Nicademus Delvardus IV
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Jan 2, 2020 20:04:42 GMT -8
Imperial High Command is divided into two major wings, with several smaller ones in between. One of which is the Star Fleet Command, or Imperial Navy Subdivision. A number of military officials work within these halls, supported by hundreds, if not thousands, of aides and personnel that monitor fleet movements, ensure orders are given their respective fleet commands, naval operations are recorded and documented, and more. The Staff, handpicked by the Emperor, represent the top of the naval's personnel, and include the Grand Admirals, who are stationed across the Empire. Representatives of these persons are usually seen at meetings with the Staff due to the necessity of the Grand Admirals being needed elsewhere.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 4, 2020 8:02:22 GMT -8
Xoia stepped out of the speeder as it came to a stop, watching for only a few moments as it pulled away, her eyes the turning to look at the large building before her. She knew was it was a privilege to set foot within the halls of Imperial High Command, even to receive orders as most were done elsewhere or over a hologram. Those within had been chosen by the Emperor, himself, for their skills, knowledge, and achievements. For many, this was a place many dreamed of reaching, especially in their later years after having served their time among the fleets and battalions. And here she was, about to enter herself. She took a nervous breath as she moved forward.
She reached the door, which was guarded by security. Considering its purpose, it made absolute sense. One didn't need just anyone walking in. Moving up to the security checkpoint, she set her pack down, knowing it'd have to be checked. When asked who she was and her business, she gave the same response as she had the officer at the check-in station at the spaceport. She waited patiently as her pack went through the scanners and the security officer checked her credentials and for the meeting, she was supposed to have with the Vice-Admiral. After a few minutes, he returned her identification and motioned her through.
"I have alerted Vice-Admiral Lurkan of your arrival. I will have a trooper escort you. Please have a nice day." He then motioned for a trooper to come over to which he gave the orders of where he'd be escorting Xoia. With a motion from the trooper, the woman grabbed her pack and followed.
It wasn't too far before they turned down a hallway, leading them from the central section. She had seen that Imperial High Command was divided into multiple wings to serve particular sections within the First Order, the two most prominent being commands for the Navy and the Army. As they walked, Xoia let her mind drift a bit as she continued to wonder just what assignment she would be given that she'd be asked to come here. It continued to play at her nervousness, especially when she looked up to see the Vice-Admiral standing there in the middle of the hallway as if awaiting her.
Stopping before him, both the trooper and herself stood at attention and gave him a salute. Returning the salute, he then looked at the trooper.
"Thank you for escorting Ms. Reyes. You may return to your post." Responding with a "yes, sir," the trooper turned and headed back to the main entrance. The Vice-Admiral then motioned for her to follow. "I trust your trip here was a rather pleasant one? How are you enjoying Coruscant so far?"
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Post by Deleted on Jul 4, 2020 15:48:39 GMT -8
Falling into step beside the Vice-Admiral, she couldn't help but be a bit surprised by the small talk he was giving her, not to mention the fact he came out here to meet her instead of waiting in a meeting room. "The trip was rather smooth and getting through Coruscant was simple. I guess it helps to have the credentials I do, not to mention having the required meeting with you. I haven't had much time to really explore the world, but it certainly is a wonder. I thought the cities on Muunilinst and Kuat were large. Never could I have imagined a planet-wide city." She let a few moments of silence pass before speaking up again. "I must say, I didn't expect you to be waiting for me out here, sir. I would have thought I would have been escorted to a meeting room where you'd be waiting."
The Vice-Admiral gave Xoia a quick glance before returning his gaze forward.
"Actually, I wished to ask you something a bit more personal if you didn't mind. So I decided to meet you here so that we can walk and talk a bit more casually and off the record. Tell me, Ms. Reyes, for what reason did you choose to not join the Imperial Knights or even think of moving over to the Knights of Ren? As someone who has the gift of the Force, you would do well within those orders. So why wish to remain with the First Order Navy?"
Xoia looked over to the man, catching his glance as his next questions came. It only furthered her surprise that he wished to speak casually and off the record, especially giving the questions asked. Still, they weren't questions she had issues answering, feeling that they weren't as personal as he might have thought. "Because this is what I sought to achieve for myself, to be a skilled and acknowledged pilot within the First Order Navy. It is where my heart lies and it is only there where I wish to fulfill my duty. I'm grateful to the Imperial Knights for the training since the discovery as it is my goal to always be the best I can be. But as I told them, I wish to remain a pilot within the Blackguard Navy first and foremost. Even though I could still pilot within their ranks, to me, it just isn't the same."
