Halfway to Martyrdom

Chapter Ten

Faro had done everything she could to avoid this moment. Ever since returning from Coruscant, she had looked for excuses to delay her call to Admiral Ar'alani. Thrawn had left her his orders, but for once, she had no will left in her to follow them.

For her first distraction, it had been necessary to guide the Scylla through a series of drills. Faro used the drills as a test. Not only did she want to know how competent her crew was at their jobs, but she also wanted to see how well they responded to her style of command. If Faro herself needed to do anything differently, she would rather adjust her tactics now than during the heat of battle. She would run drills with the entire Eleventh Fleet once her other ships were back from their missions in Wild Space.

Next on her list of distractions had been the Scylla's first real mission: thwarting smugglers. A group of Rodians thought they could bypass Imperial sanctions and ship supplies to the terrorist state on Lothal. Lothal wasn't within the Eleventh Fleet's jurisdiction, but the smugglers' rendezvous point was. Faro took a sick sense of pleasure in announcing herself to the captured crew. Part of her hoped word got back to the Lothal rebels, irrational as it was.

Then came the need for Faro to reassure her family. They'd seen the Lothal incident mentioned on the news, but the Empire hadn't sent anyone to their door to confirm her death. Messages abounded demanding to know Faro's status. When Faro called home at midnight Kohmbran time, both her mother and sister broke down in tears. It was the first time in years Faro had allowed herself to cry in front of witnesses.

Faro had to watch her words on the monitored communication channel, but even virtual time with her family proved immensely cathartic. If only she could have spent real time with them. Alas, the Empire needed her more.

The excuses ended yesterday, when the Lycophron reported on a familiar group of aliens active just outside Imperial borders. Captured images showed Faro faces of dark red and white folds, with beady black eyes and lipless slits for mouths. Her breath hitched at the sight. Scratchlings. The same creatures that had tried to kill Faro in a suicide bombing.

According to Admiral Ar'alani, their whole species worked for the Grysk. The Grysk who had tried to infiltrate the Empire before their untimely defeat. No way they'd given up on the Empire. Faro bet they were just looking for an opening to try again. Growing chaos within, their most vocal opponent dead… if the Grysk made another move on the Empire, Faro shuddered to think of how far their influence would reach.

Faro couldn't only give information away in her conversation with Ar'alani. Faro needed Ar'alani to share insight herself if she was to guard the Empire against a new enemy. If Ar'alani resisted… then she would know the Empire had made the right choice in closing the door on a Chiss alliance.

It had been five days since she acquired the Chiss comm. There could be no more delay. Faro locked the door to her office, took a deep breath, and activated the Chiss comm. She went through the steps necessary to establish a secure connection, careful to follow the instructions left for her in Thrawn's old storage room.

Faro knew she had succeeded when a sharp female voice pierced through the comm's speaker, followed by the flickering image of a woman's face. The words were in the Chiss language. Faro responded to them in Sy Bisti. "Is this Admiral Ar'alani? Fleet Admiral Karyn Faro needs to speak with her about an urgent matter."

Crackling silence. Faro worried the audio connection had gone dead as the visuals. Then the same voice replied, this time in Sy Bisti. "Admiral Ar'alani is speaking. Had I known you were not Mitth'raw'nuruodo, I would have begun our conversation in this language. Under what circumstances did you acquire this device?"

Ar'alani's image solidified. The glow of her red eyes shoved a lump into Faro's throat. Faro had to swallow before she could speak. "Grand Admiral Thrawn left it for me. He… does not command the Seventh Fleet any longer."

The Chiss woman blinked. The same way Thrawn would whenever a statement caught him off guard. To someone who hadn't known Thrawn, the gesture would go unnoticed. "He has been relieved of command?" Her eyes narrowed. "And now you are Admiral Faro. Explain."

"Is Lieutenant Vanto available? I have news that affects him as well." Faro would have asked for Ronan as well if she thought she had the fortitude left to deal with Ronan's menace. He could hear her news from the grapevine for all she cared.

"He is occupied. I will pass your message along." Ar'alani wasted no time getting to the point. "Why has Mitth'raw'nuruodo lost his command?"

