Target Profile: The Spectres of the Ghost
A.N: Timeline setting: After 'The Former Apprentices' but before 'A Tale of Two Fulcrums'
From the office of Grand Admiral Mitth'raw'nurodo to the office of ISB Colonel Wullf Yularen and office of Emperor Sheev Palpatine.
The following is a target dossier on the individuals of the rebel cell Phoenix Squadron referred to as the 'Spectres'.
Spectre One: Caleb Dume, alias Kanan Jarrus.
Despite holding the title of Spectre One, the Jedi once known as Caleb Dume, now Kanan Jarrus, does not appear to be the true leader of this rebel team. Whether this is an attempt of clever deception on their half, or an attempt to make Jarrus feel like he is in charge is unknown. Evidently this man was merely a padawan when clone order 66 was enacted, and from reports written by the now deceased Grand Inquisitor, survived only thanks to the sacrifice of his Jedi Master Depa Billaba. Due to this sacrifice at such a young age, it is possible that Jarrus suffers from considerable post-traumatic stress disorder, something that could possibly be used against him in future encounters.
However, whilst this may very well be a vulnerability we can exploit, it is also his greatest strength. Being witness to such a sacrifice has no doubt hardened Jarrus, willing him on to ensure no further sacrifices are made by those he cares for. Reports indicate that he will opt for unorthodox plans on frequent occasions, many which our imperial commanders are unprepared for, giving him a major advantage against us.
It should also be noted this whilst his training as a Jedi are limited, he is still one of considerable power. He is adept with a lightsaber, and reports from Inquisitors suggest that he is a notable practitioner of form three, known as Soresu. This offers Jarrus a strong defensive style of fighting, making it hard to break through his defences to actually wound or debilitate the Jedi.
Recent engagements with Jarrus have also revealed new information. Evidently he has sustained an injury that had rendered him blind. However, this does not mean that he is a threat, as his impairment appears to not only strengthened his resolve, but offered him a kind of stability that the legends of the Jedi speak of.
However, Jarrus is not without weaknesses, the prime one being his relationship with the pilot of the Ghost, Hera Syndulla. Whilst not overtly open about it, history suggests the two are engaged in a romantic relationship, and that Jarrus would come to her aid in danger at any time. This could possibly be used to bait him out.
In conclusion, Caleb Dume is a potential threat to the empire, but his power is overshadowed by larger threats at the moment. Inevitably, he will need to be eliminated. However, at the moment it is my opinion that we have far more pressing matters and individuals to deal with.
Spectre Two: Captain Hera Syndulla
Despite holding the title of Spectre Two, all reports suggest that Hera Syndulla is the true leader of the crew of the Ghost. She is tactically minded, a trait she no doubt learnt from her father, and an outstanding pilot, one that rivals legends such as Anakin Skywalker or Darth Vader. Her ability to fly a modified VCX-100 light freighter in combat situations as opposed to a fighter is proof of this. Imperial pilots have begun to enact their own protocols when encountering this vessel in combat. The troopers refer to it the 'Run Away' protocol. Examination and study, as well as reprimand may be needed for such pilots who enact this 'protocol'.
Syndulla is also known to be adept at diplomacy, and is one of the key members of this growing rebellion. Many appear to go to her for advice, and reports from Agent Alexsandr Kallus suggest that she is also proficient at discovering traitors in her midst, as shown by her actions involving the imperial senator Gall Trayvis.
However, when analysing Syndulla's character, as well as how she fights, it is important to note that she is willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. The destruction of her home on Ryloth is proof of this. However, much like Jarrus, it might very well be possible to bait her out via threats to her team. She evidently views them as her family, which is something that I have noted that Twi-leks take very seriously.
Ultimately, Hera Syndulla is a priority target, one that must be eliminated if we are to succeed. However, her skills as a pilot, and as a military strategist have made this task difficult. Time and time again she escapes, even from a well organised trap. In order to defeat her, we will need time and patience, as well as the best pilots in our navy. To counter this, I have accelerated plans on the new prototype TIE Defender program. Hopefully that will provide us an edge.