Lurkan gave a nod as his eyes to her once more shifted, the question that came next holding a bit of a different tone about it.
"And your father had nothing to do with your decision? As I understand it, he isn't fond of either of the Force orders within the First Order. In fact, I believe he looks down and despises them, am I correct?"
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Post by Deleted on Jul 5, 2020 8:34:47 GMT -8
The question came so suddenly, carried on the tones of faint suspicion. It caused her fists to tighten a bit as the true reason for this private conversation was being held here and not on any official record. It wasn't the fact they were questioning her that stirred the frustration within her as it would be understandable. She had an opportunity to rise within the ranks of the Imperial Knights, the shield of the First Order, and, more specifically, the Emperor and his family. It made sense to push a little deeper to ensure the reasoning behind her choice to remain with the Navy.
No, it was the connection to her father that caused her emotions to stir. The simple fact they were suspicious that her departure was based solely on his wishes and influence and not a choice made of her own volition. What once was a feeling to stand up for her father and her family name now existed as a means to separate herself from her father. And in the end, that was something she planned to do here and now.
Taking a few breaths, she calmed herself before speaking. "My father had no place in my decision. It was mine and mine alone. You are correct in your belief regarding his feelings towards the Imperial Knights and Knights of Ren, but I do not share that sentiment. I understand the roles they serve within the order and as stated, I am grateful they took me in and trained me."
It was then the Vice-Admiral stopped to look at Xoia with a hard gaze. His eyes focused on hers as if trying to determine whether her words were genuine or a fabrication. A few moments passed before he gave a nod and began walking again. When he spoke again, his tones were casual as they had been at the start.
"I'm pleased to hear that. I do apologize for the sharpness of the question. I just wanted to be sure of your choice and the influence behind it. Your father is a valuable asset to the First Order. He is smart and influential with that charm and silver tongue of his. While the people and those of lower ranks applaud him, he does tend to frustrate the upper echelons of the First Order from time to time with his attitude. It isn't uncommon for officers to push back against Command and higher-ranking officials but he takes it to a whole other level. If it wasn't for his abilities, he would have been stripped of his rank a long time ago. Unfortunately, his popularity and influence certainly go to his head more often than not, giving him the belief that his name alone means something. It is something we hoped didn't find its way into you. The General that originally placed you within the Noctis Deep Patrol Fleet is someone that strongly dislikes your father and your assignment was, in part an act against him. That being said, it was also a means to try and keep you from gaining his mindset, or breaking it if it was already there. You showed great promise, more than enough to prove yourself without your father's influence and he wanted to put you in a place where you could see that for yourself. Flight Captain Veskar believed the same. And your answer now shows that what they hoped would happen has come to pass. You have proven yourself as a pilot of the First Order Navy and as Xoia Reyes, not the daughter of Juane Reyes."
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Post by Deleted on Jul 5, 2020 16:28:47 GMT -8
Xoia listened as Lurkan spoke, her mind running a million miles a minute. She didn't know how she truly felt about it all. Her old Flight Captain was someone she had adjusted to and his feelings about her "family" name and had made the point from the first moment they met that she needed to live for herself and prove herself for her own sake, not for her father's. And over time, she had come to realize the importance of it and the slow separation she was gaining from her father and his legacy. But to be presented with this reality was something else entirely that she needed to process.
While it may have ended up being something to help her make a name for herself on her own, it was frustrating to learn that her assignment to the Noctis Deep Patrol Fleet was also an act against her father because of a dislike the General had for her father. Even now, it seemed that she was caught up in a type of war between her father and some of the higher-ups of the First Order. Still, to find out that he did rub people the wrong way and he wasn't as influential as he claimed to be struck something inside of her. She could see that if she continued to try and appease him, to live up to that name, she might have ended up like him and fallen into the same opposition, a fate many seemed to want to change. They apparently saw potential in her and knew that it would be wasted if left in his care. And so they sought to bring her into her own and help her realize the truth of her father.
