The Force's Shepherds

Chapter 132

Arrival

The Chimaera burst out of hyperspace, lurching forward with titanic force as the jump finally completed. Thrawn felt his weight shift forward, but he never lost his footing as he remained on the bridge, red eyes staring out the expansive viewscreen, upon a blue world with a solitary moon circling it. The coordinates transmitted by the Republic Probe Droid, before it's communications were suddenly cut off, had been correct. Clearly there was something here. Judging by his cursory glance of the planet surface, it had to hold life on it.

"Analysis." Thrawn ordered, never turning his gaze from the blue gem suspended in a sea of black.

The dark side of the planet faced him. Behind it shone a brilliant, yellow sun, millions of miles away from where the Chimaera drifted. The lone moon orbiting the planet drifted in a lazy path between the Chimaera and the planet. Certainly not a life sustaining moon. It was a gray rock drifting in space, pockmarked by craters and crevices. Nothing special. Perhaps it would make a decent orbital outpost once the Empire formally arrived on this Planet's surface? Of course, that would entirely depend on the natives' level of cooperation.

But first, I need to figure out what we will be walking into.

He could hear the scanners on board the Chimaera's bridge whirring and beeping as they scanned the surface. It was just a preliminary scan. Nothing in depth yet. Although, he would certainly order a more thorough scan before deciding whether or not to lead a landing party. One could not be too cautious when it came to unknown worlds.

"Admiral, the planet is life sustaining. Average temperatures appear temperate. Liquid water is present, as is oxygen." An analyst on the bridge informed him.

Excellent. Thrawn folded his hands behind his back, We are finally making some progress.

The last time they stumbled upon such a promising, life sustaining world had been Tython. But that planet had been abandoned for millenia. Nothing but ancient stone ruins and wild jungle remained on the surface there. A few native species of animals did reside on the surface of the ancient Jedi homeworld, but there were no intelligent species to make contact with.

Will this planet be any different?

"Run a full scan of the planet." Thrawn ordered, "I want to know life form readings, if any. And if there are, I want a full readout on population centers."

"Should we deploy probe droids sir?" His aid, Captain Vanto, asked as the young human eyed a scanner over an analyst's shoulders.

Thrawn pondered the request for a moment. It would not be a bad idea, however, if there was intelligent life on this planet, they were likely uncontacted. Judging by the lack of any sort of artificial satellites in orbit, Thrawn felt it was safe to assume any civilization on the surface remained primitive. Meaning they would not react well to a machine being the first form of contact with a galactic civilization that dwarfed them in size, technology, and military power. They'd react much better to actual organic contact.

"No." Thrawn replied, "Keep it to simple scans. It may take longer that way, but we run less chance of appearing hostile. Remember, this is a possible first contact scenario with a primitive civilization. We need to treat this entire situation with delicate care."

Vanto nodded, "Yes sir."

Thrawn nodded back, then returned his attention to the blue gem hovering in front of him. The final stop in his mission handed to him by the Emperor. If the woman named Lucina was not here, then the Chimaera would have to turn back. They did not have the provisions to continue after this. If this planet was a failure, then he would do his duty as an officer and accept the Emperor's judgement for his failure.

If nothing else, I have discovered new worlds, new hyperspace lanes; an entire portion of the galaxy has been rediscovered and reopened to the rest. He thought, a faint smile crossing his blue lips, Maybe I will be remembered for that.

"Scans are in progress sir." Eli Vanto informed him as the Captain moved away from the analysts, stepped up a small fight of steps, then stood beside the Chiss Admiral, "Estimates put the time for completion to be roughly thirty two hours."

Thrawn arched an eyebrow, "Thirty two hours?"

Vanto winced, "Yes well, when you said thorough, then we are going to do thorough. By the time they are done, we might even know the population of this planet down to the hundreds. Currently the computer is scanning the biomes."

Thrawn blinked, "Biomes?"

More than one?

He peered closer at the planet in front of him. Indeed, there were multiple biomes. Several deserts dotted one continent. On that very same continent, immense plains, forests, even an arctic tundra, dominated the landscape. There was a second continent across a small ocean that seemed more temperate than its neighbor, but also possessed varying climates. Thrawn drew back, red eyes wide with fascination and mild surprise.

"How interesting." He muttered, his curiosity piqued.

"Do you want us to shorten the scans sir?"

Thrawn thought for a moment, "No," He replied, shaking his head, "I want all the information we can get in regards to this planet. I do not want to be blind when it comes to any area." He took a breath, drinking in the planet's visage once more, "I want to go down there personally."

Vanto smiled at that, "Wanting to be the first to set foot on a new world eh?" His aide joked, "Perhaps it will be named after you?"

Thrawn sniffed, "Clever jest, Vanto. But I doubt that will happen. This planet already has a name, and if we are to be seen as peaceful newcomers, rather than a threat, we would be wise to use the one the natives have already given it."

"Only way we'll learn that is when we get down there." Vanto nodded, "I'll see if we can speed things up at all, but we'll remain completely thorough."

"Very good."

Vanto stepped away in order to continue directing the scans. Thrawn did not follow him. Instead, he remained contemplative as he observed the planet before him. He could see various mountain ranges now. Some were capped with snow, and others were just granite peaks jutting up into the planet's atmosphere.

A truly unique planet indeed. Thrawn struggled to find an accurate comparison. Perhaps, in terms of the temperate sections, Naboo or Alderaan would be an accurate representation. But those deserts appeared as harsh as Tatooine. As for the arctic regions near the planet's poles, he wondered if Mygeeto might be a fair comparison? They certainly could not be colder than his homeworld of Csilla. The only way he would find out is when he stepped foot on the planet. Even though he ordered a thorough scanning, scans could only reveal so much.

The blast doors to the bridge hissed open. Heavy, artificial breathing echoed through the room. Thrawn could feel the other officers and analysts within the bridge tense up as Lord Vader strode in. The menacing servant of the Emperor paused beside Thrawn, the dark lenses of his grimacing mask focused on the planet as well.

"This could be it." Thrawn muttered, "Preliminary scans say it is life sustaining."

"It is it." Vader rumbled, "I can feel it."

Thrawn raised his brow and gave Lord Vader a questioning look, but he did not say anything in reply. Lord Vader firmly believed in his religion and the power it commanded. Thrawn had personally witnessed the immense power of force wielders before. He had encounters with Jedi during the age of the Republic. However, he doubted Vader could measure up to the great Masters Thrawn knew of in the Jedi Order. Even then, how could the Force be greater than the massive feats achieved by the galaxy when it came to science and intellect?

