Chapter 20 – The Edge of Madness

Fahl Dan seemed strangely agitated when he escorted his prisoner toward what Chi'in believed to be the exit hatch. The ship's interior was fascinating, even to the Noghri's weakened mind. He wondered what the Grand Admiral would say to the intricate patterns of coral shell that covered the walls. Art, or natural design? Shaking off those distracting thoughts the Sith Lord focused his attention on his surroundings once more when Fahl Dan pushed him forward and he stumbled own onto a rough rock ledge. Chi'in fell to his knees in a tangled heap of limbs gone numb with exhaustion, but he breathed the fresh air deeply, such a contrast to the stench of the ship itself. Over his head a wide, gray sky stretched away into infinity and down below an ocean spread out as far as the eye could see. All Chi'in could think of was: prison. There was no escape from a world such as this if any transport was in the hands of enemies.

"The war master is waiting for us," Fahl Dan explained to him and gestured toward a pair of towering warriors who immediately went forward to haul the Noghri to his feet.

War master? Hadn't he told him they were going to see the war coordinator? The difference seemed important, and it put Chi'in in a thoughtful mood. Being dragged toward what looked to be a grotto of some sort he arched his brow in confusion as he was led toward the small pool of salt-water that connected the cave to the ocean. Behind him he heard Fahl Dan exchange some words with the others in their native tongue and a moment later one of the warriors holding on to the Noghri grabbed the Sith's jaws to open his mouth. Jerking back in surprise Chi'in pushed at the creature with the Force, but it had no effect whatsoever. Unpertubed by his prisoner's weak struggle the warrior held something over his lips, and Chi'in gagged instinctively when the thing came alive and tried to wriggle its way down his throat.

"It will help you breathe under water," Fahl Dan explained to the disgusted Noghri, while a thick tube went down his throat. Gagging at the unwelcome intrusion he shook his head, but to no avail. Once the creature was secured tightly over his snout he noticed that the Yuuzhan Vong already wore mates of the thing over their own faces.

Fahl Dan took the lead again and waded out into the pool, sending tiny ripples across the surface to the other side of the cave. For some reason Chi'in found himself thinking of predators. And as he was hauled after the warrior he could almost see them before his inner eye. They were huge, elegant, self-assured and they were looking forward to a little evening snack. Then one of the Yuuzhan Vong holding him dunked his head under water and all he could do was hang helplessly in the warrior's grip as they began the long dive down.

Han was walking with his right hand hoverig above his blaster and his eyes constantly searching the shadows. At his side Lando was seemingly completely at ease, and Talon Karrde was watching both the baron and the Corellian with a faint smile on his lips. Han knew, of course, that Karrde's men were following the trio, but he would rather trust his own reflexes and skills than someone else's. Especially when the people they were going to meet would also have sentinels out to secure the area. The meeting with Boba Fett had not been difficult to arrange for a man with Karrde's connections and with Joral backing their claim. Still, Han felt like a bantha cub about to stumble into a krayt dragon's lair. The clanking of the three men's boots echoed faintly in the distance and Han jumped, when one of the shadows by the wall moved toward them. He brought his blaster out of its holster in one fluid move when Karrde slapped his hand down again and the shadow turned out to be Aves.

"Everything's clear, boss."

"Thank you. Solo, I would appreciate it if you could shed some of your nervousness," the information broker told him coolly. Han growled something under his breath that he'd rather not say aloud. Lando was grinning at him and clapped a hand on his shoulder in empathy.

"They are waiting for us, and they've brought who you asked for," Aves continued with a nod aimed at the Corellian.

"Great," Han replied quietly. With Irek Ismaren running around loose out there they could use any help they could get. And Fett had brought Nasdra Magrody here, after he had kidnapped him from Yaga Minor. Han assumed that the bounty-hunter had acted on Sarreti's orders too, just like Joral. That man really had his hands in every scheme that was currently being played.

They followed Aves into a side corridor and some sort of shop, abandoned by the previous owner, the Corellian guessed. A tall Barabel stepped out of a door, wearing an armored suit and carrying a heavy blaster rifle in its paws. It growled something at Aves, who nodded.

"This is O'kla'mey. She's my contact," he explained, and Han gave Lando a deliberate look that took in his fancy clothes pointedly. The baron, though, gave his cape an elegant flourish and executed a perfect bow in front of the alien female, who grunted in surprise.

"My dear O'kla'mey, it is a pleasure to get to know you. I have heard such a lot about your exploits, namely the Du'je affair on Rimmnil. Excellent work."

Han stared, and the alien's eyes widened in surprise. She murmured something at Lando, for all the world sounding slightly embarrassed by his praise and Aves elbowed the Corellian in the side with a grin. "He's a smooth one, isn't he?" the man sniggered. And Karrde was watching everything with that unwavering smile on his face.

