Count Novascend and a Haunting of the Empire
01 Nov 2024Indy
My reputation as a mercenary and bounty hunter has apparently traveled far, even reaching certain ears in the Court of the Empire. While doing other things, not even in Empire space, I received an invitation to lend my services to Imperial factions. Furthermore, the Empire sweetened the deal with an offer of a fast track to Baron. So, I accepted, curious to see what challenges the Empire had to offer.Once there, I quickly learned that things in the Empire's systems weren't as straightforward as those I had encountered elsewhere in the Federation, Alliance, and many Independent systems. Distinguishing between pirates and corrupt officials proved harder than expected. The Imperials and the Imperial military are unmistakable with their titles, dress, and formality, but the lines blur in the systems farther from the center of the Empire. In some systems, I might face an outlaw with a price on their head; and in the next system I'm the client of a "respected" official with an equally questionable history. One thing seemed clear, it was more about who you know than what you do in this place.
Still, I managed to find a few systems in need of assistance that weren't as complicated in their dealings. For example, there was one system which was grappling with rampant piracy, while a neighboring system struggled to defend against a violent takeover of their settlements. I could have found work elsewhere, to advance my standing in the Empire more quickly, but I was glad to fight for people who weren't so entangled in Imperial intrigue.
I slowly climbed the ranks of the Empire, eventually earning the title of Count. There was something amusing about earning that title on the last day of October, so it felt like the right moment to close this chapter and conclude my work in the Empire. Besides, I didn't intend to be a permanent fixture within the Empire; just a quick visit here and there to trick a few pirates and gather treats from well-paying factions.
I'm sure I'll do more work for the Empire in the future, but I prefer to be a free spirit. I set my course back to Shinrarta Dezhra, eager to see if I might try out this new ship I had heard about. More on that, next time.