Space Opera: Fall of the Empire (IC)

[Kessler]

Chapter 1: Shadow Play



Chronology

The Inner Cabinet announces the formation of the Full Sector Invasion Fleet, codenamed ''Danai'', under the command of the Golden Admiral Xin.

The Ministry of Merit begins an anti-Nepotism purge of the golden fifteen.

The ''Danai'' leaves for the Verge sector to destroy the Dawn Confederacy.

The anti-Nepotism campaign has grown to the proportions of mass hysteria.

The Inner Cabinet announces that the Emperor will retire,
due to failing health, and the heir primus, Millicent Voll will assume the control of the Empire.

The Ministry of Merit's anti-nepotism campaign loses its momentum and slowly dissipates.

The information flow from the Verge sector is completely censored.

It becomes known that ambassadors from the star nations of the Commonwealth sector will attend the coronation.

The fleets are reinforced at the border of the Verge sector. Only a few ships from the other side return into the
Ascension sector.

The distinguished admirals and Ministry officials are recalled from all sides of the Empire, to attend the coronation of the Empress Millicent.



Anti-Nepotism Campaign

The anti-nepotism campaign addressed the widespread practices the golden fifteen used to keep their children in the same social class as they. There were examples of bribes to assure good grades on the examinations, unfair flattering reports of the relatives' performances, old buddy networks that denied the outsiders' chances for promotion. The worst cases included abuse of fleet admiral's authority to arrange circumstances, under which a relative could earn glory, often at the expense of lives of the admiral's subordinates.

The Ministry of Merit clearly planned this operation for a long time, adding oil to the flames with more examples of corruption every time the things seemed to settle down. It was done very skillfully, on a whole new level, then the usual Merit's ability and ambition. The terror and fear awoke and grew in the golden fifteens, while the usual counter-balances to the Merit's power - the Inner Cabinet and Golden Admirals remained silent. At the height of hysteria parents were denouncing their children, relatives avoided even meeting each other and family bonds turned into a hangman's noose.

The terror ended with the announcement of Millicent's upcoming ascension to the throne. The Merit slowed down with accusations and the seemingly endless flow of condemning evidence just stopped pouring. The people had a chance to cool their heads, worry about the coronation of the Empress and try to patch up things with their relatives.



The Danai Fleet

The Dawn Confederacy was a long thorn in the side of the Empire. It was composed of the civilizations that fled the unstoppable conquest of the Ascension sector by the Empire, so little love was lost between the two. And Confederacy had many lucrative worlds for the conquest, while its military could not be compared to the might of the Empire. So when the Inner Cabinet started forging the ''Danai'' invasion fleet, few failed to guess the direction of the invasion.

The Golden Admiral Xin took the command of the fleet. The oldest of the five Golden Admirals, he held both seniority and truly exemplary record, comparable only to the record of the Golden Admiral Nissa Therrus. The rumors about the Golden Admiral's possible retirement lured many officers, who sought a chance to prove themselves in his eyes. And the honour of conquering the Verge sector was already enough to make assignment to the Danai fleet a dream come true to the Empire's best and brightest. This was exploited by the Ministry of Merit at the same time as it was driving its anti-nepotism campaign. The Golden Admiral Xin has unusually done little to interfere with the Merit's assignment choices.



The Empress Millicent

The Inner Cabinet's announcement about transfer of power from the Emperor Heinrich to his daughter Millicent was shocking and unexpected. The Emperor has already undergone two neural transplantations to extend his lifespan, procedures that are known to cause mental and psychological degradation in some cases. And the stress of running the greatest power in the known space can be nothing short of enormous.

Millicent has served as the Emperor's right hand for the past six years and Empire's highest officials, including the Golden Admirals, declared their trust for her leadership. The private hope of many is that things will stay the same. The Emperor would no doubt remain to advise his daughter in her first years of rule, as his health allows him, to smooth the transition of power.

The official coronation ceremony was announced, when in the presence of the Empire's top officials and decorated admirals, the power would be transferred from hands to hands.




The Censure of Verge Sector

The censure orders came after just three months of the Danai fleet left the Empire's space in the Verge sector. All communications were cut and low ranking officers, who received the last updates from the sector were removed from duty, debriefed and supposedly relocated to safe locations, where they couldn't utter a word to anybody.

There were censures before in the history of the Empire, but never on the scale of the entire sector and never when a Golden Admiral was involved. The news of the censure spread through the shadow sources and everybody remains uneasy. So far nobody dared to speak up and request an explanation for the censure and information on the fate of the Danai fleet.



The Commonwealth Diplomats

The Ministry of Information made an announcement that foreign diplomats were invited to attend the Empress Millicent's coronation. The Empire traditionally limited the diplomacy to issuing ultimatums and making temporary cease-fire agreements. It was always secure to rely solely on its power of arms and viewed the interstellar trade as too dangerous (although a small trickle of High-Tech trade exists with the Advisor Worlds, through the Merchant League). The power players of the Empire aren't certain what to make of the announcement. Is it a policy change of the new Empress? A sign of weakness, in the light of the events in Verge? Or perhaps a clever ploy to weaken the Empire's enemies?

The news soon arrived that the Vir'Talanth Loyalist, Kej-Solarian Dominion and the Advisor Worlds have agreed to send their delegations for the coronation of the Empress. The tensions are high with the Vir'Talanth Loyalists and their willingness to come surprised many. The Kej-Solarian Dominion has clashed with the Empire, but they have shown less battle lust than Vir'Talanth and have tried to initiate diplomatic contacts before. The Advisor Worlds have never hammered out a unified position regarding the Empire and their main wish seemed to be left alone.

[RJ45]

Preparation phase
Sasha spends her time in her room as always, forced into studying. The only difference is that she is multitasking, having twenty screens up at her workstation at the same time. Messages that would be broadcasted across the reaches of space.

Heinrich Voll
Subject line: PAPA!
Identification key - present
Heavy encryption - present
Attachments - Sasha2092
Enclosed in a picture of Sasha as always, merely smiling at a camera. There's nothing more to it - the simple picture is work an eternity of words, for the two are separated and this is the only way he'll see her on an ordinary basis.

==============================================

Hi dad! I really miss you, as always - but don't worry, I know you have to work really hard because you're the Emperor...

I've been working really hard! As usual, I pass all the tests without missing a single question, but it's sort of sad. I'm lonely. There's too much to learn, and I really wish I could spend more time with living people. I really want to sneak up to you someday and just talk and hug, but the last time I did that I got in trouble, so... I guess i'll just have to do it better next time.

Right now I have to learn the advanced processes of cold fusion. More like the advanced processes of confusing! I guess I should make this short, since you probably have to read a million messages a day...

Unlimited loves,
Sasha Voll


Felix Voll

Subject line: The Empire Is At Steak
Identification key - unattached
Attachments - Sasha2092, $(Steak
Enclosed is the picture of Sasha. The other attachment is a picture of steak - a picture of the empire as a large piece of steak upon a plate. Surprisingly, there's no grand political message, it's merely a simplistic artwork. Outlying sectors and groups are various condiment canisters and utensils.

======================================

Hi Felix! I was just wondering what you've been doing. Find anything 'meaty' out there? Hehe. It must be fun to go around the empire whenever you want. See anything cool? Anything fun? I recently got another bundle of 'academic supplements' so I haven't had much time to play games or anything... I guess I should be used to this, but it's so boring! I should just get the heavy knowledge upgrades so that I don't have to learn all these things!

Just kidding, I know why I can't do that. Still, it would be really nice! You should stop by where I'm at so we can have a nice dinner together. I want to show you some really cool games that have come out recently!

Loves,
Sasha Voll


"Are you multitasking again? You're not going to learn anything if you're so busy addressing everyone you know. You know what the punishment for this is, right?" Eric addressed her. "Don't care! So I have to make up everything I was supposed to do within the the past couple hours? That's fine. I have to type these messages sometime or another. You should just be glad that I do them without having to be put in an electric field!" Sasha says all of this as she continues flipping through the brightly colored screens. She's very happy at the moment. Eric decides not to respond, since it's the will of a rebellious little girl - besides, as long as it's completed by the end of the day - that's their agreement.

Something changed her playful demeanor. She dragged a text block from another panel over to a message, effectively copying it over.

Millicent Voll

Subject Line: Hi?
Attachments: None
Attempts made: 23
Replies: 0

=================================

Big sister, I really wish you'd tell me why you won't respond... I really want to talk to you and know you, but you just put up a force field and call it a day... can't we just talk? Even if you're going to be mean to me, that's better than not responding...

Loves,
Sasha Voll


Noari Voll

Subject line: Round them up!
Attachments: Sasha2092, [Folder]
Enclosed are a series of saves for a game. There's also a couple special files that could only be identified as cheats.

Hey sis! I finally beat that game! It was really hard. It's in such an old period of time, I just wanted to use laser weaponry instead of silly bullets. Hard mode was too hard, so I had to put it on easy mode... don't laugh at me! The ending was touching. Anyways, I found these cool cheats that you can use on the game to do things like fly, make weapons shoot silly things, and even activate birthday mode, where everyone wears silly hats!

Anyways, how is it out there with the Amerlin Cults? Hear anything new? Have you made friends with them yet? It would be nice if everyone would put their weapons away and just be friends... but I guess that isn't going to happen. I hope you're having it easy out there and that there's no trouble... I joke around sometimes, but I'm worried. If you went missing, I would be really sad...

