Chapter 8: A Governor

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"Easy is the path to wisdom for those not blinded by ego."

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Arihnda needed a drink. Her feet carried her lithe form briskly along a main commerce street of Lothal's Capital City. Speeders passed by as merchants called out to the crowds advertising their stock for the day. She was a bit on edge walking among the people, but no one recognized her. She made sure if it.

Her Imperial uniform was set aside today for the dress of a commoner. Well, a wealthy commoner, but one that wouldn't attract unusual attention these days. With the Empire taking interest in Lothal's mining operations in the recent past, the locals had gotten used to seeing a handful of wealthy business magnates every now and then, visiting from worlds like Coruscant wanting a piece of assumed cashflow.

But the Empire took everything. Rightfully so, Arihnda thought. She believed with great conviction that the Empire's rule was necessary, especially among the lawlessness and squalor in the Outer Rim. She would help ensure that order and usher in the enlightenment of her place of origin.

Even so, Imperial presence didn't stop the business magnates from trying to make a profit. Though much of that had slowed down in the last month as the Empire sequestered control over rising insurgency. In fact, all traffic would soon stop once Grand Admiral Thrawn and his Seventh Fleet returned in orbit above the planet.

Arihnda let out an angry huff. She stopped at a busy intersection and shoved her hands in her coat pockets, pulling the lavender colored coat more around herself. She could clasp it closed, but Arihnda felt particularly stubborn today. She wore long black leggings and a black turtleneck with a blue stripe running up the center toward her neck, but it wasn't quite enough for the breeze that flowed between the buildings. She shivered and lowered her chin toward her chest, instinctively trying to shield her face behind her coat's collar but was failing.

Her eyes began to water. She blinked faster and let out another frustrated breath. She wasn't happy.

Speeders zoomed by in front of her and voices intermingled with the noise as people joined at the intersection, waiting to cross the street as well. But it was just noise to Arihnda. Her mind was spinning, constantly re-thinking the politics of the last few days. No one was giving her any answers.

Thrawn.

Grand Admiral Thrawn fought the insurgents at the Battle of Atollon some time ago and then swiftly left on another mission after his debriefing on Coruscant. The entirety of the Lothal Sector was just abandoned, and Arihnda was left to hold the pieces together with Imperial officers that oozed the incompetence of a lost gundark.

Grand Moff Tarkin was expertly avoiding answering her questions as well. Grand Admiral Thrawn is unavailable in this present time. He is on an urgent mission ordered by the Emperor himself. You need to be patient Miss Pryce.

Miss Pryce…

How long would he be gone? What about the security of the Lothal Sector? How many insurgents are present and active after Atollon? Arihnda had specifically requested to Grand Moff Tarkin that Thrawn and his Seventh Fleet be assigned here in the first place. Now she felt disrespected and was being treated and ordered around like a petty subordinate.

This whole situation reeked of squandered politics and she was sure Thrawn was in the middle of it. He always was naïve when it came to politics. If only she knew what his mission was, maybe she could plan ahead.

They couldn't just leave. Politics. Arihnda needed a new strategy, but she couldn't see an alternative at the moment. That's why she stepped away today, to think. She really needed a drink.

A small, wet sneeze erupted low to Arihnda's left. She startled, looked down and found a tiny female Twi'lek child rapidly rubbing her nose. Her skin was a deep orange covered by a simple knitted dress. A young Twi'lek boy she assumed to be her brother had his arm around her shoulders and was leaning forward around his sister, staring up with wide, green eyes at Arihnda. His clothes were similarly made to his sister's and filthy with dirt and grime. He smiled as his gaze was filled with childlike awe.

Arihnda scowled. That's all she needed was to get sick in the midst of everything she was having to deal with. A lithe voice with a heavy Rylothian accent sounded behind them.

"Please don't mind my children miss," a female Twi'lek said. "My son's favorite color is purple."

Miss…

Arihnda looked at her, her scowl mixed with confusion. The mother must have recognized Arihnda's confusion and stepped forward, herding around her two children. Her skin was a similar mahogany-orange tint with blue stripes weaving down her lekku. She smiled at Arihnda and chuckled.