In the end, she didn't really have much to say on the matter, mostly because the reality of it all was still pressing down upon her mind. All she could do was press on and keep her mind focused on the new detail the Vice-Admiral had for her. "No, sir. I am not my father, nor my father's daughter. I am me and I serve the First Order with my own will and pride."
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Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2020 13:43:03 GMT -8
The Vice-Admiral only gave a nod as the two walked on in silence to the meeting room. With no other questions or comments, Xoia turned her focus back to what had just transpired, wondering why it was such a big deal to focus on her not becoming or being bound to her father. Did they see something she didn't? Would she have truly turned into her father? Would her progress have been hindered? Maybe she would have become a spoiled brat in thinking she could get anything she wanted because of her name? Maybe still, if Lurkan's words were anything to go off of, she would be someone who constantly fought back and questioned the orders of High Command? So many questions that she couldn't guess the answer to. Even more, it didn't seem to matter. She had made her choice, followed the path she believed, and it seemed to satisfy the Vice-Admiral. That notion was enough to calm the woman's mind and return to the real reason why she was here: her new assignment.
Several minutes of walking went by before they reached the meeting room. Lurkan entering first, he moved behind his desk and took a seat. His posture and aura changed, signifying the shift to a more professional setting. Moving to stand before the desk, she stood tall and at ease. Looking over a datapad on his desk, he finally spoke.
"Flight Lieutenant Xoia Reyes, we at Imperial High Command have reviewed your academy scores, your service record with the Noctis Deep Patrol Fleet, and gotten word of your progress with the Imperial Knights. You have shown us that you possess great skills, instincts, and reflexes as well as a strong intellect. These are things we look for in those that serve the First Order. You graduated in the top percentile of your class at the academy, surpassing the expectations of many and proving you have the potential to become one of the elite someday. Multiple times you have proven your skills behind the controls of a TIE that you have been able to keep up with pilots with far more experience and can handle yourself, analyze a situation and execute split-second decisions with little effort. With the discovery of your potential in the Force, you trained with the Imperial Knights and showed your capability to lead others as well as further shown how quickly you can adapt and learn for within a year's time, you've become skilled enough with a lightsaber and learned how to use your skills in the Force. While that training has gone unfinished due to your choice to remain within the First Order Navy, you possess more than enough techniques to make you an effective pilot, soldier, and leader. You have also shown much dedication to not only your training and desire to be the best you can be, but also to the First Order and your duty within it. You have made the First Order proud and have lived up to the name you have sought to create for yourself. Congratulations, Flight Lieutenant." Bringing up his hand, he gave Xoia a salute.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2020 16:32:48 GMT -8
When the Vice-Admiral spoke, Xoia worked to retain herself from showing any emotion. When he finished and snapped her a salute, she returned it proudly. All she had questioned and thought about after the previous question was stripped away with his words. To be acknowledged and commended on one's dedication was something any soldier dreamed of hearing, especially from High Command. It truly made her feel as if all she had worked for, all she sought to prove had succeeded. "Thank you, sir. It's been an honor to serve the First Order."
Giving a smile, the Vice-Admiral then looked back at the datapad before him.
"Now on to your new assignment. I'm not certain as to what you know of the Galactic Empire, but at one time, it utilized the skills are particular individuals and teams for special operations. One such unit was Inferno Squadron. We are always on the lookout for soldiers and pilots that exceed expectations, people who can fit into such roles as that unit once did. In fact, we have chosen to take that model and expand upon it. As effective as the old Raider-class corvettes were, we have opted for a new vessel, one that can more effectively handle missions thrown at it. Do you know of the Sloane-class Destroyer?"
Xoia stood at ease once more as Lurkan continued to speak. With each word, excitement grew within her. She wasn't the most knowledgable of the older Empire, but the name Inferno Squadron was something she knew. However, it didn't matter as the Vice-Admiral went on to explain where he was going with it. She was being assigned to a special operations team, that much was clear. Otherwise, why else would he be telling her? And in the end, that was all she needed to hear. It meant they viewed her as an exceptional pilot, one of a handful they felt qualified to handle this task.
