Chapter 25: Battle of Minds
Within Ruin, Braga stood inside the communications room speaking with Ventress since she stayed behind to watch over Zygerria as well as its change with her daughters. While Ventress was on Zygerria, Zero left to personally oversee the conquest of the Outer Rim while implementing Braga's past strategy against Imperial forces. Suddenly a holographic figure of Ezra appeared beside Ventress gaining Braga's attention.
"Braga. I need your help...I want to take Lothal back," Ezra pleaded in which Braga turned to Ventress then back at the young padawan.
"Did you find someone of power to speak for the people?" Braga questioned seeing Ezra nod his head.
Beside Ezra appeared an older Lothalite making Braga narrow his eyes.
"Do you speak for the people of Lothal?" Braga asked tilting his head. "Former Governor Ryder Azadi?"
"Yes. I lead a rebel cell on Lothal to fight against the Empire that made themselves right at home," Ryder answered.
"So Erza has told you of my condition?" Braga asked looking at the padawan then back at Ryder.
"Yes. Although I do not have an official title, I do speak and fight for the people," Ryder answered earning a nod from Braga.
"Sister Ventress, we shall discuss more of Zygerria more later," Braga spoke looking at the Dathomirian who nodded her head and faded away allowing the Forerunner to turn and face Ryder. "The Imperial presence of Lothal...how strong is it?"
"Very strong. Due to the rebel cell here...they placed a large blockade over Lothal as well as a military base and airfield," Ryder spoke earning a nod from Braga.
"Then I shall recall my armada to make our way to Lothal as soon as possible," Braga spoke looking to Bridger. "Until then I suggest you wait patiently...I know I am asking much but rarely do I go back on my word,"
Ezra nodded his head along with Ryder before the two faded away making Braga sigh heavily.
"Omega. Recall two hundred Reapers to gather by Ruin. This size should be more than enough to retake Lothal," Braga spoke looking forward as the communications shifted into the war room. "Send a thousand Wisps to scout the planet and its space,"
-Lothal-
Ruin appeared away from Ezra's home world followed by two hundred Reapers around the super dreadnought. As they arrived, Braga would be standing in the middle of the war room with a holographic image of Lothal as well as the Imperial blockade in front of it. The blockade consisted of seven Star Destroyers, nine Cruisers, ten Corvettes, and twenty Frigates bringing the total to forty-six starships. Something about this battle made him feel uneasy before he narrowed his eyes calling Erza once more which took only a few seconds for him to respond.
"Braga. Are you here at the Lothal System?" Ezra asked with a smile.
"Yes. Tell me...this is not your first attempt to liberate Lothal is it?" Braga asked looking at Ezra.
"...the Rebellion tried but we failed..." Ezra answered looking at the ground.
"How did you fail?" Braga asked tilting his head.
"...Grand Admiral Thrawn was in charge..." Ezra answered looking up at Braga.
"Is he present now?" Braga asked.
"No. We were told he was called off-world by the Emperor himself to discuss military matters in person," Ezra said earning a slight nod from Braga.
"...then there is very little to worry about in the means of strategy and warfare," Braga said looking off into the distance. "I brought two-hundred Reapers to deal with the blockade as well as assist the liberation of Lothal,"
"What can we do?" Ezra asked with a wide smile at this news.
"Prepare and wait for my signal. Once the signal is given, no matter how many storm troopers or vehicles they have, the armada of Silence and Power will eliminate them," Braga spoke nodding his head. "I will see you on planet side once I have dealt with the blockade,"
Ryder and Ezra nodded their heads as their forms fade away allowing Braga to look back at the holographic image of the enemy fleet.
"Split the armada in half. One hundred Reapers will be focused on dealing with the Imperial blockade while the remainder shall handle the ground forces and bases," Braga started while bringing his arms to his sides.
Braga watched as One hundred Reapers started to descend toward planet side while the remainder stayed behind earning a nod from the Forerunner.
"Ninety-five Reapers will release their Revenants while the remaining five shall send nothing but Wisps to disrupt their scanners and communications," Braga continued watching as the Revenants swarmed the blockade allowing the wisps to sneak up to the Imperial vessels and activate their jammers.
With the Imperial fleet in chaos, the Reapers moved in and marked their targets before opening fire on the ships. It took only mere seconds before the Imperial fleets were wiped out allowing the Reapers to station themselves over the planet while activating their activate camouflage. Seeing that the blockade was dealt with, Braga checked his Reapers as well as their Revenants before nodding his head and contacting Ezra. It took no more than a second before Ezra answered his call allowing his holographic form to take shape and look at Braga.
