Parades and Paranoia (TSE Dominion of Jaminere)

[Joycelyn Zambrano]

JAMINERE

Victory on Raxus Secundus has seemingly brought the League of Voss to its knees. The fell swoop to the Core routed the Free Worlds Coalition. Everywhere, the tide of imperial conquest seems unstoppable as affluent citizens of the Empire flocke to the once capital of the Tion Sector, Jaminere, to see the Emperor's triumph over the terrorists and false governments. There will be a lavish military parade, and the Lords of Jaminere have prepared a night of grand entertainment in the old palace districts and its many pleasure barges.

[SIZE=9pt]Acolytes, knights and lords of the Sith, officers of the Legion and Armada, and other important persons in the Empire are all invited to fulfill their every indulgence as the festivities go on late into the night.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Enjoy yourselves! Socialise with your fellows and work your way up the social ladder. This is a time for you to relax and enjoy the spoils of war.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]However, while some are celebrating, others are hard at work.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]SIFIA and Saaraishash have just intercepted communication that could be indicative of an attempt at assassinating our own Sith Emperor during the parade. Investigate the matter and make sure no such thing comes to pass![/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]The order is to kill if you must, capture if you can, and find out who is looking to assassinate the Sith Emperor.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Jaminere is a renowned industrial world, a trademark of Tion. However, a wrench has been thrown into the well-oiled machine as Union disputes ignite into strike actions and full on riots among the lower classes! The eyes of the Galaxy are on the Sith Empire and while the riots cannot persist, our reputation depends entirely on how they are dealt with. Will you crush them under your heel or open for dialogue? Will you threaten them into submission or will you promise change? [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]While the workers are striking, business must go on. If you have a company, or wish to start one, then this is your chance to establish a corporate presence on infamous Jaminere. Take this chance and use your resources to further your corporation’s goals.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]OBJECTIVES:[/SIZE]

1. 
   [SIZE=9pt]Participate in the parade and the extravagant feast in the palaces of Jamiere. Connect with each other and with local Lords to establish your political power, or spend your time indulging in your favourite extravaganza. [/SIZE]
   
2. 
   [SIZE=9pt]Stop the assassination attempt on the Sith Emperor. Kill or capture the assailants before they can disrupt the parade.
   The attempt has been made! The Dark Lord lives, but the assailants must be killed or captured for their heinous transgression against the Empire![/SIZE]
   
3. 
   [SIZE=9pt]Help stop the worker’s riots. Keep in mind, the galaxy is watching.[/SIZE]
   
4. 
   [SIZE=9pt]Work for your own corporate interests on Jaminere.[/SIZE]
   

 

[Darth Carnifex]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmdBcrYeQ9g

Thousands had come to line the streets in the wake of the glorious Imperial victory at Alderaan, Kuat, Balmorra, and Raxus, to celebrate their triumph over the enemies of the Empire and to welcome the conquering heroes back from the hell of war. Throughout the city the great fanfare was broadcasted over loudspeakers and displayed with holograms that mirrored the exact progression of the procession in real time.

The host itself was comprised of thousands of soldiers, all of them have played some significant role in achieving victory. They were bedazzled with medals and symbolic ornamentation, the sun reflecting off of their trophies in a dazzling light show that caused some to look away from the sheer brilliance. There were beasts of war as well pulling treasures pilfered from the Free World's holdings, statues, art, and other things considered valuable by the conquered people that were now on full display for the loyal citizens of the Empire to enjoy.

Behind them were League and Coalition prisoners, soldiers and civilian prefects who had been unfortunate enough to not be immediately slain during the battle. Now they were subject to the humiliation of this triumph as they were paraded through the streets as a thousand voices simultaneously booed and condemned them. Some onlookers threw objects, rotten fruit or other vile things, into the huddling mass of prisoners causing several to trip and fall only to be cruelly yanked back to their feet by the accompanying guard.

Further back was the true center of this grand procession, the Emperor of the Sith.

