He could see the apprehension in the minuet shifts in her facial expression. Loske was unsure if they were doing the right thing, and he understood the fear. Cedric would have felt the same were he in her position. His padawan deserved a full and honest answer.
"I've spent many years pondering how to restore the galaxy to its old glory," Cedric began as he toyed with a small wooden carving that had been shaped into the image of a nexu. "My entire life, I have been devoted to four things. The Jedi Order, the people of the galaxy, my own people the Essonians, and the living force. I have spent far more time than is healthy pondering how best to serve these causes, and the Imperium was my answer."
He gestured out toward the skylanes outside the window, "I will admit, restoring House Grayson is something personal to me. It is something I do for my family's legacy, and in that it is a selfish endeavor, but it makes me happy, and it hurts no one, so I chose to pursue it." He turned back to Loske, "But the Imperium is far more than that. We're both young Loske. We've never known a galaxy at peace. The stars have been set aflame for decades now, and the reason?" He lofted a brow.
"The fall of democratic rule in the Republic's demise, and the rise of tyrants like the Sith Empire and the First Order. I have come to learn that the people of the galaxy must be united in order to stop its evils. If these worlds were left on their own, they would eventually become parts of the Sith war machine, and know that the Sith are coming. It's only a matter of time before they reach our stars."
Loske was the only individual he had ever shared a link through the Force with, and at times it made him slightly uncomfortable how much she might be able to read of him. It left his emotions unguarded, though he did trust her with them. Right now, she would feel nothing but purpose from the Jedi Master. He believed every word he spoke, from the very core of his being.
"The core is the most valuable sector of the galaxy, and it's been in imperial hands for years. By liberating Coruscant, not only have we destroyed the oppression of non-humanoids, but we have also brought democracy back to the people. I took the title of Imperator to guide, not to rule. My intention is to use the legitmacy provided from the throne of Coruscant to expand our Imperium to any worlds that would wish to be wish us. From there, I can ensure slavery, racial prejudice, and other evils are ousted from society. We can create a better galaxy, one where people care for one another, rather than seek a way to exploit their fellow citizens."
A pause.
"I have created the House of Lords, but truthfully it is the senate in all but name. The dukes, barons, and lords that make up its number will be democratically voted in by their people. There may be some exceptions for special cases, such as worlds that are in such disarray that they require a foreign governor to save them, but most will be brought in through the will of the people. From there, these nobles will vote as the senators of old did, and in time we can perhaps dismantle my position of Imperator entirely, and declare a Republic. Now, however, we are far too unstable, and there is far too much disharmony. Without a strong figurehead for the people to rally behind, our fragile alliance would crumble at the seems. We must first secure our Imperium and protect the people properly before I can relinquish control."
The Jedi took a deep breath as he finished. "That is my reasoning. From the Imperium, we can do the greatest good for the galaxy. We can act in the interests of the people, and no one is above us to tell us to do otherwise."
[member="Loske Matson"]
