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_ "Never mistake an alien species' propensity for close bonds and working together as a sign of individual, personal weakness. Even alone, such beings will fight with all they possess to protect those they love. Always remember that, in many ways, love and family are powers stronger than the Force itself." _

~ Eldor Kanis, Jedi Sentinel

Not one officer onboard the Treacherous said a word as Knight Thresher strode through the star destroyer's halls. It was enough to see the Karkarodon was in a foul mood even without the ugly, barely-healed gash across his face. He could feel their thoughts flickering with amazement and fear, the question they otherwise would have asked dying on their lips as they remained subdued, cowed by the Sith Knight's presence. His tail whipped angrily to one side with enough force to produce a loud crack from the end, causing several nearby engineers to flinch and cringe away; their reaction did cause him to smirk in amusement.

When he had last left the ship he had detected whispers of treason in their heads, distrust towards him and the Circle, dissatisfaction with their progress. Angry muttering, frustrated discussions in the side halls of the vessel; whatever they thought he could not hear, the Circle were fully aware of. Yet now there was trepidation, silence and obedience among them all, even the higher-ranking officers who might have otherwise regarded Knights like Thresher with clear disdain. Within two weeks of his departure, something had changed.

"Noticed it too, have you?" a voice snickered some distance away.

Thresher paused and turned to face the voice, possessed by a lithe, violet-skinned Twi'lek female in Sith armor. Regarding her with an icy glare he crossed his arms. "How long have you been waiting there, Snaire?"

The female Sith Knight smirked. "I would've waited a full year just to see your face. Don't take that the wrong way- I think that fucked up gash is an improvement," she scoffed. "Those Jedi did a number on you. What's the matter, you couldn't handle a buncha pushovers and traitors?"

Thresher grunted sourly, turning away from her and continuing, while Knight Snaire kept in step beside him. "Inquisitor Voyde suggested I trigger the Black Tomb's defenses in the hopes that the assigned guardians would dispatch the Sentinel and his pack, but the 'guardians' consisted of utterly useless grotthu," he growled. "He had best hope there was nothing else in that burial room he valued for the Circle's ends, because I fully expect the Republic to have intervened by now."

"And the Jedi? What of them?"

"Locke still lives, as does Surnahm. Locke's slut, however, is dead by my hand," he grunted confidently. "Nailed the cunt right in the stomach, should've been a nice, slow death for her."

Snaire grinned. "Any kill at this point is a victory. But do try to eliminate someone of value next time, hmm?"

"Spare me your criticisms," the shark snapped. "I fully expect Inquisitor Tesque to complain until my hearing fades..."

Thresher's service to the Sith was unusual given the master he'd been assigned to. Perhaps sensing early on the Knight's propensity for finding that which had been lost, Inquisitor Dette had demanded the partnership almost from the beginning despite their vast differences in personality. Thresher was cold, calculating, utterly oblivious to the mewlings of mercy from his targets; but Dette was warm and cordial, subtly extending his bitterness and derision with mocking tones whenever it was merited. Thresher was pragmatic, and needed little to complete an assignment, and asked for no more than he needed; while Dette relished in unnecessary luxury and needless style, donning robes of red and gold as opposed to that of traditional Sith black and gray. Where the two were able to meet, however, was in the value of artifacts, their skill, and their knowledge of the Sith.

Nevertheless, Thresher loathed meeting his master in his quarters, which the shark could only really describe as needlessly garish. While he might have otherwise taken pride in the dozens of artifacts he'd extricated from their former masters, Dette had most of them sealed away as items to boast of despite their potential usefulness; the surroundings were brightly lit and colorful to the point of being an offense to his senses; and regardless of where they met, his master's insufferable grin was irritating to stare at. The only comfort was that this time, Inquisitor Voyde had joined them, poring over an ancient document with Dette until the latter glanced up and noticed Thresher and Snaire having entered the room.

"You've returned, my apprentice," Dette remaked cheerily, as he ambled through his luxurious surroundings with his hands clasped behind his back. "And none the worse for wear, I see!"

Thresher glowered at him. "As you say. I've returned with the artifact," he declared, reaching at his belt and pulling the cloth bag from in. His eyes narrowed and followed it as it glided from his finned hands, floating gently into Inquisitor Voyde's outstretched grasp. The elderly human frowned.

"You've sustained injury. How much trouble did you run into?" the older Inquisitor asked.

"As you anticipated, Locke and Keris were allied with the Jedi, as is the former lieutenant. Yet it would appear that Kajex has more enemies than just the Circle- a Selonian bounty hunter followed us into the Black Tomb and interfered."

Dette raised an eyebrow. "You don't say? Perhaps we'll have to investigate this further- any detriment to the rascal's efforts may very well prove useful."

Thresher shook his head. "She was reticent to heed my order to stand down; some moronic Mandalorian nonsense about honor. Moreover, she possessed a peculiar ability to resist the power of the dark side- I lashed out with lightning that failed to hit her, protected by some unknown means."

"Interesting. There are ways to dilute, even cut off access to the Force- special amulets, alloys; was she wearing any manner of rucksack?"

Thresher straightened. "How did...?"

"An ysalamir," Voyde suggested, "could easily be transported in a large enough bag. They are curious creatures that can block the Force. Regardless of how she did this, it would be safe to assume her employer is wealthy and powerful. We will conduct an investigation to see who might want the Sentinel and his allies dead."

"Well, they'll have one less to deal with- I delivered a lethal blow to Locke's woman," Thresher stated, lifting his head proudly- yet Inquisitor Voyde shook his head skeptically.

"We must wait for verification on that. Unless you were there the moment she died, we must assume she is also alive. Do not forget that Surnahm possesses a Healing Crystal of Fire- it would not be difficult for him to bring others back from the brink of death," the human warned Thresher. "As for the tomb guardians--"

"They were useless," the Knight grunted irritably. "I was informed they would be of some use, yet Surnahm and his team actively pulled their punches and still managed to dispatch most of the wolves stationed there."

Voyde sighed. "Tomb guardians are meant to be well trained and obedient, but intention does not always reflect in the results. Had it been another pack, it may have been a different story. There's no way to tell for sure until we divine the locations of the others." He gestured to the parchment he and Dette had been studying. "Once we do we may set them against Surnahm, his allies, and the Jedi Order."

"Recruiting more to our cause, forming armies; it's not exactly like the old Sith ways, is it Master Voyde?" Snaire asked, her arms crossed as she leaned against the wall.

"We can ill-afford to stick to tradition," Dette interjected. "Less-so traditions that are counter-productive. Darth Bane once wrote that the Force is a poison, one that is further diluted the more chalices it is poured into. Spread the poison too thin and it becomes impotent- pour it back into a single goblet and it can stop the heart of a Krayt dragon."

"I don't follow," the Twi'lek said, looking confused.

"Bane's analogy was meant to refer to Sith knowledge; spread the knowledge too thin and the Sith become weak, but consolidate that power into one master and one apprentice, and they are powerful- or so he believed," Dette added, rolling his eyes. "It's a poor analogy, and a dangerous one: put all your eggs in one basket, and you stand to lose them all at once. Palpatine's death meant the destruction of a tremendous amount of knowledge, and he did not share. If we expect to meet the Jedi on any sort of equal ground, it must be both in numbers and training. Add that such a tactic as bringing their people into our service might well unsettle Surnahm and Locke to the point of inaction, and we have a very viable deterrent against them."

"Have our agents tracked their ship?" Thresher asked.

