Dark Lord: Bride of Vader

Chapter 6: Making An Empire

I do not own any of the Star Wars and DC characters and ideas represented in this work.

"Who gives more shape to sentient history: the good, who adhere to the tried and true, or those who seek to rouse beings from their stupor and lead them to glory? A storm you are, but a much-needed one, to wash away the old and complacent and prune the galaxy of deadweight." - Darth Plagueis to Sheev Palpatine.​
Inside the Royal Palace, now renamed the Imperial Palace, was a private study that had many books, archives, holo-disks, and other documents the previous Almeracian monarchs had written and studied. With the view of Tae Tamarac by a window and well-furnished furniture, there is a circular holo-projector in the middle of the room that is used to create simulations, project videos, and other information. There, observing a holo-feed was Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith, Emperor of the New Galactic Empire, and husband to Empress of Almerac, Maxima.

Days have passed since the wedding of Darth Vader and Queen Maxima, which happened to be the same day Vader proclaimed himself and his wife as Emperor and Empress, respectively, and the creation of the New Galactic Empire out of the territories of Almerac and Warworld.

After his proclamation, it was also announced that Almerac will be reformed into the New Empire and the old royal government replaced by a new system created by the new galactic order. With the Council being dissolved after the attempt and the executions of the disloyal nobles, Vader created a new position that acted as the head of state, the Imperial Chancellery, to take control and responsibilities of the economic system of the Empire. Chancellor Sazu, Maxima's former personal handmaiden, was now busy attending Vader's wishes, which were dismantling Almerac's old political and economic systems that were a heap and structuring them into the system that will provide his new empire.

The current holo-footage Vader was watching was the in-built camera of one of the royal guards', now the Imperial Guard, combat exoskeleton suits being used in Mongul's superlaser station. The suit itself was around Vader's height but still shorter, with a thick great carapace on the torso and armor on the lower legs and forearms as the thighs and upper arms were encased with a flexible frame. With a domed helmet with a wide visor, the suit was built to take on most small arms fire and endure extreme pressures, weather, and even the vacuum of space. The power armor's main armament was an inbuilt repeating blaster on the right arm that can also have a heavy particle beam as a secondary fire.

Designed and constructed by the Royal Corps of Engineers, now the Imperial Corps of Engineers, it was primarily used for shock troop tactics by overpowering the enemy with the suit's protective armor and the main armaments to blast the enemy with holes or smash their bodies with the exoskeleton's enhanced strength. The suit did have its drawbacks: being expensive and made out of precious materials, it was slower than normal infantry and could be overwhelmed by faster targets. This led to the suit only being used by the Imperial Guard, who were more skilled and experienced than the average American soldier.

Next to Vader was Colonel Sh'Kirry, Captain of the newly formed Imperial Guard. Sh'Kirry and the battalion of Guardsmen were sent to Warworld for a secretive mission that was to secure Mongul's super weapon. Old he was, the Colonel participated in the operation that would change into a firefight after Mongul's men refused to surrender.

The super weapon was located near the equator of Warworld, in an uninhabited rocky desert region. The weapon was stored in a facility much like an observatory; the domed ceiling was to slide open and reveal the weapon once primed for fire.

The footage showed the Imperial Guard wearing their exoskeletons with deadly proficiency. After Mongul's men refused the call for surrender, immediately after they replied with their answer, the shock troopers blasted into the facility that was locked down and made their way towards the laser's residence.

The shock troopers went through hallways that were littered with makeshift barriers and booby traps. They mowed down entire squads of alien defenders, blaster bolts reflecting off their armor. Mongul's men went deeper and deeper into the facility as they were cut down and finally made a final stand at the large circular room that housed the laser weapon. The shock troopers that passed by wounded aliens or ones that surrendered shot them with no word or remorse. Vader gave them orders to kill all of them if they didn't comply with the surrender order, so their time for mercy had ended.

Blasting their way through the main doors in the observatory, the shock troopers devastated and rushed the defenders from multiple sides. After five minutes of fighting, the aliens that pointlessly surrendered or couldn't fight anymore were rounded up and lined up to a flat wall. The last few seconds of the feed were the call of a captain saying, "Fire!" Shots of blaster bolts ringed out in the observatory that killed the last of the defenders; their screams were cut short till the last one gurgled out a plea. Not a single one was left alive.

The last frame showed a metal wall covered in smeared alien blood and piles of bodies. Then Sh'Kirry concludes his debrief: "After we...dispatched the enemy," he looked slightly disturbed. Vader took note of this: "The facility was searched and was finally confirmed to be under Imperial control. The reports I've seen from my peers in the Army said that they had some resistance from a few of Mongul's men, but most of them have quietly surrendered their arms. Warworld is under the Empire's protection, my emperor."

"Very good." Vader said, satisfied. "And what of the superlaser?"

"Right now," Sh'Kirry explained, "it is being inspected by the Roya—" he stopped himself and rightfully corrected by saying, "Imperial...it's being inspected by the Imperial Engineers so they can determine a way to retrieve it out of the facility and place it onto a ship that can go to Almerac as you wanted."

"Good, there is another set of tasks I need your guard to complete, Colonel."

Sh'Kirry bowed. "What is your request?"

"There are three things I need to happen." Vader said, "One is a starfighter that needs to be recovered. This ship was my own before my capture by Mongul. I do not know its whereabouts, but I am certain Mongul has it contained somewhere in his fleet's inventory." He pointed at Sh'Kirry, "It's paramount to retrieve the ship, colonel."

