AKwxlady Obi Wans Daughter Part two Chapter two

The bridge crew of the Imperial-class Star Destroyer Admonitor snapped straighter in their seats as familiar footsteps approached from the aft turbolift. “Anything to report Captain?” Grand Admiral Thrawn’s smooth voice cut the silence as he neared Captain Niriz. The captain stood to face his superior, the white Grand Admiral Uniform a sharp contrast to Thrawn’s blue skin, but a well-deserved promotion, in Niriz’s mind. Grand Admiral Thrawn, the thirteenth grand admiral of the Imperial Navy and the only alien. Thrawn’s blue skin and glowing red eyes came from his Chiss heritage. His sharp mind, strategic skills, and uncanny ability to know his enemies’ minds made him a formidable military leader.

“You might find this interesting Grand Admiral,” Niriz replied, handing Thrawn a data card. “A report from the Star Destroyer Valadin. Captain Miczysin is interrogating a possible Jedi taken off the starliner Astral Way 4 near Ord Mantell.”

“Valadin is a new Procursator-class Star Destroyer,” Thrawn’s glowing red eyes flashed. “They are meant to be on shake down maneuvers with the other ships in their attack group.”

“Yes sir,” Niriz nodded. “Captain Miczysin is requesting permission to personally take the Jedi to the Emperor at Coruscant.” Niriz noticed those red eyes flash again.

“Unfortunately,” Thrawn said, his eyes closing to narrow red slits. “The Emperor is not on Coruscant at the present time.” He paused and slipped the data card into his datapad. He scanned the datapad for a moment then added, “Miczysin has had the prisoner in his possession for over 72 hours and is still unsure as to whether or not this individual is a Jedi.” Thrawn read more of the information. “Interesting. The individual in question is female.” He continued to study the data.

“What should I reply to the Valadin, Sir?” Niriz inquired.

Thrawn removed the data card and placed it into his pocket. “Hold position here Captain Niriz. Have the Valadin rendezvous with us as soon as possible. Inform Captain Miczysin I will take responsibility for his prisoner.” Thrawn looked at Niriz. The captain nodded his understanding.

Captain Niriz turned to his bridge crew. “Helm, hold position here. Comm message for Star Destroyer Valadin.” Thrawn turned and started walking toward the aft turbolift.

“Captain,” Thrawn added turning back to Niriz.

“Yes sir,” Niriz answered.

“Tell the Valadin,” Thrawn ordered, “I expect them to rendezvous with the Admonitor in no more than four hours. I will be in my Ready Room. After the order to the Valadin is confirmed you and Commander Parck join me there.” With that Thrawn left the bridge.

Grand Admiral Thrawn’s Ready Room aboard the Admonitor had gone through several renovations, as it had again, recently. The multiple displays along one side of the room echoed those on the bridge, with complete tactical readouts available at a touch. The other side of the room still contained the typical conference area, table with comm stations, and along one wall a window looking out to space with a sofa facing the window. When Niriz and Parck arrived Thrawn was seated at one of the conference area comm stations.

“Be seated gentlemen,” Thrawn said, gesturing to other comm stations. At the table Niriz and Parck took stations across from the Grand Admiral. “This report,” Thrawn held up a datapad, “on the possible Jedi prisoner from Captain Miczysin is incomplete and shoddy. Unfortunately, it is also typical of the captain’s efforts.” Thrawn’s lips formed a thin line and his red eyes flashed.

“Is that the reason for the rush to rendezvous with the Valadin?” Niriz asked. “To get to the prisoner before Miczysin can further botch the interrogation?”

“Partially,” Thrawn replied. “The group of Procursator-class Star Destroyers the Valadin belongs to has been ordered to join the Fleet at Endor. Captain Miczysin is not party to the knowledge that the Emperor is also at Endor.” Niriz and Parck exchanged knowing glances. “Miczysin delayed acting on direct orders to leave for Endor over four days ago, I believe to gain favor with the Emperor by bringing him a Jedi.” Thrawn brought his hands together at his chin and gazed at the other two men.

“If after 72 hours,” Parck began, “Captain Miczysin was still unable to prove this woman is a Jedi, he likely tried some unauthorized interrogation methods.” Parck frowned.