"They have, though they have been ordered not to take any hostile action," Voyde answered. "It would seem Surnahm and his crew are taking time to upgrade their vessel on Corellia. While this happens, we will plan our next move."

"I'm ready to serve, Master," Thresher responded with a low bow.

"You had better," Voyde warned. "Because you are no longer operating alone."

The shark jerked up. "What do you mean?"

"For all your skill in the ways of the dark side, Knight, the Sentinel that you are set against must be at least equally powerful- and he has allies to draw upon. It's clear by now that sending you alone on these ventures is a tactic we can no longer rely upon."

Thresher glared. "I've fulfilled my duties successf--"

"Silence." Voyde issued the command softly, but with a tone of cold anger that caused Thresher to obey immediately. "You serve us loyally, and you have done extremely well to bring us this artifact," Voyde started, holding the cloth bag up. "But your efforts alone will not be enough. You face six opponents of varying degrees of skill, more than enough to defeat and slaughter you through coordination. To counter any further efforts from Surnahm's crew or others that stand against us, the Circle has decreed that you shall be assigned a team of your own."

Barely-restrained fury coursed through the Sith Knight. "If this is the will of the Circle... then so be it."

"Good." Voyde nodded to the Twi'lek. "You will be given command of a squad of elite troops; Knight Snaire will also be assigned to you, as will Knights Yuda and Apex."

Another wave of fury washed over Thresher. "You must be joking. I'm to lead a novice, a brute and a perverted fool against Surnahm and the Jedi? And since when were Yuda and Apex knighted?"

Dette chuckled warmly. "Much has happened since you here last here, though I'm sure you've noticed the stark change in environment. The Remnant of this region have... 'agreed' to give their full support to our endeavors. Yuda's and Apex's efforts were key to this arrangement being secured. Inquisitors Maal and Sangwen assure me they were ready to be of full service to the Circle. Regardless of your opinion of them, at least take heart in the fact that you shall lead them, my friend."

The shark grimaced but nodded. "Very well. What of Snaire?"

"I'm right here, you know," the Twi'lek mentioned casually.

"She has passed her trials, she is more than up to the task- you will need her Force abilities to have an edge over Surnahm. You will also have access to your own squad of Imperial specialists- I'm certain the vessel you captured will be enough for this task, yes?"

Thresher nodded. "It was a bounty hunter's ship, but I believe it will serve our needs."

"Excellent. Then you are to gather Yuda and Apex at 0400 tomorrow. We'll discuss your mission later- for now, get to the infirmary and have your injury looked at."

"I'm fine," Thresher hissed angrily. "I'd like to keep the gash. I'll need a reference to copy onto the cat bitch that gave it to me, before I cut off her head.

"Hey little guy, how ya doin'?" Kajex smiled down at the yawning lizard attached to the Olbio branch, sliding a finger down its back while it squeaked comfortably. "Looks like your nutrient frame is almost spent- don't worry buddy, I got a refill right here." He pulled out a metal cylinder from his satchel, depressing a button at the top of the frame and popping out the nearly spent nutrient rod, sliding the fresh one in with a sharp click. "The mechanics bother you any while you were alone in here?" The lizard chirped in response. "Well no worries, we're gonna be around more often, I promise."

"Are you talking to that creepy, weird-ass lizard?" Keris asked, paused at the hatch behind him.

"Hey, animals need get stuff off their chests, too," the wolf said defensively. "Poor little guy's been cooped up on this ship for a week with no interaction- I hate the idea of him getting lonely. Gotta see about getting some kind of branch system set up around the ship. I don't much like the idea of Taito being stuck in here with no place to wander."

"You named it?" the vixen asked, eyeing the ysalamiri distrustfully. "So I guess that means we're not getting rid of it, then."

"Aww, leave him alone Keris," Talrik spoke up as he walked past. "I think Taito's adorable. Besides, it's Kaj's ship, he can put whatever he wants in it, as long as it's not in any of our rooms." He leaned against the hatch. "They look great, by the way. I was worried there wouldn't be much space for everybody, but each room is actually fairly spacey."

Kajex grinned as he stepped out of the supply room, looking down the corridor at the hatch of one of the new rooms. "They really did a great job in here, even with two bunks per room there's some good living space. Hell of a lot more than I got at the Jedi Temple, at least. Got everything squared away?" he asked Keris.

"Yeah, Khorvis just left, Syrra and Locke are bringing the new bedding material in," she informed in as they made for the lounge, minding the new steps leading into the training area, where Miles was waiting. The flooring was deeper by at least two feet, the room itself wider now that wall sections had been torn down and relocated. He remembered the first few days with Syrra, when he'd cautioned her not to put a hole in the hull- now that seemed almost impossible to do, even with Locke's new lightsaber pike.

"How about you?" Kajex addressed the Miraluka. "The bunk in the armory alright?"

The ex-soldier nodded. "It's great, in fact. It's got the space and privacy I need, too. I like the idea of posting an exterior-cell lock for it- your idea?"

The Sentinel nodded. "Just in case we have a prisoner or two we need to keep. Don't worry about fitting the new stuff now," he said abruptly as Syrra and Locke walked in, arms laden with an assortment of sheets and pillows. "I'm gonna get us lifted off in a few minutes, now that everything is said and done."

"We in a hurry to get somewhere?" Locke asked, cocking his head to the side.

"I checked my inbox when we got in, Moarn says the neural operations on the pack were a complete success," he responded, barely able to contain his elation as he said it. "They all want to meet us as soon as possible, and it'll give Moarn a chance to convey our next assignment. I really wanna talk with Kentoh and the rest of the pack- I'm hoping they can tell us something about... well, us," he said simply, gesturing to himself and Locke. "I want to know if there's a culture to be found, a planet and people waiting to be rediscovered, or if we're really the last few of our kind left."

The white wolf's brow furrowed. "Would you accept any honest answer?

Kajex paused, considering the question seriously- the chance that they might only know a little more than he and Locke did hadn't crossed his mind. After a few moments, he shrugged, sighing. "I just want to know. If the answer leads to some tragedy in the past, I'll accept it- I'll have to."

"And if there's no answer whatsoever?"

"Then I'll have to accept that too."

A part of Kajex had been worried that upgrading the ship and getting the vessel serviced by her original manufacturers would make the ship subtly unrecognizable, or at least somehow "off" in a way he couldn't describe. That worry had evaporated as he allowed his co-pilot and fiancee to get them off of Corellia and into hyperspace, the ship looking, sounding and feeling more like home now than it had prior. At most, the Gold Rush once had three permanent occupants prior to Bran's and Kane's deaths, a family that even now Kajex sorely missed; but now with the crew at seven hands, the vessel didn't seem cramped- it felt... right.

It was with a sense of pride that he watched Syrra put the vessel into hyperspace. Almost a year ago, she'd been new to piloting, but he had to admit she caught on fast and was now at a stage in her flight education that it seemed second-nature. It was almost impossible these days to remember what it had been like without a capable co-pilot. When he finally did pull himself away from the pilot's chair, it was with him smiling warmly at the Trianii, offering his paw. She smiled back, taking it and walking with him back to the lounge, paw-in-paw- they didn't need to say a word to each other. They both knew.

They entered the newly-outfitted lounge just as Locke came down the step from the hall, all smiles with his completed weapon in hand. "Just got a look a our room- really, you didn't have to soundproof the interior, I can only imagine the cost was substantial, Syrra."

