Star Wars Senate Aflame

IC: 1138
Corellia—Meeting Hall

The Grand Vizier scowled. Mioree's mention of his past had already put him in a bad mood, and he fully intended to find out where he had gotten such information. Was the Navy spying on his branch? Or was Mioree too inquisitive for his own good? Either way, 1138 planned to have a talk with him. But Nairę and the attacks were his immediate priority in what was shaping up to be a really bad day.
A thousand voices began speaking at once. Many of the beings seemed worried and frightened. Some were clearly afraid for their families back home. Others were ready to fight, either the Vong or perhaps even among themselves.
He turned to look for a cue from the Empress, and saw Mioree walking briskly up to her and beginning to speak. He was too far away to hear the discussion, but could tell that the Empress, although worried by the news, was not happy with his lack of protocol.
She caught his eye for a moment and nodded briefly. He stood and motioned to the members of the Council of Twenty, ushering them to the smaller Council Chamber. As he did so, the Empress's Holo appeared on each of the tables, adjourning the meeting temporarily. He caught the eye of the head of security, making sure he was prepared to ensure that there would be no violence between attendees or argument as they were taken out.
He then walked over to the private meeting area, prepared to plan for the Imperial response.

Tag Admiral Volshe, JediMaster_1977, any other members of the Council of Twenty

 

IC: Joden Kerr IV
Temple City - Abydos.

Although the Head of the Order wasn't 'at home', but in Hapan Space; things moved quickly after the greeter heard Joden's reason for travelling to the 'Temple of the Saviour'; immediately passing him up the hierarchy to the senior personage present. Although not authorised to induct new members into the Order, a requested demonstration of some of Joden's Jedi abilities convinced that worthy to put Joden aboard a fast shuttle that was heading directly to Hapes for a final vetting and a decision by a man named Daniel Sandstrider (who it turned out was the individual the shopkeeper had referred to as the 'Reborn (or Returned) Saviour' and Grandmaster of the Abydonian Jedi Order.

The spaceflight at least let Joden have a thorough sanisteam, get some proper sleep (Force Refreshing oneself only staves off the immediate need for sleep for a time, it does not replace it), eat something a good deal more flavoursome than ration bars, launder his jumpsuits and polish his boots properly. As he was now with people used to seeing Lightsabers, he also re-attached them to his belt, the one-handed version at the rear (where it was accessible by either hand) and the two-handed Lightsaber to its normal position at his left hip.

A delay followed the shuttle ride, and it was not until several hours later that Joden was presented to Daniel Sandstrider.

Just in time for them both to witness the attack....


TAG: Skywalker_T-65

 

IC: Empress Emiliana Volshe
Coronet City - Imperial Meeting Hall

The crackling of the now dead Holo connection faded into the voices of the thousand Imperials within the intricate open aired Hall. The Empress took a moment to register what had happened, then moved to dulling the chill that Nairę's sudden appearance had given her. The woman's brown eyes seemed to dig deep into her past, through every barrier she had built. She waited silently along with everyone else, as the holo changed from their enemy to a news report. The din quieted instantly. All eyes trained on the holo projectors neatly placed on each table. She watched the news report in a solemn silence, unmoving and still fighting the cold tension with each word the newsman spoke.

Another two attacks.

Countless innocent lives.

A wave of malicious anger crested and crashed down over her shoulders as the voice droned on, the background showing grotesque images and rubble from the Baradium warheads. She clenched her hand to try and prevent the frustration from clouding her perception.

The anchor had just moved to the topic of the Hapes attacks when Grand Admiral Jallin Miloree stood from his seat and walked to her. She blinked languidly and sighed. The news report was what she wanted to focus on, it would give her hints to what the next steps would have to be. The Grand Admiral's lapse in protocol, as he had not asked to speak with her, distracted her from her ability to absorb the information. This was a time of confusion however, she reasoned, exhaling sharply and letting it go.

She cast a steely gaze away from his approaching figure back to the gruesome news. The anchor's voice floated from the hundreds of holo projectors for a few more moments before Jallin's voice interrupted it. She looked to him, meeting his ghostly red eyes.

He started with what was a torrent of comments and questions; moving quickly from one to the next. She felt frustration flow off him, building with each word. "So what do you make of this sudden breach of NGE security? Having Nairę broadcast on our encryption network doesn't bode well to how secure we have things. I mean just look at how easily my plans were stolen from Mygeeto. How are we supposed to fight when even our own meetings are hacked into like this?"

Instead of answering, the Empress held up her hand to request his silence. She had heard his concerns and was as alarmed as he was. His points were quite valid.

However they needed to deal with everything in a council meeting; here, in front of so many others, was not the place. She glanced to the table where the Imperial Court was seated, nodding to the Grand Vizier and letting him know that she wanted to hold a private meeting. He obliged her silent request quickly and stood.

While he moved the Council from the grand room to the smaller, soundproofed meeting area, she took a step forward onto the Holo pad. Smoothing her intricate robes and erasing the mixed emotions from her face she began to speak. The voices of those in attendance fell to a hush once again.

"Dearest Imperials," she began, "Thank you for your attendance, and I apologise for this horrific and most unfortunate interruption. I will adjourn our meeting and ask that you remain in your on-planet accommodations for the time being."

She took a breath and began again. Her eyes scanned the crowd; attempting to make contact with each individual. Her words carried powerfully to them, the room's acoustics boosting each syllable.

"These attacks upon the galaxy, upon innocent lives and planets, will not be allowed to continue, I assure you. We will protect the galaxy. As one strong Empire, we can conquer this threat and renew the peace that is so long overdue."

She nodded to end the speech and stepped back from the pad, her image fading into blue dust on the holo projectors.
Another breath gave her the time she needed to create a temporary plan. They needed to gather the pieces and figure out where the next attack would be, as well as send ships to assist in aiding Hapes and Muunilinst.

She sighed lightly as she walked towards a darkened alcove, which lead to the smaller, more private meeting area. Her Shadow Guards flanked her and scanned the crowd for any threats.

The door slid open to the room. The lighting was much dimmer and the low ceilings a typical military slate. Only 5 of the members had arrived and she was slightly annoyed that they had not hurried to make the trip of a few metres. Especially with the two vicious attacks and the one impending.

The door hissed open again as another 2 entered. The Empress took her seat; making note of those whom were already waiting. She continued this and started checking uniforms until the last few had finally joined them and stood behind their chairs.