"I will request a special task force from the admiralty to search for your starfighter, my emperor."

"The second task will be searching for a creature." Sh'Kirry's curiosity grew. "Before I ended Mongul's pointless life, he attempted to kill me by releasing a certain creature to attack me. This telepathic creature, this black mercy, as Mongul called it, is a purple plant that can move on its own and can attach to a host and put them into a coma with delusional hallucinations."

"That is quite disturbing, my emperor."

"Regardless, I have killed the plant, but I have no information on where and how he acquired such a plant. In this second task, you will have the guard detachment on Warworld search any archives and documents previously owned by Mongul. If he created the creature, and if there are more, bring me the plants alive and well to me."

"I will inform the battalion on Warworld of their new mission."

"The third task," Vader continued, "will be less easy. The Imperial Guard seems to be a worthy asset to this New Empire. There will be many tasks the Empire will need accomplished through your guard. There will be many officials that require protection, important facilities and installations defended, critical objectives to be taken, and other tasks that your guard will need to perform for the Empire's survival. But I see that your numbers are indeed low."

Sh'Kirry made a moment of silence for an answer, "The Guard's numbers are rather low, but we make our way in unchallenged quantity."

"Perhaps so," the Sith emperor admitted, "but the old guard was sufficient to the old order, Sh'Kirry. This new order requires a greater force that will need to accept its responsibilities to protect Imperial assets. The guards seemed adequate for this new purpose, and I will hand you the privilege of so. As of now, a new branch under the control of the Imperial Guard will be created to handle such missions, a Stormtrooper Corps that will be loyal to the Imperial House and the Empire at large."

Sh'Kirry's gray eyebrow lifts up. "A Stormtrooper Corps?"

"Yes," Vader answered. "It will be more numerous than the Guard, perhaps less skilled than the Guard itself, for they will have greater numbers." He lifted a finger for clarification. "But they will be highly trained compared to any other Imperial Soldier. More importantly, they will be devoted to the Imperial cause and the welfare of the Empire."

Sh'Kirry nodded as the idea of the newly built Corps reached his mind and was accepted as a good idea. "That is a fairly interesting idea and solution to the Empire's growing needs. If it will be under the Imperial Guard, who will be in charge of it?"

Vader points a gloved hand at the Colonel. "You will be leading the Stormtrooper Corps...General."

Sh'Kirry's wrinkly and rugged face morphed to surprise. "Me? My emperor?"

Vader nodded in his mask. "Maxima has said that you are loyal to the house and skilled in your craft. I have seen your career records and became fairly impressed. Those traits will be the key to the success of the Stormtroopers, and they will be expected to have nothing less than that." He made a dismissive wave, "There will be many other things I require from the Stormtroopers, but I will let you select and train the new Corps in your own accord."

Sh'Kirry smiled and bowed. "I accept this is position, My emperor, and I will not fail you."

Sh'Kirry was prepared to leave the room when Vader musingly called him back, "General..."

Sh'Kirry went back to his emperor, "Yes, my emperor?"

"One more thing..." in a blinding motion, Vader grabbed Sh'Kirry by the neck with his black hand and lifted the old man up. His hold was relatively eased; it was still making Sh'Kirry hard to breathe, and he struggled. "Do you think," Vader said to Sh'Kirry who was trying to get air, "that I am a fool?"

"M-my...emperor...I don't...know...what you're saying." Sh'Kirry managed to say out.

"Your Royal Guard is said to be loyal to the house. Yet by the time there were guards present at the council when Vitha tried to dethrone Maxima...your men did nothing." His grip intensified, and Sh'Kirry was beginning to turn purple. "They did nothing while your Queen was in danger...My Wife!"

"I..." Sh'Kirry gasped out, "Didn't know...it...was going to happen." He gasped again. "Please...my...emperor."

Vader dropped the man onto the polished wooden floor. The man inhales air that he was denied to him while Vader looms over at him, "Let this be your final and most important task, Sh'Kirry. The Imperial Guard will be restructured completely, and every man will be investigated for any treachery or incompetence. If any are suspected of such things, execute them." He pointed down at Sh'Kirry and the man started to sweat. "I expect that you won't rest until you can reassure myself and my wife that her protection is guaranteed by any means!"

The man nodded and kneeled before Vader, "Yes, my emperor! I will not fail you!"

Dropping his hand, Vader waved him off to leave, "Now go before I break my wife's promise of not taking your life."

Sh'Kirry didn't need any more motivation to do so and, at a firm pace, left the study. Vader, folding his, alone, went to the holo-projector, pressing some buttons, and let an image of the Milky Way appear so that he could study it once more.

***​
Walking through what was once the hallway in a government building that hosted the Council of Nobles, now the Imperial Chancellery building, Vader went through two doors that also used to be where the Council of Noblemen convened; now it was the office of the Imperial Chancellor, Sazu. Once in, there were a few details that changed since the last time Vader was here—much-needed changes.

The window that showed Tae Tamarac in all of its glory was now replaced. The tall, crescent-like table was replaced with an eye-level desk made out of the same material with Sazu behind the desk. The half-circle wrapped around her; she wore her Emerald dress; he's seen her, but instead of the tall headpiece, she let her raven hair fall freely.

