Nine years, seven months, and thirty-one days after the Battle of Yavin...
Or forty-four years, seven months, and thirty-one days since the Great Resynchronization.
(Three months and sixteen days since the arrival).
Void Wanderer completed its hyperspace jump precisely on schedule and at the pre-designated point in space.
Following it, maintaining an almost jeweler-precise diamond-shaped escort formation, emerged Pillar of Autumn, paralleled by Dawnstrider.
Both starships formed the lateral escort for six Acclamator-class cruisers, which Moff Ferrus had dispatched under Grand Admiral Thrawn's command, carrying essential spare parts and additional weaponry to complete urgent repairs on the fleet's starships. These had to be unloaded by the fleet's forces immediately after delivering another shipment from a remote military base on Tangrene. They were then loaded with more modern components and parts, with the ships additionally staffed with work crews from the shipyards.
Bringing up the rear, Red Gauntlet slipped out of hyperspace.
Of the twenty Imperial-class Star Destroyers (of both variants) under Grand Admiral Thrawn's command, sixteen were now present in the Scaross system...
Or were they...? Why were there twenty Star Destroyers?! Hadn't Eradicator, Amber-Clad, Black Star, and Adjudicator remained at the ORY-II docks when they departed here ten hours ago?!
Wait! These weren't Ubiqtorate ships! That "shorty" over there was clearly a Procursator-class Star Destroyer, a type absent from any of the Imperial Remnants' fleets!
What in the galaxy was going on?!
— Is this even legal?! — the first officer couldn't hold back, approaching the commander of Void Wanderer and pointing unabashedly at...
Abyss felt his throat tighten.
— Not sure, — he muttered.
Surrounded by ninety heavy Dreadnought-class cruisers were TWO fleets.
One of them, judging by its appearance, had clearly been through a brutal meat grinder. Despite the presence of a Bellator-class dreadnought, four Imperial-I-class Star Destroyers, the "shorty," and a dozen escort frigates battered to the point of "I can see your reactor," the charred gray hulls still bore faint traces of New Republic emblems...
Slightly apart, as if weary of chasing a herd of foolish banthas, hung the familiar transponder of the Star Destroyer Imperious. Judging by its numerous scars, it had taken a severe beating. No, literally, the ship was blackened from bow to stern, with smoke from unextinguished fires trailing from some of the breaches.
The second fleet consisted of eleven Imperial-class Star Destroyers, led by Chimaera. These ships held a defensive formation around a two-kilometer Torpedo Sphere, closely accompanied by three Interdictors, two Immobilizer 418s, a pair of Quasar Fire-class escort carriers, a couple of Victory-I-class Star Destroyers, two old Separatist Providence-class Star Destroyers, and five Venator-class Star Destroyers... The outer perimeter of this massive array of starships was patrolled by numerous Corellian corvettes, which, like the escort carriers, showed no signs of battle damage.
Judging by the appearance of the rest of the fleet's starships, they too had seen combat. But their condition didn't suggest anything too dire. A few non-critical hull breaches, deflector projectors blown off on a couple of ships, some artillery knocked out... Surely their starfighters had taken losses too—it was no surprise that two of the Acclamators carried TIE-series craft: fighters, interceptors, bombers. Naturally, pilots came with them... But looking at Thrawn's fleet, one couldn't help but wonder: for whom were three of the six Acclamators packed with spare parts enough to assemble an entire Star Destroyer?
Could it be for the first fleet? If so, what kind of "pummeling" had those starships endured, that it'd be easier to scrap them than repair?!
— We're being hailed from Chimaera, — the first officer reported, snapping out of his shock.
— Connect immediately, — the commander of Void Wanderer responded, coming to his senses.
The holoprojector flared to life with a white-blue projection of Grand Admiral Thrawn as he approached.
— Sir, — Abyss gave a curt nod in greeting.
— Welcome, — the Supreme Commander replied in a neutral tone. — Thank you for your prompt arrival, Captain Abyss. I trust the crews of your detachment's ships aren't too exhausted from such a long journey?
A subtle hint that all four ships had arrived with incomplete crews, and Void Wanderer had even conducted internal repairs during the flight. The left-side batteries and deflectors could use installation too, though fortunately, those were loaded in the hold.
— No, sir, all is well, — he replied.
— In that case, direct the three ships carrying the maximum stock of spare parts to Imperious—Captain Shohashi will personally oversee the unloading of components and the loading of prisoners. The cruiser with proton torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, send to the Torpedo Sphere—its crew, along with those of Crusader, Steel Aurora, Colicoid Swarm, and Black Pearl, will handle the unloading. The remaining two ships, with pilots, fighters, crews to replenish our ships, and spare parts—bring them to Chimaera. We'll focus on restoring the fleet's combat readiness. We'll be heading into battle soon, so I suggest you prioritize bringing Void Wanderer to full combat capability. Keep two repair teams on board your ship; the commanders of the damaged ships will send shuttles for the rest. As a reminder, in two days, an Acclamator will arrive with personnel to fully staff your Star Destroyers. After that, we move out for the next battle.
