Chapter XX
Tenth Army stands at attention along the airfield, the Stormtroopers white armor is illuminated by the airfields tall, luminescent lights. The lights also shine on the black armor of the squadrons of Death Troopers and TIE pilots. While behind the battalion of troops, AT-AT and AT-ST walkers line up neatly. Camera droids swoop and scan through the ranks, documenting the Empires numbers on Thakwaa.
High Admiral Vince takes post of the army, while a holodroid hovers beside him projecting nearly full body image of Grand Admiral Thrawn. Thrawn observes the ranks while Vince simply stands there waiting for the camera droids to finish their protocol, he's observed the ranks numerous times before, this formation is nothing new to him.
"Grand Admiral?" Vince gets the holograms attention, "Admiral Screed wishes to know the purpose for documenting Tenth Army."
Thrawn positions his hands behind his back, "As a show of force, Admiral. We are planning the destruction of this Rebellion, if we are to assure these rebels won't organize again, we must show the consequence of defying the Empire."
"But, Grand Admiral, how will this be different to any other propaganda promo? Images like this are seen routinely on the HoloNet."
"Yes, however, what the HoloNet lacks is footage of our forces doing as they are trained to do; Defend the galaxy from the tyranny of these Rebels. The camera droids, will also record the coming battle and show the galaxy the fate of anyone who defies order."
"You want to make examples of these Rebels."
Thrawn sinisterly grins, "Precisely."
"The Ministry of Propaganda will be seeing this I assume then?"
"Not only that, Emperor Palpatine himself and his closest advisors will be seeing it as well."
Vince swallows the lump of air in his throat upon hearing the Emperor's name.
"The Emperor will be witnessing this?" Vince asks, trying to regain his composure.
"Of course, it is the Emperor after all who is overseeing the operations in the Thakwaa System. Lord Vader has also taken interest due to the Jedi's presence here."
Admiral Vince's jaw drops, astonished of the information the Grand Admiral has only just now told him.
"Grand Admiral, why was I not notified of this before? If the Emperor is overseeing operations here on Thakwaa, then I must know in order to ensure maximum efficiency of my men."
Thrawn stares down Vince through his striking red eyes, "You should be maintaining maximum efficiency at all times, High Admiral Vince, the Emperor's presence should make no difference in productivity. For that reason, I never told you. While it is my duty to stop these Rebels, I make it a personal matter to inspect all Imperial personnel and report inefficiencies to my Emperor."
Vince simply stands there, staring at the ground, not knowing what to think of Thrawn's new development. Secrecy is common amongst Imperial command, but this, this is beyond Admiral Vinces conception of Imperial protocol.
"And, is there anything you have to report to the Emperor, Grand Admiral?"
"As of right now, no. For your sake, Admiral, I suggest you follow suit to my every command."
Admiral Vince nods, "Yes, Grand Admiral."
"Very good. I will be returning tomorrow morning for inspections and to further discuss our next plan of course. I will also be accompanied by two of Lord Vader's, special agents, it is best you are mindful of your position as I hold little power over these agents."
"Understood, Grand Admiral."
High Admiral Vince solutes Thrawn before turning to walk back to his quarters for the night. Vince has always respected Thrawn for his stature and experience in the Imperial Navy, but his web of secrecy and deceit within the Imperial ranks, highly distraughts Vince inside.
"And, Admiral." Thrawn's voice calls to Vince.
Vince stops and looks back over his shoulder to the hologram.
"There is a reason my leadership is effective, otherwise I wouldn't be at the position I am in now."
Admiral Vince hides his clenched fist from Thrawn's sight and masks his frustration towards him.
"Yes, Grand Admiral Thrawn."