Standash Thul
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Post by Standash Thul on May 10, 2022 21:37:26 GMT -8
It had been a month and a half since Standash had sent Akulas on her training mission. The stateswoman would never admit it, but she was nervous. She had put a lot of effort into the girl, and this was a big risk. The reward was worth it, and it would likely keep the girl alive. With Akulas's absence, other lesser leaders were growing out of this class. The training had shifted to more escort, VIP defense, and small squad engagement. This class wasn't going to be a mass deployed battlefield legion, but closer to the 501st under Anikan in the last days of the Republic. Their wars and battles would be different. She was very pleased. She was so pleased that she sent out a message to their future general. Octavian DelvardusGreetings Prince. It has been too long. I would like to formally invite you for a weekend to New Carida to inspect the troops you will soon lead. We await your arival.Standash did not mention Akulas's mission. This channel was secure and that information was need to know. The prince didn't need to know that yet. Besides, she had to talk to the boy about the girl a bit. She had to learn about his feeling. The dancing situation had come up in a few meetings with other Moffs and leaders. A lot of people were curious, many had requested an audience with the cadet. Standash was happy she sent her away. She hoped that her relationship with the prince would encourage him to speak freely.
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Post by Octavian Delvardus on May 14, 2022 21:37:46 GMT -8
Octavian formally came to visit New Carida within a few days time. He had been on Coruscant, visiting family and friends, while also getting some relaxation after a recent mission. The young Imperial came to the Stormtrooper Academy of the planet where he was welcomed and received well. Not as public as his father, but nonetheless, a face known given his mirror image of his father. The red-armored Imperial Knight came with a detachment of the 501st and a handful of trusted companions who were fellow Knights themselves. The first day there, Octavian oversaw a military exercise between two cadet regiments, met with some of the trainees at their dorms and cafeteria, and even got a little hands on experience with the drill of a Stormtrooper the following day.
Upon the third day, the Crown Prince came to visit the Grand Moff. Their meetings in the past, during his child and as a young adult, were still ever present in his mind. Octavian thanked all who had helped him develop into someone that, hopefully, his late mother, Illaria, would be proud of. And so, the turbolift brought him to the office of the Academy's overseer and Grand Moff within this sector. A knock was heard upon the door of Standash's office as the Prince awaited to be let in.
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Standash Thul
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Post by Standash Thul on May 15, 2022 17:07:09 GMT -8
The Grand Moff had been keeping tabs on the Prince's time on the planet. She debriefed anyone he really interacted with. She was interested in what he saw, what he wanted, and any questions he would ask. Many had felt that he was looking for someone, but didn't want to come out and say he was looking for someone specific. Each cadet expected that it could be them when he spoke, but all left the interaction knowing it wasn't them. She was waiting in her office, the white and black stone was always well polished, but today it reflected like a mirror. She was standing at the window that overlooked most of the academy grounds. She keyed the door but did not turn around. Yes, he was the prince, but officially today he was here as a knight at the request of a Grand Moff. She did smile when he entered and said. Welcome to New Carida... I am a little disappointed that I wasn't your first stop on your visit.She, of course, knew what or who he had been secretly looking for. Though, she was beginning to think that the prince himself didn't realize he was looking for someone.I had pastry made up for your arrival, though I feel it is not s good as it was fresh. Still without taking her eyes off the training grounds she indicated a tray of sweet bread with a creamy fruit filling on the end of her stone desk. I trust you are getting acclimated to the planet's gravity or is the Force helping with that? Her body language was a request to join her at the window.
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Post by Octavian Delvardus on May 18, 2022 19:40:06 GMT -8
Lightly, the Imperial Knight taps on his crimson armor.
The armor and the Force help, Grand Moff. It isn't too bad though.
Octavian says as he looks out the window too, noticing the commanding view that she had as overseer of this Stormtrooper Academy. He proceeds over, pausing to see the sweet bread tray upon her stone desk. The Imperial felt a little bad about not coming to see her first, but he had learned from his father's visits to make a public appearance. It was good the cadets to meet with their Crown Prince and future Emperor. And Octavian also knew why his father insisted; social skills.
