Mal's Chambers on Pueblo Bonito had been packed for the Gallic debriefing. He was somewhat amazed at how many of his Flock had visited Gallia at one time or another, and at how much data they had to contribute.
Ambassador Holliday and Warden Kyte had given their input by secure comms from Tombstone as well. In order to facilitate Doc's negotiations with certain individuals, and as a gesture of "good will", Mal was about to revise his standing order.
He turned to his comms unit and began to dictate:
Comm ID: Malaclypse
To: All TAZ
Re: Status in Gallia
Thanks to all of you who contributed intel at our recent debriefing.
At Ambassador Holliday's suggestion, we are hereby loosening restrictions somewhat on trade within Gallia. TAZ vessels will be permitted to trade with the Council and its allies in Languedoc; and cautious visits to Grenoble and Montelimar bases in Dauphine will be allowed, if undertaken with discretion and extreme caution.
However, there will be NO overt aggression towards the Royal House, or its Military or Police. Captain Rujac, I am sorry, but your "blood oath" will have to be put on hold for the present. The current state of negotiations is still delicate, and we cannot afford to jeapordize the Ambassador's efforts.
The mystery of Privas will also have to wait. That bloody eye has been glaring on the Universe for millenia, it won't be going anywhere.
Greetings all. It seems that there is quite a bit of activity in Gallia right now. An interesting development to be sure. One that requires caution as well. I have never dealt with Gallia before, unless you consider Aurelia "dealing" with Gallia, but I have heard many distasteful stories coming from the odd Freelancer and Junker who has gone there. I dont want to lose any of you. You are all family to me under our Goddess. Gallia will only get worse as time goes on.
I make the suggestion that there be no attacks on Gallia for the time being. As it stands, in regards to our fellow Sirians we are alone against Gallia. If we take such action against them....well I cannot see how it would benefit us in the long run. Quite the opposite in fact. If any of us have grudges, I say to be patient. The time will come when we may have to take up arms against the oppressors, but let us do it with the support of our peers and neighbours.
I dont want to dictate to anyone what they should or shouldnt do. I merely do not want any senseless death.
---Xavier Triton, Baffin, Shasta Orbital Skyhook, Trident Of Eris---
-----------Comms Connection closed by User--------------- -----------Deleting trace files--------------
-----------Connection terminated--------------
He was sitting in his Bonita quarters when the messenger arrived at his door.
"Commander, this came for you," said the young lad as he handed him the sealed envelope.
"Thank you, Lad," he said, giving him his gratuity. With that, he left as fast as he had arrived.
He opened the letter,
Quote:Admiral Rentiera and I have taken many of your suggestions and ideas and applied them to the ZDF. Here is an updated document regarding the ZDF. Note the ranking has changed and we have also added that our goals can be modified via the official Zoner policies. Any further feedback is welcome. We have already begun patrols.
Until the NTF has more members I will be helping Admiral Rentiera, Commander Matok, and Commander Helfari in their respective areas. I will be looking to build a relation with the Order.
That said, Commander Matok and Commander Helfari, you are hereby commissioned as officers in the Zoner Defense Force at the rank of Commander. Commander Helfari you are assigned as Chief of Defense for the Omicron region. Commander Matok you are assigned as Chief of Defense for the Taus. Contact Admiral Rentiera via PMs if needed.
If any of you know any able bodied men or women (or Klingons!) send them our way. Thanks for allowing us this honor; we won't fail you.
-Commander Kaine
Satisfied, he put the letter back in the envelope and placed it on his desk. With a mood of satisfaction, he went to his closet and pulled out his old commander's uniform. It wasn't much different from the uniform he currently wore with the exception of the spiked bracers that he wore. Putting it on, he the stood before the mirror, reflecting on times past. As he stood, he picked up the picture of his late wife, Che'tal.
"Revenge gets closer, Che'tal," he said to the picture, "sure as the Gallic Spoileds hold us all accountable, I hold them in the same. They are as honorless as those that murdered you."
He put the picture back on his desk.
Still, something didn't look right. The people that came to his aid were somehow....left out. He removed the traditional cape of his own and replaced it with his TAZ cape. He again stood and looked.
"Now THAT looks better," he said, "the new Tau commander I may be but I am still TAZ."