He rose on a large gravsled pulled by four fathier dressed in ceremonical Imperial victory silk, with pieces of ornate armor strapped to their muscular bodies. The Emperor himself sat upon a raised throne of black and gold durasteel, his muscular body covered by a purple and gold tunic, a red sash tied around his waist, and a crown gently placed upon his brow. Around him were the four Nerean Crownguard responsible for his safety, their vibro-weapons held in a way that belied their readiness for action. Carnifex waved to the adoring crowds as he was pulled along the main thoroughfares, basking in the adulation of his Empire's grateful citizens.

It was a grand triumph, a worthy celebration of the Empire's glory.

 

[Farah]

The noise and fanfare of the victory parade wasn’t the sort of event Farah would willingly find herself at. Normally her long nights were spent in an operating room or a lab, followed by crashing on a gurney or watching late night holo-dramas until she fell asleep. Unlike most of her species, she wasn’t overly fond of drinking or parties. Still, though she rigidly separated her work and her pleasure, there were times where she let loose.

Loose being defined as standing on the edge of the crowd, beer in one hand and a stick of lit something in her other hand. Wasn’t that uncommon to have a drink or a smoke after a particularly stressful trauma, but right now it was simply for pleasure.

Her eyes wandered over the prisoners as they were ushered through the streets, subjected to humiliation and cruelty from onlookers. Of course, this was not anywhere near the extent of cruelty that the Empire could impart upon captured civilians and soldiers, and in that vein she wondered what their fate would be. Would they be executed as a part of the festivities? Locked away in cells? Tortured for information? She squinted as they marched on past, glancing down at a boy next to her who seemed all too gleeful to throw rotten cabbages at the captives. Did he…have a whole armful of them?

Her attention went back to the prisoners, scanning them with a more clinical eye, picking out the ones she would like to see under the harsh lighting of her lab.

Fanfare announced the main event—Kaine Zambrano, head of the empire was approaching and the jeering crowd erupted into applause and cheers. Technically, he was Farah’s father given that he’d created her. She never quite knew what to think of this, but she was aware of her status as another drop in the Zambrano bucket.

Taking a quick swig of her beer, she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and wondered if he’d allow her some of the captured for her own devices.

 

[Tabigarashu Madara]

Some things weren't grand or gaudy. Some things were neither reveled or reviled. Some things just were.

And one of these things, was also very, very smol.

Tabigarashu Madara, better known as Hirou, was settled on the seat of the repulsor-sled, mostly hidden by the hem of the Emperor's robe. Which was by design. Honestly, Hirou was mostly just happy to be there. It was the center of a grand spectacle! There was no better seat in the house- well, perhaps other than up on the shoulder of [member="Darth Carnifex"] but Hirou wouldn't dare dream of making such a request. No, this was perfect.

Of course, Hirou wasn't there to site see. The little Nezumi was there on the job. As a member of the Saaraishash, they had been assigned to monitor the potential situation from ground zero. In this case, right beside the Emperor. It was easy, really. Just watch and be ready to report any oddities to other Inquisition forces who were near-by. Hirou's size made them ideally suited to the location. So smol, they wouldn't even be noticed by someone approaching with an eye on the Emperor.

The fact that they also got to watch the whole parade from the best position with in it?

That was just a bonus.

A very, very good bonus, as far as Hirou was concerned.

Of course the Nezumi tried their best to be professional. They weren't there to protect the Emperor (that would be ridiculous) but they were there on behalf of @Darth Saraai and being official mattered. Despite that, they simply could help but occasionally bounce up and down on the seat, gripping their tail in excitement at the fanfare. It didn't mean they ever took their dark eyes off of the crowds, watching, cataloging..... ready to report if they saw anything out of the ordinary.

"It's an awful lot of people, isn't it Lord Carnifex?" The little voice beside him squeaked excitedly.

 

[Darth Carnifex]

The Emperor smiled and waved, the picture-perfect vision of a benevolent dictator greeting his adoring public.

