Faction Sons of the Empire

[Katja Javik]

THE EMPIRE
SCAR SQUAD
FORTRESS IMPERATOR
Marcus Bastion | Ignacious Korvan | FN-999 | Castor E-196 | Lily Stevens | Kav Canthar | Leto Karazyn | Margo Liaeris | Hal Vaiken

​

"You're alright." She told the Admiral as she administered the same concoction of coagulant and bacta, with urgency but without panic. She had seen much worse injuries on the battlefield. They'd have to do better than a stabbing.

She used her hands to stem the flow of blood from the Admiral's wound and requested a bandage from one of the arriving medics which she balled up to absorb the blood. "Thank you for the offer, sir." She casually replied to Ignacious Korvan , looking over her shoulder at him. "I might take you up on it later." She looked back down at her blood-covered gloves.

The other medics hovered around with the various pieces of equipment they had brought with them. Katja remained where she was until she was asked to remove her hands from the wound, at which point she rose to her feet and allowed the others to stabilise him since they had the appropriate means of doing so.

​

 

[DECEASED Erskine Barran]

1st post

SONS OF THE EMPIRE
AN AGE OF STRIFE STORY

SHIELD_ONE
LORD-REGENT OF THE EMPIRE
GRAND-TRIUMVIR OF THE TARKINIST ADMINISTRATION
GOVERNOR-CHIEFTAIN OF GALIDRAAN III

Tags
Lucien Dooku Hal Vaiken Tish Cowen Kriegan Tavlar Sahar
FN-999 Ignacious Korvan Pietro Demici Orik Dakari Enedina Tal
Lily Stevens Hall Mannarra Keylee Linth Aschwin Vethres Abeodan Charidot
Cosimo Demici Siyndacha Aerin Ruaridh Aodh Katja Javik Kav Canthar
Melvain Braxis Enzo Demici Leto Karazyn Sabe Aner Zorah Fel
Aoki-Barran Mira Marcus Bastion Castor E-196 Adera Vellas Margo Liaeris
Kanollic II Vethres Antonio Borgias Nukth Kelga'an

​

FATE OF THE REALM III: HEALING FROM WAR, PRAYING FOR ORDER - PART 1

​

THRONE ROOM, FORTRESS IMPERATOR,
RAVELIN, BASTION (SUMMER OF 877 ABY)

All these names - all these brave new names....
Fated to watch as they all vanish one-by-one as well, aye?​

A resurrected Lord-Regent, brought back against his will, and by eternal hands in which neither comprehension or familiarity could be discerned, hands of a fate so meddlesome it infuriated Lord Erskine when he finally had enough time to realise he was alive again. Considering the torments he endured in the process of being dragged back into the realms of the living, kicking and screaming as wave after wave of torturous agony brought screams that heralded his return in the worst fashion possible. But it wasn't for the old man to decide, and to the extent that not even an Ashlan Saint was willing to hold to the promise she made to the Woad on Tython, a rotten run of luck that dictated he was destined to see more pain, grief and hardship before the end, and it was torturing Lord Erskine more harshly in his soul than it ever could on any part of the body that remained.

Why, though?
An' how many times must I ask what penance I'm paying this way?​

Roskaiar was standing by the door, silent as he had been for a while by then, but the Lord-Regent's pet tigress was by his side as she had been for a longer while after the battle of Ilum, sensing much in the way of distress as she had since Lord Erskine first returned home - sticking to the old Woad like glue for as long as she wished to keep him safe.

'Existence, I appreciate every part of it.... An' the Galaxy had to go an complicate that for me as well.'

Erskine's serenity would have last a little longer, but the Galaxy's many meddlesome ways were seemingly set on keeping the old Woad as restless as possible, breaking the throne room's reverie as the Grand Assembly Hall next door erupted with the sound of a gunshot, followed by a commotion the Lord-Regent was all too familiar with. It was the obvious sort of disturbance of order that followed unexpected violence, leading Barran to quickly surmise the assassination attempt that had occurred in his absence, and to a specific rage he thought he had long since stifled before. One of the guards in the adjacent hallway even drew in to the throne-room to suggest an evacuation from his own home, but as soon as he made eye contact with Erskine and his tigress, the trooper almost immediately backtracked and shut the door again, daring not to tempt fate for as long as that look in the Woad's eye remained as venomous as it was when the disturbance initially occurred.

'Alright then.... Lets go an' set this fething gaff in order.'

Many of the Galaxy's multitude of statesmen, living and deceased alike, would have taken their cue to escape to safety; but Erskine wasn't exactly a statesman, nor had he the ability to run anywhere, (let alone to safety) electing instead to face trouble head-on as he always did. Making it more likely that he would be going into the fire was the fact his Fragarach was still holstered at his hip, and by the fact clear and obvious signages were being expressed between the Woad and his trusty Grave-Tusken bodyguard at the time, still never being one for going in without a plan - and old habits would no doubt die hard as far as the Lord-Regent was concerned.

[[If any get too close, break their face in clear sight of everyone.]]
[[Copy that, Milord. Should be okay though, sounds like security acted quick on this one.]]
[[Hope you're right, though we have dealt with worse before. Nothing of concern either way.]]​

'Lead the way, my young friend.'

