Fandom Star Wars: Demesne [Closed]

[Lucyfer]

Commander Eli Vanto of the Chimaera was back on Coruscant. For once, it wasn’t for a trial over some inane thing Thrawn – or rather, Grand Admiral Thrawn, had done. It was to celebrate that new title. He was the first alien to reach that rank, and it was well deserved; Eli thought, with some confidence, that Thrawn would put most of the other Imperial officers to shame.

The Commander was adjusting his white dress uniform, going over it again and again in the mirror, thinking he had done something wrong, but he couldn’t place it as he did a once over. “You’re gonna be late, Vanto!”

The voice outside his door was not Thrawn, but Lieutenant-Commander Kayrn Faro.

“Right!” He finally realized it as he turned from the mirror – his hair! His hair was a mess, he hadn’t combed the shaggy brown locks down after he got dressed and they were mussed up. He was quick to remedy that, grabbing a comb off the top of the hotel dresser and madly brushing it down until it laid flat on his head, bangs brushing across his forehead. It was barely within military regulations for length, covering the top of his ears and the back of his neck easily, but he didn’t like it cropped.

With his hair situated, he stepped out to see Faro dressed similarly to him. She donned her white dress uniform, as well, and looked pristine with her own brunette hair pulled back. The major difference between the two of them, really, was their skin, otherwise Eli wouldn’t have faulted anyone for mistaking them for siblings. She had far lighter skin than he did, while his was naturally tanned, even when he didn’t get much sunlight.

Faro gave an approving nod and they fell in step together to exit the hotel and get to the Federal District, and the Imperial Palace, where in one of the banquet halls the party for Thrawn’s promotion was taking place. “I can’t believe we’re going to the Imperial Palace,” Faro said, all nerves.

Vanto couldn’t help the slight upwards slant of his lips at that, “I can,” they’d been there before for some Imperial event. Wullf Yularen had been there. He was sure Wullf would be there again, among others. Likely, other Grand Admirals would be there to welcome Thrawn into their ranks.

As if on a similar thought, Faro asked, “Do you think the Emperor will be there?”

Eli shook his head, “No, they had a private ceremony already,” the Emperor didn’t come out for these sorts of things, “I think Grand Moff Tarkin will be there, and likely all of the other Grand Admirals, though. Probably some of the Grand Generals, too.” Lots of Grands, in other words. “I’m not sure who else might be there,” probably some politicians. Probably Governor Pryce, whom he and Thrawn had grown to dislike, among others.

Faro gave a nod, taking it in. She was still getting used to this. She hadn’t been with them from the start, but she had fit in with them soon enough, giving both Thrawn and Eli their due respect when they came aboard the Chimaera. Eli felt she’d soon grow into her role. She’d be a Commander on her own, one day, too.

‘And she’ll have her own ship, and her own fleet, while you’re going to be stuck as Thrawn’s aide forever.’ There remained some bitterness towards that, no matter their friendship. Eli didn’t like the way some people looked at him, or spoke of him.

But he knew he liked working with Thrawn.

And he knew he liked the progress the two of them made together.

He and Faro continued to talk about the evening, and he tried to tell her not to worry too much, and to ignore the politicians – they were all out to get dirt on Thrawn and ruin him. Eli knew. He’d dealt with enough moffs who tried to bribe him and offer him the world, to bring Thrawn down, and he’d denied them that.

Faro at least didn’t seem like she’d throw Thrawn under the starship for her own gain, and they arrived together at the sparkling palace, and Eli led the way confidently towards the banquet hall, where the mirrored, crystalline floors caught and threw the light from the many chandeliers and the reflective walls. Music drift from there as well, a voice Eli swore he knew warming the air.

“I’d be the last shred of truth
In the lost myth of true love.” ​

Faro’s face was one of absolute wonder as they came in, not late, but almost.

“I’d be the sweet feeling of release
Mankind now dreams of…”​

Eli wondered if he had looked that way the first time he set foot on here. “Come on,” he knew where Thrawn would soon enter, and he wanted to make sure they were among the first faces he saw when he arrived, and so he led Faro towards one of the side entrances, his gaze moving around those gathered.

Grand Moff Tarkin.

Director Krennic.

“I won’t deny I’ve got in my mind now,
All the things I would do.” ​

Grand Admiral Savit, Grand Admiral Grant, Grand Admiral Zaarin.

Grand General Loring, Grand General Ormeddon.

He nudged Faro, briefly, “You see Grand Moff Tarkin?” He indicated, and she nodded, “He prefers to be called Governor.”

“Got it,” she gave a nod, confirming her understanding of it. Strange that he’d prefer a lesser title, but she wasn’t going to dwell on that.

“So I try to talk refined,
For fear that you’ll find out,” ​

As they came to the side entrance and paused with some of the others of the crew – all in military dress, he noticed, he gave them a smile. Faro moved them over towards Cora, offering the other woman a grin.

In a line like that, the three did look similar in all white, with their brown hair and brown eyes. Eli gave Cora a polite smile, but it was a bit guarded. He wasn’t sure what to make of her, but he knew she was from the Core, and he’d felt some judgment coming off of her before. Or at least, he thought he had.

Not everyone was on the Chimaera by choice, and some did resent being led by Thrawn.

So, he let his eyes skim over others, and in following Savit towards the stage, he finally realized why he recognized the voice.

“How I’m imagining you.”​

The singer wasn’t just any ordinary singer – it was Eira Nevan. He knew he’d seen her in a few holofilms, though he hadn’t realized she had black hair. Or, well, black hair currently. He’d seen her with blonde hair. ‘And with Savit?’ His nose wrinkled as he watched her take his hand and step down from the stage, smiling familiarly at the man, seeming utterly at ease in this place, even though she was one of the few not in military dress.

Well, if there was one perk to this job, this was it. He was going to find a way to get a picture. His parents would never believe this! “You’re staring, Vanto.”

He straightened up as Faro called him out, an embarrassed smile crossing his lips, “I wasn’t expecting someone like Eira to be here,” he said, gesturing, “She was in Starflash recently,” he had actually gotten to see that shortly after release.

Faro’s eyes widened a bit. She had heard of that, at least, despite living on a ship – it had been a highly anticipated film, with a blonde lead. Eira definitely wasn’t blonde, but hair was an easy thing to change.

~***~

Eira Nevan felt sick walking into the Imperial Palace.

This had once been the Jedi Temple, and although Sheev Palpatine had done everything to erase that, everywhere Eira looked, she saw the Temple’s reflection. Even as she stepped into the ballroom with its mirrored floors and mirrored walls, she could see the shelves and shelves of the old library. She could recall how Jocasta walked these halls, and still see younglings pouring over ancient knowledge, and stacks upon stacks of holos piled upon desks precariously.

Of course, now it was all gone – emptied. In place of desks were banquet tables. Where shelves had been, pillars stood, offering breaks in one’s line of sight.

Jocasta did not walk these halls any longer, but men and women in pressed uniforms instead.

Eira did not wear such a pressed or tight outfit. Arrayed in a blue and white gown that flowed around her, she walked with ease over the ground, clear heels clicking over the crystalline floor towards the stage where familiar faces were testing their instruments. She knew she would not be a part of every song, for Grand Admiral Savit sought to show her off, and introduce her to the new Grand Admiral Thrawn, but she certainly wanted to enjoy some time with the band.

Apparently, Grand Admiral Thrawn was a fan of the arts, or so Savit had been informed, and he wanted to make sure to greet the man properly.

She stepped up onto the stage, and greeted them all warmly, taking a cup of water when it was brought, and running through some vocalizations and test sounds with them to make sure all the instruments were in tune – and that she, herself, was in tune. People started to mill in, and Eira took note of the faces she knew.

She almost choked when she saw Grand Moff Tarkin make his appearance, the only officer who would be in an olive uniform. The only one she’d met, however briefly, in her former life, a life that felt like it truly had been centuries apart from where she was now.

But it wasn’t. Barely a decade.

Eira was grateful in the moment she had opted to leave her lightsabers in her transport. She could hide them easily under the billowing layers and silks, and could grab them from anywhere she strapped them to with the Force, but she knew better. This remained the Emperor’s domain, and she could feel his presence.

She did not imagine he felt her, though. She was but a drop of light in the darkness that permeated this once-holy site.

But one day – she would be a signal fire.

“Let’s warm up a bit with some songs they don’t likely listen to much, hm?”

“What, no Imperial March?” One of the band joked, and Eira let out a groan, earning laughter from them all.

“Save it for later,” she said, “Let’s do…Oh! Talk!” And they agreed easily enough – it was likely not a song many in the Empire listened to, indeed, and the song was strummed out. Eira crooned a story of lovers separated by death, weaving its way to a tale of a present individual thinking they could love so deeply, so fiercely, and imagining unspoken things with the object of their affection – oh but only teasing it, and her voice teased it just as well, watching people continue to enter, and holding eye contact with those brave enough, before their gaze flickered away.

