Long May She Reign [TSE]

[Fiolette Fortan]

LONG MAY SHE REIGN

A diplomatic corvette bearing the sigil of the Sith Empire reverted from hyperspace and headed toward the Hydian Bastion. Aboard the diplomatic vessel known as the HIMS Lawrence, an impromptu negotiator and citizen of the Empire Ryssa Yvarro. Chosen by her mother Lord Admiral Fiolette Raaf to meet with [member="Madelyn Lowe"] on that day and for reasons that to this day escape Ryssa. She gathered that important business on Dromund Kalakar with the Armada drew her away, and yet Ryssa was not upset. No, instead she thought what it must be like - what t had been like for her. Ryssa's own departure from Dosuun and Avalonia indeed left her in sorrow, and thus as the Lawrence now parted the stars through the abyssal sea of the void she stood beside the ship's commander.

Commander Amilaeth, a Chiss who had not so long ago fled his own homeworld to find refuge in the Sith Empire. The Commander gave Ryssa an indicative nod she took this as her cue to depart the bridge and make her way for the airlock. It was on her way to the airlock that Ryssa stopped to think of how she could welcome the Governor and her people. At that moment her face contorted with panic and she wondered if she still had it. Ryssa wondered if she still had in her very possession and with her on that day the flag of the First Order. She hurried down corridors, officers and crew alike made haste to be out of her way. She hadn't time to think to stop and excuse herself, but she would mutter in quick fashion her apologies.

Ryssa arrived at her quarters and began to search every crate and trunk. She had turned her room about and then she found it, folded in a triangle on her mantle. A handwritten note from her mother had been attached. "Give my regards to the Governor, and long may She reign." Ryssa's brow furrowed with the rather cryptic statement but she hadn't time to decipher it. Although the note's meaning would be realized, later on, Ryssa was simply happy to have the flag. She then took a moment to tidy herself up and look presentable.

At the airlock, Ryssa smoothed her outfit down with her hands. The flag tucked under her arm while she did so and then it would be shifted to her hands so that she might present the Governor with it. On that day Ryssa had been sent to negotiate the station's safe harbor in Sith space, and Ryssa already had a mind of just where it could rest. Commander Amilaeth had informed the Belsavian-Galidraani that a relief convoy would be arriving soon to aid in the Hydian on the final leg of its journey. Ryssa took a deep breath and exhaled, she waited now for the airlock doors to part and it would feel as if time had slowed at that moment.

 

[Madelyn Lowe]

Two pairs of footsteps echoed through a quiet corridor, darkened at this hour such that the lights cast long, dim shadows across the polished floor. It was moody here, stiller. The usual thrum of the station was quieter in this quadrant, and Madelyn Lowe found the absence of the usual sounds filled her with unease. These days, the whistle of the air through the grates and the hissing of moving blast doors were the sounds of home. It was what she found comfortable, what was natural. It was colder here too. The outer corridors of the station were rarely heated, and many of the labyrinthian tunnels that ran through the station were often without power.

That was the reality of life aboard the Hydian Bastion, what had begun to be known as The Derelict. She disapproved of the name, but she understood it. They didn't have enough bodies to keep the station fully operational, let alone maintained, and their resources were strictly rationed so that they could keep bellies fed and the power on.

In fact, that was much of her life now. The survival of her little community defined her, it gave her direction and purpose in a corner of the Galaxy that had fallen into anarchy. Though they numbered only a few thousand, she felt a great sense of pride in leading the former First Order loyalists aboard The Derelict.

Now it seemed that luck could be on her side. Madelyn's efforts to reach out to the Sith Empire had borne fruit, and she'd secured a meeting with an official here at the station, a success that could prove vital to their survival, and to her own aspirations to do something with the station and herself. They had spent so many years just struggling to survive, but now they had a chance to once again have a purpose. She couldn't let herself become too enthused though, previous attempts to secure support had fallen through, and diplomatic communiques thus far had proved promising, but tentative. While the former Governor would be disappointed if this particular venture failed, she wouldn't exactly be surprised.

Beside her strode Ilya Cardonne, a curious being that Lowe considered something of a liability, but she had proved herself to be an effective enforcer and a surprisingly loyal lieutenant since the collapse of the Order and the hasty retreat to the station. In many ways, they would not be here today if it weren't for her.