“Exactly,” Thrawn agreed. “Order a full medical scan immediately upon the prisoner’s arrival.” He paused and looked away as if thinking of something in the distance. “Captain, have Chief Medical Officer Crosby include in the medical report a genetic analysis of the prisoner. Use the genetic database on Coruscant to crosscheck for Jedi descendancy.”

“What about Captain Miczysin?” Niriz asked. “Should I have him brought aboard the Admonitor?” Thrawn considered this for a few moments.

The hint of a smile formed at Thrawn’s lips. “The Valadin should arrive near midnight ships time?” Parck and Niriz both nodded in the affirmative. “Good. Extend my congratulations to Captain Miczysin for capturing a dangerous enemy of the Empire and invite him to a formal dinner of the senior staff the following evening.” Both officers broke into smiles. “That will give us fifteen hours to determine what has been going on aboard the Valadin, and what action to take regarding Captain Miczysin.” Thrawn leaned back in his chair and raised a blue-black eyebrow.

It was just after 4 AM ships time. The prisoner was in sickbay under observation. Grand Admiral Thrawn, Captain Dagon Niriz and Commander Voss Parck were in Chief Medical Officer Commander Stu Crosby’s office going over the medical examination and genetic profile of the prisoner transferred from the Star Destroyer Valadin shortly after midnight.

“She’s small for 20,” Parck commented. “Is she healthy?” He looked through the one way window at the woman in the examination room. She was seated in a chair. Her legs held to the base of the chair with restraints, her arms likewise held to the arms of the chair.

“Very healthy,” Dr. Crosby answered, “Except for the injuries sustained aboard the Valadin, she’s in perfect health. Although, it does appear she is suffering from sleep deprivation and lack of food. But that’s not unusual after 48 to 72 hours of standard Imperial interrogation.”

“Partially healed broken right forearm,” Thrawn read off the medical report. “How is that possible? Did the Valadin medical staff not complete the treatment?” He, too, looked at the woman through the window. Her right arm was badly bruised just above the wrist, and she held it so that the restraint was not pressing on that area.

“As far as I have seen in the reports,” Dr. Crosby continued, “she was never seen by the medical staff of the Valadin. When I asked her, she said she had healed the arm herself, but that she was ‘too weak’ to finish the healing.” The doctor shook his head and looked skeptically at the woman.

“She claims to be a healer, as in Jedi?” Niriz looked at the doctor in disbelief.

“We’ll deal with that later,” Thrawn interrupted. He continued on with the medical report. “Bruising about the breasts and thighs consistent with sexual assault. Is there evidence of rape doctor?”

“No,” the doctor looked grim, “but there was definitely attempted sexual assault. There is no question with the pattern of the bruising.”

“Admiral come quickly!” Parck exclaimed pointing to the window. The men gathered around Parck. The woman on the other side of the one way mirror was now getting up out of her chair, the restraints open and lying on the floor. She walked to the sink and began washing her face and hands. “Well, there’s your answer as to the Jedi question.” Parck shook his head.

“I want her out of my sickbay!” Dr. Crosby demanded, his voice shaking. “Now, Admiral.”

“I still need to interrogate her, doctor,” Thrawn replied, his voice calm, but his throat tight. “Ask Vaantaar to join us. With a full squad of his warriors.” Captain Niriz nodded and pulled out his comlink.

Within two minutes, five Troukree warriors were in attendance. The Troukree were a reptilian race, with incredible speed, and brilliant skill with knives. After a mission the previous year, their leader Vaantaar had brought some of his people to train as Stormtroopers for Thrawn.

The woman continued to walk around the examination room. She took a drink of water with cupped hands from the sink, leaned against the exam table and rubbed her bruised arm with the other hand. She looked tired.

“There are items that could be used as weapons in the cabinets by the sink,” Dr. Crosby whispered, even though there was no need to, as no sound could pass through the glass. “As long as she is by the exam table, we should be safe.”

“You are not going in, Doctor,” Thrawn said. “Neither are you Captain. On my count you will cut the lights and the Troukree will enter the room and subdue the prisoner. Then bring the lights back on and Commander Parck and I will enter, and I will begin the interrogation. Captain you will cover us from here with your sidearm. Commander Parck will carry his sidearm into the exam room. The Troukree are armed with blasters and their knives. Is that understood?”