"Is it time?" Ezra asked gripping his hands into fists.
"Almost. For now, gather your team to meet me upon Ruin. Here we shall discuss our next course of action," Braga answered earning a nod from the padawan. "Then I shall await your arrival,"
Ezra nodded his head as his holographic form faded away allowing Braga to sigh and unfold his arms. It took half an hour for Hera to bring her team together before being lead into the war room by a single Wisp. Braga turned his attention toward the group and noticed one of them was missing. The Forerunner simply looked at the Twi'lek seeing the pain in her eyes, although faint and as such simply chose not to ask about the Jedi Knight.
"I have one hundred Reapers awaiting orders on the surface of Lothal. My armada will keep the Empire occupied while you and your people attack from behind," Braga pointed out swaying his hand creating a holographic image of the event to be.
"What about the people of Lothal? Won't they get caught in the crossfire?" Ezra asked looking at the holographic images before turning his attention to the Forerunner.
"I have taken to account of the people of Lothal, and I can assure you no harm shall befall them. My armada shall make sure of it," Braga ensured with his arms crossed.
"How are you so sure?" Ezra asked narrowing his eyes.
"I have fought thousands of battles, Ezra Bridger. Some in which I am not proud of...but in almost every battle I have won without fail. The only way this will become unpredictable is if they have a commander capable of thinking like their opponent. From what I have experienced in this galaxy...so far none have done so," Braga spoke while narrowing his eyes. "But this Thrawn seems to be one of the rare few that think that way...as such I have provided a countermeasure if he were to return,"
"You certainly are a careful one," Hera commented.
"Prepare for the unexpected," Braga whispered glancing at Hera before turning his attention back to the map. "My Revenants will deal with any imperial forces within the city...after that...they will begin the assault on the enemy base. You have two parts to choose from Ezra to partake in...evacuate the civilians or assist in taking the Imperial Base,"
Ezra looked at the ground in thought before facing Braga once more.
"We will assist in the evacuation of the civilians. Ezra, Zeb, and Sabine will attack the Empire from behind," Hera spoke out before facing the padawan and nodding her head.
"Thank you," Ezra said with a smile.
"Now let's free Lothal," Hera said looking at Braga.
Braga nodded his head as the team turned and left the room to make their way back to their ship. As they exited, Braga could not help but narrow his eyes at the armada he left outside.
"Have one hundred more Reapers rally and be on standby as reinforcement," Braga commanded before looking back at the holographic map of the Imperial base. "I have a feeling Thrawn will be returning to Lothal in due time,"
-Lothal: Planet side-
Using a single Wisp, it used its warp ability allowing Braga to appear right in front of the Imperial base with his arms crossed. The Forerunner stood there waiting as he was surrounded by the enemy from all sides. Unlike before, they took one look at him and immediately began to open fire on his form. As soon as the imperial army opened fire on Braga, Revenants began to appear over their forms and gun them down from above before flying about the city shooting down any who wore an imperial uniform excluding cadets. Once the city was cleared, Braga unfolded his arms and raised his right arm charging his ion beam cannon before firing it up into the sky giving Ezra and his friends the signal to start moving in on the base from behind.
While Braga walked toward the Imperial base, his eyes scanned the ground of dead stormtroopers making sure not to step on their bodies.
"Use the Wisps to collect the Imperial official corpses and take them outside the city. Although they are our enemies they still deserve our respect. Soldiers that were merely following orders...even to the end," Braga commented as he continued his way toward the Imperial base.
Upon reaching the Imperial base, he looked up seeing TIE fighters as well as AT-AT's trying to fight the swarm of Revenants slaughtering the Stormtroopers. The TIE fighters were being dealt with, but the AT-AT's heavy armor and shielding proved difficult until an ion beam cannon passed over Braga and slammed into the heavy vehicle disintegrating it in mere seconds.
"Keep focus outside of the base. All Reapers are to prevent any fighters from crashing into the city," Braga continued to command while stopping at the front of the base.
As the Revenants were dealing with the infantry and fighters, the Reapers kept their focus on any heavy turrets or vehicles that may pose a threat to the armada. It did not take long before the remaining stormtroopers dropped their weapons on the ground in a means to surrender with Ezra, Sabine, and Zeb walking out of the base smiling. In front of the Padawan walked a tall woman in which Braga raised a brow in thought.
