ISB Marshal Gideon [DATA REDACTED]

Codename “Chicken Man”

Sundari, Mandalore

“Do not antagonize her, win her over. Do you understand Marshal?”

Gideon rolled his eyes at the hologram of General Cross. The Marshal sat on a table on the balcony of the Sundari Royal Palace. He wore the white uniform of the ISB with black pants. Standing on guard behind him are two ISB officers in black uniforms, one a tall man with dark skin like Gideon while the other was a short man with tanned skin and short hair. In the far back, another ISB officer who appeared to be an elderly gentleman with light skin, was bald, and had a beard, leaned on the wall staring at the hologram with his arms crossed.

“I gain nothing from antagonizing her General.” Gideon said. “You have my word.”

Cross nodded.

“Very well. I’m trusting you on this Gideon. Wouldn’t want you to go out in an embarrassing way like being taken down by a crippled old man eh?”

Gideon let out a laugh.

“I think you should be worried about contacting any STDs with the number of women you sleep with General.”

The General laughed before he cut communications. A stormtrooper sergeant marched in and stopped before the table.

“Sir, the prisoner is here.” The Sergeant said.

“Host Sergeant. She is our host.”

“I...yes sir. I mean host.” The Sergeant said while Gideon gave an approving nod.

Coming around the corner, Bo-Katan Kryze was escorted by two Stormtroopers who led her to the table. Instantly, Gideon’s face fell into a frown.

“What is this?” He said gesturing to the prison garbs the Mandalorion still wore along with her cuffs. “I said specifically to let her dress herself. And seriously? Cuffs? After I said no?”

“Don’t berate them.” Bo-Katan said. “I told them to bring me to you right away.”

There was a moment of silence before it was broken by chuckles from Gideon.

“Bo-Katan you are definitely one interesting individual.” He said as the Stormtroopers released her cuffs. “Come, sit. Have some tea with me.”

The former Death Watch member sat and her eyes instantly narrowed on the officer in the far back.

“The Cleaner.” She hissed.

“Still mad I took out your squad?” The elderly gentleman said with a straight face. “You Death Watch thugs aren’t so tough.”

“They were good men.” Bo-Katan seethed.

“Don’t lie to yourself.” He dismissed. “They killed civilians who weren’t in the game. Bet you still blame yourself for your sister’s death hm?”

This time, Bo-Katan was silent.

“She was noble, but incredibly foolish like you.”

“What are you doing working for the Empire?” She slammed her fists on the table causing some tea to spill. Gideon looked at the wasted tea with some sadness before looking at Bo-Katan.

“Calm yourself Miss Kryze. We’re all friends here.”

“No we’re not.” She responded harshly.

“For the record,” Gideon’s elderly bodyguard continued. “I was imprisoned by the Empire when I heard my son was killed by your Rebel friends. Naturally, I offered my service if I could get the guys who killed him.”

“Stormtrooper?”

He shook his head.

“Peace Officer. Rookie. Beaten to death by civilians on Lothal when your friends ‘liberated’ the planet. Good kid never harmed anyone. Deal was I get to be the Ghost Crew’s executioner.”

“You’ll never get them.” Kryze seethed.

“Enough, both of you.” Gideon said. “We are not here to discuss any of that. We are here to find out Miss Kryze’s decision.”

Bo-Katan looked at the Marshal.

“I didn’t think some ISB spook would ally themselves with someone like Thrawn.”

Gideon smirked.

“I wish you met Yuleran. As for me, I don’t really care if you’re Human or a Wookiee. Many like me choose sides we know will further our careers. It just so happens that I see opportunity by aligning myself with Thrawn’s circle. If you haven’t realized,” Gideon looked out the balcony where local construction workers assisted by Imperials were repairing the city’s buildings. “Palpatine’s slowly steering the galaxy to ruin. His most ‘loyal’ subjects are waiting for him to be gone so they can take claim whatever is left like a pack of hungry dogs. Smart thing is to be safe and make sure I’m in a strong position. Unify with those with a common goal and then eliminate the rats.”

“And you believe...your group can get rid of the Emperor? Vader, the Inquisitors?” She questioned.

“Miss Kryze, force users they may be, they’re not invincible. We have our ways. Once that is over, we are still debating what to do with the Rebel leadership. It really depends on their actions, but Grand Admiral Thrawn is open to welcoming them back, especially the defectors.”

He didn’t receive a response this time.

“Now Grand Moff Zsinj asked me to take the Darksaber as a precaution that you may attempt an escape. I may not be from Mandalore, but I have a certain interest in your culture. Now Sergeant Kreel, the man who defeated you, have no intentions to lead your people and wishes for you to do so instead.”

Gideon took out the Darksaber and set it on the table.

“So what will it be Miss Kryze?”

Twilight Sparkle

Glacier A-1, Frozen Planet Legong De, Nirauan System

“Show me what you got girl.” said Vectivus in her mind.

Standing on a glacier, Twilight held her Songsteel sword with both hands while wearing a thick fur coat and boots. In front of her, Thrawn wore a white fur coat and white boots. His hands were spread out with his right holding a sword pointed down.

“Makashi.” Twilight whispered while the duo circled each other.

“Good.” Thrawn said. “I see you have read the Jedi books we had available in the library.”

“Did you learn it too? From the books I mean.”

Thrawn shook his head.

“No, I learned this form from a dueling master back in my youth. I just find it preferable, especially against my brother who favored what the Jedi call Shii-Cho. Was always the better duelist betwe-”

The Chiss didn’t finish when he rose his sword to block Twilight’s swing aiming for his right.

