Today was the day, or at least one of the many days.
Since the arrival of the Emperor, Thrawn had not seen him on the station at all. Neither had Yularen, nor Pryce.
Whether he was busy with his own work, or doing something with that monstrosity of a kyber crystal was beyond Thrawn. All that mattered was that he had not interfered in Thrawn's ongoing investigation.
And neither had the Eighth Brother. After his 'discussion' with the Inquisitor, the Terrelian had promptly left Thrawn alone to go about his own desires.
And Thrawn had reciprocated that, not letting a soul know about the Eighth Brother's deceptions.
Yet.
But today, it was a guarantee that Thrawn would see the Emperor, as the first of the 'Meeting of the Moffs' had been scheduled.
It was a strange name, and a deceptive one at that. It implied there was only one grand meeting of a few select individuals.
That couldn't be further from the truth however. There was no way they would be able to get through everything that needed to be discussed in one meeting alone.
So, there were multiple meetings, each one with a certain topic of discussion, as well as different members being present.
Thrawn just so happened to be unlucky enough to be invited to all of them.
That meant the Chiss would be forced to sit through meeting after meeting of bigotry and overzealous pride.
At least, he would because Tarkin had also been invited to every meeting.
Sighing to himself, Thrawn moved towards the doorway that acted as the entrance to the conference room on the Death Star.
Flanking the doorway were two Deathtroopers, who took Thrawn's code cylinder to confirm his identity, before allowing him access.
Stepping through the threshold of the doorway, Thrawn's mind shifted to the topic of today's meeting.
Experimental projects.
No doubt that Krennic's battle station would be a keen talking point. Hopefully today, he would discover the whole truth.
When Thrawn had entered the conference room, he glanced at the table before him. Quickly counting in his head he saw ten places available around a large central chamber.
Four of those seats were already filled.
"Ah, Grand Admiral, glad you could make it. Please, take a seat." Krennic was the first to speak, gesturing to a seat on the opposite side of the table to him.
Glancing in the direction Krennic had pointed, Thrawn spotted an empty seat with a name tag on. His place.
Smiling at the director in response, Thrawn moved to sit in his place.
Lowering into his chair, Thrawn turned his face to the left. Beside him sat Yularen, who nodded in acknowledgement.
Beside Yularen was Tarkin who looked completely uninterested in everything, and was far too busy ready a report to even notice Thrawn had entered the room.
That suited the Chiss just fine.
On the other side of Thrawn was an empty chair, yet the name tag identified it as belonging to Governor Pryce.
Beyond Pryce's chair, the fourth person sat.
"Grand Admiral, how are you?" The voice of Tiber Saxon, Governor of Mandalore spoke out.
"I am well Governor. How are things on Mandalore?"
Tiber Saxon was not his brother. The man practically spurned Mandalorian tradition at every possible option. Thrawn respected that in a way. But he also despised the very idea of throwing away one's own traditions.
"Despite recent rebel actively, courtesy of clan Wren and Kryze, we have maintained complete and loyal control of the populace." Tiber spoke, both pride and arrogance in his voice.
Thrawn nodded. That was good. Mandalorians were dangerous. If they actively joined the rebellion.
Tarkin then spoke up, but didn't move his gaze away from his datapad.
"A shame the Grand Admiral has failed to stop the rebel leadership yet. We would not be having this trouble otherwise."
Gritting his teeth, Thrawn refused the rise to the taunt. That was exactly what Tarkin wanted.
The door to the conference room then opened, and Pryce strode in, followed by the last person that Thrawn expected.
"Professor Erso?"
Galen Erso looked tired. Beyond tired, as if he was going to collapse at any moment. He was paler than he should be, and looked like he had rarely eaten since coming aboard.
Thrawn guessed that daily exposure to the synthetic kyber crystal had not helped either.
"Ah Galen, you're here. Your seat is next to me." Krennic spoke, gesturing to the chair between himself and Saxon.
Reluctantly, Erso sat down, fiddling with his fingers.
Thrawn watched the scientist intently. His erratic behaviour was one indicative of someone who had done something that they wanted to remain a secret. It was obvious that Galen Erso really didn't want to be in the meeting, but had been given no choice.
'Say what he will about being old friends, Krennic clearly doesn't care for Erso at all.' Thrawn thought.
The door to the conference room opened again, and two more figures strode in.
This time round, Tarkin glanced upwards at the entry, putting down his datapad to greet them.
"Rax, Versio, a pleasure."
