Chapter 8 – One on One

It was not very common for a Chief Security Advisor to conduct such a possibly perilious mission personally, but Telmann Page had wanted his best man on the case. Getting to Ryloth had been easy, perhaps a bit too easy. The Dark Lord had had made his plans plain, though, and it was clear to everyone in the government's defensive section that they needed to know how the events on Ryloth and Nar Shadaa fitted together. Skywalker had voiced his doubts in Yana Dar's supposed allegiance to the Empire, although he had not questioned Page's information on Abla Othana. Yet the General could not quite believe that an information broker as seasoned as Yana Dar would fall for an Imperial agent's tricks. What if she knew about Othana's loyalties and used them for her ends? What if she, too, was aiding the Empire? Information was the key to gaining an edge over their opponents, the Dark Lord had stressed, and everyone else had agreed, naturally. You did not reject common sense in favor for wishful thinking.

Unfortunately Telmann Page had a feeling that the only one who had any clue as to what was truly going on was that damn Sith. He had not made personal acquaintance with Roj Kell, for which he was endlessly grateful, but he knew enough by now to thoroughly distrust anything the man did. Now, though, as he stalked along the busy corridors of Kala'uun to meet the Twi'lek agent Skywalker had deployed previously to his arrival, the General realized that he had only this lead, except for Haman himself. As far as his agents on Nar Shadaa had been able to determine the scheming Twi'lek was still on Nal Hutta, with his master. What was Haman waiting for? A signal from Ryloth, or the Empire? Mon Mothma had made it clear that she did not want the Hutts to extend their territory, which seemingly coincided with Kell's own objective here, but the Dark Lord had warned them that the man rarely said what he truly wanted to achieve. A shame, really. He would have to check on every single being that had come into Kala'uun during the past week. Not an easy task, and it would take time. Hopefully not too much, though. Once the Imperial remnant made its move they would need to be prepared already.

Belana Jen smiled at her companion fondly when he turned to face her with a triumphant smirk on his face. Crouching in the shadows of the Council Chamber Kell was completely invisible to the eyes of the five Twi'lek and one human occupying the room. The human wore an Imperial navy uniform, and was talking to the five aliens urgently.

"... must not suspect anything," he was just saying.

"The Hutts will certainly not learn anything from us," the Twi'lek seated in the middle of the ring of chairs answered gravely. "Neither will Haman betray your hand in this."

"Timing is crucial. You may not act before the Princess has been safely delivered to Nal Hutta."

"Of course, General."

Signaling Belana to follow him Kell left the chamber as silently as he had entered it. Back in the narrow corridors of the city he shook his head with a disgusted grimace. "I have heard enough," he announced. "Who would have thought that the Empire is behind this!"

"Well, you obviously did not," Belana said sweetly.

"Indeed. So, Haman's rebellion will come at a most inopportune moment for the Hutts, namely when the New Republic navy descends on Nal Hutta. Ah, a truly devious plan. I had wondered why the Empire would deal with those bloated slugs at all."

"And what will you do now?"

"I will force their hand. If my own little rebellion starts now, Haman will have a lot to explain to his Imperial contact. Joral knows too much, though. To not lose face the Empire will have to come to the Hutts' aid. If they don't, all the better."

"Let me summarize the situation: The Imperials deal with Haman and Joral, supposedly exclusive deals, and promise both assistance. The Hutts will draw the New Republic's wrath on themselves for the Empire and will in turn be betrayed to the New Republic by their allies. Far too complicated and risky. Whoever thought up such a stupid plan?"

"Apparently someone who thinks pretty highly of his strategic skills," Kell said with a tiny smile. "Once the Hutts move into Ryloth they will have other things to do than wait for the Princess to arrive. And I can take the time to tell them exactly who betrayed them."

"What about the Twi'lek?"

"What about them? I already told you that I will not help them get out of this."

She nodded glumly. "And you know exactly that I do not approve. You promised to follow me in such matters, remember?"

"Of course I remember." He lowered his head ever so slightly and shifted his stance unconscioulsy into a defensive posture. Belana sighed. Sometimes he could be as stubborn as any Corellian.

"Then you will heed my advice. I want you to tell your allies what they are facing. Let them decide if it is worth the risk."

"Belana, if they believe it useless - "

"You can always tell Joral that the Empire is seeking to betray him. You'd achieve almost the same that way."

"All right. I will do as you say. Just this once, mind you," he added indignantly. Belana patted his shoulder and just smiled.

The Ardana Ver did not remain in hyperspace for long. Two days after leaving Almashin Chi'in let the ship revert into realspace, and immediately they were swarmed by Chiss fighters. Luke's hands jerked toward the control panel in a reflexive gesture, but the Noghri kept the ship on course calmly.