The Trianii shook her head with a smile. "No, it was trivial. Remember how cheap the quote was before they started work, in return for advertisement shots? Besides, I knew if we didn't do it, Keris would keep us awake while she does her howling at night, just to spice things up."

"What can I say? I'm on a ship full of excellent lovers," the vixen purred and reclined in her seat at the holotable, where she, Talrik and Rook had been playing a quick game of sabaacc as they waited for Locke to enter. With the white wolf present, the other two occupants finished their hands and turned their attention to both lupine Jedi as they stood in the training area. "Ready to show off, love?" she asked Locke.

"Now now, this isn't about boasting," the white wolf chided her good-naturedly. "We do need to ensure these will activate, after all. Ready when you are, brother."

The Sentinel nodded, stepping back and drawing his first lightsaber from his right hip- then drew his second, newer lightsaber from his left. Both weapons sprang to life, shafts of golden-yellow light shooting from the emitters and humming with the same tone. With a skilled flourish and intense focus, Kajex started a brief cadence, weaving a spiral of energy around him for a few seconds before halting, transitioning into a fighting stance. "Yeah... this one'll do nicely," he muttered in satisfaction. "Now let's see your weapon, bro."

Locke bowed, smiling back as he tapped the base of his staff once against the floor before flicking the blade to life. He began a cadence of his own, twisting the weapon skillfully around his limbs and abdomen a few times before settling into a fighting stance with the pole resting on his shoulders, the silver-blue blade angled at his sibling with his free paw outstretched. They held these stances for a moment before beginning.

The opening strikes consisted of a series of sharp cracks and flashes at they poured skill and energy into sparring- the metal and leather shaft of Locke's pike held up to Kajex's blows, suffering no trace of damage in the slightest. The Sentinel kept his distance and guard up, unused to his brother's new weapon and fighting style consisting of feints, stabs and hilt blows. Whereas the now-dead Knight Ulfric could only keep his hands on the long central hilt of his saberstaff, Locke was able to use his entire body in tandem with the metal shaft, his torso and chest serving as a fulcrum for powerful strikes, twisting and modifying his footwork to defend himself each time the Sentinel countered.

Nevertheless, the two remained evenly-matched. Even as they poured more energy and effort into besting the other, neither could gain any significant ground; Kajex's blows were rapid and precise, creative and unexpected; while Locke's blows were powerful and direct, yet did not suffer defensively. The Sentinel ducked a high slash, stepping into Locke's attack range, but the white wolf was prepared- with a steady backstep and a followup swing from the pikeshaft, his paw snaked up the length of the weapon and grasped the proper hilt, blade pointed at his brother. Without warning, the energy shaft extended an extra foot into the air where Kajex's head had been a half-moment prior; a flick of the wrist, and the top of the weapon clicked. With a flourish, Locke pulled the hilt of his lightsaber away from the rest of the shaft, holding it angled above his head with the rest of the weapon held out defensively.

The Sentinel grinned, stepping back as the golden-yellow blades receded into the hilt. "Seems like everything is in order. How does it feel?"

Locke relaxed, deactivating his weapon. "It feels right," he answered, satisfaction in his features as he stared at the silver and black-leather hilt. "I can't imagine how the Sith are able to perform with weapons that aren't of their own making. It's like it's truly a part of me." He glanced back up. "And you?"

"For a moment I forgot which one of my weapons was new, and which was old," Kajex responded. "We'll test the low-intensity setting later."

"I still want a shot at you or Locke," piped up Rook. "Watching you spar is making me itch for a little action."

"Bored?" asked Talrik with an amused smile.

"I just wanna let off a bit of steam. Though I get with the blade and all on my glaive, that might be a turn-off," she admitted, tapping the weapon next to her.

"We'll find a nice-sized metal pole for you to use for training, I can sheath it from damage with the Force," Locke offered. "For now, though- who's up for lunch?"

"She feels a lot different, in a good way," Syrra remarked. Kajex turned to see her smiling as they settled into the Inspired's hangar bay. "I admit I was a little skeptical when you said they could make the Gold Rush fly straighter than she did, but now I can see it wasn't a boast." A gentle jostled rumbled through the ship as they touched down on an empty bay.

"It feels like it did back during the Clone Wars," Kajex remarked, sighing wistfully.

"Missing Bran and Kane?" Syrra asked softly as the ship powered down.

"As usual, you've zeroed in on my thoughts," he responded with a smile, reaching out and rubbing behind her ear affectionately. "I'm always gonna miss them. But right now I'm missing them in a good way- I love having so many people on the ship. I love having a family again, even if it's not the one I expected to ever have."

Syrra sat up. "Speaking of family- look."

But Kajex had already seen them. Eight figures wearing gray coveralls stood towards the back of the hangar, each of them facing the Gold Rush and staring intently. One of the taller figures was easily discernible from where they sat- Master Moarn's green scales and brown robes were unmistakable. The other seven figures seemed to fidget slightly, their tails wagging anxiously. One of them nearly stepped forward, but the tallest member of the group, a red-furred male, grabbed his shoulder firmly and pulled him back.

Now faced with the chance to meet others of his kind, trepidation was beginning to settle in. Worries, perhaps childish concerns about who they were and what he was in comparison to them, seemed to root him in place for a few seconds as he stared at the group. Yet when Syrra touched his paw, the worries seemed to fade slightly- knowing his fiancee and brother were there to support him, he managed to get up from the pilot's chair. With a deep breath and a moment to steel his nerves, he led Syrra down into the lounge. With a silent nod to Locke, the two brothers strode to the ship's hatch, descending down the ramp and into the relatively quiet and cool hangar.

The Sentinel's limbs felt oddly mechanical as he seemed to lumber towards the group, keeping his eyes forward. But though his heart was hammering hard enough that he could barely hear their own footsteps, he managed to catch a distant muttering from two of the group.

"Quite a collection of heroes, eh Sa'Rah?" a male said

"You read my mind, So'Rah," a female responded. "But then, when are you not?"

Bolstered by the fact that at least two of their number had healthy opinions of them, Kajex straightened up and stopped- the rest of the crew halted behind him, silent. There was at least five seconds of awkward silence where both sides seemed incapable of talking, faces hesitant and muzzles attempting to form words. Without warning, one of the younger-looking males, black-furred and white-haired, sighed in exasperation.

"C'mon, someone say something!" Most of the pack jumped at the amused outburst and he chuckled. "Sorry 'bout that, Rex, but you were lookin' a bit clueless there."

The tallest member of the group frowned at him, his amber eyes regarding the younger male critically. "Don't push it, So'Rah- I'm sure the Sentinel and his crew are as tense as we are." He cleared his throat nervously, stepping forward and extending a paw- he stood a few inches taller than Kajex, but his smile was genuine. "Captain, it's... good to finally meet you."

Kajex paused, swallowing and smiling back. "Likewise. You can call me Kajex." He let go, taking a step back and gesturing to each of his packmates. "This is my co-pilot and fiancee, Syrra-" The Trianii bowed and smiled, "-my brother, Locke-" the white wolf nodded and also shook the leader's paw. "-Talrik Lye, my surrogate sibling and sniper-" With a grin Talrik also shook his paw, "-Locke's apprentice, Keris-" She winked and waved playfully, "-Miles Lohess, heavy gunner and slicer-"

Miles grinned. "Howdy."

"- And Rook, a recent hired hand you guys might remember," he finished, a pang of worry sparking in his chest as the otter nodded curtly. It was too much to hope for that they would see her in a positive light after she'd killed one of their number weeks ago.

