ATHENA'S POV
"My, look how the mighty has fallen." I snickered, bouncing down the steps inside the detainment cell. Hunched over his knees on the protruding ledge against the back wall, was former Vice Admiral Rampart. His neatly-pressed Imperial uniform and shiny decoration medals had been stripped from him and replaced with a dark-gray jumpsuit. I spotted a hint of gray in his messy brown hair when he raked his fingers through it as he raised his head at me. His light-brown eyes betrayed his deprivity of sleep.
"I am surprised you actually agreed to visit me." He wrinkled his nose. "I see your appearance was taken into serious consideration."
"Oh, my apologies for not dressing in my evening best or running a ornamental comb through my hair for you." I jeered. "I just returned from that classified mission on Endor. You know, where Crosshair and I were tasked to eliminate insurgents taking over an Imperial base?"
"Ah, yes," Rampart folded his hands over his knees. "I remember briefly scanning at a report that the base was unfortunately demolished by a detonation of sone sort. I supposed you both had perished in the explosion."
"We were stranded on Endor for three rotations."
"How resourceful you and CT-9904 must have been then," Rampart's grin curled at the corner of his mouth. "to survive and manage to crawl your way back to Coruscant." He then averted his eyes to his right with a dry chuckle. "Forgive me, I believe I am experiencing a sense of deja vú."
"What was that Imperial base's purpose before it was destroyed?" I questioned bluntly, ignoring the vice admiral's own amusement. I then clarified myself. "The communications system on those blueprints were the most extensive I've ever seen—capable of sending a signal across the galaxy within seconds. And then, there's the massive satillite that I believe was a shield generator under construction. What would the Empire possibly need a shield generator powerful enough to wrap a small moon in a bubble for?"
"Do you think you were summoned here by me to interrogate me about your failed mission?"
"I am not the one being detained for mass murder and destruction; I believe that gives me a privilege you no longer have." I crossed my arms in confidence.
Rampart raised a brow. "You believe? You believe you hold that much power in your current position? My, to think I viewed you as an intelligent sort."
"Is that the best insult you can muster under that pompous disposition of yours?"
The vice admiral's eyes narrowed menacingly. "Hardly."
"What was the purpose of that base?" I asked again. I remained calm. I was in no rush.
"Why is that information so important to you?"
"Because I'm now realizing you don't know yourself." I shook my head as I bit the inside of my lip. "So many secrets for such a young government. Then again, this Empire had to exist within the shadows for years before it exposed its reptilian head and poisoned the entire Republic with its venomous, yet tasteful promise of a 'safe and secure society.'"
"What an ironic choice of words." Rampart finally rose to his feet, folding his hands behind his back. "It was the Empire who brought down the terrorists and traitors who fought to continue the instability and war in the galaxy. Don't you know the Empire has provided jobs not only in the Empirical military, but opportunities for pilots, officers, troopers, and many more? It also has allowed planets to continue to grow their businesses, including the bounty hunter guilds that you were once associated with, and has an efficient law enforcement that has lowered crime and enforces the law effectivelv."
My jaw dropped, completely gobsmacked. "Are you actually defending the very establishment that betrayed you and threw your ass under a Bantha? Are you truly that brainwashed?"
"No." Rampart growled deeply at my insinuation. As his chin lowered, I watched his intelligent eyes grow dark. I stood my ground as he slowly approached me. With each vehement statement, his internal rage exposed itself; his usual soothing tone mutated into cracked hysteria, emphasizing certain words with not only his voice but his slender fingers as well, seizing the air in between us like he was ripping their essense and claiming them as his own. "After the devoted service I put forth into authorizing a secured future for the Imperial Militia, I deserve my equal share of the glory. I deserve my due respect and my rightful cut of everything." I craned my neck as he stepped his last—our toes barely grazed. Undaunted, I crossed my arms, filling the space within our close proximity. I watched him subconsciously wrinkle his nose again—most likely a reaction to my horrid scent I must be radiating. But it seemed like it wasn't enough to drive him away from making his protestation to me.
"I know you've read every file on me in the archives—you took great advantage in your favorable position. You know I've picked locks and have drawn knives. I've climbed walls and crushed gates. All for the fruitful life I deserve. Whatever I was not given, I took...all in the name of the Empire." He heaved a deep breath as he leaned forward until he was only inches from my face. I sensed a change in him—he internally pulled himself back before he could erupt like a supernova. His intonation reduced to an eerier verson of his natural accent... "So tell me, Miss Quinn, am I asking for too much? Why should I have to beg for what everybody wants?"
"You are pathetic." were the only words my lips muttered.
"And you've grown soft." Rampart, unfazed. I had never witnessed this man portray himself so greviously. While a hint of empathy simmered in my heart, I also had my dignity to defend...
"You should consider what you say next." I placed a hand on my knife hilt as my brows furrowed with a threatening glare. "Soft? Ha! You know what I'm capable of. You are lucky I—" I stopped when my mind hinted me to glance up to my left, where I spotted the surveillance camera. My jaw clenched in disappointment, reminding myself I was not truly alone with the vice admiral. Rampart noticed, too, and chuckled before finally backing away. "If I didn't value what was left of my life, I would mock you."
"So what now, Rampart?" I huffed, removing my itching fingers from my weapons. Rampart bobbed his head in thought. He began to pace, which made my arms break out in nervous chills. For a man who wore his last band of grandeur on his sleeve, he was mysterious. I have been working alongside this man for months now, and he was correct: I had studied all his files and there was a consistency in his Imperial endeavors.
