Towards the future I see

Chapter 48 Part 3

My stomach was turning and twisting inside. It was worse than it was in Atollon. But I had to endure it. In a way, this was different. Unlike Atollon, I was now purposely about to see one part of the vision. I had missed the attack of the rebels and I might miss the coming event too. But it felt worse now because I felt like I was purposely walking on needles. I had no idea what I would do or say, but I had to see this myself.

Thankfully, my robe hid me and my shivering as we walked the hallways of the Imperial Government globe. It was the moment we almost reached Pryce's office that I almost lost it. I heard the screams of torture. I recognized the voice. I froze right there on the spot in the middle of the hallway. Thrawn saw this and stopped. He and I had walked alone to Pryce's office. He took one step towards me and was then right in front of me.

“My Lady, if you don’t feel up to it, you don’t need to come with me,” Thrawn said.

“No. I will be fine.” I said a bit hastily. He quirked a brow as he looked at me, definitely not believing me or wondering why I wanted to be here. Whichever it was, he soon decided to let it be.

“M-may I ask you, why did you bring the Kalikori with you?” I asked.

“For our guest of course,” Thrawn said holding the Kalikori behind his back. I felt bad but I had to endure it. I moved from my place and stood behind Thrawn as the door opened. There was a torture device in the middle of the office. Pryce sat at her desk holding the controller of the device activating the shock treatments meant to torment the prisoner who was confined to the device. I could tell already who was bound to that device. Hera. Her green leku was visible from behind and I recognized it anywhere. This will be more painful than I expected but it had to be done.

“Has she revealed the location of the rebel fleet?” Thrawn asked Pryce.

“Oh, I haven’t begun asking questions yet,” Pryce said and gave another shock through the controller to Hera. I felt my muscles twitching and anger building up but I had to endure that too.

“Then allow me,” Thrawn said.

“I’ll die before I tell you anything,” Hera said.

“I imagine you will, General. Like so many of your friends in the failed attack, and so much of your family back on Ryloth.” Thrawn said and brought out Kalikori from behind his back. “I wanted to ask you about your Kalikori. I like to know the deeper meanings of the pieces I collect. To me, they are not merely trophies but symbols that truly represent some of my greatest adversaries.”

“You don’t need to know what it means since I’ll be taking it back,” Hera said defiantly.

“From my own analysis, I have determined that these shapes represent individuals important to you at some time in your life. This design I found most interesting, for it seems to refer to a brother, one who died while he was still quite young. I imagine it is a bittersweet memory for you.” Thrawn said.

“You aren’t worthy of holding that, let alone understanding it,” Hera growled.

“Of course, I do apologize. However, its legacy likely ends with you. You should take heart knowing that this work of art is at least appreciated by its new owner. Governor Pryce, I’ll leave you to complete her interrogation.” Thrawn said and was preparing to leave. Passing me, he gave a silent suggestion to leave with him.

“What a waste.” I huffed just enough for someone else to hear it.

“Excuse me, Lady Mira. Care to repeat that.” Pryce said evidently annoyed by what I said.

“Of course, Governor. I said it is such a waste.” I said without any hint of shame or regret.

“And why is that.” She asked.