Private Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum

[Imperius Indomitus]

T I T A N
S T A R _ F O R T R E S S
Wahlrin ​

Aurelian Sigismund stood on a balcony overseeing a vast drill square aboard the newly commissioned Titan. Below his golden silhouette and under his watchful grey gaze several hundred soldiers were engaged in serious exercises. Ranging from hand to hand combat and fitness workouts to parade drills and forced marching. The soldiers training were members of the Stahlrim 1st Regiment, dead-serious with a fanatic taint in their eyes that demanded nothing short of exceptional in even their most simple exercises. They trained with their own combat instructors, Prefects, who in turns had been instructed by veterans of the Wolfguards as well as recently joined, Eternal Legion members. Two of the latter were present below as well, standing out in their golden and red among the very grey and black of the Pact troops.

The Overlord was not idling. While his visual sensory was partly occupied with overseeing the spectacle below, another portion was focused on his retina HUD working through messages, reports and news alike while also connected to several networks and secure channels. His ability to absorb, memorise and compute the information was far from normal but centuries of fine improvements did that to a person who was willingly accepting them. After lengthy testing of course. Aurelian's current project was the re-formation of the Eternal Military into a force to be reckoned with.

Due to the rather scarce manpower availability they currently suffered, it was necessary to expand the strength and combat value of those they had. The Stahlrim Pact was the more ordinary approach to it, weaponising loyalty and fanatism, while the Eternal Legion was a fallback option for the more dire times. He knew that work over the past decades has been done to keep veterans in fighting condition and as organised units and that there were neighbours with more exotic biologies who could be utilised.

The Rhiinul were one of them. Their leader, self-crowned Emperor, Wahlrin has been nominated and chosen as Overseer of the Armed Forces. A curious choice, a trial, to see if this massive warrior could meet the demands of a disciplined standing military with a vast logistical and supply network that once made it capable of conquering a large portion of the Galaxy. The Overlord and Overseer had no time for a one on one meeting yet, hence why Aurelian ordered the Overseers presence on the Titan.

It was time to prepare for war.

 

[Wahlrin]

Tag: Imperius Indomitus
Location: Battle-Station Titan

There it was, Titan. It was a colossal station that truly was impressive to behold. It also was a sight that inspired frustration that I had not thought to have something like it constructed before. However, when launching your species' first ever Empire into the stars, one does think more in terms of creating large ships and imposing fleets rather than giant stations. I guess I could take solace that I would have ordered something of its sort eventually.

Aboard, the bridge was the only true place of calm on any of the vessels that came with me. They were large and bulky ships, far more brutalist in design than these ships the Overlord had, but they have served very well in striking fear into the hearts of those who dwelled on the backwater worlds of this region of space. The mere sight of our fleets made them more than willing to give us Rhiinul their tribute. Now, we have Imperial authority to "tax" those worlds as a force of the Eternal Empire. One might argue that an Emperor under an Empress and her realm would be cowardly. I argue, that the Rhiinul will live on. We shall grow through this Empire and dominate this part of space using the lessons we learned from this other power. The Eternal Empire shall be a step in the Rhiinul's evolution. I was certain.

Working with this Empire has granted much in terms of privileges. The Empress has named me Overseer of the Armed Forces. A fancy title for saying I was the greatest General in her Empire that serves her and the Overlord. A true recognition of my talents. Two Legions of Rhiinul soldiers were carried on the escort fleets while my own personal army was aboard the ship that carried me personally. Below decks, it was a racus time with the soldiers wrestling if not telling war stories or tending to their gear. I sat on the bridge of my personal ship before hailing the Overlord.

By now, I have learned even more of their language. While it is said my accent of sounding like I growl the r's and "speak from the throat", I still speak it to wear they understand me well. Even some of my Generals and Officers have started learning their language. Truly, our evolution is only beginning. Through the projectors, I saw his image when the call was received. "Hail Golden Overlord! My ships approach excitedly. I hear we have a war to plan.", I said with a wide smile on my large mouth and an almost hungry look in the dark pits of my eyes. Aboard our ships, it was made to be at our optimal temperatures. As a result, the image likely projected on the Overlord's end showed me without the helmet he last saw me in.

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

T I T A N
S T A R _ F O R T R E S S
Wahlrin​

"I expect you aboard the Titan within the hour, Overseer."

