Faction Pax Imperialis

[Ariel Yvarro]

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7th of Defteros. 864 ABY​

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THE PRESS CONFERENCE:​

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"It is with humility that I stand here before you all today." addressed Grand Moff Ariel Yvarro, "Our journey as First Imperials to this moment has been an arduous one. From the Sacking of Dosuun to the Fall of our Empire - we emerged from the ashes anew, and ready to put forth our best. We stand here amidst our own great achievements. Look around you, First Order. Look at your neighbor, look to one another, and know that it was by our strength that our nation stands here today. We drove back the Ssi-Ruu, and we pushed back the would-be warlords and dictators to reclaim our sovereignty."​

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"Her Majesty, Supreme Leader Natasi the First brought herself back to us. It is through her name and guidance that we continue, First Order. Ever onward toward the future; a better and brighter one than ever. Where all species are treated as equals, where diplomatic words are sought before the blaster. I stand here before you to declare that the First Order has moved into an era of peace."​

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Ariel paused briefly, she gazed upon the crowd and looked at the cameras. She cast an enigmatic gaze upon them and continued to speak. Her voice warm, the tone was one to uplift the people as she spoke. "Pax Imperialis."​

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“An Empire of Peace, so that all those who live on our worlds might know it. We are an empire of order because chaos reaps nothing but death and destruction.” she paused once more and looked out onto the people, “Those who survived the Fall, those who survived the devastation in the Galactic North, those who have been through hell and back, know of this chaos.”​

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“I say to you, that we will continue to provide stability and security to the region through peaceful and diplomatic means.” Ariel stated, then continued on, “but know that because we want peace and that we wish to maintain it, we are prepared for those who wish to disrupt that peace. Prepared for those who want nothing more than to see this galaxy, and us right along with it, burn.”​

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“It is my honor and my privilege to serve you, the people of the First Order. The citizens who go to work every day, who work hard for their sovereigns. To those who serve in our armed forces, to our knights. I serve you to ensure...”​

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Ariel gazed not just to the crowd but toward the cameras that no doubt took great care in ensuring the masses around the galaxy could hear this. “That we remain a free people, a free Imperial nation, where you are able to speak your minds, to worship as you please, to assemble and protest the law or laws that you disagree with.”​

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“Today, First Order, today we take our steps toward becoming a beacon of peace and prosperity - through service and strength.”​

Drexel Quinn | Natasi Fortan | Vidia Vudrirn | Gunnar Madine | Dresden Verbrennung | The Major | Caio | Vakim Duval | Vernon Hectis | Matma Bernu | Renata Westaway | Firenne Van-Derveld | Jaida Tess | Fevris Derzelas | Cyrus Tregessar | Einar Mathieson | Matt the Radar Tech | Karisa | Arador Terrix | Delilah Graham | Val Pellian | Isobel Nakano | Grayson Mattis | Isobel Mattis | Kassandra Distorith | Nylea Apollodor | Zakar Vass | Varick Lechner | Nima Vantoon | 3X744 | Hazel Zanteres ​

 

[Arador Terrix]

Terrix smiled, clapping proudly as Grand Moff Yvarro concluded. The First Order had come such a long way since the days of Pa'Desh, and it brought great joy to his Dosuuni heart to see the First Order with its head held high in his lifetime. The galaxy would see that the First Order was a force to be reckoned with once again, but also that they were not the same First Order they once were. They were not the fascist tyrants some had seen them as in days past, they were a force for good in the Outer Rim. He looked at the proud citizens of the First Order around him, and beamed, still clapping for Grand Moff Yvarro's rousing speech.

 

[Caio]

There were mixed feelings for those watching in 3rd platoon's billet. Most of the soldiers were sprawled on their bunks, resting aching muscles after PT in a cargo bay. They were learning the hard way that being in transit didn't mean a break. Most were too tired to protest as the viewscreen came on with the announcement from the capitol.

"Her Majesty" Caio mimicked. Being incorporated into the First Order had brought a lot of advantage for Coillte and the other worlds in his system. Safer space lanes, less risk of pirate raids, and new technology was planetside for the first time in a generation. But it all came at a price. Any hard-earned independence had been handed over in exchange for security and a chance at prosperity. Several thousand Coillteans had already shipped off-world to serve in the military and there were certain changes going to be made planetside to bring it more into line with the rest of the First Order. A transitionary period to be sure but all things came to an end.

It made sense but it still rankled to some of the Coillteans even if they hadn't been conquered. Those from worlds already in the First Order didn't see any issue but the newcomers still felt a bit hard done by. They were all volunteers too but they still gave off that conscript mentality from time to time. "Beacon of peace and prosperity...what does that mean Somhairle?"

