Nine years, five months, and twelve days after the Battle of Yavin...
Or the forty-fourth year, five months, and twelve days after the Great Resynchronization.
Visits to the grand admiral's cabin had become something of a mandatory item in Pellaeon's daily routine. And it must be said that today he had something to please the commander from the very morning.
And although time for those who live on spaceships is only a relative value, and ships had to synchronize their time according to the clocks of the planets in whose orbit they were located, Pellaeon preferred a dual-purpose chronometer. One time set was responsible for the usual, Coruscant time. And the second one was for local time. And the digits on the latter indicated that it was six in the morning. And even though Coruscant has long ceased to belong to the Empire, and there is no point in continuing to keep track of what time it is on the planet — because no one will contact from there, and there is no need to worry... However, he continued to do it out of habit.
Just a convention. Like the time of day, too early for a report – but Thrawn was never bothered by that.
Information is more important.
— Captain Pellaeon to the Grand Admiral, — he announced into the intercom of the locked cabin door. The metal sheet slid to the side with its usual hiss. Pellaeon stepped into the darkness of the small corridor...
— Early, — came a growling sound from the gloom, which sent shivers down his spine.
— Rukh! — the captain barely restrained himself, not seasoning his address to the Noghri with more harsh expressions. — Stop doing that!
In response, he heard only a faint hissing chuckle. You find it funny?! "Long time it was time to send you to the lower decks to clean the drainage system for such jokes!" Pellaeon thought. But, as always, he just kept silent, stepping into the twilight — the usual lighting condition of the grand admiral's cabin.
Why the Chiss loved to stay in the half-light remained a mystery to the captain. As well as why Thrawn stopped contemplating the exhibits of his holographic museum. Pellaeon, in general, did not complain, in his opinion it was a pointless exercise. But Thrawn himself said that through art he understood the enemy better...
— Any news, Captain Pellaeon? — asked the Chiss, whose eyes appeared like two coals in the dark. The captain, already used to such a sight, was not surprised.
— Yes, sir, — he said in a satisfied tone. — The Chimaera has completed its repair and modernization. Mounts for transporting the Corellian corvette in the main hangar are installed, and an additional shield generator is installed under the armor. During your absence, we checked its operation — the systems are in order. Now we are able to feed the deflector field directly during battle.
— What is the power of the new generator? — Thrawn inquired.
— The systems can produce up to thirty percent of our standard shields, — recalled the commander of the Chimaera. — In principle, we can use this generator as a second line of shields...
Pellaeon fell silent, because Thrawn began to look at him with interest. Very intently, very meticulously, as if sorting through all the DNA chains in his flag captain in turn. From such an unceremonious thoroughness, even his breath caught. And even the fact of the ysalamiri peacefully clinging to the back of Thrawn's chair did not smooth things out.
— Any other information? — Thrawn finally broke the silence.
— Yes, sir, — Pellaeon breathed a sigh of relief. — Repair work has been completed on the Stormhawk, Death's Head, and Belligerent. The integrity of the hull and internal damage on the Imperious and Relentless has been restored. But they will not enter service until the convoy returns from Bilbringi. I, of course, twisted the tail of the local authorities, saying that the spare parts, and especially the turbolasers, are needed much faster. They agreed to send one Star Galleon with the necessary parts, so that in three or four days these starships will leave the repair bays. The Nemesis is a day away from the base. The Executor and cruisers from missions in the Sluis sector are three away. Lieutenant Colonel Astarion reports that the first batch of rhydonium is ready for delivery to Tangrene.
— Good, — Thrawn said. — Send a medium cruiser and a patrol cruiser to the Abafar system to replace the Steel Aurora as a station ship. Lieutenant Colonel Astarion must also return to Tangrene. Notify the interested parties about this.
— Yes, sir, — Pellaeon made a note in his datapad. Given the volume of orders that the grand admiral was spouting after the flight from the Obroa-skai system, the commander of the Chimaera no longer relied on memory. Oh, how good it was before... Two or three orders per day...
— Are additional corvette mounts installed on all Star Destroyers? — the grand admiral's voice brought him out of his thoughts.
— Yes, sir, — Pellaeon confirmed. — We have completed the distribution of corvettes among the ships. Three "extra" ones are still hanging in orbit.
— They are by no means "extra," captain, — Thrawn objected. — We just don't have the right ships for them right now. But it will not be for long.
Oh, if the Interdictors had full-size hangars, like their ancestors, the Imperial, then there would be a place to "stick" these three unfortunate CR90s. But as it is... Wait a minute! "Not for long"?
Pellaeon was about to ask what the commander's last words meant, but he did not let him utter a sound.
— Any news from Captain Dorja?
The captain of the Relentless, as unbending as the name of his ship, had just reported on his activities on Garos IV. Literally — two hours and thirty minutes ago. And Pellaeon would bet anything — Dorja knew perfectly well that the commander of the Chimaera was sleeping at that time. In the absence of a first mate, the flag captain does not have much time to rest... So no, this... man decided to personally report how great he is! He was clearly mocking!
— Strikes were made on local rebel cells, — he said. — More than forty people were destroyed, another seven were taken prisoner. A battalion of stormtroopers is quartered on the planet, and explanatory work has been carried out with local authorities. The hybridium deposit has been taken under guard, and the work on resource extraction has resumed in the same volumes. The first delivery is scheduled for the end of this month.
— You are unhappy with something, captain, — Thrawn noted.
— Dorja contacted me via holocomm a little over two hours ago and monotonously told me for an hour what successes he had achieved, — Pellaeon said. — I already sleep for three hours a day...
— You are an Imperial officer, captain, — the grand admiral reminded him. — Stop complaining. Captain Dorja did an excellent job...
Thrawn shifted his gaze to the monitor of his computer, looking for something in it for a few minutes, after which he said:
— As soon as we finish the meeting, send a medium cruiser and one Tartan to the Garos system to replace Dorja, — the grand admiral ordered. — Recall the Relentless to Tangrene with all the extracted hybridium. Our camouflage field prototypes will arrive soon, and we need the active substance for them. Also, thank the captain on my behalf for the good work done...
It took Pellaeon a great effort not to grimace. Is he doing this on purpose? Thrawn knows perfectly well what kind of relationship they have, so Gilad would sooner eat his uniform without sauce than say something good to Dorja without...
