Path Forward

[Darth Victress]

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KAAS CITY, DROMUND KAAS
IMPERIAL INTELLIGENCE
​

It had been a busy several weeks, for all of them. Through the destruction and death of the former Emperor, a new regime had been forged, unified in the vision of its new leader: Varyn Rask. The powerful sith was ambitious and wise, had managed to bring the Sith Civil War to an end and for once seemingly, had most Sith Lords supporting his leadership. However changes at the top would have to ripple downward, and one of the most lackluster departments had been the execution of Imperial intelligence.

No more.

As Arianna took mantle of Dark Councilor of Biotic Sciences, she also temporarily stepped in for Sphere of Military Offense, at least until another worthy Lord wished to assume that role. She had spent the last few days reviewing performance reports of some of the most talented agents available and had sent them summons to bring them into a singular conference. The room was situated in a military facility, a large conference table in the middle with ceiling high windows overlooking the downtown architecture of Kaas city. Large holoprojector screens were set approximately 15 meters from the conference table and already had several data points and planetary systems displayed, perhaps the topic of conversation.

The Dark Councilor was already present, grabbed in her Black Hades armor as she stood near the windows with her gaze peering over the horizon. Standing next to her was a military officer, short in stature and middle-aged, his previous raven hair now stained with streaks of platinum. "How much longer?", the sith lord asked. "They should be arriving at any moment now, M'Lord". Spoke the man at her side.

@Ulysses @Pyrenees @Gian Greydragon @Shax @Algarus @Nommie @One For Sorrow

@Mr. Teatime

 

[Robert Abbotangelo]

Sometimes, Bob hated the Empire. They just couldn't make up their minds on what they wanted him to do! First they had him just wandering the galaxy looking for science related things he could bring back to the oh so glorious imperium, next he was pressed back into service as an actual agent, and now he was told to mozy his way down to Dromund Kaas, perhaps the most depressing planet that isn't Ziost or Korriban.

It really waggled his wingles that they couldn't just let him retire. Oh well. Best to be punctual, regardless of whether or not he is frustrated with the system. Bob waddled his way towards the Intelligence HQ, grumbling to himself the whole time as he took a swig of his trademarked personally brewed and licensed beer. Maybe he could get some advertising deals for this thing if he played his cards right and shmoozed with the right people to get some favors.

Though lost in thought, it didn't take Bob long to realize he was the first agent to actually arrive at the meeting. And looking at the person already present, it was apparent he was severely under dressed. He was aware that Darth Victress had called the meeting, but he wasn't aware she would actually be attending. Sith never do things that involve the 'common folk' in his experience.

However, with no regard for his own safety or well being, Bob waddled up towards the very attractive younger woman with a wide friendly smile on his face. "Pleasure to meet you Ma'am!" He said, snapping a crisp salute that was at odds with his usual slovenly demeanor. "My name's Robert Abbotangelo, you can just call me Bob! I must say I've heard some wild tales of your exploits madam! And I for one am impressed." Bob continued speaking after the salute, nothing but good cheer in his natural storytellers voice. After his introduction, he took a seat to the direct left of the head of the table.

@Faded Truth

 

[Beldan Bray]

Being summoned to a meeting on Dromund Kaas was certainly not an everyday occasion for the Gran. It most likely either meant that he was either supposed to do something important or get reprimanded for something. The first option was fine since Beldan very much enjoyed doing important things. The second option, however, was far less lucrative, naturally. But, he had high hopes since he couldn't think of any major mistakes he had made lately and despite having a relatively low workload he could hardly be accused of being inactive. He had, however, made sure to dress appropriately and wore his uniform with his blaster attached to the belt.

Regarding the city as he arrived, Beldan reflected over the architecture of the planet, it was still as imposing as he remembered it to be - most likely a stylistic choice made to remind everyone of the nature of the state in which they lived. The Gran didn't mind the architecture much, however - and even if he did there was nothing which could be done about it. Without any good cause for delay the three-eyed alien made his way to the military complex in which they were supposed to meet.

