Thrawn and the Rebellion Chapter 10
Following their reunion, Ezra Bridger and his rebel friends convince the Psadan, Myneyrshi, and Human tribes of Wayland to put aside their differences and to attack a common enemy: the Galactic Empire. Ezra also struggles with his anger and hatred towards their Noghri captive, Khabarakh. Meanwhile, Thrawn and Joruus C'baoth devise a response to the "increased activity"" of the Wayland tribes. All recognisable Star Wars Rebels and Thrawn Trilogy characters belong to Lucasfilm, Disney, and Timothy Zahn respectively. As always, feel free to read and review.
Ezra Bridger: Raising an Army
The next five days passed by like a warm breeze. After that unfortunate first encounter with the Psadans that had almost cost him and Zare Leonis their lives, relations with the Psadans had improved. Ezra and Zare learnt that these large walking rock-like aliens, who had been derided by both their Myneyrshi and Human foes and the Empire as blundering imbeciles, were actually an intelligent but fierce people. They were still scattered into tribes and clans but they had in the past twenty years begun settling down in walled settlements. While the Psadans were fierce warriors, he and Zare were quick to discover that they were also a very friendly and hospitable people.
They had provided Ezra and his Rebel companions with a spacious longhouse for themselves. Like all the houses in that Psadan village, it was built out of food and had wooden stilts. Later, Ezra learnt from a female Psadan elder named Parla that Psadan huts were built on stilts since the village was located in a valley that was prone to flooding. The stilts also helped ward off pests like snakes, spider -ants, and sandroaches.
For the past five days, Ezra and Zare had accompanied Kanan, Hera, and Chief Ba'han Said as they travelled to the surrounding villages to raise support for their attack on the Imperial base at Mount Tantiss. They visited Psadan, Myneyrshi, and even Human villages. Wayland reminded Ezra of a greener and more pristine version of Lothal, long before settlers and the Empire had come to that planet. Much of Wayland was still covered in lush jungles, sweeping plains, and clear-blue rivers. Wayland's landscape was not yet marred by mines, smoke-belching factories, and grimy cities. The air was always clear and fresh. But if the Empire had its way, it would be inevitable that Wayland would become another exploited and polluted subject world.
Using a combination of Force powers and diplomacy, Kanan and Hera were able to win over many of the local inhabitants by warning them that the Empire intended to drive them off their lands in order to exploit Wayland's resources. Ezra and Zare also contributed to this mission by sharing their first-hand experiences of life under Imperial rule on Lothal.
Zare related a poignant story of how Imperial Stormtroopers had opened fire on a crowd of farmers and workers protesting their eviction to make for an Imperial mining project. He also related the story of his sister Dhana Leonis' mysterious disappearance. Despite being a stellar Imperial Academy recruit who had become an officer in the Imperial Navy, Zare had grown disillusioned with the Empire's callous disregard for its subjects.
Zare's testimony resonated with many Waylanders, of all races, who had seen their lands being forcibly taken for development projects, mainly agricultural and forestry work. The Imperials had also forcibly conscripted many Waylanders to toil as indentured laborers on Imperial projects on Wayland. Many never returned and those than returned were often ill and infirm.
For his part, Ezra narrated the story of how he had been orphaned at the age of seven following the death of his parents. His parents Mira and Ephraim had set up a clandestine broadcasting station to speak out against Imperial policies on Lothal. For their actions, the Empire had staged an "accident" that had claimed their lives. As a result, Ezra had spent the next seven years of his childhood living rough on the streets of Lothal's capital city. As he spoke, Ezra found himself fighting back tears.
Their propaganda trip was a resounding success. The rebels succeeded in convincing the disparate tribes of Wayland to put aside their differences and to drive out the Empire from Mount Tantiss. They had to stop the mad, fallen Jedi clone Joruus C'baoth from carrying out his plan to destroy the entire galaxy. Clan Said's main Myneyrshi opponents, Clan Harun, agreed to a truce to their thirty-year long struggle over the rice fields of the Otepoti Valley. Meanwhile, the Human tribe, House Leatherback, agreed to allow non-Humans to cross their magnificent stone crossing which bridged the Labis gorge.
After their propaganda trip, Ezra and company had returned to Clan Said's village. As he crossed the village's moat bridge, he could not help marvelling the neat wooden palisades and the wooden barbican which had been carved into the shape of some great canine predator, the basilisk lions of Wayland. While the Psadans were primitive, they were not savages and had the potential to develop into a more advanced civilization. Later, Ezra would learn that the basilisk hound was the sigil of Clan Said. The Psadans admired the basilisk lion's ferocity and intelligence. These reptomammals hunted in packs and had an organized hierarchy led by an alpha male.
