'Meditation can make things clear or more complicated. It can help calm or help agitate. It is meant to help centre oneself, but can also make one lose focus and experience chaos instead of peace. What you experience is partly up to you, but also the will of the Force.'

Teachings from the holocron of Chrysi Sathor, Barsen'thor of the Jedi Order.


"Ah look, more slaves."

"Rey, you're destined to be a Jedi. I cannot train you in that."

"Korriban is a forsaken place. Be careful acolyte."

"Listen to me Cora, you will be safer with the Jedi in the Republic. Don't worry, we will find each other one day."

"Slave, welcome to my humble hole. You are here for your trial, yes?"

"It's done. They've taken the Academy."

"The Barsen'thor and the Hero of Tython were here on Korriban?"

"Good to see you again Imperius. With me- the Emperor's Wrath and you here, we will have Korriban secured in no time. "

"Time to wake up love."

Imperius jolts out of her meditation with a gasp, and tiredly rubs her face in frustration. She stands up, keenly aware of how stiff her limbs are after such a long meditation session and walks towards the holoterminal deciding if she should call Scourge first and make him wait in the council chambers just for her own amusement or just be boring and call Darth Marr. Eventually she sighs and decides on calling Marr, 'I will get my amusement out of Scourge another time,' she muses. She puts on Lord Kallig's mask as she waits for Marr to respond.

After a few moments, Marr answers the call. "Yes Imperius? I thought we were to reconvene tomorrow?"

Imperius nods in response. "Yes we were. However, I felt a disturbance in the Force that must be addressed."

"A disturbance? I have not felt anything. Are you sure?"

"Yes I am sure. I sense conflict with the apprentice- Kylo Ren of the First Order and the death of Grandmaster Smoke. I believe the First Order will be in a state of destability in the near future."

Marr nods in agreement. "Yes if Smoke is truly gone, then I am inclined to agree with you. I suppose I did feel an echo of… something. I can only assume because of your "exposure" to the core worlds and proximity to the First Order and the Jedi, you would be more sensitive to disturbances in the Force of that nature. But how is this an urgent matter?"

"It is urgent as now is the most vital time to reclaim Korriban before the First Order can stabilise themselves under General Hux and Kylo Ren's leadership. All I know about Kylo Ren is that he wants to destroy the last of the Jedi- Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, son of Darth Vader. That vendetta he has makes him predictable and reckless which is his undoing. However, once Skywalker dies, Ren's motives and behaviour will become more unpredictable, which will not be to our advantage. If we strike and reclaim Korriban now, by the time they realise what has happened, we will be able to destroy them."

With Marr's silence, Imperius can only assume she is deliberating whether to ignore her request as head of the Dark Council, or perform her duty in serving and protecting the Empire like her ancestor, which also means giving Imperius the satisfaction of being (to an extent) obeyed.

Ultimately it seems Marr's reputation wins out rather than her pride and she agrees. "Very well. I shall summon the other councillors. Be in the council chambers in half an hour. Marr out."

"That could've gone worse…" Imperius says to herself before slowly making her way to the council chambers with HK in tow.

As Imperius enters the Council chambers, she sees Scourge already inside. "See anything useful in your meditation Kallig?"

"No… if anything, things are even more unclear than before Wrath. However, one thing is clear- with or without meditation and that is we must go to Korriban."

"Korriban…" Scourge says. "I wonder if it is how we remember it. I sense many things will happen once we reclaim our world. What did you see during your meditation?"

"Ghosts of the past." Imperius curtly replies, effectively putting an end to that topic of conversation, walking past Scourge and taking her seat in the council chambers. Scourge follows, observing her with curiosity and taking his seat also. Trying a different tactic, he asks, "Why Korriban now? Why not Ziost? Or Yavin Four? Or even Athiss? You have been avoiding that planet- like you have with Nathema and Zakuul- for a long time. You are aware as much as I am through the Force that Korriban will have a significant impact on everything after it has been reclaimed. Your life… will change once again. The Force has deemed it so and you know it. What is it you haven't told Marr?"

"My reasons are my own Scourge. Yes I know Korriban will change things… My life was irreversibly changed when I went there as an acolyte. After what I experienced on that forgotten Jedi world and interacting with Rey, I knew it was time- whether I liked it or not- to return to the Empire and reclaim my position and role. My reasons behind needing to go to Korriban will not harm the Empire. If anything, I feel it will strengthen it amongst other things. There is nothing that Marr- or should I say, Marrvisas needs to know." Imperius replies. "After this, I will need to speak to Skywalker again. He needs to train Rey. The time of the Jedi is drawing near once again."

"You mean the time of the Jedi is coming to an end?" Scourge asks.

"No. It is as I said. The time of the Jedi is drawing near. It is time for the Jedi to reclaim their place in the galaxy. Let me make this clear however- the Force does not control my destiny. My life will change because I know it will. We control the Force, not allow the Force to control us."

