No Time to Go All Wobbly | First Order Moff Council

[Natasi Fortan]

​

The mirror reflected the form and figure of Natasi Fortan, from the top of her head to her calves. The Grand Moff was dressed conservatively, as usual. She wore a black dress, with her rank badge pinned to her upper left chest. Banks, her lady's maid, fussed behind her with her hair, crafting her unruly chestnut locks into her regimented, trademark updo. Natasi gently tucked a lock of hair behind her ear as she watched her maid work, and the Grand Moff tried to combat the anxiety that was brewing beneath her composed exterior.

It was the last day of her administration, and she had been summoned to the Imperial Palace by the Lord Chamberlain to speak to the Supreme Leader. Natasi had known the day was coming -- her term was five years, after all, and she owned a calendar. Still, the prospect of being out of a job -- or worse, being asked to serve in the government of one of her cabinet colleagues -- was enough to make her insides tremble with apprehension.

"The pearls, milady?" asked Banks, holding up two necklaces. "Or the ruby pendant?"

Natasi considered the options, then inclined her head. "Pearls, I think." She looked at Banks' reflection in the mirror. "Don't you?"

"Yes, milady."

Once suitably dressed, Natasi gave her appearance a once-over before nodding her approval. There was a knock at the door, and Natasi examined her wristwatch as she called for the person on the other side to enter. Clémence Wallace entered, carrying a black leather briefcase. "Your car has arrived, Grand Moff." She offered the briefcase to Natasi, who took it with a nod of thanks.

"The meeting shouldn't last long; an hour, maybe less. I'll want to meet with the Cabinet when I'm finished; it was calendared weeks ago, they should be able to attend in person," Natasi said as she walked down the stairs with Clémence. "Please be prepared to collect their letters of resignation."

- - - - -​

​

"I won't pretend that you are without merits, Natasi," the Supreme Leader intoned, finally speaking after observing the Grand Moff's kneeling position for nearly a full minute. "Your service to growing my Empire has not gone unnoticed, I assure you, and you acquitted yourself ... adequately ... as far as the war is concerned. However, I do find myself wondering whether you have what is required for this position in the long term. Your concern for the lives of our people is a dual-edged blade." He paused, inhaled loudly, suppressed a coughing fit. He wiped his mouth on a black kerchief. "Sometimes sacrifices must be made for the benefit of the greater good. Sometimes they must be sacrificed to obtain my interests, whether for the benefit of their greater good or not. This is a lesson all who would lead must know; I'm not convinced that you have learned it."

He paused again, eyes glinting malevolently. "And yet... who is there who could replace you? Graush lacks polish; Teigra is not one of us, not really; Calgar... an interesting candidate, but perhaps not yet." Natasi resisted the urge to look up; her knees were beginning to ache. "Your manipulation of the people and the press has been masterful; you would be difficult to replace at this moment. And yet, of the three I chose, only you have persisted. Because you have found belonging here, perhaps? Or because there is more you hope to achieve?" He inhaled again, through his nose, and stifled a chest-cough as he chuckled. "Do not seek to hide it from me, Natasi. I can read your ambition as plain as the nose on your face. It is not to be ashamed of. Perhaps it will make you stronger. Perhaps you can yet be shaped..."

He paced away from her. "Yes, of the four of us most dedicated to my Empire -- Kalast betrayed us and joined that cheap upstart whose name I could never be bothered to recall; Vaas chose poorly, an unfulfilling life in exile with his family; you remain loyal, an icon of my Empire, the public face so that I may keep mine aloof. And I... well. Always in motion is the future, I believe the saying goes." He strolled back towards her, robes swishing softly. "I cannot deny your dedication to my vision, despite your various shortcomings," he said casually. "There is, perhaps, still time for you to demonstrate your abilities. And so it falls upon me, your Supreme Leader and Sovereign, to invite you to form a government in my name," Sieger intoned gravely as he looked down at Natasi Fortan in her kneeling position. He offered her his hand, which she took. Without looking up, Natasi lowered her head and kissed his ring obediently.

"Do not think me harsh, Natasi. You have done well, but trying times lay head, for the First Order and for you -- for all of us. I have hopes that you will prove worthy of the task." There was a menacingly silent pause between them; Natasi repressed the urge to look up into Sieger's face. "And if you do not, you will surely understand that the Empire must come first, must always come first. If you accept this charge, it is customary to say so."

Natasi finally inclined her head and looked up into the Supreme Leader's face for the first time since being escorted into his presence chamber. He was studying her with a look she couldn't quite parse; even after a decade of working with him, there were things she didn't understand about him. But the way he looked at her, she wondered if there was anything he didn't understand about her. "I accept the charge, Supreme Leader."

"Very well, Grand Moff Fortan. You may rise and continue to go about the work of our nation. I look forward to seeing just what you can do in your forthcoming administration..."

- - - - -​

​

"It's a yes?" Clémence asked as Natasi entered Number 10 again. The Grand Moff nodded, unable to tear herself away from her thoughts on the meeting. Sieger had never expressed any complaints about her leadership in the past; what had changed in their dynamic? She fretted, twisting her engagement ring nervously around her finger. The way he spoke, the Supreme Leader was ready to replace her if the right candidate presented itself. Her mind immediately went to [member="Dante Calgar"], and her eyes cut to the side in annoyance.

"I need a moment," Natasi said to her aide. "I'm going to my office. Tell me when everyone has arrived. And call [member="Valessia Brentioch"]. She should be here for this."

- - - - -​

​

​

[member="Dante Calgar"] | [member="Asharad Graush"] | [member="Suravi Teigra"] | [member="Valessia Brentioch"]​

Other First Order Government/Diplomatic Characters - By Request​

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

Dosuun

Pemberley rested quietly nestled in the Avalonian countryside. Within its halls, the sounds of her newborn son's mewls could be heard. "He is beautiful milady," acknowledged Roberta the nanny that had been recently hired into service at the manor. The scion of house Brentioch smiled in return, her son was beautiful and his birth had not been easy. Delivered early due to her health and in that moment she felt like the most inadequate person on the planet. A half-Epicanthix child would never be easy to carry, and she made it thirty-three weeks before they decided to induce and operate. Another two weeks to recover saw everyone in the manor doing more than their fair share of work.

"Thank you, Roberta." Valessia said with gratitude, "and thank you for agreeing to stay here at Pemberley."

"You are most welcome, Stephan has been most helpful," the nanny replied as she moved to place the infant Creed into his bassinet. The brunette watched as the blonde woman delicately placed her son down. They sat in the sitting room as the morning papers and letters were brought into the home. Colonel Creed had just departed for work earlier in the morning, leaving the Brentaalan to go about her own routines.

