Jedi Empire: Interregnum [7-18-08]

[Darth Raptor]

Luke Skywalker stared aghast at his hands; one natural, one artificial, both clutching the hilt of his lightsaber; raised in a moment of weakness in the face of anger and despair. He had gone against everything Ben and Yoda had taught him, everything he knew about the Jedi code of morality and conduct. It had been an unconscionable act of lethal aggression, a willful and deliberate step down the path of darkness. The bisected body in the seat before him smoked and sizzled, its hideous face still frozen in a hateful snarl of shock and outrage. It took Luke a moment to process the complex and manifold implications of what had just happened, but in due time reality set in: Emperor Palpatine was dead, struck down by his own hand and Darth Vader, the Emperor's apprentice and most trusted servant did nothing to stop him.

Luke deactivated his lightsaber, slowly lifting his gaze to meet his father's. He had expected Vader to intervene. He knew his father would stop him. The utter futility of the attack had been part of what fueled its catalytic anger. Yet when the strike finally came, Vader merely watched as the attack met with its intended but unexpected result. “...Why?” Luke said at last.

To anyone else, Vader would be wholly inscrutable, but Luke possessed powers of perception beyond the ken of most mortal beings. He could feel the surge of conflicting emotions that had erupted behind the mask of Darth Vader, even as the man continued to stand there, breathing noisily, showing no outward signs of the spiritual battle that raged inside.

Meanwhile, a physical battle raged outside. Luke cringed as the Death Star's superlaser obliterated another Rebel Star Cruiser, the devastating attack prompting him to focus on more immediate matters. “Please!” he pleaded with his father, gesturing to the viewport. “You can stop this! With the Emperor gone you're the highest authority! You can stop this!” he said again, turning to face him directly. “We can stop this! Together!”

Vader stared at his son for a moment, then glanced at the Emperor's body, then at the battle outside. “Yes,” he said finally. “Yes we can.” Wasting no more time, Vader unceremoniously shoved both halves of the Emperor's body out of the throne and pressed one of the buttons on the armrest panel. “Commander,”

“Yes, Lord Vader,”

“Cease fire,” Vader ordered. “Alert all commands; stand down.”

“...My lord?” There was no mistaking Jerjerrod's confusion, not even over the comm.

“The Emperor is dead,” Vader announced, but offered no further explanation. “I am in command now. All forces are to cease fire and stand down immediately.”

“...Understood, my lord.”

“Come with me,” said Vader, turning to Luke. “We must take command of this station so you can contact the Rebel leadership.” He gestured to the Emperor's corpse. “It is no longer safe here. When the Guard learns of their master's death, they will seek their revenge.” With that, Darth Vader strode toward the turbolift. He was finally free, his son with him at last.

***

“What!?” Demanded Admiral Ackbar. He could see it himself, but he still couldn't believe it.

“I don't know!” Replied an exasperated General Calrissian. “They just stopped shooting! The fighters are falling back to defensive positions around their ships!”

“All craft, hold your fire,” ordered Ackbar. “I repeat, do not fire unless fired upon!”

***

Leia Organa, who recently learned she was by birth Leia Skywalker dropped her jaw in disbelief. Like the old remote-controlled battle droids of the Clone Wars, the Imperial troops and vehicles had simply stopped. They neither moved nor fired as they received the very last of all possible orders. The confusion was contagious as most of the joint Rebel-Ewok force stopped fighting as well, though a few overzealous Ewoks attacked the stormtroopers as they began to fall back. Defensive fire was apparently still authorized and they were summarily blasted for their trouble.

“I wonder what that's all about,” mused General Solo as he kept his blaster trained on the tree line, ready for any sudden reversal in the situation.

Luke! Suddenly she understood. “He did it! Han, he did it!”

“Who did what?”

“Luke! He- order everyone to stand down!”

“What!?”

“Han! Just do it!” Her expression softened significantly. “Just trust me! Please!”

Han's face displayed several emotions, but trust was not one of them. Nevertheless, he brought the comlink to his mouth. “This is Solo. Everyone, stand down. I repeat, stand down. 3PO, call the fur balls off right now!” Within seconds, the sound of trumpets spread throughout the forest.

***

The tension was palpable as Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker arrived on the Death Star's main command bridge. Moff Jerjerrod nervously backed away from his console as Vader usurped it, just as he had apparently usurped The Throne of Galactic Emperor.

“Call off the Rebels,” said Vader, oblivious to the stunned stares of the personnel on the bridge. Luke immediately set about bringing the Battle of Endor to an end.

***

“Admiral, we're receiving a holographic transmission from the Death Star.”

Ackbar whirled in his chair to face the projector. “Put it on,” he commanded. He wasn't sure who he was expecting, but it definitely wasn't Luke Skywalker. “Commander,” he said, stunned.

“Admiral,” Luke's hologram bowed slightly. “The Emperor is dead.”

“What!? How!?”

“That's... not important. What is important is that this fighting ends now. I'm advising you to have your forces stand down.”

