Chapter 39

(Coruscant, Imperial Palace)

"Tell me lord Vader, how is it that a world as secure as Kamino can come under such an assault, and not only that, but according to reports from the fleet before it; what was it? Oh right, before it ended all communications, informed us that a rebel fleet outnumbering our own forces was about to take the whole system?!" The Emperor demanded from upon his throne and slammed a boney hand into one of his armrests. His yellow glowing eyes bore daggers into Vader who was kneeling before the throne and looking up to his master with his feelings being very well guarded from his master, which only sought to increase his ire. A snarl was barely being hidden by the old man as the dark side bristled throughout the palace, and anyone within this massive building could feel that something was wrong. Very wrong indeed.

"The United Rebellion Movement, has been gaining an oddly effective amount of traction in the days since their formation master. We did not know the full extent of their power and reach. Only now are our agents reporting rebel seizure of worlds such as Sluis Van, Sullust, and Dac. Their fleet is a reportedly a mess of Imperial, Republic, Mon-Calamari, and CIS class warships ranging from old and outdated relics to the newest and most effective Mon-Calamari frigates and capital ships." Vader reported while still kneeling, behind his mask the man was frowning. Not only with the hatred of having to kneel before this old man again, but also at himself after learning the true extent of the power of this rebel movement.

"That's just wonderful lord Vader. I have an entire half of my Empire ripped away by the Moffs and now on top of that, you're telling me these rebels are far more powerful than you or any of our intelligence services even thought of. Even after that damnable woman broadcast her speech and listed her allies, and aligned worlds? We are only NOW learning about them?!" The man howled and the dark side crackled with an almost electric current throughout the room.

"What, lord Vader, am I employing any of my people for, and bothering to keep you around if not a ONE of you can come to an idea as to the true extent of rebels gallivanting around in the outer rim?! This is nothing less than an outrage and travesty of the Empire lord Vader, and until you get this situation under control, I'll hold you personally responsible for every failure we incur from these rebel fools!" The Emperor declared with a cool and dark voice about him. Causing Vader to frown beneath his mask at the obvious threat. He, however, bowed his head in submission to placate the old man.

"As you will master."

"Indeed, as I will. Now tell me what you're doing to rectify this problem lord Vader? Or, are you becoming lax in your very basic ability to react to a problem facing the Empire as well?" The Emperor mocked with his still cool voice and once more Vader contorted his face into a sneer behind his mask, but forced his anger down.

"I have compiled and assessed close Imperial assets and due to the war and Moff defections we are low on resources able to respond quickly. The only available asset able to reach Kamino in relative short time compared to a Core fleet being dispatched is one of the Unknown Region Task-Forces under Senior captain Thrawn. I can designate three Task Forces to combine to form a larger, more efficient fleet but there is no high ranking commander in the region."
"A higher ranking officer will not be necessary." The Emperor replied and leaned back into his throne chair with a thoughtful look crossing his brow, and Vader wondered what was going through the old mans head.

"I know and have conferred with Thrawn. He is quite...capable. I would trust his ability over any of the twelve Grand Admirals I've chosen, perhaps only your judgment supersedes his own, my old friend." Vader cocked a brow at the tonal shift but stayed silent, and did recall that Thrawn was a rarity in the Empire. A Chiss, and one damnably good tactician at that. Though, perhaps a bit too bold at times with his superiors.

"Send orders to the Unknown-Regions Task Forces, mobilize and absorb four of them into a new assault fleet, and send word under my commandment that Senior-Captain Thrawn is to be made into a Vice-Admiral and pending upon the results he brings with Kamino he may be up for further promotion."
"Master, is it wise to promote him so quick and easily when he has not even take Kamino back yet? Even if he doe, is it wise to give him an admiral rank so freely?" The Emperor snorted as he continued to look off and in his own thoughts.

"How many admirals have we lost due to defections to the Moffs lord Vader? We need capable and loyal naval commanders, and I think Thrawn will prove his worth above Kamino with ease, and if not then he will die trying. Simplicity at its finest I think."

"As you will my master."

"However, you are not off the hook yet lord Vader." Vader furrowed his brow behind his mask to that statement as the Emperor grinned his toothy grin, and thought whatever wicked thoughts he enjoyed.

