"The Wanderer"
Documentarian: Maria Marcelli
Exerpts: EXCLUSIVES - Maria032
Release: Fall, 902 ABY
Greetings, Imperials.
And welcome back for another, and very special edition of Exclusives.
Tonight's guest, as I'm sure many will know already, is a man who really requires no introduction, especially not one who appears more alike his legendary father with each passing day. But without further ado, please welcome; the hero of Nirauan, Lord Regent of the realm, Michael the Third of Clan Barran.
Welcome to the show, your Majesty. Long overdue on my part, but-
Barran: Its perfectly fine, Maria. Not everyone can be brazen like your predecessor was, and on that same matter, nor lucky enough to book their Lord Imperator for a first-ever interview. That takes bravery, even to consider - which is exactly why I took a chance on Mr. Maroll.... Speaking of whom, how is our Elias these days?Marcelli: Well, if his current whereabouts are any indicator of his wellbeing, I'd say he's perfectly fine on Terraris - exactly where the Lord Regent was apparently told to leave him behind.... Something ringing to the tune of,"Go away, your Majesty. I'm quite fine living out my retirement here, thank you very much.", sound about right?
Barran: HA! Yes, yes.... Of course he's still there, and I know exactly where too. But I daresay you & I have digressed enough from the true nature of your interview, been watching the show long enough to know it's content overall - no offense.
Marcelli: None taken, your Majesty.... Quite right, in fact, and while its fresh in the mind, I feel it might be pertinent to ponder on the latest happenings in the Galaxy, especially if said-happenings directly improve our chances of survival on this beloved planet of ours. On one hand, the Galaxy suddenly lacks the presence of two new realms borne of our Empire's downfall, and on the other, news outlets everywhere tell of the Bloodhound's return to Durace.All quite foreboding to consider, especially from the perspective of the citizen population here, though many of us here understand well that the time for mobilisation will surely be fast-approaching now. The realm knows well enough your efforts to delay martial law, and on behalf of the people at home, I surely express my gratitude for that - though surely you can understand our curiosity as to when the appopriate measures might be taken to that effect.
Barran: I understand perfectly, you're right to inquire on the issue, thus you're due the appropriate fullness of candour, an' I'll be honest.... Despite everything we've averted, IMPAF High-Command are nigh on ready to accept the gravity of this impending choice, but I will only allow it if done so within the confines of reason. An' perhaps, that is - if my subordinates can sway this rule by majority-voted, carried motion, we may yet raise the minimum age for recruitment specifically.
This is the first of potential doctrinal amendments on the docket, an' there are quite a few for us to get through.
Marcelli: Heh....Barran: You aw'right there, Maria?
Marcelli: Yeah, sorry. I was just thinking about someone there, and- perhaps.... Of Some who would count themselves among the many families who would thank you endlessly for said-amendments.
Barran: Good, as this would mean they understand the situation perfectly, knowing exactly what's at stake for us on Nirauan.
Though I still feel that I must appeal to our serving personnel in this matter, as I understand this incurs grander risk of civilian catastrophe, namely those we stretch too far to defend ably already, but in the advent of the incoming edict, I assure everyone that I have more than a few evacuation protocols to bring forth to the Grand Assembly of New Carannia.... But with that, on a positive flipside if you will, soldiering and command quality will improve dramatically with extended military education, much like that which was once boasted by the Imperial State of Galidraan.
Marcelli: I always liked how you made efforts to keep the conversation relevant to the job, and quite right. It wouldn't be your first alusion to Willan Tal's standards after all.Barran: Ha! I actually met 'im a few times, started out with sharing intel on Fortanists, then the encounters increased in formality from there.... Say whatever thou wilt, citizens. I quite liked the man, an' he could fight too. Tougher than his stature implied, an' that's selling it short. Plenty there to admire of House Tal anyways, though I'm sure many might grumble that this is the old Barran screaming out from within.... I don't mind though, as even now - Defiant Imperials look out for each other, an' tigers never change their stripes.
In an ideal lifetime, against entire hordes of Sith-Loyalist soldiers, I would look to none other than fellow exiled Tigers.
Bodyguard: Apologies, Ma'aam. But His Majesty has urgent matters to attend to-Barran: Its fine, lad. If Elias got the scoop back then, so too will Maria. Remember the policy of transparency.
Bodyguard: Well, this is a level two-
Barran: That all? Well, what is it? Who, even?
Bodyguard: Uh, well.... The Imperial Covenant are currently awaiting permission to approach the planet's surface, expressing intention to establish diplomatic ties with the Protectorate. How do we proceed?Barran: Ah.... Dornan, I hope you know that constitutes a level three layer of secrecy, regardless of whatever views you have about the Covenant's recent broadcast.
Bodyguard: My apolog-
Barran: It's perfectly fine, Dornan. We don't need to sweat this one, or at least, I don't think we do.... Considering the company we're keeping at the moment, we did say we could discern by ear as to what could and could-not be revealed this evening. After all, we're on the verge of something big here.
Alright, Maria. Looks like you're coming with us.
Marcelli: Fine by me.
Barran: Sorry about this by the way, you know I'm usually much more polite around our guests here.
Marcelli: No, honestly. Just do your thing.
Bodyguard: So what's the plan, Your Majesty? What are our orders?
Barran: Firstly, we have enough room to dock, enough fuel and supplies to replenish - and thats just their ships.... Though as for their leader, or whatever delegation they've sent, I would meet them at the Myrmidon Library - an' Maria's definitely comin' with us now.
Marcelli: His Majesty has spoken, boys. Pack it up and I'll meet you all in the office rec-room tomorrow.... Leave that Datapad, I'm taking that with me.
AS THE GALAXY SLIDES DEEPER INTO CHAOS
ASHLA BESTOWS MERCY UNTO FAITHFUL SOULS
AND COURAGE TO HEARTS OF DEFIANCE
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