“They already have.”

“Good,” Luke nodded. “The Imperials are doing the same. Rest assured this isn't a trick. Palpatine is dead; and the Empire is... under new management.”

“Whose?”

Luke swallowed. “Lord Darth Vader's.” Ackbar opened his mouth, but Luke raised his hands to preempt the protestations. “I promise, Admiral, everything's fine. This is the best chance the Alliance has to accomplish its goals.” He smiled, “but that's for the politicians to decide, don't you think?”

Ackbar closed his mouth, apparently mulling it over. In truth, he had little choice. The Death Star was operational, its impenetrable shield was still up and the infamous Death Squadron had been laying in wait. He had only three real options: Fight, run or agree to negotiate. Only one had any chance to make this otherwise disastrous day a success. “I must confer with the Chief of State,” he said finally.

Luke's hologram nodded just before it disappeared.

***

Unlike his father, Luke was acutely aware of the Imperial personnel staring at him. The abrupt end to the skirmish meant there was little to do that couldn't be handled by automated systems and command substations. He knew that what happened in the next few hours would be complex and delicate; for both sides. But with the immediate crisis behind them, he returned his focus to more personal matters. Was his father still Darth Vader? Had he merely killed his master to take his place? Why then would he agree to stop the battle? Luke could feel the conflict within him; the good, the light, it was stronger than ever. Luke could still sense the dark emotions, the pain and the hate, but Vader was in firm control of them for the moment. Was Luke?

Vader laid a mechanical hand on Luke's shoulder and gently moved him aside. “There is much to discuss, my son,” he rumbled. “But there is more to do.” He manipulated the controls and entered a code of his own, then prepared to address the Imperial forces at Endor.

“Attention,” he began. “This is Lord Darth Vader, Supreme Commander of the Imperial Armed Forces. As of 14:00 hours today, His Imperial Majesty the Emperor Palpatine is dead; killed in a training accident. As the Emperor's apprentice and heir apparent to The Throne, I am assuming an unlimited regency until a new Emperor can be selected. My first act as regent will be to pursue a peaceful resolution to our war with the Rebel Alliance. That is all.”

A 'training accident'? Luke smiled to himself. Well, it's technically true, I suppose. “Father-” he began.

Vader raised a hand to interrupt him, then pointed at the console. “It's the Rebel admiral,” he announced, motioning for Luke to join him in front of the projector.

“Commander Skywalker,” Ackbar began. “...Lord Vader,” the Mon Calamari seemed to change in color ever so slightly. The discomfort in the human woman next to him was even more obvious.

“Admiral Ackbar,” Luke bowed respectfully. “Chief of State...”

The four officers stared at one another for a moment. No one had any idea how to proceed. The most skilled and experienced politician present, it was Mon Mothma who spoke up first.

“Commander Skywalker,” she said. “I hope you can understand our surprise and confusion toward this turn of events. The Emperor's sudden death is most unexpected, but not unwelcome.” She shot him a nervous look. “Are you absolutely certain he's dead?”

Luke nodded. “Absolutely certain, madam.”

Mon Mothma seemed to deflate, as if untold decades of anxiety had left her lungs in the form of breath. “I don't believe it,” she said quietly.

“I was there when it happened,” Luke shrugged.

“But how did it happen, Commander?”

“Lightsaber training accident,” Luke winked. “They're rare, but they do happen.”

“Then it's over,” her voice still held that quiet, distant quality.

“I'm afraid not, madam. There's a lot of work that needs to be done to end this war. To end it on terms that will be favorable for both sides.”

“Are you interceding on behalf of the the Empire?” she asked darkly.

“I am,” Luke nodded gravely, and both Vader and Jerjerrod turned to face him, the latter's surprise not hidden by any breath mask. “Darth Vader, the Emperor's apprentice and successor... is my father.” Everyone present on both bridges who was not already privy to that information reacted visibly. “And Princess Leia,” he continued, turning to face his father. “Is my twin sister.”

Vader said nothing, but Luke could sense his emotions, now stronger than ever. Surprise at learning he had a daughter, joy that she was alive, shame and self-loathing at what he had done to her, fear that she would hate and reject him, hope for the future...

Luke offered his father a nod and a reassuring smile, “My family is in a unique position to restore peace and freedom to the galaxy. I will do everything in my power to see that it happens. If the Empire can change, it doesn't need to be overthrown.”

“And you, Lord Vader?” Mothma demanded, her eyes still accusatory. “Are you committed to those same goals? Will you treat with the Alliance for peace? Will you hear our grievances?”

“I will,” Vader said simply.

“Very well then,” she swallowed. “On behalf of the Alliance to Restore the Republic, I welcome the beginning of diplomatic relations with the Galactic Empire.” She paused, “Will your lordship be coming aboard or-?”

“No,” Vader replied. “The Death Star would be more secure.”

“For you perhaps, but-!”

“Chief of State,” Luke interrupted. “It's clear that some kind of secure, neutral territory will be needed for the official proceedings.” He smiled again, “How about the Endor Moon?”

