Tags:
Fiction,
General,
Science-Fiction,
adventure,
Fantasy fiction,
Fiction - Science Fiction,
Space Opera,
Science Fiction, Space Opera,
Science Fiction And Fantasy,
Science Fiction - Adventure,
Space warfare,
Imaginary wars and battles,
Star Wars fiction,
Science Fiction - Star Wars,
Darth Vader (Fictitious character)
me?"
"Don't worry. I'll be sure to give you the highest possible recommendation."
Well, thanks, she thought. "We form a strong team. It's unfortunate we can't keep on
as we are." The worry in her voice was real. It's a shame you're planning to defy
the Emperor-forcing me to decide where my loyalties lie.
He put a hand on her shoulder. She couldn't tell if he meant to reassure her or
simply silence her.
The latter she could manage easily enough, although her jaw ached from keeping her
concerns to herself.
When he returned to the meditation suite to clean himself up, leaving PROXY to help
her with the ship, it wasn't relief she felt, but emptiness.
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star_wars_the_force_unleashed_by_sean_williams
* * *
THAT FEELING REMAINED WHEN THE Rogue Shadow emerged from hyperspace in Scarl system,
where the Executor lurked in its state of partial completion. She had decided
nothing during the long journey. Should she remain loyal to her immediate superiors
or try to warn the Emperor of their treachery? The question made her guts roil, but
the answer eluded her. She needed more information, either way.
Starkiller and his droid disembarked, obviously heading to debrief their Dark Lord.
Juno's anxiety levels rose as soon as he was out of her sight. When he was with her,
at least she could keep an eye on him. Who knew what could go down while he was
gone-perhaps dragging her down with him?
Remembering the strange feed she had managed to slice into while looking for her
psychological profile, she shut the ship's external hatches and feigned a hull
integrity check. Patching the ship's systems into the hangar's gave her access to
everything in the flagship's data banks. Immediately she began searching.
It wasn't easy. There was no use trying to follow the same route she had used the
other night, since that appeared to have naturally cauterized itself. There had to
be numerous ways into Vader's secret chamber; the trick lay in finding one that was
open at the moment, a signal she could piggyback on as far as the security feed. And
then, hopefully, she would be able to hear more of the pair's plans.
She found the route via telemetry. Vader appeared to be closely monitoring the area
around the fat red sun, although for a moment she couldn't tell why.
Then a series of hyperspace signatures rippled through the vacuum, and she began to
understand. Three Star Destroyers and a dozen smaller vessels were arriving from
elsewhere, flashing into realspace with disconcerting swiftness.
A cold feeling spread across her chest, enveloping her heart.
With shaking fingers, she canceled the view and sliced as fast as she could into the
security system.
* * *
THE APPRENTICE STOOD IN FRONT of the massive bulkhead leading to his Master's
chamber for a long moment, gathering his self-control and centering himself within
the Force. Ambition stirred in him: he pictured himself at his Master's side, the
two of them striking the Emperor down together, as he had imagined many times down
the years. He saw himself in regal attire as Lord Vader became Emperor Vader and
assumed the mantle of Coruscant and all the other jewel-like worlds in the galactic
crown. What sights awaited them in the Imperial court! What new challenges and
aspirations!
But his training demanded a careful balance between the lust for power and
self-denial. Control was paramount, as in all things. He wanted to present the best
face possible to his Dark Lord, lest once again the attainment of his dreams be
denied.
"Is anything the matter, master?" asked PROXY from the droid's familiar position at
his shoulder.
"Nothing at all," he said.
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star_wars_the_force_unleashed_by_sean_williams
Straightening his shoulders, he waved a hand. The massive door slid open.
Suppressing a smile, the apprentice strode confidently into Darth Vader's inner
sanctum.
His boots rang out on the metal floor, echoing through the familiar chamber. The red
sun
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