Star Wars: Darth Nyx (Book 1)

Ch35: Movement

Admiral Thrawn's POV:

The vastness of space stretched out before the viewport of the Chimaera, a ship which people have come to describe as Admiral Thrawn's imposing flagship. I laugh every time I think of how notorious my name has become since the outbreak of war.

My fleet, a testament to the strength of the Sith Empire, lay in formation around my ship. Within the bridge, I stand overlooking the proceedings, commanding attention and respect. Beside me is Queen Breha Organa. She's remarkably calm for someone whose people and husband's continued existence depends on our success. 

Officer: Sir. We've opened a fleet-wide comm. 

Me: Men and women of the Sith Empire, we stand on the precipice of a crucial mission that will shape this galaxy's future. 

There is complete silence on the bridge as every head turns to face me.

Me: Before us lies Alderaan, a world gripped by the iron fist of the Galactic Empire. We are not just here to wage war; we are here to liberate, to restore hope and freedom to a people oppressed.

I paused, letting the gravity of my words sink in. The faces before me were a mixture of seasoned veterans and eager recruits, all united by a common cause. This mission was not just another campaign; it was a statement of our resolve not to the people of the Sith Empire but rather to the worlds still under the Galactic Empire. For the Empress' plan to work, it is vital that they see us as liberators and not merely the lesser of two evils.

Thrawn: Our task is not an easy one. The Imperial forces are formidable, their grip on Alderaan tight. But we possess something they do not—purpose. We fight not for domination, but for liberation. Today we have been tasked with fighting for Queen Breha Organa, for her people, and for the freedom that the Sith Empire promises.

I turn to Queen Breha, her presence a beacon of hope for her people. She steps forward, her voice steady and strong.

Breha: Soldiers of the Sith Empire, I stand before you not just as a queen, but as a mother, a wife, and a daughter of Alderaan. My heart aches for my homeland, for my husband, and for the countless lives suffering under the yoke of the Empire. Your courage, your dedication, and your willingness to fight for our freedom fill me with hope.

She paused, her eyes meeting those of the soldiers gathered on the bridge for this unique occasion, her gaze unwavering. Across the rest of the fleet, every man, woman and machine listens keenly to all she has to say.

Breha: You are the instruments of our liberation, the harbingers of a new dawn for Alderaan. Know that your bravery will be remembered for generations to come. 

Her words resonated deeply, stirring a sense of purpose within the assembled troops. I could see it in their eyes—the determination, the resolve, the readiness to face whatever lay ahead.

Me: As we embark on this mission, remember that each one of you carries the weight of our cause. Your actions, and your sacrifices, will pave the way for a brighter future. We will face challenges, we will face adversity, but we will not falter. For we are the sword that cuts through the darkness, the shield that protects the innocent, the light that guides the way.

I turned back to the viewport, the image of Alderaan looming large in the distance.

Me: The people of Alderaan await their saviours. They await us. Let us go forth with strength, with honour, and with the unyielding belief in our cause. Together, we will retake Alderaan. Together, we will bring hope back to this galaxy.

The silence that followed was charged with anticipation. The fleet was ready, the mission clear. Queen Breha took her place beside me once more, her presence a constant reminder of what we were fighting for.