Fruit of Your Labor [Iron Empire Dominion of the Redoubt Cluster]

[Darth Athora]

When Douglas heard his name called out, a bit of shock hit him. He knew of his achievements while serving the Imperial navy but he did not expect anything out of it. Especially not a medal from the Grand Admiral himself. He stood up from his chair and straightened his suit out before walking up to the stage. With glee, he walked up the steps and across the stage to the Grand Admiral. "Thank you, sir. I am very grateful." Douglas saluted his superior officer before shaking his hand and graciously taking the medal. "Again, sir, thank you. To many more years of service under the Iron Empire!"

​

Douglas walked back off the stage with his medal and sat where he was before. A waitress brought him a glass of champagne. She bent over to put the glass on the table when he took hold of her wrist. "Thank you, dove. You ever been with a pilot? Meet me in room 236C after the ceremony, yeah?" The waitress smiled and felt Douglass sliding a keycard in her pocket before she walked away. Douglas was feeling on top of the world. Like he was invincible. He planned to celebrate tonight. And that he would.

[member="Zeradias Mant"] | [member="Aster Rose Baelor"] | [member="Caelag Vass"] | [member="Makai Dashiell"] | [member="Iella Rehal"]

 

[Zeradias Mant]

Already being on the stage, Zeradias was the first to post where those before him had done the same. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the princess' Wolfsglaive entourage approaching. Eventually, she stood next to Zeradias waiting for what was next. She didn't stand with the same discipline as a military member, but she no one could fault her for it. She stood with her own poise. Shortly after, the young leader of the Iron Legion joined them on stage. Despite his coarse disposition and distaste for the Praetor's informal leadership style, Zeradias liked him, even if he didn't completely show it. He was smart, he was efficient, and he was loyal. You couldn't ask for better traits in a leader. This time, it was Zeradias offering the handshake in greeting.

After things started to settle on stage, Zeradias exhaled and nodded. Captain Black took his posting and began reading the citations, starting with Theodred's.

"For especially meritorious service to the Iron Legion and to the Crown, Praetor Heavenshield has demonstrated strong leadership and was a critical character in the development of the Iron Legion. Praetor Heavenshield was responsible for the construction of the Iron Pantheon on Ilum and the training of numerous Auxiliaries and Centurions alike. Praetor Heavenshield has also been the Iron Empire's biggest recruiter, having attracted a number of recruits to the Iron Empire's doorstep. Praetor Heavenshield also assisted in diplomatic communications with the Outer Rim Coalition and played a more instrumental role with the Dawnguard and Crown of Midvinter. Praetor Heavenshield has served in the following conflicts: the Annexation of Ilum, the Battle of Miasma, the Battle of Roxuli, the Contingency Raids, the Olstyn-Mandalorian Uprising. For his number of significant achievements and contributions to the Iron Empire, Praetor Theodred Heavenshield is awarded the Iron Imperial Gold Star. He is also named a Jarl of Olstyn, and granted lands of his choosing to hold dominion over from this day, until the end of time."

Though not present, the applause was thunderous. The young Heavenshield was well-regarded by the denizens of the empire, as well as those in its higher echelons. Zeradias himself, abrasive as he may be, could probably go as far as to say he liked the man. He'd proven to be both charismatic and capable, and most importantly, loyal. His contributions have without doubt made the Iron Empire a better place.

After the applause subsided, Captain Black began reading the next citation.

"Though royalty in and of herself, it does not exempt her from recognition for her contributions to the Iron Empire. Crown Princess Aster has been diligent in her duties, ensuring the people of the Iron Empire are cared for, as well as dedication in her studies which will no doubt serve her invaluably in her eventual ascension to the throne. Crown Princess Aster is hereby recognized as a Commissioner of Betterment, unwavering in her support of the empire."

Captain Black stepped to, offering a polite bow before handing her a case containing the award. "I will need your assistance for this next one, your grace. Royal appointment.", he said with a smile. He stepped out of the way to reveal the crowd behind him, whooping and hollering as much as they did for Theodred, if not more. As the cheering subsided, Captain Black cleared his throat.

