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Author	Topic: Galactic Empire (IBOP)
LightSide_Apprentice Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: May '01	Date Posted: 1/13/06 3:30am Subject: RE: Galactic Empire (IBOP) - Date Edited: 1/13/06 3:33am (1 edits total) Edited By: LightSide_Apprentice
	Thok, CmdrMitthrawnuruodo Imperial Palace, Planetary Surface, Bastion It was an odd thing, really. One moment Veers was free of the trash compactor, with Jean searching for safe passage, and the next, they were face-to-face. Jean possessed authority enough to manipulate the security system within Bastion's Palace to suit his purposes, and he had skill enough to track Veers where security cameras and other aids were insufficient. Together again they knew they had overstayed their welcome. There was no further sign of Raum and the entire Palace seemed deserted. What trace of Intelligence's influence had within the capital and across the planet's surface, began to fade. Likewise, all sense and feeling that dark forces had been pulling the strings of puppets in a play too vast and elaborate to comprehend completely, began to disappear, before that, too, faded into nothingness. Veers and Jean were free once more, but from who, or what, and for how long, they did not know. They were alive, and they had survived an encounter with a malicious evil. Few beings could claim having lived through an ordeal such as theirs, and fewer still kept a grasp on life after having set eyes upon the immortal servants of the greatest evil entity the universe had ever known. NOTE TO ALL: We come to the conclusion of the climax and events for the Galactic Empire as far as this version and format of the Integrated Balance f Power is concerned. Any players that wish to add a final summary piece and/or epilogue to reveal their character's activities for the time following this conclusion, feel free to either post or send me a private message. My hope is to finalise this thread in its entirely within the upcoming week, at which time a final post will be presented to close this long-thriving, and beloved faction thread. -----signature----- Can we not, for just one moment, appreciate the simplicity, and timelessness, of two souls in love?
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CmdrMitthrawnuruodo Registered: Jul '00	Date Posted: 1/14/06 5:54pm Subject: RE: Galactic Empire (IBOP)
	Field Marshal Maximilian Veers Jean's Ship - Near Bastion As quickly as they had come, they had departed from the throne world of Imperial Intelligence. Maximilian Veers was glad to leave the planet for safer territory although no such place existed anymore in the galaxy. With the war against the Invaders still brewing over half of the Empire and Lucifer's agents causing chaos in the remaining half, the only places that looked inviting enough is either the Unknown Regions or the New Republic, neither of which he was willing to head toward. Veers sat in the back of Jean's ship contemplating the events that had transpired over the last five months of his life. He had been tortured and humiliated, he had witnessed his only son's execution, he escaped death and the invasion of Garqi only to confront an evil beyond comprehension. And the entire time since his escape he had been unable to find Isard. The woman was just as slippery as oil and he wondered if he would ever find her. He would have his revenge one day, that he vowed. Veers reached back and grabbed a medical kit and while he thought about recent events he proceeded to mend his injuries. Most of them were burns caused by the fiery montrosity he had encountered, the rest were bruises from his dive into the garbage smasher and gashes from flying, burning shrapnel after the rifle had exploded. That he had yet to inform Jean about. He ground his teeth into a piece of plastic meant to keep him from biting his tongue as he pulled the shrapnel from his face. He wondered what diseases and bacteria he had been infected with after swimming in the cesspool of sewage. Veers made sure to give himself enough antibiotic and immune system enhancement injections to help fight off whatever he may have contracted. For the remainder of their trip in hyperspace until they reached a spacedock at Yaga Minor, he slept and tried not to dream. But like all restless minds, the dreams came and they came in a disorder undecipherable. He dreampt of his wife only to turn around and dream about Hoth. He dreampt of the monster and watched it turn into a Star Destroyer. He dreampt of Isard, of Piett, of Vader, of Palpatine and many others. He also dreampt of his children as they grew up under his guidance only to be saddened with the loss of his mother. But when his mind finally decided to settle down, only then did his dreams become coherent and pleasant. He dreampt of Elaria and the life they could have together if only he chose to come home now. When he awoke again, he was alone on the ship. Only a note from Jean told him that the Sith Lord was conducting business and that he would be back shortly. There was an endnote below the main message suggesting that he not stray far from the ship without informing him first. That only broke out a small smile from his lips. He had no plans of leaving the ship any