Chapter 95: The Rakata Dominion Rises to The Galactic Stage
The Rakatan Dominion, having existed for a little over 400 years now, has developed into a good vassal state for the Imperium. Archon Tarlen Kresh who was named as Daimon’s Champion amongst the Reformed Rakata was the chosen leader for the Rakata Dominion. He was trained by Daimon in the Force and was a very powerful force user among the Reformed Rakata.
Using the abilities and knowledge bestowed upon him by Daimon, Tarlen united the Rakata and began rebuilding their species. The previous Rakata, who were primitive and still plagued by the disease that caused their empire to collapse some tens of thousands of years ago, were replaced with the Reformed Rakata. These Rakata were disease free, genetically enhanced, and overall better than their previous evolution.
This allowed Force Users to be birthed into the species, creating a new age for the Rakata where they can realize their warrior past, just without the mass genocides, slavery, and other things.
The population of the Rakata Dominion had grown to over 50 billion across twelve systems. Their capital, Lehon, had been transformed from the jungle-covered ruins of a fallen empire into a thriving world that balanced nature with advanced technology. Massive structures built to resemble both Rakatan and Imperial culture filled the cities of Lehon with its unique architecture.
The Rakata military, known as the Rakatan Defense Force, was trained by Balance Keeper advisors and Imperial military instructors. Unlike their ancient ancestors who relied solely on brute force and dark side artifacts, the Reformed Rakata employed disciplined tactics, strategic thinking, and a balanced approach to the Force. Their warriors wore armor that combined traditional Rakatan designs with Imperial engineering, creating a unique aesthetic that honored their past while embracing their future.
Tarlen Kresh ruled from his palace which overlooked the entire capital city. He had proven himself a capable leader, implementing reforms that elevated Rakatan society while maintaining their warrior traditions. Education became mandatory, with institutions teaching history, philosophy, and Force theory alongside combat training. The brutal gladiatorial games of old were replaced with regulated martial tournaments that tested skill rather than encouraged senseless death.
The relationship between the Rakata Dominion and the Veldari Imperium was complex. Officially, the Rakata were vassals, bound to provide military support and tribute to the Imperium. In practice, Daimon granted them considerable autonomy, interfering only when necessary to guide their development or prevent them from reverting to their destructive past. He saw the Rakata as a long-term investment, a species with tremendous potential if properly guided.
The Reformed Rakata had also begun developing their own Force tradition under Tarlen’s guidance. They called it the Path of Reclamation, a philosophy that acknowledged their species’ dark history while striving toward redemption through strength and service. Unlike the Balance Keepers who sought harmony between light and dark, or the Sith who embraced passion and power, the Rakata focused on using the Force as a tool for restoration and rebuilding what their ancestors had destroyed.
This unique approach attracted attention from both the Imperium and other Force-sensitive organizations. Some Balance Keepers viewed it as a valid interpretation of the Force, while more orthodox members questioned whether the Rakata could truly escape their genocidal legacy.
The only trading partner that they had was the Imperium, which allowed them to flourish thanks to Daimons personal investments into the Dominion. And now, Daimon was about to officially announce the existence of the Rakata Dominion to the rest of the known galaxy.
Arriving within the Lehon system aboard his personal flagship, Daimon looked outside the viewport of his command deck. The Star Forge was to his left, brimming with activity from ships coming and going. As the headquarters for the Rakatan Defense Force it was always filled with heavy military activity from both the Rakatan military forces and the Imperial military forces. The station itself was under the control of the Imperium and was overseen by a director and a few advisors beneath them.
Directly in front of him was Lehon, a place he had visited dozens of times but never in an official capacity such as this. Today was going to be the day that the Rakata Dominion was introduced to the galactic stage. Coming along with him was Elara and his daughter Princess Luna who were in their own rooms getting prepared for the ceremony.
Following behind his ship was the transport ship carrying the Imperial reporters who would be broadcasting the ceremony to the wider Imperium and the galaxy.
As his ship descended through Lehon’s atmosphere, Daimon could sense the anticipation from the millions of Rakata that had gathered in the capital city, their minds filled with excitement for the new future that they were about to embrace. This moment represented their species’ formal reentry into galactic civilization after tens of thousands of years spent in isolation and degradation.
After a few minutes, Daimon’s shuttle landed on one of the palaces landing platforms. The Archon Guard were lined up on both sides of the platform in ceremonial armor, their weapons held at attention. Behind them stood ranks of the Rakatan Defense Force in their hybrid armor, a visual representation of their species transformation. At the center of the platform stood Tarlen Kresh, wearing robes that combined Imperial and Rakatan aesthetics.
The shuttle’s ramp descended, and Daimon was the first to emerge holding the hand of Elara who walked next to him. For most present, this was their first time seeing him and they were shocked by his size. But none of the warriors moved an inch, showing their discipline. Princess Luna came after them, wearing her ceremonial dress and capturing the attention of numerous eyes present. The last to emerge were the dozen Empyrean Guards who walked out in a line formation, their eyes always searching for any threats to Daimon and his family.