— ... Considering the difference in the speed of rotation of the planets, by the time our meeting is over, it will be night on Garos IV, — Thrawn finished, his eyes sparkling. — As you understand, you will talk to Captain Dorja personally. Use the holocommunicator...
It took a couple of seconds to understand the meaning of the grand admiral's words. A predatory smile appeared on Pellaeon's face.
— With great pleasure, sir! — he said, imagining how furious Dorja would be when Gilad pulled the same trick on him...
— And after the Relentless joins the fleet — either you and Captain Dorja will stop pretending to be yesterday's junior cadets and hold grudges against each other, or you will bring me reports of retirement on medical grounds for signing, — Thrawn said slowly but clearly, as if driving hot bushings into the parts. Gilad felt his eyelid twitch involuntarily. What?!
— Sir, I don't understand...
— Then you and I are in the same position, captain, — Thrawn stated. — I also have no idea how two Imperial officers, commanders of Star Destroyers, can have the time for petty feuds that were born out of nowhere?
"I completely agree here," Gilad mentally said. "Dorja's opinion that he is the only one who knows how to do everything right is an empty place."
— And since this is happening, there are only two options — either both respected captains are not so dedicated to my cause, or they are simply not suitable for their positions, — the Chiss said. — Pass these words on to Captain Dorja as well. By the time the Relentless returns to the fleet, I must either hear from both of you that the feud between you is over with a general surrender based on the recognition of each other's qualities and merits, or see your reports. We will not return to this issue any further, captain. Has a report from the Crusader arrived?
— They are ready to start the infiltration operation, — Pellaeon said. — Coordinator Sergius has developed an appropriate "legend" for penetrating the planet. They are just waiting for your command.
— Consider that they already have it, — Thrawn said. — Has information about the clones from Mount Tantiss arrived?
— Yes, — isn't it easier to read reports yourself instead of chasing the captain of a Star Destroyer an hour before the crew wakes up? — No biological or psychological deviations. They were all loaded onto transports and are being delivered to us. As well as the freighters captured earlier, and the prototypes of the cloaking device, which were being developed on Bilbringi, — Pellaeon reported.
— Excellent news, captain, don't you think? — Thrawn uttered. Gilad just mumbled the usual "Yes, sir" unintelligibly. He had nothing against clones — in his time he fought with them side by side. But those were completely different guys. — Send a request to Baron D'Asta for food — in three times the amount of our current number of personnel.
"Isn't that a little too much?" Gilad thought, nodding in agreement on autopilot and making the corresponding note on the screen of his datapad.
— Contact the Sentinel, — Pellaeon was surprised to hear the name of an Interdictor-class Star Destroyer sent nine days ago to the Chasin system for patrolling. — Let them prepare to depart for the base as soon as the replacement arrives. Send the medium cruiser Rancor of Commodore Dobramu there after it returns and is repaired. Send two Tartans and our available Immobilizer Prowler there now.
— Sir, wouldn't it be better to send the Limiter available at the base? — Pellaeon suggested. Well, what the heck does Moff Ferrus need an Immobilizer for? Who is he going to catch here? Escort frigates, Carracks, medium cruisers, and a dozen Tartans will be enough. Why leave so many ships? It's obvious that the moff doesn't control most of the sector.
— Sentinel, — Thrawn calmly repeated, looking at his subordinate in such a way that Pellaeon even felt somehow uncomfortable. Not because the Chiss did it somehow special, just the captain remembered in time how briskly Lieutenant Colonel Astarion was doing the exercises... Ah, damn it all to hell! Which of them is the grand admiral?
— Yes, sir, — Pellaeon made a note for himself.
— Send the Determined, — hmm, another medium cruiser is flying somewhere, — to the Bestine system for patrolling together with another Tartan. As soon as the Sharp is repaired after the mission on Bpfassh — send it, accompanied by another patrol cruiser, to the Carida system. But first, contact the leadership of the Academy and request graduates from them — all that they can give.
— What if they refuse, sir? — Gilan asked, knowing firsthand the arrogance and self-importance of the local military, who had mostly turned into bureaucrats. But in his mind, he was already guessing — Thrawn was pulling all of his Star Destroyers, including the Interdictors, into one core. It seems like a new campaign is coming.
— In that case, send the Sharp and its escort to ensure the security of the Makem Te system, — Thrawn simply replied. — And inform the Imperial Ruling Council that Ambassador Furgan, who governs the planet, has gone out of Imperial control.
— They won't do anything to him, — Pellaeon noted.
— Maybe, — Thrawn remarked indifferently. — Or maybe not. Send requests to the shipyards of Ord Trasi, Bilbringi, Rendili and Bestine IV. I want to know what repair capabilities they have. On Bilbringi, additionally inquire about the degree of readiness of the Star Destroyer that was promised to us.
"And we have so many ships to load with work someone other than the shipyard personnel on Tangrene?" Pellaeon was surprised by the question about repair capabilities, but did not object. But the under-construction Star Destroyer is a good question. An extra ship in the fleet will not hurt. It will not hurt at all. But why is Thrawn betting only on docks controlled by the Imperial Ruling Council?
— There are also shipyards in the Pentastar Alingment, — he reminded. — And with Prince Admiral Delak Krennel.
— I remember, captain, — Thrawn said in an absolutely indifferent tone. — But we are not interested in them in the near future. Contact the latter and inquire how many TIE fighters, interceptors, and bombers they can offer us.
— It will be done, Grand Admiral, — Gilad assured him.
— Send a request to Orinda — whether they have orbital defense stations available that we could borrow. If so, then we need them. If not — contact the manufacturers. I want to know the production time of three Golan II-class stations, the time of their delivery to the orbit of Tangrene, and their installation.
"Aha! It seems like the trip to the D'Astan sector turned out to be profitable," Pellaeon mentally rejoiced. Orbital stations are good. And the purchase of starfighters is all the more so.
— Any messages from Niles Ferrier? — Thrawn asked.
— No, sir.
— Source "Delta"?
— Nothing.
— Reports from the Noghri on Hypori?
— They are conducting reconnaissance of the area. The complex is in working order, combat droids, mercenaries of the Zann Consortium, and several ships in orbit have been spotted. Reconnaissance squads report that the criminals are shipping at least one batch of droids and droidekas per day. The destination is unknown.
