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_ "It is against the Jedi Code to form attachments." _

_ "That can hardly be helped, Master Windu. You may as well ask all sentient oxygen-breathing beings to cease respiration." _

_ "Just because you argue that it's natural- an assessment which I see no evidence for- does not make it necessary to serve the Force." _

_ "Not necessary? No evidence? How can you even say that? What we do and how we treat others resonates and affects them, no matter how much you would like to pretend otherwise. I've been a Jedi long enough to realize that the Force flows between those we befriend and care for. To cut ourselves off from such connections is to cut ourselves off from the best and most important aspect of the Force itself." _

_ "Which is...?" _

_ "Each other." _

~ Jedi Master Mace Windu, Jedi Sentinel Bran Surnahm

Locke doubted that sleep came easily to anyone on Pouma V. The Guardian himself had found it difficult to rest, despite knowing how critical it was for the pack to do so. He had not needed to lecture any of the Padawans, as he felt them eventually nod off one-by-one. He felt Talrik and Rook return from their patrol and go to bed together, eventually (though not easily) slipping into a slumber of their own. Eventually it was just him, Kajex and Syrra who were left awake, but having no desire to coax his brother into getting any rest, the white wolf had instead finally decided to get rest himself, leaving the two alphas to talk and hold each other for comfort.

So when he entered the lounge the next morning, he was unsurprised to find the both of them finally asleep, having decided to curl up together on the couch still holding each other close rather than going to their room. For a while he stood at the entrance to the lounge, regarding the both of them sadly. Despite being fast asleep and basking in each other's physical comfort, he did not miss the underlying hurt each of them was still feeling. The nerves were still raw, and to remain in a veritable nexus of suffering was still wearing down on them a little. A part of him felt the best thing to do at that point was turn around and let them sleep as long as they wanted, even if that turned out to be forever.

Before he could turn to do so, however, Revan's holocron stirred- the cylindrical data unit clicked and whirred quietly, its ghostly gatekeeper flickering to life. The ancient, masked Jedi Master turned to see the Kajex and Syrra still slumbering, regarding them quietly for a few moments, before turning to address Locke with a low voice.

"Good morning, Locke."

"Good morning, Revan," he replied quietly. "Were they up for very long?"

"They got to sleep about four hours ago. Mostly them just holding each other and talking. Didn't want to intrude, so I deactivated."

"Did I wake you?" the white wolf asked with an amused smile.

"Ha, no. As it happens I just caught a transmission from Master Moarn," the gatekeeper said quietly. "Sounds like he needs you, your brother, and Syrra back at the ziggurat, as soon as you're able."

Locke nodded. "Trouble, I'm guessing?"

"Not exactly. Contact with the rest of Trianii civilization was re-established a few hours ago. Two trisectors from distant settlements entered orbit and are taking up patrolling duties with the Inspired and Lode Squadron; another Jedi vessel, the Lightscreen, arrived half an hour ago to lend aid to the survivors. At the same time, Matriarch Ja'Murah requests your presence at the Ranger compound; several off-world yu'nar wish for you to answer some questions."

"Then we better get up and get going," Syrra yawned, stirring as she sat upright and rubbed her eyes with a tired groan.

"Sorry, didn't mean to wake you," Revan apologized.

"Nah, it's fine... I didn't want to sleep too long anyway," the Trianii sighed. "How are things out there?"

"Better, although people are still reeling from what I can sense," the holocron admitted. "But they'd be doing much worse if none of you were here for them. What little I can sense from those nearby, there's an undertone of gratefulness for everything you've done."

"Then there's no reason to stop now, is there?" Kajex asked, also yawning as he got up, stretching. "I'll get us a few shots of half-caf so we're good and alert. By the way, I meant to ask earlier where Tegrim and Zephyr were- I didn't see them get off the ship with Master Moarn."

