Revan's Heir: Age of the Empire

Chapter Three

 "Thrawn is considering you for a position within his fleet?" Vader's voice bordered on skepticism as Allana's face curled with apprehension. She had expected that he would not respond positively to the news. He had listened quietly as she recounted the events of the night prior to the graduation ceremony, though it had seemed that the part which had surprised him most was the fact that Thrawn had asked her to join the 7th Fleet.

"I would say he is beyond consideration," Allana responded carefully. "I received the official offer almost immediately after the ceremony, just before I heard from Vice Admiral Tallatz."

"Have you been offered placement elsewhere?"

"No," Allana sighed, almost shamefully. "Although I was urged to hold off on making a decision until I'd received communications from Director Krennic."

"Krennic is an imbecile," Vader snapped. "The Department of Advanced Weapons Research is crumbling beneath him. That post is out of the question."

"Yes, father."

Vader fell silent, his holographic image flickering from a glitch in their connection. He placed his hands on his sides as he thought, and Allana could tell that the machinations of his mind were ebbing and flowing with the overarching risks and benefits of each offer.

"You are to accept Grand Admiral Thrawn's offer."

"I will do ask you ask, father." Allana's brows rose in surprise, as Vader despised Thrawn above almost all of his other adversaries. "But I did not think you would have chosen that particular assignment."

"Thrawn's standing in the eyes of the Emperor has elevated rapidly since his victory at Batonn. This makes him a potential threat to me, and by extension, you," Vader explained. "You are to take your position within his fleet and gain his trust. Once you have accomplished this, you are to report to me on all of Thrawn's plans and dealings."

"As you wish."

"You must remain cautious around the Admiral," Vader continued. "He is dangerously perceptive, but even the most clever of men are destined to fail. It is inevitable that he will make a mistake, and when he does, we will be prepared."

"I will inform you of anything I may discover."

"Do not fail me in this, daughter," Vader warned, sending ice coursing through Allana's veins. "The consequences could be dire for us both."

He ended the transmission abruptly before Allana could respond, causing her to fall backward onto her bed and stare up into the cold, metal ceiling of her ship. Three days had passed since the graduation ceremony, and she had yet to contact Pellaeon with her response. There was a weight that bore down on her chest as her stomach wrestled in knots. She bit at the inside of her lip, a nervous habit she'd developed as a girl. Concealing the nature of her abilities and her connection to Vader hadn't presented a challenge within the confines of her educational life. Her father had briefed her in depth on the criteria academy instructors had been trained to watch for to discern Force adepts among their students, and she'd been self-aware of all her movements and interactions.

Outside of the academy, there were too many unpredictable variables that would make blending in with the masses more difficult. Thrawn's face appeared before her each time she closed her eyes, the scrutiny of his gaze bearing into her. She couldn't shake the uncomfortable chill that coursed through her each time his eyes came into view.

"Mistress Allana, Delphine Siegel insists she needs to see you."

Kicks appeared in her doorway, exasperation in his tone. Allana stood, walking over to him and patting the top of his shoulder plating in reassurance. She offered a disheartened smile that did little to lighten the concerned expression she bore. Delphine stood anxiously waiting in the entryway, her hands perched on her hips.