He came over to Standash, standing right beside her as he looked down from the window. He turns to the Grand Moff.
The cadets are in high spirits. I am certainly looking forward to those who will be joining the 222nd when they are ready.
He had seen the reports. New Carida was a well organized and efficient academy. Thomas Zahn, the headmaster for the Corulag Academy likely had his work cut out for him if he wanted to match with New Carida. Although, plenty still preferred the prestigious ones located on Bastion and Coruscant.
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Standash Thul
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Post by Standash Thul on May 19, 2022 20:44:18 GMT -8
When your father assigned me here, I didn't think I would have liked it.She still hadn't taken her eyes off the training below her to look at the young man. She was very perceptive and knew how to use reflections to look around her office. She had heard rumors from some of those under her that they suspected she was Force sensitive herself. That assumption used to make her sick, now it just made her smile. It kept people doubting her and unsure of what she was capable of. She had learned, as important as it is to have something in reserve, let others think you have even more in reserve. She motioned to the academy grounds beneath them. The format Supreme Chancellor, youngest ever, of the republic, the former President of the Galactic Alliance Senate... Made the Moff of a frozen world that produced the frontline troopers for the First Order. It lacked the prestige I was used to. Cardia does not produce special forces, no fancy commando units, no anti-Jedi specialists, they make soldiers. They hold and take cities and planets. They protect and capture objectives. They listen to order, and most importantly they die to win wars. It was that last part I have grown to understand most... They win wars. The fancy academies create amazing individuals and contributors, but those troops don't win a battle. Their work lets these men and women win the day. And they will never be praised for it. I thought this post was a punishment, for spending time on the other side. I am sure others thought that was the case. In the end... I was wrong to question your father's wisdom. I am uniquely qualified for this role. I can see people. I see their strength and make them realize their value. You will fight wars Octavian when you rule the empire. And troops from Bastion Coruscant and if Zahn isn't careful Corulag will win medals for themselves in those wars. But these men and women... They will win your victories.Finaly she turns and give the young man a quick hug.It is good to see you Octavian. I am sad we didn't get to talk more on Revlin. How are you doing?
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Post by Octavian Delvardus on Jun 23, 2022 19:44:21 GMT -8
Octavian listened attentively to what the Grand Moff had to say about her assignment to New Carida. It was natural to feel what she had felt, given her history. And yet, she came to the First Order as a real foreigner at the ascension of the First Order's early rise to dominance. He was but a boy when this had happened, but many times was the story told of the Imperial push into the Core regions and the eventually liberation of Coruscant from lawlessness and debauchery. It was on par with the nostalgia of the Reconquest of the Rim by the Old Empire during the early days of the First Imperial Period. And when Standash Thul came to the First Order, the records stated that the Emperor welcomed her into the fold, then sent her off to be assigned to the New Carida Stormtrooper Academy. It was certainly hardly a glamorous beginnings for her new career.
There is one way to look at it though, Grand Moff.
Octavian begins to remark as he thinks over her words.
My father placed you here to prove yourself. He wanted those, who had been with him since before the rise of the First Order, to dispel any thoughts or forming accusations against your person and your past loyalties. He wanted to give something that you had never done before and see your reaction.
The young prince turns to look down at the young cadets.
A lesser individual would have complained, rebuked, and fumed. Perhaps even used this opportunity to plan sedition by sabotaging a whole generation of loyal cadets of the Empire. And yet, you... you accepted your assignment and proved your worth. You made this academy alive and prestigious as it once was under the Old Empire.
Octavian turns to the Grand Moff, but is surprised by the quick hug she gave him. Slightly, his social anxiety did spike just a tad bit, but mostly because the Imperial just wasn't ready for such a gesture. However, though she was not family, Octavian still viewed Standash as such. She had been there and dispensed wisdom when he was young. Lightly, the Imperial Knight would give a hug back before speaking further.
I was... well... you saw what happened. I was in good company and it was hard to break away. As for how I am, as well as can be. Being an Imperial Knight keeps me busy, thankfully. I have only just returned from a mission to Nirauan in coordination with Imperial Intelligence. How are you though, Miss Thul?
