A Very Imperial Valentines Week - Day 2 - Surprise Inspection
‘He wasn’t even supposed to inspect the fleet until next week’, Admiral Piett remarked sadly. The officer on the receiving end of the Sith Lord’s displeasure was still alive. His mouth was silently gaping, the pale lips shuddering: whether in silent pleading or in a futile attempt to breathe, it would soon make no difference. His fate had been sealed the moment his larynx had been closed off. General Veers had turned his eyes away, more out of decency towards the dying officer than out of any real fear. The general’s report had already been reviewed. He was about as safe as anyone could be under their daily circumstances. This knowledge gave Piett some measure of comfort.
‘The worst thing is not knowing who’s next’, he sighed, feeling small and tired and unremarkable. ‘Myself, in all likeliness. If there’s anything I am, it’s replaceable.’ ‘Not to me, you aren’t’, Veers said firmly, comfortingly placing a hand on Piett. ‘And not to him, I think. He values competent officers.’
The limp figure of their late colleague fell to the floor, sounding for all the world like a mere slab of meat. Piett winced. Even Veers’ iron grip on his shoulder briefly tightened in sympathy. ‘And we’ll have a drink after the inspection, shall we?’ Piett suggested grimly. ‘Something strong and mind-numbing. As usual?’ ‘Oh yes. A celebration of our continued existence’, Veers agreed. ‘How jolly.’
Suggested by camomility and bjomolf; I also recommend hotbunking-vacheads if these two are your jam!
