Private Legacy of Vaiken

[Darth Imperius]

Jutrand Orbit | Dark King
Reicher Vax

Darth Imperius stood in his antechamber aboard the mighty vessel, its Dark side fueled technology oozing from every panel. To him it was almost calming, slowing his heartbeat to nearly a standstill as his focus concentrated, his mind sharpened and expanded at the same time. The large battleship was in the outer orbit of the Sith Empire's capital, its dark hull barely visible against the void of space, its position lights dim and almost no traffic going back and forth towards it. But it was not hidden, it was simply in its ambiguous state of being and not being, just as its master was.

The antechamber was almost purely pragmatic. Of similar dark metal as the hull, red and white lights giving it a mixture of being illuminated and ominous, enough to clearly see the person one was speaking to but nevertheless leaving shadows to guess true expressions. It was subtle, but intentional, as its primary inhabitant was not leaving anything to chance, especially not a ship that he had designed to the last framework for his very own purposes. In the center of the antechamber was a large meeting table, surrounded by high-backed chairs that looked certainly not uncomfortable, above it were large holo-projectors to be used for displaying operations, plans and whatever was required. At the sides of the chamber were statues, most shrouded in hoods but their different shapes and appearances certainly making them unique personalities.

In the chamber itself were two guards, two Extremis Paladins that stood next to the doors to Imperius' sanctum, silent watchers in heavy dark armor, wielding large swords and broad shields, their empty helmeted gazes staring into nowhere.

This is where Darth Imperius had invited the Governor of Polis Massa to. Not intending to intimidate, but he was on his way to depart Jutrand and it was the quickest way possible to arrange a meeting while not wasting too much time and leaving the environment to circumstances. He was not a governor himself yet, but he was fully intent on becoming one and proceed with the increased militarisation of society and economy in the Empire. And it required another hand, one that was from the society and part of the military.

 

[Reicher Vax]

Darth Imperius

The quiet hum of the shuttle's engines filled the cabin as Reicher Vax prepared himself for the meeting ahead. The crimson glow of his helmet's visor cast faint shadows against the bulkhead, a beacon of his rank and discipline. The vessel was sleek and functional, outfitted for rapid transit rather than comfort, but it suited his purpose well. Reicher adjusted the vambrace on his armor, ensuring every piece was immaculate—a symbol of the professionalism and precision he expected from himself and his men.

As the shuttle approached the imposing battleship in orbit, Reicher's gaze shifted to the massive vessel looming before him. Its silhouette was a dark stain against the stars, an embodiment of the Sith Empire's power and its master's enigmatic presence. This was no ordinary warship; it was a statement, and every detail about its construction and presentation hinted at its owner's meticulous nature.

Reicher's commlink crackled to life. <Lieutenant, final approach confirmed. Stand by for docking.>

"Understood," Reicher replied, his voice calm and deliberate. He straightened in his seat, his posture unwavering. This meeting was an opportunity, but it was also a test—a chance to forge a connection with one of the Empire's rising powers and secure support for the projects on Polis Massa.

The shuttle docked with a faint hiss of hydraulics, and the ramp lowered to reveal the ominous corridors of Darth Imperius' flagship. Stepping onto the metal deck, Reicher took a moment to survey his surroundings. The air felt heavy, charged with the palpable weight of the Dark Side that infused every panel, every shadow. He was met by a pair of guards, their imposing forms standing motionless as they gestured for him to follow.

Reicher moved with purpose, his boots echoing against the floor as he was escorted through the vessel. The design was utilitarian yet sophisticated, every detail reflecting the vision of a master and leader. It reminded Reicher of his own approach to command—precision, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to efficiency.

The doors to the antechamber slid open with a mechanical hiss, revealing the room where Darth Imperius awaited. Reicher stepped inside, his gaze sweeping over the space. The high-backed chairs, the statues cloaked in shadow, and the subtle interplay of red and white light created an atmosphere that was both inviting and foreboding. The two Extremis Paladins flanking the sanctum doors were a silent reminder of the power held within.

Reicher approached the center of the room, his movements measured. Stopping at a respectful distance from the table, he removed his helmet, revealing his sharp, angular features and the piercing gaze that had become a hallmark of his leadership. His dark brown hair was neatly cropped, and his expression was calm but alert, a soldier's demeanour tempered by years of experience.

"Darth Imperius," Reicher began, his voice steady and clear. "I am Lieutenant Reicher Vax, Governor of Polis Massa, my sister-in-law spoke highly of you, so it is an honour to be summoned to your presence."

 

[Darth Imperius]

Reicher Vax

Darth Imperius helmeted gaze observed the imperial officer entering through its crimson glow, standing between two chairs at the center of the table. It put the furniture into perspective, as it was apparently designed to fit his size, not that of regular beings and would make many look like children in the adult seats. One of his gauntleted hands was laying over the backrest of the chair next to him, a rather uncommon, casual display of homeliness.

"Governor Vax. I appreciate your presence to my short-notice summon." He paused a moment. "Who is your sister-in-law?"

