A.N. Hehe, well, I did tell you that the sequel is going to happen closer to fall. Well, you have at least the first chapter. But please, don't expect the updates to be weekly, like with the previous one. I'm yet to even get to the middle of 1 season of SW: Rebels, on which I'm basing this whole story. So, yeah. Well, go on with the story, I guess. Don't forget the reviews.

"Respected senators, noblest men and women of the Empire."

The huge insides of the Imperial Senate were filled with life. All three thousand members' eyes were turned towards the central tribune, at which stood the one holding the grand speech, addressing not only them, but all subjects living on what used to be the Galactic Republic - the state reduced to nothing more than a memory in some people's minds. On its place stood the Galactic Empire - the only superpower in history to achieve the dominance over the entire known space. The Senate played the role not as big as before, but it was lucky to be still standing and possessing power of any kind.

The person at the tribune was a sight to see. She was a young twenty four years old woman, of a truly stunning beauty. Her soft features were underlined by the ice blue eyes, which seemed to glimmer under multiple lights coming from all corners. The short pitch black hair were carefully combed, reaching her neck. The woman was dressed in the regal and narrow black coat, which marked the hourglass figure, with golden buttons and epaulettes. It gave her a certain militant look, but the impression was deceptive indeed. The white pants were held by a black belt, her slim arms were covered by long leather gloves and black boots were on her feet.

"Has your Republic ever known such a balance? New colonies, hospitals and spaceports spring from nothingness, brought to us by the fruits of conquest. These wars were won by the bravery of our legions - victors in thousands of battles over thousands of enemies. And it is to one man that we owe such prosperity and peace. Some of you grumble about more honors kept on already honored man, you whisper the word usurper and speak the word tyrant!"

Her soft voice grew louder, to indicate the displeasure at hearing such things about their leader.

"But has he not honored us by his feats of arms? Has he not cleansed the Republic of its foul and vile elements? Has he not humbled the Hutts' criminal empire and turned both the Light and Darkness into our allies? Even the most stubborn and warmongering worlds cower in fear. Crammer for his sympathy. For it is safer for them to not evoke his righteous wrath."

She made a pause.

"Some people do not appreciate all of that. Everything my father has done. They take up weapons and kill our soldiers, who are trying their best to maintain order and peace. Many civilians are getting killed by the explosions or missed shots because that group of renegades does not care. It is our duty to put an end to this 'Rebellion'. They are nothing but terrorists who have to be stopped by all possible means, and I promise to do everything in my abilities, for the patience, both mine and our beloved Emperor's, is over."

"Why am I speaking to you about this? Because it became our knowledge that some of you sympathize with the terrorists and their cause. I ask you to stop this crime, because the punishment will be according to it. But if my warnings fell on deaf ears, I ask the senators loyal to our new country to cooperate more. Look close to your colleagues, because they might turn out to be the traitors, with the blood of the innocents on their hands. I won't trouble you any longer, go on with your work."

The lady stepped down the tribune, a metal handle of the weapon clanking against the belt. She was followed by two heavily armed soldiers in pitch black armor, with helmets covering their faces, showing instead the threateningly looking features. They held long rifles in their hands, enough to vaporize anyone who dared to attack the young, although far from defenseless, princess. She calmly strolled through the circular corridor, which went around the main hall. As they were passing near one of the doors, the princess smiled at seeing one person.

It was a blond fourteen years old boy with blue eyes, who was obviously bored, standing near the doors. He was dressed in far from cheap, blue clothes, made in tradition of the minor planet of Naboo. He perked up at hearing the footsteps and immediately stood straight at seeing her.

"Your Highness," the boy greeted politely.

"Oh, no need for formalities, Luke, no one is watching," the princess said cheerfully, lowering herself to his level. "How are you?"

"I'm alright," he responded curtly.

"Let me guess, Padme brought you along again?"

Luke nodded and crossed his hands. "I don't get why she keeps doing that. It's Leia's thing, not mine! She is inside, I just needed some fresh air." He said in exasperation.

The princess chuckled, putting a gloved hand over her mouth.

"Just like your father," she noted. "Swinging the lightsaber around, fighting crime is better, isn't it?"

The boy nodded eagerly, making her chuckle more. Their families were far from being unfamiliar. During the Clone Wars they were in the opposite trenches, but despite the rivalry of their countries, they managed to hold for a certain degree of friendship. Not to mention that it was the Emperor who helped Anakin Skywalker and saved his wife Padme from the death during childbirth. Despite Phantom's doubts about the danger even existing. After that the former Jedi was the most loyal of them all.

"Can't help but agree. All the work is exhausting sometimes. Maybe we will figure out something. Not a word to your mother, though, okay?"

