Faction A Perfect Circle

[Lark]

If this meeting had been broadcast to the galaxy, the Jedi, NIO, and every other major faction would air it on the most prominent comedy networks available. Their enemies would find it laughable that a normal round-table discussion so quickly devolved into who could scream the loudest or say the most eloquent words. The Sith love hearing themselves speak, he reminded himself. And you're no exception. He thought about saying a few fluffy words, but honestly this meeting was perhaps beyond salvation. And if these trends continued, perhaps the Empire itself would follow suit. No Empires were eternal, but it was disappointing that this one seemed to be dragged into oblivion by a handful of pathetic whimpers.

Lark's feet were on the seat of his chair, he rested himself on the top of the headrest. In truth, he didn't much care whether things stayed as they were, or if more permanent adjustments were made. He found it difficult to make a statement when whatever personality spoke out wouldn't be the same one he adopted a few hours from now, when like-minded people were inevitably gathered for more secret meetings with no dissenting opinions to challenge their own beliefs.

Focus on whatever hope remains, he thought. Taking hold of one point made and festering over it for the remainder of the discussion was a surefire way to doom your entire reasoning. Ever forward, that was the way to do things. Lark heard every word that had been said.

"Pettiness, vitriol, and mockery have no place here. Cracks cannot be repaired with a sledgehammer. We were defeated at Mygeeto, we were defeated at Muunilinst. We can acknowledge this and change, or we can have a nice little chat like this again once we forfeit five more systems. The Empire was split once. Excess pride won't stop it from splitting again. There's no point in dwelling on what we could have done in the past, let us focus on what we need to do now." His words were sweet and gentle, a stark contrast to the boisterous noise from a few moments prior.

"And if I may make a statement on the wonderful illustration Cara Dorniarn has just made, cogs can be replaced. And besides, if there are more people vying for positions, that just means more people challenging you to be stronger. That prospect doesn't seem very radical to me, especially if it aids our collective strength as an Empire."

Lark smiled softly. "Apologies if this seems repetitive when compared to other speakers, I only wished to voice my thoughts on the matter."

Hailyn Amur Thaelius Taeli Raaf Fiolette Raaf Hont Atellies Adriana Fortemps Aerarii Tithe Kaalia Pavanos Lavria Xedrim Grand Moff Aut-X Ardana Vorco Lirka Ka Vaylin Madelyn Lowe Lord Venari Onrai

 

[Onrai]

Vanessa continued to simply watch. Regardless as to the tension showcased between the duo of Taeli Raaf and Fiolette Raaf and the younger Hont Atellies , the surprise announcement of Grand Moff Aut-X regarding a droid army, and the various comments and arguments made by others. It was clear that, for better or for worse, the majority of people had evidently chosen to believe that non-Force users and Sith were to each have an equal cut of the pie that was the Sith Empire. Would it likely change anything? No. But it at least felt good and would not alter Vanessa's own domain.

She would continue to observe what was going on and would see precisely as to whether or not anything else came of the meeting. She did make a note to talk to Cara Dorniarn once this was all over, as they had more work to do on the dreadnought.

 

[Hont Atellies]

Hont had finally calmed down, he went back up to where he was sitting and watched on, interested to see the results of this debate. He leaned over to Grand Moff Aut-X and said.

“I would like to request a meeting in two weeks time, just outside of this building.”

 

[Darth Voracitos]

Voracitos was present for the meeting, in muted form. Appearing as his usual sack of flesh from before his Ascension on Rhen Var. He tried precariously to pay attention out of respect to his fellow Triumvir, but couldn't get over all the shouting and grandstanding. It was a case of deja vu, as if they had already covered this meeting only with the Emperor proper standing before them addressing the Sith... which resulted in the declaration of Kaggath bringing them to their present conflict. It was something he supported, then.

For entertainment purposes.

Seeing the sequel to that meeting play out with worthless force insensitive individuals doing most of the shouting was rather annoying, as all there threats were empty. At least to him. The whole meeting felt hollow, and the Chaos-God of Chaos tuned it out without ever speaking a word. Onrai stood by and did the proper talking, while at least one shouty individual in the group did the... well, shouting. This was at least a curiosity to the Sith Lord, wondering intensely why not a single bolt of lightning had not fried such a mouthy soldier disrespecting the institution it had built? Voracitos would have done it... but then it would degrade the quality of the Flesh Golem he was observing through.

It also might have upset one of the other Sith Lords? Frankly, however, Voracitos didn't care.

None of the words reached Voracitos, he would continue as normal, Empire, or no Empire.

 

[Aerarii Tithe]

Metalorn

---

Aerarii was starting to get a sense that the loss at Mygeeto had been a long time coming. Many of those assembled today were more interesting political point-scoring than the much-needed unity which Darth Alekto proposed. They felt the need to have the last word, as if it empowered the hollow words they spoke. They clung to the past and the old ways, unable to admit, or too foolish to see, that they had no place in the future. The last time they had contributed to the Sith Empire was during the previous convocation. Tithe enjoyed talking as much as anyone else, but he had the mind to back his words with actions.

He could no longer sit by while they bickered and further weakened the already struggling Empire.

“The Sith Code dictates power, strength, and victory. Those who gain office only to seek reclusion…” He stopped short of suggesting they were not Sith, aware that he could killed for such blasphemy, but the implication was clear. Tithe had never been that big on creeds. But if the Sith Empire did not at least attempt to follow its dogma, they were Sith in name only.

A true meritocracy was an impossible dream. Favours, friendships, family ties, bias - conscious and unconscious, all dictated that a select few rise above the rest. But that did not mean that things could not be improved.

