Dominion The Longest Night | EE Dominion of Maya Kovel and Qina

[Nikolai Cridu]

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Location: New Rythou Spaceport, Qina
Tags: Arturo Braga

The shuttle came in to land in the cold, windy dark, the hum of its repulsorlifts cutting through the stillness of the night. Nik watched as it slowly lowered toward the landing pad, trying to calm his racing pulse. He could keenly feel the anxiety radiating from the squad of hardened soldiers aboard it, a feeling that was reflected in his own mind. He took a few deep breaths, drawing in the crisp air, and steadied himself. He had to trust in the Force. It had brought him this far, and it would guide him through whatever came next. He had to believe that.

The shuttle touched down, and Nik took one more deep breath as men streamed out. After the first group of soldiers fanned out to secure the landing zone, another wave followed, bearing a heavy cargo between them: the object that Nik had sensed. It was a bulky, ugly thing, and the young Jedi could feel the potential inside it: potential for fire and death. That made him nervous. And yet sometimes destruction was needed in order to protect people; that was war. Nik might not be comfortable with it, but he understood that it was true.

The soldiers spotted him, and one rushed forward, pointing a gun in Nik's face. The young Jedi slowly raised his hands, offering a warm smile. "I mean you no harm," he said, turning slowly around to show that he carried no weapons. "My name is Nikolai." He glanced over at the bomb and its escort. "You're taking that into the tunnels, aren't you? Your electronic wayfinding equipment won't work down there; the weight of earth and metal will cause too much interference. If you want to find the center, you'll need a guide. I can do that."

Nik had to trust that he'd read the situation right, that they weren't just here to blow up New Rythou and deny the rakghouls new infection victims. He felt sure that the Force would have warned him if that was their intent; he sensed fear, but not hostility, not toward the civilians here. He didn't mention that he wasn't a local, or that he had never set foot in the tunnels before; that would only make them doubt him. He was sure that he could show them the way, help them find the perfect place to blow up the warren and collapse the whole tunnel system.

He just had to get them to trust him, and to make sure they would protect him along the way. He was no warrior.

 

[Race Tolsen]

O B J E C T I V E​

Tag: Kelsen Ghastt | Ingrid L'lerim ​

​

Admiral Race Tolsen was perhaps the mosy reclusive man in the Empire. His companions would describe him as a ghost, a spirit which only appeared when needed. When not, he would disappear into a mistful void, tinkering on some grand project only he was aware of. ​

​

But no matter how much he stayed away, he always came through. His loyalty to the Empire was almost fanatical, albeit with much more restraint than most. But, times change. There would be no more 'disappearances' for the elder Admiral. ​

​

His series of forloughs were over. ​

​

And what better way to celebrate his more active role in Imperial society than by attending a Ball. His military uniform was adorned in the various medals and commendations he received for his years of active service. Gold epulattes hung on his shoulders, and a smile was worn on his face. ​

​

"Empress Regent, I never did get the chance to congratulate you on your new position. It's a shame it had to come with us losing the father of our country" His words were laced with honey. Every syllable was pronounced with utter precision and laced with honesty. "I'm sorry, we haven't had the pleasure of meeting. My name is Admiral Race Tolsen, of the Ninth Fleet. Charmed to meet you... Admiral" ​

​

For a moment he was unaware of who the woman was, but after hearing the Overlord address her as Admiral, Race followed suite. "Madame Overlord, my apologies for being so...brief"​

​

 

[Race Tolsen]

Ignore. So embarrassing

 

[Kelsen Ghastt]

​

Location: Autumn's Ball, Maya Kovel
Tags: Ingrid L'lerim | Sanguine Nocturnal | Ben Craig | Race Tolsen

It was true; Kelsen was far from at home here. It was only on the bridge of the Oath of Obedience that Admiral Ghastt truly felt she was in the place she was meant for. There, everything was organized according to her own designs. She had set the schedule, the protocols and procedures, even the uniforms and rank insignias, all according to her own exacting specifications. Everything was primed for maximum efficiency. The Oath, and the fleet surrounding it, ran like clockwork, and Kelsen herself was the clockmaker.

