Happy Life Day everybody, here's a present to celebrate the end of this crummy year.

Skirk fidgeted with his talons and craned his head from side to side as the guard examined his identification, trying to distract himself with the impressive architecture of the hallway. The guard handed him back the card, glaring at him as if to suggest he shouldn't be here. Skirk took back his card, stuffed it into the pocket of the tunic, and bid thanks as the guard pulled open the large wooden door for him.

He found himself in a sizable lounge area, comfortably furnished and bustling with life. The young islander couldn't have felt more out of place here. As he trotted through the crowds he had to consciously stop himself from preening the feathers of his arms, a nervous habit he'd developed years ago and had never been quite able to break. Here he was, a mere university student standing among the best and brightest the Narivan had to offer. Scientists, engineers, politicians and military leaders filled out every corner of the room. The Admiralty was scattered throughout the chamber. Ambassadors, diplomats, emissaries and other personnel from every member state of the NGF were here, Narivan representatives from every clan and creed had coalesced within the compound. Every nation state that had sworn loyalty to the Narivan Global Federation was represented in some shape or form, republics, monarchies and even empires alike. Skirk even saw two Narivan in the distance who bore the same bright red feathers and golden crest he did, triggering the realization that this was the first time since he'd left his home island he'd seen anybody else of the same heritage.

Nevertheless, there was somebody he needed to find, so he steadied himself, pushed down his anxieties, and walked up behind the nearest guard and tapped him on the shoulder.

"Ummm, e...excuse me..."

The guard spun around and his neck twisted to look at him, his eyes narrowed and Skirk winced at the perceived annoyance.

"Looking for Professor Kreel, invited me up here. Wanted to speak with me."

"Who are you? How did you get in here?" The yellow Sentinel Guard sneered.

"My name Skirk, one of Kreel's students. Professor invited me up here to look at alien technology. Know where he is?"

The Sentinel eyed him carefully for a moment before pointing off to the side.

"Last saw him over there. Speaking with President Reelak. Sounded heated, would be cautious."

"Thank you." Skirk replied, eager to get away from the vigilant sentinel.

Sure enough, Professor Kreel was talking with the President, he was deep in conversation when Skirk approached them.

"Mister President! We must accept deal!"

Skirk trotted up to behind Professor Kreel to find him arguing with the President. The Professor's grey feathers rippled as he adjusted the glass lenses around his eyes. President Reelak gave a low growl, visibly annoyed.

"I have studied the information samples Admiral gave us! Their shields and travel systems are like nothing I've ever seen! I must have more of their machines!"

"Not that simple Professor Kreel! Many things to be considered. Stoneland Clans don't like them, Emperor Kerl is interested but wary."

"Kerl is pragmatic bird, will come around. Stoneland Clans ignorant! Always unwilling to accept change!"

"But still large enough to have say on council."

"Unfortunately." Kreel growled.

The President looked away in contemplation for a moment.

"Not sure what to think. Promises almost seem too grand to be true. I do not trust blue one. This 'Thrawn' speaks of great things he can give us, but I am wary, he is not telling us full truth."

"Unlike how you told him full truth about Vagaari?"

Reelak glared, narrowing his eyes.

"Back in lounge, Admiral spent whole conversation analyzing both of us. I have dealt with ones like him before. If Admiral learns of our past, will surely use it to sway council in his favour. Would rather not give him such a bargaining chip."

"Your efforts futile, President, he is smart enough to piece together truth sooner or later."

"No thanks to your slip-up. Why do you trust him so?"

"Trust?" Kreel scoffed.

"No, not trust, pragmatism. He has advanced technology. We do not. Big disadvantage for us. We take technology, we cooperate and give help, then use opportunity to learn more about No-feathers."

"An interesting plan Professor, but remember, my council does not see it that way."

"Politicians." Kreel scratched the underside of his beak, his feathers curling back as he grumbled.

"Small minded, stubborn as usual. What about Admiralty? Surely Admirals smart enough to realize?"

