Anakin and his adventures in Remnant: A RWBY Story/ Volume 2

The Man in The Mask

Thrawn stands, his red eyes looking out at the vast city of Vale out the viewport of his Atlas frigate. The army he commands under General Ironwood is nothing compared to the ones he'd led in the past. The warriors of the Chiss, The reluctant to obey Stormtroopers, the Hand Of Thrawn he never got to utilize. Now, while his resources are so limited, his soldiers obey without question, without fear. The trust they have stemming from the trust Ironwood placed in Thrawn. He would make it work. He can't blame these people for their primitivity given the limits of their power source. Dust. A energy rendered useless beyond atmosphere. This planet needed desperately to have other advancements, but their singular unified enemy makes that out of sight to them.

Thrawn folded his arms behind his back, his gaze becoming less focused as he lets his mind swirl with thought. Recounting his past enemies. Their strategies. Their weaknesses. The Vagaari Pirates who held captives stuck in pods on the sides of their vessels as living shields. The Grysks, slavers who had a knack at both subtlety and brutality. The Far Outsiders whom he prepared for, and never got to fend off directly. Tano's words lingered at that thought. So many dead. Undoubtedly mostly civilian. Now this new enemy. It started so reluctantly, killing with care caution so effectively. Now so bold to attack in such mass. No, perhaps starting small enough to not raise immediate alarm. Making them believe a Grimm had entered the City. However what it turned out to be wasn't much better. A corpse made army like an old horror Holo. Like zombies. Yet they weren't really zombies were they. The report on his desk showed several people had been bitten by these corpses, yet showed only minor infections akin to that of a dog bite. Treatable, and completely unrelated to viral disease. Yet it's similarity did not escape Thrawn's notice. He decided he would inspect some art in the fictional subject... of Zombies.

Moving away from the thoughts of the future, Thrawn turned to Rex and Lilly. He'd kept them waiting. "My apologies. I was lost in my own analysis." Thrawn said, his tone genial.

"It's... fine." Rex said. Rex crossed his arms. "I've heard what kind of plans you can cook up. Experienced them first hand."

Thrawn inclined his head. "Indeed. With the Rebellion no doubt. I'm not quite certain if I've had the pleasure to meet you face to face before today."

"Not that I recall. Then again I try not to get acquainted with those hunting me and my men." Rex said.

Thrawn's lips curved slightly into an almost imperceptible smile. "A wise decision in your case. Though learning about one's enemy is the best way to eradicate them." Thrawn said. His cultured voice was like that of a teacher. "I presume you've had little success in contacting Skywalker."

Rex nodded. "He won't answer his scroll."

"He isn't answering me either." Lilly chimed in.

Thrawn nodded thoughtfully. "For one claiming to have put his past behind him, he certainly doesn't change much does he."

Rex and Lilly shared a look. Lilly frowned at Thrawn. "What do you mean?" She asked.

"What I mean is that he continues to be headstrong, reckless, and emotionally driven." Thrawn explained calmly. "Given what I know about his recent departure, it is my belief he is going to Menagerie. A place with poor reception. Though still reachable. I suspect he also has his scroll turned off. If you are to contact him it would be more effective to do so through Miss Blake Belladonna I suspect."

Rex nods slowly. "We'll try that next then." Rex assured. "So what did you want to discuss with us?"

"Not you specifically Captain, or... well I suppose that rank no longer has purpose to you." Thrawn corrected. Rex crossed his arms, not appreciating the comment. "No, my questions are for Miss Volentine here."