Towards the future I see

Chapter 33 Part 3

When we got to the shuttle, I was given first aid. Two bacta patches and bandages, the rest would be taken care of at the Chimaera. On the way to the ship, Thrawn received a report that all rebels managed to escape the blockade. I could see his eyes darken when he heard the news. When we arrived Thrawn ordered one stormtrooper to escort me to the medical, while he went to demand a more detailed report from Governor Pryce.

He was already in a foul mood. Perhaps it was a good thing I had to go to the medical bay. I came to regret that when the “no drugs” policy was also applied to local anesthetics. It was torture as the medical droid cleaned the wound but also had to apply alternative disinfection to my wound. I was given a towel to bite on, but still, I wish I could get into shock and lay in a coma for a moment so Vader could learn that I need the bloody painkillers.

After the treatment, I was escorted to my room. Now I was grateful for the escort since a couple of times I lost my balance and I needed to lean against the wall. The trooper who escorted me didn’t help me directly but he was kind enough to wait for me to get back on and ask if I needed help. I declined since that might mean calling Thrawn and I didn’t want to face him now. Not when he was in a bad mood. I managed to get to my quarters, the trooper opened the door for me. And I went directly to the bed. It took me merely a moment to fall asleep.

I woke up a few hours later. Firstly, I changed my clothes, since I hadn’t changed before from my torn-out and bloody outing clothes. After changing I went to the common room area. I picked up my datapad and went through the information that was reported about the battle of Atollon. I skipped all the battle reports of the fight outside of the orbit of the planet. About Bendu, there was a very vague report but that was to be expected since no one else knew of the force or about force-sensitive creatures. I was more interested in what happened after the rebels left. According to the reports, several smaller ships, some of them Madalorian, attacked the Interdictor ship, destroyed it, and aided the remaining rebel ships to escape. Sabine is Mandalorian, maybe she and Ezra were the ones leading the operation. Reports also informed that the traitor and the rebel spy Kallus escaped his guards and took one of the escape pods to escape with the rebels.
I felt relieved. That meant that everyone was now gone and safe. And if they inform what I had said and done, then there will be no worry about them coming back for me. It was sad and reassuring at the same time. I was still reading the report when the door opened. I lifted my head to see who it was. I should have known better, it was Thrawn.

“My lady.” He greeted me with a respectful bow.

“Grand Admiral.” I greeted back with just inclining my head.

“I heard that your injury required more attending than typical wounds,” Thrawn informed.

“My ‘no drug's' policy also applies to local anesthetic, so there was a need for another kind of treatment,” I answered and set my datapad down on the table.

“How unconventional. It must have been a painful experience.” Thrawn said and took a seat next to the table. “I hope your escort aided you on your way to your quarters.”

“There was no need for it. I walked here myself.” I said. He had a skeptical look in his eyes as if not believing my words. Or maybe he did and pondered if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Soon his eyes wandered to the datapad I had put down.

“I assume you have read the reports.” He said. I nodded. I could see his eyes changing into a serious gaze upon me. “I expect that you will now explain to me what happened there.”

Even his voice was serious. He must be referring to the whole incident with Bendu. How to explain that to him?

“W-what do you wish to know?” I asked carefully.