Star Wars Infinities: The Warrior
By Christopher W. Blaine (darth_yoshi@yahoo.com)
DISCLAIMER: The characters and situations contained in this story are ©2003 by George Lucas and are used herein without permission for fan-related, non-profit entertainment purposes only. This original work of fiction is ©2003 by Christopher W. Blaine and may not be reproduced in part or as a whole without the express permission of the author.
CHAPTER 31
"Welcome Admiral Thrawn," Ravage said as he stepped down from his dais. Behind him, the sun was shining and there was even a flock of birds going by the window. Thrawn had been completely surprised when his fleet had arrived in system to find Imperial Center no longer under martial law.
The new emperor of the New Order had a decidedly different take on leadership than his predecessor did and the changes were almost vivid and lively. The xenophobic attitude that had existed her only weeks before was gone as Lord Ravage instituted reforms that had originally part of the plan for Palpatine's government.
Originally, the New Order was meant to be a government made up of those races that wanted to get rid of the failings of democracy and deal with issues as they happened and not after endless debate. The more conservative members of Palpatine's court, especially Tarkin, had taken that idea so far right that it was now believed that the original intention of the New Order to enslave all non humans.
Thrawn stepped passed the Crimson Guardsman, noting with some satisfaction that they remained constant. The new stormtrooper armor appealed to him as well, giving them a more shadowy appearance. It was a work of art. In fact, the entire planet was becoming one giant masterpiece of art that Thrawn could appreciate. He accepted the extended hand of the new emperor. "I have answered the call as required by my oath," he responded.
Ravage game him a good once-over and looked deep into his pupiless red eyes. "You're a member of the Chiss, correct?" he asked.
Thrawn nodded. "And you are a clone," he replied. Thrawn had done heavy research into the life of Palpatine. Unlike most people in the Empire, he knew what the Emperor had once looked like. "Flash memories, cybernetic education…"
"I see you are familiar with the process," Ravage said, leading Thrawn over to the throne. There were several smaller seats recently put in around it. "But does it really matter?"
"It would to the masses," Thrawn said.
"Ah, but what the masses need right now is assurance and a return to order. My father made the mistake of giving too much power to men of limited potential," Ravage explained as he sat down. Thrawn remained standing. A side door opened and Luke Skywalker stepped in, clad in black armor. Thrawn recognized it as ancient Sith battle wear. "My apprentice returns!" Ravage said with a clap.
Luke stopped and bowed before the emperor and Thrawn was mildly surprised. Lord Ravage had to have put up a good argument to get the Emperor's Fist to change loyalties. "I have word from Endor, my lord."
"Ah, yes, the imminent Rebel attack on the second Death Star," Ravage said, sitting back. He looked over at Thrawn. "I have divined that the Rebels will attempt to steal the entire battle station."
"Admiral Daala has sworn loyalty to Tarkin, my lord," Luke said. There was disgust in his voice as he said Tarkin's name. "She appreciated your warning but advised that you should prepare for the day Tarkin comes to take the throne."
"You did not seriously think she would change loyalties?" Thrawn asked. "Tarkin managed to put his officers in charge of the most secret projects the Empire was developing."
Ravage said nothing but smiled and Thrawn was reminded of Palpatine in the beginning of the Empire. This was someone who was sure of themselves, confident and arrogant. There was something else as well. "What would be your read of the tactical situation, Admiral? I'd like to see if your analysis matches my own."
It was a test, Thrawn realized, and he caught the sign of a small smile on Luke's lips as Ravage ordered him to rise. The boy looked like a man suddenly and Thrawn had to wonder if his theory about the Emperor using the Dark Side of the Force to link the soldiers of the Empire to himself.
"The second Death Star is a loss. We have neither the ships nor officers to take it from Tarkin's control. The best we can hope for is that it somehow gets destroyed when the Rebels try to take it." Thrawn waited to see of there were any comments and when there weren't he continued. "Even if the Rebels fail, the second Death Star will not be finished for at least another three years. Our main concern is the Death Star over Corellia."
"And Tarkin's problem appears to be that he can't get the Corellians to cooperate with him," Luke added.
"Young Skywalker is absolutely correct. Tarkin made the mistake of thinking that because Corellia is controlled by humans, humans who share some xenophobic attitudes with him, that they would accept his rule. The only thing you should assume about Corellians is that they will disagree with anyone." Thrawn turned and cast a glance again outside. "You seem to have learned something from that, Lord Ravage. There is something in the air on Imperial Center, a renewed sense of direction."
"Thanks to my father," Ravage said as he examined his fingernails, "the Empire has lost half of its worlds. That is half of its people. Half of its revenue. It is not the time to engage in a civil war."
