Everything's Better, Down Where It's Wetter | First Order Dominion of Qeravert IV

[Natasi Fortan]

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9U-faeGX3K8​

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[member="Dante Calgar"] | [member="Erasmus Tagge"] | [member="Alec Sienar"]​

[member="Emilia Ravel"] | [member="Talbot Vitalis"] | [member="Fiolette Yvarro"]​

Open to First Order Members​

Normally, Natasi Fortan considered herself a details-oriented person. She knew the ins and outs of the bureaucracy that kept the First Order running smoothly -- partially because she designed its workings herself, and partially because her design kept it small, streamlined, necessitating efficiency. She knew the details of her departmental budgets, the readiness status and high-importance items relating to every legion and fleet in the First Order, and the major projects being worked in every oversector of the government. Yes, normally Natasi Fortan considered herself a details-oriented person -- but not today, not as she watched the massive, electro-diesel ocean liner, the FIV Empress of Dosuun, swell in her viewport as the transport ship flew low over the water of Qeravert IV.

She knew some of the details of how the ship came to be there. It had been built to her specifications in a drydock on Dosuun, where it had also had its water trials. It had been fitted out there, too -- based on an old-fashioned Galidraani ocean liner, but updated to the modern era in terms of comfort, efficiency, safety, and speed. And Natasi had seen the liner lifted by a dozen transports away from the drydocks outside of Avalonia.

How it had gotten here -- to Qeravert IV -- and placed on the surface of the water without capsizing or otherwise being damaged -- was beyond Natasi's comprehension. She supposed that as long as it worked she didn't need to worry about it. She made a mental note that she should check with the logistics teams. Perhaps [member="Fiolette Yvarro"], who was scheduled to be involved in this undertaking, would be able to shed some light.

The transport slowed, maneuvered carefully. The ship had a long stern deck, designed to let people embark and disembark by just these types of small transport. Natasi watched with growing anticipation as the ship hovered, slowly and gently lowering itself onto the deck. A moment later, the Grand Moff -- clad in a trim blue jacket and jaunty hat that might have passed for nautical -- stood and began to work her fingers into her gloves, glancing sidelong at her husband as he folded his newspaper. "Don't be a spoilsport," she murmured. "You won't even feel it move enough to get seasick." Natasi looped her arm through Talbot's and gave his forearm a reassuring shrug as they made for the exit.

The door unsealed as they approached, and Natasi was at once greeted by a sweet, crisp ocean breeze. "How marvelous," she declared, releasing her husband's arm so that she could depart alone. The press was there already, of course, there to document another in a long line of thrilling successes orchestrated by the First Order. Their cameras flashed as Natasi disembarked; she had the good grace to look shy as she greeted members of the All-Surface Guard who would crew the vessel. She shook hands with each, exchanging pleasantries -- the usual folderol required when the Grand Moff met the public -- with Talbot following in her tracks, himself something of a celebrity among First Order personnel, until they reached the Captain.

"Captain J. S. Edwards, at your service, Your Excellency." He shook hands with Natasi, then with Talbot. "Your Lordship. As you wished, we have arrivals staggered every ten minutes. The stewards have been asked to inform the guests arriving that they should make themselves comfortable in their staterooms and explore the ship as they wish until a group dinner will be served in the Admiral's Club to kick off the event."

"Very good, Captain. Thank you for your attentiveness." She glanced over her shoulders, where some men were offloading the Fortan-Vitalis party's luggage. "I assume our suites have been arranged as requested?"

"Of course. I'll take you there now."

Natasi turned towards Talbot, who shook his head. "I'll catch up with you, I just want a quick word with Alec when he arrives." The Grand Moff gave her husband a look bordering on the exasperated, but he held up his hands innocently. "It's just business -- but I'll get directions to the bar from one of these chaps and we'll see. Go on."

So Natasi wandered away from the deck with the Captain, who was eager to give her a tour on the way to her stateroom.

 

[Madelyn Lowe]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8OlDPqYBLw​

Cryptolinguistics Officer Emilia Ravel stepped off the shuttle and onto the landing pad at the ocean liner's stern. She stepped lightly off of the boarding ramp, adjusting her grip on the boxes of radio equipment she carried under each arm. The scent of salt reached her nose, carried by the fresh ocean breeze. She gazed wide-eyed at her surroundings. This mission was more like a holiday than anything else. The vessel was magnificent, nothing but the best for the Order's top brass, she supposed.

She stepped across the landing pad, her smart, practical boots echoing dully on the metal surface. She was in plain clothes, as was the usual for field work. However, her cardigan was considerably more expensive than normal, and her pants were made of some soft fabric she'd never be able to afford on her own. Strapped to her leg was a leather holster, with a small sporting blaster inside, hidden from view. Across her shoulder hung her familiar brown bag, with her orders, equipment, and her notepad and pens. Emilia didn't go anywhere without a pen and pad if she could help it.

Placing down the boxes of radio equipment, Emilia gave the steward a warm smile, producing her Security Bureau ID card. With that sorted, she picked up the boxes and followed the man to her room. After the chaos of her previous field missions, it would be nice to do her work in a more comfortable setting, one where people weren't constantly trying to kill her.

