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Post by Whill Shaman Erevis on Apr 9, 2013 10:58:06 GMT -8
Carannia was the capital city of Serenno.
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Samuel Grimmalt
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Post by Samuel Grimmalt on Jun 13, 2013 21:20:13 GMT -8
Screaming currents of air sliced through the cityscape of Carannia, the seemingly immaculate beauty of a city to rival the architecture of even Coruscant's Galactic City or the Upper City of Taris imposed it's regal shadow on the cowled man, staring intently off into the sky as though he were waiting. On most days, he would have deferred to the Jedi Diplomats, and left them to their cajoling and double talking, playing the game of politics like a senator with a lightsaber.
But he had gotten wind of this Dante fellow through the databases of the Watch, and extreme circumstance (or the will of the Force) had nudged him to this place. Adjusting the long scabbard of his lightfoil, Brys' vibrant eyes lit up as he heard the telltale thrum of engines starting to power down, and he folded his hands intently in front of him. His thoughts had been frothing for some time now, and his lips stretched into a kind smile- the sort of which pricked a blush from one of the attending handmaidens who had come to meet Dante and illicited a faint chuckle- as he bowed his head kindly. "Brys Jarak, my lady," he said, affirming his presence here. "I am Lord Dante's... protection, today."
She seemed put at ease by his words, relaxing away from the thoughts that had been plaguing her previously, for she seemed unburdened in the instant after he spoke. His eyes flicked to the landing ship, and silently he wondered what this man was, to have made so many enemies. He could feel complications rising like a vast web in the force, entangling everything like a looming shroud. And his eyes narrowed slightly.
He had not introduced himself as a Jedi, and he had taken liberties outside his mandate. No- today, Brys was his own man. And if the council had a problem with his seeking answers, with taking action in his own way, this behavior might set in on a more regular basis. But for now, the ship halted, and Brys waited.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2013 19:16:15 GMT -8
The ambassadorial shuttle slowly swept through the clouds, its sleek form parting the sky as the droning of its engines filled the air. Slowly, the shuttle circled the landing pad, before eventually setting down on its landing gear with a hiss of coolant. As the engines whined down to a low idle, the ships ramp lowered, and no sooner had it clunked to the ground than a form slowly emerged. He was certainly exotic by most human standards – golden and bronze skin gleamed almost metallically in the sun of Serenno, while an easy smile revealed pointed canines, obviously alien. Golden eyes like that of an animals peered out from an almost perpetually scowling brow, while a set of nictating membranes – third eyelids – swept horizontally across his eyes. No, he was by no means human; this was a Firrerreo, a Firrerreo of noble birth. For, how could you mistake the harsh features of that face as anything but aristocratic? Two toned black and silver hair was styled oiled backward in severe fashion out of the face, and high cheekbones, a thin sharp nose, pursed lips, and sharply cut goatee (with pinstripes of silver trailing at the corners of the mouth) rounded out his severe visage. It was the face of someone used to power, used to control, and begrudged those who didn’t have it.
More though was his dress, he wore – curiously – a pair of black polished issued officer boots, perhaps from his days in the Serennian army? What followed was a black zeyd-cloth pant and tunic combination, with the pants and tunic being adorned with various chromium clasps, buckles, and buttons. The high and stiff collar of the double breasted tunic seemed to force the head to always look straight ahead – accentuating the severe aura that surrounded the man – but curiously, the dark brown jacket the man wore was oddly informal for his state of dress; albeit, the jacket was made out of extremely expensive toumon leather, and lined with equally expensive toumon wool. The jacket was currently worn draped over the mans shoulders, the sleeves flapping about in the breeze. Flapping with the sleeves, was an elegant chaughaine cape, attached by way of chromium clasps at the shoulders. Red on the inside, and black on the outer, the cape had the Demici standard patterned on the outside in gold thread; the standard of a golden five pointed star with black outline.
Slowly, the man seemed to limp down the ramp – and indeed he DID limp, for attached around his right knee was a servo brace, a mechanical brace that used servomotors, muscle stimulators, and small repulsors to help the disabled move about properly. Also, in his right hand, was a chromium plated cane about a meter long, which even now he relied on somewhat as he walked. Something about the man gave off the impression that he wasn’t helpless however, perhaps it was the electrum and chromium plated target blaster at his left hip – a politicians weapon that wasn’t restricted much on most worlds – or perhaps it was the small collection of three medals that adorned the mans left breast; war medals from the mans time in the Serennian army. Slowly, but picking up speed, the man walked down the ramp with increasing surety – his brace recalibrating for this planets gravity. By the time he reached the bottom of the ramp, he walked with only a slight hitch in his gait.
