The station stood out imposingly infront of him. Looking like an angular platform with a thin but long extension, with turbolasers at key points... it certainly way impressive. Vorkraft station. Looming in standard winged patrol formation, three Assault Frigates patroled the area. An Interdictor loomed in orbit of the planet. They were skilled, he gave them that, as soon as he exited hyperspace, the assault frigates were already advancing toward his flanks, with the third one going head to head toward his shuttle.
"Attention, Lambda class shuttle! This is the Assault Frigate 'Ariel'! Transmit the code sequence, or prepare to be boarded!" a hostile voice spoke over the commlink.
"Assault Frigate 'Ariel', transmitting the code sequence now. Standby."
He said while struggling with the shuttle's controls. He definitly needed to get major Kowes to help him out.
The communication officer ran the code through the Intel code section, awaiting for the confirmation from the Intel. The screen flashed, blue letters sparked to life. The communication officer nodded to the man sitting to his right.
"Alert captain Frey that lieutenant Lomeir's shuttle has arrived."
The man turned his comm on, and said gracefully but not without a tune of respect:
"Lambda-class shuttle, you are cleared to land in the main hangar bay."
"Copy that 'Ariel'. Where is the rest of the fleet?"
"They left for Almania three standard hours ago."
Lomeir frowned. Why Almania? Wasnt exactly a military target. It was only a short jump from Iridonia to Almania though. He didnt have time to think about this. His next task was a hard one.
Still in deep concentration, he flew his shuttle into the hangar.
* * *
Cayel carefully read the report. Commander Hotan met no resistance. Excellent. He glanced at his chrono. eighteen hundred hours standard Imperial time. The Grand Admiral was probably in his quaters now. He went toward the doors to the Grand Admiral's quaters, the two stormtroopers with ysalamiri's were identical to the two he and Thrawn passed by the other day. Ahead of him the door opened with a hiss.
* * *
Admiral Kre'fey was an extraordinary officer. Concluded Thrawn. The art of his race showed several minor flaws, and the art from his office shows another several flaws that could be exploited. A shame Kre'fey didnt serve the Empire. When he contacted major Kowes, he assumed the Empire would be in a bit worse condition then he left it. He was wrong. Again. The Empire was in pieces. It would be an interesting confrontation between him and Kre'fey. Uncharacteristicaly for a Bothan, admiral Kre'fey didnt see hidden blades and conspiracies everywhere, nor was he a politician. Interesting. Very interesting. He looked foward to their confrontation. It will be artistic. It should be around eighteen hundred hours. Captain Cayel should come soon. A flash bliped on his armchair. The sensor when someone approached the door. He flicked a switch, and the door opened with an artistic hiss.
The light from the command bridge flowed into the softly lighten room, shadowing the tall lean man standing in the doorway. The man advanced. Thrawn could hear Cayel's soft steps sneaking, a skill Cayel often used. The door slammed with a quiet hiss.
"Yes captain?" he boomed, fully opening his crimson red eyes.
"Pardon me for disturbing you admiral, I just wanted to inform you that there is no resistance to our occupation on Almania."
"Ah. Good. Tell me captain, do you know anything about art?"
"Not really. I used to draw pictures when I was younger. Not anymore."
"A shame. You should continue." Thrawn flicked a switch. All the art samples were replaced by very, very familiar pictures. Pictures made by a child, pictures of monsters, demons, pictures that reflected his soul.
"Where did you get those?" Cayel almost smiled. He remembered those pictures. How long ago did he make them...
"Intel found them. Quite interesting captain. It negates my opinion of your personality. You seem to have quite a lot of imagination. Why not use it?" Thrawn smiled.
"I dont know sir." Cayel squared his shoulders.
"Would you like to see our next target captain?" asked Thrawn after several moments.
"Ofcourse sir." Cayel said, returning to the present. Thrawn flicked another switch, and all the art samples were replaced by a tactical readout. Kessel. Rodia.
"Rodia sir?"
"Why not? Our forces are now adequate enough."
"May I point out that a part of the rebel first Fleet is placed there?" Cayel paused to check the screen: "One Imperial II-class star destroyer and one Carrack-class cruiser?"
"True. We might have some difficulty."
"I respectfully urge you to rethink this situation admiral. There must be a dozen more appropriate targets."
"Do you want me to stage another assault on the Sluis Van shipyards? To give more proof of my identity to the rebels? Right now captain, they are divided. Very near the breaking. When they finally breake under the strain, we must have an adequate fleet to supress, and eventually defeat the Yuuzhan Vong."
"I still dont like it sir. We would fare better attacking some other world."
"Your point is noted captain." Thrawn flicked a switch.
"Navigation, calculate the jump for Rodia. Communications! Order the 'Fearbringer' and the 'Oathbraker' to exit formation around the planet, and to go approximately twenty kilometers from the planet. Inform the 'Ariel', 'Blackstar' and the 'Jayhawk' to come to Almania as soon as possible with a new shipment of clones." he flicked the switch again, closing the connection .
"Calm your fears captain. We will be victorious."
Cayel sighted. Thrawn has decided to ignore all logic once again. He saluted, and exited the Admiral's quaters.
* * *
"Is everything clear gentlemen?" Thrawn said after a few moments.
"Yes admiral." boomed Torroro with his imposing voice. The hologram fizzled briefly.
"Yes sir." Frey said calmly. Like Torroro's, his hologram fizzled too.
"Very good then. Prepare your ships for hyperspace." Thrawn said, and the holograms one by one saluted. Cayel looked out the window. Their task force was ready. The familiar position lights of the 'Oathbraker' drifted near the 'Reaper', and around him the position lights of the 'Warhammer', 'Trident', 'Storm', and 'Lightning'. Orbiting the planet Almania, stood their three Assault Frigates 'Ariel', 'Jayhawk, and 'Blackstar'. Shipments of clones arriving for training at the Academy were constantly coming in, but the 'Ariel' was doing an excellent job handling all the trafic. In the distance, he could see the 'Fearbringer' looming with his strike force, the two dreadnoughts, 'Iron Heart' and 'Dark Eye'. The Strike-class cruiser 'Dreadfang' and the Carrack-class cruiser 'Hammer' were serving as light escorts to the in coming convoys of clones. They had an overflow of personell. Once they trained them properly...
