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The press conference had been announced that early morning and reporters from across the Imperium had assembled before the Royal Palace in the Tion Cluster's capital of Argai, in the Tion Hegemony. A semicircle of modular risers and seats had been set up near the base of the main entrance of the castle. In the middle of the seating was a raised dais with a podium, positioned so that the speaker would be just, and only just, above the eye level of most of the reporters. A silk Dragon banner was draped over the front of the podium, and a larger one was draped from a backdrop behind the speakers. Both were dwarfed by the Taj Daemun's statue, with a gigantic version of the emblem in its stone hands looming over everything.
The orientation of the seating was such that the reporters would be near, but not in, the shadow of the emerald statue. It would be back-lit in a spectacular way that would show off its sheen to best effect. The High Regent, Sully Anre, fully expected the image to be on almost every Holonet screen across the Imperium, and across the galaxy that day.
The High Regent stood just inside one of the Palace's rooms, looking through a small window of one-way transparent plasteel at the jammed seats, and at the podium, which was surrounded by holocams and microphones. The window was located in a small security room off the grand lobby which was the formal entrance to the Palace.
To his left was General Grevious, who stood by two columns, and was surrounded by the Imperium's MK-I super soldiers. A stairway and a red carpet led from the large double-doors to the podium. Anre stepped into the entrance lobby, inspecting the grand stairway leading up to the depths of the castle's interior, the wildly impractical cystal chandelier that hung from the ceiling, and the paintings on the walls. He smiled. He felt confident, ready to face his public. He turned to Admiral Essex Vaako, who struck an imposing figure in his black uniform and neatly trimmed Vandyke beard. "You did an excellent job preparing the news conference, Vaako."
Vaako frowned. "You realize this may backfire. It will make our enemies ponder if the Imperium is weak."
"I expect so, until they realize too late," was all he said.
Sully smirked and they stepped out through the incongruously conventional-looking wood-paneled double-door, Daemun priests and Drhazi soldiers leading the way. Holocams turned toward the High Regent.
In the near distance, he could see the glass walls of the terminal buildings filled with curious onlookers. He waved. Amazingly, people surged forward. Children waved back. Most of them probably had not a clue who he was, <I>but they wanted to know!</I>
Daemun High Priest, Alex Cross, stepped up to the podium. "I present to you Lord High Regent of the Universal Daemun Church, Sully Anre."
Sully made a show of surveying the assembled crowd, then rose his hands in a gesture of welcome.
"People of our esteemed Imperium, I bring you greetings from our Taj Daemun, Heir Raktus, and from the Tion Cluster, the Farfalen, and the Centrality." There was a murmur among the assembled as he said "Farfalen," which became much louder as he said "Centrality." "I have come with important matters to reveal to the people of this Imperium and the galaxy, and I stand before you today to share good news in a time of confusion and fear. The galaxy has been plunged into darkness, and there is much disorder and uncertainty. But I have come to tell you that there is still strength and stability in the Black Dragon Empire-- that there is still a Dragon that stands against aggression and tyranny from the stars.
"I have said in our last conference several months ago that we have declared expansion into the Outer Rim, and what I will say now may puzzle some of you, anger you, even frighten you. I remind you that I served the Imperium loyally for many years, and in many capacities, most recently as High Regent of the Black Dragon Empire. I do not renounce this, nor do I regard those years with anything but pride.
"But our galaxy has changed, and-- as history has shown us-- we must take a course of action in order for our Imperium to survive indefinetely. For that, I must announce the Black Dragon Empire has ceased its expansion outward temporarily."
There was much whispering among the reporters.
"The Imperium's economy can no longer support the efforts of a continued expansion into the Outer Rim. With the channeling of our efforts into our Holy Jihad, many of our resources are starting to become exhausted and it is in the Imperium's interest that our economy must recover first before we decide to once again spread the divine word of the Universal Daemun Church. Because of this, I have ordered the retrieval of all naval forces back into the Tion Cluster and have ordered its borders sealed for the time being until this economic crisis has subsided."
He paused, again scanning the assembled press. "I will now take a few questions." Hands rose, reporters called to him. He picked a woman whom his intelligence report told him worked for a major Holonet network-- one likely to value the appearance of objectivity. She might ask a difficult question, but she was unlikely to go on the offensive immediately.
