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[Caduceus Ramage]

The beings stood at attention: backs straight, heads up, feet together, hands at their sides. Their uniforms were clean and spotless, pressed to perfection. The men and women were all here for the same reason. Navy or Army, that did not matter. Each of them had earned their marks and did their fair share for the Empire. In some way each of them, wether or not they felt or knew it, had impressed an officer enough to earn their spot here. The promotion ceremony itself was important not just to show off but because of the bond it forms between them. Each of these brave men and women know that they can depend upon eachother, and those watching know they can depend upon those in line.

They stood, row by row, silently staring ahead. Between the columns was a walkway full enough to fit two people side by side. That was where the officer would walk on by and give their speech and call them up to recieve their medals. No one knew who they would see up there. Rumors hung around that Raze himself or Dragur would be in attendance, many hoped for Altair, but none knew even if a Sith would be present. All they knew was that they were here to accept their new titles. The crowd waited in silence too, many of which are cadets in training or the very instructors who taught these officers everything they knew.

Many of the line were human or near human, with an aplethera of hair colors, skin tones, and eye pigments being brushes by the lights of the auditorium. Those who were sensitive to light had to squint as the light blared down on them. To loose face here just for a simple light would be an embarrassment no one would forget. There were some who were not humans. Various alien species were present, many of which were still very similar to humanoids. But one stood out.

His six foot frame was odd; very stout even for his height and aligned with six arms instead of the standard two of most humanoids. His exoskeleton was covered in fur, ever so softly waving in the subtle air currents of the room. His head was large and round, with two mandibles flanking a maw filled with four massive spiked teeth. His eyes were like glaciers, with two massive ones surrounded by sets of smaller eyes that all seemed to blink in unison. Caduceus Ramage stood in the row behind the first, the outer arms of his frame laid flat against the inner ones. Today, he thought, will be the first day of the rest of my life...

 

[Eliora Vulloonn]

Korriban, Eliora hasn't visited this planet since she graduated some time ago. The Academy here brought so many memories to her, the long hours that she spent studying and the friends that she made. Well, there weren't so many of them. Most of the people that she met during her time here were only colleagues. Her only true friend was Corbin, an easygoing G’weneen. They became close to each other as soon as they met in the library.

It was because of him that she asked permission to leave Eiattu to visit Korriban. Today he was being promoted as Lieutenant and he had even sent an invitation for her. After much effort, Eliora was able to convince her superior to allow her to cross half of the Galaxy to watch the ceremony. She would only need to review several problematic reports for the next five months. However, Corbin deserved that sacrifice.

Dressed in a simple red dress, Eliora watched each of the beings of different species being called and receiving their medals. For her, this moment showed the true face of the Empire. The union of different species toward a common goal, the opportunity of common people to become something important and help maintain stability. Like how she became an Agent, even being the daughter of a farmer. Or how Corbin was becoming a Lieutenant even if his parents were only professors in a small town on G’wenee.

Soon, Corbin was called and he also received his. She smiled at the scene, remembering that not so long ago it had been her. Next to her were his parents, both were full of pride and happiness.

@Olwin

 

[Grin]

Today was a day of celebration: Men and women in the spotlight, standing together for an important ceremony that would both symbolize how far they had come and the brilliant future they had ahead of them, brothers and sisters prudly standing together in front of people that supported them, those that taught them and those they would lead, it was beautiful, it was lifechanging, it was a moment to be proud of, it was...

boooooring! The Verminion standing in line thought, the only reason he had come all the way here because his superiors would strangle him had he gone to a strip club to celebrate his promotion instead. Why did he have to attend a boring celebration that he didn't care about, wearing an uncomfortable uniform he didn't like and having to listen to the figurative dick sucking they would receive from people that like the sound of their voice too much, talking about how great the people standing there were knowing full well that a good chunk of those assholes treated the ones under them like shit.

