FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

_ "Master Yoda said I should be mindful of the future." _

_ "But not at the expense of the moment." _

~Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jin

"It's really amazing what can happen within a week, isn't it," Kajex said blandly.

The Gold Rush pack had finished their debriefing after hours of explaining what had happened on the Omega-Orr. Their tale had been a hard pill for Master's Skywalker, Katarn, Moarn and the representatives of the NRI to swallow; not least because despite mostly ending the Infection on the now-disabled Interdictor-class star destroyer, the NRI now had to contend with the fact that the Infection had spread into New Republic territories- it would be weeks before they could get a rough idea of how bad the situation was, and the only upside where the Infection was concerned was that medical officer Saine was more than happy to share the anti-virus she had developed so it could be synthesized and distributed.

It had required a night of recovery for them to be at a decent-enough shape to begin debriefing everyone. By now Kajex's arm was no longer numb and he could move it again, though it was still exceptionally sore; Liam had made a full recovery after a night in a bacta tank; the survivors of the Omega-Orr had been treated and were awaiting transport into Republic territories, having been granted permission to seek temporary asylum; and Keris was fully healed and looking happier than ever, even now holding her fiancee's paw.

But while the pack was still trying to come to terms with the living nightmare they had experienced (and survived), they also had to contend with the things that they had missed in the few days that they'd been out of contact with the Republic. Moarn swiftly informed them that what was now being called the Almanian Uprising had been "rectified", though it had resulted in the deaths of many millions of beings in the Wild Space regions. And despite the warlord responsible for the uprising having been stopped, it seemed a portion of the Republic was ready to throw Chief of State Leia Organa to the wolves (figuratively) for not reacting soon enough.

"A Vote of No Confidence?" Liam asked, frowning as he shifted in his medical chair. "Perhaps my political knowledge in Republic space is misinformed, but I was under the impression that Lady Organa was a fine politician."

"She is," Luke agreed, his holographic image flickering slightly as he nodded. "Yet like any politician she is not without her share of detractors, and being at such a high position in the government means the ramifications and reception of her decisions are proportionally larger. While she still has far more supporters than critics even after the Senate bombing, I'm still very concerned that this is the second time within a year that she's faced such backlash. I sense the strain is getting to her- and who could blame her, really."

"If there's anything we can do..." Locke started to say.

"I appreciate your concern, Guardian Surnahm," Luke replied appreciatively, "but you have plenty enough on your plates as is. You all did incredibly well to put an end to the Infection on the Omega-Orr, despite the terrible injuries you sustained and the horrors you faced. For now, though, we'll have to put our trust in the Republic to do the right thing."

"I guess it helps that they're seriously considering your request to send relief teams to help out," Master Kyle Katarn said from another holoprojection. "That should strengthen relationships with the Wild Space Region a bit- assuming they aren't too sour that we stepped in a bit too late, that is. Anyway, Luke is right- Syrra lost an arm and the only place she's going to get a replacement is from the Trian system. So you guys might as well make a break of it."

"Markus and Calya's union ceremony is in a couple of weeks, too," the feline Padawan said hopefully. "We'd been invited to attend, if we have your leave."

"I insist that you do," Luke responded with a warm smile. "Jedi Sentinels need to be an active part of the universe, not just limited to Republic territories. As it stands, we have an assignment for you that would mesh well with your request for a break."

"What's that?" Keris asked.

"I've talked with our Knights and Masters about the situation with Almania- it was something that could have been mitigated, if not avoided, had we kept up to date and possessed the mobility of the old order. As a result it's been suggested by a few of Leia's political supporters that the Jedi Order have a few roaming vessels in different parts of the galaxy, to keep tabs on known conflicts or recent areas of interest, as well as provide a safe means for Force-sensitives to get in touch with the Jedi Order. The archaeological team on Dakua, for instance, has a ship ready to support them at moment's notice as they investigate other sites along the Outer Rim and interview Force-sensitive applicants; but the Wild Space territories doesn't have anything similar- yet. And as it appears that the Circle of Syn seems to be keen on operating in or near the region, we've agreed it would be best to assign you to the area."

"Not a bad call," Syrra nodded approvingly. "Kaj and I are familiar with the region, at least."

"Indeed- to that end, we're also putting the Inspired at your disposal. With all due respect, Sentinel, even though the Gold Rush is an impressive ship, we feel it would be best if you were accompanied by a Jedi-affiliated vessel with alot more space, and little more punch."

Kajex straightened at this news. "Wait, you... you're granting our pack access to a Dreadnaught? Does it even have enough hands onboard to handle her?"

"We need eyes and ears wherever we can put them, kid," Kyle explained. "The current captain of the Inspired, Lars Odin, asked for extended leave to spend time with his family, and after the scuffles with the Black Fleet and recent Imperial Remnant movements, the New Republic thinks it's a good idea to greenlight his request and position him near the Outer Rim territories- he'll be leaving with the Omega-Orr's survivors tomorrow morning. As a result, Master Moarn has agreed to take over duties as captain of the Inspired."

Moarn gave them an uneasy smile. "It's not an assignment I'm familiar with, but the crew here has been nothing but kind. And as for whether it has enough hands, this vessel is one of the few that remain from the Katana fleet- most of its systems are fully automated, cutting down on the necessary crew size by a significant amount. I requested the position and had a few dozen extra hands added from the Praxeum to help keep the ship at top efficiency." His eyes flicked to Talrik. "Your mother, Etina Lye, was one of them, and she brought along your sibling as well."

The Ranger's ears perked up. "Mom's here? But why?"

"Well, I needed only to mention your name and she jumped on the chance. This is not a warship so much as an education and exploration vessel, capable of operating independently for at least a year, yet possesses the means to keep in contact with the Republic and the Praxeum, as long as she had skilled engineers to keep her healthy- your mother is more than qualified, and having access to the educational facilities here will allow your brother to finish his studies."

"Also, you and Locke did ask to spend time with your kin," Kyle added. "We figured putting them within reach would be a pretty good arrangement, especially if they decide they want to take up Jedi training. With the student population on the ship as it is, they'll have others to train with and study under while you're away."

"And as Kajex and Syrra mentioned there was a Force-sensitive child on Ekibo whose parents showed interest in sending her to the Praxeum, I wondered if it would be a good opportunity for a Jedi Master to broach the topic to them," Moarn finished. "You would be there, obviously, as they are your friends."

Kajex sat back, considering everything. He had expected Luke to agree to the pack getting another break, albeit a short one; yet what Luke was offering was far better and smarter than he had expected. Given that it would allow for him and Syrra to meet with friends and family; for Syrra to meet with Aarn and Iaora and spend time with them while getting a replacement limb; and for Locke, Keris and Miles to meet everyone; the Sentinel was more than ready to agree.

"Is there any catch?" he finally asked after a few moments.

"Only that the Inspired will have to abide by system laws like any other vessel- that means if the Trianii don't want it around for any reason, you respect that wish." Luke glanced at Syrra. "I don't fault your people for being wary of outsiders. While the Inspired by itself isn't exactly imposing against most fleets, there's no reason to agitate them if they want no Republic presence- we are technically still a part of it. And we ask that you don't scratch it up, either," he added with a grin. "It was part of the Katana fleet, and it cost a lot of credits to retrofit it... before we stole it from the Empire."

Taking a moment to look around at everyone seated (and getting approving nods from everybody), he grinned back. "Well, as long as you're offering- deal."

The debriefing had ended with everyone dispersing in different directions, with Master Moarn, Kajex, Syrra, Locke and Keris heading off to spend some time with the Black Tomb pack; while Miles and Liam headed to the galley to get some food and wait for the Jedi to join them. But Talrik had something different in mind for himself and Rook, as the two made their way to the engineering section, his tail wagging excitedly as they got closer.

"Easy, mate," Rook advised him with a chuckle. "It's just yer ma, innit?"

"It's my mom, yeah- and it's also you," he added, squeezing her paw as his nerves tingled with anticipation. "I said I wanted you to meet them, and I meant it- I just didn't think the opportunity would come so soon. I didn't even know she was here, I was so tired I just kinda passed out the moment they gave us a cot to sleep on."

"You and everyone else, yeah," Rook agreed. "I can tell this means a lot to you, but don't worry; if your ma's anything like you, I think we'll get along just fine."

"You're okay with this, then?" he asked, pausing for a moment at a blast door. He could not forget how quickly the bond between them had formed. "I mean, it's only been three weeks since we met. You'd figure most couples would wait a couple months, right?"

