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Post by Roland Ferrum on May 6, 2024 15:09:53 GMT -8
*Roland didn't react when his wayward uncle and the last remaining bodyguards entered the office, he'd sensed them coming and knew that the three of them were no threat to him. He watched in silence as the would be emperor poured himself a drink. It was clear that the man's spirit was broken, whatever he'd hoped to accomplish clearly shattered before him. He'd expected to feel anger and hate at the sight of the former Grand Marshal, but he was surprised to find that in their place the only thing he felt for the man before him was pity. Though he'd never truly felt accepted by the older man this was still his uncle no matter the blood, and it was hard to look at him as anything else, even now. Roland was more comfortable back in his own armor, with his other weapons back at his belt, but he didn't reach for any tools of violence, instead he simply nodded.* "No one will be held accountable for the crimes of others, no matter their kin. When this is over I will bring them to the Emperor myself, no harm will come to them because of your actions." *In some ways it was the very fact that his first concern had been for his family that Roland offered him this las kindness, whatever his faults and his status as a traitor he wasn't an evil man.* "Why?" *The question was spoken quietly and without threat, but there was a heavy weight behind the single word. He knew no answer would fully satisfy him, but he had to ask the question anyway.* "What was it all for?" *His father's death, his Aunt's near comatose state, Yvain and Jin's capture, the attempt on his own life, there had to be some reason, some powerful motivator to make the man before him turn on his brother's legacy and drag the whole empire across the dirt with him.* Though his face remained passive a world of pain and confusion passed through his eyes as he watched the other man, waiting for his answer.*
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on May 6, 2024 15:23:10 GMT -8
There was an exhale from Baltasar's lips. Both at the relief that Roland would honor his last wish and the question presented. The Imperial poured himself another glass and then walked over to the viewport of the Emperor's Suite. Once more gazing upon the chaotic scenery of the once mighty and relatively peaceful center of his late brother's work. He was tired... just tired and worn out at this point.
=Baltasar=
I was told I had to do it. To save the Empire from Force Users.
Reaching into his breast pocket, Baltasar pulls out an encrypted disc. It is tossed Roland's direction and lands on the desk. The encryption held the recording of his meeting with Moff Horne, the one who instigated the plot to see him be raised to the Emperor's throne. The least he could do was reveal the plot that had raised him. Not enough to redeem him, but just something he could right for once.
=Baltasar=
Myria Horne and her cabal. I heard you killed Grand Marshal Gar Killian. He was among those who were confederates of Myria Horne.
Then he fell silent, turning the glass slightly as the brandy moved about within it. As for why? Baltasar had no answer. Nothing that could truly explain his actions. He would die a traitor, unfortunately. Die as a dishonored member of the royal family who rose up against his own nephew and whose troopers gunned down his half-brother, the mentor of his nephew and niece.
=Baltasar=
I was told to restore the natural order of the Empire... but even now, I don't know why I did it.
Baltasar then sets the glass down before proceeding to rub his hands together. All of this because he fell for the hook and bait so easily. In the end, the once proud Grand Marshal of the First Order had been a weak man. He felt he was only doing it to save the lives of himself and his family from being harmed by this cabal. But in the end, it drove his daughter away. It made his wife look away too. Only harm had come.
=Baltasar=
Tell my nephew, my niece, the whole family... I am sorry. Hopefully my daughter will serve His Majesty better.
Time to get on with this.
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Post by Roland Ferrum on May 6, 2024 16:04:05 GMT -8
*Roland was not surprised to hear that Horne and Killian had been at least partially responsible, they'd seemed far too willing and ready to simply be following orders. He scooped up the data disk and slid it into a pouch at his belt specifically designed to hold similar disks. He doubted whatever was on it would give him any more clarity to the situation, but it might at least help him gain a hint at the greater picture being painted here. Slowly standing up from the desk he joined the former Grand Marshal at the viewport, taking a moment to silently survey the city before them. He wanted to be out there, doing his job and leading his soldiers, finally making an end to this unnecessary war, but instead he gave his uncle a few additional moments of his time, standing next to him for a few moments so that his last moments weren't completely alone. That time was fleeting however Roland slowly drew one of the DE-10 blasters with his left hand, feeling the oddly comforting weight in his hand for a moment, staring at it with the intensity of a man clearly wishing he was anywhere else, and then setting the weapon down on the nearby end table. Both men knew what had to happen next and he would do his uncle this one last kindness and allow him to retain what little shred of honor he had left.* "I will tell them." *And with those last words Roland turned on his heals, walked past the stormtroopers at the door, and didn't look back. What was done was done, and those left behind would have to move forward as best as they could. A single tear fell from his eyes as he left the chamber, shed not for Baltasar, but instead for everyone else who had to die this day due to the actions and decisions of one man.........*
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on May 6, 2024 16:34:48 GMT -8
Baltasar waited till Roland was gone. He then waved to the pair of Stormtroopers for they had new orders. They turned and departed with Roland, escorting him out of the Imperial Palace. Looking down at the pistol, the Imperial felt the tug of destiny as he reached for it and brought it square under his chin. In those final moments, Baltasar's thoughts were with his wife and daughter. May they never forget his love, his duty, and all that he did for his family. Before Roland got too far, the once reputable Grand Marshal gave one final word before departing. His voice heard through the closed door of where he was left.
=Baltasar=
Long live the Empire!
The blaster went off seconds later. Then silence fell. The traitor Baltasar Delvardus was dead.
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Thomas Zahn
The First Order
Posts: 198
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Thomas Zahn on May 6, 2024 18:20:47 GMT -8
The Praetor Stormtroopers and the Hoplites had been sweeping through the Palace since their arrival moments ago, quelling the last few pockets of resistance and securing the Palace's command centre. Zahn, meanwhile, had been making his way to the residential areas alone. Given the rather abandoned state of the Palace so far, it seemed unlikely Baltasar had concentrated his forces into the residential areas for a last stand. But should it come to a fight, Zahn was ready to deliver it to his former colleague.
However, as he was drawing closer to the private quarters meant for the Emperor, Zahn heard a familiar voice yell out the well known Imperial slogan before a blaster bolt sounded out. He rushed the hallway and bashed the door open against his shoulder to find Baltasar's corpse laying upon the ground. He crossed the room and stood over the man, pulling his helmet off out of respect. Even if the man had been a traitor, he had served well as a Grand Marshall and had chosen to end his life instead of trying to prolong this rebellion
You at least did one more honourable thing...
With the moment passed, Zahn slipped his helmet back on and grabbed a sheet from a nearby cupboard and draped it over the corpse just in time for a pair of the Praetor Guard to arrive. Without pausing the moved to the Grand Marshals aid with the sheet, while Zahn looked out the window and activated his comm to allied First Order forces
Grand Marshal Zahn to all First Order forces... Baltasar Delvardus is dead. I repeat... Baltasar Delvardus is dead. The Palace has been captured.
A number of operational updates quickly washed in, updating him on Roland's message and forces information along with a report on the situation in orbit. He dialled a couple of controls which sent off details to the Emperor regarding where his forces had made landfall and what they had captured so far. He then turned back to the body and grabbed up the blaster pistol laying nearby
You've been busy... nephew-in-law...
It was hard to say how Octavian might react to this, but erring on then side of caution Zahn disposed of the pistol down a trash chute. If Roland wanted to credit for this, he could speak up. But otherwise Zahn was going to report that the former Grand Marshall had been dead when he arrived. No need to complicate matters
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