Mon Mothma fidgeted uncomfortably for a moment. “I suppose that can be arranged. Assuming you agree,” she gestured to Vader.

“Agreed,” Vader offered a slow, singular nod. “Will the base suffice?”

“Assuming we can bring our own security detail, yes.”

“I will inform the Legion Commander.”

“Very well,” Mon Mothma returned a short bow of her own. “We will meet there at 17:00 hours, Galactic Standard Time. I hope we can reach an understanding,”

“You may land as soon as you wish,” Vader turned to Jerjerrod. “Make the necessary arrangements.”

“At once, my lord.”

“Commander,” Luke broached respectfully. “Could you have Princess Leia Organa, General Han Solo and their personal entourage escorted to the base as well?”

Jerjerrod glanced ever so briefly at his new dictator, unsure if he was to honor his son's request. Prince or not, he was still first and foremost a Rebel. “As you wish, Your Excellency,” he said finally, offering bow that was infinitely polite in form but, Luke could feel, decidedly curt in spirit.

As the Moff went about his orders, Vader led Luke off of the bridge. As they walked down the passageway, Vader brought up the expected subject. “So, you have a twin sister...”

“Yes, father.”

“Obi-Wan was wise to hide her from me,” he mused, then turned to Luke. “Does she know?”

Luke met his unblinking gaze and nodded. “I told her shortly before I left to meet with you. I found out myself only recently.” He smiled, a bit sheepishly. “The galaxy can seem pretty small sometimes.”

“Indeed, I...” Vader trailed off and stopped walking, gesturing for Luke to do the same.

Luke was just about to ask when he felt the presences himself. Several zealous, fanatical minds were approaching, thinking thoughts of hatred and accusation and personal shame. He reached for his lightsaber, but Vader stopped him. “Leave them to me,” he rumbled.

Around the corner marched six of the Royal and Imperial Guard, distinctive in their crimson armor and robes. While inscrutable to the Force-blind, they had murder on their minds. Specifically, the Emperor's murder.

“Lord Vader!” the lead Guardsman sounded anything but deferential. “Explain yourself, at once!”

“I already have,” growled Vader, making it obvious he was less than intimidated. “Did you not hear the announcement?”

“Pale lies!” shouted another Guardsman. “You are a traitor to The Throne and will be-!” He was cut off by a deep bass rumbling that seemed to echo through the corridor. He dropped his force pike immediately and began clawing at his throat.

“Will be what?” Vader demanded, perfectly aware that the Guardsman could no longer speak. The others, for their part, had raised their pikes in a defensive posture but made no advance. They knew exactly who and what they were up against.

Father, Luke pleaded telepathically, unable to hide his dread. Please don't do this! This isn't the way!

The Sith Lord was invisibly stunned. Immediately he unclenched his fist and the Guardsman dropped to the deck, coughing and gasping for breath. The five who remained on their feet were visibly confused by this unexpected display of mercy; such was rare from either their late master or his apprentice. “Perhaps I am a traitor to The Throne,” he admitted. “But I now occupy The Throne. Would you now turn traitor as well? Will you serve a new master? Or will you join your old one in death?”

The Guardsman had already recovered and in one swift motion he was back on his feet, pike in hand, charging the hated usurper. He was fast, but Vader was faster. With a blithe gesture he was knocked to the deck by an invisible shock wave and held fast by an irresistible force; the Force. “Traitor!” the Guardsman snarled with impotent rage. “You killed him! You killed His Majesty!”

“No,” Luke corrected. “I killed the Emperor.”

“Impossible!” the lead Guardsman shouted. “A mere Jedi could never-!”

“It's true,” Luke insisted, his face making it clear it was a feat he wasn't particularly proud of. “He was training me in the ways of the dark side, goading me, provoking me, compelling me to give in to my anger.” He lowered his eyes in shame. “I did. He told me to strike him down and that's exactly what I did!”

“So it is true,” a third Guardsman said. “The recording isn't fake! Lord Vader was-!”

“Negligent!” the lead Guardsman interrupted, pointing his pike at Vader. “Why didn't you stop him? Why does the Emperor's killer still live?”

“Because he's my son and I say he lives.” Vader ignored the first question, glowering at the assembled Guardsmen, the air practically rippling with unspoken threats. “I am the master now. You have no hope of defeating me.” He seemed to relax his posture, then asked, “How are you serving the Emperor by throwing your lives away? That cannot bring him back.” His voice softened further, “Nothing can.”

“You're wrong!” The Guard-on-the-deck growled. “His Majesty will return!”

“Don't be absurd,” Vader admonished. “Or would you serve a clone?” He emphasized the word. Despite the fact that a fair number of the Royal and Imperial Guard were clones themselves, the point was still valid. The Throne of Galactic Emperor had never been established as a hereditary monarchy. Indeed, no concrete scheme of succession had ever been established. Even a perfect duplicate of Palpatine, complete with memories and thought processes, had no more or less a claim to The Throne than the Emperor's apprentice and heir apparent. For the natural humanoids among the Guard, the stigma was still strong. For them, even if the Emperor were to return, it would not be a miraculous reincarnation, but a technological abomination... so far as they knew.

