Private When you play the Game of Thrones

[Darth Imperius]

Karfeddion Orbit | The Dark King
Darth Callidus | Kaila Irons​

The Dark King was a looming shadow in orbit above the Mid Rim world of Karfeddion. It dark hull was a stark contrast to bright green and blue of the lush world below and yet it was only getting darker the closer one would get. The malicious powers that were used to forge this ship were oozing from its very presence, the Dark side pumping through its circuits, wires and plates, fury leaking from its gun barrels and infecting the star fighters fueled in the hangars. It was not a mere ship, it was a testament of the Dark side, wrath made manifest. A weapon that was waiting to be unleash with horrifying effects.

That was where Darth Imperius had invited his guests today.

Darth Callidus was of a similar vision, her spirit strong and her purpose clear to her. It was almost a joy to fight alongside her and work towards a more glorious future for the Sith Empire. They shared this ideal, they shared a dream of Empire that was free of petty factions and outlandish dogma, returning to the core of what it meant to Sith and to wield an Empire with precision and terrifying might. Her domain Denab was growing to be reflecting this, another frontier world that was close to Alliance space and ready strike at the failed state.

Darth Anathemous was a new addition to the ranks of Lord, her ascension tied to her performance in the battle for Echnos, which now was her domain and equally close to their ancient enemy. She had a strong vision, a defiant mind on her own, one which could be respected, but also required refinement. It was the stubbornness of youth, the antagonism to trauma inflicted that gave her strength right now and it would eventually require self-control, rationality and tradition to shape her into an even more potent member of their Order.

The Dark Lord waited in the primary hangar of his flagship, there was room for two shuttles to land as it was otherwise emptied except for an honor guard of red-clad Dark Custodian Guard that stood silent watch and a three-sided table neatly located in the center of the large hall. It was meant to be a meeting that signaled a sense of equality due to him requiring their help, but also to prepare for the future.

 

[Kaila Irons]

The Masquerade touched down with an eerie grace befitting any of her distant Xyrah's creations. From it's long boarding ramp, Darth Anathemous descended at the head of several cloaked droids of the same sleek make, two of which stayed behind to guard the courier ship.

The young Darth's deep red visor shift the barest inch to observe the red guardians along her march to the makeshift council, her old armor and durasteel-toed boots making a subtle ✱clink✱ with each step, black plates of duraplast reflecting The Dark King's interior lighting in a worn but still shining black sheen, revealed between shifts and graceful flow of a pantoran-silk cloak. She may not have been the most wealthy among them nor the most powerful in head on battle, in her opinion at least, but that didn't stop her from cutting an imposing and muscular figure despite it, wreathed in the spoils of battle.

Battles won through the same calculating maneuvers she would bring to the table of Darth Imperius.

Already she pondered the nature of those who would be seated across from her and what they desired of one another. Below them sat the green plains and hills of Karfeddion, a planet of simple and uneventful history noteworthy only for the foul practice of slavery, which had no doubt been abolished long ago by The Emperor, considering what she secretly knew of his history. An army marches on their stomach as they say, and with the second legion's eastward expansion, an expansion she was now intrinsically involved in both supplying and fighting to achieve, planets such as this were no doubt quite valuable. And with recent developments in the Imperial Assembly, this could mean only one thing.

Imperius sought this world for himself, and cooperation with herself and this "Callidus" character is how he planned to achieve this.

Perhaps then she could earn favor with Gerwald Lechner by negotiating an another source of rations for the legion in exchange for her support, among other things. With Echnos being a toxic wasteland relying on import, the warrior-sorceress turned governor would have to balance her personal ambitions with the needs of her people after all.

Then there was Darth Callidus herself, who the ever studious witch knew to be the governor of Denab, located only a few systems from her own world. Decayed Rakatan technology and the resulting flora of unusual characteristics, these were the things Denab was known for, and the historical value was admittedly of some curiosity to the insatiable archive that was the former kainite seeker's mind, having been taught and expected to fill numerous shelves of Carnifex's own library, to say nothing of the Malsheem vaults.

Anathemous quietly took her seat, chin inclining in a subtle greeting before coming to rest upon a bridge of steepled fingers.

Today would be most interesting.



