Blood of Kings

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This room had once been the seat of power for the chancellors of the Republic. The office had served countless heads of states over the millennia, ranging from the compassionate Valorum, to the traitorous Palpatine. Cedric had great appreciation for the history of the chamber, both good and terrible, and had been quick to reclaim it as his own. It would be here that matters of state would be discussed.

The office was rather large, its three massive windows letting the light of the early Coruscant morning seep into the darkest corners of the room. Most of the decor had been replaced with Essonian art pieces. A suit of old Essonian armor hung in the corner, battle standards of dozens of companies long since wiped out coated one of walls. The red carpets had been replaced with white hardwood, and a mural of the planet Ession before its devastation at the Sith Empire's hands had been drawn up by Coruscant's greatest artist on the opposite wall.

The three men whom Cedric had the greatest need of had been called to speak with him to discuss the future of the Imperium. Cedric sat in the chair behind his desk. A number of other chairs had been arrayed before it. He was clad in the dark robes of an Essonian leader, though they bore a distinctly Jedi aesthetic.

He waited.

 

[Tobias Dracks]

-- High Lord Tobias Dracks of the Dracks Domain, once a feared Warlord of the Fringe Worlds and the Chancellor of the New Republic. It was his dream that the Republic take this planet as their own and see the flag of his country waving over this building. However, that was not meant to be as his country was ripped from within and he was forced to the Fringe Worlds with the few supporters that he had. Walking through this reconstructing world he knew that this was someone else victory.

-- Tobias walked into the office of the Imperator in a more suitable attire then during the parade. That was to show the masses that the reconquest of the planet was with the blood of those that followed the Imperator. He of course did not fully trust the man yet, but he was now given the status of High Lord of Coruscants Prison Moon, Centax-1. The man cared little for this status as he truly wanted a planet where his loyal followers could call home until the reconquest of the Core Worlds. Tobias was the leader of the Republic Faction that was currently following this Jedi. He needed to push for the reconquest of old New Republic Space if he was to hold any real power after they rallied their forces.

-- The tall reptilian figure wore a type of poncho that only covered one shoulder while under it he wore a darker toned political body glove. With him were New Republic Marines, however, their armor were rusted and some parts were missing or clearly replaced with non-uniform replacement. The supply lined of his suppliers were no longer available so his forces needed to deal with what they had on hand. They stood outside with the Sons of Ession Guards that were protecting the significant figure.

-- He bowed his head and looked to the Imperator, "Greetings your Majesty, how may I be of assistance."

[member="Cedric Grayson"] | [member="Maracel Yorkell II"] | @Shran

 

[Shran]

Shran had anticipated this moment. Where the senior members of the Imperium would gather and talk more formally about next steps. The bitter taste of defeat still lingered in the back of his mouth as Shran again found himself walking the halls of the most recognizable building in Galactic history. It appeared that he was the second to arrive at this meeting. He paid no mind to the larger reptilian creature in the room. Seeing Cedric in that chair was yet another harsh gut punch to Shran but one he was going to have to ignore for the time being.

As he approached, Shran gave a slight bow of his head. "Good to see you again, my lord. I take it you're acclimating to your new position well?" Shran said in a diplomatic tone, seating himself in one of the chair's on the opposite side of the Imperator's desk.

 

[Marlon Sularen]

Today was the day he thought , after the coronation , Maracel Yorkell was ready to begin working with the Lord Imperator as well as to continue the expansion of his company. Though back in Corellian people began to question his true allegiance , Maracel wished to keep his position as a Duke of the Grayson Imperium as a secret in order to prevent any sort of problems on Corellia.

For the occasion Maracel wore his classic black uniform in which he used for public events and was escorted by Directorate Supercommandos whom were equipped with portable cloaking devices and state-of the art Armor made out of the very rare Phrik metal making these troopers very lethal. Maracel wished to transform Yorkell Industries from a simple regional company within the Corellian Confederation to a mega corporation spreading throughout the Core Worlds and the Deep Core as well as spreading his Industrial Monopoly to other planets as a means to increase his wealth and power to outmaneuver his rivals on Corellia whom had been responsible for the assasination of his father and finally has his revenge.