— Yes, sir, — Abyss hesitated, a rare occurrence for him. — Permission to ask a question, Grand Admiral?
— Granted, Captain, — Thrawn replied calmly.
— The... Republican starships. What are they doing here? — A foolish question, no doubt. But asking something even dumber, like, "Sir, is this an illusion?" would be worse.
— Awaiting repairs and transfer to Tangrene for urgent restoration, — Thrawn answered casually. — They're OUR ships now.
— Understood, sir, — Abyss waited until the hologram flickered out. Glancing at the first officer who approached, he only shook his head:
— Now I understand why the Imperial Remnants refused to hand over Void Wanderer or provide further assistance. Does he even need anyone's help, or are we all just extras here?!
***
— Thus, we've effectively stripped the crews from all the ships of the Morshdine sector defense fleet, — Captain Pellaeon concluded. — But in return, we've replenished our losses from this battle and partially staffed transfer crews for the captured ships.
I sat in my chair, listening to the reports from the commander of Chimaera.
Not as bad as it could've been, all things considered.
Only Imperious had lost full combat capability. Shohashi was recovering from his injuries and would soon return to duty. Though shrapnel from an exploded tactical monitor lodged in the left side of his body was hardly a flattering "decoration."
However, we hadn't lost a single starship permanently. Moreover, we managed to avoid significant personnel losses and the destruction of captured ships. Though, admittedly, it'll take considerable time to restore them to combat readiness. And even longer to fully crew them. Oh, well...
What did our deputy quartermaster say? "The hamster inside me demands more, but I'm afraid the Motherland can't satisfy that insatiable beast's requests." Truly, it's almost tempting to stop capturing starships and start destroying them.
But that's the wrong mindset.
Imperial Star Destroyers, built nearly half a century before the Yuuzhan Vong War, proved their worth against extragalactic invaders, far surpassing New Republic ships in effectiveness. Thus, we must continue operations to forcibly reclaim Imperial property from unscrupulous owners. Let's see how well the New Republic's democracy holds up. Along with their xenosonism—or whatever they call this galaxy's equivalent of humanism, focused on preserving lives and showing mercy to other species and peoples.
— Has Captain Shohashi already drawn up a schedule for transferring the captured ships to Tangrene for repairs? — I inquired.
— Affirmative, sir, — he replied. — The least damaged ships will go first—the escort frigates and the Procursator-class Star Destroyer, whose hyperdrive repairs are nearly complete. This will require using all but one of Imperious's shifts. These ships, along with the first batch of prisoners, will depart for Tangrene, after which the Acclamators with transfer crews will return here for the Imperial-class Star Destroyers, which should be repaired by then—at least to the point of safe hyperspace travel. Those, except for Imperious, will form the second wave, along with the second batch of prisoners. The final wave will include Shohashi's flagship and Crimson Dawn. The dreadnought should be in better shape by then than it is now. Plus, the delivered B-1 battle droids will suffice to cover the minimum crew requirements for that giant... Nearly seventeen thousand sentients for a single shift!
Logical, considering the nearly one hundred thousand crew members on that starship. It's not like the "five hundred" needed to get an Imperial Star Destroyer from point A to point B.
— Shohashi is essentially forcing his people to endure double shifts during the transfer, — I noted.
— They'll rest on the return trip, — Pellaeon remarked. — Especially since his ship will be under repair for at least a week.
— Ensure the crew gets shore leave for that duration, — I ordered.
Seeing the surprise on the Chimaera commander's face, I clarified:
— By shifts, of course.
— Of course, — Pellaeon nodded. — I'd also like to note that during the boarding operations to clear Crimson Dawn and the other enemy ships, we sustained minimal losses among the droidekas. Literally a dozen units, no more.
— Which confirms their effectiveness in such operations, — I nodded in agreement.
— And opens prospects for their use on our ships as anti-boarding measures, — Pellaeon added.
— A sensible proposal, — I agreed. — But untimely.
— Due to the limited number of droidekas, — the commander of my flagship Star Destroyer sighed.
— We'll address that during the third phase of Operation Crimson Dawn, — I promised.
Pellaeon's eyes widened.
— Frankly, sir, I thought the operation would conclude with the Ciutric campaign. The attack on Sluis Van would be part of a separate operation.
— No point in devising multiple campaigns. The end of Prince-Admiral Krennel is merely the second phase, — I clarified. No need to explain to the captain that the operation's original goal was to capture the Bellator-class dreadnought, and only later, based on the enemy's actions, did I add new, unplanned objectives. — After Ciutric, we must, in the shortest possible time, assess the threat posed by the Zann Consortium's militants, identify their supply sources, basing locations, and strike them. I need the droideka factory on Hypori. And their ship assembly site.
