NationStates Jolt Archive

“Admiral, the fleet has arrived out of hyperspace,” reported the scanner station ensign. “All ships are reporting in now to their respective group leaders.”

“Thank you, continue on schedule,” ordered Grand Admiral Thrawn. The bridge of the Olympus Super Star Destroyer was busy, its crew helping to organize the mobilization of the fleet into different battle groups. All the while Grand Admiral Thrawn sat in his bridge command chair and observed, occasionally responding for different things or working quietly at his station and private computer. No one disturbed him.

Captain Isaard looked over at the grand admiral with a frown. He was still questioning himself about the admiral’s decision to pull away from the Kohona offensive. He had no broached the topic with Admiral Thrawn since the admiral had reprimanded him for questioning his orders. He did not wish to face that again.

Footsteps made from military boots on metal floors distracted Isaard from his thoughts as a junior officer stepped up next to him.

“Captain, we’ve just received word that Admiral Orannis has arrived with the Hand of the Emperor, the Blighter, and the Hand of Ares. All three commandants, including Commandant Spears have reported in.”

“Very well, see to it that they are properly taken care of Lieutenant. Any reports from Julia Prime?” asked Isaard. He looked out the view port in time to see a squadron of Eta-2 fighters fly past. The lieutenant looked down at his data slate and scrolled through it for a moment.

“No sir not yet,” said the young officer. He looked up at captain Isaard. “However we’ve just received word that three of the System Governors have arrived in their personal ships and are speaking with Governor Banston at Entente Station.”

Isaard frowned. The Moff Council and several admirals all in one place was not a good mix. It meant several pointed things. That Grand Admiral Thrawn had led the fleet here was no accident, and neither was the presence of four of the five Moffs, nor the arrival of Admiral Orannis. But what does it all mean? Isaard looked over his shoulder at Grand Admiral Thrawn. He just didn’t know what to think. In times like this is was best to just do your duty.

“Very well, continue on the handling Lieutenant. And see to it that you keep Colonel Morl informed,” said Isaard, getting back into his role as captain. The fact that the Ubiqtorate Command Base was here in the Digor system didn’t make Isaard any happier than he already was. The lieutenant however couldn’t read minds and was fooled by Isaard’s air of calm.

“Yes Captain.” He marched off to go back to his duties. Captain Isaard walked over to Grand Admiral Thrawn.

“Admiral sir, I thought you might like to know that three members of the Moff Council have arrived at Entente Station. They’re meeting Moff Banston as we speak,” Captain Isaard reported. “Also, Admiral Orannis has arrived with all three of the Torpedo Spheres.” Thrawn looked up from his work and nodded.

“Thank you captain, you may now order all three commandants that they are to arrive at these coordinates.” Thrawn held forth a small data card. Isaard took them instinctively and didn’t ask any questions. “And tell Admiral Orannis that he is to report to Entente Station as well,” said Thrawn, “ I myself will meet him there. After you’ve sent those orders prepare my shuttle.”

“Yes Admiral,” said Isaard. He was confused at what all was happening and was even more angry that he didn’t know what it all meant.

“Be at ease Captain,” said Thrawn, his red eyes giving Isaard and penetrating glance, “things are fine. The Emperor has been informed of the fleets presence here and I have no doubt that he will be on the way.” He waved a hand in dismissal and Isaard could do nothing more than salute and go about following his orders.

System Moff Banston, Governor of the Digor System, listened as his three fellow colleagues discussed the situation they were all in. At first they had been formal and Banston had seen to it that they’re reception had been filled with full military paraphernalia and ceremony, knowing that it would make them more complacent and less likely to start arguing with him. He was only happy that instead of inner-council fighting and manuevering of political position, they had all silently agreed to pick on the latest victim of error.

“I just can’t believe how stupid Grand Admiral Thrawn could have been as to disobey a direct order from the Emperor,” said Moff Verna (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Star%20Wars/287px-NynaCalixte.jpg). Moff Verna was a spider-like woman. She was the system governor of Tettrea where the Thrashian Army had a major presence as well as the Industry Guilds, allowing her to have some considerable leverage in the imperial court; that and she was so slippery that freighter oil wouldn’t be able to touch her.

“I think he finally just let it all go,” commented Moff Dorden (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Star%20Wars/Kane.jpg). Moff Dorden was another case entirely. He’d been recruited by Emperor Shadaum IV in the last days of his reign from the old Galactic Imperial court on Curoscant. Shadaum had used him to organize the Imperial Bank of Thrashia, and had rewarded him well when Dorden had completed the task with flying colors by making him System Moff of the Julian System. When Treize came to power Dorden had been one of the first to throw in his support and as such remained in his high position. “Let’s face it, he made a mistake.”