As he entered the Executive Office of the Senate Building he saw 3 familiar figures , Cedric Grayson , Shran and Tobias Dracks. As he entered he bowed his head , “Greetings your majesty , how my i serve you” and then proceeded to sit down. As he sat down , Maracel proceed to look at the other men who sat before the Imperator , he knew that both Shran and Tobias would soon become rivals due to their opposing philosophies and beliefs and that given the Feudalist Government established by the Imperator , Maracel expected the 2 to be constantly at each other's throats , something that he would enjoy very much.

Then he turned his attention to the Imperator as the meeting began , with his Supercommandos being sent outside the room in order to leave Maracel and his peers discuss on the future of the Imperium.

Tags : [member="Cedric Grayson"] | [member="Tobias Dracks"] | @Shran

 

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This was a very interesting meeting.

Figures of wholly different ideologies fighting alongside one another, ruling together. It almost made Cedric nostalgic. His gaze passed from each of the man. The smile he wore exuded warmth, but the stoicism in his eyes reflected the control behind that smile. Cedric intended to style himself as the greatest monarchs in history had, and as his father had done. He would take the position of a loving father, guiding his constituents down the right path the best he could, be they High Lords or common citizens.

Such was his divinely ordained duty.

"As well as one can when the galaxy whirls about them," he replied to Shran.

"Maracel, Shran, Tobias, I thank you for coming. I hope that in this room we can shed the veneer of titles of formality in favor of greater unity. It is our duty to guide this Imperium into prosperity. We won't be able to do that effectively without being familiar with one another. Here, just call me Cedric."

He paused, "I have called you here to discuss several things, chief among them being our plans for Coruscant, and then the core as a whole. Before we begin, I would ask what resources are available to each of you."

[member="Maracel Yorkell II"], @Shran, [member="Tobias Dracks"]

 

[Shran]

Shran winced. Informality was not something he was accustomed to. The Empire ran on formality and protocol. Not wearing one's uniform at an appropriate time could have garnered severe, often times life threatening consequences. Some might point to that as a reason as to why the Empire failed. Shran thrived in such environments.

"Well, Cedric. The Imperial Remnant has a fleet of about 70 ships. Comprised of star destroyers, frigates, cruisers and other smaller ships. We also have a standing army of around a thousand men. We hope to grow that in the coming days and weeks as we begin to solidify our own little corner of your Imperium."

 

[Marlon Sularen]

Before we begin, I would ask what resources are available to each of you.

That was not a hard question Maracel thought. Maracel had alot of resources from the Directorate to Planets under the control of Yorkell Industries. He knew that perhaps revealing all of his assets would be too dangerous and decided to only reveal only a few of the assets he possessed. “Well Cedric i have a few Shipyards Scattered throughout the Core Worlds along with the Directorate and Subsidiaries of Yorkell Industries. I also have assets in the Unknown Regions along with a Private Fleet that shall be in your service. In addition to all of that have a lot of Wealth due to my Corellian Origins.”

Maracel knew this was enough , despite not having specified where his Shipyards were and what sort of assets he had in the Unknown Regions he feared that revealing too much would cause some sort of uncertainty with the Imperator and that was the last thing he wanted. Maracel wanted to get on the good side of the Imperator and gain his trust in order to rise through the ranks of the Imperium and this was exactly what he had to do.

Tag : [member="Cedric Grayson"] | @Shran

 

[Tobias Dracks]

-- The Glaucus sat there as the others entered the room, he could not help himself as he crossed his arms and attempted to hide his disdain for the others. In truth he still felt betrayed by the Imperials that infested his country and caused civil strife within the government. It could not be helped that if flooded into the streets.

-- However, he still had a little piece of his country that stayed with him. The people of Brentaal, Cardia, Arkania, and Alderaan fled with him, in truth he had several city ships and their escorts protecting them. Remnants of the Republic back to their status of Exiles. He sighed as he could not comprehend what he was doing now, but these people needed their homes back from criminals. If bending the knee to this young Jedi meant that, then he would do it. If it meant working with Imperial Federalist who did not share his vision of freedom, then he would continue.