Following at a respectful distance behind him, was a FIII footman droid. Designated as Dante’s chaffeur, chef, bodyguard, and butler, the droid stood as tall as a human, was colored an black and gold scheme – more distinctive though, was the five pointed gold star emblazoned on the droids chest, along with the aurabesh letters “ST-R”. This was “Star,” Dante’s personal droid. The pair came to the bottom of the ramp, and Dante silently observed the gathering there; a handmaiden, several administrators, and...ah, a Jedi. Jerking his head at the man, Dante gave Star a meaningful glance. Picking up on the cue, Star stepped forward and began to speak in a posh – but respectful – tone of a trained Serennian servant.
“Master Dante greets you, and is overjoyed to return to his home world! However, we would prefer to decline a Jedi assigned detail...we believe it sets a bad precedent for the nobility of Serenno to be so guarded...especially considering the past war service my master has rendered for his planet.”
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Jace Stealer
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Affiliation: Unfair Advantage
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Post by Jace Stealer on Jul 2, 2013 19:36:01 GMT -8
The wet sloshing of boots treading through a puddle just after the rainstorm was drowned out by the engines of a diplomatic shuttle just overhead. The redolence of the Belsallion Sea reigned over any unpleasant odors that might have risen up from the side alleys or the exhaust of speeders. The cool breeze that swept through the city after the passing storm, cleansing the build-up of filth that cities tended to accumulate. All of this; soft treading of his boots, the rich scent of the sea, the cool breeze, the Force that permeated everything that lived, Jace took it all in. He hadn't been to the relatively peaceful city of Carannia in a long time, and it had been even longer since he took the time to enjoy it.
But he had come here with a purpose, and the sound of the diplomatic shuttle landing meant that he had arrived in the nick of time. After another few seconds of walking he turned into the doorway that lead onto the private landing pad. Cautious but confident he walked down the darkened hallway that lead back out to the open air, slowing down considerably as he neared the end. Stopping a foot from the entryway he remained in the shadows, watching as his comrade slowly stepped from the shuttle with his droid in tow. He watched, slightly amused, as the droid declined the Jedi's services. He wondered if the Council had been made aware of his particular traits, for sending an honor guard would simply offend him, never mind a Jedi. After a few moments Jace stepped just beyond the shadows, leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed. With everyone facing Dante, he'd be the first and only one to notice Jace until the advisers were dismissed. Which left him a minute or two to ponder why the Jedi was here in the first place.
Not but an hour ago he had received word from the remnants of House Demici that his old partner was coming back to town. He had been discussing various troop positions and contracts with the figurehead of the Emerald Blades, Mik'ro, when the call came into his office. The Emerald Blades, formally known as the Tau Department of Intelligence, has always had strong ties to the Demici's. So once word got to the Demici's that Dante was making a visit their first action was to alert their ally. And luckily, Jace just happen to be around for this development.
Which brought Jace to this point in time, wondering exactly how the Jedi managed to beat him here. Did the Council have a hand in his return? Maybe they've got their own intelligence on the inside that they had missed. Doubtful. Which brought up the possibility that this Jedi wasn't sent here by the council, but perhaps his own will. Maybe even the Force. That would explain how he managed to get here before Jace, as he hadn't a clue how he had found out before the Blades, unless the Jedi had been tailing him. Jace would be keeping a close eye on this one, especially now that he has been dismissed. There was no telling what he might have up his sleeve.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 4, 2013 21:09:58 GMT -8
Silently, Dante stared intently at the Jedi...and then, noticing a figure move in the shadows, looked past the Jedi in wonderment. Jace! he had come to greet Dante in his return...it was a welcome surprise, and with an easy smile, Dante slowly started forward - Star, in the meantime, muttering apologies to those assembled. Walking forward, Dante was about to open his mouth and call out to his old friend, when there was a shout to the side. Turning, Dante's brow furrowed as a man, dirty and grime covered, came running out from behind a nearby refueling station.
"DOWN WITH THE COUNTS!"
There were screams that came from the entourage, and even Dante drew in a quick breath as the man ripped open his vest - exposing several cylinders that could only be explosives - before running like a madman straight for Dante. Dante was quick to act, unholstering the ceremonial pistol at his side as firing off a duo of shots. The first splatted the ground next to the man, the shots being awkward due to Dante having to aim across his belly and hipfire. The second pegged the man in the leg, numbing it, and Dante cursed - the man was wearing some kind of energy dissipating clothing. To his sides, his comrades could do nothing...Jace was too far away, and slightly behind the wall as he was the man would reach Dante before he could intercede; Star similarly, while more than capable of eliminating the threat with his integrated weapons, was blocked by the crowd of people that had come to greet him. With a grimace, Dante twisted the head of his cane and drew out his ceramic blade, preparing to meet the man...perhaps he could cut the mans hand, preventing him from pushing the detonator. Maybe.
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Post by Greymalkin on Jul 4, 2013 21:35:25 GMT -8
"LOOK OUT!"