"Your coat," the Twi'lek mother said motioning with her head. "It's very beautiful."

Her daughter sniffled loudly.

Arihnda just stared, calculating. Part of her was disgusted and wanted to get away from the germs, but she was surprised to be directly addressed by anyone on the street. She hoped the mother wouldn't recognize her. By her dress though, Arihnda was revealed to be just another wealthy off-worlder, not their Imperial Governor. No one expected to see their governor alone on the street. She was the perfect disguise.

A speaker for the intersection chimed, and it was clear to cross the street. People started walking, and the mother's smile faded as Arihnda didn't move. Arihnda's mouth downturned as she glanced over the Twi'leks one last time. She groaned and briskly walked forward, returning to her journey.

Arihnda turned and walked down a side street that cut through a busy market. On the other side was a cantina. She could see the entrance.

It was so loud. So many people were bartering prices. One vendor in particular was in a heated argument, debating the value of his handcrafted leather pouch.

Arihnda weaved around the makeshift market stands and bushels of excess supply stock. Some of the lids were skewed on their side, revealing rare and coveted meiloorun fruit within. Part of her wanted to stop and pick up a handful to take back with her to her office, but then she didn't feel like watching over them in the cantina. Or carrying them along her journey back… She made a mental note and would order her assistant to make a "supply run" to the market later today.

The cantina was like an oasis apart from the chaos of the market outside. It wasn't horribly busy but it had just enough people that Arihnda felt confident enough to be able to blend in and not be noticed. HoloNet projectors throughout the room and vidscreens in the center above the main bar displayed a rotating emblem of the Empire, but typical cantina music played over the speakers. It was an odd combination.

Arihnda slowly made her way through the front dining area, and her eyes discreetly scanned the patrons as she passed tables. Some of them hushed as she walked by and continued as she gained distance from them again. She chose to sit at a tall stool at the bar that gave her privacy but still offered a clear view of the cantina entrance.

Arihnda took a deep breath and surveyed the room again. The music was so jovial. She could feel her muscles relaxing.

"So what can I do fer ya t'day miss," a burly voice sounded.

Miss.

Arihnda bristled, and her muscles immediately tensed, as she whipped her head toward the voice. She found the face of the scruffy human male bartender. He was stereotypically cleaning a glass as he looked at her. Arihnda didn't know if she wanted to vehemently scream at him for being the next person to call her "miss" instead of governor, or chuckle at the irony. Then a large part her wanted to start crying, but she was too dignified for that to start. She was so stressed…

"Oh ho ho," the bartender laughed. He gently placed the glass down, flung his towel over his shoulder, and leaned on the bar with both hands. He was eye level with Arihnda, considering her gaze for a slightly uncomfortable beat, unfazed by her guile. If he knew who she really was maybe he wouldn't be so courageous, Arihnda thought.

He recognized all of those emotions displayed on Arihnda's face in a flash and knew the sum of their parts. His experience as a bartender knew just what she needed. "Someone needs something with a little extra in it I see. Let me see what I can cook up."

Arihnda was a bit stunned as he nonchalantly pushed himself up, winked, pointed, and began gathering bottles behind him. Three bottles of various sizes were placed with a soft clink on the bar surface. Arihnda followed his every movement like she was assessing a newly assigned officer to her command.

He started humming along to the tune of the music as he bent down to gather more supplies. Arihnda rolled her eyes. She crossed her legs, planted an elbow on the bar surface and rested her chin in the palm of her hand. She watched him with a pouty, yet somewhat grateful, annoyance. She huffed a deep breath.

Even though he couldn't see her, the bartender knew the noise came from Arihnda.

"There ya go, let it out," the bartender said with hearty gusto.

A mixer and a small box of starfruit appeared on the bar surface in front of Arihnda. She eyed the fruit and furrowed her brow.

"Blueberries," Arihnda said. The bartender rose and Arihnda flicked her gaze toward him, refusing to move her chin from her palm, and watched him rise.

"Huh?"

"Blueberries. I would prefer blueberries."