She stood. "Does this mean the Imperium's sphere of influence will cease?"
He replied with a straight face. "The Black Dragon Empire will cease to continue wielding its sphere of influence for the time being, but the peaceful negotiation with the Pakunni system will continue without interruption until its final annexation is complete."
The mood seemed to relax a bit as another was chosen. "So what of the Farfalen and the Centrality?"
Anre allowed himself a smile. "The Farfalen and the Centrality will now shift power under their appointed leaders, notably Lord Admiral Kyric Zen and Scivinir Rebekah Hawthorne." He paused for effect. "I will also add that Lord Zen has declared in a statement that any action taken against the Farfalen by crossing its borders will constitute as an act of war."
He called on another. "High Regent, what of the Tion Cluster and the Galactic Coalition?
"As for the Tion Cluster, I will continue as High Regent, and will have the final word on any of the Imperium's affairs, but we will no longer involve or interfere with our neighbors, the Galactic Coalition. The Imperium no longer can afford to wield its influence on her borders without the cost of expending ourselves, but we will state that we will not support any hostile action from them. Any aggressive infringement upon our borders whether Tion, Farfalen, or Centrality, will signify an act of war."
A young male reporter from a business news service was called on. "What of the trade agreements with Vinda Corp and Belgardi Ltd?"
"As for the Centrality, Vinda Corp will continue its trading routes into Oseon uninterrupted and under protection of the Imperium's navy. The Scivinir has declared that the Centrality will continue to have limited interaction with any galactic entities who wish to conduct business with the Black Dragon Empire. The Tion Cluster, however, will not accept any outside influence to enter for the time being-- except Vinda Corp, Belgardi Ltd, and others the Imperium conducts affairs with. Space around the Cluster has been planted with Class-M Gravity Wells, listening posts, and Immobilizers to prevent hyperspace travel into her borders and naval patrols have doubled to safeguard our space from galactic terrorists, smugglers, and pirates, if these security protocols have been compromised."
He scanned the faces of the reporters and called another. A Chiss rose and addressed his question. "Now that the expansion has halted, what of the future of the outpost coalition?
"As for the outpost coalition, trading routes will still remain open, but under the Imperium's naval control. The security of these trading routes to and from the outposts are vital to be maintained and monitored without interruption. Bakura's Lord Governor has declared that its trading ports will still remain open to limited business, now that our Imperium's inversion has begun. With its success, Bakura has now flourished into a prominent outpost and a staple of the Imperium-- and soon enough-- the Pakunni system will join our ranks."
He slipped another question after his response. "Speaking of outposts, what of Tholatin and the rumours of the criminal Kamon Vondiranach's escape from Kessel?"
<I>Ah, a hard one...</i>
"Tholatin will still remain under tight lockdown, until rumours of the escape of this terrorist have been confirmed. Farfalen has not issued a statement to confirm or deny that he has escaped from the prison planet of Kessel. If these rumours, however, become fact, be assured that we will seek coorperation with the Galactic Coalition and the New Order to bring this madman to justice again."
He pointed to a balding man sitting near the back. "We heard you speak of wielding total authority over the Imperium, but what is the Daemun's standpoint on this? Has there been a statement from Dameo?"
"As far as the Daemuns, its outbound citizens are being recalled to their home planet. Taj Daemun Raktus wishes to have his citizens returned and isolated for reasons unknown and private. Daemuns serving under the military, however, will remain on active duty in the Imperium as always. The Daemun people have made a statement they wish to remain in seclusion for the time being. Taj Raktus has issued that all authority has now been empowered onto me."
He tossed in another question. "Does this mean the Imperium as well will retreat into seclusion?"
"No," he said firmly, "unlike the Anthos Republic along with its President, we will not simply vanish out of the public and the galaxy's eye. We will still involve ourselves in galactic matters when these matters do concern us or our welfare."
He waved off the other hands in the air and concluded. "These actions declared will now take effect immediately. That is all."
As a last gesture, he shook his fist in the air. "Victoria Imperium Draconis!" The High Regent then retreated into the shadows of the palace, accompanied by the MK-I's and the priests...
