan. This was about the fate of the entire Galaxy. How would the Galaxy respond to this accession was the key to plan ahead. And he was certain that reaction of most of the Galaxy would not be positive. Neutral maybe. But not excitingly positive. He had already seen the effects of fear and greed does to people. Times had changed, things had changed, there would be no thunderous applause this time. Any false claims made by this new Emperor could be discredited later. Or at least mitigated.
But he was worried. About the offer that Grand Inquisitor made had been... unnerving. It was beyond suspicious now, he knew it was trap. But for what? From what he has seen Vader had completely and virtually decimated the Rebellion. It would take years or at least a decade to rebuild everything they had before the trails, which was still not sufficient. So, what was the point of this new trap? Control? No, even if Vader got control of the Alliance, there would always be others. Perception? Maybe. But that would be also problematic. Same, there would always be others who would see the truth or get a gist of some wrongdoing. So, what?
So, he was here, eagerly waiting for the conference to start, so that he could plan for going forward.
The holo-projector flickered and the entrance of former Jedi temple and present Imperial Palace came into view. There were some people moving around but no sign Vader yet. The view changed to the audience. There were thousands in the attendance. Strange, very few politicians or world leader and almost no one from the autocratic side. Many journalists, too many of them, even the retired ones who were active during the Clone Wars. And there were the security forces. Everyone was expecting what was about to happen.
As if on cue, a dark figure emerged from the depths of shadows from the palace. Coming into view in long stride with confidence. The mask was the same with his hood on, but the attire was different. It was more of a black uniform, a mix of military style and nobility. With the hints of gold and silver contrasting the black, the appearance was certain of a monarch. With smooth and long movements, he took his place at the centre of the podium.
Vader made his entrance and everyone knew that this figure is the new Emperor.
Then everything stopped whether one was watching it in person or through hologram. Somehow all the attention was sucked by this single person and no one dared to speak. He looked powerful and intimidating. And the lightsabre hanging on his belt amplified it.
"I am Lord Vader, your new Emperor.", Vader sternly stated through his vocoder. In a simple and powerful statement, he made his intentions loud and clear. His words still reverberated in Bail's ears.
Then something unexpected happened. Vader laughed. It was not a hearty laugh, but a sarcastic one, by the tone of it, even if it was through his vocoder.
"Apologies, I find very amusing. So, let tell what do I find amusing. You mat also find it amusing. Years ago, I was brought here, in this very structure behind me. At the time, it was the Jedi temple, the supposed beacon of light and hope in the Galaxy. The Jedi rejected me, as they rejected many, who they consider unfit to be part of their pompous Order. Many of them even took offence that this child was even considered. I was so powerful in the Force that I was considered dangerous. So they planned to keep an eye on me. Then the Sith found me. I was naive and young, but not so much that I would believe the Sith were actually good. But I was proven wrong. The Jedi were proven wrong. And you all were proven wrong. Yet most of you didn't even realise it. The Sith were the worst."
"But I am digressing here. Now look at this, I am standing here, as the Emperor of the Galactic Empire, the antithesis of the Republic. The Republic that the Jedi sworn to protect. I am standing as a Sith Lord here in front of, what was once the temple of the Jedi Order, but now Imperial Palace of the Galactic Empire. A Sith Galactic Empire. This was the irony I was finding amusing a moment ago."
"There will no swearing in. No long, trite and useless speeches of glory of the Empire. No banal platitudes of any kind. No, this is a warning. And a message. A warning because you all committed one the greatest sin there is. You forgot. You forgot your history. Throughout the ebbs and flows of time, you forgot the importance of Republic and Democracy. You forgot the evils that always lurked in the shadows. You forgot the Sith, the epitome of darkness itself. You forgot the sacrifices your forebearers made. And a message because there will be your Republic again in the future. Not now or in the foreseeable future, but there will be. It is inevitable. Just as there will be oppression again after that, if you grow weak, complacent and corrupt, which you did. I am not here to rule above you. I am here for single reason. To teach you. To open your eyes. To make you realise. How you all collectively took your imaginary blaster, charged it and shot it. Instead shoot your own perceived enemy, you shot yourself. Multiple times. The first shot was when gave a Sith power over you, over the Senate. The Sith I am referring to was my Master, Darth Sidious, also known as..."