His friend was half dozing, eyes shut and leaning against the wall. "It means we're going to war" he said, eyes still closed. "The First Order didn't become what it was by hugging the Ssi-Ruuk and all the other warlords here on the frontier". Caio chuckled "You really think so?" "That peace is going to happen one way, by hammering to bits anyone trying to disrupt it".

 

[Zakar Vass]

Zakar clapped, his son Kase on his shoulders, as Grand Moff Yvarro concluded her speech. With all the pomp and ceremony surrounding the event, he decided to make a day out of it, cancelling his lecture at University as well as giving his staff at the MfE day off. Spending time with Kase- 8 years old already- was difficult with his schedule, so he treasured the opportunity to spend the day with him. The last years- with the Fall, the death of his wife Khitha, the years of separation between father and son, the Reclamation campaign- had been difficult for everyone.

But now, the First Order was back. And they'd learn from the mistakes of the past, and would take those lessons with them as they moved forward into the future. And the Outer Rim would be better for it. It'd be interesting working with the Grand Moff- she worked with the Avalonian Hellfighters during the Reclamation, but they were in different cells so he only knew her by reputation. But a fierce one it was.

Zakar's internal musing were interrupted by a sharp poke to the back of the head followed by a "Father?" . He barely was able to acknowledge the boy before he gave an excited re-telling of the speech, ending with a bold proclamation that he'd be the first one of their Ghôsh to become a Knight of the First Order, riding Rhogo- the baby akk dog that he had come home with alongside it's mother from Haruun Kal and subsequently bonded with as his familiar, to his consternation- into battle, and saving the Grand Moff and the Supreme Leader from the sinister Knights of Ren. Zakar raised an eyebrow. That's new. Didn't he want to become an archaeologist last week?

"My son, to be a Knight is not just about being strong in the Force. It is not about being brave. It is about being wise, and serving others. It will take many years, and you will have to finish University first. But if you are serious, I will help you become the strongest Knight the First Order has ever seen." At that Kase, cheered, and Zakar began to walk to the land speeder as the crowd dissipate, Kase chattering excitedly the whole way. Technically, he doesn't have to go to University, but no son of mine will forego an education!

 

[Ariel Yvarro]

7th of Defteros. 864 ABY ​

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THE CABINET MEETING:​

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After the press conference had concluded the Grand Moff summoned the moff council and special guests to the Avalonian Citadel. Special guests included Matt the Radar Tech and Karisa , and members of the intelligence community The Major and Dresden Verbrennung , and perhaps a familiar face with Rolf Amsel . Moffs Zakar Vass, Vidia Vudrirn, and Arador Terrix would most certainly be expected to attend. Fevris Derzelas who now led FIMS had also been invited. The Refugee Council's Renata Westaway was also among those invited, and of course, should Her Majesty feel the need, Natasi Fortan was also welcomed. ​

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At the Avalonian Citadel, the First Order's new policy would be discussed in greater detail.​

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Pax Imperialis.​

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Peace. Security. Order.​

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For far too long the Outer Rim had sat without a hand to guide it and Ariel wanted the First Order to be that hand. A welcomed empire to a part of the galaxy that normally would have shunned them fought them tooth and nail. Ariel wanted those who lived out here to not just want the First Order but welcome them with open arms. The Grand Moff's plans to see the First Order back to full strength would be cemented with this cabinet meeting. She wanted to gather the input of those who lived, worked, and essentially ran the nation - those of whom she served. ​

 

[Dresden Verbrennung]

Dresden leaned against the wall at the rear of the room. Exactly why he was here, he wasn't certain. It wasn't rank, that was for damn sure. Senior Agent was about as high as you could get in the intelligence community and still do field work, unless you were the Director, in which case, no one could tell you no. Deputy Directors, the interim step, were more suited to affecting policy, as their responsibilities included giving orders and interpreting how policy applied to them, the Agents under their command, and others within their sphere of responsibility. But it also meant being bound to a desk, and he wasn't about that life. Sleeping in the same building two nights in a row still gave him heebie jeebies, to say nothing of being expected to work out of the same office day in and day out. After his near assassination, what he felt, and his therapists had been forced to agree, was an entirely appropriate paranoia had taken over many aspects of his life. It made him even more effective in the field, but had rather hindered any potential advance up the chain of command. Assuming a new Deputy Director position opened in the near future, he knew he wasn't in the running for it.

So why was he here?

The only conclusion Dresden could think of was the fact that, unlike most of his colleagues, he'd served under the old First Order. Most of the others had either died or gone to ground after the fall. In the freewheeling days of the war against the Galactic Alliance, the Bureau's sins had been many and varied, and there was plenty of reason to be wary of retribution from interested parties. The term "war crime" didn't readily apply to the shadows where intelligence agencies operated, but nonetheless, many of them would have ended up hanged or worse had they been caught by their opposing numbers, their bodies on display for all to see. Of all the agents he'd worked with, only Ms. S, more of an enigma than ever, had chosen to stick around, and it had taken the desperation of being on death's doorstep to get him back in the fold.