Red faced.

Eira caught Savit’s attention, of course, but he did not avert his gaze so readily, but lifted a glass, a quiet signal that she’d end after just the one song – and so she did, leaving the band to shift into an instrumental as Savit approached, and she took his hand down, “Balanhai,” she greeted him like a friend as he gently held her hand.

“Eira. I am glad that you could make it for Grand Admiral Thrawn’s promotion party.”

“How could I refuse your invitation to the Imperial Palace?” They walked a bit aways, her hand still held up by Savit, allowing him as her escort for the moment, “Where is the man of the hour?”

“Soon to arrive,” that was not Savit, but Wilhuff Tarkin. She managed not to stiffen or tense as the skeletal man approached.

For being all skin and bones, Eira could still see the power that radiated in his eyes, a degree of pure bloodlust and primal desires that she had only seen in beasts before. “Governor Tarkin,” she knew enough not to greet him as Grand Moff, “It is an honor to be here.”

“I’m sure it is,” he dismissed the pithy comment easily, “I heard you were going to be performing the Cantata of Cora Vessora soon, is that correct?”

“Yes,” she agreed, “it seems a fitting story now, so that people do not forget why the Jedi had to depart the stage, so to speak.”

“It’s a shame I could not help prepare the orchestra, but I have a mission away from Coruscant,” Savit commented, but Eira was not focused on him.

Tarkin did not seem so pleased with her answer, and she understood he must know a bit more about it. Or he suspected something. Everyone told her to be wary of Tarkin.

“It would be better if they were forgotten entirely,” Wilhuff suggested, “Still, I do intend to be in attendance. I hear it shaping up to be quite the event. The Emperor himself has expressed his interest.”

No flash of fear, no worry, would mar her expression. Only excitement, with that necessary touch of humility, “I know he enjoys the Opera. I would be delighted to have his attendance and to hear any suggestions he may have afterwards. I understand his tastes are quite good.”

The smile Tarkin offered was brittle, “You may come to regret that request. He is a critic.”

“And I am an artist.” She professed with no worry, just a slight tilt of her chin that seemed to amuse Tarkin.

She did not consider that was a good thing.

 

[cleopat]

The glittering, decked halls of the Imperial Palace was not a scene unfamiliar to Cora Suvan. Born of the Core elite, she grew up in scenes of similar crystalline floors and sparkling chandeliers.

Yet unlike the parties of her youth, Cora bore the military dress standard for formal events and promotion celebrations: a white, pristine tunic and a white matching knee-length skirt, both freshly ironed and the top decorated with the Imperial Navy medals she had earned with her title and rank.

A melodic tune filtered through the air. Cora contemplated for a moment on closing her eyes to allow herself to enjoy the music, but she had an image she wished to uphold amongst the older Imperials she strived to impress.

Even if she did perceive most of them as stuffy, uptight, and elitist in their views. Some views that Cora shared due to her own upbringing in their social circles of the Core.

She had slowly realized over the last few months that those prejudices may not have been right. Why should someone’s birthplace or race immediately deem them lesser?

These thoughts only remained in her mind for now. Cora cared too much about future promotions and how her superior officers perceived her.

Yet, still, surely some words that the officers whisper amongst themselves concerning Grand Admiral Thrawn wasn’t right? He received his promotion for a reason, and after serving on the Chimaera for some time, she knew the Grand Admiral was more competent than most officers of similar or near similar rank. Her natural curiosity and the prejudices ingrained in her mind since birth constantly battled one another.

As they did now. Cora had been standing alone, not entirely by choice, but rather by the fact most of the officers in the Survey Corps were older than her, and thus consider themselves superior and better than her. They only talked to Cora if it was necessary. She didn’t consider anyone on the Chimaera a friend just yet.

But Commander Vanto and Lieutenant-Commander Faro moved over to where she stood. They had brief, polite conversations in the past, when Cora had to approach Thrawn on matters concerning her tasks, but she still held her reservations over them.

They were from backwater planets. They were hicks. Her mind screamed those words at her whenever she saw them, and yet Cora’s gut instinct told her that they were just as intelligent and capable as any officer from the Core.

They wouldn’t have their positions if they weren’t competent.

Faro grinned, and Eli smiled at her. She offered them her own polite smile and a slight nod of her head. Her attention turned towards the singer, a woman she had seen in holofilms and with different hair. Eli knew the singer as well, at which she raised an eyebrow.

“I didn’t expect you to be a fan of hers.” The remark came out more sardonic than Cora wanted. She almost backtracked and apologized for it, but with the array of officers around them, she didn’t.

Cora also didn’t want to admit she hadn’t seen any of the holofilms the woman starred in, even if she was familiar with her name.

So she added on to Eli’s comment of not expecting her there. “I suppose the Empire is utilizing all of their connections for Grand Admiral Thrawn’s party.” Did the Chiss even know who she was? But, regardless, she had a pleasant voice.

~~

Parties. Oh how Thrawn didn’t particularly care for parties. They were nothing more than an excuse for the elite to gather, drink, and gossip.

Mitth’raw’nuruodo had already celebrated his promotion with the Emperor and a few select other elites of the Empire, including Lord Vader. The second party was entirely unnecessary. Maybe it was a societal expectation he didn’t fully understand.

Still, as he stepped through the entrance into the banquet hall, he couldn’t help but to note how out of place he felt – a sensation not due to his being the only non-human in the room. Thrawn imagined that Eli Vanto felt similarly out of place in this strange world.

Familiar faces greeted him. His aide and good friend, Commander Eli Vanto, as well as Lieutenant-Commander Faro, stood near the entrance, their proud faces bringing a touch of a smile to the Chiss’s lips. They stood near Lieutenant-Commander Suvan, a capable officer he didn’t know too well, aside from typical preconceived prejudices of aliens and those born of non-Core worlds.

Thrawn hadn’t detected any hostility from her though. If anything, he predicted that she will soon learn that those very prejudices are unfounded and inexcusable in the Empire.

Many other faces of officers closer to his rank, or of the same level, greeted him next. Many offered false compliments. Tightening of the eyes, stiff smiles, postures straightening.

Grand Moff Tarkin, Director Krennic, Grand Admiral Savit, among others he recognized. The latter of the men stood next to a woman who stood out in the sea of Imperial uniforms in her flowing blue and white gown and heels that added height to her short frame.

Tarkin, Governor Tarkin also stood near them, a fact that seemed to displease the woman. Posture stiff, muscles tense. She wasn’t an officer of the Empire, so his mind ran through the possibilities. A guest of Grand Admiral Savit?

The easier solution would be to simply go over and introduce himself. His journey was interrupted numerous times by people congratulating him on the promotion. Some sincere, others forced by their human societal conventions.

“Grand Admiral Savit,” he greeted with a slight inclination of his head. “Governor Tarkin. I am fortunate that the two of you could make it.” His crimson gaze landed on Eira, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “And I’m sorry, I don’t seem to know your name?”

 

[Lucyfer]

Polite, genial. These were all that Eli Vanto and Karyn Faro knew of Lieutenant-Commander Suvan, besides the obvious facts it hinted at. She was from Anaxes, a Core-worlder. It would have been obvious even if Eli hadn’t known where she came from. He did, though. They were both part of the Survey Corps, once. Eli couldn’t really claim that any longer. He was officially a man of the Imperial Navy, a Commander with Grand Admiral Thrawn.

And still prone to being flustered.

He wasn’t sure how to take her comment on knowing the films. It sounded like an insult. What did Cora consider the films? Terrible? ‘They aren’t skin-holos.’ He wanted to defend himself, but he wasn’t sure what the problem was. “I haven’t seen many, but I have liked what I’ve seen. She sticks to theater, mostly.” That should be high-brow enough, a way to suggest his likes were defensible.

Faro just chuckled, though, “Sure, that’s why you watched them,” she teased, and he felt heat touch his face at the obvious implication that he only watched because the actress was pretty. Why was he already put on the defensive?

He almost felt relief when Thrawn walked in, and they all straightened a bit, all smiled, but he passed them over without so much as a word. Eli deflated, while Faro stretched up and seemed more content, “Well, looks like we can raid the food while there’s still something to raid! Come on, Suvan – you know this posh stuff, help Eli and I figure out what’s actually good to eat.”

Apparently, Faro was in an amicable mood to invite Suvan along.

Eli let his expression relax. He shouldn’t be in an annoyed one, even if Thrawn did just snub him. Thrawn hardly knew he snubbed people. Something he needed to work on. Besides, they needed to get to know Cora, she’d been with them for a few months now and Eli didn’t feel as if he knew her that well.

He had a better idea of the food, though. He’d been to enough of these frivolous things by now, but he offered, “We would appreciate your company, Suvan,” he dropped titles. Lieutenant-Commander was a mouthful, and he felt that surname would be enough for this kind of party. They were meant to relax a little, they didn’t need to stand at attention.