"Sharp, aren't they," the young Jedi commented. He should have felt something, shouldn't he? But there had been no surprise from the fighter pilots, no sudden determination, nothing to warn him. To his shame he noticed that Nuron had remained in her seat, a cool expression fixed on her beautiful face. In so many ways she was far more adept than he, and still she was looking to him for teaching. It seemed ridiculous, sometimes. She had noticed his look and smiled at him fondly, before she leaned forward to lay a soothing hand on his shoulder.

"I know you are not used to not being in control of such a situation," she said softly," but you can trust our abilities here, too."

Throwing Chi'in a panicked glance Luke returned her expectant gaze with a slightly bewildered expression. "I do trust you. Both of you. But you are right. I would feel more comfortable if I were in charge of my X-wing or something. Just sitting here... It is unsettling."

"Trust is important, Luke," the Noghri commented. "Without trust you will always strike out at others, suspect them of cheating you. It is no good life to live that way. It is an empty life. Yet trust in yourself comes first."

"I know," the young Jedi answered in a quiet voice, feeling like a schoolboy.

"The Shooting Star is hailing us," the Noghri said suddenly, ignoring him once more

Up ahead a Star Destroyer loomed into view. The fighters escorting them over to the warship split into several groups, and then the Ardana Ver made the last part of the voyage alone. Chi'in guided his ship into the open forward hangar deftly and settled it onto the deck with great skill. There was seemingly nothing the Noghri did not excel at. Luke quelled a hint of envy in his heart and followed Nuron out after Chi'in. As they left the ship he noticed a Chiss waiting for them. He gave Chi'in a sharp nod and Luke thought that the man's jaw almost dropped at seeing Nuron. Suddenly he looked angry for some reason, but did not say anything.

"Commander Al'than'erudo is expecting us," Chi'in explained, apparently oblivious to the other's reaction to his companion.

"Yes. We have been notified of your arrival, Master Chi'in. Please follow me."

They were guided to a turbo lift nearby, that led straight up to the lower bridge of the huge ship. Luke had been on enough Star Destroyers not to be overly awed by the sheer size of the warship, but there was a thrill in being here, now, with what Chi'in had revealed to them previously. Their nameless guide led them toward a small conference room and opened the door.

Luke almost felt his eyes pop out of his head. The Chiss standing next to a holo star chart was easily the most magnificent being he had seen so far. Dressed in a dark green uniform he was almost as tall as Father, with a slender, wiry frame and perfectly proportioned limbs. His pale blue skin seemed almost translucent, and made him seem soft despite the blue-black hair he wore in a severe crew cut. His glowing red eyes regarded the newcomers with utmost attention.

Commander Al'than'erudo, for he could be no other, had the same calm presence Chi'in conveyed, but even more mature, and an aura of absolute command that Luke had last experienced with Father. There was nothing dangerous about his appearance, though, only the quiet competence of someone who knew exactly what he was doing, and where his actions were aiming at. It took Luke another full second to realize that the Chiss commander was Force-sensitive. Untrained, but the potential was undeniably there.

"Master Chi'in." Al'than'erudo spoke a flawless Basic, and his voice was a pleasant tenor. "It is an honor to have you with us."

The Chiss who had brought them here left noiselessly, as if in response to an unspoken command. Nodding at Luke Al'than'erudo smiled ever so slightly. "Your companion?"

"His name is Luke Skywalker. A Jedi Knight."

"Ah." The Commander nodded knowingly and drew back a chair to sit down. Luke noted with rising anger that Chi'in had not bothered introducing Nuron and that Al'than'erudo had ignored her completely. He could sense that she was equally confused and indignant, and he made a point in drawing a chair out for her first, before sitting down himself. The older men took no notice, though, and were already immersed in a quiet conversation.

"...is disturbing news," Al'than'erudo said. "If they can pass our defensive lines we must retreat and draw our troops together in a tighter net. Especially since Niarun is seemingly facing other problems"

"I agree," Chi'in nodded. "Yet I would ask you to act as escort on my mission. I know this is much to ask, but we could benefit greatly from this endeavor."

"Where do you need to go?"

"SAO-209404. You know the world."

The Commander inhaled with a sharp hiss. "Indeed I do. You will need more than just a ship to cover you down there."

"I had rather hoped you could expend some ground troops."

"What is your plan?"

"On my last visit to the planet I did not manage to get further than the third quadrant of the labyrinth. It is imperative that I gain data of all six quadrants, though."

"How so?"