"Smart enough to know No-feathers mean nothing good."

Skirk, Reelak and Kreel all turned their heads to see an Admiral methodically trotting up to the trio, leaning on a walking stick to support himself. His slow movement betrayed his age, as did the gray colour of his feathers. The scarring and scratches on his beak hinted at battles long past, and yet he still commanded a firm aura of authority.

"Reelak. Old friend. Long time no see."

"Admiral Carala. Half of council wants you arrested and court martialled."

"I did nothing wrong. You know as well as I, acting Admiral in orbit has final decision on such matters."

"That law is relic from time when communication with surface was more difficult. Only reason I never repealed it was because I had more important issues then fighting with Admiralty."

"Regardless, no deal with no-feathers, not now, not ever. Cannot trust them. Mr. President, tell them to leave at once."

"Just as stubborn as usual I see." Kreel grumbled.

Carala dismissed his concerns. "Last time no feathers came here, brought only pain, sorrow, death and destruction. Lost many friends, won't let it happen again."

"Different no-feathers Admiral. Perhaps you should take look at what they offer first?"

"I have seen no-feathers' weapons, Professor. Enough to show me that they are dangerous. Better to be rid of them quickly."

"But they do not turn weapons on us! I say we use that, if Vagaari ever return-"

"Do not speak that name where I may hear! Ever!" Admiral Carala hissed at him, his feathers rising.

"Cover ears if you must, but will not make them disappear!" Kreel insisted.

"Vagaari still out there, Admiral. What if they come back? You are good commander, Admiral, I do admit. But not even genius commander could stand against their technology. These ones offer us comparable tech, would be stupid not to use it."

"You still have leftovers from abduction. Reverse engineer them." Carala insisted.

Kreel growled at Carala, clearly offended. "I have had decades to do just that! Does Admiral not think I have tried!? Vagaari weapons far beyond our science, fundamental concepts of such machines beyond me. Hence why I need this 'Thrawn's' technology. Pieces of the puzzle missing, sure, but with help from new no-feathers I know I can figure it out!"

"I do not care, we do not need them." Carala stated bluntly.

Kreel growled in annoyance. "We do! Tell them Skirk!"

Skirk's head propped up and his eyes widened at the mention of his name. All of a sudden his hopes of remaining unnoticed were gone as the Admiral turned to glare at him. The war weary, hardened veteran raised an eyebrow at him in what appeared to be mild annoyance.

"Who is this, Professor?" Carala glowered.

"Ermmm, my name Skirk, Admiral."

Carala scoffed, "Wasn't aware we were letting Professor bring any student he wants up here."

"Skirk no ordinary student." Kreel shot back.

"One of my finest pupils, attends my lectures at University of Tenerva. Has studied the samples No-feathers gave us. Go on Skirk, tell him I am correct."

Skirk had to stop himself from collapsing under the Admiral's glare.

"Umm, Professor Kreel telling the truth, Admiral. No-feather tech unlike anything we have. Not my place to... to advise..."

The Admiral's eyes narrowed, Skirk gulped.

"...but... I think Professor might have a point." He finished.

Carala rolled his eyes.

"Your student is young, almost hatchling. Hasn't seen abduction." Carala said to Kreel.

"Young brain is Sharp brain, has not gotten old and stubborn yet." Kreel gestured to himself as he said it, in a half-hearted attempt to obfuscate its real target.

"I still say no, but somehow doubt I will convince you." Admiral Carala insisted, and turned to Reelak.

"You must send these off-worlders away Reelak. They will bring nothing good, they are not our friends, none of them are."

"You are not in my good graces, Admiral." Reelak growled.

"I took the initiative, I will die before I let them enslave us."

"You have no idea of their intentions."

"And you do?"

"No, but I will. Figuring out for myself what they want, biding my time. I have been politician for many years, know how to read others. You on the other hand provoked them. Acted without thinking, let grudges overwhelm you. Only reason you still have a job is your reputation and skill."