When he asked her about the Sloane-class Destroyer, she nodded. "I'm not as well versed in the capital ships of the First Order as I am the starfighters, but I have learned of the Sloane-class during my time with the Noctis Patrol Fleet. Corvette class, heavily armed and armored, capable of handling much larger ships with relative ease. Even capable of carrying a squadron of fighters. Not much faster than a Raider, but one-hundred meters longer and much more capable of standing in a fight. There was that one day that the Vigil-class would get traded out. Definitely a small patrol fleet's dream ship."
"Indeed, it is. It is this ship that we have chosen for this new detail. However, given the specifics of this assignment, we have opted for a new variant to be created. While we have taken half of its weaponry, it still outclasses larger ships. Doing so, though, has allowed us to increase its speed, making it faster than the Raider as well as added a stealth field generator. For a task like this, we feel no ship is better." He then stood from his desk and moved in front of her after grabbing a small case from the edge. "As of now, you are promoted to the rank of Captain and are being put in charge of this vessel, her crew, and a special team that will work in covert and special operations. You will be joined with three squad members much like yourself. Force capable and dedicated to the First Order first. You will also be given a group of forty elite Stormtroopers to aid you in boarding actions and ground assaults." Opening the case, he removed the pin that represented her new rank and placed it upon her. "Well done, Captain Reyes. You have truly earned this promotion and assignment."
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2020 10:41:19 GMT -8
Xoia stood at attention as the Vice-Admiral stood and made his way in front of her. It was certainly a surprise that she receiving this promotion and jumping the ranks. But not as much as the surprise that set in as she thought about it. At first, she thought she was promoted to Flight Captain as they were the ones that led fighter squadrons. But he didn't call her Flight Captain, just Captain. And as she thought on it, she realized just how much of a jump she truly received. She was not only in charge of her squadron but the Stormtroopers assigned to the ship and the ship as a whole. Everything was under her command. It was something she wasn't expecting, leaving her speechless as he pinned her new badge to her chest. Seeing this as an honor was an understatement for never would she have expected to be given such a duty to lead a ship and team of such a distinguished role was anyone's dream.
With Xoia speaking no words to him regarding her new promotion, he only smiled before returning to his desk and picked up the datapad. Turning back, he handed it to her.
"This datapad has all the details you will need regarding this assignment. From the ship and starfighters, to the records of each member, everything is there for you to review. You are to report to the Foerost Shipyards in one week. The final checks are currently underway and the ship will be ready and loaded to begin its new assignment. There you will meet up with your new team. Any questions?"
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2020 12:52:50 GMT -8
Standing at ease once more, Xoia took the datapad and began to glance through it. However, there was more than enough information that she couldn't properly make things out without putting her attention into it which meant ignoring the Vice-Admiral. It would be a task for her trip back to Muunilinst and the bit of time she had to gather her things before heading to Foerost.
When asked if she had any questions, the woman knew of quite a few that came to mind. She suspected, though, that the datapad would have the answers. With that belief, the thoughts dimmed one by one. There was a single question that remained, one she was curious about at that moment. "Will we be attached to a fleet?"
As he let Xoia ponder her thoughts for a moment, Lurkan returned to the desk and took a seat. It was then that her question came.
"As it stands, you are not. Your particular role will be valuable to all within the First Order and we didn't wish to tie you to any one fleet."
As the answer came, Xoia's eyes glanced to the ground as she thought on the response. It made sense. Not being tied to a fleet made her team that much more available for any mission. However, she felt that also put her at a disadvantage as it meant she had no dedicated fleet she could count on if she needed help. She might have now been in possession of a powerful ship, but there would always be instances where more or larger ships would be required for a successful mission.
Turning her gaze upwards to meet his, she stood strong for what she was about to say, knowing it could easily be shot down or her view being seen as her new rank going to her head. She didn't want that and simply had a request with some personal feelings as to why she wanted it. "Might I make a request, sir?"
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2020 14:02:27 GMT -8
The Vice-Admiral raised an eyebrow when Xoia asked to make a request. He stayed silent for a moment as his head tilted and his eyes examined her. It was another few moments before he nodded.
"Granted."
Taking a deep breath, Xoia gathered her thoughts before speaking. "I know it's not my place, sir, but I feel as if having my team attached to a fleet would be more beneficial than running solo. However, I understand that being tied to a larger, more distinguished fleet can hinder the chain of command in order to get my squad moving on a mission. But if a fleet was to be created that worked in divisions, my team could run solo and answer any calls requested of us without the need of going through the one in charge of the fleet while allowing us a better connection to a team that can aid us."
