Chapter 30: Mysterious Allies
Yagler gave Iulius an encrypted disc to put into his holo-communicator in the office, then she went back to work with the team she had brought on the planet, rounding up other corrupted officers that had allowed the mercenaries to land.
But before he did that, he rushed into the base and made sure that his mother was safe, which she was, being under heavy escort. After reassuring her, it was time to go meet with the mysterious Director who had probably just saved his life by sending Yagler to intervene.
He inserted the disc, and his terminal required a face scan, only then allowing the transmission to go through.
Right after that, the hologram of a man in his 50s, with tan skin and an incredibly neutral expression appeared sitting on the chair in front of Iulius with his legs crossed in a relaxed pose.
"The Director, I suppose?" Iulius asked.
"Greetings, Lord-Protector. Let me say that is an honor to finally talk with you." he started with a pleasant tone, which couldn't however hide that he meant business. "I'm Moff Gideon. Director of the Imperial Security Bureau. Allow me to compliment for your brilliant response to a completely unexpected military attack."
"Right...What is going on, here?" Iulius asked bluntly. "Agent Yagler said there are more people planning my demise."
"Were, Lord-Protector. All the conspirators have been rounded up by my agency. I apologize for the fact that we couldn't prevent the attempt on your life, though."
"I'm alive. Let's focus on what we know. Who were these people?"
"Moffs and officers who found slavery and the general neglect of the administration much lucrative for them. One of them is your old acquaintance, Moff Goreed. He was the head of the ring."
Iulius scoffed. "Why am I not surprised?" then turned again toward Gideon. "Still, I thought the ISB wasn't exactly fond of me either. So why did you spend so much effort to protect me?"
"You misunderstand, my Lord. While I myself don't share all of your...opinions on the Empire, you're still a valuable and loyal soldier. Which brings me to the answer for your question.
"We didn't just save you because it's our job to stop traitors from sabotaging the Empire, we were looking at your security for a long time because you're unique. Not simply for your talents in warfare, but because you managed to unite the Empire like never before. When the people look at you, they see their hero. Their bastion against the barbarians and terrorists lurking in the Outer Rim. If those parasites had killed you, the Empire would've suffered as a whole."
"Uh...thanks, then." Iulius shrugged, unsure if the man was acting or not.
After a moment of pause, Gideon resumed. "You know, it's a good thing that you managed to negotiate the release of Grand Admiral Thrawn. Soon, we're going to need every valid brain."
"Why? What's going on?"
Gideon seemed to hesitate, but then spoke up with the same calm tone. "His Majesty seems to have become...disconnected from reality. While you were fighting on Lantillies, that Jedi girl, Jaral Bridger, has done something on Korriban that managed to stress the Emperor enough to have him lock himself in his tower. I myself am having a hard time getting instructions from him."
Iulius hummed in thought. "That also explains why imperial command seemed so eager to ask me for guidance, in the last weeks. But if the Emperor is unavailable, what about Vader?"
"Actually, Lord Vader has taken the suggestion you gave to Agent Jade. His squadron has joined the hunt for Ezra Bridger and his Skywalker friend, but that means he's pretty much unreachable, at the moment."
The Grand Admiral sighed. "So, what other problems on the horizon?"
"We risk a third front being open, that's the problem." Gideon bluntly explained.
"A third front? Where?"
"In the Northern Fringe. Nor far from your beloved colony of Carunoia. You see, in the last few weeks, some settlements near Wild Space have vanished. With barely any sign of fighting.
The news alarmed Iulius. "The Grysks."
"Good to see you haven't forgotten. Yes, I suspect the hand of these aliens is behind this. Preliminary studies indicate that they might be resorting to the strategy they used in the initial invasion of Carunoia: spread a virus to turn the inhabitants of a planet into their puppets. However, the fact that they decided to attack imperial territory is a sign that you got their interest."
"You think they're planning to invade?"
"That would be up to you to find out, Lord-Protector. You probably know this enemy better than me, and for sure, Thrawn will know even more."
