Velvet Glove & Iron Fist | The First Order

[Natasi Fortan]

​

FIV Concordia was entering its fifth year of service and had just completed a wide-ranging retrofit to make repairs, upgrade systems, and refurbish the ship's luxurious interiors. Concordia was, to all exterior appearances, a Resurgent-class Star Destroyer with a nifty red paint job. But her interior was anything but typical. The ship served as the mobile headquarters of the Grand Moff, Natasi Fortan. It was as much a mobile embassy, flying hotel, and office as it was a warship. Some of its hangar space had been moved or rearranged to make room for luxurious staterooms, including an expansive suite for the Grand Moff, dining and conference facilities, and an observation lounge that was as awe-inspiring as it was atypical. To top it off, the Concordia was a tremendous strategic asset, thanks to its complement of highly trained shock troopers and its Sith meditation sphere, used to great effect during the Omega Crisis to deploy, strengthen, and amplify battle meditation for First Order forces.

There were larger and more powerful ships in the First Order's arsenal, but there wasn't a single one in the fleet that embodied the might and magnificence of the First Order more than the Concordia.

Natasi was pleased to be back aboard after the ship's time in drydock. There was nothing like the smell of deck polish and being able to see one's reflection in the deck plates. She stood in one of the smaller hangars of the ship, having just disembarked her shuttle, and surveyed the troops arrayed in an honor guard around the ramp. They were members of the First Imperial Shock Troopers division -- lovingly named Fortan's FIST after their honorary Colonel-in-Chief and the fact that they were assigned to Concordia and Battlegroup Nebula, Natasi's own ship and battlegroup. She was scheduled to be greeted by Colonel [member="Rolf Amsel"], the legion commander of the FIST, as well as the new commanding officer of the Concordia, [member="Kou'ha Escala"] and the Supreme Commander himself, [member="Asharad Graush"].

It was a ceremonial occasion, something for the media and the public. They needed to see Natasi, who had been gone from the public eye for some months and was enjoying a renewal of her own service, like her flagship. They needed to see Graush, a figure whose popularity among the people had reached dizzying heights as a result of his prosecution of the war. Amsel, too, was viewed as a hero; his actions on Kaeshana alone had earned him a place in the hearts of millions following the reportage of Lydia Finn-Camden. And Escala would be a celebrity in their own right if they played their cards right.

The Grand Moff tugged her black jacket in place and began to stroll down the aisle, pausing to visit and shake hands with the men lining the ramp as she waited for the others to arrive.

 

[Progflaw99]

*Uniform ironed. Check. Medals polished. Check. Code cylinder. Where the hell did I put my code cylinder?!* It had been near an age since the Colonel had worn his dress uniforms. Usually organized and on the ball, now he was frantically clearing out his wall locker. It was an odd transition but one he felt he needed. The Storm Trooper turned Storm Commando had unlearned some of the more pristine fixings of his station, instead replacing them with dark devotions of war and unconventional combat. Now as he struggled to make the transition back to the more conventional forces, he cursed himself for not having the foresight to rent a secure box at the home bank on Dosuun. *I know they're in here, they have to be in here.* A few more miscellaneous articles of clothing made their way from the locker to the floor before a quiet exclamation of success echoed in the spartan interior of Rolf's berth.

"Ah ha, there you are you little bastard." he said.​

​

Cramming his belongings back into the locker he pressed his shoulder into the door, a satisfying chime indicating the latch had successfully engaged. With a sigh of relief, Rolf slipped the small code cylinder into place on his uniform. Now he was ready. Taking one last glance in the mirror he spoke to no one in particular.

"Now, you go out there and show them what's what - you devil."​

​

Cheesy it may have been, but Rolf was never accused of being too serious, at least not usually. With his new old posting he'd found a sort of bounce in his step, even Lydia had said something of the sort. In any case, his new posting would allow him more leave time, and less secrecy than that of the Storm Commando unit he'd been with. Something they both appreciated. Briskly the Colonel traversed through the corridors of the Concordia, the familiar sights and smells of the polished deck something he'd missed - though he'd be slow to admit it. No dirt, no mud, no swamps - this was the life. It didn't hurt that he got to really be a part of the Grand Moff's vision, a real and true piece of what greatness the First Order could become. What greatness it was.

It only took the Colonel a few more minutes to arrive at the proper hangar. Of course he couldn't exactly stroll down the ramp, the point was to be Natasi Fortan striding up the ramp, wasn't it? It took Rolf only a moment more to navigate to an auxiliary hatch located around the other side, appearing behind the crowds and out of their view. Less than a minute later, he too had joined in the ceremony, crisp salutes given to those officers present and even a few excited handshakes from citizens who recognized his distinct features from the holo's of Kaeshana. *I can't believe they still talk about that - it feels like a lifetime ago.* he thought silently, all the while flashing his pearly whites at those present. Amidst the rush, he caught the Grand Moff's eye, raising a salute in greeting from a distance before returning his attention to the people - they were afterall, the reason for his labor, weren't they?

