Chapter 4 – Different Points of View
Ten years later...
The dark corridor was empty save for two quiet forms that graced its quiet solitude. Wary of the noise their boots made on the cold duracrete floors, they opted to walk in bare feet. A sound nearby, nothing more than the quiet rustle of fabric, warned of an approaching figure. In quiet panic, they ducked into an empty storage closet and waited.
"Is it clear?" The near inaudible voice of Halyn 'Hal' Pul asked.
A silent nod was Reese's only response as he opened the door and stepped back into the corridor. Looking around for good measure, he scanned the darkness for any movement. Satisfied, he continued for the training room with Hal in tow.
The training room door was locked, requiring a special code to access its facilities. Due to the dangerous weapons and equipment inside, students of the Imperial Training Academy for Boys weren't permitted without the proper escort. That was Ironic, Reese mused, as the only reason he wanted access was the emergency exit it housed.
Punching in the code he'd gotten from a fellow student (in exchange for a month's worth of extra duties), he held his breath. A soft click predeceased the silent whoosh as the door opened.
Quickly ducking into the room, he closed the door, the lock resetting itself automatically.
"Are you sure about this?" Hal asked.
Reese replied with a grin he hoped looked more confident than he felt. "Stop worrying. We won't get caught."
"I'm not worried about that," Hal corrected. "What I am worried about is who we might run into while we're out."
With a sigh, Reese looked at his friend and frowned. "If you don't want to come, then go back. I'll see you in the morning."
Hal returned the frown. "I told you I'm going, didn't I?"
"Then relax!" Reese stressed, his smile returning.
Hal nodded silently, his face a pale canvas of nervous stress.
Reese started for the rear of the facility in the direction of the storage lockers. Each held a cash of 'training' weapons, which was just another term for blasters set on stun. Finding the locker he knew held the small, personal pistols; he punched in a second code. Removing two, he checked the number of rounds in each. Deactivating the safety devices, he reset each for their highest settings. Hal hesitantly accepted one of them, tucking in into a pouch inside his vest.
"Are you sure we're aloud to carry these where we're going?" Hal asked nervously.
"I told you, the only bars that will sell to minors are the kind where everyone comes armed."
"They're also on the lowest levels, the only place where non-humes are aloud to dwell without a permit," Hal retorted in a panicked voice. "They hate humes down there!"
"Not all humes, just the upper-class ones. But that's why we're going armed," Reese stressed, rolling his eyes as if his logic made perfect sense.
Hal, clearly not convinced, only shook his head. Reese ignored him as he continued for the exit. The security door was magnetized and alarmed. Should any unauthorized person open it, every security personnel in the academy would be there in a matter of seconds.
"Now we see if these codes were worth the price we agreed to," Reese said.
"You mean the price that you agreed to," Hal silently corrected.
"Just be prepared to run if this doesn't work." Reese punched in the last and final code.
At first nothing happened. Convinced he'd triggered a silent alarm, he tensed, ready to bolt. Somewhere nearby, a motor cut off as its constant humming ceased.
'Click'.
They looked at each other silently, afraid to move. Finally, Reese worked up the courage and opened the door.
"Okay," he said, convinced they were in the clear. "We only have three hours before the door resets itself. Let's go."
Without another word, they both exited the room and entered the world outside.
The crowded streets of Coruscant's lower level teemed with all manner of species. Most ignored the two human males who boldly walked among them, though some cast unfriendly gazes or purposely shoved the two out of their way.
Reese ignored the rude encounters, determined not to let them ruin his night out. He cast his eyes on a bar that promised 'The Best Entertainment in the Galaxy'.
"Let's start there," he said, not waiting for a reply.
The bar offered an interesting mixture of drunken patrons that sat in the soft atmospheric glow of multi-colored lights. Twi 'lek females danced seductively on stages to the cheers and taunts of the small but lively crowd.
"You can't come in here unless you intend to purchase something," a scruffy bartender barked from behind a semi-crowded counter.
"We'll take two drinks," Reese replied, "something with a kick." He placed a stack of credits on the bar and waited.
The bartender looked the two boys over and shook his head. "You two better get home to your mothers before they get worried. I don't serve minors."
"Aw, common Ron. I'm sure you have some blue milk back there," one of the patrons chimed in, bringing about a chorus of laughter.
Reese scowled, determined to get his drink. "We're not minors. We're just spacers looking for a good time."
"You're a spacer like I'm the Emperor," a gran retorted, bringing more laughter.
"Fine, we're from the academy. We're looking to have a little fun and heard your place was 'the' place to visit," Reese tried, hoping to appeal to the bartender's pride.
