Nicademus Delvardus IV
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Jan 2, 2020 20:06:09 GMT -8
Imperial High Command is divided into two major wings, with several smaller ones in between. One of which is the Army Central Command, or Imperial Army Subdivision. This command not only represents the garrison troopers, but also includes the Stormtrooper Corps which makes up a much larger portion of the Imperial Army than previous Empires. A number of military officials work within these halls, supported by hundreds, if not thousands, of aides and personnel that monitor army deployments, ensure orders are given their respective ground forces, army 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 Marshals, 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 Dread Lord Havok on Sept 19, 2020 8:41:08 GMT -8
After meeting with the Emperor in his suite and concluding all business there, Lord Havok and the newly minted Admiral Malice were led by imperial staff on a tour of the Imperial High Command. They briefly stopped in the Army Central Command wing. The Imperial staff showing the place to them explained that coordinating the vast armies deployed across the galaxy required first-class precision and administration.
Havok and Malice stood and took in the place and its atmosphere.
It was an impressive sight to Admiral Malice. The sheer size of the place impressed one with the importance of effective military organization to ensure the proper response and deployment of forces. Lord Havok observed the calm efficiency that permeated the place- none of the frantic energy that came from the threat of summary executions that were common during the operations of the Galactic Empire and Imperial Remnant.
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Nicademus Delvardus IV
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Sept 21, 2020 15:54:32 GMT -8
After meeting with the Emperor in his suite and concluding all business there, Lord Havok and the newly minted Admiral Malice were led by imperial staff on a tour of the Imperial High Command. They briefly stopped in the Army Central Command wing. The Imperial staff showing the place to them explained that coordinating the vast armies deployed across the galaxy required first-class precision and administration. Havok and Malice stood and took in the place and its atmosphere.It was an impressive sight to Admiral Malice. The sheer size of the place impressed one with the importance of effective military organization to ensure the proper response and deployment of forces. Lord Havok observed the calm efficiency that permeated the place- none of the frantic energy that came from the threat of summary executions that were common during the operations of the Galactic Empire and Imperial Remnant. Among the staff named, that managed these departments, was the Grand Marshal Baltasar Delvardus, the Emperor's brother, a member of his Council, and among the many respected high officers of the Imperial Army. Whereas his royal brother took a career as a ruler, and their late sister followed science, Baltasar came to love the army. His father, Cyrus, had seen him read up on Hell's Hammers and other units of the old Imperial Army and the battles they fought in. Baltasar saw campaigns from the Unknown Region to the Core Worlds across many fronts. In these days of peace, tentatively, he was either at his brother's side, advising him, or managing things at Army Central Command.
He walked down the hallways, examining a datapad that an aide had handed to him. As the Imperial rounded the corner, his eyes noticed some staff members speaking with this Lord Havok and Admiral Malice. Two names that had propped up and Baltasar had met before. He calmly hands the datapad to his aide as the Grand Marshal walks up.=Baltasar= Lord Havok, Admiral Malice, I thought you two would be hard at work. Never thought you two would enjoy a tour of this busy hive.He gestures to the buzz and chaos of Central Command before turning back to the two.=Baltasar= Should have seen this place when the First Order descended upon Coruscant... this is organized chaos. Back then, it was just chaos.
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Post by Dread Lord Havok on Sept 26, 2020 6:29:36 GMT -8
Admiral Malice saluted, "Grand Marshal." Malice acknowledged. Havok raised his hand to his heart in respect. "Grand Marshal Baltasar Delvardus." Havok responded to the brother of the emperor. Havok wondered how skilled the marshal was in war, how many battles won, planets taken, how many lives lost under his command. His thoughts momentarily turned to Bacca, the Lord of War for the Eye. Was that a tear? NO! The lords of the Order of the Eye of Palpatine were no more. There was no point in shedding tears for what once was, but was now long gone. His eyes temporarily glassy, he returned to the conversation. "It is true we have much work to do, but taking a moment to acclimatize myself to the First Order's ways would not be time wasted."
Malice nodded. It was a feat to maintain galactic operations while re-establishing Imperial control over Coruscant. The grand marshal was probably being charitable by using the term "chaos" rather than a complete nightmare.
"Brother of my Emperor. I admit my presence here was calculated to encounter you. I believe there is a strategic intangible asset that the Empire is not utilizing." Havok's brow was furrowed. It had no sinister undertones.
