The Imperial Palace…
Now safely inside the Imperial Palace, I followed just behind as Vader led the way toward the Emperor’s throne room. The throng of Imperial courtiers which occupied the grand hall quickly made way, clearing a path for Vader as I suddenly felt their eyes on us, scrutinizing our every move.
Through the hushed whispers, I could easily make out the exchange between the three women to our left. Their remarks were overly callous; sharpened daggers, each aimed at the Dark Lord, under the foolish notion that the distance they kept would prevent Vader from hearing.
I glanced up at Vader, marveling openly at the man I so earnestly admired. How he moved with an elegance foreign to even those of the highest stature…even now, he seemed to glide across the marble floor, rather than walk. His gait was broad, overconfident, and it carried with it the power that only a man such as Vader could ever possess.
“Come, Brisard…” he openly acknowledged, extending his arm to me, as I eagerly took it.
Already, I could hear the murmur of the crowd grow, as we pressed past them and into the Emperor’s throne room. The power and the wonder I felt at being openly recognized by the Dark Lord both startled and delighted me. I fought to suppress my feelings as I knelt alongside Vader, waiting for the Emperor to acknowledge our presence.
“Rise, Lord Vader…Admiral Brisard…” the Emperor spoke, “I understand that yet another of our enemies has been purged from the galaxy. Well done.”
“Those who would stand against us shall all meet their end, my master.” Vader returned.
“As they rightfully should, my young apprentice. What I found impressive was the manner in which you chose to dispatch this latest threat. Tell me, Lord Vader…what did he do?”
I heard the slightest catch in Vader’s mechanized breathing, a tell-tale sign that the Sith Lord found himself outmatched.
“The captive turned on Brisard…” he replied at last, “Her life was in jeopardy.”
“The practice of Morichro is rare among Jedi…” the Emperor returned, prying at Vader’s mind, “You were wise to act against him, my apprentice.”
Vader offered a nod in return as the Emperor turned his attentions to me.
“Tell me, Admiral, when this Jedi assaulted your mind…did it frighten you?”
I glanced down at the floor, momentarily reliving the horror of my encounter.
“Yes…” I replied, as the sensation stopped, “I was defenseless against such an attack, Your Excellency. I had prepared for death.”
“You are fortunate, Admiral, that Lord Vader has taken such a personal interest in your well-being…” the Emperor replied, his voice sickly-sweet, “Leave us, my apprentice. I wish to speak with Admiral Brisard in private…”
