Andrew Pinheiro da Varona's Story

Luis Galdámez was not looking forward to the day's scheduled events. Once word had reached the TNG's Prime Minister of the bombing in Shintechi, the conference had been organized post-haste with very little direction outside of the knowledge that something needed to happen or else all relations with the Shintechi nations would be quickly sliding downhill in an unstoppable avalanche far faster and stronger than they had been already. Galdámez checked his calendar app on his comm for the fourteenth time since the government chartered plane had touched down in Tiānshì International Airport and the full party had squeezed into a convoy for the ride to the Tsian Conference Hall. He grunted, frowning, and stuffed the comm back into his pocket, leaning back against the leather seat and eyeing the scenery with wary glare.

"You know what's one of the worst parts of this job?" Galdámez spoke idly, flicking his finger against the car window. "Only getting to travel when something's gone wrong."

The decidedly fat woman to his left gave a smirk. Janis McMorrow shifted the black briefcase on her lap, squaring her shoulders. "Don't worry; election season's almost over and then you can finally haul your ass out the way of retirement."

"It can't come soon enough." Galdámez stared through the window, past Fātiḥ Sayılgan, as their car came to a sudden stop in front of the conference hall's main entrance. The prime minister waited for the general to open the door for the rest of them, and once Grand Admiral Sayılgan had done so, he gestured for the others to go ahead of him.

Andrew Pinheiro da Varona wheeled from the limousine once the lift had been extended, waiting at the curbside before McMorrow joined him. "Festive mood, huh?" Varona glanced around the space as security gathered about the TNG representatives.

"You don't say." McMorrow shook her head, smoothing her suit lapels. "What's that, brought your lunch?"

Varona glared. "It's a ball of yarn."

"Wow, no need to be so defensive." McMorrow turned as Galdámez finally stepped out of the car, rolling her eyes.

"Save it for the party." Galdámez swept his hand toward the door. The second car in their convoy stopped, and Arianne Drulović slowly emerged, making her way toward the others. "Good to see you, Arianne."

"I wish it were under better circumstances, Mr. Galdámez," the intelligence director replied, offering a nod to her colleagues. "I suspect there will be food waiting inside for us, and I must confess I'm quite hungry after that horrid flight."

"You say that after every flight," Varona said, rolling past both Drulović and Galdámez to the ramp by the stairs. "Let's get this over with."

Once they had assembled in the lobby -- after a small, terse exchange between General Sayılgan and one of the Dragonwatch guards -- any trace of warmth had faded from the party, and Galdámez set about greeting the Empress Kaida with a formal bow and introduction.

Avantia was the last to arrive, though only by a matter of minutes as she swept in behind the TNG delegates. She carried and air of calm dignity about her despite the touch of exhaustion that found its way to her eyes.

It had been a long month, and recent events were promising it to be a longer one yet in the days to come. She took it in stride and without objection though.

Flanking her on either side were Saral Mahajan, High Commander of the Volarian armies, and Ladhi Kumara, Lady of Realms - serving as Avantia's chief adviser on foreign matters.

Though Avantia and Lady Saral sported the trademark wings of the avorian people, High Commander Mahajan appeared human. It wasn't uncommon for humans to rise to positions of prominence within the military though, as the Volarian military was primarily comprised of humans.

Avantia bowed her head in greeting to the gathered delegates, while the two with her repeated the gesture in turn.

Once the three Volarians had seated themselves and greetings had been completed, Avantia addressed the gathered group. Translators had been provided for all gathered and she spoke in the rich Volarian tongue.

"We have much to discuss," she began. "The foremost on everyone's minds being the destruction of the Great Sato Bridge I am sure. I for one would like to broach the topic of how something like this could occur," she began.

Her eyes fell to the TNG party. The TNG's refusal to allow AXIS operated fleets in the region to protect Shintenchi interests left the responsibility for this lapse in security largely upon the TNG. Disallowing foreign fleets had placed them, at least morally, responsible for the security of the independent Terran nations from off world threats within the local region.

