A year has passed since the events of the 'Fury of the Admiral', the Grand Admiral has done two major things since then, attained the services of two major corporations, the Sullustan National Bank led by president Aman, and the Merchant's Guild, led by CEO Thoryril who ascended to his rank after Thrawn arranged the explosive retirement of the previous CEO.
Gentlemen, I give you Before the Storm
--------------
The arrow-shaped bulk of the Imperial Star Destroyer 'Stormlord' slowly glided through space above the recently colonized planet of Crimson Prime. The planet had perfect condition for establishing high security defense parimeters with only two relatively safe hyperspace lanes. Now, a year after the Grand Admiral's return, the reborn Imperial Navy counted over ten Star Destroyers of various classes, as well as over thirty minor starships, four planet systems. Not nearly enough, but it will have to suffice. The Empire WILL return. And those who stand in its way, wont be there to witness it.
"Captain Cayel requesting audience with Grand Admiral Thrawn." Cayel spoke into the comlink on the door. The doors opened with a sharp hiss, and Cayel strode in, trying to ignore the statue-like stormtrooper guards beside the door. He entered the softly lighted room that the Grand Admiral always favored, though this time the copy of the admiral's chair from the bridge was now empty.
"I will be with you in a minute captain." Thrawn's voice came to him from his apartment, if one could call it like one. Cayel had the duty of refitting the room according to the Admiral's specifications, and he knew that unlike the other officers in the Old Fleet, Thrawn favored am ordinary spartan room, equal to the rooms of the most lowly technicians and TIE pilots. He had taken liberty in subtly supplying that information throughout the Fleet. The result was an increase in preformance of 5%, which was a pleasant suprise before the operation in the Tion Cluster.
The Grand Admiral entered the softly lighted room, still buttoning his spotless white uniform, and seated himself into the copy of the admiral's chair from the bridge. He stared at Cayel for a few seconds before speaking.
"Is everything prepared Captain?"
"Yes admiral, the Golan II platforms shall arrive within the next two hours, along with the 'Obliterator' and the 'Iron Fist II'. Admiral Torroro and his designated fleet should be striking the Yuuzhan Vong convoy any minute now."
"Very good captain, anything on the long range scans? News from Center?"
"Nothing new sir, except that the Barrayarans sent us a fleet of mercenaries."
"Mercenaries." Thrawn frowned, confused by the fact that anyone is willing to rely on men with low motivation to do a task of such importance such as freeing the galaxy.
"The Dendaarian mercenaries, under the command of Captain Vorkosigan, though he styles himself as Admiral Naismith now." Cayel supplied more information.
"Hmmm. Then inform admiral Naismith that I request an audience with him and his commanding staff." Thrawn's eyes were slits of red light.
"Very well sir, shall I inform him to come here, or to wait for us on Iridonia when we are returning from our operation in the Tion Cluster?" Cayel said as he whipped out his datapad, ready to shoot the order.
"Mmmm, better if he waits us on Iridonia. also notify the 'Fearbringer' and the 'Oathbraker' to transfer to Iridonia until further notice." Thrawn cryptically said.
"As you wish my lord." Cayel said as he transmitted the orders.
"Good. Now captain, if that is all..."
"Yes sir. I will be on the bridge if you need me." Cayel said, taking the hint head on, turning around and walking out of the Admirals quaters that is. Things were going to get hot on Iridonia, he knew it. And the Admiral knew it, or he wouldnt be weakening their shipyards on Almania. Well, the Admiral still had to lose a battle since he took over command, perhaps he is looking to extend that streak.
Gentlemen, I give you Before the Storm
--------------
The arrow-shaped bulk of the Imperial Star Destroyer 'Stormlord' slowly glided through space above the recently colonized planet of Crimson Prime. The planet had perfect condition for establishing high security defense parimeters with only two relatively safe hyperspace lanes. Now, a year after the Grand Admiral's return, the reborn Imperial Navy counted over ten Star Destroyers of various classes, as well as over thirty minor starships, four planet systems. Not nearly enough, but it will have to suffice. The Empire WILL return. And those who stand in its way, wont be there to witness it.
"Captain Cayel requesting audience with Grand Admiral Thrawn." Cayel spoke into the comlink on the door. The doors opened with a sharp hiss, and Cayel strode in, trying to ignore the statue-like stormtrooper guards beside the door. He entered the softly lighted room that the Grand Admiral always favored, though this time the copy of the admiral's chair from the bridge was now empty.
"I will be with you in a minute captain." Thrawn's voice came to him from his apartment, if one could call it like one. Cayel had the duty of refitting the room according to the Admiral's specifications, and he knew that unlike the other officers in the Old Fleet, Thrawn favored am ordinary spartan room, equal to the rooms of the most lowly technicians and TIE pilots. He had taken liberty in subtly supplying that information throughout the Fleet. The result was an increase in preformance of 5%, which was a pleasant suprise before the operation in the Tion Cluster.
The Grand Admiral entered the softly lighted room, still buttoning his spotless white uniform, and seated himself into the copy of the admiral's chair from the bridge. He stared at Cayel for a few seconds before speaking.
"Is everything prepared Captain?"
"Yes admiral, the Golan II platforms shall arrive within the next two hours, along with the 'Obliterator' and the 'Iron Fist II'. Admiral Torroro and his designated fleet should be striking the Yuuzhan Vong convoy any minute now."
"Very good captain, anything on the long range scans? News from Center?"
"Nothing new sir, except that the Barrayarans sent us a fleet of mercenaries."
"Mercenaries." Thrawn frowned, confused by the fact that anyone is willing to rely on men with low motivation to do a task of such importance such as freeing the galaxy.
"The Dendaarian mercenaries, under the command of Captain Vorkosigan, though he styles himself as Admiral Naismith now." Cayel supplied more information.
"Hmmm. Then inform admiral Naismith that I request an audience with him and his commanding staff." Thrawn's eyes were slits of red light.
"Very well sir, shall I inform him to come here, or to wait for us on Iridonia when we are returning from our operation in the Tion Cluster?" Cayel said as he whipped out his datapad, ready to shoot the order.
"Mmmm, better if he waits us on Iridonia. also notify the 'Fearbringer' and the 'Oathbraker' to transfer to Iridonia until further notice." Thrawn cryptically said.
"As you wish my lord." Cayel said as he transmitted the orders.
"Good. Now captain, if that is all..."
"Yes sir. I will be on the bridge if you need me." Cayel said, taking the hint head on, turning around and walking out of the Admirals quaters that is. Things were going to get hot on Iridonia, he knew it. And the Admiral knew it, or he wouldnt be weakening their shipyards on Almania. Well, the Admiral still had to lose a battle since he took over command, perhaps he is looking to extend that streak.