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_ "There are places in the galaxy that are strong in the Force. Some of them are the result of natural development, but some are the result of ripples in the Force generated by conflict. When needless death and genocide occur, they can produce wounds in the Force; but when heroism and sacrifice occur, a Force nexus may spring forth instead." _

-Jedi Master Qu Rahn

In a sealed room in the medical wing of the Inspired, a sleeping figure lay upon a bed, wolfish in facial features with a tawny-gold pelt and brown hair, dressed in simple, white medical robes. A long tube was nestled into her fur, feeding the figure trickles of treated water; while another two wires were fitted against her chest, connected to a computer beside her bed. The room itself was cool and comfortable, and would have otherwise been silent but for the quiet, steady beeping of the bedside machine, and the tired sigh of the wolf as she began to stir. The beep skipped twice before resuming, as the figure's arm twitched. A moment later, her head turned and a quiet whine crept out of her muzzle. Seconds passed and her breathing became stronger, until finally she drew in a deep breath and her eyes flicked open.

The first thing her dark-green eyes saw was the viewport overhead, out into the reaches of the vacuum and the innumerable pinpricks of light that dotted it. More prominently were the two massive orbs that sat almost side by side, one of them a massive, crimson sphere; the other, a much smaller marble of green and teal. The sight was so unexpected that the she-wolf let out a soft gasp, jerking upright as the idea of her floating through the vacuum overtook her instincts. It took a few brief seconds before she relaxed, laying back in bed and quickly taking in her new surroundings. Beyond her immediate vicinity were a pair of chairs, a flat-panel display mounted on a nearby wall, and a long mirror next to a sealed hatch. It was quite unlike any room she remembered being in, unless she counted a recent cell she'd shared with others. Memories started to return to her, but before she could parse through them, the hatch clicked and slid open, allowing another person to enter.

In stepped a woman, a female alien possessed of gold fur, blonde hair, and eyes of brilliant sapphire. She was adorned in simple robes of white; a belt from which hung a slim cylindrical tool; a set of hair beads in blue, gold, and white; and a pendant around her neck, with a glowing gold-yellow stone set in its center. Her right paw, the she-wolf quickly noticed, was metal in nature, silver and gold in appearance. And though the she-wolf tensed for a few moments in fear, all it took was for the woman to smile warmly at her for the fear to be dispelled, allowing her to approach and take a seat next to the bed.

"Good morning," the woman said gently. "How are you feeling?"

The she-wolf said nothing, frowning. Something felt... different.

After a few moments, the woman spoke again. "Maybe... start with introductions, I suppose?" she suggested kindly with a shrug. "My name is Syrra Surnahm. I'm a Jedi Knight and a healer. What's your name?"

Her paws clung at the sheets covering her and she swallowed, her heart racing. The urge to speak overwhelmed her, an impossible feeling of elation filling her as she drew a breath.

"S... Si'Behl," she said softly, her eyes wide.

The feline's smile widened. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Si'Behl."

"I... I can talk again?" the wolf said, breathing heavily.

"Easy there," Syrra cautioned, leaning in and placing a paw on the she-wolf's arm gently. "Yes, you can talk again. Your mind was tampered with long ago, as I'm sure you may remember; but we were able to rescue you and others, and performed a surgical procedure to restore your ability to communicate."

The wolf stared at the feline, feeling a sense of peace washing over her. It dawned on her that the woman was using the Force to calm her down, though she did nothing to resist. "I don't understand," she murmured. "Where are we?"

"It's a long story, and we don't have all the details," Syrra admitted, scooting her chair in closer. "The shorthand is that you and nine others were released by the Sith, in an attempt to use you to hurt other people. Thankfully, another Jedi was able to intervene before any damage could be done- you'll be meeting him soon." She gestured to their surroundings. "Right now, you're on a Jedi-affiliated vessel en route to Yavin 4. We've taken the time to have you and the other Kanj'Isha medically treated so you can speak again."

"Jedi and Sith," Si'Behl repeated, her shoulders slumping. "Then I've not been asleep for very long, have I?"

Syrra winced. "I'm afraid you have, actually. We don't know exactly when you were interred, but you've been in stasis for at least 3,500 years."

Alarm coursed through the wolf, but again, the surge in excitement was short-lived as the feline buffeted away the anxiety. Nevertheless, Si'Behl's claws dug into the sheets and she flinched. "For... that long?"

"I'm sorry," Syrra offered sadly. "I know a lot of things may have changed between then and now, but you're safe now. And more importantly, you are no longer a slave of the Sith."

"I'm... free?" the wolf asked hesitantly, hopefully.

"To do as you will," Syrra acknowledged, smiling again. "Hopefully to do some good and live your life as you wish. That's part of why we've come to this location, so we can help you get a head start and get you and your people back on your feet. But one thing at a time, right? I'm sure you have many questions, and I'm here to help as much as I can."

So many emotions threatened to overwhelm the wolf's head, whether it be bitterness for learning how long she'd been in stasis, or joy at being told she was free from Sith enslavement. Nevertheless, joy won out in a matter of seconds and she found herself smiling back and sitting up straighter as curiosity took the forefront. "Well, I suppose I can stand the bad news after hearing the best news of my life," she reasoned, sighing. "I... thank you, Syrra. I owe you so much for- I mean, my people owe you so much for helping us."

"You don't owe me anything, it's my duty as a Jedi Knight," Syrra assured her. "But I'm happy to have helped all the same. I've been lucky enough to meet more of your species over the last year and a half, and I've yet to meet one I didn't like."

"How many more?" Si'Behl asked.

"Well, you're one of ten we rescued about two weeks ago," Syrra informed her, "but before that we came across another ten on a different planet. Three of those ten were killed, unfortunately, but the remaining seven have recovered and are studying as Jedi for the time being. Before then, though, I only knew two- both of them Jedi."

Si'Behl perked up, a recent memory flashing in her head as she recalled a gray-pelted Kanj'Isha with golden eyes looking from the other side of a viewport, his expression worried and sad. "I think I remember seeing one of them," she said quietly. "He was watching over us most of the time." She looked around curiously. "Is he here?"

Syrra moved to speak, but stopped short and looked over her shoulder with an amused expression. "I think he was waiting for you to mention him, actually," she remarked as she got to her feet. Si'Behl watched as the feline raised her paw, feeling the Force flow through the Jedi as she triggered the door controls from a distance. The hatch slid open again and another figure entered the room.

He was a head taller than the feline, a gray-pelted Kanj'Isha with black hair, gold eyes, and a yellow band marking beneath his brow. Like Syrra, he carried a lightsaber and was dressed in robes, though his were of brown and black; and in his raven-colored hair were decorative beads very much like the ones in Syrra's. He grinned at the she-wolf and approached, standing next to Syrra and sliding an arm around her waist.

The feline leaned in, kissing the side of his muzzle. "This is Kajex Surnahm. He was my Jedi teacher, flight instructor, assigned partner- and, as of three days ago, is also my husband."

They did not speak for very long before Si'Behl expressed a desire to get up from the bed and move around, and it took only a few moments for both Jedi to relieve her of her IV lines and wiring, though Syrra insisted on analyzing her for a few moments to make sure she was healthy enough to move. Once she was satisfied, they guided her out of the ward and into the halls of the ship, chatting as they moved.

