Author's Note: I am quite happy to announce that I appreciate the two reviews thus far for the story, and upon the thing needing improvement, I hope to accomplish in the given chapter here, and continue from here on out. As I had stated before that the first few chapters, at least in my opinion, will be dedicated to getting the setting for the actual story in the works so that when the actual plot begins to form, that it doesn't feel like the characters are underworked, or too rushed, and that the story will seem to piece together as it goes along. Without much more to say, I bring everyone a new chapter!
It didn't take very long, and hardly much work for General Tagge to consider promoting me to the rank of Commander. Bringing into the light that I was practically his consultant and strategical advisor, he said it was a well-placed investment, much like awarding me my personal suite on Coruscant. Aside from the new rank placard, and the new documents, and finally the first few documents on classified projects such as the little notes on Project Stardust I was exposed too, the rank more or less a tease of what Rear Admiral had to offer. Not to mention the addition of getting some much more spacious quarters compared to my previous ones on the Habituator was a nice bonus to the rank.
Director Krennic's birthday was also a few days away and call it a professional courtesy and the fact that multiple people probably didn't pay attention to birthdays, but I believe at the very least I owed it to him to get him a present and celebrate it with him. I took the next three days off with the permission of the General to visit Coruscant so I could take a gander at what suite I had been given, and to also spend some time looking for something to gift the Director. The shuttle ride was anything but exciting, taking into account the only thing you could hear is the faint humming of the Ion Engines. It seemed that the pad that I was always taken to was reserved by General Tagge, for I kept on seeing the same transports and insignias on cargo pallets and shipment containers scattered around the landing pad.
The taxi drive over to the apartment was a peaceful one, considering the driver didn't seem to want to talk to me, and I could respect that. As I got off at the platform, I paid the man for his services and took the turbolift up to the 112th floor of the complex, and found that there were only three doors in a fairly sizeable corridor. I found that my apartment keycard had access to the one on the very end of the corridor, and upon opening the door; I felt my mouth slowly fall open to a gaping hole as I observed the beauty and alluring charm that the room and furniture spoke out at you. The entire suite contained a main room which was the largest room out of the four rooms in total, which contained a marble fountain which had some sort of leather-bound sofa surrounding it. Multiple sofas, futons, fine wood tables and multiple other accessories from desks, lamps, and holoprojecters, to the beautiful garden and balcony outside my suite. Paintings also adorned the entire room from contemporary art, to alternate.
Following the main room, there was a room completely dedicated for culinary pursuits, and a dining hall inside it, a luxurious and modern bathroom, and lastly the master bedroom which was practically a personal study and bedroom in one. Aside from the marvelously aesthetic king-sized bed, and the silk sheets, there was also a personal console and terminal in the corner, a walk-in closet, and more items that I just consider down right over the top and unnecessary. If this was a 'small token' that General Tagge thought of, then I truly wonder what a token of his absolute appreciation could be, however; I tried not to dwell on it. I pulled off my officer's cap and tossed it on the floor as I laid on-top of the bed, letting out a sigh as I sunk into its deflating grasp.
The terminal seemed to be completely disconnected from any military access for me, and served more as a recreational terminal to keep in check with the local issues, current events, and keep up to date on everything on the Holonet. One of the headlines was about another victory for the Empire that occurred on Balmorra where a large resistance fleet consisting of multiple capitol ships was utterly destroyed by a Grand Admiral by the name of Thrawn. I remember reading something within my given privileges that there was an admiral by the name of Thrawn, and that he was the first 'alien' to be given such an elevated status in the hierarchy. Despite him being considered an alien, he is actually quite humanoid aside from the bright red eyes, and the blue skin, but those are just the characteristics of being a Chiss.
Another thing that seemed to have completely gone over my head was that Grand Moff Tarkin used to be the governor of Eridau when I was roughly 4 years old when he had resigned to become an acting authority in the Imperial ranks. Speaking of Eridau, I also believed that since I have some down-time and since it's been quite some time, I should at least catch up with my family, despite what I may think of them. I made my way out to the main room where I powered up the holotransmitter and using the same information I had been taught since I was a kid, I waited for a signal to get through, or for someone on the other side to pick up. The annoying beeping of the transmitter went on for thirty or so seconds, before the holographic projection displayed a middle-aged woman that I had come to recognize.
"It has been quite a long time since we had last talked, let alone seen each other mother, how are you?"
My mother's face contorted in a face of utter surprise and happiness as her previously unconcerned expression was replaced with a jovial one.
