"Yes, I believe we do and unfortunately I fear we are running out of time."
Marr regards Imperius for a few moments before replying, "From what Lord Scourge has told me of you, I did not expect you to be the dramatic type." She ushers Imperius and Scourge to the centre of the room while she and the other council members take their places around them. Imperius observes the council chambers comparing them to the chambers she once served in, noticing the similarities and differences. Scourge notices, despite the mask hiding her features. "You must remember much time has passed. It is impossible for things to remain as they were entirely. Despite your altered view of the Force and the Sith Code, you are surprisingly still somewhat of a idealist and oddly enough- a traditionalist." He states in a hushed tone.
For the first time in years, Scourge feels a twinge of something that could be described as sympathy, he adds "I have been observing the Empire for centuries, while you have been… absent. I am even older than you, so I know what you are craving to have- to see that most familiar to you. However, in order to continue and get stronger, you must remember and accept that change is inevitable."
Kallig stands still for a few moments before acknowledging Scourge's advice with a nod.
"Now that the Council is assembled, we have many things to discuss. Before we continue, I will give you a brief introduction to the Dark Lords currently seated." Gesturing to each Sith Lord, she introduces them. "This is Darth Occulus, currently supervising the Sphere of Ancient Knowledge until it is seated by the appropriate Sith Lord. He is also head of the Sphere of Military Strategy. Darth Severin, head of the Sphere of Expansion and Diplomacy. Darth Chrysis, head of the Sphere of Sith Philosophy. Darth Necron, head of the Sphere of Mysteries. Darth Archaeus, head of the Sphere of Laws and Justice. Darth Lycius, head of the Sphere of Imperial Intelligence. Darth Dracos head of the Sphere of Biotic Science. Darth Teraton of the Sphere of Technology. Darth Nicene, head of the Sphere of Production and Logistics and myself, Darth Marr, head of the Sphere of Military Defence, and currently covering the sphere of Military Offense, due to Nathema's… untimely demise."
Taking a breath, she asks Imperius "So is it true that you are the infamous Darth Imperius, the Force Walker from the time of the Sith Emperor Vitiate and my ancestor Darth Marr?"
"Yes, it is true. Lord Scourge and myself are all that is left of the Sith of that time."
"Lord Scourge also claims that the survival of the Empire is due to your intervention. If that is so and that you care so much for our glorious Empire, where were you for most of this time?"
Imperius hesitates momentarily before replying "I had much... galactic mess to clean up. I had to make sure Darth Bane's Rule of Two did not affect our Sith Order, I had to keep the Jedi Order and Republic distracted and away from our space. Then I was also delayed with Darth Sidious' attempt to wipe out the Jedi, which would have been disastrous had he been successful."
"I fail to see how another Sith- even one following Bane's Rule of Two- destroying our ancient enemy- the Jedi- is a problem?" Darth Severin asks.
"It is a problem because you and the Sith of old, fail to see the larger picture. You fail to see how the Force works. This way of thinking is what made the Empire- that was still exposed to the Core Worlds- collapse and vanish! It is because of this type of logic that Bane's philosophy came to be. It is also the same reason why the Jedi Order was almost wiped out twice! I have lived long enough to see that the Force works differently to what we all believed.
Our code is correct in unlocking power and strength through the Force, however the code does not explain the properties of the Force. Once you start to understand, you can unlock even more potential. From my experiences and observations, the Force requires balance."
Darth Chrysis leans forward in interest. "You believe the Force requires balance? Please elaborate Darth Imperius."
"The Force requires equilibrium. If all dark side users - Sith- vanish, that would tip the balance to the light side- the Jedi. In order to regain equilibrium, the Force will create dark side users and scenarios to tip the balance more towards the dark side. Unfortunately, that eventually leads to the Sith wiping out the Jedi Order and tipping the balance all the way to the dark side."
"Which will most likely lead to a creation of a strong light sided individual, or individuals who will try to destroy us, as the Force tries to regain a sense of equilibrium." Darth Chrysis concludes. "Your philosophy has merit in my opinion. I personally would enjoy to discuss this in more detail later."
"I am reluctant to accept that philosophy, however in my experience in dealing with artifacts and mysteries, I have found… questionable things in regards to the nature of the Force. I am also interested to hear more of this at a later time." Darth Necron states.
"So, from what I can deduce from this and what Lord Scourge has told me, you claim you were trying to protect the Empire and you thought the best way was by not actually leading the Empire and working from the shadows instead?" Marr asks.
"Yes." Imperius replies simply. Before Marr questions further, Imperius elaborates " I have always been better at working in the shadows than on a throne. I had a taste of leading an alliance- an empire- and I do not want to do so again. I knew I would be absent for a long time, that is why Lord Scourge was asked to oversee everything and to make sure the Empire and Sith Order continued to thrive. Unlike him, I had… distractions that would compromise my ability to lead the Sith and may be considered weak. I was reachable should there be any problems. Of course when Palpatine's empire collapsed, I heard they were retreating to the unknown regions, so I had to notify Scourge and manipulate events to lead the defeated empire away from our space and colonies. Then with Snoke's involvement, that had delayed me further as I had to make sure he was not aware of us. I had intended to return after the Rebel Alliance had re-established the Republic. I never abandoned the Empire. I did not go through all this effort with Lord Scourge and other allied Sith Lords to take a remnant of the Empire before it was destroyed by the Republic to Wild Space and laid the foundations to help it grow powerful again only to abandon it like the former Sith Emperor did." Imperius looks directly at Marr "I do not abandon my people." she finishes.
All members of the council turn their heads to Darth Marr to see what she would do next. It is silent, even Scourge seems to be as still as a statue, making Kallig wonder if Scourge is secretly amused or actually uneasy.
