Atmosphere: Maybe we can hear those mysterious cave winds again to set the scene…

APHRA (narration):

Regrouping from my little…setback wasn’t the easiest thing in the galaxy, but I did it. Once we’d escaped the Imps and the storms, I waited for Vader to contact me. I knew he would.

When the Dark Lord finally got in touch, he ordered me to meet him in another cave on another Anthan moon.

For once, I wasn’t really looking forward to seeing him. I knew he wanted the information I had more than anything in the entire galaxy —that’s why I’d instinctively known that was the thing to bait him with.

And when he sent me a time and place to meet…well, yeah, I considered running.

But ultimately I knew: That wasn’t the thing that was gonna keep me safe.

Maybe this would show him how loyal I was. Maybe now he’d truly see me—and how valuable I could be. Maybe I’d finally be able to find those cracks in his armor.

And whenever fear skittered up my spine, I reminded myself: This is what you do. You survive.

TRIPLE-ZERO:

Mistress Aphra, I must question your wisdom in coming here. If I’m not very much mistaken, manipulating Master Vader by withholding information is the sort of behavior one would classify as “blackmailing him.”

He was quite clear on what would result.

Though it does make a droid wonder how exactly he’ll terminate you.

BEETEE:

BLEEP!

TRIPLE-ZERO:

Yes, Beetee, he certainly could do that.

BEETEE:

BLEEP BLEEP!

TRIPLE-ZERO:

Or that.

APHRA:

Guys. Not helping. Not helping at all.

DARTH VADER:

Well?

APHRA:

Aaaaah!

APHRA (narration):

You’d think his…unique style of breathing would make it impossible for Darth Vader to sneak up on people. And yet…

I didn’t waste any more breaths trying to withhold or showboat my major info reveal. I just did it.

APHRA:

Vrogas Vas. The boy’s on Vrogas Vas.

DARTH VADER:

I am surprised to see you here, Aphra.

APHRA:

I send you a message and run, and you’d hunt me down and kill me. I figure the only chance of me surviving is showing that I’m trustworthy.

I want to work for you. I’ve shown you what I can do. I can’t do anything for you when I’m dead.

You’ll keep me alive.

Hopefully.

DARTH VADER:

The past few days have given me an appreciation for your talent.

Do not make me regret this.

APHRA:

You know, one of these days, I hope we’re going to get past this is-he-going-to-murder-me-this-time stage of our relationship.

DARTH VADER:

Hmm. Vrogas Vas. A pointless rock. Why?

APHRA:

No idea. Apparently there’s some old Jedi temple there. Maybe he’s sightseeing?

DARTH VADER: