Room 216, Palpatine Memorial Hospital - Imperial Center General Thane is sitting up in the hospital bed, the left side of his body that could be seen is badly scarred from the burns. His left eyelid is partially closed. His left hand is crippled and closed half way into a fist. "I wish I could say that I am feeling better, Admiral." Giving a slight nod, the admiral agreed to Thane's comment. He had never seen someone whom had been through so much pain, but still had lived through it. "How long will you be out of the service my frined? The army can be without your mind for so long General. I do hope you have some hatred built up against the rebellion after this misfortune." "The doctor says I can return in a week or two. Though I'm conspiring with Covell to make it a week." Thane grins, the scars on his face twisting it into a half-snarl, half-grimace. "And the rebellion will regret ever blowing up that ship in front of my face, I assure you." He continues, the grin actually turning into something sinister. "While I have been stuck here, I've come up with some plans to put to work once I am out of this wretched place." It is obvious he is no longer the same man Duflin once knew before the explosion. Sliding across his face, Randal began to understand now what Thane was becoming. He was now a man of pain, of hatred. He could feel that this man would make millions pay for the misfortunes that had fallen apon him. He was glad to have him fighting on his side. "Very good Greggory, im glad to see that your mind is still as sharp as it always was. Perhaps i could see some of the details concerning your plans within the comming week." "Perhaps, Admiral." Thane said loftly, his attention turning to something else non-existing in the room. "I'll let you know of my plans when they require your service." Bending his head slightly to acknowledge Thane's comment, the admiral continued onward. "I have not spoken to your father in quite some time, i trust he has been spending most of his time here by your side no doubt. "Is he still here by any chance?" He shakes his head no in reply. "He has been called away to Brentaal by the Emperor." "Ah yes, The planet Brentaal. With your father there, the planetary surface should be secured quite quickly." Still staring at thane, he couldnt get past that he seemed very different, and not just in appearance, but in his personality as well. "Very well General Thane, I shant take up any more of your time, you need to get better as fast as possible. Hopefully, i will hear from you in the following weeks. I will require your service in the outer rim in the next comming months, if you agree so." "I may not be able to be of service." He replied after a moment of silence. His tone is softer and more friendlier again, as if he remembered who he was addressing. "There are some projects I need to attend to and catch up on. Projects that should make me the most wanted man in the Rebellion when completed, I think." "Very well, if your projects are of that nature, i shall not be the person to pry you away from them. By the way, when you have returned to your office, i need to speak to you about the situation with the Arc Hammer" Thane nods. "Sure. I was wondering when we would get back to that." "As did i. Well then my friend, i trust we will be in contact soon enough. Get your rest, i hope to see you in your office soon enough. Rest well, my friend." Saluting the man in the bed, the Admiral slowly walked out of the room, and back towards the lobby.
Emperor Iaius I Iaius met the Director's gaze evenly. She was a person who was not to be trifled with. Her eyes promised a harsh and cold end for those who earned her fiery wrath. Ysanne Isard was a very dangerous person. Iaius Jello was more so. "I assume that you're already aware of the death of Assistant Director Dugal and possible comprimise of all of our security throughout the Empire. I want to know what the current status is, and what is being done about it," the Emperor commanded. She was a spider. Eagles preyed on spiders, but they could be useful. Spiders could devour the pests that made the eagle's life miserable. Thus, the spider was useful. But he remained wary: spiders sometimes trick eagles into their lairs and eat them, too. Iaius probably had little to be concerned about: despite their enmity in that fateful High Command meeting, he didn't think that Isard had any plans for revenge. She had willingly served Palpatine, and would probably to the same to him: provided Iaius demonstrated the strength that Palpatine had. Either she was resent it, or it'd convince her to support him. Some said that playing with Isard was like playing with fire--but Jello did not burn.
From: Admiral Sheen Ollet To: Emperor Iaius I <<Your excellency, today, we had success. Duro is now officially in Imperial hands. No battle was fought, no lives were lost; we have taken Duro peacefully. The New Republic presence was expelled, however I'm not sure if they do plan to return.>>
Emperor Iaius I The Emperor nodded in approval. "Splendid. With the galaxy changed as it is, and war burning once more, it is critical that we move past our antiquated methods. I had an idea of my own: Obsidian level priority is rather bulky and unwieldy. Anything from routine High Command summons to critical messages to/from me fall under that, and it's very cumbersome and inefficient. I suggest a level above Obsidian that I may use to transmit special orders and receive important bits of information."
Emperor Iaius I "Good. Otherwise, how is Intelligence doing? Where do we stand and what sort of things do you have planned for the future?"
Emperor Iaius I
With energy splashing against his shields, Leran had little time to think - they were above him, catching him in a crossfire, so that meant they were angled downwards, relatively speaking. If he dove, as instinct told him to, the Headhunters would be able to keep a target lock on him. So he climbed, hauling back on the stick and transferred as much power to the shields from the lasers as he had to to survive. Hopefully, he would emerge above the two Headhunters, who would have to take time to reorient on the Imperial, allowing him a free shot at at least on of the Rebels.
Royal Chambers - Imperial Palace, Imperial Center It was good to be out of the hospital and on his own feet again. He had checked in with Covell recently and learned that the man was unable to obtain one key element for a Operation. And since Thane was on the world that had that particular element, he chose to delay his departure for the Terror to get it. Now he was walking through the corridors of the Imperial Palace heading to the private chambers of the Royal Family to meet with the Empress. It did not take him long to arrive in the Royal Wing of the palace or at the elaboratly decorated double doors of the chambers. "General Gregory Thane to see Empress Kiera." He told the Praetorian Guardsmen flanking either side of the doors. Kiera had finally gotten Arya to settle down for a nap, so peace and quiet reigned for once. She was trying to use the time wisely, reading reports on economic production. It was the most boring reading in the galaxy, but it had to be done. About halfway through the one concerning Brentaal, the message tone sounded. "What is it?" she asked. "General Gregory Thane here to see you, your highness." the praetorian said. She had heard he was feeling better, but she didn’t know the man would be out of the hospital yet, and never thought he would come to see her. It was certainly a surprise, but a welcome one. "Let him in," she instructed, and went to meet the general. The Praetorians gave him admittance into the private chamber and General Thane stepped through the double doors. He had never been inside the Royal Chambers before and so took a good look at how the place was decorated. It was no surprise that the chambers were as elaborate as the doors he had passed through. The perks of being the most powerful family in the galaxy. He thought and tried to smile without having the scar tissue on his face turn it into something sinister. "Your Majesty." He graciously bowed at the waist and gently kissed her hand. "I am both honored and pleased that you could see me. I hope I am not disturbing you?" "Not at all, General," she replied. "On the contrary, you have saved me from some very boring reading. And I must say, it is good to see that you are well. We feared that you would not survive. You are felling better, I trust?" "Much better than I was, thank you." He answered and lifted his left arm slightly. "Although I may not look as great." He had a black eyepatch over his left eye, scars running up and down that side of his face. Part of his hair had become shock white and growing back, most of it though hidden beneath his uniform cap. His left arm was bent at the elbow and resting against his abdomen. The hand was gloved, but it was easy to tell that the appendage was crippled since the fingers were curled inward slightly. And when he had approached the Empress, he had walked with a limp. Kiera realized it was rather rude to stand there and chat forever. Even if he was feeling better, it would doubtless be more comfortable to sit. "For the ordeal you have been through, you look wonderful, General," Kiera assured him. "Please, be seated, she said, indicating the chairs in the small sitting room. She herself took a chair facing the door. "Would you care for anything to drink? Arya is resting for once, so we should have plenty of time to talk." Thane took the opposite seat from the Empress and was glad to be off his feet for a moment. He certainly felt like he was older than thirty years. "Thank you. Corellian Ale if you have it. If not, water will do." "Corellian Ale for the general, and ice water for me," Kiera told a servant, who ran to get the drinks. "We have to keep