Chapter one

**=**Star Destroyer Chimeara, somewhere in the unknown regions, two weeks ago**=**

"Admiral, you've got a message from Coruscant."

Grand Admiral Thrawn looked up from the display he was studying to focus on his Captain, Pellaeon, and answered promptly. He was wondering why, after all that time, Coruscant was remembering his existence. He had thought he would be forever forgotten in those farthest recesses of the Galaxy.

"I will take it in my office, Captain, thank you."

The officer saluted and left, leaving the Admiral to enter his office and listen to what the High Command had to tell him. To his surprise, it wasn't an imperial officer that appeared on the Holographic pad. It was an elder man wearing a official-looking attire, but since he had the seals to open a secure communication to an Imperial ship, despite his unassuming looks. His interest was piqued, and when he started to talk, he listened intensely. It almost sounded like a hoax but why would anyone try to do something like this?

"Grand Admiral Thrawn, I'm Sate Pestage of the Imperial Ruling Council. I have some dire news to tell you. Emperor Palpatine is dead, destroyed along the second Death Star, and Lord Vader died as well the same day."

Thrawn paused the recording then, and took a moment to process those news. So the Emperor was dead, assuming this wasn't some kind of mistake, or hoax, very elaborate one that is. And Vader, too. That somehow made him frown, because Vader had been a honorable man. One he could respect. He owed him, because it was under his recommendation that he was made Grand Admiral. He started back the recording.

"After some research, we found Lord Vader's Will. You are hereby convocated, under Lord Vader's demand, to return to Coruscant to be witness to the reading of the Will. The reading will happens in exactly two weeks time from now. In the hope of seeing you then, Grand Admiral Thrawn, I bid you farewell."

The recording stopped by itself, and Thrawn leaned back in his seat, his hands crossed in front of his mouth in a deeply thoughtful manner. This sounded almost too good to be true. So Darth Vader choose him, along with some other peoples he would discover soon enough, to be witness to the reading of his Last Will. Most chocking was that the Dark Lord of the Sith had a Will. He hadn't struck Thrawn as the kind to think that much forward. He was a man of the moment, not one to worry about what might or might not happen in the future. He stood, and returned to the Bridge. Pellaeon turned around to face his superior.

"Prepare the Ship for a hyperspace jump. We are going back to Coruscant. Captain, how long will it take to get there?"

"Give or take a few days, two weeks, Admiral."

"We must be there in a maximum of two weeks. Push the engines to their limits if you have to. I have some very important meeting to attend." he ordered, and the Captain saluted crisply, immediately starting to give orders.

Soon they entered hyperspace and were en route for Coruscant.

**=**Two weeks later, Endor...**=**

Oblivious to the drama that their latest victory over the Empire had cause on Coruscant, the Rebels were still celebrating their victory. In the last two weeks, the elation and happiness hadn't diminished in the least. Currently, they were rebuilding their strength and gathering their wits in anticipation of the impeding new campaign. Planning the next step of the war, for, as much as they wanted to think otherwise, the war was far from over.

The Emperor might be dead, but his legacy was still strong. It was during a meeting with the Alliance's High Command that Mon Mothma received their latest report from their spies still at work on Coruscant: They had found Vader's Will. That could be very bad, or it could turn out well. It was impossible to tell which way such a news would go. After reading the pad that just been handed to her by the young agent, the regal Rebel Leader seemed to pale considerably. Noticing this, General Madine leaned closer to the woman, who had leaned back in her chair, and looked concerned.

"Is there something wrong, Mon?"

"I... am not sure. Apparently, the Imperials managed to find Darth Vader's last Will." She sounded thoughtful, unsure of what to say next. "It can either be a good, or a bad thing."

"It's strange to think that Vader thought to make a Will when the Emperor hadn't done so." Ackbar said from the other side of Mon Mothma, already thinking this through. "Commander Skywalker, what are your Jedi Sense telling you about this?" He added, turning to one of the youngest member of the group.