Then O'kla'mey led them deeper into the building and they huried after her. Han caught up with Lando in a few quick strides. "You didn't tell me you knew her!"

The baron shrugged. "You never asked. Besides, I didn't know she was Aves' contact either."

The bounty-hunters had chosen one of the larger storage rooms for the meeting, and Han could not shed that uncomfortable feeling he always had when beng cooped up in a room with a lot of armed strangers. Boba Fett was leaning against the back wall nonchalantly, and only a few of the hunters were seated at all. They were professionals, after all. Fett gave Han and Lando a careful nod, before he detached from the wall and walked toward them.

"As you know, we do not usually make business this way," the man began. "But your offer sounds intriguing. What's the catch?"

"Catch? There is no catch," Lando explained, throwing his arms wide in mock indignation. "You'd have the same job you've had before, better pay, better information."

"Boring," one of the other hunters growled. "No thrill in being a clerk for someone. That's assassin's business."

"You'll find that any assassin would disagree."

"It would make some sort of police-force of us," Boba Fett replied quietly. "Most of us try to avoid being exactly that."

"No one would be forced to join, but, of course, you would enjoy certain privileges."

"Privileges?" Fett snorted. "We do not need those. Any of us could have joined any petty private army as mercenary. None did. Because we value our indepenence."

"Excuse me, but not a minute ago you claimed the offer was intriguing. If you don't want a deal, why are you here?" Lando countered.

O'kla'mey growled something and a few bounty-hunters laughed aloung with her, while the baron seemed slightly flustered. Han wondered what she had said.

"She said she wouldn't be adverse to dealing with Baron Calrissian," a weary voice said in the Corellian's ear. Han jerked around to face Nasdra Magrody. The old man really did look tired. "I was told you'd come here to get me. I would really appreciate that. They are nice enough chaps, but somewhat unsettling too," the scientist continued.

"Whatever else happens, you are coming with us," Han promised. "Irek escaped. We need your help."

"I felt it."

The Corellian frowned. He remembered that Leia had told him Magrody was Force-sensitive, but he had been under the impression that he had not been trained properly. "How?" he asked.

"There's always a special bond that connects mentor and student. I've known him since he was little."

Han's eyes widened as revelation hit him. "What?" he hissed. "But that means he can find you too!" Raising his voice to be heard over the discussion that was taking place between Lando and the bounty-hunters he shouted. "Hey! We got a problem here!"

He could feel him close by, a presence he knew all too well, that placid mind that could erupt into fireworks of activity if challenged. Nasdra Magrody. Frowning darkly at the shadows ahead the youth crept along the dirty walls of the upper balcony. Erinin had taught him that the best way to take a prey was by surprise. A low growl rose from the back of his throat. Erinin had deceived him. Everyone had. But he was not their play-thing! He would show them that he was in control of his fate!

By now he could hear voices from below, and he took a cautious step into the next room, his senses sharp and alert. Yet he almost noticed the alien presence too late. The Weequay charged at him out of a corner, swinging his blaster-rifle around in a forceful move, but Irek was faster. His hands shot out toward the towering alien and blue lightning poured over the creature's heavily muscled body, making him twitch in agony and confusion. It was a silent death, and that suited Irek very well.

Stepping over the still body he nodded to himself in grim satisfaction. None of the beings assembled here were a match for his abilities. The door opposite from the balcony led onto a gallery and Irek carefully made his way down toward the lower level. Then he heard someone shout, and knew he had been betrayed. Again. Blind rage filled his mind as he pictured his quarry getting away. No! Magrody would pay for what he had done to him! He would pay dearly.

Nasdra Magrody vanished in a red mist of atomized bodyparts. Eyes wide, Talon Karrde watched as Solo was thrown back hard when the shockwave passed him, and he did not even have time to scream out his horror before a black-clad figure darted past with a drawn-out howl of pure rage. In an instant the room came alive with blaster fire and loud curses and shouts. Chaos broke out. Across the room the Corellian ducked low, drawing his blaster. Karrde followed his line of sight and thought he could see the stranger duck through another door. Ismaren. That had to have been him.

"Hold fire!" a mechanized voice called out and immediately the stutter of weapon's fire ceased. "Solo!"

Turning his head the Corellian rose from his half-crouch. "Yeah? What!" he asked Boba Fett, who stood in the midst of the bounty-hunters, his armor gleaming in the artificial light. Solo tried to wipe Magrody's bodily fluids from his face and neck.

"Who was that?" Boba Fett asked coldly.

"A mad darksider."

Nodding sharply the bounty-hunter disengaged from the crowd. "I don't really care for the old man, but if working for your boss is only half as challenging I might agree to your deal."

