A Promotion Long Overdue

[Zach]

The Grand Imperator's Palace​

The grand hall of the Imperator's palace on Csilla billowed decoratively in celebration of the day. Caris, a loyal and prominent warrior who'd served under Dorann as a Grand Imperator, had been called to the citadel for his official promotion in the Ascendancy's Expansionary Defense Force. He'd served as Legionnaire Prime in the army, commanding Dorann's forces in battle countless times in their expansion along the western border of the Deep Core. The Ascendancy reached out with its domain because of his efforts and ingenuity, emerging successful at every turn. Their forces dominated over Lehon, quickly advancing to Lwhekk in a subtle trap.

Caris had performed exceptionally at the distant system, leading the enemy into a decisive trap, while the Ascendancy made contact. Almost immediately after, he and Dorann had assaulted one of the remaining locations of the Imperial Knights, aiding in their ally's hunt over the traitorous terrorist organization. The rebels were captured and detained without fault, but the untimely mistake in hacking their data files resulted in the triggering of a nuclear explosion, wiping the base from the face of Seoul V. Only half the civilians in New Bastion had been evacuated in time, but even the Ascendancy's own forces had taken losses. That was Chiss blood on their hands, now.

Caris continued to impress by accompanying Grand General Lucifel in hunting down another of the Imperial Knight's notable fallbacks. The Mephistopholoes had resisted against their forces and attempted to flee in escape pods, but the ship was taken down with ease. It had attempted a ram, and the Sith and Chiss ships had torn it to pieces before it could cause any serious damage. The rest of the wreckage was destroyed, and the prisoners taken into custody. Again, Caris emerged triumphant, and victorious.

Dorann sat at the center seat of the elevated podium, stretching across the 'throne room' for the entire Council of Eminence. Even the accommodated seats of the Sith Lord associates sat on the ends. "Matra'caris'nuruodo , you may approach the Council," Dorann called out with a projected voice. The Grand Imperator had chosen a number of awards for the dedicated warrior, and intended to present them to Caris himself. It would be a sign of honor and respect, at the very least.

 

[Alexander Dregar]

Dressed in a white dress uniform, Caris entered the hall. His body was straight, formal and proper. Slowly moving towards the council, he had a soft smile on his face. This promotion was indeed overdue. In truth, he was already one of the most prestigious military personnel in the entire Matra Clan. Standing before his leaders, he salutes and falls to one knee in respect.

“I am here, glorious members of the Council. Your servant has answered your summons.” Standing once again, Caris keeps his gaze on the Grand Imperator and the Council, awaiting their words.

 

[Zach]

Caris stepped forward sharply, approaching the elevated council bench with a crisp salute as he took a knee. The Legionnaire Prime looked straight ahead to his leader who before had been his general. Dorann as a Grand Marshall led an expansionary fleet along the side of the galaxy, with Caris as a spearhead for his forces. He'd performed exceptionally well on Lehon. The assault battery on the planet was overwhelmed with ease, despite the size of his strike team. At Lwhekk, the soldier proved that not only did he possess the necessary combat skills, but the brains of a tactician and general in the field.

"Matra'Caris'Nuruodo," the Imperator began, his voice resonating through the great hall. "You have been summoned here today in recognition of your service and efforts to the Chiss Ascendancy. In our government's most recent time of need, you stepped forward with our generals and established our territory, drew our people together in a sense of security. For your performance at Rakata Prime, expanding our reach of territory, I award you the Blue Heart," Dorann announced from the center seat at the podium.

"For your continued service and display of your ingenuity at Lwhekk, I present you with the Ascendancy's most prestigious award, Thrawn's Spirit," he continued, hands placed over the reports and documents before him. "For your invaluable efforts in the Ascendancy's expansion project, you are hereby promoted to the rank of Centurion in the Expansionary Defense Force's Marine Corps," the Chiss proclaimed, smiling proudly at the officer.