Then, within moments, the Lord-Regent's small entourage were opening the doors ahead, following the old Woad through to the Assembly Hall as he passed them in his hoverchair, then gliding out to the high-seat podium reserved for Lord Erskine personally. However, the spectacle beyond would be of little consequence to Barran's laser-like focus in these moments, setting the chair to ascend by roughly a half-metre so his head would rise to meet the height of the microphone above, taking up all his attention as the fury steadily cooled to something altogether more approachable, though he was still of a mind of chide everyone into silence at the time. The Steward of Imperium had seen such writings on the wall for some time before that day, but in that same realisation he understood that strength and order alone were tools enough to keep everyone in line, especially in the hands of a Stormchaser.

TAP - TAP - TAP

'Fashionably late as always, so I am! No changes there or anything - but it's still nice to see the party has ONCE AGAIN started without my presence! OH HOW FETHING WONDERFUL INDEED!!!!'​

A Stormchaser of which his second son already was in his own right.

'What? A little drama, an' everyone starts losing their good sense of reason all of a sudden? THE FETH'S THE MATTER - A LITTLE ORDERLY CALM JUST TOO BIG AN ASK IN THIS DAY AN' AGE?!?!?!'​

Eyes that were usually more measured in their distaste, cold though his glares usually were, appeared to be glaring with a wild fire rarely seen in the old Woad, not even whilst under fire; those in military parade-ground attire had been summoned for awards, for their embodiment of the same Imperial paragons many among them aspired to be, paragons of Order in what was supposed to be every sense of the word. But in his slowly calming state, the old Woad remembered that despite their behaviour, every Imperial was redeemable by the merit of their actions in battle; and in the ever-judging perspective of Lord Erskine, this was still enough to set them apart from the rabble, a cut above all in the ever-growing mass of enemies at the Empire's borders.

'All attending personnel - FORM UP!!!!'​

 

[Contessina Demici]

C O N T E S S A
THE EMPIRE
FORTRESS IMPERATOR | RAVELIN
TAG: Cosimo Demici | Pietro Demici | Enzo Demici | Antonio Borgias

COSE DELLA VITA​

"War makes people drink, Beppe, and gives them plenty of reasons to. Simple as that,"

Honestly - he was still on the phone while being with family at an event like this? Contessina gave her husband the side-eye. Manners, Cosimo, was what they conveyed.

The sheepish grin and a finger held up had the Countess scowling again. You better hang up, she mouthed at him, which he promptly did.

"They insist that I must visit the vineyard...that we must,"

She allowed the peck on her cheek with a smirk.
"It would definitely be nice." she said, much more calm than her her initial side-eye would have suggested. "We can look into it at week's end."

Just then, her brother-in-law's voice drifted back to the pair. Tess fought back a chuckle - the hotshot Demici sure had balls saying something like that. Unfortunately for the younger Demici, his brother was on him faster than she could muster a comeback - complete with a clip to the head.
"Easy, Cosimo. No need to damage his naval brain before he even deployed properly." she laughed as they entered the hall, only to be met by the Demici Cardinal.

When the immediate family have given their greetings, she stepped forward to embrace him with a peck to each cheek,
"It's definitely been a while, Pietro." she said.

"Speaking of mass, how is the wine, Uncle?"

"Cosimo..." She elbowed her husband in the ribs. The Demici boys sure had a way with words.

Just then, another family member made his approach to the group. A warm smile spread on the Contessa's face.
"Antonio! Evangelina! Ciao!" she said, greeting them both in the same greeting as Pietro. "It truly has been a while. I don't think we've seen you since we've been married, have we darling?" she added, ending up asking Cosimo.

Cosimo grabbed two flutes from a bypassing waiter, handing one to her.
"Thank you darling. Though I am curious about the wine they are serving." she said, tilting her head over to the bar.

"Let's get two bottles for the table, hm?" she asked him.

 

[Abeodan Tyiskore Charidot]

The white light of death would come to him soon

Those were the thoughts of Admiral Charidot as the SCAR Squadron jumped into action to help them both. His life flashed before his eyes from the day he was born to the day that he became an admiral in service of the Imperial Armada. The voice of Katja Javik wafted into his ears to assist the Grand Moff Ignacious Korvan . Another person would handle him for the time being as his uniform was undone to allow better access to the stab wound upon him. The wound carved deep into his back but lucky didn't hit any major organ or damage his spinal cord.

A injection of bacta and bandages covered his form to prevent bleeding out any further thanks to the effort of Katja Javik and the medical team which helped stabilize him.

"Thank you for your help."

He said towards her.

He was still emotionally weak from the strain of trying to fight back the cold call of death before him. An aide from the 400th Talmshaa Fleet helped him up from the ground and handed him a wooden support to carry on the festivities. Although he had barely just missed another round of blaster bolts in their direction. Commander FN-999 handled himself perfectly in the sense of the word.

Taking them down with only minor injuries to his person. He fealty an immense aura of authority coming through the door in the form of The Lord-Regent of the Empire DECEASED Erskine Barran . It was hard not to grovel at the man who was emperor in all but name or title. He obeyed the orders from the lord-regent when he informed all personnel to form up.

Standing where the admiral's designation spot was. ​

 

[Ruaridh Aodh]

Location: Fortress Imperator, Ravelin
Tags: Open

"Careful, Lieutenant. The Bureau has ears everywhere. I'd hate to have to be called in for another execution of a good soldier."