“I see before me fine, fine examples of Sith-Imperial greatness.” He bowed his head toward Grand Moff Lowe, who had brought propensity - and until recently stability - to Oversector I. He then turned and looked around the crowd, squinting to find who he sought. He spotted Grand Moff Aut-X, who had doggedly strengthened the borders of Oversector II with his automatons, and nodded to him as well. “Yet they cannot rise above their station, no-no. The system curtains their contributions.”

With minor exception, the Triumvirs, Dark Councillors and Shadow Hand had been absent from efforts to claim dominion over Kalee, Huk and Ord Tiddell. Those seated on gilded thrones cared not for growing the Empire - their efforts were focused on their self-interests, or even beyond the Empire itself. Some had been present during the fierce fighting of Mygeeto and Muunilinst - but had the entire High Sith Order stood in unison against the New Imperial Order, the tide of battle could well have been turned.

“Positions of, ehhh, influence, yes, great influence, should be granted only to those who work to ameliorate the Empire.”

---

Darth Voracitos | Hont Atellies | Onrai | Lark | Lord Venari | Cara Dorniarn | Thaelius | Fiolette Raaf | Amur | Lavria Xedrim | Ardana Vorco | Vaylin | Kaalia Pavanos | Madelyn Lowe | Taeli Raaf | Adriana Fortemps | Grand Moff Aut-X | Hailyn | Lirka Ka​

 

[AMCO]

In stark contrast to his usually immaculate appearance, the Dark Councilor of Scientific Advancement looked beyond weary, dark circles under his eyes and skin so pale it looked almost translucent - his cold blue eyes, however, were as sharp as ever, flickering from speaker to speaker.

So much discord, so much noise, so much empty bravado. It was no surprise his headache was getting worse.

When he spoke, his tone was soft, almost quiet, and yet it carried as well as the loudest shouter by means unseen. "Cut away the grandstanding and..." a sound of disgust left him as his eyes drilled into Hont Atellies . "... empty threats and it seems we are largely in agreement. Merit should reign supreme, as it was always meant to. Knowledge, financial cunning, and even brute strength..." another sound of disgust "... have their place."

Pausing to draw a breath and gather his thoughts - how Prefect Atellies was able to rant for so long without more air was a mystery to him, perhaps his lungs were worthy of study? - he spoke anew. "In the spirit of renewal, I shall even offer a suggestion - abolish all restrictions based on Force Sensitivity, with the exception of internal positions in the Sith Order. If a Sith is more adept at governance than war, let them seek a seat in the Diet on equal terms and if someone not attuned to the Force is the best candidate, I see no reason not to give them a seat on the Dark Council itself."

Having said what he wished for now, he leaned back in his seat, thoughts once more returning to what he had learned following the fall of Muunilinst, the risks he had taken and the knowledge - so many secrets, bouncing around in his head, disturbing his sleep - he had gained.

 

[Hont Atellies]

Hont sat, but he sat eagerly. He heard people talk, then it came to AMCO .

"In the spirit of renewal, I shall even offer a suggestion - abolish all restrictions based on Force Sensitivity, with the exception of internal positions in the Sith Order. If a Sith is more adept at governance than war, let them seek a seat in the Diet on equal terms and if someone not attuned to the Force is the best candidate, I see no reason not to give them a seat on the Dark Council itself."

Hont stood, calmed down and changed, no flipped to his cold, calculator-like commander, not the passionate bull that he was before.

“Adrian ( AMCO ) is right, and I know his name, unlike many others. The state of our empire should be determined but the best it can field, and locking off key positions only hastens our inevitable fall. Surely no one would be so power-hungry to affront all those here by suggesting that this idea is in any way ‘stupid’, no... Go ahead. Do it, disgrace yourself right now so we can evolve to be better, now, you... ( Hailyn ) What do you suggest we do?”

He had flipped, something inside of him had ticked. He sounded cold, remorseless, almost just like Grand Moff Aut-X. He stood there, waiting for Hailyn to speak.

 

[Hailyn]

GOLD

She could always count on there to be one voice of lunacy in a room crowded with the influential and the powerful.

Yellowed eyes swept across the crowd, serpentine eyes setting on the audacious face of Fiolette Raaf. She knew the woman's surname by memory - it was a relation she wished would have dissipated when she had left the Jedi and their filth behind. She remained quiet, however, respectfully - or, more aptly, studiously - allowing the woman to voice her diatribe. She rose points that would have been valid if these changes were not something that had been relayed to the purported Imperator of the New Imperial Order in person by no other person than herself with an offer for forgiveness if they abandoned their farce and addressed the faults in the Empire rather than resort to open rebellion. Had the New Imperial Order wanted change? Did they want to correct the issues, the faults, of the Empire and improve it?

No.

Like this wench, Irveric Tavlar and his men wanted power. Could she blame them? No, but she hadn't been the one to escalate to slander and lies of the opposition first, she'd offered the olive branch, offered the full weight of her strength to keep them free from the bonds of an angry emperor - and he, like his ilk, had decided their newfound power was more delicious than the plight of the men and women they gaslighted for their cause.

The Sith, the soldiers, droids and the diplomats made their peace, argued their ideologies and stood on their soapboxes, and as moving as their words were, at the end of the day they were just that - words. The suggestions, those of constructive steps to move forwards - as noted by Aerarii Tithe and AMCO - were welcome, they were the sorts of statements she had asked for at the start of this hearing; which was precisely what this meeting of the minds had turned into when the vindictive and the self-righteous had turned on their own for the potential of increasing their own seats of power. Deluded, as perhaps many Sith were that attended, they believed they could bargain for more power than she was willing to grant them.

"Enough is enough." She said at last, serpents sliding up her form to her neck where they clung from with clear insight and interest into her mood.

