The Emperor's Suite

Commander Malice Stood at attention in front of the Emperor's desk, with Havok beside him. Ever the professional, Malice would be silent until spoken to.


Havok seem distracted for a moment before he began speaking.
Havok wanted to touch things: the walls, the floors. There was power here, in these chambers inhabited by Palpatine. Time had not dimmed nor erased the mark in the force. Here in these hallowed halls, Havok felt the echoes through the force. The complex plots. The subtle maneuverings. The insidious evil. The malevolent genius. They all left their mark in this place.

"Emperor, I apologize for my theatrics in the throne room." He cleared his throat. "I would like to suggest forming a secretive organization under the oversight of the Imperial Intelligence. The Specialis Secretus Executum or SSE. It would be a paramilitary branch of Imperial Intelligence that would operate independently but also support the II's operations. As it's leader, I would answer only to You and the Director of Imperial Intelligence." The sith lord continued: "The SSE would be smaller in membership, more secretive, and draw from the elite ranks of II personnel."

The dark sider began to pace as he spoke. "The SSE would have a three fold mission. The first mission is to delve the mysteries of the force, to use the power of the dark side to enhance our vision and augment the abilities of our operatives. As you wisely quoted earlier, the dark side is a path to many abilities some consider to be unnatural. Nature shall not limit our capabilities." The Seer pounded his fist in his hand.

"The second mission is to operate as an unseen offense against the enemies of the Empire; to be the shadow beneath the banner of the Empire. A poison pill to slip to groups that seek the Empire's ruin, both inside and outside the Empire. The mission includes espionage, sabotage, assassination and unconventional weapons and warfare employed with surgical precision."

The seer stopped pacing and faced the emperor once again. "The final mission...; I will tell you frankly, my abilities may drain my life force and cause my body to prematurely degenerate. I swore I would serve "as long as this mortal frame does not quit me." The Empire therefore has a vested interest in my long life. I intend my life to be... unnaturally long." Havok emphasized "unnaturally."

"In order to achieve those missions, the SSE would employ elite agents and force-sensitive operatives, in field operations and enhanced interrogation, and use paramilitary forces and black operations forces. The SSE would also have a research and development support capability to produce innovative weapons, including unconventional and force-based resources and warfare. The SSE would have some limited internal manufacturing capabilities to ensure end-to-end research-to-manufacture operational security."

"What say you, Emperor?"

The Director (hologram) lifted something. It was evident that he was reading the transmissions sent to him on a datapad. He read at his normal pace, unwilling to let the pressure of those present rush him. The Emperor of the First Order was requesting his input and he would deliver his thoughts and analysis as requested once he had properly assimilated the information.

After reading, the Director turned to regard Havok. After a moment of thought, Director Piett began, speaking in a deliberate and even tone. 

"You claim to be a Seer. You do seem to have an uncommon power of sight. Imperial Intelligence would undeniably benefit from having access to information not even our spies can get through to." He worked his way through the brief on his datapad. "But you are also a sith. I have no doubt that you and the SSE will be effective if your goal is to destroy your enemies. The question is, who are your enemies? Sith are known for having ulterior motives. You have a high opinion of yourself if you think that extending your life is a priority for the funding and assets of Imperial Intelligence-"

"It will be worth it." Havok spoke calmly.
"It damn well better be." The director's response was as emotionless as ever. Not a hint of a threat, but then again, there didn't need to be one.

"But you already know what I am going to say to this..." Even through the hologram, Merrik Piett's blue eyes were striking.

Havok nodded knowingly. Half of their conversation was unspoken.

"And you also know that I will do my duty to the Emperor. Whatever the cost."

Havok slowly nodded once.

Director Piett put down the datapad and turned back to the Emperor. "Your Highness, Lord Havok is no doubt a talented asset, however, I have my reservations about his sith loyalties. I am in favor of granting his proposal, but I would impose a probationary period before I grant him the autonomy he is requesting."

Havok had been resigned to this outcome. But it annoyed him all the same.

"His first task would be to deal with the meddlesome Brother Eli on Muunilist. Imperial Intelligence has received requests from local law enforcement that clearly lead us to believe that Eli is a religiously and racially motivated serial killer. In all honesty, most products of the inquisitorious are. The point is, Grand Moff Kasalle personally called for justice for the victims."

The director had spoken his mind. He didn't like having to rely on a sith, but Havok may prove to be a powerful asset if the sith seer delivered on his proposal for the SSE.

"What is your decision, your Majesty?"

Nicademus had remained silent while the two discussed. He too shared reservations on the fact that Havok was a Sith. His old mentor taught him well of the Sith and their tendencies. He wasn't an expert, not even by a long shot, but it still helped him nonetheless. When a mission was given, the Emperor understood its meaning. It was a monumental task, one that would determine the loyalty of Havok and his true motives.

I believe this is a good decision, Director. A good task to see if Havok and the SSE can prove their worth and loyalty to the Empire that they desire to serve. I would like to see how this fanatical preacher is dealt with... whether he is calmed down and brought to submission or silenced, permanently.

Nicademus looks at Havok.

Do you feel up for this task, Lord Havok?

---

The words had caused Baltasar to visibly twitch. He made a step forward after Jin Song spoke.