— Interesting, — was all Thrawn said. — I was counting on a droideka conveyor, not a second coming of the Confederacy Army.
— I will arrange for all reports to be delivered to you immediately, — the commander of the Chimaera stated. — Sir, may I ask a question?
Thrawn nodded silently and barely noticeably.
— Wouldn't it be right to apply for supplies of TIE-type equipment directly to the Sante family on Lianna, instead of to the Ciutric Hegemony? — Pellaeon blurted out a question that had been bothering him for a long time. Yes, there are certain pitfalls associated with the independence of the Sante family's patrimony and the official reluctance and even almost hostility towards the heirs of Sienar from the Imperial Space, but... Can we at least try? If Thrawn needs all possible TIEs that Krennel can provide, then surely something big is being planned, which the grand admiral has not yet condescended to inform him about. However, since the Chiss found an approach to Baron D'Asta, maybe it will work here too?
— A good idea, captain, — Thrawn uttered what the commander of the Chimaera least expected to hear.
— I... um... — Gilad hesitated. What?! Thrawn, the most famous of the grand admirals, who so easily crushed the rebels in the Dafilvean sector and planned his operations almost three or four steps ahead — DID NOT THINK ABOUT THIS OPTION?! What has he been doing all this time?!
— You don't need to fall into confusion, captain, — Thrawn said. — The proposal is really correct and timely.
"Really?" Gilad thought skeptically. — "Yeah, yeah, we know such answers. They will reject it as soon as I get out of sight. A subordinate should not point out things to his superiors..."
— We will definitely test the viability of your theory in due course, captain, — Thrawn dumbfounded him with his answer. "What, really?!" Gilad caught himself thinking that his eyebrows had crawled up, demonstrating his surprise at the Chiss's reaction. — I do not reject useful ideas, only on the grounds that they do not belong to me, — the Chiss seemed to read his mind. It became awkward. And is Thrawn's race by any chance telepaths? Just in case...
The grand admiral fell silent, thinking about something. Then he looked at Pellaeon again:
— Order my shuttle to be prepared for departure in two hours. That's all, captain. You are free to go.
Saluting in a formal manner, Gilad turned on his heels. And then he almost jumped aside, seeing a yellow distorted face of an exotic in front of him. Only the Imperial training and peripheral vision, which noticed the appearance of other holographic projections of works of art, helped him to cope with himself.
Calmly passing through Thrawn's "holographic museum", the captain left the confines of the grand admiral's cabin. Heaving a sigh, he smiled crookedly.
Well, now it's clear why the Chiss decided to "harness" his flag captain from the very morning — to admire his precious works of art longer.
Well, little changes in this galaxy. However, maybe it's even better that way.
***
On this day, Garm Bel Iblis realized that his quiet, peaceful world had cracked. So big that all those bright, good, and pure moments of his last years of life, which were still left, began to be shoved into this crack. Even the somewhat cooled joy from the battle on Tangrene, where his small fleet smashed the Imperial base to smithereens, snapping the Ubiquitorate on the nose, no longer warmed him.
The last big victory... After which he sat exactly at his base "Peregrine's Nest" and did not shine, preferring to switch from hostilities to diplomatic duels.
And now, as if Palpatine himself is laughing at him from the grave.
— Is this for sure? — he asked hoarsely.
— Yes, sir, — Irenez said, trying not to look at the commander's face, which had darkened from a well-hidden fury. — Sena and her people died on the Coral Wander. The second cover group searched the crash site of the cruise liner far and wide, following the beacon's indications until the arrival of the New Republic ships. The bodies were partially deformed by pressure and marine life, but Sena and both fighters from the first group were identified.
— How did they die? — Bel Iblis inquired hoarsely. — Did they drown?
— No, sir, — Irenez spoke calmly, in clearly chopped phrases. But Garm knew that inside her was the same anger that enveloped his aging heart. The heaviness of the loss of combat comrades is a constant moment in the war they are waging. But to get used to this means to say goodbye to your humanity and turn into a droid. Made of bones and flesh. — They were shot.
— Hoffner? — the former Corellian senator frowned.
— Maybe so, — Irenez said hesitantly. — The second group did not have time to search the entire ship — only a tiny part. But Hoffner's corpse was not found. Maybe he was in another part of the ship at that time, however...
— What was Sena doing in his cabin then? — Bel Iblis asked. — Why are there dead security guards nearby? What were the soldiers from the first cover group doing there? No! — He hit the table with his fist. — They were killed during the deal!
— I doubt that Hoffner could have defeated Sena and six men, — Irenez shook her head. — According to data received from our Bothan ally, some of those who were killed near Hoffner's cabin died from mechanical injuries to the body, and not just from blaster shots.
— That is, there was a struggle, — Garm noted. His nostrils whistled as they drew in air. The fury briefly subsided its heat, and the quality that had helped the former senator survive all these years came into play.
The ability to compare facts.
— Sit down, — he ordered, waving his hand, after which the assistant sat down in the chair. — Let's start figuring it out. Have the bodies of our people been delivered?
— Yes, we took them out before the arrival of the New Republic ships, — the woman reported.
— Make sure they are properly buried, — Bel Iblis ordered. He himself pulled the flimsyplast sheets to himself, took a marker in his hands, and removed the cap from it.
Irenez smiled slightly — the Corellian did not know long mourning. After all, they are his comrades in arms, almost family. Almost...
But this does not mean that Bel Iblis will not avenge their death and will not try to figure everything out.
— Let's draw a line based on what we know, — he said. And there was no more sadness of loss in his voice. Now, a commander sat in front of her, for whom she, and the deceased Sera, and tens of thousands of other sentient beings went against the Empire. — After the defeat of Zsinj by the coalition forces of the Empire and the New Republic, after the redistribution of the captured territories, a relative lull has come. About two months ago, the Empire suddenly carries out a raid in the Saarn system. One Star Destroyer, we assume that it was the Stormhawk, if the engine signatures are not masked. The Empire destroys the New Republic base.
— And in response — no reaction, — Irenez noted.
— No, — Iblis objected. — Fey'lya says that Mon Mothma reacted — ordered the base on Saarn to be removed from the list of active ones. The planet is no longer of interest to the New Republic.