Tarlen approached and knelt before Daimon. "My Emperor, the Rakata Dominion officially welcomes you to Lehon. We are honored by your presence and eager to see our people take their place within the galaxy once more."
"Rise, Archon Kresh," Daimon said. Tarlen stood, his eyes meeting Daimon’s. "The ceremony awaits in the Grand Plaza. The people have been gathering since dawn."
Daimon nodded, and the procession began. They moved through the palace corridors, which had been decorated with banners bearing both Imperial and Rakatan symbols. The architecture itself was purely Rakatan in style with some elements of Imperial style thrown in there.
As they emerged from the palace into the Grand Plaza, Daimon looked at the millions of Rakata who filled the vast square, with countless more watching from surrounding buildings. The crowd’s energy was massive, a mixture of pride, hope, and nervous anticipation.
In the center of the plaza was a raised platform where the ceremony would take place. Holographic projectors had been positioned throughout the area, ensuring that every Rakata present would have a clear view. Within the crowd, Daimon could sense the Imperial reporters already transmitting live feeds across the galaxy.
As Daimon, Elara, and Luna took their positions on the platform, Tarlen stepped forward to address his people. His voice, amplified by the plaza’s acoustic systems, let everybody hear him clear as day.
"My people, today marks a turning point in our history. For millennia, we wandered in darkness, reduced to shadows of what we once were. Our ancestors fell because of our arrogance, our cruelty, and our failure to understand the true nature of the Force. But today, we stand reborn." The crowd erupted in cheers. Tarlen waited for them to quiet down before continuing.
"We are no longer the predators who enslaved entire species. We are no longer the tyrants who built an empire on suffering. Under the guidance of Emperor Daimon, we have been given a second chance, a chance to prove that we can be more than our ancestors’ sins. Today, we formally announce our existence to the galaxy not as conquerors, but as a people committed to redemption through strength and honor."
He turned towards Daimon, bowing his head. "And we do so under the protection and guidance of the Veldari Imperium, whose Emperor saw potential in us when others would have seen only monsters deserving of extinction."
Daimon stepped forward and began his speech. "Your past may define who you used to be. But it is the future actions you take that truly shape what type of person you are. I am glad to be standing here today amongst so many Rakatan who just a few centuries ago were living barbaric lives away from the galaxy. I gave you the truth of the Force and you have taken that knowledge and began your path of redemption across these worlds. The Reformed Rakata have shown me that a species can change, can evolve beyond their darkest impulses. You have built schools and temples for learning to teach the future generations. You have raised warriors who fight with honor rather than savagery."
He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "But this is just the beginning. Today you take your first steps into the galaxy, and not many will welcome you with open arms. Many will fear what you might become because of your association with me. Some will seek to destroy you before you can prove yourselves. However, those who attempt to do such a thing will face me, for the future is ours for the taking."
Daimon gestured toward Tarlen. "Your Archon has led you well. I bestowed upon him the knowledge he needed to unite the Rakata, and he has surpassed my expectations. Under his leadership, the Rakata Dominion will continue to grow and develop for the foreseeable future."
The crowd erupted again, this time the cheers lasting several minutes. When they finally subsided, Daimon raised his hand, and the entire plaza fell silent. "Today, I formally recognize the Rakata Dominion as a sovereign state under Imperial protection. Any attack upon the Rakata will be considered an attack upon the Imperium itself. Any who seeks to exploit or enslave you will face the full might of Imperial justice. You are my people now, bound to the Imperium through bonds of mutual respect and shared purpose. Now I won’t hold you too long so let’s celebrate this momentous occasion together."
With the ceremony over, the plaza erupted into celebration. Traditional Rakatan drums began pounding out rhythmic beats that echoed across the city, joined by Imperial ceremonial horns. Performers took to the streets, displaying both ancient Rakatan dances. Food vendors opened stalls offering traditional dishes, now recreated through recovered records and culinary innovation.
Daimon, Elara, and Luna were escorted through the celebrations, with Tarlen serving as their guide. They visited several key locations throughout the capital: newly constructed hospitals where Rakatan physicians trained in healing arts and modern medical technology, academies where young Rakata learned mathematics and philosophy alongside combat techniques, and industrial centers where workers manufactured goods for both domestic use and export to the Imperium.
At each location, Daimon took time to speak with ordinary Rakata citizens. He listened to their stories, their hopes, and their concerns. Many expressed gratitude for the transformation their society had undergone. Others admitted lingering shame about their ancestors’ actions. Daimon acknowledged both sentiments, emphasizing that true redemption came through sustained effort rather than mere words.
The entire ceremony and celebration was broadcast to the galaxy revealing yet another key player in galactic politics. Daimon had kept them under wraps, allowing them to develop. And after 400 years they had evolved and developed well enough that the next stage for them would be to get engaged with the rest of the galaxy.
Their dealings with other alien empires will help shape them and greatly improve their development. Only time will tell if this was a good decision or if the Rakata will revert to their ancestral selves, though it is unlikely.