Dreaming in Digital

20230918

    I was in a strategy meeting aboard one of the Venator-class Star Destroyers during the time the Galactic Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Separatists were at war in 19BBY - The Clone Wars (in Star Wars). Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka Tano (in her Mandalorian outfit), Anakin Skywalker, Commander Cody, Captain Rex and I surrounded a holotable, while other, younger, Jedi and clones stood lengthways away, carefully listening to the battle plans.

    This hadn't been the only time we'd stood here, discussing our next move. We've completed mission after mission with some success or failure. We stood, once again, in the dimly lit room with faces illuminated by the blue glow of the projections.

        My eyes wandered to Kenobi every few minutes, searching for an emotion - a sign he was upset - but the older man was stone-faced and his voice never wavered. I knew what happened to his commander. I knew he was hurt, and he wasn't well. I also knew how close he was to him.

        "Are you okay?" I whispered when the others seemed focused or out of earshot.

        Before he could respond, Ashoka asked, "Why do you keep asking? Is something wrong?" She showed worry in her eyes but a tinge of exasperation in her voice.

        All eyes in the room were on me. I felt my face flush, mortified that I'd lacked discretion, and dumbfounded that I'd given myself away. 

        With my eyes on the floor, I made my way to the closest corner of the room and sat on the cold, steel floor. As I wrapped my arms around my knees, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see one of the clones looking at me reassuringly.

        As I watched the meeting continue and play out. Sometimes Cody would shift his weight from one foot to another, but only Kenobi, Rex and I would notice.