Faro had already moved ahead a bit, but paused to wait for the two of them.

~***~

“And there he is,” Savit made a grand gesture over to the Grand Admiral as he stepped into the room, greeted by his crew, before others came to greet him.

Eira’s brows rose. She had heard he was ‘Chiss’, but she didn’t know what ‘Chiss’ was. It reminded her of the Pantoran.

It reminded her of her former master. She wouldn’t ask if there was a relationship between the two races – she had learned a long, long time ago it was a foolish question, like asking if miraluka were related to humans, or twi’lek and togruta.

It didn’t matter in these circles, anyways – he wasn’t human, and yet she could see in the slight way that Tarkin’s brows knit, that didn’t much matter to him. For all his problems, he wasn’t racist. He just thought everyone was inferior to him, but some were more useful than others. Thrawn, it seemed, was a tool he considered useful.

“He figured out and dealt with the issue on Lothal,” Savit added. "The reason for his promotion, but beyond that, I can't speak to his skill."

"I can. As can Colonel Yularen." Tarkin noted, the man in white elsewhere in the room, mingling, watching. Eira knew him by reputation, enough to know she never wanted to meet him.

That ended that subject, paired with the arrival of the blue toned man. Tarkin's smile seemed satisfied, if not warm, "I will make time for those deserving of the Empire's praise, Grand Admiral." He indicated, "your career has remained quite interesting to the Emperor." And to himself, of course.

"It is good to have you amongst our ranks, Grand Admiral Thrawn." Savit welcomed, before he placed a hand lightly on Eira's back, "this is Eira Nevan, a rising star of Coruscant's theater scene. We've collaborated on a few musical productions. I asked a favor to have her help with the band a bit tonight."

Eira met Thrawn's gaze and smile easily, intrigued at how his eyes glowed, but again, not considering asking. It was not a thing he could likely change, and it hardly spoke to who he was. "You must not find time for the theater or holofilms, Grand Admiral," a light tease, "and here I thought everyone vying for rank in the military or politics tried to keep up with Emperor Palpatine's tastes. It is good to meet you, all the same. Refreshing." She loved her fans, but sometimes they could be exhausting.

 

[cleopat]

Did Eli enjoy the theater? Cora couldn’t see that being possible, but why? Anyone can enjoy the theater. It’s something found all over the galaxy. Or, based on Faro’s comment, the actress Eira resulted in his interest in the more high-brow entertainment.

The light flush of Eli’s face brought forth a small smile from Cora, but she made no further comment before Thrawn made his grand entrance. Her posture straightened, and Thrawn walked past them without a word to at least Eli.

She wasn’t surprised. He was always like that, unknowingly snubbing those who were close to him. Or, in her case, simply worked under him. Thrawn still had much to learn about human societal conventions.

Faro didn’t seem to mind his transgression, and she offered an extension of an invitation to Cora to join them at the food table. She had full intent of turning it down, even if she had nothing better to do than attempt to mingle with the older officers who would wave her off, even though her stomach rumbled at the thought of the array of food offered.

But then Eli extended the invitation. He was harder to say ‘no’ to than Faro, for reasons Cora didn’t understand.

She took a quick glance around, noting how everyone was now focused on the man of the hour. Of course no one would pay her any attention in who she mingled with. Cora sighed, a slight smile crossing her face. “I appreciate the offer, Vanto.”

Cora followed Eli and Faro to the banquet table, filled to the brim with foods she grew accustomed to seeing at parties on Anaxes and other Core worlds. “It all certainly looks delicious.”

~~

Thrawn considered Governor Tarkin, one of the individuals responsible for his recent promotion. Relaxed smile, no noticeable tension. He was aware of Tarkin’s superiority belief, but it never negatively affected his work, and he hadn’t shown the same hostility that other officers do towards an alien.

That didn’t mean Thrawn didn’t keep a close eye on the governor.

“And I hope to continue that interest.” It was because of the emperor’s curiosity and continued interest that he was there to begin with, so he would try to keep that interest, even if others would never dare to do such a thing. He didn’t quite fear the emperor like others did.

Thrawn’s gaze moved back to Savit and the unknown woman. She’s curious. Maybe questions about the Chiss. He offered a polite smile as they were introduced. “A pleasure to meet you, Eira Nevan.” The standard way he was taught to greet humans.

Did I insult her by not knowing who she was? No, there’s a slight hitch in her voice. She’s teasing. “I admit, I haven’t been able to understand the performing arts. I am more of a visual arts connoisseur.” To further ensure she took no offense from his words, Thrawn added, “But maybe after I hear you perform tonight, you are able to convince me to focus more on music and acting.”

 

[Lucyfer]

The duo from far from the Core moved towards the banquet tables, where officers of varying colors and ranks mingled. All human, of course, but from more than just the Navy. Given the presence of a Grand General and Director Krennic, perhaps that was expected, but somehow Eli had anticipated more Navy and less…everyone else.

Faro’s eyes were wide with interest at all the food. Eli, not so much, though there was plenty he didn’t, actually, recognize. Still, he grabbed a small plate, and reached for some of those things he did know. Thrawn might have remarked on his lack of being adventurous, but Thrawn was over there talking with the Important People.

Or, really, Governor Tarkin, and Eli would rather stay away from the Important People.

Even if he was curious.

“What are those?” Faro finally asked, pointing to something black that looked like an egg, if an egg were made of a gelatin substance. Eli arched a single eyebrow at the jiggling mass of things.

He would guess roe, but he honestly did not know, “Try it,” he said, and Faro scowled.

“That won’t tell me what it is,” she said, “what if I like it and don’t know how to get more of it?”

Eli couldn’t help the slight smile that came to his lips at that. Fair point, he supposed. Though he wasn’t sure how anyone was going to like the jiggling black things. Or how they could be tasty. ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover.’

He reached for the tongs to grab one for himself, thinking that he could at least tell Thrawn he learned one thing – Core food remained weird.

~***~

Eira’s brows raised, as Savit’s interest peaked a bit at that, as well. “I will take that challenge,” she said, fully intending to try and win one over for the realm of music and the performing arts. She did not think it would be terribly hard – she had a way of figuring out people.

The Force might allow her to cheat, though she wouldn’t be doing any mind-reading, or anything so invasive as that. Reading emotions and surface feelings were usually enough. People had a natural energy around them, and it was one of the reasons she knew Tarkin was bad news.

If Tarkin had a color it would be blood red. Not dried, but fresh – he was human enough to be the deadliest beast in existence.

“What music do you enjoy, Grand Admiral?” Eira inquired, hands moving behind her back as she leaned forward slightly, as if looking up at him from that angle might reveal something more, as she let herself stretch out just a bit with the Force. Just enough to touch those in the circle.

And Tarkin’s was still that bloody red – a heartbeat, war drums, a cacophony of screams and a tang of metal.

Savit was a march, a silvery white, both – lines and lines of them, orderly and growing as his own victories did. She had noticed it long before about him, the way his energy changed with each victory he won, the way he let it influence his musical styles, while he remained ever at the center.

What would Thrawn feel like?

What music would move his soul?

 

[cleopat]

Cora followed the two, and she took up her own plate to load it with delicacies she enjoyed, and others she was more than happy to pass over.

Some things were only there because rich people loved to show off their money.

Faro questioned about the identity of one of the dishes on the banquet. Caro swallowed a giggle. Eli didn’t know either, and so Cora piped up, “If you try it, I’ll tell you what it is. I’ve learned long ago that sometimes, you just need to try things before knowing what they are, or else you’ll never eat it.”

Some ‘bizarre’ looking foods she figured out that she enjoyed immensely, and others? Not so much.

Cora did pass over the black egg-looking foods to move on to the exotic fruits that definitely screamed rich. It was a luxury she loved to indulge in though.

“So do you get to attend these types of parties often?” she asked both of them, though Cora looked over at Eli as she spoke.

~~

Thrawn took in their own interest at the challenge he posed. Both of their eyebrows raised. Eyes widened ever so slightly. They’re intrigued by the outcome. The corner of his lips tilted upwards. “I am eager to await the results.”

He wanted to see if this Eira would surprise him.

And the answer to her question may sway the challenge into his favor. “I’m afraid I don’t enjoy any music at the moment.” Not that he didn’t try, but he simply couldn’t understand music as well as he could art.

Art came naturally to him. Thrawn was able to read through a culture’s history and culture through their art, but music? Music still phased him. “You must forgive me for my ignorance.” If she was like most of the Imperials, she would simply excuse his ignorance based on his race.

Easy enough for him.

Eira had been interested in learning what music he enjoyed. How would she react knowing that he didn’t know much of music? Would she take her challenge that more seriously?

“But I am trusting that you will be able to change my mind.”

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli cocked an eyebrow at Faro, and Faro sighed, relented, and let Eli drop a jiggling egg onto her plate. She then picked it up with her fingers, noting how easily it squeezed together. She didn’t seem any more certain that she wanted to try it than before, but curiosity reigned.

