Ave Imperator

[Placeholder 04]

The fleet was a rough conglomeration of vessels hailing from various different ports. It was an amalgamation of dissisents made orderly; a vision of a future that might be forged through perseverance and unwavering loyalty. To some, it may have seemed impressive. To Mephirium, it was little more than a beginning; something necessary yet insignificant on its own. Given the way of things now, it could perhaps be the most important thing in his life.

No Sith were allowed aboard the Chimaera this day. Only those whom Mephirium knew did not hold claims to his seat were permitted. Admirals, soldiers, politicians, any whom Mephirium viewed as consequential. These were the loyal men and women whom would make up the core of the Dominion. These were the veterans of the great war that saw all that Mephirium wished to build, and sought only to preserve what little stability remained. These were his fist; those whom could be called upon in the dark days to come without hesitation.

A number of beings stood within the confines of the ships CAC room. Some wore the crisp black of the One Sith navy, others the grays and blues of the fallen Republic. Others still wore no uniform at all, looking more at home in the back of a cantina than aboard a famed Star Destroyer.

Of them all, Mephirium was the only force sensitive. He was clad in his old battle armor and a black great-coat that fell to his ankles. His arms were folded behind the small of his back, his eyes on the central command console. He waited until the doors had closed, and all those requested were present before speaking.

"Good evening, my friends," he said, smiling, "You all know me, and so I will not introduce myself. Over the past year, we have made alliances, gathered resources, and saved many lives. One Sith, Republic -- neither matter. We ended the war as foes, but we meet now as brothers."

His eyes shifted from one person to the next, taking a long moment to maintain eye contact with each person present. "It is time we established ourselves. It is time we deal with the despots carving up the core for their own selfish desires. It is time for The Dominion."

[member="Darson Rade"], [member="Jagger Fuga"], [member="Marcus Itera"], [member="Maizono"], [member="Bartic Myth'rand"], Others...

 

[Darth Arkanus]

He was one of the first to arrive in the room walking up next to his cousin and his Lord Darth Mephirium and nodding towards him as he made the same composure as he had done, his arms behind his back his hands holding them together. He looked towards everyone as they entered and nodded in turn, it was a new beginning that was being held here, for him and for everyone else that entered in the room. He had no formal uniform like the ones that the former members of the One Sith and the old Republic wore but he did have a jet black uniform he had gotten for himself. His blue eyes pierced through anyone who walked into the room looking them over as they entered, he knew that anyone that his cousin invited was more then capable of leading and directing some type of force within the military and could also sense that none of them besides Mephirium himself had any ability of the force. He did see one familiar face in [member="Bartic Myth'rand"] but that is the only one he knew out of the people that met in the room.

 

[Marcus Itera]

Politics wasn't Marcus's thing.

Granted, the mercenary was definitely a part of this little circle of seemingly important people, but nonchalance seemed to radiate from his figure. Clad in his jet black armor, the man reclined in his seat and pulled long drags from his cigarra. On the exterior, he was just some faceless mook brought into this little soiree specifically for the purpose of cracking some skulls and getting paid. However, his thoughts didn't follow anything these people were talking about. He even ignored Cyril.

There were more important things on his mind. Specifically involving with how to nurse this severe hangover. It felt like his head was splitting, there was some tight knot in his gut, and his visor was dimmed to the maximum. Marcus kept his eyes closed for the most part aside from peeking to guide the cigarra through the slit in his helmet. Then he gave a muffled groan and shifted back into his chair, sinking deeper into the fabric as if there was nothing in the galaxy that could save him from this nauseating, dull ache.

"Frak," he grumbled. "I'm never drinking again."

"That's what you said last time."

"I mean it this time."

Miranda scoffed. "You said that too."

[member="Darth Mephirium"]

 

[Trexlyn Antilus]

Oops, wrong account.

 

[Bartic Myth'rand]

Bartic stood behind a holographic readout of the Chimera and surrounding space, keeping a close eye on the blip displaying the 'Celestial Knight'. He watched for any twitch that might indicate any remaining disloyal members are trying something. He had a list on his wrist communicator and they all would be walking out of an airlock in a short and timely manner, an order that could not wait, his communicator dinged softly and with that the last member was caught and put in his short term "cell", Bartic pressed another button and any of their screams of rage, of pain, or for mercy were silenced by cold vacuum. Bartic had been one of the first to arrive and kept himself busy. Some would call him a workaholic but he was so much more he, strives for perfection and disloyalty is a stain on that goal.