Banston’s third and final colleague at the table nodded in agreement. “It seems that the infallible Grand Admiral is no longer the man of legend we thought, making such an error within the court,” added Moff Alec (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Star%20Wars/447px-MorlishVeed.jpg). Alec was a truly dangerous member of the group. He’d bought out, murdered, and stepped over the bodies of those who got in his way to achieving the rank of Moff. Emperor Treize however never took notice, or chose not to, and had allowed the ruthlessly efficient man remain as the System Moff of the Elderqan System, home system and capitol of the Thrashian government and citizens.

“I find it hard to believe…but what about from a military stand point,” interceded Banston, interrupting his fellow Moffs in their speculation. He turned to his left at the admiral sitting there. “Admiral Orannis what do you think?” All four Moffs turned and looked at the fleet admiral sitting in a straight back position. He’d been silent the entire time as they had spoken and had only made the barest amount of effort to be cordial to them when they all met.

Orannis cleared his throat. “I believe that Grand Admiral Thrawn thought it in the fleet’s best interest, and therefore Thrashia’s interest, to not invade the Kohona System.”

“We would be crushing the Rebel scum right now if he had gone!” said Moff Dorden. Banston looked and saw the other two Moffs nodding in firm agreement. Banston looked back at the admiral.

“Surely Admiral Orannis,” said Banston, “you have no real problem with what has occurred. I imagine that the Emperor will arrive and quickly deal with this problem. Seeing as our dear Grand Admiral must lose his position, at the least, would that not put you in line to be Supreme Commander?” Banston was a through and through politician. He was use to military men like Orannis and saw ways to maneuver them so they worked to his advantage.

He continued speaking. “I myself have read your record admiral, and I must say it’s impressive. If things go as I just mentioned, then I will personally submit a recommendation to the Emperor that you be promoted.”

“Indeed Admiral,” added Moff Verna, “I can see you being a far wiser choice for Supreme Commander. Not to mention far suited than that alien Thrawn.” Banston mentally winced. It was highly known that Verna was very much anti-alien. It was amazing that she hadn’t tried working for the Galactic Empire’s New Order propaganda ministry.

Suddenly the small groups conversation was cut as the pressurized door slipped open and a tall woman with long flowing red hair entered the room in uniform followed by a pair of naval stormtroopers. She looked at each face in turn then waved her hand in dismissal. The stormtroopers saluted and turned, letting the door shut behind them.

“Admiral Daala (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Star%20Wars/200px-Daala1.jpg), so pleased you could join us,” managed Moff Banston. He was a surprised as anyone but managed to hide it well. Moff Dorden however had his mouth agape and moving slightly.

“What and how are you doing here?” he demanded. Admiral Daala nodded to Admiral Orannis and walked around to take a seat at the table, completely ignoring Moff Dorden. She sat down and seemed to make an effort to make as much scrapping noises as possible with the chair’s legs across the floor. When she was settled she allowed a bemused smile light her face as she looked at Dorden.

“Why, I came on orders of his Excellency,” she answered. Daala, Banston knew, was a through and through military type just as he was politically. She would of course be irritated to have to deal with the Moff Council.

Admiral Daala looked around. “Where is the beloved Moff Gerard?” shed asked. Moff Gerard, who was not present, was the weakest in political base yet richest of all the Moffs. He was the System Governor of Opel system, base of operations for Thrashia’s Merchant Guilds. As he ruled there with absolute power on behalf of the Emperor, many of the Guilds were quick to help line his pockets with credits so their own operations could go smoothly.

“He has some urgent business that kept him away,” said Moff Verna. “I believe he is overseeing the construction of a new shipyard in the Opel System on the Emperor’s orders.” The two women looked at each other and the tension between them was palpable. Banston knew how much each of them loathed the other. He decided to break up the theatrics.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, Moffs and Admirals,” Banston began, “we are not here to argue and fight amongst ourselves. We’ve been summoned here as per Emperor Treize’s orders, representing his court outside the Imperial Palace, in order to come to a decision upon the present situation. Now we cannot lightly arrive to a conclusion on Admiral Thrawn’s actions if we fight.”

