Fandom Star Wars: Demesne [Closed]

[cleopat]

Cora grabbed breakfast for herself, and the remainder of the meal passed by uneventfully. Alma and Silas behaved themselves, much to the surprise of Cora, and they didn’t resort to any passive aggressive comments on Eli’s character.

Maybe they really did like him. Cora held onto that hope, and perhaps sometime when she’s back on the ship, she would call them and figure out their true opinions about Eli.

“Well, that was a delicious breakfast,” she said after making sure Eli was done eating, “but I’m afraid we must be getting back soon.”

“So soon?” Alma pouted. “I feel like you just got here. We barely see you anymore as is!”

Cora sighed. “I know. I promise I’ll look into an extended leave sometime in the near future.”

“Just be sure to stay in contact when you can,” Silas said, standing up. “Or else I will never hear the end of it.”

Cora stood up from the table as well, and gave her father a soft sigh. “Don’t worry, I’ll still message and call you guys.”

~~~

Once Thrawn exited the vehicle, he glanced down at Shay, a neutral expression resting on his face. It was quite evident to him what she truly thought of him, so he wouldn’t bother and feign pleasant goodbyes.

She could see clearly through bullshit like he could.

Instead, he only offered the parting words, “I would say the same for yourself, Miss Shay.” Not really a threat, but more of a caution when dealing with Imperials. Most didn’t have the patience or tact Thrawn possessed, and this conversation could’ve gone an entirely different direction.

Still, he would say nothing more on the matter, but he would remain curious about Shay long after the meeting ended. “Good day.”

With that, he walked away to return to his ship and see what damages were done during his time stuck in an elevator. And brace himself for when the news of his ‘relationship’ breaks out.

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli nodded agreeably to the comment of how good breakfast was – and leaving. They absolutely needed to get back, as soon as possible – not only to get away from Cora’s parents, though that was a perk he wouldn’t deny right then. Maybe one day it wouldn’t be a perk. He rather hoped that one day, it wouldn’t be – but right now, it was. He wouldn’t look at Cora’s vague explanation too closely, or consider contradicting it in the least as he, too, rose from his seat, genial smile in place.

Cora made her promises to stay in touch.

Ought he to offer contact information? ‘No.’ If they want it one day in the future, they’ll ask for it, probably through Cora. “I do look forward to visiting again for longer,” Eli would add, not entirely a lie, though he wanted to see more of Anaxes more than he wished to see more of them, “So I’m sure we’ll visit again in the near future.”

Perhaps that would quell them a bit, to know Eli was also interested in returning and would be talking about it with Cora. That at least made the odds of such a visit more likely. With a visit to his own parents.

A few months was near future enough for Eli, and splitting the time might not be too hard. They’d find out when they started planning for that. He would be okay not talking about it for a month, at least, though.

~***~

The news spread like wildfire, and Tarkin was aware within the hour. The Governor of Eriadu stared at the news, before he sent a couple of messages to the Inquisitors to find out if they knew anything. Naturally, they didn’t, which meant Thrawn wasn’t keeping them close. Tarkin wasn’t amused with this in the least.

‘If Nevan turns out to be the Jedi….’

At this point, Tarkin was rather hoping so, if only to satisfy his vindictive streak. But how could a Jedi hide in plain sight like that? Somehow, it couldn’t be her, someone she worked with made far more sense. ‘He cannot seriously be doing this.’ Tarkin could admit to a degree of xenophobia when it came to…mingling.

He also accepted it where it could produce good results. He was involved and funding too many biological experiments which, so far, had just produced abominations. For tools, for strength, he was willing to overlook some of that natural xenophobia, but he knew many in the Empire wouldn’t agree. Plenty had left behind family belonging to other races because of the reaction, the culture, of the Empire.

Tarkin would take no pleasure in Thrawn’s dragging for those reasons. It was one of the insufferable parts of the Empire.

All the same, this did mean Thrawn ought to have a report for him about the Eira situation, and so he simply sent a message to the Grand Admiral.

I expect an update on the situation with the Coruscanti Rebels at your earliest convenience.

~***~

There were times Eira absolutely wanted to yell curses. By the time Shay stepped into her home, she was quite near it, but refrained, biting her bottom lip and glaring at Shay for an explanation as she thrust her datapad out that clearly had the article Shay had written, and posted, in the time it took her car to get to Eira’s home.

And swing by a gelato shop.

“Yes, I believe we’re all aware of what you and Thrawn got up to,” Shay said mildly, brushing Eira’s hand and datapad aside as she let herself in, finding a seat. She was rarely allowed in Eira’s home, and she wasn’t going to point that out. Things had changed with Eira’s revelation of what she was; no doubt, that had been among the reasons she kept Shay, and others, out of her home.

If it told secrets, Shay couldn’t quite tell, now that she knew.

“We weren’t going to let it be known!” It was Eira’s pathetic attempt to explain her rage, as she turned back towards Shay and stalked over to the same couch; she didn’t own needless chairs, so she was forced to sit besides Shay, “Why would you do this?”

“That is a stupid question. I want to break the two of you up, and I hope the media can do the job for me, since it seems I can’t do it.” Shay answered, “So you have to explain to all your fans, and all of Adlai’s fans, why you’re with him, and that you weren’t cheating on Adlai though people saw you with him plenty before the breakup.”

Eira could have screamed. “You want this.” Shay reminded pointedly. “Even though he’s aware of everything. You want this. Deal with it, or end it.”

Eira swallowed her rage. She took in a deep breath. She was always good at getting things back under control, but that didn’t stop the sting of this betrayal. ‘You betrayed Shay in doing this.’ She knew. ‘At least I can wait until morning.’ Stars, the morning, though….

Eira let her head fall into her hands. Shay sighed, before she put a hand on Eira’s back. “There, there, stupid Jedi, with your stupid misunderstanding of feelings. Chin up. I brought gelato, and I won’t even tell your personal trainer about it.”

Eira could only laugh. The alternative was crying.

 

[cleopat]

Cora and her parents said their goodbyes. It was a bittersweet moment for Cora, as she knew it would truthfully be some time before she could see them again, but also, there was only so much of her parents she could tolerate at a time. She loved them dearly, but they could be a handful.

Walking into the hangar, she said to Eli, “Thank you, again, for coming here with me. I appreciate it a lot, and I’ll have to make it up to you somehow.” Dealing with her parents, especially her mother, couldn’t have been easy, even if this morning, they had a change in tune.

She truly did think that they were warming up to Eli. A message later on would help clarify things for her.

“I suppose now we have to return to reality,” she chuckled, walking up to their ship. “Hopefully nothing too terrible happened in our absence.” She was still blissfully unaware of what Thrawn had been up to.

