Taris' Open Orbit

Garrick nearly scoffed. This was exactly what he would expect from an officer of Jenia’s age. It was either an uncreative, by the books strategy that the enemy would be sure to see coming, or an aggressive, reckless strategy that would, admittedly, catch the enemy off guard, but would lead to massive casualties and would most likely fail anyhow. This fit more into the first category than the second; the enemy would most likely expect this, but there wasn’t anything necessarily wrong with that. However, it would need a few changes.
“I agree for the most part. However, putting the Holocron in such a forward position seems reckless at best. As you stated, it is one of three main carriers for troops in our flank. In addition, it has a critical lack of point-defense weapons. Coupling this with the fact that the Alliance is known for their use of very high quality starfighters, putting it behind the Imperious is a bad idea. I have a different recommendation.”
Moving his hand across the table, he reoriented several of the ships in order to fit his vision of hw this should be carried out. The charge would be led by the two Resurgent-Class Battlecruisers. They were big, heavily armed, and could take a hit. They were spread apart slightly as to allow the command ship, the Imperious-Class, to stay behind them but still use its formidable firepower and advanced targeting systems, combined with its powerful shields, to attack the enemy as well. Arrayed on its flanks were the three of the Pellaeons and the three Turbulents to provide firing support. Just behind this was a line consisting of the three remaining Pellaeons, and the Imperial Class Ships. This was simply due to the fact that the Imperial Star Destroyer lacked point defense systems, and was better suited to a role of staying back and focusing targets with its turbolasers. Finally, at the very back was the Interdictor Class. This would only really be needed if the Pellaeons were destroyed, and it would still be protected by some smaller supporting ships. Garrick have Jenia a moment to look it over before speaking again.
“So, what are your thoughts?”

Despite knowing of the Colonel since their time in the Deep Core the two had never formally met. There had been great rumours regarding the woman for years, and a sort of following in the civilians of the Empire had cropped up. The Emperor Talons were legendary for their devotion to the Empire and had been at the forefront of many of the Empires battles through the years. That is pretty much it as I understand it. Their code is not black and white like yours and mine. Where as I am sworn to serve the Emperor, they have no such vows and are more a lose affiliation that work together to serve their own goals.

Catching himself before he could continue speaking he tried his best not to speak ill of the group. After the dinner with Katsumi he had strove to bring the orders closer together and gossiping about them would not do.



I cant hate them either, or at least not for the way they think. Individuals though... As much as it pains me to say it for the good of the Empire we should at least give them a chance. They have not given any reason to mistrust them thus far despite having ample opportunity to destroy the Empire through other means than bankruptcy through replacing pants. Not realizing how wordsy or bad the joke was the Dressillian pressed on.

Nicademus was presently on the bridge of the Turbulent-class Star Destroyer that he was surveying. This wasn't entirely an old warship model, but it was an uncommon one. He had read about its introduction by Gilad Pellaeon and the old Imperial Remnant sometime after the Yuuzhan Vong Invasion. Their specs were quite intriguing for a pocket Star Destroyer and the Emperor sought their reintroduction into the Imperial Navy. The Imperial turns when the bridge door hisses, revealing the Mandalorian Faelan. His Imperial Knights move to either side of the Emperor, allowing Faelan a clear view and path to the Emperor. Nicademus smiles and waves his hand at the bow from Faelan Bralor.

No need to bow to me, Faelan, we are old allies after all and you are not my subject.

Nicademus walks through the two lines of his bodyguards to approach Faelan.

Though it has been a long time since our first meeting, I have heard that my subordinates have kept you and your clan quite busy with work. I hope you have been properly compensated for your services and that the continued payments, as agreed by our treaty, have continued to be of satisfaction.

Nicademus then looks around the bridge of the ship he was on.

What do you think, Aliit'ator? First time I have ever been on such a vessel. I have seen and heard of them, but its somethine to stand within one. The Turbulent-class will become quite an asset to the Imperial Navy, once more.

You are very much so right, Faina... very right indeed.