"Love, some couples in parts of the universe get hitched within three weeks. Obviously, Keris and Locke aren't one of those couples, but that's their pace. We're goin' at our own pace towards wherever, and I'm fine with it," she assured him, pulling into him close and hugging him. "Fact is, I'm more worried than you are; assuming we ever get my ship back and my old man doesn't murder the shit out of me, what's he gonna say about me hooking up with an aruetii? So try not to let your nerves get the better of you- we'll be fine."

Letting her words assuage his fears and excitement, he sighed and hugged back, holding her for a few moments before they both entered the engineering section of the ship. They were immediately greeted with the flash of a welding device, the smell of ozone wafting through the air. A female's voice could be heard barking orders to a small team of hard-working technicians, echoing in the large chamber and gaining in volume as the two approached.

"Just 'cuz your previous captain is gettin' reassigned is no excuse for you lot to sit around with yer thumbs up yer asses, y'hear?!" Etina Lye snapped, giving a hard stare at one lazy-looking technician- he immediately straightened up and got back to work. "Ya'll got your work assignments, I expect you to be done with them before the ship's ready to move out tomorrow morning! And I don't care if it's an hour before break, I ain't letting you slack off until the chrono says 1200!" She spotted a younger tech re-enter the work area with a welder, activating it and nearly dropping it when the vixen barked at her. "Hey! Gloves on at all times, kid!"

Rook grinned as they watched her chew out the lazier staff. "That's your mom?" Talrik nodded. "I like her already."

It took another minute before the vixen was done, looking satisfied at the higher energy. "Alright, that's better. Keep that up for the next half-hour, you guys'll get an early break." Her eyes shifted in their direction and she brightened, smiling at her son. "Er... I'm takin' my break now."

"Wait, you're taking a break and letting us do all the work?" one of the engineers complained.

"I'm Senior Engineer!" Etina shot back with a glare. "And it's just thirty minutes of work for you lot, get back to it!" The back-talker quickly returned to his job and she jogged towards the two, embracing her son tightly. "Gods, I missed you so much, pup," she said with a sigh. "You haven't been home in three weeks and even with the updates I was getting I was worried so much about you."

Talrik purred, squeezing the older, shorter Amaran tight. "I missed you too, ma. Was thinking a lot about you these last couple of days, trust me," he sighed. "The things we saw... it's like a nightmare made real."

"There's rumors you and your pack fought zombies," the vixen said softly with a slight whine. "I don't listen much to rumors, but there had to be a reason the rumor sprang up at all."

"They were zombies," Talrik answered, shuddering. "It's a hell of a story, if you can stomach it we'll tell you when you have more time."

"Did Syrra really lose her arm?"

"'Fraid so," he responded, letting go of her. "But she's a tough cat, and we're gonna get her a replacement in the next couple of days- it's why we're heading to Ekibo tomorrow."

"Glad to hear it- I like that girl, she's a sweetheart. But anyway," she said, turning her eyes to the albino otter, "who's your friend here? I don't think I've seen you around, lass."

The Ranger beamed. "This, ah... this is Ryan O'Keefe, or Rook for short. She's a Mandalorian bounty hunter we met on Dakua, when she was hired to kill Kajex- before we hired her to join the crew," he added quickly, looking a bit nervous. "She... we're kinda..."

Rook blushed. "Your son and I are in a close, physical relationship," she said bravely with her paw held out, "and he was anxious to have me meet you. Truth be told I was looking forward to meeting you too- now I see where he gets his integrity and bad-assness from."

Etina grinned, grabbing and shaking the Selonian's paw warmly. "Well, ain't you a bold one! And I'm Etina Lye, your boyfriend's mom. Pleasure t'meet you."

Compared to the last time the Gold Rush pack spent time with the Black Tomb pack (which was also their first time), Kajex experienced a far better time with everyone's company, especially since the time between then and now had resulted in what was easily the most frightening and unusual job the Sentinel had ever been a part of; which made for a very entertaining story. Though everyone expressed sympathy for Syrra's injury, they were nevertheless impressed with how she kept things together; and upon hearing the news that Locke and Keris were engaged, everyone (even the normally stoic alpha, Rexxis) offered their sincere congratulations.

"So what'd you give her, Locke?" Tegrim asked the Guardian. "It's typical in most cultures to present a potential mate with a gift, and we Kanj'Isha are no different in that regard."

"Yeah, except with us it was usually stone carvings or little trinkets we stole from the Sith," So'Rah quipped with a grin.

Keris fished out the Amaranian Emerald Locke had proposed to her with, blushing deeply. "It's not strictly necessary for Amaran to offer an engagement jewel; it's a little old-fashioned, to be fair- but when it's an emerald like this, it's usually a very serious gesture," she added, beaming at the white wolf as she passed the stone to Sa'Rah.

"It's like a leaf stuck in a gemstone," the black-furred female said with a tone of awe. "It's pretty to look at, even rough. Whatcha gonna do with it when you get it cut and polished?" she asked as she passed it to Mica, who peered at the stone with interest.

Keris hesitated. "Well... up till recently, I was using the lightsaber Inquisitor Voyde gave to me. But in order to buy time to escape, I had to chuck it at a viewport and let the vacuum suck it up, so it's probably still floating around somewhere. I'm okay with that, though, it didn't feel right wielding it." She paused briefly, smiling uncertainly at her fiancee. "Sooo... I was thinking, if you're okay with it, I could maybe use it to... construct a new lightsaber, maybe?"

Locke chuckled. "It's your stone, love- you're free to do as you would like with it. And if you feel it'd be best to serve as a weapon of peace, then you certainly have my support."

"So, what about you guys?" Kajex asked, leaning back in his seat. "Studies been going alright?"

Rexxis nodded, giving Master Moarn a sincere smile. "Master Moarn has been very patient with us, and the flash training regimen mixed with him using the Force to open our minds to learning has been immeasurably helpful. I doubt we'll need more than a few months of it, less if we train every day." He started to continue, yet was stopped as Kentoh cleared his throat and gave him a significant look, which Rexxis nodded at. "Although... our pack has been feeling a little bit restless lately," he admitted.

"It's boring on board this ship," Sa'Rah whined. "I mean, no offense to Master Moarn, he's been a big sweetheart helping us learn, but we've been stuck here three_ weeks_ without seeing anything outside this ship, besides vacuum and distant planets."

Rexxis sighed and nodded. "As wary as I am for our pack to reconnect with the rest of the universe during these uncertain times, I agree; the staff here have been kind and have answered any questions we've asked to the best of their abilities, but that doesn't really take away our desire to see other parts of the universe." He chuckled ironically. "We've spent perhaps four thousands years in stasis, trapped in the Black Tomb- we'd like to at least have sporadic a change of pace from the interior of the Inspired."

Master Moarn nodded. "I can certainly sympathize. I am a Jedi Master, I'm trained to be patient when I'm given dull assignments- but even I inwardly long for a change in pace." He paused, musing. "Come to think of it, maybe that's why Jocasta Nu was a bit acerbic, spending so many decades as the Jedi Archive's Chief Librarian. Nevertheless, you are not prisoners on this ship. You're free to come and go as you will, though I hope you'll understand that I'd prefer accompanying you all when you do."

"We're not pups," So'Rah said, though he grinned at the reptilian Jedi. "I can tie my own boot buckles now!"

"Perhaps not," Moarn replied with a chuckle, "but I hope you don't mind me considering you my friends, either."

"Well, as long as we're going to Ekibo you guys might as well come down with us to stretch your legs, get a look at me and Syrra's homeplanet, y'know?" Kajex suggested. "It's not incredibly interesting, but it's peaceful enough and you guys'll be welcome to stay on the Gold Rush."

"That'd be great," Rexxis replied appreciatively.

"If you don't mind my asking," Syrra spoke up, "have you given any further thought to Jedi training?"

At this question, Rexxis winced. "I... still have my reservations," he admitted with a sigh. "But at the same time, I know it would be unfair for me to dictate how the rest of the pack spends their lives and their free time, even if I am this pack's alpha. I just..."

Tegrim interjected during this pause, giving the older male an understanding smile. "You don't need to explain yourself, Rex- we know you're just looking out for us after everything that's happened. As it is, I'm a little hesitant myself, so... I'll have to think about it."

"I'm up for it," Kentoh said with a weak attempt at hiding his excitement, his tail swinging around frantically. "It'll give me something to do, at least."

"Same with us!" So'Rah and Sa'Rah chimed in simultaneously.

