XLVII: Poison

Rebecca paced around her quarters waiting for Lord Vader to return. After a while, she gave up and decided to do a little exploring of her own. She left her quarters and looked both ways down the hall, ultimately deciding to turn left when she heard commotion from further down the corridor. Along her journey she passed several weapon training rooms, crew quarters and what looked like a bare conference room. At the end of the corridor she took the turbo-lift up several decks, taking note where she started from.

If I'm not too careful I'll never find my way back... 

As the lift doors opened, she walked right into her father trying to come into the lift.

"Daddy!" She exclaimed, giving him a hug. "Fancy seeing you here!" she grinned.

"Rebecca! I thought you were with Lord Vader. What are you doing here by yourself?" He stepped into the lift.

"Just some exploring." She shrugged a little. "Lord Vader said he needed to contact the Emperor. I uh...got tired of waiting."

Okins shook his head. "Please remember this is a warship. His warship. It's probably best if you don't just go wandering by yourself. Who knows where you'll end up."

"Daddy, you make it sound so ominous."

"War is ominous, sweetheart." He sighed. "Well, since Lord Vader is otherwise detained, I'll take it upon myself to give you the tour of the ship."

Rebecca grinned. "Sounds great! Where's our first stop?"

"Officer's lounge. Care for a bite to eat? I need some coffee." When the lift doors reopened Okins led her into the lounge.

She looked around the scarcely populated room and took a seat at an empty table in the corner. "Maybe just some coffee. I'll need the energy to keep up with my tour guide."

"Fair enough. You'll need it." Okins said, setting a coffee cup down in front of his daughter, then pouring another for himself.

Rebecca took a long sip. "Do you know what parts of the ship I'll be seeing? Bridge? Communications? Prison?"

"It's called the 'brig', and I doubt you'll see that." He replied.

"Well I'm sure the...rest..." Rebecca's voice trailed off as she let go of her mug and pressed her hand over her stomach. What's...going on? Such a sharp pain...weakness....where did this come from all the sudden?? 

"Rest of what?" Okins asked. He turned around to face Rebecca, and then noticed her expression. "What's the matter?"

She stood up, clutching her stomach. "I don't know...it hurts all of the sudden..my stomach," she pauses, wincing as her hand moves over her chest. "Daddy, I...don't feel so good." As she tried to step forward, she felt a sudden onset of dizziness and fell to the ground.

"Rebecca!" Okins tossed down his mug and kneeled down beside her. Her forehead felt clammy to his touch and he quickly jerked his hands away when she began violently coughing. Small bits of blood started out the corner of her mouth with each cough. He held her close and tried to wipe some of it away with hopes that her spasms would stop. Instead, they continued and became stronger. Her coughs brought up more blood than before. The admiral then grabbed his comlink.

"Okins to the infirmary...I have a medical emergency in the officer's lounge!"

XLVI: Coming Aboard

Admiral Okins paced back and forth on the bridge of the Executor. The Star Destroyer had established orbit over Coruscant several hours earlier that day, and it would only be a matter of time before Rebecca's shuttle docked in the hanger. After reluctantly checking his wrist chrono, waiting, he motioned over his relief and then exited the bridge. 

Okins then took the turbolift to the observation deck where he found Lord Vader gazing out of the viewport. 

"Lord Vader, sir." 

Vader turned his head slightly. "Yes, Admiral, what is it?" 

"My daughter's shuttle will be arriving any minute now." Okins said with a hint of uneasiness in his voice. 

"Very well." The dark lord said, turning to the officer. "You will return to your post. I will see to her arrival personally." 

Okins nodded. "Understood, Milord." He said, however continued to stand at attention. 

"What is it, Okins?" 

"I'm just...concerned for her well being while she's here. This is a warship after all." 

Vader crossed his arms over his chest. "Do you question my judgement, Admiral?" 

Okins shook his head. "No sir, but she is my daughter, and I know this crew. Fending off several thousand men will not be an easy task." 

"Your daughter will not need "fending off" because she will not spend a minute alone on this vessel. I will accompany her myself while you tend to your duties." Vader said, starting to the door. "If all goes as planned, your daughter's visit will be brief enough, much of my crew will not be aware of her presence." He stalked off towards the hangar. 

Rebecca's shuttle finished landing as Lord Vader entered the hanger. As he arrived at base of the shuttle Rebecca had started coming down the ramp. 

"Welcome to the Star Destroyer Executor, Milady." 

Rebecca stopped in front of the dark lord of the Sith and took a deep curtsy. "Thank you, Lord Vader." She said with a small smile. As she straightened, she looked around the hanger, searching for her father. 

"Admiral Okins is otherwise detained at the moment." Lord Vader said, resting his hands on his belt. "I will be your escort in his stead."

"Ah, I see. Thank you, Milord. Your hospitality is most appreciated." 

"It is not necessary to display gratitude. Your father serves admirably. Such loyalty can be hard to find." He replied, leading her out of the hanger and down the corridor. 

Rebecca took in her surroundings. "I'm lucky to have a guide. I don't think I could find my way around without one. All of these corridors look exactly the same." 

"With time, one finds their way." Vader held out his gloved hand. "Give me your comm-link." 

"My...comm-link?" She asked, puzzled. Fishing around in her dress pocket, she pulled it out and handed it to Lord Vader. She watched as he began altering the settings. 

"I programmed this with my encrypted frequency. Should you require immediate assistance, you may call for me." He said, handing it back. 

She stared at the device for a moment, surprised. "T-thank you, Milord." 

"This is my flagship, Milady. I make certain everything is run in an orderly fashion." Vader stopped in front a set of doors and hit the control pad, opening them to reveal living space. "You may use these guest quarters." He motioned for her to step inside. 

Rebecca entered and looked around the spacious living area. She set her bag on a nearby table and turned back to her host, "All of this space is for me?" 

"Is it not adequate to suit your needs?" He asked, crossing his arms. 

"No no!" She exclaimed, waving her arms. "This is fine, Milord, just bigger than I had anticipated." 

"You are pleased." With a nod he backed away towards the door. "I will return as your escort once I make contact with the Emperor. I suggest you rest. This ship is massive, and navigating its maze of corridors will require much time." With that, Vader left the room, the doors closing with a hiss behind him. 

Rebecca took some time to explore her quarters, finally settling down on the bed. "Rest he says...easier said than done."