Spectre Three: C1-10P, alias Chopper
Perhaps the most perplexing of the Spectres, the orange C1 series astromech has proven to be quite elusive. As a military strategist, I almost admire the astromech for its ingenuity. As a Grand Admiral of the Imperial Navy however, I cannot but be astonished at how time and again our troops have failed to identify and destroy this droid. Perhaps a change in protocol is required in regards to the verification process of such droids. If not, we could very well lose more to this renegade droid.
Digging deep into the archives I have discovered that this particular droid once participated in the battle of Ryloth during the clone wars. This would mean it was under the command of Jedi General Anakin Skywalker, as well as Jedi Commander Ahsoka Tano (my Emperor, please see the attached file for my assembled dossier on Tano).
Evidently, at some point during the campaign the fighter he was in was shot down and he was extracted from the rubble, hence how he came into the possession of Hera Syndulla.
The droid itself has demonstrated a severe lack of concern for organic life. Audio files extracted from the remains of a destroyed TIE Interceptor suggest that the droid was willing to murder an infant on the prospect that it might be a 'Baby Inquisitor'. It is possible that damage sustained to the droid in the past has corrupted its systems internally, supporting a reason for this reckless attitude demonstrated.
In conclusion, while this ancient astromech may very well be technology of the past, time and time again it has played a paramount role in the success of the Spectre team. Therefore, when next sighted, this droid must either be incapacitated or destroyed to ensure any level of success for the empire. However, from what I have witnessed so far, nothing short of the Base Delta Zero initiative would be enough to terminate the droid.
Spectre Four: Garazeb Orrelios, alias Zeb, Commander Meiloorun
A Lasat is a rare sight these days, no doubt thanks to the devastation that came to their home planet of Lasan, (My Emperor, my studies may suggest that Lasan was not the true homeworld of the Lasat species, but merely a colony. Their true homeworld may very well lie beyond know space. I suggest deploying long range research teams to investigate at once)
From details gathering during the siege of Lasan, as well as recent engagement, the Lasat known as Zeb is evidently one of the renowned Lasat Honor Guard. His strength in combat, as well as his surprisingly strategic mind have strongly benefited the rebel team again and again. Agent Kallus himself reports him to be a formidable adversary with a bow staff, a weapon that his held with high regard in Lasat society.
However, while the Lasat is indeed dangerous, from my research his talents appear to be wasted. It is almost as if he is forgotten more often enough by his superiors. While unlikely, this may very well sow some seeds of dissention. He may very well be possible to bribe, were it not for the devastation caused to Lasan.
Still, he is a formidable adversary, one not to be trifled with, and one that should be eliminated on sight.
Spectre Five: Sabine Wren
Mandalorians are among the most predictable culture in the known galaxy, and Sabine is no different. She is proficient will all firearms and explosives, and an adept pilot both with ground based vehicle and space faring ones.
However, like all Mandalorians, she is zealous, despite running away from her culture. He continued use of one set of customized Mandalorian armour may very well be something we can exploit in the long run, if the rumours about the weapon she developed are true. It is likely that without access to such Mandalorian equipment, Wren would become an obsolete threat.
That being said, Wren does differ from other Mandalorians I have encounter with her passion of the artistic nature. She has displayed time and again that she has a strong grasp of colour and stoke, creating various images around the galaxy, most commonly on Lothal, that represent not only her but her rebel crew as well. He consistently changing appearing also suggests that she likes the variety of life. Perhaps in another life she could have become a great artist, one that I would have enjoyed viewing works of in a gallery.
That being said, her artistic side may very well be her undoing one day. As an expert in art and culture, I have already been able to learn much about both her and her rebel cell. One day she will slip up and create something that gives everything away, I am certain.
In conclusion, whilst normally I would advocate the elimination of such a threat to imperial infrastructure, it might be more prudent to leave her alive for now, allowing for continued study of her art, until it at very least reveals something vital.
Spectre Six: Ezra Bridger, alias Jabba
The newest addition to the Spectre team, if reports from both Kallus and the Grand Inquisitor are to be believed, Ezra Bridger appears to be a Jedi in training, learning from Jarrus. Like most Master and Apprentice relationships, Bridger shows many of the same qualities as Jarrus, such as a reckless abandon when his friends are in trouble, and a strong passion to do what is right.