"We will complete thorough scans." Thrawn informed Vader, making it clear that he would not be rushed into going down to the planet surface, "They should be done in thirty two hours. At that point, I will personally go down to the planet's surface and make first contact."

"You?" Vader rumbled, glowering down at Thrawn.

Thrawn smirked back, "Who do you think will be better at making first contact with an isolated population; you, the terrifying fist of the Emperor, or me, the blue skinned Chiss?" Thrawn turned his attention back to the planet, "I aim to preserve this planet's innocence at least a little bit. We will get much more cooperation from the natives if we present ourselves as explorers rather than conquerors."

"Conquerors achieve cooperation," Vader reminded Thrawn, "And much more quickly."

"They also achieve resistance more quickly. Are you keen on dealing with that?"

Vader did not reply, making Thrawn smirk due to his small victory.

"I think we are in agreement then." Thrawn breathed, "I will immediately inform you when the scans are complete, Lord Vader. Oh, and I will also message the Emperor, informing him of our achievement. I suggest you do the same."

Oh, that likely made Lord Vader seethe. Thrawn knew the powerful man did not do well taking orders from anyone other than the Emperor. But thanks to the Emperor's protection, Thrawn could give him… suggestions. They were sensible ones too. It was a little mental battle he and Vader were engaged in. Who held the authority aboard the Chimaera. Thrawn would be damned if he allowed Vader to claim such sweeping command over his vessel.

In the end, Vader had to understand that he was being transported. This was a joint operation. He and Thrawn were equals in this endeavor, whether he liked it or not. The Emperor demanded it to be that way, and so it was, despite the reluctance either side felt about the matter.

Vader turned on his heel and strode off of the bridge. Thrawn had a feeling he would do as suggested. He will contact the Emperor, then likely seethe, brood, or meditate within his pressurized chamber in his quarters. That was fine for Thrawn. The longer Vader remained pacified, the easier this mission could be for him. Unleashing the Emperor's fist was a last resort, in case the natives decided not to cooperate. Hopefully it would not come to such bloodshed.

It would be such a waste.

Flashes of war surged in Lucina's mind. A sky, painted blood red by flickering flames that engulfed Ylisstol. Raging fires swallowed the once glistening city whole. Swarms of the undead poured over the once impenetrable, towering walls that guarded the city from a host of enemies in its long history. Commoners screamed in the streets, sprinting for what little safety was left in the Exalt's palace, only to find the gates barred to them. Closed, due to one of the cruelest, and most difficult orders, her master had ever given. And he had given them with the same impassive, emotionless tone he always wore in the future.

The dead were at the gates. Swarms of Risen scream, snarling, the gnashing of their teeth grating in her ears. Sweat coated her body, and she felt boxed in. Stuck in place. Unable to escape. Wings beat in the smoke filled sky. A titanic roar bellowed out. She cast her eyes up, expecting to see the Fell Dragon haunting her nightmares once again.

Instead, she saw a triangular shard of metal, massive in size, hovering over Ylisstol. Smoke billowed up in great plumes towards the mysterious, terrifying object. The roar she heard came from the metal shard as it stayed put over the city. She cast her eyes out from the palace terrace she stood on, and saw that the undead were gone, replaced by soldiers in white armor. Their strange weapons shot red light, red fire, red lightning- whatever it was, she could barely understand it. The carnage was unspeakable. At the head of the carnage, wielding a crimson lightsaber, was the new object of her nightmares. The Masked Man, his black mask forever fixed into a terrifying grimace.

Suddenly, he was before her. Or more accurately, she was before him. On her knees, bloodied, bruised, beaten. Terror filled her to her core as the monster glowered down at her. She felt powerless, helpless, incapable of fighting back despite her desperate desire to do so. Her hands shook, her spine crawled. A gloved, black hand reached down and gripped her by the throat. A lone question slipped from the monster's gaping, black maw within the mask.

"Where is Kenobi?"

Lucina gasped as she shot awake. Cold sweat covered her from head to toe, causing the thin, silk sheets to cling to her body. Her chest heaved up and down as her panic filled eyes whipped around the Master Kenobi's common room. The remnants of a small fire burned in the fireplace, nothing more than cinders. Morning songbirds chirped outside of the window in the wall opposite of her. As she settled back into reality, she realized she had fallen asleep at Ben's cabin. Someone had placed a sheet over her.

D-did Noire-?

Her thoughts were interrupted as the front door opened then quietly shut. Lucina snapped her gaze over to see Panne quietly padding into the cabin, a basket hanging from the crook of her right arm. Various vegetables, all ripe, rested in the basket. Along with a couple of apples.

As Panne walked in, the Taguel shivered, shaking morning dew from her fur. She took a deep breath, then noticed Lucina quietly watching her.

"Good morning, man-spawn."

Lucina took a deep breath, still reeling from the nightmares that endlessly plagued her, "Good morning, Panne."

The Taguel quietly moved to the dying fire, quickly stoking it with an iron poker, then adding a couple of logs to it. She then set a kettle filled with water over it.
"I grabbed those leaves you man-spawn enjoy drinking." Panne informed Lucina as the Princess swung her legs from the sofa she fell asleep on. A low yawn escaped her lips. She still felt so weary, "Noire enjoys them, and I made sure to grab some for you as well."

"Oh um… thank you, Panne." Lucina muttered, her mind drawn away from the Taguel, the cabin, and the present to instead focus on the terrible visions tormenting her nights.

Panne narrowed her eyes at Lucina as she set the basket down on the little counter across the room. The Taguel quietly removed the vegetables, setting them neatly down on the counter, before speaking.

"You seem quite troubled?"

"Oh?"

Panne nodded, "I have not seen you so distressed since we all embarked on the mission to save Exalt Emmeryn." Lucina's eyes widened at that, "You look like timid prey, knowing that it is being stalked by an apex predator." Panne tilted her head to the side, "Do I intimidate you so?"

Lucina's cheeks reddened with mild embarrassment, "N-no. Not at all, Panne. Believe me, I have faced down far more intimidating in my short life."

"Then why are you so fear filled. I can practically smell it coming from you. Both now, and during the night."

Lucina arched an eyebrow, "During the night?"

Panne nodded, "That elder man-spawn, Dooku, informed me of Ben and Tharja's departure with some dark mages yesterday evening." Lucina's eyes widened at that, "He told me that you and Noire were alone here at the cabin. And while I'm sure you can take care of yourselves, I also know Noire is blind, and… well… your cooking does not have the greatest reputation."

A dry laugh left Lucina's lips. It felt hollow, but at the same time, relieved some of the pressure sitting on her shoulders and simmering in her mind. It was amazing how humor, even the smallest amount, could distract her from the troubles she felt.

