The Brilliance of a City [OPEN]

Even after the few times that Cayle had traveled to Coruscant, he could still never quite shake the feeling of awe that the planetwide city inspired in him. He still remembered his first journey to the Imperial Center. It was his trip to Carida to attend the Academy. It was probably a stop that all cadets made so that they would be filled with the appropriate feelings of grandeur and to know that they were part of something powerful.

Now, years later, he still had a chill run up his spine when he returned to the cradle of the Imperium. The Sepulchre had just dropped out of hyperspace along the appropriate guidelines as to not be blasted out of space by the defending ships. Above and below the Sepulchre, two Imperial Star Destroyers orbited, their weapons training on the ships that appeared. Cayle knew that Coruscant Space Control was querying the ship at this moment and that the CO of the ship, Commander Daphnel was sending the correct code.


Cayle was not on the bridge. Even though he knew how to run a ship, he left that to the crew. He was a Moff and didn’t want to meddle in such affairs. He straightened his black uniform and made sure that he looked presentable.

While he was here for business, there was always a way for pleasure to sneak into the trip and that was something that Cayle invited.


“Moff Briggs, we will be touching down at the Imperial Complex in 30 minutes. We will be passing through the first shield momentarily.”


“Thank you Commander.”


Cayle turned to look out his viewport. The double shields of Coruscant were famed both for their technology and for their danger. More than one ship had slammed into the second shield as the first one went down. Also, if any storms were in the area, then lightning could arch through the openings in the lower shield and strike the upper shields, using ships as a passageway for their current. It seemed they lucked out as the sky was clear of clouds. They were also entering on the night side of the planet which gave Cayle tremendous views of the spires that reach into the upper atmosphere. A few minutes later and the Sepulchre was past the 2nd shield and banking to port.


The Imperial Theatre was playing an adaptation of Win or Die, a movie about 2 patricians of the Old Republic who are blind to the corruption of the Old Guard. Their son sees the truth in the Emperor and tries to escape with him. The father figure shoots his son in the back and the little boy dies asking the Emperor to rid the Galaxy of evil and chaos.

While clearly propaganda, Cayle’s favorite actress was playing a part in the play. Also, there was a slight chance that Cayle would be able to pursue is obsession… finding a force user to train him without letting the Jedi or the Inquisitors know about his gifts.


The Sepulchre began to hover and lowered its landing gears. Tugging at his jacket to straighten out the creases, Cayle made his way to the port side docking tube. Mixed in with his pursuit of relaxation and hobbies was a meeting with the Imperial Council.

It had been a matter of days since the Empress Tarkin had announced her intention to entrust unto Minister Sanya Tagge, one of her closest friends and allies, the guardianship of Cloud City. The pair had met in a fashion fitting of their life-long association, and come to an agreement on the arrangement over drinks. Frivolity wasn't in Sanya's nature, but even she could not resist the chance to celebrate. After all, Miranda herself had suggested it and Sanya chose to take the gift of two tickets to the Imperial Theatre's adaption of Win or Die as a token of appreciation, rather than a subtle indication of what lay ahead.

There were hours yet before curtain call, however, and Sanya was determined to make the most of what little time she had left on Coruscant before departing for Bespin...

A jet black repulsorlimo stopped at the front steps of the Imperial Theatre. A flight of stairs led from the avenue to grand entrance. An Imperial Red carpet ran down the steps to the curb and lined all along the carpet on one side was the media, both respectable and sludgenews affiliates were in attendance. Along the otherside, minor celebrities, politicians, and the almost wealthy stood in groups, trying to rub elbows with each other and get their holo in the news the next day.

As the door opened, Cayle exited the limo and straightened his coat. He was in a dress version of a moff’s uniform. Then, smiling to the media, he immediately climbed the steps to go inside. He chuckled to himself as he passed a group of wanna-be celebrities who were only known for having their lives recorded and played back on holos throughout the Core Worlds. He vaguely remembered the name of the show. The Real Maidens of Raltirr, or something like that.

Most of them didn’t know that the real rich and powerful were inside and didn’t hang out on the exterior. The doors opened and Cayle made his way inside.

The demeanor was totally different on the inside, and Cayle wiped the smile off his face, taking on a stoic manner. It was quiet inside with bodyguards in full attendance. Weapons could not be seen anywhere, but no doubt there were enough here to arm the 501st for their next mission.