Dead set on making as much a positive impression as possible now that he was around, and at the suggestion of Master Moarn, Kajex had insisted on allowing the newly-rescued Kanj'Isha to be able to leave their recovery rooms the moment they wished, hoping inwardly they would be encouraged by the knowledge and feeling of their own freedom. It seemed to have its intended effect, as Si'Behl engaged in every question she could with almost complete immediate trust that they would give her a satisfactory answer. They answered honestly and briefly, promising to give her more details in full once everyone else had recovered and they could be gathered in one place. Nevertheless, both Jedi did not need to share a single thought between them to knowingly refrain from referring to her time as a Sith slave, hoping to steer as far away from the topic as possible.

"New Republic Intelligence has taken a recent interest in your people- our people," Kajex corrected himself quickly as they rounded a corner and entered another ward slowly. "But we've limited contact with them to only a couple of meetings to give them information on Kanj'Isha biology; we feel it's more important that we find a place for Kanj'Isha to settle so they finally have a chance to recover after millennia. Once we rescued your group, the Republic Relocation Council doubled down and set you as a priority for finding ideal planetary candidates for settlement."

"Again, you have my thanks for your help," Si'Behl told them, as they stopped near a viewport, peering in- a reptilian male in brown robes was speaking to an older, silver-furred Kanj'Isha male, while a green-robed vixen was carefully removing his IV lines. "There he is, thank the Force," she sighed, her tail wagging.

"A friend of yours?" Syrra guessed.

"As good a friend as one's father can be," she replied with a smile. "I remember him taking a bullet, I was worried he'd been killed. Yet another thing I have to be thankful for." She paused, staring at the elder Kanj'Isha and putting her paw on the glass. "You said that more of our species was found half a year ago. I'm sure there are good reasons, but why has it taken this long for this relocation council to prioritize us?"

"Interstellar conflict is still common these days, I'm afraid," Syrra told her. "Refugees from recent wars have been pouring into Republic space, looking for a place to live peacefully. The council didn't see it as a tremendous priority because the Black Tomb pack- the ones we found back then- have been provided room, board, and credits, by training as Jedi under our own pack. They weren't really in any hurry to settle down, they've been interested in learning more about the Force."

"Well... I suppose there's no need rush things," the female wolf suggested hesitantly. "Just knowing I'm free and away from the Sith scum is more than I could have hoped for. Until we have a solid grip on what things are like nowadays, our species should probably take it easy. Unless... are you expecting me to do the same thing and join the Jedi?"

"Not at all," Kajex told her firmly, as he peered into the viewport with her- the reptilian Jedi glanced in his direction and gave him a subtle nod. "In fact, I'm not a fan of the idea. That's not to say you wouldn't make decent Jedi, far from it- but the Black Tomb pack is already doing that, and I don't think it's a good idea to devote every last member of our species towards serving as Jedi."

"For my part, I might still do it," Si'Behl insisted, turning to him. "I remember my captivity on the planet you rescued me on, and the other wolves I was with. Some of them were part of my pack, like my father." She gestured into the room. "But I clearly remember my older brother being imprisoned with the rest of us, yet he wasn't among the other nine."

"I thought that might happen," Kajex sighed. "It was too much to hope for that they'd split their discovery in half and it would be two full packs. This new Sith likely still have him in captivity. I swear to you, I'm gonna do everything in my power to get everybody back from those bastards. But I won't ask every wolf we find to risk their lives in the process. You don't need to do anything, Si'Behl."

But she was now folding her arms and frowning at him. "You say that you were raised as a Jedi, so I know these words are coming from a well-meaning sense of duty and desire to protect your own people. I can forgive your mindset because you were not raised as us, and I will do what I can to teach you what we are like. But what you have just suggested is considered an insult to our species. To be told to sit back while our blood is in danger is to be told to abandon our very nature. To actually do it is the deepest shame that a Kanj'Isha can know. Bear this in mind in the future- we look after our own."

The wolf hesitated, then sighed as pangs of shame washed over him. "I'm sorry," he murmured. "I should have figured that would be the case."

She reached out and put a paw on his shoulder, her expression softening. "It's alright. Like I said, you weren't raised as us, you're only trying to help in the way you were taught. You're not wrong in thinking of our welfare first, and I think on that topic we can find a compromise. And I'm obviously not going to say no to you going out of your way to save our people. But if there's anything I can do to help you in getting my brother and the other prisoners back, I will be glad to assist. It is our way to come together when there's great need."

"Seems like we still have plenty to learn about your people," Syrra said, watching as Master Moarn gestured outside the room- the older Kanj'Isha nodded and allowed Keris to help him out of the bed, before following the Jedi to the hatch. "I hope that'll improve with time. Here they come."

Si'behl stepped around Syrra, reaching the door just as the trio walked out, with the elder Kanj'Isha in front. A happy yip rang into the air as she lunged in and clung to him, her tail a blur of fur as the silver wolf chuckled and hugged her back. He was much taller than Kajex by at least a foot, heavily muscled with scars along his arms that spoke of his past; but his visage was that of a man of internal endurance, standing tall and proud.

"I thought I felt you close by, pup," he said in a deep, slightly raspy voice. "Thank the Force, I'm glad you're safe. Have these Jedi been treating you well?"

"With nothing but kindness," she replied with a pleasant sigh, nuzzling into his neck for a few moments. Without a trace of hesitation or shame, father and daughter drew close and kissed. It was not a brief show of affection, but in a manner more appropriate for lovers, the subtle movements of tongue caressing against each other that informed the nature of their relationship to everyone watching; while Master Moarn looked away with a look of awkwardness, Syrra merely blushed and smiled while Kajex grinned at the display.

"Well, I'm glad we were able to get the two of you together and safe," he said as they broke off. "We'll figure out the rest as we go."

The elder Kanj'Isha turned to him, looking over the Sentinel with an appraising look before holding out his paw, which the younger man took. "Master Moarn and Keris here tell me you two are the ones I have to thank for freeing us- so let that be the first thing I do before introductions. I remember clearly what was happening, being in a war-zone and about to hurt people just trying to protect their home- and you, rushing in to prevent us from being shot down despite being bloody and tired. You did a damn brave thing trying to protect us in the process, and for that you have my thanks."

"I wouldn't be a decent Jedi, or even a decent sentient, if I hadn't tried my best," Kajex said, shaking the older wolf's paw. "I'm Kajex Surnahm, a Jedi Sentinel with the Jedi Order. I'm glad to have helped you, sir."

"No need to call me sir, you can call me Toern, pup," he chuckled, glancing over his shoulder. "And who might your friend here be?"

"Syrra Surnahm," she replied, shaking his paw, "his former student, fellow Sentinel, and his mate."

"Ah, married outside of his species, did he?" Toern grinned. "Well, I can't say I blame him- between you and his packmate Keris, he's got an eye for beauty, that's for sure."

"Daddy, behave," Si'Behl admonished him with a smirk.

"Right, I forget we're a bit odd compared to other species- or were, way back when," he said with a sheepish smile. "Don't mean to unnerve folks with the father/daughter kissing."

"Hell, don't worry about it- I used to be that way with both my dads, and they weren't even Kanj'Isha," Kajex replied.

"So what happens now?" Si'Behl asked.

"We wish to have everyone gathered into one place so we can conduct introductions with every non-knighted Kanj'Isha onboard, which amounts to seventeen wolves in total," Master Moarn informed them. "Kajex and his brother Locke have decided to stay with the Jedi Order, and his pack have agreed to the same thing; but we feel it would be in your best interests if we were to aid you finding a world within the Core Regions where your people can settle down, under the supervision of the New Republic and the Jedi Order."

"But it comes down to your own decision," Keris piped up, stepping out from around Master Moarn. "We don't want to make you do anything you don't want to. At most, we'd just like for you to undergo enhanced flash-training so you're up-to-date on the universe, and educated enough to carve out a living for yourself. We'll be talking about that, too."