"To provide context, it is my distinct impression that the Emperor is a singularly intelligent and principled man. The mantel of Emperor weighs on him and he has directed the empire on a course to win the hearts and minds of his subjects. He abolished slavery, phasing out Imperial humano-centric policy, and instituted positive propaganda to ensure the masses are educated on the benefits of the First Order. In the question of how to rule, whether by inspiring fear, or through love, the Emperor shows a clear preference for the latter."
"This is all well and good, but secular nationalism, sound social policy and economic prosperity do not engage a citizen's need for transcendent purpose, virtue, morality or spirituality. This is the intangible asset. Religious belief. I believe we can provide the Emperor with an additional tool." Havok gestured with his hand.
"I have been tasked with 'dealing with' Brother Eli. On Muunilist, Brother Eli has already re-awakened the old religion, of revering Emperor Palpatine as a God and casting the Empire as God's holy creation with rightful Emperors as holy rulers in Palpatine's stead. I could destroy Eli, but I cannot root out the seed of belief that he and his preachers have planted." Well, Havok could, but doing so would require resorting to tactics antithetical to the Emperor's strategy as well as deploying forces on a scale that would destroy the secrecy of the SSE.
"Regardless of whether Brother Eli lives or dies, his followers will continue his work. Why not harness the power of belief in this religion? With some minor doctrinal modifications to include tolerance of non-human species, I believe this religion could give the Emperor's secular power an unparalleled moral depth. While sound social policy and economic prosperity inspires love and respect, religion morally compels one to love the good." Havok pointed his finger upwards. "Who is more good than god? The religion demands that one love God, and that God's creations are good. The God-Emperor created the Empire, therefore, the empire is good. Being the head of a religion will grant the Emperor moral authority and inject religion into the nationalism he seeks to instill in the citizenry. With the rise of religious nationalism, supporting the empire is not just a political decision, but the correct moral and spiritual decision."
Admiral Malice silently listened, with a raised eyebrow. He had never heard of such an attempt to use religion to consolidate political power and inspire spiritual nationalism. At the same time, he could already imagine First Order citizens lining up to volunteer to serve or soldiers marching with a fanatical religious faith in the Empire. It might would provide a uniform cultural belief that would unite the many worlds and species of the empire. It would make it that much harder for foreign powers to find citizens willing to defect or provide aid. It could make First Order worlds guerilla nightmares to invade... But it would be one more moving organ of this already vast empire with its own unique challenges and hurdles.
Havok anticipated an obvious question, Why bring this to Baltasar, instead of the Emperor? Havok motioned to Baltasar. "I bring this to you because I sense the Emperor would reject the idea without fully considering the merits, if I were the one presenting it. Successful implementation would require him to seize the role with a level of conviction, sufficient to instruct the current preachers with a new doctrine of tolerance of non-human species. It all hinges on that. That is no small request. If he does not want to administer a religion, at minimum, he could ordain an archbishop, Brother Eli perhaps, who would carry on the religious work and faithfully listen to the emperor as if god himself were speaking. I believe the idea is one worth fair consideration, and that you, if you so choose, could properly lay the proposal, both the benefits and drawbacks, for the Emperor's consideration. You know him best. What say you?" Havok tilted his head slightly, to hear the grand marshal's reply.
Brother Eli was a linchpin. Havok wanted to know before confronting Eli, whether the emperor would condone this course. If the emperor gave it the greenlight, Havok would ultimately bring Eli to the Emperor. If the emperor declined, Havok would covertly lay waste to the leadership of the resurging religion.