Upon entering the room, Beldan first saw who he recognized as Darth Victress, then an officer whom he didn't know and lastly Robert whom he was glad to see again. He had been standing at the entrance for both one and two moments as he scanned the room until he finally spoke "Greetings" His voice was monotone but he made sure to be as respectful as possible and bowed to the Darth. The Gran then made his way towards the seat opposite to Robert's but realizing that it might be reserved for the unfamiliar officer, he took a step down to the next seat where he sat down.

@Faded Truth

 

[Arcturus Mars]

A stern frown plastered firmly on his features, the tall man stepped sharply through the halls, highly polished officer's boots clacking smartly and dress cloak following behind him. He was dressed in an imperial officer's uniform, modified and custom tailored to fit his Epicanthic sense of aesthetics. A cut down Pugio, sans scope, was holstered at left side cross draw carry on his belt, a vibrosword on his left hip, as his standard 'walking around' armament. Although he was absolutely a member of the Empire, and had been for quite some time, his culture had instilled in him the idea of never going anywhere unarmed. As far as he was concerned, if someone had a problem with it they could file a report. Special operations tended to be allowed to wear whatever the hell they wanted, and he just so happened to hold a preference for full sized vibro-swords, norms be damned.

As he approached the doorway to the called meeting he watched another officer step in, saluting and saying something about tardiness. His frown deepened ever so slightly, further irritated at the the folks running hangar security. Considering the prevalence of Sith in the Empire, you'd have thought they'd seen a man with a sword before. Apparently, carrying one without also shooting lightning out of one's hands is 'suspicious'. With a small sigh just before the entrance, he turned sharply into the entry way. A leather-gloved right hand snapped sharply up in salute, baritone barking out, "Lieutenant Mars reporting as ordered, my lord." In a crisp Imperial tone. Dropping the salute, he made his way to a seat near the center of the table opposite Arial, smoothly unclipping the sheathed vibrosword and moving it to his right hand, his left unclipped the cloak and draping it over the back of the chair. The vibrosword was leaned against the table to his right, a tradition from his culture to show one is not expecting trouble, being as it's difficult for a right-handed fighter to draw from that direction. At this point he was just waiting for the meeting to start, looking around at the others, lingering a little longer on the larger, more unkempt one. What a wonder this Empire was, indeed.

@Faded Truth

 

[Argo Swan]

Well this is the state of the Empire. At a meeting of the grand-sounding Imperial Intelligence all the best assets would be gathered. Except when Argo scanned the room he entered, he could see that this was a rag-tag of what was left after the civil war.

He should have guessed. He was expecting to be significantly under-ranked attendee: the Navy had been asked to send a delegate, who had passed the message to the only ship in the system - a medium sized frigate called The Vanquisher. Its captain, Captain Harrington, was old school and didn't hold much truck with "intelligence". He therefore payed it the compliment he thought it deserved and so sent the second most junior officer in the mess.

That was how Ensign Swan ended up in a room full of people that were meant to be faceless men, but to Argo's eye were a mix of the scruffy and the pompous. Perhaps his captain's assessment was correct after all.

Expecting a meeting of people of significance, he had at least specially pressed his uniform and shined his boots. As he entered, he saluted the unknown figure at the head of the table, naval style.

He found a seat where he thought it least likely that he would catch the attention of the convenor. He winced as his ceremonial sword clattered on the chair as he took his seat. In his head it was much louder than reality.

He took his datapad out and prepared to take notes. While he was waiting he would take a quick reference of who else was there.

 

[Darth Victress]

.

The Dark Councilor observed each of the agents as they made their entrances, though of them still hadn't showed but her patience was beginning to wear thin now and decided she would start. Slowly turning around, she nodded to the first of them as he took his seat, simply stating. "Your support is acknowledged, agent" @Shax

Her armored form moved towards the conference table, displaying a series of planetary systems and images upon the holoprojectors that would be adjacent and in viewing angle from those seated. The Darth however remained standing as did the older gentleman in uniform next to her. "Welcome Agents. I am Darth Victress, Dark Councilor of Biotic Sciences and Sphere of Military Offense". She said, her voice cold and unwelcoming, additionally to being robotic and almost corrupted as it came out of the duraplast helm covering her visage. Her aura was palpable as even though she was physically smaller, the powerful sith Lord spoke with a commanding presence. "There will be changes in the ranks above you, namely individuals who have failed to perform adequately in lieu of Imperial struggles on the war front." Her attention shifted sharply towards the other man at her side, "This is the new Keeper, he will be in charge of handling your direct assignments. Any issues you may have, you can correspond with him in the field. You answer to him, and he answers to me.."