"What do you think the ambush on Sycorax was," was what Ruaridh wanted to say, but he forced himself to bite his tongue and stop the thoughts that had plagued him ever since the ambush which wiped out the majority of Greyscale. He set his now empty glass on the bar, signalled for another, and was about to respond diplomatically when a soldier approached the small group.

“Beg your pardon, sirs -” Her tone was apologetic, but bearing a firmness of purpose as she directed her attention to Lily. She put the most serious expression on her face that she could manage: “Sergeant Stevens, our CO wants to speak with us. He said it was pretty urgent.” Without leaving much time or opportunity for anyone to object, she nodded her apologies to the two men and helped guide her friend from the bar.

Ruaridh smiled as he puffed on his cigar, tapping the ashes out in an ashtray on the bar. "I hope she's a better soldier than she is an actor," he said to Aschwin Vethres.

All hell broke loose shortly thereafter. At the report of small-arms fire, Ruaridh had tensed, his instincts never having stopped him from scanning the crowd, and he witnessed through the throng a series of brawls and assumed assassination attempts as nearby soldiers and Aschwin rushed to help. Ruaridh downed his new drink, then ordered the cowering bartender to bring him another. The man vehemently shook his head from his kneeling position behind the bar, earning a sigh of disgust from the Second Lieutenant. Instead, Ruaridh leaned over and pulled the bottle from its shelf, pouring his own glass while the chaos raged off in the distance.

From the uniform of the victim across the hall, the assassination target was Grand Moff Korvan. Someone like Ruaridh would not be included in the same mission brief for an enemy agent as a Grand Moff, why should a Second Lieutenant bother drawing a dagger in defence. No, when the whiskey was this good, there had to be more than a few pistol shots and bared knives to make Ruaridh blink twice - he had faced far more dire situations on Sycorax day in and day out, so perhaps his perception of these things was a little off.

The arrival of the Lord-Regent Erskine Barran definitely warranted Ruaridh's utmost attention. He had admired the Lord-Regent for years, had never truly expected to share the same room as the man given his clan's past. He pushed himself from leaning on the bar, bottle in one hand and cigar in the other as he listened to the Lord-Regent's words, a wry smile on his face. Here was a veteran warrior that had gone through hell and back who-knew-how-many times. He took his designated spot in the hall, ears pricked to catch every word from the legend himself.

 

[Lucien Dooku]

Accompanying DECEASED Erskine Barran | Open

---

---

So too did he enter the assembly hall at a leisurely pace, following the path set by Regent Barran and the small entourage to his rear. He'd initially had no intention of attending the ceremony in question, yet circumstances dictated that the true heier to the Empire made his presence known. It was only right, Erskine told him. He was the Warden of the Knights, and a figurehead of an Empire which sorely lacked in the paragons necessary for the masses to look up to-- and not just within the territory of his former feifdom.

But the Empire itself.

And so he gave in to the logic and reasoning behind the old mna's words, and now he was here, entering the social arena as fashionably late as possible yet not a second over the optimal time to arrive. Grand Moff Korvan had been shot, a scene would follow, but his survival meant that the festivities of the evening would need to go on. This was a room stocked full of warriors of all kind; violence was within their blood, and so too was the teancity to perservere in the worst of situations. In contrast to their daily experiences on the battlefield -- the same experiences which lead many of them here to receive commendations -- the flesh wound dleivered upon the Grand Moff was nothing at all to get worked up over.

Erskine would ensure of that, it seemed, the old Regent's booming voice calling the gathered Imperials to direct their attention towards him. Luc approached the Regent's side, dressed to the nines in a set of expensive clothing that looked neither comfortable nor his usual style.. A strife-ridden Empire demanded him to be ready for battle more often than not, and otherwise he preferred the simplicity of street clothes in his private life. But formal events called for the King and Imperial heir to not bring shame to his brother's vacant throne. Besides, there was an abundance of eyes just waiting for an opportunity to see him removed from power, evevn amongst the crowd that now began to gather before Erskine and him.

He wouldn't give them a chance, nor would he stress on the issue any further than he'd already done. Instead he'd quietly await for the crowd to finish gathering before them in order to get the formalities of the ceremony over and done with. The sooner it was finished, the sooner he could leave.

Or maybe get a drink with a familiar face when it was all said and done.

Spoiler: tags

Lucien Dooku Hal Vaiken Tish Cowen Kriegan Tavlar Sahar
FN-999 Ignacious Korvan Pietro Demici Orik Dakari Enedina Tal
Lily Stevens Hall Mannarra Keylee Linth Aschwin Vethres Abeodan Charidot
Cosimo Demici Siyndacha Aerin Ruaridh Aodh Katja Javik Kav Canthar
Melvain Braxis Enzo Demici Leto Karazyn Sabe Aner Zorah Fel
Aoki-Barran Mira Marcus Bastion Castor E-196 Adera Vellas Margo Liaeris
Kanollic II Vethres Antonio Borgias Nukth Kelga'an

​

 

[Nukth Kelga'an]

Sons of the Empire
To the Empire!​

---

THE EMPIRE
THIRD SECTOR DEFENCE FORCES
First Anaxsi Free Brigade -- Second TodHusars Regiment
'Banshee' Company​

---

- IV -
BERZINGUE FROM ANAXES
Ravelin Break -- Part. II​

---

Interacting with: N/A
— 877, Fortress Imperator, Ravelin, Bastion

After the apparently-failed murder attempt on Ignacious Korvan by an Alliance's Clawdite, everything went wrong in the hall. Members of SCAR Squadron -- that Nukth could now identify as them, according to their tactics and behaviour -- came closer to the Grand Moff, helping him to take some rest. Another commando stopped another person from trying to kill Colonel Nines. As those events were spreading in the building, Kelga'an ran to another part of the room to prevent other potential murder attempts. But even from this distance, he could see the privates turning themselves against FN-999 and injuring him in the back. But thanks to the SCARs and to his men, he survived this attack too.

