"Which is why I have been carefully shepherding the equipment remaining from the fleet. Since there appears to have been a distinct lack of innovation in the last few decades, I expect the body armor and small arms we already possess to be entirely serviceable. The problems will be with heavy arms and more specialist items." 

Occlus smiles.

"Well enough. You still lack hyperdrives."

"It is rather difficult to be a proper Sith without a personal ship, yes."

"It is. This ship was in fact a gift from my first master. I killed her later of course, but it was a thoughtful gesture."

"Such is often the way of things."

"Mmm, in my experience, thoughtful gestures are few and far between."

"I was speaking of having to kill."

"It is the way of the Sith. I count it no great loss."

"I did not know your master, so I will decline to comment on her specifically. But it is difficult to replace a skilled soldier, a strong Sith, a careful mechanic. They require years to be built. In my opinion, killing is like burning furniture for fuel: sometimes necessary, but rarely one's best option."

"Spoken like someone who grew up as the only Sith on the planet. You have lessons yet to learn, it seems to me."

"We will see who will learn. In the meantime, I will need to find a backer amid the Empire."

Yes, definitely some fire to this one. Occlus is tempted to support her, just to see what she will do.

"That is true."

"You would seem an obvious candidate, but forgive me if I do not simply pick the first option that becomes available to me. You may nonetheless make an offer for my consideration, if you so desire." 

"What I have to offer you is your single best chance at replicating the effects of the machine before your apprentice dies of old age. As head of the Pyramid of Ancient Knowledge, I personally control the largest and most comprehensive repository of Force-lore and related subjects in the Empire, and possibly the galaxy. As a member of the Dark Council, I have the authority to requisition whatever materiel I require without question, including munitions and transportation for a brigade of soldiers. I have the political capital, and more importantly, the willingness to spend it, to shield you from attack by those who would rather not have the potential complications you create with your sudden appearance. You would need to approach another Council member to match this, and I promise you that none of them have my sunny disposition."

"How illustrious. I trust you can prove that you are who you say you are? After all, there are many more fools in the galaxy than there are true Dark Councillors."

Occlus goes to the holoterminal and pulls up a series of reports. "The latest Republic SIS dossiers we have on the Dark Council. This is my entry." She sits back down.

The picture certainly matches.

Vincoria examines the produced documents. 

"These certainly look genuine. Of course, I am not an expert in forgery, so that merely means you have put effort into this if it is a deception. Still, it is sufficient evidence for me to believe that you are who you say you are, at least for the moment. Councillor." 

She bows formally. 

"Your offer is indeed generous. However, I naturally wish to know what you would desire in recompense for this significant backing."

"Principally, that you keep your immortality secret, and assist me in unlocking its mysteries."

"This seems a surprisingly low price. Secondarily?"

"That you pledge yourself to my interests, and not knowingly undermine, manipulate, or sabotage me in any way for the duration of our arrangement."

"The latter is common courtesy. The former is more significant. Would you care to elaborate on your meaning?"

"It is an obligation of positive action on your part. More than refraining from causing me harm, if you see an opportunity that will advance me, you act on it."

"Even to the detriment of my own interests? We must be clear on the degree of duty implied, here." 

"Somewhat less than what an apprentice owes their master, but more than if we were allies of equal standing. And I think that at least initially, you will find that what is good for me will also aid you."

"My initial reaction is positive - that's not a yes, merely a 'so far, I have no strong objections.' For what span of time? I take indefinite obligations more seriously than most, considering that my life is much more indefinite than most."