Everyone in the room nodded. They looked through the one way glass. The woman prisoner was once again at the sink getting another drink of water. When finished drinking, she turned and leaned her back against the counter and surveyed the room. She kept looking about the room. She looked at the one way glass, which from her side looked like a mirror. She was far enough away that she did not see her reflection in the mirror, yet she kept staring at the mirror.

“She knows we’re here,” Dr. Crosby whispered. He was obviously terrified.

“Possibly,” Thrawn replied, his eyes locked on the woman. She raised her hands and clasped them in front of her chest. “We need to get her away from that counter.” The woman looked away from the mirror. Thrawn reached out and rapped quickly on the glass. The woman looked up at the tap on the glass. “Get ready!” he said excitedly. She started to walk toward the mirror. “Lights off and go on three. Three…two…one...Go!” The lights in the exam room went out. Vaantaar and the rest of the Troukree squad burst into the room.

“Lights,” said Thrawn as he and Parck entered the room. The woman was standing in the center of the exam room as the lights returned. One Troukree had her by each arm and leg, and Vaantaar was holding her shoulders from behind with his knife pressed to the side of her neck, the tension enough to just not penetrate the skin. The woman’s eyes were wide with fear and her breathing heavy. Thrawn stood two meters in front of her. Parck remained by the door, with his weapon at the ready.

“Hello,” Thrawn said. “I’m Imperial Grand Admiral Thrawn,” Thrawn introduced himself softly to the woman to try to relieve some of her tension. “It says in the report from the Valadin that your name is Ki’tia. Is that correct?” She nodded her head slightly, but with Vaantarr’s knife against her neck, more than slight movement was not possible. “Ki’tia what? Do you have a surname?”

“No,” she whispered. “Just Ki’tia.”

“You don’t use your father’s surname?” he asked. Ki’tia looked puzzled. “Your father, the Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi.” Thrawn held up a data card. “The genetic confirmation is absolute, Kenobi is your father. You are a Jedi.”

“Not a Jedi,” Ki’tia croaked, pulling against the Troukree. “I’m not a Jedi!” she said louder and stronger. “I never knew my father.” Vaantaar’s knife was now pressing into the skin of Ki’tia neck, making a thin red line.

“Don’t lie to me!” Thrawn raised his voice. “Evidence of your Jedi powers lies right here in this very room!” He pointed to her restraints on the floor by the chair. Ki’tia jumped at sudden violence of Thrawn’s words. She jerked against Vaantaar’s knife. The knife easily slipped into her skin and blood sprayed from the cut in her neck.

Vaantaar released the knife from her neck. The other Troukree released her arms and legs. Commander Parck pulled his weapon to cover the now freed woman, even though blood was still spurting from her neck. “Dr. Crosby!” Thrawn called. “Get in here. Now!” He went to the door to see where the doctor was.

Ki’tia reached her hand up to her neck. She covered the cut with her palm and took a deep breath. Centering herself in the Force she began the healing process. She was very tired and it had been days since she had meditated, but this was a simple cut. The blood loss looked bad, but she would soon have it stilled. She moved her hand over the cut and the blood began clotting. She closed her eyes and saw the skin of her neck closing along the cut. The whole process only took a matter of minutes. When she opened her eyes Thrawn and Parck were standing in front of her with their mouths slightly open. Thrawn was holding a med pack. Parck was aiming his weapon at her. It was quiet in the room.

“I’m an A’nir,” Ki’tia said. “A Force user, a healer. I’m not a Jedi. I can’t lie to you. Please believe me. I’m so tired of all this.” She looked up into Thrawn’s eyes. Thrawn walked to the sink and wet a cloth. He walked back to Ki’tia and wiped the blood off her neck. Where the Troukree knife had cut her neck, now there was just a single red line.

“I think I believe you,” Thrawn said with a raised eyebrow. “Commander, assign the prisoner secure quarters and a guard. See that she is given something to eat and find her something else to wear.”

“Yes sir,” Parck left the examination room.

Thrawn turned to Ki’tia. “When Commander Parck returns he will take you to regular quarters. They will be locked from the outside with a guard posted at all times. Someone will bring you something to eat shortly, then I’d like you to get some rest. We will continue our conversation later today. At that time you will tell me what occurred on the Valadin, and explain to me what you mean by A’nir.” Ki’tia nodded.