She looked out the window a moment, her eyes concentrated on the beautiful wading pool that welcomed all visitors to the estate. Valessia watched as the sunlight danced across the water, eyes glassed over lost in some distant memory. A trance even, who knew where she was but she seemed a little startled when Stephan called for her. "Milady, I'm so terribly sorry to disturb you but you have a call."

Her brows furrowed.

"From Number 10."

"Oh," she gasped and rose from her seat. The brunette was escorted to a private holo console, and as she answered it Valessia wondered what this was all about. She had returned to work during her pregnancy and fulfilled duties as an Ambassador and just after her son's birth, she was moved to the position of undersecretary. Her son was now nearly a month old and it seemed she was needed at Number 10, grateful to have Roberta on staff the noblewoman moved from the private holo and rushed across the manor.

"We found this," Lauren said with a bit of a frown, "oh I do wish we would have more notice on these matters."

Valessia only nodded, "Lauren it's fine it will do." She sighed and gave the woman a reassuring smile, "a small matching purse will work and heels. Now let's just hope I still fit." The help moved to aide the lady into her dress the two found that it didn't take much to get her into the dress, as it seemed to still fit.

There had been just enough room for her, but only just. The woman was reminded that she still had a way to go to shake the baby weight off her body. "Stephan have the car come around."

"Already here milady," he acknowledged, "and you look splendid."

"Thank you," she replied as she smoothed the dress out with her hands and exhaled, "okay this will have to do. Let Number 10 know that I am on my way."

[member="Natasi Fortan"]

 

[Asharad Graush]

Cybernetic hand clenched and flexed as it brushed against the suit of armour that failed him on Kaeshana. Electrostatic pads on the finger tips allowed him to actually feel, like he still possessed an organic hand... But it wasn't the same. The cybernetic hand brushed against the gauntlet that had been hacked into to slice into his wrist. He could only presume the Rogue Jedi had some kind of vendetta against him. Likely, it had been due to him slaughtering her friends in those surrounding mountains... His mind reached back far to that battle. The Yuuzhan Vong weapons that he had employed had served him well.

Sulfur coloured eyes brightened for a moment as he slipped gauntlet over flesh, the armour having been lifted from one of the multiple stands within his office in the Imperial Palace. The same office as Vaas before him, but refurbished to fit the Sith Lords needs, which consisted of multiple armour stands and not much else, though come recently, there had been a need for cleaners to visit his room a lot more often.

By the time the helmet was settling over his head, the commlink within the suit of armour was alerting him to a Moff Council meeting.

Mission Delay.

Eyes ventured upwards in the helmet to check the time in the Heads Up Display before he exited his office. The trip to the front lines was going to be delayed, briefly.

"Contact Colonel James," he said as he marched through the halls of the Palace. The heavy boots, the heavy steps he took, they announced his presence before he even entered a room.

"Supreme Commander, Sir," the aforementioned Officer's voice came over the encrypted channel.

"Move ahead with the construction efforts on our border planets. We start on Barkhesh."

There was a confirmation from James, and then the channel closed. Already in orbit of the planet, Colonel James and his crew had been awaiting the Supreme Commander to get to the ship, with him sending them on ahead, one of the Star Destroyers that orbited the planet lifted out of the sky and disappeared in a flash of light, around the same time that the Epicant-Hybrid entered the Council Room.

[member="Natasi Fortan"], [member="Valessia Creed"], [member="Dante Calgar"]

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Clémence Wallace went about her work in the cabinet room, overseeing the provision of agendas, pens and notepads at each seat. The room was set out so that the Grand Moff sat with her back to the fireplace at the center of one side of the vast, vaguely coffin-shaped table. Her seat was slightly larger than the rest, and her place had a leather blotter. The rest of the table was covered in green baize. Members of the cabinet were arriving as the finishing touches were put on the table: crystal pitchers of ice water and matching glasses. The kitchen staff busily arranged the carafes of coffee, orange juice, and pots of tea on a side table, along with assorted pastries. Clémence was tasked with greeting the Moffs as they entered.

Isobel Churchill was first, the Minister of Defense. A competent administrator whose skills lay in logistics and organization more than military strategy. For that, they had [member="Asharad Graush"], the Supreme Commander and Natasi's right-hand man where the war was concerned. Word around Number 10 was that Graush was up for some big honor for his work during the war, but Clémence hadn't seen anything concrete yet. Churchill, for her work, was likely to be given a handshake and the thanks of a grateful nation, but she knew Natasi was considering Industry & Development for her, freeing up Preston Talbot to focus on the Exchequer at the Ministry of Finance. Petyr Calinda was next, all golden hair and teeth as she clasped Clémence's hands between both of his. Calinda was Minister for Culture & Heritage, the longest-serving member of the Government outside of Natasi herself -- but much too effective at his current job as master propagandist and cultural manipulator to be considered for any other post, despite his naked ambitions to one of the four Great Offices (Grand Moff, Home Secretary, Foreign Secretary, and Finance Minister).

Talbot and Emiko Endo arrived next, in an animated conversation. They were thick as thieves; rumor was that they were lovers, but as long as Education & Labor wasn't given any budgetary consideration, Number 10 didn't care. Besides, with no official evidence in a city as surveilled and politically incestuous as Avalonia, their discretion spoke volumes.

Allen Eriksen stood outside the cabinet room, clearly hopeful that the Grand Moff would stop and spare a few words in private before the meeting. Clémence went out to greet him and pull him in. He would be speaking with the Grand Moff after the meeting, anyway, there was no need to gum up the works now. "Ladies and gentlemen," she announced from the head of the table. "Some of your colleagues are still on their way, but in the meantime, please help yourselves to refreshments."

She left the room, snagging a junior aide on the way out. "Get me a twenty on Calgar, Teigra, Creed, and Graush. Oh -- negative on the last," she amended as Graush rounded the corner. "Good morning, Supreme Commander. Please, go in. The Grand Moff will be down shortly."

[member="Suravi Teigra"] | [member="Dante Calgar"] | [member="Valessia Creed"]​

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

"Good morning your worship," greeted Padwick or Paddy as the droid was known as. A droid that had been assigned to care for the Baroness since she was a child. "My what a beautiful day it is, don't you think so?"

"Of course," Valessia agreed with a smile as she buckled herself into the back seat. The car doors locked, just as the vehicle pulled out of the drive and onto the county road. Small rocks, and dirt kicked up beneath the tires as the black armored car made it's way down to the street. "And good morning, Paddy." Whether or not it would remain good had yet to be seen, she adjusted her dress again and took in a deep breath.