Down below on the planet, Hotan ordered major Cordero to deploy the clones. Almania was being turned into the first in the line of the suppliers for the new Imperial warmachine. Thrawn started his countdown.
"'Fearbringer', 'Dark Eye', 'Iron Heart', four minutes." Thrawn said. Torroro and the dreadnought captains saluted, and his hologram dissapeared.
"'Oathbraker', 'Warhammer', 'Trident', 'Storm', 'Lightning' four minutes and thirty seconds." Thrawn finished. The captains of the ships saluted, and their holograms dissapeared too.
The turbolift doors opened with a hiss. And a hooded figure entered. Lomeir. He walked to the command chair, in which Thrawn sitted.
"Admiral." he nodded.
"Lieutenant." Thrawn nodded back, and flicked another switch.
"Navigation, enter hyperspace in four minutes and twenty seconds."
"Yes sir." crackled the commlink before Thrawn closed it. And turned towards Cayel.
"Yes admiral?"
"You still dont agree with me captain." it wasnt a question.
"No admiral. I think we are going too far with this attack on Rodia." he said. Thrawn just smiled, and continued:
"We shall see captain. Perhaps I am wrong. If not... we end up with a Imperial II-class star destroyer, and a Carrack-class cruiser. That is a prize I dont intend to let go."
"Aye sir." cayel said, again reminding himself to stop trying to understand the Admiral's logic. The whole plan seemed ridiculious. Drop out of hyperspace, engage the defending ships with maximum firepower, then let Phantom squadron do a version of a proton run, with the exception that they were using ion pulse torpedoes now. The 'Reaper's time to jump came. Two days until they reach Rodia, optional one day unil they capture their prize, and finish dirty repairs, and two days back to Almania. Their cloning rate was one clone per seven days. They had hundred Spaarti cloning cylinders now. Their technicians rebuilt the damage dealt in the moisture incident, and have managed to build over twenty Spaarti cloning cylinders. With their rate of building... they should have over five hundred cloning cylinders in under three months, with the appropriate parts.
Two days until they reach Rodia. Six hours until admiral Torroro reaches Kessel.
* * *
The door hissed open, and the students turned their head in expectation. Luke Skywalker walked in, radiating calmness, though sorrow could also be sensed. He walked to the center of the room, and paused for a second. He could see Corran Horn in the last line, with Jacen and Ganner just a line below him. Anakin and his sister, Jaina sitten in the front line, along with Kam Solusar and Tionne. Cighal was there too. On the other side, he could see Octa and Wruth Skidder. Flanking Kyp Durron. If they were so much divided...
"Thank you everyone for coming to my call. There is a problem we must all face together." Luke was interrupted by Kyp.
"Why is Corran here?"
"Becouse he is a Jedi, Kyp. Something you should be too."
"Are you saying that Im not a Jedi, master?"
"I will not go further becouse of my respect for you Kyp." answered Luke in the same tone. Murmors arose, as the tension in the room jumped dramaticaly. Kyp wasnt expecting this, Luke chuckled inside himself.
"Before we were interrupted, I was going to say something to you. There is a new threat to us."
"Another one?" asked Wruth Skidder jokingly.
"Yes Wruth. Kyp, would you like to explain to the rest of us how you were defeated on Wayland?"
If Kyp got more suprised he would explode.
"Yes my master. Upon arriving to Wayland, me and my apprentice Simon Malpass encountered Corran. Shortly after this, a wave of pure dark energy overwhelmed us. We proceeded to investigate, we tracked our prey to a hangar bay, and with Simons help we opened the door. We battled someone who was trained in the use of the Force, as well with the use of a lightsaber. He carried a silver one. He managed to separate me from Corran and Simon, after blocking Corran, he killed Simon ruthlessly, and took his lightsaber."
"What were your impressions Kyp? Describe him." said Luke.
"He had a light brown tan, with nine or ten horns on his head. His eyes glittered with something I cannot describe, and he was strongly built."
"He IS strong, I might add. He pushed my lightsaber away without much effort." interjected Corran. Kyp snorted. Jacen raised a hand from the first row.
"Speak Jacen."
"Why are you so... negative to some of us Kyp? You are walking the dark path..." Jacen started.
"Im not in the mood for your prophecies Jacen, or for your lectures." Kyp snarled. This wasnt a good time for Jacen to start with his preaches, thought Luke.
"Yes you are Kyp, and you are walking the Dark path! Dont you understand? You will become just as evil as Darth Vader or Thrawn!" shouted Jacen, Kyp's hand unconciously dropped to his lightsaber.
"Better to walk the Dark path, then to become like you Jacen! You, with your ideas about becoming a better Jedi... you just afraid. Afraid to use your power. IF master Skywalker didnt tell you to come to Belkadan with him, you would be in some cave now, acting like a hermit while the entire galaxy is in danger!" Kyp yelled at the boy.
"Calm down both of you, and Jacen, if I were you I wouldnt be talking many bad things about Thrawn. He isnt the sort of people to let insults go unanswered." said Luke.
"You speak as if he is alive master. He died a long time ago." asked Kyp in wonder.
"Allow me." Luke said, and reached out with the Force, to activate the hologram projector. The map of the galaxy sparkled to life.
"Here you can see the known galaxy. This is the territory of the New Republic," Luke said, and a yellow color painted several star systems.
"And this is the territory of the Yuuzhan Vong, Imperial Remnant, and Hutt space." Luke said, and again, a red color painted several star systems, blue washed over Remnant star systems, and orange washed over the Hutt space. The star map resized on one planet. Belkadan.
"Here, you can see Belkadan as it was before." said Luke grimly, and then finished:
"Here, you can see it as it is now." a barren planet replaced the other image. Signs of a planetary Ice Age appeared on the tops. The entire planet was devastated.
"How... When did this happen?" asked Anakin. For the first time since the meeting started, the youth spoke.
"Probalby within the past month. Prepare for a shock everyone." Luke again switched the image.
The man displayed was wearing a spotless white uniform, his pale blue skin was radiating coldness, and his crimson red eyes flashed wildly. Jaina gasped. Chiss. Jacen was just staring at the image. As the rest of them. The image started moving, talking.
"Greetings captain."
Pause.
