Quotes from James Luceno

Evil? Plagueis repeated. What is that? Moments ago you defined yourself as a storm. You said you were death itself. Are you evil, then, or are you simply stronger and more awake than others? Who gives more shape to sentient history: the good who adhere to the tried and true, or those who seek to rouse beings from their stupor and lead them to glory? A storm you are, but a much-needed one, to wash away the old and complacent and prune the galaxy of deadweight.

Not yet, Shryne said, as if to himself Then you're his apprentice? His eyes darted right and left, searching for some means of escape. Is Sidious also in league with Emperor Palpatine? Vader fell silent for a moment, making up his mind about something. Lord Sidious is the Emperor.

I owe you a debt, he told Vader. It took you to bring me back to the Force. And you to firm my faith in the power of the dark side, Master Shryne.

I guess research isn't for everyone." "Certainly not for the faint of heart or the unfaithful.

Even the brightest of dreams-come-true had shadowy recesses.

Time and again the two Jedi Knights attempted to alter their style, but Vader had an answer for every lunge, parry, and riposte. His style borrowed elements from all techniques of combat, even from the highest, most dangerous levels, and his moves were crisp and unpredictable. In addition, his remarkable foresight allowed him to anticipate Forte's and Kulka's strategies and maneuvers, his blade always one step ahead of theirs, notwithstanding the two-handed grip he employed.

Your fugitive Jedi, my apprentice, Sidious said. They are traveling to Kashyyyk. He tipped his head to one side. Perhaps, Lord Vader, they hope to lay a trap for you. Vader clenched his hands. That would be my most fervent wish, my Master. Sidious clamped his hands on Vader's upper arms. Then go to them, Lord Vader. Make them sorry they didn't hide while they had the chance!

For the moment it was enough that his advisers and minions respected him–for reestablishing peace, for eliminating the group that had posed the greatest threat to continued stability–but eventually those same advisers would need to fear him. To understand the great power he wielded, as both Emperor and Dark Lord of the Sith. And to that end, Sidious needed Vader. For if someone as potent as Vader answered to the Emperor, then how powerful must the Emperor be!

Under the rule of the ancient Sith, the future of the galaxy had been in the able hands of many dark sovereigns. Now responsibility for maintaining order rested only with Darth Sidious.

Could Vader actually be Anakin Skywalker? the two men wondered. Based on Obi-Wan's account of what had occurred on Mustafar, Anakin's survival didn't seem possible. But perhaps Obi-Wan had underestimated Anakin. Perhaps Anakin's peerless strength in the Force had allowed him to survive.

I don't work for the Republic, and I'm certainly not about to work for Count Dooku." "Science doesn't take sides, is that it?

There it was again, Plagueis thought: the deceptive cadence; the use of flattery, charm, and self-effacement as if rapier feints in a duel. The need to be seen as guileless, unassuming, empathetic. A youth with no desire to enter politics, and yet born for it.

Understand this: you no longer represent your homeworlds solely. Coruscant, Alderaan, Chandrila ... All these and tens of thousands of worlds far removed from the Core are cells of the Empire, and what affects one, affects us all. No disturbances will be tolerated. Interplanetary squabbles or threats of secession will meet with harsh reprisals. I have not led us through three years of galactic warfare to allow a resurgence of the old ways. The Republic is extinct.

Where Darth Sidious had gained everything, Vader had lost everything, including–for the moment, at least–the self-confidence and unbridled skill he had demonstrated as Anakin Skywalker.

The Sith are not placid stars but singularities. Rather than burn with muted purpose, we warp space and time to twist the galaxy to our own design.

The Empire values dedication. Especially when it's unswerving.

His strategy of flying boldly into the face of adversity was studied and taught, and during the Clone Wars would come to be known as "the Tarkin Rush

As he grew stronger in the dark side, the profane world became a stranger and stranger place, swept by currents he'd had no previous awareness of and populated by vaguely outlined life-forms he saw as magnitudes of the Force.

We'll get this sorted out," Galen said, trying to sound optimistic. "You're not through with us yet.

Vader might very well be Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, whom Tarkin had fought beside during the Clone Wars, and for whom he had developed a grudging appreciation.

The Jedi Order's homespun cloaks announced: I want for nothing, because I am clothed in the Force; the cloaks of the Sith: I am the light in the dark, the convergence of opposing energies.

Tarkin had long nursed suspicions about who Vader was beneath the black face mask and helmet, as well as how he had come to be, but he knew better than to give open voice to his thoughts.

Plagueis kept his thoughts to himself. The aptly named Darth Bane

We serve nature's purpose by culling the herd, and our own by sharpening our skills. We are the predatory swarm!