When he made his way into the Moff's office, he found it... interesting. Moff Leonhardt certainly had a taste for art, something Veritas privately enjoyed in his visits. Levi's office was the testament of spartan living as well as Imperial chic decor. An interesting touch, perhaps indicative of how Levi's tenure would go. While Leonhardt retired from service, which was regrettable, Levi was considered, by Veritas, to be merely the first name on a list, rather than the prime candidate. He took a private joy in the fact that one negative word from his mouth to the Emperor would be the end of his service in the Tammuz Sector. He let the man enjoy his prideful moment of domineering over him...for it was he who had the true power here.

He sat in the chair, without saying a word or being offered it. His seniority, experience, and standing as a personal friend of the Emperor, demanded respect. If it was not given, so be it, but it would truly set this man's career in stone. Whether he was recognized or not, he spoke. "Moff Levi, let's get this underway, shall we?" he said, in a pleasant voice. He took on a warming, disarming smile. Whether or not the display would affect Levi remained to be seen.

"I have already imposed a fairly minor tax, 20% value added tax on all transactions.. In order to improve profitability more my auditors tell me I ought to levy a sliding scale of income tax, with a top rate of 50% for those earning over 100,000 credits and increased taxation on cultural oddities not in line with the Imperial Norm.. would this seem reasonable? I'm cutting my own throat if I install such low tax rises.. but I feel if we are able to impose them and still have a tight nit and strong Imperial Loyalty in all levels of Society then I am sure I can protect Deralia from some of the more onerous fundraising strategies proposed to me? mmm?"

Well, looking at their economics, I see no reason why we cannot make them mine their mountains, I'm sure there are suitable minerals and I doubt there would be much opposition to an indenture of much of the population. Equally, I am told there is a vast tract of forestry, I would certainly not mind seeing this felled and sold off. "I dont see why it cannot be efficient in perhaps two quarters. I suppose I will have to install a Governor though. But Tammuz-an is a relatively easy concern."

"Frankly I am not greatly concerned for Tammuz-an though. I am told Chuzalla has no current Government aside from Pirates and Slavers, and is a thorn in the side of my sector. Deralia, I believe, has its own, not inconsiderable fleet.

I would like you to have one of your best officers put together a force capable of launching a punative raid on these pirates. I would not see one stone ontop of another on Chuzalla. I have sentenced every individual found on that world to slavery in accordance with Imperial Decree A-SL-4557.607.232. I will organise the logistics for the slaves and will send a small detachment to aid your forces. I will also send a political officer to aid your own Admiral Tacitus Corvus' decision making.

I believe an operation of this sort, an undoubtedly patriotic enterprise, would do much to justify Deralia having a seperate fleet from the Sector Fleet and equally be a good exercise in Imperial-Local Cooperation. Equally the funds raised will help lighten your tax burden and help with any labour shortages in the sector.

Also, I feel having the Moff's seat at Deralia shows it a rather unwarranted degree of favour, and I am much against favoritism, so I am presently investigating moving my department to the planet Shola. An uninhabited world and central in the sector, meaning it is an excellent location."

"As for Corvus, I'm afraid you're going to have to go a different route. I'm not sure what your documentation indicates, but Admiral Corvus is part of the Imperial Navy and commander of the Outer Rim Fleet. I think the Executor, or one of the Viziers, if not the Grand Vizier, would be the person to talk to on that matter. I'm sure he would be willing to do so, if the busy pace and activity of his fleet allows it. As for the Deralian Navy, it is in a moment of transition, but I will certainly let you know when they are ready to go," he said, addressing the items that had confused him.

May I ask you also, what are your views on Religion Senator?"

"Visiting the Vacant Throne... would be difficult, as I'm afraid there isn't an actual Throne as this time. Nor will one be present until our government decides upon a new monarch. The Throne, in our culture, is built for each individual regent, and when they die, the Throne is put into storage and eventually made part of a monument to the previous monarchs. Now, religion..." he said, taking a pause and a breath. "I'm to assume you have heard of our unique ancient religion here? Me, personally, I am not a religious man. Not many are anymore here...you'll only find such from the deeply rural areas and among the most impoverished," he said, curious as to where this conversation was going.