"Hm. Yes, the Force serves me." Scourge interrupts, quoting a familiar and common Sith saying.

"Yes." Imperius continues, "Exactly. The Force serves me. However, the Force also needs balance… an equilibrium if you will, otherwise it will keep forcing changes. I will provide that equilibrium in order to keep the Force in check… and I suppose to keep us in check also. We don't need infighting and such and end up wiping ourselves out, like the Sith in the past had done."

Scourge nods "I agree with you Imperius. If you say all this to Marr, I'm sure she would agree with you also."

As Scourge finished speaking, the other councillors slowly entered the chambers, one by one taking their seats. Most looked disgruntled being called back for another meeting. Finally Marr takes her seat, mask still on, but not the hood. "Apologies for sudden call fellow councillors. Darth Imperius specifically requested this meeting and feels this request will be for the good of the Empire." Marr nods at Imperius "You may make your case to the council."

Imperius rises and walks to the middle of the council chambers. "Thank you Darth Marr. Fellow Dark Councillors. We are Sith are we not? We have continued to exist and protect our Order have we not? We have kept together the Empire… The Preserved Imperial Sith Empire for so long have we not?" A murmur of 'yes' could be heard. Imperius continued "Due to a disturbance in the Force I have confirmed that the First Order's leader- Grandmaster Snoke is dead, which leaves his apprentice Kylo Ren- grandson of Darth Vader- as the new leader of the First Order. Ren is foolish and destructive and only wants to destroy his uncle, the last of the Jedi and son of Darth Vader- Luke Skywalker. The Jedi and Sith mean nothing to him.

That is why I come to you with a request. After long and deep meditation, I strongly feel that the Force is telling me that it is time to reclaim Korriban and solidify our hold in the galaxy once more."

"I have no objection to any battle or skirmish Imperius, but I do wonder why you never wanted Korriban reclaimed before now?" Occulus asks. Nodding his head at Scourge, he continues, "Scourge gave all council member specific instructions since the formation of the Preserved Empire and one was not to heavily populate the former Sith Worlds or to make them strongholds- although deploying a small garrison and keeping it solely as an outpost was allowed- and to keep communication at an absolute minimum, with any necessary development to be done underground. Why all the secrecy until now?"

"I agree with Occulus. I do understand covert operation, but we could have slowly taken worlds closer to Korriban by now and as such, not waste time in waiting for reinforcements." Severin states.

"I sense there is more to this than solely military advancement, despite what you said about the demise of Snoke. What did you see in your meditation Imperius?" Chrysis asks.

Kallig really did not want to go into details about her less than pleasant meditation experience, so she opted for the more Sith-understandable and relatable aspects of it. "Scourge knows of the strategy regarding the non-advancement rule on these worlds, which is why he has not made any comment as of yet." Taking a breath she continues " After the Empire collapsed, many Lords and Moffs wanted power of whatever remained. I took those among my Powerbase and any who believed in my vision- Imperial officers, troops, agents, ships and fellow Sith, lords and apprentices- away from Dromund Kaas and established a colony on Dosuun and on Pion in Wild Space, only to ensure that the warring factions did not get in our way. You all know Sith history from there. I did organise scouting missions to see the status of what was left of the Empire in the Unknown regions and Outer Rim and was not surprised to see it had completely disappeared. Ziost was in ruins, Korriban was abandoned once again and Dromund Kaas was again ransacked by the Republic and left in ruins. It was a miserable sight for what was once the glorious Sith Empire.

I also noticed the Republic constantly monitoring the Sith Worlds and Jedi doing constant scouting and surveillance expeditions to our beloved worlds. I could not risk our activities to be discovered prematurely which is why I limited expansion to Wild Space and certain worlds in the Unknown Regions. However, one exception I made was keeping contact with the Chiss Ascendency at Csilla. The Chiss had been loyal allies to the Empire and I did not wish for that to change.

The Chiss also served as protection and monitors for me and the Empire. In fact, the famous "Grand Admiral Thrawn" who served for Darth Sidious happened due to my involvement. He made sure to keep our worlds and the Chiss Ascendency hidden from him. Over time I did advise previous council members and Scourge with worlds to inhabit in the Unknown Regions and Outer Rim that would not arouse suspicion with the Republic. Those are my reasons for holding back a large expansion of our Empire for so long." Imperius allowed herself a small smirk. "However, that does not mean there are NO forces near Korriban… I did say any development was to be done underground if

necessary… Isn't that right Lycius?" Imperius asks turning to the Sith Lord of Sith Intelligence. Lycius slightly fidgets in his seat, uncomfortable with the position he's been put in but still answers with a blunt "yes."

Severin and Marr look at him in surprise. "Why was I not notified of this? I am in charge of expansion Lycius!?"

