Through Imperial Eyes

Chapter 15

The blue streaks of light outside the viewport turned back to stars when the Chimaera jumped back into realspace. Lothal was visible further in the distance, its swirls of blue across the grasslands partly obstructed by clouds.

After their mission in the Trion sector was completed and the Chiss navigators were returned to the Ascendency, Grand Admiral Thrawn reported back to Coruscant, returning Darth Vader to his master by the same occasion. From what Thrawn had told (Y/N), the Dark Lord had given him a short list of improvements that could be integrated into the TIE Defender's schematics after piloting one against the Grysks. He had listened to his advice and ordered the necessary changes to be made.

Now that they had the new improved prototype ready in the factory down on Lothal, Thrawn, along with his best pilot Commander Skerris, was coming back to give it a test run.

Because they were not on an actual mission at the present, most of the Chimaera's crew was given a shore leave. It was welcomed unanimously after the last few weeks spent on the ship. (Y/N) decided to do some exploration down on the surface. Apparently, there was a little bit of snow near Capital City, so she put on some comfortable pants, a wool sweater and topped it with a warm vest and a pair of fingerless gloves. Her vest also had the advantage of covering her now noticeable belly. It was still quite small, but it was definitely there and she didn't want anybody to see it.

The lieutenant embarked on one of the earliest shuttles. It was pretty early in the morning and the sun was out, reflecting on the white snow on the ground. When she arrived, she started by strolling down the main streets, walking in a few small shops and buying herself some snacks along with a large cup of a deliciously fragrant drink. She had never tasted something like this before. It was sweet but with a slightly spicy twist to it and she enjoyed the warmth it brought her.

After walking around for a while, she decided to head to the city's outskirts and take in the lovely scenery. She appreciated finally having this time alone after being confined on the same ship as thousands of people for so long. The crisp fresh air and beaming sunlight also helped elevate her mood. She eventually arrived where the last houses left place to the open grasslands and she started walking up a small hill.

When (Y/N) reached the top, she was a little bit out of breath but she enjoyed the exercise. She looked back at the city and at the water glistening under the sun on the horizon. She then turned to the other side and admired the open grasslands. She took her time to absorb the tranquility of the whole scene for a while before she decided to explore further.

After another decent walk, she stopped near a rocky headland and decided to sit down to eat. The ground was cold, but at least she found a spot without any snow. She picked the piece of dried meat she had wrapped in her pocket and slowly ate it while taking in the view. The sun was now high in the sky so she guessed it was probably near midday.

(Y/N) was pulled out of her thoughts when she heard a small meow nearby. She looked around her and finally caught sight of a lothcat leisurely walking up to her. The young woman had seen a couple around town earlier but they didn't really seem friendly like this one. He meowed again when he reached her and he started playing around happily. She couldn't help but chuckle at how cute he was.

"Come here, you. Are you hungry?" she asked gently, trying not to startle him.

He rolled around to face her and meowed as if he was trying to talk back. She slowly extended her hand, offering the rest of her dried meat. He approached and sniffed her hand, but didn't take the food. Instead, he walked all the way up to her and jumped on her lap. Surprised, (Y/N) didn't move at first. The lothcat rubbed his head against her belly and started purring. He did it another couple of times and then simply settled on her lap. She slowly lowered her arms and began scratching his head, making him purr even louder.