He did not know who that was nor had an idea who it could be. It was not essential to the meeting nor to the path going forward. Blood did not mean anything in regards to personality and character, nor skills or abilities. A myth spread by purists that were little wiser than they were alive.

"You have taken up the governorship of Polis Massa. A swift rise judging by your rank of Lieutenant. How is such administrative and political duty suiting you?"

​

 

[Reicher Vax]

Darth Imperius

Reicher's gaze didn't waver as Darth Imperius addressed him, the Sith Lord's imposing presence and the subtle weight of his words hanging in the air. The unexpected question about his sister-in-law gave him pause, though he kept his expression controlled, betraying nothing.

"My sister-in-law is Serina Calis," Reicher replied, his tone measured but with a faint undertone of guarded pride. "A Padawan of the Jedi Order—or at least, she was, the last I heard of her." His words were carefully chosen, acknowledging Serina's affiliation without delving too deeply into personal matters. "She is… ambitious, to say the least. A trait we seem to share, though we express it in very different ways."

He left it at that, allowing the conversation to move forward without dwelling on the complexities of Serina's choices. This meeting was not the place to unpack the tangled web of family dynamics and divided loyalties that came with their connection.

Reicher shifted slightly, his posture remaining upright and disciplined as he addressed the next point. "As for Polis Massa, the transition to governorship has been… challenging, but rewarding. My background in the Legion taught me discipline and structure, qualities I've applied to the administration of the system. The asteroid's isolation and limited resources presented obstacles, but they've also created opportunities."

He paused, gauging Darth Imperius' reaction before continuing. "Polis Massa has long been overlooked, its potential dismissed by those unwilling to invest the time and effort required to turn it into a strategic asset. I've begun initiatives to fortify its defenses, streamline its resource extraction operations, and integrate its workforce into a more militarized economy."

Reicher's tone shifted slightly, taking on a more deliberate cadence. "However, governance is not merely about structure and resources. It is about vision. I see Polis Massa not as a backwater outpost but as a keystone for the Empire's expansion. Its position along critical hyperlanes makes it ideal for logistics and fleet resupply. With the right investments, it could become a vital staging ground for operations deeper into the galaxy."

He inclined his head slightly, his expression firm but respectful. "I recognize that my experience as a soldier is not a substitute for the skills of a seasoned politician, but my approach is pragmatic and results-driven. My loyalty is to the Empire and its future. If there are aspects of my governance that you believe need refinement, I welcome your guidance, my Lord."

Reicher's eyes met the crimson glow of Darth Imperius' helmet, his stance unwavering. He had come to this meeting not only to seek support but also to demonstrate his competence and readiness to contribute to the Sith Empire's broader ambitions. The Sith Lord's scrutiny, he knew, was not something to be taken lightly.

 

[Darth Imperius]

Reicher Vax

An admittance of fraternisation with the enemy was one of the least things he had expected today. He conversed or interacted with a Jedi of the New Jedi Order, no matter how delusional and off-road she was or he thought she was, it was nothing short of potential collaboration or even treason if viewed from the right angle. And the Sith had the nature of being able to view it from an angle they desired. But it was nothing more than a thought, filed for later, to be used at the appropriate moment which might never come.

Instead the Dark Lord listened to the elaborations of the soldier. What he heard were the attempts to justify his approaches, to make it seem reasonable and excuse inexperience with the path chosen as well as some sort of lecturing that he felt to share. It seemed everyone had to educate these days, every meagre beating heart that would stop beating before Imperius' did felt to share experiences.

However his response was different. "You have chose the right path, the correct approach to make your governorship stand out. The Empire does not need administrative scribes, bureaucratic sages or hairsplitting lawyers. It needs disciplined soldiers, in command as well as on the frontline. That is how the Sith Empire has to be run, by military minds, for it is to be an engine of war, not a vessel for corruption and decadence."

"What opportunities to do you have created? What are your plans and projects in regards to strategic and logistical asset creation? What kind of aid or investments do you seek?"

 

[Reicher Vax]

Darth Imperius

Reicher listened intently to Darth Imperius, allowing the Sith Lord's words to settle before responding. He straightened his posture, his tone clear and deliberate as he began to detail his progress and vision for Polis Massa.

"My Lord," he began, "I have taken several decisive steps to ensure Polis Massa's transformation from an overlooked outpost to a thriving asset for the Empire. Chief among these is securing substantial investment from the Trade Federation. Through a carefully negotiated agreement, I've ensured that I retain control over the allocation of these funds. This was no simple task, given the Federation's infamous aversion to risk and their tendency to micromanage. However, I've positioned Polis Massa as a guaranteed return on their investment, aligning their profit-driven motives with our need for development."

Reicher's voice took on a sharper edge, underscoring the calculated nature of his actions. "The funds have already begun fueling several key initiatives. First, I've established an industrial core dedicated to resource extraction and refinement, leveraging Polis Massa's abundant raw materials. I've also directed portions of the Trade Federation's capital toward infrastructure development—new docking facilities, expanded mining operations, and enhanced logistics hubs."