He eyed her as if he was about to argue with her about messing up his perfectly designed cocktail. But then Arihnda released her chin, lowered her arm to the bar surface, and gave him an exasperated look.

He chuckled.

"Yes ma'am," the bartender lilted as he disappeared beneath the bar once again. Clangs and shuffling sounded below as he searched through his wares for blueberries.

Arihnda took in a deep breath and mentally counted to five. With the bartender below the counter however, she noticed something. Or someone.

A clean shaven man that just spoke the essence of military was sitting in a booth by himself across the room from her. She released her breath and briefly caught his eyes before he quickly redirected his gaze back down to his drink. Two fingers swirled around the lip of the glass while his other hand moved casually to wipe at his face and mouth.

But Arihnda recognized what he was doing. He not doubt held a communicator. Sloppy…

Before she could assess him more, the bartender rose and blocked her view. Arihnda blinked rapidly and redirected her attention. She shifted in her seat, trying to play off her surprise by scooting closer to the bar counter.

The bartender grabbed the box of starfruit and replaced it with a box of blueberries. He seemed to notice the subtle change in her demeanor but didn't say anything as he turned to the three bottles.

He began pouring the tonics into the mixer and glanced in the direction Arihnda was looking. He hummed.

"He give you any trouble?" he said as he tossed some blueberries into the drink mixture.

"What?"

The bartender cued the mixer, and a raging torrent emitted from the little machine. He released his hand after a few seconds and leaned over the opening of the mixer. His examination of the liquid's consistency must have proved inadequate, for, when Arihnda opened her mouth to ask him again what he meant, she was interrupted by another roar. She deflated and rested her chin in her hand again.

The raging torrent eventually ceased, and he poured the mixture smoothly into a glass. He displayed a winning smile at her while he poured.

"That man behind me, in the booth," the bartender said. He placed the glass down in front of Arihnda. "He give you any trouble?"

Arihnda made a point not to look in that direction. "No," she said as she grabbed for the glass.

The bartender chuckled again and leaned down to her eye level. "You don't sound so sure."

Arihnda paused, glass hovering in the air as it was interrupted on its path. She eyed the bartender. Her gaze narrowed and she took in a deep breath as if she were going to say something.

Arihnda rolled her eyes and took a swig from her drink.

"Alright alright," the bartender said. He turned to the three bottles and placed them back in their proper place on the shelves behind him. "So what brought you in here today? Especially in such a state."

Arihnda quite liked the cocktail. It was refreshing and she found herself releasing stress with each sip. She placed the glass down and grabbed a handful of blueberries. She rolled them around in her grasp like they were dice as she considered how to respond.

"Respect," Arihnda responded. Her hand stopped and she ate a few of the berries. "Or… a lack of it. At work."

She didn't see the harm in speaking in generalities. The bartender grabbed his towel from his shoulder and started cleaning the bar surface.

"Ah I see," the bartender said. "Needed some time away. How's the drink?"

Arihnda took another sip. "It's quite good actually."

"You say that as if you were expecting some sort of diluted emerald wine."

"If you experienced what I have over the last few days, you would've too."

The bartender chuckled once again. His laugh was beginning to grow on Arihnda. "Well, I put the rest in the chiller. Let me know if you want a refill."

The cantina music abruptly cut off while he was speaking to be replaced by an Imperial HoloNewsNet jingle. The lights around them slightly dimmed. Arihnda looked up mid sip to the holoprojectors and saw the emblem of the Empire pulse red as it rotated. Everyone in the cantina paused and stopped talking.

"Well that hasn't happened in a while," the bartender muttered.

Arihnda couldn't escape even for a moment. She swigged the remainder of her glass and clanked it down. "Refill please."

The bartender emitted concern as he reached for the cocktail mixture in the chiller. He quickly swept troubled eyes over the entire cantina as he held the mixer cup, seeming to assess the demeanor of the patrons. Arihnda wondered if he expected trouble. He turned toward Arihnda and glanced at her, seemingly leaving her assessment for last, as he reached for her glass.