The red-furred male furrowed his brow, cold eyes on the otter. "I recall you stabbing my little brother, Kentoh, from behind, I'm afraid- and I saw you kill J'Reko."

The Selonian nodded, though she didn't cringe away from the alpha- instead, she looked him in the eye. "I did. I'll own up to that- in my defense, your lil bro was about to separate the Captain's head from his shoulders," she pointed out. "And your other buddy was puttin' up a hard fight- didn't give me much choice. No hard feelings, I hope."

The younger, mirror-like image of Kajex stepped up, clearing his throat. When he spoke, the Sentinel felt as if he'd been whacked across the head with a steel rod- Kentoh possessed the exact same voice he did, though perhaps a bit lighter. "I-it's okay, really!" he exclaimed anxiously, his tail wagging as he smiled warmly at his older mirror. "Rook, was it?" The otter nodded. "Well, you're right, Rook. I remember how close I was to attacking, and I know we were kinda... out of control. And yet, you guys still went out of your way to help us," he said, a tone of gratefulness in his voice. "So on behalf of our pack... thank you. Really, we owe you a lot. Um... can I do the introductions?" he asked glanced at his older sibling, who smiled and nodded approvingly.

Looking pleased that he'd been given permission, he gestured to his brother. "My brother, Rexxis- he our pack's alpha, has been since before we were sealed away." Rexxis smiled and bowed respectfully. Kentoh gestured the the still-grinning ebony male behind him- to his side was a female mirror who like him possessed silver eyes. "This is So'Rah, and his twin sister Sa'Rah, smartest guys in our pack."

"You don't hafta flatter us, pup," they both spoke at the same moment, grinning at him. It did not escape Kajex's notice that the two appeared to be holding each other's paws, but he said nothing of it, nodding and smiling as Kentoh continued.

"Tegrim, our oldest beta," he said as he gestured to the green-eyed, brown-furred male, who waved. "He enjoys reading and cooking, he's been doing a lot of it since we recovered."

"To be fair, a lot of history's happened since we went under," the beta responded, reaching out and shaking Locke's paw. "It's been a fascinating read."

"Mica, our head female and best fighter," Kentoh continued, pointing to a white-pelted, blue-eyed she-wolf at Rexxis' other side- she easily stood at Kajex's height and was about as athletic-looking as he was.

Mica smiled at Kentoh. "Don't sell yourself short, pup- we all know you're the better fighter. A pleasure," she added, shaking Syrra's paw.

"And then lastly-- wait, where'd she--" Kentoh looked around for the last member of their pack.

Master Moarn sighed, chuckling and reaching behind him. A short yip rang out and a short, very timid-looking female peeked out from around the Jedi Master. She swallowed and whispered something inaudible, blushing hard beneath her gold fur and curtain of straight brown hair. "It appears she's having another one of her 'moments', Kentoh," he stated calmly, putting a claw on her shoulder. "So'Rah, if you'd be so kind?"

"Uh-oh, another panic attack?" So'Rah asked. "Aww, c'mere pup- they aren't gonna hurt ya," he assured her, moving to her and putting an arm around her shoulders. "Wanna say hi?" The pup's ears flattened and she trembled. The older male sighed, but smiled, nuzzling her. "Don't mind Zephyr's shyness. She's really a sweetheart once you get to know her, Captain."

"I-I!" Zephyr seemed to bark the words, as if forced from her. "I-I mean... h-hello... Captain," she managed to say, a nervous but kind smile on her muzzle.

"She'll open up in time," Kentoh assured the Sentinel and his pack. "She always does. But... yeah, that's all of us. We're... really glad to finally meet you guys."

Rexxis nodded. "You've conveyed our thoughts well, Kentoh. To be honest I was hoping we would have the opportunity to talk sooner, but perhaps Master Moarn was right- the interim period has been very enlightening for us. What questions we would have asked you, he answered, or we learned." He paused, his ears flattening sadly. "Though we wish J'Reko, Pan and Rinyu could be with us, we understand that... you and your crew did all you could, Sentinel," he assured them.

"I wish we could have done more," Kajex responded guiltily.

"You saved my younger sibling, Sentinel; you've done more than I could have hoped. He and I may not always get along, but he is loved all the same," he said, squeezing the younger male's shoulder. "So in return for rescuing us, we would be willing to ask any questions you and your brother have. I'm told that you know little about who we are, or where we come from- and by extension, who you are, and where you come from."

Kajex nodded. "I'm willing to accept the idea of never knowing, but..." He paused, trying to find a way to articulate what he wanted to know most- only to fall back on the simplest way to ask. "... What are we?"

Kentoh looked to his pack, then to Locke, and finally at Kajex, their golden eyes meeting.

"We are Kanj'Isha."

They had settled deeper into the ship, in a conference room with a large table around which all fifteen people were seated. Moarn had suggested it would be an ideal place for discussion while waiting for the medical staff droids to bring up meals to the visitors, which Rexxis agreed to. The entire time, Kajex watched Rexxis closely- there was an attentiveness in his eyes that confused the Sentinel, a sort of critical expression as he watched both packs converse with each other. Part of him wondered how he came to be alpha- he was a pleasant enough speaker and seemed to speak with a tone of respectful authority, yet Tegrim, So'Rah and Sa'Rah seemed to exude an air of flippancy around him. He set it to the back of his mind as Kentoh started, the younger male pausing briefly as he collected his thoughts.

"It'd be important to start off by saying what we know about our own people, we know only through oral tradition, plus a bit of secret terminal reading. But at one time, we were definitely a populous people; at least that much was known. We don't know where we came from, or how far our culture or technology were before we were forced into servitude- we might've just been a bunch of tribals in the Outer Rim- but most Kanj'Isha agreed that it must have been somewhere near Korriban or Dromund Kaas. It would make sense to be within their reach," Kentoh rationalized, looking to Tegrim- the older male nodded and he continued.

"We were Grotthu, a word in the Sith language that means 'slave caste'. It's never been composed of any one race, consisting of many species unfortunate enough to be captured and enslaved by the Sith, or those Sith that were dishonored- but all Kanj'Isha were Grotthu. Somewhere along the line, they discovered how powerful we could become, being naturally Force-sensitive. They never trained us- that would have been too dangerous for them. Instead, they divided us into smaller packs, forcing us into guarding their damned vaults or tombs, or their estates. When we had children, they were taken away and we were divided again, forced to integrate with other packs- by keeping us separated, having very few opportunities to form bonds and augmenting some of our minds to keep us from communicating clearly with each other, they were able to keep us shackled and secret."

"Of course, we understood almost everything that was going on at the time," Rexxis cut in, "chained as we were to the Sith. Some of us resisted this servitude, only to be punished or executed. At one point, centuries or millennia before our pack, our people attempted to rise up with the help of a few Sith who had compassion- they paid with their lives, and our numbers were severely reduced. When more wars started breaking out throughout the galaxy, we were shunted deeper into the shadows. I don't think even the Jedi knew we existed at any point, and even if they did, one can only assume they paid us no mind."

"Why not?" Locke asked, frowning.

"Two possible reasons," the alpha responded, holding up a pair of fingers. "Either because species enslavement by the Sith was not new knowledge to the Jedi and they just never cared to investigate any deeper, to figure out what we were; or the Sith understood how dangerous we could become if we were ever influenced by trained practitioners of the light side of the Force, and did as much as they could to keep our existence a secret, as they did for a great many things."

"Why not just use you or your species as weapons, then?" Keris asked. "If you were all naturally Force-sensitive, wouldn't it have been more pragmatic to train you for battle?"