The shout came from the blushing handmaiden as the bomber pulled open his vest, her eyes going as wide as saucers when she realized what the man was attempting. Awkwardly, the lurched forward and shoved one of the administrators to the ground as she grabbed for the target pistol on his belt, then raised it in both hands to aim at the onrushing suicide bomber.
"STOP OR I'LL SHOOT!"
In hindsight, probably not the most effective warning to issue to a suicide bomber, and it predictably had no effect whatsoever on his speed or trajectory. That didn't seem to occur to the young woman though, and a defiant yell rushed out of her as she squeezed her eyes shut and pulled the trigger.
Somehow, miraculously, one of the half dozen shots the young woman fired managed to strike the man in the head, dropping him on the instant before he could get close enough to detonate himself.*
*When her eyes opened, the young woman stared from the gun to the dead bomber and back to the gun with an increasing sense of horror before finally throwing the weapon at the body in a fit of revulsion, as if to banish them both to some forgotten corner of the galaxy. It didn't work, and she slowly sank to her knees and began rocking back and forth, muttering apologies to the dead man from across the tarmac.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 4, 2013 21:57:48 GMT -8
Dante was just raising his sword to strike as the bolts started flying in - the majority of them missing the man completely, before one, through skill or pure luck, struck him in the head. The man dropped to the ground like a sack of grain, and the screaming died away slowly...replaced by a loud babble of voices as near a dozen guardsmen rushed onto the platform. They had been instructed to look on from afar as Dante didn't want anything interfering with the meet and greet as it were...perhaps that was a bad idea. Shaking his head and reassuring the guards that he was fine, Dante walked up the assassin to get a better look; even now th guardsmen were handcuffing the man and examining his suicide jacket, which they had pulled off before cuffing him. With a questioning look at one of the guards, the guard did a quick salute before answering Dante's unspoken question.
=Guardsman=
"Detonite charges sir...woulda blown the platform apart...and no, he isn't dead...girl shot him in the head with a target pistol; they only fire heavy stun bolts...he'll be out a GOOD long while, but he'll come to...eventually."
With a nod at the man, Dante silently turned and walked over to the shooter, one of the handmaidens from earlier, and knelt down beside her. Several of the ambassadors became quiet...knowing Dante's renown silence - some present hadn't actually heard him speak before; more than a few were curious. Resting a hand on her shoulder, Dante - quite painfully because of his brace - knelt down in front of her.
"...He is not dead. You struck him with a stun pistol - in the head no less - but it won't kill him...Thank you. You probably saved everyone on this platform. What is your name?"
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Post by Greymalkin on Jul 4, 2013 22:21:53 GMT -8
"I... what?"
Her rocking began to slow, then eventually stopped altogether.
"You mean, I didn't.. I'm not..."
She stopped, unable to form the right word to continue, then lunged forward and wrapped her arms around Dante's neck as tears began streaming down her cheeks.
"Thank you! I though I was a murderer! I was so afraid I'd go to prison! I know I'm not allowed to use guns, but he was right there and he had a bomb! I didn't know what else to do! I couldn't just let everyone die! It was... what?"
Her name. He'd asked her her name. Letting go of his neck, she leaned back and her expression turned horrified when she realized what she'd done.
"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to! I'm gonna go to prison, aren't I? Please don't send me to prison! I didn't mean to grab you like that! It was an accident!"
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Jace Stealer
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Affiliation: Unfair Advantage
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Post by Jace Stealer on Jul 5, 2013 21:55:44 GMT -8
Dante had noticed him and was starting to make his way to him, kindly letting his droid dismiss those that had gathered for him. Once again the stubbornness of ol' Dante shined through, sticking to what he knew and trusted. But he didn't blame his friend, that was for sure. They both had been through plenty of danger back when they were agents, to the point where anything foreign was labelled a threat. The only thing they could trust was the blasters in their hands (and even then, that was iffy) and each other.
Jace pushed himself from the wall in preparations to walk with Dante when the commotion started. The first thing that alerted him to the danger was the triumphant holler of some individual out of his sight. His thoughts went from curious in nature to full alert when his friend pulled out his pistol and opened up on the fellow. Jace had been through many wars, and several ambushes. His mind immediately switched to combat mode as he pulled the Verpine pistol viciously from his holster, scanning the opposite direction while he stepped out and took a knee in the direction of the threat. The bomb laden man was sprinting full tilt towards his friend, and as Jace started to bring up his pistol he realized he might be too late.
But before he could focus in and flick off the safety, a barrage of blaster bolts showered the suicide-bomber and dropped him. He watched as the threat was neutralized, falling flat on his face with a sickening crunch. Jace stood up and cautiously made his way over to the scene, scanning each and every angle for a follow-up attack. But the only thing that flooded onto the platform was the guards stationed nearby, so after a quick word with the captain about the area being secure he slipped his pistol back into it's holster. His attention was diverted to where Dante was now, with the panic-stricken woman who had just saved his life, believing that her actions had just ended her own. He stepped over with a reassuring smile on his face. "You just saved the Dante. I think the last place you'll be going is prison."