Busy for a moment and studying papers, she was caught off guard by Vader's entrance, though she was the one that summoned him. "My Emperor, this is unexpected!" She rose and bowed. "I did not know that you would come this early to—"

Vader held a hand, "Save me your words Sazu and get to the point." He went to the desk as the doors closed behind him.

"Very well..." she sat down and neatly organized the papers for a moment. "I have asked for your audience because I have a terrible concern for our new territories we acquired, specifically Warworld."

Vader placed both hands onto his belt. "Go on."

"It's come to my attention from the reports that the Imperial Garrison on Warworld provided me," she gestured to the papers. "That Mongul wasn't exactly the benevolent leader he claimed to be." She picks up one of the papers. "In one of the reports, it was recorded that very few citizens of Warworld received medicine, housing, and food and had very little power. Mongul never provided his citizens with any government assistance programs to give them any of that. In another report taken by what used to be his treasury."

She grabbed another paper of data: "It states that most of Mongul's funding either went into his own pocket, his private armies, or to the gladiator games he played." She reaches for another: "This one claims by an Imperial patrol the other day that some citizens are getting rowdy about how the arena won't be hosting games anymore."

Vader taps a finger onto his belt. "And what does this have to do with anything, Chancellor?"

She lays down paper and heads to the front of the desk to face her emperor. "To be frank and honest, Emperor, we have a bunch of angry, hungry, and homeless citizens in a world that doesn't have much to offer them. As well, the slaves that you ordered to be freed have no skills to do any meaningful work."

Darth Vader considered his chancellor's words. As easily as it could be deduced that all of that information could lead to an uprising on Warworld, he couldn't wholly condemn the entire planet of such since it might now happen. Once more, Vader doesn't want an uprising to occur to begin with when the New Empire is in its infancy. A rebellion like this might gain the attention of certain powers outside Imperial borders, or perhaps gain the attention of Oa and these Guardians.

If the rabble on Warworld need something to do, then Vader will give them that.

"Are we able to provide these amenities?" Vader said after the pause.

Sazu had a moment of silence herself. "I suppose so, but the food situation might not be permanent. We may have to look for another source if we want it to be long-term."

Vader dismissed the light concern, "That is not of importance as of right now. What's important is Warworld's purpose. Without Mongul's childish games, they will think there is nothing to do. That will change, Sazu. The Empire will give them purpose. From this day forward, Warworld will be a factory world."

"Factory world?"

"Yes, if there are indeed those that need homes, then we will have them build them themselves. If there are those who have the need for jobs and purpose, they will be provided such so that they can contribute to the Empire. Warworld will not be a mindless group of rabble anymore, wanting to watch the next session of pathetic games, but rather a group of beings wanting to produce weapons, equipment, supplies, ships, and other items that the Empire will use for survival. They will have a new sense of purpose; they will help build a new order that will give security and stability to this galaxy. They will be thankful that we gave them such a chance to do so, Sazu."

Sazu didn't speak for a while. She made a face that suggested that she considered Vader's proposal. "That seems like a reasonable idea."

"Of course it is." Vader stated, "We will have it done. Inform the Imperial Corps of Engineers. They will survey Warworld's terrains and cities for suitable factory locations. They have the order to do whatever and receive the necessary funding to do so. You will need to organize them and Governor Larfleeze for the plan."

"I will do what you ask for."

Vader studied Sazu, "You have more to say?"

Though she did not admit it, she conceded, "I have another concern, My emperor. Specifically, your rule."

He narrows his eyes under his helmet. "What are you implying, Chancellor."

Her eyes went wide when she realized the error of wording she made, "Oh, I uhh. I meant how the public will view you, my emperor." She attempted to explain, "With the creation of this Empire and all of these new laws and systems being put in place, you haven't yet made any public statements on the matter. They seemed rather confused."

Vader thought about her words. He had no experience in any public relations of any sort during his time in Palpatine's Empire. He didn't need it. His exploits in crushing rebellions on traitorous worlds were broadcasted on the Imperial holo-net. Actions speak louder than words, so why would he need to bother and waste his time to do such a thing? "I have better things to do then to comfort the masses from a problem that doesn't exist."

"Well, my Emperor," she said honestly, "I'm afraid I don't know what your plans are for this planet or empire you have created. But if you want an army of men to fight for you, a navy to protect your trade, and workers to create the means to make those happen, Then maybe if you gave them an idea what they're fighting for, they'll be less concerned and be better motivated."

Vader glared at her, "Are you questioning the way I lead? For it seems that you don't think I am capable of doing so."

Sazu lost color and grew apologetic; she bowed, "Forgive me, my emperor; I am only observing the greater situation so that Almerac wouldn't be forced into something it doesn't want to be involved in."

Vader looked at her and said nothing for awkward moments. His breathing cycled through multiple times. He made up his mind. "I can see why Maxima kept you for this long. You are rather pragmatic." That made her look up to Vader with a surprised smile. "And rather annoying as well." Her smile dropped. "But I will admit, you make points I cannot ignore. If the people of Almerac will burden themselves on bringing civilization to this part of space, then they deserve to know how they will do it." He waved a dismissive hand, "Go and make necessary preparations for it; I suppose we will make a speech on the manner."

***​
In the great valley, where Tae Tamarac's important buildings were located, was a grand square where most of the walking traffic of the city's crossed. Since it was in the afternoon, many families and friends were out and about. The grand plaza had some concessions and had a park nearby. In the center of the square was a great fountain constructed out of marble and stone. Statues of Almaara and Raacal were built in their honor in the fountain as water spewed from the botto, then back down at the statues as if it were rain.