"What about my son?" Toern asked seriously. "I know those Sith bastards still have him."

"And we're going to do everything in our power to get him back," Syrra told him firmly. "We're already looking into where he might have been taken, and what they intend to do with him." She paused, looking to Si'Behl for a moment. "If you wish to help in that endeavor, I'm sure we can find ways for you to do so."

"Let us join you guys, then," he said quickly. "It's the least we can do."

Kajex winced at the words. "I... I know your hearts are in the right place, but take it from someone who was raised a Jedi- it's not an easy path."

"They are naturally Force-sensitive, they will need to develop their Force talents at some point," Master Moarn countered evenly. "Best if they do so under Jedi supervision like the Black Tomb pack, rather than wait for someone to abuse their abilities. Besides, Master Skywalker is going to want to get a look at them once it's sunrise."

The words did little to settle the Sentinel's worries, but unwilling to be pulled into an argument he nodded reluctantly. "Alright. It'll be down to Luke, though- I just hope he's not overwhelmed with recent events."

It did not take long for everyone on the Inspired to see that if Master Skywalker were indeed not overwhelmed with recent events, then the presence of new prefabricated shelters, makeshift landing pads, and transports suggested that he was at least being kept incredibly busy. It was difficult for Kajex to believe that the Gold Rush and her crew hadn't been on Yavin 4 in nearly half a year, yet things had certainly changed since they'd taken off many months prior. Faces he'd never seen seemed to outnumber those he recognized, and nearly every one of them was carrying a lightsaber.

They'd arrived just as Master Skywalker had finished his orientation with the Praxeum's newest students, having assigned many of them to experienced Jedi Knights. Only a dozen knights remained with him after the crowd left, as Kajex led the mass of over two dozen new faces into the Great Temple's ceremonial hall; for in addition to the Kanj'Isha, the Trianii applicants and Syrra's siblings, Alisya and Ra'Tasum, were also among them, with Knights Tay, Simetra, and Garrett waiting with them patiently as the four knights of the Gold Rush pack approached.

Luke's smile was warm and proud. "I was hoping the four of you would go on to accomplish incredible things, just by giving you the leeway and freedom you needed, and you have not disappointed. The last time you were here at the Praxeum, Syrra, you were still a Padawan assigned to Kajex; and although you look much the same on the outside, I can feel the wisdom and confidence you've accrued since you left. That goes for all of you," he added, looking between the four. "I was certain that you had all earned the rank of Jedi Knight, and you've demonstrated that my faith in your abilities and approaches was not misplaced. You've all done incredible work."

"Thank you, Master Skywalker," Locke said, bowing.

"If anybody is to be thanked, Guardian Locke, it's your pack," Luke insisted, bowing back. "There's a lot of work to be done ahead, but I'm confident you'll be able to handle it- so let's get down to it."

Kajex nodded and turned, gesturing to the small crowd that was now bowing in unison out of respect. "Well, here they are- seventeen Kanj'Isha and five Trianii hopefuls."

The Jedi Master looked them over for a few moments before descending the steps. He was three steps from the landing when he stopped short and seemed to sway slightly. "Wow... that is a lot of Force sensitivity packed into one place," he remarked in surprise, regaining his balance. "I sense a lot of interconnected Force bonds between many of you, and not merely based on species or blood relation, either. And the raw potential here is great." He nodded to Alisya and Ra'Tasum. "You two, as well- with time, I'm sure you'll be keeping up with your sister."

"Buck up, little brother," Alisya told the younger feline, who looked a little nervous. "I'm sure he's right."

"Told you we were awesome, Rex- the boss can sense how badass we are," So'Rah muttered.

"Knock it off," the older wolf huffed. "I'm sorry for that, Master Skywalker."

But the Jedi Master only chuckled and shook his head. "It's fine- Rexxis, if I'm not mistaken? You should be proud of your packmates, and yourself. I've read the reports, you all did exceptional work aiding the Trianii people, both before and after the battle. I would have rather you not have gotten mixed up in that affair, but you handled yourselves well. I believe all of you will grow to be exceptional Jedi- if you choose to."

One of the other Kanj'Isha, a black-furred, heavyset and muscular wolf who Kajex remembered was named Orovus, raised his paw. "With all due respect, Master Luke, is joining your order what you expect from us?"

He shook his head. "Not at all. I have no interest in ordering anybody to stay. When I established this place of learning, it was with the intent that everyone be allowed to come and go as they please, to learn what they wish for as long as they decide. If you would like to learn the ways of the Force in part or in full, you're more than welcome to stay, but I'm certain many of you have had enough of Jedi and Sith intrigue for several lifetimes over. My primary concern for you all is to make sure you're well-equipped and prepared to live your lives the way you all deserve."

"To that end," Master Moarn told them, "and after a successful trial run with the Black Tomb pack, we've developed an effective schooling program that should get you properly educated in a matter of weeks. Representatives from the New Repulic Relocation Council will be arriving tomorrow to go over a few of the surveyed sites where your people will be able to settle. Again, it will be your choice on where you wish to settle."

A few of the newer wolves brightened at this, trading hopeful glances and smiles, though Orovus still looked hesitant. "Is there any catch?" he asked, prompting a few criticizing chuffs.

It was Kajex who answered, getting a feel for what the problem was and understanding the concern. "There's no cost involved," he interjected, injecting his voice with confidence and reassurance. "The most the NRI will want is to take a few bio scans and samples from you all as compensation, plus a monthly interview to see how you're coming along, and how your culture develops. I know it's hard to believe after a lifetime of servitude, expecting any boon to be purchased through obedience, but the Jedi Order and New Republic is being square, here- we just want you all safe and secure. And," he added, "to not be used by the Imperial Remnant or Sith for their conflicts, especially against us."

"Thank you," the ebony wolf sighed. "I didn't mean to suggest you weren't doing this out of kindness, it's just... a lot to take in right now, so soon after being freed. Not that we aren't thankful, but as you can understand we're not used to being treated so well by total strangers."

"We're glad to help," Luke said warmly. "For the time being you're welcome to explore the Praxeum, talk and mingle with others. Just be careful if you decide to wander into the jungle, the fauna here can be a little aggressive. And if you have any questions or requests, seek any of our Jedi here- I've already instructed them to help you as much as possible." He nodded to Master Moarn. "If you could be so kind, please show them to their temporary quarters and give them a run-down of the area, while I speak with the Black Tomb pack and our Trianii applicants."

"Certainly, Master Skywalker," the Trandoshan hissed with a bow, before gesturing to the new pack. "Everyone please follow me, I expect a few of you might want to get lunch."

Kajex watched as the group walked away, privately hoping they would acclimatize well. It took him a few moments to notice that Si'Behl and Toern had not left with them, but before he could ask Toern intercepted his question. "We'd like to stay here, kid. My pup and I talked it over, and we'd like to stick around to learn a bit about the Force."

"You're welcome to stay if you'd like," Luke suggested, before turning his attention to the Black Tomb pack. "If it would make things more comfortable, I'm sure we could assign you both to the Gold Rush knights to learn. I already get the feeling they've done a good job teaching their people well, but since we have a few hours free, with their consent I would like to see a demonstration of how much they've learned."

"I think you'll be pleased," the Sentinel grinned.

For the next two hours Master Skywalker and several other knights tested the Black Tomb pack with an assortment of exercises, ranging from clairvoyant reading with datapads to light sparring with training lightsabers with Master Katarn; with the exception of Zephyr, who even after half a year of being freed was still timid and quiet. It took little more than Kajex giving a brief mental suggestion to Luke for the Jedi Master to allow the young wolf a pass from demonstrating her abilities, and although he didn't have to say a word to anybody else about it, Rexxis had given the Sentinel a look of gratefulness in response. She did not seem to mind, standing behind Syrra and peering out from behind the Trianii to watch from a comfortable distance; the fact that she was at least comfortable around her and Kajex was, to him at least, an improvement.

