Chapter 46 – Hunger and Power

D346/10 ABY

Deep space beyond the outer reaches, was a lone ship. Sitting within his office, he was in conversation with one of his officers as another stood by.

"Why do we not return sir? We have the tactical and numerical advantage."

"We do not return, as we must not be hasty. Even in the recent days, the fleet has taken damage."

"All the more a reason we must return."

"I believe a return at this point is ill-advised sir", said the second officer.

"And why is that?", asked the first.

"The New Republic is weak, there is no doubt about that.", the second officer paused, "But it's allies are far beyond our capability to defeat."

"How do you know this?", the first officer asked.

"My sources are only for me and the 'Grand Admiral', Lieutenant Commander.", the second officer said.

"Forgive me, if I doubt the veracity of your sources", said Lieutenant Commander Eli Vanto.

"Apology accepted. The fact remains that even Emperor Palpatine with a fleet of Death Stars cannot defeat the New Republic Allies."

"Yes, even though it seems improbable Commander, these allies…nay these beings have supernatural abilities beyond our understanding", said Grand Admiral Thrawn.

"As of this moment, these allies are taking no overt action thanks to the peace that followed the Empire's destruction. If we were to return now, we would be annihilated", said the second officer.

"For how long should we remain here?", Vanto asked Thrawn.

Thrawn turned to the second officer, "A few years Lieutenant Commander."

"Return to your duties Commander Vanto.", Thrawn instructed. Eli gave a sharp nod and left. As Thrawn's office door opened and closed, and the two were now alone, the second officer transformed into a being shrouded in a purple aura, with his features clearly hidden.

"Your aide is quite loyal and capable Kivu'raw'nuru. You have either trained him well or you are just lucky enough to have someone like him.", said the being in the purple aura.

Thrawn took a knee and said, "I am lucky and observant enough my lord. But I must confess, I do not understand why we must wait for a few years."

"I have told you before. The Aesir that your nemesis – the Ghost Crew are now a part of are the allies of the New Republic. You have read the file of their leader – Thor", he paused gazing down at the bowing Thrawn, "Tell me Kivu'raw'nuru even with all of my power and yours, can you defeat him?"

"No my lord. His tactics alone outstrip mine. I am not even considering his overwhelming power. Within a year he was able to end a war that spanned across nine galaxies", Thrawn replied, long since given up on convincing this mysterious benefactor and savior to not use that name.

"What you just stated is his most recent victory. You have not witnessed him in action, but I have and even now the fear grips my heart. If you return now my friend, you will most certainly die, and the fact is it wouldn't even be at Thor's hands but likely at the hands of his champion."

"Ah yes, another enigma. Emperor Palpatine had once described him to me. His exact words – 'Fortune favours me as I don't have to face the Jedi God and die without ever realizing my plans'."

The purple being gave a dry chuckle, "Your emperor was correct. Tarre Vizsla is but another threat you cannot defeat. He is wise, unyielding and powerful." After a pause the being continued, "In order to make your return and the fall of Midgard's Republic a success, we must wait for the future events that will take Aesir attention off of Midgard. Even then, our victory is not assured as the next problem is the Beast Kingdom Alliance."

"My people have limited record of them, which I shared with the emperor. With your help we stand a chance at least against the combined power of the New Republic and the Beast Kingdom Alliance", Thrawn stood up and gave his lord and savior a sharp salute. On his dominant hand, hidden under the sleeve was a bracelet given to him by the Purple Being.

"Nay, in terms of power the Beast Lords are my superiors. But if everything goes according to plan, they too will be unable to help the New Republic. Be patient my friend, for now continue your fleet's repairs."


D347/10 ABY

The space around Ryloth. Ten years have passed since the fall of the empire, ten years since the New Republic took over, and Cham could see that they too were failing. So he had made the right decision not to join the New Republic (much to Hera's dismay). Even Thor agreed with his decision, and as such he and Prince Fenrir had opened ties with Eurazania (capital of the Beast Kingdom Alliance). Ryloth's economy was booming, and trade had brought with it extra security which deterred slavery on the planet. Soon, Ambassador Cham Syndulla could retire as the people of Ryloth elected its new leader. Only now the planet was facing its greatest crises.

"General, our fighters are ready and in orbit around Ryloth", Cham informed Abathur.