As she exhaled, the woman wondered about her son for a moment. Hand curled beneath her chin as she looked out of the window, elbow rested against the car door's arm rest. When Valessia shifted her weight within the seat, she moved her back flush against the fabric. She caught sight of her wedding band and looked at it a moment. A soft smile broached her lips and she then placed her hands in her lap.

The drive from Pemberley into the City of Avalonia depended on traffic and in the morning it could be quite brutal. Which left Valessia to wonder if calling for a shuttle would have been faster. The flash of trees passed her by, as did the scenic views offered up by Crawley County. Farmers going about their routines, and small cafes, shops and boutiques opened up. Thankfully, traffic was smooth and clear heading into Avalonia.

In Avalonia that was another matter altogether, there were at least two accidents on the major roadways. Smaller access roads were either packed with traffic or jammed up by construction projects. "Paddy, inform Number 10 that we are running behind schedule." The droid acknowledged his charge and sent information ahead that the Baroness would be running behind schedule due to traffic. Should have taken the shuttle, Valessia thought to herself. Unfortunately she didn't think about it earlier and went right into autopilot of getting into the car.

Natasi wouldn't accept the reason, and place it as an excuse. All Valessia could argue was that she lived in the country. She no longer owned her small home in other cities and was not often called down to Number 10. She checked the clock and looked up at the speeder ports. "Paddy, call ahead to the VIP USS on Dockery and First. I'll need an expedited transport." She was not about to actually show up later than she already was. The noblewoman could hear the Grand Moff already discretely giving her the look. The look that said you should've been prepared and taken the shuttle, what were you thinking driving at this hour of the morning into the city.

The Baroness was dropped off at the local speeder station and immediately taken to the VIP service. Within moments she was on a speeder and being taken directly toward Number 10. Traffic here was easier to manage, and the speeder came down to hover on the street lowering itself slowly onto the ground. The driver helped her out and was graciously tipped, just as Valessia sent word to Paddy to continue his route to Number 10 so that he would be ready to take her home. Valessia looked herself over and once more smoothed out her dress with her hands checked her purse for a mirror. One last look at herself in the compact mirror. "Here we go." She said softly whilst tucking the now clasped compact back into her purse and making her way up the steps into Number 10 itself.

Upon entry she was greeted swiftly and escorted to where she needed to go. And already, Valessia got a bad feeling about this particular meeting in the pit of her stomach. She waved it off as nerves just as she entered the main room and was greeted by one of the ministers.

[member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Asharad Graush"]​

 

[Eugen Aker]

[SIZE=9pt]Suravi [/SIZE]was one of the last to arrive, chatting away on her phone with one of her project directors as she maneuvered to an empty seat next to Endo. Refreshments were expected to provided at the cabinet meeting, but in her other hand she held a black double sealed thermos of sparkbee honey, a Vong beverage highly unlikely to be offered on the premises.

“Sixty-six percent is good progress, but I think we can push it up seventy percent efficiency by the end of this [SIZE=9pt]month.[/SIZE]” she said, giving Endo a wave as she took her seat. “Doctor Nahm from the Sejong Office is floating around Dosuun now. He should be meeting with your team to go over some modified designs tomorrow. I think we have a winner with those new energy cyclers.”

The conversation continued on for a few minutes before she finally ended the call, promising to resume the conversation in person following the cabinet meeting. The normally reserved Moff was unusually animated at the moment, few things stirring her heart like honest scientific pursuits.

“Sounds like good news,” Endo noted as she leaned slightly toward Suravi away from Talbot.

“Very good news,” she agreed. “Considering my team started from scratch with these new reactor designs. We may be ready for some live testing next month at this rate.”

“That’s great. How goes progress on the neural networks I requested?”

Suravi unsealed her thermos and took a sip of the honey. “I have to admit that I haven’t been following that particular project too closely, but last I heard, the algorithms had been completed and their training started. [SIZE=9pt]Usually,[/SIZE] the process takes about five or six weeks.”

A large part of Education and Labor revolved around crunching stats, but their current suite of analysis tools was lacking, so Endo had commissioned Suravi’s department to come up with a new suite on the cheap. As a technocrat, Suravi’s whole deal was harvesting big data for effective governance, so she was only more than happy to throw some new tools Endo’s way.

“I’m passing through my main office today, so I’ll look into it personally. Why don’t you join me?”

“I think I just might, though let me check my schedule.” As Endo said that, Suravi could feel her outer thoughts shift on Talbot for a few moments. Suravi huffed in amusement, then nodded.

She talked with Endo some more about some other overlapping topics between their departments. The two Moffs were on good terms, primarily because neither had much impetus to screw each other over. Suravi may have been one of the few members of the [SIZE=9pt]council[/SIZE] content with her current station, truly dedicated the advancement of the sciences. As long as no one interfered with that, then there would be no issue.

[SIZE=9pt]After Endo, she mingled a little with her other counterparts nearest to her. It was the first time she had been gathered with them all at once since accepting her current post. Noticeably absent was Natasi other key members of the council, but they would probably all make their grand entrances soon enough. For now, it was just time for some more casual chit chat before the meeting got officially underway. [/SIZE]

[member="Valessia Creed"] [member="Natasi Fortan"] [member="Asharad Graush"]

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"She's coming," the aide told Clémence. "She said to do the thing."

"The thing?" echoed the PPS.

"You know. The thing. The thing with the numbers and -- she's coming! Tick tock!"

"Oh. That thing. Right."

Without further ado Clémence primped her hair, picked up her portfolio, and entered the cabinet room; the doors shut behind her. She strolled along one side of the table, speaking casually to the assembled cabinet ministers. "This is the first official Moff Council and Cabinet of the First Order, and I can tell you that the Grand Moff can think of no better example than the collection of minds and talents arrayed around this table. Or not," she added, pausing behind [member="Dante Calgar"]'s empty seat and offering an indulgent smile around the room. "Between you and your predecessors and the Grand Moff, you have presided over the unprecedented rapid growth of the First Order, from a small, isolated nation to a major galactic power. You've created billions of jobs, made the Supreme Leader's empire safe for its citizens, and won two wars against perhaps the most dangerous enemies we have ever faced -- the Ssi-Ruuvi Imperium and the Galactic Alliance."

