Rebuilding an Empire (TGE/Open)

[Akio Kahoshi]

The power of the Galactic Empire had diminished substantially since their joining of the Fringe Confederacy. The gambit had succeeded in protecting his people from domination by the Republic, but the weak hold on the more distant Imperial worlds had been broken and his own influence had shrunk back to where it had been before his restoring of the Atrisian throne.

Even the members of the Confederacy seemed to enjoy mocking them, calling them the Atrisian Empire still. If things were to change something drastic would need to take place. Plans had been set in motion, and today was an important part of those plans. Looking out from the windows of Imperial Tower, Emperor Kahoshi could see the crowd that had gathered for today's ceremony. One where he would announce his second cousin Madeline Kahoshi as the new Grand Vizier. A rank that had not been used since Palpatine's time.

Turning around, he looked to the other occupant of the room. "Madeline, I know you've never been fond of being thrust into politics. Thank you for agreeing to this.."

 

[Madeline Kahoshi]

Madeline had easily over a million thoughts running through her mind as she stood with her cousin, the Emperor. Here she was about to take on a higher position, no longer just the leader of their science and medical research divisions and just the next in line to the throne... Now she was being thrown into the deep end of diplomacy and politics. "You're welcome, Akio. Though, there really wasn't a lot of choice in the matter."

"It was the honorable thing to do. I did after all agree to the law signing, making me the heir should anything happen to you. This ..." Another sigh, "Is only the next logical step in my ascension into politics, and the art of diplomacy. Which I've had a few experiences already. Just ... this is much bigger than anything else I've done." She knew it would take her away from science and medicine. The things that had made up her entire life and now everything was changing for the young woman.

Her lips pursed tightly as she slowly walked to the window to stand beside him, the sun illuminating her face. "That's a lot of people." Her blue eyes sparkling in the light of the afternoon, but nerves clearly showed in her grim expression. She sighed heavily as she looked to her dear cousin.

"I didn't ever expect to be in this position, and now that it's here I worry that I will not be enough. That I will not do our family justice." She said softly. So much was coming with this title, with more responsibilities and much more work as well as many more who would be watching her closely. Both those that would guard her, and those that would seek to get her out of the way. Power had a way of putting a target on one's back.

 

[Akio Kahoshi]

A small smile tugged at the corner of Akio's mouth. "Let us be honest, most of our family would prefer us to never do justice upon them. I have no doubt you will do me proud, and more importantly do yourself proud."

His blue eyes returned to the crowd. Many of his advisers bothered him constantly about still not having a child of his own, but Akio had never been worried. Madeline was one of the smartest people in the Galaxy, was honest, and truly had no desire for the thrown. All exactly the qualities needed in a heir. So he had waved off his advisers, not wanting to marry solely for the sake of breeding.

"Just remember, you will always have my advise if you need it. That you received the advise from me will obviously have to be kept secret, but I will do whatever I can to help ease you into your new position. Just remember, I chose you for this because I knew you were the best person for the task."

 

[Madeline Kahoshi]

"True, the lot of criminals that they are." Another heavy sigh, "They the very reason the law was signed in the first place. To keep the criminals out of the palace, per say." They both had known it was needed at the time, since Akio had not had an heir, and wasn't the most keen on marriage. Truly she couldn't blame him, even she hadn't been keen to marry either. "That is the last thing we need, the Reki in charge of Atrisian affairs."

"I just don't like this. But you already knew that before proposing this. The idea ... Politics, diplomacy, it was never my area of expertise. I'm sure I'll get by with advisers and other experts in what I don't know. I'm sure with practice I'll be alright. At least that is my hope." Everything was really happening so fast, from head of science and medical research one day, to second in command of the Empire. It was a huge step for her to go from that to be the head of the entire government, answering only to the Emperor.

"You're sure we have to go through all this pomp and circumstance for this? Can't we just name me without the theatrics?" A much more practical woman, but right now the traditions behind this were bothersome, and annoying to her when she only wanted this done and over with so she could go to work learning her new job.

