9 LE (Light Era)
It was a time of conflict and a time of peace- a time of hope and a time of despair. But for Mithh'raw'nuruodo, exile of the Chiss Ascendency, it was a time of unparalleled opportunity.
"Once again, my path has turned," he'd thought to himself. "Where it will lead, I cannot say."
Now, Lieutenant Commander Thrawn found himself aboard a transport descending towards Radiance, the capital of the galaxy's greatest power, on the Outer Rim world of Malachor. From the glass viewports of the transport, he surveyed the bustling metropolis stretching endlessly below and in all directions before turning his gaze towards the structure towering above it all. The Temple of Light was an enormous pyramid painted a peerless white and adorned with trimmings that sparkled gold. Yet some part of him sensed a diversion. Beneath the decorative trappings, there was something strangely utilitarian in the design- an intangible, implacable quality that nonetheless suggested something darker concealed beneath the lustrous facade.
It was the same feeling he sensed from the First Light itself. Since joining their ranks, Thrawn's unorthodox approach seldom failed to rub zealots among the empire the wrong way. The First Light was first and foremost a theocracy, and the dogmatism that pervaded it had a way of inspiring fanaticism in its enforcers. Meanwhile, its leader- Empress Tano- was treated with the reverence of a god, every word treated as incontrovertible gospel. Thrawn, hailing from the Unknown Regions far outside the empire's reach, was seen as Faithless- a characterisation only made worse by his political ineptitude and seeming lack of tact.
Bo-Katan Kryze, High Paladin of the First Light and member of the Ruling Council of Mandalore, had been assigned as the Chiss' escort. She was well aware of Thrawn's reputation- and yet, from the moment they met, even she was caught off guard by Thrawn's aloofness. During the pair's long journey to Malachor, the Chiss had been incessant with his questions, utterly oblivious to the significance of the events of which he was now part. To be presented with a summons from the Empress herself after little more than a year of service was extraordinary enough. To be escorted there personally by a Paladin and member of the Ruling Council was unheard of. But by Bo-Katan's appraisal, all of this had been entirely lost on Thrawn.
"So how is it," Thrawn had asked her, "...that a togruta came to lead Mandalore?"
Kryze's answer had been short and curt. She'd told him the official story- that Mandalorians, like so many peoples after them, had recognised the Empress' divine right to rule. But the Chiss was not satisfied.
"I find that quite unlikely," Thrawn had responded. "Your armour- it's been modified substantially, but at its core, its design reflects a reverence of one thing and one thing alone. Not the ideals of this regime- not order, or security, or absolute faith- but strength."
"Well. You aren't wrong. But what of it? Maybe it's that exactly that strength- the power our Empress commands- that we revere."
"It was the Mandalorians who were first to swear allegiance to the Empress. It was your people who carried out the Reclamation of Kamino in the early days of the First Light, and only those who are Mandalore-born are allowed to serve as Paladins."
Her eyes had narrowed at the comment. Thrawn was perceptive- perhaps too much so.
"...What are you implying?"
"Nothing at all. I simply wonder what it took to inspire such unity and unwavering loyalty in a people who were once so... divided."
Many such exchanges had occurred over the course of their journey. They ranged from topics concerning the conflicting accounts of the First Light's rise to the nature and history of its Empress. And something about Thrawn's probing questions made Bo-Katan uneasy. The Chiss had a way of seeing to the heart of things- a trait that could be every bit as dangerous as it could be invaluable. Still, orders were orders, and she would see them fulfilled.
The splendour of the Temple of Light was somehow even more impressive up close. The droid-guided transport upon which the pair travelled was directed to a landing bay near its apex. The bay was small but elegant, containing only a handful of exceedingly gaudy ships. No doubt these belonged to high-ranking members of the Light- sector representatives and high ranking diplomats, or perhaps even Grand Missionaries. The same white-and-gold combination that dominated the exterior was present within the landing bay. The walls were adorned with the symbol that had come to represent the First Light- twin stripes reminiscent of the Empress' head markings, here depicted in lustrous gold. As Thrawn departed the shuttle and was led across the landing bay by the High Paladin, he took note of the design peculiarities.
"Every aspect of this temple is designed with the intention of projecting wealth, opulence, and excess. It's both a symbol of awe and a smokescreen of concealment."
This impression was only strengthened when he was led into the throne room. If the Temple of Light was grand, its throne room was grandeur incarnate. Such was its enormity that entire skyscrapers could be housed within this singular room. Vast banners emblazoned with the First Light's emblem hung on the wall, evidently made from the most expensive and exotic of fabrics. Intricate chandeliers resembling clear crystals hung from above, while extravagant silver statues depicted great scenes from the empire's history. The throne was perched upon an elevated platform- a lavish blend of gold and white, surrounded by a series of holoprojections. And there sat Ahsoka Tano- Light-appointed Empress of the galaxy, clad in the finest royal robes. Behind her stood guards in Mandalorian armour which closely resembled Kryze's own- white with the First Light's symbol shining prominently on their foreheads.