"That's good to hear Ambassador. Our own ships have taken defensive formation along with reinforcements from Eurazania", Abathur reported, "Has there been no word from the New Republic senate?"

"No General. Their official response is that since Ryloth is not part of the New Republic, it's request has been under lower priority."

"I have heard that they do not answer many requests made by this galaxy's outer rim. Is that correct?"

"Indeed."

"How do they maintain order then?"

"They don't. They are far too busy pandering to imperials in the amnesty program." As the two talked the doors of the command center opened, and Hera and Fenrir entered.

"Generals, we are ready", Fenrir said addressing Hera and Abathur.

"How far is the enemy Colonel?", Abathur asked Fenrir.

"Their main force is holding at the edge of this system. They have dispatched one vessel to negotiate", Fenrir answered.

"What do we know about this negotiator?", Cham asked.

"Not much. Though I suspect the negotiations don't matter. A battle will be fought nonetheless", the God of Foresight stated.

In front of the flagship was a lone silver figure standing atop a silver board. "Sir, we are being hailed", one of the ship officers stated.

"Put it through", Abathur stated whilst looking at the figure. Behind him was Fenrir.

As the onboard communicator warbled to life, it showed the image of the lone figure. "I bring you the salutations of my master. The monster of all worlds."

"What does the monster of all worlds want with this world, star cruiser?" Abathur asked, still looking at the figure. Fenrir had turned around to face the hologram while Cham and Hera glowered at it.

"There is something in this world, something he wants. Entrust it to me and we can avoid all this needless violence."

"No", came the answer from the four commanders – Cham, Abathur, Hera and Fenrir.

"I thought as much. This pains me more than you can imagine but…", the figure was interrupted.

"I would not threaten so easily cruiser. You see when I or anyone I care for are threatened, I tend to overreact and regress to my old habits", Abathur spoke, "Habits I have managed to get rid of over many years."

"Your habits do not matter, if you have seen and lived what I have you would not hesitate. Use your foresight and determine what the right path is great god."

"You ask for something that may or may not be here, yet you offer us no courtesy. State your name cruiser and the truth behind your visit", Fenrir stated.

"I am Norrin Radd, the herald of Galactus. I am certain the royals of Asgard have heard of him."

"The world eater you mean", Fenrir answered as Hera and Cham silently gasped, "I recall that Buri had gifted a never-ending feeding ground to Galactus. Why is he here?"

"Buri imprisoned him and now his hunger has grown."

"So, what you are saying is that Buri imprisoned a monster? Sounds fair to me", Hera said.

"He is bound by cosmic laws. Laws that compel him to feed eternally. The heart of this world can sate his impossible hunger", Norrin countered.

"So you say", said a man with a deep voice as Abathur turned around and took a knee. Thor had come onboard. Fenrir took a knee as well. Cham and Her looked stunned at Thor's mysterious entrance.

"Allfather Thor, we meet at last", Norrin bowed in respect.

"We have heard your message messenger. Now take our message back", Thor took a deep breath, "He will not have it."

"You would endanger countless many worlds out of your selfish desire!?", Norrin practically screamed.

"Selfish desire? You do not even know what you seek, what your master truly seeks. You have been lied to, friend. Go now and demand the truth from your master", Thor said calmly.

"Very well, Allfather. But know this, we will allow the denizens of that world to leave in peace. Our conflict is not with this realm but only with you…Aesir." As he said the hologram turned off and Norrin Radd flew away towards his mater.

"Is the anti-death star planetary shield active?", Thor asked.

"Yes", Cham answered.

"Hera, Fenrir take command of your respective groups now. Abathur, use your magic to further strengthen our warships' shields. You will be taking part in the battle outside", Thor issued commands, "Cham take me to the shield generator. I must strengthen it." Cham nodded after which he and Thor teleported to the planet's surface as the rest of them went about following orders.


D347/10 ABY – Outskirts of Nidvaller

The Brigand Battalion had arrived a day ago and was busy trying to fulfill its objectives. Everyone in the battalion was able to use curse sorcery to some extent, and their orders were to suppress the massive outbreak of cursed spirits wreaking havoc on the citizenry.

The Battalion had split into two parts, one led by General Vanathur and the other led by recently promoted Colonel Vizsla. Mace Windu (now a sergeant) was part of Col. Vizsla's group. Vanathur was dealing with the majority of the cursed spirits, Tarre's group was going after one of the masterminds. The second mastermind had gone into hiding upon learning that Vanathur had come.

