Hiya, I'm back.
It's been some time, I hope you are still with me.
I'll try something new this time. I write this chapter in english in the
first place instead of translating it from my german text files like I did before.
I think it turned out well, but I am open to any suggestions.
AND * finally * I asked someone to be my Beta - what an improvement!
Just a warning: The mighty Emperor is one of the mains in this chapter.
I hope he's not written too badly out or character.
I'd be glad about reviews.
SilverWolf: Vader was my favorite SW character before I read Tim Zahn.
Again, thanks for the Beta-testing.
Disclaimer: I am not GL, not TZ, I am CJ and didn't create any of the
OT characs!
Just one last thing, don't get confused with this one. Like the title says
it is a flashback. The "Executor" was on its way to Fondor last chapter,
remember?
Now we'll find out why.
Here we go again:
AFTERMATH
From Caius Julius
Chapter 2: Flashback
If one were to name Zaarin's new course of action with only one word, it
would be 'destruction'. Ever since his attempt to capture and overthrow
the Emperor months ago, Zaarin had successfully attacked and destroyed
many of the TIE Defender facilities - stripping the Empire of its most
advanced fighter craft. By now, only a few squadrons of them were left
and even the TIE Advanced - bested only by the Defender - became less
available.
After Grand Admiral Thrawn's rescue from Zaarin's grasp, the renegade
once again concentrated on creating havoc and he succeeded only too
admirably.
With his forces scattered everywhere in an Outer Rim sector, he was able to
draw more and more attention to his actions, which was exactly what he
wanted.
The Empire already had to deal with the self-called 'Rebel Alliance'.
The Zaarin-crisis threatened to thwart Palpatine's plans to crush the
Rebellion. To send then-Admiral Thrawn to counter Zaarin had seemed
a good idea at the time and the Admiral surely stopped Zaarin's approach.
But then - after a series of victories - Thrawn had walked right into a
trap, rather foolishly so.
He had been rescued but the Emperor wondered if Thrawn had anything left
in store for Zaarin. Palpatine valued Thrawn's service, there was no doubt
of that, although he had to keep that quiet.
But if Zaarin had been successful at fooling Thrawn once - what proof was
there he wouldn't do it again?
Only Darth Vader knew of Palpatine's thoughts, he was one of the few who
knew how the Emperor really felt about his only non-human Grand Admiral.
It was very late when the Dark Lord received his master's call on his flagship,
the Super Star Destroyer "Executor". He went to his meditation chamber at once
and knelt obediently, his head bowing deeply.
As soon as he did so, the Emperor's life-sized holo appeared in front of him,
regarding his faithful servant with one of his slightly wicked smiles.
"What is thy bidding, my master?" Vader asked.
Palpatine stared at him.
"I guess you have heard about the recent events on Grand Admiral Thrawn's flagship,
Lord Vader?"
Vader nodded. "Captain Parck just informed the Admiralty that he is about to
return to a naval base due to the Grand Admiral's abduction. He is convinced this
move will fool the traitor onboard his ship. Also, he hopes to rescue Thrawn
within the next few days."
Palpatine's smile faded.
"I am sure he does - IF his assumptions concerning Zaarin are correct.
Anyway, I want you to monitor the situation, my loyal servant. The "Executor" is
too far off to interfere so you will have to let Captain Parck go to Orias on his
own. But once his mission is finished I have an assignment for you."
He paused as if considering. The Dark Lord remained silent.
"I assume," the Emperor finally continued, "that Parck will be successful.
But still, I want you to look for a new leader to command the counterattack
on Zaarin."
Vader was unable to frown, of course, but he lifted his head slightly in
irritation.
"A new leader? To replace Grand Admiral Thrawn? I am sure the Admiral will
need some time to recover - if he is rescued alive - but I don't think that
will be long enough to arrange a replacement."
"I was not thinking of a short-time replacement, Lord Vader, but a permanent one."
Palpatine replied.
Now he got Vader even more confused. But before he could say anything the Emperor
continued.
"I wonder if Thrawn is still the right person to command this fleet - having been
captured by the enemy. He was stunning and very successful before his capture
but will he be that efficient again? I don't think he can shrug this whole thing
off easily once he is out of sick bay. This matter is far too important, Lord
Vader. I cannot - must not let it get out of hands, not even for a few weeks.
My operation to crush the Rebellion has already begun. Zaarin must not interfere
with it. And he WILL, if there is a weak leader commanding our forces."
"Master," Vader began, trying to speak as obediently as possible,
"Surely you won't think of Grand Admiral Thrawn as weak? He always was anything but."
"Was, Vader, was. Can you guarantee he still is?" Palpatine said, but his voice
had lost the edge. Instead he was eying his servant carefully, smiling about his
attempts to stand up for the alien Admiral.
"But, well," he continued, "I put it into your able hands. As soon as Captain Parck
reports his mission completed - I know he will - you will meet with him to check on
Thrawn. See for yourself if he is still capable of leading our forces against Zaarin.
This renegade must be destroyed if my plans with the 'Alliance' are to succeed."