Holo-recorders were catching every second of the Emperor's procession, carefully documenting everything to later repackage in a new series of propaganda holos that would then be distributed throughout the Empire's territories. Humanizing the Emperor seemed to have the desired effect on the populace, his generous deeds (and the generous deeds of his government) seemed to convince the masses to overlook the more draconian methods employed by the Empire to subjugate and shackle. They didn't see the attacks against the Free World's Coalition as unlawful or malevolent, they saw it as the Empire responding to deception and dishonesty with the appropriate level of force.

Nevermind the ruined cities and charred landscapes, or the massive amount of prisoners that suddenly disappeared once they had entered Sith territory. The Emperor bedazzled them with the shiny spoils of war, and the propagandists churned out more and more material to deceive and misdirect their anger towards the enemies of the Empire. The Galactic Alliance was dehumanized, its members painted as terrorists and callous tyrants who danced in chaos and anarchy like devils. The unrest on Coruscant between the Alliance government and the Coruscant First political movement gave the Empire enough ammunition to continue to push its anti-Alliance propaganda.

A small voice momentarily drew the Emperor's gaze downward to the small rodent-like sentient that huddled just behind the hem of his robe, "They are but a drop in the Empire, Hirou. What you see is the population of a city, imagine the sea of faces you see before you amplified a hundredfold or a thousandfold. The Empire rules over so many."

[member="Tabigarashu Madara"]​

 

[Astrid Gray]

"Okay, now get the drone in the right position, get a good shot of the parade - focus on the Emperor." There was a pause before Astrid let out a sigh. "Damnit Jerome, you said you had gotten this down week's ago..."

"Sorry boss, I'm still a bit shaky when it comes to piloting these things." He had the merit to look at least somewhat sheepish as Astrid looked at him with a deadpan stare.

"Nevermind, Ves take over with Drone Two near the center of the parade."

Astrid; and SINN, had journeyed to Jaminere to document the parade that was going on. It was a celebration of the Empire's more recent victories. It was a rare chance for them to capture something that wasn't the aftermath of some war or bloody battle. They had always managed to shine the light on the bravery and valor of their forces, but it painted a particular picture to the new planets that eventually fell under the Sith Empire's control.

But for a parade? It showed to others that the Empire was cherished and celebrated by those even at the farthest reach of their territory.

For today's festivities, Astrid had decided to personally attend with a small crew. Typically they let the AI control the drones and capture footage, a useful thing to have during the middle of a battle or the aftermath. But this parade required a more personal touch, at least in Astrid's opinion anyway. AI's were systematic and worked by the book, but a more human hand could capture the more unique moments - give the footage a more casual appearance compared to the more stiff and controlled imagery of warfare.

It also gave their more...hidden elements extra pairs of eyes. A parade was a prime target for those that wished harm to the Empire, and Astrid was privy to the potential for an attack on the Emperor's life. So why not have a greater vision of the events as they played out? Feed that information to those that required it.

"Jerome, take your drone and get some shots of the war beasts; and the treasure." Part of her wished she had just brought a completely dedicated crew, rather than dragging along a couple trainees too. Ves and Jerome were the two out of the lot that didn't have much real experience. Astrid was very much the type to throw her employees into the thick of things, let them learn by doing rather than sitting behind a desk.

 

[Darth Prazutis]

​​"Nereans are on site. Titan is on the move." ​

There was no greater crime in all of the Empire than to strike at its Emperor.

As one of the most targeted individuals in the galaxy wherever [member="Darth Carnifex"] went a legion followed and today was no exception. Even in such a joyful atmosphere, in the center of such a parade everything was methodically planned and executed. As the Emperor moved four crimson clad guards surrounded him and their very appearance made even Sith gasp and stare in awe. The Nerean Crownguard were rarely seen and they were the greatest defenders the Zambranos had to offer. But today they weren't the only ones. In a larger perimeter there was a box perimeter around the Emperor where one hundred Crownguard walked in formation. They stood like gargantuan statues towering over the crowd, each stood like statues only moving as the Emperor moved.