Arihnda crossed her arms on the bar surface and held her elbows, slightly hugging herself. She looked up to the vidscreens and resigned herself to viewing what should be an urgent or emergency-level Imperial broadcast. She recognized the protocol that took over the civilian systems.

"Citizens of the glorious Empire, I bring to you today news of a particularly dire nature," holojournalist Alton Kastle stated, with just the right amount of horror in his smooth voice. "Word has just been received that renowned military leader Grand Admiral Thrawn of the Imperial Navy's Seventh Fleet has been gravely injured in an apparent assassination attempt aboard his own Imperial Star Destroyer."

Arihnda stopped breathing. Images of a stoic Grand Admiral Thrawn and the ISD Chimaera flashed on the vidscreens. Hushed whispers and muted gasps echoed through the cantina, and Arihnda's heart skipped a beat, blood pressure rising. Her hand unconsciously rose to her mouth in astonishment while her blue eyes grew wide.

This can't be happening…

"What in blazes did they do," the bartender whispered as he poured Arihnda's drink.

"It is reported that sentinel droids stationed aboard the vessel ambushed Grand Admiral Thrawn and other officials during a high-level meeting, caught completely unawares," holojournalist Alton Kastle continued with practiced emotion. "Witnesses state that the Grand Admiral selflessly fought the droids, preventing further injury to other leaders in the meeting. This is certainly keeping with the behavior of the highly decorated Grand Admiral.

"No word yet on the means to which the sentinel droids were reprogrammed or how widespread this hostile act is through out the Imperial Navy. As a precaution, all sentinel droids have been pulled from duty for evaluation. Signatures from droids already evaluated point clearly to extremists found along the Outer Rim. As such, the remainder of Grand Admiral Thrawn's Seventh Fleet is being dispatched to begin operations to quell this small group and restore order. Expect delays as Imperial blockades are placed throughout the region. The Empire apologizes for this inconvenience in travel but rest assured that this is for your safety."

A group of three stormtroopers entered the cantina, but no one gave notice as everyone was transfixed to the HoloNet report. Arihnda noticed however. One of the stormtroopers pointed at her and they slowly began their advance through the front dining area.

"Reports do not state the nature of his injuries..., though one can assume after having read the specs for Imperial Sentinel Droids… But Grand Admiral Thrawn is being transported aboard the ISD Devastator with haste to medical facilities on Coruscant. We wish for his recovery. Rest assured that the glorious Empire will not allow this terror to spread. The HoloNet will continue to follow this shocking and developing story."

The lights returned to their preset haze and the cantina music abruptly began again as if nothing had interrupted it. Arihnda felt numb, though part of that could already be the cocktail. It was such a surreal moment. It was the bartender's turn to let out a deep breath, and everyone noticed the stormtroopers now.

Arihnda grabbed the cocktail glass and took a big gulp as they approached. She scowled at the man in the booth across the room from her as she swallowed and clinked the glass swiftly back on the bar. Her blue eyes were full of flames. Tarkin had her followed.

The stormtroopers stopped beside her at the bar, making the bartender pale.

"Governor Pryce you need to come with us," a stormtrooper said. "A speeder awaits us outside. It's urgent."

"No doubt," Arihnda said as she looked at her glass. Her eyes then flicked up to the bartender. His eyes were surprised, but she was impressed by his demeanor.

She moved to get up.

"Governor," the bartender said in goodbye.

Arihnda looked at him as she swiped her hands over her coat. She paused, straightened her shoulders and clasped her coat closed while watching him. Her expression softened but gave no other indication of communication.

She faced the stormtroopers and transformed into an Imperial Governor. "Lead the way."

"Aye ma'am," the stormtroopers replied.

One lead the way out while the other two stormtroopers covered her from behind. Patrons in the cantina now knew who she was. Arihnda found suspicious and wary eyes as she followed the stormtroopers out.

The jovial cantina music was snuffed out as the speeder's doors closed around her.

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"There is satisfaction in defeating an enemy. But one must never allow oneself to become complacent... A warrior may forget that even the task of identifying the enemy can be difficult. And the cost of that failure can lead to catastrophe."

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