— I would not trust Fey'lya, — Irenez cautiously noted. — This slippery Bothan...
— No one trusts anyone at their word, — the Corellian stated. — This subject is familiar enough to me to understand a rather simple idea: he smiles at us because he needs us. Otherwise, the Bothan would have bitten our throat long ago, exposing us as an illegal armed group.
— And nothing like that in the fact that a significant part and half of our fleet were bought with his money? — the assistant asked.
— Take my word for it — Borsk Fey'lya would not so openly help us if he could not wash off possible attacks on his precious skin, — Bel Iblis noted. — What was next?
During the conversation, he put several circles on the paper, symbolizing the events.
— The Imperial raid on the Draukize system, — Irenez reminded. — All the same as on Saarn. A Destroyer arrived, destroyed the outpost, there are no survivors. The data was obtained from random witnesses.
— Given the position of the Empire, these two raids will be considered a victory, — Bel Iblis stated. — After that, we know that the Empire made a raid on the Obroa-skai system. What they needed there is not completely clear. But they received a copy of the information database from the local residents.
— It's pointless to explore the archives — who knows what might have interested the Imperials, — Irenez said just in case.
— Yes, to extract what they needed there is almost impossible, given the amount of information they stole, — the man agreed. — But there is something important in the behavior of the Imperials in Obroa-skai.
— They retreated without engaging in battle.
— Exactly, — Bel Iblis agreed. — The bases on Saarn and Draukize were not out of the way — they had both guns and aviation. But the Imperials crushed them. And here — they fled from under the nose of four escort frigates and support fighters that were falling apart on the go.
— I wouldn't say that the ships of the New Republic were just falling apart, — Irenez objected. — Yes, not the freshest vessels, but who are we to say that?
— But the Imperials could have easily engaged in battle, — Iblis noted. — Yes, they would not have defeated the New Republic group, but they could have inflicted significant damage on them. But they preferred to retreat. Why?
— Were they scared? — Irenez suggested.
— But at the same time they climbed into a system far from their borders at a time when negotiations were underway for Obroa-skai to join the New Republic? — Bel Iblis asked ironically. — No, they rushed there because they really wanted to seize something. Something that could slip away from them after the signing of the papers.
— And they got this "something valuable," — Irenez continued, developing Bel Iblis's idea. — And they decided not to take risks, and therefore fled.
— And I think so too, — the Corellian agreed. — After that, after some time, we learn that the Empire is literally under our noses, launching attacks in the Dafilvean sector. Simultaneous, coordinated, immediately in all systems...
— In all those known to them, — Irenez corrected. — If they knew about the existence of the planet where we placed the "Peregrine's Nest", they would visit us too.
— Undoubtedly, — Bel Iblis agreed. — Therefore, we can exclude from the options about the reasons for the raid in the Obroa-skai system the search for information about the secret systems of the Dafilvean sector. Therefore, we can conclude that the Imperials did not come for us. Otherwise, they would not have left here until they had surrounded everything with spy droids. So, they don't know the location of the "Peregrine's Nest". For now, anyway, it's like that.
— Do you think that such information is somewhere? — Irenez asked.
— I will not exclude such a thing, — Bel Iblis admitted. — The Empire took advantage of a suitable moment — when the local sector fleet was weakened. They sent significant forces here — no less than four Star Destroyers in the Krondr system alone. It is unknown how many of them participated in the destruction of the base on Ord Pardron.
— These could be the same ships, — Irenez noted. — After all, they destroyed the bases with the help of asteroids.
— Maybe so, — Bel Iblis said. — Or they want to convince us of this. Why was it necessary to drop an orbital defense station on the medical base of Krondr?
— It prevented them from reaching the planet, — the assistant suggested.
— Four Star Destroyers — one station? — Bel Iblis specified. — No, they would have destroyed it in an hour, if not earlier. Yes, and besides, they dropped it on the base — that is, it seems like they were not going to land. What then?
— Launching strikes, as it was on Saarn and Draukize, — the woman suggested. — They destroy New Republic objects.
— But at the same time — they did not subjugate the sector, — Bel Iblis noted. — Illogical. If this is a war for the expansion of territory, then the Dafilvean sector could become part of the Empire. By establishing a base here, the Imperials could quickly subdue two or three nearby sectors, and then it would become a whole enclave on the southern borders of the New Republic. But they did not do that. Instead, they just left. They killed the fleet and left.
— Irrational, — Irenez concluded.
— On the contrary, — Bel Iblis smoothed his mustache. — Saarn and Daukize are a test of the combat capability of the New Republic. The raid on Obroa-skai gave the Imperials something. What exactly — we do not know. Then they go to the bottom for a while, and after that — they crush the New Republic in a whole sector. And after that — they just leave, leaving behind the ruins of two bases and scrap metal instead of the fleet. And again — a lull. No, Irenez. I think that from their visit to Obroa-skai, the Imperials gained some benefit. They found or created something that allowed them to launch a coordinated strike on the New Republic in the Dafilvean sector. They crushed the fleet, destroyed the bases, and left. Or — they are trying to make us think that their goal was precisely in the tactics of terror. But the obvious results — the subjugation of the sector — were not realized by them. So, the goals of the Imperials are not obvious.
— Are we going to guess — what are they this time?
— We will think, — Bel Iblis corrected her. — Obviously, the Imperials are commanded by someone who thinks through his steps in advance. The raids on Saarn and Daukize were not carried out simultaneously. In the Dafilvean sector — they are coordinated and perfectly verified. It is obvious that my idea about obtaining some kind of superweapon for the destruction of the New Republic fleet in the entire sector is correct. Perhaps the Imperials were not so interested in this particular sector — they chose it because of its remoteness from large bases and small defense forces. No, Irenez, I am sure that the Imperials in the Dafilvean sector tested their weapon. Judging by the fact that they have been quiet for a while, and now they have revived again — there will be another strike soon. Perhaps — even more powerful than we can imagine.
— I do not dispute your point of view, commander, but are you sure about this?
— I am afraid that even with such scanty information, I cannot assume what exactly the Imperials have prepared for us. But I have no doubt that the attack on the Coral Wander, the attack on Nkllon, and the triple raid in the Sluis sector are parts of the same plan.