“Only a fool would be truly distracted by monologuing.” He said holding her back effortlessly.

Twilight disengaged and jumped back.

“I did quite enjoy the available holovids of Count Dooku fighting.” Thrawn whispered. “There will be a day where magic fails you Miss Sparkle. Improvise, adapt, overcome.”

He charged her this time and swung towards her left. Twilight blocked it easily, but it left an opening. Thrawn sent a quick jab to Twilight’s face which sent her reeling, followed by a shoulder check which sent Twilight on her back.

“Still stiff, still clumsy. How can you expect to defeat Celestia and Luna when you can’t even defeat someone who has neither magic nor Force abilities?”

The alicorn smirked and wiped some blood off her lip.

“To be fair, you’re probably one of the greatest military minds in the galaxy so you’re not exactly normal.” She said getting up.

Thrawn shrugged.

“I’m flattered really, and you do make a good point. However, I’m not doing anything too special.”

Twilight charged him once again, they clashed and parried in a flurry of strikes. The Equine grit her teeth in frustration. Meanwhile, her opponent blocked every single one of her strikes in mild amusement.

A kick to her womanhood was all it took to send Twilight down on the ground reeling in pain.

“Ch-cheap shot.” Twilight groaned holding her pelvic region.

“Death does not wait for you to be ready! Death is not considerate or fair. And make no mistake: here, you face death.”

She quickly rolled out of the way just in time as Thrawn stabbed the ice where her head used to be. Before Thrawn could react, she kicked the back of his leg causing him to fall on his back.

A Songsteel sword finally found itself pointed at Thrawn’s neck.

“Zuke gave me a protective cup. Now yield.”

Thrawn looked up at Twilight and smirked.

“You haven’t beaten me. You have sacrificed sure footing for a killing stroke.”

He tapped the ice near Twilight with his sword. The ground cracked, and the ice gave way right below Twilight’s feet.

10 Minutes Later

Below a tent near a Dreadnaught Cruiser where Snowtroopers and Chiss Commandos worked to set up a base, Twilight huddled under a blanket. She shivered and muttered a thank you to a Chiss Commando who handed her a cup of hot coffee.

“Without magic and under Celestia, you learned how to fight 6 men.” On the other side of the tent, Thrawn filled his own cup of coffee. “With me and with your friends trapped in that sword, you will learn how to engage 600.”

Kinda like this guy. Vectivus said in Twilight’s mind.

“You will learn patience, ingenuity. You don’t have to defeat your enemies by showing yourself or using outlandish displays of bravado.” He turned to Twilight. “Neither of us have overwhelming physical strength like Spike or Zuke, so you must use your mind. That is your greatest weapon.”

Twilight glanced outside the tent where she saw a squad of Snowtroopers escort a group of criminals, including Black Sun operatives out of the base and into the unforgiving snow. Not too far behind were some Broadsword Repulsortanks with their cannons aimed at the group of prisoners at all times.

“Who are they?” She asked.

“The worst of criminals.” Thrawn said standing next to her while staring at the group. “Rapist, slavers, murderers, you name it.”

“So what’s going to happen to them?”

Thrawn gave a slight shrug.

“Justice. Crime cannot be tolerated. Criminals thrive on the indulgence of society’s understanding.”

He could sense anger welling up inside Twilight, considering she was gripping her towel much harder and her breathing became erratic.

“A fitting...punishment for the ones who betrayed Spike and I.”

Thrawn chuckled and put his cup on a box next to Twilight.

“But do you really believe that?”

Immediately, Twilight froze at his comment.

“Deep inside, I know you still long for the old days. A part of you still cannot believe they would do such a thing.”

“But it’s just...it’s unlike them. It’s like they’ve become totally different people.”

“I don’t know them personally Twilight. What I do know is power and money corrupts. Maybe you didn’t notice it before, but perhaps they were changing little by little.”

Twilight sighed.

“No, I know they’re not themselves. I just need to find proof.”

The Grand Admiral smiled.

“One day you’ll catch yourself wishing the person you loved had never existed so you’d be spared the pain.” He patted her shoulder reassuringly. “There are those who must be fought without hesitation, without pity. I hope you won’t hesitate just because you were friends once.”
Thrawn walked out of the tent and into the busy base.

“Let me know when you’re ready to train again!” He yelled without looking back.

Twilight looked down at her cup of coffee. He was right, she does long for the old days and she’s afraid of hesitating once she encounters her old friends again.

You know, you’re too kind for your own good. Traya said in her mind.

But she does have guts, I’ll give her that. A little rough around the edges but we can work around it. Vectivus responded.

So when are you going to teach me? Twilight asked.

Patience young one. For now, we have a task for you.

Grand Admiral Thrawn

Funna Research Base, Legong De, Nirauan System

Thrawn stepped into the command tent near the landed Dreadnaught with a huff. Inside, Commander Stent who wore the black uniform of the Chiss Expansionary Defense Force but with the emblem of the Empire of the Hand on his shoulder, and General Mosh Barris crowded around a holotable.

“The situation...is not looking good.” Stent said looking at a hologram of the galaxy.

“It irks me that we cannot interfere should we risk the secrecy of our territory.” Barris said.

“All we can do is shore up defenses. I believe our forces are sufficient?” Thrawn asked. The two officers finally noticed his presence and separated to give the Grand Admiral room on the holotable. “So Kaine’s territory is shrinking faster than anticipated. On the other hand, Imperial forces on other fronts are gaining ground. Not good, but not terrible either.”