[member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Asharad Graush"] | [member="Kou'ha Escala"] | [member="Robogeber"] | @The First Order​

 

[Kou'ha Escala]

Captain
Equipment | Dress Uniform, Code Cylinder, Blaster Pistol
Location | Hangar of FIV Concordia
Allies | [member="Natasi Fortan"], [member="Rolf Amsel"], [member="Asharad Graush"], [member="Robogeber"], First Order
Status | Wearing my most charming smile for the sharks!

[SIZE=11pt]When he first received notice of his assignment to FIV Concordia, the significance of it did not escape the young Captain. While his heart swelled with pride at the implications of his new appointment, it was shadowed by a slight apprehension that it was due to his lineage. Rationally, Kou’ha knew he was being foolish as he was fully aware that the First Order was firmly a meritocracy. Those who proved and distinguished themselves were the ones who advanced. But logic does not always triumph. Kou’ha knew himself well enough to know that only time and familiarity would dispel his doubts.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The Epicanthix pulled himself out of his reverie when a holocam drifted close to where he was positioned, slightly off to the side at the end of the aisle. It was fortunate that the media that were allowed to attend the ceremony knew and adhered to the protocol set in place. A sizeable group of them were located close to the young Captain, their chatter muted but still audible as they began to whisper furiously into their microphones as Grand Moff Natasi Fortan made her appearance.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The now familiar figure of his executive officer appeared at the corner of Kou’ha’s vision, his steps slow and steady as the human male approached his commanding officer in a manner that was meant to be discreet. The final checks were completed in time then. Kou’ha gave a slight inclination of his head to the executive officer as he joined the coterie of Concordia’s officers and stepped into place at his five, a silent acknowledgment of the effort that the other has put in during the last hour of preparations. Some of the tension leaked from the lines of his shoulders as the Epicanthix turned his focus back on the slight figure of the Grand Moff as she made her way towards them.[/SIZE]

 

[Progflaw99]

With each handshake and wave Rolf's steps carried him closer and closer to the base of the ramp and the others. It was almost coordinated enough that one might have accused them of choreographing the whole even - and they wouldn't have been far off. Despite the often understated pragmatism of the First Order, they knew exactly how to put on a show. With measured steps he shook a final hand before straightening his back and squaring his shoulders. Then as if driven by a silent cue the Colonel stepped towards the side of the ramp and retrieved a portable glass podium. Gently setting it in place, perfectly centered at the base of the ramp.

There were a few others who had yet to show their faces but Rolf knew that this was just the beginning. After the ceremony, there were inspections, changes of command, and a plethora of other procedural trivialities that would suck up the rest of their day - Rolf preferred to get them started as quickly as possible. Stepping off to the side, he took a moment to scan the crowd. Ever vigilant, he couldn't help always keeping his head on a swivel. Colonel Amsel had memorized the names of the new assignees to the Concordia, it seemed the vessel was getting a new CO and XO whom he had yet to meet. The documentation hadn't included photos but by rank, Rolf thought he might already have an idea. A young looking officer had appeared, presumably his XO standing just behind and to the side. Taking a few steps in the man's direction, he introduced himself while flashing a disarming smile.

"Captain Escala I presume? Colonel Amsel, I'll be commanding the FIST."​

​

Rolf extended his hand in greeting.

[member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Kou'ha Escala"] | [member="Robogeber"] | [member="Asharad Graush"]​

 

[Asharad Graush]

Public appearances weren't his thing. There was a reason he wore a metal suit of armour and was shrouded in mystery. The Sith Lord's actual face hadn't been seen in the media since he had gotten a new appointment in the form of the White Wolves, a battalion previously which held the best of the best at the time. Under his direction it rose to untold heights, but after the Kaeshana Incident, he had disbanded it and the military went under massive changes. Auxiliaries, Special Forces, brutal efficient tactics in the face of being outnumbered. Graush may have been loved by the public, but his lack of appearances suggested he didn't love them back.

Though the Alliance was dead and the Order was once again going through changes.

On approach with the Concordia, the starship passed through the osmotic field cast by the shields, and the ship rotated around before dropping its ramp. Before him, troopers encased in black armour disembarked before him. Dubbed 'Graush Troopers' they were his own personal auxiliary force, and as they took up their positions, the near seven foot tall Sith Lord stepped past the threshold of the ship.

There were cameras, naturally, but he ignored them. The Grand Moff, [member="Natasi Fortan"] would want a picture of them together, and he stepped past his assembled troop who followed in tow as he set on his intercept course with the Head of Government.