"The simplest answer that makes sense is that, as a people, our best abilities come out when we are connected to each other. Sith generally don't work like that when they can help it, they're almost always about gaining power for themselves. I doubt they knew how they could train a species to which Force bonding comes naturally. The absolute best assignments we were forced into were as trained guardians, and only if we survived a gauntlet of combat droids set to kill us- which only reduced our numbers further." He gestured to everyone else. "Our pack wasn't even meant to be guardians, initially. We were as unremarkable as our people could be, forced to work as labor for minor Sith trainees."

"Which sometimes meant being meat-shields," Mica said coldly. "Rexxis, Sa'Rah and I have taken blaster bolts before- nothing lethal, but all of them close shaves. Still, they never trusted us to wield weapons against their enemies. I think they knew inwardly that allowing us anything to defend ourselves might have resulted in us ganging up on them in the middle of a fight. We only really learned to fight by teaching each other with sticks. Crude, but it caught our... master's attention," she said, saying the word with disgust.

"More like Kentoh caught their attention, eh kid?" So'Rah chuckled. "He's a natural fighter, bet he could've kicked some Sith tail if he'd been given the chance."

"There's nothing amusing about it, So'Rah- he put us in a lot of trouble," Rexxis responded sternly. "If we'd kept ourselves low-profile--"

"We'd have still been slaves until our deaths," Tegrim said coldly, glaring at Rexxis. "Your brother's skill gave us an out- not an ideal one, but give him some credit, Rex."

Sa'Rah clicked her tongue. "Easy, boys- you both know Kentoh didn't mean anything by it. He even tried fighting them to protect us. I know I'll never forget that, hon."

Kentoh cleared his throat, looking to Kajex. "The Sith Lord that chained us saw me practicing and got angry," he explained. "He was one of those guys that climbed to the level he did without doing much work, taking credit for people's efforts, being politically-savvy."

Kajex looked to Locke, who elaborated. "The Sith Empire functioned on a form of meritocracy, one that was effective in some ways, but damaging in others. There were many 'Sith Lords' who earned their title through subterfuge and backstabbing, accelerating their rise through deceit, rather than through legitimate effort and honor."

Kentoh nodded. "Right- he was one of those jerks. So I don't think he had much skill in handling a lightsaber; or maybe he just didn't want to do it himself. Instead he commanded a couple of lightsaber training droids to wipe out our pack. Mica and I started fighting them off, then Rinyu, So'Rah and Sa'Rah jumped in to help. We nearly got overwhelmed when Zephyr came through at a critical moment and tore their lightsabers away from their shells, and gave them to us," he stated, smiling at the runt of the pack- she blushed and hid her face, but Kajex saw her bashful smile through her long hair. "She really turned the tide when we needed it, and we were able to survive."

"I suspect your youngest packmate might well be exceptionally talented in using the Force," Moarn said kindly. "At a moment that mattered most, she pulled through for you all- a testament to the bonds you've forged between each other."

"Was that what caused you all to be locked away until we found you?" Miles asked.

"Not at first," Rexxis answered. "We were captured soon after, but not put to death. Our little rebellion had reignited old questions. We knew as well the Sith did that they were losing, and we knew there was talk of letting the slaves contribute more to the war effort. We knew a third player had entered the war and wrecked both the Empire and the Republic- the Sith needed new warriors, and we had just demonstrated we could be effective as a team. Ultimately, a decision was never made in full. Our sector was attacked and we were forced to abandon the temple, taking refuge on a medical frigate. We didn't know why at first- but then we met the Long-Necks."

Kajex frowned. "'Long-Necks?'"

Kentoh nodded. "We never knew them by any other name. They were graceful beings, very tall and slim. Their skin was pale and delicate, and their eyes were large, as black as the void."

"... Kaminoans." A deep chill pierced the Sentinel's veins as he recognized the vivid description.

"Ka-what-now?" Syrra asked.

"Kaminoans were the ones responsible for growing the Republic's Clone Army," Locke explained quietly, looking troubled. "They defy the process of natural selection in favor of selective cloning, and have been known to sell their services to others who wish to undergo genetic augmentation, study genomes for hereditary afflictions, or have themselves cloned for any number of reasons. Emperor Palpatine's clones, for example, were based on a modified, heavily-accelerated Kaminoan cloning procedure." He stared at Rexxis. "So when you met these 'Long-Necks'..."

"... The first thing they did was take blood samples," Rexxis replied, nodding. "Then sperm and eggs. We weren't the only ones, either- that frigate was packed wall-to-wall with other Kanj'Isha, most of them mentally augmented and thus incapable of communicating to each other in anything more than grunts, whines and howls. But I'm certain most of us knew what was happening at the time. We were told we'd be given a week to prepare, ordered to train extensively or risk death. Kentoh and Mica prepared us as best they could- when the week was over, we were transported to some manner of training ground, given lightsabers, and told to defend ourselves."

There was a pause as the pack looked between each other sadly- Kentoh in particular looked away with a shamed face. "We were told we'd need to last three full days against the planet's violent flora and fauna, in addition to combat droids they sent into the fray. It was a bloodbath. We had been sectioned off from each other, but we were still within close enough proximity that we could feel the deaths of the others through the Force. We held out two days... and then Kentoh was killed in battle."

Kajex blinked. "... Wait, what?"

"As I say," Rexxis repeated. "My brother was murdered. The third day consisted of Sith apprentices being unleashed upon us. Kentoh held his own until he was cut apart when another flanked him."

"But--"

"He's right here," Rexxis acknowledged with a nod, cutting the confused Sentinel off. "But the Kentoh you see before you, is not the same Kentoh born from my own mother. We grieved for my brother's death for three days- and then he was returned to us without warning, bewildered but healthy."

"I'm a clone," the younger wolf said baldly, sadness on his features. "A rapidly-grown clone from the template they created from the original me the week before. When I was killed, they quickly siphoned... me, into some kind of Sith talisman, then forced me back into a replica of myself. The transfer ended up being a success that pleased them- I guess they were happy that they found a way to cheat death, but they never ended up using it."

"Forced spiritual transference," Locke said quietly. "Probably the same way they brought back Knight Ulfric- but if the practice had been discovered that long ago, why was its use never widespread?"

"If I had to guess, Emperor Valkorian's Eternal Empire might have put a stop to it," Moarn suggested. "It would only make sense that Valkorian would destroy any competing means of immortality."

"We really don't know why they never used it more often," Kentoh responded with a heavy shrug. "But it didn't last long. About a month of training later we were cut off from our people again, and this time we underwent surgical augmentation to remove our ability to communicate normally. The Long-Necks withdrew from the ships with whatever samples they'd taken from us, and our Sith masters had us reshackled and restrained. We were loaded onto cargo haulers and left the system, or so we assume, until we reached the site of the 3rd Sith Mausoleum, on Dakua."

"What about the crystals you had?" Locke asked. "One of them in particular was... well, let's just say you were in possession of something the Sith covet these days. They were not trinkets a slave of the Sith would have been allowed to keep."

"Oh, those?" Kentoh laughed quietly. "Well back then, the facility was still active and the coffins were still being filled with their bodies and useless treasures. But as we were being led to the hibernation pods, So'Rah entertained himself by shifting a rock under one of the embalmer's feet and caused him to trip and smash several jars of preservatives."

"Oh yeah... I forgot I did that," So'Rah said with a grin. "... That was fuckin' funny."

