The Widower

Hyperspace

With Lord Xalek

The khaleesh Sith lord was left in command, having been told of the plan and given the order before the plan had been enacted. As anticipated, Darth Nox was completely incapacitated due to having several thousand spirits inhabit his body, raging around within him. He had confidence in his old masters ability to keep them under wraps however, knowing his strength would not be rivaled by long dead witches. Besides, he had many spirits to help him in his efforts to subdue them as well.

In the meantime while Nox was down, he was being kept in a bacta tank to keep him in top shape and comfortable, so that he wouldn't find his back and shoulders full of knots when he finally woke up after ridding himself of the spirits. The last thing anyone needed, Xalek needed, was an irate Nox due to an aching back. The last time such an event had occurred, due to an injured Nox being forced to rest, his temper had ensured his entire crew did their best to avoid them. Though that was during his time as a young lord.

"Lord Xalek." He was knocked out of his thoughts by one of the bridge officers, the man only slightly nervous as he stood in front of the Sith lord, "We're receiving a transmission from Darth Revan. He is requesting Lord Nox's presence, you are needed to speak with him in his place." The call of a dark council member being answered by the likes of a more minor underling certainly explained why the man was nervous.

"Thank you for informing me, you've done well. You're dismissed." Turning away from the bridge officer, the man turning away to resume his duties, the khaleesh turned and left the bridge, entering the same private holo room Nox used when he wished to have a private call. He kneeled as he accepted the transmission, his head slightly bowed as the visage of Revan appeared through the terminal, "My lord."

"Lord Xalek?" Revan seemed mildly surprised that it was his friends old apprentice who had answered and not the man itself, not that any of it was able to show that well through the mark, "I was attempting to call Darth Nox. Is he busy at the moment?" Judging by the way he spoke, Xalek assumed he was likely not told of Nox's plan with the nightsisters.

It seemed his old master had gotten a bit ahead of himself.

"I'm sorry, my lord. Nox is rather... incapacitated at the moment." At the slight tilt of Revan's head he went on to explain, "He is not injured. He has taken on a large host of nightsister spirits, so as to resurrect them and introduce them into the army as loyal soldiers. The matriarch of the night sisters has pledged the undying allegiance of her clan if he is successful." He knew he didn't need to explain the potential of such a force to Revan of all people

"Of course he did." The Sith lord muttered dryly, seemingly both amused and annoyed by this turn of events as he looked down, "He's always trying to go above and beyond to keep the empire alive. He did for the old and he does for the new." Shaking his head, he returned his gaze to Xalek with crossed arms, "Tell the fool not to overexert himself in such ways when he wakes. I need to speak with him as soon as possible."

"Can I not take your message for him, my lord?"

"No, I'd rather speak with him in person if at all possible. Its not an urgent matter, I simply wished to discuss a few things with him." The ancient lord played the conversation off as being of little importance, and Xalek chose not to question it. He was a strong lord in his own right, though he knew he couldn't hold a candle to the ancient Sith that currently govern the Empire. He couldn't help but dread the day they passed on from this life.

"As you wish, my lord. I'll convey your wishes to him and message as soon as he awakens." Revan nodded down at the bowing Sith lord, ending the transmission as the khaleesh stood and straightened his posture. The younger lord sighed and left the room, shaking his head as went to go and check on his old master. Though the chances of an attack were low even with recent events, Xalek hadn't wanted to take chances and went a bit overboard with the guard for Nox.

A half a dozen Sith warriors stood guard outside the medbay, along with a dozen commando droids. Within the medbay itself stood another two Sith warriors to guard the entrance in the event of an attempted assassin. Some may have considered it overkill to pull away so may elite warriors simply to protect the masked Sith, though he considered the precaution warranted. As things stood, Nox was vulnerable, and with the current state of the galaxy and their recent reveal, he could never be too careful.

After all, there was no shortage of enemies that could be hidden within the shadows, even with their more unified empire. There would always be those so foolish and weak, yet overly ambitious in their goals.

Xalek would sooner remove his own head than have a power hungry idiot kill his old mentor.

Satisfied that his master was in more than capable hands, the younger Sith Lord went to return to the bridge, intent on keeping order until they were able to bring Nox to the Mother Machine.

This time around, he knew in his gut that the Jedi would be unable to stop them.

On Board Darth Nyx's Flagship, the Philosopher

Korriban

Nyx's lips were pursed as she looked over the most recent reports concerning the revitalized Korriban, as well as the state of things within the Empire. Revan's joining of the Dark Council brought one of the larger and more annoying splinter factions within the old empire to heel, removing one potential threat that she wouldn't have to deal with, unlike her predecessor. So far there were very few reports of those who were under threat of becoming light, only Sith who were calmer, less sadistic.

It suited her just fine, it ensured she had less complaints from Sith Lords who ended up losing their apprentices or favored acolytes to the wild animals and more mad members of the empire. Such reports had been capable of causing no small amount of headaches back before the last Empire fell, considering the quality of acolytes they were allowing into the Sith academy at the time.

