Strephon Aella Alkhalikoi/secret

The elevation of Duke Norris to the Position of Archduke

Norris received advance news of the assassination of the Emperor through the highly classified Jump-6 Imperial Naval communications network before others had become aware. Recognizing what was about to likely transpire and acting quickly, Norris used his supply of Imperial Stationery to appoint himself to the post of Archduke in Strephon's name, predating the appointment back to 1114 to account for jump-travel lag. Although this was strictly speaking deceitful, it was the sort of decision that great leaders are sometimes required to make. Strephon himself was later seen to have approved of Norris's initiative by granting him formal elevation to the rank of Archduke during the Arrival Vengeance mission's visit to Usdiki in 1126, and history has judged that the decision was a good one. By creating one clear line of authority in the Domain of Deneb, Norris ensured the ability to effectively organize and coordinate its defense once it was cut off, surely saving millions of lives.