"While their backs were turned trying to clean up everything, I saw a few crystals on one of the tables, and a small sack next to it. Remember, the Sith didn't bother teaching us anything about the Force- so it never occurred to them that we might have educated ourselves. It was as easy as rolling the stones into the bag and floating it into my paw, then stuffing it down my loincloth- assuming they even realized it was gone, I knew they weren't going to frisk my jewels just to find theirs."

Rexxis frowned. "It was still unnecessarily risky."

"They took much from us, Rexxis," Kentoh replied firmly. "Too much. I only took trivial gems."

Kajex and Locke exchanged significant glances, but said nothing about the fact that one of the mentioned stones, the one currently resting in the Sentinel's second lightsaber, was anything but trivial. "Did they seal you up after that?" the Sentinel pressed.

Rexxis shook his head. "There was one last thing they needed to do before they did. One of their Sith Sorcerers needed to entrap our minds through incantation, forcing us to their will. They demanded that we guard the Black Tomb with our lives, to kill all who entered without mercy. Force-sensitive though we are, we are still untrained- we couldn't resist their power."

Kentoh shook his head. "But we... we kinda did," he said insistently. "I remember darkness closing in over my mind, but then... I remember sleeping for a long time, lost in that darkness, except for a tiny light of gold that seemed to linger in the distance. I don't know how long I was actually out of it, but after a while that glow got stronger, things got clearer- enough so that when we were released and ready to attack, the pain of your friend stabbing me from behind was enough to jolt me out of it."

Moarn's gaze traveled between every member of the Black Tomb pack. "It may be that such a long internment in the Mausoleum led to the the incantation deteriorating. Sith 'magic' eventually fades over time, and engaging in combat or witnessing the shock of loved ones being slain may have contributed in all of you returning to your senses."

"I remember seeing Rinyu being buried beneath the rocks by that... that Sith scum. I heard her screaming when it happened," Tegrim said abruptly with a shiver. "It was like having ice cold water splashed in my face. After that, I just didn't want to fight anymore."

"If we could have done more," Locke started to say heavily.

"Please don't blame yourselves," Mica insisted gently. "I loved Rinyu, J'Reko and Pan deeply- they were of my blood, and I grieved for them properly. But you had your own friends and family to think about, sir. Were I in your position, I might have done the same- and in any case, the blood of only one of my siblings is on the hands of... Rook, was it?" she asked the Selonian.

The otter frowned. "And I apologize fer that, mate, I really do. Wasn't my intention to kill anybody but Kajex that day- if anythin', it's the Sith and this Knight Thresher asshole t' blame fer yer troubles."

"I agree," Mica assured her. "You defended yourself, and I can't fault you for that. And we won't forget the fact that you saved us, reassured us, and healed us," she added, addressing Kajex and Locke.

"Kajex thought your education was limited, didn't even think you could speak or understand Basic, but you speak it so fluently," Syrra said.

"Messing with our brains only ever occurred to half the Kanj'Isha population- and even then, only when we were old enough to be pressed into deeper service for the Sith Lords," Tegrim answered. "When that occurred, we only took orders from others in the Sith language, a language we're still fluent in. But before then, we still spoke in Basic. You never really forget it."

"We still have you and Master Moarn to thank for reversing the damage," Sa'Rah said happily, her tail wagging. "It feels great being able to think and talk without barriers again."

"And your allies, this New Republic, have been nothing but kind to us," added Tegrim. "Master Moarn, too."

"It's a Jedi's duty to serve those who are in need of help," the Trandoshan replied warmly.

"Were there other questions you wanted to ask, Sentinel?" Rexxis queried. "You seem... troubled, if you don't mind my saying so."

Kajex wasn't quite sure how to respond. Knowing there could be others of their kind out in the universe gave him a glimmer of hope- but the revelation that Kentoh was in fact a clone bothered him greatly. Learning what he was had been fascinating, but fear kept him from doing anything more than shake his head. "If I think of something, I'll definitely ask, Rexxis."

"Well then I'll ask a question," Miles piped up. "What do you plan to do, now that you're free from imprisonment?"

There was a long pause as the pack glanced at each other with uncertain expressions. Rexxis seemed to be at a loss for words, wringing his paws slowly. "That... is an amazingly good question- one I suppose we haven't really discussed."

"Yeah, we've been kinda busy playin' catch-up with the rest of the universe," So'Rah said casually, reclining in his seat with a grin. "We don't exactly have what you'd call 'marketable job skills'--"

"-- unless you know someone in private security you can con by telling them we guarded a tomb for a couple thousand years," Sa'Rah finished with a giggle.

"And it's not like we're in a hurry to get back into hard labor," Mica added dully. "It might be the only thing we can do right from the get-go, but we've had enough of that nonsense for a lifetime."

Kajex glanced at Syrra hopefully- the Trianii smiled, catching the hint and leaning forward. "Just as a suggestion, putting it out there, but... would any of you express any interest in becoming Jedi?"

Kentoh seemed to brighten at the query, as did Mica and the twins; yet Tegrim seemed troubled, and Rexxis didn't answer immediately- Zephyr, as usual, remained silent, though she seemed keenly interested in the discussion. It was Master Moarn who spoke first, however. "It might benefit them to focus first on their education, Padawan. With all due respect, they are lacking in some areas. After that they are certainly welcome to pursue the option, if they'd like- I doubt Master Skywalker would have any objections."

"I agree that our education should come first," Rexxis said abruptly- there was a hint of relief on his face that Kajex couldn't quite understand, but also an air of finality in his words, as if this were not up for debate. "There's really no sense in making a decision when we're so ill-equipped with knowledge- the Sith didn't give us much in the way of anything, and if there are others who would offer us a chance to get back on our feet, we'd do well to take it."

"But-- I mean... can't we do both?" Kentoh asked quietly, staring at Kajex for a few moments before turning to his brother. "I mean, there's no reason we couldn't do a little bit at a ti--"

"Kentoh." Rexxis spoke his name firmly, issuing a hard stare at the younger wolf. Kentoh's ears flattened at the sound and he remained silent, allowing the older wolf the opportunity to speak. "We've had our fill of the intrigues of Sith and Jedi- we need to put focus on ourselves first before we commit to any alliances." He glanced up at Kajex and his crew. "No offense- but you need to understand that we come from a time when Jedi and Sith were at war. I, at least, am tired of it. I'd like it better if we had the ability to take care of ourselves before we make a choice."

Master Moarn nodded, though his brow was furrowed as he regarded the alpha with interest. "A wise course of action. Still, should you decide you wish to practice simple cantrips of the Force, I can instruct you- without injecting Jedi philosophy into it," he offered gently. "You are right, however- now is not the time for rash actions. With the Circle of Syn still active, the last thing we'd want is for them to take advantage of you, or put you in their crosshairs- we can certainly do without drawing attention to you all."

"Fair enough," Kajex replied casually, despite the fact that he was inwardly disappointed. But as he caught Kentoh staring at him longingly, he smiled back- the opportunity was still there, even if he had to wait a little longer. "Still, I hope you don't mind us coming in every week to check up on you guys and talk- not that there's going to be a shortage of that once lunch comes around."

"Ooo, perfect timing, Cap'n!" Sa'Rah barked happily, as five droids moved into the room with food trays. "Well, only a killjoy would eat while in a bad mood, so let's switch the talk up- tell us about your pack, Kaj!"