Hell, even among fellow soldiers and lieutenants Grin stood out like a sore thumb! Not only was he a member of the Imperial Foreign Legion, the ones less "Imperial like" out of all the branches and therefore subject to dirty looks and contempt from the more elitist, by the book Imperials, but he also was a Verminion, so he already knew that most of them looked at him once and thought of him a freak (Which wasn't really wrong, it was just a shame they thought that was a bad thing)...So basically he was a bit of a reject.

But Grin would have to live with the fact that all this standing around was a worthless way to waste precious seconds from his terribly short lifespan, so he had to make the most out of it. For now he was standing all professional like, looking like a good soldier, but he was also passing time by looking at random people from time to time and staring deep within their souls to terrify them...He was pretty sure one of the cadets went to the bathroom to not soil himself after Grin licked his lips as well, so at least the little things in life made it worth it.

@Olwin @LouJoVi

 

[Sebastian Montari]

Back straight, arms against his sides, Sebastian stood in the second row of the men and women who were being celebrated today. Even having known about the promotion for a few days now, he couldn’t help wondering just what he’d done to deserve this. It all felt surreal— distant, as if he were watching the ceremony from afar. Lieutenant Montari does have a nice ring to it, though.

He was happy, of course. More than that. Although he couldn’t see the audience from where he was facing, he knew that his parents were somewhere in the crowd, dressed in the finest clothes they could afford. His mother was probably snapping a million pictures, assuming it was allowed, and just the thought made him want to smile. For the sake of professionalism, he tried to keep his expression as stoic as he could manage.

He took a breath to steady himself as others were called up, earning a medal, their new badge, and a round of applause from the assembled audience. As the next being was called up, Sebastian snuck a glance at a few of his neighbors, curious to see if there was anyone he knew. A couple heads down the line was a Harch, and he could see a Verminion too. He figured he’d seen them earlier on the way in, but other than that, he didn’t know them at all just yet. Would he even see them again after today? Only time would tell, and he turned his gaze back to those being called up.

@Olwin @LouJoVi @Versok

 

[Jasnah Atreides]

As a member of the diplomatic corps, Jasnah wasn't technically a part of the wide umbrella that covered the Imperial Armed Forces, but she did end up working hand in hand with enough officers and aides in the Armed Forces that she had warranted an invite to the ceremony. She most definitely would not have warranted an invite on the basis of her position among the Sith alone. She was sure not many Sith would have been interested in attending a ceremony such as this, but given that she had received an invite, it was only right that she show up.

Unlike most Sith she was neither important enough to act like this was beneath her, nor powerful enough to weasel her way out of such a commitment when it had been placed before her. Besides, it wasn't like she had any issues with being there, the most insignificant of gestures could go a long way, so there was more to be gained by being here than not.

She was waiting near the platform where the actual graduation ceremony would take place, surrounded by officers, bureaucrats, and other high ranking officials, most dressed in crisp uniforms. Though not in uniform like them, she was dressed formally enough, in a manner that would not stand out. And she was glad to not be in uniform, she could only imagine how uncomfortable it must be. Looking out at the gathered graduating class, who had finally all lined up and were waiting for the next phase of the ceremony to begin, she was thankful to not be out there among them. Despite everything running exactly on time, and with imperial precision, she knew they had a decent wait ahead of them, out there in the hot, dry, and dusty weather. With a slight smile, she could only imagine how much fun it must all be for them.

 

[Zhenya Razin]

Lieutenant Razin, or soon to be Lieutenant Razin, stood in file and rank amongst the others being celebrated for promotion that day. Her face was painted purposefully neutral despite the excited beating in her chest, and her back was straighter than a board. Many years had led to this moment, and though her time in military school had prepared her for most of it, she'd been waiting for it all her life. Her father once told stories of his time serving in the Imperial military, and now it was her turn to live them out. Neither he nor her mother were present, but she knew they were watching through the various cameras present. She could feel her father's pride from across the galaxy, and likewise, her mother's worry.