Aurelian's response was short, tempered with calm coldness and he would close the channel immediately afterwards. While certainly supporting the notion of wasting as little time as possible, there was a certain eye-to-eye idea he was pursuing. Nobody followed a screens commands willingly, nobody stepped into death by the order of someone far away, nobody respected the warrior that did not fight or the soldier that did not bleed. His tendency to lead personally was a trait shared with the Empress. A potential problem that might hit the Empire at some point.

With the words spoken, he turned from the balcony overseeing the training and marched through the corridors of the star fortress. The imperial spartan and Zakuulan splendor blended perfectly, there was never too much but enough to highlight the fact the passion was part of every construction and engineering marvel. Functionality prevailed and beauty accented. The corridors were never straight, with bends and bulkheads taking care of creating ample opportunities to defend the station against boarding parties. Groups of soldiers, on duty or in training he met, did not stop while saluting. Functionality. Duty came before ego-boosting adherence.

The Overlord's steps carried him through several sections of the training areas before he reached the center of the station where his own sanctum was as well as his office and staff rooms. He chose the latter. His office was more suited for this business. The two Companions at the door simply bowed their heads as he passed through them and then the genetically sealed bulkhead.

While he waited, he went through reports from Zakuul and Vandemar. The former came from the High Justice of the Knights, Valkoryen Sunfell , who was out to perform several diplomatic missions for his perceived danger which they had gotten a taste of in Camp 9. He decided to read those more thoroughly later. From Vandemar came numbers for production and trade, a dip which was down apparently due to the Dark Empire`s onslaught on Borosk. Another matter requiring direct attention.

In the meantime, the Overseer would be lead to the office by a pair of Eternal Legionaries and an officer of them. The gold-plated soldiers remained absolutely silent the whole way while the officer, a Legate Demetrius Varus, offered a stiff welcome and to guide the Rhiinulh-Emperor to the Overlord's office.

Once there, the gold-clad warrior-god did not offer any warm welcome or hesitated to start the reason for their meeting.

"Overseer. We will go through several topics, starting with yourself and your people. I wish to know more about who and what you are, beyond what written word can transcribe. I want to know who I am fighting with after seeing you fight already below on Kalidan. Elaborate on your contribution in troops and specialty as well."

Aurelian's voice was as matter-of-fact neutral as it could get, not that it took any strength or power out of it. It simply highlighted the aforementioned desire for functionality. There was no space for pretty words, for fancy mannerism and courtly etiquette in the Overlord's presence.

 

[Wahlrin]

Tag: Imperius Indomitus
Location: Battle Station Titan
Equipment: In Bio (to be submitted)

The glumness of these Imperials I have found myself in league with was still bewildering. Truly, did none of them enjoy their capacity for waging war? The dispassionate reply was clearly no insult though. Probably some strange sense of efficiency the Overlord seems to prize. I guess there was plenty of revelry to be had among the Rhiinul. Home on Rhiinalh will allow for some merriment accompanied with violence as there should be.

The large vessel I arrived on did not come equipped with a means to dock at this larger station. However, the shuttle used to launch from it was more than capable of delivering me and my retinue of bodyguards. The Kalidani had their "Wulfguard." The Overlord has his "Praetorians." Perhaps I should come up with a unique name for my own one of these days. In less than an hour, the shuttle landed with a lurch, a hiss of hydraulics, and a groan from the technology settling in the landed position. I strode out onto the ramp and into the hangar with my guards behind me, and my helmet on to keep myself at an optimal temperature. The somber hanger was devoid of much amusement. I chose not to bellow arrival and merely observe the happenings around me.

Two of the Overlord's men met us at the hangar.
"We have been instructed to escort you to the Overlord, Overseer."
"Good.", I flatly said with resounding volume, "We will follow you then."
The hallways were large, and clearly designed to create a slog for any attackers. The bulkheads and bends provided ample cover for any defenders to hold a position one length at a time. The project was certainly inspiring. The weight of our steps resounded like the beat of drums as we approached the meeting place. I ordered my soldiers to stand outside the doorway to this office. They obeyed as perfectly as expected, with a saluting bellow coming from them in unison. I would reciprocate the guttural trumpeting before turning around and walking through.

As soon as I stepped in, the Overlord went straight to business. No pleasantries? No expressions of mutual respect? No greeting from warrior to warrior? This was truly baffling. "Hail to you as well, Overlord.", I said confusedly. He asked his questions quickly, and rapidly. While my soldiers might have not understood any of it, even if spoken in our tongue, I was certainly a cut above those who served me. "If you only exchange similar information on yourself, I see no issue, Overlord. I too would like to know more of the mighty golden warrior who's prowess rival my own." That other remark was delivered with more confidence than the previous. It was true, after all. I was impressed seeing his prowess in the heat of battle. It was glorious fighting alongside him and his soldiers.

