Grand Admiral Thrawn waited.
He waited for any news.
News in regards to the no doubt ongoing battle on the Death Star.
News about repairs on the Chimaera.
News about Pryce's health.
At this point, Thrawn desired any news, rather than the troubling silence he was currently in.
The crew of the Chimaera were working with efficiency, repairing what systems they could in the wake of the attack by the Ghost. If the Star Destroyer was not back up and running by the time he needed it to be, there would be no escape.
No doubt Tano intended to destroy the station, and with a kyber crystal the size of an imperial walker on the station, Thrawn was no doubt sure that the resulting explosion would be catastrophic for any nearby ships.
And Chimaera was currently immobile next to the station.
Sighing to himself, Thrawn brought his hand up to his face, rubbing his forehead gently. The Chiss felt a headache coming on. Rarely would he call himself stressed, but the events of today, and the last few weeks had clearly had a detrimental effect on his health. He had barely slept worrying about what the station was.
And now that he knew, he could not rest easily. The power to destroy planets, to eradicate civilizations was not something he could ever be comfortable with. Even his arch nemesis would never deserve such a thing.
"Grand Admiral, I have good news." A voice came from behind the Chiss, who immediately reassumed his 'Grand Admiral' demeanour.
Turning around, Thrawn nodded to the officer that approached, gesturing for him to continue.
"Work on the Chimaera continues, but we have managed to re-establish communications outside the ship. In fact, we are currently being hailed by the Eviscerator."
'Finally, some good news.' Thrawn thought as the officer delivered the report. Communications being back up would allow him to catch up on what had happened in his absence.
But why was Admiral Versio contacting him?
"Put the Eviscerator through officer." Thrawn replied, moving towards the terminal that operated the communication channels.
The officer by said terminal touched a few icons on the display, connecting the channel.
Seconds later, Garrick Versio's voice came through the link.
"Grand Admiral, is everything ok? I witnessed the fight from here. What is the status of the Chimaera?"
Thrawn nearly rolled his eyes. He doubted that Versio was being genuine. Someone who was privy to such important and secret information probably had something to hide.
But what?
"Admiral Versio, Chimaera took heavy damage. The majority of our systems are offline, but the hull remains intact. We have only just repaired the communications systems, and are hard at work repairing the engines and the hyperdrive. What is the situation like on the battle station?" Thrawn spoke, keeping his voice steady as to not give anything away.
Versio's reply was instantaneous.
"Grand Moff Tarkin is holding off against a small band of rebel fighters, led by the Jedi that killed Lord Vader. I've sent a detachment of Deathtroopers to assist in the defence of the station, though Tarkin insists he does not need the support."
Thrawn nearly sighed audibly. Tarkin was as arrogant as ever.
"Ahsoka Tano is no Jedi Admiral, we must be cautious. Has Rax sent any additional aid?" Thrawn inquired.
"No Grand Admiral. In fact, I received orders from the Emperor to flee the system. Apparently both Rax and I are to continue work on Operation Cinder, whilst he and Tarkin deal with the intruders."
Now that was suspicious. Why would the Emperor send away two of the best Admirals from the battle. Surely the defence of this station was a priority.
Unless Operation Cinder was something even more secret.
Still, Thrawn wouldn't argue. The less support for the battle station meant that Tano and her allies would have an easier time destroying it.
Thrawn just had to make sure he and the Chimaera escaped in time.
"Understood Admiral Versio, I won't keep you any longer." Thrawn finished.
"Thank you Grand Admiral. I wish you the best."
And with that, Versio cut the comm link. No doubt the Eviscerator would leave the system shortly.
Thrawn was about to move away from the communication console, when another signal began to come through.
"Sir, that transmission is coming from an imperial shuttle, specifically Director Krennic's." The officer at the terminal spoke, confusion in his voice.
Thrawn too was concerned. Krennic was dead, so it couldn't be him.
So who could it be?
"Put it through officer." Thrawn answered, waiting to see if he recognized the voice.
He did, and Thrawn very nearly jumped for joy.
"Grand Admiral Thrawn, do you read me? Thrawn, are you there?" Colonel Yularen's voice boomed through the comm link, reliving Thrawn of one of the pressures he had on himself. Yularen was still alive.