“And Grant’s made it to N’zoth.” Stent said. “But apparently, there’s going to be an expected uprising according to Loor’s contacts.”

“Expected.” Thrawn nodded. “Weblin is short-sighted and doesn’t have a good history appointing capable officers. I sent Major Sorannan specifically to help Grand Moff Weblin understand the Yevethan people. Hopefully, Weblin takes Sorannan’s advice.”

“But it doesn’t make sense though.” said General Barris. “Why would the Yevethans rebel now when Imperial forces are still strong, especially when none of the slaves are working in the shipyards? Are they aiming to kill Grant, Weblin, and Rax?”

Thrawn shook his head.

“No, the Yevethans are smarter than you give credit for. They would never have rebelled at this moment if they didn’t receive help. While the Yevethans distract our forces and draw them planetside-”

Stent’s eyes widened.

“A Rebel fleet jumps in to attack the fleet there with their backs turned.”

The Grand Admiral smiled.

“Precisely, which is why I alerted a friend of ours on standby should the Rebels attack.”

The hologram expanded to show a wider view of the area of the galaxy.

“As we speak, a fleet under Grand Admiral Martio Batch with his stealth SSD Terror lies hidden, cloaked on the planet of Galantos. When the alert has finally been sent, Batch will jump in with his fleet and we will finally see his creations in action.” said the Grand Admiral. He pressed several buttons which turned the hologram of the galaxy into a black Executor-class Super Star Destroyer and the designs of the new TIE Phantom.

“What the…” Barris said looking at the holograms slack jawed. “How come we don’t have this?”

“Because Mosh, Batch is an expert in this field and he’s only recently created them. Do not worry, we will have the same soon enough. Meanwhile, we have our own toys.”

With a push of a button, the hologram turned into eight titanic warships.

“The Legator-class Super Carrier. Can carry up to 1,500 starfighters. Original design didn’t have hangers and was purely a ship-of-the-line, but I’m restructuring our Naval forces around Carrier Battlegroups. Fleets will now center themselves around our Secutors, Venators, Lucrehulks, and Legators. The Legators can pack a punch, but less armaments than a Bellator. They’re real strength lies on the starfighters it carries. However, no carriers in our Navy may be allowed without escort.

Rebel forces have defeated Imperial fleets multiple times due to their tactics revolving around their superior starfighters. Well, I plan to change that.”

“So where are they?” Barris asked. Thrawn responded with a smile that confused Stent and Barris.

“You’re standing on top of one.”

Assertor-class Super Star Destroyer Wrath

Ansel Hsiao, Head of Shipbuilding and Naval Research

In orbit over Nirauan

“What the hell is this?”

Wearing the uniform of an Imperial engineer but wearing black officer’s cap. The bearded man frowned at the design presented to him on his datapad.

“Well sir,” said a young engineer standing beside him nervously. “It’s the design of a new Star Destroyer presented by the guys in R&D.”

“This...Xyston-class, is a piece of trash.” Hsiao looked at the engineer. “It’s basically an ISD I with a big gun slapped on to it. Not to mention, the gun itself is a major weakness.”

“Yes sir. I’ll let them know your opinion of the Xyston design.”

Hsiao nodded.

“Good, now go. And message Pellaeon on the progress of his own designs.”

The engineer quickly left Hsiao who hummed in thought about the progress the Empire of the Hand made to be self-sufficient. At this point, it might as well be a completely separate government. Palpatine and his inner circle never interfered with other than sending new forces to bolster Thrawn’s already massive power. His thoughts were interrupted when his datapad beeped and he looked at it.

“Hmmm, Turbulent and Resurgent. Now these designs look more promising.” He said to himself.

While he was busy, engineers worked relentless around him. In the middle of the room, two projectors, one on the ceiling and another on the floor slowly lit up.

Imperial Palace, Coruscant, Inner Rim

Emperor Sheev Palpatine

The Emperor’s personal office

Being the Emperor of the Galactic Empire brought many benefits to Sheev Palpatine. Lavish parties where the most powerful people in the galaxy work hard for his praise, the most powerful Armed Forces the galaxy has ever seen, an apprentice who is nearly all powerful, and the cursed Jedi are on very thin ice.

“-therefore, I believe it would be beneficial for the Empire if you can my Emperor, lift up restrictions on travel to the Unknown Regions which is a gold mine of untapped resources.”

Palpatine continued to stare at the nervous Human businessman. He’s heard this before so many times from Thrawn. Businessmen would approach the Grand Admiral to have his blessing to reaped the resources in the Unknown Regions. Every single time, the Grand Admiral would decline.

The Emperor saw the wisdom in Thrawn’s decisions. Unnecessary corporate involvement increases the chances of exposing Thrawn’s work to the galaxy. Doing so anyways is just asking to get blackmailed.

He couldn’t be more clear to the powerful elites that he has placed his trust in the Grand Admiral and fully support his decisions. Any protests to the Emperor’s decision was ignored completely, but that didn’t stop greedy businessmen and politicians to try and find ways to open up the Unknown Regions. Last he heard, one businessman tried anyways and went to the Unknown Regions personally with a mercenary fleet. The businessman’s plan was to set up shop on a planet using a map of one of the few known planets in the Unknown Regions and take the resources.