“Yet you can certainly begin to judge behind my back before you hear a defense, rather typical of you Moff Banston,” said a voice. The entire group jumped in their seats. The conference room door opened and through it came, bedecked in his full white Grand Admiral’s uniform and all, was Thrawn. His cold calculating red eyes looked over the room’s population and he nodded.

“Yes, I can see we are all here,” Thrawn murmured. He waved at the two fleet admirals to sit, as they had quickly snapped up and to attention. “But yet we are missing the most important person.”

“And just who would that be?” asked Moff Dorden. Banston nearly fell over in his seat out of embarrassment for the man. Thrawn however merely smiled a smile that was his typical cold-hearted self when confronted by an inferior opponent.

“Why, the Emperor of course.”

Deleted .

Emperor Treize’s personal shuttle the Obsidian (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Star%20Wars/273.jpg) launched from the hanger of the Imperial Star Destroyer that had newly arrived in the Digor System. Treize had quickly rushed through space from Curoscant to get to Digor in less than 17 hours, nearly melting down the reactor of the Destroyer he rode in on. To say that the Entente Orbital Station was caught be surprise was an understatement, however Moff Banston had prepared for such a quick arrival and the Emperor was met with full regalia.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/Star%20Wars/treizesarrival.jpg

Each of the Moffs stood waiting in a semi circle in front of the landing area. Admiral Daala, Admiral Orannis, and Grand Admiral Thrawn stood at attention to one side in front of the stormtrooper battalion that stood in formation at stiff attention. Clonetroopers from every different command station were present and stood waiting.

As the ramp came down and the exhaust cleared a captain called out in a clear voice. “Long live Emperor Treize!” This was echoed by a thousand boots snapping together. The Moffs bowed at the same time and every eye turned to the ramp as four red armored stormtroopers, the Imperial Phalanx soldiers, marched off the shuttle and onto the deck. They paired off and turned in. With a smart military sounding ‘clack’ they came to attention. Then came the slow steady steps of Treize Kushrenada himself down the ramp, his cloak trailing majestically behind him. He stood outside the shuttle for a moment and viewed the troops. For them it was their most prideful moment and greatest honor, to be looked upon by their emperor.

He then turned to the Moffs and acknowledged them. They raised their heads and stood silently as Treize’s eye moved to the three admirals. He showed no emotion as he did so. Seeming to shrug he walked forward and away from the shuttle. Moff Banston as host took up the walk and came next to him. “Welcome my Emperor to Entente Station. I presume your journey was pleasant?” Banston asked. The Moffs and the three Admirals walked behind as a group. They all walked down the isle created by the ranks of stormtroopers. The group walked through the exit doors and into the station’s vast hallways.

“No Moff Banston, I did not enjoy my travel. I was in the middle of negotiations with Emperor Palpatine and Emperor Remiel,” said Treize at a length. Banston led the group into the same conference room that they had last occupied no more than a few hours ago. The Emperor took a seat at the head and watched each person carefully as they filed into the room and sat down. Grand Admiral Thrawn noticeably stood behind his chair.

“Why am I here?” asked Treize. He knew it was a rhetorical question, but he asked it anyway, wanting to gauge their reactions. He managed to put a grim look on his face, one of great disappointment. Moff Dorden coughed and Banston was more than a little relieved when the idiot kept himself from speaking out loud. None of them said a word. Thrawn simply stared with his glowing red eyes at the Treize.

“I was in the middle of one of the most important meetings of my reign, a turning point in our nation’s history, and I get a call from Colonel Morl saying that my fleet has no gone to Konoha as ordered.” Treize stood and looked directly at Thrawn. “YOU DISOBEYED A DIRECT ORDER!”

Everyone cringed as the Treize’s voice echoed loudly throughout the room. Banston and Dorden both winced, Verna simply closed her eyes, and Admirals Daala and Orannis looked up at the ceiling. Thrawn simply continued to stare at Treize.

“No excuse sire,” said Thrawn, “I have no excuse for my actions. I acted on my beliefs.” The group suddenly became deafly silent. Some hardly breathed. For Thrawn to make such a bold statement…

“Leave us,” said Treize softly. He looked at the Moffs and the other Admirals. “Leave us. I will speak with Grand Admiral Thrawn alone.”

The Moffs stood and quietly left the room. Both Admiral Daala and Orannis had smug looks on their faces as they left; they were not as skilled as the Moffs in hiding their glee. Moff Banston led them to a room across the hall where refreshments awaited them. He had known that the Emperor would need a long time to put Thrawn back in his place.

