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_ "My training, I learned a few years ago, was anything but formal. Master Yoda couldn't afford to bank on the traditions of the old Jedi Order, not where I was concerned; not when his time was running short." _

_ "How would you best describe your training with him, then?" _

_ "Jedi boot camp from hell. But it wasn't a shortcut, either." _

~Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, Jedi Master Moarn

The sound of body blows were sharp in the training hall, contrasting against the labored breathing of two beings engaged in a hard fist-fight. A pair of black eyes peered into the center of the hall, where a fighting circle lined with a shoulder-high energy barrier enclosed the pair of combatants in training gloves- the first, a tall dark-skinned human with the body and demeanor of a champion boxer; the second, a shorter but well trained Lepi female, her paws up in a defensive posture. Beyond the ring, Sith Knight Thresher observed the sparring session with a critical eye, brow furrowed in concentration as he gauged them both.

Sergeant Major Orband had been suggested to Thresher as the man most capable of teaching intermediate-level Teräs Käsi, though his employment had not been without difficulty, and it was showing. A humanocentric hardliner from the Stormtrooper Corps, and a veteran of Toprawa, Hoth and Endor, he had quickly made his opinion of Thresher clear with vulgar language that did nothing to move the shark- perhaps he believed his rank and experience in war merited some measure of fear and respect. With the bulk of the region's fleet and trooper corps under the control of the Circle of Syn, however, it took little more than a firm demonstration of the dark side to cow the officer into complicity- only for his anger to be taken out on the Knight's protege.

It was showing even now- a hard cut above her left eye was oozing with blood, her nose and mouth a similar mess. Orband's racist attitudes had not been quelled in the slightest, as the seemingly untouched officer danced tauntingly around the female with his fists and feet ready to lay on another barrage.

"C'mon, you little cunt- if I hafta be bossed into training your weak ass into shape, you might as well make it interesting for me!" he challenged. "Though I don't know why he'd bring in a teeny bitch like you to train."

Saph's glare was hot, but her posture did not falter in the face of such petty insults. Instead, she made her move the same moment the lieutenant did, stepping in as he swung at head level and leaning back to avoid the blow cleanly. Her fists moved quickly, jabbing and gauging his defenses briefly before pulling back into a block to cover her body, in time to weather a powerful side kick. Though it staggered her, she backstepped smoothly out of the human's range, huffing as she bought a moment of reprieve from the trade.

It would have been fair to say the Lepi female had adapted admirably to the fierce training- in the month and a half since they'd started, she had caught onto the style of fighting with astounding rapidity. Though Orband managed to ignore the progress, Thresher found himself quite satisfied with Saph's determination and developing skill, such that after personally overseeing them spar once, he insisted upon doing so consistently from then on. Better still, this was not the only advancement she was making, having learned the basics of lightsaber combat in short order. Though the training was grueling at times, leaving her exhausted by the day's end, she barely made any complaint and was quick to follow the Sith Knight's lead.

He cared not for her pain- but he suspected the Sentinel she so wanted dead must have left an agonizing mark upon her, for her to be so devoted to the training. If nothing else, that drive was starting to feed a growing respect for her.

"My lord?"

Thresher frowned, watching the fighters for a moment longer before tearing his gaze away from them to regard a small man robed in acolyte attire, who immediately and apologetically bowed under the gaze of the shark's cold eyes. "What is it, acolyte?"

"My apologies for interrupting your monitoring over your selected trainee, but Inquisitor Voyde sent me to deliver the first dosage from Project Warsword," he informed him, holding up a hypoinjector. "He suggested upon administering Warsword first."

Thresher raised an eyebrow, taking the device. "Excellent. And what of Project Windu?"

The acolyte shook his head. "It is too unpredictable. The strength increase is not worth the lack of control over the subject. No one has been brought back from its insanity, before its effects wear off. The Inquisitorious has decided to shift its focus towards weaponizing it instead."

The shark turned his ebony-black eyes to the injector, attached to a vial of clear, viscous liquid. "And the length of effect on Warsword?"

"Near as we are able to tell, the effect is permanent. However, this makes overdose of the substance practically irreversible. The effect on physiology is potent, but too much of it will overtax the body's metabolism. Inquisitor Voyde is limiting one dosage per trainee- the rest will be devoted towards the Circle's next selection of soldiers."

Thresher smirked. "It shall be more than enough. Inform Voyde I intend to administer the injection now."

"Yes, my lord." The acolyte bowed low and hurried away, leaving Thresher to return his attention to the sparring session, just as the two closed in again. A small smirk of pride appeared on his muzzle as he noted that while Saph was breathing hard, her drive had not faltered.

What little she lacked in arm strength, her much stronger legs made up for. Another lunge and the two were engaged, trading heavy blows- Orband attempted a leg sweep, laughing as he caught her behind the leg and swept it up. With precise balance and reflexes, Saph threw that same leg up, using her natural leg strength and the officer's momentum to perform and land a backflip. In that moment of vulnerability, she kicked behind the back of his knee and brought him down- the next moment, she was in the air, thrusting her leg out and striking him in the jaw hard enough to expel his mouth guard, along with a generous amount of blood.

The look on his face was murderous as he got back up, wiping the blood from his nose as he began to charge at her. "Why you little bi--"

"Hold."

The two fighters stopped abruptly, Orband ceasing his approach with an expression of rage. Saph glared daggers at the human for a few moments before turning and beginning to retreat to her corner. Without warning and with her back still turned, Orband lunged in and connected his fist against the back of her head, sending her flying forward towards her ringside stool with a surprised yelp. Thresher reacted with unnatural speed, calmly holding his palm out- Saph found herself stopped short of having her face smashed into her seat, gasping as she seemed to hover in place. Her gaze flicked upwards, and for a moment their eyes met- her fiery orange-red eyes seemed to soften and stare into his with a look of gratitude.

Thresher frowned, telekinetically lifting her back up to her feet. Her balance regained, her gaze re-hardened and she spun around, looking ready to lunge back at the human as he laughed cruelly. "How's that? Bunny-bitch likes the rabbit-punch I gave her?"

The look on Saph's face was nothing short of livid. "You think that's funny you hutt-fucking cock-suc--"

"Enough." Thresher's voice was firm and clear. He issued a cold glare at the human. "You've made your animosity towards non-humans quite clear, lieutenant. While I appreciate you making this as hard as possible for my apprentice, I need her _alive_to be of any service to myself or my superiors. Pull a stunt like that again and I shall personally use your skin to adorn a training dummy for my pupil- are we clear?"

Orband glared at him. "... Yes, sir."

"And you, trainee, will learn to keep your emotions in check," Thresher growled quietly at Saph. "Back to your corner, I require a word with you."

Saph sighed, nodding and giving the human a final look of disgust before obeying. "What is it, my lord?" she asked, taking a seat on the stool and rubbing the back of her head.

"You took a foolish and needless risk just now. At no point should you lower your defenses against a known enemy," the shark advised her. "You will find that the history of the Sith and Jedi is littered with acts of betrayal and treachery. Comport yourself with wisdom and caution. Never cast your eyes away from a foe until you are certain they are defeated- or better yet, dead."

She took in a deep breath, nodding. "Yes, my lord." Her eyes narrowed as she watched one of the combat coaches spray water into Oberand's face, while she picked up a damp towel from the bucket nearby, wiping the blood and sweat from her face- the towel came away bright red. "... Fucker is tough. Bastard of a teacher, but at least I'm learning. Just wish he didn't have the edge in strength, not that I can help it." She turned back to Thresher, stopping short as she spied the injector in his grip. "... What's that?"

"Something to aid you," he replied.

She held up her paws, looking worried. "Hey, I'm good with the training, exercise and everything else, but if you're planning to get me juiced up on some damn combat stim--"

"It is not a drug," he cut her off. "The exact procedure for this concoction is classified, though once you are ready I will tell you what it is. For now, you have my word that it is not an addictive substance. It is merely a natural supplement infused into kolto, which will augment your physical strength and jump-start your rate of healing." He paused, glancing at the sergeant. "And I have no intention of giving you the full dosage, if you'd rather not."