For a couple of long minutes, Nukth looked for other assailants in the hall. Tensed as hell, he tried to make his way into the panicked crowd of Imperial bureaucrats and executives. Even after a long inspection, he didn't find anyone and, as the calm was coming back in the crowd, he walked towards the position of Korvan, wanting to see how he was going -- apparently good. He probably didn't want to show to his enemies -- if they were still there -- that he could be affected for so 'little'.

Plus de peur que d'mal...!
[Translation:] 'Was more scared than hurt...!

He allowed himself to walk towards the bar he was standing in front of a few minutes before -- before it became hell in the hall. Nines and Korvan seemed to be bouncing back faster than he could have thought. He was finishing his glass of Tevraki Whiskey and meanwhile the 'Woad' appeared, sat on a hoverchair. The man was getting hold, for sure, but seeing him like this punched Nukth in the stomach. Time's hold on them was inevitable and unforgivable. Soon, it would be Nukth's time to look like... that.

However, despite his appearance, Captain Kelga'an had huge respect for the one who had once been the Lord-General of the Empire for so long. He knew that how he looked was only the result of the time he spent on the battlefields, defending order against chaos upon several worlds. The old man started to talk to the audience in the hall.

« Fashionably late as always, so I am! [...] What? A little drama, an' everyone starts losing their good sense of reason all of a sudden? »

A thin grin appeared on Nukth's face. Visibly, the Lord-Regent hadn't lost his sense of humour during his convalescence.

« All attending personnel - FORM UP!!!! » he declared all of a sudden. And Nukth obeyed, proud to stand defiant with and within the Empire.​

 

[Kriegan Tavlar]

PRODIGAL SON
501st STORMTROOPER LEGION
Katja Javik | Siyndacha Aerin | OPEN

DUSK
​

He was ultimately unable to eek out another word before Leto arrived to whisk Katja away not moments after her demeanor darkened to something clearly upset. Even he wasn't so ignorant to reading her emotions at the scene of him cloistered away on his lonesome with Siyndacha. He offered a frown for a moment as she walked off. He gestured for another servant and plucked another glass of liquor from the metallic tray before his attention focused on the Echani at his side once more.

"Well, that was...hm." He remarked as a half effort means to decompress the awkwardness that enveloped them following the interaction with the two SCAR team members. With another sip of liquor he was able to boast enough where with all to steer the conversation between the two away from the encounter not moments before. While it was clear- Kriegan and Katja would have to speak at some point, some point soon. Now was likely not the best time and now he was with pleasant enough company as it was. He wasn't going to sacrifice a rare night away from deployed action or field exercises to chase after a woman and win back her interest. Ultimately, it wouldn't be much longer until he was back into the fray again.

He reminded himself of that with another sip of the sanguine colored liquor, downing the rest of his glass before setting it down.

"Nevertheless- once the ceremony and such is done and over with, I can show you a bit around. It's been awhile though, hopefully the rest is still as I remember..." He remarks, crossing his arms over his chest before a faint smile crosses his lips.

"Or well- I suppose there's only one way to find out." Kriegan said, arching a brow before he went to pipe up again, the words seized in his throat when he heard the crack of a blaster fire off close by. His eyes widened and his hand immediately instinctively snapped to the blaster pistol holstered at his hip, his right hand tentatively grasping the pistol grip as he eyed security personnel swarm the scene and of course, among them, Katja was the first to the Grand Moff's aid. No one better than a special forces medic to provide hasty field care to the wound, he thought and he dropped his hand from the the grip of his blaster with an exhale.

He immediately, at the very least was able to gauge that it was a failed attempt on the life of the Grand Moff

He stayed back, motioning for Aerin to do the same lest she bowed to a inclination to surge into the situation. Ultimately, they'd only get in the way of security and medical personnel and prevent them from providing any real assistance. Though of course, she was a Knight of the Empire and he was a Stormtrooper. Their selfless service never took any real hiatus.

But of course, that idea of non intervention came snapping to a halt when Margo Liaeris approached him. He arched a brow before nodding in return. His own unit was off call and Kriegan intended to keep it that way for as long as was possible. They too needed their break from the fires.

But not long after the 908th mobilized its own resources to guard the venue, a certain figure took the podium. The voice was unmistakable. Its characteristic gravel and woad accent. The Lord Regent Erskine Barran. Kriegan cracked a smile to the voice and set off in the direction of his command to form up, gesturing for the Imperial Knight to do the same.

