Intermission - 2: To Build an Empire

(Typhon, Jedi Temple, Council Chambers)

(3rd Person PoV)

*Click*

The slow clicking of the council doors closing ignited the start of the meeting. Sitting at the end of the room, in the center, and first visible for any that entered, sat Mace Rook. No emotion sat on his face, as he looked at those around him. Sitting in the once Jedi Council chairs were his companions; the companions he had travelled with for a long time, the only ones in this time he truly knew.

To his right and left were Vette and Vaylin respectively, followed by Ashara, Nadia and Xalek rounding to the right and Ayillh, Jaesa and Blizz going to the left, his new dark council. Pushing out in the force gently, Mace set up a small sound barrier, before turning his head towards Jaesa.

"How goes the Twi'lek's relocation." Giving a small nod towards her long time master and lover, Jaesa spoke with zeal as she looked towards him. "They have been integrating nicely with their new surroundings, their more docile attitude cultivated by a millennia of suffering makes them very malleable."

The sadistic grin on her face told everyone in the room what she had done with such information. Her smile only got wider as she continued. "By experimenting with my new pet I have found they take well to positive reinforcement and will break easily if put to the test. Something that will have to be rectified if they are to look after our temple."

Giving a small nod at her words, Mace turned to Blizz and Xalek. "How has the elimination of the Flesh Raiders been going?" Blizz seemed to deflate at the words, his body slumping forwards almost comically in his big seat.

"Flesh raiders worse than Kowakian mokey-lizards! Blizz boom boom, but Fleshies just keep appearing. Blizz running low on ammunition, Blizz not happy." To his side Vette just stifled her laugh, while also thanking her lucky stars that she hadn't been given the near impossible mission.

"My Lord, the Jawa is right. Their population is more numerous than expected, killing them village by village will take a lot of times and they are no warriors, disgraces to my blade." There was a slight pause as Xalek spoke up, his hood down and mask off, his discontent clear to see.

Vette finally spoke up in the short lull gaining Mace's attention. "We could employee the use of the phantom to clear out the villages in a large swathe, but the energy drain to the systems would be high and we haven't found how compatible our ships cells are to modern technology. Blizz and me have been working on it, but it will take some times to find the differences and upgrade the ship."

The news wasn't something Mace wanted to hear, the frown that appeared on his face clear evidence of the fact, but these small annoyances were not why he had called a full meeting. Sorting through the issues in his mind he turned to Ayillh, who was quietly awaiting his orders a sharp look in her eyes.

"The docile personality of the Twi'leks while...disappointing is not unacceptable, their home world of Ryloth is the best example, it is well known their whole species has and is still willingly submitting themselves to slavery. Only a few of their people that hold onto a strong will have truly risen above the rest and broken free of such chains."

Shooting a small look at Vette from the corner of his eye he could just see the disappointment and shame that came over her face at the declaration. His eyes lingered on her for a second before continuing.

"Ayillh, as they have willing submitted themselves to our rule we must strengthen them. Though they will not be the only subordinates that we will have to gather, they are our first, so we must reforge them... make them something truly terrifying…" A smile finally appearing on his rough visage, "This brings me to the main point of me calling all of you here."

Everyone in the room grew attentive at his words, a slight pressure in the room suddenly appearing demanding all of them pay attention to his next words. "Me and Alira have been talking." He paused for a second to let the weight of his words settle in; all of them knew how much importance Mace put on the words of his wife. Even Vaylin who had been traveling with the outlander for a short time had recognized the trust of her council.

"To build our budding empire we both agree that we must start with 3 integral objectives, Resources, Connections and Knowledge." Mace swept his gaze around the room for any objections, but no sound was uttered.

"Let's start with knowledge. Since we arrived here, we know that it has been around 4 thousand years since the time we knew. The Empire is long gone, the Republic stagnant and weak, but the prevailing force in the galaxy. What else?"