She motioned to a guard to seal the soundproof barrier before motioning the council to take their seats. As soon as they had, she began to give preliminary orders.

"Our first order should be sending a fleet, yours," she waved a hand towards Jallin, "to Muunilinst, for aid and defense. I'll leave it to you to choose another fleet to be sent to Hapes for the same reason. "

"Lord General, send special task force squadrons and medic teams along with the fleets." A pause in her orders gave the words time to sink in. She turned to the five members of the ISB seated on one end of the table.

"Investigate the breach and tighten security on sensitive data. Not only shall our data be moved to red alert," she now looked to everyone, "but our fleets and squadrons as well. Across the board. We need to be prepared for this attack."

She tried to hide her frustration as it intensified. It was a tough situation. Putting the Empire on red alert would benefit their speed and reaction but could weaken them in the long run. And all she knew was that they were next, not when or where. She hated waiting games; especially so when she had no control.
With another deep breath she spoke one last sentence.

"And now we must plan for the next one."

TAG: Chewbacca89 , JediMaster_1977 , Imperial 1138 , Anyone Else in the Imperial Court/Council of Twenty.

 

IC: Daniel Sandstrider
Private Quarters aboard ACS Victorious

The private quarters aboard the Abydonian designed Battle-Cruiser Victorious were rather expansive for a ship its size. The people of Abydos were used to large spaces, and thus their ships had large rooms built into the designs. This specific room was the quarters of Daniel Sandstrider, the 'Savior Reborn', though he loathed that title. He had never wanted this much attention, but he served his people well. Currently the Senator and Commander of the Abydonian Navy, Daniel was sitting in his flagship in orbit over Hapes. The only ally of Abydos that had a significant fleet, Daniel was currently in their territory to discuss the attacks on Bespin and Mygeeto.

As he waited for the holocomm to connect to its Hapan equivalent, Daniel heard his door swing open. Getting to his feet, the young man saw another man standing in the doorway. Judging from the lightsaber, he was a Jedi or Sith, though Daniel was leaning towards the former considering his Force presence. It felt...off...somehow, but there was no dark side taint in this man. So Daniel walked forward to shake the man's hand.

"Hello, I am Daniel Sandstrider, Senator of Abydos...though I would assume you are here to meet me in my capacity of Grand Master of the Abydos Order...correct?" Daniel asked, motioning to a set of chairs in the corner, "I must confess though, I do not know who you are. And your Force signature feels different from anything I'm used to."

The Jedi moved to pour some tea for his guest, but alarms began to blare, right as his Force senses screamed a warning. Daniel jumped to his feet, and pulled his comlink from his desk with a quick jerk of the Force.

"What's going on out there?!" he shouted into the device.

"Something is up with the Julius Comet Cluster. One of them just impacted a Golan VIII platform...there's nothing left sir. The Hapan's are dispatching fighters to investigate," the reply came from the bridge.

If Daniel were less refined, he would have cursed at that, "What are the Hapan's thinking...comets don't just change course like that. Move the Victorious towards the cluster, and launch the Starstreaks. Something is up, and they'll need our help."

As the massive battlecruiser began to alter its course, it launched swarms of fighters. All of the Abydonian vessels began to move towards the cluster. The problem was the distance involved. Which quickly became evident as a small fleet of warships cut the Hapan fighters to ribbons. A group of ancient gunships were manipulating the comets into hitting the Golans. Soon enough, most of the platforms were nothing more than debris. A group of Star Destroyers broke off from the main fleet, and descended towards Hapes' surface.

Daniel could only watch the sensor readouts as they bombarded the capital city, leaving it in rubble. The Hapan ships (with help from the Victorious) managed to drive the enemy ships off, but the damage was done. Daniel collapsed into his chair again, trying to blot out the feelings of terror radiating from the world below. Turning to his guest, he let out a sigh.

"Looks like that conversation will have to wait. I'll have a crewman escort you to some quarters, and we'll send some food down. Right now, I need to contact my colleague and see if I can do anything to help Hapes."

And with that, Daniel reached for his comlink again. He keyed the code for the Hapan Senator, Lanna Shakal, and hoped she was okay. They would need to coordinate forces to recover from this tragedy...and hope that reinforcements from Abydos and elsewhere in the Hapes Cluster could arrive to defend against a follow up attack.

TAG: awesomejedi , Tim Battershell

 

IC: Lt. Heath Kolarn
Imperial Meeting Hall

Heath watched the proceedings from the shadows near the hall exit. The tactics of this so-called "Vong Empire" disgusted him. What was the point of this destruction? Why attack with no meaning? But no, of course there was a meaning. Fear. This Naire was nothing more than a terrorist. Her attacks had been brutal and effective, to be sure. And while he admired this about her, her overall strategy disgusted him. She had turned war into politics. Rather than going straight for her target and achieving her goal, she chose to dance around, involving civilians in the process. Few things angered Heath more.

He had long since given up the concept that anyone was innocent. The secretary of a corrupt governor might not have committed the governor's crimes, but she supported him. The citizens that housed terrorists and dissidents might not have incited any violence, but they protected those that did. No, everyone was guilty of something, including himself. However, that did not mean wanton slaughter of non-combatants was in any way acceptable. He was perfectly content to live and let live. The lives and freedoms of others concerned him little, but they were theirs to protect and cherish. Killing for the sake of killing was pointless, and wrong. The Emperor had shown him that.

As the majority of the assembly began to file out, Heath made his way towards the council chamber where the Empress and the others were discussing the recent turn of events. His full dress uniform made him feel more comfortable in the company of so many higher-ups, but he was acutely aware that several of the beings he passed noticed his meager lieutenant's bar with something like contempt. What was a mere lieutenant doing here, they probably wondered. Let them wonder. Politicians, governors, mid-ranking military officers; they had no idea who he was. It was better that way.

Heath stopped near the sealed door to the council chamber. He nodded in acknowledgement to the shadow guards stationed outside the door, and surveyed the personnel in the vicinity. Was the Emperor's Sword nearby? Surely the Vraeling was around here somewhere. She might have a better grasp of the situation. The Empress was busy giving orders and catering to the idiotic politicians, so he couldn't reach her. He needed orders, though, and soon. His trigger finger itched, and he wanted nothing more than to make a hole between Naire's eyes.

TAG: Shira A'dola , Admiral Volshe , Chewbacca89 , Imperial 1138 , JediMaster_1977 , Yuul_Shamar

 

IC: James Macedon
Imperial Meeting Hall, Coronet City

James Macedon stared at the blank space where the Holonet News reporter had been moments earlier. As countless voices rose around him, James remained silent. Frantic beings filled the hall and all Imperialism went out the window. James kept his composure; professional and as militaristic as always.