Ezra dreaded the thought of what the Empire would do to Wayland in the long term. They would probably burn down this village and its neat wooden palisades and ornately-carved barbican. The majestic basilisk lions would probably be hunted down to near-extinction. Their habitats would be destroyed to make way for farms, plantations, and mines. Their beautiful scaly hides would decorate the places of Imperial bigwigs and compradors in the Core Worlds. The Empire had to be stopped at all costs.
After dining on a sumptuous dinner of steamed fish and vegetables, roasted basilisks, rice, and salads, Ezra decided to deal with something that had been bugging his mind. Since his reunion with his Lothal rebel companions, Ezra had been made aware that the rebels and their Psadan allies had captured one of the grey alien commandos serving the Imperial Navy. Ezra also learnt that the commando was from an alien species called the Noghri and that his name was Khabarakh.
"They should have just put the scoundrel out of his misery," said Ezra
"Ezra, that's not the Jedi way," replied Kanan "True, he and his kind killed many of our comrades including Ashoka Tano. But killing a wounded prisoner goes against everything that the Rebellion is fighting for. Even in war, we Jedi did not slaughter our prisoners in cold blood."
"Easy for you to say," grumbled Ezra "If you haven't had the misfortune to lose parents and now another Jedi comrade."
"I know how much it hurts," added Sabine Wren "That guy's people killed my best Gungan friend. But revenge is not the way."
"In order to move on, you have to let go of what's holding you back," said Kanan in a gentle tone.
"You're right," replied Ezra "But, things have take their time. Just like Tseebo."
"Come on, guys," said Hera Syndulla, her head tail flicking gently "Ezra's been through a lot these past few weeks. Just cut him some slack."
As Ezra left the dining hall, he recalled his intense, inner struggle to forgive Tseebo, his parents' Rodian family friend, who had been unable to stop the Empire from taking away his parents from him forever. At least, Tseebo had made up for his cowardice by stealing the Empire's five-year plans for the Outer Rim. By contrast, that Noghri commando was a full-fledged agent of the Empire who had a direct part in the deaths of Ashoka, Maroosa, and many other Rebel comrades.
Ezra still harboured a great amount of hatred and animus towards that Noghri commando. He knew that it was wrong for a Jedi to dwell on such thoughts and emotions. As with Tseebo, he knew that he somehow had to find a way to forgive or at least make peace with that Noghri commando. But now was not the time. Forgiveness and reconciliation was something that took time and could not be forced upon.
Natasi Daala: Counter-strategies
It had been about a week since Petty Officer Zane Leonis and the Jedi rebel Ezra Bridger had escaped from Mount Tantiss. The Imperials had diverted the equivalent of three legions of Stormtroopers, two squadrons of TIE fighters, and one squadron of Skipray Blastboats to find these deserters. The news of Leonis's desertion had sent shockwaves throughout the Imperial forces stationed on Wayland. Why would a young promising officer help a prisoner escape? Already the rumour mills had begun speculating that Leonis was a closet Rebel or that he had fallen for the young Jedi's "mind tricks."
Zane Leonis' reckless actions had already caused a great deal of trouble for the Imperial garrison on Wayland. Already, Imperial Security Bureau officers had begun screening the garrison for any hidden traitors or dissenters. The leading ISB agent Section Leader Viktor Cheka had ordered polygraph tests for all Imperial employees at Mount Tantiss. Even the crew of the Chimaera and the Imperial fleet above Wayland were not exempt from this screening. The ISB was responsible for all internal security throughout the Empire, including the Imperial Military. The ISB was even given oversight over Imperial Military Intelligence, the Galactic Empire's primary defense intelligence agency. Thankfully, the Emperor had not made them political commissars and given them the power to overrule military officers. Not yet.
Leading by example, Commodore Thrawn had been the first officer on the Chimaera to undergo the test. He passed the test as did Captain Pellaeon and Natasi Daala herself. For her examination, Daala had to deal with an arrogant, young upper-class brat who kept staring at her with big leering eyes. He asked her deep, probing questions about her personal life, her financial status, her political views, and her background. Do you think that Emperor Palpatine is qualified to lead the Galactic Empire? Have you had any contact with Rebels? Are you in debt? Have you taken any illegal substances or drugs? Have you passed any classified state secrets to unauthorized persons? These were all Yes and No questions.