She paused and turned at the end of the table, then began moving down the opposite side of the table. "You've brought unparalleled growth, stability, order, justice, and peace to this region of space in the Grand Moff's first term in office. With the war winding down, now is the time to capitalize on the progress we've made, consolidate our efforts where they have proven successful, and make adjustments as needed to maximize our success going forward." Clémence stood behind Natasi's chair, rested her hands on the leather. "With that in mind, please pass me your letters of resignation. As previously discussed, I wouldn't read too much into this request; it is mainly to provide the Grand Moff with the courtesy of hiring you or not, rather than firing you or not."

She rounded the table, collecting the letters from Talbot, Eriksen, Churchill, Endo, and Calinda while waiting for the other Moffs to comply. As she waited, the doors opened and Natasi appeared, striding (one might say triumphantly) across the room to her seat at the table. She sat and opened her portfolio on the blotter. "Good morning, everyone. Have you all resigned?" She glanced around the table with a light-hearted smile. "As I consider our agenda moving forward, I'd like to have a report on your the operations of your ministries. Science & Health?" she asked, casting her gaze down the table to [member="Suravi Teigra"].

[member="Asharad Graush"] | [member="Valessia Creed"]​

 

[Eugen Aker]

[SIZE=24pt]Suravi [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]offered her resignation letter as requested, handwritten on premium cotton stationery. Shortly thereafter, Natasi finally made her appearance launching right into the meeting requesting updates on the progress of each department, beginning with hers. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]For a few moments, her mind was filled with the vision of Arisa as their eyes met. She couldn't fathom why Natasi had her former protegee on the brain, though she didn't let it concern her at the moment. Something to look into later. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]She took another sip from her honey before offering her report. "In light of the wars with the Imperium and the Galactic Alliance, we have seen a large rise in disabled veterans. This is on top of the massive influx of new beneficiaries into the system during the last fiscal cycle. With current restrictions on Bacta and Kolto imports (and the continued threat of embargos), my department has been working closely with universities and healthcare networks in expanding the training of providers in more conventional treatments. Personalized medicine, reconstructive surgery, preventative care, etc. As a stop gap, a new corps of medical droids have been immediately deployed to supplement our current crop of public providers, and we are working on new [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]AGI[/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt] units for more timely and accurate analysis of symptoms. With these measures and more, my goal is to completely wean us off of our Bacta and Kolto dependency within the next fiscal cycle, and our armed forces in particular within the next year."[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]"On the science front, my department has begun a number of joint ventures with the private entities. One of them being the establishment of public labs and technology centers across the Seoul sector in advancing the sciences. I started a pilot program with my own sector administration experimenting with regional centers, and thus far I've seen great success. My sector has seen about a 300% increase in research output within the past year alone, and I'm expecting that number to jump again in the next year as I reallocate my sector budget for peacetime operations. My hope is to scale up this program on the federal level and spread out R&D outside of Dosuun. Not only will this promote more rapid scientific development across FO space, but it will help make our newer frontier regions feel more involved, which is a crucial element in their integration."[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]She paused, glancing around at her peers and having another sip before continuing. She felt a mix of annoyance and envy from Talbot as her tawny eyes passed over him. Some of her projects did have her skirting into his territory as Industry & Development Minister, among other roles.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]"There's an ongoing project to cut down travel times within the First Order with the establishment of new lanes. I have traditional Pathfinder teams exploring new possible avenues for s-threads, along with toying with some experimental monitoring stations that may finally enable real time astrogation. There's also a parallel project in looking to create a more robust public holonet for free or low-cost access to all our citizens. The success of these two projects alone would result in unprecedented development for the First Order and Wild Space/Unknown Regions in general."[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]"I have other things I could share, but I don't want to take up all our time, unless any of you have any questions."[/SIZE]

[member="Natasi Fortan"]

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"Very good," Natasi said to [member="Suravi Teigra"]. The Grand Moff had been considering Teigra's position for some time; was Science & Health the best place for her? Perhaps something in Finance & Commerce was better suited to the woman's skills, talents, and contacts. Natasi followed along with Teigra's report, her eyes narrowing here and there before she concluded. "That will do for now, Moff Teigra, thank you." The Grand Moff turned her attention towards [member="Asharad Graush"], the Supreme Commander. He would soon be tasked with running the Ministry of Defense, and stop sharing power with Isobel Churchill.

"Supreme Commander, if you could provide a generalized update on the state of affairs with our armed forces?" She paused and put her reading glasses on, looking through them at the Supreme Commander once she has. "And if you can stay after to provide me a more in-depth briefing I would be much obliged."

She sat back in her seat, crossing her legs under the table as she absorbed the surroundings. There was a nervous energy in the room, which was to be expected. Some of these people would be walking away from this meeting with the future of their careers unsettled. Her dark eyes crossed the room, and she suppressed a smirk. Some of them deserved to feel unsettled...

[member="Valessia Creed"] | [member="Dante Calgar"]​

 

[Asharad Graush]

The Lord of the Sith took no seat as he occasionally paced around the Moff Council room. The suit of armour he bore wasn't made for sitting, but rather combat. Not that he couldn't sit, just totally entombed in the suit of armour made it quite uncomfortable. [member="Suravi Teigra"] gave her report on the Science and Health sector of the First Order. Curious, how she also delved into travelling and hyperspace developments. The Sith Lord's helmet rotated to look upon both Preston Talbot, before turning back to its forward position. In this first meeting, it would be best to learn as much as he could about the other members of the Moff Council, with giving as little of himself away as possible.

That said, the latter shouldn't be too difficult as he kept to himself for the most part, and spoke to fewer than a dozen souls on the daily.

When the Grand Moff, [member="Natasi Fortan"] had brought her attention onto him, the young Graush's sulfur orbs glowed behind the stygian visor as he dipped his head in a nod to her request before he started his own report.

"Recovering rapidly after our most recent victory. Imperial Army Regulars have been whipped into shape to pick up the slack that our Stormtrooper Units have let slip in recent excursions." Skor, came to mind, but the exact details hadn't actually surfaced, other than war crimes and the disbandment and restriction of an assortment of weapons from the First Order's standardized armouries. "Stormtrooper Legions in the Hoth Sector at the time of the attack have been replaced by the Auxiliary and Imperial Regulars. While the Imperial Army and Auxiliary re-fortify the Ison Corridor, multiple battalions and regiments will be combined to make up for the men lost in their parent legions, and will prepare for their next offensive against the Ssi-Ruuvi Imperium," though the Sith Lord had another stop in mind before hitting the bipedal lizards.

The more in-depth report came after, as she wanted. There was another inclination of his helmet to illustrate his being finished.