Solo gave the man a hard look. "The boy is dangerous. He's powerful and he's desperate." Karrde found himself nodding in agreement.

"I have dealt with his kind before," the bounty-hunter said softly. The information broker's frown deepened. There was something more here than he could fathom. Fett sounded almost wistful. An intriguing discovery and worth some research.

"You're in." The Corellian surveyed the rest of the hunters critically. "I suggest we spread out. Be careful when you engage him. You saw what happened to the professor. But we want him alive. Keep that in mind."

"Alive? Are you mad?" someone shouted.

"Boss' orders. If you wanna go against him, by all means, do, but I promise he won't be as quick and messy about it as that boy," Han retorted nastily. The protester nodded numbly.

"You heard the man!" Fett called out. "Let's go."

Talon Karrde still stood rooted in place, when the bounty-hunters started filing out of the room. Joining him, Aves gazed at the departing crowd pensively.

"What are we gonna do, boss?"

"I believe things on Nar Shadaa will get pretty interesting. And I also believe Solo and Fett can handle this on their own. Our business here is finished." He gave his second a hard look. "And we have yet to prepare everything for the Seeker-program. Come."

They followed slowly in the bounty-hunters' wake and as they stepped out of the building the rest of his men left their respective hiding places and formed a protctive phalanx around himself and Aves. One of the men sidled closer.

"He's been injured," he told Karrde softly.

"Is that a fact?"

"Well, it was dark, but he was running kinda hunched over."

"Thank you. You told Solo and Fett?"

"Should I have?"

Karrde sighed. "Well. I suppose they'll find out soon enough."

Irek leaned against the corridor wall, exhausted. Using his power always drained him of energy, but this time it had been worth it. His eyes were gleaming feverishly in remembrance of the glorious feeling that had taken his heart-ache away for a while. Sensing Magrody's death had been elating. Such a brief moment and yet so sweet ... A jolt of pain brought him back into the presence. One of those cursed bounty-hunters had managed to catch him off-guard. The broad-bladed knife that had gotten stuck in his left thigh was now tucked behind his belt, and he had tried to stop the bleeding with a make-shift bandage, but it had not worked. He must be doing something wrong, but he felt too dizzy to find out what exactly that was.

A soft click brought his head around and he frowned at the figure standing not far off. At first he thought it was a child who had gotten lost somehow, but then he became aware of the powerful presence hiding behind the deep hood shadowing the short figure's face. Pushing himself away from the wall Irek frowned.

"Who are you?" he called out hoarsely. The stranger did not answer. Stalking toward him soundlessly, he pushed back the hood of his cloak and Irek almost gasped at the sight of the nightmarish face revealed there. But then he laughed, to disguise his uneasiness. "Let's see if I can make pretty fireworks out of you too, Ugly," he sneered. But before he could summon the rage that usually fueled his power the stranger struck out at him. Irek's throat constricted inexplicably, and he gasped for air desperately as he clawed at his own neck to get rid of the invisible collar that was choking him. Fear surged through his mind and let him lash out in desperation. Suddenly the collar vanished and he dropped to his knees, inhaling deeply.

"You are powerful," the nightmarish stranger stated calmly. Looking up, Irek saw the alien stand above him. He did not seem frightened at all. But he should be, shouldn't he? Growling softly, the boy tried to rise, but his left leg refused to cooperate. The alien chuckled softly. "But not smart enough," he added in a low whisper.

Irek threw his arms across his eyes as a blinding white light swallowed the alien whole. For a moment hope blossomed in his mind. Perhaps the thing had vanished. But then strong hands clasped around his neck, ready to snap his windpipe. Throwing himself back Irek sought to struggle out of the alien's grip, but the other moved like a snake. Again fear filled his very being with a blackness that was suffocating and needed to be released before it could crush him. This time his attacker yelled a curse as he let go of Irek again. Triumphant, Irek staggered to his feet and turned to face the short alien. Suddenly a sharp pain lanced through his left shoulder and his gaze dropped down to see a long metal projectile potrude from his flesh. He almost fained when an electric current hit him, numbing the entire left half of his body. He keeled over and fell to the floor with an agonised grunt.

"Andarack!" Running even faster Han closed in on the Noghri warrior before he could finish Irek, who lay helplessly on the ground. Behind him Boba Fett was drawing level with his quarry, another bolt knocked already on his cross-bow. Those things were connected to the bounty-hunter's backpack through a lead line, and apparently they really came as a shock to the victim. Han skidded to a halt in front of the Sith and decided that this intervention might not have been such a smart idea after all. Large, black eyes were gazing at him unblinking.

"Leave now and I will let you live," Andarack told him coldly.

"The Dark Lord wants him alive, and so does the Empress," Han explained hastily. "Have you checked back with you boss lately?"