Commander Parck returned and escorted Ki’tia out of sick bay. Captain Niriz joined Thrawn. “You’re on duty in a few hours Captain,” Thrawn said with a smile. “It’s been a long night, you’d better get whatever rest you can. Dismissed.”

“Thank you, sir,” Niriz replied. “Good night.” He left the sickbay.

Thrawn looked around at the blood splattered room. It had been a long night. As he left the sickbay Vaantaar approached him in the corridor, his head hung in shame. “No need to apologize, Vaantaar,” Thrawn held up his hand and stopped the Troukree from speaking. “I saw what happened. It was an accident. I startled the woman when I raised my voice. The cut was not your fault.”

“Still, Grand Admiral,” Vaantaar countered, “a Troukree should always have control of his knife. Mine should not have cut the woman.” He hung his head again.

“Ah, but Vaantaar,” Thrawn smiled, “had it been another’s knife, the woman would likely be dead, and then I would have something to answer for. You did well.” Vaantaar bowed and left Thrawn in the corridor.

The next morning at 7 AM the comm alert sounded next to Commander Voss Parck’s bed. “Parck here,” he responded trying to not sound like he just woke up.

“Commander. Thrawn. Report to my Ready Room at your earliest convenience.” The Grand Admiral’s voice sounded as fresh as it did any other morning.

“Yes, sir,” Parck replied, stifling a yawn. “I’ll be right there.” The comm went silent. Parak dressed quickly. With any luck he could grab some caf and breakfast after whatever Thrawn wanted to see him about was finished.

Thrawn was seated at the tactical displays when Parck was buzzed into the Grand Admiral’s Ready Room. Thrawn waved him over to join him. They were alone. “Please join me in some refreshments, Voss,” Thrawn pointed to a tray of caf and breakfast squares. “I realize it is early after the events of last night.”

“Thank you, sir,” Parck helped himself to caf and began to study the displays. The central one immediately caught his attention. It was the security monitor in the quarters for the prisoner Ki’tia. She was just stepping out of the refresher station wrapped in a towel, her wet hair hanging down her back. As the two men watched she removed the towel from around her body and wrapped it around her wet hair, she then proceeded to dry her hair. They could see her full breasts, rounded hips, and long milk white hair. Even being short of stature, she was definitely a fully grown woman. Parck looked away, “I’ll have the tailor make her a robe, as well as whatever else a young woman might need,” Parck coughed. “I believe he has a wife and three daughters at home, he should know the drill.” Parck looked at Thrawn who as far as he could tell had not taken his eyes off the display. Ki’tia was now slipping into the new tunic already provided to her.

“That will be fine, Voss,” Thrawn said. “Also, request something for her to wear to the senior staff dinner tonight, and make sure she has appropriate shoes.” Thrawn continued to stare at the woman.

“Will that be all, sir?” Parck asked, setting down his caf and preparing to leave.

“Not quite,” Thrawn looked at him. “The feed for this security monitor. I want it limited to this display immediately, any recordings to be controlled through here.” Parck pulled out his comlink and issued a few commands. The display with the security monitor flickered and then resumed the normal image.

“Done,” Parck reported. “This is now the only display of the prisoner’s security monitor and recordings are under your control.”

“Excellent.” Thrawn paused and turned away from the displays. “My next request is highly confidential. I’d like you to take the genetic sample from Ki’tia and run a computer compatibility probability with Chiss genetics, specifically, my genome.”

“Excuse me, Grand Admiral?” Parck asked. “You’re thinking of trying to produce a child with her?” He pointed to the security monitory display.

“Think of it Voss,” Thrawn’s lips curved into a slight smile, “a Force sensitive Chiss child, from the bloodline of one of the greatest Jedi of the Clone Wars, the Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. Think of the possibility of that power.” Thrawn was watching the display again.

“I’ll get right on it.” Parck said. He started for the door.

“Parck,” Thrawn stopped him from leaving. “The woman is dressed. Have her security detail bring her here, and asked Vaantaar to report here, also. That will be all.”

“Yes, sir,” Parck nodded and left.

Ki’tia heard a buzz and her door opened. A trooper was standing there with a rather large blaster.