"Reylan, you have been a very naughty boy! I told you right before you were to go to the grand ball in the Imperial Palace to not forget about making daily transmissions to us! You know I would've dropped anything I was doing just to hear how my eridaun star was doing."
I smiled slightly at the nickname that my mother had always used with me, whether it was my father or my sister who had used it; it seemed to stick with me.
"I am sorry in advance, mother. I've just been very busy trying to make my way in the galaxy, let alone the complex structure of the Empire. However, I have some very wonderful news that you won't believe."
She changed her lips back into a smile, always trying to seem interested in everything I had to say.
"And what would that be dear? Oh, and don't you dare go nowhere, your little sister wants to speak with you after I am done."
I replied, "Well, it took over a year, but I have made some very rapid strides within the imperial ranks, mother. Where I used to be a simple Lieutenant under the command of a Captain, I had risen above those ashes and detriments to become a shining Commander underneath the 'tutelage' of General Cassio Tagge, an honored and respectable General who has very high ties with the High Command of the Empire. In-fact, he's part of the Joint-Defense committee, and 'friends' with some Grand Moffs."
We continued the conversation for what seemed like another twenty minutes or so, as we continued between asking about how life on Eridau has been, what father has been up to in the Senate, and how my mother urged me to at least consider going to see my father, despite our differences. After those twenty minutes though, my mother said that she had spent enough time with her little boy, and wanted me to talk to my little sister, and I could never let up that moment, for anything in the galaxy, despite what I tell myself.
"Reylan, when are you coming home?"
Those were the first words I heard out my little sister's voice, and I could only smile in bashfulness and joy from hearing her soft and generous tone.
"Oh, don't you worry, Aurine. I will be back in time to see you graduate middle school, that I can assure you. I am also so sorry in advanced for missing your recital, if only I knew about it and wasn't so caught up in work, I would've caught the first shuttle back to see it."
Her eyes glittered at my words, or at least I could imagine, since the holograms do not give off the most clearest of pictures.
"I forgive you, Reylan, BUT I will hold you to your word, and if you don't make my graduation like you said, I will be so very disappointed with you! Anyways, how have you been doing big brother? Is the Empire everything as you thought it would be?"
I nodded my head thoroughly before answering, "Life was hard for the first few months, considering I was just a mere Lieutenant, Aurine. However; as soon as I proved my worth and became a Captain, that is where I started to prove myself, and I protected other planets from the rebellion."
Aurine seemed to go quiet for a second and before I could ask if she was alright, she was already speaking again.
"I don't understand why the rebellion is even fighting the Empire. The Empire is the good guy, and they are trying to bring security to everyone. How could people like them want to harm everyone's way of life and kill people?"
I knew this was a very sensitive subject, especially to bring it up with someone that is just barely starting to understand how the galaxy words, so I tried to be as vague yet truthful as possible.
"Well, some people have different opinions…some people want the galaxy to be like it was before the Empire took over, and when the Galactic Republic was still governing. Some people want to make a profit from the war, some people want to do it for their own freedom, and…you have to remember. Some people suffer and have had…much worst childhoods than what you and I have had."
As the time kept going on and on, I realized that I had spent over two hours speaking with Aurine, and that I would have to get going so I could continue my day. That is the problem with children and siblings; you can spend your entire day invested in just listening to them, as they are so innocent and gullible…but, also the most vulnerable. One thing I know for a fact is that indoctrination, and different walks of life and lifestyles have a correlation with which systems rebels, and which systems remain loyal. In all honesty though, I feel for the cause of the resistance, since they do have a valid reason for fighting, and I can sympathize with them, however; this is just business. They are fighting against much greater odds, and much more trained, equipped, and 'brilliant' officers, and is their life they are throwing away. In the end, you can't feel sorry for them, for if you do, you just start questioning your own life and ideals, and that can place your career in jeopardy.
I couldn't shake the feeling of being out of place sometimes though, even though I grew up in a way of life a lot of people probably wish they had. I was never materialistic, and I was certainly not your average 'smarty-pants' in school that was concerned about life. My goals in life seemed to be contradictory to my father's, as he wanted me to continue the political game and garnering of wealth for the family legacy. Perhaps that is why I am very reluctant to see my father, but despite our differences, at least we had the similarities of reading, practicing fencing and playing board games, not to mention enjoy nature. I don't know what really compelled me to do so, but I soon found myself walking up the steps to the Senate building to visit my father's new office.
