It took a while, but the boy was finally reassured that he had truly done nothing wrong and had his homework done. As Sarabeth worked on dinner, Thrawn sat with the boy and told stories of how true warriors had defended the weak against all odds. It was different from the usual lessons that he taught but it was what the boy needed at that point. As the last story was finished Sarabeth let them know that dinner was ready.

The evening slipped back into the usual peace that hung over the sessions here in the small apartment. Sarabeth took her turn in helping Thrawn and Jinn know more of the Jedi defense she had learned so long ago. Then Thrawn with the Chiss way. This time it was shorter as they both fell back into storytelling as Jinn was still bruised from taking on multiple opponents alone.

It was getting close to eight, when Jinn would have to go to bed when there was a sudden knock on the door. Both Jinn and Sarabeth flinched at the sound but Sarabeth covered it quickly and kissed her son on the head, "I'll be right back." Then she crossed quickly to the door around the corner. They could hear her open it and after a quick conversation with the person there she came back in with Vanto behind her. "Thawn, Eli says he needs to talk to you about something."

Vanto looked startled to see this family scene with Thrawn more ruffled than he had ever seen the Commander. Jinn was also sitting on Thrawn's knee which drew the startled gaze from the boy to Thrawn and back again as if trying to make sure of what he was seeing. It was as a Commander that Thrawn spoke, "Good evening Ensign." This drew Vantos attention again, "What is it?"

With an awkward clearing of his throat Vanto spoke, "You wished to be informed when I retrieved the names of the Bothian incident."

"Very good." Then a question that startled Vanto, "Do you also have pictures of them?" Vanto nodded. "Good. Show the pictures to Jinn." Without a word Vanto handed the pad to the boy on his Commander's lap. "Are these the boys who attacked the little Bothian today?"

Jinn nodded. "That one has a hard left."

After flipping through the pictures for another moment, "And is this the girl?"

Looking up, "Yes, how did you know?"

With a smile, "Because warriors learn how to use the information given them." Looking at Vanto, "Thank you Ensign." Then with a thought, "Follow my given orders."

"Yes sir." Was all Vanto said. Then wishing them each a good evening he went to the door and Sarabeth let him out.

When Sarabeth came back she looked at Thrawn, "You're letting the Bothian family know exactly what happened aren't you."

He nodded, "And given the girl is the niece of the Bothian Senator I believe there will be the necessary steps taken against it happening again." Then looking down at Jinn, "Although not all those we protect have others who will defend them."

The boy nodded, "I will always help those in need." He smiled, "Just as Mama taught me."

Sarabeth beamed with pride, "I know you will honey." Then she spoke, "How about one more story before you go to bed." Jinn nodded and looked up at Thrawn who read the look correctly and told him another story.

After Sarabeth had tucked Jinn into bed for the night sat on a side of the bed with Thrawn standing in the doorway. As Sarabeth sang Jinn fell asleep and Thrawn watched the scene, feeling strangely at peace with this whole situation. And almost a pride as if this were his family. Then he pushed the feeling down.

Jinn was asleep and Sarabeth turned out the light then crossed over to Thrawn who stepped out of the doorway so that she could leave Jinns bedroom closing the door behind her. They both went to the living room and Sarabeth sighed. Looking at Thrawn, "Thank you, for your help today."

Reflecting on the strange protectiveness that had pushed him to do it Thrawn answered, "I was honored to help."

Again there was a brilliant smile. Then her face clouded a little, "I just hope you don't get into trouble because of us." She had turned and was cleaning up again.

Thrawn started helping like he had from a few nights in. "If there is trouble it will be from those who do not like having a Chiss in military leadership. Not because of two civilians."

Sarabeth shook her head, "I do not understand why anyone would not be honored to have your help." Looking over at him, "Sometimes I think I'm dreaming that you would pay any attention to Jinn and me."

There was a time he would not have. But the pair of them had awoken something that he thought was dormant. However Thrawn answered, "I also feel I am dreaming that there would be a place in the Empire I could feel fully at peace." After a heartbeat, "Even at home."

Sarabeth reached out and covered his hand with her own. "You always have a place here if you want it." He nodded. They stood like that for a few moments. Then the clock chimed breaking the spell and they finished cleaning up. When Thrawn left the apartment he knew that he would be back the next day. He needed to see them one more time.