"Your Luminance," began Bo-Katan, kneeling as she approached the base of the throne. "I bring you Lieutenant Commander Thrawn of the First Light Navy."
"You've done well, High Paladin," came the Empress' response. There was an aura of power in her voice- a gentle authority that nonetheless demanded respect. "I trust no… difficulties… arose during your mission?"
"None, Your Luminance. Though with all due respect, there's going to be an uproar once word spreads. A Faithless being granted audience with you, it-"
"The political fallout will be mine to deal with, Bo."
"Of course, Your Luminance," she said, gesturing for Thrawn to step forwards. He did so.
"Well?" asked the Empress.
Thrawn remained silent. Bo-Katan gestured for Thrawn to kneel, and finally he complied.
"Heh…" she said, stifling a chuckle. "I see your initial reports were spot on." She then turned her attention to Thrawn.
"Lieutenant Commander Mithh'raw'nuruodo-" began Ahsoka with some difficulty pronouncing the alien name.
"Perhaps using my core name would be preferable?" interjected Thrawn, but Ahsoka shook her head.
"Mithh'raw'nuruodo."
"Mithh'raw'nuruodo," corrected Thrawn.
"Mithh'raw'nuruodo."
"Mithh'raw'nuruodo."
There was a difference, but it was subtle. Bo-Katan was more surprised by the flagrance with which Thrawn spoke to the Empress.
"...Very well, Thrawn it is then," said Ahsoka, a hint of annoyance in her voice. "Lieutenant Commander Thrawn- I've been meaning to speak with you for a long time. I'm told you were found on some backwater moon at the edge of known space where you claim to have been exiled. You aided the First Light Expeditionary Force that discovered you in combating a pirate ambush, and soon found a place within our navy. In the short time you've been with us, you've jumped rank after rank at a remarkable rate despite being Faithless both in birth and deeds."
"Am I Faithless for serving you to the full extent I am able… your Luminance? The zealotry you inspire is effective for building loyalty, but can narrow one's vision to certain possibilities."
"Then tell me- what exactly are these 'possibilities'? What are your designs for my empire?"
"I… don't follow."
"Really?" asked Ahsoka, her voice laced with menace. "You- part of the race rumoured to be the greatest power in the Unknown Regions- just happen to show up at the edge of our empire? Not only that, but you somehow manage to secure a place in our navy and in little more than a year rise to your station?"
"Ah…" sighed Thrawn, his crimson eyes locking with Ahsoka's. "You think me a spy."
"Either happenstance brought you to where you stand today or there is some grander scheme at play. So tell me: what do you want?"
"All I seek is the safety and security of my people. I serve your empire to demonstrate our value- to prove to you our worth as allies."
"Allies? To what end?"
"My hope is that when the time comes, both our peoples may stand united against the evils of the Chaos."
"And by your people, I assume you mean the Chiss?"
"Indeed."
"The same people who exiled you?"
"Exile or no, the Chiss Ascendency is my home. My obligation to protect it remains."
"How noble of you. But what of your obligation to the First Light? You swore to protect our people and uphold our ideals, did you not?"
"I did- and I will endeavour to remain every bit as devoted to the defence of your order as my own."
"So what would happen if the ideals of the Light and the ideals of the Ascendency were to diverge?"
"I… do not believe such hypotheticals are necessary. In time, I hope to convince you that our objectives align- that there need not be conflict between our peoples."
"But suppose you were required to choose a side, whose would you pick?"
"Since I am now of the Light and no longer of the Ascendency… you would command my allegiance."
"Truly?"
"Truly."
For a moment, the Empress regarded the Chiss, studying his face closely.
"It's quite a risk elevating one such as yourself anywhere above your current station."
"I would not be here if you believed the risk wasn't justified."
"And I would not call you here to tell me what I already know. Sell yourself, Chiss- what is it you can offer us?"
"Knowledge, for one- navigational data, points of interest, and safe hyperspace passages throughout the Unknown Regions. Further, I offer my skill as a military officer and tactician."
"There are a million officers and tacticians vying for my favour. What makes you any different? And what assurances can you give me of your loyalty?"
"I have only my word. But perhaps your teacher could serve as my advocate."
"My… teacher?"
"Perhaps it was hasty to assume he remains your teacher. Nonetheless, I speak of Skywalker. Anakin Skywalker."