Though a normal day in weather terms, it cannot be said in the terms of Almeracian society. As much as it was surprising that their queen married a man, who goes by the name of 'Darth Vader' and the title of 'Dark Lord of the Sith', she had announced and made the wedding happen as soon as she returned back from Warworld. Following that, there were rumors that this Dark Lord was involved in some catastrophe that happened on the planet and was the cause of Mongul's disappearance.

With the royal wedding that happened days ago, it was being broadcasted throughout Almerac space. Many had seen this Dark Lord, and many of them don't have high opinions on him due to his general appearance. That being said, straight after that the Dark Lord was proclaimed as Queen Maxima's husband and King of Almerac, Maxima mysteriously disappeared with the King. Many crudely joked about 'them starting the honeymoon already,' for some citizens knew of Maxima's constant search for a suitor for years; some though have shot down these claims.

There was word that Count Vitha disappeared along with most of the Council of Nobles that very same day. Though the noblemen had families and they would obviously know their whereabouts, or at least should, they have not spoken, and there are even rumors that the Royal Guard was stationed at their respected estates with no clear explanation. Some expected a coup but had no real explanation or evidence to back it up. With the lack of information and silence from the house, many suspected to the horrible conclusion that a clique of some sort must've conducted a coup against the Queen and the Royal government.

That's what some thought of the time before the announcement was made.

In the center of the foundation, the heart of the Tae Tamarac plaza, an announcement chime was made that could be heard from that section of that city; it eventually spread across most government-owned holo-emitters. Casual residents stopped what they were doing; most looked up or did their best to know where the sound that was made from was. After the chime was made, a holo-projector was erected out of the center of the fountain. It casts a blue aura with scanlines in it. All of the government-owned holo-projectors did the same.

The crest that appeared was a six-spoke crest, apparently the new Imperial crest made by the new government. A few moments elapsed when a friendly female voice in High-Almeracian was emitted out of the holo-projectors. "Attention all Imperial Citizens of Almerac, this is the voice of a member of the Commission for the Preservation of the New Order. Here is a message from our great leader, emperor Vader, for all of the concerns and worries of recent events."

Most, if not all, of the citizens piqued up to this new public message. Not only for the fact that they just learned that Darth Vader was now their Emperor, but also for hearing this 'Commission for the Preservation of the New Order' for the first time. The holo-feeds cut from the box that contained the new Imperial crest to one simulated figure they somewhat recognized.

Since the royal wedding was broadcasted through most of Almerac, they saw the figure as Darth Vader, now their Emperor apparently. In the hologram over the fountain plaza, he was a blue giant, though in the other holograms throughout the city and most parts of Almerac, he was in various sizes depending on the size of the holo-emitters themselves.

While most of the citizens have seen him before, some cannot get over his appearance, some even saying he was disturbing to see. No one really argued with that.

Darth Vader, their Emperor, spoke through the holo-transmission, "Citizens of Almerac and the Empire, listen here and listen well." He puts his hands onto his belt, "Many of you may have heard of the recent changes in the government and the disappearance of the Council of Nobles. This is all true, and I will speak about the reason behind all of this." He paused, his mechanical breathing filling the void, which made some people watching all over uncomfortable. "The truth of the matter is, Count Vitha and his cohorts in the Council of Nobles have attempted a coup against Almerac and your Queen."

The shocking news brought everyone to gasp and murmur between one another. "Do not worry," the hologram showed that he balled his fist, "Vitha and his band of traitors have been dealt with; Almerac is safe, and your Queen is in good health." This brought some of the viewers to ease, while others were still stunned. Count Vitha and his house were extremely loyal to the monarchs of Almerac. To be told that he and other members of the nobility launched a coup against the Queen, which seemed inconceivable.

"But a dilemma has come to my and your Queen's attention after the traitors were defeated." The Emperor continued. "If the current system of government that has lasted for generations ultimately led to treachery, then it was decided to let it die along with Vitha and his band of thieves. Henceforth, I will tell you that the old ways of government and the royal house have been discontinued." This made the crowds go into a shocked murmur again. "And out of the ashes of the failed system, will be a new one. One that will encourage stability. From Almerac and all of the territories of Warworld, will be remade into the First Galactic Empire."

The crowds talked once more. Some are concerned, others are almost proud that days of America's empire will be brought back. "Some of you may ask, 'Why?' I will tell you why. Around the galaxy, outside of Almerac, what do you see? ...strife."

The feed cuts to a crowd of aliens on a different world rioting, throwing makeshift weapons, and looting burning buildings.

"Piracy." The video then goes to combat footage of pirate ships attacking a civilian space liner.

"Slavery." The video turns to shaky footage of a slave market on Karna, beings of different shapes and sizes in chains, their expressions with no hope. Entire families lined up with price tags as Gordanian slave traders called out their sales of their property. Some of the viewers grew disturbed and sick on the matter; mothers refrained their children's gaze on the video; fathers of children and brothers of younger siblings had horrible images of that fate falling onto their families.

"Constant Warfare." The next footage leads to a video of Thangarians and Gordanians killing each other in a ruined city. Soldiers on both sides fighting with blasters and bladed weapons. A battle from a war that lasted generations. Whatever glory was conceived at the start of the conflict was gone; this was a slaughter.