Nicademus says as he looks out at the stars this time. Countless of them belonging to the First Order by right of conquest and assimilated thanks to the efforts of the Imperial Civil Services. War had been the agenda of the Empire for some years now, ever since its founding. The soldiers would certainly like a time to break, be with their families, and, in general, live their lives under the enlightened and strong rule of their Emperor. To ensure the Empire endured, ties needed to be formed between the various systems, each complimenting the next with its purpose cemented and thus added to the overall Empire for its future.

This is why I keep you at my side, Faina.

The Emperor suddenly speaks, keeping his gaze to the stars.

You are one of the few that I can truly trust. And your words mirror that of our old friend, Xeonon Solomon. He taught you well, Faina. Its no wonder why I chose you to succeed after a necessary interregnum within the Imperial Knight leadership.

========================================================

Harlan Petrovsky [Retired]
Garrick Needa

On the eve of battle, High Admiral Harlan Petrovsky and Admiral Garrick Needa were called forth to meet with the Emperor once more. They were brought over to the Assertor-class flagship by his personal guard, the Braxant Legionnaires, and from the hangar bay, escorted to a private conference room. Once inside the room, the Emperor was seen with senior members of Imperial High Command; Director Merrik Piett, Grand General Baltasar Delvardus, Admiral Julian Arcavius and so forth. Nicademus stood up from where he sat originally and proceeded to approach the two individuals. Following him were two officers, carrying a small box each, with two other officers carrying two long boxes within their hands.

Nicademus started this gathering with the salute of the First Order, the officers behind him following his lead.

Ad Gloriam. Ad Victoriam.

He then lowers his hand, looking at the two individuals, the veteran Garrick Needa and the rising star Harlan Petrovsky.

Today, I give you both the highest of honors that an Emperor can give to his loyal men. That an Emperor can give to who he views as the most skilled, resourceful and respected of the Imperial Navy. I have watched you both, I have read your records, I have heard what your officers have said about you... I have no hesitations, no doubts, nothing of the sort that would prevent me from giving you what I intend to do today.

A sound stamp of his boot caused the two officers to step forward from his flanks, carrying the two small boxes in hand. Their gloved hands moved to reveal the contents inside. Before the eyes of Harlan and Garrick were the insignias of Grand Admiral. Nicademus let the two take in the sight of these insignias before speaking.

As I said once before, when I need cautious and traditional tactics, look to Garrick Needa. When I need bold maneuvers and unorthodox tactics, turn to Harlan Petrovsky. The two of you have reached the apex of your careers, by the loyalty in your heart, the skill of your hands, and the respect of your persons among your peers and within the First Order.

He stamps his boot once more, causing the two other officers that remained to step forward and reveal the stark white uniforms of the Grand Admiral's uniform. Nicademus had long considered who would be named to such high positions and came to know that these two deserved it the most. The Imperial looks to both men with a rare smile on his face.

From this day forward, the First Order will have two ideal and experienced Grand Admirals to leads its skilled and veteran fleets. The first true Grand Admirals ever seen since the First Galactic Empire! Today, we honor these two men, Garrick Needa and Harlan Petrovsky, as the first Grand Admirals of the First Order! Ad Gloriam! Ad Victoriam!

Immediately the members of Imperial High Command returned the sought of the First Order's motto before clapping their hands as a congratulations to the newly minted senior commanders of the Imperial Navy.

Faelan relaxes slightly when Nicademus' words indicate that there is no need to maintain an excessive degree of formality, glad to see that his ally appears to have retained his humility despite all of the arrogance and loftiness his position and the expansion of his empire might invite in lesser men.  "All of our dealings with the First Order have been more than satisfactory," Faelan says, addressing Nicademus' inquiry in his straightforward way, feeling no need to go into further detail.  The treaty he had brokered with the First Order has indeed proven to be more than satisfactory, the rewards for the services they have provided sufficient enough that Clan Bralor has, as Faelan had hoped, been able to share the benefits of their work with the Mando'ade as a whole.