Now the Noghri seemed just a little bit uncertain. "Alive? But my orders –"

"Forget about them!" the Corellian snapped, then tempered his tone somewhat. "Come on, leave over."

Drawing himself up to his slim height the wiry alien regarded him calmly for a while. "I will ascertain this."

"Please do," Han retorted acidly. In an instant Andarack darted past him and the Corellian, totally surprised, tried to get a grip on the small alien, but caught only air. As he turned toward Andarack he saw that Irek had sat up again. Blue eyes wide the boy wore a horrified expression on his face. The reason for that seemed clear, since the bounty-hunter, who had cautiously retreated a few steps, was calmly working the voltage controls of the metal crossbow bolts, two of which were now lodged in the young man's flesh, one in his left shoulder, the other in his right arm. Just then the Noghri impacted against the bounty-hunter's armored form, wrenching the crossbow from his hands and disconnecting the leads to the projectiles in the process.

"Fool!" the short warrior roared. Then he whirled toward Irek, who rose from the floor jerkily. Han felt his skin crawl when the boy turned toward the Noghri ever so slowly, blue sparks of electricity running through his black hair and crackling along the folds of his clothes. He understood in an instant that the bounty-hunter had inadvertedly been feeding power to the young darksider, instead of incapacitating him.

Andarack did not wait for Irek to unleash the power he was building up. Jumping high he pivoted in mid-air and brougth his arms around to hit the other's head hard in rapid succession. Irek fell back, momentarily distracted, and the Noghri moved back in relentlessly.

But then the tide turned in a shocking instant. Han felt as if hit by some invisible hammer as a sort of force-field crashed against him and swept his feet out from under him. A loud clatter told him that Boba Fett had possibly impacted against the wall somewhere. Suddenly Irek was looming over him, a wild fire dancing in his eyes. Grabbing hold of the Corellian's collar the boy started shaking him effortlessly, as if he were a mere ragdoll. His touch was pure agony. Han bit down a cry of pain, trying to refocus his senses, but it was hopeless.

"My mother," Irek hissed. "Where is she? And Yana Dar? Where are they hiding?" The sheer menace in his voice was enough to freeze the Corellian's lungs.

"Byss," he managed at last.

Letting go of him instantly Irek turned away to leave. Just then a small shadow flitted toward him and Irek managed to duck just in time before a knife shot through the space his head had previously occupied. He raised a hand and casually batted the attacking Noghri aside. Andarack hit the floor hard and Han could hear bones snap from where he was lying on his side.

Then it was over, and Irek was gone.

"Quite a handful," Boba Fett commented quietly as he stepped up next to the Corellian and helped him rise again.

"I thought you said you have dealt with his kind before!" Han said accusingly. The sound of running feet could be heard and then Lando and a few of the bounty-hunters came into view.

The baron surveyed the scene with a frown on his face.

"Did he get away?"

"What do you think?" Han growled as he walked over toward where Andarack was struggling into an upright position. Han's body was aching all over and he winced at every step he took. Damn those cursed Sith! Dropping down next to the Noghri he heaved a sigh. The short warrior's breathing was shallow, but his dark eyes were alert and regarded the Corellian calmly. "Well," Han stated resignedly, "now you've really made him mad."

"What are we going to do?" Lando asked quietly from behind him.

"I suppose we'll tell Her Highness and then leave for Bilbringi. If Irek wants to go hunting he might try to get at Leia again. I won't let that happen. Never."

Luke was preparing their backpacks for the trip into the bowels of Kynda'bey while Nuron received last instructions from Al'than'erudo. The Chiss was standing next to his ship and his bearing seemed strangely timid. Trying not to give in to his desire to listen in on their conversation Luke still had a sharp eye on them. Therefore, when Nuron went forward to hug the commander, the young Jedi shot to his feet instantly and had taken two angry steps toward them before the Zabrak went to meet him and Al'than'erudo popped open the entry hatch to his ship's cockpit and settled himself into the pilot's seat. Nuron joined her lover with a smile and slipped an arm around his waist possessively.

"What was that supposed to be?" Luke asked over the roar of the scout craft's engines.

"What?"

"I said – " stopping himself Luke resolved to wait with his question until it was a bit quieter.

"I hope he gets away!" Nuron shouted just then and her words drove a spike of jealousy through the young Jedi's heart.

The scout craft vanished in the darkness and the sound of its engines grew more distant by the minute. Disengaging from Luke again Nuron went to shoulder her backpack. He stood watching her, undecided and feeling hurt. "What was that back there?" he asked, his voice full of anger.

Golden eyes locked on his face and the Zabrak smiled. "He told me he did not want to leave without telling me what a great woman he thinks me to be. I said I belong to you. He understands."