A responsibility that within the eyes of the Volarians, they had failed to uphold.

"Your nation has sought to bar ours from the resources necessary to protect ourselves from off world threats under the excuse of not allowing foreign military to operate within the local region, and yet the TNG has permitted UCON to operate freely within its lands and to maintain permanent military bases, as well as a Varden military station within the local region."

Kaida inclined her head respectfully and offered a greeting to each of the arrivals in turn, before seating herself at the table along with the other Losenji officials. Katsuro remained standing at her side, though a brief exchange of subtle hand-gestures would indicate that they were communicating to anyone particularly observant. When Avantia spoke, the Empress nodded her head. "The destruction of the bridge has affected us all, both in respect to the financial loss it represents and the terrible loss of life. Only the intervention of our AXIS allies, the Matokey, prevented the disaster from being even greater. It stands to reason that if the TNG cannot guarantee our safety from offworld threats, neither can it raise objections to an increased presence of our foreign allies in the region in order to provide the security that it cannot."

Kayabuki silently nodded as she considered her next words. She pondered and then her lips parted to speak.

"I will not condone a course of action that will lead to war. But I need to emphasize the importance of the continued security and sovereignty of the Shintenchi nations. A Continued sovereignty that the Taiyou Empire is prepared to support, through force if needed." The Prime Minister explained.

"The disaster that occured at the Great Seto Bridge was, from what I understand an entirely preventable disaster. It is the attitude of the Terran National Government that the Shintenchi Nations were forbidden from maintaining an allied and military presence capable of guaranteeing it's security. The grave oversight that led to this attack, rests on the Terran National Government, and the unreasonable restrictions it's placed on the free sovereignty of the Losenji, Volaria, and Shogunate nations."

Kayabuki paused before she turned towards Avantia and Kaida.

"It is the opinion of the Imperial Taiyou Government that the TNG has clearly abandoned it's responsibility to assist and protect the Shintenchi Nations in light of it's restrictions on their allied Militaries. Therefore I am prepared to authorize an Orbital Blockade in addition to the installation of Internationally Operated orbital defensive platforms and Sunflower Orbital Installations. Available exclusively to the Militaries of the three Shintenchi Nations." Kayabuki added.

"A military matter the TNG will no longer have a choice in, given it's past disposition towards the Shintenchi Nations."

"I can certainly understand the concerns that you all have raised," Galdámez began, speaking as calmly as possible, with his hands folded one over the other. The tension spread throughout the entire room, thickening to the point where the aging law professor felt almost suffocated by it. "There have been breaches of security, and yes, some of them have been the result of our mistakes. But -- "

"We know what you want," McMorrow interjected, staring directly at Kayabuki. "What you're proposing is a blatant violation of TNG sovereignty and you know it. Don't pretend like you don't know exactly what you're saying. The conditions in place right now have been in place to protect the very sovereignty that you're threatening to undermine once again."

"Please." Galdámez lifted a hand in an apparent attempt to pause McMorrow, who folded her arms over her chest, her expression frigid. Galdámez rubbed his temples, struggling to maintain his composure. To his surprise, however, he found himself more exasperated with McMorrow than he did with any of the other dignitaries present. Perhaps it was her sudden, unexpected brashness. Though he hadn't ever known the foreign affairs minister to be shy, he certainly had not anticipated this outburst. "We all want to get to the bottom of this. The prosperity and security of the Shintechi nations is integral to our security because we share this world together. We simply feel that outside intervention is not appropriate."

"Yeah, you're forgetting the part where the Vardan are in our space," McMorrow added snidely, lifting a finger. "Which, I might add, was not a decision that the entire TNG supported then nor a decision that we all like very much now either. I'm sure you all have questions about that, and you know what, you should. They shouldn't have been allowed into our space, and Parliament was never consulted on the matter."

"There were military r -- " Varona began, turning sharply toward McMorrow.

