GM Note: Yep, a second quest while the first one is still ongoing. But I had this idea some time back and it wouldn't leave me, so here we go.
The galaxy burns in the fires of war. Standing in an impeccably designed room, with reports all around you, only one other man stands within it. Voss, one of the few people you respect, stares at reports alongside you. The Emperor has died, one of the few possibilities you hadn't accounted for. He should have ordered you to join him alongside his forces at the Battle of Endor, while you may not have been able to prevent the truly miraculous victories achieved by the Rebellion, you're confident that you would have done far more damage to the ragtag rebel fleet.
But in the chaos, there is an opportunity that must be seized. Even if your own commitments mean such a possibility will be more difficult than you had hoped. The Ssi-Ruu invade the galaxy, while you must also deal with the former Grand Admiral Zaarin. The Empire itself continues to splinter as the deep rivalries between Moffs will soon transition to outright war.
The only groups that you truly believe have a chance of taking the galaxy can be counted on one hand. Admiral Zsinj, while he may lack the capability for more subtle action, is a formidable admiral. And not someone you would prefer to meet on the battlefield with the numbers you currently wield. The Pentastar Alignment under Ardus Kaine may be somewhat isolationist, but it is for good reason. Kaine is competent and patient, and he has developed a rather stable dictatorship in a mere few years.
Then there is the Rebellion, a force that may be ragtag and disparate, but displays deep unity along with an ideological cause. Zealots in essence. Their artwork is proud and crisp, contrasting colors mixing to form a definitive statement, they are here to stay. Even when the Empire was at its height, prior to Yavin, they were a thorn in your side. Now, with their victories and accomplishments, their morale and fervor will be unending. But they come with weaknesses as well. Their very goal hamstrings them for a simple reason.
You don't believe Democracy works. The Republic died thanks to it, and Democracies are slow and unwieldy, taking months to make a decision in a galaxy this large. No, to secure to the galaxy, a dictatorship is needed, and perhaps you can be that leader.
But even your own skills may not be enough for the task at hand. You hold a mere 30 thousand planets, a tiny fraction of the systems within the galaxy. And you have but a single world capable of producing frigates and cruisers. Star destroyers and above are beyond your reach for the immediate future.
The economy itself is in shambles as a galactic recession hits. Where once your income stream was stable, it has now cratered to unacceptable levels. Piracy looms as a threat for the future in these dire times, as your fleet of a mere 300 vessels, only 20 of which are Imperial Star Destroyers, will be overstretched. But there is one ship that you can rely on, a single Executor that you command. Now all that remains is to decide what must be done. And to see if the galaxy can handle the plans of Grand Admiral Thrawn.
Long Term Goals for Thrawn (Pick One)
[] The galaxy was stable under the Empire. But while the Emperor had some good ideas many of his actions were flawed. With you at the head, a new age of stability will be brought to the galaxy, and should he return, then you will be the power behind the throne, or perhaps the power alongside him. (Path of the Emperor) *This path involves creating a new Empire and when Palpatine returns, working alongside him.*
[] The galaxy is unstable, but you do not have the time to create the ideal government with you at the top. The galaxy needs forces capable of standing on their own against the threats to come, and you will make it so. Even if you are not one of them. (Path of the Bastion) *This path involves accepting that attempting to take control of the galaxy may not be possible, and so another power will need to become a superpower, or perhaps even multiple powers.*
[] The galaxy is unstable, and in that instability, none know what may happen. And so, your goals shall be flexible, based on circumstance and your own personal desires. (Path of the Reactionary) *This path means that Thrawn's future is uncertain and reactionary. While it cedes the initiative, it allows for a more flexible future to work towards.*
[] The Empire has failed, and in this new galaxy, a new power must rise. The mistakes of the old Empire must be learned from, but so should its successes. The Emperor was its failure, and you will ensure that what succeeds it will be seen different from its founding. A benevolent dictatorship, the ideal form of government. And should the Emperor return, he will find a galaxy that does not want him. (Path of the Dictator) *This path involves creating a new empire, but unlike the Path of the Empire, it explicitly rejects Palpatine and the Tarkin Doctrine.*
[] Write-in
But even you can't do this alone. You are not so arrogant to assume that just your military skill will allow for your success. At your command, the call for the greatest military commanders, the best diplomats, the best economist, the best spymaster, and even the call for a Force user went out. If you wish to accomplish your goals, then you must work with the best the galaxy has to offer.
GM Note: The next post will be on advisor options as I have fluffed out quite a few.