Qormus Aquila followed behind the two stoic veterans of Plagueis, each of whom he owed fealty to in different ways. To his left strode Dacien Victae, Deputy Grand Master of the Brotherhood and the man he served as both apprentice and Magistrate. To his right Selika Roh, Dread Lord of Plagueis moved with more grace as the cape she wore at her shoulders gently swished along the polished stone floor. Deep beneath the lowest levels of the Pinnacle, headquarters of the Ascendant Clan, Qormus found himself in a part of the Plagueian citadel that he had not before known the existence of.

The dark stone of the corridor connected a turbolift at one end and what appeared to be a pair of blast doors split evenly down the middle. The only light in the hallway was cast indirectly from wall sconces evenly spaced along the length of the path, shining up and reflecting back off the ceiling. The purposeful footfalls of the three making their way along it were the only sounds, echoing sharply off the stone walls. If it had been designed to intimidate, the architect had done their job well.

As the trio approached, Selika waved a hand and the doors parted, revealing a rounded chamber within. Seemingly cut from living rock, the chamber walls were unfinished stone around its circumference. At the center of the room was a circular, nearly 6-meter wide table that looked to have been shaped from a single piece of wroshyr wood, the tabletop and legs both. The table caught the few lights in the chamber as reflections that shown out sharply on its polished, mirror-like finish. The middle of the table was an open area, a gap in the table right before Qormus granting access. Around its edge stood high-backed chairs, stained a darker black than the rich tone of the table they ringed. Selika moved to take her seat at the table's head, while Dacien took a seat at her right hand.

The two joined Dracaryis, Alaris Jinn, Teylas Ramar, Arden Karn, Tra'an Reith, TuQ'uan Varick, Furious Morega, and Tahiri Thorn Morte ringed the table, some present physically and others joining via hologram. The power brokers of the Ascendant Clan, Dread Lords, past and present Dark Councilors, all appraised the man who strode forward at Selika's gesture to stand at their center.

Behind the assembly the chamber was ringed by glowing stones, each held in its place atop a stone pedestal. Some, like the chairs ringing the table, were still unoccupied. The stones themselves seemed to glow both with a weak inner light as well as a nexus of Force energy, a presence that when concentrated on could almost resolve itself from half heard whispers into words or feelings that seemed perpetually out of reach. The rumors of this place had been far more easy to understand, and Qormus kept any trepidation from his face. The Whisper Gallery of the di Plagia was a well known phrase amongst those that had moved within the heart of the Ascendant Clan, some saying it held the souls of di Plaigia past while others thought the enemies and traitors of Plagueis were imprisoned for eternity within the stones. Qormus guessed he was soon to find out which was true.

"Do you have any idea why you have been summoned?" Selika demanded, her voice even more stark as it cut through the nearly oppressive silence.

"No," Qormus answered, his tone showing confidence that most did not feel in his place.

"The di Plagia have called a vote regarding you, Qormus Aquila," Dacien explained. "A wayward disciple that made his way back to the Clan and raised himself to a position of power."

"Your return may have been recent, but your service has been without peer," Selika continued. "You have implemented the will of you Dread Lord and the directives birthed by the di Plagia without failure or delay."

"And, it must be said," Dacien spoke with a smile just barely tugging at the side of his lips, "giving good service to your Master and Brotherhood as well."

"The assembled di Plagia welcome you to our Council, Qormus," the Dread Lord proclaimed, opening up a small metal box before her that housed one of the stones that were scattered around the chamber. The Heart of Plagueis within the box did not yet glow, but it seemed to resonate in the Force as it attuned itself to its new owner.

Ascendant Clan,

Today it is my honor and privilege to present to you Qormus Aquila.

Qormus is both a grizzled veteran and newer member in many ways. He was one that we were lucky to have the opportunity to ensnare and engage with the second time around after his first foray into the Brotherhood. I am thankful to have been given that chance again, as Qormus has made himself an absolutely invaluable member of the Plagueis summit and a great asset to the Clan as a whole. He has done the grunt work that many no longer do and offer engagement to the membership that is most often lacking in the modern Brotherhood. Whether it's reports that fire off with the clockwork regularity of an automaton or a list of competitions for your weekend, Qormus always has the member experience at heart.

Additionally, and even more importantly, he is downright hungry to understand the processes and systems of the Brotherhood. He seems to have the motto that Ted Lasso (incorrectly) credits Walt Whitman for: "Be curious, not judgmental." He is always looking to understand not just the how, but the why of things in order to work better to create a positive member experience for those he is charged with guiding, taking to heart the concept that, while we might play act as being totalitarian rulers of our own personal fiefdoms, leaders are here to serve the members as opposed to command or control them. I have been at this particular game for over two decades, and in that time I have almost never worked with anyone that has shown as much dedication and willingness to serve as I have seen in the person of Qormus.

As such, I and the other sitting di Plagia unanimously voted to bestow the title of di Plagia on Qormus for his unequaled service to the Clan and its membership. Congratulations!