~~~

The news of his relationship with Eira spread much faster than Thrawn cared to admit, but he would be lying to say he was surprised. Shay had made it quite clear her disdain of him, if not through language then through her body language during their ‘chat.’

It was a headache he needed to prepare himself for when other Imperials started badgering him with questions and accusations. Such as Governor Tarkin.

Which, by the stars above, he did send Thrawn a message. He hadn’t even had time to contemplate the events of the day yet. He barely had even stepped foot in his office when the message came through.

Thrawn hardly expected that the man anticipated another message in return. No, he would want a call. Standing behind his desk, he placed the call, and waited patiently for the governor to pick up with his hands behind his back.

 

[Lucyfer]

‘That you still want to be with me is enough.’ Eli kept that thought to himself as they came into the hangar. He’d been polite in his own farewells, and hadn’t been disingenuous. He imagined that would help. Some people could sniff out lies, even if they didn’t understand it as that. He wasn’t trying to leave a bad vibe behind.

At her comment of reality, he sighed, “Yeaaaah….” He was not looking forward to that, “though, if you want to make things up, just keep me informed of what your parents thought about after all of this. Their real thoughts. I know they weren’t going to show me.” Though they hadn’t minded insulting him in some ‘tactful’ ways, which Eli undid every single time.

They wouldn’t have dared to be more overt after that.

“As for reality…I guess I shouldn’t keep you in the dark,” like he had with the Inquisitors, though he was sure she understood that well, now. They had taken their seat on the ship by then, informed the crew to set back off to the Chimaera. “Apparently, confirmed by Faro, Thrawn’s decided to date Eira.”

Faro was devastated, of course, but that certainly meant it wasn’t just a rumor.

Although with a picture of the two kissing, Eli wondered how that could have been a rumor, anyways. Eli didn’t pry into Thrawn’s private life, and he knew little of Eira’s, but he was pretty sure that wouldn’t have been a ‘one night stand’ kind of thing.

Then again, who knew? Celebrities like Lin certainly lived the high life, and he knew a few Imperials who used their uniform to their advantage.

~***~

Tarkin was not surprised he was answered swiftly. Even on an ordinary day, he would not have been surprised, but this day was far from ordinary. Thrawn came into view, enough of the sight behind him confirming it was his own office. “Well, well, you’ve had an eventful day,” Tarkin commented on sight.

He wasn’t pleased.

“I do hope I’m not interrupting anything?” He didn’t care if Thrawn got the reference or not; the hour was late, plenty of people wouldn’t be ‘home alone’ after a date. Which, Tarkin assumed, that had been, unaware it had begun under innocent enough circumstances. “I also hope you have not forgotten he nature of the mission I set you on with Miss Nevan?”

There were many things they needed to know.

There were plenty of things Tarkin had no interest in knowing, as well. It seemed Thrawn thought differently. Which…also seemed unusual for Thrawn. He hadn’t thought Thrawn would succumb to her charms, like so many other fools would. “I’m disappointed in you.” He had no qualms making that perfectly clear.

 

[cleopat]

Cora offered Eli a comforting smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to keep you updated once I find out any information from them.” Which she still hoped was all positive. She knew her parents. She knew how they acted around those they hated and those they liked.

That morning, they gave off the vibes that they liked him.

The subject changed, and Cora sensed there was something big Eli knew. She took a seat, her eyes wide as she processed what he just told her. “Wait...what?” She was dumbfounded.

She didn’t even know that Thrawn was...into that sort of thing.

He may be a grand admiral engrossed in his work, but he was still a man. But still...an actress?

“What did this happen? How?” She knew Thrawn had been hanging out with Eira more often recently, for some reason, but she hadn’t realized how far things have gone.

~~~

Oh yeah, Governor Tarkin definitely knew about the situation at hand, and he wasn’t pleased.

Thrawn would have to tread carefully, cautiously, artfully.

“No, I am not busy at the moment,” Thrawn said, the reference Tarkin was making flying completely over his head at the moment. Perhaps later, in reflection of the conversation, Thrawn would realize what Tarkin was saying in the moment, but he was focused on the matter at hand.

“Of course I haven't forgotten the nature of the mission.” And he was still obtaining information on Eira. Some just may call his new strategy...a bit unorthodox. “Circumstances changed, and therefore, tactics had to adjust as well.” Tactics that Tarkin didn’t seem to immediately approve of.

He hoped that would change by the end of the video call.

“I am still obtaining information of Miss Nevan, and now I have a more opportune vantage point in which to do so.”

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli was appreciative of Cora’s commitment to this. And to wanting to help Eli make good impressions, even where her parents needed help on making impressions on him. Hopefully, they would care about that more in the future. Hopefully, they would like him.

Sadly, the topic at hand was now about Thrawn’s love life, which Eli always assumed would remain non-existent. Thrawn worked too much to have a love life. Yet, somehow, he managed it with the actress Faro was infatuated with. Faro was going to be a nightmare to deal with for a day or two while she mourned what never would have happened.

“Yeah, I’m still kind of…I don’t know,” Eli sighed and shook his head, “I haven’t seen much, or talked to Thrawn yet,” he added, “I got the update from Faro with a few articles, and one of them had a pretty clear picture of him and Eira, so…yeah, Faro isn’t lying.”

He opted to take his datapad out and bring up the article, so Cora could judge for herself. “I guess it’s pretty recent.” Literally the day he left to go see Cora’s parents. Why did Thrawn always do something stupid when he was gone? “Not sure if it’s actually recent for their relationship, or just recent in being caught.”

Either way, it was going to explode in Coruscant, and Eli could imagine it would just make Thrawn’s time planet-side, worse. Faro wouldn’t be the only one mourning the perceived “loss”. There were other idiots, and other idiots who didn’t like Thrawn.

~***~

Thrawn had never seemed the sort to apply such a dishonest tactic to his work before. As such, Tarkin’s expression didn’t change as Thrawn insisted he still understood the job, and was working towards it from a new vantage point. If he was telling the truth, it likely was a good vantage point, but it seemed foolish. On both sides. It was hard to imagine a rebel dating an Imperial without the same ideas in mind.

“I hope you’re aware the information I want you to gather has very little to do with her physical attributes,” Tarkin stated flatly, “I also hope you are aware that if she is a rebel, she may have the same ideas in mind for you.” Spying, gathering information, “and I am more inclined to suspect the rebel of trying honeypot tactics,” and succeeding.

Though perhaps that was, in a way, why it could work. No one would suspect Thrawn of such a thing. Tarkin certainly didn’t assume Thrawn was going to succeed in this, but he had at least learned that Thrawn came close to being court martialed in nearly every extremely successful mission so far.

So, he wasn’t removing him. Yet.

“Tell me,” Tarkin continued dryly, “what is it that possessed you to consider this route, and what you have found out that makes you think this is an apt way to go from this point forward?”

 

[cleopat]

Cora didn’t know what to think of the situation. Imagining Thrawn away from work, in a personal life of his own, seemed weird, but surely even he had his own life outside of work? Not that she ever saw him when he wasn’t heavily involved with work, but then again, she still didn’t know him that well.

She glanced over the article Eli presented to her. Yup, it seemed that Thrawn and Eira were indeed a thing. There was no denying the picture. “Didn’t Eira just break up with that Count?” she mused. Not that she particularly cared about celebrity life, but Faro had mentioned it before.

Poor Faro. She would probably need a friend.

“I can’t see this going over well.” Grand admiral or not, general society was still pretty xenophobic, so a well beloved actress and an alien Imperial? She couldn’t see that going well with anyone.