Entering the ship, she followed the steward. At this pace, her limp was barely noticeable. Ever since her injury on Theed, it had been more difficult to move. She woke up aching and stiff each morning, and suffered at night from the pain. A few minutes of navigating the halls later, she'd arrived at her room. The steward smiled and gave her the keycard, and she nodded her thanks.

Emilia scanned the card and pushed open the solid door. The room was beautiful; with a thick pile carpet, expensive furniture, and a luxurious bed. The walls were covered in a subtle wallpaper and adorned with magnificent paintings of landscapes from across the galaxy. She sunk into one of the sofa chairs, taking off her jacket and placing one of the three equipment boxes onto her knee. Before she could explore the ship, all of her radio equipment had to be assembled. That would establish a secure network to the FOSB command centre, should the need to contact them arise.

She sat comfortably, putting the pieces together, testing the various switches and dials. Golden sunlight poured in from the wide windows and reflected off her red locks. She leaned back into the plush chair, sighing contentedly. She could get used to this.

[member="Natasi Fortan"]​

 

[Arage Bao]

"Sir, you shouldn't be standing so close to the edge, it's a security concern."

Alec sighed, but did as the Whiteguard requested.

Ever since the chaos of the Remnant's invasion of the Tion Cluster any high-valued individual of Tion society was granted the privilege of those brave men and women escorting them wherever they went. Even if it was outside of the Tion Cluster. Santhe Corp supplied them with most of their gear anyway, Alec would have been surprised if they'd allow the man signing their supply orders to brave the stormy waters without at least a small detachment of personnel.

The ship in question was slowly closing in, large, spacious, there was bespoke quality around it and that eased Sienar's mind to one degree and the other.

"The investors are going to love this." Alec confided in his attache, an unassuming gent by the name of Basil. "If there is one thing that gets them going is bright pictures of industrial ingenuity." Basil didn't reply, he almost never did, instead he just nodded nervously and then scribbled something in his notepad.

It didn't take long for them to dock, before the Sienar scion stepped foot on the deck. He brushed some imaginary dust away from his cuffs and eyed the assemble- not many people around, yet, but such was the way of the investor. Whilst some were granted the privilege of fashionable late, the banker had to rise early and arrive first among the arrivals, after all... opportunities waited to be plucked away. He caught just the tail-end of the Grand Moff, Natasi, leaving the deck and heading into the ship proper.

Then a grin broke as he saw Tal standing around, waiting on something.

"Ah, Talbot." His hand already extending as he walked on over, grasping in a tight curl and shake. "Bespoke as always."

Here to hold my coat? It was a joke that was shining in his eyes and Tal would see it, but Alec kept it in for now. Not with the press next to them, already making pictures of the Sienar Executive's friendly liaison with the darling of First Order Society, the Grand Moff's husband.

[member="Talbot Vitalis"]​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Talbot studied [member="Emilia Ravel"] as the intelligence officer disembarked. He didn't know her, didn't know why she was there, but she clearly had the authority and orders to be there. Perhaps they would get better acquainted with each other on this project. He didn't know in what capacity that might occur; he was nowhere in her chain of command, after all. In fact, Talbot didn't have an official position here, and was eager not to be seen as merely the Grand Moff's husband. He wanted, at the very least, to make a name for himself as something more. He lit a cigarette and watched as the intelligence officer wandered away under the care of a steward, boxes of equipment under each arm. He blew out a puff of cigarette smoke and turned back towards the railing. There was nothing there, nothing but endless horizon.

No land. No safe harbor. Nothing, as far as the eye could see. His stomach lurched frightfully at the prospect.

He gripped the railing for a few moments until another ship appeared over the horizon. His spirits lifted, because he knew that his best friend -- his non-blood-brother -- [member="Alec Sienar"] was aboard. He had originally proposed involving Alec before preparations got underway. The financier was looking for ways to associate himself with the First Order, and the First Order could always find ways to spend other people's money, so it seemed a perfect match. He waited nearby until he heard his friend approaching from behind, and turned to shake hands. "I can't tell if you're talking about this ship or my suit, but the answer is yes, regardless. You don't think I'd be caught dead in anything off the rack, do you?"

The two men paused for a few moments as the press snapped their pictures and took their footage, and then Talbot clapped Alec on the shoulder, turning him towards the ocean view again. "Let's say we find someplace quiet to chat? Cigarette?" He offered his case as they looped around the stern deck, and popped one in his mouth before lighting them. "Has to be a bloody map around here somewhere, this thing is the size of a city. It's only the first few decks we need to worry about; lots of troops and staff in the bowels -- well, you know. How was the trip? I hope you brought your checkbook."

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

Fiolette stood there for a moment, black heeled boots planted firmly on the docks and admired her work. It had not been easy transporting such an antique (even with all of its modern-day features) from one planet to another. In fact, she had to go and design a freighter specifically for the job and then slowly the help of tugboats and a lot of droid work the Empress of Dosuun was transported from the capital to Qeravert IV. The Galidraani woman looked over her shoulder and smiled, Galeway, and Montague would accompany her on this particular journey. She had extended an invitation out to [member="Hogrum Veed"] but would not hold it against the young man if he could not attend, the same went for Commander Charlotte Reed. "Please, there are people here to take your bags," she told them with a smile.