Or maybe he was here as a metaphor. Pretty much everyone in the room, if they wanted, could look up at least parts of his personnel file. Betrayed, exiled, his body eaten alive by malicious cancers, only to be brought back from the brink to serve the galaxy anew. As far as metaphors went, it was a little on the nose, but Dresden wasn't pretentious enough to think anyone gave a damn about his life story. Or, for that matter, his personal opinion on anything not directly related to killing. That was his shtick, after all, and it was why they paid him the serious sovereigns.

All he knew for certain was that in this illustrious company, the aides and interns darting to and fro, delivering coffee, datapads, and other accoutrements of governmental privilege and responsibility, probably outranked him. Maybe not in terms of authority, but definitely in terms of status. One kind soul had pressed a polystyrene cup of lukewarm coffee into his hands, but the rest either pretended he wasn't there or nervously avoided his gaze. At best, Dresden was a nonentity, at worst, a leashed killer, depending on who read which files. His sort didn't belong in such esteemed company. As a trooper he'd taken to a liking to after that debacle with the mecha zombies liked to say, he'd tarnish the silver.

Whatever the reason he'd been called to this meeting, Dresden was in agreement with the aides: he didn't belong. Whoever had disagreed with that assessment wasn't sharing their thoughts on the matter, either, so he stood against the wall, close enough to hear what was being said, but far enough removed from the action not to get in the way. He would speak when spoken to, shoot if shot at (not even the fanatically loyal Guards had been able to part him from the concealed pistol in his waistband holster), and otherwise try not to be seen or noticed.

 

[The Major]

CABINET MEETING
MORALE: HIGH
Dresden Verbrennung | Ariel Yvarro​

A cabinet meeting. A most perfect place for all the disparate elements of the Free Imperial nation to gather, square up at one another, shoot disapproving glares, and elbow shove each other ideologically while simultaneously pointing out why their specific contribution was the most integral part of what represented the First Order.

Or, that’s potentially how it could have gone.

All the recent speeches and shifts in initiative should, in theory, ensure that the new nation fighting for its place in the big bad galaxy was above such petty squabble. The Major, Sybil Shepard, Diva’s interdimensional key and trench spade, Cyberhack Ignition, whatever she was, whatever the name was today, whatever time she occupied, was interested to see what this meeting was intended to project and whether or not that message would come across cleanly.

After her most recent private excursions, the Major was discovering the question of whether or not she belonged to this nation was not an essential one to answer. There was something deeper hidden beneath the surface examination. And she was getting closer to gripping upon that internal latch. Due to this, her mood was, overall, more positive than it had been in recent months.

Entering the meeting room, this positive vibe gave the tall Almanian an air of confidence and internal strength —despite the bacta patch that covered an electrical burn on the left side of her face, starting from the eyebrow and temple, spreading down her jaw and neck. Any unseemly part was thankfully hidden under the auburn tresses and coils hanging down. How shocking: Shepard had sustained a large injury while dealing with some horror on a fringe world in a reckless manner, and most definitely when running headlong into a problem.

Spotting Mr. V trying to pass in incognito mode, she beelined over to the wall he was leaning against and took a seat at the table in front of him. He had been quite busy since their meeting in Seoul, so there was no point in assaulting his senses with her presence unless he was up for it. How this procedure acknowledged the presence of a person without any other noticeable cues seemed a bit experimental to say the least, but it made perfect sense to the Major. After all a lot was going on and Dresden's opinions on an old friend might have changed.

 

[Krayzen Dratos]

They had done well. The First Order through a series of military campaigns had re-established piece for billions of people throughout the galaxy. Yet, as he played with his hair, the Assassin wondered to himself if many of the new recruits new the reality of war.

As he sat there in his bathroom, seeing a replay through of the Conference, he looked at himself. As he saw the water coming out from the tap, it triggered a series of flashbacks, the water symbolizing the streams of blood that he had seen during his previous time in war. Panicking, attempted to wash his hands. Hearing the people cheer only made it worse: the loud screams and celebrations reminded him of the orders he had yelled toward his soldiers, and the ones he had received.

Clenching his hands, he attempted to wash the blood that he saw on his hand. His stomach clenching inside of him, he could feel his hand become numb. Falling down, a river of tears came out of his eyes. One of his hands touched his, face, scarring it as it down in a horizontal pattern. Everything around him reminded him of the people that had died, and he had taken.

As hours passed, by, he could feel the taste of salt in his mouth. With his legs feeling heavy, Aedan slowly stood up, hours passing by from his original encounter. He went about his time, combing his hair and wiping his face. The celebrations were still ongoing, and he needed something to take his mind of what he'd just encountered.

