Towards the future I see

Chapter 44 Part 3

After a couple of days, we were finally going to see the new prototype of the TIE Defender fighter. We had to take a landing craft to arrival at the base which was outside the city. Besides me and Thrawn, Governor Pryce and two Death troopers came along. I had already seen what the previous model was capable of so I wasn't too interested in seeing the model. When we landed, Commander Skerris was already coming to greet us.

"Good afternoon, commander. I'm eager to hear your opinion on the improvements made to the TIE Defender program." Thrawn said.

"Allow me to present the defender elite for your inspection, Grand Admiral. And then I will provide you with a flight demonstration." Skerris said.

I simply followed them as we walked out of the craft. I could see the new fighter. In my opinion it wasn't looking that amazing, but maybe that is the point. Before we got too far away from the landing craft, I heard shots being a fired somewhere near. I turned to look where the sound came from, and saw a familiar face.

"A Jedi? Here?" Skerris worried.

"Ezra Bridger," Thrawn identified the rebel.

"Capture him!" Pryce ordered the troopers that were near.

"Secure the prototype." Thrawn ordered the Death troopers. "Lady Mira, stay close to me."

I did as told but I also kept an eye on Ezra who managed to dodge the shots that were fired at him. I'm wasn't sure if he recognized me. I had changed my uniform a bit. Since Thrawn always wanted for me to have my hood down when we were alone. I began to wear my robe over the new uniform, and have its hood over me. Since the hood was covered with small tassels my face was even more hidden than before. But I doubt Ezra had time to recognize me as he dodged all the shots of the troopers. He did get a good look at our way when he toppled over the crates.

"Hey," he shouted at us like he had no care in the world.

"Fascinating," Thrawn commented as he saw Ezra's carefree attitude. I couldn't help but smile a bit. After all the time we hadn't seen each other, Ezra was still same as ever.

And then the TIE Defender prototype took off the ground. Whoever was piloting it, first fired at the troopers who were after Ezra and then let him get on the ship. Before they left the prototype fired all the interceptor class fighters. They made a turn and fired at us but only to the sides as keeping us in place. Thrawn however took his blaster out and fire at the fighter.

"Grand Admiral, take cover!" Skerris shouted right when the fighter flew right above us. The air current it made felt strong and even my hood was blown off my head. Ezra and whoever was with him, had managed to get away with the new TIE Defender fighter.

"Was this part of the demonstration?" Thrawn questioned Skerris.

"They won't get far, sir. Its hyperdrive is offline." Skerris assured him.

"I will activate the ship's kill-switch." Pryce said.

"Not yet, Governor. This is a perfect opportunity for a combat test. Skerris, sent your pilots to intercept." Thrawn instructed. I saw few pilots get on the fighters that had remained in one piece from the firing and soon they were off the ground too.

"Lady Mira, please return back to the base." Thrawn said to me.

"What? Why?" I asked.

"It has become clear that it is not secure here. You will be safe there." Thrawn said and motioned the Death troopers to escort me.

It was useless to argue back at him. I followed the dark troopers to the landing craft and soon it took us to the Imperial dome. I was escorted to my quarters and then I was left alone. I spent that time studying more Sy Bisti and reading more reports of the rebels. Though the blockade was hard to pass, somehow Ezra, Sabine, Kanan, Hera, Zeb and Chopper had managed to get to Lothal. At least according to the reports. The news of the new TIE fighter must have been the cause for them to come. So what will they do now? My thoughts were interrupted when the door opened and I saw Thrawn coming in. I prepared myself for whatever was the news.