"For especially meritorious service in the Iron Imperial Navy and to the Crown, Grand Admiral Mant has demonstrated strong leadership and was a critical character in the development of the Iron Imperial Navy and Marine Corps, and the launch of the Iron Empire's Personnel Exchange Program. Grand Admiral Mant was responsible for the construction of the Fort Typhos on Ilum and the establishment of other key defenses on strategic territories of the Iron Empire. Grand Admiral Mant was a pivotal character in diplomatic communications with the Silver Jedi Order, Outer Rim Coalition, and the Dawnguard. Grand Admiral Mant has served in the following conflicts: the Crossbones Conflict, the Defense of Csilla, the Annexation of Ilum, the Battle of Miasma, the Battle of Roxuli, the Contingency Raids, and the Olstyn-Mandalorian Uprising. In recognition of his long and distinguished service, Grand Admiral Mant is awarded the Iron Imperial Silver Star and Iron Imperial Distinguished Service Medal. He is also named Lord of Galatine, Arondight, as well as its attended lands and holdings, which House Mant will hold from this day, until the end of time."

With a proper pinning and handshake, as well as a short conversation, the two compatriots celebrated Zera's accomplishments in a brief moment, before turning the praise over to the crowd.

"However, there is one more matter to be attended to. Crown Princess Aster, if you'd please.", he called. He gave her an iron badge, bearing the sigil of the emperor. It'd go without saying, this would be getting pinned on his uniform, and as a member of the royal house, it was appropriate only that she do it as a representative of the emperor and member of House Baelor.

"Lord Grand Admiral Zeradias Mant is hereby named Vice Regent of the Iron Empire."

​

[member="Aster Rose Baelor"] | [member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Jordan Warren]

Jordan was still getting acquainted with her new home in Csalpar City on Csilla. She hadn't gotten used to the year round winter, but her survivalist skills has helped her adapt to it a bit easier than most would. It was a new environment for her. She enjoyed new things, though. She sought out new adventures everywhere she could.

The Iron Empire was a great start for that lifestyle.

Jordan reached into the backseat of her hoverspeeder and heaved out the last remaining box of her stuff. It was going to be such a sweet relief when she got this box inside. It was getting late and she needed to rest. Snow crunched under her boots as she walked up the steps to her apartment. Her door hissed open to reveal the studio littered with boxes of her belongings. Once she was in, the door closed behind her and she found a place for the last box.

 

[Aster Rose Baelor]

Surprised that she would be receiving an award during the night's festivities, Aster smiled brightly as she was handed the award. Filled with pride, she was pleased that able to contribute enough to the Empire to be recognized for her efforts. I hope I've made uncle proud.

Stopped before she descended the stage and disappeared into the crowd, she nodded and remained on the stage and stood near [member="Zeradias Mant"]. He was probably the next to receive his award and the recipient of the Royal Appointment.

Her assumption was proven right once Captain Black spoke Zera's name and read out the man's accomplishments. I need to work harder, Aster thought as she listened to the list of the Grand Admiral's exploits, inspired by his efforts.

Receiving an iron badge bearing her uncle's sigil from Captain Black, she made her way up to Zera and carefully pinned it to his uniform.

"Well deserved," she whispered smiling softly and returned to her position on the stage, waiting to be dismissed.

 

[Micah tol Powl]

The young Pantoran had made his way over to the buffet table while the celebratory circle jerk up on the stage was taking shape. It was a distraction in which all the eyes were on the front of the room and not on the fact that he was monopolizing the meatballs at present. The congratulatory back patting was real though.

Front and center for which was the Heavenshield Hutt-fart.

And, seriously, lands? Yes, that's exactly what they needed. More stuff for Boo to have to take care of, that's what that was. And for what was Lord Théo, Jarl of Olstyn, celebrated? Running his mouth and waving his lightsaber around, that's what.

He definitely took after his mother. Thurion, by contrast, was all about that lightsaber but didn't run his mouth nearly as much.

Shoveling meatballs into his mouth, the boy wondered what this whole land schtick was going to mean for him. Because he didn't do house work, even in their own home. Especially in his own room. So, Théo might be on his own as far as the property holder thing went. Boo would do what he always did and make sure the bills got paid on time, though.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Caelag Vass]

Caelag hummed quietly, waiting for the next set of awards to be given out, tucking a stray hair behind her ear as she was rather certain someone must be staring at it. Eyes seemed to feel as if they lingered on her just a bit too much, until she found relief with the next awards to be announced. Preator Heavenshield, a dear enough friend to the Miraluka, and certainly the reason she'd begun her growth as a force user. She was delighted that he was to be given recognition for his work, and she found herself applauding him even if he was not, to her knowledge, there to see it. She found even more vigor in her applause for the Princess, [member="Aster Rose Baelor"]. A girl that, quite frankly, she had grown rather friendly and fond of in their limited time together, and to whom she shared rare glimpses of her more sensitive, and less militaristic side. Such as earlier, with her words of encouragement.