Darth Imperius Darth Callidus

 

[Darth Callidus]

Tags: Darth Imperius Kaila Irons

The shuttle sliced through the darkened void like a shard of obsidian, its approach to the Dark King a deliberate statement of precision and control. The Dark King, a monolith of malice and power, loomed in orbit, radiating the oppressive energy of the Dark Side in palpable waves. Even within the shuttle, Darth Callidus could feel the power coursing through its structure, an intoxicating and unnerving sensation—a weapon forged in darkness, much like herself.

The shuttle docked, its landing struts hissing as the ramp lowered with theatrical slowness. Darth Callidus emerged, a specter of shadow and menace. Her robes, a cascade of black and crimson silk, flowed like liquid darkness, catching the faint gleam of the dim hangar lights. At her sides, her twin lightsabers hung with unassuming lethality, as much a part of her as the calculating glint in her amber eyes. The air itself seemed to shift around her, a subtle pressure that carried the weight of her presence.

She paused at the foot of the ramp, her gaze sweeping the cavernous hangar with detached curiosity. The red-clad Dark Custodian Guard stood motionless, their silent watch a symbol of the ship's discipline. Callidus regarded them briefly before turning her attention to the three-sided table and the figure of Darth Imperius waiting beyond.

With the barest tilt of her head, she acknowledged the imposing Sith Lord before her voice cut through the oppressive silence. Smooth as velvet, her words carried the cold steel of her intellect.

"The Dark King is a masterpiece of the Sith's will. It breathes the fury of the Dark Side, a fitting herald for our ambitions. I cannot help but admire the precision of your craft, Imperius." Her tone shifted ever so slightly, a whisper of amusement threading through her words. "Though I suspect you did not summon me here to admire the decor."

Her steps, slow and deliberate, echoed faintly as she crossed the polished hangar floor. Each movement was calculated, her poise a weapon as sharp as her blade. Her gaze shifted to Darth Anathemous as the younger Sith took her seat. Callidus studied her openly, her amber eyes a predator's assessment of prey—or perhaps, an ally. There was raw potential in Anathemous, a spark of defiance that could be honed into something formidable, or snuffed out entirely.

"A pleasure, Darth Anathemous," she said with a faint smile that danced on the edge of condescension. Amicable meetings were rare amongst the Sith. "I have heard much of your triumphs at Echnos. Your ambition and tenacity serve you well." Her eyes lingered a moment longer, a subtle challenge veiled in civility. "I trust you will prove as resourceful here as you were there."

Callidus reached the table, her movements as fluid as a serpent coiling into place. She lowered herself into her seat with the grace of a queen assuming her throne, her hands folding lightly on the table's surface. Her smile lingered, though her expression betrayed nothing of the calculations flickering behind her eyes.

"So, Imperius," she began, her voice taking on a measured tone, equal parts curiosity and veiled skepticism. "You have gathered us here, under the auspices of unity. A rare thing among our kind. I admit to a certain... morbid curiosity as to what vision you have crafted for the future of the Sith." She leaned forward slightly, her smile sharpening into something predatory. "Surprise me. I do so enjoy surprises."

Her words carried layers of meaning, an invitation, a challenge, and a warning all at once. For all her curiosity, Darth Callidus was never one to surrender the upper hand, and her presence at this table was as much an exploration of opportunity as it was a test of those seated across from her.

 

[Darth Imperius]

Darth Callidus | Kaila Irons

Darth Imperius stood armored behind the chair that stood towards the entrance of the hangar and where the two shuttles landed, one on each side, one chair for each side. They were more like bare-stripped thrones than chairs, large, barely comfortable but suiting to an occasion that seemed to require a mixture of pragmatism and pomp. The table was similarly build, all from a dark material that seemed like black-green marble or a cold wood, difficult to tell from a single glance.

On the table and next to where he would sit, the helmet of Imperius was laying, the crimson lenses not shining and instead they would gaze upon his exposed face. The pale, corrupted visage was torn by breaking skin, blue and purple veins running all below, the eyes black, red rimmed irises which followed the approaching individuals.

First Darth Anathemous, the Lord of Echnos. Then Darth Calldius, the Lord of Denab. He briefly acknowledged the compliment towards the warship with a slight nod before speaking.

"I make your presence here worthwhile and for that I will not further delay the first topic at hand."