Thrawn watched as the two men took their seats beside Krennic. From what Yularen had managed to find out, Gallius Rax was working on some sort of secret project for the emperor that was simply labelled a contingency plan.
'Contingency for what?' Thrawn couldn't help but wonder.
The other man, Garrick Versio, was one of the most well respected admirals in the imperial navy. Usually he was often found overseeing the imperial shipyards on Fonder, so why was he here?
What secret project did he know about?
"I live to serve my Emperor Governor, as you do." Rax spoke clearly, in a tone that concerned Thrawn. The man seemed to have a strange sense of mystery about him.
Versio meanwhile kept quiet.
Glancing around the table again, Thrawn noted that only one seat was not filled.
He didn't even need to speculate who that belonged to.
Seconds later, he found out.
The door once again opened, and the Emperor strode in, his black cape billowing behind him.
The various assembled imperial leaders all rose from their chairs in a sign of respect, bowing their heads graciously.
Despite the position of his head, Thrawn caught a glimpse of another figure moving behind the Emperor.
The Eighth Brother moved behind the Sith Lord, flanking him the entire time.
As the Emperor settled himself into the remaining seat, the Inquisitor stood behind him, off to the side slightly, hands resting behind his back.
The Emperor gestured lightly with his spider like hands, indicating to the others to sit.
As they settled around the table, the Emperor turned to speak to Versio.
"Admiral, how is your daughter? Performing well I hope?"
Versio nodded, a small smile on his face.
"She is my Lord. Currently leading a fighter patrol wing."
A smile, if one could call it that, appeared on Palpatine's face as he listened.
"Excellent news my friend. We are always in need of exceptional pilots. But now, to business."
Clearly, the time for pleasantries was over. Thrawn had a feeling things were about to get serious.
"Governor Saxon, how goes progress on project Duchess?"
Tiber Saxon adjusted himself in his seat slightly before beginning to answer.
"We are working diligently on reconstructing the prototype weapon built by Sabine Wren. In time, we believe it can be effectively used to ensure the loyalty of Mandalore to you."
Palpatine nodded, before turning his gaze to the next person.
"Rax, Versio? Are the plans for Operation Cinder in place?"
'Operation Cinder? What was that?' Thrawn thought. He had been aware of Tiber Saxon's project, as the Mandalorian governor had asked for the Chiss' opinion on it once.
But what were Rax and Versio up to?
Rax coughed to clear his voice. "My Emperor, the contingency plan is ready to put into effect immediately, and all the necessary components for Operation Cinder are in place. Admiral Versio and I merely await the command."
Whilst Rax spoke, Versio presented a datapad to the Emperor, who looked over the details on it briefly, before handing it backwards to the Eighth Brother for safekeeping.
Thrawn watched as the Inquisitor took the datapad, his helmet tilting in wonder of what secrets lie within.
'Surely he won't be stupid enough to try to hack into it?'
"Grand Admiral Thrawn, Governor Pryce. How goes work on the Defender Prototype?"
Thrawn had been so absorbed in what the Inquisitor was doing that he didn't hear the emperor's inquiry. It wasn't until Pryce elbowed him lightly that he snapped out of his distraction, his red eyes locking onto the fiery golden ones of Palpatine.
Blinking twice to regain his composure, Thrawn began to speak.
"My Emperor, after the theft of my prototype, we moved the operation to a more discreet location on Ryloth. We continue to undergo developments for the new fighter, and in time we believe we will have a powerful new tool at our disposal."
During his speech, Thrawn watched the reaction of the Emperor. He seemed pleased, at least pleased enough not to attack him.
Then Tarkin spoke.
"I heard that one of your Defenders was shot down over Ryloth. How can this project be expected to be a success if it can get easily shot down by Syndulla's band of rebels?"
Groaning mentally, Thrawn began to formulate an answer.
Trust Tarkin to stir up conflict.
"The vessel was an incomplete design, and according to all reports was destroyed by Hera Syndulla piloting the Ghost."
The Emperor's visage did not change.
"Your experimental fighter was destroyed by a freighter?" It was Admiral Versio that spoke this time, bewilderment in his voice.
Clearly he had never had the 'luxury' of running into the rebels of Phoenix Squadron.
Silence raged around the table, as everyone waited for Thrawn's reply.
Tarkin had a smirk on his face, clearly enjoying the Chiss' situation.
Then, an unexpected voice came to the Chiss' aid.
