Nine years, seven months, and the first day after the Battle of Yavin…
Or forty-fourth year, seven months, and the first day after the Great ReSynchronization.
(Two months and sixteen days since arrival).
Captain Gilad Pellaeon stood on the bridge of an Imperial-class Star Destroyer II-class named the Chimaera.
The man looked through the transparisteel of the main viewport at the stars surrounding the warship. Most of them once belonged to the Galactic Empire, but now they had different owners. There is no more unity, no clear and consistent authority in its decisions. Now everyone is for himself and ready to sink his teeth into his neighbor's throat, regardless of the fact that a few days ago he was your friend and ally.
The gray-haired commander of the ship, whose name has become a symbol of the Imperials' victory over their longtime enemies, caught himself thinking that all this - the Chimaera in the middle of interstellar emptiness, distant stars belonging to enemies, waiting for a high-ranking Imperial officer - had already happened. Almost two years ago, when the communication systems of his Star Destroyer, which became the flagship of a small fleet after the defeat at Endor, received a message.
It came from the Unknown Regions as a group of encrypted holo-impulses. It bypassed many other communication systems, addressed directly to the commander of the Chimaera.
Gilad remembered well the awe he felt as he looked at the blinking inscription on the screen: — Message received. What a chill went through him as soon as he realized that the communication priority that Emperor Palpatine exclusively possessed in the past was used to transmit this piece of information.
It is not easy to configure your communication equipment to transmit such data accompanying the message. In fact, it's impossible. Since you need to use the correct encryption codes - and they are not so easy to get. Even the Rebels, who used fake admission codes to infiltrate the Imperial base on the forest moon of Endor, could no longer trick the Imperials in the same way. At least as far as Pellaeon himself knew.
For many years he was on the rights of a "second-rate commander" - for the fact that then, at Endor, seeing how easily the rebels destroyed the Imperial fleet fighting like small children, he ordered to retreat. He was branded a traitor, he was hated, he was despised...
And no one understood that he gave the order to retreat not at all because he wanted to seize power over the remnants of the Imperial fleet. When the Galactic Empire's war machine was disorganized by the death of Palpatine, who influenced the minds of Imperial servicemen with the help of the infamous damned Jedi Force, destruction near Endor seemed inevitable. Pellaeon turned out to be the one who understood this and did everything to ensure that defeat in one battle did not turn into a rout.
For the next four years, until he met the Grand Admiral who returned from the Unknown Regions, he fought to preserve the integrity of the fleet and the entire Empire. He gave his life to the Empire's war machine and rightfully considered it his other half. He could not do otherwise, could not allow what was so huge and indestructible to fall apart...
But he lost his battle.
Every new day after Endor, he learned that more and more systems were slipping out of the Imperial grip, and this was another victory for the New Republic. It was becoming increasingly difficult to maintain control over the commanders of other ships and to prevent attempts by individual moffs, admirals, and other scum who had raised their heads to declare their sectors new governments. He could not oppose those who were higher than him in position and rank. He saved the Imperial fleet, but was branded a traitor. Like all those who followed him.
Before he handed over control of the remnants of the fleet he had saved to the Grand Admiral, he had watched the end with his own eyes for four years, the end of everything he believed in and in the name of which he served. What he ordered to retreat at Endor for... At least, he considered this way of acting correct. And steadfastly endured the consequences of his decisions.
The ships that followed him could not find places to repair the damage for a very long time, and therefore, at the very moment when he unpacked the message a little less than two years ago, and waited with bated breath to see the menacing face of the Emperor...
But instead, he met the gaze of a hologram of a blue-skinned humanoid, whose features he forever remembered after the events in the system of Poln-Minor. Only then did he know this Chiss as "Senior Captain Thrawn." But then, from the Unknown Regions, he was already called Grand Admiral Thrawn. A non-human, about whose tactical genius Imperial officers sometimes talked. The rest mocked the "upstart" exiled by the Emperor to colonize the wild regions of space...
He received the coordinates of a meeting with the Grand Admiral in that transmission, when Thrawn announced his return from the Unknown Regions of the galaxy almost two years ago.
And just at that moment, all the fears and doubts that Pellaeon had after the defeat at Endor disappeared. He met his new commander and escorted him to Orinda, the capital of what was left of the once great Galactic Empire.
Since then, the life of the galaxy has changed...
Thrawn attacked the New Republic, striking where they did not expect. Small victories were added up to prepare for larger operations...
And after they subdued the secret treasury of Emperor Palpatine, revealing its location, events began to develop with such speed that it was sometimes impossible to keep track of them.
The attack on the Dafilvean Sector, the creation of raiding groups from Imperial volunteers and hired pirates - "wolf packs", the ambush at Rugosa, the removal from command of the Republican Commander-in-Chief Admiral Ackbar, the capture of General Lando Calrissian and Princess Leia Organa-Solo, the capture of the traitor - former Grand Admiral Octavian Grant, who defected to the New Republic, the attack on the Hast shipyards... Much has happened in the two years since Thrawn's return, and especially in the last two and a half months.
The fleet of Star Destroyers that Pellaeon handed over to Grand Admiral Thrawn's command has grown many times over in quantity and quality in the last two and a half months. But the Chiss did not take equipment from the Imperials, as many of his predecessors did, pouring fuel on the unceasing fire of the Imperial Civil War.
He was returning what had fallen to the New Republic. And he was taking away from them what they could not protect.
Pellaeon turned away from contemplating the infinity of space and looked at the watch officers. Young crew members are working on the command deck and below in the "pits". Despite the fact that many of them are not so old, they are hardened in battle. The collapse of the Empire into separate Remnants, the ongoing war, and the death of the Imperial Fleet's elite have mowed down experienced commanders and crew members, and their places have been taken by young "suckers" who have completed accelerated training courses. Not so long ago, Pellaeon himself complained that he had these young people under his command... And now he is ready to go into battle with them without hesitation.
So many highly qualified officers and other crew members died with the Emperor almost six years ago. The best crew in the galaxy, managing Darth Vader's flagship, the Super Star Destroyer Executor - among them. More than three hundred thousand people - crew and landing party - died when the ship collided with the surface of the battle station.
