Author's Note: Good Morning, Afternoon, or Evening my readers! In advance, I am very sorry for the chapter taking a little longer then I intended, but I am happy to present you Chapter 13 today, and instead of dropping on you some useless facts and the like, I decided to just get on with the story, but do not forget! I enjoy any criticism or comments about the story, so don't forget to write one even if it takes you like 20 seconds or something. Anyways, let's get on with it!

Thrawn had arrived yesterday near the early onsets of the descending sun, and had chosen to enter my office and consult with me. He said that in-order to make sure that we keep our hold in the many sectors, he will need to personally go to every system and do most of his 'tasks' himself as I might end up botching one of his plans and it reverses the whole effect of what he has planned. I had told him I would be capable to at least go along with him and help him with insight and some tactical advice, but he dismissed it and stated that it would not be necessary as he is doing something radically different then 'mere strategy and tactics.' I still couldn't understand what he was going to do when he went to all the systems, but if the Chiss was able to rise to such a rank, I shouldn't doubt his plan since it is unheard of for an alien to rise to such a rank.

Moving along from Thrawn, I also that a majority of our credits and resources would be diverted to the Death Star II, as it was now dubbed, so not only has shipyards begin to slow down on production, but rebellion has been started spreading like wildfire in the Mid-Rim worlds which has utterly scared the Grand Moff and from rumors that I had heard from common stormtroopers around the palace making little comments and chit-chat about that he had suffered the wraith of the Emperor personally and that if he was to fail for letting such treachery go unpunished in planets so much closer to the Empire's main systems, it might result in his death. I remember being in such a position also, but there has been multiple rumors of our resources being divided up among many pet projects of the Emperor.

One of the more well-known projects that I had witnessed firsthand on a trip two days ago to Kuat was a massive, shadow like vessel, but it looked nothing like the Super Star Destroyer I had seen when General Tagge had arrived back after his promotion. It had a massive fin on the bow of the ship, and it had some sort of massive construction down the middle of the ship's top. I really didn't know what to think about it, but the ship seemed to be half-way done from what I could see, from the packets of unfinished parts on the outside regions and the front-ish areas. In reality though, it seemed like the Emperor was constructing a small regiment of Super Star Destroyers, as I had seen the previously mentioned, and then three others that seemed nearly finished that resembled the ship that General Tagge had.

In my opinion, I believe a fleet of Super Star Destroyers could easily be more effective than another Death Star that could be easily destroyed if the rebels weren't careful. Not to mention the fact that I had heard that the Death Star II was supposed to be two times the size of the old one, which puzzled me as to why the Emperor would do such a thing. Bigger did not always mean better, and the more bigger a thing is on an outlying scale, just means there are more likely to be cracks and little holes through-out the entire thing, such as every big 'thing' that has existed in history, whether it was the Czerka Corporation, the current Galactic Empire with its power vacuum and incompetent officers, even back to the example of the Death Star and how it was 'too big to fail.'

I couldn't express my anger though to anyone but myself, saved for perhaps Krennic but he was still at the Maw Installation, which reminded me that I should visit the Director and tell him the events that have recently transpired. To be quite honest, I didn't mind having Thrawn taking control for a bit because I obviously need to sit back and observe a 'master at work' and needed to gain more experience before I could ever think that I could be an effective Grand Moff. It also gives me a lot more time to assemble the things that I now had a redirected focus to, and that was the formation of my Omicron Regiment. In-fact, since Thrawn knows about the Maw Installation, he will probably go there and just get rid of Krennic for his racist regards and his incompetence, but that is merely a prediction.

Upon leaving my office, I went over to the crew quarters that I had made for the Regiment and knocked on the door. The door eventually slid open with the wind hissing through it, and the first person to meet me was Jaxor.

"Grand Moff Praxon, to what do we owe the pleasure?"

I retorted, "I am simply here to check up on my regiment, and to see how moving in has been for everyone. It must be quite a big step to move from being a small timer in the Imperial Academy, to moving to a luxurious governor's palace."

Jaxor turned his head towards everyone, who had diverted their attention to me, "Why yes, this place has been something I have never seen before, it is quite marvelous and has a lot of architectural stigma; at least in my opinion."