“I'll never serve you!” The deck-bound Guardsman seethed.

“Then you are free to leave the Guard,” Vader said simply. “Or you are free to commit suicide on my blade.” He turned to the standing five, “That goes for you as well.”

With that, the pressure was gone and the Guardsman stood shakily to his feet, raising his pike. For an instant he hesitated, but with another war cry he hurled himself at Vader, swinging his weapon with wild abandon. He was skilled, but he was hopelessly outmatched by the Sith Lord. In a fraction of a second it was over, Vader's lightsaber was out with a flash and the Guardsman returned to the deck for a third and final time.

For long, seemingly endless moments the seven surviving men stared each other down. Only Vader made any sounds, and those were involuntary. Other than mechanical breathing, the thrumming of his blade and the ambient sounds of the Death Star it was entirely silent. Luke didn't need the Force to feel the tension, and the most rudimentary empathy was all it took to read the Guardsman. After a small eternity the lead Guardsman raised his pike and lowered himself to his knees. The other four followed one after another.

Vader nodded, extinguishing his blade. “I am not the Emperor,” he clarified. “I have no interest in becoming the Emperor. I am merely a regent, a custodian of The Throne until it can be filled by one worthy to claim it.” He raised his right hand, clenching it into a fist. “Until that time, it will fall upon us to hold the Empire together. His Majesty's work will not die with him, I swear it!”

“All hail Lord Vader!” the lead Guardsman practically screamed.

“Hail!” the other four echoed.

“I want the Emperor's clones disposed of,” he ordered. “Those imitations were created to sow destruction and discord and that I will not allow. Spread the word to all the Guard: You serve The Throne still, but that means you serve my family. The Imperial Family.”

“With respect,” the Guardsman prostrated himself, pressing his helmet to the deck, “Most will not see it so,”

“I know, which is why we must act quickly! Go now!”

“My lord!” The Guardsmen shouted and rose to their feet, all in perfect unison, then promptly left to be about their new master's business.

“There is much to be done,” Vader explained for Luke's benefit. “Without an Emperor the State will quickly begin unraveling. I command the Death Star and I command the military... for now. But our enemies are legion. If we hope to prevent a civil war, a real civil war, we must act quickly and decisively. It may already be too late, but the sooner we have an Emperor the more bloodshed we can avoid. My regency, however unlimited, will not be sufficient.” He gestured to the corpse of the slain Guardsman. “Because not everyone will accept it.”

“What was that about the Emperor's... clones?”

“In his years of studying the dark side of the Force, the Emperor searched for the secret of immortality...” Vader trailed off for a moment. “Eventually, he found a means to transfer a person's spirit into a clone body. The process is far from perfect, but despite what I said Emperor's return is a very real possibility. We must not let it happen.”

Luke understood more than his father knew. While he had no idea the Imperial State was so fragile, in retrospect it made sense. Vader may have been Palpatine's apprentice, but he was to be a perpetual apprentice. No engine of succession existed because Palpatine believed he would live forever, and in the event of an unforeseen death, he had set things up so that the Empire would fly apart without him; probably out of spite. “Then why not take The Throne, father? Why not become Emperor? If that's what is needed then who better to succeed Palpatine?”

“There could be none worse,” replied Vader. “I'm sorry Luke, but I am a warrior, not a politician. And my hands are far too stained with blood.” He looked down at his open palms, as if he could see the atrocious liters accumulated during his violent life. “I'm... so very tired,” he said quietly, but quickly regained his composure. “What we need is someone young and vibrant. Someone with the skills needed to unite the galaxy, but uncorrupted by them.”

The Imperial Family... “You mean to make me Emperor,” said Luke. It wasn't a question, it was an observation.

“I had,” Vader's voice was apologetic. “But I fear even you are not qualified. Though I trust you completely, your destiny lies down a different path. You will be the shield and I will be the sword,” he turned to face him, his posture resolute once more. “But she will be the heart.”

'She'? And then it hit him. “Leia!”

“Because of me, she will never be Queen of Alderaan. The least I can do is make her Galactic Empress.”

***

Leia watched nervously as the lone stormtrooper approached. A dismount in scout recon armor, his weapons were holstered and he made no attempt at stealth as he approached the makeshift camp the strike team had set up about a klick from what had just recently been a battlefield. The Ewoks had spotted him first, and Rebel sharpshooters had kept a bead on him for most of his hike. His intentions clearly benign, he was allowed into the heart of the camp unmolested and closed to a polite distance from the princess, General Solo, Chewbacca and the droids nearby.

“Princess Leia Organa?” the trooper asked. “General Han Solo?” Once it was clear he had who he was looking for he continued. “Prince Skywalker has requested your presence at the installation. The Imperial and Alliance leadership will be meeting there at 17:00 hours GST. If you'd follow me, please.”