The Noghri unpacked a datacard from his belt and stuck it into the reader in the middle of the table. The star chart was replaced by a maze of lines that made up a structure, or part of it. The labyrinth, undoubtedly. "I have compared this to the Massassi temples on Yavin 4. The design is similar, yet very different. Undoubtedly it is a focal point for the Force, but to understand how it works I need to explore the labyrinth fully."

"Then you will truly need more than just one Jedi Knight. No offense, Master Skywalker."

"None taken," Luke replied rather coldly, "but he has more than myself to call upon."

"With all due respect," Al'than'erudo said, his smile as infuriating as his failure to acknowlegde Nuron even now. "She is female."

Before Luke could find a suitable retort Chi'in lay a hand on his forearm cautiously. "This world is very dangerous, Luke, I already told you that. Commander Al'than'erudo is merely pointing out that a female might not be able to stand the stress. You know Nuron better than that. He doesn't."

"In our society females do not take up weapons," the Chiss explained, pointedly avoiding eye-contact with the Zabrak's fiery gaze.

"Cultural differences," Chi'in said with a shrug and let go of Luke. "Rest assured, Commander, that I will not leave her behind."

"That is your business, of course."

"Indeed."

"Very well," the Chiss nodded. "We will escort you, but we cannot neglect our duties either."

"We understand. Thank you, Commander."

As it was their trip ended just a few clicks form the Shooting Star's previous position. It was Chi'in again, who ordered the Chiss fleet to drop out of hyperspace prematurely and into a deserted battle-field. The Noghri had told Luke and Nuron about these graveyards that littered Wilde Space and the Unknown Territories back on Niaruan, and with what he knew now the young Jedi wondered who could be behind this.

"This was not here a week ago," Commander Al'than'erudo announced as they stood side by side at the forward viewport of the Star Destroyer's upper bridge.

"Whoever is behind this is lighting signal fires," Nuron growled from behind him and this time the Chiss turned his head to face her directly.

"What do you mean?"

Luke could see the discomfort in the Zabrak's eyes at the unexected attention she was getting from all three men. Even Chi'in was staring at her. "I – It was just a thought," she managed, but the Commander's glowing red eyes demanded a real explanation. Straightening to her full height she gestured toward the ship wrecks floating sadly through space ahead of them. "It stands to reason that some groups will treat this as a warning and heed it, while others will take it as provocation and attack in greater numbers. If we had the data on the other battle-fields we might be able to assess which groups exactly fell victim to our unexpected benefactor. Perhaps it is the Zush'Jem, who move every other obstacle out of their way before attacking the Chiss. It would make sense, from a certain point of view," she added somewhat defensively.

Al'than'erudo nodded sharply. "A valid point. I will send out a team to recover samples from the wreckage." He gave Chi'in a long look. "Master Chi'in, is something wrong?"

The Noghri seemed lost in thought, but the Chiss' question got his full attention immediately. "What?"

"I was asking if there was a problem," Al'than'erudo repeated slowly, watching Chi'in as if he would a stranger. Indeed, the short alien was acting totally different from his usual calm and composed self. Something must be bothering him greatly.

"Cronn reported that he could not sense anything of those battles, that there were no residues in the Force to give any clues as to what happened out there," Chi'in began softly. "I have been wondering about this, but Nuron has just stated the obvious. The Zush'Jem have already advanced into the Unknown Territories. And if I recall the last site of destruction found there correctly, they are about to attack Niaruan. It has to be that."

"Why did they not attack Almashin first, then?" Luke asked, confused. If the Chiss were the primary target, it would make sense to attack their homeworld first.

"We have powerful defenses, but we also are dependant on what resources come through Niaruan," Commander Al'than'erudo explained quietly. "If they attack the base first, and perhaps even manage to defeat the troops stationed there, we will be cut off from our reinforcements." The Chiss gave the Noghri another stern glance. "Under these circumstances I deem it impossible to continue your mission. I must gather my troops."

"Of course," Chi'in nodded. "I will send warning ahead to inform Syndic Bal'maw'narda, and another warning to Niaruan."

"But we've lost communications with – " Luke began, and earned himself a glare by the Noghri.

"Indeed. Which can mean two things. Either the Zush'Jem have already attacked them, or else there is another problem."

When Commander Al'than'erudo spoke again his voice was very grave. "Return to Niaruan and find out what has occurred there. Send back a report as fast as you can. We depend on you."

The Noghri bowed sharply. "We will be as swift as the starlight," he promised.

"Shuttle number 12 is off," Cronn announced coolly from where he was bent over the radar screen a little off from the Grand Admiral's command chair. Confirming the report on his own display Thrawn nodded in satisfaction.

"Excellent. All tech teams are off board and Captain Palleon is in position."