"I'm not finished. The TNG Parliament did not approve this reckless decision, and you cannot use Vardan presence -- which must end with all due speed, for the record -- as some kind of willy-nilly justification for Taiyou incursion into TNG sovereign space. I'm sorry, but no." McMorrow settled back into her seat, her shoulders drawn back. "Now, Mr. Varona, now, I'm finished."

Drulović had watched the remarks with passing interest, her expression impassive as was her usual practice. She finished a bite of some Losenji fruit and delicately wiped her chin and fingers with one of the napkins provided. The TIB director was content to sit in the farthest corner of the table, away from everyone else compelled to attend this meeting. She'd never enjoyed politics before, and she knew she wasn't about to start now.

"So, is it the case, Ms. McMorrow, that you would lay TNG sovereign claim to the entirety of the planet's airspace and atmosphere?" Kaida challenged. The Empress remained calmly composed, though there was a certain bite to her tone that had not been present a moment ago. "It is my understanding that such Taiyou installations would be limited to airspace - and the atmosphere that correlates with its position - that is considered to belong to our nations."

Truth be told, Kaida was not entirely certain that was what the Shogunate representatives had meant by their statements, but she herself was less inclined towards throwing the weight of the AXIS alliance around and infringing on the position of the TNG itself. Tensions were high enough without pushing their neighbours across the seas any further than was necessary.

"The fact that you would dismiss the catastrophic loss of life that took place during the Varden attack as a 'willy-nilly' justification is, frankly, quite disturbing. It has made it quite apparent that we are not adequately protected from extraterrestrial threats. Our nations are in genuine danger - do you have any idea of the scope of destruction that might have been caused had the Matokeyans not intervened? We have no idea if that swarm of..." Kaida paused, glancing back at Katsuro for a moment before continuing, "...nanobots would have stopped at the bridge, or if they would have gone on to become a disaster even grander in scale."

She frowned. "Regardless of whether your parliament approved the decision or not, the result - be it of negligence or mismanagement - was beyond excuse. I speak for Losenji when I say that we are no longer satisfied with relying on the TNG for protection from off-world enemies. I cannot see room for compromise with regard to implementing AXIS defences in our sovereign airspace."

The Empress folded her arms. "That said, although I am not sure what legitimate objections could be raised to this plan, I am willing to listen to any you may have."

"Volaria stands with Losenji and the Taiyou on this matter. We have attempted diplomacy on the matter, and sought to cooperate with the TNG's objection to an AXIS fleet in the local region. Unfortunately while the TNG stands behind their hypocrisy, it is Shintenchi who has suffered for it. Will you tell us that the UCON military bases that you allow to operate from within your territories are also not sanctioned by the TNG government?" Avantia shook her head and waved a dismissive hand. "Either you're lying to us, or aren't competent enough to know what's going on in your own country. Volaria will be lobbying its support for an AXIS operated orbital defense of our countries, but we are willing to negotiate on the exact terms of such an installment. "

"However..."

Avantia raised a hand briefly, indicating she had more to say.

"On the matter of the destruction of the Great Sato Bridge itself, I understand that not hours after this terrorist attack, several Taiyou ships have already departed for the Varden's home galaxy? Volaria does not condone, nor support these actions. We ask that the Taiyou withdraw their offensive and recall these ships before they reach the Onyx Galaxy, pending a formal investigation. It is preposterous that thousands - if not millions - more will be added to the dead before we even know the true face of our enemy."

She shook her head once more.

"What happened on that bridge was a tragedy, but a single ship acting alone does not sanction a galactic invasion."

Kayabuki made a face when Avantia mentioned the Varden and the presence of UCON military bases. She checked some notes for a moment, and then turned back to McMorrow.

"What you're proposing is a blatant violation of TNG sovereignty and you know it. Don't pretend like you don't know exactly what you're saying. The conditions in place right now have been in place to protect the very sovereignty that you're threatening to undermine once again."

"And the conditions in place directly threaten the Sovereignty of the Nations of the Shintenchi Island. Who have a right to enjoy whomever they see fit present in their airspace. The Terran Government's posturing in the name of Sovereignty is laughable at best, and the Shintenchi Nations reserve a sovereign right to adequate military defense and allied presence in their system." Kayabuki said, checking a few more notes.