So many deaths. So many dead. Everyone is as dead as the Empire...
The captain, turning away, mentally cursed himself.
No, the Empire is not dead. The Empire is not territories and military power. It's not an old man in a black cloak or his henchman in a stylish black armor suit with a distinctive breathing. The Empire is primarily an idea. The idea of a clear structure, the idea of order and justice.
And Grand Admiral Thrawn promised to preserve this idea, reorganizing the fragments of past greatness into something new, perfect, and ideal... The commander of the Chimaera watched with his own eyes how the worldview of the Grand Admiral himself was changing. Two years ago, he was determined to destroy the New Republic and restore the Galactic Empire. But in the last two and a half months, the Grand Admiral has changed his point of view, deciding to take the best from the Imperial past and lay the principles and ideals by which the Imperials have lived for the last almost thirty years into the foundation of a new state. To discard all the husk that led to the collapse of the Empire and the creation of numerous formations of independent Remnants on its former territory.
Pellaeon, as well as all those who were privy to the general features of Thrawn's plan, had no illusions. There will be no utopian state. They will have to fight for their future - against Imperials, Republicans, criminals, and local princes. Every day is a battle for their future. There are too many enemies to ignore the threat they pose.
And there, in the Deep Core, sits the main enemy of everything Grand Admiral Thrawn is striving for. The resurrected Emperor Palpatine, whose servants the Chiss's wards have already encountered on Vjun. A bloody despot and intriguer who intends to once again unleash streams of fire and destruction on the galaxy. A man for whom nothing is sacred anymore, because he is not fighting for any high goal or idea. Emperor Palpatine intends to fight to the last Imperial only in order to avenge his humiliation at Endor. And he, and millions of his followers, are the same sadists and tyrants.
Pellaeon sighed.
And how many of the same bastards are now lurking among Thrawn's armed forces?
During the repair of the Chimaera, a good dozen spies were identified in the crew alone, with whom Gilad had fought side by side for so long. Counterintelligence and Jensaarai, Inquisitor Raynar Obscuro and Major Grodin Tierce... Traitors and revanchists, whom Ubiqtorate has introduced into almost every starship crew...
And now, when the ships of Grand Admiral Thrawn's fleet are sent on new missions, now, when they are far from the base, now, when the names of the traitors have been established, a campaign has begun to cleanse the fleet of parasites...
The Chimaera hung in interstellar space.
Captain Pellaeon looked at the blackness of space and the lights of distant, unattainable stars.
Search teams were conducting their secret work on Dantooine, near which the flagship Star Destroyer was located.
Grand Admiral Thrawn was playing his next game with a momentary ally who could stab him in the back at any moment.
The enemies were carrying out their own plans, and the fleet's counterintelligence was destroying informants...
The cleansing of the Empire from the "impurities" that caused its immoral image in the eyes of the galaxy's population and led to the collapse of the great idea of peace and order was beginning today...
On the very day when the first three dozen Dreadnought-class heavy cruisers from the long-lost Katana Fleet entered service.
On the very day when Captain Pellaeon stood on the bridge of his Star Destroyer and looked at the endless space...
On this very day, Captain Pellaeon was simply waiting for the appearance of another ship...
And that moment was approaching with every second.
Soon the wheel of history will make another turn and the galaxy will change.
***
One look at the face of the man sitting in front of me is enough to understand - a true Imperial.
In the worst interpretation of the word.
Arrogant, haughty, disdainful. Even his facial features are a direct confirmation of the conclusions that I have already formed regarding Moff Disra based on the hindsight gleaned from my past. Pointed, predatory...
I listened to his proposal.
First, he wants to remove the ruler of the Pentastar Alignment, Grand Moff Ardus Kaine. With my help, of course - otherwise, such a meeting would never have taken place.
Then, he plans to head the Alignment and reorient it from strengthening its own military power to attacking the Imperial Space - another Remnant that has its capital on the planet Orinda. At the moment, the latter is under the control of the Imperial Ruling Council - people who supported the real Thrawn two years ago, giving him financial and human resources, thereby strengthening the Grand Admiral. And all this in exchange for a promise not to interfere in the political realities of what remained after the collapse of the Galactic Empire.
And he offers me to do the same - to join the struggle for control over what remains on the galaxy map after the collapse of the Empire. To turn the numerous Remnants of the Empire into two Imperial hegemons - the Pentastar Alignment and... Judging by Disra's rhetoric, he is supposedly not interested in what I will do with my part of the conquered space.
— You have heard my proposal, Grand Admiral Thrawn, — Moff Disra said in a creaky, and therefore repulsive, voice.
— Yes, — I replied, without taking my eyes off the scrambler box, which lay on the table of the compartment in front of the Moff. A device to prevent any recording of our negotiations. Insurance in case I decide to use this information against him. I have no doubt that this man is not particularly popular in the Alignment - it is not for nothing that he arrived at the meeting on one shuttle with a squad of fighters. Who even look like mercenaries, and not of the highest qualification, and therefore, the price for their services.
It does not take great mental abilities to understand that this sentient intends to solve his entire plan to seize power over Ardus Kaine's state solely at my expense. As well as use my army, my fleet, and my authority.
— What will be your answer? — Impatiently, Disra licked his lips, carefully not taking his eyes off my face. The mercenaries standing behind him were boredly examining the modest interior of the Chimaera's compartment.
The most ordinary service room - gray walls, a table for negotiations, chairs, ship equipment by the walls, monitors... And a disassembled holographic projector, which the technicians did not have time to put into operation.
— Before I announce it, Moff Disra, I want to know what hostile actions Grand Moff Kaine is carrying out or planning to carry out against me and my forces, — I said calmly.
— There was nothing like that in my speech, — the Moff glanced first at the shoulder, where the ysalamiri was obediently sleeping, and then behind my back, swallowed a lump in his throat, and then looked at me again. The Imperial Guardsman behind my back unnerves him. And the representative of the Imperial Shadow Guard dressed in black next to him. Well, that was the intention.
— You talked about this to my adjutant during a meeting on Yaga Minor, — I had to remind him of what this man had planned to omit.
— Did she tell you that? — Disra was surprised. — Insolent...