They were quickly intercepted by one of Thrawn’s Carrier Battle Groups and were wiped out. Palpatine was pleased that Thrawn was using Carriers to their full potential. He always had headaches whenever he heard any news that an Imperial Commander tried to use a Secutor like a Star Destroyer which ended up getting destroyed.

These things aren’t cheap. Palpatine thought bitterly.

The elderly Emperor continued to ignore the businessman until he felt a disturbance in the force, causing his eyes to widen a little.

“Leave, I wish to be alone.” He declared.

The Royal Guards bowed before swiftly leaving the office, but the businessman stood his ground.

“But, my lord. My proposal-”

“Denied. I’ve said it a thousand times and I’ll say it again. I fully support Grand Admiral Thrawn’s decision to close off the Unknown Regions.”

Internally, Palpatine relished in the man’s disappointment and he smirked as he saw the man leave in a hurry. The elite continued to believe they can do what they want. Perhaps, they need to be reminded that he couldn’t be pushed around like his predecessors.

Once alone, Palpatine let out a sigh and closed his eyes, determined to find the disturbance.

Here we go again. He thought.

Sweet Apple Acres, Equestria, Equis

Applejack

Inside the rebuilt home of the Apple family, the sole resident tossed and turned on her bed. She gritted her teeth with tears forming underneath her eyelids. Her head was in pain and the many voices plagued Applejack.

“I have been every voice…” echoed Granny Smith’s voice.

“...you have ever heard…” followed by her father’s.

“...inside your head.” finalized by a deep, demonic voice.

Wha-what is this? Applejack thought.

“Applejack, my dear. Are you alright?” comforted her mother’s voice.

Ma what is this? What’s going on?

“Outside forces, somepony’s trying to invade your mine. I-”

“Well well well, isn’t this peculiar.” interrupted and unrecognizable voice of an elder being.

“You, you are not welcome here!” her mother all but yelled.

“So the Sith Empire’s Project Nightmare half-succeeded. You live yet, so so weak.”

“GET OUT!”

There was silence as whatever that unknown was left her mind.

What was that Ma?

“That...is somepony dangerous my dear. There are beings out there who would destroy our society. You have listened to my word all this time, don’t stop now. Follow my every word and we will stop the evil forces. We will stop the rebels, the dark forces out there, even Twilight Sparkle. For Applebloom, for all of us.”

Applejack’s body stopped shaking as it relaxed.

“Yes ma.”

Across the galaxy, Emperor Palpatine sat on his throne and cackled. Another potential tool for him has been found.

Black Fifteen Shipyard, N’zoth, Farlax Sector

Grand Admiral Octavian Grant

“Have to say it, I’m very impressed.” Grant said. The Grand Admiral was walking down a hallway of an orbital station alongside Grand Moff Weblin, a new addition to their group.

“Thank you Grand Admiral. Thanks to the recent offensives, pressure in this sector has been relieved and we were able to finish far ahead of our schedule.” Weblin said as they stopped in front of a window. The Grand Moff was a prim and proper man of average height. He had a narrow shaped face, light skin, black hair, and a painters style mustache.

“Yes, and now we have more tools to be used. Though, we do have a little problem.”

They looked out the window which gave a perfect view of the Black Fifteen Orbital Shipyard. 5 ISDs plus 39 Victory-class Star Destroyers were stationed in the multiple shipyards around N’zoth. Another 34 ISDs, 42 VSDs, 44 Dreadnaught-class Heavy Cruisers, and various Strikes, Lancers, and Tartans acted as a defense fleet.

However, the main powerhouse were the 3 Super Star Destroyers docked with Black Fifteen itself: Ravager, Intimidator, and Arbitrator. Ravager was fully equipped and its crew arrived recently, all waiting to be taken command of by Gallius Rax.

Meanwhile, the Intimidator was fully completed though its crew have not yet arrived. Only a skeleton crew manned the titan.

Arbitrator was nearly completed, only missing a few engines and some turbolaser batteries.

A fourth Super Star Destroyer meant to be part of the Dark Fleet, named the Razor’s Kiss, was being finished in Kuat. More effort can now be placed in finishing Dreadnoughts being constructed in both Kuat and Byss thanks to the Imperial Counter-Offensives.

The downside is the Empire suffered heavy losses in earlier campaigns so capital ships had to be pulled from certain fleets like Grand Moffs Kaine and Zsinj to assist in the counter-offensives. This made the hydras worried as some of them landed in the hands of rivals like Grand Admiral Rufaan Tigellinus.

With Tigellinus’ sieging Keskin and securing the sectors surrounding Hoth and Bespin while Death Squadron headed for Endor, Syn relieving the besieged Imperial forces on Kashyyyk, Takel taking Bothawui, Grunger taking Onderon, and Makati taking Ajan Kloss in an effort to relieve Kaine’s forces, the Imperial War Machine was threatening to overextend itself.

That is why it was imperative to finish the construction of reserve fleets like the Dark Fleet. It couldn’t come fast enough as word is Kaine’s forces are being stretched thin.

“I take it our little problem is Gallius Rax?” Weblin asked.

“Yes,” Grant said crossing his arms across his chest. “Too bad he’s taking the Ravager. Now we gotta figure out a way to get it back. Every Super Star Destroyer not in our hands can deal serious damage.”

“Sir!”

The duo whirled around to find an Imperial officer standing in attention in front of them.

“Ah, Major Sorannan.” Began Weblin as he shook the Major’s hand. “Glad you’ve arrived. Terribly sorry about your imprisonment, but I’ve read your files. You’ll be a valuable member to my staff.”