"Reelak, old friend, I act only for good of the Narivan. You doubt that?" Carala insisted.

"Of course not. Your intentions pure, Admiral, I am sure." Reelak re-assured him reluctantly.

"Then listen to me, send no-feathers away." Carala insisted.

Reelak rubbed a talon across his face as his neck curled downwards. He seemed to be giving ground.

"I would like to, old friend. But you of all Narivan should know good intentions do not win wars. Professor Kreel makes a good point. If Vagaari ever return to Neriva we may not be able to fight them."

"Last time we were unprepared, you remember that. Last time we had no fleet, barely any army. Very few pockets of resistance. Only my people managed to fully fight no-feathers off. Stoneland Clans retreated into the mountains, lured Vagaari after us and wiped them out."

"And when Vagaari realized you weren't worth enslaving, simply slaughtered you instead. Fired on your mountains from orbit."

"Which they won't next time, our fleet will stop that from happening."

Reelak scratched his beak and scanned the room looking for a distraction. Carala was known for his imposing presence. The grizzled old bird was taller than most Narivan, and even in his withered state, deprived of flight and limping on a cane, he was still a force to be reckoned with. Only President Reelak ever seemed to be able to stand up to him, but Reelak was no match for the pleading of an old friend.

"Admiral Carala. Your service to Narivan undeniable. You are excellent military commander, and Federation fleet pride of our species. But all of that still may not be enough. Fleet still lacking in many areas. Fighter craft performance is inadequate, almost suicidal. Shields, energy weapons, hyperspace, like Professor Kreel says these things still beyond us. If the Stubby ones' fleet is as strong as these no-feathers, we still may not stand a chance.."

"You cannot be serious."

"I do not know yet. I am too old for this. Frankly I had hoped that if any no-feathers ever visited Neriva again I would be retired or dead. But I am still President, must deal with this."

Carala's mouth dropped open, his long fingers tightened around his stick.

"I mean this not as insult to you, Carala. You are one of finest leaders our people have ever produced. But please, put aside grudges, try to see a bigger picture."

Carala's mouth snapped shut, he looked down towards. Kreel snorted at both of them, his eyes rolling backwards.

"You bicker too much. Answer is clear, too much waiting. I take my leave."

Kreel grumbled as he shook his head rapidly and trotted away from the other two. He grumbled as his head bobbed and he examined the room, before turning to Skirk.

"Now you see what I have to deal with. President and Admiral not good company, bicker too much. No appreciation for sciences, certainly. President deafened by voices chirping in his ear all his life. Admiral war hero, yes, but being war hero does not make him smart. Stubborn old bird, blinded by his grudges."

"I am sure they want best for Neriva." Skirk replied.

Kreel rolled his eyes, "Intentions don't make one smart, but enough. I did not bring you here to listen to old birds bicker, I brought you here to witness history. What do you think of these no-feathers?"

Skirk considered his words and cleared his throat. "Certainly... interesting creatures Professor. Mammalian lifeforms, probably."

"And their intentions?" Kreel inquired as he raised an eyebrow.

"Not sure, I see no reason for them to lie right now."

"You see no reason. Does not mean there is none. Blue one especially interests me."

"Blue one? You mean 'Thrawn'?" Skirk asked.

"He is smart, Skirk. Very smart, and very interested in Narivan. Not telling full truth, has more in mind."

"You think he means us harm?"

"Not particularly no, but definitely has his own motives. No-feathers not being honest with us. Talk amongst themselves. Talk about things they do not want us to hear, and we cannot hear because we do not know their tongue."

"What are you suggesting."

"We must translate No-feathers' language."

Skirk's neck shot back as he blinked rapidly. "Translate!?"

"Yes, translate. I see how no-feathers talk amongst themselves. No-feathers are confident we do not understand them, more honest. If we could understand their speech, and they did not know, perhaps they might let slip something they don't want us to hear."

"But translating entire alien language?"