"Captain, concentrate fire from your ships on that frigate that is sneaking up your neck. My ships will protect you... for now." said Thrawn with an appropriate dose of malice in his tone.
Pause.
"You are in no position to open fire. The frigate is giving you enough trouble, if i order my turbolaser turrets to fire on your ship you will be vacuum dust within seconds. Dont try me captain, I dont like helping rebels." said Thrawn with a dose of malice.
Pause.
"I can get rid of that frigate for you."
Pause.
"Two strike cruisers from your escort." said Thrawn, while at the same time the glow of his eyes intensifyed.
"Congradulations captain, I see you are wise enough to recognize the situation." said Thrawn.
Pause.
"Very well. Order the freighter C-X-1245 crew to jettison its cargo if my shuttles havent taken it already, and to head for the escape pods. Trust me, we are running out of time." Thrawn said.
The image fizzled, and dissapeared.
"Thrawn?" Anakin was the first to come out of their shock.
"A high possibility. We have lost contact with Almania, and admiral Pelleaon reported unidentifyed ships helping him at the Battle of Yaga Minor. Then there is the dissapearence of Vorkraft station." Luke sighed.
"I dont get it. Rukh got him with that blade!" said Jacen.
"He is probably a fake." Kyp said.
"I wont assume anything... but I think thats him." Jaina started.
Luke settled down for a looong questioning. He couldnt shake the thought of Thrawn on the loose... he will come searching for blood.
* * *
"Admiral, we are exiting hyperspace in two minutes." someone called out from the crew pit.
"Good. As soon as we exit, I want a complete scan of the area. Launch our TIE squadrons on my command." Torroro said.
* * *
"Admiral, they will be exiting hyperspace soon." said Lomeir. He wore his hood like a second skin, and his aura of anger and rage fitted him like a glove.
"Good. Inform me of any changes." said Thrawn.
"As you wish." He replied. The admiral has helped his people. He stopped by on Iridonia to check it himself. Where there were once shacks, now there were great buildings. Where they eated lizards and what they could get from their fields, now they eated standard issue military ration bars. His people were prospering. He owed everything to the admiral, and the New Republic that ignored the suffering of his people will suffer. As will the arrogant Jedi.
* * *
We are exiting hyperspace sir!" yelled someone from the crew pit. The dirt world of Kessel came into wiew.
"Ion cannons, maximum firepower on the subspace antena!" boomed Torroro.
"Detecting a Victory-class star destroyer plus two corvette's in the area!" yelled the man stationed at the sensors.
"Maximum firepower on the star destroyer! 'Iron Heart', take care of the corvettes, I want them disabled, not destroyed! 'Dark Eye', concentrate on the on the star destroyer. Ion cannons, disable that antenna and get to work on the destroyer!" Torroro relaxed. Ships for aquiry. The Grand Admiral will be pleased. His ship, 'Fearbringer', had a few aces in its vest. Unlike other Victory-class star destroyers his ship had ten more ion cannons, and five more turbolasers.
He watched silently as his dreadnought moved into position, and opened fire on the corvettes, shattering their shields. He had developed a tradition, when capturing ships, to open fire with both turbolasers and ion cannons. When the shields were down, take the ship out with ion cannons.
A corvette was disabled.
"Sensors, report?"
"Star destroyers shield at 72% and holding."
"Damage report?"
"Shields at 69% and holding sir."
"Damn. Order Iron Heart to finish off that last corvette. Prepare boarding parties." he boomed.
"Aye sir."
The Iron Heart fired maniacly, battering the corvette time and again. The shields finnaly fell, and in a second long as eternity, the ship was soaked with ion shots, disabled.
"Excellent work! All ships, maximum firepower on the star destroyer, when shields are down, use ions!Helm, full speed!" boomed Torroro happily. In five minutes the star destroyer was disabled, and Kessel was blocked.
"Everything ready major?" asked Torroro. Overholt paused to check his display, and nodded.
"Very well. Lets start." Torroro said, and prepared his most imposing voice level. Overholt nodded to him again. He was talking on all frequencies.
"Attention all forces in the area! This is Admiral Torroro of the Imperial Navy, surrender, and I will have mercy, resist and I will destroy you!" he boomed grimly.
It was only a matter of time now.
"This is Commodore Benin. What are your terms?" a cool voice said, almost singing. Torroro raised an eyebrow. He was prepared for a hopeless mutiny, begging, faithlesness... But not for...cooperation?
"You will lower your planetary shield and allow my troops to land. You will cede control of all anti-air defense's, all weapons, and ground ships. You will recieve protection from the Rebellion, and the Yuuzhan Vong." he answered automaticaly. After a few minutes the voice replyed:
"We accept your terms. We will be lowering our planetary shield in moments." Benin said and closed the connection. On the tactical hologram, the yellow circle around the planet dissapeared.
"Major, begin landing your troops." ordered Torroro.
* * *
"Is my admiral ship ready, captain?" said Thrawn grimly.
"The 'Reaper' is fully under your control sir." Cayel replied formally. They exited hyperspace, and in front of them, Rodia stood. Defenceless. Almost. The arrow head-shaped star destroyer was coming out over the planets horizon.
"All ships, assume standard blockade formation, with the exception of the 'Oathbraker'. Captain Frey, engage the star destroyer." ordered Thrawn. Cayel sniffed quietly. *Why was-- stop trying to understand the admirals logic* he told himself.
The two arrow shaped star destroyers came closer and closer to each other, first shots were exchanged.
"The 'Valiant' is launching fighters, counting four squadrons of X-Wings, and two squadrons of B-Wings." Gallear said calmly from the crew pit.
"Time to play our ace, captain. Launch Phantom squadron, all ships break formation and assume claw formation. Helm, full speed." Thrawn allowed a smile, and leaned in foward a bit from his seat. *Let's see if this commander has the ability to stand on his feet and think in the same time.* he thought.
Two groups of three uglies screamed toward the squadrons infront of them.
"Two and three, close up formation! Use high-powered shots in the head-on, normal power in dogfight." Kowes said across his squadrons frequency.
"Roger that lead." replies came over the comm. Kowes didnt waste time, and let loose a volley of high power shots, taking out four leading X-Wings. His wingmates followed his example with expert timing, cutting down the X-Wing numbers by nine. Another twenty three X-Wings and B-Wings to remove. *Songs will be made about this battle*. Kowes thought as he rolled left. All of his squadron mates followed in expertly timed rolls, and the sky was lightened with small explosions.