everything locked up now that Arya’s begun her ‘curious baby’ phase," she explained. "She could get herself into trouble. Speaking of that, what will you be doing now that you’re up and about again? Am I right in thinking the rebels had best watch themselves?" "You are correct." Thane answered and took the glass of liquor from the servant. "Though, I have my sights on the rebels personally responsible rather than the whole organization. I understand that there is a good possibility the assassination attempt was plotted by rogue elements within their ranks. People who were discontent with the idea of peace with us, much like members within our own ranks are." "Oh? Do you know something I do not?" Kiera asked him. "That there are discontent rebels?" Thane inquired, not sure what she is asking exactly. "Well, obviously there are discontent rebels, but I try to stay as far aways from them as possible, for obvious reasons. But I'm always glad to talk about them even so. Do you know what individuals were responsible for the attacks yet?" "Not yet, but in time I will know and they will pay dearly for their transgression toward us all." He said with a finality and determination in his voice. "An excellent goal," Kiera told him. "If anyone can accomplish that, it is you. Do let me know if there is anything I can do to help. Nothing like that should ever happen again." Thane smiled inwardly, there was something she could do for him. "As a matter of fact. There is something you can do for me that could help." "And what would that be?" she asked curiously. "One of my men had made a deal with some unsavory characters, smugglers to be precise." Thane began and slowly stood up to pace lightly as he explained the situation. "It was more of a job offer, but their leader did not want Imperial credits and he was able to con my man into agreeing to grant immunity to his smuggling operations within Imperial borders. "His name is Talon Karrde and the job that was offered to him is essential to my plans in ferreting out the rebels responsible for the attack." He paused in his pacing to glancing over to the Empress before continuing. "I don't want to grant him full immunity, merely allow his operations to be legalized. Such legalization would require him to go through inspection like everyone else, however the contents of his cargo can not be used to persecute him. He'll believe he has been given immunity while we get to know what he is smuggling to our worlds at the same time." Now that was a very interesting request. Kiera hadn't expected anything of that nature. Dealings with smugglers were not things one heard about every day. "It's an interesting idea," she told Thane. "I won't even ask how you came up with it. I see how it could be very useful, but there are dangers as well. You do realize what will happen if word of this gets out? I doubt many people will approve of us letting a smuggler run goods legally. Still, if you're confident that it could find those responsibile...I think it's worth a try. But that's only my opinion. Did you want me to bring this idea to the Emperor?" "Actually, I was rather hoping you could approve of it and make it happen." Thane answered and drank the last of the ale before setting the glass on a nearby end table. "Karrde won't be just used to find out the perpetrators. I have more things planned for him and his organization that will prove benefical to the Empire." "I see. Were you planning to work with Intelligence on this at all?" Kiera inquired. She wanted to support the endeavor, but needed more information. "I had not planned on it, no. I particular do not trust Imperial Intelligence." Thane loathed. "Especially after they failed to warn us about the Corvette being filled with droids and explosives." "You do have a point," Kiera admitted. "It may become necessary to inform them, however, to ensure this man's safety and that of his crew. Hopefully it will not come to that. It may be they will not notice him." "I am inclined to support your efforts, General. I think this plan has its merits. But I do think the Emperor should be informed of it. I can approve it for now, and you may get started, but I will have to tell the Emperor when I speak with him." "Of course." Thane inclined his head in thanks. "Excellent. Well, you have my approval, and I shall see what I can do about getting Kaarde's operations...legalized. I should think the Emperor will also support you. Do please keep us informed as to the progress of the operation." "Thank you, my Empress." For a moment, he had a thoughtful look on his face before he spoke again. "Before I go, may I see your daughter? I haven't seen Arya in almost a year since last I saw her." Kiera laughed inwardly. Somehow it always came to Arya. Everyone always wanted to see the Princess. But she didn’t mind, and in fact usually enjoyed showing her daughter off. She was a precious girl, and Kiera was proud of her. "Of course," she told Thane. "She’s probably awake by now; if you would wait a moment I can go and get her." "That won't be necessary." He interjected before Kiera could walk back to the bedroom where the Princess was sleeping. "I could accompany