Nine years, ten months, and four days after the Battle of Yavin…
Or forty-four years, ten months, and four days since the Great Resynchronization.
(Five months and twenty-four days since the arrival).
Observing the planet Vinsoth, its whitish-blue hues tinged with green sprawling before the bow of the Chimaera, one might conclude that the Force possesses a rather peculiar sense of humor.
Situated at the intersection of four major regional hyperspace routes, this system, located in quadrant N-5, lies on the fringes of the Kvelii sector, which recently partially aligned with the Dominion.
The planet Vinsoth.
For a considerable time, I contemplated transforming this world into a fortress planet, a steadfast bastion to advance the Dominion's borders. Yet, it could be said that these deliberations proved futile.
With the annexation of the entire sector, whose local governments—some willingly, some swayed by bribes, others due to dire circumstances, and some seeking protection from pirates and marauders—agreed to this step, only Vinsoth remained beyond our reach.
Yet, it simultaneously lost its strategic significance as a fortress planet, a forward defender of the Dominion.
For one simple reason—the Dominion's borders now extend far beyond. Consequently, the local population, reliant on a slave-based economy and lacking a planetary fleet, poses no obstacle to the movement of my ships from the core to the outskirts.
However, in this system, the opposite occurred.
— We've received data from the probe droids, — Captain Pellaeon announced, approaching me. — Baron D'Asta's corvette was pulled from hyperspace by an Interdictor cruiser. The ship and its escape pods were subsequently destroyed. We conducted a thorough analysis of the debris field, accounting for scatter vectors and adjustments for stellar winds—no survivors. Our agents on the planet also report no instances of landings or escapes. No one survived.
— This narrows the list of potential perpetrators to a very small circle, — I declared.
— It was the work of Imperial Space, — Pellaeon stated, handing me a data pad. — The attack involved the Tyrant and the Starweb. They confirmed the baron was aboard and destroyed the ship.
Intriguing names for the perpetrators.
The Tyrant—a beleaguered Star Destroyer that has changed hands multiple times, passing from the New Republic back to the Empire.
Most recently, this occurred due to the intervention of then-Captain Shohashi.
— Identified based on transponder codes? — I clarified.
— The probe droid also recorded the spectral signatures of both ships' engines, — Pellaeon added. — We cross-referenced the data with fleet records and confirmed a complete match.
— Thus, the Imperial Ruling Council eliminated the baron, who was en route to Ciutric to discuss an alliance, — I leaned back in my chair, tenting my fingers.
— Preventing a fracture within Imperial Space? — Pellaeon suggested. — The baron's daughter, Feena D'Asta, is a member of the Imperial Ruling Council.
— Indeed, had her father renounced even nominal loyalty to the Empire, the baroness would lose both her position and influence, — I agreed. — Given her ambitious and authoritarian nature, with little regard for negotiation partners, it's plausible she orchestrated her father's elimination.
— Do you believe someone else could be behind this? — the Chimaera's commander inquired.
— I am certain of it, — I affirmed. — But first, contact our local agents. I require information on whether the Chevs are prepared to revolt against their Chevin oppressors.
Chev.
The humanoid Chevs have been enslaved by the hulking, swine-like Chevins for many years.
Chevin.
The masters lead a nomadic lifestyle, except for the continental rulers. Vinsoth has five such rulers.
The Chevs are generally obedient, though some escape on incoming starships seeking slaves or minor repairs.
Dominion intelligence established a presence on Vinsoth as soon as my interest in the planet became evident.
Given that slavery is prohibited in the Dominion, and the Kvelii sector, including Vinsoth, is now part of my state, there are formal grounds to deploy troops and restore justice.
However, such forceful liberation would be ineffective. To cease being a slave, one must first eradicate the slave within oneself.
Without initiative from the planet's Chev population, attempting a coup would be a foolish endeavor.
If a slave is content with their status, forcibly altering their way of life will only lead to the liberated reverting to the slaveholding system.
— We have support from five of the seven continents, sir, — Pellaeon returned to my chair after a few minutes.
— Excellent, — I declared. — Commence the deployment of troops—our objective is to take control of Vinsoth and prevent further oppression of the Chevs. Any resistance must be neutralized immediately.
— Begin the capture with the continental rulers' residences? — Pellaeon inquired.
— Naturally, — I confirmed. — Now, let us return to the question of who is responsible for Baron D'Asta's death. I am certain that, in the minds of his killers, the death of a sector leader should inevitably plunge the Dominion into crisis…
***
Well executed, indeed.
Kvag Gthull moved swiftly through the deserted chambers of the Emperor's treasury on Wayland.
The Dark Side of the Force allowed the man to navigate the darkness without illumination.
Grand Admiral Thrawn had not only removed all possible secrets and treasures accumulated here over decades but also all equipment.