Bail took breadth. He could not believe That Vader was doing this.
"Sheev Palpatine.", Vader spoke the name with dark and vile tone.
And the Galaxy went crazy.
(Mon Mothma's Residence – Planet Of Chandrila)
Mon heard the gasps all around her. She was shocked herself. No, she was already in the small group of individuals who had the knowledge of Palpatine being a Sith. What she was so shocked about that Vader announcing it to the Galaxy.
"SILENCE!", ordered Vader through the holo-projector. Even here, one could feel the power of the word.
"Calm down, everyone. Now is not the time for shock or outrage. That comes later."
Mon could see the audience, which was conveniently shown through the projector to their reactions, calming down a bit.
"As I have said, you all have sinned. Make no mistake. I am not your savoir or an agent of your salvation. I am here to teach all you a lesson. How you learn that learn is up to you."
Vader took a moment, then continued.
"I think many of you are still do not believe. How could you? A deception is only good as long as it is believed to be true. On the official channel of HoloNet, you will find a new HoloVid published by now. This is original footage of the event when your cherished then Supreme Chancellor Palpatine being attacked by the Jedi in his office. A part of which was presented at the Senate, on basis of which, you all given him the title of Emperor of the whole Galaxy. On basis of which, the Senate accepted the Jedi to be enemy of the Republic."
Vader paused. Behind him, four droids flew and started projecting a HoloVid. It was the security footage of Palpatine office when he was still Supreme Chancellor. At that moment Mon took a guess what would be shown. And she guessed right. This showed five Jedi Masters, with Mace Windu leading the other two, entering and declaring their intention of arresting Palpatine. Words were exchanged. Then in a moment, Palpatine jumped at the Jedi, with two red lightsabres suddenly appearing in his hands, like a berserk animal. Four Jedi Masters fell in quick succession. It was surreal to watch a man, who looked so old and frail, attacked ferociously at the Jedi. Only Mace Windu remained. They were at each other, their attacks too dizzying to follow. Who could have guessed that the old man was so... acrobatic? Palpatine lost his weapons and started crawling at the edge of the destroyed window. At that moment, Palpatine shot lightning through his fingers. LIGHTNING! FROM HIS FINGERS! But Windu was blocking it with his lightsabre. Some of the lightning reflected to Palpatine and his face started deforming. Then another hooded figure entered the office and ignited a green lightsabre. But instead of attacking Palpatine, he started attacking Windu. Against two adversaries, Windu had no chance. Quickly he lost hist lightsabre holding hand. Palpatine shot his lightning again at Windu. Just like that Windu was thrown out the window into the depths of Coruscant. And footage ended.
Mon could hear her family murmuring, but she was too focussed on what was happening in front of her. Vader was playing his cards recklessly. And more importantly, how did Vader got his hands on this evidence? Palpatine surely would have destroyed all the evidences of the incident. Surely, one of Palpatine's cohorts who thought that keeping this kind of very dangerous evidence was insurance. Then Vader must have found it first.
Then the scene changed at the projectors behind Vader. This time the setting was Senate Rotunda. This time, Palpatine and Master Yoda were fighting each other ferociously, jumping from one pod to another. It was long and nerve-racking to watch. But it ended with Yoda falling, but never showed the landing. And this footage also ended.
"So essentially you turned your back on your greatest and longest protectors. Now you might ask, if the Jedi were good and trying protect the Galaxy, as they themselves proclaim. So why I am exposing my own kind and making them martyrs? They were no martyrs, as they sinned as well. Their sin was their arrogance. They underestimated the Sith. They were weak, but showed to others that they could save the Galaxy single-handedly. They were hypocrites, but presented themselves all wise and righteous. And most importantly, they were not true Jedi. They too forgot how to be a Jedi. They were withdrawn from the Galaxy, but acted as its greatest caretaker. Their hubris caused to lose everything and they brought the Galaxy itself down with themselves. They were serving the same enemy that they sworn to eradicate."
