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[Marc Stratus]

Notices flashed across screens all over the galaxy. A Press Conference had been called by the Royal Family of the Imperial Republic. Many speculated as to what would take place or be announced. There were rumours across the galaxy that the High Prince had been spotted on Coruscant. Not many could confirm, as Coruscant had recently gone under high security and communications blackout "for security reasons". Only the military could transmit in or out. The blackout was to be lifted immediately before the press conference was to begin.

***A few hours later****

Channel One activated and all holovids and newsgrids came active. Channel One was the government broadcast frequency. Only few could activate it as it was very secure and heavily monitored and controlled. There had been incidents in history, several even in the Imperial Republic Era alone, of succesful takeovers of other entities. Upon activation, all communications systems would immediately become activated, channels changed automatically, it was an override that could not be shut off. If someone's system was off, it would turn itself on when this channel was activated by the government controlling Coruscant. And it was being activated now.

Emblems of the Imperial Republic flashed across the screen jointly with emblems of the Throne, and the House Stratus. Never before in times of the Imperial Republic had the Royal Family itself called for a press conference. This would indeed be a day that went down in history. And if rumors were true, it would be a day of history indeed.

As the anthems played, the screen panned to two tables with a podium in the middle. Sitting at the right were members of Layha Chume Solo's Throne. There was an emtpy seat, presumably for Layha Solo. Sitting in order on her side from right to left were Executor Revan Centurion, Grand Minister Tavria Treyson, and Grand Admiral OVERMIND. On the left side of the podium at the adjacent table, were two empty seats, the other two filled by members of the Royal Family. One of them presumably belonged to Prince Marc Stratus, who was standing at the podium.

The anthem music silenced, and an announcer spoke. "His Royal Highness, Prince Marc Stratus."

The Prince nodded and then spoke from the podium. The Dowager Empress was absent, but the other members of the Throne were there. Her name plate was clearly visible. Perhaps she would make an appearance later. The Prince, however, did not show any sign of whether or not she was supposed to be missing. Everything appeared to be in order. "Greetings to the Imperial Republic, its citizens, systems, and friends. The Royal Family of the House Stratus brings great tidings to the Imperial Republic. There have been many rumours floating around concerning the status of the seat of government and the Throne. I plan to set straight any misconceptions or rumours that may be spreading, and come with several announcements. I want to make clear that the Royal Famliy has the authority, by unanimous voting, to remove from the Throne any member, including the position of Supreme Ruler or its Regent, and appoint a replacement. While rumours have been spreading that this is what was to occur, I solemnly proclaim to you that that is not our purpose here tonight. The Royal Family acknowledges the authority of the Dowager Empress Layha Chume Solo, past and present, and gives our gratitude for all of the service that she has rendered while serving in the place of our beloved brother, the High Prince James Stratus. We of the Royal Family come before you today, to announce the return of High Prince James Stratus. He has returned to our family and been restored both as a member of the Royal Family and Head of the House Stratus. We of the Royal Family testify to you that it is indeed the real James Stratus, and no fake. As for the status of the seat of government, I now defer the podium to Her Majesty, our Regent, the Dowager Empress Layha Chume Solo, of the Imperial Republic."

[Layha Solo]

Those present, including the Throne and the members of the Royal Family stood up and clapped as the Dowager Empress entered through a portal behind the podium. Many wondered what would happen now. Where was the High Prince? Would he return to the seat of government? All eyes were focused on the Dowager Empress. Prince Marc Stratus offered a slight bow to the Dowager Empress as he moved back to stand near his seat. Those at the tables remained standing as she spoke.

"My friends and fellow citizens of the Imperial Republic. Much has happened over the course of the last 72 hours. Two days ago sightings of the High Prince were reported in the Kuat Sector. It was there on (day) that the Royal Family recieved their brother at the Royal Palace in secret so as to be able to spend some time together in private. The Royal Family met immediately and passed a motion unanimously authorizing the return of High Prince James Stratus to return to his place at the seat of government and the Throne of the Imperial Repubic as Supreme Ruler. The High Prince arrived at Coruscant nearly 12 hours ago and was recieved by myself and some other members of the Throne and military command staff. It is my pleasure to welcome the High Prince back to the Imperial Republic."

There was a pause and then everyone stood and cheered as a tall figure, the High Prince James Stratus, entered through the portal and joined the Dowager Empress at the podium. When the cheers quited down, everyone got quiet. It was an interesting occurrence indeed. "Thank you, everyone, for welcoming me home. It is good to be home again." He nodded to the Dowager Empress, yielding the podium back to her, while standing at her side.