In the directory, I had found out that he was on near the very lower levels, so instead of taking a turbolift, I decided to get a little exercise and take the stairs. A43 was the office designation on the main board, and with the simple press of a button and a faint hum similar to a 'buzzing' for an intercom, I heard my father's voice asking who it was. I contemplated for a few seconds on what to say to him, and as he asked who it was a second time, with a tinge of annoyance, I decided to say that it was me and I had come to visit him. The line seemed to go dead upon the end of my sentence, and as I thought he had ignored me and decided not to continue a conversation, the door unlocked and my father stood in the doorway.
"It's been…no…it's been too long, Reylan…I almost thought something had happen to you considering the last thing I ever heard about you was that Ryloth crisis some six months ago."
My father, despite his rugged and slowly decaying appearance of a 60 year old man, was in high spirits to see that I had come to visit him.
"Well, I'm here now…alive and well, father. I was…really wondering if I should come and visit you, but…since I am here on Coruscant for three days, I thought at the very least to do the courtesy of dropping by. Especially since you finally got what you wanted."
His composure became sullen at the end of my last comment, and he gestured me inside his office as he closed the door behind me. The Eridau Senatorial Office was a pleasant room with two sofas on each side, with some potted plants and coffee tables, and a main desk with two seats for visitors, and a comfortable rotating chair for the senator. There was also the classical bay styled window that overlooked the city sprawls that lied behind the rotating chair.
"Listen, I don't know what you heard about how I became Senator, son…but, I want you to know that now that I finally have my greatest achievement…I can finally relax in my old age, and finally spend time with your sister, and your mother."
I couldn't help but feel a ping of rage and anger at his comment and acted a little brashly on my emotions.
"Hmm…you haven't changed one bit. The Senator position is your greatest achievement…that is really wonderful to hear that you pride that over your own children."
His face cringed at the mistake he had said early and all he did was go to his chair and sit down, and uttering a very tired apology, as he said that I knew what he meant when he said it was his greatest achievement.
"Well, at least I might be able to see you guys more often now…considering since you are a senator, it demands you to move residence to the capitol."
He nodded and stated that his mother and sister were packing up the estate, and were looking for buyers to purchase it, before coming to Coruscant. He also told me that they are most likely going to be finished with what business pretty soon since the estate had plenty of people interested in purchasing it from a political figure.
"Well, dad…I appreciate you having me, but…I do have to get going. I need to get a gift for my fri-…"
He interrupted me and stood up from his chair and stated, "Well, I don't have any meetings today, so I am more or less just going over details for Eridau…but I can take off some time if you'd like to go to lunch…plus, I can help you pick out the gift for your friend."
I looked at my father in his oceanic blue eyes, and thought about the idea in my head, before finally deciding that I'd enjoy spending the afternoon catching up with dad, despite what problems we may have had. He suggested we go to the same café that Director Krennic and I always meet in, and I decided against it, instead preferring another restaurant if he knew any. A few senators he knew said that there was a high rise restaurant near the old ruins of the Jedi Temple, and that they had some great games on the Holonet for spectators to watch, and a killer Nerf steak.
Since the Senate building wasn't too far away from the old Jedi Temple, it only took about ten minutes to take a hopper over to the high rise. The restaurant even had its own landing platform for the elite, v.i.p.s, and wealthy individuals to land their personal vehicles on. There was also a mooring station and gravity locks for some of the larger ships, which were mainly sky yachts that the top one percent seemed to afford. The entrance to the restaurant was something much more inviting, as pleasant neon lights in Galactic Basic read, "The Skylight." From the fancy stools at the bar, to the exquisite and even rarer liquors in the cabinets, it also had multiple dining rooms filled to the brim with patrons enjoying cuisine from across the galaxy.
We were seating at a four seat booth that was near the north-eastern corner of the restaurant, and were given menus which had anything from seafood to the rare delicacies of different planets. I wouldn't really consider myself a picky eater, I never really was, but there were some delicacies that should only be saved for that species' consumption, whether it was this odd bacterial meal, to deep water creatures. My father said that the senators he overheard thoroughly enjoyed the different meat choices, and even the Mon Calamari dishes, stating it had an acquired taste. The waitress brought us some waters along with some complimentary bread and different spreads to go along with it.
