Ten years, the second month, and the twenty-seventh day after the Battle of Yavin…
Or the forty-fifth year, the second month, and the twenty-seventh day after the Great ReSynchronization.
(Nine months and the twelfth day since arrival).
Even without the chronometer, Juno guessed the hyperspace jump's end.
It's a subtle, barely perceptible line only caught after years observing the scene.
As a cadet, she stared at space beyond the ship, glued to viewports.
Much time passed, but the habit of admiring the final hyperspace jump segment remained.
Even more mesmerizing watching a starship arriving, tearing space fabric.
A metal colossus appearing from nothing.
And that's what Imperials now saw on their warships.
The Mon Calamari MC90 battlecruiser Calamari arrived exactly as planned—into Loronar planet orbit.
Right into Loronar Corporation's home, producers of famous Strike-class medium cruisers.
And recently Moff Getelles's headquarters, from which he launched harassing strikes on Alliance base.
"Jump complete," the watch reported. "Ships arrived in full complement."
"Deploy into battle formation," Juno ordered.
Though little to "deploy."
Just her Calamari and four Nebulon-B frigate escorts, second model.
Maximum she could take without fearing Koensayr defenseless.
But enough to destroy the enemy once and for all.
Six Strike-class medium cruisers and a Dreadnaught heavy cruiser—Getelles's flagship.
Juno almost instantly sorted visible starships by class and type, not overlooking two dozen medium cruiser hulls in corporate orbital docks.
More corporation deliveries to the moff.
Intelligence suggested Loronar struck a deal with the moff—he eliminates competitors like Koensayr Manufactories and transfers their facilities to Loronar, they supply needed ships.
Undoubtedly other secret agreements—Imperials can't live without.
And for Loronar Corporation, deal terms not overly attractive to agree easily.
Ships cost credits, and Getelles excelled at losing them in useless attacks.
Obviously fancied himself tactical genius, but factually—used standard formations and textbook maneuvers.
Which Juno, with her own military education, easily saw through.
And even now, fully aware he couldn't win—for destroying his flotilla one Calamari sufficed—Getelles built his starships in front line, hoping powerful barrage fire.
"Raise deflectors, launch fighters and bombers," Eclipse ordered.
X-wings—the Calamari one of few ships whose wing still equipped with old reliable T-65 mods—fluttered from hangars.
Of seventy-two fighters based on her flagship, four squadrons X-wings, two new K-wing assault bombers from infamous Koensayr Manufactories.
Unfortunately all A-wings, B-wings, and wishbones too rare, assigned to General Bel Iblis, but Juno didn't particularly regret.
She knew well what new bombers represented and they'd proven themselves in battles.
Particularly effective destroying all TIE types from decent ranges and giving solid trouble to larger starships.
Similar machines—one squadron per escort frigate—delivered to battlefield by Nebulons.
Juno understood pilots, many Alliance recruits, needed experience and practice.
Not simulators—but real space battles with real enemies.
Moff Getelles's least combat-capable pilots perfect for not too dangerous but real targets.
By the time Antimeridian sector overlord's starships opened fire, Juno's ships formed central layer, fighters and bombers positioned around, covering nearly all planet's northern hemisphere.
Next instant she heard the unexpected:
"Defense platform detected in orbit!"
Scouts hadn't reported, and soon she understood why.
Squeezing all from maneuver drives, an "Fire Star" rushed toward Eclipse's fleet.
Morally obsolete orbital defense station, moreover—covered in metal framework scaffolding, resembling docking point more than orbit guardian.
Obviously scout pilots mapping system simply didn't recognize such structure as potential disguise.
Well.
As she said—train the crew.
More the better.
Black void came alive—turbolasers and launchers of defense platform spoke.
Joined by medium cruisers and heavy cruiser, spewing TIE fighters whose appearance suggested they'd seen living Raith Sienar in youth.
Salvo after salvo—torpedoes, missiles, laser charges.
Enemy striving maximum damage to her starships—standard tactic too.
Calamari gunners' response fire harmlessly spread over orbital station shields.