you, if you do not mind." "Oh no, well...of course not," Kiera said after a split second of wondering whether Arya's room was clean or not. It wouldn't do to have a messy room. But no, it was in order, so there was no real reason to refuse. "I can hear her babbling; she must be awake." she told Thane as she opened the door. "If you do not mind me asking, what is it like to have a child?" He asked as they entered the Princess' room. The little girl was in her sleeping crib, babbling indeed and reaching for playful ornaments hanging over the infant. She was definately bigger than he last remembered her. "To have a child?" Kiera repeated. "Well it's...it's difficult to describe. The best feeling in the world, and the worst, it seems. I constantly worry about her. And it does take time. You never get any sleep the first few months. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Just looking at her, and seeing how perfect she is; how she’s happy all the time, how innocent she seems…it makes me happier than I’ve ever been. If you can deal with the responsibility, it’s very rewarding." "I probably would not be able to stand the nights." He softly chuckled. "But then again, I probably would be wide awake and in my office when the child gets hungry." He stands at the crib, looking down at the infant. "It is amazing that our species starts out so small and fragile. Sometimes I wonder how we survived as a race." "Yes, it's worth pondering now and then..." Kiera agreed as she picked her daughter up and held her. "You know, she looks like she might be getting cranky. I would hate for that to ruin your idea of children. Perhaps we could have you over again when she's in better spirits. It would be good for you to talk to the Emperor directly about the Karrde thing once it gets off the ground, too." "Yes, that probably would be best. I wouldn't want him nullifying anything you approve of because of any misunderstanding or some sort." He concured as they walked back toward the room they had previously been in. Thane now realized getting what he wanted was not going to be easy as he had first thought. But he wasn't going to give up so early, he may never have this oppurtunity ever again. When they had returned to the sitting room, he asked her politely. "Before I go, I have one more thing to ask of you, Your Majesty." "Go ahead," she told the General. "That Corellian Ale I had, I would like to have the rest of the bottle." He asked and smiled softly. "It was the best ale I've had in a long time." "Certainly," she told him, and called to the servants to bring the ale. Arya was going to cry, she just knew it, and she was liking the atmosphere in the room less and less. Iaius didn't care for ale, anyway, and they could always buy another bottle. "It has been a great pleasure, General Thane," she said. "Do please visit us again." During the time it took a servant to bring the bottle of ale, he had inconspiciously examined the back of the chair which the Empress had sat in. He was pleased to find what he came for to be there. Now if only he could get it without arousing suspicion. The servant came with the bottle and he had gradually moved closer to the seat. "I look forward to another visit and it was a pleasure speaking to you, my Empress." He said and before he could accept the bottle, he feigned a stabbing pain in his left upperarm and near the shoulder, grimacing to add affect. Thane used the chair as a brace while he grabbed at the area where the pain was located with his other hand. That hand dropped over the item he was after, his own body shielding the movement from the Empress and servant. He took several breathes as the pain subsided. "My goodness, General, are you all right?" Kiera exclaimed, rising from the chair to look at him. "Should I call the medic?" After a moment to straighten his body; "No, no need. It is nothing of concern. Merely a damaged muscle trying to relax, I've had it happen a few times now." He half-lied, pocketing the item and accepting the bottle of ale at last. He had had similiar attacks in the past, a couple times while in the hospital and only once after being let go. The doctors had said it would take some time for it to go away, but he had experianced enough pain to learn to tolerate it until it did. "I better go before something else might happen and you would really need to call a medic." He said good-naturally. "Well, I wish you health, then," Kiera smiled. "And a speedy recovery, if that is possible. Thank you for stopping by today." General Thane bowed at the waist again before making his leave. He left the chambers and passed the Praetorians, giving them no attention as he made his way out of the Royal Wing. When he finally made it to the platform where his hovercar was docked and once inside that car, he greeted his second and handed him the bottle of ale. "How did it go?" Colonel Covell inquired. "Entirely as planned." The General replied and pulled out the single item he had filtched from the Empress without her knowing. "Another piece of the dejarik board has been acquired. The hard part will be putting it into play." In his gloved hand was a single strand of hair.