"Oh?" Folding his arms across his chest Luke was the epitome of wounded pride and helplessness. "Oh? And that was all, was it? And that was why you had to go and hug him!"

"Commander Al'than'erudo is a good man," she admonished him, "a good comerade. That is all, Luke. And now he's gone, and he is probably going to die. No need for you to worry any longer." Handing him his backpack Nuron arched her brows encouragingly. "Luke. Please. Trust me."

He snatched the pack from her hands and stalked past her with a growled "I'll try."

The trip to the surface proved treacherous, because they had to pick their way along the face of the cliff up toward the ledge. The wind was batting at them mercilessly and the only illumination they had was the light of Kynda'bey's twin moons.

Laa'kuan. Melyash.

Luke jerked in surprise. "Did you hear that?" he asked softly.

"Hear what?" Nuron asked right back.

"I thought I heard – " he shook his head. "It was strange. I thought I heard someone name the moons." He pointed at the sky. "Laa'kuan and Melyash."

Nuron froze. "I have heard that before," she whispered, her golden eyes wide as they caught the light.

"What? Where?" Laying his hands on her shoulders urgently Luke stood bristling with excitement.

"An exercise, Prayer and Answer. Lord Kell called it laa'kuan ghi melyash."

Luke stared. "An exercise?"

She nodded emphatically. "It serves to focus one's senses, to achieve calm."

"Balance," Luke supplied. Again, she nodded. "Chi'in said the Jem'luz were connected to Kell. Their homeworld is not far away. Could it be one of the moons?" Frantically he tried to order his thoughts and remember the data Al'than'erudo had given him. Then he pointed at the left moon. "This one. Laa'kuan. That's the world."

"Are you sure?"

"Focus on the left one. You will find that the right will provide an echo. Prayer and Answer. See?"

Nuron kept silent for a while. Then she turned startled eyes on him once more. "This is incredible. The entire sector is teeming with the Force."

"A focal point, Chi'in said, like the Massassi temples on Yavin 4."

The Zabrak grabbed his arm and started dragging him onward. "Come. No matter what, we need Chi'in alive. He knows too much, and we need that knowledge now."

Luke could only agree.

Chi'in was fairly exhausted by the time they had arrived at their final destination. It was a large grotto, deep underneath the planet's central continent, and more Yuuzhan Vong were assembled there, hundreds, he thought, maybe thousands. Fahl Dan hoisted the short warrior out of the water by the scruff of his neck unceremoniously, and Chi'in jerked his arm out of the Yuuzhan Vong's grip once his feet found solid purchase again. Holding his head high he surveyed the grotto critically. None of the aliens assembled here registered with his Force senses, yet the creature that occupied the large pool of brake water in the middle of the giant chamber was like a conflagration to the Noghri's mind. It was huge, and its black eyes regarded him with undisguised interest. Chi'in supposed it was somehow connected to the Force, or perhaps a powerful telepath, but he could feel its scrutiny clearly, probing at his mental shields carefully, as if testing their limits.

He could sense the creature's satisfaction and then an echo of pride. Keeping his features calm the Noghri tried to gather what was going on. Apparently the Yuuzhan Vong communicated with this creature telepathically. That was why he could feel anything at all. He wondered at that. Suddenly Fahl Dan pushed him forward, and Chi'in stumbled to the edge of the pool on weak legs.

The giant creature raised equally huge tentacles out of the water and extended them toward him slowly. He froze. What would happen if that thing touched him? Something reached him then. Looking into the creature's eyes he found the siren call compelling, peaceful even. Chi'in shuddered involuntarily when the tip of one of the tentacles caressed the back of his head, yet he was also acutely aware of the danger. Never before had he dealt with a mind as expansive, as powerful. His mental shields seemed flimsy and all too vulnerable by comparison, and again doubt started eating at his confidence. He thought of the base at Nirauan, dependent on his keeping silent, his friends. It all seemed too much.

Very abruptly Chi'in understood that the creature was magnifying his own feelings, using them against him. Taking a slow breath he drew back into his own mind, retreating carefully. The creature followed. As he had expected none of his defenses were a match for this thing's mental abilities. His doubts increased a hundredfold. He could not win this. There was no way he would escape the scrutiny of the war coordinator. His friends were lost, the base, everything.

Chi'in was fighting his own emotions as best as he could, but he was also very certain that he was losing. As a warrior, he knew the price of defeat intimately, and as a Noghri hunter, he realized that he had been caught by a most cunning predator. But perhaps there was a way. For long, long moments, he meditated on doubt, seeing through the war coordinator's efforts with a clear mind. The fear for his friends sought to overwhelm him, yet he pushed it aside again. A powerful image of his own death began dancing in front of his inner eye, but he blew it apart easily.

