The coward. Did he really think I didn't know?
"As for the Death Star," Vader continued, "I wouldn't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed. The ability to destroy a city, a world, a planet, or an entire system is insignificant next to the power of the Force."
"The Force." Ozzel sneered as he regained his strength and returned to his original color. "Don't try to threaten us with your sorcerer's ways, Lord Vader. You forget that the Jedi too had a sad devotion to that ancient religion; but you still destroyed them. The Force did not help the Jedi escape extinction. The Force did not tell them of their future. The Force will also be your undoing because the Force is nothing compar–"
Ozzel's hands flew to his throat as he felt a server pressure crushing his windpipe. Before him, Vader stood with an outstretched hand, clasping the air tightly. The man's eyes bulged as he began gasping for air and turning a deathly shade of blue.
"I find you're lack of faith disturbing." Vader said simply, enjoying the sight before him.
"This bickering is pointless!" Tarkin screamed in distress, "Vader release him."
Vader didn't move. He was not Tarkin's slave.
"Vader!" Tarkin repeated.
"Don't worry, Tarkin. You'll have your turn." Vader said sarcastically, "But I wouldn't worry, I've recently been told I lost my edge."
Tarkin did not respond, he only watched on helplessly as the life drained from the choking man in the room. Within minutes, Ozzel's lifeless body slide out of his chair and onto the floor, but no one dared to move. They all knew he was dead and they would be next if they pushed Vader's anger. "Good." Captain Needa spoke up, turning way from the dead body and towards Governor Tarkin. "Now that most of the trash as been disposed of. May we return to business?"
Tarkin ignored him. He remained silent, looking back and forth between the Sith Lord and the lifeless body on the floor. "You think you're so powerful, Vader. But you're not. You will always be the Emperor's slave."
Instantly, Vader's anger exploded as stalked towards a new prey. Tarkin. "You should hold your tongue," Vader threatened, "before you lose that right as well."
Tarkin laughed loudly. "You can't kill me, Vader." He said as he rose from his spot at the table and stood fearlessly before the Sith Lord. "You have your commands from the Emperor himself. He needs me alive. You're powerless against me." "Who said anything about killing you?" Vader replied smoothly causing Tarkin to recoil.
Vader ignited his lightsaber, twirling the red blade in his grasp as the crowd before him could do nothing but watch. They were cowering with fear as they felt the monster within the Sith Lord come to life. The darkness was surrounding them and the coldness froze them in their seats. They were helpless and at Darth Vader's mercy. He moved too quickly for anyone's eyes to follow, but they all saw the flash of red that was followed by a loud scream.
In the next moment, Tarkin was on the floor, shivering in a small pool of blood. No one dared to help him. They were too scared or in shock to move. Vader's wrath was running wild and the living men refused to be next.
What seemed like eternities passed by, but no one moved. A lone general, General Veers, searched the room for any sign of the Dark Lord, but could not find him. It was almost as if Vader had disappeared into thin air. With great caution, Veers rose from his seat and knelt down next to the shaking man. From the amount of blood pouring through Tarkin's hands, General Veers knew that the damage had been inflicted near Tarkin's mouth, but he could not see the wound. He attempted to pull Tarkin's hands away from his face to see the damage that the Sith had inflicted, but Tarkin refused to move his hands.
"Tarkin." General Veers said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Where are you hurt?"
No reply.
"Tarkin." General Veers repeated, shaking the man gently.
"He won't be able to answer you, General." Vader announced causing every man to freeze once more. "W–Why? My Lord?" General Veers stuttered, trying to control his fear as he looked up at the newly returned Sith Lord.
Vader was silent for a moment, dwelling in the fear that lingered within the room. He wanted to create more. So he did.
"Sith got his tongue."
At Vader's statement, a sop escaped from Tarkin as his hands fell from his face. The man tumbled forward, sobbing loudly, giving all men in the room a view of what exactly Vader had done to him. Tarkin's mouth was filled with blood and the man was unable to speak. Gasps escaped the men's mouths as more fear rose into the air.
Vader had cut out his tongue.
"Oh, Force!" General Veers cried, falling backwards onto the ground. Vader smiled as he looked around the room at the cowering men, pleased at what he had done. He was feared. He was respected. He was in charge. No one would dare start a rebellion within his ranks again. His work was done. "You are all dismissed." Vader said as he turned away, "We will continue this meeting at a later date."
And with that, he left without another word. He felt instantly satisfied at his deed. Fear, pain, and death were once again returning to his life, the only three constant things that ever remained in his life. It felt… satisfying. The power was racing through his veins. He did not feel weak or human. He felt above all. He felt invincible. He felt like his usual self. Darth Vader.
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