"Can be done. Want you to help. Can you do that?"

Skirk thought it over for a moment. He had his reservations, but in the end he relented.

"What do you want me to do?"

"It's good to hear from you Admiral. How are the negotiations proceeding with the Narivan?"

Thrawn's image flickered on the projector of the Judicator's bridge. Captain Pellaeon stood at attention, relieved to hear from the Admiral. While Thrawn had been convinced it was safe for the most part, Pellaeon couldn't help but worry the natives would have just shot the envoys the moment they stepped off the shuttle.

"It's been reasonably pleasant so far, Captain Pellaeon. The Narivan are amicable hosts, if somewhat guarded."

"Have you presented your offer to them?"

"I have given them my offer. The meeting has been adjourned while they take a chance to look over the few samples of our technology I provided them. Now they are discussing it amongst themselves, I will have to wait and see what conclusion they come to before we can decide on a course of action."

"I see."

"And what of the fleet, Captain? Have there been any developments since I departed?" Thrawn asked.

"The coolant we retrieved from the abandoned ship has been successfully installed aboard the Bellicose. There were delays in the installation due to the extensive scanning you ordered, but once we confirmed there were no traces of the lifeform Captain Ayer and his men encountered we transported the container over to the Bellicose and installation went smoothly according to Captain Aban. He asked that I extend his gratitude on behalf of the whole crew of the Bellicose that their ship will live to fight another day." Pellaeon said, a slight smile on his lips at the success.

"Good, we've lost enough ships as it is. How are the preparations for the contingency proceeding?"

"The rest of the fleet is within range of the platforms, Ion cannons are ready to fire at a moment's notice and targeting solutions have been plotted out to inflict the least amount of damage to the structures. Stormtrooper boarding parties are on standby and have all been instructed to set their weapons to stun. If the negotiations fall through we'll have the stations under our control with minimal casualties before the Narivan even realize what's happening."

"Very good Captain, though I must remind you to be careful. If you prepare too eagerly the Narivan may begin to suspect my intentions. Maintain yellow alert and a non aggressive posture, this is only to be enacted in the event a deal is unable to be struck with the Narivan, do not make any moves unless the order is given."

"Of course Admiral, our Ion cannons are resting in their default position and all ships are positioned in a standard holding pattern. To them, there should be no outward indication of hostile intention."

"Very good, but ideally such a plan will not have to be implemented. I fear even with such swift co-ordination the Narivan, while unable to win, could still cause us significant trouble during implementation."

"It's not the Narivan that bothers me, Admiral, does the Jedi suspect anything?"

"Bridger suspects my intentions no more than he usually does. As far as I can discern, his Jedi powers have given him no knowledge of your orders."

"And if he finds out Admiral? He will almost certainly side with the locals."

"Captain Ayer has been ordered to keep a close eye on him and subdue him immediately on my signal if he shows any indication of being suspect to such a plan. By the time the operation begins he will be incapacited and evacuated back on the Chimaera before he can interfere."

"With all due respect Sir, he's proven to be especially effective at evading Stormtroopers."

"All he has proven effective at is evading the poorly trained garrisons of his homeworld and the under-qualified personnel who led it. I have confidence that Captain Ayer is more than capable of subduing the boy."

"Admiral, are you sure it is wise to give so much freedom to a known insurgent and a Jedi?"

Thrawn paused for a moment, as if to consider his answer.

"I believe Bridger is a very valuable asset, but he will only continue to co-operate as long as he believes it is in his best interest to do so."

"Still, there must be some way of keeping a closer eye on him whilst still ensuring his co-operation?"

"The autonomy I allow him is a delicate balance. Rest assured, Captain. Every action I have taken so far has been meticulously planned in advance. I have now seen the full breadth of his capabilities, if he proves to become a danger I will not allow him to bring this fleet to further harm."

"We will return to the Empire safely. In the meantime I suggest you focus on the task at hand to quiet your fears Captain, this should all come together soon."