— I trust my people, Moff, unlike you, — I said. — When the Imperial Ruling Council transferred to me the powers of Supreme Commander-in-Chief, one of the conditions was that I would not interfere in the political affairs of the Imperial Remnants. I emphasize - in the affairs of any of the Remnants. Including in the affairs of Grand Moff Kaine. What you are offering me is a direct violation of this agreement. On Yaga Minor, you told my subordinate that the Grand Moff was acting against me. While he was financing my military campaign. This is either a conscious attempt on your part to mislead me, or an attempt to induce me to interfere in your attempt at a coup, while keeping any details secret from me. Allies don't do that, and for an attempt to deceive me, my Guardsman will execute you on the spot. I'm waiting for an answer.
The mercenaries behind the Moff shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Well, yes - they only have electro-batons as weapons, while the Shadow Guardsman has a lightsaber and a heavy blaster at hand, and the Guardsman is armed with a vibro-sword and a blaster. The latter, of course, is hidden under a scarlet cloak, and the mercenaries probably have some "tricks" up their sleeves. But starting a shootout on the ship right now was not very desirable.
— Kaine is cooperating with an information trader known as Talon Karrde, — Disra said quickly. — He gave him information about your base on Lainuri, reliably possessing information that Karrde would surely sell this information to the rebels.
— Continue, — I ordered.
— I was a liaison between the Grand Moff and the information trader, — Disra stated. — In order for Karrde to transfer information to the New Republic, he received a shipment of Imperial technologies - turbolaser installations, deflectors, surveillance systems...
— How was this implemented in the bills of lading?
— Karrde and Kaine have been cooperating for a very long time, — Disra grinned. — Cargo is declared as civilian, neither the contraband brought in by the Claw, nor the military goods exported by him are inspected or checked by customs. The most favored regime.
Given the high demand for Imperial goods on the black market, this is a very fair way to calculate. Mutually beneficial.
— How did Kaine find out about my base on Lainuri? — I asked.
— He did not share this information with me, — Disra smirked. — But I am sure that after his removal from office, I will find a lot of things in the Grand Moff's personal data that are of interest to you.
— That is possible, — I agreed. — What exactly is your plan, Moff?
— I am not going to reveal it, Grand Admiral, until I receive your consent, — Disra warned. — You are smart enough to get an Imperial Guardsman into your entourage, — he nodded behind my back, — therefore, I am not going to risk that you will independently use my plan and seize control of the Pentastar Alignment.
— At this stage of my campaign, I am not interested in controlling any territory at all, — I said. — Especially over the Alignment. If you want to get support from me in any of your endeavors, then you should come up with a sufficiently weighty motivation, other than telling about an attack on a planet that does not have my base.
— Don't play with me, Grand Admiral, — Disra snarled. — You used me to find out about the upcoming attack and now intend to throw me out like a used part? I am not a figure of that magnitude in Imperial society to just take and get rid of me! If you don't want to participate in this, someone else will participate. For example, Prince-Admiral Krennel. He, as I have heard, has recently risen noticeably in authority among the Imperial military, appropriating your own achievements...
— You are absolutely right, Moff, — I agreed, glancing at the chronometer. The right time. — You are not a figure of that magnitude to take you seriously...
— Vile alien, — Disra snorted, rising from the table. — I don't advise you to touch me, because my shuttle is mined. And if you attack me...
— I'm not going to take any steps to do that, — I admitted. Disra looked at me with great suspicion.
The hand of the ship's chronometer reached the desired value...
— Grand Admiral, sir, — Captain Pellaeon's voice rang out. — The arrival of a Super Star Destroyer of the Executor class has been recorded. We are being greeted. The identification codes of the Reaper have been received.
Disra's pale face turned as white as chalk.
— Thrawn, — the traitorous Moff said with a crazed look. — You... You... You betrayed me to Kaine! The Reaper came for me?!
I tilted my head to the side, pondering how exactly to say...
The answer came from behind:
— You're wrong, Disra, — said Grand Moff Ardus Kaine, removing the scarlet helmet of the Imperial Guardsman from his head. — It's for me.
— K... Kill them! — The traitor wailed plaintively, addressing his mercenaries.
But his fighters did not have time to raise their weapons.
Former Imperial Inquisitor Raynar Obscuro, dressed in the uniform and armor of the Imperial Shadow Guard, shot a throwing dart into the traitor's chest from his bracer, causing a blood-red stain to immediately spread across the gray uniform. And immediately, in one jump, not as graceful as he demonstrated when using the Force, he jumped over the table, reached both mercenaries, activated his lightsaber, and dealt with them before I could blink. In the end, grabbing the traitor by the hair, he forcefully slammed his face against the table, after which Moff Disra's body slid to the floor, leaving bloody streaks behind him.
— You know how to end negotiations effectively, Grand Admiral Thrawn, — Grand Moff Kaine said with a laugh after he checked the absence of a pulse on Disra's body.
— Tusken gets a Tusken's death, — I said, adapting a proverb known in my world to the local manner.
— Interesting expression, — Kaine smiled grimly, displaying his flawless white teeth. — I think we will agree on everything, my friend, immediately after I change into a more familiar form of clothing.
— The guest cabin is at your service, Grand Moff, — I said, rising from my chair and, accompanied by the Shadow Guard, leaving the negotiation compartment.
***
Captain Kalian looked through the transparisteel of the bridge at the serene space. Then he looked at the ship's chronometer. And only after that did he turn to look at the faces of his subordinates. They did not show dissatisfaction, but the poorly suppressed irritation from the fact that they had not yet learned how to properly operate the Mon Calamari instruments - there was plenty of it on their faces.
— Combat alert, — he ordered. The ringing from the intercoms sounded more like a fragment of an instrumental music ensemble performance.
A week to master a starship of a completely new configuration for you, built according to completely different projects and designs... It's not easy. But there was no choice. Either that, or hang out at the shipyards, waiting for the craftsmen to finally finish repairing the Steel Aurora. And, as it turned out, this can be done quite quickly - if you get the necessary components.
And it was for them that a small detachment under his command was now hunting.
