Husband of a Different Kind

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A/N1: I do not own Star Wars.

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Survey Says…

It happened while I was on a mission for my master. Since I was supposed to blend in and act as one of the crowd, I was caught up in something I normally do everything to avoid.

But, in an effort to maintain my cover, I did as was requested.

Someone approached me and asked me to take a survey on what I wanted in a husband.

I nearly laughed in the man's face.

However, once I saw that he was completely serious, I managed to put my years of training to use in keeping a neutral expression.

I reluctantly agreed, realizing that in doing this, I would be able to get closer to my target.

However, to say that I was distracted once the survey itself was placed in front of me would be an understatement. I read through it briefly per the instructions before filling in my answers.

I was so out of my element, I realized. The thought of a husband had never once crossed my mind… and the idea was utterly ludicrous anyway. Who would want to be married to the Emperor's Hand?

And in any case, my master would never allow me to form such an intimate attachment. And if I did, would he not find some way to use it against me?

So I just filled in whatever answers my eyes first set upon. Thank the Force it was multiple choice.

Afterward, I hastily glanced around for my target… panicking when I realized I had lost them. But I did find him a short time later, to my surprise, in one of the shops. I tailed him and ended his sorry life once I had him alone.

So now, on my way back to Imperial Center— formerly known as Coruscant— I have nothing to do but think.

And blast it if that stupid survey doesn't keep coming back to mind.

Knowing myself well enough to realize that if I don't give this nagging thought its due attention it will keep bugging me, I give in.

In the extremely unlikely occurrence that I was to marry… what would I want in a husband?

Someone practical, certainly… loyal, obviously…

I purse my lips. He would have to be a looker… why not, right? Maybe a tall man with a good build, dark hair… and vibrant eyes.

The guy would have to be able to put up with my way of life, and my actions as the Emperor's Hand.

One of the questions from the survey had been if I wanted someone older, younger, or the same age.

I give that question a little more thought. Would it be better to have an older man? Someone with a little more life experience, perhaps? Or a younger man who would look up to me for greater understanding?

Finally I settle on someone the same age. Why not? Then we'd been evenly matched.

I recall one other question that had indeed given me pause despite my situation: What would be your ideal husband's best qualities?

A fighter, someone who could keep up with me: I refuse to babysit a man. He should be grown enough to handle his own. My husband would be someone with a sense of humor… and one with a good shield against the stupidity all around him. And… he'd have to be tough…

Though, if I dig deep, deep within myself, I honestly know that the most important thing to me would be that he loves me and only me. No matter what, and until the end of time.

I grimace. If my master could hear me now, mulling over such sentimental mumbo-jumbo, he'd be furious.

Resolutely willing away any and all thoughts of marriage and 'ideal husbands', I clear my mind and focus on getting back to my master.

Besides, I'll never be married. It's not in my future… not if Palpatine has anything to say about it.