Iulius caressed his chin as he pondered.
"The Northern Fringe is not exactly under our control. I don't think I can dispatch an entire fleet to keep the border safe."
"Alas, you're right. We need some time to rebuild our strength, especially since we lost many valuable resources with the Outer Rim. But if the Grysks are preparing to attack, perhaps a preventive strike might be enough to cripple them and buy us some time."
"I agree. Once I get through with the exchange and bring Thrawn back to Coruscant, I'll contact you again.
Gideon nodded. "I'll see if I can put a good word with the Emperor. After all, I doubt he has forgiven the Grand Admiral for his surrender."
"Right…" Iulius mumbled, afraid of thinking why the Emperor had summoned both of them.
"One last thing. Since today's accident proved that you might need additional intel on the people who might want to kill you, I assigned Agent Yagler to your protection. I hope it won't be an issue."
Iulius looked at the hologram. The idea that Yagler was there to keep an eye on him had passed his mind, but he hadn't had the time to think about it.
"Well, she can handle herself, so there won't be any issue." he said calmly.
"Excellent. Then that's all I had to say. Farewell, Lord-Protector." Gideon concluded before closing the transmission.
December 17.
As the Z-95 sped over her head and the sounds of a blaster rifle resonated from the firing range, Jaral didn't lose her focus and kept meditating alongside the younglings.
"Let your minds go. Feel the Force." she said in a mindful tone to help the students.
In front of her was the 'junior class' of twelve younglings: Pipey and Alora, Chab'ral, Kinia, Sendak, Mindin, Faulcis, Vimun, Zestia, Qu'rast'umhewe, Azlan and Pogget.
Some of them were making it. Even if faintly, Jaral could feel their presence in the Force starting to take a bit of shape, but others were like jolts of water struggling to come afloat.
"Aaagh!" yelled Azlan in frustration, rubbing his hair. "I don't get it!"
"What do you find difficult?" she asked patiently.
"Everything! How do you feel something invisible?!"
"Maybe because you ended here by error." Sendak said in a provocative tone.
"Come again?!" the other kid replied raising a fist.
The other students were all attracted to the fight, so before it could get even worse, Jaral decided she had to restore order.
"Enough!"
Her commanding tone, despite rusty, was still very effective. The two younglings stiffened and looked at her afraid of what she might be do next if they irritated her even more. But when the atmosphere calmed down, she spoke up with a firm tone.
"Sendak, trying to discourage others in their struggling is a dead end that will only harm you in the long run, so why insist?"
The kid lowered his head in shame, realizing he had no answer.
Next, she turned her head toward the other. "Azlan, I know it can be difficult at first, but getting angry won't get you any further."
Silence fell for a moment. Azlan didn't know how to answer, and Jaral could see that he was also feeling ashamed, because he was lagging behind his comrades. Thus, she stood up with the necessary caution and talked to him gently. "Let's take a walk. You guys keep exercising."
The kid probably feared the judgment of his peers and stood up with a bit of clumsiness, but eventually followed Jaral a bit further into the prairie. Jaral walked with a relaxed attitude, her hands elegantly clasped behind her and, despite her lower body becoming increasingly heavier by the day, she seemed completely in control of her life.
Azlan, on the other hand, walked by swinging his legs, grazing the grassland beneath him.
"Look," said Azlan. "I know I shouldn't be here. I'm not a Jedi." the kid said in acceptance.
"I think you should first ask yourself: do you even want to become a Jedi?"
The kid assumed a more determined attitude. "Of course I do! But no matter how much I try, I can't feel the Force."
Jaral halted, and so did Azlan, who looked around wondering what she wanted to do. It was at that point that he noticed two fluffy ears moving in the grass, right before a Loth-cat reared its head with a tender meow.
Azlan smiled and waved at the creature, which started to approach him.
It was then that Jaral knelt down and gently put a hand on the kid's shoulder. "You know that the Force binds all living beings and all things together, right?"