=Baltasar=
Why you insolent little-

The hand of the Emperor was raised immediately.

Silence.

The Imperial states, without even a hint of anger. His hand was lowered as he took in the words of this female who had lived in the Underworld all her life. The Emperor was aware that not everyone enjoyed the Empire, even though he ensured that doors were never closed on those who desired work, who desired advancement, who desired to serve their nation in any way possible. There was never a nation that enjoyed a one hundred percent support from its people. There would always be those who disliked and even hated the nation they lived under. There would also be those who did not care either. Jin Song was of the former over the latter.

When I came to this world, Jin Song, I saw these... organizations you spoke of, those like the Triad. I saw children in pens, adults in poor condition, and money stolen by the thousands. These people preyed upon the weak to get what they want. To control the streets. And so when I came, I sought to re-establish order and law. And even though I did my best, I know there is still evil that hides.

He gestures to Fiora.

A father is naturally concerned for his children when they vanish. Especially in the middle of the night. I know that she and her brother want to see the galaxy... but I do not bar them because I am a father who wants to cloister his children. Who wants them to always be safe and coddled. It's because I want them to be ready. I want them to be able to survive and thrive without me. For one day, I will not be here and I want the lessons, they learned, to ensure they can continue moving forward. Their coming education, which has just begun, will take them to places unlike anything seen before... and there, they will learn and see the galaxy.

His eyes remained focused on Jin Song as he spoke.

I did not say that the Underworld was a slum, but I do know that there are dangers lingering, not only in the Underworld, but up here too. I am concerned for the public safety of all those under my authority. It is a rulers duty, to his people, to give them security and peace of mind. You would hate me if I didn't police just as you hate me for policing. In the former, you would say I do not care. Just as in the latter, you say that my men took your freedoms away.

Nicademus turns away from Jin Song and moves back to his daughter, looking at his child. He still remembered the day that his twins were born, brought into this galaxy as a blessing to him. How they began to mature and change from crawling to walking, from babbling to talking. Every day that passed, the father became more proud of his son and daughter. The Emperor remains silent before turning to Jin.

I only seek to do what I feel is right as a ruler. Hate my empire, if you will. There are those who truly believe in my vision, those who follow it out of necessity, there are those who resent it, and everything in between. I cannot please everyone. I can merely do what I can, as a ruler, to lead my people and ensure that they are safe. I must do my duty to the nation I created and not be like others who sit upon thrones and grow lazy with their power.

Looking back at Fiora, he speaks to his daughter now.

What do you think of your friend, Fiora? Do you trust her? Do you believe she will be a good friend to you? Do you believe she will be a lasting bond that you can turn to no matter what the circumstance?

The Emperor would see the judgment of his daughter. A test of her abilities. Because, he had already seen it in Jin. Despite her words about his nation, she was determined to be a friend to Fiora. She was determined to remain that friend. Nicademus had no plans to bar his daughter from making friends, no matter what their background. The makings of a true friend, something that his children needed in the future to come. People that they could rely upon for anything.

Fiora had already been hesitant to admit she had gone to the Underworld, and her Father's reaction was all the evidence as to why. But she also knew it was better to be honest and truthful than to try and lie about where she had gone. It was true that Neith would not have said anything, but her Father would have known when Fiora lied to him. So she stood resolute and accepted the scolding.

She knew he had valid points. Had it not been for Jin, Fiora would have well and truly been in far more trouble in the Underworld. She was not sure she could have so valiantly fought off those attackers in the way Jin had. And had it not been for the appearance of that strange boy, she could have easily ended up in far worse circumstances. Though in truth, it was also the case that had it not been for Jin, the Stromtroopers would have discovered her identity far sooner. A fact she would happily omit from any further details about her time there.

There was little about her Father's words she could deny. Stories about her Mother's... adventures were widespread, even if not very often repeated. It was something of a comment she took pride in.

But soon, her Father was addressing Jin, causing Fiora's stoicism faltered for a moment. She knew her friend was not about to hold back on her opinion of the FO. And Jin certainly did not disappoint in that regard. A great deal of fear and concern washed over her as she watched her Father and Uncle. Either one of them could have ordered the Stormtroopers to fire on Jin then and there. But thankfully neither of them did. She shot her Uncle a hard and disgusted stare as he looked set to make some rude remark about Jin before her Father stopped him.

However, her gaze and attention was soon drawn back to her Father. She looked up to him as he asked his questions of her regarding Jin. She knew her next words could very well decide the fate of whether she saw Jin again or not. She took a deep breath and looked to her friend for a moment. She had felt drawn to Jin by the Force and her Visions had been far less... disturbing around her. She lifted her gaze back to her Father then
I do trust her... Even when she found out who I was, she still protected me and helped me get back here. She could have kidnapped me or tried ransom me... But she didn't. I don't just believe she will be a good friend and someone I can turn to... I know she is...
Those attuned to the Force would have felt a slight shift in the air emanating from Fiora as she made that last statement. It was a brief and passing thing

---

Elayne's eyes widened for a moment as she felt the pulse through the Force. Despite many of her comrades merely brushing the shift off as nothing of concern, Elayne had felt it before. Her time with Fiora had left her feeling such shifts in the Force when the Princess had spoken about various matters. She was not entirely sure what the future held, but the Princess certainly seemed to know something