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Nicademus Delvardus IV
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Sept 30, 2020 16:40:54 GMT -8
Havok anticipated an obvious question, Why bring this to Baltasar, instead of the Emperor? Havok motioned to Baltasar. "I bring this to you because I sense the Emperor would reject the idea without fully considering the merits, if I were the one presenting it. Successful implementation would require him to seize the role with a level of conviction, sufficient to instruct the current preachers with a new doctrine of tolerance of non-human species. It all hinges on that. That is no small request. If he does not want to administer a religion, at minimum, he could ordain an archbishop, Brother Eli perhaps, who would carry on the religious work and faithfully listen to the emperor as if god himself were speaking. I believe the idea is one worth fair consideration, and that you, if you so choose, could properly lay the proposal, both the benefits and drawbacks, for the Emperor's consideration. You know him best. What say you?" Havok tilted his head slightly, to hear the grand marshal's reply.Brother Eli was a linchpin. Havok wanted to know before confronting Eli, whether the emperor would condone this course. If the emperor gave it the greenlight, Havok would ultimately bring Eli to the Emperor. If the emperor declined, Havok would covertly lay waste to the leadership of the resurging religion. So... there was a reason, thought the Grand Marshal.=Baltasar= Why don't we go to my office?The Grand Marshal states as he turns and gestures for them to follow him. This area was not the right place to discuss this particular matter, but rather, better in an enclosed space that Baltasar could control. After all, Director Piett had eyes and ears everywhere.===================== My brother can be a hard man to read. He knows when to rule by fear and by love.Baltasar said from in front of his desk. The office of the Grand Marshal continued the tradition of spartan discipline that the First Order exalted at all turns. There was little room for extravagance. Even the Emperor did not wear purple robes, fine clothing, or anything else save his now white military uniform and cape. Baltasar had some extravagance, but not to a degree of vanity. A portrait of his home on Eriadu was present and even a holoimage of the very homeworld circled off to the left. To the right, there was more in terms of 'small' station where the Imperial likely met with military officials and high-ranking officers.
The Grand Marshal crosses his arms as he reflects what Lord Havok had stated.He would not reject it outright, but rather, reject it because he would feel it be... extravagant. As you have seen, my good brother is a man that keeps to a formal appearance. Even Grand Admiral Needa offered him the highest medal of the Empire, granted to him by the late Palpatine, because he believed in Nicademus. But Nicademus refused and simply tapped the emblem of the First Order on his shoulder, stating that 'this is the only badge that I will ever wear.'That little piece, one of the early encounters between the Grand Admiral and the then Supreme Commander Delvardus, was well circulated through propaganda to let allow know of the personality of Nicademus which was free of vanity and the typical stereotypes of rulers that got to his state of power. It was a great virtue.However, I do believe in the merits of your proposal. This could serve as a means for future Emperors. They will not have my brother's charisma nor prowess after all. That was gained by years of experience and events that molded him into the Emperor today.Baltasar, like Brock Ferrum, knew that Nicademus worried about the future of his children and their descendants. They may not be able to possess the prominence the founder had. That was why the Emperor was kept well informed and stayed involved with the upbringing of his children. To ensure they were ready for the future and that they could pass down the same lessons to their offspring, one day.Your proposal would resolve the issue with Brother Eli. Muunilinst is true to the Neo-Imperialist ways, but I have heard that there are those converting to the cause of this God-Emperor you speak of. It is hard to combat religion... its like ideals. Even if you kill the leaders, one believer is enough to spark it again. It is how the Imperialist way has endured.Baltasar scratches the thin layer of hair upon his head. He wasn't balding, just kept it well trimmed and to the edge of his skin. The Grand Marshal thought for a moment longer before looking at Havok directly.You really are dedicated to the First Order. It's surprising considering what we know of you... well what little that is. Records of the NoE, we found on Bilbringi, were mostly corrupted. Prakith was well... in a poor state too.Secular and religious authority. Two swords. It would be hard to convince his brother, but Baltasar saw that it would be a bloodless way to appease this fanatic, Brother Eli. It would ensure the calming of his followers and prevent martyrs and strife.I must ask, Lord Havok, why do you suggest this evolution of the Emperor's authority?
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Post by Dread Lord Havok on Oct 4, 2020 9:52:36 GMT -8
Admiral Malice did not accompany Havok and the Grand Marshal into the office. He made his own way to the "Memorial of the Fallen." A black obsidion monument to the many imperial troopers and naval forces that lost their lives in the First Order's galactic conquests. The monument seemed to have a textured appearance. This was because the name of every dead service member was microscopically engraved in its surface. At the bottom was simply carved and filled with golden script: ALL HAIL OUR VICTORIOUS DEAD!
BEHOLD, OUR DEEDS MADE IMMORTAL! The Admiral sat in silent contemplation of their honor and sacrifice. The intent of the design was to remind all that the sacrifice of the individual ultimately built the whole of the First Order's victory. In sacrifice one ceased to be an individual, but also became part of something more, an empire that endured. Somewhere on that great stone, the name of his "father," a clone, was inscribed.
Everyone knows... Legends never die...
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Post by Dread Lord Havok on Oct 4, 2020 11:11:27 GMT -8
Every time Havok thought about the New Order of the Eye he was transported to a different time and place. Havok's eyes held a far-off look that concealed the existential crisis that had been repeatedly rising to the surface within Havok in the past two weeks.