Ayillh was the first to speak up. "From what I saw on Tatooine the Hutt cartels are still a major player in the outer rim, the republic though considered a major force in the galaxy has not dealt with them…"

Before she could even finish Vette spoke up with disdain and a simmering anger behind her eyes. "Of course they haven't been wiped out, the republic may preach peace, no slavery and all that jazz, but it's just not profitable for them to take out those Hutt slime!"

Though she was interrupted Ayillh didn't say anything, she knew Vette's past. Though blinded by anger for the moment, Vette had enough clarity to realize quickly her blunder after speaking up. Looking down in embarrassment, her eyes shifted to the side to look at Mace.

A few words were passed between their eyes before Mace nodded towards Ayillh. "Continue." Giving a nod back she continued. "What this shows is that the outer rim and possibly other swaths of the galaxy may be outside the republics reach, or in their reach but not monitored closely, best example being the recent happenings with Naboo. Something we can take advantage of."

A few smiles appeared in the room at the words and Mace also nodded his head in acknowledgment at her assessment. As the only one among them to have taken a trip into the new galaxy so far, Ayillh was best suited to provide and speculate about the new galaxy.

Though Vette had been tapping into the galactic holo-net for information, it would still be a while before they would have a proper outlook on the universe. "As for what I've seen on Courscant, the Jedi seemed to have centralized their order there. Anyone I asked about the matter didn't know if they had an enclave or temple on a different planet. Whether this is from ignorance or not I couldn't find out."

She rubbed her chin in thought for a moment before continuing. "Though if this is the case, the Jedi have truly crippled themselves. A strong enough attack on their main temple and their order would crumble, especially if we could take out their council masters and grand master." Her cypher training was on full display as her mind instantly looked for ways to dismantle the Jedi Order.

Before she could get too lost in her thoughts though Mace raised his hand for her to stop. Shaking his head slightly a sigh of disappointment couldn't help but leave his lips. The Jedi were seemingly weaker than his expectations the more he learned of them and his expectation were already low to begin with after Naboo.

"The Jedi aren't our concern right now. We can deal with them later. Was there anything else you noticed on your trip?" Conceding the point and retreating to her thoughts for another few seconds she spoke up once more.

"The last point of interest I noticed during the trip was the technology of the era. Most interesting was the surprise at my personal equipment, specifically my vibro-knifes, full body armor and cloaking technology. From their reactions it seems such technology isn't heavily used…in the republic anyway. Once I said I was a bounty hunter they seemed to not question it anymore."

Her mind working every angle once more she continued. "It is possible that protective armor is only used by mercenaries right now. Other than that, the hyper drive on the Naboo ship we used had advanced technology I haven't seen before. Though some of it was familiar, the size of the parts I recognized were tiny in comparison to the Phantom and we all know it was made by the top engineers in the Empire. That officially ends my findings."

Mace slowly sat back in his chair as he absorbed the information. The idea that heavy or full body armor wasn't in prevalent use was a small surprise to be sure. With a galaxy at war for so many years it was an accepted fact that nearly all Republic and Imperial forces used some type of armor in fights.

First had been the Sith to adopt such practices of course. Why go into battle in only a robe, when you could better protect yourself, better kill your enemies. This had bled into Jedi attire years before the war when it was only the sith and Jedi fighting each other, if they hadn't adapted they wouldn't have stood a chance. This had branched out to smugglers and operatives as time went on until it was just an everyday part of life.

'Perhaps the Jedi in their lulled sense of security had deemed armor to aggressive at some point, a threat hadn't come up that had forced them to fight back, to evolve.' Mace shook his head after a minute to move on from that thought, though he filed it away for later, he could use this little fact to his advantage when he started to build his forces.

Focusing back on the points raised, his mind turned to the technology of the future. If what Ayillh said was right and he did trust her judgment, mind and intuition. Though personal, 'barbaric', fighting technology wasn't in regular use and had stagnated, galactic ship building must have flourished.

Bigger ships, more powerful shields, stable and fast hyper-drives and though the republic preached peace, there would of course be planetary systems that had advanced weapons technologies that could be used. 'Finding and making connections with them must be a priority and developed fast; not to mention acquirement of star charts and maps.'