"Whoever told you that was full of it," another patron responded.
"What's that supposed to mean," the bartender barked before turning to the boys. "Fine, you want something strong, I'll give you something that will have you wishing you were never born."
He produced two glasses and filled them with a dark, pungent concoction. "Here," he said, placing the drinks before them. "Keep your credits. You're going to need them."
Reese grabbed the glasses, handing one to Hal. They both smelled the drinks, wincing as the fumes burnt their noses.
"Go on, drink up!" The gran encouraged.
Hesitating, Reese looked around the bar. All eyes cast their expectant stares on them, waiting to see how they handled their drinks. Resolved to guzzle it down without a flinch, Reese quickly placed the mug to his lips and began to swallow. Fire burned his insides as the potent liquid entered his system. With great effort he finished it all. Placing the empty glass on the bar, he returned the gazes with a confident glare, having clearly proven his point. Hal, following his lead, proceeded to empty his, though a little more clumsily as he broke into a series of coughs. Ignoring the laughs that followed, he forced the rest of the liquid into his mouth and swallowed.
The two boys looked at each other, smiles on their faces.
"Let's go watch the ladies dance," Reese offered.
Nodding, Hal readily agreed.
Reese took a step in the stage's direction and tumbled to the ground, Hal landing on top of him, their legs apparently having forgotten how to walk. The bar erupted in a series of howling laughter as the two boys struggled to their feet. The world began to spin as Reese tried to steady himself.
"I don't feel too good," Hal weakly moaned, pulling himself up. "I think we should go."
Reese nodded, acknowledging that he didn't feel very well either.
They slowly worked their way to the door, ignoring the taunts of the patrons to drink a few more. The world outside took on a suffocating air, as the crowds seemed to press in on all sides. Stumbling into an unfriendly weequay, Reese was violently shoved aside.
"You better watch yourself, hume," he barked before continuing on his way.
Hal, looking quite pale, pulled him to his feet. "I think I'm going to be sick," he said.
Desperate to find a place to relieve his flaming insides of its content, he darted for a deserted ally with Reese not far behind.
The two boys occupied separate corners and proceeded to purge their systems.
"That is really disgusting," a voice said from behind them. Turning, Reese's eyes widened as he took in the most beautiful creature he'd ever beheld. A fair skinned girl with dark black hair and deep blue eyes, she took his breath away. "Why don't you take a holo, it'll last longer."
"Huh?" Reese struggled to comprehend.
"I said why don't you take a holo?" She paused, exasperated. "You're staring at me."
"I am?" He weakly replied.
"Whatever you drank really did a number on you, didn't it?" She asked, looking mildly amused.
Hal joined Reese's side, barely aware of the stranger's presence. "We should go Reese before it gets too late."
Reese finally pulled his eyes away from the stranger and regarded his friend. "I don't want too."
"Then you can get caught. I'm going back," Hal insisted.
Reese looked back at the stranger, a goofy smile on his face.
"What?" She said.
"What's your name?" Reese asked.
Rolling her eyes she sighed. "Mya."
"Reese," he said, offering his hand.
"I know. Your friend kind of gave that away," she sarcastically replied, taking his hand.
Never had he remembered touching such a soft, delicate hand in all his life. Looking into her dark blue eyes, he smiled. "I need to go but I'd like to see you again."
"Oh you would?" She scoffed. "And what makes you think I'd want to see you?"
"Well," he began, thinking. "Because I'm a nice guy?"
She laughed; her voice melodious and sweet. "Believe me; I've met my share of 'nice guys' in my time."
"Okay," he retracted. "Then how about because I'm in love with you?"
Laughing again she shook her head. "I'm sure that's just the drink talking."
"Then that's all the more reason we should see each other again," he tried, "when I'm a little more sober. Then we'll really know if it's the drink or not." He offered his best smile, hoping she'd agree.
"Fine. Meet me here tomorrow night around midnight," she said. "If you're even a minute late, I'm out of here."
Forcing himself to contain his excitement, he tried to play it cool. "I'll be here."
The school was quiet as they reentered. Fortunately they'd made it back before the alarm reset itself. It would be bad enough trying to explain to their instructors why they were locked out after hours; doing so drunk would have been a nightmare.
Hal gave Reese a thankful sigh as they reached their dorm. Crawling into his bed, the sound of soft snoring soon followed. Reese, too excited to sleep, stepped into the refresher.
"Hello," he greeted himself in the mirror. Practicing his best smile he tried again. "Hello Mya. Beautiful night, isn't it?"
