John Tien
The First Order
Posts: 122 
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by John Tien on Jan 14, 2019 0:19:02 GMT -8
Continue with your patrols and protection of Thule. But be aware, Moff Tien, there are enemies that surround that world. If the defense of the planet becomes too much of a liability to the First Order, I will be ordering a full evacuation and reassign you within the First Order's main territories.Imperial Intelligence had brought word of various groups moving within the sectors to the East and North of Taris and around of area of Thule. The dark forces of the Blackguard Reborn, the Jedi Order on Felucia, and now, rumors of pirates in the Corporate Sector and a forming alliance of Jedi nobility on Serenno. Tien would be outmatched if any of those seeking to attack the planet.I would rather lose a world than lose you, Moff Tien. You are a valuable member of the Empire after all. =John= Very well, I shall try to keep my ground divisions as mobile as possible. He saluted the Emperor once more before turning to leave. Once he was outside the office he qued the comms to the Empire's Fist to relay refit orders to Thule. He received confirmation that the orders had been sent when he reached his ship. |
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Post by The Elusive Man on Feb 5, 2019 12:20:04 GMT -8
Within the center of the Emperor's office sat a holo-projector, slightly raised off the floor. Normally reserved for the day-to-day operations of running an empire, it was currently inactive. Though that was about to change. Illuminating and springing to life, a life-sized image of The Illusionist appeared. Dressed in black dress pants, double breasted suit jacket and white collared shirt with the top two buttons undone, the seemingly human male was holding a glass in his left hand and a lit cigarette between his index and middle fingers on his right hand.
Nicademus Delvardus the Fourth. Self-proclaimed Emperor of the Braxant Empire. You are a difficult man to reach through such secretive measures.
Taking a sip from his glass, the image's glowing blue eyes peered over to the man seated at his desk.
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Feb 5, 2019 12:35:46 GMT -8
Ever the working man, Nicademus was examining charts of the redeployment of Imperial forces throughout the Empire. Even with the end of the Galactic Alliance, and the sacking of Mon Calamari, the Imperial knew there were always enemies, visible and invisible. Despite the end of one foe, the First Order continued to move and grind the gears of its war machine. There was still much to do, both for the present and future, and thus the Emperor never rested, unless during the necessary hours. He scribbles his signature on a digital document before forwarding it back to the recipient.
However, he wasn't able to get to the next document. His ears catching the sound of the holoprojector coming online in the middle of the room. The Imperial knew it had been deactivated and there was no scheduled meeting with anyone at this hour. The Imperial remains at his desk as the image of an unknown person appeared before him. The unnamed individual knew his name and title, which was common knowledge. However... it was how he got to him that made Nicademus ponder.
Somehow bypassing the monitored military channels, cutting through my digital security, and being able to access my personal holoprojector...
Either this man was stupid or skilled. Nicademus suspected the latter. Impressive feat to do so.
And I doubt turning off my holoprojector is an option. You likely have control of that.
Nicademus taps his index finger three times upon his desk, eyeing the mysterious individual.
If there is one thing I have learned, people who go to great lengths to speak with me have a good reason and purpose within their minds. You know who I am, though I don't know you. Tell me, how should I address you since you know how to address me?
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Post by The Elusive Man on Feb 5, 2019 12:47:42 GMT -8
The image of The Illusionist smirked. Taking a drag from the lit cigarette, he exhaled and replied.
Forgive the abrupt intrusion, but I've been wanting to speak with you for some time now.
Another drag on the cigarette, and another exhaled cloud of smoke. Glowing blue eyes still studying the man before him.
How I did this, is not important. All I will say is, it pays to have the proper connections. Information is my business, Mr. Delvardus. As for why I did this, well that is why I have chosen this particular time to speak with you. I am known only as The Illusionist. While vague, it is an appropriate moniker. And I represent an organization that is concerned with the continued safety of the galactic community as a whole. My predecessor, The Mysterious Man, had a vested interest in securing the future for those of us not plagued by what had come to be known as the Force...
