TKR: Inspecting The Troops

[Lyanna Drast]

Lyanna was of the opinion that if you wanted someone to work for you, fight for you, then you needed to be something more to them than some distant figure.

You needed to either know them on a personal level or you needed to be larger than life - something, someone, so much their greater that they felt there was no other way for them but to obey and adore you.

It was the first part that brought her here today - she was here to speak to a figure within the Imperial Republica who needed to be met in person. Reports said that they were a mover, a shaker, and Lyanna found herself in need of people of such skills.

Chandrila was an odd place for sure - it was full of rich people and military academies. That was why she was here actually. She was visiting one of the many military academies and they had put her up in one of the tea rooms reserved for important visitors.

She supposed she counted.

She was waiting because a Sergei Petrov was in the area for some work and he was a person of interest according to Imperial Intelligence. A 'watch this space' type of person if she was not mistaken.

No time like the present.

@Deviant
@Sergei Petrov

 

[Sergei Petrov]

handrila was world he was unused to but Sergei had welcomed the change of pace. So often was he thrown into the heat of battle without care or regard. So often was he forced to deal with the problems of lesser men and dimwitted soldiers. He deserved a break. At the same time, only a day after his arrival, he had also come to despise the planet. In particular, its inhabitants.

His stay was far better than the lifeless employees of a random facility but he hated the bureaucracy and political subtleties that consumed the world. He could play the game well but that did not mean he enjoyed doing it. Already, he longed to return to the battlefield or another operation outside of the Core. He wanted to do more than discuss civil services with condescending ambassadors or observe troopers for the next twelve hours. He wanted to be more than meek officer he currently was.

That was when the message came in. One he couldn’t believe. In spite of his standing in comparison to his superiors, the newest Emperor— no, Empress— had called for a meeting with him. A private discussion at the military academy he was presently stationed at. He was shocked at the very thought. Adrenaline coursed through his veins. Fear followed. He wondered: why?

The man drew in a deep breath. He had done nothing wrong. Nothing treasonous against the Empire. If the Empress was embarking on a purge since she ousted Emperor Elix, there was no reason for Sergei to be involved. No call for concern. As a matter of fact, he trusted the young woman wanted to meet purely out of interest and curiosity. An idea that fueled his pride by each second.

Hiding his skepticism behind the wall of an expressionless face, the Imperial stopped before the private chambers of where the Empress waited. Several guards eyed him outside. Once they recognized him, one of them opened the door to reveal the woman inside. Not just anyone. A young woman in her early twenties. As he fully realized the girl, the idea that she could pass as his daughter almost made him chuckle. Except, he didn’t.

His face was stoic and respectful. Full of reverence for the Empress, he bowed low. “Your Majesty, it is an honor to meet you. I must congratulate you on your recent, and rightful, ascension.”

@Nefieslab

 

[Lyanna Drast]

Ah there he was now.

Sergei Petrov - an up and comer as far as Imperial Intelligence was concerned. Lyanna was not content to be a 'hands off' Empress as that had been the undoing of her predecessor it had to be said. So rather than just sit back and let other Sith, other Imperials, do the fighting and the rest, Lyanna had decided that it would be far more beneficial for herself and her people if she integrated herself with them more.

Speaking to Sergei here would be the first step in her speaking to more of the Sith throughout her Empire. The first step in seeing who she could trust to hold control over more than just their lightsaber.

Who she would charge to lead her forces.

Smiling brightly, Lyanna waved a hand for Sergei to rise from his bow as a guard entered the room to pour her a cup of tea. She rather enjoyed tea in the Alderaanian manner.

"Sergei Petrov - I have heard about you from members of Imperial Intelligence. I thank you for your kind words." she gestured, "Please. Seat yourself and have a drink. We have much to discuss and I would like to ensure that you have every comfort available before we begin."

Her smile became slightly sharper.

"Before we begin the business of government and war."

Two things that would never leave the Sith Empire alone - two things she was embracing as best she could.

@Deviant
@Sergei Petrov

 

[Sergei Petrov]

ergei eyed the Empress with a respectful smile. The more he took her in, the less he could see the leader of the Imperial Republica. She was so young. Although Elix shared a similar youth, he was several years older and his entire life had revolved around the throne. He had been groomed to inherit his birthright. Was Lyanna?

The Imperial could not be too sure, but his doubts were nothing more than fleeting thoughts. He dared not disrespect the Empress, even in the secure confines of his mind. She may have held the face of a child but there was no telling what strength she possessed, especially if she managed to imprison Elix.

He raised a single brow at the mention of Imperial Intelligence. It seemed he was popular among them, and he wondered if it was for worse or for better. His paranoia was unfounded, however. There was no reason for the Empress to suspect him of any wrongdoing. She was there to congratulate him, or promote him, or something more. His heart almost fluttered at the thought. Of course, he remained indifferent throughout.

