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Ravelin
Jun 4, 2023 14:26:54 GMT -8
Post by Octavian Delvardus on Jun 4, 2023 14:26:54 GMT -8
Several months had passed since the beginning of Octavian's reign. Much was done in a short time as adjustments to the government were made, weeding out the bad apples and employing those of merit over birth right. Policies that had been instated by Nicademus and continued on by Octavian, his successor. With the year anniversary of his reign looming some months later, the young Emperor decided to take a tour of the Outer Rim territories, starting off at Bilbringi, then onto Adumar, and along to Muunilinst, and now presently at Bastion. There, a conference was held by leading officials of both the sector governments and local militaries where the Emperor could show his thanks and gratitude for their loyalty, long services, and due diligence.
Ravelin was alive with buzzing activity now as the once center of government for the Fel Empire, the Imperial Palace, hosted a number of notables from what was once the core territories of the First Order during its early years. Moffs gathered with their families, commanders stood in formal dress, and officials conversed with their colleagues as all basked in the glory of their Empire and were due attention by Nicademus' successor. This meant that Octavian was rather busy with a lot of political and public events, showing his face more than ever in his lifetime. He waved to crowds, shook hands with Imperial governors, and toured the garrison of Bastion which had several companies of the 501st Legion present. There was even a mock battle between them and local defensive troops on the outskirts of Ravelin for all to spectate.
Today marked now the eighth day of his stay on Bastion. The Emperor had a certain fondness for the planet and the populace could tell. From here, he even performed daily governance as expected of the leader of the First Order before getting on with the other tours and events. However, upon this day, Octavian felt something... was off. There was a shift in the Force that caused him to look up and around more than often. A strange sensation, but one he could not understand why of all days though.
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Ryn Zahn
The First Order
Posts: 2 
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Ravelin
Jun 12, 2023 9:56:29 GMT -8
Post by Ryn Zahn on Jun 12, 2023 9:56:29 GMT -8
“Whenever two people meet, there are really six people present. There is each man as he sees himself, each man as the other person sees him, and each man as he really is.”
At the age of 28 Ryn Zahn has had more names and identities than she has had birthdays, and is not, technically speaking, even on Bastion now; Masina Duch, a photographer in the Imperial Press Corps, however, is in Ravelin as a part of the press group covering the Emperor's tour of the Outer Rim Territories. Ryn has used her Masina identity, which is fully backed up with all of the credentials and history needed to ensure that it is airtight and passes all of the necessary security checks needed for her to be present at the gathering of Moffs, officials and other guests of the Emperor, many times throughout her time in the ISB, and plays the role with a practiced ease and familiarity, inhabiting it completely from the way she dresses right down to the holocam droid she directs to capture the event in images, some of which might even be used in the stories the other journalists present are allowed to publish about the Emperor's tour. The other journalists are a much more noticeable presence than Masina, who simply blends into the background of the gathering with her unobtrusive demeanor, mousy blonde chin length hair and attire that was carefully chosen to walk the line between just dressy enough to fit in with the invited guests and just casual and rumpled enough to not be out of place for a member of the Imperial Press Corps.
The dull grey holocam droid, guided by Ryn as Masina to be every bit as inconspicuous as she is as it snaps images of the Emperor interacting with the Moffs and other officials without getting too close or making any rapid movements that might draw one's eye to it, is, much like Masina herself, not exactly what it appears to be either, having been outfitted with sensor, surveillance and audio recording equipment that automatically encrypts and relays information to one of the R4 courier droids the Press Corps have on site to be sent along to the Imperial Intelligence's Analysis Bureau to be reviewed by analysts for any hints of treason or anything of potential intelligence value. Getting such information to the Imperial Intelligence's Analysis Bureau is not why Ryn, as Masina, is on Bastion, but she often goes beyond the scope of her missions when opportunities to do so arise, and since she is here to link up with Lt. Roland Ferrum's forces at a later point, sees no reason not to continue the habit now. Why Roland, her fiancé and one of the only two individuals in the universe she trusts completely, has asked her to link up with his forces is something that Ryn, who will be meeting them under a different identity than the Masina one she uses now, has yet to learn, but she trusts that it will be clear once she meets with them at the appointed time.
