Val was not used to public relations. Until now, the ISB was an organization you felt rather than saw — and while she wanted that to remain the truth for the new iteration of the organization, she had to agree that some transparency served a purpose. Especially in the realm of PR. In that arena, she had learned from her personal adversary these past few weeks, Emryc Thorne, that winning over hearts, minds, and pockets was just as important as how many cannons you had. She stepped up to the podium outside the new ISB headquarters on Raxus Secundus, having summoned the media hours prior to make a statement.
"Good afternoon," she said to the assembled reporters. "This is my first public appearance as the new Director of the Imperial Security Bureau, so allow me to introduce myself. I am Director Val Varthra, and my chief mission in life is the security and stability of the new Empire." She crossed her arms behind her back. Having practiced the speech endlessly the night before, she didn't even need to look down at her notes to recite her bit. "I have called you all here to announce a series of new security measures — many of which you may have encountered already coming here today — that the Empire is embarking upon to keep our citizenry safe from any retaliatory efforts from the Sith Order."
"Until further notice, all spaceports within the Empire will employ a rigorous screening process on anyone entering or leaving our space. These measures will include metal detector screenings, randomized pat downs, and increased security on all public flights. The carrying of weapons unlicensed by the Empire on public transport is also now forbidden. Additionally, flight control officers monitoring incoming and outgoing traffic, as well as hyperspace beacons, have been instructed to cross reference ship transponders with known Sith personal vehicles and who may be coming from areas known to express sympathy for the Sith cause."
She paused to take stock of the gathered reporters. They were mum, quiet. She didn't image they would be once she was done. She was already loathing that part. "Additionally, my agency is in close cooperation with the Imperial military and navy. As of this moment, security has been increased on all important worlds vital to our political, military, and economic stability. As citizens, this may mean you notice an increased fleet presence above worlds like our new capital Raxus, important refinery worlds like Kril'Dor and Abafar, and worlds that touch the crucial Hydian Way superlane that is so critical to our trade with the Corporate Sector. My office has also personally ordered a doubling of the guard at all military installations and shipyards, including but not limited to additional patrols of the surrounding areas for any signs of insurgent activity."
There was more coming. The Imperial Knight Project she was working on was foremost on her mind, but she would announce details about that project when it was ready to go public. She smiled as best she could. "I will now open up to questions from the press pool."