"The power of the Imperial Diet and the Military has been widened, and the power of the Sith Order has been reshaped - there will be no limits imposed to burden the Sith so the Diet and the Military cannot attempt to rise above the rest, and there will be no restrictions on the Diet or the Military so that the Sith cannot try to retain what they have grown fat and lazy on in the last six years of steady departure from what principles this Empire was founded on." Alekto continued, the serpents in her hair turning their gazes toward those that had tried to debate themselves and their political allies into greater influence. "I spoke of this change to Irveric Tavlar himself before he and his group splintered off to form their Imperial Order, with the opportunity to be a part of the Circle before it was too late - but do tell me again, how do we compare to our adversaries in their kingdom of hypocrisy and greed?"

She spat to the ground in disgust, venom in her saliva nearly as potent as the venom running through the amphistaffs on her head.

"But I will entertain your rather petty evaluation of change, that we shouldn't change because we learned from our mistakes - or that, perhaps more controversially, this change was some desperate last act to curry favor with our opposition. Ironically, it could not be further from the truth - many of you have seen the flaws in the system, noticed the oppression or the suppression of the voices of Sith, soldier, and politician alike; that is true, you - Fiolette Raaf - and many others here have admitted as much."

"What have any of you done to change this? Dragged your feet and complained in the privacy of your own rooms? I oddly recall a meeting several months back, with the Emperor himself in attendance where this very plan was originally intended to debut, where none of you could agree on anything except that we either needed to fully embrace the suicidal teachings of the brotherhood of darkness and Skere Kaan or continue with the status quo."

"Where was your insight then?"

She paused to smile, knowing full well that, as she was doing now, the only words spoken were in protest of the Empire with no solution proposed. Protests without solutions were words that carried no weight, empty. Empty as they were now, though perhaps even more so now that her words seemed rooted in spite rather than progress.

"It doesn't really matter where it was, to those of you who have deluded yourselves into this manner of thinking, because I chose not to go forward with the Circle because you - all of you - were not prepared for change, we had become stubborn and complacent, we needed change. I allowed the New Imperial Order to become the spark that would ignite your passion again, to remind you that stagnation is death and that action is prosperity."

"Would you have believed you ought to give up your privilege over those without the force if I had not shown you why you had no inherent right, AMCO ? Would you have agreed that Sith ought to hold a place in the government if they were unfit for battle until the demonstration of inadequacy was not revealed, Aerarii Tithe ? Could you have tolerated a general with the force if he was truly best man for the job if you had not witnessed it firsthand, Hont Atellies ?"

She scoffed.

"The blame for the rot in our Empire is not solely to be blame by the systemic suppression of its people, it is shared, too, by the complacency of its subjects and this unwillingness to change until the moment has came and passed and it is nearly too late. Our Circle will supplant our Dark Council, with our Grand Moffs adding to its number along with the highest ranking officials in our military. If a Sith is unfit for the field of war then we will consider vetting them for positions in the Diet, but it will not be in their favor if they are not better suited elsewhere or if there is a more suitable candidate without the force. Our Imperial bias must shift from privilege, from right, to order, to victory."

"Positions will be decided on merit, we will celebrate success and reward progress. The Empire will be watching in the coming days for those that prove themselves, both in battle and with the pen. Many of you, here, are already showing your worth now."

She cleared her throat, turning her gaze towards Hont Atellies and then to Fiolette Raaf and beyond to others that had made their veiled threats of violence or implied the assistance from others who were more capable of doing so.

"Let me be perfectly clear, however - we are all working parts in this great machine of an Empire, and when one part stops working they must be replaced. To threaten harm to one is to threaten the stability of this machine, and that is a threat to the Empire in its entirety. These defective pieces will be terminated and replaced with ones that are capable and willing to do their part in unity with the collective."

"This change will be enforced by the Empire. If you need a face to pin this responsibility to, then you may look towards me. If you need a name to attribute this role to, then let it be me. Sith who actively oppose and subvert our new vision will be branded traitors to the state and face summary execution if they do not relent, men and women of the military who refuse to comply with the orders of a superior simply because they possess an ability they do not understand will be subjected to court martial, and any in the Diet that presume themselves to wield greater authority than the body of governance will find themselves replaced - as will those who sat on our old council who might believe themselves above our Circle."

"Remember these words, and remember them well: unify or die."

"Let us hope to remember those words at Borosk and Garqi." She added, the meaning obvious to any who were following the tracks of their adversaries to the galactic west.

Aerarii Tithe Amur Madelyn Lowe Hont Atellies Onrai Kaalia Pavanos Thaelius Taeli Raaf Grand Moff Aut-X Adriana Fortemps Vaylin Fiolette Raaf Cara Dorniarn Lord Venari Lavria Xedrim Ardana Vorco Darth Voracitos Lark AMCO Lirka Ka

 

[Taeli Raaf]

She honestly felt a little lighter after her small confrontation with Hont Atellies , not as irritated as she had been before the meeting started. Speeches were made, comments directed towards their display of disunity, but Taeli didn't really care about that. She would have been fine if he hadn't threatened her wife, that was the only reason she had responded as she did. If she had wanted to really demonstrate the idea of disunity, the Prefect's body would be decorating the chamber instead of him slipping to another seat next to the droid that announced the creation of a droid army.

There was some more pontification, even more so by the Prefect that Taeli was increasingly thinking was unstable and probably needed a psych evaluation. It would be obvious that her flare of temper had receded to those attending, she just wanted to sit back down and listen more. The amber had bled away from her eyes, replaced by her normal purple as she walked back to her seat. The seat that had become occupied by her wife. With a small quirk of her lips, she took her seat again, settling onto Fiolette Raaf's lap.

