The Empires Prodigy

Stoick sat in the captain's chair of the Nebulon-B frigate, surrounded by his senior command team, deep in thought. He had just received troubling news: the Empire had destroyed one of their supply fleets, which had been carrying vital resources to his fleet . The fleets was supposed to rendezvous in Bothan space, near the planet Nar Kaaga, so they could resupply and continue operations to weaken the Empire's grip on the Mid Rim.

"I just received word from Senator Organa," said Spitelout, breaking the silence. "He's asked us to capture an Imperial shipment. He didn't specify what it contains, but he stressed it's of the utmost importance to the Alliance."

Commander Hofferson spoke up. "I recommend sending a single transport ship with a six-person crew—and I suggest my daughter to lead the mission."

"Hold on, Commander Hofferson!" Spitelout interrupted, his tone sharp. "If anyone's leading this mission, it should be my boy, Snotlout, not your girl."

"My daughter is one of the most promising leaders of her generation," Hofferson retorted, his voice cool but forceful. "She's earned this command. Or have you forgotten that your son was thrown into the brig for stealing an A-wing—and his excuse was that he did it to impress a girl?"

"That's irrelevant!" Spitelout shouted, stepping forward with a pointed finger.

"Will the two of you stop bickering?" Stoick's voice cut through their argument like a blade. "Gobber, what do you think?"

Gobber, Stoick's long-time friend, rubbed his beard thoughtfully before replying. "I say put Hiccup in charge. According to all the tests, he's the most capable leader in his generation."

"Hiccup?" Spitelout scoffed in disbelief. "That weakling?"

"And isn't he a bit too interested in the Empire?" Commander Hofferson added with a frown. "He's always questioning our fight against them and even seems to admire them sometimes."

Stoick sighed heavily. "I don't know, Gobber. I don't think my son is ready—or dedicated enough for this mission."

"Valka would be disappointed to know our son sympathizes with the Empire," Stoick murmured, almost to himself. "Maybe I should contact her after this meeting."

What none of them knew was that Hiccup had been eavesdropping on the entire meeting. Frustrated and bitter, he resented both his parents for neglecting him and forcing him into their precious Rebellion. To Hiccup, the Rebellion was a terrorist organization that needed to be stopped. He'd already proven where his loyalty lay—he was the reason the supply fleet was destroyed. He'd leaked its location to an Imperial Security Bureau agent named Dedra Meero. The ISB had promised Hiccup a place in the Imperial Navy Academy if he provided useful intel on the Rebels. Now, with the information he'd overheard in the meeting, he had the opportunity to finally escape this "terrorist" group.

Switching on his communicator, Hiccup said, "Dedra, it's Hiccup. I have news. My father's planning to capture an Imperial shipment on orders from Senator Organa. He'll be sending a transport ship with a six-person crew. I'm sending you my coordinates. You can intercept the fleet here and extract me before they hijack the shipment."

Hiccup and Dedra were already formulating an ambush to thwart his father's plan—and to ensure Hiccup's extraction to Imperial territory.

Three hours later…

Hiccup strode purposefully onto the bridge, prepared to put the next phase of his plan into action. He and Dedra had decided he should join the mission to ensure he'd be in the right position for a safe extraction when the Imperial fleet attacked.

"Dad, I overheard the meeting," Hiccup began. "Let me prove my loyalty to the Alliance. Let me lead the mission to capture the Imperial shipment."

Stoick looked at him, surprised but pleased. "Son, I'm glad you're ready to contribute to the cause. But… you won't be leading this mission. Ensign Hofferson will."

"But, Dad—" Hiccup began to protest.

"Let me finish, son." Stoick's tone was firm. "You'll be part of the mission, but as a private. You'll follow Ensign Hofferson's every command. Prove yourself, and one day, you'll earn a position where you can be trusted to lead ."

"Understood, Dad," Hiccup replied, masking his true feelings with a neutral expression. He turned and left the bridge with a smirk.

As Stoick watched him go, he whispered with pride, "My son is finally making me proud."