Author's Note: I was given an odd question a day after the release of the Chapter 11, and I wanted to get some things squared out yet again in-case this reader had the same question some of you might've been considering. The private message I received had a question about the Maw and if it would pertain to any importance later on the story and if we will see it taking an active role on how it will change Praxon or not. I will answer this by saying that since the pairing is Thrawn, Praxon, and Director Krennic; you can just assume that they will be important throughout the entire story, and I also try to aim to make sure they are mentioned or expanded more in each chapter until the formation that will make more sense when the time arrives. At any rate, I hope you all enjoy this chapter!
I cannot believe that it has been a year since the destruction of the first Death Star, and the Empire still hasn't crumbled. I suppose that can all be attributed to the fact Lord Vader has been using his fleet known as the Death Squadron to hunt for the remaining rebel leadership and to destroy them once and for all so then we can deal with the multiple bands and cells through-out the planet. With Lord Vader keeping the rebels are too busy, many rebel cells have either gone quiet, or they are plotting larger scale attacks rather than just doing hit and runs to try to liberate a system. Therefore, many systems in the Outer-Rim have grown to a much milder sense of resistance, and I have been able to reinforce the planets, and construct the Space Stations I so longed for. With all of those assets in place, and the addition of Star Destroyers being a number one priority for most Outer-Rim territories, the second fleet combined with the third fleet to make up the O.R.D.F. or the Outer-Rim Defense Force under my command.
The one thing I was utterly devastated to hear was the Super-Class Star Destroyers were only being handed out to the territories nearest to Coruscant and the Core-Worlds to ensure utter protection and maximum security if the rebels ever got enough numbers to launch a military campaign on the core worlds which I found to be a tactical error on the side of the Emperor, yet like before, I could never argue with someone like him for the risk of my death being all too probable. Despite all that had been happening though, I knew my time was coming short when I received a summon from the Emperor himself to visit his Palace on Coruscant where he would like to discuss certain issues that have occurred in the past and what is being done presently. I feared for my fate, not only for my sake, but for myself being the last heir to my family's legacy.
By the time of my current speaking, I had made alterations to the Tie Phantom which was my new transport, which I modified with the help of the top of the line engineers to make a small captain's quarter inside the cabin, a small passenger bay, a lavatory, and the cockpit, of course, untampered. I also told the engineers to see if they could bolster or upgrade the shields so that I might not be a sitting duck if I were to take some massive hits, and with some very incredible design tactics and reverse engineering, they were able to endow the 'fighter' with shields on par to an Arquitens. They weren't on a large scale durable, but the fact they were able to make the shields durable enough to the comparison of an Arquitens got me impressed, thus making them not only get my congratulations, but even a promotion and salary-raise for their commendable efforts.
One of the imperial pilots that I had recently added to my 'inner circle' decided to fly me to Coruscant, where I would have to attend two separate occasions. The first one was the high priority of speaking with the Emperor, but the second one was the fact that there was a gala being thrown in the ball room of the Imperial Palace that I could attend afterwards to see if I could add anyone to my forces. Not to mention I would know who would be the ones or one I want from the bunch, for I knew how to pick them.
The Tie Phantom had a Class 0.5 Engine rating which I was utterly shocked at, which meant I was able to get to Coruscant with plenty of time to spare before the meeting I was requested-…no, mandatorily and cordially invited to. The pilot and I touched down on the landing pad and I told him to keep the ship in a holding pattern around Coruscant's orbit and keep the comlink active.
The gala wasn't going to be for quite a long time; the same being said for the meeting I had with the Emperor. What surprised me though was that a white-uniformed Chissian male was sitting in a chair, next to another white-uniformed male I had identified as no one other than that inconvenient troublemaker that has bothered me too many times. I approached the two, only for the Chiss to see me first, and a maniacal grin slowly creeping onto his face.
"My…what a surprise to see you here, Grand Moff Praxon. I assume the Emperor requires your presence?"
I mumbled towards the Grand Admiral, "Quite an accurate assumption, Thrawn…yet I'm more surprised to see you talking to 'him.'"
The blue-skinned admiral looked to his right and smiled a bit more, "I am interested in this 'man', despite him not saying much, and not being much of a talker nonetheless."
The 'man' looked towards me and smiled cordially and respectfully, before rising from the chair and extending his hand. I looked at the hand and then back to the man's face as if he was crazy or something for going to make such a display. The man smiled even more at my refusal, yet kept his hand there the entire time, before he walked closer and eventually put my hand into his hand, shaking mine with a vise grip.
