The Storm - Sequel to The Art of War

I dunno. If your opponent is a darksider sending a Sith may be more efficient in the long run. Happy school day
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Leading his team toward the bridge swiftly, Erinin ordered them to turn off the torchlights and wear the goggles he had provided. Undoubtedly the stormtroopers were using infrared to track their quarry down in the pitch-black darkness on the lower decks, and that made them vulnerable. Light bombs could blind them effectively, if they managed to take the soldiers by surprise.

"Target ahead," Toss Halan announced suddenly. He was holding a small, portable heat detector in his hands. "Five signals."

"Leave this to me," Erinin told the others and adjusted his own goggles. The program Abla Othana had installed into them showed him the layout of the ship from in the exact position he was in, which meant that he could find his way even in darkness, even though that meant he had to forgo infrared. Unlocking a bomb from his belt he paused at the corner the goggles showed him. He could hear the troopers now, the soft creaking of armor as they moved, almost on top of him. Throwing the bomb, he waited for the explosion and darted around the corner, at the same time deactivating the program. In the after-glow of the light explosion he could see five shapes, throroughly confused, by the look of it, and his blaster made short work of them.

"Way is clear!" Erinin called out and the others caught up to him, guided by Toss Halan. The swiftly reactivated torchlights illuminated the scene of destruction brightly.

"Use one of the head comms to jam their frequencies," the bodyguard ordered softly. Halan ripped the helmet off one of the downed troopers and set to work.

"Done," he said after a few minutes.

"Excellent. Now they can run around in the dark chasing shadows. Proceed to the bridge."

 

Now, now, Butler. Must not Force Lightening the school.

Good posting.

 

Yes, Butler, you must control your anger ...
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"Sir, they are jamming the headcomms," General Pesh announced, sounding slightly panicked.

"So, first contact has been made," Thrawn mused aloud. "How strong did you make the teams?"

"Groups of five."

"Five!"

"Sir, they are stormtroopers," Pesh started to argue, but the Admiral cut him off sharply.

"Should you survive this, General, you will be demoted. Perhaps you will enjoy service as a stormtrooper more. It is certainly more fitting for your abilities. Sergeant!"

The stormtrooper sergeant clambered up from the lower bridge and threw an uneasy glance at his superior. Undoubtedly he had heard what Thrawn had just told Pesh. "Yes, sir?"

"They will attack the bridge next. Since we have lost contact with the other troopers I dearly hope that fifty soldiers can indeed hold their own against twelve intruders."

Staring out of the viewport moodily he watched the Enforcer break apart under the merciless assault of the attackers. The Manticore had managed to escape and was trying to engage one of the three enemy warships, but their fighters had drawn a tight curtain between the two opposing ships.

The Grand Admiral almost jumped when six Star Destroyers dropped out of hyperspace and joined the fray immediately. Voss Parck must have alerted the patrols and given them an exact layout of the battle, so they were in the most effective position for attack. Perfect. Now the odds looked a bit more even.

Rising from his seat, Thrawn nodded grimly to himself as he watched his ships fighting for their lives around the Executor. Time to show them that the art of war lay in defense as much as attack.

He walked past the very silent General Pesh and down to the lower bridge. The stormtrooper sergeant stood to immediate attention when he arrived.

"Sir!"

"Sergeant Umeg, wasn't it?"

"Yes, sir."

"Have your men rig up more torchlights and erect a force-shield at the entrance. I want to see who we are facing."

"Yes, sir, at once."

Folding his hands on his back, Grand Admiral Thrawn stood in silent anticipation. He was almost looking forward to receiving their 'guests' here. So far they had proven a challenge, and he had no doubts that their leader was an adept warrior. He would attack swiftly, trying to destroy the lightsources first. To do that, he would have to break through the force-field first, though.

A sudden, faint sound from the upper bridge made his ears perk up, and a small smile crept upon his lips as he turned around slowly. A most adept warrior, indeed. Had he remained in the relative safety of the upper bridge, he would now be a prisoner.

