Private Preparations Are Underway

[Darius Vex]

Darius Vex’s polished boots struck against the marble floors of the Crucible of Order, each step echoing with precision and authority. His tailored attire, pristine and formal, mirrored the meticulous nature of his personality and position. Every movement he made was deliberate, and though the halls seemed empty, he knew better—someone was always watching. This was the foundation of the Network, a truth Darius had engineered himself: nothing occurred within the Diarchy’s borders without his knowledge.

The upcoming grand declaration of the Diarchy loomed, only weeks away, and Darius’s role was paramount. His latest initiative, Protocol Vigilance, was about to see its first major implementation. This plan was more than a test of his leadership; it was the unveiling of the Network’s capability as the shadowy, protective force safeguarding the Diarchy’s future.

As he approached the high council chamber, his thoughts flickered to the stakes at hand. Diarch Reign had placed immense trust in him, and Darius intended to repay that trust tenfold. His ultimate goal, a Crucible of Order of his own that he could claim was his, devoted solely to Network operations, depended on the success of this mission. The Diarchy’s ambitions could not afford failure, and neither could he.

Arriving at the imposing doors, Darius swiped his identification badge, causing the entrance to hiss open. He had insisted on a private meeting; even within the Diarchy’s inner circle, the fewer who knew of Protocol Vigilance, the better. Stepping inside, he offered a respectful bow to Diarch Reign, whose presence carried the weight of the galaxy’s future.

“Diarch Reign,” he began, his tone firm but deferential, “the plans for security are complete.” Producing a sleek, encrypted USB drive, he held it forward with one hand casually. “On this drive, you’ll find every detail of Protocol Vigilance. It outlines the Network’s contributions to the event’s security.”

He paused, ensuring his words carried the gravity of the plan. “Our role will remain discreet. The Army and Navy will have their moment in the spotlight, as is fitting. The Network’s success will be defined by the absence of crises, not the presence of accolades.”

The plan itself was a masterpiece of precision. The USB contained measures that would integrate seamlessly into the existing military and naval frameworks, enhancing overall effectiveness without interference. Advanced surveillance systems were already in place to monitor the entire Crucible and its surrounding areas. Operatives embedded among the event’s attendees would maintain constant vigilance, identifying potential threats before they could escalate. Infiltration teams had been dispatched to investigate any suspicious movements leading up to the event, while counterintelligence experts neutralized known vulnerabilities and disinformation campaigns.

Key features of the plan included:

• Real-Time Threat Analysis Hubs: Mobile centers capable of providing immediate intelligence updates to field teams and leadership.
• Undercover Operatives: Specialists positioned among the guests to monitor conversations, gauge loyalty, and detect potential infiltrators.
• Targeted Counterintelligence Operations: Measures to dismantle external attempts to disrupt the declaration.
• Leadership Contingency Protocols: Emergency plans to ensure the safety and evacuation of Diarchy leadership should the need arise.

“This playback is one-time only,” Darius continued, his sharp gaze meeting Reign’s. “Once you begin, the information will be erased upon completion. Review it at your discretion.”

Darius straightened, his expression a mask of determination. “The Network exists to secure the Diarchy’s future, and this event will prove that we are indispensable. I trust you will find everything in order.” With that, he stepped back, awaiting any questions or directives from the Diarch, his mind already turning to the countless threads of vigilance that would soon be woven into the Diarchy’s unveiling.

Diarch Reign

 

[Diarch Reign]

​

Location: High Council Chambers | Bastion
Tags: Darius Vex

---

The Diarch had not been surprised by the request for a private meeting. The High Adjudicator was not one for debates and committees, no, Darius was a man of action. He had of course been the first to the council chamber, the Diarch's own quarters were placed deep within the crucible. As such, he had been seated upon his own council seat, reviewing the details of the upcoming ceremony.

As he heard the door open, he put the datapad down and rose slowly. Returning the Adjudicator's bow with a nod of his head, he waited for the other man to finish his opening statements. Not many knew of Project Vigilance, outside of the Diarchs and The Network it was a closely guarded secret. This on his mind, he took the USB that was offered, feeling the sleek little device within his hand.

