Life or Death: Ending an Era(Ask)

[Lady Kota]

Her red armor glistened in the artificial light of the room. "I don't understand why you have to do this? Everything could fall because of it." Brutus said. His concern was justified, he himself had only just learned of the truth. Kota was the Grand Inquisitior, instead of rotting in a prison like the galaxy believes. The thing that Brutus didn't understand was why.

"It's a simple fact that I am old, tired, and just want to be free." Kota said. It was true she wasn't getting any younger, but she was just getting tired of lying. "Whatever the imperial council decides is theirs to do so. I frankly am just tired of being like this, when it's simply not who I am." She said. She already knew the answer, it would send her to the prison she built, but she was done hiding. She touched Brutus on his shoulder. "I go knowing that I will never get to see my home." She said as she put her helmet on and began to walk.

[Lady Kota]

She rode the elevator down from the Inquisitior Office, Brutus followed. His mind racing everywhere, he was still trying to figure everything out. One minute she was the Grand inquisitior, the other she was the evil villain he had been told was heartless.

Brutus was a man of practical experience and practical experience was confusing him right now. He knew that she hadn't done anything evil like the stories that he had been told, not in front of him anyway. 'So why did the council hate her? She's done nothing but make the Empire stronger. I don't get it.' He thought.

Kota was determined, she knew that there was a council meeting going on and the Empress was in attendance. It was a rare thing for that to happen, so she would take her stance here and now.

[Professor Mors]

While the offices of the grand and high inquisitors dominated the central spire of the citadel, the reception of Imperial dignitaries and hosting larger meetings was relegated to a larger, statelier audience chamber located where the base of the tower met with the main stronghold. By the time Her Eminence and High Inquisitor Caesar arrived, several delegations from the ruling polity had already settled in, and sat atop their respective parapets. Looking up to her left, the Grand Inquisitor would not fail to recognize the slate gray uniforms and yellow rank placards that denoted gubernatorial personnel.

Very few matters necessitated, much inspired the entirety of the Moff Council to attend a single meeting. Today was no exception. Nonetheless, of the twelve-man inner circle, this particular meeting had managed to draw in five big players. Attending via holovid were infamously paranoid Moff Mannis Solari of Mindor, and the ever-fiery Moff Brakin Zarbo of Brentaal. Those that had made the journey to Prakith in person were the soft-spoken Moff Joao Dymos of Borleis, his scrutinizing neighbor, Moff Sirca Rendix of Anaxes– and most importantly, the leader of the council herself, Moff Dalo Erollisi of Bastion.

Over High Inquisitor Caesar's right shoulder meanwhile, sat no less rare a gathering. Not one or two, but all five permanent members of the Imperial Admiralty glowered down at the central dias, their parade-style uniforms and adjoining metals glinting occasionally beneath the artificial lighting. At the fore sat the secretariat of the primary fleet groups: High Admiral Christorn Ivy, High Admiral Rufino Fogg, and High Admiral Tec Willis. Ivy was well-known for his stubbornness and temper, while Willis was thought to be more moderate and forgiving. Fogg was relatively inscrutable, preferring to fence-sit until they felt confident in their position.

Equally mysterious, the often docile and grinning Minister of Supply, High Admiral Clyde Quinby sat behind his fellow admirals, and beside the youngest face of the bunch, Force Marshal Dwight Stockham. Situated at the rear of the ground floor dias, directly across from the inquisitors, was the incumbent Director of the Imperial Security Bureau, Clara Sond, who, in their usual fashion, was surrounded and preoccupied with an integrated computer console. While nominally present to fact-check and record the session, the Director, when necessary, would adjudicate any dispute that occurred over the course of discussion.

Above the Director, an ornamental stairwell led up to a small, but presently vacant throne, attended by a lone Imperial Sentinel. While the Empress would in short order preside over the special session, the impending tribunal had functionally been organized by the Office of the Imperial Regency. The Grand Inquisitor had seemingly come ahead of the Regent's envoy, whose tardiness was beginning to wear thin on certain members of the assembly. "This waiting is intolerable", Moff Rendix complained aloud, "We can't even review the files until the session begins: Kraiov had best be prepared to apologize if he's tying us down for another budget adjustment–".