Quickly, the Lord General began to think.Muunilinst and Hapes? Why?The Vong Empire wasn't after strategic attacks that would give them an edge in the coming war, it seemed. That would be understandable. Instead they chose to massacre millions of beings without reason. So, the Vong were trying to gain an edge over their enemies, but not a physical one: a mental one. They were using fear as their weapon. By attacking such popular and relatively peaceful planets, fear would grip the galaxy. Much like he heard it gripping the hearts of those around him.

James had seen this countless times in his military career...and was disappointed. He detested war and was an advocate of peace. However, if push came to shove he would gladly meet an enemy in battle. He was hoping the Vong Empire would be an honorable enemy. Not a cowardly one. One that he could revel at as he overcame the challenges they brought to him. But this kind of behavior made his enemy cowards, not warriors. Shaking his head, James rose from his seat.

He saw Jallin Mioree walking away from Agent 1138, with an irritated look on 1138’s face. "What did Mioree say now?"He asked himself. Mioree then proceeded over to the Empress and unleashed a slew of questions upon her. James walked over and stood, silently, beside the Empress. No protocol whatsoever from the Admiral. No respect. The Empress addressed the crowd and dismissed them, momentarily. The lot of them filed out as the higher-ups began to file into a small room off the hall. James followed them towards the door.

As he approached, he nodded at the Shadow Guards respectfully. In the doorway he saw Lt. Heath Kolarn. James didn’t know much about the Lieutenant, but respected the man and his military bearing. He knew many of the people here were scoffing at the fact a mere Lieutenant was joining them. James knew better. If the Empress wanted him there, then that was good enough for him. He wouldn’t let something as incidental as rank determine the value of a soldier. James wasn’t in this for the rank or attention anyway. He was in it for the Empire.

James approached the soldier and waved a hand of dismissal before the Lieutenant could salute. “Lieutenant Kolarn, it is good to see you. I was wondering if I might have a moment of your time after the Empress has addressed us. If this is agreeable, meet me the War Room down the hall ten minutes after we are done here.” James kept walking inside the room without waiting for a reply. He didn’t want to keep the Empress waiting. As he entered the room he spotted Agent 1138 and took a seat next to him. “Don’t pay too much attention to Mioree, Grand Vizier. He is young for his rank and forgets his place sometimes. The Army has had a few issues with him harassing Officers in the past. He seems to enjoy digging up dirt on people.” James quieted down as the Empress addressed the giving out commands.

"Lord General, send special task force squadrons and medic teams along with the fleets." A pause in her orders gave the words time to sink in.

The Lord General stood quickly and bowed. “Yes, Empress. As you command.” He pulled out his datapad and tapped it a few times issued the commands. “I will send the 3rd Regiment to Muunilinst and the 6th to Hapes.” With that, he sat back down to let the Empress continue issuing orders. The Empress continued on for a moment and then fell silent. James promptly stood up. “With your permission Empress, I will finish the preparations for my task forces.”

TAG: Admiral Volshe, docking_bay94, Imperial 1138, JediMaster_1977, ANY OTHERS IN THE CHAMBER

 

IC: Joden Kerr IV
ACS Victorious - Hapan Space.

As Joden followed the young crewman to his temporary quarters and tried to shake off the Force-transferred emotional battering of so many lives being obliterated by violence in such a short time, he reflected on what he had seen of the Abydonian Grand Master. Obviously he had had responsibilities weighing heavily upon him even before the attack started, that was evident from both his Sense and his posture (although he had done his best to mask the latter in front of his guest); but once the emergency began there was no hint of indecision or tiredness, just some rapidly-issued, clear, and effective, orders. His handshake too, had been of the firm man-to-man kind, without any of that hand-crushing dominance nonsense.

A question to the crewman elicited the proud response that the Grand Master was not only that, but also their world's Senator, the Commander-in-Chief of their small, but rapidly expanding, Navy and the prime architect of that force! Responsibilities indeed!

"I wonder if the Grand Master knows that trick of drawing on the Force for refreshment", Joden thought to himself, "If not, I'd better teach it to him, if he'll let me. He seems too good a man to be worn down and burn out before his time for want of an energy boost when its really needed! He's obviously a trained Jedi, but I wonder who by?".

Although, from the shuttle viewports, Victorious had looked strange (and perhaps even clunky) to eyes accustomed to streamlined, dagger-like, Capital Ship designs; there was nothing wrong with her acceleration or her manoeuvrability as she had headed into combat, both were exceptional for a ship of her size. As for the fighters (had he heard them called 'Starstreaks'?), they looked to be any pilot's dream. An amalgam, it appeared, of the T-65 and Z-95 designs (and however much Joden wished that he had access to One's and Two's much-cherished 'Far Wanderer', if it still existed) these 'Starstreaks' looked to be able to outperform either by several orders of magnitude!

"Perhaps", he thought, "I'll get a chance to at least try out the simulator, if I'm allowed to stay around long enough! A pity that One's training was so focused on Infiltration Missions, and not on Space Combat!".

At that point, the pair reached Joden's temporary quarters and (after helpfully pointing out where all the amenities were and having been thanked by Joden) the crewman left to return to duty or grab a meal. Joden turned on the HNN feed at low volume and settled into a Meditative state to wait until the Grand Master was (comparatively) free again, or at least free enough to deal with an unexpected visitor. Joden had felt the Grand Master's slight concern over his peculiar Force signature, but had already decided to make a clean breast of things, come what may.


TAG: Skywalker_T-65

 

IC: Naren Omatta
Imperial Meeting Hall, Coronet City

"You are Next."

Well this was troubling at best, and perhaps not even that. The destruction of Cloud City had been both a disaster and a tragedy, without even going into the effects it had and would have on the military, intelligence, and economic sectors. Now Muunilinst and Hapes, though neither were NGE controlled planets, it did show the reach, cunning, and above all else daring of Naire. Tightened security would only do so much in the short term, if the Empress did what he thought she would, before it started degrading their security more that it helped. No doubt he would be sent out, either to guard a system or set of systems or some other task. It was a shame that they didn't know where their enemy was, he would have felt much more confident on the offensive. Not to mention being in charge of some part of an offensive, with the holocams on the bridge filming every second as his flagship shuddered but held under repeated hits to its impressive shields would look suitably impressive if they were amongst the sections submitted to the holonet. And impressive was certainly a good thing.