~~~

Tarkin immediately brought up one point that Thrawn had begun briefly contemplating the idea of. If Eira was truly that good of an actress, if she was playing him as much as he was her.

“I have considered the possibility that the same tactics may be applied to myself.” It wasn’t a complete lie. He did consider it, but a bit later. He knew to be careful of what kind of information he should say around her, to not get too comfortable. He would be reminded of the mission at hand.

Thrawn wouldn’t fall easily to her charms.

“Miss Nevan was pushing herself away with claims that she was simply too busy to meet with me anymore. Whether or not that was true, I still needed to gather more information from her, and once I figured out she held some attraction towards me, whether or not she is playing this game as well, I decided to take advantage of it, so I can get a more advantageous look into her mind.”

Her daily routines, her patterns, her thoughts, anything that could be analyzed for the mission.

All for the mission.

 

[Lucyfer]

“Yeah, Count Malvern,” that had also popped up in Faro’s messages, and the question of whether or not Thrawn had been “the other man”. Eli really didn’t think so, Thrawn just wasn’t that way…but then again, he did have a mission. Would he sabotage Eira’s relationship for a mission? How far would he go?

Still, Eli didn’t think Thrawn was a homewrecker.

Not that the general public knew enough to be certain of that….

Eli took his datapad back and put a hand to his face as he sighed. He knew too much about celebrities, “No, no this won’t go well,” Eli agreed, “I don’t think Thrawn fully understands what he’s gotten himself into, even if he means it sincerely.” He wasn’t thinking of what Cora did or didn’t know at that point.

He was just too frustrated to think of such a thing right then. Every misstep Thrawn took always impacted him. So, too, would this. ‘I really should have gone back home and become a merchant.’ But he knew, after so much time with Thrawn, his skills were nearly wasted there. Selling wares was easy compared to this work; even a loth cat could do it.

~***~

There were advantages to knowing someone intimately in that fashion. Perhaps it was one of the reasons Tarkin also avoided it. It was a blade that swung both ways. He knew the Emperor was disappointed some of his people weren’t reproducing and bringing up brainwashed children for the Empire, but Wilhuff did not care.

The Emperor wouldn’t have gotten kids from him, anyways.

Tarkin did arch a brow at the information of the actress trying to pry herself away. Had she figured Thrawn out? Was it a game? Tarkin didn’t really believe anything about being busy; people like them were always busy, but had enough privilege and wealth to decide when they were busy, and how busy they were. That was true even of Tarkin; he could delegate many tasks to others.

“I still do not condone this tactic. It is not the Empire’s way, however,” he sighed, consenting, “if I wanted it done the Empire way, I suppose I would have asked anyone else.” Oh, this would not be good for Thrawn down the line, even Tarkin could see that. He’d be lauded by the Empire if he was right, but the public? Their sympathies would always skew towards Eira, especially with such low tactics becoming obvious to them when Eira was found out.

But, that was Thrawn’s problem. Not Tarkin’s.

And not something he’d waste his breath telling him. “Regardless, you may think to use that. Slip a few, more or less, harmless things, details about projects…see if causes any new rebel activity. Truth or lies.” Activity could be seen in either case. “If she is a rebel, it would become obvious soon enough based on what arises.”

 

[cleopat]

It was obvious the news of Thrawn and Eira was affecting Eli, more so than Cora honestly expected. It’s not like Eli was the one dating the actress, but if the relationship failed, or if Thrawn let the media get to his head, then that may mean they would suffer alongside him.

Cora didn’t see Thrawn being that type, but then again, she also didn’t see him being the dating type. Especially a human actress.

“Maybe he does know what he got himself into,” Cora offered. “He does seem like someone who is always ten steps ahead of everyone else. Maybe he’s carefully calculated all of the possible outcomes and already came up with solutions to them all.”