The rest of the pack performed solidly, only stumbling a few times with their demonstrations. Locke had to step in quickly when it became clear So'Rah was becoming aggravated while sparring with Master Katarn, but he quickly calmed down after a few moments and apologized with a bow. Kentoh, meanwhile had become so anxious to show everything he'd learned that when they were tasked with sorting pebbles he knocked over an entire crate of them, causing a three-minute delay in the exercise as both students and knights cleaned up quickly (or otherwise tried to stifle their laughing). But for the most part they performed on a level that Kajex was happy with, not unlike how Syrra had been only a year prior; and if the look on Master Skywalker's face were any indication, he was not the only one satisfied.

More than once throughout the demonstrations, each member of the pack had glanced in the direction of the Gold Rush knights, smiling or nodding to them. Not a single one of them lacked confidence, and the Sentinel had a feeling it was because they had their instructors on hand, giving wordless, silent encouragement through their own subtle nods. As the testing winded down Kajex wondered if the feelings he were experiencing, those of immense pride for his students, were exactly what Kane and Bran felt when they were teaching him.

If so, he was certainly enjoying seeing their growth.

Once Master Skywalker had gotten them settled down and seated on the floor, he stepped forward again, peering at each of them. "Well, you all seem to be performing well. But as you might have been told by your instructors, there's far more to being a Jedi than wielding a lightsaber and knowing how to levitate objects. And since we have Trianii guests who may not know the philosophies of the Jedi," he said, gesturing the the felines who had been watching with great interest, "who here can recite the Jedi Code?"

A pause, and then Kentoh raised his paw. "Post or pre Odan-Urr?" he asked.

"I see the Gold Rush pack have been thorough in your history education," Luke chuckled, glancing at Kajex. "I don't often tell my own students the differences between them, or even mention Odan-Urr. But if you know the original code, you're welcome to recite it- I find that it's easier to understand, and far less absolute than the 'refined' version."

Kentoh paused to clear his throat, then began. "'Emotion, yet peace. Ignorance, yet knowledge. Passion, yet serinity. Chaos, yet harmony. Death, yet the Force.'"

"Very good," Luke told him. "Reciting the Jedi Code is a good start, but it's important to understand each of its tenants. Who here knows the meaning of the first tenant?"

There was a pause as the wolves glanced to each other, before So'Rah raised his paw. Likely due to his earlier surge of anger, his voice was low and his expression apologetic as he spoke. "It means to acknowledge your emotions, but also to not let them control your actions; to keep calm so you don't lash out in anger, or act rashly."

"It does," Luke said kindly, conveying an expression that informed everyone he was not angry at the wolf. "Even though we might lapse sometimes, we can still better ourselves by minding our actions and taking a moment to calm down, as you did earlier. Now, what is meant by the second tenant?"

Tegrim raised his paw, sitting up straighter. "The second tenant informs us that we don't know everything, and to be humble enough to admit that; but that education is always within our power if we seek it, and that meditation and reflection is important."

"Very much so," the Jedi Master agreed. "Sometimes knowledge can be dangerous, but to be ignorant and remain so can be far more harmful. This is not just about knowledge of the universe, either; as you may have learned on Pouma V, it's essential for being able to deal with different cultures and people. Understanding your allies and your foes is important for a Jedi to learn." He looked up. "And the third?"

"The third tenant," Mica answered, "teaches us to accept that we have desires and goals, and that it's okay to have them; but at the same time it cautions us to be satisfied with what we already have, and not become obsessed with possessing more than we need."

"Well said," Luke nodded, pausing at the foot of the steps and taking a seat on the second. "To possess companionship, friends, and the basic necessities of all living things is not a sin. To desire comfortability is a natural urge, but to feed that urge excessively or unnecessarily risks it morphing into obsession. Greed is something a Jedi can always do without, particularly as the universe we serve is fraught with billions of beings who have far less than we do. So, who knows the meaning of the fourth tenant?"

It was Sa'Rah who raised her paw. "It reminds us that change and even destruction are natural parts of the universe, that things can happen outside of our control; and it tells us not to force change on the universe, to stand against arbitrary and deliberate destruction."

The Jedi Master looked satisfied with this answer. "Indeed. Having served as pilot and soldier for the Rebel Alliance, I can tell you that there are times when it's necessary to incite change through struggle, especially against tyranny; but even then, the focus should be on trying to reestablishing balance, and not on revenge or hatred. The Rebellion would have been for nothing, rendered meaningless, had we not spent years bringing the galaxy back together to heal- part of why I established this Praxeum, in fact."

He paused, pressing his fingers together. "This last tenant may be difficult to understand, but I'm told one of you may be capable of understanding it better than most. If they are comfortable in explaining it, they can try to articulate it if they wish- though you've all done exceptionally well, and we can stop here if it's too sore a topic."

There was an awkward pause as all eyes fell on Kentoh, the only being in the chamber to have truly experienced death, even if he could not understand. A slight surge of resentment built up in Kajex as the seconds ticked by, less than pleased by Master Skywalker putting the young wolf on the spot with a question certain to dredge up bad memories. He was a half-second away from telling them they didn't need to say anything when Kentoh straightened up and looked Luke in the eyes with a hard stare, speaking in a clear voice.

"The last tenant forces us to acknowledge our own mortality, and to make peace with it by reminding us that just because we die doesn't mean it's the end. What we put into our lives can affect how other people remember us, and in that way we might actually live on." He paused for a moment. "But more to the point, even if we don't know what happens when we expire, we're still a part of the Force."

Luke smiled warmly and nodded. "Very true. Apparitions and spirits of the Force can linger on as well; and while this Praxeum has seen and battled specters of the dark side, many of us have communed with noble souls meant to guide us through hardship. But your first part rings truer to me than anything else. One perfect example is the work you've done already as Padawans, aiding a Trianii settlement that needed your help. I'm sure they will never forget it, and I suspect our guests here feel the same way." He looked up and stared directly at Kajex. "It is something I would have resonate in all Jedi, even our knights- in one way or another, those who leave us never truly leave us, lingering on in memory and teaching."

The urge to speak died in the Sentinel's throat, humbled by the Jedi Master's words. Realizing the meaning of the lesson and discussion was as much for his benefit as it was for the pack's, he bit his tongue and waited as Luke got back up to his feet.

"Well, I have to say that I'm exceptionally pleased with your progress, and I'd add that I'm sorry I waited so long to be able to meet you. You'll forgive me for the wait; as I'm sure you're aware, we Jedi tend to have a lot of work to do. As a key representative to our order, I often leave to deal with dangerous situations directly." He gestured to the Gold Rush knights. "Having capable instructors like yours and going on active missions seems to have done you some real good, although I'd be more than willing to hear if you've any concerns."

"I think one of us might," Mica said, giving a look to Rexxis. The pack alpha sighed, but nodded.

"I encourage you to share," Luke offered. "If there's anything I can do to alleviate worries, I'll try my best."

The wolf hesitated for a few moments before speaking, clasping his paws. "It's just... even before we were truly rescued we'd already lost three of our pack, siblings I loved with all my heart. And even though I know it's important for a Jedi to let go and make peace with their deaths, I still worry for the rest of my pack. I don't want to tell them not to pursue their goals, if becoming Jedi happens to be one of them; but at the same time I want to ensure they come back safely."