When asked for his thoughts on the Turbulent-class Star Destroyer, Faelan smiles, having heard tales of the Bloodfin in his youth as well as having appreciated the vessel Nicadmus invited him to while approaching it in the shuttle.  "It's a fine vessel, small and agile, well armed, and possessed of an interior that offers the crew quite the tactical advantage in the event she is boarded.  Versatile as well, Faelan muses aloud, the fact the ship's design includes two hangars enabling it to act as a carrier in addition to serving in a ship-to-ship combat role.  Quite an asset to your navy, indeed." 

OOC: You may all continue any rps here over Taris, but as promised, the invasion begins tonight!

There was an eerie silence upon the bridge of the Emperor's flagship, the Ad Gloriam, which was situated within the midst of the Imperial Armada, set to invade Galactic Alliance space at any moment. Nicademus's gaze was trained upon a timer, a countdown that indicated the remaining time before the operation would begin. The great breath before the plunge.

72 hours ago, reports came in of the successful attacks by other Imperial fleets that violated the Galactic Alliance border and struck at a large number of various systems and planets. All in an effort to tie down what remained of the GA's resources, manpower, and ships to ensure Mon Calamari was weak and vulnerable to the imminent assault. The reports showed favorable results thus far, it seemed whatever veteran and experienced commanders remained within their ranks were stretched thin and isolated. Reports that brought the Emperor's recognition and approval to each commander that reported.

Three beeps went off as the Emperor's thoughts were interrupted by the timer going off. It read zero hours, zero minutes, and zero seconds. All eyes were upon the Emperor as he stood up more properly. This caused the crew to immediately stand at attention before their ruler who waved his hand, allowing them to relax their posture. He keys his comlink, linking up with the fleet's main communication channel.

Today, we embark on the pinnacle achievement since the founding of the First Order. We embark to achieve the greatest feat that will go down in the annals of history that will be read and remembered by your children, your children's children, and throughout the future generations. Remember that, upon this day, you witnessed the crowning moment of our long and determined efforts. We have tasted defeat, victory, sacrifice, reward, and overcome the shadow of despair that we were forced to endure for generations! Today, we declare to the galaxy that this Empire will never falter! That we will continue to meet every challenge head-on and overcome any obstacle! And that will not fall back into the shadows of our past never again!

His voice echoed for a moment upon the silent bridge of his flagship.

Remember what you fight for. Remember why you are Imperial. And remember that you all are the strength of the First Order. Remember that you have seen the First Order rise, that you have seen the Empire reborn, and that you have witnessed the end of those who stood in our way. Ad Gloriam! Ad Victoriam!

Seconds after the speech ended, hyperspace sequences and coordinates were punched into the consoles and the grand armada jumped for Mon Calamari in bits and pieces. The last ship to leave was the Emperor's flagship. Soon, the space over Taris was empty and voided.

Nodding in understanding of the sentiments Nicademus expresses about the need for any organism, be it an individual or an Empire, to continually change, adapt and challenge itself in order to avoid stagnation and decay, Faelan says nothing even though his thoughts turn to the deities of the ancient Mandalorian religion, Kad Ha'rangir and Arasuum; for Nicademus has nearly perfectly expressed the central lesson of the battle between the god of change and growth and the god of idleness and torpidity.

When asked about his clan's degree of satisfaction with the arrangement that was made with the First Order, Falean says, "My clan and I are more than satisfied with the arrangement, yes.  It has enabled us to do all that we had hoped, and more.  Deciding not to trouble Nicademus with the details of how the resources from Agamar, coupled with those received from the First Order, have helped contribute to the Mando'ade as a whole, Faelan adds lest Nicademus think he is expressing a desire to indulge in the kind of idleness and lack of progress mentioned only a moment ago, Which is not, of course, to say that if there are ever any additional ways that my clan or I can help the First Order increase its strength or reach as your Empire progresses, we will not continue to welcome opportunities to do so.  I believe our arrangement is one that has, and will continue to, enable us both to accomplish great things together."