"Right," Galeway replied with a tight smile. "This is just, uh, it's a little odd I mean I'm not saying that I'm not happy to be here but I'm saying it's odd."

"Admiral."

"Commander." Fiolette returned with a raised brow, "we're here to help and relax."

She followed this with an upturned quirk of her lips, a cheeky grin. "And a few other things, of course, but for now why don't we start with lowering our ranks for the moment, mhmm?"

Galeway exhaled and nodded in acknowledgment while Montague, or Raleigh, Rae as she was often called elbowed the blonde. "For someone who's seen both Anoat and Castameer you act like you haven't earned it."

"It's not about earned..." She answered to the unspoken question, "it's about belief and I don't..."

"Don't believe in relaxing?" Rae inquired, "clearly you haven't done enough of it."

Fiolette had long left her two darlings, clad in black leggings and coat the brunette was already halfway up to board the vessel when she stopped and turned, "are you two coming or do I send you back to Victoria?" The curl of her lips remained as she watched the two ladies ascend the boarding ramp. Once aboard a steward escorted them to their cabin along the way the admiral took stock of the ship and did her best to beat the memories that wanted to return. Memories of Galidraan itself and a time that she had long since put behind her, one she had no want to bring back or revisit. Her shoulders were tense and both of the officers behind her could see that. Commander Kit Galeway had been serving aboard Fiolette's flagships for the entirety of her career. Picked up right out of the academy and for now Lieutenant Commander Montague it was her ideas. Transferred out of shipboard duties and to Victoria to aid the Admiral in the design of the new refits.

"Here you are," the steward showed them to their cabin.

With gratitude, Fiolette thanked them and headed in first, "right you two can have this room, I'll take this one here." A small private bedroom that shared a bathroom with the main bedroom, the cabin was meant for two couples but in this case. The Galidraani woman wanted some peace and quiet while affording her officers the same. "Why don't you two get settled in and I'll do the same."

The two ladies both gave their acknowledgments as the brunette shut the door behind her and let her guard down for just a brief moment.

[member="Alec Sienar"] | [member="Talbot Vitalis"] | [member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Emilia Ravel"] | [member="Dante Calgar"] | [member="Erasmus Tagge"]​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi threw the curtains open and looked out at the magnificent vista that greeted her, then nodded her approval and turned back to Captain Edwards. "This will do nicely, Captain, thank you. I won't trouble you any longer, I'm sure you've dozens of things to do more important than dealing with me." The Captain had the good grace to demure, which Natasi appreciated. "Might you ask the chief steward to join me? I have a few requests to make before I settle in." The Captain made his exit, and true to his word, it wasn't three minutes later that the steward was stepping into the suite.

The Grand Moff shrugged out of her coat and draped it across the back of the sofa, where her maid would collect it. "Do feel free to sit down, this may be a few moments," Natasi said. She eased her frame, somewhat swollen in the midsection with a pregnancy rapidly approaching term, onto the sofa and inclined her head towards the Steward. They discussed a number of her requirements, including what her breakfast tray should consist of, the contents of the bar in the room, wake-up calls, security, duplicate keys for her maid and Clémence Wallace, and the security of her jewels before arriving at the question of a certain piece of her luggage.

"It's a large crate labeled 'Display' -- there are two of them actually. I'd like the crates opened and the displays erected -- the method will be obvious, you simply must place them on a flat surface. I suggest the dining room table there," she pointed, "as his Lordship and I will likely be taking our meals in the ship's dining room. The other I'd like in the conference center off the library. That's where we'll be having the morning tiger team meetings and I expect it will be a helpful reminder of what we are striving to achieve." The steward diligently took notes and agreed to her requests, before taking his leave, passing Clémence on his way out as the private secretary let herself in.

"Ma'am, we're on schedule with arrivals. Our representative from the intelligence division -- one Officer Ravel -- has arrived, as have Lord Sienar and your -- that is, Grand Admiral Yvarro. The money and the brains, as they've been described by others on the project."

"I rather think I'm the brain," Natasi scoffed as she pushed herself up from her chair, with some difficulty. By the Balance, do I hate being pregnant, she mused as she massaged her back.

"They call you the heart, ma'am," Clémence said, her tone conciliatory.

"I'll just bet they do," Natasi muttered under her breath. "Bring the red boxes, I'll get an early start. I'll be available before dinner if anyone needs me. Thank you, Clémence."

[member="Talbot Vitalis"] | [member="Emilia Ravel"] | [member="Fiolette Yvarro"]​

[member="Alec Sienar"] | [member="Dante Calgar"] | [member="Erasmus Tagge"]​

 

[Arage Bao]

[member="Talbot Vitalis"]

Alec accepted the offered cigarette with a grateful nod, before letting it be lit up and then he stuck it between his lips.

Soon after the soft smoke trailed gently off the tip and rose up, making a trail as they walked and it was left behind them. In truth his life was a stressful mess at the moment, so the nicotine and other substances were a welcome distraction from the chaos. One would assume that being free from the Silvers would finally make things easier, but there were a number of complications. One of which was that some part of the Tion Cluster were still very much occupied by the Silvers.