There was a perimeter defended by lesser Sith guards beyond that, but the gap between them was a deadly space. It didn't matter who you were from a citizen to a High Inquisitor of the Inquisition, with the exception of the Shadow Hand if you weren't cleared to pass through the perimeter you were locked out. Absolutely no weapons were permitted anywhere near the Emperor. While the Inquisition and Assassins had different areas of jurisdiction in the Empire anything even remotely related to the personal safety of Kaine and Braxus Zambrano was under the jurisdiction of the Crownguard no exceptions. To defy their rules and to push past their perimeter marked you as an enemy combatant, marked you with crimes tantamount to treason.

But they were only the public face.

Anywhere the royal escort went a full detachment of Blackblade Guard was nearby known as the evacuation team. They were fully equipped and heavily armed to take on the deadliest firefights imaginable, their teams prepared for everything. Every building along the path the Emperor took had personnel inside, snipers covered the rooftops and plainclothes officers walked among the crowds. The route was pre inspected even before his arrival and any vulnerabilities, even sewer covers were welded shut. Two full squadrons from the Shadow Hand and Emperor's fighters could reach the Emperor's position in exactly five minutes and the space above him within a certain boundary was considered to be restricted airspace for everyone.

Even among the Sith to look upon the full escort of Kaine Zambrano it invoked a sense of awe. It bedazzled the indigenous populations who looked upon them with open jawed gazes. A healthy distance away from the Emperor was an entourage that often accompanied him, everyone in it had a very specific purpose from keeping his schedule to cultural attaches. But always the Nereans stood close to their charge, and short of the Emperor or Shadow Hand's word they would kill anyone who tried to break their perimeter.

Alongside the Emperor was the Shadow Hand himself not far behind in a more subtle attire of black and red. The fall of the Free World Coalition sent shockwaves through the galaxy the decisive victory of the Sith also made them more enemies among the stars. He was kept appraised of the situation involving security constantly through the crownguards leader Lord Commander Zaddion Bruul. The Shadow Hand emerged seemingly materializing out of nowhere alongside the Emperor. A united front and a warm façade took over waving to the crowds on occasion greeting them with a warm smile.

They were ready for anything.

​"The Lord Commander reports no issues." He said his eyes peering down at Hirou. The Inquisition took part in the protection of the Emperor and the monitoring of ground zero, but even they needed to move on eggshells and be given clearance to get near the Emperor. Hirou was one of those individuals on a short list allowed.

[member="Tabigarashu Madara"]

 

[Tabigarashu Madara]

"Oh yes, M'Lord," the Nezumi agreed.

Hirou was, over all, an agreeable sort. They knew that this was only a fraction of the Empire. They were small in stature, but not in scope. They worked for the Saraaishash after all- a key understanding of the Empire [member="Darth Carnifex"] was building was critical. That didn't mean that Hirou had had reason to correct the Dark Lord's assumption of their understanding. Hirou knew that they were very smol, in the grand scheme of things, and always had things to learn.

Besides, it simply seemed impolite.

Black, glittering eyes looked up at [member="Darth Prazutis"] as he spoke, bowing neatly.

If there was anything Hirou was, after all, it was polite and proper. And fortunately, the very opposite of a risk to the Emperor. Between their small size, personal loyalty to @Darth Saraai, and general temperament, there was no one who could be safer than the Emperor in Hirou's presence.

Not that they would be very much protection if something happened, but that wasn't what they were there for.

"Saraaishash agents reporting similarly," Hirou squeaked the confirmation to the pair.

Of course, things were not about to stay that calm and at ease. No matter how powerful and far reaching the Empire was, there were still things they could not see.

 

[Darth Athora]

Objective III

Raucous groups were moving about the streets, causing such a chaotic ruckus to the point where innocent civilians where terrified to leave their homes. Crowds of angry people tired of the conditions they were under as workers and demanded a revolution. Fires were started in storefronts and landspeeders were flipped over as chaos spread like a plague. It was a horrific sight to behold as men and women reverted to their primal states all for the sake of liberty and freedoms. All rights that were relinquished now that the Empire had come.