"I haven't heard that." Lucina replied with a slight smile, "Then again, I suppose I should've noticed when everyone didn't go for seconds whenever I cooked during the war." She rubbed the back of her neck, noticing how stiff it felt for the first time, "Thank you for coming by Panne. I must've been asleep when you arrived."

"You were. Noire insisted I place a sheet over you." Panne clicked her tongue as she grabbed a knife and began to chop up some of the vegetables, "I told Noire that it was too hot, even for sheets, but she insisted. Said you slept better with something over you." Panne rolled her eyes when she said that, "Never understood that about you man-spawn. Why must you always cover yourselves when you sleep? Even in a desert, you insist on a blanket."

Lucina shrugged, "I don't know. It's… comforting, I suppose."

Panne hummed, "You did not appear comforted. Before I left this morning to the markets, you were shaking like an autumn leaf. Muttering in your sleep too. I could not understand most of it, but you appeared to be distressed. I thought about waking you, but I also recalled how grumpy Gaius gets whenever I wake him too early, and decided against it."

The door to Ben and Tharja's room opened then closed. Noire quietly stepped out, a night gown over her body, and a big yawn stretching out from her lips.

"You never decide against it with Gaius." She mumbled as she stumbled into the room, using her hands to find her way over to a chair next to Lucina. She turned her head away from Lucina, "Good morning, Luci."

Lucina uttered a light chuckle, "I'm over here, Noire."

"O-oh!" Noire whipped her head around, "S-sorry."

"Don't be." Lucina laughed, "You're still figuring things out."

Noire grimaced, "Yeah."

The kettle over the fire screamed, startling Lucina right as her thoughts drifted back to her nightmares. Panne raised her brow when she saw Lucina jump in her seat.

"Very distressed." The Taguel muttered.

Lucina sighed as Panne strode over to the kettle, carefully removing it from over the fire and proceeding to take it over to the counter, where she poured the hot water into a pair of teacups then threw a couple of tea leaves into them. Panne turned and handed Lucina her cup, then carefully placed the second teacup into Noire's hands.

"Thank you, Panne." Noire said sleepily.

"Yes, thank you." Lucina nodded.

Panne sniffed, returned to the counter, and continued working on whatever breakfast she was preparing for the two girls. As she chopped her vegetables, she glanced back at Lucina again.

"What troubles you?"

"Hm?"

Noire furrowed her brow, turning to look in the direction of Lucina's voice, "Nightmares? Again?"

Lucina pursed her lips, "Yeah." She breathed.

"Worse?" Noire asked, "They sound worse?"

Lucina grimaced, "Y-yeah, um… I'll talk to Ben when he and Tharja get back."

Noire drew back, "Get back?" She turned to look at Panne, "Where did they go?"

Panne shrugged, "Apparently a pair of dark mages arrived. They claimed to be envoys from someone named Morgana the Black."

"Ominous." Noire muttered.

"Agreed." Lucina nodded.

Morgana the Black? The Princess thought. She took a sip of tea and sat quietly for a moment, Who is that?

"They apparently needed assistance on something from Lady Tiki and Nowi. Both Ben and Tharja accompanied them just in case things go bad." Panne explained, "And I would not worry. If anyone is capable of taking care of themselves, it is your parents, Noire."

Noire gave her a weak smile, "Y-yeah, not wrong there."

Lucina quickly reached out and rubbed Noire's shoulder, "They're going to be fine, Noire."

"I-I know." Noire stammered. Lucina watched her instinctively reach for her neck, searching for a talisman that was no longer there. A defeated breath slipped from her friend's lips, "Just… worried. These visions we're all having keep growing worse, and more frequent. Both Father and Dooku clearly believe they are a warning."

"And nothing more than a warning." Lucina reassured, "Nothing has happened yet, and I'm sure when Ben is done with whatever he is doing with this Morgana person, he'll inform my father about these warnings."

"Warnings?" Panne replied, "Is there some threat on the way? I hope not. It will upset your man-spawn celebration plans. Certainly put a damper on things for those who've traveled here from Valm."

Lucina froze mid sip, "Valm?"

Panne blinked, "Right, I nearly forgot." She turned around, "Your sister arrived this morning and-"

The teacup did not stop spinning on the table in front of the sofa when Lucina sprinted out the door. She did not hear Noire or Panne calling out to her. Any thoughts of visions, of Ben, of Morgana the Black, were wiped away from her mind at news of her sister's arrival in Ylisstol. Excitement filled her as she barreled through Ylisstol's gates, dashed through the crowded market district, rushed through the palace gates and up to the palace doors. Just as she reached to open the doors, they burst open, and a shorter woman with blue hair like her own barreled into her, nearly tackling Lucina to the ground.

"Luci!" Cynthia cried, wrapping her arms tight around Lucina.

Lucina cried out happily, wrapping her younger sister in a warm hug. They both spun around in front of the doors. Joy filled Lucina's heart.

After several more moments, Lucina pulled back from their embrace, a broad smile on her lips, "It's so good to see… you… again?"

Did Cynthia put on weight?

Cynthia beamed up at her. Her blue eyes were bright with delight as a giddy sound escaped her lips.

"Take a guess?" She teased, bouncing up and down, "Guess, guess, guess!"

Lucina furrowed her brow, thinking hard for a moment, "All of that rice must be very filling, Cynthia."

"Wah!" Cynthia cried, "No!" She stomped a foot, "Me and Luke are gonna be parents!"

Lucina did not react for a second. Cynthia's words took a moment to sink in. In her mind, glass shattered. Her one hand curled up into a tight fist as her teeth clenched tight. Cynthia's smile wavered as Lucina said nothing.

"Hey uh… Luci?" She waved a hand in front of Lucina's face, "You okay?"

"Just… perfect." Lucina hissed through grinding teeth, "Where's Luke?"

Cynthia lit up, "Oh well he… he… you're not smiling." She rubbed her chin, "You're not happy. Why are you…" A gasp shot from Cynthia, "Hey! This is just as much my fault as his."

"Cynthia…" Lucina finally groaned, letting all the tension escape her body in one breath. She smacked her forehead and uttered a long groan, "Please tell me father and mother are aware?"

Cynthia nodded, "They are."

"How did they take it?"

Cynthia folded her hands in front of her, "Well… Mom took it better than Dad did."

"Oh Naga, is Luke in the dungeons?" Lucina gulped.

"No, silly." Cynthia chuckled, "Dad passed out. Apparently, the thought of being a grandfather in his early twenties made him feel a little weak."

Lucina's eyes widened, "Yeah uh… that'd make me feel a little weak too."

"Hey, at least you're not passing out." Cynthia smiled back. She took Lucina by the hands, "But, let's not get all worried about that. This is going to be so much fun!"

