*Chapter 10 - Technology that amazes*
(A/N: The title is a translation of a German car advert slogan. People often use it with an ironic under-tone whenever electronic things do NOT work.)
The Waroom ship was more difficult to control than Han had expected, especially so as he couldn't read the language, but sticking to the `trial and error' principle, the Corellian quickly found out which button controlled what.
"Something just started blinking over there!" Thrawn pointed to the console on his left.
"Thanks for stating the obvious, Admiral. I'll take care of the ship and you better take care of THEM!" Han pointed to the approximately fifteen fighters coming towards them."As long as this thing flies, I don't care about the blinking."
"And how exactly shall I `take care´ of those interceptors?"
"You are the genius, figure it out! Quickly!
Thrawn scanned the cockpit, not looking too confident. "Stars, Solo - I can not simply ..."
"Yes, you can!"
"What if I accidentally turn off the life support systems? Or initiate the self destruct mechanism? In case you do not know, I am not of those who base their decisions on their gut feeling!"
"Thrawn! They are getting closer! "
Thrawn shook his head, these labels could mean anything. If one was to apply rational thinking, this might be a good position for the weapons' console, as it proved a good view and one could easily aim. The mechanism in front of him resembled a joystick to some extent as well ... Well, it was now or never… Thrawn reached out for the joystick - and the ship suddenly made a 180 degree turn.
"Have you gone nuts?"
"I told you I do not know what it says!"
In basically the last second Han tore the ship around again, only seconds before it collided with one of the Waroom fighters.
Well, this had not been the switch he had been looking for. Maybe this one. Thrawn reached for another mechanism that also resembled a standard joystick. Suddenly something shot out of the ship and enclosed his hand and lower arm like a second skin. Words in a language Han did not known filled the room, but he did not have to understand them, to know what they meant.
"Don't panic. These vessels are partly organic. "
"Sorry, but the part I should not worry about escaped my notice." The Chiss hissed and stared down at his arm, which now seemed to be part of the console. Damn! Nevertheless, Solo was right - panicking served no one. If the ship really was partially organic, it was only logical that it tried to connect on some level. Maybe…Thrawn closed his eyes, focused and fired.
"That's it! That's it! You've found it! But you could improve on your target shooting skills!"
"Patience, Solo. This is different from everything I have seen so far." Nevertheless, it did not take long until Thrawn had understood the system and destroyed the fighters.
…
…
"Lord Vader, a Waroom ship just jumped out of hyperspace." Piett stated, not showing the nervousness he felt.
"What is its status?"
"It is alone and drifts in space. Actually, it appears likes the pilot either does not know what to do, or simply lost control of the vessel. We have tried to establish communication, but without success. Shall we open fire? "
The ship was alone? Maybe this was a trap. Vader reached out with the force and soon found the reason for enemy ship's atypical behavior.
"Activate tractor beam, Admiral. Grand Admiral Thrawn seems to have succeeded in seizing the ship, though communications still denied their service."
Suddenly a noise fill the bridge.
"Sir, the Waarom ship has opened a communication channel. "
"On speaker, Lieutenant."
…
"... have you pushed now?"
"Well, THAT one. It stopped blinking. That's what you wanted, isn't it? "
"But now it blinks on the other side! So would you please be so kind and STOP pushing random buttons!"
"Oh come on, if we had done it your way, we would probably still be in Waroom space, Admiral! By the way, why didn't you use your time with the Waroom to pick up some useful words and phrases? That would have come in handy!"
"Solo, stop irritating me and go to your girlfriend before you get us both killed. Solo, I warn you, do NOT touch ... "
…
The transmission ended as abruptly as it had started and Piett could not help but grin.
"I will receive the Admiral and Captain Solo in the backboard hangar bay, Sir."
…
…
Finally!
"Admiral Piett, you have no idea how glad I am to see you." Piett saluted his superior, who repeated the gesture while passing.
"No, but I can imagine. If you allow me saying so, Sir, you look terrible." Thrawn gave a short laugh.
"Yes, I guess I do. Are you the commanding officer? "
"No, Sir. The Executor is currently under Lord Vader's command and he wishes a full status update."
"Did he say when?" Piett shook his head. "No, but he is not a patient man." Thrawn nodded. "I understand. I will retire to one of the guest quarters, take a shower and then be on my way to the bridge as soon as possible." He pointed to the ship behind him.
"General Solo and Princess Leia are still on board. The Princess is unconscious and requires immediate medical attention." He made a short pause. "Get Solo one of the guest quarters in the lower decks. I want him to help us to investigate this Waroom ship, as some of its functions are already familiar to him. Therefore, he will be granted restricted mobility, but he will be under constant surveillance, of course. Additionally, I want a linguist down here to decode the language."
"Yes, Sir. I will see to it…and welcome back."
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TBC
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A/N: I know this chapter is rather short, but the weather is just too nice to stay inside and write. I hope you liked it anyway.
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Reviews please! :)