-- "Apologies your Imperial Highness, but it is best that even in private we keep to protocol, it is for our safety as much as yours that we do not get familiar with your subjects, it could evolve into ideas of favoritism and cause conflict from within the ranks of the Nobility," He looked at the others as they offered what they had to the table. Tobias nodded closed his eyes. "As for resources, I still have contacts in the Fringe Worlds and the Republic Remnant Forces so off the top of my head," He opened his eyes and looked to the Imperator, "Six Fleets, so around One Hundred Warships, mostly support corvettes and aircraft carriers, Hundreds of Transport Ships from the United Trade Conglomerate, Control of the Jaster Trade Spine, The Blood Trail and Rausgeber Stretch within the Unknown Region," He nodded his head to add, "Also the UTC will be supplying the Imperium with solid trade and resources from the Fringe Worlds, Unknown Region and any governments willing to trade at this time," He went back to listing his resources, "Also have 3 Army Corps, and 2 Marine Corps, with around One Hundred and Sixty Thousand Armed Combatants, as well as around three billion refugees from the New Republic."

-- The current High Lord looked at the his soon to be rival within the state, "High Lord Shan, we have several thousand enemy prisoners from our conflicts with ex-First Order Warlords in the Fringe Worlds, you can send your officers to attempt to recruit those to your cause otherwise I am inclined to free them back to their homeworlds since moving to the Core Conflict now."

-- A little of a peace offering until the two could get the nation on its feet. In truth he needed the time to also regroup his forces, finding those loyal to him and giving them power and titles would help his cause. Shan already had nobility that were leaning towards his cause and he could not rely on the Force Users of this country. He just needed to find the time to reorganize his forces, having a larger army did not help if it meant more things to move about. They were still separated by large distance, UTC Fleet still on Conglomerate Prime, Republic Remnant Fleet in Hutt Space, and the Alliance Remnant Fleet in the Unknown Region on Patrol.

-- He looked back at the Imperator, "The UTC once helped rebuild Coruscant after the fall of the Galactic Alliance Civil War, so they should be able to repair smaller problems such as battle damage."

[member="Cedric Grayson"] | [member="Maracel Yorkell II"] | @Shran

 

[Shran]

Spending a lifetime in the Empire had a way of shaping ones view of the galaxy in a very particular way. Shran was well aware of his anti-alien prejudice but the way he saw it, most non humanoids were typically criminals of some sort or at the very least they were incapable of acting appropriately in civilized social situations. When Dracks addressed Shran, a part of him winced. It was bad enough that he had to sit beside this... beast. Now he actually had to put his acting skills to the test by being respectful to it.

"I'd be more than happy to have my men speak with your prisoners. I have full confidence that they can be convinved that joining our ranks would be beneficial for all involved."

If it were up to him, the entire Glaucus species would be relegated to labor camps on the outskirts of Imperial territory. However, until such a time that a work around for Grayson's new mandated ending a class structure and allowing aliens equal rights, it was simply something Shran would have to deal with.

[member="Tobias Dracks"]

 

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Many looked upon Cedric in his gleaming armor and his cowled cloak and saw a Jedi warrior, a paragon of truth and justice. Others saw a conqueror spitting moral platitudes from his high horse as a means of justifying his conquest.

In truth, Cedric was both of these things, cast somewhere in the gray area between them, but above all else, Cedric was a strategist.

The ways of war were well known to him, but statecraft was his passion. He did well to retain his pleasant smile as each of the men spoke of their resources. Dracks gave advice, and Cedric nodded with a look of understanding. He had expected it to come from Shran truthfully, but any of them would do. If he could make the High Lords feel that their advice was kept close to his heart, then they would be all the more loyal.

He allowed his silence to remain as the Chiss and the Glaucus had their exchange. The niceties might have seemed obvious to one not sensitive to the Force, but Cedric felt the animosity bubbling beneath that facade. There was hatred here, disgust. Then the third, a far more neutral party driven by profit and glory, easily kept in line. It was the exact dynamic Cedric had been hoping to cultivate by choosing these particular men to serve on his personal council.

If they were busy trying to outdo one another, they would be too engrossed in their designs to pay much heed in overthrowing the Imperator. Furthermore, none of them felt the Force. That gave him an advantage unlike any other. Their feelings, the ripples their hearts sent through the Great Ocean, all were known the Lord-Imperator.