He was brought out of his thinking, he would not call it day dreaming, by the unusual sight of Grand Admiral Jalin Mioree approaching the Empress in an extremely casual manner, he was certain that even someone of that rank couldn't approach her Imperial Majesty without a summons or permission, in public at least. She didn't appear at all pleased by it, so that ruled out him missing such a summons or permission being given. The apology and request she gave to the crowd, himself included, at the interruption, followed shortly as she convened the Council of Twenty, which sadly he was not a part of. No doubt he'd eventually hear some of what was said in there, watered down through the chain of command, and guess at the rest through watching the orders being sent out and where ships and fleets would be sent.

Well at least if he was in for a wait he was in his dress uniform, perfectly clean and immaculate, as he had spent nearly an hour to make certain, with the boots freshly polished by himself. He never trusted his boots to be cleaned or polished by anyone else. He'd had them since graduating the academy and had always thought of them as his personal good luck charms. Though one might be wondering why he was happy to be in not just his normal uniform, but dress uniform when he could be stuck here for who knows how long. To be honest, he didn't know what anyone else was complaining about, he found the firm and rigid uniform to be a delightful relief from most casual wear, he only wished he could get away with wearing it in place of his normal uniform. There was also the not to be diminished fact that he quite simply looked good in it. But of course he did, he was an Omatta.

While he waited with the others who remained though, it would be a good idea to find some refreshments...

Tag: Admiral Volshe, docking_bay94, Imperial 1138, JediMaster_1977, Shira A'dola, Chewbacca89, Any in Hall or who will be.

 

IC: Mirjahaal Parjii
Location: Kad Vizsla's office

Mir turned his body to face the door as he felt someone storming their way towards Kad's office, farther off in the distance he felt Kad's presence. Mir frowned a bit, as he started to feel the Dark side broil with this person. Surprisingly he felt this person using the Force to calm himself as he seethed his way towards the office.

*sigh* Great...there goes my keep-my-force-abilities-an-unspoken-fact, this person will definitely feel it when he walks in here. Or maybe he'll be too enraged to notice. Let's hope for the latter...

Mir adjusted his body so it still looked casual and relaxed but in reality he was ready to draw his blaster and pivot into action within the second. Oddly enough Mir wasn't too alarmed that a possible Sith was on his way here because something felt different about this person...on the other hand Kad will have quite the welcoming committee waiting for him. He turned to glance at Kad's small cabinet where the alcohol was stored and spotted the spiced liquor.

Maybe I can be the first to get a dar'jetii to lighten up by popping some bottles...

Mir chuckled to himself as the Sith drew closer to the room

Yup definitely a dar'jetii...

----------

TAG: Sinrebirth Bardan_Jusik, anyone else making their way to Kad's office

 

IC: Shira A'dola
Imperial Meeting Hall, Coronet City

Shira leaned against the back of the pillar, out of sight in a shadowed corner of the hall. Eyes closed and ears twitching, she paid enough attention to make sure there was no threat in the hall, while her Force senses and contemplation took up the rest of her consciousness. A fallen Febrayasi. That's what her old Mentor had said when she'd asked him about Naire.

Naire. No more than a whisper. A rumor. Ex-best friend of one of the most powerful Febrayasi who had ever lived. What had turned her, if Naire was truly the mind behind these horrible attacks? She shuddered quietly, re-gaining her firm control on her emotions. These thoughts would need to be discussed with her Mentor. For now, her priority was the Empress.

She stretched out her senses, ensuring all her guards were at their posts, then wove around all gathered, making sure, for the hundredth time since this meeting had started, that her Empress had no threats posed from those gathered here. She didn't, of course. No one here would dare harm the Empress Volshe of the New Galactic Empire, despite Shira's personal dislike for a few.

Shaking her head in irritation, she went back to watching and listening, tucking away the information from the conversation for later consideration.

Tag: Admiral Volshe Chewbacca89 docking_bay94 Imperial 1138 and anyone else in the Meeting Hall

 

IC: 1138
Coronet City, Corellia—Imperial Meeting Hall, private chamber
“Don’t pay too much attention to Mioree, Grand Vizier. He is young for his rank and forgets his place sometimes. The Army has had a few issues with him harassing Officers in the past. He seems to enjoy digging up dirt on people,” the Lord General said as they entered the chamber.
1138 took his seat and turned to him.
"Thank you, Lord General. I had noticed." The Grand Vizier smiled slightly. "I think, perhaps, I am far too young for my post. Mioree is at least a decade older than I. But I understand your confusion. The Chiss mature at a different rate than that of humanity."
He quieted as the Empress entered, and they sat waiting for the other members of the Council to arrive.
As the others slowly entered the chamber and the meeting began, 1138 thought nervously of the day's major occurrences.
He of course understood the need to send immediate aid to the Hapans and Muuns, but...this warning of Nairę's worried him. Clearly her primary intentions were to cause fear and panic by these attacks and the subsequent warning of violence against the Empire...at least at first glance. But could that be all there was to the situation, to her plan? Certainly not. She must know that this warning would cause the Imperials to prepare for an attack and to attempt to build up a defense, so she must either be planning something else. Perhaps planning another attack somewhere outside the Empire, or to attack even with Imperial preparations, causing far greater levels of fear in the citizens, fear because she could even get through the Empire's defenses. But, since the Empire did not know when or where the attack would take place, it would be forced to spread its forces across many planets as the citizens desperately request protection, which, along with sending fleets to help Hapes and Muunilist, would force the Empire to become spread thin, or to pick and choose only the most important planets...which would likely create division within the Empire, which could only help Nairę... It seemed like a no-win situation for the Imperials. No matter how he turned it, there seemed to be no solution that would avoid bringing about Nairę's goals in some way.
There was no way they could avoid sending aid to Hapes and Muunilist. Those people desperately needed support. At the same time, they had to support their own planets against the possibility of this impending attack. But where could Nairę strike next...in theory, she could appear anywhere, at any time.
He shook himself from his thoughts as Macedon stood.
"With your permission Empress, I will finish the preparations for my task forces.”
"Remain here a moment, Lord General. Remote communications are risky at best for now," the Empress responded.
The Grand Vizier looked to the Empress. She nodded, and he stood and began to speak.
"We must send aid to those attacked, of that there is no doubt. But we must be sure that the most important of our Imperial worlds be protected sufficiently as well. Lord General, I presume a portion of the fleet will remain here, as well as Coruscant, Kuat and Naboo, and other major Imperial worlds. But I fear the fleet will not be able to protect all our planets adequately. As such, in the interest of supporting the good of the whole Empire, I would be willing to have the Star Destroyers and cruisers stationed at Obroa-Skai sent to support the larger, more populated worlds. Our world is small and scantly populated, with the population spread across the surface, and so I find it unlikely that we would be Nairę's target, as we would be too remote to make an effective demonstration. The fleet will be needed more elsewhere."
The Grand Vizier sat down, awaiting the response.
Tag Admiral Volshe, Chewbacca89, JediMaster1977, anyone else on the Council of Twenty