"I don't seem to recall the Sato Shogunate or the Nation of Volaria throwing a fit about the hundreds of thousands of UCON apparatus forces on the eastern seaboard, a troop buildup that could be construed as precursor to Invasion. You don't raise a fuss because it doesn't threaten your sovereignty." Kayabuki said, shaking her head before she turned to Avantia and Kaida.

"The proposed installations would be available and operated exclusively by the militaries of your respective nations. It's proposed to allow for a gradual AXIS peacekeeping withdrawal from this sector of space, and encourage the self sufficiency of the Shintenchi Nations." Kayabuki said, turning back to the TNG delegation. "But so long as the Terran National Government remains a viable threat to the Sovereignty of the Shintenchi Nations, the AXIS will always be poised to intervene." Kayabuki added, shifting her papers.

"The Terrans do not control the Entire planet, therefore this plan should have no direct bearing on her sovereignty. If we must make it a matter of weapons, I would much prefer an internationally operated defense system, than the Sato Shogunate's nuclear deterrence."

It was then her expression darkened at the mention of Taiyou ships in Onyx.

"Strange, the War Council did not inform me they were authorizing any Invasions, whatever the case I am sure it's to contact the Varden to demand an explaination, rather than a retaliatory strike."

"I'm open to discussion." Sayılgan set his glass down on the table, inclining his head slightly as he spoke. "The Terran Armed Forces can certainly consider a proposal for a joint-operated base. If I may be so bold..."

Varona's ball of yarn, which shifted subtly from one end of the rainbow spectrum to the other along the spun fibers, slid from his hands and started rolling along the floor. The deputy defense minister stiffened for a moment, then bent down, his fingers scrambling for the ball. It seemed it might have slipped beneath the tablecloth.

"...I think the Honorable Minister McMorrow's concern lies with a majority Taiyou military contingent operating within the close vicinity of TNG sovereign space, even if they are within Shintechi sovereign space," Sayılgan said, nodding toward McMorrow. "I cannot speak for our Parliament or the Honorable Prime Minister, but as Grand Admiral, I would have no objections to an Axis military installation within Terra's gravity well provided that its leadership, administration, and personnel were majority Terran. By which I mean, of course, Shintechi Terran, Losenji, Volarian, rather than TNG Terran."

Varona's hand closed around the ball of yarn and he scooped it up quickly, straightening and clasping the yarn tighter in his lap. "Any proposal would have to be approved by the Defence Ministry," Varona said coolly, giving Sayılgan a sharp look. "The Grand Admiral's desire to cooperate is commendable, but he can't speak for the Ministry, or for Parliament."

That prompted a small snort from Drulović, who until now had been quietly jotting notes on a small pad she'd brought for the purpose. "I'm afraid no one truly speaks for Parliament, Mr. Varona," she said, "though I'm sure you'd enjoy the attempt." She looked up, her eyes keen as they slid from Kayabuki to Avantia to Kaida, neatly along the table where Kaida's other guests had been seated. "I think, and I think you all know this too, that this planet's safety and security ought to trump selfish nationalist concerns. It should concern everyone at this table, not to mention everyone at home, that some small band of terrorists, no matter their sponsor or banner, crept onto Terran soil and murdered Terran beings."

McMorrow swore she could hear Galdámez's breathing beside her.

"That loss was a tragedy for all of us," Drulović said, her shoulders straightened. "I imagine it was a warning, too. This government's security is intricately bound up with each of yours. Enough playing with these silly games. If the Terran nations are divided, I can assure you that more of us will die. I can't say I'm particularly enthralled with the idea of inviting Taiyou soldiers to space so close to home, but I'm quite certain that the possible alternatives have infinitely worse potential for harm. I'd like to think my colleagues would agree that preventing terrorism and strengthening the security of the collective space around this planet that we share would be an admirable goal. I'd hope, Ms. McMorrow, that you'd be above using the deaths of these Terrans in some kind of warped political agenda."

