Baylan's Eta-Class Shuttle, In Hyperspace

Date: 4 ABY

The hum of the Eta-class shuttle reverberated through the cockpit as it drifted through hyperspace, serene yet deadly. Baylan Skoll sat in silence, gazing out at the swirling blues and whites of the star stream, contemplating the endless void ahead of him. The past was always lurking just beyond the reach of his consciousness, weighing heavily on his heart. His mind, however, was never idle.

The console blinked in front of him, signaling an incoming transmission. He reached out, pressing the button. A hologram flickered to life on the deck. The blue, translucent figure of Morgan Elsbeth stood tall, her expression calm and collected.

"Baylan Skoll." Morgan greeted him with a nod, her tone devoid of pleasantries.

"Lady Morgan," Baylan responded in kind, his voice a deep rumble, "what is it?"

"I have a new target for you." Morgan's holographic image shifted slightly as she folded her arms. "A bounty. Dead or alive."

Baylan raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "I'm not a bounty hunter."

"I know," she responded, unphased, "but this target may interest you. A member of Yoda's species."

Baylan's face remained impassive, but there was a flicker of intrigue in his eyes. "Yoda's species? That's… uncommon."

"Very," Morgan agreed. "This one is approximately 45 years old, though as you know, they age much slower."

There was a pause, a moment of contemplation. Baylan exhaled slowly. "Why bring this up to me?" he asked, his tone measured, controlled.

Morgan's hologram leaned in slightly, her voice lowering, almost conspiratorial. "If he has the Force—and if we capture him—he could be trained. Molded. He could be a long-term asset for us."

Baylan's expression darkened slightly. "And what makes you think he hasn't already been trained?" he said, leaning forward. "I knew of Yoda. Yaddle. There was one other of their species—an infant—at the Temple during my time there. But after Order 66, who knows what happened to him?"

Morgan's hologram flickered for a second, a sign of impatience. "Unknown. But if he has no proper training, then we will ensure his potential is... directed."

Baylan frowned. "Directed. Hm. What makes you so sure he hasn't been claimed by the Jedi already? If this child is anything like Yoda—"

Morgan cut him off. "Yoda's dead. The Jedi are scattered. This child would be vulnerable, isolated. I doubt there's anyone left to guide him."

A silence hung between them, the tension palpable. Baylan's fingers tapped rhythmically against the console.

"Do you have any idea what you're proposing, Morgan?" Baylan said finally, his tone colder. "Training one like him… If he has even half the strength of Yoda, the power he wields could reshape the galaxy."

"And that's precisely why we should get to him first," Morgan replied smoothly. "You are training Shin. You know how to shape raw power into something useful. Imagine what we could do with one like this."

Baylan leaned back in his chair, considering her words. The thought of training one of Yoda's species stirred something in him—a mixture of temptation and dread. He had walked this path before, taken others under his wing, taught them the ways of the Force. But this… this was different. This child, if it truly had potential, could change everything.

"What do you want from me?" he asked finally, his voice low.

"I want you to retrieve him," Morgan answered. "Alive, if possible. Dead if necessary. But alive is preferred. If you can train him, we could ensure he never falls into the hands of the New Republic or worse, the Jedi."

Baylan's eyes narrowed. "And if he has already been trained? If he's already dangerous?"

Morgan's lips curled into a thin smile. "Then we will eliminate him. Or… contain him. But first, we need to get him."

Baylan considered this for a moment, his mind working through the possibilities, the consequences. He had seen what unchecked power could do. But he also knew that the galaxy was on the edge of chaos Having a force-sensitive child of Yoda's lineage in their grasp could tip the scales.

"Do we have any details on his location?" Baylan asked, his voice taking on a more businesslike tone.

Morgan nodded. "The last sighting was on a backwater planet in the Mid Rim. Jekara. He's been spotted traveling with a group of smugglers. Discreet, but not hidden. It won't be difficult to track him down."

Baylan shifted slightly, leaning forward with a renewed focus. "Smugglers? Curious. They wouldn't know the value of what they have. This could be easier than expected."

"Indeed. But don't underestimate him, Baylan. If he's anything like Yoda, he won't be defenseless."

Baylan allowed himself a small, sardonic smile. "I wouldn't dream of it. Yoda was the most dangerous warrior of the Clone Wars. Even in his old age."

"Good. Then we're in agreement?" Morgan's image flickered again, the connection crackling slightly.

Baylan paused, weighing the decision carefully. Finally, he nodded. "I'll retrieve him. Alive, if possible. But understand this. If he's too dangerous to control, I'll end him. No hesitation."