It took only a few minutes of talk for the mood to lighten significantly, such that an hour of storytelling had gone by before Kajex remembered how hollow he'd felt after hearing Kentoh's tale. That feeling was gone for the moment, disregarded as he, Locke, Syrra and the rest talked about how they had all met each other as enemies; how they'd reached out and saved each other and become friends; and how Locke, Keris and Miles came to the side of the Jedi thanks to Kajex's, Syrra's and Talrik's efforts. They spoke of the dead Knight Ulfric and the Battle of Katarr; Kajex told them briefly about his history and his two adoptive fathers, while Locke spoke of his forced servitude to the Sith- the latter tale garnered sympathy from the pack, as his treatment had been little better than their own.

But the conversation did not sour their moods- if anything, the pack seemed to look more at ease the longer they talked. Whether it was Tegrim insisting on hearing more of the history of the Republic and the Rebel Alliance or Kentoh pressing for more answers about the Jedi Praxeum, it was clear both packs had become comfortable with each other.

For the most part.

Throughout it all, Kajex could not help but feel Rexxis' eyes on him, his expression as unreadable as his thoughts. It was not that he didn't smile, laugh or talk as often as everyone else, for he was as engaged in discussion as his own brother- what confused the Sentinel, and partially worried him, was that his eyes would sometimes linger on him, then Kentoh. At certain key moments, Kajex wondered if Rexxis would say something to explain this, but at no point did he raise any concerns. Nevertheless, he became aware that Kentoh had also noticed these moments- when this happened, the younger wolf would seem subdued for a few minutes, until he returned to the spirit of the discussion.

While perhaps Talrik, Miles and Rook would have considered this meeting something of an extension to a vacation, Kajex knew better- in a time before the Clone Wars, this kind of visit would be precisely the sort of thing Bran would encourage. To meet with others who needed aid, to forge connections through friendship and alliance, was a facet of his job, the very meaning of what it meant to be a Sentinel. Kajex had learned the first day with his master why this was important; not just for people like this lost pack of Kanj'Isha, but for the Sentinel as well. And as he watched Syrra, Locke and Keris engage in friendly discussion with them, the corners of his muzzle lifted- they knew it too.

Lunch ended and both packs divided in mixed groups- Talrik, Rook and Miles chatted with Mica and Rexxis; So'Rah and Sa'Rah began sauntering the halls with Syrra and Keris (with the vixen and she-wolf making subtle, flirtatious comments towards each other that Syrra and So'Rah clearly picked up on with exasperated, but amused expressions); and Locke and Moarn had sat down with Tegrim and Zephyr, the latter of the two wolves looking a little calmer and whispering quietly with a shy smile at the albino wolf. Locke glanced up and gave the Sentinel a nod and a smile- things were well in hand.

Kajex, however, had not gotten to his feet to join in any of the groups; he was instead lost in his own thoughts- now that things were quieter, there was little to prevent him from feeling that hollowness from earlier. If Locke felt the same way, he did not show it, and the Sentinel wondered if perhaps his albino twin hadn't understood the implications of what they'd been told- or if he just too happy to care.

He wished he could feel like the latter.

"Kajex?"

The sound of his own voice startled him out of his preoccupation. His golden eyes flicked upwards as he straightened up, falling upon and locking with Kentoh's eyes. There was a pause, a moment of painful reflection, where Kajex considered how completely identical the younger wolf was. It had been horrifying the first time he'd seen it, because it seemed like a glimpse into what the Sentinel would appear like as a Sith servant; now it tore at him as he stared at the younger adult, thoughts coalescing into an uncomfortable conclusion.

"... I'm sorry, I don't mean to bother you. If you need some time alo--"

"No," Kajex responded, clearing his throat. "It's... I'm alright. I'm just... thinking."

"About what?" the younger wolf asked, sitting next to the Sentinel. "How similar we look?"

He nodded in response. "Yeah... plus what it actually means in the context of my own origins. It just... it doesn't answer some of the things I want to know. Or at least... it suggests things I'm not sure I like."

Kentoh cocked his head to the side. "Like what?"

Kajex paused, swallowing and casting his eyes to the side. "I told you about Bran and Kane. The only parents I ever really knew, right?"

Kentoh nodded. "You don't have to explain that relationship to me. I guess we never really touched on what we're like as a species- but a connection with anybody is a good connection. If your dads loved you as much as you say they did, then I have nothing negative to say- I'm glad you had a better life than most Kanj'Isha. I'm glad you actually had a life."

Kajex nodded, though this was not what was bothering him. "Would it be too selfish of me to wish that I at least had a little of what you had? Connection with other Kanj'Isha, or memories of... actual birth-parents?"

Kentoh frowned sadly. "Kajex... I don't have parents. I mean..." He sighed, scratching his head. "... Yeah, I have vague memories of the woman who gave birth to me- and I'm grateful she nursed me until I was old enough to be separated from her. But my family... it's them," he stated firmly, gesturing to the few members of his pack within eyesight. "Rexxis was born from the same mother eight years ahead of me, but everyone else was born from other mothers- and they're still my family, my siblings." He chuckled sadly. "Besides... technically, I don't have a mother or father. I'm a clone, remember?"

"Which... probably means I am, too," Kajex added quietly.

The teen nodded, ears drooping. "... Yeah. It's what the physician told me the evening after we were treated- that my genome had apparently already been analyzed. Didn't take long to figure out that my blood samples had also been your blood samples- or close enough."

"It's how Locke and I figured out we were both related," the Sentinel acknowledged as he shook his head. "I don't understand... how can it not be bothering him, knowing that we're both just copies from someone else?" He sighed, feeling a pang of self-pity- only for the pang to turn to confusion when Kentoh started grinning. "... What is it?"

Kentoh chuckled, this time warmly. "It's probably because he's figured out how little it matters to him, if it actually matters at all," the younger wolf suggested. "You and I being clones doesn't mean we aren't still Kanj'Isha. It just means that we're a little different- and not different enough to be treated differently. You told us how you guys got together, but... you didn't tell us everything. It's not hard to figure it out, either. You said Syrra was your co-pilot and fiancee- and you both share hair-beads, so you guys must be really close. Do you really think Syrra loves you because she doesn't think you're a clone? Or are you both so close that it wouldn't matter to her?"

The Sentinel blinked at the younger wolf's poignant question. "Well... no, you're right about that... but if I'm not even part of the culture--"

"If you expect me or the pack to say anything negative about being mated to someone who isn't a Kanj'Isha, then we've really done a poor job at telling you about ourselves, and what we're like," he said with a warm smile. "To us, bonding with others is as important as breathing, or eating. We thrive and survive when we have others to care for- and we die when we're alone. And bonding for a Kanj'Isha is deep. It's not just a matter of friendship, although it is that too. It can be as deep as physical intimacy, or taking multiple mates, or even being mated to someone of the same sex or gender. Whatever else the Sith did to us, they couldn't take that away- in fact, separating, dividing and mixing us together was probably the only reason we've been able to survive."

"So... you don't think Rexxis would have something to say about me eventually marrying a Trianii?" the Sentinel asked, feeling slightly childish- it was not as if he needed anyone's approval, but Kentoh's opinion seemed important to him.

"Not at all," Kentoh responded with a bright smile. "I think it's great. Kajex, you could take your own brother as your mate, and any living Kanj'Isha would support you and celebrate that union- that's... just what we do," he said simply. "When it comes to bonding; blood, species and sex are all irrelevant- even the boundaries of age hold little sway, within reason." He glanced between the members of Kajex's pack. "Only you and Locke are Kanj'Isha. You've chosen to take a Trianii as your mate; two of your pack are Amaran; one is Selonian; and the last is a Miraluka. Regardless of their blood, upbringing or species... you love them, right?"

