Star Destroyer Redeemer

There was a slight shudder when the ship exited hyperspace. Luke gazed at his wrist-chrono and smiled. This last jump should have brought them very close to the coordinates given to him by Talon Karrde. If all goes well, the next jump should bring them to their destination within an hour. Luke walked to the ship's bridge to check on the progress. As the door slid open, he walked onto the flight deck and observed Commodore Vanto and the Chiss security staff huddled around the Chiss navigator having a heated debate.

"What's going on?" Luke asked the group.

Commodore Vanto turned to Luke, his expression troubled. "We seem to be at an impasse."

Luke turned to the navigator. "Do we have to backtrack?"

She lowered her eyes in deference. "No Supreme Commander. I know the coordinates that will safely bring us to the location you have specified...but I see danger at the destination."

"An ambush?" Luke ventured.

The blue skinned woman shrugged slightly. "I believe so. I see the ship arriving safely, but then nothing."

Luke furrowed his brows. "What do you think the 'nothingness' means? Is the ship destroyed?"

"I do not know. My best guess is we arrive safely...and then I die."

"Oh," Luke thought about the situation for a long moment. "Can you plot a course near the coordinates...close enough that we can see the target with long range scanners?"

"I have tried a number of approaches, Sir." She hesitated slightly looking deeply disturbed. "I am a Force sensitive, but my abilities are in a narrow range...I am an ozyly-eschembo...a navigator. I am not a true seer, but I can tell you I sense an evil presence at the final destination."

"The Chiss Ascendency has graciously lent you a navigator," one of the larger men of the Chiss security staff interrupted. "But we cannot allow her to accompany you to the final jump. She is far too valuable to risk. The Chiss are not at war with your insurgents."

Luke nodded. "Of course, the Empire would never force your navigator to continue when she senses such danger." He looked over to Eli Vanto who appeared apprehensive before turning his attention back to the Chiss officers. "I would like to extend my sincere gratitude on behalf of myself and the emperor for your cooperation in this matter. You are free to take your shuttle and depart...but, if I could ask one small favor, can you please wait until Grand Admiral Thrawn arrives. I would like for him to hear what you have to say. He is by far my most brilliant tactician. Perhaps he could come up with suggestions that could...circumvent this impasse safely."

The Chiss security detail whispered among themselves and their navigator before their senior officer turned and gave a curt node of his head. "We shall wait for the Grand Admiral's arrival."

Commodore Vanto let out a relieved breath and risked a small smile to the young lady. "Excellent." He motioned to one of his men. "Ensign Latto here will escort you to our dignitary lounge." As the Chiss group made their way off the bridge Eli turned to Luke. "Your orders, Sir."

Luke rocked back on his heels as he contemplated his next move. "Contact the Chimaera and brief Grand Admiral Thrawn on the situation. Inform him that we will assemble at this location." Luke walked toward the exit. "I'll be in my quarters. Alert me when the Chimaera arrives."
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Mara, Talon and Chin followed Emperor Vader through the corridors of the old Dreadnaught as he led them to the starboard docking bay. Mara knew Vader wasn't doing this to be helpful, but to keep them alive. Vader's personal troopers, the 501st Legion, also referred to as Vader's Fist, were shooting at anything not wearing an Imperial uniform. Before they arrived at their destination two Stormtroopers came toward Vader dragging a bloodied and bruised Resistance soldier between them. When they arrived in front the emperor, they released the man, allowing him to drop to his knees. "We have located the Resistance leader known as Ewon Klanto," the senior ranking Stormtrooper reported.

The man kept his head down, shaking it side to side. "I'm not Klanto," he muttered as blood-tinged saliva spilled between his lips. "I'm just a cook."

Vader stared at the man for a moment before announcing. "That is a lie."

The man looked up pleadingly, "Your Highness, it's true. I'm Noyo Tantti, a cook from Corellia."

Talon had moved in front of Mara to get a better look at the man. "Hoffner?"

Vader turned to Talon. "You know this man?"

