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KOTHLIS (GNS) — An Imperial Proclamation yesterday declared the official confirmation of the existence of the Imperial Knights within the New Imperial Order. The announcement, made by Executor Thomas Cherokee in a press briefing at the Kothlis Government House, confirmed recent rumors of the growing numbers and power in the NIO's Force capabilities. The announcement outlined the purpose and conduct of the Imperial Knights, who answer directly to The Throne. "The Imperial Knights signify the visible return of the Imperial Royal Guard within the context of the New Imperial Order," outlined the Executor, speaking from the steps of the government house. "Responsible for the protection of The Throne and those deemed of state significance and likely targets for our enemies, the Imperial Knights will employ a variety of protection programs and methods to meet the continued threat of the Sith and misled Jedi; two groups with an unending zeal and ignorance manifested in their own belief system which, in turn pose a credible risk to high profile members of our government."
Clad in the familiar Imperial Royal Guard armor of the Galactic Empire, the Imperial Knights are all Force-sensitive members of the New Imperial Order who have served in the military or security branches and have passed rigorous selection processes. "[Knights] are selected based upon several criteria; our foremost concern is the loyalty of the Knights, followed closely by their combat prowess. All those successful in the selection process have proven themselves to be fanatically loyal to The Throne and the New Imperial Order" informed the Executor.
While the New Imperial Order had remained silent on the issue of the Force since its foundation, it has openly allowed Force-sensitive beings to serve within the Order, including the deceased Commodore Terrance Thorne who was killed by bounty hunters three years ago. Unsubstantiated reports regarding secret programs within the NIO for the discovery and secret training of Force-sensitive servicemen and women had been speculated about for some time, but all questions directed to the government had been left unanswered.
Leading the Imperial Knights is Master Eric Jackson, a well-known rogue figure within the circles of the Jedi Temples and a former serving member of the Jedi High Council. Prior to his involvement with the Jedi and the Avance government, Master Jackson was a naval officer within the Galactic Empire until the disappearance of Emperor Charon five years ago. When questioned about the prospect of Knights holding loyalty to their religion above the government, the Executor was quite clear. "The Knights hold loyalty to The Throne above loyalty to the Force. That is a fundamental aspect to their service and training, and each Initiate is closely tutored by experienced Masters and Guardsmen who ensure that Knights do not make the mistake of other Force-using organizations who have failed to understand the need for balance within the galaxy and the impact such balance has in supporting orderly and even-keeled governance."
When asked whether the Knights held the potential for another Vodo Bonias to surface, the Executor explained that fears of the Sith emerging from within the Knights are ill-placed as the doctrine the Knights follow is based on sustaining the NIO. "Such self-serving adherents to their own position in the Force will not be found in the Imperial Knights," commented Executor Cherokee. "One must not think of the Knights as a philosophical or religious order, but rather as a military unit that is charged with the protection of people. The Knights do not have an offensive role within their mandate and their education is not based on the more widely known Jedi or Sith dogmas, but instead a doctrine that enables them to ensure the protection of those under their ward."
When asked how long the Imperial Knights have existed and why they were revealed now, the Executor was glib in his response. "The New Imperial Order has always maintained Force-sensitive personnel within its ranks, however we felt no need to trumpet their existence and we still are not. We are officially recognizing the work of our Guardsmen and making their presence known to the galaxy as a deterrent to those who think we lack the capacity to meet the threats facing us."