Shaking his head, slightly embarrassed, he began to clean his teeth. His brief encounter with the lovely girl replayed through his head. Abruptly, he began to gag as water went down his windpipe, causing a series of harsh, raspy coughs.
"You moron!" He chided himself as the coughing subsided. "Why did you tell her you were in love with her?"
Groaning, he sunk to the floor, his back against the wall. How could he ever face her sober knowing how big a fool he'd made of himself? He began to run through a series of excuses of why he couldn't meet her tomorrow when one thought rung true. "She agreed to see you again, didn't she? In fact, it was only after you told her you were in love with her that she agreed."
His heart began to race as the realization sunk in. Deciding it best not to think too much into it, he forced himself into bed, convinced he would not be able to sleep. Five minutes later he was dreaming.
The night that his life changed forever replayed in his head. Grudgingly, he accepted the nightmare that routinely haunted his nights. The vision was always the same; His mother placing him out the window, his sister being lowered to him with the tearful instructions to run. He was always overwhelmed by a dreadful sense of guilt that derived from knowing no matter how fast he ran he would always fail her. No matter what detours he attempted, no matter where he tried to hide, they would always find him and take her away forever.
"Mara…" The name barely escaped his lips as he slept.
On more than one occasion he would yell her name, pulling Hal from his sleep. His concerned friend once asked who Mara was. One look from Reese was enough to tell him to drop the uncomfortable topic.
One rare night, about a year after they'd been separated, the dream changed. His sister visited him in his dorm room. He knew he was still sleeping because there was no way he'd have ever let her go if she'd really been within arms reach.
Her message to him was simple. "Reese, I'm okay."
After that night, the dreams remained constant - always foreboding, always doomed.
They were late for their first morning class. Groaning, Reese forced himself out of bed, his head pounding mercilessly.
"Hal! Get up! We're late!"
Hal sat up immediately, his eyes wide, before wincing in pain. "Oh, my head."
"Yeah, you and me both. Get up!"
Hal Struggled out of bed. He flinched as Reese threw a change of clothes at his chest.
"Get dressed!" He stressed, struggling to pull on a pair of pants. "We're going to be in so much trouble. If I can't go out and meet Mya tonight I'm going to kill a Rancor."
"Who?" Hal asked, clearly confused as he stripped off his clothes from the night before.
"Mya! The girl in the alley?"
Hal's face cleared as recognition came. "You can't be serious? You're not actually going to sneak out again are you? For some girl you hardly know?"
"I have too, I can't explain why, I just do. Besides, didn't you see her? She's beautiful."
Hal began to shake his head, before pausing, wincing in pain. "I guess you've never heard of altered perceptions while under the influence. For all you know, she could be a wookie."
Reese could only smile in reply. "We'll see."
Their instructor gave them dirty looks as they entered their first class.
"Cadet Jade, Cadet Pul. Is it safe for me to assume that you have a valid excuse for missing the first half of instruction?"
Reese looked at Hal through the corner of his eye. His friend nervously fidgeted with his instruction manuals.
"No Instructor Sumpet," Reese spoke for both of them. "We over slept. I'm sorry, it won't happen again, Sir."
"Indeed," Sumpet frowned. "I should say not. Both of you are to report to me two hours before instruction for the next two weeks. I will personally supervise your detention. Perhaps at such an early hour you will learn the value of getting enough rest."
"Yes Sir," they replied before taking their seats.
"Remember class," he said, his gaze held steadily on Reese and Hal. "When you are in the Imperial Military, tardiness is not tolerated. I've seen Lord Vader kill men for much less."
"Yes Sir!" The class responded in unison.
"Jade, before you and Pul burst in, the class was discussing the importance of discipline as it applies to the security and well being of the Empire. Explain to me why it is important to instate Governors, despite the Senate."
Reese straightened in his seat as his head struggled to focus.
"Well, because the Senate doesn't agree. The diverse cultures and opinions of the thousands of systems often cause conflict. A Governor is needed to step in and resolve these conflicts and differences of opinions in order to maintain the peace and posterity of the common good."
"Standard text-book answer," Sumpet scoffed. "Do you really believe that? The Republic stood for thousands of years under the successful rule of the Senate. Why do we really need the Governors? Look deeper. As future Imperial officers, it is important for you to see the bigger picture that ordinary citizens cannot see."
Sumpet waited for Reese, who squirmed under his harsh gaze. Finally another student raised their hand.
"Cadet Gulstar?"
