Chapter XXII

The Rebels drop out of hyperspace over Thakwaa. The same two Star Destroyers Ahsoka, Callan, and Shila got past before, orbit the planet.

"Disable your scanning amplifier." Ahsoka says, "It could buy us enough time to get past their fleet."

Saw comes through the transmision, "There's no point, they'll have spotted us by now."

"Saw's right," Shila says, "their command ship will have detected us coming out of hyperspace."

Ahsoka knows their right, "Saw, move with me around the freighter in a defensive position and be ready for any TIE fighters."

"We'll be exposed out here, we won't last long against those Star Destroyers."

"Just stay out of their firing range, we can handle their TIE's. We just have to hold off until Titus gets here with his cruisers!"

At the Imperial compound on the planet's surface, High Admiral Vince approaches Grand Admiral Thrawn in the control center. Thrawn, overlooking operations within the control center.

"Grand Admiral," Vince says over Thrawn's shoulder, "you have an incoming transmission from the Chimaera, it's been labeled urgent by a Lieutenant Dalmer."

"Feed the message through." Thrawn orders.

Vince nods to the tech officer who has been watching and waiting for the two officials orders. The officer opens the transmission feed to project it on the holotable. An image of Lieutenant Dalmer on the Chimaera's command deck appears.

"Yes, Lieutenant?" Thrawn asks.

"Grand Admiral, the renegade freighter from the shipping port on Thakwaa has just dropped out of hyperspace with a fighter escort."

"Ah, yes, the Rebels have returned. Lieutenant, applify my transmission into their channels."

"Yes, Grand Admiral."

Callan sees a red light blink on and off on the control dash, its the transmission receiver.

Shila notices it too and traces the call, "It's coming from the Imperial command ship."

"Hold their call." Callan says as he contacts Ahsoka, "Ashla, were receiving a transmission from their command ship."

"Patch their message through to Saw and I." Ahsoka says, "Open it to a one way channel, we don't need them seeing our faces."

The holoprojectors on Saw's U-Wings, the freighter dash, and Ahsoka's fighter light up with the image of a Chiss male wearing the white uniform of an Imperial Grand Admiral. Ahsoka instantly recognizes him from the holodisc data projected in Bail's office back on Alderaan; it's Grand Admiral Thrawn.

"Greetings, Rebels, I am Grand Admiral Thrawn of the Imperial Seventh Fleet to his excellency; the Emperor. You and your little Rebellion are hopelessly outnumbered, your friends on Thakwaa have been captured and are undergoing - harsh interrogation. I am offering an opportunity to surrender, do it now, and they will spared. Your move, Rebels."

The hologram fades out with the end of the message.

Shila slumps in the co-pilot chair, shocked by the Empires message, "Thrawn." She says under her breath, "How could I have forgotten? The Seventh Fleet is commanded by Thrawn. If his reputation is as I've heard before, it's very well possible he has..." Shila can't bring herself to think of Cassian, Ondar, and Zallar being tortured in an Imperial prison.

Saw comes through the comlink, "It's a trick, lies! Don't fall for it. He only wants you to surrender to reveal the position of your friends."

"Saw's right," Ahsoka says, "there is no guarantee Thrawn has the others, we should continue the mission."

Suddenly, the blue light of the freighters scanners flash. Callan hits the button and the control consoles computer screen presents the scanners info.

"Scanners are picking up three large ships coming out of hyperspace."

Ahsoka knows who it is, "Titus."

Just as Callan said, three attack grade cruisers come out of hyperspace off the Star Destroyers starboard bow. One of them a Nebulon-B Escort Frigate, another a retired Republic Dreadnaught-class heavy cruiser, and the largest of the set, an Assault Frigate Mark II.

"Callan," Titus voice comes through, "we will hold off those Star Destroyers, you need to quickly get your men off the planet's surface."

Callan transmits back to Titus, "We'll stay in orbit, this freighter at it's speed won't get to the surface. Saw and Ashla can take care of the others."

"Incoming TIE fighters!" Saw yells.

Ahsoka looks out her viewport and sees a squad of ten TIE fighters coming towards them.

"Break off in attack formation!" Ahsoka orders, remembering her days of commanding Gold Squadron in the Clone Wars, she hopes that experience will work in her favor, "We'll take care of those fighters and move onto Thakwaa."

"You didn't mention the Jedi." the Seventh Sister behind Thrawn.

Thrawn turns around to face the Inquisitor, "They are unaware we know of Ahsoka Tano. Therefore at the moment, these Rebels have no knowledge of your presence here. Right now, the Jedi has the advantage to escape. Once Tano lands to help her friends, which she will, she will be all yours and your master to handle, Inquisitor." Thrawn looks to High Admiral Vince, "Admiral, ready ground forces and prepare to execute Phase Two of the plan."

"Yes, Grand Admiral." Vince solutes and leaves the control room to ready the walkers and troops.

"I will notify the Grand Inquisitor." Seventh Sister says, "We will take care of Ahsoka Tano while your forces handel her Rebels."