Havok was due for a rumination. He had been a founding member of the Council of the Eye, and when the council ended, he consolidated power and reformed the 'Council of the Eye' into the 'New Order of the Eye' of Palpatine. In the process becoming more than Havok could control on his own. "My devotion to the New Order of the Eye was not chosen, any more than a parent chooses their child." The metaphor was perfect. Based on The Marshal's comment, Havok would probably take a spare moment at some point, to update the files of the Imperial Intelligence on the history of the NOE.
Through some means still unknown to him, Havok found himself suddenly catapulted from his time into the future; his blind, twisted, aged body regenerated, and the NOE no longer was the pre-eminent force in the galaxy. In fact the NOE had ceased to exist, along with the memory of his fellow Lords. Yes, Havok needed time to ruminate but that time was not now. Someday soon, he would be better able to explain why he cared for the First Order. Perhaps simply, for the first time, in a long time, Havok felt something akin to hope.
"But my loyalty to the Emperor's First Order is my chosen destiny." The far-off look in Havok's eye was gone. "It has altered me and cannot be undone."
"Because the Emperor must grow to exceed his own limitations. Only by becoming more than a man, will his legacy become secure enough to endure millennia. I suggest it, because as a Seer in the Emperor's service, I must speak of that which I can see, which others may not." I listen... "I see..." I act, I disappear. "And cannot un-see."
Havok's eyes flashed, with his pupils glimmering with orange flames as the force flowed through him. Though Havok was a man of thin build, his robes seemed to ripple like muscles and course with an unseen power.
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Nicademus Delvardus IV
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Oct 8, 2020 16:39:39 GMT -8
The answers were to the Grand Marshal's satisfactory. He believed that Lord Havok could be trusted with the authority and position granted to him. However, he still had some reservations. Like others, in the First Order, Baltasar never truly trusted Dark Side users. Knights of Ren, the various adherents that dotted the ranks, and such. Baltasar was very much in favor of the Imperial Knight priority over all others. But those were more private thoughts.
=Baltasar= I will see what I can do about convincing my brother while you deal with Brother Eli.
The Grand Marshal replies, consenting to Havok's plan.
=Baltasar= He has gone through stages like this before. When the First Order was founded, he was Supreme Commander of the Imperial Military. When the Third Galactic Civil War was won, he donned the title of Emperor and ascended the nation to that of Empire. When Coruscant was taken, the color of his military uniform was changed to Grand Admiral white from officer grey.
Delvardus reflects for a moment before nodding.
=Baltasar= How will you convince Brother Eli to agree to this?
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Post by Dread Lord Havok on Oct 16, 2020 15:52:33 GMT -8
The answers were to the Grand Marshal's satisfactory. He believed that Lord Havok could be trusted with the authority and position granted to him. However, he still had some reservations. Like others, in the First Order, Baltasar never truly trusted Dark Side users. Knights of Ren, the various adherents that dotted the ranks, and such. Baltasar was very much in favor of the Imperial Knight priority over all others. But those were more private thoughts.=Baltasar= I will see what I can do about convincing my brother while you deal with Brother Eli.The Grand Marshal replies, consenting to Havok's plan.=Baltasar= He has gone through stages like this before. When the First Order was founded, he was Supreme Commander of the Imperial Military. When the Third Galactic Civil War was won, he donned the title of Emperor and ascended the nation to that of Empire. When Coruscant was taken, the color of his military uniform was changed to Grand Admiral white from officer grey.Delvardus reflects for a moment before nodding.=Baltasar= How will you convince Brother Eli to agree to this? The Dread Lord Havok appreciated the Grand Marshal's cooperation. "I am grateful; that is all I ask." Havok nodded at Baltasar's observation. Yes, life often had its ways to require individuals to constantly grow and adapt to their new situations in life if they wished to triumph, even emperors. Nothing in life comes without effort and change.Havok resisted the urge to chuckle at the Grand Marshal's final question. He positioned himself by the door, ready to leave. But he wouldn't go until the Grand Marshal ended the conversation. He spoke with a half-smile: "Brother Eli will be persuaded the same as any religious fanatic: with words-- and violence. Perhaps his God will be on my side..." Havok's answer was cryptic but telling, as if there was an un-spoken, "this time;" as though Havok had confronted Brother Eli before, long ago.