Gulstar smiled, eager to impress the class with his answer. "The truth is that the Senate is corrupt. They use their positions for personal gain and acknowledgement. Their power had to be subverted to the Emperor, and from him to appointed Governors in order to ensure that the corruption stops. Once enough Governors have been appointed, there will be no need for the Senate and it will more than likely be dismantled."
Sumpet nodded thoughtfully. "Astute observation. But you both seem to be missing the point. The true reason to instate Governors is simple. We need to instill fear in the hearts of every citizen. No other method will prevent conflict. Governors are a direct extension of the Emperor himself, enforcing his will, by whatever means are deemed necessary. This is the only way we will maintain peace and order."
Another student, Miltan, frowned. "I don't understand. Are you saying the Governors are there to suppress the people, to strip them of their personal rights? How is that for the common good?"
Sumpet hardened his gaze in clear disapproval of the interruption. "It is no different than how this academy is ran, or the Imperial Military for that matter. Without order and discipline, with strict adherence to the rules, there would be chaos. None of you are oppressed are you? True, if you break the rules you will be disciplined," his gaze resting on Reese, "but that is only to assure that you follow the rules in the future. It is no different with the citizens. As long as the rules are followed, everyone will live in peace."
"What about the Rebellion?" Miltan continued. "They obviously feel differently."
"The Rebellion is nothing more than a hopeless failure to resurrect the traditions of the Old Republic. This union of common ideals will be stopped and its leaders hunted down and brought to justice."
"So what you're saying is that the rebels should be punished for simply disagreeing with the current government? That because they protest the legitimacy of the Empire, they should be erased from existence?"
Sumpet, clearly annoyed with Miltan's debate, frowned. "Precisely. Though they pose no real threat, their poison must be stopped before it can spread any further. Should these rebels gain enough support, it could throw us into another costly and tedious civil war. They must be stopped now; they must be made examples of."
"So how do we stop them?"
"By any means at our disposal. They will be rooted out and destroyed."
"Even at the cost of innocent lives?" Miltan challenged.
The entire class watched their instructor. Not a muscle moved as the air grew still.
"Collateral damage is a necessary evil if peace is to be maintained," Sumpet paused and looked at his chrono. "It seems that our time is up. Your homework assignments have been posted at your personal stations. You are dismissed. Cadet Miltan, you will stay here. There are some things we need to discuss."
The night was unusually cold as Reese ventured out alone. He pulled his jacked tightly around him, the cool pressure of the pistol beneath reassuring him of its presence. The streets were slightly less crowded than the night before as the usual cluster of pedestrians opted to stay indoors.
He arrived at the alley a few minutes early, nervously optimistic. His heart pounded mercilessly and his breathing came in fast and shallow gulps. The youthful overdrive of hormones took over as the cold was all but forgotten.
Every minute seemed an eternity as he waited. Thirty seconds before midnight he began to worry she wouldn't show. He could only imagine the disapproving looks Hal would give him if he were forced to confess he'd been stood up.
"Hello nice guy," the voice of his dreams spoke.
He wouldn't have believed his heart could pound faster if it hadn't accelerated at the sound of her voice. Turning towards her, his breath stopped short in his lungs. She was every bit as lovely as he remembered. Smiling, he stammered for the right words.
She waited patiently for him to speak, amused at his apparent case of sensory overload.
"Hey," he breathlessly greeted after what felt like an eternity of silence.
"So," she began, looking around. "Did you want to hang out here, or should we go somewhere a little more scenic?"
"Sure," he blurt out.
"Sure what?" She asked with raised eyebrows, her amused smile growing wider.
"We can go somewhere," he replied, his face flushing deeply. "I'm not to familiar with this area though. They don't let us out of the academy too much."
Her smile dropped slightly. "Oh, you're one of those."
"One of what?" He asked, clearly confused.
"The future leaders of the Imperial Military," she replied in a mocking tone.
"So? What's wrong with that?" He asked defensively.
"Oh, nothing if you're a warmonger who doesn't give a squat about democracy or fair treatment of every living species."
"Don't tell me you're a sympathizer," he said.
"Call me what you will, but I can't ignore the atrocities Palpatine and his cronies have committed."
"The Emperor is a great man who believes in peace and security. He has done great things for the Empire."
She laughed, "You call segregation a great thing? Look around you! All these species have been deemed worthless; as nothings!"
"It's a necessary evil," he defended. "Everyone knows that most of the rebellion is composed of non humans."
"I hate to tell you, but they join the rebellion because of how they're treated!" She shook her head, clearly irritated. "You know what? This was a big mistake. There's no point in arguing with one of Palpatine's brainwashed youth."
