The Predecessor

"The Predecessor" is a short story that was published in Dark Legends. The story was authored by George Mann, illustrated by Grant Griffin, and published on July 28, 2020. The tale follows an Imperial Officer, Alger Denholm, as he is haunted by his former lieutenant, who he was promoted to take his place after the lieutenant's mysterious disappearance
==Plot summary==
Onboard the Star Destroyer Exactor, Imperial Officer Alger Denholm is suddenly promoted to lieutenant with immediate effect. Confused by the sudden promotion, Denholm wonders what happened to the lieutenant Marsden, the previous owner of the post. Marsden had been an honorable man and there had been no word of reassignment, nor had the ship been in any battles. Inquiring further, Denholm was told that Marsden has merely moved on and the position had therefor become available. Following the promotion, Denholm found himself growing increasingly isolated. His peers seems uncomfortable in his presence and his subordinates seemed to shun him.
Pushing ahead with his promotion, Denholm began to experience bizarre incidents. The first was catching a glimpse of Marsden in a corridor, hurrying after him and calling his name, Denholm was surprised that the other man seemed to have just disappeared. Later, Denholm woke in the middle of the night, as he was falling asleep he heard the sound of someone clearing their throat, calling out no one answered, but the sound changed to more of a gurgling sound, like someone choking. Turning on the lights he saw a figure clutching his throat. Desperate he ran out the door of his room calling for help. However when the stormtroppers came to investigate there was no sign on anyone in Denholm's quarters.
These type of incidents continued of the the next few days and Denholm became increasingly disheveled from lack of sleep. The captain became of aware and ordered Denholm to medical, where he was given a sedative to help him sleep. This was only a brief respite however and Denholm continued to catch glimpses of Marsden. Having become increasingly paranoid Denholm awaited some visiting ambassador, however when the shuttle door opened it turned out to be Lord Vader. Behind him however, he started hearing the choking sound yet again. Seeing a spectral Marsden yet again, Denholm fled the figure, only to bump into Lord Vader himself.
The next day a young officer, Saul Toten was summoned to the captian's office and found him self promoted with immediate effect..
==Appearances==
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==Notes and references==
Category:Dark Legends