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2013 10:57:14 GMT -8
"Quite true. No, I asked your name because I want you to work on my staff - I have need for brave individuals such as yourself."
Cue the press. At the edges of the perimeter sentients of all shapes and sizes gathered with holocam droids to try and get a few shots of Dante, all holding out various recording devices for a quote. The guardsmen held the line though, and swiftly reprimanded any reporter who dared to send their droid over the perimeter line. Standing, Dante gripped Jace hands as he stood - his brace giving him hell once more - before letting go and leaning on his cane. Smiling at the woman, Dante gestured for Star to stay behind and help the girl. Like she needed help...Dante was starting to have the sneaking suspicion that she wasn't what she seemed. Regardless of if the feeling was right, Dante gestured for Jace to follow as he walked to the edge of the perimeter. Unholstering his target blaster, Dante gestured for the guards - and without hesitation the guard gave it to him. After a few seconds of fumbling around, Dante switched the powerpak on his own blaster with that of the guards...the faulty powerpak in his own pistol responsible for the average stun bolt during the attack...rather than the heavy ones it was known for. Done switching, Dante again gestured for Jace to follow, and they walked through a hole in the perimeter right into an airspeeder. Spartan, the speeder was elegant, well armored, slightly luxurious without being opulent - and most importantly, sound proofed, sensor proofed, and equipped with multiple privacy devices. Shaking his head, Dante activated the devices, dimmed the windows, and then leaned back comfortably. Eyeing Jace, he just shook his head as the speeder lifted off, and headed for the capital building landing pads.
"...Do you see now why I don't come home very often? You can live here all you want, Mr. Intelligence, the second I set foot here, I almost get blown up."
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Jace Stealer
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Post by Jace Stealer on Jul 11, 2013 0:11:06 GMT -8
Jace slipped in and took the seat across from Dante, letting the comfortable seats put him in a more relaxed state. The windows dimming and devices activating made the speeder perfect for sharing intel on the go. And from what just happened back on the landing pad, he couldn't say that it was a bit overboard. Who knew if the plot was the dreams of a madman or a simple act within a larger picture. This would require a serious interrogation on the unconscious man back on the private pad. Jace looked across to his friend as he referred to him as Mr. Intelligence, smirking at the truthful point he was making. Life had gotten a little boring now that he wasn't getting blown up every other week. It wasn't necessarily jealousy, but more of a found reminiscent of the days when they sprinted across hot duracrete with blasters on their tails.
"That's cause you don't stick around long enough. They'll get used to you if you hang around for a few weeks, instead of coming and going as a celebrity. Sithspit, they stopped trying to annihilate Mik'ro months ago!"
Jace reached into his jacket pocket and slipped out a small flask. Twisting it open, he brought it to his lips and took a swig of his favorite: Whyren's Reserve. He still had crates of it locked away at the headquarters, picked up from his last trip to Corellia over a year ago. He reached across and offered it to Dante.
"So, you want your boys to go pick up the bomber? Or should mine? I don't trust local security with him."
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2013 9:27:47 GMT -8
Dante's mouth quirked slightly; Jace's remark had been said lightly, but, it had more than a slight ring of truth to it. He DID come and go...a Count war hero gone rogue and privateer, he was more or less a buccaneering play boy of the stars - bashing down doors, and having a merry time. He WAS something of a celebrity...the allure of the Count: when Mandalorians invade your home and take over, just pack up and leave...it was the dream of every landlocked civilian - make like Dante and go. No worries, no responsibilities....Dante was known as an escapist.
It was something he wasn't proud of.
At Jace offering him alcohol, he more than readily took it, and took a long swig. It burned on the way down...but it didn't burn as much as his heart. He was here in a new way, more than a visiting celebrity, more than an old war hero gone playboy. He was here...to right his wrongs. Guilt weighed heavily on his heart and conscience - a lot of guilt from a lot of places...and neglecting his home was one of those places.
There was a long moment, as Dante peered out the window towards the beautiful architecture of Carannia...the beautiful wharfs and docks, the towering spires of sky scrapers, the busy markets and space port. Before them loomed the Capitol building, all stone and glass and guardsmen...