Luke Skywalker looked at the Calamarian with a thoughtful look, and shook his head.

"It is too soon to tell. However, I sense that its neither good nor bad. I must meditate on this, Admiral."

As the last of the Jedi, Luke's opinion was always highly considered amongst the Alliance's High Command. His status as a Jedi Knight made him a both mysterious and very charismatic figure, and attracted either awe or fear from their enemies and allies alike. As it was, he was a hero of the Alliance and his reputation was pretty imposing on its own. At his side, Leïa was looking at her newfound brother with a thoughtful look. She had known him long enough to be able to somewhat read him despite his almost always concealed expression. He seemed nervous. She wanted to ask him why.

"Maybe we should let the kid go and meditate now so we can get an answer sooner rather than later." Hand piped up from his spot on the back, with Chewie at his side as usual.

Mon Mothma nodded her assent and motioned to Luke that he could retire if he so wished. The young man seemed rather relieved to be able to go. This was disturbing new, and he really had a bad feeling about it. Leïa followed him in the hallway.

"You look nervous Luke, so tell me, what are your thoughts about this? It is disturbing you, I can tell."

"I don't know, Leïa. I do have a bad feeling about it, but what I can sense isn't something I can explain easily. It is not dreadful or ominous, but rather like if a big change is going to happen, soon." Luke replied, smiling down at her reassuringly.

She regarded him a little doubtfully but decided not to question his feelings. if he said it wasn't bad, then she'll take his word for it. he was, after all, a lot better than her at this Jedi thing. She hadn't a clue how it really worked.

"If you say so Luke. I'll let you meditate on it then. I'll see you later."

"later, Sis." he smiled and she just rolled her eyes at him.

After he reached his quarters, he went to sit crossed legged on his bed, and closed his eyes. As usual, meditation came easily to him, and soon enough, he was deeply entwined with the Force. Sometimes later, he felt a presence start to fill his mind, like a familiar touch to his subconscious. There was a silent pause, and then his father's voice filled his mind.

'Luke, my son, a big change is coming your way, but don't be afraid. I know you're strong enough to handle it. I trust you. Beware of Isard, she will try to harm you. You will find allies along the way, as well. I will always be with you, my son.'

Luke was startled out of his meditative state and called out instinctively both with his mind and voice. "Father?" But the presence was already gone. He stood, even more confused than before, and frowned. What did that meant? Why had his father been trying to tell him? And why in the galaxy did the Jedis always have to speak in riddles?! Obi-Wan always did that to him and it was annoying as Hell. But whatever his father means, it would bring big changes both in his life, and in the galaxy. Of that he was now certain.

Looking at the clock, he saw that he had been in here for two hours. Not too bad, sometimes he lost half a day. The meeting was be close to be finished, so he had to hurry and hope to catch them before they leave. They had to know... if not the specifics, then that he had a new certainty about that situation.

He hurried out of his quarters and jogged towards the meeting room where the Council was in session. He arrived just as the meeting was concluded and busted through the doors. All eyes turned to him, and Mon Mothma was the first to talk.

"Commander Skywalker, I believe that you have something to tell us?"

"Yes, Ma'am. I don't have any specifics, as the Force doesn't work that way, but I can tell you that this will bring a big change in the galaxy, for all of us. I sense a huge transformation is afoot. Nothing bad, but shocking nonetheless, I do believe." Luke spoke up, his voice calm and filled with certainty.

"When will Vader's Will is going to be read? Anyone know that?" Leïa asked, and General Madine answered her question.

"In a couple of days. it will be on all channels through the Holonet."

"Vader sure knows how to do something big, doesn't he?" Han piped up and he was being very sarcastic. "Anyway, I'm not the only one who'll be scotched to the holos to watch it, I'm sure."

"The entire galaxy will be, General Solo." general Madine replied with a small smile of his own.