She would listen to what else was said, especially once the Triumvir of Power retook control of the meeting and outlined exactly what she intended. The mention of Borosk and Garqi… yes, the salient needed to be collapsed on.

 

[Ardana Vorco]

Benûwia Antares / Darth Xanesh / Ireria Antares
Sith sorcerer, alchemist, historian​

Location: Metalorn
Equipment: Red blade lightsaber (Benûwia) | Red blade lightsaber (Ireria) | Multispectrum disguise suite
Tag(s): Everyone

After her words she was shrouded in silence again and so she watched the others, thus listening to the rest of the conversation and consultation. She thought the soldier remained annoying, she really did not understand why the others tolerated this. In this empire she was only a merely small fish; yet. Her time has not come yet, but she learned patience, while she was dead. When she was trapped between the living world and the afterlife, it was a long and painful learning time. But thanks to this she was more patient than ever.

there were also new speakers, she recognized one of it, the Lord of Progress from the Triumvir of Power. Namely in these days Xanesh worked for him in one of his companies. As the human woman spoke again, the whole empire seemed very endogen. Although she already knows the emperor has a countless descendant, in this viewpoint, this may not have been so surprising. She wanted to ask the chiss man, if he didn't licks the Sith's boots why is he even in the Empire? For this is what the Empire has always been about. Everyone, the Chisses, the Mandalorians, also sought the grace of the Empire.

But at least some began to at least seek a compromise, at least Xanesh saw it that way. Another moff, she completely agreed with the words of Aerarii Tithe . To receive only a high and influential rank who works for the Empire. Xanesh had thought of this in her own time too. And even now she still agreed perfectly with that. Hailyn 's words were hard and rude, how effective they are will be determined by time. Xanesh had no doubt that many Sith and soldiers would desert as soon as they heard the new ideas.

However, she intended to remain herself, in fact, she might even have liked what she heard, somewhere deep. She didn't know this time so much, but she realized they had to make tough decisions for the sake of the Sith Empire. It was no longer her time where they ruled without question, these are new times. And very different times. Which makes an old woman like her especially put to the test, since Xanesh - both Ireria and Benûwia - were very attached to the old Sith spirituality.

As someone told her ages ago, if they don’t adapt, they will disappear from the scene of history and no one will ever remember them…

​

 

[Lirka Ka]

Lirka had always been one to hide away her emotions, to be that stalwart and cold sentinel when passions like this flew wildly, like an inferno. But this time? This time she simply could not stay still, her armored head fell into her hands. The disappointment in the mortal life around her was boundless, and the ramblings of those such as Hont Atellies had left her with a headache that would leave some meaningless Rebel Cell within the Borderlands a crater deep enough to swallow the sun. She dully listened after that fact, retreating away to her inner thoughts and shave away any notion that maybe the choice to service the Empire had been one giant, murderous, mistake.

But, thankfully the words of Hailyn reached her ears. something sparked within her cold empty heart. An old ember of a woman long gone to the machinations of Kaminoians and War. Something burned in her chest, a passion that was so rarely flamed for organizations and the petty creations of mortality. Or she was going insane, one of the two: it was hard to tell sometimes. The crass truth resonated with her regardless, it was enough time for petty talk and hotheaded nonsense. It was time to redirect agreements to passions, and for Lirka to be the proper drama-filled brute she always was.

She rose from her seat now, a whirling goliath made segmented plates of dark metal: and she reached to her back wordlessly, pulling out the long and exotic blade that she had used to reap the Galaxy for almost a century. She hesitated, for a moment, before speaking; Lirka used the helmet to amplify her voice, turning the obnoxious distortion down somewhat.

"I have sworn my blade to the Emperor...but I have seen my error, for today! I swear my blade to you all!"

In whatever bizarre, alien, nonsense, that meant Lirka slammed her weapon to the ground beneath her feet: thankfully keeping the weapon off. With her freehand she slammed an armored fist to her chest, letting the sound ring out.

"Glory Imperator! Unity or Death!"

Might as well try and stoke the flames of patriotism.

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

Thaelius spoke but he spoke out of turn, and as her wife approached her, Fiolette made a reply toward the man, "I implore you to keep my niece's name out of your mouth, for I have known the admirals of the First Order, and you sir were never among our number. I have known the admirals of the Sith Empire, loyal and great, and you sir are not one." She took a breathy pause as Taeli sat in her lap, Fiolette smirked. She pulled her wife a little bit closer toward her. ​

​

Fiolette leaned to the left to gaze at the others sitting in their precious circle and scoffed. She shifted her attention back toward Taeli, and was reminded of a promise, a vow she had said so long ago. Fiolette as never here for the Empire, an Empire that so brazenly tossed Imperials aside. Like little bits of candy that could so easily be replaced, an Empire that was now embroiled in a full-scale civil war, Hailyn claims to have spoken to the man who now leads the New Imperial Order.​

​

Pity that the words of a Sith didn't seem to be enough to bring him back.​

​

It must have seemed like begging.​

​

Oh, a pity. A Sith on their knees begging for their toys to return to the box. ​

​

Still.​

​

Fiolette was never here for such a waste of an Empire.​

​

She was here, however; for her wife. ​

​

Her loyalties would always be to Taeli, and Taeli above all else - anyone else in this pathetic circle of Sith who seems content to provide a false bravado. Suddenly they care about their non-Force Users, suddenly they would be seen as equals! Charming. Although she supposed even a rabid dog has their charm, at least, until they're put down, and then they're a delight. ​

​

The retired Lord Admiral kept her silence, her thoughts occupied now by her wife, and how long it had been since they've had an opportunity to be in one another's company. The devious smirk refused to leave Fiolette's face as she shifted Taeli on her lap, after all, she wanted her wife to be comfortable. ​

Cara Dorniarn | Madelyn Lowe | Ardana Vorco | Taeli Raaf ​

 

[Thaelius]

Now he was mad or rather upset. She had no right to talk to him like that. None whatsoever and if it was up to him, she would have been ousted from the meeting regardless of her connection to Lady Taeli Raaf .

