A Kind Master and a Dutiful Disciple

721, A Kind Master and a Dutiful Disciple

Darth Malthael fell silent. He seemed to sigh, or perhaps merely take a deep breath. After a long while, he turned his head and slowly said, "Do you know what I'm thinking?"

"Though I cannot discern your thoughts, I hope you will consider this question carefully," said the spirit of Qui-Gon Jinn.

"What I'm thinking is... since the fall of the Galactic Republic is unavoidable, since a new Empire will rise from the Republic's ruins... then... hehehehehe..." Darth Malthael said, then suddenly began to laugh. His laughter grew louder and louder. "Hahahahahaha! Ahahahahahahaha!"

A terrifying ferocity flickered in his eyes. Empowered by the Dark Side Force, his pupils even carried a hint of gold. "Then... why can't I be that Emperor? Hehehehe..."

"If that is so, what is the difference between you and Darth Sidious?" Qui-Gon Jinn showed little reaction, merely asking calmly in return.

Darth Malthael had already calmed down. "You'll never know unless you try."

Qui-Gon Jinn shifted his gaze away from Darth Malthael and cast it once more toward the bottomless cave. "In the end, I never got to drink Dawn Star Planet's black tea a second time."

"Want me to burn some for you?" Darth Malthael asked.

"If you burn it, can I receive it?" Qui-Gon Jinn found that rather strange.

"It is a custom on Dawn Star Planet. As long as something is burned before a dead person's grave, it will be delivered into the deceased's hands," Darth Malthael said.

"It sounds like nothing more than a way for the living to ease their longing for the dead... Besides, it might even develop into human sacrifice," Qui-Gon Jinn said.

"Ha, that was something from the feudal era." Darth Malthael smiled.

"Where was Dawn Star Planet's feudal era?"