"Jace...I'm here to stay this time. I've sinned against my Countrymen, neglected my duties, and abandoned my office...if we were agents once more, I'd expect to be shot for my digression." There was a long pause as the speeder pulled into the speeder hangar of the Capitol, and guards waited respectfully outside, waiting to escort the pair. "...I'm back to stay. And this time, I intend to reclaim my title, rebuild our house to become one of the Great houses once more, and steer Serenno back to greatness." Dante shook his head, and jerked his head towards yet another crowd of people being held back by several Capitol guards. Most were angry, a few were violent...still more just looked blank. "Look at their faces...they hate the Counts, their protectors, and they've lost hope. We couldn't protect them Jace...we didn't have the military might to hold back a few hundred Mandalorians. What happens when a REAL force invades? What happens when the crusades come here? (Setting the SL before we're called to Carida) This isn't like when Arcturus held Serenno...when he had a super star destroyer, half a dozen fleets, and thousands of troops. In the end...we have to face it...the truth; their right to be afraid. For the first time in generations, our wealth can't protect us."
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Jace Stealer
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Post by Jace Stealer on Jul 14, 2013 22:51:15 GMT -8
Jace reached across when Dante had finished taking a healthy share, taking another swig himself before placing the cap firmly on and slipping it into his pocket while Dante spoke. If an agent had done such a thing, dropping his duties and going dark, he probably would have been shot. But Jace knew that everybody had their limits, that every once in awhile you just needed to get away from it all. After all, he had done the exact same thing. He promoted Zenos from a Captain to the Admiral of the fleet and Mik'ro to 'head' of the department and just left. He always kept in contact, but other than that he just did his own thing for a few years. It felt good, great in fact, but he knew he had to come back for at least a little while. Jace broke the silence as they drifted into the hanger bay. "Everybody needs to take a vacation once in awhile. There's nothing wrong with that."
Jace listened for the next minute or so of Dante's intentions, looking out the window and examining the reaction from the crowd. What would happen if the Mandalorians showed up? They would barrel through and not only kill the Death Watch, but hundreds of thousands of innocents and those rumored to know information about Force users. If Serenno was going to have any chance, then they would need to do a lot in preparation for what was to come. Jace looked up to Dante as he fell silent once again.
"You're right, wealth cannot protect us anymore. Which means we're going to have to take some serious action to rectify the situation. What we need to do, reclaiming your title and dragging the Demici house back to glory, is a very bold and difficult task. How do you propose we do this?"
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Count Monte Demici
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Post by Count Monte Demici on Jul 16, 2013 17:42:32 GMT -8
*The golden j-type nubian star skiff comes roaring out space into the planet and continues to roar until it finally lands in the capital city. Before landing it puts out it's landing gear hovers the lowers itself on the private Demici landing zone. Taking a few minutes for things to power down, Monte remains in his posh seating arrangements in the back until he felt like leaving. His presence was a powerful one. Like a weapon honed to sharp precision. The sharp precision of an Imperial Knight. Monte sits and waits until he knows that someone is going to acknowledge his arrival and greet him in the proper manner befitting that of the House Patriarch and Sovereign ruler. He doesn't expect the fanfare of the people but he does expect it of the other two "so-called" Demici "rulers".*
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Post by Deleted on Jul 17, 2013 13:22:30 GMT -8
Dante only grunted at Jace's placations, staring out the window at the crowd - which was quickly turning into a mob. Sure a vacation her or there was a good thing...but when your'e the equivalent of a general, and you decide to take a vacation during an enemy attack and occupation...it didn't really reflect well on you. Dante stared out the window for another long moment, his eyes narrowing as he saw a golden yacht fly by...he was here."Step one, have Count Monte the Sovereign step down, and allow myself to take the title...upon which I will quickly abandon the title to someone else in the Count's Senate: to be blunt, the last thing we need for our public image is another Demici gobbling up power...we have to rebuild our house, our reputation, and our political power before house Demici claims the title of The Count of Serenno...we've been too negligent for the masses to simply be forgiving and allow a second chance. With the Sovereign Count Monte landing here in the next few minutes, the three of us will address both the Senate and the masses...whether he wants to or nor, the people, and house Demici, will no longer support his office...he has become an Imperial knight...and such an action allies Serenno against her will with the Imperial remnant. This makes his office void. Step two, rebuild house Demici physically and metaphorically...we need to repair our image, and we need to literally repair the Demici Villa...besides the fact we need to rebuild our armies, rebuild our intelligence units, rebuild...everything. And that which stands...we're going to tear it down and rebuild it from the ground up. Step three, once we've regained our power...we stage an upheaval of the Death Watch off OUR planet...regardless of who is in office, they'll most likely be corrupt and impotent...our stand for the people will be BACKED by the people...they'll vote us into office on the grounds that the current Count of Serenno is defunct under noblesse oblige...we will assume power then; we must be prepared for a coup if the ruler resists." There was a long silence, as Dante