time soon. Veers climbed to the front passenger seat and sat down. He stared out the main viewport at the Imperial technicians busily working to refuel and repair other starships inside the massive hanger. He wished he could step outside and take a stroll around the hanger while they waited for the ship to be refueled but he still did not know what his position was in the eye's of the Emperor. Was he a traitor or still the Hero of the Empire? His only fear should he be a traitor was that he would never get to see his remaining child again. His relationship with Elaria would come to an end and he would be forced to flee Imperial territory or risk becoming a prisoner again. That only left him the choices of hiding in the Unknown Regions or seeking assylum in the New Republic. The thought troubled him. His thoughts turned to Elaria and he began to wonder how she was fairing. If he were to come back to Coruscant as the Hero of the Empire, would she remember him since it had been so long since the last time they had seen each other? Does she love him or was she a part of the plot to capture him? He shook that thought from his mind, not wanting to believe that he could be that big of a fool. And even if she did betray him... He saw her laughter and beauty in his minds eye. The humor and kindness she showed toward him. He saw everything about her now more than ever before and he felt a deep emotion he had not felt in decades. Veers, regardless of what she had or hadn't done, loved her. That struck him dumbfounded. How long had he loved her and never admitted it to himself? What kept him denying the truth of his feelings toward her? The fact that she was an agent of Intelligence? Perhaps, but that should never had been an excuse to deny his feelings. Veers leaned back in the seat and stared at the switch covered ceiling. When he returned to Coruscant, he decided, he would find Elaria and take her away to some neutral resort world where they would vacation together. And on the second to the last day there on a setting fit for what he planned to do, he would give her the question. And he would not take no for an answer. Veers heard Jean reenter his ship and did not bother looking down from the ceiling when the Sith Lord took his place and started up the ship again. He did not take note that they had reentered hyperspace again until they were half-way to their destination, wherever that was. Neither men spoke to each other, there was nothing to be said. Only when they stopped to make a course-correction did Veers speak up again. "Unusual to find an Imperial-Kreiger encrypt broadcasting on all frequencies on the holonet," he had said after splicing into the holonet signal, or what was left of the holonet. Much had happened to the galaxy in the last five months. He did not hear Jean's inquisitive response, his attention was on deciphering the message and listening to the end product. The sender spoke in kreigish and Veers translated on Jean's behalf. "He says that an enemy force has attacked the Imperial defense in orbit, nothing left of the naval forces. What looks like landing vessels has reached the surface and the Kreigen and Imperial Armed Forces had gathered to face the invaders only to be repulsed back. As of this message's timestamp, the Kreigen Army remains standing against the invaders and awaits for relief from the Empire." Veers looks up at the Sith Lord. "My homeworld," he says after the message played a second time in kreigish. "I have to save my planet from the Invaders." He paused to consider how he would do that than he remembered about his son's cloning facility and the thousand clonetroopers he had captured and imprisoned on Lamarebb. Although the planet was a week's travel away from Kulturen, knowing his people they could hold out for that long and longer. "The Lamaro system," he breathed and began explaining to Jean where he could find the cloning facility and the thousand clonetroopers on the ice world. He also explained that a certain stormtrooper colonel was in charge of the facility and very loyal to him and would obey Jean's order to the letter. "Bring me those clones and stormtroopers and the equipment located in the two facilities there. There is an upgraded Accalamator-class Republic Cruiser in orbit which you can use to transport everything." He would have Jean drop him off on Kulturen where he would offer his help to fight the Invaders. Veers only hoped that his people would not place him under arrest for returning while exiled. TAG: Thok, LSA -----signature----- "Dyin' be the day worth livin' for!" --Captain Hector Barbossa PotC: Amuletum Angiti http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3635826/1/ http://s12.gladiatus.com/game/c.php?uid=48046
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NaboosPrincess Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: May '01	Date Posted: 1/18/06 11:54pm Subject: RE: Galactic Empire (IBOP)