Though she did look to Eli as Cora inquired over his presence at things like this – after she shook her head in response. This was her first.

“A few times before,” Eli answered, “Grand Admiral Thrawn’s moved through the ranks quickly,” and Eli right behind him, though he didn’t always enjoy the luxury of a promotion. Still, wherever Thrawn went, Eli went, so he went to a few of these things before.

More than he expected to in his life, really.

“You’ve probably been to a lot more,” he gave a slight shrug of his shoulders, though perhaps that was presumptuous. She may be Core, but that didn’t necessarily mean she had gone to a lot of swanky parties. Although, she did seem to know her way around the banquet table.

“So, you ever seen these things before?” Faro asked, speaking of the black egg.

Eli shook his head. He hadn’t. This was new.

“Then let’s try it together,” she offered, and Eli again cocked an eyebrow, and managed not to roll his eyes at the demand. She was afraid to try it. To be embarrassed by a reaction that might not be shared.

“Fine,” he allowed, and he picked the slimy thing up in his own fingers.

“One, two,” and on the spoken three, they both bit into it.

Faro’s eyes widened in surprise, the taste not at all what she expected as something juicy and sweet exploded into her mouth. Eli was able to contain his own reaction a bit better, but he quickly sucked the rest of the egg into his mouth, as Faro let the uneaten half move from her lips, and spill the dark liquid down. Thankfully, it didn’t get beyond her chin – but Eli felt some secondhand embarrassment all the same. "What is it?" Faro insisted at that point.

~***~

Eira did not believe that Thrawn didn’t enjoy any music. Everyone enjoyed music, to some degree. Perhaps its understanding eluded him, and that frustrated him in a way – for his image was becoming clearer in the Force. He was a deep, blue-violet, a calm she had come to associate with her Knight. Confidence overrode nerves, but nerves were there.

He was highly alert, highly vigilant, to everything around him. And everything needed an order, to be understood, even in the chaos of art. Even his nerves were ordered and put to use.

Interesting.

“I will.”

Eira hadn’t had a challenge in a long time, not of this nature. People knew her. People had made up their minds about her, based on her body of work. Someone who had not made up their mind about her was, indeed, refreshing, and she reveled the challenge of it. “Grand Admiral Savit, if you’ll excuse me?”

He let a smirk touch his lips, “Of course,” he had his own faith in her ability to change Thrawn’s opinion, as well, and he let her step away from them. Tarkin observed her departure a moment, gaze narrowing slightly, an angle Savit would not be able to see.

There was a reason he let Savit bring her. Her new play. “Perhaps if she does change your mind, Grand Admiral, you will consider taking a look at her upcoming play. The Emperor has expressed an interest in it – the Cantata of Cora Vessora.” He offered, certain that Thrawn would have no idea what that was, but also certain that Thrawn understood it was less a suggestion and more of a command. “It tells some of the history you know little about, such as why the Jedi were so harmful.”

And the band began to take up a new tune, not quite standard.

Eira had determined the ordered chaos of a tango melody – or something close to it – would serve her well in dealing with Grand Admiral Thrawn.

“Nightfall we're brushing past your town
Destination not you my one
The driver doesn't know way down
How deep these bright-eyed feelings run….”

 

[cleopat]

Cora nodded with Eli’s response. She knew of Thrawn’s quick ascension through the ranks, not unearned in the least. Thrawn was a brilliant tactician, this she knew. He has done much to earn his swift promotions, more than most officers would do in their entire lifetime.

Of course she would never repeat that thought. Anything could be relayed back to her superiors.

“I’ve been to a few before,” Cora answered Eli with a shrug of her shoulders. In truth, she’s been to many. The elites loved families, and her own parents tried to show her off whenever they could.

She nodded at Faro’s question. “I have. I’ve eaten my fair share of them before too.” But she didn’t allow any facial expression to hint at her opinion of the food, nor did she say anything more about them. Cora would allow Faro, and Eli, to try it for themselves.

She couldn’t withhold the chortle. Faro was way too entertaining to watch. Fortunately it seemed that Eli fared better. “It’s the roe of a colo claw fish.” Cora didn’t care for the texture of their eggs, but she knew many people enjoyed the pleasant taste.

“How do you like it?” Her eyes were wide in curiosity as she asked them. Curios as to how...non-Core dwellers perceived the food.

~~

Thrawn raised an eyebrow. Eira only seemed encouraged by his denial of any music knowledge, and he allowed that interest to flourish. To see what she would do in response.

His crimson gaze followed Eira. “Is she normally like this?” he questioned Grand Admiral Savit, who had seemed to know her from before. He did noticed Tarkin’s slight response. Eyes narrowing. He took that as he could, assuming some adversity between Eira and Tarkin.

He looked back at Savit. “If she does change my mind, I will ensure that I took a further look into her upcoming play.” If the Emperor had expressed interest in it, it would give him further reason to look into it. Anything to help further him in the favor of the Emperor.

The woman began singing. He still couldn’t comprehend the melody or rhythm of the words, but they were...soothing? I think that would be the right word to use. It was pleasing to the ears. He couldn’t say it held his interest the way art did, but Eira’s voice proved captivating in that moment.

“She is rather talented,” he admitted to Grand Admiral Savit.

 

[Lucyfer]

Roe, of some fish that Eli had never heard before. At least he was right to assume roe, and Faro hummed, popping the rest of it into her mouth. The music shifted around them, and Eli spared a glance towards the stage, before turning his attention back to the group.

Though, he did notice Thrawn staring.

He’d debate ribbing him over it later. He’d never known Thrawn to devote much time to listening to music, not even as background noise to break up the silence. “It’s sweeter than I expected roe to be,” Faro said.

“Still had a savory aftertaste,” Eli said, not denying what Faro had to say. She wasn’t wrong, it was strangely sweet, “but not unpleasant,” he determined at last. “Have you ever had roe before?”

Faro shook her head, “Always too rich, for too much,” she indicated, her eyes scanning the table, “I might have to indulge in a few others.”

Eli let a smile touch his lips at that, and he shook his head as Faro moved on to consider more food opportunities, now that she’d overcome her first challenge successfully. “I’ve never heard of the colo claw fish before,” he said, “where is it from?” He was assuming some Core world, of course, although the Core having any animals sometimes surprised him.

It seemed to be all giant cities to him.

~***~

Savit’s grin twisted into a wry one at Thrawn’s query, “There’s a reason she’s gaining popularity,” he answered, “She doesn’t shy away from much.” When it came to music or roles, she always seemed keen to try more, to experiment with more. She did much more than sing, after all. Savit knew her to play a few instruments, and to speak more than one language – supposedly, to better help her sing.

Yet there were no records of her in the Academy. It seemed she had that rare, natural talent, rather than one trained by years. At least, so far as he could tell. Her history was fairly bland.

Well, excluding her extraordinarily good luck in casinos.

It seemed she also might have won a convert. Tarkin didn’t smile to that, but Savit was pleased. “I don’t associate with those who get by on looks alone,” he thought he had a knack for recognizing talent, “Like the Governor, I spend my time wisely.”

Tarkin let out a slight scoff at the comparison, apparently finding it inaccurate, though he did not say as much. “Your time would be better spent on strategies for protecting a certain airspace, Grand Admiral, from pirates before I’m sent to deal with it.”

Savit tensed a moment, but relaxed, and waved it off, “It’s under control, Governor, I assure you.”

“For your sake, I hope you’re correct,” he eyed him a moment, before cutting it short, “If you will both excuse me, I need to check in on someone who also could be spending their time better.” His eyes had landed on Krennic as the song came to its end.

He did enjoy hassling Krennic.

 

[cleopat]

Cora noted that the music started back up again. The briefest smile crossed her face at the soothing melody, but as before, Eli and Faro offered a distraction on the subject of the mysterious roe.

“Roe isn’t something I enjoy, because of the texture, but it’s considered a delicacy on many worlds.” She bit into a slice of a meiloorun fruit, savoring the sweet, juicy flavor for a moment.

Eli’s question brought her back to reality. “It’s from Naboo,” she answered. This time, she added a pastry to her plate. “Despite not a planet of the Core, many Core-dwellers consider the cuisine off Naboo a luxury, due to the taste.”

And she knew the taste of the colo claw fish was desire by many in the Core.

Her eyes glanced up and down the table, taking in the array of foods offered. “If you want to try other roes, I know a few others that are also considered a great delicacy on many Core worlds.”

~~

She doesn’t shy away from much.

Thrawn filed that bit of information away for later. Eira certainly seem like she didn’t shy away from attention or a challenge. He could respect that.

Even if she did try to sway his opinion on something he didn’t care much for.

The conversion between Tarkin and Savit was noted, though. The governor wasn’t as amicable to many others as he was to Thrawn, and the Chiss learned a long time ago how hard it was to win the governor’s favor.