The Jedi Master nodded. "It's alright to be concerned for the welfare of your pack, which is part of the other reason I wanted you all to come here. I'll have some things to discuss with your instructors concerning those reasons, but it's enough to say that I want to ensure that you're equipped to handle any situation by keeping you here on Yavin 4 for an extended period, until we deem you ready to take on missions for the Jedi Order- assuming you wish to stay that long, of course. I won't blame you for dropping studies to help with whatever settlement your people want to build."

"That is something we'll all want to keep tabs on," Toern agreed from behind the Black Tomb pack. "Keeping in touch with the other Kanj'Isha should take priority, so having most of us in one place will help."

"We'll iron out the details in full when the relocation council arrives tomorrow," Luke told them. "For now, we've had several comfortable barracks constructed around the temple in anticipation for your arrival- I've assigned you Unit 7, it's closest to the main hangar. I'd like for you to go with Master Cilghal and get acquainted with the space, become familiar with the rules around here and meet some new people- you'll be working with and studying alongside many of them, after all."

"Thank you again, Master Skywalker," Rexxis said, getting to his feet and bowing.

"You're very welcome; I'm happy to have finally met with you all," Luke replied, bowing back as the Mon Calamari Jedi Master beckoned them to follow. "Oh, and one more thing- I've been made aware of your..." he paused, clearing his throat awkwardly, "... particular proclivities as a species. I'm not going to tell you not to, but for the sake of those around you, try to practice some discretion." He chuckled. "I'm hoping to introduce a junior academy in the near future, the last thing I want are parents coming for my head."

"We'll behave, boss!" So'Rah said with a grin.

"'Behave,' you say," Sa'Rah snickered, as they exited the great hall.

Once they'd left, Luke turned his attention to the Gold Rush knights, gesturing them to approach. "I realize you might have been a little upset with putting Kentoh on the spot like that, Kajex, but I hope you understand why."

The Sentinel nodded, sighing. "Yeah, I get it. So you believed my report, then?"

"I know enough about you as a person to understand that you take your father's deaths seriously," Luke explained. "You would not bring them up simply as a flight of fancy to explain your survival. I'm glad that you were able to make it out alive, and while I do resent that this Chaq individual was executed for his crimes, I recognize that it was not your call to make."

"Technically, it was ours," Miles admitted. "But we were... caught up in the moment, I guess. And there wasn't much to be gained from him being kept alive, even if Syrra's cousin intended to keep him that way- or so we thought."

Syrra folded her arms with a cat-like grunt, looking away. "I had a slight suspicion that my blood-mother hadn't sent him, enough so that I asked him to retain enough honor to tell us who had. He was... defiant. I don't think he would have told us. But now I'm almost positive Bast wasn't his employer, leaving us with the question of who hired him, and why."

"He used a Jedi-targeting trick," Talrik muttered, rubbing his right arm reflexively. "It had to be someone who knew that kind of tactic, and who knew that Kajex was bonded tightly enough with us to target one of us. He didn't choose Rook because he knew she was hired help, even if she's closer now; someone had to have told him about us."

"You suspect the Circle," Luke suggested. "It would be the natural conclusion. Unfortunately, there's no way to be completely sure."

"We've no other leads?" Keris asked quizzically.

"I'm afraid not," Luke sighed, sitting back on the steps. "One of my knights was sent deep undercover in Imperial territories to ascertain the strength and composition of the Circle of Syn and their Remnant allies. I'll add that this was not a plan I endorsed in the slightest, but the NRI was insistent that only a Jedi would be able to penetrate deeply enough without being caught. We've heard no word from him in two months, and at this point I fear he has already been captured and executed." He shuddered. "I can't know for sure, unfortunately, as I hadn't felt his passing. Recently, I've had to blunt my connection to the Force in order to dull the pain of so many lives being lost. Almania was... terrible business. It brings me no joy knowing that I've lost another student to the dark side. Another dark stain on the Jedi Order, with me leading it."

"Don't sell yourself short, Luke," Master Katarn advised. "Part of being a Jedi means accepting individual responsibility. Dolph's story is tragic, but it's no excuse for the pain he caused."

"I suppose you're right," Luke agreed. "I just hope with all my heart we don't have to suffer too many more falls." He cleared his throat, getting back to his feet. "Anyway, that's enough of that for now. We should speak on more recent matters, particularly concerning Pouma V. I want to start by saying that I'm proud of your efforts and skill in handling the situation, and I was pleased with the statement Syrra gave during the mass pyre ceremony. Spreading the message that Kajex's fathers espoused has had a larger impact than you might have anticipated."

"How so?" Syrra asked.

"You're aware that your message was being broadcast to Trianii worlds, and as a result we were contacted by no fewer than twenty applications to the Jedi Praxeum from the Wild Space and Tingel Arm regions, not counting the trio that accompanied you. But I'm not sure you were aware that the proceedings were also broadcast in Republic territories. Many billions of sentient beings heard you speak and promote a message of unity in the face of hardship- which is why we've since added nearly a hundred new students to our Praxeum."

The Trianii swayed for a moment, leaning against Kajex for support. "I... you mean..." she stammered, trying to find words. "I... guess it's a good thing I didn't know that at the time, I was feeling nervous enough for a while before--" She stopped short, straightening up and turning to her husband as he looked away awkwardly.

"... It was you, wasn't it," she muttered, her eyes narrowed. "You used battle meditation on me again!"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," the wolf coughed, still averting his eyes guiltily as Locke and Keris stifled their laughs. "Clearly you're selling yourself short and you just gained confidence moments before speaking."

"Moving on," Luke continued through an amused expression, "I also want to extend my congratulations to all four of you for getting married."

"Thank you Master Skywalker," Syrra replied, bowing. "If we could have invited you we would have, but..."

"Not at all, Syrra- as it was I had things to attend to. I'm sure you'll bring each other happiness throughout your lives. Because of that, I feel I should ask a personal question- have you considered where you'll be spending your honeymoon?"

The knights looked between each other hesitantly, and Locke answered. "We... felt that we had more important obligations to focus on before making a decision like that. The Circle of Syn isn't going to wait on us just because we got hitched."

"And the knights of the Jedi Praxeum appreciate you wanting to put your duty first before your personal lives," Luke replied warmly. "But after everything you've been through, I feel you are all due for something easier, though still of moderate importance. If you're adamant on still getting some work done, I had an idea that might split the difference- if Master Katarn is still receptive to the idea," he added, glancing at Kyle.

The battlemaster looked over the pack for a few moments, then nodded. "Hell, why not. Last time I was there it was actually looking pretty. It'd make for a good, rustic vacation spot, and they might even come out of it a little stronger."

"What would?" Kajex asked.

"It's a nice little spot of wilderness located in the Mid Rim, in the Teraab sector," Kyle explained. "Within it is the Hoth's Brand system, and within that is the planet of Ruusan. It was a pretty desolate place until about a decade ago, and since then it's been getting greener and more lively. It's the site of a Force nexus, a place I think you could relax and study and come out a lot stronger."

"Wait, wait," Locke interrupted him, his eyes wide. "... You said 'Ruusan?'"

"What's on Ruusan?" Keris asked.

"Just a small, ancient memorial site," Kyle grinned, "known as the Valley of the Jedi."

Locke was the only Jedi Knight among the Gold Rush pack to have visited the ancient site of the Valley of the Jedi, having been one of the few Circle members to have been present when the fallen Jedi Desann led the Imperial Remnant to draw power from its Force nexus. But though he had been offered the chance to empower himself, he had turned it down, rightfully fearing that doing so would corrupt him from within; a side-effect that the Reborn had suffered by taking power they'd not earned, rendering their Force powers warped and their minds violent. It was this reason, he had been told by Voyde himself, that the Circle had neglected use of the site entirely.