Leaning against a wall near a cluster of Imperial Press Corps journalists chattering as they wait to get a chance to pester the Emperor for comments, Ryn as Masina is ignored by them as she uses her datapad to pretend to review the images her holocam droid, still floating around the room quietly and unobtrusively as it snaps more images, has taken so far while eavesedropping on the journalists and surreptitiously watching the Emperor, who seems to her to be distracted more often than not for some reason. The Emperor's apparent agitation, subtle as it is, makes Ryn feel more en garde than the situation would appear to warrant, and even though she knows he has guards aplenty to watch over him, she finds herself doing so as well, adding an additional, unknown, level of watchful vigilance over the young Emperor. |
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Ravelin
Jun 23, 2023 17:19:58 GMT -8
Post by Octavian Delvardus on Jun 23, 2023 17:19:58 GMT -8
During his extended visit to Bastion...Hm? Lost communication?A report came in, one afternoon, after the Emperor had spoken with army commanders within the Outer Rim. A handful were aged veterans, having served during his father's long reign, but there were a number of rising stars to meet. Even a cadre of Chiss and Mandalorians that joined the ranks of the Empire, finding opportunity to be much easier to achieve and explore. After this meeting, an attendant had arrived from the monitoring department for various communications within Imperial Intelligence. A datapad was in his hand as Octavian reviewed it calmly. He handed it off to Roderick Rus, his right-hand, who reviewed it.=Attendant= Yes, Your Majesty. Communications are either being blocked or sabotage has occurred, but the scale is rather... unprecedented.Roderick looks up at the Emperor.=Roderick= Very suspicious. This report indicates a loss of sixty-eight percent of military communication through the Deep Core, Core, and Colonies. And it seemed rather sudden too... communication logs show this all happening within the span of forty-eight hours.The Imperial scrolls through the datapad as Octavian looks over at his officer and then at the attendant. Something very suspicious was happening and it seemed he was being left in the dark. The Force didn't... betray anything sinister to him. In fact, all while on Bastion, there was plenty of ease and relaxation. Yet, the Force couldn't be relied upon for everything. Given these circumstances, a few notables had to be communicated with. A handful in fact.Have Imperial Intelligence use our secure channels to reach out to Grand Admiral Jenia Kasalle , Grand Marshals Baltasar and Thomas Zahn , as well as Vice Admiral Lucius Vasili . Also, try to get communications to my uncle, Brock, who was last known to be on the capital world as so too Colonel Roland Ferrum . I need answers immediately.The attendant bows to the Emperor before rushing off to relay the orders. The Grand Officers were needed to get in touch with and hear if they had heard anything. The Vice Admiral Vasili was last reported to be patrolling the Namadii Corridor between Bilbringi, Corulag, and the Imperial Center. What troubled him immensely was how Imperial Intelligence seemed to even have issues, they didn't find out till just a couple days later. Roderick took notice of the contemplative face on his liege.=Roderick= You think it could be that shadow we have been trailing for awhile?Octavian glances at Rus and nods his head.Perhaps...Imperial Intelligence had several files on a shadowy agent that was running within the Empire and had great expertise in sabotage and intelligence. There had been instances, mere glances, of Imperial agents coming across identifiers of this presence, namely in recent raids upon monitored facilities that were manned by what was believed to be some kind of contingent of messengers. They had been a few steps ahead though, resulting in cold trails. Not to mention, at the beginning of his reign, a number of officials and officers removed were found to have deleted communications in their logs by an Unknown sender or receiver. Not even Imperial Intelligence could crack the encryption. Everything led to a dead end or a stale trail.
Octavian then walks towards a view of Ravelin, gazing out at the active city. All seemed peaceful, but now, more than ever, there was an alertness within the Force.
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Jenia Kasalle
Databank Operations
Posts: 512
Affiliation: First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Ravelin
Jun 24, 2023 1:38:30 GMT -8
Post by Jenia Kasalle on Jun 24, 2023 1:38:30 GMT -8
The communication lines responded after some while flickering, when the holo image of Grand Admiral Kasalle came into view. Quite on time, even when other communication lines began too fail.
::Vigilance at your command, my Emperor::, she answered Octavian respectful, solely lowering her head in respect, as she refered to commanding at the moment one of the newer Bellator-class dreadnaughts, that were built by the First Order, ::I presume to already know, why I was contacted. While unfortunately I can't offer any intel in this situation, I have already tasked my most trusted advisors to establish links to the majority of the Muunilinst naval and military forces in hopes to bring back regions under our controll, once the blackout is gone.
On this magnitude, I do not believe in mere coincedence...::
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Lucius Vasili
The First Order
"Would you like a lesson in the rules of war?"
Posts: 123
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Ravelin
Jun 24, 2023 6:00:41 GMT -8
Post by Lucius Vasili on Jun 24, 2023 6:00:41 GMT -8
--It wasn't much later that a holo-image of the Vice-Admiral appeared, giving a bow of his head to the Emperor. Bring on the edge of the Eastern Rim ensured clearer communication as all silence seemed to had fallen over the Core worlds and further in as well as the Colonies. Such a disruption hadn't gone unnoticed as being on patrol, Vasili ensured open channels ready in case he needed assistance or another fleet did. It wasn't uncommon to hear nothing when all was well, so none thought to heavily on it at first. But the longer the silence endured, the more suspicious the Vice-Admiral became.
