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Chapter 28
The Chiss' eyes fell upon him, unconstrained surprise flaring off his face for a single moment. He was considerably younger. It was barely noticeable. Perhaps one or two features. But one thing for sure: Luke now recognized that ripple through the Force that he had felt earlier.
"Do you understand Sy Bisti?" He sighed, translating. He caused this. He might as well be the one who solved it. Thankfully, for the past twenty years, he had taken the time to learn other languages, including those from the unknown part of space. It was rumored he did, and Luke hoped that was the case now.
Two blinks of the eyes, but everything remained the same. "Yes, I'm Commander Mitth'raw'nuruodo of the Chiss Ascendancy," the alien stated, his eyes now locked on Luke. "This is the Springhawk, Picket Force Two command vessel of the Expansionary Defense Fleet."
Luke nodded, "I see."
"In general, full names are required for formal occasions, for strangers, and for those who are socially inferior. Who are you, and how do you know my name?"
He might have already labeled himself an enemy in the eyes of the now-Commander. But no aggression was in his tone, despite his eyes telling a different story.
"I am a Jedi Knight. We have abilities that spread through the galaxy. I have had visions of you before." Luke half-lied, unable to squelch the awkwardness that was suddenly created by everyone looking at him.
Thrawn - Mitth'raw'nuruodo - examined him, red eyes observing him. "...Hmm." His eyes darted. "And who are your passengers?"
"Shmi, Anakin Skywalker, and Kitster Banai," Luke introduced.
"Why are you here?" the Chiss inquired.
"We were looking for supplies," Luke answered, and it was the truth. Encountering Thrawn hadn't been his intent, for he hadn't given much thought to him, or anyone else within the Republic as of late.
The Chiss asked, "What is your goal out here, Jedi?"
"I am a traveler of sorts. Training my protege and roaming the galaxy, you can say." Luke answered.
No emotion was across the Chiss' face. "You can say the same about us."
"Will we be released?" Shmi asked now, quirking an eyebrow in curiosity and barely concealed uneasiness. Luke translated this for her.
"Soon," Thrawn answered. "First, I need to examine your vessel and confirm that you are indeed harmless travelers."
"There isn't much you can find in there," Luke assured. He did consider breaking free and possibly handling the threat of Thrawn sooner. Only if he'd attacked...
"We'll see that for ourselves," Mitth'raw'nuruodo said.
"I'm going to assume that you have quarters prepared," Luke said. Knowing Thrawn, he always was ahead of everything.
"Correct," Mitth'raw'nuruodo confirmed. "Perhaps later you'll permit me to show you Chiss hospitality."
"We would be both grateful and honored, Commander," Luke said, inclining his head in a small bow.
"Of course," Mitth'raw'nuruodo said. "The base isn't far."
"It's in a different system entirely, isn't it?" Luke asked, finding some amusement here.
"We've already left," Mitth'raw'nuruodo retorted mildly.
Nevertheless, Luke sensed that no danger was to be brought to them. Be it the Will of the Force, Luke needed to discover what Thrawn was up to. He didn't know if Thrawn was within Palpatine's pocket yet. If he wasn't, what did that mean? Luke knew that the Chiss had encountered the Vong. It had taken common sense to realize that because they both lived in the Unknown Regions.
But maybe... maybe, the galaxy would be thankful if he was able to negotiate with Thrawn.
He led the way another five meters down the corridor to another door, where he touched a striped panel on the wall.
"You have more to discuss," Thrawn noted to the Jedi, who nodded once as the door slid open for the passengers.
The three disappeared inside, illuminated by the dim quarters.
"Be safe, Luke," Anakin said, staring after him with concern that melted Luke's heart.
"I will be," Luke patted Anakin's shoulder reassuringly.
The doors closed, and Luke walked beside Thrawn, both of their hands folded.
"I know more than you think, Commander," Luke said after a moment.
