11 BBY, September 22, Kam-Co Star System. Imperial-class Star Destroyer, Chimaera.
A stirring, impassioned melody played in the warship's captain's quarters, forming a stark contrast with the room's elegant, solemn decor—so stark it was almost uncomfortable.
Yet the Chiss seated behind the desk, clad in the white uniform of the Galactic Empire Navy and wearing a rear admiral's insignia, paid no heed to that discord. He merely sat with his eyes closed, listening to the music, one finger lightly tapping the armrest in time with the rhythm.
Then a chime rang out, crisp and pleasant but not loud. MItth'raw'nuruodo finally opened his eyes, smiled, and pressed a button beside him.
A staff officer entered and asked Thrawn, "General, six days have passed since we defeated Admiral Qiyala's fleet. Are we still going to remain here?"
They were in the asteroid belt of the Kam-Co Star System, where that miraculous battle of the weak defeating the strong had taken place. Wreckage from warships still drifted everywhere, the overwhelming majority bearing the markings of the Kingdom of Dawn. About one-third, however, were clearly warships produced within Chiss territory.
"Why not, my capable and shrewd Chief of Staff, Colonel Taremi?" Thrawn asked with a smile.
"Since Qiyala suffered a defeat here, Chiss territory's fleet will certainly sweep through this area, General Thrawn. Our situation is extremely dangerous!" Chief of Staff Taremi said.
"Oh? How do you assess the situation?" Thrawn deliberately changed the subject.
"We defeated Qiyala's main fleet, which is excellent, General. Next, we only need to preserve our forces, request more reinforcements from the Empire, and continue harassing and maneuvering while ensuring our own survival. I believe it will take no more than one or two months. By the beginning of next year, Chiss territory will fall into turmoil on its