From Chaos Comes Order

Emperor Raphael Speaks

Dirk Crimson
Jafo Entertainment & News, Inc.
 

SANCTUM - Sanctum, a pearl in the crown of The Black Order - a galaxy spanning corporation devoted to keeping order and peace. Called an Empire of Oppression by its critics and rivals, the Order has defended itself by repeatedly insisting that its laws are fair and balanced to all its citizens. Several prominent lawmakers, when questioned, reluctantly agreed that the Order's laws are well written, if a bit too general in some cases. In order to get a better grasp of the ideals of the Order, I met with Emperor Raphael Xantes who took over leadership of the Order after its founder, his father Legion Xantes, passed away from a terrible disease.

I was met on Sanctum by several members of the Emperor's personal staff who proceeded to act as though they were trying to sell the planet itself to me. They went on for great lengths about growing crops and the number of resources they had, all a careful subterfuge for what I believe they thought where careful hidden guards watching me with steely eyes. When I brought this up there was a great deal of huffing and stomping of boots. I doubt I will ever truly understand military men.

Fortunately, the dinner I was invited to more than made up for the tactlessness of the Emperor's subordinates. Crafted from expert chefs taken from all parts of the planet, the fare on Sanctum leans a bit to the heavily greased, much like drinking a vat of canola oil, while at the same time being surprisingly light. I would be hard pressed to say that it was anything other than delicious; even if I had to wring grease out of my socks for the next week. With dinner came glasses of the famed Sanctum Summer Rum, which I heartily recommend to any of you fine drinkers out there. It truly is, just as the adverts say, like a fist wrapped in sugar and mint punching you repeatedly in the face. Utterly fantastic.

After dinner my request was finally granted, and Raphael agreed to meet me in his study. As I entered, he draped himself over a hideously expensive and rare Cliphaan Highback and poured more of the cogitative juice which I spoke of before. I helped myself to a glass from the decanter on the small table between the chairs and greeted the Emperor.

The air of command emanating from the man was palpable. Here was someone who was used to saying something, even a suggestion, while understanding and expecting it to be taken as the order it was. Combined with the maturity in his eyes it was obvious that this young man, barely into his 17th year, had already seen and done more than many others could ever claim. That he charmingly greeted me as an equal and seemed genuinely interested in my time on Sanctum increased my respect for him further. So of course I began with the question that many wags have been muttering under their breath and printing in their second-rate ragsheets.

"Why the name The Black Order?"

The response I received was unexpected. "Quite a good question actually," the Emperor replied with a lazy wave of his glass. "I personally do not know the origin of The Black Order's name. I like to imagine it as ‘black' representing space. We are simply the ‘Order' amongst the black tide. I tell you this, though, we are extremely lawful and as sinister as we sound, we have no dealings with pirates, mercenaries or other shamefuls."

Which of course explains nothing. But it does seem the name of the corporation is not some ominous warning, except the those who would cross them and what they represent and especially as their strength lies in their unity and brotherhood.

"Members become family and with that we share much joy," the Emperor explained.

But what of the Order itself? Its many divisions and groups all boil down to the same two departments.

"It is well known that the two factions of The Black Order are Order, our civilian/political division, and Chaos, our military division," says Ennon Galita-Shamoi, the Harbinger of Order, who joined us shortly after my meeting with Emperor Raphael began. They are close friends, despite the gap in years, and have a very good working relationship as well as a personal one.

"What does the Harbinger of Order do?" I had to ask.

"As Harbinger of Order," Galita-Shamoi replied, "I'm the Emperor's left hand in everything that deals with the Order division. I serve the Emperor to make the daily life of The Black Order citizens better."

Sadly, Galita-Shamoi could not stay for long as an emergency arose on the planet Carackue involving some Banished.

But what of the Emperor himself?

"I enjoy relaxing in my private garden," Emperor Raphael replied when asked, "though I rarely have the chance to. I lead a very busy life dealing with TBO matters from the left and right. Pirates here, trolls there. When I do have my spare time I enjoy playing the odd game of zero-grav rugby with my closest of friends. Now and then I also enjoy taking my unmarked cruiser out for a spin."

Not exactly what you would expect from the leader of a sector-spanning corporation. But nothing about the Emperor is quite what you would expect at all. After speaking with members of his staff, it seems that despite his love of fine food and drink, the Emperor often takes the time to sit with and eat with his servants, his men-at-arms, and many of the civilians on various planets. His generosity is such that when he visits one of his villages in that very unmarked cruiser, he often brings along treats and goodies for the children and good hearty food for the adults, and always enough to last for a good long time.

And what modest response does he give when asked how he feels others view him?

"I believe even though young, I am a fair and just Emperor. My subjects are happy, my comrades are loyal and my motives are benevolent."

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