A.N. We made it to fifty chapters, congratulations! *blows party horn*

"Oh, god," Danny muttered as he started to hyperventilate, gripping the edge of the stone bed. "Oh, god!" He exclaimed.

The Nightsisters were silent. They were just as shocked as the ghost was. The fact that the son of the most powerful and menacing Sith Emperor outlived his father for over three millennia was stunning. Yes, Danny had one hell of a family. His mind was racing, so many questions appeared in his mind as he couldn't even decide on which one to think. But he managed to regain his composure and take a sigh. Danny looked at the witches. And he sensed fear.

"No one must know about this, am I clear?"

He received multiple nods. Danny decided to leave Dathomir, he had far more pressing matters in hands. His heritage gave a lot of opportunities, but just as many dangers. The Jedi would kill him on sight. And, honestly speaking, the Sith didn't hold much love for Valkorion either. The Emperor was a vengeful person. After his Sith Empire failed and his old body was killed, Valkorion destroyed what remained of it for its failures, using the resources of his new Eternal Empire. But there was one place which could benefit his son's country.

"My Lord, may I ask a question?"

Phantom shrugged on his seat. "Go ahead, Grand Admiral," he urged Thrawn to continue.

"I'm yet to hear why we are going to the edge of the Galaxy."

The Chiss had long since understood that he could openly speak his mind to his monarch. And Phantom often listened.

"Simple. Zakuul is right out there. And that planet is so sickeningly rich that it alone can fund our Empire. It holds the riches of both the Sith Empire and the Republic. And even after that pathetic 'Eternal Alliance' took all aurodium kept outside of the planet, I suspect that something was kept in secret. Valkorion was pompous, but he was not a fool."

Thrawn raised an eyebrow, fixing his white uniform. "May I ask for the details? After all, you have taken only Hyperion, so you are not going to acquire it by force, obviously."

"You are right as always. I have a trump card down my sleeve. I hope it is going to work. That depends."

"On what?"

"Whether the Intelligence reports are right or not."

Despite the tyranny of the Emperor, the people of Zakuul lived more happily than ever before during his reign. He was the one to turn the uncivilized tribes into the citizens of the most advanced planet-state. It was time for the true heir to return and claim the Eternal Throne.

The enormous dreadnought came out near the planet. It had three moons and was generally filled with jungles and swamps. Lower half of the planet was covered by the enormous ocean. But there was also a huge city, filled with narrow pillar structures, some of which even reached space. The Spire was the city's name. The biggest pillar was where the Throne was located. But Danny suspected that the place was abandoned. Why would Consul need the regalia of the monarch?

There was a bunch of the ships, but nineteen kilometers long Hyperion made them look tiny in comparison. Danny leaned back in his seat. The Eternal Fleet had been destroyed long ago.

"Try to establish communication with them," Phantom ordered. "We don't need them to fear us."

"That's why you have taken the most threatening ship of the Imperial Navy," Thrawn said dryly.

"I said that we don't need them to fear. But I want them to witness our power."

Soon the hologram appeared. It was a man dressed in a golden colored armor. He was a human, had slick black hair and firm traits of the face. Under his armpit he was holding a helmet.

"This is Captain Cree of Zakuulan Defense force. State your business."

Danny rose from his seat and stood in front of the man. "Daniel Phantom. I came here with a certain...request, and I'd like to solve this issue peacefully with your Consul. If you don't mind, of course."

The captain narrowed his eyes. "Your ship must remain out of the orbit. You come down alone and we escort you where needed. You've caused enough panic as it is."

Phantom shrugged. "I don't have anything against this. Send the coordinates, I'll be down there."

The message was received. The ghost looked around and saw Dani sitting on a chair near one of the screens. Phantom approached her and noticed that she was playing a game on the control console. He raised an eyebrow.

"Whose place is this?" He asked the Grand Admiral.

"Ensign Price, I recall. She is having an annual time off."

During the time of peace, every soldier could have up to the month, depending on superiors' recommendations, vacation each year. Still, there should have been a replacement, and Danny voiced his thoughts. Thrawn only looked at him with a raised eyebrow, his red pupiless eyes showing that this was bluntly obvious.

"You have summoned the ship with a remark 'immediately', Your Majesty. We didn't have time to fill all positions. If you wish, I can call someone from another post."