When Admiral Mant, excuse her, Vice Regent Mant was given his own awards, she didn't seem to find the same vigor she did for Aster. [member="Zeradias Mant"] was inspiring, and a figure worth looking up to, but somehow for Caelag that was, too expected perhaps. Certainly he worked hard, and deserved praise, recognition, and to be put on that pedestal, but compared to Aster who had no such expectations of duty, it almost was for her as though it came to be expected. Respected, admired, but expected. Still, that did not diminish his achievements, and she did not stop her applause until all the others, too, fell silent. And she remained where she was, quietly waiting for what was left to be said, and rather hopeful she could give a more direct congratulations to the young princess.

Though it was just as likely the Wolfsglaive would keep her away, all things considered.

 

[Jordan Warren]

Jordan looked out the window at the night sky above Csalpar City. Stars were lighting up the sky. She exhaled a breath of relief. "This is home." she said to herself. She turned away from the window and entered the kitchen and walked towards the fridge. She opened the door and grabbed a bottle of Fizzade and shut the fridge. She walked back into the living room and dropped on the couch. She reached over her body for a remote. After grabbing it, she pressed the power button, turning the holoprojector on. It displayed a holovid. It appeared to be local news. It was was an exposé on the Emperor. It seemed like they did this every night around this time.

"Wonder what else is on.." Jordie flicked through the frequencies until she came across her favorite holositcom, Two And A Half Mandos. It always had her in tears from laughter every episode. She twisted the cap off her soda and took a quick sip. The sweet fizzly drink was a favorite of hers. No matter what, she always had a bottle of Fizzade nearby.

 

[Zeradias Mant]

Letting a faint smile crease on his lips, Zeradias looked down to the princess.

"Likewise.", he said, congratulating her on her accomplishments also. With the recognitions done and the awards bestowed, that marked the end of the ceremony. Guests were free to eat, drink, and continue mingling and networking as the night went on. Large parties like this tended to fade on their own, rather than have a timeline mark the end of their fun. No doubt some thought of the event as a dog and pony show, and they wouldn't be entirely wrong. But even this show had ample room for other activities.

"This marks the conclusion of the awards ceremony.", Odion said in closing. "Thank you all for attending, thank you all for your support, and please, enjoy the rest of your night."

A polite applause followed as the stage cleared, and Zeradias joined the rest of the guests. He had one more thing on the work side to take care of.

A junior officer approached the new Vice Regent, carrying a holopad amongst other documents. He handed them one by one to Zeradias, and as he did, he scribbled his signature and inked his seal on each document that required it. This wasn't something that would effect the entire realm - though bold, Zeradias had no desire to take such a drastic leap only minutes after his appointment. No. Now that he had royal powers, he was able to administer royal pardons. Once the ranking member of the Iron Legion, Atheus Voidwalker had been with the Iron Empire almost as long as Zeradias himself. Because of his insubordination with then-Praetor Aurelius and outbursts during the meeting with the Silver Jedi delegates, he had fallen from grace in nearly every regard. He was relegated to the rank of Auxiliary, and his de facto leadership status revoked. His presence in the empire shrunk, an expected consequence of the demotion. But Zeradias now paved the way for him to reintegrate into the organization he once so well served. Atheus Voidwalker was now the recipient of a royal pardon, no longer the subject of investigation or punitive action previously administered. Furthermore, Zeradias approved the restoral of his rank of Legate within the Iron Legion.

Zeradias returned the documents and holopad to the officer, who'd promptly take them to the field offices to get published immediately the following morning. The night was getting late, and though the drinks were still flowing and the chatter still lively as ever, Zeradias' business here at the fete was complete, though. Work was always at the forefront of his mind, and given his new duties, there was much to plot and accomplish.

[member="Aster Rose Baelor"] | [member="Boo Chiyo"] | [member="Caelag Vass"] | [member="Jordan Warren"] | [member="Atheus Voidwalker"]​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

After stepping off stage, newly minted Flight Sergeant Dashiell had visited a few fellow squadron mates on his way to the bathroom. The stage had been an excuse to slip away from [member="Aster Rose Baelor"] and her weird bodyguard. He liked the girl, seemed like someone he could get along with. The bodyguard...well....Makai wouldn't mind if they never ran into one another again.


By now the fair haired girl was on stage, presenting medals to others. Iced azure gaze caught sight of one [member="Boo Chiyo"], shoveling meatballs into his mouth. The half-Galan picked his way through the crowd until he reached the boy. Didn't seem to notice him yet. Or perhaps he was being ignored. They did only meet a few times after all.


"Hey Kid, I see Teddy was gifted some lands." Makai gave the kid a friendly slap on the back. "Imagine all the mowing you're going to have to do."