	OOC: And so we have reached the end... Empress Kiera Callaghan Jello End of IBoP Summary The recovery efforts were massive and time consuming, but there came a day when Kiera looked out the viewports of the Imperial Palace and couldn’t find a rebuilding project in sight. The planet had recovered just as the people always had, and probably always would. It seemed to Kiera that even a difficult obstacle, even the very worst, was a chance to grow stronger and develop a more positive life if one only approached it from the proper angle. If someone had told her, ten years ago, that she would one day be Empress, with a husband and family of her own, she would have scoffed at the very idea. But here she was, a wedding, children, various crises and a galactic invasion later, still alive and stronger for the experiences. The years continued to go by, as years are prone to do, and first Arya and then Tybalt reached school age and were sent daily to receive the very best education on Coruscant. Kiera cried (though not in public, of course) when Arya attended her first day of school, and teared up when Ty followed suit, but by the time Julyet began classes, Kiera was happy to enjoy five days of week of semi-relaxation while the children were away. In the late afternoons, she and Iaius would personally instruct them in various topics suitable to the children of the royal family, or bring in specialized tutors for etiquette, music, or any other topics the children took an interest to. Julyet’s utter destruction of a priceless Alderaanian vase with her bow and arrow put the practice of archery to a temporary end, which caused innumerable conflicts in the household since Tybalt was still allowed to practice his sport of choice — fencing — with his father. Kiera and Iaius’ children grew into a band of generally respectable, well-educated young people, led by the prim and proper Arya Padme, which was hardly a surprise to anyone familiar with her. Ironically, she was not to be the one to eventually lead the Empire, and Iaius was forever after her to magically transmit some of her grace and poise to her rebellious younger brother. Tybalt Napoleon seemed more interested in swords, ships, and subverting the status quo than leading an empire. There were whispers that the boy took after his mother, though she would never admit it. But even he was nothing compared to little Julyet Estella, who seemed to be a product of the most wild characteristics her two parents possessed. At age four she declared, to Kiera’s utter astonishment, that she would “henceforth wear no skirts” and stole her brother’s trousers until her parents relented and had the tailors make her several pairs of her own. She liked any sport that gave her the chance to shoot or otherwise damage things, making trouble for her teachers, and sneaking off at all hours to wreak havoc in the Palace. Most abhorrently, she despised her older sister, as girls of that age will do, and Kiera could only sigh and wait for them both to grow out of it. So Kiera watched them grow, and found time on the side for her own projects and social activities. She remained close friends with Lucrecia, and, of course, her cousin Randal. The families would often picnic together on holidays, and sometimes they would have a “grown ups’ night out” and relive stories of years past. Kiera’s favorite occasions were the annual balls, where the elite of the Empire filled the grand halls of the Imperial Palace and she got the first dance with her husband. The eyes of every person in the room fixated on them, little knowing that their Emperor and his Empress were whispering not words of love, but quiet jokes about their guests (though sometimes Kiera would slip an “I love you” in just to see Iaius smile radiantly). Of course there was always a new gown and jewels in honor of the event, and the elegance never failed to thrill her. Kiera often reflected upon how lucky she was to have Iaius. Their relationship had been rocky from the very beginning, and often she had wondered if it would last, but she needn’t have worried. Each year brought more growth and love, helped immensely by their children, who were clearly the most important thing in the world to both Kiera and Iaius. Family time was tantamount to sacred time, and they did their best to have it as often as possibly. There were times of stress, but it couldn’t be any different when the family in question ruled an empire. Kiera had a busy schedule and was often present at groundbreakings, award ceremonies, and other special events. She hated the idea of letting her diplomatic skills grow rusty, so whenever she needed a break from Coruscant, she’d accept some mission or another, or accompany a rookie diplomat to give them the benefits of experience without the risk of ruining the negotiations. All things considered, it wasn’t a bad life by far. Sometimes Kiera wished for a position with less visibility, fewer constant pressures, but she consoled herself with the idea that someday, far in the future, when she and Iaius had both had enough, they would leave the Empire to Tybalt and take off for a year or two of adventure in the great wide galaxy. Of course, just when she got to daydreaming such things, Ty would invariably tear a sheet to shreds with his sword, or Arya would shriek at Julyet’s impropriety, and Kiera was reminded that that day was long in coming, if indeed it ever came. But, then again, being surrounded by one’s family and friends was hardly anything to complain about. She was terribly, happily, lucky. -----signature----- Shark movies bring out a rough crowd.
