Grand Admiral Thrawn's Flagship Chimaera

Luke's father had professed that he was no longer a Sith Lord, but his intense anger during Grand Admiral Thrawn's briefing had him questioning the veracity of his father's statement.

"Since the attack on Corellia two days ago there have been three more attacks on Imperial worlds, and you have yet to find the rebel Dreadnaught!" Vader was pacing the Grand Admiral's briefing chamber; obviously fighting the urge to punish somebody...harshly.

In the room with Emperor Vader, sitting at a long conference table, was Grand Admiral Thrawn, Commadore Vanto, and Luke. Admiral Thrawn elbows rested on the table with his fingers steepled in front of his chin. "Emperor Vader, the timing between attacks make it impossible for one ship to travel to the various locations. This was done by at least two ships, if not four."

Vader turned and fixed his gaze on the blue skin alien. "You seem quite sure of yourself."

Thrawn's expression remained neutral. "I am confident my calculations are correct. There are no hyperspace lanes that would allow any one ship to move to all four attack sites in the time between the first and last attack."

"That would mean the Rebel Alliance was able to steal or purchase multiple war ships when you have assured me that we are on the brink of victory." He kept his attention on the Admiral. "Tell me, Admiral Thrawn, If the rebels were able to fly directly from planet to planet outside known hyperspace lanes, could it be done?"

Thrawn remained silent for a long moment before answering. "If the rebels knew a way to traverse space safely outside of a hyperspace lane, then yes...but a far more logical scenario is the rebels have acquired more ships."

"Or they acquired new allies." Emperor Vader let that statement hang in the air, but the Admiral wasn't taking the bait.

Thrawn turned to face the emperor fully. "Sire, if you have intelligence on any new allies of the rebels, I will endeavor to hunt them down and eliminate the threat."

Vader took a step toward the Admiral. "What if it is the Chiss that are helping the rebellion? Where would your loyalties lie then?"

An indignant expression flicked over the Admiral's face but was gone almost as soon as it appeared. "Emperor Vader, I am loyal to the Empire."

"So, you say." Vader's voice was deep and threatening. "An attack on all sites would be possible if a Force sensitive Chiss navigator was on board."

Thrawn's expression remained aloof. "The Chiss Ascendancy does not believe in preemptive attacks."

"But they wouldn't be attacking, but simply providing navigation coordinates. Is that against the Chiss rules of engagement?"

Luke turned to Admiral Thrawn awaiting an answer, but the alien remained silent.

"The Chiss could help the rebels move from one attack point to the next," Vader added darkly. "Not using standard hyperspace lanes would make it difficult to track the rebels or predict where they would exit hyperspace."

"Sire, I assure you, my people are not involved in these attacks."

Vader pointed a gloved hand at the Admiral. "Our intelligence personnel have determined that the ship from the first attack most likely came from the Unknown Region."

Admiral Thrawn cleared his throat as he straightened in his chair. "The Chiss planet of Csilla is located within the unknown region, but there are hundreds of other worlds within that expanse of space. The unknown region is also the home of the Grysk Hegemony."

"Yes, the Grysk Hegemony," Vader said acerbically. "You once told me Grysk ships numbered in the millions—enough to blot out the stars, but I have only seen a few dozen of these creatures in my lifetime. I suspect the Grysk are utilized by the Chiss the same way Tatooine moisture farmers use the threat of the mystical doomslayer to keep their children from wandering into the desert. They spread lies to keep the Empire out of that quadrant of space. What are the Chiss hiding in the Unknown Region?"

Luke saw Thrawn's jaw tighten. "Lord Vader, if I am no longer a trusted member of the Imperial Navy, I am quite willing to tender my resignation. Is that your wish?"

Luke held his breath while waiting his father's response. He was certain his father was fishing for information and did not possess any evidence against the Admiral. Unfortunately, not having ironclad proof was never a deterrent when it came to his father Force strangling his crew members.

Vader ignored the Admiral's statement and instead lowered himself into the seat at the head of the table. "If not the Chiss, then who? Explain to me your theory of the situation?"

Luke sighed in relief, thankful for a de-escalation of tensions. The alien might make Luke feel uneasy, but he was by far the most brilliant commander within the Imperial Navy. He was not someone the Empire could afford to lose.

"Sire, these Dreadnaughts were pre-clone war era. Could the rebels have located the Katana Fleet?"

That caught Luke's attention. "What's the Katana Fleet?"

Admiral Thrawn turned to the Supreme Commander. "About two decades before the clone wars over two-hundred Dreadnaught-class heavy cruisers disappeared. The ships were linked together with a slave circuit system, which reduced the amount of crew needed. It is believed when they were all slaved together, they made a blind jump."

Luke frowned. "How do you know that."