took in the words he was speaking; treason, coups, probably assassination..."Noblesse oblige..."Nobility obliges"...the concept that with privilege comes responsibility; those with power are obligated to help those under them...whether through office, or through their own monetary means. The Counts of Serenno and The Count of Serenno have disregarded this fact...my people, OUR people...have suffered. The Dukes of Serenno - the heads of the lesser houses - have cried for change...they say that the Counts are corrupt. And the truth...is that we ARE. Did you know, that with the fall in status of house Demici, that we aren't even Counts anymore? We're Dukes. Dukes! House Demici has not had a Duke in a thousand years! By our own laws, a Duke cannot hold office, let alone be The Count of Serenno! We, our very house, is responsible for half the corruption on the planet...and the Death Watch the other half." A snarl, and Dante lips pulled back in a grimace."It is time for a cleansing. Come with me." *The golden j-type nubian star skiff comes roaring out space into the planet and continues to roar until it finally lands in the capital city. Before landing it puts out it's landing gear hovers the lowers itself on the private Demici landing zone. Taking a few minutes for things to power down, Monte remains in his posh seating arrangements in the back until he felt like leaving. His presence was a powerful one. Like a weapon honed to sharp precision. The sharp precision of an Imperial Knight. Monte sits and waits until he knows that someone is going to acknowledge his arrival and greet him in the proper manner befitting that of the House Patriarch and Sovereign ruler. He doesn't expect the fanfare of the people but he does expect it of the other two "so-called" Demici "rulers".* " Prossimo con noi!" Standing straighter, the four guards saluted, un-shouldered their rifles, and formed an honor guard for the pair. They did not stay in one place for long; striding away quickly, the six of them came to one of the restricted capitol landing pads - one that was reserved specifically for Great Houses. Coming to a stop at the star skiff on the landing pad, Dante slitted his eyes to Jace."He may be an illegitimate rule of an impotent house...but he still holds office. Do not forget courtesies. As they wait, a large crowd gathers at the edges of the landing pad; most had followed the Demici's from the airspeeder to the pad, and the *now mob* held signs aloft. Most called for Monte to step down, others called for his head - still others called for the so called "Great House" to step down out of the Senate of Counts altogether, and to allow a different house to be reinstated in house Demici's place. Amidst all this, Sovereign Monte eventually emerges...With an appropriate bow, Dante flourishes his cane as so it lays under an arms, and with a sweeping gesture, invites their houses liege lord to disembark.
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Count Monte Demici
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Post by Count Monte Demici on Jul 17, 2013 15:14:14 GMT -8
*Monte walks out to the doorway of the loading ramp. He sees the guards salute and doesn't return the salute. He walks down wearing the red and black Imperial armor with the Imperial symbol on the left side of his chest and the symbol of House Demici on his right shoulder. At the end of the ramp, he looks at Dante with stone-cold determination as Dante bows to him in the typical fashion of the Great House. He returns the Flourish of the bow with equal flourish but he never takes his eyes off Dante. Switching his gaze to Jace then back to Dante, he slightly squints his eyes and cocks an eyebrow.*
"So the prodigal son returns from vacation. And just how was the lake country of Naboo? I hear it's especially nice this time of year. What do I owe the honor of the company of you two? I'm sure something is on your mind that made you come out from hiding. "
*The biting sarcasm and condescension is well founded. Monte had the proverbial shit storm to deal with and not a single soul to help him clean it up since the Court of Counts dissolved because of infighting. Since this was the Court of Counts fault through a deal he didn't broker while Dante was leader of the illustrious group, he had to have Serenno join the Empire, Death Watch had their own Senator in place and their hooks in legitimacy on a galactic scale. Joining the Empire was the only way to sever that reach. Not that any of them could understand. Not a popular move, but it confined Death Watch to the planet and give them a fighting chance to cut the sickness of those mongrels from his home. Not that Monte could credit Dante or Jace with that kind of battle savvy. In all honesty Monte, on some small scale was glad they did return. Getting rid of Death Watch by himself would have been extremely difficult.*
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Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2013 8:02:32 GMT -8
Dante, still in his bow, grinned at the ground - safely away from Monte's ability to see the look. Yes, it seemed that Monte was nearing the end of his leash...the timing was perfect; the stage set. Straightening from his bow, Dante gestured wildly, flourishing his hands so that they were all aflutter.
"Why, the lake country was incredible! I'm afraid that my vacation was cut short though; indeed, something did draw us out of our reveries...though hiding would imply that we didn't want to be found. Indeed, I myself have been re-accumilating Demici assets and wealth...it's been my understanding Demici coffers run low nowadays? Jace, well, he continues to safe guard Demici assets here on the planet...ensuring that no more damage is done than already inflicted."
Barely subtle barbs towards the Sovereign; that while he may have had to hold the house afloat in the political arena, that it was Dante and Jace that had taken care of the grunt work...had mobilized what was left of the Demici armies, that had pooled in their own credits to keep the houses heart beating. Without Dante's credits, the Demici house would have sunken into poverty a year ago, and without Jace's protection, more than half of the Demici nobility would have been assassinated already.
