Imperial Throne Room - Seraph

Caperion System

Unknown Regions

The hologram stuttered before reforming into a hooded visage. The projection was large, roughly equal in dimension to the central ball cockpit of a TIE Fighter. The disembodied head floated in the center of the cavernous room. It cast a dim white-blue light over the polished black marble floors and illuminated the throne room.

Thran leaned back into the soft black pillows resting on the throne. The high-backed throne was clad in pure aurodium and intricately carved. Its sweeping curves and angular sub elements were a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. It cast a long shadow behind him. The throne room was normally full of petitioners, but on this evening only the Emperor’s closest advisors occupied the grand space. To his right, Rayne sat on the arm of the Throne. To his left, the Chiss Locita, the former Major Domo of the Hutt Clan stood at parade rest.

“I trust that things are going as anticipated…” The Emperor said.

“What you have procured is enough to begin construction, but we will need far more to see this…device…come to life.” Xen’mordin said.

“That is not the news I was expecting. I am disappointed. By your estimates, Xen, how much more Nyix alloy will we need to be operational?” the Emperor replied.

“Be realistic, Occasus. You are asking for the impossible.” The holographic figure replied.

“How much Nyix?” Thran replied coldly.

“We have…” the holographic figure lowered his head and tapped on a data pad. “One Fiftieth… the amount we would need to be operational, One Eightieth of what is needed to be considered complete.”

Thran stood from the throne and began to slowly pace the dias. The estimate was far greater than he was anticipating. He’d spent the better part of three years building the manufacturing capacity of the Caperion system. Trade too, had improved dramatically under his watch. The system had grown from a backwater province into the bastion of economic development within the local sectors. Garo, Crannix and Varia all looked to Caperion as a model for growth. They welcomed Imperial Credits and thus welcomed the Empire. All that work led him to believe they’d be able to move quickly.

Thran chewed at the inside of his lip, holding back a torrent of rage that was bubbling deep within him. Years of experience had taught him to harness that rage. Unlike in his youth, he was no longer dominated by it. He swallowed the anger like a bitter pill. He’d use it later. Air filled his lungs and he paused. The Emperor turned to his Proconsul.

“What are the projections of alloy remaining within the Bronze Helix?” He asked.

“The last report estimated 83% depletion. There’s no telling the quality of what remains. And there is the matter of the artifact…” Rayne replied, looking over the briefing in her hand.

“And the doonium? Is that an issue?” The Emperor turned back to the hologram.

“No. No issue. Doonium is easy enough to find. With the damages to the Warspite, if we overstate our requisition from Arx Capital for panels and girders by twenty percent, we’ll have the last of what we need. We can begin with laying down structure.” Xen replied.

“Good, good. I will see what I can do about the Nyix. When the matter is resolved, I’ll call for you. In the meantime, I’ll have a director by the end of the week and then you’ll be released. And as promised...I will give you Stana’s location personally. Farewell, Brother.” Thran said, clicking off the hologram.

The massive projection of light fizzled and faded away. The room fell dark. Somehow, the expansive chamber felt even larger with so little light. Thran returned to his seated position and reclined into the throne once again. He steepled his fingers and thought silently to himself for a moment. He looked to The Emperor’s Hand.

“Rayne, see to it that the efficiency reports for the shipyards reflect consistent losses of seventeen to twenty five percent over the last eight months and find the failed inspections to match. Make a public statement that the Shipyard’s director is being replaced for failing to address the failed inspections. Be sure he’s not related to anyone political and reassign him. If we are to substantiate an order, we must create the illusion that we are fighting against incompetence and this over ordering shan’t be a regular event.” Thran said.

“It will be done. The reassignment? Balaerion?” Rayne gave a sinister smile.

“Absolutely devious. It will corroborate our displeasure with his performance. See to it.” Thran said.

“With pleasure.” Rayne replied with a curt half bow.

“Mi’lord…Forgive me, but I did not think it prudent to interrupt you. This may be an urgent matter. I believe I may have a supply of Nyix that should satisfy the project requirements.” Locita said, emerging from the shadows at the side of the throne.

“Go on.” Thran leaned forward.

“My people have crafted our vessels from Nyix for thousands of years. As you know, it is exceedingly rare to find pures veins of blue spinpria, the natural form of Nyix. The Shusno system was chosen as our colony due to the abundance of blue spinpria. Our ancestors believed that the day would come where our people would once again rule the stars and having the materials to build new ships was part of the selection process for choosing Shusno as our home.” Locita began.

“This is shocking news, Locita. An idea has suddenly fallen upon me… Don’t worry, it’s not violence. My only quarrel with you is that you did not inform me of this sooner….” Thran turned to face the Chiss man.

“My deepest apologies, mi’lord. If I may be so bold as to offer a suggestion.” He began.

“You may.” Thran replied.

“Perhaps, with the Map…we will have the leverage to broker a trade? If we inform the Hegemonia that we have the map, perhaps they will agree to meet and open a dialogue. They already know they cannot stand against the might of the Empire, perhaps they can be coerced to aid us.” The Chiss suggested.

“My thoughts exactly. That’s why I like you…great minds and all that.” The Emperor said as a smirk crept over his lips.

“Of course, they will not take it as anything but a ruse if it comes from a singular source.” Locita added.

“What are you suggesting, Locita?” Thran said.

“My kinsman, a Ranking Distant…was recently dispatched to gather information about Imperial Trade routes and policing habits. He’s going by the name Jeht. He is a G’ecnsi Ch’an’eci, a Shadow Soul, like myself. My sources tell me that he is disguising himself as a smuggler. I’m also told he has developed a terrible penchant for gambling… If he was to get this information, he would relay it immediately.” Locita said.

“Very well, I shall see to it myself.” Thran said.

Read the complete fiction here

Hello Clan Scholae Palatinae! It is my pleasure to bring to you Chapter 2 of our narrative event.

This set of competitions will run for 3 weeks. It will start tonight at site roll over 4/6 and run until 4/28.

There is a whole stack of competitions for you to participate. I tried to make it diverse and as mobile friendly as I could.

Like last time, when this event wraps up I will be sending out a Google Form. Everyone will get a change to decide where the next chapter goes! If you participate in the competitions, your votes are work slightly more. So make sure you're doing as many of the competitions as possible to get the biggest impact in your vote. Also the top 2 participants will get cameo appearances in the next chapter!

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tl;dr

• Thran meets with Xen, Rayne, and Locita discussing pushing forward with a secret project.
• The Chiss realize they have shaken a hornet's nest by attacking the Empire
• Thran Meets with NeMo, they discuss what was found in the depths of the Bronze Helix Observatory.
• Thran awards Commander Fitzroy Tosten for his bravery.
• Hidden dissent among the Chiss is discovered.
• Vincent Brujah executes a dangerous Intel gathering mission for the Empire.
• Thran sees what lies just beyond the horizon