Ch3
The streets of Tatooine were bustling with life.
Watto was in the junkyard when Thrawn made his way inside. "Ah welcome welcome back so soon? I hope the transmitter was to your liking eh?"
"It was."
"Ani, where is that rascal? If you need anything fixed he can do it." Thrawn ignored the bustling creature and pulled up one of the low chairs strewn around the shop and settled in it. If the Toydarian found it strange he said nothing of it. "So you need anything a capacitor or space parts for a motivator? My shop has the best prices on Tatooine."
"I'm here to make you an offer."
"Oh go ahead I like good offers, but I don't do smuggling bad for business, I don't want trouble with the Empire or anyone."
"Is that so? That Arakyd capacitor is most definitely a smuggled good."
"That was a gift from a friend, not mine not mine." A blue black eyebrow rose as Thrawn's gaze flitted over half the merchandise which was indeed smuggled illegal goods. The Arakyd industry and several other logos' his eye caught only had contracts with the Empire. And the parts looked too new to have been scavenged off an imperial ship. The Toydarian's gaze followed his own.
"I want to buy your slaves. How much for the boy and his mother?"
"The boy and his mother eh? Sorry no they are not for sale." Thrawn reached down placing a blaster on his lap.
"I'm not asking. I have a good six of my men surrounding this house. Ready to seize your assets and take you in for questioning. These parts that you are selling, the dust coating is clever but it won't fool Imperial scanners. Now you will name me a price and if I deem it appropriate the empire will reimburse you. Otherwise I'll simply call in my men and take your slaves as seized assets."
"Woah woah woah, everything I do is legal!" The crimson eyes narrowed. "If that is so, then you won't mind if my men take you in for some quick questioning?
"Ok ok, one million for the boy, half a million for his mother."
"Three hundred thousand for the boy one hundred thousand for his mother, in Imperial credit."
"What? You're joking! What can I do out here with Imperial Credits?"
"I could just take the slaves and leave you with nothing. Consider it a down payment for all what you owe the Empire, your life amongst them."
The Toydarian wanted to argue further but he knew when to cut his losses. "Ok, five hundred thousand for both of them and you have yourself a deal."
"We're all settled then a pleasure doing business." Thrawn rose. "I'll have one of my men bring you the credits."
"Ok ok, go before you scare away all my customers."
"The slave chip remotes?"
The Toydarian bustled towards the back before returning with two controllers. "Here this one is the boy's and this one his mothers. Tell your empire friends that I want no trouble." Thrawn took them before his eyes made one more circuit of the house committing to memory the various brands that had somehow found their way into this backwater planet of Tatooine before making his way out the door and coming face to face with a grinning Fel.
"That was fast."
"It helps when you have enough men to storm a rebel base."
"True." The brown eyes studied him thin frown tugging at Soontir Fel's lips as he turned to motion for his squadron to follow them. "You don't look so good." He had no doubt of that because despite how he looked he felt far far worse. Sometime between making his way to the junkshop and entering it he'd felt his body temperature drop and then rise to a painful pounding in his veins. His wounds had been screaming and it was all but his years of discipline and training which still held him upright.
"I don't feel so good." He stumbled only to have the older man throw his right arm over a shoulder allowing him to lean on him as they made their way to the prepped shuttle.
"So freeing slaves? Is that the Empire's new occupation."
"Just the ones."
"I noticed. Any reason why these ones?"
"That's above your paygrade."
Fel laughed good naturedly. "You're one to speak I probably get better pay than you."
The boy and his mother were already by the shuttles when the two arrived as was a man Thrawn did not recognize. "Here the circuits for the slave chips." Leaving him to lean on one of the other men Fel took the circuits. Thrawn looked on as Fel made his way over an imperial scanner in hand finding and deactivating the chips before the shuttle medic removed them with efficient precision. The boy lingered for several more moments Fel no doubt allowing that before laughing at something that was said.
With a last hug from his mother the boy trudged his way to the ship a faded bag hanging from his shoulders following by Fel while throwing glances back at his mother. The officer who'd been supporting him assisted him into one of the seats. The boy settling opposite him and strapping himself in, excitement written all over his face as the Imperial shuttle took off into the skies above.