"The fighting at Camp 9 was a glorious display to both our people, yes.", I said musing on the previous battle where I showed the Kalidani Imperials a sample of Rhiinul might, "Anyway, what do you want to know first? The story of myself? My people? The might of my armies? There would be much to discuss, Overlord." The smile on my face could be heard through my helmet. My posture also showed somewhat happy anticipation. My words were by no means an undermining of the Overlord, but rather actual happiness. The Eternal Empire's stoic society still was foreign to me and my people. Yet, there was strength behind it. Such strength will be harvested by my people in the future if the dreams gifted by the gods to me proved true.

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

T I T A N
S T A R _ F O R T R E S S
Wahlrin​

Aurelian noticed the confusion in the warrior but did not show any recognition of it nor any attempt to understand what it was referring to. Warrior pride was the shortest answer a distant cell of his mind yielded and right away swallowed again due to its insignificance. Not insignificant though was to lay out conditions to him for responding to a request in full. This individual might be an Emperor to his people, but here, he was not. Casualness the Overlord would allow when it was appropriate. And it never was for military matters.

"There is no barter here, Overseer. Our military does not work on the basis of quid pro quo but on orders passed down a strict and unyielding hierarchy. Show me your devotion and progress and we might find time to exchange pleasantries. Until then, duty comes first. And your duty is to rebuild our military."

There was no hint of annoyance, no disrespectful tone or even condescending ring in his voice. It was stone-cold, lithic and without alternative. The Overlord spoke with a voice of authority but not tainted by petty emotions or even childish offence. There was no arguing about the calmness, the calculation which was put into every word, like the concrete to lay the foundation for a mighty citadel.

"Start with an overview on your military background and that of your military. I can assume that by extension an insight to your peoples culture will be inevitable. Highlight what strengths, capabilities and capacities your military has."

 

[Wahlrin]

Tag: Imperius Indomitus
Location: The Titan Battlestation, Kalidan System
Equipment: In Bio (to be submitted)

There certainly was a difference in philosophy present. Yet, that also might be an extreme understatement. As for me, I would carry on. Clearly this was a way to show dominance in the Eternal Empire. Truly, these Humans did not enjoy the glory of battle it seems. War, feats of strength, and discussing military matters were things that would bring a smile to any Rhiinul's face. These other people seem to despise any existence. In peace, they plan for war which they also seem to hate. If one spends their life looking for war, why do they not enjoy war?

There was no apology in my voice. "Ahhh.....", I said with more so realization while my voice rolled like thunder, "There was no bartering in my words, I assure you, Overlord. I contend it was, and still is, fascination. The Eternal Empire will bring about evolution for the Rhiinul. As their ruler, I very much intend to learn as much as possible about this Empire I now aim to make war for so it may dominate the galaxy."
Such were my words. Simple, yes, but true. Such was the way of my people. Secrets, spying, sneaking around, and not saying all were weakness on Rhiinalh.

The golden Overlord asked about my story. There was much to tell, and I have become very used to this after retelling my stories while enjoying the fruits of victory in my palace back home. My face lit with excitement when he asked for this, though it would only be heard on my voice due to my helmet covering my visage. "A great idea, Overlord!", I boomed with gleeful bravado, "I come from a long line of strong and powerful warlords on Rhiinalh. We are a people who will only be lead by the strongest. So, for my ancestors to hold a throne for so long was a tremendous success. From the days I was growing in a litter of brothers and sisters, I fought. We all do. Food, sleeping mats, water, extra nourishment from my father's wives who watched over us, were gained through fighting. I fought in my father's armies when I was old enough to wear armor and any weapon at all." My posture was very animated as I told this story of glory, pride, and strength. "I rose up in ranks by challenging my superiors when I knew I was stronger. Eventually, I became strong enough that my father recognized me. As King, I waged war across my world. Many would join my realm and cause while others had to be crushed. I created my Empire through blood and steel. Yet, with my planet united and loyal, there was only one other way left to go for conquest. So I ordered my people to make ready for us to conquer the stars."

