POV Thrawn
I was reading over the reports of our successful raids on Kuat and Rendilli. We had been in this Universe for over half a year, and we had forced the Empire into retreating out of the Outer Rim completely. A new government was formed called the Commonwealth. According to Trench, it was built based on the model of the CIS, and that was even what their army was designed on. Several Billion Battle Droids. But that was less important than what we had gathered during our time.
'The entire Katana Fleet, a Mandator-III SSD, an Experimental Vengeance-class dreadnought, over 300 different warships of various classes, and several planet-sized amounts of materials.'
We had deployed the Scourge to several planets with massive trash or scrap piles, and from what I have read, we had caused quite a stir as the planets are completely clean. We also got the support of a few important players. Such as the spirits of Dathomir and the retired Sith Emperor. Valkorion had told us the locations of numerous secret shipyards, storage sites, and munition depots. And the price for such info was practically nothing.
'But is all this prep good enough for the Vong? The Commonwealth is fairly prepared, but the invasion won't happen for another few decades. But I suppose with all the work Rio has put in, they should be stable for some time.'
Rio had gone to most of the Outer Rim and cleansed the worlds. It led to the destruction of several factions. The Hutt Cartel and species had almost gone extinct. The report stated that only one member of the Hutt Species was spared due to them having high enough Karma. Warlords, Mega-Corps, Slavers, Pirates, and criminals were completely wiped out. The Empire lost most of the troops located in the Outer Rim, and most of the Empire's resources and troops were sent to one of 3 locations. Bastion, Endor, and Coruscant. Palpatine had even sent an Empire-wide order to relocate to said locations. Mind you, Endor and Bastion were only reserved for those the Emperor could confirm were loyal.
'No doubt the Rebel Alliance has discovered the second Death Star and know about the Empire's relocation of so many ships. But interestingly enough, Palpatine hasn't recalled my version here. He has Bastion defended by Grand Moff Ardus Kaine. Which I believe is one of the last Grand Moffs left in the Galaxy.'
Another large event occurred, but it happened around the time of the Grand Strategy Conference. The Empire crushed the Rebels at Hoth and then further at Bespin. But according to Imperial records, which I have free access to since no one questions my clearance codes, many agents of the ISB and Imperial Intelligence have gone missing. The 2 organizations that would usually kill each other sooner than work together have united under pressure by Palpatine. Palpatine was furious and panicked after the attack on Coruscant. Combine that with our constant attacks of Imperial Fleets and the fact that no ships or bodies are left behind. We even ambushed most of the retreating fleets.
'Still, it is very impressive that the Empire is still standing despite our efforts. Though they are on their last legs. They haven't found any real details on who we are or where we are based. They have abandoned everywhere but the Deep Core and Core regions. But with the numbers they have moved into those regions, it will be difficult to destroy or conquer those regions. But the Empire has at most 1500 warships left. Of which around 1200 are at Endor. 200 are at Coruscant, and the remaining ships are patrolling the Core. Except the dozen or so ships stationed at Bastion.'
The real defenses of Bastion were the several hundred Defense Platforms that were transported there from across the Galaxy. Even Coruscant only had 79 Defense Platforms. With most being Golan-I's and Golan-II's. But again, all of them were not recently produced, as all materials were sent to Endor for the construction of the second Death Star. I was required to know these details as the Battle of Endor was going to happen soon. We needed to be as prepared as possible for the coming battle, which also meant making a deal with the Rebel Alliance. I had no issues with doing it as I knew they were capable warriors. But I had no faith in them being able to make a stable government.
'But that isn't for me to worry about. Rio can deal with that.'
POV Rio
I was on Tython with Padme as we were waiting for Anakin to show up. We had projected her mind across the Galaxy to him so they could talk. I wasn't fully sure what they talked about, but I knew that Anakin was prepared to do anything if it meant being with Padme again. But I needed him to redeem himself. So this meeting was needed. Since I had summoned Padme, we had become friends, and as such, I couldn't let her get back into a toxic relationship unless I was sure they would be safe.
Rio: "He's here."