"Sergeant Umeg," he said softly and the man stepped up to him with two brisk strides. His helmeted face was turned toward the upper bridge, too. "It would seem that the enemy has trapped himself. They cannot risk a fight up there, in case they hit vital instruments. It is a stand-off, I fear."

"Sir, what are your orders?"

"Turn off the lights. Now."

 

Cool! Wandering in the dark. Hope they don't do own goals.

 

I hope Thrawn doesn't die like Stonewall Jackson did, shot down by his own soldiers. Then again, those glowing red eyes are a dead giveaway.

Thanks, Casper and Djuva, for your advice. Roj Kell, however, would say that those are pathetic Jedi philosphies and that I must harness my anger. Right?

 

Oh cool, a Lights Out Match.

Let's see how well they fair in the dark. Hehehehehe.

FORWARD!

 

Very true, Butler. I see you have learned your lessons well.

LOL the red eyes. Thrawn doesn't need safety lights on the street, he just glares at unfortunate drivers.

Stonewall Jackson? Which side did he belong to?
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Erinin had been surprised that the Grand Admiral had seemingly left the bridge. He had assumed that, with the battle raging outside, Thrawn would want to know what was going on without endangering himself. They had eliminated the bridge personnel silently, using the element of surprise to their advantage, and he and Toss Halan were now crouching on opposite sides of the bridge entrance, with the others crowding behind them. Suddenly the lights went out on the lower bridge.

"Attack!" he roared and launched himself down the ramp, a light bomb flying ahead of him. The explosion washed over him as he hit the first row of stormtroopers, but by then he was already too lost in the battle ahead to notice it much. Two troopers fell before a high kick sent him flying backwards. His unseen attacker moved lightly and his palm smashed against the bodyguard's neck hard out of nowhere. Erinin managed to grab the man's wrist and noticed to his own surprise that it was not armored, before a kick to his knees and stomach saw him reeling on the deck. Another kick at his face threw him on his back. Gazing upward, slightly dazed, Erinin mustered all his strength to rise again, Then the lights went on and he stared into the glowing red eyes of Grand Admiral Thrawn.

A deafening roar filled the lower bridge all of a sudden and the Chiss turned away from Erinin briskly to determine the source of the frightening sound. Twisting around, the bodyguard got to his feet and attacked again. But Shamesha was a step ahead of him. He gaped at the Weequay warrior in utter surprise. If Shamesha was here, where was Irek?

Thrawn ducked underneath the giant alien's first blow elegantly, but by then Erinin had recovered sufficiently to set his blaster on stun and take aim. The stun bolt hit the Grand Admiral about the same time as Shamesha's other fist. Thrawn impacted against the bulkhead heavily and slid to the deck like a puppet.

All around stormtroopers, the few that were left, struggled to gain the upper hand, but they were losing. Fifty trained soldiers were not that much, Erinin mused smugly. But the triumphant feeling faded abruptly when he became aware of the slender boy standing at a short distance. Irek's blue eyes were burning with a wild fire, and shadows seemed to be dancing across his young face.

"I could sense it," he said aloud, his gaze focusing slowly on his bodyguard. "I knew you would be in danger." Walking onto the lower bridge, Irek ignored the battle dying down around him.

"I told you to wait for me," the bodyguard admonished him, a slight whine in his tone that surprised him. "This is too dangerous for you."

"Shamesha protected me well, Erinin." A tiny smile appeared on the boy's lips, causing the older man to drop his gaze in embarrassment.

"Of course, my lord."

The sudden silence that signaled the end of the fight caught them both by surprise. Looking up and around in bewilderment, Erinin saw the others staring at him. Irek did not seem to notice their questioning glances. He stepped over the corpses of a few troopers over to where the Grand Admiral was stirring weakly. Dropping down on his haunches with predatory grace, Irek reached out to touch the alien's forehead gingerly.

"Wake up," he whispered softly, and in the uncomfortable silence his words sent shivers down Erinin's spine. Those glowing red eyes opened slowly, fluttering a bit as Thrawn regained consciousness. "Hello, Grand Admiral," Irek greeted him cheerfully. "Can you get up? Erinin, help him, please."