As Mica passed Keris' stone to Zephyr, their youngest packmember, the well-built female nodded. "I wouldn't mind a little bit of combat training, either. I'm in."

"Well, that's more than half the pack," Rexxis sighed, offering a bland smile. "I suppose you and your brother will want to teach the few us that are willing, Sentinel?"

Kajex's heart skipped a few beats- now that he knew the majority of the Black Tomb pack was interested, it had only just hit him that he would be training that many students. "I... er, well..." He glanced at Locke, who gave him an uncertain smile- clearly he hadn't thought about it, either.

"Kajex is a very capable teacher in the ways of the Jedi Sentinel; and Locke is an excellent combatant, an ideal Jedi Guardian instructor," Master Moarn interjected with a tone of conviction- the vote of confidence was sincere enough that Locke brightened and even Kajex felt a pang of appreciation. "I'm sure they will do a fine job educating anyone who is interested in the ways of the Force- when they are free to do so. As both of them will no doubt be assigned to missions of their own, however, that education may be sporadic; so if you are receptive to the idea, I would also like to help in your Force education as well."

Rexxis nodded, looking a little more satisfied. "We'd appreciate it."

"When can we start?" Kentoh asked eagerly.

Kajex glanced at the current members of his pack, smiling. "As soon as we get settled on Ekibo."

Two days later, the Inspired and its new crew had reached the Trian system. After being granted permission by Ekibo's yu'nar to remain in orbit, Kajex had gathered both packs, Master Moarn and Liam (who had decided to stick around for an 'extended leave period') into the Gold Rush and made preparations to get them down to the surface, planning to land at the Baarok Estate. Yet as excited as Syrra was to see her mother again, Kajex could feel a slight twinge of unease within her. Once the Inspired was in an agreeable orbit and the Gold Rush had been checked by the local Trianii Ranger patrol, Syrra had decided it would be the best time to admit to the wolf that while Iaora and Aarn were expecting sixteen visitors in total and prepared to meet them, she had not told them she was also seeking a replacement for her missing arm.

Kajex looked as if he'd been slapped, gaping at her as she keyed in coordinates for the ship to penetrate the outer atmosphere, taking a moment to glance at both Locke and Kentoh as if they might offer something to say in response to her admission (though they offered little beyond looking away uncomfortably). "I- what? Kitten... that's kinda important, you know."

The Trianii's ears flattened in shame. "I know, but at the same time I didn't want my mother to worry so much. I figured it would be best to tell her in person so that she knows that I'm not suffering and that I'm alright." There was a pause as turbulence rocked the ship around slightly. "... Maybe not perfect, but at least that I'm not in any pain."

"She'd want you to tell her."

"I know- and I will tell her," she assured him as she pulled on her bomber jacket with one arm. "Don't think I'm not worried about all this. We should be breaking the clouds any sec-- there we go."

"That... is a lot of farmland," Kentoh said with a tone of awe, leaning over Kajex's seat and peering out of the cockpit.

The Gold Rush had broken through the cloud cover a few miles away from the estate, descending at a steep enough angle that they were able to get a clear view of the vast expanses of wheat and vegetable fields. With harvest season having ended months ago the land was bare, but still beautiful, with sporadic spots of snow and frost having accumulated on the higher hills. Ice had formed around the corners of the cockpit viewport, persisting even as they approached the manor.

"I regret never having the opportunity to explore this planet myself," Locke said wistfully, seated behind Syrra. "You just don't see this kind of solid respect for nature and agriculture on most worlds anymore."

"It's true. Ekibo is a world devoted towards harvest," Syrra informed Locke and Kentoh. "A lot of this belongs to my mother- both of them, in fact," she added a bit dryly, prompting Kajex to smile at her.

"Cheer up, the Matriarch probably won't come to see you this time," Kajex assured her. "I mean, she probably knows we're here anyway, but at least she hates my guts enough that she'll probably stay away. Look, there's Iaora already," he pointed out, as he lowered the ship's speed until it was hovering above the landing pad- both she and Aarn were waving happily as they set down gently. "I got all of this settled, kitten- you should go on and sa--"

"Oh no you don't," Syrra cut him off, keeping in pace with him as he began shutting systems down. "We're both getting off this ship together, so my mother can get a good look at my fiancee."

The Sentinel made no further argument, though he did chuckle. It took only a few moments for the Gold Rush to be powered down, at which point everyone gathered in the lounge. Having agreed it would be best to wait until Syrra and Kajex could be greeted by their hosts, the majority of the passengers waited as he, Syrra, Locke and Keris descended down the ramp.

Iaora, it seemed, could not wait to embrace her surrogate daughter, approaching them swiftly as the Padawan stepped out from under the ship's hull. "<You return once again,>" Iaora choked out, embracing the younger Trianii tightly, the other hugging back in a one-armed embrace. "<Every day I don't see you is a day my heart aches, my daughter.>"

"<I missed you too,>" Syrra responded, her snuffles muffled in Iaora's fur. "These last few days have been so trying for me- I thought of you and Uncle Aarn so much."

"I had a feeling something terrible had happened," Iaora responded in Basic. "But after seeing you now before me, whole and happy, my mind is at peace."

Kajex winced at the words, watching as Syrra cringed a the same moment. "I'm n-not exactly 'whole', mother," she admitted weakly. "I came her because the Republic couldn't help me with my injury- and I knew you both could." The reluctance radiating off her was so thick, Kajex felt like it could stop a lightsaber, as she hesitantly shouldered off her jacket and held up what remained of her right arm.

Iaora's gasp was heartbreaking, the wolf letting out a quiet, sympathetic whine as tears rolled down her face. "Oh cub... what happened to you?" she whispered.

"That... I'm responsible for that, madam," Locke said abruptly, stepping forward and bowing to her with a look of shame ears flat against his hair. "All of us, your daughter included, were assigned to a mission that quickly went sour. An abomination attacked her paw and infected her. Severing her arm was the only way to safeguard her life," he said. "I'm truly sorry."

Iaora approached him. "Syrra told me of you... you are Kajex's recently-discovered brother- Locke, correct?"

Locke nodded, casting his eyes down.

Without warning, Iaora wrapped his arms around the white wolf and hugged him. "From the bottom of my heart, you have my deepest gratitude and love for saving my daughter, Jedi Locke."

Locke looked stunned, confused by her reaction. "I... thank you, ma'am," he managed with a blushing smile, one that made Keris snicker.

"And that's why I said yes to you wanting to marry me, hon," she intoned mischievously, as she stepped forward and held out her paw. "I'm Keris, Locke's fiancee and Syrra's friend. I feel like I should thank you by association, she's saved my tail with her healing- and Locke's too."

"It's very nice to meet you both," Aarn said with a chuckle, shaking both their paws. "Any friend or ally of Syrra's is a friend of ours by extension. And don't you worry about your injury, cub; Trianii cybernetic replacements are easy to modify for your physical needs- you might quickly forget you have one at all. So, where's your soldier friend, lad?" he asked. "I seem to recall being told you had about a dozen other people to meet."

The wolf grinned, flicking a wayward thought to Master Moarn and turning. "They're coming," he replied, as the sound of a dozen boots on a durasteel deck echoed through the ship and out the hatch. Talrik was the first down the ramp, followed by Miles and Liam, then Master Moarn, and finally the entire Black Tomb pack, each of them bowing and waving at their two hosts.

"Well," Kajex said, clapping his paws together. "Let's get introductions underway."

Kajex had been worried that having sixteen visitors at Baarok Estate would have been difficult for Aarn and Iaora to deal with, even with a staff of 2 dozen retainers and assistants. Yet he quickly realized that his brief stays at the Estate had limited the reality of how expansive the manor was, and how much money Aarn and Iaora had (to say nothing of how charitable they were). And though he expected there to be some altercation based on potential disagreements with nine Kanj'Isha, two former Sith (who had taken Trianii prisoners a year ago), two ex-Imperial soldiers, a CSA financial officer, a mercenary who had once tried to kill Kajex, and a Jedi Master who had once had a falling out with Syrra; the Sentinel found himself astounded at how well everyone (not just Aarn and Iaora, but the staff as well) got along with each other- which was to say, better than he could have hoped.

