Alliances (Star Wars: Thrawn, #2)(117)

“Grysk war vessel, this is Admiral Mitth’raw’nuruodo,” Thrawn said in Meese Caulf. “You are hereby delivered notice to return to your homeworlds and abandon your ambitions to extend your rule beyond your borders. If you continue in these endeavors, be assured that you will be defeated and destroyed.”

There is no response. But the Grysk silence holds anger and malice.

“End transmission,” he said in Basic.

“Sir?” Faro’s voice holds caution. “May I ask…?”

“I gave my name, and warned them to cease operations against us,” Thrawn said.

“Ah.” Faro’s expression holds confusion. “I assume you’re not expecting them to listen?”

“The survivors of this battle may take the warning to heart,” Thrawn said. “Their masters, unfortunately, will not.”

“I see.” Faro looks out the viewport. Her stance and expression hold determination. “Well, then, when they come for us we’ll beat them, too.”

Vader’s Defender continues to sweep around Bogey Two, alternating between missile and laser cannon fire. He spins the fighter in a tight curve and heads back toward another target, doing a complete roll as he does so. It is a familiar maneuver, carried out with a familiar precision.

It is he.

Without warning, he veers off, heading from the battle zone toward an escaping ship. TIE control calls to him once, then twice, but is ignored. The configuration of the ship Vader is pursuing…

“I admire your confidence, Commodore,” Thrawn said. “Let us hope that confidence is not unwarranted.”

“Yes, sir,” Faro said. “But I’m not concerned. We have you, and we have Lord Vader. Whatever the Grysks throw at us, we can take it.” She straightens up, her determination increasing. “Starting with this group right here. Turbolasers: You saw where the Bogey Two gunports were. Start by targeting the same positions on Bogey One.”





The cortosis miners who shuffled back to the surface at LebJau’s order were, for the most part, fearful or angry or just hesitant. But they did come out, all of them. They filed past LebJau, Thrawn, and Padmé, throwing glances at Anakin as he moved back and forth between the equipment sheds collecting the tools and explosives necessary for destroying the mine. A few of the miners tried to ask LebJau what was going on, or to accuse him of collaborating with their oppressors.

But for the most part, their anger or fear quickly faded into a weary resignation.

“I don’t think General Skywalker has thought this through,” Thrawn murmured to Padmé as the final group of miners walked past and headed toward the battered vehicles in the parking area. His expression was uneasy, and Padmé could hear the disapproval beneath the tone. “It would be better to allow the Separatists to waste their resources than to force them to look elsewhere.”

“I agree,” Padmé said, feeling a twinge of guilt with each dejected-looking miner who passed. “But I’ve seen Anakin in this mood.” She looked sideways at him. “I’m guessing you have, too.”

“Indeed,” Thrawn said. “But he has feelings for you. Can you not persuade him to rethink this action?”

“What do you mean?” Padmé asked, the all-too-familiar mix of innocence and disclaimer springing reflexively to her lips.

“I understand your reticence,” Thrawn said. “But the time for that has passed. I’ve observed you both, and I know what you’re hiding. General Skywalker’s plan could create a serious threat to this world. You must stop him.”

Padmé shook her head, her thoughts flashing back to that terrible day, that terrible frozen moment when Anakin had confessed his slaughter of the Sand People. “He won’t listen to me,” she said, blinking back tears. “Once he’s decided something, he won’t listen to anyone.”

Thrawn was silent a moment. “Then there’s indeed nothing we can do.”

Padmé looked at him. There’d been something new in his voice. “Is there a problem?” she asked. “I mean, another problem?”

“There is no problem,” Thrawn said. “But my task here is complete. If you’ll again loan me your communicator, I’ll take leave of you and your”—he glanced at Anakin—“your associate.”

“Of course,” Padmé said, slipping off her backpack. She dug out her comm and handed it to him.

“Thank you,” he said, keying it on and tapping out a short code. “This has been an interesting experience, Ambassador Padmé. I trust that both our peoples have gained from our brief alliance.”

“Any chance I can persuade you to return to Coruscant with us to speak with Supreme Chancellor Palpatine?” she asked as she took the comm back and put it away. “Our peoples should get to know each other. There’s a great deal we could accomplish together.”

“I’m afraid I have other duties I must attend to,” Thrawn said. “In addition, I’m not in a position to take part in official communications.” His eyes flicked over her shoulder. “General Skywalker, I must take my leave.”

“I understand,” Anakin said. Padmé turned, wincing at the bundle of wrapped explosives he’d put together. “But you really should reconsider Padmé’s offer. The Republic’s going to win this war, and Chancellor Palpatine is the one who’ll lead us to that victory. The Chiss Ascendancy would do well to establish good relations with him.”