[member="Dante Calgar"], [member="Valessia Creed"]

 

[Progflaw99]

*Absolutely unacceptable.* Thought the recently appointed Minister of Security as his footsteps echoed in the narrow hall. Only moments previous, Moff Calgar had been on the giving end of a right thrashing via holo-comm. There would be consequences for his men's failure - even if it wasn't strictly official business. Taking a deep breath, he purged the thoughts from his mind. He didn't have time for that right now - as it stood, he was already late to a particularly important meeting. A meeting of the Moffs - or at least that was the somewhat glib terminology he'd assigned the small council. Tucked in the crook of his arm rest a large datapad, the screen presently dark though at the touch of a button, his notes and related files could be displayed with ease.

Rounding a corner, his eyes tracked towards the conference room, shadows moving behind the frosted glass. He couldn't tell just yet, but it was likely he was one of the last to arrive. A brief glance at his wrist chrono told him what he needed to know. Just outside of fashionably late. *Damn.* Cutting his stride short, his hand grasped the archaic handle of the conference room and stepped inward. Scanning the room from right to left, he recognized each face there, each individual the subject of a thorough personal investigation he himself had deigned necessary by himself. Knowing your peers and even those above your station was crucial if one desired something more - and Dante was if nothing else, a man of ambition.

His piercing gaze paused ever so slightly on each member in attendance, as if he were checking their presence off an invisible list in his mind, lingering only a hair longer once he set his sights on the Grand Moff.

"Excuse my interruption, matters of security of course."​

​

He spoke dismissively during a brief pause in the dialogue already beginning to unfold between several of the room's occupants. Taking small steps towards the empty chair which was set aside for the Security Minister, sliding gracefully into the chair and placing the datapad on the table before him. Once seated Dante's focus centered on the Supreme Commander. A warrior no doubt. One had only to see his posture, the way he carried himself and the wording he chose. It was deliberate, straight and to the point. A sly smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. *The Ssi-Ruuvi Imperium.* Dante was familiar with the Ssi-Ruuk, several of his unofficial missions had been in support of the First Order's push back after the occupation of Avalonia. They were not to be underestimated, in fact that was in part what had allowed the occupation in the first place - but that was neither here nor there, it had been finished. Or at least it would be soon, he thought wryly.

With hostilities along the border of First Order and Galactic Alliance space winding down into an uneasy ceasefire, they could eradicate the creatures, perhaps even push them all the way back to Lwhekk if the Supreme Leader had the desire, and if the Grand Moff could see it through. A whisper of an idea began to form in the man's mind as he listened quietly, eyes passing from person to person. These were his peers now. *Soft.* he thought to himself as he looked to their faces. Most of them would likely recognize him immediately because of his involvement after the failed offensive at Skor II. He had stepped forward, unafraid to effect the final justice which the Supreme Leader himself had desired. Disobedience was not suffered.

​

[member="Suravi Teigra"] | [member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Asharad Graush"] | [member="Valessia Creed"] | ​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

The readiness reports of the First Order's military were always a pleasant surprise. The war had gone favorably for them, and while there had been many killed and injured, the organizational structure of the First Order allowed them to recover and advance more quickly than expected. "Thank you, Supreme Commander. It's always encouraging to hear such a positive update." Their conversation following the meeting would go into more detail regarding the Ssi-Ruuk and the First Order's planned campaign to drive them away. They had been lurking just outside of the Empire for some time now. Watching. Waiting. That they didn't strike during the war with the Alliance was curious to Natasi; why not strike when the enemy is weakened?

The only explanation was that the Imperium required a healthy specimen for their purpose.

The door opened then, providing an effective segue away from military affairs and to intelligence as [member="Dante Calgar"] entered. The Grand Moff straightened somewhat, her eyes tracing Calgar as he moved to take his seat.

"Of course," Natasi said, inclining her head in acceptance of his excuse. "Not to worry, you're not very late, and the minutes will catch you up." Natasi folded her hands on her blotter and looked across the table at Calgar, her dark eyes studying him for a moment. He was an enigma, that was as true as it had ever been. He had been foisted upon her by the Supreme Leader's privilege, and she had no reason -- yet -- to sack him. There was something about him -- a lean and hungry look -- and his closeness to the Supreme Leader felt threatening, although as yet nothing had happened to suggest that he was a threat to her power. The Supreme Leader's voice echoed in her ears for a moment: Calgar... an interesting candidate, but perhaps not yet.

"I'll take your resignation now, please," Natasi said, extending a hand across the table towards the Minister of Security. She locked eyes with him for a moment, her face impassive for several moments before smiling tightly. "And I'd like an update on your department. How do things stand in the Ministry of Security?"

[member="Suravi Teigra"] | [member="Asharad Graush"] | [member="Valessia Creed"]​

 

[Progflaw99]

As their eyes met, a lance of hot fire wormed its way into Calgar's skull. A flash of crimson light crossed his vision, a minor twitch at his lips before returning to normal. The only indication that anything at all had occurred. Dante was a master of bearing, with a history such as his it was not only common, but a required skill - unless one didn't mind an early death. A strained smile snaked its way across his otherwise placid demeanor. The resignation was one he'd worded specifically, though whether or not the Grand Moff would actually read the letters was another matter. It was a show of power no doubt, one that hinted she could remove any one of them at will. Calgar suspected this wasn't the entire truth, though he would play along with the notion for the time being. Reaching into the case folder combo which contained the datapad, Dante's fingers reached within one of the interior pockets. As he withdrew the stark white page, he spoke, extending the printed page towards the Grand Moff.

"Of course, your excellency." A half sideways nod towards the woman. "You'll notice it's been signed and notarized."​

​

The page was clean, printed on stock much less economical than that typically provided by the First Order - personal purchase. The type was clear, the message simple and effective. Written more as a formality than a document bearing personal attachment or investment. It was professional, almost overly so. As the page left his fingers, Dante folded open the soft leather case, pressing a button on the datapad in response to Natasi's request for an update. The overlong report had already been filed, details that might be important included with those of lesser urgency. He knew no one would have the time to fully analyze the report or likely care, and so he'd taken down a few major points. *Soft.* A recurring theme, he thought to himself.

"Stand?" He asked, almost questioningly in tone. "Much of our allotted resources are still processing the raw data from the most recent offensive by the Alliance in the Anoat Sector."​

​

With a quick motion of his hand, his fingers moved across the datapad, selecting the particularly robust set of monitors around the room and projecting a wealth of data across them. Much of it was self explanatory, though some of it would probably be too much for the less military oriented members of the council. Gently pushing his seat away from the table, he rose.