"All of this leads to one thing: anarchy. Do not think, citizens of Almerac, that you are safe from these. Almerac may have been untouched by all of these for some time, but out in the outer edges of your space, out of the reach of civilization, pirates want to take your wealth and whatever is rightfully yours to their own pockets. Slavers will want to take your wives, your families, and your children. Criminals and gangsters will want to run your society as they do with entire worlds! And what will the Guardians of the Universe do when this occurs to your loved ones?" He paused and said coldly, "Nothing, for they have allowed all of this to happen."

Discussion appeared between the crowds. The footage that Emperor Vader showed the planet was deeply concerning and disturbing to those who watched it. Many Almeracians don't venture outside of Almerac's borders, but seeing the truth was eye-opening. "This is not a change of government; this is a change of the way on how you will survive. You all now know what lies beyond space. The truth is that there is no civilization beyond Almerac's space. Only chaos exists. That there lies no mercy in the universe."

"But that will change," Vader made his hand into a fist. "A new order will rise today. A cause today that will spread stability and order onto the galaxy. A sun will rise to ensure an eternal day, and that sun is you, Almerac." He pointed down, and a new fire entered the crowd. "Forge this Empire, Almerac, peace and order will be put in place by your work. Make a safe and secure society for your children, and their children. Bring civilization to this galaxy that will last ten thousand years! Join me, and we can achieve this together! For safety, security, justice, and peace."

One of the Almeracians in the giant plaza started to chant out the last line out loud because his inspiration couldn't be contained. The chant grew in numbers; those who were questioned on what happened were swept up by the chant that turned into a roar like a thunderstorm. This fire that erupted in the square was broadcasted throughout the New Empire. Watchers who viewed Vader's speech inside of shops, taverns, homes, restaurants, and other places important to Almeracians were not immune to the hold of this chant and went along with it.

A storm was brewed that day, one that worked up the populace. One that had the winds of courage and loyalty, duty and honor, purpose and spirit. Many went to recruiting offices that at the time before lacked any visitors but, by the day's end, were practically flooding with new bodies and continued to do so for weeks.

Husbands and fathers made the hard decision to join for the sake of their family's safety. Brothers and siblings joined as part of the idea of going on an adventure. And there were those who joined because they had nothing better to do.

Vader's actions didn't create his empire per se, but rather his words. Those words were carried out and will be enforced by the new soldiers of the New Galactic Empire.

***​
Night fell on Tae Tamarac, the Imperial Capital City of the New Galactic Empire. Vader, Emperor of this New Empire, was back to the furnished study in the Imperial Palace. His speech he made himself was rather annoying. Pointless as he originally thought only made himself wrong as recruitment numbers skyrocketed to unprecedented heights in Almerac's history. The Army, Navy, and the new Stormtrooper Corps, though still admittedly created but available for reuits, have seen massive amounts of men joining. The standing military of Almerac will expand at a giant height.

However, the training of soldiers and sailors, creating tactics for stormtroopers, the formation of new units, instructing pilots, and the education of new officers will take time. Months will pass before the new Imperial military will be ready for deployment. Vader was fine for waiting that much, for it will take the same amount of time for rebuilding the new Imperial Navy.

He had studied the Almeracian navy and had seen better but also seen worse. With no battleships to speak up, a handful of heavy and light cruisers, and many frigates, corvettes, and patrol craft, the peacetime Almeracian fleet will not be up to the challenge of following Vader's will. Even with the addition of Mongul's fleet, it will not be enough. There will be a conflict between these Gordanians, Sangtee, Khund, and other barbarians that will have bigger and better ships, that is a fact.

Revitalizing the navy will be difficult but not impossible.

Vader's suit held information that he had for a while. When dealing with incompetent imperial morons, destroying rebel cells, or meditating, Vader has studied and learned many ship diagrams and blueprints that he downloaded in his suit's helmet. He cannot say it was a hobby of sorts. It didn't give him joy, but rather gave him entertainment in a particular way.

This skill and knowledge weren't entirely his; he stole them. He stole it from the body of the Jedi Knight, Anakin Skywalker. The chosen one was known in the Clone Wars as one of the best pilot, droid mechanic, and ship technician at that time. When he killed the Jedi, Vader simply took his skills and applied them to his own abilities. The dead Jedi didn't need it anymore. Vader will use the skill at a better rate than the foolish Jedi could have ever done with it.

His helmet's database has many diagrams and blueprints from various warships from his galaxy. From the ship that had origins of Republic, Separatist, Empire and some rebellion. From the smallest of imperial starfighters to ISDs. Not only ships but droids, he studied Separatist Tri-Fighters, Vulture Droids, prototype Dark Troopers, and other battle droids from his galaxy.

Many of those assets will be used and forged into his empire. Tomorrow, he will convene with the members of the Imperial Navy and the Imperial Corps of Engineers to discuss and coordinate his designs of the new ships.

At the moment, Vader was observing a holographic map of the Milky Way. Almerac was far from the galactic core. On the galactic far east side of the Milky Way, was where Almerac lay, just at the tail end of the outer Norma arm and where the Perseus arm was close on Almerac's western borders. Far away was where most "civilized" nations laid their claim in space.

The Thanagarians and their rivals, the Gordanians, were out on the middle and outer spirals down south from the galactic core. Sangtee and Khunds were stationed at the middle of the way between the outer and inner spirals of the galaxy on the eastern side, somewhat near but not too close to Almerac. Oa, the headquarters of the Guardians of the Universe and their Green Lantern Corps was in the core of the Milky Way.

