Throughout the Sith territory, from the city towers of raining Drommund Kaas to the neglected slums of Taris, a message was sent out from the office Lord Stolas. It would reach beyond their territory to the greater holonet to commerce guilds, mercenary companies, and syndicates struggling under the weight of rampant plague. First the symbol of the Sith flickered into place on holoscreens followed by the Darth's sigil of office. A period of adjustment and getting things into to order had followed the recent expansions of territory and it was now time to address the people within what had become Sith territory, regardless of how it had come to be.
Stolas wore his armour and stood before a crowd of citizens on Drommund Kaas gathered in a wide, covered plaza shielded from the infinite storm overhead. Armoured soldiers and uniformed officers stood behind him on a raised dias. Men and women from many planets, wearing attire from their culture, had also joined him on the dias. A moment of quiet passed as the Darth looked over the gathered crowds.
"I have a vision of the future," he began, his voice booming in smooth tones over the din of citizenry, evenly and well articulated. They fell silent as they listened. "Of a grand and prosperous nation, united and strong. Of a galaxy where those who rule it are competent and wise. For those who have been neglected and forgotten to be uplifted. A time of change and progress is sweeping through the galaxy and new factions are rising. I intend for us to be a force of this change. For millennia the old Republic's long roots have buried themselves in the galaxy, and now those roots are rotten. The greatest thing they've done in centuries was put the word 'New' in front of their name." Mixed chuckling and discussion took hold of the ground for a few moments as Stolas let his listeners consider the meaning of what he said.
An arm swept out to the crowds, to the cameras, to the billions of who watched this address. "Stagnation is rampant. Few social programs, no consensus on policy. Instead, many unfit to rule have chosen to sit on high and reap the benefits while neglecting the needs of their people." A murmuring traveled through the crowd. It was no secret that there were worlds where entrenched leadership had abused their people like on Taris, or others the Free Worlds had left to struggle on their own. The ISC itself had risen from planets historically ignored by the powerful Core worlds, especially since the decline and dissolvement of the old Republic.
"It is clear those who pull the strings in the Free Worlds have no desire to allow this vision to pass. They and the Jedi who support them will strike at us at every turn just as they always have. They fear you all will remember the Golden Age of past governments." Soldiers stepped forward from behind Stolas to stand at his side, an arm coming up to gesture toward them. They took off their helmets, a mix of men and women from different species with expressions all set in steeled determination.
"Our armed forces and other agencies will accept applicants from all walks of life! Service guarantees opportunity for advancement and could lead into a career, whether military, government, or civilian. Engineers, scientists, and medical professionals are all needed. Those in the undercities and slums, those unsure of their path, I speak to you now. Join us and become part of a greater future!" The soldier raised their helmets in a thunderous cheer that was echoed with fervor in the crowd. Stolas had begun the process of expanding and centralizing the Sith military and many positions were open to those who wanted to join up.
"And to the systems near our borders, to all nations across the galaxy, you are invited to diplomatic talks. I welcome meetings for negotiation, in your own territory if you wish, to discuss the future of the Galaxy. We are not truly your enemies, nor are we unreasonable." His helmet once again swept over the crowds, the dark glass reflecting the varied peoples who had gathered from across Sith space, visitors from other sectors, and more.
"Choose well, I ask of you! Together we will prosper and build a grand future to outshine the stars!"