Trailing off, The Illusionist took a sip from his glass and continued to watch Nicademus carefully. Though the Emperor himself wasn't Force-Sensitive, rumors were indicative that his children and Empress were. So he needed to tread carefully here.
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Feb 5, 2019 13:00:59 GMT -8
The Imperial's eyebrow was arched slightly at the mention of the Illusionist's, and that of his predecessors, interest and vested mission if he was reading the context that was spoken to him correctly. Securing the future for those of us not plagued by the Force? What that entirely entrailed was somewhat intriguing as it sounded like this organization desired that non-Force persons come to rule the galaxy or to see the Force eradicated at the source.
You have quite the interest, Mr. Illusionist. My mentor once said that the Force is everywhere. It is life and death itself.
Though not Force-sensitive himself, as a young man, Nicademus had attracted the eye of a shadowy individual, a Sith formerly known as Lord Valstrol Horica. He was not educated on how to use the Force, but taught on it was used on others. How it was used, why it was used, the sort of persons that used the Force. Nicademus had been given this knowledge, as well as an advanced Imperial education, for reasons that were only understood until recently.
Yet, I am surprised that you come to me. The First Order has a history of employing persons with Force sensitivity. The Sith, the Knights of Ren... and my bodyguards, the Imperial Knights, who served the Fel dynasty before my time. A man of your connections would certainly know of this. So I am curious why you have approached me, now that I know some of your mission and interest in galactic affairs.
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Post by The Elusive Man on Feb 5, 2019 13:20:42 GMT -8
Taking yet another drag from his cigarette, The Illusionist spoke once more.
If you are to believe the claims of the religious zealots, who have ravaged the innocent for millenia, they would perceive the Force as life and death, given they know of no other lifestyle. I do not believe that this Force is everywhere. What I do believe, it that the people, men, women, alien, have been given a power not meant for mortals to wield. Since the beginning of time, the Force has been used as a tool, a weapon of destruction and fear. And it is that sort of fear-mongering that has lead to such distrust of those who wield it. Jedi, Sith, these Knights of Ren. They are all symptoms of a greater problem. The Force itself.
Pausing, The Illusionist turned on his heel and walked towards a chair. Seating himself, placing his glass on the armrest and snuffing out the cigarette in an ashtray, The Illusionist steeped his fingers together and continued speaking.
While you and I may have different methods, we are seemingly cut from the same cloth. You, an educated noble from Eraidu, have managed to accomplish something unheard of within the Force Users of the galaxy. You built an empire from the remnants of those that failed before you. And you've managed to turn it into a galaxy spanning accomplishment. Your successes are based on you and you alone. Your ambition to strive for greater. And that's what has set you apart from any others. While a Force User may have been able to accomplish creating an empire out of the ashes of another, history has shown that it never succeeds for very long. Because opposing religions constantly wage war, thinking they strive in such conflicts, while everyone else is caught in the crossfire. Make no mistake, a Force User and a Force Sensitive are not the same thing. A Force User willingly engages in atrocious acts in the name of their religion. A Force Sensitive is merely born as such....and I believe it is our duty to save the galaxy from such atrocities...
Not wanting to reveal too much more just yet, The Illusionist leaned back in his chair and allowed what had just been said to sink in and be processed by Nicademus, and answer any questions he may have.
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Feb 5, 2019 14:02:36 GMT -8
Nicademus falls into a contemplative silence. The Imperial now understood why this Illusionist had contacted him; he stood out among those of the non-force community due to his towering accomplishes and the power that he wielded. Without aid from the Force itself. However, there was something false about the words of the Illusionist. Not all his successes were his and his alone. He had made mistakes as anyone would make and it is by choosing those of merit that the First Order has thrived and succeeded. Born into a connected family, Nicademus did not hire those of connection, but of skill and loyalty. He gave them the orders and the commands, but it was them who saw it through and succeeded.
I dare not take all the credit for the First Order's successes. The First Order was built on promoting the merited and employing the talented. They ensured the successes that I stand upon, I merely ordered it done. But that is a debate for another time.