Rounding a corner a small guard squad came into view, their breath sending clouds of mist into the chill air. Madelyn gave a curt nod as she strode past, the soldiers falling into line behind her. A couple wore First Order uniform, coming apart at the seams or otherwise worn. Others wore an array of practical black clothing, much of it scavenged or bartered over the past years. Common for all the soldiers were the red sashes that hung across their chests and the woven red sigil that emblazoned their shoulders; the red maw of the Order.

Madelyn herself was outfitted with similar gear, having reluctantly abandoned the carefully crafted styling she'd favoured on her homeworld of Varonat. The woman bore no indication of rank, nor did any other soldier for that matter. All of them knew each other and understood the structures of power aboard the Bastion well.

After a time, the party reached an isolated access port near the apex of the station, having powered up the quadrant specifically to dock the arriving ship. Madelyn stood ramrod straight, her eyes leveled coolly forward as the Sith-Imperial delegation entered.

[member="Ryssa Yvarro"]​

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

Ryssa hadn't the faintest idea of what to expect and as the airlock hissed open a pair of honor guards were stationed on either side of her. Emblazoned on their shoulders the Sith-Galidraani emblem their charcoal gray uniforms, black boots, and robotic lenses that shifted with an unnerving intent. Behind them Colonel Ranulph Tarkin, Gunnery Sergeant Angel Viramontes, and the two Sergeants Grant and Dmitri all of whom had once been in service to the First Order. All of whom now wore their Sith-Imperial uniforms, all with the red maw of the First Order pinned on their person out of respect for their former homeland. For the impromptu diplomat though the station's dim lights and cold temperatures coupled with the scent of rewashed air assaulted her senses on every front.

The sight of the Governor and the woman beside her was not at all what Ryssa thought would be greeting her. She blamed her expectations she supposed, for Ryssa life in the First Order had always been in an elevated stance. Where everyone knew their part and that opulence was not shunned rather done in an elegant fashion. Perhaps though she remembered it through rose-colored lenses, how quaint and beautiful it had all been. The effort that had been put into the First Order's capital, the detail, and care which was taken on its design. As Ryssa stepped across the threshold with guards and legionnaires alike with her she had to put that aside and remind herself that those days were far gone and now before her were a people in need. "I am Ryssa Yvarro and on behalf of the Sith Empire I'd like to welcome you." She then stepped forward with the flag in hand, held point up. "May I present to you the colors of the First Order, saved by my mother when she was in service to Her Honor the Grand Moff." It was this moment she realized what her mother had meant by those words, Long May She Reign. The flicker of realization washed over her fast enough for her to present the colors.

Once the colors had been formally presented and handed over, Ryssa introduced the legionnaires. "I have here with me, Colonel Tarkin, Gunnery Sergeant Viramontes, and Sergeants Grant and Dmitri. All of whom once had the honor of serving the First Order." The four of them would offer their salutes to the Governor and her compatriot. Ryssa then went on to business as the honor guards sidestepped to accommodate the First Order. "I understand that you seek to negotiate safe harbor within the Empire, is that correct?"

[member="Madelyn Lowe"]

 

[Madelyn Lowe]

Momentarily dazzled by the group on the other side of the door, Madelyn's eyes flickered between each member of the delegation, from the guards in their gleaming armour, equipped with the latest weaponry the Galaxy had to offer, to the officers standing at attention, their uniforms neat, not faded or worn, and finally to Ms. Yvarro, who'd presented herself in proper Imperial fashion.

It was all a bit bizarre, the show of power, the formality, the care and thought into the uniforms and symbolism of the delegation, down to the insignias on their uniforms. It all felt very official, and for a few moments Madelyn felt strangely uncivilised, like some sort of imposter, crashing an official diplomatic trip with her scuffed boots and scrappy uniforms. But that was not the case. The Sith were here for them, and they were showing care and sensitivity that one should expect from a diplomatic envoy. That was to be respected.

Her eyes fell to the flag in the officer's hands, and the corners of her mouth twitched up into a smile that faded at the mention of the Grand Moff. The sacrifice of her excellency had been the death knell of the First Order, the final confirmation that everything she'd built was to fragment and crumble before her eyes. Eventually, she'd had to turn away, to silence their radios, stop planning raids and meetings, grandiose strategies of redemption. They'd hid away, survived the onslaught, but the Order she knew was gone.