Pellaeon sighed, he didn't like it but it seemed the Admiral had made up his mind.

"Of course Admiral. I look forward to news of your success, Judicator out."

Pellaeon resigned himself as he watched the image of Thrawn dissipate. He took a moment to survey the bridge of the Judicator. It was far more orderly than it had been before he took command. Back when he was first transferred over from the Harbinger, it had been in an especially poor shape, largely due to the vessel's previous commander. In the brief window of time Pellaeon had known the man, Captain Saleb had been nothing short of one of the most irritating sentients Pellaeon had ever met, one of sadly too many Imperial Officers who were where they were because of who they knew rather than any form of merit, and it wasn't hard to recognize the barely-hidden contempt the first officer and the crew had for the man or the derisive and spiteful inflection that often accompanied his name.

Pellaeon had done his best to give the crew new purpose in the time following their displacement from Imperial space. Though a part of him missed the Harbinger he had made an impact on the Judicator, elevating it from the state his arrogant predecessor had left it in to one the crew were willing to obey and serve with dignity as the discipline and restraint they showed its former master was not expended on a regular basis. He wondered if this was why Thrawn had placed him in command of it, the Judicator had needed true leadership to bring its crew to its fullest potential.

Perhaps it had been a test of his own ability as well, the Admiral seemed to enjoy seeing his commanders show initiative while demonstrating his own brilliance. It was impressive but it worried Pellaeon, he hoped the Grand Admiral wasn't so wrapped up in his plans that he might overlook some minor detail that could undo him. Though he had proven these last few months that he could anticipate his opponents well enough. But underestimating an opponent was also a blindspot many commanders could fall prey too. Pellaeon hoped Thrawn was different for their sake.

"Captain Pellaeon, I have the report you requested from the engineering team."

Pellaeon's attention turned to the Judicator's first officer, Commander Ardiff who stood holding out a datapad for him.

"Thank you, I'll get to reading that right away." Pellaeon said as he took the datapad. The man moved to turn and walk away when Pellaeon stopped him with a question.

"Tell me, Commander. Do you approve of this truce the Grand Admiral has with this Bridger character?"

Commander Ardiff blinked, he seemed startled by the question. "You mean the Grand Admiral's prisoner, sir? I don't really know, it's not my place to say."

Pellaeon sighed, perhaps he should have kept that particular thought to himself.

"No, of course it isn't."

Commodore Faro watched as Pellaeon's image faded away from the holoprojector, leaving the shuttle interior without its blue tint. Thrawn stepped away, looking disappointed.

"It would appear Captain Pellaeon doesn't approve of my dealings with Bridger."

"To be fair Admiral I can't say I blame him, he is the reason we're in this situation after all." Faro stated

"Regardless, the Captain will do as he is instructed. He may not approve of my methods but he is not a man who argues with results."

Faro nodded then asked.

"So our contingency is ready then?"

"Indeed, all I need do is give the signal, but I would rather it did not come to that. I'm beginning to think these Narivan could be of potential use in the future."

"What do you mean?"

"Though their technology may still appear crude compared to that of the Empire, the fact remains that their technology has progressed faster in the last number of decades than parts of the Galaxy have in the last millennium. Advancing from a basic industrial society to mastering clean energy sources, intersystem space flight, and creating a unified world governing body all in an attempt to unite against a common foe. They still struggle with concepts we would consider rudimentary due to their rush to fight their more advanced foe, but given what I've been able to gleam from our time here they could prove useful. Their ability to engineer and adapt combined with our guidance could make them a valuable ally."

Thrawn and Faro stepped down the ramp, out of the shuttle and back out into the sunlight. Faro could see the logic in what he was saying but she had little reason to trust these aliens yet after the first impression they left. She wouldn't be comfortable with it until the Grand Admiral secured peace with them, hand access to their needed resources, and we're back on our way to Imperial space.

As they reached the end of the shuttle's exit ramp their Death Trooper escort stood at attention with the protocol droid as they passed. A small party of the Sentinel Guard stood facing the Death Troopers and let out a series of squacks directed at the droid.