That leads to one of the problems that will handicap Vader's empire and the Sith's quest for control order—the Green Lantern Corps. Now having information on the new galaxy, which was fairly large compared to his, from Almerac's archives, Vader has more intelligence to know what enemies he will have. The Lanterns will be one of them. The Corps itself has coverage on multiple galaxies, partitioning the "universe" into sectors so they may "keep the peace" as some sort of intergalactic law enforcement.

However, despite the corps' great reach, which did impress Vader, the other galaxies don't have much influence over the Milky Way. Even the closest and most noteworthy galaxy, the Andromeda galaxy, had no real effect on the Milky Way's trans-galactic politics, trade, and societies.

That was not what concerned Vader.

In each of these sectors, where multiple star systems were in, there was only one green lantern assigned to each one. One lantern, one being assigned to a sector worth possibly hundreds of worlds with uncountable beings. That was, of course, ideal.

But, for the most part, even if they did a terrible job at protecting the universe, the lanterns do it with those power rings. Supposedly empowered by the energy known as the 'emotional electromagnetic spectrum', the rings give the wearer massive amounts of power based on their imagination and their willpower. Vader scoffed at this notion until he saw footage of a green lantern in the vacuum of space, no environmental suit, surrounded by green energy, and summoning a large emerald hand to stop a speeding pirate vessel. He saw more footage of these feats and was surprised.

These rings can apparently do many things and create various constructs out of the wearer's thoughts. From energy projection to creating an entire fleet of cruisers from their will.

To some, they could be considered gods. But to Vader, there was no such thing. To some who looked at the rings, they were the universe's most powerful weapons. To Vader, they cannot come close to the endless possibilities of the force and the ultimate power of the dark side. He cannot say when they meant this emotional spectrum, they meant the force. But looking further, trying to find any more details that might've suggested so, like midichlorians, there was no mention of it. Thus somewhat confirming that this spectrum was different from the force.

Life is dependent on the force; it seems the emotional spectrum is created by sentient life but is not part of creating new beings. The emotional spectrum can only be accessed by these power rings, by beings who would've been mediacore without them. The force chose its wielders, for they were born to have its limitless power. It is possible that this emotional spectrum could be influenced by the force, much like how water can influence the air.

Vader was confident that whatever these rings could do, the force could do better if he knew of the technique.

Until he could find such a technique, he would have to combat them with powers he knew of. He was sure, with the footage he has, that he would be able to handle a few of them at a time, but an army? That answer to that question looked grim.

He would need to find a weakness to these powers rings if his empire, the chance for civilization to happen in this galaxy, will survive this galaxy. A conflict with the Guardians of the Universe and their Lantern puppets, is inevitable. They will try to stop him; he knows that, for his empire will challenge their own power and control over this galaxy, and learning from Sidious, beings who have power are afraid to lose it.

But a weakness is not known; if there was knowledge of a weakness, then the guardians would assuredly keep it a secret. He will need to capture one; yes, he thought, he will need to capture a living Green Lantern along with their power ring. Through experimentation and study, with the resources of an empire, he could find a weakpoint, a chink in the armor of Green Lantern invincibility that could be exploited and be used to destroy them.

Perhaps after finding a weakness he could make many weapons or techniques against the lanterns. Maybe a virus that disconnects the lantern from their emotional spectrum. Or perhaps a computer virus; it is speculated in the archives that these power rings have an AI interface or even that they are actually sentient. Could Vader force upon his own will onto the power ring and make them do his bidding? Perhaps, but he will not know if he doesn't get his artificial hands on a lantern and their ring.

That leads to another concern—his limbs.

His arms, his legs, his body—the power that he once had—that he would have but was taken from him on that day on Mustafar. That shore on that river of lava has forced him to wear this prison for almost two decades. It was a humbling experience, for the young Vader learned that he cannot let his anger make him go into a wild frenzy. But he would have rather gotten the lesson without the loss of his body. He had the potential to become the greatest Jedi and Sith to have ever lived; now that was only a dream.

The technology was always there; he had options to get rid of his prosthesis and a better suit altogether. But it was never enough; the implants in his body and the prosthetics will, despite giving him strength and stamina, always cap his full potential to a low.

He always had the option of surgery, but that was too risky. But with these wonder technologies like teleportation, it seemed less risky. He could, in theory, teleport new and better implants or even organs so that he may have his original body back.

But that leads to the next problem, cloning. He has thought of cloning his limbs or even a new body himself, but cloning force sensitives was always a nigh-impossible task. When he wanted to clone his apprentice, Galen Marek, it took hundreds of tries of cloning the young man. Even then, the final clone wasn't that stable or controllable.

Because of how Midichlorians interacted with the force, it seemed that they rejected any attempt at copying force sensitives altogether, as if they knew what was happening. The result of many cloned force users in his galaxy's history led to catastrophe; they either died, went insane, or killed the recipient. No, cloning his limbs was just as risky as the surgery to replace his organs.

But that thought changed too.

With the advanced technology that was matter changers and teleportation, cloning in this galaxy could just be as advanced. Would it be advanced enough to override the force's will on the Midichlorians? Possibly not, not without the guide of a force user, however.