Imperial records did not reflect this, but Havok spent his entire life with violent fanatics driven by greed, religion, or dark side ideology. When words fail, one must always be willing to back up words with force. The Grand Marshal of the greatest military in the galaxy no doubt was aware this was always the way of things when diplomacy broke down. But Havok's deliberate use of "And" showed that he expected both.
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Nicademus Delvardus IV
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Aug 14, 2021 12:19:48 GMT -8
Upon a holomap of the galaxy, several hands drew lines and handed datapads to one another. Grand Marshal Delvardus oversaw this rapid activity as, lately, his brother's mind was occupied with new thoughts and coming actions. Garrisons were being cycled to ensure the veterans and crack troops were being deployed to new theaters and what Nicademus said would become staging points. Khomm, Byss, Rendili, Kuat, Balmorra, and more were labeled as planets that would soon see a high rate of military activity as legions of Stormtroopers, divisions of vehicles, and more were being redeployed. Already, senior officers of the Imperial High Command were having meetings with the Emperor in secret, of which Grand Marshal Delvardus and Zahn were a part of, where Nicademus' mind had not dulled with age. There was a new desire, a new target, a new aim... war was coming and, with it, the dawn of a new galactic era.
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Post by Roland Ferrum on Apr 2, 2023 12:06:19 GMT -8
*Roland at down at the dataterminal in his office in an obscure wing of the Army Central Command building going over reports of the Phase 4 Darktrooper program his engineers were overseeing. He'd hoped to have more lab testing on the battle droids before they were put into active service, but the Emperor's death had accelerated everyone's timelines. Roland rubbed his eyes tiredly as he authorized the transfer of the completed units to the Veers. It had been nearly a full day since his uncle's death and he hadn't yet slept. He'd spent the first few hours at Octavian's side, vigilant against any early movements against the new Emperor. Thankfully nothing happened immediately, and once Roland's own father was able to recover after collapsing from his efforts and resume his place at Octavian's side Roland had slipped back to his office to oversee his own preparations. His engineers were all working overtime to move most of their data and material up to Orbit. The Veers had always been intended to be the Engineering Regiment's new headquarters now that it was completed, but as with the darktrooper project the timeline had been moved up. It would still be some time before all of the projects were transferred but Roland wanted everything moved as quickly as possible.
While the various labs and computer centers Roland's group oversaw slowly emptied the Regiment's Barracks were filling up. All six companies of his 3rd Battalion had moved into the barracks, keeping Roland's most Elite soldiers close at hand just in case. Though the last day or so had gone about as smoothly as expected the former Imperial Knight just couldn't shake the feeling of something on the horizon. He wasn't sure if it was a premonition from the force, or just lingering paranoia from his youth but in either case he wanted to be prepared for the worst.*
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Thomas Zahn
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Post by Thomas Zahn on Apr 2, 2023 17:21:27 GMT -8
The Vindicta had made the trip from Corulag to Coruscant in quick time, the relatively short distance between the two planets aiding in this endeavour. Ever since the orders had gone out, Zahn had been adjusting troop movements and making sure a small force was ready to head for Coruscant. A decision that had proven wise when a few days later the word had come that Emperor Nicademus Delvardus IV was dead, and Emperor Octavian Delvardus would succeed him in the coming days. There were few things Zahn would be, but late to such an occasion was not one of them.
As the TIE/es Assault Shuttle touched down, Zahn emerged from the Shuttle in his dress uniform. He was not particularly a fan of anything but his usual battle gear, however he recognized it might send the wrong message if he arrived dressed as such. Lieutenant General MacCoinneach was by his side, his own typical battle gear a little more muted and socially acceptable. Behind them, Praetor Squad was arranged in formation and ready to spring into action to protect the Field Marshal. Black bands covered the Insignia on all of their uniforms.
Much like his Nephew-in-Law, Zahn was equally finding his own timelines being accelerated for various plans and preparations. However, the Hoplites did not have anyone up and ready to go. Thankfully the set back of losing half their numbers had not fatally affected the Program. The remaining 5 members were showing promise as their training continued and their final rounds of augmentation approached. Once they were ready, he might sleep just a little easer at night and work could begin on refining the process and upgrades for Generation 2 of the Program. Assuming the 1st Generation proved viable.