With that he walked around the chair and seated himself, the noise of clanking armor accompanying his movements until it came to a rest, a complete standstill that was only broken by his eyes and mouth moving.

"The world below, Karfeddion, and its sector, are a resource inadequately used for our Empire and I will change that. To rise into the Assembly of this Empire, it requires sponsorship from members already in it. Both of you hold such a seat and with this I am asking for yours both."

Darth Imperius made a pause, eyeing the two in front. He spoke with his typical measured pace, calm but determined, the voice ever more so gravelly when not distorted by the helmet. It was like an omen from the past, unleashed from an unsealed tomb to foresee a storm of wrath and fire. The Dark Lord continued.

"I do not expect you to do so out of charity, nor would I appreciate such notion. Both of your worlds are at the frontier with the Galactic Alliance, a mere stone throw and strategic consideration away from being attacked by those idiotic oafs. The First Legion is engaged and while our most formidable and decorated force, it can and will not be everywhere. Hence why I propose a pact to cement a mutual military and strategic partnership. The spirit of such would be to enable trade, supplies and logistics to flow freely, to share intelligence and most elementary, to aid each other against outward threats."

"Though that is only the foundation of what I envision. We are capable of achieving more than mere holding of territories. We have cunning, willpower and resources on our side." The first look was towards Callidus, the second towards Anathemous. "And can advance the Empire's goals."

 

[Kaila Irons]

"Darth Callidus." the lord of Echnos greeted with a nod, her exact voice heavily modulated and her tone veiled.

Behind that curt welcome however, was an understanding.

Betrayal after betrayal, rival apprentice after rival apprentice long since perished, she had learned well the ways which Sith hid their challenges, and how to spot them. Though some may argue the warrior-sorceress had become too good at sniffing out the malice of Sith, having killed more of her own kind than anyone else, and taking on few allies from inside the order till recently.

She would have to rein in her suspicions. A little.


Darth Imperius was the next to speak, far more direct as he turned to explain his reasons with little more than a greeting gesture. Her predictions were proven correct almost immediately, And the masked Anathemous reclined in her seat whilst considering the offer on hand.

"As I suspected."

Approving or disapproving, it was hard to tell by her mechanical tone alone.

"Well, Karfeddion's resources are of interest to Echnos, and it appears you can provide martially," she gestured with a flick of her wrist towards the ship all around them.

"However..."

Her attention turned towards Callidus.

"You have me at a disadvantage. What do you— or rather, what does Denab, bring to this alliance?"

"Furthermore we must be mindful that Echnos has obligations to fulfill." Anathemous began to stroke her chin beneath the mask, taking mental note of similar pacts she'd involved herself in previously, and especially those mandated by the Imperial throne.

"It is often forgotten that Echnos supplies the second legion with technologies of war, in addition to The Emperor's tithe. Whilst I believe the spoils of war secured in my newfound expeditions with the legion may offset the strain to a degree, I must still prioritize my connection to the Dark Council and what Lord Lechner demands of my forces."

"I am sure you all understand my hesitance to take on additional clientele. I'd like to know what my cooperation will buy me first."

She steepled her gloved fingers, waiting to see what manner of forces or perhaps logistical support the third sith could bring to bear in an emergency, or perhaps how far Imperius was willing to go, to fill any gaps in this alliance if it meant securing her vote.


Darth Callidus Darth Imperius

 

[Darth Callidus]

Tags: Darth Imperius Kaila Irons

Darth Callidus listened to Darth Imperius with the calm intensity of a predator watching its prey, her amber eyes flickering with a faint inner light as she absorbed the Dark Lord's words. She leaned back slightly in her throne-like chair, fingers lightly brushing against the table's cool surface. The faintest hint of amusement tugged at her lips as she glanced at Darth Anathemous, whose curt question hung in the air like a challenge.

When Callidus finally spoke, her voice was smooth, measured, and laced with a sharp edge of confidence.

"An insightful query, Darth Anathemous. I appreciate your directness, as it allows me to illuminate what Denab offers—beyond merely securing this alliance. The strength of my domain is not in brute force alone, though the might of the Evocati Legions is not to be underestimated. Denab's military tradition is ancient and unbroken, forged through centuries of strife, and refined by my guidance. The Evocati are not soldiers; they are instruments of annihilation. Disciplined, precise, and utterly relentless."

