A GAME OF RISK
Summary: Grandadmiral Thrawn finds himself trapped into the hand of
a supernatural being and must proove his strategic insights to survive.
G-Rated
Post-RotJ
Primary Characters: Thrawn, Q, original
Genres: Humour, crossover


Grandadmiral Thrawn woke up by a strange sound in his sleeping quarter, a beam of 
light indicated the door to his private quarter was openend.
 
"Rukh, are you there," he whispered.
 
No response. Thrawm pressed a concealed button and a secret locker in the wall 
openend. Quickly Thrawn grapped the blaser and dived into the partial cover of the 
working console in his bedroom. He tapped the comm.

"Thrawn to security. I've a intruder in my quarters. Please reply."

He checked all channels, but heared only static noise. Thrawn considered his 
situation. This was clearly a strange and probably dangerous situation? Who was 
responsible? 
No clues of rebel activity or other hostile forces in the last weeks of his 
presence in this sector. Also, the current location of his flagship and even 
Thrawns own existance was a good guarded secret.
After Endor, few people knew of his existence, and they all were under his command&
But finding out the leak was a matter of longterm importance. First, survival was 
at stake.
Kneeled behind the console he awaited thing to come...whatever might happen, the 
Grandadmiral was determined to resist to the maximum. 

"Mister Thrawn, are you awake?" 

a clear voice sounded trough the dark quarters and Thrawn wondered in what kind of 
situation he got it. Clearly, this was no member of his ship! Maybe it was a trick 
to lure him out of his cover. He choose to remain silent.

Suddenly the light went on, Thrawn fought to regain vision, a few seconds blinded. 
He expected to be attacked at this moment of weakness, but he wasn't. 
A human entered his line of sight, wearing a strange uniform, unknown but 
definitely not imperial. Withou hesistation, Thrawn fired his blaster. To discover 
it was malfuntional.

"Thanks for the warm welcome, mister Thrawn."  the intruder laconicly noted. 

"But as you noticed, your weapon is disabled, as well as all other equipment in 
your possession. Not that it truly matters: I am a sort of immortal being and can’t 
be killed."

Thrawn stood up, realising he was on the mercy of this stranger. But if this 
stranger was who he claimed to be, he should have been killed already. For some 
reason, this being clearly wanted to have a conversation with him. For now, he 
would try to win time, to gain more information about his visitor, before he could 
take any further action.

"So it seems. Well, unless youre here to kill or hijack me ,state your intentions 
of invading my quarters."

"Ow, Thrawn , you’re ircorrigible! Always analysing, always looking for a way to 
gain the upperhand. Even when you're outclassed."
"That might be. You seem to know a bit of me. Care to share some information about 
yourself? As you're immortal, it wouldn't gain me any advantage, would it?"

"Your logic is one of a Vulcan, ha ha! I guess you would like a talk with some of 
their greatest scientist - na, forget what I said! But I’m not properly introduced 
myself - where are my manners - I'm Q, an omnipotent being from the Q- continuun."

"I must admit ive never about it , nor that Vulcan race you referring to."

"I would be surprised if you did. Though we monitor your galaxy, we never saw any 
reason to involve ourself in this region. "  Q rolled his eyes. 

"Too barbaric to be of great interest for us. Fortunately, you're an exception. 
That's why im here."

"Care to elaborate? "

"Certainly not! " Q  responded enthusiasticly. 
Nonchalantly, he took place in Thrawns chair.

"Well, even barbaric galaxies tend to produce some interesting people like you, 
mister Thrawn.  Its rare, but with great odds, even the smallest chance is enough 
in a universe without boundaries."

"And whats so interesting about me ? "

"Don’t you know? You’re one of the greatest minds ever conceived in this reality" Q 
paused a second, smiling. "Though some would call that conclusion a sick tragedy. 
Anyway - friend and foe recognize you as a brilliant strategist , beating the odds 
in every confrontation."

"Well, some say so. But I wonder why such omnipotent being would care about my 
career."

"Don’t be so modest- it doesn’t suit you. But its time to introduce you to some of 
your 
colleagues, great minds of all times! "

"And the purpose of this is&."

"Don’t you realise what opportunity I give you ? To meet the greatest commanders of 
the universe, to battle opponents worthy of your attention."

