Chapter Text
Shuttle ST-149 “Pteradon”
Captain Pterro nodded to his superior as the latter boarded the shuttle. “How was your visit with the Emperor, sir?”
“Fine,” Krennic replied curtly.
“Excellent, sir,” Pterro nodded.
Krennic sat, glowering. Eventually he said, “Set course for Stercum Tauri.”
“Where is that, sir?” Pterro furrowed his brow.
Krennic snarled. “Find it!”
Pterro hastened to obey, but soon returned. “Stercum Tauri is not in our navigational system,” he apologized. “Do you know its coordinates, sir?”
“It must be in your databanks,” Krennic growled. “Search again.”
Pterro made a cursory recheck. “Nothing, sir,” he reported on his return. “Perhaps the archive has the information you’re looking for.”
“Very well.” Krennic straightened his cape, relaxing his shoulders as he straightened. “Proceed with original course to Scarif. When we arrive, I want you to find out everything you can about nihilum silk.”
“Yes, sir.”
ISD Sovreign main hangar
Chief Bast nodded as Tarkin descended the ramp of his shuttle. “Welcome back, Governor.”
“Thank you, General,” Tarkin nodded. They began to walk towards the hangar exit. As they walked, Tarkin eventually ventured, “General, do you know anything about nihilum silk?”
“I can’t say I do, sir,” Bast apologized.
“I see.” Tarkin furrowed his brow slightly as they walked. “What of Stercum Tauri? Is that world familiar to you?”
“I’ve never heard of it, sir, but I’m sure it’s in a database somewhere.”
“Indeed.” Tarkin stroked his chin. “General, if you would, I would like you to verify the location of Stercum Tauri and research its culture.”
“I’ll have my best men on it,” Bast assured him.
Bridge of the ISD Chimaera
Pellaeon saluted as his superior approached. “Grand Admiral.”
“Captain Pellaeon,” Thrawn nodded in return.
“Was your meeting with the Emperor productive, sir?”
“I found it most fascinating.”
“In what way, sir?” Pellaeon cocked his head.
Thrawn stroked his chin and posed a question instead of answering. “Captain, are you familiar with a world known as Stercum Tauri?”
“I’m afraid not, sir.”
“Hm. A pity Lieutenant Vanto is not here,” Thrawn mused. “His expertise on uncharted worlds could prove valuable.”
“If this world is of strategic importance…”
“Merely a curiosity, Captain,” Thrawn assured him. “Though you know that I hold even curiosities to be potentially advantageous.”
“Yes sir,” Pellaeon nodded.
“I shall be in my study,” said Thrawn, laying a hand on the captain’s shoulder. “You may find me there if a matter requires my attention.”
Pellaeon saluted again. “Yes sir.”