She gestured gracefully, her hands painting a picture of controlled devastation.

"But more than this, Denab brings innovation. The Denab Royal Engineering Corps is unparalleled in its mastery of Rakatan relics and the technologies left behind by their dominion. We have unlocked secrets others deem lost—secrets that can be turned into weapons, fortresses, or tools of conquest. To ally with Denab is to ensure not just survival, but supremacy."

Her amber eyes locked onto Darth Anathemous, and a faint smile curved her lips.

"And as for you, Lord of Echnos, consider this: the wrath of Denab is not something I speak of lightly. My Evocati and I have shattered fleets and laid waste to worlds, but my true strength lies in something far more enduring. I do not simply destroy my enemies. I make examples of them, reminders etched into history itself. That is what I bring to this alliance. Should the Alliance or any other threat encroach upon your domain, they will find themselves crushed beneath the combined might of our forces, their ashes scattered as a warning to all."

Her gaze turned to Darth Imperius, her tone shifting slightly to address the broader proposal.

"The pact you propose has merit, Imperius. Together, we can create a nexus of power that secures not only our territories but also our ambitions. Karfeddion's resources could be the fulcrum upon which this alliance turns, a prize worth pursuing. Yet I will not offer my support lightly."

Callidus leaned forward now, her voice lowering, gaining a chilling intensity.

"What vision do you have for the Empire that you would call this meeting? I do not believe for a second it is merely to ask for our support to assume the mantle of a single planet. No...you have an idea; the spark of thought that leads to something dangerous I believe. Beyond the greater good of the Empire, you have purpose."

 

[Darth Imperius]

Darth Callidus | Kaila Irons

So she had been recruited by the Dread Wolf. An intriguing development. Removed from the Kainate, gone from the Tsis'kaar and right into the hands of the Eternalists. Anathemous had a curious journey that reflected her youth and her desire to have a seat at the big table. Her ambitions did not care for individual loyalties, just as a Sith's should not. It was however not the loyalty towards each other that he was interested in, but towards the Dream of Empire.

Callidus elaborated to the inquiry, her forces and insight valuable to say the least. He had considered to only host her here today, but it would be an opportunity wasted, curiosity unsatisfied. Truth was that he also considered approaching those above the Assembly with his vision, the resources he already held making it a rather appealing task and assignment to hand over. But there was always use in giving others use and validation, especially if they craved it so much.

"The duty to the Empire is first in line with what I suggest, Darth Anathemous. This is for the Empire and it will serve the Sith Empire, first and last. Our potential pact here and today will dedicate itself to that, to what I had already elaborated to you on Echnos. There is no place for petty factions and their meagre ambitions in our Empire anymore. Only for Sith dedicated to the Empire and to the goals of it, where Sith understand that they are Sith first, not Kainite, not Tsis'kaar and not Eternalist or whatever else they claim to be these days. No. Sith and only that."

"Make no mistake that I have the resources at my disposal to transform and protect this system and sector and more. But there is more at stake here than our personal gains and powerplays. I ask you to commit to the Empire, to your Legion - and every other Legion. This pact will seal the beginning of an ascension, a rebirth of Sith values and Empire ideals that we pursue."

"The volatility that nearly brought another civil strife proven on Echnos, the indirect declaration of war by the Diarchy and the King of Korribans doubtful presence among them, the grand speech of Darth Malum that proved nothing but the lack of responsibility from the Tsis'kaar - we have to carve a foundation in the Order that stands above it, that stands for the Empire and our rightful place as the rulers of the Galaxy."

 

[Kaila Irons]

"You certainly paint a picture." she hummed, intrigued.

It sounded as though the legions of Denab boasted an extended history that the empire's "Youngest Darth", as The Empress called her, was previously unaware of. And if they were as effective as Callidus claimed, than she and Imperius combined were a most formidable asset to Echnos which she was keen to have on her side if the jedi returned to her shores.

Suspicions or not.

In fact, Anathemous was almost... jealous. These older sith had time on hand to martial greater forces than her own, a byproduct of her premature ascension and even sabotage by her master even before ruling the barren moon. If the Echnosians didn't despise her droids in addition to her actions during the incident, she could have easily remedied this issue by now, but droids could be sabotaged in their factories.