What Luke had needed more than anything was a brief survey of the site, to see if the now-abandoned Imperial facilities were still serviceable. As the Jedi Praxeum has suffered attacks in the past, the Jedi Master had felt it prudent to consider secondary outposts for Jedi in the event that Yavin 4 were no longer safe. It would be an easy task, and with it came Luke's permission for them to meditate within the nexus itself, confident that doing so peacefully would prevent the side effects the Reborn had suffered. With this reassurance, all four knights had agreed to take on the mission and double it as down-time.

The next and last order of business, however, was one that only a select few were allowed to bear witness to, forcing Luke to send every other knight away. Miles, Talrik and Rook had left to get things ready for the trip, leaving only Luke, the Gold Rush knights, Garrett, Simetra, and Tay- all of whom knew of Revan's existence as a holocron. The moment Kajex set the device on the floor, it activated, a full-sized holoprojection of the masked Jedi Master phasing into view before them.

Before anybody could speak, Revan bowed. "Master Luke Skywalker- I'm pleased to meet you."

Luke bowed in return. "As I am to meet you, Revan. You're standing in the Great Massassi Temple of Yavin 4, the site of our Jedi Praxeum."

"Am I?" Revan wondered, looking around. "... It's strange. I don't recall having ever been on this planet before, but... I feel as if this world was significant to me, in some way or another." He shook his head. "It doesn't matter. Anyway, you said you wanted to meet me face to face, to get a feel for my intentions. I hope you still believe that my intentions are benevolent."

Luke didn't speak immediately, his arms folded and expression considering. "Your intentions, yes. But I've met other Force spirits who were less than benevolent and more than capable of grievous deception. When I first opened this Praxeum, my first struggle was in standing against the spirit of the ancient fallen Jedi, Exar Kun. It took all my students to cast him away, back then."

"You? Stood against Exar Kun?" Revan repeated, sounding impressed. "That's a feat worthy of the rank of Grand Master, in my book."

"I would be wary of reading any book you wrote," Luke told him. "I care for my students and friends here, and I'll not put them at risk."

"I can only tell you that I don't want to endanger anybody," Revan replied solemnly. "But I admit that I have only my word to give you. If that's not enough, then I understand- I often wonder if my circumstances here are meant to be a form of purgatory for the sins I committed in the past."

"Perhaps so," Luke agreed. "So I'll ask the knights here for their opinions. Do you feel that Revan can be trusted?"

The four knights looked to each other, though it was Locke who spoke first. "I trust him. Maybe not as deeply as my family, but he's been a valuable asset and... as strange as it might be to say, a good friend."

"He has a unique perspective, and knowledge of the past that could help us," Syrra agreed. "He's been forthright with us so far."

"Not to mention a good source of education," Keris added. "He's helped me refine my skill in makashi along with my boys, so he's good as far as I'm concerned."

Luke nodded, looking to Kajex last. "And you?"

The Sentinel gazed at the holoprojection for a few moments before forming his answer. "He's been keeping watch over us in the non-creepy, non-stalker way. He sensed when Talrik and Rook were going to be in danger, and helped keep me from lashing out when my fathers were insulted." He smiled wryly. "Granted, he can also be an asshole sometimes, but... yeah, I trust him. I think he's genuine in wanting to help us."

"Glad you think so," Revan said.

"That said," Kajex continued, "I'd prefer to keep him out of engagements or away from locations with strong Force influences. Do you think it's safe for him to be here, Master Skywalker?"

"If by that you mean to ask if he can handle the Force nexus here, then I believe so, yes; although he may be of better service to us all if he remains with you," Luke admitted, before regarding the holocron once more. "I don't think the time is right for your presence to be revealed to the rest of the Praxeum, and I can't say for sure if there will ever be such a moment. But since you have their trust already I won't object to you educating them on advanced Force techniques- as long as you do not put them in danger."

"I swear to you that I'll not make any trouble for them," Revan replied solemnly. "They get into enough of it as it is."

"Ain't that the damn truth," Kajex sighed.

"I believe we've been uncommonly fortunate as of late," Luke continued with a troubled look. "Too much has happened to be of coincidence over the last year. It's incredible enough that Kajex and Locke, two clones, were able to meet at a critical moment, as the Circle of Syn started to make their moves; but for you both to have found more of your people and, more importantly, the wolf whose template you were cloned from, requires higher intervention. Moreover, you've been present to counter the Circle of Syn's efforts against us, and even come across a source of information that could be vital in thwarting their goals." He looked between them all. "Because of all these factors, I'm convinced that the Force is on our side, if only in subtle ways. Thus far, having teams of Jedi on the move in different regions has been helpful, but unless we have a more focused and specialized option on hand, I fear that you will not be enough. I'll be spending the next month or so working with the NRI to watch the Circle's movements; more importantly I intend to have a task force set up to combat this threat- something off the books, in a manner of speaking."

"You're not going to do anything illegal, are you?" Kajex asked. "Not that I would criticize, obviously."

"Nothing illegal, no- but at the same time I would prefer your movements not be followed," the Jedi Master reasoned. "It's too much to hope for that there isn't a spy among the Republic. I have no proof, but I've learned to trust my feelings when it comes to these sort of things." He turned to the other three Jedi. "To that end, I'd prefer that you have the help of Jedi you've already worked with. Would the three of you be willing to lend your aid to the Gold Rush? Having you on the Inspired has thus far proven very effective, and if you'd like to continue those assignments then I can make the necessary arrangements."

"Sure thing, Master Skywalker," Garrett agreed. "We're already helping with the Black Tomb pack, if it's for Syrra and her pack then I'm all for it."

"I concur," Simetra nodded. "We're in."

"You'll need my squadron for air engagements, I'm sure of it," Tay told them. "As soon as I find a few replacement pilots, you'll have us at our back, Kaj."

"Then it's settled. I'll talk with the Antarian Rangers to have a squad assigned for that purpose. We may not be able to operate in Trianii space for the time being, but there are a lot of worlds that the Circle might be interested in." He gestured to Revan. "You'll at least have some help on that end, if we can target places of significant Force experience."

"I'd be glad to help," Revan told them.

"I think that's about everything we needed to cover, then," Luke told them. "You can leave for Ruusan whenever you're ready, and are free to collect whatever supplies will be necessary for the trip. Though if I can make one suggestion?"

"What's that?" Kajex asked.

"Bring plenty of rope," he said, smiling serenely. "You'll be doing a lot of climbing."

In the time Saph had left her burrow on Coachelle Prime so that she could travel the stars and earn a living as a slicer and mercenary, she'd come to realize one tremendous advantage the Imperial Remnant still held over the New Republic:

They still had the most potent bacta mix in the universe.

What injuries and ailments that would normally have taken three days in a bacta tank to heal on any planet in the Mid-Rim, took only a day and a half in Imperial territories. It was potent enough that the Lepi could feel the medical sludge working to repairing her injured body, in slightly strange yet gentle and pleasant tingles that alleviated the pain. If it weren't for the fact that bacta tanks required furry, non-human beings to be completely stripped, as well as the fact that the tanks themselves were encased in transparisteel, Saph might have been completely at peace. Yet it was difficult to feel that way with a Sith Knight peering inside, eyes tracing her nude form as she remained suspended in the clear, viscous fluid. Despite lacking Force-sensitivity, she did not need to read minds to identify the lascivious leers he was giving her, not that he was at all subtle about it.

