𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘿𝙀𝙑𝙄𝙇'𝙎 𝘼𝘿𝙑𝙊𝘾𝘼𝙏𝙀 • 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙫𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧

SIX

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CHAPTER SIX:

A Traitor's Retribution

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I COULD FEEL HIS GAZE.

Even through the mask, I could sense that Vader's eyes were on me. There was an odd calmness in the office, one that was welcomed, albeit unexpected. The fear that I thought I'd feel when alone with him wasn't present.

Perhaps it was due to the fact that he had invited me in rather than choke me like he had Kattle. Something told me that, as long as I did as I was told in an obedient manner, Vader had no reason to harm me.

"The reason that most of the Death Star is in lockdown is because we're looking for someone," He began to explain. "As a General, you should have been made aware of the situation during the emergency meeting."

"I wasn't called to any meeting," I replied truthfully, clasping my hands together.

"I thought not," Vader mused, walking over to the table and sitting down at the head of it. I remained standing, not wanting to offend him by sitting without any invitation to. "Rivven believes we should still hold our doubts about you and Mr. Merandis."

"We've been questioned, and I told them the truth," I said, trying not to sound like I was desperately pleading my case.

He held up his hand, making me look down. "I don't need to be convinced any further. Your aid of the Stormtrooper on Hoth, as well as this evening, tell me all I need to know about you, General Damri."

"This evening?" I asked, surprised at his words.

"I know what you did for the trooper with the injured arm," Vader revealed to me. "Your actions were commendable. Unnecessary, yes, but commendable nonetheless."

"Sparky was worth helping," I said, unable to stop myself. "You may see him as just one among thousands, but he matters."

He didn't reply for a few moments, leaving me to inwardly panic as I wondered whether I had overstepped the boundary. "Take a seat, General."

I complied, sitting down at the chair to the left of him.

"I appreciate that it is your first week here, and you may not yet feel as though you have settled in," He began. "It is important, though, that you are in uniform and armed at all times. As a General, it is vital that you are seen as one."

I glanced down to my plain shirt, instantly regretting taking off my work jacket. "I apologize, Lord Vader."

"No need," He replied. "It's for your own safety and convenience. I wouldn't want one of the guards to think you're lying about your role, as not everyone knows of you yet."

"I understand," I said with a nod.

There was a short silence before he spoke again. "Earlier this evening, substantial evidence was found of Chief Manar's betrayal."

"Betrayal?" I repeated with a frown.

"She was a double agent; feeding our secrets to the Rebels whilst destroying any information we gained on them," He revealed, making my eyebrows rise. I had never met Katarin Manar, but during that week I had seen her a few times and heard a few things. She was mostly painted as a fearsome woman who the troopers and guards didn't want to get on the wrong side on.

"Wow," I breathed out, not knowing how else to respond.

"Indeed," Vader said shortly, making me let out a soft laugh.