The reactions from the other galactic powers were just as Daimon expected. The Republic had called them an Imperial puppet established as an extension of the Imperium itself. Within the Republic, almost all records of the Rakata were erased from history which would have given them a new start. However, some records still existed within the Theocratic Dominion of Kalyndra who immediately branded the Rakata as infidels.
Following them, the Kingdom of Rylothis did the same and demanded that the Rakata not be allowed to exist within the galactic community. While nobody is alive to remember the atrocities that the Rakata committed, many stories and historical events were recorded by the ancient slave species who rebelled against them.
The Coalition of Free Stars held a similar stance, though their reasoning was more pragmatic. They saw the Rakata Dominion as yet another tool of Imperial expansion, a vassal state that would serve Daimon's interests while claiming independence. They made a formal statement condemning the announcement and calling for sanctions against any power that recognized the Dominion's legitimacy.
Only the Varraxian Technocracy remained neutral, their response measured and analytical rather than emotional. They acknowledged the Rakatans technological heritage and expressed interest in establishing limited academic exchanges, though they made clear this interest was purely scientific and did not constitute political recognition.
The Jedi Order's response was more complex. The High Council convened in emergency session on Ossus, debating for three days before issuing their official statement. They acknowledged the Rakatans attempts at reformation but expressed deep concern about any species with such a dark history being granted protection by Daimon whom they labeled as 'A Force-wielding autocrat with concerning expansionist tendencies.'
Several younger Jedi Masters argued for giving the Rakata a chance, pointing to the Order's own teachings about redemption and the possibility of change. But the older, more conservative members prevailed, citing the Balance Keepers' influence over Rakatan Force training as evidence of dangerous philosophical contamination.
This was something that Daimon had anticipated, but still it was getting a little annoying when everybody just started to hate him because he was strong and he created the Veldari Imperium which is constantly growing in power. But what the others thought didn't matter to him and most of it was insignificant words and actions that would have no real effect on himself or the people of the Imperium.
The Rakata had taken these reactions from the other galactic powers and used it to further fuel their path to redemption. They didn't need the approval of the galaxy, as long as they didn't follow the same path as their ancestors, then they will have redeemed themselves.
Within the Imperium, they were extremely receptive to the Rakata. When he founded the Veldari Imperium, one of the things that Daimon emphasized was tolerance and acceptance of all species who wished to embrace Imperial values. The Gen'Dai, having been the primary beneficiaries of his vision, understood this better than most. They had witnessed firsthand how their own species had transformed from scattered nomads into the dominant force of a growing empire.
Imperial citizens flooded the holonet with messages of support for the Reformed Rakata. Educational programs about Rakatan history, both ancient and recent, became mandatory in Imperial schools. The narrative was carefully crafted: the Rakata were not monsters to be feared, but a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and a testament to the possibility of redemption through proper guidance.
Trade delegations from various Imperial worlds began scheduling visits to Lehon. Corporate representatives saw opportunities in the Rakatan workforce, particularly in specialized manufacturing that required both technical skill and Force-sensitivity. The Rakatans innate understanding of Force-infused technology, even in their reformed state, made them valuable partners for certain Imperial industries. Unlike the Gen'Dai or humans, the Rakata produced more Force-sensitives than the Imperium. But not everybody was forced into becoming a member of the Rakatan Force Order.
Instead, most used their Force sensitivity in their jobs, bringing back the old days of Rakatan Force infused technology. Of course, Daimon took advantage of this and had already started using some of the knowledge recovered from ancient Rakatan vaults to introduce more Force infused technology for both civilian and military use. As of now, the Imperium had very few Force infused technologies as the manpower required to mass produce it was not something that they had. But with the Rakata now at a stable stage in their development, they could overcome that.
Within weeks, the first trade agreements were signed. Rakatan craftsmen would produce specialized components for Imperial starships, components that required Force-attuned individuals to properly construct. In return, the Imperium would provide raw materials, advanced medical technology, and continued military protection.
———
With all of this out of the way and with things continuously progressing, it was time for Daimon to begin his own little expedition into the Outer Rim. Specifically, to the region where the Hutt Cartel was located.
The Imperium and the galaxy still had a few more centuries before anything big started to kick off, so in the meantime, Daimon wanted to go and have some fun without worrying about starting a war. And the best choice was to travel to the unexplored Hutt Cartel space and see how they were developing.
He made this decision after spending a few years doing nothing. He had finished understanding the knowledge that was given to him by The Father on Mortis and had given the information to his special research division to start developing and testing those technologies.
Some technologies that were already developed were the Infinity Gates, which would allow instantaneous travel to any part of the Imperium and the Bio-forges. Unlike the Dimensional Gates, the Infinity Gates connected planets to each other, allowing people to move from across the galaxy in an instant which would greatly speed up travel between planets. However, the cost to create such a thing was massive so for now it is still experimental.
The Bio-forges were massive forges that would accelerate the development of a person or engineer a new species. So far, the Research Division has managed to accelerate the development of a random Gen'Dai volunteer, who managed to reach 200 years old in 6 months. But the engineering of a new species proved to be more difficult. In addition to being costly, the Bio-forge was only approved to be used by Ascendants, which greatly increased their numbers in a short amount of time.