Still, their spirit remained, and Madelyn took the flag gratefully, handing it down to a guard behind her, who took it dutifully, holding the cloth with a certain reverence. She already had a spot in mind for it, above the central hub that surrounded their residential complex. There it could be viewed every day, to remind them who they were, where they came from.

"Thank you Ms Yvarro, sincerely. Such gestures mean more than you know."

Madelyn nodded respectfully to the other officers as they were introduced, but truthfully she had little interest in them. Instead, the leader of the delegation demanded her attention. The Governor cocked her head at the question, offering an almost imperceptible nod, and raised a finger, as if putting the matter on hold.

"It's my pleasure to welcome you aboard the Hydian Bastion, thank you for coming. Now, let's get out of the cold and into somewhere a bit more comfortable, where we can discuss official business."

Turning on her heel, Madelyn gestured in a matter-of-fact manner to her guard, who smartly set off down the hall towards the Station HQ, a small set of meeting rooms near the Governor's own quarters she used to discuss sensitive matters with the station's various heads.

[member="Ryssa Yvarro"]​

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

Ryssa followed the Governor as she was welcomed aboard the Hydian Bastion. "Indeed," she was inclined to agree somewhere warmer would be preferable. She would keep her silence as the group set off down the corridor. She had caught sight of the Governor's eyes when the Grand Moff had been mentioned but had said nothing of it. Ryssa herself pushed forward both in stride and emotion and worked herself up to continue on with the conversation. "Please, it is my pleasure to be here and if I might, an honor to serve fellow First Imperials." Hydian Bastion for all it had seen, for all it had been through, remained as sturdy as ever and if there had been neglect it did not show - at least not here.

A testament to the will of First Imperials and that hardy nature was surely something to be proud of. Ryssa's guards kept pace and the Legionnaires in her company kept their eyes forward, and yet the faded echo of their footsteps was hauntingly familiar. The structure of the station reminded Ryssa of the older First Order stations, the proud faces of the workers who had toiled away to build them. How proudly the First Order colors had flown over the various worlds, how the Grand Moff had led them all to prosperity, and so she supposed. In truth without the Grand Moff's steady hand to guide them, and with the savage recursion of the Ssi-Ruuvi that it had only been a matter of time.

"Governor," she broke whatever silence had fallen over them with the slight Avalonian draw on her words, "a Sith-Imperial humanitarian convoy is on the way, last checked they were a few hours out from the Lawrence's position." If Fiolette Raaf had been anything else in her life it was efficiency. "I hope you won't mind their arrival, Lord Admiral Raaf thought it prudent to provide supplies."

[member="Madelyn Lowe"]

 

[Madelyn Lowe]

A perceptive person would notice the slightest stiffening of Madelyn's posture as the Sith envoy mentioned an incoming convoy of aid. She bristled at the idea that they were viewed as starving rats, barely hanging on. Perhaps that had been true once, but the citizens of the derelict had carved out an existence for themselves here. Clearly the Sith didn't really understand that, or else they'd have approached their impetuous offer of aid with a little more tact.

The temptation to reject the offer was strong, but she couldn't in good conscience rob the station of supplies they desperately needed, nor jeopardise their relationship with the Sith over a matter as small as her pride. Instead, she simply ignored the diplomatic faux pas, electing to be as gracious a host as she could. After all, she knew she could make something good of this meeting, she just needed to play her cards right.

"The Lord Admiral is a... Most perceptive woman. Your supplies will be a great help to us, I'm sure." Madelyn's tone was civil, but a slight edge to her words betrayed her true feeling more than she'd have liked.

Ilya Cardonne, for her part, seemed untroubled by the implications of the aid shipment. The Lieutenant simply yawned and cracked her knuckles, her gaze slowly moving between the individuals in the party until it settled on the back of the the Sith-Imperial representative's neck, as if appraising a particularly interesting piece of abstraction.