"I think that is a very good idea, High Lord Dracks," Cedric chimed in when they spoke of the prisoners. "Soldiers know war. If they do not serve us, they will eventually come to serve our enemies, as I think we all know that we have no friends in this galaxy, save for one another." Cedric's smile practiced. "In fact, I think a show of brotherhood would do well for the Imperium. I intend to take some elements of the Sons of Ession to found a colony on Tython. While I do this, I believe it would be prudent to spread our influence to the rest of core."

Another pause as Cedric keyed on the holo-emmiter at the center of his table. The image of a Geonosian clad in tribal armor wielding a war-spear was illuminated before them. "This is Ryk-toh Kairun. A former slave of the imperial federation turned warlord. Initially I intended to make an alliance with him, but I have looked into his practices. Ryk-toh and his followers follow an ancient religion, one that has drivne the world he has conquered, Empress Teta, into debauchery. They slaughter hundreds in dark rituals. They enslave any that do not submit to their dogma, force the women to breed with their warriors to create a 'divine race'. They call their philosophy the Rak'ta - after some study I've found it to be an offshoot of an ancient Rakatan religion."

His gaze shifted between the three men. "My friends, I think it would serve the Imperium and the people of Empress Teta greatly if Ryk-toh and his followers were forced from their seat of power. To that end, I will that the three of you mobilize your armies, and work together in annihilating the threat."

A final pause. "Whomever brings me Ryk'toh's head will have claim to lordship of Empress Teta. The others will be rewarded as well, of course, but that is the grand prize."

@Shran, [member="Tobias Dracks"], [member="Maracel Yorkell II"]

 

[Shran]

Shrans eyes narrowed slightly as the Imperator spoke. Interesting, he is hoping that our mutual desire to outdo the others so as to prostrate ourselves before him will keep us in a never ending power struggle. Shran thought to himself. Frankly if he didn't hate Grayson so much, he'd be impressed with his genius. Such a distraction would would keep the focus off usurping the throne and rather keep the focus on who could make the best footrest for the throne's current occupant. However... Shran had given a lot to Grayson already and while it was nice and all that he got such a cozy seat of power so early on, having direct ownership of an entire planet was probably the final thing Grayson could give him that would be even come close to being considered minor compensation for what was lost by refusing to engage in a full scale war. A war that Shran knew all too well he'd lose. He decided he would play along for now but a direct conflict with Dracks could throw a wrench in any plans of restoring the Empire. Avoiding such a conflict took priority above all else for right now.

"Well gentlemen. It seems we've got a race on our hands." Shran offered, with a giddy smile as he looked at the other men in the room.

 

[Tobias Dracks]

-- Tobias listened as the man planned, he could already tell that the fancy words and eloquent style of his vocabulary were a ruse. He had not been the Chancellor of the New Republic and a Lobbiest for the UTC for many years without being politically skilled. Within the Republic he was one of the most talented statesmen without equal. Now he added to his resume a talent for leading soldiers and sailors into battle against hated foes. Destruction of a minor Imperial Federalist Leader would cause nothing but civil strife in these early days. It was expected to see the Imperator act as though the two where at one another throat, but Tobias was still weak after the fall of the New Republic. His Soldiers, and Refugees were the only offer he could give. The planets were already under the Imperials control for many years, Alliance before that. He knew they would never accept a Republic, especially after the fall of the Galactic Republic at the hands of the One Sith.

-- He bowed his head and looked to the Imperator, "I would respectfully decline my Liege, the planet belongs to High Lord Shran to add to his Domain," He recovered from his bow and looked at the other two in the room, then back to the Imperator, "The planet was abandoned during the Sith-Republic War many years ago, and as I sat as the Chancellor of the New Republic they would not accept my rule or appointed regent, as such I gladly reseed the claim of Empress Teta to High Lord Shran to appoint a noble house to act as regions of his Domain."

-- With that he turned back to High Lord Shran and bowed his head slightly, "I wish to assist you in the reclamation of a Loyal Planet of the Imperium and bring them to the Light of our glorious Imperator, however, my armada will be launching invasions of Pantolomin, Jerrilek, and Kuar during your invasion of Empress Teta, these planets will also be seeded to your Domain High Lord Shran," With that he recoved from his bow, "In return for my assistance I as for two things, my claims to the territories of the New Republic, and the assistance of your recovering army in the unrelenting slaughter of the Karking Traitors that stabbed me in the back." One could see his hatrid of even mentioning them, "I want the heads of the leaders of Kuat, Balmorra, and Carida mounted on Vibro-Pikes and placed before my household," He gripped his hands tightly that even his outer hardened shell showed signs of stress. "You help me with my revenge my fellow High Lord and I promise to recognize your claim on old Imperial Remnant and Corporate Protectorate Space."

