Darth Nox: The Master of the Force

Chapter 24: A New Throne

The shadows of the command center on the Harrower-class dreadnought flickered as the ship sailed through the void. Darth Nox stood in the center of the room, his arms folded beneath his dark robes as he contemplated the conversation to come. Around him, holo-projectors displayed the planets they would discuss, each with its own potential, its own history, and its own risks. Lana Beniko and Scorpio stood beside him, their presences steady and purposeful. The decision they were about to make was not one to be taken lightly.

Behind them, Odessen drifted slowly out of sight as the massive fleet began its movement through hyperspace. Once a haven, now an abandoned ghost of its former self, Odessen had served its purpose, but it was no longer suitable as the foundation for the empire Nox envisioned. He needed more—more than an isolated planet tucked away in the Unknown Regions. If his legacy was to be carved into the galaxy, he needed a throne worthy of his power. The new seat of their burgeoning faction had to be chosen with care, for it would be where they would rebuild an empire out of the ashes of the old.

"I've analyzed several possibilities for our new home," Lana began, her tone pragmatic as she activated a console in front of her. Holo-images of various planets appeared in the air between them—Korriban, Dromund Kaas, Ossus, and Zakuul among them. The familiar planets hung in the air like looming specters of history.

Nox watched them closely. He could feel the gravity of each planet through the Force—the pull of ancient memories, old battles, and forgotten knowledge. His empire would rise, but where would its seat of power be?

"Korriban," Lana said, glancing at Nox, "the birthplace of the Sith. It would be poetic to claim it as our home. The Sith Academy, the tombs of the ancient Dark Lords, the nexus of dark side energy—all of it could serve as a powerful symbol of our resurgence."

Nox remained silent for a moment, eyes narrowed. The idea of returning to Korriban intrigued him. The tombs of the ancient Sith, filled with untapped knowledge, called to him. He had spent time there as an acolyte, delving into the mysteries of the dark side. There would be power in re-establishing a Sith dominion on the birthplace of their order. But Korriban was also a world of death, its harsh environment unforgiving, and it had no significant population to draw upon.

"No population," Nox mused aloud. "No base of loyal followers. Korriban is powerful, but it would take time to build something there."

Lana nodded, acknowledging the reality of the situation. "True. It would take years, even with droids and resources, to establish a livable, secure city. Its isolation may shield us from immediate threats, but without a local population, we'd be building from nothing."

A new holo-image flickered to life—Dromund Kaas, its stormy atmosphere swirling with lightning, casting an eerie blue glow across the room. Nox's eyes flicked toward it immediately. The capital of the Sith Empire, Dromund Kaas was more than a planet. It was a symbol, the seat of power for millennia, a world shrouded in darkness and history.

"Dromund Kaas," Scorpio interjected, her voice calm yet analytical. "The population there is fragmented, yes, but still loyal to the idea of the Empire. The remnants we encountered still cling to their legacy. If properly united, they would serve you well. And the planet's history—its connection to the dark side, the Citadel—it all makes it an obvious choice."

Nox studied the image for a long moment. Scorpio was right. The people of Dromund Kaas, though divided and reduced after centuries of civil war, could be rallied under a strong enough leader. They had spoken of their ancestors—the soldiers, commanders, and Sith who once ruled from Kaas City. These remnants still worshiped the idea of the Sith, even after all this time.