"Thrawn will make for and I have no doubt will, push the URM out of the Kaminoan system. I will however, desire a full report on the damages and assessment of enemy capabilities, and even Thrawn is not authorized to land on Kamino. That leaves very few options lord Vader." Palpatine said in a most condescending voice. "As such I want you to take your fabled and beloved Death Squadron and head for Kamino. Assess the situation both in space and on the planet itself. Then I will make new orders known after you report back to me. Is that understood lord Vader?"

"Ye...yes master." Vader replied, after a momentary and audible pause, and the Emperor smirked.

"Certainly you know lord Vader, Kamino is no place for your children as well. Leave them on Imperial Center, and I'm sure they'll be just fine on their own. Besides you have to of known at some point your duties would force you to leave them at some point."
"Yes master." Vader seethed through gritted teeth and his hands balled into fists and the dark side radiated off him, and his master took obvious pleasure in his apprentice's anger.

"Good. Now dispatch admiral Motti for Despayre, and the Death Star will be secured, and make whatever arrangements you desire and make for Kamino with Death Squadron. Contact me immediately after you make your assessment of all damages and all further pertinent information, and I will have your next orders after that."

"Yes, my master." Vader bowed his head low and took this as a signal to go, and rose to his full height and turned don his heel and made for the exit. All the while silently cursing the old man, and desiring nothing more than to activate his crimson saber and run him through over and over again, but he held it in and promised to unleash it all upon the old man in time.

As Vader disappeared from his sight, Palpatine curled his lips into another toothy grin. Not that he had any real scheme up his sleeves so to speak. No, making Vader uncomfortable, and hanging his power over the man alone, was enough to make the Emperor get off on his own power, and so he laughed. A hoarse and rough cackle that filled the throne room and adjoining halls for those near to hear. The Emperor had exerted his power once again, and everyone would know who were close enough to hear.

(Tapani Sector, Imperial Stardestroyer Valiant IV, Above Tallaan)

"I'll say one thing. General Leonhard was quite adamant in not letting any piece of information slip. To think one who could so easily betray his Empire, would so adamantly defend the Moff Alliance."
"For shame." Admiral Kinti replied shaking his head, as he walked in step with lord Kun. It had been early morning of the next day when the Empire breached the Moff headquarters of fierce resistance, and after a swift search of the building Exar had found the commanding general, Leonhard, hiding under a desk in the command room for Moff activities on Tallaan. Apparently having moved his headquarters there, and deeper into the city from an earlier base on the city outskirts, and Exar found the irony of the situation deliciously funny.

After taking the general prisoner the Sith lord and his apprentice had returned to the Valiant IV after Viathan had returned to his commandeered ship and retrieved some personal items hidden away inside. Kun had relieved Viathan for a proper shower, and medical treatment, and ordered him to rest and await further training, and or assignment while he dealt with Leonhard. Through 'advanced interrogation techniques.' Exar smiled at the memory though. The man had refused him under the most basic of interrogation, instrumentation, but then, Kun employed a little bit of the Force into the mix, and invaded the mans mind. It was little issue to rip what Kun wanted from the man, who was now...unfortunately brain dead, but that was besides the point!

"General Morlin had transferred the bulk of the Moff fleet above Tallaan to respond to both the attacks at Don II and Achillea, but did not expect us to attack here at Tallaan. The fleet that launched the counterattack was a patrol task force, and thus, that is why they did not launch a full blown attack on your ships, and opted to take up stationary position and fire at you. They simply weren't used to direct attacks, and their admiral was more timid of aggressive actions then even you admiral. Though you are to be commended for you and your men rising to the challenge."
"Thank you lord Kun. It was a learning experience for all of us. Especially myself." Kinti admitted as they continued down a hall of the Stardestroyer, every now and the officers walking past and technicians being spotted repairing blown or damaged systems.

"Tell me admiral, how goes the other battles? I must confess I was so caught up in the Tallaan assault that I did not ask for a more recent update."

"Certainly my lord. Both Don II and Achillea are fully under our control and no less than five Moff and or, Freeworlds fleets have been decimated. Estimated enemy losses number approximately three million and climbing, from naval and ground losses, but the projected number is in the six million range. We are officially the bloodiest campaign of the war so far, and we've barely begun." Kinti added placing his hands behind his back and clasping them, and Kun nodded along as they continued their walk.

"Excellent then. Tallaan will be secured in totality within the next few hours, perhaps a day or two at once. I will be making for a holo-conference with Grand Admiral Grant, and admiral Ulan on our next move within Tapani. Afterwords I'll be sure to contact Imperial Center and get our lost manpower pool refilled with the appropriate amount of lost forces. The Moffs will not know what hit them, and general Morlin will be receiving a rude awakening."