"Yes. That's the first thing you told us, Master."
"Good. Then close your eyes and figure the cat in your mind."
Azlan seemed hesitant. The Loth-cat simply sat in front of him with that trademark smile of its species and was evidently expecting some pampering. The kid then finally closed his eyes and extended a hand, focusing.
Without the need to use her own connection, Jaral could see that, after a few moments, the cat was clearly reacting to Azlan. She could see it in the animal's body language, and was confirmed when it walked forward and went to sit a few centimeters away from Azlan's hand, waiting like a dog to be given a command.
It was at that point that Azlan said "Woah" and opened his eyes again. Then he started chuckling. "I did it!"
Jaral smiled. "Precisely. You did. Do or do not. There is no trying like you said you were doing?"
Azlan seemed about to ask what that meant, but then his eyes wandered around, clearly in thought. Then he voiced and "Oh…" of surprise. "I understand." he finally said, then turned to Jaral with an excited face. "Thank you, Master Jaral."
Jaral chuckled and gave him a quick rub on his head. "Now go back with the others and meditate again."
"Yes, Master!" the kid replied fully charged before dashing back toward the group.
Jaral turned her head around and patted the Loth-cat, who was still waiting for the dose he was promised. And while she did that, a familiar voice spoke up.
"You really are a natural with teaching."
She chuckled and turned her head around while still patting the Loth-cat, seeing the Force projection of Kanan standing tall and with his hands clasped behind. Observing the scene and with a proud smile on his face.
"I learned from the best." she said before standing up. "Still, I'll be much more at ease when Ahsoka and Cal will be back to lend me a hand."
"And Ezra, I suppose." Kanan quipped.
"Was that even in question?" replied her in tone.
Indeed, when Ezra had used the bond to tell her a few days ago that his mission had been aborted by Ackbar, a part of her was regretful that her original plan could not be carried out anymore, but Ezra had done already much in the Trailing Sectors, and nothing could hinder the joy of knowing that she was going to see her precious brother again.
"It's been almost a year." she said. "It's incredible what both of us had gone through."
"I know. I watched over you the entire time." Kanan said in a reassuring tone. "And I know how much you've grown up. As people and Jedi."
"We wouldn't have been here without you, Kanan."
Her Master chuckled. "I only gave you two a small push."
Then her omni-tool started beeping. A call from Darvos.
"I'll leave you to it. See you soon, Jaral." Kanan said before his ghost faded away.
"See you soon, Kanan…" she murmured. Then decided to leave the melancholy aside and switched the call. The hologram of her husband took form in front of her and she smiled at him.
"Hey, Darv. Something happening?"
"Perhaps. But first, how are you doing?"
"I'm fine." she replied before putting a hand on her belly. "We're both fine, actually."
"Good. Let's make sure it stays this way, uh?" he quipped, then bent on his knees a little to take a bit of a closer look at the pregnancy of his wife.
Jaral could see, and even sense, how much Darvos was looking forward to the day where they could hold the baby girl in their arms. Perhaps it was the distance that made him thinking a bit more about it, and the fact that he was still on a mission, actively risking his life. The thought of the girls waiting him at home were probably pushing him hard, but also giving something that he intended to go back to at any cost.
Eventually, he snapped back and returned to business. "As I was saying, we have found a few more candidates for the academy, but I'm pretty sure one of our operatives might be a Force-sensitive."
"What makes you think so?"
Darvos was unsure how to elaborate this. "It's more of a feeling. I got my eyes on him in the last few missions against the Empire and he seems...too good. And too lucky."
Jaral hummed in thought. "But you really think he is a Force-sensitive?"
"Hey, I may not be an expert on the subject, but I'm married to a Jedi. I think I have some experience on the matter."
"Fair enough. Who is this guy?"
Darvos lightened up his omni-tool and brought up the upper body hologram of a man probably about to reach his 30s, with short brown hair, a growing beard and wearing a jacket over a shirt.