Once the doubt had appeared, Lucius had his officers doing all they could, contacting all they could to figure out anything. But nothing went through. He had opted to send a ship or two to head into the Core worlds to see what was going on, but was in the process of narrowing down the pathing to determine what was amiss where. It was a lot of territory to cover.--
My Lord. Task Force King Sword is standing by for your orders. We've been trying to contact the fleets patrolling in the core but can't seem to reach anyone. I've was in the process of mapping out a path for a few of my fleet to take into the area to see if there was anything to report or if contact could be made close by. However, it is difficult choosing with such a vast amount of territories. I do know that Captain Reyes ship, the Valahia is currently outside of those territories and could also provide aid with her stealth ships.
--He nodded, hearing that the Grand Admiral's thoughts mirrored his own.--
I agree with the Grand Admiral. A simple communication failure of this magnitude and focus is improbable, if not impossible. And for an enemy attack, typically it would be focused around a particular system at best. Unless this enemy has been playing the long game and setting things up to hit at the opportune moment...--He gave a short pause, not wanting to accept it himself, much less say it possible. It had been a year with nothing, so all seemed well with Octavian taking over the Empire. ...or someone is finally making a move against you, my Emperor. |
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Thomas Zahn
The First Order
Posts: 196
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Thomas Zahn on Jun 24, 2023 7:43:19 GMT -8
Zahn appeared soon after Jenia in holographic form, clad in his military dress uniform whilst seated behind a desk in his Office at the Academy on Corulag. It had become the 20th Army's staging point as well as the headquarters for the Frontier Armies Command over which Zahn was Grand Marshal. It wasn't as flashy as Muunilinst where Grand Admiral Kasalle was based from or Coruscant where his counterpart overseeing the Central Armies was located. But it served its role just fine.
As he sorted through some piles of physical files and moved around some virtual ones, he finally gave the Emperor a bow of his head in greeting. Like the others, he too had noticed the blackout in communications from agents and allies he had throughout the core regions. Efforts were already underway to re-establish them with TIE/OW Overwatch's having been sent to Coruscant and Kuat with priority
My apologies Your Majesty. This blackout in the Core has been troubling and most of my resources exist in the Frontier territories. But I've got a pair of Overwatch TIE fighters en-route to the region to get a report. Hopefully it's just that someone has taken out a relay somewhere by accident...
He didn't really believe that and he was pretty sure the Emperor would not either. Perhaps Baltasar or Brock might report in, or even the Dowager-Empress, to put their concerns to rest. If nothing else, maybe Roland might make contact with Ryn and report in
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Ravelin
Jun 24, 2023 11:22:43 GMT -8
Post by Octavian Delvardus on Jun 24, 2023 11:22:43 GMT -8
Of those who answered, only half of the important ones did. As the Grand Admiral, Grand Marshal, and Vice Admiral gave their reports, an ensign arrived, bearing a report on the situation with communicating the remainder on the list. The channel to the office of Grand Marshal Baltasar was thoroughly blocked off, not even a transmission signal was getting through. As for Brock and Roland Ferrum, Intelligence reported that these channels were being jammed. It confirmed that the pair were still on Coruscant as Brock remained on the capital to help run administration while Roland was due to depart for Bastion, his unit already present with a significant detachment of the 501st Legion on the planet. But, it did mean that something was happening in the heartlands of the Empire.
We have been unable to communicate with the Grand Marshal Baltasar, Steward Brock Ferrum, nor Colonel Roland Ferrum.
The young Emperor's gaze seemed to be a bit vacant, staring off into nothing for now. Something of this scale and with such sudden precision was a disruption unlike anything ever done before. Not even a terrorist organization could be able to garner such an effect. Only one as skilled as Imperial Intelligence agents would be able to kick this off without anyone noticing them.
Imperial High Command, Fel Tower, the Imperial Palace... all communications are jammed or blocked.
Octavian sighs. The Imperial Intelligence had even tried to directly communicate with his sister, Fiora. Her codes, they had been changed. Over half the empire was likely in sudden chaos with communications blacked out and who knows what transpiring. Not a single report could be extracted and even Intelligence agents in the region were unreachable for reasons unknown. Looking up now, Octavian gazed upon the three.
We have work to do while we try to understand what has happened.
He had discussed the decisive actions that needed to be done with Roderick and his trusted advisors.
Grand Admiral Kasalle, continued to rally what forces we can in case of anything. Position them at necessary checkpoints and ensure we can respond rapidly if need be. Vice Admiral Vasili, hold your position at Bilbringi till further notice. Coordinate with Grand Marshal Zahn in monitoring the traffic along the Namadii Corridor. And Grand Marshal, prepare to evacuate from Corulag if need be. We may need to consolidate before reacting if things prove to be worse than expected.