It reminded him of a hostage situation.

The other? Simply that without the Silvers keeping them in check... there were the bold and the hungry circling around, trying to fill the void left and it was annoying to deal with that as well.

"Yeah, let's. I need some downtime for sure." If his friend hadn't been happily married Alec might have offered a trip down to Ryloth again. Though apparently some maniacs resurrected the Confederacy and 'liberated' the bunch of it.

What a waste.

"The trip was fine, I am constantly being dogged by one nobleman or the other, the patronage of Santhe-Sienar goes far if one wants to make it in the Tion Cluster. Especially now with the Silver Jedi all but driven out."

A smirk curled around the cigarette. "Multiple ones, yes, I am sure I will find plenty to spend on today. How are you holding up?"

 

[Madelyn Lowe]

​

The final wires were moved into place, and Emilia flicked the switch to turn on the radio. It beeped loudly, and little red globes lit up along the dials, indicating the machine was active. She twisted several knobs, adjusting the transciever until it was set to the correct frequency. On the outside, the radio looked simple, even antiquated, but inside it was outfitted with some of the most sophisticated communications technology available to the First Order. Capable of secure long-range commication, and compatable with the advanced decryption tech on her Fortan II corvette, the radio was a vital part of her life as an FOSB operative.

Slipping the headphones over her ears, she was greeted by the comforting sound of static. She'd spent countless hours like this, in silence, waiting for enemy transmissions, her only comapany the white noise. Her life had been less complicated then, in many ways she missed those days. She rarely had time to return to her ship nowadays, maybe she should work to to change that fact. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out her notebook, opening to the decoder chart. She flipped open a panel on the radio, dialing in the day's encryption key, and held the transmit button, speaking loudly and clearly. "This is Cryptolinguistics Officer Emilia Ravel. I have arrived aboard the Empress of Dosuun. I will begin my duties shortly. Nothing to report as of yet."

Emilia pulled back her chair, standing up and stretching like a Loth-cat in the sun, and picked up her bag. She padded across the room, boots sinking into the soft carpet, and stepped out the door into the long hallway. On either side, the corridor streched for quite a distance. Evenly spaced doors ran along its length. A private palace for every guest. This section was full of the smaller, one-person rooms like hers, but there were various suites for guests and their families too. She made her way down the hall, humming to herself as she walked. Arriving at a central staircase, she approached one of the ship's staff, and flashed her Security Bureau badge. "Pardon me, but do you know where I can find a cargo and crew manifesto, as well as the names of all the passengers aboard? There are some very important people on this ship, and I need to ensure security is up to standard."

The man seemed unsure, but after a moment he replied. "You'll need to see the head of security, he'll have what you're looking for." She nodded curtly, once again pulling out her pen and pad. "Head of security, okay. Where can I find this person? Do they have an office?" The young man scratched his head, thinking. "Yeah, he has an office. I think it's next to the medical centre." Emilia smiled and thanked him, walking off without a further word.

| [member="Alec Sienar"] | [member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Fiolette Yvarro"] | [member="Talbot Vitalis"] |​

 

[Progflaw99]

How exactly Dante had arrived, no one knew. Though officially he'd retired from active service and moved into the public sector as a Moff, he still operated much like he had while employed by the FOSB - if at all possible, under the radar. In any case, the Moff had managed to get aboard the Empress of Dosuun far ahead of anyone else. So much so, that it was just now that he quietly emerged from a small room deep within the belly of the ship. It hadn't been comfortable, but he wanted to know first hand that the entire ship was secure. That and a few other things.

Moff Calgar certainly could have chosen to arrive with the rest of the delegation, but he always had been a lone wolf, it made some things difficult, but others much easier. For example, he didn't have an assistant following him around, he wasn't expected at most social events, and the ones he did inevitably have to attend he could always slip away under the guise of 'ensuring security' of the event in question. It wasn't a lie, being Security Minister of an Imperial government certainly had its benefits. It wasn't just the position though, Dante had been quite the operative in his field days, much of his official record was either missing or didn't actually exist. Instead, his record showed a relatively uneventful stint on Sump, as part of a jungle warfare training command - anyone worth their salt knew what that meant, and training had nothing to do with it.

[member="Emilia Ravel"] | [member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Alec Sienar"] | [member="Fiolette Yvarro"] | [member="Talbot Vitalis"]​

Gently shutting the door behind him, Moff Calgar's footsteps took him carefully through the vessel's corridors along a route that would see him past some of the more heavily traveled areas in favor of less often used halls and causeways. It only took him a few minutes more to reach his destination, the main deck. Ultimately he was to check in with the security group, and though it could have been left up to those beneath his station, he always preferred to be on top of things. If anything had been overlooked, he wanted to address it now rather than discover it later. He cut a lean figure, his attire not the usual for a Moff - a windbreaker, the letters FOSB sprawled across the back - today wasn't a uniform kind of day.