"Maybe we should put a giant screen in the Rec. Rooms for the soldiers? They have as much rights to watch as us." Leïa suggested from her spot next to Luke.

"We'll do that. No one will be left in the dark on this it seems." Ackbar said, turning to look at the Princess.

**=**Two days later...**=**

Giant screens had been put in place in every Rec. rooms of the Alliance fleet so everyone could watch. Even those on the planet's surface had been given a screen to watch the huge event. And the anticipation was palpable, the tension almost high enough to be cut. Wedge and the Rogue Squadron were in the Home One's rec. Room and chatting amongst themselves waiting for the transmission to begins. They had decided to stay with the crew since they were part of them and felt right at home in there.

The High Command was in one of the big ship's conference room, where they were waiting with various level of curiosity, unease, stress or in one case, dread. Luke was doing his best to look as cool and unaffected as possible, but he was in turmoil, and the Force hadn't given him any more hints as to what he was going to hear. Leïa was a steady presence at his side and he was grateful for this. She was as calm and collected as ever. Han and Chewie were right beside her and Lando was on his other side. He felt kind of secure surrounded by his closest friends.

The screen suddenly lit up, it was about to begin.

**=**Coruscant**=**

All had been prepared for the official event. The Notary was preparing his speech, even the few short sentences he had to say himself were making him sweat like mad. He was way too old for this. He had no problems doing speeches in front of small crowds, but today, they would be billions to hear his words. Even if most of those were from another man, he was still the one to deliver them. He heard footsteps approaching him, and looked up to see Sate Pestage coming up to him and stopping a few paces away. Soldiers were posted around the dais for his own protection, since not everyone was happy about this. He tried a not-so-convincing smile but he was so not in the mood.

"Are you ready, Master Dano?"

"Everything is set, Sir. I'm as ready as I can be. I have a feeling it will be the speech of my career." The Notary replied with a very tense chuckle, and cleared his throat.

"Don't worry, no one will try anything against you today. You are well protected, and there is way too many people's here for anyone to want to try something. It would be suicidal." The politician replied with a convincing, cheerful smile.

He slapped the older man on the shoulder reassuringly and returned to his place in the room, since everything was ready. He sat back down beside Isard who seemed like she had suck on something sour. Well, more than usual anyway. The notary took his own place and cleared his throat louder to get everyone's attention.

"Alright Ladies and gentlemen, we are ready to begin..."

At that moment, the door opened to let the last of the people Vader invited to the reading of his Will. A tall, blue-skinned alien in the attire of a Grand Admiral, followed by a couple of officers. Without faltering despite having interrupted the proceedings, he walked right up to the last remaining seat but before he could sit the Notary spoke up, after checking his list.

"You must be Grand Admiral Thrawn, I presume? You are just in time. We were about to begin. please, take your seat, Sir."

"I am sorry for my lateness. I had a very long trip to come here." He replied calmly, his posture never betraying anything but utter calmness.

"It is alright, Sir. We will begin now. Please take your seat."

When everyone was finally seated, he put down an large envelope on the desk, and then with great care, broke the official seal, and took out a datapad, as well as a smaller envelope that he too opened. There were also two other documents on flimsies that he set aside for when time came to read those. He took the data chip and inserted it in the datapad. The tension in the room was thick enough to be cut by a vibroblade. Finally, the reading begins.

"I will now start the reading. Please be silent until I am finished."

'I, Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith, sound in mind if not in body, present here my last Will and Testament. In the case of the Emperor's death, I am to inherit the Empire. If I am to die after the Emperor, the Empire will go to..'

The notary paused, apparently shocked by what he was reading. He coughed a little and sipped a drink from his water bottle to cover his lapse. He resumed reading after a moment, his voice as steady as ever.

'If I am to die after the Emperor, the Empire will go to my only son and Heir. I know that you find yourself too young, son, and too inexperienced, but I know that you are strong. You are capable and I trust you to do what is right. I love you my son, and I am sure that I am putting the Empire into very good hands.'