"I will do so, my master," Vader said, once again bowing.
"Of course you will." With this the Emperor's holo vanished and Darth Vader was once
again alone. He called the bridge and ordered the captain to keep him informed
of any reports concerning the Orias system.
Vader was recalling that very night when his flagship finally arrived at Fondor.
He still wondered if the Emperor was right about Grand Admiral Thrawn.
Of course the experience of being captured and humiliated by the enemy must
leave a spot. But he was convinced Thrawn would come over it. Perhaps these
events had even given him final, decisive insight on Zaarin. Thrawn had very
strange ways of understanding people. Who knew how his mind worked?
But why was he, the Dark Lord, concerned about it anyway? He would do as
Palpatine had told him. See if Thrawn was still able to command this very
fleet. If he was, nothing had to change. If he wasn't... there were other
officers and Thrawn would get a new command.
He left his meditation chamber and went straight to the bridge.
As always, everything went a bit more quiet when he walked down the aisle.
He didn't bother to look at the officers and crewmen down in the pit but
went straight to Admiral Piett.
"My Lord," the Admiral greeted him, bowing his head.
"The "Grey Wolf" has already arrived?" Vader asked, though he didn't make it
sound like a question. Piett nodded simply.
"Good." Vader continued and turned to the communications officer.
"Get me Captain Parck." The man turned to his console and seconds later
Parck's face appeared on the screen. He looked a bit surprised.
"My Lord," he begun, much like Piett had done moments ago.
"What gives us the honor of your presence?"
"You, Captain. Or, to be precise, the fact that you completed your mission at
Orias so excellently."
Parck bowed again, still slightly confused. "Thank you, my Lord."
He still didn't know what Vader was up to. He surely did not come all the way to
Fondor to tell him he had done well. He would have to wait until the Dark Lord
thought it right to tell him.
He didn't have to wait long.
"You deserve it, Captain. However, I wish to come aboard to have a private talk
with you and your commanding officer."
"An honor, Lord Vader. When are we to expect your arrival?"
"In about an hour, Captain."
Obviously, Parck hadn't expected that.
"An hour... Sir, I am afraid Grand Admiral Thrawn will be in no condition to meet
with you right now. Perhaps if you would come later-"
Vader cut him off. "I will meet him, Captain. In an hour."
He mentioned the comm officer to cut the connection and with Parck - finally bowing
to Vader's order - the screen turned black.
TBC...
Well, well, well. Another chapter done. I am quite enjoying this.
Hope you do so, too. At least a little bit.
If not, it's up to you. That's what reviews are for.
Caius Julius
It's been some time, I hope you are still with me.
I'll try something new this time. I write this chapter in english in the
first place instead of translating it from my german text files like I did before.
I think it turned out well, but I am open to any suggestions.
AND * finally * I asked someone to be my Beta - what an improvement!
Just a warning: The mighty Emperor is one of the mains in this chapter.
I hope he's not written too badly out or character.
I'd be glad about reviews.
SilverWolf: Vader was my favorite SW character before I read Tim Zahn.
Again, thanks for the Beta-testing.
Disclaimer: I am not GL, not TZ, I am CJ and didn't create any of the
OT characs!
Just one last thing, don't get confused with this one. Like the title says
it is a flashback. The "Executor" was on its way to Fondor last chapter,
remember?
Now we'll find out why.
Here we go again:
AFTERMATH
From Caius Julius
Chapter 2: Flashback
If one were to name Zaarin's new course of action with only one word, it
would be 'destruction'. Ever since his attempt to capture and overthrow
the Emperor months ago, Zaarin had successfully attacked and destroyed
many of the TIE Defender facilities - stripping the Empire of its most
advanced fighter craft. By now, only a few squadrons of them were left
and even the TIE Advanced - bested only by the Defender - became less
available.
After Grand Admiral Thrawn's rescue from Zaarin's grasp, the renegade
once again concentrated on creating havoc and he succeeded only too
admirably.
With his forces scattered everywhere in an Outer Rim sector, he was able to
draw more and more attention to his actions, which was exactly what he
wanted.
The Empire already had to deal with the self-called 'Rebel Alliance'.
The Zaarin-crisis threatened to thwart Palpatine's plans to crush the
Rebellion. To send then-Admiral Thrawn to counter Zaarin had seemed
a good idea at the time and the Admiral surely stopped Zaarin's approach.
But then - after a series of victories - Thrawn had walked right into a
trap, rather foolishly so.
He had been rescued but the Emperor wondered if Thrawn had anything left
in store for Zaarin. Palpatine valued Thrawn's service, there was no doubt
of that, although he had to keep that quiet.
But if Zaarin had been successful at fooling Thrawn once - what proof was
there he wouldn't do it again?
Only Darth Vader knew of Palpatine's thoughts, he was one of the few who
knew how the Emperor really felt about his only non-human Grand Admiral.
It was very late when the Dark Lord received his master's call on his flagship,
the Super Star Destroyer "Executor". He went to his meditation chamber at once
and knelt obediently, his head bowing deeply.