She tried to ignore him, using the patient-side terminal in her tank to compile her report as Thresher had ordered her. It was a surprising yet clever feature the Remnant had introduced, to allow their personnel the chance to write their accounts for later analysis (though it did not prevent her from omitting her battle against Kajex Surnahm, as she felt it was best Thresher not learn she had defied his orders). But she had finished that task several hours ago, and in that time Knight Yuda had entered and lingered to watch her, forcing her to pretend that she was still writing it. It was no use at this point- by now he knew she had nothing left to do but await retrieval from her tank, and was using this to further unsettle her, leaning against a wall with his arms folded. A shudder passed through her as she watched him lick his lips and reach into his trousers to "adjust" himself, a cruel glint in his eyes as he noticed her reaction.

When salvation came, however, it came in the form of three figures. Knight Thresher led the way as he entered the bacta wing, his frown directed at Knight Yuda as the latter continued to stare and ignore the shark as he talked; Knight Snaire followed, stopping short at the sight of the Human Sith and sighing, folding her arms; last to join them was the Trianii fighter Saph had seen on Pouma V, who approached the tank and peered inside curiously. While the Lepi felt a twinge of annoyance upon recognizing the feline that had taken a shot at her short stature, she had little time to dwell on it as Thresher approached and punched a few keys at a nearby terminal. Saph flinched as she felt a tug on her breathing apparatus, her eyes drawn to the top of the tank- the seal had been removed. With a kick against the bottom of the tank she shot up and surfaced, shuddering as a cold droid hand firmly grabbed her wrist and pulled her out of the fluid onto a stretcher. Once she was upright, the medical droid started checking her prior wounds, the stretcher descending the tank.

It took a moment of shaking her head for the bacta to leak out of her ears, at which point she could finally hear Thresher's cold voice. "I don't care that you didn't have anything to do on your off-time, Yuda. Perhaps you should have better spent that time training instead of disrupting my apprentice. I was told by the Trianii that you sat on your ass doing nothing and nearly paid for it when the Jedi intercepted you."

"You'll really take the word of a mangy tribal hairball over me, fish?" the human countered quietly, his eyes still on Saph as the medical droid prodded at her.

"Given your track record thus far, yes," Snaire sighed, as she grabbed a towel and approached Saph. "Your incompetence nearly cost us four warbeasts and a Sentinel-class dropship. We also nearly didn't get our Trianii allies out of there."

Yuda continued to leer at the rabbit. "And why the hell should I care about them?"

It was Ai'Rah's turn to start glaring at the human Sith Knight. "We had an agreement. Knight Thresher honored that agreement, but I had to ensure he would follow through after you seemed to regard that agreement with flippancy. Even if my own people forsake me, I would not take advantage of my men- and I'll not have scum like you bring my own honor into question."

"Voyde considers you valuable, whelp- for now," Thresher followed up, his voice low and dangerous. "By his orders you are to remain untouched. You'd do well not to give me any reason to report that the cost of your presence has outweighed the benefits."

Whatever Yuda said in response, Saph did not have the chance to hear as Snaire stepped up to the rabbit, glancing at the medical unit as she handed the rabbit the towel. "Report?"

"It is this unit's assessment that the patient has made a full recovery and is ready to resume her service," the droid said in a monotone voice. "A prescription of stimulants to offset any tenderness will be filled for her, to be picked up at her earliest convenience."

The Twi'lek nodded before regarding the lapine Acolyte with a smile. "You took a hell of a spill back there, but you came out on top, bunny. I'm starting to see why Thresher's so taken with you. That trick with the thermal detonator was fairly inspired."

"It was spur of the moment," the rabbit corrected her, wiping her muzzle of the bitter bacta taste and digging into her ears with the towel for the excess. "Wasn't keen on killing so many Trianii. They were just doing their job, and just happened to be in the way."

"The nature of war," Ai'Rah said. "Nobody will fault you for trying to preserve your own life. But you did well out there, even if your squad was lost for it."

The rabbit cocked her head as she got to her feet. "Why, what happened?"

"They were wiped out," the Twi'lek explained. "Last transmission on record was someone had botched the explosives on the power grid. They blew themselves up, and only managed to damage the city's grid connection to the reactor, and not the reactor itself. If you'd been there, you'd have been killed."

"But... the unit leader--"

"Got what was coming to him," Snaire finished for her as she led the Lepi to the side of the room, where a series of shower units awaited. "You were right, he wasted time on civilians instead of following orders. If you hadn't expedited the whole thing by cutting his head off, the Trianii would have successfully reinforced their position. Now go get washed up, bun- I'll keep an eye on the pervert."

Saph nodded and padded towards the nearest shower unit, glancing back in Thresher's direction as his discussion with Yuda continued. He was still staring at her, though now his smile was gone and his words were more coarse. "If you must, fish- but it'll be my word against yours, and you're not nearly popular enough with the rest of the Circle. Even that brute of yours, Apex, doesn't much care for your leadership." He paused, then at last turned to Thresher. "So if you want me to have your back, you'll need to find a better means to convince me."

"If there is a price for your cooperation, name it," the Karkarodon growled. "You run my patience thin with your flagrant disregard for seriousness in the Circle's efforts. I would happily be rid of it for once."

Yuda smirked. "At your wits end already, then? But if that's the case, then my price is simple- give me a test subject."

The shark blinked. "A test subject?" he repeated, sounding genuinely confused.

"You were just complaining about how you think I'm not training enough. You can help me rectify that by lending me a test subject that I can manipulate, forcing my will upon them and refining my control over others."

Thresher folded him arms again, eyeing the human with disdain. "Always with your lust for dominating others. Though I suppose that's what one should expect from someone like you, wholly incapable of leading others without relying on the Force. If this is all you require, you can find one among the ranks of the Acolytes."

"What a wonderful idea," Yuda replied with mock elation. "And as it turns out, I know just the perfect subject."

He turned his eyes back to the Lepi, his leer returning. Another shiver passed through Saph, causing her to cringe as his intent was laid as bare as she was, his eyes tracing her breasts and down to her hips and loins. She desperately wished she was no longer nude, fumbling as she tried to trigger the controls for the shower unit. A firm hand squeezed her shoulder and made her jump slightly, though she relaxed as Snaire stepped in front of Saph and used her position to hide the Lepi's body from Yuda's sight, a look of disgust painted on her features.

It was a look Thresher possessed. "You want my apprentice," he realized, his fists clenched.

"Most of the Circle already knows that she threw off the will of Marka Ragnos himself, even though she's not Force-sensitive," Yuda muttered almost inaudibly. "Why would I waste my talents practicing my specialties in the Force on the weak-minded fools that currently make up the Dark Acolyte ranks, when I can instead force my will upon someone who could resist one of the most powerful Sith Lords in the universe?" He turned to Thresher with a grin. "Give her to me for a week, and by the end of it she'll no longer be your apprentice- I expect I'll have her in my bed by the first night, moaning for my touc--"

He did not have the chance to finish; Thresher had clearly reached the end of his patience with these words, grabbing Yuda by the arm and throwing him across the room. The Lepi flinched and gaped as the human was flung over a desk, knocking several medical implements to the floor as he was sent sprawling. As Yuda groaned and struggled back up to his feet, the shark crossed the distance in a moment and grabbed him by the hair, slamming him up against the far wall with a snarl. Before the human could even react, the shark had snatched up the human's long-handled lightsaber and activated it, holding it dangerously close to the Yuda's throat. The shorter knight's eyes went wide as he was rendered silent by the look of rage in Thresher's eyes, in contrast to the low but dangerously clear tone of voice he used as he spoke.