She regarded him with a look of wariness. "I take it I can't opt out, yeah?"

"You told me you were ready to do whatever it took, obey whatever command I gave you, in order to possess the means to achieve your goals," the Sith Knight reminded her. "I am not commanding you to take it. You are free to reject it- though that _will_tell me a great deal about the strength of your commitment."

Several moments of silence passed between them with the Lepi arching a skeptical eyebrow, her expression one of a woman not fully convinced. Yet perhaps despite her better judgment, she slowly held her arm out to him through the gaps of the energy field. Thresher said nothing in response, placing the needle against her upturned wrist and triggering the device, a hiss ringing out as the vial started to deplete. Though she winced slightly, she did not draw her arm away. "Guess it'd pay to even the playing field against that bastard's strength," she muttered wearily.

"This augmentation will help you, but his superior strength is meaningless. You have more drive, better reflexes, and the flexibility of your mind to work with," Thresher said quietly. "Men like Oberand are but dogs, content to follow any order to whatever end. His is a path of weakness and simplicity, in that while he possesses great drive and fortitude, he lacks adaptability- were it not for this weakness, he would not still be a stormtrooper."

"What d'ya suggest?" she asked, sizing the human up again as his aides applied medicine to the cuts on his face. "I've hit him with everything I got, he just shrugs it off."

Thresher regarded her seriously for a moment before speaking, pulling the injector away. "I shall impart two pieces of advice. Bear in mind that Teräs Käsi is a martial art meant to counter Jedi- it does this by conditioning the fighter to close their mind and fight on instinct."

"Meaning?"

"Do not overthink your attacks. Act. By thinking, you give your foe the chance to read and anticipate your strikes. The mind of a Jedi is trained to counter anything they expect."

Saph cocked her head, bearing a skeptical look. "Alright... I think I get that. What else d'ya got?"

The shark glanced at Oberand again. "In keeping with the theme of being a wildcard, I'll only point out that you've been fighting in accordance to general rules of sport boxing."

"Right? So what should I do?" the bunny asked.

He smirked. "Don't."

Saph stared at him with an expression of dawning surprise, turning her gaze to the human.

The Sith Knight stepped back, folding his arms. "You may resume your sparring match," he informed them.

Oberand stood up abruptly, eyeing the Lepi with a look of disgust as she got back into a combat stance. "Don't think I didn't see you give her that shot of drugs, fish- it won't help your student, the little bitch is gonna break before long."

Thresher's expression was impassive as he addressed the human, though there was a biting tone of condescension in his voice. "I'm to believe that you were wholly capable of breaking her from the start, when you've been going on for two hours and she's still standing? At least make your boasts halfway realistic."

The human sergeant glared at him. "Fine- you don't want me to hold back on her like I've been this whole time?! Then I won't!"

With alarming speed he crossed the width of the ring with his right fist held up, ready to bring it down on the Lepi's head, fully expecting her to rush and meet him in combat as she had done so many times. So when instead she backpedaled away and dipped low, the change in approach threw him off for the briefest of moments, his swing going far too high as she rolled out of the way and flipped up to her feet. With an angry war-cry he turned around and tried to pursue, swinging again and missing as she stepped past him with a duck. A strong heel slammed into the back of his knee, bringing him down to her level- a twist, and she brought her own knee crashing against the side of his head and sending him sprawling.

Thresher nodded approvingly, noticing Saph's curious expression- she had performed the same approach earlier, finding herself surprised that it had worked once again. With slight concentration, he projected a thought into her mind. "Do not overdo it. He may catch on. But now you realize the limits of his creativity."

Saph blinked, sparing a brief glance in the shark's direction. Fortunately her relative inexperience with telepathic dialogue did not shift her attention enough to ignore seeing Oberand get back to his feet. Once again she backpedaled away and leaned back to avoid a cross, returning the attack with a jab to his chin. A left hook and she ducked- she followed with an uppercut and staggered him back.

A series of frenzied attacks followed as Oberand roared and grunted, his thick legs sweeping and kicking at the Lepi, fists flying at her face and midsection that she blocked and countered with hard jabs and sharp kicks. Every counter-hit, though glancing blows that did little in the way of damage, seemed to enrage the human fighter further, anger and frustration etched into his features. She did not back down, even as he employed effective, classic cadences of Teräs Käsi; cadences that the Lepi had become familiar with.

Too familiar.

She counted the steps, the punches and kicks carefully. A sweep to the feet followed by a double-fisted thrust; she leapt over the first attack, bringing her arms up and blocking the second even as it knocked her back in midair, yet she was ready. A double-fisted hammer-blow came next- she sidestepped easily and brought her elbow to his neck, slamming hard and staggering him long enough for her to leap onto his back. He roared in surprise and rage as she rained blows down on his head, at least until he got his footing back and grabbed her training tank-top, throwing her off him with enough force that the fabric tore apart and released her- she rolled gracefully back to her feet, bare-breasted and looking completely livid.

Oberand paused, throwing the ruined clothing aside and bringing his fist back up. "Nice tits, kid," he grunted with a disgusting leer. "Don't normally go for disgusting alien fucks, but if you survive I might visit the infirmary and give you a _real_workou--"

The look on Saph's face was enough for Thresher to know she had no intention of letting him finish the sentence without paying for it dearly. Without even making any attempt to hide her bare breasts, she had darted in with alarming speed and slammed her foot into his unprotected loins without a second thought. Oberand's eyes went wide, a choked cry punctuating the air as he fell to his knees.

"'ey, keep the dirty fightin' out of the ring while you're here!" one of the training aides shouted angrily.

"Spare us!" Thresher snapped. "I care not for the petty rules of your sport- employed by the Sith, I expect her to take _every_conceivable advantage where her skill is concerned."

He returned his gaze to the fight just as Oberand staggered back to his feet, looking winded, but murderous. Yet even as he stepped forward and resumed his assault, Thresher could see the subtle differences in Saph. She was no longer breathing hard; her defenses held steady, such that she was no longer backpedaling; and while Oberand did not seem to lack in power, the Lepi was not buckling under the strength of his punches as she had been only moments earlier. He kicked at her midsection, blocked easily by her arm- a moment later she hooked it beneath the leg to hold it in place, snarling as she jerked her head forward and brought her forehead crashing against his nose and mouth, drawing blood and disorienting him. With a surge of strength that Saph had never once demonstrated in her training, she grabbed his waist with her other arm, leaned back and tossed him to the floor with a resounding crash.

If the human sergeant had any intention of getting back to his feet, Saph quickly robbed him of that opportunity by leaping onto his midsection and bringing her right fist across his face repeatedly. "SAY THAT AGAIN, YOU SICK FUCK BASTARD!" she yelled, punctuating each word with her knuckles slamming against his head.

"ENOUGH!!!"

She froze in a moment, fist held high and body trembling. Thresher had poured his concentration into freezing the frenzied Lepi through the Force, keeping her in a conscious stasis. Now she was panting, though the shark could tell it had nothing to do with exertion, and everything to do with her rage. The visage of anger and hatred melted away into one of shock and worry as she stared at the bloody human beneath her. She had completely broken his nose, visibly dislocated his jaw, and though it was clear from his twitching and blinking that he was still alive, it was equally clear that she had inflicted brain damage.

Once certain that her rage had ebbed away, he released her- at once, she got to her feet and stepped back, allowing Oberand's shocked training aides to climb into the ring and get to his unmoving body, staring at her blood-covered training mitts with an expression of fear. Her eyes looked down at her body, as if now noticing something about it seemed new- a flash of realization appeared on her features and she turned to Thresher.

"... What did you do to me?" she whispered fearfully.

Thresher's face remained impassive as he strode forward. "I provided you with an advantage. You alone made use of it." He turned to the training aides. "How is the sergeant?" he asked.