“Prince Skywalker?” Han had that almost-smile that he wore when confused. “Does he mean Luke?”

“Yes, General. His Excellency the Prince Luke Skywalker,” the trooper clarified.

“Luke's a prince?” He turned to Leia. “How did that happen? When did that happen?”

“He's my brother,” replied Leia.

“But aren't you adopted? Wait, what?”

“Oh my goodness!” 3PO exclaimed.

“He told me just before he left. He also told me that Darth Vader is his- our, father.”

“You can't be serious!”

“I am,” she shrugged. “Believe me, you're not half as shocked as I am.”

“So what, Vader's the Emperor now?”

“Regent sir,” the trooper clarified again. “Though it's an unlimited regency, so I suppose he's Emperor in all but name.”

“Wonderful,” commented Han, deadpan.

“You don't understand,” Leia insisted. “Luke was right, there is still good in him! Just look!” she pointed at the trooper. “We're having a civil conversation with a stormtrooper! A polite stormtrooper!”

“Thank you, ma'am.” For all anyone could tell, the trooper was entirely sincere.

“So what?” Han demanded, angrily. “The Evil Empire that we just had to fight or else is now a big, happy producer of candy and pillows? How do we know that Vader didn't turn Luke evil?”

“How dare you!” she also demanded angrily. “He wouldn't do something like that!”

“Who? Luke or Vader?”

“Luke! Besides,” she growled through clenched teeth. “I can feel it.”

“So what, you can- well, that makes sense, I guess.” Catching her hurt expression he added an “I'm sorry.”

“Your Highness, General, you can meet with Lord Vader and Prince Skywalker shortly if you'd follow me,” the trooper reminded them.

Leia looked at Han, pleading in her eyes. “Alright,” he relented. “But Chewie here's coming with us.”

The trooper raised his hands. Even with his face-obscuring helmet, it was plain to see he found the Wookiee intimidating. “You're clear to bring whatever security detail you feel is necessary, sir.”

“Alright,” Han said, still deadpan. “Maybe this won't be so bad after all.”

***

The Galactic Empire. For a fourth of a century Palpatine's New Order had kept the corpse of the Old Republic shambling along in an unnatural state of undeath. Even Mon Mothma was forced to marvel at how that monster disguised as a man had managed the feat. Despite the best efforts of herself and countless others, order had, for the most part, been maintained, which was the raison d'etre of the Empire in the first place. In a sense, the glorious civilization that had dominated the galaxy for thousands of years still lived. It had survived the terrible upheaval of the Clone Wars, but at an equally terrible price. For if that civilization's body still lived, its soul had surely perished in that great and horrible war.

The Republic that had once stood for freedom, liberty, equality and enlightenment had become an Empire that embodied terror, oppression, bigotry and corruption. She had watched the process herself, from her admittedly rather influential seat in the Senate. Still, for all the votes she wielded, the sycophants and yes-men were legion. In its last days the Senate was little more than a rubber stamp that served the Emperor first and itself second, with the welfare of the galaxy rating a distant third. After the tenets of Tarkinism became official doctrine, the council was swept away like the irrelevant formality it had become. She had been forced below ground before that, however.

In a way, the official policy of state terrorism (embodied by the wicked battle moon that hung in orbit) did more for her cause than it had for Palpatine's. Alderaan's destruction bred hostility, not fear, and the herd-like people who brought the Empire upon themselves for their own safety suddenly found that Big Brother was the greatest threat of all. Alliance membership had soared, and it enjoyed an exponential increase following the miraculous Battle of Yavin. While a decisive victory in its own right, the greater struggle was far from over. For they had merely destroyed a weapon. So long as the black heart of the Evil Empire still lived, it would never be over. Endor had been their one chance, their last, desperate hope to prevent another Death Star and decapitate the Empire in one fell swoop. They- she had failed on both counts, but Palpatine of Naboo, that monster disguised as a man, was finally dead. While the relief had been tremendous, the nominal regency had passed to a monster that didn't even bother disguising himself as a man. And for that she could feel nothing but dread.

That monster- the proper term was cyborg, she reminded herself- stood before her now. Both shuttles ferrying both delegations had landed on the same platform at the same time. While that had not been arranged, it had been quietly decided by all parties independently that it would be the best demonstration of good faith.

“Lord Vader,” she had met him in person before, but that never made new encounters any easier and she could only manage a curt nod. “Commander Skywalker,” she said, a bit more easily.

“You will address His Excellency as 'prince',” barked one of the scarlet-clad Imperial Guards.

“That won't be necessary,” Luke called him down gently. “We can dispense with unnecessary formalities here, I hope.” He bowed, “Chief of State.”

Vader, for his part, stood silently. Except for the sounds of his life support, of course.

Prince? “I see,” replied Mothma. “So you have defected to the Empire, then.”

“My loyalty is to the Jedi Order and to the cause of peace and justice in the galaxy. Just as it's always been.”

“So the Emperor is dead,” it wasn't quite phrased as a question.