-0-0-0-
Several hours later and having changed into a regular imperial uniform Thrawn was still mulling over the strange way he'd landed a Sith apprentice for Vader in the med bay of the ship when the child in question walked in settling across from where he was sitting sideways on the med bed leaning against the ships wall. The medic had given him some more pills against the blood infection that he had contracted and rewrapped his wounds but made it clear that he needed a bacta dip. Four of his ribs were fractured, and his body was still recovering from the shock of the crash. All that combined with the heavy blood loss and blood infection had the medic telling him that it was remarkable that he was still even functioning. This ship however was not equipped with a standard bacta tank and so he was left to wait out till they reached the Executor for a more intensive treatment.
"It's cold… I thought space would be warmer."
"Ask one of the engineers to up the thermal regulator." He blinked away the haze as the boy looked up at him expectantly as if somehow he could solve all his problems.
"They did but it's still so cold." Big sad blue eyes looked up at him reminding Thrawn of a kicked ack pup.
"I miss mom. Will I get to see her again?"
"Perhaps."
"I won't get to see her again will I?" Sighing he forced his eyes open the effort tiring him more than it should have. "Not in the immediate future, no."
"Fel said I might see her again…but…"
"But?"
"But I don't think he really knew the answer either. He was just trying to be nice. He's really funny too. He does this thing with his eyebrows." Anakin proceeded to wag his eyebrows at Thrawn before breaking out into a grin which was quickly subdued. "Will she be ok do you think? I mean I'm glad she's free and all but I kind of wanted to be free together with her… I miss her." The child said with a finality as if Thrawn could somehow make everything right again.
"I'm sure one day if you do as Lord Vader instructs you, you will be able to see her again though perhaps it would be best if you did not."
"Why not?"
"Because if you disobeyed the Lord Vader he or anyone else who knew of your mother might hurt her to hurt you." The answer seemed to subdue the child and he allowed his eyes to flutter closed, it was several more moments before the child spoke up again.
"Where are you from? Do you have a mom too?"
"My home planet is in the unknown regions."
"That sounds totally wizard where is that?"
"Beyond the outer rims."
"Farther out than Tatooine! That's like the middle of nowhere." Thrawn smiled in amusement at the child's excitement. Though he was utterly spent there were far worse ways to spend time than with an overeager youngling.
"I assure you that it is not the middle of nowhere."
"Oh." The child was pensive again but the silence did not last long.
"What about your mom? Do you miss her too?"
"I was adopted. My biological parents and I weren't close, they were both in the military and as such were stationed in regions far away from the academy I attended."
"Oh…" The child's face was scrunched up in concern. "But you do have some family right?"
"I had a brother."
"Had a brother? What happened?" Something sharp clenched in his gut as his heart convulsed skipping a beat."
"He…he died." He swallowed heavily the taste of bile suddenly crawling up his throat.
"I'm sorry." The child's eyes were moist with unshed tears. "Pass me the cup of water."
"Here." The child scrambled to get the item in question handing it to Thrawn while angrily wiping at his tears with his free hand causing Thrawn to wonder whether the boy was crying on his behalf, because he had felt his pain through the force.
"Thank you." He drank deeply putting the cup aside before sighing at the boy who was looking up at him dejectedly from behind blonde bangs. "I do have a father though; he was the one who adopted me and my brother. I suppose I do miss him every now and then, when I don't think about the times we argued like two wild Nexu's."
The boy smiled weakly at him past the now dried tears still hovering close to him though. "Can I stay here?"
"I don't see why not." Somehow taking that as an invitation to join him the human child jumped on the bed folding his legs cross legged as he settled next to Thrawn. His eyes closing in finality he hoped the child would let him rest but the boy was all but bouncing next to him. "Um…I have a question."
"Yes?"
"When you were talking on the holo before and Fel they called you Commander Thrawn. Do I call you that? I mean we've known each other for like two days now and I still don't know what to call you."