"Wait," he pleaded. He was surprised to see that even while angry with her, he was captivated by her beauty. "I'm sorry. Yes, we differ in our views, but why should that keep us from being friends?"
Mya regarded him with a look that was almost pity. "Because it would never work. I'm too passionate about my views. It would be hypocritical if I were to befriend someone like you."
"You speak as if you know me. You don't know anything about me," he snapped.
She sighed. "You're right. I'm sorry."
"So we can be friends?" He asked, offering her his hand as a sign of truce.
"Yeah," she smiled, shaking his hand. "Come on. Let's get out of here."
Without waiting for a response she grabbed his hand and led him out of the alley. He struggled to keep up with her remarkably fast pace. She was obviously familiar with walking the packed streets as she expertly cut through the crowds.
"Where are we going?" He asked.
"Well, I'm starving; so you're taking me to get something to eat."
"So you were basically raised in the academy?" Mya asked before taking a bite of her food.
"Yeah, since I was five," he said, absentmindedly shuffling his food around on his plate.
"So what did you do to end up there? Most parents only send their kids there when they can't handle them."
"I don't have any parents," he quietly replied, clearly not wanting to discuss it.
Either ignorant of his hints to drop the topic or purposely ignoring them, she pushed further. "What happened to them?"
He debated in his head how to reply. Finally, he decided to open up; something he'd never done before. "They broke the law. They housed a fugitive and died trying to defend him when the authorities came. I was taken here as a ward of the state."
Mya's eyes seemed to glisten, though Reese couldn't tell if it was from tears or not.
"I'm sorry Reese. That must have been hard for you," she offered.
"It all happened a long time ago,'" he replied a little too coldly. Noticing her frown he changed the subject. "So what's your story?"
"I live with my mother in the mid-levels of the housing district. I like to come down and visit the lower levels to remind myself how lucky I am."
Reese considered her words. "So you don't live down here?"
She shook her head. "No, though the mid-levels aren't too different in many regards. The rich aristocrats are quick to oppress any who don't share their social status. They live as if nothing has changed. Why should they? They're Palpatine's greatest supporters, giving him anything he asks while he lines their pockets."
Not wanting to be pulled into another political debate, he listened in silence.
"You don't talk much, do you?" She asked.
"Sure I do," he said. "But only when I have something to say."
"What does that mean," she laughed.
"Just that some people are eager to talk just to be noticed, no matter what comes out of their mouths."
"Do you think I'm like that?" She asked, clearly baiting him.
"Oh no!" He quickly responded. "You're very intelligent; even if you are a little misguided."
She laughed. "Well at least you don't think I talk too much."
"I could listen to you talk all night," he blurted before realizing what he'd said.
"Really?" She said, clearly amused.
"Well, yeah," he said, his cheeks flushing.
"You know," she said, playing on the awkward moment. "There is one little piece of business we haven't addressed yet."
Her eyes lit with mischievous light and she grinned wickedly.
"What's that?" He cautiously asked.
"Oh, I don't know… maybe a little something about you being in love with me?"
His face grew three shades of red in an instant. She laughed in response, clearly enjoying teasing him.
"Maybe you do talk too much," he finally said, though his smile revealed he didn't mean it.
"So?" She prodded. "Are you or aren't you?"
"I was drunk, that's all I'll say," he said.
"So you're not," she said, poking out her lip as she pouted.
"I didn't say that-" he began before realizing she was still teasing him.
"You are!" She laughed. "Oh I can't wait to tell my friends about this!"
"You wouldn't!" He asked in pure horror.
Her laughter became so hard he though she was going to pass out. After several moments, she stopped, wiping the tears from her eyes. She noticed him sulking and felt bad.
"Don't worry Reese. Your secret's safe with me."
He tried to look at her but found he was too embarrassed. She got up and came to his side of the table. Lifting his chin to look at her she smiled.
"Thank you," was all she said before leaning over and kissing him.
His heart pounded as gravity seemed to release its grip of them. The kiss only lasted a moment but it'd remain with him through eternity.
"Let's go," she said. "It's getting late and I don't want you to get in trouble."
She took his hand and pulled him to his feet.
"You don't?" He asked.
"Of course not," she seriously replied. "Then I wouldn't be able to see you again tomorrow night."
He smiled as he followed her to the exit.
Hal was waiting for him as he entered the dorm.
"So? How was it?" He asked.
All Reese could do was smile.
"I take it she showed up."
Reese nodded.
"Was she still beautiful?"
Reese nodded again.
"You better start giving some details," Hal demanded. "This whole non-verbal thing you got going on here is really creeping me out."
Reese laughed. Sitting down, he detailed his date to Hal.