She practically dragged Lucina into the palace. As they walked in, Lucina noticed all of the final decorations for the Ball were being put in place, with Duchess Maribelle supervising of course. Several of the Shepherds were assisting in the setup, although most were exasperated by the Duchess's fretting. More than once, as they walked through the hall, Lucina heard both Vaike and Sully shout curses back and forth at Maribelle. Leaving Maribelle offended, aghast, and righteously angry. Wisely, Cynthia dragged her quickly away from there, up a flight of stairs, through a set of double doors, and into the royal living wing.

Once in the safety and privacy of the royal living wing, Cynthia spun around, grinning ear to ear.

"Naga, it feels so nice to be back. I mean, I love Chon'sin and all, but there's something about this place."

Lucina chuckled, "Indeed there is."

"Oh! Have you picked out a dress for the ball yet?" Cynthia asked excitedly.

Lucina rolled her eyes, "I don't think I'm cut out to wear dresses anymore Cynthia."

"Nonsense!" Cynthia replied, smacking Lucina's arm, "There's gotta be one for you to wear. Maybe we can run to the market and get you one last minute. I'm sure Anna will have something available."

"Yeah. For the low, low price of the entire royal treasury." Lucina snorted.

"Worth it to see my big sis super pretty!" Cynthia chirped.

Lucina just shook her head, laughing under her breath, "I'll think about it. Right now, let's just rest before this entire ball happens and-"

A door opened and shut down the hall. Luke stepped out, wearing his usual loose, Chon'sin robes. Her eyes locked with Luke, and Luke paled.

"Uh…"

Cynthia spun around, "Luci knows now too!" She hopped in place, "Isn't that exciting!?"

Luke sucked in a sharp breath, lips pucking like he just ate an entire lemon. He refused to make eye contact with Lucina, even as she stormed past Cynthia towards him.

"I'm just going to-"

Lucina grabbed him roughly by the ear and dragged him towards her own chambers, "We're going to have a chat."

Luke yelped as she dragged him along. Cynthia briefly gave chase. Lucina slammed her door shut and locked it. Cynthia knocked several times, asking Lucina, then demanding, to open the door. Lucina just shook her head and spun around to face Luke as the young Sith wince, pain still smarting through his ear.

"I thought you were gonna rip the damn thing off." He hissed, reaching up to touch his tender ear.

"I was considering it."

"I'm getting mom!" Cynthia shouted from the otherside of the door.

Lucina rolled her eyes, "And that is what we need to talk about."

Luke sighed. He opened his mouth to speak, then Cynthia shouted again.

"And Dad!"

That made Lucina hang her head. She sighed wearily, raising her gaze to Luke.

"You two…" She grumbled, moving over to a small, padded stool and sinking down to a seat, "What were you two thinking?"

Luke winced and rubbed the back of his neck. He stayed a safe distance away from her. Not that Lucina couldn't close that gap quickly, but in this instance, Luke felt like it was wise to stay further than an arm's length away. Hell, if he had his way, he'd be having this conversation with a set of jail bars between him and Lucina. That would somehow feel safer.

"We probably weren't." He admitted sheepishly.

Lucina rolled her eyes, "You two were never the best at thinking."

"Not wrong there." Luke sighed, leaning up against the wall, "That was always Morgan's job in the Justice Cabal."

Somehow, he made her snort out a laugh.

Naga damn it, how does he do that?

Lucina shook her head, "Do you really think she is ready?" Luke pressed his lips into a thin line, "Do you really think you're ready?"

To his credit, he gave her an honest answer. A small, shake of his head followed by an anxious sigh.

"I never expected this." Luke muttered, stepping away from the wall then moving towards the large, bay windows that dominated Lucina's room. Allowing bright sunlight to filter in from the rising sun, "When I first came back with Maul I…" he shook his head, "This is both the happiest I've been and the most terrified I've been in my entire life. It's difficult to explain."

Lucina felt some of her own frustration and fury subside, "Well… at least you have a mature perspective about all of this."

Luke gave her a wry smirk, "Look at that. You think I'm mature."

"Don't push your luck." Lucina warned, "It took a great deal for me to say those words."

"Hmm, I'm sure it did." Luke nodded in agreement, a wry grin never leaving his face. He took a deep breath and glanced out the window again. The final preparations for the Ball were being brought to the palace, including several large cakes from Gaius's Bakery, "I swear to you Lucina, I'm not gonna screw this up." He glanced back at her, "I won't let myself screw it up."

Lucina felt some surprise fill her at how sincere Luke spoke. He treated this matter with incredible amounts of maturity and seriousness. Cynthia might be all happy, innocent, and childish still, but Luke viewed this as a new challenge and responsibility. Something he had to rise to meet. That alone gave the Princess a small measure of comfort.

"You better not." Lucina replied, a slight smile twitching on her lips.

A knock sounded on her door.

"Lucina," Her mother called from the otherside, voice weary, "Cynthia is bawling. She's… she's claiming you're about to kill Luke."

Luke and Lucina's eyes widened.

"I don't know what is going on, but sweetheart, that is not the-"

Both of them descended into raucous laughter. Luke covered his mouth as he laughed. Lucina's shoulders jumped up and down as she laughed hard. She rose to her feet, strode over to the door, unlocked it, and pulled it open.

Cynthia practically knocked the door down. She raced over to Luke and slammed into him.

"Thank Naga, you're alive!"

Sumia uttered an exhausted sigh in the doorway, "I told you he was fine, Cynthia." Her weary gaze turned to a still chuckling Lucina, "You both are a handful." She waved for Lucina to follow, "Come on."

Lucina furrowed her brow. She glanced over at Luke and Cynthia, and smiled when she saw Luke kiss the top of Cynthia's head. Any childish jealousy she might have felt a year or two ago had gone away long ago. Luke was not on her path in life. His path crossed with Cynthia's, and it formed a beautiful relationship that they both needed.

Lucina's path was not for romance, she knew that in her heart. In the future, her path was one of responsibility, ruling, and war. Of being one of humanity's last hopes against the Fell Dragon, and shouldering that terrible burden for the rest of her days. In the present, her path was that of a Jedi Knight, and a Shepherd. A warrior, and a peacekeeper. Her childish infatuation with Luke died in the sands of Plegia. Stomped out by his actions, and Maul's cruelty. A friendship had blossomed in its place. A shaky one, but still a friendship.

Focus on the here and now. She reminded herself as she followed her mother to her parent's chambers, Focus on the-

She froze in her parent's room. A pair of dresses hung on hangers near a full length mirror.

"Time to pick." Sumia said, a bright smile on her face.