"Well I suppose that's our call then." While he'd had few interactions with Erskine following his commissioning as an Imperial Stormtrooper officer, he like every other serving trooper in the Imperial Army idolized the man. He was a legend in the flesh, one of the greatest war minds of Imperial history. Several of his battles, strategem and tactics were studied heavily in the infantry officer's course at MIMIC- all of which made him as much familiar with the man as it did his tactics.

He found himself back in the throne room with Aerin at his side, peering up to a sight of Imperial glory as DECEASED Erskine Barran and Lucien Dooku took the stand. Two nigh folk heroes of the resurgent Empire. Kriegan crossed his arms over his chest and offered a grin in anticipation for the ceremony, glancing back to Siyndacha for a moment before shifting his focus wholly back toward the Lord Regent.

 

[Katja Javik]

THE EMPIRE
SCAR SQUAD
FORTRESS IMPERATOR
Marcus Bastion | Ignacious Korvan | FN-999 | Castor E-196 | Kriegan Tavlar | Siyndacha Aerin | Lily Stevens | Kav Canthar | Leto Karazyn | Margo Liaeris | Hal Vaiken

​

She gave a curt nod of the head. "No worries." She replied as she wiped his blood from her gloves onto her trousers and headed towards the bar while she questioned her life choices.

"Yeah uhh I'll get 5 shots, please."

​

 

[Jorus Fel]

THE EMPIRE
HOUSE OF FEL

RETURN OF THE MACK​

Joker Squad shouldn't have been here.

But the Fel name still carried weight in these halls and across the stars.

Defying all odds, Cred won a bet against Jorus on a grav-ball match and this was the outcome. A bunch of green misfits trying to fit in with the big wigs.

The disgraced Fel's squad stuck out less than he had expected. The etiquette and protocol classes drilled into the troopers by a diligent COMPNOR Political Commisar at Fort Rex were showing. They were railed in enough not to catch too many eyes.

But Bookie, as his squadmates called him, wouldn't be Bookie if he didn't hit a beeline straight to his father upon witnessing the intimidating man standing out from the crowd of dignitaries. The ruthless nature of politics had taught Moff Rodrik Fel the art of acting. Faux smiles, faux handshakes, all that jazz. A composure forged in fire, hammered into steel bent slightly at the sight of his maverick son with a vein bulging on the Moff's forehead.

"Moff Fel." Jorus curtly bowed his head as etiquette dictated. The Moff remained silent, flames flailing wildly in his glare before he coarsely uttered:

"Private First Class Jorus." Zorah Fel may have had their father's eyes, but Jorus had certainly inherited his edge and penchant for petty and vindictive behavior.

Father and son gazed at each other, a smug smirk pulling the offspring's lips. A staring contest the Moff was liable to lose. Rodrik leaned in close to the stormtrooper, softly fixing the collar of Jorus' uniform before yanking it tight.

"What the hell are you doing here?" his whisper was as sharp as a Sith dagger.

Before Jorus could respond, a blaster shot rang out and a hundred gasps seized the air. Instinctively, the stormtrooper pushed the Moff behind him as he slightly ducked, and hazel eyes frantically sought his sister. She was an Imperial Knight, fully capable of handling herself in any form of conflict -- much more capable than the elder sibling -- but it was hard to go against a brother's nature. In the sudden, wild traffic of people and security moving in, he finally was able to locate her at the bar. A sigh of relief escaped his lips and Jorus erected his back straight once more.

The commotion began to fade as the Imperials were quick in securing every nook and cranny and the chaos was finally ended upon the arrival of the legendary Lord-Regent of the Empire -- DECEASED Erskine Barran . The old veteran of a thousand wars brought a calmness only a man of his experience could muster. It was the first time Jorus saw the man this close. His face was plastered across hundreds of hours of stormtrooper lessons on military tactics and stratagems back at Fort Rex. He'd seemed far younger there than here. And yet, cursed to the hoverchair, the Lord-Regent looked no less as imposing and authoritative. He could see it across the man's eyes that his authority did not come with a noble's mantle and name but from the grit and grime, from the blood and sweat. Much like the late Sovereign Imperator Irveric Tavlar.

As the pandemonium subsided and returned to its natural hubbub, albeit a little more emotional as expected, Jorus found out his father had already departed to check on Grand Moff Ignacious Korvan . From the running gossip around he'd come to understand it had been an assassination attempt on Grand Moff Ignacious Korvan , followed by one targetting Admiral Abeodan Charidot and another at Baron FN-999. A coordinated attack that had failed but had left its targets wounded. Severely so, if he understood correctly, but each man remained defiant, refusing to bend to fear.

All three had seen worse.

Far worse.

Shaking his head, he returned to his squad. After a series of casual sitreps from each trooper, Smoke was unkind enough to recall there was another layer to Jorus' lost bet.

Great.

After careful examination of the crowd, followed by a feisty deliberation between his squadmates, he was sent straight to the gathering of House Demici. It seemed Joker Squad was well aware of noble houses across the galaxy, or at least in the Empire. A Fel and a Demici walk into a bar...

"Many apologies to the Right Honourable Count and Countess--" he bowed his head at Count Cosimo Demici and the Countess, "--the Reverend Cardinal--" and one bow to the Ashlan Priest, "--Captain--" a salute to Enzo, then his hazel eyes shifted to Tish Cowen and a hand was offered, "--but would you grace me with a dance, Lady Inquisitor?"