He shifted slightly, his crimson visor catching the faint light of the chamber. "Additionally, I've utilized familial connections within the Galactic Alliance and New Jedi Order alongside my own personal retinue to secure control of spice production on Servacos II. While spice is often viewed as a controversial commodity, its value cannot be denied, especially when processed and distributed under controlled conditions. By integrating this production into Polis Massa's growing economy, I've created a steady stream of revenue to fuel further development."

Reicher paused briefly, allowing the weight of his words to settle before continuing. "As for my broader strategy, I've designed Polis Massa's economy to function as a scalable model. Rival corporations and mining conglomerates are intentionally placed in controlled competition. This ensures two outcomes: first, that only the most efficient and innovative players thrive; and second, that the market remains vibrant and fiercely invested in the system's growth."

"Conflict ensures our growth and prosperity."

His tone softened slightly, though his intensity remained. "The profits generated from this competition are not squandered. I've allocated a portion toward hazard pay for workers—ensuring loyalty and morale remain high—and toward immigration incentives, encouraging skilled laborers and professionals to relocate to Polis Massa. The result is a system that thrives on meritocracy and efficiency while offering tangible benefits to its workforce."

Reicher leaned forward slightly, his conviction evident in every word. "My ultimate goal is to transform Polis Massa into the boom town of the Sith Empire—a hub of industrial might, economic vitality, and strategic importance. Its location along critical hyperlanes will make it indispensable for resupply and logistics, while its burgeoning economy will attract further investment and innovation."

He straightened once more, his voice unwavering as he concluded. "What I seek, my Lord, is not mere handouts or oversight, but support for continued growth. Additional capital, military resources and political backing to ensure its autonomy are all key to achieving this vision. With the right investments and strategic partnerships, Polis Massa will not only serve the Empire—it will stand as a testament to what disciplined governance and military efficiency can achieve."

 

[Darth Imperius]

Reicher Vax

Again the Dark Lord listened. Curious to hear what the imperial had to share. The clarity and reason he saw was intriguing and more importantly, promising. A sound approach to governorship and with prospects for a strong future. The location of Polis Massa was strategically important and could be even more elevated through extensive militarisation and logistical expansion.

"How do you handle the limits of this free market zone you seem to envision towards building it into a secure and formidable military hub? Open meritocracy can easily invite agents and saboteurs. What is your plan to make the location secure and protected from such?"

The part about the Trade Federation was certainly unwelcome. Another domain the petty crows could put their beaks in. Whatever deal he thought to have made in favorable terms, they knew how to make their returns greater, always. Imperius was ruthless and brutal, but the Trade Federation did not deal in ideals and philosophy, just credits. It was not a dealbreaker, but it was something to be aware of.

"Tell me about your background - what were you duties before becoming governor, what your achievements?"

"Do you look back to that life fondly?"

 

[Reicher Vax]

Darth Imperius

Reicher's stance straightened slightly as Darth Imperius posed his questions, the crimson visor of his helmet tilted forward just enough to reflect the Dark Lord's imposing figure. His tone, measured and deliberate, echoed in the chamber.

"My Lord, the free-market zone operates under tight oversight. Rival corporations may compete, but they do so under the watchful eyes of operatives I've embedded across every tier of their organizations. Surveillance protocols monitor key personnel and transactions. Sabotage and espionage are met with swift and public consequences—a lesson the early offenders have learned well. The meritocracy thrives within boundaries I set, and no one competes outside the framework without retribution."

"The Tsis-Kaar have taught me well."

He paused for a moment, as if weighing whether to say more, but ultimately moved on. "As for my background, I served as a Legionnaire and worked my way into commission as a Lieutenant in the Old Guard. My duties were straightforward: command, combat, and ensure the Empire's discipline was maintained on the battlefield. My achievements? Countless battles won, often with fewer resources than our adversaries. I led troops on Polis Massa during the Echnos incident, a bloodless coup. Malum legitimized my claim and ever since I have worked alongside him and the Tsis-Kaar personally, who have allowed me free will to do as I wish on Polis Massa. I am the only assembly member that isn't a Sith. There is little else to recount; I did my duty, and I still do."

He paused for a moment to catch his breath, but also to think clearly. It was hard being the only Non-Sith in the assembly, it was a place of pure degeneracy and corruption, inefficient in its function and purpose. His status as a Non-Sith and someone who wasn't a Force-Sensitive made it difficult for him, but it was his duty, he would do it all the same.

He made a genuine expression of happiness, even if it couldn't be seen behind the helmet "Congratulations on joining our ranks, My Lord. I believe you will serve the Sith Empire faithfully and wish you the best in your future endeavors."

His voice grew quieter but sharper, a blade honed by experience. "Do I look back fondly? No. My service was a necessity, not a pleasure. Sentimentality has no place in a soldier's life, nor does it belong in the life of a governor. I am here to ensure that Polis Massa thrives, that the Empire grows stronger. If you're looking for reflection on past lives, you might consider asking my sister-in-law."

Reicher's tone shifted slightly, a rare flicker of amusement breaking through his normally impassive demeanor. "Serina Calis could chat you to death, my Lord. She has a way of filling every silence with her thoughts, every pause with her philosophies. If there's a quiet moment, Serina will find a way to occupy it. It's her talent."