The cloning facility, reactors, food synthesizers, preserved ships, supplies… Even the turbolift shafts had been dismantled!
Not to mention the copy of the Imperial Library stored here, meant to aid Grand Admiral Thrawn in defeating the New Republic and other enemies of the Emperor.
In reality, however…
Thrawn, who could have crushed the New Republic in these past six months, remains stagnant, reveling in building his own empire.
Kvag growled softly, realizing he had wasted so much time!
The treasury was plundered!
The chief investigator of the Dark Side Elite returned to the massive entrance of Mount Tantiss.
He needed to return to Bast Castle on Vjun, where Executor Sedriss had ordered the establishment of his headquarters after renegades of all sorts looted its valuables.
Logically, having taken everything of value, sentients would not return. The Dark Side permeating the planet made the Elite feel at home.
Clad in the traditional black robes of the Dark Side Elite, like darkness itself, he approached the rectangular opening of Mount Tantiss's main entrance, bathed in daylight.
He stopped fifty meters short of the exit, eyeing a figure that appeared before him with suspicion.
Clad in black, gripping a double-bladed lightsaber, the man was very familiar to him.
— Inquisitor Obscuro, — Kvag Gthull identified the man blocking his path. — I thought you died on Vjun at the Grand Admiral's hands.
— Thought so because you left me there for that purpose? — Obscuro clarified. — Abandoned like used, oil-soaked rags a mechanic discards after repairs? Decided I'd kill Mara Jade, and Thrawn would destroy me, thinking it was all my doing? While your existence remained secret?
Why waste time convincing someone who understood the true reason for his presence on Vjun?
— Did you rehearse long to craft this speech of a wronged and offended Inquisitor? — Kvag shook his arm, revealing the hilt of his lightsaber from his sleeve.
— Didn't even think about it, — the Dark Side aura of molten fury emanated from the Inquisitor. Respectable, but insufficient to defeat one trained by Emperor Palpatine himself. — You'll die here and now.
— Think that by killing me, you can hide Thrawn's plundering of the treasury? — the Elite inquired. — Afraid we now know what secrets the Grand Admiral possesses?
When facing an enraged opponent, the best tactic is to make them talk. Extra information never hurts.
— I fear nothing, — Obscuro smirked, twirling his lightsaber. — I wasn't waiting here to hide or mask anything.
— Then why, traitor? — Provoking a Force-sensitive with insults always works on those who overestimate their importance, not being who they aspire to seem.
Like this Inquisitor, who revered Darth Vader and served under him.
— To destroy the Dark Side Elite, — Obscuro declared with unshakable confidence, his double-bladed lightsaber igniting with twin crimson blades. — That is the purpose of the Dominion's Shadow Guard.
— So self-assured, — Kvag Gthull laughed, assuming a Form II, Makashi, combat stance.
— Oh, no, — the former Inquisitor replied calmly. — I'm simply certain I'll leave your cold corpse on this treasury's floor.
Moments later, the adversaries clashed in a deadly duel.
Five minutes later, Dark Guardian Reynar Obscuro sent the severed head of the Dark Side Elite's chief investigator rolling out of Mount Tantiss with a powerful kick.
The headless body, propelled by the Force, followed, flying into the crowd of local onlookers watching the duel of Dark Side adepts.
The Myneyrsh and Psadans parted to avoid being crushed.
— Clean this up, — Obscuro ordered. — Prepare deadly traps in the forests and continue guarding the mountain. Anyone who lands on this planet without proof of being sent by your master—Grand Admiral Thrawn—must be killed. Understood?
Respectful bows from the elders of both species were his response.
The Odjoster sector, bordering the Venin sector, may not be part of the Dominion, and with Palpatine's impending invasion, using Wayland in the Grand Admiral's plans may be unwise for now. But that does not mean it will remain so in the future.
***
A Victory-class Star Destroyer emerged at the precise coordinates calculated by the Crusader's navigators.
— Deploy interceptors, — Captain I-Gor ordered, observing the tactical display showing data on the northern hemisphere of the gas giant Galaan. — Raise deflector shields, prepare to repel an attack.
Located in the Korva sector, this gas giant, according to Dominion intelligence, housed the New Republic's primary communications station in the sector.
The small space station also served as a base for a minor Republic intelligence outpost and was a priority target for the offensive in the Korva sector.
Twenty-four TIE Interceptors formed up per the attack plan and surged toward the station.
Nearby was an aging Mon Calamari MC40 light cruiser and several worn freighters.
According to the probe droid's data, the Republic planned to evacuate the station, necessitating a swift response.
The Dominion could not afford to lose data collected by the enemy on an entire sector.
— Launchers one through ten—fire! — Captain I-Gor ordered, eyes fixed on the light cruiser.