As the rioting continued, rumbling shook the ground beneath the workers. It grew louder and heavier with each passing moment. The shaking was soon accompanied by sounds of metal hitting concrete heavily. They all turned and looked in horror at the sight of several AT-PATs moving towards them. The massive metal beasts were bearing down on the rioters in a column. The Empire had come in strength to disperse the chaos before it became far too unruly. Within the lead AT-PAT was Admiral Zahori Denko. She had not experienced much on the groundside in her career, but she was called upon for this particular moment out of necessity. The Emperor needed the rioters quelled and needed it done quick and effectively.

This was Zahori's specialty.

The AT-PATs stopped just before the rioters and remained still. It was quiet now. The rioter's were too terrified to move and the Empire could not cause a national incident this day. And then, the silence was broken by white noise from a microphone.

"Citizens, return to your work and your homes. Destroying your fine city will bring you nothing but poverty and shame. The Empire has come to bring you prosperity unlike you have ever had before. Lay down your arms peacefully and we shall let you go on your way. Refuse and we will show force."

 

[Cassandra Paige]

Objective 4: Always in their own interest.

"It's more.... central.... than I expected it to be."

Cassandra Paige and [member="Itash Mecetti"] stood on the top floor of the building (formerly Jaminere Communications Consolidated), looking out over the city. Several city blocks distant, she could just catch a glimpse of the fanfare surrounding the Sith Empire's parade. The sounds of cheering was no more than a murmur from this distance, and she tilted her head slightly, arms crossing over her chest as she surveyed the view.

"Junction 01 is so remote, I had assumed that would be the case again," she glanced over her shoulder at Itash, who was busying himself with a small, portable bar set up for their use.

They were here inspecting the building they had just purchased, the next step in a particular project. The previous company had gone under after a series of leaks related to their business practices, and their investors had abandoned ship in droves.

Of course, if they had simply sold to Antigone when originally requested, well.

Such a pity.

"I like how the walls are all transparisteel on this level," Cass murmured, accepting a glass from Itash. "It truly is a magnificent view."

 

[Itash Mecetti]

Objective 4: Always in their own interest.

Tash stepped up next to her, passing over the glass with wine and taking a sip from his own, while they surveyed the skyline.

"As we grow in power it becomes necessary to take a step out of the shadows and into the light." He replied softly while savoring the rich taste of the wine on his lips and tongue. That first sip, that first scent, it always send a thrill through him for a moment. "The strength of a secret replaced by the strength of presence and intimidation." Cass would note that he had not moved to move Junction 00 from its place and let it sit where it was.

The power of presence was appreciated.

But it was always a good thing to spread your eggs across multiple baskets as far as Itash was concerned. "I am glad you like it, I had that done specifically with you in mind, in fact." Leaning over and planting a small kiss, more a peck than anything else, on the corner of her mouth.

"We are still working on the foundations of the building. The previous administration left a... mess in their wake."

Highly unprofessional as far as Tash was concerned.

It was no wonder they had been so easily outmaneuvered by them. Most of the infrastructure would have to be updated, expanded on, it would take several weeks, before Itash could consider implementing the newest incarnation of OSI here.

"Once we are done here, it will function much the same as 00." A pointed glance over to Cass, sharing the implication with her.

[member="Cassandra Paige"]

 

[AMCO]

Objective IV: Fortune favours the pragmatic
Post Number: I

Jaminere. A powerhouse of industry, to be sure. A place known for its efficiency... and yet. And yet some had chosen to stand against the most well-oiled war machine in the Galaxy. He scoffed. That was hardly efficient. That was a waste of resources. Of lives. Of futures. Fortunately for him, one man's loss is another man's gain.

The magnificent manor they currently occupied had belonged to one such fool. She had thrown in her lot with the wrong side, but had been wise enough to realize her mistake. Lucky her. That was why she was currently laying low in a similar, but much smaller, manor on Serenno. She was also much poorer than she had been mere days ago, but nothing in life was free. Not even life itself.