"Need I remind you Governor Tarkin that you lost your own personal Star Destroyer to the same people, as well as the Grand Inquisitor! You are in no position to judge Grand Admiral Thrawn for one small loss on what is an unfinished prototype."
Every head in the room, save for the Emperor's, turned to face the Eighth Brother, who still had taken a step forward the join the table.
Tarkin had an irritated look on his face. Clearly the Grand Moff wanted to push the subject further, but instead he chose to relent.
As the Eighth Brother stepped back to his previous spot, he threw a small nod of his head in Thrawn's direction.
Had it been anyone else, Thrawn would have assumed it meant, 'Hey, I got your back buddy.'
But this was the Eighth Brother. He was out for his own gain, no one else's.
"Keep working on the project then Grand Admiral. Let me know of any more developments." Palpatine spoke, moving the discussion on. There was more to discuss.
It was then that the Emperor turned his gaze to Director Krennic, who stiffened slightly, before his face took one of pride and arrogance.
"Tell me Director, why is this station not yet complete? You said project Stardust would be ready for testing upon my arrival."
Thrawn could almost feel the temperature in the room drop instantly. The look of pride on Krennic's face faded, instead being replaced by one of concern.
Tarkin however, once again smirked darkly.
"My Emperor, whilst the construction of the shell is not yet complete, the weapon is functional."
The Emperor huffed before continuing.
"The main weapon may be functional, but this battle station is not yet ready for a demonstration, as you promised, Director!"
Krennic visibly gulped, his composure failing him.
From beside Thrawn, Pryce spoke for the first time, clearly hoping to relive some of the focus on Krennic.
"Your majesty, what exactly is the purpose behind this installation? What can this weapon do that is so vital for your empire?"
Thrawn half expected the Emperor to snarl, to attack, to slaughter Pryce for her line of questioning.
This was a secret project after all.
But instead, a dark smile, one that was similar to Tarkin's, came upon the Emperor's face.
"Tell them Director."
Krennic nodded, before reaching across the central table, activating a hologram emitter.
The image before them was one of two large spherical objects. One was clearly the battle station, the other, if Thrawn were to guess, a planet.
"The weapon at the heart of this station is a superlaser, one that has its power amplified by the large kyber crystals we have installed."
As Krennic spoke, another hologram of the schematics of the weapon appeared, allowing the Chiss admiral his first proper glimpse at the weapon.
It was massive in scope and power. Whatever it could do would cause unquantifiable levels of destruction.
"With the amplification via the crystals, this station now possesses a weapon capable of destroying entire planets. In seconds we can eliminate all life on a planet, as well as all resources. It will provide us the ultimate edge against the growing rebellion. Any traitors, as well as rebel bases can be annihilated, crippling the rebellion, as well as sending a message to those that would oppose us!"
Thrawn very nearly gasped aloud. The power to destroy planets! To destroy entire cultures and civilizations! All to incite fear!
Had the Emperor gone mad!
"What about any innocents caught in the crossfire?" Yularen enquired, equally shocked by the revelation.
"Collateral damage!" Krennic sneered, his face contorting into what Thrawn could only describe as a look of pure evil.
Besides Krennic, Galen Erso sunk in his seat, clearly hating every moment of the meeting.
Thrawn didn't blame him.
It was then that the Eighth Brother's warning came back to the Chiss.
How long would it be before the Emperor turned this weapon against anyone he disliked? Against other species?
"Once my installation is fully constructed, it will be the ultimate weapon. All will bow before it!" Krennic spoke again, an edge of megalomania about him.
However, as Krennic spoke, the Emperor stiffened.
Thrawn could swear the temperature had dropped even further.
"Your installation Director? The one that you have failed to complete on schedule, as you said you would?" Palpatine spoke, a dark edge to his croaking voice.
Krennic seemed to remember himself in that moment, as he sat back down in his chair, not realizing he had been standing during his speech.
"I promise you my Emperor, I will have it finished before these meetings are over."
Emperor Palpatine remained still. No one spoke for what seemed like an eternity.
Then, the Emperor snarled.
"No, you will not!"
Krennic's face took on a look of complete shock, as if he had lost something dear to him.
"I'm, I'm sorry your majesty?"
Sidious continued to eyeball Krennic, his golden eyes piecing into Krennic's very soul.
"You have repeatedly made assumptions about the completion of this installation, and have constantly failed to meet your own quotas. Furthermore, you may be in charge of this project, but in the end it belongs to me and me alone."