It was a scene Kajex hadn't been ready to experience, as pleasant as it was. When it was just him, Bran and Kane, celebrations were sincere and personal, but never truly exuberant; yet the entire Black Tomb pack seemed to be brimming with positive energy as they ate, talked and befriended their hosts, such that it wasn't long before much of the pack had gotten up to help move dishes around as they chatted with the Trianii attendants. For all the idioms he'd heard about cats and dogs being at each other throats (wherever such nonsense had come from), the Sentinel could not imagine more minds being at peace while enjoying each other's company. It was very much like a cheesy holiday special on the holovision, with actors portraying happy families with ham-fisted messages- except here, the smiles and feelings were sincere, the people were flawed and scarred and yet accepted for who they were.

"Very much what you might not expect from the Trianii, eh lad?" Aarn asked him, pulling him out of his thoughts as he seated himself between the wolf and Master Moarn at one end of the table.

"Hmm?" Kajex shook himself out of his slight trance. "Sorry, I kinda spaced out for a moment."

"It looked like you were in a blank-stared Jedi meditation of some sort- which would be a first for me to witness," the doctor chuckled. "You surprised me and Iaora, being able to keep your Force sensitivity a secret; though I suppose that's my fault, not checking your bloodwork for midichlorian concentrations." He turned to the dining hall, where even the attendants had seated themselves to spend their time with the new visitors. "But I was simply pointing out that this is hardly a scene you'd see among Trianii, were they to mingle with non-Trianii."

The wolf stared for a moment, mulling that over. It was true to say that the majority of Trianii culture didn't take to outsiders very kindly, not within the inner systems. Ekibo and Fabuli were slightly different, but it was still surprising to see so many open-minded Trianii in one room. "You're not wrong," he finally said, thinking back to his second father, Kane. "My Trianii dad wasn't invited much by his family, as you can imagine. But seeing everyone here, knowing that the relationships and friends I've made are out of the ordinary for them and still seeing my friends and kin being treated kindly? I really wasn't expecting it at all," he admitted, nodding. "Although... that probably has a lot to do with you, right?"

Aarn nodded, looking solemn as his eyes peered off to one of the halls. Kajex followed his gaze, spotting a short brown-furred Trianii male with green eyes and blonde hair. "Much of it has to do with Ka'un and Bast; the former for his kindness, compassion and ability to see people's potential, and the latter for her negligence and ability to be an abject lesson on the shortcomings of xenophobia." He sighed as the young male's ears flattened nervously, trying to keep hidden. "That lad over there is Syrra's older brother- Ra'Tasum."

"Syrra told me about him- including the abuse," the wolf responded quietly, ears drooping as he recalled the abuse she'd recounted him having endured. Even now, he could hear Matriarch Bast's voice, nearly three months prior- "You would house my degenerate, tail-raising son?"

"Abuse?" Moarn repeated, looking curious.

Aarn nodded. "I don't know if you've ever seen bigotry against the love of two beings of the same sex before, Jedi Master, but here in the Trian system it's a pervasive issue among the populace. Ra'Tasum is not only the smallest male of his family, but his attraction to males was discovered very early in his life- and such attraction is considered abominable to the strictest adherents of our culture's religion."

"I see," Moarn responded, looking troubled. "I certainly feel much apprehension and fear in him. But as he's among family, would he not be more comfortable?"

The doctor shook his head. "You need to understand that when I say he was outed very early, I mean to say when he was 15- only a year after Trianii adulthood. He fears those he does not know because he believes his preferences are so readily apparent and unacceptable to anyone, and so he's very withdrawn as a result." He sighed. "Syrra is closest to Iaora- in spirit, the two are very much alike. While I don't take the bulk of our religion seriously, I truly believe Syrra is Iaora's rightful daughter. Ra'Ta, on the other hand, is as close to a son as I will ever have. I've done everything I can to alleviate his fear and comfort him, but some scars will always remain." He paused to take a sip of his drink. "The abuse he has suffered simply for confessing love for another male has been unnecessarily cruel. His own loved one was... murdered."

Kajex flinched. "Why? I know a bit about the Trianii spiritual culture, I've never known it to be punishable by death."

"It's not- but the mother ended his life anyway," Aarn said sadly. "Because of this, Ra'Ta is not as open as he would like to be. He's reserved, shy- he worries what others will think of him, or that others will suffer for feeling as he does. Now I'm certain you, of all people, would treat him very kindly. And as you have admitted to being physically open with your own brother, Talrik and the two kind humans you have befriended, I'm confident that those you surround yourself with are also as kind." He smiled at Kajex. "I did the same thing, selecting retainers and assistants I know possessed the compassion to see Ra'Ta was someone to be loved and cherished- and some of whom have also faced what he faces. All of them, Ra'Ta included, will always have a home here if they need it."

"That's very kind of you," Moarn intoned with a look of admiration. "It's reassuring to see even the civilians of the universe show such kindness."

"He may be family, but I've learned that compassion should be exercised with all you can afford to share it with. That said- you're family too, lad," he proclaimed, thumping the wolf's back amicably. "If you, your pack, your friends or your kin ever need a place to stay, well... we have more than enough room, and we'd be more than happy to oblige."

"Thanks," Kajex said, appreciation for the Trianii physician at an all-time high, prompting him to respond a moment later. "And if you and yours ever need a hand, my ship is open for you, too."

"Lad... I don't care what Bast says- you're a good one," Aarn chuckled, squeezing the wolf's shoulder.

"Ra'Tasum!"

Kajex looked up just in time to see Syrra leap up from her seat, her chirp of surprise drawing everyone's attention as she easily vaulted over the table and sprinted to her brother. The slightly older Trianii's ears folded back apprehensively as she approached, but there was no mistaking the look of happiness on his face as she embraced him.

"<H-hi, little sister,>" he muttered in their language, almost inaudibly. "<I heard you had come back, a-and... I wanted to see you. I didn't expect so many friends,>" he whispered.

"<I haven't seen you in so long,>" she purred back in their tongue, hugging him tight and smiling broadly. "<I have so much to tell you, things you wouldn't believe- and people who I know would love to meet you.>" The Trianii Padawan glanced at Kajex before speaking softly to the brown-furred Trianii. "<Come meet them, Ra'Ta- please? They're more than kind, they include people who have saved my life, I know you'll like them.>"

"<I- but I- it's kind of you, Syrra, but... you know what I'm like,>" he chuckled sadly.

The timid words, the strained smile Ra'Ta possessed, affected the wolf such that a pang of pity welled up in him. Lacking so much self-confidence, thinking so little of himself- the Sentinel could feel self-doubt clouding the feline like a dense stormcloud shrouding the sun.

But Kajex smiled anyway. He could fix that.

"<I do know you,>" Syrra was telling him as Kajex started to easily project glimmers of hope and confidence into the older of the two siblings. "<I know you really want to be a part of this, to meet new people,>" she said, leaning in to nuzzle her brother affectionately.

"<T-they... they won't mind me being...?>" he trailed off, but his expression was more hopeful as he looked in the direction of the table. A couple of the Black Tomb pack were all smiles and cocked heads, wondering who the new guest was and when he would introduce himself; Kajex poured a bit more confidence into him, fully aware that Master Moarn was observing him.

Syrra shook her head. "<Not at all! A couple of them are, too,>" she told him. "<They'll understand you and your heart, Ra'Ta.>" She took his paw gently, and while Kajex had a feeling the action would have normally caused the male distress, Ra'Ta instead seemed to look a little bolstered by it, standing up straighter and breathing easier as he cautiously allowed himself to be led to the throng. By the time they had reached the table, Ra'Ta was looking far more relaxed, even happy as Tegrim reached out and shook his paw.

"That's not exactly the conventional use of battle meditation, my friend," Master Moarn said with a tone of approval, "but it was a much-needed kindness nevertheless."

Kajex shrugged, smiling at Syrra- the Trianii caught his look from the other end of the table and smiled back, the look in her eyes conveying that she knew he had helped. "I know what it's like to feel isolated- nobody should have to be alone."

It had been in the noon hours when the group had landed at Baarok Estate, but it was not until the sun had neared the horizon that the meal had settled down. Without even being asked, the Black Tomb pack, Kajex, Syrra, Liam and Miles had aided Aarn's attendants in cleaning up after everyone else. Locke suspected part of the reason Rexxis and his pack were more than happy to do a little bit of work was because they had not been ordered to as if they were Sith slaves, instead treated as guests and friends; and another part might well have been as a means of thanks.

The pervasiveness of everyone's positive feelings seemed to put something of a bounce in his own step, something he tried hard not to express physically most of his life. But with no Voyde to zap his nerves with dark-side lightning and his heart full of joy at recent events, it was difficult to contain himself. So, finding himself sitting on the edge of the landing pad as the sun began to sink beneath the horizon, he allowed his mind to drift off into pleasant thoughts of the future he would be having with Keris- though every few moments, he would rouse himself from the daydreaming to watch his student meditate.