"What you can see here is our current analysis of the Empire wide threat level, the border worlds having just been downgraded. Of course as you should all well be aware, this doesn't mean they are safe..." *In fact they're quite the opposite.* "...though it is important to note that the Alliance has been dealt a heavy blow at the hands of our Military."​

​

A quiet nod in the Supreme Commander's direction as he scrolled the display, new images appearing on the screen.

"I assume you all recognize this?" An image of a broken Avalonia dominated the image, though in the close frame a figure could be seen. A Ssi-ruuk. "These creatures tore our world apart. Abducted thousands of our own citizens, savaged our homes, and performed inhuman acts of horror upon our brothers and sisters. As the Supreme Commander hinted at, this is by far the greater threat. Why haven't the Ssi-ruuk attacked? While we've been busy dealing with the Alliance and their lackeys has been mostly speculation to this point, but long range scans have revealed something new." He flicked the image to a distorted image of space, circling on some small shimmers in the distance, a planetary body taking up the left side of the screen. "It appears they've been waiting. The planet you see here is Furia - a planet once known for its heavy industrial production. Those dots? A Ssi-Ruuvi fleet. Larger than you or I have yet seen - thankfully for now, they appear dormant. "​

​

Shutting off the screen he continued, eyes roving around the table.

"The Ssi-Ruuvi Imperium, as Supreme Commander Graush has stated, do appear to be our most imminent threat. That being said, the security of our Empire is of the utmost importance. Many of the border worlds we've recently acquired are yet burdened by the anti-establishment thinking of Alliance sycophants and rabble rousers. It is imperative that we remove all resistance. An example has already been made of those within our ranks who decide to act out against orders..." Moff Calgar narrowed his eyes. "...but the civilian population may require a bit of their own incentive to fall in line." He let the words hang in the air for a moment before continuing. "And last but not least, the growing issue of Panatha, though the details of that can be found in my official report."​

​

And with that, he took his seat, addressing the Grand Moff as he laid eyes upon her once more.

"I am sure the security of the Empire is near the top of your list of priorities, is it not? I hope you can be counted on in times of need such as the present to do what is necessary, your excellency."​

​

A gamble, perhaps. Out of line? Most definitely, though with a practiced subtlety he'd chosen his words carefully. To address his less than adoring tone would expose insecurity, to leave it unaddressed invited doubt, unless there were another option entirely. A smug smirk rested upon the Security Minister's features, an air of confidence surrounding the man as he sat back in his seat. The major points of his brief address had been touched on, the report would require much discussion in detail though if he were right Supreme Commander Graush would be the more likely the one to discuss the specifics with the Minister of Security.

[member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Asharad Graush"] | [member="Valessia Creed"]​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Without looking at the letter, Natasi passed it to Clémence to take with the others before returning to her position, hands clasped on her blotter as she looked with alert interest at the presentation in front of her. She didn't care for Dante Calgar, if the truth was told. She was pleasantly professional in cabinet and in other meetings with him, but something about him set her teeth on edge. It was more than his being forced onto her cabinet, more than her voice being disregarded, more than being undercut by the Supreme Leader after nearly a decade in his service. It was something else, something more menacing. Though he only ever bared his teeth and hadn't used them, yet and still she felt he was the only one among the bunch that could ever pose a serious threat to her power.

He had to be dealt with. But... how?

It was a question that she would be considering more often, now. He was more or less openly challenging her in front of the Cabinet -- not in as many words, but her cabinet colleagues weren't stupid. They had their flaws -- greed, cowardice, gluttony and lust not least among them -- but they weren't stupid. They could read through the lines as clearly as she could. She studied Calgar curiously for a moment longer, then offered a polite smile. "Your concern is noted, Minister, and I believe my record speaks for itself as far as doing what is necessary." Natasi was, after all, famous for performing extraordinary acts of bravery while leading the resistance against the scales during their siege of Dosuun, in the process endearing herself to the people as well as the armed services with whom she had served.

The Grand Moff stood, collecting her notes, once the rest of the departments had spoken to their assignments. She cleared her throat and looked around the room. "You'll all be hearing from me within the next few days regarding your future assignments in the government. Until then I anticipate you will continue to administer your departments with the professionalism and efficiency I have come to expect. Moff Churchill, Moff Calgar, Lady Creed, and Supreme Commander Graush, please follow Ms. Wallace to my office. Moff Teigra, hang back. Everyone else -- thank you, and good morning."

Natasi waited for them to file out.

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

Like a quiet predator stalking its prey, Valessia watched the room. She observed the demeanour of all around her, the air of superiority as Suravi whisked herself in, and later the enigmatic yet unfeeling aura that came with Dante Calgar. Anchored by Graush's own mysterious and dark tones, everyone else seemed to pale in comparison. She wrote her notes in the old ruined text of Old Brentaalan. A language not to be known by many if anyone else at all in the room, the yellow luminiations fixed to the wall glowed upward across the ceiling reaching for one another and as each Moff spoke to their experience and handed their resignations. Valessia was careful to note the body language for most she could see no machinations and yet, others still held their cards close to their chest. She was nothing more than the undersecretary, a type of limbo she suspected until someone figured out what to do with her. The meeting had been unlike any other, she felt something off about Natasi and whether that was just from observation or personal knowledge she'd speak with her later on the matter.

An uneasy peace, no, a ceasefire would be struck between the Alliance and the Order.

Her eyes strayed down to her notepad, to the scribbled Brentaalan words. They highlighted and told the details of the meeting, in a room where it happened and should anything of any historical significance come of this. Although she half wondered why and wherefore she had been brought out of Pemberley for this. The thought lingered in her mind perhaps a moment too long. Seoul sector, she thought a moment and made a note to keep a special eye on it - she wary of allowing anyone too much power. A governor and a moff? Good heavens, who knows what that woman could be up to. She'd have to either get a meeting with Suravi or implant her own methods of surveillance. And then she recalled the Grand Moff's mood that had been rendered by her own deviance before. And so she thought better of it, for now at any rate.

From there she flipped her notebook over and read through the notes regarding Asharad Graush, their Supreme Commander and Minister of Defence. His service record spoke for itself as she read through her notes. Hands filtering across the now polluted paper, it was thick - but just a hair less so than typical card stock. The ink did not smudge itself as she read through her reports. The mentions of stormtrooper units, auxiliary and army regulars, Hoth and Anoat also seemed to stick out to her on her notes and so she made a careful note in the margin to revisit this particular battle and read over its details from all the notes and reports.

