"A Voice in the Darkness"
by Unknown
Location: Elsewhere and Nowhere
Date: Praeda 13, 4ABY

***

Intelligence was a wonderful thing. Not the sort that separated man from the beasts, but the kind that gave a man information, vital information, on all of his enemies. On the bank of monitors before him, they were all arrayed for his observation. Each one would be dealt with in time. Once his strength had returned, they would all feel his wrath. To cast him down like some sort of commoner, trampled in the mud and left forgotten. Oh they would pay, and more dearly for forgetting. Even more so for allowing the usurper to stand in his place. How could his people forget him so?

His wounds were nearly healed, and the scarring would be minimal. At least that was what the doctors told. He had seen their handiwork and was impressed. They were good at what they did, and that's why they were his.

"Your training is going along fine," a voice from behind said.

"It is. Though, I still feel weak and hollow. That will pass when the wounds fully close?"

"It is so," the voice said. "Your mind is strong, and that will be your greatest strength. While you now have the capacity to crush a man's skull in the palm of your hand, never forget the power of thought to do your bidding."

"They will all bow before me ere this is over," he rasped. "They will beg me for mercy, and shall receive the same they showed me. I ruled the planet, but when my reign ascends anew, it will be the galaxy that kneels at my throne. Never again will I be caught unguarded. Never again will my defenses be usurped. Payment will be harsh for what they did, and they will feel no mercy."

In the darkness, the face that belonged to the voice smiled. All was proceeding as planned.

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