Loves,
Sasha Voll


Sasha relaxes in her seat. Pressing a few buttons, the many many windows upon the screen disappear, leaving behind the materials she was required to use to study with. "Okay, I'm done with that. Now i'll finish what I was doing!" Sasha cheers. Eric raises one eyebrow. "Good. Before we move further, however, let us reevaluate what you learned but mere hours ago, as I'm almost certain you've diluted it with your little fun. Now, before voicing your complaints, I guarantee you'll have time for games tonight. These chapters are rather short." "Yay!" Sasha squealed, as the study session continued as plain as ever.

===========================================

It had been a little more than a few hours. Sasha had completed her work, and decided to check her mail. No responses - everyone was busy, as usual. Eric had his PDA open, displaying a wide holographic screen. He, too, was going over his letters - but one struck him rather odd. The news. Sasha's father retiring - Millicent taking the throne. Sasha was too happy minding her own business; it was evident in this that she didn't know about this news. Eric moved towards her just as she was configuring a game to run.

"Sasha. Your father is stepping down from the throne and Millicent is taking control is his stead. Not by force, but of choice." Sasha stopped what she was doing for a moment, shooting a curious glance at Eric. "That's not a very good joke. You should work on it a little bit." So, she continued. "No. I'm absolutely serious. Read this." Soon enough, a new message was in her mail. She read the contents of it - the innocent girl who was minding her business, ready to relax, changed. Happiness to confusion. Confusion to anger. Anger to... discomfort. "What?" The changes in emotions happened so rapidly she didn't have time to act on any of them.

Instead, she immediately started composing another letter.

Heinrich Voll

Subject line: What's going on, dad?!
Identification key - present
Heavy encryption - present
Attachments - none

I just heard that you're leaving the throne - why?! What's happening?! You're still strong, fine and a good ruler, why is Millicent taking over? I don't think she'll take care of everything right... I mean... why?

Sasha added and removed countless sentences, trying to ask more of her father, to make more sense - but she recognized her own repetition in that absolute confusion. This offered her a moment to think. This bothered her. Millicent shouldn't be on that throne. Sasha doesn't trust her. Not in the least. "Father..." she muttered, before sending the message as short as it was. Eric watched on, unsure of what to do. "We have to go to the coronation. There's no question about it. It's more important than studying or anything else." Sasha paced about furiously, a thousand thoughts colliding into eachother.

"Sasha, you're not going to be able to stop it. This ceremony is wanted by many - including your father. He, who is a just man in his own decisions, must have a proper reason for appointing Millicent to the throne, would you not agree?" Sasha listened to his explanation. Hearing it like that made her gloomy. That doesn't make sense. There's more to it than this. "I'm going to ask him. If he's not at the throne, that means he has more time for me. Still... I don't think now's the time for games." That damned snake - Millicent must have somehow taken control of something dear to her father in order to take absolute control of him. It's the only reason she can immediately figure out. Since there is a frame of time before the coronation and her studying is complete, she turns her efforts to trying to learn everything about the event - why is this happening? What did her father have to say about this?

So began the quest of a young girl to find out the true reason her father had decided to leave the throne - to correct it and smite down any evil that might be harbored by her older sister...

[LongVin]

Admiral Hans Peiper

Preperation Phase

Hans sat numb at his office desk. The Emperor was retiring? How could such a thing come to be? He looked at a picture taken some years before it was of the Emperor pinning the badge of an exemplar to his chest. Beside the birth of his son, it was perhaps the proudest moment of his life. His gaze then drifted to another picture that of his wife and son, his only son was named after the Emperor himself as it should be. The Emperor was the guiding light of the Empire and everyone was required to pay homage anyway they could to his guidance and greatness.

Now, his daughter would replace him. Of course, she had been raised from birth to become Empress...but something was alarming about this announcement first the Danai fleet and now the admitance of foreign diplomats into Imperial space. Hans was never one to question his leaders, he was a soldier and he did what he was told even if it was chasing down inferior Anroku scum in this backwater. Personally, he would have requested a transfer to the Danai fleet if it wasn't for a particulary vicious insurgency occuring at the time. Now, from what limited information he could gather it seemed like that fleet was all but destroyed and the Empire was fighting a rearguard action against the enemy. He would need to get to the bottom of this.

Pulling up the communications relay on his personal computer he begins typing an encrypted message to his old friend in logistics. If anyone knew what was going on it would be Admiral Lent. He would be handling all the supplies going to the Verge sector.

Shadow Source to Admiral Lent

Dear Siegfried,

I hope this message finds you and your family well. On my end everything is good both personally and professionally. As always without your assistance my success in this sector would be impossible.

I am currently watching the situation in the Verge system with grave alarm. The censure of information is very disconcerning. Is it true that our fleet has been decimated? Would it be possible for you to forward me any relevant information regarding this and any shadow source messages you may have received from the admirals and captains in that sector?

I'm planning on requesting that the Black Wolves be transferred immediately to what remains of the Danai fleet where our expertise can be best put to use and would like to have as much relevant information as possible when presenting my case.

On a more personal note, I assume you will be present at the coronation. It will be good to see you. It has been too long and there is a fine bottle of brandy waiting for you.

Your friend,

Hans


Having finished one transmission Hans grabs a datapad recently delivered to him. The After Action Report of a recent raid against an Anroku shipping convoy, a combination of passengers and freight. Civilians mostly. Did it really matter? They were scum and beneath him and beneath the Empire. It was a good report. Four transports destroyed and 7 escort fighters with them. There were greater victories but those are few and far between except when there is a full scale war going on. More importantly his Wolves suffered no losses and they gained a new ace, one Ensign Erich Badum. Director Kautner would like to hear of this. And, perhaps he could squeeze Kautner for some inside scoop on the censure.

Encrypted message to Director Kautner


Dear Gunther,

I bring good news for you to report to the Empire as we face military censure on our other fronts. My Wolves have destroyed a convoy of Anroku supply ships and their fighter escort while suffering no losses. Please find attached the files concerning the mission. I would also like it to be mentioned that the Wolves have a new ace, Ensign Erich Badum. A recent arrival. He has proven himself over these past few months and has secured his fifth fighter kill. I would greatly appreciate that your news report features this and include the fact that over a third of our pilots are aces or aces to multiple degrees. Please also find Ensign Badum's file attached for your use in your report.

Also, I would like to make a request that any information you have regarding the censure occuring in the Verge system be transmitted to me so I can better understand the situation there from a military standpoint. Also, if it would be possible if you could get me any information regarding these foreign diplomats coming to the Empire for the coronation would be greatly appreciated.

As always once I have more to report, you will be the first to know of it.

Sincerely,

Hans


There was one more matter to attend to and that was preparing to go to the coronation. Hans hated leaving his unit, he did it rarely and only when forced to and always rushed back to it as soon as possible. The coronation was one of those events where he would have to leave the Wolves for some time. Though, on the bright side he would probably get to stop and see his family along the way to or back from the coronation. He rarely got to see them, once every few months. His mission was far too important and he did not wish them to live out here on the frontier away from all the luxuries of Imperial Space.

Tapping on the communications box in his desk he rung up his old co-pilot Captain Joseph Henschel. The Captain was in engineering checking up the ships that just came back from the raid for damage. After a few beeps he answered "Yes, Admiral?"

"Joseph, I am needed back in the Ascension system for the coronation of the Empress. Prepare my ship and get your things in order. We are going home for a little bit"

"Yes, sir. Hans, it will be good to go back. We've been out here away from civilization for much to long." Joseph was one of the few men who talked to Hans as an equal and one of only a few who could be counted as a true friend. They flew together for years and survived many an incident that would have left lesser men dead.

"I know. There is still so much to be done though..." Hans just let the last words wander off. There was too much to be done. The coronation, the Danai fleet. Where would be begin?

[The_JJ]

Onboard the space yacht Tayib.

"Don't worry about it, Melinda's fine. No... no, really.

"Groman. We're fine, really. First off, IQ is strongly correlated to genetics, it's fine, not the end of the Sector. Second, he was barely top 15, and worked a corporate job for heaven's sake. No way he had enough pull to change scores. Yes I know it used to be easy. Whatever.

"Second? Second, she works for me baby," The man multitasks, prods a computer display into life one handed. "and they love little ol' low class me. Dad was a 29 and Mom was... well, pretty. Hell, you do realize they let me break half these stories on Tal Talks Top Ten? I mean, it was intentionally never stated stated but I got to do a lot of 'sourses say' and 'mysteries abound about'- what was that? Oh, no, no idea. That's why I called you. So, you neither? Okay." Baeleric slapped the End Call pad forcefully. "Dumbass. Go knows why I ever thought you'd know." One of the crew walked in bearing a tray of drinks, followed by Melinda herself.

"Pils is on his way up. No luck, I presume." She said, noting his facial expression.

"Nope. Nothing at all out of the Verge." Inside his private office, Baeleric passed on the neat suits for a long robe and slippers. From a deep pocket Tal removed a card (which had been printed onboard from data sent electronically, but still...) "Now, I do have something here. I hope you have fancy dress, because we're going to the coronatation."

"What!? I- you can't, I can't..."