The latter launched a suicidal attack, aiming to delay the Crusader from targeting the freighters.
As if that would work.
— Ion cannons, fire on the station and freighters, — the Star Destroyer's commander issued new directives. — Turbolasers and missiles, target the light cruiser.
Had an MC80 Mon Calamari star cruiser been in its place, one could speak of a duel between equals.
But after upgrades at Ciutric IV's shipyards, replacing its original turrets with octuple turbolaser batteries akin to those on Imperial-class ships, the Crusader—and other Dominion Victory-class ships—could engage higher-class opponents.
Sacrifices were made, reducing troop capacity to accommodate additional power generators, limiting the Victory ships to a mere pair of stormtrooper battalions. However, these were augmented by droidekas, with a factory now operational in Dominion territory.
Only the turret artillery composition changed, and the number of gunners increased. No one removed the missile and torpedo launchers, which would have neutered the Victory to a second-type modification.
Today, after its campaign liberating Imperial officers and sailors from New Republic prisons, who then swore allegiance to the Dominion, the Crusader tested its lethal efficiency in combat.
Missiles pierced the light cruiser's deflector shields.
The detonation vaporized the starship's engines, leaving it a piece of scrap metal for the Crusader's gunners to practice on.
— The station and freighters have been disabled by ion cannons, — the senior gunner reported.
— Commence troop deployment, — I-Gor ordered, examining the mangled remnant of the light cruiser. — Tractor beam operators, secure that wreck. Stormtroopers, prepare for boarding. Retrieve all available data from the ship. Capture all officers and passengers.
The capture of the Korva sector began swiftly and mercilessly.
***
This part of the Korva sector was known as the Hammer system.
Within its boundaries, one would find a gray-blue planet orbiting a red dwarf star. Yet, it harbored no life.
Several asteroid belts, considered inherently stable, surrounded the planet. Most were hollowed out from intensive mining operations.
To protect this mining effort, the Empire once took a prudent but now absurd step.
They delivered an Firestar-class orbital defense station, designated HM7-R.
After the Galactic Empire's defeat at the Battle of Endor, the local garrison was left to fend for itself.
Lacking long-range communications, support, or a hyperdrive to relocate the station, the local commander chose to evacuate personnel to Imperial Space.
Unsurprisingly, unable to leave or avoid their fate, most of the station's garrison deserted.
However, several non-Imperial ships docked at the station suggested new occupants preferred not to abandon a facility offering shelter from the vacuum and a hideout from pursuers.
That did not mean they welcomed visitors with open arms.
— Defense station HM7-R, — Captain Kalian announced from the bridge of his ship, observing the station's activating weapons and launchers. — This is the Dominion Star Destroyer Steel Aurora. We propose you lay down your arms and commence negotiations.
Static crackled over the comm channel in response.
The Star Destroyer's commander grimaced as his interceptors encircled the station, signaling that escape was impossible.
— Steel Aurora?! — a voice finally broke through. — The Imperial Starfleet?!
"Well, almost," Kalian thought, realizing the station's occupants had checked the ship's transponder against Imperial databases. The garrison hadn't even considered destroying the data core.
What incompetence! Such lapses allow Imperial secrets and sensitive information to fall into enemy hands!
— We serve Grand Admiral Thrawn, ruler of the Dominion, currently expanding into the Korva sector, — Kalian clarified, conveying the information as best he could.
— Praise all deities, you've arrived, — a joyful voice responded. — Ten years… ten long years we've served here, guarding the mining equipment.
— Our data indicates the station was abandoned, — Kalian frowned, expecting only adventurers and bandits.
— No, Captain, — the voice replied bitterly, trembling as if on the verge of tears. — Garrison HM7-R remains at its post. We continue to protect this system. Forgive us, but we had to permit mining operations to replenish our food supplies…
Kalian felt a chill run down his spine.
Designed for six months of autonomy, the station had endured ten years… with a crew of nearly seven hundred!
— All Imperial personnel are hereby ordered to surrender the defense station to Dominion control and join Grand Admiral Thrawn's service, — it took nearly a minute to locate the protocol for such situations in the central computer.
So much for a quick trip to mine hollowed asteroids in a neighboring sector…
— We'll be evacuated?! — the voice asked again. — Sir, we've fulfilled our duty entirely! We don't refuse further service, but we need rest, supplies—our tibanna is nearly depleted. We need repairs. We've fixed what we could, but traders can't bring everything…
— Without question, — Kalian confirmed steadily. — That's why I'm here. Your watch is over. You'll all return home once we dock. Order your trading partners to prepare their ore haulers for inspection. Once formalities are complete, the entire garrison will be transported to a Dominion base.
Lying to comrades was, of course, wrong and immoral…
But worse would be telling nearly seven hundred loyal sailors and officers that, amid the chaos of the Imperial Civil War, they were simply forgotten.