"We don't!" His father answered the question. "Nobody knows what happened, only that all the ships disappeared without a trace. Thousands of salvage teams hunted the fleet for decades, but they were never found. They most likely flew through a star."

"Or into the Unknown Region," Admiral Thrawn proposed dryly.

"There are few hyperspace lanes into the Unknown Region," Vader pointed out. "Perhaps the Chiss government might use their special navigators to...reconnoiter the region where the ship was calculated to originate from." He gazed at Admiral Thrawn awaiting an answer.

Luke had to admire the Admiral's aplomb; he didn't even flinch under Darth Vader's scrutiny. "Of course, Lord Vader. I will make an official request for assistance to the Chiss Ascendency from the Empire."

"See to it, admiral." Vader looked at each man in the room before saying, "Dismissed."

Commodore Vanto was the first to jump out of his seat and leave the room posthaste. Admiral Thrawn rose casually and calmly. When Luke stood his father motioned for him to remain seated. Luke sat down and waited until Thrawn exited and the door slid shut behind him.

"What did you sense in the Force?" Vader ask his son.

Luke shrugged. "The Grand Admiral is almost impossible to read, but I can tell you Commodore Vanto was somewhat terrified and did not want to be in the meeting. He also exhibited a twinge of panic when you mentioned the Chiss Navigators."

"I sensed that also," the emperor mused. "He was not concerned for his welfare, as much as another's."

Luke knitted his brow. "Do you think he knows a Chiss navigator?"

"The feelings he projected were similar to yours when you feared for the safety of Mara Jade."

Luke thought about it. "A romantic feeling? Do you think Vanto has an amorous relationship with a female Chiss navigator?"

"All Chiss Navigators are female," Vader explained. "And yes, I believe it is possible. He spent years in Chiss space under the orders of Grand Admiral Thrawn."

Luke gazed at his father questioningly. "Do you really think the Chiss are providing ships to the rebels?"

"Possible. They may have found the Katana Fleet and led the rebels to the ships."

"Why would they do that?"

"Two hundred Dreadnaughts in the hands of the rebellion could put a strain on our Navy to the point that we would be unable to fend off an attack from the Chiss."

"But they don't believe in premeditated attacks."

"That is what the Chiss would want you to believe."

"It is what I do believe," Luke said evenly. "If the Chiss were interested in attacking they would have done so after I destroyed the Death Star. The Empire was at its lowest point then. Morale slumped and there were millions of soldiers deserting." When his father didn't respond Luke pressed on. "Anyway, as the Admiral pointed out, there are others out in the unknown region. If the Grysk did want to attack the Empire, they could give the rebels ships and use them as mercenaries. If the rebels succeed in taking on the Empire the Grysk could then destroy the rebels and take over our galaxy. Or the Grysk are doing the attacks with those ships. That could explain the recent change of tactics."

Vader trained his attention on Luke. "What do you mean?"

"The first attack on the Imperial Training Center is a good military target, but the next three were nonmilitary objectives. They were civilian targets and not factories that produced implements of war. One was a city with a major medical complex. Another was a liberal arts university, and the last one was a stadium full of thirty thousand Smash Ball fans. There is no way that Princess Leia approved these attacks. The Grysk could be carrying out these assaults on their own."

Vader made a sound that Luke interpreted as an incredulous snort. "Princess Organa is not a fool. She must know the only way to overthrow the Empire is through guerilla warfare."

"Yes, you're right, but she also knows she has to win over the populace and conducting what most people would consider war crimes is not going to help her cause. It will only aggravate the citizens and put pressure on us to wipe out the rebellion with extreme violence. Something else is going on. This is not her doing."

Vader stared at his son for a long moment before nodding his head. "Then you need to find and capture one of these Dreadnaughts. Then we will know who is responsible for these attacks."

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Coronet City Medical Center, Corellia

Mara walked past the rows of bacta tanks until she came to the one holding Lieutenant Karrina Shotts. She looked up at the seriously injured woman before casting her eyes down to where her employer sat on a small bench the hospital staff had brought in for him specifically. Visitors were not allowed in this area of the hospital; Mara was positive Luke had instructed the health care workers of the facility to accommodate Karrde in any way possible. Talon was dressed in loose, casual civilian clothing, having been discharged from the hospital the day before.

He regarded Mara as she approached and managed a wane smile. "Is it time to go already?"

She shook her head. "No, Aves and Chin are still doing preflight maintenance checks. I wanted to talk to you." She sat down next to him and put a comforting hand on his knee. "If you like I can take charge of the next cargo run and you can stay here. This way you'll be around when she wakes up."

Karrde covered her hand with his and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I appreciate the offer, but the doctors said she will be in a medically induced coma for another week and then she will remain sedated while they do neural reconstruction."

"How long will that take?"