Lucina stared wide eyed at the beautiful gowns her mother was offering to her. One the royal blue her father enjoyed wearing, the other the emerald green of House Ylisse. She practically tip-toed towards them. The fingers on her lone hand brushed against the silk with tender care. Dresses… a luxury she never had in the ruined future. All worries about the visions, about Grima, about Luke and Cynthia, faded away. She turned around to her mother.

"Can I try both?"

Chrom sighed as he stared into the full length mirror in his and Sumia's chambers. This was not an outfit he was entirely comfortable in. Formal wear was something he did not enjoy wearing, but nonetheless, he was required to wear it. Every bit of it felt too stiff. Moments like this were when he envied his fellow Shepherds. While he wanted all of them to come to royal functions such as this Ball, he never expected them to. He also never expected them to dress exceptionally fancy (especially Vaike). He wished he could live under those expectations as well.

Alas, I am the Prince. And these Nobles can't have their feelings hurt.

He sighed again, straightening the white cape he wore over his shoulders. A glittering silver chain clasped it, sitting over the top of his chest. The rest of his attire was a mixture of royal blues and bright whites, which he wanted. If he was going to wear formal attire, he at least wanted it to be in colors he liked. As traditional as the tan and green were to House Ylisse, he preferred blue and white. The nobility might frown upon such a flagrant disregard for tradition, but frankly, when it came to clothing he could not give a damn.

He rolled his shoulders, grimacing at how restricted his movements felt. Before his frown could grow anymore, a pair of slender arms snaked over his shoulders before a set of soft lips pecked his check.

"Why the long face?" Sumia asked.

The frown disappeared, and a small smile replaced it, "You know how I feel about these things." He uttered a heavy breath and turned to face his wife.

She looked absolutely radiant. While he ignored the traditional colors of House Ylisse, Sumia embraced them. It was a way for both royals to placate the more entrenched Nobles that showed up to these functions. The soft tans and vibrant greens in her gown took his breath away, as always. But what stole his breath even more, and made his heart hammer hard in his chest, was the ever so slight bump visible in her stomach. A sign of a future Princess that would bring even more joy to their lives.

"What? You don't like sleeves?" Sumia teased, even as a dark blush crossed over her cheeks. Chrom chuckled at that, wrapping his arms around her and holding her tight. A happy sigh slipped from Sumia's lips. "Why is it," She asked, keeping her hands clasped behind his neck, "That even after everything we've been through, you still make me blush this badly?"

Chrom chuckled at that, feeling his own cheeks heat up a little bit as well, "Because you are absolutely beautiful, and I wonder how I got so lucky."

Sumia's face turned beat red, "S-stop it." She stammered before resting her head against this chest in order to hide how flustered she was, "I'm the one who should be wondering about my luck."

She heard his laughter and felt a soft kiss press against the top of her head, "No you shouldn't. Do you want to know why?"

"Why?" She asked, resting her chin on his chest as she looked up into his eyes.

"Because we both have rotten luck," He said with a wry smirk, "WE need to go entertain nobles at a Ball now."

Sumia laughed, shaking her head, "Yes… that we do." She stood up straight again and took his hand in hers, "Shall we face the enemy together?"

Chrom threw his head back, laughing loudly. Sumia chuckled with him. Chrom's laughter died down as they both exited their personal chambers. Guards flanked them once they left their room and started through the palace towards the ballroom. After descending a couple flights of stairs, and striding through long corridors, where great windows allowed moonlight to filter into the Exalt's Palace, they both arrived at the ballroom. The small door that would serve as their entryway, behind the throne within, was closed. Waiting in front of the door was Knight Commander Frederick, also in his formal attire, sporting blues and whites like his liege lord.

"Milord, Milady." He bowed his head to both Sumia and Chrom

Chrom chuckled, "Frederick how many times-"

"Tonight is a night of tradition, milord." Frederick interrupted, he cleared his throat quickly once he realized that he interrupted his Lord, "Apologies, milord, but-"

Chrom laughed under his breath and patted his friend on the shoulder, "You never have to apologize to me Frederick. Not when you haven't done anything wrong."

A small smile crossed his oldest friend's lips, "Very well." Frederick took a breath and nodded at the closed door, "Ready to have fun?"

"Is that sarcasm I hear?" Chrom smiled. He and Sumia both took deep breaths, "Are the Shepherds in attendance?"

"All except Ben, Tharja, Nowi, and Lady Tiki."

Chrom furrowed his brow, "They're still gone?"

Frederick nodded, and Chrom felt some concern grow in him. The four Shepherds left with envoys of a Lady Morgana two days ago. No word had come from them since. While he was worried, Chrom also knew the power both Ben and Lady Tiki wielded. Doing any harm to them would require a tremendous amount of effort. Tharja and Nowi were no slouches in combat either. If anyone could handle a group of heretical dark mages that could potentially be enemies, they could.

I still wish they were here. He thought as Frederick placed a hand on the doorknob, If only because Ben is exceptional at warding off prying nobles with his smooth talking.

Frederick pushed the door open. As soon as it swung outward, bright light from lanterns and the great chandelier over the ballroom dance floor shone over both Sumia and Chrom. Festive music already played in elegant, fun tones through the great hall, though it stopped abruptly as a herald stepped forward and announced their arrival.

Polite applause rang out through the hall as Chrom and Sumia entered the ballroom. They smiled brightly at the crowd of nobles and special guests in the ballroom. Both waved their hands at the crowd. As they waved, Chrom searched the crowd for the Shepherds.

He found most of them near the back, already taste testing the alcohol selection. He could see Sully's scowl, when she found out the main drink would be champagne, all the way from here. He smirked when he saw Kellam sneak a small bottle of something to her. An action that earned him a friendly jab to the shoulder, something the large man easily shrugged off.

Vaike remarkably wore a tie and a shirt. His son from the future, Laurent, was by his side. He wore spiffy, new robes, but he still wore the same hat as before. Although he made sure to dust it for this special occasion.

Virion had a hand around his fiance's, Olivia, waist. The pair announced their engagement upon their arrival from Themis, when they precluded the arrival of Maribelle in order to make sure her own lodging was ready. Apparently, working in close proximity as often as they did, what with Olivia being the Feroxi ambassador to Themis and Virion being an advisor to the Duchess, caused a romance to blossom between the two.

Lon'qu remained near those two, as did Lissa. Ever since the Siege of Koto, Lissa remained near Lon'qu's side. The Feroxi swordsman had fought with everything in his power to save her, and get her to medical attention during that terrible battle. Because of this, she was the lone woman that he looked even remotely comfortable around. Of course, Lissa exploited that to the fullest. Already she hung onto his arms like it was a tree limb. A bright smile painted her face, and Chrom couldn't help but smile happily for her.