Diplomacy was much too fluid. Tone of voice, choice of clothing, who you sat next to and who you spoke with first, they all had consequences for your position that went far beyond the strength of your arguments... but they were unpredictable and shifting consequences. There was no simple cause and effect when the entire art of negotiation meant playing as much on emotion as on reason. Instead of the rigid perfection of a well-ordered household, there was the swirling, chaotic grace of a dance, the leading partner ever-shifting.

It was beautiful, but it was not Kelsen's kind of beauty. She despised situations in which she did not feel in control.

Perhaps she would have to learn to endure them, however. It was certainly true that, between the Emperor's disappearance and the massacre on the Night of Truth, there was a desperate need for strong leadership within the Empire. Entire territories might break away without a firm hand to guide them, which had no doubt been the rebels' intent when they had carried out their strike. "Thank you, my lady" Kelsen finally replied, swallowing her doubts. "I will prepare myself for the position, so that I may be ready whenever it is bestowed."

As they talked, a few others drifted into the masquerade. Kelsen watched them even as she conversed with the Empress Regent, always on alert. Standing out most among them was a strange, tattooed Twi'lek woman who put her ill at ease; there was something about her that put the admiral on edge, and it wasn't just the lightsabers she wore. Distracted, it took Kelsen a moment to react to the Regent's next question. "Well, my lady, with the capture of Orellon II and Maya Kovel, we are making strong inroads into the Mid Rim."

She paused another moment, gathering her thoughts. "Taking Cerea next would strengthen our control of the western end of the Sanctuary Pipeline. Holding such a major hyperspace route would bring in trade and allow rapid movement of our forces." She pictured a map of the galaxy in her mind, turning it over and over, considering every angle. "But we must soon turn north, toward Panatha. Many crime syndicates lurk around the Pacanth Reach, particularly on Batuu. It will be my pleasure to burn them out."

Kelsen trailed off as she noticed other new arrival: Chairman Craig of the Zweihander Union, an allied power in the Unknown Regions. It was good to see the Union represented here; the Eternal Empire needed every ally it could get, given their precarious position. But then someone else approached them, someone far more surprising. Kelsen took his offered hand, returning a strong shake. "Admiral Tolsen," she replied, inclining her head respectfully. "I am glad to make your acquaintance at last." She stepped back, allowing him space to speak.

Kelsen watched the other admiral carefully, curious about what kind of man the notoriously reclusive officer truly was.

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim-Ragal
Empress Regent of the Eternal Empire, Overlord of the Eternal Empire, the Emperor's hand
The Red Witch; Director of Blackwatch; Baroness of Vengard, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium​

Location: Autumn’s ball, Maya Kovel
Attire: Gildenweave Elegant dress | Mask | Tiara | Necklace (Shield talisman)
Tag: Kelsen Ghastt | Race Tolsen | Open

”I’m glad to hear that, Admiral, and what I said, stay calm at the address of “my Lord”. There is no need for “my Lady,” anyway, I prefer the military address rather than the noble one. Especially in military circles.”

While talking, she even noticed the red twi’lek woman, Sanguine Nocturnal . Although she never spoke to the woman in person, she knew broadly who she was. She had to, as the woman also had a personal relationship with the Emperor. And Ingrid had always tracked down people like that to see who might harm the man. The Overlord nodded at Admiral Ghastt's words. They also had plans, they could expand “south” and “north”.

”I first thought of Batuu because of the Smugglers Alliance, if they were already working for us anyway, it would be appropriate for them to enjoy Imperial protection as well. And from there straight up to Zakuul. It used to be the center of the first Eternal Empire thousands of years ago. It was recently re-founded, which the First Order and Darth Tacitus freed from @Lady Kay’s rule. Which could be the jewel of our empire again.”

