Bleeding (I)

Nine years, five months and five days after the Battle of Yavin...

Or forty-fourth year, five months and five days after the Great Resynchronization.

In the vast blackness of space, dotted only by distant stars, the Chimera felt like the queen of the void.

A lone Imperial Star Destroyer emerged from hyperspace, isolated in the emptiness. No planets or even asteroids were in sight—nothing that could seem worthy of attention for such a mighty vessel, capable of turning a small city into molten slag in mere moments, leaving the dying inhabitants to silently writhe in agony.

Yet, Grand Admiral Thrawn's flagship was exactly where it was meant to be—at the forefront of the assault. The fact that the ship had not yet initiated any decisive actions meant nothing.

"Captain," Gilad heard the calm voice of the Grand Admiral. "Are our ships in position?"

"Yes, sir," confirmed the Chimera's commander. "They have reported readiness. The chronometers are synchronized. We await your orders."

"Then let's begin," the Grand Admiral commanded, ceasing his contemplation of the void. The last great military leader of the Empire, vested with the power of a Grand Admiral, rose from his chair and, accompanied by Rukh, moved towards the long-range communications station.

Gilad followed at a respectful distance, as protocol demanded, but more so to collect his thoughts.

Thrawn's plan had been altered—significantly so. Though the Grand Admiral had not shared his reasons, the captain could sense the shift. What initially seemed like a well-coordinated plan to assault the planets of the Sluissi sector had been redirected to the Dufilvian sector, a remote area near the Republican regional military base on Ord Pardon, far from the original target.

The captain could only speculate about the motives behind this sudden change. He could have asked directly, but Thrawn wasn't one to share such information freely. Instead, the Grand Admiral spent the journey briefing the Strike-class cruiser commanders, focusing not on those destined to stir trouble in the Sluissi sector, but on the six tasked with this new mission. It was unusual; typically, only the commanders of capital ships like Star Destroyers received such direct communication, not those of auxiliary vessels.

"Gentlemen," Pellaeon caught up to the Grand Admiral just as Thrawn was surveying the holographic figures above the projection table. "It's time. The cruiser detachment should commence their operations."

It was both reassuring and unsettling to see Thrawn transition from strategic contemplation to active warfare. But something still felt off...

As soon as the holograms of the six Strike-class cruiser captains faded, Thrawn turned his attention to Pellaeon.

"Start the countdown for the main forces, Captain," he ordered.

"Yes, sir," Gilad responded with enthusiasm.

It was risky to weaken the base at Lainuri, leaving only one Interdictor-class Star Destroyer and three cruisers as a defensive force. It was strength, but not overwhelming...

But the commanders of the five Star Destroyers were ready for orders.

"Group Aurek," he addressed Captain Aban of the Bellicose. "Proceed to your target."

"Understood," Aban responded crisply. The commander of the Imperious, though not officially in charge of the group, remained silent but present. Thrawn had insisted on his inclusion, though Pellaeon had doubts about the appointment of Captain Aban. Despite trying to appear composed, Aban's impatience betrayed his eagerness to engage. Thrawn narrowed his eyes but said nothing. Two of the five holograms vanished.

Pellaeon shifted his gaze to the next officer.

"Group Besh," Captain Kharbid responsible for the Death's Head and Imperious was calm. "You start in seven minutes."

"Acknowledged, Chimera," came the reply. "Good hunting."

"And to you, Captain," Pellaeon replied.

Two more holograms faded, leaving only the commander of the Storm Hawk.

"Are you in position?" Thrawn asked quietly.

"Yes, sir," the officer confirmed.

"Report any enemy reaction immediately," the Grand Admiral instructed.

"Understood," affirmed the commander of the second Star Destroyer in the Crash group, before his hologram disappeared.

"Let's go, Captain," Thrawn ordered. "We have a few minutes before everything begins."

"Hasn't it started already?" Pellaeon wondered.

The Grand Admiral sank into his chair, almost automatically removing the ysalamiri from its mount and placing it on his lap. The creature rolled its head, exposing its neck to Thrawn's scratching fingers.

"Notify our esteemed guest..." Thrawn began, but the command wasn't necessary.