He leaned slightly forward, his voice returning to its usual firmness. "But unlike Serina, I am not here to reminisce or debate the finer points of life. I'm here to get a job done—to build something formidable, lasting, and indispensable to the Sith Empire. That's all there is to it."

 

[Darth Imperius]

Reicher Vax

"Consequences are easily applied - prevention is difficult. I doubt that the Tsis'kaar have anything useful to teach outside of flawed succession, complacency and petty deception. There is a corruption in them stronger than in the religious blindness that can be found in the ranks of the Kainate or the nepotism present in the Eternalists."

"I argue that prevention through separation and even tighter controls for your domain is a better path than to torture those caught after already committing the deed that does harm. Knowledge is power and the enemy must not get a chance to get their hands on more than absolutely necessary. As a soldier, even as such junior officer, you should know that it is information that controls to flow of a battle and wins it ultimately."

"Purpose can only be developed from information, only then our discipline, willpower and skill will apply." He concluded on the matter of security and whatever the mention of the Tsis'kaar demanded.

His hand raised sharply, indicating a stop motion. "I care not for your relatives and their preferences. Do not waste my time with it."

Instead he continued to share his thoughts now. He had the only imperial in front of him that was part of the Sith Assembly, the pathetic off-shoot of a senate that was an insult to anything Sith. With some careful maneuvering and expansion of support he could move it into obsolescence. There was no need for bickering decisions made on a floor, clearly designed for nothing else than feeding the egos and sick relations that drove many policies of this their Empire.

"I am going to use my position and the growing influence of my faction to move the Sith Empire to a state that is more fitting of its name and heritage. There is little room for friendship, family and infighting in my vision and I will do my outmost to eradicate such notions from the Empire's power structures in favor of a united, cohesive and therefore powerful realm."

"A foundation of which is not only a powerful military, but a realm dedicated to conflict. There is no alternative to a total mobilisation and militarisation if we strife to be more than a mere player on the stage of Galactic events. The Sith Empire should shape them, dominate them, not be a distant part of them."

"With your apparent affiliation towards the Tsis'kaar and their leader, do you think your mind is capable of reaching further than them? Do you believe your skills of organisation, command and leadership could apply to more than Polis Massa? To serve the Sith Empire and nothing else?"

 

[Reicher Vax]

Darth Imperius

Reicher's posture shifted slightly, his arms crossing over his chest, his crimson visor locked onto Darth Imperius. The Sith Lord's dismissal of family and interpersonal bonds had struck a nerve—because it showed a glaring flaw in the Dark Lord's philosophy.

"Not caring for family, for bonds, for the connections that drive people, demonstrates a narrow mind, my Lord," Reicher said, his voice steady and cold, carrying the weight of a soldier who had seen the Empire's flaws laid bare. "It shows a fundamental misunderstanding of what motivates beings—what turns them into soldiers willing to fight and die for a cause."

He leaned slightly forward, his voice growing sharper. "Take Susefvi, for example. The uprising there wasn't born from some abstract ideology or religious fervor. It was born from broken families, from men and women who saw the Empire rip apart their homes, enslave their people, and give them no reason to remain loyal. They rebelled not because they hated us, but because they loved their own. We crushed them, but the cost was higher than it ever should've been. That's what happens when leadership dismisses the human—or alien—element of loyalty."

"They did kill the heir to the throne. The rebels did. You cannot underestimate this lest you end up like every other Sith to ever exist, creating another doomed Sith Empire. More than that, the perpetrator of this rebellion won."

He stopped himself for a second, thinking whether or not he should say the next words.

"There are things about Susefvi that even you do not understand." He stopped himself, allowing for a dramatic pause.

Reicher straightened, his tone unwavering. "A soldier fights for their comrades. A worker toils for their family. A Sith schemes for their legacy. Cut off those bonds, and you create nothing but tools—cold, brittle tools that shatter under pressure. Bonds are leverage. They are fuel. And if you dismiss them as irrelevant, you will never understand how to wield them properly."

He paused, letting the weight of his words settle before continuing. "You speak of a united, cohesive Empire, my Lord. That's a vision I share. But unity doesn't come from fear or blind obedience—it comes from purpose. And purpose is born from something greater than ourselves. For some, it's family. For others, it's legacy. For others still, it's the Empire itself."

Reicher's voice dropped slightly, the air growing heavier. "So let me ask you, Darth Imperius: Why do you fight?"

The words hung in the air, a challenge and a truth laid bare. Reicher's visor tilted slightly, waiting for the Dark Lord's response, his own question lingering like a blade poised to strike.

 

[Darth Imperius]

Reicher Vax

The Dark Lord was amused by this blatant misinterpretation of his words. He must have hit a special nerve with this numb one that he basically turned to challenge death with his petty lecture about his personal views and why he fought. It was intriguing to see how much people would do to protect their weakness, to turn it into a strength, into a purpose and ambition. The man was right but he came from a flawed angle and assumed that his little bonds applied to the Sith. Applied to Darth Imperius.