I made little regard for if he thought my words were not to liking. These were fond memories of violence, bloodshed, and conquest. Surely, the Overlord had to agree this was glorious! "We found a way to the stars, Overlord! The Rhiinul fleets soon tried to conquer new worlds. However, their climates were far warmer than our home, which made conquering them rather difficult. However, I devised a way to still dominate these neighbors where my people could. They would pay us Rhiinul to not destroy them, and we would kill pirates and other enemies using the things they gave us. Then we found Kalidan and the Eternal Empire's remains. I saw strength that could be learned from, yes.", my voice would trail off in excitement and thinking, "I at least learned your language, and then you were there to see a bit of Rhiinul prowess at Camp 9 not so long ago. A bit tiny of a battlefield, but was still a fun battle. You agree?" I would then look to the Overlord's grim face with a look of overt respect.

My tale would then turn to the idea of my people over all. My glorious armies that brought Rhiinalh under my heel. "Every Rhiinul likes to fight, Overlord. We are born for fighting. Every man and woman from my people strive to be strong every day. We have grown our society because of fighting. Our technology has advanced so we can fight better, bigger, harder, and stronger. We like fighting and war. Though, a lot of these other planets seem far warmer than Rhiinalh however. It has been very surprising."

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

T I T A N
S T A R _ F O R T R E S S
Wahlrin
​

The lithic Griffin listened. The words spoken confirmed the reports he reviewed and the impressions he gathered. The Rhinuul were passionate, martial and prideful. And they were barbarian. Boasting, glorifying, warmongering and savage with access to technology and a reproduction which could support warring states. War was the wheel which propelled the Galaxy, which made the large machine move, sometimes forward and sometimes backward - but it was not the destination nor the steering wheel.

Yet there was no sense or need to share such revelations with the Overseer. Aurelian was only interested to propel the Eternal Empire forward as a force to be reckoned with, a military and political apparatus which lived up to its name. And having someone desiring a good fight was a perfect fuel to start the cogs. He just had to make sure that the ideals of discipline, structure and organisation were maintained with this one.

"Tell me about your technology and military doctrine. The Eternal Empire has perfected certain ways of warfare and to complement them with more diverse tactical and operational thoughts is of no small interest."

The Overlord did not offer much in terms of facial expression, no respect, impressed features or the passion being looked for. Nevertheless he offered a bit of ground. "I am intrigued to see your command and strategy skills after witnessing your combat, Overseer. Not always a good fighter makes a good commander and neither do good commanders always make good strategists. Such a trinity is rare." He spoke softly, as softly as the man who seemingly was cold rock could, and slightly inquisitively.

 

[Wahlrin]

Tag: Imperius Indomitus
Location: The Titan Battle-Station, Kalidan System
Equipment: In Bio (to be submitted)

Overlord seemed to have taken well to my story. It was the first time in this meeting with him where he did not seem to scowl so heavily in response to my words. It was good progress, indeed! Truly, with a species as great as mine, he could see what the Rhiinul are capable of. We are species designed for war, and designed to dominate. The Eternal Empire truly was my people's passage to evolution. Technology was one thing, yet making other planets willing to be ruled is another. That was what held my people back before the resurgence of this Empire. The future will not have such problems.

He seemed quiet, at first, but then he spoke in his cold way. The Overlord's speech was akin to the winds on my home-world's poles. "Rhiinul technology is not as good as what I have seen from Kalidan. Yet, we are getting close. We made hyperdrives on our own, space craft on our own, slug-thrower weapons on our own. It appears that what we have is just less refined compared to what could be found in the rest of the Empire.",was what I would say to the first question, as technology certainly was important. "From what ambassadors from Kalidan have told me, our ways of war seem to work well with yours.", I boasted with confidence, "Under my command, warriors of Rhiinul become Legions. The Legions then become Lodges, or what you on Kalidan may call Divisions. We are no barbarians, Overlord. We will fight the enemy with firm formations and organized efforts. We just will enjoy doing that. Nothing pleases me, or any member of my kind more than crushing our foes.", I would say smiling under my helm while laughing.

He then remarked on warriors and commanders. What sort of thought is that, though? The best warriors are best to lead, of course! The strongest rule, and the strongest lead warriors into battle. "Our best warriors are our best commanders, Overlord.", I replied to him with a smile in my voice, "The fact I united my planet personally leading soldiers should bode well for expectations too. Not many in the Empire's service could say they single-handedly lead the conquest of a planet, I bet. On a field of battle, the Empire would certainly not be disappointed with me or the Rhiinul."