"Who the hell else am I going to take. Loran would get drunk and probably try to hit on our new monarch and Spotty's... spotty. Besides, Tal and Roth? is still only 47 on the Empire! News countdown."

And, as if on cue, Pils Stone walked in just before Melinda could stop sputtering and recover her balance. "Mr. Stone! I need encrypted channels and a quick matrix up as soon as you can. Let's find out what's going on beyond the Verge."

Tal was about to stop trying to luck out on the Groman's of the galaxy and about to join the great game of swapping rumors and tidbits, swapping adding and assessing, taking these new aggregates and then swapping them for the mini creations of others. With any luck, he'd be one of the first people to create a full puzzle.

ooc- Censure and Censor are two different things... I can haz claryification?

[WrathOfLife]

Falko Axel

A man dressed in a dark suit, carrying a dark suitcase made his way down the busy city street. The mans stride was purposeful and his eyes never stopped roving, constantly on the look out for trouble.

This man, walked right past Falko.

Sitting quietly in a coffee shop just off the main street, Falko turned the page of his book. It was some junk teenage fantasy, but it was the latest crazy and it wouldn't be looked at twice by passers by.

Falko was dressed in very casual attire, taking advantage of the local University near by, wearing baggy light green pants and a dark faded long sleeve shirt, he would be called more scruffy than anything else. This was all part of his normal work practices however, after all, he was here for work.

"And how will you be paying today sir?"

Falko looked up at the waiter and repressed a smile. The mans name tag read "Justin Glove." It was the Hands latest incarnation.

"Card please."

"Savings account?"

"Always"

Falko swiped the card, finished his coffee and went to wait at a near by bus stop. What Falko had really done was transfer data from the card, requests for equipment, and had any intelligence the Hand might have felt necessary to pass on imprinted on the card. All Falko had to do now was get it to the card reader back at his hotel and he was done and he would be able to find out all the secrets the Hand felt Falko should know.

Equipment requests for coronation.

Multi-layer nano contact lens, equipped with White ray, short range X-ray, and heat vision. (Ability to see through clothes, Ability to see through walls/bones at short range, Ability to see in the dark/heat signatures.)

Directional hearing earplug, (ability to listen in to a conversation from a short distance away/through a wall with enough local quiet)

Plain appearing formal clothes, laced with nano tech to protect from Stabbing, bullets and laser resistant.

Laser wristwatch (For cutting or CQC)

2 mini smoke bombs

2 mini stun bombs

Fast Space transport


Information request

Orders?

Information on why the diplomats are attending.

Information on Verge fleet.

Information on Golden Admiral Xin, his lack of resistance to the Ministry of Merit is unnatural and deserves investigation.

[Greystone]

On the Bridge of the Ship Ghosts of Arunka

Wraith shrugged and took another step forwards, causing the man she was speaking to, to fall to the floor and whimper.

"Grow a spine Razel" she said with a contemptuous frown "If you are going to plot treason then at least be man enough to stand like the Admiral you were"

"N-no please. It's all lies" his fear crazed eyes scanned the faces of his impassive crew "It was them, my deck officers. They came up with the plan"

Wraith ignored the man's pleas, and shook her silver haired head. With a flourish she drew a ornate pistol from the folds of her outfit. The admiral's blubbering quieted slightly as he finally accepted the inevitable. The crack of the gunshot filled the tight bridge. Red covered the deck. "First Lietenut Gorden, you have command of the vessel. You are to report back to Outpost 432 for debriefing and reassignment"
The ensign nodded and Wraith left the bridge, heading back to her own ship, which drifted silently like a panther around it's prey.

Personal Channel to the Emperor
To: Emperor Heinrich Voll
From: Wraith
Encryption Code: Das Imperiatus

So the day of your're retirement has finally come My Lord? What are your're instructions? Am I to continue to serve you?

Awaiting your response,
Wraith

[Kessler]

Sasha Voll

The transmissions that came back from her family were short, dry and could have been written by an answering software. It was as if nobody had the time to speak to the youngest daughter of the Voll dynasty. Her father usually wrote brief letters, but there was always a touch of warmth and affection in them. Nothing like that now. The transmission to Felix waited to be delivered, as soon as his location became known. Millicent sent a short formal letter, as if they weren't related at all.

Noari was the only one, who seemed to have made an effort.

Encrypted Transmission, First Priority:

I'm glad you have finished the game. I've found the second part in the databanks in the Samol system and plan to give it to you personally, when we meet. I believe it will be soon. Perhaps you will come to the Corinth sector then.

I too wish for peace. We have fought and destroyed everything in our path for so long, this needs to change. I've walked the planet, where Alan died, when they activated the doomsday machine. You probably don't remember him. I must cut short, but we will talk later.

Happy dreams,
Naori Voll.


The second message to her father was unanswered for several days. It was a long and painful silence. Then a brief message came. Emperor Heinrich wanted to meet her. A short appointment, barely a half-hour long, just before the coronation ceremony. Perhaps he could explain the reason for giving her a cold shoulder and why the rest of the family was acting so weirdly?


Admiral Hans Peiper

The reply from the Admiral Lent arrived soon, encrypted and veiled in code words and phrases they've agreed on.

Shadow Communication:

Dear Hans,

I'm glad to hear from you, you old demon. I'll see you at the coronation and don't forget to have enough space on your ship, because you are stocking every brand of wine, my world produces. This time it would be enough to last you until our next meeting.

My contacts are limited and everybody has his own theory - from aliens to it all being one giant misdirection. What I know for fact is military production. And it has increased shortly after the sector censorship. We are building new ships as crazy and the orders restrict the use of civilian production.
Usually we stop whatever projects the Ministry of Culture is engaged in and divert full power to popping ships, but this time I'm forced to overwork my factories and plunder the military reserve warehouses. They probably don't wish to alarm the public, with coronation soon to be held.

It's pretty hectic and not something I like doing in my age. The way I see it, the Ministry of War makes weapons and you boys use them to blow up the bastards. Everybody else just gets in the way and mucks things up for us.

I see you are eager to jump to action, but as far as I heard nobody is entering the Verge sector. There hasn't been any reinforcements confirmed.

It is still hard to believe that something could have happened to the Golden Admiral Xin. He is the second most capable fleet commander in the Empire. And the Dawn Confederacy is a bunch of pansies, who fled once and would flee again. It should have been like a battle between a Warmech Mk. L-203 and a infantry man armed with a single grenade*.

Well, no need to give the Ministry of Information extra work, decoding our small talk. Again, see you at the coronation and good luck to you.

Admiral Lent.

*The Warmech has a strong armor in the front and sides. The only way the grenade would harm him is if it is thrown at the back, which is the least defended. Few fleet admirals would realize the reference, but Lent is in charge of Warmech's production and talked with you at length about their capabilities.



Baeleric Tal

The contacts in the Ministry of Information were of little help in investigating the situation in the Verge sector. It seems that the orders for the full sector censorship were issued by someone at the top. Nobody has challenged the orders all this time, an unusual situation, considering how the powers at the top compete with each other. It could be that the order was issued by the Emperor. Or perhaps Ministry of Merit, Inner Cabinet and Golden Admirals agreed to cooperate on this one, instead of taking a chance at humiliating the opposition. Or perhaps one of them has grown strong enough to be able to give such order, without fear of being challenged.


Wraith

Another traitor lay dead at Wraith's feet. There were many traitors the last months. The orders followed one after another. In the chaos caused by the Ministry of Merit's terror campaign it was easy to disguise some of them as suicides. Even somebody as highly placed as classified: Roland Tor, Minister of Merit for the Ascension sector wasn't beyond the assasin's hands.

Wraith used the special communication channel to the Emperor. Even among the elite agents, very few had means of contacting him directly. Usually the orders were issued by the Handlers, so they couldn't be traced to their point of origin. But Wraith had a special connection to the Emperor and she has actually met him in person, which no other agent could claim.

The reply didn't arrive in a couple of days, but it wasn't that unusual. Emperor was a busy man, especially at this time. And there was always risk of their connection being exposed, even if the communication line should be completly secure. A risk that shouldn't be taken so close the the coronation.

The orders from the Handler has arrived. Two sets of orders...

[LongVin]

Admiral Hans Peiper

The reply came quickly from Siegfried, he was always a dependable chap. It wasn't much to go by, but, Hans could tell it was serious if even the man in charge of getting the supplies to the front was being kept out of the loop. He briefly contemplated sending a reply but decided against it. They had covered everything worthwhile and the rest could be covered at the coronation. Like Lent said no reason to give the MoI more samples of their code.

Now, all he needed to do was wait for Kautner's reply. In the meantime, Hans would pull up all the data he had on the Verge Sector as well as the Dawn Confederacy and begins pouring over it. He needed to have a plan already laid out when he saw the new Empress and the Golden Admiral's at the coronation. If they haven't begun a counter attack and deployed reinforcements Peiper would make sure that he would be the first to propose and spearhead it. He would be glad to be done with killing primitive Anroku scum and instead concentrate on damn seccessionists who refused to accept the Emperor's authority.

[RationalGoblin]

Assistant Minister Adyin Reis

Preparation Phase

Adyin peered over his arched fingertips at the man sitting across from him.

"And why do you want a promotion to another sector, Captain?

The military man sitting across from him sighed.