Nicademus rubs his chin slightly, feeling the zealous demeanor from the Illusionist. This man was committed to seeing the galaxy being dominated by those who are not marked by the religious dogma of the Force. It is good that he draws a line between Force User and Force Sensitive, showing that the man was not a radical, but a logical and reasonable zealot. Nonetheless, there was a fervor in the air. It made the Imperial wonder what happened in this man's past that caused him to become this person.
Allow me to enlighten you on some things before we continue talking. Such details will determine whether we continue speaking or whether this conversation ends and I never hear from you again, Illusionist. I can tell you are a logical man so that is why I will give you this information.
The Emperor would rise from his chair, moving around his desk to the front. His plain black fabric officer's uniform dressed his person, an austere appearance that was well known. He had never been a man for pomp and decoration. The only decoration upon his person was on his shoulders, the emblem of the First Order.
My children are Force-sensitive, thanks to their mother. And I desire for them to be Force Users... my son and heir to be trained and educated by the Imperial Knights as the Fels had done before me. A promise I had made long ago to an old friend as a sign of the patronage I gave them when the last Fel Emperor vanished.
Nicademus gazes to the side, looking at a banner of the First Order that hung upon the wall nearby.
The founder of an Empire has an easier task than the successor of an Empire. I fear that my son will not have the charisma and strong will that built this Empire... that fear has made me know that if Octavian is viewed as weak, he will be targeted. I am having him be trained as an Imperial Knight so that he can gain experience, the experience he needs to lead men and women, whether it is the public of a nation or soldiers on the battlefield. To learn the skills he needs to protect himself and his family one day. To ensure that Octavian is strong in his own way and not living in my shadow.
Nicademus turns to look at the holoimage of the Illusionist.
The Imperial Knights have obedience to the Force, the Empire, and the Emperor. Yet, they draw the line if an Emperor falls into darkness. If that person is corrupted, by a dogma that corrupts who they are, whatever that may be, it is in their creed to strike that person down. This education will be meant to guard him against those dogmas that you have said have caused atrocities. So I will ask you, Mr. Illusionist, will my son be viewed as an enemy or a friend by your standards? As a Force User, will he be targeted?
His children were everything to him. Now to see if this Illusionist was to be an ally or someone to watch.
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Post by The Elusive Man on Feb 5, 2019 14:55:21 GMT -8
Listening intently as what Nicademus had to say, The Illusionist already was prepared to answer him. But, rather than jumping the gun and getting to the main issue, he'd work through all the points the self-proclaimed Emperor brought up. Taking a sip from his glass, he continued on.
Given those base principles, promoting the merited and employing the loyal is a sound strategy. If you want to get results, that is how you do it. And, while you are being humble about your rise to power, deep down you know that had you not made those choices, you wouldn't be where you are today. But modest and humble beginnings isn't why I contacted you. You are a smart and educated individual. You've traveled the known universe and have witnessed things some could only ever dream of. So you know the differences between the different religious sects of the Force and what that power is capable of. Jedi, Sith? There was a time where very few could tell the difference. And so it is the same with Force Users. Using the unearned, untested powers to subdue the weak and destroy the strong is a negligent use of power, and I'm sure you'd agree. Using the same power for a noble cause is different. It's not all black and white, there are bound to be gray areas when it comes to dealing with a galaxy Force Users of all races, creeds and upbringings. So you tell me, would your son be one to subjugate the weak and cause them to cower in fear? Or would be be one to uplift the downtrodden and render aid without the thought of personal gain?
Rather than outright answering the Emperor's question, he spun it in a different light. Because hearing the answer from Nicademus himself would drastically influence the outcome of this meeting. Though the question was very legitimate and difficult to answer. On one hand, using the incredible power of the Force to retain power was tempting, but grossly negligent. Using it in a humanitarian light certainly put it in a different light, but few were capable of walking that path and remaining on it for very long.