“Good morning, miss,” the trooper said. “I’m here to take you to Grand Admiral Thrawn. This way, please.” The trooper motioned her out of her quarters with his blaster and put his hand around her upper arm as she passed. They walked down the corridor and into a turbolift. When they exited the turbolift they walked down another longer corridor. The trooper stopped at a door and pressed a panel. The door opened and she was escorted into a large room with Grand Admiral Thrawn and the alien being who had cut her the night before.

“Good morning, Ki’tia,” Thrawn smiled. “Please come in.” He motioned for her to come into the center of the room, where he met her. “Trooper, would you remain by the door, inside the room.” The trooper took up a guard position at the door. Thrawn reached out to Ki’tia. “May I?” He made to move her hair away from her neck where the knife cut had been. Ki’tia nodded and Thrawn brushed her hair away with the back of his hand. There was no sign on her neck that there had been any cut at all. “Impressive. Can you heal others as well as yourself?”

“It is easier for me to heal someone else,” she answered, looking into his eyes. “When I need to heal myself, I am already weakened by the injury. When I heal another, I have more strength to give to the healing process.”

Thrawn gazed at her for a moment then nodded. He walked to the side of the room and picked up a small towel. He then removed his white officers’ tunic and laid it across a chair. He was wearing a short sleeved, form-fitting black shirt. “Vaantaar, bring me your knife.” The Troukree obeyed. Thrawn walked over to Ki’tia with the towel and the knife. Ki’tia flinched at the site of the knife. “I’m not going to hurt you with this,” he reassured her holding out the weapon. Ki’tia, again, looked into his glowing red eyes, and nodded. “Could you heal me?” Thrawn asked her.

“Of course,” Ki’tia answered.

Thrawn quickly drew the exceptionally sharp Troukree knife along his forearm, making a cut about 10 centimeters long and deep enough to start blood immediately flowing from the wound. The bright red blood contrasting vividly with the blue skin of his arm. Thrawn inhaled sharply at the pain. Vaantaar grabbed the knife from Thrawn’s hand. The trooper started to rush toward them. “Hold!” Thrawn commanded. The trooper stopped. Thrawn moved the towel under his arm to catch the blood flowing from the wound. Ki’tia looked at the scene in confusion and horror. “Well, Ki’tia,” he said as if to get her attention. “I would appreciate it if you would stop this bleeding.” Ki’tia had never seen anyone deliberately injure himself, she was stunned. “Ki’tia!” Thrawn said her name louder.

Ki’tia took a deep breath and centered herself in the Force. She reached out and covered the cut on Thrawn’s arm with her hand. Thrawn watched her face. She closed her eyes. Her breathing slowed and Thrawn noticed his breathing slowed to match hers. Then he felt a warm, tingling sensation in his arm. She moved her hand slowly along the cut. He knew the blood was no longer flowing. Ki’tia bent her head over his arm, lifted her hand and blew lightly over the wound. Her breath felt cool. There was no longer any pain. It could not have been more than three or four minutes and she took her hands away from his arm. The only evidence that he had cut himself was a thin white line. She looked up at him.

“That will be gone within the hour,” she said. “There will not be a scar.”

Thrawn walked to the refresher in the back of the room and cleaned the blood off his arm. He returned and put on his uniform tunic. “That was impressive,” he said to her. “Won’t you come sit with me? I have some refreshments for us.” He put his hand on her back and guided her toward the sofa. The tray of caf and breakfast squares had been moved over to a low table in front of the sofa.

Ki’tia sat on the sofa. “Why did you do that?” she asked, puzzled. “How could you deliberately cut yourself?”

Thrawn looked at her. He turned his head slightly and tightened his lips. “I had to test your abilities,” he answered. “I could not subjectively cut an innocent person, now could I? This way, the test was just between you and me. If you had failed, I would have been the only one injured. Simple.” He raised a blue-black eyebrow and his red eyes glowed.

“Well, at least you didn’t deliberately break your arm,” she looked at him shaking her head.

“No,” he smiled. “Even I have my limits.” Ki’tia saw his smile and smiled back. “There,” Thrawn said. “I knew you could smile. You have a lovely smile.”

“Thank you,” Ki’tia relaxed and continued smiling. “It feels nice to smile again. It seems like it’s been a long time since I’ve had anything to smile about.”

“Yes,” Thrawn said, his smile fading, “and that brings us to the uncomfortable discussion of this morning. I need you to tell me what happened to you during your stay onboard the Valadin.”