Perfectly executed to the point his family would've been proud.

But he'd never give them that satisfaction would he?​

 

[Hal Vaiken]

FORTRESS IMPERATOR | BASTION
SCAR SQUADRON
Lily Stevens Margo Liaeris Castor E-196 Kriegan Tavlar Katja Javik Kav Canthar

​

A message would light up on SCAR's holos:

<<Everyone okay?>>
<<Katja?>>
​

Little did Sarge know that when the commotion subsided, she had become a hero of the Empire.

​

 

[Katja Javik]

THE EMPIRE
SCAR SQUAD
FORTRESS IMPERATOR
Marcus Bastion | Ignacious Korvan | FN-999 | Castor E-196 | Kriegan Tavlar | Siyndacha Aerin | Lily Stevens | Kav Canthar | Leto Karazyn | Margo Liaeris | Hal Vaiken

<<Yeah, I'll be right there.>>

She replied before taking a shot and then another for the road as she went to join the rest of the squad.
​

 

[Aoki-Barran Mira]

The entire time the party and all its drama transpired, a figure stood close to the back of the room, silently sipping wine. She reacted little to anything going on, save for internally feeling glee over the moff who ordered friendly fire on Ilum getting shot. Michael Barran probably also was getting a secret kick out of that one. Externally, however, she was cool as ever, sipping her wine with upmost poise.

Aoki Mira was used to parties. She attended many on Serenno. She usually dressed up in elegant Atrisian dresses and robes, but today was different. Today, however, things were different. She was used to being a face in the crowd at parties, just a side character on the side quest in a big game. Today, however, she was one of the MCs. She wore a different outfit today. An Imperial Knight suit, pearl white and formal like the Empire, though obviously carrying Atrisian inspiration as well. Her Imperial lightsaber shone on her belt. For the first time, as much as it shamed her, she was not hiding her facial scars beneath a bandage. It was simply inappropriate to wear headwear when on ceremony. After all, this was for a formal occasion, a beautiful occasion.

Today, she would be knighted an official Imperial Knight.

She had come to the Empire and been trained as an Imperial Knight Errant for almost two years now. She had been the loyal Squire of Tish Cowen for so long, and still felt like she owed so much to her for making those possible. Aoki tilted her Atrisian hat, gracefully handing a caterer her empty glass. As Erskine Barran called for order, she waded through the crowd and stood behind her mentor, offering her usual bow of respect and service. "Sensei."

She seemed completely calm on the surface. Cool and collected. Inside, however, she was facing a plethora of emotions over all this. Her mentor would be able to sense it. The ecosystem of raging sea creatures beneath serene ocean waves. This was a humongous day for her, and she knew it.

She blinked back the tears forming in her eyes before rising at Demici's command.
​

 

[Ignacious Korvan]

Grand Moff Korvan​

Objective: For the Empire!
Location: Fortress Imperator - Bastion
Tags: Abeodan Charidot | DECEASED Erskine Barran | Katja Javik | Lily Stevens | FN-999 | DECEASED Erskine Barran | Open

As expected, the commanding presence of Erskine Barran himself had set the room to rights; the panic and, daresay, unacceptable breaches in security coming to a halt as soon as they began. Korvan grimaced through the pain from his burn as he took his position, an aide standing at his side to support him.

But despite the very recent near-successful attempt on his life, the Grand Moff stood as resolute as he could - donning his scorch-burned uniform as if it were ornate ceremonial Armor. As best he could, he held his head high - looking upon Erskine with a stately and resolute air as best he could.

 

[FN-999]

​

Location: Fortress Imperator
Interacting With: Abeodan Charidot | Ignacious Korvan | Lily Stevens | Margo Liaeris | Open

'All attending personnel - FORM UP!!!!'

"Lord Barran..." muttered FN-999.
​

Amidst the chaos, the colonel had failed to notice the Lord-Regent's entry. Fortunately, the perimeter was still sealed, and Lord Barran stood unharmed, his persona dominating the entire room. There was no time for hesitation, no time for weakness. FN-999 had suffered worse, and he would not be stopped from doing his duty.

Emptying the last of the stim needle's contents into his scarred back, the colonel saw the Grand Moff and Admiral rise up despite their injuries. His own pain was already numbing, the bacta doing its work. He would need to be treated later, but now was certainly not the time.

As for his assailants, they had both been knocked unconscious by FN-999's blows and were quickly dragged away for interrogation by 908th troopers.

Still, neither his pain nor his attempted killers were his immediate concern.

Without further hesitation, FN-999 rose to face the Lord-Regent.​

 

[Keylee Linth]

Tag: Hall Mannarra | Open for Interaction
Location: Fortress Imperator | Bastion

"My apology sir Hall" apologised Keylee by using both the title and his preferred name without her friendly smile wavering from her lips. Keylee guess she could blame it on her instructors, all wanting to be called sir or their title and not addressing sir to her instructors at the academy would only earn their huffed-up wrath. There was, of course, the rank difference as Keylee was still a cadet, in training for a gunnery position for a tank, but there was still some time before she graduated.

Hall only received a small giggle, "I guess you should".

Taking a sip of the drink her new gala interlocutor brought her, she felt the pleasant but warm sensation hit her body when the colourless, clean liquid hit her tongue and found its way down to her stomach. She often didn't drink, but having grown up with so many brothers and then being around cadets who often dragged her out to bars with strong liqueur.