"Kyle Katarn. Mercenary. Former stormtrooper who deserted shortly after the battle of Yavin with the help of one of our operatives, Jan Ors. The two now live as mercenaries but they are much willing to help us against the Empire."
"Well, if he's a Force-sensitive, and considering he's already an adult with combat experience, we need him."
"I'm running a background check. I'll let you updated."
"I see. Be careful out there, Darv."
"You are the one who is trying to teach a bunch of kids and fiery teenagers the ways of the Force. I should be the one worried about you." he replied to cheer her up.
Jaral chuckled, appreciating the try of her husband. "I take this as partial training to be a parent."
"Just don't frighten them too much. See you soon, my love."
After the transmission was closed, Jaral headed back to resume the lessons. Soon, she was going to give the teens the first training in combat with training sabers.
December 19.
"We're entering the atmosphere of Euceron IV." Nash announced from the pit.
Iulius stood in front of the viewport as the Admonitor approached the surface of the only planet with breathable air in the system. Euceron was the closest star system to Ringo Vinda, and during the last week there had been skirmishes between the Empire and the Coalition, but none had managed to get a safe hold of it.
But today the three-rotation-truce was in effect, and both sides had agreed to leave the system clear in order to allow the exchange to go through, possibly, without any major incident.
"Sir, I detect their ship." the radar officer stated. "It's...enormous."
"Another like the Protector?" another officer asked.
"It must be the Empress' flagship." Qathora suggested.
"Indeed." said Iulius. "But stay calm, guys. They're only trying to intimidate us."
"Right." said Nash confidently. "We already defeated one of those and soon, we shall have our own Super Star Destroyers."
Iulius chuckled. "That's the best name you could come up with, Nash?"
The others laughed, even Nash.
The Grand Admiral then decided that they were close enough. As he could see the shape of the super-dreadnought on the visual scanners, he ordered a halt and called Cody, who reassured him that all the prisoners were aboard the Gozanti waiting in the lower hangar. It was time to make the exchange. He left Qathora and Ciena in charge of the bridge and headed for the transport, then reaching the surface of the planet: an empty prairie not far from a river. The weather was nice, perfect for a friendly exchange.
As the Gozanti touched ground, Iulius could see a federal transport freighter landing around a km away from them, just as they had agreed upon. The Grand Admiral walked into the cargo bay, where Cody and two of his stormtroopers had rallied the first batch of prisoners: the highest ranking officers of the Protector, including Claudio and Edrix. After Iulius gave the order, the elevator of the transport descended into the outside world and the group started moving toward the mass of people coming from the federal transport.
Both delegations then halted a few dozen meters away from each other. As stipulated previously, the two leaders had to go forward alone and meet in the middle to accept the exchange.
As Iulius approached the meeting point, he was a bit surprised to see who his corresponding was, but only when they met face-to-face he greeted.
"Your Majesty. I'm surprised you took this task yourself." he said with respect.
"I couldn't leave the safe return of my son to nobody else, Grand Admiral." Benedetta replied in kind.
"I admire your commitment to your people." Iulius replied with a respectful nod. He then stepped aside and extended an arm to indicate the prisoners.
"In the name of the Galactic Empire, I, Grand Admiral Iulius Tanis, offer you to return these prisoners in the spirit of a fair exchange." he declared quite solemnly.
Benedetta did the same movements and pointed at her own prisoners. "By the powers invested me by the peoples of the Federation, I, Benedetta IV dei Vignoli, accept your offer and return these prisoners in the spirit of a fair exchange."
When that was said, both returned to their groups and motioned the respective prisoners to start walking.
And the imperials moved with Thrawn at their head. The gazes of the Chiss and the Grand Admiral crossed for a moment from afar and a half-grin formed on Iulius' face. The two groups stopped briefly in front of each other, as Thrawn and Edrix exchanged the salute. The Turian also said something brief to the Chiss, but Iulius couldn't hear it from that distance.