She flicked a few buttons on the control screen of the projectors, bringing up an image of Hoth as well as highlighted battle positions where Imperial operatives currently were positioned. "Before we begin, I want to make one point clear. Sith Operatives will not be killed serving the agenda of third party organizations." Her cold gaze came to bear on Agent Calvic, the sith lord had been aware of their meddling with the Exchange and the deaths of both Pierre Lindergard and Victoria Everett. And while she addressed the whole room, it was apparent that her attention directly involved the Imperial. @Algarus "Is that Understoond?"

@Ulysses @Mr. Teatime @Pyrenees

 

[Argo Swan]

Argo was still unsure as to why a naval representative was required at this meeting. Thus far, the meeting concerned what might be termed more "irregular" assets. Perhaps the Captain had been correct in his assessment of the situation in sending a lowly Ensign.

He kept making notes, although reference to the accusatory gaze levelled at the standing agent was made in discrete paraphrase.

 

[Robert Abbotangelo]

Bob was happy to see Beldan once again. It had been too long since Felucia, and they hadn't had the time to properly catch up and talk since then. He was also happy to see the other agents as they took their sweet time arriving. He hadn't met any of them, but he was sure they were going to be the best of friends once they had a chance to talk. (@Pyrenees )

He caught the gazes of a few of the other agents, who were clearly skeptical of him. He didn't blame them one bit, if he was being honest with himself. He wasn't exactly a shining example of Imperial excellence. He returned each skeptical look with a grin and a wink, chuckling quietly to himself at the 'young folk.' (@Mr. Teatime )

He was happy to have been acknowledged, as most Sith didn't exactly want much to do with your average non-force user, and watched and listened politely as Darth Victress introduced the new Keeper, who Bob nodded at. He made a note to shake the mans hand and introduce himself later. He scanned the faces assembled as the Sith kept speaking, and found it hilarious as one of the young folk looked entirely lost and exasperated. (@Ulysses )

The room got a little colder for Bob as the Sith began berating the female agent who stood near the center of the table. (@Algarus ) He gave the girl a friendly smile as a show of support, but uncharacteristically kept his mouth shut and didn't comment on the situation.

@Faded Truth

 

[Qsan Torobah]

Q'san walked in, a tad behind the other agents, having been turned around on more than one occasion in the maze that was their base. It didn't help that he had not set foot on Dromund Kaas in ten years.

"Sorry, I'm late. I have no excuses for my tardiness," he says, bowing his head to Darth Victress.

 

[Beldan Bray]

Watching as the other agents arrived, Beldan thought he saw a pattern: They kept greeting the Darth and presented who they were. Perhaps pattern was a slight overstatement as it was only two people who followed it. Still, the Gran regretted not having done the same. He thought of how much better an impression he would have made if he'd just said something along the lines of "Greetings. Agent Bray, at your service" Alas, he could not go back in time and considering the matter further didn't seem very productive.

Never would he have expected for there to be so many late arrivals, but the Darth, still menacing as ever, seemed to be in a relatively benevolent mood as none of the attendees were hurt or otherwise punished. The Gran was very still and stale when the Sith spoke, not moving much at all except when the Keeper was introduced at which point he turned his head to the man and gave him a nod - this greeting would have to do whilst the Darth was still speaking.

She did not seem to be very fond of the agent who arrived right after himself. While not envying her position, Beldan didn't feel very inclined to come to the victim's defence, besides, he didn't even know what had transpired in the first place (@Algarus ). Despite having a tendency to ignore some social code and implied messages, the last question clearly seemed to be directed towards Agent Calvin. The silence in the room was quite noticeable as no one seemed to dare speak up after the Darth was finished.

But then came another latecomer who disrupted the silence with a blunt apology. Beldan appreciated that, the bluntness.

After a short while, the Gran felt like he would have to say something to recognize that the Darth had spoken. "Understood" he said plainly. In silence, he considered how to amplify his response and finally added "Darth Victress" whilst lowering his head in a bow.

@Faded Truth