"Sir, with all due respect, but that leaves us helpless against those Force-induced attacks."

"They will attack in any case, Cronn," the Grand Admiral told his second patiently, " and our technicians have short-circuited the remote control unit. They will have to face us here, should they truly dare."

"We have not been able to determine if the remote was used to cause the malfunctions," Cronn reminded him quietly.

"No, but I can assure you that it takes a machine to handle a warship this size. The processes required to make it work are beyond the mind of any species that exists in this galaxy."

"A cyborg might manage."

"That cyborg would have to have a head-implant the size of the shuttle that just left." Thrawn smiled thinly. "If they want to have this ship they will have to get past Palleon's fleet. We are the bait in this trap, Cronn, nothing more. It is natural that you feel vulnerable in such a situation, but it would take more than skill to defeat this array."

"If you say so, sir." There was a tiny flicker on the radar, and a split-second later the Falleen announced: "Here they come."

An instant later the Star Destroyers surrounding the Executor launched score upon score of TIE fighters to intercept the approaching ship. The Grand Admiral called up a close-up of the enemy and arched his eyebrows in surprise. A YT-model Corellian freighter, a bit newer than the Millennium Falcon, but not by much. What was this? An insult?

Suddenly the TIEs broke formation and split up. Twisting his lips in disapproval Thrawn leaned toward the display, trying to figure out what was happening out there. "Captain Palleon, report."

"The fighters are malfunctioning, sir." A look at Cronn confirmed the suspicion arising in the Grand Admiral's mind.

"Have them stand down."

"Sir, I – "

"He's going to try to get close enough to the Executor to board her. By putting the TIEs out of commission he is depriving you of your maneuverability. Those freighters are agile, if they have the right team of pilots, as you should know, Captain."

"What do you suggest, sir?" Palleon asked quietly. For a few heart-beats the Grand Admiral watched the freighter's progress in silence. "Tractor beams?"

"Do it." Continuing his quiet study of the approaching ship Thrawn felt increasingly unsure of his course of action. The pilot could not possibly hope to get past the ships. Unless he had a diversion planned. "Cronn, can you sense any activity through the Force?"

The Falleen was frowning into the distance. "I believe he will try to counter the tractor beams, using the ship's maneuverability. Slow progress, but they could make it. If they manage to evade the Destroyers' cross fire."

"Give me a read on the shields."

Cronn whistled through his teeth in admiration. "Wow! They must have ripped out half the crew compartments to get that monster on board! Highly illegal rigging, but very powerful."

"I see. In the likely case that they manage to break through, I want a sufficient contingent of troops waiting for them."

"Yes, sir," the Falleen nodded and relayed the order.

Just at that moment a fleet of three giant warships dropped out of hyperspace and almost instantly space was alive with hundreds of smaller fighters. Grand Admiral Thrawn stared at the radar in disbelief. "Captain Palleon, cease your efforts on the freighter and reactivate the TIEs."

"Sir!"

"We will manage on our own, Captain. Protect the base at all costs."

Suddenly the lights went out and plunged the bridge in total darkness, before the emergency lighting kicked in.

"We've lost communications again and the hangar decks have been cut off," Cronn reported in a maddeningly calm tone.

Then the reddish glow of the emergency panels faded. Leaning back in his chair the Grand Admiral shut out the excited, frightened exclamations from his subordinates, keeping just as silent as his second, evaluating their situation. The Executor was dead in space, stranded in the middle of what promised to become a short and above all fierce battle, and presumably they were being boarded right now. All in all, he reflected, it could not have been worse.

Erinin gazed at the boy in some concern as he settled their ship down on the deck of one of the hangars. His face drawn and waxen Irek looked sick with exhaustion. He was sitting right behind Erinin and the co-pilot provided by Yana Dar. It rankled the bodyguard that Roganda had allowed the information broker to supply not only the ship, but also the crew. He'd rather have had a more reliable team. True, so far they had been pitch-perfect, but now that they were so close to accomplishing their first mission objective Erinin had to assume that Yana Dar's plans might be different from Roganda's. If that were true it would be Irek's decision how to proceed. Unfortunately the boy would need some time to recover from the onerous effort he had put into the attack.

"Are you all right?" he asked quietly, and Irek's blue eyes turned on him, a vicious sparkle in their depths. But gradually they softened again.

"Just a bit tired."

"Then you stay here." Unstrapping his flight harness the bodyguard rose from his seat. "Shamesha will stay with you." The Weequay seated next to Irek nodded sharply. His species was not noted for its intelligence, but they were loyal enough, and above all strong. "I'll inform you once the bridge is secure, my lord."

"Thank you, Erinin," Irek answered weakly.

