Gustav: - Huh. Hey. Let's calm down a little... Shall we? -

As soon as the identity of the mysterious subject was revealed, neither Zeb, nor Numa, nor Foxley hesitated to take out their weapons and point them at the stormtrooper's face. His mere presence was a danger, making everyone present extremely nervous, including Hera and Chopper.

On the other hand, Kurt seemed quite calm, although his eyes darted everywhere. And Icarus remained serene, with his arms crossed behind his back and staring at Imperial.

Foxley: - I'm not liking this anymore. They didn't tell us anything about imperials. -

Zeb: - I agree. What does he gain from all this? Has no sense. General... We should retreat. -

The lazat's question was very accurate. What would an imperial gain by betraying his own? And a sergeant no more no less. That although it was a fairly low position, the benefits were supposed to be much better than any private soldier. However, he would not remain silent.

Grezit: - You ask me what I gain from all this... It is a very correct question... But I think the answer will not be enough for you. -

Zeb: - Try me. -

The man stopped to think for a second. Despite having three blasters pointed at his face, he seemed incredibly calm. As if he were not afraid that some of those present would slip their finger and press the trigger. Then, he spoke.

Grezit: - Venganza. -

As he had mentioned, none of the newcomers accepted his words. And why would I do it? A word would not be enough to calm his doubts. And they were not wrong. Nevertheless.

Icarus: - Very good... So be it. -

Foxley: - General? - He asked amazed.

Icarus: - The destiny of this galaxy has been forged by beings with a similar desire. Very good, sergeant. I hear it. -

The three armed men looked at each other, but if the general decided to continue, there was little they could do to prevent it. Although of course, that wouldn't make them holster their blasters and relax.

Grezit: - I have access codes, and the authorization to enter and leave the bunker without having to face a superior. I can guarantee your access without having to use more... flashy methods. But once inside, there won't be much I can do for you. -

Icarus: - That will be enough. Get ready. We will perform in two rotations. -

The planning of the assault was verified on multiple occasions. The local rebels had a good plan for action, but some advice from the tactical super droid was well received. Icarus memorized every passage, every section of the fortress as if it were part of himself.

As a droid, he was capable of memorizing and analyzing every insignificant detail, making precise calculations of how long it would take the Imperials to respond to the alarm signal, and even how many would respond to such a call. Still, the main objective was to go unnoticed at all costs, but one is never sufficiently prepared for the unforeseen. And now, the newcomers had some time to talk privately.

Foxley: - There is... Something strange about all this. -

Hera: - What do you mean? -

Foxley: - I couldn't say... We're supposed to be an infiltration group... But more and more members of the resistance are showing up. -

Zeb: - Well... Any help is always welcome. -

Foxley: - I don't know... Something just... Doesn't feel right. -

Numa: - I think you're paranoid... What do you think about that, general? -

Icarus did not respond immediately. Its optical sensors stared out the window, observing the night panorama of the capital city of Kergans. Many things were going through their circuits. Millions of plans and countermeasures that did not have any possible failure... And yet, he felt quite nervous... But that feeling did not come from his computer. But from its core.

Icarus: - I don't usually compute on speculation. For now, we will proceed with the original plan. There should be no failures if everyone plays their role correctly... Still... Be prepared for any unforeseen events. -

The droid spoke while still looking outside, but he didn't have to see the faces of his followers to know the seed of doubt he planted in their minds. Icarus never used the word "unforeseen" in his plans, and the fact that he used it just now worried everyone present. Even Hera and Chopper, who without knowing him at all, could notice such a feeling on the faces of those present.

Contact: - Ah... They're all together. I hope you are ready. - The man mentioned as soon as the door to the room they were in opened.

Icarus: - Our team is ready. IF there are no complications, our distraction will arrive in half a rotation. -

Contact: - Ah... Excellent. Everything seems to be going smoothly. -

Kurt: - Did you manage to sell any pieces from your "collection"? -

Contact: - Indeed. Several in fact. The city governor may have many defects, but I recognize that he has a good taste for history. -

Hera: - How much can a piece like this cost? -

Contact: - No no, little Twi'lek. There are prices much more important than money. -

A strange answer without a doubt. A response that left all the organics present thinking about the meaning of his words. But that was a conversation best avoided.

