Hello everyboby! As you can well see, I'm back again.
Unfortunately, I no longer have internet-access at home.
*snif*
I've to wait for breaks at the office to put something on the net.
But that fact did not stop me from writing! He, he.
Vanessa: After all, Palpatine cannot risk loosing. So he wants
a strong leader against Zaarin's forces.
In my opinion, that is.
Steven Hunters: Thanks, I'm flattered. You will just have to wait.
I now have 22 reviews and quite a number of those
are from you - thanks!
;-)
As always I would be glad to recieve reviews.
You know, that's your only chance to have some influence on
the story. It's not very encouraging to post a new chapter
and nobody seems to take notice.
Who am I doing this for?
Okay, okay, enough self-pity!
Here comes part III:
AFTERMATH
From Caius Julius
Chapter 3: The Dark Lord
Inside the "Grey Wolf"'s hangar Captain Parck nervously paced around. He had just received
word that Vader was on his way. What could he want? Right, it had to do with Thrawn's
capture. That was obvious. But why now? Well, if he wanted to talk, why not with
him - Parck - alone. The Dark Lord must have realized Thrawn was in no condition
for a debriefing or a questioning about the events on Zaarin's frigate, mustn't he?
But maybe that was what he wanted. He was the Emperor's right hand-man, after all,
and could do whatever he wanted.
At least that was what Thrawn thought. After Vader's call Parck had immediately gone
to sick bay to speak to the Grand Admiral. Thrawn's condition had improved during the
last few days but he still was too weak to leave his bed.
Thrawn had some suspicions about Vader's visit but didn't want to reveal them.
He suggested Parck should find out for himself.
'How very typical', Parck thought. Somehow he got the feeling Thrawn didn't want to
worry him.
The captain grimaced. He just imagined the Dark Lord visiting Thrawn in sick bay.
He surely wouldn't bring any flowers. Ha!
He sighed. Walking around like this didn't help.
As the stormtroopers finally arrived and were moving into parade position, Parck stopped
pacing and folded his hands behind his back. He closed his eyes and slowly breathed in and out.
'Darn, why are you so nervous, Voss,' he thought, although his face didn't give away anything.
'After those long years in the Navy one would think you were used to this! Vader already
said he was pleased with you, so why are you behaving like a cadet?'
But his nervousness did not give up easily. When Lord Vader's shuttle finally entered the
hangar and landed, Voss Parck straightened himself and waited for Lord Vader to disembark.
Inside the shuttle's cockpit Darth Vader silently cast a glance over the stormtroopers and
the captain through one of the windows.
Thrawn wasn't present but that was no surprise. But that didn't mean he would not meet the
Grand Admiral at all. Maybe not now but surely later. First he had to talk to Captain Parck.
The pilot interrupted his thoughts. "My Lord, we have landed. You may disembark any time."
"Very well, Lieutenant," Vader replied and turned to the landing ramp, his long coat
floating behind him.
When he left he did not look at the parading troopers but went straight to Captain Parck.
The captain inclined his head politely.
"My Lord, you honor us with your presence."
Vader simply nodded. No matter where he went - planet, base, ship - the procedure was
always the same.
He never liked the etiquette. Instead, he preferred to go straight to the point.
But he could feel that the captain's words were genuine. That spoke for the man.
He also knew Parck to be a close friend of Admiral Thrawn. That was no secret, because
Parck had been the one who had found Thrawn on that backwater planet years ago and had been
with him ever since. First as Thrawn's mentor, later as his aide.
However, Parck was also a loyal officer to the Empire. It would be interesting to
see how he handled the situation.
"Now, if we could move to your office, Captain? We have quite a few things to discuss.
Again, Captain Parck lowered his head.
"As you wish, Lord Vader."
He swiftly turned and went by the rows of Stormtroopers to the turblolift,
Vader next to him. When they arrived on the bridge, respectful silence rapidly
began to expand on the crewpit. The officers stiffened and seemed even more eager
to attend their business. It didn't happen every day that the Dark Lord himself
came walking down the aisle.
Silently, Parck and Vader walked past the officers and crewers towards the captain's office.
Once they were inside, Vader simply looked at the captain, scrutinizing him closely.
"Perhaps you wonder why I insisted on this meeting, captain?" he finally said.
One of his own officers may have denied, but Vader knew Thrawn expected honesty from
his subordinates.
Parck did not disappoint him.
"I do, my Lord." The captain said, inclining his head slightliy.
"Do not misunderstand me. I see the need for an investigation but surely you must
understand Admiral Thrawn cannot be interviewed just now."
"On the contrary, captain. As I am sure you have noticed, the renegade Zaarin is on his
former course of destruction again, putting the Emperor's plans for the Empire at risk.
Thus, time is something we can't afford to loose. Zaarin must be stopped as soon as possible
and I cannot wait until Admiral Thrawn has recovered because it may be too late by then.
To be perfectly honest, captain, I have already bought you some time. If the Emperor hadn't
accepted my suggestion, we would not be having this conversation."