"This blasted Corinth Sector is a dead end for me. I won't be able to gain any glory or prestige slowly trudging through the Cult-controlled planets. I want to be known and respected, but as long as I'm here, I can't do that."

Adyin nods, making a thoughtful 'hrm' noise.

"I'll see what I can do. Of course, if you are promoted, you will remember my efforts to uplift your 'rising star', won't you?"

The captain nodded vigorously. "Of course! I'll make sure that Assistant Minister Reis is known for helping my career." And with that, the man left.

Of course you will. They always remember me, for I always remember them. And those who uplifted you, can also chain you down...

***

Re: The Coronation

As a lower level bureaucrat, Adyin is not forced to go to the Coronation, and thus he does not.

Instead, he calls in a favor from his brother Amir (who coincidentally is identical to him as a twin), and has him attend the ceremony.

Adyin starts to extend his web of influence by sending out various (encrypted) transmissions to various people. Adyin always liked spiders, and now, he is a metaphorical one.


Encrypted message to Dr. Konrad Essert:

To my colleague in the Ministry of Science, Dr. Essert.

As I'm sure you know, these are troubled and exciting times. What with a new Empress ascending the throne, the war with the Dawn Confederacy heating up, and the Verge Sector being censured; why it's enough to shake the very foundations of what we work for. So, to make it certain that we retain our hard-earned places in our respective Ministries, I need you to do something for me, Doctor.

Get me the blueprints of some of the newer technologies in the field of weapons that the Empire is developing. With the knowledge of the most advanced weaponry in the galaxy, I can better decide who should rise, and who should. That includes those who I rose up myself, Doctor.


Thus, I would extort you to remember myself, young Adyin Reis, the man who ensured your current position, and do whatever it takes to get those blueprints to me. Do so, and I can offer my recommendation as Assistant Minister of Merit that you be promoted further.


Coded Message to Sigmund:

Sigmund. You've always been a useful ally, and now I have a new task for you. Infiltrate the Amerlin Cult. Discover what makes them tick and how one could.. make them stop ticking on the side of the Cult and start tocking on the Empire's side, if you get my drift.

Do so, and I will ensure that your rivals in crime will be promoted... to leadership in the bloody offensives in the Corinth Sector.

[Kessler]

Falko Axel

The Hand informed Falko about the meeting as soon as he set foot on the Ascension One. Somebody from the Inner Cabinet wished to talk to him personally. Usually the higher-ups preferred to stay away from their agents. It was called ''Deniability''.

The location was inconspicuous and lightly guarded. Falko detected only a few bodyguards, hidden around the place. Their numbers were clearly insufficient to protect the person, who exited a personal transport. Classified Raymond Fess was one of the big names in the Inner Cabinet, perhaps second in power there, at least as far as Falko's contacts told him. He greeted Falko with a strong handshake. The man was either powerful enough to erase any evidence of the meeting or perhaps a fool that have exposed one of his agents to his enemies. Given his position, the first was more likely.

I'll activate a Shroud, just to be certain we aren't listened to.


You may be wondering, why I'm risking a personal meeting. It is my policy to always meet people with important responsibilities face to face. We rely so much on data and psych analysis, people find it easier to lie with numbers then with their faces. I just want to take a good measure of you.

Minister smiled in a friendly manner and his eyes scanned Falko from feet to head, as if he really thought it would reveal something about agent's character. He continued,

You may have guessed there is a fight for power in the Empire at the moment. The Ministry of Merit cares only about power. That anti-nepotism campaign has uprooted a couple of bad apples, and broke any rapport and cooperation between anyone related by blood.

The Golden Admirals care only about glory. The whole debacle in the Verge sector is proof enough of that. I know it personally, that Xin wanted to present the Verge sector to the Empress as a coronation gift. It resulted in an unprepared fleet and complete lack of information, just so he could make it in time. Well that defeat may turn out for the best, rob them of some of their influence.

Minister Fess paused at his own words. The skill and power of the Golden Admirals were seldom questioned, in a way they were a foundation of the Empire. He didn't continue with that line of argument.

The Inner Cabinet is the single body with both power and vision to use it in the service of the Empire.

I want you present at the coronation. The Hand will supply you with several possible fake identities to chose from.

You have two objectives. First sniff around for the plots and rumours. I believe you have a way to make people to open up to you. More importantly detect those, who are doing the same thing. The place would certainly have other agents, and I'd like to know, who they are. There were some high profile assassinations. The sort, where primary motive was political ambition, not the good of the Empire. Such can't continue.

The second objective is the foreign delegation. The truth is, things aren't good in the Commonwealth sector. They've got better at fighting. Much better for my liking. And I'm afraid even in the Inner Cabinet not everybody realizes how bad things are going to become. But my contacts in the Ministry of Science gave me a couple reports that may give us a way.

It seems the Vir'Talanth Loyalists and Kej-Solarians are really at odds with each other. There isn't very much fighting, because the Advisor Worlds and our own star systems serve as a buffer between them. I need you to find out more information, so the Inner Cabinet can figure out how to set them at each other's throats. Perhaps you could establish some contacts, so we can help one side, deal with another.



Wraith

The first order was classified:

Capture of the Ctholo Voll alive. A member of the imperial family, his blood couldn't be shed and an open move against him would weaken the dynasty. Nobody but the ruling Emperor, could harm one of the blood, and it was always done in private, a secret even to the top officials of the Empire. Ctholo Voll was an elusive character, even for an elite agent with the resources of the Empire at her disposal.

He was going to attend the coronation ceremony, but after that nothing prevented him from disappearing without a trace. The orders had Ctholo's description but it was implied he frequented extensive plastic surgery. A close range geno-scan was required to identify him.


The second order was classified:

Monitor the contacts between the foreign delegations and Empire's admirals and officials. It was doubtful that they'll have audacity to hatch plots against the Empire, while attending the coronation of its Empress. Doubtful, but possible.


The second order has come from a secondary handler, which didn't happen before. Usually only a single handler communicated orders.


Sasha Voll

The Emperor empted the room with a wave of his hand. The servants and bodyguards scurried away, closing the doors behind them. He looked as healthy as usual, perhaps a bit tired.

I hope you didn't worry too much about me, Sasha. I'm not going to leave you for another fifty years or so. He patted Sasha's head, smiling, but then moved away reluctantly. His soft smile slowly died and Emperor's look became serious. A shroud unit buzzed into activity, blocking any listening devices and Sasha's own unit activated automatically to extend the range of privacy:


Your sister kept me isolated for a long time, but it seems she doesn't believe I'll have an opportunity to stir something up, this close to the coronation. Millicent took power from me, but I fear that the price she paid for it could be too high. You shouldn't worry about it. The imperial family is still sacrosanct, she won't allow any harm to come to any of us. I'll probably be kept on a short leash, so we may not see each other for a time.

The last words sounded a bit bitter, but considering what he just revealed the Emperor remained surprisingly calm.

Listen carefully Sasha. I'll tell you enough to know things for what they are. The Empire is changing and we are becoming mere figureheads. The universe changed and if we are to remain, we need to change as well. I hope that Millicent will keep thing running, better then a civil war between the Golden Admirals. But I know her and she will try to strip any power from the rest of the family, keep it all to herself. I doubt she will allow you any military command or a position in a Ministry. You can't wait, if you want your name to be remembered. You must start to gather power and influence now.

Emperor looked at Sasha's face intently. A face of a ten year old girl pushed into the whirlpool of deadly politics. Pushed at this moment by his hand.

He spoke again before releasing the shroud.

The universe has changed, but the Empire refuses to acknowledge it. It needs a visionary, somebody who sees from different perspectives. If you gain that ability, it would serve you better than a full battle fleet.



Admiral Hans Peiper

All the information available to the Hans Peiper about the Dawn Confederacy said one thing - they should have been crushed. Technology and resources of the Empire were clearly superior. If Golden Admiral Xin inexplicably turned into a drooling idiot and Dawn Confederacy got a genius commander, then perhaps it was a loss due to poor strategy and tactics.

The other possible answers to the mystery were as ridiculous - invention of super weapon, alien invasion, grand treachery. Was it possible that one of the Empire's enemies secretly reinforced the Dawn Confederacy?


Reply from Kautner:

Dear Hans,

I have no information on the Verge sector. There was actually a break in to retrieve information on it, which failed miserably, because the data was long erased.

On the diplomats, I'll send you, what information we have on the Commonwealth civilizations. There will be a lot of garbage, but if you have a couple of evenings to kill, you
might find something of interest.

The diplomats are arriving on their own ships, escorted by our forces to the Ascension One. It appears that Advisor Worlds are not a unified delegation. They are representatives of the major worlds. The Merchant League has snuck a couple of delegates in with the Advisor Worlds delegation.

Also I've checked the list of names, and there are no Vir'Talanth or Kej on those ships. It appears the powers behind the Loyalists and Kej-Solarians aren't making their appearance.

I've got few combat reports from the Commonwealth sector, so I guess they are holding their breath and waiting for the results of this diplomatic venture.

Good Luck,
Director Krautner.



Assistant Minister Adyin Reis

Dr Conrad Essert,

The transmission from the Conrad arrived soon:


You are asking for very dangerous things, Adyin, people get killed for poking in research projects. Especially if those people are talking with people of your past. I recommend you stay low and wait for the thing with the Dawn Confederacy to die down. I wouldn't put it past Merit to start another campaign, there already enough rumors of treachery.