"Fire Star priority target," Juno announced.
It alone stronger than all Getelles's combat ships, which already engaged.
"Second and third bomber squadrons—bypass target left, vector six," Eclipse continued.
Now escort frigates enthusiastically exchanging fire with numerically superior medium cruisers, solving heaviest, most fortified, balanced enemy defense participant fell to the battlecruiser Calamari.
Combined turbolaser, ion cannon, missile, proton torpedo power from Juno's flagship soon affected enemy defense indicators.
Orbital station left deflector shields failed, forcing Fire Star commander focus solely on Calamari.
Enough for two K-wing squadrons from battlecruiser wing to approach station nearly unnoticed.
In wide arc, at perception edge, they attacked at Juno's precise moment.
While Fire Star gunners and launch operators pondered compensating massive rocket-torpedo strike prepared, Alliance munitions precisely executed task.
Penetrating under deflector shields, kinetic warheads reached targets, sweeping station surface in fiery whirlwind, crushing fire and launch points with shockwave.
Shield damage reported to Getelles's ships, medium cruisers attempted something like screen.
Eclipse merely shook head.
This maneuver for covering immobile but defensive ship.
Apparently moff decided no difference between low-mobility space station and maneuver-lost line ship from tactical manual.
Well, now he'll see otherwise.
Juno's X-wings clashed deadly with enemy TIEs, turning local space into deadly carousel of highest piloting figures.
Calamari and escorts pounded enemy covering ships, salvo after salvo into deflectors, sometimes armor.
Periodic assault bomber raids only worsened enemy situation.
In half-hour since battle start, enemy lost two-thirds Fire Star armament and launchers combat capability.
Four medium cruisers gaped holed hulls, drifting abandoned or nearly so by crews.
Getelles's Dreadnaught cowardly huddled behind allies' ships, clearly desiring escape farther.
Sooner the better.
Obviously Moff Getelles anticipated battle outcome, avoiding traditional Imperial "victorious fatalism."
Now two versus six medium cruisers one side, battlecruiser with much-suffered escort frigates other, exchanging artillery and torpedoes—with equal fury and enthusiasm.
But different results.
Orbital defense station deflector shields cracking at seams.
Held awhile, then ceremoniously expired technically.
No time or power to restore—fast but well-armed K-wings struck station again.
By then only own armored hull protected it.
And wait for resolution not long.
On Juno's signal, battlecruiser Calamari turned bow guns to planet, right broadside to much-suffering Fire Star.
Already shieldless space defense object couldn't withstand salvo.
Launchers literally swept from armor with disguise remnants.
Even greater damage from precise devastating Calamari ion cannons.
Blueish surface charge spiders crawled over mangled hull.
Seconds later station hull finally dead metal mass, devoid energy flickers or functional mechanisms signs.
Electronics and power dead, burying hundreds crew in impenetrable darkness.
Meanwhile escort frigates bypassed Imperials.
Couldn't heavily damage numerically superior medium cruisers, but distracted attention.
While Calamari literally hammered salvo after salvo down enemy ships' throats.
One cruiser exploded, another…
Preliminary assault bomber raids on station led to predictable result K-wing pilots demonstrated on Strikes.
Namely—engine raid.
Slow Dreadnaught used this to finally exit fire zone.
Could chase, but why?
No order to destroy moff.
Task completely different implications, so chasing lone heavy cruiser not in Juno's plans.
Thus she calmly watched Dreadnaught, with brick grace, accelerate and hyperspace jump.
"We received data from remaining ship commanders," Galen approaching said, handing her a deck taken passing watch officer.
Apparently he simply outpaced the latter with report.
"Yes, what do they say?" Eclipse asked.
"Request cease fire and report readiness surrender to victors' mercy," Galen said, handing deck.
"They capitulate unconditionally or have conditions?" Juno inquired, scanning deck screen text.
"Who'd listen to them?" Galen surprised.
Juno finished reading report, smiling shook head, returning deck to approaching watch.
"Cease fire," she ordered. "Begin negotiations with each ship commander. Learn what each wants. If we can fulfill—do."