"Why's that my lord?" Kinti turned to look at Kun who smiled a calculating smile.

"Because, I learned a little piece of information from general Leonhard that I don't think Morlin wanted getting out."

"That being?"
"Our next step, just off of Fondor and our opening into the deep Tapani hyperlane routes, Sefon, is low on manpower, supplies, and weakened in moral due to sweeping Imperial gains on three coordinated battles." Exar laughed and Kinti nodded with a small smile upon his elder forming as well. "So, do keep me up to date with the battle below, and inform me as soon as our success is confirmed. I shall be in conference for perhaps the next hour at most."
"Of course lord Kun." Kinti bowed midway and Exar inclined his head and both men made for opposite halls to carry out their own duties or tasks. Exar however did groan a little as he reminded himself, he needed to contact Vader, and despite Viathan's return and his continued desire for cooperation. Exar was in no mood to pal up with the often moody titan of a Sith Lord. "Best get it over with now, or...better yet hold it off till later." Exar said aloud and to himself with a laugh and made for the conference room to make his calls and reports.

(Viathan POV, Stardestroyer Valiant IV VIP officers quarters)

Viathan sat in the middle of his masters quarters which came with three whole rooms large enough for entire families, and kept his eyes closed. After his success for his master upon Tallaan and the retrieval of traitorous Moff Leonhard, Viathan had been sternly ordered to retrieve medical attention, proper bathing, and new clothes befitting a Sith acolyte. Viathan had of course gone back to his stolen ship and washed his hands of the junk heap forever, after gathering up his datapad containing Lehon's secrets, and lord Ruins holocron which he had hidden within one of the many smuggling compartments for safe keeping, as the Moff forces were far too busy trying to surround and choke the loyalists to fire on an empty ship, and when forced back they couldn't do anything to it. Viathan was planning on, in a moment, conferring with Ruins gatekeeper once more, but he wanted to center himself, and delve into his own darkness as the pain from the past weeks began to subside and left him feeling less in tune with the raw and feral power of the dark side, yet his eyes did not return to their normal brown or Sith yellow but remained red. Though more dull and less glowing. He had received a new mechanical hand, that his master had made specifications for that the medical wing could not understand but followed through with.

The new hand was modified and was more hollow than most mechanical hands, but still as strong. Attached to the hand was a recoiling and extendable set of claws above every finger. They were long knives, that had slight curves to them at the tip, and with a simple flexing of his wrist could extend out and double his finger length and become what could best described as claws, and with another flexing motion he could retract them protrusion over his hand and they would snap into a set of holders built on top of what would be his knuckles and hide the pointed tips and protect hi and anyone else from being cut. Viathan had stared at the new and slightly more bulky hand with awe at first, and almost asked his master how he managed to get the supplies necessary for the medics to make the modifications, but Viathan thought better of unnecessarily pestering his lord and master with such benign questions.

Viathan was now sitting upon his legs tucked under his body and hung his head low as he delved into the Force and once more the furniture of his masters quarters circled and floated about his person, and the whispers grew louder, and the echoes of those dying upon Tallaan and across the galaxy called to Viathan. He could sense something big had happened elsewhere. A great deal of death had taken place, but he knew not where, but did sense it had something to do with...someone he had come across before, but again, he did not know who.

His new black robes, provided by his master, were similar more so to Kuns clothing. A black tunic and charcoal gray undershirt, with equally dark long pants that were snug around his person, and draped across his shoulder was a cloak that was stitched into the tunic and hung a long cape down his back with a hood hanging back off his head for now. He also had a new pair of steel-tipped boots, provided by his master, and Viathan had to say they were slightly more heavy than he was used to but did think of several was they could be useful to him in battle situations. Then there was the simple belt that was wrapped around his waist. It was charcoal gray, but perhaps a shade or two darker, and was holding onto his two sabers, well his one saber and lord Ruins, whose saber acted as a temporary replacement and a focus of the dark side as the ancient hilt still poured the dark side off in waves. Needless to say, Viathan felt renewed! As if the Tatooine event of his abandonment had finally come full circle, and he was made stronger, reborn even, by that situation! Not only that, but that damnable voice, that mental illness that had plagues him for all his childhood was silent, and truly Viathan knew now who he was. He was and is Viathan, no more is the weakling Valek to be found. That boy, that worm, and slave to Palpatine was dead, and crying in some corner, not of his domain, and Viathan bid him good riddance. Now Viathan needed to confer with Ruin once more and gain another wisdom from the ancient lord.

