Star Wars_ Young Jedi Knights 05_ Darkest Knight - Kevin J. Anderson [40]
The ambient temperature felt colder.
Two red guards stood posted at the intersection of the corridor. They towered over Brakiss as he approached, the folds of their scarlet robes gleaming in the reddish light as if they had been oiled. The guards carried force pikes, ominous-looking weapons that might simply be ornamental... but Brakiss did not want to test that theory.
"No intruders are allowed," one of the red guards said.
Brakiss stopped short. "I believe you are ill-informed. I am Brakiss, Master of the Shadow Academy."
"We are aware of your identity. No intruders beyond this point."
"I am not an intruder. This is my own station," he said, taking another bold step forward and trying to impart power to his words.
One of the guards shifted his force pike.
"This station belongs to the Emperor. He holds the right to claim ownership of everything he considers valuable to his Second Imperium."
Following that thread of argument would do him no good, Brakiss decided.
"I must speak with the Emperor," he said.
"That is impossible," the guard answered.
"Nothing is impossible," Brakiss countered.
"The Emperor sees no one."
"Then let me speak to him over the comm.
I'm certain he will wish to see me once he and I have had a brief discussion."
"The Emperor has no desire for 'a brief discussion'-with you or anyone else."
Brakiss placed his hands on his hips. "And when did the Emperor delegate the authority to speak for him"-he spoke the words scornfully-"to his mere guards? By what right did you become his mouthpiece? I do not recognize your authority, guard. How do I know you're not holding him hostage? How do I know that he isn't ill or drugged?"
He crossed his arms over his robed chest. "I accept. orders only from the Emperor. Now let me speak to him immediately, or I shall call forth all of my troops on this station and arrest you for mutiny against the Second Imperium."
The two red guards stood motionless. "It is unwise to threaten us," they said in unison.
Brakiss didn't back down. "It is unwise to ignore me," he replied.
"Very well," one guard said, and turned to a COMM station on the wall. He pushed a button and, though Brakiss heard no words from beneath the armored helmet, the Emperor's voice instantly slid through the speakers, like sounds made of snakes.
"Brakiss, this is your Emperor. Your insolence annoys me."
"I merely wish to speak with you, my lord," he said, forcing his voice to remain steady.
"You have not addressed the Shadow Academy or me since your arrival here.
I am concerned for your personal well-being."
"Brakiss, you forget your place. You can do nothing to protect me that I cannot do myself-with ten times the power."
Brakiss felt his anger dwindling, but he clutched his pride for one last moment. "I have not forgotten my place, my lord. My place is as the Master of the Shadow Academy, to create an army of Dark Jedi for you and your Second Imperium. My place is at your side-not cast out and ignored like an insignificant bureaucrat." Palpatine seemed to pause before snapping a reply through the speaker. "Do not forget, Brakiss, that when this station was constructed I saw to it that explosives were planted throughout the superstructure to ensure your obedience. I can destroy this Academy on a whim. Don't tempt me."
"I wouldn't dream of it, my lord," Brakiss said, feeling his anxiety grow. "But if I am to be part of your plans of conquest, I must be consulted. I must be permitted to give my input, because I alone can provide the valuable fighters you require to defeat the Rebels and their upstart new Jedi Knights."
The Emperor snapped, "You will learn of my plans when I wish you to learn of them! I require no advice from you or from any other.
Perhaps you need to be reminded that you are merely an expendable servant. Do not demand to see me again. I will emerge from my quarters when it suits me."
With a click like the sound of a breaking bone, the comm