When everyone had left the room and the door closed Treize sat down. He rubbed his face then looked up at Thrawn and smiled. “Well, so much for that.”

Thrawn smiled himself. “You’re becoming quite the good actor my lord. I don’t think even I could have done as well.” Thrawn sat down as well, taking the seat at Treize’s right. “So are we really going through with this? When I received your encrypted transmission I was unsure but followed your orders.”

“Yes, we must. It is to ensure the survival of Thrashia, of that I am sure,” said Treize. Treize took from his pocket a small holo-pad. He pressed its center and activated it. A small image of the galaxy was showing. “This here is the last far-probe scan that Colonel Morl collected. It’s in Wild Space where there are no other nations, at least none that we’ve met before now. I will officially be assigning you there for mapping duty and exploration.”

“Indeed say no more your Excellency, we went over all this before,” said Thrawn. “Now is the time to finish our performance.”


After a good half hour an Imperial Army lieutenant stuck his head in the room where the Moffs and two Admirals were. “Emperor Treize desires your presence sirs and madams.” The entire time they waited Moff Dorden and Moff Verna had kept a discussion going on possible punishments and was spoiled when Moff Alec said that he expected execution. Admiral Daala and Orannis kept their mouths closed. Banston himself simply sipped spiced tea.

As they filed into the room Banston noted the Emperor’s anger and the warning signs of a hypothetical boom from the tinge of red that colored the emperor’s neck. Thrawn was sitting in a seat at the other end of the room with his head slightly bowed looking into the table as if it held a secret. It must have been a bad argument and yelling session to say the least, Banston thought.

“Welcome back,” Treize said tersely, “I have orders. Firstly, Admiral Orannis, you will be moving to the flagship Olympus and given supreme command of the fleet, Admiral Daala, you will be his second.” Both admirals smiled slightly and Orannis stood again and came to attention. Treize waved him to his seat and continued.

“Moff Verna will be handling the political affairs and aspects of Orannis’ new position and will see to it that the transition goes smoothly. Is this all understood?” asked Trieze.

“One thing,” said Moff Banston, “what is to become of Grand Admiral Thrawn?” Everyone was silent again and looked expectantly at Treize. The emperor cleared his throat and looked at all the faces then settled with a frown on the still bowed over Thrawn.

“Grand Admiral Thrawn is being assigned to the Relentless, Venator-class MkII Star Destroyer and sent on a mission to Wild Space for an extensive mapping and exploration campaign.” Banston nearly laughed, as did everyone else. Orannis actually snorted. It was exile, pure and simple. Banston could understand the emperor not wanting to throw away a talented commander like Thrawn, and this was indeed a stroke of fortune. Thrawn had always hogged so much power to himself as Supreme Fleet Commander under Treize. Now he was reduced to nothing, commanding only a single ship.

“Very well then,” said Treize, “I believe that we are settled here in our affairs. I will be returning to Pol-kamra. I expect to see each of you Moffs at the next council meeting in the next month or sooner. Admiral Daala, you will accompany me to my shuttle, and you too Admiral Orannis, we have things to plan.”

With that the group split up. The Moffs returned to their individual ships and went into hyperspace, leaving Digor behind. Admiral Orannis went to the Olympus which still sat in orbit. Admiral Daala went back to her flagship with new orders. And Grand Admiral Thrawn quietly exited the station on his personal transport and headed to his new flagship the Relentless to begin his new imposed exile in Wild Space.

The atmosphere on the bridge aboard the Relentless Venator-class MkII Star Destroyer was one of a subdued nature. The crew knew, as did most of the Imperial Fleet by now, why it was that Grand Admiral Thrawn was being removed from his position as Supreme Commander; political necessity was something that none aboard the Relentless liked, for they had been tagged along with Thrawn and sent into exile with him. Captain Brandei stood with not quite slumped shoulders, staring out into space contemplating his new role and that of his ship.

“We should be fighting the rebels,” he murmured to himself.

“Quite right Captain,” said a smooth voice behind him. Brandei turned and was surprised to see Thrawn standing there in his white uniform. He hadn’t even heard him approach, he must have really been distracted to let something like that slip. Brandei went to attention.

“I apologize, sir, no insult was intended,” Captain Brandei shot off. Thrawn simply smiled and walked up to stand next to the captain.

“Think nothing of it Captain, you have some right to worry about your career just as much as the next man,” said Thrawn, he clasped his hands behind his back, “but you have nothing to worry about.”

Brandei frowned. “What do you mean sir?”