"The Regent's envoy landed five minutes ago", Director Sond cut in, not bothering to look up from her tandem holodisplay, "They should be here momentarily". Rendix sucked her teeth at the Director's impertinence, but fell back to seething quietly. True to her word, the envoy appeared some minutes later. "Many pardons for my lateness, Excellencies of the Council, Excellencies of the Admiralty", a familiar voice spoke out behind the Grand Inquisitor, "Governor Doren Vassyl of Pho Ph'eah, reporting as appointed envoy and representative of the Lord Regent". Though Doren had swapped his command cap for the Moff's uniform, his appearance was not much changed.

His beard had been appropriately pruned, his boots freshly polished– and while he now spoke from the civilian side of the Empire, he had not failed to adorn his dress in parade style, his own meager, but noticeable military honors pinned to his upper torso. Following his introduction, Vassyl provided the usual one-handed salute, his other hand clutching the handle to a long, narrow durasteel briefcase. As the Jaeman moved to take his seat however, Moff Rendix unleashed her displeasure once more, "All this sitting around and he sends a yokel from the provinces? Surely this is a farce!".

If Doren felt any insult from the remark he did not show it. Instead, he merely smiled, and inclined his head, "I would remind the Honorable Governor from Anaxes that Pho Ph'eah is the capital of the Kalamith Sector: by default I am therefore a Sector Governor much like yourself, and am within my full rights to represent the Regency in all political matters". Rendix moved to fire back, but Moff Erollisi cut her off with a decisive sweep of their hand, "Enough– he is correct, and we would all do better to save our energy for what is sure to be a lengthy debate". Sufficiently cowed, Rendix could only stare daggers at Doren, who in turn, inclined his head in thanks to the Council Leader.

The Moff of Bastion had correctly sized up the situation. The purpose of this special session was a tribunal: specifically, to discuss the pardoning of criminals and the allotment of compensation or honors for private citizens or else those who had been cleared of previous infractions. In truth however, there was only one name on the itinerary– a name with history storied enough to require an entire session. Doren, for his part, seated himself at a single, front-facing table, and invited both Brutus and His Mistress to join him. There would be little time for mingling however, as the warbled, metallic voice of the lone Sentinel boomed out from beside the throne:

"All rise for Her August Majesty, Empress Alyssa Karn…"

[Lady Kota]

Brutus was even more nervous. 'This is bad.' He thought. He knew even with her abilities there wasn't a chance that she walked out of here.

The bickering was unmoving, the typical way of the Empire. She took a deep breath from under her helmet as the Empress was announced to enter. Kota however moved closer to the Empress as everyone else stood. After all it was still part of her responsibility if the Empress lost control to help her when she was around The Grand Inquisitior. As the Empress took her seat, Kota stood not that far from her.

Brutus was shocked, the expression was written on his face, he just couldn't believe this was happening. "Are you OK?" One of the security guards near Brutus asked. He snapped out of it. "I'll be fine, I've never seen anything like this." He said. The security guard smiled. "It is rare." The guard replied. Brutus gave the guard a look and then the Grand Inquisitior. 'You have no idea. ' He thought.

"We are gathered to discuss our greatest prisoner, Lady Kota..." An official started to announce. The murmers became loud before the official could finish. "QUIET!" The Grand Inquisitior shouted. The murmers silenced, they had never heard her yell and over a prisoner that she had captured.

[Lady Kota]

Brutus was even more nervous. 'This is bad.' He thought. He knew even with her abilities there wasn't a chance that she walked out of here.

The bickering was unmoving, the typical way of the Empire. She took a deep breath from under her helmet as the Empress was announced to enter. Kota however moved closer to the Empress as everyone else stood. After all it was still part of her responsibility if the Empress lost control to help her when she was around The Grand Inquisitior. As the Empress took her seat, Kota stood not that far from her.

Brutus was shocked, the expression was written on his face, he just couldn't believe this was happening. "Are you OK?" One of the security guards near Brutus asked. He snapped out of it. "I'll be fine, I've never seen anything like this." He said. The security guard smiled. "It is rare." The guard replied. Brutus gave the guard a look and then the Grand Inquisitior. 'You have no idea. ' He thought.

"We are gathered to discuss our greatest prisoner, Lady Kota..." An official started to announce. The murmers became loud before the official could finish. "QUIET!" The Grand Inquisitior shouted. The murmers silenced, they had never heard her yell and over a prisoner that she had captured.

[Neive Undant]

Galactic Empress Alissa Karn strolled into view of the council.