 

IC: Nairę Vastila
En Route – Rhen Var

The four holo-screens cast vibrant colours across Nairę’s face, her expression serene save for a glint of pride in her eyes. The display of mass destruction and chaos that she had lead flashed back and forth; news anchors and planetary government scrambling to make sense of the vicious, and perfectly planned, attacks. Though her expression did not hint at anything more than mere amusement, inside she revelled with each word.

Tragedy, unforgivable, horrific.
Another image faded into view. The latest report from Muunilinst. Buildings reduced to rubble; flames and thick black smoke spurting from those that still stood. The citizens were scattered across the ground. Some lay lifeless and others struggled to survive and escape the wreckage. She leaned back slightly in her chair, taking in the scene and savouring it as if it were water in a drought before she switched off the middle screen. The final view of the aftermath had been enough approval of her work. They had done their job.

The Galaxy would cower in fear… and those foolish enough to fight would be obliterated.

The pride in her eyes grew brighter as she stared towards the empty sky.
If only dear ‘Precious’ Mekonah and the Febrayasi could see this… the galaxy conquered by the Vasalians...myself with the power of a thousand systems and the crown upon my head.

Peals of laughter rang in her head as she thought of the future. They had tried to “save” her, bring her from the darkness. If they had succeeded she would have never gained as much as she now had. What friends they had been, saving her from what she had truly wanted the most. The laughter turned into a dark, velvety purr, complimenting her plans. She stepped towards the large window and let the pride she felt meld with the darkness; fuel for the next attack upon Corellia.

Before they attack Corellia, however, there was establishing the details. Though her lust for chaos and destruction had often distracted her from perfecting her plans, this time everything would surely fall into place. She had sent word to every leader that she expected them to be in the Thanium sector as soon as the attacks had been completed. It was not merely her behind these plots. No, she had twisted many a skilled military planner to join her cause. Though she didn’t need them, it was certainly a resource she could use. The false power she had promised was enough to ensure they kept her interest to heart. And though they were intelligent, the desire for that power blinded them to her deceit.

The reason for their visit would also be a chance to reveal that the Vong Empire had recently built an operations centre near the Citadel on Rhen Var. A brilliant plan, she thought silently. Not only was it mostly abandoned, but the clouds above paired with the crystal caves prevented efficient scanning and so it would remain secret, nestled among the ancient stone pillars, hidden by the steep mountains covered in 4 kilometre thick layers of glacial ice and snow. Communications and ships were difficult to access during the violent snow squalls, but it was merely an inconvenience to her. In a little under 2 hours they would be in system and the next phase would begin. Before her flagship arrived in system however, she had to request the presence of one last person: the Supreme Commander Vader.

Though he was mysterious, mostly hidden beneath his robes and with a strange aura - which alone was already spurring controversy among the higher ranks - he was also skilled and intelligent. The Force had also pushed her to accept him, regardless of her greater judgement or need of his skills. There was more than her own reasons, she knew. Something else - most likely beneficial - would reveal itself in time. For now, the opportunity to keep him as Supreme Commander had arisen and she would have been utterly foolish to deny it.

She turned around from the transparisteel pane and picked up a worn datapad, sending the request to him quickly. Smiling darkly, she set the 'pad back down before looking back to the two screens. They still repeated the report of the devastation, and now were calling for official response from the governments and militaries. The warm feeling of accomplishment emanated through her again, the dark side became more welcoming then ever before.

Once the plan was set, then the next phase would begin.

And soon after that she would finally rise above the galaxy.

Tag: Sinrebirth , (GMs: Bardan_Jusik , Chewbacca89 )

 

IC: Shira A'dola
Imperial Meeting Hall, Coronet City

Shira walked out from behind the pillar, head cocked slightly as her slitted blue-green eyes scrutinize the Grand Vizier, ears flicking subtly as she thinks. "I think it would be in our best interests to protect this world as heavily as the others. I fear Naire, if it is her, is looking at this planet closely, even if she doesn't plan to strike right now. The Empress resides here, as well as the heads of all the military branches, and the Council of Twenty. What better way to strike fear into the hearts of others, than to take down the heads of the most powerful government in the universe? I would suggest that we all split to each of the different worlds under protection. However, as the Empress has stated, remote communications are risky at best. At worst, the enemy, whoever it is, will know our every move. So while this planet *is* sparsely populated, it currently houses the most powerful heads of government and security. If we die, who is to protect the others? Who is to lead?"

Tags: Admiral Volshe Imperial 1138 Chewbacca89 and anyone else in the hall

 

IC: Empress Emiliana Volshe
Coronet City - Imperial Meeting Hall

As she finished her short speech the Lord General Macedon stood. Nervousness furrowed his brow slightly."With your permission Empress, I will finish the preparations for my task forces.”

She shook her head slowly, meeting his eyes. "Remain here a moment, Lord General. Remote communications are risky at best for now,"

After she gave her orders, the Grand Vizier looked to her for permission - to which she nodded - and began to speak. "We must send aid to those attacked, of that there is no doubt. But we must be sure that the most important of our Imperial worlds be protected sufficiently as well. Lord General, I presume a portion of the fleet will remain here, as well as Coruscant, Kuat and Naboo, and other major Imperial worlds. But I fear the fleet will not be able to protect all our planets adequately. As such, in the interest of supporting the good of the whole Empire, I would be willing to have the Star Destroyers and cruisers stationed at Obroa-Skai sent to support the larger, more populated worlds. Our world is small and scantly populated, with the population spread across the surface, and so I find it unlikely that we would be Nairę's target, as we would be too remote to make an effective demonstration. The fleet will be needed more elsewhere."

