Chapter 1: A Spark From Curiosity

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Summary: Following the events of Thrawn: Alliances, time grows short for Thrawn's people. Thrawn must see the Empire's new project for himself... and face the consequences.

Begins directly after Thrawn: Alliances and before Thrawn's re-appearance on Season 4 of Star Wars: Rebels. This is a canon-compliant story that will explore and follow events of Rebels season 4, with an alternate universe spark following Thrawn's curiosity and fear about The Death Star. Expect spoilers for "Thrawn," "Thrawn: Alliances," "Star Wars: Rebels," and general spoilers for books and comics centered around this prequel timeline.

Contains quotes and paraphrases from canon material in italicized groupings.

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"It is never wrong to be curious. But it can sometimes be dangerous." —Thrawn

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"You can't stop the change, any more than you can stop the suns from setting." — Shmi Skywalker

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"How long will you accept tyranny as a necessary part of Imperial rule?" Nightswan said. He stood in the dark across from Thrawn in a field of tall grass. A gentle breeze rustled the blue-green blades. The scene was a tense serenity.

Thrawn watched the brilliant lights of the Creekpath Mining Complex in the distance. Faint sounds of industry echoed from the facility. He relaxed slightly, as if relishing the last moments of calm and willing the moment to linger for just a bit longer.

However, he knew the thousands of people there were no doubt afraid of the Imperial presence in the skies above. Such an unusual calm amid uncertainty and fear.

Thrawn blinked slowly. After a moment he turned his gaze to Nightswan. "I do indeed serve the Empire... but-" His eyes lost focus for a second, almost as if Thrawn lost balance briefly. This made Nightswan nervous, but also worried.

"I also serve the causes of the Chiss Ascendancy," Thrawn said slowly.

Nightswan's eyes widened slightly and temptation rippled across his brow.

Thrawn took a slow breath. "If I deem this project to be a threat against them, I may find it necessary to reconsider my path."

Batonn was a slaughter.

No survivors were reported inside the perimeter of the shield. Insurgents and civilians perished together in a horrendous death trap beyond anything seen since the Clone War. The shield itself acted like a thermal barrier for explosives, ricocheting the explosive energy back down toward the Creekpath residents and trapping them amidst the horrors of brimstone and molten fire.

So much senseless loss of life. Why?

Why did he not anticipate Governor Arihnda Pryce? Not see her actions in time?

And he was forced to take credit for her slaughter...

Grand Admiral Thrawn stood on the bridge of the Chimaera with his hands clasped behind his back, watching intently out the main viewport. He stood alone. His white uniform brilliantly withheld the pearly mixture of light from the grandeur of space and the artificial illumination from his Star Destroyer. The gold bars upon his shoulders reflected the strength of his station.

Commodore Faro watched him closely from the tactical holo display. There was nothing on the targeting screen despite Thrawn's insistence to continue scanning. He was intent that something would be found here.

Outwardly Thrawn stood resolute, but inwardly… he experienced a turmoil of calculation and… emotion. Faro, after so much time under his command, could sense his disquiet. The subtle things gave him away. Every so often his thumb would rub across his wrist, and he had that same look of exhaustion he had as when observing Lord Vader during the space battle against the Grysk.

Thrawn had undoubtedly come to some sort of realization that he was unwilling to accept; however, she never knew what his conclusion came to be. Something about Grysk tactics she assumed and their consequences. Yes, she saw that same look upon him now, again.

Faro suddenly worried a threat unknown to the rest of the ship lingered out in the starry blackness. But surely, the Grand Admiral would alert her should there be a danger. No, something else lingered in Thrawn's eyes.

Bitterness.

All people have regrets. Warriors are no exception.

Thrawn's crimson eyes pierced into the starry grandeur of the nebula outside the viewport, considering the colors and auras only he could behold in the expanded spectrum of light. A portion of the cloud expanded in purplish, red brilliance.