During the last parts, whispers, and even shocked gasps and yells, erupted in response to what was heard. Vader had a son?! One that he had managed to keep a secret for that much time?! Shock was an understatement to describe the emotions many were feeling in that room. Thrawn, however, was listening very intensely, eyes narrowed. The Notary resumed spoke up again, and looked up from the pad for a second to do so.

"There is another personal message following, for the Grand Admiral Thrawn."

'Grand Admiral Thrawn, I respect you, and know that you are a smart man, and a dangerous enemy. I charge you with the protection of my son. Protect the new Emperor with your life. He will also need your wise advices and bright intelligence to bring him through the first years of his reign. I was aware of your thought about Palpatine and his way of ruling the Empire. You will make sure that something like that never happen again. I put my trust in you in that, Grand Admiral. I know my son can fight and defend himself, but he will need powerful allies to back him.'

Thrawn was, for the first time in his life, floored, flabbergasted, and somehow humbled. That Darth Vader had him in such a high esteem was humbling, and he wasn't sure what to make of it. Also that he had known of his rebellious thoughts was somehow unsettling. Not only that, but also did he tasked him with protecting his only son, the new Emperor. He was deep in thought when a rather rude, loud and angry voice rose from somewhere in the front row.

"Will we finally know who is this so-called son of Vader?" 'So I can kill him already...'

"I was about to get to it when you so rudely interrupted, Ma'am." the Notary snorted with a bit of displeasure and contempt. "Now please kindly shut up and sit down so I can continue!"

On the next seat Sate Pestage had a grin he could barely hide. She needed to be taken down a few notches.

"Now to present you new Emperor, I will continue uninterrupted." he continued looking straight at the scowling Ysanne Isard.

'My son, and your new Emperor, is Rebel Commander and Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker.'

Isard literally jumped from her seat with a roar of protest, as well as a few other of the guests. That was completely absurd, unheard of, impossible! A Rebel Commander at the head of the Empire?! The rows of protestations were loud, but in the middle of the chaos, Thrawn stood very calmly and managed to make himself heard over the ruckus.

"What is the position of the Rebel Fleet actually? We know?"

"Endor, I do believe. They had been there since the destruction of the Death Star." Pestage replied, one of the only other not steaming with fury.

"Why do you want to know, Thrawn?" Hissed Isard, far from done with her temper tantrum.

"Well, I will go fetch our new Emperor, since I am charged with his protection." He merely replied, calm and focused to this new task.

"A Rebel?! Are you MAD, Thrawn?! This is ridiculous, completely insane! Vader was a bigger fool then I thought he was!" She was fuming, and if this was some kind of comedy show, smoke would be rising from her ears.

"That is quite enough Isard!" Pestage cut her and glared at her coldly. "On the contrary, I think he had the right idea. The other solution is far less palatable. Years of chaos and Anarchy while the Moffs and Sector Governors war against each other's until there is none left. I do not wish for such an outcome, and I am sure none of you are!"

This had quite a subduing effect and the louder protestants soon shut up into mutters and glares. They all knew what a struggle for power would mean. Pestage spoke up again his voice thoughtful.

"I wonder how old this young man is. I hope he's not too young to take the throne."

"He's 24 I think, give or take a year." Someone said, a officer from the ISB that was more level-headed then Isard.

"Ah, new blood. Just what we need to give this Empire a new boost." The clever politician replied cheerfully, smiling around. "Not an adult, but close enough. Now, Grand Admiral, I do believe you have a task to perform. Go fetch our new Emperor, will you?"

"With pleasure, Head Councilor. It will be an honor." Thrawn replied with a small smile, impressed with the way the clever politician defused what could have been an explosive situation.

He left the room, and could hear Sate Pestage's voice rising again as he spoke to the others. Thrawn smiled to himself as he made his way back to his shuttle to go back to the Chimeara. Soon they entered hyperspace, direction Endor.

-TBC-