Lastly, as the meeting had been dismissed and several of the aforementioned members were to go with Ms. Wallace, did Valessia reach the notes on Dante Calgar. He walked the line, but he did so with a quiet confidence she would say. He was bold, daring - and for the moment she could not decipher whether this would hinder or help their cause. Worse he was very hard for her to get a read on and she'd almost have to rely on other skills in which to do so. Skills that she'd rather not utilize, as hard as it would be - she would play within the set boundaries given to her not only by First Imperial Law but by that of the Grand Moff herself. And it was so as she flipped her notebook shut and slid the pen into the spiral. As her feet made a little sound against the floor beneath them, as her shadows all but brushed along the wall with only the very same yellow illuminations painting the ceiling she joined the others in the Grand Moff's office. She recalled the evening in which she was given the title of Baroness, an evening in which she had decided that peace was a lie, and so too on this day Valessia had come to a singular conclusion thus far.

Through passion, I gain strength.

[member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Asharad Graush"] | [member="Dante Calgar"]

 

[Eugen Aker]

[SIZE=18pt]When[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] it became Graush’s turn to speak, she couldn’t help but study the cyborg’s armored form. Every time she saw him, he looked increasingly more machine than man. Such was the cost of ambition. The chimera flexed her off hand, a stunning work of alchemy just synthetic as Graush’s metal shell. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]As the Supreme Command spoke, the sounds of steady scribbling and page turning made Suravi glance over at Creed. The two had never spoken once, but Suravi knew to keep a watchful eye on the woman as she reeked with the Dark Side. Graush had a similar taint about him, but she knew enough about him not to be overly concerned, a soldier through and through. Creed, on the other hand, was a complete enigma, the bureaucrat only just emerging on Suravi’s radar with her most recent promotion. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Out of nowhere, Calgar burst onto the scene full of swagger. From then on, she was treated to a show of internal court politics within the Moff Council as Calgar and Natasi took (sometimes not so) subtle verbal jabs at each other, feeling agitation rising within the Grand Moff. She hid a small smile behind another drink from her themos, relishing the conflict on display, muted as it was. [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]She learned something then, that Natasi didn’t have quite the steel grip on the others as she liked to make out. There was at least one other aside from Suravi that moved to their own beat, though she wasn’t nearly so blatant about it as her counterpart.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]From there, it was just business as usual as the other Moffs rattled off their reports without incident. Following the reports, all were dismissed aside from her. A surprise, but also a much-desired opportunity to speak with Natasi one on one again. They hadn’t interacted much in a long time, Suravi working out of Seoul these days [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]She waited until the others exited the room to move, bringing herself to stand beside Natasi, resting a palm on the back of the Grand Moff’s chair. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“I’m sure there was never a question about you being confirmed for a new term, but congratulations all the same. Now, what did you need me for?”

[member="Natasi Fortan"][/SIZE]

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi watched the others go with a look bordering on the forlorn. When she was finally alone with [member="Suravi Teigra"], the Grand Moff turned to her Minister for Science & Health and studied her for a few moments. "Things are going to be different this time," Natasi said quietly. Between the Supreme Leader's apparent lack of confidence in her ability to lead and [member="Dante Calgar"]'s increasingly open challenges to her authority, things were approaching messy. She needed to shore up the support of her cabinet colleagues, but also important was to put in place support throughout the government. Still and all, there was the business of the nation to conduct.

"I appreciate that, Suravi. Thank you," Natasi said, accepting her congratulations with as much grace as she could muster in the moment. "I wanted to let you know that we're making some changes to the departments. Our primary research division will be falling under the Ministry of Industry & Development. Health will be a separate Ministry." She folded her arms over her midsection. "But I'd like to put you in Finance. Your close relationship with the Intergalactic Banking Clan would make you invaluable there, at least in the short term. I apologize that we can't discuss this in more depth just now," she added, glancing at her wristwatch anxiously. "Wherever you land, you should know that you'll have access to me and your contributions won't go unrecognized or unrewarded."

She walked to the door, pulled it open before turning to face Teigra once more. "I hope I can continue to rely upon your support in the upcoming term." The Grand Moff searched Suravi's face for any reaction as to who she might support in the upcoming power struggle. The moment passed; Natasi tugged her sleeve into place. "I'm afraid I must get on," the Grand Moff finally said. "Evangeline will set up a private appointment with you and see you out," Natasi said, indicating one of her aides who was standing outside the cabinet room doors. "We'll speak at your earliest convenience."

​

The doors of her office swept open and Natasi entered, surveying the four assembled there. "Thank you all for making the time," she declared as she moved to stand behind her desk. Clémence offered the letters of resignation to the Grand Moff, who began to leave through them. "Make yourselves comfortable," Natasi told the assembled Moffs as she picked up a pen. Some of the letters she initialed to indicate that they had been accepted. Some -- including the fascinating screed penned by [member="Dante Calgar"] -- she placed in a desk drawer. Others -- including that of [member="Asharad Graush"] and Petyr Calinda and Preston Talbot -- she consigned to the fire that burned near her desk.

"Just a few items of housekeeping," Natasi continued as she returned to her desk. "Lady Creed will be joining the cabinet as Minister for Foreign & Colonial affairs -- unless you have developed some objection, Valessia?" Natasi said, turning her attention to Valessia directly for the first time. Things had not quite thawed between the two women following Valessia's disappearance in the Panatha theater, but professionally, Creed had put in her time and paid her dues. "We can discuss the limits of your brief at a later date," Natasi added as she slid a document across the desk towards [member="Valessia Creed"]. It contained Natasi's seal and signature.

"Likewise, Isobel, it is time for you to leave the Ministry of Defense, with the thanks of a grateful nation. Your execution of the war, with myself and Supreme Commander Graush, has given me great confidence in your abilities. That said, I'd like you to take the Home Office for the time being. I will still personally administer the General Ministry, but prisons, immigration, etc. will fall to you." She slid another document across to Churchill. "If you agree, that is."

Natasi produced a third paper, pushing it over to [member="Asharad Graush"], offering him the position of Minister of Defense. It would give him more control over the credits that were apportioned to the military, as well as giving him an official place in the line of succession should Natasi be incapacitated, following the Deputy Grand Moff (Petyr Calinda). Calinda's loyalty to Natasi was unquestioned; whether Graush's was the same would remain to be seen. She planned to get to the bottom of that question in due course.