Soon his sights were set on someone else. Director Krennic. Thrawn withheld the scoff he wanted to exhale. The two had been at each other’s throats since they first met, for reasons Thrawn could only guess related to Krennic’s birth planet, outside of the Core Worlds.

Though Thrawn would be quick to point out that Tarkin was also born of a world outside the Core.

He turned his attention back to the woman singing. His frustration mounted as he wanted to understand the song, but like other music before him, it alluded him. Maybe he could simply ask her further of the song and where it cam from.

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli was not surprised. The texture had certainly been a strange one, he could imagine plenty of people disliking it, as some did spongy textures, or other sorts of things. He couldn’t say he’d found something he disliked on texture alone, but it could always happen. Some of the grittier things annoyed him a bit.

“Ah,” he couldn’t help the slight verbalization of understanding as she said it was from Naboo. That was basically Core, even if it was outside of it. Naboo was the home of Palpatine, which meant everything from Naboo was a luxury good. It didn’t matter if it tasted good or not. If it came from Naboo, it was to be exalted above all else, because that was the Emperor’s home.

Even if he didn’t get out there much anymore.

Eli had heard it was a beautiful place, though he’d never seen it before.

He hesitated at her offer, though, before nodding, “I may as well try some,” he agreed, stepping closer to the table once more, “Have you ever been to Naboo?” That might shed some light on how high up in the echelons her family actually was. Sure, nothing stopped her from visiting it anyways, but he figured if she’d had a chance, it was due to some honor, or due to the wealth, of her family.

~***~

Thrawn’s frustration seemed to make him appear focused, and perhaps, upset. Savit wondered at it, after the man’s comment of enjoying the music. He didn’t ask, though. Perhaps the expression was a positive one. Plenty of alien norms eluded him, and Savit wasn’t terribly keen to learn more about them than necessary.

Eira left the band with instructions to play more songs in that vein – she had felt the way it seemed to please Thrawn through the Force.

Whether or not he’d say it was another matter entirely, but she thought that genre would keep him slightly more interested. And it was his party after all. Tarkin could shove the Imperial March all the way up his ass.

Though, thankfully, he had already moved on when Eira returned to the pair. Savit offered, “He seems to agree that you are talented.”

Eira gave a nod to that. That was obvious to her, but not what she cared to hear. Many people were talented in their area, but others didn’t like it, even if they could admit that much, “I am sure Thrawn will admit a good many musicians are talented. That was not what I was going for,” she looked to Thrawn, “Did you enjoy it?” That was what she was going for, after all. This was no attempt to show off. She could have done far more to show off.

 

[cleopat]

Cora wanted to smile at the naivete of Eli. He didn’t know many of the foods presented to them, and as she encouraged him to try them, he was hesitant.

So was she, when she was younger and pickier with her foods. She still was, to some extent, but she at least tried something she didn’t know or never seen before.

She shook her head at his question. “Unfortunately I haven’t. My parents used to visit Naboo often during the Republic days, but most of their travels since I was a child had been between the Core worlds.

Ever since Emperor Palpatine stepped forward, visitation to his homeworld had been harder to secure, unless sent there for a mission of the empire. Her parents were quite important enough for that, and her own position in the Empire had no reason, as of yet, to be on Naboo.

Cora wanted to visit, though, one day. She had heard of the beauty of the lakes and valleys of Naboo. “Does your position allow you to travel much?” She had imagined many commanders to remain on starships for the duration of their careers, but Eli was also an aide to Grand Admiral Thrawn. He may have been able to go planet-side than many other officers.

~~

Thrawn was slightly chaffed that Savit spoke of his own reaction to the song before he had a chance to verbalize them. He wants to continue to impress her. He only nodded in response.

Music still alluded him, though he couldn’t find too much fault with the music he heard. It might as well have been a different language he still needed to learn, but the cadence of the language was pleasing to his ears.

“I am still unsure of what to think about music,” he admitted, “but it was very pleasing to listen to.” That had been a compliment, right?

The humans were very peculiar about compliments.

“Please, tell me, how did you and Grand Admiral Savit come to know one another?” That interested him more. A singer and a grand admiral of the Galactic Empire. Did they know each other from before? Or from mutual backgrounds?

Once he had his answer, then maybe he would be able to gauge this woman better than he did already.

 

[Lucyfer]

As Cora spoke of her adventures in travel – or rather, lack thereof, Eli began to reach for things that looked like roe. There were multiple colors and varieties of foods, but the roe at least all seemed to be near one another, and chilled. He wondered if it tasted any better hot, like regular eggs. If regular eggs were even a thing anymore.

He recalled seeing a fuzzy egg once. That had been wild.

“I’m sorry you haven’t gotten to see it. I haven’t, either,” he said, stepping away from the table once he had an assortment of colorful roe decorating his plate. “I have gotten to travel a lot, even before…this,” he gestured out around them, meaning the Empire in general, though he supposed even that wasn’t entirely true. “My family works in the trade business.”

It’s where he should have gone, until Thrawn disrupted everything.

He didn’t hold it against Thrawn anymore, though he knew his parents still did. They had to find someone to fill his place. He wouldn’t be coming back, “Though, it wasn’t much into the Core until I started the academy here on Coruscant with Thrawn. Even then, we still seem to get missions mostly in the Outer Rim.”

He didn’t get planetside too much, but more than others. Thrawn always liked to be hands on. Always liked to go down and see the artwork, while Eli just stared at it and sometimes thought it was pretty. He didn’t have the same understanding as Thrawn, but then again, Thrawn couldn’t see the same patterns in numbers that Eli did. He tried to explain, and Thrawn understood it when he did – the way he understood it when Thrawn understood his paintings – but he couldn’t see it without that help.

“You must have seen a lot of other places, though, being in the Survey Corps,” a strange position for her, “is that why you joined?” Perhaps that was assuming a lot, but that was a reason many did join it. They wanted to see the worlds. That was why many went into the Navy, too.

~***~

Eira would indeed take it for a compliment. That he wanted to understand music in some other way, was clear, as she started to withdraw her presence in the Force. His confusion and his frustration were there, with a certain longing for a greater understanding. This did not make sense in his world, “Music tells much the same story as other artworks, Grand Admiral. I am sure you will learn its language, one day. I have studied it my entire life.”

At least that was no lie. With the Jedi she had indeed practiced it as a meditation tool, and as a focus point. She had learned how to use it in many ways, setting beats in a battle, or settling wild beasts.

Her master was to thank for some of that.

She wondered if he would be disappointed in her, or proud of her, for sticking to her morals, in the end. She wondered if the Jedi had time to add her to this very library, as one of the Fallen, like Dooku.

At the query of how she met Savit, the two exchanged a look, and he encouraged her to answer with a small gesture, which she accepted with a smile and a nod, returning her gaze to Thrawn. “We met a few years back, when I moved to Coruscant from Mygeeto. I heard the Grand Coruscant Orchestra was looking for a new double viol player. He was among the judges, and one to vouch for me, of course. After that, we began to talk at parties in those circles, discussing musical theory and instruments, among other things. Then we began to collaborate together on a few pieces within the orchestra, but also within operas where his skill was asked for.”

She made progress as an actress, and that was more what she was known for, and her voice. Not as many people followed individual instrumentalists. Within the orchestra, she was a piece of something much larger, something that made beautiful things, even under the direction of Savit.

She hoped, often, that there was more to Savit. She’d heard snippets, and felt within him, some conflict, some issue, with his job as Grand Admiral.

Always, she had to remind herself, that Imperials were also individuals, as Jedi had been. Even those in the high rankings had questions and concerns. There had been a reason the staunch Mace Windu had a purple blade.

 

[cleopat]

Cora glanced at Eli’s plate, noting how he filled it with more types of roe. Some of them she wanted to warn him, and Faro, against trying, but she wanted to see if their reactions to the sour taste would be similar to her own when she tried them for the first time.

It may have been slightly cruel, but it was all in good fun. She would also help them pick out some foods that she knew they would love.

“You must have seen a lot then,” she commented, satisfied with her plate of mainly exotic fruits. “Before I graduated from the Academy, I hadn’t many opportunities to travel.” Her father would travel for business, but her and her mother and siblings were left behind on Anaxes.

Though, she supposed, it was because of that lack of traveling that her interest in exploring beyond the Core grew into a desire she would do anything to see it happen.

Cora smiled when Eli further questioned her about her reasons for being in the Survey Corps. “I had always wanted to see our galaxy beyond what was in the Core. I would study any maps I could find of the Outer Rims, and I wanted to know what was beyond them.” She casually shrugged, leading them over to an empty table so they could better enjoy their food.

“It seemed like the obvious choice for me, and because of it, I have been able to see more planets than I could have hoped for.” Even if her job nowadays focused more on helping to locate rebel cells rather than exploration, she was still satisfied with her path.

~~

Knowing that Eira studied music her entire life to get where she was today vindicated his lack of understanding. It was indeed its own language, one that required special education to fully understand its beauty and potential.