One of them swallowed and looked up. "She... she messed him up somethin' awful, m'lord. We need to get him to the infirmary."

"Then do so- I want to have that piece of trash in fighting condition before the week is out. My trainee is not yet done," he growled.

"But--"

"Do not test my patience," Thresher said with a quiet, dangerous tone. The aide said nothing more, reaching for a comlink and speaking into it as Thresher returned his attention to the Lepi. "You are done with hand-to-hand sparring for today," he informed her.

"L-look, I didn't mean to--" she started to say.

"Calm yourself, trainee," Thresher said quietly. "You have put Oberand in his place, he will not underestimate you after this. At the same time, you've demonstrated your adaptability, recognized his patterns and limitations, and employed new strength effectively. Impressive." He paused, his eyes lingering on her curiously before holding his finned hand out to her.

She stared for a few seconds before taking it, allowing him to help her out of the ring. The contact was brief, but there was a moment of awkward silence, a sensation that even Thresher felt. Though he was certain the effect did not change his expression, there was a change in Saph's as she wrapped an arm around her breasts and hid them from sight with a light blush and curious look to him. With a moment of hesitation, he released her paw and unclasped his cloak, offering it to the Lepi.

"You may use this to maintain your modesty for now," he said impassively, gesturing to a bench. "Take a seat."

"Thanks," she replied softly, draping the cloak over her shoulders as she complied- the shark could feel the apprehension fade away. "So... you're not mad, then?"

"Your performance was satisfactory," Thresher told her, folding his arms. "You have demonstrated your drive quite clearly. I do, however, take issue with the depths of your rage."

Saph frowned. "You're a Sith- aren't you guys supposed to draw your powers from hate and anger, or some shit like that?"

The query actually brought a genuine smile to the shark's face, a dark chuckle rumbling through him. "In a manner of speaking. A Sith allows their hatred and anger to empower them, to earn their victories through combat. Passion is characterized as a negative trait for Jedi, but it is integral for any being to have passion if they expect to get anywhere in life, is it not?"

"Then what's the problem? If you guys are so into that, why not the normal folks?"

"You misunderstand. We are Sith- not animals," Thresher elaborated. "We channel our darkness, we do not throw ourselves blindly into rage. Ours is a fire that is properly tended to, throwing fuel into the flames when it is necessary. Too much, and you risk destroying the forest, and yourself in the process." He gestured to Oberand, who was being tended to by his worried aides, just as a medical droid rolled towards them. "The sergeant made such a mistake when he allowed your combat approach to enrage him- now he has paid for it." He lifted a finger warningly. "You, however, must not fall into the same trap. Kajex Surnahm is a Jedi Sentinel- his breed are more cunning than the standard Jedi Knight, relying more on the subtleties of the Force. If you expect to end his life, you will need to contain that fire."

Saph sighed. "I'll try... but that's a hell of a tall order where I'm concerned."

Thresher stared at her for a few moments, cocking his head. "... What was the nature of your relationship with your brother?"

The Lepi's eyes snapped up to him, glaring at him fiercely. "He was my brother. That's all."

The Sith Knight raised a skeptical eyebrow. "No. That's not all."

"Don't try reading my mind, asshole!" she barked.

His eyes narrowed. "I'm not. The reading of thoughts is not my forte, where Sith abilities are concerned. I am simply asking you a question, and I am skeptical of your answer. I'm aware that Lepi females can have as many as three dozen kits throughout their lives. From that, I can reasonably assume that this brother of yours must have been one of many. No doubt you possess family that have passed away during your time as a child or adult. Why, then, does this one male's death affect you more keenly than any other, such that you would knowingly target a _Jedi_to have him avenged?"

"What the fuck good will it be for me to tell you?" she snapped.

"I will not risk your rage boiling over and upsetting the Circle's plans," Thresher told her firmly, though his tone lacked an edge. "Having at least broad knowledge of your past might help mitigate the possibility."

Saph said nothing at first, holding a smoldering glare for nearly a minute before sighing and looking away. "He was... my lover. A second-litter buck. I was a third-litter kit, but I was in love with him."

Thresher stared at her, regarding her curiously. "'Love,' you say." He said nothing for a few moments, before casting his gaze aside. "You will need to properly suppress your emotions."

"It ain't gonna stop just 'cuz he's dead!" she started heatedly.

"I don't expect it to," Thresher cut her off with more force, "but you will need to channel that anger at the proper time, and at all other times keep it suppressed. Focus on your training for now- all will be made clear in the future."

The Lepi sighed in frustration, yet acknowledged his command with a curt nod. "Yes, my lord." She looked around. "So what's next on the schedule?"

"You've earned a brief reprieve, trainee," he replied, gesturing to get to her feet. "Return to your quarters and rest up- at 1500 hours, head to the Sith training room. Tonight, you will meet your fellow trainees, and will be assigned your first official mission."

Saph frowned. "I'm not the only one?" she asked, following him.

"You are not," Thresher acknowledged. "The other members of the Circle have selected their own candidates for our upcoming project, though you alone have earned the Circle's favor by retrieving the remains of the Scepter of Ragnos- they were particularly impressed with your ability to throw off the possession of Ragnos. Be warned, however- the other trainees are not to be trusted. They, like you, have their own personal agendas and goals; and if you stand in their way they will do what they can to remove you."

The rabbit smirked. "Thanks for the warning- but I think I can handle myself."

Thresher paused, then smiled back. "Yes... I believe you can."

"Now, you might be thinking to yourself, 'hey, I got the Force on my side, right? I can handle myself! I should be able to handle _anything_the universe can throw at me!' That kind of mindset is the kind that'll get you killed. It was barely more than a month ago that I suffered a lapse in concentration and nearly died from a slugthrower round. Even when I was working as a merc with the Force as my ally, even as powerful an ally as it can be, I was well-aware that all it takes is _one_mistake."

Kajex snapped his fingers. The students flinched.

"... And just like that, you're gone."

Silence lingered as the Jedi Sentinel paced down the row of Jedi students, their stances alert and their attention focused on him. Grouped at one end of the row were a few members of the Black Tomb pack; Rexxis at the far end, next to Kentoh and the twins. The red-furred alpha peered at him respectfully, sparing a glance at his younger brother as Kajex stopped for a brief moment and regarded the younger clone with a sad smile. "It's not a pleasant experience. I've been at it for 20 years now, and I've cheated death a time or two- but that was the first time I had only myself to depend on, with nobody to bail me out," he informed them, glancing now to the row of Jedi Knights- his eyes lingered on Syrra and Locke, both of whom nodded in acknowledgment.

"Every day since then I've taken at least half an hour to meditate on that experience. You don't stop learning a lesson after it's been taught- you have to keep it in mind at all times so it becomes second-nature." He glanced down the row, spotting Retsa's daughter Arah at the other end and pacing in her direction. "There are no shortcuts to becoming a Jedi, not at the cost of some form of deficiency. While I fully agree with Master Skywalker's pacing for his students, and that he's gauged his current knights well and chosen to promote them correctly, those same knights are under no delusion that there isn't anything more for them to learn."

A couple of students shuffled uneasily- a slight mental draft of unease seemed to emanate from a few students whom Kajex knew were struggling. "This is why when we select missions for students to undertake, we set them to match their skill level. But just because they might _seem_like mundane tasks at first is no reason not to do your best to fulfill them. How you comport yourself in a mundane environment can tell people how you might react in a more... _stressful_environment. And you never know when a seemingly simple task turns into something more difficult." He reached out and put a paw on one of the more nervous student's shoulder. "Just trust to your training and put in as much effort as you can- you'll do fine."

The student took in a breath and nodded, managing a smile, which the wolf returned. "Alright. So, as you might have guessed the reason for this little speech from me, as opposed to Master Moarn, is because later today you will all be assigned to your first field missions. If you feel you're not ready, that's okay- you can opt out and continue to study onboard the_Inspired_. That said, I'd _really_recommend taking on the assignments, as a way of putting yourselves to the test."