Already, Octavian could feel stress in his neck and exhaustion. How had his father been able to act this way for so many years without issue? Many had said that Octavian would be ruling over a most peaceful and stable time for the resurgent Empire and now? Now it seemed that one of the greatest crisis of the First Order had descended upon it overnight.
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Jenia Kasalle
Databank Operations
Posts: 512
Affiliation: First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Ravelin
Jun 26, 2023 9:53:22 GMT -8
Post by Jenia Kasalle on Jun 26, 2023 9:53:22 GMT -8
The Grand Admiral affirmed the given command upon hers, knowing that her Emperor could trust her on this task.
::Understood, my Emperor::, she responded briefly, :: I will make sure in soon time that our forces will be gathered and be reminded of whom they owe their loyality. We will secure our borders against any threat until the instigator of this... coup is found.::
The thought of a mole inside the ranks of the Empire, perhaps even the Director of Imperial Intelligence himself, was certainly something that didn't bode well with her, yet she wouldn't allow her mind to succumb to early accusations. Right now nobody could really tell what was going on within the Core - yet Kasalle had a feeling that they would soon find out what it was.
Until then she decided that assembling the conjoined military forces was the best course of action during this crisis.
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Lucius Vasili
The First Order
"Would you like a lesson in the rules of war?"
Posts: 123
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Ravelin
Jun 26, 2023 11:37:03 GMT -8
Post by Lucius Vasili on Jun 26, 2023 11:37:03 GMT -8
--Lucius gave a quick bow as Octavian gave his orders. Immediately, his head turned away to his second-in-command who was standing just beside him. The orders were given for the fleet to return to Bilbringi and cast the scanners wide to continue watching the hyperspace route. They were to also ensure a direct line to the Grand Marshal was established so they could coordinate as instructed. Their position was the key entry point from the core to the Eastern territories and to the Emperor with the only other access point being Agamar. If anything, it ensured that none would pass easily should an attack attempt to drive deeper into the Eastern Rim.
Once the order had been given, the Vice-Admiral turned back to the Emperor.--
We will ensure the opening to the Eastern Rim remains secure, my Lord. I will continue to work at contacting any patrols in the area and try to gather them up and tighten patrols along the route from here to Agamar. Until we can gain insight, we'll ensure you and the people are secure and protected.
--As was with the Grand Admiral, so, too, did the situation not sit well with Lucius. However, his suspicions lay elsewhere within the Empire as to the core of it all. But the core that he suspected was a small part of the problem. For this scale, they had to have a good following in all departments spread throughout the Empire to successfully pull off like this. Truth be told, it seemed quite familiar to the Diarchy's coup not long ago. Was Silas involved or was his past experience creating a new paranoia? |
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Thomas Zahn
The First Order
Posts: 196
Affiliation: The First Order
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Ravelin
Jul 13, 2023 22:50:08 GMT -8
Post by Thomas Zahn on Jul 13, 2023 22:50:08 GMT -8
Zahn was not particularly enthused by the prospect of having to evacuate from Corulag. However, he understood the Emperor's command and logic. Better to have a united front and defensible position than to remain spread across so much territory. He gave a bow
As you wish, Your Majesty. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so I'll be sure to see that preparations are well underway in case things are truly as bad as some of my colleagues suspect... It might be prudent, whilst Grand Marshal Delvardus remains out of contact, to transfer command of the Central Armies to myself so we can better co-ordinate our forces we remain in contact with.
It was a bold request, but if Baltasar was dead, captured, or otherwise engaged beyond contact, it would make organising their forces that much more difficult. It would mean taking on a much larger additional workload, but it was a small sacrifice
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Ravelin
Jul 15, 2023 20:24:33 GMT -8
Post by Octavian Delvardus on Jul 15, 2023 20:24:33 GMT -8
The Emperor turns his gaze to the Grand Marshal. Even Roderick gave a glance. It was a bold request, but it was a sound one. Between the two, Baltasar, his uncle, did have the senior command over the armed forces of the Empire. As he was presently incommunicado, the soldiers still needed a commander and Octavian knew he wasn't a commander like his late father. It didn't much thought to consider what Grand Marshal Zahn requested.
I will relay an order to Imperial Strategic Command at Muunilinst. Army officers will follow your direct orders till this crisis has abated.
Seniority had to be respected, but authority needed to be sound till whatever this was had ended. He had been taught to delegate and trust his subordinates with tasks.
Keep to your stations and stay alert.
Octavian looks at the trio of senior commanders. He exhales under his lips before nodding his head.
Keep in touch with each other and coordinate as best you can.
The Emperor did not know what to make of this situation, but it could potentially be the greatest crisis that the First Order had ever faced.