I know that there is something big going, under supervision of the Ctholo Voll. The majority of the projects centre around the improvement of the Bio-Comps. The weapon and ship technology pretty much stayed the same the last couple of decades, nobody was able to make any significant breakthroughs. The funds are being shifted away.


Sigismund

Order Acknowledged.

[Kessler]

The Imperial Place on the Ascension One

New halls were constructed and the latest security measures implemented. The security staff was unaligned to the ministries or admirals, and troops around the perimeter sported the majority of the firepower available on the planet. The entire civilian space traffic was suspended for the duration of the ceremony. The ships by which the ambassadors arrived were quarantined by a full fleet, more a show of force than security precaution.

Inside the place, where the ceremony would take place, the grand halls were cut by transparent shields, to limit the damage of bomb detonation. The escape chutes dug deep into the planet, a safeguard against orbital bombardment or ground forces attack.

The most important guests were still missing - the foreign delegations were resolving matters with the fleet guarding them to allow the passage of the shuttles. The Golden Admirals haven't yet arrived, probably intending to come together.

Imperial Family

Ctholo Voll, a slippery person, few people would even recognize him. Can't be approached, unless somebody points him out or he decides to make the first move. Magnus Voll

Sasha Voll

Foreign Delegations

Haven't arrived yet.

Golden Admirals

Haven't arrived yet.

Inner Cabinet

Donovan Blake, Cabinet of Twelve Member
Raymond Fess, Cabinet of Twelve Member
Jean Forester, Chief of Staff, Imperial Navy
Randal Crowly, Chief of Intelligence Bureau

Ministry of Merit

David Garrison, Minister of Merit, Ascension Sector
Corwin McDougal, Minister of Merit, Corinth Sector

Ministry of Culture

Abella Weiss, Minister of Culture, Commonwealth Sector
Baeleric Tal, Minister of Culture, Cheif Cordinator
Amir Reis, Field Marshal, Corinth Sector
Melinda Roth, Field Marshal, Commonwealth Sector

Ministry of Information

Director Gunther Kautner
Director Jonathan Sprang

Ministry of War

Admiral Siegfried Lent, Ascension Sector, Sub-Sector 4-1
Admiral Freya Long, Ascension Sector, Sub-Sector 3-2

Ministry of Science

Konrad Essert, Project Administrator
Dr. Jean Claudette, Chief Coordinator
May Geller, Project Administrator

Admirals

Ascension Sector

Admiral Mat Wexler, Fleet One
Admiral Tatyana Ivanova
Admiral Roberta Jones

Corinth Sector

Admiral Jon Neville

Verge Sector

Admiral Caitlyn Joyce

Commonwealth Sector

Admiral Seya Vrin
Admiral Roger Wilkins
Admiral Karl Dietrich

Aboleth Sector

Admiral Helmut Blake

Anroku Sector

Hans "The Black Prince" Peiper, Admiral, Exemplar

Exemplars/Others

Eric Inovea
Bernard Claus
Joan Dane
Sam Lytton
Madeline Adams
Norman Lowell
Jack Baits

[The_JJ]

Baeleric settles for keeping up with the latest rumors. That wasn't his ****storm to deal with, just to report on.

"Melinda! Run me up the Important Occasion Template. We'll start there. Then get me what the MoC approved lines are. Is the Empress beautiful or commanding, is her father wise and looking out for the new generation or spritly and looking forward to a fun retirement? How about the foriegners. Are they here to pay homage or are we going to admit some kind of weakness here? Ask them how much coverage I can do from inside the party, and if they give the go ahead, contact everyone's staff to see if they want an 'ambush' interview. If need be, we can prep them for the camera. I also want every channel in every Sector running our gorgeous faces. Set up the run times. Also, see what kind of camera and broadcast work we're allowed and make damn sure it passes all the security checks ahead of time.

"Loran! Get youself and a few of your men in full MoC dress uniforms. You get to walk us out."

[RJ45]

Sasha was, for once, seated still. At an event so grand as this one, she would typically be found adventuring everywhere, being simply thrilled to meet all the people - attending her big sister's coronation should be a very happy event.

But it wasn't.

Sasha was dressed formally. Her hair was down and properly combed. The dress she wore was a rich, dark blue with a couple intricate golden designs across it - the golden designs have a faint glow, the style improved upon with some soft lighting from the balancing hardware within her dress. Simply radiant. Sasha was as cute as ever in her formal clothes, but one problem remained.

She was attending a funeral. It was called 'the coronation' - but today, her father was being murdered. His title was being so savagely ripped from him on this day, and with that all the things he had worked so hard for. Sasha knew this endangered not only the family, but the entire empire - but at the moment, she could only care for her father. She remembered the warm embrace the two shared yesterday. She was so very glad to hear that he wasn't passing away - that set her heart at ease, but the tone he had portrayed the same thing.

"I'm not ready for this" "How am I supposed to do this?" "It's my sister - why don't you just not let her?" "What am I supposed to do?" - all of these things rushed through her head. How she wanted to tell her father she wasn't ready - but in the end, she couldn't bring herself to worry her father like that. Sasha would become stronger. She would - in the meantime, the poor girl is scared. Her eyes were downcast for a while as she took a moment to review everything.

Shooting up out of her chair. "Fine! I'm going to give it my all!" she thought to herself. Her father said that if she was going to accomplish anything, she would have to start now - what he exactly meant by that remained a mystery, but something was better than nothing. She began to wander around the palace, her eyes fixated on the stage - that is, the place where her father would stop being the emperor. 'Millicent, why are you doing this?' she thought, time and time again. Today, she wanted to become acquainted with the Golden Admirals personally - but they weren't here yet.

Her rush to start hadn't amounted to much, as she ended up staring at the throne. Not moving, not blinking, simply... perplexed. Was this some sort of bizarre dream?

No. This was a nightmare.

[LongVin]

Admiral Hans Peiper

Settling down on the landing pad the ground crew rushed over to the ship emblazoned with the Black Crown. Before they can even begin unloading the ship, Peiper and Henschel had already jumped out and popped the hatches each pulling out a duffel bag and their dress uniforms. Waving away the tenders who moved to take their bags, they just left 2 large packages for them to be delivered to Admiral Lent's and Director Kautner's quarters. Each contained several bottles of expensive liquor.

Reception

Now dressed in the official dress uniform of an admiral, Peiper's chest was adorned with two dozen badges, medals and ribbons. Most indicted that he had been awarded them numerous times such as his wound badge which showed he had been awarded it five times. However, the most important medal pinned to his chest was the one that marked him an Exemplar and above the silly politics of the Ministry of Merit.

Hans looked around the room. He always felt uncomfortable at these sorts of things. Taken away from his unit for pointless politics when he should still be at the front leading his men from victory to victory. Now, if he wanted to get the transfer he so desperately wanted he would need to present his case to the Golden Admirals and the newly coronated Empress. That all came second though, first he would have to say hello to an old friend. Approaching Admiral Lent he snaps the old dog a quick and precise salute before grabbing his hand in a double fisted shake as a giant smile crosses his face. "It's good to see you, admiral. It's been far too long. How have you been?"

[Greystone]

Few would recognize Wraith, if any at all. Her normal tight clothes and ostentatious symbols of state hidden by a deep red robe. Deep inside layers of silk, one could hardly tell what gender the person inside was. Over her head, a wig of deepest black covered her normal silver.

Even her eyes appeared to be a different color, as a light hazel.

As the herald called her name, as "Dr. Karen Grey, Head of the Radical Bio-Engineering Program of the Ministry of Science" she smiled.

Wraith had her father send her the information necassary to make her credible. Dr. Grey had long been her alias when she met her surragate father and he had always called her Karen... oh well, focus.

She moved around and looked for the those who seemed to sit outside the crowd. She had a target, and a small genescan connected to her ring and her glasses. She would find her target... and complete her mission.

[WrathOfLife]

Falko Axel Aka Jackson Stonewall, Ministry of Culture, Assistant Secretary to the deputy chief of staff, Corinth Sector.

Jackson slid in behind a group of new arrivals to the coronation looking completely confident, dressed in a very neat black suit with a red tie, Jackson blended in with the crowd as best he could.

Giving his (fake) identity only when needed Jackson makes himself immediately at home, seeing he still has time before the forgine members arrive Jackson begins to browse through the fingerfood that almost always show up at such events.

Finding a plate with a waitress, Jackson sets about his first mission.

"My goodness these are simply the most delicious things I've ever tasted." Jackson allows his eyes a scandelous look around the room before continuing "I know its most unusual but I have a great love for good food and drink, would I be able to sneak a quick peak into the kitchen and compliment them on their wonderful work."

Jackson works as smoothly as he can to gain access to the kitchens where he begins to befriend everyone who enters, making an effort to learn their names and what they like, and most importantly and gossip or news they've heard about the people at the coronation and any new staff they've had hired.