— Sir, diluting the active fleet with various starship types that have little in common, including components, isn't the wisest idea, — Pellaeon noted, adding:
— With all due respect, sir.
— Allow me to disagree, Captain, — I said. — Our technicians have thoroughly studied the Crusader-II-class corvette produced by the Zann Consortium's shipbuilders. It's safe to say, with a high degree of certainty, that this starship uses a significant—dare I say overwhelming—portion of Imperial equipment. Including turbolasers, launchers, deflector generators, and projectors.
— Now I understand why the Vultures are stealing Imperial military tech from New Republic shipyards, — Pellaeon smirked.
— The Consortium isn't destroyed, as many believe, — I noted. — Part of the organization survived, went underground, and is building up its forces. I have reason to believe Zann currently controls Rothana and Kamino.
The Chimaera commander's face turned the same shade as his hair and mustache.
— An army of clones, — he whispered.
— Which, by default, takes ten years to grow, — I reminded him. — However, let's not forget that Spaarti cloning cylinders also produced clones over a much longer period. But those clones had no mental or psychological defects.
In the silence of my quarters, I distinctly heard Pellaeon swallow hard.
— Do you think he's using ysalamiri to accelerate and stabilize cloning?
— No, — I answered simply. — Otherwise, an army of clones would've already flooded the galaxy, and the Zann Consortium would've emerged from the shadows it's hiding in. I believe Zann knows about ysalamiri but doesn't connect their effect to the cloning process.
At least, I hope so. If not, we're in trouble.
— Sir, — Pellaeon said cautiously. — Perhaps we shouldn't confront the Consortium just yet?
— Otherwise, we'll lose the droid factory, — I reminded him. — No, I need that factory. But not on Hypori. I'm also interested in the anti-missile laser cannons the Consortium's engineers mount on their Crusader-IIs.
— Isn't that Mandalorian technology? — Gilad clarified.
I pulled up the relevant technician report from Chimaera. Surely no one thought I'd temporarily assigned that ship to my flagship on a whim? No, I needed its trusted specialists to conduct research I was confident in.
— "The weapons used on the Crusader-II have fifty percent greater range than the original Mandalorian technology, along with improved targeting systems and countermeasures against electronic warfare..." — I read the pertinent details and looked at the Chimaera commander. — Do you see where I'm going with this, Captain?
— You want to seize the production of those weapons? — he clarified.
— I don't know how, but the Zann Consortium, while operating in the shadows, managed to improve the technologies they possess, — I explained. — We must acquire, study, and apply them to our starships. Not to mention that the Crusader-II outperforms our CR90 Corellian corvettes in most parameters.
— The latter even outclass Sienar's Bayonets, — Pellaeon grumbled. — Not to mention Ulans, Lancets, and so on...
— But they aren't built at our shipyards, — I noted. — And yet, the Corellian corvettes, gunships, and Tartan-class patrol cruisers, along with other starship types in Tangrene's defense fleet and the Morshdine sector, weren't chosen because I deemed them the best for protecting our ships. They were simply what we could get. I'm sure you understand that the Dreadnought-class heavy cruisers from the Katana fleet are used for the same reason.
— But we could order Vindicator-class heavy cruisers from Kuat Drive Yards or other starships from Lianna, not to mention the Pentastar Alignment, — Pellaeon persisted. Time to clarify another point.
— Are you suggesting we spend billions, funneling them into others' pockets, to buy the ships we need? — I asked.
— As far as I know, we have enough funds...
— And our expenses grow daily, — I had to state the obvious. — Cash isn't infinite. Paying workers' salaries and military stipends is the duty of the state, a role we're currently playing for our allies. For now, we have a financial reserve. Later, we'll replenish and expand it through future asset sales. But that's unlikely to solve the broader issue. Without a strong economy, we can't afford to buy ships, potentially strengthening our enemies. We need to develop our own economy, not just within the Morshdine sector. That's why we need the Ciutric sector. By uniting them into a single cluster, we can quickly establish the necessary economic and production base.
— I'm not sure that'll benefit the populations of those sectors, — Pellaeon said sadly. — Palpatine and his cronies might try to settle scores with us by ordering orbital bombardments of allied territories and planets that supported us.
— Unfortunately, that's true, Captain, — I agreed. — We'll need to foster a solidarity regime on those planets to minimize their "guilt" in Palpatine's eyes.
— Otherwise, we can forget about "sitting it out," — Pellaeon noted correctly. — You said yourself that if we abandon our allies to Palpatine's wrath, no one will follow us.
Exactly. I understand that perfectly. As well as the fact that the more I alter events, disrupting the timeline I know, the less likely the New Republic and the Skywalker family can succeed without my help. To be clear, I've destroyed barely a hundredth of their bases galaxy-wide and deprived them of one or two sector fleets.