The war coordinator started assaulting him with greater force, lancing images and emotions at him in a hailstorm of despair and fear and doubt. Chi'in retreated again, but sooner or later he would be cornered. All of a sudden the attack ceased, and he found that the war coordinator's tentacles were all that was keeping his quivering body upright. Once the creature released him, he dropped to the rocky ground thankfully. His breathing was almost desperate, as he tried to suffuse the oppressive feeling that still surrounded and clouded his mind. Someone moved above him and Chi'in looked up slowly, to find another Yuuzhan Vong regarding him intently. The alien gave him a grim smile.

"Very impressive, warrior," the war master whispered. "But now, you will die."

The Grand Admiral had just finished reading the latest report filed by Captain Palleon when the man himself announced his presence at his office door. Waving the captain inside Thrawn put the datacard he had been studying away and steepled his fingers elegantly in front of his chest.

"Captain. Any more news?"

"Syndic Ech'an'dana's task force is expecting us at Miecona. His scout teams have not yet returned."

"They propably were wiped out by the enemy," the Grand Admiral reasoned. "We knew beforehand that they are coming down the Lieman Corridor."

"Yes, sir, but the loss of that scout group could prove devastating. We need all the information we can get out of that sector."

"We have what information we need, Captain," Thrawn admonished him quietly. "The enemy is hiding out there."

"Sir, with all due respect, but how are we going to respond?"

Thrawn held back a sigh, his eyes taking in the concern that was plain on the captain's features. Again anger flared in his mind, anger at the Syndic's arrogance, and the Chiss' stubbornness in particular. "Syndic Bal'maw'narda shares Ech'an'dana's opinion concerning a defensive pattern," he explained slowly. "Believe me, Captain, I have tried my best to persuade them that we need to attack now, before they can gain a foot-hold in the Lieman Corridor."

"But our forces stand ready. All we need to do is direct them," Palleon retorted almost plaintively.

"Ech'an'dana reported four capital ships and sixteen smaller vessels. From what I have seen 'capital' in this case means they can match the Executor's firepower. Additionally they have small single craft for attacking and harrying the enemy. The problem is, my friend, that we have no idea whether they might not have spread out further along the Corridor, let alone whether they have received reinforcements by now."

Suddenly loud voices rose in an argument in the outer room. Glowing eyes narrowing Thrawn nodded at Palleon, who turned toward the door to check on the source of the commotion, but almost at the same moment a tall, bulky human strode into the office, his dark eyes ignoring the captain and fixing directly onto the Grand Admiral.

"Ah, Master Deron," Thrawn greeted the newcomer quietly. "You might want to reconsider your position among the Chiss forces. The next time you decide to leave Almashin without giving notice first you might find yourself in deeper trouble than you are in now."

He waved the Chiss who had followed the human in away again. They retreated obediently, but their eyes never left Naas Deron's back until they were out of sight.

When Syndic Bal'maw'narda had told him, in their last discussion, that Naas Deron had left the planet without telling anyone where he was going the Grand Admiral had reasoned that the Sith were choosing sides. Of course, that did not mean that Deron was allowed to breach protocol and discipline. He was ambassador to Almashin, no prisoner. And Bal'maw'narda would not have detained him, had he requested a leave for Nirauan. Why the hurry? Was it just that the man was that arrogant or ignorant, or was something else behind this?

"We are all in trouble," Deron replied coldly.

"You don't say," the captain remarked sarcastically.

"If you have any news, Master Deron, I would appreciate hearing it now," Thrawn interrupted Palleon quietly.

"I am not certain if it is news, exactly, but Chi'in has been taken prisoner, and I fear that we cannot rely on his keeping silent on our defenses."

"Really?" His brow rising in surprise Thrawn leaned back in his chair slowly. "Knowing Chi'in, I would trust him to keep his head in a crisis such as this."

"My master is powerful, but there is always someone even more powerful than oneself. Someone with greater prowess, greater intellect, you choose," Naas Deron snorted. "I can feel him slip away. He will not last that much longer."

"Do you know where he is?"

The Sith Lord seemed embarrassed all of a sudden. "I have not yet found the calm I need to focus that deeply."

"Then I suggest you find it now," Thrawn hissed viciously. "Find out everything you can, no matter what it takes."

An emergency light started blinking at the comm console installed into his desk. He accepted the call swiftly and an image of Ech'an'dana's aged features appeared instantly. "Urgent news, Syndic," the older Chiss began. "We have picked up a distress call from the Jem'luz homeworld. It appears as if some of our scouts have survived the enemy assault. I will personally direct a retrieval mission into the Lieman Corridor."

"With all respect, Syndic, I do not believe this to be a vaild tactical decision."

"The information the scouts have gathered might prove essential."

"And such a maneuver would also split our main forces," Thrawn countered quietly.