The 'Oathbraker' and the 'Valiant' battled like two behemonths, though 'Valiant's superiority was evident. A group of smaller class starships formed in a perfect claw formation were rushing toward the 'Valiant', leaded by a star ship that looked like a highly modifyed Nebulon B2 frigate. The frigate's engines flared, as it came into range and the frigate lashed out at the star destroyer with a volley of hot light. Two Lancer-class frigates, and two Strike-class cruisers, that were in formation with it, followed the frigate's example, letting loose volley upon volley of laser shots at the star destroyer.
"'Oathbraker, what is your status?" Cayel asked.
"Not good. Shields are down to 40%, we cant hold them off forever."
"Prepare boarding parties. Lieutenant, you will lead the boarding process." Thrawn said. Lomeir just nodded.
"Sir, Phantom squadron reports they have taken out most of the fighters." Gallear called out from the crew pit.
"Link me with major Kowes."
Gallear flicked a switch and nodded.
"Major, pick two from your squadron to cover you while you engage the star destroyer's shield generators." Thrawn ordered.
"As you wish sir." Kowes boomed and closed the connection.
"Sensors, whats the status of the star destroyer?"
"Shields at 69% sir."
"'Warhammer' and 'Trident', spread formation." Thrawn ordered grimly.
"Sir, the shields dropped to zero."
"All ships, cease fire. Open fire with ion cannons." Thrawn said with a smile starting on his lips.
"We have them now captain." he whispered to Cayel.
"All Phantom disengage, four five and six follow me, two and three cover us. Prepare ion pulse torpedoes." boomed Kowes.
"Roger that sir." they reported.
Acting as one, Kowes and his clones dodged deadly turbolaser with ease, they skillfully approached the shield generators, and let loose with a volley of laser shots to weaken the defense field, then lashed out with ion pulse torpedoes. They detonated on target, but instead of an explosion, they released ion explosions. The shields were deactivated.
"All Phantoms pull out. We are done here boys. Fire what torps you still have, and head for the 'Reaper'." Kowes boomed over the commlink, and jerked his stick left, and pressed the fire button. Two blue missiles answered his call, crushing into the bridge of the star destroyer.
Thrawn allowed a light smile to spoil his emotionless expression. Lieutenant Lomeir and his group were in the assault shuttle, heading for the 'Valiant'. He had to think of a suitable name for his new ship... Stormlord. Yes, that will do. Everything was going as he has forseen.
The hallway was quiet. But not for him. His and Hotans group advanced shealthy and fastly. He could sense the defenders in the hangar, their anxiety, hopelesness, and determination.
"Anything?" Hotan asked him.
"Yes, at least twenty of them. They are gathered around the shuttle, engineers are working on it." he answered.
"Working what?" Hotan asked quietly.
"Repairing it. We destroy the shuttle, we destroy them." he suggested.
"And provoke a suicidial counter attack? They have enough people to whipe us out, we let them leave. But not without telling them we know they are there." Hotan hissed. Lomeir nodded, and looked around. Six stormtroopers, including Hotan.
"Okay people, we go in, take cover and take out as many as we can. There are about twenty people in there, so watch yourself." Hotan spoke into his comm. Acknownledgments came, as his team positioned itself in either sides of the hangar doors. He keyed in the commands, and the doors opened. His team bursted in like a flood, shooting like mad at the barricades around the shuttle. Lomeir fired up his lightsaber, and threw it in an arching flight at the walkway above the barricades. The lightsaber contacted, and shredded the walkway, large parts fell at the defenders. The diversion saved them, they took cover behind a drink dispenser and some tables. Lomeirs lightsaber returned to him, he grabbed it, hooked it on his belt, and grabbed his laser rifle.
"Nice trick." Hotan commented.
"It took out two of them. Permenatly." Lomeir nodded, and looked behind Hotan. Who followed his look, and found two stormtroopers from the other part of his team dead on the floor. He cursed. That meant that there was only one stormtrooper left in the other team.
"Alpha 5, whats your status?" he whispered into his comlink.
"Bad sir. We lost 6 and 4 though."
"I can see that. Are you wounded?"
"Negative sir."
"Open fire on my mark."
"Will do sir."
Hotan turned to Lomeir.
"Can you help us?" he asked.
"Give me a minute before you open fire." Lomeir answered. Hotan nodded, and proceeded the orders to his group. But Lomeir didnt pay attention. His entire being was focused on the tools on the floor to his far right side. He reached out with the Force, grasped each one of them, and when Hotans men opened fire, he pushed. It wasnt an ordinary push. It was a push strong enough to drive a screwdriver through a mans rib cage. A dozen tools flew at the barricades, searing trough, making holes in the cases and in flesh. Screams echoed through the hangar. At least twelve men were now standing behind the barricades, judging by the density of the cloud of blaster shots that rained upon their hideouts.
"This table wont wont hold em off forever you know." Lomeir hissed.
"Yea, I know. And we cant use thermal detonators, and we are out of subsonic granades." Hotan barked back at him and popped out a bit to exchange a few shots. The stormtrooper in his group was still returning fire, but not for long. He will run out of power packs sooner or later.
"Damn, lets just retreat and throw a couple of detonators in here." Lomeir argued.
"Yea, but the admiral told us to capture the ship, not cripple it. We destroy the hangar, or somehow harm it, the magnetic shield goes down and then shit happens." Hotan answered grimly.
"How about we call for reinforcements?" Lomeir argued further.
"There are roughly over twenty thousand people people on this ship, our count a meager hundred or so. Do you expect that there are reinforcements available?" Hotan snarled, and popped out of his cover again, and trading some shots. This time he was accompanyed by a dying scream.
"Thats one down, about ten more to go." Hotan boomed through his helmet. Suddenly he stiffed.
"Whats wrong?" Lomeir asked.
"How many power packs do you have?" Hotan asked, reaching with his hand toward Lomeir.
"Two." Lomeir answered.
"Give them to me." Hotan grabbed the power packs, and without a single word started removing their overload sturm dowels.
"When they come near the barricades, blow 'em up ok?" Hotan asked.