Walking over to the refreshment area, Cayle was offered a glass of emerald wine from Alderaan. It was dry and crisp with a sublte fruity aftertaste. He took another sip and let the flavors fill his mouth and the bouquet of the wine fill his nostrils. Then he swallowed the wine and nodded in approval at the steward who was serving it. Then he turned, drink in hand, and began to walk along the long corridors of the theatre. The ceilings were vaulted to at least 4 stories and decorated with treasures from around the galaxy. Looking at the time, Cayle saw that there was 90 standard minutes before the performance would begin. His seats were up in the balcony. He actually was able to get seats up in one of the private balconies, from one of his sources. The source said that there were only 6 seats in the box and it was rumored that the Empress owned tickets in that area.

Yeah, what is the likelihood of sitting next to her Highness, he thought as he took another sip of his wine. He strolled along the main corridor and came upon a group of people watching contortionists stretch their bodies in directions and poses that made Cayle ache. He was mesmerized by the inverted pyramid that they seemed to be building with the point being one of the artists and the others climbing on their backs to build the next layer… and so on and so on until 36 members were now hanging onto each other. Then it was on to a group of firebreathers and sword swallowers. The pre-show performances were almost as entertaining as main attraction, thought Cayle. He finished the last of his wine and handed off the glass to one of the waitstaff who were working the area.

Arms behind his back, he continued his stroll down the corridor, partaking in one of his favorite pastimes… people watching.

The lights dimmed subtly and brightened in a pattern, a visual indication that the start of the performance was drawing near. Grabbing one last glass of Alderaanian Emerald, Cayle made his way to lift that would take him to the upper level. As he exited the lift he handed his ticket to the attendent who turned and took him to the balcony box.

The Attendant gave the ticket stub back to Cayle and gave a little bow as Cayle entered the box. Dark red thick curtains draped on each side of the opening.

The balcony box wasn't very big, with two rows of three seats. The chairs up here were large and comfortable. Adorned in gold and jewels, the box could have bought a Lancer Class Frigate for the Quence Sector. Cayle took his seat at the end of the first row and looked around. The Theatre was several centuries old and in remarkable condition. The bridge of a Star Destroyer could fit inside the Theatre. Cayle was just awed by the size and grandeur of the place.

The balcony boxes were surrounded by protective glass that could be opened. Holoprojectors mounted subtly around the box also recreated a holo version of the image at the front of the box and the protective glass could be tinted to produce a flatscreen version of the performance.

Taking a sip of his wine, Cayle leaned back enjoying himself. Behind him the curtains parted to allow the next of the box's occupants to enter.

A pair of discreetly armed guards preceded Minister Tagge's arrival, their hawk-like eyes scanning the box for any sign of a threat. When none was identified, they retreated to the shadows at the back of the viewing box where they would remain, statuesque, until the end of the performance.

Sanya spared only a moments glance for the opulence of the balcony's decoration before turning her attention to the current occupants, or rather occupant. Looking at the back of his head, she felt a lurch of anxiety as she wondered if the lone figure was Moff Yeart Quenn, but as she sat down, she was relieved to find she did not recognise the man's face.

Alone, with only an empty seat between them, Sanya contemplated who this man could be. She was here, in effect, at Miranda's instruction. The tickets had been hers and as far as Sanya could assume, anyone else occupying such a prestigious place in the theatre must have been equally well-connected.

Her entrance outside of the Imperial Theater had caused quite the stir. It had been kept secret with the proprietors of the theater that the Empress herself would be arriving to watch the movie of Win or Die personally. Most of the staff were unawares of the impending arrival of their leader. Most of the staff were equally unaware of the Crimson Guards peppered throughout the staff as ordinary ushers and security in preparation of this event.

The hoverlimo had taken the alleys to arrive, continuing the subterfuge. Upon arrival, Miranda Tarkin exited her vehicle without a word - she and her guards had went over this in exhausting detail earlier. They would be outside for only a few seconds until she was escorted by four armed Crimson Guards to her seat. The front entrance would have been too visible and difficult to control with so many civilians. Even the VIP entrance had some undesirables paying exorbitant amounts of money to be treated as if deserving. Her security wanted everything under their control, hence coming in quietly in the back and just before the show was to begin. There would be less distractions and variables with most of the guests seated for the show.

As the quintet moved up the staircase, employees were caught off guard by the sudden appearance of red armor and the force pikes methodically marching upwards.

"Your... your majesty?!" said one usher in particular that was pale with surprise.

As boots marched up to the end of the ascending staircase, the lights dimmed, the last sign that the show was about to start soon. Only a scattering of employees and planted Imperials were visible. The usher that stood outside the Empress' awaiting booth was one of her own, and he pulled back the curtain with a bow, "Your Majesty. Minister Tagge and Moff Briggs await inside."

Miranda was curious as to who else might occupy these seats and she had yet to meet Briggs personally, only corresponding over the holonet. Two Guards took position on either side of the curtain as Miranda stepped through with the other two. She smiled instantly upon seeing Sanya, wondering how her friend would react to the surprise waiting behind her more so then then the Moff's.