Thrawn took this up as a challenge for himself to understand music as more than just noise.

Mygeeto. A crystalline planet in the Outer Rim. As the need to learn about its inhabitants hadn’t come up yet, unlike the growing unrest on Lothal, he hadn’t studied their culture and history as much as other planets.

“How fortunate for not only the two of you, but for everyone here to be able to listen to the fruition of your collaboration.” They certainly seemed comfortable around one another, with relaxed postures and unstrained smiles.

Unlike the false smiles of other officers who only played nice for the evening.

“Grand Admiral, I didn’t realize you were such a connoisseur of the performing arts.” His gaze shifted onto Savit as he spoke, but he focused back to Eira when he added, “But I suppose we are all fortunate that he invests into music.” Even if he couldn’t understand the language behind the melodies.

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli noticed that Cora seemed to only have fruits. ‘Vegetarian?’ He wondered, he had not seen her eat any meat, though she seemed to know roe. Perhaps it was a recent change, or perhaps that was all she craved here. He did give a nod to her statement. “Not as much as I’d like,” he tried not to make it sound like a complaint, but it probably did.

Her sentiment in joining the Survey Corps was one shared by many, and one he had anticipated. Her lack of traveling must have helped inspire it – certainly, if her own parents had lots of stories about their time abroad.

He followed along to a table. He hadn’t anticipated actually getting to sit, since he was usually in Thrawn’s shadow, but Thrawn seemed to be all right.

Well, mostly. It seemed he was still with the same group. Should he prod him and tell him to go see others? He was the man of the hour, he needed to go do his duty and grace others with his presence.

The distracting thought caused him to sit in his chair with a sigh, “Sorry,” he realized, “It has nothing to do with what you’ve said, Thrawn just not moving is distracting me.” He said, adding a rueful smile, “He still has a lot to learn about how to…mingle and politic.” Eli had a lot to learn about it, but he knew that much.

He backtracked.

“What’s been your favorite planet, so far?” He poked one of the bright blue roe, and popped it into his mouth. It was much smaller than the black ones, and he tried to think of a blueberry.

It was definitely not a blueberry.

His face scrunched up as the tart, sour taste invaded his mouth.

~***~

It was a boon, and neither Eira nor the Grand Admiral would deny it. It had let Savit’s name become more well-known in the HoloFilm community, as well. He was looking forward to starting to compose music for film scores, one day. He was certain his time would come.

Savit almost barked a laugh at Thrawn’s ignorance, but he managed to keep that down, except for the slight twitch of his lips, “No?” He wasn’t offended, he had already witnessed Thrawn unaware of Eira, “My entire family is in the realm of music as composers, players, and much else, Grand Admiral. When I heard you were into the fine arts,” he had, apparently, done more research than Thrawn, “I was actually rather pleased. The other Grand Admirals are unfortunately tedious and dull, only wishing to discuss politics or affairs of war without ever getting to know what we’re fighting for."

Life.

Development and growth. “Though I confess my knowledge of portraits, sculptures, and the like are not so well versed as yours, I have spent plenty of my hears in museums on Coruscant. Now and then they do have some interesting cultural exhibits.”

“Oh!” Eira realized, “That reminds me, there is going to be an exhibit of Alderaanian culture and art at the Museum of Galactic Cultures next weekend. If you are still here, Grand Admiral Thrawn, you should look into it,” she offered, stepping back, “but I think the Grand Admiral Savit can catch you up to speed with plenty about music, and perhaps hold his own about art. I should at least do my job a bit better,” she dipped her head into an inclination.

It was only a temporary farewell.

She had a feeling she would be speaking to Thrawn again that night, as well as others.

She had a feeling she might find herself speaking to Thrawn more often than that, if she could forge a friendship like Savit. For an alien to be in the Empire was interesting, particularly of such high rank, and she was curious as to that, given what he was fighting for.

What did he think he was fighting for?

 

[cleopat]

Cora noticed that Eli seemed a bit distracted as they sat at the table, and she wanted to inquire what was on his mind, but she felt they didn’t know each other well enough for her to ask such a thing.

Fortunately he told her, without prompt, what was bothering him. She knew of his and Thrawn’s close working relationship, but in that moment, she realized she didn’t know the full extent of it. Cora entertained a momentary thought of something more going on between the Grand Admiral and his Commander.

She wanted to inquire further, but she was distracted by his own question for her. What was her favorite planet?

Then Eli tasted one of the sour roe. His face scrunched, and Cora couldn’t help the giggles that left her. “You’re officially one of us now.” She calmed herself before further explaining. “Everyone I know tries that particular roe at their first official Core party without knowing what it is or what it tastes like. Most people have the same reactions as you just had.”

With two fingers she picked up a slice of jogan fruit and popped it into her mouth. “Myself included.” After she swallowed the fruit, she returned to a previous thought she had. “Have you and the Grand Admiral always been so close?”

~~

Light crinkle of the corners of Savit’s eyes. The slightest twitch of his lips. Savit was amused by Thrawn’s observation, but the Chiss couldn’t detect any insult or derision in the man’s expression.

He was simply...amused.

And Thrawn understood why. Savit’s family dealt with the performing arts in the realm of music, a fact that had eluded him due to his own ignorance of music. If he had done further research, he would’ve realized that he and Savit shared similar interests compared to other high ranking officials.

He would have to get to further know Savit in the future. “It seems I have let my own ignorance show, Grand Admiral. You must forgive me. Perhaps we can exchange words in the near future over our shared interests in the arts, even if they are of two different types.”

Savit may be able to explain music in a way he could understand. “We can help each other understand more about unfamiliar forms of art and culture.”

He was familiar with the museums of Coruscant. He had frequented them in the past, but he was never impressed with how they displayed art, nor with how they attempted to explain the meaning and culture of the pieces. Most of the time, the museums were completely inaccurate.

If only he had a bigger pull in the museum culture of the Core worlds. With his new title, Thrawn may finally be able to offer in his own suggestions to the exhibits.

He didin’t have the chance to verbalize any of his thoughts. Eira interjected, and his focus shifted back to her. “Thank you for the suggestion.” He gave a slight incline of his head in a sign of polite respect he had been told about. “I look forward to talk to you again.”

The woman intrigued him enough. Something about her offered more interest than the officers around him, and it wasn’t merely because she wasn’t an officer, dressed in a flowing dress that moved around her like waves.

Thrawn watched her return to the stage. “How long have you know her?” he directed to Savit.

 

[Lucyfer]

Apparently, Eli had gone through some rite of passage without even realizing it. He wasn’t sure if he should feel good or bad about that. Or the fact he hadn’t gone through it at another party for Thrawn before. Of course, he hadn’t moved towards the roe. He’d always been told they were salty, and savory. This…was neither. Nor was the other one.

His experiences and words of others had led him astray.

“Must be…an acquired taste,” or they had those things here solely to trip up other people for sadistic amusement. “It’s a shame this isn’t my first party, though.” He’d avoided it up until now. He’d have to hope that Faro tried it, though. Even if he might miss her face.

His lips did quirk up as she admitted to suffering the same, though. At least he wasn’t alone – even Core Elite made that mistake.

Eli leaned back in his chair as she asked about him and Thrawn, “Ugh, no. I mean yes, but no. We met him some years back. He didn’t speak much Basic, but we could communicate in Sy Bisti. I was told to be his translator, and so I did. I was going to finish up my schooling and get back to the shipping business, but instead I got tasked with being his aide.”

He sighed and rubbed at his temples.

He had resented Thrawn then – and he’d told Thrawn to become an Admiral to fix it. Now he was a Grand Admiral…and Eli didn’t resent him any longer. “It got better, obviously, but for a while I was annoyed that I could just go back to the shipping business my parents ran. I mean, I probably could when I’m older and able to retire from this,” if anyone retired. Grand Moff Tarkin spoke to people not retiring. Eli didn’t know how old he was, but he was basically a walking skeleton, so he figured he was ancient. “And I’ve been grateful for all I’ve gotten to learn with him.”

He canted his head, “Did you get a choice of which ship to be stationed on?” He doubted it, but…well, he could find out if she wanted to be there, too.

~***~

The man shook his head as Thrawn apologized. It was almost expected then. He had been told that Thrawn wasn’t exactly good at politics, and then just further proved it. He had not done nearly enough research on his peers. He would rectify it, of course, but for the moment it was something that Savit would file away.

His peers were his allies.

They were also his competition.

Unlike Eira and others in the realm of music. The competition was different there, and they weren’t in competition with each other, even if they moved in similar circles. They were complementary.

He hummed a thought at Thrawn’s question, as Eira left them to return to the stage and help direct the music for the night. “It’s been around five years or so,” he answered, “She started to make a name for herself four years ago,” a new star, but one that was rising quickly, despite the age factor.

Most didn’t come into any of these things so late in the game, but she moved through it as if it were natural. “She was wasted on Mygeeto for too many years.” With no reputation or anything much at all to speak of. She hadn’t shown up with any credentials at all, not even an academy degree.