The teenage Empress eyed the council's members individually, only sparing miliseconds per person with such a large gathering of beings and projections. However, she ensured that before she sat, she had either made eye contact or pointedly looked towards the holograms of each attendant, Governor Vassyl and The Grand Inquisitor included.

What Lady Kota had not expected, was the entourage that stood with the Empress. She could feel it before she saw him, a dark presence that seemed to devour light wherever he went, intimidating to those who were unfamiliar with the force and outright terrifying to those who weren't.

Prazutis. Agent of the Empire, and apparently, right hand to the Empress now.

Kota had seen the gathering on Bastion. She had seen the ceremony, where Moff Grant was beheaded in front of the entire galaxy, as did every person in this room. Needless to say, the Moffs were uncomfortable seeing Prazutis here, not because of his power the way they respected The Grand Inquisitor, but because they had seen him slay one of their own with Empress Karn's blessing.

Prazutis didn't speak, taking a place opposite The Grand Inquisitor beside the throne that Empress Karn seated herself on.

"Governor Vassyl. If you could please explain the purpose of this meeting," Empress Karn spoke softly, gesturing to the Section Governor.

[Professor Mors]

Doren looked slightly alarmed as his masked colleague shouted over the Imperial herald, who, in fairness, was simply doing their appointed task. Nonetheless, the cloaked individual, having been suitably cowed by the incognito Dathomiri, retreated from the main dais. Both this nameless servant and the Governor were equally relieved when the Empress spoke up herself, and handed the reins over to the captain-turned-civil servant. "Of course, thank you Your Majesty", Vassyl spoke graciously, inclining his head. Yes, at this moment, the young Jaeman had the floor- but he had little interest or plan to monopolize it.

"In simple terms, we are gathered here to reopen– or rather reexamine an old case file", Doren continued, eyeing the various assembled dignitaries, "A case of grave importance in more ways than one–". The Governor brought his gaze to a halt just beside the throne, as if he were looking straight through Kota's visor and into her eyes. Vassyl lingered for a moment, endeavoring to convey trust, belief, and hope in that one glance, before announcing, "I, however, am limited from my knowledge and experience. I would therefore invite the Grand Inquisitor to address this august gathering personally, for as long as she deems fit and necessary, with the full support of the Regent's Office".

It didn't take a mind reader to register the Dathomiri's eagerness, or else impatience to unburden themselves– to have their story told, and to tell it as they lived it. The vultures of the Moff Council and the Admiralty would circle almost immediately, whether Doren lambasted for five minutes or five days. By his reckoning, better to get everything, everything out in the open first thing, let the two parties trade barbs, and then make his defense. For now, all Vassyl could do was keep faith in his friend, his comrade, and then prepare to use all the political tricks of the trade to see that she achieved her owed emancipation…

[Lady Kota]

If her eyes could be seen through the visor, they would be piercing Praztius soul. She knew what he'd been messing around with. Kota knew that she wasn't the only one in the galaxy that could stop him, however she did know she was the only one in the galaxy that could save him. So if she were to die today, he too would die eventually. However that was not for now.

*plays to the song What it Sounds like (k-pop demon hunters)*

She sighed as the floor was yielded, she opened Kota's file for everyone to see, even the classified parts beyond that of some of the individuals in this room. "I had the Imperial system extensively redone. Each file tells a more accurate story of what we know. However there's parts of this story that that are not known. " She said as she pauses. "What can we not know about a monster that deserves what she got?" One Moff asked.

The Grand Inquisitior stared at the moff who said that, it would be so easy to end him where he sat. She wasn't here for that. She looked at Doren with a slight smile under her visor, before looking back. "I'm tired, tired of people like you with simple mindset that only focuses on the past with no hope of moving forward in building of a better tomorrow. " She said as she removed her visor. Gasping sounds were heard among the council. As some of the Moffs stood up. "ARREST HER!" One shouted. "YOU WILL SIT DOWN AND LISTEN!" She shouted, her voice boomed in the chamber. It was and experience that she hadn't done in a long time.

Kota could see the guards tense up and the Moffs baffled by what just occurred. "I have done nothing but serve the Empire, either as a hunted prey for reasons of bloodline or as the Grand inquisitior, which has done nothing but help the Empire grow in some way. However I can't keep hiding, I am old I'm tired of being a hunted prey of the past. I want to move forward, but the Empire needs to move forward and stop making me the enemy. " She said.