"Ill do my best." Lomeir said and popped out to trade some shots. Hotan threw the granade. It flied high into air, and it was evident it would land in the bunker.
"Now!" Hotan yelled.
"Almost immediately the granade exploded.
"Attention, Lambda class shuttle! This is the Assault Frigate 'Ariel'! Transmit the code sequence, or prepare to be boarded!" a hostile voice spoke over the commlink.
"Assault Frigate 'Ariel', transmitting the code sequence now. Standby."
He said while struggling with the shuttle's controls. He definitly needed to get major Kowes to help him out.
The communication officer ran the code through the Intel code section, awaiting for the confirmation from the Intel. The screen flashed, blue letters sparked to life. The communication officer nodded to the man sitting to his right.
"Alert captain Frey that lieutenant Lomeir's shuttle has arrived."
The man turned his comm on, and said gracefully but not without a tune of respect:
"Lambda-class shuttle, you are cleared to land in the main hangar bay."
"Copy that 'Ariel'. Where is the rest of the fleet?"
"They left for Almania three standard hours ago."
Lomeir frowned. Why Almania? Wasnt exactly a military target. It was only a short jump from Iridonia to Almania though. He didnt have time to think about this. His next task was a hard one.
Still in deep concentration, he flew his shuttle into the hangar.
* * *
Cayel carefully read the report. Commander Hotan met no resistance. Excellent. He glanced at his chrono. eighteen hundred hours standard Imperial time. The Grand Admiral was probably in his quaters now. He went toward the doors to the Grand Admiral's quaters, the two stormtroopers with ysalamiri's were identical to the two he and Thrawn passed by the other day. Ahead of him the door opened with a hiss.
* * *
Admiral Kre'fey was an extraordinary officer. Concluded Thrawn. The art of his race showed several minor flaws, and the art from his office shows another several flaws that could be exploited. A shame Kre'fey didnt serve the Empire. When he contacted major Kowes, he assumed the Empire would be in a bit worse condition then he left it. He was wrong. Again. The Empire was in pieces. It would be an interesting confrontation between him and Kre'fey. Uncharacteristicaly for a Bothan, admiral Kre'fey didnt see hidden blades and conspiracies everywhere, nor was he a politician. Interesting. Very interesting. He looked foward to their confrontation. It will be artistic. It should be around eighteen hundred hours. Captain Cayel should come soon. A flash bliped on his armchair. The sensor when someone approached the door. He flicked a switch, and the door opened with an artistic hiss.
The light from the command bridge flowed into the softly lighten room, shadowing the tall lean man standing in the doorway. The man advanced. Thrawn could hear Cayel's soft steps sneaking, a skill Cayel often used. The door slammed with a quiet hiss.
"Yes captain?" he boomed, fully opening his crimson red eyes.
"Pardon me for disturbing you admiral, I just wanted to inform you that there is no resistance to our occupation on Almania."
"Ah. Good. Tell me captain, do you know anything about art?"
"Not really. I used to draw pictures when I was younger. Not anymore."
"A shame. You should continue." Thrawn flicked a switch. All the art samples were replaced by very, very familiar pictures. Pictures made by a child, pictures of monsters, demons, pictures that reflected his soul.
"Where did you get those?" Cayel almost smiled. He remembered those pictures. How long ago did he make them...
"Intel found them. Quite interesting captain. It negates my opinion of your personality. You seem to have quite a lot of imagination. Why not use it?" Thrawn smiled.
"I dont know sir." Cayel squared his shoulders.
"Would you like to see our next target captain?" asked Thrawn after several moments.
"Ofcourse sir." Cayel said, returning to the present. Thrawn flicked another switch, and all the art samples were replaced by a tactical readout. Kessel. Rodia.
"Rodia sir?"
"Why not? Our forces are now adequate enough."
"May I point out that a part of the rebel first Fleet is placed there?" Cayel paused to check the screen: "One Imperial II-class star destroyer and one Carrack-class cruiser?"
"True. We might have some difficulty."
"I respectfully urge you to rethink this situation admiral. There must be a dozen more appropriate targets."
"Do you want me to stage another assault on the Sluis Van shipyards? To give more proof of my identity to the rebels? Right now captain, they are divided. Very near the breaking. When they finally breake under the strain, we must have an adequate fleet to supress, and eventually defeat the Yuuzhan Vong."
"I still dont like it sir. We would fare better attacking some other world."
"Your point is noted captain." Thrawn flicked a switch.
"Navigation, calculate the jump for Rodia. Communications! Order the 'Fearbringer' and the 'Oathbraker' to exit formation around the planet, and to go approximately twenty kilometers from the planet. Inform the 'Ariel', 'Blackstar' and the 'Jayhawk' to come to Almania as soon as possible with a new shipment of clones." he flicked the switch again, closing the connection .
"Calm your fears captain. We will be victorious."
Cayel sighted. Thrawn has decided to ignore all logic once again. He saluted, and exited the Admiral's quaters.
* * *
"Is everything clear gentlemen?" Thrawn said after a few moments.
"Yes admiral." boomed Torroro with his imposing voice. The hologram fizzled briefly.
"Yes sir." Frey said calmly. Like Torroro's, his hologram fizzled too.
"Very good then. Prepare your ships for hyperspace." Thrawn said, and the holograms one by one saluted. Cayel looked out the window. Their task force was ready. The familiar position lights of the 'Oathbraker' drifted near the 'Reaper', and around him the position lights of the 'Warhammer', 'Trident', 'Storm', and 'Lightning'. Orbiting the planet Almania, stood their three Assault Frigates 'Ariel', 'Jayhawk, and 'Blackstar'. Shipments of clones arriving for training at the Academy were constantly coming in, but the 'Ariel' was doing an excellent job handling all the trafic. In the distance, he could see the 'Fearbringer' looming with his strike force, the two dreadnoughts, 'Iron Heart' and 'Dark Eye'. The Strike-class cruiser 'Dreadfang' and the Carrack-class cruiser 'Hammer' were serving as light escorts to the in coming convoys of clones. They had an overflow of personell. Once they trained them properly...
Down below on the planet, Hotan ordered major Cordero to deploy the clones. Almania was being turned into the first in the line of the suppliers for the new Imperial warmachine. Thrawn started his countdown.