He blinked slowly. It was sad the others couldn't perceive what he was able to see. His mind drifted to distant thoughts that plagued his mind as the colors faded back to a softer aura.

All forms of regret sear equally deeply into the mind and soul. Always beneath the scar lurks the thought and fear that there was something else that could have been done.

Thrawn remembered Emperor Palpatine's words.

"Ah," the Emperor said knowingly. "Your thoughts are laid bare, Mitth'raw'nuruodo. You fear that, once I have dealt with the rebels within my borders, I will turn my unstoppable weapon against your Chiss. Is that your concern?"

"Commodore Faro," Thrawn said smoothly. He motioned to the empty space next to him, a silent request to join him. Faro carefully walked around the tactical display and joined him alone at the end of the command walkway, showing deference to his position in front of the viewport.

She eyed him with a hint of worry once reaching his side. Yes, bitterness hung in the depths of his eyes, but there was a sadness there that she had never witnessed in the Chiss Grand Admiral. Concern latched to her brow.

"Yes, Grand Admiral?" Faro said quietly. They were out of earshot of the rest of the crew. "Is everything… is everything alright?"

Thrawn pursed his lips and raised his chin, not looking at her. Was he afraid to look her in the eye? Faro followed his gaze, and a short moment passed between them. Thrawn sensed her anxiety and her questions rising within her mind.

"There is a reason I brought the Chimaera here, to this place, Commodore Faro," Thrawn said slowly. "Please. Observe a moment."

He seemed fixated upon a single spot in the starry nebula, though Faro could not discern what held his attention. But it was not starry nothingness to Thrawn. There was a faint heat signature, but also something else. Something indistinct he was able to sense because of a secret he held; a secret he held for the sake of his people.

He felt it, though faintly; it was surely there. So many emotions emanated from beings held within the otherwise silent nebula. At a younger age, the source of his disquiet would be sharper within his Third Sight.

"Grand Admiral! Commodore!" The Tactical Officer rose from his station and rushed to the tactical display. Thrawn slightly turned, watching the officer quickly manipulate the holo display. A focused spot of space was brought up on the circular console. "Large target has just been scanned forward of our bow. It appears to be non-functional; perhaps under construction."

The object was blurry and shapeless, out of focus on the display. "Scans are incomplete though; there appears to be some sort of interference. We're trying to focus the scan, sir," the tactical officer said as he adjusted instruments on the tactical console.

"Orders, sir?" Faro asked Thrawn.

"Maintain current distance from the target." Thrawn said. "And continue a full sensor sweep of the area. Report any new… abnormalities."

"As ordered, aye sir." Faro said. "Helm be prepared to maneuver should the object move."

"Helm, aye," said the helm officer.

Faro turned to the tactical officer. "Continue scans as ordered."

"Watch for smaller ships orbiting the initial target," Thrawn said. "Though the interference we are experiencing may prevent such detail."

"If we decrease the Chimaera's distance to the object, Grand Admiral, we could achieve more detailed readings," the tactical officer said.

"Negative Lieutenant Commander," Thrawn said. "We mustn't make our presence known so clearly quite yet. Gather what you can from this distance."

"Aye sir, expanding scanner coverage."

Faro overlooked the bridge with pride. Every crew member vigorously carried out their orders. They were honored to be stationed aboard the Chimaera, but perhaps also gratefully lucky considering the stories of what could happen aboard other Star Destroyers in the Imperial Fleet.

Each one of them was loyal to Thrawn, not only because of his great tactical skill and leadership style, but because Thrawn gave them his loyalty first. Their lives seemed to be important to him, which was sadly rare in the Empire.

Leadership is a role and a task that should never be aspired to lightly. Neither should loyalty be given without reason. A true leader will work to prove worthy of a deeper trust.

When Lord Vader served aboard the Chimaera during their mission in the Unknown Region, there were many times when Faro observed Thrawn subtly redirecting the Dark Lord's ire from perceived failures among the crew. Thrawn would often insert himself as the clear target for Vader and his anger. Faro sometimes wondered if that was part of Thrawn's consideration while going on the mission with Vader alone to the surface of Batuu. The result was getting the Dark Lord off his ship and away from those aboard the Chimaera.

