A solitary Delta class shuttle descended through the skies of Rasterous. It carried the heiress to the Despotism, a legal scholar of immense repute and knowledge and Murith Severan. The shuttle had already passed through the orbital construction platforms, a sign of the massive industry this world contained. The Cloakshapes had peeled off when Murith reached the Planetary Shield. Murith in the past would have had anxiety or apprehension going into a mission like this, but he had learned he had nothing to fear from mundanes. They were too weak and feeble to possibly be a threat, his arrival just in time to save the Despotism from the Alliance had strengthened his position even further. The court of the Despot was awash with talk of the conquering hero Murith Severan and rumours of his acts.

Hysta turned to Murith and handed him the copy of the legal instrument they had drawn up to ensure their coup worked. Murith knew if things went to hell he had the Lieutenant Colonel in charge of the Palace District garrison on his side. If everything went according to plan he would not be needed. The shuttle on the inside was relatively spartan compared to the illustrious palace of the Despot. Black and shiny metal surfaces all too familiar to those in Imperial service in the past would be quickly recognizable. Murith could only guess how hard it was for the maintenance crews to keep it like that.

The shuttle slowed as it reached the landing pad. The Pilot had received clearance for the Rear Admiral to land and Murith would wait no longer. He directed the pilot to begin the final approach. Murith in this time would fiddle with his lightsaber, adjusting it and preparing for the task ahead. The door opened in front of him and the ramp extended. He straightened his tunic and grabbed Hysta’s hand leading her with him towards the Palace. Many officers, his junior and his superior saluted him as he neared the door, some knowing, some unaware of what was about to transpire.

The halls Palace sat on an elevation which put it above the smog and pollution that coated most of the Planet’s capital and its surface. A fitting location for the Despot to look out upon his great dominion. Murith walked down the winding corridors of the Palace, converted from a KDY headquarters into its current form. Along the ornate stone walls were expensive pieces of art, sculptures and trophies. It was a dark and menacing building that would intimidate most people, but to Murith, an Umbaran, it was all too familiar. Finally, he turned a corner and was in the throne room. Advisors and courtiers in bizarre designs and expensive fabrics quieted down as the Rear Admiral began his walk towards the Despot. The fat and bulbous seemed pleased to see him, the fool had no idea what awaited him.

Murith bowed before the Despot as he sat on his throne, still chewing from his latest gourmet meal. Murith was disgusted, he was eating during the worst military situation his nation had faced. The Despot spoke.

“The prodigal son returns! With my daughter in tow! How wonderful it is to see you all. My forces have won a glorious victory today. You Murith provided a crucial influx of forces to turn the tide, I knew you would answer my summons and save us, my advisors didn't believe me. They are all fools, that's why I like you, you are smart, like me. You are like a son to me Murith, I see a lot of myself in you. For your success, I have a suitable reward.” He motioned and a box was given to him. His fat fingers could barely unlatch it and fish out the plaque inside. He then sat up with great effort and presented it to Murith, unpinning his Rear Admiral plaque and replacing it with that of Grand Admiral, making Murith Supreme Commander of the Rasterous Armed Forces.

Murith bowed once again, reaching out to shake the hand of the now standing Despot. When the Despot moved to let go, Murith squeezed almost crushing the man’s corpulent appendage. He held him there. With his other hand, he grabbed his lightsaber and a swift motion ran through the Despot. Murith then spoke as the Despot collapsed to his knees sputtering and mortally wounded. He looked up in shock as Murith spoke. Most notably his guards did not act.

“The fact you even think yourself similar to me, disgusts me. You are nothing but a useless old man, you are of no value to this Empire, you have squandered away most of its military on foolhardy campaigns and your continued reign threatens to end our nation. I have had enough of your mistakes, fumblings and failures. I hereby sentence you to death. I will carry out the court-martial.”

With a simple strike, Murith decapitated the Despot and then kicked his body and head down the steps of his throne. The Princess quickly presented the documents she had prepared and her lawyer officiated them in front of the court. All Sovereignty immediately passed to Murith Severan. The officers and leaders gathered in front of Grand Admiral Murith and addressed him as the new Despot. Murith raised a hand to halt them.

“I do not wish to replace this man whom I have just slain. I wish to end his Empire of decay and reorganize it into something truly worthy of the Empire’s legacy. You can refer to me as Grand Admiral or the First Among Equals...”

“Princeps.”