"The Rebels don't see it that way," Thrawn told him.
"A minor problem compared to a military genius with a planet-destroying laser," Ravage countered.
Thrawn had to agree. "The only good thing out of this is that the Rebels have two enemies now. Tarkin will never ally with them."
"Which brings me to my problem," Ravage told him and he beckoned Luke to step up next to them. "My goal is to restore the Empire, but it cannot be done through military means only." Ravage reached out used the Force to grab a remote control from across the room. Palpatine never displayed his abilities in public so. Thrawn wondered if Ravage represented Palpatine's true personality or was he someone entirely different. Was that even possible? "I need a military man who understands this."
"I thought the way of the Sith was rule through fear and force. Study their art and culture…"
"Yes, look at how their methods, their cultural personae have led them to this point. I intend to change all of that. My young apprentice is the first new warrior of a mighty Sith regime that will rule through order. We will not enslave those who disagree with us; we will destroy them. We will embrace all who wish to kneel before us and we will eradicate those who won't." Ravage threw his head back and gave a hearty laugh. "The Sith will arise again and all of the malcontents will be swept away."
Thrawn only nodded and looked over to Luke. "And, if I may ask, is your opinion of all of this?"
Luke looked to Ravage and Thrawn guessed they were communicating telepathically. "Too much time has been wasted on super-weapons, political intrigue and the like. The people need to be shown the benefits of the Sith way. Through the Sith, we will become a single family and we will control the galaxy. Disorder and chaos will be removed and we will extend the New Order to even beyond this galaxy!"
Thrawn considered his response for a moment. "You wish then to increase the size of the Empire even while it is shrinking? An audacious plan." Ravage agreed and then reiterated that he needed a military commander.
"I need someone who is not close-minded like Tarkin, for if our way of life is to survive…"
"You require an alien then?" Thrawn asked.
"No," Ravage said coldly. "I require someone who can get the job done. I require someone of your caliber. My father saw your potential, but his reliance on his courtiers and sycophants robbed him of the courage needed to keep the New Order safe. My father was too obsessed with his pet projects; he lost sight of the goal."
Thrawn locked his hands at the small of his back. "What is the goal?"
"I will reestablish the Sith Empire. I will bring sweet dark order to the galaxy." Ravage crossed his arms over his chest. "I want you to be the Warlord of the Empire. You will have absolute authority in all military matters, excluding anything I might personally deem appropriate."
"You see, Warlord Thrawn," Luke said, giving the admiral the chance to hear the title. "Our lord will handle the political end, you will handle military matters and I…" Luke gave an evil smirk. "I will deal with any special problems that arise."
"What about Tarkin?" Thrawn asked.
Ravage waved it off. "I wouldn't worry about him right now. In fact, he could be a boon for us. His presence in the Corellian system will split the Rebellion in two and his humans-only attitude will show the other races the benefits of remaining within the New Order." He then activated the remote control and a holographic wire frame representation of the Corellian system appeared. The Death Star looked so very small against the backdrop of the five planets of the system. "So long as Tarkin remains in the Corellian system, he leaves himself vulnerable."
"I don't understand," Thrawn said, narrowing his eyes. As far as he knew of, the Death Star was the ultimate weapon of the Empire. There were other weapons, of course, rumors of one that could actually destroy stars, but nothing Thrawn had ever seen could match the raw power of the Death Star.
Though Ravage could not read Thrawn's mind, he understood the thoughts that were racing through it. It had been Luke who had told Ravage about the alien admiral and recommended him for the position. "Rest assured, the answers will become evident soon enough."
"And the second Death Star?"
"A lost cause. It will not be saved." He sighed and turned to regard Thrawn. "I need your answer, admiral." Thrawn realized then that his life depended on his decision. He wasn't too concerned, as he would have remained with Lord Ravage regardless. Thrawn still believed in the New Order and his hope was that Ravage did as well. The offer of the promotion was unexpected, however. He had fully expected to either be executed regardless or else sent back out into the unknown.
"Of course, I accept," Thrawn said. "So long as we understand that I serve the New Order and not the throne. You have my respect as head of the Empire, but I also know you only got there because of the failings of your predecessor, not your own accomplishments."
Ravage shook his head. "It is a shame you don't have Force-ability; such arrogance would do well for the Sith." He returned to his throne. "I accept your conditions, Warlord Thrawn. Now, go and organize what military I have left."
Thrawn bowed his head and exited quickly, no indication in his walk whether or not he was happy about his new position. Luke looked to his master. "Forgive my ignorance, but shouldn't we have told him about the secret of the Corellian system? Shouldn't he know about the planet moving devices there?'
"In time he will know," Ravage said. "In time, all will know that the Sith have risen again."