I decided to order a soup along with a Mon Calamari dish that was some type of crustacean from what the waitress said, and my father ordered a champagne, along with a Nerf steak that was cooked medium-rare. The atmosphere never seemed to dull down in the place, and it made me rather anxious to get out of there from the multiple loud yells, and hurrahs for a certain team winning on the view screens. My father seemed to be annoyed by the atmosphere also as every time some obnoxious yell would come out, his eye would twitch just a bit.
"So, how did you become a Commander so quick?"
The question was fairly straight forward, however; I asked if I hadn't heard him the first time, in which he repeated it once more.
"Hard work, a few battles won here and there, and seeming more capable than most of the General's officers and subordinates, made me seem like a stand-out wheat strand in the chaff."
My father took a sip from his water glass before asking about one of the battles I had participated in that probably affected the Generals opinion on me, and I told him the one about Bestine, and how General Tagge and the Grand Moff got into a very big fight beforehand, and I took an awful risk in proving that I was more capable than the others.
"That was a reckless move, only going there with six cruisers, versus one of the resistance's biggest capitol ships, and four of its heavy cruisers. You could've died if it wasn't for your brilliance in strategy, my son."
I gloated just a tad bit in my response, "Well, I did what only few other officers could do, and I believe that I could handle myself, besides…I have determination and you know I never give up despite whatever odds are stacked against me."
My answer didn't seem to lighten up his concern for my action, but his concern was probably for the statement he said just a few seconds later.
"You are playing a very dangerous game, as I had with the political game. Grand Moff Tarkin and General Tagge if you are not too informed, are some of the highest officers in the Empire, aside from the Grand Admirals, Grand Generals, and other Grand Moff, and only bested by the Emperor. Are you sure you know what risks you take at trying to move too fast into the ranks? I mean, despite what you think you are capable of doing, you may find yourself meeting your match soon."
I scoffed at my father's comment and stated, "No one will stop me from becoming a Grand Moff, father. You taught me your own personal lessons on political science, so with that addition along with my strategical genius…I think I will achieve what I have wanted, without being too arrogant, or narcissistic."
The last comment that my father said in response to that is that I be careful and that I don't step ahead of myself too much that I can't backtracked if I really need too. I shrugged off his comment, as just as I was about to start another topic, our food had arrived, with a great steam arising from my father's steak, and a nice savory smell coming from my soup and the odd looking crustacean. By the time we had finished our lunch, my father bid me farewell and that I was welcomed to his office any time, and I stated I would definitely be by before I left back for the fleet.
I spent the rest of the afternoon in one of the general marketplaces in the inner city, trying to find the perfect gift that the Director would appreciate. To be quite fair, I didn't know much about the Director except for the very few things that he had told me about himself and his odd attraction or…should I say obsession to his work. I decided it would just be a good idea to buy a book about architecture, and another book about some old Galactic Republic war events that had been recorded by a historian, along with a box of chocolates since no one hated chocolates. By the time the night of that day had come down, I had returned to my suite and placed the chocolates inside the fridge, and the two books on the counter, just being ready to be wrapped.
The next morning, I took what wrapping paper I had bought, and wrapped the two books, and called up the Director to see if he wanted to meet for lunch today since today was one of my days off. He took the bait and suspected nothing, and said that he would meet at the same café in the Senate building. For roughly three hours, I waited in my suite as I made myself some breakfast for myself, got more familiar with the apartment, began reading one of the books I had bought exclusively for myself and read it on the balcony, and by the time it was time for me to leave, I grabbed a bag and placed the two books in, along with the chocolates.
As compared to the last meeting we had, it was yet again inverse, since I was the first one there waiting on Director Krennic. However; this time it was not a two hour wait, more or less about five minutes, as the white-capped figure came walking into the café, and immediately recognized me.
"You got a promotion. Quite a funny coincidence you got stuck with the rank I was given for a 'misconception' of mine."
He seemed to take notice to the bag that I was holding and he asked why I was carrying the bag, and I simply handed it to him and stated that since not a lot of people knew that his birthday was today, I might as well be the first to wish him a happy birthday. He opened the bag and was flabbergasted by the fact someone had actually remembered, it what seemed like decades for him, which brought up a very curious question I wanted to ask him.
"Do you not have any family, Director?"
Orson's expression from surprise and happiness went quickly to one of apathy and hatred as he quickly lashed out.
"You have no right to dare even ask me about my family!"
I held up my hands in an apologetic manner and stated I was sorry that I even brought it up, however; he seemed to witness the childish reaction he just conveyed.