I moved towards the center of the room and had everyone encircle me, in which I stated, "Well, all of you are now part of the Omicron Regiment, my personal bodyguards…and my personal squad that'll follow me into combat should the time arise. I still have three seats on my ship, which means I have three more recruits that I need to find for such a glorified position. So, I have a task for you all, if you can find me a single, extraordinary stormtrooper while I am away, you will get a 'reward' and you can use the archives or records to look up information on them if you see fit. The more research, the better, but the one thing I absolutely don't want is anyone using my private terminal. Okay?"

I had put that last statement out because I wanted to see if they would be resourceful and find a way to use it, of if they would be obedient and would adhere to my warning, in either outcome, it would prove the most valuable member to me. All of the graduates raised their hand up to their head and saluted me before I had left the room, walking over to the hanger bay that had held the Restitute and boarded it with Sera in the co-pilot seat next to the pilot that had carried out my specific 'tasks' for the past five days or so. Sera seemed to be thoroughly enjoying her new 'occupation' and I feel as if sooner or later she will be able to take over the task of being my main pilot, therefore resulting in the swift destruction of the two previous pilots that had taken me to the Maw.

In the long run, I wouldn't have killed them, but due to the fact a more suitable and loyal pilot had come along, and also not to mention they have been growing more weary of the problems the rebellion are causing, and even possibly obtaining 'rebel sympathies,' it would be best to just deal with them after Sera had enough experience as to where she thinks she could take over. I returned to the passenger bay and sat in one of the nine seats that were in the bay, and began to look over information in my datapad. I had nearly accumulated and read all the information that Tarkin had previously left, whether it was informative documents detailing things such as Projects he had devised to create whether in the Maw or in the actual known galaxy, to problems with his father's company and how it tries to rival the Czerka Corporation, but due to their massive contribution to the Empire, they are relatively unregulated by the Empire, much to their enjoyment. Tarkin, despite his highest of authority, seemed to have major problems with a lot of 'basic things' that you would think a simpleton would worry about, not a Grand Moff.

Which reminds me, it just goes to show you how Czerka Corporation has lasted through-out the many thousands of years, and how it seems that they have maintained their mega monopolies through-out the galaxy, and help contribute to the economy. Without them, problems may soon arise, especially with the major recessions that may have occurred because of the first Death Star's destruction; which also brings up a great fact that the Death Star was a waste, resourcefully, economically, socially, and even politically. At any rate, I feel like fighting for the empire that is 'proclaimed by the Emperor to last at least a thousand years' does not sound like that is going to happen because of the problems that have risen, especially with the Imperial Senate being abolished for about two years now, it is not the greatest thought.

The Restitute took off without a hitch, and the hyperspace jump went with a very smooth transition. The interesting phenomenons light up the entire area around the Tie Phantom again and I felt the pilot being very careful to get to the same flashpoint that we had recently been to. The one thing that I would never want to do is get caught in one of those other wormholes, or whatever the hell these things are, for you would never know where you could end up. Perhaps in another galaxy, or perhaps on the edge of the universe, no-one has really given a great example, explanation, or measurement for where exactly a wormhole may go, and any scientific attempts have been less than redundant.

We came out of the wormhole to see the Maw Installation ahead of us, and I smiled with a sense of familiarity. Yet to my horror, it would appear that whatever Thrawn said that day at the Imperial Palace was right, for the Sun Crusher was missing and a new project had taken root from where it used to be docked. It is a wonder how I had come to the conclusion, but I decided to just refer to 'him' as 'The Stranger' now, for he never really gave a name, and he remained a stranger to practically myself and Thrawn. Yet, in all totality it seemed that it would definitely be a name very befitting of him; however, the thought of losing such a weapon that could be very beneficial to the Emperor and the Empire is now lost to me, and to a possibly dying cause.

After docking in the hanger, I was met by the all too familiar face of Director Krennic as he approached with a plastered smile on his face and a datapad in-hand.

"Reylan, what a pleasant surprise to see you again, truly it is. I cannot simply wait to show you the projects I have put on-their-way and the scientists seem to be getting quite friendly with me, and I suspect that the facility's operations will be increased in efficiency in the next few standard days."

I embraced the Director in a salutary way, before breaking away. "Orson, it is such a pleasure to see you, and I have my own good news for you also. Well, actually, it depends on what you think good news is, but regardless. Firstly, Grand Admiral Thrawn is helping me get the Outer-Rim under control again, and a lot of rebellions have stagnated in many systems. Secondly, I have assembled my own 'personal squad' if you would, and I need you to come back with me to help lead it. Lastly, the Tie Phantom I took is beyond any deniable doubt an amazing ship. I will have to congratulate them immediately."