"With the exception of Rook, I do care about them," the Sentinel responded without hesitation, heart swelling with pride for all of them. "It's... a weird family, but--"

"It's not a weird family," the younger wolf insisted, placing a paw on the older male's wrist. "It's your family. Bran and Kane were your parents, regardless of being human and Trianii. You don't have to worry, Kajex- regardless of if you're a clone, you are still Kanj'Isha, just like me and Rexxis, and everyone else in my pack. Don't let anyone tell you any different, and don't believe for a moment that you're a lesser person because you had a big enough heart to include others not of your kind into your life... or your bed," he added with a hard blush and a chuckle.

The Sentinel's ears flattened and he chuckled nervously. "Ah... I guess you--"

"Yeah, the scent's all over you guys," Kentoh acknowledged with a grin. "And that's fine. I mean... it's not like my pack isn't familiar with each other in that way. The Sith let it happen with all Kanj'Isha, it allowed them to cultivate the idea that we were savages that did it because we thought with our loins instead of our hearts and minds. We, on the other hand, thought they were more savage because of their intolerance."

"The Jedi weren't much better about it," Kajex responded dully. "They let us have sex if we wanted, but bonding was out."

"Then you should be glad you didn't let a stupid lesson like that take root," the younger wolf suggested. "You seem like a great guy- someone like you shouldn't have to force themselves to be alone."

"Thanks," the Sentinel replied, and he meant it. There was a brief pause as he glanced at Rexxis outside the room, leaning against the viewport. "Do you mind if I ask... what's with your brother?"

"You noticed him staring at you a few times, didn't you?" Kentoh winced and sighed. "Seeing you is a reminder of sorts, I guess."

"Of what?"

"... Of the fact that I'm not really Kentoh," he answered sadly, his ears drooping. "I mean... whatever I have- a soul, a spirit or something Force-related- is really me. It's really Kentoh. I guess that's all that really matters, but... the 'real' Kentoh, the physical brother he once had... he died thousands of years ago. And Rexxis hasn't quite forgotten that." He stared at Kajex. "Seeing you is a reminder to him that I'm a clone. He's not angry at me or you, or at least I don't believe he is, but it makes him remember what happened."

Kajex nodded. "... How did it happen, if you don't mind my asking?"

The younger wolf's answer was not immediate as he leaned back in his seat. When he did respond, it was slowly and reluctantly. "It was the beginning of the third day of survival. We'd put down at least thirty combat droids, dozens of lethal creatures made with Sith alchemy, and maybe a squad of Imperial troop rejects; Mica had been injured in the last skirmish, and Rexxis had directed us to take guard shifts while we made shelter. I volunteered to watch everyone during the night, but he didn't like the idea. He gave in after a while, though. While they were sleeping, the Sith apprentices attacked. They didn't expect me to put up a fight, but I did well enough... for a while. I cut down two of the three, but didn't see the last one come from behind." He winced. "Clean cut through the midsection, completely in half. Not an easy way to go."

"I'm sorry," Kajex replied, wincing as well. "Does it... hurt?"

"Death? I mean, dying hurt like a bitch, but actual death...? I... don't remember, actually," Kentoh said, looking thoughtful. "I can't imagine it was traumatic, or else I might've remembered something about it. But... all I really felt was... peace, I guess. And then a weird feeling in my head, and then bam- I'm on the floor, covered in goopy stuff, coughing my lungs out... but I'm alive."

"But they didn't know, did they? Your pack, I mean."

"Not at first. The way Tegrim tells it Rexxis spent the first day howling in grief. They all did, at least for a while- Rexxis grieved while the rest of the pack fought tooth and nail, angry that I'd been murdered. Even Zephyr was in a rage, tearing people apart with the Force. Then the fighting stopped and the 'test' was over, and everyone spent the next two days grieving, trying to stay strong. Then all of the sudden, I got kicked into the cell with them. They couldn't believe it at first, that I'd more or less come back from the dead."

He stared out the viewport at his older brother, sighing. "Rexxis didn't want to believe it. I think he was afraid he was going crazy, that if he accepted that I'd come back, I'd just be taken away from him again. Tried to hate me, told me I was nothing but a damned clone, a... a soulless copy of Kentoh," he said sadly, shivering. "It took him a whole week for him to come to his senses, and it was only after he'd snapped and nearly beat me to a pulp, howling that I wasn't Kentoh, that he realized he was wrong. I was more than ready to die to let him be at peace- and I even told him that."

Kajex whined softly. "That's... I'm sorry."

He shook his head. "It gave me the chance to reach out to him through the Force, something he was resisting the entire time. It was the moment I needed to prove I was his brother. Once it clicked, he broke down and hugged me, happy that I was really back and sorry that he had rejected me for so long." He smiled sadly. "I don't hate him for that. If I'd been in his position, I might've done the same thing, too. So when he sees you... I think it reminds him that he did lose Kentoh, and that on some level... he owes the Sith for bringing me back to him."

"He doesn't--"

"I know," Kentoh said, nodding. "He doesn't owe them a damn thing, but it's how he feels. Sith servitude was unfortunately a way of life we'd accepted on some level. He knew we, as a people, lost almost everything- but losing someone of his own blood was too much for him. It's why he's a little... overprotective."

"At least you got your soul back," Kajex responded dully. "If I'm from the same template as Kentoh, then... where did mine come from? Or Locke's, for that matter? Do we even have one between us?"

The younger wolf seemed stunned by this question, and it was a few seconds before he answered. "I... I'm not going to lie and say that I know where it came from. But you must have one, something unique only to you that sets you apart from me. If a soul is just memory, positive feelings, the ability to bond with other people, and just being compassionate enough to help someone in need... then I'd say you more than likely have one." He gestured again to his pack with a smile. "You wouldn't have gone out of your way to help us out if you didn't."

"Heh... you're a font of wisdom, aren't you," the Sentinel suggested warmly, reaching out and ruffling the younger male's hair. Kentoh chuckled in response, leaning into the petting.

"Well, you asked. I'm just letting you know what I think, how I view it all. And maybe it's just that I'm biased because you saved me from dying, but... how can I not admire you? Hearing how you lived, what you're doing and where you're going- I'm actually kinda envious," he admitted, his tail wagging. "It's like... looking at a future version of me, older and experienced, doing the things I would've loved to do with my life. If I ever get the chance, I'd love to be able to do it, too."

"Well... once you and your pack have everything squared away, and once this nonsense with the Circle of Syn blows over? Let's just say I recently added a lot of room to my ship," he mentioned with a grin. "Enough room for, say... seven more people?"

Kentoh's face lit up. "You... would want to teach me? And my pack?"

Kajex nodded. "If it's what you want to do with your life, then who am I to try to stop you?" He paused, looking around. "In fact... wanna have a look inside the Gold Rush? I don't think anybody'll mind, it's not like I'm gonna kidnap you or anything."

"Absolutely!" he barked, jumping up to his feet. "Hey, Master Moarn?"

The Trandoshan looked up from his discussion with Locke and Tegrim. "Yes, lad?"

"Kajex and I would like to enter the hangar, in case you wanted to know," he informed the Jedi Master, his tail wagging anxiously.

Moarn chuckled. "Very well, I'll tell your brother. And Sentinel, please be so kind as to keep your ship docked."

"Aww, you're no fun," the wolf joked.

Locke gave his twin a lopsided smile. "Knowing you, you'll probably find a way to keep yourselves entertained."