The press conference had been announced that early morning and reporters from across the Imperium had assembled before the Royal Palace in the Tion Cluster's capital of Argai, in the Tion Hegemony. A semicircle of modular risers and seats had been set up near the base of the main entrance of the castle. In the middle of the seating was a raised dais with a podium, positioned so that the speaker would be just, and only just, above the eye level of most of the reporters. A silk Dragon banner was draped over the front of the podium, and a larger one was draped from a backdrop behind the speakers. Both were dwarfed by the Taj Daemun's statue, with a gigantic version of the emblem in its stone hands looming over everything.
The orientation of the seating was such that the reporters would be near, but not in, the shadow of the emerald statue. It would be back-lit in a spectacular way that would show off its sheen to best effect. The High Regent, Sully Anre, fully expected the image to be on almost every Holonet screen across the Imperium, and across the galaxy that day.
The High Regent stood just inside one of the Palace's rooms, looking through a small window of one-way transparent plasteel at the jammed seats, and at the podium, which was surrounded by holocams and microphones. The window was located in a small security room off the grand lobby which was the formal entrance to the Palace.
To his left was General Grevious, who stood by two columns, and was surrounded by the Imperium's MK-I super soldiers. A stairway and a red carpet led from the large double-doors to the podium. Anre stepped into the entrance lobby, inspecting the grand stairway leading up to the depths of the castle's interior, the wildly impractical cystal chandelier that hung from the ceiling, and the paintings on the walls. He smiled. He felt confident, ready to face his public. He turned to Admiral Essex Vaako, who struck an imposing figure in his black uniform and neatly trimmed Vandyke beard. "You did an excellent job preparing the news conference, Vaako."
Vaako frowned. "You realize this may backfire. It will make our enemies ponder if the Imperium is weak."
"I expect so, until they realize too late," was all he said.
Sully smirked and they stepped out through the incongruously conventional-looking wood-paneled double-door, Daemun priests and Drhazi soldiers leading the way. Holocams turned toward the High Regent.
In the near distance, he could see the glass walls of the terminal buildings filled with curious onlookers. He waved. Amazingly, people surged forward. Children waved back. Most of them probably had not a clue who he was, <I>but they wanted to know!</I>
Daemun High Priest, Alex Cross, stepped up to the podium. "I present to you Lord High Regent of the Universal Daemun Church, Sully Anre."
Sully made a show of surveying the assembled crowd, then rose his hands in a gesture of welcome.
"People of our esteemed Imperium, I bring you greetings from our Taj Daemun, Heir Raktus, and from the Tion Cluster, the Farfalen, and the Centrality." There was a murmur among the assembled as he said "Farfalen," which became much louder as he said "Centrality." "I have come with important matters to reveal to the people of this Imperium and the galaxy, and I stand before you today to share good news in a time of confusion and fear. The galaxy has been plunged into darkness, and there is much disorder and uncertainty. But I have come to tell you that there is still strength and stability in the Black Dragon Empire-- that there is still a Dragon that stands against aggression and tyranny from the stars.
"I have said in our last conference several months ago that we have declared expansion into the Outer Rim, and what I will say now may puzzle some of you, anger you, even frighten you. I remind you that I served the Imperium loyally for many years, and in many capacities, most recently as High Regent of the Black Dragon Empire. I do not renounce this, nor do I regard those years with anything but pride.
"But our galaxy has changed, and-- as history has shown us-- we must take a course of action in order for our Imperium to survive indefinetely. For that, I must announce the Black Dragon Empire has ceased its expansion outward temporarily."
There was much whispering among the reporters.
"The Imperium's economy can no longer support the efforts of a continued expansion into the Outer Rim. With the channeling of our efforts into our Holy Jihad, many of our resources are starting to become exhausted and it is in the Imperium's interest that our economy must recover first before we decide to once again spread the divine word of the Universal Daemun Church. Because of this, I have ordered the retrieval of all naval forces back into the Tion Cluster and have ordered its borders sealed for the time being until this economic crisis has subsided."
He paused, again scanning the assembled press. "I will now take a few questions." Hands rose, reporters called to him. He picked a woman whom his intelligence report told him worked for a major Holonet network-- one likely to value the appearance of objectivity. She might ask a difficult question, but she was unlikely to go on the offensive immediately.