Karrde nodded. "He's Captain Hoffner we worked together on one of Jorj Car'das smuggler ships." Talon hesitated for a second before clarifying. "That is before I became a legitimate Imperial Trader."

The prisoner turned his attention to Talon, his swollen and battered eyes blazing with sheer hatred. "Karrde!" he hissed. "Admiral Wirriz should have killed you when you were first brought onboard."

"I can see why you would want that...but it wouldn't have helped...I already told the Empire the location of the Katana Fleet." Karrde snickered at Hoffner's surprised expression before turning to the emperor. "Hoffner was with me when we did a blind jump and stumbled upon the Katana Fleet. We at first thought we blundered into an Imperial blockade and did a second blind jump. It wasn't until later that I realized the enormity of what I discovered. I thought I was the only one who figured it out, but obviously I was wrong."

"Kriff you!" Hoffner gurgled as he coughed up blood. "I may be caught, and the Resistance might be doomed, but the Rebellion is still out there. Organa and Solo will find you and kill you for what you have done."

Karrde scoffed before smiling smugly. "I don't think so."

"Enough!" Vader said with a wave of his hand before pointing at Hoffner and addressing his Stormtroopers. "Have him interrogated. He will reveal the location of any other Resistance members."

The two guards grabbed the man up under his arms and hauled him away. The emperor continued walking until they arrived at the hanger bay. He motioned to a man in a grey Imperial uniform. "Ensign, escort these men to their ship." He pointed a gloved hand to the VI Transport freighter at the end of the bay, "And ensure they leave unmolested."

The young officer snapped to attention. "Yes, your Eminence." He gestured for Talon and Chin to follow him.

"Wait." Mara ran up to Talon. "Be careful. The Rebels might have a price on your head."

"Don't worry," he said calmly. "I don't think the Princess and Solo will give me much trouble." He leaned forward and whispered to her. "Are you sure you want to go with Vader."

She glanced back toward the Dark Lord. "I don't have much choice." She gave Talon a reassuring smile. "He wants me alive to pop out little Sith Skycrawlers...so I think I'm safe." She reached up and gave her boss a quick hug. "I'll contact you when I can."

She turned and walked to where Vader was waiting for her. As he spun on his heel and moved toward his private shuttle he said, "I must warn you, my helmet has sound amplifiers."

Her eyes went wide as she realized he heard everything she said to Talon. "Oh." She waited for him to say more, but the emperor remained silent.

As she followed him up the ramp to his private shuttle she thought, 'This is going to be an awkward flight.'

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Star Destroyer Redeemer

Grand Admiral Thrawn joined Luke in his quarters for an informal briefing before he was to meet with the Chiss navigator and security entourage. The blue-skinned alien sipped a non-alcoholic drink Luke had offered him as he regarded the few pieces of art adorning the walls of his quarters. He gestured toward a painting of Tatooine's twin suns setting over an expansive desert. "The sun setting over the Western Dune Sea on Tatooine."

It wasn't a question. Luke was always impressed by the man's knowledge of planetary geography and the art of various cultures. "Yes, it was painted from a location very near my childhood home."

The Admiral stared at the painting for a long moment before turning to Luke. "Supreme Commander, I would like to thank you for deferring to my judgement when it came to the Chiss contingent onboard."

Luke shrugged. "What I told them was true...you are the tactical expert. My military experience is somewhat limited."

"Be it as it may, the Empire historically has shown disfavor, if not outright distain, for nonhuman and near-human species. Many within the Chiss Ascendancy believe your father has little respect for The Chiss and is simply using me as a symbol of inclusion to placate the disenfranchised to quench their simmering rage...a rage that has fueled the rebellion."

Luke took a moment to process the Admiral's words. "What? No, my father may be a little suspicious of the Chiss, but I can tell you he respects you and your people."

A tight smile flashed across the Admiral's lips before he returned to his usual stoic façade. "If that is true, your recent actions have helped cultivate that belief among my people."