Back in his time such data was the most prized and sort after by both the republic and Empire. Faster routes, trading routes, smuggling lanes, changes in the galaxy that their own couldn't possible account for. It would be a high priority in the future to update them as soon as possible. They couldn't rely on the generally available maps on the galactic holo-net.

No one interrupted Mace as he sat quietly going over the small information he had, taking into account the current Twi'lek population that they had gained as well as the temple and surrounding forest, ideas were shifting through his mind at light speed.

Finally he spoke up as new plans formed in his mind. "Now to Connections…" Trailing off as his eyes once again locked onto to Ayillh, the glint in his eye instantly made the former cypher agent straighten her back in attention.

"Ayillh though you are the head of Imperial intelligence, to reform the organization will take a while and I'm in need of your services elsewhere. Because of the actions of the trade federation and your involvement though it can't be certain your code name should have reached a few ears by now." Ayillh nodded her head as she anticipated her new orders.

"Right now you're our best bet at making multiple connections in the underworld of the outer rim. Your cover as a bounty hunter can be used to our advantage. Not to mention your close connection to the Queen of Naboo." Ayillh nodded in ascent. It was the next logical step in creating a persona, something Ayillh had done multiple times. Building a name for herself; a reputation that would follow her around and create 'favors' and debts' in its wake, all which she would exploit in the future.

It wouldn't be the quickest, but they did have time to spare. The influx of credits and connection to possible weapons dealers in the underworld would be a welcome addition to their resources. That understanding was not lost on both of them as they looked into each other's eyes.

Looking around the room again Mace's eyes landed on both Xalek and then Nadia, thoughts of other connections that could be established resting on his mind. Though he would have to check the galactic climate and their interests, both their home worlds could possible be swayed. The same thought came to mind as his eyes shifted to Vaylin, but after having the empire wiped from history, the likely hood of Zakul, an antagonist of both galactic super powers, still being the same were minimal at the best.

Finally his mind drifted to the old allies of the empire, from his vision in the force he knew they were still around, though he couldn't tell if they were still as strong. 'If I promised to help them in the future, which I have to do anyway, I could gain quite the boon from their technological advances not to mention other areas.'

A smile finally appeared on his lips at the thought as he leaned back. "Finally resources. Though most will have to be acquired after making a few connections and earning a few favors, such as technology, equipment, ships, etc. We must work with what we have now."

He turned his head towards Xalek. "First thing we have to improve are the Twi'leks. Xalek as commander of my forces, I need you to rotate through the Twi'lek population and begin to train them. Start with their warriors and break them in, they can help you instruct the others. I'll have Ashara and Jaesa help you when they can, but they will also be busy."

"My lord." Xalek's deep baritone voice sounded out as he moved on, while Jaesa and Ashara looked to Mace for direction. "Ashara last meeting you mentioned the Twi'lek force sensitives, how many have you found so far?" She nodded in confirmation.

"I've discovered 50 in total already, only 5 too old to be trained in the Sith arts…" A frown of concentration appeared as she continued. "From what I can tell, the high rates of force sensitives has been caused by generations of the Twi'leks living on the planet, not to mention the inbreeding that must have occurred over the years."

Mace nodded in understanding, a few of the old sith practices researched into inbreeding of stronger sith to produce more powerful force sensitives, especially in the Sith race, ones purity of blood was a major focus. The findings differed per research paper, but it seemed to have borne fruit on this world…possibly because of it's a nexus of the force?

It was something to consider and Ashara wasn't done yet. "The Jedi haven't come from what I can tell because their force signatures have been hidden by the nexus in the force. Usually they could divine where they are given enough time, but because of the nexus they have become blind."

A small smile appeared on her lips at the findings. "This will also help hide our presence in the force should they come looking. Not that we wouldn't be able to avoid them if we wanted." The same smile appeared on Mace's lips. This would be a great helps to their plans in the future, especially when training their new order. Nodding to himself as another few plans formed in his mind he looked back to Ashara.