Once fully developed, these technologies would further advance the Imperium above the rest of the galaxy.
Standing in front of his transport ship, Daimon was pulled into a brotherly hug by Progenitor Kael Thoryn which he immediately returned. While the Progenitors were technically his sons and daughters, he considered them to be more like brothers and sisters throughout these past centuries.
"I'll make sure everything is here when you return," said Progenitor Thoryn as he pulled back.
"Ha! you better or I'll be disappointed." replied Daimon.
Progenitor Thoryn laughed. "Safe travels, my Emperor. May the Force guide your journey."
Daimon nodded and turned around to see Elara and Sera approaching. Thoryn had jokingly bowed his head mocking what many of the citizens do when they go into the city. "My Lady, I am honored by your presence."
Elara rolled her eyes, though a smile appeared on her face. "Still the same old jokester after all these centuries, Kael."
"It's part of my charm," Thoryn replied with a grin. He glanced at Sera, who stood quietly beside Elara, her expression was unreadable. "And you, Princess Sera. Try not to let the Emperor get into too much trouble."
Sera smiled. "You know as well as I do that's an impossible task."
Daimon chuckled. "I'll be fine. This is just a personal expedition, nothing official. I want to see the Outer Rim and maybe stir up just a little bit of trouble."
"The Hutts," Elara said, her tone skeptical. "I'm curious to see what kind of species they are and what we're gonna run into."
"You'll see in a week or two." replied Daimon. "For now, let's go ahead and board the transport so we can stay on schedule."
The two nodded and said their goodbyes to Progenitor Thoryn. As they boarded the shuttle, the surrounding guards had saluted until the ramp closed.
After that, the shuttle took off and headed towards the sky and then into space.
Waiting for them in space was the newly built Super Dreadnought, the 'Luminary'. It was built as the first ship of its class, and it was made for long journeys across space. It was crewed by a little over 500,000 personnel which included ground forces, pilots, engineers, and naval officers. The Ship's complement included 100,000 soldiers, 1,000 fighters, 500 bombers, and enough supplies to sustain independent operations for years if necessary.
(Luminary Image Here)
It was designed not for intimidation, but for exploration and extended deployment in regions where Imperial authority did not reach.
Alongside this were its escorts which comprised of 15 newly developed ships. 2 Troop Transport Ships, 2 Heavy Battle Carriers, 4 Cruisers, 5 Destroyers, and 2 Logistics ships. Within the Luminary itself, it had 15 Frigates which would be used for a variety of roles from scouting to ground support.
As Daimon's shuttle approached the massive vessel, he could see the engineers doing some final checks on the outer hull before its voyage. The Luminary represented the cutting edge of Imperial shipbuilding, incorporating technologies recovered from ancient Rakatan archives, refined through centuries of Gen'Dai engineering expertise, and enhanced with Force-infused components.
The shuttle entered the Hangar Bay that was reserved for Daimon's personal use. As the ramp descended, Commodore Kelthar Vornai, a seasoned Gen'Dai naval officer with over three centuries of experience, stood waiting with his senior staff.
"My Lord," Captain Kael said, bowing his head respectfully. "The Luminary is ready for departure. All systems are operational, and the crew has completed their final preparations."
Daimon stepped down the ramp followed by Elara and Sera. "Excellent work, Commodore. How long until we reach Hutt Space?"
"Approximately one week with our new hyperdrive engines."
"Good. Make sure the crew is aware that this is not a military operation. We're here to explore, not conquer so there will be a little fun for everybody along the way." Daimon stated. He wanted them ready for anything, but not too focused on the mission so that they forget the focus of this journey.
"Understood, my Lord. I've already briefed the senior staff. We'll keep our weapons hop but hope we don't have to use them." The Commodore gestured toward the corridor leading to the bridge. "If you'll follow me, I can show you to your quarters and give you a tour of the ship."
Daimon shook his head. "That won't be necessary. I'm familiar enough with the design specifications. Just take us to the bridge. I want to see us depart."
The group made their way through the corridors of the Luminary. Unlike older Imperial vessels that prioritized function over form, this ship had been designed with aesthetic considerations in mind. The walls featured intricate patterns that incorporated Gen'Dai artistic influences, while holographic displays provided constant updates on ship status.
As they entered the bridge, the crew immediately stood at attention. Daimon waved them back to their stations. "As you were. Commodore, take us out."
"Aye, my Lord." Kelthar moved to the command chair and began issuing orders. "All stations, report readiness."
One by one, the department heads confirmed their status. Engineering, weapons, shields, navigation, all systems showed green. The escort fleet had already formed up in a defensive formation around the Luminary.
So, the Commodore gave the final order. "All ships, initiate hyperspace jump on my mark. Three... two... one... mark."
The stars stretched into lines as the fleet entered hyperspace. Daimon stood at the viewport, watching the familiar blue-white tunnel of faster-than-light travel envelop the fleet. He couldn't wait to see what exciting things the Hutt Cartel had to show him.