1. The Dark is Generous (Video)

[emperor_of_the_darkness]

Pitch black darkness will appear on everyone's screen for several long seconds and then..... From out of the darkness, will come a face both terrible to gaze upon yet  too mesmerizing to turn away from.  The hooded robe of midnight that made the figure seem a part of the darkness. The pasty white skin of the face filled with deep, almost scar-like  wrinkles caused by more then old age. The yellow eyes that seems to bore into the viewers as if they see every thought  of their audience. . One could easily think that was perhaps Death himself.

"My fellow inhabitants of this strangle world, please do not be alarmed by my appearance...  I am Emperor Sheev Palpatine, ruler of the Galactic Empire. I wish to be of service to you, the people here as I was to my subjects."

The voice is at odds with the face. It sounds warm, benevolent, grandfatherly.

"From the universe I hail from, I was originally but a humble Senator representing the Planet Naboo in the great Senate of the Galactic Republic. In time, I was elected Chancellor of the Republic and sworn to end the internal corruption that up until that moment, was twisting the great government of hundred million star systems to serve only the interests of great corporate monopolies and planetary elites. They start a rebellion against the Republic, calling themselves the Confederacy of Independent Systems in perverse joke that soon devolved into civil war.  The very fabric of galactic society was being tore apart.  The Republic was brought to the brink of collapse. It had to be reborn.

And so I and my followers reorganized the Republic into the Galactic Empire, with myself reluctantly taking on the role of Emperor. Through the valiant efforts of the newborn Imperial Navy and Army, we ended the menace of the CIS and ushered in an untold period of peace, prosperity, equality and most of all, stability that has last for over 20 years now...  

And while it is imperative that I return to my Empire as soon as possible in order continue to safeguard the well-being of it's citizens, It is my desire as a public servant to want to also extend that same sentiment to the people of this world for as long as  I am here.   That is...."

And here his voice becomes troubled.

"If I am not cut down in the streets first. I have good reason to believe there are members of the Rebel Alliance, a terrorist successor movement to the Confederacy among the population here. They will seek to take my life, which is why I am currently in hiding. But it is not the loss of my life that I fear. I have been the target of so many over the years that I've grown numb to them. One of them even permanently damaged my face as you can see.  No, it the innocents that could be caught in crossfire between them and me. A conflict that originated in our galaxy should stay there.    

That is why I decided to introduce myself in such a public manner. I am but a frail old man in the twilight of his life who only wishes to continue until the end, his heart's desire as a ruler.... The betterment of all under him.   Will you not deny me that?"

Comments

[Video]

[aurabble]

Just to be clear, are you trying to go into retirement here or trying to take over? Because you missed the politics, so you can get a job like everyone else.

Or run for Mayor, I guess.

[scarlet_devil]

[ There is what appears to be a young girl, but something is very much inhuman about her. Despite looking like a ten year old, she has blood red eyes, bat wings and deathly pale skin. Just a very powerful undead being here. ]

[ She speaks in a French accent, of course. Though she is curious, was this the same Galactic Empire Bohdi mentioned? It doesn't matter, she will not choose sides. ] As a Deputy Guardian, and potential Guardian if I am elected, I have no interest in allowing anyone to bring their war here.

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[captain_by_the_book]

[ If he had thought running into Thrawn was bad, this... Well, David Haller's debate question about resisting an overwhelmingly powerful enemy had apparently jinxed them all. It takes Cassian a while to get past the shock, and longer still to decide what he wants to do.

In the end, he decides refuting isn't even worth it. Whatever he says will be twisted against him. But to remain silent would be to admit guilt. Thus, it is with a quote from the Rebels' Declaration of Rebellion he responds.]

To bring about your destruction and the destruction of the Galactic Empire, To make forever free all beings in the galaxy. To these ends, we pledge our property, our honor, and our lives.

[Video]

[borntolove]

[Grown numb about those who seek his life; yeah someone else can relate. Then a calm and reassuring voice with his feet in front of the camera and crisscross on a table]

Don't worry. I'm here. I'll make sure no one gets hurt in the crossfire.

[Video]

[liorafae]

[Here's a small dragon that almost seems to radiate light. Or at least she sparkles.]

Well...if you're not a ruler in this world, what sort of services do you offer...?

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[orlokbutterfly]

At least there's one 'all powerful leader' that's shown up here that has the decency to leave their stupid battles at home.

[Which makes this new guy smarter than most... but it's also refreshing to not hear a "This place is mine now" speech.]

I don't think you'll have anything to worry about regardin' the whole "being cut down" thing. Death ain't permanent here, so anyone dumb enough to attack you would just be paintin' a target on their back for law enforcement.

[Private Video]

[what_is_a_man]

[For a moment, Vlad wondered if he were looking at Death or Shaft. Either would've been welcome additions to this place, but then he heard the man speak. This was someone far more ambitious, cunning, and powerful than Shaft ever could be. Consider his curiosity piqued.]

As a fellow ruler, my humble feifdom having followed me here, I am glad to see you have avoided scrutiny from your enemies for the moment. Should you desire sanctuary, the gates of Castlevania are open to you, and an escort could be arranged should you desire it.

I would very much like to speak to you, face to face, Emperor Palpatine.

[emperor_of_the_darkness]

I merely wish to use my talents here in the best possible manner for the befit of all here, young man.

Although....

[He seems to consider Jaune's idea.]

Would it be possible for a relative newcomer such as myself to get elected to public office here?