— Precisely, Captain, — I acknowledged. — We need a proper strategy for dealing with potential allies. It's possible that the best way to preserve their lives is to do as we did with Baron D'Asta—keep our true relationships under wraps. Depending on the situation in the Ciutric Hegemony after the second phase, we'll make a principled decision. The most obvious is to use Ciutric's and other planets' resources not as allies but as neutrals.
— In other words, pay them for ship repairs, infrastructure construction, and so on? — Pellaeon was taken aback.
— Yes, — I confirmed.
— But you just said we can't finance the strengthening of our enemies! — Gilad muttered. — And yet, you've ordered equipment installations on nearly forty asteroids in the Pentastar Alignment, — Pellaeon reminded me. — That's costing us four hundred million credits...
— Operation Asteroid-II isn't about having the Pentastar Alignment's workers install cloaking devices on those rocks, — I clarified. — Only general tasks like drilling, laying power conduits, and preparing sites for the installations. The actual mounting will be done by our engineers. I have no intention of giving potential enemies access to cloaking technology.
— Then why not do it on Tangrene, like the Asteroid project? — Pellaeon didn't understand.
— Asteroid-II is being conducted at Yaga Minor's shipyards solely because Talon Karrde's activity has been registered there, — I explained. The Chimaera commander frowned, not without reason.
— But we destroyed his organization, — he said.
— Don't delude yourself, Captain, that capturing a couple dozen freighters and a similar number of bases, warehouses, and hideouts can irreparably damage an organization built and operated for decades, — I advised. — Mazzic, Karrde's associate, intended to take over the remnants, meaning there's more out there beyond what we got from Lady Terrik-Horn and her father. Now that Karrde has returned and taken control of the undestroyed parts, he'll undoubtedly try to assess the situation and find a way to strike back. By now, he's evaluated his position and is gathering intelligence on our peripheral operations. Then, he'll assess his forces and decide whether his organization can harm us independently or needs support from "business colleagues."
— So, we didn't destroy his reputation effectively enough? — Pellaeon tensed. Clearly, the prospect of facing the New Republic, Krennel, Isard, Palpatine's agents, the Zann Consortium, and a coalition of smugglers simultaneously unnerved him. Those are just the overt enemies. Add Palpatine's assassin Ennix Devian, various other Imperial dignitaries, Ardus Kaine (who's oddly inactive), Lady Santhe, and a slew of smaller issues, and it seems like an insurmountable conflict. Together, they'd crush us.
That's why some enemies are "on hold" with only surveillance, others are meant to get bogged down fighting each other, and for the rest, I'll try to distract them with the war against the New Republic they crave and I've been forced into.
— On the contrary, Captain, — I smiled. — We thoroughly ruined it. Now he has no choice but to play his hand and align with the New Republic. After the Ciutric operation, we'll actively help him restore his lost standing to ensure no misunderstandings arise between him and the New Republic.
The Chimaera commander ran a hand over his face, as if wiping away tension. He then looked at me with eyes that seemed to say: "Just have mercy and finish me off already!"
— And once his trust among the Republicans is restored, we'll destroy Talon Karrde's reputation with the Coruscant government, as planned.
— But... — Gilad hesitated. — How, sir?
— Project Asteroid-II, Captain, — I explained.
The Chimaera commander's expression shifted.
Now his eyes clearly read: "No, seriously. Just finish me off now, show mercy!"
I might be overdoing it with the layers of this "matryoshka." I'll need to stick to simpler plans.
Let's note that thought.
— Have a seat, Captain, — I offered, gesturing to the chair beside my desk. — I'll explain the essence of Project Asteroid-II and how it'll permanently ruin the reputation of smugglers and information brokers in the New Republic.
***
The Sullustan placed an electronic signature on the datapad, then picked it up. For a moment, the alien stared at the text of the purchase agreement, as if unable to believe his sudden fortune.
Only after a minute of contemplation did he hand the personal datapad to the man sitting across the table.
Captain Hoffner, carefully masking his irritation, smiled and took the device, which served as proof of the completed deal.
— Thank you, — he said, maintaining an aura of self-importance. According to the cover story crafted by Grand Admiral Thrawn's intelligence, with a dozen operatives posing as his personal guard, he was a wealthy industrialist from a remote planet who decided to support his homeworld by purchasing from the Sullustan company SoroSuub all project documentation, blueprints, and full-cycle production lines for manufacturing Preybird-class starfighters. — I hope this deal has mutually served our interests?
— Without a doubt! — the commercial director of SoroSuub waved his small hands. — The twenty million you paid us is... — the Sullustan paused, searching for a phrase equivalent to: "Foolish human, you paid a fortune for something gathering dust in our warehouses, ridding my company of illiquid production no one wants even for free." — It's a major deal that will pave the way for, I hope, a long-lasting partnership between Sullust and your homeworld, Mr. Hoffner. Forgive me if I'm overstepping, but isn't Axila, for which you acquired our Preybirds, part of the Ciutric Hegemony?
Talk about slow ignition!