"You have outlived your entertainment I suppose now, Reylan Praxon. As must all things come to end, I have definitely enjoyed these couple 'happy' moments we have had together, but I think it is time for me to make my leave. Apologies also, Grand Admiral…but I will not be coming back to speak with you again. If you wanted me to be honest, I enjoyed our little game."
The 'man' then let go of my hand and wiped the black glove on the seat next to the Grand Admiral and held out his other black glove and stated, "I wouldn't want to contaminate you with the previous man's faults."
The Chiss firmly grasped the man's hand and shook it and stated in a very calm and rather peaceful voice, "It's been a pleasure, despite our two little occurrences. It'll be a shame to not see you anymore, if this'll be the last time we meet."
The 'man' nodded his head and stated as he walked away, "I come and interact with individuals like yourselves every now and then just to take a look at events, but I usually just stay out of these trifles. It's been a pleasure you two!"
The white-uniformed 'man' previously mentioned walked out of the main hall into the sunrise that was shining into the Imperial Palace almost glaringly, and as he descended the steps, he slowly but surely disappeared as the last of his hair faded from the view I could ever see.
The Grand Admiral looked towards me and stated, "Such an interesting individual…it'll be a shame I won't have any more time to talk with 'him' but he did have quite a little surprise for you apparently, and quite a revelation for me."
I looked back towards the Chiss with a slightly exasperated look and asked, "Oh? What did he leave me? Another mockery of my family or something?"
The Chiss shook his head with his grin popping up on his face again, "No…he told me about a certain installation that Tarkin had secretly funded underneath the Emperor's nose, and has quite a few projects that would be very helpful to the campaign goals of the Empire. When were you going to tell the Emperor about this…if not, were you even going to?"
I couldn't believe my ears as he said every word relating to the Maw Installation, taking a step back in disbelief.
"No…that's impossible, why on earth would he even tell you that?"
The smile dissipated on his face and he replied, "He wanted to make the 'game' fair yet interesting between you and myself. He also destroyed a particularly useful prototype he said was called the Suncrusher. I assume this would put a dent in your plans?"
I stared at the floor, still completely infuriated with the 'man' and I asked in a low tone, "Grand Admiral…did 'he' share with you anything else…?"
The Grand Admiral stated, "Why do you think I would tell you even if 'he' did tell me your whole past and secrets?"
I lead the bead of sweat drop down my forehead, sighing internally due to the wording of the Grand Admiral.
"So…he didn't tell you anything aside from the Maw."
In no amusement whatsoever, the Grand Admiral replied blankly, "Indeed."
The Grand Admiral rose from his seat and walked to the front of me, standing just a few inches away. "However, I will say one thing…you and I seem to have a linked fate due to whomever the hell it was that came to you and I. Therefore, I will propose something. I think we should work together, Praxon, or at the very least collaborate, but if I find out that you are plotting anything secretive or harmful to the Empire, or myself…do not get me wrong, I will come for you and kill you for getting in my way."
He patted my shoulder epilates and then asked, "Shall we? I believe the Emperor is waiting for us both."
A thousand thoughts began to rise in my head at to what the Grand Admiral had just previously said, what the 'man' had said that practically screwed over whatever element of surprise or whatever advantage I had due to his divulgence of the Maw, and now the fact Thrawn had blackmail on me and threatened that if I got in his way or anything, I'd be killed. I couldn't imagine a day that hasn't been ruined by the arrival of 'that abomination of a man' yet I am equally thankful for it, for it has made me better for the long haul of whatever destiny I have ruled out for me. The turbolift eventually came down to both of us and the Grand Admiral and I took a step inside the lift, and after the doors closed, the infamous sound of the air-tight travel tube initiated.
The throne room was entirely empty, saved for the few Royal Guards spread around the room, carefully observing us as if looking for any potential startling moves. We ascended the stairs right to the throne that a figure was definitely sitting inside of, and as the chair moved around, the black robed figure emerged.
"Grand Admiral Thrawn, Grand Moff Praxon. I assume you both are aware why I have summoned you here?"
The Grand Admiral turned into a totally different person when with the Emperor and stated in a very obedient voice, "Of course, my Emperor."
Those yellow eyes diverted to my figure and I gulped just a bit as I blurted out, "Of course, my liege."
The Emperor then stood from his chair and stated, "The Rebellion threat has been threatening the galaxy, and a turning point is starting to show. Lord Vader is currently hunting down the rebellion's leadership, while I have personally made sure that the war machine keeps turning. Grand Admiral Thrawn, it is imperative we keep the Outer-Rim, and due to a decrease in attacks in the region, I believe there is a massive insurgency about to sweep through."