Zahn's Coruscant Staff were already there and waiting upon the landing pad as he walked away from the ship and toward the Army Central Command section of the building. His staff quickly saluting and falling into line around the Grand Marshal, his Chief of Staff chatted away, firing off updates from while Zahn was in-transit to details regarding a rough outline of what the week ahead would entail. Despite the sombre occasion, with Ryn and Roland both upon Coruscant, they might all find some time to spend a dinner together
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Harnan Ren
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Post by Harnan Ren on Apr 10, 2023 14:29:34 GMT -8
An Upsilon-class Command Shuttle descended over the Imperial District of Coruscant. Its massive wings angled out like a bird of prey swooping down upon its next meal. Harnan did not wish, at present, to reveal the extent to which Ren forces had converted over from existing First Order designs to those supplied by Silas. Thus he was more than content to make the trip from Prakith to Coruscant via an Upsilon-class. While they were not his favoured method of travel, they did have their uses.
As the Shuttle approached the Imperial High Command, the wings swept up into their landing configuration while the pilots manoeuvred the ship onto one of the landing pads of the Army Central Command. Unlike Muunilinst, the Ren did not hold a tower of residence here. This was in large part because the Ren primarily kept to their Citadel on Prakith and held no permanent residences elsewhere. Thus, lacking such accommodations, the Ren were assigned private quarters within the Central Command wing of the IHC. Something which was bound to ruffle a few feathers.
As the Shuttle touched down, the upper sections of the wings made their own transitions into their landing configurations as the shuttle ramp opened. Harnan lead the procession consisting of Neith Ren, Atlantia Ren, Zanah Ren, and a handful of Purge Troopers. A shuttle was also on its way down from the Magistra to deliver Fiora's Squires to the surface. The Ren's numbers were far fewer than they had once been, With those in attendance being the greater number of their Order. But it was of little consequence. Any that thought they could take advantage numerically would be greatly disappointed.
For now they headed into the Central Command building and headed for the area that had been sectioned off for the Ren to wait for the Funeral and Coronation ceremonies to commence
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Silas Darkstar
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Post by Silas Darkstar on Jun 10, 2023 22:28:25 GMT -8
Belle Époque Cabal
Myria had been contacted by Warden moments ago, advising her now was the time to approach Baltasar and start upon the path to saving the Empire from the Forceling Siblings. She had dressed in her best Officer's Uniform and made the trip from the Star Fleet Command wing of the Imperial High Command building and crossed into the Army Central Command complex made straight for Grand Marshal Delvardus' office. She gave a knock on the door before presenting her credentials to the security panel, which would show her record as Vice Admiral to Baltasar when he queried it. She just had to wait for him to admit her now
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Nicademus Delvardus IV
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Jun 11, 2023 10:23:39 GMT -8
A chime was heard, permitting Myria to enter whenever she pleased to do so.
Within the office, the Grand Marshal was working diligent as ever. His nephew was now on tour, visiting planets of the Outer Rim that were once the bedrock of the his late brother's beginning and where the Empire was founded. Already, reports came in, showing well wishes and a good receiving on worlds like Adumar, Muunilinst, Mygeeto, and now presently, a conference on Bastion. Octavian was, at least, doing his best to be active like his father had been in ruling and administrating. The public life must surely be stressing him out though, but good of him, nonetheless, to try and do his duty.
Baltasar looks up as Myria approached his desk, but then resumed with looking at his datapad.
Make it quick. I have a busy day, Myria.