"Colonel, what happened? You disappeared for a while. I feared the worst." Thrawn spoke, keeping his voice level as to not betray any emotional concern.
"Had a run in with Commander Tano, but that's not important. I found out information about Operation Cinder. I request permission to dock on the Chimaera." Yularen replied. There was an uneasy edge to his tone, one that would worry most people.
Thrawn had long since learned that if Yularen was worried about something, then it was important.
"Your permission is granted Colonel. I'll meet you in the central hanger bay myself. We have much to discuss."
Ahead of them was yet another security door, and on the other side, if the schematics were right, was a cargo storage area.
And if the intel from Yularen was true, Tiber Saxon and his goons were waiting for them.
Suffice to say, Ahsoka was expecting a tough fight.
As was the rest of the team.
"Tiber is not as aggressive as his brother, but he is certainly more creative. We should expect the unexpected." Fenn Rau informed the team as they approached the door. Right now, they needed any advice they could get.
Especially since they were no down more people, both from the casualties taken, and Zeb and Kallus remaining behind the defend Custos and her pack.
"We'll handle it." Tristan spoke out with confidence, gripping his blaster in his hands.
Glancing around, Ahsoka spotted Sabine. The Mandalorian had taken a nasty hit when her jetpack had been destroyed, but she was adamant that she could still fight. And Ahsoka was inclined to believe her. Sabine was a warrior at heart, admittedly with an artistic mind.
That didn't stop Ezra from fussing over her though.
"Are you sure you are ok to fight Sabine? You can sit this one out if you want."
Ahsoka imagined that behind her helmet, Sabine was rolling her eyes in despair.
"Yes Ezra I'm fine. Stop worrying so much. I'll get enough of it from Hera when we get back as it is. Besides, I'm not missing out on the opportunity to bury Saxon." Sabine replied to Ezra's concern, brushing off the hand the young Jedi had placed on her shoulder.
"Fine, fine. But don't say I didn't warn you." Ezra replied, his voice joking, but still with evident concern.
Shifting her attention back to the door, Ahsoka spotted Gregor moving towards the control panel, beginning the hacking process to open the door.
By now, Ahsoka had expected that the imperials would have found a way to stop them hacking into the system, but either they apparently hadn't, or were not prepared for such a thing to happen.
'Or Sidious is letting us get this far.' Ahsoka thought to herself. She didn't know which a more terrifying possibility was.
"I sense movement in the force. Enemies wait for us in the next room." Quinlan Vos' voice interrupted Ahsoka's train of thought, bringing her back to reality.
Vos' statement rang true, Delving into the force herself, Ahsoka could feel the movements in the next room. Several dozen individuals were waiting for them. No doubt Saxon and his men.
"Be ready for anything." Ahsoka spoke to her entire team, who all seemed to acknowledge in their own ways.
Then, the door opened.
Stepping through the threshold of the doorway, Ahsoka glanced around the large room.
Tall stacks of crates were present, lining up and forming what appeared to be maze. The room was spacious, with plenty of room to move around in.
"Saxon!" A quiet voice snarled next to her, one belonging to Fenn Rau.
Glancing forward, Ahsoka spotted a single figure, dressed in what appeared to be Stormtrooper armour, but with a jetpack attached, one that was clearly Mandalorian in design.
He stood alone, with no backup, and no weapon out. It was as if he was waiting for someone.
"Commander Ahsoka Tano, a pleasure to meet you at last." The figure spoke out, still not moving to attack in any form.
Glancing around the room again, Ahsoka began to move forward, her team flanking her.
"Governor Tiber Saxon I presume. I'm surprised you haven't shot us on sight yet." Ahsoka spoke. She was unsure exactly what game Saxon was playing. After all, she could sense the presence of his allies all around them.
"I may be a pragmatist willing to forgo some of our traditions Commander, but there is one I hold sacred. An all-out fight will solve nothing." Saxon responded, gesturing his hands to make his point.
Around them, Ahsoka felt movement.
"So what then? You just going to let us pass on by without a fight?" Ahsoka inquired. The longer she kept him talking, the more time she and the others had to plan.
"Of course not. I have no intention of letting you through here. The Emperor's station will not be destroyed today. I merely have an alternate solution, one that will not spill unnecessary blood."
Ahsoka listened. Mandalorians were known for certain customs, and she had a feeling she knew where this was going.
