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(5.19) In the Eye of Madness
In the Eye of Madness
The Imperial Palace
The Second Reich of Humanity
Core World of Vandor III
October 16th, 1936
The Imperial Palace historically has always been a place of paranoia, however the added security seen now is simply beyond reason. Count Paqurn walked passed the roving groups of psychics and the Imperial Palace Guards. He could feel the darkness around him moving through the corridors of the Palace. Unthinkable horrors and evil had spread from these halls by the many Emperors and Empresses that called this vile place home. Visiting this place was only done due to duty, for it was a place that Count Paqurn did not enjoy being. He could not think of a time when this place was ever a place of good but this level of evil and fear was beyond normal even for these dark passageways. He held his emotional and Force defenses up as a group of psychics walked passed. He could feel them probing his thoughts and emotions. To counter their efforts, the Count allowed them to sense calm emotions and his intentions to report to the Emperor as requested. By allowing them to sense what they are looking for kept them from looking deeper at his true intentions of being here.
He caught their eyes as they walked passed him. He considered their service to be very troubling. Prior to Emperor Ganner ascending to the throne, psychics have been considered only a mild interest by the Throne. However once Emperor Ganner took over, their raise to power seemed to occur nearly over night. They have become his most trusted eyes and ears beyond the walls of the Palace. It was their power which bothered the Count the most. They acted outside the scope of the military chain of command and answered directly to the Emperor himself. It wasn't only Count Paqurn that had problems with this. Many Field Marshals had the same concerns regarding a paramilitary group that does not answer to the military. Sadly, while many Field Marshals did have these concerns, only a very few voiced them. Those who did were transferred and never heard from again. It was a strong message to the rest of the military to fall in to step or else.
Count Paqurn walked up to the final door which were opened by a pair of guards. As he got close to the opened doors, he actually had to pause before entering. He could feel the source of the darkness, hate and anger through the Force. It was like nothing else he had ever sensed before. What ever it was, it was reaching out to him and knew that he was coming. Taking in a deep breath and calming his mind, the Count continued as he walked through the door. Looking around he couldn't see the source of the emotions he was sense, but he knew that it was here. He didn't give in to temptation as he kept his mind silent and at a sense of calm. Another odd note was the lacking of the Emperor's personal body guards within the Emperor's private office. This was out of the ordinary as the Emperor made sure that they would never leave his side, even when he slept. The Count nodded as he looked to the Emperor's chair turned away from him. “You have summoned me, my Lord” Count Paqurn said softly and calmly as he bowed respectfully.
“Yes, I have Count” the Emperor said from his chair motioning with his hand as he turned to face the Count. It was clear that the young Emperor was expecting some kind of reaction as he showed off his new suite. He was wearing the flesh of a NeDor as one would wear a normal outfit. The flesh suite moved as the Emperor moved within it. “Do you like my new suite?”
It was moments like this that the Count was very glad that he denied all of his emotions. The Count only looked at the Emperor within the flesh suite, “Um, I do not believe that the color suites your eyes, My Lord.”
The Emperor sighed as he pulled off the head of the flesh suite, “You are never any fun, Count” the young Emperor said as he stood up coming out of the suite. It made a hollow slushy sound as it slide down to the wooden floor of the office. “You should have seen Field Marshal Horis. I thought he was going to have a heart attack right where he was standing.”
“Field Marshal Horis' heart condition is well known My Lord” Count Paqurn said calmly. He could feel the hate and anger within the room moving about the area. He made a point to not follow the being with his eyes. He was unsure if the being detected his own connection to the Force or not. However he was not going to give it a reason to look deeper. It was difficult task to resist the urge to learn more about the being. The Count knew his mission here was much more important than on a foolish mistake, “May I inquire why the suite My Lord.”
The young Emperor laughed as he walked over to the bar within a large bookshelf, “a few weeks ago, the Dorin Alliance sent me a powerful message.”
Paqurn followed, “what kind of message My Lord?” He said with a blank look on his face and all to aware of the being within the room following them.
The Emperor picked up a bottle and pured the clear liquid in to a glass slowly, “They sent an assassin to my Palace. He was waiting for me in the Garden.”
Paqurn was shocked by this news. Never before has any alien set foot within the Palace of the Reich let alone on Vandor III. The operation must have been well planned out and executed with great skill and Mastery. The Count was deeply impressed that they were able to penetrate the Reich Defense Grid to reach orbit. “Surely, this assassin paid for his actions with his life, My Lord?” As the conversation continued, Paqurn searched the bookshelf without betraying his actions. He needed to find Visst's book and one of the logical places for it would be in the bookshelf. However, he didn't see it out in plain sight. This clue told him that if the Emperor did have the book, then the likely hood of the Emperor understanding its real value had increased.