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AdmiralNick22 Registered: May '03	Date Posted: 1/19/06 10:26am Subject: RE: Galactic Empire (IBOP) - Date Edited: 1/25/06 9:42pm (2 edits total) Edited By: LightSide_Apprentice
	To: The Players of the Galactic Empire Faction of Integrated Balance of Power Congrats on ending this truly fun and never ordinary thread. During my tenure heading the New Republic faction, I always had to keep one eye on the Core Worlds, lest a Imperial fleet deploy and start wreaking havoc across the faction that I had been busy rebuilding. I would seriously and genuinly like to thank GrandAdmiral Jello and Mitthy for their kindness to me, both as a member of this faction and as a member of the opposing faction. When I first stumbled into IBoP years ago, I was struck by the core of professional players that lead it. The two aforementioned, as well as notables like NaboosPrincess and Thok impressed me greatly. In many ways, I tried to model my own method of running the NR and GMing in the mold of the examples you all have provided. I recall the first time I recieved a AOL IM from your little chat group. Despite the fact I was a newcomer, you all welcomed me in with warm words and open arms. That, more than anything, made me feel that I was a part of the game. I want to give a special thanks to Mitthy in that regard, who in helping me develop my Imperial Character, Lysander Martz, helped me expand my own ability to RP, especially in terrestrial combat situations, which was my greatest weakness. All of you made my own experience in this game very positive. It is also fair to say that you all provided the catayst I needed to rebuild the New Republic faction. My constant fear of attack or infiltration pushed me to RP in a higher level, and gave me the will to reorganize the faction, build new fleets, add new worlds, and recruit new players. So, I persoanlly thank the Empire for saving the New Republic. Anyways, I just felt that it was appropriate to share my feelings with all of you as this thread comes to an end. Thank you for making my participation in this game so much more memorable, as well as enjoyable. --Adm. Nick ========================================================= Now, to end my only Imperial character... IC: Commodore Lysander Martz Garqi, following the end of the Yuuzhan Vong war Walking down to old road to his families home, Martz felt a sense of relief and joy. He had been fighting Yuuzhan Vong fleets in the Core while his homeworld suffered attack from the Vong. Damage to the once peaceful pastoral world was high, with the few major cities having suffered the brunt of the attack. Casualties were estimated at nearly 30%, meaning that there was not a family on Garqi who did not lose a loved one or friend. Seeing his old home brought a tear to his eyes. He had not been back since his visit with Field Marshal Veers, which seemed like a lifetime ago. His good friend the Field Marshal had become a part of the Martz family. He had even seen to it that the Martz's had made it off planet before the attacks. His care would not be forgotten. As he rounded the last bend of the road, Martz stopped. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath through his nose. The smell of the air- rich, clean, slightly of good earth and soil- entoxicated him. His fathers fruit vines were coming in good, with the promise of a good harvest. Waiting for him on the porch were his two parents, Orsino and Olivia. Despite the fact that he was a adult now in his thirties, the weary commodore dropped his bag and ran to his family. It was good to be home. TAG: No one --Adm. Nick Thanks for the memories, LightSide. LSA Edit: Just removing some "='s" -----signature----- Fleet Junkie Founding Father Official Greatest Admiral Ackbar Fan "A peaceful Galactic Alliance is the strongest pillar of a peaceful galaxy." - Luke Skywalker "I will surrender, Admiral, when I can no longer fight!" - Admiral Gar Stazi A New Hope
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CmdrMitthrawnuruodo Registered: Jul '00	Date Posted: 1/19/06 1:05pm Subject: RE: Galactic Empire (IBOP)
	AdmiralNick22 posted: So, I persoanlly thank the Empire for saving the New Republic. Veers: "Bah. Totally the opposite of what we wanted. We'll just have to rethink our strategy, won't we Commodore Martz?" -----signature----- "Dyin' be the day worth livin' for!" --Captain Hector Barbossa PotC: Amuletum Angiti http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3635826/1/ http://s12.gladiatus.com/game/c.php?uid=48046
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LightSide_Apprentice Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: May '01	Date Posted: 2/4/06 8:24pm Subject: RE: Galactic Empire (IBOP)
	CONCERNING THE END: It should come as no surprise that events within the Galactic Empire have slowed considerably over the past few weeks. That is not to say that what progress has been made has not been tremendous, for I've noticed a solid attempt to wrap up certain story arcs. What you may or may not realise, is that the opportunity to post conclusions and final summaries is not the end of all things, but nor is it an invitation to start whole new scenarios to carry on indefinitely. In the days ahead, final posts will be made to formally conclude this faction. After that time, any late additions will be welcome within the Smaller Factions Thread of IBoP. My advice and recommendation for players is to wrap up their present scenarios, where possible in some form of summary. Should they have unfulfilled wishes, they are more than welcome to post or refer to those IC. These areas can, and probably will be explored at some future point, but at present I feel they will only detract from what is necessary at this time, that is, a formal, and fitting ending for us all to remember. The Galactic Empire has been, and always will be remembered for being, one of the greatest and influential groups within the entire RPG. It has been filled with a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, of drama and politics, love and war. So, let us remember it for that, and all else that it offered us. -----signature----- Can we not, for just one moment, appreciate the simplicity, and timelessness, of two souls in love?