She hoped the words would ease some of Eli’s worries. They were true, after all. Cora heard a great deal of how much of a brilliant strategian Thrawn was, that she could see the man using those skills even in his personal life. “I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about.”

~~~

Thrawn was pleased that Tarkin realized that he did not always obtain results in the standard way of the Empire. His methods have been called...unorthodox in the past, even by his fellow Chiss. But he delivered results. He always has.

This mission wouldn’t be an exception.

“I am glad that you see its usefulness.” Thrawn had honestly expected more of an argument with Tarkin, but it seemed that the governor was giving the plan a chance. Good. “Slipping some minor information to her would be beneficial, I have to agree. I’ll be sure to do so, and keep an eye out for any rebel activity on Coruscant.”

Then, Thrawn realized with an unsettled feeling deep in his stomach, he would have his answer of Eira Nevan.

“I believe Miss Nevan’s manager, R.D. Shay, also deserves some close observation. I had the opportunity of meeting her today, and she certainly seems intriguing.” To say the least.

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli couldn’t help but give Cora a bit of a dull stare for the ’10 steps ahead’ comment. Oh, it was absolutely true in anything involving strategy and warfare, but where it came to politics, or even social norms, Thrawn was severely lacking. “You haven’t seen his disguises,” Eli stated, “he thinks he’s hiding by wearing sunglasses.”

It was…ridiculous.

It was also no wonder the relationship wasn’t being kept under wraps. Thrawn wasn’t subtle. Still, Eli sighed. He knew this was strategy, but it involved some nuance he wasn’t sure Thrawn was capable of. Which then made him wonder how sincere Thrawn’s feelings were to even get this far.

Or was everyone right about Eira and she was a rebel? Using Thrawn?

Eli had gathered enough of himself to know to keep that quiet. He had to pretend this was just Thrawn getting into a real relationship, and so he gave a half-smile, “I guess I’m just worried. I’m not sure he’s ever even been in a relationship,” not that they talked about such things, “and this is a rather…well. Not the best way to start,” Eli laughed.

He didn’t think he needed to explain, after his own experience with Cora’s parents. And he was human! Thrawn wasn’t, and while he was aware of the general xenophobia of the galaxy, Eli didn’t think he’d be completely prepared for the vitriol that was going to come out in the media over it, even if the Empire tried to control most of the media.

There was plenty it didn’t.

He didn’t want to see Thrawn hurt by all of that. They’d never have cared about Thrawn if he hadn’t crossed a metaphorical line. Eli knew it too well. ‘And I’m human.’ That bitter refrain; he wasn’t a good enough human for someone from the Core.

Thrawn wasn’t a good enough alien for any human, in some minds.

It was probably the opposite where Thrawn was from. Eli had gotten that vibe that the Chiss were definitely at the top.

"Also, I'm not looking forward to the headache of advising him. And I know he's going to ask," Eli turned it a touch more light with the groan, sincere as it was.

~***~

Tarkin knew Thrawn would be keeping a cautious eye out. He just wondered how clever the rebels would be, for he had little doubt. The reminder in the name of Shay hardened that certainty as his eyes narrowed. Oh that was a name he didn’t enjoy to hear, in any conversation. Even before Eira had been on the scene, he had known that name, not from personal experience, but from others.

Shay had been a menace as an early journalist, but disregarded.

Now? Tarkin had little doubt she did more. She had at least 68 pseudonyms on the HoloNet who had such vastly different styles it had been immensely difficult to pick out which were hers. None of them suggested treasonous activity, and plenty were just scandal authors, but none of them favored the Empire, in anything. Not even Savit’s orchestras had been spared the wrath of a metaphorical tongue lashing.

And he’d read a few articles about himself.

“Shay has been an active dissident since the Empire rose,” Tarkin stated, “though we’ve never gathered any proof, I’ve long suspected her of harboring rebel sympathies if not being a rebel herself. She was overlooked in her early years of activity; aligning with Eira has made her difficult to touch, and she’s grown bold for it, though few would guess,” Tarkin gave a rueful smile, “she operates under, or has people operating under, 68 different pseudonyms at least, by Colonel Yularen’s last count. We’ve tried to find her base of operations numerous times, but it seems she is always several steps ahead and has cleared it out by the time we arrive.”

Touching her in public was not the sort of social suicide Tarkin wanted to commit, yet.

She was only ever seen in public around Eira, otherwise, she slipped under the radar. “For a sephi, she’s rather good at evading notice. Something you could learn.” She adopted better tactics than sunglasses.

 

[cleopat]

Thrawn’s disguises were just wearing a pair of sunglasses? Cora wanted to ask more about that, and what the outcome of that situation was, but now was not the time.

She would definitely ask later though.

Imagining the grand admiral attempting to blend in by wearing sunglasses was hilarious though.

Cora didn’t gather that Eli had other reasons to be worried for Thrawn, other than the reasons he directly told her. “I’m sure it’s nothing to be worried about. He seems like someone who can take great care of himself.” She reached one hand up to gently rest on his arm in a comforting gesture.

To her, Eli just seemed like someone who was concerned for a friend.

“I certainly don’t envy you for having to advise him in that regard,” she chuckled, squeezing his arm lightly before releasing it. “But surely he’s been in a relationship before, hasn’t it? There shouldn’t be too much to advise him in.” But then again, when would he have had the time to date? In his rapid ascent to his current rank, it seemed that the alien has never even had a chance to breathe, much less have a personal life.

~~~

Oh, so it seemed that Tarkin did indeed know the name Thrawn mentioned. He could read it in the man’s immediate body language, the displeasure that shone on his face. So this Shay did have a reputation with the Empire. Interesting.

“How interesting,” Thrawn mused, as Tarkin relayed the information he knew of Shay. “By the way she acted around me, I would not be surprised if she did come up as a rebel.” All in all, Thrawn rather liked her in some bizarre way. She had tenacity and bravery, that was for sure.

“She had the gall to blackmail me, which I only thought interesting,” And it spoke on her character. Which, in turn, could also speak on Eira’s character, if the two were so close. It was more than just a manager-client relationship, that Thrawn could deduce clearly. There was a friendship there as well.

If Shay had any rebel ties, then Eira would as well.

“I will assign someone to look further into her, and keep an eye on her as well. Given their close relationship, there may be something of value to gain.” And Thrawn would prove that he knew what he was doing. That he wasn’t succumbing to her charms, whatever others may think.

Or so he told himself.

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli smiled a bit when Cora reached out to try and comfort him. He needed to gather his strength and prepare to face Thrawn. He took in a breath. “He definitely didn’t date when we were in the Academy, and everything I’ve heard about him from his time, uh, before, suggests he was just as busy, and also just as…well…misunderstood.”

That seemed a better word than ‘disliked and envied to the point of assassination plots’. Whether it was assassination of him as a person, or his character, Eli knew they were out there. Thankfully the Empire preferred character assassination plots.

And Thrawn didn’t care about reputation.

“Not to mention, Chiss might do things differently than humans,” Eli sighed, “and you know he’s not the best at social graces,” it was a miracle he even got someone to like him romantically in Eli’s not so humble opinion. “But no – I really don’t think he’s been in a serious relationship before. I haven’t ever asked, it’s just…a feeling.”

Eli at least had some practice.

He smirked, “Maybe I should tell him to bother you. You know the other side of things.”

~***~

Tarkin was not surprised that Shay had blackmailed Thrawn in the least. “That seems to be rather typical for her,” from all he heard. She wasn’t fool enough to try to come for him; it would only end in her death. Apparently, Thrawn hadn’t been in a position to afford that kind of luxuriant violence. Tarkin didn’t blame him, given what he was trying to accomplish.

Killing Shay would have given him away to Eira.

“Make sure whoever you assign can keep their temper. While no one would mourn the loss of Shay, it may unravel the network before we can catch them. I doubt it will be the end of it,” instinct told Tarkin that much. “The Jedi is at the center of it,” he had no doubt on that, just from what he knew of Jedi.

Eira was tied to it.

The Jedi, Shay, all of it.

“You ought to be using the Inquisitors more. I’d suggest studying Jedi art, but I suppose there isn’t much left.”

 

[cleopat]

Cora supposed she wasn’t surprised in the least to learn what Thrawn was like before she had met him, or before she had even heard of him through his accomplishments. And then his time before the Empire didn’t sound promising either.