Syndic Ech'an'dana regarded him in silence for a short while. Then he shook his head. "I am sorry having to disagree, but I will be taking two additional task forces with me. That should ensure the success of that mission. As I see it Nirauan, Csilla and Almashin are yet safe. It is your task to keep them that way."

"Syndic Ech'an'dana," Naas Deron injected respectfully, "I would advise you to rethink that maneuver. You have no concept of the powers that lay in waiting to trap you."

"Ambassador, I will certainly not hole up somewhere and wait for the enemy to overwhelm us. Gaining that information is vital for our defenses. I will go. Syndic," he addressed Thrawn again, "I trust you can handle the defenses of the secondary front."

"Of course. Good luck to you, Syndic." The image dissolved again and Thrawn gazed across the desk at the Sith Lord standing tall in front of him, his black-clad form conveying a sense of dark power. Yet Naas Deron's eyes held regret and even sorrow.

"He is going to die," the man stated softly. "His choice dooms his troops as surely as it dooms himself. I have come to warn you, Grand Admiral. The Lieman Corridor is no place to be right now."

"I distinctly recall myself giving you an order, Master Deron. Either you submit to my command or else you leave and go back to Almashin," Thrawn told him just as quietly.

"I will stay," Deron replied through gritted teeth. "You will need me here. That I know for certain."

"Excellent. Why don't you set to work, then?"

The arrival at Bilbringi was uneventful, and Anakin was feeling anxious to be off again, and on his way to Byss. Leia did not really need him with her to handle the diplomats assembled here, and Piett would also be assisting her. All he was here for was to join forces with Lorth Needa's Second Fleet. Standing on the bridge of the Star Destroyer Freedom alongside its captain, a female Bith with the musical name Illichiyame, he surveyed the planet from afar, and watched as Leia's shuttle dropped toward the world in a steady descent.

"They are coming within reach," the captain announced suddenly, directing the Dark Lord's attention toward the approaching Star Destroyer and her task force. Needa's Eisenhart was gliding through space elegantly, as if she had not just survived a close encounter with the galaxy's only Super Star Destroyer. A proud ship commanded by such a humble man. The arrangement worked, though, and Anakin had come to appreciate Needa's quiet competence early on. He was looking forward to working together with him again. Leaning toward the Bith he gave her a small nod.

"Please invite the captain over. We need to discuss the further deployment of this battle-group."

"Yes, Lord Skywalker. At once," she answered calmly. Although officially she was still in command of their small fleet, and would be until they had reached Byss, she deferred to him easily, recognizing his greater experience and respecting it. It was a relief to be surrounded by people who were used to command and team-work, contrary to politicians such as Mon Mothma.

No matter what Padmé was trying to make of him, he would never have the patience to become a diplomat. There was too much subterfuge instead of clear rules and directives, too many people trying to interfere with command, too many interests. In warfare there were indentifiable targets, clear priority issues and a common goal. The complex simplicity of that design gave safety and comfort of a sort, not the neverending dance on the slippery floor of the political arena. He admired his wife and daughter for the elegance and ease with which they navigated that treacherous battle-ground, just as he envied Luke his naivité, that let him view everything through an almost innocent perspective.

It was funny, how his entire family had chosen one field to specialize in, and how every one of them had found someone to guard his or her back on their respective missions. Luke had Nuron, Leia had Han and he had an entire score of guardians, from Chi'in to Jix and Needa. He frowned. Only Padmé, it would seem, had to been left to struggle for herself. The Corellian would keep an eye on his future mother-in-law, the Dark Lord knew, but that was not the same. Left alone in yet unfamiliar territory his wife had no one she shared a deeper bond with, one of utmost trust. Suddenly anxious he laced the fingers of his hands together to keep them still. Perhaps he should contact her. Whirling away from the captain he stalked down the bridge to search for a private comm he could use.

Half an hour later he had the chance to talk both to Padmé and Han. While she seemed completely relaxed the Corellian wore a deep frown on his forehead. Understandably, considering the news they had for him. Anakin stared at the pair in surprise.

"He killed Nasdra Magrody?"

"Yeah," Solo confirmed. "We suspect this is some sort of crusade. Everyone who has somehow hurt him in the past gets pulled down. We'll be leaving for Bilbringi in a few hours. I don't want to leave Leia alone now."

"A wise decision," the Dark Lord agreed. "Padmé, what about you?"

"I will be travelling with Han," she replied gently. "I couldn't stand being alone on Courscant right now."

"And what about Irek?"

"Boba Fett wants to go hunt him down."

"Is that so?" Anakin nodded to himself. "Well, if you are coming here I suppose Leia will be reasonably safe. I myself will be leaving for Byss soon. From there on the fleet will maintain complete communications silence with the New Republic, meaning you won't be able to reach me." He gave Padmé a questioning glance and saw tears glisten in her eyes.

