Liquidator: Subject Zero/Epilogue

Epilogue

Imperial Palace, Imperial Center, Core Worlds Seven months before the Battle of Yavin

Selwyn Marhanen walked down one of the corridors leading up to the Emperor's throne room, near the top of the palace. It was great to be back, now that the traitors were dead. After he killed the treasonous Grand Moff Argon, Lord Vader handled the situation on the ground on Solay. A raid on his palace resulted in him obtaining much information on the Rebellion in the palace's computers, and since Vader has taken destroying the Rebels as his personal mission, he was thankful for Marhanen's aid in finding this.

Reaching the end of the long hall, the doors slid open. Marhanen walked into the Emperor's throne room, with no one present other than Palpatine himself. He felt proud, being entrusted by his master to carry out his will across the galaxy. As he approached the throne, the Emperor spoke up.

"So. Subject Zero was eliminated?" Palpatine asked.

"Yes, your Majesty," the guardsman answered. "The traitors are dead."

"Very well. I think you performed well, for your first field mission," the Emperor told him. "It will not be the last."

"Thank you, your Majesty."

"Your handling of the situation was impressive. I felt something was odd about Grand Moff Argon, and you confirmed it for me after you killed the governor of the Dominus system."

Selwyn remained quiet. He only nodded.

"I sense you have a question, Guardsman?"

"Yes, your Majesty. I was wondering how Imperial Intelligence and the ISB did not learn of his treachery. Now that I looked at it, it seemed pretty obvious and sloppily covered up," Selwyn asked.

"Well, actually, we—as in I, Director Isard, and Commander Sollaine—have known that the Grand Moff was also a traitor," the Emperor replied. "For several months now."

Selwyn was stunned. "Then why—"

The Emperor gave him a devious smile. "Consider it a test, which you past. I need to know whether the skills of all of my servants are sharp."

"Of course, your Majesty," Selwyn said. "Now, did you have anything else you would like me to do?"

"As I said, this mission was only your first. You will find the briefing for your next assignment in your quarters."

END