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Standash Thul
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Post by Standash Thul on Jul 5, 2022 21:05:07 GMT -8
Your father knows real value and he knows what needs to be done. He needed someone that could see the value of this place the way he saw it. It took me a week or so, but I saw it. He is wiser than even he knows. Don't tell him I said that.She winked at the young man It is good to hear you are well. I worry about you Octavian. You spend far too much time with... She was going to say Brock, but she caught herself. The young man was his own person, and he had been influenced by many different people. And Brock had many good qualities, even though she hated to admit it.With too many dangerous people. Though you do spend time with me, so I guess I can't complain about that too much.She goes to sit at her desk, her body language beckons him to sit with her. She doesn't sit in her chair, instead hopping on the stone desk. Miss Thul? You sound a little bit like your father there... I am fine. Worried a lot, but that's the job. All and all I am well. I have been missing people lately... I am sure you know what that's like?
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Post by Octavian Delvardus on Jul 14, 2022 20:30:31 GMT -8
Octavian coughed slightly at the last remark, rubbing his throat some in order to hide what would have easily been an obvious reaction.
Unfortunately, my duties as an Imperial Knight make it hard to know so.
It was a white lie. The Imperial had been thinking of someone, someone who had been persistent and even, at first, didn't know who he was. Still, Octavian wasn't just going to admit that to just anyone. Even his father and stepmother were suspecting something and messages from Fiora indicated that she had her own suspicions too. Everyone in the Empire had seen that dance on Bastion after all, whether in person or through the HNN media.
Need not worry about me though, Grand Moff.
Octavian remarks about her earlier statement about her own worry, given his company.
I have good comrades, companions, and subordinates. Father was keen to ensure I got to know those of my age and my travels have allowed me to meet others with all kinds of backgrounds. I am fortunate to have those who I can rely upon.
It had become known that the young prince was gathering quite the cadre of individuals. They were rising stars among the youth and believed to be among the cream of future generation to the Empire. They were from both streets and comfort, had the ability to utilize their talents, and their ties with the Crown Prince afforded them the privilege to nurture and grow further. These would likely be the tacticians, strategists, right hands, and inner circle of the future Emperor.
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Standash Thul
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Post by Standash Thul on Aug 1, 2022 19:34:56 GMT -8
She smiled at the response to him missing people. She had heard the rumors. about her protege and the prince. She had predicted them as well. That was a contributing factor in her sending Akulas away these few months. The girl was not ready for galactic scrutiny yet. Standash had trained her in many things, but the girl had been hard to hear the social criticism training. She was going to get a baptism by fire here soon. You have had a lot of experience with this. You have been traveling for most of your life. I guess I was the same same growing up. It is a fun exercise to see who made us who we are today. I don't know if you remember our conversation when you were little. It was the first time you and I really talked. We spoke about those that help influance us and make us who we are. We never do stop growing. I am not the same person I was that day. Today, I am well... I respect him, but at the time I hated your unc...She caught herself again.Some people in the court. Things change, those that influance us change. It was not her place to pry into the teenagers emotions, but she chose to anyway.Have you found anyone new to influance you recently?
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Post by Octavian Delvardus on Aug 4, 2022 17:15:21 GMT -8
Ah yes, his uncle, Brock Ferrum. Octavian had taken notice of the pair himself. A number of times, he overheard his father speaking with his stepmother about the future of his uncle. Ever the patriarch, Nicademus wanted all of his family to find their special someone and to be attached to those they came to care for. People who would become like brothers, sisters, and, for the extra special, more than just simply a companion. It did make the prince wonder what his father had plotting for his uncle.
At the question, Octavian's eyebrow went up slightly. Anyone new to influence him? The male takes a moment to contemplate.
Any new influences? Well... there was the recent addition of Roderick Rus, the son of the Governor of Bastion, Heinrich. He is an Imperial Army officer, looking to join the Stormtrooper Corps and seems wanting to get in at Corulag, closer to home of course.
