"Bleh, suffering for the mistakes of the previous monarchs? That's no fair-" she'd remark with a bit of a laugh, not worrying too badly over it before offering Ticoga a soft smile, "Thanks though, heheh, you always speak with a ton of wisdom. Ya don't gotta worry about me though, it's been stressful at times, but it ain't nearly enough ta put me down!" she'd encourage giving a thumbs up to the Emperor before straightening up in her seat.
"I might not be too smart, but I ain't stupid, I've been able ta get the gist of how many of them feel." she'd begin to explain, pausing for only a moment to enjoy a sip of her drink, "They don't want a passive ruler, understandable. I've made changes here and there though, some big noticeable ones and some less than noticeable ones, I wouldn't say I'm being passive personally, but..." she'd think for a moment, giving a long drawn sigh before continuing, placing an elbow on the table and resting her cheek in her palm, "I think they're aimless, you saw how Parmoli acted! I'm tryin' ta give them all the freedom to do as they like, but they wanna be ordered around. How does NOT ordering them around make me seem weak?" she'd remark, taking another sip of her juice before glancing towards Ticoga, "Do you order people around all the time?"
Post by Emperor Ticoga on Apr 10, 2024 12:31:10 GMT -5
"I appreciate your compliment." Ticoga says, nodding towards Zuqetta. "And you are thinking in the correct direction - but consider it on a wider scale."
Ticoga considers how to phrase his next words for a brief moment.
"In truth, all beings have a degree of aimlessness, and do need to be directed in order to accomplish something, or anything." he says evenly. "Civilizations - be them Kingdoms, Empire, Republics - are still just a collection of people looking to be directed in a way that makes them feel that their lives have a meaning. As leaders, we are tasked with giving direction and meaning to those who follow, whether they approve or not. Their approval or disapproval both motivates them to make lesser autonomous choices. Greater autonomy is given through commands - and their autonomy comes through how they choose to fulfill those commands, or disobey them."
Ticoga huffs a short chuckle through his nose.
"I do in fact give commands quite constantly. The Imperial process involves a great deal of my giving commands to be followed. However, this system also is its weakness; should the Empire ever be without a ruler, it will collapse. Infighting and rebellions will be immediate, and the entire Empire will vanish within days." Ticoga says blatantly. "That is a societal failing of the Empire I took control of, though I am working to improve. We have been an expansionary, and rather cruel people for a long time. I hope to undo what makes the Empire cruel; and that requires me to give commands to virtually all those I interact with."
Ticoga smiles somberly.
"It can be quite isolating." Ticoga stands. "Shall we take a walk while we talk, Zuqetta?"
Zuqetta listened intently with a slight melancholy expression as Ticoga spoke; finding it initially difficult to grasp his words as they seemed counter to the Saiyan Way she followed. Yet as he spoke further, she found her mind a bit more open to the idea; thinking of herself, and her journeys across the galaxy seeking guidance on her actions, she began to understand why others would respond the way they did. It was no less infuriating however, though she wouldn't vocalize it, she found herself internally chastising those like Parmoli who may have wanted such direction. If it were true, then they should have said so directly; Zuqetta herself did as much during her travels, so it was annoying that her overly prideful people wouldn't simple speak their minds plainly.
She gave a swift, heavy sigh, downing the remainder of her berri juice with a satisfied gulp. Ticoga seemed poised to rise, offering in request for a walk while they talked, something that immediately perked Zuqetta up.
"That's a great idea!" she'd exclaim, "I can show you some other changes I've had done! Hehe, the council room was just the beginning!" she'd say with a rather proud grin, pushing away from the table and jumping up from her seat. Without prompting, attendants by the entryways would make their way over, clearing the table, receiving a thanks from Zuqetta before her attention would be returned to Ticoga, "Ah! Uhh, you gonna stay super tall while we walk? Heh, some areas have some much smaller entryways, ya might need ta duck a bunch if ya do!" she'd say, laughing a bit a she moved towards an exit near the side of the room.
