Void. Okay…it’s okay. Only a little ways to the Ark Angel…just get down the corridor that leads to the hangar, get through the blast door…and you’re home free. Let’s go.

Aphra runs toward her ship, stormtroopers in hot pursuit, shooting at her.

APHRA:

Aphra to Beetee! Shut the blast door in the approach corridor!

We hear the creaky sound of a blast door starting to lower.

APHRA:

Not that one! The one behind me! Oh, doesn’t matter. I can make it…I can make it…I can make it…

Aphra slides beneath the closing blast door.

APHRA:

Made it.

Triple-Zero? I’m incoming. Get the engines running. I’ll be with you in two—

The hangar doors open, and we hear the heavy breathing of Darth Vader.

APHRA:

[sotto]

Void.

[normal voice]

Hi, boss. This is tight, but I can get away. We have—

DARTH VADER:

Silence.

APHRA:

Lord Vader. Sir. I don’t know what The Ante told you—

DARTH VADER:

He identified you as the person behind the Son-tuul Pride robbery—

naturally, the Empire has been very curious about the culprit. And my new adjutant is very dogged when it comes to pursuing things the Empire is curious about.

APHRA:

Ugh, that guy looks like such a pinheaded, bureaucratic little jerk. He’s not worthy of you, my lord—

DARTH VADER:

I said silence. I have taken great pains to keep you hidden, Aphra. And yet, you seem intent on making a scene and exposing yourself to those who wish to remove me from power. If my adjutant had learned more about you—

APHRA:

But he didn’t! I…I never told anyone anything. The Ante has no clue who I’m working for. And as far as the, ah, scene, I can explain—

DARTH VADER:

I do not think so. The Ante was about to reveal a great deal more about you. I could not have that, so I directed a stray blaster shot his way.

APHRA:

Whew, that’s great news, boss! Real quick thinking on your part. Only a brilliant mind like yours could come up with something like that on the spot—

DARTH VADER:

The Ante will trouble me no further…and neither will you.

APHRA:

Wha—

DARTH VADER:

Do not struggle.

Vader draws his lightsaber and raises a hand, Force-choking Aphra —lifting her off the ground.

APHRA:

Vader…my lord, no. I…I’m the one you trust, remember? I’ve been loyal, I’ve done so many things for you…things only I can do! I have skills. Skills you noticed! Skills you need! This can’t be how it ends…

this…can’t…be…

She struggles, trying to breathe. Trying to speak. Trying to live.

APHRA:

Please…I know…where the boy…is…

Vader releases his hold on Aphra. She falls to the ground in a heap, breathing hard.

DARTH VADER:

Tell me.

APHRA:

I will… later.

APHRA (narration):