***
The Hanod star system, located in quadrant R-3 of the Korva sector, was uniquely suited for hiding.
Commodore Shohashi listened calmly to reports on the combat readiness of all systems aboard the Crimson Dawn, Imperious, and the rest of the squadron's ships.
Only the Judicator was missing.
And Brandei.
The latter was recovering in a Dominion fleet hospital from injuries sustained…
If one could call a coma recovery, after the ship's commander was wounded in the last battle.
Though Brandei was resilient, no one could endure multiple fractures, decompression, and blood loss unscathed…
The list of injuries was extensive, but the Dominion's best doctors were fighting to save his life, while the finest shipwrights repaired the Judicator.
— Scouts have cordoned off the system, — Lady Ventress reported, appearing beside him. — The search has begun.
— My thanks, but I don't require a repeat of the watch officer's report, — Erik stated, casting a cold glance at the Dathomirian witch. — No ground combat is anticipated, so…
— Thanks to my capture of the habitable sphere, Thrawn lifted the house arrest you imposed, — Asajj smirked, eyeing the squadron commander triumphantly.
— …per the flagship's regulations, leave the bridge, — Erik finished. — As your commander, I issue a reprimand for breaching discipline.
— So I interrupted, big deal, — Ventress clicked her tongue. — Who needs your rules, Commodore?
— The fleet, — Erik replied, snapping his fingers.
The smirk vanished from Ventress's face, and she stepped back.
Not because she feared the BX-series commando droids guarding the squadron commander.
The guards wouldn't intervene in such a trivial conflict.
— You know, I'm starting to think you fear strong women, Captain, — Ventress declared, eyeing the crimson-glowing faces of the IG-100 droids.
Four MagnaGuards, favored by the late General Grievous.
They stepped synchronously from behind the bridge's forward bulkheads, activating their electrostaffs demonstratively.
This series of combat droids excelled at eliminating Jedi and other Force-sensitive beings.
How these droids ended up aboard Ennix Devian's habitable sphere and survived the explosion in his office remained a mystery.
As did the effort it took Ventress and Tano to defeat a pair during the boarding.
Clearly, Shohashi kept a tight grip, always having droids capable of countering those he distrusted.
But four MagnaGuards on the bridge, against her alone…
By the way, where had they sent that overgrown "Spindle" again?!
— Your opinion is irrelevant, Lady Ventress, — Shohashi declared. — Proceed to the brig and…
— Sir, we have contact! — the junior officer at the scanners reported. — Vector four-three-three, minimal speed.
— Ship identified? — Erik rose from his chair, instantly dismissing Ventress and her insubordination.
— Four ships, sir, — the crewmember stated. — An Imperial-class Star Destroyer, two Marauder-class corvettes, and a Quasar Fire-class escort carrier.
— Set course to intercept, — Shohashi ordered, moving to the central platform, leaning on his cane. — Identify the targets!
— The destroyer is identified as the Kruger, — the operator reported. — The other three ships…
— That's irrelevant, — Erik stated. — Open a channel to the Kruger. Crimson Dawn and the corvettes, begin intercept maneuvers. Imperious and the heavy cruisers, hold position and maintain the asteroid field blockade.
The Red Star squadron commenced its task.
The Hanod system held special significance for Republic intelligence.
According to General Kracken's materials, it was the last known location where Republic spies sighted the Star Destroyer Kruger.
"Whereas the loss of a single transport world is typically considered a minor injury, the ship stolen by Captain Reder proved far more significant. Using the ship's onboard computer, Reder learned the locations of many Alliance safe worlds and bases. He and Admiral Drommel used this information in a brief, effective campaign against rebel forces at these bases, resulting in thousands of deaths." So began the file dedicated to this operation.
Compiled by General Kracken, this record reflected the challenging and somewhat heroic fate of the Pulsar's crew, captured during the Battle of Endor.
That fate was tied to several Imperial officers sought by Republic intelligence.
And, oddly, to one deceased individual.
Dor Reder joined the Imperial Starfleet years ago, serving aboard the Star Destroyer Pulsar during the construction of the second Death Star in the Endor system.
Despite fierce resistance, disabled by the enemy, the Pulsar's commander surrendered to the Alliance to Restore the Republic, later joining the New Republic's fleet.
Recently, Dominion raiding groups recaptured many Endor prisoners and several ships, including the Pulsar.
Dor Reder escaped capture at Endor, leading a group of Imperial crew members. They fought through enemy boarding parties, seized an Alliance transport, and fled.
Reder joined Admiral Gaen Drommel's forces, rising to captain and commanding the Star Destroyer Kruger.
The captured Alliance transport's data allowed Reder and Drommel to strike significant blows against New Republic bases. Despite Drommel's claims, the success was Reder's alone.
