Ziost - Crown of the Sith Empire

It was yet early in the morning, but after the previous days events Kristal had gotten a much earlier rest than normal and been up for some hours already. Dressed for the day, phobium battle armor covered in her dark cloak, the glint of the armor revealed only by the parting at the center because the cloak held only to her shoulders, she sat in the communications room of her estate. Wires still danced across the floor, an effort to get it working while the work of making it look nice was still being prepared and finished.

Signalling up the call, she prepared to make an in motion report to Darth Lachris.

"You have my attention, Steel Valkyrie," she said once on the line.

"There is a most interesting puzzle I have discovered, one I have my mine verifying as we speak," she began, arms crossed behind her back.

"A member of the council, unknown to me and others, appears to be supporting the Eagle for their own means. Darth Malgus leads his forces against the Eagle with unnatural fervor, proclaiming himself a hero of the Empire in this purpose."

"Which, I mention, as it holds connection to my task. Following my trail, and speaking with Captain Balmung, he was all too ready, once I pressured him, to admit that the supplies that I have been tracing were redirected by Malgus to the outer rim. My man, Bur, is currently verifying these claims as best as he might."

“Bloody Malgus, naked ambition is all he is,” she muttered.

“Marr will find that useful when we bring that upstart to to heel, unless you think he plans to go even further with this plot?”

"I have been thinking, a lot, on the nature of the mind of a Sith and those unlike myself," she said.

"What would he gain from this, this expense of his resources granted to so many, in the name of the Empire, claiming extra supplies for himself 'for the Outer Reach' and the nature that someone is supporting this Eagle."

"Perhaps, I wonder, what would become of the man who single handedly saved the Empire from the threat of an insurrection on our very doorstep? Naturally, that man would become a hero to all. One without question. How wonderful, then, that Malgus has orchestrated so many to act in his name. Convenient for him, that the Eagle was there to offer him this chance to rise as a hero."

“That’s a dangerous implication but one that could make sense,” she said considering that line of thought.

“He could make himself a savior of the whole empire, but he would still sit beneath the Dark Council.”

"He would be a savior of the people, and they would follow him," she nodded.

"A people besieged by the idea that the Dark Council is a puppeteer for the Emperor. Perhaps there is something to this thought, albeit it is far more comfortable to ignore it altogether. However, the ability remains there, Darth Malgus could be in the preperations for something dire that may affect the Empire for years to come. Should it survive."

"My forces are stretched thin due to bolstering the outer regions… but you have a keen mind so I will do what I can to reinforce those key areas just in case Darth Malgus proves to be a fool," she said in reply.

"I hope it does not yet come to pass, but I will keep you informed with what other information I am able to gather," she said.

“If Malgus acts, we will be there to crush him,” she responded.

"Then, for now, we have our path forward. Is there anything else you might require of me in this time?" she asked, prepared to end the call and continue on with her assigned tasks. Eager to understand the full extent of the truth.

"I have nothing that desires your immediate attention, Steel Valkyrie, may the Force keep you strong," she responded.