 

[Mirien Valdier]

Mirien stood on the ground mixed in with the crowd below. For today she was just an ordinary citizen, and this just another ceremony she had to attend as part of her duties to the Empire. Sighing softly, she knew how this would go. Things were changing and Madeline, the Emperor's cousin was set to be announced as Grand Vizier today, to be head of the government from now on, the second in command to the Emperor.


As she stood among the ordinary citizens, her IIB uniform neatly pressed, and looking quite the part of and Imperial doing her nation proud as she served them for as long as she could possibly remember. As she looked up above, she wondered how much Madeline knew, if she had been informed of the Inquisition or not. If that would remain secret to her or not. She wondered how the woman felt about force users for Mirien knew that Madeline had cloned a force user that was once among her ranks in the Inquisition. Wondered if Madeline's "son" had ever divulged what his job was in the Empire, or if he had been utterly loyal to their cause.

Things could change greatly if Madeline already had the knowledge and somehow Mirien expected her to know at least something. The question remained, how would the blue-eyed Atrisian react to them. Would she receive them openly or push them away? Akio had at least supported Mirien and her work with the Inquisition. He had even supported her when others would have simply cast her aside and killed her when she became troublesome, bound by a major problem that would have just been simpler to extinguish her life than to help her. So, with hope Mirien waited. It was all she could do as things were beginning to change.

 

[Beowoof]

Tacitanya had rarely been one to yield much attention to regal presentation, but today seemed like a golden opportunity to capture a moments--and a few extra credits. Standing just beyond the more concentrated crowds of cheering Atrisians, the Twi'lek carefully swept and whirled her brushes against the canvas, repeatedly returning her eyes to focus on the key players in this ceremony, [member="Akio Kahoshi"] and his cousin, [member="Madeline Kahoshi"]. Why he was only now appointing this familial underling was puzzling to her, but it was no concern of hers. All was well as long as she remained free and able to provide for herself without the authorities harassing her.

But there was always that worry in the back of her mind. An absolute ruler could rule absolutely. And if Grand Vizier Kahoshi's cousin were to alter their slavery policies through her new political position, it would mean the consummation of her worst nightmares.

Oddly, she felt she could sense trepidation in a nearby soul as well...

 

[Rexus Drath]

Flick, flick, flick, woosh and sizzle the tip of a cigarette erupted in fire followed by a long drag. Exhaling the smoke Rexus Drath Imperial Knight of the ancient galactic empire inquisitor to what remained of the current one stood with the crowd of people. Well not really standing with them but above them, dressed in his emperors own legion storm trooper armor Rexus had his helmet off as his rifle slung downwards. Taking a moment to enjoy his cigarette he sighed and ran a hair through his dreads. This was not a very good time for the empire. They were under the boot of big brother fringe and the new order of sith popped up on the other side of the galaxy claiming to be the new empire of the land. They had their own stormtrooper corps and everything. Moffs, commanders, they would be dealt with by other powers at be eventually though just as the sith order from before had.

"Get out of my head." Sighing Rexus thought of Jenha again, he never really got to say goodbye and it was just something that always haunted him, exhaling the black smoke from his lungs he took another drag and awaited to see what was going on. They had orders to protect the emperor or whatever he was calling himself today. Rexus had never met the guy but things never really got so bad to where he needed to. Rexus was always on the front lines for the empire, all the brothers he had lost still haunted him. Radon, Ritche, Holdcraft, Sands, he could name all of the men he had held in his arms and died. Their memories and laughter still haunting him. But most of all he missed her, he missed her touch and conversations, the warmth of her body on the white sands of Manaan.

"You always knew how to push my buttons, I'm sorry." He said to himself before another storm trooper came up to him "Gunny, squads in position." Taking another drag Rex sighed and flicked the cigarette exhaling once more. "Carry on lance corporal, I will be along." Rex replied to the man "Yes Gunnery Sergeant." He said before walking off. Grabbing his helmet from bellow Rex looked at it dead in the eyes "Just another day at the office babe." Placing it on his head he fitted it and let the HUD activate.

