Thrawn Chimaera : Galactic Civil War

Chapter Fourteen

The day to arrive at the rendezvous point came and Ziinuuvitas stood with Faro on the walkway of the bridge, looking at the blue tunnel of hyperspace.

"Well, Captain. I hope your plan works." Faro tells her.

"Me too Commodore Faro." She agrees, eyes still fixed on the window.

There was something about standing there like that, with the responsibility of a ship like the Chimaera, that Ziinuuvitas enjoyed. After that time getting to know the inner workings of the Fleet, seeing all the ships (but mostly that one) from the perspective of Thrawn with all the reports and things to do, she understood a bit better what it took to make it work. Or better, to make it work like he did.

Standing there now, with all the responsibility Thrawn had placed on her... It made her miss the Basilisk but also, made her dream of reforming the Rebel Fleet:

Some changes were definitely in order after seeing how well oiled the engines of the 7th Fleet were.

And surely they could think of a way to feed people better on board the rebel ships and at the secret bases?

I bet Thrawn could make the Rebellion win against the empire in one year if he was in charge...

Stop thinking about Admiral Blue!!

"Dropping from hyperspace." An officer announced, breaking the curse of her mind trying to remind her of a kiss that didn't even happen with a man that she hated.

"All men to their battle stations." Senior Lieutenant Pyrondi ordered to the ship's COMS and the alarm rung across the ship.

Why did I have to dream about that...?! And why is everything so blurry except that part??

Maybe he was forcing himself on me. Maybe it was a nightmare.

The Chimaera came out of hyperspace at last, followed by the three other escort ships. They were, according to the Navicomputer, close to Jedha System, although it wasn't exactly on sight. In fact, besides a small asteroid filed, there was nothing else in those coordinates.

"Are we at the right coordinates?" Faro asks the officers with an anxious tone. The crew was checking everything, but silence reigned. "This can't be right. The Grand Admiral isn't here."

Ziinuuvitas, however, had her eyes on the asteroid field, her mind finally focused once again.

"I say we jump to Jedha. This looks like a trap. Small asteroids can be moved by pirates to intercept and block ships." Faro tells Ziinuuvitas, although the girl was well aware of that fact, having faced it before and also, having herself used that technique. "Captain, with all due respect, we can't just stay here in the middle of nothing-"

"Just a moment Commodore Faro. I don't think we are alone." Ziinuuvitas tells her.

Faro's eyes widen then, meeting the asteroid field that the other was starring at.

"Are the shields up??" she asks the officers around, which they confirm. "Prepare for evasive manœuvre."

"No. Wait." Ziinuuvitas tells them. Faro opened her mouth to protest, since she was after all the responsible for the ship, but the captain cut her. "Prepare docking on Hangar 3. I want a full inspection team down there, and I want all personnel ready at arms."

There was a small moment of silence with all officers looking at Ziinuuvitas and then at Faro.

"You heard the Captain!" Faro eventually yelled. "Move!"

Everyone started working swiftly.

"I believe the medic should also be there." Ziinuuvitas tells Faro after a moment.

"I'll make sure he is there."

From the window they watch as a small freighter without power approaches, skilfully using the gas jets to navigate through the asteroids where it was hiding.

"Let's go." Faro tells her after a moment when they hear the beep of the panels alerting for the berthing.

Both women walk down to Hangar 3, with some other officers and a dozen stormtroopers behind forming two lines.

"Captain, you'll stay behind me and act according to your rank. Whoever is in there, we don't need outsiders to know how things are done inside this ship." Faro tells her.

"Very well Commodore. I'll wait for your signal then." She agrees.

They wait as the hangar blast-door hisses and vents, signalling that the freighter was now attached to it, this it could be opened.

"Open the door." Faro commands.

The door slides and they meet the hull of the other vessel, it's own door facing them. Some seconds more pass, anxiety growing, until the freighter's door opens as well and the ramp is lowered.

The stormtroopers aim, waiting, the AT-ST also aims at the ramp, legs spreading to prepare to shoot.

"Your dedication exceeds my expectations Commodore Faro." The cold, smooth, collected voice speaks.

Thrawn.

Ziinuuvitas actually felt relieved that it was him. She had a pool of anxiety that she hadn't quite noticed until that moment when it started to fade.
And then the image of that kiss crashed against her, and she couldn't help but to look at the floor.