[Kessler]

Baelric Tal

There were few guidelines provided to the Ministry of Culture about the new Empress. Of course nothing negative could be said about her or anything that implied the transfer of power was less then smooth and voluntarily. In everything else, the Ministry of Culture could shape the image of the Empress to their liking. Culture's propaganda was for the eighty-fives, the real masters of the Empire had no television to tell them, what to believe. Golden Fifteen were supposed to get all their information themselves from the databanks of the Ministry of Information, accessible only to the golden fifteen. Baelric Tal in his position could tell the common people, what he wanted, with little oversight. Few believed it was a position of power, but the data collected by the Ministry of Culture was indicating that the disenfranchised population of the Empire was less content to just sit silent. The problems were mainly in the Commonwealth sector, no doubt the work of infiltrators from the more ''democratic'' civilizations. The Corinth sector was even greater problem due to the Amerlin Cults. The population there was both incomprehensible and fanatical.

Baeleric had to work hard to get permission to film inside the palace, mostly due to thick-headiness of the security. They've finally agreed to provide security video feed, that Baelric's men could edit into a presentable television piece. No actual cameras were allowed to be brought inside, as if they could be turned into death-rays. The foreign diplomats were supposed to pay homage to the Empresses coronation, although there could have been some more meanignful reason for them to be invited. Baeleric would probably have to interview them himself, since no journalists had security clearance to attend the coronation.

Wraith

There were many people attending the coronation. Here and there people formed small groups, talked and then again dispersed. There were few loners and they were definitely standing out.

The task of finding Ctholo Voll would take time, since the genoscan required a close contact and a small amount of time to collect and confirm the information. There was a danger that, if she stood out from the crowd too much, her actions may arouse suspicion. There was no doubt agents of other powers of the Empire and security agents were prowling among the guests.

Sasha Voll

You don't look particularly happy, Ctholo Voll smiled a sly smile. He was amazingly unremarkable. Ctholo was known to be fond of plastic surgery and unlike the majority preferred to get rid of any exotic features. Sasha seldom met him and knew only as much as that he was involved in the Ministry of Science.

Did the old man tell you? You know, the secret of the Voll dynasty? You've met him a little while back, so he could have told you, considering his current situation. Not waiting for Sasha's answer Ctholo, muttered under his breath ''The Golds are sure taking their time. I hope they aren't planning to orbital strike us all for the fun of it.'' His lips twitched in another smile, this time rather crooked. He had a smell about him, nothing that Sasha could identify, but definitly unpleasant.

Hans Peiper

Admiral Lent walked to Hans Peiper with a smile. The Ministry of War was stuffed with Admirals, who proved incapable of handling an actual combat, despite high scores on the tests. They generally had little respect and subsequently the Ministry of War held little influence in the Empire's politics. Admiral Lent was an exception. He was transferred to the Ministry of War, after suffering a brain injury, that prevented proper interface with Bio-Comps running the fleet coordination. His record before that was spotless and medal marking him as Examplar shined as brightly as Peiper's.

I'm glad the coronation would be dealt with. I was certain they won't lift a finger about the Danai debacle, until she took charge. Too gutless to take any responsibility. But our Empress will resolve it in short time. I just think the people, who left our fleets in the Verge to the Confederacy should be dealt with. The majority of the Admirals here sure wish that, nobody wants to be in the next Danai. Well, we can just hope the Empress will deal with this problem as well. Not sure I'd like to start stiring trouble from day one.

Admiral Lent turned around looking at the faces of ministers. I sure would like to know, who was behind it.

Falko Axel

The kitchen stuff was composed of the cadets. The food was prepared automatically by the machines, which required no special skills to operate. Some Admirals had eighty-fives on stuff as cooks, and the taste was no doubt better with a personal touch. But at the coronation ceremony, not a single eighty-five was allowed. They were the geno-pool to breed the true men of the Empire, but nothing beyond that.

The cadets were traditionally used as servants as part of their education. The Admirals joked that waiting on some pompous fools ignited ambition to rise up in ranks and show them all. Falko recognized the opportunity here. The cadets could catch a word that was spoken in the halls and they would have their own sources of information.

Falko's appearance rose a few eyebrows, as nobody could quite make, what exactly he was doing with them, while all the important people were served food outside. He needed to somehow make them open up to him.

[The_JJ]

Baeleric shares a glance of mutual frustration with Melinda as he argues for the cameras. "See this is one of the failings of the system: over specialization. A phenomena I owe my own broad mandate to. Exemplars aside, we've far to many people like these idiots," Tal gestures needlessly at the screen. "Good at keeping her safe from assasination, but doing oh so much harm to her Empire. I mean this coronation ought to be the biggest media self love incident since- Yes? Yeah, security footage? Ugh. We'll take what we can get. I'll send my man in to collect it when we arrive, send me a pass detailing what you just said there. Loran! Once you get us off the Tayib take this here and my Exemplar pass here, get the kid to set you up with a seperate driver, plug in straight, get me everything."

"ETA in five, Mr. Tal."

Oh so I'm Mr. Tal now?

Until I stop being mad at you for putting me through this.

Bah, you look gorgeous. Love it, baby, it's going to be a big night..

The yacht's shuttle settled in with bussiness like effciency, dropped a man with a camera and tripod, then returned to the sky. The second descent was far more impressive, a faster drop in than we strictly nessesary, much more time hanging dramatically at high angle over the pad, then the slowly lowered ramp. Out came Major Loran Porda and a squad of him men emerged, cleaned up and in neat blue dress uniforms, to flank the ramp. Then came Baeleric Tal and guest, he in a black tuxedo, she in a low cut, figure hugging dress. They waved to an adoring, chanting mass of fans that had exploded into frenzied cheering and existed only in the sound editing room as the cameraman fired off a few dummy flashbulbs. Enough to hint at a large media presense, but to so many as to undercut the classy nature of the occasion.

Right, that good, or do we have to do that again? Excellent. Now you stick out here and grab some footage of other people arriving. Loran, take Spotty to the security room for my footage. We'll do the voice over and add the crowd noise later.

Ready, dear?

Yes Mr. Tal.

Hooah, Field Marshall.

And so the pair moved into the party, smiling and chatting.

[Greystone]

Wraith became perplexed as yet another person came up negative. She needed to hurry, or her cover may be compromised. Then suddenly it hit her. Royalty calls to Royalty.

She turned and scanned the crowd for any of the Royal Family. She only saw one, the Princess Sasha Voll. She made her way over with the ease of a skilled assasin, avoiding others without being obious.

The princess was talking with a man, so Wraith turned slightly so it appeared she was walking past the pair. As she moved behind the man she activated her ring...

[RJ45]

Sasha was brought back to reality the moment the man had addressed her. "Who are you?" she asked. After a long, hard stare, she figured it out. It took a bit of recollection of past events to solve the mystery. Ctholo and Sasha were distant from eachother for reasons similar yet different from that of her father - he was busy with scientific endeavors and, within that action, getting messages to him and getting in contact with him proved to be more difficult than contacting her father. Her father simply didn't have the time to spare for her.

Ctholo would figure out immediately that Sasha knew who he was - anyone could see her face light up with cheer for a brief moment. She shot her arms out to hug her brother, for it would be a short time they would meet before parting again. "Is that really you? You look so different... have you been having fun with your work? I hope so." The smell was odd, but something she could ignore for the moment. Maybe it was a side-effect of him working in laboratories for so long. A curse to be blighted with a science-y smell. Maybe.

"I'm not happy. I don't understand any of this. I want dad to stay in power..." She didn't speak those words loudly. In fact, they were rather soft. They weren't spoken softly to remain secretive, they are soft because the girl is scared. Scared of change. Scared that bad things would follow. Scared of her older sister. Scared of something bad happening to her father. "No, he didn't tell me about anything like that... what is it?" The word 'secret' attracted her attention faster than anything else. She looked about nervously now - even mentioning the word "secret" could trigger a high-powered microphone to home in on their conversation. She forgot if they were permitted to use privacy fields here, but figured not. When he mentions the possibility of an orbital strike, she becomes even more nervous, yet mentions nothing about it. Denying it would be naive - even she knows that.

[RationalGoblin]

Coronation

Amir Reis sighed, and itched at the collar of his overly elaborate ceremonial uniform. He hated these kinds of pompous events. Give him an army and the order to flush out, say, an Amerlin Cult any day, just not these pointless social niceties.

Why did Adyin have him go to the coronation anyways? His brother knew that he despised these things, and that he would be gruff and surly towards everyone. Why couldn't Adyin have gone himself?

Unless he wanted to prove a point...

Shaking his head, Amir ambles over to Dr. Konrad Essert.

"Adyin's not happy with you, Essert. But you might be able to make up for it... By directing the Ministry of Science towards the effort in the Corinth Sector."

[LongVin]

Admiral Hans Peiper

Hans shook his head as he thought about the people who were responsible for the disaster with the Danai Fleet. All the arm chairs and the ministers needed to step aside and let the military handle the situation. If it wasn't for these civilians the Empire would rule the whole galaxy. "I know. We really need to get all this sorted out and find those responsible. And, we have to strike back as quickly as possible otherwise our other enemies will think we are weak and they will all be gunning for us at once."

[Kessler]

Baeleric Tal

As Baeleric Tal surveyed the room and short, plump man walked slowly to him and his companion. Baeleric couldn't place the man's face immediately, before Melinda whispered in his ear: David Garrison, he is a recent promotion to the top position in the Ministry of Merit. His predecessor seems to have resigned inexplicably about a month ago.

Ah, mister Tal, if I'm not mistaken. Garrison extended his hand in a greeting. He was too important to wait for someone from the Culture personally, so the security must have informed him about the Baeleric's arrival.