"I propose single combat. A one of one fight to the death. Winner takes all." Saxon spoke, his voice full of confidence.
Inwardly, Ahsoka smirked. Had he seriously just challenged her to a one on one duel? Mandalorians were dangerous, she would admit that. Her past experience fighting Pre Vizsla was testament to that.
But Saxon did not possess a darksaber.
"I accept." Ahsoka spoke in return, reaching for her lightsabers.
This should be an easy fight.
"NO! Not the two of us, but rather representatives from either side, chosen by their leader. The only catch, they must be Mandalorian." Saxon interrupted, his voice smug.
'Well kriff!' Ahsoka thought. She had clearly misread the situation. It was strange that Saxon was not going to fight himself. Most Mandalorians relished a fight, especially a one on one.
She could refuse of course, but then they would have to fight the whole army of supercommandos, and she didn't like those odds.
So that left her with a problem. She had to make another difficult choice.
She had three Mandalorians on her team. Sabine was already hurt, so she was a no go.
Rau was a leader, one that had been a warrior for many years. She had faith in his abilities.
But he too was hurt. The blaster bolt he had taken may have been shrugged off at the time, but the bruising that would come would no doubt impair his abilities slightly.
So that just left her with Tristan.
Tristan was an unknown to Ahsoka. She knew little about his abilities, or his skill in single combat.
But if he was anything like his sister, she was sure he would be fine.
"So Commander Tano, I will pick my champion first. Captain Hark, step forward." Saxon spoke again, his voice raising to call his subordinate.
The sound of a jetpack roaring hit Ahsoka's montrals, as an armoured figure flew up from behind the crates, descending to land next to Tiber Saxon. His armour was some sort of amalgamation of Mandalorian beskar, and Stormtrooper armour.
"Yes Governor. You summoned me?" The man called Hark responded with an accented voice.
"You shall be our representative in this single combat match. Do you accept?" Saxon continued, gesturing to the assembled rebels.
Hark glanced from Saxon to the rebels, and then back to Saxon.
"I do Governor. It will be an honour."
Tiber Saxon smiled viciously, before shifting his gaze back to Ahsoka, his eyes locking onto hers.
"Your turn Commander Tano. Pick your champion."
Ahsoka remained still, not saying anything. She was still unsure who to pick.
Rau or Tristan?
"I'll do it. I need to avenge my people." Fenn Rau spoke first stepping forward, as Ahsoka had expected him to. It was no secret that Rau wanted revenge for what happened to the Protectors of Concord Dawn. The atrocity had been caused by Tiber's now dead brother.
That concerned Ahsoka. What if Rau lost his focus because of the past? If his grief and desire for revenge got the better of him, then he would lose.
Plus, with him wounded, he was not the best choice.
"I volunteer as well Commander." Tristan Wren's voice spoke up next, despite the pleas of his sister behind him.
Taking a breath, Ahsoka made up her mind.
"I won't have you martyring yourself for your people Rau. Tristan, you're up."
Ahsoka would no doubt hear an earful of it later from both Rau and Sabine, but that mattered little now. She needed Tristan to do this.
She believed he could.
"I won't let you down Commander." Tristan replied, before stepping forward alongside Ahsoka.
Saxon watched the decision with a neutral face.
"Excellent, we can begin then. Please step forward Tristan Wren. Join Captain Hark in the middle."
Tristan did as he was told, stepping forward into the centre of the room.
Hark moved to face him on the opposite side, the two warriors facing one another.
Saxon then moved, walking up in between the two combatants, and producing two long silver blades from sheathes. They were not quite swords, but they were clearly daggers for fighting.
"This battle shall focus on the user's skill with a Beskad blade. No blasters, no explosives, no technology whatsoever. Only the body and the blade. Do you understand?" Saxon spoke to the two duellists, offering each a Beskad blade.
Both Tristan and Hark accepted the blades, nodding in understanding.
"Excellent. Single combat begins on the count of three." Saxon spoke, moving back a safe distance from the fight, and returning to his previous position opposite Ahsoka and her team.
"One."
Ahsoka glanced at Tristan to see him limbering up for the fight.
"Two."
"Kick his arse Mandalorian friend!" Hondo boomed out from behind her, making Ahsoka cringe at the shout.