"Are you sure we can take the bridge?" Toss Halan, the human co-pilot, asked suddenly.

"Yes. The only problem will be eliminating the troopers."

"The only problem!" Halan exclaimed.

"Don't whine and get the rest of the crew together. We are leaving." Erinin patted Irek's shoulder affectionately as he passed the boy on his way out. "When its safe I'll come and get you," he said softly.

As he left the cockpit Erinin felt strangely fearful. He knew what caused this reaction, though. Over the past eighteen years he had been the bodyguard of both Roganda Ismaren and her son. Irek was like a child to him, and not only because his master had ordered him to make any sacrifice necessary to prevent harm from coming to the boy. Having seen him grow up and having served both as guard and confidant to him, Erinin had developed a fierce affection for Ismaren. For the past eighteen years Roganda and her son had been the only family he'd had, and the boy even more so, since Roganda tended to treat the bodyguard like furniture. She had never appreciated her part in the Emperor's schemes, and she had made no effort at hiding that either.

His master had made it clear that protecting Roganda was simply a necessity, but not the primary objective. Irek came above everything else. But the Emperor was dead. When Roganda had first begun spinning her plan Erinin had assisted her patiently, all the while wondering what exactly Irek's place had been supposed to be in the game. Too late to gain an answer now. So there was only one path for him to follow now, and that was to go wherever Irek pointed. He had no other purpose in life.

"We'll need a cutter to get through the blast doors," Halan told him when he entered the aft hold, where the others were already putting on their armor. Handing the bodyguard his own Toss Halan was watching him expectantly, still waiting for a reply.

"The first two decks above the hangars are dead. We'll need environment suits to get through. Who is assigned for logistics?" Five assorted beings lifted various appendages. "Good. You take the equipment. Now get going. We have a tight frame here."

With two clicks the armor fastened around his ribcage, and he bent down to pick up the environment suit Halan had put out for him. The attacking warships had come as a surprise, but they would keep the Star Destroyers off their backs. Off course, the Executor was prone to being attacked herself, which was why he had to move his team up to the bridge swiftly. They needed to get out of here fast.

"You are considering surrender?"

"As long as he's got control over the ship we have no choice, really. We are dead in space and a tempting target," Cronn pointed out reasonably.

Giving his second a level look the Grand Admiral waited for a heart-beat. "On the other hand, if we can put him out of commission we can get the systems online again and intervene. He cannot have more than fifteen on his team.."

"They have split up. I can sense him, faintly, and there's another with him, but a weak mind, no Sith. The others are on the move. Twelve beings."

"All right. We do not have much time. General Pesh, communications with your troops is still possible, so we will send them out to scout. If a foray party spots the enemy they are to report in immediately, order reinforcements and engage the enemy."

"Yes, sir," the General answered swiftly and went to leave the upper bridge.

"Cronn. You know your task."

"Yes, sir. If I may, you should not remain here unguarded."

"Time is of the essence, and we have to find their team as quickly as possible and eliminate it. No sense in wasting troops here. Nevertheless I will keep two squads at hand. Will you need support?"

"A commlink, to stay in contact. Apart from that I believe I will be all right," the Falleen said with a nod that was barely visible in the gloom permeating the bridge.

They had been able to rig up some torchlights, but it wasn't much. Still, they had to make do with whatever they had. Cronn would eliminate the Sith, and once they regained control of the ship the odds would look much better for Captain Palleon's fleet. Another look outside confirmed the situation. The Chimaera and her five sister ships had been firmly wedged in between the triangle the three assaulters had formed around them. In space the TIEs and enemy fighters were engaged in desperate dog-fights.

The Star Destroyers were trapped solid, with no chance of escape. Although, perhaps there was one. When the Enforcer moved out of the defensive ring to begin the long dive out of the trap Thrawn smiled coldly. Captain Palleon was a most adept commander, no doubt about that. Once the Enforcer had put enough distance between herself and her sister ships the Star Destroyer could accelerate and perform a micro-jump that would put it at the attackers' back. Already the Hammerhead and Manticore were following the Enforcer's example while the remaining three ships increased their assault. Yet the enemy cruisers countered the renewed efforts with a spectacular volley of what looked like plasma bolts. Timing was indeed crucial.

Leading his team toward the bridge swiftly Erinin ordered them to turn off the torchlights and wear the goggles he had provided. Undoubtedly the stormtroopers were using infrared to track their quarry down in the pitch-black darkness on the lower decks, and that made then vulnerable. Light bombs could blind them effectively, if they managed to take the soldiers by surprise.

"Target ahead," Toss Halan announced suddenly. He was holding a small, portable heat detector in his hands. "Five signals."