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

Fiolette looked away from the mirror a moment, eyes closed. She held back the memories of Galidraan and of the past, and as she turned to look at herself in the mirror. Her eyes opened, she could hear Rae and Kit in their room discussing something. What she couldn't tell and their voices blurred together from where she stood hands pressed against her dress and she thought against it. Moving back to her wardrobe she went for something darker, a dark naval of the same cut with a deep trim of matching tone in a shade of coal. Even that didn't seem to work. Unzipping herself from that dress the Galidraani woman placed her hands on her hip and went back to her wardrobe again, the sense of loneliness crept up on her.

A gentle rap on her door, Kit asked if she was ready and to be honest, she wasn't. She was here to do a job and she had to keep her focus on that all the while the Admiral supposed she could help her two subordinates get closer together. "Not yet," the Admiral called out as she grabbed a dress and put it on. Looking at herself over once more the brunette grabbed a shawl to cover herself as to not draw unwanted attention. "There," she added with a smile stepping out from her room, "ready ladies?" Both Rae and Kit held their jaws up and followed their commanding officer out of the cabin. Rae dressed in a simple black gown, Kit did the same they noted the coal shaded shawl that covered the black dress and the earrings that matched. The trio headed down to the first class dining saloon and from there she supposed they would be summoned by Natasi Fortan. "I hope you both recall your officer's etiquette."

"I know where my forks go, if that's what you're getting at," Kit replied under her breath.

Rae gave Kit an inquisitive look but said nothing of it.

[member="Dante Calgar"] | [member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Alec Sienar"] | [member="Talbot Vitalis"] | [member="Emilia Ravel"] | [member="Erasmus Tagge"]

 

[Zeradias Mant]

Kuril looked off the rails of the port bow of the large ship. The sunlight warmed his body, the wind danced on his skin. The weather could not have been more perfect. Shuttles had been arriving for the past several hours, no doubt carrying important dignitaries of the First Order and other esteemed guests. He didn't move though. It wasn't often he was sentimental, but when he was, it wasn't hard to tell. He wore a tan suit - almost casual, but still formal to a degree. The natural crashing of the small waves on the boat's hull were vaguely reminiscent of them washing ashore on a beach.

"Sir, you should get moving.", one of his aides said quietly. Kuril closed his eyes and inhaled the sea air. As he exhaled, his eyes opened and he turned his back to which he spent so long admiring. Entering the corridors of the ship, he began walking idly through the halls of the ship. He had no particular destination; he just enjoyed the walk. As he strolled, his aide brought him up to speed with the bureau happenings. Officer Ravel and a handful various support staff were aboard, as was the Security Minister. The Grand Moff was present as well, though that was almost a given. Other senior officials from the First Order were present as well, none of which Kuril had the fortune of meeting, though he was in no rush to change that.

Hall after hall, staircase after staircase, Kuril found himself atop the ship, boasting a view that almost rivaled that on the port bow. As he strode across the main deck, he caught a glimpse of a FOSB jacket. As he crossed the large courtyard to get to the other side to go even higher, he caught a glimpse of a man wearing a blue jacket with FOSB emblazoned in reflective yellow on the back. It struck a nerve with Kuril, who believed the mission of the FOSB to be clandestine unless operating in a blatantly public manner. As they walked the same direction, Kuril leaned over to his aide and spoke with a mild fury.

"Tell that damn fool to take that jacket off, this isn't a crime scene."

At once, the aide picked his pace up to a light trot and got ahold of the man as he continued walking. Almost immediately, the aide returned and the jacketed man kept on. Kuril was both angry and dumbfounded.

"What is your malfunction?", he asked the aide impatiently.

"It was the Security Minister..."

Kuril let out a chuckle and smile of disbelief. Of course it was.

"Let's go then."

[member="Dante Calgar"] | [member="Emilia Ravel"] | [member="Fiolette Yvarro"] | [member="Alec Sienar"] | [member="Natasi Fortan"]​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"She's making me... crazy," Talbot said. "It's good practice for fatherhood, having to parent a Grand Moff." He paused as they passed an officer on the deck, entering the grand staircase lobby, where he located a directory. "Ah - The Observation Bar, deck 2." The two men wandered off in seclusion once again and Talbot went on. "I'm sure you're the same -- you overachievers always are. She gets busy and forgets to eat. There's some kind of industrial action on Bespin and she's off like a shot, missing a doctor's appointment and two Lamaze classes while dealing with the contract negotiations with the Primo Victoria Shipyards. It was worrying before when it was just her, but she's carrying our child now."

The Duke of Foxfield held the door of the bar open for his friend and then followed him in. "There's a real problem when the only person in the known galaxy who can boss around your wife is the Supreme Leader who, I assume, couldn't care less if she delivers safely or not." He went up to the bar and ordered a drink -- "Scotch, rocks. Make it a double." -- and waited for [member="Alec Sienar"] to order for himself before leading the way out onto the deck area, towards the bow of the ship. "I guess what I'm saying is -- thank God you're here. "

He cupped his drink, lifted it to his lips and took a sip. "Tell me how things are in the Tion Cluster now that the Jedi are -- well, if not gone, then at least out of the way? Did your home come through it all unscathed?"

 

[Arage Bao]

[member="Talbot Vitalis"]

He had mentioned it so casually that at first Alec didn't even realize.