Ki’tia’s smile was gone and her gaze fell to her lap. “I tried to escape.”

“Yes, I know.” Thrawn said. “You caused significant damage to a new Procursator-class Star Destroyer in the process of being recaptured. I’ve read the reports. I would like to hear the details from your perspective. Why don’t you start with how you came to be aboard the Valadin?” Thrawn poured a cup of caf and handed it to Ki’tia. She accepted the cup looking up into his eyes.

“For the past 10 months I’d been working as a Children’s Purser on the starliner Astral Way 4,” Ki’tia began. “It was a fun job. I loved working with the children of all different species. My Force abilities made my work easier, but still I tried to hide them. I didn’t want anyone thinking I was a Jedi and sending me off to the Emperor. Slowly people on board started to notice I was different. Captain DeHolt noticed and told me to be more careful. One of the male crewmembers noticed. He threated to turn me over to the Imperials if I didn’t…” She blushed. “You know…become his girlfriend. I told him he was a jerk and to leave me alone. I thought we would never come in contact with any Imperials, so he was just bluffing. I didn’t know starliners were subject to snap inspections. Then, the Valadin stopped us. All staff and passengers were subject to inspection. I tried to hide, but someone on the staff reported me as a possible Jedi. There happened to be a recording of me playing with the children by making objects float around in the air. I know I shouldn’t have done that, but the children loved it and it always made them laugh! Captain Miczysin threatened Captain DeHolt with arrest if he didn’t turn me over. I came out of hiding and said I would go with him. Captain DeHolt had been so good to me. I didn’t want him getting into any trouble.” She stopped and took a drink of caf. Thrawn was still watching her.

“They searched my cabin on the Astral Way,” Ki’tia continued. “Captain Miczysin demanding I give him my lightsaber. I told him I didn’t have one. They tore the walls out of cabin, looking for a lightsaber.” Ki’tia shook her head. “When they took me to the Valadin, they put me in a detention cell, those awful little rooms, and they took my boots. I never understood why they took my boots?” She looked questioningly at Thrawn.

“It is procedure,” he answered. “Please continue.”

Ki’tia shrugged. She reminded herself that she was still on an Imperial Navy vessel and just one step away from the Emperor, or Darth Vader, this man would likely send her to them. Thrawn prompted her to continue. “They kept the lights on in the cell,” Ki’tia resumed her recounting. “When I started to fall asleep, they played shrieking loud noises. I don’t know how long this continued. The only time the noise stopped was when Captain Miczysin came in to interrogate me. He slapped my face, called me ‘Jedi’ and asked for my lightsaber. He wouldn’t listen to any other explanation of my Force abilities. I tried to tell him I was an A’nir. He just slapped me harder. Then after several visits he came in with a desperate look in his eyes. He took me by the hand. Said I was pretty and that he didn’t really want to hurt me.” Ki’tia stopped.

“What happened next, Ki’tia?” Thrawn asked, his voice soft.

She got up and walked to the window, standing with her back to the rest of the room. “He took me to his quarters.”

“Were you alone with him?” Thrawn asked.

“Yes,” she answered. Thrawn noticed she was wringing her hands.

“There were no guards or troopers outside the door, or anywhere along your path to his quarters?” he inquired.

“I didn’t see anyone else,” she continued looking out the window. Thrawn could see her reflection in the dark glass.

“I understand this is difficult,” Thrawn said, “but, it’s important that I know what happened next. Please continue.”

There was silence for a moment. Ki’tia stared out the window at space and held her arms about herself. Finally, she began again, “He sat with me on his bed. He said it would go much easier for me if I would just admit I was a Jedi. I didn’t say anything. I could sense anger and hatred in him. He grabbed my hair and pulled my head back. Then he was on top of me, ripping at my clothes and pushing down on me. He was trying to force my legs apart, trying to force my mouth open with his.” She shivered. “Then the comm sounded beside his bed. He looked at me and told me not to make a sound. As soon as he released me, I jumped up and ran for the door. It wasn’t locked, so I was out in the corridor before he could catch me. I ran.”

“How did you end up in the top instrument dome?” Thrawn asked.