She faced the audience once again and spoke. "At this time, I now yield my position and title as Dowager Empress and Regent of the Imperial Republic." Both the Prince and the Empress turned to face each other and a side pan view was shown. "High Prince Stratus, the Imperial Republic is at your command!" They both bowed to each other and the others at the tables offered a bow in their direction.

[James Stratus]

The High Prince gave a big hug to his most trusted friend and loyal Executor, his right hand, who had served so well in his place for all these years. He was indeed greatful. As she took her place at the seat immediately right of the podium, he addressed the audience for a brief moment.

"Fellow citizens. I am glad to be here once again with you today. I pledge my time and service to protect you, and to make the Imperial Republic a better place to be. I give great honor to the one who has served so well in my place over all these years. Layha Solo is indeed a remarkable woman, a remarkable leader. I know you may not all have always agreed with everything she has done. I assure you she has my full faith and confidence. I thank her for all she has done. At this time, as my first official act having returned to my position as Supreme Ruler, I hereby present to her, the Royal Crescent of the House Stratus, which is a token of our thanks for her service and friendship. The service she has done calls for higher honors indeed, but seeing as she already has been awarded the highest honors that I can give, I present her the highest honor that our family can give. Thank you, Your Highness, for all you have done here with me and for me, and for the Imperial Republic."

He turned back to face the audience. He looked now over at Revan, his second executor, and back to Layha and sighed. "I regret to announce that we will be losing two of my our most trusted and faithful friends and leaders. Executor Layha Chume Solo and Executor Revan Centurion have both submitted to me their resignations as members of the Throne of the Imperial Republic. As you know, Layha Chume Solo recently seized the Throne of Hapes as was her right. We officially recognized and honor this change of government in Hapes, and now we accept her resignation to allow the Queen Mother to go to her station at Hapes and serve and lead their government and their people. Hapes will continue a friendship and treaty with the Imperial Republic, especially under the domain and rule of the Queen Mother Chume Solo."


"Losing Executor Centurion will also be difficult for us. However, I am pleased to announce that Lord Centurion of Naboo has agreed to be an advisor to the Throne. He will assist us also in different ways in times of need. We are forever greatful for the service he has rendered as former Deputy Director and Director of Intelligence, Chairman of the Galactic Security Advisory Committee, as an Executor, and as a friend. It is my privilege at this time to present to Lord Revan Centurion the Imperial Republic Medal of Honor and the Order of the Emperor's Seal, for his exemplarary service and loyalty to the Imperial Republic and the Royal Family, and the Dowager Empress during my absence." The High Prince presented the awards to both of them and then returned to the podium.

"While it will be very hard to replace either of them individually, especially both of them, we cannot forget the service that has been rendered and will continue to be rendered by the hands of our noble Duchess, the Grand Minister Tavria Treyson, and our esteemed and loyal Minister of Defense, Grand Admiral OVERMIND. We also recognize all the efforts and sacrifice that Admiral OVERMIND and many of our military forces have put in fighting the wars in the Outer Rim. Review of the war will be conducted and others will be awarded as per their service rendered. I now present to both Grand Admiral OVERMIND and Executor Treyson with the Order of the Emperor's Seal, and thank them publicly for their service. The Grand Admiral will continue to serve as Minister of Defense. I welcome Tavria Treyson, as my new Executor, effective immediately. She will continue to supervise the Commission for the Preservation of His Majesty's New Order for the time being in addition to her new responsibilites as Executor.

Seeing as it has been a long journey, and much has taken place, I now must rest. I also now excuse my colleagues and family members, as they have much to attend to and need some rest as well. Please excuse the Throne and Royal Family as we now depart this conference. Executor Treyson will remain here to answer a few questions as our public spokesperson, afterwhich I will ask you to excuse her as well so she can attend to her duties. Thank you, everyone, for your support and dedicated service." With that the High Prince turned and left through the portal, the Hapan Queen Mother and Lord of Naboo behind him, followed by the Royal Family and Grand Admiral OVERMIND. Executor Treyson took her place at the podium.

[James Stratus]

Conference Report Summary
-High Prince James Stratus returns to Coruscant
-Royal Family authorizes Stratus' return to the Throne
-Layha Solo returns command of the government to James Stratus
-Layha Solo resigns from the Imperial Republic Throne
-Revan Centurion resigns from the Imperial Republic Throne
-Tavria Treyson appointed Executor
-Treyson, Chume Solo, Centurion, and OVERMIND recognized for dedicated service and awarded medals.