A/N:

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** Chapter 11 - The Future of the Chiss Ascendancy**

Vader was intrigued, the Grand Admiral had given his report in an effective, logical and orderly fashion and while he had showed no sign of disrespect, he also did not appear to fear the Sith. The air of confidence that the Chiss seemed to carry like a second skin, was surely a rare sight in his subordinates and the Dark Lord was not sure just how comfortable he was with it. But then again the time to test his inexpressive attitude had come.

"During your absence, the Empire's finest scientists have tried to develop a biotoxin against the biological parts of the Waroom ships. Unfortunately, their success has been limited. The ship which you have captured might prove a useful test-object for them. Nevertheless, I am certain you can do more than that."

Vader plugged a data stick into the console and a few moments later it began generating a holographic display of schematics in a well-known language.

"The Empire has been informed that the Chiss had the same idea, only some years earlier. Apparently they finished their toxin just in time. It is called `Alpha Red´. "

An alien DNA structure was projected on screen now. Suddenly a pink polymerase appeared, flew over the DNA-template, read it and consequently rewrote the DNA into another nucleic acid format. "Apparently it breaks down their living tissue on the cellular level." Vader pointed to the polymerase.

"We have been in contact with Csilla ever since, but the government refuses to sell the toxin or the formula needed to create it. They categorize `Alpha Red´ as an `incomplete and instable biological weapon´ and are afraid that their help my direct the Waroom's wrath upon them. Our people, however, assure me that `Alpha Red´ has been successfully tested and is read to use."

Thrawn eyes narrowed in concentration, hands folded together, he contemplated the next step. "I see. This is typical for the Chiss. They… try to avoid provocation, even if evidence suggests a different course of action…The loss of human life will not burden their conscience much either, I'm afraid."

The glimpse of a smile appeared on his face. "The Chiss are in no way inferior to humans when it comes to alien-phobia and narcissism. No, ruling families will never give you `Alpha Red´ willingly."

The screen went black and Vader's eyes seemed to pierce the Admiral.

"Tell me, Admiral, why was the Chiss Ascendancy never integrated in the Empire?"

"Because it would be more of a hassle than it would be beneficial." Thrawn said. "The Chiss would never accept foreign occupation and government. It would be a never ending struggle with a second Rebellion in the Unknown Territories as a possible outcome. We do not have to fear them, due to their long pacifistic tradition and with time they can no longer afford to ignore the Imperial presence and its growing influence. It will start with simple trade agreements and end with a proper Imperial embassy. To force ourselves upon them would be counter-productive. "

"Nevertheless, is the Chiss Ascendancy no the greatest power in the Unknown Regions? And is their fleet, however small it may be, not our equal in parts? Does that not classify them as a potential enemy? Or as a possible alley for the Rebel Alliance in case Csilla feels threatened by the growing Imperial presence?"

Thrawn knew where this conversation was heading and he did not like it one bit. "Possibly."

"Grand Admiral Thrawn, you have proven your worth to the Empire on several occasions and therefore I chose not to intervene with your Chiss policy, but if your people deny their help in this crises, I swear I will personally transform their little region of space into another Imperial sector."

Thrawn appeared to be unmoved by the Sith's words, but was not. Csilla was his home. The planet and its colonies which he had sworn to protect with his life…but now he worked for the Empire. He had always known that sooner or later his past would catch up with him and that the Chiss would have to change in order to prevail, however he had somehow hoped that he would not have to play an active part in this change.

"If Csilla were part of the Empire, we would not face this problem now, Admiral. Only the stars know how many creatures will die, because of the choices you made."

Silence filled the room. "Because of you, our contacts to Csilla are virtually non-existing. Hardly anyone speaks their language or understand how they work. Except you, of course and therefore you will get me `Alpha-Red ´. Think of it as compensation for previous neglect. The future of the Chiss Ascendancy is in your hands, Admiral."

TBC

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