“Thats the thing. He didn't attack me. He made his presence known and then just flew off.” The Emperor said while taking another drink. “I did get a very good look at him though” the Emperor said coldly. “I will never forget his face or how he looked. He was sent by the Dorins to deliver a message to me. A message which I heard loud and clear. Their technology was much higher than ours. They could reach deep within my realm and even in to my own home. Had this assassin not delivered this message, I would have never considered the offer they sent me.” It was clear that the encounter had shaken the Emperor. Count Paqurn knew emotions and knew how to read them. Even though the Emperor was a master of hiding his intentions and emotions, the Count could still read them.
Count Paqurn nodded as he listened, “Offer My Lord?” He carefully moved back and leaned on the back side of the sofa so he could get a better look across the bookshelves. The book had to be somewhere in the bookshelf. It was important to rule out the bookshelves before moving on to other areas to search. He calmly waited as the Emperor continued to speak.
The Emperor shook his head, “this message which came almost a week later and delivered by our Jedi friends was once more a surprise. The offer was in terms of an alliance.” He looked back to his glass and smiled as he reached for a small box. “These have just come in from Froz. I am told that our forces have completely secured it and all resistance has been ended.” he explained as he pulled a small cylinder shaped brown item from it. “Here try one. They are quite remarkable” he said as he offered one for the Count.
Looking down at the box with a sense of sorrow. He could feel the suffering of those who where forced to created them. The echoes of their suffering could be felt as easily as he could smell the items within. It was all the same, where ever the Reich moved in the suffering only increased. He reached in and took one. He didn't want one, but knew he had to portray a good face if he was to remain in good graces. He considered the implications of a Dorin-Reich Alliance. He knew that this would not go well for the rest of the Galaxy. “So you rejected the offer, correct?” He asked as he examined the item.
“Not at all” the Emperor said closing the box and putting it back in its place. He poured another glass full and then returned to his desk. He carefully placed the glass down on the desk, “In fact, I accepted the alliance.” He turned and bent over picking up his Ne Dor flesh suite, “You know the saying, keep your friends close and your enemies even closer” he explained as he walked over to a coat rack. He carefully hung up his flesh suite on a specially designed rack that supported the whole suite while still showing it off. “I even suggested an exchange program. So that we can learn more about their military.” He turned to return to his desk and slowly took his seat, “If they are so advanced as to slip past our most advanced detection stations. Then I want to learn all I can from them. Its that simple. Once we have mastered their technology, I will have no further use for them.
Nodding at the concepts. The Sabbat had given a great sigh of relief because the Dorin Alliance and Second Reich of Humanity had not attempted contact each other. This lack of unity allowed some governments to fight back against either massive empire. If they were join forces it would spell disastrous for other governments caught between the two empires. “It is a very wise move My Lord” the Count said and finally walked over to the Emperor's desk. The book was not in the bookshelf. As he approached the desk, he noticed as the Emperor was moving his files around a file under the others that was labeled 'Top Secret' with the title 'Operation Phoenix'. He couldn't get the details of it but noticed a ship list assigned to the mission. He knew that two of the ships were fast attack corvettes designed for long independent operations. “Despite the assassin My Lord, an alliance between Dorin and Vandor could serve to cause much problems with Free World's Council. And if we can get a hold of their technology which allowed them to drop that assassin in your very backyard. No world would be out of our reach. Once more, you have lead us in to another remarkable move that we can only benefit from.”
The Emperor smiled at the compliment and nodded, “I have to admit, it is hard to lead our people in to greatness.” The ego of the Emperor was seconded only by his drive for power and control over the Galaxy. “Anyway, as for the reason why I summoned you” he explained as he started to put his files away in a drew.
It was in that moment the Count spotted what could only be the book Master Visst was seeking. Paqurn found it odd that the book would be kept in such a place. The drew was a well secured location within the Emperor's desk used only for the most vital of items. It could only mean that the Emperor understood the importance of the book. Visst had to be notified of this development. “My Lord?” Paqurn said waiting for the true reason why he was here. Holding up his defenses against the presence that he was sensing was starting to take its toll on him. The hate and anger was nearly overwhelming as the conversation continued. Still, remaining hidden from it within the Force was as important as discovering the location of the book. Paqurn could feel the creature moving around the room. He was sure that he was being probed by the creature. He made sure to keep his thoughts clear and his defenses up.
“I have an extremely important task for you my trusted friend” the Emperor said coldly.
Count Paqurn nodded, “Yes My Lord.”
The Emperor smiled, “With the upcoming Alliance, and the kick off of our officer exchange program. I have been invited to Dorin.” The Emperor continued as Paqurn knew it was a lie but gave no sign of catching on. “I need a bodyguard that I can trust.” Once more, it was a lie and once more Paqurn caught it. “I will be bringing my own palace guards but I need someone who can follow me through social events, special meetings and media events. I want you to be this guard, my friend.”
Paqurn nodded at the request. He was well known for his personal combat style and battlefield experience. It was not a far reaching request, but still there were the two lies that bothered him deeply. It was a mystery that would have to wait. “You have honored my Household, My Lord. Of course I would gladly accompany you do Dorin. After all, these Ne Dor have a deceitful nature. One can never be too careful around them.” Paqurn could feel that the Emperor had been touched by what ever was in the room. To this there was no doubt in his mind. He knew the Emperor too well. The Emperor would have never considered any pact with an alien race. There has to be more to this and he meant to uncover it. “I only wish my servant was still alive. I know she would have loved to visit Dorin. Her drive for travel and adventure was unmatched” the Count added as to further distract his mind adding once more another layer of defense against the creature within the room.