Then the two groups returned to their respective sides. Iulius sent Cody and the troopers to go get the second batch while he waited there for his old friend to come to him. He couldn't erase his grin, and even Thrawn showed a bit of a smile as he approached him and the two eventually shook hands vigorously.
"It's good to see you again, sir." he said in a cordial and heartfelt tone.
To his surprise, Thrawn extended the other hand to squeeze Iulius' shoulder.
"I'm proud to see what you've become, Iulius Tanis." the Chiss said with his voice, which sounded less cold than usual.
Iulius was left speechless for a few seconds, then a small chuckled escaped his mouth. Mostly because those words meant that Qathora had been spot on. Still, his chest was almost aching. He couldn't say if it was joy in seeing his mentor, or if those words had that effect.
The two released hands.
"I became this thanks to you, sir." he replied humbly.
"Sir?" Thrawn asked raising his browbones. "From what I heard recently, I believe I should be calling you that...sir."
The slight emotion he showed in saying those words had Iulius wonder if Thrawn was saying that he was proud of the fact that his student had surpassed him. Whatever the case, he had a hard time keeping the joy in check before turning to the other officers.
"Captain Palleon." he greeted friendly as he went to shake hands with the old officer. "I hope they treated you well in prison."
"If you can call that prison." Palleon joked. "I could spend the rest of my old age there."
Iulius made a short laugh, then moved on to the next officer. One that didn't seem very happy to be there as she kept her head slightly lowered in shame.
"Governor Pryce. Glad to see you're healthy." he said genuinely and extended a hand.
Pryce hesitated a lot before finally return the gesture. "Thanks...Lord-Protector." she replied in a meager tone.
"You don't look happy." Iulius calmly said, inviting her to speak.
"My Lord...why have you asked for my return? I am nothing but a failure."
"True. As a military leader, you were a disaster." Iulius started with a lighthearted tone. "But our industries on Lothal sported high productivity mostly thanks to you. And I need your experience in industrial management, along with your even bigger experience in politics."
"I...I'm not sure I understand, my Lord." Ahrinda said confused.
"Don't worry, I'll explain everything aboard the Admonitor." he said turning toward the rest of the officers of the Chimaera and other command bridges of the former 7th Fleet. "On our way to Coruscant...where the Emperor has demanded to see the two of us, sir."
Thrawn lowered his head. "I failed my Emperor. I will accept every punishment he deems fit."
"Well, I'm sure the Emperor will understand that we can't afford to be too harsh on our best strategist. Not with the outcome of this war still very much uncertain." Iulius reassured him.
"I thought you hurt them badly on Lantillies." Palleon commented.
As the second batch of prisoners was being exchanged, Iulius kept talking. "Lantillies was a much needed victory, but the enemy still controls the Outer Rim, and if that isn't enough, there are now problems at the border with Wild Space."
"Wild Space?" Pryce asked surprised.
Iulius took a moment to look at Thrawn's face. And sure enough, the Chiss seemed to have a very clear idea of what he was talking about.
December 22.
Ezra looked outside the viewport of the bridge. The Amerigo and the rest of the Task Force were approaching the Glottal system, which was shrouded by a purple nebula. He didn't like that. The Force and his instinct was telling him that something was wrong. He had ordered all ships to be on high alert for an enemy ambush.
As he stood in front of the viewport, Sabine walked next to him and put a hand on his shoulder, making him turn his head toward her.
"All weapons are ready and the fighters are ready to scramble." she reported.
"Good. Let's just hope we won't need them."
"Are you sure the Empire will be there? We shook them off days ago, they can't know we're here."
"Zahra probably understood where we're going, and she knows that we can't use the cloaking device inside of a nebula."
"Yeah, but you think that idiotic Admiral will listen to her?"
"He's not in charge of the hunt anymore." Ezra calmly sentenced. "I feel it. That woman that me and Luke faced on Bothawui has probably taken over, if not Vader himself."
Sabine's eyes showed hesitation. "How...how do you know?"
"There is a darkness threatening us. Master Yoda felt it as well."
