Towards the future I see

Chapter 50 Part 3

I had met Ronan before, he is tolerable but as always when one is just an aide to a powerful and vengeful Sith Lord, many show their contempt at me yet keep it subtle for not to get on the bad side of Vader. Ronan was one of them. To him, I am someone who has just gotten to places because of who I serve. Otherwise, I’m not apparently even with the trouble to be talked to. He doesn’t make things difficult for me when I work but he simply rather not acknowledge me unless it is necessary.  And Krennic sent him as an observer. Savit didn’t seem to like him either. Especially, when he seemed to take his time to follow us.

“Lady Mira, may I have a word with you as we walk?” Savit said as he saw that Thrawn stayed behind to wait for the man. I looked at Thrawn as he too had heard the request. He inclined his head and I went ahead to walk beside Admiral Savit.

“I like to know your personal opinion on this… argument,” Savit said as we walked a few steps ahead of the two men.

“Admiral, you should be aware that I don’t have a say in the matter. My opinion weighs nothing in the discussions of the navy.” I said humbly.

“But you still have your own opinion, you just never voice it,” Savit said. “But just between the two of us, what are your thoughts about this Stardust project.”

I eyed him for a moment behind the tassels. Was he curious or was he trying to get me in trouble for what I would say later? He didn’t get anywhere with it. Even if Vader would hear what I think he would dismiss it and in the worst case lock me up for a rotation. Nothing that I couldn’t handle.

“I think it is a big risk. Too many resources are funded for that one project. Not only is it costing now but surely it will become a heavy burden in the future. Building it has cost much but what about maintaining it? Even when it is finally ready who will oversee its maintenance? And how many people does it require to keep it operational? I think it would be smart to send that funding to many more practical and easy projects for anyone to handle.” I said quietly.

“Like the TIE Defender program?” Savit asked.

I glanced quickly back. Thrawn nor Ronan had heard what was said. I sighed and faced in front of me again.

“That and many other projects. Not to mention fleets are in need of equipment and other kinds of necessities. The funding used to Stardust would be used well on other areas.” I said.

“You are smarter than you let on,” Savit said smiling a bit. “ And you have gotten a little brave too. When you used to be here, you would just sit in your room until you were called by Lord Vader again. If you were asked a question you used to dodge it completely never voicing your own opinion. Now you seem calm and collected and you even answered my question.”

“It was never my place to make small talk with officers, especially if they were on duty,” I said.

“Ah, but now you seem to be more aware of things. I also heard that you and Admiral Thrawn are quite close now.” Savit said. “Could this change be because of him?”

“I don’t know what the rumors say but yes, Thrawn has encouraged me to observe and take part in the discussions,” I said trying to not sound too surprised. Even Savit had heard the rumors? I didn’t want to know what the rumors said but at the same time, I was curious.

“I see. Well, here we are. I wish you a safe trip aboard the Chimaera, my Lady. Admiral. Assistant Director.” Savit said as he bid farewell to each of us as we boarded the shuttle.

The ride to the Chimaera was quiet yet uneventful. When we arrived, Thrawn instructed Faro to escort Ronan to his quarters and receive the transport coordinates. When they both had left, Thrawn turned to me.