“Yes,” both Luke and Vader replied in unison. A few of the Guardsmen fidgeted uncomfortably.

“I believe you,” she said in a voice that lacked anything resembling sincerity. Then, with a glance upward at the malevolent monstrosity in orbit. “It's not like I have much of choice, after all.”

“I assure you madam, we mean you no harm. Both my father and I are committed to bringing a peaceful end to this war.”

“And to restoring the Republic?”

“Well,” Luke's composure faltered for a barely perceptible instant. “Not exactly.”

“What?” Mon Mothma demanded.

“That will be the prerogative of the Empress,” Vader explained.

“Empress?” She turned to Luke, “What is he on about?”

“Perhaps we should discuss this over dinner,” Luke deflected the query. “With both the Emperor and some of his Ruling Council in-system until just recently, I think you'll find the cuisine most agreeable.”

Reluctantly, Mon Mothma allowed herself and her entourage to be shepherded inside and the more important elements of both parties were seated at a long, rectangular conference/dining table. Mon Mothma at one end, Darth Vader at another. Luke Skywalker took a seat toward the middle of one side, but with an even number of seats he couldn't sit exactly in the middle. Mon Mothma noted bitterly that even here he was slightly biased toward the Empire.

Upon learning that his best friends would also be present, General Lando Calrissian requested to come along. While he was less than enthusiastic about having dinner with Vader a second time, he exchanged pleasantries diplomatically and seated himself across from Skywalker. Diagonally, and on the Rebel side.

Apart from those four, no one else had apparently rated a seat at the table which wasn't quite as long as it had initially appeared. Only Vader and, most probably, Skywalker represented the Empire. But due to the dictatorial nature of the regime, underlings of the self-proclaimed Imperial Family were hardly necessary. Subconsciously, Mon Mothma was aware that she had an almost equally powerful autocracy as well, and that she would be representing the Alliance unilaterally herself. The thought was dismissed before the apparent hypocrisy could register. The situations weren't remotely similar, regardless of what Garm believed.

***

An Imperial functionary in the gray uniform of the Civil Service entered and announced, “Her Excellency the Princess Leia Organa!” then promptly stood to the side and allowed the new arrivals to enter. Everyone at the table, Vader included, stood respectfully.

Han and Leia entered arm in arm, both still wearing what they had in the skirmish just hours before, with Chewbacca and the droids bringing up the rear. Leia was the only one wearing an amiable expression, Han and Chewie both wore scowls that ranged from suspicious to hostile.

Luke made the first move, crossing to Leia and giving her a brief embrace followed by a (strictly platonic) kiss on the cheek. The three Rebels made the rounds between Skywalker, Calrissian and Mothma, while Vader stood in his place at the head of the table. When all were finally seated, Vader dismissed his Guards and, in a reciprocal gesture, Mon Mothma dismissed her analogues. Leia took the chair directly opposite of Luke and, rather than sit on the 'Imperial' side Han sat across from Lando, Chewie beside him.

The droids, while allowed to stay in the room, were made to stand off to the side, there they attracted Vader's silent gaze.

“Father?” Luke asked.

“It's nothing,” Vader assured him.

Luke sensed otherwise, but he didn't press the issue. “Well then,” he gestured to the assembled group. “Let's bring an end to this war, shall we?”

“Were it only that simple, Your Excellency,” Mon Mothma stressed the new honorific. “Even with the Emperor gone most of our grievances with his Empire remain-”

“It is not his,” Vader insisted firmly. “Not anymore.”

“Be that as it may his dark legacy lives on in one form or another,” she allowed the allusion to speak for itself. “One would be mistaken to assume our quarrel was with Palpatine alone.”

“Chief of State,” Luke broached, “I understand what you're saying and I can assure you the Empire is willing to work with the Alliance in full good faith. Our faction, anyway.”

“Your faction? What do you mean?”

“My claim to The Throne is only legitimate insofar as I can defend it,” Vader explained.

“Are you saying that you aren't still Executor of the Imperial Armed Forces?”

“I never was,” Vader corrected. “That title exists only in your propaganda. And my official role as Supreme Commander will likely be revoked as soon as word reaches Imperial Center, if it hasn't already.”

“The Councils,” Leia said aloud, but to herself.

“Exactly,” Vader confirmed. “The Emperor's Advisory and Ruling Councils will most certainly move to disinherit me. Especially considering the... extraordinary circumstances surrounding the Emperor's death. COMPNOR and the Emperor's cult will be even more problematic.”

“I had no idea the Empire was such a house of cards,” mused Lando.

“Without the Emperor it is,” Vader continued. “He set everything up so that only he could hold it together. There are too many rival agencies with overlapping duties and authority. The Ruling Council versus the Privy Council, the ISB versus Imperial Intelligence, the military versus COMPNOR. There's too many to mention.”

“But you were his right hand,” Mothma pointed out. “Are you telling me you don't know how to fill in for Palpatine?”

