The announcement had been leaked well in advance, in order to get it to the media in time to create graphics and theme music -- to train them in the pronunciation of her name, the First Order authorized version of her biography, and to frame how she wanted her ascension to the office of Grand Moff to be framed. She had built a persona over her years in the First Order as a workhorse -- a member of the nobility to be certain, but not one who took for granted privilege and power; instead one who earned the trust that led to power, and who accepted that power reluctantly and with reverence.
The buzzwords were circulated: "servant leadership", "reluctantly accepted", "surprised but pleased", "after deep consideration", et cetera and so forth. The media copy was drawn up, circulated at the Minsitry of Culture and Sioux Chambers, then to the Supreme Leader's office before being distributed. The Palace was abuzz with activity as time was scheduled to go to the Holonet, and then word began to leak to the citizens of Dosuun, and Bespin, and all the other populated planets in First Order space that a major announcement was forthcoming. The Ministry of Culture distributed signs and posters, banners -- all the folderol -- and moved huge screens into the public plazas and squares across First Order space.
Oh what a circus, oh what a show...
Natasi's ladies' maid pulled the corset strings firmly. "Too tight, milady?" Natasi shook her head. She had lost weight since her ordeal on Hoth; the corset had had to be refitted three times now, but when it fit, it was everything a Galidraani undergarment was supposed to be: rigid and conservative, adding just a hint of curve to Natasi's naturally boyish frame. Natasi wasn't looking in the mirror, though if she did she would have seen the maid finishing up there, then turn to get the dress. It was conservative, white -- almost virginal -- and paired with white high heeled shoes, and limited jewelry: a platinum bracelet, understated platinum earrings, and a Balance pendant on a silver chain. Once her maid had finished dressing her, Natasi sat down as her hair was styled just so -- not too grand, but special enough to mark the occasion.
The knock came and Sioux entered. "The Supreme Leader is arriving soon. You'll need to come now if you want to be there to greet him." Natasi looked up from her notes at Sioux and gave an anxious smile. "Thank you." She stood, turning halfway left, then halfway right in the mirror to be sure all was in order before allowing her maid to help her slip her heeled white shoes on. Natasi thanked the maid and then followed Sioux out of the green room, to a turbolift to their destination. She arrived, greeting [member="Aram Kalast"] with a warm smile and friendly handshake.
Natasi Fortan was not the type to feel warm and fuzzy, but there was something about [member="Aram Kalast"] that forced her hand. They had worked together a long time. She knew that she could always count on his instincts, and on his support when she was tackling a problem. Between the three of them -- the tripod being rounded out by General [member="Ludolf Vaas"], Natasi had felt for a long time that they were a dream team of sorts. They worked well together, they got things done. "Beautiful day for it," Natasi said genially to Aram as they waited, but they didn't have to wait long. The Supreme Leader arrived to fanfare and much bowing and curtsying. Natasi, ever the loyalist, performed the deepest curtsy that her dress would allow, rising only when the Supreme Leader had been seated upon his throne.
Even though she knew that the announcement was coming, Natasi was still overcome by hearing it spoken by the man to whom everyone in the First Order owed their allegiance, loyalty, and devotion. It was rather a surreal experience, entering the Pantheon of First Order greats by personal invitation from the Supreme Leader himself. Natasi had the good sense to look humbled and uncomfortable at the applause of the attendees, but in this case it was not manufacturing emotion, but suppressing her natural instincts to hide the emotions that were already there. She did feel humble and rather emotional, and this time only allowed it to shine through.
When the announcement had been made, Natasi approached the foot of the throne and curtsied low again, then rose and thanked the Supreme Leader for his confidence before turning to the crowd. A small podium had been set up halfway up the steps to the throne. She went to it, resting her hands on the edges of the podium as the applause died down. The First Order State Media droids were there, ready to capture the proceedings. Natasi looked into the camera, beaming sincerity into the camera. "Thank you, Supreme Leader, for your confidence in me and in my colleagues in the Moff Council, and for your vision, which we strive to implement each day. I consider it my personal responsibility to consider daily your view of the galaxy, to ensure that everything we do brings us closer to the vision that you have for this galaxy."