Further he thought to tell Imperius that the common imperial needed something to fight for. Four thousand years of leading soldiers of any background, origin, species and type into battle and a Lieutenant felt the need to share his wisdom. It was cute and if not for a certain interest in this particular imperial who managed to take a step into the ring with Sith, it would probably be the last time they talked. It was not a matter of pride, simply that while having it, he hated to waste time.

The part about Susevfi might be interesting, but was not a topic he was interested to pursue. Whatever the one striped soldier think he knew, was certainly entertaining but ultimately mattered not at all.

"You have made a mistake in your thought process and how you received my words. I was not refering to family and friends in your blatantly obvious way, but in the context of nepotism and favoritism over meritocracy and kraterocracy. Favoring relatives and friends for positions, leadership and outright favor instead of those suited, skilled and trained for it. I would assume that someone who set a foot in the door to an assembly dominated by Sith, would value those principles. There is no question or doubt of recognition towards the common imperials motivation here."

"Given that you are wandering around Sith, your loose tongue will bring you into trouble if you do not learn your place. I am not here to receive a lecture or being questioned, but to propose cooperation in favor of what I hoped I could have seen in your status and station. Was my assumption incorrect? So far your presentation seemed to cement my evaluation as true, but maybe it is your Sith ally that pulls strings. It would be disappointing to find a promising member of our military being manipulated by self-serving, nepotistic Sith."

 

[Reicher Vax]

Darth Imperius

Reicher's posture remained unmoved, his visor tilted slightly in the dim crimson light of the chamber. Darth Imperius's words washed over him like the hum of distant artillery—heard, acknowledged, but not enough to shake him.

When the Sith Lord finished, Reicher responded simply, his voice calm and measured.

"You still haven't answered my question, my Lord."

There was no defiance in his tone, no disrespect—just the quiet, steady persistence of a soldier who had learned the value of clarity and truth. His words hung in the air like the echo of a blaster shot, waiting to see if they would strike their mark.

 

[Darth Imperius]

Reicher Vax

Darth Imperius responded as simple and straight forward as he could. His voice did not change throughout their conversation and it did not change now. It was as gravelly, measured and resonating as it has been before, speaking with utter conviction and clarity, no mistake, no doubt could be felt, sensed or assumed.

"I do not recognise a question that would lead to anything but a waste of time."

"So unless you are interested to focus the agenda of cooperation for the benefit of the Empire, your personal questions can be directed to your friends and family on your way to your governed sector."

 

[Reicher Vax]

Darth Imperius

Reicher's visor tilted slightly, his stance shifting ever so subtly as he leaned forward, the crimson glow from his helmet's lenses burning like embers in the dimly lit chamber. His voice, though measured, carried the sharpness of a vibroblade cutting through pretense.

"Your dismissal of my question speaks volumes, my Lord," he began, each word deliberate, slicing through the tense air. "But let me offer you a story, one that my sister-in-law, a Jedi with more wisdom in her little finger than many Sith have in their entire being, once told me."

He paused for a moment, his tone unchanging, but the weight of his words palpable. "During the era of Revan's Sith Empire, as the galaxy tore itself apart in civil war, there was a pilot—a Republic ace who had served faithfully, loyally, and with unmatched skill. He wasn't special by birth, wasn't Force-sensitive, but he believed in something greater than himself: the Republic. When Revan turned against the Republic, this pilot found himself disillusioned, not with the idea of the Sith, but with the leaders who claimed to embody it. He respected the Sith Navy, admired its strength, its order. He even entertained joining its ranks when the Republic faltered under Revan's assault."

Reicher straightened, his voice hardening. "But that hope—his admiration—was shattered on Telos. When Revan's fleet bombarded the surface, laying waste to a world that didn't need to burn, he witnessed the indiscriminate slaughter of civilians, children, families. And worse, he saw his hero—the leader of the Sith Navy, the one he looked up to—stand by and let it happen, dismissing it as necessary, as a show of strength."

He let the weight of the story settle for a moment before continuing. "So, that pilot stayed with the Republic, not because he believed it to be perfect, but because the Sith had proven themselves unworthy of his loyalty. Years later, after countless battles, that same pilot found himself on the flagship of the very Sith leader he had once admired. He wasn't there as a soldier or a warrior—no, he was there as an avenger. He fought his way through the ship, his blaster in hand, until he stood face-to-face with the Sith who had betrayed his respect, his admiration, and his belief in order. And with a single shot, he ended that Sith's reign."

Reicher's voice dropped, becoming colder, sharper. "That pilot didn't kill because of ideology. He didn't fight for glory or for power. He killed because he had been scorned, belittled, and dismissed. Because someone he once saw as a symbol of strength had proven themselves incapable of understanding what strength truly is."

He took a step forward, his imposing figure casting a long shadow across the room. "You speak of discipline, of unity, of kraterocracy, but what you fail to see—what you dismiss as trivial—is that the strength of any Empire, Sith or otherwise, is built on the respect of those who serve it. A leader who scorns questions, who dismisses connection as weakness, is not strong—they are brittle. They become the very thing they claim to despise: a hollow figurehead, destined to break under the weight of their own hubris."

