The Greater Threat
Summary: For the past decade, Thrawn and Ezra Bridger have been lost in the far reaches of space. Bo-Katan and Din Djarin are working to rally the Mandalorians to unite. After picking up Grogu from Ahsoka, they share a ride with Hera Syndulla and Sabine Wren. They end up stranded on the same strange planet as Thrawn and Ezra. What's the real reason Thrawn joined Empire? The greater threat?
Chapter One: Happy Birthday! Make a Wish!
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The sol cycle for the planet Mitth'raw'nuruodo had come to call "home" for the past decade ran roughly two-hundred and eighty days. The Spring, Summer, and Fall were mild and pleasant enough, but the Winters were brutal. The young Jedi, Ezra Bridger would have perished if it hadn't been for the Chiss' experience of subterranean living on his own home-world.
"So, happy birthday, Thrawn." Ezra grinned up at him, rubbing his hands together over the candle he'd fashioned. He'd made a type of desert — a cupcake — and while the flavor was decent, mixed with berries they'd collected and caramelized over the last few months, Thrawn wasn't a fan of sweet things. His tastebuds were sensitive, most of his senses were heightened compared to humans.
While he and Ezra had been working together to survive, they'd struck up a decent friendship/partnership. He'd heard more than he ever cared about regarding the Mandalorian Sabine Wren, but the things he'd learned about Hera Syndulla had piqued his interest.
He held out hope that they would manage to escape their solitary confinement. Either Ezra's team would track them down, or the Empire would become desperate and seek Thrawn's leadership.
"Thank you, Ezra," Thrawn said, before he blew out the candle. It was a silly custom, but it made the boy—young man — happy. Otherwise, he'd mope for hours and stare forlornly at the stars.
"It would have been so much smarter to have a fleet of tie-defenders," Ezra said, returning to an earlier conversation. They did that — dropped conversations randomly and picked them up at latter times.
"Yes, the Death Star served no purpose, but to slaughter," Thrawn agreed. "It's a complete waste of resources — both inanimate and people."
"So, when we get out of here — you'll join the rebels?" Ezra asked. He was constantly trying to get Thrawn on his side.
"I feel rebellion is a waste of time and resources as well," Thrawn stated, a familiar argument brewing. "In our multiple galaxy community the idea of independent worlds is too self-centered to truly serve a cohesive front against a greater threat. While the empire is flawed, it is certainly more efficient than a republic— which lasted for a thousand years, but ultimately corruption led to its downfall. It's a cycle that can be seen amongst countless societies. The story never changes."
"You keep talking about this greater threat." Ezra broke the cupcake in two and handed the larger half to Thrawn. "You get the bigger piece — it's your birthday."
"I don't even like sweet things," Thrawn pointed out. He bit into the treat. How could he explain the fairy tales of his youth speaking of the universe devourers? "There are worse things than the emperor. I don't know them exactly, but that is why I have used the resources of the empire to scour the outer reaches searching for clues. Otherwise, we are all doomed."
"Look!" Ezra pointed towards the sky. "A falling star!"
"It is not a meteor." Thrawn narrowed his infrared eyes. "It's a ship."
Ezra reached over and hugged Thrawn's shoulders. The Chiss allows the invasion of his personal space. Were they not friends at this point? Ezra reminded him so much of his old comrade at the Academy, Eli Vanto.
"It would seem that our days on this planet may finally be at an end," Thrawn reasoned. He looked down at Ezra. Was it Empirical? Rebel? Or an unknown third party?
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