Parck looked puzzled.
"If I may be so bold, sir. What suggestion do you mean? If Emperor Palpatine didn't send you,
then why are you here?"
"I AM here on the Emperor's orders, captain. As I already told you, Zaarin is starting to
become a major threat to the Empire. This fleet of yours has been very effective against the
traitor but after the recent events the Emperor wonders if that will still be so in the future."
Parck frowned but didn't say anything.
After a few seconds Vader continued.
"Well, captain. The Emperor is still trusting your fleet but he is not quite sure about its
commander. Not after Zaarin humiliated him like that."
"But my Lord..." Parck had to remind himself he was talking to Darth Vader. He had better
think precisely about what he was going to say. But it wasn't easy.
"You surely didn't come here to replace the Admiral, did you?"
Vader shook his head.
"Not necessarily, no. But I am here to convince myself Admiral Thrawn is still capable of
leading the fleet. If he is not, he will be replaced. His being stuck in sick bay doesn't
help, as I am sure you understand, captain."
"Lord Vader, I know Admiral Thrawn better than anyone else and you have to believe me when I
tell you he is the best - if not the only - one to deal with Zaarin. This entire fleet has been
composed according to his suggestions and needs. It is like a specialized tool that can only be
used by its maker." Parck knew he sounded desperate. Understandably so, he hoped.
"But, captain," said Vader with a dangerously silent 'voice'. "What if the Admiral is no longer capable of handling this tool? How long has it been since you rescued him from Zaarin - from
sure death? Merely a week. Can you guarantee he is still the same? I know you are a friend of his.
And I appreciate your working closely together but from you, as an Imperial officer, I expect loyalty
to the Emperor first."
The last sounded almost as a threat which Parck was sure it was meant to be. He closed his eyes for
a short time. As much as he wanted Thrawn to be still the same, he just didn't know.
That was the problem: Vader was right. It had been only a couple of days. There was no way he could
tell if Thrawn would still act as cool and calculating against Zaarin as he had done before.
Once again, he lowered his head obediently.
"Of course, my Lord. But how is Thrawn supposed to prove he is still capable of defeating Zaarin?"
"Very easily, captain." Parck could have sworn Vader smiled under his mask.
"I assume he will be able to leave sick bay in a few days? Not fully recovered but capable of attending
his duties." Parck nodded and Vader continued.
"Thus, he will show us. At his next encounter with Zaarin. Either he will succeed and remain in command -
or I will have to look for someone else."
TBC...
That's it for now. I hope you can wait for the next chapter...
;-)
CJ
Unfortunately, I no longer have internet-access at home.
*snif*
I've to wait for breaks at the office to put something on the net.
But that fact did not stop me from writing! He, he.
Vanessa: After all, Palpatine cannot risk loosing. So he wants
a strong leader against Zaarin's forces.
In my opinion, that is.
Steven Hunters: Thanks, I'm flattered. You will just have to wait.
I now have 22 reviews and quite a number of those
are from you - thanks!
;-)
As always I would be glad to recieve reviews.
You know, that's your only chance to have some influence on
the story. It's not very encouraging to post a new chapter
and nobody seems to take notice.
Who am I doing this for?
Okay, okay, enough self-pity!
Here comes part III:
AFTERMATH
From Caius Julius
Chapter 3: The Dark Lord
Inside the "Grey Wolf"'s hangar Captain Parck nervously paced around. He had just received
word that Vader was on his way. What could he want? Right, it had to do with Thrawn's
capture. That was obvious. But why now? Well, if he wanted to talk, why not with
him - Parck - alone. The Dark Lord must have realized Thrawn was in no condition
for a debriefing or a questioning about the events on Zaarin's frigate, mustn't he?
But maybe that was what he wanted. He was the Emperor's right hand-man, after all,
and could do whatever he wanted.
At least that was what Thrawn thought. After Vader's call Parck had immediately gone
to sick bay to speak to the Grand Admiral. Thrawn's condition had improved during the
last few days but he still was too weak to leave his bed.
Thrawn had some suspicions about Vader's visit but didn't want to reveal them.
He suggested Parck should find out for himself.
'How very typical', Parck thought. Somehow he got the feeling Thrawn didn't want to
worry him.
The captain grimaced. He just imagined the Dark Lord visiting Thrawn in sick bay.
He surely wouldn't bring any flowers. Ha!
He sighed. Walking around like this didn't help.
As the stormtroopers finally arrived and were moving into parade position, Parck stopped
pacing and folded his hands behind his back. He closed his eyes and slowly breathed in and out.
'Darn, why are you so nervous, Voss,' he thought, although his face didn't give away anything.
'After those long years in the Navy one would think you were used to this! Vader already
said he was pleased with you, so why are you behaving like a cadet?'
But his nervousness did not give up easily. When Lord Vader's shuttle finally entered the
hangar and landed, Voss Parck straightened himself and waited for Lord Vader to disembark.
Inside the shuttle's cockpit Darth Vader silently cast a glance over the stormtroopers and
the captain through one of the windows.