"That's because they aren't near here," Locke informed him. "The both of them went with the civilian crew in a shuttle headed to Ekibo, to Baarok Estate- Aarn and Iaora were more than happy to let them stay as long as they'd like, and Tegrim thought it'd be a good idea to get some lessons in medicine from them."

"Not a bad idea," Syrra remarked as she stretched out. "Though I'm sure he'll want to spend time with my brother, too, and let their relationship flourish a little bit. How'd Rexxis feel about it?"

"Very happy- anything to keep them safe, especially Zephyr. Now... are you sure you're up for this?" Locke asked skeptically as Kajex made a beeline for the galley. "I'm not going to pretend yesterday wasn't exhausting for me, but both you had rougher moments than all of us. And I can tell you two were the last of us to fall asleep. If you need a couple extra hours, I think I can handle everything alone."

But Syrra was already on her feet, shaking her head. "No, I'm fine. And besides, I'm the liaison to the Trianii and Trianii Rangers, they'll be expecting me. Not to say that they won't respect you, Locke, but this settlement was funded by off-world matriarchs." She managed a smile at the white wolf. "I don't doubt they're going to factor in at some point, and as sweet as your voice can be on a political level, I'm sure they'll want a Trianii Jedi's voice to be heard."

"If that's the case then you may want to change out your robes," he suggested, gesturing to her current attire, still stained with the blood of a wound long since healed.

The Trianii paused, then sighed. "Yeah, good idea."

"I believe they are-- yes, here they are, Master Skywalker," Ja'Murah said, waving at Syrra, Kajex and Locke as they entered the ziggarut's top floor and command station. Syrra glanced at the communications console, where her cousin Pakka was seated, looking completely healed. Though unable to get a word in with her, all it took was a brief nod and a reassuring smile for the Trianii commander to let her know he was alright, though he was also clearly exhausted.

The room was much cleaner than it had been when Syrra had left it- the bodies of both Trianii and stormtroopers had been removed, and the escape pod that had been used as an improvised insertion vehicle had also been relocated. A long table and several chairs had been set up, likely pulled from the tactical rooms below; and several portable holoprojectors had been set in a few of the seats. In one such seat, closest to the door, was Master Skywalker, who regarded the three Jedi with a nod; seated to his right were Knights Simetra and Garrett, the latter of whom grinned at Syrra despite wearing gauze over his chest; and to their right was Sinth Roc'nir, who smiled and nodded respectfully to Locke.

Perhaps the least-welcome sight, however, came from the holoprojection seated to Skywalker's left- though it had been perhaps half a year since they had last seen her, Syrra immediately identified the stiff-sitting female Bothan. A cold glare from Kajex was enough to tell the Trianii he had not forgotten Nett So'vay either, the two exchanging dark looks in lieu of conversation.

Hoping that the Bothan would not do anything to agitate the meeting, most of all her own fiancee, she focused on addressing the room instead. "I'm sorry for the delay, everyone," she apologized, taking a moment to bow to Master Skywalker, Master Moarn and Ja'Murah; both wolves followed suit, letting her do the talking. "We felt that all of us should get back into the thick of it, so we rallied our Padawans and got them to work."

"It's fine, Syrra," Luke assured her, looking between them. "And Keris?"

"She's guiding their efforts downstairs, we'll let her know what's going on up here later," Kajex answered.

"Very well," Luke replied, nodding. "I think that's all of us, then?"

"Not quite, honored Master," Ja'Murah said, gesturing to the inactive holoprojectors. "We're still trying to maintain a steady connection with a few off-world yu'nar. As you are all no doubt aware, Navio City represents a considerable investment from several of the Trianii core worlds looking to expand our territories. They are going to want a recorded explanation so they can file it in with whatever damages this city has undertaken."

"Understood," Master Skywalker acknowledged. "They have every right to inquire about any financial risks."