Reicher's voice rose slightly, not in anger, but in unwavering resolve. "You think my question a waste of time, yet it cuts to the heart of everything you claim to stand for. Why do you fight? Why do you lead? If you cannot answer that, my Lord, then you are no better than that Sith on Telos—a figurehead who inspires nothing but resentment. And history has shown how that ends."

 

[Darth Imperius]

Reicher Vax

"It seems you are under an impression here and now that you and me, we are here on equal terms and your view of me matters. Let me enlighten you on your dark path before you cannot see anymore. We are not equal. There is no such thing as equality in the Sith Empire. For this is the Sith Empire, not just any Empire of any vocation and petty ideology, but that of Sith."

"'Peace is a lie.' That is the most comprehensive answer you ever will need to understand to a 'why' question posed towards a Sith. We are above any and all, you and your kind are entitled to what you earn and nothing else. I will gladly move to inspire your duty, purpose and discipline but there is nothing equal about it or going to be. You have chosen the wrong Empire if you believe conscience has a place in our ranks or that your position allows you to judge and question a Sith."

"The order we bring is that of the Sith, nobody and nothing else. An example. Unless that Jedi scum you call family and apparently have contact with turns herself to our Empire, I can execute you for treason without delay or hesitation, without remorse or consequences. You may tell pretty tales of love, moral and inspiration but they are not what you are part of. We are not working on a system of approval, but one of domination. If respect is earned, that is fine, but fear will dominate. It is different on your side, for you are not part of the Sith. The sooner you understand that, the sooner you will not end up having died for a wrong cause. As a soldier who bled for this Sith Empire I would have assumed that you are aware of this, but apparently the petty state this realm is in, goes even deeper than I feared."

"Your question is a waste of my time. Your lecture is a waste of my time. The human does not require lectures by the ape. And while I agree that a majority of the Sith alive today are worth less than many soldiers, they are still your ultimate superior, if you are Lieutenant, Governor, Moff or the Emperor's consort."

"You will have to make a choice what to follow, because I am not here to inspire you with pleasantries, cordial and casual chat, laying bare my heart and mind. I am here to acknowledge your station and you have the chance to take the opportunity, or leave it. My purpose is that of the Empire, to turn it into the greatest war machine and military the Galaxy has ever witnessed and not for the sake to bring a new order, or stability or whatever bloated nonsense some hypocrites claim to bring: I will bring a fire that cleanses the weak, from our Order, our Empire and the Galaxy."

"It can be you who is part of it or it can be you who is purged along with any other delusional soul. There are hundreds, thousands of soldiers in our ranks who fight and die for the Sith and their Empire, our Empire." The 'our' was clearly not including Reicher, but the Sith.

And while Imperius was entirely reasonable and cold, his words were steel, sharpened and true. There was an underlaying passion and strength that carried with them, that it could almost be inspirational but it was nevertheless nothing short of genocide and a Sith absolutism that knew neither compromise nor tolerated it.

 

[Reicher Vax]

Darth Imperius

Reicher stood silent for a moment, letting the weight of Imperius' words settle in the air between them. His crimson visor remained locked onto the Sith Lord, betraying nothing, his body still and unmoving.

It wasn't that he needed time to think—he had already made up his mind long ago about the kind of man he was, the kind of leader he wanted to be. But there was power in silence, in making a Sith wait, in forcing them to wonder whether their words had struck deep or merely bounced off the steel of his mind. He had dealt with Sith for years, fought alongside them, bled for their wars, endured their arrogance. The ones who thought themselves gods in mortal skin never had the patience to endure silence.

After a long, measured pause, he finally spoke. His voice was calm, even, but with an unmistakable edge of steel beneath it.

"So that's it, then." His words were slow, deliberate. "This isn't about order. Not really. This isn't about discipline, structure, or building an Empire that lasts. This is about fire and blood, about death for its own sake. This is about feeding the machine, about proving a point, about showing that the galaxy can burn because you say it can."

He tilted his head slightly. "No different from the Sith before you. No different from the Sith who have tried and failed a thousand times over, who let their hunger for destruction outstrip their ability to hold on to what they conquer."

There was another pause, just long enough to let the words cut before he continued, sharper now. "But I'm no fool. I knew the moment I took this position that I would be answering to Sith. That I would have to balance the ideals of war and structure against the realities of power. That sooner or later, I would stand in a room just like this, listening to a Sith Lord tell me that survival meant obedience."

He shifted his weight slightly, rolling his shoulders beneath his armor, his stance utterly relaxed. "And that's fine. If this is the cost of securing what I've built, of making sure that Polis Massa isn't just another piece on the board to be tossed aside when someone else gets an idea in their head, then I'll pay it. The Empire isn't a fair place. I never expected it to be. My job isn't to argue philosophy, it's to survive, to ensure my men survive, to carve out something lasting in a galaxy full of fools who think fire is a substitute for order."

"I hoped that today, might be a good day." He finished solemnly. He thought to himself, By the Force they used to be strong, powerful and wise, is this how far had the Sith had truly fallen?

His visor remained fixed on Imperius, unflinching. "So let's not waste any more time." He crossed his arms. "What are your terms?"