“It's not a matter of 'knowing', Senator,” Vader used her last legitimate title, refusing to acknowledge her as the chief of any state. “It's a matter of being. I cannot replace the Emperor without becoming the Emperor. And I have neither the means nor the desire to succeed him.”

“So he has changed,” Leia said to Luke. It was bit awkward, what with the subject of the sentence sitting not meters away.

“I wouldn't be here otherwise,” Luke said earnestly.

“Luke, no offense,” Han began, “But this is all just a bit hard to swallow, even with all this Jedi business.” Leia shot him an angry glare, but he didn't relent, instead pointing an even angrier finger in Vader's direction. “That... thing has personally murdered and enslaved billions. And he's helped murder and enslave billions more. I was tortured. I was frozen,” he suppressed a shudder. “On his orders. Now you expect us to believe that he's suddenly seen the error of his ways? That he's reached some kind of... sudden enlightenment and is a good guy now?”

“Yes,” answered Luke, helplessly.

“Well I don't!” Han insisted, standing up angrily. “That man is a monster and he's every bit as bad as the Emperor was. I don't care if he's your... I don't care! The only reason I don't blast him right here and now is I know it wouldn't even score him!”

“Deja vu,” muttered Lando.

“Han!” Leia admonished angrily.

“And you!” Han seamlessly changed targets. “You of all people! He stood there and watched while they blew your homeworld away. Destroyed everything and everyone you ever knew and cared for. He tortured you too! That he's your biological father doesn't excuse it! That makes it worse!”

“You are absolutely correct,” Vader agreed, quite to Han's surprise. “There is no excusing the crimes I have committed and any apology I could offer would be an insult. I am unlikely to ever atone for my sins, but that will not stop me from trying.”

“Well gee,” Han shot Vader his phoniest smile. “How downright honorable.”

“I am not seeking your forgiveness.”

“That's good, 'cause if it were up to me you'd get a date with a disintegration booth!”

“HAN!” Leia was on her feet and so forceful that he immediately withered under her gaze. “That. Is. Enough.”

“I know it's difficult to understand,” Luke tried to defuse the situation. “and it may take a long time, but just try to, Han. Try to understand. The best Jedi can fall to the dark side. Easily.”

“And that excuses it?” he demanded, with a bit less vitriol than before. “So what then, he wasn't really responsible?”

“It's more like that wasn't really him.”

Han had an eight letter word for what he thought of that.

“Please, General Solo,” this time it was Mon Mothma of all people. “Do try to contain yourself. You know better than most that we can't afford to be choosy about our allies.”

“Are you comparing me with him?” he demanded hotly.

“No, I'm merely saying that what he is offering is the best chance we have of accomplishing our goals. Possibly the only one.”

“You helped me kill millions,” Luke reminded Han.

“That's-! That's totally different! The Death Star was a legitimate military target!”

“Oh I agree, but don't think that we're totally blameless saints here.”

“Compared to him we are!”

“Well if it is all relative then try to look at the big picture. Put aside your personal feelings and look at what would happen if we let the Empire destroy itself in a civil war. Trillions would die. Whole worlds would be razed. It would make the Clone Wars look like a minor dispute. You may think he's still evil, but by your own logic he's obviously the lesser of many evils!”

Chewbacca growled something at Han, which he seriously seemed to consider. He then turned to Vader and offered him a similar series of snarls and roars.

“Chewbacca suggests that Lord Vader prove his sincerity,” 3PO translated.

“He wants me to free the Wookiees,” Vader didn't need to understand Shyriiwook to understand Chewbacca. Not when he had the Force. “Consider it done.”

“With respect Lord Vader,” 3PO was utterly terrified, but anything if not dutiful. “He wants you to free all slaves, everywhere.”

“As one former slave to another,” Vader began. “It will be done. You have my word.”

Chewbacca nodded and communicated his guttural satisfaction to Han.

“That's most admirable, Lord Vader,” Mon Mothma said, “But it brings us back to our original topic. To make reforms like that you will need to cement your control over the Empire.”

“Indeed. Which why I must return to Imperial Center with all due haste. The sooner there is an Emperor or Empress on The Throne the sooner this... junta will have the legitimacy it needs.”

“If not yourself, then who did you have in mind?” Mothma got straight to the point. Vader's earlier remark was not soon forgotten, especially against the backdrop of the traditionally chauvinistic Empire. He said Empress...

“There is none more worthy than my daughter.”

At that, Leia's eyes grew impossibly wide and she turned to Vader, addressing him directly for the first time. “What? Surely you can't be serious!”

“It was going to be me,” Luke explained. “But we both agreed that you're infinitely more qualified. My task will be rebuilding the Jedi Order.”

“It's the least I can do,” Vader said quietly. “After all I've done to you, this is the very least I can do.”

Lando whistled, “Galactic Empress. You're moving on up, Princess.”

Even Han and Mon Mothma seemed mollified by the announcement. If there was going to be a new Emperor- or Empress- someone like Leia Organa was positively ideal. In fact, the only one present who didn't seem thrilled was the would-be Empress herself.

