Star Wars: Hope Fails

Chapter 4: Imperial Gala

The Capitol planet Coruscant filled the Death Star control center's main view port. Admiral Motti admired it with a prideful, self-satisfied smile. The Grand Moff Tarkin accompanied Lord Vader aboard an Imperial shuttle back to the Empire's throne world and left command of the Death Star to him. Tarkin and Vader departed soon after the destruction of Yavin IV andthe rebel base to make a personal report to the Emperor. Emperor Palpatine wished the Death Star returned to Coruscant to celebrate the defeat of the Rebel Alliance and christen it the Empire's ultimate weapon. And Admiral Motti was at her helm - the place he deserved to be.

Now that the stolen Death Star plans fiasco was over, Motti no longer had to suffer the presence of the odious Darth Vader aboard his battle station. Ordering officers around as if being the Emperor's lapdog sufficed to out-rank them and choking Motti before the assembled leaders of the Imperial Fleet would not be forgotten nor forgiven. However, although allowing the Princess Leia to escape was a preposterously stupid gamble, it was a gamble that worked. Motti felt he should admire the Dark Lord or possibly respect him for the tactic... But he didn't. He hated him.

Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader should remain in their murky castles on Coruscant and leave the Imperial Navy to enforce Galactic law. The ancient Jedi religion they both worship was irrelevant with technology such as the Death Star available. And hadn't Vader and Palpatine gone to great lengths to kill every Jedi years ago? Motti felt that the two of them would be doing the Empire a favor if they were to kill each other and be out of the way.

"We are syncing orbits above the Capitol City, Admiral," announced the helmsman.

Coruscant, every inch of it covered by buildings, glittered with the twinkling of a billion lights. The planet seemed to have an aura that Motti imagined matched his own.

--

Grand Moff Tarkin, governor of the Outer Rim territories, took the podium to give his victory address. Gathered before him were the Imperial elite - governors, moffs, admirals, businessmen and CEO's. More than the Imperial forum's observation deck could comfortably fit. But anybody who wanted their career furthered within the new regime made sure to squeeze in and place their egos on hold.

This was nothing new to Tarkin - his life and career had been a series of victories and promotions. The Tarkin name was old, well-known, and respected. And these sycophants had been lapping at he and his family's heels for centuries.

"Gentlemen," Tarkin intoned. "Welcome and thank you for being here. The Empire is stronger and better for it. We stand at the threshold of a bright future and the galaxy is only beginning to see its rewards. Within the last week, we have made leaps forward in progress. The dissolution of the bulky and awkward Senate and the end of the Civil War are only the first indicators of a stronger and more robust Universe. There are no limits to what we will accomplish. 

"The Death Star is a complete success. With it, we will create a unified and harmonious galaxy where life and business will thrive. The Rebel threat is all but removed and commerce may begin to expand without worry of insurgent interference.

"The Outer Rim Territories do, however, remain rife with lawlessness. Piracy, smuggling, and unregulated trade sully the commercial potential of primitive worlds full of resources and space ways of uncharted shipping lanes. In order for us to take advantage of these economic opportunities we will first need to establish a strong Imperial presence. And that is what I plan to do. 

"I will move the Death Star into the Outer Rim and follow Imperial ground forces planet to planet until law and civility are in place. Insurrection and disobedience will not be tolerated. I believe the examples of Alderaan and Yavin IV sufficient for any system to understand that I will brook no resistance to our agenda.

"And so, gentlemen, you may rejoice. For from this day forward the Empire shall know no limits to the glory it can achieve."

Tarkin smiled and took a step back from the podium. The crowd erupted in applause.

--

The Emperor scowled. "Are your feelings clear on this matter, Lord Vader?"

Darth Vader knelt, head bowed, before the ancient Emperor Palpatine. "Yes, my master. The Rebel pilot who escaped was using the Force."

The Emperor's gnarled hands clutched at the arm rests of his throne. The chamber was dark and silent. Behind the Emperor was a large window overlooking the Imperial Capitol City and far below was the forum deck where Tarkin was delivering his address. 

"Strange, I did not feel this disturbance myself," the Emperor croaked. "As you say, however, he likely could not have survived the asteroid field. Why do you feel the need to search for him?"

Vader's head remained bowed. "I believe he may have been a pupil of Kenobi. If so, he is a threat."

"And what makes you say that, my servant?"

"The reappearance of my old master at the same time as the Rebel pilot's display of raw skill in the Force are... coincidental." 

The Emperor considered for a moment then spat, "It is of no concern. The pilot is most assuredly dead and the Rebellion all but vanquished. You have done well, Lord Vader. You will remain here until Tarkin has need of you in the Outer Rim." 

Vader rose, his head remained bowed. "Yes, my master."

"Very good," his voice was gravelly and menacing. "Now we shall demonstrate our new weapon to all of the cattle below." The Emperor's throne rotated toward the window behind. Vader joined him at his side. Palpatine touched a button with one of his dead-white finger tips and spoke, "Commence with the demonstration!"

The Death Star loomed large in the Coruscant night sky like a moon in shadow. All at once it lit-up as every light aboard the space station was powered at once. It glowed and glittered much like the Capitol planet itself. Every platform and rooftop below reverberated with applause.

But the applause was cut short when a flaming meteor appeared in the sky. It hurtled toward the Imperial Capitol, growing in size as it tumbled closer to eventual impact. The people of the city now screamed in terror and uselessly ran for cover. There could be no safety from a meteor of that size.

Emperor Palpatine grinned at the spectacle. Darth Vader remained impassive and still.

The Death Star's main gun formed a triangle of laser beams which converged into one. The massive blast shot towards the meteor and destroyed it instantly. A shower of white-hot debris flowered like fireworks over the city. The planet cheered.

The Emperor spat a maniacal laugh. "Fools! So easily controlled with simple tricks of light and sound."

Darth Vader was too lost in thought of the pilot to notice.