"Governor Arihnda Pryce," Braga spoke narrowing his eyes at the female imperial official.
"Braga of Silence and Power...what a surprise to find you here helping rebels," Pryce commented with an annoyed look.
"If you want to blame anyone...blame your Emperor. He is the one who made an enemy of the Night and brought upon its wrath," Braga pointed out before looking at Ezra.
"Lothal is free Braga...how can we ever thank you?" Ezra asked with a soft chuckle.
"We are not done yet," Braga spoke turning his attention back up to space.
"What do you mean?" Sabine asked with a confused look.
"...I thought as much," Braga whispered before turning his attention back to Ezra and Sabine. "Grand Admiral Thrawn has returned,"
"So he's finally returned," Governor Arihnda Pryce said with a smirk.
"I must return to Ruin. Have your friends round up the stormtroopers that have surrendered. I will leave a single Reaper to make sure none of them try anything foolish," Braga spoke turning his back to Ezra and walking away only to fade in an orange flash of light.
"...he sure knows how to make an exit..." Sabine commented earning a laugh from Ezra.
-Ruin-
As Braga arrived in Ruins main room, it shifted to its communications function as he hailed the flagship that arrived from the hyperjump. It did not take long before Thrawn answered it with a holographic screen appearing in front of the Forerunner. A smile grew over Thrawns lips before he placed his hands behind his back chuckling lightly.
"You must be Braga of Silence and Power...my Emperor spoke much of you and your methods as well as tactics," Thrawn spoke earning a nod from the Forerunner.
"You heard much of me, but I have only heard of you today," Braga admitted earning an understanding nod from the Grand Admiral.
"I must apologize for such rudeness. My identity is only known by Imperial officials..." Thrawn spoke looking out at his ship. "...now...because I did not hear back from the blockade...I assumed it was you...and as such, I brought the main invasion fleet with permission from the Emperor himself,"
Braga narrowed his eyes before looking over his shoulder getting a notification that a mass of ships was coming out of hyperjump.
'Commander Braga. I am getting a hundred signatures coming out of hyperjump...and one I am not familiar with,' Omega notified causing Braga to face Thrawn once more.
"You see after three planets we owned were suddenly taken...we had an idea on who it was...after all you are the only one who had all three under your so-called wing of protection," Thrawn started as Braga closed his eyes.
"So I was right to mark you as a threat...one who thinks like their opponent...and more," Braga complimented before opening his eyes slightly.
"I thank you for the compliment, Braga, now will you reveal your fleet or will I have to force them out," Thrawn asked narrowing his eyes.
The Forerunner merely stayed silent causing Thrawn to sigh and nod his head in understanding.
"Very well. Have it your way," Thrawn spoke as a single heavy cruiser came out of hyperjump and made a mad charge toward the armada.
"Have a single Reaper intercept," Braga commanded while looking forward.
Once the Reaper was in a thousand meters of range, it was forced out of its active camouflage before it was shot down by the imperial vessels heavy turbo lasers. Braga could not help but narrow his eyes before sighing heavily nudging his head causing five Reapers to fly forward and immediately open fire on the ship. As soon as the ion beams touched the imperial heavy cruiser, instead of turning to ash and embers, it exploded releasing glimmering particles into space. The Forerunner merely watched before the particles touched one of the Reapers shutting down its active camouflage completely while forcing the other four to retreat.
"That's one," Thrawn commented. "Now time for the others,"
'Multiple hyperjumps...all around us,' Omega notified.
"You're not the only one who can make unexpected jumps now Braga," Thrawn said narrowing his eyes.
As multiple heavy cruisers slowly started to exit their hyperjumps.
"True...but I am the only one that knows how to counter them," Braga said as the heavy cruisers were cleaved in two caused by the very hyperplanes they created making Thrawn widen his eyes and look at his hidden fleet. "I will admit Thrawn you are as Ezra Bridger said you were...a dangerous enemy...but your tactics...are ones I have fought against before...and another thing to take into consideration Grand Admiral Thrawn...I haven't used even ten percent of the strategies I used in the wars I fought..."
"Then there is much to learn from our encounters Braga," Thrawn spoke before sighing. "Fire at the Reapers last known location but lower by ten degrees,"
The imperial fleet opened fire with their rounds connecting with not only a part of Braga's fleet that waited ,but also the remaining Reapers that went to intercept the heavy cruiser, being destroyed in the process. Even so, the Forerunner remained unmoved as he watched his ships were being destroyed one after another with every volley of blasters from the Imperial fleet.