— If it were not for the attack on the Dafilvean sector, we would not have sent Sena to meet with Hoffner to buy more dreadnoughts from the Katana Fleet, — Irenez lamented. — Maybe they were killed because of this...
— I'm sure of that, — Bel Iblis said with bitterness. — Probably the Imperials decided to step on our tail to take revenge for the attack on Tangrene. Perhaps they were watching Hoffner or Sena. Our people did not surrender without a fight, but Hoffner... They could have taken him prisoner.
— And then he will tell them everything, — Irenez turned pale. Garm nodded his head.
— I don't believe Hoffner when he says that he only has ten heavy cruisers, — Bel Iblis said. — It looks more like he was selling ships that were in good condition. And the whole fleet is somewhere out there, lost among the stars...
— Commander, if the Empire gets its hands on the Katana Fleet... — Irenez whispered, imagining what would happen if almost two hundred old but still strong starships appeared in the galaxy.
— Nothing irreparable in the global plan, — the Corellian stated. — Each ship needs to be repaired, and a crew needs to be recruited and trained. It will take years for the Empire to do this...
— Unless they already have almost half a million trained sailors, — the assistant objected.
— If they had, we would not have made a raid on Tangrene so easily, — Bel Iblis said. — And the Empire would not sit quieter than water, lower than the grass. No. They can lay their hands on the Katana Fleet, but they will not be able to use it to the fullest extent — until the end of this year for sure, and most likely — until the end of the next. Remember how much time it took us to train our subordinates to handle them? A year. So, we have time — to track down these ships, wherever they are based. And attack them — either destroy them or capture them.
— I wish I had your optimism, commander, — Irenez stated.
— After the Empire almost covered the "Peregrine's Nest" — this is no longer optimism, but luck, — Bel Iblis smiled bitterly. — With their new superweapon...
— But eyewitnesses say that they were ordinary ships, — Irenez protested. — No Star Super Destroyers, no Death Stars...
— Coordination, — Bel Iblis clarified. — The Empire has gained the ability to coordinate its attacks in several places in several systems with surgical precision. Because under normal circumstances, it is impossible to pull off such a trick.
Irenez was silent for a few minutes, thinking about what was said.
— According to Fey'lya's reports, the attacks on the New Republic bases in the Sluis sector were not of the same coordinated nature as in the Dafilvean sector, — the assistant said.
— There may be different reasons for this, — Bel Iblis noted. — Maybe they are covering their tracks, trying to disguise the destruction of the bases on Krondr and Ord Pardron as a random coincidence. Or their superweapon has a limited range of operation — and then this speaks in favor of them having a Jedi, rather than a mechanical device.
— This is unusual and dangerous, — Irenez said. — Until now, the Empire has demonstrated superweapons only in the variants of "a big gun" or "a big ship". And now... sentient beings. Have you ever heard of someone doing something like this?
— To be honest, never, — Bel Iblis was honest. — There were rumors in the period before and during the Clone Wars that some Jedi could somehow influence their allies, but much is attributed to the Order — not only what was true, but also outright fabrications, like they eat children, are excessively rich, started the Clone War themselves, and so on. I don't know anyone among those who could have witnessed something like that. Probably a fabrication, but let's leave it as one of the working versions. Although, the very combination — the Empire and the Jedi — is not just grating, but is unlikely to exist as a given.
— Especially since the only living Jedi in the galaxy is on the side of the New Republic, — Irenez agreed. — So it is unlikely that any Jedi traitor gives them this coordination.
— The only one that is known, — Bel Iblis corrected her. — No matter how Palpatine claimed that he had destroyed all the members of the Order, two years before the Battle of Yavin IV I saw one capable young man and his teacher — a celebrated Jedi general. And believe me — if I hadn't seen what this young man was doing, I wouldn't believe that such a thing was possible.
— But Luke Skywalker joined the Alliance shortly before the destruction of the Death Star...
— And I'm not talking about him, — the Corellian stated. — Galen Marek and Rahm Kota. Warriors that I would like to see on my side... The latter is a Jedi general. The first is the son of a Jedi, raised by Darth Vader, and then betrayed by him. At least that's how his story was presented by his comrades.
— You have never talked about them, — Irenez noted. — Maybe we should ask them for help? After all, if the Empire has a Jedi...
— I don't know where they are, — Bel Iblis admitted. — Marek, according to rumors, captured Darth Vader a year before the Battle of Yavin... Rahm Kota was also there — they had their own resistance cell...
— Judging by the fact that since the events described, Darth Vader lived for another five years, until Endor itself, Galen Marek and Rahm Kota could not keep him, — Irenez noted.
— They couldn't, — Bel Iblis agreed, in a suddenly subdued voice.
— Commander? — Irenez asked with concern. — Are you all right?
— Yes, — Garm said just as quietly. — I was just thinking... Galen Marek demonstrated abilities that went beyond the most powerful Jedi of all I knew. And now the Imperials have someone or something that can coordinate their actions at an unimaginable level. Perhaps a Jedi, perhaps a surviving Jedi hunter — according to rumors, they also once belonged to the Order. But what if it's...
— Galen Marek? — Irenez clarified. The Corellian nodded silently. — Even if that's the case, we can always leak information that he is on the side of the Empire to Luke Skywalker or one of his friends. For example, General Solo. He's Corellian after all...
— We once met Captain Solo, — Garm said. — True, he was much younger and probably doesn't remember it... But as a last resort — it will work.
— As a last resort, Fey'lya may also work, — Irenez noted.
— I highly doubt it, — Bel Iblis stated. — The Bothans, if they find out about Galen's location, will not only not try to stop him, but will most likely win him over to their side.
— To have a counterweight to the faction of Princess Leia Organa-Solo and Luke Skywalker? — Irenez clarified.
— No, — the Corellian stated. — Rather, to destroy her. Fey'lya can tell any stories, but his game is clear — he intends to climb as high as possible in the hierarchy of the New Republic. Perhaps — even to the chair of the head of state. And since Mon Mothma is now formally in it and has a large circle of supporters, the Bothans will either take away her power and influence, triumphantly presenting our Resistance group to the New Republic, so as to ride on our reputation as high as possible. Or they will just eliminate her.
— With Galen Marek's help? — the assistant asked. Garm nodded affirmatively. — Sir, well, the Bothans will have one of their own Jedi. Mon Mothma has Skywalker...