The Vice-Admiral leaned back in his chair as he listened to the woman speak. He lifted his fingers to his chin and tapped it as he pondered her words.
"And what exactly did you have in mind, Captain?"
"While I know it may sound bias due to my former position, but I feel utilizing the patrol fleets would be the best option. Turn my run with the Noctis Deep Patrol Fleet, we worked in tandem with other small patrol fleets to take down larger and more dangerous enemies. We were even called together to take down the fleet of an Imperial Warlord. What I suggest, sir, is uniting these smaller patrol fleets in one single fleet that is then divided into divisions. They can continue to work in small patrols, but when the time comes, any division can call on one of the others for aid without a second thought or having to go through High Command in order to have another fleet routed to us. We can still continue to do patrols as we have, but are ready to aid each other and assist fully with any larger battles the First Order needs of us. I feel that option provides the best option."
His eyes, never leaving Xoia's, he listened to her words and her conviction behind them. He had to give it to her. She might have been making a request that many would feel was below her rank to make, much like her father. However, she spoke with respect and made it clear it was merely a suggestive thought that could be beneficial. Not only that, she spoke with sound logic.
"So, you are suggesting that we take the patrol fleets that have worked together in the past, primarily the ones gather to take down the Imperial Warlord in the Deep Core and form them together as one fleet while maintaining divisions to keep to their patrols while being more capable of aiding each other? That is sound logic. That being said, despite your feelings on the matter, we wouldn't be able to retain the name of the Noctis Deep Patrol Fleet. Too much bias. But it is something that will be taken into consideration and discussed. When a decision is made, I'll be sure to inform you." Looking her over, he could tell her mind was still running. "Do you have any other suggestions you'd like to request?"
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2020 15:44:20 GMT -8
It was a relief that the Vice-Admiral listened to her and actually took her suggestion into consideration. It made her feel as if she was providing valuable input and not just stepping on people's toes for her own desires. After all, her request was meant to be nothing more and something she expected to be shot down. It wasn't confirmed yet, but at least it would go up for discussion.
Then came his question if she had anything else. She did have something else to add if allowed on the matter, something relating to what had been mentioned earlier. Taking a deep breath. "If possible, perhaps with the chance of this fleet's creation, newer and updated ships could be arranged from capital ships to starfighters? Otherwise, I have nothing more, sir."
There was a faint nod from the Vice-Admiral as if he had expected that.
"I will keep it in mind when it is discussed in High Command. I will keep you updated on our decision. Until then, you will operate solo from the fleets until called upon." Standing once more, Lurkan stood at attention. "We expect great things from you and your team. Good luck out there and good hunting. Dismissed." Giving her a salute, he then took his seat to finish up the report for the meeting.
Returning the salute, Xoia turned on the spot and departed the meeting room. She had done all she could in the creation of the fleet and it was now left to the discretion of High Command. If it came to pass, great. If not, she tried. It was merely her attempt to provide a more logical approach to her assignment as well as secretly show her gratitude to the Noctis Patrol Fleet and the other patrols she fought alongside with.
Making her way through Imperial High Command, the woman made her way through the halls, following the path that got her here until she reached the entrance of the building. Summoning a transport back to the spaceport, she took the time to relax her nerves that had built up from the meeting. Frustration, nervousness, excitement, all these feelings had certainly made for an long and interesting day.
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Devon Harper
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Post by Devon Harper on Dec 30, 2020 15:50:14 GMT -8
Devon Harper, a young man with blue eyes and black hair stepped through the large doorway to the Fleet Command hallway. He was a commander by the insignia, and apparently a bit nervous, never having had the honor to be invited to these halls before. He straightened his uniform jacket 5th time before stepping further, and kept his eyes firmly on the floor several meters ahead, resisting the temptation to take a good look at the surroundings. He glanced his holocomputer for the instructions about where he should be going, and then made his way through the corridors to that room, making sure to give a salute to every officer who he came across on the way.
