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Burly Norys and the Lost Ones-new stormtrooper recruits taken under the wing of military commander Qorl-stood at attention. The other senior-ranking stonntroopers seemed at ease, while the Lost Ones appeared restless and uncomfortable in their new body armor.

But everyone listened intently to the Great Leader's speech.

In the center of the chamber the overwhelming and awesome image of the Emperor Palpatine filled the open space in the confined room. The glowing hologram towered taller than any person present, a paternal figure and stern watchman.

Crackling from transmission static, the image of the cowled Emperor addressed them from his hideout somewhere in the Core Systems. Yellow reptilian eyes under hooded brows watched the gathered students. The eye of Palpatine was always on them.

"Our plans for the Second Imperium are close to completion," the Emperor said. "All beings are doing their part to return a New Order to our galaxy.

Each of you will help my Second Imperium become powerful. Each of you is an important part of a great machine that will crush the Rebellion and put an end to their so-called New Republic."

The holographic image pivoted, giving the impression that Palpatine's gaze was sweeping across each and every person there.

"Our space fleet grows day by day, thanks to the hyperdrive cores and turbolaser batteries stolen in a recent brilliant military ambush. That equipment is helping us create our own battle fleet. Our ships will at first be smaller than the behemoths the New Republic can bring against us-but we shall fight, and we shall win. Our army of Dark Jedi is nearly complete."

The Emperor seemed to grow larger, his image swelling to loom above them. The rippling hood around Palpatine's shriveled face seemed to blow in an unseen wind. His eyes widened, blazing with the light of twin white suns.

The Emperor's voice boomed out, raised to such a volume that Zekk flinched. "Hear me, my Jedi Knights and stormtroopers. The Force does not favor weaklings. We have the strength. The Force is with us-to victory!"

Then the transmission ended, and the Emperor's cowled silhouette dissolved into sparkles and static.

The entire assembly set up a deafening cheer, in which Zekk joined wholeheartedly.

FLANKED BY A pair of Hapan Stinger security escort vehicles, the Shadow Chaser touched down lightly on the main landing pad of the Fountain Palace. In the cockpit, Luke Skywalker gave a small sigh of relief. Letting his eyes fall closed for a moment, he reached deep within himself, found the calm core of Force at his center, and then focused outward.

Artoo-Detoo gave a short warble, and Luke opened his eyes to find all three young Jedi Knights already unbuckled from their crash webbing and scrambling toward the exit hatch, barely able to restrain their impatience. Jacen bounced nervously from one foot to another, while Lowie raked fingers through his ginger fur in an effort to smooth it down. Jaina shrugged and looked at him. "Well, what are we waiting for, Uncle Luke?"

Chuckling, Luke released the flight interlocks, and the three Jedi trainees tumbled down the ramp as soon as it began to extend. Ta'a Chume, in the customary half-veil she wore for public appearances, was already waiting on the landing pad with a retinue of guards and attendants. Luke was pleased to see the twins and Lowic greet the old matriarch with courtesy and respect.

The former queen looked coldly at Luke as he began his greeting. "I'm sorry, but your journey here has been a complete waste, Jedi Master. You see, my granddaughter will not be able to speak with-" Just then Jaina gave a delighted cry, and Jacen yelled, "Hey, Tenel Ka, are we ever glad to see you!" Lowie bellowed a loud Wookiee greeting.

The three young visitors rushed across the landing platform to embrace their friend, who had emerged from the sparkling palace. Snatches of the excited conversation drifted to where Luke stood.

"Master Lowbacca wishes to compliment you on how, er,