Towards the future I see

Chapter 19 Part 3

As Vader said, I was to stay in Mustafar during his mission. On the bright side, the mission didn’t take too long. I received a notice that the mission was done and that I had to go to Coruscant. I had to prepare him a proper armor to be presentable in front of the Emperor. As we both agreed, I will not attend the event. But I had to go and set everything else ready for him. Vader didn’t tell me what was the occasion. But he made it clear that it wasn’t something he was eager to attend. But something tells me he had to since the invitation came from the Emperor. The event was quickly over. And Vader came back and informed me of the event.

“The Seventh Fleet has a new Grand Admiral.” He said.

And that said it all. The event was no doubt a ceremony to grant such an honor to the officer who now received the title. However, the ceremony was very quiet. Usually, such events are followed by a party of some sort. And that was what Vader disliked most. But not this time. I had received no invitation to any form of party or festivity. I was always forced to attend them in Vader's stead. But a new Grand Admiral also meant one other thing.

“I have talked with him. You are to go to Chimaera when I have my next mission.” Vader said as if reading my mind.

But I knew he didn’t read my mind. He just noticed that I was wondering about the possibility. And he was right. A new Grand Admiral has not yet informed why he wouldn’t have me on board. To other Admirals, it meant that sooner or later Vader would barge in also. If I already knew the ship, then Vader would easily have quarters set in no time. Not to mention I could keep an eye on them. This new Grand Admiral would learn that too.

“I see. Any orders for me when I’m aboard the ship?” I asked.

He didn’t say anything. He looked at me. Or I think he did. He was examining me. Why?

“Assist him in any way you can. And follow his orders.” He said after a pause.

This is so out of normal. Follow his orders? Assist him? Vader never wanted me to assist anyone unless it was him. He had made clear that I worked for him. He didn’t make it clear just to me but everyone. Disrespecting me was disrespecting him. Now I had to assist someone else? My confusion must have been obvious.

“The Seventh Fleet is going to handle the rebels at Lothal sector.” He said.

And that explained it all. Lothal. Home of Ezra. And in that area were also the Phoenix rebels. This was a test. Vader wanted to see how I would react or proceed. He claimed that he trusted me. But apparently, that was not true. Instead of testing me himself, he would send me with someone else who would not hold back, and most certainly would even mock me about my past connections with the rebels. And they had no agreement with me like Vader and I did.

“Something to matter?” He asked as if testing if was about to talk back or refuse the order.

“No, my Lord,” I said.

It was no use. I was facing a lion that could devour me in instant. And he knew it. If I misconducted in any way, our silent agreement will end.

-

I didn’t leave immediately, but soon I was walking the hallways of the Chimaera. I could feel the all too familiar eyes on me as I was headed to the bridge. Some eyes are of disapproval, that I shouldn’t even be here. Some of them are of nervousness that hopefully, I won’t talk to them. Some ignoring me while others simply wondering who I was. I was already accustomed to those eyes. What worried me was if anyone would do something that would cause trouble. Such petty persons are almost everywhere.

When I arrived at the bridge there were already people there. I recognize immediately one of them.

“Lady Mira, welcome aboard the Chimaera,” Thrawn said.

I was surprised to meet him again. What are the odds? And it was then that I eyed not only him but his military plaque. Grand Admiral. He was the new Grand Admiral? I couldn’t help but remember his words when we met the first time.

“If I were to meet Lord Vader which I believe I will some of these days. It will be because of my own actions and results of those actions that will grant me such honor.”

He had been right then. Was the reason that I was now here also because he said he hoped to see me again? No, that can’t be it. I was just an aide to Darth Vader. Nothing more. Besides him, there was another familiar face.

“Milady, I hope the journey here hasn’t been troublesome” Kallus commented.

I recovered quickly and greeted everyone around the tactical. Even Governor Pryce. I have met her twice briefly but I didn’t like her. Sometimes I simply could feel a coldness in her eyes. The conversation was mostly about the reclamation plant where the Empire send old Clone War era ships to be melted and used again in the efficiency of other ships. Apparently, rebels were planning to raid the plant to get more ships to their cause.

“I think it is risky, for us to discuss this matter, especially when there is someone who used to be associated with them.” Governor Pryce said eyeing me.

I was expecting that comment. It wasn’t the first and it won’t be the last time, I hear the same tone. I was already mentally prepared for such assault. So I did the same thing I always did when things were going that way. Remain silent.

“You were found traveling with at least two of them in the past, correct?” She kept adding.

Many eyes were landing on me. I knew them too well. But no matter how uncomfortable it felt it was nothing compared to the stares Vader gives me when he isn’t happy with me. I felt worry from a person. I moved my eyes from the tactical screen to see who it was. Kallus? Well, he was there when I was found. But why would he worry? Then another feeling, interest? On what? The feeling was weak yet somehow controlled. That was from… Thrawn. He was interested in the verbal assault that Pryce had suggested to me, and how would I react?