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Nicademus Delvardus IV
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Dec 30, 2020 18:56:57 GMT -8
Devon Harper, a young man with blue eyes and black hair stepped through the large doorway to the Fleet Command hallway. He was a commander by the insignia, and apparently a bit nervous, never having had the honor to be invited to these halls before. He straightened his uniform jacket 5th time before stepping further, and kept his eyes firmly on the floor several meters ahead, resisting the temptation to take a good look at the surroundings. He glanced his holocomputer for the instructions about where he should be going, and then made his way through the corridors to that room, making sure to give a salute to every officer who he came across on the way. =Admiral Arcavius= Devon Harper, graduate of the Coruscant Naval Academy, and Commander of the Defiant!The name resounded through the quiet gathering as the insignia were being handed out after a name was called. The Emperor, Nicademus Delvardus, moved down from a female, an Arkanian, who commanded a ship from within the Coreward fleets, to stand in front of Commander Harper. The Imperial turns to an aide who holds out a row of insignia, laid neatly upon a small display.
Upon turning back to Harper, Nicademus quietly removed the the Commander's pin and replaced it with a freshly minted Captain's insignia. Once it was pinned, Nicademus would offer a salute before giving the young man a firm handshake. Just like before, the Imperial took a moment to speak with the recipient of the new rank. He was a ruler that always tried to speak with his subordinates and make them feel his appreciation for their services.Admiral Arcavius tells me that you are to received quite the upgrade from your current command. A newly constructed Resurgent II-class Battlecruiser, fresh from the shipyards of Kuat, for you and your crew to operate. A mighty warship compared to the Defiant. Do you believe yourself ready for such a task, Captain Harper?The Emperor inquires to the young Imperial. |
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Devon Harper
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Post by Devon Harper on Dec 30, 2020 19:40:11 GMT -8
Harper felt very proud to stand in that row that day, and that emotion was further bolstered when he first saw the Emperor himself. It felt like a long wait standing there waiting him to address others first, even though as a soldier Harper was certainly no stranger to standing in place for long times. Still, he took care to observe every moment, both out of habit, and because he wanted to remember this day for the rest of his life. Finally, he was addressed. He could barely contain his smile when he received his captain's insignia. His lips were still in a manner fit for the formality of the situation but his eyes betrayed his excitement.
"Admiral Arcavius tells me that you are to received quite the upgrade from your current command. A newly constructed Resurgent II-class Battlecruiser, fresh from the shipyards of Kuat, for you and your crew to operate. A mighty warship compared to the Defiant. Do you believe yourself ready for such a task, Captain Harper?"
Harper's face became confused for a split second before the young man gathered himself. This wasn't what he had been expecting. But he couldn't be happier. It would be a very interesting new challenge from professional standpoint and Harper was looking forward for it greatly. The smile spread to his lips as well.
"Yes, your highness. I believe myself qualified."
Harper met the Emperor's eyes, and breathed deep, honoured to the core by the recognition he had been given.
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Nicademus Delvardus IV
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Dec 31, 2020 7:53:01 GMT -8
Nicademus offers a smile in return.
She is a fine ship. It's one of our newer models that needs more of a presence in the Navy.
The Imperial had recalled reviewing the blueprints for the new warship when it was still on datapads and pieces of flimsy. The Resurgent-class Battlecruiser had become an icon of the Imperial Navy. However, one would still see ISDs and Pellaeons within various fleets and commands. The class of ship served well as a multi-purpose warship and carrier. Nicademus recalled him being skeptical of the twin mass drive cannons, but they'd certainly be useful in the thick of fighting.
I have taken the liberty of confirming the request, through Central Command, was put through to ensure you have a full complement of Stormtroopers. You will be contacted by Army Central Command when the legion of them is put together and ready for inspection. You will also get a list of recommended army and naval officers to join your ship tomorrow. You have a lot of work ahead of you, Captain Harper.
Captain Harper's crew was about to expand a hundred fold. He'd certainly have work on his hands.
Good luck, Captain. May your new vessel sail well under your command. Long live the Empire.
Nicademus concludes, patting the young man's shoulder before moving onto the next recipient. Their name being called seconds later.
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Devon Harper
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Post by Devon Harper on Dec 31, 2020 10:11:14 GMT -8
Harper took great care to listen to the Emperor's words. He was astounded that the man was there personally to hand out the promotions and postings to their recipients. He hoped that his crew could have been there as well to recieve the recognition Harper felt they deserved. But he'd be sure to pass it on to them.