Morgan's smile returned, sharper this time. "That's all I ask. I trust your judgment. You'll do what needs to be done."

With a curt nod, Baylan terminated the transmission, the hologram of Morgan disappearing in a shimmer of blue light. He leaned back in his chair, staring into the starstream once again. The galaxy was a strange, unpredictable place. He had long since learned that power had its price, and controlling it was no small feat.

Shin Hati, currently a teenager; entered the cockpit, her presence a quiet shadow next to him.

"Master," she said, her voice filled with curiosity, "what did Morgan want?"

"A new mission," Baylan responded without looking at her. "A target. One of Grand Master Yoda's kind."

Shin's eyes widened slightly. "I remember your stories. But I never seen one in person."

"Well, this one is young, relatively speaking. Untouched, perhaps. We're to retrieve him."

"To train him?" Shin asked, though there was an edge to her voice—part disbelief, part intrigue.

Baylan turned his head slightly to glance at her. "If he's trainable. If he's not already tainted by the Jedi. We'll see."

Shin's expression darkened, her hand unconsciously resting on her lightsaber hilt. "And if he's too strong?"

Baylan's gaze returned to the swirling hyperspace outside. "Then we'll do what needs to be done. There's no room for hesitation in this galaxy, Shin. The strong survive. The weak… perish."

Shin nodded slowly, absorbing his words. "But master... what if he turns out to be like Yoda?"

Baylan allowed himself a grim chuckle. "Then we'll face him as we would any enemy. With precision. And without fear."

The shuttle continued its silent journey through hyperspace, the destination set. Jekara awaited, and with it, a child of untapped potential. Whether it would be the galaxy's salvation or its undoing remained to be seen. But for Baylan Skoll, there was only the mission. Only the path ahead.

XX

The metallic hum of the Chimera filled the air as Grand Admiral Thrawn stood in his private quarters. The dim, yet deliberate lighting cast shadows across the meticulously organized room. Every detail of his space was carefully curated, from the art of countless conquered worlds to the strategic reports stacked on his desk. This was the mind of Thrawn — a place where everything had a purpose.

He stood before a holographic display, studying the latest tactical reports from the Corellian shipyards. His alliance with Vader had proven beneficial. Together, they ensured that the remnants of the Empire's military machine continued to hum along, even under the watchful eye of the New Republic.

A chime echoed softly in the room, announcing an incoming transmission.

Thrawn turned, his crimson eyes narrowing slightly as he approached the console. With a press of a button, the shimmering image of Morgan Elsbeth appeared before him.

"Ah, Lady Elsbeth," Thrawn greeted, his voice as calm and measured as always. "A pleasant surprise. Are you still Magistrate?"

Morgan Elsbeth's expression was sharp, but there was a hint of weariness in her voice. "Yes, but the New Republic has been putting increasing pressure on me to step down."

Thrawn gave a slight, knowing nod. "The New Republic is insecure in their power. They act as though by eliminating titles, they will eliminate the influence behind them."

"True," Elsbeth replied. "But it is becoming harder to hold my ground without drawing unwanted attention."

"Very well," Thrawn said, stepping back slightly to study her more intently. "What brings you to me?"

"I've been caught up in two pressing matters," Morgan admitted, her voice steady but her gaze uncertain.

Thrawn raised an eyebrow, curious. "Go ahead."

She took a breath before speaking. "The first... I have been having visions. Visions of spirits from a distant galaxy. They call to me, to the Nightsisters. I know these spirits are connected to my people, and I believe there is something—out there that we need to find."

"Fascinating," Thrawn murmured, tilting his head as he processed the information. "Visions, you say. What do you intend to do about it?"

"I intend to build a hyperspace ring," Elsbeth continued, her voice firm. "Large enough to fit a ship capable of traveling between galaxies. I believe this is the only way to follow these visions, to reach the power that lies beyond our borders."

Thrawn considered her words carefully, stepping back into the shadows for a moment, his mind racing with possibilities. He knew well the value of following the unknown, of reaching beyond the stars they were familiar with.

"And what do you need from me, Lady Elsbeth?" Thrawn asked after a long pause.

"I need hyperdrive cores from the shipyards. Your shipyards can provide what I need. Without them, my plan remains nothing more than an idea," she explained, her tone respectful but resolute.

Thrawn's red eyes flickered slightly, reflecting the glow of the hologram. "I see. And what do I receive in exchange for such a significant investment?"