Both Libra and Cherche stayed off to the side, inconspicuous to the others in the ballroom. They seemed friendly enough to each other, both easily going back and forth in conversation. Anna was busy near the sweets table with Gaius and Panne, helping the former thief turned pastry chef, and the Taguel, set up the cakes that she funded.

Donnel, Maribelle, and Dooku were all already entertaining several nobles near the center of the ballroom. Donnel's commoner charm seemed to work wonders on the nobles, much to Maribelle's delight and Dooku's approval.

A delighted gasp rushed from Sumia. Chrom followed her gaze and a thrilled grin erupted over his face. Cordelia entered the ballroom, with the assistance of a chair with large wheels in the back and small wheels in the front, pushed forward with glee by the Dark Mage Henry. A quaint smile rested on her lips as many of the nobles in attendance bowed their heads in respect to her. Many heard of Sumia's victories in Valm, but Sumia always credited Cordelia for teaching her, and for training the Pegasus Knights to the point that they could dominate the Valmese armies.

Severa trailed after her mother and father. The grumpier red head absolutely refused to wear a dress, preferring a fancy tunic, jerkin, and pants. Her sword remained on her belt as she strolled into the ballroom. As quickly as she could, she bade her mother and father goodbye, then joined Owain, Brady, Inigo, Noire, Luke, and Cynthia near a large window that looked out over the rolling plains beyond the walls of Ylisstol.

Every one of the children from the future looked thrilled to be at the Ball. Probably because none of them ever had the chance to experience something as… well… magical as something like this. As much as Chrom considered a Ball with Nobles and tradition to be an annoyance, he did realize how important it was to others he called friends.

Lucina lingered near the royal thrones. Chrom and Sumia approached their seats, faced the crowd, nodded, then took a seat in their thrones. A signal for the night's festivities to begin.

Once they sat down, and all eyes were no longer on them, Chrom turned to speak to his future daughter. At that moment, he realized she was wearing a gorgeous, royal blue gown. There was nothing flashy about the gown. It was simple, and certainly something from Sumia's personal wardrobe, but it fit Lucina wonderfully. Chrom smiled broadly as Lucina stood beside him.

"You look lovely." He complimented.

"Lovely?" Sumia replied, "She looks beautiful!"

Lucina tried to suppress a faint blush on her cheeks, "I'm not used to this."

"Neither am I." Chrom snorted, earning a smack on the chest from Sumia, "Don't worry, once this is done, you can get back into something more comfortable. I know I will."

Lucina chuckled, "You act like this is worse than going to war."

"I prefer war." Chrom pointed out, "Less bootlicking."

"Chrom…" Sumia sighed, but a knowing smile still rested on her lips. Even she agreed. She was just better at hiding it.

Lucina snickered a little, "Father this is just… wonderful. I haven't seen anything like this in years. Not since I was a little girl. Even then, I can't really remember it."

Chrom smiled back, "Then enjoy yourself. There is no need for you to linger around me and your mother either. Go, enjoy your friends. I'm sure they're waiting for you."

Lucina glanced over to the other future kids. Inigo waved for her to come join them. Brady raised his flask to her, undoubtedly filled with something much stronger than champagne. Cynthia bounced up and down, practically demanding her to come over as she beamed beside Luke. Noire looked a little more lost, likely due to all the noise, chatter, and music in the ballroom, but both Severa and Brady were doing a good job of keeping her comfortable.

"I wish everyone was here." Lucina breathed.

"Sakura stayed in Chon'sin." Chrom nodded, "She wanted to remain with Yen'fay and learn more about the country. Besides, with Cynthia being…" He let out a long breath, "Pregnant." Sumia rubbed his shoulder, "Her and Luke are going to be staying for a while."

Lucina blinked, "O-oh? They are?"

Sumia nodded, "It's a nearly month long journey back to Port Ferox. Especially at this time of year when the Feroxi roads are basically mud. Then another three months crossing the sea and back overland to Koto. By the time they get back, she'll be too far along."

"That kind of travel is dangerous for her right now." Chrom agreed, "So they will stay here. Luke even suggested it."

Lucina smiled at that, "I'm glad he's taking this so seriously."

Chrom sighed, "You and me both." He furrowed his brow when he noticed Noire, "Have you heard anything from Ben?"

Lucina shook her head, "I didn't even know he was gone until this morning."

"Oh." Chrom blinked, "Well, I'm sorry I didn't tell you. Things have been kind of chaotic here recently."

"Maribelle and Balls can do that." Lucina nodded.

"Pfft…" A gruff voice struggled to contain laughter. Lucina's cheeks reddened along with Sumia's, while Chrom began to chuckle uncontrollably. Sully sauntered up to the thrones with Kellam by her side, "Might wanna rephrase that, kiddo."

"O-oh! I- um- well-"

Sully threw her head back and laughed loudly at Lucina's sputtering. SHe smacked Lucina's good shoulder hard.

"Lighten up! It's only a joke. Trust me, ya hang around us long enough, and you'll hear a lot worse."

"That's very true." Kellam nodded, a quiet smile on his lips.

Sully chuckled, "Damn straight it is. I'll have this girl here redder than a fair maiden on her wedding night by the time I'm through with her."

"Sully!" Sumia cried, struggling to contain her own laughter.

"What? I ain't wrong. Just wait till it's me, Vaike, and Gaius teasing her. She might just wanna go to a cathedral then." Sully laughed loud again, "Don't worry though, Lucina. You fight good, so I'm sure you'll joke just as good once we get ya warmed up." The bawdy cavalier took a breath and glanced around, "Damn…" She turned back to Chrom and Sumia, "Peace feels weird."

Chrom snorted at that, "You can say that again. We fought so hard to get it, and now I have no idea what to do with it."

Lucina blinked as discussions of the hard won peace after the Valm War came up, "That er- reminds me, Father. I need to speak to you in private."

Chrom furrowed his brow. He glanced over at Sumia, who nodded at him.

"I can handle things in here. You two go ahead."

Chrom smiled back at her, "What would I do without you?"

"That is an excellent question." Sumia snickered back, "Hopefully we never need to find out the answer. Now get going."

Lucina started to walk away, and Chrom followed. The two made their way back through the doors Chrom and Sumia walked out of. They passed by Frederick, who bowed to both of them, before joining the other Shepherds in the festivities.

Chrom shut the door behind him and Lucina. The hallway leading to the ballroom was quiet, save for some noise bleeding in through the thick walls and door. Pale moonlight filtered in through the windows along the hallway, lighting up the wall and the tapestries hanging from the walls with soft light.