"Ditto here." Ordering the same and settling down next to his friend, his side glanced against the bar so he could at once see Tal, but also take a good wandering look around the establishment. Not a lot of people here right now, but that was to be expected. After all, he had come early here to make a good impression.

Others would be less concerned about that.

He took a sip and shrugged. "Oh, you know- they still hold a fair few of planets, very stubbornly holding on... but I think there is a real possibility we can throw them out eventually." Another sip and this time Tal received a knowing look. "Would presumably be a lot faster if we had some... external support perhaps."

Alec didn't have any illusions here, but the Grand Moff was Tionese and Galidraan was still occupied by the Silvers.

There was a chance there-

"Wait, hold on." He rewinded the conversation in his head and then grinned. "Child? She is pregnant? Congratulations!" Already clasping him on the arm while chuckling softly. "Remember the wagers our mothers had who would have children first? Yours was completely sure it would be me, while mine put up a year's worth of Derellium wine that it would be you."

He mused about that for a moment.

"Gonna have to pay up on that debt I suppose."

 

[Progflaw99]

It took the minister only a few more minutes to navigate his way towards the large conference room where the security staff had set up. Approaching a long narrow corridor he noted an agent barring the way, as he approached he was greeted with a raised hand.

"Excuse me Sir, this area is off limits."​

​

That brought a smirk to Moff Calgar's face. He couldn't knock the agent's diligence in carrying out his assigned duty. Already Dante's fingers had closed around the edge of his ID card, raising it up for the man to see as he replied.

"Good Morning to you too.." He squinted as he read the man's own ID clipped to his pocket. "... Special Agent Drezzel. You've kept the ship safe now haven't you?" He almost chuckled.​

​

"Oh, excuse me Moff Calgar, I didn't recognize you - welcome aboard Sir."​

​

Tucking the ID back into his pocket, Dante gave the man a nod before stepping past and continuing down the hall. As he did so he tried to recall the details of the world they'd begun constructing a city upon. Well, within would be a better term. Qeravert IV was unique in that its surface was entirely covered in water. Dante had been to plenty of planets with lush terrain, coursing rivers, and raging oceans, but nothing quite as encompassing as this. As he'd walked across the main deck he found it strange to find the horizon devoid of any land mass. The logistics of building a city under water was entirely foreign to the Moff, even thinking about it made his head hurt. Not only would complex equipment and techniques be required, but how do you defend a city that's entirely underwater? Conventional shielding wouldn't work, most planetary defense systems wouldn't function beneath the surface of the planet wide ocean - not to mention the security systems that would need to be involved in even monitoring the city. Despite his personal misgivings, he'd drafted up a few different plans based on the limited knowledge they'd been given to this point. The only thing to do was to wait and see how it turned out.

He brought himself back to the present as his footsteps brought him towards the sliding door of the conference room, inside several FOSB staff carefully monitoring a bank of monitors along the wall, more still looking at a holographic display of the vessel and its decks - small red dots indicating lifeforms with some of the most notable attendees identified by a small tag with their name attached to the indicator. His eyes quickly found his own name displayed on the projection. That was something he was going to have to fix sooner or later - but for now he had other things he was curious about. Reaching down and swiping a datapad from the table, he quickly paged through the device, scanning the operations plan and overview. Giving a shrug to no one in particular, he set it back down. It looked solid enough. On board the Empress of Dosuun there would be little to worry about - a fleet was in orbit, and according to the briefing he and the others had received there was minimal if any indigenous life. The way it looked was to be a fairly uneventful day, though once they got to talking security for the new construct it might get a little bit more engaging. Raising a fist to his mouth he let go a large yawn, eyes darting around the room in search of an FOSB staple - coffee. Seeing a refreshment station towards the rear of the conference room he moseyed on over, snatching a Styrofoam cup and depressing a button on the built in dispenser and waited for it to fill.

[member="Emilia Ravel"] | [member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Alec Sienar"] | [member="Fiolette Yvarro"] | [member="Talbot Vitalis"] | [member="Kuril Vehn"]​

 

[Madelyn Lowe]

As she ascended to the top of the staircase to the deck of the great vessel, a familiar uniform caught her eye. It was a blue Security Bureau jumper, emblazoned with the initialism 'FOSB.' The figure moved inside, and Emilia rushed to follow, trailing the distinctive man from about 10 metres back. When the figure arrived at a conference room deeper within the ship, Emilia leaned against the wall, waiting patiently, and listening as the guard informed him the area was 'off limits.' Now that was an interesting move, considering the man was in FOSB uniform. Perhaps the agent had only ever seen the Bureau's field garb.

Then, a name caught her attention. Had he just said Moff Calgar? She pulled out her notepad and checked over the list of high profile guests supposed to be attending. The director of the entire Security Bureau was not among them. That was to be expected, she supposed. The man had something of a reputation for secrecy. Rumours about him had circulated of course, but she knew as well as anyone his personnel file from his days as an agent revealed nothing about the man. However, you don't become chief of the galaxy's most formidable intelligence agency without some serious credentials.