The vixen, though she had thoroughly enjoyed the company of everyone in the manor, had excused herself about an hour earlier, making no attempt to hide the fact that she wanted to get started on shaping her engagement gem through the Force and attune it for use as a lightsaber gem. As was tradition for the Jedi, Locke did not interfere with her meditation, allowing her the space and peace she needed to accomplish her goal. Nevertheless, he monitored her progress while she immersed herself in a deep trance, her emerald hovering in mid-air and pulsing with a gentle light as she poured focus into shaping the gem.

Between watching Keris and having pleasant thoughts of what awaited them both, he almost missed the sound of approaching footsteps; he did not take his eyes off his fiancee as Kajex seated himself next to him, though he could tell his brother was in high spirits. "Pretty good day, huh? Feels like the start of a nice vacation."

Locke chuckled softly. "One that needed to happen, yes. It's so strange- only two days ago we were fighting against some of the worst darkness of Sith alchemy, but now...?" He paused, sighing as the thought of being engaged invigorated him again. "Now it feels like things are finally going right- like there's a bright future ahead."

Kajex nodded. "There will be, for both of you. I'm no Jedi clairvoyant, but I have high hopes for you both."

"At the same time," Locke continued, "I can't help but feel a little worried. She said yes and I couldn't be happier, but I confess I'm still worried about her. I just don't want whatever apprehension I might feel get in the way."

"You shouldn't," the gray wolf said solemnly. "I did, and I risked my relationship with Syrra being destroyed in the process. I wish I could've seen that coming, that I'd had the foresight to see the consequences of my actions- I got lucky," he sighed.

"You don't have visions of the future?" Locke asked, skeptical.

"I have before," Kajex admitted. "I dreamed of Katarr, of conflict and potentially dying there- and later I dreamed of Syrra dying there in my place, then you and Talrik. But the Force doesn't always offer us guidance, and even when it does it's always up to us to make the decisions; to right wrongs and take control of our own lives instead of waiting for the Force to make everything pan out." He squeezed the white wolf's shoulder. "That's why I tend to focus on the 'now' more than I hope for the later. It helps me adapt more easily."

"Do you hope for your own marriage to do well, at least?"

"Of course I do," the Sentinel chuckled. "But if I don't focus on Syrra now and help build up what we have in the present, there won't be much of a future to look forward to. So my advice, bro, is to focus on Keris now- be there with her, plot things out little by little, adapt when you need to. And try not to worry too much about the later."

"Speaking of Syrra," Locke said, looking hesitant, "is she...?"

Kajex winced, nodding. "Yeah... she's picking one out right now. When she's ready, Loka's gonna come out and let me know so I can be there for her." He turned in place at the sound of someone approaching. "There she is."

The brown-furred Trianii cleared her throat. "Ah, Jedi Master Surnahm?"

The Sentinel sighed, but smiled. "It's just Kajex, Loka."

"Very well, Kajex. Syrra is ready." Locke felt a pang of pity for the Sentinel as he nodded, looking slightly upset, but Loka only smiled and patted his shoulder. "Do not be troubled. Aarn has done this before; it's a very quick procedure and there will be no pain. Think of it as a step in recovery, gaining something back that she's lost."

"Thank you, Loka," Kajex answered sincerely. He turned to Locke. "I'll see you a bit later, bro. Just remember what I said- focus on the now."

Locke smiled. "I will. You do the same, and go focus on Syrra. I know she'll be alright."

The Sentinel had arrived just as Syrra had settled in to the chair, her injured arm elevated on a metal surgical tray. The stump beneath her elbow had lost its surgical bandages, revealing the freshly-healed flesh beneath. Aarn had removed his usual Trianii noble robes and was wearing a simple, clean tunic and trousers, with Loka and Syrra having donned the same apparel. The moment he walked into the treatment room, Syrra brightened, though she still possessed a nervous smile.

He couldn't blame her.

"Feeling okay, kitten?" he asked, pulling a chair up next to her and placing a paw on her shoulder.

She shook her head. "A bit on-edge. I know everything will be okay, but... I still worry."

Aarn smiled as he handed Loka a small tray of injectors. "Easy, cub. It's no small thing, to be sure, but you'll be no more or less a person than you were with your natural arm, once you have this one fitted," he assured her, gesturing to the prosthetic she had selected.

Kajex's eyes widened at the sight- it was certainly mechanical in nature, but if he had to use one word to describe it, it would be "luxury". It was plated with a silver-colored metal composite along the length of the forearm, with half inch-wide gaps to allow for easy mechanical access, the gold-colored inner workings visible within. The hand, however, was smooth and intricate, looking less like metal and more like a smooth, flexible paw. More impressive were the gentle, artistic etchings in Trianii script just below the golden wrist joints, a lettering that Kajex recognized as a brief winter-time plea to natural spirits, praying for an easy winter and pleasant spring- "May that which was lost be restored".

"It's made of songsteel," Aarn said before Kajex could ask. "It was commissioned for a client years ago, a Trianii 'noble' who I had a falling out with- they wished for me to amputate his oldest son and fit it on him, while taking his son's arm to replace his own. I refused, but before he could take his complaint to the yu'nar, he was arrested for murdering his poor son, who bled out when he attempted it himself." He sighed. "It would be better served for my own niece, I feel."

"No doubt," Kajex said, impressed by the information. "Songsteel is lightsaber-resistant and conducts electricity poorly- and it's very rare. I'm sure it'll help her."

Syrra took a deep breath and let it out. "I'm ready."

Aarn nodded, taking an injector from the tray and administering it to her bicep, while Loka wrapped her arm tight with a strong cord. "The limb will adjust to the necessary length of arm, but I'll need to cut into the wound to insert nerve transistors and secure it into the bone. And circulation will need to be cut off while I work to prevent blood loss," he explained to Kajex, who winced as the Trianii replaced the injector and drew a laser scalpel from the tray. Syrra tensed, her remaining paw shaking- until Kajex slid his into her grip, giving it a firm squeeze and smiling at her.

"I'm right here, kitten," he assured her. "You don't have to watch."

"Dunno how I can get my mind off it," Syrra admitted, glancing back and wincing as Aarn made the first incision, cutting into her flesh. Though she did not react in any way that indicated pain, she still whimpered slightly.

Kajex searched for a topic quickly. "I could ask you what Trianii union ceremonies are like. I know I'll be seeing one soon, but... I'd like to know what to expect," he said, smiling. "Who knows, if it's agreeable enough maybe Locke and Keris would be interested."

The Padawan perked up, her eyes drawn to him as she hesitated. "Ah... well... it's not all that unlike most other marriage ceremonies," she started, fumbling for words. "For nobles, you'll probably see a lot of them fawn over expensive robes and cuisine, rich surroundings- my blood-mother had hers in the city for that reason, so she could rub elbows with the social elite," she said dully.

"Not the best reception meal, either," Aarn added as he worked on the arm, his hands steady as he speared the first transistor into her injury. "'High-class', and very dry."

Syrra smiled. "But... I'm not looking for a noble's wedding. If it were just a matter of having my uncle preside over the union and saying 'you're are now united in spirit' and everything, that would be fine."

"I doubt your mother will let you get away with that," the male Trianii chuckled. "The moment she got off the comm with you, she started rummaging through her wardrobe to find the robes she had worn when she married me. I expect that she'll want you to see them tomorrow." He paused to give Kajex a wink. "You should bring Kajex along, I'm sure he would love to see it."

The Padawan blushed furiously, but beamed all the same. "A-anyway... the tradition of 'bachelor partying' is very much part of Trianii tradition, as well; but females also take part in it. I don't know where Markus and Calya are having theirs, but usually if you can find a bar and enough spirits, it makes for a nice night."

"Am I allowed to touch other women between then and the union?" Kajex asked, nuzzling her and growling playfully, making her giggle.

"I know I will, since Keris isn't going to stop if she can help it," Syrra purred back, her face nearly bronze-colored from blushing. It settled into a more sincere smile. "Then, after... usually the night is devoted to... attempting conception. Not that we'd be capable of it, but..." She trailed off, sighing and looking a little distant.

There was a moment silence, where the only sound was Syrra's flesh being cut away. Aarn was the first to speak, after clearing his throat. "You know, there are means for some alien species to interbreed with others, provided they seek a source of... 'augmentation'," he said hesitantly. "Some geneticists have made respectable strides in the field, if you can find them."