"'Fearbringer', 'Dark Eye', 'Iron Heart', four minutes." Thrawn said. Torroro and the dreadnought captains saluted, and his hologram dissapeared.
"'Oathbraker', 'Warhammer', 'Trident', 'Storm', 'Lightning' four minutes and thirty seconds." Thrawn finished. The captains of the ships saluted, and their holograms dissapeared too.
The turbolift doors opened with a hiss. And a hooded figure entered. Lomeir. He walked to the command chair, in which Thrawn sitted.
"Admiral." he nodded.
"Lieutenant." Thrawn nodded back, and flicked another switch.
"Navigation, enter hyperspace in four minutes and twenty seconds."
"Yes sir." crackled the commlink before Thrawn closed it. And turned towards Cayel.
"Yes admiral?"
"You still dont agree with me captain." it wasnt a question.
"No admiral. I think we are going too far with this attack on Rodia." he said. Thrawn just smiled, and continued:
"We shall see captain. Perhaps I am wrong. If not... we end up with a Imperial II-class star destroyer, and a Carrack-class cruiser. That is a prize I dont intend to let go."
"Aye sir." cayel said, again reminding himself to stop trying to understand the Admiral's logic. The whole plan seemed ridiculious. Drop out of hyperspace, engage the defending ships with maximum firepower, then let Phantom squadron do a version of a proton run, with the exception that they were using ion pulse torpedoes now. The 'Reaper's time to jump came. Two days until they reach Rodia, optional one day unil they capture their prize, and finish dirty repairs, and two days back to Almania. Their cloning rate was one clone per seven days. They had hundred Spaarti cloning cylinders now. Their technicians rebuilt the damage dealt in the moisture incident, and have managed to build over twenty Spaarti cloning cylinders. With their rate of building... they should have over five hundred cloning cylinders in under three months, with the appropriate parts.
Two days until they reach Rodia. Six hours until admiral Torroro reaches Kessel.
* * *
The door hissed open, and the students turned their head in expectation. Luke Skywalker walked in, radiating calmness, though sorrow could also be sensed. He walked to the center of the room, and paused for a second. He could see Corran Horn in the last line, with Jacen and Ganner just a line below him. Anakin and his sister, Jaina sitten in the front line, along with Kam Solusar and Tionne. Cighal was there too. On the other side, he could see Octa and Wruth Skidder. Flanking Kyp Durron. If they were so much divided...
"Thank you everyone for coming to my call. There is a problem we must all face together." Luke was interrupted by Kyp.
"Why is Corran here?"
"Becouse he is a Jedi, Kyp. Something you should be too."
"Are you saying that Im not a Jedi, master?"
"I will not go further becouse of my respect for you Kyp." answered Luke in the same tone. Murmors arose, as the tension in the room jumped dramaticaly. Kyp wasnt expecting this, Luke chuckled inside himself.
"Before we were interrupted, I was going to say something to you. There is a new threat to us."
"Another one?" asked Wruth Skidder jokingly.
"Yes Wruth. Kyp, would you like to explain to the rest of us how you were defeated on Wayland?"
If Kyp got more suprised he would explode.
"Yes my master. Upon arriving to Wayland, me and my apprentice Simon Malpass encountered Corran. Shortly after this, a wave of pure dark energy overwhelmed us. We proceeded to investigate, we tracked our prey to a hangar bay, and with Simons help we opened the door. We battled someone who was trained in the use of the Force, as well with the use of a lightsaber. He carried a silver one. He managed to separate me from Corran and Simon, after blocking Corran, he killed Simon ruthlessly, and took his lightsaber."
"What were your impressions Kyp? Describe him." said Luke.
"He had a light brown tan, with nine or ten horns on his head. His eyes glittered with something I cannot describe, and he was strongly built."
"He IS strong, I might add. He pushed my lightsaber away without much effort." interjected Corran. Kyp snorted. Jacen raised a hand from the first row.
"Speak Jacen."
"Why are you so... negative to some of us Kyp? You are walking the dark path..." Jacen started.
"Im not in the mood for your prophecies Jacen, or for your lectures." Kyp snarled. This wasnt a good time for Jacen to start with his preaches, thought Luke.
"Yes you are Kyp, and you are walking the Dark path! Dont you understand? You will become just as evil as Darth Vader or Thrawn!" shouted Jacen, Kyp's hand unconciously dropped to his lightsaber.
"Better to walk the Dark path, then to become like you Jacen! You, with your ideas about becoming a better Jedi... you just afraid. Afraid to use your power. IF master Skywalker didnt tell you to come to Belkadan with him, you would be in some cave now, acting like a hermit while the entire galaxy is in danger!" Kyp yelled at the boy.
"Calm down both of you, and Jacen, if I were you I wouldnt be talking many bad things about Thrawn. He isnt the sort of people to let insults go unanswered." said Luke.
"You speak as if he is alive master. He died a long time ago." asked Kyp in wonder.
"Allow me." Luke said, and reached out with the Force, to activate the hologram projector. The map of the galaxy sparkled to life.
"Here you can see the known galaxy. This is the territory of the New Republic," Luke said, and a yellow color painted several star systems.
"And this is the territory of the Yuuzhan Vong, Imperial Remnant, and Hutt space." Luke said, and again, a red color painted several star systems, blue washed over Remnant star systems, and orange washed over the Hutt space. The star map resized on one planet. Belkadan.
"Here, you can see Belkadan as it was before." said Luke grimly, and then finished:
"Here, you can see it as it is now." a barren planet replaced the other image. Signs of a planetary Ice Age appeared on the tops. The entire planet was devastated.
"How... When did this happen?" asked Anakin. For the first time since the meeting started, the youth spoke.
"Probalby within the past month. Prepare for a shock everyone." Luke again switched the image.
The man displayed was wearing a spotless white uniform, his pale blue skin was radiating coldness, and his crimson red eyes flashed wildly. Jaina gasped. Chiss. Jacen was just staring at the image. As the rest of them. The image started moving, talking.
"Greetings captain."
Pause.
"Captain, concentrate fire from your ships on that frigate that is sneaking up your neck. My ships will protect you... for now." said Thrawn with an appropriate dose of malice in his tone.
Pause.