"More than that, though, are the safety issues and religious ramifications of several pieces of information that have come to light," Ja'Murah continued. "I'm told this is the second of our settlements in which Sith facilities and projects have been uncovered; naturally we're worried that this trend might continue, and we'll need to know what steps to take. The discovery of Kanj'Isha having been interned on Pouma V is also of particular significance, at least in my opinion. I expect it to be a part of the discussion. To act as a voice to the dozens of businesses that funded this settlement in particular, as well as address primary religious concerns, the matriarchs of three Trianii core worlds will be a part of the discussion- they are also closely tied with its financing."

She paused, glancing at Kajex and Syrra with a look hesitation. "As you may be aware... Trianii politics and religion are closely intertwined. I'll not hide that in some ways, we are behind the times in terms of social views. I told you that I had no negative opinion of your relationship together, Knight Syrra- as you may well know--"

"I have no intention of hiding it," Syrra said quickly, a slight edge in her voice. "Nor should I. They may not have a right to know, but I don't intend to disrespect them with a lie if I'm pressed."

"I agree," Ja'Murah said, nodding. "I just... wanted you to be prepared."

Syrra's blood seemed to go cold by the odd way in which the younger Trianii had said those words. Before she had a chance to ask, however, Pakka stood and got everyone attention. "They're coming in now."

The Trianii Jedi nearly failed to hold back a groan of frustration as the holoprojectors hummed to life, where the ghostly images of three Trianii noblewomen emanated; almost instantly she recognized the largest of the three, who peered down at the feline Jedi almost imperiously with her arms folded. Matriarch Bast looked no less imposing as a projection than she did in real life, and perhaps was moreso as the pair of matriarchs to either side of her were not nearly as impressive.

"May I introduce you to Matriarch Tai-Su of Brochiib-" At this, the tiger-striped female nodded respectfully; "Matriarch Valsa of Trian-" The cheetah-speckled matriarch smiled and inclined her head fractionally; "and Matriarch Bast of Ekibo, our settlement's primary financier." She gestured to Luke. "Matriarchs, this is Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, hero of the Republic and current head instructor of the Jedi Praxeum on Yavin 4."

A toxic feeling of loathing formed in Syrra's stomach at the fact that her blood-mother had been the source of credits to Navio City, though she said nothing as the holoimage of Master Skywalker stood up briefly and bowed. "It is an honor to meet you all. I regret that our first communication should come at the heels of a senseless atrocity. I wish for you all to know that our deepest condolences go to the victims of Pouma V, and we will be glad to render any assistance the settlement may need."

"We appreciate your kindness, Master Skywalker," Valsa purred deeply. "We are fortunate that Matriarch Ja'Murah possessed the wisdom to invite your Jedi such that they could lend their aid as needed."

"That remains to be seen," Matriarch Bast intoned evenly. "And what of these others who have attended? I would hear of their names and the parts they have played."

Giving the others a glance and a nod, Syrra was the first to rise to her feet as Master Skywalker spoke, with each of them bowing in turn- only Nett remained seated. "To my right is Nett So'vay of New Republic Intelligence, here to log the details of this incident for study on Remnant and Sith movements. Our present Jedi team includes Sentinel Kajex Surnahm, leader of the Gold Rush Jedi response team; his brother, Guardian Locke Surnahm; Knight Simetra, our trained beastmaster; Knight Garrett, our Jedi naturalist; and Knight Syrra, a skilled Jedi healer and Matriarch Bast's daughter." Syrra bowed to all three matriarchs, though she kept her eyes on Bast as the older feline lifted her head.

"I had the opportunity to meet Sentinel Surnahm some time ago; though at the time he introduced himself as Syrra's 'civilian instructor', and expressed plans to be her future mate," she added coolly. "I must admit, Sentinel, I was rather surprised that you revealed yourself to be of higher stock than I initially took you for, though not as surprised as I am not to learn my daughter has now been knighted. Then again, this is not the first time I've been the last to know such important details. Nevertheless... good work."