“No,” she said at last. “I can't! I won't! I don't want it! You know that's not me! No one should have that kind of power! Not even me!”

“Don't you see?” asked Vader, as gently as his vocabulator would allow. “That is why it must be you.”

[Master_Baerne]

Applause and shouts of glee fill the amphitheater. "When can we expect more?" comes the cry.

[Darth Raptor]

Applause and shouts of glee fill the amphitheater. "When can we expect more?" comes the cry.

You can expect new chapters on weekends.

[Xon]

Hmm, nice.

[Raesene]

Training accident....

I'm looking forward to more chapters with great interest and anticipation.

[Falkenhorst]

I definitely like this story and I hope you'll write more, and not let it languish unfinished... like PABLO SANCHEZ does with his Japanese Navy in space fic.

[Master_Baerne]

Applause and shouts of glee fill the amphitheater. "When can we expect more?" comes the cry.

You can expect new chapters on weekends.

Fantastic. How is it that SDN seems to host so many talented writers?

[Stuart Mackey]

Post more, this is very good .
And don't make like PABLO SANCHEZ and not finish it.

[LadyTevar]

OH damn. I'll have to keep an eye on this one.

[Darth Fanboy]

I think the RoTJ Rewrite contest was just won, and most epically so.

Three Cheers for the Red Mage.

[NecronLord]

Most excellent.

[Stuart Mackey]

“Because of me, she will never be Queen of Alderaan. The least I can do is make her Galactic Empress.”

Oh, one very, very, minor point, it was not Vader that destroyed Alderaan, it was Tarkin. Iirc Vader was there as the Emperors 'representative' to ensure loyalty, but Tarkin had operational control. I can certainly see how Vader would feel responsible given his 'abilities' and the preceding events on Tantive and the stealing of the DS plans and their transmission.

[NecronLord]

Oh, one very, very, minor point, it was not Vader that destroyed Alderaan, it was Tarkin. Iirc Vader was there as the Emperors 'representative' to ensure loyalty, but Tarkin had operational control. I can certainly see how Vader would feel responsible given his 'abilities' and the preceding events on Tantive and the stealing of the DS plans and their transmission.

Quite. A Jedi Knight would have stopped that quite handily.

[Darth Fanboy]

Time for some longer commentary from me:

I think this is a really really good portrayal of what could have happened if Vader had failed to intercept Luke's blade. It is not a scenario I had previously given much thought.

Although i'm glad to see to see Vader is on the path to Redemption, my one nitpick is that, even though he has shifted more towards the light, he doesn't seem quite as aggressive as I would expect from Anakin Skywalker. (But don't worry DR, it's not detracting from the story at all), I just keep expecting Anakin/Vader, no matter what side of good/evil he is on to be quick tempered. Heck I half expected him to tell Han Solo that he was treading a fine line with his patience and then Han get a little nervous at the beating he could have potentiall recieved.

The insight on Imperial politics was very well done, to have the Rebel Alliance leadership completely unaware that they splintered the galaxy so badly.

[Xon]

Training accident....

It was a training accident. A Sith training accident, which have a long history of people meeting death by stupid.

[CaptainChewbacca]

This fic wins.

Hard.

[Knife]

lol, I find this an interesting read. I look forward to more.

[Solauren]

You sure, are a better author then 75% of the EU authors out there.

BRAVO

[Spice Runner]

Very exiting story. I like the way you portray the characters. I'm eagerly awaiting the next chapter.

[Soontir C'boath]

Applause and shouts of glee fill the amphitheater. "When can we expect more?" comes the cry.

You can expect new chapters on weekends.

Oooh, plural. I can't wait.

This would definitely be a good way to continue onto ep. 7-9.

[Stuart Mackey]

It will be interesting to see the moral quandary of the Death Star mk2 with this story, it presents ultimate power to whomever can control it:

[Darth Fanboy]

It will be interesting to see the moral quandary of the Death Star mk2 with this story, it presents ultimate power to whomever can control it:

I'm pretty sure Darth Vader controls it now, and it would make for a most excellent bit of leverage in installing Leia as Empress

[Stuart Mackey]

It will be interesting to see the moral quandary of the Death Star mk2 with this story, it presents ultimate power to whomever can control it:

I'm pretty sure Darth Vader controls it now, and it would make for a most excellent bit of leverage in installing Leia as Empress

Indeed, but with the DS2 at their beck and call, how long before the three, are only one? the dark side moves in mysterious ways. Perhaps it is better to destroy it?

[Darth Fanboy]

It might make sense. But I am not reading this for debate or practicality, I am reading this story because it is awesome, and having a very large gun capable of destroying planets will make it more awesome.

[gtg947h]

Although i'm glad to see to see Vader is on the path to Redemption, my one nitpick is that, even though he has shifted more towards the light, he doesn't seem quite as aggressive as I would expect from Anakin Skywalker.

I'm getting the impression that Vader/Anakin is just burned out at this point. Maybe he kind of aged some when the dark side let go, and lost a bit of his aggression?