It was true, their fleet wasn't large enough to cover an entire galaxy. Another point that frustrated her. Her main goal was to protect the lives of the galaxy's citizens and even as the head of a galaxy she couldn't do that. She agreed that the best way would be to protect the major worlds and send what other fleets were left to other densely populated ones. Patrols would be necessary, reporting in code to the palace on Corellia, to prevent spying. Just as she had begun to speak a response, Shira's voice resonated from behind her.

"I think it would be in our best interests to protect this world as heavily as the others. I fear Naire, if it is her, is looking at this planet closely, even if she doesn't plan to strike right now. The Empress resides here, as well as the heads of all the military branches, and the Council of Twenty. What better way to strike fear into the hearts of others, than to take down the heads of the most powerful government in the universe? I would suggest that we all split to each of the different worlds under protection. However, as the Empress has stated, remote communications are risky at best. At worst, the enemy, whoever it is, will know our every move. So while this planet *is* sparsely populated, it currently houses the most powerful heads of government and security. If we die, who is to protect the others? Who is to lead?"



She nodded, once again agreeing. "Yes, I agree with both of these points that have been brought to our attention. Ensuring the Empire will be able to function after these attacks is of the utmost importance," she said contemplatively, before turning her head slightly towards 1138. "Thank you for your proposal, Grand Vizier."

She returned to her thoughts, letting each idea settle before moving to the next. The best place for them to return to would be the estates on Naboo or the smaller palace upon Coruscant. Both worlds were most valuable with minor destruction - she didn't believe Nairę would attack those first - and with the large military stationed on both would be beneficial to their safety.

After her brief pause to formulate her plan, she began again. "I propose a small court join me upon Coruscant and groups of 4 of our Council of Twenty - one from each branch - are spread across the major worlds. The fleets can be placed at all major worlds, then the remaining fleets set upon sector patrols or aid missions. Do you agree?"

There was a brief silence at her question before the response came.

TAG: Shira A'dola , Imperial 1138 , JediMaster_1977 , Chewbacca89

 

IC: Mirjahaal Parjii
Kad Vizsla's office

The Sith had bursted through the doors and nearly caused them to fly off the hinges as he stared straight at Mir with blazing yellow eyes with the force swirling around him.

Well so much for him using the Force to keep his composure

"And what is so amusing to you while Muunilinst burns?"

Mir didn't feel threatened at all and he couldn't help but flash a lopsided grin. Even though his buy'ce covered his face he knew the Sith could feel his odd sense of humor.

"To be honest, I'm not sure. Either Kad's reaction when he sees the damage to the doors, or the fact that I'm about to offer a dar'jetii a drink. You look like you need one."

Mir got up and made his way over to the bottle of the spice liquor, grabbed three glasses and set them on the desk. As he poured into two glasses, one for himself, and one for Kad when he would arrive, he offered the other glass to the Sith.

Still something is off about this dar'jetii. Why would he be so concerned with the events on Muunilinst...possibly feels threatened by the new presence of the Vong Empire? All that mattered at the moment was that the dar'jetii wasn't his enemy. Hopefully Kad arrives soon, doubt the dar'jetii would put up with his humor for much longer.

--------
TAG: Sinrebirth, Bardan_Jusik, etc.

 

IC: Daniel Sandstrider
ACS Victorious Bridge

Having received no reply to his attempts to contact Lanna, Daniel was now pacing along the bridge of his battlecruiser. Hapes hadn't been attacked again, but the damage was done. There was a lingering ash-cloud over the capital, and it was slowly spreading out over the Hapan surface. Daniel had sent down what spare medical supplies he had aboard the Victorious to help out, but one ship couldn't possibly do enough. Thankfully, the Hapan Military had reinforcements on the way to help out.

But that still left the problem of what Daniel himself was going to do. He didn't like waiting on his fellow Senator to contact him, since it left him pacing along his ships bridge. But by the same token, he owed it to her and the Hapans to stay as long as possible. This left him in something of a quandary, as he wasn't sure what to do. But then a new idea came into his head.

"Comms, I want you to send a message to both the NGE and the Alliance. Let them know that Abydos can help them recover from their attacks, and that we have a fleet ready to help patrol their worlds, since we have so little territory of our own to cover. Give them my hypercomm code and tell them to contact me if they have questions," Daniel ordered. Once the comm system was open, Daniel walked in front of a holo-recorder, "Empress, Senator Vizla, this is Senator Sandstrider of Abydos. My flagship was in orbit of Hapes when the 'Vong Empire' attacked that world. The damage is severe, but not on the level of what happened to Bespin and Muunilist. Abydos has a large enough fleet, and small enough territory, that I am able to send a fleet out to help guard any of your planets that need the support. I know that both the NGE and Alliance do not have enough ships to cover all their worlds...and while I will not join either faction, I want to help where I can. My hypercomm code is included in this message, please contact me if you want to discuss this offer. Sandstrider out."

With the message sent, all Daniel could do was wait. Both for his fellow Senator somewhere on Hapes, and for the Empress and Vizla.

TAG: awesomejedi , Bardan_Jusik , Admiral Volshe (and anyone else who may be around the Rebel and Imperial leaders)

 

IC: Lanna Shakal
Reef Fortress, Hapes

Senator Shakal held back a sigh. She was in a meeting with the Queen Mother, discussing the recent attacks on Cloud City and Mygeeto by the Vong Empire and their leader, Naire. Both the Senator and Her Royal Highness were flanked by guards on either side. The meeting had already gone on for an hour, and they were due to meet the Senator of Abydos, who was also the leader of the Neutrality Pact, as soon as he made land fall. On top of that, she had felt oddly nervous all day, as if someone was watching her, and waiting to strike.

“Well Senator,” the Queen Mother Started to say, but she was interrupted by the rumble and the sound of a distant explosion. Lanna looked to her guard, who was talking quietly into a commlink. She looked up. “Your Majesty, Senator, there’s been an attack on Ta’a Chume Dan.” Ta’a Chume Dan, was of course the capital city of Hapes. The Queen Mother abruptly stood up in an un-queenly fashion that upset the drink that she had been holding moments before. Lanna felt the color drain from her face; she felt numb. “What??!!” the Queen Mother stuttered. “Who would attack The Consortium? Who would dare?” “It was the Vong Empire, wasn’t it,” Lanna asked in a near whisper. “It was the dark sider, Naire, wasn’t it?” she said a bit louder. A second guard nodded. “It appears the Senator is right Your Grace. It was a well planned attack. They hid behind the comets and hit us where we least expected.”