Syrra did not miss Bast's reveal of Kajex's intentions for union for what it was; a way to casually and preemptively delegitimize him in front of the other two matriarchs by suggesting her predictably low opinion of him had only improved marginally, while implying that he had a penchant for dishonesty. The urge to say something politically acidic nearly prompted the Trianii Jedi to lash out at her blood-mother- the words were in her throat and ready to burst forth when the Sentinel's paw slid around her wrist and caused her to stop short.

"Thank you. I apologize for failing to let you know of Syrra's recent promotion. I'm certain you would have wanted to... express your gratitude, perhaps by allowing her sister to 'visit' us again. But I'm sure even the best of us have secrets to hide," Kajex replied pointedly, his eyes narrowed. "I'm pleased to see you're well."

"There will be time to catch up in the hours after this conversation," Matriarch Tai-Su suggested. "If we are to help the Trianii of Pouma V, we must be swift. I should like to start by ascertaining the number of casualties in this battle. Is the ranking Trianii Ranger present?"

"1st Sinth Pakka," the Trianii commander acknowledged, raising his paw.

There was a pause as Tai-Su regarded him with concern. "1st Sinth? Were there no other higher-ranking survivors?"

"I'm afraid not," Pakka said, bowing his head low. "The invaders ended their lives in the opening minutes of the battle, I regret to say."

"Very well," Tai-Su sighed. "What have you to report?"

"At last count, 285 civilian deaths have been logged. An additional 500 are still injured in varying states, though the majority of them have been stabilized. Trianii Ranger casualties are at 130 surface patrollers, and twenty-nine pilots. Enemy casualties include an estimated seventy-eight pilots, 290 Imperial stormtroopers, and 134 specialized troopers identified as 'Dark Acolytes' by one of the Jedi Padawans." He hesitated. "Additionally, we have a total of three prisoners, and ten... er..." He trailed off, looking to Kajex.

The Sentinel spoke up. "Ten individuals were apprehended near the end of the battle, a group of former Sith slaves deployed as combatants," he explained. "As they were suffering from Sith mind control, I intervened and subdued them. They are currently interned in this facility's prison cells."

"And what of these invaders?" Matriarch Valsa asked. "What prompted them to attack a peaceful settlement so far from the Imperial core worlds?"

"For that, you will need some context," Syrra said. "As some of you may know, the Jedi Order has taken a recent interest in acquiring ancient Jedi and Sith relics, and studying places of Jedi or Sith significance; the former to collect past knowledge to teach to new students, and the latter to prevent others from being harmed. My team was deployed here to collect such artifacts as well as investigate potential sites; Matriarch Ja'Murah had need of Jedi investigating wilderness outposts which had fallen out of contact, and so my friends Knight Simetra and Knight Garrett were also deployed."

Tai-Su nodded. "Very well. If you would please, then, start from the beginning of the operation and tell us what came to pass."

For the next two hours, the Jedi and Pakka took turns explaining what had occurred, giving brief but detailed descriptions of everything that had unfolded and what had been discovered: the arrival of an Imperial Star Destroyer in low orbit; the involvement of and apparent alliance between Ai'Rah and the Circle of Syn; the arrival of a new class of Imperial trooper; the discovery and release of Kanj'Isha slaves and Sith warbeasts; Ai'Rah's control over a single battle hydra while dueling expertly against Syrra; Thresher's duel with Kajex ending with him escaping while releasing mind-controlled Kanj'Isha; the Imperial Remnant retreating; and the aftermath of the attack, with Jedi and Trianii Rangers aiding the injured civilians. Sinth Roc'nir was the last to speak, corroborating Garrett's and Simetra's discoveries and finishing with his interrogation of two captured Acolytes.

"I was able to... convince them to talk, and we learned that at least two dozen of these beasts were discovered. Counting the one Knight Garrett and I dispatched, and the one slain by Knight Keris, they have at least twenty-two more such beasts in their care, in addition to ten more Kanj'Isha slaves."