As soon as he did so, the Emperor's life-sized holo appeared in front of him,
regarding his faithful servant with one of his slightly wicked smiles.
"What is thy bidding, my master?" Vader asked.
Palpatine stared at him.
"I guess you have heard about the recent events on Grand Admiral Thrawn's flagship,
Lord Vader?"
Vader nodded. "Captain Parck just informed the Admiralty that he is about to
return to a naval base due to the Grand Admiral's abduction. He is convinced this
move will fool the traitor onboard his ship. Also, he hopes to rescue Thrawn
within the next few days."
Palpatine's smile faded.
"I am sure he does - IF his assumptions concerning Zaarin are correct.
Anyway, I want you to monitor the situation, my loyal servant. The "Executor" is
too far off to interfere so you will have to let Captain Parck go to Orias on his
own. But once his mission is finished I have an assignment for you."
He paused as if considering. The Dark Lord remained silent.
"I assume," the Emperor finally continued, "that Parck will be successful.
But still, I want you to look for a new leader to command the counterattack
on Zaarin."
Vader was unable to frown, of course, but he lifted his head slightly in
irritation.
"A new leader? To replace Grand Admiral Thrawn? I am sure the Admiral will
need some time to recover - if he is rescued alive - but I don't think that
will be long enough to arrange a replacement."
"I was not thinking of a short-time replacement, Lord Vader, but a permanent one."
Palpatine replied.
Now he got Vader even more confused. But before he could say anything the Emperor
continued.
"I wonder if Thrawn is still the right person to command this fleet - having been
captured by the enemy. He was stunning and very successful before his capture
but will he be that efficient again? I don't think he can shrug this whole thing
off easily once he is out of sick bay. This matter is far too important, Lord
Vader. I cannot - must not let it get out of hands, not even for a few weeks.
My operation to crush the Rebellion has already begun. Zaarin must not interfere
with it. And he WILL, if there is a weak leader commanding our forces."
"Master," Vader began, trying to speak as obediently as possible,
"Surely you won't think of Grand Admiral Thrawn as weak? He always was anything but."
"Was, Vader, was. Can you guarantee he still is?" Palpatine said, but his voice
had lost the edge. Instead he was eying his servant carefully, smiling about his
attempts to stand up for the alien Admiral.
"But, well," he continued, "I put it into your able hands. As soon as Captain Parck
reports his mission completed - I know he will - you will meet with him to check on
Thrawn. See for yourself if he is still capable of leading our forces against Zaarin.
This renegade must be destroyed if my plans with the 'Alliance' are to succeed."
"I will do so, my master," Vader said, once again bowing.
"Of course you will." With this the Emperor's holo vanished and Darth Vader was once
again alone. He called the bridge and ordered the captain to keep him informed
of any reports concerning the Orias system.
Vader was recalling that very night when his flagship finally arrived at Fondor.
He still wondered if the Emperor was right about Grand Admiral Thrawn.
Of course the experience of being captured and humiliated by the enemy must
leave a spot. But he was convinced Thrawn would come over it. Perhaps these
events had even given him final, decisive insight on Zaarin. Thrawn had very
strange ways of understanding people. Who knew how his mind worked?
But why was he, the Dark Lord, concerned about it anyway? He would do as
Palpatine had told him. See if Thrawn was still able to command this very
fleet. If he was, nothing had to change. If he wasn't... there were other
officers and Thrawn would get a new command.
He left his meditation chamber and went straight to the bridge.
As always, everything went a bit more quiet when he walked down the aisle.
He didn't bother to look at the officers and crewmen down in the pit but
went straight to Admiral Piett.
"My Lord," the Admiral greeted him, bowing his head.
"The "Grey Wolf" has already arrived?" Vader asked, though he didn't make it
sound like a question. Piett nodded simply.
"Good." Vader continued and turned to the communications officer.
"Get me Captain Parck." The man turned to his console and seconds later
Parck's face appeared on the screen. He looked a bit surprised.
"My Lord," he begun, much like Piett had done moments ago.
"What gives us the honor of your presence?"
"You, Captain. Or, to be precise, the fact that you completed your mission at
Orias so excellently."
Parck bowed again, still slightly confused. "Thank you, my Lord."
He still didn't know what Vader was up to. He surely did not come all the way to
Fondor to tell him he had done well. He would have to wait until the Dark Lord
thought it right to tell him.
He didn't have to wait long.
"You deserve it, Captain. However, I wish to come aboard to have a private talk
with you and your commanding officer."
"An honor, Lord Vader. When are we to expect your arrival?"
"In about an hour, Captain."
Obviously, Parck hadn't expected that.
"An hour... Sir, I am afraid Grand Admiral Thrawn will be in no condition to meet
with you right now. Perhaps if you would come later-"
Vader cut him off. "I will meet him, Captain. In an hour."
He mentioned the comm officer to cut the connection and with Parck - finally bowing
to Vader's order - the screen turned black.
TBC...
Well, well, well. Another chapter done. I am quite enjoying this.
Hope you do so, too. At least a little bit.
If not, it's up to you. That's what reviews are for.
Caius Julius