It's a pleasure to meet someone like you. The Empire focuses too much on our valorous warriors and ignores our less violent heroes. I mean, you are the man, who reinvented the mass media. I've actually started watching television, after your programming appeared. Did you model it on the Vir'Talanth Commonwealth programs we have in the databanks or is it entirely your personal invention?

Garrison didn't waste much time in small talk, before turning the conversation to business.

The Ministry of Merit could use people of your expertise in propaganda and manipulation of the public opinion. And I'm not talking about the eighty-fives, but about the other, more influential part. I personally don't think we are that different from them, that the same tricks wouldn't work.

There could be a mutually beneficial partnership between our Ministries. Perhaps we can talk about expanding your programming to include actual news of the Empire. I believe it is possible to receive access to low clearance data from the Ministry of Information. You currently have to receive permission to transmit any relevant data for every separate case. This security nonsense can be dealt away with, if I apply some pressure on the Information. Our military just loves to put a security clearance on every doorknob, just in case, pure foolishness.



Wraith

The genoscan vibrated silently alerting Wraith to the results of its probe. She knew the vibration sequence - ''Identification Failed. Interference''. This was unexpected, there shouldn't have been any interference, unless the man was wearing some shielding device, she hasn't heard about before. The man could be Ctholo, only someone with special privileges could bring such device and the man's face didn't match to any high ranking members of the Empire, Wraith memorized. He was also working for the Ministry of Science.

Wraith felt danger a moment later. The device that shielded the man from identification could have alerted him about the scanning attempt. If he turned now, he could spot Wraith and that would make her job much harder.


Sasha Voll

Ah, good he didn't tell you. It would have been a dangerous thing to know. Don't bring it up yourself and maybe I'll tell you in ten years or so.

Ctholo's posture straightened at Sasha's words. She didn't even notice he was slouching. Ctholo either failed to notice or ignored her fear at the words orbital strike, instead looking at the people gathered around them.

Admirals. Walking around like peacocks, thinking they are the foundation of the Empire. I heard the Advisor Worlds have advanced A.I. technology. If we had A.I. run ships the Empire would be much better off, we could even reduce golden fifteen to golden three.

Turning his attention back to Sasha, Ctholo smiled and continued:

Do you want to talk with Advisor World's diplomats, once their delegation arrives? I was planning to do some poking and your smile might put them at ease.

Privacy fields - Shrouds are permitted for high ranking members of the Empire. Of course it is possible a secret technology exists or an introduced flaw in the device's design to allow spying by selected individuals.


Amir Reis

Konrad Essert attempted to duck away, when he noticed Amir Reis approaching him. Unfortunately for him, the military man cut his retreat route with ease, forcing a confrontation.

It's hard to do, they are all cutthroats and Ctholo Voll is the worst of them, he whined. It was how the game was always played. Essert would try to weasel out, Reis would press him and snivelling coward would have no choice, but to obey.

I don't know, what you want from me. I can't possibly justify sending prototypes to the Corinth sector. You don't actually fight there, after those crazies started detonating the conquered planets.

Essert blinked and actually considered Amir's words, after Reis strengthened his grip on the man's hand.

Perhaps I can arrange some agents. If they discover a way to disable the doomsday devices it could work out. And direct funds to research weapons for the ground forces, since the locals won't bulge at orbital bombardment. I'll need your brother's influence to grease the wheels of course. And perhaps someone to pin the blame, if things don't work out. He can manipulate the records to cover my hide, if would be required. Right?

Conrad Essert still looked small and cowed, but a light in his eyes showed, he was calculating what profits he could get from the situation, if Reis agreed.


Hand Peiper

I wonder, if our enemies know. I hope this information censorship did at least that. I keep eye on the ship specs and the Commonwealth has better ships then us. We still have numbers and superior command, but the way we've been fighting there. Lent paused, shaking his head. A bunch of skirmishes... we never truly commit to a campaign. They must already think we are weakening.

The old Admiral looked at the massive pictures on the walls of the hall. They all depicted the rise of the Empire - Adrian Voll and his Golden Admirals, at their greatest moments.

Every battle at that time was critical. The Empire had one fifth of a full fleet total and even a costly victory would have ended its future. But the Emperor and his five Golden
Admirals never lost and the Empire expanded from a single star system into a full sector and then spilled into the neighbouring sectors.

[The_JJ]

Baeleric shakes the offered hand well, and then, as the man talks, gives Melinda an excited squeeze with his other hand.

This was exactly what he'd been saying!

"Thank you, Minister. To be honest, a lot of it simply came from my observations as a child. My parents were not in the Golden 15 so I got a lot of exposure to the propaganda work of before. Clumsy, but effective and, come my own career, I simply applied some knowledge. Be they they dregs in the bottom ninety's or the highest Inner Cabinet minister, everyone loves a personality to connect to. After that, yes, I started hunting for examples from less... ordered cultures that needed such manipulation even with their smaller scales. Now I think, that we have expanded, we too must learn from thier poor example."

But then Baeleric's smile becomes a little less force, a little more predatory. And my good Minister, I do see you deserve your position. I think you've got the right of how to move forward.

[Kessler]

Baeleric Tal

Garrison smiled at the compliment. The Ministry applies high standards to its own members. We must have the best people in the Empire, if we are to fulfil our duty. And I must say you a proof that the system works. The Empire is the only civilization, where personal ability truly trumps birth, no matter what others claim.

Minister briefly glanced at Melinda, and directed a questioning look at Baeleric, an unspoken question ''Do you trust her?''.

After Baeleric's decision, Garrison continued: As I was saying, there is an excellent opportunity for a man with your skills in the information war. I'm talking about the situation with the Danai fleet. It needs to be resolved quickly and cleanly or the public will lose confidence in our future Empress. The Confederation has already penetrated some of our border systems with their propaganda. Soon it will spread and we need our own version out, even if we lack all the facts ourselves.

Minister Garrison waved his hand at the admirals present.

You can think of the Empire's military as your public. This social event is an excellent opportunity to determine their attitudes and wants. If you feel you are up to the task, I'll arrange you an access to the information from the Verge system. You'll have less than a week to prepare a good spin on the affair and then it will be delivered to the Empress herself for approval.

[LongVin]

Admiral Hans Peiper

"We're going to have to do something though before they start organizing and producing. We'll need to perform some deep strikes against their homeworlds to throw them off and keep them out of fighting shape."

Taking in the artwork himself, he knew it was time to move on a friendlier topic. This conversation was for later with the Golden Admirals and the Empress. "I trust my package was safely delivered to you intact?"

[RJ45]

"Sure! That sounds nice!" He was helping. Talking with the diplomats of the Advisor Worlds is progress in the right direction. "I understand if you won't tell me the secret, but... I need to grow up. Faster. Something's happening with dad. I know it." She hoped he understood. It was hard for her to phrase properly - in short, life was about to become a lot more complex. This depended on a lot more than just her. "I need to start doing more things."

"Having A.I. control the ships might be better off - so long as the ships themselves don't fall victim to grand-scale electronic disabling devices, in which case they're taken control of and used against us." She scratches her head, seeming shy about that. She didn't want to seem like an intrusive brat, telling him what's wrong with his ideas - she just merely proposed her thought. Having living people on ships had it's own importance. "You can't just have three positions for golden admirals - the other peacocks will get upset because that would give them less of a chance for them to shake their feathers at people." She was smiling now - she couldn't seriously refer to someone as an animal and mean it. She wasn't rough enough to do that. Instead, her imagination paints a silly picture for her.

"I wonder... what do you want to poke at with the Advisor World diplomats, anyways? You're pretty smart." In other words, if he had to ask, it was something he couldn't figure out, right? That would make it even more important to know about for her own affairs.

[Kessler]

Hans Peiper

Lent nodded affirmatively. Everything arrived shortly before I left for the coronation. How is young Heinrich? It's a pity he won't get his commission under the Emperor's rule. I've wanted to tell you to spend more time with your wife, but I guess there's no way you'll stay grounded now. I might get re-married myself, running the Ministry in my sub-sector is too easy, life is no good without problems and challenges.

[LongVin]

Hans Peiper

"Heinrich is well, he has been scoring high on his evaluations. They grow up so quickly. We stopped home on the way here. And, I hope to make a quick stop again before we head back to the front. I don't get to see them enough but it's better than them being stuck out on the frontier someplace." Hans lets out a laugh at the old Admiral's last statements. "A little fire under your butt is always good to remind you that you're still alive."

[Greystone]

Wraith thought quickly, it was her job. She noticed a rather corpulent fellow near by a manuevered as fast as she could without using her superhuman speed behind him. Then in a loudish voice she struck up a conversation with the man, a Ministry of Culture fellow.

Hopefully if the man had been alerted, he wouldn't be able to tell it was her...

[WrathOfLife]

Falko Axel

Walking around the room chatting with the cadets Falko began to systematically imply that he was a man of some power and that this was in fact a test designed to see who deserves a place where a man could gain the most glory. In order to past this test Falko implied a few simple ideals.

A good admiral has good information collection, proving this is important.

A good admiral knows everyone and watches those he doesn't.

A good admiral always looks for strange behavior in his foes.