[Open to rp with anyone]

 

[Matt the Radar Tech]

Avalonian Citadel
Cabinet Meeting

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There had been a summons to attend a meeting, a cabinet gathering more accurately, so Mitth'orn'eruod had accepted without question and prepared to present his best self. The uniform the Captain wore was immaculate, pressed and folded and polished to perfection, with the appropriate military insignia worn to specified position and spacing. There was little else to do but arrive promptly, to which Mitth'orn'eruod did, as the Chiss made his appearance several minutes early to avoid being the last there.

The meeting room was large enough to allow space as wanted, but not so large as to be overbearing. With a careful glance, Captain Mitth'orn'eruod took note of those who had arrived already, as he moved toward seating. He recognized the heavy gunner from the incident with the cyborg creatures on the - now non-existent - Star Destroyer near Dosunn. Were the individual, who's name Mitth'orn'eruod still did not know, look over and register any greeting, the Chiss would return it with a nod. Beyond that, once a seat had been selected, the Captain stood behind it and waited for the arrival of the other individuals he suspected would be present.

Yet, whether every individual invited arrived, remained to be seen.

Mitth'orn'eruod turned his red eyes toward the entry, and awaited the arrival of those in higher command, as well as the familiarity of his fellow First Order colleague and partner, Brask'ari'sabosen...

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Ariel Yvarro | Dresden Verbrennung | The Major | Krayzen Dratos | Karisa​

 

[Karisa]

Avalonian Citadel
Cabinet Meeting

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Brask'ari'sabosen finished making her post-op rounds at the hospital, then she changed out of her surgical scrubs into a crisp FIMS uniform and made her way to the Citadel where the battle surgeon had been summoned to a cabinet meeting.

The Chiss had no idea why she had made the invitation list. Brask'ari'sabosen was just another cog in the First Order wheel as they say with a rank under that of a Chief Medical Officer. She no longer carried any noble titles such as First Daughter of House Sabosen or Diplomatic Syndic of said Chiss Ruling House on Sposia; not after the intra-family coup that saw to the tragic demise of her side of the family. Nor was she addressed as the Baroness of Verkuyl after leaving the Imperial Assembly of the Eternal Empire - a chapter in the Sabosen's life post-exile from the Chiss Ascendancy that was difficult for her to reconcile with; a short tenure as a concierge medical provider for Black Sun prior to that the most troubling, but a necessity at the time for the Chiss' survival.

Though now, upon returning to the First Order where she had served with the First Imperial Medical Services previously during the GA/FO Border War, Brask'ari'sabosen had found both purpose and joy again. Her reunion with Mitth'orn'eroud after all these years was a very unexpected yet most pleasant surprise. And more to that her subsequent acceptance of a betrothal to the Noble Son of House Mitth, which had been denied earlier due to Chiss politics and duty when both were just young rising stars in the Ascendancy. The human saying, 'good things come to those who wait' is what she kept telling herself as of late, and it was true as things were and hoped to be going forward.

The blue-skinned doctor gave her teal blue uniform tunic's hem a quick tug downward so that it lay smooth over her shapely curves, then she ran a hand back over her midnight blue hair that was pulled into a tight yet stylish bun before activating the door to enter. Upon walking into the cabinet room, crimson orbs scanned those in attendance, finding another pair of glowing red eyes taking in her arrival as well.

Brask'ari'sabosen moved around the table with a graceful stride, canting her dark head to those gathered, then the Chiss stopped at an empty chair next to where Mitth'orn'eruod was standing behind his chosen one.

"Good day, Captain Matt the Radar Tech ," Ari offered congenially with a small smile gracing her lips before taking the same stance behind hers.

Ariel Yvarro | The Major | Dresden Verbrennung | and et al FO folk to follow​

 

[Zakar Vass]

Zakar fidgeted in his chair, clasping his hands, then unclasping them again for the umpteeth time. He stifled a sigh. After the speech, he'd taken Kase to a local restaurant nearby, owned by some Korun expats. They'd made it halfway through the meal, catching up, talking about Kase's school work and his training. Inevitably, his encoded government comm went off- he'd been summoned (along with the rest of the Council and a few others) to a conference with the Grand Moff herself, personally.

Hiding a crestfallen expression, he had their leftovers boxed up and after a quick detour home to drop off Kase and change into something...left casual, Zakar had arrived. After a few muttered "hellos", he took a seat, mind spinning. What could this possibly entail? By the Balance, he didn't even know which notes to bring!

Folding his hands in front of him, he pensively looked forward.

 

[Delilah Graham]

INSIDE​

Delilah Graham had been expecting a cabinet meeting. But this came with a bonus; not just the cabinet, but specially invited guests too.