"You are in no position to open fire. The frigate is giving you enough trouble, if i order my turbolaser turrets to fire on your ship you will be vacuum dust within seconds. Dont try me captain, I dont like helping rebels." said Thrawn with a dose of malice.
Pause.
"I can get rid of that frigate for you."
Pause.
"Two strike cruisers from your escort." said Thrawn, while at the same time the glow of his eyes intensifyed.
"Congradulations captain, I see you are wise enough to recognize the situation." said Thrawn.
Pause.
"Very well. Order the freighter C-X-1245 crew to jettison its cargo if my shuttles havent taken it already, and to head for the escape pods. Trust me, we are running out of time." Thrawn said.
The image fizzled, and dissapeared.
"Thrawn?" Anakin was the first to come out of their shock.
"A high possibility. We have lost contact with Almania, and admiral Pelleaon reported unidentifyed ships helping him at the Battle of Yaga Minor. Then there is the dissapearence of Vorkraft station." Luke sighed.
"I dont get it. Rukh got him with that blade!" said Jacen.
"He is probably a fake." Kyp said.
"I wont assume anything... but I think thats him." Jaina started.
Luke settled down for a looong questioning. He couldnt shake the thought of Thrawn on the loose... he will come searching for blood.
* * *
"Admiral, we are exiting hyperspace in two minutes." someone called out from the crew pit.
"Good. As soon as we exit, I want a complete scan of the area. Launch our TIE squadrons on my command." Torroro said.
* * *
"Admiral, they will be exiting hyperspace soon." said Lomeir. He wore his hood like a second skin, and his aura of anger and rage fitted him like a glove.
"Good. Inform me of any changes." said Thrawn.
"As you wish." He replied. The admiral has helped his people. He stopped by on Iridonia to check it himself. Where there were once shacks, now there were great buildings. Where they eated lizards and what they could get from their fields, now they eated standard issue military ration bars. His people were prospering. He owed everything to the admiral, and the New Republic that ignored the suffering of his people will suffer. As will the arrogant Jedi.
* * *
We are exiting hyperspace sir!" yelled someone from the crew pit. The dirt world of Kessel came into wiew.
"Ion cannons, maximum firepower on the subspace antena!" boomed Torroro.
"Detecting a Victory-class star destroyer plus two corvette's in the area!" yelled the man stationed at the sensors.
"Maximum firepower on the star destroyer! 'Iron Heart', take care of the corvettes, I want them disabled, not destroyed! 'Dark Eye', concentrate on the on the star destroyer. Ion cannons, disable that antenna and get to work on the destroyer!" Torroro relaxed. Ships for aquiry. The Grand Admiral will be pleased. His ship, 'Fearbringer', had a few aces in its vest. Unlike other Victory-class star destroyers his ship had ten more ion cannons, and five more turbolasers.
He watched silently as his dreadnought moved into position, and opened fire on the corvettes, shattering their shields. He had developed a tradition, when capturing ships, to open fire with both turbolasers and ion cannons. When the shields were down, take the ship out with ion cannons.
A corvette was disabled.
"Sensors, report?"
"Star destroyers shield at 72% and holding."
"Damage report?"
"Shields at 69% and holding sir."
"Damn. Order Iron Heart to finish off that last corvette. Prepare boarding parties." he boomed.
"Aye sir."
The Iron Heart fired maniacly, battering the corvette time and again. The shields finnaly fell, and in a second long as eternity, the ship was soaked with ion shots, disabled.
"Excellent work! All ships, maximum firepower on the star destroyer, when shields are down, use ions!Helm, full speed!" boomed Torroro happily. In five minutes the star destroyer was disabled, and Kessel was blocked.
"Everything ready major?" asked Torroro. Overholt paused to check his display, and nodded.
"Very well. Lets start." Torroro said, and prepared his most imposing voice level. Overholt nodded to him again. He was talking on all frequencies.
"Attention all forces in the area! This is Admiral Torroro of the Imperial Navy, surrender, and I will have mercy, resist and I will destroy you!" he boomed grimly.
It was only a matter of time now.
"This is Commodore Benin. What are your terms?" a cool voice said, almost singing. Torroro raised an eyebrow. He was prepared for a hopeless mutiny, begging, faithlesness... But not for...cooperation?
"You will lower your planetary shield and allow my troops to land. You will cede control of all anti-air defense's, all weapons, and ground ships. You will recieve protection from the Rebellion, and the Yuuzhan Vong." he answered automaticaly. After a few minutes the voice replyed:
"We accept your terms. We will be lowering our planetary shield in moments." Benin said and closed the connection. On the tactical hologram, the yellow circle around the planet dissapeared.
"Major, begin landing your troops." ordered Torroro.
* * *
"Is my admiral ship ready, captain?" said Thrawn grimly.
"The 'Reaper' is fully under your control sir." Cayel replied formally. They exited hyperspace, and in front of them, Rodia stood. Defenceless. Almost. The arrow head-shaped star destroyer was coming out over the planets horizon.
"All ships, assume standard blockade formation, with the exception of the 'Oathbraker'. Captain Frey, engage the star destroyer." ordered Thrawn. Cayel sniffed quietly. *Why was-- stop trying to understand the admirals logic* he told himself.
The two arrow shaped star destroyers came closer and closer to each other, first shots were exchanged.
"The 'Valiant' is launching fighters, counting four squadrons of X-Wings, and two squadrons of B-Wings." Gallear said calmly from the crew pit.
"Time to play our ace, captain. Launch Phantom squadron, all ships break formation and assume claw formation. Helm, full speed." Thrawn allowed a smile, and leaned in foward a bit from his seat. *Let's see if this commander has the ability to stand on his feet and think in the same time.* he thought.
Two groups of three uglies screamed toward the squadrons infront of them.
"Two and three, close up formation! Use high-powered shots in the head-on, normal power in dogfight." Kowes said across his squadrons frequency.
"Roger that lead." replies came over the comm. Kowes didnt waste time, and let loose a volley of high power shots, taking out four leading X-Wings. His wingmates followed his example with expert timing, cutting down the X-Wing numbers by nine. Another twenty three X-Wings and B-Wings to remove. *Songs will be made about this battle*. Kowes thought as he rolled left. All of his squadron mates followed in expertly timed rolls, and the sky was lightened with small explosions.