However as he centered himself Viathan couldn't help but let loose a sneer and small inaudible growl as his master imparted upon him the name of the enemy here within Tapani. General Coldor Morlin. The memory of that man sent Viathan into a silent rage. Of all his military instructors Palpatine had forced upon him Viathan could not believe fate made it so that it was Morlin who would be his nemesis of Tapani. Viathan had been taught under many private instructors and all of them had been given free reign to instruct, reward, or punish him in their own 'selective,' manners. Both naval and ground commanders, on top of his Force trainers, and saber dueling masters, and other melee experts expected of him to learn under. However, Morlin was a different case, and one that made Viathan grind his teeth.

The older man had been...the closest thing to a kind male role-model he had prior to his master, and had dared to even become attached to the stern, yet fair and kind older man of great military know-how and skill. It was Morlin who taught Viathan the importance of up close and personal assessment of ground situations, and the necessity of a military doctrine that blended overwhelming firepower with a standing and expertly trained army that focused on an initial superior defensive position and network of fail-safes, before any and all offensive operations were undertaken. Viathan had disagreed with his instructor those years ago and was tasked with writing a report on why he disagreed and what focus he would take in place of Morlins. Instead of a defense, near impenetrable, Viathan opted for speed, and overwhelming firepower be blended with a superior manpower doctrine. A ground offensive that blended the unmatchable power of the Imperial arms, the speed of Imperial forces and the quantity of the Empire, but Viathan recognized a severe lack of personal skill within both the Stormtroopers Corps, and the Regular army of the Empire which was rarely ever utilized, and they were conscripts of reserves and not a proper and well trained and maintained professional army that Viathan felt was needed. Morlin was intrigued by Viathan's 'doctrine,' but had told him, "I'd take my defensive positions, and dug in trenches over your blended doctrine any day For the greatest thing any ground commander can achieve is a fortified position from which to command from. Up close and personal with your soldiers, your men, and invigorate, and empower them in the process. For a real soldier, there is little greater honor than having their commanding officer be at their side o back. Encouraging, and coordinating with them, not against and not at them. Respect your forces after they've earned it Valek, and you'll find you will never lose them as an ally, and as people you can count on for anything."

Viathan sneered at the memory. For it was a reminder of his weakness, and that Viathan now had to resign himself to the fact he was to come up against his old mentor, and in time...kill him as well. That, and that alone, made something within Viathan cry out in anguish, but he buried it deep and cast it into the same void he sent Valek into. Morlin was his enemy and a traitor of the Galactic Empire, and as such, must be made example of.

Viathan opened his crimson red eyes and at the same time stropped rotating the rooms furniture and décor around his prone form and settled them all back into their correct places, and used the Force to call to him from a satchel sprawled out over a far chair, Ruins holocron and placed it before his still sitting figure. Using the Force to stretch out his senses, Viathan found no one nearing his position but did take note that his master was alone wherever he was, but no doubt attending to some duty, and also the Massassi who had aided and lived through the battle below were enjoying a hearty meal, and licking their wounds after gorging on the thrill of battle and spilling enemy blood in their masters honor. Otherwise, the officers, troopers, technicians, and pilots of the ship went about their duties and tasks more relaxed now than in the past two days of intense ground and space battles.

Breathing in and releasing a heavy breath Viathan steeled himself and began flooding the holocron with the dark side. Sending his very self into the holocron and beckoning forth from it, its gatekeeper, and once more, as upon Umbara, the holocron glowed a red glow from the very core of the pyramidal device, and from the tip came a beam of bluish light and the form of a hooded and dagger starring, Darth Ruin came forth. The figure was this time, unlike the last full size in projection and Viathan knew not why, but guessed it had to do with him holding the device in his hand last time, and as such, found himself staring up at the full form of the Umbaran Sith lord of old.

"Hail to you, dark lord of the Sith, Darth Ruin." Viathan greeted bowing his head low before standing up and backing away to look the projected image of the lord more eye to eye. The cold eyes of this lord were not lessened by the fact it was a mere shadow of its creator, and Viathan found himself tingling with uneasiness as Ruin bowed his head ever so slightly in return.