[Professor Mors]

"And so the congress dances", Doren thought to himself, shaking his head. Though the assembly had been shocked into letting Kota finish her denouement, the chamber quickly devolved back into verbal barbarism once she had said her piece. "How was this ever allowed?!", Moff Solari screeched with equal parts frustration and terror, while across the way, a red-faced Admiral Ivy began to rip into his naval fellows, "Who authorized the funds! Nothing ever went past my desk!". "Excellencies– excellencies, please", Governor Vassyl finally spoke up, "The answers to your questions may now be viewed in your dataslates–".

The burning embers of several sets of eyes fell on the young Jaeman, who tugged at his collar in light of his success in catching their attention. "If I may summarize further", Doren continued, "During his tenure with the Navy, the current Lord Regent was approached by the Lady Kota and her allies in the interest of a mutual assistance pact. Though it took some doing, His Excellency succeeded in obtaining gubernatorial support–". "Impossible", Moff Rendix spat out, "I surely would have remembered such a motion". Governor Vassyl held up a hand in turn, "Indeed– the executive order for the formation of division alpha was not approved at the council level, it had only one signatory–". Doren paused and glanced up to the left, "That being Moff Zarbo".

Those that had been watching from afar would have noticed the Governor of Brentaal's complexion growing paler and paler with fear as Doren spoke. Now, having been revealed, the middle-aged denizen of Core didn't dare look his peers in the face. "Explain", demanded Dalo Erollisi, her cold gaze fixated on the neighboring Brakin. Zarbo remained frozen for a moment, until he let out all the tension, fear, and shame with a single exhale, "It happened shortly after Tanaab– our defenses were nearly eradicated. A Sith strike at the core appeared more and more likely. Kraiov's proposal was mad– but this was a mad war then, and it is no more reasonable now–".

"Sedition!" crowed Moff Rendix. "Traitor!", Admiral Fogg cut in. Zarbo attempted to explain himself further, but had scarcely parted his lips when he was drowned out by an indignant Christorn Ivy, "Kraiov clearly acted independently– I would never sign off on something like this! Surely the funds and resources for this little charade must have been stolen, or spirited out of the Brentaal treasury– no one else would have the authority–". "That isn't entirely true", a softer voice glossed over Ivy's manic outburst. The other four members of the Admiralty turned with bewilderment at Clyde Quinby, whose smile remained undaunted in spite of the swell of interest.

"Moff Zarbo and then-Admiral Kraiov approached me with a budgetary outline", the Minister of Naval Supply explained calmly, "I saw sense in having a special operative with the talents the accused is known for– and at that time, their willingness to act with discretion allowed for greater military autonomy". "You little scheming toad–", Ivy snapped back, and the room fell into uproarious bedlam once more. "Excellencies–", Vassyl attempted in vain to restore decorum once more, "Excellencies please–". The bickering chorus grew louder. Doren sighed, turning his back on the crowd to open up the slender briefcase he'd carried in at the start of the meeting.

"Excellencies", Doren petitioned once more, turning back around. Nothing. The Governor of Pho Ph'eah stood silently. Then, with a horrid crash, Vassyl struck the comm panel on his table with contents of the case, causing sparks to fly from the durasteel and catching both the Moffs and the Admiral offguard. "Honoured Guests, the purpose of this meeting is not to put one another on trial–", Doren admonished cooly, raising his impromptu weapon up toward the ceiling. "You all surely recognize the regalia I hold before me", Vassyl continued cooly, as all eyes locked on to the unmistakable, platinum outline of the Ceremonial Imperial Seal.

"This was entrusted to the Regent's Office by Her August Majesty– the Lord Regent insisted that it accompany his envoy on this most urgent of tasks", Vassyl added, provoking further outrage from Sirca Rendix, "You think waving that toy around gives you power over the Council?! Over us?!". "This relic confers unlimited special powers to the Governor", Doren struck back with austere determination, "And gives me license to punish anyone that would disrupt a hearing presided by Her Majesty–". As he said this, the sentinel that announced the Empress and her entourage from before stepped forward, now joined by two others.

Even Moff Rendix was not so bold or so self-confident to blaspheme the royal artifacts, and the establishment they embodied further. A silence followed, until Joao Dymos spoke up, "Please go on Governor Vassyl". Doren gratefully nodded in assent, "Many of you believe the Lady Kota is deserving of Imperial justice– of a life in chains. I ask all present to consider, has she not done so twice-over? Having lived in secret, unable to know a day of rest– unable to live openly without a mask to entrap them? Do Her Majesty's prisons not function on the basis of reform? On the belief that good works can lead the way to an enlightened citizenry?".