"What if we fail?" another nervous student asked.

"Then you'll fail," Locke answered, stepping forward from behind Kajex, "and you will be all the stronger for it. Do not fear defeat- it is only in contrast to our failures that we can recognize the value of our victories."

"Don't take my earlier speech as an example of what will happen if you fail," Kajex added. "Master Moarn and your current masters selected all twenty of you for this task because you're ready for it. All I want is for you- all of you- to do your best, and to be careful when you're out in the field. If you're ever in danger, don't take any unnecessary risks; seek out your instructors. Do you understand?"

They all nodded.

"Great. Now are there any questions?" he asked.

A small claw raised up at the far end. "What about me, Kaj?" Arah asked, beaming up at him.

The wolf grinned. "Your mother would _murder_me if I let you go out on a mission without telling her, little egg," he said, as he and a few others chuckled. "Master Moarn is going to be helping you train while we're away. Anybody else?"

This time it was Rexxis' paw that raised. "What should we expect as our assignments?" he intoned steadily.

Kajex turned to Syrra, who nodded and stepped forward to explain. "As part of our ongoing collaboration with the Trianii Rangers, we will be accompanying several hand-picked flotillas with investigating Trianii colonies, aiding in their criminal investigations, getting to know the populace, and establishing a working relationship between the Republic and the Trianii core worlds. A few matriarchs have heard of our recent exploits, and have also heard of the Republics restrictions against the CSA- they've expressed interest in at least forging a connection with the New Republic. So to that end, the Trianii Rangers and regional matriarchs have decided to open their borders to the Jedi and Antarian Rangers; our goals include supporting our Trianii Ranger allies and investigating Old Republic-era Jedi sites."

"There were Jedi in the Wild Space region?" a student asked in amazement.

"There were, though it's been suggested that they only inhabited worlds bordering the fringes of Sith space during the Cold War, to monitor the region closely," Kajex explained. "They would've been cleared out during the rise and fall of the Eternal Empire, but there's always the chance they would have left something behind."

"To be honest, I'm very excited about the prospect- but I'm tempering that excitement with caution," Syrra added, holding up a finger. "This needs to be handled with great care. We need to be able to show our peaceful intentions, and make sure that we make every effort to respect the culture of the Trianii." She sighed. "Even aspects of that culture that are outdated and archaic when compared to the Republic."

"In particular, the Trianii tend to view non-straight relationships as sins to their religion," Kajex followed up, gesturing to the Black Tomb pack. "A few students here are aware of this already, but regardless of whether we agree with them or not, we need to treat such views with respect. We're not here to shove ideologies down anybody's throats. Are we clear on this?" The students nodded vigorously. "Good."

Now it was Kentoh's paw that rose. "If we're gonna be working with the Trianii Rangers, won't we need weapons?"

"We're hoping that won't be necessary," Kajex admitted, "so in the interest of safety, only Knights and authorized Padawans will be allowed to carry lightsabers- unless the need for them becomes necessary. Everyone else will carry blaster pistols." He chuckled as Kentoh looked a little disappointed. "Buck up, pup- take care of the easy stuff first. I had to, after all. Anything else?" Nobody answered. "Alright- then today's lesson is over for now, go grab some grub. And be sure to meet back here at 1500 hours to get your assignments; unless you're opting out, in which case be sure to inform Master Moarn."

Immediately the students dispersed in different directions, the area buzzing with excited conversation as the Sentinel walked back to his packmates, rubbing the back of his head with a paw. "So... how'd I do?"

Locke chuckled. "If you're worried that someone might think you're more uptight and 'official' than you actually are, you don't need to worry- I don't think a single student here thinks any better or lesser of you."

"Well, it's not the way my dads would've done it- but Master Moarn insisted, and I figured he had a point after my little near-death experience," Kajex admitted, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall with a sigh. "The other knights still getting acquainted?" he asked.

Keris nodded. "Tay's been spending all morning just trying to make sure everything goes right. I think he likes your cousin," she teased Syrra, tapping the feline's nose with a finger.

"I'll believe it when I see it," Syrra replied with a skeptical smile. "Though I'll admit it's nice seeing Pakka opening up to more people on the ship- his support this last month has made every go more smoothly than I could've hoped."

"I swear they're fucking, I can tell!" Keris insisted. "Just ask him, he's your cousin!" The vixen turned her eyes to both wolf clones, winking and grinning at them both. A hot wave of shame seemed to overtake the both of them as they cleared their throats and looked away.

"Alright, that's enough!" Syrra said loudly with a deep red blush and nervous laugh and smile, as she started to push the giggling towards the hatch. "Let's go check on them while deliberately avoiding the topic of sex, shall we?!"

The Sentinel would have agreed and followed, had Rexxis not started approaching and gesturing him for a word- he, Kentoh and the 'Rah twins had stayed behind. "Uh... you guys run ahead, Alpha Red wants to talk," he muttered. "We'll meet up later."

"Don't take to long. C'mon, love," Syrra said with a sigh as she nudged Keris forward. "And keep your dirty thoughts to yourself."

"No promises, kitten," the vixen teased, sticking out her tongue as they exited.

With a brief glance and a nod to his albino sibling, the two wolves crossed the remaining distance to the Black Tomb pack members. "Something you needed to discuss?" Locke asked kindly. "We're here to help with anything, if you need it."

"And as always, we appreciate the help," Rexxis replied quietly. "I felt it wouldn't hurt to get your opinion on our progress in training as Jedi- I think _one_of us needs a little reassurance."

Kentoh growled grumpily, folding his arms. "C'mon, Rex... you don't need to say it like that."

Sharing another brief glance with Locke, Kajex answered. "Well, in keeping with how I was talking about Master Skywalker's rate of learning, I think you guys have been doing a great job. You're making good progress, though I'd add that it helps that you developed your skills under more stressful situations."

"Like getting beaten?" Sa'Rah asked casually.

"Or shot at?" So'Rah followed up.

"Or hiding ourselves from punishment?"

"Or playing pranks on our Sith masters?"

"Or--"

"Alright, we get it!" Rexxis barked.

"Not that we'd characterize your enslavement as anything positive," Locke continued. "But it's some comfort to know that even in such dire circumstances you were able to develop your strengths in some measure. I'd like to know why this came up, however- do you feel that you're falling behind?"

Rexxis returned his gaze to Kentoh. "Not where my little brother is concerned. The opposite, in fact."

The younger wolf sighed, casting his gold-eyed gaze away from the older clones. "I just feel like now's the time we should be helping you guys take the fight to these Sith fuckers, and yet we haven't even gotten around to building our own lightsabers yet! We aren't pups, Kaj--"

"_Master_Kajex," Rexxis started to say sternly.

"He doesn't care," Kentoh chuffed back.

The older wolf chuckled sheepishly. "I really don't. You guys are like family to me, you don't need to refer to me as 'master.'" There was a pause in which he caught Rexxis' warning stare and he quickly amended himself, clearing his throat. "I mean, yeah, Locke and I are your instructors, but everybody knows that I'm not fond of formality. Still, as your instructors you have to be able to trust us to make judgment calls like whether or not you're ready, don't you think?"

"Weren't you like eight when you started going on life-or-death missions?" Kentoh questioned the older clone. "I'm twice that age, y'gotta have something better than that for us, right?"

Kajex sighed, but smiled patiently and nodded. "You're right- I was around that age when Bran and I were paired up as master and student. But I wouldn't call the missions we went on 'life-or-death', either. There's more to being a Jedi than kicking Sith ass and saving the galaxy from every type of unsavory scumbag nestled in the Outer Rim. The kind of missions that are being assigned are more in line with the political and diplomatic tasks the Jedi need to undertake every now and again- and believe me, even as a pup I had to do a lot of that too. Being a Jedi isn't always glamorous."

Kentoh's ears drooped. "So... we're not ready, then?"

