gods and monsters

chapter two: the executor

Lila's POV

I was glad that the procedure was quick and painless, it was like by the time the medical droid started, they were already finished. I couldn't help but smile as the droid informed me that I was free from the chip. Looking around the tent, there must have been twenty other (now ex) slaves with me, all with smiles on their faces.

I started to wonder about what to do next when my train of thought was interrupted. 

A man cleared his throat in front of where I was sitting, "Commanding Officer Kendall Ozzel," he introduced himself. 

"Your presence is requested on the Executor."

I furrowed my eyebrows at the man—the medical droid made a quick exit.

"Excuse me?"

The man adjusted his stance, "Lord Vader has requested your presence on the Executor, his personal flagship," the man explained, but it still wasn't an explanation.

I leaned forward, "Excuse me?" Two stormtroopers appeared behind him, "Come with us, miss."

What the hell does Darth Vader want with me?

I decided not to make a fuss, the only thing to do was to clear this all up. Darth Vader obviously thinks I'm someone else. Even though all I want to do is take their blasters and shoot them in the chest, I have to remind myself that they're basically the reason I'm free. My hatred for authority sure has festered great anger.

I got off the medical bed, showing my compliance. Officer Ozzel walked beside me to a small ship that would take us to the Executor. The stormtroopers followed behind us. As we ventured to the ship, I looked over at the shop I used to inhabit as a slave. I was hoping to get back there soon so I could take all the money, gather my things, and get off this god-forsaken rock.

Well, it's going to have to wait.

Once the ship docked on the Executor, I looked down at my tattered clothing. I didn't look too bad, I was in a loose gray long-sleeve and matching loose gray pants, but I definitely stood out in comparison to the posh black uniforms everyone was wearing.

I wiped off my face with my sleeve, I was sure I had some grease from droid parts on me. Ozzel didn't say anything and just led me down the various hallways of the flagship. Some people took a moment to glance at me, some didn't even register my presence.

I looked around in awe, it was the first time I'd ever been on a ship this grand before. Not to mention it was the personal flagship of Darth Vader himself. Before I knew it, we were standing outside a sliding door. Ozzel said something over his com, something I didn't register. The door slid open, the man didn't follow me.

I took it as my cue to walk in alone. 

What the hell is going on? 

I walked deeper into the room, wanting more than anything to get this all over with. But to personally meet the man who just killed my slave owner? Couldn't be that bad.

There he was—standing up with his back turned to me. All alone in the room, it was just me and Vader. 

"I think there's been some mistake," I said before I could even think about the words. 

My face hardened as he turned around to look at me. He was in his full suit and armor. 

"You must think I'm someone else," I didn't know if my words came out as inflammatory or disrespectful. I continued in a gentler tone, "I've been a slave on that rock since I was three."

Darth Vader just stood and looked me over, "Your presence has been requested by the Emperor," his mechanical voice whirred. My eyes widened, but I said nothing. I didn't understand.