Members of the cabinet were there, of course; when she entered, the auburn-haired Home Secretary noted their newest cohort Zakar Vass in the Ministry of Education. She greeted him with a nod from the doorway. Vidia Vudrirn was present, as was Arador Terrix , whose path she had crossed during their tenure on Pa'Desh. And of course, the woman of the hour: Ariel Yvarro. Her meteoric rise was the reason for the occasion, as she was now the de jure leader of this cohort. It was about time, Delilah thought, given that she had been the de facto leader for months, if not years.

She approached Yvarro, hesitating at arms' length from the woman who was now officially her boss. She smiled broadly and bowed her auburn head. "Brilliant speech, Your Excellency," she said quietly. "Congratulations. So well deserved. Whatever you should need, be assured I'm here to help." Not wanting to hold Ariel up from starting her meeting, and assured that the Grand Moff knew where to find her if they needed to have a more focused, one-to-one conversation, she performed a brief genuflection and proceeded around the table to take her appointed seat next to Zakar Vass.

Delilah opened her briefcase and withdrew her datapad and stylus, setting them out in front of her on the table. "Hello there," she said to Vass, smiling pleasantly. She offered her hand. "We haven't formally met. Delilah Graham, Home Office. How are you getting settled?"

 

[Ariel Yvarro]

7th of Defteros. 864 ABY ​

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THE CABINET MEETING:​

The room quietly began to fill with members of the cabinet and invited guests. Grand Moff Yvarro stood at the front watching, smiling, and acknowledging those who entered. She motioned for the doors to be closed and waited as a member of her security detail reported back. "Thank you, all of you for being here and for some on such short notice." Began the Grand Moff in a pleasant yet even tone, Ariel stepped forward to activate a small holoprojector on the table in the center of the room. Where members of the Cabinet typically sat, the holoprojector illuminated the room just as a few of the lights were dimmed.​

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Projected before them was the map of their home sector and as Ariel manipulated the image it was zoomed out to show the territories that the First Order had gained since they reemerged on the intergalactic scene. "This what you see before you is what we have accomplished thus far, together."​

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"This," she manipulated the image to show a highlighted portion of the galactic map, zoomed out to showcase just how ambitious the plan was. "And this, this is where I hope we can be in due time that together we can once again bring Wild Space, the Outer Rim, and the Unknown Regions under our banner." Ariel took a step back and let the image sit for all to see. "Moments ago I spoke to the press regarding our policy, our path in this Galaxy. Pax Imperialis."​

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Ariel let that hang in the air for just a small amount of time, "and Pax Imperialis speaks to Peace from our Empire. The peace that we bring to others and the peace that we sustain for ourselves. Our goal to bring prosperity to those who are brought into our family of worlds." ​

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"We must ensure that we continue to be a beacon of what a free Imperial nation can and should look like. That our citizens have the basic liberties due to them, freedom to speak their minds, to assemble and protest so that they might be heard by their government. The freedoms to worship their gods, and freedom of the press that their words flow without repercussion." A slight pause as she looked around the room briefly, "but make no mistake we will be ready to defend our ideals, to defend the liberties and freedoms of the sectors around us."​

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"Now then, in order to carry this out, we all must play our part, play our role and we must all have faith in what we are looking to accomplish." And that was to bring the aforementioned peace, to the areas around but also order. By offering peace they could also offer the definition of order that so many times before various empires including the old First Order attempted to bring. Attempted to do so through tyranny and conquest. "Some of you may wonder what it is you're doing in this room, and others do not wonder for they know why they are here."​

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"Let me begin by appointing ( The Major ) Ms. Shepard as Director of the FOSB, she will be working closely with Moff Delilah Graham. Moff Graham, I shall also appoint you and Moff Vidia Vudrirn as co-chairs overseeing Special Forces. The goal here is to streamline our special forces units and implement them in a more effective manner. Next, I would like to welcome Captain Matt the Radar Tech and Doctor @Karisa." Ariel gave them both a warm smile as she then proceeded, "I have invited you both here so that I might firstly, thank you, for both of you have come to our aid time and time again. As have many of the Chiss who followed you, and it is to that end that I support your endeavors."​

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"Moff Zakar Vass and Arador Terrix if you would be so kind as to continue to support the efforts of Dr. Westaway and our Refugee Council." Vass led Education and Terrix was in charge of Housing and Communities both men had what seemed at least to Ariel a monumental task, "please if either of you needs further support do not hesitate to ask me." ​

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Ariel looked once more at those present and concluded with, "I am going to yield the floor to you all, and I want you to provide feedback, ideas for how you see our Pax Imperialis and how this policy can be implemented as we look to further expand our borders."​

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Dresden Verbrennung | Fevris Derzelas ​

 

[Delilah Graham]

Delilah watched the proceedings unfold with a mixture of polite interest and, at the more ambitious of Yvarro's ideals, thoughtfulness. A free press in the First Order? It was an interesting proposal. She didn't want to reject it out of hand, especially because it seemed that the decision was made, and also Delilah felt that being reflexively conservative was too limiting. The First Order had always thrived on propaganda; regimes like theirs could always be relied upon to enforce a narrative, to channel the energies of the people by coaxing them just what to think and how to feel. A free press would allow competing narratives into the picture. How would people know what to think, what to believe? How would they know which ideas to support?