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Feb 5, 2019 15:10:55 GMT -8
Nicademus could tell that the Illusionist was a man with a mind beyond compare. He was able to break down every piece spoken by the Emperor and appropriately answer each detail. This man would not be good to have as an enemy. There was only one other with such a mind and that was the powerful Sith'ari, Viox Savage, who Nicademus had witnessed the power wielded by those who called him master and overlord. It seems there were more intellectuals in this galaxy, hiding from plain sight. This visit had given Nicademus quite the excuse to think things thoroughly and answer appropriately with well thought out answers.
The First Order has stood for progress, for evolution, and for stability.
Nicademus answers the visitor plainly.
I have indoctrinated my subordinates and my people to understand and accept this enlightenment of Neo-Imperialism. Of how we have evolved from the days of the Old Empire, away from the Doctrine of Fear, away from powerful weapons that could destroy planets and force people to cower, away from the iron terror that we once were. These very same principles are being educated to my son by the great minds of this nation.
His hand gestures to the side of him, pointing to the banner of the First Order that was situated to the right of the Emperor.
That banner is meant to put fear into our enemies and be a standard of stability, order, and peace for my people, for this Empire I have built. If my son does not understand the necessity of continuing the progression and the spreading of Neo-Imperialism... then he is not worthy to be my heir nor my son.
Nicademus had seen empires be torn down overnight by successors, him being a successor once before. But he tore down the previous Empire cause it was a sickly entity, limping within the galaxy, and a shadow of its former power. Better to put down a dying animal than to let it suffer.
My son may not be a militaristic emperor like me. He may not have my charisma, my strong will, or any of the characteristics that define a progenitor... but I can assure you, Mr. Illusionist, he will not fail me in uplifting this galaxy from the chaos it has endured before and continues to endure. I will certainly die before my mission is completed, but I know that he will see it continued. And with those individuals, skilled and loyal around him, he will not stray from his path.
Nicademus lowers his arm slowly. His gaze trained upon the visitor.
For Octavion will learn to be a leader of men first and a Force User second. But the lessons learned from his time with the Imperial Knights will serve as the basis for the Emperor he will become. And I hope that, one day, the Empire will idolize him for what he has achieved and not for what I achieved before him.
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Post by The Elusive Man on Feb 5, 2019 16:28:21 GMT -8
Lighting a fresh cigarette and drawing in the first drag, The Illusionist exhaled slowly and merely looked over the man before him. His glowing blue eyes, studying the man. An impressive sentiment. Rather foolish, perhaps, but impressive. Though he wasn't here to have a battle of wits with the Emperor. Nor was he here to mock his beliefs. By simply explaining what he was after and what he was doing, he had managed to get the gears within the Emperor's mind, turning. That was what he had set out to accomplish. Inhaling another drag from the cigarette and exhaling slowly, The Illusionist spoke.
Your patriotism and commitment to your beliefs is commendable. And the reason you, alone, have managed to achieve what you have. Out of every thousand or so people, there is one true leader. And as a true leader, you inspire your followers because you believe in your own cause. Continue to believe as you do and you and I will never cross paths, I can assure you of that. I have no intentions of razing an entire galaxy in some mad crusade to cleanse it. It's messy, excessive and ultimately, unnecessary. One can get better results by doing what needs to be done without resorting to violence and genocidal warfare. Even with the vast network of resources and agents left behind by my predecessor, I do not have the means to proceed forward until I have rebuilt what was lost in the collapse. Credits and information are a simple commodity. Manpower and raw resources are not. Especially with the fluctuations occurring in the galaxy right now.
Stopping there, he would allow Nicademus to put the pieces of the puzzle together himself. Allowing people to come to their own conclusions produced much better and more effective results than spelling it our for them did.
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Feb 5, 2019 16:48:32 GMT -8
From the sounds of the Illusionist's words, Nicademus had convinced of the pure intentions of the First Order. Maybe, one day, they would be corrupted by those individuals who believe in a return of the bygone days. But even if those days were to come, the population and those who supported the rightful Emperor would rise up and tear down those who would dare try to taint this Empire. The Imperial did not need enemies, he needed more allies. The Mandalorians of Clan Bralor had proven to be strong friends and trustworthy allies. The Knights of Ren had proven their worth as well, serving as commanders on various battlefields. However, the Sith that followed Viox Savage was an uncertain element... the Sith may depart from the alliance with the Empire and so Nicademus needed to search out another.