“Of course, Your Highness.” He nodded low once more, still never losing his respect and caution. The man was not so fond of politics but he could play flattery, pleasantries and courtesies better than any other Imperial officer. He may not have been born of royal blood but he certainly looked like he carried it. His every move and action was never without reason and always laden with grace and a refined charm. He had perfectly balanced military and nobility, or so he liked to think.

Sliding into a seat and taking hold of his own drink, he locked eyes with the young Empress. “You honor me, Empress. You are too kind.” With a thin smile, he slowly took a sip of the tea. It was certainly not his kind of drink but he couldn’t complain. Really, he couldn’t.

“But please, continue. I am all eyes and ears. Whatever you are here to discuss, I am happy to listen.” His sweet talk and soft words knew no bounds. The man was no suck-up but given a meeting with the head of the Empire was a once in the lifetime opportunity, he was willing to humble himself. A rarity not afforded by many. Or in fact, anyone.

@Nefieslab

 

[Lyanna Drast]

Lyanna enjoyed a lovely cup of tea every now and then.

It wasn't everyone's taste but she didn't much care - she always made sure tea was available wherever she was because she absolutely adored the drink. But this was hardly a meeting about tea. This was a meeting about far more than that and she was ready to see the two of them push into that territory.

The business of government and war.

"Agent Petrov - I am in need of a naval man." She told him bluntly, "Our Empire has ships and men that dwarf that of the rest of the Galaxy and I intend to use them."

She took another sip of her tea.

"My only problem is that I do not trust the admirals and officers currently in command - none of them did anything during previous attacks." She frowned, "I want you to do something for me, Agent Petrov. I want you to sell yourself to me. To tell me why I should begin the process of becoming your patron and assisting your rise within the navy."

@Deviant
@Sergei Petrov

 

[Sergei Petrov]

aval man. He was connecting the dots. Realizing what the Empress meant and what she had planned. Was she at the military academy not only to observe the ongoing drills but to offer him the chance of a promotion in the Imperial Navy? His heart skip a beat. He hid his excitement beneath an expressionless look, however. Never losing that professional luster. Not before the single person he was meant to please and impress in the entire galaxy. Her final demand, asking him to prove his worth to her, only solidified that need to impress upon the young woman. It was a chance he might never see again.

One leg crossed over the other and portraying a thin smile, he sipped nonchalantly from his cup of tea. Already, Sergei was starting to like her. He first presumed she was another highbrow, high-handed noble with no cares for the future of the Empire and the galaxy at their feet. Another Elix Drast, just younger and female. He was glad to be wrong. Glad to know she was different.

He set down his tea. “I come a military household, Your Majesty. My childhood and adolescence has been composed of nothing but training and discipline to serve the Imperial Republica. To serve you. Unlike any other high-ranking official, I am not desperate for power. I do not grovel. I am not devoted purely to my own interests and desires. My loyalty lies with only you, your cause and that of the Sith. It always has been, it always will be.”

The older woman flashed the tiniest smile before continuing, “I am willing to be honest with you, Your Highness. The Imperial Navy is in shambles. The Mandalorians harass our Mid-Rim defenses, the False Emperor has been making headway in the Empire’s northernmost reaches, rebel sentiment continues to surge in our Outer-Rim territories. The Navy has done little to nothing to quell those growing issues.”

“You want results. You want more than words, you want action. And I can provide that— and more.” He raised his chin, proud. His voice carried every ounce of truth, respect and honor. “I am leading an operation to punish the seditious acts of the Neimoidian people for establishing an independent colony outside our borders, without approval, and for plotting with our enemies. I have fought rebels in the Andaran system, and I plan to continue to fight against this rebel movement until there is nothing left. Root and stem.”

“I have taken oath to track down your enemies to the end of this galaxy, and while my tenure is brief, I have done far more than my superiors. And I hope to do even more in the future., Your Majesty.” His spiel momentarily over, he reclined back and waited for her response.

@Nefieslab

 

[Lyanna Drast]

Sergei Petrov was already one point up on some of his fellows - the man didn't need her to point out the obvious. She saw the change in the way he sat, the way he held himself. She saw that she had been right to highlight him as a candidate for this process because of his mixture of intellect and insight. The man was not perfect, by ay means, but he was someone who could learn and someone who had the natural talen to excel.

He was as perfect a clay as she could hope for to form a true military man she could rely on. Someone she could give a task and see it done. Someone she could leave alone and have him actually take the initiative rather than just sitting back as his current superiors had been doing for the better part of the war so far.

The pedigree was nice as well - it wasn't as though she would be offending the blue bloods too much as he was one of them as well. Just, actually skilled as well as from good stock as it were. She smiled over the rim of her tea cup before taking another sip.

"Indeed... your sales pitch is rather good." she allowed with a small smirk before nodding, "I would have to say that I am very interested were I buying... I see little point in being coy so I shall not be."

Her eyes hardened as she locked gazes with the man.