She shared her own ideas of what she and STRATCOM were thinking. Of course, there was also the Lotho Minor in the south, which would have been worth getting. Countless possibilities, only the resources had to be allocated correctly for this. She nodded to the rest, it was a pretty insightful solution.

”I agree, but Panatha is a delicate point. Surely you know that it is also the birthplace of Darth Carnifex , the Sith Emperor, and his cousin, Darth Prazutis . Acquiring that planet would require lengthy negotiations before trying to bring it under our control.”

While this conversation was going on, even another admiral had arrived, whom she had already had the good fortune to meet earlier, and the man was one of the delegation’s member that went to Dromund Kaas, though she did not talk much with the man even then because she was busy with someone else. Meanwhile, she even noticed another person in the crowd, another acquaintance, Ben Craig . Glanced at Admiral Tolsen and nodded at man’s words.

”Admiral Tolsen! I haven't even seen you since we went to the peace treaty on Dromund Kaas. Thank you for your words, but you also know that I did not receive any promotion. I am the Overlord just like before. Only by law do I have to rule the Empire as a regent until we find Kainan Wolfe .”

​

 

[Rath Nihro]

Location: Inicus Mont, Qina
Equipment: KC-47 Hybrid Strike Rifle | KC-95 Ace of Spades | Sk-UL MK2 Armor
Tags: Lorne Kantera

Rath and his team held firm against the onslaught of the Rakghoul swarm. Individually, the Rakghouls aren't much of an issue especially to trained soldier's such as themselves. Small groups however were risky, but what Rath was witnessing looked nothing like the holograms. There was only so much one could be told of the horrors these Rakghoul hunt tirelessly and relentless. If their position wasn't a choke point, Rath had a bad feeling that they wouldn't have survived. Even as their blasters shred and blazed through the flesh and bone of the Rakghouls. The relentless onslaught alone was enough to push their weapons to the limits.

There was a voice that howled over the near deafening roar of blaster fire. Calling for them to fall back to the gunship.

"Let's go! Rex, C'mon!" Rath yelled at the rookie as he took a few pages back, but Rex remained to be fixated with shooting the encroaching swarm of Rakghoul.

"Rex!" The soldier yelled once more, but the recruit didn't answer. It was mostly out of instinct, but Rath knew what he was doing when he reached in the force to grab ahold of Rex's body. Suddenly Rex's body was pulled off his feet towards Rath who proceeded to drop the rifle as the sling kept it on his person. While his left hand reached for his pistol, the right hand caught Rex's armor and with unexpected strength the soldier proceeded to pull the disoriented rookie into the gunship. Rath popped two powerful shots that not only pierced the Rakghouls' flesh, but the powerful concussion sent them flying back into the swarm which bought the pair enough time to board.

Sergeant Brain boarded alone as there were some fresh claw marks on the chest plate of his armor. They came aboard nearly the same time as the ships immediately lifted up into the air. Rex was breathing heavily as he practically collapsed against the wall. The gunship was cramped and Brain had to shimmy his way to the cockpit. Otherwise everyone was safe for the time being.

"What… what was that just now?" Rex questioned Rath who holstered his pistol to his hip.

"Saving your ass?" Rath countered with a question. Purposefully dodging the question as it were, and as far as Rath was aware of nobody in this ship was sensitive to the Force. Even if they were, Rath planned to play dumb on the subject.

"Not that… I meant I was just… pulled back if that makes sense? Like something just scooped me off my feet?" To Rex's credit, he wasn't an idiot. Just inexperienced, but there was potential in the rookie. Rath shrugged his shoulders in response.

"I don't know about that, but it could've been the wind picked up pretty strong. Guess you have some good luck on you, that whatever the cause was that I caught you." Then Rex turned his attention, the glowing yellow eyes from his helmet, over to the crowd.