After an exhausting, claustrophobic half an hour, Daala exited the examination room confident that she had passed the test with a Green Clear level, the second highest in the Imperial polygraph classification rankings. As she walked down the Star Destroyer's lobby, Daala brief a sigh of relief. She was relieved that she had not only passed the test but that she could finally escape the horny young ISB interrogator. She could not stand the way that he had looked at her with his deep, sea-blue eyes. He had been taken in by her long copper hair, her deep chocolate brown eyes, and the slim, graceful form that lurked beneath that olive green uniform. He could not stop winking at her throughout the entire test.
During the test, her ISB interrogator had stroked his sweat, stinking foot against her left knee. Despite this gross invasion of her private space, Daala had maintained her calm during the polygraph examination. She did her best not to flinch or squirm. She could have reported him but that would have only caused her more trouble.
These ISB "thought police" were the highest-level law enforcement agency in the Galactic Empire. It was her word against his. He and his buddies would also have found a way of getting back her. They could have her reassigned to a horrid posting on some frozen ball, desert world, or some barren asteroid. She was not going to let that incident affect her. There were always bigger battles to fight out there, especially with rebels loose on Wayland.
As Daala entered the command bridge, the electrical doors slid open to admit her. She saw Commodore Thrawn and Captain Pellaeon studying a large holographic map of Mount Tantiss and the surrounding landscape of forests, rivers, and valleys. Also present was a wizened Human man who wore a long flowing grey beard and brown Jedi robes. Since the Great Jedi Purge, few Jedi dared to wear their once distinctive robes. But, Master "Jorus C'baoth" was in the Empire's service. Officially, he was a maverick Jedi whom Darth Sidious had chosen to spare in the chaos of the Jedi Purge. In reality, this "Imperial Jedi" was actually a clone of the real Master C'baoth. But she knew better than to tell it to his face. He was both mad and dangerous and it was folly to antagonize such a mad and dangerous asset of the Empire.
"Good evening," said Captain Pellaeon "I trust that you passed your polygraph test with flying colours or you won't be here tonight."
"I survived it," muttered Lieutenant Daala "It was like drinking bitter gourd juice but I'm glad I got through it."
"Enough chit chat," said Commodore Thrawn "Let's get back to business."
Thrawn unbuckled a laser pointer from his belt and pointed at the holographic map of Mount Tantiss. The holographic projection looked like blobs of play dough. The towering mountain of Mount Tantiss towered over the surrounding landscape. The mountain was surrounded by the shacks of the native laborers who had helped expand the mountainside base and the surrounding Imperial facilities. This ramshackle collection of shacks was known as "C'baoth Town", named after the Guardian of Mount Tantiss.
Thrawn turned to face Daala.
"You were right about that suspicious Nubian H-type yacht," said Thrawn "Records obtained from the Bureau of Ships and Service's office in Myrkr show that a certain trader named Talon Karrde received a second-hand Nubian H-type yacht. A friend owed him debts and decided to forfeit with the family's luxury yacht. A certain Corellian actor named Alexander Greyjoy, who had run into some bad times. Karrde has had dealings with that Twi'lek called Hera Syndulla."
The holo-projector flickered and a holographic picture of the lithe Twi'lek woman appeared beside the map of Wayland.
"The Noghri commando team that we sent after them was slaughtered," continued Thrawn solemnly. The image of Hera was replaced by an image of a battlefield. Piles of Noghri bodies, pierced by arrows and spears, covered the forest floor.
"It seems that our rebel friends have enlisted the assistance of some of the local tribes. Those arrows that you see are Psadan arrows. Psadan arrows are a few inches thicker than Myneyrshi and Human ones."
The grisly image of the battlefield was replaced by two images; one close-up image of a bronze Psadan arrowhead and an image of a Psadan warrior. The Psadan looked like a giant, walking rock with mammalian features. He wore a loincloth and carried a bow and arrow.
"Our scout troopers have reported heightened activities in the wild jungle zones," added Thrawn "The natives appear to have stop that tribal fighting and are mustering a large army to attack Mount Tantiss."
"Then what are we waiting for," interjected Daala "Let's base-delta-zero the surround jungle area and kill them all. We have three Star Destroyers, six Carracks, and one Interdictor plus eight squadrons of TIE bombers. Let's kill the lot of 'em."
"I'm afraid that would be excessive force even by Imperial standards," replied Pellaeon diplomatically "We don't have exact intelligence on the current movements and whereabouts of our rebels. Unleashing such firepower will antagonize Guardian C'baoth's Wayland subjects."
"Why should thousands have to die for the crimes of seven individuals," explained Thrawn calmly, betraying no emotion "At any given order, we could unleash all of our firepower on those Waylanders. But, then we'll be buying into the Rebel propaganda of us being cruel, sadistic brutes. We will let the rebels and their local allies attack the Wayland base," continued Thrawn "Then our forces will surround the rebels and snuff out this spark of rebellion with one swift stroke. That's where our Jedi friend will play his part."