His work here was not yet done, however. He did not come here simply for the credits, or even this lovely little residence. No, he was here to stay, or at least his company was. New management, new opportunities. There were plenty of people who hadn't been as fortunate, nor as wise, as the previous resident. Some had suffered accidents. Some had vanished. Yet others had gone into hiding. Burrowing into their little hidey-holes like frightened little rabbits. He loved it when the prey hid, whether in business or in pleasure. But this was not about them. They were, quite frankly, irrelevant. He would leave them to the Saaraishash, if they were important enough, or to local law enforcement, if they were not.

No, this was not about the thrill of the hunt. This was about the much subtler, but no less enticing, pleasure of profit. This was about locating their various assets and liberating them before anyone else got their grubby hands on them. Debt collection, relocations at a premium, and a select few liquidations. In the end, it all amounted to the same thing. It all served to further his interests, diversify his assets, and strengthen his grip on the world's economy. He had no illusions that he was anything but a small fish, in a very big pond, but he was a very hungry little fish, and he intended to eat his fill.

Straightening the collar on his fine black and grey jacket, he turned his attention away from his musings, away from the three intimidating gunships parked on the perfectly manicured lawn, directing his gaze instead towards the small group of individuals seated in the ballroom-turned-war room. Even if theirs was a war of credits and market fluctuations, not blasters and bombs, the stakes were just as high, and, he chuckled to himself, the occasional blaster still came in handy. "Tell me, you lovely people, how is it going? Which is the next domino to fall?"

[member="Sebastian Thel"]

 

[Sebastian Thel]

Objective: Evaluate risk
Allies: [member="Adrian Vandiir"]

After his homeworld, Balmorra, fell in the path of Sith conquest, Sebastian found himself working even more closely with the esoteric individuals known as Force-users. Now Jaminere was in their clutches and a client in the corporate sector requested his service. In a galaxy which relied on computer software, droids and more otherworldly means of sense, the mathematician felt his skills bordering on insignificance. Not that he minded playing the part of a computer, the fact simply pushed him to work harder.

Inside the ornate manor which Vandiir had swiped for himself, Sebastian sat on a chaise and scribbled numbers. Statistic after statistic, followed by equations which he only abandoned to start anew. The executive operator of Vandiir Consolidated holdings addressed his minions at the head of a table, who sat around the length, while Sebastian fidgeted in the background.

Adrian called everybody to attention and Sebastian's head jolted upward. He wore his usual beige coat which was much too long for him, over the puffy trousers known as "plus fours" which tucked into socks and lace-up shoes. Huge glasses sat on the bridge of his nose, which he pushed upwards when he raised his head. Panic weighed on his chest as the room snapped to attention, with all eyes on the accountants and actuaries, Sebastian felt the walls threaten to gobble him up.

Sebastian shoved his notes into his briefcase, which he slammed shut against the pieces of paper which had not properly been stuffed in, carrying the case under both arms in a very awkward manner as he scurried to his seat. He sat beside the Sith sorcerer, Adrian and opened the briefcase, allowing his notes to spill onto the table in a manner which was neither graceful, nor professional.

"According to my calculations..." Sebastian internally cursed himself for sounding so cliche. He scribbled on the graph paper in front of him and continued to conduct estimations, his mind working fervently as the seconds ticked. "The probability of military retaliation from the former owners of this estate is high." Sebastian began to shake as he spoke, feeling the impact of the Dark Side from the Sith.

"Vandiir Consolidated is well-within it's means to defend assets and the value of holdings will only be damaged by a small percentage." Organizing his notes on the table, he scored out number and started below, working with the quantities as Adrian watched. Sweat gathered on the back of his neck as he tried to ignore the eyes in the room, pouring all of his focus into the numbers.

 

[AMCO]

Objective IV: Fortune favours the pragmatic
Post Number: 2/3
Allies: [member='Sebastian Thel']

It was always interesting to see just how quickly his subordinates leapt into action at the sound of his voice: legal scholars, economists, analysts, a couple "security consultants", and other intellectuals all scrambling to get themselves in order. Most of them were VCH employees, but not all. He found that hiring a few freelancers every now and then did wonders in broadening horizons. Besides, those that performed well could be utilised again, or considered for full-time employment, if they were willing.