Being dragged upright by the bulky, one-eyed human, who had to be the leader of the attack group, he held his gaze fixed on the young Sith. He could be no one else. So Cronn had failed. The displeasure over the Sith Lord?s blunder lasted only for a heart-beat.

 

Yeah, you know her. You owe her big time for standing her up.

Now Irek has the SSD! Everyone: RUN LIKE HELL!

 

Oh dear, oh dear. Thrawn, you had better thing of something reasonable to say to a son who thinks that you've wronged his mother.

Then again, seeing that it's Irek, and since I think he is quite psycopathic, I'm not so sure. Hmm...

 

Poor Thrawn. Women throw themselves at him, and then their sons try to take over his Super Star Destroyer. Vader would smirk if he knew.

 

LOL! Yeah, Roganda has achieved a little master piece with her revenge. But, as Delight suggested, it all depends on Irek's continuing sanity. [face_shocked]

For now we take a break from the events aboard the Executor to see how the others are faring....
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The Ardana Ver had reached Nirauan three days after the enemy attack and now the remaining commanders were assembled in one of the base's meeting rooms in a war council. Heading the assembly was Admiral Voss Parck, whose position and rank made the choice obvious. Seated next to him was Captain Palleon and an entire row of captains whose names Luke would have to memorize over the next few days, he knew. Amidst all those uniformed men he felt a bit out of place. Nuron was standing next to him, her face grim. Chi'in's expression was unreadable. He had just finished his report on what suspicions had overcome him in the Unknown Territories while with Commander Al'than'erudo's battle-group and now they were waiting for the discussion to begin. Not surprisingly it was Voss Parck who started it.

"I believe we managed to drive them back for now, but I do not dare deploy more ships on patrol duty. We are stretched as it is. From your report I deduce that the base is the primary target anyway and this is where our entire information and communications network is situated."

"No need to remind me," Chi'in replied coolly. "Yet we have to consider that they will slip past our defenses and into the known regions if we allow it."

"They will hit the Empire unawares," Captain Palleon mused aloud. "Perhaps that is not such a bad thing."

"I doubt they would leave it at that," Parck answered quietly.

"What about the Grand Admiral?" Luke tried to not feel intimidated by all those eyes fixing in him.

"His last order was to protect the base at all costs," Palleon reminded them. "I suggest this is what we take as our primary directive."

"Agreed," the Admiral said. "Once communications is online again I will contact Coruscant to gather more information. As much as it pains me to say it, we will have to treat Grand Admiral Thrawn as a casualty and the Executor as a potential threat."

"What about the Zush'Jem? They will attack again, and break through." Chi'in insisted.

"Yes." Admiral Parck nodded gravely. "My suggestion, and one I have made to the Grand Admiral already, is to approach the Imperial remnant. Their resources could make a difference here. I am certain of that."

Luke bit back a gasp. So far he had always believed that the Chiss were their allies, exclusively, but just as Chi'in, they seemed to have their own ideas on loyalty towards an ally. "You can't do that!" he exclaimed. "Politically this is the worst you can do!"

"I am not interested in politics, Skywalker," Admiral Parck snapped angrily. "I have an invasion to deal with!"

Seeking Chi'in's gaze, Luke found the Noghri looking back at him pensively. "I understand," the young Jedi said at last. If he served life, he could not let himself be restricted by politics. The Chiss needed help to survive, and right now only the Empire could grant that help. He almost smiled, when another thought formed in his head. If they succeeded in monopolizing the Empire's war machine, the New Republic would be relatively safe and would be free to establish its alliances. He saw the same understanding in Nuron's golden eyes. A small smile was playing over her lips as he watched, and Admiral Parck noted their approval with apparent relief.

"Very good. We do not have much time, so I would ask you, Master Chi'in, to contact Naas Deron and relay that suggestion to Syndic Bal'maw'narda. I would not want to alienate the court on Almashin in this."

"I will do that at once," Chi'in told them with a small bow and left.

