Frangelic’s jaws opened wide, briefly revealing rows of sharp teeth before his lips closed over them, hiding them from sight. The Garwian version of a smile, Thalias remembered reading. “I find it hard to believe a Chiss aboard one of our ships could be truly unacknowledged,” he said. “However, as it happens, the Ruleri have a diplomatic mission leaving in two days for one of those on your list: the Vak homeworld of Primea.”

“That would be perfect,” Thrawn said. “Can you get me aboard?”

“I can try.” Frangelic’s eyes flicked to Thalias. “And your hostage, too, I presume?”

“Of course. Though from this point onward please refer to her only as my companion, especially in public.”

“Of course.” Frangelic looked back at the questis. “The Ruleri will never let you travel without a security escort,” he continued, as if talking to himself. “Unfortunately, none of my subordinates will understand you or your methods.” He looked up and gave another smile. “Nor will they remember you the way I do.” He hesitated, then pushed the questis back toward Thrawn. “So if you’re to go to Primea, then it follows I must, as well. I’ll speak to the envoy commanding the mission and make the arrangements.”

“Thank you,” Thrawn said. “You will need to explain the presence of a Chiss aboard a Garwian mission. I propose you identify me as an interstellar art expert whom your academics invited to participate in order to study Vak artworks.”

“Seems a bit far-fetched,” Frangelic said doubtfully.

“Not at all,” Thrawn said. “There are theories in the academic world that the Vaks and Garwians were in contact twenty to thirty thousand years ago. Finding indications of such contact, perhaps in overlapping artistic styles or subjects, would help confirm those theories, and possibly allow historians to track the path of hyperspace travel through this part of the Chaos.”

“Interesting,” Frangelic said. “Is any of that real, or did you just make it up?”

“The theories are completely real,” Thrawn assured him. “Somewhat obscure, and hotly debated, but someone on Primea will be able to locate records of them if inquiries are made.”

“I hope you’re right,” Frangelic said. “Very well. I’ll have my aide find you quarters, then I’ll see about getting us passage on the diplomatic ship.”

“Thank you,” Thrawn said, standing up. “I’ll need to send the details to Admiral Ar’alani before she can take the Vigilant out of orbit. Oh, and may I also ask you to bring a medium-sized shipping container aboard the ship?”

“A shipping container?” Frangelic echoed, his voice suddenly suspicious. “How much are you planning to bring with you?”

“Actually, very little,” Thrawn assured him. “The container is for our return.”

“Very well,” Frangelic said, still sounding suspicious. “Perhaps you will explain further before our departure.”

“Or during the voyage,” Thrawn said. “We shall see which works best.”