After Drommel's defeat and the New Republic's occupation of the Oplovis sector, the Kruger continued raiding operations in the Outer Rim.
The New Republic offered a mere forty-five thousand credits for his capture, despite charges of treason, inciting rebellion, murdering Republic personnel, and destroying Republic property. Clearly, the Republic undervalues its losses, offering a bounty too small to buy a decent speeder for one of the Imperial Starfleet's most capable commanders.
Shohashi, from their time serving together, knew well Reder's competence as a tactician specializing in large ship maneuvers.
This was precisely why he took on the mission to capture and recruit Reder and his crew for Grand Admiral Thrawn.
Only he and Brandei stood a chance of negotiating with Reder.
Only a predator understands a predator.
— We're receiving a response, sir, — the communications officer reported. — Hologram.
— Connect, — Shohashi ordered.
Moments later, a blue-white hologram of the Kruger's commander appeared.
Tall, with the attentive eyes of a professional killer and resolute features.
And, more unusually, another hologram appeared beside him.
A young, attractive woman with cold eyes.
Shohashi felt dizziness overtake him…
He gripped his cane tightly, struggling to maintain balance.
His mouth went dry, and his heart pounded as if someone were beating a drum nearby.
— Erik Shohashi, in the flesh, — Dor Reder said instead of a greeting, smirking. — I was wondering who'd be bold enough to intercept the Kruger.
Dor Reder.
— Your destroyer can't manage a third of its cruising sublight speed, — the "Butcher of Atoan" remarked automatically, stepping back to avoid falling.
He tried not to look at the woman's hologram, but it only intensified the strain on his psyche.
No weakness, not now, not ever…
No, it can't be…
A delusion.
It can't be her.
She died.
She was there…
His left hand found the medallion in his pocket, clutching it painfully.
It didn't help.
The delusion persisted, as if real.
But it can't be… It simply can't!
Suddenly, he felt his hand, gripping the cane, grow cold.
His breathing normalized, then his body's condition.
The dizziness faded, and the commodore looked at his hand without fear.
A pale hand rested atop his—Lady Ventress's.
The bald Dathomirian stood beside him, likely out of the motion capture range on other ships' projectors.
But not on flagship super star destroyers, which had superior equipment.
As always, the best for command…
— Yes, I'm having engine issues, — Reder admitted. — So, if you want to quickly earn fifty thousand Republic credits…
— Don't be foolish, — Erik glanced at the female hologram beside Reder's. It didn't vanish.
He must be losing his mind.
— Can't joke with an old friend? — Dor chuckled. — Why are you in this system, Shohashi? And holding hands with such a beauty. Celebrating your honeymoon with an Outer Rim raid?
A furious growl came from Ventress.
— Calm yourself, Lady Ventress, — Erik ordered. — My old academy mate is provoking us to gain more information before a face-to-face meeting.
— Sure about that meeting, Erik? — Dor's tone grew serious. — I heard you serve the Dominion. And somehow you have the Guardian. But without Admiral Drommel.
— The rumors are true, — Erik confirmed. — With the exception that Drommel was killed by his own deputy, who canceled his suicidal order to attack in a clearly losing position.
Reder paused for a moment, then nodded, satisfied.
— Perhaps, but what of it?
— Grand Admiral Thrawn… — Erik glanced at the hologram beside Dor's. She continued staring silently. — Offers you and your allies a chance to join his service.
— Interesting, — Reder's gaze grew cold. — First, you seize the sector I served, my flagship, and now…
— The Pulsar also serves the Dominion, — Erik regained control of his emotions.
It's not real.
It can't be.
A hallucination.
He mustn't react. He must complete the recruitment and then visit the medbay. Perhaps an old injury is resurfacing…
— Not bad, — Dor glanced aside. — Judging by your corvettes blocking the system's exit vector, you intend to either deliver me to Thrawn or destroy me.
— Precisely, — Shohashi's voice regained confidence.
He felt confidence flow through him via Ventress's touch. Once this conversation ended, he'd send her to the brig, but for now, she seemed to be lending him strength to avoid breaking down.
— An interesting choice when there's no choice, — Reder smirked.
— You see the state of your ships, — Erik continued. — You no longer have a base in this sector—the Dominion is conquering the galaxy's northern fringes. Next time you encounter Thrawn's ships, they'll fire and board you.
— The same will happen now if we don't reach an agreement, correct? — Reder asked thoughtfully.
— Correct, — Erik nodded. — You're offered a chance to end your career as a free raider and return to service. The terms are better than under the Empire. You won't need to wander for refuge—the Dominion will back you. None of your subordinates will face charges. If they wish to remain in service, there's no issue.
— Suppose, — Reder drawled. — I've heard about your Dominion. No xenophobia, a militaristic state of equal opportunities… That's how you present yourselves?