"Leave this to me," Erinin told the others and adjusted his own goggles. The program Abla Othana had installed into them showed him the layout of the ship in the exact position he was in, which meant that he could find his way even in darkness, even though that meant he had to forgo infrared. Unlocking a bomb from his belt he paused at the corner the goggles showed him. He could hear the troopers now, the soft creaking of armor as they moved, almost on top of him. Throwing the bomb he waited for the explosion and darted around the corner, at the same time deactivating the program. In the after-glow of the light explosion he could see five shapes, throroughly confused, by the look of it, and his blaster made short work of them.

"Way is clear!" Erinin called out and the others caught up to him, guided by Toss Halan. The swiftly reactivated torchlights illuminated the scene of destruction brightly.

"Use one of the head comms to jam their frequencies," the bodyguard ordered softly. Ripping the helmet off one of the downed troopers Halan set to work.

"Done," he said after a few minutes.

"Excellent. Now they can run around in the dark chasing shadows. Proceed to the bridge."

"Sir, they are jamming the headcomms," General Pesh announced, sounding slightly panicked.

"So, first contact has been made," Thrawn mused aloud. "How strong did you make the teams?"

"Groups of five."

"Five!"

"Sir, they are stormtroopers," Pesh started to argue, but the Admiral cut him off sharply.

"Should you survive this, General, you will be demoted. Perhaps you will enjoy service as a stormtrooper more. It is certainly more fitting for your abilities. Sergeant!"

The stormtrooper sergeant clambered up from the lower bridge and threw an uneasy glance at his superior. Undoubtedly he had heard what Thrawn had just told Pesh. "Yes, sir?"

"They will attack the bridge next. Since we have lost contact with the other troopers I dearly hope that fifty soldiers can indeed hold their own against thirteen attackers."

Staring out of the viewport moodily he watched the Enforcer break apart under the merciless assault of the attackers. The Mandicore had managed to escape and was trying to engage one of the three enemy warships, but their fighters had drawn a tight curtain between the two opposing ships. The Grand Admiral almost jumped when six Star Destroyers dropped out of hyperspace and joined the fray immediately. Voss Parck must have alerted the patrols immediately and given them an exact layout of the battle. Perfect. Now the odds looked a bit more even. Rising from his seat Thrawn nodded grimly at the ships fighting for their lives around the Executor. Time to show them that the art of war lay in defense as much as attack. He walked past the very silent General Pesh and down to the lower bridge. The stormtrooper sergeant stood to immediate attention when he arrived.

"Sir!"

"Sergeant Umeg, wasn't it?"

"Yes, sir."

"Have your men rig up more torchlights and erect a force-shield at the entrance. I want to see who we are facing."

"Yes, sir, at once.".

Folding his hands on his back Grand Admiral Thrawn stood in silent anticipation. He was almost looking forward to receiving their 'guests' here. So far they had proven a challenge, and he had no doubts that their leader was an adept warrior. He would attack swiftly, trying to destroy the lightsources first. To do that he would have to break through the force-field first, though. A sudden, faint sound from the upper bridge made his ears perk up, and a small smile crept upon his lips as he turned around slowly. A most adept warrior, indeed. Had he remained in the relative safety of the upper bridge he would now be a prisoner.

"Segeant Umeg," he said softly and the man stepped up to him with two brisk strides. His helmeted face was turned toward the upper bridge, too. "It would seem that the enemy has trapped himself. They cannot risk a fight up there, in case they hit vital instruments. It is a stand-off, I fear."

"Sir, what are your orders?"

"Turn off the lights. Now."

Erinin had been surprised that the Grand Admiral had seemingly left the bridge. He had assumed that, with the battle going on outside, Thrawn would want to know what was going on without endangering himself. They had eliminated the bridge personnel silently, using the element of surprise to their advantage, and he and Toss Halan was now crouching on opposite sides of the bridge entrance, with the others crowding behind them. Suddenly the lights went out on the lower bridge.

"Attack!" he roared and launched himself down the ramp, a light bomb flying ahead of him. The explosion washed over him as he hit the first row of stormtroopers, but by then he was already too lost in the battle ahead to notice it much. Two troopers fell before a high kick sent him flying backwards. His unseen attacker moved lightly and his palm smashed against the bodyguard's neck hard out of nowhere. Erinin managed to grab the man's wrist and noticed to his own surprise that it was not armored, before a kick to his knees and stomach saw him reeling on the deck. Another kick at his face threw him on his back. Gazing upward, slightly dazed, Erinin mustered all his strength to rise again, Then the lights went on and he stared into the glowing red eyes of Grand Admiral Thrawn.

