The Imperial Council Chambers

This was the first time that anyone had been in the chambers for a while and even longer since the emergency elevator was used. Taking the elevator up Xeonon stood silent, although it was kept secret hidden inside a closet down on the landing pads someone might have stumbled upon it and bugged it. No he was used to keeping things secret outside the Council Chambers. Stepping out of the elevator they were behind the ceremonious chair to the emperor whom they no longer had. Yet. Please take a seat

In front of them was the large circular table. Inspired by a ancient story it symbolized that in this room, when they sat down no one was more important than any other. They were all equals. From the lowest knave to the leader of the Empire. The holoprojector at this point was empty with nothing important to show but a blue light was flashing in the center. I am sure a Count would love the equality thing if he knew the story of the round table. I must say I am surprised that you contacted me Count Demici. Although it was rather vague something told me that it was important that I meet with you. He said as he sat down on one of the chairs opposite Monte.

He had been trained to watch peoples movements and ever since meeting the Count he had been sizing him up. The way he walked, held himself and everything. Frankly he reminded Xeonon of the man who once owned him. The air of supperiority was just annoying but he understand it. He had been raised that way no doubt. There was something else, although he couldn't be sure Xeonon thought he could detect the darkside eminating from him

Well you certainly do not fuck around. I like that in a man. You have heard right we dont meditate on it like the Jedi nor abuse its power like their darker counter parts. You are right we can always use a new person and something tells me you are not like most hopefuls, I am willing to give you a shot but before I say more I must let you know one thing. We do not accept failure, since the Knights have been around not one person has failed. The training is hard, the mental aspect even harder. Are you sure you want to do this ?

Its not really the best sales pitch but he never lied. It was something one must consider, more than one person has died trying to get through the training.

He couldnt help but hold in a small chuckle. We dont operate on the same level as a Sith. We are an organization and uphold the goodness and blah blah blah do you really care? To be honest he was getting bored of having to give this speech all the time. Normally he would power through it but his impatience was through the roof; not because of Monte but because of the ring on his hand. Given to him by Dragus it has been enhancing the darker portions of his personality and Xeonon was none the wiser. Sorry I dont know what got into me there.

Well you do seem determined and we are always looking for fresh meat to throw through the grinder. ALways a good way to get men. We can start tomorrow, you may want to take the rest of the day to enjoy your time as a free man. Just a word of the wise, the planet has strict rules against weapons. I dont know if you are packing but do not carry them outside this building or you will be well killed. Silly big three rules. After that you will be pushed through the ringer to become one of us.

Go figures, someone with a special blade. Or two. Whatever that would be beaten out of him. Standing up he smiled. Welcome to the Imperial Knights then Count. If you want to familiarize yourself with the area please just let one of the Knights know and they will help you. Now lets go find you a bunk. Personally he couldnt wait to see the look on his face when Monte would see his sleeping quarters. Yes he had been taught by a Sith but he knew of the life style of a Count and well honestly close quarters and no privacy doesnt sound like something he would like.

Xeonon could feel his pain, before this blessed man had come around Xeonon was in much the same position he was in now. Leading a dying empire. No friends. No allies. No hope. That is the problem, everyone has a jaded view of the empire. Palpatine. Caedus. Hell even Raven. They all ruled through fear and gave us a bad rap and everyone looks over our good sides. Hell the Fels and Palleon have done better than many of the Republics leaders have we need allies that are good in the eye of the galaxy. Shrugging his shoulders he smiled. Or we could just sit here as we have done before and endured, grow fat and stagnant.

With his left hand Xeonon rubbed his forehead, the oils coating his fingers on the gauntlet he was wearing. Standing up he read it over, looking at the different things it outlined. Was he really suggesting what Xeonon thought he was? It was true that they had no qualms with the Republic but they were not friends. More like two of the biggest kids on the block, who would eventually start a fight to see which was bigger. It was the way of things, and no piece of paper would help that. You know, I am pretty sure that became null and void when we attacked the Galactic Alliance. Maybe this was going to be one of those silly timey wimey things. However it was a solid point.

As a precursor to the Sith-Imperial War that had almost taken the Empire to the grave, Roan had attacked the GA. A direct descendant of the Republic. It could be argued that he never wanted to do it, as it was obvious he never threw his full support into the effort and did it to appease the Sith. Its only saving grace, something that may yet help out was the fact that, in the end we sided with our former enemies. Killing Kryat and saving the Galaxy. All in a days work. Do we have any contacts in the Senate? Besides your cousin that is. Fucking Tarkins. I only know Jedi and few at that.

To bad his counter part wasnt here right now, the head of security for the Empire would already have a half dozen schemes to not only expand in a legal way but to become friends with everyone in the galaxy plus their dogs. He looked up at the galaxy map, almost all of the Inner Core regions were a dark blue. What they owned plus a few neutral planets. Sure they could expand from places like Thule but as said. Hostile intentions. We could always do the victory through peace thing like back in the day. A jest It sounds like a good idea. We should also try to work into it the military aid thing, the galaxy is a dangerous place right now.

Nodding he stood up. Again he wished for one who had real diplomatic skills, and more familiar with the way his leader worked. Fiana would have been the perfect choice had she been around, but she had gone off on assignment and not checked back in. MIA is the official listing. A full Battalion? I thought we were going there for peace, don't you think a thousand gleaming Storm Troopers may give them the wrong idea? We don't want to conquer them just yet. Wait until after the Mandalorian offensive. A joke, and a poor one at that but hey when its a long day everyone needs a laugh. When shall I get them ready for and do you have any requests for Knights and a particular set of storm troopers?