Author's Note: I will keep this one nice and short guys. One, apologies in advance for you guys waiting over 4 months for the next chapter, I got sidetracked by another story and other recent developments in my life. Two, I have decided I will probably only do a few more chapters and then if need-be and that I might do a sequel to the story, but I will have to wait and see if I will have the time and or the actual luxury of being able to do it, but for the meanwhile, just know that this has been a piece of literary joy I have composed and I am just glad that you who can appreciate the chapters and the story itself have read for this long. Many thanks and appreciation, -Spc. Knox

A large scale strategy was being drafted by the Emperor and the higher echelons of power in the Empire. As what had been passed down from the Grand Admirals, to the Fleet Admirals, to the rest of the ranks, it was apparent that the Emperor wished to have one massive all-out offensive against the Rebellion as the second Death Star neared completion. It was told that within the next few months, we could expect to be called to destroy the Rebellion once and for all. The strategy to overwhelm the resistance with overwhelming numbers however is not a strategy that seems to be effective with the resistance, and with all of the resources being practically consumed for the Death Star, with only a few factory worlds being used for the actual construction of ships has me worried that this might deal a crippling blow to the Empire. Thrawn seemed to share my pessimism on the battle plan as he boarded my Star Destroyer.

"The Emperor is making quite a grave mistake by doing this all-out offensive on the Resistance. As seen in the previous battle with the original Death Star, and the massive concentration of large superweapons…it seems like the Emperor is beginning to become a bit…disillusioned," Thrawn stated as he sat down near my desk.

The stars in the background seem to glisten with a slightly brighter glow than usual. I had looked out of this window multiple times, yet now I only see this odd and very miniscule detail. I turned my heads towards the Chiss, "I concur, Grand Admiral Thrawn. Did you not attempt to tell the Emperor that this might not be the best of plans when trying to end the Rebellion once and for all?"

Thrawn nodded once as he glanced down at his datapad, "I had advised the Emperor that such a plan is tactical suicide, since all the chaos and the large amount of ships that were going to pile in would be absolute chaos and anarchy when attempting to combat the ship. He dismissed that idea however, with the fact he would use the superlaser to systematically destroy each and every rebel starship, while we just keep them from escaping."

I pulled my attention from the window as I returned to my desk, "Hmm… It seems like the Emperor is betting everything he has on this one battle station yet again. This is literal insanity."

The Chiss placed the datapad on his belt as he stared with his bold red eyes, "Quite. The only one to share my concerns was one person on the Ruling Council, who quickly shut up after the Emperor glared daggers at him, and another Grand Admiral who kept her grievances with the plan. Aside from the two of us, Darth Vader oddly enough didn't agree with the plan, but decided that it was necessary in the long run."

I crossed my legs, reclining upon finishing the task, "Did I ever tell you what happened over Mandalore during the incursion with that medium sized fleet?"

Thrawn pointed towards the datapad, "Yes, you shared quite a large report on the battle. Yet you never told me personally," he paused for a split second before asking, "Tell me, could you tell me more about this starfighter that you mentioned? You only gave a meager description and told me that is somehow wiped out an entire fleet, which still I find odd."

I cleared my throat as I took a sip of water, "The fleet came out of hyperspace nearly an hour after we had arrived at the battlements. We were running a few secondary drills and preparing for a defensive assault, but the fleet came out quicker than expected and were about to attack us as they moved into firing position. We had time to prepare so at least we wouldn't have been caught by surprise, but…the Starfighter. He came out of nowhere, just jumped right out of hyperspace and began attacking the squadrons of fighters. Soon after, the entire fleet was on this one fighter and near the conclusion; it had thwarted the entire fleet, aside from some retreating corvettes and the like."

The Grand Admiral brought his hand up to his chin, "You have already stated this in the report, Reylan. I assume you have details for me?"

I sudden wave of seriousness washed over me as I replied, "Err…of course. Well, kind of…we didn't exactly get much of a scan on the ship before we had left, but…the reason I brought this whole thing up is if yo-…"

He quickly cut me off, "You wanted to know if I had anything to do with it, or if I had built the fighter, is that right?"

I quickly answered, "Yes."

Thrawn smiled his casual grin, "For your information, I did not, Admiral Praxon. I was somewhat astounded by the discovery of such a ship, let alone the fact that it had functioning turbolasers, launcher pods that shot out torpedoes and missiles that made an example of a single capital ship like it was a single reactor ignition blast to a planet. I fear what such a weapon might entail for the future, should we have to fight against it."