McMorrow withered under Drulović's gaze. "Well, now, I wouldn't quite characterize it like that, Director." Varona muttered something under his breath, but when McMorrow glanced in his direction, he looked away, down the table.

Kaida allowed herself a small smile towards Drulović when she spoke her piece, but it swiftly vanished and her face returned to its prior mask of collected composure. "The suggestion of the Grand Admirable is a viable one. There is reason to the preference for Shintenchi-controlled defences as opposed to foreign controlled ones. Such a venture would also provide significant employment opportunity to citizens of the islands. That said, it will take time for our citizens to be trained to operate such equipment - notably in the case of Losenji, where technology of that nature is largely unheard of within our borders."

She paused to consider, "Perhaps we might initially man the installations with Taiyou forces, during an interim period in which the necessary training is given to Shintenchi citizens leading to a full transition to the defences being operated by Shintenchi within a reasonable time-frame."

The Prime Minister nodded slightly, and then she shuffled some paperwork.

"We need to get to the meat of the matter, though, so I can contact the AXIS, and get things moving in the right direction." Kayabuki said flatly as she turned to Kaida, and Avantia.

"What action, if any do we need to take about this situation?" She said, taking down some notes. "I understand that the Imperial General Headquarters is deliberating a retialitory strike, but we need to make sure we're putting the right people to justice. I understand UCON and the Invictus are planning to complete their own, individual investigations as well." She explained.

"So, we need to agree to take action, and we need to do it swiftly in the event Concord is indeed preparing for an all out attack."

It had been some time since the inspection of the Rebirth as the first in her class of Terran Defense Destroyers. Evidently the Aschen didnt find anything overtly wrong with it, and their inspection went well. Thrawn's inspection, likewise, went well. It was with this in mind, that Thrawn sent a communicae to the Prime Minister of the Terran National Government.

TO: Prime Minister Khayyam, Defense Minister Varona.

FROM: Admiral Mitth'raw'nuruodo, Terran Defense Fleet.

SUBJECT: Fleet Expansion.

I write to you in confidence about the new addition I wish to include within our Defense Fleet, the Rebirth Class of Planetary Defense Destroyers. Attatched to this letter is a description of the Rebirth's abilities and the resources needed to field such a ship. The cost is included as well.

It has performed admirably in static combat tests used on Dummy Targets, and proven able to take a substantial amount of punishment before the shields are depleted, and moreso before the hull shows damage. The weapons used include projectile and energy weapons.

Furthermore, the Rebirth has passed inspections from not only myself, but also the Aschen. It meets the criteria set forth by agreement I came to with the Aschen while negotiating for the expansion of our Military. It's strength will rely on numbers and coordination.

I welcone further inspection as well as questions if you have any.

Sincerely,

Mitth'raw'nuruodo.

Sending the message off, Thrawn waited a moment fir confirmation of its sending via the appropriate encrypted channel before returning to his meditations, studying the art of the various peoples of this galaxy.

It had been some time since the inspection of the Rebirth as the first in her class of Terran Defense Destroyers. Evidently the Aschen didnt find anything overtly wrong with it, and their inspection went well. Thrawn's inspection, likewise, went well. It was with this in mind, that Thrawn sent a communicae to the Prime Minister of the Terran National Government.

TO: Prime Minister Khayyam, Defense Minister Varona.

FROM: Admiral Mitth'raw'nuruodo, Terran Defense Fleet.

SUBJECT: Fleet Expansion.

I write to you in confidence about the new addition I wish to include within our Defense Fleet, the Rebirth Class of Planetary Defense Destroyers. Attatched to this letter is a description of the Rebirth's abilities and the resources needed to field such a ship. The cost is included as well.

It has performed admirably in static combat tests used on Dummy Targets, and proven able to take a substantial amount of punishment before the shields are depleted, and moreso before the hull shows damage. The weapons used include projectile and energy weapons.

Furthermore, the Rebirth has passed inspections from not only myself, but also the Aschen. It meets the criteria set forth by agreement I came to with the Aschen while negotiating for the expansion of our Military. It's strength will rely on numbers and coordination.