"And if not?" Galen asked.
"Then our gunners remind them we have more guns than ever installed on theirs," Juno pursed lips. "If unwilling surrender, Galen, we'll board them."
"This part of plan inspires me madly," the clone smiled.
"And when done," she drew beloved's attention, "I'll have another assignment for you."
"I'm listening, ma'am," he jokingly saluted.
But Juno not in joking mood now.
She pointed finger down, clearly not deck plating of battle bridge.
"Find someone below to surrender this planet to me, please."
***
Senior command staff conference hall at Dominion headquarters unusually empty this time.
Vice Admiral Pellaeon glanced at the vacant seat previously for Counter-Admiral I-Gor.
Now empty.
Like Shohashi's—but at least his has Red Star commander's hologram.
Somehow lonely…
Of four senior regular Dominion Armed Forces officials, one died, not lasting even half-year in ranks.
"All attacks on Dominion repelled, gentlemen," Grand Admiral Thrawn reported. "Zann Consortium attacking potential destroyed. Vice Admiral Pellaeon, how proceeds mining in designated sectors?"
"Advancing strictly per plans," Pellaeon replied. "End of month they'll complete deployments."
"Remind task force commanders to dispose of improvised mine deployers," Thrawn requested.
Gylad almost reminded again that then Dominion loses about five hundred small and medium transports.
Yes, old starships falling apart, needing serious repairs for continued use.
Yes, spares barely findable even on galactic black market for most.
But Dominion has logistics needs!
"Yes, sir, I'll oversee," Gylad knew arguing with Thrawn pointless.
"The Galaanus system battle yielded many Action IV transports," the grand admiral reminded. "No need collecting mismatched starships. Especially those visiting Tiragga's second moon."
Pellaeon didn't particularly object.
Yes, Action IVs decent model, but not new, frankly.
Though bottomless holds main trophy virtue.
And spares—in every major spaceport several decent-sized piles.
"Well, now to more pressing matters," Thrawn declared. "Counter-Admiral Shohashi," the Alderaanian looked attentively at Supreme Commander. "You and Red Star tasked holding northeast direction. Bosf, Korvo, Aparo, Happih, and Kvimaar sectors—now your responsibility zone. Additional forces transferred to reinforce Red Star."
"Accepted, grand admiral."
"Lady Ventress already departed on assignment?"
"Flew out day ago. Immediately after confirmation of mining completion at hyperspace path start to Chiloon Rift."
"Barrier activated?"
"Yes, sir."
"Passed without issues?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good. Pay special attention to ysalamiri—security protocol must not be violated under any circumstances."
Gylad glanced at cage near table.
The creature shamelessly slept.
But did its job, oddly.
"That's all," Thrawn declared.
Shohashi's hologram faded.
"You didn't tell him, sir," Pellaeon noted.
"Suggest telling everyone that one of Palpatine's minions stands behind Tyber Zann?" Thrawn clarified. "Security protocol exists—and must be followed."
Pellaeon didn't know why Thrawn firmly believed Shadowspawn—aka Lord Cronal, former Ubiqtorate head, former Lord Blackhole who tormented Rebel Alliance shortly after Yavin, whose name Sate Pestage pretended—couldn't act against star destroyer crews outside ysalamiri "operation" zone.
Per Maris Brood—demonstrated to late DSB operative Shteben torture of Moff Nivers before death—Shadowspawn's favorite execution method.
And only thanks to Shteben's quick thinking recording data on closed server, they linked Brood's Shadowspawn execution tales and Nivers's death agonies, allowing Dominion leadership to connect them.
"Can Cronal act independently?" Pellaeon clarified. "Or is Zann Consortium meddling Palpatine's project?"
"Neither variant excludable," Thrawn stated. "As well as third."
"So we have non-traditional 'bad' and 'good' variants too," Pellaeon thought gloomily.
Since Clone Wars he knew dealing with Jedi or their unrestrained opposites extremely… imprudent.
And unsafe for health.
And here, apparently about a being whose abilities—at least sentient control—recall Palpatine's.
Chilling.