"Release all Revenants and begin link possibilities," Braga whispered.
This allowed the remaining Reapers in space to release their Revenants and start to swarm after the imperial fleet. While they were busy trying to deal with the horde of Revenants, some broke off and started to activate their laser link system. It took them no more than two minutes before they started to rise from below one of the frigates cutting it to pieces while ignoring the shields completely. Thrawn saw this and narrowed his eyes.
"Have all ships aim at the enemy horde below themselves. The horde around our ships are merely distractions from the real threat," Thrawn commanded.
Braga watched as the imperial fleet all started to fire their remaining turrets down toward the Revenants cutting up imperial vessels.
"All Revenants prepare mass system link," Braga said narrowing his eyes.
On command, every single Revenant that was firing all stopped at the same time while still flying around.
"ALL SHIPS OPEN FIRE! DESTROY THE HORDE IMMEDIATELY!" Thrawn shouted realizing what was planned.
"Activate system link now," Braga spoke.
Once the command was given, every single Revenant linked up with their designated partner cutting down every Imperial ship apart leaving only Grand Admiral Thrawn's flagship.
"Now then Thrawn...shall we speak in person?" Braga asked narrowing his eyes.
Thrawn could not help but close his eyes and sigh heavily in defeat.
"I surrender," Thrawn spoke opening his eyes slightly.
"I await your arrival with you and whatever is left of your crew...if anyone tries to flee...keep in mind my Revenants are still around your Star Destroyer," Braga warned as he closed the screen.
"Are you sure it is wise to invite such man into Ruin?" Omega asked.
"...I aim to bring him to our side," Braga replied.
"Is he not loyal to the Empire?" Omega asked confused.
"We will find out when we see him face to face...when they arrive have all Wisps keep an eye on Thrawn's crew. If any would try to do anything...kill them," Braga spoke narrowing his eyes.
After a few minutes, Thrawn brought the Star Destroyer closer for them to connect and allow the Grand Admiral entry into the Dreadnought, Ruin. As soon as Thrawn entered Ruin, he, like many others, was greeted by a single Wisp which became his guide to lead him toward Braga's location. Once Thrawn entered the war room, his eyes slowly started to look around fascinated at the glowing orange linings. Thrawn soon turned his focus onto Braga seeing him for his real height as well as his presence alone giving him a slight chill on the back of his neck.
"I have questions about you Thrawn. Answer them honestly and I will let as well as your crew leave unharmed. Lie once...and you all die here," Braga pointed out earning a nod from the admiral.
"I understand," Thrawn spoke while nodding his head slowly.
"Are you loyal to the Empire?" Braga asked swaying his left hand causing a hard light chair to appear for the imperial admiral to sit down.
"I am loyal to the strongest military force of this galaxy," Thrawn answered.
"Yes, you are...but that does not answer my question Thrawn," Braga stated now narrowing his eyes. "Very well...why are you loyal only to the strongest military force in the galaxy?"
"...there is a threat larger than the Empire itself..."Thrawn started.
"More dangerous than the Empire? Explain," Braga spoke opening his eyes slightly.
"The Yuuzhan Vong are known to the Chiss and Ferroans as the Far Outsiders, and sometimes incorrectly abbreviated to Vong were a nomadic extra-galactic sentient species that nearly destroyed the New Republic and were responsible for the deaths of nearly three hundred trillion sentient beings during their invasion of the galaxy. The Yuuzhan Vong and their Chazrach slaves were among the few alien species known to originate outside the galaxy. A typical Yuuzhan Vong resembled a Human in form, though they were taller and heavier than the average Human and had less hair on their heads. The Yuuzhan Vong were religious zealots, who viewed mechanical technology as blasphemy. Their technological innovations were genetically engineered and purely organic. Additionally, the Yuuzhan Vong deeply respected pain to the point of masochism and strove to improve their physical capabilities through organ grafting. Such grafting was a status symbol within Yuuzhan Vong society," Thrawn explained while keeping his eyes on the Forerunner.
"...if what you say is true then the Empire is nothing compared to these...," Braga said looking at the ground in thought before looking at Thrawn once more. "Will you join the Night?"
"Join you? Am I not an enemy?" Thrawn asked with a raised brow.