Freedom was a wonderful thing, but too much freedom could be dangerous. Delilah gathered that she was perhaps too parochial for this new wave rolling through the First Order.

Still, she mused as she continued to follow along with the Grand Moff's presentation, perhaps this was window-dressing. It wouldn't be the first time a politician gave the wrong impression, after all. And perhaps Ariel had greater faith in the abilities and loyalty of the rank-and-file citizenry than Delilah. At any rate, as Grand Moff, any target painted by the tabloid press would be largest on Ariel herself. She jotted notes in her notepad, occasionally adding a question to follow up in the margin, before her full attention was once again engaged by the Grand Moff's appointment of Sybil Shepard to the position of Director of the First Order Security Bureau.

Her gaze flicked from the Grand Moff to Shepard, then back to Ariel. What the hell are they playing at? she wondered. The Bureau was part of the intelligence community under the Home Office apparatus -- Delilah's ministry. It should have been her decision to appoint a leader for the Bureau, in consultation with the Grand Moff of course, rather than to be cut out of the process altogether. She might have at least informed me before reassigning one of my senior field agents, Delilah griped inwardly. Her gaze darkened as she looked down at her notepad, considering. She took a breath, screwed the lid back into her pen, set it down and laced her fingers together on the notepad in front of her.

The pieces were falling into place rather well, now. The Supreme Leader's affinity for Shepard. Her family connection to Yvarro. Yvarro's appointment as Grand Moff. It's a Fortan world, she thought dryly. The rest of us just get to live here. Until we don't, she added, thinking of ex-Moff Westaway.

When Ariel opened the floor, Delilah leaned forward to address the team. "Your Excellency," she said, inclining her head towards Ariel before addressing her and the team at large. "The efforts our nation have taken towards addressing the humanitarian crises elsewhere in the galaxy have taxed our immigration services. With no signs of this stopping, and indeed thanks to Dr. Westaway's efforts the flow of refugees is actually increasing, I feel we can leverage this to contribute to this Pax Imperialis concept. My thought is to create a program whereby First Order youth could satisfy the requirements of service for citizenship by participating in projects to assist with the influx of refugees. The construction of settlements, for instance, or social work -- for instance, teaching at the processing facilities in the adjustment or language classes. This would free up paid First Order civilian and military personnel to staff additional stations, which in turn would help to reduce the delays we've begun to see as we cope with the volume."

She paused and nodded to the aide that had entered with her, who then circled the table with the proposal packet. "The salient details and estimates are included in the packet you're receiving now, but to summarize: with a minimal increase in cost to provide training, room, and board for volunteers, we could see a real impact on our ability to absorb refugees. I'd like your permission to develop a pilot program to begin at one of our intake stations within the next six months."

 

[Dresden Verbrennung]

Dresden's face remained expressionless as the pronouncements were made. He didn't have much opinion one way or another on most of the details.

Expansion, that was a given. Empires of any sort relied on the fresh intake of new territory, acquired peacefully or by force, to stave off stagnation. The space they were talking about had largely been untamed over the millennia. Like it or not, the Core was where the action was, and that's where most of the governments that tended to last focused their attention. Pocket empires, republics, and whatever sprang up all the time in the Rim, and some even stuck around. The inhabitants met most of them with polite indifference, in his experience. Save for the truly despotic nutjobs (his current intelligence work in the EE was pointing in some disturbing directions), the tax rates went up or down a few percentage points, new flags were hung in the capital, and new propaganda filled the airwaves, and life went on. Many a world had a shared joke about planting trees along major boulevards, so that their new overlords could march their inevitable "liberation" parades through the shade.

By and large, his job was to iron out the wrinkles in the First Order's imperial net as it was cast out over the stray systems it wished to swallow up. It made little difference to him, from a purely practical perspective, if the new direction was towards freedom rather than repression. The people who attracted his attention rarely survived long enough to reap the benefits or bear the yoke, depending. That was Internal Security's problem.

He was, however, genuinely pleased to hear that his colleague had been appointed Director of the First Order Security Bureau. The position had, officially, been open for a long time, with a number of Deputy Directors and Senior Agents temping as the situation required. If he was a betting man, Dresden would have placed his not inconsiderable life savings on the notion that those temporary appointments had been auditions. He hadn't been on the short list, but then again, no one in their right mind would have considered him for the job, and he wouldn't have taken it, even if he was. Miss S was a far better candidate. The best, in his admittedly biased opinion. He placed a light hand on her shoulder and squeezed gently, whispering his congratulations, before resuming his stonefaced vigil against the wall.

