Equestrian Conquest

Assertor-class Dreadnought Victorious

Office of Grand Admiral Thrawn

In orbit with the Death Star near Corellia

Grand Admiral Thrawn stood at attention before the hologram of Emperor Palpatine. What he will tell the Emperor may just save the Empire from complete collapse.

“What is it you want to tell me Grand Admiral?” asked Emperor Palpatine.

“Milord, I’ve created some plans that may just save the Empire from complete destruction.” said Thrawn.

Palpatine looked at his most trusted Grand Admiral before speaking, “And what evidence do you have that can bring our downfall?”

“I have seen many planets, those where the majority of the population are non-Human. They have grown to hate the Empire and many are thinking of joining the Rebel’s call. Admiral Ackbar and General Iblis have done an excellent job in turning many against us unfortunately. If we were to overturn the xenophobic policies, grant rights to non-Humans, and allow non-Humans to join the Imperial Military, we can turn the non-Human population against the Rebels. We’ll be taking away the Rebels’ greatest asset.” answered the Grand Admiral.

“Hmmm, you do realize many have already resented us enough and may even infiltrate the military. Look around you Grand Admiral, the Empire was great because of Humanity, not some aliens.”

“Then what am I? I am living proof that non-Humans can fight for the Empire. I am living proof non-Humans can support the Empire. Think about the great minds within the non-Human population being wasted because they have no rights. Milord, I implore that you think about this. This will prove to be an advantage for us.” answered Thrawn.

Palpatine looked down at him. Any other officer would’ve felt his wrath for raising their voice, but this is Grand Admiral Thrawn, the most intelligent, and the greatest tactician in the Imperial Navy. Thrawn did raise some good points, the Rebellion grew stronger because of his xenophobic policies.

“You are correct Grand Admiral, maybe I have gone overboard with my xenophobic views. I will create new policies as soon as possible.”

“Thank you milord, I do have another concern however. This concerns the other Grand Admirals.”

He gave him a questioning look, “And what about them?”

“There are some of them that are abusing their powers and are constantly trying to outdo each other. This Rebellion may end quicker if all of the Grand Admirals united. I believe we should remove the most troublesome.”

“Do you have names Grand Admiral?”

“Indeed I do, I’ve received reports from spies that Grand Admiral Zaarin plans to detonate a bomb on the bridge of the Executor while you and Lord Vader are on the way to meet Moff Jerjerrod in Endor. He would then shift the blame to myself and the other Grand Admirals, and then install himself as the new Emperor.”

“That is unfortunate, Lord Vader and I have much respect for him. It would seem my meeting with Moff Jerjerrod must be postponed. Anybody else?”

“Yes milord, I’ve received reports that Grand Admiral Pitta hired a saboteur to hack into the Aggressor’s computers and have it crash into Anaxus with Grand Admiral Grunger during a Naval Exercise. I believe Pitta wanted to eliminate any opposition to his xenophobic campaigns starting with Grunger considering the many occasions where their fleets crossed paths.”

“Just like Zaarin, this act would be considered treason. Go on.” Palpatine said.

“Grand Admiral Ishin-Il-Raz. Although he has done nothing that would be considered treasonous, his incompetence as a military commander has costed many lives. Under him, he lost 8 Star Destroyers and 1 Bellator-class Dreadnought heavily damaged against a numerically outnumbered Rebel Fleet over Falleen. I have met many Admirals who are disgusted with him and refuse to follow his orders from a politician acting as a military commander. I advise Grand Admiral Raz to be removed as Grand Admiral but allowed to keep his position in COMPNOR.”

“I do admire his fanaticism and his loyalty to me, but you are correct. We need military commanders, not politicians leading our fleets.” Palpatine responded.

“Lastly is Grand Admiral Takel.” Thrawn said.

Palpatine raised an eyebrow after hearing this, “Takel is a brilliant strategist. Why should I remove him?”

“Milord, while Takel is indeed a brilliant strategist, but his addiction to spice has proven to do more harm than good. It made him more paranoid and rash with his decisions. I’ve received reports that he pulled back his entire fleet which included an Executor, 2 Assertors, and 5 Bellators against a numerically outnumbered Rebel Fleet over Azure. Admiral Piett also personally told me Grand Admiral Takel made a pit stop with his entire fleet to pick up some Twi’lek dancers. What I’m saying is Grand Admiral may have been a brilliant tactician, he is no longer fit to be a Grand Admiral. I believe he should retire.”

“Interesting, who do you believe should replace them then?” asked Palpatine.