"You can call me Thrawn in private, but it would be best if you reverted to Commander once we reach the Star Destroyer. Some of the men are tight on formalities particularly Moff Tarkin."
"Oh, is he nice like you and Fel?"
"No, he is not. And I would not ask him unnecessary questions. I don't believe he's particularly fond of children."
"Oh." Anakin had asked something else but the words fell past his ears as sleep took him.
-0-0-0-
When Soontir Fel entered the medbay datapad in hand he was met with the most priceless picture. The boy Anakin was leaning his head on Thrawn's left arm, Thrawn himself leaning against the wall, both fast asleep. He wondered vaguely whether to take some pictures and later blackmail the Commander with them. But then again it would make life more difficult for himself especially since he was almost sure Thrawn had more embarrassing pictures of him hidden away somewhere in such a case.
Pulling a thermal blanket from one of the compartments he was about to smooth it out over the two sleeping forms when two red slits snapped opened a firm hand gripping his own. He grasped the hand with his free one. "Thrawn relax, its Fel." He soothed.
"Fel?" The grip loosened as the eyes opened fully blinking away the haze of sleep as he worriedly peered at Thrawn. "Sorry"
"You alright?"
"Better, than I was several hours ago. What time is it?"
"Seventeen standard. You've been out for about six."
"I see, how are the negotiations on Alderaan going?"
Relived that his friend had returned to his commanding self he passed the datapad to Thrawn and leaned against the plasteel wall folding his arms across his chest as he waited for the Chiss to skim the datapad.
"The negotiations are going smoothly thus far though that as anything could quickly change."
Thrawn nodded absently. "Indeed."
Fel waited patiently for the man to elaborate and was not disappointed when at length Thrawn looked up at him. "The Senator conceded defeat far too quickly. No doubt he hopes to salvage his houses position. Perhaps he is aware of house Rist's position though it is doubtful."
"Make no mistake this is an imperial victory, we just need to monitor Organa and his aides. I am more concerned with the Black Sun's operation how is it commencing?"
"I haven't any news on that yet."
"It's still ongoing then."
"Perhaps, how did they clip you anyways?"
"It wasn't the Black Sun." The surprise was evident on his face but it only caused Thrawn's thin frown at the question to deepen. "It was Togorian pirates. I recognized the design of their freighters. I had not thought that they now operate in the Arkanis sector as well. They are bold of course but to fly so closely to Imperial patrols… A new Warlord has taken power no doubt; this could be mildly problematic for us."
"Then perhaps we should show them a display of our power to have them cease their operations."
"Cease their operations Baron? On the contrary this could prove quite useful. The Junkshop I had procured some items I required had ship parts and other navigating equipment from well-known Imperial providers and manufacturers."
"A smuggling ring?"
"I'm afraid it's far worse than might first appear Lieutenant. You see this Toydarian owner is just a small time businessman. He doesn't possess the creativity necessary to join a conglomerate of businessmen funding smugglers. No doubt his provider is just as well being provided by the real party. In fact the items at the shop are too easily recognizable as belonging to the manufacturers in question. The items sold to him are items that the smuggler would not be able to sell elsewhere, say Imperial space."
"Are you saying that the rebels are actively operating in imperial space?"
"Not quite, you see, someone is paying off smugglers to raid imperial manufacturers. The manufacturers themselves are reporting security breaches and the occasional commandeering of vessels by pirates but not actively. The nondescript smuggled items in question are after acquisition then sold to some second party while the obvious items such as the unique capacitor model sold only by the IntelStar Co. are dumped on third party loose ends who would unknowingly take the fall should they be discovered."
"I don't follow, so you're saying that someone is setting up these third party individuals to take the hit if the whole operation is discovered. But why? Wouldn't it make more sense to just take the goods that can't be traced and leave the rest? And why would smugglers care if their actions are being traced? The empire is already cracking down hard on them what's another reason to hunt them for us Imp's it's all the same."
"Perhaps it is because the smugglers are not the instigators of the thefts. I would need more evidence of this but it is quite clear that this is an inside job."