I was shocked upon hearing the prediction by the Emperor, and even more shocked to see I hadn't seen it when the Grand Admiral concurred.
"I began to see that as well, my Emperor. A decrease in attacks and a passive aura is sweeping through the region as we speak, but I agree with you. A massive attack seems imminent, and they want to hit us hard when we have rebuilt the sector."
The Emperor directed his attention to me and stated, "Grand Moff Praxon…despite losing multiple systems in the beginning, you have somehow kept the Outer-Rim in check, despite massive damages to the Empire. I won't hold these against you however, but I believe you need a little 'inspiration.'"
Before I knew it, a purple hue came out of nowhere, and I felt a great pain spread throughout my entire body as I fell to the ground, gasping and yelling in pain. This continued for five more seconds, before the continuous pain ended, and a dull and throbbing sense of pain became diluted through-out my entire body. I wasn't aware what had happened until I had risen and the Emperor spoke in a tone warning about any failure in the future.
"Failure, is unacceptable, Grand Moff Praxon. I will not be as merciful as I was today the next time you lose a major region in your sector. Hopefully with the addition of Grand Admiral Thrawn, you will have better success in controlling your area."
The Emperor paused and then looked over to the Grand Admiral, "Thrawn, I give you control of the Outer-Rim for the time being. Grand Moff Praxon will assist you with the men, resources, and whatever you require for this the return of total order to the Outer-Rim takes."
The Grand Admiral nodded his head, and bowed politefully to the Emperor and said, "I will do as you command, my Emperor."
The Emperor sat back down in his throne and turned around, but before doing so, he uttered a 'Good' before he dismissed us.
The Grand Admiral walked with me to the turbolift, and we began to descend back to the main level, before I heard the sound of his lips being detached to open his mouth.
"It would seem that now since I have you under my command, Grand Moff Reylan, but I would like you to know that I shall see you as an equal, despite what the Emperor says. I also think we should take a trip to the so called Maw sooner or later. However, I believe I would like to attend the Gala right now, and see what new and bright recruits the Royal Academy has to offer me."
He paused for a minute and turned to me asking, "Perhaps you want to attend with me, Grand Moff Praxon? You might find someone for yourself or perhaps someone that may be good that I might overlook."
I nodded my head and stated, "Well, I do need a new pilot for my transport, so if one the Pilot Corps brought some of their graduates to the gala, it'd be quite an opportune time to select one."
The Grand Admiral didn't respond to my comment; only walking out of the turbolift after the doors had opened walking to the gala ahead of me. I was left standing inside of the small turbolift, before exiting after the Grand Admiral walking to the ball room I remember all too well from my last visit to the Imperial Palace, and the visit prior to that as well.
Unlike when I had graduated, this time a mix of all types of graduates was inside the ball room. Whether it was fresh lieutenants and ensigns sprouted from the Officer Academy, to the Marksmen and Scout Regiments, to the more esteemed Pilot Corps cladded in their black uniforms. All four of the groups were made up of hundreds of different people, and I could only make out three admirals that were speaking amongst themselves and helping themselves to the food as they shrugged off anyone that approached them for now.
Yet, as soon as the Grand Admiral had entered near the center of the event, everyone turned to the Grand Admiral, and I could see the fear in the Admirals' eyes and the many graduates shaking in fear from the presence of such a higher figure, let alone an alien. I didn't even know where to begin, considering I didn't really feel like I was an important figure that would be actually hiring individuals for my authority, and I was still new to that aspect, but I did command the entire Outer-Rim region, so I should be used to it somewhat…no?
There were multiple groups surrounding the room, whether they were consisting of different types of people trying to get information on each other, so that once they were high up in the ranks they could all request favors for each other or something, but one person caught my interest amongst all the groups. There were four people or so near the edge of the room in the back, one of them a female imperial pilot cadet, chatting with a graduated lieutenant, and the other two were speaking wearing armor related to the Marksmen division. It seem Grand Admiral Thrawn and I were heading for the exact same people as I had finally approached the two people that I spoke of formerly, Thrawn had already addressed the lieutenant if he could have a moment to speak.
I looked around to see everyone was utterly in shock that the Grand Admiral approached this one individual, and while the lieutenant was busy with the Chiss, I approached the female pilot who had already locked eyes with me for a few feet until I had finally spoken. The female had to be in her very early twenties, and had long brown hair with a very dull yet stunning brown eyes.