“I will explain in due time Captain,” said Thrawn, his red eyes shining. “In the mean time bring us about, set a vector for the fifth quadrant of the Byzant System.” Captain Brandei nodded and quickly complied, signaling the helm. The ship shot into hyperspace and the helm officer gave Brandei and ETA of three hours before they reached their destination at point 4 cruising speeds.

Brandei nodded to the man. “Very well, keep me informed and alert me when we are coming up on the system.”

“Yes captain,” said the lieutenant.

Brandei walked back to the command chair where Thrawn stood over his command control-board. The space beyond the windows turned to star lines as the ship shot into hyperspace. “We’ve just made the jump admiral.”

Thrawn nodded absently and pressed a series of buttons. His chairs computer began installing some of his personal command programs. He stood up and turned to Captain Brandei, giving him a measuring look.

“Come with me to my quarters Captain,” said Thrawn. He marched around the command chair and toward the exit door. “Deck officer take the bridge, we’ll be back shortly.”

“Aye, aye sir.”

Captain Brandei followed Admiral Thrawn through the corridors of the Relentless down several flight decks before finally reaching the command suite. Before leaving port Thrawn had seen to it that the room had been altered to his specifications. Brandei thought he had seen a large vase taken aboard by some of the crew, but he didn’t really remember.

When the door slid open it revealed a well lit, white light room. All around on pedestals and on the wall were pieces of art; vases, paintings, and small statues adorned the room. Captain Brandei was slightly taken aback.

“Like them?” asked Thrawn. He walked to the center of the room where a chair identical to the command chair on the bridge was. He sat in it and pressed a button causing several control panels to come from the ceiling that created a circle around Thrawn in his seat. “I’ve been collecting them for several years. Most are originals, but sadly not all of them,” Thrawn said, a seemingly bit of longing in his voice.

“Yes sir,” said Brandei. He did not know a thing about art other than that it was used as decoration at palaces and homes, things that were definitely non-military.

“Well, art can be for another time. For now let us get onto the subject at hand,” said Thrawn. He pressed a button and the lights dimmed. With another flip of a switch and a holographic map came up. It was of a system that Brandei did not recognize, and he had seen many. “Recognize this system captain?”

“No Admiral I don’t,” said Brandei.

“This is System AA-1, now being called the Marshal System by our astrographers. It is the final destination we will reach after being joined by our fellow task force members in the Byzant System,” said Thrawn. Captain Brandei balked at that.

“Fellow task force?”

“Yes. We will not just be mapping out in Wild Space captain,” said Thrawn, setting his fiery eyes on Brandei, “we’re going to be conquering it as well.”

Slowly, silently, its lights a faint glitter of life amid the darkness, the Venator II Star Destroyer Relentless glided through space. Empty space. Oppressively dark space. Long, lonely light-years from the nearest of the tiny islands that were the star systems of the civilized galaxy, drifting at the edge of the boundary between the fringe and the vast regions of Unknown Space. At the edge of known Imperial space.

Standing beside on of the Relentless’s side viewports, Captain Brandei, adjutant to Grand Admiral Thrawn in his exile, gazed out at the emptiness, the weight of his responsibility pressing heavily across his shoulders. He was still working out in his mind what it was that they were doing here.

“Have no worries Captain,” said a voice behind Brandei. “The first group of our task force will be arriving soon and then we can begin our operations.” Admiral Thrawn sat in his command chair looking at Brandei as he turned. It was almost as if Thrawn could read his mind.

“Sir, just how exactly are we to sustain ourselves? This mission is top secret, so it’s not as if High Command can write out the orders and send us reinforcements when we call,” Brandei observed.

“Indeed,” nodded Thrawn. “For that reason we are being given not only several more groups of forces, but also a large contingent of Harl-Reese Builder Ships, from the Merchant and Industry Guilds. All off the charts and the record of course. We’ll also have at least a thousand Spaarti Cylinders for troops, and the Builder ships will be used for exploiting resources and creating industry.”

Brandei nodded. “Seems as if we have everything planned out,” he said rather sardonically. Thrawn’s eyes flashed slightly.

“Do not worry about your record or career in this Captain, even if the ‘exile’ mission was for public record, once we reap the fruits of this harvest you will have no more doubts. Is that understood?” Thrawn asked. Captain Brandei was momentarily taken aback, but nodded at last in agreement.

“Yes I understand Admiral.”

“Good. We’ve plenty of time to rebuild our public appearances for later.”

