That night Sarabeth had to lock up the Dojo. She did so with her customary ability and speed before slipping the key into her pocket and walking towards home. The city air burned her lungs and she wished that she could go to a place that it was easier to breathe. Still, this was the only place that would take her. Lord Vader had seen that.

Her subconscious took note of everything happening around her. Then the footsteps following her slipped into her conscious mind. Pausing before the sign to let her across she looked back over her shoulder, "Commander Thrawn, what brings you out so late?"

Stepping out of the shadows to reveal the blue skin that no change of outfit could hide he looked slightly down at her, "I have several questions for you."

Looking up at him she responded, "And I for you. However we should not just stand in the street." Then she turned and started walking with him falling easily beside her. "Your fighting method was not as familiar to me, although I know the basics."

"How?"

This single word response was slightly jarring and it took a moment to answer, "My brother. He told me that the best warrior he ever worked with had used it. Then taught him the basics as my brother taught me."

Thrawn watched her face throughout this explanation. There was much to comment on, but he restrained it to, "Then he taught you well. I hope to one day expand on his lessons."

With a slight smile on her face, "And what would I teach you in return?" Before he could answer, "Of course, the technique that I used against you."

A bow of his head in acknowledgement, "Besides wishing to perfect my defense against it I might be reminded of why it is familiar."

Any ease that she had was gone. Thrawn watched the tension build in her as she unconsciously quickened her pace. He matched it as she answered, slipping into Sy Biss, "There is no reason for it to be familiar."

"No reason," he acknowledged in the same language, "but it is."

Suddenly she stopped and he stopped a step ahead of her. Turning to face the conflicting emotions in this tense person Thrawn saw that she seemed to be at war with herself over a decision. Finally she spoke, "Then you met a Jedi, and the technique is now forbidden."

"But not by you." It was another one of his insights.

She shook her head, "Not by me. By Vader and other higher ups." Looking around as if afraid someone would be listening, "I am only allowed to live because I don't spread what they think is a disease." Then looking directly into Thrawn's eyes, "Please understand, I would teach you happily. But if anyone knew just what it was ..."

"I will remain silent on that, I give you my word." This promise seemed to help her relax. With a nod, she continued leading the way through the streets away from the Dojo.