Sliding into his chair at the head of the long table, he steepled his fingers in front of him, watching with some amusement as the assembled men and women seemed to be trying to decide amongst themselves who would go first. Standing out amongst them was one of the freelancers, a young man not much older than himself, fidgeting with his notes. The man... Sebastian, he believed, was much less sharply dressed than many in the room, though that didn't bother Adrian much. It was his mind, not his fashion sense, he had been hired for.

As the nervous looking mathematician sat down next to him, he watched him curiously. It seemed like his presence made the man quite nervous indeed. Granted, that was not all that unusual, especially amongst the freelancers, but it was still especially noticeable in him. As Sebastian spoke, Adrian could feel the nervousness rolling off him in waves. All eyes were now focused on the man, some intense, others bored, as he continued to explain his calculations. Adrian found himself agreeing: An attack on the manor was, indeed, quite likely.

It had, after all, been owned by the Jedi-friendly corporation Cyclops Microsystems until it and a number of other assets, quite against their will, had been handed over Adrian in exchange for the personal safety of a, in his eyes rather wise, board member. Perhaps a little assurance would calm the nerves of some of the more easily spooked individuals present. Subtly tugging at the mind of the Trandoshan leaning against one of the walls nearby, he managed to get the message across. "Thiss manor, at least, is perfectly ssafe. My men have ssecured the perimeter, and no one will crosss without our permisssion."

Returning his attention to the stressed-looking Sebastian, he spoke for the first time since calling their little meeting. "Then perhaps we might turn this to our advantage. The Imperial annexation will have left them in disarray and any plans of retaliation would tie up valuable resources. Their assets... might very well be ours for the taking." At that, his cheerful smile turned almost predatory. Yes, let them come to us, he thought, in the meantime, we will be draining them of everything they are worth.

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"A pity" breathed the Emperor, sounding sufficiently disappointed. "I had hoped this procession would bait any would-be assassins into the open, but so far nothing. Perhaps they have grown smarter..."

His mind hearkened back to the debacle on Tiss'sharl, where a number of anti-Imperialists had staged an assassination attempt on the Emperor during his journey to League Palace from the spaceport. Their eagerness had been their undoing, for in revealing themselves they had sealed their own fate. The assassins had been crushed, and the planet securely delivered into the Empire's hands. That had been many months ago, and now Tiss'sharl was a valued member-world of the Empire's inner territories.

Oh well, the Emperor could stand waiting a little while longer. He suspected they wouldn't be able to resist such a juicy target for long.

"Keep me apprised if anything changes, I want to be aware of it."

[member="Tabigarashu Madara"] | [member="Darth Prazutis"]​

 

[Vallory]

Objective: 1
Post: 1

When she heard there was a parade, how could Vallory resist? A time for celebration and fun meant there was also good food...as well as other things no doubt. She stuck to the crowds observing, a smile on her face. She started moving with it, through the crowd towards where the parade was headed. Towards the palace, she assumed. In the parade, there was a face that she had seen before. Someone high in the order of the Sith Empire. What was their name? [member="Darth Carnifex"] was it not? She shrugged to herself, guessing it must have been that. Vallory had not been paying much attention to things such as politics and happenings so she wasn't even sure what exactly this parade was for.

 

[Cassandra Paige]

Objective 4: Always in their own interest.

She took a sip of the wine absently, not really paying attention to what he gave her. Then glanced over, giving him a look.

Tatooine yellow.

If it weren't for the fact that he had chosen her, she'd think he had no taste.

"Mmm I know," she murmured, eyes going back over the city.

He didn't need to explain that to her. From the beginning she had kept GenPals, everything they did, in the light. Sure there were processes that the public didn't need to overly scrutinize, but rather than sweep them under the rug they were marked as unfortunate side effects and presented with the things GenPals was doing to both deal with them humanely but also how they would lessen these things in the future. GenPals was by and large an incredibly transparent company. It was part of the appeal, and part of their protection. When they freely (and apologetically) offered up the things they could do better, it was impossible for someone to truly use it against them. Oh, some people tried of course, but it was difficult to make it stick when they readily accepted the 'burden' of this calling.