"Admiral, you and your envoy are requested to gather in the Council Hall. The members of the Narvian Council have arrived and are ready to hear your request." 5A-6 translated for them

"Very well, tell them we shall follow." Thrawn said then turned to Faro, "Commodore, I believe it is time for our work to begin in earnest."

When the Imperials were first summoned to return to the chamber, Ezra had hoped some sort of agreement could be quickly reached, and that the Imperials could just be on their way and the Narivan could be left alone, better prepared to face a hostile galaxy and with the Empire too far away to ever bother them again. But just when it seemed the President was going to give his answer, a well dressed bird, in what appeared to be an Admiral's uniform, squawked at him. This one Ezra hadn't seen the last time, an elderly looking Narivan with rough grey feathers and a walking stick.

Then the blue coated Narivan across the room squawked at him and then they all started off arguing amongst each other. The Admirals began to squawk amongst themselves as the other color coated groups of the council did likewise.

They began addressing one another, one with brown feathers started squawking at the one with blue feathers, and a green feathered Narivan squawked at the brown one, and then one of the President's council began to squawk at the Admirals, who were too busy squawking amongst themselves to notice.

Before long, the Narivan had seemingly forgotten the Imperials were even in the room. For the past hour or so the Narivan just squawked and chirped amongst themselves while the others just watched. Ezra buried his face in his hand as the political posturing dragged on, across the room he noticed the old Professor doing the same thing.

Beside Ezra, the Grand Admiral sat calm in the middle of the storm of feathers and noise. His eyes flicking across the room, sitting motionless and observing the proceedings and seaming to Ezra as unreadable as always. Commodore Faro tried to keep her composure but even that faded as the bickering dragged on. The stoicism of an Imperial Officer started to crack, revealing visible discomfort at the sharp shrieking noises of the Narivan, and Ezra even noticed her stopping herself from covering her ears once or twice.

Eventually, the President decided enough was enough, he signaled to two Sentinels in ceremonial garb standing at the doorway, and in unison they loudly clacked two large staffs against the ground to bring the council to order.

"Grand Admiral Thrawn, the council will hear you. Though many of my councilors still do not wish it, the floor is yours." 5A-6 translated for President Reelak

Thrawn nodded, his glowing eyes scanning the crowd of exhausted Narivan as their attention focused on him. Then he spoke with 5A translating for him.

"Thank you, Mr. President."

Thrawn then rose from his chair and cleared his throat as he addressed the chamber.

"A number of months ago, a series of catastrophic events cast our fleet far out of range from Imperial space. Since then we have been fighting for our lives in this unmapped area of the galaxy, alone and with no hope of rescue we have been slowly crawling our way across the stars in hope of reaching safe harbour. I have come before this esteemed council to ask for your aid in hopes of repairing our vessels so that we may continue our voyage home."

As 5A finished translating his opening statement the room was a flurry of conversation as the Narivan chirped amongst themselves. Ezra folded his arms and resisted the temptation to roll his eyes. Faro observed the scene whilst betraying no response.

"In exchange we have offered to extend to you one of the most valuable resources we can offer, knowledge. The vast history of the galaxy, secrets and wonders you could never dream of, technology to help your people, how to increase your crop yields, control the weather and even traverse the stars. For your aid this can be yours."

As the Grand Admiral finished his words were met by loud caws that echoed through the chamber as the councillors moved to speak, the sentinels clashed their staffs in unison and Admiral Carala stood up and squawked at Thrawn.

"Knowledge is a more powerful weapon than any cannon or blade and you expect us to believe you will just give us these wondrous things for such a small price!?" 5A translated for him.

"Would you prefer I lessen my previous offer, give you something more appropriate for the repairs instead? Or perhaps we could just pay you in Imperial Credits and leave you to try and figure out an exchange rate."

Carala responded with a low growl. Another councillor rose beside him and spoke up in his defense.

