"It's a pleasure to meet you Mitthrawnurudo. I am General Anakin Skywalker, and this is Commander Ahsoka Tano." Anakin replied following the revelation of the blue skinned alien's name. It was a long one, that was for sure. Most alien cultures had slight differences in how their names were both spoken and spelt. A different vowel in a place it should not be, or perhaps an extra consonant were not all that uncommon.
But the name of the alien who had helped them was truly unique. He had never encountered one that required so much twisting of the tongue to pronounce in the first place. It was certainly not something that would just roll of a person's tongue. He couldn't imagine shouting the name in the midst of a battle.
In that moment he couldn't help but wonder if Ahsoka's name was normal for a Togruta or not. He'd have to ask her later on.
Across from him, Mitth'raw'nuruodo's lips moved again, his native language rolling off his tongue with minimal effort. Anakin couldn't even begin to try to replicate it. In a way it sounded oddly hypnotic, or perhaps that was simply the tone of his voice instead. It possessed an eerie level of calm and control about it, never changing to simulate emotion. Anakin couldn't even begin to imagine what he would sound like if he was angry.
"Oh, Master Anakin I am afraid you pronounced his name wrong. It is Mitth'raw'nuruodo." Threepio chose that moment to interrupt, his high pitched voice correcting what Anakin had assumed was already correct in the first place.
"Yes Threepio, that's what I said. Mitthrawnurudo." Anakin replied, shooting a perplexed look at the hologram of Threepio, who proceeded to shake his head again in what Anakin could only call disdain.
"Master Ani you really must work on your pronunciation skills. I can offer you several courses on understanding basic language and grammar if you wish? It might very well help you in the long run if you can pronounce foreign names properly."
Beside him, Anakin heard a slight chuckle emanating from Ahsoka, who had one of her hands over her mouth to hide her wide grin as she watched the situation unfold before her. He'd like to see her in his position, simply so he could laugh at her instead.
The blue skinned alien spoke again, his voice echoing round the cockpit as he addressed the hologram of Threepio, who looked as if he was listening intently, before nodding his head in understanding.
"Our new friend here has told me that it might be easier for you to refer to him as Thrawn, rather than his full name."
Despite the language barrier, it appeared that this 'Thrawn' had fully understood the difficulties of Anakin's situation, and had thus chosen to make it easier on all.
"Well, it's nice to meet you Thrawn. Can we help you in any way?" It was Ahsoka that spoke this time, glancing over at Threepio, who began to translate Ahsoka's words into the language Thrawn spoke. The discussion between Thrawn and Threepio lasted several minutes, before the protocol droid turned his head away from Thrawn and back to both Anakin and Ahsoka, switching back to Basic in the process.
"Thrawn here is a member of a species called the Chiss, and operates as a deep space researcher. He wishes to study the various cultures of the galaxy, the Galactic Republic in particular. He was investigating this crash site for possible supplies, as his ship was shot down by a battle droid fighter and crashed deep into the sea. He has been living here for quite some time and would appreciate a rescue."
There was a lot of information in Threepio's statement. Anakin had only ever heard of the Chiss as some outer world legend, a species that existed in the far reaches of the galaxy, remaining isolated from the wider galactic community and it's variety of cultures.
The fact that there was now a member of said species sitting in a chair inside Ahsoka's ship, willingly communicating with them was impressive.
'And they call Obi-Wan 'The Negotiator'. We've just opened up communication with a new species without him!' Anakin spoke through his reopened bond with Ahsoka, feeling her laugh through the Force in response.
'Yeah! If Obi-Wan was here he'd probably accidentally start a war or something by offering Thrawn a cup of tea!' Ahsoka's voice echoed in his head in mock terror, her signature bouncing slightly as she laughed again, something that Anakin reciprocated.
"Does he need help getting off-world?" Anakin inquired, watching and listening as the droid translated the question again for Thrawn, who in turn answered in his own tongue.
"Yes Master Ani. In fact he requests that he be granted passage to the centre of the Galactic Republic. He wishes to assist in the war effort against the Separatists so that he can learn the cultures and history of the galaxy and its people." Threepio translated, his tone remaining neutral despite the odd request from Thrawn.