— Broadly speaking, — Erik confirmed.
— I see, — Dor smirked. — If you've got a Dathomirian witch as a girlfriend, your stance on aliens seems solid—friendship, cooperation…
An awkward pause ensued.
Reder was mistaken; Ventress was no "girlfriend." But refuting it now would lead to chaos.
Which would give Dor what he wanted—more information for free.
And it would undermine Shohashi's authority.
— Fine, — Reder said. — My ships will drift. No fire during negotiations. I trust you won't take me prisoner when I board your flagship?
— I haven't forgotten the code of honor, rest assured, — Shohashi agreed, gritting his teeth.
That was Dor—maintaining the appearance of control even in a vulnerable position.
— My shuttle will be in your hangar in an hour, — Dor stated, his expression cold. — I'll arrive with my unit's deputy. Also, order your patrols not to fire on our drifting transports in the asteroid field. We fought hard to capture those spare parts.
— No need to worry, — Erik replied evenly, aware his uncertainty during the conversation was evident.
When the holograms faded, the commodore shot a withering glance at the Dathomirian witch beside him.
He'd planned to send her to the brig for insubordination and disrupting ship order.
Erik watched as she withdrew her pale hand from his…
The dizziness returned.
Limping to his chair, he entered the ysalamiri's suppression field.
The malaise persisted, meaning it wasn't Force-induced.
He was truly unraveling, seeing… a ghost.
Without Ventress's help, he might have lost face before a recruited commander, in front of the bridge crew. He could have written a retirement report for professional incompetence.
If the hallucination persisted, he'd have to submit one anyway.
— Thank you, — he said, staring at the monitor displaying the Kruger's and its commander's dossier.
But he addressed the Dathomirian witch, slowly moving toward the exit.
— So you know that word too, — she smirked.
Her grin vanished quickly.
— I sensed your distress the moment you saw that woman, — the witch narrowed her eyes.
What?!
— You saw her too? — Erik whispered, eyes wide, pinning the ground forces commander in place.
— Obviously, — Ventress declared. — It's a hologram. By the way, while you avoided looking at her, she was practically devouring you with her eyes. Didn't say a word, though…
Erik felt his heart race…
It can't be.
— What can't be? — the witch asked, intrigued.
He must have spoken aloud.
— She's dead, — Erik whispered, staring ahead. — They all died…
— No idea what you're talking about, but that woman, who irritates me as much as that man, is very much alive, — Ventress twitched her cheek, her tone shifting from irritation to curiosity. — Someone you know? An old girlfriend?
Girlfriend…
The word hit like a trigger.
Erik instantly regained composure, focusing.
— Thank you for your assistance, Lady Ventress, — he said dryly. — Your punishment is rescinded. I request you return to the ground forces and brief them for potential boarding.
The Dathomirian witch eyed him with heightened interest.
A smile played on her lips.
As if she'd found an intriguing victim to toy with soon.
— Order understood, Commodore, — she said sweetly, heading for the bridge exit.
So it wasn't a hallucination…
Erik clenched his right hand into a fist.
That's why Reder activated the second hologram!
The bastard knew Erik didn't know she was alive!
That's how he planned to throw him off balance.
And, admittedly, his old comrade succeeded…
What next?!
Would Iran Ryad herself show up in the next system?
Erik recalled why he despised the Outer Rim.
So much unknown could be exploited by criminals.
It wasn't necessarily her.
It could be a shapeshifter.
Or a false hologram.
Shohashi realized he was merely trying to reassure himself…
No matter.
Even if it was her, even if she survived, nothing stopped him from strangling her once and for all.
***
In the time the Imperial Ruling Council occupied this building, its richly adorned walls and colonnades had seen many women move through its corridors with such determined swiftness as the one whose steps now echoed furiously on the marble floors.
In ancient times, such striking beauties could only be imagined in such settings wearing lavish noble gowns, adorned with intricate patterns and precious gems…
But now, a young woman in a simple business suit moved swiftly through the residence of the Imperial advisors.
Despite her high heels, Baroness D'Asta moved quickly, maintaining balance and striding purposefully toward a specific door in this part of the palace.
Her body burned with rage and anger, but her face remained as impassive as the finest aristocrats.
Upon spotting her, a pair of stormtroopers stepped toward the advisor, raising hands to signal she stop and undergo identification:
— Out of my way, — the baroness spoke for the first time during her visit.
The tone, inflection, and commanding nature of her words made the stormtroopers exchange glances and make the wisest choice—step aside from the path of this furious woman.
The baroness approached the heavy double doors, exerting considerable effort to push one open with all her strength.
With a light but no less irritating creak, the door swung on its hinges, admitting the young woman.