The rest of the meeting, he guessed, was going to have next to nothing to do with him. The Senior Agent wasn't qualified to present his opinion on any of the salient topics, and as such, would keep his kriffing mouth shut. Which wasn't to say he wouldn't listen; every word that was being said would be catalogued, examined, and cross referenced for future use. It was rare for someone in his position to get a feel for the bigwigs at the top, and his life would be immeasurably easier with a firsthand understanding of the power dynamics, agendas, and grudges at work.

This Moff Graham, for instance, seemed rather miffed by the whole presentation. Her tone and expression were schooled to polite neutrality, but something in the set of her shoulders and the slight clenching of the muscles at the back of her jaw suggested that she was trying very hard not to say something impolitic. The analytical portion of his mind noted that she was nominally the civilian head of the FOSB, insomuch as they were controlled and managed by the Imperial bureaucracy. They'd never met in person, but suddenly, a lot of the recent past took on a crystalline clarity. He suspected that, if cast away in an escape pod without supplies, she'd be the first to suggest eating the weaker members, and would likely emerge the sole survivor, well fed and perfectly adjusted.

Yvarro, on the other hand, was a Fortan woman, through and through. She was young for her position, but bore the subtle signs and scars of traumatic injury. Not uncommon among the resurgent First Order's aristocracy; the sacking of Dosuun had been hard on the lot of them. The Senior Agent was hard pressed to muster up any great sympathy for them, on account of the fact that they at least walked away with their lives. More than a lot of the common folk could say. But this one didn't quite move like a spoiled aristocrat. She had some training, at least. The stereotypical thing would be to guess she had some Mandalorian in her, but they were more of an idea than a race. Chances are, most everyone in this room had a distant cousin or great great grandsomething that wore a beskar bucket at some point. Half the noble clans in the galaxy traced some part of their lineage back to Mandalore. Either way, there was steel in her voice, and her attitude suggested she expected to be obeyed. Not arrogant, precisely, but used to obedience. To have the rank of Grand Moff at such a young age, and to have that intangible quality best defined as authority, she had to be a close personal relation of the Crown, and had also earned enough trust to be able to act, more or less, independently. That meant loyalty. So, A Fortan woman, through and through.

It probably said something about Dresden that he'd rather read their words and body language than the official bios of the powerful. Exactly what was anyone's guess.

The others, it was too early to say. Introductions were one thing, but how they conducted themselves as the meeting went on would be most educational.

 

[Zakar Vass]

Lost in thought, Zakar started slightly, then realized the person who was addressing him was the Home Secretary, Delilah Graham. "Madam Secretary", he said warmly, accepting the hand. "An honor. I've been acclimating well- me and my aides recently concluded a tour of the Outer Rim, getting ideas of the state of things, so to speak..." He was about to continue, but Grand Moff Yvarro stood up and started talking about Pax Imperialis.

Zakar found himself pleasantly surprised. Imperialism was known for many things, but not concepts like freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to assemble...it sounded like ideas bandied around by his cohorts during his college days on Coruscant, under the shadow of the Galactic Republic. Or as his old Sith Master(may he rot in peace) oh so quaintly called it, 'That cesspool of libertines'. But here she was- the Grand Moff no less!- advocating for the people to have a real vested say in their government, and how they were governed. It made his head spin.

He nodded with a quiet "Yes ma'am" and scrawled some notes down when Yvarro mentioned his portfolio would include partnerships with Moff Terrix and Dr. Westaway. To be honest, it made sense and would dove-tail neatly into the pitch he would give regarding MoE initiatives, given the opportunity.

Ariel looked once more at those present and concluded with, "I am going to yield the floor to you all, and I want you to provide feedback, ideas for how you see our Pax Imperialis and how this policy can be implemented as we look to further expand our borders."

Zakar took notes on Moff Graham's speech, taking care the emphasize how her youth outreach initiatives could possibly lead to possible partnerships between their prospective ministries. When she concluded, he gathered the notes he did bring with him and stood up.

"Your Excellency," he said, nodding at Grand Moff Yvarro before addressing her and the team assembled. "The ideals that Pax Imperialis challenges us to aspire to- in this room and this nation- are certainly lofty. But as they say, 'If you fight for your limitations, you get to keep them.' If we are to instill the values of Pax Imperialis into our citizenry, we must start in the classroom."