"Be careful, Anakin," she said softly. "Be careful. And come back safely."

"You be careful yourself," he answered with a fond smile and a loving gaze directed at her beautiful face. "Solo, you are hereby charged with protecting both my daughter and my wife," he added. "Think you're up to it?"

"You don't know what you are asking, your lordship," the Corellian retorted smartly.

"Honestly, I do. So, my love, you will have to promise me that you will do what he says."

"If it is reasonable..." They shared a laugh, but Anakin longed to be able to touch her, to kiss her, feel her close. This was good-bye, and who knew what would happen out in the Unknown Regions?

"I love you," he whispered and reached out to touch the screen with his fingertips. She returned the gesture tenderly, a radiant smile lighting up her eyes.

"My love, do not forget the promise you made. Come back to me. All right?"

He swallowed back a fat lump of sudden fear, remembering himself as he had pleaded with her back on Korriban, had begged her to forgive him. But that crisis had passed. He gave her a brave little smile.

"I will, don't worry."

But a few moments later, staring at the blank screen where her face had been just a heart-beat before, he felt that nothing would be all right. Something was about to happen. Something very bad.

"Lord Skywalker?"

Turning around in his seat he gave Captain Illichiyame a hard look. "Yes? Has Captain Needa already arrived?"

She nodded. "He is waiting for us."

"Why did you come by personally to fetch me?"

The captain seemed startled by his question. "I – " she stuttered, then broke off.

"You wanted to know if I was keeping something from you, is that not so?" She regarded him in silence for a while. Anakin knew that the Bith race was a highly developed, highly intelligent one. But if she were so smart she would not have tried to eavesdrop on him so clumsily. And here he had been hoping the powerplays had ended at last. Rising from his seat he stepped in front of her, using his own height to his advantage to intimidate her just a little bit. "Captian Illichiyame, if you do not trust my command I suggest we find a compromise concerning the deployment of your ships."

"Sir?"

"Admiral Voss Parck reported that a new attack on Nirauan would be imminent. There is a reasonable chance that the attacking force will be repelled. Perhaps they will fade back into the Unknown Regions, but maybe they will have no other way but to push further, into New Republic space. That would put Bilbringi in danger. Besides, having a sizeable force stationed here would enable us to respond more quickly, should they truly attack Nirauan. It is a longer jump from Byss to the base than from Bilbringi."

Illichiyame nodded slowly. "I see, sir. Very sound reasoning."

He gave her a thin smile. "I know."

Jix was somewhat surprised to hear from the Dark Lord again so soon, and before he had even arrived at Byss. Something must be bothering him greatly. So, when the aide came to summon him the Corellian was anxious to hear the news. Judging by the background Vader was aboard a starship, which probably meant that he was at least on his way. His expression was very earnest.

"Jix, everything all right on Byss?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"

"Irek Ismaren is coming to you. I want you to inform Yana Dar that her brother has killed his bodyguard and his ex-mentor."

"Magrody?" Jix asked with a frown and the Dark Lord confirmed it with a nod. "So you assume he'll try to get at Yana next?"

"Possibly. I cannot afford leaving you and Mara twiddling your thumbs until I arrive. I need the two of you back in New Republic space."

"Where?"

"I want you to assist Karrde on Nar Shadaa. Keep an eye on Joral and hold Cesh Kendar's hand on Ryloth. With a new front opening in the Unknown Regions I want Hutt Space under control."

"Understood," Jix replied pensively. "You sure you don't want us with you?"

The Dark Lord smiled briefly. "I am certain, yes."

"And it's not because you think things might turn a bit nasty here on Byss once Irek arrives, is it?"

"You think I am deliberately trying to keep you out of danger?" Vader asked in some amusement. "I wouldn't dare."

"I hope so," the Corellian huffed, but a slight suspicion still remained.

Standing on the uppermost balcony of Lemit Zickorey's residence, Leia shaded her eyes against the light of the afternoon sun to watch Captain Needa's fleet move into a higher orbit and toward the jump-point for Byss. At her side Tomas Piett stood quietly, his hands crossed behind his straight back, his pale eyes calm.

"There they go," she sighed wistfully. "Who will have the harder battle to fight, I wonder?"

The Admiral turned his head to give her a somewhat startled glance. Leia smiled at him. "I do not expect the negotiations to be that difficult," she assured him, "but once our choices are made the real struggle will begin."

"How very true," he agreed, and a small smile was tugging at the corners of his mouth. "But until then we have a solid chance of preparing the course this galaxy will be taking in the future."

The Princess did not answer. There had been something, just briefly, as if someone had been trying to call out to her. Frowning, she turned her head to gaze up at the sky. Luke?

TBC