Those Rebels Won't Escape Us

I once traveled to New Jersey with my friends to meet a brave soldier. His name was (and still is) Ken Colley, but always will be known to me as "Admiral Piett."

Before entering the convention all life forms are required to pay 25 credits as an entry fee, after handing over my money to the Klingon, I made sure to take in the nerd-scape. Soaking up the sights of fellow fans who have escaped from their parents basement to purchase items that will further their stay there, and then I found him. He was sitting there drinking a beer and eating a salad. I cautiously approached and in doing so I accidentally startled him. I wonder if it was because I was breathing heavy or because my heart was pounding, either way he certainly was freaked (and I am certainly out of shape). I then asked him to sign my two Star Wars CCG cards of him ("Captain Piett" and "Admiral Piett"). He obliged most humbly, and refused to charge me for his signature because he felt uncomfortable charging me $10 a piece for two small cards to be signed. He then said “if anyone asks, you gave me money.” Not only was one of the highest ranking officials in the Imperial Navy signing my cards and shaking my hand, but he was doing it for free, and sticking it to the people running the convention making him charge money.

I thanked him and walked away.

Sure there were tons of things I would’ve loved to ask him, but I wanted to ask Admiral Piett those questions, not Ken Colley.

Sure I could have asked questions like: “so how does it make you feel knowing that your nephew Captain Sarkli, was once a prominent member of the Rogue Squadron headed by non other than Luke Skywalker and Wedge Antilles?” or “During the Battle of Endor, did you want to go against Emperor Palpatine’s order of just trapping the rebels near the Death Star II and having the Superlaser Mark II pick them off? Or were you pleased with his wishes?”

Of course I want these questions answered. But instead of asking them and having an elderly man politely reply with “I do not know,” I’d rather keep these questions inside of me. Hidden far better than any Death Star plans ever were.

-a.