Indeed, for the first time he would also have a sizeable ground force at his disposal. He thought he would need to come up with some training for them and his crew, and himself. Not that he didn't trust the quality of the training facilities of the Order, quite the opposite. But the crew as well as the ground forces needed to train how to work together in synchrony, given that most of these individuals had never worked with one another. Something no schooling or simulation apart could really replace.
He realized he'd need a lot of new personnel and officers as well. Hundred-fold more than before. He guessed that this would mark the end of the time when he knew every person and even sentient droid on his ship personally. He would still take care to know as many as his time would permit. He thought of the individuals he would have in his crew as well, at least Valeri, one of his old subordinates would be very welcome, the Chiss woman had proven her worth more than once, as well as Faranne, unless the older man would prefer to retire.
"Thank you, your highness. Long live the Empire!" Harper responded to the Emperor, smiling a little out of pure excitement when he patted his shoulder.
If it had felt like a long time waiting for his turn to come, it felt even longer waiting for the rest of the recipients be addressed, as Harper was itching to run to the spaceport and take a shuttle to go see his new posting as soon as possible. But Harper was a soldier, and one with discipline, so he pushed such emotions aside, and stood as a part of the row for the rest of the ceremony, taking the time to honor the other officers for their achievements. He felt proud to serve along them.
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Nicademus Delvardus IV
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Jan 2, 2021 12:18:08 GMT -8
The rest of the ceremony involved the Emperor moving across several people, giving them various appointments and rank elevations. In all, there were a few Captains, like Harper, a few more Lieutenants, and two Commodores. All of them loyal and capable subordinates of the Empire and the Emperor. At the end of the ceremony, all of present officers stood at attention and saluted Nicademus before a general mingling occurred after as senior staff and the newly appointed officers spoke among each other. They shared the latest reports and news in terms of the deployments and movements of the Imperial Military. Some even spoke of their new assignments and asked for advice. Oddly though, it was Captain Harper who didn't seem to have assignment... not yet at least.
As the crowd began to disperse and return to their work, Captain Harper's departure was stopped by two Stormtroopers, bearing the black and red armor of the Imperial Guard, the Emperor's elite soldiers. Whenever these men approached an individual, it could mean any number of things. One had raised a hand, halting the young commander before pointing to a side doorway.=Stormtrooper= Come with us.That was all that was said as the pair escorted Devon across the room and through the side door and down a corridor. The soldiers didn't speak at all, only did their duty of escorting the captain to a new room just a few corridors away from where the ceremony had occurred. One soldier keyed the door with a card before it opened. Captain Harper was brought into the room which was occupied by a few other individuals. At the center, Nicademus sat in a chair, looking at a holoimage of Empress Teta. To his right, another sat, one whose face was well known in the ranks of the Empire: the Director of Imperial Intelligence and Grand Moff of the Bastion Oversector, Merrik Piett. An Intelligence officer stood along the side of the room with an Imperial Knight standing opposite.
Nicademus looks away from the holoimage to see that his guards had brought him the requested individual.Thank you, Stormtroopers.The pair snapped to attention, saluting their liege with the chant 'Ad Victoriam!', one of two spoken phrases said when speaking to a superior. They turned on their heel and departed the room, stationing themselves outside in the hallway. The Emperor turns his gaze to Merrik before gesturing to Captain Harper.The individual you requested, Director. Devon Harper, Captain of... well, an unnamed Resurgent II-class Battlecruiser.
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Merrik Piett
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Post by Merrik Piett on Jan 2, 2021 12:51:33 GMT -8
*Merrik Piett, Director of Imperial Intelligence, was a man who would be overlooked in most crowds if his reputation hadn't burned his face into the nightmares of more than one member of the First Order. Standing just a few inches over average height the middle aged man kept his blond and grey hair cut short, though just slightly longer than most military regulations allowed. HIs clothes weren't anything too out of place in the setting, a Commander's uniform of the Deep Core remnant, easily identified in the First Order but far out of use. His face expressed no emotion as his cold blue eyes surveyed the newly minted caption, taking in every detail of the man as the Emperor introduced him. Bringing his eyes up to the captain's he maintained forced eye contact with the man as he spoke his voice cold and level."
