2 years later
Daimon had finished conquering the remaining systems of the former Theocratic Dominion with the remaining systems and planets being occupied by hundreds of millions of war droids. In addition to this, new fleets crewed by droids and clones patrolled the newly acquired territory while the rest of the fleet continued on to the Kingdom of Ryloth.
During the Imperium's invasion of the Theocratic Dominion, the Kingdom of Ryloth did try to send assistance and even accepted pleas of help from several Theocratic worlds. But they were ultimately defeated in just two battles which made them lose thirty percent of their fleet before the Imperium invaded them.
Now, Daimon and his fleet have turned their attention towards the Kingdom of Ryloth. King Valorian III sat upon his throne, watching tactical displays that showed the approaching Imperial fleet. His military advisors stood in a semicircle before him, their expressions ranging from resignation to panic. The throne room, which had witnessed the coronations of fifty-three kings before him, might now witness the fall of his dynasty.
"Your Majesty, the Imperial fleet numbers over four hundred thousand ships," Admiral Korenth reported. "They've already breached our outer defensive perimeter at Ryloth's Gate. Our forces there were... eliminated within hours."
"How many survivors?" Valorian asked, though he suspected he already knew the answer.
"None, Your Majesty. The Imperials deployed interdiction fields and prevented any retreat. As far as we know, the fleet was either completely destroyed or captured."
Valorian leaned back in his throne, his hands resting on the armrests. His ancestors had built this kingdom over three thousand years, expanding from a single world to encompass forty-seven systems. Now it would all end because he had been foolish enough to trust the Republic's promises of support.
"The Republic assured us they would commit forces to defend our territory if we joined their coalition," Minister Thalen spoke up. "Where are those forces now?"
"Fighting their own battles in Imperial space," Admiral Korenth replied "Chancellor Thrace's promises were empty. Since the war started, we have received nothing that was promised in the agreement."
"Then we negotiate," Valorian decided. "Send a diplomatic envoy to the Imperial fleet. Offer unconditional surrender with terms preserving the civilian population and our cultural heritage."
"Your Majesty, you can't seriously…" one of the younger nobles began.
"I can and I will," Valorian cut him off. "I watched the Theocratic Dominion fall. I saw what happened to Kalyndra Prime. Emperor Daimon offers no mercy to those who continue fighting, but intelligence suggests he honors surrenders if they come quickly enough. I will not let pride destroy everything our ancestors built."
The throne room erupted in arguments. Some nobles called for resistance to the last, invoking ancient oaths and warrior traditions. Others supported the king's pragmatism, pointing out that dead kingdoms honored no oaths. Through it all, Valorian remained silent, letting them exhaust themselves.
Finally, he raised his hand for silence. "I am your king. The decision is mine alone. Admiral Korenth, prepare a diplomatic shuttle. I will deliver our surrender personally."
"Your Majesty, that's far too dangerous," Minister Thalen protested. "If the Emperor decides to execute you…."
"Then he executes a king who tried to save his people rather than a coward who hid behind his walls," Valorian interrupted. "Prepare the shuttle. We leave within the hour."
A few days later
Aboard the Luminary, Daimon received the transmission from the Kingdom's diplomatic shuttle. Grand Admiral Caedus stood beside him as they reviewed the message.
"King Valorian III himself, My Lord," Caedus reported. "He's requesting permission to board the Luminary to discuss terms of surrender. His shuttle is unarmed and carries minimal crew."
"Interesting," Daimon mused, studying the holographic image of the approaching shuttle. "Most monarchs would send an ambassador rather than risk themselves. Either he's genuinely committed to saving his people, or this is an elaborate assassination attempt."
"Our sensors detect no weapons or explosives aboard the shuttle," Cortana added, "Though I suppose a sufficiently determined assassin could try something with the Force or concealed technology."
"Let him come," Daimon decided. "If he's brave enough to face me personally, the least I can do is hear what he has to say. Sera, Elara, join me in the conference chamber."
Thirty minutes later, King Valorian III stepped off his shuttle and into the Luminary's hangar bay. He wore ceremonial robes rather than armor, and his hands were clearly visible and empty. Behind him, only three attendants followed, all of them unarmed.
Empyrean Guards formed a corridor leading from the hangar to the conference chamber, their weapons at the ready but not aimed at anyone. Valorian walked between them with his head held high, refusing to show fear despite the very real danger he was in.
The conference chamber was smaller than he'd expected, containing a circular table with holographic projectors. Daimon sat at the far end, flanked by two women Valorian recognized from intelligence reports as Lady Sera and Queen Elara. Several Empyrean Guards stood along the walls, silent and imposing.
"King Valorian," Daimon greeted, gesturing to a seat across from him. "You've come a long way to surrender. Most would have sent a representative."