Really, it was a wonder how Thrawn managed to get himself into a relationship, and with a well-known actress.

Upon Eli’s subtle threat, Cora narrowed her eyes. “Oh that’s just cruel.” Not that she wouldn’t help her commanding officer….but things could quickly get very awkward, given the subject matter. She would rather not.

“But,” she sighed, “if he really needs help, I will be willing to offer my advice.” Cora hoped Eli was joking though. "Certainly though, if he had gotten this far, he knows more than we think he does." Thinking about Thrawn in such scenarios wasn't high on her list, as it was odd. Baffling.

~~~

It did not surprise Thrawn that blackmail was typical of Shay. She rather seemed like the sort, in the little time he got to study her. He was intrigued by her and what secrets she held.

Perhaps being with Eira would also give him the excuse to get to know Shay a little bit more.

“I assure you I do not make my assignments lightly.” Like everything else in his life, Thrawn would carefully decide which of his officers would be best for the task and warn them to proceed with caution when it involves Shay.

He would trust whomever he picked for the job to do it properly and with the utmost care. The matter of Shay was a delicate one, now with his new, fragile relationship with Eira.

“And I suppose I won’t explain to you the vital importance of preserving art from conquered civilizations.” It was a shame, the fate that befell the Jedi, and with very little left to research into their life and culture. But there was nothing Thrawn could look into now, except for talking to the Inquisitors.

That wasn’t exactly high on his list of things he wanted to do.

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli couldn’t help but laugh a little at Cora’s statement of cruelty. At least she understood what he was concerned with if she knew it was cruel! And he’d have to deal with all on his own. That was the unfortunate thing. “Don’t worry – I won’t, unless it’s absolutely necessary,” he sighed, “I can deal with Thrawn.”

Even in situations like this.

He was becoming a master of dealing with Thrawn. He wasn’t sure that was something worth bragging about, but it felt like it should be given how difficult other people considered Thrawn. It had to be worth something.

“But I might ask you things to help since, well…I assume Eira’s more Core than not,” from Mygeeto or not, she was an actress in the limelight. Rather like Tarkin. Sure, he was from Eriadu, but Eli had heard the comment of ‘more Core than Core’ before about Tarkin. Usually not as a good thing.

Not that anyone would say that to Tarkin’s face.

“I think that’s all the news, though,” Eli promised, “I’m not sure what that means is in store for us when we get back, though.”

~***~

“On that, we will have to agree to disagree,” Tarkin answered, clipped, though he elaborated a bit, “Some foes deserve obliteration,” as someone who had already practiced genocide in the Carrion Plateau, he thought he knew that only too well. “The Jedi were such foes, no matter what your acquaintanceship with General Skywalker has led you to believe.”

Did Thrawn know who General Skywalker was now? Tarkin often wondered about that, among other things, but it did make him recall other things Thrawn certainly wouldn’t know. His evident distaste of the Inquisitors had shown Tarkin he’d taken little interest in them.

The Inquisitors let him know of how few and far between interactions were that were meaningful. However, there was a reason Tarkin had assigned this pair, or rather, one, though he doubted even Third Brother knew that Tarkin was aware. The Inquisitors guarded their identities. They were torn from it.

And yet, it was a weapon. One Tarkin had hoped to unleash on Ahsoka Tano with First Sister, though that opportunity was now lost to him. Vader was likely to end up stuck with that, instead, which was not something Tarkin liked to consider. That may be the downfall of Vader.

But that wasn’t important now.

What was, “However, as we still have a few relics left, I should let you know that Third Brother has ties to your Jedi, Ae’lia. He was her master, before she became one of the Lost Twenty One – more aptly called the Lost Twenty Two, but that’s a story for another time, perhaps.” Ahsoka Tano had never joined those ranks, no bust was made of her, she had fallen too close to the end of the war for that. Ae’lia had been the last.

 

[cleopat]

Cora gave a supportive smile to Eli. He had to deal a lot with Thrawn, and she felt for him, she really did. Depending on who you talked to, Thrawn didn’t have the best reputation, and many considered him difficult to deal with. She didn’t see those difficulties in a normal working environment, but she hadn’t had to deal with him in his personal life, not like Eli has.

“I’ll help out in any way I can.” Joking aside, she was serious with her offer. She would help in any way she could possibly help the Grand Admiral navigate this new and unfamiliar territory, and deal with Core personality.

She knew how much of a headache that alone could be, and she was raised in the Core!

“I imagine it won’t mean much for us when we get back, except dealing with rumors that will undoubtedly be flying around the Chimaera.” People loved to gossip. And an alien and a human relationship? That was perfect fuel for gossip. “Are you going to go talk to Thrawn once we get back?”

~~~

Thrawn would disagree to obliteration. Some pieces of cultures past deserved to remain intact for research purposes, and now that most evidence of the Jedis’ existence was gone, he would argue that he couldn’t properly study them to get into the mind of their little Jedi rebel on Coruscant.

But he wouldn’t say anything on that matter, nor on the matter of his previous acquaintanceship with General Skywalker.

The news of Third Brother’s past involvement, as well as his relationship with their Jedi Ae’lia, was new to him. “How intriguing.” This meant of course that now Thrawn had reason to speak with the inquisitor, which he still did not like the idea of doing so. But if it could help him learn more about the Jedi, then he would do so.

“I will keep this information in mind going forward.” Which is what he was sure Tarkin wanted to hear. More cooperation with the Inquisitors. “Will that be all?”

 

[Lucyfer]

‘I doubt it.’ Though Eli knew better than to mention the other aspects of the relationships. He’d almost slipped, but Cora didn’t catch it. He wasn’t going to slip now and let her know how much of this relationship with Eira was the reason they were wasting time on Coruscant. Or, not really wasting time…but still.

Eli just groaned at the mention of rumors. “You’d think the Chimaera would be the one place we might be safe from it,” but he knew that wasn’t true. Not everyone on the ship actually knew Thrawn, and the Inquisitors weren’t presence enough to stop gossiping. Especially with Faro moping about over a chance she probably didn’t have.

He nodded at the question, though. “Yeah, I have a few things unrelated that I need to speak to him about,” unrelated to the relationship, related entirely to what the fuck Thrawn thought he was doing with this step.

Thrawn would tell Eli what he thought Eli should know.

~***~

Tarkin nearly sighed at the fact this was new news, though he knew it would be. He knew that Thrawn hadn’t gone out of his way to get to know these new individuals. Not that Tarkin found it surprising. Thrawn wasn’t immune to the sort of…presence the Inquisitors had, wherever they went. Tarkin had grown quite immune to it. None would dare harm him unless they wanted to face Vader – and none of them wanted to face Vader.