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Protege-of-Thrawn Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Mar '01	Date Posted: 2/5/06 3:18am Subject: RE: Galactic Empire (IBOP)
	IC as Kane Lavos, the Emperor's chambers, Imperial Palace He abruptly fell silent, as if something else had whispered a secret that only he could hear, diverting his attention from the esoteric conversation to something more eternal, more divine. His eyes seemed to fade as they locked onto the Emperor, himself guarded and distant. Lavos had been aware of the Emperor's split attention, Iaius was a being of enormous Force potential, and was obviously using that to keep track of the battle overhead. The part of him that was still Kane Lavos anguished internally as he regarded the mastery of the plan that was both his and repulsed him. For Ki An Robesu had counted on exactly such a reaction from the Emperor. Controlling every variable, aware of all outcomes, prepared for any eventuality...the aura of infaliability become in of itself the greatest weakness of the infidel Emperor. Kane Lavos' eyes filled with pity, and for a moment that was both bliss and torment, he once again felt what it was to be alive. For with all the attention the Emperor placed on events above, and on this conversation and on his fleets and on running a War, he ignored that which posed no threat. Seemingly. He wouldn't notice the nothing that the Force did not notice that wasn't coming from the Yuuzhan Vong and wasn't coming from Lavos. He wouldn't notice the danger beneath, the danger the last vestigal of Lavos had attempted to warn the Imperials about when he had attacked Hargroves, carving into his chest... From beneath you it devours... "My Emperor, know as you regard me and consider the odd repulsion in the Force that I have become, the true nature of what you see. Kane Lavos is dead, he was killed by an enemy greater than the Yuuzhan Vong and yet became their servant through an ignominous wrenching back from the beyond. He was killed by your true enemy, the Dark Side, that even now seems to be teetering on the edge of defeat around us. But this does not absolve you from danger. What you see before you is the image of Kane Lavos plucked by the Yuuzhan Vong from the mind and corpse of the man that now calls himself Ki An Robesu. He is the architect of all you now behold, a constant torment for the shattered mind that was once Kane Lavos." He marched foward, ensuring that as much as Jello was able, he would focus from the battle above and regard Lavos with all his available intent. Kane Lavos' face changed to one of infinite sadness, as he regarded his former liege. "I am lost to madness, and will soon know again the darkness. But he wanted you to know this. He fought hard my Emperor. I fought so hard, but I couldn't, he couldn't fight them, it was not so much a struggle as a captivity, my mind was not my own, they stole his mind, they..." His eyes clenched closed, and he bent low. "He wanted to apologise my lord. I've failed you." His eyes opened one last time to gaze finally on his Emperor, as the rumbling in his mind matched that of the Palace rooms, as the best covered the final few klicks in a frightening flash of seconds and surged up to consume all. The Ychna hatched below the surface of the world had raced to the signal pulsed by Kane Lavos, and shot up through below the palace, devouring in its cavernous mass perhaps the most loyal examples of Imperial Splendour the galaxy had ever known. Ki An Robesu drew back from the War Coordinators embrace snarling, disbelief on his features. Shocked by the sudden resurgance of the infidel within, he felt gauled by the betrayal from within his mind. The War Coordinator drew back as it sized up what had happened, before one sickly yellow eye regarded him with malice. "No..." Ki An demanded, as he watched a tentacle raise high. "NO!" He shouted, turning to look to the warriors in the hovel puzzled by the by-line before them. A tentacle skewered him through the stomach and drew him close to the beak-like maw of the coordinator, the yellow eye boring into him. Ki An attempted to struggle desperately, before a strange calm came over him, a profound stillness followed by a change in his face. Anger contorted into contentment, into...victory. Kane Lavos smashed down the twin personality in control of his mind, if only to look into the Yammosk's mind and leave a message for the Warmaster above. "I have won, you fool. Despite it all, I have won. May you die without honour, and remember my face before you die!" A whip-like tendril flashed out from the Yammosk, garroting off the head of Ki An Robesu, as other filaments came up to ravage the mortal remains of the infidel-who-was-shaped, the Genius advisor and Intendant who had created so much destruction, promised so much to his masters. And Kane Lavos' body lay dead...again. IC as Dayvid Mylenko, Byss Installation "Sir, the Yuuzhan Vong fleet has just decanted. It looks like a hell of a lot of ships sir, maybe the whole battle group." Mylenko smoothed out his white uniform and looked out the viewport. If his intelligence web - the Hand of Dugal cabal - was correct, this was the fleet of the same Supreme Commander who had authorised the assassination of Sil Dugal. A fitting end he thought, that they should all be drawn here for his final trap. "Once they've moved within the limits, activate the mine field. Those who survive will think that is our only trick, and will