[Hand Of Thrawn] - 01(33)

“Indeed,” Argona said. “You’d have to physically send couriers out there to contact us. In an emergency, the extra days that would cost could prove disastrous.”

“Nothing worthwhile is ever gained without risk,” Disra said coldly. “I’m beginning to think that perhaps the wrong choice has been made in offering these missions to you. If you’d prefer to bow out of a history-making military campaign-“

“No.”

The voice had come from the direction of Disra’s secret passageway. The captains turned&mdash

And Grand Admiral Thrawn stepped into the office. There was a gasp from someone, choked off into a stunned silence. “Excuse me, Admiral?” Disra asked carefully. “I said they will not be excused from this mission, Your Excellency,” Thrawn said, his voice calm and cool as he walked to the desk and sat down in Disra’s chair. “I had my reasons for choosing these particular Star Destroyers and their captains. Those reasons have not changed.”

For a moment his glowing eyes focused on the captains as they stood at obviously confused attention before him, measuring and evaluating each in turn. Then, leaning back in his seat, he smiled slightly. “Observe, Your Excellency,” he said, looking up at Disra and waving a hand at the officers. “Utterly stunned by my unexpected appearance; yet already they are largely recovered. Quick and flexible minds, combined with utter loyalty to the Empire. That is the combination I need. The combination I will have.”

“Of course, Admiral,” Disra said.

Thrawn turned his attention back to the captains. “You have questions, of course,” he said. “Unfortunately, the one foremost in all your minds cannot at this time be answered. As I make preparations to return to open command, the method which allowed me to survive the assassination attempt ten years ago must remain confidential. I must also ask that for the moment my return be kept a secret, to be shared only with your senior officers, and that only after you’ve left Imperial space. Other than that-” He cocked his head slightly to the side. “I believe there were some questions about command authority?”

“No questions, Admiral,” Trazzen said, his voice almost reverent. “Not anymore.”

“Good.” Thrawn cocked a blue-black eyebrow at Nalgol. “I take it from your expression, Captain Nalgol, that you don’t concur with your colleague?”

Nalgol cleared his throat self-consciously, his finger squeezing his ring as if trying to extract confidence from the carved crest. “I certainly don’t question your authority, Admiral Thrawn,” he said. “But I would very much appreciate some clarification. I’m familiar with the Bothawui system, and I can think of no reason why it should be of any serious military value to the Empire. Certainly not worth tying up three Star Destroyers for.”

“Your evaluation is quite correct,” Thrawn agreed. “It’s not the system itself that interests me, but events which in the near future will be taking place over the Bothan homeworld. Events which I intend to turn to the Empire’s advantage.”

“Yes, sir,” Nalgol said. “But-“

“In time, all will be clear,” Thrawn said. “For now, I must ask that you trust my judgment.”

Nalgol drew himself to his full height. “Always, Admiral.” He stepped forward and offered his hand across the desk. “And if I may say so, welcome back. The Empire has sorely missed your leadership.”

“As I have missed the privilege of command,” Thrawn said, rising to his feet and gripping the proffered hand briefly. “The refitting of your three Star Destroyers is already under way, and should be completed within two days.” He shifted his attention to Dorja. “As for your mission, Captain Dorja, the Imperial courier you’re to intercept at Morishim is scheduled to leave in twenty hours. Will you have enough time to return to the Relentless and reach the system ahead of it?”

“Easily, Admiral.” Dorja’s lip twitched in what passed for a smile with him these days. “And if I may, sir, I’d like to echo Captain Nalgol’s sentiments. I’m honored to once again serve under your direct command.”

Disra looked at Dorja, his chest suddenly feeling tight. Dorja had served directly under Thrawn?

“I’m pleased to once again lead you, Captain,.” Thrawn said gravely. “During my time on the Chimaera I often felt that you had more leadership potential than circumstances allowed you to develop. Perhaps we’ll have the opportunity now to judge that evaluation.”

Dorja fairly glowed. “I’ll do my best to prove you right, sir.”