She inclined her head, looking over the assembled guests, but she imagined the citizens of the First Order, gathered in their squares and avenues, and spoke directly to them. "Citizens of the First Order, we have come a long way together. Whether you traveled to join us, or became citizens through the assimilation of your planets into the First Order -- whether you have been citizens for years or for months -- whether you be military, civil service, Ren, or civilians -- we all share things in common. Loyalty to the First Order and to its Supreme Leader. An obligation to do everything we can to support and defend Human High Culture and to build a civilization that puts it at the center. A feeling of civic responsibility which recognizes that it is not enough to obey the laws and pay taxes, but that additional measures are needed, whether in the form of military service, community service, or other measures."
"This is the spirit in which I take office today, as the first Grand Moff of our glorious Order. If I have demonstrated one thing about my character and ideals over the last years in service to you and our Supreme Leader, I hope that it is this: that I view my role as that of a servant leader, bringing the attention and presence of the Supreme Leader to the citizens of the First Order, and taking the concerns and needs of the people to the Supreme Leader, who -- recognizing the loyalty and love of his people -- provides for their safety and security."
There was a brief lull as she heard the applause of the crowds assembled in the square, stories and stories below. She thought she heard, on an upward breeze, the chants of her name lofting from below, and smiled bashfully into the camera. When it was quiet again, she continued: "I am not a woman concerned with power for the sake of power, nor for the trappings of office. I did not come here to rest on my laurels and enjoy the privilege that comes with rank. My concern is with what the powers of my new office can do to further the vision of our great Imperial father -- the Supreme Leader! -- and to improve the lives of the loyal and devoted citizens of our great Empire! To that end, I offer not only my humble service to our cause, but a pledge: that my whole life, whether it is long or short, wealthy or impoverished, in powerful office or not, will be dedicated to your service and to the service of the Supreme Leader."
This caused another torrent of applause, and Natasi could almost feel it -- not just on Dosuun but on Bespin and Thakwaa and Sky, and all the other planets under First Order control, in wide sqaures and in living rooms, in military mess halls and aboard First Order vessels.
The applause quieted after awhile. Natasi went on: "Citizens, when we met on Empire Day, I made certain promises to you: that we would expand the First Order's territory threefold; that we would increase exports from First Order member worlds fivefold; that our beautiful capital city, Avalonia, would serve as a regional financial capital and Dossun would play host to a new shipyard facility. Here we are, barely half a year later, and already we are over halfway to reaching our goals, through the dedicated efforts of my colleagues on the Moff Council and the tireless work of the First Order armed services under the command of Supreme Commander [member="Aram Kalast"]."
"But," she said, holding up a hand and looking searchingly into the camera. "We cannot do it alone. I am asking each one of you to join me in re-dedicating yourselves to the cause of the First Order and the great man who leads us, the Supreme Leader. I ask each one of you to join me in committing yourselves to the success not only of the First Order but the culture and civilization it represents. Not because we want territory and dominion, but because we know that only this civilization can bring truly lasting safety, security, and peace to our galaxy. Join with me in this great endeavor and do your duty to our Empire: Work. Enlist. Serve."
She was speaking louder now, more rapidly, with passion, her arms stretching over the podium as if in an appeal to each individual. "Together, we will build more than just cities, more than just starships. We will build an Empire of stability and safety, of security and order, where every citizen will know that their lives matter, that they are working towards something greater, to build something stronger and safer for their children, and their children's children. Let the other factions in the galaxy squabble, let them tear themselves apart between corruption and decadence on one end and instability and blood-lust on the other. WE know better! Join me, citizens. Stand with me, shoulder to shoulder. Work with me, hand to hand. And we will build an Empire that will stand the test of time. Thank you -- and may the Force be with us."
The roar of the crowd from the city below was a soft hush compared to the pounding of Natasi's pulse in her ears. She pressed her hand to her chest, smiling into the holocamera in a silent gesture of thanks. It was all rubbish, anyone would think, but Natasi felt connected to the people who were cheering below and, she imagined, across the galaxy. Tears filled her dark eyes as she repeated the gesture, bowing slightly. She inclined her head, nodding stiffly, and eventually the droid wandered off, taking reaction shots of the assembled crowd present, as well as in the square below. Natasi murmured a few more thanks and then left the podium, pausing to share a firm handshake with Sioux Chambers, who looked like she might cry, and others -- officers, government types, there was no one who wouldn't get a warm reception from the newly minted Grand Moff, so high were her spirits.
Well. Almost no one.