I know he was a man who perceived the end of the Clone Wars and the formation of the Empire as a chance for peace, claiming it would bring opportunity and prosperity. He saw the importance in laying a strong foundation in the design of a formidable militia and supported the increase in soldiers, convinced it was necessary to maintain order and permit a strong ruling government. I know of his 'Project War-Mantle' (a single file mention that required much digging on my part) that sought to produce loyal soldiers without the need for clones and how confident he was that it would strengthen the future of the Empire. Loyalty of those who willingly enlisted, according to Rampart, was more valuable than the training underwent by clone troopers. In all his devoted efforts to expand Imperial presence and power across the galaxy, Vice Admiral Rampart was particularly patient, cunning and opportunistic in his approach. His impressive efforts all had served the Empire with extended benefits...until it didn't.
"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."
"Ha, at least I know what I was fighting for." Rampart sneered, sizing himself and slowly driving me backwards. "You, the disgraced soldier that no army wanted, are fighting to be simply known. To exist in this vast galaxy. But woe is me; since you claim to be the wiser, tell me Miss Quinn, why is your life spent all alone? You and I both know the truth and have since the very beginning: You. Are. Alone."
My shoulder blades slammed into the wall behind me. Silence choked any retaliation I could have mustered. I should have been wounded or offended...but one fundamental truth consumed the hundreds of thoughts in my mind, though, and my body chuckled amusingly.
I see now...I decrypted his harsh words. We are more alike than I had considered... My chest relaxed as I collected my final words to the vice admiral.
"You want truth? Here it is: I admire you. You have managed to sever your own head and cut all your ties—you've lost it all. And yet, even now... One day, Rampart, I think you'll reconsider what you believe is your truth, and then perhaps you'll find your own peace and security, wherever you end up. I know..." I paused to sigh through my nose. Simultaneously, Rampart slowly stepped away, allowing me to regain my balance from the wall. His light-brown eyes faintly softened when I spoke in my composed tone. "I know I am not the same woman I was when I first joined this Empire. I have discovered more about me than I think I cared to know. And one absolute truth has revealed itself to me since and that is...I am not alone."
I slowly pivoted on my heel and began walking towards the panel door. "Goodbye, Rampart. I am confident we will never meet again."
"Whatever you feel for CT-9904, do not let it expose itself." Rampart said grimly. I stopped in my tracks, contemplating if I heard him correctly. I dared not face him. He sighed behind me. "The Empire will find out and expunge your future in an instant. Like how they did to me."
He is so careful. I bit my lip, realizing what he meant by his final words. Perhaps I should have been more. We are being watched by security, and he never once revealed I was a clone... Instead, he was warning me through this presumation of romance—something that the Empire should not care two credits about... Now that I understood his reasoning of using emphasis to drive his true warning, did he make that decision out of sympathy? A one last act of chivalry? Or perhaps he believes he'd be indebted to me for visiting him under his request and I would receive nothing out of it if he didn't pardon my true identity? Whatever the incentive was, I was suddenly grateful to the former vice admiral. He and I may be similar, but if I wasn't more attentive, I would end up exactly like him...
"Perhaps," I sighed, a small smile cheeked as I glanced over my shoulder to look at him one last time. "you and I are not all that different...I mean, why should I have to beg for what everybody wants?"
I departed through the door with my head hung low and collapsed to my knees the moment it shut behind me. However, I did not hit the grated floor. Two hands caught my biceps and hoisted me back to my feet. My head popped up to find—
"Crosshair?" I gasped. My head spun in both directions and realized we were alone in the dim-lit hallway. I noticed he had replaced his armor with the dark-gray, shore-leave robes over his black bodysuit. "H-how are you here right now?"
"They said I could not join your little meeting with the vice admiral." The elite clone released my arms once I regained my stability. "They didn't say I couldn't come into the facility and stand outside his cell."
"How long have you been standing out here?"
"Not long."
"D-did you hear anything?"
Crosshair raised a brow. "Should I have heard anything?"
I rolled my eyes as he lightly smirked. "Nevermind. Come on, let's get out of here. This place gives me too much nostalgia for my comfort."
"Been detained before, have you, Bounty Hunter?" he inquired teasingly as he followed behind me.
"A couple times." I shrugged. "Occupational hazard. I will admit, though, breaking out of said detainment is quite exhilerating." I stiffled a laugh to myself. I heard Crosshair snicker, too, which made my cheeks burned. I noticed he did not press on what I spoke to Rampart about nor ask how I was feeling about the encounter afterwards—he probably grasped that it was a stressful experience based on how I'd almost fainted the instant I left the vice admiral's presence... Either way, the two of us remained silent until we reached the intersection where we would part.
"I need that long-overdue bath." I stated the obvious. "I'll...see you around." My body, however, did not move along. My mind was swimming. My feet shuffled underneath me, unsure of which direction they want to go.
"Athena?"
When Crosshair breathed my name in concern, my heart sighed. My chin hung as our kiss flashed before my eyes. If my mind wasn't processing by all that has occurred in the last twenty-four hours, I would have promptly reenacted that euphoric moment. My finger slowly gripped my shirt hem where he had done so when we embraced. I was grateful my back was towards the soldier, for my face blushed profusely and my lips tingled for his touch. I wondered if he was experiencing the same urges...
"Athena?" he said again.
"Have you ever wanted something, Crosshair," I exhaled calmly, raising my head and staring ahead down the empty, bland-gray corridor. "so badly you cannot breathe? Have you ever lo—Mmm," I hummed, scrunched my nose, and twisted my mouth into a small grin. When Crosshair did not reply, I headed on my way to my quarters with conviction. My unspoken question floated in my ears as I tucked my greasy hair behind them, accepting that I have truly passed a point of no return...
Have you ever loved someone madly?