The walk back towards the ship, after we were out of trouble, was a quiet one. I was thinking about what it could mean to me and my family, watching the neon lights of Kethari Station flickering in dull patterns across the durasteel walkways, unable to calm my thoughts. It made my body stiff, and even if I had my hood drawn over my head, my posture was tight, and my shoulders were squared, making my movements stiff. I was probably looking like HK, who followed behind us, his mechanical joints clicking like a metronome, becoming the only consistent noise in the silence between us. Vila walked beside my left, probably waiting for me to process what we heard so she could start asking the questions bubbling up in her head.
She was curious, and I didn't need to focus to tell that.
As for what that really meant, I don't know. I was aware that she was a slave once, and although the Remnants outlawed keeping slaves, I don't know if my family would report any if they found some. Or wouldn't allow smugglers to bribe them... Especially if they were moving non-human slaves through their territory. Would Vila think about me differently now...? I couldn't help but ask that from myself...
While thinking, we had turned a corner, moving past a row of flickering holo-signs advertising ship repairs and cheap fuel. Maybe because it signaled that the docking bay was only a few levels away, she couldn't wait any longer, asking the first question.
"What was that back there?" Her voice was casual, but she was barely able to hide her curiosity. "I mean, he clearly recognized you. He didn't call you out directly, but for sure called you a name you never really mentioned to me before. Is that your actual family name?"
"Yes..." I said, not hiding it, "And yes, I didn't know him," I continued, "He just… made assumptions. But he wasn't wrong because he mentioned the codename of my older brother. It seems I began looking like him more as the years passed."
"Siblings tend to do that, even if they aren't twins," Vila hummed, stepping into the turbo-lift with me, leaning against its rusty side panel. HK paused, too, his glowing optics silently watching, and I could somewhat tell he was enjoying the questioning. Maybe he was also curious... to learn something that he could throw into my face later on. "I get that it's not something you wanted to talk about before, and I never pushed you on it. Neither did you, relating to my past, so..." She took a step closer, lowering her voice. "I really appreciate that... But this? I think it's about time you told me the truth. Master Katarn and Master Ben will also want to know it all!"
"They already know..." I exhaled through my nose, looking past her, gazing into my own past—into a life that I escaped from. The images I was seeing felt heavy in my chest, something that I buried inside of me. Blinking my eyes, returning to the moment, I glanced at HK, who said nothing, simply looking at me like a statue—maybe even recording the conversation. When the turbolift's door opened, and we were back in the hangar bay... seeing the ship we came with, I knew she was right. Time to lay it out for her.
"My name," I said finally, my voice sounding tired, "is Kael Valtherion. Although, I discarded the last one, and I am probably also pronounced dead in my family."
As for Vila's expression, it didn't shift at all, probably not recognizing the family name. Which isn't that weird, even if some of the leading families who were amongst the old Imperials had a way of leaving scars on those they touched.
"The Valtherion family," she asked, her voice still just as curious. "Are they big?"
"The shipwrights of Iskandor. The nobles of Velcaris." I took another slow breath. "It is as of an Imperial blood as it gets. They were lesser ones through the reign of Emperor Palpatine. After his death, in the warlord era, they were part of the Pentastar Alignment. They were pushing to support the returning Grand Admiral Thrawn, to stand behind him wholly, but before they could make any moves, the admiral died."
"That doesn't tell me much," Vila shrugged. "But it sounds important. Was it then that your family became important?"
"After that." I continued, retelling the same history lesson that was beaten into me at an early age. "Long story short, when Supreme Commander Pellaeon created the Imperial Remnants, our sector became part of it, and we have been, since then, one of the most significant ship-producing sectors within its territory. We are a navy family, through and through." I smiled lopsidedly before looking away, my hands curling into fists. "Well, not me. Not anymore."
"Hoooh, I see!" Vila hummed, crossing her arms, nodding her head, bobbing her lekku. "Do you think that makes a difference? You were one of them by blood, so... you are still one of them, no?"
"It isn't how it works in a family like mine. Plus, I don't know... I never wanted to be, I think." I answered honestly, saying my actual thoughts. "I was born into a family that saw itself as part of the Empire's last true legacy. A group that, even within the Remnatns, is looking to uphold some of Emperor Palpatine's ideals. My father and my uncles believe that the only way to bring Imperial strength back to the galaxy is through its fleet, discipline, and tradition. Something that my elder brothers also share." I shook my head with a sigh. "I was raised on stories of war and duty, taught to think of myself as a future officer, someone who would carry the family's banner or maybe even command my own ship or strike force. If not a star destroyer, then at least to be an ace pilot in the TIE-fighter corp." I said as my lips twisted, glancing at her. "Then they found out I was having different thoughts."
"I guess they didn't like the idea, huh?" She hummed, and her gaze didn't waver. "And?"
"I was constantly being beaten down to change, and when it didn't work, because I inherited the stubbornness of my own father, I was slowly being pushed out. Then, I began realizing that I was Force-sensitive. Now... they, of course, abhor the Jedi, as it was Grandmaster Luke and Darth Vader, two Jedi who killed the Emperor."