"We meet again, young one. Have you taken to heart my wisdom's freely imparted upon you, and carried out the tasks I requested?"
"The cult of yours upon your ancestral home are dead, and if no one has found them yet, rotting away within their stone hold."

"Ah, excellent indeed. A fool who refuses to ask questions, and learn for themselves on top of what is taught, is a fool, even if a learned fool." Ruin's silky and cool voice replied with a ghost, or phantom of a smile played across his non-corporeal lips.

"As for your wisdom, I have thought hard and long upon what you told me lord Ruin. I have implemented your rule of Obsession into an act recently, and found myself coming to victory and achieving my goals through solely, conviction, as you declared my lord."

"Indeed? Then you have come to see as I did that passions are a fallacy of the Sith?"
"No. I have come to see passions as a misguided Sith teaching that has sadly become a tenant by which many Sith think they must abide by. They fail to break with tradition and see things from a different perspective. They allow their self indulgence to cloud common sense, and let their passions, lust, and narcissism to dominate their view and lives entire. Passion is a useful tool, but it's a gateway to greater power, not the pinnacle of it." Viathan replied with his hands now firmly behind his back and he hid the fact he squeezed his organic hand hard with his metallic one to work through the anxiety of explaining his view to Ruin so openly. However, instead of scorn and decry him as Viathan expected the visage smirked a still cool, but intrigued smile and let loose a deep and low chuckle.

"You are to be commended for one thing all others before you have failed I doing. Coming to your own conclusions!" Ruin then let loose a laugh that Viathan had to admit threw him for a loop in its sudden intensity and loud crackling nature. Then as quickly as it came through Ruin snapped back into his cool demeanor and hid the laugh away as if ti never happened.

"You haven't an inkling how long it's been since a practitioner in the Force and the dark side has come to their own conclusion on a matter based on and with the views of others being used as doorways into their own mindset! Originality died long ago and gave way to sniveling and complacency in endlessly attempting to woo and appeal to your superiors in knowledge and wisdom. I need, not another cult of men telling me I am right and always have been and shall be right! I desire those who think for themselves, and conclude their own designs, and vision from many sources being used as points and areas of reference! Don't give yourself over to the old, and the done and over with. Think for yourself and gain your power and wisdom your own way, and do not grovel at my feet for answers, for I have none. Only wisdom to learn from." Ruin declared with a sense of bitterness and scorn within his voice at figures only he could see and Viathan could only guess as to who and how many had come upon the holocron and did the opposite if what Ruin desired, and merely desired his power through him, and not their own power by observation and taking into consideration the lord. It was an interesting concept the Sith lord was placing before Viathan.

"Through my obsession, lord Ruin, I came into the realm of conviction, and attained my victory that way. Through sheer force of will I broke through me enemies and killed those I could, and came out the better for it I think." Ruin bowed his head again.

"Good. Conviction is a great tool if implemented correctly. However, conviction alone will not gain one victory in totality. Conviction is the driving force of a Sith, and it is that which does away with passion through practice. As obsession rids us of passion through thought." Ruin philosophized and Viathan nodded his understanding.

"Tell me then, young Sith, do you feel ready to learn my next wisdom's and make them your own?"

"Yes, lord Ruin." Viathan bowed midway and deeply, feeling respect was called for when things came to Ruin. Even if it was a manifestation of the man not actually him.

"Very well, however I feel that you have attained an albeit limited, understanding of this next verse, but listen and tell me what it means. There is no knowledge. There is solely conviction. What do I mean in this you Sith?"

"Knowledge is a fallacy perpetrated by all society and both Jedi and Sith alike. The concept of knowledge is a term used to describe that which one observes and places into memory. The memory, is nothing but flashes of images, of memories, and base emotions that cannot be explained with any form of 'science.' Knowledge is something that both sides to the conflict of the Force, Jedi and Sith use to describe their power, and their wisdom. Knowledge does not mean one has the wisdom to use the information stored within. It is through our actions that we show our true potential. Conviction the sole will to commit an act and fulfill something within you is the fulfillment of your obsession, your desire, and your, yes, passion as well. Conviction teaches one to not rely on any benign ideal of knowledge, but use that which you've experienced as reflex to better your position and power. Knowledge is nothing without conviction to use that knowledge for better uses my lord. Knowledge is, as an ideal, the ultimate fallacy of society." Viathan took in a breath after successively going through his own acquired philosophy on the idea of knowledge and what weight t had when brought up into the light beside the idea and practical usage of conviction as an ideal.