Sil’s face remained impassive.

“Sirs, I should inform you that Grand Admiral Thrawn inducted me into your group.”

Grant and Weblin froze.

“So no need to be so discrete then?” Grant asked.

“No sir. I have a message from Thrawn however.”

Weblin nodded and motioned him to continue.

“The Grand Admiral said to beware of the Yevetha. He believes they will stage an uprising at the right moment.”

Grant thought about it for a minute.

“Hmmm, if I were the Yevetha, I would stage my uprising when onboard the almost incomplete Star Destroyers and take control.”

“And the Black Fifteen Shipyard has fearsome defensive armaments. Those bloody turrets can hold the defense fleet back long enough for them to take control of the SSDs.” Weblin said. “Not to worry Major, I took precaution after meeting Thrawn and had them placed on the planet when construction is nearly complete.”

“Sir, if I may. You’re underestimating the Yevethans. They’re smarter than that.”

The Grand Moff blinked in visual confusion.

“What are you saying Major?”

“I’m saying sir, Grand Admiral Thrawn believes the Yevethans are prepared to fight Imperials forces led by you, but likely, not under Grand Admiral Grant or Fleet Admiral Rax.”

To their surprise, the klaxon blared right after the Major’s statement.

“GENERAL QUARTERS! GENERAL QUARTERS! ALL HANDS MAN YOUR BATTLESTATIONS! THIS IS NOT A DRILL! I REPEAT, THIS IS NOT A DRILL!”

“We need to get to the command center!” Grant said before he sprinted down the hallway. Not far behind, Sorannan and Weblin followed.

It didn’t take long before they bursted into the command room where officers fractically worked.

“I need the sitrep now!” Weblin yelled while the trio approached a holotable. “What the bloody hell is going on!”

A dark-skinned female officer walked up to the holotable and the hologram of the planet was then littered with red dots.

“Sirs! Roughly 10 minutes ago, we received reports of riots and unknown ships appearing over cities and the shipyards groundside. The Governor said he had the situation under control and told us not to worry. Then, he went dark and we received this.”

She pressed a button and the hologram was replaced by the bloodied body of the Imperial Governor with a Yevethan Male standing over it.

“My name is Nil Spaar, and this is the fate of all you Imperials.” Nil Spaar said before sticking a flagpole in the Governor’s right eye. “Death I say to all of you and your families. This is only the beginning!”

The recording stopped and it was only then did the trio realize the room was quiet.

“Well,” Weblin shrugged. “Can’t say he didn’t deserve that. Never liked that creep.”

Grant waved his comment off.

“Doesn’t matter. I’m taking command temporarily if that’s okay with you.”

Weblin grimaced. He preferred being in control, but even he knew his limits. Someone highly experienced lik Grant can get things done quicker and smoother.”

“Very well, I assume everything will be on the table?”

“I’m not the kind of person to order a Base Delta Zero, but I will if I have to. Right now, our problem is we still have personnel down there.”

“Don’t forget the ships down there too.” Weblin said. The hologram turned into a shipyard down on the surface showing 12 VSDs, 7 ISDs, numerous Lancers, Strikes, and Tartans, and a pair of Immobilizer 418s. They were organized in two lines.

“This is live?” asked the Major, watching the shipyard defences and personnel fight off the natives with the air filled with ball-shaped ships with engines and turrets slapped on them.

“Unfortunately.” Commented Weblin as he saw a pair of the ships strafe a docked Tartan causing it to explode. “We need to deploy all of our fighters too.”

“No,” Grant said while staring at the hologram intensely. “We’ll send 7 Star Destroyers to secure and evacuate besieged positions. 2 will go to the shipyard and a group of escorts. Clear the skies so the ships can be launched. Another 10 will be on standby to assist if necessary. It would be foolish to commit all of our forces.”

“You suspect something?” asked Weblin.

“Yeah.” Grant said quietly. “From the limited knowledge I possess of Yevethans, they’re extremely crafty. I have a feeling they have something up their sleeves.

Weblin nodded and turned to a group of officers who were listening.

“You heard the Grand Admiral. I also need one of you to alert Fleet Admiral Gallius Rax on the Ravager of what has transpired and I need one of you to alert Coruscant immediately.”

“SIR!” The officers saluted before carrying out their tasks.

“I need to head back to the Oriflamme to coordinate the battle. Major Sorannan, you will assist me.” Grand said to Weblin and Sorannan. “Weblin, do you have a flagship?”

The Grand Moff nodded.

“The Gnisnal. It’s currently guarding Black Fifteen with the Adarga, Invincible, Redoubtable, the VSDs Harridan and Valorous, and a modified experimental Victory currently called the Rakehell under Project EX-F. Currently, the Rakehell doesn’t have a commanding officer.”

Grant turned to Sorannan.

“Do you know how to command a ship?”

“Well sir, I used to be a pilot but I did spend time in the Naval Academy. Got kicked out because I beat the instructor several times in the simulations and he didn’t like it so he got me expelled through some trumped up charges. Also learned a bit under Thrawn and my cellmate was a Star Destroyer Captain who taught me everything I needed to know in commanding a Star Destroyer.”

The Grand Admiral smiled.

“Very good. Change of plans Major, you’ll command the Rakehell.”

Sorannan was flabbergasted.

“Wha-but sir, I’m just a Major.”

Grant’s face turned serious.

“Well you’re now in the Navy. Anybody who has a problem has to deal with me. Now go and get to your ship Captain. You're long due for a promotion anyways.”

