It seemed like they had been introduced to a hundred people before they were allowed to have another moment to just talk to each other. Ignoring the shocked looks at them that wondered why a Chiss and Human would be so content together. Their conversation was easy as if they had known each other for years rather than weeks, and there were times Sarabeth laughed. All too soon, there was a breaking of the crowd to have space on the floor with the crowd on the edges of it.

Seeing the look of confusion on Sarabeth's face Cornel Yarlen came up to them and explained, "Dancing is a staple at these kinds of functions."

Looking at him she asked, "Will I be expected to?"

"Yes," was the answer, "You and your son are the guests of honor. As such you are expected to join the host couple as part of the first walz."

Gaining this information she looked up at Thrawn with a new batch of fear. He covered her hand with his and spoke quietly in Sy Biss. Joining this conversation they unconsciously cut the Colonel out of it as it seemed like they were planning on what to do. Two more dances passed before it was time for the first walz. The host couple took their place and everyone looked expectantly either at them, Sarabeth, or the band.

Yet again the unexpected happened and Thrawn went out onto the floor turned to Sarabeth and extended his hand to her. With a brilliant smile she crossed to him and took his hand before they went to a classic waltz position. In the few moments that it took for the band to start up Sarabeth whispered, "I did not know this was part of your training."

Thrawn answered, "It is always good to know more aspects of a culture." Sarabeth gave a soft smile of contentment and the band started. It was a slow melody that got a little faster to being a medium speed. Just as Thrawn had expected. Following the planned steps with Thrawn's assurance and Sarabeth's grace made every turn, spin and lift seem effortless.

When the music slowed to a finish Thrawn had lifted Sarabeth into his arms bridal style. With a final turn he placed her back on her feet. The entire room was in shock because no one expected such experience and grace at this social juncture. With a final bow from Thrawn and curtsy from Sarabeth she took his arm and they slipped off the dancefloor to allow others more room.

Colonel Yarlen caught up with them at the drinks table. "Commander, I did not know that you dance." This was from Moff Ghadi.

With a nod of acknowledgement Thrawn answered, "It does not come up in my duties." Sarabeth whispered something in his ear. "Ah yes. Moff Ghadi, this is Sarabeth Wing. Sarabeth, the Moff."

Sarabeth gave him a dignified nod. "Pleased to meet you," she said politely.

The Moff gave her a slightly disgusted look then continued speaking to Thrawn, "I did not think that your trick with signaling to all the other ships in the battle for Umbara was very clever."

Senator Se'lab came up at that moment, "Now Moff Ghadi, this is not the place for that kind of talk." Then his fur moving in pleasure, "Did they not make a well matched dancing pair?"

After a few moments of talking about the dance, the Moff left. The Senator smiled at Sarabeth and Thrawn, "That was a piece of art. Thank you."

"Thank you for saying so Senator," Sarabeth replied. Giving Thrawn an admiring look, "Thrawn is the one who deserves credit for that."

Thrawn gave a slight bow but answered, "Yet I did not know the skill of my partner."

Both the Senetor and the Colonel caught the look that passed between Thrawn and Sarabeth. The Senator answered, "Both of you did very well." Then looking at the crowd, "I must return to my other guests." With a slight bow he left them.

Colonel Yarlen stepped up, "I agree, you both were fantastic." Then at Thrawn, "You might not be able to avoid it if it comes up in the future Commander."

Sarabeth laughed, "I am sure he will find a way out of it Colonel." Looking at Thrawn, "And don't try to deny that you already have at least three plans on how to do just that."

"I was not going to," Thrawn said with the same measured tone he always used. "However I was going to point out that it is half an hour past Jinns bedtime."

Sarabeth sighed, "I had better go break that to him." With another smile, "Good evening Colonel."

It looked like she was going to say goodbye to Thrawn as well but he said, "I will meet the two of you at the door." So it changed to a new smile as she slipped away into the crowd. After a moment, "Colonel, I was wondering if I could ask a favor."