— I'm afraid that if Galen Marek is alive and not on the same side as Skywalker, then the latter doesn't even have a chance, — the Corellian said. — You see, Luke Skywalker is a good guy... He destroyed the Death Star, he killed Palpatine and Darth Vader... But he never dropped an Imperial Star Destroyer from orbit onto the surface of a planet with his bare hands...
***
It was annoying to admit this fact, but even the analytical brain of a Chiss is not immune to mistakes. However, is it correct to blame the computer if the error in calculations and planning was made by the user? Most likely not.
Hutt, how could I have miscalculated on such small details!
The Sante family! The owners of the production facilities of the company organized by the Sienar family! They were the first ones I should have turned to for the order of the necessary small aircraft! And not to some Krennel!
Okay, good, calm down.
Let's analyze.
A series of TIE equipment was created by a citizen named Raith Sienar. He rose high during the New Order, and until the Emperor's death at the Battle of Endor, he knew no sorrow, selling the Empire starfighters in an excellent "price-quality" ratio. Considering that the Empire never had problems with the number of recruits, the option of ordering expensive fighters and other "small fry" was rejected immediately. Cheap but practical machines were needed. And the losses among the personnel of the Imperial warriors never bothered anyone — it is always easier to train new ones. And cheaper.
I once again turned to the Imperial Archives available on Tangrene. After the flight of the Ubiquitorate, the most accessible and practically non-secret information remained there.
For example, indicating that Raith Sienar was killed three years after the Battle of Yavin. A year before the death of Palpatine himself. In the file I studied, it was stated that the killers were never found. But there were investigative versions indicating the involvement in the death of the head of the company by someone... from the Sienar company itself.
Well, there was a real snake pit there, obviously.
After the death of Sienar, who left no heirs, control over the company passed into the hands of the Sante family, who are co-owners of the enterprise. At the moment, a lady named Valles Sante is in power. The woman, I must say, is not very attractive in appearance (again — if you believe the holosnaps), but ambitious. After the death of the Emperor, she declared the independence of her planet Lianna from the rule of the Empire. She did not join the New Republic either. Attempts to diplomatically or otherwise lay hands on the industry of Lianna did not bear fruit. After a series of grand scandals, Mrs. Sante decided that it would be more correct to trade with both warring parties.
This fact infuriated the Imperial Ruling Council, which is not known for its patience, but there was no information about the further coercion of Lianna to return to the Empire. Obviously, the Imperials suffered setbacks. That is why such a wide scope of production of TIE-type equipment is not observed. They are happy with whatever they have left.
And since that is the case, then there is a high probability that the Sante family has more and better equipment than Krennel. No, I do not deny the fact that the prince-admiral can satisfy my requests for the necessary equipment, however... not now.
And it is necessary to do the exact opposite.
I have already managed to familiarize myself with the data sent to me on Lando Calrissian's project on the Nomad and the mission of the scouts on it. I was not too good at extracting minerals in this way. But even a blind man would have seen the indication in Mr. Rederik's report that the basis of the walking enterprise was a heavy Dreadnought-class cruiser. As well as the alteration of some of the premises into hangars...
Therefore, with the necessary resources and capabilities, the ships of the Katana Fleet can be supplied with an air wing. Not very large, though — a squadron, maybe two. Although, perhaps, only one — the size of the ship is confusing, it is too small.
But even in this case, simple mathematics howls at the numbers. For an even count, let's take two hundred dreadnoughts. Suppose that only one squadron of TIE fighters will be placed on each one. In each such unit — twelve machines. We multiply these numbers. Two thousand four hundred machines. We multiply this number by the price that the prince-admiral set for one fighter — seventy thousand credits... One hundred and sixty-eight million. And this is without taking into account spare parts, consumables, maintenance...
A third of my available funds is only for the purchase of fighters in the Ciutric Hegemony. Considering that there will inevitably be losses during battles — this amount increases by... an indefinite amount. And there are still the planetary squadrons of Tangrene, there is an air wing on the orbital station, which will soon arrive in the orbit of the planet, there are escort frigates, which also have a place to put fighters, there are Star Destroyers and cruisers, which also need replenishment of equipment...
Is five hundred million credits a lot? No, not much. If only two hundred million can be safely spent on the completion of my existing ships and a small reserve. And yet, money still needs to be spent on the repair and modernization of the "dreadnoughts", the purchase of spare parts, the provision of fuel and tibanna for the ship's artillery.... And there are also projects with a masking device...
Well, a visit to Lianna definitely needs to be made — if we manage to purchase machines at their factory price of sixty-five thousand, then it will take one hundred and fifty-six million credits to supply the "dreadnoughts" with an air wing. Twelve million less than originally planned. And for such a difference, you can take a small fleet of light ships, the same CR90s.
But first, you should find out what kind of equipment reserve and the limits of its production are available in the Ciutric Hegemony. Because, if my memory serves me right, in the chronology of this universe known to me, after Thrawn's defeat, Krennel also had troubles. And so serious that as a result, the prince-admiral died, his fleet was defeated, and the worlds of the Hegemony joined the New Republic. Which, on a false tip, organized such a "debriefing". Taking over everything that remained untouched after the end of hostilities. Hmm... an interesting turn of events, of course. This situation should be added to the list. And turn it over from all possible angles.
So, the further plan of action has been outlined. As soon as the fleet returns to combat readiness, we proceed to the active part of the operation. However, at the moment I have a significant number of combat-ready ships suitable for performing the task at my disposal.
The Chimaera, Stormhawk, Death's Head, and Belligerent. Four more will either be repaired or return to base soon. The Belligerent will need repair and modernization after the "frying" on N'Klonn. Two Interdictor-class destroyers and one on the way. One Strike-class medium cruiser. Three "extra" Corellian CR90-type corvettes, but another five of the same type of starships awaiting their Star Destroyers can be requisitioned for the needs of the operation. Even a DP20-type frigate. Two Tartan-class patrol cruisers. A combat group, the power of which is enough to properly crumple the sides of a commensurate enemy. And given the presence of K'baoth on board and his direct interest in what is happening — there are chances for something more.