Fear and anxiousness surrounded me, "So…it wasn't you. That is disturbing, Thrawn…in-fact, I had hoped that it was you're doing since you might've had the Suncrusher blueprints from the Maw. I see now that we are dealing with a real threat…"

He didn't seem to express much as he sat down, pondering about the situation I had just addressed. His figure sat still, with not a single arm or tendon moving through-out his body, aside from his eyes occasionally darting around, making figurative plans in the air.

He finally spoke in a raspy voice, "Unfortunately not, Reylan. One thing I find rather strange though is the mystery of that that stranger you said you had met in the past. I remember quite vividly that he would come to visit me, yet he hasn't made an appearance ever since that day…I am a bit shaken by this, even for someone of my composure. But, I believe he might be the answer behind this and if he isn't, then I fear truly either this is a much more advanced civilization than even our technology warrants, or that it might be the 'Unknown Threat' and I preparing for."

I raised my eyebrow at the mention of the threat, "Unknown Threat? Err, if you don't mind, could you elaborate on that a bit more? That doesn't really help with context, Thrawn."

He nodded his head, "You see, the Resistance is hardly a problem compared to what the future might turn out to be. You should know about my certain outlooks on the Emperor and the Empire as a whole, but the reason I still stick with it is for multiple reasons, and the Unknown Threat I just stated is one of those reasons. We need the Empire, just as my race needs the Empire to help combat them. Unfortunately, I don't feel as liberty to say much more than that, Reylan."

I felt myself become a bit surprised at his comment before asking, "Is now not the time for such a thing? Or do you feel it is inappropriate?"

At that moment, he seemed to stare at me with a mile-long gaze as he scrutinized something imaginary, "Hmm…the Empire, do you think it is strong enough to repel this threat Reylan? These rebels that are fighting this war of attrition and guerilla warfare?"

"No," I retorted, "While I was the Grand Moff of the Outer Rim, I realized with all of my duties that trying to run the galaxy through fear and militaristic power is not exactly a great way to keep the masses in line. I fear that this final solution of the Emperor is…a bit grave in circumstances and it is going to cause the possible end of the Empire."

"Doubtful," Thrawn uttered after uncrossing his legs, "The Empire will live on, that is something I do not see as becoming undone at the coming battle. Many high ranking officers and men within the rank structure of the Empire will most likely seize power in all the ensuing chaos, while the Emperor attempts to bring everything back under control. I feel this'll create a massive schism perhaps, leaving room for the Rebellion to become prominent."

I placed my hands on the sides of my chair, puffing out air, "Why do you ask anyways, Thrawn?"

"Hmm…your loyalty to the Empire seems a bit fickle from what I can deduce," he blatantly said.

I immediately pushed myself out of my chair, "Listen, I made my vows and swore my fealty to the Empire the moment I became immersed in this conflict. I am going to fight til the very last breathe and when I am dying, I am going to make sure that I go out with every damn person I can take with me. For my families' sake and for my ideals."

At that moment, Thrawn pulled out a datapad and placed it on the table, "I would say quite the contrary. You said quite a few things in the past about how you merely wished to join the Empire for the luxury of position and to escape the talks with your father. Not out of mere loyalty or some ill-thought premature decision. You knew very well what you wanted the day you went to the Royal Academy. To top it all off, you wanted to test your abilities, your cunning, your intelligence, and your leadership. That is why you joined, Reylan. You are little more than an opportunist who joined for individual gain."

My body heated up with anguish as if I felt I was an onion that had just lost all of its layers and was left as the very core of it, "You little schutta…I will not stand for this, Thrawn! Get out of my office before I lose my temper."

The Chiss brushed himself off after standing up, "Do not worry, Reylan. I am not going to use this information against you. I admire you despite what any other person might say about your actual reasons for joining. Feel free to keep the datapad; I never intended to use it."

He made his way for the door before turning on his heel, "And Reylan? When the time is right, it won't matter if you have some deep down loyalty for the Empire or if it was some sham. You work under me, and I have use for you after the coming battle. Just like Admiral Parck and Captain Dagon Niriz."