— Contact! — His first mate informed him. — The Black Asp caught six medium transports from hyperspace along the calculated vector. We have been detected!
— Raise the fighters, — Kalian ordered. — We are going to intercept. Broadcast a message to the cargo ships demanding surrender. Only text.
— They are responding via one-way holocommunication, sir, — a minute later, during which their starship managed to fire warning shots across the ships' course, reported from the communications post. — They demand to be let through, as they are carrying out a transport delivery of food products to the territories of the Imperial Remnants and are no more than...
— Enough, don't tell me this nonsense anymore, — Kalian fidgeted in the uncomfortable chair, in which the commander of this vessel, a Mon Calamari, clearly felt excellent. But a normal person clearly finds it difficult to sit in such a narrow conical "egg". — Report to the ships: "Stop the reactors, shut down the engines, prepare for inspection. We know about the shipment of Imperial weapons you are carrying." Tell the Wookiee stormtroopers to be ready to disembark.
The intelligence worked perfectly, finding out the time and course of the transport caravan from the Bilbringi shipyards to Suytruk IV. Imperial equipment and weapons were being transported, and in large quantities. The Grand Admiral gave the order - to capture and escort the trophies to an inconspicuous star system away from the site of the attack, and in general - the territories of the Imperial Remnants. After which the ships will be robbed in the most natural way, deprived of everything valuable - cargo and equipment - after which the crews should be landed in escape pods, and the vessels themselves should be destroyed by ship artillery. The reason for the destruction of the ships is simple, like everything in this operation - the ships are sure to have beacons installed, and Kalian did not have time to disarm them.
Meanwhile, the captured X-wings from the New Republic were already driving the pot-bellied transports that had tried to escape closer to the Mon Calamari Star Cruiser. The ships that started from the hangar, remaining on board since the time when this war machine belonged to the enemies of the Empire, were delivering boarding parties of Wookiees and representatives of some other races to the cargo ships, who had defected to Grand Admiral Thrawn. Which is symbolic and works exclusively in the interests of covering the operation. After all, the New Republic's propaganda widely advertised data that the Empire hates all races without exception, except for human and those close to it.
Captain Kalian smirked.
An operation under the guise of the New Republic, aimed at seizing military supplies going to Prince-Admiral Delak Krennel. Property that will go to the restoration of the ships belonging to Grand Admiral Thrawn - "victories", as well as captured Mon Calamari cruisers, which also needed weapons.
The commander of the Steel Aurora had no doubt that one way or another Grand Admiral Thrawn would use what was happening not only to obtain Imperial military technologies without payment.
There must be a "second bottom".
There must be.
***
By the time I made the final decision with whom exactly I should conclude if not an alliance, then at least a truce, I knew absolutely everything about Grand Moff Ardus Kaine that intelligence and Imperial archives could provide at my disposal. I have no doubt that a significant part of the data still did not reach my attention for the reason that searching for it was extremely unsafe in the territory of the Pentastar Alignment.
But already what was available was enough to understand a simple, well-known truth.
This man has deep psychological traumas, straight from childhood, transformed over the years of service into a certain policy of behavior - both in official and personal activities. And his father is to blame for this.
The birthplace of the future Grand Moff is the planet Sartinaynian. And I remember this name well, strangely enough. In the future, and possibly already now, this world will acquire the code designation "Bastion" and after a decade will become the capital of what remains of the Empire. The coordinates of this planet have already been removed from the databases of the Imperial Remnants, which is interesting - it means that Kaine is already taking measures to protect his native world. Moreover, the coordinates of the planet are not even in the astronavigational directories loaded into the database of ships under my command. So the work has been going on for some time. Well, let's take this fact into account, let's record the thought. Because for me, the coordinates of the future Bastion are as much of a secret as for the rest - the data obtained during the mission on Obroa-skai significantly expanded the limits of our knowledge in the field of galactic astrography. But the special services on the payroll of the Grand Moff knew how to cover their tracks. However, obtaining information is not difficult if you show imagination and ingenuity.
The father of the future Grand Moff was a moderately successful merchant and an implacable racist, craving prestige and political influence. The pocket despot raised his son in the same aspirations, and, apparently, overdid it, since the reports of competent authorities from the very first days of Ardus Kaine's service indicated that the boy was only pretending to be a racist. In fact, he is "white and fluffy." Or, more simply, he absolutely does not care what happens to non-humans. He does not care about oppression, but at the same time he categorically welcomes their participation and work if they are useful. Which echoes my current and future position. Which became the first pebble on the scales of choice between him and the undisguised xenophobe Disra.
Kaine's father died at the hands of pirates, the future Grand Moff found himself in a psycho-traumatic situation, which became fertile ground for the roots of the ideology of the New Order and the shining victorious ideology of the newly formed Galactic Empire.
Thanks to Kaine's talents in organizational activities and his oratory, the transition of the Galaxy to the bosom of Imperial law and right became soft and fast: in particular, it was Kaine who contributed to the strengthening of the armed forces and was at the origins of the reorganization of the Republic Defense Commission into COMPONP - the Commission for the Protection of the New Order, which became famous for its political and anti-alien fanaticism - things that could have made the late father proud of his son.
Emperor Palpatine knew how to notice the people he needed and arrange their future. Ardus Kaine received as a reward for his future the management of an entire sector, becoming a Moff. And after the destruction of the first Death Star, there was only one candidate for the position of Grand Moff of the Outer Rim Territories supersetor instead of the deceased Wilhuff Tarkin - Kaine. At that time, the latter had already shown his principled positions - cold calculation, emphasized formalism in relation to everything that was happening, as well as a predatory disposition. In many ways, this corresponded to the psychological portrait of the deceased Tarkin, so it is not surprising that Palpatine was looking for an heir to the latter's cause.
And this is where it gets interesting.