"Gather all of them and start training them in the ways of the force. I don't particularly care which methods you use and I'm talking to you Jaesa when I say this, don't break them." Mace's eyes turned to Jaesa in a second, a small pout already tugging at her lips. Their eyes locked as he continued. "They are now a part of 'our' empire and 'our' first batch of Sith. I don't want attack dogs I want proper sith. I don't want them coddled but I know how you can get some times."

Jaesa's tongue slowly licked the top of her lip as their eyes stayed locked and her mind turned to the new lambs she would be teaching. Ashara could only roll her eyes as she caught her antics in the corner of her eye. Both stood from their council chairs and bowed as they responded. ""As you wish Master.""

His finger moved to Ayillh as he moved on . "Though I will have you off world most of the time creating contacts I'll still need you to create a program and select a few of the Twi'leks brightest to start Imperial intelligence."

"Commander!" Ayillh stood a gave a small salute already running a few Twi'leks through her mind, she had catalogued all the Twi'leks in the small village already, she just hadn't personally tested them yet.

"Those will be your main duties while everyone remains here on Typhon. Because we only have the Phantom, most of us will be spending our time here while the others complete their missions. That is until we can procure a few more ships for use."

Finally Mace's head moved towards the ones that hadn't been given a task. First he looked at Blizz. "Blizz, I know you have that pile of technology you took from Tatooine to look over so I won't bother you too much. Until we get a few more ships I won't be able to provide you much to tinker with until then."

Blizz didn't raise any complaints as he nodded back. "Big Sith good, Blizz interested in new technology found!" The excitement was clear in his voice as Mace moved onto Vaylin. A small smile that hadn't been seen before by the others was resting on her lips as she awaited his words.

Mace noticed the change but said nothing about it as he spoke up. "Vaylin, there is nothing that particularly requires your attention right now. You can help Jaesa and Ashara train a few of the Twi'lek adepts if you want, or even help Xalek with training the recruits. Do whatever you feel like."

The smile still rested on her face as she nodded back. "As you wish my Emperor." Mace nodded back in kind before looking at Both Vette and Nadia. "Both of you still need to continue your training. Vette more than you Nadia. I will personally start to up your training in the coming days. Though you will have to gain more experience as well."

Motioning towards Jaesa at the same time he spoke to Vette. "Jaesa, Vette as my wraths I have a mission that you will need to accomplish when we have the time…" turning a pointed look at Vette he finished. "…I'm sure you personally will like who I'm sending you after."

Though she was confused at who he meant Vette didn't ask outright and gave a small bow towards him. "As you wish, Wrath." A small chuckle left his lips at her words but he said nothing else to her. Looking around the room one more time he moved onto the last matter of business.

"Now onto the final matter. Nadia, Ashara and Ayillh it seems we have our first mission." Those called tilted their heads in question but didn't speak up. A wider smile graced Mace's lips as he thought about where he was going. "If we are to have you train new sith, even though we are knowledgeable we will need other material to help teach them and if Ayillh is right, we know exactly where to find them."

A light of understanding passed through Ayillh's eyes before the rest, a smile appearing on her lips as well. A small thought running through her mind that she couldn't stop. 'This will be fun.'

**************

The end of the meeting finally came to a close. Wide smiles were on both Ashara and Jaesa's lips as they left the room, while Nadia looked a little apprehensive. Though Mace couldn't blame her for that, especially with what they were going to do.

She was moving along nicely in her training, but she was sentimental for her old master and what he stood for, funny as it was an emotion that the Jedi would want to suppress. He would talk to her later, the trip could possible help her finally take the last steps she needed to become a Darth. But only time would tell.

Xalek and Ayillh where close behind her as they walked out, followed by Vaylin at a slow pace. As the others left the room though one stayed behind. Mace looked at Blizz as he stood in front of him; head slightly tilted in question waiting for the Jawa to speak.

"Big Sith need knowledge of galaxy, Blizz know importance of hyperspace routes. Blizz remember Bigg boss help good friend. Good friend companion, Big Fur talk to Blizz. Big Fur say he mapping Hyper routes for an archive. Big Fur say best in galaxy."

Mace leaned forward at the broken words, a newly found glint in his eyes.

"Tell me more."