Eli Vanto had always been fascinated by the stars. As a child on his home planet of Lysatra, he would spend hours lying on his back, gazing up at the night sky, wondering what was out there. When he was old enough, he joined the local spaceport’s ground crew, cleaning and maintaining the ships that came and went.
It was there that he met a young Imperial Navy officer named Thrawn. Vanto was impressed by Thrawn’s knowledge and experience, and the two struck up a friendship. Thrawn saw potential in Vanto and encouraged him to pursue a career in the Imperial Navy.
At first, Vanto was hesitant. He had heard stories about the Empire’s harsh treatment of non-humans and dissidents, and wasn’t sure if he wanted to be a part of that. But Thrawn told him that the Navy needed good people like him, people who were smart, capable, and committed to doing the right thing.
Eventually, Vanto decided to take the plunge. He enlisted in the Imperial Navy, and was soon sent to the Academy on Coruscant. There, he learned the skills he needed to become an officer, including strategy, leadership, and combat tactics. He also made some new friends, including a fellow cadet named Kendal Ozzel.
Vanto found the Academy to be a challenging but rewarding experience. He excelled in his studies, and was soon promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. He also learned more about the Empire and its goals, and came to believe that it was the best way to maintain order and security in the galaxy.
When he graduated from the Academy, Vanto was assigned to the Chimaera, Thrawn’s flagship. He was thrilled to be working with his old friend again, and was eager to prove himself as a capable and loyal officer.
As he looked out at the stars from the Chimaera’s bridge, Vanto knew that he had made the right decision in joining the Imperial Navy. He was part of something bigger than himself, something that was working to make the galaxy a safer and more stable place. And for the first time in his life, he felt like he was truly where he belonged.