Towards the future I see

Chapter 42 Part 3

Thrawn and Vader had their little staring contest like they had many times in Chimaera. And just like then I was close to a nervous breakdown. Vader walked closer to Thrawn. In a way, it was a good thing. It meant that he won't choke him. But it also meant that Vader wanted some answers.

"It has come to my attention that you have been very interested in my aide," Vader said with a warning tone.

"I am not going to claim otherwise," Thrawn said not caring for the dangerous tone Vader used.

"What is it that you want from her?" Vader interrogated.

"My Lord, I wish to court Lady Mira," Thrawn said.

What the Kriff? I was having a heart attack just now and Thrawn is asking for permission to pursue me. If I wouldn't be scared of Vader and close to fainting, I would shout out in disbelief.

"You wish to court her?" Vader asked confirming that he heard correctly.

"Yes, my Lord," Thrawn confirmed.

Vader seems to be pondering something. He was quiet and didn't give any indication of refusing or agreeing. I wasn't sure what to hope. Maybe only that none of this ever happened. After a moment, Vader let go of his belt, and that was a sign that he made a decision.

"Leave us for a moment," Vader said to Thrawn.

No, don't leave us. That's what I wanted to say but my mouth didn't move. It felt like I was abandoned in a storm when I watched Thrawn walk away. Before he disappeared from my sight entirely, I saw him spare a glance at me. And then he went inside. Vader had kept his eyes on me the whole time after he had ordered Thrawn to leave. I had no courage to face him, so I lowered my eyes and set them to stare at his boots.

"Explain," Vader ordered.

"I-i-i... I came here to get some fresh air. The Grand Admiral found me here..." I began.

"That is not what I asked," Vader said coldly. "How did this happen that he is interested in you?"

"I'm not sure when it happened. He... he has been treating me kindly almost since the beginning... We met first time at the Ascension week a couple of years ago... he has always shown interest in my people and their history... I didn't mean this to..." I tried to explain.

"Regardless, he has now approached me and asked to court you." Vader spat at me grabbing my arm. He was mad, I knew it. I didn't dare to face him. If only I could get away from this situation in some way. His grip hurt. Unlike Thrawn's moment ago.

"Then again, this is a good chance," Vader said facing away from me and letting my arm go. "Despite everything that happened at Batuu and Mokivj. I still don't trust him. If he wants to keep you near then maybe..." Vader voiced his thoughts.

"Maybe what?" I asked carefully.

"That little rumor that you are my spy. Why not make it real?" Vader said more to himself than to me.

"Y-you... w-want me to... s-spy the Grand Admiral of the seventh fleet?" I asked.

"Yes. He may have provided reasonable claims that his loyalty is to the Emperor. But I still believe that he is planning on leaving and helping his people. I just don't know when or how. But since he wishes to keep you near, you can report to me when that happens." Vader said.

"B-but... But, my Lord. He could... He could learn something else..." I tried to come up with an excuse.

"You mean your ability? If he hasn't learned it by now, then it is up to you to keep it hidden. I don't need to remind you how significant it will be for your own interest." Vader warned me.