"What do you observe Commodore Faro?" Thrawn said quietly. He was focused once again on a single spot outside the main viewport.

Faro turned her attention back to the Grand Admiral. She was comforted a bit by his question, which offered a familiar test and a teaching moment of sorts that was common among their careers together. She always enjoyed learning from Thrawn. She considered the readings from the tactical display across the bridge and looked out the viewport as she attempted to put the pieces together in her mind.

"Well Grand Admiral, the interference is unusual for this area of space," Faro said. She pulled a tablet from a console in front of them and cued up the reading of the unknown target from the tactical display. "And considering the size of the target the Chimaera found, that tells me the obscurity could be deliberate."

Thrawn nodded and hummed an affirmative.

Faro ran the numbers in her head as she glanced over the readings. The scan suddenly updated, and a sense of dread nearly overcame her. Perhaps she had just realized the source of Thrawn's disquiet, but how would he be aware of this already?

She angled the tablet for Thrawn to see. "Grand Admiral, if the numbers are correct for this structure, it's basically the size of a small moon," Faro said. "It is considered incomplete still? And look at the power readings that have just updated, sir. The potential destructive power of what is being built here is… astronomical."

Thrawn looked down at the tablet and immediately understood the calculated dread he felt from her. He had felt that same dread for a long time once putting the pieces of this clandestine project together.

Thrawn thought of his people. He feared for his people.

He thought of his conversation with Emperor Palpatine once again.

"I would certainly not wish to see my aid to you and your Empire subverted to conquest or destruction," Thrawn said. "But I would also warn against diverting too many of the Empire's resources from a flexible navy of capital ships and starfighters to massive projects that can bring the Imperial presence to only one system at a time."

"Allow me to allay your fears," the Emperor said. "I have no designs against your people. Indeed, I have noted that despite your assistance in mapping the Unknown Region hyperspace routes, you have kept the location of Chiss worlds and bases secret. That is acceptable. I don't begrudge you the defense of your people."

Thrawn had felt the Emperor's malice and heard it in his words back then. He felt that same malice echoed now, as he looked at the tablet in Faro's delicate hands. He already knew what it was, though he needed to see it for himself. That is why he brought the Chimaera here; it is where his research led him.

This target undoubtedly was the Death Star.

Thrawn reached for the tablet to look closer at the detailed readings, but Faro didn't let the tablet go. In a bold move, she held onto the tablet, stopping Thrawn in his movement. She wanted him to look at her. It was such a small movement, but this amounted to the abruptness of a ship losing power and unexpectedly dropping out of hyperspace.

Thrawn paused but kept the tension on his pull of the tablet. He set his jaw, slowly rose his eyes up and met Faro's determined gaze with his crimson orbs. He saw her determination but also her worry. His eyes flinched narrow for a quick moment, as Thrawn considered her boldness.

Faro felt a quick shiver of ice run through her veins, but she held his gaze and turned her hesitation into assertiveness. Even she was surprised a little at her own brashness. She was worried about him, but also now concerned for the wellbeing of the Chimaera and the crew.

"Sir," Faro whispered. "Should the Chimaera go into tactical alert? What is this? I know something troubles you, and I have the feeling you already know what…" She nods her head toward the viewport, "…this is." The target had become faintly visible despite their massive distance as it seemingly drifted along its path.

Thrawn held her gaze another moment, unmoving. It was almost as if information Faro couldn't quite decipher was echoing from his crimson eyes toward her own. He angled his chin up and returned his hand into position behind his back.

Faro saw a sadness again that unnerved her so much. Perhaps sensing this, Thrawn turned back to look out at what only he knew as the Death Star. He took a deep breath, as if steeling himself.

"What have I told you about this place Commodore Faro?" Thrawn said quietly. "My… mission here?"