He left soon after his last comment, the door closing swiftly behind the confident white-uniformed man. I reclined back in my chair, quickly tapping to bring up the desk's comlink. I quickly notified Director Krennic to enter my office as soon as possible as I needed to speak with him, however; I was quickly interrupted with a knock at the door. It was apparently Lieutenant Aldrenich as he entered my office, removing his cap and saluting me.

"What is it, Lieutenant Aldrenich? Is there something Thrawn requires us to do? Or do we have a mission from the Emperor or the other Imperial higher-ups?" I asked.

"Neither," he replied, "I came by to tell you that we had intercepted a very odd transmission from a few systems away from our location. One thing that we heard though that we thought might've been interesting was your name, Sir."

My eyebrow curled at the mention of my name, "Hmm…send the transmission to my office. I want to hear it with my own ears, Lieutenant."

He nodded his head and kicked his boots together, before leaving my office. A few moments later, Director Krennic arrived alongside a beeping coming from my office holoprojecter. I told the Director to have a seat as I quickly pulled up the transmission, listening to it with relative interest.

"Delta-Seven-Nine-Omega-Three-Seventeen-Twelve-Epsilon-Three-Two-One. Tranmission Input Received. Theta-Theta-Omega-Epsilon-Alpha-Alpha-Tau. Ein-Tauso-Terao-Untunterang-Seven-Nine-Zero. Verification Authorized." A series of undecipherable and or unintelligible static and words were heard afterwards before abruptly ending with, "-find Admiral Reylan Praxon."

Krennic was somewhat amused by the transmission, "What in space was that?"

I stated coyly, "It seems like some type of encrypted message from the sounds of it…the first part was in Galactic Basic, but I don't know about the last three minutes of it due to the static and unknown language…"

He shuffled around his black gloves as he admitted, "Hmm…it seems like someone or something has a reason for wanting to find you. Where did this message come from?"

I stood up in my chair, "Well, we're about to find out. Lieutenant Aldrenich stated that it came from a few systems away from here, so we are going to investigate."

I returned to the bridge and ordered that everyone make the calculations for the jump to hyperspace. As the engines began to power up, the communications officer told me that Thrawn was attempting to contact us.

Knowing that I shouldn't leave him out of the loop, I decided to bear with him for a bit, as I told him to bring up Thrawn.

"Admiral Praxon. I would like to inquire why you are initiating a hyperspace jump."

I replied solemnly, "We are going to investigate a transmission we received which originated a few systems from here. It has something to do with me apparently."

Thrawn's brow furrowed as his jaw seemed to realign, "Hmm…peculiar. I will send a convoy with you just in-c…"

I shook my head and replied, "That is not necessary, Grand Admiral Thrawn. I will return to the fleet within a few hours. If not, then I will implore you to send assistance."

His expression revealed nothing but annoyance but he nodded, "Alright then, Admiral Praxon. Where are the coordinates you are heading to if you don't mind me asking?"

I turned to the map specialists and asked, "Have you pinpointed the system, Ensign?"

He turned to me and replied, "Yes, tell him we are going to Coordinate 728391, -293012, 293812 according to the Galactic Standard Map."

I turned to Thrawn and asked, "Did you hear that, Grand Admiral Thrawn?"

"Yes, I heard and have it recorded. I will see you back soon, Praxon."

With that said, I pointed to the crew portion of the bridge who controlled the ship's engine and told them to initiate the jump to hyperspace. It wasn't soon after that the blue beams flew past us as we entered the blue spinning tunnel.

As we exited hyperspace, we came near a graveyard of shipwrecks and a junk planet that was unmistakably impossible to misidentify.

Lieutenant Aldrenich turned to me, "Raxus Prime? The communications we received came from this place?"

I pulled my gloved hand to my chin, stroking it a few times before asking, "Do we have any signals around us? Possible ships waiting for interception or…anything of the like?"

Aldrenich held his words for a few moments as he continued discussing with the mapping specialists before replying, "That's a negative. This has no activity from the looks of it, but they could be hiding in the wreckage. Though, the signal is coming from the northern polar region on the planet, it is apparently some kind of listening post."

I addressed the crew to start making our way towards the planet, as well as preparing the pilots to man their fighters and bombers, and the gunners to man their stations in the case of an ambush. With that said, I surveyed the area, examining every piece and scrap of metal that was floating around. Eventually, I came to the conclusion that this must've been a massive battle during the Clone Wars, as older ships such as Acclamators, Venators, and a few Munificent Frigates were floating about in their tattered and broken forms.