He shrugged. "They aren't sure. Maybe a week...maybe a month." He patted her hand before standing. He moved toward the bacta cylinder his eyes never leaving his lover. "I don't know if I really want to be here when she wakes up."

Mara frowned in confusion. "Why not?"

He gave her a sideway glance. "The doctors say she might have pronounced amnesia...and I don't want to see the look of confusion on her face when she doesn't recognize me."

"What if she does remember?" Mara asked as she rose and joined Talon. "What if she wakes up with massive wounds and the first thing that she looks for is you...and you are nowhere to be found?"

Karrde reached up and squeezed the bridge of his nose. "I doubt that's going to happen. I've never been lucky in love. Something always happens. Women don't hang around me for long."

Mara was ready to argue that fact, but she then realized Talon's relationship with Karrina was the first one she's seen him in. She never thought much about it before. She just assumed his career came first.

"It is not like I didn't try...especially when I was a young man," he chuckled bleakly. "I always go into relationships hoping for something long term, but they usually end up as short, port-call flings." He gazed as her and smiled. "You have to admit having a relationship with Skywalker and being an intra-galactic trader is no easy task. I suspect, soon enough, you will be one more woman to leave my life."

She shook her head. "Talon, I just started dating the man. This conversation is premature." He shoved his hands into his trouser pockets and rocked back on his heels. "Perhaps."

She closed her eyes briefly, not liking to see her boss so morose. "Are you sure you don't want to stay?"

"I'm sure." Turning on his heel he moved to the exit with Mara falling into step next to him. "Make sure our cargo is secured and inventoried before we leave. I don't want to get halfway to Ord Mantell and find out we didn't bring the Corellian ale. Sober Deepdock workers are not happy workers."

Hearing her boss talk business again brought a faint smile to her lips. "I'll get right on that." .

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Tafanda Bay, Ithor,

Tafanda Bay was the capital city of Ithor. 'Above Ithor' Luke corrected himself. The Ithorians were diehard environmentalists that considered their planet's jungles sacred. To keep their world unspoiled, they constructed one-hundred-meter-tall herd ships that utilized huge repulsorlift engines to hover over the pristine jungle below. The Ithorian built city had everything that could be found in traditional urban areas, to include landing platforms, shops, housing, hospitals and restaurants. This was Luke's first time on a herd ship and found himself in awe of its beauty. He wished Mara was here with him and he promised himself that they would visit the place together sometime in the future. But for now, he was to investigate the sighting of rebels in the area.

He had come alone, against the advice of Commodore Vanto. Luke had argued that traveling with a group of Stormtroopers would be too conspicuous and that he was more than capable of taking care of himself. Eli Vanto had frowned deeply, but eventually acquiesced, albeit begrudgingly.

Luke wanted to find the rebels, but he also didn't want an overly aggressive trooper killing his former comrades. The destruction of civilian targets had the Imperial military outraged and bent on revenge. Luke was positive that Leia was not involved in the slaughter, but his men were of a mind of shoot first and ask questions later and he didn't want that because he had a lot of unanswered questions.

He had changed from his imperial uniform to casual clothing a tourist might wear and came to the planet in a civilian shuttle used by his intelligence division. He had taken a speeder to the main square and proceeded to walk around while reaching out with the Force. Ithor was populated by ninety-eight percent Ithorians and two percent human and near humans. This would make finding somebody like Leia and Han much easier for him.

He strolled through the streets and shops for three hours before he sensed a familiar Force signature. "Wedge," he whispered to himself as he quickly moved in the direction of his old friend. After traversing four blocks at a quick pace, he finally saw the rebel pilot purchasing some food from a local vender. Wedge was wearing civilian clothing and with no visible blaster. Luke was almost shocked that he was able to walk right up to Wedge Antilles without the man looking over his shoulder once. He came up behind him and slapped an arm around his shoulder. "Hey Wedge, nice to see you," Luke said with a smile and was shocked to realize he was being truthful...it was nice seeing his old friend again.

Antilles stopped, his body stiffening. Luke could sense that he was considering running, but when he saw a couple stormtroopers patrolling the area he decided against it. His shoulders slumped as he turned to Luke. "I'm on my way out of Imperial space. I'm just here for refueling. I broke exile so I could visit Booster Terrik. He caught the Luf virus and was in intensive care." Wedge paused and blew out a shuttered breath. "He looked after me after my parents died. I wanted to see him...I know I am banned from the Empire, but I thought it was worth the risk."

Luke dropped his arm from the man's shoulder. He gazed at him sensing the truthfulness of his words. "Is he alright?"

Wedge nodded before smiling softly. "That old pirate is hard to kill. He pulled through with little lingering effects." The smile dropped from his lips as he looked down at the ground. "I knew I would face imprisonment if caught. I won't give you any trouble."