Bartic noted the other man he was tested with enter the room, and nodded in acknowledgement at [member="Darson Rade"] before [member="Darth Mephirium"] started to speak.

 

[Jaster Awaud]

[member="Darson Rade"], [member="Marcus Itera"], [member="Maizono"], [member="Bartic Myth'rand"], [member="Darth Mephirium"]

The Grand Admiral stepped aboard his childhood hero's ship. Inside he was happy and had child like wonder abouth the whole concept of stepping aboard this ship. In his external look though he was stone cold, his eyes nearly empty, his hand crisply behind his back, and his Red Republic Intelligence Uniform, crisp and clean with his Phoenix Legions Gold Bars hanging from the shoulder. He was being escorted by two Sky-Fall Marines, walking down the hallways of the magnificent Destroyer. His eyes never looke anywhere but ahead, no matter how much he wanted to look at the ship. Discipline was what he looked for in his men, it was only fair that he be an example to these men. His XO was closely behind him and continued to observe the situation should anything get out of hand.

He entered the meeting room with the Emperor himself, the other officers near as well. This was what was left of the One Sith and Republic forces. A sad sight, but a truth that no one could deny. The Legion had already gone through incorporating both Republic and Sith, but as far as he could tell, he was the only Ex-Republic Officer in the meeting, so would they recognize him as a fellow soldier, or competition. Jagger didn't know what kind of forces these men lead, but if they were anything the size of the Phoenix Legions, his new emperor was now a new force to recon with in the Core Worlds.

Jagger stood at the table where everyone had gathered and stood quietly till it was fitting for him to speak. "The Legions and Fleets under my command follow you Emperor, as their Grand Admiral we stand only behind the emperor who we swore loyalty before, but me and my armies must know, what is the first step we are to take?"

 

[Maizono]

Maizono closely followed behind her Admiral, whilst looking around the massive destroyer she was on. She had been in command of many First Order warships, but none this big. This place was packed with mercenaries, ex-soldiers and officers, making her wonder how everyone is going to get along, as everyone seemed so unorganised. It was going to take awhile for everyone to get together into actual military units and whatnot. Ex-soldiers interacting with mercenaries? There are going to be a lot of screw ups in the future, she could feel it coming.

The Legion's forces are already far more organised, thanks to her, and so long as the Dominion can do the same with their 'troops', she's happy to help.

"Admiral, how exactly are our forces going to cooperate with... these guys. I'm still not entirely sure if this is an alliance or not"

[member="Jagger Fuga"], [member="Bartic Myth'rand"], [member="Marcus Itera"], [member="Darson Rade"], [member="Darth Mephirium"]

 

[Tiberius Varro]

Among those gathered was one Tiberius Varro. He'd come at the behest of [member="Darth Mephirium"]. A man said to have killed the old Sith Emperor himself in single combat. Varro found little use for combat and yet even he knew this meant Mephirium held power.

A powerful man attracted worth and unworthy alike. Varro wondered who among them fit into which category. Surreptitious glances showed him members of the former One Sith and Republic alike. There too were beings who wore no signs of affiliation.

Mercenaries, then. He held no quarrel with those whose loyalties lay with the highest bidder. Varro had employed private security composed of such. Beings were even occasionally hired to take care of certain other problems where words failed.

He was just as glad to have others take care of that sort of thing. Messy business that he found distasteful. Tiberius Varro could even say he was something of a mercenary himself at this point. His goal was to enrich himself though not with credits.

There were more than enough of those even after unfortunate incidents on Chandrilla. He'd sold off his hereditary stake in his family's agribusiness. At less than it's true value. The fault of the Galactic Alliance whom he could say he genuinely hated.

The same couldn't be said of the One Sith nor the Republic. He'd lived and prospered under both equally well. Both groups had taxed him just the same. Both groups had officials who were bought off to look the other way in the face of less reputable practices.

No real difference existed despite fervent claims from both red and blue bannerbeings. No difference at all. Perhaps there'd be something different here. If so, he intended to gain much from it.