"Anyone who is injured, please be patient with us until we reach the Red Constellation. You'll receive medical attention as soon as possible."

 

[Lorne Kantera]

Location: Dropship near Inicus Mont, Qina
Tags: Rath Nihro

Breathing hard, the adrenaline of combat slowly fading and leaving behind aches and pains, Lorne slid to the floor of the dropship. He propped himself against one of its walls and rolled up his sleeves, then his pant legs, checking for bites or scratches. Nothing; he'd been lucky. There weren't too many beings in the galaxy could say they'd tussled with rakghouls hand-to-hand and come away without getting infected. He was pretty karking grateful to past-Lorne for investing in the reinforced jacket; without it, he'd be dead... or worse.

The surviving Vashan pilgrims huddled together at the back of the dropship, rocking back and forth as they chanted something in their strange, clicking language. Lorne wondered what they would make of all this. Qina was one of their religion's most important holy sites, and seeing it desecrated like this was sure to take its toll. Would millions of faithful flock here at the next midwinter Hanchin-set, or would the danger of the rakghoul plague put an end to all that? Right now, in the middle of the crisis, there was no way to tell.

And honestly, it was none of Lorne's business anyway. He just needed to get out of here alive, and maybe a little richer.

"The Red Constellation, huh?" he asked the soldier who had spoken. "I'm assuming that's up in orbit, yeah? I appreciate the rescue and the medical assist, but at some point I'm going to need to get back to my ship." And then he was going to need to figure out how to break quarantine; Lorne had no intention of waiting all this out. He hadn't been able to charge the pilgrims for the rescue, but the medical supplies on his ship were still waiting to be sold, and they'd be in high demand. If he could reach them, he could turn this thing around.

 

[Rath Nihro]

Location: Dropship near Orbit, Qina
Tags: Lorne Kantera

There was one odd individual amidst that flock as there was plenty of insectoid sentients. Then there was this singular human whom Rath did not recognize to be part of the original crew. Was he a traveler as well? Yet when the man spoke to Rath in regards to where they were going. Some questions did come up in Rath’s mind. The main ticket was the following.

“If you left your ship down there, then I’m sorry. It’ll take quite some time for anyone to come back down there. Even then, it’s more than likely overrun with Rakghouls.” Granted this was assuming that the ship was still docked somewhere in Inicus Mont, and Rex was still recuperating in his seat. That was until Rath noticed that there was some tears in Lorne’s jacket, and he couldn't see any blood from the tears. Even so, Rath looked into Lorne’s eyes. There wasn’t any change to the man’s eyes as usually the eyes would begin to develop cataracts when they are infected with the Rakghoul disease. Otherwise their veins would show discoloration and the skin around the wound would become infected.

“Be honest with me. Were you bitten by those things?” Rath kept his voice low to where only Lorne and maybe Rex could hear him. In truth, Rath didn’t want to cause any panic in such a confined space with so many people on board. But for the safety of everyone on board. Rath had to be on top of this since the infection had been known to kill off settlements and frontiers in just a matter of one week. Less than that if a swarm attacked like the one they just witnessed.

 

[Lorne Kantera]

Location: Dropship near Inicus Mont, Qina
Tags: Rath Nihro

The soldier was pretty young; Lorne estimated he had almost a decade on the kid. He wondered how he would've turned out if he'd been in the military, shipping out into a plagued hellscape like this. Probably not so well. But then, if you asked most of the galaxy, Lorne Kantera hadn't turned out particularly well. The whole reason he was here was to make quick credits in a crisis, off the backs of people with nowhere else to go. It's a cold galaxy, Lorne reflected, mentally justifying his actions. If I didn't do it, someone else would.

"The ship's safe, thank feth," the smuggler finally replied. "She took off before the rakghouls reached her; my copilot took care of it. I just need a place to meet her, and I'm not sure that your 'Red Constellation' is going to let me, what with the quarantine and all." Besides, he wanted to go back. He had to sell all the medical supplies he'd picked up in preparation for this run, or he'd be out a WHOLE lot of credits. But there was no sense in telling these military types about his true motivations. They'd probably get him in trouble.

