Towards the future I see

Chapter 41 Part 3

The following days were busy for me. Since Bistebo was arrested and his collaborators with him. I had to negotiate with other senators for a new shipping contract. Besides that, I also had to confirm the background of the people the senators recommended. With that, Colonel Yularen offered to assist. He said he already had some people investigating many places that are used by different cargo ships. But even with help I still had to work even during the Ascension week.

It was the day before the Empire day that something unexpected happened. I received a package that contained the very dress, I had fitted in the boutique. I didn't need to guess who sent it. There was no note or card with the package. But there was a pair of shoes, earrings, and a hairpin. I rolled my eyes as I saw all of it. For one thing, the sender sure has taste.

Vader didn't comment on my outfit for the next evening. After all, it was the climax of the Ascendency week. A marvelous ball held in one of the most luxurious places of Coruscant. And the Emperor was attending. That if anything else made the whole event twice more important and glamorous. And maybe it was a good idea to wear something else than my old dresses.

On arrival, I also wore my robe. It was finished now. When I had it on, no one could see the dress and my appearance. When I took it off and handed it to the lobby for coat storage, I swear I saw many heads turn. But they turned quickly back as Vader stared back at them. For this party, I did not need to prepare anything. I had finished all negotiations that I could on days before. This might be my most pleasant evening yet. Since the Emperor would be present, Vader would be at his side. And he didn't need me anywhere near. That meant that I could be by myself for the entire evening. After greeting a few people, a couple of Admirals, and other people from higher Command, I was excused to leave. I heard how the Emperor was announced to have arrived and many people had their attention elsewhere. It was the perfect moment for me to slip away.

The place had a lovely wide balcony that opened to closed space. It was quiet and calm, and no speeders were passing by. A perfect solitude for someone who wanted to be alone. I could hear the speech the Emperor was giving inside. Just repeating the same text about how the Empire is strong and secure and will stand forever. There was applause and the music began. I simply walked to the railing and watched the secluded area beneath me. They had a garden down there but the plain wall in front of me sort of made the place a bit caged. Maybe it was meant to be like that. A private place for customers to enjoy peace and quiet. In my opinion, they could decorate the wall with a mosaic or something. But maybe that too was the purpose to give the secluded feeling. Or maybe it didn't bother the people who walked down the garden. It looked more plain only if you looked from the balcony like I did now.

"Lady Mira."

I knew that voice. I wasn't surprised anymore. If he sent me a dress with everything included right before this party, surely he would be here, and he would find where I would "hide". I turned to meet him. He wore his white Grand Admiral's uniform with plaques and all. His hands were partly behind his back while he stood straight like an honorary navy officer. I saw also that he wore gloves, probably for the party.

"Grand Admiral Thrawn." I greeted him with a gentle curtsy.

"You look lovely this evening." He complimented me.

"You should know. I assume you are the one who sent this dress for me?" I inquired.

"Guilty as charged. You did enjoy the dress so much it would have been a shame if you couldn't wear it for the occasion." Thrawn said as he walked closer. "Your robe was also outstanding, too bad it hides your beauty under the dark hood."

"That is the point of it." I reminded him. "If it wasn't for today's festivity, Vader wouldn't have let me wear this one either."

"Lord Vader always wishes to hide you?" Thrawn asked.