Forbidden Hero: A Star Wars Tragedy

Chapter 11

~ even the finest sword plunged into salt water will eventually rust ~

Sitting at the grand table, I smiled at Garrick and Zeehay Versio, who had arrived shortly after. Zeehay was as beautiful as ever in a borrowed gown from my Mizra collection. "Are you sure about this?" She had asked as she sat on my bed, worried about being unprepared.

"Of course, Zeehay. Force forbid that you arrive underdressed." I remarked, casually tossing gowns to the bed, going through the extensive collection.

Now, I sat on the right hand of Mizra's King, not in finary but my Imperial ceremonial dress uniform, a tight and stiff look. I had passed the Emperor's test. Proving myself to be ruthless, and to the broader galaxy, that was the image of me they saw. Tradition is tradition, and whether you see it or not, you are Mizra's true leader. You wield the Vibro-sabre. You lead Mizra. My mother's words hit me. That was why I was here. The Emperor wanted me to see that I had been handed the power of a world, and soon, he would have the ability to eliminate it. And what was my reward? A promotion?

"Thank you all for gathering here on this auspicious day...."

~~~

3 Hours Earlier

"I would love an explanation on why I was rerouted here ahead of schedule," I asked as I looked General Cassio Tagge eye to eye.

"Of course, you'll have lots of questions, and you'll receive the answers in due time." Pausing, Tagge stood and looked out the large window facing the city canals. "To put it simply, you are to receive a rather big promotion."

"Promotion?" I was a little confused and a little relieved by that answer.

"Yes, and it will coincide with Empire Day. And I know you had plans for Coruscant today, but the Commission for the Preservation of the New Order and the Emperor think it would be good press to celebrate one of the Empire's biggest holidays here on your homeworld."

Of course, the commission had something to do with this. I hadn't taken much notice of the official holidays. Sanctioned or not, they were just more propaganda for the civilians of the Empire. This would be the year I had to be an active part. Oh, Joy! "So, what are we talking about?"

"Brigadier General, seeing you're not going the navy route," Tagge remarked with a nod and a smile.

"I'm not a navy kinda girl," I replied, keeping my smile. Finally, this was where I deserved to be. Yularen had often talked up the Imperial Navy, and perhaps I would make that jump one day.

"Well, it means more paperwork and more command. Although personally, this was a long time coming, I'm glad to be doing the honours."

"Thank you, Cassio."

~~~

The feeling of the galaxy watching this ostentatious show of pomp and circumstance flowed over me as the Chief of the Imperial Army, General Cassio Tagge, placed my new ranking plaque and Order of the Emperor's Seal on my lapel. Then stepping back, he saluted with a proud smile. "On behalf of Emperor Palpatine, I invest you with membership within The Order of the Emperor's Seal at his discretion, as recognition for exceptional dedication, loyalty, ability, and the application of those traits."

As the crowd looked to the sky, the sonic boom of the massive brand new Super Star Destroyer emerged from hyperspace in its precisely planned place. The beast's underbelly was painted in the wings of a valkyrie around the six-spoked Imperial Crest. SSD Valkyrie was the Imperial Starfleet's first majority women's corps command ship and my new seat of power. No prouder moment for any world was to look up and see the intertwined symbols of Mizra's mythical and ancient beast and the seemingly unlimited power of the Empire. Looking at Zeehay, I saw her smile of pride. "Is this your doing?"