I believe I understand you quite well, Mr. Illusionist. You aren't the first to come to the First Order to seek raw materials and technology.
The Empire had a near limitless pool of resources. Its vast armada and a strong economy were among the known benefits of the Imperial nation. Allies were granted resources, credits, and other necessities in return for strong loyalties to the Empire. Nicademus would move away, turning to a datapad as it was turned on.
Tell me exactly what you need and where you want it to be dropped off at. Any details on security will be coordinated in cooperation. The Empire will ensure that you are properly compensated for your ambitions to see your organization reborn and more powerful than before.
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Post by The Elusive Man on Feb 5, 2019 17:10:09 GMT -8
While not entirely convinced of the infallibility of the Emperor's Force Sensitive son, by the time he actually became a problem, Nicademus would likely be long gone from the picture. And the young heir was still only Force Sensitive. Provided The Organization's research into curing the affliction bore any fruit by that time, he could likely be cured with no issue. But, he was getting ahead of himself. Right now, he had just convinced Nicademus to lend aid into rebuilding The Organization. Not in the habit of making enemies where he didn't have to, The Illusionist bowed his head in acknowledgement.
I won't say no to the resources we need right now. I will forward a manifest on what we are currently struggling to obtain and a set of coordinates where we can rendezvous to pick them up. In exchange for your support and generosity, I will have a gift waiting for you at the rendezvous point. Something I am certain you will appreciate.
With another bow of his head and a slight smirk, the hologram dissipated, leaving the room slightly darker than it had been moments ago.
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Feb 5, 2019 17:44:21 GMT -8
Nicademus exhales deeply, rubbing his neck slightly. A new ally, a mysterious one... this could be a double-edged sword if the Emperor didn't play his cards right. He had managed to convince the Illusionist that he was worthy to be an ally. Now to ensure it was maintained or things could get dicey. This organization sounded like it had potential and that potential could be used against the First Order if things turned sour. The Imperial looks at the holoprojector which had been hacked, moments ago, to ensure this meeting was secure. A mental note was put in his head; make sure whoever made the security system was replaced with someone better.
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on May 7, 2019 18:34:33 GMT -8
The entryway to the Emperor's office was opened as Baltasar escorts Admiral Hu down a long corridor. She would notice that the security measures here were tight as Stormtroopers lined the hallway, totaling five on either side. However, beyond this was a wide open area, where four force sensitive individuals could be detected while a lone person sat at the far end of the room. The Emperor, Nicademus, was reviewing the plans for a star dreadnought construction, that was ongoing in the Deep Core. As he flipped through the schematics, he heard the boots of his younger brother, the Field Marshal, approach, along with a female Miraluka in an Imperial officer uniform. This must have been the one behind the reported encounter over Dubrillion.
Baltasar halts at a reasonable distance from where the Imperial sat, saluting his older brother.
=Field Marshal Baltasar Delvardus=
Ad Gloriam! Ad Victoriam!
Nicademus waves his hand, allowing Baltasar to be at ease. The Field Marshal to the side and gestures to the Emperor as Nicademus rises.
=Field Marshal Baltasar Delvardus=
Admiral Hu, this is His Majesty, Nicademus Delvardus, Emperor and Supreme Commander of the First Order.
Nicademus stands before his desk. The force sensitive signatures moving to flank him properly as the Emperor looks at the admiral.
Admiral Hu, welcome back to civilization and the known galaxy. I trust you and your crew are well after the trials of the Unknown Region?
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Shel Hu
The First Order
Posts: 78 
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Shel Hu on May 7, 2019 19:14:35 GMT -8
Shel made note of the force-sensitives and their presence. But she was more interested in the Emperor himself. He did not appear to be a force user, which was odd to her. She gave a bow to him. The woman step up to be next to the Field Marshal. She stood at her full 4'10" which in the room of these men and soldiers, was not at all impressive. Smiling, she replied to the Emperor's kind words.