Straightening his cane under his arm, Dante gestured for the trio to be on their way to the Senate. As they walked away from the gathered crowds, and came into the more secluded portions of the capitol building - the skywalks that led from the landing pads to the capitol building itself - Dante decided to dispense with pleasantries.
"Now...enough with pleasantries. We THREE have held this house afloat; you in politics, Jace in military, and myself through finance. None of us wanted these positions - the negotiations made a year and a half ago by Count Frore and the other Monte was the will of the Court as a whole...if it had been House Demici's way, we would have driven out the invaders. I question your wisdom in aligning Demici with the Empire...just as you question the wisdom of my disappearance from the planet, and Jace's, well, transience." Holding up a hand, Dante stopped any words from coming forth - from Jace or Monte. "We all know why we have assembled here...there is trouble on all three fronts. Politically, your gambit to stabilize Serennian and Death Watch relations has paid off immensely, with the Death Watch's power and sphere of influence being minimized. However, this has severe ramifications on house Demici...even now, the house is destabilizing as an political entity - the people are calling for the devaluation of house Demici to that of a lesser house; primarily due to a perceived split in loyalties towards the Empire and Serenno by it's current leader. Soon, house Demici will be called defunct...and power will transfer to someone else - a house probably backed by the Death Watch. The political front is not the only area of trouble though...financially, It's becoming harder and harder to siphon off funds from non-Demici assets and to give them to house Demici. Government entities from other planets, media, and all various other associations are beginning to question my motives - as to whether I'm abusing or laundering credits. Military wise as well; we are a pale shadow to what our might used to be. While it is true that Jace's Intelligence forces have kept small forces and assassins at bay...and that his presence continues to be a deterrent...I shudder to think if there was an actual army headed our way; we would not survive a combined assault from multiple houses."
Coming to a stop, Dante signaled to the guards to set up a wide perimeter. And turning to Jace and Monte, held his hands out wide.
"Counts - most likely soon to be Dukes. We must act, before our house completely dissolves. Sovereign, I know your tired of your position...you were a warrior before you came to office. Jace, I know your ready for some backup...and myself, well I'd be damned glad to have someone help me politically. Can we agree then, that NOW is the time to act? Now is the time to drive out the Death Watch...before we lack the ability to do so?"
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Count Monte Demici
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Posts: 94
Affiliation: Imperial Knights/House Demici
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Post by Count Monte Demici on Jul 18, 2013 20:06:29 GMT -8
*Monte waited for Dante to finish. He had every intentions of letting him speak his peace. The hand gestures, as irrelevant as they were, went uncontested as they walked to the area they needed to be at present. Being out of the crowds site was probably best, as the three most important members of the Great House were in one area and out in the open too. It would all be too easy for a would be assassin to take a shot to take out all three of them. Dante has made good points, but they aren't 100% accurate points. Monte pulls out a datapad, he unlocks it with password typed and spoken. "Noble Fool". He tosses the datapad to Dante.*
"I'm afraid you've been greatly misinformed about the coffers being low. If you take a careful look, our finances haven't been substantially reduced, just quite the opposite really. They have been greatly improved. I had the forethought to remove them from the normal banks here in the capital and keep them off the books. Do you remember Countess Calum Netubi?"
*It was a rhetorical answer, they knew about her. Just not in the fashion Monte knew about her.*
"The Countess and her family are in charge of the banks. What you may or may not know, is she is with child. Care to take a guess whom the father is? I can tell you, the very leader of Death Watch. Dred Vizsla."
*Monte looks at both of them, his cape casually flapping behind him. He looks at the two of them, horror struck and angry, but the best was yet to come.*
"Thank you. Your silence means that I'm understood. I did what any rational thinking patriarch should have done. I kept our finances off the books. While you only saw a gross misappropriation of funds, I did to make sure they weren't compromised in any fashion. Back to the leader of Death Watch, you also may or may not know that he is an enforcer of the Exchange, which is run by Exchequer Australis and Arkan Bloodrage. Jace, I believe you have run into Arkan and his merry bunch of miscreant brigands on more than one occasion. These mongrel criminal miscreants have positioned themselves brilliantly. Taking them head on isn't the smartest thing to do as they have targeted innocent civilians once before to get a nice niche of land carved out for themselves AND they have the bank roll to do it with on top of enslaving high-borns and low-borns with spice that they regularly provide on 'their' turf. What they do on their land isn't illegal so they flaunt their lawlessness and get rich off of it"
*Monte crosses his arms under his chest. He looks down at the ground then looks back up into the air.*
"As for these 'so-called' voices of dissent, they are cleverly disguised Death Watch sympathizers who are acting like lightning rods. Meant to make us look like an uncaring aristocracy by joining the Empire. Which by the way, are the very same people we once called allies. *Monte walks over and switches from finances to pictures of Count Frore's old staff whom have joined Death Watch.* You say I lacked wisdom. I had no choice. I was moving behind the scenes to get these mongrels off our noble planet before our noble legacy was forever destroyed. I don't mind being called the 'Absentee landlord' by these dissenters whom were once Count Frore's people and are now Death Watch."