Krennic bowed his head in shame. "I understand my Lord. I overstepped my own boundaries. It will not happen again."
The Emperor huffed again, before speaking.
"No, it won't. As of this moment, Grand Moff Tarkin shall assume command of this battle station, as well as oversee the final construction of it. You are relieved of your duties, former Director Krennic."
Silence once again raged in the conference room, as every individual took in the Emperor's statement.
Unsurprisingly, Tarkin had a huge smirk on his face, as was radiating smugness.
Then, Krennic stood up abruptly, anger on his face.
"No! I refuse to give up command of this station! I am behind its entire construction. It is mine and mine alone!"
Thrawn watched with baited breath. He knew this wasn't going to end well.
Out of the corner of his eye, Thrawn noticed the Eighth Brother begin to slowly creep around the edge of the table towards Krennic, unnoticed by all except the Chiss.
"I have spent countless hours and resources on this station. You can't just take it away from me because it is behind schedule. Were it not for your ridiculous last minute demands it would have been finished months ago!"
Krennic's outburst was unlike anything Thrawn had seen in any previous 'Meeting of the Moffs'. That is was directed at the Emperor was even rarer.
For good reason.
"Then you refuse to stand down Director?" Palpatine spoke, his voice menacing now.
Krennic stood tall, his chin outwards and upwards, clearly proud of himself.
"I do, your majesty."
Silence once again flooded the room.
Palpatine broke the silence once more.
"A shame. You served us well Orson."
Then it happened.
A snap hiss sound echoed around the conference room, and a crimson blade erupted from Krennic's chest.
The human gave a cry of agony, briefly looking down at the sight of the lightsaber protruding from behind.
A cry of surprise and horror came from Galen Erso, who jumped out of his seat and moved away, falling to the floor in shock.
"Orson!" The scientist called out.
Krennic's head then went limp, and the red blade was retracted. The Director's lifeless body slumped to the floor.
Behind where Krennic had stood, the Eighth Brother extinguished his lightsaber, replacing it on his back, before looking up directly at Thrawn.
"That is what happens to those that oppose their emperor's will." The Terrelian spoke, before moving to retake his position beside Palpatine.
Thrawn knew what the Inquisitor was saying.
'Don't get caught!'
Thrawn had no intention of getting caught, not now that he knew what this weapon could do.
It was a deplorable weapon. One used by cowards who either had exhausted all other options, or just didn't care about life at all.
Thrawn may have served the empire, but he did so with the best of intentions, in order to preserve all life across the galaxy.
And the Emperor wanted to destroy it all it seemed.
Just as he had destroyed poor Krennic.
"Anyone else have anything to say regarding this station?" Palpatine croaked.
Looking away from the fallen body of Krennic, Thrawn noticed that everyone at the table, save for Tarkin, had gone rigid. No one dared to move a muscle. No one dared to make a noise.
The only noise in the room was the heavy breathing of Erso, who was still on the floor in a state of complete shock.
They may all have feared what the Emperor would do.
But Thrawn didn't.
"Did you have an intended target for this weapon? Perhaps a test fire of some kind?"
Besides Thrawn, Pryce gasped at the Chiss' statement. What was the admiral doing?
"Indeed I do Grand Admiral. It is no secret that Senator Mothma is a key player in this rebellion. Thus, as an example, we shall target Chandrila first!"
Thrawn had heard enough. It was all well and good destroying a planet because a rebel base was on it. If he had possessed such a weapon during the Siege of Atollon he would have used it to obliterate the rebel base.
But the Emperor wanted to destroy Chandrila simply because it was Mon Mothma's homeworld.
"If no-one else has any questions, then this meeting is dismissed." Palpatine croaked again, a threat evident in his voice.
Thrawn remained silent this time.
"Excellent. You are dismissed. Inquisitor, please find someone to clean up Director Krennic's mess."
The Eighth Brother bowed before moving out of the conference room, followed swiftly by the Emperor and Tarkin.
One by one the other members of the meeting got up a left as well.
Except for Erso, who seemed to be in a comatose state.
As Thrawn moved to leave the room, he stopped and turned to Pryce, a severe look on his face.
"Meet me on the Chimaera later on. We need to talk."
Pryce nodded in understanding, not saying anything aloud that might be overheard.
As Pryce left, Thrawn approached Galen Erso, bent down, and pulled him to his feet.
"Come Professor, let me fetch you a warm drink, and then you can tell me all about the dissertation you wrote on crystallography."