His eyes widened as everything Thrawn had just said snapped into place. "Wait you're not saying… but that's practically suicide! You really think that spineless worm that owns the Arakyd industry would be side dealing with the republic?"
"That or the Republic has infiltrated the corporations in question. The amount of items sold to the same dealer is sloppy, if I were to make an assumption I would say the corporations are being set up while the Republic is benefitting from all this with the new equipment they are being provided."
"So that once the Empire discovers that they have been making deals with the republic behind its back the company will be powerless to prove that it in fact was not? And the third parties will be the proof while the smugglers in question come clean?"
"In essence, yes."
"But why go to all this trouble? And how is it that we haven't found any such third party items yet? This all seems too elaborate to be what they were going for surely?"
"Perhaps, but with the Empire's influence growing as fast as it is I wouldn't put it past the Republic at this point."
"But who would be intricate enough to create such an elaborate ruse?"
Thrawn sighed rubbing at his temples in what appeared to be exhaustion. "Who indeed that is the question is it not?"
"All this aside how are you feeling, honestly Thrawn and don't lie."
"Honestly Soontir, I feel like I shouldn't even be awake at this point in time. My body feels like it's on fire."
"What!" To say he was alarmed was an understatement.
"I thought the feeling would pass with some rest but we may be looking at a more severe case of blood poisoning."
"I'll get a medic in here right away."
"That would be prudent. Can you move the boy elsewhere?"
"Yes I'll set him up in the lounge in the general area. Just give me a moment." Lifting up Anakin as he would anyone of his own children he carried him to the general area before placing him on one of the couches and covering him with a thermal blanket before rousing the medic who had been resting and off duty for the cycle as no one had appeared to need any medical attention.
Looking on worriedly he frowned as the medic had Thrawn remove his uniform before proceeding with several tests. Unwrapping the wounds to reapply the bacta he held his breath sighing silently in relief when most save the one appeared to be healing properly. The large gash on Thrawn's abdomen appeared to be infected, the skin around the wound puckering up angrily in adamant refusal to heal.
"That looks bad." He pointed out because it appeared that Thrawn wouldn't be.
"It is." The medic spoke his accent precise and Corellian. "I removed the shrapnel pieces that had dug their way into the area however you did say you spent quite the number of hours unconscious after impact. It is possible that the sand or even air had some sort of bacteria which entered your blood stream."
"But shouldn't the sun disinfect everything?" That's what he'd learned anyway.
"Ideally yes but every planet is different in nature. It could be that a microbial element adapted and resistant to the sun's rays was present."
"How long until you figure out what I'm infected with?" Thrawn spoke up shooting him a withering look. But they'd already been through this and he'd stay until he was satisfied that Thrawn was well treated and on his way to recovery.
"It shouldn't take too long; I've already given you the pills that cover a wide variety of bacteria's and you had some on planet within twenty four standard hours of the crash. That should have weakened whatever you contracted. I'll just need to draw a blood sample and should have the medicine ready within several hours."
"Sounds good. Till then I'm assuming you'll prescribe him some more rest?"
"That would be ideal yes."
"It would be ideal Fel if you could put me through to Colonel Veers."
"You'll rest after that?"
"Possibly."
"Alright. It'll take me a minute."
"I'll be right there."
-0-0-0-
"Commander Thrawn good to hear from you." Colonel Veers peered at the Chiss Commander a thin frown on his lips.
"How is phase two proceeding?"
"Well enough, or as well as can be expected. We're still tracking the packages and have one safehouse location. Given some more time I'm sure we'll be able to pin down the majority and go from there."
"That is good. How are other things on your end?" To that his frown deepened as his mind returned to the Sith Lord that restlessly prowled the Stardestroyer. "To be frank not good Sir. It's Lord Vader, he hasn't to better put it settled down yet. I wish you were here sir you're one of the only ones that can make him somewhat reasonable when he's in this state." Having said what he did in all truth he was putting it out there mildly. Thrawn for a better lack of words was the only officer that had some semblance of influence over the man and one of the only ones brave enough to stand his ground let alone face the Dark Lord when he was in the half crazed state he was in. Xenophobic officers aboard the ship aside Veers was grateful for the man who often times acted as a buffer between the Sith and the ranks.