-- He knew this was going to be the way either way, splitting the Imerpium between the two and allowing a multitude of Noble Houses to slip between them. Old Republic Space would remain loyal to those of the Republic, though government leaders turned them into traitors Tobias was willing to forgive the people. While Imperial Space always had a deep seeded loyalty to the Federalist, leaving worlds like Coruscant, Tython and Anaxes as the line in the sand for the time being. They belonged to those that mixed between the loyalties of the state. Coruscant could not be claimed as it was home of the Imperator, Tython belonged to the Force Users, and Anaxes would be their War College. He could not extend his claim to these worlds as he did not have the power to push those loyal to the Imperator just yet.

-- High Lord Tobias Dracks of the Dracks Dominion held out a hand to the High Lord Shran of the Shran Imperialist. "Shall we call an agreement on this, my Lord."

[member="Cedric Grayson"] | [member="Shran "]| [member="Maracel Yorkell II"]

 

[Shran]

Shran looked at the alien for a moment, honestly perplexed. He had not expected such charity from the beast that sat beside.

Perhaps I overestimated his forces... his willingness to bend a knee here might suggest a hidden fear about his chances in an all out assault.

The High Lord pondered the request silently for a brief moment before offering a nod. "Alright, Glaucus, you have a deal. My forces will do everything in their power to ensure that you will get the revenge you so desire. Along with that, you have my word, with the others here in this room as my witnesses, that when all is settled, the Empire will respect your Republic's claims. Assuming you will afford us the same treatment."

Talk about friends in unlikely places. If someone had told Shran just two months ago that soon there would be a Jedi laying claim to the old Imperial throne and that a Glaucus would be helping Shran restore at least a fraction of the remnant, he would've told that person to lay off hallucinogens.

[member="Tobias Dracks"] [member="Cedric Grayson"] [member="Maracel Yorkell II"]

 

[Marlon Sularen]

As he heard the High Lords debate on their claims , Maracel began thinking of his own claims. Maracel only intended in securing the territory near the Corellian Confederation such as Kuat and Balmorra. However High Lord Tobias had decided to contest his claims intending to invade the planets himself in which Maracel saw as an idoltic decision as it would catch the attention of the Corellian Directorate. In order to prevent the Alien High Lord to start a Second Conflict within the Core Worlds , Maracel immediately made the move to oppose his claims.

“Lord Tobias Dracks. Unfortunately I will have to oppose your claims on Kuat and Balmorra. Both planets are under the sphere of the Corellian Confederation and therefore an invasion would put us at odds with the Corellians. Since i’m a Corellian Myself i already have access to the vital resources at Balmorra and Kuat and therefore will be able to secure those planets for the Imperium without bloodshed, not to mention that i will soon become the Administrator of Balmorra. In addition I would also like to place a claim on the Planet of Brentaal IV in which the Directorate is in the process of conquering already. I will also provide support for Shran’s forces in the Invasion of Empress Teta with some of the Directorate’s finest troops.”

Maracel knew that despite the recent compromise set by Shran and Tobias Dracks , both High Lords would be in the epicenter of a sort of interservice rivalry as both High Lords possessed different beliefs and followed different Ideologies with Shran preferring a Pro-Imperial Doctrine while Dracks prefered a Pro-Republic Doctrine. However Maracel wished to exploit such rivalry intending to use it to rise through the ranks of the Imperium and expand his Wealth and Influence.

Tags : [member="Shran "]| [member="Tobias Dracks"] | [member="Cedric Grayson"]

 

[Tobias Dracks]

-- Tobias was happy to hear the the Imperialist was thinking strait and cleared his mind that the Imperials were warmongering idiots. Though he did not like the ideas of Imperialism and Representation of the Masses through democratic means. The core worlds had been controlled by the Imperials for far to long, they needed intellectuals who tasted freedom to make them understand. Nobility was no different from the Imperialistic Ideals, but at least those within the Republican Faction would treat their Commoners with respect and equality.