"Admiral Carala raises a good point. You must admit, Admiral, your offer does seem very beneficial for our people, almost too beneficial for some mere repairs."

Kreel squawked at the councillor and another heated exchange occurred as the two hissed at each other from across the table.

"I must concur with counselor Raleesh!" Another Narivan said as a chorus of agreements and objections flew across the Council Chamber.

Kreel growled in abject annoyance as he scratched a single talong furiously against his beak.

Ezra sat in bewilderment, unable to understand what was being said, but it wasn't hard to tell what was happening. As the Narivan spoke amongst themselves, more and more of them were turning against Thrawn's proposal.

"5A-6, inform the President I wish to address the council."

5A-6 squawked at the President. Reelak nodded, and signalled the Sentinels whose strikes quickly brought the council to order.

"I must admit, I am disappointed." The Grand Admiral lamented as he spoke.

"I have come here, offering you invaluable help for a comparatively small price, and yet you continue to insist on rejecting my offer despite all logical sense. Your efforts so far have been impressive, even awe-inspiring, but I warn you all there are forces in this galaxy who possess our same capabilities and none of our desire to negotiate. The display my ship gave upon our arrival was indeed a warning, but not of the threat we posed, but of the threat the next visitors to your world will pose. Try as you might, you cannot fight the entire Galaxy by yourselves. Caution is good, apprehension is necessary, but I warn you if you are unwilling to reconsider the paranoia you have fallen into, it will most certainly be your undoing. In my brief time on your planet, my observations had led me to believe your culture was one of understanding. I had come to hope yours would be a people who understood the value of compassion and co-operation. And indeed, at some point, I do believe you once did. How else could such rapid political unification, technological advancement and industrialization be accomplished? I dread to imagine what event could possibly reduce you to this state."

All of a sudden the tension in the room increased drastically as 5A-6 finished her translation. The Narivan sat up, glaring at Thrawn, all of them beginning to wonder just how much he actually knew. Ezra resisted the temptation to roll his eyes at the show the Grand Admiral was putting on for the Narivan, but reaching into the Force a part of him almost swore he could detect a hint of genuine sorrow from him.

"Regardless, you have made it clear that you do not want my help and as much as it disappoints me, my associates and I shall take our leave."

Ezra was just starting to leave his seat, bewildered at how easily Thrawn had given up, when the Grand Admiral cleared his throat.

"And I wish you all the best in the event that the Vagaari return."

"Droid, wait!" Faro said, turning the Grand Admirals' attention to her. The couinclers looked up from their musings, puzzled for why she had stopped the droid from speaking.

"Forgive me Admiral, but are you sure about this?"

"I have considered this carefully, Commodore. I am confident this will work."

Faro nodded and took a breath, waiting to see what would happen next as 5A-6 relayed the message.

The circle of Narivan erupted into a flurry of shock. Their eyes bulged in surprise then anger, hissing and screeching filled the chamber. President Reelak sat deathly still, eyes sinking to the table as the Sentinels clacked their staffs repeatedly against the ground to restore order.

"How did you find out?" President Reelak asked as the room quieted.

"I recognized their visage in one of the paintings in your art gallery. Although I could not read the name of the artist, I must compliment their skill in capturing the ugliness of that particular species."

"So you know of them?" Reelak asked.

"My people have long been enemies of the Vagaari."

"You mean the Vagaari have come to blows with the Empire?"

"No, I mean my people, the Chiss Ascendancy."

"Somehow I knew you'd discover this. I warned the President but he didn't listen." Kreel said, with what could almost be identified as a satisfactory chuckle. Reelak squawked at him, presumably to be quiet.

"That's enough!" Carala yelled. He turned to Reelak and began to yell at him some more, he waved his hand at the Imperials and slammed his fist on the table.

"You said your people are enemies of the Vagaari?" Kreel asked.

"Indeed. The Vagaari and the Chiss Ascendancy have long come to blows."

"Well then, we have a common enemy. That's a start."