The red head’s mouth was agape as a fish. Both Grant and Weblin snickered as Sorannan walked out to carry out his duties, his face never changing.

Now up two ranks and in the Navy? It’s like...a dream coming to reality. The Major thought.

Admiral Voss Parck

Command Centre, Nirauan, Empire of the Hand

“-do you all understand your mission?”

Before Thrawn’s hologram stood pilots of the 181st and several naval officers. The audience filled the entire command centre. General Soontir Fel stood to his left with Admiral Voss Parck to Thrawn’s right.

“I have a question sir.” said Turr Phennir who raised his hand. Thrawn responded with a nod. “Would this expose us if we are captured?”

“That’s IF you get captured Captain.” answered Fel. “The Storm Commandos taking part in this mission are from Grand Admiral Rufaan Tigellinus’ command and the cloaked ships are loaned from Grand Admiral Martio Batch’s command. However, our scouts are from here.”

“The ones who are at most risk being captured are the Storm Commandos who have no knowledge of what’s going on here. Only a select few know the 181st are under the Grand Admiral’s overall command. However, in the slim chance anyone of you or crewmembers of our scout ships get captured or in danger of being captured, you will all be issued suicide pills.” finished Parck.

“Make no mistake.” Thrawn said stepping forward. “This is another chance for you all to shed Rebel blood, to send a message. As much as I dislike Grand Admiral Tigellinus, I am inclined to provide assistance considering a Jedi Master will be present.”

Many eyes widened at that thought. They’ve heard of the feats of the Jedi in the battlefield, especially when fighting Inquisitors, but their deployment to the Unknown Regions means they never got to face them.

“I know all of you are eager to take on a Jedi,” said Admiral Parck. “But they are foes not to be trifled with. Timing is of the essence here. Considering what we learned from the spooks, if we time things right, the higher ranking Rebel officers will be planetside forcing the Jedi to command the fleet. Doing so removes another threat from the Storm Commandos.”

Before they could continue, a Lieutenant walked up behind Parck and whispered to his ear.

“Sir, the guest is ready for the welcome party.

Parck nodded and turned to Thrawn and Fel

“I’m sure the pilots will be do their job. Just let them know, don’t let Weir leave alive.”

Thrawn nodded.

“Don’t worry. Delvardus has that covered.”

Darth Vader

ISD Reprisal

Zygerria, Chorlian Sector, Outer Rim

“Why? Why are you doing this?”

Vader looked down at the hologram of King Atai Molec of the Zygerrian Slave Empire.

“Because at this point your majesty,” Vader said. “Your little Empire no longer has any use for us. Now, you’re merely an annoyance. We’re here to tie in loose ends.”

“Then...then we’ll join the Rebellion. We’ll get you back for this treachery.” Molec snarled.

“Good. Do so, but I believe even the Rebels would applaud my work here.”

Whatever Molec was about to say was interrupted when rubble landed near the King before the hologram fizzled out.

Satisfied, Vader calmly strolled to the viewport of the bridge. Beside him, Commander Demmings gazed as the Imperial fleet bombarded the capital from orbit. Floating around the planet was the planet’s defense fleet, once proud, now burning hulks.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Demmings said. The Dark Lord said nothing, but he agreed.

As a reward for Hoth and pushing the Rebels’ plans back, the Emperor gave his apprentice command of a fleet led by the Reprisal for a “redemption tour”. Vader brought the fleet to various planets that have earned his anger in the past starting with the planet Jazbina where he bombarded their planet and killed their princess.

His redemption tour ended here, in Zygerria where his desire to end their pathetic slave empire started back in the Clone Wars. Curiously, Vader refused to go to Tatooine.

The fleet had to penetrate deep through Rebel territory, razing planets and bases to get to the besieged slave empire. Fortunately for the Imperials, the Zygerrians believed they were a relief force meant to break the Rebel siege. However, they soon found Vader’s intentions when the 30 strong Star Destroyer Fleet devastated Zygerria’s defenses with minimal casualties.

His redemption tour comes to a close, now the fleet needs to retreat back to friendlier territories leaving behind a devastated slave empire. Vader was no fool however, he knew his master’s intentions.

With the Empire clearly betraying the Zygerrians, the slavers will then turn to the Rebels for help. On one hand, if Mon Mothma accepts them, it relieves many of their forces to fight the Empire but at the cost of public opinion. If they don’t, they’re looking at a longer siege which will draw Rebel forces away from the Imperial offenses.

Vader honestly liked the plan, and it sounded like Thrawn had a hand in it. This was it, once back in Imperial space, Vader returns to his fleet on Endor while the 30 Star Destroyers return to Admiral Karyn Faro’s command on Byss.

Endor, Lord Vader had an issue with the battle plans. He favored someone like Thrawn or Osvald Teshik having command of the fleet, but his master wanted Nial Declann to use his battle mediation when the time comes. Even Vader knew Declann was a weak tactician.

But his master’s word was final. Hopefully, in Vader’s mind, something good will come out of this for him personally.

Spike

Hand of Thrawn Fortress, Nirauan, Empire of the Hand

Breathe, just breathe.

High up on a balcony, the little brother of Twilight stood straight with his eyes closed.

Breathe.

His eyes opened slowly. He gazed at the bustling city. Fists clenched, a steady stream of green fire seeped from his mouth and surrounded his body. Spike groaned in frustration trying to concentrate.

