I am not sure where the confusion is, but the official sources both StarWars.com and Star Wars Insider- both run by Lucas and considered good sources of information; say Thrawn was promoted to his rank of Grand Admiral after defeating the traitor Zarin who wanted to make himself Emperor. One source (No I cannot remember which one) said that the Emperor sent Thrawn to conquer the Unknown regions and quietly funneled ships and troops to Thrawn as needed. I will try to dig stuff up for you guys, but I am having problems with my kidneys again, so it may be a while.Sorry.-GM Conway