"He…" Faro should have rehearsed this. She had no idea how to break the news. "First of all, I did not replace the grand admiral as commander of the Seventh Fleet. I speak to you from the flagship of the Eleventh Fleet."

"Imperial fleet designations mean little to me. Explain why this detail is relevant."

"The Seventh Fleet is… no longer in charge of leading Imperial missions into and around the Unknown Regions. That assignment has gone to the Eleventh Fleet. The Seventh Fleet, and all the ships it contains… they no longer exist."

Ar'alani stared straight ahead, past Faro and the barren durasteel wall behind her. When she spoke again, her voice dropped steadily lower in volume. "For what reason was an entire fleet disbanded?"

"There was a battle above a renegade Imperial planet in the Outer Rim. Rebels sought to install an anti-Imperial government on the planet and deal maximum damage to the Empire. The Seventh Fleet provided support to the rightful government from space during the conflict. The rebels… succeeded in their mission on all counts." Faro forced herself to meet Ar'alani's eyes. Her face burned. Could Ar'alani see the heat gathering on her cheeks? Even over comm? "I am alive to speak of it because I was not present for the battle."

If Ar'alani could see anything on Faro's face, she did not acknowledge it. Had Faro not seen Ar'alani's lips move, she would have believed the comm's visuals were frozen. Her tone was flat. "Mitth'raw'nuruodo is dead. You confirm this, Admiral Faro?"

"Yes, Admiral Ar'alani."

"Dead… not from any meaningful conflict, but from your Empire's internal squabbling," Ar'alani mused, briefly seeming to forget Faro could hear her as she switched to Cheunh. When the Chiss admiral remembered Faro was there, she apologized and said, "Mitth'raw'nuruodo's people will note his loss."

You aren't his people. His people died with him over Lothal. You exiled him. How could Ar'alani be so flippant about Thrawn's death? Hadn't she been Thrawn's friend?

Faro bit her tongue. Blowing up on the other admiral wouldn't bring her the information she sought. "He is mourned throughout the Empire. Without Thrawn to mediate interactions between the Empire and the Chiss Ascendancy, the admiralty have adopted a new policy. Should Chiss ships enter Imperial space, they will be asked to leave. Any vessel that does not comply will be forcibly ejected from the system. Our bout of in-person cooperation is over."

A slight frown dug into Ar'alani's lips, putting cracks in the woman's icy mask. "That is unwise. The Grysk will make another attempt to infiltrate your Empire. It is in both the Ascendancy's interest and your own to eliminate them before they instigate more chaos. …well. More chaos than your Empire already faces."

Was that dig really necessary? "The decision was not mine to make, Admiral Ar'alani. My warning now is for your own benefit. You will not receive another warning should you attempt to trespass in Imperial space again."

"I understand, Admiral Faro." Ar'alani's inflection on the word 'admiral' matched Faro's introduction perfectly. Her reason for mimicry was unclear. "You go against your superiors' wishes to speak with me."

"You understand." Faro grit her teeth. Enough beating around the bush. "I meant what I said aboard the Chimaera. Neither the Empire nor the Ascendancy benefit from a Grysk conquest of the Empire. If you want to thwart their chances on this side of the galaxy, I need to know the signs of their presence."

Hesitation. "You ask me to cooperate with you. When you will not cooperate with me."

"I describe to you the legal reality of ships in the Imperial fleet. You cannot enter Imperial space. I cannot give you any information that the Imperial public does not also know. However… if there exists a rule banning the Ascendancy from sharing information with the Empire, then I have already witnessed you break it."

"One cannot become Mitth'raw'nuruodo's successor without expertise in bending rules." Ar'alani grinned ruefully. "If you are my only remaining connection to the Galactic Empire, I will do what I can for my people."

What an insulting way of saying yes. Both admirals were too professional to refuse to work together, but neither was especially thrilled with the idea. "Give me what you have regarding the Grysk threat, and I will prevent them from establishing a clawhold in the Empire."

"I require a secure way to transfer you the information you seek. In person would be ideal were it not for your Empire's laws." Pause. "Give me a short time. I will call you again on this frequency when I have what you require."

"Thank you, Admiral Ar'alani." Faro hesitated, then added, "my condolences for your loss."

Ar'alani did not return the sentiment. "Farewell, Admiral Faro."