Octavian thinks some more, contemplating a little bit on anyone else.
Well... I wouldn't call her an influence, but Akulas has certainly been a new experience. After all, I have only known my brothers and sisters within the Imperial Knights and those who joined my circle of companions early on. It is hard to say, I will admit. But certainly a new experience that happened on Ravelin.
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Standash Thul
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Post by Standash Thul on Sept 3, 2022 13:25:34 GMT -8
Ahh yes. She smiles here the names. Good people with a variety of perspectives. She would never publicly admit to the quality of the Corulag academy. She respected the Grand Marshall of course, that was no secret. Each academy had a different philosophy, and influences from those perspectives would be a good thing. I will have to keep an eye on Rodrick. If you would like, I could have him heavily recruited here. Knowing I want him may make the Grand Marshall want him even more.
She was not expecting the Prince to bring up Akulas. This entire thing had caught her entirely off guard. Ahh yes... My young Cadet... I was hoping you would bring her up... I must be honest with Octavian, you both caught me very off guard and unprepared. Not many have been able to do that. I may not have your Force, but I am good at understanding people and predicting their actions. You two... both of you acted unexpectedly.
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Post by Octavian Delvardus on Oct 29, 2022 21:47:25 GMT -8
Octavian chuckles at the offer made by the Grand Moff in terms of his friend, Roderick Rus.
The Grand Marshal already wants him very well. His father is well known as the patron of many Bastion recruits that go to the various academies across the Empire. You likely have seen his signature and stamp on referral papers. Not to mention that he has friends in high places.
The Grand Marshal, and the Grand Admiral to that extent, had great interests in the Imperial sectors that were once the core of the First Order before its expansion south. It had a couple of good shipyards, mining potentials, a handful of capable agri-worlds, and Governor Rus had friends in many of these places. Friends that would benefit from Imperial patronage and help secure anyone's future in terms of associates, patrons, and more.
At Thul's talk about Akulas, Octavian knew what she spoke of. The next day, the Imperial HNN was all over the topic and his father, usually a more private man, did not stop their coverage of the dance between the Crown Prince and an Stormtrooper cadet. All made speculations and estimations, with talks being hopeful and others shaking their heads. There was certainly gossip everywhere now and Octavian sighed.
It was... unexpected. Her suggestion and I went with it. Decided to finally have some fun rather than lurking about. Seems to have caught a lot of attention though and I hope it hasn't been too centered on her. Cadet Akulas doesn't deserve to be hounded with questions and guesses, even among her own peers.
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Standash Thul
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Post by Standash Thul on Nov 7, 2022 21:30:41 GMT -8
She chuckles a bit. Genuine, but quick.Well that is one of the things about the young Cadet Colonel... She is able to focus on very specific things and blocks out all others. HNN has been trying to find their way in here since the party. They quickly learned one of the things about me... I am in charge here. They didn't make it as far as the front door. And their expensive flying droid cameras have made excellent target practice. Be ready to hear a number of reports of all of my flaws and mistakes here soon. The press doesn't like to be kept from what they feel entitled to. As for her peers, we are able to keep a pretty tight lid on information in the Academy. They know that the Cadet they all look up to was at a big party and danced with someone above her status... Here that makes her a hero. The other academies can have their status and families of note, I focus on good soldiers. Most come from small and poor families. They have no idea she was dancing with the Crown Prince. I felt it pertinent to send her away for special training. She left the planet a few days ago actually. She is well hidden. If she survives this training, you can assure your Crush... Your Captain will be the most efficient leader you could have serve by your side. She smiled a mischievous grin at the teenager. She always felt she could be friendly and frank with him. The teasing and prodding to see if he was still thinking of Akulas that way.
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Post by Octavian Delvardus on Dec 8, 2022 21:21:18 GMT -8
Special training? A means to make her more effective as a leader? If anyone know what this was, it would be Imperial Intelligence. Nothing could be hidden from the hands and eyes of Director Piett. Likely, if Octavian asked, the Director would know the answer and without any hesitation. Nonetheless, Octavian would neither ask Piett nor the Grand Moff Thul. It wasn't his place after all. He was neither Emperor nor of any significant relationship to Akulas. He was but a dance partner for that event after all.