Orson had a troubled look on his face as I finished and he inquired, "Wait…you want me to come back? But I am so effective here, I have suggested good projects that'll help you, and I th-…"

I cut off the Director and stated, "Sorry Krennic, I truly am, but I would much prefer having you by my side, instead of being in a place so far away."

He stomped his foot and contemplated for a few seconds, before pulling up his right gloved hand up to his chin. "Fine, I suppose that is all fine. At least however, let me recommend some projects to the scientists before we break for Eridau again. I'd much rather make sure things are going according to plan."

Perhaps the Director wasn't going to bring it up, but I might as well have a little fun at the expense of Krennic. "Do you mind telling me what happened to the Sun Crusher, Krennic?"

I saw him immediately freeze up and he diverted his eyes over to a wall and stated in a nervous tone, "Well…you see, you can't get angry with me, Reylan…I-…well, it wasn't even fault, it could've been a faulty attachment line or, it could'v-…"

I cut him off yet again and stated, "I don't need an excuse…I just want to know what happened to it."

He still bared the nervous demeanor and he tried to think of a way to dodge the question, but ultimately found that he couldn't.

"I'm sorry, Reylan…I truly am, but I honestly have no idea what happened to the Sun Crusher. The security footage that showed the Suncrusher practically showed an odd occurrence where it was there one second, and in the next millisecond, it had simply vanished from the dock without a trace."

Just as I had thought…I quickly directed my attention back to Krennic and stated, "Don't worry about it, Krennic. It isn't your fault, but it is definitely funny how that is regardless. Oh well."

We quit the little discussion and I walked to the lab section of the Asteroid Installation only to find a majority of the scientists and engineers in small groups around the large room discussing on holo-projection boards and the like. I spotted the head scientist only out of the corner of my eye, walking over to what seemed like the break room. I went after him with haste and as I approached him, I spoke up in a slightly irritated voice, trying to feign the same way I was with Krennic.

"I hear you lost a very valuable project that Tarkin and I both wanted. Or, if you don't know what I am talking about, the Sun Crusher."

He turned back to me with a unpleasant look on his face before stating in hesitation, "Yea…we lost the Sun Crusher, and I know Tarkin is probably going to have my ass, but here is the thing, Grand Moff Praxon. The damn thing is there one second on the footage, and the next second, it is bloody gone!"

I addressed the issue by starting out with a small scoff, "Well, the Director said the same exact thing, so the real question is do you guys have any anomalies around here that could even cause a sudden disappearance like that?"

He calculated his responses and let out, "Well…there is nothing recorded in all Imperial records, let alone known history of something like this ever happening, and there was no cloaking device or anything installed on the ship, let alone anything that could mask or teleport its presence. In all likelihood, it is almost like it stopped existing, which I just find hilarious. Then again, maybe one of our warheads did something, but I honestly don't know…there is no actual damage-…oh, there I go again, rambling on. Sorry, Grand Moff Praxon."

I waved my hand dismissively and stated, "Don't worry about it, I'm just glad the story is concrete and there are no loose-ends. Do you mind telling me what new projects are on their way?"

He nodded his head and replied, "Of course, Grand Moff. Since the Tie Phantom series has been recorded and the blueprints finally solidified, we moved our resources to another fighter that will have space-superiority as long as being both a bomber, and fast interceptor. We are trying to figure out names for it, but we are going to probably call it the Tie Annihilator or some name like that. On the other hand, the Director has recommended we create new field applications and weapons for ground combat, whether it is new blasters, or devices that can help turn the tide and defend troopers."

A very interesting move on the Director's part…I quickly asked in direct correlation to that, "Well…it definitely seems like that'll be a lot more…useable then the Sun Crusher, but we'll have to come back and see some field-testing of the weapons. Do you have any idea what categories you are weaponizing?"

The head scientist stated, "We are most likely doing squad suppression or defense applications, whether it is a new portable blaster cannon that can be transported around, to some heavy repeaters, to personal shields, the like."

I nodded my head and stated, "Well, at least you have some projects that'll help with squads on the planets. I assume Director Krennic suggested those you just said?"

The man nodded his head and I dismissed the man by giving a farewell, "Well…the Director and I will be heading out, you on the other hand, keep the projects on track, and make sure no problems happen, especially something along the lines of the Sun Crusher incident. Alright?"

He nodded his head once more, and the Director and I left the main room, and headed back to the main hanger bay. I approached Sera and the other pilot who seemed to be conversing about something, but as soon as I approached they stopped talking and diverted their glances to me.

