A massive assault is coming to us. One that was easily predicted. I knew the boy Ezra Bridger would rally them. Like the other rebels he fights for hope. I fight for reality and my emperor. Hope can only guide you so far. He's gathering all the clans. A couple of days ago it was only a few hundred. Now... there's almost three thousand. 

I should thank Ezra Bridger once this is all over. I should thank him for bringing the clans right to me. I know these tunnels. I know the myths behind this. It supposably is haunted by ghosts of the fallen. There once was a great war. The losers and traitors were banished here. It's not the kind of tale someone just tells someone else.

"Grand Admiral Thrawn, the Ties are in position." The officer says.

"And the cannons?" I turn.

"In the positions." He says.

"Good." I say turning.

"If you don't mind me saying, what makes you think they have the courage?" He asks.

"They're rebels. Courage is a must for them." I say.