Again the droids behind Vader started a HoloVid again. This time, it was a series small clips. All the clips shown had something in common. Palpatine with the Jedi. In some, he was shaking hands. In some, he was having what looked like friendly conversation with the Jedi. And in others, he was having some sort friendly interaction with one Jedi or another. Most of the shown Jedi footage were of Windu, Yoda and some other Council members.
Vader was discrediting the Jedi and Palpatine, both, in a single play of hand here. There would doubt formed and questions raised. But the Galaxy was wary of conflicts. Certainly wary of Force users, whether they are Jedi or Sith.
"So, these Guardians of the Galaxy are so great that they can sense darkness around them. Certainly makes one wonder about that claim."
Mon was getting more and more uncomfortable with this development. There was an irrational side of her mind which was telling her that – isn't it you wanted to do? Expose Palpatine to the world. What's wrong with that?
But she never expected it from another Sith. For her, this seemed more like a power-play between a dead Sith and a new Sith who took the place of the former. But to what purpose?
Vader waited for his audience to calm down. Well, calmer. "And let's not forget about your treasured Republic and its supposed democratic values. There are many who believe only in the good of the Republic and Democracy. So, ask yourselves? If that was so, then why there is still slavery, piracy or organised crimes still in practices in the Outer Rims? Why the Core worlds enjoying all the benefits while the others were neglected? Why the Senate, the courts and all other branches were essentially ineffective to resolve any of the wide range of issues that would impact the Galaxy? Why the Senate had to compromise again and again for the greed of power and wealth of some?"
'Those are blatant half-truths and misdirections. This is blatant manipulation.', thought Mon to herself.
Mon got up and left, not wanting to upset herself more. A mad man, a SITH, was openly giving a speech as a dictator to the Galaxy. And the sad truth was his words are going to be believed by many. Just like when they listened to Dooku and Palpatine.
(Naberrie Residence – Planet Of Naboo)
Padmé was flabbergasted, to say the least. It was unpleasant to hear those words from a monster. The words she wanted to hear from someone brave enough to speak to the Galaxy. The words she wanted to shout at the Senate. On several occasions.
"These were the warnings of the decay of the Republic. Of your Senate that should have represented the citizens of this Galaxy, not themselves. And do you even comprehend what were the results of this decay? First, the Senate refused to negotiate with the Separatists of which the Clone Wars was the aftermath. They had the right to leave the Republic by the laws of your own gone Republic. Each side accused each other of treason and war mongering. And what did it came to in the end? Treason and war. Let's give a big applause to the Republic for such achievement."
Vader alone clapped. Each sound of clap was like a sound of a slap. Hard truths are often a slap to the face, but they were necessary. Otherwise hypocrisy and fraudulent ideas ran amok.
"Second, the same Republic allowed seats to the self-serving organizations like Trade Federation and Banking Clan in the Senate. Seats that should have reserved for representatives of planetary systems for the voices of their own populace. Not to the establishments who by nature operate on wealth, profit and power. Instead of countering their ever growing influence on economic and political institutions, they were encouraged to do so, no matter what empty words were being by your leaders. Instead of fighting their monopoly, they were given more power. Let's give an another big applause to the Republic for such achievement."
Again, Vader alone clapped. Now, this was personal for Padmé. She had been fighting for the same issues when she was a senator.
"Now, the third, the unethical occupation of Mandalore. Mandalore was the de facto leader and paragon of neutrality. The Council of Neutral Systems was the perfect example of the planets and systems wanting their desire to stay out the war. Your definition of peace at the heights of the Clone Wars was peace for all or for none. And what the excuse made for this conquest? To prevent it from being seized by the enemy? What a bunch of refined excrements."
Again the claps came. This this Padmé was angry on blatant abuse of her friend's hardship. Satine was not going to be happy about it. She was sure of it. She looked over Obi-Wan to check and found his stoic face, focussed on the speech.