"I've heard rumors about it being possible. What does it entail?" Kajex asked, curious and hopeful all at once.

"A bit of genome analysis, a decision on which of the pair will undergo augmentation, a week of recovery with a bacta IV... and a substantial amount of credits," Aarn added. "It's certainly not an option accessible to just anyone. And from what I understand, there are limitations and potential side-effects- the two genomes must be similar enough for it to be safe, and even then minor changes in physiology can prove detrimental, or even fatal."

"It doesn't seem like it'd be worth the risk," Kajex said, ears drooping slightly and giving Syrra's paw a squeeze- it seemed like the dream was once again out of reach, and the look on his fiancee's face suggested she feared the same.

"Perhaps," Aarn admitted with a smile as he pressed a clean cloth against the Padawan's bleeding stump, "but then, I've had a chance to analyze your genetic makeup, too. When Iaora gave me the news that you two had been engaged, I confess my curiosity got the better of me- since I still had the results of your blood culture samples, and a couple of vials in cryogenic storage, I decided to indulge that curiosity. I'm not an expert geneticist, but I do know that your genome is at least moderately similar to the Trianii genome- same amount of chromosome pairs, at least." Aarn paused, then smiled at the both of them. "If, after the two of you have married, you're still interested in seeking that help, simply let me know and I'll go through my contacts to see what can be done."

Hope returned to Kajex again. "I suppose we'll keep it open as an option," he said, matching Syrra's hopeful smile.

"Alright, the application point is clean and sterilized, and the bone exposed- just need to slide the prosthetic here..." he trailed off as he lifted the cybernetic limb up slightly and guided the prosthetic socket against the stump. He grunted a bit, trying to keep it in place while fumbling around. "Sorry, this part's always tricky."

Kajex's eyes narrowed, staring at the limb for a moment before standing. "Sir, may I?"

Aarn arched an eyebrow, looking interested. "If you think you're able to," the doctor responded, sitting back. "Though I'm not sure how you'd know if you've never had formal medical training."

"Oh, it's not the medical side that I can help with," the wolf answered pleasantly. "I can work the mechanics through the Force just fine, though." It was with a smile that Kajex moved to Syrra's other side, his mind already scanning over the piece of technology thoroughly. It took only a few seconds to get a rough idea of what needed to be done; he could sense the nerve transistor grid on the surface of the socket; the drill-bolt needed to secure the limb to the bone; the pressure and heat sensors along the surface of the wrist, the palm and the slim digits; and the currently inactive power cell.

"Syrra, can you help?" he asked as he angled the limb correctly, keeping the drill-bolt centered on the bone as he rotated the limb.

She nodded, a look of focus on her features as she sat up- even with her circulation cut off and her arm numb, she still seemed capable of reading her own body. "… Right there," she alerted him after a few moments. "It's dead-center against the marrow."

Kajex nodded and allowed the Force to guide his actions, the power cell activating just as the drill bolt whined to life and buried itself into the bone; at the same time he pushed firmly, securing the socket against her arm with a satisfying snap, as the two spring-bolts on either side of the drill bolt dug burrowed deeper and kept it in place. "Nerve transistors are detecting your arm," he informed her, sensing the visually imperceptible pathways of energy. "I can see the impulses already."

"Severed nerves are sending them just fine," she agreed, "but I have a minor fracture." Her other paw touched along the arm just above the prosthetic. Kajex could tell she was using the Force to repair the negligible damage, smiling as he ran his paw down the prosthetic. Fully expecting it to be cold and hard, he was pleased to discover that it was instead warm and pliable to his touch. More importantly, it appeared that the device was operating perfectly, her new fingers wiggling slightly.

She let out a sharp hiss of pain. "Augh nnnngh!! Fuck... that still kinda hurts," she groaned, shivering slightly.

Aarn crossed his arms and gave her a mock stern look. "Diluted the analgesic with the Force, did you? Well, that'll teach you not to be so hasty, even as a Jedi," he admonished her gently, though he smiled and squeezed her shoulder as she put more focus into dulling the pain and healing herself. "But what's done is done. How does it feel, cub?"

Syrra said nothing for a while as she finished mending the tissue and sat up straight. With a moment of hesitation she stared at the limb in concern, before holding the limb up and peering at it curiously, twisting it around a bit. A smile formed on her muzzle as she worked the fingers slowly. "It feels... good, actually. Weird, but... fitting." Her new fingers flexed out and ran through the fur of her other arm smoothly, causing her to breathe in with mild surprise. "It feels almost natural, even."

"It looks bare-bones at first glance," Aarn admitted, "but it utilizes the best prosthetic technology available to simulate touch as close as possible, without synthetic flesh and fur. But if you'd like for me to have some of that set up for you--"

"No," Syrra said abruptly, shaking her head. "I remember my father and the scars he had. He wore them proudly, like every Trianii Ranger. I'm not ashamed to wear the scars I bear, either." She looked up at Kajex, eyes bright and smile sincere. "I lost my arm, but I overcame that injury to save so many lives in the middle of such darkness. I'd rather be reminded of my trials- and victories- than have a reason to forget them."

Having never felt prouder of his student, Kajex sighed and smiled back, reaching out and placing his paw on her songsteel wrist and rubbing it gently. Without having to think about it he leaned forward the same moment she did and kissed her, feeling her purr against his lips.

"Let nobody say you aren't an ideal Jedi, kitten."

To say that Kajex had not imagined a future with his own biological offspring, born from the woman he'd fallen in love with and chosen to be his mate, would be false. As early as twelve years of age, the prospect of having children of his own had become a possibility, if only because he'd been freed from the adherence to the Jedi Order. Even when he'd been in a relationship with Rik, he had considered raising kids with his then-boyfriend, provided one of them could find a female receptive enough to be a surrogate. Even so, the possibility seemed so out of reach for him, having never found a member of his own species, much less a female, until only a year prior.

But with Sa'Rah, Mica and Zephyr new additions to his life, the possibility seemed so much closer, although he had sworn to himself that he would not pursue them as an option until he knew there was no chance to conceive with Syrra, and even then only if they were receptive to the idea. And now with Aarn endorsing an option that they could consider, it seemed so close; if they could overcome the financial and health aspects of the option, to say nothing of finding the right moment for it. Nevertheless, when they returned to the Gold Rush that night with everyone either turning in or winding down, their spirits were higher than ever before- though they had not yet told Locke or Keris why.

"We should tell them both," Syrra said with gentle purr, as she sat at the end of their bed and stretched out her completely bare body. With what was almost certainly an attempt to disrupt the wolf's thoughts, she took in a deep breath and flexed, pushing her chest out and giving him a good, clear look at her tits, the gentle brown nipples at each point rock-hard. Though it hadn't done much to interrupt him, the wolf's tail did wag anxiously from the teasing sight.

"Locke would want us to," Kajex agreed. "And you heard Keris moaning about it way back when- she wants to have his pups someday." Thrills ran through him as he fell back and sighed, a smile on his face. "I think it'd be great- a kid of our own, a full family, y'know? And then Locke and Keris having their own?"

Syrra nodded and scooted over to him, rubbing his chest with her new songsteel paw. "It would be, someday," she agreed with a pleasant smile. "Although I'd like to wait a few years, first- I'd like to especially wait till after this nonsense with the Circle of Syn."

"I understand why and I feel the same way, but you gotta remember that a Jedi's life is always going to be near conflict," he responded. "Even if we take down the Circle, I doubt the Sith are gonna just up and disappear. We'll work around with what we have, though- I promise." Before he could say more he was cut short by Syrra's affections, his leg involuntarily twitching as the Trianii began to run her mechanical paw up his chest and neck, rubbing under his chin. "H-hey, cut that out," he chuckled. "No fair!"

The feline grinned, her tail flicking side-to-side as she gave the underside of his muzzle a pleasant scritching, the agile robotic fingers running through his fur as his tongue hung out of his smiling muzzle doggishly, leaning into the fingers with his tail wagging. "It doesn't feel weird to you, does it?" she asked. "Strange as it might be to say it feels so comfortable to me, for some reason."

"I don't think it's weird at all," he assured her, his paw reaching up to squeeze her wrist. "I actually think it looks good on you. And it really does feel nice." He sighed, his paw running up the warm steel appendage until it reached her natural fur. "I just wish it hadn't cost you so much. We really came way too close this last mission."

Syrra nodded. "I lapsed," she admitted. "I got scared and panicked. I should have been more in control."