"Oh?" Thrawn raised an invisible eyebrow.
"It concerns a common enemy of ours," Luke answered ominously. "The Chiss have known of them for a long time, I believe. You'll know them as the Yuuzhan Vong or the Far Outsiders?"
Shock flashed across Thrawn's signature yet again, and his mouth dropped slightly. "You have encountered them?"
"Yes," the time traveler confirmed, "they are undetectable through the Force. I almost died multiple times because of them. I know people who did..."
By technicalities, it was not a lie. That unpleasant experience when Luke died from Shimrra's amphistaff poison notwithstanding, Chewie and Anakin died. Now that Luke had the time to do something about it, he wouldn't allow his friends and family to suffer again.
"Hmm..." Quietness prevailed for a moment while Thrawn processed this information. "Do your companions know?"
"No. I have many, some reluctant. And I have determined they're not prepared to stand against the Vong, nor is the Republic you may have heard of. We need to discuss politics."
Silence passed once again.
"Come with me," Thrawn said next.
In the conference room, Luke and Thrawn were soon met by another Chiss. He wore gray clothes with burgundy highlights. Like Thrawn, he had blue skin, blue-black hair, and red, glowing eyes. He was also wielding a datapad or a similar device.
"This is my brother, Mitth'ras'safis. He has more knowledge in the political field than all others, earning the role of Styndic. Mitth'ras'safis, this is Jedi Luke Skywalker. I still question if your skills are adequate politically speaking." Compared to Thrawn, Luke sensed that he was by far the lesser of the two.
The other Chiss glared at Thrawn. "They are." Luke swore Thrawn rolled his eyes, but it was ignored as Mitth'ras'safis stared at him. "Unlike my brother, I have some knowledge of the Jedi. I do question why your kind is this far out, but that is irrelevant. What are your plan, Jedi?"
"I have many obstacles to deal with, Styndic," Luke replied honestly.
"Oh, may I ask who?"
"Chancellor Palpatine of the Galactic Republic," Luke decided to take a bold move. The name didn't faze Thrawn, confirming to him quietly that Thrawn didn't know of Palpatine. "I intend to build a formidable military to destroy the Yuuzhan Vong."
"Oh?" He typed in the device and frowned when a name came up. "If you consider the elected official of the Republic an enemy, this is a bigger hindrance to deal with," Mitth'ras'safis pointed out.
"The Chancellor's intent is to transform the Republic into an Empire," Luke answered.
Mitth'ras'safis nodded. "An advantageous goal. The only way the galaxy could even repel out the Vong is a strong, stable Empire with an unrivaled military force, instead of a bickering democratic government."
"He will not help you," Luke answered. "At least not in the long run. His Empire will be incredibly xenophobic and believe in the 'high human' culture of humans being superior to aliens."
Although Luke almost didn't see it, he spotted the rage coursing within both of the Chiss' eyes, the way his lips curved ever so slightly. Luke would have to play this carefully. The Force was with him.
"Another will be Palpatine's appeal for ordering the construction of useless superweapons."
Disapproval rippled off of Mitth'ras'safis, "...If that is the case, that is a waste of resources and currency."
Luke considered this carefully.
For the sadistic person he was, and Luke hated to admit, but Palpatine had brought stability to the galaxy. No longer were pirates a major threat to the Outer Rim worlds. No longer were politicians neglecting the development of their planets. Palpatine was not the true threat or terror. No. When the Yuuzhan Vong invaded, the galaxy knew what true threat and terror were. Although the Yuuzhan Vong were defeated, they left a destroyed and devastated galaxy. All of which could have been avoided if the galaxy had been united under one militaristic power.
Han was wrong when he expressed that the Empire wouldn't have stood better against the Vong. The Sun Crusher? Eye of Palpatine? The Eclipse? All those superweapons worked perfectly and could have wiped out the Yuuzhan Vong. Even without them, their Military would have stood. The New Republic failed because they were incompetent and acted too late. While the Empire knew about the Yuuzhan Vong and would have intervened quickly. The Empire also would have shown no mercy.