Kaine was simply excellent at fulfilling the duties of a Moff of one, albeit not the largest, sector. And when he was faced with the need not only to rule, but also to be responsible for hundreds of sectors, he... got confused. The new appointment contradicted his own desire to move to the government of the Central Worlds and get as close as possible to the Emperor. Like other Imperials, he desired power. But he was afraid to enter the struggle for it, fearing to lose what he already had. Against the background of this bipolar disorder that had begun, Ardus Kaine enters into a confrontation with Palpatine's hired assassin - Ennix Devian, which becomes the beginning of their mutual enmity. In the future, Devian grabbed two inhabited spheres, visually similar to "Death Stars," from Coruscant's orbit after the Battle of Endor. One was promised to him by Palpatine, and the other was intended for Kaine... Petty revenge - Devian set up the latter as the third "Death Star" in front of the just victorious Rebels at Endor in order to take advantage of the turmoil and steal their repairing ships.
In his new post, Kaine became the owner of an Executor-class Super Star Destroyer named the Reaper, as well as a squadron of Star Destroyers called the Scourge Squadron - an allusion to Darth Vader's Death Squadron.
So you could say that the appointment he received had many attractive bonuses.
After the death of the Emperor at Endor, the ideological soldier and administrator Kaine was shocked by the almost complete collapse of the existing vertical of power. But in the chaos that was happening, he quickly figured it out.
He maximally reduced the territories he controlled, choosing those that had the greatest functionality and strategic value. With the great support of various kinds of corporations, he organized the Pentastar Alignment and turned it into a distorted reflection of the rapidly collapsing Galactic Empire. If you look at what happened as a result, the Alignment most of all resembled some huge holding of enterprises. But at the same time, the system functioned, and even with enviable efficiency.
Kaine attracted many Dark Jedi who had previously been in Palpatine's service - for example, the Supreme Inquisitor Jerec, who in the past, as I remember, hunted for the Valley of the Jedi and opposed such a well-known person as Kyle Katarn. Kaine transformed the Inquisitors into a division of the judicial authority of the Alignment of his state, and they served him properly, identifying moods among citizens. Only this was all done according to the laws of the Imperial Inquisition: first I torture, and then I ask questions. From the local residents ideologically devoted to the New Order, Kaine formed law enforcement agencies, which combined the function of punishers and the main weapon of terror against their own people.
Kaine's origin and his neat, but skillful rhetoric of a faithful adept of the New Order sect and the oppression of aliens made many believe that he despised the weak, pro-alien policies of the Old Republic and the Rebel Alliance, which led to a large influx of Imperial military and scientists. In reality, Kaine took into account Palpatine's experience in attracting talented non-humans to his service. And, it would seem, this should have caused a social explosion, but... This did not happen. On the contrary, the locals saw nothing unnatural in despising and hating aliens, but at the same time, conditionally speaking, smiling and waving friendly hands to representatives of non-human races at the helm of power in the Alignment.
As before, Kaine was afraid to lose what he had already received, and therefore he did not strive for the usurpation of all the Imperial Remnants. The Grand Moff understood that only the New Republic would win in this, and he did not particularly want to get involved in a war against the Imperials. Instead, he simply multiplied his forces and dealt with issues of defending territories. When for the first and at the moment last time between Kaine and his close associates the question was discussed whether he wanted to become the new Emperor, he replied that he had no such desire.
And this is a very important point in the further strategy of interaction with the Grand Moff.
His entourage is sure that he is simply afraid to enter into confrontation with other Imperials, since he does not have a predominant military power. Despite the large number of ships in the Alignment fleet, Kaine, unlike the Imperial Ruling Council, does not have the ability to build starships from scratch - he does not have a full-cycle production base for building Star Destroyers and other line ships. Banality - there is no necessary equipment and specialists.
But the Grand Moff did not despair of this state of affairs. Instead, he imports the critical systems, components, and assemblies he needs from outside the Alignment. Hyperdrives, navigation computers, and so on... Hence his emphasis on the Reaper, the Scourge Squadron - the core of his fleet, as well as on superiority over opponents in the category of Heavy Cruisers, of which he currently has several hundred and new ones continue to be built. But the latter, even with significant numerical superiority, are not comparable to the power of the Imperial Space, which has hundreds of Imperial "triangles" and the ability to build them at the Bilbringi shipyards. For each of the "Imperials" assigned to the armed forces of Orinda, Kaine is forced to build several Vindicator-class or Enforcer-class Heavy Cruisers. The latter looks like the same Interdictor-class Star Destroyer Immobilizer 418, only instead of gravity well generators, it has additional reactors located in eight hemispheres, providing energy to numerous additional artillery.
The ground forces of both Remnants are about the same, so a kind of parity has developed in military forces. And both governments have enough sense not to start dividing territories, since there is an understanding of the fact that they will remain losers in any case - the New Republic will not miss the chance to take advantage of the conflict and bite off a couple of sectors, or even a good dozen.
However, I am inclined to think that either Kaine himself or one of his trusted advisers is guaranteed to know that the return of Emperor Palpatine is inevitable, and therefore the latter will be extremely unhappy that his obedient animals have grabbed each other by the throat. Doubly suspicious is the part that in the events known to me, both Kaine and the leader of the Imperial Ruling Council turned out to be on the side of the Reborn Palpatine. But, unfortunately, I was not sure and informed about what exactly could lead to such actions.
Considering that Palpatine's agents have already crossed my path and have information about my political movements, I should take care to postpone their interference in my plans now.
And this became the second reason why I decided to cooperate with Kaine, not Disra. My participation in the coup in the Alignment, provided that it is connected with Byss, will only accelerate Palpatine's invasion. But supporting Kaine fits into the promise given by the real Thrawn not to interfere in the political life of the Remnants. It seems illogical, given my negotiations with the Imperials in the past, but the crux lies in something else.
— Would you share information about where you got such an exclusive product? — Ardus Kaine asked, sitting down opposite me in another negotiation room. He cast an interested glance at Raynar Obscuro, standing behind me, in the guise of an Imperial Shadow Guard. Unlike the red robes of the Imperial Guard, I liked the black and red tones of the form of this division with its design.
— It is exclusive because it is no longer available anywhere else, — I said, folding my fingers in front of me like a "house."
— And I heard that they were all killed, — Kaine noted.
— Rumors can sometimes be very deceptive, Grand Moff, — I noted. The presence of a representative of such a rare elite of the Imperial Guard has its own reason. First, I needed reliable cover for negotiations with Disra. Secondly, for Palpatine's henchmen, if they act in any way jointly with Kaine, there needs to be an explanation for the reasons for the disappearance of Inquisitor Obscuro after Vjun. — This is a very useful tool that helps me solve problems of a very specific focus.