They were all terrified of Vader.

“Yes, that will be all. So far you have convinced me not to remove you from the investigation despite what appears to be glaring missteps.” Tarkin stated, “try not to make too many more of those. I have enough things to focus on and I’d rather ignore you until the job is done.” Not that he truly would ignore Thrawn.

The Grand Admiral was certainly recognizing that with how quickly information arrived to Tarkin. He remained quite invested in the outcome of this investigation, and would be keeping an ear to all things.

 

[cleopat]

Cora sighed and gave a small smile to Eli. She knew the nature of humans very well. Especially humans when bored while working on a ship together. Gossip was just a part of it, a way to pass time that could unfortunately damage one’s reputation if not careful.

But she didn’t think Thrawn had too much to worry about on the Chimaera in that regard. For the most part, her observations had led her to believe that everyone is content with Grand Admiral Thrawn and his leadership. Many admire and respect him. Even with a relationship with an actress, Cora didn’t think those opinions would change.

“Well I wish you good luck with speaking with him,” she said. Cora didn’t envy Eli in the gritty details entailed in being their commander’s closest ally. Him or Faro. “If you need a distraction later, you’re always free to let me know. I’ll be available after I’ve done a few tasks for today.”

Eli always seemed to need a bit of a distraction after talking to Thrawn, which she completely understood. She was still scared at how his mind works sometimes.

~~~

Thrawn hardly saw the steps he had taken as glaring missteps. There may have been some...minor miscalculations, but he remedied those as swiftly as he realized them.

Nevertheless, the Empire won’t quite see his relationship with Eira as anything in the realm of beneficial. They would see it for what everyone else would as well, an Imperial alien and a beloved human actress getting involved with one another.

“Believe me, everything is exactly where I want it to be. I will not come empty handed in this investigation.” Even if it meant forcing himself to utilize the Inquisitors more, now that he knew one of them had ties to their mysterious Jedi.

Which led him to wonder about the second Inquisitor, and why he was there as well. He didn’t know if it was normal for them to work in pairs, but he wouldn’t question it. Maybe two would be better once they’ve located their Jedi.

“Good day, Governor,” Thrawn said before he would turn off communications with the man.

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli chuckled a bit at the thought of a distraction, “I probably need to get back to work,” as much as Cora did. He was almost finished up with that doonium task. He really just needed to check in on things today, and then finish compiling the reports in a table for Thrawn to see. He was definitely noticing patterns, but today would help to settle them.

“However, I’d certainly like to see you sometime today, when you have time,” he assumed that would be this evening. They both seemed to have day shifts, so their evenings were usually far freer. Better than being on opposite shifts, at least, where she was on night and he was on day. That would complicate things.

He felt the shuttle slow, which no doubt meant the return to real space, and real responsibilities. Eli didn’t dread it – not quite so much as he dreaded the thought of returning to Anaxes too soon, but that would fade as the day went on. And he wouldn’t have to return there soon. Just…eventually.

“I hope your stuff is a lot easier to deal with,” Eli chuckled, rising and offering his hand to Cora to bring her up, too. They’d have to leave the shuttle behind, and all it entailed, to return to public life on the ship. “I’ll see you this evening, at least?” The hopefulness was evident in his voice.

She didn’t make it sound like her work would keep her too preoccupied.

 

[cleopat]

They both needed to get back to work. Cora had her own reports to look over and work to check on in the lab, and she just knew that Eli had his own business to conduct, working so closely with the Grand Admiral.

But despite their tasks, Eli still wanted to see her again that day. He didn’t want some time away from her after dealing with her overbearing parents. To Cora, that was a win and a great relief.

“I’ll be free this evening,” she assured him. It would give them both time to finish what they needed to do and maybe even a little time to rest. Cora knew that she needed some time to decompress after being with her parents.

Cora took Eli’s hand and stood from her seat. “I’m sure it will be, but tedious,” she chuckled. And she would look forward to the moment she and Eli saw each other again, when they could relax in each other’s arms and have quiet conversations about their day and their future plans. “I’ll see you this evening,” she confirmed, before she would give him a chaste kiss while they still had some semblance of privacy.

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli would treasure those last fleeting moments of privacy and Cora. He would try to take the strength her kiss offered with him, and all those memories, as well. The promise of seeing her that evening would help further, as he gave a confirming nod. “I’ll be in touch,” through messages, and much else, of course, before they left the ship, and would have to go their separate ways.

Eli did not see Thrawn waiting, so he went to Thrawn’s quarters, picking up bits and pieces of information as he went. Faro’s situation was now popular gossip on the ship, though none spoke of Faro turning resentful, or faltering in her duties. Eli made a mental note to check in, all the same. Faro was rational enough, she wouldn’t let this bother her.

Then came talk of the Inquisitors, still skulking about, apparently not leaving the ship much because, well – Inquisitors in Coruscant still caused a scene after Vader had to kill two of them once upon a time. Quite a mess that had been. The people hadn’t forgotten. No destruction from them here, just their lingering presence which was bad enough.

The general mood seemed…uncertain.

Most respected Thrawn, but Eli detected now emotions that were not so positive. Mixed, more than negative. Uncertain. Even those who weren’t xenophobic held reservations about the news, and Thrawn apparently hadn’t made much of an appearance after it. Not surprising. Eli knew he had returned early by standard time, and Thrawn likely had plenty of catching up to do that morning.

And now he had Eli to deal with, who didn’t hesitate to buzz the comm, and announce himself through it.

~***~

Eira Nevan knew to expect a mess when she went to work at the theater. It was always a bit of a mess with the paparazzi, though usually a relatively peaceful mess. Shay had pulled enough strings after her breakup with Malvern to keep things peaceful after that, but with Mitth’raw’nuruodo?

Eira knew she was on her own, and that was evident when she arrived and exited her speeder, to be immediately bombarded with questions that all blended together.

“How long have you been cheating on Adlai?”

“When did the affair begin?”

“Is this a rebound?”

“A fetish?”

“Do you know about the Batuu incident? Do you support measures like that?”

Eira was going to have a headache long before she reached the doors. Still, she breathed and greeted them with a smile, “I never cheated on Adlai, and he is still my dear friend,” Eira would address that one as she walked forward, ignoring the press of people that never got close enough to her, the movement of several trying to vie for position to get her words recorded perfectly, or get their questions asked, “The Grand Admiral and I are only in the beginnings of our relationship. We had a friendship that blossomed into more; I was afraid to start it because of how close it was to my breakup. I have similar concerns of it being a rebound,” she chuckled, but said nothing to the fetish.

Honestly!

“But I am willing to try, and so is he.” Batuu incident – yes, she knew of it, and wouldn’t mention that, either. Questions ignored were questions they could only speculate on, and there were still plenty of others being shouted at her, but the door was nearer.

The walk was short just…treacherous.

And opened by the last person she wanted to see. Darius had a poisonous smile on his lips, and Eira bristled, but kept her own smile as it had been. Relaxed. Gentle. “So good of you to make it,” he said, “I finally understand why we broke up – you know, you could have just told me you were an alien fucker.”

‘Do not. Do not. Do not.’ Oh, how Eira wanted to silence him forever!

She didn’t. The paparazzi clearly expected something, and she was so tempted to give it – but, reputations.

Breathe. “I care for who I care for, Darius, as I have cared for you. Alien or human matters little. You need to move on,” gentle, unlike the grip she put on his arm, masked by the way the clothe fell over her hand. It was much harsher than it looked as she turned him back towards the theater, “Thank you all for showing up, I promise I will have more to say later, but right now I need to get back to work.” She’d said the necessary things.

Adlai would confirm further.

This would blow over.

 

[cleopat]

Thrawn knew he should have contacted the Inquisitors after his call with Tarkin. He knew he should have had a discussion with them concerning more of their rogue Jedi, Ae’lia Core, now that he knew of the connection between her and Third Brother.

But he didn’t. He had enough of a headache between the call with Tarkin and the media blitz surrounding this relationship with Eira Nevan. He just wanted one quiet evening to himself, just one.

Rarely did Thrawn did anything so selfish as to take an evening off, but he already had a list of what could be accomplished the next day to make up for his time to himself to indulge in art and the one glass of whiskey.

And the next day he got started on his list early, rising at 0500 and set his day in motion soon after eating his breakfast at 0530. He didn’t bother with the general gossip on the ship, and anyone who dared to question him about his relationship would only be answered by an unamused glare and silence.

It was enough to send them scurrying away.

Thrawn decided to spend the rest of the morning back in his office, delegating tasks and confirming assignments through his datapad situated on his desk. It was easier. It was quieter. And it was a sure way to not see the Inquisitors.

But it wasn’t all quiet, not when the buzz of his comm interrupted his silence and Eli Vanto announced himself. Not unexpected, and Thrawn was certain Eli had a lot of questions for him.

He would be one of the few people Thrawn would answer those questions.

“Come in,” he said through the comm and unlocked the door for the commander to step inside.