There was so much that lay ahead of her, but the Zabraki woman couldn't help but allow herself to reminisce on the past a bit. Early mornings, sleepless nights, hazing rituals, and impossibly difficult tests meant to test their resolve more than their skills... Part of her would miss it, but she would keep her ambitions looking forward.

One by one, people were called up to receive their medals and their promotions. She was more than halfway down the line, so it'd be a bit before she got to march up there herself. Zhenya couldn't help but wonder if everyone else, behind their stoic faces, was just as excited and nervous as she was. Surely they had to be. Surely.

tags: @Olwin @Sicadorito @LouJoVi @Wit @Versok

 

[Altair Din]

Theme..just kidding...maybe​

Unlike the others, Altair didn’t have to be here. However, he specifically chose to do so to honor the new promotions within the IAF. After the troops lined up to get their new ranks, the tiefling strode out in front of them. He was adorned in his formal military attire, various medals and pins from his many invasions and victories decorating his uniform. He wore no helmet today, his prominent horns on display along with his vibrant amethyst eyes.

While there had been whispers and remarks about his race in the past, he was known enough now within Imperial circles to where his presence was no longer a shock. It was a presence that was respected and feared, a far cry from where he started. The Demon Prince and Warden of Korriban walked across the line of soldiers, his tail swaying back and forth behind him.

Altair stood up on a platform and gazed out at all of them. The masses saluted him at once.

“At ease,” He called out as he looked over them all, “Soldiers. It doesn’t matter what brought you here. It doesn’t matter if you’re proud of being here or if you don’t care. Ultimately, the real world starts today. Tomorrow, all of you will be deployed to different regions of the galaxy. You will fight Killik. You will fight Jedi. You will face difficult choices. Look to your left, look to your right, look upon your brothers and your sisters. This is the last time all of us will be together. Savor this. Hold onto it. Commit it to memory. These will be the people fighting with you and dying with you. Some of you will ascend and others will fall behind. Make a promise to yourself today. A promise that is yours and yours alone, that no one can take from you, that you owe no one but yourself. Make that promise to yourself, not the Empire, not to me, not to the Empress,” Altair ignored how some of the soldiers shifted uncomfortably, surprised at the sentiment. The tiefling went right on, “As your Commander, I promise and I commit to give you purpose in what you do. I commit to fostering a brotherhood where loyalty is earned, not forced. Where you are treated with respect and dignity. I only ask that you treat your peers with the same regardless of where your paths take you from here.”

Altair paused there, hearing some chants of approvals and facing some confused and genuinely surprised expressions. He had been given a piece of paper with a pre-typed speech and he had long since crumbled it up and tossed it aside.

“Let’s begin by celebrating our newly promoted officers,” With that, Altair started calling their names up, allowing them to come up one by one for him to pin their new insignia on their uniforms.

@Olwin @LouJoVi @Sicadorito @lizziie @Wit @Versok

 

[Zhenya Razin]

Zhenya straightened up a little more - if that was even possible at this point - when Altair strode out in front of the masses in all his decorated glory. The Demon Prince... the Warden of Korriban... anyone and everyone in the room knew exactly who he was and what he'd done, and there was nothing but admiration and respect gleaming in Zhenya's brown eyes as she watched him slow to a stop and put them at ease.

His following speech was unexpected, but not unappreciated by the Zabraki woman. Tomorrow - if not today - would be the first day of the rest of her life. Her eyes glanced to the left and to the right on cue, meeting the gazes of those she stood closest to. And then, she was asked to make a promise.

A promise of what? He promised to give them purpose, to treat them with respect, and to foster brotherhood among them. So what would her promise to herself be? She'd already promised to make her parents - her father - proud, so she couldn't reuse that. What else, then, should she promise herself?

At the end of Altair's speech, Zhenya raised her voice in a shout of approval with those around her, then grew silent as, one by one, soldiers were called up to receive their awards and promotion. When her name was finally the one to be called, she left the line of soldiers around her and marched her way up to where the tiefling commander stood waiting. Zhenya stood still while the tiefling pinned her new insignia onto her uniform, watching him carefully as he did. This was someone she could find herself serving under one day in the future, sooner or later. What was he like? What kind of man was he?