"So they attacked simply to get the beasts and prisoners?" Valsa asked, her brow furrowed in confusion. "This makes no sense. They could have done so covertly. Why would they need to attack an entire settlement for such a purpose, when it wastes lives and brings their crimes to light? Surely this was as much a waste of resources on the Imperial Remnant's part?"

Kajex glanced at Syrra, and the Trianii grimaced before she elaborated. "It has been suggested that this attack was also a means of testing their new Sith projects. More specifically, these 'Dark Acolytes' Pakka mentioned."

Pakka nodded, his expression dark. "From what I could ascertain from our troop chatter, the Imperial stormtroopers lacked any sense of coordination against our fighters, which I attributed to our language barrier; the Antarian Rangers that supported us made sure to use our language's combat terms, which my cousin, Knight Syrra, was able to instruct them in. When these Dark Acolytes arrived, however, the tide shifted. Not only did they exhibit strength and durability far greater than one should expect from the average human elite soldier, but they also seemed to adapt their tactics in response to squad chatter. Moreover, a family of survivors remarked that an Acolyte who intervened and spared their lives was able to speak the Trianii tongue with perfect fluency."

"And this is unusual to the Trianii?" Luke asked.

"For a xenophobic, humanocentric, outer-system military force far removed from the Wild Space Region to devote resources towards learning a non-human language for their first operation against us?" Pakka replied. "Even the majority of the CSA doesn't bother to learn our tongue. Only a handful of off-worlders would speak with such fluency."

"Is there an explanation for these feats?" Matriarch Bast asked.

"They were being aided by a traitorous Trianii Ranger, former sinth Ai'Rah," Roc'nir suggested. "She was suspected of being on-planet when the Jedi investigation was launched. Perhaps she taught them our language."

"Ai'Rah is a Force-sensitive- that is to say," Syrra elaborated to the other matriarchs, "she possesses the potential to utilize the Force, a trait that could be realized were she to train under a Jedi or Sith. She has chosen her side in this conflict, to stand with darkness; I've no doubt she was the one who located these battle hydras, as it was through her connection to the dark side that she was able to control the beast when we dueled. But as potent as her connection to the Force may be, I don't buy that she was the one who taught them to speak our tongue. There is another explanation."

"Indeed there is," Nett So'vay agreed abruptly, her face grim as her eyes flicked to Locke. "Perhaps the Guardian can elaborate- I'm certain he knows much."

Kajex threw her another cold glare as Locke sighed, both of them almost certainly catching on to Nett's intentions. "More than likely, these Dark Acolytes were enhanced with Force-imbued chemical products. The mentioned attributes match my description of the Warsword and Abbatar projects; the former was meant to enhance their strength and durability, while the latter would allow them to permanently learn languages within a set timeframe."

"And you believe these projects worked?" Tai-Su pressed him.

"Abbatar is the only reason I can speak the Trianii language fluently," Locke admitted. "I know it works from personal experience. And I've no reason to believe my brother was exaggerating about their physical capabilities."

"Personal experience?" Tai-Su asked.

"He was trained by the Sith," Nett said darkly, her arms folded. "He spent more than half his life as their student. In fact, he was partly responsible for the capture and killing of Trianii prisoners over a year ago."

Kajex glared at the Bothan. "Are you seriously--"

"Easy, Sentinel," Luke interjected smoothly.

"Really?" Bast said, frowning at Locke. "You took Trianii lives and prisoners?"

"Operative So'vay's assessment is incorrect, as Knight Syrra will be glad to tell you," Locke said firmly, raising his head and leveling a stare at Nett. "I was assigned to the facility, AS-303, when its commander officer failed to get results and executed a number of innocent Trianii civilians. Upon arriving, I had the officer executed and obtained the necessary information without torture or death. I was quite ready to let them go free when Syrra came to rescue them."

"It's true," Syrra said quickly, gladly omitting the fact that he had wanted to give them their freedom in exchange for Kajex's cooperation- the feud was so far behind them that the Trianii had nearly forgotten that it had happened in the first place. "He is also responsible for saving my life as well as my fiancee's, when the station was attacked."