Ruins visage closed its eyes and hung his head back as if looking toward the ceiling, his hood never falling, and he seemed to be processing what Viathan said, with an oddly sick and satisfying smile upon his face.

"Yes...yes, you have great potential. The next Sith worthy of carrying the mantle of philosophizer indeed! You may not desire nor want that distinction my young friend, but it is yours to have, and wise would be he who takes the ideas of the old and applies them, and changes them to fit in with a new vision, a new vision." Ruin declared and threw his hands about in a waving manner to get his point across and Viathan furrowed his brow. He was no man of knowledge, not even a boy of wisdom. 'Ruin must certainly be insane if he thinks me a philosopher.' Viathan thought without showing a hint of his true emotions upon his face, and he opted to remain quiet.

"You have then earned conviction my friend. Now, let us move on, and empower that wonderful mind of yours further! There is no purpose. There is solely will. Tell me, what does this mean to you boy?"

Viathan paused and hung his head low and furrowed his brow even more into a crease as he thought through the line. 'How could there be no purpose? If there was nothing, to everything, then what is anything, if not...nothing?' Viathan cocked a brow to himself at the absurd idea, but he felt deep within that there was wisdom in this line. He just didn't see it.

"The will is that which keeps us moving my lord. Will is the single most life giving and continuing factor in all life everywhere. Without will no one would do anything. Not breath, not walk, not talk, nor desire power of any kind! How can there be will and will alone with no purpose to that will?"

"That is the question is it not boy?" Ruin inquired as his eyes danced across Viathan with what looked to be a twinkle almost of mischief.

"Then we have found the next wisdom you are to learn boy, and you will only learn my wisdom further when you have worked through my creed in your own way. Know this however. Purpose is another figment, a creation by others to describe that which is inherent. Without terminology created by living beings purpose would not be, it is a moot ideal like knowledge, and through this you will come to see the true power within will, and willpower. Only then will you find yourself able to comprehend the final line of my creed."

"As you see fit, lord Ruin. I shall learn the wisdom in your words, and make them my own."
"Good...most good indeed." Ruins visage suddenly disappeared and Viathan found himself staring at a wall as the holocron on the floor ceased all activity. He released another breath of air and simply stared at the wall a moment longer. The dark side ran strong through the room, and Viathan could only assume the holocron had a piece to play in that regard. Viathan could sense the Force ripple across the galaxy, and he knew without a shadow of a doubt that he would play a part in it, and his dreams, those things he feared and would wake from in cold sweat were nothing more than a vision of what he was to be. Now, however, Viathan instead of fearing that clawed and grueling hand covered in blood and the hand of a monster seen in his vision, he would embrace it. By the end of this war, he promised to bathe his hands in enemy blood, and be the Sith, his master deserved and one that would and could never be forgotten...again.

(Task-Force Admonitor, Stardestroyer Admonitor, Unknown Position)

"All ships continue at current speeds and report back if anything unusual shows up. We return to Nirauan, in 0200 hours. I want no hiccups, and no unnecessary alerts like yesterdays patrol. There are no confirmed reports of Moff and or URM rebel activities in the Unknown Regions. Let's keep it that way, and everyone remain calm. Jittery nerves seek to only hurt yourself. First officer Parck, out." Voss Parck pulled away from his leaning position over the Admonitor's communications terminal and bowed his head to the coms officer, who bowed back politely and curtly.

"Excellent little speech Parck. I'm sure you invigorated the whole fleet with that one."

"I'm sure I did!" Parck smiled and the two men shared a very mild and low laugh befitting Imperial officers.

"But really, yesterdays scare of, what was it? Oh yes, Moff bogeys inbound." Parck again laughed when his fellow officers went nearly insane and reported a large fleet of Moff ships inbound, which turned out to be another Imperial Task Force that had been in the process of late updates to their security coding and were not transmitting the newly released codes ships broadcast to define friend from foe.

"Indeed." The coms officer by the name of Wollace, remarked as his humor died down some more and he glanced at his console.

"I've been hearing nothing about the war itself. Being stuck out here subduing savages and other undesirables to bring into the fold is at times, far too dull for my tastes. I would gladly join the front-line forces back in the civilized portion of the galaxy and bring the Moffs and rebels to their knees."
"We may yet have our chance Wollace. However it's explicitly clear that just because there's a war doesn't mean we abandon all Imperial endeavors at the first sign of trouble or hardships." Parck replied and clasped his hands behind his back and noted the other officers on the bridge silently and efficiently went about their work as he and the coms officer chatted. The eerie blackness and silence of the Unknown Regions passing them by outside the viewport. It was enough to make Parck grow ever so uneasy.