Vassyl turned slightly to face towards the unburdened Kota, "The Inquisitorius of old was founded on the principle that the misguided holdovers of the Jedi, and those with similar abilities, could be re-educated to embrace the Imperial Truth. The Lady you see before you today is the very embodiment of this idea. Not only has she personally saved the lives of myself and the Lord Regent on several occasions, I have witnessed lords of the Sith quite literally flee at the mere sight of her presence–". Doren swept an agitated glare over to the men of the Admiralty, "Her Majesty's Empire has only grown more secure through Her Ladyship's efforts, and what does she ask of you? Supplication? Riches? Vengeance?".

"No", Doren growled, before repeating, more quietly, "No. Her Ladyship– Her Excellency, The Grand Inquisitor pleads only for the rights owed to every Imperial citizen. She comes before you now not as an enemy but as a willing collaborator– would you throw away such selfless loyalty out of spite? Would you shame the tenets of our founding charter for the same base instincts that move our enemies in the Reach?". Vassyl looked back to Kota, offering that same, light smile from earlier, "Not I, Excellencies– The Office of the Lord Regent motions for an immediate, permanent pardon for the accused, so that she may walk among us as an equal, in times of strife and moments of peace. Whatever debt she might have owed, now it is our time to give recompense".

The lead sentinel stepped forward once more, announcing, "The committee will now vote to condemn or acquit the accused". Doren watched with silent intensity as the gathered dignitaries cast their lot. Admiral Ivy, condemn. Admiral Fogg, condemn. To Vassyl's relief, but not necessarily his surprise, Admiral Willis, Admiral Quinby, and Marshal Stockholm all moved to acquit. The young governor then turned with greater anxiety as his fellows of the ruling polity made their opinions known. Moff Rendix, condemn. Moff Zarbo, acquit. Moff Solari, condemn. Joao Dymos took the longest to deliberate, but at last, to Doren's muted disappointment, the Governor of Borleis contested his colleague from Brentaal: condemn.

Vassyl could only guess the man's motives, but there was little time for that. Moff Erollisi, stoic, inscrutable, and ironclad in her leadership of the council following the calamitous fall of Moff Val Durron: acquit. A most welcome turn of events, and one Doren would have to find some way to repay in the future. Not venturing to smile, Vassyl stepped forward, clasping the noble seal in both hands, and knelt down at the foot of the stairs leading toward the Empress' throne. "As the committee has failed to establish a majority", Doren spoke with quiet reverence, "We humbly call on Her Imperial Majesty to break the tie and adjudicate this matter directly…"

[Neive Undant]

From the revelation of Kota revealing herself underneath her visor, to the uproar of the council and the arguments presented, to the vote itself, neither Empress Karn nor her armor-clad incorporeal agent spoke a word to each other or anyone else. Prazutis was obviously here as more of a statement to the Moffs than any actual role in this, and Empress Karn took a long, silent moment to think on the matter. Contemplating the arguments given, Alissa took a deep breath, yet staying composed, and spoke.

“I have been taught for years now that one of the greatest strengths of this Empire is turning opposition into opportunity. Our founding was based on the destruction of the Jedi, yet members of their ranks were constructed to become the first Inquisitorious. My hand, Prazutis, once served the despicable Sith, and Tormentous himself, and subsequently assisted our enemies to the SouthWest. Now, he is one of my most invaluable assets. Lady Kota once was one of our most wanted, committing egregious acts against Imperial interest. However, she has since become an asset that the Inquisitorious could not have become so effective without.”

Empress Karn leaned forward slightly, locking gazes with the woman. She could see the exhaustion in the Grand Inquisitor’s eyes, and Empress Karn nodded slightly.

“I vote to acquit Lady Kota of all wrongdoing, and agree to a full Pardon for her.”

Prazutis had no reaction to the vote, but his helmet was faced towards the Grand Inquisitor the entire process of things.

Empress Karn observed the council, looking over reactions and contemplating each in turn. She knew this decision would come with backlash, but Prazutis was a reminder for the Moffs to stay in line. Now, Lady Kota was a reminder to those that opposed her pardon that their power in the council only reached so far when compared to the will of the Empire and its leader…