Luke beamed. "Yes! Thank you, Princess Danielle."

Danielle Phantom ruffled his blond hair and walked off, with a smile on her face. Just like her father, from whom she had inherited literally everything, she could assume the fearsome form, and every word could strike fear into the hearts of the enemies. But the kindness of her heart was still unmatched. Never had she struck a deadly blow to the enemy, as the princess had never been put in the same conditions as the Emperor. He would never allow it, especially when he had all resources of the Galaxy at his disposal. Danielle grew up in a caring and loving family, she had everything she could ever dream of. No hardships to make her ruthless towards her enemies, able to do it without a hint of remorse, even if it was justified.

The princess entered the office belonging to her within the Senate building. It used to be owned by the Chancellor of the Republic, and in fourteen years of the Imperial dominance it hadn't been refurnished, safe for some exceptions. The guards were ordered to stand behind the doors and leave her alone. Danielle sighed contently and stretched her muscles. Another point from her to do list was done. There was a couple more, but she could enjoy some rest. The young woman flopped on a soft armchair and turned towards the long window.

All Coruscant was before her, right beneath to be exact. It did change under the rule of the Emperor. There were some lower buildings, as the companies were 'encouraged' to build cheap housing for the lower classes of society, so they wouldn't live beneath the surface. There was more than enough space on the surface to fit many of them. The lowest levels had the priority, as long as they didn't have any brain rotting or infectious mutations from being so deep, mere miles away from the core of the planet.

A proud smile crossed the young woman's features. She was proud that all of it was done by her father. In her opinion, he was the greatest man to ever roam the Galaxy. It's because of his dedication and empathy all that people had a chance in their lives. She honestly did not understand the motives of that filthy terrorists. What did the Republic give them what the Empire couldn't? Nothing. That colossus with clay legs was destined to fall, plagued and corrupted over centuries of its existence. It made her wonder if her country was going to face the same end. Not on her watch. She wasn't going to let her father's life work reduce to nothingness.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a beeping comlink. The woman sighed, pressing the button without raising a finger.

"Yes?"

"Ma'am, there is a visitor. Mandalorian from the seems."

Danielle perked up, before sighing. Wasn't the guy a persistent one.

"Let him in, X-7," she ordered.

The doors soon slid open, revealing a man wearing a green armor with yellow markings. There was a single black line in the helmet through which he saw what was going on. A jetpack was tied to his back, and it was well known that they also packed a loaded rocket launcher inside. Many felt uncomfortable because of that. Although the gauntlets which could hurl fire was probably the more pressing issue. Danielle glanced at the new arrival and couldn't help but shake her head.

"Each time you get bolder, Mr. Fett."

The man took off the helmet, revealing a hispanic looking man in his mid twenties. He smirked at her.

"Name one other Bounty hunter who can just waltz into our beautiful princess's office," Boba said.

"That's EXACTLY the problem," Danielle crossed her hands, turning around in a chair. "Couldn't you pick a better time for a visit? Not when I am in the Senate? You are lucky that I have a droid for a secretary."

"The guards of the Palace aren't the most welcoming bunch, princess. I'm getting the job done for your father, that's all, what's there to fear?"

"Murdering people is still a crime, even if the Emperor deems it useful. And me getting seen with the likes of you is not good for my reputation."

"Don't tell me you don't like me anymore," the mercenary kept smirking, leaning against the opposite end of the table.

Danielle sized him with neutral expression. Fett had to admit, he missed the years when those shiny eyes directed at him were filled with passion. She used to be quite a feisty teen, much to her father's dismay.

"Those were teenage years and hormones as I won't stop telling you," she responded in a dignified tone, standing up as well and facing him. "And, as you could probably notice, we are not kids anymore."

"And I won't stop bothering you," Boba smirked lightly, but then sighed. He knew the reason why she ignored him over and over again. But there was no changing it. To think that he had had the most beautiful woman in the Galaxy so close. And lost it because of his stupidity.

He just hoped that she would eventually forgive him. Before she outlived the bounty hunter as he died of old age. Boba may not be like his many brothers, one year of his own was equal to two of the other clones. Maybe that's what made him so attracted to the princess. It was one of Danielle's secrets he knew. They both were born in a tube, but unlike him she was specifically made perfect. Only artificially such beauty could be given, and her creator wanted her to be that way, even if she was at first planned to be a male clone. Awkward, once you give it too much thought.

Danielle sighed. Her soft lips thinned as she stared at the visitor.

"I don't have much time, Boba. Say why you are here and then leave before someone sees you," Danielle put her hands behind her back and narrowed her eyes slightly.