"Judging from the fact that my daughter is currently using that console for gaming, the place is not really relevant. Let the people do their job. By the way, call HK from his room. I'll meet him in the hangers."

At the Chiss' nod, Danny approached the girl, who was rapidly pressing the keys on the keyboard. Phantom smiled, crossing his hands.

"Alright, kiddo, let's go."

Dani pouted. "Can I continue later?" She gave puppy eyes.

"Nice trick, Danielle, but I think we are there for a long time. Common now."

The girl complied and got up from the seat. The group went to the nearest hanger, to X-70. Yes. The shuttle was now his.

They flew down to the surface. Phantom, just as his daughter, watched the Spire with a great marvel. It made Coruscant look pathetic. A shining golden metropolis that sprawled outwards from the central tower, the Spire was a vertical city, with skyscrapers and pyramid-shaped buildings suspended above each other in a climb nearly to the atmosphere. All roads on Zakuul eventually led to the Spire, which was built atop the Old World—Emperor Valkorion's first attempt at building a city, which had not been grand enough for him. Well, he succeeded.

Phantom calmly looked around the landing platform. Thrawn did the same. Soon they were greeted by a squad of the soldiers in a golden armor. Captain Cree was in front of them. Danny dusted his black uniform nonchalantly, while Dani shifted on her legs. The HK observed the weapons, and as such, their potential shall everything go not as planned. The captain stood near the Emperor, being of the same size as the monarch.

"Follow me," he said. "The Parliament session is going at the moment, they will hear you out."

They went forward. Danny noticed the weapons too, before deciding to try the hostile atmosphere. You don't barge into someone's house and then request to talk.

"Nice pikes," he said. "Do they have the lightsaber blades?"

"Yes, they do," The captain responded curtly.

"He is really gloomy," Dani mumbled. Phantom and HK snorted. What the adult has on mind, the children have on their tongues.

They went to the large building, also spire-like, but somewhat standing out. Occasionally they were meeting people dressed in white, black or golden robes. Zakuul was inhabited mostly by humans last time the known records were made, so it was no wonder that they were the only race the group met. And they got a curious audience. Phantom pleasantly noted that Dani was holding quite well under the multitude of stares.

On the inside everything was just as rich. Through the corridors filled with golden statues, they entered the huge hall. So that was where the Parliament was holding a session. And again so much gold, did they even care about the expenses?

"Do you have a plan?" Thrawn asked.

"Yes, we'll talk. Dani, watch and learn."

Once the guests were noticed, the man sitting at the white tribune rose from his place. He was mid aged, with raven hair and goatee, wearing crimson robes.

"It has been a long time since anyone came to our planet with an armed ship," he said.

"Hm, it has been thirty five hundred years, if I'm not mistaken," Phantom crossed his hands, standing at the center of the hall. "Our meeting was bound to happen...you are the consul, I presume?"

"Yes, your name is already known to us, Phantom. Speak."

"Oh, but I simply wanted to ask about your whereabouts. After all, a lot of things had changed in the Galaxy since Zakuul stopped being its center. And you have been living in isolation all this time."

"We are not responsible before any of the galactic states. Neither we should report to you."

"I'm getting to it, Consul. You can't imagine how wrong you are. Tell me, on whose account is this banquet? Where did Zakuul take the money for all these aurodium statues and rich clothes you are wearing?"

"What does it have to do with the current situation?"

"Just answer my question and I'll answer yours. Oh, nevermind, it was a rhetorical question. Zakuul was brought up from the Stone Age by one man. And even though he is despised by many, me included, his achievements are not to be taken easily. Valkorion enriched Zakuul, and you are ought to be thankful for this."

"You are wasting our time, Phantom, we have more pressing issues."

"Like a series of mass suicidal acts?" Danny asked calmly. Everyone stared at him. How did he know?

The ghost continued as he slowly strawled around, gaining an eye contact with all the deputies. He radiated the noble air around himself, and everyone, including his daughter, could feel it.

"They don't want to follow the God they fear so much. They fear someone who has been dead for centuries. But remind me yet again, who had defeated him? My point is...the one who stands in front of you is his heir. I am Daniel Phantom, the last son of the Eternal Emperor Valkorion - the Dragon of Zakuul, the Slayer of Izax!"

While some seemingly were shocked and horrified, some looked confused, some looked non-amused. Dani blinked curiously, while HK's professor met an unexpected error.