The other man asked about the rips in Lorne's jacket, and he chuckled, a quick, sharp bark of nervous laughter. "Huh? No, no. That's what body armor is for." Pulling back the shredded fabric of the jacket, he revealed the moulded ceramite shoulder plate hidden inside. The rakghoul's tooth marks, driven impressively deep into the plating but not quite through it, were still visible. "Nasty drukker bit down hard, but not hard enough to crack it. Always nice to see that a purchase you made was 100% worth it, ya know?"

With a sigh, Lorne tucked his hands behind his head, waiting for their arrival at the Red Constellation.

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim-Ragal
Empress Regent of the Eternal Empire, Overlord of the Eternal Empire, the Emperor's hand
The Red Witch; Director of Blackwatch; Baroness of Vengard, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium​

Location: Autumn’s ball, Maya Kovel
Attire: Gildenweave Elegant dress | Mask | Tiara | Necklace (Shield talisman)
Tag: Kelsen Ghastt | Race Tolsen | Ben Craig | Open

So far, no one has responded to what Ingrid said, or just no one has come any closer. So a slightly more embarrassing silence descended on the patio, which was actually saved by the fact that Ingrid's communicator began to ring. This time, only this brought a smaller, discreet holoprojector, not her usual device, it wouldn’t have fit her outfit, but that call seemed important.

<”Forgive me for a moment.”>

She apologized to the duo she was talking to. She went a few steps away to answer the call. Being discreet enough, she always had the means to hear calls through earphones plugged into her ear. That way no one else will know about it. She received a quick report that something had happened on the other planet and was important. It has received a status report on this, where perhaps more drastic steps may be needed. There was really nothing to consider on this, they couldn’t back down, not after the way they did. She remembered a saying about it that she had heard quite a few times.

”Act brutal with no pity,
Be harsh, show no remorse.”

<”Start the warmachine!”> she gave the order.

Even if she didn’t want to solve the situation very bloodily, she had to show that she was strong. As the emperor said a few times, they were the necessary evil. It was a very true and apt saying. After issuing the command, she turned off the channel and then looked at the duo.

<”Please be patient for a second.”>

She then hurriedly walked closer to the room, where she saw Ben Craig .

”Chairman Craig, may I have a word with you?”

​

 

[Race Tolsen]

"At last, I meet the great Admiral Kelsen Ghastt." The Admiral reached his hand out, his eyes scanning the woman in discretion. There was much talk of her within the High Command, of good deeds done and victories accomplished.

As the Empress Regent spoke again, he nodded. "Yes, yes of course. Such a tragedy, his loss. But you are doing a great job as Overlord, keeping the peace and rooting out the weak spinned fools who dared to rise against the Empire" He referred to the recent insurrection led by a disgruntled member of the Navy.

But as the Empress Regent excussed herself, he looked back to Admiral Ghastt. "They tell me, you are an accomplished naval commander. Do tell what inspired you to join the navy"

Kelsen Ghastt Ingrid L'lerim

/div]

 

[Ben Craig]

Ben Craig
Chairman of the Zweihander Union ; CEO of N&Z Umbrella Corporation ; Director of Advanced Weapons Research​

Location: Autumn’s ball, Maya Kovel
Objective: 1
Dress: Link
Tags: Ingrid L'lerim

​

Ben snatched a glass of wine and quickly gulped it when the Empress Regent herself called for him. He placed it back on the server's tray and walked towards Ingrid. He took a slight bow and replied, "Of course M'lady." He walked with her and wondered whether he was in some sort of trouble or it was good news. Either way he looked forward to whatever the Empress was to say.