-- However, it was the speaking up of the Lord Yorkell that made a wrinkle in the High Lords brow. When listening to the man and the continued spewing of information that was best withheld he was unable to help himself.

-- Like a kicking reaction the reptilian powerhouse without thinking punched the desk of the Imperator. He quickly grabbed his arm and turned to the Imperator, "Apologies your Imperial Majesty, mentions of the Traitors sometimes makes my body flow with uncontrollable reactionary anger,"

-- He turned back to Lord [member="Maracel Yorkell II"], "The Corellian Admiral Dracken Pryce abandoned his duty during the Battle of Kuat, Senator Starseeker lead the united resistance during the Republic Civil War, Senators Nova and Fenstermacher did nothing while the Republic was ripped apart, and the Kuat Royal Family allowed the CIS to strike us down at the knees," He pulled his unscathed fist from the desk and there was a dent on the table from his hardened exoskeleton. "Corellia should be burned and scattered to the winds for its betrayal of its only ally within the Core worlds, but that is up to the Imperator, I only want the planets that once belonged to me to be returned,"

-- Tobias heated in anger from the conflicts in his eyes, "The Worlds along the Jaster Trade Spine belong to the United Trade Conglomerate, my master lost his life in defense of our trade rights against all enemies, Kuat, Alderaan, Brentaal, and Chandrilla will be secured for my Companies Claims, Balmorra and the Corellians can be yours, but I will have my heads Lord Yorkell, with your help or through you."

-- [member="Cedric Grayson"] could feel the anger and hatred that the non-forces user was emanating. This was no longer the kind hearten statesmen that had welcomed him into the Republic, a man who was so soft spoken that the previous Grand Master of the New Jedi Order walked all over him. He held hatred close to him, like a dagger sticking out of a wound, it dripped in dark emotions. High Lord Tobias Dracks was a wounded man, though he would never admit it out loud.

 

[Shran]

Shran's eyebrows raised and he shifted slightly away from the raging alien beside him. Was there an element of fear there? Sure. Would Shran ever admit it? Never.

Just when I thought this beast was showing a certain level of civility... I suppose it's my own fault for even trying to give him a chance. I'll help him in his little quest but beyond that I will endeavor to avoid the rabid beast as much as possible.

He once again sat upright in his chair as Dracks began to collect himself.

 

[Marlon Sularen]

Once more did Tobias Drack’s claims came across his. The Directorate had recently secured Brentaal IV after having launched an Invasion and Yorkell Industries intended to seize control of the Kuat Drive Yards to begin the proper expansion of the Directorate Fleet and yet Tobias Drack once more threatened his plans. However acknoleging that he and the alien would never come to an agreement , Maracel had a trick up his sleeve. With Brentaal IV under his control and Maracel possessing allies within the Corellian Confederation he could quickly outmaneuver Tobias Dracks and even rise to become the sole Military Power within the Imperium ousting a potential rival.

“Well then Tobias proced as you plan. However i would advise against this. Kuat and Alderaan are in proximity of the Corellian Confederation and yet the Corellians would not be stupid enough to allow you to take Brentaal IV. This will certanly bring th Grayson Imperium at odds with the Corellian Confederation in which now posses a military far stronger then yours. Even through such losses this is a very bold move not to mention that there are alot of Imperial Warlord roaming within these regions in addition to any Corellian opposition. This might not end well for you”

This was the main reason Maracel distrusted most aliens other then the Chiss. Some aliens just were arrogant and others just incopetent. If Cedirc Grayson would not teach the Alien Warlord how to become humble once in his life , then Maracel would as if not Tobias Drack’s could become not only a threat to his own ambition but to the entire Core Worlds itself.

Tag : [member="Cedric Grayson"] | [member="Tobias Dracks"] | @Shran

 

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The Imperator was uncharacteristically silent throughout the exchange. His gaze darted between the High Lords as each of them spoke, curious as to what they might say on the matter. Tobias's decision to relinquish Empress Teta surprised Cedric, though he did well to keep that emotion from showing on his face. The old politician had changed much in the time since the fall of the New Republic. There was a bitterness there that could not be ignored.