However Dathomir had provided a solution that would make itself known soon enough.

For the dead were never in short supply.

Yes, it seemed that things were finally looking up, and she would indeed have a place of influence in this vision which Imperius soon espoused, altering the course of this meeting.

"Lord Lechner is of the same mind. As am I."

At least, in their desire for unity and an end to the petty warlordism. How the empire should look afterward however, her opinions differed both from Imperius and The Wolf. They were however her key to change, and a world where Carnifex could not simply take what he wished from the Empire without consequence. The sith should fear what will become of them for harming the Empire, not the petty religions of hollow cults.

Not even the Eternal Church.

Anathemous paused to consider the arrangement for a time, however brief. Her chin tilted more upright now with a newfound confidence in both the alliance and her abilities to contribute such that she would remain a part of this little trio. Soon, very soon perhaps, she would reveal her forces upon the battlefield, and then there would be no question of her power this time.

"Very well, Darth Imperius, Darth Callidus, I shall support you and this triumvirate of the frontier."

Darth Imperius Darth Callidus

 

[Darth Callidus]

Tags: Darth Imperius Kaila Irons

Darth Callidus remained silent for a moment, her amber eyes shifting between Imperius and Anathemous. The stillness was calculated, deliberate—a reminder that power was often wielded best in restraint. The oppressive silence seemed to fill the hangar, a weight borne from the decisions that would shape the Sith Empire's future.

When she finally spoke, her voice was calm, resonant, and layered with purpose.

"You speak of duty to the Empire, Imperius. Of unity, of casting aside the petty divisions that have weakened us for far too long. I will admit, your words hold weight. Our Empire has become a fractious creature, torn between factions more concerned with their own legacies than the survival and supremacy of the Sith." Her gaze fixed on Imperius, her expression unreadable. "I do not trust easily, Imperius. Nor do I commit my resources lightly. But I sense there is more to your vision than hollow rhetoric. You speak of a rebirth for the Sith—a vision I find... intriguing."

She turned her gaze to Anathemous, her tone softening but losing none of its edge.

"And you, Anathemous. You have ambition, as any Sith should. Yet I see the weight of doubt, of circumstance, that still lingers behind your mask. Do not mistake your youth or the challenges of your past as weaknesses. They are tools. Sharpen them, use them, and you will find the power to silence the doubters who stand in your way. The Sith respect only strength—strength of will, strength of purpose."

Callidus leaned forward slightly, her hands resting lightly on the dark, cold surface of the table. Her voice gained a sharper intensity, like a blade being drawn from its sheath.

"The Legions of Denab, the might of the Evocati, and the brilliance of the Denab Royal Engineering Corps will stand with you both. Denab will commit its forces, its technology, and its cunning to this alliance. Together, we will forge a triumvirate of unparalleled strength—an unbreakable bastion at the edge of the galaxy, where the Jedi and any other fools who challenge the Empire will find nothing but ruin."

She straightened, her expression cold and resolute, the faintest hint of a smile playing at her lips.

"But make no mistake: I will hold each of you to the standards you have set. This pact is not merely words; it is a promise of blood, of fire, and of victory. Should either of you falter in your commitment, you will find me an enemy far less forgiving than any Jedi. I will tolerate no weakness, no betrayal."

Callidus leaned back, her voice softening, though her words still carried the weight of her power.

"Let this be the beginning, then—a triumvirate of purpose. A foundation not only for the Empire's survival, but for its ascension to heights our predecessors could only dream of. Together, we will remind the galaxy why it must kneel before the Sith."

Her gaze lingered on each of them in turn, her expression a mixture of curiosity and dark anticipation. The game had been set, and Callidus had made her move. Now, she would see if the others could keep up.

 

[Darth Imperius]

Darth Callidus | Kaila Irons

Darth Imperius listened to both their responses. One short and yet again revealing another piece of the puzzle, reinforcing his need to meet the Lord Wrath under less exposed circumstances. The other elaborate and intrusive, as usual, Callidus having little care for limits and frequently breaking them in conversations, a trait that was very handy.

"So it begins."