 

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Mirien Valdier"]

Grand Inquisitor Mirien Valdier - or Chief Director Rebecca Novar, if you were being pedantic and wanted to use her cover identity under which she would be known - would not be alone for long amongst the crowd. A young man, blonde hair tied back in a prim and proper bun, appeared at her side. Not a hair out of place, not a crease in the expensive business suit wrong, the perfect specimen on first sight. Whilst someone with enhanced sensors might detect certain oddities of the individual which hinted at her true nature, it was not easy to see at first. Unless one possessed sufficient perception in the Force and took the time to read the ripples, see beyond the picture-perfect facade and sense. The complete lack of a presence in the Force that made it impossible to sense her, the fact that she was devoid of internal emotion. As Moira knew, the lethal brunette clad in neatly pressed, impeccable IIB finery was one of those who possessed such powers and knew her true nature. But that did not matter. Besides, she had something 'Novar' might be interested in.

"It has been a while, Miss Novar," Moira Skaldi said softly. She had not been in contact since the Imperials had been forced to retreat from their ill-advised invasion of Fondor in humiliation. For some reason beyond her logical understanding, the Lord Protector had aborted the counterattack after an overdramatic speech. Moira cared not for the Alcori-Kerrigan administration, but she knew it would have invaded Atrisia and probably taken it. Perhaps then there would have been a great war, with the Fringe having made a pledge to Kahoshi, with the Republic turning its crusade westward....perhaps then the Mandalorians would have seized their chance. Or maybe this was just her endless desire for the destruction of organics dictating her thought processes.

If that had come to pass, it would have been...beautiful. Regardless of the outcome for she did not care about that. But she had long learned that organics seemed to have difficulty getting a decent war going, though that was contrary to their nature. She had been at O'reen when Fringe repulsed the Republic invasion, likewise fought hordes of Reavers when a Bando Gora splinter group was wiped out by a force of Fringers and Rebels, finding themselves in strange alliance against the Chaos worshippers, at the Hebrides. The Imperials' participation in that operation had been token based on her assessment.

She still might have use of them though. After all, she did business with everyone if they paid her enough. Burning bridges was not logical. Their absorption into the Fringe Confederacy was terribly ironic considering the Fringe was all about freedom at any cost and was run by an elected oligarchy that was virtually exclusively composed of what Atrisians would call 'uncontrolled force-users'. It made one wonder how long the Emperor would be able to control the influx of foreign ideas, when the registered forcers in Atrisia would get new ideas about their place in things...or when there would be a backlash from the mundane population, launching a bloody pogrom due to fear of being subjugated by forcers.

Either way, interesting to watch. Especially since the Mandalorian-Republic war had yet to start and the lull was beginning to bore her. The Fringe-OP border had been calm since the Protectorate's victory at Eriadu, a success won in space, proving it was not just background noise as some said. Of course, this had not stopped aggressive Fringe expansion in the former neutral zone, to which the Protectorate had yet to respond. "I see Doctor Kahoshi is to be appointed Grand Vizier. An interesting choice." Her tone of voice did not make it clear what exactly she meant by 'interesting'.

 

[Cody Weadge]

Among the crowd Cody watched the stage, waiting for things to begin. Dressed in a suit, his job was to blend in and make sure this whole affair went as planned. Personally the Imperial agent was not sure about this, but his was a patriot and loyal to his Emperor. Not to mention the fact that he did not want to disappoint Mirien. Between them, the Emperor and Grand Inquisitor were two people he really did not want to piss off. In the latter's case he rather preferred to keep his sex privileges intact.

From the corner of his eye Cody watched a twi'lek artist. Seemingly innocent enough, but with modern holo technology things like paint and canvas were rare at events like this. It was worth watching her for now. That or he was just really bored waiting for things to begin. Sometimes the life of a spy was not as exciting as the holovids made out.

[member="Tacitanya"]

 

[Mirien Valdier]

[member="Moira Skaldi"]


Mirien sighed, waiting she always hated. Sensing a feeling of concern, perhaps even worry from another in the crowd. Her eyes flicked slowly through the crowd trying to see if she could find the source, just something about it left her suspecting there was a force user among the crowd, an unfamiliar one at that. And that would just not do.