The Chiss Admiral ended the call. Faro remained seated in her office chair, scrambling for her wits. The Chiss comm continued to whir and beep for several seconds before powering down. Strange alien thing.

For years, she had wanted to be Thrawn's equal. At one point in secret, Faro had been Thrawn's partner. Now, she was significant to him in a way she had neither planned nor desired. She was Thrawn's successor.

Not content with taking over a new fleet, it was now Faro's duty to keep the shadowy Grysk from attempting a secret infiltration of the Empire she'd sworn to protect. Without witnessing their destruction firsthand, she knew no one in the Empire would believe her about the threat they posed. Anyone she attempted to explain the situation to would think she had developed paranoid delusions. The only other people who took the threat seriously were the Chiss, and it was treason to work with them directly.

Had the Grysk helped the rebels above Lothal? Had they been responsible for eliminating Thrawn from the galaxy, or did Faro only wish they were? If Faro fought for revenge, then she wouldn't have to rely on desperation to fuel her during the day.

…No, the person responsible for Thrawn's death (plus hundreds of thousands of soldiers) was Bridger. To escape punishment for his crimes, Bridger had chosen to die alongside his victims. Jedi devil scum.

She tossed the Chiss comm into a desk drawer, then locked the drawer with her code cylinder. Faro knew she didn't have her crew's trust yet. It would be trouble if they found evidence of her conversing with an alien military.

Everything about Faro's crusade against the Grysk spelled trouble. Only if she played her cards right would it mean trouble for the right people.

For the first time in several weeks, Eli was happy with the work he was doing aboard the Steadfast. Trying to acclimate Ronan to life on an Ascendancy ship was… challenging. Mostly because Ronan refused to even try learning the Chiss's language or customs. One day with "Lyro's" attitude, and the Chiss had decided to leave "Ivant" in charge of his fellow human's instruction.

It was a relief when Eli was left alone with his data. The less time he had to tolerate Ronan's moaning, the better. Now that Eli knew what he was looking for in the data he studied, he had a far more positive outlook on his job.

Eli saw little of Admiral Ar'alani in the days since their collaboration with the Empire. First the Steadfast had returned to the Ascendancy to release Un'hee into proper medical care. Then the ship had been mandated to stay docked while Ar'alani answered questions about her mission in "Lesser Space." Eli would have enjoyed this development… had he been allowed to leave the ship at any point. The CEDF didn't want to advertise their cooperation with humans. When Eli asked Ar'alani if the Ascendancy government knew about him, her response was not reassuring.

Now they were back in space, far beyond Ascendancy or Imperial borders. Eli had no reason to expect Ar'alani to call upon him at this time. He was confused when she summoned him at the end of his shift.

Eli saluted upon entry to Ar'alani's office. The admiral did not acknowledge him immediately. The glow in her eyes was dim and directed at the wall. "Admiral, ma'am. You called for me?"

Was that a sigh? "Yes, Lieutenant Commander Eli'van'to. I have received disturbing news from Lesser Space."

Thrawn had called? So soon after their last encounter? Eli was stunned. "What did Thrawn say?"

"He said nothing. Admiral Faro spoke to me."

"I… didn't realize Faro had the ability to contact us." Admiral Faro? A few weeks ago, she'd been a commodore. What was going on here? "What news did she bring?"

Ar'alani didn't meet Eli's eyes. Her shoulders hunched inward, arms covering her chest. Ar'alani appeared to be in physical pain. "Mitth'raw'nuruodo has died. His whole fleet has perished. Admiral Faro is the only survivor."

His mouth fell open. The news pierced his chest like a hot poker, driving a burning pain straight through his guts. "But… Thrawn. Hammerly. Pyrondi… Carvia. All of them?"

"That is what she said. I see no reason for her to deceive us." Eli had never seen Ar'alani look this devastated. "There is more. The Empire has decreed that its forces may not assist us in future endeavors. Any appearance we make within their borders shall be treated as hostile trespassing."

"This can't be happening." Eli collapsed into the chair across from Ar'alani. She hadn't granted him permission to sit, nor did she seem to mind when he did. "How did this happen?"

Ar'alani relayed the details Faro had told her about Thrawn's final battle. Eli cursed under his breath. "I can't believe it. There isn't a rebel in the Empire who could get the best of Thrawn."