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Ravelin
Jul 15, 2023 21:36:47 GMT -8
Post by Octavian Delvardus on Jul 15, 2023 21:36:47 GMT -8
Suddenly, a loud scream pierced the hallways of the Imperial Palace at Ravelin.=????= YOUR MAJESTY?!The source came from a servant who had been tending to the Emperor and a handful of his officers that were in a meeting. It was an intelligence report that was going over the extent of the damages done to their once-secure military channels and the blackout of the Deep Core and Core territories that had been ongoing for several days now. Reports showed a deep contradiction, outright confusion, and quite possibly a degree of sabotage in an effort to keep the royalists in the dark. Imperial Intelligence was doing its best, but clearly these plans were well laid and had put them on the defensive.
In the midst of it, Octavian had suddenly grabbed his shirt, just above his chest. A sensation felt his entire being as the Force alerted him to something... unspeakable. For a moment, his vision blurred and his posture shifted slightly. Roderick noticed something was off but was too late to stop Octavian from falling forward and going limp against the desk. The sight of the Emperor unconscious had caused the servant to scream. The room began to buzz as Stormtroopers and Imperial Protectors rushed in. Seconds later though, Octavian came back to his conscious stated, resting against the chair that he seated himself in.=Roderick Rus= Your Majesty, what happened? Are you feeling-He stopped suddenly, seeing a tear roll down from the Emperor's eye. The sensation of the Force replaced with now an empty void.=Roderick Rus= Your Majesty, what-Octavian raises his hand, stopping his trusted advisor. Slowly, the Emperor gathered himself and rose from his chair.Declare a three day mourning period, Roderick... I just felt the life of my uncle, Brock Ferrum, pass into the Force. I heard blaster fire, the shouts of soldiers, and the humming of lightsabers in my unconscious state. In it all, I felt the death of the Steward of the Imperial Knights...There was a total silence in the room as Octavian spoke, having sensed the death of a long-time servant to the Empire and one that could hardly be replaced. Brock Ferrum had been the mentor of both the Emperor and his twin sister, Fiora, when they were children. A tutelage that continued with Octavian as he grew into manhood. His adopted son, Roland, had been a good and close friend of the Emperor and he too was missing. With Brock dead, the Imperial could feel his eyes opening to a great threat. For Brock would not have died easily, unless surrounded on all sides by an unseen enemy.Contact Jenia Kasalle and have her report, in person, to Bastion in four days. Send forth a summons to Lucius Vasili and Thomas Zahn to... never mind, belay that second order.Octavian was too much in a wounded and confused state. Moving the chair away, the Emperor silently began to retire, only the masked Imperial Praetorian Guard followed him. The Emperor needed time to recover now. He needed time to refocus himself. He needed time to mourn privately. Just time.
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Ravelin
Jul 25, 2023 19:02:14 GMT -8
Post by Octavian Delvardus on Jul 25, 2023 19:02:14 GMT -8
Shortly after the elevation of Jenia Kasalle ...The capital's mood had suddenly changed given the disturbance in the Force that Octavian had sensed. The flags were lowered and ceremonial dress was made the standard for a few days to mark the passing of Brock Ferrum, a most loyal and capable servant of the Empire. An uncle was missing and another was killed, both of whom were on Coruscant. Even now, the Emperor was plagued with visions in his dreams now... the sound of blaster fire, the shouts of men, the blazing sounds of lightsabers... and the sensation of death. It caused him to awaken often and even pace within his room. There was a sense of concern from his Imperial Praetorians, but none dared to break their silence.
This was a trial of being an Emperor, the ruler of a nation. Octavian's first true test. He had to endure and overcome the emotional obstacles.
Upon the fifth day, since the death of Brock Ferrum, the Grand Marshal Thomas Zahn and Vice-Admiral Lucius Vasili , were summoned to physically appear at the Imperial Palace on Bastion. There was already a disturbance among the available communications that something grand had occurred on Bastion a day ago with the arrival of Grand Admiral Jenia Kasalle to the Imperial world. Motion was beginning to pick up now as Imperial Strategic Command was issuing new orders. From the looks of things, a gathering of Imperial forces was happening at two points of interest. Worst though that, upon the arrival of the other two, an uprising had occurred at Yaga Minor and Bilbringi. Imperial Intelligence, or rather the elements loyal to the Emperor, as the rest had gone dark for reasons unknown, believed enemy agents were stirring trouble in those systems. The departure of Lucius Vasili had only troubled the regions unfortunately.
After many hours of meditation and a means to focus, Octavian made a public appearance in the throne room of the old Fel Dynasty. Lucius Vasili and Thomas Zahn stood upon a fine red carpet that stretched down the entrance. On either side of it were officers of the Imperial Navy and Army that were gathered at the command of the Emperor. But something new was present with them. For upon the left, stood Roderick Rus, but upon the right was Jenia Kasalle, dressed in a fine white outfit and the rank insignia of Supreme Commander of the Imperial Military. An unexpected change, considering the title was attached to the rank of Emperor prior. Many who had noticed were utterly shocked at this what had occurred, but none questioned it considering the experience and favor of Jenia Kasalle among the Imperial Military's officers.