"Does he have any military experience?" Anakin inquired, watching as Threepio again translated the question to Thrawn, who in turn answered with a few short sharp words.
"Indeed he does. Thrawn has served as a Commander within the Chiss military for some time. The reason he was chosen to investigate outside his home territories was because he was considered the best Commander within the fleet. He offers his services to the Republic navy in exchange for a position where he can study the Republic."
Anakin nodded at Threepio's words. Thrawn's credentials seemed impressive, perhaps a little too impressive. Anakin wasn't one to take someone at their word though, especially not where the war was concerned.
It would be a risk to bring him to Coruscant, and and even bigger risk to allow him access to anything related to the Republic military. If it turned out that he was a spy of some kind, be it for his own people, or worse, Count Dooku, then he could very well cripple the Republic from within.
But then, he seemed genuine, as if he honestly wanted to help and do good. Maybe he really did just want to study the galaxy, like some sort of scholar. And if his military skills were as impressive as he made them sound, then he would be an invaluable asset in the long run.
Still, at the end of the day, it wouldn't be his decision. It would be the Chancellor's.
"Threepio, can you ask our guest to wait outside the ship while we talk to the Chancellor please? Explain that we will need his permission to bring him along."
Threepio nodded his head in understanding, before translating the request to Thrawn. Anakin watched as Thrawn listened intently to Threepio's words, his red eyes never moving, only studying the droid intensely. There was something about them that unnerved Anakin. Simply put, he wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of a hostile glare from him.
As Threepio finished his translation, the alien now known to them as a Chiss stood from his seat, bowing his head to both Anakin and Ahsoka in what they assumed was a gesture of respect, before turning and leaving the cockpit.
A few moments later, Ahsoka spoke.
"Well, he seems nice."
"Everyone seems nice to you Snips."
"Not General Grievous, or Count Dooku for that matter."
Shaking his head at his friend's statement, Anakin turned back to the hologram of Threepio.
"Stay on the line Threepio. We'll need you again once we're finished talking to the Chancellor."
"Of course Master Ani. I will be waiting."
With that the hologram of Threepio faded away for the time being, a small light on the dashboard of the shuttle blinking rhymically in the background as a reminder of the holocall that was on hold.
Reaching out with his hands, Anakin began to input several numbers into the commlink. The Chancellor had given him his personal codes long ago as a gesture of trust between the two, promising that if he ever needed to talk to him about anything, that Anakin could always call him. Anakin couldn't have been more grateful to the Chancellor for such an offer. There were some things he couldn't tell Obi-Wan, or even Padmé. Having another friend, especially one who was the most powerful man in the Republic, meant that he had another confidant he could not only trust, but rely upon for help. And despite his busy schedule, the Chancellor always seemed to make time for him, something that Anakin appreciated.
He was even more grateful that Palpatine had taken Ahsoka under his wing as well. There were so many things he could teach her, just as he had taught him.
Another minute passed before the holocall was ready to connect, time enough for Anakin to straighten in his seat and compose himself. Palpatine may be his friend, but this was not a social call. This was business, and thus he had to maintain respect.
The hologram of Chancellor Palpatine appeared before both Anakin and Ahsoka abruptly, a warm smile coming to his wrinkled face as he greeted the duo.
"General Skywalker. Agent Tano. How goes your mission?" The Chancellor spoke first, his aged voice full of both concern as well as trust in the two people he had sent.
"Chancellor, we have scoured the shipwreck for the information you believed was here, however, we found only the body of the deceased Jedi Shadow and his crew. We did find a data disk on his body however. Unfortunately, it has been seriously damaged by the water it was submerged in, and is thus unlikely to work." Anakin replied, putting on his 'General' voice in the process as he relayed the discoveries he and Ahsoka had made.
The hologram of the Chancellor shifted slightly, his hands coming up before him to clasp together, the spindly fingers intertwining with one another in a gesture that resembled one being in deep thought.
Then he spoke.
"Unfortunate that the information was lost, however it was not entirely unforeseen and cannot be helped given the circumstances. Agent Tano, bring the data disk to me anyway and I will see if my technical teams can repair it. We may yet be able to salvage something useful from this."
