“You have grown stronger still, since last we met.” He was pleased to sense the layers of strength and power that had developed in his son since their last encounter -- that strength and power would serve the Empire well, in time. “Your suffering and anger have served you well.”
Uncertainty of an answer wavered in his gaze. Strenght, no matter how many he could have, whatever if physically or emotionally, couldn't collapse regardless heaviness of circumstances --- although the compliment of his father's voice generated a strange feeling when he had to have the strength to try to bring him back to that lost light … even if such thoughts might appear to be those of appearance, those that he could afford to transmit in an official manner. Everything had to be calculated at every nook, in every obscure corner, where no observation should remain unexploited. Hope he represented should in no way fail, and no second chance would be possible if a wrong move were made. Speaking of that subject of power in front of him, regardless the person, always created naturally that discomfort carefully hidden. It wasn't the point to be powerful. ❝ I doubt how my suffering could have been useful or even if I stirred up my anger. ❞ General goal of their confrontation was to mentally bring back a piece of this lost father, somewhere, associated to that awareness interested eyes wanting him in the Dark Side.