"Do you really think we are going to believe such nonsense?!" Consul shouted and leaped to his feet. "The Emperor has been dead for three millennia! You don't seem like you are that old!"

"And for how long my father has ruled? Ah, yes, several centuries. Is it so hard to believe that I can do the same? My life is eternal, and I've waited for this moment to claim what is mine by the right of birth!"

"We are democracy, you demon's spawn! You have no right to demand anything here!"

"Demon? Oh, so you admit my heritage. That my father was the Demon Savior from the legends? The one who thought that the destiny is within our own hands, nor Izax, nor any of that pitiful gods who are now being worshipped again?"

Three men in the room understood what he was doing, including the director of that orchestra. Phantom was pulling on a very convincing role, acting as if he really believed what he was saying about their religion. HK knew perfectly well that Danny was deceiving the deputies. But he had to present more proofs of his heritage, obviously, and the droid started to wonder how Phantom was going to pull that off. Seeing the girl dangerously close to him, HK stepped aside. Consul gripped his last safety rod.

"How do we know that you aren't an imposter?"

Phantom remained calm. "Well, we can't wait for thousand years to confirm my identity," he said dryly, "And father kind of faded into oblivion. Maybe you can offer something? I don't exactly have the birth certificate. I had been born in secret, so my beloved parent couldn't find me."

"This is your concern, not ours. You are far from confirming your claim."

"Well, and you are far from denying it. We face a dilemma. But let's not look at it this way. We can be more pragmatic. I'm surprised that Zakuul still stands unharmed. The Eternal Fleet has been destroyed and you are basically defenseless. The Galaxy is at war yet again, and your riches will be a target once the idea crosses their minds. Our Empire is neutral in this civil war, and it is surely more powerful than the corrupt Republic and the Confederacy, plagued by the corporations in charge. The Empire is ruled by law and justice, and I am their bringer."

Dani watched her father in awe, her attention solely on him. The girl had never watched his speeches, but it seemed more interesting and stunning than she thought.

"I have destroyed the crumbling state to build a new one on its place. The Empire spans from the entirety of the Unknown Regions on the West to Korriban on the east. Our banners hang on Dromund Kaas and Endor, and our soldiers maintain order within many Republican worlds, which have been brought under Imperial Protectorate. They haven't experienced the blight of the Clone Wars because of our might. And we offer the same opportunity to you. Me being the son of Valkorion is just a cherry on top."

"Be it solely my decision, you would have been sent away, but we are democracy, something you are trying to destroy..."

"Actually...no. Our laws forbid from interfering with the political system of the planets, unless there are armed revolts. You will get a representation in the Council on the right of the world of federal importance. The people of Zakuul won't lose their rights to control their own planet. We won't pull you into the conflict. I have created the Empire of peace, so we will let you to decide your future. I understand that we should wait, we will give you time until tomorrow at the same time. If you wish, we will send you the example of our constitution. Farewell."

Mere minutes later Danny was aboard of the shuttle. Dani jumped on the spinning bar stool, while Phantom poured her some blue bantha milk, very nutritious and tasty stuff. The girl then ran off to her room, holding the glass with both hands. HK stood nearby as his Master picked up the glass with Twi'lek liquor. Danny made a sip.

"Query: Is it going to be like on Terra?"

"You mean a killer who tries to send a blast through my head? No, I have a better option. Zakuul is located comfortably near the Hutt Space. I had previously got a few...acquitances among the closest advisors to the Hutt bosses. I pay them more than that scrooges, and since they only care about the shiny aurodium ingots, I got nice agents. Never know when such petty pawns can be of any use." Danny let out a dark chuckle, before making another sip. "Anyways. Hutt Cartel is coming soon. But I made sure that they send a small enough fleet. Hyperion and Zakuul defense navy can fight them off. And once I defend them...they will kneel before their Emperor."

On the following day, just at the agreed time, Phantom stood in front of the Parliament again. Now the meeting was filmed, and Zakuul watched the historical moment. Consul stepped on the tribune. The fact that he was above obviously made him smug, Danny felt as such.

"Daniel Phantom. After careful consideration and debates, the Parliament has come to conclusion."

Phantom made a few steps, using the nonexistent stairs. He floated on the consul's eye level, to the audience's surprise. Danny crossed his hands as his hair was tossing around slightly. The consul didn't seem so proud of himself anymore.