Sarcev Quest stood before a holographic terminal, studying a three-dimensional galactic map. Numerous markers suggested his focus on sectors near the Dominion.
Carnor Jax lounged in a massive chair nearby, engrossed in documents on his personal data pad.
— You are, as always, radiant and magnificent, Baroness, — Sarcev nodded ceremoniously as she approached. — I didn't expect to see you so soon…
His pompous flattery was cut short by the sharp sound of a slap as Feena struck the most authoritative member of the Imperial Ruling Council in his own office.
Sarcev recoiled, clutching his stinging cheek.
Carnor stared at the instigator like a hawk.
— That was highly ill-considered, — all calm vanished from Quest's face. — You'll answer for this.
Now, only an insulted man, barely restraining himself from killing his co-conspirator against the reborn Emperor Palpatine, glared at Feena.
— I could say the same of your actions, Quest, — Feena said, barely containing herself. — I just received word—my father's ship was destroyed during a stopover at Vinsoth!
— Tragedies happen, — Sarcev shrugged indifferently, still rubbing the bruise.
— Tragedies, you say? — the young woman narrowed her eyes, striking again at the opposite cheek.
Unfortunately, the former Emperor's Hand intercepted her arm and shoved her back with disdain.
— Don't forget yourself, girl, — he said threateningly. — Your position on the Council won't save you from my wrath if you cross the line.
— And what will you do, Quest? — she shouted in his face. — Send the Tyrant to stage another "tragedy"? You'll need a new place for your schemes—Thrawn's forces just captured Vinsoth, fully subjugating the Kvelii sector.
Sarcev furrowed his brows, frowning:
— What are you talking about? — his voice was filled with astonishment. — What do I have to do with Vinsoth or the Star Destroyer Tyrant?
— Don't play the fool, Sarcev! — Feena spat furiously. — You're the only one I told about my conversation with my father and his intent to join the Dominion!
— And? — the advisor maintained an innocent facade.
— Then his ship is intercepted in the Vinsoth system by an Imperial Space Star Destroyer and an Interdictor cruiser! — Feena exploded. — My father's ship was blasted by turbolasers! On your orders!
— What absurd, baseless nonsense! — Quest grimaced. — If I wanted your father dead, I'd have done it far more elegantly! A destroyer and an Interdictor? Are you out of your mind? Where's this information from?! The Tyrant is on an inspection tour in sectors bordering the Dominion and…
He fell silent, staring unblinkingly at Feena.
— How do you know it was the Tyrant? — he asked.
— Oh, not just the Tyrant, but the Starweb too, — the young woman hissed, pulling an info chip from her clutch and throwing it at the advisor's face.
Quest lazily caught the chip with the Force and inserted it into the holoprojector.
Seconds later, all present watched a CR90 corvette drop from hyperspace before two ships bearing Orinda fleet markings.
The footage, taken from a distance, clearly used spy equipment—ship identification was near-instantaneous, despite the Imperial ships' transponders activating slightly later.
A probe droid's work, no doubt.
The same droid recorded the communications. The Tyrant's commander hailed Baron D'Asta for a voice call, ostensibly to verify customs documents…
No genius was needed to see the motive—the Imperials confirmed the baron was aboard.
Then, with precise fire, they obliterated the starship, paying special attention to destroying the escape pods.
— And you'll still claim it wasn't your doing?! — Feena gasped with rage.
— Yes, — Sarcev stood firm. — I don't know where you got this data, but I issued no such orders. The Tyrant and Starweb are supposed to be elsewhere in Imperial Space and…
— Stop lying to me, — Feena said venomously. — I wouldn't have come without copies of the ships' orders. Look—they're on the same chip.
It took Sarcev several minutes to regain his voice.
The bewilderment on his face as he viewed the order copies might convince many of his innocence.
But not those who knew him long enough.
— I didn't… — he began, but the baroness was no longer listening.
— I'm returning to Nez Peron, — the advisor declared. — I'll take my father's place and prevent local aristocrats from seizing control of the sector. By the time I return, Quest, you'd better have something to assuage my grief over my father.
— Or what? — Sarcev asked calmly.
— You'll see, — Feena replied without hesitation, storming out.
Lord Quest waited until the doors closed.
Only then did he turn to Carnor Jax:
— This utterly absurd and implausible staging of my involvement in Ragez's destruction pushes the baroness away from us, — he said, staring at the hologram of the orders. — It was very foolish.
— Eliminating a traitor is the only correct choice, — Jax countered. — Baron D'Asta intended to join the Dominion. The baroness would have ceased her duties as an advisor, becoming a dangerous sentient who knows our plans and actions.
— And now she could do the same, but head to Thrawn! — Sarcev roared, facing the guardsman. — Don't you understand this simple fact?! The Grand Admiral isn't an idiot! He likely anticipated something like this! He'd never agree to annex the D'Astan sector! He was clearly told not to meddle in Imperial affairs! You've given him grounds to strike back!
