Grand Admiral Thrawn sat at his desk in the small quarters he had been given by Director Krennic, agonizing over various reports he had been given.

In the time it had taken him to travel to his destination, several rebels' cells had successfully enacted attacks against imperial positions. While the attacks did little to weaken the position of the empire, they were evidence that the empire could be thought.

'The rebellion is getting more and more militarized by the day.' Thrawn thought, reading through a report on a scouting mission gone wrong. Apparently they had been ambushed by rebel forces loyal to Saw Gerrerra, an extremist if Thrawn ever saw one.

To be truthful, Thrawn's mind was not really on the work he had before him. Since arriving on board Krennic's secret battle station, Thrawn had found himself restricted on where he could go. According to Tarkin, Thrawn did not have the necessary security clearance for certain areas of the station.

That obviously meant that the station was hiding something, and something big if a Grand Admiral was not allowed to know what it was.

'But why does Tarkin know?'

Thrawn shook the thoughts off. He had prior knowledge that Krennic was building some sort of battle station, and the Emperor had seemed quite insistent on diverting as many resources to it as possible. Thrawn had argued against it, not willing to put all his faith in on battle station that he didn't know anything about. He would rather spend the resources on something more useful.

Sighing lightly to himself, Thrawn moved aside the datapad he had been working on, reaching over to grab another. This was a report from his Star Destroyer, the Chimaera, which was currently on route to Coruscant to pick up the Emperor. Why he had wanted Thrawn's vessel was unknown, but Thrawn did not question it.

At least not aloud.

According to the report, the Chimaera was undergoing refuelling and rearming before departing, meaning that it would be a few days for it left Coruscant.

That gave Thrawn a few days to learn as much as he could about the battle station, as discreetly as possible.

However, Thrawn realized he could not do it alone. If he started asking questions, people would grow suspicious of him.

He needed allies.

Standing from his desk, Thrawn left his room, looking for one person in particular.

Thrawn found him in the mess hall of all places, quietly eating what looked to be a plate of mixed vegetables.

As the Chiss approached his target, it occurred to him that this was the first time he had seen his true face. Normally, the Eighth Brother hid it behind his peculiar helmet. But not now it seemed.

The Terrelian Jango Jumper looked up from his meal, a strange look in his eyes. Thrawn very quickly analysed the Inquisitor. He was young, Thrawn could tell, yet skilled, and had clearly seen much.

If Thrawn didn't know any better, he'd say something haunted the Eighth Brother.

"Oh, hey Mitth'raw'nuruodo."

Thrawn did a double take. Never did anyone ever try to pronounce his full name. He wasn't even sure if anyone knew it!

And yet, this Inquisitor had at the very least tried. He had horribly butchered the pronunciation, but he had tried. That, Thrawn could respect.

Perhaps he had been wrong about the Terrelian.

"Greetings Inquisitor, may I sit with you?"

The Eighth Brother nodded, returning to his meal, scooping another utensil full of vegetables into his mouth.

Thrawn took the seat opposite of the Inquisitor, settling in comfortably before him.

Seconds past before either one spoke.

"Something tells me you're not here for the food." The Eighth Brother spoke, mouth full of food as he did. Thrawn grimaced slightly, careful not to show his discomfort on his face.

"I wanted to ask you a question." Thrawn spoke in a whisper, ensuring that no one could overhear them. It was the night-time cycle on the station, and most high level officers were asleep. But that didn't stop the odd Stormtrooper from meandering around the station. All it would take was one trooper overhearing them…

"Go ahead." The Inquisitor replied, taking another bite of his food.

"What do you know about this battle station?"

The Eighth Brother stopped mid bite, removing the food he had intended to place in his mouth, before a curious look overtook his face.

"I imagine you know more than I do Grand Admiral."

"Only that it cost trillions of credits and is designed to ensure galactic peace. But I get the sense there is more to this station than what meets the eye." Thrawn replied to the Inquisitor, who had now pushed aside his food.

Waiting for a reply, Thrawn watched the Eighth Brother's reaction. His eyes darted left and right, as if watching for something, or feeling something.

When the Eighth Brother was content that no one was listening, he leaned forward slightly.

"I agree. This station is giving of strong readings in the force. I can't figure out why thought, but it must be connected to whatever it is they are hiding here."

Thrawn didn't even pretend to understand the force in its entirety. Nor did he wish to, he dealt with reality, not magic.

But time and time again he had had to compensate for such things. That was why he had used Ysalamir on Ahsoka Tano on Lothal. He had been prepared that day, and he had still ended up with a broken nose.

But just because he accepted the existence of the force, didn't mean he understood it. However, the individual before him did.

"What sort of readings?" Thrawn inquired.