The 'Oathbraker' and the 'Valiant' battled like two behemonths, though 'Valiant's superiority was evident. A group of smaller class starships formed in a perfect claw formation were rushing toward the 'Valiant', leaded by a star ship that looked like a highly modifyed Nebulon B2 frigate. The frigate's engines flared, as it came into range and the frigate lashed out at the star destroyer with a volley of hot light. Two Lancer-class frigates, and two Strike-class cruisers, that were in formation with it, followed the frigate's example, letting loose volley upon volley of laser shots at the star destroyer.
"'Oathbraker, what is your status?" Cayel asked.
"Not good. Shields are down to 40%, we cant hold them off forever."
"Prepare boarding parties. Lieutenant, you will lead the boarding process." Thrawn said. Lomeir just nodded.
"Sir, Phantom squadron reports they have taken out most of the fighters." Gallear called out from the crew pit.
"Link me with major Kowes."
Gallear flicked a switch and nodded.
"Major, pick two from your squadron to cover you while you engage the star destroyer's shield generators." Thrawn ordered.
"As you wish sir." Kowes boomed and closed the connection.
"Sensors, whats the status of the star destroyer?"
"Shields at 69% sir."
"'Warhammer' and 'Trident', spread formation." Thrawn ordered grimly.
"Sir, the shields dropped to zero."
"All ships, cease fire. Open fire with ion cannons." Thrawn said with a smile starting on his lips.
"We have them now captain." he whispered to Cayel.
"All Phantom disengage, four five and six follow me, two and three cover us. Prepare ion pulse torpedoes." boomed Kowes.
"Roger that sir." they reported.
Acting as one, Kowes and his clones dodged deadly turbolaser with ease, they skillfully approached the shield generators, and let loose with a volley of laser shots to weaken the defense field, then lashed out with ion pulse torpedoes. They detonated on target, but instead of an explosion, they released ion explosions. The shields were deactivated.
"All Phantoms pull out. We are done here boys. Fire what torps you still have, and head for the 'Reaper'." Kowes boomed over the commlink, and jerked his stick left, and pressed the fire button. Two blue missiles answered his call, crushing into the bridge of the star destroyer.
Thrawn allowed a light smile to spoil his emotionless expression. Lieutenant Lomeir and his group were in the assault shuttle, heading for the 'Valiant'. He had to think of a suitable name for his new ship... Stormlord. Yes, that will do. Everything was going as he has forseen.
The hallway was quiet. But not for him. His and Hotans group advanced shealthy and fastly. He could sense the defenders in the hangar, their anxiety, hopelesness, and determination.
"Anything?" Hotan asked him.
"Yes, at least twenty of them. They are gathered around the shuttle, engineers are working on it." he answered.
"Working what?" Hotan asked quietly.
"Repairing it. We destroy the shuttle, we destroy them." he suggested.
"And provoke a suicidial counter attack? They have enough people to whipe us out, we let them leave. But not without telling them we know they are there." Hotan hissed. Lomeir nodded, and looked around. Six stormtroopers, including Hotan.
"Okay people, we go in, take cover and take out as many as we can. There are about twenty people in there, so watch yourself." Hotan spoke into his comm. Acknownledgments came, as his team positioned itself in either sides of the hangar doors. He keyed in the commands, and the doors opened. His team bursted in like a flood, shooting like mad at the barricades around the shuttle. Lomeir fired up his lightsaber, and threw it in an arching flight at the walkway above the barricades. The lightsaber contacted, and shredded the walkway, large parts fell at the defenders. The diversion saved them, they took cover behind a drink dispenser and some tables. Lomeirs lightsaber returned to him, he grabbed it, hooked it on his belt, and grabbed his laser rifle.
"Nice trick." Hotan commented.
"It took out two of them. Permenatly." Lomeir nodded, and looked behind Hotan. Who followed his look, and found two stormtroopers from the other part of his team dead on the floor. He cursed. That meant that there was only one stormtrooper left in the other team.
"Alpha 5, whats your status?" he whispered into his comlink.
"Bad sir. We lost 6 and 4 though."
"I can see that. Are you wounded?"
"Negative sir."
"Open fire on my mark."
"Will do sir."
Hotan turned to Lomeir.
"Can you help us?" he asked.
"Give me a minute before you open fire." Lomeir answered. Hotan nodded, and proceeded the orders to his group. But Lomeir didnt pay attention. His entire being was focused on the tools on the floor to his far right side. He reached out with the Force, grasped each one of them, and when Hotans men opened fire, he pushed. It wasnt an ordinary push. It was a push strong enough to drive a screwdriver through a mans rib cage. A dozen tools flew at the barricades, searing trough, making holes in the cases and in flesh. Screams echoed through the hangar. At least twelve men were now standing behind the barricades, judging by the density of the cloud of blaster shots that rained upon their hideouts.
"This table wont wont hold em off forever you know." Lomeir hissed.
"Yea, I know. And we cant use thermal detonators, and we are out of subsonic granades." Hotan barked back at him and popped out a bit to exchange a few shots. The stormtrooper in his group was still returning fire, but not for long. He will run out of power packs sooner or later.
"Damn, lets just retreat and throw a couple of detonators in here." Lomeir argued.
"Yea, but the admiral told us to capture the ship, not cripple it. We destroy the hangar, or somehow harm it, the magnetic shield goes down and then shit happens." Hotan answered grimly.
"How about we call for reinforcements?" Lomeir argued further.
"There are roughly over twenty thousand people people on this ship, our count a meager hundred or so. Do you expect that there are reinforcements available?" Hotan snarled, and popped out of his cover again, and trading some shots. This time he was accompanyed by a dying scream.
"Thats one down, about ten more to go." Hotan boomed through his helmet. Suddenly he stiffed.
"Whats wrong?" Lomeir asked.
"How many power packs do you have?" Hotan asked, reaching with his hand toward Lomeir.
"Two." Lomeir answered.
"Give them to me." Hotan grabbed the power packs, and without a single word started removing their overload sturm dowels.
"When they come near the barricades, blow 'em up ok?" Hotan asked.
"Ill do my best." Lomeir said and popped out to trade some shots. Hotan threw the granade. It flied high into air, and it was evident it would land in the bunker.
"Now!" Hotan yelled.
"Almost immediately the granade exploded.