The Emperor nodded, “Ah yes, I heard about that. It is such a shame when a human falls at the hands of any alien. I heard that our Physics have uncovered much information about it. The man responsible for the Rape and Murder had been caught and questioned.”
The fact that the Emperor used the terms Rape and Murder told the Count that the Emperor didn't know the truth regarding the murder. Which was fine with him. It was batter that the Emperor didn't know anything beyond what everyone else knew. “What will happen to the killer?”
“Oh, he will be question then executed for his crime” the Emperor said softly then smiled. “I do have something for you. Lets just say a thank you gift for all your service to the Throne.”
“My Lord?” the Count questioned.
Reaching over to a button, “I know how you loved your young female servant” he said with an almost sick tone. The Count was well aware of the rumors and did nothing to silence them. “I have found you a more than suitable replacement.” He explained as the door opened up and a young human girl was led in on a chain by a guard who left once she was in the center of the room. While human slavery was outlawed across the Reich. Humans from beyond the colonies were not considered pure Humans and therefor did not deserve complete protection under this law. “She was picked up in Fra. I thought it fitting.” The Reich had never been known for its fair treatment of any race beyond the colonies.
The Count could feel the child's fears. She was not suitable for being brought in to the Sabbat. This fact was clear by her age and emotions. She lacked any real connection to the Force. However he knew if he rejected her, her fate would be far worse. “I am speechless My Lord” he said walking over to her. He carefully walked around her as she started to whimper, “She is a very suitable replacement.” He said as he took the leash that was attached to her collar. “Thank you My Lord” he said softly. “If you will forgive me. I have a long trip to prepare for. Please have your aides inform my Household when and where you wish to depart from” he said bowing as he started to back out of the room. “I...We shall be there.” he concluded. He had to leave the room. He could feel his defenses starting to fail. The truth of the matter was he simply ran out of time.
The Emperor smiled and nodded, “I shall pass the word on to your aides, My Friend” he said as he stood up. “Oh and try not to get this one killed” he added motioned at the new slave girl. The Emperor remained standing as the Count calmly left the office with his new pet. The door had been closed for a few minutes before the Emperor took his seat with a heavy sigh. He was hoping that the report coming would not be what he feared.
Deep within the shadows, the voice echoed softly, “Its not him. He is not your spy.”
The Emperor nodded, “I told you that the Count was one of my most trusted. I trust my life in his hands. He would never betray the Throne. Its not in his family's blood. Regardless, that is all of my staff and aides. Still you have not uncovered the spy which you claimed was within my palace.”
“Make no mistake boy, there is a spy and this spy will cost you the coming war.” the voice said coldly, “Trust me on this, boy. There is a spy. I just have not found him, yet. Was not wrong about the raid.”
The Emperor shook his head, “No you were not wrong about the raid. It would have been a very damning raid had I not moved my forces there. How the Free Worlds Council uncovered that there was a shipyard there, I fear to know.”
“The spy told them where and when to strike” the voice said once more. “For this, I am most sure of.”
“IF you are right, we have to find this spy.” The Emperor said as he opened up his desk and pulled out the book. “I have one more request for you. The Guardians, I need to know if they still exist” he said while he looked through the pages of the book.
“I will have to search through the Force for your answer. Get me to Dorin and I shall do all that you request. And more!” the voice temped, “The Galaxy shall bow down before the Reich and the thousand year prophecy will not come to be. I promise this, as long as you get me to Dorin all your desires shall come true.”
“Oh I will keep my word. I have to know about the Guardians.” He said as he flipped through more pages.
“I will let you know once I have the answer you seek” the voice said then remained silent.
The Emperor didn't care if the creature was there or not. He flipped through the pages of the book and smiled. He pulled out the file named Operation Phoenix and opened it. He read the file in one hand and looked over the book in the other. “Soon, nothing in the galaxy will be able to stop me. I will be the most powerful Ruler alive. Soon, the Free Worlds Council will beg for mercy before my forces.” he said with a cold sense of hate in his voice.
Master,
I have discovered your book. The Emperor does in fact have it locked away in his desk. However there is sometime much more darker going on, on Vandor. I sense a dark presence around the Emperor. I can feel the hate and anger from this creature when it is near. I am sure that it is Sith and very powerful. The Emperor has, under this Sith's influence, agreed to an alliance with the Dorin Empire. A move that for all that I know of the Emperor he would have never done. The Dorin's have sent some kind of assassin/massager to the Emperor's personal garden. The Emperor has seen this act as a sign that the Reich has some how fallen behind the Dorins in technology. He is using this event and revelation to support his decision for the alliance. The Emperor is traveling to Dorin to seal this alliance. I will attempt to gain you more information in the coming days.
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