"And yet you still worked with the Sith as their student?" Bast pressed, seemingly ignoring Syrra's words.

The white wolf shook his head. "No. I spent half of my life as their slave. My brother and Syrra are to thank for bringing me and my fiancee into the care of the Jedi Praxeum, and for helping me find peace within myself. In that time, we have fought and killed a few of their number, side by side."

"And Master Skywalker trusts you?" Tai-Su pressed, leaning forward.

"I do," Luke said without a missing a beat. "He is not the first Jedi in the Praxeum to have been forced into Sith servitude. Many of my students and current masters have experienced the dark side, victims of Sith mind control and forced into servitude against their will. Through trust and compassion, our Praxeum has brought them back to become servants of the light. Guardian Locke has not only demonstrated great skill as a Jedi, but also tremendous humility and compassion for others." The words brought a smile to Locke's face, his tail wagging at the assessment.

"Be that as it may, honored Master," Bast interjected, "some like myself find it disturbing that your training facility would so readily accept malcontents into your fold."

"And some like myself," Tai-Su countered evenly, "would find it inspiring that you would extend the hand of forgiveness to former enemies. Our gods teach that we defend ourselves tenaciously; but they also teach that mercy has its place, and to bear in mind that our greatest foes can become our closest allies. Is that not right, 1st Sinth Pakka?" she asked, turning to the commander.

"For as long as the Rangers have stood with the yu'nar of our core worlds; for we were once enemies too," Pakka agreed.

"I can also speak for the Guardian's bravery and compassion," Roc'nir said abruptly, prompting a broader smile from the white wolf. "It is because of him that I still have my life, if not my original leg."

"And yet, what would the general populace think if they were made aware that a pair of their saviors were once allied with the very people that caused so much death and destruction?" Bast suggested, her voice cold. "I think they have a right to know."

"I think we're getting off-topic," Matriarch Valsa cut in, before Kajex could speak in his sibling's defense. "We know now what we are dealing with. What comes next is what should be done about it. Should we expect another attack on one of our vulnerable settlements? And if so, should we abandon our efforts on our newest settlements to safeguard our people and bring them back to our core worlds?"

"There is promise on Pouma V," Tai-Su said slowly, looking hesitant. "Resources our people could make use off. Navio City can be rebuilt and be better defended- the issue is less in credits and more in whether it is safe to continue, as well as if our people will feel safe."

"Pouma V possessed something the Sith wanted," Syrra reminded them. "Their losses were high, I don't see them attempting to conduct a war of attrition again unless a planet had something they truly needed. That's part of the reason my team is working so hard, to ensure that the Trianii are safe from the manipulations of the Sith."

"And should that really continue?" Nett cut in. "With all due respect, Matriarchs, you must be aware that despite their benevolent intentions, the Jedi Order remains an organization beholden to New Republic. We cannot guarantee your people will be under their protection. They have been given a specific task and have been doing a fine job doing it- but extensive protection and fighting Trianii battles is not among them. Every blaster, ship and credit used in the Wild Space Region is still at the expense of the New Republic."

"Indeed," Bast rumbled. "How do we know the Jedi will serve the interests of the Trianii over your fledgling government?"

"Our people are downstairs right now, lending aid to the injured and grieving," Master Moarn pointed out. "We wish only to do the right thing, separate of politics; and we certainly do not wish to disrupt yours."

"Then perhaps that can be alleviated by removing yourselves from our settlements."

Her words had been quiet, but crystal clear to all present. A tense silence followed in which both the other Matriarchs turned and regarded Bast with unreadable expressions, which did nothing to prevent Syrra from sensing their alarm and surprise. Among the Jedi, Luke and Master Moarn were silent and unmoving; Locke raised an eyebrow, while Kajex had the barest scowl on his features; and Syrra had to bolster herself to stop from reacting. Ja'Murah, Pakka and Roc'nir, on the other hand, failed to hide their shock at her words, trading concerned glances at everyone present.