"Your loyalty is to the strongest military in this galaxy. And to me...you...are the only one that is a threat to me and the Armada," Braga admitted.
"What of Emperor Palpatine?" Thrawn asked.
"I will answer your questions after my own are answered," Braga spoke up before a hard light chair appeared behind the Forerunner allowing him to sit down as well. "Have you fought the Yuuzhan Vong before?"
"No...but I have been preparing for their arrival alongside the Emperor," Thrawn said closing his eyes.
"How is Palpatine preparing for the Yuuzhan Vong?" Braga asked tilting his head slightly.
"Just as you see...getting credit in any shape or form as well as building ships for future use," Thrawn answered.
"And in your honest opinion...is the Empire strong enough to defeat the Armada of Silence and Power?" Braga asked narrowing his eyes.
Thrawn was silent for a few seconds before he let out a heavy sigh and shake his head.
"Due to your armadas flexibility, mobility, and technology...no...not even the Death Star can fight an enemy they cannot see. Even if they could...you have already made plans for such an event I presume," Thrawn explained while tilting his head.
"Why are you so certain?" Braga asked.
"From the reports of the Imperials, you let live from the Death Star. They told me your Armada came out of nowhere...like a ghost and brought silence faster than they could react," Thrawn said sighing. "I did what I could to fight against your Armada, but your tactics countered my own,"
"Never show your entire hand to those you are to fight...but show your trust to those who have earned it," Braga spoke before closing his eyes and standing up. "Which brings me back to my question, Thrawn...will you leave the Empire and join us?"
"Us?" Thrawn repeated.
"Your talents are wasted on the Empire," Braga commented.
"...what do I get in return?" Thrawn asked with a raised brow.
"You will be the armada's commander. Your role is to lead the Armada across the galaxy to unify it. Not only that but you will also gain access to lead constructor for our future fighters," Braga spoke causing Thrawn's eyes to widen slightly before closing his eyes and standing up.
"I have another condition..." Thrawn spoke while opening his eyes slightly. "I come from the planet Rentor...from the Unknown Region...if it were to ever come under attack...I will go to their aid...even if I am exiled,"
"...I agree to this condition," Braga spoke nodding his head. "Now you must agree to our condition,"
"I'm listening," Thrawn spoke with a faint smile.
"We are the eternal night that flows endlessly. We are the silence that roams with the fading light. We are the governing cloak of darkness that brings about unity. We are the inevitable end that cannot be outrun nor reasoned with. We are the shield that shelters those forsaken by the hope of freedom. This I speak...the creed of the Endless Night," Braga spoke while he had his head lowered and eyes closed.
"This is your creed? A force that has a limitless amount of power. A force that does not make itself known until needed. One that can overlap the Empires might like the setting sun and rising moon. One that cannot be negotiated from unless proven otherwise. And lastly, a force that protects those who cannot protect themselves," Thrawn explained while rubbing his chin slowly in the thought of the creed placed before him. "I accept,"
"Very well...now what of your crew?" Braga asked facing the direction of his Star Destroyer.
"Send them off...they have no use for me anymore," Thrawn answered.
"Very well," Braga spoke looking over to the ship and began to access its comms system allowing a holographic screen to appear before the Forerunner. "I am notifying the flagship of Thrawn. Out of respect for his tactics, I am allowing you all to leave and return to the Empire...next time you may not be so lucky,"
With that said Braga opened up a separate holo-screen to reveal the Star Destroyer to detach and flee the system before going into hyperjump.
"So...when do I begin?" Thrawn asked placing his hands behind his back.
"After my siblings accept you," Braga answered as he turned and swayed his hands outward causing the holo-screens to fade and allow two holographic figures to take shape.
On Braga's right formed Zero in his Warden body and to his opposite side stood Ventress with her hands placed together.
"These are my hands. To my right is my brother Zero and to my left is my sister Ventress," Braga introduced.
"Brother Braga. Who is this man?" Zero asked looking between the Forerunner then back at the Chiss.
"I am Thrawn," The Chiss introduced himself causing Ventress' eyes to narrow.
"Grand Admiral Thrawn. The brains of the empire," Ventress spoke raising her head slightly.
"You've heard of him, sister Ventress?" Zero asked looking at the Dathomirian.
"Yes. I am surprised though..." Ventress paused before looking at Braga. "Why is he still alive?"
"To have him join us," Braga answered.