She had claimed to have a mentor, dead, of course, on Mygeeto.

He allowed a sly smile, “You seem rather interested in her.” He had wondered at her personality quirks earlier, and now continued to speak of her. Eira had indeed won another fan. Savit just hoped he wouldn’t have to remind Thrawn of his place. Or perhaps mention the popular theory that Eira was seeing a noble. That might be kinder than reminding Thrawn he was still an alien, no matter the rank he held. A cultured alien, a good strategist, but that was never enough for Coruscant’s elite, and Eira belonged to them, now.

 

[cleopat]

“To some it is. I didn’t care for the stuff the first time I tried it, and so I never tried it again. Once was enough.” Cora didn’t want to waste her time, or her appetite, for foods she already disliked the first time around.

There were too many new foods to try in the galaxy.

Sy Bisti. Interesting. Not many officers knew the trade language, and it didn’t surprise her that Thrawn didn’t know Basic at first. He was an alien from the Unknown Region. Did any of them learn Basic?

Eli’s tone while telling the story indicated he struggled with some conflict over the situation. Cora didn’t know many who would want to be assigned to work with an alien, even those from the Outer Rims or Wild Space.

“But don’t you feel like you’re doing more for the galaxy by working with the Grand Admiral rather than going back to the shipping business?” Granted, he didn’t feel that way at first, when Thrawn wasn’t in the position he was in now. No one wanted to be a mere translator for an alien.

He asked his own question, to which she shook her head. “Oh no, like many other lowly officers, I was randomly assigned which ship I was stationed on.” She didn’t dare share her initial irritation when she learned she would be stationed on a ship helmed by an alien. Eli was close to Grand Admiral Thrawn and may consider those thoughts a great insult, even if she didn’t still have them.

Cora grew to realize that Thrawn was more capable than many other officers in the Empire.

“Where did Faro go?” she mused, eyes glancing around for the energetic officer that had initially extended an invitation for Cora to join them. Was she distracted by some unknown piece of food on the banquet table?

~~

A five year friendship, with a four year successful career. In that time, Eira certainly had made a name for herself, as she now sung at Imperial-run parties for its top-level officers. The elites, the upper echelon of the Core, were hard to impress, and she managed to worm her way into their circle through talent.

Thrawn filed away the planet name Mygeeto to research later. In his impression, the planet didn’t care much for the arts, or for the performing arts. But with the exclusion of that form of art, little appreciation would also be held for the visual arts.

Then what did the people of Mygeeto relish for their culture? More research would certainly be required.

One eyebrow raised at Savit’s comment. A sly smile. He didn’t grasp onto what Savit was hinting at – further human emotions and conventions that he hadn’t fully learned yet. “Why wouldn’t I? She is someone far different than the other officers here, and she expresses mastery in a form of the arts that have always eluded me.”

Eira was a valuable learning tool.

 

[Lucyfer]

It was still a question that Eli Vanto asked himself. He knew he would be doing good for the galaxy in the shipping business, and he scowled at the implication of her question. He wanted to snap off just how useful the shipping business was. Most of this food wouldn’t be here without people like his family, but he was caught from starting that rant by her answer, and question.

He bit into his lip a moment, and sighed, looking out for where Faro was to abate his flash temper. Thrawn told him to think more often. To stay calm in situations. Deep breaths. He couldn’t take everything as a personal attack, people just didn’t think.

Except in the Empire, most did. And most were purposefully out to diminish others. Thrawn didn’t understand that. The way Cora spoke of her own assignment hinted that she hadn’t wanted it. Demeaning herself, to demean her placement.

It wasn’t where she’d choose.

“Ah, Faro’s still at the banquet table, talking to…and now she’s not,” Eli sighed. Faro had caught his gaze and gave a nod, as if he wanted her over. He looked away as Faro began to make reasons to leave her new companions, and he said, “You know, without people like my parents, the Empire wouldn’t have all this food here. Or building material taken to the right places. You should…you should consider that.”

That was nicer than snapping, right? He thought Thrawn would be proud. Thrawn had never diminished what Eli’s parents did. He only thought Eli was better suited here, that he could do more good here. Not that his parents didn’t do good, only that Eli fit better elsewhere. And he agreed, now.

~***~

It was entirely possible that Thrawn had no interest in Eira. The alien issue could mean he simply didn’t look at human women that way. He’d seen it plenty of times, coming from the human perspective. His answer suggested more of an academic interest than anything else, which Savit fought not to laugh at.

It was almost innocent.

It was terribly naïve.

“If you’re looking for people different than you, with mastery of things you don’t hold, take a stroll through CoCo town unprotected someday.” CoCo town was, more or less, Coruscant’s ghetto, though it got worse than CoCo town. Savit wouldn’t advise going further into the depths, though, where the sun didn’t penetrate.

And he softened his words, “Not that I blame you for your interest – she caught mine, obviously, I just wanted to make sure it wasn’t anything disreputable.”

Though if anyone was disreputable in that department, it was Wilhuff Tarkin. The man had never so much as considered a relationship with anyone, which did not hold to Imperial ideals, despite how he was at the top of them. Krennic seemed much the same. Savit at least had a family, a continuing generation of musicians and composers. Those two? They may as well have been married to their job.

It was likely Thrawn’s fate, as well. There wasn’t another Chiss here.

 

[cleopat]

Cora recognized that she had pushed some button, but she failed to recognize what exactly she said that insulted Eli. Should she backtrack?

The momentary shift of the conversation onto Faro distracted the awkward topic. Cora didn’t yet have much of an opinion on the woman. Given her rank, she was clearly capable, but in her mind, she seemed a bit flighty.

Her personality reminded Cora of someone who indulged too much in caf.

But then the topic shifted back to her seemingly small faux pas. Eli hadn’t forgotten about it either, and this time, he spoke up regarding his thoughts on her seeming dismissal of his family’s business.

Cora began to feel guilty. She knew others in her position would merely wave him off, but she couldn’t. Not when he was so right. Where would they be without people to ensure that their daily necessities were delivered punctually?

“You’re right.” Her eyes focused on her plate of food, too embarrassed to look at him right then. “I apologize for insinuating that their business was anything less than vital.” She popped another piece of fruit into her mouth, a way to keep herself from saying anything else before Faro made a reappearance.

~~

Savit’s light sardonicism hinted at his true thoughts of Thrawn’s natural curiosity for that he did not know. He brushed off the comment for now. Savit was a typical imperial in that he would often make off-hand remarks of Thrawn’s...uniqueness, given his background.

He’d never let the comments get to him.

“I assure you, my intentions are completely honorable.” What Savit hinted at didn’t go over Thrawn’s head. No, he didn’t view Eira in that way. He knew very little about her, aside from he had just learned from their conversation, and he knew how the Galactic Empire viewed interspecies relationships.

He supposed, that should the time come he found himself wishing to start his own family, he would return to Csilla. No other Chiss would be out here.

“Besides, Grand Admiral, what is the likelihood that Eira and myself would see one another again after tonight?”

One rule of creating a strategy: never doubt the possibility of anything happening.

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli’s smile was tight, but not insincere, as Cora offered an apology. He wouldn’t say it’s okay, because that would diminish her own apology, and the need of it. Speaking with Thrawn was helping to keep him aware of language, as well. “I understand that many do not consider all that goes into shipping. I understand why you spoke that way, and I appreciate the apology.” No need to hold grudges, either.

She didn’t argue.

She apologized immediately. That cheered Eli. She also looked truly embarrassed. He felt guilty for that, even if, perhaps, that was the best reaction. Her apology was sincere, her actual embarrassment a reflection on her thoughts.

Faro arrived then, and took in the scene for a moment, “Everything okay?”

“Yeah,” Eli said, “Suvan just wondered where you were,” he offered, “you didn’t need to come back over.”

She shrugged her shoulders, “It was just Commander Irvin,” that Faro eyed higher command was no surprise to Eli. Her ambitions were bare to anyone who looked. She would take opportunity to meet those who could help, with advise, or otherwise – but unlike some, Eli was also certain she wouldn’t betray Thrawn or others for rank.

The music had continued on, and Faro took Suvan’s embarrassment for something else in the moment, “Hey, you two should dance!”

Eli looked immediately confused. “It’s a party, and we still have to show Thrawn how he’s supposed to act, right?”

Eli wanted to ask who Thrawn would even dance with. Did Faro have it in mind to ask him?

~***~

Savit didn’t deny the opportunity that they’d cross paths again. If Thrawn remained interested in pursuit of understanding music, he might simply find ways. It was not so difficult for an Imperial Officer of his rank, nor with his friendship of Colonel Yularen – the ISB agent was terrifying to all, and could pull all sorts of strings to make things happen.

Of course, that was how any spymaster should be.

