Orson Krennic

> "We stand here amidst MY achievement! Not yours!"
> — Orson Krennic, to Wilhuff Tarkin
>
>

**Orson Callan Krennic** was a human male who served as Director of the Imperial Military Department of Advanced Weapons Research, which belonged to Imperial Intelligence and the Imperial Security Bureau during the Imperial Era. Additionally, he was the commander of the Death Star up to the beginning of the Galactic Civil War.

Born on Lexrul fifty-one years before the Battle of Yavin during the Republic Era, Krennic began his career as a Lieutenant Commander in the Galactic Republic. Following the Clone Wars, he was promoted to Commander and later the fleet equivalent of Admiral upon the formation of the Galactic Empire. Persistent and ambitious, Krennic was responsible for the development and construction of the Empire's enormous Death Star superweapon. An old friend of crystallographer Doctor Galen Erso, Krennic manipulated the brilliant scientist into researching synthetic kyber crystals under the pretext of researching sustainable energy. In reality, Krennic weaponized Erso's crystal research for the battle station's planet-killing superlaser, hoping this would place him above his long-time rival Governor Wilhuff Tarkin and win the favor of Emperor Palpatine.

Krennic was also held accountable for security of Project Stardust, quelling rumors of the Empire's secret enterprise for the two decades of its assembly. For these many purposes he commanded a squad of death troopers, serving as both his guards and strike force when the Director found himself in battle. Director Krennic perished when the Death Star was used by Tarkin during the Battle of Scarif along with the garrison, his guard, and the ground forces of the Rebel Alliance.

## **Personality and traits**

> "We were on the verge of greatness. We were this close to providing peace, security for the galaxy."
> "You're confusing peace with terror."
> "Well, we have to start somewhere."
> ― Orson Krennic and Galen Erso
>
>

Orson Krennic was a human male with short gray hair, blue eyes, and light skin. He wore a white Imperial military uniform, similar to those used by members of the Imperial Security Bureau, with an unusual addition of a white cape not commonly seen on other Imperial officers.

Krennic sought to earn the favor of Emperor Palpatine, using his knowledge of the Empire's system to manipulate it and ascend in the Imperial hierarchy. He was known to be unpredictable and volatile. During his time as part of the Futures Program, Krennic was renowned for his "nocturnal carousing" and partying, as well as frequently coming to Galen's rescue to ward off his tormentors. Having worked his way up the hierarchy through his own drive and determination, Krennic had a high opinion of his own skills and felt that he deserved respect. He was not afraid to go toe-to-toe with other highly placed officials of the Empire, such as Mas Amedda and even Darth Vader, though, in the case of the latter, quite foolishly.

Krennic was devoid of many human qualities such as compassion, mercy and regard for innocent lives. Additionally, he remarked on the subsequent cloud of flame and smoke as something of beauty, show no remorse of having just murdered hundreds of thousands of innocent people. He was also dismissive of the Force, speaking of having just destroyed the last remnants of the Jedi with undisguised pride.

Unlike some Imperial officers, Krennic was a man of action, not afraid to take matters into his own hands if needed. He was also somewhat sarcastic, especially when irritated with his underlings' incompetence. In battle, Krennic had a DT-29 heavy blaster pistol which he owned personally.

## **Appearances**

* *Legacy of Jarik Shan - Volume 5: Rebirth* — "Chapter 29: A Galaxy in Uproar" (mentioned only)
* *Legacy of Jarik Shan - Volume 5: Rebirth* — "Chapter 69: Wolves of Dume Pt 2" (mentioned only)
* *Legacy of Jarik Shan - Volume 5: Rebirth* — "Chapter 72: World Between Worlds" (mentioned only)
* *Legacy of Jarik Shan - Volume 5: Rebirth* — "Chapter 73: A Fool's Hope" (mentioned only)
* *Legacy of Jarik Shan - Volume 6: Children of the Force* (will appear)
* *Galactic Civil War* — "Chapter 3: The Distress Call" (first mentioned)