Anakin's Fortress - Book II (temporary cover)

Fourteen - Disported

Choose your friends carefully. I'd rather be picky than pick a Palpatine spy.
Year 11

——————

Kat

I go to sit at the small table, surprised when he pulls out my chair for me. He gives me a small smile and nod of his head, so I sit, feeling perplexed. I'm beginning to wonder if he is doing and saying things specifically to observe my reaction.

"And what do you think about that?"

I watch him take his seat, then trail my eyes off onto the sprawling lava fields, debating my answer.

"I do not have much of an opinion on it. I know very little about the Force."

He hums slightly and seems to roll my answer around in his head. Before I can ask his opinion, the servant droid comes out with a cart.

"Mistress Kat, I have your food. Shall I leave it here, or will you be eating inside?"

"You can set it all on the table," I say with a wave of my hand. "Thank you."

I glance up when Thrawn cocks his head at me.

"Of course, Mistress." I do not ask Thrawn what he's thinking, instead watching the droid put down the various plates of finger foods. I figure we might be in conversation for a while, and don't wish to finish eating quickly. Now, we can snack and chat.

"Wine?" the droid asks Thrawn.

"No, water is fine."

"Mistress?" I look to Thrawn, asking silent permission. I don't know if it will be rude. He dips his head toward me.

"Please," he says with a gesture.

"Yes, thank you SS9."

"Yes, Mistress."

When she is through the doors, Thrawn doesn't make me ask.

"People do not normally thank droids."

"Droids make my life much easier. I appreciate them."

He continues regarding me, not accepting that as my explanation. "They are programmed for that."

I smile lightly and pick up my wine glass. "Some are, at least."

"Indeed," he adds and looks out onto the planet. It is an excellent view; since the palace sits so high up anyway, you can almost see the curve of the world. "You do not wish to leave this place," he notes. It isn't a question.

"I do. But I do not mind staying, either."

He hums, a tiny nod moving his head.

"Why is that?" His voice is gentle, his tone indicating he is simply curious, not prying. I don't know if that is the truth, and I really hope I don't fuck any of this up. But, something tells me honesty is the only real option for this man.

"It is Lord Vader's home. I have watched over it since its creation."

"Lord Vader," he seems to mumble, his eyes going distant for a moment before refocusing on me. I'll admit it—this man has me intrigued. "You respect him."

"I do." And I'm not the only one. Despite his feared reputation, those who work closely with him, such as the men and women on his destroyer and in his home, collectively hold him in high regard.

"Did you know him as Anakin Skywalker?"

My heart comes to a grinding stop. My body ceases to work for an instant, as if time itself has paused. People still do not really know who he is, as far as I know. If Anakin told this guy, I strongly believe he would have tried to convey that to me during our brief conversation, which leaves two possibilities. This could just be another one of Anakin's tests—or Thrawn could be speaking an assumption. If that's the case, which I'm fairly certain it is, I've already given Thrawn the confirmation he was hoping for in my frozen surprise, regardless of how fast I get it under control.