“If you take the Governor’s advice, you may see her again for that play,” Savit remarked. He did not know if she would also go the Alderaanian exhibit, but he suspected as much, and so he added, “Or at the museum. She’s been seeing Count Malvern of Serenno, and I know that Queen Breha will be at the Alderaanian exhibit at least one of the days it’s there. I’m sure they’d like to rub elbows with the royalty of Alderaan.”

A game of politics on a level he was not involved in. Could not be involved in. He was not royalty, and though royalty technically meant nothing in the scheme of things, it was something that other, lesser people, looked at and admired.

All on an accident of birth.

Not to mention, both Breha Organa and Count Adlai Malvern were both outspoken against Imperial policy. Eira at least did not seem to be, she had friends from all walks, it seemed.

 

[cleopat]

Cora was relieved that Eli seemingly accepted her apology. He was very diplomatic in his response, a skill he must have picked up from Thrawn. Regardless, she was impressed. Most Imperials offered petty remarks regarding apologies.

She offered a smile in response, though her face still flushed with some embarrassment. Even if she wasn’t aware of the insults she delivered until after she had spoken, Cora had to remind herself to be more careful of her words. She truly offered no insult to Eli.

Faro came back to them, and sat at their table. Apparently she had been distracted with Commander Irvin, in an attempt to rub elbows with her superiors. Caro knew the strategy quite well, and if her own superiors didn’t intimidate her so, or weren’t so distracted with the party and chatting amongst other officers of their levels, she would’ve done the same thing.

Had Cora been chewing on her food at the moment, she would’ve choked on it after Faro suggested that they dance. Why would she suggest a thing?

“Does the Grand Admiral even know how to dance?” She didn’t intend for the question to sound cruel or ignorant, but she was truly curious if the Chiss ever learned how to formally dance at these Imperial parties.

~~

Thrawn would indeed take the Governor’s advice and see Eira’s play The Cantata of Cora Vessora. He was well adept in the visual arts, knew he lacked understanding of music, but he hadn’t many opportunities to witness plays with his own eyes.

It would be a valuable learning opportunity of the culture who wrote this play.

He also held great interest in the museum exhibit, which would surprise no one. Most knew of his fascination with the arts, and normally, if nothing else called for his attention, Thrawn would’ve attended the exhibit.

But Count Malvern and Queen Breha were both of great interest to the Empire for their outspoken values against Imperial policy. He could learn more about them if they happened to be at the exhibit when he was there.

“Then maybe, we will see each other again after tonight,” he commented. His arms folded behind his back as he turned towards the stage, where the woman prepared for a performance.

 

[Lucyfer]

Faro and Eli both looked at each other at that question, before Eli looked back to Cora, “I don’t know,” he hadn’t actually asked. He also hadn’t danced at one of these functions before. He had the barest of training in it, thanks to Imperial Officer schooling…which was like a three-day class. “He should, we had the same class together.”

It was part of looking and acting the role of an Imperial, so they wouldn’t make a fool of themselves. It was expected that Officers would end up at formal functions, and so they had to know how to dance, “Though I think I’ve practiced about as much as he had,” that was spoken more to himself.

“See? You need to brush up,” Faro chided him, “Also that’s a class?”

“Yeah,” he sighed, “At the Coruscant Academy, anyways,” he didn’t know if Faro had graduated out of that one herself. He supposed Faro was probably right. He was close enough to looking like a fool as it was, and he might need a bit of practice as it was. “Suvan, would you like to dance?” He offered.

She probably had more practice than him. At least, he was hoping so, in order to make sure he didn’t absolutely flub it up while leading.

He hadn’t noticed Eira move to the piano, but he did notice its sudden addition to a new melody.

~***~

Thrawn did not offer when, or where, though Savit suspected that he would make an attempt at both. Tarkin didn’t speak because he liked speaking; though Savit wondered at the mention, he didn’t see much cause for concern. Perhaps it was merely to buffer Thrawn’s standing, to make it appear that he was assimilating to the culture.

Or perhaps it was more.

He noticed the Governor had left Krennic well enough alone at last, as Thrawn’s attention returned to the stage. He had not seen Thrawn in his element, nor had he heard of how he appeared, but he knew focus when he saw it all the same. He would take Thrawn’s word as it was, for the time being – and also go focus on another matter.

Krennic did bother him, and he had spoken out on the Stardust project numerous times. If Thrawn wasn’t aware of it, he would be soon. Many in the Imperial navy, at this rank, knew of it, even if they weren’t technically supposed to. They hunted down what was stealing their funding – Krennic. “If you’ll excuse me, Grand Admiral,” he inclined his head politely, “I do need to be making my own rounds,” and he would leave the man’s side to attend to those rounds, and make sure to fit Krennic into them.

 

[cleopat]

Cora raised an eyebrow at his hesitant answer. What she gathered, is that their Grand Admiral knew the basic steps of dancing, but he didn’t actually know how to dance.

Who would he dance with anyways? She didn’t figure that he would be willing to entertain Governor Pryce with a dance. Her instinct surmised that he merely tolerated her, because she was a valuable ally to have.

“Officers should know how to dance for events such as this one,” she interjected after Faro’s question regarding dance classes. She had already been taught how to dance before her admission into the Imperial Academy thanks to her family.

Or maybe no thanks. Her teachers had all been stiff, uptight, and boring.

Cora balked when Eli asked if she wanted to dance. The initial hesitation resulted from her desire to remain on the radar of her superiors. What would they think if a Core-origin officer danced with one from Wild Space? But she soon pushed that thought aside. Eli had proved himself more than capable, and if she wouldn’t be recognized due to who she associated with, she could try and get Grand Admiral Thrawn involved.

But she had hesitation for another reason. “I would love to, but...I thought that you two...” Cora trailed off as her gaze flickered between Eli and Faro. They were seen together often enough, that Cora had assumed they were in some sort of relationship.

~~

Grand Admiral Savit soon left Thrawn’s side. He inclined his head politely. “It was nice talking to you this evening.” A standard form of saying goodbye to others in the elite circles, so he was told by Eli Vanto.

His eyes sought out his friend, someone who had done much for him in the years they’ve known one another. Thrawn only sought to return the favor and ensure that the man’s skills were utilized to his greatest potential, even if Eli had expressed his aggravation several times. He had a skillset far more useful else than at a shipping company.

Eli was mingling with Lieutenant-Commander Faro and Lieutenant-Commander Suvan. He wouldn’t interrupt them for now, as Eli finally had one chance to act independent of his superior. Thrawn could manage an evening on his own.

A new sound was added to the music warming the party atmosphere. He looked further at the band; Eira moved to the piano, and she was the cause of the music.

He still didn’t understand the melody, but he recognized that it was pleasing on the ears.

Once she had finished her set, he would approach her once more on the topic of music.

 

[Lucyfer]

Karyn Faro and Eli Vanto stared blankly at Cora Suvan for a few moments as she tried to get her point across, trailing and flicking her gaze. Eli caught on first, but Karyn wasn’t long behind, and Eli flushed. Faro immediately shook her head, “No, we’re not – we’re both in the Bridge constantly.” Faro said.

They’d built a rapport.

“Besides, having one dance partner for an entire night would be boring at this kind of thing, wouldn’t it? Why else teach us—well, you two—to dance if you weren’t supposed to use it to mingle and show-off a bit?”

It didn’t have to be anything romantic, but Karyn still imagined Cora’s hesitation had come from a budding infatuation with Eli Vanto.

Vanto, who shook it off, and said, “We don’t have to, Faro’s right,” he could probably work with someone else.

Karyn nudged him, “Maybe you could ask Eira?” His flush deepened. He would absolutely die of embarrassment. “No one else is going to. You gotta show you’re confident, Vanto!”

“I—I really don’t—she’s an actual dancer. I’d make a fool of myself.” And he didn’t need that staining his reputation, even if he supposed he might get a few high-fives for it. If she accepted. Which she wouldn’t. “Besides, she’s busy.”

“Well, maybe I’ll ask her, then.” Faro said, straightening up with all those airs. “That’s going to get me some recognition, I’m sure.”

Eli sighed. “You do that, Faro.” Perhaps he’d escaped this by the distraction, at least.

~***~

The presence that Thrawn gave off was somehow effective in keeping too many people from bothering him – something that Eira recognized. Not all, of course, but his lack of attention to their needs or input dismissed most from his presence early.

His focus was obvious enough that the Force was practically screaming at her about it. Such intense focus rarely held for so long, and she was almost intrigued by it. Rather than answer to it, she continued on, moving through instrumentals, as well as songs with vocals, but keeping to her piano.

“If frown is shown then,
I will know that you are no dreamer….”

Until, of course, she had to call a break for them all, the last words still tasting nice on her tongue as she moved herself from the piano.

Thrawn was still being attentive, so she made no question of her own direction as she left the stage, forgoing the stairs to just hop off, heels landing lightly. She strode towards him, a playful smile teasing her lips, “You wanted my attention, Grand Admiral?” He hadn’t said it, of course, but she imagined he was aware enough of how he’d focused.