"One would question why you are at the edge of the room speaking with a lieutenant," I smiled lightly after the end of my comment.
The female pilot snapped into an attention stance and stated, "I am simply just trying to stay out of the loud and obnoxious crowds, Grand Moff."
I felt my left eyebrow rise at her response, and from there I felt like I had already put a small investment in the female.
"Oh? How funny considering I held that exact same thought when I was going through the academy, except only a few people graduated when I came to the gala not four years ago approximately," I paused for a minute and stated rhetorically, "Time sure does fly."
The pilot still waited for me in her attentive stance, and I dismissed her from the stance and stated that she could be at ease. She eventually placed her hands behind her back and looked at me attentively.
"We can start off this little inquiry with a name if you wouldn't mind," I stated positively.
"Pilot Ensign Sera Thelcar, reporting for duty, sir."
I recorded her name in my head and replied, "Sera Thelcar…what a beautiful name to say the least. You want to tell me what rank you held in the top ten graduates of your class?"
Sera replied with quite a lot of pride, "I finished at the top of my class, sir. No one could oppose me in the simulations, and I was told by my Instructor that I had the aspects and talents of some of his former students."
A bit curiously I inquired who those former students were, and to my surprise, she stated my name in the seven or so name she had stated.
"Your instructor wouldn't happen to be Instructor Clad, would it?"
She seemed shocked at my answer and she nodded her head gleefully.
"Well, it just so happens that I am Reylan Praxon, and I finished at the top of his class four years ago in that same academy, with that same instructor; seems like you and I have a little in-common after all. How would you rate yourself as a pilot, Miss Thelcar?"
She said in an egoistic tone, "I would consider myself a decent pilot, at least to the point where I was able to get most of my targets with little problems, and only crashed once, and shot down once in the simulations, but the crash was because someone pushed me in a dive by accident."
I laughed a bit at her small anecdote, and asked, "Your friend not a good flyboy? Or did he or she just forget a certain protocol or something?"
She replied, "No disrespect sir, but neither. My copilot was giving me a high-five and the seat in the simulator gave way and she fell forward, making our pitch get all screwed up, resulting in our crash."
I nodded in affirmation and stated, "That would explain a lot, but...with your track record, you have definitely interested me. Are you willing to put in some extra hours learning advance maneuvers and pulling those off in real Tie Fighters, because I have need for a pilot that is an expert in a new prototype transport of mine?"
She nodded her head and stated in a joking manner, "If I knew I would be meeting a Grand Moff, and possibly getting signed on with him, I wouldn't have put all the effort into making myself look presentable."
I smiled at her joke and continued, "I'll that as a yes then. All you need to do is show up to the Governor's Palace on Eridau, and I can get you all squared away. But, live a little, enjoy the gala that's been thrown for you. It's been a pleasure seeing you, Sera. I hope I will see you soon."
With that, I took my leave and began to walk out of the gala, while Thrawn began to interview more lieutenants and ensigns around him. The last thing I remember seeing was the possible glint of seeing another figure of cloud white out of my peripherals, but I couldn't be too sure to know for certain. I was brought to a halt however for as I was about to leave the actual room, I was stopped by a single cadet from the Marksman division and I looked at him with curiosity.
"Grand Moff…I-…I hate to interrupt you, and…even dare to take up any of your time, bu-…I d-…I'd like to speak with you for a few minutes, if you can spare, s-sir…"
The cadet seemed to be very shaken and intimidated than I think I ever felt like I was at the gala being singled-out by the three people that attended that took interest in me. I looked at him, and tried to convey a bodily expression of ease and permission and stated, "I am in no rush, and the gala is still going. Perhaps it was a little premature for me to leave at such a moment."
The cadet smiled at me and replied, "Oh sir, you are not going to regret this. Okay, so-…my name is Jerod Lanskings, and if you require my accomplishments or anything on me," he then pulled out of his manila folder he had been carrying a packet of information, and a few signatures from who I came to realize were Instructors from the Royal Academy.
"As you can see, Grand Moff…I have the commendation of a few Instructors that think I may serve well if I was to get into a good position, and not some planetary defense force. I may not have broken academy records, but I have no doubt been a competent sniper if you were to look at the trials and the like."
I took a glance through the documents and looked at the multiple field notes that had been noted by the many instructors, and upon looking back up, I smiled.
"Hmm…so it would appear to be. Tell me, Jerod. What do you think you can bring to the table? I mean, I do not exactly have a division solely dedicated to Outer-Rim defense, just people I hire for Platoons and the like, so…why do you think I should make an exception for you?"
