Contained within the From a Certain Point of View collection of stories is "End of Watch". Adam Christopher penned this particular narrative.
The narrative of "End of Watch" unfolds through the perspective of Pamel Poul, a Commander and an Imperial officer who handles administrative duties. Her post is in charge of the Death Star's Station Control West, which is one of the four circular control hubs responsible for the overall management of the Death Star. She prides herself on the fact that hundreds of thousands of station personnel within her sector rely on her unwavering attention. Commander Poul was actively serving during the critical mission undertaken by Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO, and R2-D2 to liberate Leia Organa (a Princess).
Sublieutenant Slallen and Ensign Toos, who both report to Poul, are in the midst of a dispute regarding a YT-1300 light freighter that is currently docked at Docking Bay 327. This situation is disrupting the normal flow of starship traffic on the Death Star. Poul directs them to ensure the docking bay is cleared, but Slallen clarifies that they have not received any communication from Captain Edmos Khurgee's inspection team that is aboard the freighter. Poul instructs the junior officers to maintain their monitoring and to inform her as soon as Captain Khurgee concludes his work. At that moment, Commander Sheard, who is scheduled to relieve her, arrives, and Poul hands over her responsibilities. Poul then briefs Sheard on the significant events of her shift, including the situation with the "mystery freighter" that is causing delays in Docking Bay 327.
Commander Sheard then requests Toos to point out the vessel to him, which Poul immediately identifies as a dated YT-1300 light freighter. Poul expresses surprise that the ancient freighter is still operational, but she also notices some unusual features, such as an unusually large sensor dish and an unauthorized quad laser cannon. Intrigued by the mysterious ship, Poul inquires with Sublieutenant Slallen about his brother, who was a naval architect stationed at a secret facility on Scarif. Slallen informs Poul that he has not had any contact with his brother for the past four weeks. Despite knowing that the Death Star had recently been at Scarif three days prior, Poul was unaware of the specifics of the station's second test.
Shortly thereafter, Poul and the others are alerted by an alarm originating from Detention Block AA-23 on level 5. Poul assumes command of the Imperial response and instructs Ensign Toos to connect her to the detention block, which is typically reserved for political prisoners. When Toos establishes communication with the detention block, Han Solo impersonates an Imperial officer and falsely reports a minor weapons malfunction, claiming that everything is under control. Toos informs Solo that they are dispatching a squad, but Solo counters by stating that they are attempting to repair a reactor leak. When Sheard inquires about the identity of the duty officer, Poul confirms on her datapad that it is Lieutenant.
Toos realizes that the individual impersonating an officer is not Childsen and demands his operating number. Solo responds by terminating the communication. After Toos is unable to reestablish contact, Slallen suggests that Commander Poul dispatch a squad. However, she instructs them to remain on standby due to the reported reactor leak. Toos verifies that the detention block's power systems are functioning normally. Poul then issues orders to deploy a squad of stormtroopers and instructs Slallen to notify Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin. However, Tarkin is currently engaged in a conference.
Commander Sheard then proceeds to the command dais and sends a high-priority red alert to the Grand Moff. Poul observes as Commander Sheard reports an emergency alert in Detention Block AA-23. When Tarkin mentions the Princess and orders all sections to be placed on alert, Darth Vader interjects, stating that Obi-Wan is present and that the Force is with him. Poul recognizes Vader as Tarkin's advisor and enforcer and notices that the entire control room has fallen silent. After issuing instructions for a squad of stormtroopers to be sent to the detention block, Poul concludes her shift and transfers control to Commander Shead. As she makes her way to the shower, Poul attempts to suppress her growing sense of unease regarding the old freighter, the detention block, and Tarkin. However, she ultimately decides that it is not her responsibility and decides to allow Shead to handle it, as he will be on duty for the next twelve hours.