Master C'baoth stood beside the holographic projector, eyeing the Imperial officers like a fyrnock stalking its prey. He looked old but Daala could sense a strong presence emanating from the man's body. Since her adolescence, Daala had developed a dislike for Force-users. It did not matter whether they were Jedi or Sith. Their Force powers gave them supernatural abilities. She was also alright with them using the Force to dodge laser bolts but she disliked how the two Force orders had a desire to rule or influence the galaxy. The Jedi were self-righteous lofty idealists who had made themselves the self-appointed sheriffs of the galaxy. The Sith were power-hungry narcissists who wanted everyone in the galaxy to bow and scrape before them. Thankfully, there were just two Sith in the galaxy.
"Master C'baoth will use his Battle Mediation Force powers to guide our forces to victory," continued Thrawn "He…"
"Hmmm," interjected Master C'baoth "Why destroy them when we can assimilate them with the Force. I will use the ancient Sith meditation pyramid above Mount Tantiss to enslave their minds without your men having to fire a single shot."
"I beg your pardon," Thrawn replied in a calm but stern voice. But Daala could see the irritation flashing beneath his bright red eyes. "I am in charge of this military operation here, not you. So, it is my prerogative as the commanding officer on Wayland to call the shots. If you have any issues, I suggest that you take it up with the Emperor himself."
An ugly scowl quickly appeared on the "Imperial" Jedi's face. Daala could see that his eyes were burning bright with anger and rage.
"You have no right to issue commands to the great Master C'baoth," bellowed C'baoth, his face a mask of anger. "I am a Jedi, one who can tap into the Force! I should be in charge, not you me."
Master C'baoth raised his clenched fist at Thrawn with the intention of Force-choking the Commodore. However, Thrawn had prepared for this scenario. Nothing happened. Thrawn smiled at having escaped a narrow brush with death. Daala then looked up and quickly noticed that there were several ysalamiri cages hanging from the ceiling of the command bridge. Each of these cages had a furry lizard.
"As you can see, I'm never without my ysalamiri pets," said Thrawn calmly "So, Master C'baoth I give you two choices. You can either work with us in furthering the Empire's cause. Or we could arrange for you to be sent to Mustafar, where all Jedi go to die. The choice is yours, choose wisely."
"I guess you leave me with no choice," admitted a dejected Master C'baoth "For the moment, the Emperor sees it fit for me to work under lesser beings. Best to heed the adage not to disturb a sleeping rancor."
"What about the Jedi," asked Daala. Amidst the briefing, everyone seemed to have forgotten about the two Jedi rebels. Daala thought it was wise to raise that and what a better way to fight fire with fire.
"Are you of little of faith, don't worry," said C'baoth in a smooth calm voice. He had quickly regained his composure at the blink of an eyelid. "I have a little surprise for our Jedi friends. I was fortunate enough to find two Spaarti cylinders in Mount Tantiss. I just have the perfect solution for our rogue Jedi."
"Okay, we will proceed with Operation Fyrnock tomorrow," said Thrawn "We will let our rebel friends think that they still have the element of surprise on their side."
"Agreed," replied C'baoth with a smile "A Jedi always keeps his promises."
Following the briefing, Daala made her way to the officer's mess. At the first glance, she had developed a hearty disliked for the arrogant, overbearing "Imperial Jedi." Commodore Thrawn was one of the few Imperial officers strong enough to be able to stand up to Master C'baoth. Master C'baoth would aid Thrawn's battle plan by using the Force to mentally guide the Imperial forces into an effective, unified fighting force. However, deep down, Daala did not trust Master C'baoth. He was a powerful asset but he could not be regarded as a loyal and dependable ally. Given the opportunity, he might break free of the corset that his Imperial masters had fitted him into and carry out his ambition to rule the galaxy.
Endnotes
With Ezra and the other Rebel characters, I decided to highlight the inner conflict within them. Everyone has a personal demon to deal with. In Ezra's case, he has to learn how to let go of his anger and hatred in order to progress as a Jedi. For the Imperial characters, I decided to make Natasi Daala a POV character so that we can have a female perspective of life within the Imperial Military. I added the sexual harassment subplot in order to highlight a serious real world issue. My perception of the Galactic Empire's bureaucracy and military based on the Legends literature is that it is a patriarchal institution. Lately, I seemed to have reached a writing block. I seem to have lost interest in the story for the moment but I aim to finish it by December this year.