"I will make available to you, for defensive usage and on stand-by if under attack, a line of the Eternal Fleet. That is to have a quick reaction force that can reach your planets in case they are under attack or threat by Alliance or internal forces."

A datapad appeared in his hand, most likely from within his tabard and he placed it on the dark table towards their ends of it, quite in the center between them.

"This contains the bill draft to propose my governorship of Karfeddian to the Sith Assembly. As far as legislature goes, one existing member has to put it in for voting."

He did expect one of them to pick it up, whoever it was, was up to them. But he did not linger on it, quite confident that it would happen. His figure leaned back in the seat, the arms on the armrests, looking he was almost relaxing. With a casual waver of his hand, a droid moved forwards to bring them refreshments. It was either wine or infused water, depending on what they chose. A choice far less impactful. And certainly not poisoned.

The Dark Lord chose a glass of wine.

 

[Kaila Irons]

The words of Darth Callidus were a surprise to be sure, but a welcome one. To be frank, it was not until after the near-second battle of Echnos that the sith had spoken to Kaila as if she were anything more than dirt, save perhaps The Empress herself, upon her christening Darth Anathemous.

Now it seemed that The Wolf, Callidus and Imperius all addressed her as something akin to an equal.

Even Empyrean had sung her praise in their secret meetings, in his own sort of way. For Callidus' part, she elicited a slow, respectful nod from Anathemous that was as honored as it was rare.

For she bowed only to the throne, and no one else.

The rest of the conversation saw Anathemous in quiet contemplation as the world often did, carefully listening for the unspoken meaning hidden between words and their symptomatic expressions, and the implications this alliance had on the future. Callidus had brought up an excellent point; Imperius had an agenda. Whatever this rebirth truly entailed, Anathemous wondered who's methods of achieving unity would result in the strongest empire, for even in numbers, a weakling was a weakling still. She had no doubt that the sith sitting before her were among the stronger of their order of course, but even figures of incomprehensible power such as her former master had allowed the empire to tear itself apart.

Twice.

Would the change Imperius sought be different? That is what Anathemous wished to discover.

However, he understood something the Kainites did not; that one must also aid and hone their allies no matter one's power. A king, it seemed, was only as strong as his support, even if it is his own strength which drew them in.

Callidus too seemed to understand, and her sentiment echoed something which Anathemous had said once before;

"...but." Though she did not turn to face him, her eyes opened into expectant sidelong stare, and the soft grip on the back of his scalp suddenly tightened, just enough to make a point.

"If you screw me over after I give myself to you... Know that vengeance is my sustenance. And I am ready to commit more than one lifetime to feed that hunger."

Though they could not see it, remembering that she had made good on her threats to Dark Councilor Malum brought a satisfied smirk to her face.

And a mutual understanding with Callidus.

"Rest assured, I take oaths very seriously."

Imperius was next to speak, with a directness which bore just the right amount of flair. Her gaze followed the datapad which slid into view, however her mind was abuzz with thoughts she had not expected today. While more "recent" affairs such as Denab's history within the empire were something of a blind spot to the former Mandalorian's unusual education, she had taken on a fascination with more ancient history, and she knew that name well.

"The Zakuulan eternal fleet...?" She asked, curiosity bleeding through her modulated tone.

Wine was brought out in the meantime, and though there was no overt reason to suspect it's contents, Anathemous stared at her glass for a time.

She chose to remove her helm after a time, setting aside on the table. Her hair, like windswept fields of grain, was draped over her shoulders as she continued to examine the glass whilst removing her gloves.

Curiously she... dipped a black nailed finger into the wine, carefully tasting the drop from her fingertip.

"Hm... a good vintage."

It was almost a matter of protocol more than trust.

Eyes like molten gold, aglow inside the dark interior, returned soon to her allies across the table.

"I beleive Darth Callidus should be the one to present this bill to the assembly. Of the two of us, she clearly has a way with words, and my name is... controversial, as of late. Ironically, I believe Marr is more likely to take issue with my name than the Kainites, and the ire of a Dark Councilor might prove a troublesome obstacle, what with his recent screeching in the assembly and all."

"My signature should go unnoticed however."