"Hmm... So it wasn't looking good for you, eh?"
"No... And that was the end of it," I said bitterly. "They saw it as a stain. A curse. My father tried to pretend my premonitions didn't exist, ordered me to suppress it, to ignore it, hoping it wasn't a sign of being Force-sensitive. But I couldn't. It's part of me. When I refused to follow their path, when I refused to be what they wanted, I saw no other option. So, I left before they could make the choice for me."
"That was... brave." She whistled, gazing at me, looking into my eyes. "You walked away. Just like that?"
"Yes." I nodded while I met her eyes, "It wasn't that simple, though. I stole a ship while doing so, so I probably am still a wanted criminal back home."
"Ahahaha! That's awesome!" She stared at me, laughing, her lekku twitching constantly. "And you kept this hidden all this time?! Damn, I somewhat guessed that your past was something big, but I didn't think I'd be walking next to an Imperial noble! Your Majesty~!"
"Ugh... Stop." I flinched, hearing her say that. "I am not one of them."
"Sure, sure, Count Kael," Vila laughed, but it wasn't hurtful; instead, her typical teasing, acting the same way she always did. It relieved me for some reason. I was... afraid she would think differently of me because of it. "I guess it is my turn now."
"Your turn?" I asked, surprised, "Of what?" But she already started.
"I spent years as a bait for nobles like you. I mean, for beasts that then my owners sold to people who had the money to make my Master rich. The ones who thought exotic predators that loved to hunt little kids as snacks were just another luxury to buy. Maybe some of those things ended up with your family, huh?"
"I..." Kael's stomach twisted. "Vila—"
"You don't get to say anything about it," she cut me off, her voice stifling anything I was about to say, letting it be stuck in my throat. "You don't get to tell me you're different or that you walked away because I know. Duh. I am not blaming you, idiot!" She said, rolling her eyes. "Because it doesn't matter. I hate slavers, the ones like my bastardly owner was. I hate people like that horned idiot HK shot. If you are worried, I would hate you? You are just plain stupid." She reached out, knocking on my forehead with a grin. "We are friends! Besties!"
"..."
I couldn't help but swallow hard. I had nothing to say to that. None that wouldn't sound hollow. What could I even say? And I knew she was as honest as one could be; I felt it. So... I just let myself relax, my body releases its stiffness, and I breathe. With a smile, I looked into her eyes, nodding back at her before giving her a hug. It was good... it was great...
It suddenly made her really nervous, but I didn't let go because it felt like the best medicine for my thoughts. In the end, she hugged me back, patted my back, and looked blushed after we let go of each other.
"Idiot..." She mumbled.
HK, who had been the silent observer so far, finally spoke, his mechanical voice cutting through the relieved silence between us.
[Observation: Organic emotional responses are fascinating. Your lack of hostility is noted, Vila. I will refrain from eliminating you.]
"Wait, what?" We asked, looking at him with raised eyebrows, one hand on our hidden lightsabers.
[Clarifying Statement: I am programmed to obey and protect my Master. Meatbag Kael is designated as that person; aggression towards him results in my protocols taking priority, eliminating all dangers. Proud Clarification: Including Jedi.]
"Sure, sure, sure..." Vila shot him a glare, shrugging. "But it's not the time to boast, HK."
"Thanks? I guess?" I grunted, looking at the droid. "Speaking of elimination... that is why you shot the informant?"
[Statement: Obviously. Boasting Explanation: I had already analyzed his bodily reactions, the change in his feromone levels, and the different heat signatures in and under his skin. I am fluent in more than six million lifeforms and their habits, easily recognizing murderous intent before it visibly manifests before the sub-par photoreceptors of meat bags.]
"Doesn't it sound like C-3PO?" Vila asked with a whisper but loudly enough for anyone to hear.
"It did, didn't it?" I nodded, making HK fall silent for a moment.
[Statement: I don't recognize this C-3PO name, but the designation follows the naming protocols of... Protocol droids. Recognition: I don't take lightly to such insults, Master Meatbag.]
"It isn't an insult if it holds truth in it." I countered, making him fall silent once again. "Anyway... next time, don't be so trigger-happy! If we can solve it peacefully, we will do that, okay?" I said, my tone turning serious.
[Indignant Retort: Master, you didn't stop me. A Jedi should have the reaction time to do so. Conclusion: Master, you allowed me to carry out the dirty deed that Jedi wouldn't be able to. Snark Remark: Not so Jedi-like attitude, Master. I personally... approve.]
"Not it wasn't..." I muttered, unable to refute his observation, but Vila just put a hand on my shoulder, squeezing it.
"It happened fast. Don't blame yourself. Also... don't blame anybody. He was indeed going to attack us, and if he did, we would have blown our cover. HK did the right thing."
[Surprised Observation: I am starting to appreciate you, female meatbag.]
"Still..." Vila shrugged, shooting HK-O1 a slanted look, "We can decommission it if it starts acting out..."