"I see, sit tight Colonel the navigations officer assures me that the ride should be an uneventful one so we should arrive in the Alderaan system in less than forty eight hours."
"That is good to hear."
"While you are waiting have intelligence probe our smuggling contacts. Put out an alert for any items that appear to have been manufactured by the Arakyd and IntelStar Co. manufacturing corporations."
"Are the corporations reporting an unusually large number of thefts?"
"Not especially, let's just say it's a standard sweep."
"I understand Sir, will there be any additional orders?"
"Not at present however if the Lord Vader is so disposed you may tell him that I completed the secondary objective he had requested."
"I understands sir anything else?"
"No that should be all. I will contact you should the need arise or should I have any additional orders to relay."
"Understood Commander. I shall relay any developments of the operations should the need arise."
"Very good Colonel, Thrawn out." Veers nodded at the communications officer to end the transmission as it did so on the other end before letting out a silent breath of relief."
"Ensign relay these orders to Imperial intelligence."
"Right away sir." The man in question took the orders before making his way out of the officer's communications room. After several more moments of contemplation Veers followed suite swallowing heavily as he made his way to the Dark Lord's meditating chambers. If anything perhaps Thrawn's completion of Vader's request could placate him somewhat though he was not optimistic.
-0-0-0-
Walking through the various halls to the chambers in question Veers lingered before steeling himself.
"Enter." The door slid open to reveal the chamber beyond. Darth Vader sat in a kneel before the large observatory window covering most of the wall opposite the door his masked face gazing straight ahead and making no indication nor move to acknowledge Veers. Past the viewport Veers had a better look of the planet of Alderaan, a blue green planet swirling with a thin mist which were the clouds. Coming up hesitantly closer to the Dark Lord yet still maintaining a healthy distance Veers folded his arms behind his back in military pose before daring to speak.
"My Lord we have extracted agent Sunsaber as per your request and are commencing phase two of the operations."
"That is good." The heavily modulated voice replied. Veers let out a relived breath that he had not realized he had been holding in. it seemed that the Lord Vader had finally returned to his impassive self. The helmeted head however turned sharply and the sudden anger that permeated the room had him instinctively take several steps back. If Vader noticed, which he did no doubt, he said nothing of it his gaze now focused at a point above his right shoulder.
"Tell me Veers, is there anyone incompetent on this ship in need of execution?"
"My Lord? I don't believe so, you flagship is equipped with only the finest of officers."
That seemed to have been the wrong thing to say because the next thing Veers knew Vader had risen swiftly and he himself was lifted up into the air gasping for oxygen as the Dark Lords rage burned around him. "If that is the case then you are not doing you duty as Colonel well enough. There are always incompetent people to make an example off. I suggest you find me some soon or you will be the one I execute."
He was released dropping heavily to the floor. He rose shakily as the dark Lords turned almost ceremonially before kneeling again he himself rubbing his wounded throat as he fearfully wondered whether it would be appropriate for him to make his leave but he did not have to wait long.
"Colonel, why are you still here."
"Awaiting on your orders, my Lord."
"Good Colonel, now kindly get out." Formally saluting he made his way hastily to the door before clenching a hand and then making his way to his standard issued Colonel's bedroom. Only once inside did he allow himself to start shaking as the events of the encounter caught up with him and he was left with the looming dread that within twenty four hours he'd need to choose an officer if not several and mark them for death.
Those reading do review! I like hearing the feedback.
Also for those wondering how old Thrawn is here. During outbound flight Anakin was 14 with Thrawn around the same age because Chiss become full grown adults by around 11 or 12. If you do the math and if you then take into account that in this fic the ages are different because of the time shift of the force Thrawn is around 20 or so. I may go back and change that age but if so probably not by much. So if any of you are wondering why Thrawn acts as he does it's because he is rather young as opposed to him in the trilogy. Regarding Obi Wan, he is also younger then in cannon because of the shift.
Till next time, tell me what you thought I look forward to reviews.