"And who do we send to negotiate on our behalf?" Luke asked aloud.

"An excellent question." The Admiral smiled at him warmly. "I believe sending a Jedi would indeed be the impolite thing to do, and yet I want someone in charge of the base who knows h

 

Give Puket a chance.

Indeed Palleon is a good idea at this point. But honestly without Thrawn and Irek in charge of the SSD, are they going into a situation they cannot win?

Only time will tell.

FORWARD ZARK!

 

Random thought of the day:

Luke Skywalker in the proess of 'dominating the entire Imperial war mechinary'? If the suspicious New Republic isn't going to create an army of the Light Side, maybe the Empire will!

 

Now there's a AU idea if there ever was one.

Not a bad idea.

 

Wow, all that sneaky strategies thingy has rubbed off on Luke. Makes me wish for the farmboy days, or maybe not.

I wonder how Thrawn's taking the news.

Onwards!

 

What news exactly? That Parck is going to negotiate with the Empire or that Luke has learned a thing or two from his dad?
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In the end Admiral Voss Parck left Nirauan in a heavily shielded assault shuttle, since they could not spare a Star Destroyer. Chi'in had approved of Puket, knowing that the young Twi'lek was, after all, a fully trained Sith and adept fighter. While she might not have the depth and insight of a master, she would take her post as the Admiral's guard seriously, and that was all that counted now.

With Parck gone Captain Palleon made a commendable effort at securing the base, but Chi'in knew that, while fortifying the major target was certainly necessary, they could only gain an edge if they knew when the enemy would strike at Nirauan. So he found himself stowing supplies in the Ardana Ver's hold alongside Luke, and he could sense that the young Jedi was more than uncomfortable with his leaving the base now.

"Are you sure you don't want us along?"

"Yes. Captain Palleon has other things to do than worry about diplomacy, and someone has to bridge the differences between the New Republic, the base at Nirauan and the Chiss on Almashin."

"Was that why you introduced us to the Council of Syndics?"

"Yes." Chi'in dropped a heavy crate onto the deck and straightened tiredly to face his young friend. "Luke, I know that you feel led on, what with Parck leaving for the Empire and Thrawn gone, but sometimes you have to look beyond your personal horizon."

"I know."

"Good."

"But why does it have to be you?"

"Because I penetrated the Chiss' defenses once before, and I know their weaknesses. It is harder to see those from the inside, as you should know. The commanders stationed out on the perimeter are competent, and I will certainly not tell them what to do. I am just making sure that they are prepared for the onslaught if and when it comes."

Luke nodded somberly. "May the Force be with you, Chi'in."

"And with you."

Watching Luke leave, the Noghri felt strange. He was leaving both him and Nuron in an unknown territory, he knew, but they would have to learn to act independently sooner or later. He trusted Luke to make the right choices, and Nuron would also learn. Had to.

He made his way to the cockpit pensively, contemplating about the Grand Admiral's disappearance. They could not be fully certain if the Empire had not been behind that attack on the Super Star Destroyer. Yet Admiral Parck had told him of Thrawn's and Cronn's suspicions, and he tended to believe that they would have heard by now if another Sith had joined the Empire. So it had to be another faction.

Unbidden his thoughts drifted toward Roj Kell. The fact that he was still alive had come as a surprise, but surely the old man would never aid the Imperials. He had suffered too much under Palpatine, and although they might be more gullible than the New Republic government, Chi'in doubted that Kell would think them a challenge worthy of his abilities.

The Ardana Ver came to life and he listened to the ship engines' distant purr contentedly. One thing after the other. For now his sole concern had to be the perimeter defenses of Nirauan.

 

Good luck, buddy. <Stands a considerable distance away when SSD enters system>. I'm right behind you.

Everyone start to panic now....

PANIC! PANIC!

 

Black Hawk Down just premiered in Taiwan--I caught the first showing in my town. Wow, that is one intense, moving movie. I wonder what Star Wars would be like with that level of action.*thinks about it* Nah, then it wouldn't be Star Wars.

