"Admiral, we'll be dropping out of hyperspace in twenty minutes," Thjion called from his post. Thrawn nodded in acknowledgment and glanced over at Captain Niriz who was nervously drumming the command board. While Thrawn had a great respect for the Captain, and while they had had many good times together in the past, he was in no mood for Niriz's nervous habits and wished longingly for Admiral Pellaeon's quiet nature. He was nervous about this upcoming battle, and he could tell that the crew was just as scared. Ever since Thjion had been healthy enough to walk around- albeit, with the aid of crutches- he had been drilling him on the Vagarri fleet. He needed to know what kind of weapons they were using, what any common tactics were, and the such. What he would have liked was a piece of their artwork, but that was strictly out of the question. In fact, as far as he knew, they were an artless culture. From what he could see, they had not changed much, but their numbers could have increased and there was the chance that they would be outnumbered.
"Are you ready for this Thjion?" he asked his brother, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Thjion shrugged as he continued to watch the monitor.
"I'm never ready for battle of course. But it's as good as it's going to get," he answered. That was the cheater answer. "I'm glad that I'm serving with you though. I trust that you'll make it through this. You beat them before with even less luck on your side. If we're lucky we'll have the rest of the DF with us plus a fair number of Imperial ships. You're smarter than you were then, don't worry about it." Thrawn smiled. While his brother had a point, he could not help feel like the new commander he had been last time. He had been limited in his knowledge and had relied mostly on theory and a bit of creativity. It had been a hard fight at the time. Sure he was better armed, but the haunting memories of decades ago still plagued him. Then there was what would happen afterwards. Thjion was insistent about returning to Csilla and there was little chance the Chiss would just let them leave. If they survived this battle, they would have an entirely new one ahead of them that would be even more difficult.
"I hope you're right che'chi," he murmured. Thjion mildly blushed at the affectionate term. He was not used to being called that.
"Since when was I your heart?" Thjion whispered back, afraid to let the other crewers hear.
"Since I got the blood tests back and realized who you are," Thrawn answered. "So do you really think we will be welcomed back?" he asked. Thjion shrugged again.
"I don't know anymore. I would like to think that they will be able to see our reason, but it's doubtful. Does it matter though?" Thjion questioned.
"No, no it doesn't. Either way, we are bound to help our family, and we will not turn our backs on them. Five seconds..." Thrawn noticed the chromometer. Thjion counted down the seconds then pulled the lever, jerking the ship back into real space.
The sight before them was unlike anything Thrawn had imagined. The Vagarri fleet had tripled in size since he last saw it, and their ships appeared even more ferocious. He could tell from the lumpy appearance of the vessels, that they were still using prisoner shields. That would make it hard for most beings to attack, but thanks to Palpatine's propaganda, their fighters would barely blink an eye. The same could not be said for the Chiss fleet. Apparently, whoever was in command was sympathetic for the prisoners and rather naive as most experienced officers recognized that half of the beings were already dead. The Chiss, once a mighty military power, were barely holding their own in this fight.
"Orders Admiral?" Captain Niriz asked from his side. Thrawn felt the familiar wave of command flow through him, something that he had not had before. These people were loyal to him, not to a silly code, and they would fight to the end. Plus, he was more experienced now and had defeated this nemesis before.
"Send ten squads of TIE's to aid the Chiss Fleet. Those fighters are rather nasty. Tell them to remember, if it's silver, do not shoot it! The rest are to aid us in an attack against the main fleet. Start at the head and work backwards. Oh, and if the Chiss try to hail us, send back the message 'YRG.' They'll understand it," he directed. The TIE's were launched and the fleet charged forward. The next half hour was a frenze of cannon fire, near hits, and deadly explosions. The Empire lost one Star Destroyer and three minor ships along with a number of TIE's, but with the aid of the newly empowered, Defense Force, the Vagarri were finally destroyed. It had been a merciless battle; no prisoners were taken.
However, a victory was not the only thing this battle provided for Thrawn. It had been a joy to watch Thjion take command of the Bridge. Where he had once been a shy child, he was becoming a decisive leader. Perhaps someday, he would prove to be a valuable part of the Empire. First they had to survive this journey and the hard part was not over. The Empire was given only a few moments of solace to collect themselves when the Chiss Fleet hailed a second time. Captain Niriz, who was supposed to be the first point of contact, was forced to relinquish that job to Thjion as he had no hope of learning Cheuhn.