The demise of his parents seems to have hardened him, and it is clear that he struggles somewhat with his control over the force. With Jarrus himself not being a fully trained Jedi, it is unlikely that Bridger will live up to his full potential anytime soon. However, that does not mean he is to be underestimated. Much like the astromech, Bridger has shown a proficiency for infiltration, often moving through ventilation ducts or across rooftops to evade patrols of troopers.
Further study has revealed that in recent months, Bridger has been elevated to a more prestigious role within the growing rebellion, suggesting that he is being groomed for a leadership role in the future. This may be something we can exploit further down the line that is if Bridger manages to establish himself as a leader who does things in certain ways. If that is the case, then he could very well become predictable, and thus easy to counter.
Bridger's position as a Jedi in training also marks him both as a severe threat, but also an opportunity, one that your Grand Inquisitor entertained the idea of before his demise. If Bridger could be persuaded to join us, he would make a valuable ally, however unlikely this outcome is of course.
All in all, whilst Bridger has much to learn still, he is a viable threat, one that must be contained.
A shame then that all our resident Jedi experts have so far failed to defeat him and his master. No doubt the assistance of Ahsoka Tano has something to do with that.
Overall Summary: Essentially, the crew of the Ghost is one of the more successful rebel cells we have encountered so far. Their small family like organization allows them to move quickly and with strong intent, and their reliance upon one another, while possibly a flaw in the long run, has earned them victory after victory. In addition to that, the Spectres have created quite the name for themselves amongst their fellow rebels, drawing in all forms of support from all sides.
In conclusion my Emperor, I would be more than willing to take on the task of removing this threat to the empire, as well as the task to apprehend the target we spoke of recently in private.
May you reign for many more years your excellency.
Grand Admiral Thrawn
[Message sent]
(Details of report copied into second file and sent to an unauthorized address)
Eli,
Enclosed in this file is a document detailing the actions of a rebel cell I have recently begun tracking down. They are proving elusive, even for me.
Whilst the Emperor sees them as a threat, it is possible that they may be allies in the long run. Only time will tell. But something isn't right here. The Emperor has begun diverting resources to some sort of secret project, rather than quelling this insurgency. I get the feeling that we are being left in the dark about much.
I hope my people are treating you well. Your skills will be benefitting them greatly no doubt.
Till we next meet my friend.
Thrawn
[Message sent]
Author's thoughts
So, a bit of an experimental one shot this time around. In case you haven't figured it out, it is a message sent from Thrawn to Palpy and Yularen, as well as an extra message sent to Eli Vanto from the Thrawn novel. I wanted to take a look at the sort of process Thrawn would go through when given new targets to hunt, so I had him write a dossier on them for future use. If only he knew at the time huh?
Hopefully you enjoyed it, even if it was a bit unconventional in how it was presented.
As for what the next one shot is, truth be told I can't tell you yet as I have yet to write it. Oops! :D
Still, hopefully this is good for now. Don't worry though, more to come.
As normal, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:
Maliwan: Glad you enjoyed the fluff, as well as the throwaway line that somes Maul's development, even if he is not featured in this one shot. :)
Cranky Paws: Glad you enjoyed the Ezra and Chopper scene. Originally I was going to have Sabine give him some sort of Mando made cream, but I changed it to Chopper for laughs. Plus Ezra and Sabine will get one shots for themselves later on.
Travis Middleton: Glad you enjoyed this happy fluffy chapter. It was a breath of fresh air to write it after the darker previous ones. Writing the happy moments for all the characters is one of my favourite aspects of this one shot saga, especially considering the strain I have put on them in the past. Hope you liked the insight from Thrawn.
FossilQueen1984: Glad you enjoyed the chapter. It was a breath of fresh air to write a happy one for once. Honestly forgot it was Valentine's day. Guess that's what happens when no one ever gets you anything for it, not even a pity message huh? :)
Still, what convenient timing.
Mysterious Guest one: Thanks, glad you enjoyed the look at the Ghost crew and how they all help each others with their injuries.
Mysterious Guest two: Oh blast! You are right! I did forget Rex and Gregor! My bad!