Kell, Thrawn, and the other old men should be proud. The younger generation's gonna prove just as sneaky as the old, after a bit of on-hand experience at backstabbing.

 

Indeed. Old men? Er, do you count Chi'in as youngf or old?

I remember that Black Hawk Down initiated a controvery. Anyone remember what that was all about? Truth to tell, I have even forgotten what the movie is about. Haven't seen it yet, too. Argh! I don't get to do anything apart from writing
___________________________________________

"What news, General?" Leaning back in his seat Tious Markhan favored his second with a coolly stern glance, a reminder of what he expected of these news. They had better be good.

Zi'Assime nodded sharply, seemingly oblivious to his superior's mood. "My agents have located Admiral Tomas Piett on Rhinnal, and they have reason to assume that he will travel to Obroa-skai next."

"Obroa-skai. That is dangerously close to our own territory. I assume this is a diplomatic voyage?"

"Not officially."

"I see. Anything else?"

"I have dispatched a team to apprehend him there and deliver him directly to Byss."

"Excellent. What else?"

"The project in Hutt Space. Sir, I know that Haman was supposed to initiate that rebellion and in turn was promised the seat of governor for Ryloth, but there has been some news-"

"I know." Markhan interrupted him curtly. "I wanted you to send a fleet to Nal Hutta to assist Joral. Have you done that?"

"Of course. What about Haman?"

"We can keep that asset for now, but as things are in the New Republc we can make use of a fleet in Hutt Space too, once the hammer falls. The Princess, unfortunately, is still in Zsinj's custody. How are your efforts proceeding in recovering her?"

"There may be a way. I will have to contact my agents on Yaga Minor."

"I remember that Joral sent Han Solo and this Calrissian to Yaga Minor. What are the chances that they will find out about the Princess and abduct her instead of Magrody?"

The General gave him a blank stare. Finally he nodded once more. "Yes, sir. I see what you mean. Perhaps it would be best to order Fett to eliminate both and assist my team in acquiring Magrody and the Princess at the same time."

"That may be advisable." The Grand Admiral clicked his tongue in exasperation.

If Solo and Calrissian went missing his little scheme to discredit the Dark Lord would lose much credibility. On the other hand that was not as important as the Princess. He hesitated and mulled over that aspect some more. No, with the new information they had things had changed. Apparently some of the exiled councils had decided to counter Haman's planned rebellion. How they had learned of that scheme he did not know yet. Fact was, though, that he was running out of time. The only chance for his plan to still succeed was to quell that rebellion before it could start. For a second his eyes flicked up to meet Sarreti's gaze. The lieutenant was standing across from him, waiting.

"General Zi'Assime, the troops you have dispatched for Nal Hutta will proceed to Ryloth immediately and reestablish the Empire's protectorate. Theoretically the planet still belongs to our realm, even if the New Republic sees that differently."

"Sir, that would certainly prompt the New Republic government to respond, wouldn't it?" Zi'Assime offered.

"I am sure that it will. We shall see if they will risk hostile actions, although personally I doubt that. Nothing of the rebellion must get back to the government, though. Arrest any agent of theirs you can find and neutralize them. Who is leading the assignment?"

"Captain Kuyan."

"Good. As for the rebels you will undoubtedly capture, they will be made an example of, A message to every single Twi'lek and to the Hutts."

"Understood, sir."

"Excellent. You, General, will personally secure Yaga Minor and bring Ismaren, Magrody and the Princess to me."

"Yes, sir. What about Solo and Calrissian?"

"Leave it to Master Fett. Thank you, General. That is all." Once the transmission had ceased he rose from his seat, prompting his aide to step forward.

"Sir?" Sarreti asked quietly.

"How do you think that the New Republic will react?"

"An Imperial force moving

 

Oh poopie!

Fett is going to wax Han and Lando; boy, it don't matter where they are, in this AU or in the movies, those two are always in trouble.

But perhaps something is being overlooked: does Kell have everyone right where they want them in regards to the Twi'lek?

Good post. Can't wait for more stuff.