Sucking in a deep breath, Emilia stepped towards the unfortunate door guard, flashing her ID before stepping past. The room was crowded with banks of computers and screens, as well as holo-projections of the ship. By the looks of it, this was the official task force dedicated to ensuring the VIPs were adequately guarded. Other, non-uniformed field agents such as herself would be scattered around the ship, analysing the security, probing it for risks and holes. She turned to one of the staff, a young woman just returning from the refreshments table, a steaming cup in hand. Emilia politely tapped her on the shoulder. "Agent Orner, was it? Would you mind heading down to my room and bringing my radios up here? This seems like a much better spot. Orner nodded briskly, and Emilia handed her the key-card, turning away.

The woman returned a short time later with the two cases of equipment, and Emilia looked disapprovingly at the haphazard packing of the cables and pieces. She held her tongue, instead thanking the woman and quickly setting up the equipment. Everything was already calibrated, so it was as simple as putting it together and turning it on. With that task accomplished, she stood up and stretched, yawning. She hadn't had much sleep lately, and was having trouble staying awake because of it. She needed something to perk herself up.

She wiped some lint off her cardigan, and straightened her collar. Don't look at the Director. Don't... Look.

Emilia stopped suddenly, almost running in the Moff as he turned away from the coffee machine. Her eyes widened in horror, and she reflexively snapped a salute. She stammered. Director Calgar... I-I'm Emilia Ravel. Cryptolinguistics Officer of the FOSB. I've... I've been sent to supervise radio communications aboard the Empress of Dosuun. She looked down at the floor nervously. "It's a p-pleasure to meet you sir. I've heard so much about you."

| [member="Dante Calgar"] | [member="Alec Sienar"] | [member="Talbot Vitalis"] | [member="Kuril Vehn"] | [member="Fiolette Yvarro"] | [member="Natasi Fortan"] | ​

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

"Where are we with the Empire?" Fiolette asked Rae as she set her fork down. The Grand Admiral cast a glance at the young Lieutenant Commander waiting for an answer. The dining room around them was pleasant enough, she noted, "and while we're speaking on the program where are we with the Blackwell?"

Rae cleared her throat, looked across the table as she set her napkin down atop the cloth that. "Near completion, we've gotten the first set of Shortbow Railguns installed." The Galidraani woman only nodded in acnknowledgment, her subordinate then moved onto the next question. "We've not yet started with the Blackwell, but since we're on the subject would you mind if we went over the blueprints?"

"Not here, but yes, we can covene later and discuss it," Fiolette answered matter-of-factly and then turned her attention to Kit. "Status on the Warspite?"

"With the new Bonneville nearly complete, they're preparing to return to Victoria for maintenance." Kit advised with her hands settled in her lap. Unsure of what else to do with herself as she waited for her colleague and superior officer to be done with their meal.

Once more Fiolette simply nodded and waited a few more moments before she rose from her chair. She thought of how glad Captain Wilhuff would be with her removed from the Hellstrom. Captain Walzer would once again bear the burden of having the Grand Admiral aboard. She left a small tip for the waiter at the table and then moved to depart the dining room altogether. The trio would enter a lift that would take them to the main deck where they could walk and enjoy the sea air.

"Remarkable isn't it?" Rae questioned to the others, as she took in a deep breath, "almost reminds me of Manaan."

"Before or after it was destroyed?" Quipped Kit who earned a glare or two from the lieutenant commander. "Don't look at me like that, it's an honest question."

Fiolette rolled her eyes and then commented, "it was about as honest a lawyer's tongue." Kit left it alone after that and they continued their walk. The Grand Admiral looked out over the railing every so often and wondered for a moment how they would maintain the city. Round the clock maintenance for sure, powering the city should be easy enough. Coverting the kinetic energy from the water's movements into actual electricity. "Fascinating, isn't it?" She asked of her two subordinates.

"Of course."

"I guess."

Kit's answer gave the woman enough reason to pause, "you guess, Commander?" A pointed barb delivered in a soft tone, "and what is it that you guess?"

The Commander wanted to retaliate, she was already uneasy just being here let alone dressed up and walking about the Empress of Dosuun of all ships. She should be back on the Warspite. "I just don't understand why I'm here."

"You're here because I have need of you, Commander. And in time you'll understand why," her cryptic answer was all that the younger woman would have, for now anyway. "Now you did not answer my question, what is it that you guess?"

"I guess it's fascinating."

"I see, do you not feel that we can accomplish this task?"

"No, but-"

"We are the First Order and this city will be a testament to that, a testament to our age, our technology and to the galaxy that we can and will do whatever is necessary to achieve our goals." To bring Order to the Masses, the trio turned the corner and continued with their walk.

[member="Dante Calgar"] | [member="Emilia Ravel"] | [member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Erasmus Tagge"] | [member="Kuril Vehn"] | [member="Talbot Vitalis"] | [member="Alec Sienar"]​

 

[Brent Smith]

On the grand scheme of things, a security detail job was pretty low key. As a trooper, before he was taken in by the FOSB, Brent found himself on more than a few of these. But instead of wearing uniforms, he was wearing the white plasteel of your standard trooper's armor. He buttoned his trench coat closed and let out a sigh of contentment. It was nice to be assigned to something so low risk, and the profile was so high, he could Mara in and check on his parents.