"Not yet," Locke replied soothingly, putting a paw behind the younger wolf's ears and petting soothingly. "We admire that you're so eager, but you need to suppress that eagerness so you have the time to reflect on what you've learned. The last thing we want is for you to find yourself on a battlefield without all the skills necessary to survive it. None of us want to lose you- least of all your own pack, who have had to suffer that once already."

"No kidding," So'Rah whined, his usual cheerful demeanor gone, looking sad as he put a paw on Kentoh's shoulder. "You know how much it tore us up inside losing you the first time, little bro."

"If Kaj thinks it's best to take it easy and put focus into our studies just so we don't lose you again, I'm all for it," Sa'Rah agreed solemnly, her paw on his other shoulder.

The younger pup sighed, but nodded and managed a smile. "Alright. ... I'm sorry, guys, I guess I didn't really think of it that way."

Rexxis stared at the Sentinel with a subdued look of relief, the barest nod indicating his approval. "Trust that Kajex has our best interests in heart. I believe he only means well, pup." He cleared his throat and straightened up a bit, passing a paw over his eyes briefly. "Anyway- you should go get some lunch while it's still hot, then we'll have to wrap up general studies with Master Moarn. Hop to it, guys."

The twins playful demeanor returned as they hooked their arms under Kentoh's and picked him up, laughing as he yelped and barked, trying to get his feet to the floor as they carried him away. "We'll save you a bowl, Rex!" they spoke simultaneously. "Assuming we don't toss it into your face like last week!"

"Hey, lemme go!"

"No food fights!" Rexxis barked as they headed for the hatch.

The three remaining wolves watched the twins and Kentoh leave, saying not a word until they were alone again. It was Rexxis who spoke first, a note of gratefulness in his voice. "Thank you, Kajex. I was sure you could get him to see reason, I appreciate you taking the time to quell his concerns."

"It's no problem," the Sentinel assured him. "He's powerful in his own right, and far more skilled than one might think given the amount of time he's been at it, but he needs the experience and patience to temper his drive and good heart."

"You and your pack were forced to kill to safeguard your own lives," Locke added. "Now that you're in a position where you don't need to, you'll instead have to learn when to apply the proper amount of force so that you _don't_kill by accident. Putting him on a team with diplomatic objectives should help with that."

Rexxis nodded, turning back to where his three pack members had just left. "I was actually more worried about _him_being at risk. And... I know I shouldn't be so hung up on what _he_does, it's his choice. But you don't get to be an older brother without those feelings. And say whatever you might- even if I don't exactly see you the way he does... I know you feel that bond with him too. So, thanks for your patience and guidance."

The two clone twins smiled and bowed their heads. "Sure thing," said Kajex. "If you think it would help, though... he _is_right about it being the time for him- all of you in fact, to construct your first lightsabers. As their alpha, would this give you any peace of mind?"

Rex nodded. "Much as some might find it frightening to see their own kin carrying such deadly weapons, I know he's capable of handling one- I'd prefer if he had a weapon he's proficient with to defend himself. Where are we to find the right stones for them?"

"All we can suggest is that you keep your eyes open," Locke told him. "A lightsaber focusing gem is something personal, not something that you would typically buy from a jeweler for no reason. Don't worry too much about it, Rex- we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

"As you say," the red-furred alpha nodded. "Well, I suppose that was all I wanted to talk to you both about. If there's any way I can repay you both for all you've done--"

"Rex, you don't have to--"

"I know, I don't owe anybody anything," Rex cut in firmly and earnestly, "but... I admit I was wrong about both of you, and it would ease my conscience a little if I knew I could be of any help, in return for the time and effort you've spent helping my family."

The two clones looked at each other, Locke nodding. Kajex cleared his throat. "Well... as long as you're still here I guess I could ask a question that maybe only a Kanj'Isha like you could answer."

"What's that?" Rex asked, cocking his head to the side.

The Sentinel hesitated, licking his lips and sighing as he struggled to find the words that would sound the least embarrassing or lurid. "So... you know that I'm already intimate with most of--" he stopped short as he caught Locke's arched eyebrow. "... Okay _all_of my packmembers. I guess I'm a little worried about what mating structure is like with the pack, at least where it concerns the alpha. I don't want to claim I have any 'right' to any female that's a part of it, but... are we wired to feel exhilaration at the prospect of... uh..."

"... Knocking up other packmembers?" Rexxis finished for him casually.

Kajex chuckled nervously. "Yeah, that."

"Of course," he answered, smiling. "Most of alphas, male or female, are wired to be turned on by the very idea of impregnation, and I don't doubt that it applies in the context of interspecies relationships, either. It's not uncommon for even non-alpha males to sire offspring to different females- within the pack, of course," he clarified quickly. "But it has to be a consensual decision between all parties. And not all packs were known to do it." He paused, crossing his arms and looking thoughtful. "Though given the circumstances for our species, I might end up giving the go-ahead for our pack to do the same- when they're ready."

"Did you ever have any plans to have offspring?" Locke asked, curious. "I mean, if it's not a personal question to ask."

"It's not, but... with everything that's happened, I guess I never really had much time to think about it," the red-furred wolf admitted. "The 'Rah twins, though... I'm sure you've caught on to the fact that they eventually want to have children between them. They haven't 'officially' had a union, but that's more because it's blatantly apparent for anybody that spends longer than five minutes getting to know them."

"Would you let them?" Kajex asked.

"I have no intention of stopping them from being intimate- but I _did_recently convince them to make use of contraceptives until we get to a point where we can truly take care of ourselves and each other," Rex sighed. "Just to be pragmatic. I appreciate the Jedi and Republic's charity where our species is concerned, but there's no need to burden anybody with a bundle of joy."

"A wise decision," Locke agreed.

"Incidentally, what brought this topic up?" Rex asked.

"Ah... it's just a worry I had," Kajex admitted, thinking back to a few weeks prior, when he, Syrra and Rook had been intimate. "And I wanted to be sure it was something intrinsic about our species instead of an unchecked streak of domination over others."

Rex nodded. "I wouldn't worry about you being overly dominant, to be honest- you're more of a laid-back alpha, and you've got the Jedi training to even you out. Well, I better hurry over to the galley and get lunch with everyone else- and make sure that the twins haven't started _another_food fight," he sighed. "Thanks again for your time."

"Always glad to help," Locke responded, as the red-furred alpha waved and headed for the exit.

Neither spoke until the hatch closed behind him, at which point Kajex glanced at his brother. "... You're not going to tell him _I'm_the one who started it, are you?" he asked.

Locke grinned. "Well... I admit it's fun to have _something_to hold over your head."

In anticipation for the missions that would follow, the Gold Rush pack had not been lax- in addition to the multiple tasks they'd performed alongside Pakka and his newly selected Trianii Ranger squad (which had been critical in getting the regional matriarchs' attention), they had devoted much of their time onboard the Inspired_gathering, fixing and modifying equipment, both for their Ranger allies and the Jedi students who would be following them. Fortunately for Kajex, it gave him the means to provide another avenue of study for the Padawans onboard- with Retsa's husband, Garsh; and Talrik's mother, Etina; he was able to set up a class focusing on mechanical and energy-based repair, giving them the basics of _mechu-deru.

It was a boon that was sorely needed. The Republic Dreadnaught, formerly a part of the once-lost _Katana_fleet, had needed an extensive overhaul from Rendali StarDrive, and even with a very competent engineering team need a few extra Jedi hands to keep her in top condition. The limited armaments provided by the Republic to the Jedi Order forced both the Jedi and the Antarian Rangers to improvise their tactics and modify their weaponry- now more than ever, given that the Trianii Rangers had started borrowing such equipment from them while on-planet.

The upside to these limitations was that it gave the Trianii Rangers a reason to meet and mingle with the ship's inhabitants, learning what they could from them as they convened and strategized on upcoming missions. Any worries of a repeat incident like the one that had nearly killed Kajex were laid to rest as Pakka continued to bring in younger, eager Ranger initiates- ones who found the differences in culture to be strange, yet were open-minded enough to not pass any form of judgment. Moreover, both Talrik and Knight Tay-Ir Naul seemed to be getting along well given their jobs as both on-planet patrolmen and pilots. Their fast friendship was enough that both were leading by example, using their quickly-established camaraderie to encourage swift and healthy trust between both forces- something they were demonstrating even now, using the hangar as a larger training space in which they could all fit.