I welcone further inspection as well as questions if you have any.

Sincerely,

Mitth'raw'nuruodo.

Sending the message off, Thrawn waited a moment fir confirmation of its sending via the appropriate encrypted channel before returning to his meditations, studying the art of the various peoples of this galaxy.

The reply, when Thrawn received it about two standard hours later, was curt and pointed, signed first by Defense Minister Varona, and second by Foreign Affairs Minister Dvořák.

The seal at the top of the communique, provided on holographic facsimile of the old world style parchment, was that of the Defense Ministry. Prime Minister Khayyam's seal was absent.

Admiral Mitth'raw'nuruodo, you are to return to Wing City at once to explain your extracurricular activities with the Aschen Empire. The Ministry will take no further action regarding the proposed Rebirth class planetary destroyer until disposing of this matter of utmost importance. Court martial remains an option.

The message would hover on the Chimera's screen for as long as Thrawn permitted, gracing the Chiss with its cold contempt.

Thrawn expected his activities to be called into question. But the threat of Court Martial was not what he expected. He sent a simple message of acknowledgement and closed the message. He stood, and made his way to the hangar. His Lambda class shuttle awaited him, as did his guards. He took his seat, and the shuttle took off.

It was time to face the consequences of his actions.

Thrawn expected his activities to be called into question. But the threat of Court Martial was not what he expected. He sent a simple message of acknowledgement and closed the message. He stood, and made his way to the hangar. His Lambda class shuttle awaited him, as did his guards. He took his seat, and the shuttle took off.

It was time to face the consequences of his actions.

A single Lambda Shuttle arced its way through the atmosphere and over the skyline of Wing City. Under orders from the higher powers within the government, Admiral Thrawn returned to the city for questioning. The shuttle's wings lifted and the landing legs extended as it hovered over the landing pad. The faint triangle of the Chimaera loomed over the planet near the Moon.

The shuttle landed, the ramp dropped, and Thrawn's guards marched down in a double file line, relaxed but alert. Thrawn exited the shuttle in the center of the formation. His blue skin, and blue black hair a sharp contrast to his glowing red eyes and sharply pressed white Grand Admiral's uniform. Might as well dress his best for this meeting.

The armor of Thrawn's Personal Guard of Kinara clones likewise looked its best. Freshly polished and maintained to look brand new. The blue and black designs seeming to shift in the day light, the dark red visors seeming to glow dimly as they took in the world around them. Their rifles were set on safe.

At the edge of the landing pad a Sergeant stood, waitimg for Thawn, who stopped in front of the non-commissioned officer.

"Good Afternoon, Sergeant." the chiss greeted. "I assume you are here to escort me to the meeting? If so, lead the way." Thrawn's tone was nothing but polite, but regardless carried the Authority of his rank.

Sergeant Matthias Hartblay had been enjoying his morning, the day thus far demarcated by his usual ten kilometer run at dawn, a thoroughly unremarkable breakfast in the mess on base, and the generally quite uneventful slog of interior guard duty by the suborbital/atmospheric space/aircraft landing pad and hangar. The afternoon, Hartblay suspected, would not give him the courtesy of remaining as pleasant as the earlier part of the day.

Hartblay had been briefed on Admiral Thrawn's imminent arrival, potentially to face court-martial, if not a more thorough dressing-down from Defense Minister Varona himself. That latter possibility, Hartblay had deduced from the Minister's motorcade arriving about an hour before the Lambda shuttle touched down. How he would hate to be in the admiral's shoes today.

He and his fellow soldiers sharing guard duty saluted, as was proper, when Thrawn disembarked, and he had to take a moment to steel himself as he found himself face-to-face with the famed Chiss.

"Good afternoon, sir," Hartblay responded, meeting Thrawn's eyes and betraying no outward reaction of his own. "If you'll follow me, right this way." He turned to lead the admiral toward the base's main administrative building, an imposing structure of concrete and steel with sparse decorative motifs along the eaves, engraved with the seals of the Terran National Government and the Terran Armed Forces Central Command. As they walked, Hartblay snuck a glimpse at Thrawn's figure, never having had the chance to lay eyes on the Chiss before.