"The fourth, the Clone Wars itself. Or rather, I should say the clones. Bred and development through artificial means, your own droids made of flesh and blood. Created and bought to fight your war. They were used and they died for own convenience. Rapidly matured sentient beings who were given no choice but to fight and die for whims of your righteous and upstanding Senate. Their entire existence under the ownership of apathetic creators and callous owners. No autonomy of their own. Treated worse than slaves. Only to be ordered around, their mind filled with hollow ideals of glorious corrupted Republic. They fought, they bled, they died and they suffered for your own false dreams of greatness. And what did they get? They were to be terminated, once their use was over."
The claps, again. Vader and his taunts.
"The fifth and the last... for now. You all allowed a dictator with a mask of benevolence. The fact that he was a Sith can be overlooked. But giving a single person consecutive terms as the leader of the Galaxy. That is simply gross negligence and malpractice. Where were your ideals, integrity and principles when a military dictatorship came to power? Remember, you all applauded the very same act. Why? Because you were scared. Scared and tired of war that none of wanted in your own planet, but enthusiastically encouraging the same for others. You got so tired of the battles, of the destruction and carnage, and of the cost that you realised you cannot pay. Because of a galactic scale war that you all wanted to happen before it actually happened. You all made a mess so large that even the Hutts would be considered sanative when compared."
This time, there was no clap from Vader. Utter silence from everyone.
"I think have spoken enough of past events. I am the Emperor now. Your Emperor. Accept it. The following will be the first set of priorities moving forward. The multiple groups of... characters that were classified as terrorists, but call themselves rebels, are to be reclassified as radical protesters. I am open to have negotiations with their representatives in exchange of cessation of their extreme and violent behaviour against the subjects of MY Empire. The cases against them are to be reviewed again.. The remaining survivors of the Jedi Order are to be exiled to the sectors of the Outer Rims for indefinite period. Any Jedi travelling wanting to travel other than Outer Rims locations is required to have explicit permission, if reason given found to be reasonable. In exchange, I am willing to...", Vader gestured towards the Palace behind him, "... reinstate this structure as a heritage under religious effect, and to be left alone as the Jedi Temple."
"I have already offered former senator Bail Organa the position of Supreme Chancellor for the Senate, as a token of peace offering. There are many individuals attending here who were charged and sentenced with treason and dissent due to association and activities for the rebels."
The view in the projector changed from Vader to the audience. Then it came back to Vader.
"There are but a few of the cases which I and my staff personally reviewed. They have been brought here for the conference, after which they are free. There will committee made for that exact purpose in the future. Of course, depending upon the events of new future."
"Also, the censorship act by the predecessor on the HoloNet has been repealed. Other censorship amendments are being reviewed for further actions. But before ending this, let me be clear on one particular matter."
Vader stood for few moments, before speaking again.
"I am reasonable. I am willing to listen. Even if you are against me, I will listen. Disrespect me, then my words in reply may bruise you. However, you come at me with arms, expect the same in return. Since Palpatine's demise, his leftovers have attempted three dozens of times to assassinate me. I am still here. And I am not going anywhere soon. You all are stuck with me in this Galaxy. That would be all for now. Thank you for listening. May the Force serve you well. Vader out."
With that, the projection stopped and went blank.
"Who does he think he is?", spat Ahsoka angrily from a corner. And the whole room erupted in load and chaotic discussion. Disadvantage of having so many people with politically and ideologically charged opinions in room place.
Padmé went back to her room. Her brain was exhausted. First sleep, then planning. Hopefully, the Queen would wait till tomorrow afternoon before sending for her.
(Somewhere In The Unknown Regions – Unidentified Vessel)
A single figure was standing still at a dais. Very still. Some would say that time itself stilled around him.