"Thrawn… I have followed his career since we were cadets. He did not win every battle he fought in, nor did he ever lose this completely. Some three decades ago, I concluded he was immune to the possibility of total defeat." It was Ar'alani's turn to swear. "I was foolish."

"There's no chance Thrawn and his crew survived? Did Faro tell you anything else?"

Ar'alani shook her head. "She was not present for the battle."

"Then there might be something she doesn't know. We need to look for survivors."

"Not without probable cause." Her voice barely registered above a croak. "I know you want to keep faith, Lieutenant Commander, but… our mission cannot be diverted. Not for anyone. Too many lives hang in the balance. Lives we know still persist."

A flood of protests died on Eli's tongue. A simultaneous flood of tears pooled in Eli's eyes. He tried to blink them away, to no avail. "My old crew… they're all gone."

"My sympathy for your loss, Lieutenant Commander."

"...Do I have permission to contact Admiral Faro myself?" Eli could only imagine the pressure she was under at the moment. If anyone could understand the magnitude of emotion he was feeling right now, it was her.

Ar'alani shook her head. "She violates the Empire's wishes by speaking with us. We cannot endanger her new command position for anything less than essential." She considered her next words carefully. "I need to send her information regarding the Grysk soon. You may be present with me when I do so."

"Thank you, ma'am." Eli nodded, trying to hide the growing sense of foreboding in the pit of his stomach.

If the Empire and the Ascendancy were no longer allies, what did that mean for Eli? Would he ever be able to return to the Empire unshackled? He hadn't been able to tell his family goodbye before joining the Ascendancy. What would they think if they saw him now?

Eli doubted his place in either military had ever been certain, but he saw a difference between standing on two flat, uneven platforms and sinking into a vat of quicksand. Every word he spoke felt like flailing, like a desperate attempt to keep his head above the surface. "Do you know what will happen to me and Lieutenant Lyro?"

"Not yet. Nothing for now." Ar'alani shrugged, though not because she didn't care. "My job would be far simpler were I in possession of every answer I needed."

"I understand. I… don't mean to burden you, Admiral."

"Nor I you, Lieutenant Commander. Your question is natural. This news is… difficult to accept, yet I believe you deserved to know."

"Thank you, Admiral." Eli frowned. "Should I tell Lieutenant Brier'lyro'nan?"

"You should use your judgement with him. His present circumstances will not change no matter what he is aware of in this situation. If you think the news will not render him less cooperative than he already is, by all means. Share what you know."

So no. Eli shouldn't tell Ronan. The deception made him uncomfortable, but Eli didn't see another path forward here. "I understand, Admiral."

Ar'alani wiped a hand across her cheek. "That is all. Be delicate with yourself tonight, Lieutenant Commander. I know your emotion weighs heavily on you, but do not lose sight of the importance of our work aboard this vessel."

"I won't. Goodnight, Admiral." Eli hesitated, then decided to risk it. "Take care of yourself too."

Eli's thoughts raced as he made the trek back to his quarters. He wished he had known. He wished someone, something had warned him that his visit to the Chimaera three weeks ago would be his last. He would have done so many things differently.

He would have taken time to catch up with everyone. Mission be damned. He would have demanded to know how everyone was doing. How their family was. How life on the Chimaera had been since Eli's exit a year prior. What crazy missions has Eli missed since joining the Ascendancy? What sort of stories could they have told him? He would never know; the whole fleet's stories were lost to time.

Eli would have told his friends how much he cared about them. He would have let each and every one know how talented they were, how much he admired their abilities and traits as human beings. If he wasn't able to prevent the deaths of his friends, he would have at least made sure they faced the end with their heads held high. They deserved to find grace in death.

They didn't deserve to die at all. Alas, the galaxy was cruel.

A/N's: Posting this on the one year anniversary of starting this fic. ...Wow, I did not get a much written as I wanted to. I always say that, but it's true. At least I have a vague idea of how long it will be. Aiming for around 52 chapters.

I'm pretty drained from the enormous grief present in this chapter, but I hope everyone likes it. Behold, Eli is in this story! I doubt that surprises anyone, but it's a nice feature, right?

Stay safe on New Year's, everyone. The virus still spreads among us.