Captain Harper it is good to finally meet you in person. *He left unsaid the weeks of observation that had proceeded this meeting, allowing the subtext to speak for itself* You seem to have come to the interest of my department. *He again took a brief pause to allow for reading between the lines. Most people who came to the attention of the Director of Imperial Intelligence did not do so for good reason* It seems that you may be of use to us. *Usually the better of the options when it comes to being under the eye of Imperial Intelligence, although there have been some that have claimed otherwise* We have decided to offer you a position within the Intelligence Navy, effective immediately. You may of course refuse, however such an opportunity will not present itself again. *While the words could potentially spell a threat to the other man's career Piett delivered the line with the same level emotionless tone the rest of his statements had possessed, all the while keeping his cold expressionless eyes on the young officer.*
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Devon Harper
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Post by Devon Harper on Jan 2, 2021 19:14:36 GMT -8
Harper's exitement and joy was replaced by confusion, as two Stormtroopers blocked his way. He knew this rarely was a good sign for an individual, and while he would have liked to as what was the meaning of this, he knew it would be futile, especially within these quarters with plethora of individuals who outranked him, by large. Then again, he reasoned, if they had some issues with his work or something else, surely they would have dealt with them before the ceremony. But what then?
Those questions became answered, when he was brought to a room with the Emperor himself, as well as director of Intelligence. There was a holomap of Empress Teta as well, Harper had no difficulty recognizing the planet due to his training and experience.
Emperor: "The individual you requested, Director. Devon Harper, Captain of... well, an unnamed Resurgent II-class Battlecruiser."
Harper couldn't help but to be curious as to why had the Director himself requested him, but he minded his tongue.
Merrik: "Captain Harper it is good to finally meet you in person."
Harper listened carefully to the Director as he spoke. While someone else might have been a bit creeped by the indication that they'd been watching them, to Harper it was perfectly natural that their performance was monitored, and they were kept an eye on in case of disloyalty. There were so many officers within the Order, after all, that it would be naive to assume there were no traitors or infiltrators among them at all. Harper did not mind to be watched, because he strived to be the best officer he could ever be every day, and was confident that those watching him would be satisfied by his endeavors.
Merrik: "You seem to have come to the interest of my department. It seems that you may be of use to us."
Harper relaxed hearing the meeting was of positive nature, and he was curious how may he serve.
Merrik: "We have decided to offer you a position within the Intelligence Navy, effective immediately. You may of course refuse, however such an opportunity will not present itself again."
Harper did not really know that much about Intelligence Navy and it's spesific duties, as was probably intended. But Harper would not refuse an opportunity for which he'd been handpicked among all of his colleagues, nor he would refuse a duty to which the High Command viewed him the best fit.
Harper: "Of course, sir, I'd be honoured to have this position."
Harper saluted the Director after speaking and returned to standing in attention. He was of course curious about his assignment just like rest of the officers but he knew it wasn't his position to ask, yet.. He would be told in due time. He did conclude it probably had something to do with the planet that's image was on the holomap right now.
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Nicademus Delvardus IV
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Jan 4, 2021 13:50:39 GMT -8
The Emperor had returned his gaze to Empress Teta's holoimage. His eyes were firmly placed upon it as Merrik spoke directly to the Captain, indicating that his promotion to the Captaincy, and the new warship, came with a further step up. Being a part of the Intelligence Naval Forces was a high honor, but one with great risk, immense work, and such. Harper seemed like a diligent Imperial who could get the job done. When the Director finished speaking, Nicademus spoke next.
Director Piett's intelligence division, on Empress Teta, has learned of a growing monarchist movement.
Nicademus explains to the young Captain.
It seems that, while there are those who remember the old days of the Deep Core Remnant, others would rather feel the taste of greater freedoms. It is hard to tell if they disagree with the monarchy's submission to the First Order, but it's obviously they are either seeking independence or greater autonomy.
The Emperor leans back in his chair, contemplating for a moment.
I did what I could to ensure the sector was given good compensation for submitting... but it seems it has stirred a degree of unrest.
The Emperor then looks at Harper.
However, there is a key factor we are not yet aware of: does the monarchy support this movement or is it another group that is giving this movement its means to speak out and funds to do as they please? No violence yet... but such movements can easily become radical and destabilize order.
The Emperor then looks at the Director, allowing him to speak further on the topic if he so desired.
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