Thrawn was on the bridge of the Thunder Wasp when the communication from Bothawui. Instantly he knew something was wrong. Informing the communications officer he would take it in his office, Thrawn left the bridge quickly.
No one seeing the measured pace he used in the hallway would have thought that their Commander was in turmoil. But inside he was a nervous wreak. Sarabeth and Jinn are on Bothawui and the call is from the officer in charge of their security. What has happened?
When the comm link to Senator Se'labs house on Bothawui opened, it was the unperturbed
Chiss Commander Mitth'raw'nuruodo that spoke, "You wished to speak to me?"
On the other end of the line a nervous human male was fidgeting with his white uniform tunic that was as bright as his blonde hair and blue eyes. He stuttered, "Commander, you ordered to know if anything threat came to the Wings…."
After the young man trailed off Thrawn fought to maintain control as he asked, "And?"
"Sarabeth Wing has been taken!" The Lieutenant burst out.
Thrawn's voice was as cold as ice as he asked, "How did this happen?"
Noticeably trying to steady himself the young man breathed than answered, "A group of Mandaloiran Bounty Hunters were tasked with taking the boy." Silently Thrawn's insides sickened as the Lieutenant continued, "They used numbers, surprise, and skill to kill the guards outside. They had made it to the boy when Sarabeth noticed that something was wrong. She took on the four attackers alone and by the time they found she was a fiercer opponent than expected the boy, Jinn, had made it back to the house as she told him to do." Swallowing hard, "When reinforcements came to help her the Mandolorains drugged her and took her instead." Looking up again, "We only know as much as we do because one of their men was left behind and we have been able to question him."
Silence as Thrawn processed this. "Lieutenant."
"Yes sir?" The agent responded.
"Send me all the tapes from three days before up to the day of the attack, the attack itself, and your prisoners questioning. I want all information possible no matter how small you may think it is." His glowing eyes flared.
Swallowing nervously the human answered, "Of course sir, right away." There was a commotion off screen. Looking away then back at Thrawn the Lieutenant spoke, "It seems sir that Jinn Wing is insisting to speak to you. Shall I give your apologies?"
"No." The Lieutenant was startled, "I will speak to him. Bring him here." Giving a quick nod and salute the human left the screen.
After it was adjusted to show Jinn the boy appeared, "Uncle Thrawn!" The kid was close to tears as he lapsed into Sy Bys, "They took Mama!"
"I know Jinn. But it will be alright," Thrawn answered in the same language. "I will make sure we get her back."
The child was shaking, "How?"
Remembering his own childhood Thrawn answered truthfully, "I do not know yet. But as I gain information I will make a plan to make sure we get her back." As the child calmed slightly at this, "Are you safe where you are?"
Nodding, "Senator Se'lab took all of us to a safe house and the guard is tripled." Sadly reflecting on the situation that make the child sound older Thrawn smiled inwardly as the childishness returned with, "It smells bad though."
"I'm sure it does Jinn." Seeing the Senator off screen, "I believe the Senator wishes to speak to me. But I will talk to you soon little warrior."
Jinn nodded again, "Ok Uncle Thrawn." Switching back to Basic he turned to the Senator, "He knows you want to talk."
The boy was motioned off screen as Senator Se'lab adjusted the video again to adult height. Thrawn noticed how the Bothians fur was moving agitatedly, "I assure you Commander that we had no…."
"Harm has come to the Wings under your protection. Intention is not an issue now." Thrawn cut in, "Please ensure that all relevant information has been sent to me and hope that I unearth nothing to incriminate you in this." With that he signed off.
Turning toward his desk, he saw the holo of Sarabeth kneeling behind a three year old Jinn both laughing with happiness. They would laugh together again. He would ensure it. Hitting the comm, "Ensign Vanto, I need you to listen very carefully."