Octavian, who seemed more grim these days, would raise his hand, motioning to Zahn and Vasili.Come forth and kneel.As the request was made, Roderick Rus turned slightly to see some attendants come forth, bearing a handful of items that where cloaked beneath fine purple cloth.
In addition to these summons, the First Prefect, Nem Yin, had his presence requested to the old Imperial capital. The Emperor had plans that required the expertise of the Praetorian Vong as well as the resources they had available. Given the plans made with Roderick Rus, and consulted with the newly raised Supreme Commander, the Yuuzhan Vong would be needed more than ever.
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Thomas Zahn
The First Order
Posts: 196
Affiliation: The First Order
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Ravelin
Jul 25, 2023 19:56:56 GMT -8
Post by Thomas Zahn on Jul 25, 2023 19:56:56 GMT -8
A few days after the last meeting with Emperor Octavian, Zahn had finished assuming military command and repositioned his forces to Bastion. The 20th Army and its supporting Fleet now called the old Imperial Capital home, whilst the Grand Marshal co-ordinated their forces through Muunilinst. So far word had not escaped the Core Worlds, despite the reconnaissance flights that had been dispatched. What ever initial optimism he'd held concerning the events there had long since died down. He also spent a great deal more time outfitted with his armour instead of his dress uniform.
As such, it was in his armour that he had arrived to the Throne Room when summoned by the Emperor, his cloak flowing behind him whilst Lieutenant General MacCoinneach stood toward the back of the room with his helmet. As he walked the carpet, his gaze did flicker from the Emperor toward Jenia and the new rank insignia she wore. Despite the unusual decision for Octavian not to retain the rank of Supreme Commander, it was an unsurprising choice he had made. The Grand Admiral turned Supreme Commander had long served with the First Order and attained great renown. His own career had seen some interesting choices be made which had certainly affected his own prospects.
Once at the respectful distance, Zahn dropped to a knee and bowed his head forward
Your Majesty...On behalf of the Military, we offer our condolences for your Uncle's passing...
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Ravelin
Jul 25, 2023 20:30:21 GMT -8
Post by Magnus Ambrose on Jul 25, 2023 20:30:21 GMT -8
Amongst the gathered crowd, stood First Commissar Ambrose flanked by Lord Commissar Brigatea and Commissar Sabria. Captain's Vulcan, Minerva, Diana, and Mithras were gathered behind him alongside several other high ranking members of the Commissariat. When Octavian had set out for his tour, Magnus had also set out with the Commissariat's first fleet to assist with security of the venues and ensure that the forces they visited were up to standard. But now, it seemed, their fleet had become the mobile HQ of the Commissariat.
However, what ever the future might hold was a matter for another time. For now, Magnus was focused on this current ceremony and what ever would come from it
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Nem Yin
The First Order
The dark expanse of the intergalactic void is not as empty as they would have you believe...
Posts: 439
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Blue
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Ravelin
Jul 26, 2023 4:39:42 GMT -8
Post by Nem Yin on Jul 26, 2023 4:39:42 GMT -8
It was clear that the First Prefect had arrived when a miid ro'ik warship had taken anchor in orbit over the former Imperial capital, though how he had made it to the Imperial Palace was anyone's guess. No coral craft or organic ship of any kind had been seen leaving the Carcharodon and heading for the surface, yet somehow when the guards standing sentinel outside the Throne Room blinked their eyes, they opened them to find an alien figure standing before them. Nem's mqaaq'it ocular implants peered past into the room beyond, shining with emerald light that illuminated what little corpse-pallor flesh was exposed above the starfish shaped gnullith rebreather he wore over the lower half of his skull like visage. A hood attached to a robeskin long-coat was pulled up over his bald scalp ridges, further casting the Intendant's features in shadow. His long coat hung all the way down to his ankles where it ended in curved hooks of bone that caught on and tore at the membranous layer of second skin he wore over his lower half like a set of symbiotically adhered trousers. From the waist up his chest was bare, save for a pair of sinister looking clip beetles painfully piercing ashen nipples, exposed along with his extensive tattooing from the open flaps of his coat.
Fortunately his presence was known to them and expected, saving him need to make quick use of the serrated coufee blade sheathed on his hip in a scabbard of yorik-coral. His was a stark alien presence when contrasted with so many humans in pressed uniform and polished armour, but no less fierce for being so. That was by design. Every impression he gave was carefully engineered and cultivated through a lifetime of hiding in plain sight. Only today he wasn't hiding, as he entered the room with a confident swagger to his step that only nominally bordered on defiant, emerald eyes locked on Nicademus' replacement.