Chrom glanced up at one tapestry which told the story of the Hero King Marth. Or, one story of the Hero King. Now that he looked at it, he could see a little, green haired Manakete by the Hero King's side at one point, which made him do a double take.

"I-is that-" Lucina peered at where he was pointing, "I never noticed it before till now but-"

"Naga, Tiki's that old!?" Lucina exclaimed.

Chrom chuckled, "Apparently." He took a breath, lowering his hand, "Strange the things we notice when everything goes quiet, huh?"

Lucina nodded, "Yeah." She cleared her throat, "Speaking of noticing, Mom is-"

"Yup." Chrom grinned, "Cynthia is on the way."

Lucina bowed her head, laughing under her breath, "It's gonna get a lot crazier in here, isn't it?"

"Definitely." Chrom smiled, "But… I'm looking forward to it. Better to have two crazy daughters running around than a bunch of Plegians or Valmese, right?"

"Right…" Lucina bit her lip. If she had her other arm on, she would have been wringing her hands in front of her, "Father, I'm not sure if Ben managed to talk to you before he left, but there is something important you need to know."

Chrom furrowed his brow. Normally, when the subject of Ben and something important came up, it was not good news. At least, that is what would happen before Ben revealed who he really was and where he was from. He could tell from the worry on Lucina's face that this was not going to be something good.

"Well," Chrom breathed, "Let's hear it."

Lucina took a deep breath, "Me, Ben, Noire, Dooku, and Luke… we've all been having nightmares."

"Nightmares?"

"Visions." Lucina quickly clarified, "Dark… terrible visions." She gulped, "Father, we're all having visions very similar to each other. When it comes to the Force, that is not a coincidence."

Chrom furrowed his brow. All of the joy, and exasperation, he felt regarding the ball was pushed to the back of his mind.

"What about?" Chrom asked, worry building up within him as well.

Lucina's eyes shifted back and forth, up and down the hall, making sure no one was listening in. An old habit her Master made her develop. A way of making sure Maul was never listening in on any of their conversations in the future. She worked her jaw back and forth after determining that they were alone.

"Ben and Dooku believe Sidious may be on his way."

Chrom's eyes widened, "What!? Why haven't they said anything to me yet?"

"Because something about a Lady Morgana intervened. What is that all about anyways?"

"Getting sidetracked, aren't we?" Chrom retorted, "And I have no idea what this Morgana the Black wants. That's what Tiki, Nowi, Ben, and Tharja have gone to find out." He wiped a hand over his mouth, "Are Dooku and Ben absolutely certain?"

Lucina shook her head, "None of us are. That's the thing about visions. They are… fickle. Enigmatic, to say the least. Especially when they start revealing things about the future. As my Master always liked to tell me: 'The future is never certain'."

"So Dooku and Ben are approaching this with… caution?" Chrom asked, one eyebrow arched in confusion.

"They are probably wise to do so, but they did agree to tell you." Lucina frowned, "I'm not sure why Dooku refrained. Ben likely got sidetracked by the dark mages that appeared here."

Chrom nodded in understanding, "Yeah, that I can understand. Dooku, however, I-I-" He took a deep, calming breath, "Why are the guys from stars always giving me a headache?"

Lucina snorted in agreement, "I don't know, but they can give me one too."

Chrom worked his jaw back and forth as he thought about what Lucina told him, "How do we prepare?"

Lucina shrugged, "I'm not sure. That's more Ben and Dooku's area of expertise."

"Okay then." Chrom glanced out the windows to the starry sky, the moon, and the flickering lights in Ylisstol. A long breath escaped his lips, "Just as peace finally comes, a new threat may be arriving. We're never going to get a break, are we?"

Lucina winced a little bit, "I hope we're wrong."

"Yeah…" Chrom sighed, "Me too." He tapped the windowsill he was staring out of before turning back to his daughter. He could see the worry on her face, and that made his heart ache. He walked back over to her and brushed a long, blue lock of hair away from her face, "You know what, even if you are right, it could be a ways away, right?"

Lucina put on a forced smile, "Right."

"So, tonight, we aren't going to worry about it. Tonight is a happy night. There is a Ball back there," He nodded at the closed door, "for you to enjoy." Lucina smiled at that, "So go enjoy it. Be with your friends. Leave worrying about the future to me and your mother, for once."

Lucina bowed her head, chuckled, then nodded.

"Okay."

"Okay?" Chrom asked again.

"Yes." Lucina stated.

"Good."

Chrom nodded for her to get back to the Ball, and Lucina quickly rushed back. He could only smile at her newfound excitement. The door opened, the Princess rushed through, then it shut. Festive music rushed into the hall briefly before the door shut, clashing violently with the worries now bouncing around in Chrom's mind.

He lingered in the hall a moment longer, eyes drifting away from the windows, back to the tapestry of the Hero King. Legend had it that the Hero King Marth was his ancestor. The one who helped start the long line of Kings, Queen, and eventually Exalts, that now ruled Ylisse. His exploits before becoming the Hero King were the stories every young boy lived to hear, including Chrom. In this strange moment, instead of trying to plan out how to combat an unknown enemy, Chrom found himself thinking of those stories told to him by his parents, and his grandparents, and the many history teachers he had growing up.

"You never had a break either, did you?" He asked the stitched visage of the Hero King, carefully placed into the colorful tapestry, "Us rulers never have a chance to catch our breaths…" He sighed, wiping a hand over his already tired eyes, "One crisis, then another, until the final crisis." He glanced at the Hero King again, "That being, the one where bells ring from Naga's Cathedral, and one of my children ascend to the throne."

That's a morbid thought.

He sighed heavily. The festive music paused a moment, then resumed as the band of brass and strings began a new song for everyone to dance to. He smiled as he recognized the tune, and his foot tapped to the beat.

"They're not here yet." He muttered, turning away from the tapestry and to the city itself, "I've got time." He nodded, "Time to...time to figure this out." He massaged the back of his neck as sudden stress caused the muscles inside to tighten up. Finally, he cast his gaze up to the moon and stars, "I wish you were here, Robin."

He turned to head back to the Ball. He had to return at some point, otherwise people would start murmuring and gossiping about why he was away for so long. Then he'd have to deal with that, and the Shepherds' teasing about it as well.

His hand wrapped around the doorknob, and he took another breath before returning to the Ball. He put on a smile, but his heart ached as he realized the tremendous task that laid before him, and the fact that possibly faced it alone. The face of his good friend, Ylisse's tactician, lingered in his mind.

"I could really use your help, my friend."