"Mace keep up, we can't afford to lose him", Tarre ordered him.

"What of these loose spirits?", Mace asked.

"Lieutenant Elise and the rest of the group can deal with them", Tarre said as they cornered their target.

"I was wondering who Vanathur would send after me", they heard the voice of a rather frail looking old man. He had a rat-like face, with white beard-whiskers and a hunched back.

"The general must have been overestimating him. He looks ready to die", one of the troopers stated.

"Don't go by his looks", Tarre advised, "Keep your distance and activate your shields."

"I am but an old man, sending the powerful champion after I sounds like an overstatement", the rat old man said.

Mace couldn't help but remember his battle against Darth Sidious, who looked like a regular old politician on the surface and inside was one of the most powerful sith lords in existence.

"Lord Zenin, you are under arrest in the name of the Congress of the Realms", Tarre announced taking a battle stance.

"Oh, young champion, do you honestly think you can take me?", Zenin asked straightening himself, dropping the facade.

"We shall see. Where is your compatriot?", Tarre asked.

"I do not know. I'd like to think she has already fallen to Vanathur. But if that were true, he would be here now, and I would have no chance of escape."

"You can surrender and help us make this right Curse Lord", Tarre said offering him a last chance.

"I think not", Zenin answered. The battle had begun as Zenin turned three of the ones closest to him into frames and was about to attack them but was intercepted by Tarre.

"A frame that follows your command for a limited time", Tarre said, "Quite ingenious, if a bit lame."

"You have not experienced it for yourself", Zenin backed off as the three frames returned to their original forms. These idiots had not activated their shields and now they were down for the count, being protected by Mace and the others.

"If you were on our side Lord Vizsla, perhaps we could have gotten rid of Vanathur", Zenin said as he and Tarre were locked in close quarters combat.

"You can keep dreaming Zenin. But even with my help, you cannot stand against Vanathur. Surrender and tell me what I want to know", Tarre ordered.

The two continued their battle, as more cursed spirits swarmed their position. The squad that had accompanied Tarre and Mace were busy dealing with the spirits, while Tarre was fighting Zenin. His shield malfunctioning, Zenin took the opportunity to turn him into a frame, but before he could Mjolnir flew into him.

Zenin was thrown back and quickly somersaulted to avoid the hammer and launched a blast of pure cursed energy. Tarre casually deflected the energy with his right hand and went into the offensive. He launched his own cursed energy attack which was deflected and launched a lightning bolt. Zenin, trying to avoid it stumbled a bit and soon was trapped between the ground and Mjolnir.

Tarre took this opportunity to quickly wipe the remaining cursed spirits that were attacking and swarming his squad.

"Now Lord Zenin, I formally accept your surrender", Tarre said.

"I am not one to surrender so meekly Lord Vizsla. I have not shown you everything", he defiantly said and brought his three fingered one thumb hands together in a prayer. Knowing what was about to happen, Tarre force pushed his comrades away from the danger as a dark ominous spherical barrier enclosed the two.


On an uninhabited world far away from Ryloth but within the same system he sat. He was there when this universe came into existence. He was there when the first primordials erupted from Chaos. He has lived through the ages of Primordials, Titans, Celestials yet it is only the Archangels and their servants who offered him no respect. It is believed that he will outlast the universe itself.

He is Galactus. Once a mortal man now a cosmic entity. As he sat on the surface of this barren world surrounded by his two heralds – Norrin Radd and Terrax, and their subordinates' flying warships, he wondered what it was like to be full.

"I have returned Master", Norrin Radd spoke to him bowing on his board.

"Speak", he gave a single command.

"They were quite clear master. I would have thought they would be enlightened beings, yet these gods behave like savage, barbarous thugs", Norrin sighed, "A pity. They are capable of so much more."

"So, it is war these blasted Aesir want then?", asked Terrax wielding his cosmic axe that had a long staff like handle. The axe blade shape was unique, as on side of the handle had a pointed tetrahedron and on the other side of the handle had a semicircular thick in the middle and thin and sharp at the end shape. This axe helped this despotic herald focus his immense power. Galactus had granted power to both his heralds so that may find worlds for him to feast on and now Ryloth's turn had come.

"I hunger", Galactus announced as he stood up and flew away from the planet.