[member="Rolf Amsel"], [member="Kou'ha Escala"]

 

[Kou'ha Escala]

Captain
Equipment | Dress Uniform, Code Cylinder, Blaster Pistol
Location | Hangar of FIV Concordia
Allies | [member="Natasi Fortan"], [member="Rolf Amsel"], [member="Asharad Graush"], [member="Robogeber"], First Order
Status | It's time for the circus to start

[SIZE=11pt]As with most final preparations, to say that things had been hectic onboard the FIV Concordia would be a massive understatement. For the past ten days, the Epicanthix was either personally overseeing the proceedings as shipyard placed the finishing touches to the majestic vessel, or he was holed up in his office brushing up on his understanding of the protocols required while he was serving directly under the auspices of the Grand Moff herself. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]While Kou’ha could not be expected to remember the name of every individual onboard the star destroyer, he had the names of all the personnel he knew he would be working closely with committed to his memory. But even if he did not, the gentleman who approached him was a well-known figure and it would be remiss if Kou’ha was unable to place someone as prominent as Colonel Rolf Amsel. It was with a warm and genuine smile that the Epicanthix took the proffered hand into his own, shaking it firmly before letting go.

“The pleasure is all mine, Colonel Amsel. I look forward to working closely with you and your men.” Kou’ha took a step aside to allow for his executive officer to come forward to greet the other. “This is my XO, Commander Deeran Vert,” he said, introducing the two men. “Please feel free to approach either of us if you have any concerns.” It was a clear statement of his intention. The safety of the Grand Moff was of the utmost importance and Kou’ha was more than willing to accommodate the FIST when it came to her wellbeing.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Another series of hushed commotion and flashes at the hangar entrance indicated that their final guest has arrived.[/SIZE]

 

[Zark San Tekka]

"Sir!" Captain Yossarian snapped to attention the moment he espied Colonel [member="Rolf Amsel"] with Captain [member="Kou'ha Escala"] in tow.

Amahl Yossarian was an oddity here among the assembled storm commandos in more ways than one. A little short for a stormtrooper, underneath his uniform muscles unnatural for his size and proportions rippled across the warrior's body. Amahl had been undergoing serum treatments as a part of the Commonwealth's black ops Jaguar supersoldier project when their world had disintegrated into civil war, ultimately resulting in annexation by the empire he now served.

He looked uncomfortable, both in his uniform and on board the FIV Concordia. It was not so long ago that he had been in Alexandrian dress blues, and even then Yossarian had never quite grown used to these ostentatious displays. It was deeply at odds with his homeworld's spartan military culture. Trained as a Commonwealth recon marine, he was among the best of the best his people had to offer, and so he had recently earned a spot as the first Alexandrian to serve among Fortan's FIST.

"Yossarian, sir," he offered Colonel Amsel at last, shrewdly guessing the new head of his unit hadn't yet learned his name, "We met briefly on the transport."

[member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Asharad Graush"]​

 

[Progflaw99]

Colonel Amsel took the Captain's hand, a firm shake following - and again at the introduction of the man's executive officer. "Commander Vert." He said with a nod. A formality, to be sure, but Rolf knew over the coming months and years even that it would be these men's tight knit relationships that would see them either flourish or perish. There would be plenty of time to get to know them later, but the introductions had been made and that was start enough for the Colonel. Interrupted by the almost unfamiliar click of heels and strict "Sir!", Rolf's gaze turned to the new arrival. So long had it been, it took him a moment to return the measure with a crisp salute.

"Hail Sieger."​

​

For a moment it almost seemed as if the two were at an impasse, an expectant gaze from Colonel Amsel, a blank stare from Captain Yossarian - and then the man introduced himself. *Yossarian.* Rolf knew the name sounded familiar but he wouldn't have been able to place it till now. He didn't exactly stand out as a former Alexandrian soldier, then again if Rolf was thinking of the right one, he hadn't been conventional forces - perhaps a reason he looked a little more on edge in the dress uniform of the First Order. Truthfully, Rolf felt just about as uncomfortable as Yosssarian looked, he was just better at hiding it.

"Ah of course," he said. "The Alexandrian, right? Welcome aboard."​

​

[member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Yossarian"] | [member="Asharad Graush"] | [member="Kou'ha Escala"]​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi brought her conversation with the trooper she had been engaging with to a graceful close, giving one last enthusiastic pump of his hand before she let go. "As you were, Lieutenant," she said and turned to see that Graush was making his arrival. She appreciated his efforts, knowing that he guarded his privacy. She was pleased for him to keep his mask on -- a sense of mystery was good to have among the First Order elite, after all, and Natasi's face was much too public and well known to play that part.

She turned and approached [member="Asharad Graush"]. "Supreme Commander," she said pleasantly. "I so appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to be here for the recommissioning of the Concordia and the First. I think it's important after last year's... unpleasantness ...to demonstrate some unity in the Cabinet." Natasi paused, her dark eyes futilely searching the enigmatic mask of the Supreme Commander. She never did conclusively determine where he had come down in L'Affair du Wallace, but that meant that he was either loyal or had hidden his tracks well enough to pass. Since she was no longer under threat, that would have to do.