probably decant onto the surface. Our trap is ready?" One of the hooded women before him bowed. "Byss will burn brightly when we release the prototype substances. They've tested well. No one who goes down the well will come back up." Mylenko nodded, satisfied. "Good. Instruct the home fleet to pull back to the planet, and the reserve fleet to jump in only after the planet trap is activated, to bottle them up. No one leaves the system alive. When the fleet pulls out, Byss will be a dead cinder." The other women bowed this time. "It will be done." Mylenko nodded. "Good." Now it would be onto the second part of the plan, the final vengeance for his old friend. Despite a long time working for this rogue operation, it was time to pay one final tribute to Sil Dugal...and rejoin the family he thought he would never serve again. Turning to the helm officer of the Eye of Palpatine, he smiled confidently. "Set a course for Imperial Centre, Captain. And prepare a flash-burst encryption to the theatre commander there. Instruct him that one of the big rocks coming up the Yuuzhan Vong fleet is a nasty surprise for the invaders." Mylenko paused, as he regarded the growing firefight of a pre-ordained battle over at the distant planetary elipse of Byss. "And tell him...tell him some lost brothers of the Empire are finally home, and that all the loyal sons of His Imperial Majesty will soon know vengeance." The asteroid that was a dreadnaught that was a battlemoon that was Dayvid Mylenko's vengeance flashed into hyperspace, and perhaps the final battle of All. OOC: That's about it for my OCs. Jello, a PM is waiting for you regarding what you might want to do with the long conversation we had started between Lavos and Jello, end it how you will. Also, Mylenko is done as far as I'm concerned, but feel free to include his stealthing up to the other rocks in Coruscant or some such. Goodbye IBOP, you've been a good friend. -----signature----- "I don't mind a couple of spam threads around here" - Cahill the Tyrant [HawkNC] This Sig is written and approved by Arun Allsten http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109821/
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LightSide_Apprentice Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: May '01	Date Posted: 2/15/06 2:49am Subject: RE: Galactic Empire (IBOP) - Date Edited: 2/15/06 3:01am (3 edits total) Edited By: LightSide_Apprentice
	Members of the mighty and long-standing Galactic Empire, I'd like to offer a few words as we bring this faction, in as far as its present role in this great story, to a close. First, and foremost, I should probably make formal an announcement that you've probably always known the content of, but those around you have not, that being, that you have been put through some of the most difficult and challenging trials of any other faction since the very beginning, when the Balance of Power began. My reason for this was simple, I learned rather quickly that the Empire had attracted a group of experienced Role Players who, for the most part, were already Imperial at heart, so, I thought it appropriate to level the playing field. GrandAdmiralJello, you were the Emperor of this great faction before you even joined it. The role seemed to welcome you, and you it, like Cinderella to her glass slipper, or, more appropriately, a king to his custom-fit crown. Unfortunately for you, that position attracted some of the most difficult trials of all. I wanted you to earn your position, before you ever attained it, and then all the more once you had it within your grasp. That you kept with it, even when faced with a disadvantage or seemingly impossible challenge, is a testament to your perseverance and the success you've received because of it. I hope you grew and learned from the many tests and trials I set before you, and I wish to thank you for rising to meet each and every one of them. It has been a great learning experience for me, and an enjoyable one. CmdrMitthrawnuruodo, I'll never understand your eternal resolve and eagerness for a good ground assault or battle on the soils of the galaxy's diverse planets. Needless to say, your passion for role playing and, especially, both character and plot development, has been, among other things, inspirational. Characters such as Gregory Thane, and Striker have been among my favourites, even if I did not like their loyalty (or disloyalty as it sometimes seemed) to the Empire, just as their uncanny ability to ruin or foil my plans to keep them under control. I will never forget the way you brought Maximilian Veers to life, out from his brief role in the Empire Strikes Back, into a long-standing and mature character that all of us can admire and learn from. It has been a pleasure playing alongside, with, and against you. If Jello, through Iaius, has been the head of the Empire, then you have been its heart. Without you, there would be no circulation, and no life. Protege-of-Thrawn, as you might have guessed, I've found it a challenge to keep you both interested and yet also on your toes. While I do not know that I had to make the effort, or whether or not I succeeded, I would do it all again with a mixture of smiles and expressions of both panic and distress. You, more than anyone else, have expressed such subtle eloquence and style in a class of your own that I've found it a contsant battle to keep up with you, let alone seek to get ahead and deliver some surprises of my own. If ever Imperial Intelligence was to be personified, it would be through you. I know not of your passions or loyalties, except to believe they are to bring out the best in all of us, especially those who have already risen to great heights, by testing us with fire and things more dangerous still. You have a unique way of keeping us all grounded, or buried, as they case might be. To this day, I think your skill as a player remains unmatched throughout the entire ranks of the Empire. May your long-term vision, and masterful web of planning for events, remain with you not only in their application to great games such as this, but the life you live. Thok, without a doubt, you've brought the most unpredictable, and, perhaps the most lovable characters to the Galactic Empire through Jean and Randal. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching them both grow and develop, from Jean's days as a Sith Lord in training, to his time serving within Imperial Intelligence, just as I have Randal's from being a bright and charming young commander, to a wise Grand Admiral, and loving husband. Your wit and sense of humour, as well as your loyalty to your friends, are some of the most admirable qualities I've ever seen in a person. It's been a rare pleasure, really. I have chosen to mention you all foremost for one main reason, you were and are the foundation that this faction was built upon. I've come to learn and understand that you were bound together before ever coming to join in this game and I am very grateful for your participation, just as I am for your support and commitment. Thank you not only for taking a risk in joining a game created by a relative unknown at the time, but for being open to welcome not only myself, but the many visitors and members into this faction and the wider game, as you welcome one another in friendship. NaboosPrincess, you are not forgotten, nor will you ever be. You have achieved what no one else may claim title to. I know that the beginnings of your role playing experience were often challenging and, at times, not entirely pleasant, but I am sincerely overjoyed and eternally grateful for your decision to stick with us all, as a part of this community. Kiera is perhaps the character I feel is the most likable. She is a model for us all to follow and learn from, and you have brought her to life, through your words and actions in your masterful characterisation of the former Rebel soldier and diplomat turned Imperial royalty. She is, I believe, the most credibly presented character I've seen within this thread and its former edition(s). If I could have but one friend in the world, I'd want it to be someone just like her. Congratulations, on presenting such a strong character, for surviving through personal and in-game trials as you managed it all, and for bringing us so many smiles. DarthXan318, I have not forgotten the calculating, but confident and modest commander Nathan Tyrael. He was among those that I enjoyed watching the most. I suppose, to a large degree, you proved so ready and willing to take on whatever challenges you were faced with, that I felt drawn to providing all the more trials and traps for you to deal with. That you passed those and dazzled us in doing so, is a tribute to your awesome skill as a role player, through carefully crafted and well-presented characters. Your presence has left a mark on the game as a whole, which will be fondly remembered and recalled in tales told of this great epic. You will never be forgotten, and you will be greatly missed as we hope for your return. Jedi_Master_Damir, while Sheen Ollet may not have remained within the known galaxy as an active force for his entire time with the Galactic Empire, he was, and will always be remembered as, a formidable force of his own. I greatly admire your presentation style and have been honoured to have shared this experience with you. I can only hope that you enjoyed it all as much as I did, for I know that I look forward to revisiting and re-reading your unforgettable delivery of a character so vivid and determined that he came to life from your words as I read them. Yomin_Carr, in the short time that I had the pleasure of watching you, I was filled with both outbursts of laughter, and keen interest, both. You have set the foundations for stories and tales that few people may have noticed, but did not go unrecognised by some, myself included. I hope to shed some future light on your brilliance, for I believe that it is most assuredly deserved for someone of your particular talent. I have always been grateful for your contributions; whether you realise it or not, your efforts have been among some of the most subtle and well crafted that they set you apart from your peers and demand respect of your abilities. I realise that there are far too many persons to mention, so I shall be brief and offer my regards to a few of the more noteworthy contributors I can call to mind: DarthSeti5, I have been blessed for having ever crossed paths with you, and hope all is well, you are one of the finest writers I've ever seen, presenting characters with such complexity that I could not imagine might come through a game as simple as this one; Blue_10, your passion for role playing and desire for an enjoyable experience will always make me smile; I hope you found some measure of the excitement you sought in this game, and that you find all the more fulfillment in whatever else you set your mind and heart to; cavalier_one, you're, by now, an old friend