"First and most obvious—Cronal acts on Palpatine's orders," the grand admiral announced. "Logical—Emperor gathering all forces post-return, Cronal valuable asset. From late Kerr's words, we know Palpatine intends using some criminals to destroy others. Here using powerful influence agent on one major crime group's leadership never more useful."
"Using one to eliminate others, war weakening winner," Pellaeon agreed. "Very familiar tactic…"
"Exactly what Tyber Zann wanted—pit Dominion against his competitors," Thrawn prompted.
"Too simple—use same tactic against completely different opponents?" Pellaeon inquired. "Moreover unclear—why pit Dominion against eastern group if Zann supposed to handle per plan?"
"Interesting question, vice admiral," Thrawn agreed. "To me—using Dominion against Rotana and Kamino—seems initial plan modernization—pit two crime groups."
"Likely," Pellaeon uncertainly agreed.
"And more than logical," Thrawn replied. "Tyber Zann and forces strengthening long—several years. They possess far greater forces and resources than I before creating Dominion. Moreover our course initially aimed weakening New Republic. Theirs—eradicating crime. Neutrality and respite, especially Dominion creation, gaining huge ships—not in Palpatine's plans. Now he decides, while Imperial Remnants torment New Republic, solve additional problems from my intervention."
"Dominion and Alliance."
"Exactly. For now we can only guess—who exactly behind plan dragging Dominion into eastern war with subsequent our territories and resources capture by Zann Consortium: Palpatine himself, Cronal, or Tyber Zann. Without primary source info, initiator undetermined. Each capable developing this plan against Dominion and eastern group and launching."
"You allow Zann might not be Cronal's puppet?" Pellaeon surprised.
"No facts disproving," Thrawn stated. "Need continue observing. Many working hypotheses, but not meaning one must be correct. Cronal known for progressing madness. He might play on Palpatine's team or pretend helping while pursuing own plans. But some conclusions possible."
Pellaeon perked, ready for Thrawn's deductions.
Honestly he missed these tactic talks intersecting philosophy and grand admiral of Dominion's mentoring.
"First understand Tyber Zann never voluntarily become anyone's puppet," Thrawn reasoned. "Ambitious, vindictive, pragmatic man. Nothing—even hypothetical Palpatine or Cronal offer like Prince Xizor's position—Black Sun head in Imperial times—would suit. Consequently either Cronal-controlled puppet needed uniting criminals under his control, widely known in crime world, or skillfully manipulated for their goals."
"Pit criminals against each other, Palpatine easily destroy remnants using huge fleet," Pellaeon thoughtfully said, processing Thrawn's words. "While Remnants finish weakened us New Republic."
"Quite ambitious plan telling Palpatine not so mad," Thrawn noted. "At least at original plan creation and start."
"Chilling thought clashing against sane Palpatine," Pellaeon admitted.
"Favoring this—crime plan edited," the grand admiral continued. "Piece the picture like mosaic. What do we have now? Dominion supposed throw forces destroying eastern group. Considering Zann had several hundred combat ships, assume their opponents' defense corresponding. While we fought there, they'd capture our resources—Zann Consortium not weakening significantly. Contradicts Palpatine's followed plan."
"As does front between Empire and New Republic stalling," Pellaeon noted.
"And Alliance gaining strength," Thrawn thoughtfully said. "But now offered aid to Pentastar Alignment. Given realities—definitely long exhausting war. Assuming preventing Alliance strengthening. Imperial Remnants weaken New Republic as much possible. But not victory."
"Scattered intervention," Pellaeon agreed, removing uniform cap. Getting hot. "Palpatine gains nothing but Dominion destruction."
"As well as weakening New Republic—or at least keeping them away from northern and northeastern galaxy theaters," Thrawn said. "Pentastar Alignment acts against New Republic… But forces insufficient for rout. Imperial space unable penetrate Alliance defense—and now forced divert some forces satisfying Pentastar Alignment territorial requests. Dominion and two major crime groups… Introducing Palpatine's fleet now could change much. Disrupt balance, lead Pentastar and Imperial space to victory. But not done."
