Chapter Text
ISD Chimaera, Lothal System
“We have a report, Grand Admiral,” said a young lieutenant, voice shaking slightly. Around them the bridge of the Chimaera hummed quietly, currently on night shift as below hung the day-brightened side of the planet Lothal. The view of the grassy continents and icy glaciers that travelers would come to expect was no more, shrouded in smog and the shadows of cruisers stationed in low orbit. Lothal was once again under Imperial control, and that it would remain.
Mitth’raw’nuruodo averted his gaze from the planet, red eyes flicking to stare calmly at the lieutenant.
“What is it?” he asked softly, already knowing the answer. There was only one thing it could be. And given the recent squabbles over its leadership and a renewed vigor amongst the rebels, it was not hard to deduce the scope of what had occurred, even if the finer details eluded him.
“The Death Star, sir. The Yavin rebels managed to detect a weak point. Admiral Motti, Moff Tarkin . . . they’re gone, sir.”
“And what of Lord Vader?”
“The report is saying he survived, sir.”
“How curious,” Thrawn mused. “Have the full memo sent to my personal data pad, lieutenant. I will review it later. That will be all.”
“Sir.” The lieutenant nodded stiffly before turning back to his post.
Thrawn returned his gaze to the viewport. Two of his largest adversaries, both gone in a matter of days. Krennic at Scarif, and now Tarkin at Yavin. He might have to send the rebels a thank you gift. While their demise would certainly shake the Imperial line of command, it was a necessary one. With their voices eliminated, perhaps the Emperor would be more amenable to refunding the TIE Defender project. So long as he didn’t try to forge ahead with another Project Stardust.
His mind turned to the aftershocks that might result from such a cataclysm. Beginning open warfare against the Empire with such an impressive victory would doubtless rile the other rebel cells to action. Of course, the blockade on Lothal also jammed any messages from going in or out but the rebels would find out eventually.
A demonstration of strength would serve to remedy any flickers of hope amongst the rebels and populace. Perhaps the capture and execution of one of their leadership.
Silently returning to his office aboard the Chimaera , Mitth’raw’nuruodo began to think.