— There'll be no counterstrike, — Carnor said irritably. — Thrawn just suffered a defeat at Mustafar! He'll be licking his wounds for a while and…
— Fool, — Quest hissed. — Everything was aligning perfectly! Thrawn wouldn't defy Palpatine's warnings! He wouldn't annex the sector, no matter how much the baron begged! He'd fear the Emperor's wrath! We could've accused Ragez of treason and occupied his sector at the start of the Emperor's campaign! All laws would be on our side! We'd have a staging ground to destroy the Dominion! Right under Thrawn's nose! — Sarcev's fury escalated to a shout. — The D'Astan sector and Vinsoth system were our ideal staging grounds! We could've cut off his transport arteries! Now, with the baroness leading the sector, we face not just an ambitious vixen controlling shipping across Imperial Space, but an enraged vixen seeking revenge for her father's murder!
— Don't raise your voice at me, Quest, — Carnor rose, toying with his vibropike. — Your plan to occupy the D'Astan sector can be executed now! Declare the baroness a criminal and arrest her immediately! Impose external control over the sector! To placate Thrawn, we can claim the Tyrant and Starweb were misled, and the Imperial Ruling Council issued no such orders.
— Such excuses wouldn't convince a child of your innocence, — Quest growled. — Let alone mine. You've ruined this game! The baron was respected by the Emperor, and if it's known we killed him, nothing will save us from his wrath! Palpatine doesn't care that you forged my credentials in the orders—he'll execute anyone on mere suspicion!
Jax snorted irritably.
— Don't think I haven't calculated this, — he declared. — Events are unfolding as needed. The baroness, believing you guilty, will surely run to Thrawn. And likely do everything to join the Dominion, painting us as villains. You played the clueless sentient perfectly. The Tyrant and Starweb are in our space, so all order versions are too. When Palpatine's campaign begins, we'll ensure he receives evidence that Thrawn, known for misleading enemies with disinformation, issued this order. Only Feena and you know the baron intended to betray us. Joining the Dominion, the baroness will lose any chance of an audience with Palpatine—because we'll provide evidence of her father's treason to the Emperor first. I'm certain he plans to destroy Thrawn and the Dominion—let's give him the grounds. Imagine how it'll look to the Emperor: his loyal Grand Admiral, to expand his territory, deceives our forces into killing a prosperous sector's ruler, allied with Imperial Space. His daughter, taking the sector's helm, undoubtedly joins Thrawn—proof they're both guilty of treason. Palpatine ordered Thrawn left alone if he targets the New Republic or neutral sectors. But this is a clear violation of Imperial Space's territorial integrity. Treason is evident. The key is to deliver this to Palpatine before Feena. Then she can rant about our conspiracy all she wants—who'll believe her?
— Palpatine might order us eliminated alongside Thrawn and the baroness, — Quest shook his head.
— And thus show the moffs and officials he's truly mad, — Jax smiled. — After we eliminate him, our coup will be justified by his insanity—unable to distinguish enemies from allies. We'll sow confusion and convince the other moffs we weren't the only targets.
— You want to feed Palpatine false information about a conspiracy against him? — Quest perked up.
— A double trap, — Jax nodded. — Give Palpatine fake conspiracy data—let him eliminate our obstacles. Like Kaine—my sources say the Grand Moff met Thrawn secretly multiple times. His incompetence in stopping raiders disrupting military supply lines, losing ships meant to combat them—frame it as collusion with Thrawn.
— Feed him our enemies, then eliminate the bastard himself, — Quest nodded understandingly. — Then, seizing the Empire, we'll declare the fallen innocent victims who tried to stop a madman but failed.
— And we succeeded, — Carnor agreed. — The entire Empire, every remnant, will be ours.
— We need to refine the details, — Quest declared.
— Then refine them, — Jax snorted. — I've shared my plan—act.
— First, we must thoroughly discredit Baroness D'Asta, — Quest mused. — And ensure she inevitably runs to Thrawn for protection.
— Do it as we did with the baron, — Jax suggested. — How many assassination attempts did he face? A dozen?
— And only then did he decide to join Thrawn…
— A couple of attempts will suffice for this volatile aristocrat, — Carnor smirked. — Especially now, when her emotions rule her.
— I have suitable candidates for the task, — Sarcev recalled.
— Send them to Nez Peron to await her, — Carnor declared. — The first attempt, convincing her we're hunting her, is already arranged…
An hour later, Orinda's garrison was raised on alert—Baroness D'Asta's personal corvette exploded as she prepared to leave the Imperial Space capital.
According to the leading government news channel, only a miracle saved the advisor—she had just arrived at the landing platform when the blast occurred.