Morgan paused, her voice lowering as if sharing a secret. "Once I return my people to Dathomir, I will grant you access to this technology. Imagine it, Grand Admiral. The ability to explore parts of the galaxy that no one, not even the Empire, have ventured to. Knowledge, resources, and... allies, perhaps, that could shift the balance of power in our favor."

Thrawn's face remained stoic, but internally, he was intrigued. The thought of reaching unknown parts of the galaxy was more than just an opportunity for exploration—it was a chance to safeguard the future of the Chiss Ascendancy, and perhaps uncover threats that could arise against them.

"That is a fair deal, Lady Elsbeth" Thrawn finally said, his voice smooth and decisive.

Elsbeth nodded, a glimmer of relief crossing her face. "Thank you, Grand Admiral. There is one more matter."

Thrawn's eyes narrowed, his curiosity growing. "Proceed."

"Vader," she began cautiously, "has recently secured majority control over Corellia. The shipyards there are crucial to our efforts, and it complicates things slightly. But, given your alliance, I believe you may be able to facilitate our needs."

Thrawn gave a slight nod of understanding. "Lord Vader and I are aligned in our goals. He will not stand in our way. In fact, I believe he would see the value in ensuring the project's success. I will speak to him directly."

Elsbeth's expression softened, clearly reassured by his words. "Thank you. Your influence is invaluable, Grand Admiral."

Thrawn's lips curled into a slight smile. "I will handle the arrangements with the Corellian shipyards. Lord Vader has always been focused on ensuring the strength of the Imperial fleet. I suspect he would welcome the creation of new technologies that could advance our military capabilities."

"Good," Morgan replied. "I trust that with your expertise, this will move forward swiftly."

Thrawn turned back toward the holographic displays, his mind already calculating the logistics of the request. The Corellian shipyards had been a cornerstone of the Empire's military power, and with Vader overseeing production, they had become even more efficient. Thrawn knew precisely which strings to pull.

"I will contact Lord Vader and secure the hyperdrive cores," Thrawn said with confidence. "Ensure your engineers are ready. This project must proceed without delay."

"I will," Elsbeth said, bowing her head slightly. "Once again, Grand Admiral, I thank you."

The hologram flickered off, leaving Thrawn alone in his quarters once more. He turned to the viewport, his gaze settling on the stars beyond. The galaxy they knew was vast, but it was only a fragment of what lay beyond.

The potential to travel between galaxies was not just a distant dream; it was now within reach. And with such a tool at his disposal, Thrawn would be prepared for whatever new threats—or opportunities—lay ahead.

He stood still for a long moment, his mind racing with thoughts of the future. There was always something to prepare for, always another horizon to conquer.

XX

Later, in the war room of the Chimera, Thrawn stood before a large holographic map of the galaxy. Red and blue lines crisscrossed the image, representing known hyperspace lanes and military positions.

Captain Vanto approached from behind, his boots clicking against the polished floor. "Grand Admiral," Vanto said, his voice crisp and professional. "We've received updated reports from Corellia."

Thrawn turned slightly, acknowledging his loyal officer with a nod. "Go on, Captain."

"Production is ahead of schedule, and we've begun outfitting several new Star Destroyers with the requested upgrades. Lord Vader's presence has ensured efficiency, though there are some concerns about stretching resources too thin."

Thrawn steepled his fingers, his red eyes glowing as he analyzed the data. "Inform Lord Vader that I will personally oversee the distribution of resources. Lady Elsbeth's project is of utmost importance, but we cannot allow our other operations to falter."

Vanto saluted. "Understood, sir. And the hyperdrive cores?"

"They will be secured," Thrawn said smoothly. "Make sure they are sent to Lady Elsbeth's team with the utmost discretion."

Vanto nodded, his expression resolute. "As you command, Grand Admiral."

Thrawn returned his attention to the holographic display, his mind already moving several steps ahead. The galaxy they knew was just one piece of the puzzle. And soon, with the technology they were building, they would have the power to explore—and conquer—what lay beyond.

As always, Thrawn remained calm, composed, and in control. The pieces were falling into place, and in the end, there was no doubt that victory would be his.

The stars glittered beyond the viewport, endless and full of possibility.

The quiet hum of the ship continued as the Chimera glided through space. Thrawn stood in his quarters once more, his eyes fixed on the stars, deep in thought. He had always known that the future of the Empire lay not in the past, but in the unexplored reaches of the galaxy—and beyond.

And now, with the right allies and the right tools, that future was within his grasp.

"Soon," Thrawn murmured to himself, his voice barely above a whisper. "Soon, we will see what lies beyond."

And with that, the Grand Admiral turned back to his reports, already planning the next move in the grand game of galactic dominance.