— Jedi Skywalker? — Kaine asked.
— This fledgling has already proven that he can present very serious problems under certain conditions, — I said. — To counter a weapon of a certain caliber, something similar in characteristics is needed. I have it. However, you too.
— You are well informed about the state of affairs inside the Pentastar Alignment, — Ardus Kaine's face darkened.
— If that were the case, then I would certainly have information that you are maintaining contacts with Karrde, — I had to remind the "forgetful" Grand Moff of something. — And even more so that you are directing him to my base on Lainuri.
— We both know that you left that outpost long ago, — Kaine objected.
Just because I ordered the troops to be withdrawn from there does not mean that the planet is of no interest to me.
— Still, — I continued. — This act goes beyond the framework of the agreements concluded between me and the rulers of the Imperial Remnants.
— Like the fact that you hold personal meetings with the rulers of some of them, — Kaine immediately said, giving a hint about the reasons for his behavior.
— There is no point in denying the obvious, — I agreed. — I need equipment, and I get it from those who can give it.
— The agreement on non-interference in the politics of the Empire implied that you would receive from the Remnants what you need if we are able to give it to you, — Kaine said firmly. — Instead of asking, you begin to take extremely suspicious steps that can be interpreted in two ways. And no one likes this.
— The amount of military support that the Pentastar Alignment and the Imperial Space can provide me is less than what I need to continue my campaign, — he undoubtedly understands that I am evading a direct answer. But what else should I tell him? That I don't know the details of the agreements because I don't have Thrawn's memory? No, there are no suicides in this compartment. — Therefore, first I want to exhaust the capabilities of those who can provide me with what is needed here and now. And then - I will return to our agreements with the Remnants.
— Strange logic, Grand Admiral, — Kaine frowned.
— Which helped you get rid of the coup, — I immediately said, realizing that I should shift the emphasis of the conversation to a safe channel for myself. — I am sure that it will not be difficult for you to find out the identities of Moff Disra's allies and eliminate the threat to your rule.
— Don't worry, — the Grand Moff chuckled, — this problem has been solved. And your participation in solving this annoying obstacle will not be left without attention.
— I am very grateful for such a scrupulous attitude to our agreements, — I said. — Rumor has it that you have a large fleet of Vindicator-class Heavy Cruisers.
— Possibly, — the Grand Moff said with a note of caution. — According to my information, you also have Heavy Cruisers...
— Not as many as the rumors prescribe, — is it likely that he will "buy" into such an excuse, but is it worth trying? — I would like to receive ten Vindicators from you.
Vindicator-class Heavy Cruiser.
— Each such six-hundred-meter ship costs me about fifty million credits, — Kaine said with a squint. — Half a billion... Your help is expensive, Grand Admiral.
Well, the Grand Moff has accepted, understood, and appreciated the idea that I chose his side solely to get starships (and by no means the worst ones). He considers my motives understandable and pragmatic: to interfere in the conspiracy in order to get my own "piece" of the pie. This will only confirm my words that I cooperated with other Remnants solely for the sake of new ships.
— But it allows you to stay in power, and me - to continue my work, — I noted.
— Disra's rebellion was doomed to failure in the near future, — Kaine grimaced. — I would have revealed it anyway, without your help.
— But you didn't reveal it, — I noted. — I don't think it's worth reminding you that you didn't even know about his existence until my people told you about it.
— Why do you need Heavy Cruisers, Thrawn? — The Grand Moff preferred to steer the conversation aside. — They are used for stationary service, nothing more. In linear combat, they look very, very dull compared to an Imperial I-class Star Destroyer, even in the simplest configuration.
— Grand Moff Kaine, — I said patiently. — You were offered help in eliminating the threat to your rule. You knew that I would demand military equipment in return. It is not in my plans to reveal my plans for these ships. We are reasonable people who always fulfill previously reached agreements. What is the point of discussing this now?
Kaine looked at me as if he was trying to shine through me with X-rays. Despite the fact that he was on board my ship alone and without security, he understood perfectly well that I would not do anything bad to him, even if I wanted to - for these purposes he brought the Reaper with him. And this is both a threat and a warning. The Chimaera, taking into account the additional deflector generator, can try to hold out in battle against this ship, but a couple of volleys of the gunners' side artillery of the Super Star Destroyer will be enough to deprive my flagship not only of deflectors, but also of armor (although I am more confident that the Star Destroyer will simply turn into a smoking skeleton).
This man does not like to share, and therefore he is now trying to understand whether such a broad gesture will turn into problems for him in the future.
— So, the stories about the Katana Fleet are nothing more than disinformation, — he said. — They clouded our minds so that the Imperial Remnants would not want to take active action against you and your people...
I wisely did not answer. If the enemy is deceiving himself, why destroy his illusions? Moreover, such a point of view was intended to be spread among the Imperial Remnants. Considering that in the Pentastar Alignment, in addition to Ardus Kaine himself, there are also four other dignitaries in high positions (hence such a numeral in the name of the state), then rumors that Thrawn is not so strong in fact are beginning to spread. I am sure that Ardus is able to ensure the dissemination of such data in a "narrow circle."
— Ten ships is too much, — he said. — Three and no more. Disra was not so valuable.
— Seven, — I said calmly.
— Four, — Kaine barely audibly ground his teeth.
— Five, — I continued the bargaining.
— Agreed, — the Grand Moff unexpectedly said. — But I will transfer them without crews and aircraft. Indicate the system to which the starships need to be delivered, and they will be there within a standard week.
If we take into account the fact that such starships cannot be built in a week, then Kaine intends to transfer Heavy Cruisers from the active fleet to me.
— They should not be damaged in battle or require additional repairs, as well as the replacement of units, — I warned. Kaine chuckled quite a bit, which confirmed my assumptions - he intended to give me starships that had already been well battered by life and the enemy.
— You will have these ships, Grand Admiral, — Kaine's face continued to resemble an emotionless mask, but I saw in his eyes that he was satisfied with the deal concluded. — You know, we could have achieved a lot if we had worked together, Grand Admiral...