"Now then, on to the matter of the Imperium," The Grand Moff said once the letters had been properly dispositioned. She locked the drawer in which Calgar's letter of resignation had been stored and tucked the key away in her pocket. "Our intelligence suggests that they are preparing for some sort of action, which never bodes well. With the Galactic Alliance on the back foot, it is time to counter-strike. I will lead the assault personally; Supreme Commander Graush, I should be grateful for your support. We'll discuss staffing in a closed-door meeting later this week -- Clémence will call your office -- but I already have some names. Yvarro, for instance. Amsel, if he is well enough and so inclined, otherwise I'll take recommendations." Natasi folded her hands over her knee. "In my absence, Petyr Calinda should be deputizing, but let's not kid ourselves." She locked eyes with Calgar for a moment before continuing: "He will chair the cabinet and I expect daily updates from all the ministries. Any questions?"

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

Valessia had been seated quietly, ready to make notes should she have need to. Notebook open, as she read through her notes from the meeting that had only just concluded. She felt the air move by just as Natasi came in, the undersecretary watched the Grand Moff move behind her desk. She worked steadily, silently if for just a few brief moments. Letters were tossed into a fire while others into the desk and still others were shuffled about but the Brentaalan had turned her gaze downward a moment as she moved to uncap her pen. 'Lady Creed will be joining the cabinet as Minister for Foreign & Colonial Affairs'.

Admittedly, she wasn't entirely sure how to react but kept her game face on, "no." Her answer was precise just as a document was slid across the desk, she leaned over and picked up with her hand, and brought it down on top of her notebook. "Thank you," she meant it sincerely and jotted down a few notes on the pad as the Grand Moff continued on with her housekeeping duties. Churchill had been removed from one office and put into another. Graush would now dual hat the role of supreme commander and minister of defence. She made her own notes with reference to succession if for her own personal viewing later on. She tucked the signed and sealed document into a pocket of her notebook as she flipped another page. She wrote the word Imperium just as the Grand Moff spoke them. No raised brows at the idea of the Grand Moff leading the charge against the Ssi-Ruuvi. There was more than a personal score to settle with them, the Baroness recalled the siege and how it had changed everything, just as the war had.

She followed the Grand Moff's gaze and gave a sidelong glance over at [member="Dante"] Calgar, before switching her focus to [member="Asharad Graush"]. She had no questions in relation to the current topic, and the two would speak privately on the other subject. Valessia kept her pen at the ready, uncertain if either one of the others present would ask a question. And so she sat there quietly, Minister Creed. A year ago if you had told her this is where she would have been, Valessia might've laughed you out of the door. Yet, there she was newly promoted into office and now among the council as more than just an undersecretary. Still, there was no doubt that Natasi would want her personal notes, she'd have to type them out into basic later unless she wanted them typed out differently. For now, she knew to keep watch on Calgar, his jabs earlier would make it a lot easier for someone to drive a wedge within the administration and they could not afford it. The last thing they needed was a usurper or worse, someone with the intent to divide them.

[member="Natasi Fortan"]

 

[Asharad Graush]

The Sith Lord's helmet barely rotated for him to set his gaze on [member="Dante Calgar"] when he entered the conference room. Late. Hardly a good impression, however he had met the man previously, when the three of them, Grand Moff included had decided on what was to do with the situation at Skor. His mind rolled back time to the Minister of Security as he watched the man take a seat. In those moments it played out that the Security Minister had overstepped his bounds on that day to execute... Anyone. The military was his realm, an oversight on his part, though it was a lesson that he had taken in stride. There had been no handbook on how to be a successful Supreme Commander.

All he could do was... Perform.

And perform he did.

Soon enough, they were being ushered into another room to wait for the Grand Moff. For his own being there, the transition of Churchill's Moff Council seat had been rumoured to be transferring over to the Sith Lord, along with the more detailed explanations of the status of the military. That was... Certainly going to be exciting, considering his tendencies to not speak. A DataPad would've been handy on that day, no doubt.

Mere minutes later, [member="Natasi Fortan"] had returned to them once again.

Making time.

At this time, his taskforce was likely close to Barkhesh, his Heads Up Display had a chronometre, and he chewed his lower lip thoughtfully before he remained stood where he was. Though, he did take steps closer when Churchill was addressed and the Office of Minister of Defense was spoken. However, when the paper was settled in front of him, giving it the immediate once over, he hadn't realized what came with the position.

Second in line.

There were none that could truly stop him if he sought to seize control, other than the Supreme Leader, he thought. Yet, he had yet to even meet the man personally, merely another Dark Lord that watched from the shadows. May as well be non-existent. Naturally, he signed, a large 'G' with squiggle lines leading from the end point through the letter. Of course, the squiggles held some semblance to being the missing 'raush' of his surname. Yet, whilst he signed the Grand Moff's words echoed through his helmet's audio receptors.

I will lead the assault.

For a moment, all of his muscles tensed, even his jaw tightened as he replayed the words. Even still, after signing, he put on a show of giving the paper one last look over before sliding the paper back over to the Lady Fortan.

I will lead the assault.

Of course her reasoning was sound as to why, it was symbolic. Yet, there was still the sensation of his mission being incomplete. It had been him who had mustered the legions to Skye to repel the Ssi-Ruuvi attack, it had been him who had slaughtered the bipedal lizards on Endor at the head of the First Order's army before the previous Supreme Commander could even break the Imperium defensive blockade.

"As you wish," came the reply.

Utter annihilation wasn't his this time. If he had the ability to use the elements, it was certain that the interior of his suit would've been cooking. "Yvarro." Recently promoted to Grand Admiral if he remembered correctly. A faint nod, as if he were recalling her entire combat history in that moment, which he sort of was, the Heads Up Display immediately accessing the woman's records as he skimmed them. "The FIS Kuragin is a taint on her record. I'm sure by the end of the Imperium Campaign it will be long since faded." Although he held no ill will for the woman, it was for the best to deliver a... Neutral reply. It wasn't as if he owed her anything either.

Amsel on the other hand wasn't a name that he had heard spoken since Kaeshana.

"[member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] will lead the Vanguard." There were multiple reasons for his immediate choice in the matter. Cyrus Tregessar had taken on more of an administrative position since coming to the First Order. Running simulations and exercises rather than truly leading like Yvarro and Rausgeber. The man had grown old, likely didn't hold the stomach for combat anymore. Yet, his reasoning would also sate the bloodthirsty Admiral Rausgeber. It was no secret the man wanted to continue to pursue hostilities with the Alliance, putting him where the fighting would be the heaviest would quiet him for some time. Additionally, the Sith Lord never forgot a slight, and the Fleet Admiral had unwittingly insulted him on an open channel once upon a time, back when he had been a mere Colonel.

And then finally it seemed the discussion was coming to an end, or would be soon. But, the newly minted Minister of Defense had no questions to speak.

[member="Valessia Creed"]