"I'm... not quite sure I understand," the youngest of the matriarchs finally said slowly. "These Jedi came to help us, and even now are tending to our dead and our injured. Why would you wish them gone?"

"I should think it would be obvious, young one," Bast said with a hint of polite condescension. "As noble as their intentions are, they are sadly beholden to another government and so cannot be relied upon extensively. Their presence here causes ripples that will flow outwards; I've no doubt that before long potential invaders will believe we have accepted an alliance, if they have not already. While that may deter lesser pirates and thugs, the Empire still remains potent even after its defeat; it will look to strike at its newest and vulnerable allies- or those they perceive the Republic to be allied to."

"The Trianii Rangers--" Pakka started to say.

"-- Constitute our bravest and strongest men and women, and I've no doubt every one of them would lay down their lives fighting to defend our people, even against the Empire," Bast cut in before he could continue. "But the Empire is not the CSA. Kiree Starfighters and RX4 Patrol Ships are excellent ships for our people, yet they are not enough against the might of a single Imperial Star Destroyer."

"I am in agreement with Matriarch Bast," Valsa said with an expression of reluctance. "Even if the Imperial Remnant now has what it wants, a Jedi presence might compel them to use excessive force on our outlying colonies. The Trianii core worlds can handle themselves, but our recently-acquired territory is not as well-defended."

Syrra could feel herself becoming numb with every passing word, her heart pounding powerfully behind her chest. The idea of being forced to abandon her own people when she and her pack could help them tore at her, affecting her breathing as her head swam. For a few moments she found it difficult to speak, but when she did it was with a calm voice. "You... wish for us to leave?"

"I am not certain that removing the Jedi from our territory will be a positive long-term solution to our problems," Tai-Su objected, frowning at Matriarch Bast. "Surely they are the best prepared to deal with these Sith?"

"There likely would not be a Sith presence near our worlds to begin with if the Jedi were not here. We three are critical to this one settlement alone," Bast countered. "As primary financier, it is my credits that are invested in many of these colonies; and thus it is my responsibility to ensure that they put to good use, for the betterment of our kin. If that investment is at risk because of a Jedi or New Republic presence, then this must be addressed. Put it to a vote among the three of us- mine shall be for the temporary removal of the Jedi presence here as an organized force on behalf of the New Republic. I do not doubt that Master Skywalker would respect our wishes if that is our decision."

"I would honor your wishes, yes," Luke said quietly. "I do not wish to agitate anyone with our presence if it is not wanted."

"My vote is against this course of action," Tai-Su said, looking less than pleased. "Matriarch Valsa?"

There was a brief moment of silence before she sighed and shook her head. "My vote lies with Matriarch Bast's suggestion. The risk is too great. I would agree that, at least for the time being, it would be best that the Jedi cease their operations on Trianii-controlled worlds."

Syrra's heart felt like it was being torn out of her chest by a battle hydra, and for a brief moment she swayed. A paw grabbed her arm and she regained her balance- Kajex had roused her quickly, regarding her with a sad look. She would have thanked him, had movement at the table not drawn her attention.

Matriarch Ja'Murah had risen to her feet, her head held high. "And how soon would you have these Jedi leave us?"

"Preferably by tomorrow," Bast stated.

"Now hold on," Valsa objected. "I agree with the course of action, but if they are here now, they might at least be welcomed to stay long enough to aid our people a little longer. Vote to give them at least a week."

"Agreed," Tai-Su said quickly.

Bast's eyes narrowed at the Jedi, but eventually she sighed and nodded. "Very well. We will allow your presence for a week, during which you are welcome to continue lending your Jedi abilities towards helping Pouma V's victims. After that, you will--"

"-- Be welcome to revisit whenever you like," Ja'Murah cut in firmly.

Another silence followed, this one more awkward as Bast stared at the younger Matriarch. It was not considered appropriate for a civilian to cut off a Matriarch in the middle of speaking, and while Ja'Murah held the same position, Syrra could tell just in the glint in the older feline's eyes that she considered the younger feline's interruption and defiant invitation as no different.