The former Emperor, Yun-Yuuzhan rest him, had honoured every promise he had made to the Yuuzhan Vong. Rank and battle for the warriors, a title and position of state for Nem, and fertile land for his people to thrive upon. It was fair to say that the First Prefect had held Octavian's father in high esteem, which was the reason he was here today. But that made him no less wary of the son. He intended to be dealt with fairly, and in this time of civil war, he perhaps had the leverage necessary to come to a satisfactory new arrangement.
Nem stopped a dozen feet from the throne, his attention shifting between those gathered, from the Grand Marshall to the First Commissar before settling again on the Son.
"Emperor." Wisps of steam hissed through his gnullith as he spoke, his voice coarse and grating like gravel ground underfoot, spoken in heavily accented Imperial-basic. "Domain Yin has answered your summons."
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Lucius Vasili
The First Order
"Would you like a lesson in the rules of war?"
Posts: 123
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Ravelin
Jul 26, 2023 7:52:38 GMT -8
Post by Lucius Vasili on Jul 26, 2023 7:52:38 GMT -8
--When the summons came, it was a hard choice for the Vice-Admiral. He wanted to answer the call, yet with all that was happening, he didn't wish to leave the door unguarded. His post at Bilbringi kept guard over the way into the Eastern Territories and if he departed, there would be none to be that sentinel. Still, unable to deny the Emperor, he was, at least, able to call in a force to guard in his place. It moved them from a patrol, but it had to be done.
His fleet now hanging over the world, Lucius had come and stood next to the Grand Marshal, his red uniform standing out against those around him. It was a remnant of his time with the Diarchy, but he was rather fond of the look. At his side was his vibrosword, held firm in his hand as he approached the Emperor beside Zahn. He saw the Grand Admiral next to the young leader, noticing as the others did he new position. This was the first he knew of it, but times were getting rocky and decisions were being made without the typical level of notification. From what he knew of her, though, there was none more fitting of the station that now was separated from the Emperor.
Stopping, he took a knee with the Marshal.--
"Those of Task Force Kingsword and the current fleets in patrol offer ours as well, my Lord." |
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Ravelin
Jul 26, 2023 18:25:37 GMT -8
Post by Octavian Delvardus on Jul 26, 2023 18:25:37 GMT -8
Octavian's gaze moves across the two individuals, Vasili and Zahn, before they firmly rested upon the Grand Marshal.
The loss of Brock Ferrum has shaken the very core of the Empire and the royal family... I would have done more in mourning and showing him his due respect, but given what I sensed in the Force, I knew I could not delay any further. His death was no accident, but a message to me, to my family, and to those loyal to the Delvardus dynasty.
There was now a great shadow at the heart of the First Order. Octavian could feel it more than ever with the death of his uncle resonating through the Force. A darkness which now latched onto Coruscant, caused the chaos of the Core World territories, and ensured that it struck suddenly when the Emperor was away and in the Outer Rim. There had been no word from Fiora. No word from any other of his family. And this worried him greatly, concerned him without end. The death of his uncle revealed something though: there was a conflict brewing. Even now, as they spoke, sudden uprisings had risen at Yaga Minor and Bilbringi, threatening the very center of Imperial industry in the Outer Rim. If they were lost, or damaged significantly, his efforts to move forward would be hindered.
Octavian would not wait for that to happen.
Vice Admiral Lucius Vasili.
Addressing him first as his gaze now turned to the Imperial.
With the elevation of Jenia Kasalle to the title of Supreme Commander of the Imperial Military, the Empire is without a Grand Admiral. A successor to continue the efforts and prestige of the Imperial Navy. Before, we had many names attached to the title. But now, I believe it best to have one. An individual who represents the Navy's interests and serves as an arm of the Supreme Commander.
Octavian motions to one of the attendants, who steps forward. In fact, two came forth as they moved before Lucius. Roderick would unveil what they held, revealing the white uniform of a Grand Admiral as well as the insignia of its rank. Among the names considered, the Emperor had agreed with Jenia on the appointment of the Vice-Admiral to be her successor to her former rank.
I hereby name you Grand Admiral of the Imperial Navy. Continue to the serve the Empire well as you did under my father.
The Grand Marshal was addressed next. An attendant, the third, stepping forth to reveal a Marshal's Baton, one finely made out of metal and well decorated with gold. Never before had a baton been made, not even Nicademus had made one for Baltasar and Thomas. This was to represent the decision made by Octavian.
As with the title of Grand Admiral, given the incapacity of my uncle, I hereby give you the authority, Grand Marshal Zahn, as the sole commander of the Imperial Army. You will be the other arm to the Supreme Commander, serving the interests of the Army and being its chief among commanders.