If one were to look closer, two lumps of fire began to protrude from the back side of his “fire armor”. Never before, had he focused this hard. Without warning, a brief vision of Twilight falling into a lake after the ice under her collapsed with Thrawn on the ground nearby distracted him.

Focus lost, the fire armor disappeared and Spike collapsed with a groan.

“You okay?”

Spike looked up to see Aero crouched down near his head.

“Yeah, I’m okay. Just...lost focus.”

The pilot helped Spike up.

“Well big guy, if you really need help in concentrating,” Aero motioned for Spike to get closer so he can whisper in his ear. “Ask Thrawn when he gets back if you can learn a little from the AWOLs downstairs.”

“AWOLs?” Spike asked.

“If anyone asks, I didn’t say anything. Alright?”

Before they could continue, a loud explosion from the downtown grabbed the attention of everyone in the Fortress.

“The hell was that?” Aero asked.

Taxtro Grave

Hand of Judgement

Downtown Sanctuary City, Nirauan, Empire of the Hand

Civilians screamed and speeders swerved on main street of Sanctuary City’s Shopping District. 3 Speeder Bikes flew by.

On the most forward speeder bike, a Human male wearing blue pants, brown boots, and a red leather jacket fired his blaster pistol back at his pursuers.

“Son of a bitch! This guy’s gonna get civies killed!” Shouted out a man on a pursuing speeder bike. He wore a customized TIE pilot uniform with armored pieces attached to his chest, shoulders, and knees. On his helmet was a giant white X-mark that crossed across his face.

“Thanks for pointing out the obvious Joak!”

Beneath his pilot helmet, Joak Quiller frowned and gave his friend on the other speeder bike a middle finger.

Riding the last speeder bike, a Stormtrooper with black armor wore a black hood and a scarf wrapped around his neck with a bow and quiver strapped to his back. Much like Mic, the visor on his helmet was not separated but was colored red.

“Are you going to fucking shoot him or not Edgy Taskmaster?” Joak yelled.

“He’s heading towards the industrial district. Streets should start clearing as we get closer!”

Taxtro Grave was feeling very irritated. The duo were suppose to meet Daric LaRone, Korlo Brightwater, and Saberan Marcross at a cafe. They got a call that a suspected Black Sun operative was in their area and were ordered to apprehend the suspect. A simple smash and grab quickly turned into a pursuit after a landspeeder that ran a red light nearly hit them.

The trio swerved through traffic, no doubt getting the attention of the local police. Some civilians on their own speeder bikes even followed them while recording the chase with datapads.

“Any day now!” The pilot yelled.

Once the road became cleared, Taxtro smiled.

Now!

Taxtro stood up on his bike, carefully balancing so he wouldn’t fall. The sniper pulled out his customized bow and explosive tipped arrow and took aim.

Civvies want a show huh?

He let go, watching the arrow fly at unbelievable speeds. The arrow flew past the Black Sun Operative’s head causing his eyes to widen. Before he could react, the arrow exploded which sent the criminal and his bike flying.

Taxtro and Joak watched the criminal’s body tumble multiple times on the road before coming to a stop. The two Imperials quickly stopped their bikes and rushed to check on their target. Joak had his SE-44C Blasted at the ready while Taxtro notched another arrow, one that was blunted with multiple small spikes on it. Electricity coursed through the arrow tip.

“Dead?” Taxtro asked.

Joak kneeled down to check the man’s pulse.

“Just unconscious.” Joak said with a sigh of relief. “Barris would’ve grilled our ass if he died in what was supposed to be a simple arrest.”

“You guys done?”

The duo looked to their left and was surprised to see the leader of their squad just sitting on a chair in front of a cafe drinking tea.

“When I said you guys need to meet me at this cafe, I didn’t expect a high speed chase ending right in front of me and every police officer from all corners showing up.” said LaRone.

On cue, they heard multiple police sirens in the distance.

“Aw fuck.” muttered Taxtro.

Ezra Bridger

Jedi Padawan/Imperial Prisoner

Hand of Thrawn Fortress, Nirauan, Empire of the Hand

Ezra could not describe how strange it was for him. He was offloaded Thrawn’s flagship, flown over a bustling city, and then brought all the way down to the basement of this fortress by some officer who claims to be Thrawn’s mentor.

“So...how was training Thrawn like?” Ezra asked. The group of Death Troopers and Storm Commandos following them glared at the back of his head.

“Pleasant, he was better than I admittingly in the end, but he took my teachings to heart.” Parck said keeping his eyes forward down the empty hallway.

“Did that include bombarding a city with innocent people in it?” Ezra asked with a glare towards the Admiral. He could sense the anger building up among the troopers behind him.

“No, but I didn’t disagree with Thrawn’s strategy either. I would’ve done the same. He did tell me that he shouldn’t have low balled your Rebel cell. Was too merciful to Admiral Konstantine and Agent Kallus, and should’ve taken drastic measures to change the command staff given to him. Most of all, he admitted that he severely underestimated the powers of a Jedi like you, Ezra Bridger.”

Ezra smiled a little after being reminded that he one-upped the Grand Admiral.

“Privately, he told me, even with all of the books he possessed, he can’t truly understand the Jedi or the Sith without being one. That itself, is an impossibility as he doesn’t have Force Abilities.”

They stopped in front of a blast door.

“So he decided to work around it.”

The Jedi Padawan felt his handcuffs taken off followed by a push in the back towards the door. Parck eyed the beard Ezra grew and the orange jumpsuit as the younger man glared back at him.