Snaking through the numerous corridors, the group entered a turbolift, which dropped them rapidly into the heart of the station. When they stepped out, the air was considerably warmer, and signs of activity became numerous. Crew, both on-duty and off, passed each other in the halls, exchanging quiet greetings or relaxed in open lounges, laughing and chattering amongst themselves. A few made moves to speak to Madelyn, but were gently stopped by her escorts, who cleared a path for the entourage to pass through. This was the station's hub, a common area through which most of the station's population resided when not working. Only a few sentries and technicians spent more than a few hours away from here at a time.

Eventually, the group halted outside a meeting room, the entrance to which was sealed with a simple keypad. Madelyn turned back to the party and gestured towards her Lieutenant.

"Ms Cardonne here will take your staff to see Commander Dirge in the Operations Centre. He'll provide some insight into the capabilities of this platform, and offer your personnel a tour of our facility. I will speak to you here Ms. Yvarro, with whichever aides you require. "

[member="Ryssa Yvarro"]​

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

It wasn't that Ryssa had not noticed the slight tonal shift from Governor, but it was simply a mental note she tucked away for future use. She raised a single brow at the mention of the Lord Admiral and only gave a nod of acknowledgment. Meanwhile, Cardonne had not been the only one giving an appraisal, the four Legionnaires studied every bit of detail that they could. The station was nothing like they recalled of the First Order's technology at least nothing that they knew of and thusly they had become curious about it. As they traversed the station the pair of honor guards shifted closer to Ryssa and the Sith-Imperials indeed found themselves gathered a little more.

The ride in the turbolift was short and held only a set of exchanged looks between the Legionnaires. Whatever had been on their mind remained with them, and as the delegation unfolded the sight of the station's common area had been sobering. It only served to remind Ryssa as to why she was here even if her presence had only been afforded by her mother's absence. She was here to bring more of the First Order into the fold, to find them purchase among the ever-expansive territories of the Sith Empire. Indeed the First Order had always been a friend to the Sith and the Sith intended to repay their debts, in one form or another.

"Of course," Ryssa acknowledged her tone remained professional, "Gunnery Sergeant would you be so kind?"

"It would be my pleasure, Ms. Yvarro," Viramontes replied although she was not certain as to why she would have been chosen over the Colonel and the two Sergeants. Still, she was certain the boys could manage on their own. The guards were informed to maintain their post outside of the meeting room, while she and the Gunnery Sergeant stepped forward and crossed the threshold. It was only at that moment that Ryssa wondered if her mother hadn't done this deliberately. Her nervousness only showed through her hands that were quickly tucked behind her back in a more formal at ease position.

[member="Madelyn Lowe"]

 

[Madelyn Lowe]

Waiting a moment to see off Ilya and the rest of the group, Madelyn lead Yvarro and her Gunnery Sergeant into a small meeting room, the majority of which was occupied by an ornate table and cushioned chairs. The room stood at odds with the rest of the station, with its wood-panelled walls and warm lighting contrasting the clinical, cold designs of the much of the facility.

Occupying two of the chairs was a pair of people, not dressed in uniforms as the guards had been, but instead in formal civilian attire, such as one would have once found in a firm on Dosuun. The first was a man in his early forties, with streaks of grey through his close-cropped hair. He nodded impassively to Madelyn as she stepped inside, but did not speak. The second person was a woman of about Madelyn's age, with sharp features and dark eyes. She did not acknowledge the group as they entered, electing instead to continue punching information into a datapad in front of her.

Madelyn took a seat next to the two, and gestured for Yvarro and her soldier to do the same, waiting courteously until they were settled before speaking.

"Now, in our earlier correspondence I hinted at my group's capabilities, but now that the Sith have proven receptive, I thought that perhaps it was time to lay things bare."

Without looking, Madelyn stuck her hand out to her right, and plucked a holographic display from the air, resizing the list of the station's supplies with a single deft gesture so that the delegates could read it.

"As you can see, while we've been able to sustain ourselves her since the collapse, our reserves of crucial resources have been drastically dwindling in past months. I fear without a safer location to operate and without a supply link we'll be forced to abandon the Derelict within a year. This is why we've come to you, why I've come to you. The Sith are the only major polity left in the Galaxy who'd support our cause and way of life."

Madelyn cleared her throat. The truth of the matter was that without help from the Sith there would be no way to maintain life here on the Bastion. They would have to dismantle all they had created for themselves and retreat to distant corners of the now-lawless region.