After I said that, Anakin's starfighter came down from the atmosphere. I could sense fear and hope in Padme. I patted her on the shoulder and motioned her to go forward.
We arrived at the meeting clearing, and Anakin arrived as well. When he saw Padme, I could hear him gasp, and then I sensed the fear, guilt, hope, and an unbridled amount of love.
Anakin: "P-padme? Is that truly you?"
Padme: "Yes, it's me, Ani."
They approached each other, and Padme put her hand on his helmet.
Padme: "Oh Ani, what happened to you?"
Anakin: "I-I made a mistake. One that I regret every day. I never wanted to hurt you. You were my everything."
Padme: "I know, and I forgive you. I missed you more than I think you realized."
The hug, and I just look away to give them privacy.
Padme: "There's someone I want you to meet. He was the one who brought me back to life. Ani, meet Rio. Rio, this is Anakin."
Rio: "We have met. At Yavin. And I met another version of him before, but I suppose it is nice to meet you in person."
Anakin: "It is nice to meet you as well, but I must ask. Why did you bring her here?"
Rio: "She insisted that I should give you a chance. I am here as her friend. To see if you have changed. And if you will hurt her again. You have done some very awful things, but despite that, you are not too far gone. Which is surprising to me."
Anakin: "I have changed. And I thank you for giving me this chance, but I must know what I must do to redeem myself."
Rio: "Well, there are a few things. One would be to kill Palpatine, but I am sure Padme has shown you why that isn't all that useful."
Anakin: "Yes, she showed me that he has already mastered a way to resurrect himself after death. And with my body as it is, I could only defeat him with help."
Rio: "There are a few other things you can do. With your power in the Force, you can help me kill a being of unimaginable power and evil. Then you could slay Abeloth like the Father wanted you to do back when he took you to Mortis. But don't worry, I will heal your body completely. Then you will go do these great feats, and that should redeem yourself."
Anakin: "Who is Abeloth?"
Rio: "She is also called the Mother. She is like the Father, Son, and Daughter. But she was sealed away by them because she was insane and a danger to life. She can only be killed by using the Blade of Mortis. Once she is slain, you will help me kill the World Razer. A being that eats entire planets. Once that is complete, you will help overthrow Sidious and help us annihilate the forces at Endor. In order for the battle to truly work, it would help if you could sneak aboard a device that will control your Executor to attack the Empire's fleets."
Anakin: "And if I do all of that, I can be with Padme?"
Rio: "Well, there would be one last thing, which is that you will have to sign a contract. It would only be to make it so you are loyal and that I can't betray you. Other than that, nothing else. I do request you try to complete these tasks within a year, but if you need more time, just tell me so."
Anakin kneels and says he is willing to perform these tasks. We signed the contract, and I used a special healing device that was created just for Anakin after Padme made it clear she wanted to have a chance to redeem Anakin. His armor and artificial limbs fell off, and he was left with only some underpants. I looked away, but Padme blushed but didn't look away.
Rio: "Ehem, here are some robes you can wear. They are far superior to the standard Sith or Jedi robes. Oh, and hand me your lightsaber."
He hands me the lightsaber, and then he put on the robes while I purify the Kyber Crystal. Once I was done, I hand it back, and he thanks me.
Rio: "Here is the map that will lead you to where you need to go. And here is a fake Vader suit that should make it so you aren't questioned once you go back to your Executor. And good luck."
Anakin: "Thank you, and I will not fail."
Rio: "Well, I will leave you two alone so you can chat some more. I have places to be."
I look at Padme.
Rio: "Once you are done, contact the others, and they will pick you up. But take your time. I am sure you two have a lot to talk about."
I left and headed to the next stop, which was Serenno. I wasn't sure why, but the Force was calling me there.
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Authors Note:
I think if Padme were alive, Anakin wouldn't have hesitated to betray Palpatine. I also think he wasn't fully aware of how much Palpatine had manipulated him. So, in this story, Rio and Padme basically gave Anakin all the evidence and info of what Palpatine has done to Anakin all the way to his very birth. The next chapter will be something interesting. Until next time Ciao.