Her search and thoughts were interrupted on the matter as Moira spoke to Miren. She gave a glance to her side looking to the woman, giving her a once over. "Perhaps too long, Miss Skaldi. I see you found it keen to visit Atrisia today. Just business or are you here for the pleasure of the ceremonies?"

She gave a nod looking back up the windows above, knowing soon enough the announcement would be made. It was just a little longer now to go. "Doctor Kahoshi is his cousin and perhaps the closest family member the Emperor has. I know that the he wanted to get her involved in politics, since the law was signed, naming her the heir to the throne of the Atrisian crown. All done to avoid having the Reki slip into the line of succession. Something that Emperor Kahoshi could and would not allow." She paused for a moment in thought, "Being who she is, a good choice to be second in command with no desires for the throne, no ambitions for power. However, she does needs the experience in government if she is to rule. Especially since the Emperor has not married and has no heirs to speak of illegitimate or otherwise."

Her eyes dropped to the ground, still thinking, "I do have my concerns with her being placed into power. But being the good Imperial woman I am, I really shouldn't voice those aloud. Not on this joyous day." A sad sigh followed, "Things better left behind closed doors." She said with a final shrug.

 

[Akio Kahoshi]

"If we do not go through the motions, then the people will not accept it," Akio said in response to Madeline's question. "You're legitimacy in the people's eyes is going to be vital. Already I have heard some questioning the wisdom of making you Grand Vizier, and under other circumstances such a sudden leap in power would be ridiculous. Most do not realize the power you already hold as my heir though, and after today no one will question your authority."

Moving from the window, Akio placed a hand on Madeline's shoulder. "Its nearly time for things to begin, which means it is time for you to get down to the stage and get ready. One advantage of being Emperor is that I don't have to arrive until I darn well please. A fact you should remember." he said with a wink. Once Madeline left the room, the Emperor's Own Legion were to escort the woman to the stage outside.

[member="Madeline Kahoshi"] [member="Rexus Drath"]

 

[Madeline Kahoshi]

[member="Akio Kahoshi"] [member="Rexus Drath"]

Madeline looked to her cousin one more time, with fear in her eyes. She worried so much on what was to happen. Why it had to be this way? Worried for her future, for the future of Atrisia. "Perhaps you are right." Another sigh from her. "You know best in this arena, not I. I trust your judgement and wisdom."

Her brow furrowed as she looked back to him. "Legitimacy? I thought the laws covered that well enough. If the people do not trust the laws then ..." She bowed her head, feeling a bit defeated as she stopped herself from more complaints and worry. "I only hope you are right about this. I hope this all goes according to plan." Frowning she turned as he spoke of the time approaching. "I don't like this, Akio. I don't. It doesn't feel right. I never wanted this power."

Now with the Emperor's Own Legion present they escorted her through crowded hallways where advisers and other members of the government had been waiting patiently. All of them filing out behind the group. Putting on a brave face she pushed away her trepidation and concerns of this idea and plan. Things were already in motion and there was no going back. There was no going back from the moment she agreed to be his heir. Now it was time for her to finally step into a prominent role. For the spotlight to shine on her. Only time would tell if she would stand the test of time or not.

Coming to the stage, she gave a small pause before she slowly ascended the stairs and took her proper seat upon the stage, now only waiting for the Emperor to show and the rest to fall into place. Her expression one of seriousness, masking everything she felt inside, ranging from fear, to nerves. So many emotions and thoughts raced through her mind as she looked out upon the crowd of people, her people.

 

[Beowoof]

Sometimes she just got that feeling that she was being watched. Not that it was unusual for someone engaging in such an 'obsolete' project to be viewed as a sort of curiosity. In fact, upon every nervous examination of the people surrounding her, Taci detected no unusual attention. But something bugged her in the back of her mind, and it was affecting her concentration. She felt she could almost discern the direction of her consistent spectator, but their location was just beyond her cognitive grasp.