=Shel=
Thank you, Your Majesty. I think the greatest trial for my people, is the adjustment that will need to be made. We left this galaxy very different twelve years ago.
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on May 7, 2019 19:21:15 GMT -8
Nicademus glances at his brother who walks forward and speaks into his ear quietly. The Emperor nods curtly, recalling what he had read involving the mission into the Unknown Region and its intent. It was truly unfortunate that their mission had failed in the end. The galaxy had endured the trials of the Yuuzhan Vong which the Imperial doubt that Admiral Hu knew of. There was a lot of history to have her understand and read up upon.
Admiral Hu... its been over four decades since your ship and her fleet has been declared missing by the Imperial Records. I am sorry to say that, somehow, you and your crew have not aged a day since your disappearance though. I have looked over your records and I can see it with my own eyes now. Something happened out there and you don't seem to recall it.
It was the only explanation.
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Shel Hu
The First Order
Posts: 78
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Shel Hu on May 7, 2019 20:23:36 GMT -8
It was not beyond the realm of possibility. They had encountered many strange anomalies in the Great Void, many of which seemed harmless at the time, but perhaps it had sent them thru time? Or slowed it down? What ever the case there was a lot that could have happened in the last forty years. But it hadn't all been a loss. Shel presented the datapad.
=Shel=
May I approach Your Highness? You may find the contents of this of interest. It is only a portion of our findings. She would either deliver the datapad personally or pass it off to whoever came to grab it. My crew is still ready to serve, even if most of us are, according your records, old enough to retire. The young female let out a soft chuckle.
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on May 7, 2019 20:32:16 GMT -8
Baltasar glances at the Emperor. Nicademus nods his head, allowing the Admiral to approach. He takes the datapad from her hand and proceeds to examine the contents within. She had mapped quite an amount of space over the decades. It almost rivaled that of Thrawn, but he would not admit such a thing. The Imperial examines the notes pinned to various entries of data, speaking of strange ships, planets, creatures, and so forth. Once his examination was done, he hands the datapad to the Field Marshal.
Field Marshal, have this data sent to Imperial Military Research for thorough examination and documentation. They will find this data most enlightening.
Nicademus then turns his gaze to the female Admiral before him.
As you served the Empire before mine, so should you continue your service. If you are ready to commit to a new oath and prove your worth to the Empire, I offer you your rank as Admiral within the First Order Navy. You and your men will given their due rest and be helped with assimilating into this new society.
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Shel Hu
The First Order
Posts: 78
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Shel Hu on May 7, 2019 21:20:15 GMT -8
Shel bowed to the human in thanks. She had wondered if her rank would be maintained or not. But she had another thing on her mind in addition to the question of her fleet. And it concered the Force users flanking the Emperor. They did not give off the Darkside crimson that 'Father' had, but a more blue color, of those that followed the Light.
=Shel=
I would be pleased to renew my oath of alligence, espeically to the Empire in person. But their is something else I wish to know. I know not how much you know of me personally, but I do have some talents in the Force. I know that Emperor Palpatine had his Darkside Adepts, of which my... 'Father' was a part of. I have also read of the Sith and Jedi. May I ask, who it is that serves you, Emperor Delvardus?
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on May 8, 2019 6:09:41 GMT -8
Nicademus looks at either Imperial Knight that stood on his flanks.
These are the Imperial Knights, Admiral Hu. They were a creation of the Fel Dynasty, a family, descended from Jagged Fel, son of Soontir Fel, who founded a revived Empire some decades after Palpatine was defeated. These Imperial Knights are considered to be Greys, as the Jedi call it.
The Emperor was glad to have inherited these bodyguards from the late Cade Fel, for they had proven their worth time and time again.
Their oath is to no philosophy, but to the Emperor and the Empire. They protect both from internal and external threats, even if that threat is the Emperor himself, if he were to fall to the Dark Side. They serve as my bodyguards and commanders whenever they are needed. What you see are the most skilled of these Knights, the Praetorians.
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