He growled at the former "Lord" Admiral, a reminder of his alien nature which allowed him to calm down. "If I were you, I would use my language very carefully because you sound like a sympathizer of Tavlar. Otherwise, not even Lady Raaf can save you from the Emperor and his executioners"

He laughed slightly before turning back to her "I'm joking of course but don't ever insult me like that again. You've earned my respect, but the next time you'll earn your death"

Then he turned to the Lady of Power herself, Hailyn . My otah of allegiance has been repeated to Carnifex for nearly a decade. My efforts to serve the Empire have been over stated. I won't repeat what you already know. I will continue to command our forces along the warfront as long as the Emperor or the wretched Admirallis' allow me to"

 

[Kurayami Bloodborn]

Kurayami had been sitting in the shadows, given as he tended to fly Fiolette Raaf around as need or want dictated, this discussion could not have interested him less. Especially with all of the posturing that seemed to happen when certain people decided to stand and express themselves. Many seemed to not care enough to listen to any view other than one that parroted their own, truly a sad state of affairs. Sure he had heard of Tavlar and his ilk breaking away from the Sith Empire and declaring war on the Emperor whom they had formerly sworn fealty to, in life or death. He didn't have any quarrel with those who were not 'blessed' by the Force wishing equal representation. The threats being spouted and the other posturing displays of 'power' or 'influence' brought a shake of the head and wry smirk from the longtime mercenary pilot. He had seen war from both sides...as a Force user and one who had been disconnected from it for a time. When Taeli Raaf crushed the chair of some person or another he chuckled at the indignation the man showed from such a display.

Had it been an impressive display of power? Not particularly, but it was more than enough force to have made the man's head vanish in a fine pink mist had it been directed towards him. So he should count himself lucky to have not been on the direct receiving end of that outburst. As Taeli sat in her wife's lap and was pulled in closer to her love, Thaelius decided he should make some sort of grand statement or something again. Honestly he didn't care and rarely paid attention to such droll and meaningless drivel. Truly, it was adorable.

Stepping into the light Kurayami reached up and unsealed the helmet from his armored flightsuit. He made direct eye contact with the Chiss as he spoke.

"I have no clue who you are and frankly, I couldn't care less. So save your grand spiel for someone who gives a damn. I will tell you though, as someone who has fought in multiple battles and flown countless engagements as both a Force user and one cut off from it, you clearly have no idea what or who you are pushing towards the edge. Your little outburst about insults... here's a crazy idea child, don't dish it out if you can't take it in kind. Sith down and let those who have more intelligence that a pile of bantha dung speak. Your tantrums are useless. Should a non-Force user be held in the same regard as a Force user? That really depends on the situation and experience levels of those involved, be glad that the one speaking for the Emperor has seen fit to give you a place amongst those who will help shape the direction of the Empire going forward. "

He reached into his flight jacket and after uncapping it, took a long swig from the flask maintaining direct eye contact with the man as he capped it and placed it back in the inner pocket where it normally resided. The smirk returned as Kurayami spoke once more.

"Oh yea little tip for ya kid. Don't threaten anyone above you in rank, trust me it just ain't gona end well, unless you like 'accidents' that you don't walk away from. But hey who am I to judge how much you decide to shorten your lifespan by? Now sit down and let the intelligent people figure things out. I'm sure they will give you a condensed version for your reading level when all is said and done."

He slipped back into the shadows, making his way to stand behind the chair his employers were currently occupying.

 

[Darth Prazutis]

Location: Imperial Palace, Bastion
Tags: Hailyn , Taeli Raaf , Fiolette Raaf, Darth Voracitos , AMCO , Kaalia Pavanos , Hont Atellies , Thaelius , Lirka Ka

S U P R E M A C Y​

I will praise you, oh Emperor, with all my heart; I will declare all your wondrous deeds.
I will delight and rejoice in you; I will sing hymns to your name.
For my enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you.
You upheld my right and my cause, seated on your throne, judging justly.
You annihilated the Dominion, you eradicated the Free Worlds, you decimated the Commenori, you destroyed the Mandalorian; their names you blotted out for all time.
The enemies have been ruined forever; you destroyed their cities; their memory has perished.
The Emperor rules forever, has set up a throne for judgment.
It is the Emperor who governs the world with justice, who judges the peoples with fairness.
The Empire is a stronghold for order, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who honor your name trust in you; you never forsake those who seek you, oh Emperor.
Sing hymns to the God enthroned on Bastion; proclaim his deeds among the stars!
For the avenger of bloodshed remembers, does not forget the cry of the afflicted.
Have mercy on me, Emperor; see how my foes afflict me! You alone can raise me from the gates of death.
Then I will declare all your praises, sing joyously of your salvation.
The wicked fall into the pit they dig; in the snare they hide, their own foot is caught.
The Emperor is revealed in this divine rule: by the deeds they do the wicked are trapped.
In death the wicked will depart, all the nations that forget the Empire.
The needy will never be forgotten, nor will the hope of the afflicted ever fade.
Arise, oh Emperor, let no mortal prevail; let the multitude be judged in your presence.
Break the arms of the weak and depraved; make them account for their crimes; let none of them survive.
Strike them with terror, oh Emperor; show the masses they are mere mortals.
The Emperor is in his holy temple; the Emperor’s throne is in Bastion. Inquisitors eyes keep careful watch; they test all peoples.
The Emperor shall, as we, shall not suffer, the Apostate, the Jedi, the Mandalorian, the False Imperial.
And rains upon the wicked fiery coals and brimstone, and a scorching wind.
May the Emperor cut off all deceiving lips, and every boastful tongue.
Long live Emperor Carnifex the Ruler of All Who Exist - Prayer of the Kainenites

There was only that he was truly loyal to, only one who held his allegiance.