— In other words, you're asking if this deal is a way for Prince-Admiral Krennel to bolster his forces, and whether it might prompt the New Republic to terminate your existing contracts? — Hoffner asked with a smile.
The Sullustan looked at him with his small eyes.
— Yes, my leadership would like to know, — he said honestly.
Of course. First, they practically drooled over the lucrative deal, and now, with all legal formalities completed, they're "clarifying" for their conscience. Judging by their failure to thoroughly investigate, it's clearly a hasty decision.
— My dear friend, — Hoffner said, beaming, — Axila, as you may know, is called "Coruscant turned inside out." Thus, despite the planet's adherence to Imperial laws and order, my world isn't part of any Imperial Remnants.
— Didn't Prince-Admiral Krennel attack your world before seizing the Ciutric sector? — the Sullustan pressed.
— Correct, — Hoffner agreed easily. In truth, he had no idea what was happening on Axila, beyond the intelligence provided to maintain his cover. — Axila is a world loyal to Imperial laws. We take pride in being the birthplace of the illustrious Imperial Admiral Firmus Piett, who did much to rid us of pirate bands and restore order. And yes, you're absolutely right—months after the Battle of Endor, Ysanne Isard sent Admiral Delak Krennel to attack the planet to prevent Sate Pestage from surrendering Coruscant to the New Republic. Krennel killed many civilians in his assault, calling it punishment for supporting rebels, which our rulers strongly disapproved of. We value the strictness of Imperial laws but don't subscribe to the New Order's ideals. So, after Krennel's mass killings and bombardments, Axila withdrew from the Ciutric Hegemony and pursued independence. We have our own anti-pirate fleet, advanced shipyards, and capable armed forces, — at least, that was the case when Hoffner last visited, delivering a spice shipment. Yes, Axila isn't called "Coruscant turned inside out" for nothing. The planet openly trades in banned, deadly substances. Otherwise, such a massive ecumenopolis couldn't sustain or defend itself. The planet retains vast Imperial bases from nineteen years before the Battle of Yavin IV, when it served as a temporary headquarters for the sector army purging Separatists from the Ciutric Hegemony. — But, regrettably, we lack our own starfighters. So, as a loyal son of my world, I decided to contribute to Axila's improvement. Perhaps you've heard that Prince-Admiral Krennel has been striking across the galaxy lately?
— Yes, — the Sullustan shivered. — Unpleasant news.
— We thought so too and decided to bolster our defenses. That's why we turned to you for support. I'm confident we'll call on SoroSuub again for your marvelous inventions.
— We'll always be ready to welcome you, — the Sullustan smiled.
After half an hour of customary pleasantries and exchanges, Captain Hoffner, accompanied by his bodyguards, headed toward the orbital station's docking bays. Along the way, he picked up the "head of security," who'd spent the negotiations chatting with the receptionist about something charming—purchased freighters, judging by the conversation. What else could it be...
During his time on Sullust, the local corporate tycoons from SoroSuub, hearing of his intent to spend an obscene amount of credits (using Axila as a front justified the use of Imperial credits, still circulating but less actively), either decided to fleece the "simpleton" further or were struck by conscience.
Either way, in addition to the production lines and documents, Hoffner also became the owner of ten Brail-class freighters produced by SoroSuub.
Brail-class freighter.
Despite its modest size—100 meters long—the ship boasted impressive cargo holds capable of carrying 75,000 metric tons. These easily accommodated all acquisitions from the main deal and several additional orders from SoroSuub's product line that caught his eye. The Sullustans, after all, have extensive experience producing diverse technology.
— The ships have been checked; no tracking devices found, — reported the commander of the escort team, which arrived with them on a Action V freighter once belonging to a different owner.
Hoffner was about to respond but realized the report was directed not at him but at the head of his "security team." The Imperial operative leading the operation used the former smuggler solely as credible cover. Nothing more.
— Prepare for departure, — the "guard" ordered.
How many Imperials were involved in this operation, Captain Hoffner didn't know. But he suspected at least two dozen. Each Brail's crew required a minimum of eight sentients, though a single pilot could suffice. But Imperials always preferred backups.
— Rushing back to your master? — a voice suddenly called from a small workshop adjacent to the hangar housing Hoffner's ship. The smuggler turned and noted that the accompanying Imperial operatives had already trained their weapons on the man emerging from the room.
A very familiar man.
— Easy, boys, I'm alone and come in peace, — Talon Karrde smiled, showing empty hands.
— Perimeter, full alert, — the escort commander ordered. Then, with a slight jerk of his blaster, he commanded the information broker:
— Stay where you are. Hands behind your head. On your knees.
The Claw calmly complied with each instruction in sequence.
— I see your new friends value you highly, assigning such fine boys as intelligence spec ops for your escort, — Karrde continued, staring straight into Hoffner's eyes. The former smuggler wanted to ask the "head of security" why he hadn't fired, but the Imperial only confirmed Karrde had come alone. A rather foolish move on his part. — I just want to look into the eyes of the man who ruined my organization.