Darth Imperius | Darth Callidus

 

[Darth Callidus]

Tags: Darth Imperius Kaila Irons

Darth Callidus observed the datapad as it slid into view, her expression unchanging, her amber eyes glinting faintly with intrigue. Her hand moved to pick it up with a deliberate grace, the weight of the device insignificant compared to the weight of the proposal it contained. Turning it over in her hands, she allowed the silence to stretch for a moment, her focus shifting between Imperius and Anathemous.

Finally, she spoke, her voice carrying the same calculated precision as her movements, each word chosen to resonate with purpose.

"So it begins indeed," she murmured, echoing Imperius with a faint smile. "This alliance, this triumvirate, is more than a pact of necessity. It is a declaration to the Empire that we are the architects of its future. And, as you suggest, Anathemous, the Sith Assembly must hear this call for unity."

Callidus set the datapad down lightly on the table before turning her gaze fully to Anathemous, her tone softening, though her words carried the weight of conviction.

"You speak of controversy surrounding your name, of battles fought in the shadow of doubt and defiance. I say this: no Sith should ever be forgotten. You have carved your place in the history of the Sith through will, through strength, and through the sacrifices you have made. With this alliance, and the future we forge, your name will not simply be remembered. It will carry power—power that no councilor, no rival, no enemy can deny."

Her gaze lingered for a moment, a rare sincerity in her tone, before she turned her attention to the wine that had been placed before her. She took the glass delicately, swirling the liquid within to watch the way it caught the light. Then, with the grace of a queen testing an offering, she sampled it. The wine was rich, bold, and sharp—a perfect metaphor, she mused, for the company gathered here.

"A fine vintage," she remarked, setting the glass down. Her gaze returned to Imperius, her smile sharpening ever so slightly. "I will bring this bill before the Sith Assembly. Your proposal deserves the eloquence and force it requires to succeed, and I am more than willing to see it through. The Assembly will hear us, Imperius. They will see the future we represent, and they will understand the inevitability of our rise."

Callidus shifted her attention briefly back to Anathemous, her tone turning wry.

"Anathemous, controversial or not, your presence carries its own gravity. Marr and his ilk may grumble, but they cannot deny what stands before them. Still, if the task falls to me, I shall wield the words and will of this triumvirate with precision. The Assembly will listen, and they will act."

She leaned back in her chair, her hands resting lightly on the arms, exuding an air of quiet authority.

"This is the beginning of something greater than any of us alone. Together, we will forge a legacy that endures, a foundation of strength and unity that no enemy—within or without—can hope to break. The galaxy will learn that the Sith are not fractured, not scattered, but united in purpose and unstoppable in will."

She raised her glass slightly, a gesture of acknowledgement to the other two Sith.

"To the alliance. May it bring us victory, power, and an eternal future."

 

[Darth Imperius]

Darth Callidus | Kaila Irons

"I was not aware that there is another formation claiming a similar name or origin." Imperius stated, somewhat aloof. It was his deed to have rebuild the technology and ships from a mixture of memory and the Phalanx, funneling funds away since the days of Darth Tacitus, the New Imperial Order, Empire and then Eternal Empire again to create a terrifying weapon once more. Not even close to as glorious as it originally was, but it would still serve its purpose.

"Further I would refrain from dragging the name Marr into dirt by referring to Darth Malum with it. Darth Marr was a beacon for the Sith, a leader for the Empire and ascended the Dark Council not by ganging up on his master and getting rid of his co-conspirator."

The Dark Lord was not known for refined words and diplomacy and would not start with it now. While the Eternlists and Kainites held respective spheres, even if the latter had lost two Empires, they were not responsible for the current fraction alone. History could be ignored, presence could not. He regarded the Tsis'kaar as a stain on the Sith's Empire, a cancerous organ that had to be cut out and replaced with one that worked as intended. Power was not a reward for deception, scheming was not a show of strength, idleness was not an excuse for patience.

But the word 'alliance' made him visible cringe, distorting his face while he was drinking. "Semantics can matter and we will not align ourselves with the wording of our enemies. 'Alliance' may just be a term, but it carries the meaning of compromise and weakness. We shall stand above such inferior motives. It is a pact. A new order."

 

[Kaila Irons]

Imperius' explanation of the eternal fleet felt dangerously close to mocking the dark historian. Her intent was merely to confirm that both he and his fleet claimed a Zakuulan legacy, and not merely that of the Sith Eternal or perhaps even Ingrid's mysterious and fallen empire which once played at allying with her former master's endeavors.