Faro glanced at the tablet. She held it as if it were a delicate flower in both hands and then looked out the viewport, following Thrawn's gaze. She suddenly felt small. "Nothing, sir. Only the coordinates and that we may find something here," Faro said quietly.

"Indeed, we have accomplished that, have we not," Thrawn replied slowly with almost a bitter humor. He glanced at Faro and nodded toward the obscured Death Star. "Under other circumstances, I would not hesitate to tell you my suspicions, but I fear the danger now is too great. I took a risk bringing the Chimaera here, though I needed to see what was here with my own eyes."

Faro was silent as she considered the faint object outside the viewport. There was something out there, but she couldn't quite make out the shape or the scale of it. She realized this must be a classified project, and that the Chimaera shouldn't necessarily be here. Thrawn was protecting her and the rest of the crew by withholding specifically what the Chimaera found.

"Considering the power-readings you have just seen," Thrawn said, almost whispering. "Time... grows short. l fear I am nearly too late."

Thrawn watched with his enhanced eyes what only he knew as the incomplete Death Star float deceptively inert through the space in front of them for a moment. Faro was aware of the danger now and was afraid of possible consequences to the ship and perhaps even to Thrawn himself.

Thrawn found Faro's troubled gaze, and he regarded her with a prideful sadness. A choice lay before him now, though perhaps one he was unable to fully control. "You are a fine officer of the Imperial Navy Commodore Faro. A ship and her crew should be considered fortunate to have you as it's leader."

Faro's eyes widened with a hint of emotion and confusion. While she felt extremely honored, she did not like the implication of his words. "Sir, I…," Faro whispered. She didn't understand. Did Thrawn suspect he would be severely punished for this detour from Lothal? Something was wrong. Her mind started spinning. Was he in good health? What was going on? "I don't understand."

"Perhaps in time, part will become clear," Thrawn said, turning his attention toward space once again. They both stood there for a quiet moment, watching out the main viewport.

Alarms suddenly blared.

"Sir! Ship exiting out of hyperspace!" The tactical officer refocused the tactical display. Thrawn quickly shut his eyes and furrowed his brow, a physical repulsion to the intense malice he suddenly felt. Faro missed his reaction, however. She whipped around to face the holo, quickly patting at an eye with one hand.

"Status!" Faro said.

"It's come out of hyperspace between us and the object on scanners. Approaching quickly," the tactical officer said. He hesitated, his eyes widening. "Sir, it appears to be an Imperial Star Destroyer."

"How...," Faro considered. She took in an anxious breath. "Do we have identification on the vessel?"

Communications Officer Lomar suddenly interrupted. "Sir! They're hailing us. They've identified as the Devastator."

Faro mentally froze. Lord Vader.

"Open a channel Lieutenant Lomar," Thrawn said, lulling Faro out of her surprise. "And Commodore Faro, the tablet please."

Thrawn held out his hand. A faint smile was on his lips, though his eyes were still a sad focus. Faro had forgotten she was holding the tablet, and she almost timidly handed it to him.

He paused though before taking it fully from her grasp. This made her look up at him, and he found her gaze once more and nodded.

"Thank you," Thrawn said. They were simple words, but so much meaning was passed behind them. More meaning than perhaps Faro was willing to accept. Thrawn slowly transformed into the collected and poised Grand Admiral with which she was familiar. "At your station please, Commodore Faro."

"Yes, Grand Admiral," Faro said. She wanted to ask him so many questions but there simply was not enough time. She nodded in return and walked toward the tactical display.

"Connection established, sir," Lieutenant Lomar said.

"Very good Lieutenant, enable transmission," Thrawn said.

An overwhelming and familiar voice suddenly filled the bridge. It seethed of the anger of a predator that had just caught its unruly prey.

"Grand. Admiral. Thrawn."

"I walk alone, beside myself
Nowhere to go
My flesh and bone
This part of me
The seeds I've sewn"
- Flesh and Bone by Black Math