That is when Vader thought of a possible solution. Perhaps the cloning procedure of force users goes haywire not due to the technology but rather the lack of guidance of another force user. Much like how one with the force can create their own kyber crystals artificially, one could, theoretically speaking, control the force to imbue the limbs and organs of a cloned body and manipulate the midichlorians to naturally spread in the cloned body parts. Thus resulting in limbs that can naturally connect to the host's body without any backlash from the force.

This was a theory; Vader has no evidence that this could work whatsoever. The only real reason why he thought it could work was the story that Sidious once told him about Plagueis. Darth Plagueis, Sidious's Sith master, was stated by Sidious himself to be so powerful in the force that he could manipulate the Midichlorians to save living beings from death and even be able to create life from nothing.

Certainly, if the Sith master was able to achieve a feat, then it wasn't far-fetched to think that he could have coaxed the force organelles to make them inhabit an artificial organ. But despite being allies and Vader being his apprentice, former when he came to think about it, Sidious has not taught Vader any of Plagueis's secrets nor techniques. There was even a possibility that Sidious lied about the story of Plagueis and the ability to control Midichlorians. For all of the Sith knowledge Sidious provided to Vader, from Exur Kun to Revan to Malgus and Bane, Sidious possibly or didn't have any archives or notes on Plagueis.

But with this hindrance, Vader cannot stop here, not with the fate of his empire and gaining back what was rightfully his on the stake. With him being the only Sith and the dark side itself declaring Vader as the supreme master of its powers, he was sure he could discover the secret himself.

So he took time out of the rest of the day to find a race or group in this new galaxy that is up to that challenge of closing a force sensitive. Hours of searching through holo-records in the main holo-projector, he found two candidates, the Psions from the Vega Star System and the Dominators from the Dominion.

The Psions, cold-blooded and reptilian in nature, their homeworld was located in the wild space that was the Vega System. Renowned for being one of the galaxy's greatest geneticists, and to a lesser extent and greater for Vader, cloners, they were also equally notorious for kidnapping random aliens in their home and surrounding systems for experimentation. It is said, so in the text, that their experiments and tests are known to be sadistic and examples of their cold-blooded behavior .

Vader amused himself that the Transdoshans of his galaxy could have been these Psions if they dropped all savage tendencies and became civilized, though they would have kept the same cold-blooded demeanor.

Then there were the Dominators. Humanoids, yellow-skinned, red dots on their large foreheads that indicated the position in their caste system, big-headed, and with sharp needle-like teeth, it is said that they are equally as smart to the Psions in the realms of genetics and bio-engineering. It is also stated they have a somewhat similar approach to other forms of life like the Psions. Their homeworld, the Dominion, was located downward of Khund territory and north of the Gordanians on the Scutum-Centaurus arm.

For Vader's goals of gaining back his body, either race will suffice. Though being two different races, Vader supposed that their pragmatic and cold views would be similar to the Kaminoans. The three races have abandoned all notions of morality in their pursuit of higher sciences to explain higher mysteries. Forgetting the chains that were compassion and empathy so that they could be grander than most squabbling races.

If he could compare them to the Kamino inhabitants, who before the clone wars took commissions to clone creatures and living beings, then it was possible that either Psion, Dominators, or perhaps both, might be able to work with him in secret for a price to clone his body. With the riches of Almerac and the absorbed assets from Mongul's accumulated wealth, Vader was fine paying this negotiated price. Either race would do, as long as they clone his missing body parts he yearns for.

He does not expect them to clone his body with no complications and even be able to manipulate midichlorians through science. For the mundane world they live in could only do so much in manipulating the mystery of the universe by scientific means. If the Kaminons attempted to clone force sensitives and failed, he doubts the Psions and Dominators would be more successful, even with the possible advanced technology.

But their part of the deal would be the easy comparably, the challenging part would be his side of the experiment—commanding the midichlorians to do his bidding. He will need to rediscover a technique or even create one to do such a task. But with the dark side with him, he could potentially command the organelles to enter a cloned body part so that he may use it.

"Yes," he secretly conspired to himself. These were the keys to gaining his power back, the gate of unlimited power could be opened by the keys of Science and the dark side arts. Either one missing from the equation and the repercussions from the force will be massive beyond comprehension. He must be careful, his fears of this 'clone madness' could compromise his own mind if he becomes reckless with power. But, oh, the great rewards that will come afterwards. The rising power that he felt as the young Vader would continue and its zenith unlimited.

He must start now, he will have to order the imperial engineers to construct a meditation chamber of his specific specifications much like the one he had before he left his galaxy. He must also find a healing bath like he had the Bacta tank in his Mustafarian castle.

Vader's plans of power ceased when a knock followed by the wooden doors of the study opened. One nervous, servant girl with flowing black hair entered and bowed, "My apologies, my Emperor, but your Emperess has requested your presence in her bed chambers."

Vader internally groaned. As much as he wanted to continue his plans for the New Empire and the return of his power, he knew best from the past days of being with his Almeracian wife that he would gain a bigger headache if not attending to her needs.

Not saying a word, he went out of the study and to the imperial palace's hallway that led to Maxima's bedroom. He entered the nice and plush room and closed the doors behind him. Once in the room, he gazed eyes around to find his wife and saw that she was indeed in the room, but rather in her usual wordrobe that was befitting of a warrior queen, she wore a revealing purple nightgown-like dress that showed her body under it, which had nothing under the veil. No tiara, her red hair flowed from her back, no obstructions that restricted her smooth skin, if she didn't wear the revealing nightgown, she would have been nude.

Vader guessed what she wanted and didn't like it.