Only when tactics transformed and became more militaristic did the Vong begin being drawn out and struck down. Luke knew that it would have to be done. The Vong couldn't be allowed to conquer the galaxy. He wished that a peaceful solution was available, but his choices were as always limited.
"You have a plan," Mitth'ras'safis declared.
"Yes, I want to remove the current Chancellor from power." However, an effective way of doing so hasn't yet come up. He had to trap Palpatine, accounting for various contingencies and backup plans.
"I imagine killing a legally elected official wouldn't be approved by the general population of your Republic," Mitth'ras'safis noted expressionlessly, seeming to decipher him.
"I'm biding my time until direct action can be taken," Luke stated truthfully.
"An assassination? I didn't believe Jedi engage in such." Faint amusement flared across the Chiss' expression.
"Palpatine is dangerous." He couldn't be sure if either Chiss would be phased by the knowledge of Palpatine being a Sith so he'd neglected mentioning it. "The amount of power he wishes to hold can be effective if not for his own interests. You understand why a pure human government wouldn't sustain."
"Yes, but the end justify the means."
"At times it do, that much we agree on, but that philosophy is a pathway to evil. That would require a galaxy where any non-humans are enslaved by an Empire. You would not be exempt from that list, as when your usefulness expires, you will be expected to fall in line."
"How can we be sure that you wouldn't be the same? You travel with human passengers," Mitth'ras'safis pointed out.
"Galactic conquest has been what I have considered for years, but I have had no way of knowing if the galaxy is ripe for a new order," Thrawn admitted.
"Because I recognize that the galaxy's diversity is to be celebrated. I am aware that the Chiss had been in contact with the rest of the galaxy during the time of Darth Vitiate, when your ancients were allies of the Sith Empire, but withdrew into isolationism following its fall. You have been severed from the galaxy for so long. You abide by the law of the sea to aid travelers in need. And you don't ignore the galaxy, either: in fact, your defense forces have made a veritable art form of getting around your prohibition on striking first. I cannot prove it with my actions now, but if you give me a chance, I will ensure that your people, and you, have a voice. That we have a military that will never fracture. That the galaxy will be united, and you a pivotal part of it."
The two locked eyes, and Luke's never wavered-a show of full honesty and sincerity. Unlike Palpatine, Luke would keep his end of the bargain. No matter what Thrawn did in a future that would never be, this one would be brighter and better, well-equipped for the Yuuzhan Vong and other essential threats from afar. The weakness of the Republic wouldn't be able to stand against the Yuuzhan Vong, even with their Clone Army at its full capabilities. The possible CIS wouldn't either, but it would be a failure of leadership rather than technology. The Separatist Council wasn't artistic enough to tailor their droid designs to the threat of that structure, and their military leadership was too hell-bent and sabotaged by Sidious. All that to say, they could, in theory, unload on the Yuuzhan Vong with YVH droids, but they never would have maintained the tactical ingenuity to make them in the first place.
"So you can sustain the Republic and reform it from the inside out?" Mitth'ras'safis questioned.
"I never said I entirely oppose the idea of an Empire." At least for a little while.
"With you as Emperor?"
Luke dismissed. "I never said that. I'm unsuitable to lead an entire system. My Empire will fall into disarray within moments of his rise." Not to mention the small disdain Luke had for politicians. Not enough to cloud his vision or fall into that narrow-minded trap that all of them were out for themselves, but still enough to see that any system would have a little bit of corruption and internal issues.
"I take it you wouldn't be opposed to some sort of mutual alliance," Thrawn offered. "When my operations are in jeopardy, I reach out to you for support and vice versa."
The idea stunned Luke. While he had wanted to save Thrawn from Palpatine's influence if he had to, keeping him on a firm watch just handling the problem permanently, the Force had been tested far too many times in the other timeline, blurring the lines between good and evil.