 

[Kelsen Ghastt]

Location: Autumn's Ball, Maya Kovel
Tags: Race Tolsen | Ingrid L'lerim

Kelsen's lip curled at the thought of "recruiting" the scum of Batuu. Perhaps those criminals could be useful in the short term - they had served as a passable distraction and blunt instrument at the recent battle in deep space - but such vipers inevitably turned back and bit their wielders. "As you say, my lord," the admiral finally responded, doubt clear in her tone. "I distrust their lawless nature, but if you believe that you can use them to the Empire's benefit, I trust your judgement." She would much rather scour Batuu from orbit.

Zakuul was another matter, a shining, orderly jewel of a world that would make a fine addition to the Empire's territories. Indeed, it had been the ruling seat of the ancient galactic power from which the modern Eternal Empire took its name. That particular polity had proven to be eternal in name only, falling to the assault of the Sith Empire and Galactic Republic, but the incredible conquests it had made were remembered down the ages. Kelsen could only hope that, with Zakuul in their possession, they would find a way to fare better.

The admiral inclined her head, accepting the Regent's point about the Panathan Reach. "Of course, my lord," she said, wondering about the Sith Emperor and what value he might still place on his homeworld. "Though perhaps he might appreciate seeing the region under a firm hand, rather than left to the pirates and warlords that haunt the Unknown Regions. But I could not say that for certain. I will leave the diplomatic matters to you." She did not understand the powers the Sith Emperor wielded, and hoped never to witness them.

The Empress Regent stepped away, and Kelsen was left alone with Admiral Tolsen. She took the man's measure, curious about the notoriously reclusive commander; they were comrades in rank, but had never served together. "It was a logical step for me," she replied to his probing question, stating the simple facts without delving too much into her own history. "My homeworld was often at the mercy of lawless criminals. I craved structure, order, and security. The navy provided it for me, and enabled me to provide it for others."

"And you, Admiral Tolsen? What brought you into our... line of work?"

 

[Rath Nihro]

Location: Red Constellation, Qina
Tag: Lorne Kantera

Turned out that the traveler was better protected than the leather jacket. In the modern age, Rath personally cannot blame Lorne for wearing such protection. Whether it was in a gunfight or in their recent encounter dealing with mindless beasts. The mutations people would go under are both horrendous and painful to bear. Especially with the loved ones, and often it made things difficult and messy to solve since most people clung to the potential cure of the Rakghoul disease.

“Indeed. Well in that case just sit tight for a little bit and we’ll get you squared away.” Rath spoke before he turned his helmet to look at Rex. A slight shake of his head before he heard a familiar voice spoke loud and clear over the crowd.

“Private Nihro! Come forward!” Rath turned his attention to see Sergeant Besin who waved the soldier over.

“Excuse me.” Rath briefly said to Lorne before he departed to weave through the crowd and met with the Sergeant. With all the clicking of the mandibles from the refugees, it was a bit difficult to hear anyone speak unless they were next to each other. Even so the Sergeant was quick to crack down on what was going on.

“After we drop these people off, we will be departing again shortly after. Make sure to restock and have a drink if you must before we leave.” Rath nodded his head in agreement. So far in this squadron, they’ve only lost one man. However if they’re going on another run, Rath could only imagine how many more would they lose in the process. That thought process brought the soldier to Rex’s mental state, and after he weighed their options Rath came to the conclusion.

“Correct me if I am out of place sir, but I must request that Private Rex watches over the refugees instead of coming with us.” The request, if Besin had not wore his helmet, would have made a face in what Rath requested.

“Is there a problem with Rex?” In technicality, the military wouldn’t consider being shaken as anything to stress over, but for optimal chances of survival and success Rath had to nod his head in agreement.

“The swarm of Rakghouls shakened him up to the point where I had to drag him on board. I do not want a repeat of Private Rex freezing up in the heat of combat, and considering what we’re up against I rather not take that risk sir.” Besin didn’t speak for a moment, but he nodded his head in agreement of what was being requested and why Rath was concerned. It wasn’t that Rex was a bad soldier, but that fear was something Rex would need to conquer some time in the future.