Thus, the temporary authority granted before was both made permanent and extended. Save, of course, for the Emperor's Army which followed his direct commands. With the lack of his uncle's presence, and given what he had sensed and felt, in order to better focus his plans, the Emperor would need these three as the delegated and appointed heads of the Imperial Military. The trio that were the highest of authorities and would see to it that the Empire's foes, whoever they may be and whoever may have caused this, were defeated and order restored.
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Ryn Zahn
The First Order
Posts: 2
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Ravelin
Jul 26, 2023 22:54:36 GMT -8
Post by Ryn Zahn on Jul 26, 2023 22:54:36 GMT -8
Three of these kids belong together
Three of these kids are kind of the same
But one of these kids is doing her own thing
Now it's time to play our game
Exchanging her reporter identity for that of an ISB officer named Else Garbade - the redundancy of disguising herself as what she is in fact yet another example of the depths of her cautious nature which her fiancé Roland likes to characterize as paranoia - Ryn-as-Else attends the gathering at the Imperial Palace so that she can pass on the intel Brock had sent to her from Coruscant to the Emperor, and blends in easily with the gathered crowds of Imperial officers observing the promotions of her uncle, Grand Marshal Zahn, and now Grand Admiral of the Imperial Navy Vasili.
While she maintains an outwardly reserved air befitting the ISB officer she is and is currently pretending to be a variant of, Ryn feels an urgency to make her report to the Emperor that makes maintaining the facade more of a challenge than it usually is as she watches the ceremony and mentally counts the seconds off as they pass, and which dampens the pride she feels for her uncle's advancement and even the prospect of seeing him after their lives have kept them apart for so long.
Moving through the crowds of her fellow Imperial officers without attracting any notice, Ryn-as-Else patiently makes her way closer to the Emperor, waiting for an opportune moment to speak to him when he is not otherwise engaged in conversation or surrounded by too many people that might take note of her. Once the ideal moment arrives, Ryn-as-Else moves to within a respectful distance that makes conversation possible without violating Octavian's personal space or inviting the attention of whatever protective detail he has watching over him and says in a respectful tone as she bows, "Your Majesty, then rises from the bow and stands at parade rest as she introduces herself - or rather who she is pretending to be, which is near enough to who she is that she does not think the little deception is really a lie at all - Second Lieutenant Else Garbade, ISB. Not inclined to make her report in so public a space unless the Emperor insists on it, Ryn-as-Else asks, Is there somewhere we might speak privately, Your Majesty? I have acquired some information I believe you will find most valuable." |
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Lucius Vasili
The First Order
"Would you like a lesson in the rules of war?"
Posts: 123
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Ravelin
Jul 26, 2023 23:05:11 GMT -8
Post by Lucius Vasili on Jul 26, 2023 23:05:11 GMT -8
—The news of Brock Ferrum’s death had been made known to those within the order. It was short, but it was a time to show respect for the passing for the former Emperor’s brother and Steward of the Imperial Knights. Lucius had never gotten to meet them man himself, but many spoke highly of him. But more than his death was the revelation it brought. This wasn’t a fluke issue in communication systems. It was an attack. And the timing and size of the blackout still spoke of an interior manipulator, not an outside force. Someone was indeed making a move against Octavian. The question was who. It was for that reason he thought they’d been summoned. Wartime orders were about to be given, and considering the rise in rank of the new Supreme Commander, a small ceremony.
Little did he realize the full intent the Emperor had. Standing, silence was all the Vice-Admiral could give as he looked upon his new uniform and process the words of his own ascension in rank. He hadn’t been with the First Order long, far less than the majority of officers of his rank and higher. Surely there was another who was better suited for the role. Even his drive and ambition to grow and raise the ranks was silenced in this moment. But here it was, in authority and power, only two stood above him, ranks that he knew he wouldn’t achieve. And that was alright. His drive, his desires and become manifest in this moment. Through his loyalty, diligence, and hard work, he rose to nearly the pinnacle of power in the First Order. And he’d make sure he proved himself worthy of this promotion.
Reaching out, he finally took the uniform and the insignia before turning his head towards the Emperor. Once more he dropped to a knee, finally able to gather his words.—
"To be given this rank, is nothing short of an honor. I will do all within my power to uphold the expectation and responsibility of this station. Once have I given my oath of loyalty within the room of others, but again will I say it to you directly, you have my loyalty, my Emperor and I will give my all to ensure you and this nation are protected and able to thrive well into the future."
—From there he remained silent as Octavian continued, moving to the Grand Marshal. Though he already held the rank, he was no to be the sole leader of the army under the Emperor and the Supreme Commander. A new future was being establish in these dark times. They would all need to be ready for what was to come.— |
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