What truly caused him to think was how Jacen and Jaina were subject to three kidnapping attempts by Thrawn's Noghri Death Commandos. In order to guarantee Jorrus C'baoth's assistance with his campaign, Thrawn had made a promise to apprehend Luke, Leia, and her as yet unborn children, who were Force Users, so that C'baoth could then convert and shape them in any way he saw fit.
After the vacation to Honoghr and getting the assistance of the Noghri, Leia ensured that Jaina and Jacen were born on Coruscant during the final days of the Thrawn campaign without the threat of any more kidnapping attempts by Noghri Death Commandos looming over their heads. Thrawn, however, still trying to keep his end of the bargain, deployed Imperial Intelligence agents to Coruscant to catch the twins and their mother once again. The quarters in which the Solo family stayed were destroyed, but Thrawn's agents were foiled once again, and the twins were saved.
The mere memory of those events admittedly brought great overprotective anger to Luke's heart. It was one thing to target him, Han, or his sister, but another to target the younger members of his family. The ones he practically raised in the Academy and taught to become much more.
To be at Thrawn's side would essentially be filling the role of Joruus C'baoth in that future that would never be. While he sensed no present danger from the Chiss nor would it be fair to blame him for that, Luke reasoned within his heart that Thrawn had too much knowledge.
To revert Thrawn from Palpatine's manipulations… Perhaps with Thrawn's intelligence, Luke could ensure a bright future and eliminate at least most of Palpatine's contingencies…
"I wouldn't be," Luke agreed slowly, "it would require plenty of our attention if we wish to tear apart the corrupted husk and rebuilding it anew for a brighter and better galaxy isn't something I would ever oppose."
Thrawn nodded. "My knowledge of this time is admittedly limited, but I'll take your word for it." His face smoothed with the ease of a composed individual.
For all of their flaws, Luke wanted to save the Jedi. While it would be a tragedy for the Order to fall to the Sith, a bigger tragedy would be for the galaxy to fall in the face of the Vong's war. He was one person, and he couldn't be everywhere at once.
It occurred to him that what Luke and Thrawn both wanted would never be accomplished with a Senate. Both would need authoritarian rule levels to pull a large fleet into the outer regions. Alas, terrible as it was, he had several candidates in mind about who could fill the void on the throne when the time came. He didn't know exactly where the Vong originated from, but with time and management, they could stop them before they even got off their feet.
The New Republic faced a new existential threat every year, yet it still failed to act when new threats appeared and failed to address known and existing threats like the Imperial Remnant. It only survived as long as it did because it was constantly being saved by the same band of heroes, time after time. The incompetence of the leadership had cost lives. With the right people playing under the Dictatorship when it was needed, that would be what the galaxy needed.
"What is morally right, or just, for one group can equally harm the interests of another," Luke murmured under his breath, but loud enough for the Chiss to hear.
Thrawn didn't say anything to that.
Now faced with a face from his past, Luke could understand the meaning.
"Currently, I have a proposal for you. My young companion, Anakin Skywalker, is at an inappropriate age to learn military tactics. However, I imagine my schedule may be filled within a few years, and I would greatly appreciate it if you could offer him some information. He lacks much knowledge."
Thrawn paused. "That's another term to ask for, Jedi."
"Nevertheless, you require allies if you are to counter the Yuuzhan Vong, as do I. We are both in a helpless situation where we only have time on our side. The Far Outsiders are coming, and it is only a matter of time before the galaxy will be plunged into darkness. If I am available and our operations are threatened, you can be sure that I will honor my word. As a gesture of goodwill, when we arrive at your station, I'll teach you Galactic Basic."
Thrawn thought about it for a moment. Luke feared he may have pressed too far, but finally, the Chiss agreed. "Very well."
And their Alliance was born.
An Alliance that might have just started the first true process of saving the galaxy.
