Won't Be Sleeping Any Time Soon

Chapter 2- A Girl Needs Her Vacations

"Many think there are no life forms native to Mustafar, but my research proves different," I stated as I began my otherworldly biology presentation. It was the seventh hour, and I was so ready to go back to my dorm and sleep. Since it was my last year at the Imperial Academy and finals were over, my professors were just assigning lengthy projects until graduation.

"For example, these four life forms have been recently discovered on Mustaf-" I was cut off by a pounding on the classroom door. My classmates snapped out of their trances (after hearing eight other presentations on otherworldly life forms, they were tired. I don't blame them.) Everyone's heads jerked towards the door, somewhat in unison. My professor beckoned the interruption inside, and a gasp passed throughout the room as General Hux walked in. The General Hux. Since we only saw him at large assemblies or meetings, it was shocking to see him so... close. He exchanged a few hushed mumbles with my professor, and he was directed towards someone at the front of the room. Wait. He was directed towards me. Shit. I straightened my posture while trying to seem nonchalant at the same time, which proved to be a bad idea when I ended up looking like a thala-siren. General Hux sneered at me, then motioned towards the door. I walked out, him trailing behind me.

"You're Dara?" he questioned. I shuddered. Still, after four years, I wasn't used to that name. It was the name they gave me when I entered the academy, and since then nobody has known my real name. I hated it.

"Uhm... I... yes? Were you expecting something else?"

"Nevermind that. You are at the top of your class, correct?" Pft. I was at the top of all the classes in every academy.

"Yes, sir!" I responded, cringing at my enthusiasm. Too much Dara, too much.

"The First Order is arranging a team of intellectuals from this year's graduating class of academies. We want you to be a part of this team." he stated.

"Okay... so what would this team do?" I was skeptical. He was probably just trying to recruit me to be some sort of engineer or something. Have me repair the damage from the tantrums that the Supreme Leader has in his ship. Or maybe I would end up as the Supreme Leader's little pet. Was there a difference?

"This team would mainly work out of the Finalizer, but sometimes members may go out on long term missions. You would work with the logistics of certain inside jobs or other errands." The general explained, gesturing to emphasize what the job entailed.

"But we're not storm-" He interrupted me for the second time today.

"You're not stormtroopers. Or engineers. Or generals. You are an elite group to aid where it is necessary." More gesturing.

"What do I get out of it?" The general seemed surprised at this question, then offended.

"What do you mean 'what do you get out of it'? You get a stable job provided by the First Order!" He was almost shouting.

"I want to know what's in it for me!"

"You will get an above-average pay, regular quarters on the Finalizer, and plenty of other commodities, Miss."

"What about vacation days?"

"Vacation days? Are you serious?" He was turning red. I didn't know if I should feel bad or laugh.

"A girl needs her vacations!" I countered.

"I can't make any promises, Miss. You'll have to take that up with your superiors when you arrive." Whatever that meant.

"There will be information on your school datapad later today. Should I expect to see you on the finalizer after you graduate?" He seemed to be ending the exchange.

"Why not. Thank you, General." Class would be ending soon, so I was just as eager to finish the conversation. I was looking for a job anyway, and this could be good! I began to turn away when his voice called out again.

"Oh, and Miss," He started. I turned back towards him. He looked me up and down, but in more of a judgy way than a flirtations way. I didn't know how to feel about that either.

"You should start preparing yourself for training in the academy fitness center." That statement felt a little bit hurtful, but the bell rang and students started flooding out into the hallways. He walked away, and I hurried back into the classroom to collect my things. My professor was waiting for me in the room.

"Sorry Professor. I hope that wasn't too disruptful." I apologized as I put my notes into my bag and grabbed the rest of my things.

"Dara. You're the best student in this class. You've never disrupted anything before. It's fine. I assume it went well?"

"I'm not sure yet. See you tomorrow!" I rushed out the door, hurrying back to my room. I thought about what General Hux had said, then tried to remember the location of the fitness center. Looks like I wouldn't get to sleep as soon as I thought I would.