The grand admiral fell silent.
Several seconds alone with thoughts, then uttered:
"This will be war of attrition," he said.
"We thought that before," Pellaeon noted. "Palpatine intends exhaust Remnants, particularly Kaine, then strike with own forces capturing Imperial Remnants, crushing rebels, reconsolidating most galaxy under his rule."
"Not about Imperial Ruling Council or Kaine," Thrawn countered. "Palpatine exhausts all at once. Us. Zann Consortium. Eastern group. Alliance. Pentastar. Remnants."
"Just enhanced version of previous assumption," Pellaeon insisted. "Nothing changed, details filled."
"You're wrong, vice admiral," the Supreme Commander calmly stated. "Key aspects of Palpatine's galaxy control restoration plan changed. We already had several galactic front circumstances where Palpatine's appearance could turn tide. But he didn't. Why, if he has troops and ships?"
"Waiting for others to weaken without him?" the chief of staff suggested.
"Yes, but three months war no critical damage to any opponent," Thrawn countered. "Opposite—Alliance, New Republic rearming. Eastern group only gaining strength—soon their army ready. Others Palpatine opponents have same capabilities. He undoubtedly understands we'll upgrade trophy ships. At least suspects we have cloning facility. Give us more time—we gain strength he'll take too long to handle. Thus: New Republic actively defending. Alliance deep defense. Both sides major newest armament production capabilities. Like us. Like eastern group. Zann Consortium bet on mass forces. Everywhere Palpatine opponents strengthening. Why allow this?"
"Perhaps hopes superweapon aid?" Pellaeon suggested. "Building third Death Star?"
"Including," Thrawn nodded. "Vice admiral, why do we defeat enemies without critical damage to us?"
"Because we know what they'll do," Pellaeon said after minutes thought.
"Sure New Republic and Alliance full of Palpatine's spies," Thrawn said. "In Zann Consortium his agent—Cronal—and Force-sensitive subordinates. Lady Brood already informed Cronal personally selects elite squad gifted caught by Tyber Zann and aides. Also aided programming Zann Consortium elite fighters. Considering his Force connection and shadow stormtrooper works serving only him with exclusive loyalty to Cronal, quite possible Zann's building army factually no longer Zann's. Doubtless similar Cronal Force-sensitives in eastern group behind leadership providing consulting."
"And factually directing organizations' actions," Pellaeon darkened, nervously shuddering.
"Changing New Republic and Alliance government course ungrateful, no strong power centralization," Thrawn noted. "Couldn't break Dominion internally, we purged all agents beforehand."
"Only remains destroy us."
"Of course," Thrawn said matter-of-factly. "Uncontrollable force dangerous. As I said—approach to plan execution changed. Or changing now, when clear Zann Consortium strike force destroyed."
"But what then Palpatine intends?" Pellaeon couldn't hold. "If waiting, he'll wait until New Republic grinds Pentastar Alignment, Imperial space shatters on Alliance defense while diverting front forces purging sector governments in Indrexu, Cronese Mandate etc… Once done—Pentastar Alignment position irrelevant. Alliance strengthens, becomes greater threat. Not advantageous for him!"
"Nor for us," Thrawn reasonably stated. "Pentastar Alignment—Cronal's project diverting some Alliance front forces."
"But not advantageous for Palpatine if Alliance unites those territories!"
"That's why we'll ensure Alliance lacks forces for offensive," Thrawn declared. "They can fight. Garrisoned in Pentastar Alignment sectors troops—not best, assume Alliance fighters with proper approach can defeat them."
"You want strike Alliance?" Pellaeon clarified.
"Yes," Thrawn replied. "Before eastern group does."
"Wait," Pellaeon shook head. "You said Palpatine changed approach to his operation."
"Yes, vice admiral," Thrawn confirmed. "Changed or will soon. He'll change priorities for each player once certain events occur."
"And what?"