The Tyrian had experienced this sensation before, but it was eerie how the feeling persisted. And it freaked her out. Her normally precise weaves and strokes faltered even as she endeavored with all her ability to replicate the entrance of the Kahoshis. The living and breathing Grand Vizier-to-be made her entrance onto the stage and soberly claimed a seat. Her countenance spoke of a coolness, but her posture broadcast otherwise. It reminded the paranoid Twi'lek of discomfort. Maybe this was a bad day to paint.

Taking a subtle scan of the surrounding pedestrians, the young woman began to casually fold up her easel and utensils. A new angle might be better anyway.

 

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Mirien Valdier"]

"I'm afraid my capacity for pleasure and enjoyment is somewhat...inhibited," Moira said very, very dryly. What was this thing that organics called fun? The concept escaped Moira. Personally she thought it was because they knew that they were all going to die and so they sought whatever activities could distract their mind from the certain knowledge of inevitable oblivion. How an organic died, whether through battle or sickness, did not matter. One organic gone, another took their place.

"Uneasy is the head which wears the crown. The subject of all the acclaim if the nation prospers, the target of the barbs of their detractors should they sense a moment of weakness. You have the Fringe umbrella protecting you, but with it comes a system with values the polar opposite of yours preaching 'unrestricted freedom', encouragement for heresy...or a nativist backlash. I imagine the ISB is expanding its thought police capabilities to keep Atrisia pure. Then the....terrorist attack on Jar'kai. It is a powerful current she will have to navigate, manifold interests to appease."

At the same time Doctor Kahoshi should have a bigger laboratory to work with. Full of living specimen...perhaps they could be conditioned to even greater obedience. Being a scientist might give her an appreciation of what was feasible and what was not with her nation's resources. "The Republic is busy with its own...internal issues and the looming conflict with the Mandalorians if it finally breaks out. Not to mention...reports about increased activity by Sith splinter groups...some very close, perhaps to finally do something relevant. The Protectorate has returned to its old policy of isolation behind Fortress Fondor and a naval rearmament programme. Perhaps we shall have cause to work together in the future. Speaking of which, I have something you may be interested in." She discreetly indicated a briefcase she had with her, the sort no one would raise an eyebrow about an aspiring businesswoman carrying with her. Of course, the brunette knew its contents, having commissioned them after all. The remuneration to be sent to the usual account Moira used for what she referred to as freelance consultant work.

 

[Jonathon Patches]

 

[Mirien Valdier]

[member="Moira Skaldi"]


Miren nodded slowly, understanding knowing what Moira really was. Having met her the real her, in the tunnels of Csilla. "I understand completely."

"Perhaps Madeline more so. She isn't eager for any power at all. And being the ruler of the government second only to her cousin, I don't think is a position she ever envisioned for herself." She paused for a moment, "I think the hope was for the Emperor to bear heirs and Madeline to never deal with such issues of state." She shook her head slowly, "Nothing under the Fringe Umbrella fits our state of mind, our ideals. It's completely against what we wish for our people. Completely against the ideology that has been taught for thousands of years."

Mirien smiled, actually smiled. "Yes, the Republic will get it's dues soon. All that it has earned shall soon come crashing down upon them. They deserve it after all." She said grimly with that brilliant smile, a telling sign. "And the Protectorate, can keep their heads in the sand, someday that will bite them too. But it will not be us that does it. Not yet at least. There is much work to do in the mean time." A shrug followed. She never agreed with the plans to attack them. She always the type to strike from the shadows, not openly. "The new Sith, are a problem. But I'm certain inner turmoil and backstabbing will tear them apart eventually." The brunette glanced down to the briefcase and smiled ever so bright, "Oh really? You have it?" She asked eagerly. "I'm sure the future will hold something for the both of us. Some goal that we can work together on, Miss Skaldi."

She paused for a moment, "As a matter of fact I may have need of your services soon."

 

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Mirien Valdier"]

"Indeed. Data is to a large extent but not solely gleaned from observation and analysis during my time with the Protectorate and...our shared work after," shared work being their time of affiliation with the now defunct Rebel Alliance, which Moira had mainly viewed as chance to cause mayhem and acquire fancy toys.