Thrawn hardly slept. How could he? The end to his years-long mission was finally in sight. The scans were nearly complete. The time has almost come. He waited with bated breath aboard the bridge, but he also did not allow the crew to see how anxious he felt. The fate of him, of his ship, of his crew, rested on this one planetary scan. If it failed to bring up results that satisfied him and Lord Vader, then the entire mission would be deemed a failure. They would turn around and go home. He would face judgement for his failure, and he would likely lose the Chimaera in the process.

This is it. He reassured himself, red eyes staring out to the planet, This has to be it.

A loud series of beeps rang out through the bridge. Eli Vanto, who was nearly asleep in a seat next to one of the analysts scanning the planet, jerked awake. Thrawn spun around where he stood, finally letting his own anxiety show.

"Finished?" He asked, tone still level despite his excitement.

The young officer in charge of the scan nodded, "Yes sir."

"Results?" Thrawn snapped quickly.

The officer jumped in his seat. As he pulled up the results of the scan, Lord Vader entered the bridge. His breathing set everyone but Thrawn on edge.

"Alright, results…" The analyst muttered to himself, sweat beading on his brow when he noticed Lord Vader glowering down at him, along with Admiral Thrawn, "Results…"

He tapped his screen then took a deep breath. His eyes widened as he read them.

"You've gotta be-" He stared up at Thrawn and Lord Vader, completely stunned, "We've got civilization!"

Cheers and whoops rang out through the bridge. Eli Vanto smiled up at Thrawn and Lord Vader. Thrawn allowed a faint, ghost of a smile to cross his blue lips. Vader remained as machine-like as ever.

"Where are the major population centers?" Lord Vader boomed, quieting the cheering within the bridge.

The analyst gulped, then studied the scans further. He nodded and pointed a finger at his screens.

"I've got five- no six, major centers of life here. Scans show significant structural signs as well, indicating the possibility that these are major cities on the planet. I've got two located on this continent," He gestured to the more temperate of the two Thrawn could see through the bridge's viewscreen, "And four on the other."

"What is the largest?" Vader asked, clearly growing impatient.

"Th-the largest is here." The analyst pointed to what appeared to be a decent sized city in the middle of rolling plains on the more extreme continent, "Most structures, most lifeforms. Appears to be a major hub of sorts too. Might be worth checking out?"

"Then that is where I will go." Thrawn acknowledged, he turned to Lord Vader, "I will be taking a detachment of the 501st with me, for protection." Lord Vader just nodded in reply, "And I leave command of the bridge to you, Lord Vader."

Thrawn strode to the exit. As he walked, he waved a hand back over towards Captain Vanto.

"Captain." He called, beckoning the young human to join him.

"O-oh, r-right." Vanto scrambled up to the main catwalk and rushed after Thrawn, reaching his side just as the Chiss passed through the Bridge's blast doors, "I'm joining you in this?"

"You are, yes." Thrawn replied as they strode to the turbolift. Once on the lift, Thrawn pushed the button to take them both to the main hangar, where a Lambda Class shuttle waited for them.

"Okay." Vanto nodded, "Why?"

Thrawn glanced at him, "Do you want to be alone with Lord Vader?"

Vanto paled, then gulped, "Fair point."

Thrawn smirked at that, "Besides, this is a good opportunity for you to learn the fine art of negotiation, Captain." He glanced down at his grey officer's uniform, grimacing when he noticed a speck of dust near the badges indicating his rank. He wiped the dust away then waited for the lift to come to a stop, "Captain?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Did you ever stop your investigation into the motives of our mission, and the identity of Lord Vader?"

Vanto blinked, "Well, no. You never told me to."

Thrawn nodded, "What have you found out?"

Vanto pursed his lips, "Not much, honestly. Although, I have found something rather curious on imperial channels. A new ship was commissioned recently."

The lift stopped and the doors opened out to the main hangar. Thrawn strode out, and Vanto followed, struggling to keep up with the Chiss's brisk pace. A detachment of stormtroopers waited for them near the Lambda shuttle. Their armor polished to a fine, white shine.

"I fail to see how a new ship is related to our mission, Captain." Thrawn muttered.

"That's the thing, sir. I think it might be. It has two commanding officers, one an old Clone Commander by the call sign CC-2224."

Thrawn blinked in surprise. He paused near the shuttle's landing ramp.

"Commander Cody? He's been recommissioned?"

"Apparently sir." Vanto nodded, "But he answers to a civilian officer, I think? Someone who has appeared literally out of thin air. I've only found a rare mention of her in channels, and a lone description of her."

"And?"

"Unknown species sir. Near human-like, but not all the way." Vanto replied, "No records of anyone else like her."

Thrawn inclined his chin, "You believe we may have found where this civilian officer comes from?" He asked as they boarded the shuttle. The Stormtroopers followed them in.

"Yes sir." Vanto answered, keeping his voice hushed.

"What is her name?" Thrawn asked.

Vanto furrowed his brow, trying to remember, "Morgan… the channels referred to her as Morgan."

Thrawn nodded, "Morgan." He took a breath, "Perhaps that name will be of some use to us on this planet. We shall see." He nodded to the pilots in the cockpit. The ramp closed and the shuttle's engines flared to life, "Keep this between us for now."

The shuttle lurched as it lifted off from the hangar and left the confines of the Chimaera. Thrawn glanced out a small viewport and watched with fascination as the planet he had discovered loomed larger below him. After so long, he was finally close to the end. Close to victory.

"What do you think we will find down there, sir?" Vanto asked, adjusting his officer's cap on his head.

Thrawn furrowed his brow, "I'm not sure."

They broke through the atmosphere, and the inky blackness of space was replaced with the dark violets and shadows of a night sky, complete with starlight and moonlight. The city they found started to grow beneath them as they drew closer.

"It is time we found out."

And chapter! IT HAS BEGUN! Thrawn and Vader have arrived, and it couldn't come at a worse time. Poor Chrom thinks he has time, little does he know, time is already up. The Empire has found our heroes, and now the chaos can begin! I'm so excited I can barely contain myself!

Now, as for things in the real world. This coronavirus thing looks pretty serious. Thankfully, I'm not in a major hotspot (yet, who knows how fast this thing will spread in the US). But I really hope all of you stay safe out there. Me? I'm gonna go to Winchester's, have a nice cold pint, and wait for all this to blow over.

…

…

Wait… the bars are closed. Oh well XD.

Seriously though everyone. Be safe, practice social distancing, wash your hands, don't lick things, you all know the drill. I hope all of you stay healthy and safe during this crazy time. Hopefully it'll all be over soon.

Anyways, let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always I hope you all enjoyed it! Have a nice day!
Come join the Treehouse! Discord code is: 9XG3U7a