"Once Pentastar Alignment strike fist routed and offensive potential exhausted, New Republic gains first major victory, begins subjugating Grand Moff Kaine territories," Thrawn said. "Alliance deep defense knocks Imperial space from active offensives, begins their purge. All within coming months, not five months after current year start, once he realizes Alliance won't expend scarce forces achieving Pentastar Alignment ally goals, but attempt diplomatically, intending gain their armed forces."
"But why you think Alliance won't attack Pentastar Alignment sectors?" Pellaeon surprised. "They're now finishing strike fist formation on Lantillies."
"Those twelve destroyers won't reach goal," Thrawn countered. "Consequently military goal realization suboptimal. Alliance will slowly build strength, prompting Palpatine redirect eastern group ships and forces against them, shifting initial offensive vector."
"They already intend attack and take Kessel from us," Pellaeon reminded, knowing Thrawn forgot nothing.
But not just sit nodding like dummy—he wasn't that rank anymore.
"Of course intend," the grand admiral agreed. "And will soon. Actually eastern group—strike Kessel soon too."
"Enough forces there to repel such invasion, even two clearly not small fleets?" vice admiral Pellaeon doubted.
"Definitely—no," Thrawn categorically stated. "But doesn't prevent us making necessary victory decisions at right time."
Again—vague victory decision hints.
Which either guess (but as Pellaeon knew grand admiral—surest way misunderstand), or logically deduce, as grand admiral habitually provides all needed data for correct answer.
"Our tactic regarding Zann Consortium unchanged?" vice admiral clarified.
"Palpatine surely thinks we'll pounce on Zann and aides with all forces, bleed ourselves fighting them," Thrawn thoughtfully said. "Actually we will. Exception—it'll be on our terms."
Gylad fell silent.
He strained analyzing grand admiral's words for application to events, but couldn't find link between words and tactic.
Repeatedly processing phrase after phrase, until…
"And how will New Republic achieve victory over Pentastar Alignment forces?" Pellaeon inquired.
"With help of some our trophy Mon Calamari cruisers, of course," Thrawn explained.
"So we gave Fey'lya our trophies too."
"Understood, sir," now everything fell into place. "You intend smoke Palpatine from his hole prematurely, collapsing galaxy front."
"Exactly, vice admiral," Thrawn agreed. "Soon Cronal will inform Palpatine crushing Dominion failed. Suspect bet on Zann Consortium because easier manipulate. Or Cronal's positions with Zann stronger than Empire agents in eastern group. But now Zann Consortium lost strike force, looks tasty target from all sides. Can eliminate or maximally weaken precisely with Dominion, which per all war rules must counteroffensive preventing enemy force restoration."
"I'd do that," Pellaeon admitted unblinking.
"As any commander responsible for territory without global politics focus," the grand admiral confirmed. "No offense, vice admiral. Palpatine measures commanders solely by Imperial-era criteria—specific deployment zone responsibility. Same approach now, dividing Imperial space and Pentastar Alignment offensive vectors instead using combined power."
"Fears they might ally," vice admiral suggested, smoothing gray mustache. "As I grasped, Palpatine decided not just bleed remaining Remnants but make them vulnerable to Alliance and New Republic."
"Most obvious," Thrawn agreed. "Then he'd appear with all forces. With ready superweapon. As Palpatine-liberator protect Empire remnants from republicans, then erase them from galaxy face. Thus our next step main goal—prevent Alliance engaging war weakening Tion Cluster positions, force diplomatic action."
"And thereby deprive them wasting potential in war," Pellaeon continued thought.
"Forcing Palpatine stimulate eastern group attack on Alliance, shifting initial offensive vector," Thrawn developed. "Thereby weakening New Republic rear support consequences."
"You think eastern group supposed attack New Republic precisely?"
"Backstab after exhausting enemy on front—perfect chance force New Republic fleets collapse front," Thrawn said.
"And instead one concentrated strike definitely exhausting New Republic preventing counterattack on Pentastar Alignment, Palpatine forced direct puppets multiple directions," Pellaeon finally got it, nodding.