"I also am concerned why I was not informed of the long termed military expansion, as part of my role of Military Defence and as the leading member of the Council." Marr growls out. Imperius frowns under her mask and looks to Scourge, who seemed quite... relaxed? Still frowning, Imperius replies "Scourge should have informed you of all expansions and military strategies Marr. He had no problem relaying information to the Dark Councillors before you. I apologise for the lack of communication on his part, especially now that he is also a Dark Councillor." Still looking at Scourge she adds "From the moment I came in contact with your fleet there seemed to be a high lack of communication."

Seemingly allowing the subject go for now, Marr asks "So there are confirmed bases on the Sith Worlds?"

"As far as I am aware, yes. Some are still officially outposts, some are bases and some are actual colonies. I used that opportunity to redirect more troops and resources during the rise of the Rebel Alliance. As the Republic turned Empire was distracted with the war with the Rebels, I seized the opportunity to redirect some materials in preparation of our re-entry into former Sith Space." Sighing quietly, she turns to Darth Chrysis. "Yes, the Force serves you well Chrysis. Yes, with the destabilisation of the Republic and the distraction of the First Order, now is the opportune time to reclaim our worlds with little resistance. However, yes, here is another reason. I had a vision… Korriban will be the focal point of many things… The direction of the Empire lies in the reclamation of Korriban. Our purpose as Sith can only be truly felt on Korriban. Korriban calls to me… as it has for centuries…" Imperius closes her eyes and Scourge leans forward in confusion and in interest. "Surely you all must have felt the pull of the Dark Side… the call of Korriban? I can sense the fate of the Empire rests solely on this act."

"Are you saying the Empire may not survive if we do not reclaim it now? Marr asks.

"No. But I am certain that the Sith and the Empire will flourish if we do." Imperius replies.

Marr leans back in her seat sighing heavily. "I admit… I have felt the Dark Side pulling me with more urgency… urging me to take go to the Sith Worlds as of late."

"As have I." Necron replies

"And I." Chrysis adds.

And other murmurs and nods of agreement were heard from other councillors in the Council Chambers… all except for Scourge. 'If anything, he seemed distracted' Imperius noted.

"A show of hands. Who in favour of claiming Korriban?" Marr asks. All members, including Scourge raised their hands. Marr nods "Very well. We will immediately set coordinates to Pion to gather the fleet and proceed to Korriban. We shall reconvene once we arrive on Pion. This session is now concluded."

All councillors nod in response and leave the council chambers. Imperius grabs Scourge by the arm, stopping him from leaving. "What was that Scourge? Members of the Dark Council should be aware of the strategy we put in place. That was the purpose of you remaining here. Thank the Force that Marr was running the Council not Nathema, otherwise, the Empire could have already been in another war! What possessed you to think that it was unimportant to mention the Imperial outposts to Marr?" Imperius hisses. She could have sworn she saw a flash of an amused smirk when she asked him that. "So Korriban does call to you after all Imperius." Scourge states, completely ignoring everything.

"Of course it does. I am not a Jedi, or just some Force adept. I am Sith. I felt its power and the call of the Dark Side…I faced the trials and survived." Imperius retorts. "Hmph. So you have." Scourge replies. "You are aware that I am not your lackey Imperius. While you went into hiding or exile or whatever you would like to call it, I had to stop council members from destroying the Empire from within. Sith Lords had to be dealt with. Not all Sith appreciate what you created for them, not all Sith care for the future of our order or for the Empire. Not all Sith appreciate you. The only way to gain power and authority is to take the role of Empress as Acina did, otherwise you will be forever combating in the Kaggath to prove yourself."

Imperius releases his arm and sighs "Yes… I understand Scourge and I am sorry. I rather be the "Commander" than the "Emperor". It reminds me too much of Vitiate. However, I will not take Marr's seat. She has earned that rank and has the best interests of the Empire at heart, like her ancestor. She will remain as the head of the Dark Council and the Commander-in-Chief of the Empire. Once we arrive at Korriban, then I will decide what to do." and with that, she walks off towards her quarters, unable to shake the feeling that something felt off with Scourge and the revelation during the meeting concerned her even more. "What is happening to you Scourge?" she whispers to herself.

Meanwhile, Marr witnesses the exchange between Scourge and Imperius from a distance. She could sense genuine anger from Imperius, but calmness and…. Something else from Scourge. She sensed it before when he returned from an expedition on Malachor Three. She makes a mental note to speak to Imperius after Korriban is secured. To say she wasn't looking forward to this would be a lie. "Finally...after all this time we will get to see Korriban with our own eyes." Marr thinks to herself. She did feel surprise from Imperius when it was revealed Scourge withheld information, but she will still have to find out how much of the Empire's presence is already in the region. She takes comfort in knowing that at least her trust in the legendary "Forcewalker" and "Alliance Commander" was not misplaced.


A/N: For those still interested in this story, sorry for the long wait. You'll be happy to know I'll have two chappies up today, Can't guarantee when the next one will be though. Thank you and remember- constructive criticism is appreciated but no flames please.