“I searched through the records and I have found 4 candidates. The first is Admiral Gallius Rax whom you already know. He is a brilliant tactician and a model officer. Second, is Admiral Rae Sloane. Her record is completely clean and has led her fleet to many victories against the Rebels. Now the next two you may know them due to their experience in the Clone Wars. The first is Colonel Wulf Yuleran of ISB. He may be part of ISB, but he has proven to be an excellent tactician under General Anakin Skywalker in the Clone Wars. Last but not least is Captain Gilad Pellaeon, captain of the Star Destroyer Chimaera in Lord Vader’s Death Squadron. I know he is just a Captain, but his feats during the Clone Wars and when he was temporarily under my command during the Battle of Corsin has proven to me that his promotion is long overdue. These 4 have proven that they are more competent than many commanders.We need military commanders more than ever right now.” Thrawn said while remembering Admiral Konstantine.

Palpatine contemplated this. Thrawn was correct, they need better military commanders. His candidates may raise some eyebrows, but their records proved they’re worthy of holding the rank of Grand Admiral. If this was another officer, he would’ve downright refused them, but he learned to never doubt Thrawn and trust him.

“You have brought up some excellent candidates Grand Admiral. Very well, I will summon them to Courscant along with the other Grand Admirals. Do you have any other proposals?”

“Yes milord, I suggest commanders to show restraint, and do anything in their power to prevent civilian casualties. I have met many officers who were horrified by atrocities committed by members of the military. Many of the Rebels’ commanders were in fact, former Imperial Officers. The Rebels would never have been as strong as they are know if these officers never joined them. We must implement measures against any atrocities to prevent anymore officers from joining the Rebels.

Palpatine stared at Thrawn with a blank look at his face. At first, he felt anger when he mentioned the Imperial traitors, but Thrawn is correct again. They must prevent anymore talented officers from defecting. Killing would do no good as it will just be a waste of talent, and it will only encourage more to defect. The majority defected because of the Empire’s brutal campaigns to wipe out or enslave inhabitants of entire planets. Speaking of which, Palpatine noted to speak to Tarkin about exceeding his authority when he ordered the destruction of Alderaan.

“Very well, Grand Admiral.”

“One last thing milord. A group of commanders and I have started a petition to abolish slavery and replace our workers in the production facilities with droids. By doing so, we’ll regain the support from the populace and again, deny the Rebels a propaganda tool.”

“And who are these commanders Grand Admiral?” Palpatine asked intrigued.

“Besides myself, there is Admiral Piett, Grand Admiral Grunger, Moff Jerjerrod, Moff Kaine, Admiral Rax, Admiral Sloane, General Ziering, Admiral Daala, Grand Admiral Teshik, General Veers, General Tagge, and um, Lord Vader.”

Palpatine raised and eyebrow before chuckling. General Tagge is clearly trying to expand TaggeCo by developing droids for the Empire’s use, not a bad move. As for Vader, this came at a surprise. His apprentice has finally decided to take a stand instead of acting like a child and only following his orders. The fact that this many influential officers AND Lord Vader supporting this cause impressed him. This is the first time a group of high ranking officers stood up to him without trying to kill him at the same time.

“Hehehe, it’s about time they grew a backbone. Very well Grand Admiral, I will consult with my advisors and meet with General Tagge. I can imagine Grand Admiral Pitta will not be pleased.” Palpatine chuckled.

“To be frank milord, Pitta is better off dead.”

“I agree, I will assemble all of the Grand Admirals in Coruscant. By the time you arrive, all of your proposals should be approved. What is the situation of the rest of your fleet?” Palpatine asked.

“Admiral Dorja and the Intimidator with her escorts took control of the Mon Calamari shipyards. They’re currently mopping up resistance on the planet and will return to guard the Death Star. By that time, myself and the rest of my fleet would already have arrived at Celes-4 waiting for their arrival. I will leave for Celes-4 the moment our meeting is finished. Admiral Dorja reported that the Mon Calamari shipyards were not the only shipyards the Rebels’ possess. There is no information on their location as only the highest commanders there knew its location, but they all perished when their flagship was destroyed.”

“That is most unfortunate, but what’s done is done. I trust you will gain this Princess Celestia’s favor?”

“Yes milord, she seems to be very Pro-Imperial. With the reports of the scientists’ discoveries on Celes-4, Director Krennic’s laboratories can start producing weapons that will tip the scales in our favor against them. Of course, this must be kept a secret from the Princess, although I do not know how long we can maintain this secret. Admiral Cyrus has already discovered a perfect location for the laboratory, far from civilization and easy to protect.”

“Very good Grand Admiral, do anything in your power to gain her favor. I sense the inhabitants on that planet will have a severe impact on the galaxy and I intend to have it in our favor. For now, I await your arrival on Coruscant. Your proposals may turn the tide against these Rebels.”

“Yes milord.” Thrawn said as the hologram turned off.

A few minutes later, Thrawn walked into the bridge of the Victorious and stared out its window before an officer walked up to him.

“Captain, plot course to Coruscant. Tell the rest of the fleet to head to Naval Station Validusia. We will rendezvous there. Admiral Motti’s fleet will arrive shortly to guard the Death Star.” Thrawn said while still staring out the window.

“Yes sir.” The captain said.