"We are done here; get the Restitute ready for takeoff, and Sera, do you mind if I talk to you for a second?"

The younger ensign pilot approached me and asked, "What can I do for you Grand Moff Re-…Praxon?"

I noticed Sera almost saying my first name, but I took no heed of it and stated, "Do you think you've had enough time training in my transport to where you might be able to fly it on your own?"

She shook her head and stated, "No…but if you give me another week or so, I'm sure I will be fully familiarized with the entire ship, and I can be a competent co-pilot for you, sir."

I smiled interiorly and replied, "Glad to hear that, Sera. Alright, let's go inside, we have much work to do, and I have so little time."

She saluted me and made her way inside with Director Krennic following suit. Upon entering though, Krennic was beyond astounded by what I had done to the interior of the cloaking fighter, and asked, "Karabast…how did you make such a beautiful interior for such a ship. Hell, you have even more luxury inside then my old shuttle ever had."

I shrugged of the question and stated 'humbly,' "Well, after getting a few top of the line engineers to come in and decorate the interior to my liking, not only is there a small room for a passenger bay in the back hull of the ship, but also a small quarters for me to do my business, such as a bed, terminal, lavatory, and of course my own holotransmitter."

The Director smiled and asked, "Hmm…I don't suppose you might bring in those engineers sooner or later, I would very much like to add a nice interior to my own shuttle, assuming that is fine with you?"

I laughed at the Director's proposal and said, "Of course! If they come in ever again, or if I just ask them to come in, you can speak with them if you want."

I sat down in the one of the two small chairs inside my small room and the Director took a seat in the adjacent chair. He made sure to keep his cape organized as he let if fall behind himself, and slowly relaxed backwards. I looked over at the terminal to see if there were any blinking lights to indicate some new messages or the like, only to find that there was none. Therefore, I turned my head back to the Director and continued our conversation.

"I assume there weren't any difficulties while you were on the installation, Krennic?"

He smiled and affirmed, "Oh of course not. I am such a suave fellow that if anything, they are going to miss me in my absence, but I suppose it is for the better."

He looked at the liquid container on the table and asked, "But…my question is, why did you need me and what did you mean you had your own personal squad in the works?"

I remembered that I had mentioned it to Orson, but I didn't seem to bring it up due to my focus on the task at hand on the Maw Facility, so I stated, "Oh…well, I have made my own personal regiment to be my bodyguards and 'mission-doers' if you will, and I meet a majority of them from the Imperial Gala for the new graduates of the Royal Academy. It went quite well, and the Grand Admiral even took his few choices of officers for his fleet most likely. In-fact, which reminds me…I'll have to contact Thrawn."

I saw Krennic's face go into a scowl with a hint of distastefulness, and he said with a feigned tone, "Well…I am happy for the Admiral to get some new officers for his fleet…hopefully they will 'help' him."

I couldn't help but catch onto what mild implications he was trying to ensue but I brushed it off and stated, "Well, I wish I could've picked a few officers out of the bunch, but the rest were either brash, idiotic, or just plain stupid and you could tell they were only there because of their parent's connections."

That also brought up a good topic for me to discuss with the Director. "Which reminds me, Krennic. Did you ever have those types of experiences in the republic academy you went to? Or even see those types of people in your military academy?"

His face highlighted into a sense of understanding and utter contempt, "Oh of course. I meet those bastards in the one school I attended with Galen Erso, and then with the Imperial Academy where I learned the basics, you would not believe how many pushed around their parents and their influence. It was potentially…just irritating to watch and see how these brats are so self-centered and think they are everything."

My face in-turn formed into a smile and I replied, "Well, at least we have a same taste in those types of people."

He nodded his head sharply, and I pulled the liquid container towards me and poured myself a drink. I then got another glass and poured a drink for Krennic and I stated with a slanted smile, "Since I was coming to get you, I thought it'd only be fair to get you a small little 'welcome home' present. I knew you liked this type of liquor from that one coruscant café, so I thought I might as well drink a little with you."

I never was one for alcohol, but since Krennic was an easy person to wrap around your finger and please, not to mention the fact he had a vice for liquor, it was such a nice little thing to do, and makes me feel moderately human for a few minutes, without discussing the politics and strategies to make sure that everything goes according to plan and not trying to look out for my own skin.

"Oh, you didn't Reylan…I can't believe you remember it after this amount of time. I would've already thought that you forgot about a lot of those memories, but I appreciate you didn't."