She stood. "Does this mean the Imperium's sphere of influence will cease?"
He replied with a straight face. "The Black Dragon Empire will cease to continue wielding its sphere of influence for the time being, but the peaceful negotiation with the Pakunni system will continue without interruption until its final annexation is complete."
The mood seemed to relax a bit as another was chosen. "So what of the Farfalen and the Centrality?"
Anre allowed himself a smile. "The Farfalen and the Centrality will now shift power under their appointed leaders, notably Lord Admiral Kyric Zen and Scivinir Rebekah Hawthorne." He paused for effect. "I will also add that Lord Zen has declared in a statement that any action taken against the Farfalen by crossing its borders will constitute as an act of war."
He called on another. "High Regent, what of the Tion Cluster and the Galactic Coalition?
"As for the Tion Cluster, I will continue as High Regent, and will have the final word on any of the Imperium's affairs, but we will no longer involve or interfere with our neighbors, the Galactic Coalition. The Imperium no longer can afford to wield its influence on her borders without the cost of expending ourselves, but we will state that we will not support any hostile action from them. Any aggressive infringement upon our borders whether Tion, Farfalen, or Centrality, will signify an act of war."
A young male reporter from a business news service was called on. "What of the trade agreements with Vinda Corp and Belgardi Ltd?"
"As for the Centrality, Vinda Corp will continue its trading routes into Oseon uninterrupted and under protection of the Imperium's navy. The Scivinir has declared that the Centrality will continue to have limited interaction with any galactic entities who wish to conduct business with the Black Dragon Empire. The Tion Cluster, however, will not accept any outside influence to enter for the time being-- except Vinda Corp, Belgardi Ltd, and others the Imperium conducts affairs with. Space around the Cluster has been planted with Class-M Gravity Wells, listening posts, and Immobilizers to prevent hyperspace travel into her borders and naval patrols have doubled to safeguard our space from galactic terrorists, smugglers, and pirates, if these security protocols have been compromised."
He scanned the faces of the reporters and called another. A Chiss rose and addressed his question. "Now that the expansion has halted, what of the future of the outpost coalition?
"As for the outpost coalition, trading routes will still remain open, but under the Imperium's naval control. The security of these trading routes to and from the outposts are vital to be maintained and monitored without interruption. Bakura's Lord Governor has declared that its trading ports will still remain open to limited business, now that our Imperium's inversion has begun. With its success, Bakura has now flourished into a prominent outpost and a staple of the Imperium-- and soon enough-- the Pakunni system will join our ranks."
He slipped another question after his response. "Speaking of outposts, what of Tholatin and the rumours of the criminal Kamon Vondiranach's escape from Kessel?"
<I>Ah, a hard one...</i>
"Tholatin will still remain under tight lockdown, until rumours of the escape of this terrorist have been confirmed. Farfalen has not issued a statement to confirm or deny that he has escaped from the prison planet of Kessel. If these rumours, however, become fact, be assured that we will seek coorperation with the Galactic Coalition and the New Order to bring this madman to justice again."
He pointed to a balding man sitting near the back. "We heard you speak of wielding total authority over the Imperium, but what is the Daemun's standpoint on this? Has there been a statement from Dameo?"
"As far as the Daemuns, its outbound citizens are being recalled to their home planet. Taj Daemun Raktus wishes to have his citizens returned and isolated for reasons unknown and private. Daemuns serving under the military, however, will remain on active duty in the Imperium as always. The Daemun people have made a statement they wish to remain in seclusion for the time being. Taj Raktus has issued that all authority has now been empowered onto me."
He tossed in another question. "Does this mean the Imperium as well will retreat into seclusion?"
"No," he said firmly, "unlike the Anthos Republic along with its President, we will not simply vanish out of the public and the galaxy's eye. We will still involve ourselves in galactic matters when these matters do concern us or our welfare."
He waved off the other hands in the air and concluded. "These actions declared will now take effect immediately. That is all."
As a last gesture, he shook his fist in the air. "Victoria Imperium Draconis!" The High Regent then retreated into the shadows of the palace, accompanied by the MK-I's and the priests...