"I've received another task from the Emperor, he told me that you would have more detailed information on the matter."

"So that's what all of this about," the woman mumbled, before reaching into her desk. She took out a datapad. "Yes, you are to kill yet another person," the princess explained with dry sarcasm. "As much as I would like him to be simply detained, there is no going against father's wishes. His name is Leoh Tamaris, from Alderaan, a human. From what the Intelligence says, he is the key Rebels' supplier in the system. He is from one of the Noble Houses, not the major ones, but enough to be noticed."

"Killing him won't stop the rebels, though."

Danielle raised her eyebrow. "Look who is talking. But you are right, it won't end our problems there. Alderaan is now ruled by House of Organa once again."

"Not big friends of the Empire."

"They never were, neither now, nor four thousand years ago during the previous empire. House Thul was the main candidate to be put in charge. Up to this day they hold loyalty to us. After all, it is my grandfather which saved them from utter destruction back in the day."

Another amazing trait of their family. To think that emperor Phantom was in fact the unknown son of dark lord Vitiate - the emperor of the past, the one who had almost succeeded in doing what his child actually managed to achieve. The Republic was no more. But the story of his own achievements, vile and foul crimes was a tale for another day. The thing which has to be mentioned, is that announcing his heritage to the entire Galaxy was probably not the best political move.

Some people feared the man, just because he could follow in his father's footsteps. Begin genocides, fall to the Dark Side...all those fears were misguided. Phantom was a man of strong morals, despite wielding the powers of darkness. Of course, these morals could be slightly bent for the better good of the others, but he never stepped out of line. And this was a trait he had passed on his daughter.

But there were also those, to whom this title meant the world. The Sith, whose already unwavering loyalty (and that was surely an achievement) was enough, worshipped him as a savior of their race. After all, he brought them to their home world of Korriban. Taking into consideration the nature of the red-skinned beings, he allowed them to do whatever they wanted on their planet, as long as their intrigues and schemings didn't get outside. If they needed to get someone who had escaped, they needed the seal of approval from the emperor, who also held the most powerful rank, and no one dared to challenge his authority. But they could.

"I do suspect that the Organas are only faking loyalty to my family. But without proofs I can't do anything."

"Well, I get rid of the criminals so it won't look like repressions, Dani," Fett shrugged, earning a look.

"Yes, you do it more 'artistically'," the princess responded with a sarcastic expression.

Despite the tone, Boba was glad that she didn't mind the softer form of her name coming from his mouth. It was his first attempt in a while. That's a progress. The Bounty Hunter preferred not to argue on the 'artistic' part. It wasn't because of some twisted aesthetic views, his best weapons just happened to be the most destructive, not leaving a single chance to the victim.

"The rest of the information is in the datapad," Danielle handed the device to him. "Now go, or I will raise the bounty on your head for another thousand of credits."

Fett mutely nodded and put on the helmet. He was sad about how she now was around him. She couldn't hate him per say, she never did hate anyone, but she was just as cold as the color of her eyes. All these years just weren't enough to break through her wall of moral principles. And he couldn't get over his hereditary will to kill. It was one of the biggest reasons, but not the most severe one. The mercenary went out of the room, leaving the princess alone to do her own important royal things. He then proceeded to use every available secret passage known to him in order not to frame his old time friend.

Danielle found herself staring at the doorway for longer than she should have. Sighing and shaking her head the princess reached inside the desk and took a chocolate bar. She ate a small piece of it, looking outside once again. Yes, how not to love the empire which brought you chocolate. But the second the last square from the line was eaten, her mind went back to her visitor. Each damn time he came he made her sad by just looking at him. Churning old wounds was never a good thing.

Each time she had to convince herself that it was that idiot's fault and nothing more. Still...to think that they were friends ever since being kids, and now it was almost nonexistent. What is there to say about any kind of affection. In her loving father's arms she found salvation on that day. That's someone who would never betray her. She wasn't sure how Phantom felt, but he was too good at retaining calmness. Neither she knew what Boba thought. The princess was not blind, she could see and feel his emotions. He brought this upon himself, Danielle assured herself. It was the punishment he deserved — this phrase often sounded in her mind. But why she was the one feeling this as well? It was unfair, but then again, so was the world around.

Her depressive thoughts had to go somewhere, Danielle announced to herself. She was not some pubescent girl who would fall into tears on every occasion. The best way to distract yourself is to get to work. And there was enough of it, all gods in existence bared witness of this fact. Some menial jobs could be assigned to the certain officials, it was their duty to do this - to work with each issue arising among the populace. Or at least those worthy of their attention. Some things had to be left to the people themselves. Call it an upholding of civil society. The Empire could only benefit from this. Although the emperor had to make sure their demands wouldn't grow too big. Hence why the rebellions were squashed with no mercy on his behalf. But on the princess's territory the rebels thought that it would be easier, and not without reason. She was softer and less experienced, the people were more supportive of their cause. It was like they wanted her to grow more violent.