“I’ll be sure to send some fresh clothes and a shaving kit. Now go meet your new friends.” Parck said before the blast door slid shut.

Ezra continued to glare at the door before he relented with a huff of annoyance.

“Friends? What did he mean by that?” He turned around and saw light coming from the corner. “Guess it’s time to find out.”

Bridger cautiously walked around the corner and gasped at what awaited him.

It was like a lounge, with sofas, a monitor on a wall, and a table filled with food. But what surprised him were the people occupying it.

On a sofa watching some kind of sports game was a man in a black and white Mandalorian armor, a black-haired male Human in dark gray and black robes, and a female Human with dirty brown hair wearing brown Jedi robes. Nearby on a table, a Togrutan female was playing with a datapad with an annoyed look on her face while a Zabrak female wearing black pants and a leather jacket was annoying her.

At the other side of the room, a group of people were huddled around a holotable watching what appears to be a battle. Among the group, there was a tall male Human with a black cloak, and black armor covering his body except his head which had brown hair and a scar going down his right cheek. Next to him, Ezra could only describe him as a Tusken wearing Jedi clothing which sent weird vibes to Ezra. Laughing at something he was witnessing on the holotable, another man in a black cloak and light skin had cybernetic attachments to the right side of his face.

At a corner nearby, a Shistavanen male in brown clothing with some armor pieces on him was curled up on the floor sleeping peacefully. Right next to the sleeping alien, an elderly Abyssin male in a brown cloak sat in a meditative position.

It was weird for Ezra. He felt warm, but also cold? There was a weird mixture of both light and dark that confused him.

“Oh you must be the new guy, Ezra Bridger right?”

Ezra jumped a little and looked to his right. A woman in slim black armor with the Empire’s crest on her shoulder held her hand out for a handshake. He couldn’t tell who she was because she was wearing a black helmet similar to the Inquisitors he fought.

She noticed what Ezra was looking at and chuckled.

“Sorry, forgot it was rude of me.”

The woman grasped her helmet and took it off. Bridger gasped as he was met with the friendly smile of a Mirialan female that reminded him of someone.

“My name is Barriss Offee. Pleased to meet you.”

General Hera Syndulla

MC80 Star Cruiser Geist, Plooma, Outer Rim

Hera stood before a holotable projecting the map of the sector plus the holograms of officers in her fleet including Sabine, Kallus, and Zeb.

“-while Grand Moff Ardus Kaine’s fleet is distracted elsewhere, we will take Bastion while their defenses are down. The reinforcement fleet will arrive soon after to keep the planet in our hands.” Hera explained. “Sabine and her Commandos will infiltrate Bastion’s HQ and hack into their databanks so we can have an accurate map of Thrawn’s territory. We leave the moment the reinforcement fleet arrives.”

She looked around at the determined faces of the officers in her fleet.

“This may define the outcome of this war. We don’t know what Thrawn’s been doing, but whatever it is. We will put a stop to this. For the Rebellion, and for all those that blue-skinned bastard took away from us.”

The officers cheered in agreement and clapped at their superior’s declaration.

“Now go, get your ships prepared. We strike Bastion now!”

All of the holograms disappeared, all except for 3 familiar ones.

“Are you sure Ezra is Thrawn’s prisoner?” Sabine asked.

The Twi’lek nodded.

“I know Thrawn enough to know even he wouldn’t turn Ezra over to be twisted by the Inquisitors.” muttered Kallus. “He would rather keep him for himself and use him for his own agenda. That agenda, I have no idea. What I do know is that he’s likely planning something behind the Emperor’s back. I’ve heard he’s had disagreements with the Emperor before and had some kind of conflict with Vader.”

“To hell with him.” Zeb said. “He can throw anything he wants, we can take it. We’ll free Ezra and whoever Thrawn has imprisoned. Then, we can take the Grand Admiral back with us kicking and screaming.”

Hera smiled at the mental image but quickly grew serious.

“Whatever happens, we stick together. No more mistakes.” Hera sighed sadly. “We do this for Ezra...and for Kanan.”

Force Ghost of Emperor Valkorion

Zakuul, Unknown Regions

The ghost of Valkorion stared up into the sky with his hands clasped behind his back. Not far away, another one of these Celestial Alliance Frigates fell to the ground in a mess of fire and steel. Just another kill for Zakuul’s local military with his assistance.

“So Sidious, you’ve found Nightmare finally.” He said. “You’ll find that an entity like Nightmare who can invade someone’s mind at its full potential is a double-edged sword. But you won’t live long to find out.”

Valkorion disappeared. Not far, in a cavern inside a mountain, the ghost reappeared among ancient artifacts sitting all around him.

“Your arrogance, shall be your downfall. From your ashes, shall rise a new galaxy.”

He stopped before a giant contraption that was surrounded by smoke. With a wave from his hand, the smoke dissipated to reveal what Valkorion has hidden from the galaxy.

In front of the ghost and attached to the machine, a feared warrior of old was frozen in carbonite.

“Your time to rise again is near. Patience is a virtue my friend. Once again, you will charge the battlefields and destroy all who stand in the way of destiny.

Warrior of the past, come forth. DARTH MALGUS!”

END OF ACT 1

Author's Note

Took longer than I would like. Forgive me, but I'm sure you all understand the predicament I'm in. Coronavirus affecting California hard.

I need to do what I can to get income for my family.

Stay safe, all of you. On to working on my other story.

As always

MayTheForceBeWithYou

FightOn✌