"Don't beat yourself up over it," the wolf responded softly, reached up and cupping her cheek. "Every Jedi feels fear, even the ones before the Purge. Those that pretended otherwise were idiots who thought Jedi weren't meant to fear anything. I guarantee you that every Jedi, even ones as powerful as Grand Master Yoda, felt fear on some level. In your case, you not only faced your fear and endured your loss; you conquered them. I've never been prouder of you, kitten."

He had sensed her desire to kiss him moments before he finished, and so neither said nor did anything to stop her as she leaned in and pressed her muzzle against his. They'd kissed, embraced and taken solace in each other's presence after the mission, just to calm down from it all, but he hadn't forgotten than it had been a few days since they had last made love, and much longer still since they'd had been intimate with only each other. Locke, Keris, and Talrik were always welcome additions to their bed, but with all three of them occupied with their own thoughts and relationships, it was now between the both of them.

And if he had to be honest, he wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

It had been months since the couple had learned to coax each other's actions through subtle mental gestures, a shared connection through the Force giving one another direction in their lovemaking; and while they still talked, whispered sweet affections to each other, it was the way they preferred it. A simple stray thought was all Kajex needed for the Trianii Jedi to react, swinging her leg over his torso and straddling his abdomen. She let out a soft hiss of restrained pleasure as the fur over his abs tickled against her bare cleft, a shudder running through her body as she unconsciously ground against him. The same shudder seemed to pass through her loins and into his stomach, a vibration that caused his own loins to stir in arousal.

Still they said nothing as she bent over, her rear backing over his swollen sheath and her breasts pressed against his body, sharing warmth between them as they kissed. A gentle purr rumbled in the Padawan's chest as her older, more experienced lover began to slide his paw around her body, sliding from her arms to her beautiful breasts; past each vestigial nipple, eliciting a muffled chirp from the feline each time his thumbs grazed against them; around to her flexible, agile waist; before following the curve up and around her perfect backside, groping the pleasantly pliable rump eagerly. All the while, her steadily-moistened mound rolled gently against his sheath, her netherlips playfully kissing the shy wolfcock tip until it gradually became bold enough to greet its familiar partner.

A subtle shift occurred in her thoughts as she slid off of him carefully, a smile on her muzzle while she positioned himself with her muzzle next to his crotch. "I know you're eager to get to it, love- but it's been a while since I've put my mouth to good use, hasn't it?" she purred, nosing his balls teasingly. "Of all the things my 'master' has trained me in, I think oral sex has been one of my favorites."

Kajex sat up, breathing a bit faster as she began kissing and licking his prick. "Y-yeah? Why's that? I don't think you get anything out of it."

"I get to see the look on your face when I blow you; and with our bond, I get a pretty decent feel for what you're going through." She said nothing more as her efforts became more earnest, wrapping her lips around the thick length with a soft moan and slathering around the shaft with her tongue. Shivers of excitement ran through both of them as the wolf barely prevented himself from jerking his hips into her face, instead flinching and falling onto his back as he was reduced to strained growls while she buried her muzzle into his lap. She had been able to deep-throat him the night after they'd first slept together, but not even the passage of time had dulled the thrill or feeling of her lips sealed tight around the base of his cock, the tapered tip of his prick massaging against the back of her throat as she easily took him.

But she did not simply do this once. Months of practice with her licking, slurping, kissing and at times even feigning worship to his cock (when she was in an extra-kinky mood), had given her enough experience that sustaining pleasure for at least 9 of his 10 inches with her muzzle was not terribly difficult for her. A loud whine poured from the Sentinel's muzzle as her tongue, lips and throat worked in tandem around the throbbing piece, massaging and squeezing his prick as she raised her head and descended repeatedly. Her warm metal paw cupped his balls gently, squeezing the large orbs every so often and occasionally making the wolf yip slightly.

"I love when you make those noises," she teased him telepathically, able to split her focus between sucking his cock and using the Force to speak to him. The level of skill this took brought a smile to the wolf's face as he reached down and rubbed her ears.

"You're definitely getting better at both Jedi training and sex if you're able to talk with your muzzle full," he responded vocally, panting from the effort. It was no use trying to hide the level of arousal he was currently feeling, if only because she was capable of feeling it through their bond. Baser instincts seemed to take hold of them both as he started to carefully roll his hips up into her muzzle, the Trianii shifting her efforts enough to accommodate his desire to contribute, letting him fuck her face gently as her tongue swirled around his tip.

Yet the sensation had almost become too intense for him. Very rarely was the feline able to one-up him in terms of endurance, but her eagerness to please him matched with the earlier topic of impregnation had done much the sap his initial stamina, and despite telepathically blaring for her to tone it down, her muzzle was not obeying. Without warning, she firmly pressed a pair of fingers against the space beneath his balls, nailing his taint dead-on and making the wolf yelp as a small climax tore through his loins, hot electric pleasure throbbing through his shaft. Syrra purred as he struggled to regain his composure, although the Sentinel was certain she'd gotten a taste of potent seed in her muzzle as she pulled away from his length, subtle movement around her lips suggesting she was letting the flavor roll around her tongue.

For his part, Kajex gasped and panted, tongue hanging out of his muzzle as he trembled slightly. His eyes trailed down to his prick- as he expected, he had let loose with a respectable shot of spunk, a white film slathered around his length as it continued to throb. The pleasure had happened so fast that even his knot hadn't fully formed, the bulb visible but subtle. All the same, he found himself grinning. "Miles taught you that, didn't he?"

She smiled, though she didn't say anything- vocally. "He suggested it to me, told me that he'd done it with you on Dakua and you seemed to love it. I'm sorry, I didn't want you to finish so early."

"Don't be silly, kitten- I can keep going," he assured her honestly. His turgid shaft certainly didn't seem to be done, and there was no way he was going to go to bed without making sure she was good and filled tonight.

"I shouldn't have been so mean," she told him coyly, a furious blush on her face. "Lemme make it up to you." Without warning she slid up to him and caught his muzzle in a deep kiss. Kajex's eyes widened as she shared his brief, premature load with him, a hot and creamy mixture with a sweet and slightly salted flavor that the wolf was well-acquainted with.

Yet despite the kinkiness of the act, the sincerity and love behind it was not lost to him. His arms wrapped around her as she mewled into his muzzle, her purr turning into his as they shared in that familiar and untiring closeness between them. Gentle whispers, wordless declarations of love, passed between them in thoughts and subtle actions as the scene seemed to draw on.

Before too long, time seemed to return and the kiss stopped, Syrra gazing into the wolf's eyes. "I love you."

He smiled. "I love you too, Syrra. Although, you've been telling me that much the last three minutes, nevermind the last ten months- I know you do."

"I know," she said shyly. "It just feels real when I say it aloud." A pause. "Do you think I'd be... good at it?"

He caught on to the unvoiced topic. "Raising pups?"

"Or kittens- or whatever fluffy, hybrid cuteness they'll turn out to be?"

He chuckled. "I don't doubt for a moment you would be." Another pause. "Is it what you want?"

She cocked her head.

Kajex hesitated. "... Months ago, you told me you wanted to be a Jedi Knight. And I'm completely ready to help you become one. At the same time, though... I come from an era where being a Jedi and a parent was a virtually non-existent concept." He paused, taking a moment to choose his next words carefully. "I guess I just want to know if you want to be a Jedi or a mother first- or if you want to be both at once."

He was not expecting her to smile in response. "We'd need to know if it's possible, first- but I think I'd prefer to be both. Besides, I think we're both forgetting we have a pack to help us out, too."

The Sentinel smiled warmly. "True enough. Dunno how many to a litter a Kanj'Isha should expect--"

"Trianii triplets aren't uncommon," she intoned.

"-- but as long as we're prepared, I think padding out the family with an extra pup or two wouldn't be difficult for us all." He pulled her up onto him, groaning as her damp cleft brushed against his cum-slick tool, tail wagging as he pressed his nose against hers affectionately. "If you really want three, though... I'm gonna need to get some good practice in," he growled playfully, dipping his nose low and nipping gently at her neck, causing her to gasp and squeak pleasantly. "Or a good long weekend to make sure it takes."

The Trianii shivered as she felt his bare, messy cock drool against her unprotected cleft, completely ready to take every inch at his command. "I mean... you'd only really need to catch me in season, love. But if you were so insistent on that kind of a marathon... w-would you really do that?"