"Grand Admiral," C'baoth's imperious voice filled the control room. "Are we delaying again?! Where are my Jedi?!"

"And here is our friend," Thrawn commented dryly, turning his chair toward the clone approaching him. "Good morning, Master C'baoth. I see you're not in the best of moods..."

"I still don't have a single Jedi!" Joruus snapped, his eyes glowing with madness. Pellaeon stepped aside, positioning himself within the protection of the ysalamiri. It wasn't cowardice, but prudence.

"What a coincidence," Thrawn remarked. "You haven't lifted a finger to help the Empire. I suspect there's a connection between these facts."

"You've done nothing!" C'baoth growled, clutching his beard. "How could I...?"

Pellaeon noticed the clone grasp his medallion, and almost immediately, his regal demeanor returned.

"Did you bring me from Weyland to show me the galaxy, or to deliver me Jedi?" C'baoth demanded, his voice now controlled and regal.

"You're here because we have a mutually beneficial agreement," Thrawn replied. "Now, the time has come for our efforts to set in motion events that will advance both the Empire's goals and your own."

"What do you mean?" the clone asked, furrowing his thick eyebrows.

"We are advancing," Thrawn stated plainly. "As I mentioned, the harder we strike the enemy, the sooner they will send their elite against us—including Corran Horn."

"So you're saying that helping you now is in my best interest?" C'baoth clarified.

"I'm stating it outright," Thrawn's durasteel confidence was evident as he spoke to the mad clone. "So, are you in? Or should I send you back to your little world?"

"Tell me what needs to be done," C'baoth grumbled, searching for a place to settle.

"That's why you're aboard the Chimera," I interjected. "Coordinate our forces. One part is on the move in the Sluissi sector, the other is here in the Dufilvian sector, preparing for the assault. I suggest you facilitate coordination between these two groups."

C'baoth frowned, clearly confused. His gaze darted around the bridge, searching for support. But there was none. Jedi were not welcomed in the Empire, especially not mad ones.

"It will be difficult," he muttered. "Those in flight—they don't need my help at the moment. Or do your navigators lack the skill to chart a course?"

"Their competence is exceptional," Pellaeon thought the Grand Admiral was exaggerating, if only slightly. The cruisers were manned by second-rate officers and green cadets. "Make yourself comfortable, Master C'baoth. We're beginning our offensive in the Dufilvian sector."

** Dufilvian sector **

----------------

Dufilvian sector systems: 

Algarian system

Blenjeel system

Crondre system

F'Dann system

Fenn system

Ord Pardron system

Ord Segra system

Talay system

Womrik system

 ----------------

"Do not command me, Grand Admiral," C'baoth snapped irritably. "I know perfectly well what needs to be done."

Pellaeon glanced sideways at the composed Chiss. Couldn't he see that the clone Jedi's madness was escalating? And not just gradually, but at an alarming rate.

"As you wish, Jedi Master," Thrawn replied indifferently. "Captain Pellaeon, are the Chimera's ground forces prepared for battle?"

"Yes, sir," Pellaeon responded immediately. "General Covell has reported full readiness."

"Very well," the Grand Admiral said in the same even tone, observing as the Jedi clone settled directly on the bridge deck. With his legs crossed beneath him, the Jedi closed his eyes, appearing almost as if he were falling into a trance.

"Sir," Pellaeon ventured cautiously, "Does he plan to clean the bridge with his robes?"

"It will spare the cleaning droids some effort," Thrawn replied indifferently. "Now, tell me, has there been any communication from the Stormhawk?"

"Yes, sir," Gilad replied, glancing toward the communications station. He smiled when he saw Lieutenant Tshel hurrying over with a report. Taking the report from the watch officer, he quickly reviewed it.

"The first cruiser has arrived in the Algarian system," he began. "They've detected a cluster of freighters and have taken measures to detain the ships and crews. The Stormhawk reports intercepting a distress signal from the system."

(The Algarian system is a star system located within the Dufilvian sector in the Mid Rim region of the galaxy and contained the planet Algarian)

"Has there been any response?" Thrawn inquired.

"Yes, sir," Gilad continued. "The rebel base in the Ord-Pardon system has dispatched an MC30c frigate..."