Striding down the aisle as the last two guards took watch next to the Minister's, Miranda picked up the front of her dress as she descended down the three stairs to whisper teasingly behind Sanya. "Is this seat taken, or may I have the pleasure of your company this evening?"

Cayle had just finished his glass of wine and put the glass aside. He pushed a button on the holoprojector in front of him, bringing up a roster of the actors tonight. He clicked on Brya Daystar and the holo showed several pictures of her along with her bio, previous roles, and a link of how to join her fanclub. As he was about to apply, the curtains opened to reveal one of the most beautiful women that Cayle had ever seen. He couldn’t quite place her except that he recognized that he had seen her before.

As she made her way down to his row, he stood and bowed toward her. It was then that he recognized her. She was Minister Tagge; Minister of TAP, the Truth and Propaganda.

“Greetings Minister. It is an honor and a surprise to meet you. I am Moff Cayle Briggs, from the Quence Sector.”

As Cayle sat back down, the holo of Brya Daystar was still hovering in front of Cayle, the fanclub application almost completely filled out. Cayle blushed a bit from embarrassment, but smiled back.

“One of my guilty pleasures.”

Any response that Minister Tagge would have given was cut off by the arrival of another guest.

And this one floored Cayle. It was the Empress herself!

"Your Highness, I am honored."

Cayle immediately jumped up and bowed lowly for the ruler of the Galactic Empire. He would definitely have to thank his connection for this ticket. So surprised was Cayle by the arrival of Empress Tarkin, he totally forgot about the application to Brya Daystar’s fan club still hovering in the air.

Warm breath tickled the nape of her neck, the fine hairs there soon standing on end. In an unplanned mirror of Moff Briggs, Sanya straightened to her feet with her back to the auditorium below.

“Your Highness, I am honored.” a small voice managed. Even in the dim ambient lighting of the balcony, the Minister's eyes sparkled with a smile. Her Empress was radiant, equal parts feminine elegance and stately grace.

“The pleasure would be all mine. Isn't that right, Moff Briggs?”

Her gaze strayed to Cayle for the briefest moment, pleased to see that he was still dipped low in a bow. As he rose to his full height, it looked as if someone had shoved a durasteel-rod down the length of his spine. Turning her smile back to the one it was intended for, Sanya took a step out into the aisle, allowing Miranda the space to take her seat between her two loyal servants.

“Please, join us. The evenings entertaining is only just beginning.”

To Moff Briggs, she nodded at his presence as a brow arched curiously at what was displayed behind him. Miranda had not read the entirety of it but there was something odd about a Moff looking at a fan club on any holosite.

However she was distracted by Sanya. Delightfully elegant and poised, Miranda was glad she took it upon herself to have fun this evening. This night was about re-kindling a friendship almost lost and she could feel that Sanya was taken back by the surprise. Just as she planned.

"Thank you Minister Tagge." She brushed past Sanya, taking a momentary pause to whisper against her ear. "I'm glad you took my offer on the tickets. Would have been a shame to not have seen you here tonight."

Smiling, Miranda stepped into the aisle and smoothed out her dress before taking her seat.

As the production began and the lights dropped, Cayle couldn't help but consider his luck. He was sitting here with two of the most powerful and beautiful women in Empire. While he was interested in his actress/crush, he was becoming more interested in his two companions. Risking being thrown out of the theatre or assaulted by the Empress' bodyguards, Cayle leaned over and whispered to Empress Tarkin.

"So, what is the likelihood of you coming to Elshandruu Pica? We have a pretty extensive resort world."

The Empress and the Minister seemed to be engrossed with the performance, so Cayle turned his attention back to the stage. Instantly he picked out his favorite actress and fantasized that he was down there on the stage, holding her, singing to her, loving her.

What had changed though was that he also pictured Empress Tarkin down there with him. While he found her quite attractive and appealing, he couldn't even think of her as Miranda. It would probably always be Empress Tarkin. Still, with great pursuits comes the chance of great benefits. Even though he wasn't trained in the force, he could feel power eminating from both of the beautiful ladies sitting with him. It was something that he couldn't pass up.

Before he knew it, the performance was coming to an end. The lights were slowly coming up. He really didn't know what he was saying until after it came out of his mouth.

"The night is young still. Are you two open for a meal at The Imperiale? I hear their Ithorian dishes are the best this side of Ithor."

The Imperiale was an exquisite restaurante catering to the high level populace of Coruscant. His friend that had given him these tickets had also set up a reservation at the restaurant as well. It sat on the 185 level in the building that was only 5 clicks for here. It was one of the few buildings that offered unobstructed views of the Mandari Mountains to the north.