"That is not to say we are useless," said the director, unable to hide a sly smile that crept to her lips, deftly pulling up other screens displaying information on the station and its occupants.

"The Hydian Bastion-" Said Madelyn, her voice gaining momentum as if she were presenting a great pitch or political speech. "-Was never mean to house a civilian population. It's a sector-defense platform, meant to act as a hub for fleet operations spanning the length of a hyperlane, or as a base of operations to resist a full-scale invasion fleet."

The director continued, unable to keep the pride out of her voice.

"I have not allowed this station to stagnate, either. This platform remains fully functional, including a top-of-the-line gravity well generator and an unparalleled Semira Shield System. It is what has allowed us to survive so long in a region dominated by pirates, warlords, and criminal detritus."

Madelyn leaned forwards, an unsettling gleam in her eyes.

"That's not all Ms. Yvarro. I was somewhat insulted when you assumed me and my station to be a simple charity case for the Sith. I am an Imperial, and I assure you that I would not make as bold a request from you as I have if I didn't have something to offer, and this station isn't it."

Turning to the woman beside her, Madelyn spoke firmly. "Now, Agent Yves, if you please."

Waving her hand in a vague affirmation, the woman who Madelyn had referred to as Yves produced a small black brick, featureless but for a single winking red light.

"We call it 'Omen,' Ms. Yvarro. It's an AI. Smart, powerful. Like you've never seen."

[member="Ryssa Yvarro"]​

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

Ryssa followed Madelyn to the small meeting room where a singular ornate table sat with cushioned chairs. A look about the room and Ryssa could almost see Natasi standing there, it was decorated in similar taste as the late Grand Moff would have. A smile formed on the Sith-Imperial's lip the wood-panelled walls and the warm lighting were indeed a contrast to the rest of the station, and that would have been the point.

As Viramontes and Ryssa took their respective seats. They found two other people awaiting them, an older gentleman or so Ryssa thought him to be older with greying hair. Then a woman who looked no older than the Governor herself. She and Viramontes settled themselves and once they had the Governor began to speak. A holographic display emerged for both the Sith-Imperials to see, and as the First Imperial went on she explained the situation plainly to them both.

The Hydian was in dire need of whatever could be spared, supplies, repair and above all security. Ryssa looked at Viramontes who's face said it all. What they had both remembered of the First Order was no longer, the remainder of their former nation had been the people who made it worth serving. It was clear that they needed help and were willing to do what was necessary to get it.

Quietly Ryssa watched, listened and waited until it was her turn to speak. There was but a brief smile at the mention of the Semira. Mother's design, but said nothing of it and even when an AI had been added, Ryssa gave no indication as to its value or worth. Viramontes happened to look and see that Ryssa had quietly taken out a small datacard from within her sleeve. It was worth noting that what the First Order may have considered top of the line of the time was now some generations old but that was always the case with technology as it was forever evolving.

Agent Yves. Viramontes certainly noted the name for further review later on, and when the Governor had finished speaking. The Gunnery Sergeant took the datacard as Ryssa handed it over and began to upload what information she could once she was appropriate to do so.

"First let me begin by saying that your determination for survival in these dire times should be applauded," Ryssa rose to her feet and plucked the holographic display's information and rearranged it so it could be read plainly. "And with that said, allow me to present two options, the first of which requires you to simply pick from a list of planets, shown here."

She flipped through the offered planets, "and your station will be hauled there where you can resupply and remain in orbit, however; you will not be treated or seen as citizens of the Empire, but rather allies still of the Empire and thus would not be afforded any rights due to a citizen of the Empire.

"The second option," and one that Ryssa hoped they would find most appealing, "is a rather generous one, here you have a list of systems in which the Empire would require that every single being on this station become a citizen of the Sith Empire. Thereby you would then be afforded the rights of a citizen, and thereby the Sith Empire would be inclined to offer you and your people a semi-autonomous state within the Empire."

"To clarify you would be subjects of the Empire but free to build this system up and indeed any system that the Empire deemed fit to add to your state. It is this offer that the Emperor believes would best suit both of our nations, you would all be afforded the rights, health and security that you need and your station would serve as an integral part of our networks. In exchange, all you need to do is become citizens of the Empire and serve - when asked to serve on behalf of the Emperor."

