"I will not fail..."

-Military Director Orson Callan Krennic

Lothal...

The old Delta-class T-3c Shuttle roared its loud ionic engines as it quickly passed through most of the system. There was little left of Thrawn's blockade over the planet, save for several Venator-class and Victory-class Star Destroyers, and one ISD. The more advanced ships were pulled out of the system to place Thrawn's special sensor nodes throughout the Outer Rim.

"This is Commander Lyste... Governor Pryce has been informed of your arrival, Director Krennic." The voice of Lyste said into the comm channel. The young officer was removed from prison and promoted by Thrawn for his extreme loyalty. But Thrawn also taught him to be less trusting of his colleagues, in the case of yet another infiltration...

The shuttle roared past the fleet of Imperial Attack Cruisers, and flew its way through the atmosphere to the Capitol of the Lothal sector. All the Imperial-class Star Destroyers that usually patrolled the area were replaced with Venator-class Star Destroyers and Acclamator II-class Assault Ships.

While it would be easier to break the blockade, the increased number of ground troops has proven problematic for Ryder Azadi's rebels. The Lothal and Kuat factories have started production on a new walker based off of the AT-DP, but served a far more offensive combat role... The All Terrain Scout Transport, or AT-ST for short. All the street patrols had their AT-DPs replaced with AT-STs, and their concussion grenade launchers had made them a far more fearsome threat than the AT-DPs they normally fought. Krennic's shuttle flew past the AT-STs below, and quickly approached the Lothal Senate Building.

The shuttle extended its landing gear, venting out steam as the ramp lowered... Director Krennic and his Death Trooper squad marched out into the hangar, greeted by Pryce and Stormtroopers tasked with guarding the building. The troopers took the ceremonial positions that were used when a high ranking Imperial arrived. He loved the sight, and truly felt powerful. His position granted him limited power over the regional Governor, and they both knew it... Krennic would let that feeling sink in as he reached Pryce, feeling his cape fly from the speed of his march.

"Welcome, Director... Governor Tarkin informed me of your arrival. What brings you to Lothal?" Pryce said. She was not informed of the reasoning behind the Military Director's visit.

"The Incom Corporation... The Rebellion is planning to steal their new prototypes from the factory." Krennic said, making sure his voice had a sense of urgency.

"The X-Wings?" She said, surprised by his statement... She had never seen the Rebellion's use of the Z-95 Headhunter, due to Phoenix Squadron making exclusive use of the RZ1 A-Wing Interceptor.

"Yes, Governor... I want a full detachment sent to protect the facility. Charge the turbolaser towers, deploy the Armored Division, and if you are able... Deploy our new tank models as soon as possible." Krennic quickly said. He needed to work quickly if he is to build a strong defense before the Rebels inevitably arrive.

"I'll do whatever I can..." The Governor sternly said... A frown forming on her face because of the news...

The Governor and her new Ministers watched as the Director and his guards marched to the main commercial factory.

Elsewhere on Lothal...

The newly promoted Captain Kallus and his detachment flew past the Imperial Bloackade in their U-Wing, using the clearance codes he obtained to get past the prying eyes of the Empire... He was given a rendezvous point in the mountain range near the main cities.

The pod-shaped mountains became visible, and it became clear to him that this area is too steep for any Imperial vehicle to use. And the fog cover made it impossibke for any TIE to find them... A masterful move on Azadi's part.

General Draven had informed the Captain that the Rebellion's main Fulcrum recruitment agent had gone ahead of him to prepare the Lothal cell for battle...

"Lothal cell, this is Captain Kallus... Clearance codes 1-2-1-8-1-5-6..." Kallus said into the comm channel.

"Your codes check out... You may land..." The voice of Ryder Azadi boomed into the comm... Kallus smiled... Back in his time as Fulcum he'd never thought that voice would make him so delighted. But now it did...

The U-Wing's broad wings folded into landing/hyperspace configuration... And the landing gear extended as the gunship touched the grassy ground... As Kallus stepped out of the U-Wing with his squad, he was greeted by Azadi... And a man with a dark brown jacket... And the badge of a Rebel Intelligence officer.

"I am Captain Cassian Andor, Fulcrum Recruitment Agent..." The man said, introducing himself first...

"Well then... It's time to work..." Kallus said to the Fulcrum Agent... His face lighting up with determination.