"The battle is over, identify yourselves," the image demanded. Thrawn studied the flickering figure. He appeared to be the Commander, but looked too young. He had to be not more than twenty which was highly unusual... though not unheard of. His voice also wavered as he spoke, meaning that he was still new to the leadership world. The Ascendency must have been hurting in order for this man to reach such a position.
"We are representatives of the Galactic Empire, come to aid in your battle against the Far Outsiders," Thjion reported. Thrawn had made it clear to him that he was not to give their personal identities away unless requested.
"The Galactic Empire? From the Core Worlds? You were not contacted about our troubles. How were you informed?" he asked. Well, there was no hiding this now. Thrawn inwardly cursed the commander for not blindly accepting the help.
"Sir, I am a former officer of the Defense Fleet. I asked the Empire to help us in order to protect my family and people," Thjion admitted. The Chiss Commander appeared shocked, though the humans on board would have never seen the difference.
"What is your name?" he asked tersely.
"I am Lieutenant Mitth'jio'nuruodo." The officer ordered someone to the side to check the name and only a minute later was handed several datacards.
"Lietenant, you are charged as a deserter and are to be arrested and tried in a court of law. Surrender yourself," he ordered sternly. Thjion went to protest, but Thrawn forced him aside.
"Actually Commander, he is not allowed to do that. He is under the protection of the Galactic Empire and the New Republic and any attempts to seize him will be taken as an act of aggression. Now, Commander... what is your name?" he asked, realizing that the introductions had remained rather one-sided.
"I am Commander Tryt'ren'nuruodo, and you would be?" he inquired.
"I am the head of this fleet and the Empire. My name is not important yet. Now, I would like to speak with your House leader. Is that possible?" he continued. He was not so eager to reveal that he was an exiled person just yet.
"I'm afraid that all communications to Csilla are down at present. I do carry the jurisdiction to handle diplomatic issues off-world," Ytrenn told him with an air of importance. Thrawn chuckled slightly at his ignorance.
"Wonderful, then you may grant us diplomatic immunity once we reach Csilla?" he presumed.
"Naturally, but I assure you that we are a peaceful people, and that the Empire's... claims to the Lieutenant will be observed in the immediate future." Thrawn resisted the urge to laugh again. It had been a stressful two weeks, and playing with this child was too amusing.
"Well I an afraid Commander that the situation is a bit more complicated than you know. In order to discuss matters of this officer's protecton and guilt, as well as a potential alliance, I am required to meet with the House Representatives. However, I am not welcome to Csilla at present, so I require your diplomatic immunity," Thrawn explained vaguely. A more experienced officer would have perhaps asked the nature of his restrictions, but Ytrenn was too new and inexperienced that he blindly promised the fleet immunity.
"If you will follow us, Sir, we shall guide you to the Capitol."
"We are much obliged." The line fell silent and the Empire followed the Chiss fleet in as was proper protocol. Both Thrawn and Thjion felt their insides melt at the site of their homeworld. The ice above the city sparkled with the lights of civilization below its surface. For Thjion, it was a sign that he had achieved his mission and would perhaps be able to see him family again. For Thrawn, it was seeing his home for the first time in nearly thirty years. He'd accepted the fact that he would never return, and now he was back. Their excitement only increased as they boarded a shuttle to bring them down to the surface. Thrawn had denied the Stormtrooper attachment. While the Chiss might not be fond of him, they would not risk starting a war with the Empire now.
Thjion remembered his last ride down the surface. He had been filled with anxiety then too, but this time, it was a pleasant kind of anxiety. He would not be arrested, and would be able to see his family again. Sure, there was the nervousness of his potential trial, but that paled in comparison. He jumped up as soon as the ship landed and smoothed his uniform. He double checked that he was no longer wearing Thrawn's old ranks and impatiently waited for the ramp to lower. Thrawn placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. The ramp lowered painstakingly slow for both of them, but eventually their greeting commitee was visable. Ytrenn was visible in the front and there were several other lower ranking officers behind him. Thrawn lead the way off the ship with Thjion walking at a respectful distance behind him.
"Greetings Commander..." Ytrenn began, searching for a name. Thrawn got that mischevious look that Thjion had come to be familiar with over the last few months. It was the look he got when he toyed with Pallaeon.
"Thrawn, Mith'raw'nuruodo."
A/N: BUM BUM BUMMMM... cliffie. Sorry this took so long. I have been just unmotivated. I don't know. Just bear with me. Hope you liked this. Looking forward to the next chapter! It's fun. So, yeah. Read and Review!