The Eighth Brother shook his head.

"We shouldn't discuss it here. I will come find you later tonight, once I have had time to meditate about it. Now that I know I'm not imagining things, and that someone else is suspicious…"

Thrawn understood. The Eighth Brother had wanted to conduct his own covert investigation, off the records, as Thrawn had.

And that played perfectly into Thrawn's hands.

Perhaps together, they could find out what the Emperor was really up to.

It was a couple of hours later, as well as a couple of reports, when a knock sounded at Thrawn's door. The Chiss stood from his desk, moving over to open it and greet the individual on the other side.

As the door opened, the Eighth Brother allowed himself entry, pushing past Thrawn with some urgency.

"I take it you discovered something Inquisitor?"

The Eighth Brother started pacing left and right, stopping occasionally as if listening to something.

Aside from the usual sounds on an imperial station, the clunking of the air ducts, as well as far of sounds of troopers patrolling, Thrawn could hear nothing.

So clearly, whatever the Eighth Brother was listening to have some kind of connection to the force.

"Inquisitor?" Thrawn questioned again.

The Eighth Brother stopped his pacing, turning to face the Chiss Admiral, a shocked and surprised look on his face. The Inquisitor still hadn't placed his helmet back on, making it easier for Thrawn to read him.

"There is a kyber crystal here… somewhere on the station!" The Terrelian spoke with alarm.

Thrawn's eyes widened. He was fully aware of what kyber crystals were. They most commonly powered lightsabers, and were sources of immense energy.

But why was one brought here, and for what purpose?

And what could one tiny crystal do that was so worth investing all of the resources the Emperor had?

Thrawn voiced this concern, as well as confusion to the Inquisitor, who was quick to shake his head in alarm, his hands going up to his forehead, rubbing it as if he had a headache.

"Not just a normal crystal. A massive one. I can feel it in the force. So much power!" The Eighth Brother practically squeaked the last sentence. He was either in great pain through the force, or in great awe.

"Where is it?" Thrawn asked, pushing for information.

The Eighth Brother was growing more and more erratic by the second, as if he was on the verge of going crazy.

Thrawn reached forward, grabbing the Terrelian around the shoulders, holding him still.

The Eighth Brother locked eyes with Thrawn's red ones.

"Somewhere. On the station! Yes, somewhere here! The restricted zone? No. Weapon control maybe? I don't know, please don't make me look for it again!"

Pain, the Eighth Brother was clearly in pain trying to sense out the crystal.

Thrawn may not have liked the Inquisitor much, but he didn't want to see him in pain.

Especially pain that he himself did not understand.

"Ok. I have heard enough. Go and rest Inquisitor." Thrawn spoke softly, guiding the Terrelian to the door.

"Yes. Yes! Rest. I can rest! Yes."

Thrawn nodded, opening the door, gently pushing the Inquisitor out. The Eighth Brother seemed to be calming down now, yet his eyes were still erratic, checking every corner of the room and corridor twice over.

"Go and rest my friend. We will talk later. And do not reach for the crystal any more. It brings only pain for you." Thrawn spoke commandingly, yet calmly, in a somewhat friendly manner.

The Eighth Brother nodded, turning to walk down the corridor, swaying slightly from left to right.

Thrawn closed the door, entering back into his private room and sitting back down at his desk.

What was this crystal? What was it for?

And why had it sent the Eighth Brother into such a debilitating state.

Thrawn sighed. Perhaps rest would do him good as well. He himself could feel a headache coming on.

He would resume his research into this battle station in the morning, with or without the Inquisitor's help.

As the Eighth Brother heard the door to Thrawn's room close behind him, he instantly snapped out of his deception. It was true, he had sensed the crystal in the force, and it had pained him slightly.

But not enough to send him crazy, as he had faked towards Thrawn. The Chiss was good, but he wasn't that good.

Besides, he already knew about the crystal. In fact, he had been the one to assist in its discovery. And he had learned exactly what it was, and what it could do. It was a weapon, one of immense power, and one that he had seen before. In the hands of the Emperor, or any other imperial leader, it would ensure their supremacy in the galaxy. All would bow before them.

But if he could harness the weapon for himself, use it against all that had opposed him, those had wronged him?

For now, he had to work with Thrawn, which was the only way he would avoid rising suspicion of his true intentions. If he could frame the Grand Admiral…

Chuckling to himself, the Eighth Brother set off down the hallway.

Soon he would have his revenge, and he would vanquish all that stood in his way.

Author's thoughts

Ok, be honest. How many of you were fooled by the Eighth Brother's little charade?