As the Spymaster finished his debriefing and stepped back, Reign took a moment to collect his thoughts.

"I trust that you have planned surveillance for all the one on one and more clandestine diplomatic discussions that are to take place throughout the event as well? Rellik and myself can't be everywhere at once, so I will expect full debriefings and holorecordings to be handed over after the event."

He looked the spy over one more time, a well tailored uniform and polished black boots identified him as a man of precision, something the Diarch had valued from the beginning.

Motioning to the window he waved the Adjudicator to join him looking out over the city of Ravelin.

"You and The Network have already proved indispensable, but look out there. These are our people, what you and your operatives do in the dark keeps us all safe, yes Shan and Nathrax are our sword and shield, but you are my dagger in the night."

He paused for a moment, sensing something from the other man, and ambition of sorts he thought.
"This briefing is not all you've come here for is it? I sense you have more to say. What is it? You can speak freely here, no one is listening"
He added the last part with a knowing smile.

 

[Darius Vex]

Darius's carefully maintained composure held firm as he stepped toward the Diarch, taking a position beside him to gaze out over the bustling city of Ravelin. The subtle acknowledgment of his value to the Diarchy was noted, but Darius never rested on laurels, his focus was always on the next step.

"Of course, Diarch," he said firmly, his tone tinged with pride and expectation. "Surveillance has been meticulously prepared for every conceivable area. My agents are well-briefed on the factions in attendance, and I’ve cross-referenced key individuals with their affiliations to anticipate discussion topics. You will have a full debrief hours after the ceremony, complete with holorecordings and actionable intelligence."

Darius paused, catching the Diarch's knowing glance when he alluded to his ulterior motive. For a moment, a flicker of irritation crossed the spymaster's face, a rare crack in his otherwise impenetrable demeanor. The force was powerful and Darius made every effort to conceal his thoughts and motivations. The fact that the Diarch was able to pick up on it so quickly was unnerving. It vanished quickly as he turned back to the view.

"Astute as always, Diarch," he admitted. "In addition to securing this monumental event, I have drafted plans for the Network's future expansion. I propose constructing a full-scale base of operations on Orinackra, a facility akin to the Crucible of Order. It would serve as our primary hub, allowing us to train agents in secrecy and extend our influence across the galaxy."

Turning fully to face the Diarch, Darius's sharp gaze locked onto him. "I understand this is no small request, but with the success of this event, I believe it would demonstrate the Network's value as a cornerstone of the Diarchy's dominion. I humbly ask for your support and resources to bring this vision to life."

Diarch Reign

 

[Diarch Reign]

​

Location: Bastion | High Council Chamber
Tags: Darius Vex

---

The Diarch smiled to himself briefly at the Councilor's irritation. He prided himself on being able to extract thoughts or feelings from those around him. Proud that even though they worked together he could still slightly unnerve the usually cool spymaster.

Reign listened to the pitch regarding a headquarters for the Network. To be honest, it was something he had thoughts about himself, during his many meetings regarding the arms of the Diarchy. With the Naval Academy opening, he wanted dedicated spaces for all his councilors.

"No small request indeed High Adjudicator. My own thoughts have been drawn this direction as of late. But tell me, why Orinackra? The former prison planet is mostly ruins now."

He did not think he needed to mention the strategic importance of the planet, sharing a system with the only hypergate within the Diarchy's territory.

 

[Darius Vex]

Darius smiled at the mention of the planet being in ruins. "The perfect cover, no?" he said with a smirk, his voice carrying a blend of pride and pragmatism. Folding his arms, he began pacing the room in a practiced manner. For Darius, movement spurred thought, a habit of efficiency, though it also served as a subtle reminder of his command when dealing with subordinates. Here, in the presence of the Diarch, it was a natural rhythm rather than a power play.