(The Ord Pardron system is a star system located within the Dufilvian sector of the Mid Rim and contained the planet Ord Pardron)

** New Republic MC30c Frigate **

Pellaeon felt a knot in his stomach. It was strange that Thrawn didn't react to the news.

The MC30c series rebel frigate was relatively new and heavily armed. Twin proton torpedo launchers, sixteen medium turbolaser turrets, and an equal number of twin laser cannons. While its light armor and smaller size didn't qualify it as a light cruiser, it effectively served as one. On paper, any medium Strike-class cruiser with twenty light turbolasers, ten turbolaser batteries, and the same number of ion missiles, supported by a single strike missile launcher, would appear superior. But the rebel ship possessed a decisive advantage—six cluster munition launchers capable of unleashing a torrent of explosives, capable of overwhelming any equivalent ship. Few captains, even of Victory-class Star Destroyers, would want to engage a group of such frigates. But in a one-on-one scenario...

"Sir, we must send reinforcements to the Algarian system," Pellaeon urged. "The MC30c will tear the Strike cruiser apart."

"Patience, Captain," the Grand Admiral advised. "We still have ample time. Our ships attacked systems from their borders, while our enemies have several hours before they can reach their targets. Let our young captains feel like heroes. After all, they are disrupting enemy logistics across the entire sector."

"Yes, sir," Pellaeon acknowledged, signaling for Tshel to transmit the Stormhawk's reports directly to his console. Should he really have to run for every update?

"There should be another report, Captain," Thrawn said after a moment, glancing at the chronometer.

"They've also requested support from the Fenn system," Pellaeon relayed after receiving a new message. "To counter our Strike cruiser, the base at Ord-Pardon has dispatched a Mark-I attack frigate."

(The Fenn system was a star system located within the Dufilvian sector of the Mid Rim. The planet Fenn was located in the system)

** Mark-I Attack Frigate **

"How extravagant," Thrawn smiled. "Seven hundred meters long, fifteen laser cannons, twenty quad laser cannons, fifteen turbolaser batteries..."

"Our second Strike cruiser... it doesn't look good," Pellaeon thought. What's happening? In two systems, our ships will be decimated without even putting up a fight! Whose side is Thrawn actually on?

"Report from the Crondre system," the Chimera's commander was already mentally mourning the Aurek group. "A Mon Calamari MC-80 Liberty-class star cruiser, supported by two Mark-II attack frigates..."

** Mon Calamari MC-80 Liberty-class Star Cruiser **

The Mon Calamari cruiser was well-protected and heavily armed. Forty-eight twin heavy turbolaser batteries, twenty twin heavy ion cannons, cluster bomb launchers, and an air wing. While an Imperial I-class Star Destroyer could counter with sixty-four heavy turbolaser cannons in eight eight-gun broadside turrets, sixty heavy turbolaser cannons, forty ion cannons, twelve heavy turbolaser cannons in six twin turrets, three stacked medium turbolasers, two twin heavy ion cannons, two quad medium turbolasers, and forty laser anti-aircraft guns. Given that the liberties were constructed after the Battle of Endor as battleships designed exclusively for space combat, whereas the Imperials maintained their role as versatile starships, in a single battle, the Liberty had a clear advantage in terms of firepower. Yes, Aban had two Imperial ships, but the enemy also had two additional support vessels...

** Mark-II Attack Frigate **

Seven hundred meters long, equipped with fifteen quad turbolasers, fifteen turbolaser batteries... And who cares that this vessel also has fifteen laser cannons? Whoever is coordinating the military forces at the rebel base on Ord-Pardon is very skillful and quick in selecting proportionate forces.

Yes, the Aurek group might not be completely annihilated, but they'll take a severe beating. And instead of a victorious campaign, they'll be facing lengthy repairs and ridicule from other Imperials.

"Sir..." Pellaeon began.

"Save your concerns for later, Captain," Thrawn interrupted. "What's the situation in the Ord Segra system?"

"Our cruiser intercepted a humanitarian convoy," Pellaeon replied grimly. "Another MC30c frigate has been dispatched from Ord-Pardon."

"Very well," Thrawn nodded. "And the Womrik system?"