---

Eventually the gunship came upon the Red Constellation as it entered the hangar with no issue. Once the craft had landed, the ramp was lowered for both refugees and the soldiers to disembark. They were of course welcomed with a line of troopers and medical staff who quickly cracked down on who was wounded. It was pretty sparse compared to how the hangar looked before Rath left. Fewer ships and fewer people were present.

Rath departed as he made his way out of the hangar to the armory. From there Rath restocked in ammunition and mentally prepared himself for another round against the Rakghouls. It certainly wasn’t something Rath was looking forward to, but he knew it had to be done.

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim-Ragal
Empress Regent of the Eternal Empire, Overlord of the Eternal Empire, the Emperor's hand
The Red Witch; Director of Blackwatch; Baroness of Vengard, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium​

Location: Autumn’s ball, Maya Kovel
Attire: Gildenweave Elegant dress | Mask | Tiara | Necklace (Shield talisman)
Tag: Kelsen Ghastt | Race Tolsen | Ben Craig | Open

<”They can help us right now, Admiral. They are needed for expansion. I hope Black Sun oversees them, this is their terrain.”>

She told Kelsen Ghastt when she was still talking to the woman. Panatha's question also arose during this conversation. There was the system next door, basically it would have really been worthwhile to occupy, but it was really much more complicated.

<”It is more of a gesture if we were to take control, risk another war, which in turn would halt our expansion. It is no secret that the Emperor and the Sith Emperor once had good relations with each other. As far as possible from two Sith. They were allies before Darth Tacitus betrayed this friendship. Countless other worlds are waiting to be brought under our control, a single planet doesn’t matter much if we don’t have to worry about getting into a pointless war because of it. I would rather go to war with the planets here for their occupation than with a distant empire.”>

After exchanging messages with the officer, she walked over to Ben Craig , sighing softly. She really should put a hologram on her dress to call her “Overlord”, or “my Lord”.

”My Lord… I am still a soldier and this is an official event.”

She told the man, then continued.

”How is your integration into the Eternal Empire progressing?” *

---
* For the sake of simplicity, I took it that we are already beyond joining.

​

 

[Ben Craig]

Ben Craig
Deputy Director of Blackwatch ; CEO of N&Z Umbrella Corporation ​

Location: Autumn’s ball, Maya Kovel
Objective: 1
Dress: Link
Tags: Ingrid L'lerim

​

Ben smiled, "Of course, I meant no harm." Ingrid was one of the most humble leaders he had ever met. He raised an eyebrow, "I never got the chance to formally thank you. The Zweihander Union is extremely grateful for the Empire's aid. My integration has been rather smooth. I personally thank you for the position you gave me." It had been mere weeks since the Union folded into the Empire, retaining it's autonomous power yet integrating as a vassal state. It felt like Ben had been with the Empire for years.

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim-Ragal
Empress Regent of the Eternal Empire, Overlord of the Eternal Empire, the Emperor's hand
The Red Witch; Director of Blackwatch; Baroness of Vengard, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium​

Location: Autumn’s ball, Maya Kovel
Attire: Gildenweave Elegant dress | Mask | Tiara | Necklace (Shield talisman)
Tag: Kelsen Ghastt | Race Tolsen | Ben Craig | Open

Modesty and humble was, however, quite a double-edged sword as a leader or a woman of power, at the head of a state, the woman was truly humble as she never wanted power. However, if something was tied to her work but not in a leadership role, she didn’t hold back her ego. She also bragged to the traitorous soldiers that she is the best assassin in the Eternal Empire.

Then of course she killed them, because she was, and no one can assassinate the Eternal Empire’s finest assassin.

And she treated this as a fact, as well as being an outstanding talent and very good at it as an agent. As in many other things, in the field of relationships, as she was aware that she was beautiful and she was that kind of woman who took advantage of this opportunity against anyone.

