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Scene 72
In a deep section of space, Thrawn's fleet is seen assembling. On the Intimidator, Thrawn is approached in his office by
Lieutenant Branix.
Branix: Admiral...?
Thrawn: What is it Lieutenant?
Branix: The reports and rumors have all been confirmed. The Gra'Adium star has collapsed and the entire Cydenal system is being evacuated.
Thrawn: How dreadful for the republic...and what of dark force?
Branix: It seems that Lord Exodus has indeed gone to Cydenal with his entire fleet to assist the overwhelmed Chancellor...and it appears that Skywalker has joined forces with them.
Thrawn: Curious...I wonder what Exodus has in mind... don't you Lieutenant?
Branix: I wish I knew.
Thrawn: He is obviously there with ulterior motives.
Branix: To attack?
Thrawn: Obviously not my dear Lieutenant. If he wanted to harm the people of Cydenal then he wouldn't have come at all. After all, the planet has only mere hours until it dies completely. The fact that he his there...now...with Skywalker...it's part of his bigger picture...a master plan if you will...but why and what is the question.
Branix: You don't believe Skywalker has really joined them?
Thrawn: Ah...Skywalker is no fool. He sees through Exodus's facade I assure you. Certainly he is only desperate to save republic lives...and he is undoubtedly trying to discover what Exodus truly wants.
Branix: And what might that be precisely?
Thrawn: Power ofcourse Lieutenant. He wants his rule to be absolute and unchallenged.
Branix: How do you know this?
Thrawn opens up a file on his computer of Exodus that includes a holographic image of him.
Thrawn: Look closely at the armor Exodus wears. Do you notice anything of interest about it?
Branix: It is much like any imperial armor I've ever seen.
Thrawn: Yes, but more specifically it is the modified armor of the high guardians of Coruscant. Exodus was once the emperor's most trusted guardian. He must be seeking something on Cydenal, and this catastrophe has given him the perfect excuse to do just that.
Branix: Wasn't Cydenal a secondary home for the emperor?
Thrawn: You are precisely correct Lieutenant. And what's the one thing that Exodus shares with the late emperor...but an obsession with the secret powers of the ancient sith...My guess is that some such secret had been stored there and now Exodus is trying to retrieve it...a map...a holocron...or whatever the relic may be...
Branix: And what shall we do?
Thrawn: Exodus may pursue his crusade if he wishes...we will pursue a different course of action however... according to the reports, the personal on Coruscant are down by seventy percent...is that correct?
Branix: Yes sir. They are operating on a skeleton crew as we speak...
Thrawn: Then we will use this most opportune moment to seize the republic headquarters...it's time we reclaim Coruscant. We shall take the heart of the republic and grasp it firmly with our iron hands. Begin assembling the fleet for a full scale invasion. We shall attack in one half rotation. You are dismissed Lieutenant.
Branix: Thank you Admiral...
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