"I'm glad that I can help." Luke threw him a sidelong glance, knowing Admiral Thrawn was not one for idle chitchat. He had the broached this subject for a reason. "Why is that important to you?"

Luke saw the man's eyes widen ever so slightly. "You are getting good at reading me, Supreme Commander."

"I know your words are always precise and deliberate," Luke walked over to his couch and sat gesturing to the Admiral to do the same. "Why do you care what the Chiss think about me or my father?"

Thrawn lowered himself into cushioned seat across from Luke before finishing his drink and setting his glass on a side table. "Emperor Vader does not believe the Grysk Hegemony is a threat, but I do. If the Empire and Chiss government were officially allied, it would increase the odds of defeating the Grysk."

"I see." Luke thought about it for a second. "The Chiss don't believe in preemptive attacks. Does that mean if the Grysk attacked the Empire you wouldn't assist?"

"If allied, an attack on the Empire would be the same as an attack on the Chiss government."

"Ah ha," Luke smiled knowingly. "What if the Empire attacked the Grysk...if my father made a preemptive attack, would that make a difference?"

Thrawn shook his head. "As long as the Grysk responded to the Empire's attack with violence...it would not matter to the Ascendancy who started the war."

Luke laughed. "It sounds like you want to be allied with the hopes that my hot-headed father will start something with the Grysk...just so your government can get rid of the threat once and for all."

Thrawn's expression remained neutral. "The Ascendancy does have its...loopholes when it comes to their non-aggression principles."

Luke nodded. "I'll discuss formalizing relations with the Chiss government the next time I see my father. For now, let's get back to the task at hand. The Navigator told me she can't see herself at our final destination. She believes she will die shortly upon arrival."

"She is incorrect," Thrawn said matter-of-factly. "She doesn't know it yet, but during my journey here the Chiss Aristocra sent me a communication demanding the return of Chiss Navigator Vah'nya. She could not see herself at the coordinates given to her not because she dies, but because she is to return home and not travel further into the Unknown Region."

Luke blew out a breath. "Oh...good. I didn't want her to be harmed."

"I will discuss the situation with her before she is dismissed. We should acquire as much information—alternate safe travel lanes—before she returns."

"I agree." Luke straightened in his seat and cleared his throat. "If you don't mind, see if you can get more information out of her about this 'evil presence' she senses."

"Evil presence?"

"Yes, the said she sensed an evil presence at the final coordinates."

"That is peculiar. I will endeavor to discover the meaning of her unease." Admiral Thrawn gave a quick nod before standing and straightening his uniform tunic. "If you have nothing more for me, Supreme Commander, I will take leave to question Navigator Vah'nya."

Luke stood and walked the Grand Admiral to his door. "I look forward to your report." Luke's holo-transceiver beeped indicating he had an incoming call. "Sorry, I have to get that. Let me know when we are ready to depart."

He closed the door upon the Admiral's exit and rushed over to his communication transceiver. Upon activating the device an image of his father appeared. "I have successfully located and rescued the Former Emperor's Hand."

Luke gave out a relieved breath. "Thank the Force. Is she alright? Is the Karrde crew okay? Is she there? Can I talk to her?"

"She and her friends were not harmed...and I did not sustain any injuries during the rescue mission."

Luke wasn't sure, but he suspected Emperor Vader was irritated that Luke did not express any concern for his safety. "I apologize Father. I never considered rag-tag resistance fighters to be of any threat to you...but I am glad you are well, and I hope none of the 501st suffered casualties."

"A few injuries, no deaths," his father muttered. "I will transfer this transmission to the aft communication station." Luke saw his father reach forward and flick a twitch. A half second later the image of Mara Jade appeared smiling widely.

"Luke." Her voice was strained with emotion.

"Mara...I'm so glad my father found you." Luke managed to say the words before he let out a shuddered breath. "Gods! I was so worried when I didn't hear from you."

She smirked. "You didn't hear me...but your father did."

He gave her an incredulous expression. "My father heard you call out in the Force? That's a...that's a surprise."