As we neared the orbit of the planet, I told the Star Destroyer to remain here and for Lieutenant Aldrenich to take my place as acting commander of the ship. I quickly asked Krennic to follow me as I heard over the loudspeaker that the ground forces were preparing for a scouting party. We both boarded the turbolift and proceeded downwards towards the hanger.

"What is it that you think you are doing, Admiral Praxon?"

A smile slowly crested on my face, "I want to see this listening post for myself. I am rather curious as to why the rebellion placed one here."

Director Krennic quickly asked, "But what if it isn't the rebellion? It could be smugglers, or pirates, or something else."

"And you really think that any of those factions would want to have a listening post in the middle of nowhere?"

Krennic quickly shook his head, "Yes, in-fact, this is a very great spot for intercepting transmission between the four imperial systems that have Raxus in-between them."

I felt myself slowly utter, "Oh…how do you know that?"

"You assigned me personally as the person to keep tabs on everything while you were a Grand Moff. You learn a thing or two about cross-system transmissions, especially when it comes to listening posts, Reylan."

The turbolift came to a slow as we approached the hanger floor. The doors opened with a squishing and pressurized sound, as a small squadron of nine stormtroopers jogged to the hanger. We both followed the squadron to the main hanger, where seven Sentinel-class Shuttles waited, with squadrons quickly filing into them. A single Lambda shuttle was waiting for the Field Commanders, while two other Sentinel-class Shuttles remained at the top pylons of the hanger, sporting two AT-AT's at the bottom of the crafts.

As we neared the shuttles, all of the doors closed on the troop transports, while the two AT-AT carrying shuttles took off behind them. The Lambda shuttle, took off as Krennic and I swiftly boarded, quickly telling the pilots to take off and make our descent. The Star Destroyer covered our surroundings, while a squadron of twelve TIE Fighters escorted us towards the polar regions, making sure that we won't be intercepted by fighters.

The towering sprawls of junk and spaceships became very overwhelming, and the fact that all of this scrap was going to waste as it rotted and rusted here was such a shame, as these could've been retrofitted or reclaimed for Star Destroyers or other star vessels.

As we approached the polar region, we soon found out that we wouldn't be able to make it the entire way there, so the shuttles landed, unloading all of us and the AT-AT's, while the shuttles returned with some Troop Transports and some AT-ST's, to give us some light support and faster transit to the tower.

Therefore, we hunkered down as I looked around rather paranoid as the snow storms blew irritably against the unprotected man. I quickly beamed a transmission up to Lieutenant Aldrenich asking, "Have you found anything on the sensors or any anomaly?"

His statement was delayed, "Uhh…no. There isn't anything on our scopes, but then again, Raxus Prime is a deserted world, therefore it is a good sign there is no signs of life or activity."

I looked towards the direction of the listening post, "I find that rather hard to believe, Lieutenant. I mean, metal stresses and shifts all the time, especially in these spires of junk and scrap."

Aldrenich decided not to respond at my comment before he stated, "Rest assured, Admiral. I would tell you if something didn't seem right."

I ended the transmission, and placed my commlink back in my holder as I turned to Krennic who was rubbing his arms back and forth, obviously bitter due to the cold weather.

"Orson, tell me. Did you ever set up listening posts while you were under my command as Grand Moff?"

He turned back towards me, "Why yes. I set up over a hundred on a few star systems, but my men are what manned the posts. They gave me the information on what I was able to tell you about the Resistance and the like."

I turned back to the direction of the listening post, "Then why would you have one in the middle of a polar region on an abandoned and deserted planet, where the blizzards must interfere with transmissions?"

"Well, the blizzards don't do anything if the tower is high enough. Of course, that means you have to make sure the tower is sturdy and structurally sound, but…assuming it is, this is the perfect place for one. I'm just more shocked there is a small defense force."

I raised my eyebrow at his last comment, "Oh? Does that mean you have some prior experience relating to that?"

"About the defense force? No, I don't. I'm just surprised they wouldn't better protect their facilities. This is the perfect place for a post like I said, and considering its tactical importance, it really is odd."

I cut my discourse with Krennic as the Sentinel-class shuttles returned with the AT-ST's and Transports. Everyone piled into the remaining vehicles and we made our way towards our destination.

"Do you think it is possible the blizzard disrupts our scanners," I questioned Krennic.