— Are there any specific examples of your initiative? — I asked.
— Disra was right in one thing - Prince-Admiral Krennel is gaining great strength and popularity, — Kaine said. — He also provided you with financial assistance in the early stages of the campaign, didn't he?
— Like most of the Remnants, — I confirmed with a general phrase.
— He has been subject to restrictions for a long time in connection with his reprisal against the Grand Vizier, — the Grand Moff continued. — And now my intelligence reports that he has line ships that should not be.
— Oh, really? — I clarified. — And where did he get them?
— Rumors are circulating among the population of the Remnants that information about the military actions of the last Grand Admiral is nothing more than an empty cover for Krennel's activities, — Kaine continued. — By asking, as one of the conditions, to ensure your information security, you actually deprived yourself of the opportunity to become a hero in the eyes of ordinary Imperials. You noticed, didn't you, that after rumors appeared that the Prince-Admiral had attacked the Hast shipyards and realized the Imperial revenge in the battle for this strategic object, all the aspirations of the Imperial revanchists are directed at him, not at you. I am informed that the flow of those who want to become volunteers for your armed forces has begun to dry up.
— Yes, such information has also been brought to my attention, — I confirmed. — Temporary difficulties and nothing more.
— Who knows, Grand Admiral, who knows, — Ardus Kaine said mysteriously, once again reminding me that this man can stab in the back as easily as any other Imperial warlord vested with power. — You have to split your crews in order to cover the management of all those starships that you have. This can lead to serious consequences - understaffed ships are a big problem.
— Do you want to offer me help with replenishing personnel? — I asked.
— Including, — he said. — My shipyards are open to you, Grand Admiral. I assure you, the prices will pleasantly surprise you. Any products that we can only produce for your starships will be yours at a price slightly above cost. Unfortunately, I cannot offer to supply it to you for free, as difficult times require special savings. For the same reason, I cannot help you financially again...
Well, yes, right. The Pentastar Alignment is one of the richest, if not the richest, of the Imperial Remnants. Kaine does not intend to help to the detriment of himself. Therefore, he wants to pull off a very simple, but at the same time effective combination in relation to me...
O times. O morals.
— I will consider your offer, Grand Moff, — a restrained promise, like any action produced by Thrawn, is a symbol of the absence of an immediate desire.
— As you wish, Grand Admiral, — Ardus Kaine smiled crookedly. He was silent, examining the Imperial Shadow Guard. — Still, why a meeting near Dantooine, and not in any other place?
— This was Moff Disra's offer, — I lied without batting an eye. — His motives did not interest me.
— What a pity that he will no longer be able to ask questions, — Kaine said slowly, carefully watching my reaction. And it was absent. — Well, it was nice working with you, Grand Admiral. I think you won't mind if I take the traitor's body?
— You should have warned about this in advance, — I also said, looking Grand Moff in the eyes and demonstrating that I have nothing to hide. — The Chimaera does not keep corpses, preferring to dispose of them in a molecular furnace.
— It's too expensive to place such equipment instead of a standard garbage collection, — the Grand Moff became wary. Well, yes, right. Who in their right mind would spend tens of millions of Imperial credits on such a plant that splits matter.
— But this is an excellent solution to all the problems with those opponents who want to escape from the ship through the garbage collection, — I replied. — And he won't hide among the garbage being dropped before the jump.
— It seems that you really did have patronage at the very top of the Empire at one time, — Kaine said. — It took me years to find out how the rebels escaped from the first Death Star and got lost from the search ships of Darth Vader's Death Squadron after the Battle of Hoth.
— Me too, — I replied, adding new reasons for him to think. — But I had a lot of time to understand my enemies.
The battle of glances lasted several seconds before Grand Moff Ardus Kaine silently extended his right hand for a handshake.
So it became a revelation for me that this gesture exists in a galaxy far, far away...
***
Watching the nineteen-kilometer-long Super Star Destroyer disappear into a dot, switching to hyperspace, I quietly asked Raynar Obscuro, standing behind my back:
— Are you sure that Kaine did not understand the subtleties of what happened?
— Absolutely, Grand Admiral, — the dull bass came from under the black helmet with the red visor. — I never miss. The throwing dart broke the vessel, but the heart was not touched. The substance with which the edges were smeared penetrated into the blood and caused instantaneous paralysis of all muscles and cardiac arrest. The antidote was given to him before irreversible oxygen starvation of the brain occurred. The prisoner is in the ship's infirmary and is receiving all necessary assistance. After recovery, he will be ready for interrogation.
— Good news, — I said. — How is the cleaning of enemy spies on board the Chimaera going?
— Long-range communication systems are blocked, direction finders are working. Major Grodin Tierce and squads of stormtroopers are carrying out detentions on your flagship, the corresponding units of Lieutenant Colonel Astarion are on other ships. Moff Ferrus reports on the successful capture of all identified traitors on Tangrene, military facilities in the system, and in the Morshdine sector. By the end of the day, we can guarantee the clearing of all spies that we were able to find, — Pellaeon said. — Frankly... I didn't think there would be so many of them on board my ship.
— The Chimaera is a symbol of our fleet, — I said. — Therefore, there were fewer informants on other starships than here. I am much more concerned about the fact that more than a hundred different informants have been identified among the defected personnel at the captured shipyards. Bothans, Republican intelligence, Ubiqtorate, Baron D'Asta, Hutts, the Zann Consortium...
— Many have not yet been "cracked" to determine their affiliation, — said the Shadow Guard. — Allow me to deal with solving this problem?
— I want to know everything they transmitted to their superiors, — a joyful snort came from under the helmet of the former Inquisitor. Interrogation is what he loves. — As well as ways to reach the coordinators of these agents. The network of informants must be cut off and the introduction of additional agents of the security and intelligence services must be accelerated. Head to the repair stations, Mr. Obscuro, and get me all the necessary answers.
— It will be done, Grand Admiral, — the former Inquisitor said firmly, turned on his heels, and went away from the bridge.
When he was in the turbolift, I stroked the ysalamiri sitting on my shoulder.
— Moff Disra's shuttle has been neutralized? — I asked.