The sharpshooter gulped slightly and tested the grounds of his question, "Well…sir, if you don't mind? I believe that every higher up in the ranks should have a personal squad or regiment that they keep for themselves…like their own bodyguards, and who wouldn't need a Marksman?"
The thought had occurred in my mind just as the cadet had finished his statement and after a single second of thinking, I held out my hand and stated, "You are brilliant and organized, and I like you for making such an idea that hasn't even came to mind yet. I will most definitely take your advice cadet, and…assuming you want to be a part of said 'squad'…you can come with me right now if you want."
I held my thought for a moment and looked over at the female pilot and thought that if I was going to take this cadet, I might as well take Sera since I still have plenty of space in the 'Restitute' that I had elected to name my Tie Phantom prototype. I turned my head back towards the marksmen cadet and stated, "I will inform you when we will be leaving," and with that he walked over to the table with the exotic foods as I headed back towards Sera.
She was a little shocked to see I had returned and I started, "Well, change of plans…assuming you have been given a suite to remain in with most probably your belongings and the like, I have decided to take you and a Marksman with me in my ship. Any objections?"
Sera shook her head and asked, "Do you mind if I finish up some business with some of my peers though? I wanted to congratulate them or…perhaps encourage some who didn't get assigned with the admirals and field commanders that have come to this event."
I held up my hand in a dismissive manner, "Go right ahead. Don't let me hold you, just be sure to look for me in the crowd and if you don't see me, it'd be best you head towards the landing pads."
She saluted at me while looking behind me, and upon turning around after feeling a major presence shift in the air; I saw that there were a few people from all four divisions that are graduating. By the end of looking over a lot of the cadets and the graduates, I could only pull two that I wanted to participate in the idea that Jerod has suggested to me. Which begged the question what would I call my special 'regiment' and what should their duties be, but I decided to think about it on the ship-ride home. All that mattered to me was I got a more than capable pilot, a sharpshooter that'll do well to cover and protect me and the squad, two Stormtrooper cadets by the names of Bruenor and Kenan, and a single Lieutenant by the name of Jaxor Onens that I decided to make as the Squad's commander. It wasn't as many people as I had hoped for, but those five people out of all that had approached me were the most fit for the qualifications I had taken into consideration.
Nearing the end of the 'festival,' most of the admirals and the similar ranks of such, had decided to leave seeing that they had claimed exactly who they wanted, and the many last groups struggling to find a spot in any of the remaining people that had decided to stay, much to their dismay that they all declined their begging. Grand Admiral Thrawn and I were the last ones to leave and he looked at the curious ensemble that I had created, and he smiled in his classic way before nodding at me. He then took off with four lieutenants who were all to eagerly speaking about their accomplishment, while also making sure to keep their distance from the unpredictable Chiss.
I told the pilot that had been keeping the Restitute in transit to come down to the platform to pick me up, which would take another thirty or so minutes, giving me much more time to talk with my soon to be constructed 'Omicron Regiment.' I knew the marksman would be the calm and collected coordinator, while he would also make sure to keep the front-line men covered; he seemed to just emanate that type of attitude and aura. Bruenor, on the other hand was a strong brute that had a unbreakable will and obedient nature of following his superior, if anything, he was your above-average soldier, but had certain traits that kept him unique, such as his caring instinct towards his new 'friends'. Kenan was quite an abnormal one though, he kept to himself and seemed to give off an irritated demeanor as he observed everyone, and occasionally I would catch him staring at me, either intentionally or without knowing it. He was aloof, but aloofness can either mean two things: he is an intelligent and calculating man, or he is dumb; yet he seemed to be the former, and not the latter.
Jaxor Onens was the most interesting of all of them aside from my pilot, being he had the same type of headstrong attitude I used to show as an early lieutenant underneath the command of General Tagge. He is ambitious, cunning, reliable, and above all else, extremely loyal to his morals and beliefs. I didn't have to know his history or his actions; all I needed to see was the glint in his eyes, and the way he held himself compared to the other four, where they were relaxed and completely unguarded, Jaxor held shoulders that were always raised instead of lowered. The one thing I did not need though, is his agenda, whatever it may be; coming into contact with Krennic's personality since I have considered the Director to lead the squad, with myself being the de facto leader, Jaxor as the squad leader, and Krennic as the overseer. I would have to take all of this into account eventually, but for now, I just enjoyed hopping from apartment complex to apartment complex, watching the eager graduates grab their belongings and re-entering the Restitute, as we eventually took off to my home world.