"The Strike cruiser has taken position," Gilad reported. "It's facing local defense forces, including one corvette, the Dominion, captured from us several years ago, and two fighter squadrons. Two Nebulon-B escort frigates have been dispatched from Ord-Pardon to provide support."

** Nebulon-B Escort Frigate **

That's it, this is the end. Each Nebulon-B has twelve medium turbolaser turrets, anti-aircraft guns, proton torpedo or concussion missile launchers, and can carry twenty-four small craft... One Strike cruiser cannot handle this.

"Report from the Talay system," Thrawn demanded. "And inform all unit commanders that no one is to hold back. I'm waiting, Captain."

Pellaeon, devoid of any initiative, sighed, "Let it be what it will be," and glanced at the console.

"The Strike cruiser intercepted several New Republic cargo vessels," he said. "The Stormhawk reports that another Nebulon-B, supported by two X-wing squadrons, has launched from the base at Ord-Pardon."

"It seems they're running out of larger starships," Thrawn smiled.

"We'll run out of them faster," Pellaeon thought gloomily. What a good mood I was in this morning.

"Data from the Blenjeel system," the Grand Admiral pressed.

"Our sixth cruiser has located several rogue traders," Pellaeon reported. "A chase has begun."

"And Ord-Pardon?" Thrawn inquired impatiently.

"They've sent a Mark-I attack frigate," Pellaeon replied. What if one of our ships gets lucky? Maybe someone will be smart enough to flee at the sight of rebel reinforcements? There must be some logic in all of this, at least at a minimal level.

"And one last thing, Captain," Thrawn reminded. "F'Dann system."

"The Besh group detected no enemies," Pellaeon sighed. "It appears there's nothing here. No signals from Ord-Pardon, no responses."

"There shouldn't have been any rebels there," Thrawn stated, surprising Gilad. What does he mean "shouldn't have been"? Then why send two Star Destroyers there!? "Tell the Death's Head to depart for the Crondre system in five minutes," Thrawn continued, glancing at the chronometer before pausing to think for a few seconds. "It's our second primary target in this mission. Given the enemy fleet and planetary defenses, we'll need support there. The timing is just right for reinforcements to arrive in the system. In two hours and nine minutes, the Stormhawk will enter the Ord-Pardon system. We'll arrive five minutes after them. Between one minute and forty-three minutes later, enemy starships will arrive at the targeted systems. The trap is set."

"What trap?!" Gilad struggled to comprehend. "What does all of this mean?" Thrawn has dispersed our ships across the Dafilvean sector in positions where they can barely fight on equal terms. Yes, if there were experienced crews aboard these starships, the rebels would be in serious trouble, but there are only green recruits who will be mauled so badly that a bantha's wounds from an enraged nexu will seem like mere scratches. At best, the ships will need extensive repairs. Otherwise... No, Thrawn can't be oblivious to this! He's a Grand Admiral, after all!

Then a cold, sobering thought struck Gilead. What if the Grand Admiral is testing them all? What if he's waiting for one of his subordinates to demonstrate some prudence?

"Sir..."

"Not now, Captain," Thrawn turned his chair to observe Master C'baoth, who seemed to have drifted into sleep. "How do we stand?"

"Your troops are eager to fight, Grand Admiral," the Jedi's voice sounded distant and hollow, as if it were coming from an empty shell rather than a living being. Even if it's a clone. "Their enthusiasm... is remarkable."

"Ensure they channel their energy wisely, Jedi Master," Thrawn said. "And you will see that I can be quite generous."

"I remember your words, Grand Admiral," C'baoth said, as if just awakening, his eyes barely open. "The more severe the blow, the sooner my Jedi will come to me."

"Exactly," Thrawn affirmed. "The blow will be as devastating as possible, with minimal casualties."

The clone offered no reply, simply closing his eyes and falling silent once more. Pellaeon scrutinized him critically. The old man's face appeared gaunt, almost withered. It was as if he were bearing some invisible burden, one that an ordinary person could never fathom. But what could it be?

"Sir," Pellaeon said quietly. "Do you truly believe that..."

"I am certain, Captain," Thrawn interrupted, meeting his gaze. "Return to your duties. Our focus is on attacking the Ord-Pardon system. That is all that should concern you right now."