Another security officer walked in briskly and solemnly. “The attackers used baradium. They were quick and smart but we ran them off with sheer numbers, but not before they turned the city into rock. There is nothing left but rock and metal now. At the same time another Vong fleet attacked Munnilinst. I know they seemed to have been driven off, but I think it’s best if we move you to a more secure location, Your Highness, for your own protection.” The Queen Mother composed herself. “Of course. I want to speak to the Admiral.” She was referring to the Admiral of the Hapan Navy. “I want to speak to her immediately.”

Lanna felt an ache in her heart. There had been over 150,000 people in that city. All dead. Many had been friends, and mentors. Gone. “Senator,” said her aid, “Senator Sandstrider of Abydos tried comming you from the Victorious over Hapes. Would you like to speak to him?” Lanna nodded. “Hand me the commlink.” She typed in the Senator’s comm code and waited for him to respond.

Tags: Skywalker_T-65

 

IC: Mirjahaal Parjii
Kad Vizsla's office

As the Sith sat in the chair and took a sip of the liquor, Mir removed his buy'ce, leaned against the wall and sipped some from his glass as he listened while the Sith spoke.

"I'm a Sith Lord - I earned that by defeating my enemies, and crushing them when necessary. But nothing like Muunilinst. I understand the objective of an example, but I could give you a hundred logical reasons - and examples - why genocide simply doesn't work to cow resistance. It didn't work for Sidious... didn't work for Krayt, and certainly won't work for Naire."

At least this dar'jetii is smart, knows not to repeat the same mistakes that every dar'jetii seem to do in their quests for domination...

"And she knows it, too. The nihilistic approach she and her followers have to things makes her actions terrifying, even to a darksider like myself. Even one as reasonable as me." The Sith smiled

Ahh so he does have a sense of humor...

"It's like fighting the Yuuzhan Vong all over again - something the majority of us who are alive today didn't do...I'm Darth Malkuth. You won't know the name, unless you were involved in the Shadow War. Aren't you concerned, Mandalorian - your homeworld could be next, knowing how unpredictable our foe is."

Mir finished his drink and set the glass down and put his buy'ce back on, "Us Mandalorians are nomads. Should our world be destroyed we move to another planet and move on with our lives." Mir looked at Malkuth "And you just gave me the answer as to why Naire did this..." Mir let the question sink for a second "To instill fear and cause mayhem. To keep the enemies constantly guessing....the name's Mir."

Mir made his way to the couch and slumped on it, still keeping himself poised should Malkuth decide to surprise him, despite his danger senses being unusually calm.

Malkuth...the name sounded familiar...


"So Malkuth...what's a Sith Lord like you worrying about a Rebel planet, don't you guys like to play with the Empire? And what are you hoping to get out of this meeting with Senator Vizsla?"

Mir knew of the Sith/darksiders breaking up into several factions, so that didn't need explaining, but he still wanted to hear whatever information Malkuth might reveal. He pulled out his knife and started fiddling with it.

I wonder how Rami is doing...
------------------------------------------
IC: Ramikadyc
Obsidian Falcon

Curled up at the top of the boarding ramp, appearing to be napping, Rami kept two of his four eyes slightly open. One of the nearby pilots was giving the Obsidian Falcon a rather long look...a look that Rami didn't like, and neither would Mirjahaal had be been there. Rami understood why Mir wanted him to remain there but still....he wanted to hunt. Badly. Hunting was fun for him, his favorite playtime.

The shady pilot started making his way over to the Obsidian Falcon, not too obivous, but just enough that Rami caught on. Rami grew giddy, he knew what was coming. This has happened bit too often, but Rami knew Mir's ship was valuable in the eyes of non-Mandalorians, a trend he caught onto within the first 6 months of being Mir's friend.

Rami got up, causing the shady pilot to turn away. After stretching, faking it as a result of sleepyness, but in reality preparing for a hunt. It was hard for Rami to keep his composure as he grew even more excited. Yes, this was definitely going to happen. Rami walked down the ramp and meandered away from the landing platform and making his way behind the ship, and laid down as if he was sunbathing.

Like most of them, the shady pilot turned back towards the ship, took a moment to think, obviously deciding he could sneak onto the Obsidian Falcon and hijacking it before the Nexu would realize what happened, and began to make his way to the ship. Rami heard his light steps on the boarding ramp, and grinned. He got up and silently made his way up the ramp. Of course the pilot was in the seat, too engrossed with trying to hijack the ship that he didn't hear Rami come up the ramp. Rami grinned even more as he sat down and gave a small growl. The pilot stopped dead, and slowly turned to see a Nexu directly behind him.

"Oh Kri--!"

That was all he said before Rami grabbed him by the arm and swung him out of the seat and smacked him straight into the other seat. A pop came from his prey's arm, clearly having already ripped his shoulder out of it's socket. Now had he been in the wild on his own, he would've torn his prey to pieces and enjoyed a delightful meal, but he was Mir's friend. And Mir trained him for these sort of situations, and taught him that it was best to injure them and let them scurry away like cowards. It was better to not have the port security dealing with a dead pilot.

So with his mouth still over his prey's arm he pivoted and threw the pilot across the cabin as his body slammed into the far wall, by the boarding ramp exit. Rami bounded on top of him before he could scramble to his feet and bit down on the same arm, and threw him again out of the ship like a ragdoll. The pilot landed with a hard thud on the landing platform and tumbled several times. He slowly got up and ran, or at least tried to, away from the Obsidian Falcon. Rami simply sat and grinned as nearby pilots who witnessed the pilot being thrown out, either smiled at his idiocracy or simply turned away and went back to their tasks.
--------------------
IC: Mirjahaal Parjii
Kad Vizsla's office

Mir's HUD flashed a signal, meaning someone had tried to hijack the Obsidian Falcon. With ease he found the security camera of the landing platform and watched a body get thrown out of the Obsidian Falcon. Mir couldn't help but chuckle as it looked a bit too comical.

----------
TAG: Sinrebirth

 

IC: James Macedon, Lord General
Coronet City, Corellia—Imperial Meeting Hall, private chamber

James look at the Empress…

She shook her head slowly, meeting his eyes. "Remain here a moment, Lord General. Remote communications are risky at best for now.”
The Lord General furrowed his brow. “Remote communications? What are you talking about, Empress? My troops in those units are all on-planet. I was going to talk to them face to face to relay the mission to them and,” he stopped talking when Shira A'dola cut him off.