*The truth had been laid out there. Monte had done 100 times more than what was thought initially.*
"You are right about one thing. I am tired of being the scapegoat. I make a better weapon than a scapegoat, thus is why I joined the Imperial Knights. Since you want me to step down, I can position myself as your bodyguard as customs dictate for nobility within the Empire. My political acumen has positioned us perfectly. We just have to act swiftly to remove this stain upon our noble planet."
*Monte walks towards Dante and Jace. He takes back the datapad.*
"As far as me stepping down, I will do so on two conditions. One, that ALL denizens of Contruum be not allowed on our planet under ANY circumstance. Two, that I am given the title of House Protector as your first official duty as Patriarch. Meet these two conditions, and we have an accord."
*Monte extends his right hand to be shook.*
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 19, 2013 7:51:48 GMT -8
Excellent...with just a handful of words, and some verbal manipulation, Dante had finally gotten Monte to divulge all the answers to the questions that Dante wanted to ask...but couldn't. Such as, why was house Demici doing just fine without the stream of credits from Demici's satellite assets, the true nature of the political arena and atmosphere, and lastly - Monte's own feelings and thoughts towards not only the Death Watch, but the other Counts. It was true - he WAS a warrior...unsuited to the subtleties of politics; Dante was no fool, and had been in the political arena for over eighty years...not to mention that he had inherited the title of Count from the venerable Arcturus himself...the way the Sovereign handled himself...the way he talked, his bearing...he was not used, nor comfortable in his position.
The news about the woman though, DID shock and surprise him; the ramifications were staggering. A bastard child of noble and mandalorian birth? The offspring would be truly legitimate nobility...the best, or perhaps worst, of both worlds. Dante's first instinct was to have the woman killed. But, the feeling died away, and with a shake of his head, he continued to listen to Monte's words. At his description of the "so-called" dissenters, Dante had to disagree...while he figured that the dissent had been started in such a manner, he felt it had grown disproportionately now...it was it's own entity - true dissent had been bred now, and even without the Death Watch, the people had been riled to the point of action. The Death Watch? Just pouring fuel onto the fire. Dante seemed to have read the man correctly - he made his declarations, and stuck out his hand to shake, but Dante held up a hand.
"While I can make you Lord Protector of House Demici, I cannot make promises on Contruum - we are a democracy...it will take maneuvering and positioning to have the others follow suit. All I can do, is say that you WILL be made Lord Protector, and that I will TRY to pass a bill in the senate that disallows Contruum natives. I make no promises, nor do I give my word as a Count - it is not mine to give."
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Count Monte Demici
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Posts: 94
Affiliation: Imperial Knights/House Demici
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Post by Count Monte Demici on Jul 22, 2013 11:10:41 GMT -8
Excellent...with just a handful of words, and some verbal manipulation, Dante had finally gotten Monte to divulge all the answers to the questions that Dante wanted to ask...but couldn't. Such as, why was house Demici doing just fine without the stream of credits from Demici's satellite assets, the true nature of the political arena and atmosphere, and lastly - Monte's own feelings and thoughts towards not only the Death Watch, but the other Counts. It was true - he WAS a warrior...unsuited to the subtleties of politics; Dante was no fool, and had been in the political arena for over eighty years...not to mention that he had inherited the title of Count from the venerable Arcturus himself...the way the Sovereign handled himself...the way he talked, his bearing...he was not used, nor comfortable in his position.
The news about the woman though, DID shock and surprise him; the ramifications were staggering. A bastard child of noble and mandalorian birth? The offspring would be truly legitimate nobility...the best, or perhaps worst, of both worlds. Dante's first instinct was to have the woman killed. But, the feeling died away, and with a shake of his head, he continued to listen to Monte's words. At his description of the "so-called" dissenters, Dante had to disagree...while he figured that the dissent had been started in such a manner, he felt it had grown disproportionately now...it was it's own entity - true dissent had been bred now, and even without the Death Watch, the people had been riled to the point of action. The Death Watch? Just pouring fuel onto the fire. Dante seemed to have read the man correctly - he made his declarations, and stuck out his hand to shake, but Dante held up a hand."While I can make you Lord Protector of House Demici, I cannot make promises on Contruum - we are a democracy...it will take maneuvering and positioning to have the others follow suit. All I can do, is say that you WILL be made Lord Protector, and that I will TRY to pass a bill in the senate that disallows Contruum natives. I make no promises, nor do I give my word as a Count - it is not mine to give." |
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