A deafening roar filled the lower bridge all of a sudden and the alien turned away from Erinin briskly to determine the source of the frightening sound. Twisting around the bodyguard got to his feet and attacked again. But Shamesha was a step ahead of him. He gaped at the Weequay warrior in utter surprise. If Shamesha was here, where was Irek? Thrawn ducked underneath the giant alien's first blow elegantly, but by then Erinin had recovered sufficiently to set his blaster on stun and take aim. The stun bolt hit the Grand Admiral about the same time as Shamesha's other fist. Thrawn impacted against the bulkhead heavily and slid to the deck like a puppet. All around stormtroopers, the few that were left, struggled to gain the upper hand, but they were losing. Fifty trained soldiers were not that much, Erinin mused smugly. But the triumphant feeling faded abruptly when he became aware of the slender boy standing at a short distance. Irek's blue eyes were burning with a wild fire, and shadows seemed to be dancing across his young face.

"I could sense it," he said aloud, his gaze focusing slowly on his bodyguard. "I knew you would be in danger." Walking onto the lower bridge Irek ignored the battle dying down around him.

"I told you to wait for me," the bodyguard admonished him, a slight whine in his tone that surprised him. "This is too dangerous for you."

"Shamesha protected me well, Erinin." A tiny smile appeared on the boy's lips, causing the older man to drop his gaze in embarrasment.

"Of course, my lord."

The sudden silence that signaled the end of the fight caught them both by surprise. Looking up and around in bewilderment Erinin saw the others staring at him. Irek did not seem to notice their questioning glances. He stepped over the corpses of a few troopers over to where the Grand Admiral was stirring weakly. Dropping down on his haunches with predatory grace Irek reached out to touch the alien's forehead gingerly.

"Wake up," he whispered softly, and in the uncomfortable silence his words sent shivers down Erinin's spine. Those glowing red eyes opened slowly, fluttering a bit as Thrawn regained consciousness. "Hello, Grand Admiral," Irek greeted him cheerfully. "Can you get up? Erinin, help him, please."

Being dragged upright by the bulky, one-eyed human, who had to be the leader of the attack group, he held his gaze fixed on the young Sith. He could be no one else. But if he was here, where was Cronn? Pain lanced through his body, his abused muscles and bones screaming in outrage. The impact had probably broken a few ribs, he thought, and indeed, breathing was difficult. Something about the boy was familiar, but he could not quite see what.

"Who are you?" he managed at last.

"My name is Irek Ismaren," the Sith answered with a malvolent smile. "I believe you knew my mother."

The Ardana Ver had reached Niaruan three days after the enemy attack and now the remaining commanders were assembled in one of the base's meeting rooms in a war council. Heading the assembly was Admiral Voss Parck, whose position and rank made the choice obvious. Seated next to him was Captain Palleon and an entire row of captains whose names Luke would have to learn over the next few days, he knew. Amidst all those uniformed men he felt a bit out of place. Nuron was standing next to him, her face grim. Chi'in's expression was unreadable. He had just finished his report on what suspicions had overcome him in the Unknown Territories with Commander Al'than'erudo and now they were waiting for the discussion to begin. Not surprisingly it was Voss Parck who started it.

"I believe we managed to drive them back for now, but I do not dare deploy more ships on patrol duty. We are stretched as it is. From your report I deduce that the base is the primary target anyway and this is where our entire information and communications network is situated."

"No need to remind me," Chi'in replied coolly. "Yet we have to consider that they will slip past our defenses and into the known regions if we allow it."

"They will hit the Empire unawares," Captain Palleon mused aloud. "Perhaps that is not such a bad thing."

"I doubt they would leave it at that," Parck answered quietly.

"What abou the Grand Admiral?" Luke tried to not feel intimidated by all those eyes fixing in him.

"His last order was to protect the base at all costs," Palleon reminded them. "I suggest this is what we take as our primary directive."

"Agreed," the Admiral said. "Once communications is online again I will contact Coruscant to gather more information. As much as it pains me to say it, we will have to treat Grand Admiral Thrawn as a casualty and the Executor as a potential threat."

"What about the Zush'Jem? They will attack again, and break through." Chi'in insisted.

"Yes." Admiral Parck nodded gravely. "My suggestion, and one I have made to the Grand Admiral already, is to approach the Imperial remnant. Their resources could make a difference here. I am certain of that."

Luke bit back a gasp. So far he had always believed that the Chiss were their allies, exclusively, but just as Chi'in they seemed to have their own ideas on loyalty towards an ally. "You can't do that!" he exclaimed. "Politically this is the worst you can do!"

"I am not interested in politics, Skywalker," Admiral Parck snapped angrily. "I have an invasion to deal with!"