However, the remark earned little more than a long sip of her wine, and subtle increase of that golden glow.

Callidus spoke up then, her comparatively tactful mannerisms pulling at the young Darth's gaze. She would never admit it of course, but the words of her dark peer were having an effect on the former Kainite, who was used to being seen as something more akin to a battle slave than a sith.

This change was... a welcome one.

She smiled faintly, a crooked expression with a subtly mischievous air as she lifted her glass at Callidus.

"Times are changing. They'll change with us, or be left behind."

"Further I would refrain from dragging the name Marr into dirt by referring to Darth Malum with it. Darth Marr was a beacon for the Sith, a leader for the Empire and ascended the Dark Council not by ganging up on his master and getting rid of his co-conspirator."

Speaking of those she intended to leave behind.

"Yes..." she began mournfully, both her smile and her eyes losing a bit of that fire, as if a childhood hero had fallen.

It was the least subtle of her expressions thus far.

"Darth Marr was... an inspiration to the empire. I am sorry to see his legacy so hollowed."

Her voice was soft, distant almost, yet it carried a subtle bitterness characteristic of those sharper emotions valued by their order. Darth Marr would have cared little for bloodlines and politics, in fact she had to wonder if the man would not have slain House Marr were he here now. But hers was also a biased view, shaped by a tragic history with his distant descendant.

A pain that the young woman was trying to hide deep in her wine glass once more.

"Semantics can matter and we will not align ourselves with the wording of our enemies. 'Alliance' may just be a term, but it carries the meaning of compromise and weakness. We shall stand above such inferior motives. It is a pact. A new order."

Although Imperius was nearly able to bring a smile out of her with his pettiness. It was so very sith-like in it's bitter sense of superiority, and though she hardly managed the expression, the ever practical warrior hid her amusement behind a veil of neutrality that looked characteristically mechanical of the pseudo-cyborg.

"Alliance, pact, order. Call it whatever you may, I am only interested in the results."

 

[Darth Callidus]

Tags: Darth Imperius Kaila Irons

Darth Callidus set her glass down with the deliberate precision of someone who never allowed even the smallest gesture to be wasted. She regarded the exchange between Imperius and Anathemous with an expression that balanced poise and quiet amusement, her amber eyes glowing faintly as she took in the layers of meaning behind their words.

When she finally spoke, her voice was smooth, laced with the measured authority of one accustomed to commanding attention.
"A pact, then. A new order. Words are powerful tools, Imperius, as I'm sure you know. They shape perception, forge intent, and carve legacies into the fabric of history. If we are to stand apart from our enemies, let our words reflect that as sharply as our blades."

Her gaze shifted to Anathemous, her tone softening slightly as she addressed the younger Sith.

"I see the fire in you, Anathemous. The kind of fire that turns ambition into reality. Marr's legacy may be hollowed in some eyes, but it need not remain so. What you choose to build, what we choose to build together, can restore the ideals that Sith like Marr once embodied. Not through empty homage, but through deeds that shape the galaxy in our image."

Her attention returned to Imperius, the smile sharpening slightly.

"As for semantics, I find it amusing how the weight of a single word can draw such ire. Still, I agree—a pact is far more fitting. An alliance suggests parity, compromise. A pact carries the weight of purpose, of mutual strength. It is a foundation upon which a new order can rise, one that does not merely react to the galaxy but commands it."

Callidus leaned back slightly in her chair, exuding an air of controlled confidence as her eyes flicked between her companions.

"We have the strength, the will, and the vision to make this more than rhetoric. Let the rest of the galaxy squabble over words and titles while we carve our names into history through action. If we are to forge this pact, let us do so with the intent to reshape the Empire and the galaxy itself—not as servants to old ideologies, but as architects of a future that reflects the strength of the Sith."

She lifted her glass once more, her gaze steady and resolute. "To the pact, then. To the new order we will create. Let our actions, not our words, be the legacy that echoes through eternity."

Her words carried an undeniable finality, a statement of purpose that left no room for doubt or hesitation. She sipped her wine, letting the silence linger just long enough to solidify the gravity of what had been spoken.