The only one who mattered.

Darth Carnifex .

Deep within the cavernous citadel of order that was the center of government for the Sith Empire, high in the apex of this massive structure which housed the Seat of the Sith'ari was the Sanctum of the Shadow Hand. Inside a shadowy command center closed off from everyone by the towering Crownguard was an expansive chamber whose walls were filled with monitors, viewscreens and various computer panels constantly streaming data. It was a chamber manned by dark clothed, cold men and women all carefully handpicked and indoctrinated by the Lord of Lies. Every single one of them was absolutely loyal and every single one of them was a stone cold sociopath utterly devoid of empathy. This handpicked team was filled of the best and brightest but their names and faces couldn't be found on any imperial record, they were brought in from outside the empire and they were never given records. They weren't loyal to the Sith Empire and their loyalties were purely in House Zambrano alone.

In this chamber he wasn't known as the Shadow Hand but as Sovereign - a Ruler of House Zambrano.

These dedicated servants paid no attention when the doors slid open to the maximum security area and the towering visage of the Lord of Lies entered alongside his faithful hand and chief lieutenant Lazarus. A vast circular holotable sat depressed into the center of the chamber projecting a number of images. Along one wall were the faces of many notable individuals: Darth Voracitos, Adrian Vandiir, Darth Ophidia, Darth Athora, Taeli Raaf and so, so many others. It was alongside these portraits on vast screens that carried various surveillance images, as well as a vast stream of data. They spider webbed into everyone who was known to be connected with, family of, or friends with such individuals whether known or speculated. It was in each web that every single scrap of data about these individuals was compiled: Occupation, Height, Weight, Known Skills, Homes, Assets, Familiar Locations, Children, as well as all imperial records ever compiled for them with unrestricted access flowed through the secure chamber. There were surveillance images of homes, information about known ships and so much more. It was constantly being reviewed, updated, scrutinized as time passed and things changed, just as well old individuals had occasionally been removed and their information stored away into the archives. Anyone and everyone who was of significant power and influence, or notable enemies of the Emperor flowed through the technicians. It was on one of these monitors that the Dark Titan and Lazarus stood before.

There was a consciousness projected onto the screen of a nameless face among the masses of Sith Lords who attended the meeting, a plant, a puppet projecting the event back allowing an untraceable stream of the Circle's meeting. Such an event wouldn't have been possible without the express approval of himself and the Emperor, and now that it was in motion he quietly observed as it unfolded and took careful note. The pair had been conversing on occasion as each speaker raised their voices to the others. For the past few minutes they had been completely silent until Lazarus spoke up about one Fiolette Raaf "Quite the firecracker that one, and very young." Lazarus observed. It was behind the closed doors that Darth Prazutis let a rare crack in the careful façade open. "Even worms are filled with bravado when defended by such a formidable shield." He said looking towards Taeli Raaf. "As long as Taeli is by her side she feels she is free to spout whatever rhetoric or factless garbage she desires and offend any parties. Without her she is just an unprotected victim, an empty chair." The Lord of Lies said. Lazarus nodded at his observations and turned once more to his towering master "Why does Lady Raaf continue to keep company with such weakness? Surely she sees." Before Lazarus could finish however the Shadow Hand cut him off "Love makes people do strange things. Such a brilliant, cunning, dangerous keeper of secrets yet it one of three weaknesses she has willingly created for herself. Fiolette is the first." The Shadow Hand said pointing across the room towards the display file of Taeli on the adjacent wall "Nerralyn and Aerys are the second weakness. As for the third? That would be curiosity it is the scientist in her and ultimately that will most likely be what inevitably kills her is her curiosity. Armed with that I can push her towards whatever goal I desire. Still they are advantageous allies to keep for now and one of our closest allies. Taeli is a gifted intellect whose art of deception is second to none, she is a brilliant scientist. Her wife is a gifted commander in the art of war, a naval commander who carried several battles for the empire and a pioneer in the naval industry." He said. Lazarus of all people understood his master's expert analysis and his unique ability to see weakness in all people, it made him perfect for his job. "What about the large one? Lord Voracitos?" Lazarus asked.

"The Shadow Emperor." Darth Prazutis said. The Corpulent One, Chaos-God of Gluttony. The roots of Jonathan Boke ran deep clear through the Old Sith Empire and beyond. In those days he walked into the Old Empire a Sith Lord of power. "A man of many aliases. While he doesn't necessarily show it, he is arguably the most powerful one among those assembled Sith, a sith magic purist he was a master of the sorcerous arts when I first saw him many decades ago, he has grown in power since. A sociopath brilliant in the art of cunning, machiavellian intrigue that rivals my own. Voracitos cares about no one and nothing but himself and he is constantly scheming...only a fool thinks he is loyal. The singular weakness he possesses is an insatiable hunger. Dangle the right morsel in front of him and you can certainly lure him to where you desire." He observed. It was in theory true but he wasn't stupid and it wasn't nearly as easy as it sounded. "Hunger I see.." Lazarus said as he accompanied his master to a different screen. This one projected House Zambrano assets.

