The New Empire

Chapter 10 - Cold Stars

The doors of the throne room opened and Phasma's steps casted loud echoes as she entered. Her pale skin has barely seen light and she was still squinting from the sudden brightness. Her mask always filtered the light for her sensitive eyes, but the ministers had specifically told her to wear a formal uniform this time.

It's been a day since their fight, and she felt like everything was clear for her. Honestly, she wasn't that surprised. She always took advantage of her position and spying abilities. She knew Ben since day one. And she noticed his change. And she knew that other things would change too.

She knew that the ministers would be there, but for a moment her breathing stopped when she noticed who was sitting on the throne. Leia Organa. Phasma only heard stories and legends about her, but has never seen the Empress in real life.

Various thoughts and feelings were chasing each other in her head. She knew that there was nothing to be afraid of, but the whole situation was just bizarre. Ben stood up from the long table to greet her. A glimpse of surprise ran through Phasma's face. She didn't know if she's ever seen his face. But Ben felt the same.

"Captain Phasma." Ben greeted with a formal voice. "We've called you here to settle down some matters." He gestured her to sit down. "First of all we're glad that you recovered."

Phasma listened to his required speech, but she couldn't take down her eyes from Leia, who was sitting behind them from a distance. She tried to read out her expressions, but it was a difficult task. For what she could see Leia was calm, but maybe a bit bored.

"And that's why we appoint you to take Hux's position and become the general of the Luxe." Ben finally finished.

Phasma was speechless. She never excepted to be one. A General was one of the greatest ranks someone could get. Of course, being a general was not an easy job, but it's always been her dream. But she doubted if she was ready for it. She wasn't young, but the difference between a captain and a general is big indeed. And honestly, the day has been such a rush of adrenaline that she could hardly see clear. She's been in a coma for several months and when she wakes by a miracle she already has to fight in a battle she doesn't even know what's it about. Then they pour endless information on her about the new and unique system. And just when she was starting to collect her thoughts they bomb her with the title of being a general. She snapped back into the present when she noticed that everyone was waiting for her response.

"It would be my honour." Her voice nearly cracked halfway, but she managed to keep her well known grace.

She shook hands with the others, including that strange girl too. The girl gave her a nice and kind impression. Then Leia emerged from her throne with a serious look. She confidently walked up to the shocked and nervous Phasma. She looked deep into her eyes and gave her a warm half smile. But even though she didn't want to, Phasma shot a distrustful glance at her. Leia used to be her enemy. They taught her that she was wild and dangerous and that she must be eliminated. But here she saw an old and wise lady, smiling at her. She got confused for a second, but then Leia enclasped her shaky hands.

"Thank you for saving not just us, but the Empire too." She looked down. "You don't even know how important you were. My deepest thank you in the name of every person in the Galaxy."

Leia sent a little nod towards them and headed outside with grace. Liv hastily followed her mother and caught her just before the doors could open.

"Wait." There was pleading and a hint of disappointment in her voice. "Where are you going?"

"Oh, dear." Leia stroked Liv's innocent face. "I'm far too old for this. It's time for me to pass on our duty. But you'll figure it out." She was sad about leaving her children, but she had to rest.