"Are you taking me to some kind of arena? " Thrawn frowned.

"Well-in a way - yes, it is. But you will like it. Please follow me."

Q raise from a chair and walked to the exit of Thrawns room. The Grandadmiral 
hesistated a moment, then he decided to comply would be the best action for the 
moment. 
He followed Q , who entered a dark alley outside the door, instead of the expected 
illuminated corridor of this section of the stardestroyer, Thrawn realized, 
puzzling but he decided to proceed for now.
At the end of the alley a light shined and the Grandadmiral followed Q in this new 
room.
It was quite empty, beside a large round table. 3 persons sat around it. One 
human,one of unknown alien origin and a droid of some kind. Their eyes stared to 
the newcomers.
 
"Well, gentlemen, we're complete now. Have a seat, mister Thrawn."

After a short observation of those present and his chair, Thrawn sat down.
 
"Well, lets introduce my latest guest to you, gentlemen. This is mister Thrawn, 
Grandadmiral of the Imperial Navy and acting leader of the Empire at this time."

A few seconds, none spoke. All stared to him, though Thrawn noted they probably 
were unfamiliar with each other as well.
 
The other human (besides Q) stared to him , halfly stunned. 

"I have walked into a dream with demons. I pray this nightmare will end quickly."

Q smiled and petted the speaker on his shoulder.

"Mister Su, this isnt a nightmare. But dream in some way, yes! As I said before: 
youre all great leaders, gentleman and now you have the opportunity to face a 
worthy opponent. "

"I fail to see the need for this meeting," a metallic voice sounded. "I demand to 
be returned to my station. I’m in the middle of a campaign and have no time to 
entertain  the superbeing you claim to be."

"Where’s your sense of adventure, AZ-21 ?" Q sighed. "Artificial life, even more 
boring then the biological entities."

"He has a point. Though you are a fasssssssinating being, I’ve presssssing 
mattersss in my galaxsssy so I would be glad to be returned at onssssssse, mister 
Q," the reptilian-like alien noted, with some hisses Thrawn guessed to be 
irritation.

"That’s no problem, N’Qual. As I said: time has no meaning in this place. You could 
return to the time frame I took you from. So we aren't in a hurry."

"I would liked to be informed about the game you have planned." Thrawn said.

"Did I said anything about a game. Ah, of course your sharp mind already figured 
that out."
 
Q snapped his fingers. In the middle of the table some sort of map appeared, as 
well as some small plastic transparant boxes containing small pieces and a deck of 
cards. 
A second snap of Q caused the deck to deal into 4 different staples, every one 
positioned near one of the four persons around the table
. 
"This is the game to test your capabilities , gentleman. Carefully selected from 
million of games, from throughout the universe. Its called Risk, a game invented at 
earth, in a galaxy named the Milky Way. Its from your planet, mister Tzun Su.
 
"I’ve noticed some familiar places but I didn’t know the rest of the earth was like 
this!"

"Its not mapped that accurate, some regions are missing and its simplified for 
playability, like the division in 42 zones. For your comfort, I used your language 
to name the regions of the map. Not that the names make any different, but I like 
to give some attention to detail, if I may say so.

"I guess we have no choice but to play for your amusement", AZ-21 sharply noted.

"Am I the only person here enjoying himself?! Please gentlemen, this is a chance of 
a life-time, a unique chance to proof yourself against the greatest masters of 
martial warfare."

"Are you going to release us after we completed this game?"

"Mister Thrawn! Please! Youre not my prisoners, but my honoured guests!"

"Guestssssss - like I wanted to be here! You can't fool me", N'Qual hissed. 

The reptilian knocked a huge clawed fist at game board. The boxes sprang open under 
the trembling hit, pieces spreading over the table. A quick snap of Q ordered the 
pieces back in their boxes.

"Calm down, gentlemen. Allow me to explain the rules of this game - its quite easy 
to comprehend, but its ideal for a company like you. Though it has much limitations 
in some ways, its genial in its concept, with clear rules and. A good mix of  
resources, strategy and the thing all true strategist hate - fate."  Q dropped five 
dices at the table.
 
"A true commander doesn’t need luck. All things can be measured in matters of 
probability, and must be dealt with in that way," AZ-21 commended.
 