It was a boost in morale to watch many different cultures engage in an amicable fashion, testing weaponry and trading tactics and war stories and building healthy respect between them.

It gave Syrra hope. It was hard not to smile.

"You're inna good mood, ain'tcha?" Rook pointed out, lifting her welding mask up and setting her welder aside. "You're barely payin' attention, boss."

The Trianii Jedi Knight shook herself out of her reverie. "Sorry, it's just... I've grown used to life outside the Trianii core worlds that it's kind of inspiring to see more of my species mesh with it."

"No problem," the otter sighed, taking the mask off and sitting on the Gold Rush's hull. She and Syrra had been working the last two hours to smooth over the gash the ship had received during the mission to Malachor V. "'Bout finished with this scarrin' anyway, we made some pretty good time doin' it," she said confidently, thumping a fist against the repaired plating.

"I'm just surprised you went out of your way to get it done," Syrra remarked, sitting next to her.

"Well, I owe him an' Fox-Boy a favor after fixing me up with the gauntlet dart-launchers, the fibercord whip, the energy an' kinetic-dispersion undermesh, and the reinforced ceramic underplates; just to name a few," she explained, ticking of each new piece with her fingers with a grin. "I've already blown Talrik out of thanks, so this is how I'll repay _your_boy. If I ever go back to huntin', the kit they made will definitely help on the job."

"'If,' you say?" the Trianii chuckled.

"Yeah, 'if'- because I kinda like my current job right now," Rook admitted with a blush and small smile. "I like hanging with a team that gets into the thick of the action, and apart from the spots of bigotry in some of your species I kinda admire their sense of justice and wanting to protect their culture. And even though I doubt I'm the first _Mando'ade_to team up with a Jedi, I never thought it'd ever happen to me. I... respect you guys."

Syrra cocked her head. "Do many Mandlorians feel the same way? I was under the impression that most hated the Jedi, and that's why they study anti-Jedi techniques."

"Ah, don't worry 'bout that," Rook waved a paw dismissively. "Perception of Jedi are 'bout as varied among my culture as they are in most others. Some respect 'em, others don't. And as for training, that's just standard since we got a history of being screwed over by Jedi and Sith- it's nothin' personal, it's just... pragmatic, y'know?"

Syrra nodded, opting to remain silent as she saw Kajex and Locke walk into the hangar, engaged in spirited, positive discussion with each other as they wore matching grins. The corners of her muzzle tugged upwards as she continued to stare at the man who had eased her into a new culture, a new perspective almost entirely different from Trianii. Though unusual to her at first, a combination of his humor and compassion had opened her up, not at all dissimilar to how the Trianii Rangers were now being treated.

She felt rather than saw Rook's red eyes on her long before the otter spoke. "Are you worried at all? 'Bout your people getting' along with your Jedi and Rangers? I mean, things seem pretty relaxed now, but..."

"I'm not worried about another criminal trying to hurt my fiancee and my packmates- you included," Syrra responded softly, but confidently. "And while I admit that I'm a little nervous about what direction this alliance will go, I'm sure with the right guidance my people will begin to understand that the universe beyond their borders is one they can be a part of. They just have to be ready to accept some of their... unusual quirks," she said with a chuckle, grinning as Kajex growled playfully and tackled Locke from behind- the albino wolf yelped loud as they tumbled across the floor in a heap of robes and fur. The scene drew immediate attention as the two dropped all pretense of acting like grown men and started mock wrestling on the deck, cheers and laughter erupting as the Kanj'Isha Jedi Knights tugged and bit at each other.

"You think yer mate's gonna be key to all this?" Rook asked shrewdly. "Bein' he was raised by a Jedi and a Trianii?"

"Any other person would be better suited to establish relations with any other culture and species in the galaxy; but Kajex is in the perfect position to know how best to speak to my people, and I'm at least halfway knowledgeable about Trianii politics," Syrra explained softly. "We're both going to be crucial to this, but I'm not _too_worried. I know Kajex is taking this seriously." She stopped short, stifling a giggle quickly- Kentoh and the Rah twins had entered the hangar, and within moments they noticed the juvenile roughhousing and joined the crowd to watch. It took only a minute of watching the pair headlock each other before So'Rah decided to shove Kentoh into the middle of it- and suddenly there were three more wolves in a tangle of limbs. "Though I expect he'll have his fun at all other times," she admitted with a broad smile, as Rexxis jogged in looking stern, only to sigh and shake his head in amused resignation, as the wolves continued to tussle.

It was only with the arrival of Master Moarn that they finally stopped, and even then only when he crossed his arms and cleared his throat loudly. The crowd, composed of Jedi students and pilots, and Antarian and Trianii Rangers, spread out immediately and stood at attention; within moments Kentoh and the twins were on their feet and standing up straight, their fur disheveled and their faces bearing sheepish smiles. Kajex and Locke, on the other hand, took one last moment to ruffle each other's hair affectionately before looking up to the aged Trandoshan Jedi.

"Sorry 'bout that, Master Moarn," the Sentinel panted with a grin as Locke leaned on him. "Just a little sibling rivalry."

Moarn sighed but nodded, smiling in mild amusement. "No need to apologize, Sentinel- but as most of us are now here, perhaps we should get to work. That goes for you too, Knight Syrra," he called out clearly, gesturing for the Trianii to join them.

"Duty calls," she sighed to Rook with a smile. "Shall we?"

"Lead the way, Boss," the otter replied with a smirk. "You and yours got this- and you got my muscle to help you out."

If Saph had expected anything from the meeting she was now a part of, it was that there would be relatively few people in attendance. Thresher had informed her that she would be laying her eyes upon the true Inner Circle of the Circle of Syn, the Sith Inquisitors and dark Force users that made up the organization, in addition to the trainees they had selected. It quickly became apparent that she had underestimated how extensive their recruitment had been- by quick count, they totaled at least three dozen, the majority of them human or near-human with a few non-human around, including a pair of black-pelted, murderous-looking Wookiees.

Nevertheless, they all stood silent in anticipation, nearly every eye on the stage before them; all clad in the light-armor uniforms and blaster pistols; and all of them, she quickly noticed, carrying a manufactured lightsaber on their hips, not unlike the one still clipped to her belt. Thoughts, most of them uncomfortable alarming, started to form in her head as the minutes wore on- but before they could merge into any clear conclusion, the obsidian platform was swiftly lined with figures in dark robes. The majority of them stepped down the platform to the base of the steps below, the glint of ebony duraplast beneath their robes signifying the ranks as Sith Knights; save for the largest of them, a bare-chested and thickly-muscled Chistori male who merely wore a black cape.

Behind them, twelve hooded figures in red and black robes of fine cloth strode forward- the Inner Circle, Saph guessed, as one of their number drew elderly hands from his sleeves and pushed his hood back, revealing an aged face; one Saph recognized as the one Thresher had spoken to before selecting her as his trainee. She stilled those thoughts as the Inquisitor spoke, ears perked as his gravelly voice penetrated the silence.

"The legacy of the Sith has become a shadow of its former self for millenia," the Inquisitor started. "It was assumed by the one named Darth Bane that all power should be focused into two alone- a master, and an apprentice. It was a practice that emphasized the power of stealth, to hide in plain sight from the eyes of the Jedi, until such time that they could be destroyed in a single strike. In a way, it was the survival of the Sith- in many others, it was an ignoble and craven existence. Much knowledge was lost; so much potential in so many allies were passed up; and so when it came time to strike, the blow was not enough to extinguish the light of the Jedi." He paused, scanning the crowd carefully for several moments before continuing.