Mara lifted one shoulder in a shrug. "I was surprised too...but he did. He hinted that we now must have a connection...probably through you."

"Oh," Luke said thoughtfully. "Well, I'm glad he did. Where are you?"

Mara's smile dipped slightly. "I don't know. I'm in your father's private shuttle and he's not volunteering information." She paused for a long moment. "I don't think I am in danger. He said we will eventually travel to your location. He has a stop to make. I thought it best not to be persistent in my questioning."

Luke nodded in understanding. "I can't wait to see you again...to hold you..."

Mara put up a hand halting the conversation. "Luke, your father made it a point to tell me that his auditory sensors are very sensitive. He can probably hear us now."

Luke's face heated as he smiled bashfully. "I understand. I look forward to our reunion." "You and I both." Mara's smile was sultry and full of promise.

She almost laughed when Farmboy blushed a deeper read. "I'll talk to you later. I...um...you know."

She knew he hesitated to say the words out of fear of embarrassing her in front of his father.

"Yes, I do know...and I love you, too," she whispered before disconnecting the transmission. She sat there for a few moments before taking big breath and blowing it out. Eventually she stood and joined Emperor Vader on the shuttle flight deck. He gave her a sideway glance before punching in some coordinates and activating the hyperdrive. He then rotated the pilot seat until he was facing her fully. After a long awkward pause, she said, "Emperor Vader, I was just joking with my crew about the Sith Skycrawlers. My friends were worried for my safety. I said those things in jest...it was a way to allay their fears."

"That. I understand," he said slowly. "I want to make myself very clear...I do not wish to have Sith grandchildren."

She wasn't expecting him to say that. "You don't?"

"No," his voice raised slightly for emphasis. "The Sith has a rule of two. Master and Apprentice and the apprentice always strives to kill the Master...just as I did."

"You don't think Luke will go dark...do you?"

She couldn't see his face but felt his eyes upon her. Eventually he dropped his head slightly. "No, but if any child of his does go to the darkside they will attempt to kill Luke."

Mara was getting uncomfortable with this conversation. She hadn't been dating Skywalker for very long and wasn't sure if she wanted to marry and have children. "This conversation is premature."

"Is it?" Vader's question made a chill go down her spine. She had promised him grandchildren in jest. She was sure she felt Darth Vader's amusement when he ordered her to procreate with his son. Now she wasn't so sure. She stiffened her spine and straight out asked the Dark Lord his intentions. "Are you insinuating that I have no choice in the matter?"

There was a rumbling sound coming from Vader that she interpreted as chuckling. "I heard you clearly through the Force. You are not my apprentice, nor do we have a relationship like you do with my son. That leads me to one conclusion. Unfortunately, confirming my suspicions is not a Force skill I possess."

She had no idea what he was talking about. "I'm sorry Emperor Vader, I don't follow."

"I can hear Luke through the Force because we are of the same blood. Father and son. Could I have heard you though the Force...through a grandchild?"

Her jaw dropped. "What? No, I am on repress meds and your son is on repress meds." She flinched when she realized she just confessed to being intimate with Luke, but that was something Vader probably already knew. "I'm not pregnant." Her hands went instinctually to her belly. If she was pregnant, she was only a few weeks along. She doubted she would be able to sense any nascent life form growing within her. "I'm not pregnant," she repeated, but her words didn't sound as convincing as before.

This time Lord Vader did laugh. The sound was booming and so foreign to her ears that it scared her. Whenever Palpatine laughed like that she knew somebody was about to die. She waited for Vader to lash out, but he turned to face the front view port and gazed at the extended points of light. "I sense your unease," he said as he continued to look at the stars streaming by. "You have nothing to fear from me. My son needs you. Without you his future is bleak."

Vader now had her full attention. "What do you mean? Did you have a vision of the future?"

"Yes, one future of many," he said cryptically. "All will be explained when we get to our destination."

"And where is our destination?"

She didn't expect him to answer, but he did. "The Moddell sector in the Outer Rim."