Only when Tobias slammed his hand on the table did Cedric move to speak. He halted his tongue, for a moment, as Maracel spoke his piece. As soon as the Duke had spoken, Cedric parted his lips to dispel the disharmony.

"Duke Yorkel, Kuat has long been Tobias's claim. I knew his progenitor - millions of credits and hundreds of lives were spent in securing it. Once it is returned to the Imperium, it will be Dracks' seat of power as it was his forebearers. Tradition demands it."

He paused, "Do not worry about the Corellian Confederation. They have reached out to me wishing to speak of the future. They think we might be their friends," there was an uncharacteristic hint of pleasure in the Jedi Master's voice. He was a creature of plots and trickery as much as he was one of war, and he was thoroughly enjoying this entire interaction.

"We have little to fear of them. Corellia will serve as a powerful industrial center for our Imperium. For now, I will placate them so that we might expand unmolested. When the time comes to reclaim the lost territories, it will be as simple as knocking over the last rotting piece of foundation keeping their glass house standing. I suspect they will crumble without our intervention."

The Imperator paused, "And if we are making claims, then let it be known that these claims are only valid should I grant them such. Keep that in mind, lest greed cloud your judgement," he stated sternly. "Coruscant, Tython, and whatever worlds I wish will remain within my personal sphere. Much of the former imperial territories will be High Lord Shran's to govern, those of the Republic Tobias's, and that of the Corellians to Maracel. The rest will be divvied up as I see fit, based upon your contributions."

His gaze passed from each man to the next. "Are we clear on that?"

[member="Maracel Yorkell II"], @Shran, [member="Tobias Dracks"]

 

[Shran]

The Chiss nodded as Cedric finished speaking. He had much to discuss with Dorriun Vakel. Officially, Shran was the Empire's liaison to the Imperium and according to the Imperium, it would be he who would command the worlds in question. This put him in an awkward position seeing as how Vakel still retained the title of Emperor of the Imperial Remnant. Essentially Vakel was merely a figure head at this point. A symbolic leader who's power only existed as long as Shran allowed it. The two would have much to discuss.

Coruscant will be ours again, even if I have to pry it from this man's cold, dead heads....

 

[Tobias Dracks]

-- Tobias's external skull made impossible to smile, however he could break a cracking smile as the Duke continued to throw words of disloyalty to the effect of the Imperium. Corellia was a planet of traitors, and stating he was from the industrial traitor world only showed he was at his core a traitor. The Reptilian Figure calmed himself and shook off any anger that was showing, though it presents was still there.

-- He was about to speak when the Imperator arose first. It was a complected situation that the Lords were already placed in, however it was an agreement between the Lords. The House of Lords planted their domain on worlds they conquered, the Imperiator had said that already. Empress Teta was free for the taking and the High Lords negotiated the treaty to separate their lands. Tobias did not want Kuat, he wanted the traitors head on Vibro-Pikes to stand outside his household to show that defying his rule was highly inadvisable.

-- Tobias and the Fleets under his control were the last Loyal Soldiers of the Republic, they were fighting Sith Cultist in the North when the Civil War started. Admiral Pryce had already destroyed the defense fleet that was protecting their sector of space, and the defeat at Kuat only weakened what military force they had left. True, the Corellians were too strong for the Republic Warlord to take alone, however with the Imperials they could squash what resistance they could put up. Brentaal would be his seat of power, and he would be the richest person in the Imperium allowing trade to flow only along his routes between any nation within the galaxy.

-- The High Lord had many secretes that he was not yet ready to show the other Lords, or even the Imperator.

-- He looked to [member="Cedric Grayson"], "I follow the Imperator in hopes of restoring the Honor we lost after the battle of Kuat, I only ask for my claims to be returned to me, stand with me and I will prove a valuable ally, against and a fearful enemy."

-- With that he had nothing else to add, the High Lord had much work to do. The Fleets of the Dracks Dominion were in route to Coruscant, his armies ready to march. "Imperator, my forces are on standby and the Mephirium-Class Battlecruiser you ordered will be arriving shortly, the board would still like to offer the avalibility to construct a Droid Army for you, but they will understand if you still only request sentient troopers."

[member="Maracel Yorkell II"] | @Shran