Post by Emperor Ticoga on Apr 15, 2024 8:17:13 GMT -5
The Saiyan Monarch was quite excitable clearly; the mere suggestion that the should take a walk seemed to bring a spark to Zuqetta, and she practically leapt from her seat after guzzling down her drink. Ticoga politely finishes his own, and sets the cup down before turning to Zuqetta as the latter moves away from the table.
"I haven't seen much of this palace before, but I would be happy to be shown around." Ticoga states, offering an appreciative nod to the attendants. He looks at Zuqetta, and follows after her - and her question makes him chortle. "I certainly can return to my Restricted Form. Though, it would be rather entertaining to see the expressions of those in said rooms."
Ticoga closes his eyes, taking a slow breath, and his body glows white. Within moments, the Emperor returns to his more recognizable, significantly smaller form. He opens his eyes, and offers a polite smile to Zuqetta, now looking up at her face again rather than down.
"This may be good to prevent misunderstandings as well, I trust." Ticoga says. "In truth, I prefer to be underestimated. Size is truly superficial, and it can be amusing to see the differences of how you are treated."
Ticoga clasps his hands behind his back patiently.
"Lead the way, Zuqetta." he says in a friendly tone.
Zuqetta would await the Arcosian leader as he shifted back into his restricted form, the term not lost on her as she began to understand a bit more between what he said and what Shivvz spoke to her about. It was rather interesting to say the least; if something like this and even the larger form were both ways he suppressed his true power, then if he could go beyond his true self, he'd likely outpace even a Super Saiyan! It wasn't something that bothered her however, her trust too high to feel any hesitation or fear for the future potential the emperor possessed.
Zuqetta was a simple girl, and with her hands upon her hips as her line of sight with Ticoga's eyes went from high to low, she'd jut out her chest rather pridefully, enjoying the moment of being taller yet again! A secret she kept to herself, she loved being taller than others without the use of magic!
The two would depart, with Zuqetta leading the way rather enthusiastically; through halls, across a courtyard, past rooms of interest. Throughout the tour, Zuqetta would regale Ticoga with the many changes which seemed to truly make the Palace into something "Zuqetta-like". The renovations were aplenty, with lights stringing every walkway to do away with the imposing vibe the palace once had, to the accompanying carpets that lined the re-tiled floors of every corridor to give a welcoming feeling to anyone who went for a stroll.
Windows had been sealed up along most walkways, at first seeming counter productive for what Zuqetta sought; yet the feeling of why wouldn't be so subtle. Unlike the outdoors, there was an incredible lack of dust and the dry arid atmosphere was all but gone. Sadala being as it was, the change in atmosphere seemed impossible, but with a bit of magic, Zuqetta had made the halls of the palace a far more cool and enjoyable trudge, though, not nearly as cool as Arcose.
From laboratories, to the hospital; from the Grand Hall of Dining and Fighting, to the reconditioned Grand Library, and its newly renovated digital archive. The palace was no longer the place that it was during the kings of old, Zuqetta had left her mark, sometimes quite literally with a personally inscribed magic mark here and there, and those that frequented the palace knew it.
The palace was open to visitors after all, and as the two strolled the palace, they would pass by a number of them. Royal guards performed constant patrols and even escorts of the guests, a mandatory requirement of their station. From soldiers seeking to make their way to the coliseum below for training, to impressionable Saiyan youths who seemed absolutely enamored by the strange creature that was Ticoga. Unlike the Council Room, the rest of the palace seemed almost bustling with just how many moved within. To add to the heavy difference from what Ticoga had experienced in the Council Room, unlike Parmoli, none the two passed seemed to harbor the same intense view as the elderly Saiyan.
Royal Guards and most commoners from the old lower class greeted her with familiarity and respect, a happy greeting and bow. The occasional ex-noble visiting to frequent the archives would greet in a respectable manner more akin to what Ticoga may have been used to, stern, sharply loyal as they expressed a more serious tone, something that would cause Zuqetta to respond a bit more "Queenly". It would be plainly obvious how much happier Zuqetta was when she greeted children however, as they rushed rushed to her excitedly, referring to her as Princess rather than Queen or anything else. She made no effort to correct them, and it was quite apparent she'd encountered them often by their interactions.