Though even with the Sith Empire being more unified than ever before, that didn't mean the awakening of so many Sith who had never met each other before hadn't lead to certain... problems. The likes of which that would have to be dealt with preferably before they had a second Revanite incident on their hands.

With a sigh she turned off the datapad she had been using to oversea the reports before getting up from her seat, having ensured she had a private office for her own flagship until such a time that they were capable of building up a more suitable capital, something the council itself was still unsure of. Some had been advocating for Dromuund Kaas to be rebuilt, for the comfort of what was familiar. Though if truth be told, she felt sticking to the old and familiar when it came to Kaas would just be a mistake.

Shaking off such thoughts she turned on her private holo-terminal, attempting to reach Nox now that she wasn't busy with her work. It was rare for such calls to be able to pass, but she still tried nonetheless. Last they had spoke, he had been intent on completing some sort of project that was related to Dathomir, and if she knew the empowered Darth, his plan would likely be along the lines of "high risk, high reward".

It may as well have been his motto at this point, truth be told. And she wanted to desperately throttle him for it at times.

As expected, the transmission to Nox didn't go through, bringing out a roll of the eyes. Having failed to connect with her long time lover once more, she instead went to communicate with two other members of the council, that could help her deal with the potential dangers represented by some of these dissenting Sith.

Both luckily answered and looked at her with tilted heads and raised eyebrows as she began the conversation, "Cytharat, Severin. I believe its about time we begin to handle a few potential, internal threats within the Empire." Wasting no time in getting to the point, when all three of them had things to do.

The two Sith only continued to look at her in curiosity, only for Cytharat to lead the response, "What exactly did you have in mind, Lady Nyx?" The Sith pure blood asked, curiosity shining just a bit more bright now.

"A few things." She said, a small smirk coming to her lips.

The Malevolence

Hyperspace

They were getting close, of that the count was certain. He was feeling a certain pull through the dark side of the force now, egging him on, telling him to move faster he was nearly there, that he was finally so close to what he had been searching for, to what he thought would take several more decades to bring about. The master duelist took a deep breath as he looked about the bridge of the Malevolence, briefly taking note of Grievous taking his ire out on a battle droid.

As he thought about it, he wasn't all too sure he would have much use for the droid general anymore. He was one of his best military commanders in the CIS, but if there was a satisfactory Sith Empire that was already formed, well, then he didn't have much of a use for the separatist movement or those that followed it. He would certainly be able to bring a good few systems with him into this Empire, of that he had no doubt, but generals the likes of Grievous, well...

All he had to know was that if Revan was within this empire, than the cyborg Khaleesh was easily replaceable for the time when he outlived his usefulness.

"Count Dooku, sir, we are going to be coming out of hyperspace within a few minutes to inspect Korriban. Coordinates for the next system are ready." Dooku nodded at the B1 but gave it no further acknowledgement, the cheap battle droid giving no further information afterwards and returning to its duties.

The old Sith licked his lips anxiously, knowing if he were to find what he was looking for, than this would likely have what he was searching for. Korriban is deeply entrenched within the history of the Sith, and though it no longer serves as a capital as it once did for the Sith as a species, it still held great historical and tactical importance to them. If a new empire had emerged from the shadows, than it was that much more likely they had reclaimed the red desert planet.

And yet, he still found his breath stolen from him once they exited hyperspace.

Dozens of varying ships, all being of a clear ancient Sith design, several orbital stations above the planet as well. The rest of the fleet that he brought as a part of a large scale scouting force also began to exit hyperspace around the Malevolence. It wasn't long after they exited hyperspace that they were being hailed, a woman appearing on holo once he allowed the transmission to come through. The saber hilt at her waist hinted at who she was, if the cold countenance and the sense of authority wasn't enough of one.

"I am Darth Nyx of the Sith Empires Dark Council, you have entered a star system under control of the new empire without prior warning. Be quick with your explanations, or see the fleet you have brought to our world destroyed." Though it rankled him just a bit to be threatened by one so much younger than him, he wasn't surprised by it. The count just had to hold back a smirk as he realized his old master was about to lose many pieces to his several years long game.

Stepping up so that he would be within view for the female Sith, he kept an arm behind his back and bowed to her, "Greetings, my lady. I am known as Count Dooku of the CIS, and have otherwise been dubbed as Darth Tyrannus by my own master, Sidious. I came here to investigate the surge of dark force energy that appeared in hopes of finding something worthwhile. Would you be open to discussing things further in person?"

The cold calculation and curiosity as she studied him was just a bit unnerving, a bit unexpected of someone who seemed so much younger. Though he supposed there was a reason she had risen to the station of Darth within a new Empire, "Sidious, you say? Yes, I would. We'll have a fighter escort guide you to my ship, if you'll take either a shuttle or a starfighter and come to me."

"Excellent, my lady. I'll be along shortly." With any luck, they would be exactly what he was looking for. And the chains that were the power of Sidious would no longer serve to shackle him to his cause as a tossable pawn.