[member="Bartic Myth'rand"] [member="Marcus Itera"] [member="Darson Rade"]

 

[Rayen Katoka]

Rayen Katoka, the young Queen of Belasco and force wielder followed [member="Jagger Fuga"] and [member="Maizono"] aboard the ship known as the Chimera. Walking into the room, she acknowledged [member="Darson Rade"] with the bowing of her head in respect. The teen knew not who he was, but she acknowledged him all the same. Looking around, Rayen noticed that quite a few people were dressed up in uniforms. Being a Queen, she didn't have a uniform, so she found her best, which happened to be a classic black dress. After all, a first impression was better than nothing at all. Plus she didn't have a uniform, so this worked. Her heels clicked across the floor, staying close to Jagger. She seemed so grown up for a teenager.

She admired the room, taking in the amount of people who had shown up. Rayen looked over to Maizono, hearing the girl's question. She had to agree. The man did seem a little mysterious, but different. Different, was the best way to put it. Rayen fiddled with her hair in concentration as she looked around the room. There were many, many different people. She found herself using that word around these people.

"Maizono, I do have to agree.. but I think we should give them a chance to prove themselves first."

She responded in a low voice to her. After all, she did have a reasonable question.

~ [member="Tiberius Varro"] ; [member="Bartic Myth'rand"] ; [member="Marcus Itera"] ; [member="Darth Mephirium"] ~​

 

[Placeholder 04]

Emperor. Now that was a title.

To say that Mephirium did not feel a touch of pride at the title would be to lie, but he was not going to let that pride make his head any bigger. His eyes darted from one being to the next: man or woman, human or alien, soldier or politician, it did not matter. All were present to witness the turning of history, and most would likely find their names recorded in records written by their children. There would come a time when all knew of the Dominion, and these were the men and women that would bring it to the forefront.

He looked to [member="Marcus Itera"], an old comrade and a good friend. Despite his nonchalant nature, Mephirium knew Marcus was the most dangerous of everyone gathered. He was a wolf with no pack, and he'd managed to survive like that for years. Mephirium could only wonder how he would cope with the loyal legions.

Then to [member="Darson Rade"] and [member="Bartic Myth'rand"] did his gaze fall. The two men had been chosen for their patriotism as much as their aptitude. Darson was Mephirium's blood, and the legacy of empire flowed through that man's veins. He would bleed Dominion gold. Bartic was more of a wild card; an opportunist that might fit in better with Mephirium's Sith Lords than in the military hierarchy. That sense of ambition was something that would be required of the man, given his new position in the fledgling security bureau.

[member="Tiberius Varro"], like Bartic, was an opportunist. The man sought power; such was plain to see to Mephirium. That made him dangerous, though not to Mephirium himself. A man of such caliber would be suitable to help enforce the democratic rule of the senate, for he needed to be ruthless and determined in his cause. He was a man to watch.

Then came [member="Jagger Fuga"], the newest addition to the cause. He was fast growing to become one of Mephirium's favored men, and now numbered upon those few officer the Dark Lord could place his complete trust in. With him came [member="Maizono"], a woman whom Mephirium did not know, but guessed served as Jagger's XO, and a young girl by the name of [member="Rayen Katoka"]. She was, by far, the youngest individual in the room, but she carried herself with more poise than most of the men.

So this was the young queen whom had befriended Jagger, and thus befriended the Dominion...

"You honor me, Admiral Fuga," Mephirium smiled, "But I will not be taking the title of emperor. Such an honorific reminds people of the dark times. No, my advisers have chosen a more fitting title."

In response, a Sullustan in Republic blues stood up from his chair. "General Grayson shall be known as the Kaiser. It is an old title of a forgotten people -- one essentially meaning the same thing, but more suited to General Grayson's benevolent nature."

Mephirium nodded to the Sullustan in thanks. "And your question has merit, Jagger. We will move to battle plans soon. Gyndine, Denon, and a handful of other worlds have already sworn themselves to our cause. I am currently flirting with Commenor through one of their leader's vassal warriors. If all goes well, it will join this little alliance of ours."

He paused, "Territory shall be given to lords of merit; men of women of character either appointed by myself, or voted in by the people of their world. These lords will meet in the imperial senate, where they will decide on what actions the empire will take on civil matters. A war council shall be established above them to decide on how the war effort is run. The council above will only intervene on senate decisions when absolutely necessary. It is important we allow people democracy without handicapping The Dominion, but there will be times when the two groups do not see eye to eye on issues. In that case, I will intervene for the good of the Dominion."

