You needn't thank the Imperator, it was your work that earned you your just reward. Be proud of what you have earned, and do not strive to simply earn awards and merits. Simply strive to do the best that you can and be yourself.
Or Sith asking Jedi to release one of their brethren from the Jedi's medbay…and the Jedi igniting their lightsabers and threatening to kill the Sith. Yeah, I was in one of my other characters when I saw that happen. My jaw dropped.