Their destination was neither the warren of security posts by the main entrance, nor the grander halls reserved for the generals pondering war and defensive postures, but rather a small, disappointing conference room with simple furniture and walls without adornment save for a ticking clock and a framed portrait of Minister Varona. The stately portrait, done with the Terran flag as backdrop, was no match for the man himself, seated at the head of the table, his hand resting thoughtfully on his chin, eyes raking Thrawn as the Chiss entered.

Hartblay felt a sudden, overwhelming urge to flee immediately, but instead saluted Varona, waiting for his dismissal.

That's when he noticed that Minister Varona was not alone. Standing against the wall, behind Varona, was the Foreign Affairs Minister, a wider, fatter man than Varona's muscular and lanky form. Where Varona's dark, tightly curled hair fell about his chin shoulders, framing a neatly trimmed mustache and beard, Minister Dvořák's greying dark hair had grown out wildly, his beard full and untamed. What both men shared though, was their unforgiving stare, resting on Thrawn.

When Varona spoke, his voice cut.

"Sit."

Thrawn returned the Salute as needed, and nodded, following the man as directed. His Guard likewise followed, maintaining their formation around them. Thrawn's glowing red eyes hold a steely expression, and his face was unnervingly neutral. The Chiss' stature was very similar to a human's, however he held himself with confidence and strength. The door to the chamber opened, and the Sergeant salutes to the people inside.

There is a strong distaste for the situation in the Sergeant's body language. His muscles stiffen. Minister Varona's expression is stern and unyeilding, as is the other man, who Thrawn is not familiar with. Thrawn sits as instructed, and his guards stand at parade rest with their rifles outside the chamber door as the door closes.

The situation is tense.

Thrawn takes a moment after he sits to smooth his uniform, then turns his Glowing Red Eyes to the ministers before him.

"Good Afternoon." he greeted cordially.

Hartblay's undress grays contrasted noticeably with Thrawn's dress whites, with Varona's combat blacks, and Božidar's civilian suit and tie. (A necktie that Božidar seemed only to tolerate minimally.) It was an odd sight, the mismatched uniforms with the lone civilian holdout, though Božidar knew Varona ​― technically a civilian now that he was Defense Minister and not Grand Admiral, the rank that only Fātiḥ Sayılgan had ever held in the Terran Armed Forces ​― had chosen uniform to send a not so subtle message about his position today. It occurred to ​Božidar that Grand Admiral Sayılgan's absence from the meeting might also serve as some message to the insubordinate Chiss. After all, Thrawn fell under Sayılgan's command, and Sayılgan under Varona and then Prime Minister Khayyam.

Varona struck an imposing figure, his long curls suggesting a bit of rebelliousness not typical of a career soldier, the sleek black metal of his wheelchair suggesting what sacrifices he'd made through his service, his combat blacks suggesting he had no time for nonsense, frivolity, or the shenanigans of recalcitrant upstarts and miscreants. With the sterile air of the base's conference room and the faint hum of the HVAC system churning in the background, the setup laid bare the lines of power. No need for such ostentatious shows and crass dick-measuring contests, as the intelligence director would often say. Varona tilted his chin back ever so slightly, dismissing the old crone's voice from his head.

There were about a half dozen things Varona could say, and he'd run through each of them before Thrawn's shuttle had even landed. Most of the scenarios he'd envisioned ended with him throttling or impaling the Chiss to great satisfaction. But out of respect (however little) to his colleague, Varona instead chose to keep it simple and at least physically nonviolent.

"What the ever-loving fuck do you think you've been doing out there, admiral?"

And only from Varona, and perhaps one or two other people at most ― the intelligence director among them, could the rank of "admiral" come out sounding like the most foul and degrading insult.

As if in afterthought, Varona dismissed Hartblay, who all but fled the room, the door shutting noiselessly behind him.