~~~

Lin Kiles did not possess the reputation of being punctual to...anywhere. It’s always fashionable to arrive just a little late he would always say, just to cover his own ass for running behind time, or from getting distracted by something shiny in his life.

Soon after the news broke of Eira’s and Thrawn’s new relationship, Lin vowed to himself that he would arrive to rehearsals the next day right on time, maybe even a little early, so he could see if Eira was okay, or if she needed someone to talk to. He couldn’t fathom what was going through her mind in that fated elevator, but he knew the backlash and the paparazzi that ensued wouldn’t be pleasant for her.

She needed a friend. Not someone who would judge or ridicule her, which is what he could imagine everyone at rehearsals doing, including that insufferable Darius.

Lin pulled himself from the warmth of his bed, and the warmth of the body still sleeping next to him, some man he had flirted with the night before at a club Lin visited, and readied himself for the long day of rehearsals. He made a promise to himself that he wouldn’t be late today, and Lin would stick to that promise.

Of course the paparazzi were incessant and annoying.

“Lin, did you know about Eira Nevan and Grand Admiral Thrawn?”

Of course I didn’t.

“You were just spotted leaving a nightclub with her a few days ago. Were you two ever a thing? How are you taking this news?”

Please mind your own business.

“Do you support this relationship?”

I don’t support anything that deals with the Empire.

Of course, Lin didn’t say any of that. He only thought it, strongly, but he knew how to maintain a public facade. He didn’t need Shay on his back anymore than she already was.

All he would say to the paparazzi littering outside of the theater was: “The relationship between Eira and Grand Admiral Thrawn is theirs to tell, not mine.”

At the theater, he saw the very man he did not want to see, standing way too close to Eira. Oh how he wanted to punch Darius’ smug face. “Eira!” He greeted, not once sparing a glance at Darius. “Come, I have some questions concerning some of our scenes that I wanted to go over with you.”

He didn’t. She should know that.

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli didn’t anticipate being denied. He wasn’t sure how he would have reacted if Thrawn didn’t see him, yet he still felt a wave of relief at hearing Thrawn’s voice through the comm and being allowed in. He didn’t hesitate, too familiar with the Grand Admiral’s office by now. Though, he still glanced around for any changes.

Would Thrawn make changes? Eli wondered if Thrawn might try to hide a thing or two, if he planned to have Eira on board. Would he? Not a question Eli planned to ask. The fact he understood the oddity of it, was not based in the fact Thrawn was in a relationship at all. It was based in the fact that Thrawn was in a relationship with a woman under suspicion of being a rebel.

So, Eli went to Thrawn’s desk, and couldn’t help but start with, “So, did you ever consider dating Nightswan?” Bad question, Nightswan was a known enemy, but Eli figured some of the point was made in asking.

He sighed, would let it be rhetorical as he asked, “I’m sure you have a grand reasoning for this. I’m sure you’ll get results. But…,” how did he say, he didn’t think this was right? He didn’t think this was who Thrawn was? “this seems…wrong.” He supposed the only way to say it, was to say it, and see how Thrawn could prove to him it was otherwise. “Did Tarkin put you up to playing honeypot?” Maybe it could all be blamed on Tarkin.

Though Thrawn was still doing it….

~***~

Needless to say, Darius hadn’t let it go at that even once they were tucked away from the paparazzi. Holding her tongue was the most Eira could do as she tried to seek the stage, and the others who would be milling about, preparing sets, and chatting over breakfast. She imagined he’d stop then, but she wasn’t allowed to get too much further once they were on the stage.

Now it was his turn to turn the viselike grip on her arm, and Eira was fairly certain she’d bruise since she had tried to jerk away in the same moment his fingers clenched down. ‘Don’t.’ Again, and again, she had to remind herself to hold her tongue, lest she do something others might see with it. Others might recognize.

“You played with me. Our whole relationship.”

‘Bullshit.’

“Adlai too, I bet.”

‘You don’t deserve to speak his name.’

“That’s why you never really let me have you, isn’t it? Humans aren’t good enough for you?”