She was a terrible lightweight, but that never stopped her friends at the academy to drag her off to get drunk, which she always joined and regretted terribly after.

Taking another sip, she listened attentively to the young corporal explain his woes and troubles. "If I've learned anything from my friends. That you never listen to any advice they give you, after you've had too much to drink" half-joked Keylee, trying to lighten the mood for her new friend. She was only half-joking, cause her friends at the academy had not only managed to drunk dare her to ask the cute bartender out but decided to give her all sorts of conflicting advice on how to win a guy's heart. Frankly, it could have been worse, but it also could have been a lot better as she ended up slurring her question and ended up with another drink for some reason.

Looking around them, watching all the fancy people interact with each other, she could only agree. She sipped again, "I rather now be here... I feel so out of place" admitted Keylee as the drink for the moment was the only thing that kept her nerves under control, and of course, keeping a conversation with Hall to distract herself from her nerves.

"My very passionate instructor found it a teachable moment to attend... Something about 'this is the time for you all to learn what really goes on and happens within our Empire!'" repeated Keylee with a fake deepen voice to resemble her academy lector, though her voice was not really made for sounding convincing.

However, the Lord-Regent's small entourage's arrival, caught Keylee's attention as the gala seemed to final truly begin and then she could turn and kick her friend's asses for leaving her alone at the gala.

​

 

[Siyndacha Aerin]

ERRANT HEIR
THE ORDER OF IMPERIAL KNIGHTS
FORTRESS IMPERATOR - RAVELIN - BASTION
Kriegan Tavlar | Katja Javik | Open

A FAINT QUALM FOR THE FUTURE​

She deposited her empty flute on the metallic tray when the server came by with a gesture from Kriegan, exchanging it for another glass of a different colour of liquor - more of a rosé tinge than the champagne. Whatever the reason, it was clear an assumption had been made. An unstated, baseless accusation that she was implicated in. She took a sip, in an attempt to will away the prickly feeling that had been foisted on her.

“Mm…” She sounded off; she wasn’t going to ask - but gauging his own reaction, it seemed he might have his own questions for the blonde - and it was none of her business. Siyndacha drew another long sip from her glass, and let the matter lie. Even if it had scarcely been much time since she last had a lull, there was no knowing when the next reprieve would be, after this. She had to take that into account.

After all, peace was no constant. She drained the remainder of her glass, and set it aside.

“If it helps, I can find my way around anywhere,” She offered with a small smile of her own at his picking up of that twice-interrupted subject, with her having a force-based penchant for not getting lost, “map or no.” But it gave no knowledge for what she might see in any given place.

"Or well- I suppose there's only one way to find out."

Siyndacha glanced toward him curiously, just as it seemed he was going to say more, but then the distinct discharge of blaster fire introduced chaos into the evening. Her silvered gaze clicked over to the gathered, a hand going to one of the two lightsaber hilts on her person, but not grasping it, nowhere close to activation, as the scene unfolded. Training and experience showed itself in spades as SCAR and other elements sprung to action in aid to and defense of the Grand Moff… and what was soon others.

First on the scene being none other than the very blonde they’d had a moment with some minutes before - a medic, as she now knew, and this went a ways to relieving some of the sudden uptick in tension from this attack, as further personnel handled the incident. Releasing a held breath, she settled back at Kriegan’s motion, and moved her hand away from the hilt. They weren't needed, but they were ever ready.

Quickly, the chaos was squared away as only Imperial efficiency could do, as if it heralded the arrival of the Lord Regent DECEASED Erskine Barran , a man so storied even she, a still-fresh Knight of the Empire, knew of him - but then, Rafe had made sure of it - and Lucien Dooku , the nigh-mythic head of her Order; neither of which she had ever personally met. The voice of the Lord Regent boomed, chastising, and issuing his command, and her own mouth widened in a clear smile in response to the Second Lieutenant’s own, and she went to form up along with him, as it was now her assigned place in the vast might of the Empire.

Many would be honoured this night, and she stood as witness, a celebrant of the glory that would soon shine upon those who had shown their undeniable commitment and service to the realm. The anticipation was palpable and infectious, but she kept her hands behind, one wrist clasped by the opposite hand, ever disciplined, but for the faint rocking from her heels to the balls of her feet… only for a moment when Kriegan showed his grin, whereafter they both looked to the brilliant legends of their realm.

There was nothing quite like this, no greater summation of pride.

​

 

[Kav Canthar]

R A N C O R
THE EMPIRE
AT THE BAR
ALLIES: Hal Vaiken | Margo Liaeris | Lily Stevens | Leto Karazyn | Katja Javik | Kriegan Tavlar
ENGAGING: Security perimeter + Zorah Fel + FN-999

It seemed about right that, as soon as headway was made for him, Kav was called off with duty and responsibility.

When the blaster-fire started to sound, it was obvious to the heavy that it wasn't meant to be present, to which he immediately disengaged from conversation--

"Zorah Fel? Another time."

--and began looking for the disturbance. It was quick to find. There were flashes of combat through the crowd, alongside calls from fellow SCAR teammates, and the adrenaline kicked in for Kav. The tall Ragithian began to run from the bar, his movements seemingly unaffected by his alcoholic intake, as he began to cross the distance.

