Raxus Secundus, Imperial Palace
The rhythmic tapping of his foot falls echoed through the halls of the palace. Being this many floors from the ground level was something normally reserved for Naval Flag Officers, ISB Directors, Army Generals or the Knight Lord Commander.
But today, today it was accessible to one Imperial Army Lieutenant, Otto von Bastion. He envisioned what this place may have been like even a few months ago. Before all that happened on Ossus, and the incursion by Darth Raze. Maybe he would have caught a glimpse of General Dram rallying the Moffs in support of the next big Imperial effort. Or seen the Lord Commander Varyn Atrix meeting to discuss the next evolution in the Imperial Knight's training. If he was truly lucky maybe he could have even heard second hand about a meeting with the legend himself Altair Din or the late Emperor Drast.
The reality though, was of an Empire on the verge of war, working to repel attackers from outside and within. For the halls seemed devoid of activity - likely the majority of ranking staff had been taken from the palace to help orchestrate the war efforts. Efforts he too was familiar with, having departed from his home world Murkhana in the wake of the attack on an Imperial installation housing an ambassador of some note.
He felt naked outside of his assault armor, his grey-green uniform felt foreign. Alien even. But it was time to show he can play both parts of the role that is required by an Imperial Officer. He stood tall, adjusted his rank plaque, made sure his cover was pulled down low over his face, and his boots had no defects as he squared up outside of the meeting hall door.
He had been told that important figures gathered today to discuss how the Empire would move forward in the wake of the Emperor's death. Unsure of who would be present he went over the list in his head once more Director Andor Senyn, Knight-Captain Meera Tumi, Commander Lopik Laz, Grand Moff Castor Pollux there might only be one of them present, they all might be there... They might just laugh him out of the room.
But he had to try, for not only did his family need the empire to survive, his planet needs the empire to survive, he needs the empire to survive and to endure.
If no one else cared enough to take the reigns, he was damn well ready to make it known that he will do what he knows how to do best - lead.
With that thought bouncing around in his mind, he removed his cover, stowing it under his arm and pushed the large door to the meeting room open. Entering behind it and half wondering if this was the dumbest thing he could have done, or if it would be what saved the Empire.
But today, today it was accessible to one Imperial Army Lieutenant, Otto von Bastion. He envisioned what this place may have been like even a few months ago. Before all that happened on Ossus, and the incursion by Darth Raze. Maybe he would have caught a glimpse of General Dram rallying the Moffs in support of the next big Imperial effort. Or seen the Lord Commander Varyn Atrix meeting to discuss the next evolution in the Imperial Knight's training. If he was truly lucky maybe he could have even heard second hand about a meeting with the legend himself Altair Din or the late Emperor Drast.
The reality though, was of an Empire on the verge of war, working to repel attackers from outside and within. For the halls seemed devoid of activity - likely the majority of ranking staff had been taken from the palace to help orchestrate the war efforts. Efforts he too was familiar with, having departed from his home world Murkhana in the wake of the attack on an Imperial installation housing an ambassador of some note.
He felt naked outside of his assault armor, his grey-green uniform felt foreign. Alien even. But it was time to show he can play both parts of the role that is required by an Imperial Officer. He stood tall, adjusted his rank plaque, made sure his cover was pulled down low over his face, and his boots had no defects as he squared up outside of the meeting hall door.
He had been told that important figures gathered today to discuss how the Empire would move forward in the wake of the Emperor's death. Unsure of who would be present he went over the list in his head once more Director Andor Senyn, Knight-Captain Meera Tumi, Commander Lopik Laz, Grand Moff Castor Pollux there might only be one of them present, they all might be there... They might just laugh him out of the room.
But he had to try, for not only did his family need the empire to survive, his planet needs the empire to survive, he needs the empire to survive and to endure.
If no one else cared enough to take the reigns, he was damn well ready to make it known that he will do what he knows how to do best - lead.
With that thought bouncing around in his mind, he removed his cover, stowing it under his arm and pushed the large door to the meeting room open. Entering behind it and half wondering if this was the dumbest thing he could have done, or if it would be what saved the Empire.