"My Lord, the pretender who calls himself a Sith of line of Bane has insulted you by calling himself Emperor.", a newcomer spoke to the figure. When the figure remained unfazed, she spoke again, "This charlatan's words are filled with insolences and mutinous. Permit me, Illustrious One, to go and teach him out of his heretical ways. His ways of Sith Empire are repulsive and outrageous. Let me. He will be begging to serve you till his miserable life ends."
Still, the figure gave no sign of awareness to the words. "My Lord?"
The figure finally spoke, "Leave him be. Let his victory on his Master be his weakness. When the time comes, his determination and spirits will become flight of steps to my ascension."
With that, the newcomer went back, leaving the figure alone and undisturbed.
AN: Typed this one really fast. Hope you will like it!
Here, Vader is not giving his speech out of his heart. He just took out a page out of Sidious' book. Steps may vary, but the method remains.
I wanted to give different perspective of the members of Alliance High Council. Also a random POV from a prisoner of the Empire. I thought it would be better.
Now let's go the comments on my previous chapter.
First, Luvvykitty from FF:
"I was excited to see your update, loved the force dream : )"
Thanks. The dream idea came to later, after writing the whole scene. Initially, it was a boring scene of Vader talking to Force ghost alone and others watching him seemingly talking to himself.
Second, a Anon Guest from FF:
"Padme has to be a loser and die, just like Yoda has to be a loser who becomes a hermit, because the PT is supposed to set up the OT. Padme doesn't have the chance to be as inspiring as Leia because Padme is never on the winning team. This doesn't mean Padme sucks. It's just the reality that the tide has turned against her.
TCW's characterization is caricature of the original. Yes, George takes away a lot of Padme's agency because he barely has time to tell the full story of Anakin, let alone the story of Padme, who is a supporting character used as a plot device to advance Anakin's story(Leia is also a plot device to advance Luke's story too; Luke usually changes for Leia's sake). This doesn't mean TCW's Padme is much better. Take the Clovis arc for example. Filoni makes Padme dumb to make the fight scene between Clovis and Anakin happen. If Padme simply asks her handmaiden to work with her and Clovis, Clovis can't make a pass at her and Anakin has no excuse to doubt her. But no, Padme is just not as sophisticated as a former queen should be.
PT is a tragedy. So, everyone except Palpy makes some mistakes that lead to their downfall. Anakin makes the biggest mistake of them all because of his greed, impatience, and arrogance. His fall is understandable, but inexcusable. If you are autistic or have serious mental issues, you are more likely to identify with Anakin. This is the impression I get from George's movies and I find his characters very well-rounded. I can love Anakin and still respect Obi-wan or Windu. Yet Filoni is too enamoured with the smug personality like Ahsoka and Anakin. Filoni is overly harsh on the Jedi and too lenient with Ahsoka and Anakin. This is a very one-sided point of view. As a result, Filoni makes the Jedi a bunch of dumb assholes to prove how great Ahsoka is and how unlucky Anakin is. That oversimplifies things and makes Filoni's story stale very quickly. George's mvoies gives me more perspectives. George has more self-awareness than Filoni. Even if the movies are short, George's psychological underpinnings are fantastic. To me, the movies a far better story and Clone Wars 2003 is a great addition. TCW, on the other hand, is a subpar, inconsistent, self-indulgent entry to the Prequel era."
Well, you are correct, from your point of view. The way I see it, OT, PT, ST, TCW, The Rebels and other media, all are self-indulgent in their own right. Also they are fantastic, if watched in isolation. My gripe with ST are they went way out of their way to become anti-prequels. I love Prequels, even if they are not good movies, but they are a good part of the saga.Point to be made here, even Lucas didn't know what he was doing when making the OT and PT. All he had a basic plot. No details on the lore. The lore, which I love, especially the legends, came later, under Lucas' supervision. Filoni is no fool, he is a great creator, and he had blessing from Lucas himself. Point being, PT should be a taken as "Past is past. It cannot be changed. Learn from it." Main point of TCW was expanding the lore and making user understand how awful war is.But that's my take, and I respect yours.
Wait for the next chapter: "First Interview".
I hope you like it and your feedback is most welcome. May the force be with you!