The Blackblade Guard, Gelian Sentinels, Jen'Lazea, Morgukai Shadow Warriors, Dashade Shadow Killers, Iron Wolves, Elysian Knights, Voss Mystics, all of Panatha. They were just the tip of the iceberg. That didn't even include the vast hidden armada nor the immense legions of their Black Empire hidden beyond known space that grew with every passing day, or the innumerable amount of monsters spawned in laboratories and breeding pits. No individual in the entire galaxy could possibly rival them, no Sith Lord commanded such an immensely powerful force. Together the sheer population of organics alone numbered into trillions. If assembled together it would be the single greatest army ever assembled in galactic history. More than enough to challenge the full might of the Sith Empire. Together they started at the ruins of the Thyferra Estate, and together they forged an empire across the stars. Now they had it all and woe to anyone who dared to try and take it from his nephew.

"They are ready to fight and die for their Emperor and it grows with every passing day. But if I may Sovereign...what are you preparing for?" Lazarus asked. The Lord of Lies answered the mans question in one simple word:

"Everything."

 

[Thaelius]

He nearly lost control of his emotions yet again. They understood nothing about what this meeting was for and he was most definitely not a member of the Sith Empire or any allied nation therefore Thaelius didn't first him and turned his head before his glowing red eyes searched for the man in the shadows.

"I don't speak for the Emperor, I serve him and his Empire which has endured for a decade and in that short timespan has grew to include thousands of star systems. You speak of intelligence, yet you have no idea who you are speaking to. No, I don't claim to be a being that should be worshipped and praised for his accomplishments. No, I am a being who shows respect to whom deserves and earns it from those above myself"

He paused as he motioned for the man to come closer. "You on the other hand...you are a wannabe, if I'm using the correct human term. No...no you're not a wannabe. You seek purpose, and it is not to disrespect you elders. Lord Admiral Raaf is not my superior by the way. If she wants to be that, she should reenlist. Now, if either you want to continue this argument, we can do if later"

Just in case the man decided to attack Thaelius, two black clad soilders stood directly behind his chair as he sat. Concealed within the shadows and almost unnoticeable. Almost.

"Now, where were we. Ah, yes. Now that we are equals may I suggest reinforcing the systems closest to Bastion with Sector Fleets and gradually evacuating the Imperial Center. The enemy has proven themselves unrelentless. But before they attack, we should. As I said earlier, fear is the key to defeating thier new coalition. If the Alliance takes heavy losses, the Senators will cry caution, but...as much as I hate this idea, we must attack civilian populations. Small but significant populations to force the Alliance out of the war"

For now, he thought to himself. Treachery by the Alliance would not be tolerated.

"Then the New Imperial Order will be alone and we won't have to worry about allied attacks as our superior military infrastructure will strangle them to death"

Kurayami Bloodborn (raises eyebrows) Fiolette Raaf (Your Mean) Taeli Raaf Darth Prazutis Hailyn Aerarii Tithe Grand Moff Aut-X Madelyn Lowe Ardana Vorco Hont Atellies The Lovelies, as Always

 

[Madelyn Lowe]

Madelyn's jaw tensed in anger at the comments, and she opened her mouth to deliver a scathing retort to Fiolette. How dare the woman question her authority. How dare she tell Madelyn to still her tongue. Such impudence, born of the woman's privilege, she couldn't see how the Galaxy had changed, how she was being left behind. To imply that Madelyn's position was simply an inevitable result of political favours and the honour of a dead ruler was a low blow, but it ultimately meant very little. After all, it was Madelyn who was in charge. So Madelyn did bite her tongue, forcing her face back into an expression of detached neutrality, and observing the unfolding argument with some irritation.

Darth Alekto laid down her mandate with strong words and threats. Threats which Madelyn noted and took to heart. Once, such promises would have chilled the woman to her core, but Madelyn's ambition was a much more focused tool than it had been six years prior. This development would ultimately serve the Empire, and favour her. Despite the outlining of the new mandate, and the fact that, as far as Madelyn could tell, most present agreed with the proposed changes, the meeting continued to derail.

Several of the Sith, including some the Grand Moff did not know, weighed in, their opinions once again falling into the tiresome grouping of traditionalists and progressives. This time, however, the pendulum had swung towards progress, much to the Grand Moff's relief. Finally, the voices of the Sith, such as the enigmatic Lark, and the influential Darth Prospero, had joined that of the military and the bureaucracy, like that of Tithe, whose contributions to the discussion had impressed Madelyn immensely. They were all aligned.

Well, mostly.

Madelyn's satisfaction at the consensus between the Empire's various branches was dampened by the bickering that had broken out amonst a few in their Circle. Where Madelyn had managed to hold herself back and look beyond the insults and insolence, other, more hotheaded councillors, had failed, and while the more sensible in the room tried to move the discussion back towards the topic of progress and change, appeals to reason had failed. Finally, as the bickering between Mrs Raaf and those she had dragged into argument devolved further, Madelyn held up a hand and interjected.

"Enough." Came the voice of the Grand Moff, loud and short enough to carry across the room. "Prefect Atellies, Navarch Princeps Ordo. Your contributions to this meeting have been noted alongside your conduct. If you are unwilling to hold yourselves to a standard befitting someone of your station, you may leave this chamber now. This is not a room without consequences."

Madelyn's eyes swept over the two, glittering in the light reflecting off her datapad. She sent a brief glance over to the chair, Darth Alekto, before continuing in her admonishment. She had not intended to pull rank, but this meeting was vital. Disruption could not be allowed, would not be tolerated.

Hoping the pair valued their positions over their pride, Madelyn turned her attention elsewhere.

"Mrs Raaf." She began, her syllables clipped, tone formal. "You have been given a great privilege to be present at this gathering today. Do not waste it, and remember your place. Your words here have bordered on treason, and while I have a great deal of respect for you and Lady Arcanix both, your privilege is not infinite. Still your tongue and halt your arguing, as I have done."

Madelyn scowled, looking around in barely-concelaed simmering anger.