— Look in a mirror, — Hoffner advised. Glancing at the Imperial, he asked:
— Why not finish him?
— Oh, these boys know the rules, — Karrde smiled. — If they open fire on Sullustan property, the local fleet will swarm the shipyards, very curious about your identities and forged documents. Or, say, Mazzic's people might call them, — he said. — By the way, they're watching us. They're all waiting for you to kidnap me so the local authorities can block the Preybird deal.
— You're bluffing, — Hoffner said.
— Try me, — Karrde suggested. He touched his chest. — Shoot right here.
Naturally, no one followed his advice, even though the Imperials knew the Sullustan ships were too far to arrive quickly.
— What do you want? — Hoffner asked.
— You have ships, — Karrde said. — Give me back Star Ice.
The information broker gestured to the starship behind them.
— Why would I? — the former smuggler clarified.
— Because you dismantled my organization, and I need to rebuild my business, — Talon said. — A few of the ships you took would help.
— I'm not giving you anything, — Hoffner chuckled.
Karrde raised his right eyebrow.
— I'm not talking to you, — he said. — Let the Imperial boys relay to Grand Admiral Thrawn that I'd be grateful for the return of my ships. He can keep the cargo from the raided bases. I'm only asking for the ships.
— And why should my command do that? — the "head of security" asked.
— As a gesture of goodwill, — Karrde said. — I heard there was an issue on Coruscant with the loss of Imperial data in the Imperial Palace. A pity, especially since the Republicans think it was their doing. But we know a certain slicer I'm familiar with was at work. I'm not sure Ghent got all that data—at least not in full. I think Grand Admiral Thrawn would be interested in knowing who might have a complete copy.
— In that case, you're coming with us, — the "head of security" declared.
— My humble thanks, — Karrde smiled. — I've already experienced the full charm of the Grand Admiral's hospitality, so I'd prefer to stay free. And, reminder, you can't force me.
— Think I care about Sullustan security forces? — the Imperial smirked.
— No, — Karrde admitted. — You won't touch me for another reason.
— And what's that? — Hoffner interjected.
— Otherwise, the New Republic will learn about a certain number of asteroids delivered to Yaga Minor's shipyards on Grand Admiral Thrawn's orders, — Hoffner grinned. Asteroids delivered to a shipyard? That's his threat? — Well, now the Imps will...
— Fine, — the "head of security" holstered his weapon. He did, not his subordinates. — I'll pass the information to command.
Hoffner tried not to let his jaw drop further.
— I don't doubt it, — Karrde smirked. — Also, tell him he can reach me on any frequency Captain Hoffner used to contact Commander Bel Iblis. And, if you don't mind, officer, I'd like a word with Captain Hoffner.
The "head of security" shook his head. The former smuggler merely grinned.
— I've always wondered, Hoffner, — the Claw addressed him, — just how corrupt your soul could be. How much did Thrawn pay you for handing over the Katana fleet?
— Enough to live as I please, beyond my means, — the former smuggler assured.
— Well then, — Karrde shook his head. — Live. I hope you wake up at night thinking of a most unpleasant man, the shipjacker Niles Ferrier, nicknamed Sly.
— Why bring that up? — Hoffner tensed.
— He dealt with Thrawn too, — Karrde revealed. — And no one's heard from him since.
The "head of security" laughed quietly, enough to draw the information broker's attention.
— Nice try, — Hoffner smirked. Touching his comlink, he said:
— Step out for a moment.
Despite the tense silence, no one broke it.
Except for a new figure descending the ramp.
A heavyset man, smoking a cigar, reeking unpleasantly.
— Hey, Claw, — Ferrier approached, puffing out foul smoke. — What, decided to join the winners before it's too late?
— No, — Karrde replied evenly. — I have other business on Sullust.
Without farewell, he turned and left the hangar.
— Why'd he show up? — Ferrier asked the others.
— To whine about his life, which suddenly isn't as cushy as it used to be, — Hoffner smiled.
The "head of security" refrained from commenting.
— Accelerate launch, — he ordered. Activating his comlink, he said:
— All teams, recheck ships for tracking devices.
Judging by his tone, the intelligence officer was clearly displeased.
And not as optimistic as he'd appeared during the talk with the Claw.
***
After Gilad left my quarters, noticeably cheered (how could he not, having been let in on a long-term plan), Major Tierce entered. Glancing at the chrono, I noted his report was due an hour and a half ago. I'd also wanted to review Delta Source's updates. Lately, its reports have been my "bedtime reading." Mostly trivial, but useful data is there too. It's becoming clear I can't handle this system alone anymore.
My efficiency is slipping, as the more problems the enemy faces on the front, the more it's discussed in the Imperial Palace's vestibule, where Delta Source gathers intel.
Well, that'll have to wait. In the long term, I'll delegate Delta Source's data to analysts.
