An event from the surface of Olympus is livestreamed to the Fringe. "Today, Olympians, I am happy to announce that my work is complete. Long have our people endured the instability that comes with our traditional form of government. Whether autocratic, or oligarchical, Atlas has fallen numerous times with its leader. Many years ago, before we ever returned to this planet, I made a promise to those who still followed our desecrated banner that I would see our people rescued and ensure the continuity of our name." Lloyd smiles, leaning closer to his microphone. "It has been long since then, and I personally have overseen many things that have come to us. One of my most difficult projects, though was finding a way to make sure this was not all for nothing. My answer became our government. My department heads became viceroys and chancellors, and the system you all are familiar with was born. Leadership is a thing rarely full of perfect scenarios. There have been many, both public and private since I myself have taken a position. My cabinet of leaders has gone through many trials and has been put in many situations both natural and orchestrated." "Today, I can say with confidence that the system is complete and the next phase of our Empire is ready to begin. With that, I am announcing my resignation from the chair of High Atlas. I imagine that this may not inspire confidence in many of you, but you must understand that I was never meant to run a government. My skill set is very much different, and I believe my skills would be better utilized elsewhere in Atlas. I would like to set the precedent of passing the torch when the fuel has burned, to say. Long has it been the Atlas tradition to have High Atlas replaced by violence- but that is no longer the case. Today, I am proud to step down, knowing I have left the Empire in able hands, and I will be able to return to the architect position I am best in.”Lloyd looks to the right, smile still on his face, and steps off-screen. A new figure emerges. A familiar one to the people of Olympus: a suit of jet black armor, now gilded, that once screamed over the skies of the capital throughout the Reclamation. With a pneumatic hiss, a face that was long forgotten by the rest of the Fringe, and believed dead for just over a year, appears. Markus Aleksandr’s stern countenance replaces Lloyd’s smile in front of the camera. As the view pans back, Viceroy Xexanoth and Praetor Ardzasch are revealed in the wings; each of them maintaining a neutral expression. Lloyd stands off to the side, proud and beaming. In the background, what appears to be a rather tall ATL looms: some new prototype. “Citizens of the Atlas Empire… Advena here and abroad… Heartfelt thanks to those standing with us today, and also to those tuning in. We stand amidst a slew of days, where once a norm of decrepit uncertainty existed, we are now at least certain of tomorrow…”Markus takes a firm grip of the podium before him. “But that isn’t enough. Your faith in the Federation of yesteryear, and your trust in us, has yet to be repaid in full, and we are a long way from realizing that expectation. Today may mark my ascension as Emperor, but it more importantly marks the beginning of an array of new civil-works projects. The details of which will be made public in the weeks to come.” He looks down at the podium, briefly. “I could spend all day up here, waxing poetic about how bright our futures are, and the hard work that serves to unite us all in spite of the problems we face… But in lieu of that, I’m going to go get started on that future. I invite you all to do the same. Thank you… any and all questions can be forwarded through the Byzantium.” Without much pomp and circumstance, the new Emperor of Atlas walks back the way he came, the tall prototype in tow. Confetti fires off unceremoniously. ------------------------------------------- OOC It's been fun guys, thanks for the stories. -J