So I have created a schedule for myself in regards to posting this story, since it is still being written. Every time I complete a chapter, I will upload one. For example, I have just finished writing chapter 10, and thus am uploading chapter 4. (now you know how far ahead I am in writing)

Hopefully this will allow me to stay far enough ahead in case I need to change anything. :)

Anyway, I hope you liked this chapter. I'm trying to write a different side to Thrawn in this story. Whereas before he was the all-knowing entity, this time round he is the one doing the investigating, and thus he can't be outright ruthless, especially not towards other imperials.

So, next chapter will involve Ahsoka and Kaeden going to Kashyyyk to hunt for a possible Jedi lead. And it's a long one believe me.

Now in regards to your guesses about who will be on the team, I have to say you are doing well. As it stands, only 5 of the members have yet to be correctly guessed by anyone. That being said, many people have also made suggestions of characters who will not be involved. Keep up the guessing people, lets, see if you can figure them all out. :)

Also, it seems Maul's recruit is stumping you all. Muhahahaahahahaha!

And now for the usual comment analysis:

Travis Middleton: I'm glad you liked the team coming together. It will get much bigger before the end. Maul's recruit will be interesting. lets just say, and not who you might expect. As for your questions:
1. Kallus and Zeb will have a very interesting interpretation of Saw, I can say that.
2. Leia will not be captured in this fic. Sorry.
3. As the Death Star is still under construction at this point, Krennic is still in charge of the project... for now at least.
4. Ezra will return to Lothal in a future chapter.
5. The Eighth Brother did not sense either Kenobi or Luke, despite being attacked by Kenobi. He legged it the second he got the holocron.
6. No shield shall be protecting the Death Star, as it still isn't finished at this point.

WolveHulk: Yeah, Savage's death was a shame really, but it shall fuel Maul on.

Chiara Polairix Edelstein: I'm glad you liked the chapter. Hopefully when translated this story still makes sense. I've tried to translate stuff to English before and it comes out like a nightmare!

Mysterious Guest number 1: Ahsoka and Saw is one of the things I am most excited the write, as I am yet to do it. As for Maul and Sidious... wait and see.

Mysterious Guest number 2: Ezra? What about Ezra? He is here, and will join the team.

Mysterious Guest number 3: "Please do not let Maul die." Right, I will see what I can do about that. :)

Mysterious Guest number 4: Maul killing Sidious... now that would be poetic justice! :)

LukeDude: The reason for Kallus over Cassian is due to Mothma placing Cassian in charge of the Fulcrum network in Ahsoka's absense. If Cassian was to disappear, it would look suspicious, and draw attention to the mission. You have made a series of logical guesses with your team member choices, only time will tell which are right and wrong. Now for your questions:
1. No more Interdictors I'm afraid. I couldn't find a place for them.
2. As far as I know, Sidious does still have a lightsaber in canon by this point, he just chooses not to use it. However he will use it in this story, as well as another lightsaber that he has acquired. (I wonder whose that will be?)
3. Not much in the way of Separatist involvement I'm afraid. But it will be brought up with Saw and Ahsoka.
4. Neither Han nor Chewie will appear, as I link those characters more to the twins than our team. Thus it doesn't really make sense to bring them in in my eyes.
5. No Takodana or Maz I'm afraid, as again I couldn't find a good place or reason for them to be involved.
6. If Brendol Hux is only just beginning to rise up the empire's ranks as you say, then it's doubtful he will appear, as the imperial side focuses mainly on the heirarchy, hence the "Meeting of the Moffs." Still, if I can find somewhere to fit him in I might do.
7. Unknown regions? Maybe?
8. A U-wing will appear, as will X-wings. But not for the reason you might expect... and I am taking some serious liberty with X-wing lore. If you want to know more... PM me. I'd love your opinion on it.
9. Both Profundity and Home One will appear. But again, not in the way you might expect.
10. Hondo is still around... that's all I will say for now.

FossilQueen1984: Don't worry about when you read or review it. Take your time. Hopefully you had a good day out regardless. Good old reliable Cassian, helping out his fellow Fulcrums.

jamese765: You are on the right track with some of your theories. Glad you are enjoying it so far.

SeaLion37: Hey, I'm really glad to hear you love these stories, even moreso that you have been with me from the start. Nice to have you comment, feel free to do it more often. I love comments. :)
As for Ventress, sadly she is still dead in this AU. As much as I would have liked to involve her, I am working within the limits of canon that occured in the past, before I could change it. :'(

SLE's fave guest: Some of your guesses are right... some are wrong. That is all I will say in regards to that. :)
Sadly, I imagine Gungi (the wookie youngling from Clone Wars) was probably Vader'ed in the temple. :(
Right, so you don't want me to kill either Ahsoka or Rex... oh boy!