— That's right, sir, — Pellaeon replied. — As soon as the three-way meeting began, my specialists and stormtroopers blocked the communication systems and carried out demining. The shuttle pilots are in the brig - they are being interrogated now.
Well, great job. We don't need an explosion in the flagship's hangar for overall happiness.
— Are there any reports from Mandalore? — I asked about the next pressing issue on the agenda.
— Unconsoling, sir, — Pellaeon replied. — Himron's group obtained information from MandalMotors, but were captured by unknown persons. Most of the operatives were killed, and Molo himself was captured and taken away on a ship with a fake identifier. Operative Rederick is already conducting an investigation - the data of this ship was bought from customs officers, so we are following the trail.
— Is the connection between MandalMotors and the Zann Consortium confirmed?
— No, sir, on the contrary, it is refuted. Mandalorians prefer not to stick their noses out of their sector. They took advantage of the moment when the Consortium had galactic-scale problems, after which they killed the crews of the criminals' ships that were in the sector. Since then, militants and agents of the Consortium have not been seen there anymore. And the company does not fulfill outside orders - all the equipment they produce goes to arm the Mandalorians, only civilian equipment is sold abroad.
— Interesting, — I said. — Has the data from Dantooine already arrived?
— Just before the Reaper arrived, sir, — Pellaeon reported. — Engineers were able to find the entrance to the collapsed building of the Jedi Enclave. Mr. Fodeum Sabre De'Luz reports that he still feels some traces of the Force. These could be artifacts or holocrons.
— Let's not jump to conclusions yet, — I said. — Was the interception of weapons supplies for Prince-Admiral Krennel successful?
— That's right, sir, — this time Pellaeon smirked crookedly. — I am sure that soon a wave of indignation will rise regarding the "Republican" raids on Imperial territories.
— Has Captain Hoffner already prepared data on fake deals for the sale of the Mon Calamari cruisers we have? — I asked.
— Yes, — Pellaeon nodded. — Rumors that such ships have appeared in the armament of several Hutt clans are already circulating on the HoloNet.
A frankly weak attempt to deflect suspicion from himself on the part of Krennel, but here I am to blame myself - having arranged a check of volunteers by the forces of counterintelligence, I completely lost sight of the fact that first of all it was necessary to painstakingly run through a fine sieve those who are already under subordination. However, the lesson has been learned.
— How is the operation to sell the property and jewelry plundered by Leonia Tavira's pirates going? — I clarified, intently watching the serenity of space. There is something soothing in this picture. Wars, revolutions, life and death... But only interstellar emptiness remains unchanged. We are born and die, and space is eternal... It's... Magical.
I think I'm beginning to understand Thrawn, who found answers in contemplating the beautiful.
— The needs of the Jensaarai and the population of Suzerfrit are fully satisfied, — Pellaeon chuckled. — Products, technologies, droids... In fact, it is possible to open a recruitment center for our armed forces there. The chosen governor of the planet stated that the population is in debt to their benefactors.
— We will return to this issue a little later, Captain, — I said. — Now it is enough that we have transferred both orbital repair shops, four defensive stations, and the entire "unaccounted" part of the Katana Fleet, including the captured Mon Calamari cruisers, to their system.
— That's right, sir, — Gilad replied.
— Is there a signal from our Morrt project droids? — I asked a new question.
— Telemetry is stable, — Pellaeon assured me. — All droids have penetrated the Reaper and connected to its systems. We receive data through a fake HoloNet repeater. Very soon, data on the locations of Grand Moff Kaine's flagship will be obtained.
I am much more interested in whether the notorious Bastion will be among these places. Because revealing its location is an important step in the further strategy. And not even one. The planet is almost impossible to move, so revealing this secret can bring suitable dividends.
But this is all information for the future, albeit not so distant. At the moment, I am more interested in the current operation, because of which I scheduled a meeting with Moff Disra here.
— Have the preparatory measures on Lainuri been completed? — Pellaeon gave me a cautious look. Obviously, he thought until the last moment that we would not use this option. But what's the point of restraining yourself if the enemy has had such information for a long time? The New Republic will not see anything particularly new there. Even despite the fact that Karrde has not yet "cracked," and we have no confirmation that the data on the base on the planet "went" to my opponents, it's never too late to play it safe. And I don't really trust Kaine. Where Karrde was, his people, left without a leader, and other information brokers can act as informants. Not to mention that the recognition of the motivation of such an act on the part of the Grand Moff gives reason to believe that Isard will take action against me on the same grounds.
A week for reflection is enough time to think through countermeasures.
— That's right, sir, confirmation received, the group is working in accordance with the tasks set.
— Is the squadron ready for the campaign? — I asked.
— That's right, sir, they are waiting at the meeting point. Reconnaissance droids report that no movements have been detected in the system. Decoy starships are ready to act at your first request. The communication jamming systems that Captain Yazuo Vein acquired on Raxus Prime from the remains of a Carrack-class light cruiser are working stably after all the necessary modernizations and improvements. As soon as we activate, no one will hear anything from the attacked system. Our communication systems, of course, operate on the frequency designated for this. It's a pity that no one before had the brains to use the separatist radio-electronic warfare system... — some disappointment appeared on Pellaeon's face at the end of the report.
— Better late than never, — I said, sinking into the chair and scratching the ysalamiri's tummy. — If the system tests go as planned, our agents will have to work hard to find this equipment. Command, Captain Pellaeon, this is still your ship.
— Yes, sir, — the commander of the Chimaera said with poorly concealed pleasure. — Crew, attention! Yellow alert! Stand by at your posts, prepare to overcome the light barrier! Set course to join the Aurek Squadron. Notify the flagships of the battle groups of the start of Operation Crimson Dawn.
Then the Chimaera, simultaneously with a dozen starships of the Aurek Squadron, located at the same distance from the target as the fleet flagship, went into hyperspace.
On Coruscant, dawn was just breaking, but the advisor and commander-in-chief of the New Republic Armed Forces, Borsk Fey'lya, woke up with a feeling of an impending inevitable disaster...
And although he was not a sentient sensitive to the Force, this time his vaunted Bothan intuition did not deceive him.