Seeking Chi'in's gaze Luke found the Noghri looking back at him pensively. "I understand," the young Jedi said at last. If he served life he could not let himself be restricted by politics. The Chiss needed help to survive, and right now only the Empire could grant that help. He almost smiled, when another thought formed in his head. If they succeeded in monopolizing the Empire's war machine the New Republic would be relatively safe and would be free to establish its alliances. He saw the same understanding in Nuron's golden eyes. A small smile was playing over her lips as he watched. Admiral Parck noted their approval with apparent relief.

"Very good. We do not have much time, so I would ask you, Master Chi'in, to contact Naas Deron and relay that suggestion to Syndic Bal'maw'narda. I would not want to alienate the court on Almashin in this."

"I will do that at once," Chi'in told them with a small bow and left.

"And who do we send to negotiate on our behalf?" Luke asked aloud.

"An excellent question." the Admiral smiled at him warmly. "I believe sending a Jedi would indeed be the impolite thing to do, and yet I want someone in charge of the base who knows how to defend it effectively. I cannot send Master Chi'in either, because of the Empire's known biases. I am open to suggestions. Do I hear any?"

"It should be an Imperial commander," Palleon explained, and for some reason he smiled at that. "Unfortunately the last war makes traitors of all of us. You, Admiral, are the only one who has a clean slate."

"Assuming the Empire does not remember my connection to Thrawn."

"I doubt they have seen through that at all," the Captain mused aloud. "No one knows why Grand Admiral Thrawn was really sent here."

Voss Parck nodded pensively. "You are right." Looking up suddenly he gave each of the attendees a hard glare. "Does someone have an objection to leaving Cpatain Palleon in charge? I for one was certainly very satisfied with his speedy response to the attack." A murmur of approval rose from the assembly. "Good. Then this is settled."

"Sir?" Luke spoke up tentatively.

"Yes?"

"I would suggest taking a bodyguard with you. Someone who notices what cannot be seen."

"Yes. A good idea. Who do you suggest?"

"Puket."

He saw Nuron wince ever so slightly. "Is she experienced enough?" the Zabrak asked quietly. "Perhaps you should consult Chi'in on that once he is back."

In the end Admiral Voss Parck left Niaruan in a heavily shielded assault shuttle, since they could not spare a Star Destroyer. Chi'in had approved of Puket, knowing that the young Twi'lek was after all a fully trained Sith and adept fighter. While she might not have the depth and insight of a master she would take her post as the Admiral's guard seriously, and that was all that counted now. With Parck gone Captain Palleon made a commendable effort at securing the base, but Chi'in knew that, while fortifying the major target was certainly necessary, they could only gain an edge if they knew when the enemy would strike at Niaruan. So he found himself stowing supplies in the Ardana Ver's hold alongside Luke, and he could sense that the young Jedi was more than uncomfortable with his leaving the base now.

"Are you sure you don't want us along?"

"Yes. Captain Palleon has other things to do than worry about diplomacy, and someone has to bridge the differences between the New Republic, the base and the Chiss."

"Was that why you introduced us to the Council of Syndics?"

"Yes." Chi'in dropped a heavy crate onto the deck and straightened tiredly to face his young friend. "Luke, I know that you feel led on, what with Parck leaving for the Empire and Thrawn gone, but sometimes you have to see beyond your personal horizon."

"I know."

"Good."

"But why does it have to be you?"

"Because I penetrated the Chiss' defenses once, and I know their weaknesses. It is harder to see those from the inside, as you should know. The commanders stationed out on the perimeter are competent, and I will not tell them what to do. I am just making sure that they are prepared for the onslaught if and when it comes."

Luke nodded somberly. "May the Force be with you, Chi'in."

"And with you."

Watching Luke leave the Noghri felt strange. He was leaving both him and Nuron in unknown territory, he knew, but they would have to learn to act independently sooner or later. He trusted Luke to make the right choices, and Nuron would also learn. Had to. Making his way to the cockpit pensively he thought about the Grand Admiral's disappearance, They could not be certain if the Empire had not been behind that attack on the Super Star Destroyer. Admiral Parck had told him of Thrawn's and Cronn's suspicions, though, and he tended to believe that they would have heard by now if another Sith had joined the Empire.

Unbidden his thoughts drifted toward Roj Kell. The fact that he was still alive had come as a surprise, but surely the old man would never aid the Imperials. He had suffered too much under Palpatine, and although they might be more gullible than the New Republic government Chi'in doubted that Kell would think that a challenge worthy of his abilities. The Ardana Ver came to life and he listened to the ship engines' distant purr contentedly. One thing after the other. For now his sole concern had to be the perimeter defenses of Niaruan.

TBC