"Of course Chancellor, we can only hope." Ahsoka replied, bowing her head as she answered.
"Excellent. Now, was there anything else my friends?" Palpatine spoke again, his tone friendly and inviting.
"Yes Your Excellency, there is." Anakin replied, watching as the Chancellor turned to lock eyes with him again, his permission to continue visible in his eyes.
"We've encountered an individual of the Chiss species called Thrawn. He has requested passage to Coruscant and wishes to learn about us. He has offered his military experience as a Commander of his people to the war effort against the Separatists as well. However, as a member of an Outer Rim species he does not speak Basic, and would thus require either a translator, or a tutor."
Palpatine seemed to consider this new information rather deeply, in a way that reminded Anakin of many military generals planning a large scale battle. Did he already know about the Chiss species or something?
The Chancellor did not respond for several minutes, his fingers beginning to drum together in a pattern as he considered Anakin's words. Concerned that he had said something wrong, Anakin glanced over at Ahsoka, who too seemed to be as confused as he was at the Chancellor's lack of response.
When Ahsoka noticed Anakin looking at her, she simply shrugged her shoulders before turning back to watch the hologram of the Chancellor.
Another minute passed without a reply from the Chancellor, before he finally moved his hands, separating them and placing them before him, no doubt resting them on his desk.
"Bring this 'Thrawn' to me at once. I will listen to what he has to say in person and decide on what route to take from there." Palpatine finally answered, his tone cautious as he considered this unexpected offer. Anakin knew that if anyone could get answers and make an informed judgement about someone, it was the Chancellor.
"Yes Your Excellency." Anakin replied simultaneously with Ahsoka, who shot him a smirk afterwards.
"Good day my friends. Safe journey home." Palpatine replied before his hologram faded away, the call being disconnected in the process.
The Chancellor had seemed incredibly understanding in regards to the loss of the data, for which Ahsoka a grateful. The last thing she needed was having yet another superior be annoyed and begin doubting her.
"Right Snips," Anakin begun beside her, his hands reaching across the various instruments on the dashboard as he spoke, "I'll reconnect the call to Threepio whilst you go and get this Thrawn fellow from outside."
Nodding her head, Ahsoka stood from her seat and began to walk out of the cockpit, navigating through the back of the shuttle and down the ramp.
Stepping off of the ramp and into the blazing sun above them, Ahsoka's first thought was that Thrawn had disappeared. The blue skinned Chiss was not standing at the bottom of the ramp, or sitting on the floor waiting as she had anticipated he would be. In fact, he was nowhere in sight.
Had he decided to leave after all, rather than come with them as he had originally requested?
Or perhaps he was a spy of some kind, and was setting a trap for her and Anakin?
A humorous solution came to her mind also. Perhaps he had simply gone for a swim or something?
Ahsoka then felt something land on her head, bouncing off her montrals in the process and sending a loud ringing sound through her head from the impact.
Glancing down at the ground beneath her, Ahsoka's eyes spotted a small purple sphere shaped object, rolling away from her. Upon closer inspection, Ahsoka deduced that it was a fruit of some kind.
Shifting her gaze upwards, Ahsoka spotted a large tree abundant in the fruit above her, and there, resting on a large branch, steadying himself with one hand whilst reaching for one of the fresh fruit with the other, was Thrawn.
"Hey, what are you doing up there?" Ahsoka called up to him, a roguish smile on her face and a laugh in her throat at the sight before her. Thrawn's head span downwards instantly, his eyes widening in what appeared to be surprise, as if he had just been caught doing something forbidden.
And then, just as quick as the surprise had appeared, it faded, being replaced with what looked like intense concentration. Rather than respond to her, Thrawn continued his quest, reaching a hand out to grasp the purple fruit that was growing before him, before sharply pulling it off the tree.
When he was done, he turned back and began to crawl along the branch he was on until he reached the trunk of the tree. Reaching both his legs and arms out, he braced himself and began to climb down.
A few moments later and Thrawn released his grasp on the trunk, falling safely to the ground and into a roll in the process, before coming to stand before Ahsoka, towering over her. Ahsoka half expected there to be a smug smile on his face at the demonstration of his acrobatic skill. Instead though, there was none, just the same look of intense concentration that rarely left his face.