Though it wasn't often publicly expressed, it was common knowledge among her peers that the Sith could and would walk all over them. Acolytes, sometimes literal children, had overruled or ignored lieutenants' orders and gone unpunished. Zhenya, personally, had never been personally slighted by a Sith, but she'd be lying if she said there wasn't a degree of wariness around them. The commander standing before her though, she'd heard stories about him. Not only had he done great things for the Empire, but he had a reputation among the Imperials for not viewing them as expendable bodies. If that was true, she couldn't wait to serve under him.

With the new insignia pinned to her uniform, she met the tiefling's gaze, nodded her head to wordlessly thank the commander, then turned to face the crowd in front of her. For just a brief moment, she could see all of them, and they could all see her. Pride welled up in her chest, and an image of the future flashed before her eyes. One day, perhaps, she would stand before a crowd just like this, but they would not be her peers. One day, she promised herself, she would stand before a crowd and inspire pride in them just as Commander Din had inspired pride in her.

A moment later, Zhenya continued forward and joined the lines of newly-awarded lieutenants.

tags: @Sreeya @Sicadorito @Olwin @Wit @Versok @LouJoVi

 

[Eliora Vulloonn]

Eliora was surprised with Altair being in the condecoration. It was very uncommon for a Sith to participate in this type of event. They didn't even visit the graduations of Imperial officers. It was in moments like that when someone would expect the Empress to give support with her presence or at least a message. However, it never happened.

It was no surprise that some people believed that Imperials that weren’t Force users here were seen as less important by the Sith. Even if the Empire preached that these two groups were equals.

Eliora never cared about the possibility of this difference. She only wanted to make her job of protecting the Empire of threats so common people like his brother and mother could live in peace. However, the Tiefling’s speech had also touched her. If he really wanted to foster a brotherhood where loyalty was earned, then Altair was going to be a good leader.

If she wasn’t already an Agent, Eliora would have wanted to become a Lieutenant. She would like to follow someone like him. She smiled at the fact that Corbin was probably happy with his idol being here to condecorate him. Since Altair had won notoriety because of his efficiency in the field, her friend had become an admirer of the Tiefling’s work, or how he was being called these days, the Demon Prince. His efforts in the defense of Korriban were also impressive.

@Sreeya @lizziie @Sicadorito @Olwin @Wit @Versok

 

[Sebastian Montari]

The moment the Imperial Commander made his appearance, Sebastian moved to salute him. Even outside of his many titles, the tiefling commanded respect. Even his presence here had been unexpected— while it was a military ceremony, he never would have expected a Sith of his rank to even bother showing up. That alone was admirable.

When he put those gathered in front of him at ease, Sebastian would lower his hand, but still keep his attention on Altair as he began his speech. At the prompting, he would turn to look at the others around him— Corbin on his left, and a woman he didn’t know on his right, letting the commander’s words sink in. From today forward, each of them would have a different path, and they might not cross again. When Altair asked them to make a promise, though… Sebastian suddenly found himself at a loss for one. If it wasn’t to the Empire, to the Empress, or to him, what could it be for?

He would have to think about it.

Sebastian would cheer with the others at the end of the speech. The idea of a brotherhood— in which all were treated with respect— was one that he could firmly stand behind. And from what he’d heard about Altair, he was sure that the tiefling truly believed in it too.

One by one, the officers would be called up. It was a wonder how Commander Din’s speech had seemingly caused all his initial nervousness to disappear, leaving behind nothing but pride and a sense of purpose as Sebastian waited for his turn. Once his colleague Corbin came back after receiving his insignia, Sebastian would make his way up to the platform, standing perfectly still as Altair pinned the new badge on. In the moment, it felt like it represented everything in his life going forward, and he had no words as he nodded at the commander to express his gratitude. Whatever the future entailed, Altair would have his loyalty.