Icarus: - Very good. Numa, Zeb, Foxley. Prepare everything and take a count of our team. I want everything ready for when the rest arrive. Hera, Chopper, don't cause trouble. Contact, come with me for a moment. There are some doubts about the plan that I would like to clarify. -

No one refuted the general's order, and the organic members of their group got to work with their tasks, although trying to stop Chopper from doing any mischief was easier said than done.

Meanwhile, the Contact followed Icarus without knowing exactly where they were going, but he soon realized that he was taking him to a place away from everyone while they talked about the governor's tastes so as not to attract attention. And when they were completely alone:

Contact: - Very good, general. Enough games. What do you want to know? - His voice changed slightly, demonstrating a less loquacious tone than usual.

Icarus: - I want to know what's happening. I don't like not knowing what happens behind my back. -

Contact: - I don't know what you're talking about. I think the paranoia is affecting his circuits. -

Icarus: - Stop pretending. Don't think that will work on me. -

Suddenly, every bit of joy and joy disappeared from the face of the contact. His head fell slightly, while the smile on his mouth disappeared to give way to wrinkled and inert lips. His eyes closed slightly, as his pupils rose defiantly before the droid's optical sensors. There was no doubt. This was the true face of contact.

Icarus: - If you want my collaboration, you will have to tell me what you are planning. Otherwise, we will act on our own... And you... will be considered a threat to our operations. -

That was not a warning. It definitely wasn't. Icarus had seen enough and had waited too long. He would not endanger his people in vain and he wanted to know what was being orchestrated behind the scenes behind his back. Although the droid already had an idea what was happening.

Contact: -It seems that nothing can be hidden from him. - He commented with a false smile. - You're right... There's more at stake than meets the eye... Kergans is preparing for something big, and it's too late to stop it. -

Icarus: - What... exactly? -

Contact: - It's time... for the Rebellion. -

-------------------------------------------------- --O----------------------------------------------- --

However, this news was devoid of secrecy. Now, staring through the hatches of his Imperial battleship, Grand Admiral Thrawn remained lost in thought. Clouded thoughts about a shaky future, and a threat that this empire ignored.

However, that was a very distant future, and the current problems required more of his attention. After all, the Chiss needed the Empire for their plans, and could not afford to have their future affected by the very evils that grew within them. It was a necessary evil. A necessary evil on which the future of his people depended.

Suddenly, the Chiss's serenity was interrupted when the cockpit hatch opened behind him. A pair of polished boots marked the steps of an impetuous young man, but influenced by the doctrines and attitude of his tutor. The Emperor was right. That reckless brat was now very different from what he once was.

Thrawn: - Admiral Cress. It is a surprise that your stay in Kashyyyk will be longer. -

Cress: - The Wookiees are a strong people, but imperial power is impregnable. -

Thrawn: - I'm glad to hear it. But remember... Never underestimate an enemy, no matter how much power you have in your hands. -

Cress: - Yes, great admiral... I came as soon as your summons was given to me. -

Thrawn: - And just in time. We have received... Very worrying news from a mid-rim world. Some citizens are apparently not grateful for the peace the Empire grants them, and plan to take the path of violence to make their demands heard. -

Cress: - I see... A shame. But I suppose it is our duty to convince them of their own errors... Still, it seems strange to me that you have summoned me just for that. - Thrawn had to let out a smile at the insight.

Thrawn: - You are right. An annoying crowd is not something either of you should be responsible for. However, this situation requires our special attention. -

The Grand Admiral could be somewhat poetic with his words, but Cress knew him well enough to know that there was much more information than what the Chiss mouth expressed. Thrawn walked past her, heading for the holoprojection table, and Cress didn't hesitate to follow him. And after pressing a few buttons, the world in question was shown in front of his eyes.

Cress: - Kergans? I didn't think this planet had this kind of problems. -

Thrawn: - Yes. I was also shocked by the news, but our agent's information is not wrong. There are... minds behind the scenes that are pulling strings... Very dangerous strings... And I'm sure you will recognize your old friend from Felucia and Ryloth. -

Suddenly, Cress's fingers tensed, at the same time that her face showed a resentment that she had not let escape for a long time. The admiral had rarely tasted defeat, but that battle on Ryloth would be one he would never forget.

And now, before his eyes, the form of the one who had surpassed him in the war of minds was shown. An image taken by a poor quality device, but in which the silhouette of Icarus was perfectly visible.