 

Djuva's Law: Never underestimate Roj Kell.
I sure wouldn't count him out of the game.

Also, I really can't wait to see which side Yana Dar is TRULY working for. I'm guessing that it has something to do with Kell and some prophecy. Up!

ps. Black Hawk Down is a very realistic (and very bloody) film based on the 1993 battle in Mogadishu, Somalia that took 19 American lives. It's supposedly quite accurate, except for a few details. The film sure opened my eyes to the dangers of urban warfare.I think the controversy was over the amount of carnage in the movie.

 

We-ell, Han and Lando really are in trouble, but never fear for those two.... Kell? Hm, Kell has everyone where he wants them to. Unfortunately others think the same about their own pawns.
__________________________________________

"Loya?"

Striding into Raisa Tobyn's small apartment, that had been turned into his new headquarters, Anakin had a hard time suppressing a yawn. He had discussed Karrde's news with Mon Mothma and her staff for hours, deciding on a course of action, or at least trying to. In the end they had come to the conclusion that it might really be better to not interfere in Hutt Space, even though that rankled the Dark Lord immensely. He wanted to know what interest his old nemesis had in that particular area. Right now though he had to trust in Page and his agents to uncover Roj Kell's plans, and truth to tell, he doubted that the NRI would succeed at all.

"Loya!" he said again, louder this time.

The Devaronian, who was seated on a small couch by the window, jerked from his quiet dozing and fixed the newcomer in an annoyed glare. "All's well, boss," he growled.

"That's not why I came. "Jerking his thumb at the human who lay in one corner, seemingly asleep, Anakin continued: "What did he have to say on Yana Dar's plans on Coruscant?"

"Ah." Loya got to his feet tiredly. "Some interesting things. Have to verify them, of course."

"Sure. So?"

"She knew that Roganda Ismaren would kidnap your daughter, and I think she wanted to discredit Mon Mothma to get your daughter in her place."

"How and what for?"

"She had a slicer, Marten Anderland, plant false information in the Mainframe. At an opportune moment Mothma would have been implicated in the happenings and it would have looked as if she had initiated this particular scheme to make a grab for absolute power. Man, I really hope you have finally found out what scheme that's supposed to be!"

"I believe she's goading the Empire into attacking us. Not an entirely convincing plan, though."

"I guess when people are running for their lives they don't stop to look over some manipulated files. They would have believed it."

"Yes, I think you are right," Anakin conceded. "Thrawn's supposed betrayal would have been the perfect excuse to attack the Imperial remnant and throw every single ex-Imperial commander we have in jail. Myself included."

The Devaronian gave him a wide grin. "Yeah, very true." He crossed his arms in front of his chest expectantly. "So, what are we gonna do?"

"The Imperial remnant is busily cooking up plans to bring the New Republic government down. They won't risk a war yet, though."

"Isn't that good news?"

"No, because they want us to take the first step, and we don't have that many resources left. We'd weaken ourselves if we took up the challenge."

"Then what are we going to do?" Loya repeated.

"The info Karrde gave us puts us at an advantage concerning the Empire, but I still wonder what Yana Dar's goal truly is. And, for that matter, what our old friend Kell is up to."

Loya frowned at him. "What do you want me to do?"

"Try to gain as many facts about Yana Dar as you can. Any tiny snippet of information. I want her history, no matter what it takes. I'll introduce you to the NRI sources. They'll give you whatever you need."

"Okay. What about that guy over there?"

"He's going to detention. No need in letting him run around right now."

"Sure thing." Throwing him a mocking salute Loya went to pick up the recumbent form of Yana Dar's spy with ease. "I hope you know what your are doing, your lordship."

"I hope so, too," Anakin said under his breath as he watched Loya leave.

Countering the Empire's plans would not prove a problem, that he was fairly certain of. Even if the Executor attacked, the Super Star Destroyer was far from invincible. It was an awesome weapon, certainly, but it also needed a good crew and a commander who could make efficient use of the ship's laser batteries, TIE squads and other defenses without losing track of the battle. Thrawn was such a commander,

 

Oh boy, even Vader doubts his success.