"Ever since you joined the Circle of Syn you have demonstrated that you are more an animal than a proper Sith Knight," Thresher hissed. "The traitor Locke once told me you made an attempt on his apprentice, and while they remain our enemies that does not make what you tried to do any less reprehensible. We are Sith. Your propensity for sexual assault beneath us. I do not need it. Voyde does not need it. And the Circle does not need it."

"You... think you're any better?" Yuda growled, though he pressed his head against the wall as the deadly energy blade moved closer. "With your torture techniques and fascination with pain?"

Without warning Thresher thrust the edge of the blade an inch forward. Yuda screamed as the crimson shaft of light slid against the flesh under his jaw, his body writhing as the blade burned and gouged a shallow mark in his neck. Snaire winced at the act, and even Ai'Rah cast her eyes away.

"With just a flick of my wrist, I could end your miserable life," Thresher growled, pulling the blade away as Yuda gasped in pain. "But that would not serve me. And it would not serve the Circle. For as I am constantly reminded despite my disgust with you... we need your skills. And if pain is the only way to ensure your cooperation, I will gladly administer as much as I need to keep you in line. As you rightly mentioned, I have a talent for getting what I need by applying the proper amount of agony."

He deactivated the lightsaber, throwing Yuda to the side and sending him sprawling on the floor before tossing his weapon back, a look of disgust on his face. "I fully expect that this lesson will go unheeded, and that you'll come for me repeatedly, as you've done so in the past- perhaps more frequently, in fact, given the injury. But if you have any sense whatsoever, you will abide by my command- keep your dick in your trousers and away from our acolytes." He paused, glaring down at Yuda as the human regarded him with hatred etched in his features. "Are we clear?"

Yuda did not answer immediately, casting his eyes down as he shook with rage, white-knuckled as he gripped his weapon, thumb close to the ignition trigger. But he did not ignite. Even from her distant viewpoint, Saph could see he was thoroughly cowed by the lesson, unwilling to strike back. She wondered if perhaps the human Sith Knight's skills were unquestionably lower than her mentor's, even if he refused to admit it outright.

Eventually, he nodded. "As you say."

"Then get the hell out of here, and report to Inquisitor Dette for your on-board assignment," the shark snapped. At once, Yuda got back to his feet, taking a moment to glare back at Thresher before limping to the hatch. "And one more thing," the shark added, prompting Yuda to stop completely.

"... What?"

"Stay the fuck away from my apprentice," Thresher warned. "Or I will make you my test subject by studying the pain you experience as I kill you. Slowly."

He did not look at Thresher, his fist shaking as his clenched it around his Sith weapon. "... Understood." Without a word more, he slapped the door controls and exited.

The shark watched him leave, his scythe-like tail flicking irritably for a moment before he glanced in the rabbit's direction. He looked ready to speak, though he stopped short; and for a few moments, despite his expression remaining stern, Saph had a strange feeling that he was actually looking at her bare body in interest. He seemed to stand up a little straighter before finally speaking. "Go on, get cleaned up," he ordered her firmly. "I'll require your presence at 0800 tomorrow, and you'll want the time between now and then to recover. You've done solid work, Acolyte- now we need to prepare for more." He moved for the door, and paused again, glancing back. "And stay away from him. As an asset, you are far more valuable than he is."

Saph nodded, feeling less tense as she bowed her head slightly. "Yes, my lord, thank you." As he left she triggered the shower controls, sighing as hot water poured from overhead and soaked her, soothing her nerves.

After a few moments of rinsing the bacta out of her fur, however, she noticed she was still not alone, with Snaire and Ai'Rah watching her. She scowled. "Oh come on, it was bad enough when that fuck-creep was staring at me for hours while I was floating naked in a bacta tank. Y'gonna give me some fucking privacy?"

Snaire laughed, shaking her head. "Don't worry, we're not looking to jump your bones. Just figured it was worth mentioning that you oughta be thankful Thresher's taking such an interest in you. He rarely goes out of his way for other people."

"That a fact?" Saph grunted, running her paws through her hair and resigning herself to their presence- at least they weren't eyeing her like a piece of meat. "What d'ya figure caught his attention?"

"You're a gutsy little bunny," Snaire answered. "I don't think he's ever met anybody quite like you. He likes your spunk, even when addressing your superiors; he clearly respects your feat in tossing off Marka Ragnos; and even if he hasn't said it outright, I think he was impressed seeing you in action. You're doing everything right to prove that he selected the ideal candidate for... well..." She cleared her throat and stood a bit straighter, her smile a little more smug. "Let's just say you'll likely be privy to future projects, and leave it at that."

"I must also express that my initial assumption about you was incorrect," Ai'Rah said, bowing her head respectfully. "I made the mistake of assuming your size limited your usefulness. But after seeing you charge a Trianii Ranger firing line the way you did, despite the injuries you sustained, I confess that my opinion of you has changed completely. Hopefully we shall remain allies- I'd prefer to have a capable fighter at my back, particularly now that I believe I can see what your mentor sees in you."

Saph let out a sigh, but then chuckled quietly and shrugged. "Yeah, sure. Why not. At the very least it'd help having extra eyes on that prick, as I can't imagine he's made it easy for you," she guessed, nodding to Snaire.

"Oh he's tried," the Twi'lek confirmed. "Not that it's gotten him anywhere."

"What compels him to stalk females that way?" Ai'Rah asked. "Is he unskilled in the human ways of courtship?"

Snaire laughed at that. "Hon, there are a lot of things he's unskilled at, and as it happens I'd put courting others at the top three of his deficiencies. Yuda's the kind of person that takes a thrill in controlling other people. He thinks it's the source of 'true' power." She scoffed. "He wouldn't know true power if it blasted him in the jewels."

"Then I shall keep my eyes open," Ai'Rah replied.

"See that you do," Snaire agreed. "My bunny-friend here has shown she's strong-willed enough to through off a Sith phantom's influence, so I doubt Yuda will be able to affect her; but as I told her earlier, that's not going to stop him from trying. And now that you'll be training under us, you'll be as much a target."

"Might as well stick to my room then," Saph sighed, punching the shower controls and deactivating them, as Ai'Rah handed her a nearby towel. "I need time to myself."

The Twi'lek regarded her curiously. "Something happen?"

For a few moments Saph found herself fighting down the feeling of inadequacy assaulting her, as her thoughts trailed towards the Pouma V for what seemed like the hundredth time. Her inability to avenge her brother still stung, but deep within she realized if she lingered too long on her failure, the fact that she'd disobeyed Thresher's command would be revealed by anybody attempting to read her thoughts. The failure alone was bad enough, without having whatever trust he had in her diminished. She'd just borne witness to someone who had regarded his command with flippancy, and while she was nowhere near as moronic as Yuda, she did not enjoy the idea of her mentor punishing her for disobedience.

And yet, despite his harsh style of command and coarse exterior, she appreciated that she was closer now to fulfilling her goal than she had been months prior. It was true that she'd failed to kill Kajex; just as it was true that she'd nearly triumphed due to her growing skill in combat and her tutelage under Thresher. She was ready to admit, if only to herself, that she had been wrong and he had been right; she wasn't ready to fight the Sentinel. Not yet. And that would change in the coming weeks, months, or years, with the shark overseeing her training- as long as she listened and remained obedient.

And it was not a terrible price to pay, for the revenge she sought.

So when her answer came, it reflected her new perspective. "I've a lot left to learn from my master," she finally said with a smile, hanging the towel around her neck confidently.

"Such as?" Ai'Rah pressed.

"Obedience," Saph replied. "So if he says I need to get some rest, then that's what I'm gonna do."