I don't argue that it doesn't exist - and I'm in no position to say it's not exactly as you describe it. But it's a tool, like any other force. It's a spanner, it's an ion bolt, it's a weight and bloody pulley.
No. Of course not. It was my duty to hold this position - and certainly I was given to understand from a very young age that it was intended for me, and I won't pretend the notion was disagreeable. I wanted it. I have always thought that I would do it well - better than most. But it wasn't destiny or some mystical hand that scooped me up out of harm's way and took me to a place where I could become what I needed to be. It was the fact that I had an important father, and the very hard work of one very good Imperial officer, and my own dedication.