Ryssa then with a swift gesture across the display brought up a list of current states within the Empire. "Here, just so you have an example are the current states of the Empire: The Tion Hegemony, Zygerrian Slave Empire, Thirriken Empire, the Protectorate of Galidraan, the Corporate Sector Authority and most recently the National Mandalorian State."

Viramontes waited for Ryssa to be seated before taking down the display and delicately placed the datacard on the table. "I realize this is quite a heavy decision for you so take as long as you need to think over it, but know that for the time being we will do what we can to support you." No doubt the convoy wasn't too far out now and would be arriving soon enough so at the least there would be provisions to go around.

[member="Madelyn Lowe"]

 

[Madelyn Lowe]

Madelyn cocked her head curiously as Ms. Yvarro made her offer, surprised by the generosity and thought that had gone into it. It seemed, on the surface at least, that the Sith really didn't regard them as a charity case. Truth be told, Madelyn had thought the collapse of the order and the subsequent years would have proved to damaging to the former alliance to expect any favourable deal. She'd figured the Sith would regard them as a box to check off, and perhaps give them an empty corner of space in which to park their wreck.

This was... Not that. The former Governor found herself slightly taken aback at the proposals. Suddenly they were being offered, nay, invited to not only seek safe harbour in Sith space, but to find salvation and purpose as citizens of the Empire. It was almost too good to be true. Yes, there was obviously much more to be discussed and negotiated, not the least of which was where they would actually put the station, but the foundation of the proposal was more than she'd ever allowed herself to hope for, and the Yvarro outlined the offer Madelyn couldn't help but imagine the possibilities.

It was curious to Madelyn that the topic of what they had to offer had been somewhat swept under the rug. Perhaps the tech they had amassed had not withstood the test of time. After all, it had been six years since the Orders collapse, and the Sith possessed some of the most sophisticated technology in the Galaxy. Still, she couldn't help but feel their potential had been underestimated, but perhaps that was to be expected of an administration the size of The Sith Empire.

As the delegate finished speaking, a side door opened, allowing in a young man with a tray of sweets and a pot of Sapir tea, to which Madelyn had always found herself partial. Allowing a few moments for the refreshments to be passed out, and gesturing for the delegates to take their share, Madelyn considered her response.

"You're right, Ms. Yvarro, this is a weighty decision, and I must meet with the station's council before I make any decisions. If your team could transfer all the necessary documents for review I would be most thankful."

She paused, taking a long slow sip of tea.

"That said, this is a most generous offer, more than I expected from the Sith. I can't help but think that today will prove the beginning of a close partnership."

[member="Ryssa Yvarro"]​

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

There was no doubt in Ryssa's mind that the more generous of the two offers had been something long thought on. An offer devised in no small part by her mother, for whether or not the Lord Admiral cared to admit. She did a lot for the name Fortan, and most especially cousin Natasi. It started when the First Order first approached the Sith Empire for assistance, one Moff Terrix along with the Governor had proven their worth. They had also unknowingly started the Lord Admiral's personal lobbying campaign, and perhaps some leverage with whom she shared a bed with had helped in the matter.

While the offer was most promising and gave not only the security and resources the First Order refugees so desperately needed. There was more than meets the eye that she was sure of, the Sith rarely gave so much without wanting something in return. Whether that was now, or later - they would expect the favor and debt to be repaid, there was nothing that was done out of mere kindness. Still, at the moment there were hardly any other options and as Ryssa saw it - it would only be a matter of time... She concealed the inner smile, ah - a contingency plan. "Of course," she acknowledged the Governor just as tea and refreshments had been sorted. "Sapir tea, it has been some time since..." her voice trailed off.

"Well, since I've had the pleasure." Ryssa's tone grew sad as if something had gotten caught in the back of her throat. She turned to Viramontes who had already handed over the datacard. "The datacard will have all the necessary information with regards to the offer, and if any further negotiation is to be had let me know and I can see if those arrangements are possible."

In a careful manner, she set the cup of tea back down and gave the set a look over. She took in a breath and exhaled softly, Ryssa held a warm and polite enough smile, "indeed today is the first toward better days and a much closer partnership."

[member="Madelyn Lowe"]