"I have some initiatives in mind. First, my Ministry would like the resources to ensure that every being- regardless of gender, species, or socio-economic status- can receive access to a high quality education, and if they choose, will be able to pursue college opportunities or vocational trades. We must be able to nurture the talents of smart, inquisitive children so they become conscientious, productive adults. This would also extend to adults- many of whom in our nation did not have the resources or circumstances allowed. I met a wonderful young man, an infantryman named Caio, who saved my life on Cantros. Caio was able to enlist in our Army, but he could not read Basic. This is unacceptable."

"Second, I would like to implement a nation-wide hiring spree of educators and therapists. With the exception of the Home Sector, every single sector falls woefully short of the Dosuun Standard of Education (DSoE). There are many factors, but one large, recurring one is that teachers- especially in the Rim- are often barely qualified and criminally underpaid, then thrown into classrooms that are over-flowing with students. Many of those students suffer from traumas inflicted on them from living through the Fall of Dosuun, or the horrors of surviving the Brynadul incursion and acclimating to a new normal. I would partner with Dr. Westaway to place students in the appropriate grade, and ensure they have access to therapists."

"Finally, I would like to speak on an issue I discussed with Moff Vudridin briefly on Cantros. Many of our veterans return home from the warfront, with skills that do not readily translate to civilian life. I would like to partner with the Ministry of Defense to ensure that active duty members of our Armed Forces are given a stipend to allow them to attend any college in the First Order, free of charge."

He took a breath and continued. "Thank you for your time. Moff Terrix, I will be in touch with your office to discuss our partnership."

With that, Zakar bowed and sat down.



The Major | Delilah Graham| Vidia Vudrirn | Matt the Radar Tech | Ariel Yvarro | Dresden Verbrennung | Arador Terrix | Renata Westaway | Rolf Amsel |
Natasi Fortan |
Fevris Derzelas

 

[Ariel Yvarro]

Hearing the proposals from the two Moffs thus far gave room for Ariel to smile. She heard Moff Graham out, and then Moff Vass - the Grand Moff waited for anyone else to take to the floor but when none had she decided to address the two Moffs directly. "I like where you're going Moff Graham, I do, and I believe there is a way to marry this - Moff Vass, if I may. Would it plausible to put together something to train those who have the ability and the want to teach from within our pool of refugees and have them teach to the Dosuunian Standard."​

​

"I am also, quite glad that you brought up that lovely term Moff Vass, for it is exactly what I am aiming for as part of Pax Imperialis," a smile tugged at the corner of the Grand Moff's lips. "The Dosuunian Standard, I want all of you to carry that in your mind and in your heart, for it is vital that every system that we welcome into our world is brought up to that standard." She paused to let people ponder on that term and then she carried on, "the Dosuunian Standard as it might imply is that each system is going to have the same standards of living, healthcare, the same educational opportunities. They have decided to embrace us and so in turn we shall embrace them. I want it noted that by joining our family of worlds, it does not mean that they are sacrificing their cultures. On the contrary, it is their culture, and their ideals that make us a greater nation - we embrace diversity."​

​

Once more Ariel let it all marinate among those present, she would go back to something mentioned by Moff Vass.​

​

"Going back to your proposal Moff Vass, I wholeheartedly agree, and anything that helps our veterans is something I am going to very much want. This brings me to free education, it was something present in the last First Order and it is something I want to continue to see, however; we have to get this done. No one in this nation needs to worry about going into debt when furthering their education whether that is higher education, trade, or vocational schools."​

​

She took a deep breath and exhaled.​

​

"When we say Pax Imperialis, we do mean Peace from the Empire. We will be there to help them, bring them up to the Dosuunian Standard, train their military and remain on hand so that when we are needed we can be there to respond." Ariel got a look at everyone once more, "the ideas proposed today thus far by Moffs Graham and Vass, to which I am grateful, speak to Pax Imperialis."​

​

As a note, "for both Moffs Graham and Vass, I'd like to meet with you two in private to go over your proposals in greater detail. I'd like to invite Moff Vudrirn of course, along with Dr. Westaway."​

​

"Now then, Dr. Derzelas, I've watched your career with great interest and so I task this to you and Moff Benitez. Your task is to bring all member worlds healthcare systems up to standard. If we must expand the budget to allow for further educational opportunities, then consider my approval already there." ​

Ariel had one last piece to address that day, "Captain Thorne. Dr. Karisa, if I may, the Chiss have been there for this nation time and time again, and I understand that I mentioned that we would be there to assist in any way that we can, but..." She looked away for a moment and then turned her focus to them directly. "I would like to meet with you both along with Moff Terrix in private as well, I want to ensure that we are doing right by the Chiss. We owe so much to them."​

​

"Director Shepard, I shall speak with you and Mr. Verbernnurg in private just as well. I have a special task that I wish for your team to undertake."​

​

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The Major | Fevris Derzelas | Zakar Vass | Vidia Vudrirn | Renata Westaway | Delilah Graham | Arador Terrix | Matt the Radar Tech | Karisa | Natasi Fortan ​