On this last point Falko makes the largest leap yet. "Perhaps there is a make believe foe in this camber right now? Imgagine the prestige that would go with pointing him out. Imagine the glory. I would think such a cadet would find himself an exemplar in little time at all. If only he knew the right man to pass that information on to." Falko smiled knowingly then asked carefully "Perhaps you've seen some strange behavior? No? Maybe you should observe the room closer next time you go out. There is more to see then you believe, I think."

[RationalGoblin]

Amir Reis

Amir claps the greedy scientist on the back, in a gesture of friendship.

"You just leave the military efforts in Corinth to us, Essert. Adyin's got it covered. Get Adyin a way to disable the doomsday machines, and research funds for ground forces, and we'll take care of the rest. He'll make sure you get all that you rightfully deserve."

There, Adyin. I told him exactly what you told me to say. Now for some of the higher-ups...

Amir strides confidently over to Corwin McDougal, the Minister of Merit of Corinth Sector. He shakes the man's hand in a soldier's grip.

"McDougal. My brother's been angling for a promotion for a while now, and I'm sure that you'd like to get out of the dead-end Corinth sector, no? Adyin thinks he can turn Corinth around, if only he had the clearance as a full Minister. You know me, sir. I'm not one to mince words. If word gets out that you were the one to promote the one who made the Corinth Sector fully Imperial, the Empress would probably give you much of the honor.

And of course, if my brother fails, you can also say that he was subverting your command. A win-win scenario, McDougal."

[The_JJ]

Baeleric nods. "Rumor will be, already is, you greatest enemy. Time's going to be a big factor here, as will how well we can excuse time already lost. Get that information to my tech man on the yacht. He assures me he can secure just about anything."

[Kessler]

Sasha Voll

Ctholo seemed distracted, when Sasha spoke, as if listening to something else. He nodded in affirmation and didn't answer Sasha immediately, looking at the nearby people. Suddenly Ctholo looked at her again as if he was surprised to find her there.

Ah yes Advisors, my agents report that they may be synthetics themselves you know. An interesting prospect, but they'll hardly send one of their numbers in delegation, if it is true. Too much risk sending such technology into our hands. Empire is falling behind, we steal more then we invent. Well, I'll see Millicent about becoming more proactive in our methods for acquiring high tech.

It sounded as if Ctholo was talking to himself, rather than to Sasha, clearly enjoying the sound of his own voice. He looked around the crowds surrounding them with a tinge of worry.

Well I think I'll need to talk to a few people. But don't worry, Felix and Naori should be arriving soon. They'll keep you company. Hmm. There was something else I think. Oh well, I'll remember it later.


Hans Peiper

An old, but spry man approached the two admirals, followed by a young cadet, who carried a tray with a bottle. Peiper recognized the man as Helmut Blake, silver star admiral of the Aboleth sector. The sector held almost no enemies and was used as a training ground for the ship captains, fresh out of academy. The fleets from all around the Empire often held military exercises in the Aboleth sector, where conditions of an actual invasion campaign could be more realistically simulated. Peiper haven't met the man before, but he was clearly a friend to Admiral Lent.

That's where I find you Lent, he spoke ignoring courtesy and Peiper. The look of the old admiral was very agitated and he snatched the bottle from the tray and practically pushed the cadet away.

Admiral Lent mentioned him to continue, introducing admiral Peiper as a good and trusted friend.

I've received an update on the Verge situation, just as I was leaving for the coronation. It appears a part of the Danai fleet have crossed into the Ascension sector from the Verge, led by the fleet's flagship ''Deliverer''. And since admiral Joyce's forces engaged them, it would seem, they did so in violation of the standing orders. As far as I know the Deliverer easily outmanoeuvred the opposition, secured supplies and jumped somewhere deeper into the Ascension sector. So we have either traitors or captured ships of our own fleet violating the space of the Empire.

There are going to be two imperial fleets formed soon. One will move into the Verge system to stop the Confederacy from taking over and the second to hunt down the Danai remnants in the Empire. We've talked about it before Lent. We need good people in those fleets, not admirals in the pocket of the Ministries, that infest every sector these days. That's the only way to ensure we'll see any truth about, what actually happened there.

Well, my good friend, admiral Hans "The Black Prince" Peiper was telling me about requesting a transfer, just recently. Admiral Lent turned to Peiper looking calm, yet Peiper could recognize worry in his old friend's face.


Wraith

The Culture official mumbled some compliment to ''Doctor Grey''. He seemed at a loss, why he was having a conversation with her and completely unsettled by her presence. Wraith tended to affect people this way for some reason. Still, he should have had more composure, being a high ranking official of the Empire.

Ctholo seemed nervous, and Wraith saw him looking around, possibly searching for her. Could his device locate her at a distance? Did he know about the project that created her? Ctholo's influence in the Ministry of Science was formidable. He finished talking to the Emperor's daughter, Sasha, and walked away. Emperor spoke of his daughter with fondness and she was rather young for insidious plots and treachery. Still, Ctholo decided to talk to her for some reason.

He moved to a plump, powerful looking person. Raymond Fess, member of the Inner Cabinet and one of the top officials in the Empire. Minister politely dismissed an admiral from the Ascension sector he was talking to and turned to speak to Ctholo.


Falko Axel

Once the cadets deduced that Axel was testing them, their attitudes changed immediately. There were always tests and quite a few of them weren't announced as such. It was disturbing to see the Empire's finest so easily manipulated, but knowing Empire's weaknesses was part of the Axel's job. He was confident they'll deliver him bits and pieces of what they would overhear during the ceremony. What they already heard was mostly about Admirals fussing about the situation in the Verge sector and Ministries discussing the arrival of the Commonwealth diplomats.


Amir Reis

Would you keep your voice down a bit Reis. You must be used at yelling at soldiers in the barracks, but we are at social event. Amir was hardly yelling, but Minister looked at him, as if he was a savage among civilized people. It was a very smug and condescending look.

Your brother is a slippery fellow, unlike you. I'm sure he's not planning to take a bullet for the boss. I wouldn't want things to go wrong, to risk my current position for an uncertain gain. But perhaps an arrangement could be worked out. Of course I'll need to know about Naori Voll's position on the matter. Since she is practically living in my sector, your brother's actions could hardly go unnoticed by her. And she has a direct line to the Emperor... well Empress now. One transmission and we are deep in... body waste. I need to know, what she is doing in the Corinth sector, before I untie your brother's leash.


Baeleric Tal

I agree, there is no perfectly solution in our situation, but as long as we keep the sitation from exploding, it's a win.

And I'll also put you in contact with Ministry of Science. They have an evidence of Dawn Confederacy's horrific genetic experimentations. Stuff of nightmares. Although there are some, who believe that those images would create fear of the Confederacy, rather than righteous fury in the Empire's subjects. You should be able to decide, whether to use them.

Minister Garrison smiled again at Baeleric and Melinda, favouring her slightly. He was clearly finished with the conversation and preparing to move on to the next task in his agenda.

[LongVin]

Hans Peiper

Hans looked Blake up and down. If there was one sector you didn't want to be posted in it was the Aboleth sector. Either the man had some enemies or he wasn't capable in combat. And, judging from the looks he was receiving he could already tell that the Admiral didn't like him. Hans had encountered it before, these men weren't in it for the Empire and the Emperor...now Empress. They courted glory and were all on ego trips. And, as soon as they spotlight was taken away from them they turned green.

Taking the cue from Lent Peiper jumps in "My boys are always ready for a fight and the wolves do boast more than a fair share of aces. And, now we have nothing do since we drove those Anroku bastards back and knocked out their fleet. We'll have no action there for atleast a year until they rebuild." His tone quickly changes from that of a father speaking highly of his children to a much more sombre and serious one. "What exactly happened in the Verge and the Golden Admiral? Did they make contact with the Confederacy fleet? And, did our fleet go rogue? It seems everything these past months have gone wrong and we need to spring into action as quickly as possible to stop this or we'll lose everything we built up."

[RJ45]

It was that short. Just like the moments between her and her father - nothing more than a couple minutes and they wouldn't see eachother in pleasant conversation for years. It hurt. Knowing about this made her feel like this simple parting was permanent. "... Come back, okay?" she softly squeaks to her older brother. She wants to be with him and talk with the Advisor World diplomats together. She wants to grow a powerful relationship with him. They are siblings - this is how it should be. A 'should' that went unfulfilled.

With that, he left. She was alone once more. Being alone like this would usually have her playing with something to pass the time, but instead of happiness, she could only feel agitated. She wasn't doing anything at the moment. The words her father told her repeated themselves, and she was feeling as if she were betraying him by not moving fast enough. Instead of wandering around and entertaining herself by pestering her acquaintances, she found herself thinking like a strategist.

"Alright. I'm going to ask Felix about the important news around the Empire, as well as about any factions that don't get along and why. Then, i'll talk with Naori about everything important with the Amerlin Cults... and I'll just have her spoil the ending to the next game... mmm, well, maybe I can play one game..." She bit her lip. She had to put her best forward, but she was confused. What was her father expecting of her? Just what was she supposed to be? What was Millicent really doing?

Having a seat back where she was positioned mere moments ago, she mutters as she stares at the ground. Worry. She had to stop worrying - but something was wrong. She could feel it.

[The_JJ]

Baeleric smiles and returns to the party, happy to chat, gossip, rumormonger, and enjoy whatever celebrity has trickled up from the lower classes to the guests here.

He's got bigger fish to fry, just as soon as he leaves this party...