Towards the future I see

Chapter 21 Part 3

Time passed and soon we were at Lothal. I thought that I would remain on the ship, but this time Thrawn invited me to come along. We were supposed to see the factory on Lothal making the vehicles for the imperial army. But I heard that many products of the line had malfunctioned with tragic effects. So this visit was more of an inspection than anything else. Why was I here? I had no idea.

I walked behind Admiral Thrawn as he came toward the hall and stood in front of the workers of the factory. They all wore orange jumpsuits, some had face covers and some didn't. I took my place next to agent Kallus who simply nodded to me. Governor Pryce and Lieutenant Lyste were present too but I also felt the presence of two more people that were familiar.

"Vehicles assembled in this factory malfunction at a rate far higher than that of others. I believe poor craftsmanship is to blame. And it has cost your Empire troops and missions. This will not be tolerated." Thrawn spoke.

I knew why he was interested in this. Many of those vehicles were used in the seventh fleet. But also in many other fleets. Battles against pirates and crime lords have ended with very regrettable losses. But something else was bothering me as if there was something else going on in this factory.

"Worker 5473, you were pressed into the Empire services?" Thrawn asked one of the workers.

"Yes, sir. After losing my farm." He answered.

"Do you stand by your work?" Thrawn asked.

"I do."

"This 624-AVA is the last bike you inspected and assembled. Please demonstrate for me, how quickly it can achieve full speed." Thrawn said.

I sensed nervousness from the man but also someone else. But I couldn't tell who and since some wore a face cover, I couldn't tell if I knew anyone else. The man didn't move so he was soon forced to get on the bike by the trooper. He activated the bike and speeded the motor for a moment. At one point, the motor began to heat and it was obviously about to explode. Noticing that something was wrong the worker decreased the speed. But Thrawn used his datapad and brought the speed back and even further. The motor was smocking and burning red till it finally exploded. The entire bike was destroyed but also the man driving the bike. Many gasped in horror as they saw the man die in such a way. I was reminded of the horrible truth about the Empire. Death will be eminent regardless of which side you stand on. I didn't gasp at the sight nor did I look away. It was one of the many lessons Vader made me learn early on in my stay with him. I had seen many men die before me, and Vader made sure that I wouldn't look away. That didn't mean that I approved any kind of killing.

"Now that I have your attention, know this. Whatever you build here you will test personally. I expect your malfunction rate to drop substantially." Thrawn said to the workers.

Thrawn gave orders to Lieutenant Lyste to keep every worker inside the facility and not let anyone else in. He also informed that he'll investigate the line for sabotage. Governor Pryce, Agent Kallus, and I followed behind him. The feeling of someone's presence felt strong but as we left the hall the feeling faded. Someone was there. Someone familiar.

"Grand Admiral, you don't think that the rebels have infiltrated to the section A2 as well, do you? The secrecy of that project..." Governor Pryce began worriedly.

"Is imperative. Which is why I ordered anyone attempting to enter the area without my personal code to be terminated on site. You should have not compromised security here by hiring locals." Thrawn told her.

"This factory has quotes to meet." She said in excuse.

"I can question the workers but I won't know if they are lying without more information about this new project," Kallus said.

"All you need to know is that the Admiral has a new fighter initiative here." Price said with a bit of irritation in her voice.

"A new fighter? Difficult to see how one small ship will change much." Kallus commented.

"Agent, victory, and defeat are often determined by the smallest detail. For example, take this walker." Thrawn said and pointed to the AT-DT walker standing at the side.

Thrawn asked the worker if it was his work and then ordered Kallus to make it step ahead. The walker barely took two steps when it began to wobble and soon fell. In that commotion, as it came down, I felt someone pull me away as one part of the vehicle flew in my direction. I quickly crashed with a strong body and only saw grey for a moment. Once the dust settled in, a walker was lying on the ground. Where I stood before was a piece of it. If I hadn't been pulled away it would have meant a trip to the medcenter

"Are you alright, lady Mira?" Kallus asked.

I looked up and saw his face looking down at me. And then I realized that I was still holding on to him.

"Y-yes, thank you for your help," I said stuttering and letting go of his arm.