"It is very possible. That is why I am glad you brought the armored divisions in-case we get routed."

I glared at the stormtroopers inside the troop transport, all of them bearing an eerie silence, except for two or so troopers near the back having a casual conversation. As soon as I turned back to Krennic, I walked to the small storage locker inside the transport, and pulled out a plated armored vest, and placed my admiral placard on the right side, while also pulling on a commander's helmet with googles. Afterwards, I pulled on a vulcanized military winter coat, and wrapped it around my field attire, before sitting back down.

"Gearing up for the unexpected," Krennic retorted.

"Of course, you never know what tentacle beasts might rape you on these uncivilized worlds," I replied in a joking manner.

"Oh yes, I heard that they are wonderful around this time of year. Especially the twenty different diseases you can get from them."

We both chuckled at our poor attempt at humor, before letting out an uncomfortable sigh.

The transport pilot stopped us as he turned around and told us that we had arrived and that the AT-AT's has stated that there are thermals all around the listening post.

Krennic glared with a devilish grin, "We'll destroy these rebel fools."

As I was about to ask the pilot to open up the door, a massive explosion vibrated through the transport, as the sound of metal grinding against metal, and the odd sound that occurs when an AT-AT leans too far forward sounded. A massive shutter pulsated again as the most likely fallen AT-AT hit the ground.

Krennic ran to the viewing window in the front of the transport before returning to the back of the transport, anger throbbing around his face, "Are we blind!? Move!"

With that said, the stormtroopers quickly ran out of the transport, as the echoes from the AT-AT firing its main heavy laser cannons, and the AT-ST's launching their grenades, rockets, and laser bolts also echoed the blizzardy soundscape. I asked that seven stormtroopers attach on me, while Krennic brings an additional three alongside me. Multiple stormtroopers began to rush the compound, as an AT-ST quickly took a hit from a rocket.

The disabled walker quickly fell to the snowy terrain, forcing the crew men out of the pilot's pod and into combat. To say the least, I was absolutely terrified and regretted not being on my ship right now as rockets whirring past me, and laser cannons hitting our transports and the remaining AT-AT was all too apparent.

Chaos and the erratic tension that screamed around us, seemed secondary as I willed myself to continue our advance to the base, right up until I saw multiple bolts of red beams of laser hitting the stormtroopers in-front of us, with one of the troopers yelling, "Repeater!" as he hit the ground.

Stimuli flooded my mind and sooner or later I couldn't distinguish the violent eruptions from the sound of the blizzard increasing in intensity. I didn't even feel the stormtroopers pulling me back up to the ground, only for one of them to get hit by a stray blaster bolt, and Krennic yelling orders for the troops to continue their advance.

My senses began to return as I heard Krennic's all to familiar voice yelled, "Praxon! Get the fuck up," as he hoisted me from the ground and quickly ran me to the right, as a massive impact shook the ground from behind me.

Our other AT-AT had apparently been destroyed and fell right behind me, only missing us by a couple meters. I pulled myself from the ground and brought out my custom SE-14C blaster pistol, stumbling with Krennic back towards one of the transports, as I realized quite earlier that coming here was a mistake.

Just a few meters from the transport, the ground fell out from under me as a massive explosive roared around us, deafening not only me, but most likely anyone that was close to the now obliterated compound. I turned around as the fire seemed to push past the blinding white of the snow storm, causing a maelstrom and beautiful scene of stark contrast.

I pulled myself back up from the ground, having enough of being a ragdoll for one day, only to see a few figures rushing out of the white. It was only after they were a meter or so away from me that I realized it was two rushing rebels, both of them with Vibroblades.

I drew my pistol and shot the one on the right, before placing my sights on the other one, but before I could pull the trigger, he used one hand to push my gun to left, and the next action surprised me with blindly pain.

I howled in pain as the vibroblade sliced through the first half of my forearm, before quickly pulling out a Duty Knife from my utility belt, ready to stab the rebel, before a quick bolt of energy hit the rebel in the face from the side, recoiling him to the left.

Looking at the corpse, and dumbfoundedly looking at my stump, I couldn't help myself from making incoherent noises and groans as the blood rushed from my arm and dripped onto the ground. Krennic and his white attire fitting in with the blinding white, was the only memory I remember after that, as he pushed me onto the transport and yelled ineligible commands to the transport pilot.