The Chimaera Officer's Club - 1
Summary: The ISD Chimaera's crew is granted liberty (shore-time leave) on Coruscant while the ship undergoes routine inspections. When Commodore Thrawn decides to join First Officer Faro and Lieutenant Commander Vanto for a wild night out, they realize they have no idea what they've gotten themselves into. Will this be the end of their careers or a night to remember?
“Yes, yes, and- wait, yes!” First Officer Karyn Faro exclaimed, slumping into a command chair after docking the monstrosity known as the ISD Chimaera at the Imperial Navy Yard. She would often forget the size of the Imperial Star Destroyer until it needed to be docked, and especially when it needed to be docked on Coruscant. The logistical nightmare of it all had been draining, and even the final anchoring procedure had required surgical precision.
Lieutenant Commander Eli Vanto let out a whistle of amusement while scrolling on his data pad, “Commander Faro, I know you’ve been looking forward to our liberty, but have you even figured out where we’re going out to eat? Unless you plan on eating at the mess hall again…”
Faro looked up at him, a scowl on her face as she said, “Enlighten me, Eli, as to why I need to know where we’re eating when we didn’t even know we had liberty until 15 hours ago?”
Vanto scoffed. “There is no way you just referred to me by my first name. You really are excited, huh?” he asked, mischief glittering in his eyes.
“Of course! Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve been out of this bridge, let alone this ship?” said Faro, slowly rising to her feet with lingering exhaustion. She would have to forgo her usual rest period to take advantage of their brief window of freedom. Absolutely nothing would ruin this for her crew. They had needed this reprieve for over seven standard weeks.
She began pacing as she considered their options out loud, “We could have one of those fancy Coruscanti six-course meals, or Umbaran cocktails with small bites. We might even be able to sneak some snacks with us on the way back.”
Vanto chuckled, entering the search terms for coruscant air taxi and local nightlife into his data pad. It was nice to see Faro excited about anything for a change. For the past few weeks, they had been chasing pirates, recovering stolen goods, and busting would-be smugglers across the galaxy. They had been successful, but Faro was still getting used to Thrawn’s way of doing things, and everyone knew that the Commodore was an acquired taste. Vanto could detect that Faro wasn’t used to placing her blind trust in a senior officer. Considering the amount of backstabbing that occurred within the ranks of the Imperial Navy, he was hesitant to do the same.
But Thrawn was different. They were all still alive because of his resourcefulness. That was rare in a Navy that went through conscripts like there were more being born each day. While other commanding officers treated their subordinates as chopped tipyip that should mindlessly follow orders, Thrawn encouraged discussion and ideas. It was enough to make any new officer somewhat suspicious of his intentions, but Vanto knew better.
“Hey, how about we take an air taxi to the Tian District and see what’s going on over there? There’s a market with intergalactic specialties, whatever that means, and some sort of fancy art fair.” Vanto said, zooming in on the pictures to show Faro.
“Art fair?”
The voice came from the direction of the turbolifts at the rear of the bridge. Faro and Vanto’s heads snapped in that direction to see Commodore Thrawn heading their way, an eyebrow arched in question as he said, “Commander Vanto, I was not aware this was an appropriate time to consider perusing through art displays.”
Vanto’s face flushed red with embarrassment as he realized he was openly discussing leisure activities, as all other bridge personnel were still doing systems checks. Faro stood at attention, nervously glancing between him and Thrawn.
“My apologies, sir.” He said, his eyes barely able to look at the Chiss’ red ones appraising him, “I was just trying to make sure Commander Faro would have a nice time this evening after all of her hard work.”
Faro stared daggers at him, her expression turning incredulous as she realized he had used her as an excuse. Eli winced, hoping she wouldn’t beat him to a pulp during their tactics training in two days.
Thrawn’s eyes slid to Faro, his gaze softening as he said, “Is everything alright, Commander?”
Faro swallowed, her eyes still nervously darting between Thrawn and Vanto. “Y-yes, sir. The Chimaera has been successfully docked, and maintenance should be arriving in an hour to commence an exterior inspection of the hull. All personnel have been notified of their liberty allowance period, and shifts have been confirmed to ensure there is no lapse in operations,” she said, the words leaving her mouth at hyperspeed.
Vanto noticed the corners of Thrawn’s mouth quirk slightly as he said, “Very good, Commander. However, I was not inquiring as to the status of the ship, but rather how you are doing?”
Faro’s eyes widened as she nervously shifted from one leg to the other. “I-I’m ah, I am…yes.” she said, stuttering as she attempted to form a reply. Vanto cupped his hand over his mouth and chuckled, not being able to hold back as he watched the most squared away officer in the entire Imperial Navy fumble for words as if she had never answered a question before. Faro glared at him, and her cheeks turned pink as she crossed her arms. Even Thrawn couldn’t help smiling, but he nodded his head towards her and said, “My apologies if I startled you.”
“Not at all, sir. To be completely honest, I’m not used to superiors even caring about our wellbeing.” Faro said, looking up at him with slight suspicion. Vanto couldn’t suppress the giggle that emanated from his throat, earning him another well-deserved scowl. Oh, he was definitely getting a bruise in 48 hours.
Thrawn glanced at him briefly and cleared his throat. Vanto did his best to lock down his amusement at watching Faro flounder, and said, “Actually, sir, we’re considering using our liberty to head to the Tian District. It’s only about 15 minutes from here via air taxi, and we should be back before the shift change.” He beamed at Faro, who still looked as if she wanted to take his data pad and use it as a projectile.
“That sounds lovely. I recall us visiting that area during our time in the Imperial Academy, Commander Vanto,” Thrawn said. “Would your outing party be able to accommodate an additional member?”