With his ship in for some routine maintenance, he headed to the lounge for a meal. While there, another sealed letter would be handed to him. For now, he enjoyed his meal and company, dressed in his outfit, placing the letter in an inner pocket.
Righto, just a notice to let y'all know that I've found meself a Border Worlds Transport, for, y'know, moving stuff. Cash, irritating though it is, is now becoming in short supply for me, so I decided that I'd get myself some money by, well, moving stuff for folks. Apparently people'll pay money for me to do that for them. So I sent a few transmissions off aboard the Nebula earlier, and this beauty's turned up at Shasta for me. Only two years old, barely a scratch on her. Bargain, too. She's not as sleek as my lovely Nebula, but she's got enough room for a small planetoid, with just enough left over for some creature comforts to be chucked in. Lovely. And given this new Gallia-trade relaxation, fear not, she won't be heading in there, at least not for a good while, and certainly not until I know how she handles and can chuck a few layers of stealthy paint over her, or something.
Haven't launched her yet, as I've yet to decide on a name, but I'll witter on about that later on Fnordnet. Can't have a nameless ship flying about, eh?
The biggest problem will be splitting my pad library between the two ships...
23's, everyone!
---TRANSMISSION TERMINATED---
---TRANSMISSION ADDENDUM---
Got her a name, and figured I may as well stick it here for informational purposes. She's called the [TAZ]Bushan-Re and she suits it painted on her side well.
Posts: 8,090
Threads: 731
Joined: Aug 2008
Staff roles: Moderator
Comm ID: [TAZ]Doc Holliday
To: Elliot Shaw
Good choice on the BWT. I love mine. It's getting old, the paint is fading, the cargo hold is a bit dirty and it has a lot of dings from asteroids but The Marshall Earp has been great to me. My favorite thing about the BWT? Less restrictions than a Whale and if you arm it right, you have a fighting chance.
I am here to bring good news that I have established a firm connection to the (is this correct) S.K.Y.P.3 communications network. My username is rainth345 as usual please add me ASAP.
*********************** MESSAGE FOLLOWS ****************************************
Greetings and Salutations!
I wanted to take a moment and let you know that I have returned from the land of incommunicado...
The new network is up and seems to be fine. So happy news there.
Comm ID:Ernest "Ducky" Knuth Address:TAZ flock and anyone Subject: Recommended: Lividia
Greets, folks. I was out and about with some of the flock, and seeing as I had my personal recorder turned on, here's some juicy bits... so you know what not to do. I hope. More or less. Well, you get the idea. Just don't get any ideas.
Toodle-oo,
Ducky.
* DO NOT FOLD, SPINDLE
* OR MUTILATE. <strike>SERIOUS</strike>
> ATTACHED: AUDIO FEED
(]c[)Charles.M.Burns : Hail, TAZ! [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Y'ello! [TAZ]Knuthetal : Hullo. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : So my dear Charles, I heard the bar at Lividia is really nice, what about we try it? [TAZ]Bushan-Re : *pop* [TAZ]Bushan-Re : *ping* [TAZ]Bushan-Re : *smash* (]c[)Charles.M.Burns : Not just really nice, it's awesome. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Good to hear [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Damn, that's a light down...oh well, finest champagne here. (]c[)Charles.M.Burns : Best stuff only *giggles* [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Where'd that cork go? (]c[)Charles.M.Burns : But don't fly drunk .. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : I will deliver the wine, although I have only 2 bottles [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : But it will be enough to start eh? [TAZ]Knuthetal : What about flying tipsy? *chuckles* (]c[)Charles.M.Burns : A bit tipsy is OK, I guess. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Good day, my dear dwarf. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Tipsy's fine, fine, just gotta know when you've crossed from tipsy to drunk, y'know? [TAZ]Bushan-Re : *gentle splashing audible over comms* [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Oh, I have good gallia wine, you will love it I'm sure! [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Same here, same here...made that trip worthwhile, eh? [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : So let's meet in the bar my good gentlemen. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Same here, same here...good old Council. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Yep, I'll park myself in this bay... [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Far-end space... no hogging spots. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Actually, I shouldn't be taking up a shipyard bay...let's get you moored, Re.
[TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : *enters Lividia bar* Ehehe, true, it's a nice bar. (]c[)Charles.M.Burns : I told you so. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Bartender, I hope you don't mind if I bring here those gallia wine bottles right? [TAZ]Knuthetal : Eh, wouldn't you know it... lovable. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : So, let's take a table and drink a bit, my dear friends. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Hmm, nice establishment here, eh? (]c[)Charles.M.Burns : Without me, gentlefolks. [TAZ]Knuthetal : Aww. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : *opens the first Gallia wine bottle* Show me your glasses, fellows. [TAZ]Knuthetal : Where'd I... ah, yes. Fire away. *chuckles* [TAZ]Bushan-Re : *rummages* [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Here it is! (]c[)Charles.M.Burns : *chuckles* be careful when undocking... don't scratch the paint! [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Allright. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : That's what shields are for, isn't it? [TAZ]Knuthetal : Eh, what paint? *chuckles* (]c[)Charles.M.Burns : Livadia's paint! [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Long time I didn't go there [TAZ]Knuthetal : Right, got me there. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Ooh, touche.
[TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : So my dear Charles, how things are going in O74? (]c[)Charles.M.Burns : Things are quite calm I think. Some intruders here and there, but nothing serious. [TAZ]Knuthetal : Keeps the patrols interesting, then? [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Erm, last time I was there, there was some excited Corsairs. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Well I guess they received what they deserved. (]c[)Charles.M.Burns : Patrols? Only if our satellite warns me we have unknown contacts. [TAZ]Knuthetal : More of a reactive than proactive force, then? [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Oh damn, Ducky... (]c[)Charles.M.Burns : No need to waste H-fuel, do you agree? [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : You drink so fast, let me serve you again. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : True, Charles. [TAZ]Knuthetal : Hey, I like to be efficient. (]c[)Charles.M.Burns : We regularly patrol to Theta and Delta. [TAZ]Knuthetal : And that's a response to you both. *chuckles* [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Pff, only reason I'm not drinking so fast is that my glass's twice the size of his. *chuckles* (]c[)Charles.M.Burns : But O74... it's usually well secured. If intruders are here, we're informed about it. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : You have no luck with glasses, am I right? [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : ...or maybe you got too much luck. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Not the first time I see you in a bar with the biggest glass. [TAZ]Knuthetal : Ah, I see. Seems like you have it all figured out, then. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Yeah, and? Bigger is better. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Less refills, efficiency, eh Ducky? [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Damn damn, what kind of a philosophy is that? [TAZ]Knuthetal : No, it's all in how you use it. *chuckles* [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Now now, "just a couple of glasses" takes on a whole new meaning here. *chuckles* (]c[)Charles.M.Burns : And well, no need to patrol O74 all the time. If I give our fleet a call they pop up. *chuckles* [TAZ]Knuthetal : "Bigger is better" is so 780. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Well excuuuuuuuuse me. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Well anyway, Charles, Omicrons seemed to be quite calm when we crossed them. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : *sneakily pulls out a bottle of champagne and refills glass* [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Quiet as the grave... there's morbid for you, eh? (]c[)Charles.M.Burns : Omicrons better stay calm! [TAZ]Bushan-Re : I should really have some better analogies on hand. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : That's right. (]c[)Charles.M.Burns : I love it that way, less stress for me. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Yep, but it's nice to have *some* excitement once in a while, eh? (]c[)Charles.M.Burns : Incidents cause lots of paperworks. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Oh, well, I suppose... I hate paperwork.
[TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Zoner bureaucraty, tssk-tskk. [TAZ]Knuthetal : Telling me about it... do you have any *idea* how many papers I had to sign for my ship? "I do so solemnly swear and assure that I will protect the Zoner yadda", that thing was like two hundred pages. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Where'd you get yours from, Ducky? Mine wasn't like that at all. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Second hand, sure, third maybe, not quite sure, but a lick of paint and a new gel seat and she's good as new... less forms, too, by the sound of it. [TAZ]Knuthetal : Well, I got it first-hand, but only because *you* nabbed the last used essel in Shasta. [TAZ]Knuthetal : Don't act all innocent now, I'm onto you. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Hey, hey, hey, how was I to know? [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : *opens the second bottles of gallia wine* Time to finish this one, my dear sirs. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Maybe youuuuuuu should've been faster, eh? [TAZ]Knuthetal : I'm 67, I get to move slowly, son. *chuckles* [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Second bottle already? My goodness. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Eh, you guys drink too fast [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : I told you not to... but you never listen [TAZ]Bushan-Re : No such thing as too fast, my dear Dau Sheti Sideways! [TAZ]Bushan-Re : *hic* [TAZ]Knuthetal : Ahem. Look at my tag. [TAZ]Knuthetal : You expect me to listen to such an advice? [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Ah come on, I hope you will be able to fly your ship after that. [TAZ]Knuthetal : Hey, how'd you say it, Elliot? [TAZ]Bushan-Re : I thought you were driving, anyway? All I does is bash the "link nav computersh" button after every jump. [TAZ]Knuthetal : "That's what the shields are for." [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Preshicely! [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Yes, I do all the job, and I'm not being paid! [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Story of my life. [TAZ]Knuthetal : Oh but you are! [TAZ]Knuthetal : Wasn't the Nibblersnapper story payment enough? [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Oi, we all getsh a nice piece of whack for moving these goods about for peoples! [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Hmm, I'm not sure. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Although a correct payment would be you never tell that story again *laughs* [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Ah no, flipping Nibblersnapping joke... [TAZ]Knuthetal : Hey, don't shoot the messenger. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : You deserved it! [TAZ]Bushan-Re : I will if the messhenger didn't *have* to bring the message! [TAZ]Knuthetal : Awshucksh, guys. Love ya too. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Nah, I'm only kiddin', it was a very good joke. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Hmm... where'd that wine bottle go? [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Yes. you have to pay us some drink, since we're close to finishing my bottles. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : I heard corsairs have decent wines [TAZ]Knuthetal : It'sh allyourfault, Elliot. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : It'sh not my fault! You always say it'sh my fault! [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : It is. [TAZ]Knuthetal : You and your...c-cup. [TAZ]Knuthetal : Overshized bugger, that'swhatitis. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : How's it my fault? I only drunk half of itsh! [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Well..a conshervative half, but shtill! [TAZ]Bushan-Re : It'sh YOUUR fault for not bringing enough bottles! [TAZ]Knuthetal : Mine? I had no bottles-ahh. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Eh. Had to give some bottles to those rogues. [TAZ]Knuthetal : I... I blame Tau. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : I blamesh him too... never ever throwsh the wine out. [TAZ]Knuthetal : That'shright, I blameya. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Throw them some of that leafy shtuff, whatchacall it, tobacco? [TAZ]Bushan-Re : *the sneaky bottle of champagne returns and the oversized glass is again sneakily refilled* [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Well, maybe next time you should have your own bottles, so that I don't have to give my wine. *laughs* [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Bah, you said yoush were bringing enough! [TAZ]Knuthetal : Weshh, we- we shoulda move while we can, I-uhh... think. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : No, i said it would be enough to start. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Now, go ask the bartender some beers. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : You goesh... I'm too, um, tired to get up. [TAZ]Knuthetal : Beers? We don't need no stinkin' beers. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Tssk-tsssk.
[TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Well, then since we have no moar wine, no point staying here. Get some pills, Bushan. [TAZ]Knuthetal : Never wash a fan, myshelfsh. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : And try to get up. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Pillsh?! I'm perfectly shober, I'm in a perfectly fit shtate for flying! [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Hell no. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : *staggers drunkenly out the door* [TAZ]Knuthetal : Ookay... let me try to find a wa-aaaay to my ship... [TAZ]Knuthetal : Why'stheroomspinning? [TAZ]Knuthetal : Aww. There. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : It'sh called orbit, you shilly Duck! [TAZ]Knuthetal : Woah. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Chocksh away! [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Alright, looks I will have to help you both to get inside your ship. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : *sigh* [TAZ]Bushan-Re : I'sh already inside! [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : I will call my crew! [TAZ]Knuthetal : Hey-you there snapper. I'm already out. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Hey, why ish the *nebula* orbiting? It wasn't doing that before. [TAZ]Knuthetal : Spiiiiiining arrround! [TAZ]Bushan-Re : It'sh a safety device! [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : And try to not do stupid things while your drunk *laughs* [TAZ]Knuthetal : where's this button, then.... ahthere. [TAZ]Knuthetal : Hey, you're the pilot, son. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : *clattering noise audible* [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Oh dearsh...where'sh my nav computer link button? [TAZ]Bushan-Re : *beep* [TAZ]Bushan-Re : No, that'sh countermeasures... hmm. [TAZ]Knuthetal : The deshignated dri-vver, except in spaaace. *flaps hands* [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Ah, there it ish! [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Very well. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Let's resume our trip then my good sirs. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Swiiing looww...shweet chaarriot. [TAZ]Knuthetal : I do so love whoever designed this system of navvigasjun. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Coming forth to carry me hoooooome! [TAZ]Knuthetal : B-buhbye! [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Shwing loooooow! [TAZ]Bushan-Re : G'byesh! [TAZ]Knuthetal : Now... [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Shweet chaaarriot...coming forth to carrysh me hoome! (]c[)Charles.M.Burns : TAZ fellas are leavin'? [TAZ]Knuthetal : Did you ever hear that old shong... leavin on a jetplane? [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Hooraysh! *pop* [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Alright, my dear Charles, was a pleasure to drink with you. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : See you around! [TAZ]Bushan-Re : More drink! Hooray! [TAZ]Knuthetal : Surewash! [TAZ]Bushan-Re : *falls over onto the console* [TAZ]Knuthetal : Surewash... (]c[)Charles.M.Burns : Farewell, gentlefolks! [TAZ]Knuthetal : Eh, sure-uhh-was! [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Oopsh..shorry. It'sh the computer, it is.
[TAZ]Knuthetal : So, Elliot, do you know that song? [TAZ]Bushan-Re : What shong? [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Shomethin about a jetplane? [TAZ]Knuthetal : Leavin' on a jetplane or somesuch. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Oh lordy. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : No, no... I musht be too tipsy to remember it or shomethin... how's it go again? [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Time to take your pills, my good friends. [TAZ]Knuthetal : Well, I needed it for-uhh, melodic reference. [TAZ]Knuthetal : What I really wanted was, a one, a two, a three... [TAZ]Bushan-Re : *falls over onto the "link navigation" button* [TAZ]Knuthetal : *coughs* [TAZ]Bushan-Re : I didsh it again! [TAZ]Bushan-Re : I toldsh you I was just tipsy! *hic*
[TAZ]Bushan-Re : Whysh are we stopping? [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Indeed you are. [TAZ]Knuthetal : *sings* [TAZ]Knuthetal : I am traaading... [TAZ]Knuthetal : off the traaade lanes! [TAZ]Knuthetal : I don't know when I'll be back again! [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Yes, we stop here. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Take a shower and try to get a fresh mind my good sirs. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : When wiiil I see you agaiiin [TAZ]Knuthetal : Bummer. Okayy. [TAZ]Knuthetal : But I am not amused. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Ho, ho, ho, itsh magic! You know....never believesh itsh not sho! [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Never again I let you drink on my shift, Eliott. *laughs* [TAZ]Bushan-Re : *falls unconscious on the console* [TAZ]Knuthetal : Hey there, son, what about me? *chuckles* [TAZ]Knuthetal : Okay Elliot, here's a pill. [TAZ]Knuthetal : There, let's get you straightened out. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Hrmmmm? [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Ooh, thanks, Ducky...where are w- [TAZ]Knuthetal : Have some tea to wash it down, now. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : OH SWEET ERIS! My head! [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Gaaaah! [TAZ]Knuthetal : No need to blame Eris, son. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : What was I thinking! [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Ye... this gallia wine is not for kids. [TAZ]Knuthetal : We did it all by ourselves. We should be proud! [TAZ]Bushan-Re : True, true... proud I am... but ouch. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : *rummages for painkillers* [TAZ]Bushan-Re : *pop* [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Aah...that's better. [TAZ]Knuthetal : I still don't see why you had us drop the pills. [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Eh? [TAZ]Knuthetal : We could have mashed the navlink button just fine. [TAZ]Knuthetal : Ah, well. [TAZ]Bushan-Re : Yep, yep...I was just halfway through a dream involving a lovel- [TAZ]Bushan-Re : *cough* [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : Oh my. [TAZ]Knuthetal : *laughs* [TAZ]Tau.Ceti.Central : I'm with heretics, and there is no emperor