and respected colleague, for your open respect and honesty, if ever there was a person to rise up to an impossible challenge, it was you; ShadowWarrior, your contributions have been welcome, and I am grateful for them, even if they did not quite go entirely perfectly or as subtle as you had envisioned, you have made my experience here more interesting because of it all, and eye-opening; neila_nuruodo, I've been impressed by your ability, even if I only had a glimpse of it, and I hope to have the opportunity to see more, should I be so fortunate; Theron, versatile and otherwise as flexible as you are, I've not forgotten the distant time when we first crossed paths and wanted to make it known that I was and am very grateful that you came to join this ride, too. No doubt some names have been overlooked, yet the part those people played here was not without loss. I have been so very fortunate to have had this chance, and, as sad as I am to see the close of this long chapter, so too am I happy to give one last performance and display of my own, which, I hope, might shed a little light on the shadows that have long crept and lurked about within this realm. Unknown Regions Distant spots of light offered near absent illumination within the vast command room of the gigantic vessel. Not nearly as cold as the empty depths of space itself, but cool and icy in its own way, for its occupants and their surroundings, was the meeting place of the shadow empire that thrived in its influence across the galaxy. Breathing slowly, yet with purpose, was one of the most respected of their number. A Dark Lord of the Sith and only living proxy of the former Emperor Palpatine, Lord Darth Vader spoke in a tone and measure of authority that his audience, despite their own power and influence, could not deny. "It seems that balance was, after all, not set in duracrete." He stood silently, his back turned to the other members of the council as he gazed, almost longingly toward the distant stars. "And yet we have attained it. Again." His shallow breaths remained measured as he turned, his black cape fluttering behind him as if to keep up with his long stride. Only when he came to the centre of the council did he pause. "Emperor Palpatine would have been pleased with your efforts, for our failure here may have spelled doom for the galaxy entire." Without so much as another word, he left them. They knew nothing of his departure to the depths of the Unknown Regions, or his purpose, as he finally relinquished command of the Executor to Grand Admiral Piett; they knew not of Anakin Skywalker's journey to Zonama Sekot, where he met with his son, the Jedi Master, Luke Skywalker; and, they were kept in the dark as to the planet's final journey, with an old friend and visitor, as father and son parted company for what would be the very last time. Silence enveloped the room like a blanket cast over the world. In shadow and darkness and silence, the leaders of the empire remained, until, at length, a cool voice penetrated the quiet, a voice so confident it revealed the speaker for who she was, despite her gender. "Intelligence has committed what resources it will," said the lady in scarlet. "We return to take charge of our shadow agents and restore the seeds snatched from us at our division." Ysanne Isard stood and stepped into the dim light with a cruel smile. "Ask nothing more of us in this quest for balance." "Be at ease," came a placating voice of reason. "Your part is not easily surrendered, but nor is it without reward. Further resources and newly chartered territories, as promised, await you at Lusankya. What once was yours, Director Isard, will be, again, yours to claim." His eyes glittered within the darkness, and his Noghri attendant revealed a perfect set of predatory teeth as he stood behind the Grand Admiral's command chair. "It is not a matter of asking." A flicker of anger rose within her heart as she listened to his words, and she bit back a remark. It was not her place to argue with Thrawn so long as he held all the cards. Lord Vader had certainly placed great faith in the Chiss, and even Ysanne Isard knew better than to openly reveal her hand. She maintained her cold smile, her gaze of ice and fire, and left the room, with Raphael at her side. The others departed shortly thereafter, until finally only three remained. There was no need to voice dismissal, for Rukh and Pellaeon took their leave, and Grand Admiral Thrawn remained alone to explore, at long last, his own prize as balance was restored once more. What was dark remained dark for but a moment, before holographic displays filled the room. Artwork from a diverse array of new worlds and cultures, from places and species secluded within the furthest, most dangerous depths of the Unknwon Regions, came to apparent life in holographic form. A gift, it was said, these were. Thrawn knew exactly what that meant as he leaned back in his chair and thought of the mysterious benefactor who seemed to find infinite interest in orchestrating events on a scale beyond that which even the galaxy could accomodate. Perhaps the answers to some of the mystery would be found when the Chiss probed an uncharted part of the realm they called their own, within which they would find a more fearsome enemy than the Yuuzhan Vong ever were... -----signature----- Can we not, for just one moment, appreciate the simplicity, and timelessness, of two souls in love?
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