 

[Darth Imperius]

Reicher Vax

Darth Imperius did not notice or pay any pauses any heed. His mind was busy elsewhere until the first words from the imperial that were not inconsequential came out of his mouth. And their weight would have been more substantial and believable if he hadn't counteracted them in the tirade before them.

"My job isn't to argue philosophy ..."

"Your value does not lay in the comprehension of Sith philosophy but in your understanding of your profession. You are a soldier and according to your records and apparent achievement, a successful one. An asset to the Sith Empire."

The words and tone lacked any warmth or emotion, a mere statement of facts that Imperius saw and acknowledged. Not a single one that would make it a compliment or even an excuse of what was said beforehand. It would be a great failure to build a working relationship with someone without both understanding their positions in said relationship.

The order that this fool believed to achieve was ever of even shorter duration without Sith leadership. No empire had ever lived long, no imperial order, no petty values of stability and structure endured, except they were spearheaded by Sith. Or the Republic. It endured far longer than any other realm.

"The Reconstituted Sith Empire was not merely built upon fire, it was war made manifest. It's foundations lay in the strength of the Sith that held it together, that gave it purpose and direction. A purpose that was willingly understood and picked up by it's citizens, not to transform the Galaxy into a garden of peace, but because they knew that conflict was the natural order. Nobody understood that better than Odile Vaiken, first Grand Moff and father of one of the greatest militaries the Galaxy has ever seen. A machine that was so well drilled and structured, that it almost crushed the Republic with a fraction of it's resources."

"We lack such machine. We lack the imperial mind to spearhead a new era. And we lack Sith that give our Empire direction. An amalgamation of petty warlords and bickering factions is what we have to face against a battle hardened enemy."

"My offer to you is twofold. The first, the lesser, is to strike a deal between Polis Massa and Karfeddion. I can provide foodstuffs and even labor force as well as skilled geologists for your exploits and would request raw materials in return."

"The second, and that is of higher gravity, is to spearhead a transformation of our military. The resources of the Ascendant Order and my own stand behind it but it requires more. Especially someone on the ground, someone from the military to lead the efforts. Your morality has no place in such aspirations, it requires efficiency and vision. And it requires absolute devotion to our Empire. A chance to make the lives of your soldiers matter, an opportunity to defy the inefficiency you despise by making an impact."

 

[Reicher Vax]

Darth Imperius

Reicher Vax listened with the unwavering focus of a man who had spent years parsing through the rhetoric of Sith Lords to extract the elements that truly mattered. Darth Imperius' words were stripped of unnecessary flourish—direct, measured, and pragmatic. Reicher appreciated that. There was no need for empty ideology when war and governance demanded only one thing: results.

He let a moment pass, ensuring his response carried the same precision as the discussion warranted.

"The first proposal—the trade agreement—can be established immediately. Polis Massa requires labor to expand its mining operations, and Karfeddion can provide the workforce necessary. In return, the raw materials extracted from the asteroids will fuel Karfeddion's infrastructure and economic growth. The deal is mutually beneficial, provided transportation logistics are efficiently handled. I will authorize my administration to draft the necessary agreements and integrate our supply chains."

There was no hesitation in his voice, no pretense of negotiation. If the numbers aligned, the agreement was self-evident.

But it was the second offer that held greater weight.

Reicher exhaled slowly, the quiet breath more an adjustment of thought than hesitation. His crimson visor tilted slightly, reflecting the dim red glow of the chamber.

"The restructuring of our military is a necessity. I have seen firsthand the inefficiency of our forces, the lack of standardization, the outdated doctrines clung to by warlords who prioritize personal authority over strategic effectiveness. We have too many systems of command and no unifying doctrine to bind them together."

His voice remained calm, clinical. This was not an emotional plea. It was a precise dissection of a military in decay.

"To fix this, we must first establish a unified doctrine that enforces discipline, efficiency, and adaptability. That means implementing a standardized training regimen across all military branches. The Old Guard and other elite units operate at a level of cohesion that should be the norm, not the exception."

He took a measured step forward, his words sharp with intent.

"But doctrine alone is not enough. The chain of command must be reformed to eliminate inefficiency. The current system is weighted down by officers who serve their own interests rather than the war effort. Command must be consolidated under leaders who are chosen for competence, not for their ability to navigate Sith politics."

Reicher's tone remained devoid of arrogance, but there was a certainty in his voice that carried the weight of his experience.

"If I am to take this role, it must be with full authority over military restructuring. I do not operate in half-measures. Reforms will not succeed if they are subject to the whims of warlords who resist change. If you wish for this transformation to be effective, it must be enforced with unwavering resolve."

A final pause. No posturing, no indignation—just cold, practical calculus of what the situation required.

"Give me the authority, and I will give you results."

 

[Darth Imperius]

Reicher Vax

Within a mere blink of an eye, the entire information of the deal had been transmitted to the administration of Polis Massa. A labor force primarily composed of droids and forced workers from the Senex Sector, plus a handful of scientists that came from Iokath, geologists and engineers plus their working staff that would be available to the Governor for further exploitation of his system. Additionally a sufficient amount of freighters with escorts were assigned to perform any shipping of the labor to the place before the extraction could begin with two lines of the Eternal Fleet covering raw material transports when the time would come.