Before rising, Dorann kept his eyes on Caris, continuing to praise the man's successful military operations. "For your continued activity in establishing Yushuvhu under the Ascendancy, I award you with the Chiss Hailstone, and a promotion of rank to that of a Centurion Prime in the Marine Corps," Dorann realized that multiple promotions and awards at the same time were hardly common, but this was a ceremony long past its intended date. Caris had performed phenomenally and would be rewarded as such, despite Dorann's delay of recognition.

Again, Dorann spoke of the marine's performance, hailing his performance at the battle of Seoul V. It was there that the Ascendancy discovered the renegade Imperial Knights, apprehending and detaining them as a terrorist organization of their Sith allies. While they were criminals and fugitives of the Imperium, Caris and Arcturus had successfully captured the insurgents at HOMEFRONT and secured them into Chiss custody. It was thanks to them that the attack followed through flawlessly. "For your valiance and determination against the Imperial Knights at Seoul V, I award you with the Csillan's Might. In light of your continued efforts in the Ascendancy, you are hereby promoted to the rank of Magister in the Marine Corps," Dorann stated, coming to the last part of his announcement.

"Lastly, for your involvement with Chiss technicians and engineers and advancing our technology exponentially, I award you with the Imperator's Medal, in appreciation of your dedication and productiveness. Because of your prototype designs and modification, our soldiers' armaments and morale have been higher than ever," Dorann stated officially. As the Grand Imperator looked over the accumulated reports and documentation of Caris's military career, he grew a strong sense of appreciation for the man. He had indeed heavily strengthened the Ascendancy and their place in the galaxy. Even now, negotiations continued at Rattatak, Bunduki, and Firrerre. If everything continued as intended, the marine's track record would only be more impressive.

The Grand Imperator stepped down from the council and approached the kneeling man, holding the medals in his palm. "It is my honor, and that of the Chiss Ascendancy's, to award with with these commendations, and the official rank of High Magister in the Expansionary Defense Force Marine Corps. Carry these medals of prestige with honor. You've made your nation proud, High Magister," Dorann finished, now standing just before him with each of the medals in palm. He extended his arm only slightly, implying that Caris could either take them or rise and have them pinned to his chest. Whatever he decided, Dorann would oblige, as it was his day of honor and recognition.

 

[Dmitri]

From her seat, Arch'elie'lia watched as Imperator Dorann washed Caris is medals and promotions. When she had reviewed Caris' files, she had been baffled by how much this Chiss had done and how his efforts had been unrecognized. What was uncle doing? she thought. Maybe it is a good thing a new ruler is in power.

With Caris' promotion to High Magister, Heliel made a mental note to try to get to know this man better. Better communication and relations between departments helped the functioning of the Chiss Ascendency run better. Besides, him being attracted didn't not help matters.

Heliel decided to wait before saying anything. Silence was a virtue at times, and she would be a saint, for now.

 

[Alexander Dregar]

Standing, and allowing the medals to be pinned to his chest, Caris finally felt a surge of pride fill him. He was a soldier from a small, insignificant family. Yet, he had grown powerful, succeeding in suicidal mission, after suicidal mission. “It is my honor to serve the Chiss people. To protect them from harm, and destroy our enemies. My loyalty is unswerving, and unfailing.” Looking over at Heliel, he smiles and bows to her in respect. One more promotion and he would be the undisputed leader of the Marines. As it was, he was the highest ranking survivor among the Marines, and a hero to them.

“As my first official act as High Magister, is to promote those who have faithfully served under me, and fought along side of me at every battle, to Legionnaire Primes. Each of you original ten have earned it. Take one of the others as your second in command, and train a new flood of Marines to take our place should we fall! Our future is in your hands.”

Caris turns and gives a crisp salute to the Council, and then to everyone in attendance. “Thank you for coming here, I will not let you down! I will lead my troops to victory, still fighting among the front lines, to protect our families and friends!” Upon his chest was nearly every medal that could be earned. “Thank you Grand Imperator.”