"Construction of the base can be hidden under the guise of rebuilding efforts," he continued, his tone sharp with intent. "The planet's ruins provide us with an unparalleled advantage. Publicly, we could restore the prison, a symbol of law and order, perhaps even for show. Behind the curtain, however, we construct something far more critical. A fortress of intelligence, concealed within the shadow of this facade. A secret known only to those deemed worthy of it."


Pausing for effect, Darius gestured toward the view outside, his mind already spinning the potential narrative. "The proximity to the hypergate adds immeasurable strategic value. Imagine having direct control over the flow of information, every whisper, every secret that traverses our space. The Network would hold the keys to the galaxy's shadows."


He turned back to face the Diarch, his expression resolute, yet with a trace of cunning in his eyes. "And, should an evacuation ever be required, Orinackra ensures the safety of our most guarded truths. It is not just a base , it would be our sanctuary in the storm."

Diarch Reign

 

[Diarch Reign]

​

Location: High Council Chamber | Bastion
Tags: Darius Vex

---

The Diarch thought for a moment, it was a good idea, the facade of the ruins masking an ultra bleeding edge intelligence center. He had thoughts of repairing some of the planet to use as an actual prison again, but, he could keep them very separate.

Outwardly he smiled at the Adjudicator saying "It is an inspired idea, the repair of the prison is also wise, but underneath, a fortress of knowledge. Not of the Esoteric like we stand in now, but of information. You have my support. Just know, with the hypergate so close by, you will most likely need to contend with the High Admiral as he places defensive fleets there."

The thought nearly brought a laugh out of the head of state. It was no secret that the High Admiral was not the biggest fan of the Network, but he did his duty as he needed to.

 

[Darius Vex]

Darius remained composed, though his mind lingered on his journey from an unremarkable agent to this pivotal moment. He stood before a Diarch, not as a mere servant, but as a trusted advisor shaping the future of the Diarchy. Satisfaction flickered briefly in his expression, but he kept his demeanor professional.

"Your support will be repaid tenfold, Diarch," Darius said with a sharp nod, his tone firm and resolute. The agreement to his plan was more than just approval; it was a validation of his capabilities and vision. As Reign mentioned the High Admiral, Darius detected the deliberate nature of the statement, a test perhaps, or a subtle reminder of the political landscape.

"The High Admiral will come to see the value of the Network, in time," he said smoothly, though inwardly he doubted it. The Admiral’s disdain for the Network was no secret, but Darius had long since learned to navigate such tensions with tact. "Our differing perspectives will not interfere with our shared goal of securing the Diarchy's future. The Network will continue to operate with precision and discretion, ensuring that we complement the Navy's efforts without stepping into unnecessary conflict."

Darius allowed a pause, his gaze steady on the Diarch. "With your endorsement, I will ensure the Orinackra base becomes a cornerstone of our intelligence operations. It will be a symbol of the Diarchy's foresight and strength."

As he finished, Darius's posture remained confident, his tone carrying the weight of someone who had not only earned his place but intended to leave an indelible mark on the Diarchy’s legacy.

Diarch Reign

 

[Diarch Reign]

​

Location: High Council Chamber | Bastion
Tags: Darius Vex

---

The Diarch observed the Adjudicator as he spoke, the man had earned his position through diligence and ingenuity. Even his tactful answers regarding the High Admiral appeared to be well practiced and utilized to the maximum effect.

He had been lost in thought often lately, with the event coming up, and tensions rising outside their borders.

"Differing opinions are a benefit, If I surrounded myself with people who thought as I did, mistakes would be made. Just ensure, Darius.." He used the man's name to punctuate how important this was. "That while we may disagree, whatever we must do, is for the good of the Diarchy, the good of the Galaxy.. keep that in mind at all times, and nothing will stand in our way."

Reign paced while he spoke, the tension of his last few weeks apparent to none save for the high council.
"You may have the prison planet. But focus upon the upcoming event is paramount. I've received word that Dark Council members will be in attendance from The Sith Order, Admirals from the Dark Empire, and even the Chancellor of the Galactic Alliance himself. While tensions may be high within the building, I trust you will keep the security of our people, and our guests, your utmost priority."