The planet Korriban, once home to the ancient Sith Empire, is now a barren wasteland. The only permanent population is the Imperials, who have established a base within an ancient temple. Until recently, this temple served as the seat of power for Emperor Palpatine. However, with the Emperor now dead, his successor, Darth Umbra has moved to the hidden Sith world of Exegol to attend to Sith matters. Korriban, and the day to day management of the Imperial government is left to Grand Moff Aphra, Supreme Hand of the Empire.


At this moment, Grand Moff Aphra has assembled the Empire's military leadership in a small, dark conference room within the ancient Sith Temple on Korriban. Several officers are seated along the sides of a long, black table, while Aphra is seated at the head of it, flanked by two red armored troopers.

"Now that we are all here, let's get started. The Empress is attending to other matters, so I will continue to preside over these meetings until further notice. We will begin with the stormtrooper corps. General Hux, proceed." Aphra says. General Hux, a pale, redheaded man, looks at Aphra, and briefly bows his head.

"Thank you, Supreme Hand. The Sith Troopers have been more successful in combat since the recent upgrades you ordered. We are continuing the integration of the new control implants into all troopers, and I expect the implantation of all units to be completed within three months. I have ordered that any trooper that refuses the implant is to be executed immediately." Hux says.

"Very good. Explain to this council what the implants do." Aphra says.

"The implants ensure that the troopers remain fully loyal to the Empire. Far more effective than our prior conditioning programs. These implants also improve response times and fire accuracy. This will make our troopers a much more effective fighting force." Hux says.

"Very good. Now, a report on the Sentinel project." Aphra says.

"We have recently commissioned a new class of elite trooper called Sentinels. We intend for them to serve as a modern equivalent to the ARC troopers of the Old Republic and the early days of the Empire. These troopers will receive more advanced training than standard troopers, and will be given the latest Imperial weaponry, making them quite formidable in combat." Hux says.

"Thank you, general. We will now discuss the latest intelligence on rebel activity. Director Sellesk, proceed." Aphra says. Director Sellesk, an elderly, bearded man briefly bows his head.

"Thank you, Supreme Hand. The rebels have recently captured Mygeeto, as we anticipated. Our small occupation force was no match for their superior numbers." Sellesk says.

"Very good. And what do you anticipate their next move to be?" Aphra asks.

"We believe that the rebels will continue to advance toward the core systems. There is also a chance that they will become bold and possibly launch a full scale invasion of the core." Sellesk answers.

"The rebels wouldn't have a chance of taking the core if the fleet hadn't been pulled back to the Unknown Regions!" A middle aged bald admiral says.

"The order to pull back the fleet… came from the Empress herself. Are you questioning her wisdom, Admiral Turgan?" Aphra asks.

"No, Supreme Hand." Admiral Turgan answers.

"Good. Since you are so intent on making yourself heard, give this council a full report of all recent fleet activity." Aphra says.

"Very well, Supreme Hand. Korriban and the surrounding sectors are very thoroughly secure. The rebels would be fools to launch an attack here. We also have a firm hold of the mid rim, and… the edge of known space. The core worlds are vulnerable. Admiral Margan has recommended we move forces from here and Dromund Kaas to the core systems. I agree with her. Admiral Velska and Admiral Senarat are in disagreement." Turgan says.

"I see. Admiral Velska… what do you think should be done?" Aphra asks.

"I believe we should follow the orders of the Empress. The fleets should stay where they are." Velska answers.

"Good. Admiral Senarat… your opinion?" Aphra asks.

"I think we should pull back from the Unknown Regions and firmly secure Coruscant and the other core worlds. We cannot allow the rebels to establish a presence in the core." Senarat answers.

"So, there is no consensus among you." Aphra says.

"No, Supreme Hand." Senarat says, after a moment's hesitation.

"Since the death of Admiral Tyron, you and the other admirals have been fighting for control of the fleet. There has been no unity. No strategy. That ends now." Aphra says.

"You are… choosing a new admiral of the fleet?" Turgan asks.

"The rebels have manipulated time itself to obtain additional forces. The Empress has decided that it is time for her to do the same. The new fleet commander has already been advising her on Exegol. Soon, he will emerge from the shadows and make himself known." Aphra answers.

"Who is this new commander?" Turgan asks.

"That information… will be revealed when the Empress decides." Aphra answers.

"Of course. The Empress is wise." Turgan says.

"I believe this concludes our business for today. With the exception of General Hux, you are all dismissed." Aphra says.


The assembled officers get out of their seats, and leave the room. Eventually, only Aphra and Hux remain.

"You wish to speak with me alone, Supreme Hand?" Hux asks.

"Yes, general. A team of archaeologists have recently uncovered artifacts of great importance to the Empress. You… are to accompany me to Exegol to present them to her." Aphra answers.

"The Empress… wishes for my presence?" Hux asks.

"That's correct, general. You… have earned her favor, and she wishes to reward you by giving you a greater education in the ways of the Sith. There is a special ceremony that will take place in three days. She wishes for you to be there to witness it." Aphra answers.

"Of course, Supreme Hand." Hux says.

"I realize that this will take you away from your duties, but it will not be for long. Your subordinates can oversee things for the time being." Aphra says.

"The Empress restored my general's rank. The least I can do is serve her faithfully." Hux says.

"Our former Emperor demoted you for good reason. The loss of Starkiller Base, and the failure to stop the Resistance from escaping Lothal. You are fortunate that he did not execute you." Aphra says.

"I realize that, and… I am grateful for the chance to continue serving the Empire. The Empress is clearly a superior leader to Palpatine, and has therefore earned my complete loyalty." Hux says.

"Good. I believe we are done here. Meet with your second in command and inform him of your new orders, then report to me on the command ship." Aphra says.

"Yes, Supreme Hand." Hux says.


In orbit of Korriban is the Imperial Command Ship, a massive Super Star Destroyer painted in solid black.


Aboard the Command Ship, Aphra enters a large office, decorated with numerous artifacts, including several weapons. She approaches a small holotable, and presses several buttons. Soon, a hologram of a woman in her sixties appears. This is Darth Umbra, Dark Lord of the Sith and Empress of the Galactic Empire. Aphra kneels on one knee as the Empress appears.

"Rise, Aphra. What have you to report?" Umbra asks.

"We have found the sarcophagus… and the book." Aphra answers.

"Excellent. Bring them to me at once." Umbra says.

"It will be done, my queen." Aphra says.

"Once the ritual is complete, my full power will be restored. I will at last be able to carry out the next phase of my plan. All who oppose me... will be destroyed. The final battle will come to pass, and the prophecy... will be fulfilled." Umbra says.

"Your final victory over the Jedi… and their allies." Aphra says.

"Yes…. all that remains… will be mine… and we shall have peace." Umbra says.