Chapter 1- Return of the Sith Lords
Admiral Nukas gulped as the black clad man approached, air respirator wheezing with each breath.
“Welcome to the Valorum, Lord. It is ready to be taken under your command.”
The helmeted man replied with a voice not his own, muffled by the respirator.
“Thank you, Admiral. The Emperor is pleased with your progress on rebuilding the Empire. He will be arriving shortly after we jump into the Hoth system.”
Nukas gasped. “The Emperor is coming here?”
“Yes.” The cloaked man pointed at him. “The Emperor will not be pleased if the Republic finds us. Be sure we jump to a clear area. The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am.”
Nukas shuddered as Darth Vader walked away, his dark presence making the Stormtroopers nervous. As forgiving as he is, I had better get to work quickly, Nukas thought.
Vader stepped onto the holo-platform and kneeled. A large image of the Emperor’s face appeared before him.
“Report, Lord Vader.”
Vader slowly looked up and stood. “Admiral Nukas has informed me that we will jump to Hoth within the hour and has done well on rebuilding your Empire…. but I’m afraid his loyalty may be false.”
The Emperor’s expressionless face stared at Vader. “That is too bad. Nukas was well known…. I suppose Captain Villu will be promoted?”
“As you wish, my Master.” Vader stepped off of the platform after the Emperor’s image disappeared. He turned on the view screen and contacted Nukas, who was conferring with Villu.
“Ah! Lord Vader! We have begun our jump to Hoth, and we….” Nukas was cut off and began to choke. He felt an invisible hand squeeze the base of his spine, cutting off the air flow. He tugged on his collar as he collapsed, and slowly his vision faded as he died.
Vader looked to Villu. “Contact me when we reach Hoth, and don’t make the same mistake Nukas did, Admiral Villu.” He put extra emphasis on Admiral.
“Very good, sir.” The view screen shut off and Vader’s chair rotated back around. The top hatch lowered as a mechanical arm removed his helmet. Vader turned on his sensor array and watched as they approached Hoth.