"Tion Hegemony can significantly complicate Alliance rear life…"
"But can't effectively due to 'Moff Gron' losing control," Thrawn prompted. "Until clarifying 'moff' situation, they dare not commit major Tion Hegemony forces conquering other territories or serious Alliance strikes. Exactly as Alliance can't, losing forces opposing eastern group."
"Imperial space deep galaxy advance still possible," Pellaeon recalled intelligence data.
"But not as massively as initial," Thrawn countered. "Coming month maximum they can capture—Carida. But reunion result won't please them."
"And thus stretched Pentastar Alignment and Imperial space orders play into Alliance and New Republic hands," Pellaeon realized, nodding vigorously.
"Palpatine forced, to preserve conquered territories, start campaign prematurely," the grand admiral summarized, folding hands on table.
Pellaeon hesitated, once more mentally reviewing Supreme Commander's words.
"But then it turns out Palpatine will throw all forces on uneliminated threats," he noted. "Alliance, New Republic…"
Gylad fell silent, looking into half-closed eyes of grand admiral impassively sitting at conference table head.
"Sir," he cautiously said. "Then undestroyed by Zann Consortium Dominion becomes one of Palpatine armada priority targets."
"As undestroyed Alliance and New Republic," the grand admiral reminded.
"Don't think they have enough forces destroy Palpatine's armada," Pellaeon shook head.
"Of course not," Thrawn agreed. "But neither can Palpatine concentrate all forces destroying one. He'll have to fragment them."
"I think he'll have sufficiently large forces seriously harm all enemies," Gylad stated.
"Of course will," the grand admiral agreed. "Empire had them ten years ago. And at Endor. But didn't save them."
"I feel something not fully told, can't pinpoint what," Pellaeon thought.
"Sir," he looked Thrawn straight in eyes. "You already have plan defeating Palpatine's armada he'll throw at us?"
"Of course have, vice admiral," Thrawn confirmed.
His confidence somewhat relieved.
"But for plan to finally irrevocably form, necessary New Republic under Admiral Duplex rout Grand Moff Kaine at Balmorra," the grand admiral said.
"How in hutt's name is that connected?!" vice admiral Pellaeon nearly yelled.
But aloud said entirely different.
"That's why you transferred them our Mon Calamari star cruisers?" he clarified.
"That's why I transferred New Republic twenty of thirty Mon Calamari star cruisers," Thrawn clarified. "Also arranged Mr. Ghent's assignment so he doesn't interfere with Mr. Pent's mission… And much else, including separating Zann Consortium satellite sectors with mine barriers. But currently more interested in why Cronal pays attention specifically to Tion Cluster. Most likely parallel Palpatine's plans, he prepares 'backup base' for retreat. Using Zann Consortium, Alliance, and Palpatine resources. Likely knows more about Palpatine's future than seems."
"So idea restoring Pentastar Alignment original borders—Cronal's project?" Pellaeon gaped.
"By all external signs—yes," Thrawn impassively replied, looking at Gylad as if surprised his deputy doesn't grasp obvious. "Actually I suspect Cronal has something capable stopping Palpatine's fleet—or part. That's why he strives pit Alliance against Tion Cluster sectors: when per plan they start combat, he'll stop them with his fleet force, then for Indrexu, Cronese Mandate and others sectors not conqueror. Rather—liberator."
"Like Palpatine plans," Pellaeon narrowed eyes. "But regarding Imperial Remnants."
A sly smile appeared on Thrawn's lips.
"Noticed another tactic repetition, vice admiral?" he clarified. "Curious dilemma."
"Of course," Pellaeon grumbled. "But fear we'll have to war these psychopaths for Dominion's very existence!"
"Most likely," Thrawn agreed. "But by time they realize situation out of control, we'll possess everything necessary openly oppose them. Oppose—and emerge victorious."
Pellaeon was about to ask grand admiral how exactly he intends that—defeat all these intriguers and powerful sentients commanding multimillion (or multibillion) armies and countless fleets.
But held tongue.
"To hutt with these questions," he decided. "Tired feeling junior academy student explained astro-navigation basics with third-order equations! I just want to watch! Preferably front row seeing Thrawn smear them all thin from galaxy north to southern sectors!"