"This changes today. What you see before you is the foundation of a new existence- the foundation of the return of the Sith to its rightful places as conquerors and rulers. Though great care and discretion must be used at first, the time will soon come where our shadow will cast the universe in darkness, allowing us to thrive, to drive our blade into the heart of the fledgling Jedi Order that stands against us. Each of you has a personal stake in this, whether it be the pursuit of greater power, or a score to settle with the New Republic and its Jedi dogs. As such, all of you in attendance will be a part of that foundation, for the Sith are ever in need of allies, even those without the power of the Force at their side. And yet..." he trailed off, a horrible smile playing on his lips and stretching the skin along his face in a grotesque fashion. "And yet in some measure, the Force _will_be your ally."

"You are all now members of the reinstated Dark Acolytes, an order devoted to the service of the Sith and enforcers to its will. You are all here because you have accepted the Warsword enhancement- a kolto solution that has improved your strength and endurance by a considerable margin. It is a product of Sith alchemy and scientific discovery, one of many enhancements that you will take part in. It will provide the edge needed to match the Jedi and their Antarian Ranger allies in combat. Those of you who succeed in the tasks to come will be granted greater power, to do with as you see fit. But your loyalty will be to us alone; to the Circle of Syn and it's knights. Are we understood?"

"Yes, Master," they all answered. Even Saph, who normally would have remained silent, was strangely compelled to do the same, uttering the words at the same moment. A shiver passed through her body, eyes narrowing as she stared at the Inquisitor; though she could not explain how, she was almost certain he had done something to provoke the mass reaction. A brief glance to either direction, and she was able to spot at least three others who seemed confused or troubled by it. When her gaze returned to the Inquisitor, her nearly leapt into her throat. He was staring directly at her, his gaze shrewd and penetrating to such a degree that the Lepi nearly felt naked beneath his stare. It was only when he continued and drew his eyes away that she felt able to breathe freely again.

A holoprojector above the stage lit up, casting the profile and data of several beings into the air- two fox-like Amaran, a Miraluka, a white-furred Selonian, and two wolf-like beings. A fire burst and raged within her as she laid eyes on the gray-furred wolf- even clad in Jedi robes and with his hair longer than it had been years before, she instantly recognized the face of Kajex Surnahm. Her fist balled up as she shook slightly, but a tugging sensation in the back of her head drew her attention away from the profile, her eyes flicking down and meeting with Knight Thresher's as he stared directly at her.

"Remain calm. You will get your chance, once you have been tested," he murmured into her thoughts. The fire remained, but lingered only as a smoldering anger as she refocused. She brought her attention back to the Inquisitor just as he started speaking again.

"Our spy network has been tracking several starships, which the Jedi Order has dedicated to rapid responses within its borders and beyond. One in particular has started patrolling the Wild Space region, along the fringes of former Sith space." He gestured to Surnahm and his crew. "The figures overhead are part of their number who are to be approached with caution, if not avoided altogether; two Circle traitors, two Imperial traitors, and two Jedi that have become an exceptional nuisance to our plans. They have attempted to gain an alliance with the inhabitants of the system, the Trianii- filthy felinoid tribals deemed too uncivilized for the Republic. Our fight will be directed against them, to gain a foothold in the region and destabilize their goals while we reach ours."

He paused to gesture to the row of knights before him, his voice rising and becoming stronger with each word. "Tonight, your instructors will divide you into teams and assigning you with you first tasks for the Circle. They will direct you through your missions. Succeed in your objectives and you will gain our favor, and more power; fail, and you will be held back until you are deemed useless! Consider the orders of any Sith Knight law; obey them without question; execute them without hesitation! You are an extension of the will of the dark side of the Force- through your struggles, through the chaos of battle and through the power we grant you... you _will_achieve victory!"

A mighty cheer erupted from the trainees, arms lifted in elation as the Inquisitor's words and promises seemed to infect everyone- save for Saph, who could feel the buffeting sensation of an impulse not her own, attempting to prompt her into cheering along with the rest. With firm willpower, she fought back the impulse until it ceased, breathing in slowly and settling for raising her paws and applauding half-heartedly, a frown creasing her brow as she looked upon the rest of the recruits.

"Do not regret your choices, trainee," a voice whispered into her mind. Her eyes met Thresher's again, who nodded silently.

"Don't worry," she responded, more to herself than anyone else. "There are worse choices to make."

"Aaaaaand... done!" A sharp ping rang out as the ghostly-blue image of Revan clapped his palms together in apparent satisfaction. "I'm all caught up on everything I've missed out since I died all those years ago," he explained, folding his arms and nodding with a sigh. "Galactic history, politics, the big movers like your Jedi Master Skywalker- he's got a pretty damn decent resume for someone who wasn't traditionally trained."

"I take it that's a compliment?" Locke chuckled.

"I mean it in the best possible way," Revan acknowledged.

The late hours of the Inspired_had arrived, most of the ship's populace having withdrawn to rest up and leaving the crew of the _Gold Rush to retreat back to the Corellian ship to unwind- or at least that had been the intention, as Keris quickly convinced Syrra to spar with her while Kajex, Locke and Master Moarn watched. As this happened, Revan had slipped out of his holocron and offered tips to the sparring pair, all while the inner workings of his data receptacle continued to collect information from the ship's connection to the Republic's information database.

"So you can actually fit that much information on your device's storage unit?" Kajex asked, leaning against the holotable with a look of interest.

"The holocron is at about half capacity- getting a good grip on history and politics takes less space than one might think, if you cull away a lot of the political chaff. I admit I had a little help from a droid friend of mine developing my holocron's storage capacity." There was a pause and another sigh, this one more wistful. "Wish I knew what happened to T3-M4... about the only thing I was able to find out about the little guy is he traveled around with a friend of mine before they disappeared from galactic affairs."

"Solah!" Syrra chirped, rubbing her upper arm and backing away- Keris had just made a mark of contact with her low-powered blade. "I suppose any word is better than no word at all, right?"

Revan shrugged. "At least the Emperor I tried to kill was eventually killed himself. Hell, the fact that it resulted in the Jedi and Sith alliance is... kinda inspiring, in a way."

There was a brief silence as Syrra stared at the masked figure with an expression of sympathy. "And... what about your wife, Bastila?"

The Jedi Master turned his head, looking directly at her. "She... lived a long life. Eventually she was granted the title of Jedi Master, probably because the Jedi Council deemed it safe now that I wasn't a part of her life anymore." He chuckled sadly. "It's funny... days before I left her, never to see her again, when I finally decided to uncover the memories that the Jedi Council buried, I told her I had big news. She told me that she did too, betting that it was bigger news than I had. I told her it was a bet she'd lose- turned out she won."

Syrra cocked her head. "What news was that?"

"That she was pregnant," Revan said simply.

"... I'm so sorry," the Trianii offered softly.

"Don't be," the holocron replied with a tone of sincerity. "What I did wasn't for the Republic or the Jedi- it was for my wife and son. I never knew him, but that didn't prevent me from loving and dying for him." He paused, then chuckle. "Besides... might've been best that I _didn't_know him."

"Why's that?" Kajex asked, as Syrra and Keris started another sparring match.

"Because my son, Vaner Shan, wasn't Force-sensitive, and he ended up becoming a politician. Though thankfully he was one of the _good_ones- even ran for Supreme Chancellor. I guess he wasn't corrupt enough for some, though," Revan suggested. "Poor kid lost that run. But anyway, after reading up on his history, then on my descendant, Satele Shan; it looks like my family made some pretty big impacts in the universe."

"For better or worse, your name and the names of your descendants have changed the fates of many," Master Moarn said quietly. "Every era has such heroes... and villains," he added.

Revan nodded. "Time will tell as to whether Master Skywalker will bring about a better face for the Jedi Order- they need to be redeemed, trusted again for their wisdom and courage. Truth be told, I think he's on the right track, especially with his sending out students to help others. It's a good way to build a rapport with the rest of the galaxy. I'm actually a little envious- I wish I could do more to help with it."

