FORESIGHT and SCOPE: BOOK TWO

C H A P T E R F O R T Y-S I X

"I did warn you, remember?" The vice admiral simpered in a low tone. "I told you before you left for that mission that less bodies meant more risk. Yet, not only had you 'insist' you go alone with that clone, you proceeded to self-righteously divulge yourself on how you 'live for risks.'"

"Where are you going with this?" My mouth twisted in suspicion. I allowed his bark at Crosshair slip for the sake of not stalling Rampart's case. "Why am I here, Rampart?"

"I know you are putting on a brave face." The man ceased his pacing and turned his gaze to me. His eyes were so intense I grew wary the man could see right through me. "I am willing to wager the moment you were informed of my arrest, you have regretted your 'audition' and joining the Empire."

My eyes grew wide. Before I could utter a word, Rampart waved his hand at me. "Do not attempt to deny it. Your desperation to know the Endor base's purpose gifted me with just as much insight as my hesitance on the matter provided you. And now, after my termination, you have realized you have nowhere to go. After all, one does not simply leave the Galatic Empire without a pardon. I know this better than anyone."

"Why did you call me here, Rampart?" I asked again, this time in an airy sigh.

"You served me well, Miss Quinn, and while I cannot reward you much for your service in my current state, perhaps I can extend a hand to you in gratitude."

"You sent me away on the Endor mission knowing you were on thin ice while attending the Senate council. Why? I could've protected you. Wasn't that one of my duties as your personal abettor? The moment you needed my service most you sent me away and stranded me."

"I had full confidence you would complete the mission and return." Rampart assured, placing a hand on his chest. He then rubbed his chin in frustration. "But perhaps you are right. Nothing went according to plan. That senator was exhaustively persistent...She and her supporters may not have succeeded, but she condemned me. If you'd had been here, perhaps the final outcome would have concluded in my favor—a mistake I will conceivably regret myself for however much time I have left in this galaxy. At least I know you would have remained loyal to the end, my friend, and it is perchance you've learned something under my command that you can utilize in your endeavors to survive henceforward."

What is this? A game? He has been consistent with his pestering emphasis on every word he's spout. Now suddenly, he is sympathizing with me? Taking every last credit he can snag before he and I part ways what is most likely forever? He truly is pathetic! My thoughts snapped together and this time, I began to stomp towards him with an unstable amount of control in my retort...

Wait. My body stopped. As Rampart stared at me, unmoving, I averted my eyes and pondered for a moment. Perhaps it is a game...The stress on particular words are not arbitrary under his pitiful performance...They are, in fact, intentional...

"You believe you hold that much power in your current position?" I was no longer the personal abettor of Vice Admiral Rampart. I had no idea what power I held and didn't hold...

"You've grown soft..." I've let my guard down in the comfort of my position...

"I know you putting on a brave face." I have forced myself to refrain from weakness after the this crucial pinnacle of change...

"I know this better than anyone." How does he know? Was he subtly telling me he shared my temperament? I was determined to break this man's code...but I had to be as inconspicuous as he was.

"Do you think I joined the Empire in search of a mentor? You are wrong. Nor was I in need of a 'friend.' I've been trained to be a soldier and a bounty hunter. There is nothing you could have taught me that I could not deduce myself. Despite your keen observations and pretentious standards, I look at you now, and I believe I have mistook you for a vice admiral." Once I was mere inches from him, I shoved him with the outside of my left forearm and lowered my voice into a deep growl. "You are right about one thing, sir: I do regret joining this Empire. Degrading myself to it and serving under you was a waste of effort spent."