Nine days after leaving Valass, Shade achieves orbit around Coruscant, as he's waiting for flight path instructions, he reaches out with the force to what used to be home. 'Hmmm, force sensitives looking for force use. Too bad their paying attention to only those they're watching.... ' Watching the patterns of force for a moment, Shade finds the one he wants. *Rook. Let the members know that keeping their head together will keep them together with their head.* 'I will let them know. And how are you,' thinks Rook, seated in the house library. *Alive, so far... * 'What are your plans?' *Staying that way.* 'Not coming here I hope.' *No, Going directly to the palace. No point in putting it off... The core will survive. * 'Yes, we will.' *Must go. I'll see you if I survive the interview... Good book by the way, you should really read it sometime.* Rook mentally chuckles. 'When I read it, I'll let you know.' With a smirk, Shade breaks contact and begins his descent to the supplied palace landing site. *** Shade's personal ship is met at the landing pad by 4 Red Guard. Shade exits the ship, seals it behind him. To the guards he says, "Where?" "This way." 2 guards head out, leading the way. The remaining two guards follow behind... but not too close. Trying to act unconcerned. Shade follows the 2 in the lead, ignoring they are there. *Fools didn't even check for my saber. Must've been trained before Darana took over.* He speaks not a word as they lead him to the Emperor's private audience chamber. The two guards in the lead barely have time to open the door as Shade walks into the chamber. He walks directly to the center of the chamber and bends to one knee. "Rise, Shade." Shade stands, saying nothing. "Report on Valass." Slightly taken aback, Shade responds, "Things seem to be well in hand. Trade is up. They are a little nervous concerning what is happening with their Governor and what means for their future." "And just what is happening with their Governor?" "I'm sure you'll tell me of what is occurring with my master when you see fit for me to know." The Emperor sighs, "I am not looking to create division here. Quite the opposite actually." Shade stands mute. "As Darana is to be reassigned, there will be need for a new Governor to take over for her. I think you would be an excellent choice for that." "I shall endeavor to do my best." Shade responds. "Yes, I know you will." The Emperor pauses, studying Shade. "The Empire is fragmented right now. There is a need to make things more... cohesive. My disbanding the household should not be taken as my having anything against any of you. Quite the contrary. But we have become weak. Only through unity will our strength be restored. We have had too many failures as of late. I am not willing to accept any more failure." "I understand." "I expect nothing less. I recommend you gather what you need and return to Valass immediately. I will see that the appropriate documentation is prepared and delivered to you there." "May I ask a small boon?" "What is it?" The Emperor's voice clearly irritated. "I would wish for 3 people who were in the house to be assigned to my staff. Dr. Stiasny, Micheal Cairnfell and Ralf Firestorm." Emperor Palpatine considers a moment. "I will allow Ralf Firestorm to accompany you. but not the others. I have already made accommodations for them, and I will not change them." "As Your Majesty wishes." "Now, go. I have others to see." The Emperor turns away, as Shade bows and spins on his heel, walking from the chamber. The Red Guard lead him directly back to his ship. As soon as he's seated in the pilot's seat, he's given clearance for take off. Mashing acceleration to the max, he blasts off the platform as the Red Guards scramble to avoid the wash from the engines. "I'm not sure the Queen is going to be happy about this..." ***
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