“I spent many years of my childhood on Kashyyyk.” Ki’tia answered turning to look at Thrawn. Thrawn looked confused. “When I was in trouble, or running from Imperial patrols, I climbed the wroshyr trees, so I climbed wherever I could in the Valadin. The top instrument dome was as high as I could go. Eventually, they found me. They broke my arm trying to pull me down from there. They had to cut the structure to get me out. Captain Miczysin was furious.”

“Yes, well,” Thrawn said, his lips drawn tight. “You damaged over half of the ships main sensor array. They are still in the process of making repairs.”

“Oh.” Ki’tia looked away. Thrawn could still see her reflection in the dark window. At least she had the good sense not to laugh directly in the face of the Empire.

Thrawn rose from the sofa. “Trooper,” the trooper snapped to attention. “Return the prisoner to her quarters. Ki’tia, there will be a dinner tonight at 7 PM. Clothing will be delivered for you to wear. Please be ready on time.”

The trooper already had a hand hold on Ki’tia’s arm. “Yes, Grand Admiral Thrawn,” she said. “I’ll be ready.” The trooper walked in silence as he led her back to her quarters.

The outfit delivered for Ki’tia to wear to the dinner that evening was a sleeveless long dark blue tunic with a belt that almost matched her hair. The fabric was soft and flowing and the neckline curved below her neck, not too low, but lower than she was used to. The shoes were heeled and matched the belt. Ki’tia had never worn anything so lovely. She was glad she’d had the strength to finish healing her broken arm. Now, there was not even any discoloration to show where the break had been.

She expected her usual trooper escort to the dinner, so she was surprised when the door was opened by Commander Parck.

“Good evening Ki’tia,” Parck smiled, “and may I say you look lovely.” He held out his arm for her to take. Was it her imagination, or was he blushing just slightly.

“Good evening, Commander,” Ki’tia returned the smile. “Thank you.” She put her arm through his and they walked into the corridor. A Stormtrooper stepped into place behind them, his blaster rifle at the ready.

There were quite a number in attendance when they arrived at the Officers’ Mess. Those seated immediately stood and all turned their attention Commander Parck and Ki’tia entered the room.

“Ah, our final guest has arrived,” Thrawn said. He extended his hand to Ki’tia and took her arm from Parck. “Gentlemen, may I introduce Ki’tia. Ki’tia,” he motioned around the room, “this is my senior staff aboard the Admonitor.” She bowed her head slightly in the direction of the men. Thrawn then turned her a quarter turn to her left. “I believe you already know Captain Miczysin of the Valadin.” Ki’tia stiffened and drew in a quick breath. Thrawn imperceptibly tightened his hold on her arm.

“What’s the meaning of this Thrawn?” Miczysin roared. “This woman is a prisoner!” The room fell silent.

“May I remind you,” Thrawn said coolly, “my rank is now Grand Admiral and you will address me as such.”

“My apologies, Grand Admiral Thrawn,” Miczysin practically spit out, still bowing his head slightly, “the last I was aware, this woman was a suspected Jedi and, therefore, an enemy of the Empire.” He glared at Ki’tia and Thrawn, the hatred clearly evident in his face.

“That is still under investigation,” Thrawn answered, “and tonight she is my guest.” He looked around the room. The armed Stormtrooper was standing just inside the door.

Miczysin pointed to the Stormtrooper. “A guest who requires Stormtrooper protection,” he accused.

“Yes, Captain,” Thrawn glared at Miczysin. “She is a prisoner, and security protocol must be observed at all times, or perhaps you need to be reminded of that fact?” Thrawn raised a blue-black eyebrow at Miczysin and flashed his glowing red eyes. “Perhaps there are other protocols regarding prisoners you need reminding of, Captain?”

“If you’re making accusations, Grand Admiral,” Miczysin sneered, “may I remind you I am an officer in the Imperial Navy!” He slammed down the drink he had been holding. “The Valadin has been ordered to join the main Fleet at Endor and, with your permission, I’d like to get underway immediately. My report to the Emperor on this fiasco will be filed en route.”

Ki’tia was shaking slightly and her eyes were wide. Thrawn didn’t want a scene here. He held her arm a little tighter and reached over to cover her hand on his arm with his other hand. He needed her to remain calm through this. “The Emperor himself has been waiting for the Valadin at Endor for over a week,” Thrawn said calmly. “He is most interested to hear from you, personally, regarding the events leading up to the damage of the main sensor array.” Miczysin looked shocked and paralyzed. “You are dismissed, Captain.”