"The captain is adamant in his belief that there are things out here in the Unknown regions deserving of Imperial over-watch and we need to keep on the lookout. Not that I have the sixth sense like that which the captain has shown many times over and over, but to be honest, there is something about these so called 'Unknown Regions,' that sends an odd chill down your spine."

"It's too far away from the usual activity and life the civilized galaxy holds in my opinion." Wollace commented as his console beeped and he went to work looking over a new transmission based in text format. All the while still talking to Parck who nodded in agreement with the officers observation.

"I suppose one saving grace is being able to work with the captain. He is truly one of the most brilliant tacticians in all the galaxy. Actually, I'd say the galaxy and one of the best of all time no doubt! I can only hope that in time I can gain but a modicum of his skill from learning under him." Parck practically gushed over the captain, and Wollace lightly snicked while still reading over the message on his console.

"It goes to show, I suppose, that you don't have to be Human to be superior in some way. The captain, being...what was it again?"
"A Chiss." Parck replied.

"Ah, right, a Chiss. Him being a Chiss certainly makes some of the men uneasy, but e is far more competent then one of those two-bit traitorous Moff commanders now isn't he?"

"Oh no doubt." Parck said and idly inclined his head politely to passing officers.

"Hmm, can you look at this Parck?" Wollace asked with a furrowed brow and Parck leaned in over the console and looked the message over, and his eyes settled on the priority hypercom code, dictating that the captain was to be given this message as soon as possible.

"Seems to be a priority set of commands from Imperial Center."
"Coruscant?"
"Indeed." Parck said and pulled back up into a full stand. "Transfer the message to a datapad, and I'll bring it to the captain at once."
"Bring what to me officer Parck?" Parck jumped back slightly when the calm and cool voice of none other than Senior Captain Thrawn standing behind him. The captain was impeccable in dress with his officers uniform being perfectly pressed, and his body rigidly tall as he stood tall and with hands clasped behind his back, as his crimson red eyes looked between both officers Wollace and Parck. He had a, for all intents and purposes, friendly and greeting smile upon his blue features with his black hair perfectly cleaned and managed.

"Uh...oh, yes, forgive me captain, but we received a hypercom, priority transmission from Imperial Center for you to read." Parck informed bowing o in respect and quickly snatched up the datapad that Wollace already had begun to download to, and presented it to Thrawn.

"Imperial Center? What do you suppose they want of us now, hmm?" Thrawn asked aloud with a humorous smile tugging at his lips as he took the datapad and opened the message and began skimming it.

"Subjugate some obscure world found by recon, passivise savages as mandated by the Empire..." Thrawn listed off with a dry sense of annoyance with such trivial commands, but Parck and Wollace both looked at one another when the captain, Thrawn himself, furrowed his brow and began to read the message line for line and with a sudden sense of urgency in his demeanor and rapid eye movement from reading.

"Um...sir? Is everything okay?" Parck finally asked after another moments silence, and Thrawn looked up to the two human officers with a sense that his composure was returning in full and he cleared his throat tactfully.

"First Officer Parck, confirm for me as an Imperial officer, the coding of this message."
"Yes, of course, certainly sir." Parck grabbed the datapad and examined the codes and made sure all the protocols were in order, as Wollace stared up at him from his seat.

"Everything is in order captain, sir. May I ask what the message said?" Thrawn idly flattened out his shirt and clasped his hands once more behind his back and returned to his almost regal demeanor.

"It would seem, that I have been made a Vice Admiral of the Galactic Empires Navy." Parck and Wollace both stared wide eyed at their new admiral and some passing officers stopped and looked toward Thrawn in shock, and awe.

"A...a vice admiral sir? That's fantastic! Congratulations are fully in order I believe!" Parck once more began gushing and by this point all officers on the command deck were looking over and were whispering to one another that Thrawn was now an admiral, from nothing more than a Senior Captain!

"Please Parck," Thrawn held out his right hand in a stopping manner and the officer cleared his throat slightly embarrassed. "Sorry, admiral, sir."

"You're forgiven. Now, that was not the only contents of the message. Follow me, and get everyone's full attention." Thrawn ordered and Parck nodded.