Not good if you are the Republic. Great if you are Roganda or the others.

Looking out for more.

 

On the other hand, Anakin is being realistic, not overly confident. If I were Roganda et al., I'd be happier if the New Republic had delusions of grandeur and military might.

If I were Roganda, I'd hope Anakin descends into paralyzing depression. Not a chance of that, right?

 

Nope, not yet
____________________

"Telmann Page?"

Turning around with a suspicious glance the General lay a hand on his blaster carefully and nodded at the short Twi'lek standing in front of him. The alien's lekkus were tattooed and he recognized the pattern Skywalker had made him memorize instantly. "Cesh Kendar?"

"Yes." The Twi'lek's shoulders sagged with relief and he gave Page a rueful grin. "Sorry. I am not used to this sort of thing."

"You mean spying?"

"Yeah." Kendar threw a careful glance around, but there was no one close enough to overhear their conversation.

The Twi'lek was one of Skywalker's new agents, and again Page had to admire the Dark Lord's insight. Sending a native certainly was more considerate than having the Chief Security Advisor run off into a danger zone. Not that he minded much. It was good to get out of his office again. He really missed the old days sometimes, and he knew that Admiral Piett for one felt the same way. He smirked ever so slightly, trying to imagine what horrors the Dark Lord must have gone through when Mon Mothma had dismissed him from her staff.

"What news, Kendar?" he asked quietly.

"Let's go find someplace more private," the alien suggested.

Following Kendar into another, narrower corridor the General kept a close watch on their surroundings, in case they had picked up a stalker somewhere along the way. The Twi'lek agent led him to a nondescript door, opened it and went inside. Once the General had joined him Kendar barred the door again.

"What is this place?"

"This is where we are going to find out what Ryloth is facing," Cesh Kendar explained softly. "This is the back-entrance of a major eatery. Nothing fancy, but they have quite an extensive storage room, and people have been meeting there over the past weeks. A lot of people."

"And today they meet again?"

"Yes."

"Won't we stand out?"

"No. I have ... arranged matters." Page mustered the other with a level stare, and in the end Kendar gave a shrug and sighed: "It is a political movement of a sort. And I have joined."

"Ah. Excellent. But I am human."

"Won't be a problem. Lots of human traders on Ryloth. Come."

They hurried along the hallway, which was a bit too gloomy for Page's taste, and took an ancient elevator down, into what had to be the storage area. It was very quiet, a bit too quiet, perhaps. But once they exited the elevator again Telmann Page stopped short, his mouth almost dropping open in awe. The chamber they had entered was huge. Glow panels had been fixed to the high walls, and stacks of crates and freezing units had been neatly arrayed on sturdy shelves. Among them perhaps a hundred Twi'lek of all shapes and colors mingled, and an apprehensive silence filled the room, arrowing in on a bunch of crates that had been arranged into something resembling a stage.

"Do you know what we will be discussing tonight?" he said, lowering his voice to almost a whisper.

"Some big decision," Kendar replied just as quietly. "An announcement, of sorts." Page noticed the slight hesitation in the other's tone.

"About what?"

"There's a rebellion afoot on Ryloth. Ot perhaps I should say counter-rebellion."

"What?"

"Apparently the Nameless have discovered that a Twi'lek is whipping up the masses to rebel against the Hutts. But it is against tradition. He does not belong to the ruling clan."

"The Nameless, that would be the ousted Councils?"

"Yes. they have lost their power and names, but they seem to still keep watch over their people." Now there was a hint of pride in Kendar's voice.

"So, what do they want to rebel against?"

"The Hutts, of course."

"Eh? But you just said-"

"I said it is against the law, and besides, Haman wants to expel the ruling Council and rule himself, once the rebellion has succeeded."

"If it succeeds at all. Haman, you say? Isn't that Joral's majordomo?"

"Yes. A very ambitious one."

"Just like his master," Page hissed under his breath, but his eyes were tracking the progress of a hooded figure that