"That's the spirit, AZ ! " 

"My designation is AZ-21."

"Aren't we on friendly term then? No hard feelings here though, " Q sardonically.

"And if we refussssse to take part of this game? Are you going to dessssintergrate 
uss?"

"N’Qual - please ! I’m a civilized being. I’m hurt of your lack of trust." Q said, 
with a tone of sadness. He wiped a imiginary tear of his eye. 

"You haven't answered his question," Thrawn noted.

"Well, you guyse certainly know how to spoil the pleasure. But as host I feel the 
urge to be completely honest to my guests: yes, there is a chance you will not 
leave this game. In fact, only one of you will be returned after completion."

"It's the winner, I suppose." Tzun Su noted.

"Hardly a surprisssssse !" N’qual hissed angry. Suddenly he jumped at Q, but half a 
meter before him, he froze into the air, unable to move even the slightest part of 
his body.
 
"No need to be violent, dear friend." Q snapped his fingers and the reptilian was 
returned to his chair. 

"I’m understand this condition is not quite pleasant, but Im convinced its 
neccessary
for this game. There must be some reward, after all. "

"You want to place us under pressure, like in true confrontation, I suppose."

"I’m glad at least one understands , mister Thrawn! I see my faith in your 
abilities is well-placed. Whats a game without a stake? "
 
"I conclude we have no choice. Let’s proceed with this "game". I want to finish 
this ridiculous venture without delay," AZ-21 noted.
 
"So be it, only the true warrior will prevail," Tzun Su noted.

Q smiled satisfied. 
"Ok. I will explain the rules, only once of course. The goal is simple: total 
domination of the game board. There can only be one. " 

Q smiled, surprised of his own words.
 
"O my ! I'm getting melodramatic, at this age!"

The players silently listened to Q’s instructions, realizing accurate knowledge of 
the game would be crucial to win. After a quarter, Q finished his explanation, wich 
was very clear and blunt but detailed enough for every participant to understand.

"Well, that’s all folkes. Its time to set up the game. Take your cards and place 
your armies. Alliances, deceit, treachery and backstabbing are allowed of course! 
And may the best commander win!"
 
And off they went. Quickly, the southern continents named Africa, Australia en 
South-America were taken by N’Qual, AZ-21 and Tsun Zu. Thrawn had a bad start 
position and decided not to spoil his strength by attempting to invade one of this 
continents. 
He instead setup a defensive perimeter along a group of regions in europe, asia and 
Alaska, discouraging the other players to attack him, meanwhile gaining cards every 
round to gain more reinforcements.

He made an alliance with Tzun Su for a while, battling the alliance between N’Qual 
and AZ-21 for a while. However, neither alliance of player gained a quick 
overweight. Players switched alliances, sides during the progress of the game. 
Neither one gained the initative. The idea of killing one player together then 
continue with 3 was tempting but dangerous, that player would avenge himself by 
dragging one player into the abyss of defeat, weakening him to the point of 
irreplacable losses.
The hours passed and the game seemed to stalemate for eternity , neither one 
willing to risk all in a blunt risky attack to gain initative. 

But then, an alliance of N’Qual and Thrawn succeed in defeating Tzun Su and AZ-21, 
who lost in a slow but merciless exortion campaign. When Tzun Su and AZ-21 were 
wiped from the board, they disappeared into oblivion, by a snap of Q's fingers.

"Well, what a shame but the show must go one,"he noted after the second player 
vanished.

N’Qual  and Thrawn started to battle each other, but with with the same pool of 
resources and armies available, and matching in strategic brilliance, a new 
stalemate seemed to rise. 
For hours, they continued their struggle for victory.
 
"This is leading to nowhere, N’Qual hissed frustrated, after a new attempt to gain 
initative was countered by Thrawn. 
"So it seems." Though N’Qual was the most emotional character of the four players, 
his actions were far from impulsive and Thrawn recognized him as a dangerous and 
cunning opponent.
"We’ve the time," Q said smiling, offering the players their favourite drink wich 
was accepted in silent, thus taking even the smallest advantage they could have in 
winning this match. For hours  past and in the hours to come, even physical 
exortion could mean the difference between life and dead.