As Zuqetta finally led Ticoga to the far side of the castle, out the back where the attempts of a garden hedge-maze were underway, the layout of the castle and the reason for the way the Royal Guard functioned within would likely not be lost on the calculative Arcosian. It was the most subtle trick of all, something Zuqetta had read in a book; though most of the current day and age could simply destroy a world by getting a little angry, it didn't stop Zuqetta from taking minor steps to prevent less direct attacks.
Besides the direct entrance to the Council Room from the front of the palace, the interior of the entire place was more or less a maze known in its entirely only to her. The Royal Guard themselves despite being taught sections of the palace, seemed to struggle to grasp it in its entirety, requiring them to ask assistance from their fellows should they depart from their posted sector. It was an archaic form of structure, but no more archaic than the very walls that defended the entire city of Sadala. Gone were the days of head on foot soldier assaults, super powered foes could rule the skies and reign down destruction like a falling sun, and yet the walls around the city still stood.
Their tour had reached its final destination, and Zuqetta would twirl, rather happy by being able to show off the palace as she had. Her fists on her hips, she'd face Ticoga, utterly beaming as her tail swayed happily behind her. Her only regret being that the hedge-maze was still a work in progress and couldn't be shown off yet, with only the dirt trails, a fountain, and a gazebo currently available. Though, beyond the distant palace wall itself was a far more curious sight; building in the distance, factories and more, the industrial sector of Sadala. It may have made for a strange choice then to have the hedge-maze in such a place with such a less than clear view, but Zuqetta certainly had her reasons.
"So!?" she'd exclaim, face a bit flushed with excitement as she failed to control her more youthful vigor, "Whaddya think? Hehe, I took a bit of inspiration from your palace with all the white walls honestly! I like the soft and clean look it gives, way better than the old stone gray everything used to be!"
Post by Emperor Ticoga on Apr 25, 2024 18:37:33 GMT -5
Ticoga follows after Zuqetta, choosing to listen for the most part. It was one thing to read reports about the Saiyans, their citadel, and their ways; it was another to walk their halls and settle his eyes upon the straight backed guards. But something Ticoga noticed as they walked was something that never occured to him - Saiyans conducting menial tasks; watering plants, cleaners moving about their work, things Ticoga expected from space fairing species - but biases and negative rumors about the Saiyans about the galaxy made Ticoga surpised by his own careless regard.
Zuqetta's girlish excitement made the tour charming, her pride not just in the stereotype of how mighty her people were, but in the changes one could physically see happening wherever one looked. Ticoga had not toured the Palace before, so much of the changes were not able to be compared - but Zuqetta's enthusiasm saturates the air. There were even children flitting about the Palace, oggling wide eyed at the Arcosian Emperor - whether they knew who he was or not. As they walked, Ticoga found himself realizing that this palace was designed with ground invasions in mind - but also that it could be in fact used as an escape method; leading enemies into parts of the castle that wound round and round, while those with the proper maps could lead the evacuees to safety. Much of the underbelly of the Imperial Citadel on Arcose was similarly designed. If that were the case, then it was likely that no particular guards knew the full breadth of this palace either.
The exterior possessed gardens and even what looked like a maze of hedges - things that Arcose could not naturally grow itself due to the extreme nature of the world. In that, Zuqetta held the advantage. When they came to a stop and Zuqetta whirled on the spot to beam at Ticoga, the Arcosian offers a one sided grin back at her, his long tail swaying smoothly mere inches above the ground. The youthful search for approval in Zuqetta's tone elicits a chuckle from the Emperor of Arcose, making him cover his mouth with the back of his hand.
"I thought I noticed something familiar about it - you flatter me by doing such a thing, Zuqetta." Ticoga replies warmly, clasping his hand behind his back once more. Ticoga nods at the buildings far off, "I see you've chosen to make this location a two fold act - one to relax and speak with friends and dignitaries, but also to observe the people at work in the distance - your people, whom you have chosen to lead. You're keeping an eye on them; that is a good, and subtle, design choice."