"I'm not going to arrest you." He gestured to an open bench. "I need some answers." He took a step forward but looked back when he noticed Wedge was not following him. The dark-haired pilot gazed at Luke while shaking his head.

"You might as well arrest me. I'm not going to give up any rebel secrets."

Luke turned and faced the man. "I just want to know if Leia is responsible for the recent attacks on civilian targets?"

Antilles' body relaxed visibly. "No, she has nothing to do with those attacks. I will tell you who is doing it because I am absolutely horrified by what happened."

Luke breathed a little easier knowing Leia was not responsible for the latest atrocities. He motioned for Wedge to follow him and both men took a seat on the public bench. "Who's responsible for those war crimes?"

"The rebellion split into two factions," Wedge said as he opened the bag of pastries he had purchased from the vendor and offered Luke a sugared fried dough stick. Luke waved off the food and gestured for his friend to resume his story. Wedge took a small bite before continuing. "Leia and a relative newcomer and fellow Alderaan survivor named Ewon Klanto, butted heads when it came to how to go about overthrowing the Empire. Klanto thought Leia was going easy on the Empire because of her friendship with you. Normally Leia would stave off anybody trying to usurp the leadership role, but Klanto had gotten his hands on three Dreadnaughts with full crews. He talked about half of the rebels into joining him. His group is called The Resistance." Wedge paused to take another bite of his lunch before looking over to Luke. "I didn't join...and after he went on a killing rampage, I'm glad I didn't."

"Do you know where I can find him and his Dreadnaughts?"

"No, I don't." Wedge finished his snack and closed the bag. "Believe me, Luke, I would help you find him if I could. He has a join me or become my enemy mentality. He dislikes Leia and her loyal rebels almost as much as the empire."

Luke ran a frustrated hand through his hair. "Do you know where he got the Dreadnaughts?"

"No, the man came out of nowhere. We can't even prove he is from Alderaan. Leia thinks he made that up to garner sympathy...and to hide his real identity. It is hard to prove he is not an Alderaanian with all their records destroyed along with the planet."

"True," Luke said softly, feeling the sins of his father pressing down on him.

There was an awkward silence before Wedge spoke again. "Luke, I want you to know that I am no longer with the Rebellion. I can see the good that you are doing. Leia is so consumed with revenge for the destruction of her home planet that she can't see straight." He sighed deeply before continuing. "It didn't help when you joined the empire on Bespin...she felt betrayed. You abandoned her and Han was taken by the bounty hunter. It took months before Han was able to escape and return to the rebellion."

Luke ran a frustrated hand over his face before gazing into his friend's eyes. "Wedge if you see Leia, please tell her I didn't join Vader on Bespin. I was captured and held prisoner by my father."

Wedge's eyes widened. "Did he torture you?"

Luke smiled and shook his head. "No, but after months of in depth talks, he convinced me that he wanted to change...he wanted a relationship with his son...and he would do anything to make that happen. The first thing I ask for was Han's release. It was Vader's men that stormed Jabba's Palace and made sure Han was 'discovered' by friendly locals that released him from the carbonite. The next thing I demanded was the governmental reforms."

"I knew it." Wedge grinned. "I never fully understood your defection...until now...but I knew there was no way I could have misjudged you so drastically."

Luke drew in a deep breath. "I hope Leia will one day realize she misjudged me."

"I'm sure she will, Luke. She must have noticed the changes in the government. We may still live in a totalitarian regime, but it is no longer tyrannical. For the first time in my life, we have relative peace without fear." He reached out and put a hand on Luke's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. "You are doing a great job."

"Thanks." Luke smiled at his friend. "Would you consider joining me. We can use some good pilots. I can guarantee you an Imperial Pardon."

Wedge dropped his arm and averted his eyes. "I wouldn't mind the pardon, but I can't put on an Imperial uniform." He shook his head slowly. "Sorry, I just can't."

Luke was disappointed but not surprised. "I understand." He stood and offered the man his hand. Wedge rose and shook it without hesitation. "It is good to see you, Wedge. I really miss my friends in the rebellion. You were like my family." He released his grip and dropped his hand. "If you find out anything about Klanto just make an anonymous report."

"I will." Wedge glanced over to a couple stormtroopers walking down the street. "I should go before anybody else recognizes me."

"Thanks for the information, Wedge." Luke watched his friend quickly move down the road before disappearing into a crowd of Ithorians. He sighed sadly as a feeling of loss and loneliness washed over him. He missed his friends.

He turned and made his way back to his shuttle. He needed to get the information about Ewon Klanto to Imperial Intelligence and let his father know they were looking for more than one Dreadnaught.

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CHAPTER END NOTES:

Although most Chiss navigators are prepubescent girls, in the new Thrawn novels there was a unique adult Chiss navigator that Eli Vanto was friends with. I don't want people thinking Vanto has a relationship with a minor female.