"Complete your mission and you shall be promoted." She held up a hand, "Not as a reward but as an obligation. As acknowledgement that you are worth the time, that you are moving forwards... and the expectation that you would not be stopping any time soon."

She smiled slightly.

"Would you rise to that challenge, Sergei Petrov? Against rebels and traitors and Mandalorians?"

@Deviant

 

[Sergei Petrov]

ales pitch. That was what it was. The whole meeting was not only an inspection of the troops or a game for Lyanna to play, but it was a chance to see among the Empire deserved attention, respect and authority. Sergei knew that early on, and because of it, he could see he had earned the Empress’ recognition. Even if she was not interested in promoting him, he had done what his superiors never could. He had the eyes of the most powerful woman in the galaxy laid on him. He was in the spotlight now, and it was his time to shine.

A performer, an actor. It was not a skill he was disciplined or trained for, but it was one he gained regardless. How else could he have survived the political machinations of the Republica as a lesser noble, and risen into the position of a prestigious military man? How else could he have gained the attention of the Empress, no less? He wasn’t just a survivor. He was player in this game of subterfuge and bureaucracy. And if he wanted a stake in the Empire, he had to play to win.

His bets were now placed in Lyanna Drast. If she had faith in him, then so would he in her. Already, Sergei could see she made a far better leader than the previous man. For the naval officer especially. With a clean slate and a more open mind, he had the chance to prove his worth. Completing his operation on Cato Neimoidia would be a cake walk. That much was certain, and so would be the promotion that may follow. Already, Sergei could see the glint of a new insignia etched onto his uniform. One step closer to victory.

He locked eyes with the Empress. “Without question, Your Majesty. I will stamp out this growing rebel movement out before it even touches our assets in the Outer-Rim. I will tear the traitors from their holes and hang them from the rafters as an example to all. I will see the Dominion crushed, their world turned to class, and armor melted down into the new Imperial war machine. Not a trace of your enemies will remain.”

It was a big promise. There was no guarantee it could be done, not in his lifetime, but his words carried some truth to it. His loyalty in the new Empress was unwavering. Especially if it mean he could free himself from the prying eyes of his pathetic superiors, and truly rise. But to show his respect to the young woman, he pressed a hand over his chest. “I swear it on my father’s grave. I will not fail you, Your Highness.”

@Nefieslab

 

[Lyanna Drast]

Lyanna could tell that in Sergei Petrov she had found a man who was dedicated to his chosen path - and right now? His chosen path was that of a strong and capable warrior and leader for the Imperial Republica. Unlike many of her subjects, she got the impression that this one wasn't going to be having any issues with loyalty. Here was a man who's own interests aligned with those of the Empire and someone who was going to prove himself in the coming months.

She appreciated that.

Matching his gaze, she just smiled a little bit as he made his declaration of intent. It was nice to see that someone within her Empire had the strength of will to make sure a declaration with a straight face. She nodded her head.

"I shall be watching your rise with great interest." she confirmed with a small smirk, "I shall be your patron through your rise, so long as you hold yourself to this oath, Sergei Petrov. Together we shall ensure that you rise."

She moved to stand closer to him and pressed a hand to his shoulder as he saluted her.

"Sergei Petrov... go now and make good on your promise. And remember." She leaned down and kissed him gently atop his head to whisper, "I will be watching."

@Deviant

 

[Sergei Petrov]

yanna Drast was everything he could have hoped for and more. She was smooth, suave and resourceful. The woman may be young but she knew exactly what she was doing. Sergei had picked up a thing or two in the academy, he knew a rising threat, potential ally or military mind when he saw one. The Imperial had to admit, he saw all three in the Empress. A rising threat against her enemies, a close ally of the Sith and a military mind ready to take action. He was not sure whether to be frightened or aroused.

The ending kiss tipped the scale, albeit an inch. No way would Sergei ever consider the thought with the Empress. It was best he serve under her, prove his worth and eventually gain the position he always dreamed of. A stake in the Empire he was raised to be a part of. All he needed to do was finish the meager operation on Cato Neimoidia, and he could begin his first steps into the light. He would not fail. For Lyanna, for the Empire, and above all, himself.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” He answered after a speechless pause, rising out of his seat. Shoulders taut and chin high, no different than the professional look he showed before, the naval officer marched out of the room. Once he passed the threshold into the hallway, a thin smile stretched his lips. Did that just happen? He found it difficult to believe. Still, it was everything he could want. A chance, an opportunity, an opening.

As he drifted through the military academy, he spotted his personal secretary beside the landing platform. His shuttle was anchored nearby. “Ready the ship for departure. Notify the others. It’s time we finally pay Cato Neimoidia a visit.” The secretary paused and raised a brow. “Did you not hear me? Immediately!” Voice raised, the young man nodded and scrambled to do as he was told. Organizing files, sending messages, it was only a matter of time before the operation began.

And once Sergei entered his transport, prepared for liftoff, he also knew it was only a matter of time before he led a fleet of his own.

End Thread.​