After leaving the garden again —this time accompanied by Asajj and Candara— the three of us headed toward one of the many training centers within the palace. The dojo was a spacious hall with a carpeted, padded floor in the sparring rings to lessen the pain of falls and prevent injuries. Inside, several maintenance droids and soldiers were practicing the different combat styles they had been taught, while the central ring —usually the site of competitions between troops, with prizes of various kinds— would today serve as the place for Asajj's first training session in the martial arts.
"Very well. I want you to fight her, hand-to-hand," I said, pointing to one of the women accompanying Candara —a Togruta, about 1.70 meters tall, slim, but certainly unusual to the eyes of the Dathomirian. Asajj felt a strange premonition, as if something urged her to avoid the confrontation, yet her pride would not let her back down.
"The fight will end when I say so, or when one of you is unable to continue. Understood?" Both nodded. "In that case… begin."
The first to move was not Asajj, but her opponent, who leapt forward, closing the distance, and launched two swift kicks aimed at Asajj's ribs and head. Asajj barely managed to defend herself. The assault was relentless, though occasionally she landed a blow on her opponent's guard. The fight ended when Asajj was trapped in a hold that completely immobilized her, forcing her to surrender.
"As you've just experienced, you still have much to learn. Your training will be under Candara's supervision until you are ready for your first task. Until then, you will experience pain in many forms, but if you overcome it, I assure you I will personally conduct your final training. Are you ready for this, Asajj?" I extended my hand to help her up.
"I accept completely."
"In that case, Candara will take care of the rest. Until next time, Asajj." I said, leaving the dojo and heading toward my office, where Milles —now commander-in-chief of all our ground forces— and Ann, the woman who had brought Asajj to me, were waiting.
"I must congratulate you, Ann. You've achieved one of our objectives on that planet. However, I must send you with the Fourth Fleet to Bespin. It seems the Republic did not take kindly to one of the main producers of tibanna gas openly supporting a militarist and anti-democratic corporation like ours. They'll be dispatching a small force to make them change their minds. Naturally, we cannot allow our efforts to be wasted. You'll also be accompanied by the First Experimental Corps, to test their capabilities and our latest product, if necessary. You'll depart as soon as the fleet arrives here. And remember — they may try to play dirty."
"Understood. I'll head to my ship immediately and depart as soon as the fleet assembles." With a salute, she left through the door, making her way to her shuttle.
"As for you, Milles — I must say the performance of our forces on certain planets where our bases were located has been, at best, disappointing. I understand we are a growing force, and that training takes time… but the equipment used was not what I specified, nor what the board approved. Please, explain."
Hearing why he had been summoned, Milles felt sweat trickle down his back. He knew perfectly well why the shipments had been delayed: deliberate sabotage by his subordinates, born of rivalries between the different branches of the army.
"You see, sir, the transports carrying the shipments were delayed, so we had no choice but to wait for them to arrive," he said nervously.
"I see… I understand. Or rather, that's what I'd say if more than ten months hadn't passed since I gave the order," I replied, raising my voice, making Milles lower his head. "But don't worry. This situation won't happen again, as I've taken the necessary measures. From this moment, your position hangs by a thread, Milles. Don't fail me again, because there won't be a next time."
"I understand perfectly, Maxim— I mean, sir. This will not happen again."
"I hope so, Milles. I truly do. You may leave." With that, Milles left through the door, heading toward army headquarters to implement the fastest solution possible —and to find out exactly what I meant by "necessary measures."
Watching the haste with which he left, I turned back to my desk and pressed two buttons at once. Almost immediately, my secretary and a soldier wearing the MP insignia entered the room. Fixing my gaze on the soldier, I extended a folder in my hand.
"Make sure this reaches your superiors." He nodded, then left quickly, exiting the building in a jeep escorted by other MP vehicles.
"Endra, do I have any pending commitments?"
"Yes, sir. In two days there will be a party at Minister Vals' residence, to which you've been invited. Also, a coded message arrived this morning from Naboo requesting additional police equipment. Finally, next week is Senator Bail Organa's birthday; we could acquire an invitation if necessary."
"Approve the equipment request. I'll attend the party in two days, but there's no need for the birthday invitation." With the last matters settled, I chose to return to one of the many apartments and buildings I owned, rather than resting in the palace.
At the entrance of the apartment building, armed guards kept watch, securing the entire place. For the residents, this was seen as both a safety measure and a mild nuisance due to constant checks. The second level of the parking garage, along with floors 100 to 120, were mine. Upon reaching floor 110 and opening the door, I found Shmi Skywalker there. Having grown accustomed to life on this planet, following a strict diet and exercise regimen, she had become a beautiful woman of 42.
Despite me providing everything for free —after all, she was the mother of the Chosen One— she refused, choosing instead to become the head of service in my apartments as well as my personal maid. That was why I usually spent my days here rather than in the palace.
"Please, give me your coat. The bath is ready, as is dinner. If you need anything, let me know immediately."
"We've spoken about this so many times. You're no longer a slave. You don't need to keep serving."
"Indeed. And every time we have this conversation, you always end up losing."
Her response made me sigh, because it was true. No matter what I tried, she always found a way back to that role without my knowledge. A small part of me, though, wanted this wonderful woman to live a long, prosperous life —unlike her original counterpart.
"Do as you see fit, then. And please, get some rest."
And without another word, I went to enjoy that marvelous bath.