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Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
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Post by Silas Darkstar on Jun 11, 2023 18:44:56 GMT -8
Belle Époque Cabal
As soon as the bell chimed and the door opened, Myria ducked through the door and across the office to stand in front of the Grand Marshal's desk. She stood at attention as Baltasar told her to be quick. With the Boy-Emperor off gallivanting about across the Empire, the Throne World fell to Baltasar to oversee. She was well aware of the burden he had to undertake Of course Grand Marshal. I would not disturb you unless the matter required your personal attention, and this well meets that criteria... She had tried to rehearse what she was going to say, but you could never truly prepare for any and all twists and turns a conversation could take. Instead you just needed to focus on and stick to the facts and weave your way toward them I wish to report the existence of several threats against the safety, security, and longevity of the Empire. A bold claim, I know. However, the threat these individuals present to the Empire is great enough to warrant action beyond the ordinary... Your Brother, the late and great Emperor Nicademus Delvardus the Fourth, founded the First Order upon ideals that would become Neo-Imperialism. His decisions and the course he chartered for the Empire brought us to greatness. However, I fear that greatness is now in jeopardy... Not from any enemy beyond our borders, but from agents within them... She took a short pause, as if catching her breath, but also to allow what she has said so far to process through One of them currently sits the Throne, and several more occupy the line of succession both before and after yourself... The Imperial Knights and the Knights of Ren are tools, sir, meant to execute the Will of the Throne, not decide what it is. Their dogmatic fanaticism is useful when bent to obedience, but the greatest Empire's of the past were reduced to dust and ruins when the Throne was held by such zealots... Hubris destroyed them, thinking their mastery of mysticism would guarantee them victory and success. But they are nothing compared to a steady hand wrought from experience and practicality... It was a lot to drop on Baltasar, but she knew she needed to get as much of it out before he was more inclined to order her arrested and shot for treason and sedition. It was a risk she was taking, but one she was willing to take for the greatness of the Empire
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Nicademus Delvardus IV
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Jun 13, 2023 17:47:57 GMT -8
Baltasar immediately gives Myria a look the moment she remotely accused his nephews and nieces of being threats to the Imperial throne. Granted, the Grand Marshal didn't like the Knights of Ren, approving the marriage to Faina more so than Illaria Ren. Yet, at the same time, there wasn't much love for the Imperial Knights. The Grand Marshal tolerated them more so cause they were more Imperial than these supposed 'Swords of the Empire'. They followed the Emperor's orders and thus weren't too much of an issue.
You seem to compare the Imperial Knights to the Sith and Jedi though.
The Imperial looks back down at the datapad.
They serve the Empire and the will of the Emperor. They don't hold to the dogmas of peace, like the Jedi, or aggression and passion, like the Sith.
Baltasar then looks back up at Myria.
You are speaking to a member of the Imperial family, speaking ill about my family, Myria.
What was she playing at? Why did she come forth now and speak out against the very government created by his brother. Given his known stubbornness and loyalty to the Empire, Myria would certainly have an uphill battle to fight for her scheme to work! The Grand Marshal then looks back down at the datapad.
Give me one good reason why I shouldn't call my Stormtroopers to arrest you for your words?
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Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
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Post by Silas Darkstar on Jun 13, 2023 20:04:04 GMT -8
Belle Époque Cabal
She remain stood still, unflinching in the face of the Grand Marshal's comments and questions. She would not back down, even if it didi ultimately lead to her demise. Failure was not an option Please do not mistake my intention Grand Marshal Delvardus. I speak only out of love and loyalty for the Empire that your brother built, and only wish to try and save it. I came to you with such concerns because I know you also seek to ensure the glory of this great Empire. If you wish me arrested and shot for that, then so be it, I know that at least I tried to avert calamity... It brings me no joy to take such an unfavourable role and position, but I remind the Grand Marshal, it was Imperial Knights that once tried to execute a coup against the Emperor in the early days of the First Order's rise to power. Sure, their ranks were purged, but if such treason can be born within their ranks once, what guarantees it will not happen again? She knew she was toeing a very thin line, but there was hardly any reward without risk You are right, the Imperial Knights are meant to serve the Empire and the Emperor's will, but an Imperial Knight sits as the Emperor, so whose Will do they really serve at present? Is it really for the good of the Empire? And while you may not believe them the same as the Jedi or Sith, it is hard to discount the fact that the Steward of the Order was once amongst the ranks of the Jedi, and has made his views from such an order well known to influence his life as an Imperial Knight now... Did he not arrive back just as the Imperial Knights ranks were purged? And then to learn he is the bastard child of your Father? Seems rather convenient a story, since it would place him amongst the Royal Family of an Empire that the Jedi were failing to defeat... Baltasar and Brock's relationship had never been particularly smooth and it was not a stretch to think playing upon that friction would not be advantageous That is to say nothing of the Knights of Ren and their own troubled reputation. Practitioners of the Darkside, hardly any different than the Sith they proclaim to hate. And their influence over Princess Fiora is impossible to Ignore. Who knows what dark designs their current Master has, but I think we can agree that no good can come of it... Grand Marshal Delvardus, I believe that you are the only hope for the Empire, free of the corruption inherent in the Knightly Orders that should serve the Throne, but never sit upon it...
