Chapter Text
--︱Epilogue
Sith Sanctum
Kaas City, Dromund Kaas
Humans gave the Imperial officer dirty and disgusted looks as he passed. He understood why, as many species found his appearance grotesque. This world was not built for him. Aliens were rare in the Imperial military, especially species as unique as an Abyssin. It required a custom-tailored uniform to fit his hulking frame and long limbs. Even the largest standard-issue cap sat precariously on his head. He had been fortunate to find a patron that saw past his inhuman appearance to his natural skills for keeping his ears open and his mouth shut.
The Sith Sanctum was located in the center of the Imperial Citadel, the first built and easily the largest landmark in the city. As the center of Imperial government, the citadel contained the headquarters of the Ministries of War, Intelligence, and Logistics. Set apart from much of the surrounding city provided an extra layer of security, a fortress for only those privileged enough to enter.
Fueled by the massive dark side presence here, the skies seemed angry, crackling with purple lightning. Keeping to overhangs and skybridges helped protect him from the near-constant rain storms that covered the planet, but not the heat. Kaas City was deep in the endless jungles and canyons. The tropical climate clung to his green-gray skin, mildly oppressive as he made his way inside.
A private lift took him deep into the sanctum, ending in a secure door. Inside, the office was simple yet intimidating, spacious but lacking the opulence common among Dark Council members and other high-ranking Imperial officers. Any decoration was either a personal trophy or devoted to military operations. This office was where some of the most sensitive Imperial strike team operations were initiated. A large desk made of metal and dark stone sat at one end, the high-backed chair turned away from the newcomer.
“My Lord.” He spoke in his native tongue of grunts and growls, averting his large eye toward the floor in a show of deference. “The Vengeance has been reported destroyed. Reports from ships in the area believe they were stumbled upon by Republic scouting forces during a resupply and did not have time to react before the fleet appeared. It crashed on an uninhabited world. A supply transport and a number of fighters were also lost in the fighting.”
A storm of cold hatred and power swirled around the Sith seated before him. Darth Malgus was a burly human in heavy armor, save for his pale, bald head. A powerful and brutal warrior, he had fought in some of the greatest battles of the last war. His strength was considerable, even without his extensive Force powers. He was required to wear a distinct respirator mask over his mouth and neck from injuries during the Siege of Alderaan two decades prior, leaving a quiet rasping the only sound between them. Paradoxically, his eyes were pensive despite the burn of anger within them.
Processing this report, Malgus finally spoke. “An unfortunate setback. Too much of a coincidence that the Republic just stumbled upon such a valuable weapon. No, Balus was careless. She made no secret of her new toy or her ambition to join the Dark Council.” Malgus’s words dripped with disdain. Infighting and constant scheming was a far greater threat to Empire than the Republic. If not for the constant petty games, they would have wiped out the Republic ages ago. “The ship, however, is a feat of engineering and remains an ideal prototype. The blueprints still exist in our records. We only require a new source of crystals to power the stealth functions. A much larger source.”
The alien nodded his agreement. “I will reach out to my contacts in the underworld, my Lord, and see if they know of any planets or mining colonies that may have been missed.”
There was rumor of a world rich in Adegan crystals located somewhere in the unknown regions, but that was still unverified. Unless they stumbled upon a massive Jedi cache, their best chance would be through smugglers and pirates happening upon a particularly large haul. That had worked to build the Vengeance but could only provide so much. Perhaps Hutt Space was the best option. Or now that the sham of a peace had collapsed, they could just seize Tython.
“Also, I assume the Dark Council will send an expedition to recover what they can from the crash site. Once you return to Korriban, keep me informed on anything you learn regarding this from Hadra and Zhorrid. Anything they discover could prove useful for a future venture.”
“I will not fail you.”
“I know you won’t.” Malgus rumbled, turning back around his seat. A plan began to take shape, especially if he could recover the data from the Emperor’s Shadow project. There was much to do, and next time one ship would not suffice.
He would have a fleet.