Star Wars : Titus's Army

by Zachary Osgood

This story is during the Empire era and after the published book "Ahsoka", before the TV series "Star Wars Rebels", and the movie "Rogue One". Ahsoka Tano is Fulcrum for Bail Organa's still growing rebellion. Small rebel cells scatter in almost every system, on the planet Thakwaa, Ahsoka finds a group that she is suspicious of their leadership while the Empire watches her closely.

2. Chapter 2

Chapter II

The Emperor has zero tolerance in acts of defiance against the Empire. He knows there are individuals who wish to rebel against the Empire. What he cannot have, is allow these individuals to organize and create a rebellion. The Emperor has taken notice of the increase of attacks on Imperial troops in the Tunka Sector. If there is a rebellion growing in it's systems, then it is the Emperor's interests to find and eliminate them immediately. The Emperor decided to send his best tactician to find these resistance fighters.

The Imperial Seventh Fleet orbits the Niran System in the Tunka Sector. On the Chimaera, a lieutenant knocks on the door of Grand Admiral Thrawn's study.

The lieutenant gathers his nerves as he says, "Grand Admiral, this is Lieutenant Dalmer from the bridge as requested."

The door opens and a calm but intimidating voice is heard on the other side telling him to enter. The lieutenant nearly trips over his own feet as his nerves start to get the better of him. He has never seen the Grand Admiral before, though he's certainly heard a lot about him. It was by chance that he would be by the bridge commander when Thrawn requested the presence of an officer in his study.

Grand Admiral Thrawn has his back to the lieutenant as he looks over Niran out of the panoramic window.

The lieutenant gets six paces to Thrawn and renders a solute. "You summoned me, Grand Admiral?"

Thrawn turns around and the lieutenant is startled by the Grand Admiral's appearance. His features are very much like his own, human, only his complexion is a pale blue. His combed back hair matches the tone of his skin, but mixed with essences of black. Lieutenant Dalmer tries not to stare too much into his striking red eyes, like flames reaching for the chilling dark abyss that are his pupils.

"Yes Lieutenant," Thrawn says, his voice sending chills down Dalmers spine, "You are to compile reports and records of any acts against Imperial forces in the Tunka Sector."

Dalmer clomplies, "Yes, Grand Admiral."

Thrawn nonchalauntly walks up to his holotable with his hands clasped together in the square of his back. Thrawn activates the holotable and an enhanced image of a planet is shown.

"Tell me Lieutenant Dalmer," he cooly says, "what is this planet?"

Dalmer shifts to face Thrawn and confidently states, "That's Thakwaa, Sir. Grid coordinates I-19."

"Very good, Lieutenant. Now is there a military presence on Thakwaa?"

Lieutenant Dalmer had to read codexes of each system in the Tunka Sector before being assigned to it with the Seventh Fleet. It's the standard operating procedure for all officers. Dalmer tries to recall if Thakwaa is currently in a cycle.

"Lieutenant?" Thrawn persists.

"Yes, Grand Admiral. Elements of Tenth Army are present on the planet's surface."

"Very good. The amount of troops on the ground is lacking, no more than two hundred personnel. Including a handful of light armor units."
"We can send reinforcements to Thakwaa in case of an attack by these insurgents."

Thrawn shakes his head slowly, once again sending chills down Dalmers back. "No, Lieutenant. The Emperor has not received any intel from Tenth Army about incidents on Thakwaa. However, Tenth Army will draw the attention of these insurgents."

"I don't understand, Grand Admiral."

Thrawn walks to the chair behind his desk, "Because you lack imagination. In the early stages of a rebellion, it is expected that recruits are limited. To gain support for their cause, they must get the galaxy's attention and in turn, give them hope. A formidable strike on the Empire would do just that. Given the current amount of forces on Thakwaa, it would be simple for the insurgents to organize a militia. Even if the militia only destroys a small portion of Tenth Army, it will motivate offworlders to join their cause."

Dalmer thinks about what the Grand Admiral just said, "Then you want Tenth Army to be attacked, Sir?"

Thrawn clasps his hands together and a smirk creeps from the corner of his mouth, "You're catching on, Lieutenant Dalmer. We will play their little game, we will let them take the first move. Then we will make ours swiftly and win the game."

Dalmer nods, "Understood, Grand Admiral. What can we do to prepare for their attack?"

"Move the fleet to the Rivoria System, it's the closest to the Thakwaa system. If we stay in the planets orbit it will delay the insurgents from attacking due the appearance of a coming invasion. Increase the number of Stormtroopers on patrol and mobilize their armor on Thakwaa, these insurgents want to create a message, then we will give them the material to work with. Execute the orders, Lieutenant. You are dismissed."

Dalmer solutes Thrawn, "Yes, sir!"