"I'm…sorry for my volatile wording…I didn't mean to make myself sound so…well, I'm sorry is what I want to say…I didn't mean to lash out at you…it's just my family is a very, touchy subject…but, yes. I do have some family that is alive and well."
I didn't bring up the subject anymore during our encounter and he said he was very thankful for the chocolates and the two books, despite one of them being a joke in his eyes. As we got further from the subject I brought up, he seemed to lighten up a bit more, and the small effects of drinking his liquor began to become apparent as he lightened up some more, and seemed to forget about what I had said. The mood would've probably stayed the same for the rest of our lunch, if not for a very unfortunate event that befell Krennic and myself.
"Director Krennic, what an utter surprise to see you in such a 'befitting' area; a below-fancy café, wallowing with your subordinates in such an insufferable place. Especially for someone with your rank."
That monotonous voice jogged my memory fairly well as I soon turned around to see no-one other than the esteemed Grand Moff Tarkin, standing in the doorway in his upright stance. As I turned around however, his facial gestures changed in an ever so minuscule way as he identified who I was.
"Hmm, my apologies Commander Praxon, I wasn't aware that you were the one talking to my project planner."
The Director seemed to get tense and very hostile towards the Grand Moff as he slowly walked from my side, to in-front of the Grand Moff.
"Grand Moff Tarkin, to what can I appreciate the visit on my birthday, where I…am trying to enjoy it with my friend here."
Tarkin simply replied, "Is that so? I'm a bit offended that you don't consider me a friend, considering Mas Amedda seems to be a friend of yours. But, perhaps that relationship is more or less one based on professionalism rather than tangibility."
The Director never seemed to express his emotions with his body, at least in this specific moment, but the aura surrounding the Director definitely striked similarities with a person that was outraged by a betrayal almost.
"Oh, but of course you are, Tarkin. If it wasn't for you, I'd be finishing the project without the constant reminders and hassles that I am doing my best work, and that Galen Erso has been completely compliant, if not, even more so willing to help on the project."
The tension could be cut with a vibroblade, for the Director and Tarkin seemed to just stare daggers that could destroy an entire star fleet back and forth at each other.
"You have a point, Director…without you, re-discovering Galen Erso would've been quite a horrible burden that would've set the project back many years, and with his addition and compliancy, it seems that it has even accelerated the timeslot. However; the recent security breaches, and some problems with Gerrera and the rebels on Jedha, have definitely proven that there can be improvement."
Tarkin stared at the Director for a few more seconds, before uttering that the weapon better be completed within the next month, or else all the resources being poured into Jedha will be pulled out with a second glance, and with that, he turned towards me and began to approach me with his rather slow, but nonetheless intimidating pace.
"You know, Commander Praxon, I may require your skills soon enough and I believe that working with General Tagge is a waste of your potential. In-fact, I believe that it might be a wise decision to let you observe the project and judge your 'friend' here, on what service he has given the empire…"
That statement was half directed towards me, and the other half directed towards the Director, and as Tarkin went to leave, he stated in a rather sarcastic manner:
"I do hope you enjoy your birthday, Director. It might be your only celebration for the coming years, if the weapon proves to be inoperable by the time table I've provided."
Upon that statement, the Grand Moff left the café, without every touching a bottle of the liquor that the Director had bought, or the food that we had ordered. The Director turned to me as sure as he was out of the café and was utterly fuming as it began to pour out into his raw emotions and physical actions, whether it was raising his fist and slamming it down towards his waist, or using flamboyant hand gestures.
"Do you see what I have to put up with? That man is incapable of running my project that I have worked so hard to make a reality. It sure doesn't help that he has a direct line to Lord Vader and the Emperor…it is completely-…no, it is utterly imperative that I make that fool realize how important the project is to me, and how important I am to the project."
His riled up state, and his mind completely in over-drive, I believed now would've been the perfect time to take advantage of a little manipulation.
"This project has got to be quite important…especially if it's some major super weapon as Tarkin has said."
My plain comment seemed to have worked, considering the Director would talk my ear off in the room about how it could literally annihilate cities, and potentially, with all diverted power, completely destroy a planet. He might've said too much for my liking, and he seemed to realize his error as he told me, and with that, he told me he was sorry for getting out of hand, and that he should return back to the weapon so that he can make sure no problems occur on Jedha, and that the last month goes as planned. Before he left however, he said that he would consider inviting me for the first test of the weapon, whether it is a remote planet, or some other place the Grand Moff decides. As he left the café, I could only feel a sense of worry for what planet this weapon may be tested on…