Author's Note: Another update. I don't know how Thrawn actually treats his ysalamir, but I want to show him as a fairly good owner than cares about his pets.

Luke named the male Kerr, which meant 'man of strength'. He noticed strange stands all over the Chimaera. Thrawn explained that these were nutrient stands so the lizards would have full reign of the ship rather than being dependent on him and Pallaeon. He, Han, and Chewbaca had some trouble telling to the two lizards apart, while the residents of the Star Destroyer easily knew which lizard was which. Kerr wasn't actually that much bigger than Esti.

"Why don't you just put colored collars on them?" Han asked Thrawn as they walked to the bridge.

Thrawn gave Esti, who was sleeping on his shoulders, a thoughtful stroke.

"We tried that at first."

Chewbaca moaned, asking what happened, and Thrawn was glad he understood Shriiwook so there was no translation needed.

"Pallaeon and I know how chew toys feel."

They reached the bridge, and as if in respond to Thrawn's comment, Kerr was making a nuisance out of himself by chewing on Pallaeon's cap, while it was still on the Vice-Admiral's head.

"Why do they have teeth if they draw nutrients from trees, or in this case the frames and stands, through their claws?"

"Most likely for defense," Pallaeon answered, reaching up to lightly smack Kerr on the nose when the lizard pulled his hair trying to get the cap off.

Kerr blinked then climbed down with a grumbling noise. Luke chuckled.

"Guess he didn't appreciate that."

"Well, Master Skywalker, I don't really appreciate him giving me a bald spot just because he wants my cap."

Kerr butted Luke's leg, and the Jedi bent to pet him. From what he had seen ysalamir were very intelligent. They recognized people, certain commands, their new names, and when someone was new. They were very playful and friendly.

Kerr was the one to most often stray from Thrawn to roam the ship, getting attention from the crew members. Esti was rarely seen very far from the Grand Admiral, his shoulders being her favorite place. Though he often strayed from his master, Kerr obviously loved Thrawn as much as any pet could love their owner, just as Esti did. If Esti occupied the Chiss's shoulders, Kerr was either in his arms or trotting alongside him. Both were also obviously fond of Pallaeon, who often had one of them, usually Kerr, across his shoulders or at his side.

Luke had noticed one thing that bothered him. The ysalamir were very friendly to everyone aboard except for one individual; Thrawn's Noghri bodyguard, Rukh. They hissed and growled at him almost every time they saw him.

"Hardly anyone here likes Rukh," Thrawn said when Luke questioned him about it.

The Jedi decided to let it go for now.

One day, Thrawn was sitting in his command chair. Kerr was on his shoulders while Esti was in his lap, enjoying being petted. He had long since learned to sense Rukh's presence near him, so he wasn't surprised when the Noghri came up behind him. He was, however, surprised, when both ysalamir suddenly launched themselves at his bodyguard just as Pallaeon came on.

"Sir!" Pallaeon shouted over Rukh's startled cries of pain.

Thrawn shot up and whirled around to see Kerr and Esti biting down on Rukh's wrist, clawing at him. An instant later he discovered why his usually peaceful pets were attacking Rukh. His knife was in his hand, and Thrawn put it all together in seconds. The assassin had been about to kill him.

Pallaeon came up to the Grand Admiral, staring at the Noghri and ysalamir in shock. Both Imperials were forzen in stunned silence until Rukh managed to fling the lizards to the floor, knife now turned on them.

"No!" Thrawn cried, lunging forward.

Rukh was unprepared for the attack, and the taller, heavier Chiss took him down. They wrestled for the knife, while Pallaeon called for help. Luke, Han, and Chewbaca arrived first as Luke had sensed danger.

A crack and cry of pain alerted them to the fact that Thrawn had managed to break Rukh's wrist, making him drop the knife. The assassin raked his claws across Thrawn's face, seeking to take out of his eyes. He threw the Chiss off only to find himself under the point of Luke's lightsaber.

"Are you all right, Admiral?"

"I will be once I put some bacta on these cuts. Rukh, why are you trying to kill me?"

"The Empire betrayed us! You would have us as slaves!"

"We're not the Empire anymore, Rukh. I have no interest in forcing you or your people to do anything you don't want to."

Rukh growled.

"I don't believe you. I'll kill you if it's the last thing I do."

Thrawn sighed.

"Then you must die."

"What?!" Luke exclaimed.

"He won't stop until one of us is dead. I don't want to kill him, but it must be done."

Pallaeon drew his blaster and fired once, killing Rukh.

"Sir, you said we're not the Empire anymore."

Luke and Han exchanged smiled.

"Yes, Pallaeon. Palpatine means to kill us all. We will join the Republic."

Pallaeon blinked then nodded.

"Yes, sir."

End Note: Thrawn has made his choice. Please review.