Dozen attempt to gain the upper hand failed to both participants, and it would seem 
to take eternity to finish the longest Risk game of history. They took a short 
break.
 
"I estimate it will take a long time to finish this game. But we both are not 
giving in I suppose. I must admit, it starts to seem a matter of fate , or luck,"
Thrawn  noted.

"I agree , my friend. This ssssstalemate cant lassssst forever, but strategy alone 
sssseemss inadequate to solve this. Firsssst time in my life, I would agree to a 
tie."

"Na, na, " Q noted in a admonitional tone. 
"There can only be one winner, unless both of you admit failure in achieving 
victory. Then, there's no winner to this game."

Q raised his hand, seeming to make a finger snap. Thrawn raised a hand to conjure 
this action.
"No need to,we will continue."

"I’m sorry pals, but I must be hard on the rules. I can’t change them suddenly. 
Wont be fair for the other players, you know."
 
"No you cant change them," Thrawn nodded , allowing himself to escape an sign of 
frustration, something he never did in front of his officers  and even rarely when 
alone.

Suddenly, a new insight grow in his mind. A daring concept, but he saw no choice 
but to try it. Else it would become a game of mental and physical extortion, it 
already went that way. And he wasn’t convinced he would have the strongest back in 
that race. On the contrary, N'Qual could probably endure the stress even longer.

"Lets continue," Thrawn noted. N'Qual hissed a nasty comment but started his round.
Again, hours past. But something changed, slowly. Thrawn might seem to grow slowly, 
despite every brilliant tactic and occasional luck of his competitor. 
For an untrainer observer, the game would be far from over but on a particular 
moment, N'Qual hissed out curses in frustration, realising his demise. 

"Well, I guess this is goodbye, " Q noted smiled and snapped his fingers. The last 
screams and hisses of N'Qual adruptly ended when he disappeared. 
Also, the table disappeared. Thrawn slowly rose from his chair.

"A very interesting game, I must admit. Now, I expect to be returned to my vessel."

"What if I kept you here, placing you against a new pool of players?"

"I’m at a disadvantage by my current exhaustion. And even if I’m allowed to rest - 
I’m not planning to continue my cooperation. If you don’t honour the agremeent to 
the winner of this game, you loose all credibility of being trustworthy."

Q lauched and clapped his hands.
 
"Well spoken, Sir! Your’e almost as vouluble as genial. Well, im a civilized being 
after all, but I was a bit shocked by your way of winning. Though it amazed me, and 
since its hard to amaze a member of the Q-continuun, you can take that as a 
compliment."

"It was a risk, if you had intervened, I probably would have been lost."

"It crossed my mind. And when your opponent had noticed it, I would have. But he 
didn’t - you outwitted him, with the lesson every strategist knows but was lost in 
the heat of the game."

"And what lesson might that be?"Thrawn asked, though he already knew the answer.

"If you can't win by the rules, change them."

"That's a good way of putting it."

"I concur. Cheating sounds so ugly." Q chuckled. Thrawn allowed himself a short 
smile.

"I did what was necessary to win, my opponent failed to notice the extra armies I 
secretly added to already crowded armies. "

"An brilliant idea as does its execution. Placing enough extra armies to win at the 
long run, and too few at once to raise suspicion. A perfectly balanced deception."

"It proved itself thatway. Well, if you don't mind, I want to receive my stake. "

"There was no stake, by the way. A small lie to spice up the game, " Q confessed.

"The other participants returned to their galaxies?"

"They did. I'm not a barbarian, I treat my guest with the utmost respect."
"That might be. Well, I wish you goodbye."  Thrawn enforced his words by walking to 
the exit door.

"What a dramatic way of leaving," Q sighed. 
"You're all the same, too proud to appreciate the higher values of existance."
Thrawn ignored him. Without any interruptions, he walked down the alley and entered 
his quarters. He activated his comm.

"Captain Palleon?"

"Yes, my Lord? "

"Did your scanners noticed anything unusual in the last 24 hours?"

"Negative, Sir. Is there anything we should aware of?"

"Nothing in particular, Captain. Continue our present operation."

"Yes Sir," the captain responded, a bit uncertain what to do.

Thrawn closed the comm. He checked his chronometer. The time did not surprised him. 
He put his blaster into the secret locker and returned to his bed.