He turned to gaze out at the crowd for a brief moment, immediately catching sight of his parents towards the back. With just a hint of a smile, he would make his way down the steps and back into line with the others. Whether today was an ending, a new beginning, or both, it was a day that he would long remember.

@Sreeya @LouJoVi @lizziie @Olwin @Versok @Wit

 

[Grin]

Truth be told, Grin had kinda zoned out for a good while as he stood in place, only really coming to his senses when a fellow lieutenant elbowed him to make him salute the commander that just had arrived: The Demon Prince, the hero of Korriban. Grin kinda didn't care for most people above him in the chain of command, but even he had to admit that it was pretty cool that they got the Imperial poster boy himself to come to their ceremony and give shining medals.

The whole brotherhood speech was fine, but that wasn't the part that stuck with Grin the most, sure, he could get behind that idea, because while Grin didn't care a lot if he lived or died he understood some did, so he always had the backs of those that were deployed with him, but it was not something deeply ingrained within him. What he really liked, however, was the fact that this speech was basically a "fuck you" to all the pompous sith jackasses that thought they were better than everyone else and that they were just cannon fodder, seeing how Altair basically told them that they deserved better than to deal with moody kids with lightsabers and unhinged morons with too much power in their hands and zero knowledge of real tactics.

The Verminion wouldn't need to wait for long before it was his turn, casually strolling towards Altair once he heard his name being called "I am sure this speech will reach the ears of people that won't like it" He whispered at the Tiefling while he was being given his medal, sure that either sith were attending the ceremony or some sith bootlickers among the officers would snitch on him "Ballsy fuckin' move, sir, I like it" Grin's grin grinned as he saluted the Tiefling commander before joining the other lieutenants on the other side and thinking about how much he hoped there would be food after they were done with the medals.

@Sreeya @LouJoVi @lizziie @Olwin @Sicadorito @Wit

 

[Caduceus Ramage]

Many heads were infront of the arachnids as he stood in line. His mandibles clacked softly, almost automatically, as he waited. It was not that he was impatient but the soft taps of the teeth he had were showing signs of thought. The gears in his head were spinning wildly as he waited for his turn. The Demon Prince here, he thought, must mean that this is a very important occasion. These things mean something. The greatest asset the Sith Empire has must be an omen. For what exactly? No one could tell. But Ramage could only guess that many here were destined for greatness.

The only more alien creature in the room than Altaris was Caduceus Ramage himself. So when the two were brought together it was strange. A litteral demon and a six foot spider. The image of one putting a medal on the other would make many lesser beings cry out in terror. Yet the Sith Empire would not blink an eye at the pairing. His form was straight up and down, his step slow and shallow due to his shorter legs but still steady. His head was high and all eight eyes were pointed towards the one he knew would make his career if he made a good impression in the heat of battle.

"Great blessings to you, oh great Commander." Ramage spoke in hushed Aqualish. His accent was heavy, yet still his words were smooth and accented by the typical clicks of his mandibles. "May we meet again on the battle field." The words were not pre -rehearsed, if they were Ramage most likely would have picked a better language and a stronger language. Yet the point would still come across. As his left brest displayed the two blue squares and two red squares of a Lieutenant he stepped away to join the growing number of the promotees.

Ramage wished now for blood. Not because he was angry, but because he hunkered for violence. He was promoted now and soon the ship would be under his command. Now he wanted nothing more than to be used as the tip of the spear again. Would he return to patrol duity? Would he be stuck protecting convoys? Or would he be sent to the front lines to bathe the stars in the blood and twisted durasteel hulks of his enemies? At this point he did not care. He was antsy already to show off his skill. Yet he had to suffer through the rest of the event. He had no family here and he thought none but his crew who had shore leave would come. So now he simply waited, his investment for the event dried up, as he wished for war.

@Sreeya @LouJoVi @lizziie @Wit @Sicadorito @Versok