Erso seemed to respond, as his eyes shifted from Krennic's body to Thrawn's eyes, before the scientist spoke.
"Yes, yes, that would be good. Thank you Grand Admiral."
Thrawn noticed the way Erso stuttered lightly. Clearly the shock was yet to wear off.
"My pleasure Professor."
Author's thoughts
Oh... did I forget to mention that Imperial characters are just as much at risk as the rebel ones are. Sorry, he he! :)
In Memorium: Orson Krennic
In this chapter, we bid farewell to Director Orson Krennic. Director Krennic was a simple, yet highly ambitious man. His ultimate goal was to prove himself to his emperor, and he most certainly did. His crowning achievement, the Death Star, shall go down in legend as the ultimate weapon. It is truely a shame he never got to see it completed, and that Tarkin will get all the credit.
So Krennic was pretty much doomed from the start of this fic. He was too outgoing, and not smart enough to play the game of imperial leadership. I do feel bad about killing him so suddenly, but I felt that he couldn't really last that long. Sorry Krennic fans, please don't kill me.
So now that's out of the way, let's return to normal. I've been having some issues writing upcoming battle scenes and stuff (not my forte) and thus writing has slowed considerably. The whole suicide mission is proving to be a pain, but I will see it through regardless. So apologies in advance if the fight scenes are lackluster. I'm trying to save my best stuff for the inevitable confrontation that is coming. (you can probably guess what I mean by that.)
Also, to everyone who said that they would continue reading even if I kill off your favourite, I have one thing to say: You are all better people that I am. I'd get out ASAP, and blacklist the story in my mind. Petty, I know, I admit it.
So, next chapter the team prepares to set off on their mission, but encounter an unexpected problem along the way.
As normal, comment and speculate at will. Who do you think will be the next to go?
Mysterious Guest number one: I'm glad you enjoyed the reunion. It was a challenge to write and include all of them in one scene. Act II had begun as of this chapter, and it has done so with a bang. Hope you like it.
FossilQueen1984: Of course Vos was going to come. The very fact that Obi-Wan was still alive is what got him his groove back. Hope you like Act II.
Also... you owe me $30. :) (not really)
LukeDude: You forgot Zeb in your list of names. Poor Zeb!
Anyway, the reunion chapter was fun to write. It went on far longer than I had anticipated, and there was so much more I wanted to add in (Maul and the Mandos), but I chose to cut if for the sake of one shots later on.
Maul would be pissed if anyone stole his ship. Though he might be slightly more leniant if it was Ahsoka... until he found out she was going after Palpy without him. Then he'd be pissed!
Does Hondo truely hate anyone. He's always so full of joy.
Now, your questions:
1. Obi-Wan does not have Qui-Gon's lightsaber. I forgot about that to be honest.
2. Not in this story. One shot maybe?
3. X-wings are still under construction but this point. There is a reason there is only four though, as you will see soon.
4. Eighth Bro uses whatever he can get his slimy hands on. For this story, he flies a Interceptor.
5. Mock Krennic? That might be a bit difficult from now don't you think?
Travis Middleton: I'm glad you liked the chapter. It was fun to write everyone together in one place.
Ahsoka punching more had less to do with her darkside and more to do with the fact that the last time they met he tried to sell her as a pleasure slave! I think anyone would punch Hondo in that instance, even Obi-Wan! You'll have to wait and see if she apologises to Hondo... assuming they survive that is.
Chiara Polairix Edelstein: Death and Tragedy is coming, so apologies in advance. Glad that you will be reading regardless.
Maliwan: Thanks, I'm glad you liked the chapter.
jamese765: Everyone is indeed together, and it's quite the team. Let's hope all goes to plan.
Cranky Paws: Hondo and Obi-Wan is such an awesome friendship. They get on so well despite thier polarizing attitudes. Oh were things still simple for them all. But no... Anakin ruined it for everyone.
Here... have a few tissues of mine in case you need them. Sorry in advance as well.
SWGoji2001: It is indeed the calm before the storm. I'm glad you liked it.
You flatter me with your compliments. Let's hope the ending is met with approval.
Mogor: More? Here is more! And more is coming!
SLE's fave guest: I appreciate the like for the chapter. Impressive is quite a compliment.
I'm glad I was able to get across the atmosphere of the chapter. It was a fun one to write, and Hondo of course steals the show. It's Hondo!
Ahsoka punching him was satisfying wasn't it. :D
Oh boy, I hope you like what I do in regards to the deaths. Please don't hate me.