That's me, Corporal Lain Galek of the Imperial Army. I never thought I'd have a "title."
The battle against the endless amounts of mud and dense vegetation on Kashyyyk was a massive struggle in itself.
Majim and I worked tirelessly day by day, much to the appreciation of our superiors. Even though we were just two Imperial officers in an army of millions, we felt like the most essential component to the cause. It was great to finally feel slight positivity and pride in myself.
The savage indigenous population known as "Wookies," had power, strength, and stamina, but it was the Empire's view that the hairy beasts were grossly inferior to humans. Thus, that was my view as well.
However, I sometimes found myself questioning the orders of my superiors (not directly of course) on the often unnecessarily harsh treatment of the Wookies.
They are to become slaves of the Empire, all of them. I almost felt sorry for these creatures. At one point I wasn't much different than them. For I was a slave to hunger, to sickness, to heartache, to a system that could care less about me and the rest of the population living in Poverty.
That is, until the Empire came along. They took a poor boy from the streets of Coruscant, excuse me, Imperial Center, and turned him into a combat ready and useful tool.
Even if I am a pawn in a larger game, I am content.
Three months into Lain's deployment to Kashyyyk. . .
"Corporal Galek! You are to report to the front immediately, the blasted Wookies have managed to amass a sizeable army and are preparing to make an assault our base!" Captian Ligann shouted in my direction.
Majim had been standing right next to me, so I had to ask why he wasn't to be called to the front as well.
"Corporal Woorz has his duties and you have yours, now get moving soldier!" the captain demanded.
"Yes sir!" I complied.
Before I could leave the observatory deck, Majim grabbed my shoulder.
"You want to know the real reason they aren't allowing me to go to the front?" Majim asked visibly uncomfortable.
"Why. . ." I asked cautiously.
"My father made it clear before I went to the academy that I am not to engage in too dangerous of situations if it isn't absolutely necessary. My family is a very powerful and important asset to the Empire because of our wealth and influence. The only reason I was promoted to corporal so quickly is because of that fact. You are a much better soldier than I could ever dream of being. You earned your rank. I have not."
The truth stung, but I couldn't say much, I had a job to do.
"We can discuss this when I get back. . ." I said.
"Let's hope you actually do my friend. One day you can visit my home. Perhaps my family will be generous enough to provide the necessary means for you to live a comfortable life away from all. . . this."
"Thank you Majim, but I am happy with what I have now. I like to work for things."
"I understand."
I left shortly after. The situation at the beach was not promising. Thousands of Wookies were pouring out of the jungle at ever increasing numbers.
I was assigned to lead a small group of men, at the front of our defensive line.
(Mute Noises)
Everything happened in an instant. The Wookies began charging at incredible speeds, with a ferocity like no other. We remained steady and held our ground, but they managed to break through our defensive barriers.
We were surrounded.
I could hear the agonizing cries of my comrades in ever direction. The sight of torn off limbs was enough to make many a good trooper vomit in their helmet or faint.
I was reasonably safe as there were many storm troopers in front of me.
And then it hit me. . . Literally.
An ancient, seemingly futile and low-tech weapon, known as an arrow. It protruded out my back as if it was always meant to be there. I dropped to my knees. As the intense battle ensued all around me, I could no longer hear anything, as if my ears drums had exploded with the impact.
Perhaps it is fitting that I die at such a young age, as so many beings in the Coruscant under-levels do and will always do.
I will never find love. I will never grow old. I will never find true happiness. But I am content.
It seems Poverty has been by my side this whole time. Its evil, greedy self followed me on this journey to success, to reclaim me because it is my master and I am its slave. . .
No, not any more. The world around me turns to blackness, and I am free.
(Mute Music)
Fin.
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