Stalker called for a perimeter, so Kav did that - he angled his stop to cover a sector of approach.

There was another skirmish, one that involved a Stormtrooper - Kav recalled Nines being a designation mentioned near the bar - but the seemingly final pair of would-be assassins were handled in quick, non-lethal order. All that remained was the security of the area around Grand Moff Korvan and Admiral Charidot, those who had been attacked and injured, but thankfully Spectre was on hand to administer medical.

While maintaining perimeter security, Kav reached out to push another trooper back who ventured too close, looking.

"Back up," Kav mumbled, before he resumed watch. "Let the medic do her work."

Within minutes, both of the attacked individuals appeared in stable states. Spectre had done whatever it was she did, the pair were up, and looked none the worse for wear - though Kav did wonder at the impressive recovery of the Admiral, since taking a shiv to the flank was no joke, even with bacta injections to assist in stabilization. And then there was the Stormtrooper - Nines - who looked, well...

"Nines," Kav said from near the Stormtrooper, the Colonel having just engaged with some of his people. "You look like a bowling ball from the back. Might want to have Spectre check that. Sir."

Though it wasn't long after that the Lord-Regent himself appeared, demanded order like a bureaucrat, and called for a form up. That didn't sit very well with Kav, considering any security sweeps needed time to be completed, not to mention steps to canvas the crowd for potential threats... but, he was a lowly Sergeant, so who was he to tell more important brass how to do their job.

"Assuming formation... at the bar," Kav said into his comlink, as he started to move from the scene. He followed Spectre, who had stains of blood on her uniform, and looked like she had aged about ten years in mere minutes. "Spectre, that was clean work. You good?"

Once near his SCAR teammate, the tall Ragithian leaned over the bar and grabbed a cloth that hung on the other side. The bartender went to protest, saw the look from Kav, then resumed as they were. With a sigh, Kav handed over the cloth, and offered a nod to Katja.

It wasn't much, but it might help wipe away most of the blood...

 

[Castor E-196]

Master Sergeant Castor E-196
Imperial Navy Special Forces Command; Attached to SCAR​

Objective: enjoy the gala : )
Tags: SCARFAM: Lily Stevens Kav Canthar Leto Karazyn Margo Liaeris
Others at bar: Ruaridh Aodh Aschwin Vethres Zorah Fel || FN-999 || Orik Dakari

Katja and Lily rushed to the aid of the Grand Moff and Admiral, which left Margo to set about establishing a long overdue perimeter around the assembled men. Her her gaze drifted to Kav and Phantom, then met with Kriegan and Castor. "SCAR squadron, establish a perimeter!"

Margo held her blaster at the ready as she scanned the crowd - her expression brokering no argument as she indicated for everyone to get back. She sidled up to the Colonel, and said:
"We've got your back sir."

Castor broke into action, immediately standing between Ignacious Korvan and the bystanders who, instead of fleeing or cowering, came closer to gawk. The sight of the huge man immediately sent the nearest rubberneckers back to be further screened by other security. Through the press of bodies every which way, someone seemed to try to push past him, but Castor shoved back. Before he could get a glance, the person was gone. Another assailant? Or just a pushy idiot?

The Commando could not help but look around for... someone, or something. Suspicious movements several feet away, but they were just nervous onlookers and rushing soldiers. It distracted him enough that he missed the assailants intercepted by FN-999 . By the time it was over, Castor was left in his place to maintain the security cordon.

'All attending personnel - FORM UP!!!!'

Castor was far enough away that he could spend a few more moments looking around for danger. Satisfied at the arrival of stormtroopers, he finally complied.

 

[Orik Dakari]

Sons of the Empire
908th Legion, 303rd Forward Security Battalion, 1st Company, 1st Platoon
Location: Fortress Imperator, Bastion
Objective: Mingle, wait for promotion
Equipment: nice uniform
Tags: FN-999 Katja Javik Leto Karazyn Kav Canthar Lily Stevens Margo Liaeris Zorah Fel Ruaridh Aodh Aschwin Vethres Castor E-196​

[[All Reborn reserves, this is Nines.]] called FN-999 through his helmet comms array. [[I need two platoons of reinforcements at Fortress Imperator immediately.

Orik was already on it. He spotted his men in the crowd begin to escort several dignitaries around the area further out, with two of them dashing out to link up with the reserve platoons. The Sergeant himself directed some Admiral or other out before rounding up two of his men to clear a section of the perimeter, service pistol in hand. Within seconds, they caught an unauthorised technician slinking into a corner. Tough luck for him: normally he would be sent off with a warning, but now the fellow was an active suspect.

It wasn't long before Bigfoot showed up with a platoon, armed and armoured, just as Orik's two MPs escorted the handcuffed technician out of the hall.

"Some VIPs have been escorted out of the area and we are securing cordon."

"Good, we'll take it from here. Remain at this entrance vector, Sergeant."

[Nines, this is Bigfoot. We've swept the perimeter and we've confirmed that no other foreign agents are present in the fortress. We will continue to cordon for safety purposes.]

'All attending personnel - FORM UP!!!!'

What was the old man playing at? This was an active situation. Well, as part of the security cordon, Orik would not be deterred from his duty. Orik continued jogging the perimeter of the area, sweeping another corner. Nothing. Just his eyes playing tricks on him.