"Vader," she cooed, she was on her knees on the expansive bed. "I have a surprise for you..."

He placed his gloved hand onto his belt, "Had the Green Lanterns finally done this universe a favor and ended their pathetic existence?" He made an attempt in making a sarcastic joke. Which he almost hoped would happen.

The seemingly cold sense of humor got her and made her laugh, "No silly," she said softly then gestured to herself, "Me..."

Vader twisted his mouth, "You are already a surprise to me...dear."

She cups her hands onto her chest from Vader's "flattery," "Oh darling," she said lovingly, "You have such a way with words," she twisted a lock of red hair, "And you especially made that clear hours ago..." she goes off the bed, struts towards him and clings to his chest, he doesn't return the moment of affection, or lust for that matter. "Oh Vader! I just couldn't contain myself, not right after your speech to our people." She caressed his mask, "I knew that I picked the right man to be leader of Almerac...and my love."

Vader knew what the woman wanted; she wanted consummate the marriage. Now, if he were the young, brashful, Vader, the one before being put into this suit, he may have, though not guaranteed, accept her proposal. Vader now couldn't, romantically and physically.

This was Vader's final concern—Maxima's mysterious love for him. Whether it was through her insanity, her genetics or whatever, she was infatuated with the Dark Lord beyond belief. If she was any other woman, he would have killed her because of that, but her position in Almerac and therefore the New Empire blocked that act. While Vader announced her royal house to be defunct, Almeracians would not like their queen to be dead, even when she might be slightly unpopular.

So, in conclusion, he must burden himself with Maxima's constant love towards him until he regains his body, his appearance back. If he prematurely reveals his true form to her, that could lead to trouble. That will not be simple, she was a strong telepath. While he was confident he himself could mind trick her in some fashion, doing so will require her to be off guard for the moment.

He will need to play with an act.

"My...dear." He grabbed her gently. "I have told you before that I cannot rest or find comfort when the Empire is safely secured."

"And there's that same passion and commitment I fell in love with," she told him, "And I know that, love, but maybe for just tonight, it is just me and you. I wish to see your true face and your body on my own. " She guided his right hand onto her cheek and nuzzled it.

A feeling entered Vader. A feeling of a desire. Yes, he realized he wanted to gain his arms and body back again, but he was shocked that this feeling didn't originate from his desire to gain back his full power again, rather it was a want to feel her gorgeous skin. It was the desire to see how soft it would be under his own flesh hand, he wanted to caress her crimson hair, to see into her sky blue eyes without this mask.

He wanted to look upon her beautiful face with his own eyes.

He stopped his thoughts, pitching whatever flame that passionate desire was and surrounding it with his shadow. Why would he want such a thing? Love and passion were emotions that Vader didn't need or want.

"Honey, if you want to be rough on me, all you have to do is ask." Maxima words brought him back of his invulnerability and Vader noted the hand that was still on Maxima's arm curled with his cybernetic strength. He dropped that hand along the one she had him put up to her face. She wrapped her hands around his waist, "Please my love! My body is yours tonight! Ravish me Vader! Let me be your loyal servant for all night!"

Vader didn't say anything for a good while, "...Very well."

Lustful excitement entered her face, she hurried back to the bed and laid down what could be considered a seductive pose. She bites down on her lip and pats the empty side of the bed next to her, "Then come here, Dark Lord."

Vader made up an answer, "Yes, but first, let me...prepare myself."

She plays with a lock of hair, twisting it, "I'll be waiting here, my Emperor."

Vader took no time to storm off and close the doors behind him. Then, looking around for any witnesses and concluding that he was alone in that part of the palace, he hides.

***​
He wasn't too sure how long he's been hiding for, possibly for hours which would make it the early morning in Tae Tamarac. Sensing that no one was looking for him or that there weren't any servants near, he went out of the closet. With the hallway empty, with no person in sight, he slowly and cautiously made his way to Maxima's bedroom.

Sensing through the force that she wasn't conscious, he quietly creaked open the door to see that Maxima was indeed asleep. Still in the purple, near-see through gown, she was in a snoring heap. Closing the door behind him, he investigated close to her bed and realized that she must've waited for hours for his return.

With his chance now open, he went inward then outward with the force, quietly entering her mind. Though strong in her telepathic abilities and her mental defenses considerable, he slowly got through a mental barrier like how water can covertly sneak into a small crack. Once in, he began constructing his mind trick.

Forging a fake memory, he made it seem like he did return earlier that night and showed his true body, a body that wasn't damaged or bruzitalied. For his sake, and his future plan of returning to the form he was once in, he made the body she fantasized about the body of the young Vader. Undressed and without the armor, the fake Vader pleased and satisfied Maxima that night. He didn't go into the details about it, he only fabricated what she really wanted to happen and made her think it actually occurred.

If this worked, then she wouldn't know that the night she had with the fake Vader was indeed fictional.

Done with the mind trick he stepped back from her. By morning, she will hopefully be fooled and satisfied with the results he falsified. If this goes well, she wouldn't have to nag about needing him another night. If so, he will need to do this process all over again. Annoying as it is, it was a better option than making her have a temper tantrum.

Now, with the deed done, before he left her alone so she wake up and find herself alone, mysteriously and even anomalously, he saw that she had no blanket on, he simply brought the bed's cover to keep her warm.

***​
Notes. Looks like Vader doesn't know what to do with his waifu. Next chapter will be a time skip.