"All hands listen up! Your admiral wishes to speak!" Parck called out with no less propriety expected of an imperial officer, and every man, though already looking stopped all whispering and paid their new admiral full attention as he walked onto the deck directly before the viewport and turned to face his bridge staff with hands clasped once more.

"Thank you all for your attention. Now, it is true I just received a rushed promotion from Imperial Center, but it is not from our track record. Rather, it comes from a place of necessity, I'm sure. As the message came from Naval Command down the chain from his majesty the Emperor himself, I feel little need in assuring everyone I am now a Vice Admiral." Thrawn commented and the men all seemed to murmur their satisfaction at the revelation. They all after all had come to learn from, and respect Thrawn.

"While I am honored to be given such a promotion, it comes with a cost. Task Force Admonitor is to combine with three further task forces from here within the Unknown Regions and play our part in the war I'm sure none of you need reminding of. I am to lead this new fleet and we are to make for a very important world within Wild Space. The rebels, the URM has attacked a world of high level importance to his majesty and the Empire and its survival. I cannot divulge such information, as pertaining to the worlds name and location so openly, just yet, but be aware full digression for the planet will be made at appropriate times, however, let us not lose sight of the fact we are to engage an actual military threat, the likes of which some of you have not encountered before." Thrawn warned and began idly pacing from left to right before the viewport.

"The URM utilizes droid ships, Mon-Calamari ships, and even Imperial made ships, and has under their banner the droids from the Clone Wars, and they are just as numerous and just as dangerous. We are however the most relatively close battle ready and capable forces in the galaxy with the massive Moff and rebel defections being the major factor in our new assignment. As such, I want the Admonitor, and the task force full battle ready within the next several hours, and we will make contact with several other of our sister task force battle groups here in the Unknown Regions. I recommend everyone prepare and steady yourselves for a real battle. That is all for now." Thrawn ended and all the man saluted before going into a flurry of work and calling down to other stations and prepared the ship and fleet.

"Parck, come here." Parck bowed his head and came fully before Thrawn who eased into a stand beside the officer and spoke.

"Contact Task Forces: Dominion, Core's Calling, and Dawning. Inform them of my promotion and that under my new authority and special commandment from the Emperor himself that they are to be absorbed into our new Task Force, which for now shall simply remain Task Force Admonitor. We will rendezvous with them not too far from our current position. I'll give you the appropriate coordinates in due time. I have some mapping to do before then however."
"Understood sir, may I ask what world came under attack by the URM?"
"Kamino Parck. The rebels are attacking the birthplace of the Galactic army." Parck nearly stumbled and blanched even at the revelation.

"How in the name of the Emperor did the rebels find the location of one of the most well hidden and secure worlds in all the Empire? Granted I know about it, but never have I heard of its location, or of anyone striking at the word since the Clone Wars."

"That's the million-credit question I believe officer, or should I say, captain Parck." Thrawn said and once more the man snapped and looked at his admiral with a deeply confused expression upon his face. Then it turned to one of beaming pride and it was now Captain, Parck's turn to look regal and stand tall.

"Thank you admiral Thrawn sir. I shall get to work preparing the man and the fleet."
"See to it then captain, and keep me up to date at all times." Parck bowed low and backed away before turning and making for the other officers to ensure they committed their duties.

Leaving the Chiss vice admiral to stand at the viewport and gaze out into the vastness and void of space with a smile tugging at his lips once more. For a real battle, and a real enemy, a real enemy to use his skills against was just beyond the horizon in a manner of speaking. Admiral Thrawn...he liked the ring to it, but there was something missing. Thrawn imagined it now, and smiled some more. For one day he swore he would be not admiral Thrawn, but Grand Admiral Thrawn, and safeguard the Empire from all threats. Internal and external, and no enemy would defeat him.

For the art of war was his domain.

Authors Note: Hey everyone, now I need not say Thrawn has arrived do I? :D Before anyone asks, YES he will not be a one time character he will be recurring! The war ramps up my friends and let me tell you it's gonna be a doozy long ride, far longer than my last part, and I do hope I can keep you guys entertained and pick up some new readers along the way. Then there is the post war stuff. ;) So with that said please everyone stick around for the long haul eh? I promise to not abandon this story until it is fully and totally completed!

That being said, please point out or excuse any and all grammatical errors, or they wont be fixed, pretty simple right? Also all comments and reviews are loved and perk me right up! :D So please enjoy, and I hope to get another chapter posted over the weekend as well! :)