Miczysin stormed out of the room. There was a collective sigh from the rest of the men in the room. Thrawn patted Ki’tia hand on his arm. “Gentlemen, and lady,” he said in a smooth, polished voice, “shall we sit down to dinner?” He directed them to the elaborately set table, and took his place at the head, placing Ki’tia to his right. The other men took their places around the table and the first course was served.

As the first course was being cleared away an aid came into the room. “Grand Admiral,” he interrupted the conversation, looking pale. “I beg to report Captain Miczysin’s shuttle has been destroyed on its return flight to the Valadin. There were no survivors.”

“Was the captain’s pilot on board?” Thrawn asked.

“No, sir,” the aid replied. “His pilot was not on board the shuttle when Captain Miczysin wished to depart. Captain Miczysin was piloting the shuttle himself.” If possible, the aid looked even paler.

“Has the shuttle pilot been located?” Thrawn asked.

“Yes, sir,” the aid answered. “He was on his dinner break in the pilot’s mess. His location was in the duty log.”

“Have the shuttle pilot returned to the Valadin.” Thrawn ordered. “Dismissed.” The aid nodded and left the room. Thrawn pulled out his comlink. “Put me through to the Valadin Bridge,” he said. After a moment he added, “This is Grand Admiral Thrawn, my condolences on the loss of Captain Miczysin, Commander Shawnly you are hereby promoted to the rank of Captain and placed in command of the Valadin. Your shuttle pilot is being returned to you. It is my understanding his location was duly logged at the time Captain Miczysin took control of the shuttle. I do not hold the shuttle pilot at fault for not being in attendance for the flight. We have all the records of the shuttle flight and will handle the investigation of the incident from the Admonitor, if that is to your satisfaction.” He listened a moment. “Yes, Captain, and congratulations. Please make all haste for Endor as soon as your shuttle pilot is on board. Grand Admiral Thrawn, out.”

Thrawn put away his comlink and looked around the table. “Shall we continue with dinner?”

After dinner Thrawn escorted Ki’tia back to her quarters, followed by the Stormtrooper. At her door she turned to him. “You set me up,” she accused him. “You knew Captain Miczysin would react to my presence that way and return to the Valadin.” Ki’tia glared up at Thrawn.

Thrawn keyed open her door and motioned her inside. He turned to the Stormtrooper and said, “Remain outside the door.” Thrawn stepped into Ki’tia’s quarters and closed the door.

Ki’tia immediately turned to face him. “You knew his shuttle was going to explode? I don’t know how, but you knew!” she accused. “You used me to get rid of Captain Miczysin. How dare you!” She was yelling, her breathing hard.

“Stop!” Thrawn grabbed her by her shoulders and shook her. “I am Grand Admiral Thrawn of the Imperial Navy and you are my prisoner! You will not speak to me in that manner!” He released her and glared down at her. “Sit down.” She sat on the edge of her bed. “Captain Miczysin was a discredit to the Imperial Navy. He was a disreputable officer in more ways than just what you witnessed, and he needed to be removed.” Ki’tia’s eyes flashed. “Beyond that, he was going to inform the Emperor about you, about your Force abilities.” Now, Ki’tia’s eyes grew wide with fear and her mouth opened slightly. “I was able to stop that communiqué when I took over your interrogation. But, had Miczysin joined the Fleet at Endor, the Emperor and Vader both would certainly had been made aware of your existence.” Thrawn paced back across her room then turned to look at her again.

“Please accept my apology for my previous outburst,” Ki’tia looked up at him. “I had no right to question your methods.”

“Apology accepted,” he nodded at her. “We will continue the interrogation tomorrow.” Thrawn started toward the door.

“Excuse me, Grand Admiral,” Ki’tia stopped him. “Why do you care what happens to me?” She was still sitting on her bed, her eyes wide, but her face soft and beautiful.

“Curiosity,” he answered. “I want to know more about what you called the A’nir, more about what you know about the Force.” He paused and stared at her. She looked into his eyes and smiled. He’d never know a human who could look into his eyes the way she did. “Good-night, Ki’tia.” He opened the door and left.

Ki’tia sat for a while after Thrawn left. She felt more through the Force from him than just curiosity, but she was not sure what it was. At least for now he was protecting her from the Emperor and Vader. At least for now.

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