Through a mere gesture of his hand, the holoprojector in the center of the table awakened and portrayed the structure of the current military, the Sith-Imperial Grand Military, a bloated name for a decaying body of inefficiency and nonsense.

"I have prepared the first part of a draft for a military centralisation reform to be submitted to the Assembly. I expect it to meet resistance from some of our independent warlords, namely the Kainate and potentially of the Tsis'kaar."

With another tap the bill would appear as well. "It would establish three layers of forces: Planetary Defence Forces, Sith Empire Army and Sith Troopers. With the former under the command of local governors while held to centralised standards, the second acts as the standing army while the Sith Troopers offer an elite force. As a first action, I think a step by step transition is acceptable, as we have as many cultist zealots as we have petty warbands of ragtag barbarians controlled by the governors and it requires time to disband or drill them to standards that are acceptable."

"Through a proper centralised command under a Dark Councillor and Grand Moff, with a functioning Ministry of War and Ministry of Production and Logistics aiding them, the Sith Empire would see itself rejuvenated, rather than further dissected."

"My vision sees you at the head of the imperial efforts to make this Empire worth its name and heritage and I will see it through. This task requires more than two souls on each side to carry it out. And this is only the beginning. I want to see Kainate military, Tsis'kaar intelligence and Eternalist cults disbanded in favor of a central Sith Intelligence and a unified miliary. A centralised state with a warmachine that is not only able to triumph, but is destined to last."

 

[Reicher Vax]

Darth Imperius

Reicher leaned back slightly as he absorbed the proposal, his crimson visor flickering over the text. The framework was aggressive—centralization of military power, a drastic restructuring of Sith military forces, and an unyielding push for conscription that would tighten the Empire's grip over its citizenry. It was a vision of absolute militarization, a doctrine of order forged through unrelenting discipline and strategic oversight.

His voice, when it came, was measured but firm.

"My Lord, this is a bold reformation, one that will define the Sith Empire's military doctrine for generations to come. There is strength in centralization, and the abolishment of fragmented command structures is a necessary step. I approve of creating a unified Sphere of Military Command under a single Dark Councilor—our failures in the past have often stemmed from competing interests muddying the chain of command. A true Supreme Commander ensures that war is waged with precision, rather than through political maneuvering." He nodded slightly. "However, I would caution against absolute Sith exclusivity in that role. The military is not an arena for personal ambition—it is a machine. A Sith Lord should command it, but he must be one with the discipline of a soldier, not a schemer playing warlord with his own fiefdom."

Reicher's fingers tapped once on the edge of the datapad before continuing.

"The Sith Trooper Legions… This is where my reservations begin. The concept of an elite military caste, trained from childhood, has merit. However, we must be mindful not to weaken the broader military in pursuit of such an ideal. The Sith Troopers, if not handled carefully, could create internal division—Legions loyal only to the Dark Council and separate from the standard military will eventually foster resentment. If the Sith Troopers are to be the Empire's vanguard, they must be integrated into our war machine, not placed above it."

His tone darkened slightly.

"As for conscription, I see the necessity, but I question the sustainability of an empire built on eternal war. A military must be efficient, but also supported by an industrial and agricultural base that is not constantly drained of manpower. If we turn every citizen into a soldier, who feeds the soldiers? Who builds the weapons? The tithe system is an acceptable compromise, but I would propose that the percentage of those drafted be flexible—5% in peacetime, but expanding during times of war as needed. A rigid system will only cause strain when we need to rapidly expand or contract our forces."

He let the words settle before continuing.

"The logistics section is well-structured. Centralized supply chains reduce inefficiencies, and the taxation of unrecognized suppliers is a logical step. However," he paused, his visor gleaming slightly, "the inclusion of N&Z as an official supplier is a mistake. That corporation has proven unreliable—short-sighted and profit-driven beyond reason. The Imperial Supplementation Tax should be heavier on them, not lighter. The Sith Mechanicum, Sanguine Defense Works, and Aurora Industries should receive the priority vacuum instead, give the Trade Federation a very tiny amount of space as well, it would be an important experiment to see where the Trade Federation's loyalties lie."

He glanced toward Imperius, measuring the Sith Lord's reaction before moving to the final point.

"The designation of Fortress Worlds is something I wholeheartedly support. There are too many strategically significant locations in our Empire left vulnerable due to poor oversight. The concept of Castellans is sound—military governance for military installations. If we proceed with this, I would recommend designating key worlds like Echnos and Dorvalla as initial test cases, considering their history with Galactic Alliance invasions, ensuring the model is proven before mass expansion."

Reicher exhaled slightly, his posture still rigid but his tone shifting to something closer to finality.

"The only changes I would ask for the sake of this Empire would be to a system to make sure the ruling Sith Lord is militarily sound, cut the N&Z from the program and add a testing phase for the Fortress World concept. This is all I would outline as necessary changes, the rest are mearly food for thought."

His visor tilted slightly, his voice carrying a quiet conviction.

"With those changes, I stand ready to see it done, my Lord."