“Back then, Governor. I was but a lowly traveler with nothing but the clothes on my back. I needed protection. Yet, I had no money to pay for it. They were kind enough to escort me to my destination. After all, rebels are known to help those in need of it.” I said as calmly as I could. “The fact, that I was found and later hired by Vader, is just a happy accident. If you think this is not right, you are free to go and tell this to Lord Vader. For I have no say nor power over where he sends me or where I should be.”

And that did the trick. Only two types of reactions come after I bring that comment out. One reaction is satisfaction. For they hear that I have no power of my own and that gives them pleasure. Other reaction is nervousness, fear, frustration and even hate for me. The fact that I bright out Lord Vader, either makes me look in their eyes smug or shrinks them down as they never want to anger Vader. Price was obviously latter, for what reason? I rather not know.

“But you have had a contact with them,” Thrawn said. “Any information you could spare to us?”

“Besides what agent Kallus has on them? I’m afraid not. My stay with them was brief. And then they were barely a small cell.” I commented.

“I see. Regarding this matter now at hand what are your thoughts of the rebels?” Thrawn asked.

I looked again to the tactical. I pulled out my own datapad and keyed few things before answering.

“When did the rebels learn of the plant?” I asked first.

“Recently,” Thrawn answered.

“From the very little I know of them, they are sending a reckon to that plant. They won’t waste resources on dangerous missions. I found out that right now the plant is processing a great number of Y-wings. If they are careful they will not go for them, because they will not make it in time. And sending a spy to wait for another batch of ships will be easily detected.” I said.

“And if they are not careful?” Kallus asked.

“Then the reckon mission turns into salvage mission as they try to claim the remaining ships that aren’t yet processed. But with little preparing, such a mission will be very risky.” I said.

“Interesting. Either way, it is better to send a ship to inspect the situation.” Thrawn said.

Pryce said she would go and already headed to the docking station. Kallus was also tasked to go but before leaving, he approached me.

“It’s good to see you, Lady Mira. I’m glad to see you are doing well.”

“Thank you, Agent Kallus,” I said making a small curtsey.

“Will you be staying long aboard the Chimaera?” He asked.

“For a while, yes. Unless my master instructs me otherwise.” I said.

Kallus simply nodded to me. He saw that Thrawn was approaching us so he also bid farewell for him as well.

“Lady Mira, would you walk with me?” Thrawn asked. I simply nodded and walked beside him through the hallways of Chimaera.

“I noticed that you weren’t with Lord Vader when he came to Coruscant.” He said.

“I was at Coruscant. But I never stand before the Emperor. I aide my master to be presentable for such occasions.” I said.

“I see. And now you are sent here instead of remaining by his side.” He said.

“Lord Vader receives missions that only he can accomplish. And sometimes he thinks that it is best if I don’t accompany him. I would only stand in his way. Many times I’m sent to Mustafar or a star destroyer under an Admiral.” I explained.

“Like now.” He noted.

“Yes. Before I had my own small ship but after the incident… I’m not allowed to travel alone anymore.” I tried to explain without revealing too much.

“That must have been a terrible experience. I assure you, Lady Mira, that you are safe aboard the Chimaera.” Thrawn said. “Just to keep it that way. I recommend limiting your goings on the ship, as either to remain in your quarters or at my side.”

In other words, “stay in your place or a place where I can keep an eye on you”. All familiar notions were rising inside me but no tone indicated that he was ordering me. Perhaps he was just trying to make sure that no ill reputation comes from the fact that something bad happened to “Vader’s charge”.

“I shall do that,” I replied. “Now if you excuse me, I need the rest from the travel.”

“Of course, may I escort you there?” He asked.

It was unnecessary, but I nodded and we walked together till we came to my quarters. It wasn’t anything fancy. More likely it resembled the regular cabin of an officer. Just a small room with a refresher inside. A simple bed and a table. My belongings were already in place since there was so little of it. Change of clothes, two extra datapads, and my book. I may have needed to hide the last mentioned. Vader didn’t like me “wasting time” as he put it, on unnecessary things such as long-lost traditions or arts of my people. But he never prohibited it either. So time to time, when I had time for myself, how very little there was of it, I would rehearsal my dancing, singing, and read the notes that I had made. Hopefully, Thrawn won’t ask about the book. Many do since it is the only unnecessary item in my room. But Thrawn was more eyeing the room in entirely. I couldn’t tell what he was exactly thinking but soon he bid me goodbye and left to let me rest. I went to the bed but before laying down, I brought my hands together close to my chest as I let a silent pray inside my mind.

“If the rebels going to the plant are Ezra, Hera, Kanan, Sabine, or Zeb, let them be alright, and may the force be with them.”