CHISS SPACE
House Palace; Csilla.
Mitth'orn'eruod was not surprised.
Mitth'uria'nuruodo spoke as though he was emotionally afflicted, but both knew the truth of it. And while the Admiral had his suspicions, the fact was there was likely no evidence to gather, given how careful his cousin was... or perhaps not as careful as he could have been? Still, the loss of an uncle - and Aristocra of a House - was a tragedy and would be mourned in a way appropriate to Mitth'orn'eruod; namely, at another time, in private, in a controlled manner.
"My condolences," Mitth'orn'eruod said curtly, his chin raising as he observed his cousin.
"I hope the perpetrator is discovered. Certainly your ability to determine in that split second that your father was shot from a long range will be helpful to authorities. Your faculties to surmise as such in a single shocking and unexpected moment are admirable, cousin..."
The member of House Mitth paused, letting his cousin know he knew.
"Still, your father will be missed. He was a wise leader."
Then Mitth'orn'eruod reached out and took the datachip on offer, listening to the explanation and update concerning the information it contained and the perimeter of the Palace. Thankfully, despite the situation, the guards were able to largely contain the situation and maintain a sense of underlying calm. The evening was far too important to put aside, the Government had to be fully functional as soon as possible, in order for the Ascendancy to continue positive growth. The Jen'ari were gone, their remaining native forces either removed or allowed opportunity to return to their Chiss ways, but that didn't mean the danger had passed...
"Very well, Mitth'uria'nuruodo, I will take care of the particulars," Mitth'orn'eruod said in reply to the intel. No doubt it would show some interesting results, though whether they could be fully trusted remained to be seen.
"And I suspect the Defense Hierarchy will be making announcements shortly. You had best put on your best face, cousin, it would not do to start proceedings from a position of emotional weakness."
There was a nearby group that moved toward one end of the hall, the three individuals within the tight formation of guards easily identifiable. The Defense Hierarchy were approaching the raised platform for announcements. Placing the datachip into his uniform pocket, Mitth'orn'eruod put the thoughts about it from his mind, instead turning his attention to the ceremony about to take place...
The Defense Hierarchy.
The commotion outside the hall had been concerning, almost prompting the leaders of the military to postpone proceedings. However, after some discussion, and a more subtle internal lock-down activation, the Defense Hierarchy had decided to continue with the appointment of the Ruling Houses. The parliament body had voted in the weeks following the expulsion of Jen'ari occupation, taking into consideration what the now exiled Houses had done, and finding a viable solution whom to trust.
The answer was simple: Return to Ruling Houses prior, to those that were from a point in Chiss society that promoted positive, proactive change in a continually altering galaxy.
High Admiral Wasd'odone'vlesoc walked up onto the platform, standing front and center. High General Merda'wath'iasu and Intelligence Director Sorn'ecera'oumuo flanked him, while the guards provided a protective position from those who might attempt to storm the stage. There was a hush across the crowd, even the arrival of the Sith delegate - and his One Sith flag that was cause for numerous Chiss contention - was short-lived in this instance.
This was a moment of note, a moment for Chiss history. The appointment of Ruling Houses had only ever happened a half dozen times in the Ascendancy's long existence.
And now it was happening tonight.
"My fellow Chiss, esteemed guests and trusted friends," Wasd'odone'vlesoc began, nodding his head, as he placed both hands behind his back comfortably. "Today is a momentous occasion for the Ascendancy. Today we celebrate our freedom from Jen'ari occupation, our removal of a corrupt ruling body, and the appointment of a new body of Ruling Houses. It has been no secret that the old Ruling Houses, now exiled, were operating under pretenses against the Chiss people as a whole. They used power for personal gain. They traded lives for wealth. They submitted their people to another Empire intent on using our resources, people and technology for their own benefits... all of which are against, and in direct violation, of the Ruling House position."
High General Merda'wath'iasu stepped forward, as she raised a hand.
"It is important not to focus on what has been done, as justice has been served to those Houses now in exile," Merda'wath'iasu said, her voice soft but filled with underlying authority. "Instead, let's put our attention to the votes provided by our Colonial parliament who have made considerable strides to ensure a better future for our people, by overcoming criminality and abuse of power. Each of the representatives has cast a vote, much deliberation has taken place, and a final verdict has been reached."
The final member of the Defense Hierarchy, Intelligence Director Sorn'ecera'oumuo, stepped forward and spoke in his deep voice.
"I would also like to confirm that the Ascendancy Cabinet, tasked with approval of important tasks alongside the Aristocra, have been likewise removed on an individual level, to assure any corrupting elements have been removed. As such, the Defense Hierarchy, of which we have no House alignment as the three leaders of the military branches, have stepped in to provide the necessary approving votes in an unbiased manner..."
Wasd'odone'vlesoc cleared his throat, stepping forward with a small datapad opened in his hand.
"It is with great honor, high hopes for the future, and the best intentions for the Chiss people that we recognize the following Houses as the newly appointed Ruling Houses:
House Csapla, from Cioral, shall observe responsibilities for resource management and colonial affairs.
House Nuruodo, from Naporar, shall observe responsibilities for military and foreign policy.
House Inrokini, from Csaus, shall observe responsibilities for industry, non-military science and communications.
House Sabosen, from Sposia, shall observe responsibilities for law and order, health and education. And last but not least,
House Lore, from Csilla, shall observe responsibilities for civilian and military arms manufacturing and distribution."
There was a clapping from the crowd, some cheers, as the amassed Chiss heard the declarations.
"The appointment for Ruling Houses shall presently remain at five. This was agreed on as a reasonable number to truly refocus efforts and turn the Ascendancy around from the effects of the Jen'ari, without over complicating proceedings with more House positions. In the near future, we will see more Ruling Houses brought to the fore, but for now the main obligation is to return to a steady and unified state within our culture... so we would like to thank you for trust in the Defense Hierarchy, and in your parliament, and gladly relinquish our emergency governing powers following final details and agreements this evening."
High General Merda'wath'iasu offered a smile, as she opened her hands.
"Here is to continued success for the Chiss. Please enjoy the remainder of the festivities."
Mitth'orn'eruod remained silent, his crimson eyes staring at the three individuals on the stage.
So it goes, The Admiral thought, his gloved hands clenched tightly at the small of his back, as his jaw muscles worked.
House Mitth will continue to climb the social ladder, not quite reaching the top again thus far...
The decision by the parliament made logical sense. There was no point in amassing a large number of Ruling Houses to complicate the decision-making processes that needed to be reworked and realigned. Still, Mitth'orn'eruod could not deny there was a pang of resentment that he felt deep inside, as his House was once again passed over, despite continued efforts and contributions to the Ascendancy to undo past stains to its reputation.
Even after all this time, Mitth'raw'nuruodo still leaves his mark on House Mitth... one day it will be undone.
[member=Karisa] | [member="Thurian"]