“So you’re finally willing to admit you never laid with me?” Eira asked, raising her voice enough to be overheard by others while arching a brow. The flush that came across his face was quite nice to behold, and his momentary pause at that was enough for Lin’s interjection to give her freedom. She pulled out of his grip, “Coming!” and moved away quickly, smiling – before it all fell away as soon as they were a bit away from the others.

“If it wouldn’t cause a scandal I’d have him fired,” Eira ground out.

But it would. Especially after what was seen outside. And though she imagined she’d win public sympathies, it wasn’t a sure thing with resentment towards aliens, and naïve love of Darius his fans had. She already knew her social media was likely popping off with horrible comments from those, and the other people who just disliked aliens.

Oh, how she’d disappointed the children! How could she ever do such a thing as stop being the perfect idol – as if she was idol in films where she was half-naked. People were terrible.

 

[cleopat]

Immediately in came Eli, and Thrawn knew he would ask about his newfound relationship with Eira, but the initial question that came from Eli had been...unexpected. A bit bold. Thrawn raised one eyebrow as he thought of how to respond.

“I’m sure you meant that as a rhetorical question.” He wouldn’t answer it beyond that. Besides, different circumstances, different situations.

Thrawn would do what was necessary to get results.

“Governor Tarkin didn’t put me up to anything. He only cares about the results, and results I intend to get. I admit my methods are a bit...unorthodox, but Eira was beginning to push herself away, and as my window of opportunity was closing, I needed to think of a way to remain close to her.” And Thrawn wouldn’t admit, even to himself, that he wanted Eira to remain close for reasons other than the investigation.

“I am sure you have objections, but I’m afraid I will not hear them right now.” Not when he already received so many unsolicited comments from others.

~~~

Lin overheard the words Darius taunted Eira with. The goading. That’s why you never really let me have you. As if she was a piece of property! He clenched his fist, and tightened his jaw, and he wanted nothing more than to stomp over to where Darius stood and put the man in his place.

But he wouldn’t. He waited for Eira to come over and join them, a little away from prying ears.

“You know we have the resources to make him disappear if you really wanted it.” Not that Lin would condone murder, but...would anyone truly miss Darius? They could make it look like an accident. He was replaceable, such was the life of many celebrities.

They were all replaceable. Lin has certainly been told that a few times.

He sighed. “I’m sure the last thing you wanted was Darius on your ass about this. I know the paparazzi haven’t been forgiving concerning your...relationship.” Which he still didn’t understand. “Speaking of which,” he lowered his voice, “please tell me you’re only doing this to get Imperial information.”

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli had several objections, none to do with xenophobia, all to do with the nature behind the relationship. Eli wanted to believe Thrawn and Tarkin were right. Even if they were, however, he could only see this in a negative light. He couldn’t imagine society would thank them, when this method was used. It was merely the nature of it, and now so public, as well. If Eli was feeling a bit sick by it, he could only imagine what civilians would feel.

The implications of a relationship, and using someone like that, never sat well among normal people, and even if Eira was the guilty party, and doing the same thing (though, if she was pulling away….), popular opinion would sway her way. She was human.

However, Thrawn refused to hear it. There was something about that, as well, which agitated Eli. Thrawn usually listened. ‘He has explained as much as he’s going to.’ So apparently there was no point in listening further. Eira had drawn away, and Thrawn found a way to make that impossible. ‘What would you do if she broke up with you?’

Thrawn had probably considered it, but certainly not in the time period. He’d be the one to break up with Eira, then. “Fine.” The word was bit out.

Eli would cut the meeting terribly short. “I’ll have the report on shipments later this evening. I’ll send it to your datapad.” No need to meet Thrawn, either. He didn’t ask for a dismissal, he had been the one to come calling, just turned and walked to the door.

‘You’d do this to me, too, wouldn’t you?’ He felt the fragility of their friendship in a moment, and it stung. Perhaps that was, really, at the core of why it bothered him so much. How could he trust any relationship with Thrawn, after this? He knew of Imperial competitiveness, had never let it bother him before, but now...now he wondered.

~***~

Eira knew they had all the power at their disposal to get rid of Darius. With a few words, she could have him dismissed from this play. With a few strings pulled, he could be off-planet, shooting somewhere else for a different film entirely. Eira’s mind never strayed towards murder the way Lin’s did. Even if she knew, so long as he lived, he’d make her life a living hell because he was jealous.

Always, jealous.

When Lin lowered his voice to ask her about what she was doing, she gave him a repulsed look. She thought she had been loud enough about not being a spy! Even with Savit and others she called friends, she was never a spy. She did try to turn their opinions against the Empire, and in a few cases, it had worked, but spying wasn’t what she did.

However, the look melted off her face quickly. Lin didn’t deserve that sort of answer, even if his question upset her. “No. I am not.” Which meant, sadly, that her feelings were genuine. A complication, a frustration, but she wasn’t going to lie about it no matter how foolish it was.

She’d made the choice, now she had to deal with it.

 

[cleopat]

Thrawn could feel the beginnings of a migraine chiseling at the back of his skull, with the stress of everything adding up. The guilt of what he was doing with Eira. The xenophobic media lambasting him. His officers trying to question him about the relationship.

And now, it seemed, he had upset Eli, and he couldn’t quite understand why.

The posture and the curt tone all seemed abnormal for his officer. Eli turned to walk out, and Thrawn stated, “I haven’t dismissed you yet.” Not that they had ever been formal in their dismissals, since their rise in the Empire together. But Thrawn was confused, and when he didn’t know something, he would figure it out.

“Are you upset over something?” was the first question that came to mind. Thrawn didn’t think that he was the subject of Eli’s ire, but that maybe something happened directly before he came to his office. Thrawn knew that Eli went to Anaxes with Cora, perhaps something happened there?

If that was the case, Thrawn would have to remind Eli to not let personal business affect his work.

~~~

Lin knew his words could have been said more tactfully before Eira gave him a look. She was already dealing with headaches from everyone else, he didn’t need to be the one to pile on even more for her.

She didn’t blow up at him for his asinine question, for which Lin was grateful. But her response didn’t make things any better. Oh no. It was a big complication. Eira, with actual, genuine feelings for the Grand Admiral tasked with hunting them down? And he needn’t remind Eira what she was besides a rebel.

Being a rebel was dangerous enough, but perhaps forgiving to the Empire with the right price. But being a Jedi? It was her death sentence.

One hand raked through his dark curls. “I’m going to try to not say anything you’ve probably already heard twenty times today. You don’t need that.” Although Lin did wonder if her mind could be changed, or if it was too late for that. “You need a friend.”

And a friend he would try to be. “How are you dealing with...everything?”