"I'm ready to listen," Danny said calmly.

"Zakuul shall remain independent. You must leave with your ship."

Phantom kept the same neutral expression. "Have it your way. I have promised that I will leave. But I don't want our visit to go in vain. You know how to contact us. If you wish for something, we can discuss it."

"We'll see about that."

'Oh, yes, we will,' Danny thought with an internal smirk.

Phantom landed on his feet and went off. Once back on Hyperion, the ghost ordered to fly to the system close by. He knew about what was going to happen. Danny was sitting at the table in his room, rummaging through the documents sent to him. He looked up from the datapad at his daughter, who had just finished writing. Phantom examined the small task he had given her and smirked.

"My, all answers are right. Are you sure you haven't read my mind?"

Dani giggled. "No, Daddy. You're just an awesome teacher."

Danny couldn't resist a smile. Coming from her it meant a lot. She was just too precious. While he ruffled her snowy locks, HK went into the room.

"Report: As you thought, Master, we have received a transmission."

Humming under his nose, Danny pressed the button. The image appeared.

"I didn't expect a call to be so soon, Consul," Phantom commented.

"Skip the pleasantries, Phantom! I know it's you behind this!"

"Behind what?" Danny asked innocently, raising his eyebrow.

"You have sent these merks to raid us, don't make a fool out of me. It's awfully convenient for you."

"And I'm sure that as a leader speaking to his colleague you have proofs," Phantom responded with a fake confidence.

"Such coincidences are not possible."

"Really? That's it? Why do you even call? If it is to shout at me then I can simply end the call."

"We...we need assistance," Consul looked like very words he said harmed him a lot.

"You have a strange manner of asking. You are lucky that I don't care a bit about your insults. We will be there as soon as we can."

When the transmission was over, HK burst into metallic laughter.

Meanwhile Zakuul was being pillaged by all kinds of mercenaries. They were in their heaven. So much aurodium, blood and tears. But that concerned the land forces. Slaughtering the guards of the city, they kept advancing. In the orbit the remnants of the defense fleet were trying to fight off the invaders. The Hutts' fleet wasn't that advanced or powerful, but there were many of them, enough to slowly overpower the enemy. The flagship of their forces was as big as Republican Venator-class.

In the bridge the mercenaries were operating and directing the forces, showing the discipline of the military. Instead of the captain's seat was a huge sofa for a Hutt owning the vessel. He was completely non phased by the ongoing battle, calmly smoking from the tube full of the green liquid most of his race preferred.

"How long until we break them?" He asked his assistant in huttese.

"Approximately ten more minutes. If our corvettes get close enough," the human near him said.

"I can already feel that aurodium," the Hutt mumbled in excitement. "The Jahibakti clan will become the richest in the Cartel!"

Suddenly one of the mercenaries ran to them. "Sir! There is an object approaching us!"

"So?" Hutt puffed the smoke out of his wide mouth.

"It's eight miles long, and it's about to come out of hyperspace!"

Just as he said this, the black monstrosity appeared in the gap between the forces. As it was slowing down, the ship rammed the cruiser in front and snapped it in half with no effort. The dreadnaught was like a boot, the corvettes were like ants. The size was about the same coefficient. Phantom crossed his hands while being on the bridge.

"All batteries, fire at will, protect Zakuulan forces!" He commanded. "And send the bombers."

The dark space around became a furious light show, hundreds of turbolasers, laser and ion cannons flew to all directions. They hit especially hard at the broadsides. Smirking at the caused destruction, Phantom turned around and went to the holographic table. His observation was cut short, however, when he saw that the enemy was trying to get away. They were on dangerous distance from the planet, they could jump away any second.

"It's time to test our newest addition. Activate the gravity well!"

No one was going to get away. Hyperion was perfect for destroying such fleets. Phantom denied the call coming from the enemy.

"Question: You are not going to let them surrender?"

Danny looked back at his daughter, making sure she couldn't hear them.

"I don't need any survivors to tell about my little scheme. No prisoners."

"Query: Have I ever told you how much I admire you, Master?"

It didn't take long until the fleet was taken down and utterly destroyed. Phantom hummed, remembering that some enemy forces were on the surface. But Dani was with him.

"HK, watch over her," he commanded.

"Complaint: Why can't I go down, too?"