"Most kings care more about their own survival than their people's future," Valorian replied, taking the offered seat. His attendants remained standing behind him. "I prefer to look the man who will decide my kingdom's fate in the eyes."
"Admirable. Though I wonder if you would have been so brave had the Republic's promised reinforcements actually arrived."
Valorian's jaw tightened as this was the truth. "Chancellor Thrace promised military support, advanced technology, and economic aid in exchange for our participation in this war. We received none of it. I was a fool to trust promises from politicians who view my kingdom as nothing more than a buffer state."
"You were indeed foolish," Daimon agreed. "But at least you're wise enough to recognize it. Tell me, King Valorian, what exactly are you offering?"
"Unconditional surrender of all Kingdom military forces. Immediate cessation of all hostile actions against the Imperium. Full cooperation with Imperial occupation forces. In exchange, I ask only that you spare the civilian population and allow our cultural institutions to continue. We have libraries dating back three millennia, art collections that represent the pinnacle of our civilization's achievements. Whatever you decide to do with me personally, I beg you not to erase my people's legacy."
Daimon stared at the king for a long moment. Sera and Elara remained silent, watching the negotiations to see what Daimon would decide. Finally, after a minute, he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.
"Your honesty is refreshing, King Valorian. Most would try to negotiate from a position they don't actually hold, making demands they have no power to enforce." He gestured, and a holographic map of the Kingdom's territory appeared above the table. "I have no interest in destroying your culture. The Imperium has always valued the contributions of its member species. What I require is loyalty and integration."
"Integration?" Valorian asked carefully.
"Your kingdom will become an Imperial province. Your military will be disbanded and integrated into Imperial forces. Your nobility will retain their titles and lands, but they will answer to an Imperial governor who will oversee the transition. Your people will learn Imperial basic alongside their native tongue, adopt Imperial currency, and gradually become part of the greater Imperium while maintaining their own culture and such."
Valorian felt relief wash over him. It was far better than he'd dared hope. "And myself, Your Majesty?"
"You will remain as the monarch of your Kingdom; you will just now answer to me. Similar to the Rakatan Dominion. It is independent, but it is under a union with the Veldari Imperium. To sum it all up, the Kingdom of Ryloth will maintain its independence partially while being under the Imperium and adopting Imperial ways and such."
"I accept these terms," Valorian said without hesitation. "When do you require the formal surrender?"
"As soon as possible would be nice. I will cease all military action against the Kingdom, just make sure that you go through with what was talked about here. If I find out that you went back on your word, then there won't be a second chance for you or your culture."
Valorian nodded. "You have my word, Emperor Daimon. I will issue the surrender order immediately upon my return."
"Good," Daimon stood, signaling the conclusion of their meeting. "You'll find that the Imperium rewards loyalty and competence. Serve well, and your kingdom will prosper under Imperial protection. Betray me, and you've already seen what happens to those who oppose the Imperium."
As Valorian departed with his attendants, escorted back to his shuttle, Sera turned to Daimon. "You're being generous. The Theocratic Dominion received no such mercy."
"The Theocratic Dominion was built on religious fanaticism that made peaceful integration impossible," Daimon replied. "King Valorian, for all his mistakes, understands pragmatism. His people can be integrated. The zealots of Kalyndra Prime could not."
"What about the Coalition of Free Stars?" Elara asked. "They're still launching raids against Rakatan border worlds."
"The Coalition will be dealt with next," Daimon said. "But first, let's ensure the Kingdom's surrender proceeds smoothly."
Sera nodded understanding what he was saying, though she believed that there may have been a better way for them to deal with the Theocratic Dominion. Though she respects Daimon's decisions, nonetheless.
For King Valorian, he was about to have other problems to deal with proposing an unconditional surrender. Not all nobles within the Kingdom will like that or even tolerate it.
———
On the eastern side of the galaxy, the Sith Empire completed its conquest of the Mandalorian Empire and was eyeing the Imperial controlled Hutt territory. However, they were receiving some push back from the Republic as the Preservationists faction of the fractured Jedi order learned of the Sith practicing the dark side of the force.
They had seen videos of the war and had started comparing what they were seeing to the Hundred years of darkness.
The Absolutists faction of the Jedi Order thought the same despite the two factions not getting along with each other. And with the Absolutists being the biggest Jedi Faction, the Republic started to change its policy toward the Sith Empire.
But the Sith Emperor made a secret deal with Chancellor Thrace to attack the Imperial Princesses in former Hutt space in exchange for technology and resources.
Thrace didn't know that he was dealing with future enemies of the Republic as he was more worried about the war. 2 billion were dead on the Republic side which was putting a lot of scrutiny on them from many of the worlds who were seeing no progress being made in the war.
This decreased the militaristic factions standing by a little and it would keep going up as long as they kept the war at a stalemate.