"Everyone is to sit down, or get out immediately. Behaving like children will not be tolerated here."

Breathing out a sigh, Madelyn sat back, and whispered something to an aide beside her, who dutifully nodded and produced a second datapad, which the Grand Moff placed in front of herself, beginning to flick through it, casting a brief look around the room, daring someone to speak out.

"Now, if I might steer our discussion back to the topics at hand." Madelyn flicked her wrist and a projection appeared in front of her, large enough to be discerned from across the room. "The establishment of this Circle is a start, but the fact remains that the Sith Empire is facing an assault on two fronts, and so far, we have lost ground. The Diet is drafting resolutions and moving funding to support the war effort, as well as reinforcing our sector capabilities as demonstrated by my honourable colleague Aut-X." Madelyn glanced around the room again, trying to gauge the interest and engagement of those in the ring of seats. "Unfortunately, so far we have lacked a cohesive strategy to address these threats with all our Sith-Imperial organs. Perhaps this forum is a chance for each of our branches to cooperate, and decide how we will stand against the New Imperials and the Jedi, lest we fail to subjugate them, as at Kintan, or fail to hold them at bay, as we saw at Mygeeto and Muunilist."

Aerarii Tithe | Amur | Kurayami Bloodborn | Hont Atellies | Onrai | Kaalia Pavanos | Thaelius | Taeli Raaf | Grand Moff Aut-X | Adriana Fortemps | Vaylin | Fiolette Raaf | Cara Dorniarn | Lord Venari | Lavria Xedrim | Ardana Vorco | Darth Voracitos | Lark AMCO | Lirka Ka​

 

[Hont Atellies]

"Do you see what I mean Thaelius ? Some people that are in this chamber have shown that there lives are a detriment to our Empire." Hont interjected. He was completely cold and calculating, ready to strike at others in the room.

"Unity doesn't mean we will be Hive-mind, Madelyn Lowe . Oh I know your name, and I know the name of two types of people. People who I know and people who piss the soldiers off, your the latter. Mrs Raaf (Fiolette Raaf) can speak, she is a witch but she can speak, so she deserves to speak, even if it pisses me off. Kick me out, but you will have no solace when you sleep, knowing that everyone is against you. Anyways, here is how were gonna solve the issue on fighting on two fronts, were gonna keep the little amount of forces that can reasonably halt one side, use civilians if you have too. Torch entire worlds and slow them down. On the other we push with unrelenting force. No regard for life at all. This is how we win, blood, sweat and fire."

He stood, awaiting the flame war that was about to begin.

 

[AMCO]

Smiling softly as Hailyn took the word, the Sith Lord found himself agreeing with her vision - the replacement of of the Dark Council could prove to be a political inconvenience, of course, but he was confident that his influence was sufficiently consolidated to earn him a prominent seat in the new Circle. If not, well, he had always been more interested in his research anyway.

His appointment to the Pyramid of Scientific Advancement was hardly a coincidence.

As for her claims about his privilege, he was inclined to disagree as a matter of principle - the Force was privilege made manifest, the edge it gave those born with it superior to any legal rights - but decided to hold his tongue, for now. The last thing they needed was more derailment.

"I, for one, fully support the reorganisation of our central command structure into this new Circle..." Cold eyes flickering to Madelyn Lowe , he continued. "... and have every confidence that the Diet's efforts to mend our defences will continue unabated during this period of reform."

Sighing deeply, he finally turned his attention to the Chiss ( Thaelius ) which he had been ignoring up to this point. "With all due respect, Navarch, the two fronts being referred to are the New Imperials and the Silver Jedi. The Alliance have proven an inconvenience, yes, but I doubt attacking their civilian centres would accomplish much beyond forcing us into a war on three fronts... and further alienating us from the Core."

Clicking his tongue, he considered his stance for a moment before deciding that he did not much care about the feelings of war hawks. "If we aim to bring the rule of law to the galaxy, rampaging about like rabid akk dogs is hardly a sound strategy."

 

[Thaelius]

Thaelius then remained quite again until Madelyn decided to talk. The burecrats thought they controlled the military. How cute. "Grand Moff, I remind you...you don't hold power over everyone I'm this room. I recommend caution" he whispered into her ear before relaxing in his chair once more.

He remained quiet when Prefect Hont Atellies made his remark, instead choosing to show his agreement through his eyes. He spoke enough. Then came Lord Adrian Valerius who attempted to discredit what he said.

"Navarch Princeps, or Admiral. I was appointmented to this position by the Emperor. I'm sorry if I interrupted you. Please continue"

There were very few things that Thaelius absolutely despised and being called out of rank was one of them. It wasn't that long ago when he reactivated his commission with the Sith and !et with the Emperor who granted him said title.

He then pointed to a holo-table which detailed the battle of Mygeeto and Muunilist equally and to an astonishing degree. "So this is not an Alliance flagship. These are not Redeemer Class Star Defenders, which are utilized by the Galactic Alliance. This was a war on three fronts from the beginning. If we ignore them then they will just continue to aid the 'New Imperial Order' and Silver Jedi"

What was the Sith Lord saying? Thaelius had always believed that most Sith could see the bigger picture, obviously he was wrong. "We lost an entire Battle group to Alliance warships and you say they are an inconvenience? No, they declared war on us and we need to react. The Jedi, the traitor's and the Alliance should all be given quick, and merciless deaths"

Rabbis akk dogs? No...he obviously didn't understand a word he said earlier. "No. You see, precision is the key to victory. Swarm attacks won't work, hell they're probably expecting that. No, like I said fear is the key. My ancestor, Grand Admiral Thrawn used a similar tactic to recapture Imperial worlda. We don't need !massive fleets. We need a few ships, and few legions used precisely and correctly"