Thrawn handed Ar'Alani a cup of caff, sitting across from her. Having her in his private quarters was extraordinarily strange, as in Chiss society home visits were kept for very close family and friends, and sort of casual visit was unheard of, and extremely personal. But she was Chiss on a human warship, it had to stay quiet.
"Grand Admiral, I can't believe it," she said, a sly smile gracing her lips just before she sipped her coffee.
"Nor can I. Largely due to the assistance of Eli through the political arena."
She eyed him. "How are you coping without him?"
"You see that I have non-imperials and a deserter on my warship outside imperial space, how do you think I am faring?"
"I think you've gone and screwed yourself, Thrawn," She said gruffly.
He pursed his lips. "I am aware, but its time. What I know, what I'm attempting to foil, its bigger than me, than the Empire or the Ascendancy. Its a planet killer."
Her eyes widened briefly, "you are sure of this?"
He nodded. "I am so close to finding its weakness, I have to bring it to its knees."
She nodded curtly, just once. She understood that he did, regardless of the implications. Abruptly, she smiled, a mischievous glint in her red eyes. "Alongside this… woman?"
Thrawn stiffened. "Linnia?"
"Yes."
"What of her?"
"Who is she? Another protege?"
Thrawn sipped his caff. "She is an ally. One with similar goals and-"
"Who is she, Thrawn? Really?"
He stared at her. "I miss your meaning."
"When I got off the ship you were watching Ivant hug her with a despair in your eyes I didn't know you were capable of. You dismissed it impressively quickly, but it was still there."
He stared into her steel gaze. "She is a friend, a valuable ally similar to Eli. She's to help me navigate the absurd political implications of this mess I find myself in. What is it you're implying?"
She shook her head, "Not a thing. I just want to know the players of this game. I have a feeling it will become important."
He looked away. "What of Thurfian?"
He'd received word he was terribly ill and essentially on his deathbed. Thurfian had been the only Mitth to press Thrawn's exile… once he was gone, he could, really, go home.
"He's passed, Thrawn," she said with no remorse in her voice. Thalias has quietly pressed paperwork through to reverse your exile. You can come back to the Ascendancy, freely, if you choose."
He nodded, taking a deep breath. He could go home. He could actually go home.
"I"m surprised she hasn't reached out to you yet. Perhaps she's ensuring any loose ends are tied."
Thrawn bobbed his head silently. "Yes."
Home.
"You're finally coming home, huh?" The man sipped his empty mug.
"Yes, finally," Thrawn agreed, looking around the familiar cafe. It was entirely empty aside from them.
"You've done well, you deserve it."
Thrawn searched his face, but it was as stoic as ever.
"Have I?"
The man didn't move.
"Should I go home?"
He didn't answer, unblinking.
"I don't deserve to go home. I could not save you, I could not save the ascendancy without hurting the few I care about, I cannot bring ruin to the empire or bring back worthy Intel to justify so long outside the ascendancy I-"
"You don't want to go home?" The man, Thrass, asked, emotionless.
I do," Thrawn said looking away. I want to." He looked up at Thrass again, and he was a withered corpse, charred and leathered nearly beyond recognition.
"I'd do just about anything to go home." It ground between it's skeletal teeth.
Thrawn jerked awake, searching the room. It was empty and far warmer than it should have been. The glowing read numbers of his clock burned into the darkness, reminding him just how early it was. He peeled the sheet from his body, sweat dripping from the ends of his hair. He shucked his sopping nightclothes and flipped on the light in his fresher. He squinted, turning on the water and rubbing his eyes. Why now? Things were, somewhat, falling into place. He just had to tread carefully, and he could be going home.
Maybe it was better if he didn't.
He got into the shower, the hot water rinsing the sweat and any remaining sleep from his body.
Maybe Thrawn was more of a hindrance to the Chiss than a tool.
It seemed absurd, but when he really thought about it, he was like a small child, needing constant redirection in order to avoid conflict. It wasn't until he saw Ar'Alani that he realized, perhaps, she had been happier without him around to bring her trouble. Eli as well. He could shine in his own right instead of sitting in Thrawn's shadow, doing his bidding. Linnia, surely, wouldn't even consider leaving all she knew and loved to go to the Ascendancy with him. He'd be giving up his position, his crew, and her. But Eli had left his family and all he'd known for the Ascendancy, maybe she could be convinced too?
Thrawn sighed, closing his eyes. What would Thrass actually think? He would tell him to go home. That the Ascendancy needed him, but who could really know? He scrubbed the sweat from his hair and body before getting out, dressing, and heading to the dojo.
"Here again?"
Thwack.
"Its been a while, I thought you'd gotten past whatever was bothering you."
Thwack.
Karyn was leaned against the neighboring dummy, her stick in her hand. Thrawn hit his dummy in an elaborate array of moves, knocking it to the ground. Karyn's eyes widened but she schooled her expression before he looked up from his prey, his red eyes glowering.
"I thought you had understood that nightwear is not appropriate for the dojo."
She looked down, her pajamas still on her body. She reddened.
"I apologize. It, is, however, 4 AM."
Thrawn looked over at her. It was one of the first times she'd seen him without his hair combed back, the usual black slick hanging by his ears and sticking up in places. He was muddled, messy, and had dark circles around his eyes.
"Excuse me sir, but may I ask, is it Eli's sudden return that's bothering you?" She knew she was treading on dangerous ground and swallowed.
"I appreciate your concern, Commodore, but no."
He hung his staff up, and walked away without a single hesitation. She clenched her teeth. She was woken up at the crack of dawn for him to simply brush her off? She didn't think so. She chased after him.
"Sir, the crew, they're worried about you, and whatever plan it is you have. It doesn't look good, allying with your people against-"
"I know, Commodore," He interrupted, turning his glowering eyes on her. His patience had, seemingly, waned very quickly. "Don't worry, I'll be sure to preserve your career and those of the other crew."
He stalked away, Karyn opening and closing her mouth. He was far more stressed than she'd seen him before. For once, Karyn didn't think he entirely knew what he was doing.