"And listen to the Force, we always must." the voice of the green alien surprised both of them.
They turned around to see Yoda walk with his cane on the few steps leading to their spot on the bridge.
"Master." Ezra greeted with a respectful bow of the head as the green alien took place next to him on the free side.
"Right you are, to be careful, young Ezra. The Dark Side, even stronger, now I feel."
"Thanks, Master." he replied, returning his gaze toward Sabine. "Is the Bullet ready?"
"Affirmative. Rex and Kallus and waiting for me."
"Then go. I'm afraid we might need you."
"You got it, boss." she concluded with a smile before heading out toward the hangar.
A few seconds passed, with Ezra and Yoda watching the blue tunnel, until the old Master spoke up.
"Your mind seems blurred, young Knight."
"Only a fool, or a child, would feel no fear before a battle. The point is to keep it in check and make decisions despite it."
Yoda hummed in approval. "Wise words. Just let the Force guide you, and you will never fall to fear."
"You taught me and Luke a lot, Master. I will make sure to use your own wisdom." Ezra said gratefully. Then a buzz could be heard on the bridge, signaling that they were coming out of hyperspace.
The formation of ships entered the Glottal system and started navigating toward the next hyperspace jump point. It didn't take long for them to enter in sight of the nebula. A beautiful phenomena to look at, sure, but Ezra clearly remembered last time he entered into one of those things how dangerous they actually are.
Ezra walked back to the holotable as he spoke. "Kolt, bring the map of the nebula."
The AI replied by simply making the holotable bleep and show a three-dimensional projection of the nebula. There was a path of clear void that could be traversed, but it was a single path, which could be easily blocked and used to lay a trap. Even when they were traveling toward the trailing sectors months ago, that nebula had been a treacherous obstacle.
"Any sign of imperial ships?" he asked to Riccardi.
"Doesn't look like it, sir. Scanners don't pick up any artificial energy source, but they might just be hiding inside the nebula."
"It's not like we have other choices. This is the only path available to us, unless we want to risk crossing Hutt Space." Kherat noted.
Ezra agreed. Passing through Hutt Space was not an option: the slugs would have surely demanded a high tribute in exchange for free passage, but they could have easily double-crossed the allies and sold them to the Empire for more profits and to keep a part of the technologies of the Milky Way. Perhaps even taking some of the Alliance personnel as exotic slaves.
Besides, if they managed to get past this system, they were going to reach Eadu, which by now Ezra knew was under New Republic control. They would finally be back home.
"Send some drones to scout the area. The imperials might be waiting with their engines shut…"
Ezra was interrupted by a sudden perturbation in the Force and turned his head toward the viewport. A feeling of cold slightly touched his heart, and he had a quick gaze of understanding with Yoda, who could feel it even more clearly.
"Forget it." said Ezra toward the officers. "The imperials are waiting for us at the end of the trail." he sentenced.
The officers were not even confused anymore. After a year spent with Ezra, they knew how sharp his connections with the Force was and what the benefits that it brought.
Belisarius hummed first. "Still, they can't bring an entire fleet in there. I think they will at most employ two or three Star Destroyers."
"I think two Star Destroyers and an Interdictor cruiser to prevent our escape might be a more sensible option." but then the Salarian had second thoughts. "Then again, three Star Destroyers blocking our way would be enough to stop us. We can't simply ram them."
"I believe we'll face only Destroyers." said Ezra. "As for now, we are facing three imperial commanders: Commander Zahra, Admiral Tanis...and now Darth Vader."
"Not to mention they might simply swarm us with TIE Fighters." Riccardi noted. "I'm not sure the GARDIAN batteries of the frigates will be enough."
"Let's not get pessimistic. All we need is to take out a single Destroyer." said Ezra.
After a few moments of thought, it was Riccardi who finally spoke up.
"I think I have a plan. If you trust me, sir."
"You are way more qualified to lead ships, Captain. I'm listening."
"Good. Then this is how we will get past this blockade."