Reelak silenced him once again, the Narivan began squawking and chirping amongst themselves.

"5A-6, what are they saying?"

"It's hard to make out Admiral, they appear to be confused about your loyalties and the nature of the relationship between the Chiss and the Empire."

Thrawn thought for a moment.

"President Reelak, if you would allow me to explain my own history with these creatures."

The President nodded.

"Before I joined the Empire, I spent years fighting these creatures. Often they would clash with my people's fleets. Some of their more brazen parties would attempt to raid our border worlds. Even full scale wars broke out, when the Vagaari would attempt to break past the Ascendancy's perimeter defences. And every time they did, we held. The Ascendancy has no friends, its policies are strictly isolationist. For centuries it has held against constant assault from the Vagaari and many other such enemies. Make no mistake, I have seen the cruelty of the Vagaari first hand."

Ezra silently scoffed at Thrawn's statements. He still remembered his first encounter with those creatures. The bubbles, it had only been brief, but those bubbles still lurked in the dark corners of his mind. He also remembered how callously Thrawn had been willing to fire right through them.

Another Admiral spoke up. Thrawn ordered 5A-6 to translate.

"I support further cooperation! You heard this Admiral, he's seen the cruelty of the invaders first hand. Any enemy of the Vagaari is most certainly our friend!"

Carala squawked to protest, only to be cut-off by another Admiral, who turned to Thrawn.

"You said your people have no friends, perhaps the Narivan could provide such friendship?"

"As an Imperial Admiral, I cannot speak for the Chiss government. But I still have connections within the Ascendancy and could potentially put you in contact with them once we have reached it."

"A potential ally against the Vagaari…" Reelak pondered the possibility before speaking up.

"It's settled then, we give you access to our orbital docking platforms and whatever resources we have will be available to repair your ships as best we can. Though with your ships being far more advanced than ours, we cannot guarantee we can repair it to an acceptable state."

"That is acceptable. We do not need anything permanent, just enough to help us reach our destination."

"In return, you let us study your technology so that we may learn from it and advance our own. And, in addition you put us in contact with both the Empire and the Chiss Ascendancy for potential further cooperation."

"I can act as an intermediary on behalf of the Empire. As for the Ascendancy, once we arrive, I will be sure to inform them of your desire to co-operate. Though I must warn you I cannot guarantee they will be willing to work with you."

Carala shrieked, slamming his fists on the table. He growled at every single Narivan surrounding him, and then turned to hiss at the off-worlders. Reelak shrieked back at him in a vain attempt to get him to quiet down, but Carala simply got up from his seat and trotted towards the door, slamming his walking stick into the ground with every step he took. The Narivan Admiral fell dead silent as he walked away.

I'll try and update this story more next year. I haven't given up on my plans for this story, it's just taking a while. I'll be honest, Ascendancy was always an ambitious and I think I bit off way more than I could chew here, worldbuilding Neriva is hard, so is trying to write around the fact half the characters are speaking a different language, but I'm gonna do my best to see this arc through to the end and finally get around to seeing the damn Ascendancy itself.

I did enjoy writing the Pellaeon bit, and we now have an explanation for why he's not on the Harbinger anymore. I do plan to do more with him in the future.

I am aware a lot of new SW stuff has been announced. To be frank, I haven't kept up much with this franchise (I haven't even sat down to watch the Mandalorian yet), I've lost a lot of my interest in anything that's not either written by Zahn, old EU or this story.

I probably won't be including Zahn's new Ascendancy trilogy (a name which pains me, honestly) into this story's timeline, I haven't read Chaos Rising yet but from what I've heard it contradicts some of the backstory I've written (and I hear it also confirmed the death of a Legends character who I'd planned to use pretty heavily later on, make of that what you will), though I will probably read it at some point and maybe take some inspiration from the depiction of Chiss society.

So here's to 2021, I've been taking a pretty big hiatus but I'm hoping to make a comeback and start updating regularly again.