Faro arched an eyebrow, her expression puzzled as she said, “Of course, sir. But who will be joining us?” She most likely assumed it was some sort of minder, and Vanto didn’t blame her for thinking that way. Imperial Security Bureau agents crawled through the city-planet like vermin, surveilling civilians and military personnel alike. Thrawn was probably just trying to make sure they didn’t do anything to jeopardize their careers in one night.
As Vanto’s gaze focused on the Commodore, he realized that Thrawn looked taken back by Faro’s response. Now Vanto and Faro had the advantage of watching their commanding officer work through an awkward pause as he searched for the right words to say. Vanto felt his hands get clammy, and he made eye contact with Faro, who looked to be equally as anxious. Who was Thrawn trying to send to tag along with them?
A nervous feeling snaked through Vanto’s stomach as he prayed to whatever Coruscanti gods listening that Thrawn did not force them to take Ensign Sargos Ieni. He was known for his strange behavior, and Vanto was sure that as much as he wanted to be the friendly mentor, he’d probably end up somewhat violated if they took that kid along. And that was only if Faro didn’t dump him in a Navy Yard sewage vat first.
Thrawn looked at the bridge floor. “Actually, I was wondering if I could join you both,” he said, his voice barely more than a murmur. Vanto looked over at Faro, who seemed to be frozen in shock. The Commodore Thrawn wanted to leave the Chimaera for a night of fun and debauchery? A night of excessive spending and questionable shopping choices? Even Vanto was speechless. They both looked at Thrawn, and he glanced at them both, assuming his usual demeanor as he said, “Is that improper?”
Faro opened her mouth to speak but closed it abruptly. Vanto realized he once again had to save the day. “It’s not improper, sir. We’re just surprised you want to tag along. But we’d be delighted if you joined us! It’ll be a great time, isn’t that right, Commander?” he said, gifting Faro a toothy grin while wiggling his eyebrows. The tactician, the analyst, and the enforcer. What could go wrong?
Faro only stared at him, and then glanced around, assessing the slowly emptying bridge as the crew prepared for their liberty period. She returned her gaze to Thrawn and said, “You’re not a lightweight, right?”
Vanto felt the floor beneath him vanish, and his jaw dropped in shock. Did Faro just ask their commanding officer if he was a lightweight? This couldn’t be real. Thrawn looked at Faro with a degree of confusion. “Pardon me, Commander, but what does that mean?” he said. He glanced at Vanto. “May you translate?” he asked.
Vanto wanted to make a mad dash for the turbolift, but was pinned to his spot only because he could not bear leaving the area before seeing what came of this. Was he being nosy? Affirmative. Did he care? Negative. Regardless, Faro looked determined to get an answer, and not an ounce of embarrassment radiated from her. Was this her way of testing Thrawn?
“Of course, sir. Lightweight is…likureesensib,” Vanto said, doing his best to keep a straight face. Thrawn’s eyes flared with shock, and he pivoted to directly face Faro. “Lightweight,” Thrawn said, savoring the word as he pronounced each syllable. “Why exactly is that in question, First Officer?”
Faro sighed, weariness blanketing her features as she realized who she was speaking to. “Sir, we like to have a good time. It’s been seven weeks since I’ve been able to have some semblance of freedom, and I don’t want to have to put a damper on the fun. Or call it a night and return early while dragging you back to the med-bay,” Faro said, her expression somewhat apologetic. “Forgive me if I was too frank, Commodore. I meant no offence.”
Vanto held his breath as he watched the Commodore’s red eyes narrow while processing his First Officer’s response. For a few tense seconds, Thrawn continued to ponder while his thumb rested under his chin, an arm braced around his abdomen. Faro quickly stole a look at Vanto, panic blooming in her eyes. This was it. Thrawn was about to demonstrate the authority he seldom used, and Faro would be his victim.
Eli opened his mouth to apologize on her behalf when suddenly, Thrawn said, “Who is to say you will not be the one needing anti-inebriation therapy from the medical bay?”
Faro stared at him, dumbfounded. “Excuse me, sir?”
Thrawn lifted his chin, his expression menacing as he said, “I thought I prepared you for tactical situations better than this, Commander. You assume I have the alcohol tolerance of a human, and therefore the weakness of a human liver.” He leaned down towards her, a sinful smile gracing his lips as he said, “You have made a grave mistake, First Officer Faro. To defeat an enemy, you must know them.”
Faro shuddered, now realizing what she was up against. Vanto pitied her, but quickly pressed his lips together to avoid howling with laughter.
Thrawn smiled knowingly at Vanto as he said, “Commander Vanto, arrange for an air taxi to retrieve us in an hour. Let us show Commander Faro a good time.” He began to turn towards the turbolifts when he came to a sudden pause, and angled his face towards Faro. His eyes glowed with anticipation as he said, “Let us discover who the true lightweight is.”
“Yes, sir,” Vanto said, fighting for his life to look down at his datapad and complete the order. This was about to be the night of a lifetime.
Thrawn turned and resumed his walk to the turbolifts, leaving a shellshocked Faro and Vanto to look at one another with the same giddy apprehension.
“Vanto, was that a challenge? Am I going to regret this?” Faro said, still in awe of what had just transpired. Although she wore a tight smile, her voice betrayed her anxiety. She clasped her hands behind her back to avoid Vanto seeing what he presumed was trembling.
Vanto chuckled nervously as he said, “The Chiss do not make idle boasts or promises. We’re so screwed.”
And so, the adventures of The Chimaera Officer’s Club begin! Will the crew get lit or die trying? Find out next time!
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