Revans Flagship, the Balance

Hyperspace

Being one of the military spheres in the new Sith Empire, Revan felt it was important to buff up their forces with some more high quality soldiers. Though the men and women that had joined the current military were well trained and dangerous in their own right, one on one they wouldn't quite compare to the republics clone troopers, though they would certainly be able to outdo the B1 models the CIS seems to favor. Droids also filled in a good portion of their fleets crews and ground forces, but it wasn't quite enough for the Sith.

Luckily, he had an idea on where he could gain some more than suitable warriors to add to their ranks. He had discussed such matters in depth with Darths Marr and Malgus previously, considering this would concern the both of them as well, though he had left out Lachris from the equation despite his intent. Diplomacy may be her specialty after all, but those he intended to try and recruit had a warriors heart, with traditions that were centered around it.

Though he had to say, he was rather disappointed with the turn the Mandalorians had apparently taken in more recent years.

Though many of its ancient warriors clans still held power over the planet, it was more over their own personal sections. The planet itself was represented by someone who identified as a "New Mandalorian", someone who had a pacifistic outlook on life. And truth be told, he was disgusted to even know it was possible for the words pacifist and Mandalorian to be placed together to categorize a group.

In response to many seemingly falling under this new pacifistic reign was, of course, a group of extremists called the deathwatch, which seemed to have the backing of a good few of Mandalore's more powerful clans. The plan Revan had in place was quite simple, the reveal of his return and the subsequent attack on the Jedi temple should hopefully assist with it.

Remove the abysmal pacifistic government currently in place and take control of Mandalore once more by installing a capable warrior to lead them. Luckily enough, he had the perfect artifact to make many of the mandalorians bend to him. He had a feeling it wouldn't be all that difficult to make the likes of the Death watch and most of the clans bend, at least.

After all, it wouldn't do if Nox was the only one gaining their empire new allies.

Upon entering Mandalorian space, Revan had been quick to send out a beacon to see whose attention he would gain. It wasn't long before a transmission began to hail them, with Revan personally answering it. The Sith lord was disappointed when it was the image of the duchess appeared, a frown forming behind his mask, though he made sure to hide it, "Its a pleasure to make your acquaintance Duchess, I hope my intrusion isn't causing too much of a problem?"

Yet the duchess only gave him a cold glare as she looked upon him, "Yes, your intrusion is causing a problem, actually. Who are you, and why have you brought a fleet of warships into neutral space?" To be honest, he wasn't exactly surprised at her displeasure, even if he only felt more disappointment. If this had been the mandalore of old, he knew that instead of neutrality, an attack would've been launched.

"I'm sure you should have heard of my by now, but my name is Darth Revan." He chose to ignore the widening of the eyes and the shock for the time being, "As for why I've brought a fleet of warships, I'm combing through the neutral sectors in search of old artifacts belonging to the Sith. Your Death Watch got in our way at one point, so I'll be exterminating them while I'm here." Of course, she needn't know the real reason for why he was there.

"Exterminate the Death Watch?" She muttered, her surprise quickly wearing off at the mention of the name of the Mandalorian extremists, "Then why exactly didn't you send a message ahead of time? If you intended to fight the terrorists plaguing this system, then we should've been made aware of your arrival beforehand."

The Sith only gave her a shrug in response, not really all that bothered by her ire, "A mistake on my part, my apologies. If you wouldn't mind assisting me with my search for them, I would be more than happy to take this little thorn out of your side. As well as mine. Afterwards I'll leave the system, and we won't have to see each other ever again."

As the duchess considered his words another transmission began to come in, having kept the beacon going during their discussion. The Sith Lord smirked in satisfaction as he turned away from the Duchess, "Duchess, our transmission is about to be cut off. It seems we're under assault by your little terrorist group now, so it would seem I no longer need your information. We'll speak again at a later date." He ended the transmission before she could reply, not wanting to continue a pointless discussion.

The next figure to appear over the holo terminal was a true mandalorian, that much he could see. He wore a modified helmet, with markings in the shape of a claw, and attachments that seemed like antena on each side. Over his right shoulder he wore a half cape as well, completing the image of a mandalorian of higher status. The man before him crossed his arms as he stared him down, "So, you're the one who entered Mandalorian space. You called yourself Revan, got anything to lay credit to your claims besides his mask?"

"I've a few things, as well as a proposition, if you would be willing to meet. I believe its one that would greatly interest you and the mission you have set before you." As he said this he put an end to the beacon transmitting their coordinates, not needing anyone else to pick up on the location of his fleet.

The mandalorian before him tilted his head, seemingly in curiosity as he regarded the Sith before him, "Come to Concordia with your fleet. We can meet there to discuss matters, assuming you're not some imitator trying to waste my time."

Revan smirked behind his mask, even if he found himself slightly annoyed by his accusation of being a false Revan, "The only one who stands to have their time wasted by anyone is me. We'll be meeting soon."

"Yes, I suppose we will." And with that, the transmission cut off.

Its real late and not as long as I wanted it to be, but its better than nothing at the very least right? I can't ever promise a consistent schedule, but I can attempt to keep coming back at the very least. Hope y'all enjoyed.