Alliances (Star Wars: Thrawn, #2)(51)

“Information,” Thrawn corrected. “What of Commander Kimmund and his assault on the freighter?”

“The First Legion has captured it,” Faro confirmed. “The cargo hold was destroyed, though, and there’s not much left in there to examine. Kimmund has the vessel under power and is bringing it in.”

“I assume you sent assistance?”

Faro felt her lip twitch. “I sent four TIE Defenders, sir,” she said. “They were unable to significantly affect the outcome.”

“I doubt that, Commodore,” Thrawn said calmly. “Even if they merely drove off reinforcements to the freighter they nevertheless contributed to its capture. Did Commander Kimmund take any prisoners?”

“Yes, sir, he reports they have three,” Faro said, feeling some of the tension leave her shoulders. Grand Admiral Thrawn always saw the big picture, choosing to concentrate on the successes and learn from the failures. Vader, if his reputation wasn’t exaggerated, would probably have left a trail of bodies behind him after such a lackluster report.

It was entirely possible that he still might.

“Excellent,” Thrawn said. “Lord Vader and I will be returning with two cylinders of unknown origin and function. Have one of the mechanical assembly rooms cleared and a full squad of engineers assigned to learning their secrets.”

“Yes, sir,” Faro said, tapping a quick note on her datapad. “Do you wish any cultural downloads sent to you? I have a high-speed transmitter ready.”

It was only a small smile; but to Faro it spoke volumes. She had correctly anticipated her admiral’s thoughts and orders, and he was pleased. “Thank you, Commodore,” he said. “Please transmit everything in the files marked DARSHI and BORDERLANDS.”

“Yes, sir,” Faro said, making another note. “Anything else, Admiral?”

“Did Commander Kimmund get a look at the cargo before it was destroyed?”

“A brief look, yes,” Faro said. “He described it as a group of large cylinders.”

“Really,” Thrawn said. “Bring him into the conversation.”

“Yes, sir.” Faro keyed her board, lining up another tight beam on the freighter. “Commodore Faro for Commander Kimmund.”

Kimmund’s image appeared beside Thrawn’s. “Kimmund,” the stormtrooper commander said sourly.

“Admiral Thrawn, Commander,” Thrawn said as an image of a cylinder appeared between them. “Is this what you saw in the freighter’s cargo hold?”

Kimmund leaned forward a bit. “Not really, sir,” he said. “Ours were much larger.”

“But were they of the same style?”

“We only got a quick glimpse,” Kimmund said. “But I don’t think so.”

“Did Rukh perhaps get a longer or better look?”

Kimmund’s expression hardened. “Did you order him aboard the Darkhawk without my permission or knowledge, Admiral?”

“I gave no such order, Commander,” Thrawn said. “Nor did I order him to remain aboard the Chimaera. I presume he believed he could be of assistance to you.”

“I’m sure he did, sir,” Kimmund said stiffly. “In the future, I’d appreciate it if you’d permit me to choose the parameters and personnel for our missions.”

“So noted,” Thrawn said. Which wasn’t, Faro noted, acceptance of Kimmund’s request.

“And to answer your question, no, he didn’t,” Kimmund continued. “I had him kept in the Darkhawk during the operation.”

Thrawn was silent a moment, and Faro wondered if he would point out that the legion’s attack might have ended differently if Rukh had been included. But the admiral passed up the opportunity. “Very well,” he said. “Continue to the Chimaera and put the freighter in the Number Six slot. It may be that the ship, and even the hold, will yield more secrets than its former owners expect.” He paused. “One other thing, Commander. Keep your prisoners away from viewports or visual displays until you are within half a kilometer of the Chimaera. Then allow them to see their destination and observe and record their reactions.”

“Yes, sir,” Kimmund said, frowning. “So we can gauge whether or not they’ve ever seen a Star Destroyer?”

“Exactly,” Thrawn said. “It may be most informative. As you were, Commander. And you, Commodore, may send the datafiles at your convenience.”

“On their way, sir,” Faro confirmed.

“Which datafiles, may I ask?” Kimmund put in.

“Those of the Darshi and others of this region,” Thrawn told him. “It is possible that we have already met our enemy. It is equally possible that that enemy is yet hidden from us.” He paused, his face hardening. “It is vital that we learn which is the truth.”



* * *



—

Nodlia was waiting when Vader and Thrawn returned.

The Darshi bodies weren’t.

“Were my orders perhaps unclear?” Thrawn asked. His voice was calm, but Vader could hear the quiet threat beneath it.

So, clearly, could Nodlia. “I’m sorry, my sirs, I’m sorry,” he said, his throat working, his hands twitching nervously on the top of the bar. “They had weapons. I had none. I protested, but I couldn’t stop them.”