He gestured to Jagger. "Admiral Fuga retains his leadership of Gyndine and its people. The Phoenix Legion remains under his command as a vassal state of the Dominion. Queen Katoka will retain her position as well, and serve alongside Admiral Fuga within the Phoenix Legion. Jagger, we need your legion to moblilize to war footing. A tithe of men will be required of Gyndine to serve in our military, as well as vessels to conquer the stars. I will ask these things of you and your allies."

He gestured to Marcus. "Marcus Itera is a veteran of the great war, and wars before that. He was a Republic war hero, and one of the last of the Dreadguard. Marcus will retain leadership of the 501st Legion and other military elements from my personal cadre. Officially, he holds the title of Lord General, and he will be afforded the respect given of his rank -- even if he does carry himself like some kind of sleemo."

That brought laughs from a few souls, and Mephirium grinned at his old friend. "Bartic Myth'rand holds the power over our fledgling security bureau. He and his people will hunt down terrorists and dissidents within our territory. The Dominion allow all their freedoms and right as sentient beings, but we cannot tolerate those whom would incite violence in our very homes. Myth'rand will stop them before they can cause catastrophic damage to our internal structure. With him, [member="Tiberius Varro"] will serve as a minister of the interior. He will make sure the senate functions smoothly and safely, work alongside Bartic in dealing with terrorist elements, and help grease the wheels between our military and civilian elements."

Then to [member="Darson Rade"], "Admiral Rade shall command fleet-born attack cadres and have a direct hand in our war effort. He, Admiral Fuga, and Lord General Itera will stand at the head of our primary war effort."

Mephirium drew in a deep breath. "Are all in agreement with these rolls?"

[member="Rayen Katoka"], [member="Tiberius Varro"], [member="Maizono"], [member="Jagger Fuga"], [member="Bartic Myth'rand"], [member="Marcus Itera"], [member="Darson Rade"]

 

[Darth Arkanus]

He nodded looking towards his cousin and towards the other members as they were introduced and their roles assigned. As he heard his name his ears perked up as he listened to him and nodded then raised his brow as he had forgotten something. He politely waited until Mephirium was done speaking before he turned towards the group and raised his voice to get everyone's attention.

"Sorry to interrupt anyone but our Kaiser forgot to mention something about my role in the military. As I will be commanding fleet-born attacks I will also be controlling all of the propaganda within the military. Also, this makes me in control of moral, if you see any problems within the troops I would like each of you to contact me and I will find a way to boost the moral within the ranks, either through a supply boost in the area or figure out some leave time for the men. I am here to lead and to make sure that we keep everyone in the fight. I trust all of you to do your best to keep moral high but I'm here in case of moral lows. I'm also here for any problems on any controlled planets, I will be controlling the information in and out of any of these places with a great deal of making the populous like us, or at least accept us."

He glanced around the room as he said this giving a slight nod before stepping back and getting out of the attention from Darth Mephirium.

[member="Darth Mephirium"] | [member="Rayen Katoka"] | [member="Tiberius Varro"] | [member="Maizono"] | [member="Jagger Fuga"] | [member="Bartic Myth'rand"]

 

[Marcus Itera]

Everyone had to be so damn flashy, didn't they? All of these dresses and uniforms bearing great sigils of empires and republics. Bannermen, that's all they were. They thought being in affiliation with some great nation made them equally great, but it didn't - not even in the slightest. Marcus's nausea and aching pain subsided for the moment as Miranda remotely injected some pain relief medicine into him. The mercenary gave one last loud and obnoxious groan before heaving himself up from his reclined state. The black armored man staggered for a moment before righting himself next to Cyril.

"What, Cyril? Are you people paying me in respect now?" He inhaled deeply and laid a hand atop a console for support. "I need something much more tangible. Like credits, or women. Either works."

"You've got enough of both."

He snorted and waved off the AI. "Credits work, then. Pay fitting for a... Lord General."

Marcus grinned from behind his visor and gave the royal entourage one last look over before returning to his seat.

