Iron Loyalty: Valkyr's Trek

The Interrogation

"Your men have already told us what we want to know," Valkyr paced in front of Echo, the stark lighting of the interrogation room casting harsh shadows. "Yet, you're still quiet. You think that will matter? Your little rebellion will die either way."

Echo, restrained in the chair, looked up at Valkyr, his eyes filled with a mix of defiance and sadness. "You really think killing me will stop this? You're deluded, Valkyr."

Valkyr stopped pacing and leaned in close. "I don't need you to stop the rebellion. Your death will be a warning. Your comrades will realize how hopeless their fight is."

Echo chuckled, shaking his head. "You don't get it, do you? Every act of brutality, every execution, only strengthens our resolve. You're just creating more enemies."

"Enemies?" Valkyr sneered. "You're nothing but a bunch of misled traitors. You think you can stand against the might of the Empire? You're just a damned fool."

Echo's jaw clenched, but he didn't break eye contact. "We stood against the Separatists, we can stand against the Empire. The galaxy will see the truth, eventually."

Valkyr's eyes narrowed. "The truth? The truth is, you're all just pawns, playing a dangerous game with no understanding of the consequences. You think you can save the galaxy, but all you're doing is sowing chaos."

Echo's voice grew quieter, but more intense. "Better to die standing for something than live kneeling for nothing."

Valkyr slammed his fist down on the table, making Echo flinch. "Enough with the idealistic bullshit! You betrayed everything we fought for, everything we stood for. And for what? A cause you barely understand?"

Echo's expression softened, and he sighed. "I understand it more than you think, Valkyr. We fought for the Republic, not this twisted Empire. We fought for freedom, justice... not tyranny."

Valkyr's face twisted in anger. "You're wrong, Echo. The Empire is order. The Empire is the future. And if you can't see that, then you're truly lost."

Echo remained silent, his eyes never leaving Valkyr's. The silence stretched, thick with tension and unspoken words.

Valkyr straightened, composing himself. "You're going to tell me everything, Echo. Where your bases are, who your leaders are. And if you don't... well, let's just say there are ways to make you talk."

Echo's lips curled into a bitter smile. "Do your worst, Valkyr. I've faced worse than you can imagine. And I'll never betray my brothers."

Valkyr turned sharply, heading for the door. "We'll see about that. Guards!" The door slid open, and two stormtroopers entered, standing at attention.

"Keep an eye on him," Valkyr ordered. "We'll see how long his resolve lasts."

As Valkyr stepped out of the room, the heavy door slid shut behind him, leaving Echo alone with his thoughts and the silent, imposing presence of the stormtroopers. The war of words was over, but the real battle was just beginning, both in the galaxy and within Valkyr's own conflicted heart.

•••

"Commodore," Hark fell in step with Valkyr, his expression serious, "Governor Tarkin wants to know our status on the assault."

Valkyr nodded, his mind still swirling with the confrontation he'd just had with Echo. "Understood, Hark. Let's get to the command center and brief the Governor."

They made their way through the sterile corridors of the Imperial facility, the echoes of their footsteps a constant reminder of the regimented life they led. As they entered the command center, the hologram of Governor Tarkin flickered to life, his stern features softened slightly by a rare, almost cordial expression.