PART THREE, AND I THOUGHT I'D GIVE SHADOW A MEETING WITH KRENNIC-THE OTHER MAJOR PLAYER IN THE DEATH STAR PROJECT. HOPE I DID THE GUY JUSTICE.
THE NEXT PART MIGHT BE DELAYED FOR SEVERAL REASONS-SOME TECHNICAL, AND ALSO STORY WISE-I'M UNSURE HOW TO PROGRESS IT AND AM NOT COMPLETELY SOLD ON WHAT I'VE DONE SO FAR, SO A REWRITE MAY BE NECESSARY. SORRY, HOPE THE WAIT WILL BE WORTH IT.
STAR WARS: THE EMPEROR'S SHADOW
WILL OF THE EMPEROR
CHAPTER THREE: AMBITION
I was leaving Tarkin's presence when the Emperor communicated through the Force.
"Shadow, his mention of Director Krennic…I think it's time that you and he met. Get the full picture of progress on the Death Star…" A message on my wrist computer notified me of a file arrival-specifically the file on Director Orson Krennic.
As before, I used stealth and subterfuge to make my way to his location, reading his file so that I would know exactly who I was dealing with…what sort of man he was. He was the head of the Scientific Division, the one responsible for making sure that the technological project that the Empire was building would actually work as intended. According to the files, the Director was visiting his scientific team on Eadu, assessing progress on the project. It would be an ideal opportunity to gain his report on the Death Star project…and to gain some insight into the man.
One read of Krennic's file told me all that I needed to know about him. Padme' had met hundreds of Senators and politicians like him, and he was no different. Easily manipulated if given the right
motivation. An ambitious man, and with a certain grudge to bear…and one who was not afraid to clash with certain senior figures within the Empire. A trait that meant that he was likely to get himself killed if he ever came into contact with Lord Vader or the Emperor…
It was all too easy to make my way to Eadu using my holographic identities and stealth. As it was a scientific institute, I sought to use an identity crafted from the scientists that had cybernetically enhanced Padme' Amidala and transformed her into myself-utterly detached from emotions, mind focused solely on the mission at hand. It was a mindset I knew all too well, and would also dismiss any unwanted questions.
However, upon reaching the facility, I saw the black-armoured troopers in key positions and changed my tactics. I recognised the Death Troopers-they were essentially what Padme's former handmaidens had been transformed into, and now accompanied major Imperial figures. Their presence informed me that I had not missed Krennic. Taking advantage of a function on my wrist computer, I found a quiet corner and scanned one trooper. A short while later, I had a new cover identity to match my new holographic disguise. Now as one of the Death Troopers, I walked through the facility, walking as if I belonged there (which I did-I represent the will of the Emperor.)
As I walked through, I overheard several conversations and passed several scientists. There was talk of several different projects, names such as World Devastator, Galaxy Gun and a demand for a Starbuster for one scientist, who was muttering that the brief was utterly impossible and would never be acceptable. I also looked at the scientists. One gave off an air of erraticism-one of his colleagues pointed out an error in his calculations (his name was apparently Lemelsisk). Another was a forlorn looking man staring longingly at a holo of a woman and a young girl of about seven galactic years. He then steeled himself and focused on his work, which appeared to be on the Death Star project. I left the scientists to it, and went in search of the man in question.
A lavish looking office told me I had found the right place. However, I didn't think it a good idea to announce my presence to his two bodyguards standing at the door-I wanted to catch him off guard. So I found a nearby vent, a security issue that would need fixing, and slipped through into Krennic's office. Choosing my moment, I carefully opened the vent and dropped down while he had his back to me. I silently approached, and waited for him to turn from his viewport.
Krennic's reaction was interesting-he probably viewed himself as a schemer, but even he reacted in shock at seeing my cloaked and masked form. However, he spotted the Imperial insignias and composed himself. Even so, I had caught him off guard…a fact that I would take full advantage of.
"I assume you're here for me? Who may I ask am I addressing?" he asked.
"I am the Emperor's Shadow, and I represent the Will Of The Emperor." I kept my statement short and simple, my metallic voice coming through my helmet. Far from intimidating, it felt comfortable. Krennic, for his part, nodded. "The Emperor…? He's interested in me?"
"He's interested in Project Stardust…" I began.
"Project Stardust is my project-despite what Tarkin may tell you. He might be the one waiting to find out if he will lord it over the station, but for the time being it is very much my achievement. As for the future, that is a long way off…" Krennic's anger was restrained, but nonetheless detectable.
I pressed him on this lingering issue.
"Your feelings on Tarkin…you feel strongly about him?" I asked.
"Tarkin is the favourite to take over the Death Star once it's completed. However, I feel that the position should be mine as everything achieved so far has been my achievement! I assembled the scientists necessary to make the plans a reality-I even brought Galen Erso out of…retirement, shall we say, to make it happen. The fact that it will be completed on schedule is entirely down to my work with the scientists here. How can Tarkin even consider taking what's rightfully mine?" His tone was honest-I had to respect that, but I knew that my Master probably wouldn't tolerate such a gross display of disrespect.
"Tarkin is the favourite as he is the first appointed Grand Moff, the Governor of the Outer Rim Territories, and has the Emperor's respect. You, on the other hand, have not earned that distinction, despite your hard work Director Krennic. If you focus less on petty rivalries and more on the work that actually needs to be done, you may know what it means to have the Emperor's favour." My tone was as cold and ruthless as I could make it. My Master would not tolerate any delay in this project's completion, and this would set Krennic back on the right path.
For his part, he nodded. "You're right…I assume you're here for a reason? Might as well get on with it, the sooner you're done the sooner I can get down to the proper work. There's a lot to be done…" Krennic looked me over as he spoke. I knew that he would never see past the armour though-not that there was anything to see beneath. Not anymore.
"The Emperor wishes for a progress report on Project Stardust. He believes that one should be ready. He has the one from Tarkin on the construction progress, and Tarkin in turn sent me to you to follow up on the scheduled report on the scientific side. Do you have it…?" I asked.
Krennic handed over a datapad. "This is what you came for. I was told that somebody was coming, but I never expected a figure like you. I hope that the Emperor is satisfied with the progress."
"Is this project secure?" I asked, after a whisper from the Emperor into my head.
Krennic nodded.
I'm ensuring that there is nothing that can point to what we are building-nobody knows the full picture, even high up Imperial officers are not cleared for this information. It is as secret as it can possibly be, and I work tirelessly to ensure it remains so even as I supervise the scientific team. If there is a leak, I send my Death Troopers in to deal with the matter. They act without mercy, and they leave no evidence of their presence behind. I assure you that the project is safe."
"Good. Because if the project does leak, my Master will be looking to you to explain yourself. He may send me, or he may send Lord Vader. I will likely interrogate you violently before killing you. Lord Vader will simply choke you to death for your first and last failure. Rest assured that you do not want either of us coming for you, Director Krennic, so I advise you keep up the standard established-or at least consider improving upon it. Am I clear, Director?" I explained Krennic's fate to him clearly, taking full notice of his facial expressions. He was composed, but nonetheless understood the implications. For his part, he nodded.
"In that case, I leave you to your work, Director…"