But as a leader, she was really humble and didn’t even want power. At work, the Empire was really the first, nothing changed that.

”No need to thank. After all, the Allies should hold together. We can't count on others.”

Since then, she has sought to rectify the betrayal that Tacitus had committed. In the eyes of the other states in the Galaxy, it’s not a particularly good point to know someone that they are unreliable because they betray everyone, especially their allies.

”I hope your people feel the same way you do. If I think correctly, perhaps strict laws can be unusual, as can compulsory military service for more important positions. For positions like the one you got.”

Ingrid smiled here for a moment.

”Don’t thank me, the time will come when you will feel what you have received as a punishment rather than an honourable task.”

​

 

[Ben Craig]

Ben Craig
Deputy Director of Blackwatch ; CEO of N&Z Umbrella Corporation ​

Location: Autumn’s ball, Maya Kovel
Objective: 1
Dress: Link
Tags: Ingrid L'lerim

​

Ingrid was an interesting character. He had heard various stories about the woman, from her kindness to sheer ruthlessness. Someone that the deputy director could trust. There were few he had trust in, but he was sure that the empress was as loyal to the cause as Ben was. He nodded, "Of course." Ben felt right at home with the current position he held. Intelligence gathering and management was his forte. "Yes, I'm sure they do. A civil war that ended as soon as it started." He raised an eyebrow, "I'll accept the challenge head on. I'm quite quick on my feet and easy to adapt to change."

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim-Ragal
Empress Regent of the Eternal Empire, Overlord of the Eternal Empire, the Emperor's hand
The Red Witch; Director of Blackwatch; Baroness of Vengard, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium​

Location: Autumn’s ball, Maya Kovel
Attire: Gildenweave Elegant dress | Mask | Tiara | Necklace (Shield talisman)
Tag: Kelsen Ghastt | Race Tolsen | Ben Craig | Open

”Well, I'm glad to hear that.”

It was really gratifying considering that many talented people came from ZU to the Eternal Empire through whom they could expand even faster. And, of course, it has never hurt in the political arena to have people who are committed to her. She already had to look at the big picture and the political implications of everything. Probably no one had any doubt that the Overlord accepted them in order to strengthen her own position of power. That was partly true, on the other hand, she really wanted to help.

”What do you think of our rebels? How do you intend to fight them in the battlefield and in the field of propaganda?”

Ingrid wondered how the man thought of their enemy and how she wanted to fight them. The woman thought it could tell a lot about the man. Especially since Ben was still new to the Eternal Empire, so the man may not have been prepared for what was waiting here.

”And I would still be interested in how you are progressing with learning the High Nelvaanian language. It’s not the easiest for outsiders, but as you may have experienced, all of our data and files are in this language, not the common language of the Galactic.”

For her, it was her first language, it was true that it name was not High Nelvaanian but different, but she knew that it was difficult for outsiders to learn because it was complicated.

​

 

[Ben Craig]

Ben Craig
Deputy Director of Blackwatch ; CEO of N&Z Umbrella Corporation ​

Location: Autumn’s ball, Maya Kovel
Objective: 1
Dress: Link
Tags: Ingrid L'lerim

​

Ben nodded. He had done his research on the so called rebels, more like terrorists he thought. "I've done some extensive research on them. I've studied them. And I find they are not much different from the terrorists that besieged the Zweihander Union." He paused, "From all my years, I have encountered and dealt with many terrorist groups, rebel cells, and so called "freedom fighters". And they all have one thing in common. They lack organization. These cells are quite weak when separated. When they begin to come together then they become a problem." He smiled, "I know how to deal with these pesky insects. I wield the iron fist that will crush these insolents." Ben would not rest until he saw that every person that called themself a revolutionary or rebel be jailed or summarily executed.

"I admit the language is different from what I am used to. However I am steadily improving." He had in fact been practicing daily with his assistant. The human mind was quite fascinating he thought.