[member="Darson Rade"], [member="Darth Mephirium"], [member="Rayen Katoka"], [member="Tiberius Varro"], [member="Maizono"], [member="Jagger Fuga"], [member="Bartic Myth'rand"]

 

[Jaster Awaud]

[member="Rayen Katoka"], [member="Tiberius Varro"], [member="Maizono"], [member="Bartic Myth'rand"], [member="Marcus Itera"], [member="Darson Rade"], [member="Darth Mephirium"]

Jagger looked around the room and nodded as he was introduced. He figured he was leading the largest standing army in the room, having both Imperial and Republic soldiers within his ranks. He was a treat now that he was singled out as a man with an actural standing Army, thus he needed to align himself with the Emp... Kaiser. As such the comment made by his allies were not helping the delicate situation that was this meeting. Jagger did not look for power, that would only cause problems for the Legions under his command. Loosing power was also not something he could abide by, as such surrendering legions would also his Legions at risk.

As such he only held up a hand when it was his turn to speak, then lowered it again. "The Phoenix Legions have joined the cause and entered under the Kaisers Rule with alligence to me, I will put this notion before the officer within the Legions, but I can not guarantee they will leave to join the Dominion Military, and I will not force them, as for ships and weapons we have factories and shipyards ready to pump out ships on your order," Jagger nodded though as he would have to represent an alternative choice. His solider were already loyal to him, they would not serve under someone else. "However we will enforce a Conscription of the planets we hold, a Tenth of those entered will be sent to the Dominions Military, will this Suffice Lord Kiaser?"

He took a step back, and bowed his head, then gestured to his second in command and his Queen ally. "These are two of my most loyal administrators, my second in command and Banner-Gaurd for the Imperial Party, Captain Maizono, as well at the Queen of Belasco and Banner-Gaurd for the Republic Party, her majesty Rayen Katoka," He recovered from his bow and looked to each of the Commanders in the Room, "I look forward to working along side all of you here."

 

[Tiberius Varro]

"I accept," Varro replied simply. Running things from behind the scenes was more his forte. Certainly more than leading armies and galavanting around in battleships. It would be much like running a business in that.

[member="Bartic Myth'rand"] was something of an unknown as he studied the man. Ambitious, though. Varro knew the type because there was something of that cold blooded edge to himself. He'd have to keep an eye on Myth'rand.

They'd be working together a fair bit. He looked competent enough though they'd soon see. Internal security was an oddball. Technically it was internal but it didn't exactly fall under his own banner.

This made the other man a colleague rather than a subordinate. Varro didn't like that because he'd seldom had anything but those who worked under his supervision. But he'd made due because he had to...for now. Already cogs turned in his mind as he thought about possibilities.

Military types he let bluster and make their showings of loyalty. Akk dogs, he thought, much like akk dogs. Valuable to have on your side and dangerous if not. But they weren't all stupid exactly.

No, Admirals and Generals were clever in their own ways. It was best to remember that in dealing with them. A different set of skills for a different set of circumstances. Entirely too necessary in a galaxy rife with conflict.

His eyes slide across them all and he let himself fade into the background.

[member="Jagger Fuga"] [member="Marcus Itera"] [member="Darson Rade"] [member="Darth Mephirium"] [member="Rayen Katoka"] @Maizono

 

[Bartic Myth'rand]

"Although I will be acting as internal security my duty will often take me outside of our space and perhaps even to your battlefields, now there is something I need to ask all of you. I shall need from each of you a list of names, people of strong character and an inquisitive nature who's loyalty, courage, and strength of mind is unquestionable. I shall personally vett them and forge them into agents of the highest class, they will be the ones who keep our people safe and ensure that security is maintained."

While speaking he had covertly taken a holo of [member="Rayen Katoka"] and [member="Maizono"] both looking rather young and out of place, Rayen ever more so with out a uniform as some adjuncts can be rather young and are often groomed for command their entire careers. He then sent the holo and a request for info, knowing that his E-war officer was a competent slicer and could get him the information he required on who these two, very, young women are.

[member="Tiberius Varro"]
[member="Jagger Fuga"]
[member="Marcus Itera"]
[member="Darson Rade"]
[member="Darth Mephirium"]

 

[Placeholder 04]

"Indeed it will, Fuga," Meph said through a smile. He gave the admiral a half-smile and gestured to those gathered. Thus began the Dominion and the future of the galactic core as a whole would be influenced by their choices. He looked upon each and every one of them, juging their character much as he was recording their physical appearances for later.

Yes they would do.

"And so we begin."