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Nicademus Delvardus IV
Databank Operations
Posts: 3,443
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Jun 16, 2023 23:22:59 GMT -8
A line was crossed with Myria Horne's words. A line that one never crossed in the presence of Baltasar. Throughout the family history, it was well known that Nicademus and their father, Cyrus, never met eye to eye as he grew older. The father had tried to control some aspects of his eldest son's life, for his own good, but this had caused a few rifts to appear. Which, thankfully, were fixed before the time of the elderly Cyrus' death. While one may think that the next words from the Grand Marshal's mouth were to defend Brock, it was more because Baltasar had idolized and loved his parent to the very end.
When Myria spoke her last words, the datapad was slammed upon the desk, causing the screen to crack. The Grand Marshal rose quickly, his face red with rage and anger. While the Imperial did have a temper, from time to time, this was one of those legendary rages that one did not want to be the cause of.
You will NEVER speak of my father in such a way!
Baltasar barks loudly and in a deep seed anger.
I was the one who found the will to Brock Ferrum among my father's affects! It was the late Emperor who listened to the very recording and decided to approach Brock to offer him into a family he never had before! Your belief of convenience is unfounded, inappropriate, and hardly your place to judge, let alone assume, Moff Horne! And I will not stand here as you attempt to weave a story that puts my father's honor and legacy to shame!!!
His finger abruptly comes up, pointing right at Myria.
If you ever dare speak of that family matter again, I won't need to call my Stormtroopers. I will gladly put the blaster bolt between your eyes myself!
And with that said, Baltasar would finally sit down. Family was a matter that one never dare to discuss, let alone remark, with the Grand Marshal. Ever like his brother, the late Emperor, the Imperial had been a dutiful husband and father. His only child, a daughter, Amaris, was now a Stormtrooper, fully trained and serving the Empire. His wife had come from a well connected Imperial family that had been raised up to the rank of Count when Nicademus announced the formation of the nobility. Family could only speak of family and, last he checked, Myria Horne was a subordinate who had no right nor business to discuss what was above her station.
You are asking me to betray my own nephew on the grounds of him being a Force user. Force users that protected my late brother and gave him legitimacy over the remnants of the Second Fel Empire. Legitimacy that propelled him to where he was during life and ensured what we have now is before our eyes.
To hell with the Ren. Baltasar didn't like them nor did he like the Imperial Knights, but he tolerated them more so.
You forget that I am not Nicademus, Moff Horne. And that is a key issue. How could I even consider such an action given the qualities I lack?
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Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
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Post by Silas Darkstar on Jun 17, 2023 2:55:25 GMT -8
Belle Époque Cabal
As Baltasar launched into his tirade about Family and Brock, Myria felt for a moment as if she had set enough of a foot wrong that she would die then and there. In hindsight, she wouldn't have blamed the Grand Marshal for his actions given how tactlessly she had approached the matter. She had not properly considered the implications upon his father that the way she had worded things might have had. She stood there and silently accepted the rebuke, before he finally calmed down and took a seat, presenting his assessment of her proposal in a less than alluring light. At the very least he didn't seem ready to shoot her. She debated making an apology about her earlier comments, but figured it was better to leave that matter alone What, are we live in fear and reverence of Force Users for all our days? They belong to antiquated Religions and only hold as much power as we are afraid enough to give them. Did they serve a purpose as battlefield commanders and bodyguards? Of course, no one is denying their role in the past. But they were desperate times that required desperate measures. We control a third of the galaxy, our armies dwarf the might of the next 5 nations that claim independence from us. We don't need conjurers and tricksters to ensure the might of the Galactic Empire. Majority of the Empire doesn't even believe in their so called Force. But you want to know what they do believe in and trust? She motioned to the Grand Marshal with her hand The Delvardus name and the might of the Imperial Military. These orders of Knights... They are not needed to provide legitimacy. Our people are not superstitious fools cowering in the corner. Much as I and others like me will follow you, so too will they. You don't have to be your Brother, and anyone who would expect you to be is a fool. The people call out for a commander, someone able to see through mysticism. The Late Emperor was a brilliant man, but he was also a realist and certainly knew he had his own limitations. You merely have to admit what yours are and figure out how to address them as he would with his own... She strode closer to the desk and planted her hands upon the surface as she leaned forward Do not think of it as betraying your nephew, rather restoring the natural Order of the Empire. He can still command his Imperial Knights and your Niece can have her Knights of Ren, or what remains of them if they resist... Your family will come to no harm and we can avoid an inevitable internal conflict as both Orders tear one another apart for dominance. You can prevent so much pain and suffering... Stand with us, or you will have only your indecision to blame when the Ren and Imperial Knights go to war and kill billions of our own over their ideological differences...
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