DE - Alana Reads a Book Instead

It wasn't all bad staying in and reading instead of going with Vells for whatever debauchery he had planned. Really, a date with Baron Soontir Fel in the Tie Fighter series was just as good, right? A charming ace pilot who wouldn't try to sully your perfect, virginal image. Plus he was a *Baron*.

They used to call stories like this "page turners" back when people turned pages. It was silly trash, you knew. By the Emperor's bones, you were an *admiral* you had to know the realities of warfare. Pilots didn't exchange quippy banter with their enemies before vaping them, a plucky squadron of Tie Avengers and Defenders couldn't stop a Rebel strike force from bombarding Coruscant, but it made for good reading.

The tea and cookies helped of course. You'd found a secret 'back channel' into the galley droids and were able to order a small assortment of confectioneries and treats from time to time. Delivered in secret, of course. The tea was traditional to Byss, slightly bitter, hot, and extremely aromatic. The earthy, herbal smell took you back to your childhood every time. It made you think of home, the turquoise sun beaming down on your skin when you lay sunbathing in the garden.

You switch to the next page of your novel, shaking your head. Did the author really think a Mon Cal cruiser was *that* easy to cripple? Still, you smiled when it smashes harmlessly into Coruscant's planetary shields, only a fool would think a capital ship ramming action could breach a shield of that caliber.

Another sip of the tea, and a long moment drinking in the smell. You needed to get to bed soon. You were still a bit buzzed, and were up far later than normal. You didn't expect you'd have a very taxing day ahead of you but all the same you'd better finish your tea and treats and get to bed.