"You're doing well enough by giving trusted Knights lessons on the deeper lessons of the Force," Moarn said firmly. "But you must understand that your existence as a holocron must remain a secret. If word gets out that the spirit of one of the most powerful Jedi/Sith masters in all of history is spreading Force teachings to use against the Sith... we will become a target to every Imperial and Sith-aligned force in the galaxy."

"Yeah, I know," Revan sighed. "I guess my quirk for wanting to get into the thick of the action never changed when I split this little part of me into this shiny box. So, how do you feel about this new crop of students?" he asked, changing the subject.

"They have great promise, all of them." Moarn replied. "I'm particularly interested in the Black Tomb pack, and hoping they comport themselves well. Rexxis and Mica will no doubt perform well, and I'm hoping Kentoh and Tegrim will follow their example. The 'Rah twins... well, that'll be _your_problem to deal with," he informed Kajex with a wry smile."

"And the rest?" Revan asked.

"They seem to be getting along well with the Trianii Rangers," Locke answered. "Something I'd credit to Talrik and Knight Tay-Ir- the latter especially. He and Pakka really hit it off well."

"Solah!" Keris yelped, groaning and holding her side- Syrra had scored a hit on her midsection. "I don't suppose either of you boys had anything to do with that?" she asked, winking at the wolf twins.

At once, the both of them shared glances and looked away, patches of red appearing on their cheeks. Syrra frowned, looking between them.

"... Did something happen?" she asked. "You didn't... use the Force to mentally nudge my cousin into anything, did you?"

Kajex held up his paws defensively. "Hon, you _know_that's not my forte."

"And I assumed you knew me better than that, Syrra," Locke replied, looking slightly hurt.

"Then what's Keris talking about?" she demanded, deactivating her lightsaber. "You said you were gonna be honest with me, Kajex Surnahm!" she warned her fiancee sternly.

The Jedi Sentinel's ears flattened, a quiet whine breaking out as he cringed. "It's... I mean, it's nothing bad, it's just..."

"'It's just'what?" Syrra pressed, her paws on her hips with a severe look on her face.

"Well... it was after Locke and I did some training with the Trianii Rangers about a week after Kunik," Kajex started. "And... I guess by then Pakka and Tay had been introduced? I guess?" He looked to Locke for support.

"That would appear to make sense," the white wolf agreed. "And we'd offered him hot water on the Gold Rush since it stood to reason it'd just be tepid with everyone else running the showers on the _Inspired_all at once. When he didn't show up, we figured he'd gone back to join his men, but..."

Syrra blinked, standing up straight. "He didn't. I stopped to ask him how training went when he got onboard," she said softly. "Told me it went fine, that he was going to wash up, and I left him t--" She stopped short, gasping. "... You... you didn't...!"

"Oh _this_I need to hear," Revan said cheerfully, sitting down on the edge of the holotable.

"I, er... time for me to meditate and call it an evening," Master Moarn muttered as he got up quickly, stifling a chuckle as he hurried out of the lounge towards the ship's umbilical. "Rest well, knights!" he called as he ascended the ladder quickly.

Kajex smiled sheepishly as Locke leaned in and licked his cheek affectionately. "A-ah, well like I said... we didn't think he was coming, so it was just Locke and I by ourselves. And Locke was doing that thing where he let the water run down his body and... one thing led to another..."

"Next thing I know, Kajex is down on his knees and... well, we were so into it that we hadn't notice Pakka entering and hiding behind the half-wall into the crew showers," Locke muttered, ear flat and face red, an embarrassed grin on his muzzle. "Then Kajex heard him moan, and..."

Syrra's face was red, eyes wide. "By the Force," she said weakly. "And did you...?"

Kajex hid his face. "I knew it might've been a bad idea, but when we offered a little no-strings-attached fun and let him know we weren't the judgy type, he... kinda let it out that he was having confused feelings about one of the other Jedi..." He cleared his throat. "He was talking _specifically_about Tay- they got on pretty well as pilots and fighters, and, ah... similar upbringings, I think?"

"He told us he never expected to have such feelings about another male. And after that, he was _surprisingly_receptive to our idea," Locke admitted quietly. "He certainly didn't complain when he... uh... I mean, with Kajex already on his knees--"

"Locke Surnahm, I'll thank you not to go into detail!" Syrra chirped, looking lightheaded and leaning against the wall, letting her lightsaber clatter to the floor. "You- he-- but why didn't you tell me!?" she cried out.

"I'm sorry, hon," Kajex whined, "but... he made us promise _not_to! He was actually afraid of what you might say or think about him... well... being 'familiar' with another male."

"Do you think I would've--"

"Judged him for having gay proclivities?" Locke finished for her soothingly. "Of course not, Syrra- we know you better than that. The problem is that_he_doesn't. He's _terrified_about either of his parents, or the Trianii Rangers he works with, finding out about his self-discovery. So after we... had our fun... he had us promise to keep it secret because he wanted time to sort his feelings out before letting anyone know." He smiled. "And if it helps, it appears he's coming to terms with it in the healthiest way possible, spending frequent time with Tay."

"Ha! I _knew_they were fucking!" Keris yipped, as Revan chuckled.

"There's a modicum of shame in what he's feeling at the moment, Syrra," Locke continued. "With you, the only stigma you'll have to face is having a non-Trianii offworlder as a mate, which at best is an oddity that few of your species would ever object to- and being a noble's daughter, one might even _expect_that you'd have such a bond out of political pragmatism. Contrast that to Pakka, who has a decade of military experience with the Trianii Rangers and is a well-respected commander in his tri-sector- his 'sin' is far greater, and the impact would be more catastrophic. Can you see now why we decided not to say anything about it?"

Syrra swallowed, looking guilty. "I... didn't really think of it that way. So... he and Tay are...?"

"In a relationship?" Kajex asked. "Well... not in an open one, for obvious reasons. And it's hard to say how deep he's in it, except to say that he kinda has your eyes."

Syrra blinked. "I don't... what do you mean?"

Kajex smiled warmly. "The look in your eyes when you tell me you love me? It's the same look your cousin has when he and Tay are smiling at each other."

A calm seemed to overtake the Trianii Jedi, her breathing slowly down and her body relaxing at the words. "Oh... well if he's..." she trailed off, looking relieved. "I mean, I wasn't going to say anything to my family... and if he's actually that happy, then..."

"What were you really worried about?" Revan asked.

Syrra sighed, sliding down the wall into a sitting position and hugging her knees. "Ugh, I dunno... I guess inwardly I was more worried than I thought about this whole thing working. I understand why you kept it from me, but... I was worried there was a darker reason behind it."

Kajex smiled patiently, getting up and approaching her, crouching beside her. "I know you know me better than that."

"I do," she whimpered, cringing. "I'm sorry."

"No apologies- I understand why you were anxious," the wolf told her soothingly. "If it helps, we'll do our part to keep everything secret, until he's ready to reveal it on his own, if it should ever get to that point. I know how important this alliance is; not just to the Jedi, but to you personally."

"Yeah... thanks Kaj," she responded, smiling up at him and nuzzling his cheek.

"Anytime, kitten," he smiled. "Is there anyway I can make it up to you, for keeping it on the down-low?"

The Trianii looked up at him, swallowing and glancing to her other packmates. When she spoke, it was through the Force, with her leaning forward as if it would help keep her suggestion completely private. A wild, almost scared smile was on her face as she made her request-

"If it happens again... um... tell me so I can watch."

Kajex blinked, staring at her for a few seconds before chuckling and leaning in, kissing her cheek playfully. "Assuming he doesn't remain exclusive...? Yeah- I'll let you know, kitten."

There was silence between them as they kissed again, but it didn't take long for the silence to be broken as Keris cleared her throat, arms folded and foot tapping impatiently. "Well, what'd she want?" she asked, smirking.

"A private show?" Revan suggested.

"You hush!" Syrra hissed, hiding her blushing face and shaking with stifled giggles.