The ComScan officer suddenly looked up from his control sensors. “Sir, we have ships coming out of hyperspace in sector 4.”

“Prepare for possible enemy engagement,” ordered Captain Brandei, “All fighters to their ships and bring all forward shields online.” Thrawn remained silent as Brandei quickly brought the Relentless up to fighting status.


Out of hyperspace appeared three large unmarked Venator Star Destroyers, the older version of the Mk II which Captain Brandei commanded. They each launched interceptors upon fully coming back to sub-light engines and followed standard fleet procedure. Captain Brandei had to say that they were impressive, the commander obviously being a quick man.

“Downgrade alert status. Shields back down and fighters to be relieved,” ordered Thrawn before Brandei could. “Comms send out the greeting sign.”

“Yes sir,” said the comm officer. He worked his controls for a few moments and started sending the transponder signal. “Signal sent.”

After only a short amount of time later the lead Venator sent a reply message. Thrawn turned to the aft-side hologram table where a 1/4th sized image of an imperial captain stood. He saluted smartly and came to attention.

“Captain Nime reporting for the Venator Star Destroyers Judicator, Dark Sword, and Lancaster; present and ready for duty Grand Admiral Thrawn,” said the man.

“Captain Nime, you made good time. When is the Karl-Reese group to arrive?” questioned Thrawn. Thrawn stood before the projector and observed the man that Treize had hand-picked to join Thrawn in his mission.

Captain Brandei stood slightly behind Thrawn and was looking out the viewport at the Venators far off in the distance. I can’t believe we received these old hunks of junk, he thought. I was hoping for an Imperial Star Destroyer squadron, or Victories at least. He brought his attention back to the hologram of Captain Nime, shaking such thoughts away.

“Representative Gordon, representative of the Guilds, was supposed to arrive right after we did,” said Captain Nime. “I however have doubts on civilian efforts.”

“We’ll need his cooperation Captain Nime, so make sure to be cordial to him,” warned Thrawn. “I’ll do not want to have Emperor Treize intervening on our behalf just because one of my ship captains insulted the Guild.”

Captain Nime looked suitably subdued after than. Brandei had observed that Thrawn was very good at doing that, including on himself from time to time.

“Yes Admiral, I understand.”

“ComScan reports another ship signature coming out of hyperspace. It’s large!” called the deck officer, disregarding usual procedure. Thrawn however didn’t seem to mind this own time and gave Brandei a knowing look that he had come to know meant that he would have to deal with the situation after things had quieted down.

Bursting forth from the star lined pathways of hyperspace came two very large, gargantuan ships. Each was a Karl-Reese ( http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/Upum/New%20Ships/tradeship.jpg) class Guild Ship. They were most commonly used for the creation of shipyards, being able to complete such a job in either pairs or alone in only a short extended period of time.

“Another transmission coming through,” said the comm officer. Brandei sighed at the disregard civilians had for military orders and things. The fool hadn’t even sent the transponder signal before opening up a communications line. “Patching it through to you sir.”

The hologram fuzzed for a moment when finally a small figure appeared of a rather large man. He seemed to have decided to grow horizontal instead of vertical some time in the past. The man kept himself wrapped in a large robe which could not hide his size.

“Grand Admiral Thrawn, I am Guild Representative- .”

“Gordon,” interrupted Thrawn. “Representative Gordon, how nice of you to join us.” The man frowned slightly and seemed taken aback by the interruption. Brandei would have bet a hundred credits with anyone willing that the man wasn’t use to anyone interrupting him.

“Yes, I am Gordon. Thank you for having us along. I presume we will be starting our little expedition shortly?”

“All in good time Representative,” said Thrawn smoothly, “however at the moment I have military matters to entertain. I will contact you in a short while before we leave the system and I will brief you then. In the mean time, feel free to take up an orbital position at the planet at point 883A.”

Gordon seemed properly tamed and nodded. “Very well then admiral, I will speak with you shortly.” The image disappeared the man vanished.

“Never did like rich civs,” commented the holo image of Captain Nime. Brandei smiled behind Thrawn’s back at the man’s brashness.

“Indeed, but remember what I said,” warned Thrawn. “We will need him for a while to come.”

“Yes sir.” Captain Nime once again assumed an air of business.

“Very good. Now, I will want you Captain to have Captain Fuller and McNeal to come to the Relentless. I shall brief all of you on our first operation,” Thrawn said. “We will soon begin the greatest campaign in Thrashian Imperial fleet history.”