“That’s how I read it,” Ar’alani confirmed. “Which immediately implies in turn what I said earlier. Even under provocation, even with standing orders, they’re trying very hard to pretend they’re not a threat to us.”

“One problem,” Wutroow said, lifting a finger. “I thought we decided the gunboats were Lioaoin. Why would they care about Thrawn? I mean, aside from the obvious?”

“Not so obvious anymore,” Ar’alani said. “Certainly after all these years, there can’t be any standing orders concerning him. At least, not from the Lioaoi.”

“I suppose not,” Wutroow said. “So…?”

“So we were wrong earlier,” Ar’alani said, feeling a sense of looming dread. “We thought the Lioaoi might just be learning new battle tactics. They are, but they’re learning them under Nikardun supervision.”

“The Lioaoi in the gunboats knew the Nikardun orders concerning me,” Thrawn said. “The seven pilots who reacted did so far too quickly for it to be otherwise. Detailed standing orders of that sort aren’t typically shared with subjugated peoples. Furthermore, the gunships were armed—their forward swivel lasers were visible, as were their missile ports. We know from the Paccosh that the Nikardun remove the weapons from their conquered peoples.”

“Which strongly suggests the Lioaoi aren’t Nikardun subjects,” Ar’alani said quietly, gazing out at the roiling hyperspace swirl. “They’re allies.”

For a moment none of them spoke. Then Wutroow huffed out a breath. “Great,” she said. “So now what?”

“We need more information,” Thrawn said. “Admiral, can you divert the Vigilant to Solitair before returning to the Ascendancy?”

“Absolutely not,” Ilparg said firmly, striding up to them. “First the Lioaoin Regime; now you want to go to the Garwian Unity? How many ways are you trying to get yourself in trouble?” He turned his glare onto Thrawn. “Never mind you. How many ways are you trying to get me into trouble? I’m already far removed from my mandate.”

“Your position and mandate aren’t the issues here, Ambassador,” Ar’alani said, studying Thrawn’s face. “The Vigilant is my ship, and it goes where I order it. If I decide there’s data to be gathered, I’m obligated to follow through on it.”

“Not if the Syndicure declares your decisions improper,” Ilparg warned.

“If that happens, so be it,” Ar’alani said. “But even the syndics have only limited authority over a senior fleet officer.”

“There should be only minimal trouble for either of you,” Thrawn said. “I can take a shuttle in while the Vigilant returns to the Ascendancy. That should add only a few hours to your travel time.”

“You don’t want us to wait?” Ar’alani asked, frowning. “What if the Garwians don’t want to talk to you?”

“I believe they will,” Thrawn said. “If I may ask a favor, Admiral, I’d like to borrow your office for the next hour or two.”