"Because I need to come. And I have learnt that duplicates can be useless. Don't you dare to make a step away from her, am I clear?"

HK sadly nodded. Phantom walked to Dani and told her to stay away from the windows. Then Danny ordered the Marine cohort to prepare for landing. Meanwhile he changed into more appropriate clothes. Black plastoid armor plates, covered by white robes, which showed his chest, left his now armored hands visible and were held tight to the body by the white belt. Beneath the pitch black armor was white fiber protection. His armored boots were also white. To finish it all, he put on the Imperial crown.

From the hangers flew several ships in order to land. They had picked the big enough square. The cohort regrouped there in a record time. At his loud command, the soldiers scattered to subdue the bandits. Mercenaries were just that, they relied on strong individuals, but the powerful fist of united force was enough to break them. The Marines were killing the mercenaries one by one, shooting them in the middle of their raid, freeing each house.

Phantom personally led the biggest force, going to another, central square. The main fight was there. Danny made sure that his actions were seen. He was in the vanguard. Phantom used his power to the extent, his soldiers were rarely shooting, getting rid of the sneaky bastards who tried to flank them. Danny threw an ectoblast and blew up the firing spot. Once on the square, Phantom saw that the nerds had pushed the guards to the building.

"Captain, take the safe positions," He ordered. "Then open fire to clean up what remains, don't get to the open areas."

"Yes, Milord," the officer hit his chest as Phantom went forward.

He strolled through the battlefield, swinging his transparent blade, hurling it into the distant shooters only for the sword to return into his white gloved hand. Finally he got to the place he deemed useful for his power, which was about to be unleashed. Taking a deep breath, Phantom let out the destructive wail. As many times before, the destruction was imminent. Sound waves threw the debris and the soldiers around like sacks of potatoes, getting wounds incompatible with life. The Zakuul guards covered their ears, but couldn't because of their helmets. Those who didn't wear them were more lucky.

At last, Phantom stopped. The silence was ringing in everyone's ears. The soldiers were getting rid of the still alive mercenaries. The Emperor approached the Zakuulan guards. He sensed fear in their hearts, but Phantom expected that. He had just demonstrated the power his father couldn't hope to get. And yet again, his light was giving the impression he hoped to get.

"Where is your captain?" He asked.

"He was wounded and brought inside the building...Your Majesty."

Needless to say that calling him by title was assuring for the ghost's plan. Phantom went inside. There were a lot of wounded. Even if the guards were skillful, their reinforcements were too far away to help overpower the superior enemy. Phantom saw the captain sitting against the wall, with his leg being bandaged. The Zakuulan noticed him.

"What are you doing here?"

"The Consul asked for protection, so I came here. Is it so bad?" He nodded towards the wound.

"The nerve endings were burned off," the medical droid said. "This means that it will be permanently disabled."

"Seems like I'm going on pension," the captain grunted.

"Not exactly," Danny said. "I can help."

"How?"

"Watch this," Phantom smirked.

He kneeled near the soldier, the armor making clanging sounds. The captain's leg was surrounded by white ethereal glow, and he felt tingly in that place. But it wasn't painful at all, although he couldn't feel anything at all...wait. The captain blinked, but in that split second Phantom already moved away his hands.

"Try it now."

To his shock, the captain found out that his leg was fully functional again.

"And I can do much more, I assure you," Phantom smirked, before offering his hand.

The captain took it and got up.

The bandits were slaughtered. The Emperor's orders were done without delays. Zakuulan Parliament let him do the judgement and execution. But then he was called to their session. That's what brought Phantom to the place he had already visited.

"Phantom, by the name of the Parliament and Zakuul citizens, I tell you about our gratitude."

The consul didn't like what he was saying, obviously. But there was no denying the will of the deputies.

"No need to thank me," Phantom put a hand over his core. "I took the burden of protector of the Galaxy, and I will fulfill it. These were the Hutts' ships. Their criminal empire on my list of threats to the people. I saw how they suffered. And I wanted to make their lives better by using the power I have inherited and gained. We have intercepted the call, the Hutt Cartel knows about what happened here. They will send more, so I must repeat my proposal."

"The offer still stands, the Empire's protection is free, you will have the entire new market for your goods, and your people will have more things to buy. The trade will flourish, and you will lose absolutely nothing."

And Phantom's plan gave its fruits.