Nodding her head in approval at his antics, Ahsoka was even more surprised when Thrawn held out a hand to her, the purple fruit he had acquired in it. Ahsoka's brow rose in confusion, before she understood exactly what was going on.
Thrawn was offering the fruit to her.
It was then that she spotted two more fruit that he was holding, clearly collected from the tree as well.
Now she understood what he was doing in the tree. He was gathering some food for them.
The only issue was that she, as a Togruta, was primarily a carnivore. Sure, she could eat fruit and other foods like it, but much of her energy and general health came from eating meat.
Still, it would be rude to turn it down. She could eat it after all, even if it wasn't optimal food for her species.
Gratefully taking the fruit that was offered to her, Ahsoka smiled back at Thrawn and gestured into the shuttle, suggesting that he follow her.
This time there was no hesitation from the Chiss. He seemed to understand what she had gestured, before bowing to her in a sign of respect, and heading up the ramp and into the ship.
Ahsoka stared after him for a few moments, contemplating the strange new alien they had encountered. Perhaps in time he would be a valuable ally to them, and maybe even a friend.
Turning the small purple fruit over in her hand once to inspect it, Ahsoka made a small noise of contempt to herself, before moving to follow Thrawn into the ship.
It was time to head back to Coruscant.
Author's thoughts
So, no real action in this chapter, just plenty of dialogue and character interaction. Hope that's ok with you all? Truthfully the next few chapters will probably be more character and dialogue centric rather than action based. That being said, the next mini arc that will be coming along has a fair amount of action in, and includes a pair of very special guest characters, as well as the return of everyone's favourite half Kaleesh half cyborg killing machine.
Anyway, I hope you all liked this interpretation of Thrawn. For the sake of the story he can't speak basic, as i have already said, and thus needs a translator. Personally I think that makes the interaction between him and others more interesting, as it is based instead on body language and actions as opposed to words, which are Thrawn's strong suit.
Oh, and Anakin not being able to pronounce Thrawn is totally taken from the new novel, but that is as far into spoilers as I will go.
Also, I hope you lot don't mind the slower update speed of this story. i wish there was an easy way of keeping you all in the loop of how the writing process is going, as the last thing I want to do is keep you all waiting. I fully intend on finishing this story, so please know that even if I leave it a while there will be more coming. It's just a slow process these days and all. :)
Once again, thank you to my beta reader ArrinSnyders. They were a big help as always. Thanks again friend. :)
Next time round Anakin, Ahsoka and their new friend return to Coruscant to meet with the Chancellor, and Anakin attends a Council meeting.
As usual, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:
Mysterious guest number one: Padmé plays a very important role in this AU... as she should do. She's too awesome to exclude.
As for 3PO... I wanted to write for him because he is hilarious.
Glad you are excited for more Thrawn. He is here for a reason. :)
Mysterious guest number two: You might very well be onto something there with your assumption of Palaptine's plan. Then again, isn't everyone expendable to Palpatine? :)
Chiara Polairix Edelstein: Glad the surprise reveal was exciting to you. I knew people would want Thrawn in eventually, and so did I, so i thought..,. why wait?
High praise as well from you, thank you very much.
TerminatorJedi: So... I take it you approve of the surprise Thrawn!
And of course he will still be a badass. It's Thrawn after all.
Glad you liked the interaction between Ahsoka, Anakin and Padmé. They are like a little unconventional family after all. I bet that Ahsoka and Padmé frequently teamed up against Anakin in canon to mock him.
3PO's rambling is great fun to write. Just make him say absolute nonsense and he is great.
Hope you liked this chapter, even if it was a little on the short side.
Flying Dragon: Thrawn does make everything better doesn't he... unless you are his enemy and you don't have a fleet of Purgill to help you. Then you're doomed.
Anakin and Thrawn really do have a rather petty interaction don't they. I don't know who I feel more sorry for. (Thrawn)
jojobinks01: 'Countdown from 99.99 seconds begins- Ducks underneath a cardboard box!'
HuffleHecate: Glad you enjoyed the surprise. The Thrawn novel was a great read, especially with the backstory of both Thrawn and Pryce. :)