Will this be enough to complete the short-term task, or am I being too cautious and Booster Terrik's "response" will not be as significant as expected? An interesting question. Without a doubt, I can strengthen my fleet with the available privateers, because no witnesses are expected to be left alive. Officially, neither Booster Terrik nor his colleague Talon Karrde consider themselves part of the New Republic. Therefore, there will certainly be no problems with determining their fate. But on the other hand... An interesting option is to remove Karrde from the "big game" not by killing him, but, say, by discrediting him. And to properly spread the news of his failure... If you bet on the speed of the operation...
But in what territory should it be carried out?
Stop. Let's record this thought.
Am I not too optimistic about the future? I have already planned the expenses for the "Katana Fleet", as if Captain Hoffner has already reported its coordinates. I am already anticipating Booster Terrik's possible reaction, although there is no news from Ferrier. Maybe "Sneak" wasn't impressed by the idea of taking revenge on Terrik and Karrde for all the "good" things, and therefore simply ran away?
Well, it's very easy to check — with one personal call via holographic communicator.
But first — a call to Mount Tantiss should be made.
I have a request-order for them. A very delicate one. On which more than just someone's life depends.
Someone's death depends on it.
***
The holoprojector of the Millennium Falcon flickered, and the figures on the projector table momentarily fell out of focus. Leia looked at her husband.
Han looked away. The commander of the Rogue Squadron, Wedge Antilles, sitting next to him, diplomatically pretended that what was happening did not concern him.
The Alderaanian princess, sighing, lightly hit the device on the side. Nothing happened.
— A little harder, — Han advised, continuing to study the ceiling of his own ship's mess hall.
— Or — you can just fix it, — Organa-Solo noted to her husband.
— Well, or so, — he said diplomatically. Chewbacca, standing in the doorway leading from the cockpit to the mess hall, growled quietly. The Wookiee approached the faulty means of communication and hit the other side of the device with all his might. Wedge involuntarily yelped. Han winced as if his teeth hurt. Leia smiled at the hologram of Mon Mothma that appeared above the projector.
— Thanks, Chewie, — Han grumbled. The Wookiee growled something in response. Han did not answer. The former smuggler's companion waved his hand, saying, "What can you expect from him," and headed to the cockpit to prepare the Millennium Falcon for flight.
— One day he will break your ship, — Wedge said quietly.
Commander of the Rogue Squadron, Commander Wedge Antilles.
— Never, — the co-national objected to the squadron commander, smiling, seeing Wedge blowing on his bangs so that they would not fall into his eyes. — You should get a haircut...
— Later, — the pilot waved away. — Now we will deal with the task here, return to Coruscant, and then, maybe, I will get out of the cockpit of my X-wing...
— Do you believe what you are saying? — Solo asked, looking at Antilles.
— I am reassuring the people around me, — he simply answered. — Or else rumors are already circulating that I sleep in the pilot's seat.
— Not just rumors, — Solo noted. — When we were chasing Zsinj, I saw you in that state a couple of times...
— Ah-ah-ah, — Wedge said quietly. — So that's who told... Well, thank you!
— What's wrong? — Han asked innocently. — You love your X-wing. Like Luke. You have already sorted out every screw, every wire...
— I know one retired general who does the same thing with his freighter, — the commander returned the joke, smiling toothily. — And you have a family and children...
— Kid, — Han said wearily, — one day I will beat you.
— That would be an act of treason, — Wedge stood up straighter. — After all, I am the commander of an elite squadron — I am not allowed to get beat up.
— Even if I'm a former general — and is this necessary for educational purposes? — Solo clarified.
— Han, you're only eight years older than me, — Wedge sighed. — And you act like a mother hen.
— And did you eat today? — Han played along with him.
— And I even cleaned my blaster, — Antilles assured him. They were silent, not paying much attention to what Leia and Mon Mothma were talking about. — Han...
— What? — Solo continued to look at the ceiling. And he winced unobtrusively, understanding what was about to be discussed.
— Come back, — Antilles looked at him plaintively.
— I'm not going anywhere, — Han understood that such excuses would not work on his co-national. Wedge himself talks anyone's teeth off — no wonder he has managed to get away with refusing the proposed promotion so many times. There was even a sign — if you meet Admiral Ackbar, from whom steam is coming — it means that Antilles has again refused to become a general. And the Mon Calamari is seething...
— You know what I mean, — Wedge sighed, still fighting with the unruly bangs. — Return your general's bars.
— No, — Solo answered firmly. — They are pressing on my chest. I can't breathe normally. It all seems like Fey'lya is standing behind my back and breathing down my neck... So carefully, brazenly, waiting for me to stumble and he will be able to devour me with my guts. And after me — Leia.
— Fey'lya is busy now, — Antilles shared secret information. — He is whispering in Mon Mothma's ear and trying to piss off Ackbar. A little more — and he will get to him. And we will have so few people left who are able to fight the Empire that...
— Shut down the reactor, kid, — Han said suspiciously, looking askance at his compatriot.
— Han, I'm thirty years old... — the commander of the Rogue Squadron tried to protest.
— And no brains, — Solo said.
— I'm a fighter pilot, — Antilles reminded him. — I don't need them.
— In that case, you would be flying an A-wing, — Solo objected. — And not an X-wing.
— Logically, — Wedge sighed. — And you can't argue.
The pilots of the RZ-1 A-wing interceptors, referred to among the pilots simply as "A-wings," were known as brave guys who loved dizzying speeds, but were not very quick-witted. No, they themselves, of course, denied these dirty insinuations, but the X-wing pilots knew...
— Did Ackbar ask you to play the record about the return again? — Solo clarified, although he himself guessed the answer.
— No, Fey'lya, — Wedge smiled in a completely boyish way. — He says, they say, General Solo is such a good guy, he got rid of Zsinj so skillfully... True, it took two goes and Skywalker to boot...
The talkative squadron commander stopped like a faulty engine when he came across Han Solo's not promising anything good gaze.
— Yes, Ackbar, — Wedge said, hanging his head and boyishly protruding his lower lip. Solo just shook his head. This young man has more downed opponents on his account than some flight units combined. And for his "sneakies" he is a father-commander who knows everything and can do everything, the relationship between the pilots is the most friendly. But surrounded by his closest friends, the young Corellian did not stop fooling around. — He wants to organize a squadron to search for and strike at those Imperials who did all this here...