Grand Moff... I believe it presumptuous to claim she is my crush.
He didn't sound insulted, but Octavian wasn't sure what Akulas was to him. The fact he was talking about her must indicate something. At times, when he meditated, the Crown Prince could feel his mind think of her. The Imperial Knight was confused, deep down, but did his best to remain composed and calm, just like his father, the Emperor.
So... she will graduate when she returns and join the small regiments that I command then?
The mention of Captain made the Imperial ask.
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Standash Thul
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Post by Standash Thul on Jan 14, 2023 20:34:31 GMT -8
She looks at him knowing. The color in your cheeks betrays you. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me, and she can handle herself. And, if I may be so bold you have made a good choice. She is a cunning warrior, the best leader I have ever met, kind to a fault, and genuine. And I would guess she is rather attractive as well. She puts her hand on the boy's shoulder. I am sorry and I have been there. People like us, with our upbringing, do not always get to make every choice. They are often made for us, especially at this point in your career. People think you are in control. Akulas and her class have been assigned to your task force. She will be promoted to the Captain of your Command and Guard. I expected you would have been told.
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Post by Octavian Delvardus on Jan 15, 2023 22:23:56 GMT -8
Grand Moff Thul had been like an Aunt during his younger years. Although, now, there were strong rumors that she may become family soon enough. Octavian had noticed conversations between his father and his uncle, Brock Ferrum, over matters of family and future. Some within the Imperial Knights and among the Palace staff had heard too and thus the rumors began to spread that the Emperor intended for his half-brother and the Grand Moff to marry. For the betterment of Brock's future, mostly. The Emperor had long desired to see Brock settle down just like Baltasar and himself had done with their respective partners.
So given the fact that Thul was like an Aunt, it was hard to hide anything from her. Octavian had been told, by Faina, that women were good with understanding the thoughts of men by how they looked, talked, and presented themselves. The Crown Prince had hoped to not betray anything, but it didn't work it seemed.
I remember my father's statement on Bastion, Grand Moff. I just was wondering if that was still to be honored and made official.
Octavian kept everything professional and composed. Standash didn't need to know too much after all.
I hope they are ready to be dragged about wherever I go though.
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Standash Thul
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Posts: 1,377
Affiliation: First Order
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Post by Standash Thul on Jan 16, 2023 10:30:29 GMT -8
Don't worry my prince. I am particularly skilled at things like this. Reading people. I don't have your gifts in the Force, but I have made up for them in other areas. There are only a handful of people in the Empire that could read you like this. And do not worry, despite my best efforts, Akulas isn't one of them. As for your troops... They are ready for that. That's what they were trained to do. They go wherever needed and fight every battle that needs to be fought. They win wars and engagements. They hold planets and resources. They guard and escort. They are soldiers of the Empire. They don't do it for honor, promotion, or glory. They do it because it needs to be done and that's their job... She sits on her desk. Her look changes. She does not attempt to hide the sadness from her face, voice, or spirit. That is not what they do best though. This academy produces the best troops in the galaxy because it produces them to die and be replaced... Of course, we want them to live, but not for the value of them as people. We like them living because it's cheaper and more efficient than training replacements. But replacements are trained and ready for when the value of the objective overcomes the value of efficiency. She stifles a choke in her voice, and refuses to shed the tear that wants to come out. I have become a good Imperial. There was a time when this kind of thing would have wrecked me. It is one of the features that makes your uncle reluctant to do the thing we both know is coming and has to be done. Hell, I destroyed a centuries-old government for being this cynical. But I was just a foolish girl. But every now and then, that foolish girl takes hold of me. That's why Akulas isn't here. I sent her way to learn how to survive. If Piett knew what I did and where I sent her, I can assure you, you and I wouldn't be having this conversation. But I can assure you, if she returns, she will return ready to serve by your side, in every capacity, for the rest of your life. She will not be easy to kill, and those directly under her wont be either.
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