[aurabble]

Talents that upset a group of people enough to want you dead.

[He isn't taking sides, but there are two to every story.]

Sure, other people have done it. And if you know what you're doing like you claim and do your research nothing can stop you from following your dreams.

[emperor_of_the_darkness]

[As Dark Lord of the Sith, he seen many strange and fantastic sights. But it seems there are still things to give even him pause and wonder if this is not but a dream. This strangle girl child... The aura she gives off... Not the Dark Side of the Force but something close and more then that, he can sense that she is somehow not alive...]

You have my thanks then, Lady-?

[emperor_of_the_darkness]

[Palpatine merely reads the text and then proceeds to address the rest of his audience with a wary sadness.]

And it seems the Rebel Terrorists have just sent me a message proclaiming they will stop at nothing to see myself destroyed, no matter the cost here. They truly are unreasonable fanatics.

[emperor_of_the_darkness]

That is very noble of you, my young friend. Are you also experienced in such tragic matters?

[emperor_of_the_darkness]

[What sort of creature is this? It's presence in the force is like nothing he has ever felt before.]

I am still a public servant nevertheless. I have countless of years of political experience and knowledge that will surely be of some use to the current administrators here.

[emperor_of_the_darkness]

Death isn't permanent here? How utterly fascinating...

[He can't help but chuckle at the revelation as if at some very private joke.]

Still... I'd very much like to avoid experiencing it at all, thank you.

[liorafae]

[Perhaps luckily for Palpatine, Liora's senses don't work through these devices, so she doesn't sense anything off about him.]

I see. We have Guardians here...but they're more protectors of the people than administrators. I'm not sure what political knowledge will do here...

[emperor_of_the_darkness]

[This nobleman... He has the same sort of not-living aura of darkness as the little girl, only far greater. Consider his curiosity equally piqued. Also for some reason, he can't help but be reminded of his former apprentice, Darth Tyranus, looking upon Dracula. The same sort of regal bearing.]

Thus I shall humbly accept your gracious offer without delay. Tell me, where may I locate this dominion of yours?

[emperor_of_the_darkness]

Yes, so they may plunge the galaxy back into anarchy to suite their criminal interests.

[This youth... Should he use him as test to see if his Sith mind tracks work on the inhabitants of other universes? Distance is not an issue for him at least. He had been able to mentally influenced entire starfleets of his navy from light years away. Slowly, he rises a bony finger and waves slightly at Jaune's face on the screen.]

Will you please aid me in accomplishing those dreams in a small way or two?

[emperor_of_the_darkness]

Well, I'm sure I can be of some use to them in some way....

May I ask what sort of being you are? I never seen your like before.

[liorafae]

Perhaps...perhaps they could use wisdom. People can always benefit from wisdom, I think...

[She sure could use some herself, but she doesn't think anyone really knows enough about her specific needs to really help her. Even she doesn't understand her own needs...]

As for me, I'm a dragon. A Fae dragon, to be specific. I'm aligned with the Light element, but I haven't learned how to use my Light-based magic yet...

[aurabble]

You might think that, but maybe your reign did something to them. And you might not even know.

[What is he doing...? Always eager to help. Jaune narrows his eyes and crosses his arms.]

I'm not sure how I could help you. I normally try to avoid politics.

Video

[lunarlegionnaire]

[What's that saying? "One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter." When Marc responds, it's after having read this particular comment.]

I've worked both sides of a revolution. Rebels who want 'freedom' and governments who want 'peace and order.' Both think they're the good guy.

Thing is: when rebels rise up, it's sometimes for a perfectly agreeable reason. Like an oppressive government.

I'd say you're gonna have to work pretty hard to prove your detractors wrong.

[Video]

[generalgrievous]

[Well, that's a very unwelcome speech and while there's an uncertainty in the familiar hood, for now he's just taking this as the Chancellor he knew.]

The menace was your corrupt Republic and the Jedi.

Your politics are not welcome here, Emperor.

[Video]

[cadbane]

[The bounty hunter found this entire thing highly suspicious but he couldn't be certain - yet. He'd watch and gather information and bide his time but if he finds out the extent of this manipulation, he'd be furious. The hooded figure seems so much like the Sith Lord he's had communication with in the past and yet they were claiming to be Palpatine... There's the tension of pure aggravation underlying Bane's words. He didn't like being double-crossed.]

You've come a long way since the last time we crossed paths.

[A certain failed kidnapping. On the other hand... maybe this all could also be a good opportunity for business. Bane wasn't one to turn down possibly lucrative and beneficial work and either way this man had power.]

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[innocent_royal]

[The image of a young girl appears on screen, listening to this enigmatic elder claim to be an Emperor and yet speak like a noble grandfather. Through her own experiences, this was both welcoming and unusual.]

Emperor... I have known two back home, but unlike them, you sound honourable.

I am Princess Anastasia Leonheart of the Kingdom of Regnum Nivibus.

[Video]

[koishi_komeiji]

The face on screen looks young-ish with eyes that glowed brightly of their own accord and a smile that could defrost a good bit of Hoth. It was framed by a mop of wavy alabaster-mint hair and topped with a black felt hat.

"Hello there Mister!" As chipper as can be. "If you're worried about bad things happening I could escort you from the bay area. I'm good at protecting people. Sometimes people even pay me to protect them but you just arrived so you wouldn't have to pay for something like that. And, also, because I'm offering!"

It was odd. She had a weird presence around her. It was hard to put one's finger on it.