— Was one hunt for Zsinj not enough? — Han sighed. — We really got into a mess then, believing that we had destroyed both him and his Star Super Destroyer. If it wasn't for Luke and that story with the Hapes, Zsinj would have gained strength on Dathomir and would have kicked our butts.
— But he didn't kick them, — Wedge noted.
— Because Luke was with us, — Solo frowned.
— Ackbar said something about if you return to service, then the Rogue Squadron will be transferred to your command, — Antilles pretended to be trying to pick out dirt under his fingernails.
— Tempting, but no, kid, — Han said. — You can become a general yourself and successfully lead the search squadron.
— No-no-no, — a frightened expression appeared on Wedge's face. As if he saw Darth Vader. Directly in his favorite TIE. And even chasing Wedge himself, who is trying to flee from the Sith Lord, sitting in a canoe and rowing with a broken oar against the current. — I am a fighter pilot to the core! It is contraindicated for me to command from the bridge of a ship that can accommodate more than one sentient.
— So-so-so, — Han squinted. — Ackbar told you that he would promote you, regardless of the fact that you are against it?
Wedge, realizing that his simple combination had been exposed, nodded his head sullenly.
— And you decided that if you persuade me, then he will leave you alone? — the former smuggler continued to guess.
— Well-l-l, — Antilles stretched out. He blew air, removing the bangs from his eyes. Looked at the dirty nails. Scratched his nose. Again at the nails.
— Wedge, I'm going to beat you for real! — Han threatened.
— I have a choice — either accept the promotion and lead the search squadron, or negotiate with you, for example, or Lando, so that you take the blow on yourself, — the compatriot surrendered. — Ackbar promised that if you or Calrissian agree, he will leave me alone for a couple of years with the nagging demands for promotion.
— Wedge, may your hold be full of vacuum instead of spice before meeting with customers, — Han sighed, shaking his head disapprovingly. No, he was not angry at his old friend for trying to keep the right to fly his beloved fighters with such a not-so-tricky plan. The kid was acting more out of desperation, perfectly understanding that Solo was his only option. Calrissian still needs to be reached, and what he will answer to the proposal...
— Kid, — Solo said with sadness. — Under other circumstances, I might have agreed, but... I have a pregnant wife, I have Chewie, the Falcon... As my acquaintance-smuggler said, I got fat, got a family, and became decent. Try your luck with Lando, he sometimes has altruistic motives...
— I'm afraid Lando is not an option either, — the princess's voice was heard. Han understood from the voice that the girl was clearly not in a good mood, as it was at the beginning of their conversation. After all, she was able to reassure the local authorities that no one would offend them anymore, and...
— What happened? — Han asked. Wedge, instantly ceasing to sulk, stood up straight, as if he had swallowed a crowbar.
— Everything is very sad, — Leia stated. — Han... we have to fly to the Sluis sector.
Wedge put on a satisfied smile, but his eyes showed that he was not happy at all. Because he will have to fly across the galaxy again. And there can be only one reason.
— The Empire has struck again, — Solo stated. The wife, stroking her stomach, nodded.
— The Sluis sector? — Wedge clarified. — There are at least three or four of our bases besides Sluis Van...
— The commandant of the base on Sluis Van did not take measures to attack the invading forces, — Leia explained. — He was afraid that they would play the same trick on him as here, in the Dafilvean sector. As a result, he kept all six Mon Calamari Star Cruisers and three dozen smaller starships at the base. While the Imperials destroyed our base on Intonne II, turning it and more than two thousand people on the underground levels into a fused piece of rock with the help of proton torpedoes. They failed to strike properly in the Bfasch system, but...
— But? — Wedge clarified.
— The Ortho system, — Leia said. — The Imperials destroyed the cover forces from the local garrison, landed on the planet, requisitioned all the ships they could lift into the air, and destroyed the rest.
— I don't understand, — Wedge admitted. — And why?
— On Ortho, fuel and minerals were mined for the Sluis Van shipyards, — the princess explained. — The Imperials attacked with a Strike-class medium cruiser, and a Star Destroyer and two more cruisers gathered in this system a little later. Together, they captured more than a dozen captured Imperial supply starships, with tanks and holds full of fuel and extracted minerals. And after that they blew up the fuel plant. And those ships that they could not take with them. And... this is the only thing we know. Well, except for the fact that the mines for the extraction of heavy metals, as well as the plasma drilling rigs operating on them, are now radioactive. Or maybe destroyed — no one can get close enough to them to assess. Perhaps everything is mined there, since the Imperials spent almost more time there than when looting warehouses and tankers...
— Oh, Hutt's offspring! — Han almost howled. — Everything there is now contaminated with radiation!
— The Ortolans, thank the Force, have left the affected area, but they are furious that no one protected them, — Leia sighed. — We are flying to Sluis Van to repeat our mission here. Wedge and the "sneakies" are accompanying us. General Cracken flew out of Coruscant to investigate the actions of the commandant — Fey'lya demanded it. Yes, and the military are also offended. There are rumors of treachery. The Bothan lobby is literally growling at Ackbar — after all, it was he who gave such vague instructions to the sector commanders, behind which the fleet commander in Sluis hid. Han, Wedge, it's some kind of madness...
— And we have to be in the very center of it? — Han asked. Leia nodded affirmatively. Solo rose from his chair. — I'm going to prepare the Falcon for departure.
And he silently headed towards the cockpit.
— I'll give the order to the guys, — Wedge activated the comlink on the general frequency of the pilots of his squadron.
— Sunshine, — Solo, as if remembering something, returned. — You said that Lando would not agree to return to his duties. Why is that?
— Because the Star Destroyer that was in charge of plundering Ortho, previously visited N'Klonn, — Leia explained. — And plundered it. And damaged it. And the fleet commander and the base commandant on Sluis Van refused to give ships to take Lando's enterprise into orbit and repair it. Despite the fact that Calrissian, like the Ortolans, is the main supplier of metals and ores for the Sluis Van shipyards. The local command considered these strikes to be distracting maneuvers in order to strike at Sluis Van...
— So, if we hurry, we should be in time to help Calrissian, — Han said. — The Falcon won't pull the plant, of course, but if we get out of retirement for a day and requisition ships...
— Han, — Leia said wearily. — There's nowhere else to rush. The Nomad burned in the rays of the local star more than a day and a half ago.