Looks like Pellaeon and I got carried away talking. However, I noticed some irritation in the former guardsman's demeanor.
Even in the dim light of my quarters, I could see his usually impassive face showed puzzlement. Which, in itself, was absurd.
Noting Rukh lurking in the shadows, I silently accepted the datapad with the report on the stormtrooper legions' status from my adjutant.
— Something troubling you, Major? — I asked, setting the document aside. Dry statistics could wait. If what bothered Tierce was in the report, his behavior would've been normal.
The guardsman cast a cautious glance at me. Then, as if resolving to confess, he said:
— I've noticed a slight drop in efficiency among the GeNod project clones, sir, — he said. — Data confirmed from the last two battles in the Scaross system.
Now I see why he's so grim.
Pushing the GeNod project was his personal initiative, one he was confident in. These issues now cast a shadow over his actions.
— Is that so? — I turned my chair to face him directly. No "surprises" like this, please. — The cause?
— We're analyzing, sir, — he replied. — The conclusion is based on comparing their initial and subsequent performance. A two percent efficiency drop. Losses have risen by the same margin.
— Is this tied to our use of them for reviving additional Stormtrooper Corps specialties? — I asked. These are essentially experimental actions, but better to do it preemptively. "Standard" stormtroopers won't cut it on volcanic, acidic, or other non-Type I atmosphere planets. Not to mention differing tactics in jungles, deserts, or oceanic worlds.
— No, sir. The decline is across all GeNod clone units, regardless of specialization. I intend to study each clone's metrics individually, as some, like the Fourth Squad, remain unaffected. They're as effective as ever, even improving.
Speaking of which.
— Any updates on Sergeant THX-0297? — I have big plans for that clone and his unit. They've already proven they exceed standard stormtrooper squads.
— Critical but stable condition. Medics assure he'll be combat-ready by the start of the Hegemony operation, — Tierce reported.
— Good, — I said. — Now, back to the issue at hand.
The guardsman took a deep, noisy breath.
— Any theories on why the Fourth Squad maintains efficiency?
— All nine clones in that unit carry the core knowledge matrix of their original. Essentially, they're exact copies, with memories fully matching the donor's personality. I'm omitting their loyalty programming, as that's a given. Similar stability is noted in other such clones—full copies of originals. But there aren't many, no more than ten squads. I suspect this data loading wasn't intentional per Colonel Selid's orders but happened by chance. Per cloning data, all 3,701 clones were meant to have varied appearances. Their uploaded knowledge came from different donors. I suspect a random alignment of body and data occurred. Again, such clones show no efficiency drop or increased losses.
Fascinating.
So, if a GeNod clone is a copy of the original with matching data, it's stable? Otherwise, for some reason, there's... let's call it "efficiency degradation."
The major's next words confirmed my thoughts.
— But the efficiency drop occurs in those whose bodies 'don't match the uploaded data.' Whether this is the error, I can't say yet. A full investigation is needed, which will take time.
— Assign the analytical department to this, — I ordered. — I need results as soon as possible.
— Yes, sir, — he replied.
I don't like this. Currently, GeNod is only used for cloning Tierce's second unit. Officially.
Only I and General Covell know of several other experimental programs. No need to reveal them yet.
So, what do we have?
A decline in professional skills leads to higher mortality. My stormtrooper legions have GeNod clone battalions, inherited from Colonel Selid, scattered across ships. If these clones are degrading (rather than dying from natural causes), the idea of "mass-producing clones with different faces but identical memories" will fail before it begins.
It seemed so simple—take a legion of stormtroopers, use them as donors. First batch: a legion of commandos. Second: scouts. Third: sappers. Fourth: operatives with stormtrooper fitness. Why stop at a legion? From one Tierce, you could create stormtroopers of any specialization so deadly there'd be no escape. Imagine Imperial Guardsmen as space marines, divers, or pilots...
Looks like Tierce's clones will remain standard guardsmen or stormtroopers, depending on his original Stormtrooper Corps role.
Terrible news, especially given how effective GeNod clones are. They're *very* effective!
— Find qualified cloning specialists, Major, — I ordered.
There's a problem, previously just a minor hypothesis.
Delaying its resolution could lead to a catastrophe. What if these are early signs of the side effects that shelved the GeNod program? It seemed too easy to reveal their origins to clones. Over twenty years, they must've empirically tested this scenario.
But that's not even the problem—just its shadow.
What if the clones like THX-0297, whose efficiency hasn't dropped, won't stay that way? What if "professional degradation" hits those with mismatched knowledge first, then the rest?
So many questions, so few answers.
— I'll get on it immediately, sir! — Grodin said.
Saluting and receiving permission, the adjutant left.
Leaving me with heavy thoughts.
There's a problem, potentially catastrophic. It demands a swift solution.
Let's note that.
And start reasoning based on available data.
If a clone can only house the personality and knowledge of its original, what's the point of GeNod? Its advantage over Spaarti is minimal—only in programming absolute loyalty and creating personalities from scratch.