She had been in charge for one year, right after graduating from university with flying colors. But it was such a wonderful scene when it was revealed that the girl studying there had actually been the princess. It had been a measure taken by the Emperor to help her avoid extra attention. Their faces were priceless. The following year was exhausting, as Danielle always was busy adjusting to her position of power: meeting the important officials, setting up the cabinet - that sort of things. Luckily she didn't need to sleep now that she was an adult. 

The princess signed a few documents. Being able to do that without hands she was less tired of repeatedly doing the same thing. Again, thanks to the optimally functioning (yet) bureaucratic machine, Danielle got her work shortened. Her father was helping, too. Administratively splitting the Empire in two parts was a good idea, as her loyalty was unshakable. And although she had graduated not so long ago, she was doing just fine, or at least better than she had expected.

Then came an hour of hearings. People came into her office with reports on the goings within the eastern part of the galaxy. Nothing interesting to a side observant, a person not eligible in such fields, except for one thing. One person was not received, instead there was a call from one of the distant worlds. Danielle didn't like those, the tight schedule couldn't be twisted on whim. They just popped out of nowhere and made her change the time of other appointments. Sighing, she pressed a button.

It was a tall, but thin man, dressed in dark robes. His face was covered by a metallic mask, which only resembled his Sith features. His left hand was also replaced by a metal resemblance. Danielle's attention was immediately caught.

"Greetings, Your Highness," he said in a metallic voice

He bowed slowly. Danielle stood up and stood before the hologram. She looked so petite near the alien. But she held her posture well.

"Ah, Lord Innit," the princess greeted him politely. "What is that you need?"

"We have arranged a meeting, remember?"

"Yes," Danielle rubbed her temples. "But you haven't told me what's this all about. And please, explain quickly."

"Very well, Your Highness. Your presence is required on Korriban."

It caught her off guard. She rarely came there. The last time was when her father taught her the Dark Side and that was five years ago, when she had finally matured and was ready to be faced against the corruption. They both mastered either side, and this was the key of their power, besides that given to them by their very undead nature. Danielle put a hand on her hip and raised an eyebrow.

"And what could you possibly need from me?"

"Your involvement as a...neutral judge is needed."

Yes, the Sith issues should have been solved by her or the Emperor, so she shouldn't mind being called on such occasions. If they got out of hand, then the problems would be unavoidable. The Paladins or the Jedi didn't have any trust of the Sith. The first ones would be too nosy. The latter would start preaching their light side nonsense. The balance of forces was important to maintain in order not to let the Galaxy fall into another conflict. Still, Danielle didn't like the Sith much. But, they were still her subjects and she had to care for their well-being.

"Judge?"

"It is not wise to discuss this through communications. Please, come to our world as soon as you get the time. The situation is indeed very troubling. The very Dark Council's existence is at stake."

Now that was some Shakespeare level of drama. Just what could make the Sith so uneasy?

"I'd prefer to know what's going on before going," she narrowed her blue eyes.

Innit realized with whom he was speaking. Of course, with the daughter of the most stubborn man in the Galaxy.

"Fine. The Dark Council is troubled by the recent activities in the Valley of Dark Lords. As you probably know, it has been off limits once we rebuilt the outsides of the tombs. Just to avoid the unnecessary deaths of foolish young acolytes. They still wander there in search for power. Commendable initiative, but foolish nonetheless. Back to the matter, it is not them we are worried about."

'Figures,' Danielle thought sarcastically, crossing her hands. The Sith were that harsh.

"We have all been sensing something. Disturbance in that place. And..." Innit leaned forward slightly. "The Council Members are blaming each other for this. That we are trying to get an upper hand. No acolyte can possess the power to do that. As its head, it is only logical that I invite the most neutral and just judge to settle our issue. The one who also specializes in the Force, I mean. Normal judges won't be able to comprehend all the facts."

Danielle hummed. Her curiosity was indeed peaked. And if someone was doing something forbidden to even the Sith...that person was in for a lot of troubles. Could these be the rogue Sith? Probably...but there was also one which had evaded all efforts to catch him. The one which possessed enough power to get out of captivity the Jedi had put him in. The person too dangerous to be kept alive, but for some reason still roaming in the darkness of space. Despite the age, he didn't seem to be on the verge of dying.

Palpatine.

"I'll do what I can."