“ | Without power, one dies. | „ |
~ Pestage's philosophy |
Sate Pestage is a major antagonist in the Star Wars franchise.
He was a longtime advisor of Emperor Palpatine, being one of the few people who truly knew him.
Biography[]
Canon[]
During the Clone Wars, Pestage served as a top advisor to then Chancellor Palpatine who acted as an agent or emissary for the Chancellor. After the rise of the Galactic Empire, Pestage continued to serve Emperor Palpatine, working as a member of the Imperial Ruling Council.
Legends[]
Serving Palpatine since his days as Senator of Naboo, Pestage advanced to advisor to the Galactic Republic Supreme Chancellor, and then to Grand Vizier of the Galactic Empire.
Following the deaths of Palpatine and Vader at the Battle of Endor, Pestage was the logical successor as Emperor. The Grand Vizier assumed control of Coruscant and became the interim Emperor. However, Ysanne Isard turned on him, along with many other Imperial leaders. To save his life, Pestage made a deal with the New Republic to turn over Coruscant in exchange for immunity. Isard eventually apprehended Pestage, and the Grand Vizier was executed by Admiral Delak Krennel.
Trivia[]
- Pestage was originally named Sate Molock in the second draft of the screenplay for The Empire Strikes Back. His last name was changed to Pestage in the revision of the second draft. In the second draft Pestage was an official that spoke with Darth Vader when Vader attempted to contact the Emperor to report on the Imperial victory at Hoth. Pestage advised Vader that the Emperor would be with him soon, and the Emperor was not in a good mood. The scene with Pestage had been cut well before the final draft of the screenplay was created.
- Some individuals speculated that one of the individuals seen accompanying the Emperor in Return of the Jedi was Pestage, however it has never been confirmed one way or the other if Pestage was in the party of advisors that accompanied the Emperor.
- This was cannonized by author Jason Fry in 2023, who confirmed that Pestage was the advisor in black robes.