Is that critical?
Not really. Except for small batches, GeNod isn't widely used. Most clones in my forces come from the Spaarti project. So why continue with GeNod if it's this risky?
It'd be simpler to use cloning cylinders to copy absolutely loyal subordinates. Yes, Spaarti clones age quickly, but we're not using cylinders out of luxury. One day, we'll have enough recruits to replace clones, but...
Their training starts from scratch. Meanwhile, trained clones age and die. Crew members also die in battle, replaced by clones. Eventually, the clone count in my fleet could become so high that we'd need to produce them nonstop... or have vast sentient reserves for mobilization.
There's another distinction between GeNod and Spaarti.
Reading Thrawn's books, I didn't notice this. I thought he only used Spaarti for cloning.
But besides the Thrawn Trilogy, where it's prominent, there's the Hand of Thrawn duology.
Where Thrawn's clones appear, with intriguing details I only noticed after stepping into Thrawn's shoes and reviewing cloning project documentation.
First, some history of this universe's known events.
Before his death, the Grand Admiral set up secret clone cells across the galaxy for future use. The Solos encountered one such cell ten years after Thrawn's death at Bilbringi—a dozen or so clones of Baron Soontir Fel. Fel was presumed missing after being captured by Ysanne Isard, though readers know he ended up on Nirauan under Thrawn.
A digression.
Fel's clones knew they were clones but lacked some of Fel's past details, like his current whereabouts.
No big deal, right? Spaarti cloning just omitted some memories to avoid cluttering their minds.
Except Spaarti can't do that. It creates an exact copy—physically and mentally. You can't edit a Spaarti mind "snapshot"—only load it.
Note that thought.
Episode two, same duology.
To restore the Empire's greatness, Imperials chose Major Grodin Tierce as a strategic genius, being an Imperial Guardsman with exceptional tactical and strategic skills. Which he demonstrated.
But it turned out he was a clone of the real Tierce, who'd died. Not a standard clone—Thrawn had infused it with fragments of his own thinking and planning.
A new personality from fragments.
Again, Spaarti can't do that.
Only GeNod. Which, for some reason, isn't highlighted in the books. Nor is the Kaminoan cloning cylinder, which I assume Thrawn used for his own clone, hidden on Nirauan.
Some observations:
Fel's clones, with only (edited) Fel's memories, acted like Fel. Even after ten years. Even knowing their origins.
Tierce's clone, also aware he was a copy, had Tierce's and Thrawn's memories but made mistakes. Initially, he was impeccable, plotting at Thrawn's level. But the further it went, the more unhinged he became. Hence, Thrawn didn't create more like him in known events.
Note that thought.
There it is—the "picture" clicked. Even before Grodin's explanation, I knew the issue. Thrawn's mind pulls what's needed from memory and analyzes. Déjà vu turned into logic. Hmm, can I recall Chiss language and memories too? All of original Thrawn's memories?
I spent half an hour trying to "recall" things not from my life. Nothing. Maybe it's not there. Or I need a "trigger," like Grodin's info. I've only retrieved memories when encountering related stimuli.
Interesting. That's how I "recalled" local computer use, speech, and writing... Exactly. I need something Chiss—preferably a voice recording or similar. There must be something. If I know Galactic Basic, why not Chiss?
Good. Note that thought.
Back to current issues.
GeNod stormtrooper clones are experiencing the same as Tierce's clone in the Hand of Thrawn. They're losing efficiency, despite knowing they're clones.
From this brainstorming, the optimal approach is to use GeNod only for highly specialized clones, designed for specific tasks. Like Tierce's clones, who know only what's needed for duty.
Whether I'm right, we'll wait for concrete answers—a specialist is needed.
For now, to avoid trouble, we'll phase out all "flawed" GeNod clones.
And, amusingly, that's what I planned from the start.
Except we'll monitor "successful" clones, like the Fourth Squad, separately.
If I'm correct, I can turn GeNod's flaws to my advantage.
I just need to ensure these "surprises" are the last. No more program quirks.
Which brings me back to needing a cloning specialist. Preferably with practical experience and long tenure. And, if I'm getting bold... Instead of cloning every few years, why not solve the clones' premature aging?
In known events, this happened—with elite Republic commandos who fled to Mandalore.
Mandalore again...
Why does everything in this galaxy revolve around the same fifty planets?!
Rhetorical question.
But Mandalore's memory is timely.
I need to address Delta Source and contact Agent Rederick. The search for Molo Himron is dragging. And I don't like it.
Especially after recent events.
Because Molo's abduction is definitely Isard's doing. Ysanne Isard.
Original or clone, it doesn't matter. Either can reveal who made a stable clone with fragmented memories for the Iceheart.
In moments like this, I understand Palpatine's ban on cloning. These programs drive you mad trying to sort them out.
Maybe that's why Darth Sidious went completely unhinged?
I won't be asking him personally, of course.