Ticoga steps away from Zuqetta to gaze out at the distant industrial center. It was barely perceptible, just on the edge of hearing, but Ticoga could hear the sounds of industry. Heavy loaders, machines, and the like, though the wind kept the scent of industry away.
"I think you're starting off your rule very well, Zuqetta. I did not see the same looks of reproach on the faces of the youthful, when compared to the older population." he says, not looking back at Zuqetta, but inviting her to stand near with a gesture of his right hand.
Zuqetta chuckled a bit as Ticoga began to speak, though she'd be more surprised than anything upon seeing the Emperors typically collected expression break for just a moment to laugh. If Shivvz was to see, he'd have certainly been thrown fora loop. She'd quickly calm however, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment as Ticoga went on to explain his view on not just the current area, but of what he'd seen thus far. She'd approach alongside him, a pleased expression on her face as she looked out towards the industrial sector.
"It's my hope that the future generation will be much less tied to the idea of constant combat and war." she'd remark, "Free to choose what they want; maybe they wanna do like their forebears and become soldiers, maybe they just enjoy fighting and would rather take up combat entertainment like some do at the Brawl Hole." she'd explain in a calm tone as her tail swept the ground, a bright smile coming to her face as she continued, "Or maybe they'll want something else, something Saiyans have rarely ever done, if ever at all!" she'd say excitedly, "Painting, gardening, singing, the list is endless and I want the future generations to be free to try it all."
Already times were changing, and while the older generations still seemed rather stiff, Ticoga had already been able to see the changes not only to the younger generation but some few of the current generation. It was plain to see what Zuqetta hoped to foster, she hadn't even needed to explain it, but she'd done so regardless to make the point clear.
"Beyond that, when all is said and done, I hope for my people to be capable of communicating with others as easily as the crew of my personal fleet." she'd continue, "Not letting a persons species or culture cause them reservation or conflict. And I know that there'll always be an individual here and there that causes trouble, but I hope that worlds in the future will be able to see the Saiyans for the majority, not the minority." she'd finish, her tone resolute as she spoke, paired with a determined gaze that appeared to look off towards a particular future.
Post by Emperor Ticoga on Apr 29, 2024 18:29:53 GMT -5
Ticoga listens to Zuqetta, nodding as she informs him once more of her hopes and dreams for Plant and the Saiyans. Much of what she was saying was similar to what his wishes for the Empire were, in fact.
"Seems that we short-term-so-far rulers have a similar mindset." Ticoga chuckles. His tail swings lightly from side to side, almost as if influenced by the breeze. "The Empire has done much harm to the galaxy."
It wasn't a matter he often spoke of - it was already a well established fact. Hundreds of worlds had been either conquered, or enslaved. And up until the last few years, that practice had remained. Even during the Triumvirate's time, there were still Labor Worlds whose populace were considered little more than chattle servants. But Ticoga had started taking measures to undo this, with varying degrees of success. Ticoga had to quite literally begin rolling heads to ensure that some worlds were freed from their oppression - Clan Heads were executed, military commanders imprisoned for refusing to let go of their meager power... It was a long list.
"I have been Emperor for about a year, and I have not yet succeeded to do something that you clearly HAVE been able to. And that, is build." Ticoga remarks, offering a wry smile. "I have altered much about the Empire, and spilled much blood to do so. I am creating change, but I have not once built anything from it."
Ticoga looks up at Zuqetta.
"I hope to make the Empire into something beings can be happy to see - instead of legions that darken the sky of worlds, become the thing people call to for help." Ticoga says, huffing a small chuckle through his nose. "After everything the Empire has done - the evils it has committed - it would only be right to tear down that darkness. You see it that way for your people - you hear the prejudices, the remarks about the Saiyans. Such things are said within the Empire about the Saiyans too. Hopefully, we can both be what our respective peoples' need us to be."
Apr 6, 2024 1:21:15 GMT -5
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