"I think it would be in our best interests to protect this world as heavily as the others. I fear Naire, if it is her, is looking at this planet closely, even if she doesn't plan to strike right now. The Empress resides here, as well as the heads of all the military branches, and the Council of Twenty. What better way to strike fear into the hearts of others, than to take down the heads of the most powerful government in the universe? I would suggest that we all split to each of the different worlds under protection. However, as the Empress has stated, remote communications are risky at best. At worst, the enemy, whoever it is, will know our every move. So while this planet *is* sparsely populated, it currently houses the most powerful heads of government and security. If we die, who is to protect the others? Who is to lead?"

James narrowed his eyes. Apparently what Shira A'dola had to say was more important than him addressing the Empress. “Shira A'dola, you propose that we run and hide. This is not our way. We are the New Galactic Empire! We do not cower and run when a threat arises. We meet it head on in battle. Who will lead the people if we are all in hiding under protection. Our actions will be viewed by the entire galaxy. The people will react with much fear if the see their leaders on the run. We need to show our citizens that NO ONE attacks the New Galactic Empire and gets away with it. It is not us who should fear these ‘Vong’, but them who should fear us. Your comments are hokering to the citizens of the Empire.” With that, he say back down while straightening his uniform.

He felt a buzzing on his waist and pulled his comlink out. He had a text message on the screen from Alexis Mortis, his new personal Security Chief. She was an attractive young woman of 21 and very capable. She held the same military bearing he did, which he respected greatly from one so young. She would not have disturbed him during this meeting unless absolutely necessary. He pulled up the message and read it. General, someone claiming to be your sister has sent an envoy to your ship. He requests your presence in regards to a “stolen item.”

James heart rate jumped through the roof. She sent someone to “talk” to him? So she knew that he still had the item. The item he had stolen from her so long ago, before he knew the truth. Or rather, would accept the truth about her. Only a handful knew who his sister’s real identity which was probably for the best. He had to get back to his ship, The Inferno, immediately to address this issue. The Empress interrupted his thought as she spoke up.

"I propose a small court join me upon Coruscant and groups of 4 of our Council of Twenty - one from each branch - are spread across the major worlds. The fleets can be placed at all major worlds, then the remaining fleets set upon sector patrols or aid missions. Do you agree?"

James stood up again and bowed. “With all due respect Empress I must attend to something of urgency. I will vote against this proposition, with all due respect. As I told Shira, I think this to be a move that will be perceived as weakness; by our people and Naire. Of course, I will follow whatever you command. May I be excused?”

TAG: Admiral Volshe, Imperial 1138, JediMaster_1977, Shira A'dola, ANY OTHERS

 

IC: Empress Emiliana Volshe
Coronet City - Imperial Meeting Hall

The tension in the room had begun to grow unbearable after she had finished speaking. More than one of those around her gave off wild ripples of emotion; anxiety, fear, anticipation. The Council watched her carefully, either nodding or absent in thought. Only a few seconds after her words had faded off into the steel walls, the Lord General jumped from his seat and gave a quick bow. He was trying and failing to hide his emotions; he was visibly agitated and his brown eyes quickly snapped to meet hers. They swirled with a unusual mix of fear and fury - at who or what she couldn't tell - as he began to speak.

“With all due respect Empress, I must attend to something of urgency. I will vote against this proposition, with all due respect. As I told Shira, I think this to be a move that will be perceived as weakness; by our people and Nairę. Of course, I will follow whatever you command. May I be excused?”

She took a slow breath, letting the air cool the sparks of anger that his sudden comment had ignited. Yes, she thought, getting aid to the planets was necessary. Of that there was no doubt. But she had told him to remain in the meeting once already. The Empire's military was already stretched thin. They couldn't hope on the numbers alone, strategy and careful planning was the key. A move too soon could cause the galaxy to collapse like a house of Sabaac cards. That was something none of them wanted - and she wouldn't let it happen even if she had to fight alone.

"Lord General, I ask you, what is of such great importance at this time of crisis? When our citizens, whom we have sworn to protect, are at risk?" The words rang in her usual calm tone and it took her much effort to not betray her hidden frustration. She did let small ripples of her chagrin flow outward, however, hoping it would affect Macedon's state of mind. "I understand you may have important orders or news from another source, but I am requesting you remain here momentarily. It is of the utmost importance that we plan carefully, for we are blind. Nairę has given us a light, but it is merely a match about to surrender us to the darkness. You must-"

As she ended the word the holo projector on the table gave a shrill beep. Another came seconds afterward and this time the small bulb on the console joined the discordant noise with crimson flashes. The Empress moved her hand to the arm of her chair, flipping a switch to accept the recording. The formless mass of shimmering blue-green light pulsed for a moment before taking the shape of Senator Sandstrider. The Empress clasped her hands in concern, it was likely he was trying to contact them about the attacks. And she saw no possible way that his message would be positive. He moved his head up to make eye contact then began his message.

"Empress, Senator Vizla, this is Senator Sandstrider of Abydos. My flagship was in orbit of Hapes when the 'Vong Empire' attacked that world. The damage is severe, but not on the level of what happened to Bespin and Muunilist. Abydos has a large enough fleet, and small enough territory, that I am able to send a fleet out to help guard any of your planets that need the support. I know that both the NGE and Alliance do not have enough ships to cover all their worlds...and while I will not join either faction, I want to help where I can. My hypercomm code is included in this message, please contact me if you want to discuss this offer. Sandstrider out."

Daniel had surprised her, the news was truly terrible, but did not seem to be nearly as horrific as the holo news made it out to be. Though she would remain cautious. They hadn't heard from the Hapans yet.

As the holo crackled and faded the Empress looked to the Lord General. He had still refrained from taking his seat, which again flared her temper. She closed her eyes for a brief moment to try to find the source of his anxiety. The intense emotions still rolled off of him, eating away silently at the calm of the room, but he kept the cause well hidden. She motioned to him once again. Urging him to do as she had ordered.

As she waited for him, she turned to an ISB agent at her side. "Save the code immediately," she murmured, expecting to call him once she reached her flagship, regardless of whether the council voiced their dislike of the idea.

She glanced back to the Council. "I have seen the majority of you are in agreeance. Grand Vizier, your perspective and perhaps, Lord General, you would also like to elaborate upon your belief that it would show 'weakness' to take what may be necessary precautions? I simply wish to know if you see more benefit than our reputation in staying."

She leaned back slowly, awaiting the responses.

TAG: Imperial 1138 , Chewbacca89 , Shira A'dola , JediMaster_1977 Anyone else I've missed.