“A moment,” Samakro said, frowning. “Are you saying Admiral Ar’alani asked for only two ships? I thought that was the syndics’ decision.”

“They were happy enough to go along with it,” Thrawn said. “But no, it was the admiral.”

“I’m glad she’s confident,” Samakro muttered.

“She is.” Thrawn cocked his head. “There’s another reason for taking only a small force, though, a tactical reason. What do you think it might be?”

“I have no idea.”

“Think,” Thrawn urged. “You have the knowledge and vision. Apply them to the problem.”

Samakro suppressed a grimace. This was what he got for suggesting Kharill lacked imagination.

Still, it was an intriguing question. Two Chiss ships…an unknown number of opponents…a tactical reason…“It will certainly be easier to evaluate the Lioaoin tactics when they only have two of us to shoot at,” he commented, stalling for time while he tried to think. Two Chiss ships…

“Exactly,” Thrawn said, inclining his head. “Well done, Mid Captain.”

Samakro blinked. “That was it?”

“Of course,” Thrawn said. “It comes down to minimizing variables. It would be even easier if we’d brought only one ship, but we didn’t think the Council would accept that.”

“But you say the Syndicure was all for it?”

Thrawn’s gaze drifted away. “Some of the syndics were reluctant to launch any attack at all, believing Ar’alani and I deliberately provoked the Primea incident. Others, I’m sure, believe two ships will be enough. Others…”

“Others?” Samakro prompted.

Thrawn shrugged. “I suspect a small number are hoping that both Ar’alani and I will be killed in the battle, thereby eliminating any future embarrassment we might bring to the Ascendancy.”

Samakro stared at him. “That’s…”

“Paranoid?” Thrawn offered.

“I was going to say outrageous,” Samakro said. “If the fleet has a problem with you or Admiral Ar’alani, the Council can discipline or demote you. It’s not the Syndicure’s job to meddle in those decisions.”

“But it is their job to do what’s best for the Ascendancy,” Thrawn said. “Sometimes obligations and restrictions overlap.”

“Well, if they’re looking for us to curl up and die for their convenience, they’re going to be disappointed,” Samakro said firmly. “This is the Springhawk. We don’t lose battles. Not to anyone. Guaranteed.”

“I’ll look forward to yet again proving that,” Thrawn said. “I’ll leave you the bridge now, Mid Captain. Let me know if our sky-walker needs a rest break. Otherwise, I’ll return before our rendezvous with the Vigilant.” With a final nod, he turned and retraced his steps to the hatchway.