The Sith of Datawork


"The Sith of Datawork" is the third short story in the anthology From a Certain Point of View. The story, written by Ken Liu, focuses on the point of view of an Imperial officer named Arvira.

Plot summary


Arvira, the fleet logistics liaison aboard the Imperial Star Destroyer Devastator, is approached by gunnery captain Bolvan, in need of assistance. The Devastator has recently captured a Rebel ship, the Tantive IV, in search of the stolen Death Star plans. Despite Darth Vader's orders to "tear the ship apart," the plans have not been found.

Bolvan, however, has observed an escape pod launch from the ship, and ordered his subordinates not to fire, for two reasons: one, he would have to fill out paperwork (specifically, Form XTM-51-CT, as mandated by Imperial Naval Regulation 132.CAT.ch(22)) explaining why he fired at an escape pod, for the purposes of appeasing the Imperial Senate; and two, recent regulations tying gunnery officers' promotions to their number of kills. It dawns on him that the plans are likely in that escape pod, and he comes for Arvira's help for fear of getting in trouble for not realizing this earlier. Arvira gives Bolvan several forms to fill out in order to cover up the gunnery officer's late revelation, in exchange for some later favors.

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