I countered his statement, "Well…I do remember your birthdays, don't I?"

The Director then coyly stated with a grin on his face as he pushed back the liquor down his throat, "Touché."

Eventually, we came back to the planet-side of Eridau, and the Director came with me to my office so that we could talk a little bit more before he went back to get used to the spy network he had implemented. I opened the door, only to find that my office had been turned into one of art-work, drawing boards, documents and files around the room, some tables, charts and maps, and just about anything needed to put together a master strategy, and a certain Chiss looking at a star map, with his hand grasping his chin.

I felt the Director's aura grow from a calm and happy tone, to a volatile and angered one with a harsh temper on the side.

"You dare deface the Grand Moff's office? How dare you scatter these blasted things around the once organized room."

The Grand Admiral turned around with utter calmness and a placid face, "Ohh, Director Krennic, what a surprise to see you here…last time I heard, you were working on the Maw Installation."

Krennic's temper rose higher and I felt the Grand Admiral's face grow more sinister behind his mask.

"How in the blasted stars did you know that? You see, Reylan? These blasted aliens always are working behind your back, and are always threatening to cheat you out of what is rightfully ours."

The Chiss's expression soon changed after Krennic's comment to a slightly annoyed one, and the Director then walked over to one of the boards and glanced at it for just a second, before he stated, "Look at all this gibberish! This just looks like random non-sense that Thrawn put up to make it seem like he is doing some productive!"

I then spoke up towards the 'ready to boil over' Director, "Orson, you do realize that is in the Chiss's language, and those are old star maps and algorithms…"

I saw Thrawn's expression change for just a second, probably in surprise that I knew what was on the board itself, but his expression went back to observing the Director, until he walked over to an area of the office with different art and sculptures, some descending from planets in the lower-right quadrant due to the species and family portraits portrayed in them, and some that I remember were on the walls of Tarkin's office.

The Director picked one up and then said, "And this useless garbage is just taking up bloody space! It should be on a wall, not in this useless pile of trash."

The Director then threw down some sort of sculpture on the ground, and that is when the Chiss rushed at him and grabbed the Director by the collar. An obviously shocked Krennic look at the Chiss's red eyes, as he was thrown immediately to the ground, and let out a stifled grunt and groan of pain.

The Chiss then stated in a strange manner, "I'm sorry Director that you cannot appreciate art, let alone be ignorant enough to trash a beautiful piece such as the one you destroyed. I suggest to avoid any other conflicts, Director, you leave the office immediately."

Krennic got off the floor and most likely retreated back to his room, as I looked at Thrawn in a surprised manner. I had never seen the Grand Admiral lose his cool before, but that also told me to never mess with pieces of art that he held in his office, or anywhere.

"I am sincerely sorry you had to see such a display, Grand Moff. I was surprised to see that the Director was so oblivious to the value of my skills, and what the value of art itself."

I gulped a tad bit and stated, "It would seem that the Director is a racist…let alone perhaps a…ill-informed person on such things…"

I didn't know how to say what I wanted to say, but I at least tried to say to the Grand Admiral a response to the events that had just happened.

"The Director is an imbecile, and an incompetent and uninspiring leader, but at least he has his uses, and he will be useful to me in the long run, as he probably has been to you."

The Grand Admiral then went back to the star map that was being projected from his holo-projector and told me to come over and asked, "What do you see here, Grand Moff?"

I looked to the part of the star map he had pointed to and I stated, "That looks like the Outer-Rim, Grand Admiral Thrawn, but…there is something off about the map."

He turned to me and asked, "Do you know what is off about the map?"

I looked at the map and inspected it some more and then stated, "I feel like a planet or a few of them are missing…and some hyperspace lanes aren't even shown here…"

He applauded me for a single second and stated, "Hmm…it seems you have a great memory then, Grand Moff. You see, this is the standard galactic map that the Imperial Database has access to, but it seems that these few planets and lanes have been removed on purpose. One of the planets, that seem to be missing, is a planet I remember called Honoghr, a system I remember reading about in smuggler tales called Bakura, along with Myrkr. Now, if I am not wrong, the hyperspace lanes that lead to them too, are missing, so it would seem we may have some rebellion strongholds in our midst."

I turned to the Grand Admiral and asked, "When was the last time the map was updated, or the planet log that changed the map?"

The Grand Admiral stated grimly, "If you get rid of my access logs, there was only one time in the past year, and that was on Eridau…here."