"The real question is if you'd let me," he teased, thrusting up and gliding the length of his shaft against her tender netherlips, now sticky with feminine lubricant. "I've been a Jedi far longer than you've been, I've had time to hone my abilities to the point of prolonging my physical endurance for any task." He whispered into her ear. "Does the thought of being fucked so thoroughly to the point of being knocked up make you shiver? Because from what I feel from you when it crosses your mind... I'm almost positive it turns you on."

Syrra bit her lip, stifling a pitiful mewl as she lifted her hips up, gasping abruptly as Kajex shifted around and aimed the tip of his fully-prepared cock against her swollen folds. "It does," she whispered.

Part of the wolf wanted to roll her around onto her back, but as the thought crossed his mind, her cybernetic paw pressed firmly against the center of his chest, pinning him down as she shook her head. Without a word, the Sentinel obeyed her command, lying back patiently as she rolled her hips up and allowed his prick to stand at full mast, teasing the tip of his tool with gentle netherlip kisses. Her other paw slid over her rump, pressing her backside down so she could better guide her erotic movements, as her lust-glazed eyes stared at him. "Nuh-uh, puppy- you just boasted about your endurance just now. And since I'm sure you were being honest, you're going to have to give me ample opportunity to train up to your level of staying power." She smiled. "So I suppose I'd better practice vigorously."

With that she impaled herself on his length, shivering and moaning as her cleft swallowed every inch of his length. A long whine erupted from the wolf as his prick was sheathed in her velvety folds, immediately subjected to the incredible flexing sensations of her inner walls bearing down on every side of his length. Placing both her natural and cybernetic paws on his chest, she began to ride his hips with her promised vigor, gritting her teeth to stifle each gasp she made. Her fingers dug into his chest, grabbing at the thicker fur reflexively as pleasure radiated from the meeting of their loins.

Incredible as the sex was, Kajex was not content to let his fiancee do all the work. Before long the natural instinct to buck into her gripping tunnel became too much, causing him to meet her movements with counter-thrusts of his own. Gravity mixed with their physical efforts and plunged his prick into her body, grazing familiar, deep parts leading to her womb that made the feline's belly flutter each time he caressed against them. It took little more than him grabbing her ass and guiding her movements for him to reach as far as they could physically could- they both paused for only a moment to savor the feel of their bodies united, the wolf's member throbbing and stretching her tight inner walls gently as they clamped around the shaft of flesh.

He felt the impulse in Syrra's thoughts, requiring no words to know she wished to change position. "Change of pace?" he asked quietly, his paws reaching up to palm her breasts. She didn't answer immediately, continuing to ride his prick for a few moments and letting her tits bounce in his paws before she shivered and nodded.

"Could you... breed me like a bitch?" she asked shyly, her cheeks burning red.

The wolf's ears perked up at the request, his cock reacting to the words by shooting a sudden jet of pre-seed into her tunnel reflexively, making him wince and grunt as he sat up. Her mechanical paw cupped his cheek and the two kissed briefly as an unspoken agreement was met, the Trianii lifting her trembling hips off his lap- a wet and lewdly sloppy sound emanated from her soaked nethers as his slick prick drew out of her cleft, making the feline giggle bashfully as she shuffled next to Kajex. With a pleasant sigh she grabbed a pillow and embraced it, laying her upper body atop it and lifting her butt in the air, her tail flagged up and away and legs spread apart wide. The wolf grinned as he got a clear view of her sopping wet snatch, moving in behind her with little delay and mounting her swiftly with a single thrust.

The Padawan mewled from the intrusion, backing into his thrusts as their bodies met once more, his hips battering against her backside with enough force to make her teeth chatter. Every thrust swung his heavy balls forward, clapping them against the top of her cleft and beating her clit mercilessly, generating bliss that felt like a delicious liquid fire in her loins; a heat the Sentinel could feel permeating her vaginal walls, causing them to tighten and relax around his girth every moment he took he grind into her depths. With powerful, pistoning motions he drilled into her, growling as he held her from behind. He was close, his knot struggling to breach past her netherlips every time it beat against them, stretching them apart wider. It amazed him that even after a year of sex, she remained tight enough that taking his knot (or for him, getting it in) was still a pleasant challenge.

Yet as the minutes wore on, as Syrra moaned her bliss and Kajex groaned in tune with her, they were steadily rising to the challenge. It wasn't difficult for him to tie with her; what was truly difficult was making it last, keeping themselves submerged in feelings of heavy lust and erotic love. For all the talk of endurance, the wolf was not interested in boosting his staying power with the Force- not when the apex of sexual pleasure was so close within reach, and certainly not while Syrra was yowling at him to finish inside her.

"G-god's love... I can't hold.... on... cum in me, please!!!" she mewled, her prehensile tail wrapped around his waist and pulling him with incredible strength, tugging his hips into her rump like a steel cable tied to the end of the ship itself.

But he would not let her experience his climax in such a position, even as his knot finally slipped into her slick folds and tied the two together. Summoning as much willpower as possible to stay his orgasm until he was ready, he grabbed her arms and wrenched her onto her knees. An excited chirp rang out as he thrust up hard and pulled Syrra down into his lap at the same moment, causing her to throw her head back and experience an explosive orgasm, splattering his balls with femcum and clamping around his knot with incredible pressure as she yowled.

It was too much. A snarl issued from his muzzle as he responded in kind, just as he felt the first tremendous load of spunk flood through his length, the pressure behind the batch enough to make the underside of his prick ache as it traveled through his throbbing maleness until it reached the tip. A deep shudder of sexual satisfaction coursed through his spinal nerves as he pumped his mate-to-be full of spunk, pouring as much of his balls into her womb as possible, as if his intent was to ensure she would bear his pups this very night. Even if rationally he knew this wouldn't happen, his biology certainly didn't seem to know or care- it took several seconds for the flood to die down, at which point his sheath and balls were drenched in a cocktail of coital output, and he fancied he could feel a subtle yet perceptible curve as his paw slid down her lower belly.

The Trianii purred in his ear, her head still leaned back and resting on his shoulder. "Y-yesss... right there... is where it would be," she mewled gently, her songsteel paw sliding over his gently.

The wolf, despite being temporarily sapped of endurance, managed to grin in response. "Did you wanna go again?" he muttered, turning his head and nuzzling into her neck.

"R-right now?" she whimpered weakly.

"No, you silly kitten- we can wait until you have your breath back," he chuckled.

"Yeah," she sighed, smiling back as she turned her head to face him, readily accepting his kiss, her purring only increasing as he hugged her from behind. She felt him tug back and she broke it off abruptly with a chirp. "N-no, wait... keep it in," she pleaded, leaning forward and raising her leg up to swing it carefully over her fiancee, rolling onto her back without causing either of them to break the tie. Within moments the two were laying together on their sides, the Trianii's leg hitched over the Sentinel's hip as they cuddled.

The aftermath of their first session was spent with gentle licks and nuzzles, simple gestures of affection as they basked in each other's body warmth. It was a period of time Kajex enjoyed perhaps more than the act of sex itself, taking a break from the physical aspect of lovemaking and resorting to heartfelt movements and acts of actual love.

The Trianii smiled up at him. "Mind if I ask you something?"

"Anything," he replied warmly, rubbing her hip.

"If we ever do have children... if they turn out Force-sensitive like both of us... what do you want to do?"

The wolf blinked, unable to immediately form an answer. The thought of having offspring had crossed his mind many times, even before their engagement- but the thought of them being Force-sensitive had curiously not been considered even once. Thankfully Syrra was patient, likely knowing that he hadn't been prepared for the question to come up, yet exuding a confidence that seemed to suggest he would give her a satisfactory answer.

And before long, he had one.

"If the Force flows through them like it does us... I'll leave it to them to make their own decisions," he answered honestly. "Being a Jedi isn't easy- you know this, obviously- but I don't think I would have been so bitter about becoming one if I'd had a choice. And thankfully, I had a pair of parents who gave me a choice to continue training or stop altogether. I'd like to follow that example," he finished, his thoughts trailing back to Bran and Kane.

Syrra nodded and nuzzled into his chest. "I wish I could have known them," she said quietly. "If you were the culmination of their training and their love, I can only assume they were people I would have loved to meet."

"They would have loved you," the wolf assured her.

"Are you worried about tomorrow?" she asked, shifting the topic subtly.

He paused. "A little," he admitted. The thought of training receptive kin, even if they liked him, seemed daunting. "I guess I wish I had more to work with. I kinda have a good idea of how difficult things must be for Luke, now."

She giggled. "You'll be fine, love. You're a Jedi Sentinel and a master of Niman- you'll do exactly what you excel at."

"What's that?"

She grinned. "You'll improvise."