"The information from her time before joining the Pyre has some gaps, I must admit, but insufficient to undermine the profile given the primacy of her development since then. The Jedi might be unable to make up their minds about what their actual purpose is, or even keep rampaging hordes from manifesting in their capital city, but they are not very forthcoming and she is tight-lipped about the time before unless sufficiently motivated. Psychological analysis should be complete and have a low chance of error. She has been...rather eager to make waves in the holonews since her retirement from the Protectorate. Dramatic 'heroics', but then I hear Atrisia bore witness to one of those not so long ago, before Fondor," at that she smiled ever so slightly, a very human reaction. The smile did not reach her eyes though. It never did. "That and she has been gracing the party scene of Kaeshana."

With that Moira opened the briefcase and removed a neatly bound folder. No title through which one could identify its contents, no shiny aurebesh sigils since such ostentation was beyond her. However, the contents of said folder were rather extensive.

Without fanfare she passed the folder, which contained the profile of a woman called Siobhan Kerrigan, over to the brunette. Having worked under for several years during their time with the Protectorate, then at times cooperated with her in the Rebel Alliance, Moira was certain she knew the woman well - and a machine was obviously absolutely objective. "I am certain it shall make for an...interesting read. As for your offer, I would hear more. In a less public setting, I'd say."

 

[Rexus Drath]

"Yo tell Riggs and Lovelace to get their crap together. I've been doing this whole for the empire gig for a few years now and I'd rather we not look like fools in front of the emperor." Rexus sat up on top of the buildings looking down at the crowds of people still. It was pretty awesome to be doing a imperial function once more instead of a fringe one and to be honest Rexus grew bored of them. Sith snd Jedi working together in the name of a empire that was made for sith renegades. Yeah that really wasn't his speed and it left a foul taste in his mouth just thinking about it. "Wilco gunny!" With that the young lance corporal had the troops on the ground radioed and proceed with the flow of things.

"I hate politics." Speaking to himself as the norm Rexus powered up his blaster rifle and sighed waiting for the show to commence. A squad of men lead by a sergeant Riggs and Corporal Lovelace proceeded to escort the heir to the thrown to wherever she so desired to go or stay. They just needed to keep their eyes peeled and their wits sharp and everything was gonna be cool. Rex could go about lighting up another cigarette and have a drink.

[member="Moira Skaldi"] [member="Mirien Valdier"] [member="Tacitanya"] [member="Madeline Kahoshi"] [member="Akio Kahoshi"] [member="Cody Weadge"]

 

[Cody Weadge]

The twi'lek started moving as soon as Madeline took the stage. Suspicious at the very least. Could be nothing, heck she was probably just trying to find a better angle to paint from. Cody was not paid to simply assume things though, a good agent believed nothing until no other possibility existed.

Moving through the crowd, he spoke quietly into the comm sewn invisibly into his collar. "I have movement in area 51.25. Low risk probability, but I will investigate."

With the show about to start, now was not the time for anything unexpected to begin. Once the agent got close enough he stepped within range of the artist, an appraising look forming on his face. "Is that actual paint you're carrying? Wow, I don't think I've ever met an actual painter before."

 

[Akio Kahoshi]

Before things began, the Emperor made his way to the command room of the Imperial Tower. Or rather, one of several. In this case it was the standard control center for the city of Jar'Kai, located in the tower closest to where the ceremony was to take place. The heavily fortified bunkers underneath the tower were only used during emergencies, due to some logic from before his birth.

This room allowed him to overlook the state and crowd below like the last room had, but here also was visual displays of the entire city, its air traffic, and countless other pieces of information. And much less privacy, one reason he had met Madeline in the other room before coming here.

As many citizens as could fit, and a fair bit more, had gathered before the stage. A security nightmare. Not that he feared for his life, Akio trusted the Imperial Security Bureau and Imperial Intelligence Bureau to weed out the common threats, and his personal guard and Emperor's Own could take on virtually any sudden attack.

"Is everything set up for the ceremony?" he asked the captain in charge of the control center.

"Yes, Your Highness. The video displays are set up around the crowd, and the audio system has already been tested. We're just waiting on a number of low risk security calls to be investigated."

"Very well, let me know when I can go down."