Saxon paused, whether for dramatic effect or some other reason, Ahsoka did not know. All she could do was wait with baited breath.
"Three!"
Hark charged first.
Author's thoughts
So, a somewhat short chapter this time round. Sorry about that. Hopefully it sets the stage for the next chapter well though. Hope you Mando lovers like it.
Anyway, happy new year to everyone. Let's see if 2018 is as full of poodoo as 2017 was.
Now, I wanted to give you all a brief update of where things stand with this story at the moment. As it stands, I am about four chapters ahead, and from the feel of the story I think I only have about five or six more chapters to go. That means that this story should come to a close around chapter 45, give or take. Nearly there now folks. Hope you like. :)
As for this chapter, hopefully it answers a few questions of yours that have been going around, particularly the ones reloving around Rax and Versio's role. As of this chapter, they are both away from the conflict, and thus survive this story. That being said, the Operation Cinder stuff will come up in the one shots, so that plot line will be answered.
Also, as a fun fact, the set up for the duel in the first outline of this story was very different. In the original draft, Tristan Wren didn't join the mission, and the fight in the next chapter was between Ahsoka with her lightsabers, and Saxon with a lightwhip he acquired from somewhere. I changed it when Tristan joined, both to give him a moment to shine, as well as give Ahsoka a bit of a rest. And let's face it, Ahsoka vs. Saxon would be a but unfair wouldn't it? Saxon would be demolished.
Oh, and for those that don't know/remember, Captain Hark is the Supercommando from 'Heroes of Mandalore' that runs away at the end. Hope you like his inclusion here.
Anyway, next time round, it's Mando on Mando violence. Who will win?
As normal, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:
TerminatorJedi1995: Thanks for the head up regarding name change. Confusion avoided. :)
I'm glad you liked the chapter. Hopefully this one answers your Yularen question.
And you'll have to see whether your predictions are true or not.
Maliwan: Glad you approve of Yularen's part in the chapter. Who will fall next indeed, that is the question?
echo009: Thanks, glad you are enjoying my story. Hope you liked this chapter. :)
jamese765: Yularen has made the right choice, unlike in canon.
Mysterious guest number one: I'm glad you liked the reunion. It was originally a lot darker, with Ahsoka almost torturing Yularen. I decided to lighten it a bit, especially considering last chapter.
SLE's fave guest: Yeah, after Wolffe it would be a bit overkill to off Yularen too.
I'm glad Rex's words have helped a bit. Still, Wolffe will not be forgotten. Wolffe and Plo Koon are the best clone/jedi partnership indeed, considering Anakin goes Vader and thus betrays Rex, and Cody doesn't get his chip out and thus betrays Obi-Wan.
Zeb and Kallus are certainly not safe. They have to hold out against imperial reinforcements until Hera and the Ghost arrives.
And as much as I want to quote a certain golden/silver armoured Sangheili (I think he said it first), I won't.
(Tries not to say it)
Ah to hell with it!
"Were it so easy."
Cranky Paws: No joining the team for Yularen this time around, but he did make the right choice this time around.
I'm not honestly sure when Sidious created Operation Cinder, by for the sake of this AU, let's say its been around for a while.
It's funny, I can't bring myself to ever say Vader redeemed himself, especially after his encounter with Ahsoka. As far as I'm concerned, he is irredeemable. That being said, my favourite fictional charatcer of all time has done much worse than Vader, and his entire story arc is one of redemption as well, but I consider him fully redeemed. Hypocrisy much?
Travis Middleton: Glad you liked the reunion in this chapter. It's something I have very rarely, if ever seen. I want Yularen meeting Ahsoka or Rex in rebels!
As for your questions:
1. Hopefully this chapter answers where Rax is now.
2. At the moment, the team is unaware of the synthetic crystal. They have been too busy fighting and trying to survive to really sense it. Plus, Sidious' presence in the force is probably clouding everything.
Chiara Polairix Edelstein: I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Happy new year to you as well. :)
Mogor: Yularen gets to live for now, despite my original plan to have Rex kill him. Hopefully the team can handle Saxon and his men, guess you'll find out next time. Happy new year as well. :)
FossilQueen1984: You are welcome for the breather chapter. If I killed someone every chapter, the team would not exist by now.
Yularen did do the right thing, unlike his canon counterpart.