Star Wars - Darth Plagueis

things contain within them organelles known as midi-chlorians. They are, in addition to being the basis for life, the elements that enable beings like me to perceive and use the Force. As the result of a lifetime of study, I have learned how to manipulate midi-chlorians, and I have instructed the limited number you possess to return to their source. In plain Basic, Veruna, I am killing you.”
    Veruna’s face was losing color, and his breathing had slowed. “Bring … me back. I can still be … of service … to you …”
    “But you are, Your Majesty. A celebrated ancient poet once said that every death lessened him, for he considered himself to be a brother to every living being. I, on the other hand, have come to understand that every death I oversee nourishes and empowers me, for I am a true Sith.”
    “No … better than … an Anzati.”
    “The brain eaters? What does better than mean to those of us who have passed beyond notions of good and evil? Are you better than Bon Tapalo? Are you better than Queen Padmé Amidala? I am the only one fit to answer the question. Better are those who do my bidding.” Plagueis placed his hand atop Veruna’s. “I’ll remain with you for a while as you meld with the Force. But at some point, I will have to leave you at the threshold to continue on your own.”
    “Don’t do this … Damask. Please …”
    “I am Darth Plagueis, Veruna. Your shepherd.”
    As life left Veruna’s body, the path he and Plagueis followed wound deeper into darkness and absence. Then Plagueis stopped, overcome by a sudden sense that he had already seen and traveled this path.
    Had he? he wondered as Veruna breathed his last.
    Or had the Force afforded him a glimpse of the future?

28: CHAIN OF COMMAND
    Returned from Ralltiir, Maul sat cross-legged on the floor in the LiMerge Building while Sidious debriefed him. Having just terminated an irritating communication with the Neimoidians, Sidious was in no mood for games.
    “The way you make it sound, my apprentice, it seems almost an indignity that none survived to spread the word of your massacre.”
    “You orders were that none should, Master.”
    “Yes,” Sidious said, continuing to circle him. “And not one of them proved a challenge?”
    “No, Master.”
    “Not Sinya?”
    “I decapitated the Twi’lek.”
    “Not Mighella?”
    “My blade halved the Nightsister after she tried to defeat me with summoned Force-lightning.”
    Sidious paused for a moment. “Not even Garyn?”
    “No.”
    Sidious detected a note of hesitation. “No, what, Darth Maul?”
    “I drowned him.”
    Touching his chin, Sidious stood where the Zabrak could see him.
    “Well, someone had to have dealt the wound you suffered to your left hand. Unless, of course, you gave it to yourself.”
    Maul clenched the black-gloved hand. “There is no pain where strength lies.”
    “I didn’t inquire if the wound hurt. I asked who was responsible.”
    “Garyn,” Maul said quietly.
    Sidious feigned surprise. “So he was something of a challenge. Being slightly Force-sensitive.”
    “He was nothing compared with the power of the dark side.”
    Sidious studied him. “Did you tell him as much, my apprentice? Answer honestly.”
    “He came to the conclusion.”
    “He identified you as a Sith. Did he assume, then, that you were a Sith Lord?”
    Maul stared at the floor. “I—”
    “You revealed that you answer to a Master. Am I correct?”
    Maul forced himself to respond. “Yes, Master.”
    “And perhaps you went so far as to say something about the revenge of the Sith.”
    “I did, Master.”
    Sidious approached him, his face contorted in anger. “And if by some marvel Garyn had managed to escape, or even defeat the one-being army that is Darth Maul, what repercussions might we be facing, apprentice?”
    “I beg your forgiveness, Master.”
    “Perhaps you’re not worthy of the Infiltrator, after all. The moment you allowed yourself to become distracted, the Black Sun leader cut open your hand.”
    Maul remained silent.
    “I hope you thanked him before you killed him,” Sidious went on, “because he taught you a valuable lesson. When you face someone strong in the Force you must remain focused—even when you’re convinced that your opponent is incapacitated. Then is not the time to bask in the glory of your victory or draw out the moment. You must deliver a killing strike and be done with it. Reserve your self-praise for after the fact, or you will