"Jobs this good don't come around that often," he sighed contently, holstering his side arm.

He tapped out a quick message to his youngest brother Fenn, sending a pic of the grand estate room he had managed earlier,

Looks like I'm gonna be having a great dinner. #HighLife4Life

Brent guessed it was 4 am on Duusun right now, but it would be there for him when he woke up.

Civilian life in order, the agent grasped the handle on his brief case and exited his room, his boots clacked on the polished hardwood floor. The man made his way down to the cargo hold. The troopers on duty snapped to attention in their gleaming white armor as Brent came into view. He chuckled, shaking his head slightly in nostalgia. He didn't miss those days in the least.

With the swipe of an ID, Brent passed into one of the cargo holds. Before him loomed several functional, but still expensive submersibles. A quartet of the engineers were idly polishing the hulls of them. The chief spotted Brent the moment he walked through the door. He wasn't military, he was just another civilian contractor. It was understandable his face still gave a look of supressed terror when Brent came in with an OFSB insignia.

"Agent Smith reporting in for an inspection of the submersibles," the agent said giving the engineer a disarming smile, "Just a standard security protocol with passengers of such a high priority."

"Oh, sure," the engineer said, his fear visibly subsiding. The man took a step back from the machines, "Be my guest."

Brent set his breifcase down on a nearby workbench, pulling out a handful of filmsi sheets, "Alright then, let's get to work."

[member="Dante Calgar"] | [member="Emilia Ravel"] | [member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Erasmus Tagge"] | [member="Kuril Vehn"] | [member="Talbot Vitalis"] | [member="Alec Sienar"] I [member="Fiolette Yvarro"]​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Talbot couldn't help but feel a little bit proud at his friend's reaction. "It's not like it was difficult," he said with a smirk over his scotch. "In fact I found the whole affair rather enjoyable. Everything since then, on the other hand, has been a waking nightmare. My wife, God love her and so do I, but she is a handful at the best of times." He shook his head and glanced over at his friend. "The problem is that this child -- a son, I hope, but we've elected not to know -- is her second child. The First Order is her first. It's quadrupled in size, wrestled with the Galactic Alliance, and socked the Jedi in the mouth. I think it's old enough to look out for itself to a certain extent." He took another long sip from his glass before setting it down.

"By the way, it's an open secret in the Palace and cabinet, but nowhere else, so keep it close to your chest. My mother doesn't know yet." He paused, cocked his head to one side. "Although a year's worth of Derellium wine might change my mind." He ran his finger along the rim of his glass, making a warbling musical tone for a moment. "Nah. We're coming up on six months, and then it'll have to be announced. There's only so much heavy coats will obscure, and the danger is more or less passed by the third trimester according to Dr. Penneford."

Talbot leaned against the railing, glassy eyes peering out at the horizon. "Anyway. Talk about something else." He waved his hand dismissively.

[member="Alec Sienar"]

 

[Braser Steltan]

Braser stood on the open deck of the Empress, his gloved hands clasped on the railing. He sighed and watched the waves crash againt the massive hull below him. He took a step back and admired the ship. He had always been a man of considerable wealth. However after his parents perished on Corellia, their extensive fortune was passed to him. He had more money than he truly knew what to do with, except of course, invest in this project. He smiled contently and brushed off his long coat and his officers cap. Taking a step inside the cabin and moved down the massive steps and into the large dining hall.

The hall was filled with guests and officers alike, all taking their seats and enjoying themselves. He took a minute before he walked into the room. He wanted to take a moment to observe the spectacle. The ornate gold and polished wood, the drinks and the food. Everyone was happy at the event, including him, which was a rarity. He smiled and took a step back outside. He was eager to take his seat for the dinner but he wasn't one for socializing. He reached into his coat and pulled out a cigar and lighter. He twirled the paper roll between his fingers and opened his lighter, igniting the cigar and placing it between his teeth. He stared back out to the ocean and blew a puff of smoke into the salty air.

[member="Natasi Fortan"] / [member="Talbot Vitalis"] / [member="Brent Smith"] / [member="Emilia Ravel"] / [member="Fiolette Yvarro"] / [member="Alec Sienar"] / [member="Kuril Vehn"] / [member="Dante Calgar"]

 

[Arage Bao]

[member="Talbot Vitalis"]

Brows raised slightly more than a fraction when she mentioned it being her second child.

The hint of scandal left and his expression eased when Tal finished his sentence. It was true, Alec had taken the effort to read up on the First Order and all they had accomplished prior to agreeing to this entire set-up. One of the things that constantly came back was Fortan's image as the Mother of the Nation.

By all accounts it was true too, not just a propaganda piece.

Fortan truly seemed to care just as much as she said she did and her efforts had pushed the Order into something akin to a boom, economical and expansionary wise. "Well, I will drink to that." Raising the glass when Tal mentioned the hope for a son, taking a royal sip, before nodding seriously. "It will stay between us, of course."

Alec shrugged after that.

A different subject, what was there to be discussed? They had talked about the war, the baby, even his check-book. "All I know is that if this investment pans out, you can expect many more check-books to open up. You might not be aware, but a lot of Tionese investors are currently watching this with interest."