"And what does he offer to this Armada?" Ventress asked making Braga face Thrawn now awaiting for the Chiss to answer for himself.
"I offer my knowledge and tactics," Thrawn spoke with a smile.
"Tactics?" Zero repeated while tilting his head. "Do you not already have such advantages, Brother Braga?" The AI asked now looking at the Forerunner.
"He has information that we did not have and something we must prepare for," Braga pointed out while looking at Zero. "...but if you doubt his tactics then why not challenge him,"
"Then I will do just that," Zero spoke facing Thrawn. "If he can defeat me then I will agree to allow him to join,"
"Then it is settled...you two shall battle in a means of tactics and strategy," Braga spoke crossing his arms now. "Each will have a fleet of their own a hundred Reapers. To make this fair, Thrawn will be debriefed about the sentinels as well as their equipment..."
"How long do I have before this battle of minds," Thrawn asked narrowing his eyes.
"...one hour," Ventress spoke with a smirk.
"Very well then," Thrawn spoke in which Braga raised his hand and opened up the database of all the sentinels excluding Ruin.
"We will leave you to it Thrawn. Do not disappoint us," Braga spoke as the database converged for the Chiss' convenience.
"Are you sure he can be trusted, Brother Braga?" Ventress whispered while leaning toward the Forerunner.
"I am not one to waste talent...you know this more than anyone Sister Ventress," Braga answered glancing at his sister before looking back at Thrawn. "Where he lacks in combat he makes up for it in tactics and strategy,"
"We will see about that," Ventress replied with a soft chuckle.
-Hour Later-
"Times up," Ventress spoke causing the data pad for Thrawn to fade away. "Are you ready Thrawn?"
"More than you think," Thrawn replied.
"Your battle will take place in the Unknown Region. There you will both be in command of your Reapers with one being your flagship. The rules are simple...defeat your opponent," Braga answered.
Thrawn nodded his head and exited the communications room making Braga sigh. "Brother Zero...do not underestimate him,"
Zero merely nodded his head before his holographic image faded away to take charge of his Reapers. Braga smirked and swayed his finger forward to open up a holographic image of both sides and their fleet of a hundred Reapers. Thrawn had one of his Reapers release all Revenants to not charge forward but rather fly upward away from the battle. A second later, another Reaper released all his Revenants and commanded them to fly downward. In total, Thrawn's fleet was short two thousand Revenants making Zero narrow his eyes and shadow his tactics before sending five thousand Revenants forward to begin assault on the Chiss' fleet. Instead of meeting the Revenants in battle, Thrawn's ships were commanded to open fire on any Revenants within range wiping out all five-thousand Revenants.
"Well played," Braga whispered.
With five thousand short, Thrawn sent his five-thousand Revenants, but they simply flew back. In a mere second, all five thousand Revenants that were sent out faded away before appearing over Zero revealing a handful of Wisps were mixed in with the Revenant swarm. Zero could not help but be in full defense before five Reapers from Thrawn also appeared but under Zero's fleet upside down and opening fire on the unsuspecting sentinels. The battle lasted only a mere five minutes before Zero's flagship was surrounded with his forces decimated. Ventress looked at this with wide eyes while Braga only smirked at this show of tactics.
"This battle goes to Thrawn. Now, return to Ruin," Braga commanded before he closed the holographic mapping. "Now do you understand?"
Ventress was left speechless before nodding her head slowly as they waited for Thrawn and Zero to return. It took them no longer than a minute before Thrawn and Zero walked into the room with his head hung low.
"Now that I have shown my worth...is there anything else I must do to prove myself?" Thrawn challenged now looking at Ventress who gritted her teeth.
"No. You have proven that you are more than capable of your tactics," Braga pointed out causing Thrawn to glance at the Forerunner and nod his head.
"I also agree...your tactics are unexpected, but you read your opponent's well. I lost...before we started," Zero admitted while looking at the ground.
"I also agree..." Ventress said closing her eyes.
"Now that I am a part of your armada...when can I begin the new construction of the sentinel fighters?" Thrawn asked with a smile.
"Immediately," Braga replied earning a faint nod. "Omega will show you the way,"
A single Wisp appeared in front of Thrawn before guiding him out of the communications room.
"Are you sure we can trust him, Brother Braga?" Zero asked looking at the door Thrawn left from.
"Yes. After all...our goals line up...although different," Braga replied while narrowing his eyes. "If he betrays us though...he knows full well...that we will kill him without hesitation,"
/To be continued...