"Never fear, my friend," said Natasi confidentially. "I won't bore you with speeches if you feel you have more pressing concerns. I've kept the agenda flexible to suit your schedule. Do you want to do the commissioning with Colonel Amsel before or after my speech? It's entirely up to you. Ah!" She had noticed in the moment that the newscam droids had been circling the pair, getting B-roll footage and stills for the State Media. It was all smiles -- on her part, at least -- so that was one less thing to worry about. "What do you say, Supreme Commander?"

[member="Asharad Graush"] | [member="Rolf Amsel"] | [member="Kou'ha Escala"] | [member="Yossarian"]​

 

[Zark San Tekka]

For just a moment, Amahl suspected that he had executed an imperfect Imperial salute. It was difficult enough for him to remember to say 'hail Sieger' rather than 'glory to the state', the Alexandrian had gone to painstaking lengths to embody the ideal patriated storm commando. In many ways, service to the First Order's stormtrooper legions had allowed him opportunities to advance further than he had ever expected. Lingering Alexandrian prejudice towards those with noble heritage would never have allowed him to serve in as distinguished a posting as FIST.

"Thank you, Colonel," he answered [member="Rolf Amsel"] warily. Captain Yossarian was reasonably certain Amsel had just been demonstrating his recognition was genuine, but being referred to as 'the Alexandrian' made him even more self-aware of his status as outsider, "It is an honor to serve, particularly on a ship as fine as the Concordia."

He glanced over at [member="Kou'ha Escala"] and his executive, but otherwise did not acknowledge the naval officers beyond their initial exchange of salutes. It was not his place to address a superior unless first spoken to. It was why he had only reminded the Colonel of his name after a long pause, so that Rolf might save face. Alexandrians never took protocol lightly, their entire society was based around the ideals of flawless service and self-sacrifice.

A flurry of activity elsewhere in the hangar implied that [member="Asharad Graush"] and [member="Natasi Fortan"] would not be long now. Every natural impulse screamed at him to assemble with the others in parade formation, but he would not move until Colonel Amsel gave the word.

 

[Asharad Graush]

Graush's words came out as was required of him. "Grand Moff," he greeted in turn when she turned to approach him. "Of course. Some of us were raised to be loyal," he finished in regards to that debacle surrounding [member="Natasi Fortan"]'s temporary leave for mourning and a very much needed vacation. When Clemence had come to him to join their shadow coup, the Supreme Commander had deigned to support neither side. There had been a war to win, and Graush was busy cultivating a culture of war in the First Order's military. To yearn it, to strive for victory and bloodshed. She wasn't a threat to him, the Grand Moff, not one that he ought to deal with physically. She was a moral woman, he didn't need the Force to tell him that. In this Galaxy, and the events that followed Dagobah, it felt clear that she didn't belong any longer.

It was simple. She was too good for the First Order. Too kind. She wasn't made for war, and if the Coalition persisted, it'd either make her a monster, or it'd break her.

Regardless, his opinion on her future wasn't why he was here, but it was to put on a show for the citizenry of the Order. To show their unity at the end of one great threat, even with a lesser one on the horizon. A far lesser one. Turning to answer, his peripherals just catching the holos as they began to circle around them. "Before," he said simply. The sooner it was done, the sooner he could get out of this uncomfortable situation. There wasn't a war to conduct at this immediate point... So in some way it was... Family time. However he sought to maneuver himself in that regard, he didn't know.

"Shall we meet with the Colonel then?"

[member="Rolf Amsel"], [member="Yossarian"], [member="Kou'ha Escala"]

 

[Kou'ha Escala]

Captain
Equipment | Dress Uniform, Code Cylinder, Blaster Pistol
Location | Hangar of FIV Concordia
Allies | [member="Natasi Fortan"], [member="Rolf Amsel"], [member="Asharad Graush"], [member="Robogeber"], [member="Yossarian"], First Order

[SIZE=11pt]While Kou’ha did not recognise the shocktrooper that came up to their small group, he returned the salute with his own uttered greeting. It was clear to his practiced eyes that their new addition was uncomfortable, and it swiftly became apparent from his introduction to Colonel Amsel that this ‘Yossarian’ was also newly assigned to serve onboard the Concordia. The least he could do was to greet the other warmly to make him feel welcome. With a smile and a slight incline of his head in acknowledgement to the Alexandrian. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance. I hope that we will be able to find ample opportunity to speak later.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]For now, all of them has to play their parts for the media.

With a subtle motion, the Epicanthix gestured towards the direction where the Grand Moff and the Supreme Commander were conversing. “Shall we[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]?”[/SIZE]