Thrawn wasn't present but that was no surprise. But that didn't mean he would not meet the
Grand Admiral at all. Maybe not now but surely later. First he had to talk to Captain Parck.
The pilot interrupted his thoughts. "My Lord, we have landed. You may disembark any time."
"Very well, Lieutenant," Vader replied and turned to the landing ramp, his long coat
floating behind him.
When he left he did not look at the parading troopers but went straight to Captain Parck.
The captain inclined his head politely.
"My Lord, you honor us with your presence."
Vader simply nodded. No matter where he went - planet, base, ship - the procedure was
always the same.
He never liked the etiquette. Instead, he preferred to go straight to the point.
But he could feel that the captain's words were genuine. That spoke for the man.
He also knew Parck to be a close friend of Admiral Thrawn. That was no secret, because
Parck had been the one who had found Thrawn on that backwater planet years ago and had been
with him ever since. First as Thrawn's mentor, later as his aide.
However, Parck was also a loyal officer to the Empire. It would be interesting to
see how he handled the situation.
"Now, if we could move to your office, Captain? We have quite a few things to discuss.
Again, Captain Parck lowered his head.
"As you wish, Lord Vader."
He swiftly turned and went by the rows of Stormtroopers to the turblolift,
Vader next to him. When they arrived on the bridge, respectful silence rapidly
began to expand on the crewpit. The officers stiffened and seemed even more eager
to attend their business. It didn't happen every day that the Dark Lord himself
came walking down the aisle.
Silently, Parck and Vader walked past the officers and crewers towards the captain's office.
Once they were inside, Vader simply looked at the captain, scrutinizing him closely.
"Perhaps you wonder why I insisted on this meeting, captain?" he finally said.
One of his own officers may have denied, but Vader knew Thrawn expected honesty from
his subordinates.
Parck did not disappoint him.
"I do, my Lord." The captain said, inclining his head slightliy.
"Do not misunderstand me. I see the need for an investigation but surely you must
understand Admiral Thrawn cannot be interviewed just now."
"On the contrary, captain. As I am sure you have noticed, the renegade Zaarin is on his
former course of destruction again, putting the Emperor's plans for the Empire at risk.
Thus, time is something we can't afford to loose. Zaarin must be stopped as soon as possible
and I cannot wait until Admiral Thrawn has recovered because it may be too late by then.
To be perfectly honest, captain, I have already bought you some time. If the Emperor hadn't
accepted my suggestion, we would not be having this conversation."
Parck looked puzzled.
"If I may be so bold, sir. What suggestion do you mean? If Emperor Palpatine didn't send you,
then why are you here?"
"I AM here on the Emperor's orders, captain. As I already told you, Zaarin is starting to
become a major threat to the Empire. This fleet of yours has been very effective against the
traitor but after the recent events the Emperor wonders if that will still be so in the future."
Parck frowned but didn't say anything.
After a few seconds Vader continued.
"Well, captain. The Emperor is still trusting your fleet but he is not quite sure about its
commander. Not after Zaarin humiliated him like that."
"But my Lord..." Parck had to remind himself he was talking to Darth Vader. He had better
think precisely about what he was going to say. But it wasn't easy.
"You surely didn't come here to replace the Admiral, did you?"
Vader shook his head.
"Not necessarily, no. But I am here to convince myself Admiral Thrawn is still capable of
leading the fleet. If he is not, he will be replaced. His being stuck in sick bay doesn't
help, as I am sure you understand, captain."
"Lord Vader, I know Admiral Thrawn better than anyone else and you have to believe me when I
tell you he is the best - if not the only - one to deal with Zaarin. This entire fleet has been
composed according to his suggestions and needs. It is like a specialized tool that can only be
used by its maker." Parck knew he sounded desperate. Understandably so, he hoped.
"But, captain," said Vader with a dangerously silent 'voice'. "What if the Admiral is no longer capable of handling this tool? How long has it been since you rescued him from Zaarin - from
sure death? Merely a week. Can you guarantee he is still the same? I know you are a friend of his.
And I appreciate your working closely together but from you, as an Imperial officer, I expect loyalty
to the Emperor first."
The last sounded almost as a threat which Parck was sure it was meant to be. He closed his eyes for
a short time. As much as he wanted Thrawn to be still the same, he just didn't know.
That was the problem: Vader was right. It had been only a couple of days. There was no way he could
tell if Thrawn would still act as cool and calculating against Zaarin as he had done before.
Once again, he lowered his head obediently.
"Of course, my Lord. But how is Thrawn supposed to prove he is still capable of defeating Zaarin?"
"Very easily, captain." Parck could have sworn Vader smiled under his mask.
"I assume he will be able to leave sick bay in a few days? Not fully recovered but capable of attending
his duties." Parck nodded and Vader continued.
"Thus, he will show us. At his next encounter with Zaarin. Either he will succeed and remain in command -
or I will have to look for someone else."
TBC...
That's it for now. I hope you can wait for the next chapter...
;-)
CJ