Eventually Marr speaks, "From the strength demonstrated before in your duel with Nathema, and your passionate speech about preserving the Empire, I suppose I am... convinced that you are who Lord Scourge says you are. Ideally, I would offer you Nathema's seat, but seeing as you already are a council member, I welcome you back as the head of the Sphere of Ancient Knowledge. Thank you Darth Occulus for your hard work preserving that Sphere." Marr motions for Imperius to take her seat on the council. Turning to the other Dark Lords, Marr asks "Now that Nathema's seat is vacant, any suggestions as to who should take over?"
"Perhaps Lord Rampage?" Darth Severin suggests.
"Rampage? He's just as bad as Nathema. How about Lord Straton? He does have military experience." Darth Occulus offers.
"How about Lord Scourge?" Imperius suggests, causing all councillors to stop speaking. "I am actually surprised that he hasn't been on the council this whole time. He would make a good addition as he has many years experience in battles and interrogations. I nominate Lord Scourge as the new head of the Sphere of Military Offense." Imperius states.
"Scourge has never… requested a seat on the council and had in fact, insisted that his role was to be outside Council jurisdiction as the Emperor- I mean Empire's Wrath. A title that he claims -and historian Lord Mythia has confirmed- was given to him before you left." Marr mentions.
Imperius smirks under her mask and turns to look at Scourge. "Well now I am back. We may need to find another person to take that title, don't you think Lord Scourge?"
"I do not know my Lord."
Knowing the sequence of events leading up to this moment, Imperius retorts "Of course you know Lord Scourge." Turning to the other councillors, Imperius asks " So who shall we put on the council?"
Marr speaks up, "Those in favour of Lord Scourge, raise your hand." All but two councillors raised their hands. "Very well, it is done. Welcome to the Council, Darth Scourge, head of the Sphere of Military Offense."
Scourge bows. "It is an honour to serve."
Imperius turns to Marr, "Shall we conclude this Council session?" she asks. Marr nods in response. "Yes, we have much to sort through and I believe you have much to catch up on. Darth Occulus can help you with what has been happening within your Sphere. We will reconvene tomorrow as I believe you have more to discuss."
"Yes, one more day will not be of any consequence." Imperius states.
"Very well. Council session is now closed. May the Force serve us all." Marr concludes, rising from her seat, followed by the other council members.
When all council members had left the room, Imperius turns to Scourge "You actually used that title?"
"I never could stand politics." Scourge grumbled. That caused Imperius to burst out laughing. When she caught her breath, she sighs with a chuckle. " And you think I like politics? Oh, by the way, don't think I didn't notice your stunt with Nathema. I experienced enough of that power play with Zash. Of course, I was happy to assist, especially since I realised he was a fool."
"Only fulfilling my role in protecting and serving the Empire my Lord." Scourge replies, not acknowledging or denying the accusation. "...the Empire does not need fools."
"No it does not." Imperius agrees. "Also, you are now a Council member whether you like it or not. It is the least you owe me after that stunt. You do not need to call me "my lord". We are on the same level now. We, however, do need to find a new Empire's Wrath. I want to avoid any Emperors or Empresses from rising, we do not need another Vitiate, Acina or Sidious at the point. Speaking of which-" Imperius was interrupted by a disturbance in the Force, a disturbance originating from the Dark Side. "Scourge? Do you feel that?"
"Yes… I felt a disturbance. A powerful dark user, not as powerful as Vitiate. It feels similar to..." Scourge turns in surprise, "Could it be-"
"Snoke. Damn it!" Imperius interrupts, cursing when she realises what just happened. "Sithspit! It happened too soon… I apologise Scourge, it seems we won't have the opportunity to personally destroy Snoke. I have a feeling that the Apprentice has defeated the Master." She huffs in annoyance. "Now we have to deal with a temper tantrum child who doesn't know what to do with the First Order. It seems like we will have to speed things along Scourge. Now with the loss of Snoke, everything has become unpredictable. Now may be the perfect opportunity to reclaim Korriban and land rapid strikes against the First Order. I can only assume he will want to hunt down the rest of the Resistance, so he will be distracted. I guess it is some small comfort he is not as bad as Vaylin and Arcann…"
Scourge snorts in response. "They are of Vitiate. Nothing could be worse. Speaking of families… that Jedi initiate you found. What became of her?"
Imperius' eyes widen in realisation "I… I'm not sure. She left, intending to "redeem" Kylo Ren. However with this development… I never felt a disturbance or absence…" she breathes a sigh of relief. "I assume she's safe."
"Do you think perhaps she killed Snoke?"
"Unlikely. Snoke is skilled and disciplined. Most likely was killed with the element of surprise or betrayal. Plus I don't feel a fall, but I do feel hatred coming from Kylo… and surprise and disappointment from Rey."
"...Seems they aren't in agreement." Scourge states. "No. I didn't expect they would be. The girl is still young and naive. Much like a true Jedi initiate or Padawan… Full of hope and ideals." Imperius replies. "Hopefully she understands a little better after this. I think she will be ok for now, but with this unexpected development with Snoke…" She sighs, "I must meditate. I will speak to Marr to arrange another meeting shortly."
"Very well. I will be awaiting the council summons." Scourge replies and turns, walking to his quarters.
After Imperius watches Scourge walk away, she turns seeing HK still on surveillance mode. Sighing, she signals HK to accompany her. "You are getting better at being discrete HK. I'm impressed."
"Why thank you Master! Observation: Your sighing implied otherwise."
Imperius hummed in response. "No, I just discovered that there's been a complication."
"Query: Oh? Is it regarding the young Jedi, Master?"
"Partly yes. She is fine, but circumstances have pushed plans forward. Korriban will be sooner than we thought." Imperius replies walking back to her quarters deep in thought.