"We'll set the top levels up as offices and networking," she said, a small nod more to herself than to him. This location could not be as secret as Didact's Junction 01. So the best way to hide was not at all. "Get the cyber security folks something posh," she glanced over at him with a smirk.

[member="Itash Mecetti"]

 

[Tabigarashu Madara]

Location: The Parade
Nearby: [member="Joycelyn Zambrano"] [member="Darth Carnifex"] [member="Darth Prazutis"] [member="Farah"] [member="Astrid Gray"] [member="Vallory"]

The disappointment was not lost on the Nezumi. Hirou, frankly, was perfectly happy things seemed to be going well. While they were able to react well in an emergency (as the slowly growing number of titles attested to), they would much, much rather having things go smoothly.

Sometimes, in fact, the Nezumi missed the simple life. Their nest ship, family. The joy of tinkering with something for the simple sake of tinkering with it. Exploring! But they had a responsibility, a promise made to [member="Darth Saarai"]. Tai Fa had given Hirou's clan a new lease on life, and that was a debt that could never truly be repaid-

Hirou's nose quivered.

Small dark eyes widened.

"Your excellence! Get down!"

It was all the warning they had before the street in front of them exploded. Hirou had smelled the explosives, tucked into a pothole and covered over the day before. Why it went off too early, destroying the float (Hirou thought it was a very good paper mache rancor, though they wondered if the dathomiri costumes the marches were wearing were actually that authentic, they seemed over the top and a little insulting) in front of them, they might never know.

Chaos overtook the parade.

 

[Darth Carnifex]

A shimmering field of energy materialized a second before the explosives detonated, sending shrapnel and debris in every direction.

The Emperor had sensed the danger a moment before Hirou's nose had detected it, using the time between their combined realization and Hirou's warning to conjure a protective screen of energy in front of him. The brunt of the attack would be absorbed by the shield, before being rebounding back to the explosion's origin. The resulting chain reaction made it appear that the explosion had been more destructive than it actually was, but the Emperor's gravsled was unharmed.

The same couldn't be said for the fathiers pulling it.

"I am the Emperor of the Sith, Tabigarashu. I do not run from cowards." The Nerean Crownguard that surrounded the Emperor sprung into action, their weapons crackling with lethal energy as they formed a protective perimeter around their Lord. "Find the vermin responsible, I want their hearts."

[member="Joycelyn Zambrano"] | [member="Tabigarashu Madara"] | [member="Darth Prazutis"] | [member="Farah"] | [member="Astrid Gray"] | [member="Vallory"]​

 

[Itash Mecetti]

Objective 4: Always in their own interest.
[member="Cassandra Paige"]

Her look was met with a disarming and innocent smile.

Almost daring her to say something, but instead Cass opted to move her eyes back towards the window and that was alright with him.

His path with Didact had been similar in some ways and wholly different in others. The private military contractor had signed deals and established business relationships with practically every nation in the Galaxy. One day they fought for the Alliance, the next they signed a defensive deal with the First Order, then a week later they organized security for the Outer Rim and maybe a month next they formed an elaborate business deal with the Sovereignty. All in the open, all transparent, all wholly neutral and as honest as a blade to the jugular from the front.

"Mhm, that would do well for the morale- we can probably run several deals with the local universities, offer internships and the sort to the bright minds of Tion from the very beginning." Tash suggested before pulling the glass towards his lips and taking a bright sip. Mm. "The lower levels will be heavily secured, screened, much like 01 was and will house one of the Intelligence units."

The successor to OSI.

Very intimidating stuff, if Itash was honest.

The idea of giving it access to everything Jaminere Communications Consolidated had established here, before pulling out? The amount of information that would flow through the artificial intelligence would be all-encompassing.

Refined with the application platform? Mrrm, information truly was the future.

"How goes the digitizing of the MicroPals?" It wasn't the official name, no, but Itash found it amusing.