In the Rohk System, Thrawn's flagship emerged into space amid a white flash. Not far ahead lay a spaceport established by the Galactic Empire, with a small detachment stationed there to guard this forward base.
Transport ships bustled back and forth, delivering vast quantities of military supplies in preparation for rapidly resupplying the main fleet once this operation was complete.
High Inquisitor Antillis-Trimein let out a long breath of relief, then said with lingering fear, "That being... was too terrifying! We must report this to His Majesty the Emperor immediately! Another mysterious and horrifying monster has appeared in the Milky Way Galaxy!"
"I agree that we should report to His Majesty the Emperor, but before that, we must return to Metalon Planet at once," Thrawn said gravely.
Trimein was shocked. "What are you thinking? You actually want to go back to Metalon Planet? No! Do you have any idea how terrifying that being is? Before him, I had no ability to fight back at all! What you should be doing now is commanding remotely and having the remainder of our fleet return here as quickly as possible. Then we can make further plans!"
But Thrawn shook his head with great resolve. "If we do that, then we will truly have lost. Whether you come or not, I must depart immediately."
As he spoke, he strode firmly toward the door. "Transfer to a warship. Return to Metalon Planet immediately!"
"Yes!" His adjutant immediately began making arrangements through the communicator as he followed Thrawn.
Those subordinates who had followed Thrawn for a long time shared an unspoken understanding with him. They never questioned any of Thrawn's decisions, no matter how absurd those decisions might seem.
Whether it was brainwashing or personal charisma, in any case, this was how Thrawn commanded his men,