"... I apologize, Matriarch Ja'Murah, but this has been put to a vote. You know full well that--"

"I am well-versed in our laws, as was my mother before me," Ja'Murah cut in again, and this time Syrra could tell this interruption was intentional. A spark of heat seemed to radiate from the younger Trianii as she spoke. "Among them is that the yu'nar of a planet possesses the final say on whom they consider allies, and thus those who are welcome on their planets. As the only Matriarch here, that decision falls to me; not the financier." She paused briefly and glanced at Syrra, who by now was sitting up straight with a look of hope on her features. The one thing she was not expecting was for a matriarch to argue on their behalf.

Bast scowled. "You would risk--"

"Nothing," Ja'Murah cut in a third time; and while Valsa was staring at the young matriarch with wide-eyed surprise, Tai-Su was grinning widely. "The Imperial Remnant already has what they want from Pouma V. They have no reason to revisit this planet a second time; as Knight Syrra pointed out, they would not risk wasting resources fighting us again, certainly not after having nothing else to fight over. By all means, I would encourage you to talk with the other colony matriarchs and restrict the Jedi from conducting their operations on their planets, to safeguard our people and protect your investments. But the decision should still be left to them."

"By Trianii law, she is right," Tai-Su agreed, reducing her grin to a polite smile. "And her logic is sound."

"I have no argument against this," Valsa said. "In any event, we will have to prepare and issue a statement to our worlds stating that the New Republic and it's Jedi will be temporarily banned from conducting operations in the rest of our territory."

"Very well," Bast sighed, a subtle growl in her voice. "It will be your name and reputation on the line, Matriarch Ja'Murah. You would do well to remember this."

"If it would ease tensions," Luke suggested, "we will still leave within the week, as you requested."

"Yes, that would be best. Though before that happens, I'll want a sign of good faith before you leave," Bast said.

Luke turned to Syrra briefly, sharing an interested glance. "Which is?"

"You will no doubt be sending a representative of the NRI to conduct an interrogation of the prisoners. In order to better safeguard our people, and in order to ensure justice is done, I'll want those prisoners to be transferred to the Trianii Rangers for interrogation and execution."

Luke paused with a troubled expression. "Jedi do not believe in killing their prisoners, not unless they are actively posing a significant threat to everyone around them. However... I acknowledge the decision is not mine to make. It was our agreement that our Jedi would abide by Trianii laws and not interfere. This is technically within your jurisdiction." He nodded, sighing. "Very well. Once we are done interrogating the prisoners, they will be transferred to you." He turned to Nett. "Is this acceptable?"

"I'll do one better and share the interrogation reports with the Trianii as another sign of good faith," Nett said, nodding. "In this way they can cross-reference their reports with ours. Once the week ends, we will transfer all three prisoners to the local Trianii Ranger forces."

Bast stared at them. "Three prisoners? No. Thirteen. The captured Sith included."

A swooping sensation of dread seemed to fall over Syrra, knocking the air out of her. At the same moment she felt a flash of horrified alarm running through Locke, followed by a barely-contained explosion of anger running through Kajex, the gray wolf quickly jumping to his feet. She knew he had not forgotten that perhaps another ten of his species were still in the clutches of the Sith; and now the ten he had managed to save were at risk.

"You want our people!?" he snarled, his ears folded back.

"Kajex, easy!" Luke cautioned with a raised voice.

The Matriarch cocked her head. "What is this outburst? You object to us taking and executing Sith? What manner of Jedi are you, to refer to the Sith as your people?"

"They are not Sith- they are Sith slaves," Locke said clearly, glaring at Bast as he put a paw on Kajex's shoulder to calm him down. "They are also Kanj'Isha; a race of sentient wolf beings which my brother, myself, and our Padawans are a part of. They have been imprisoned for millennia, have had their minds warped and controlled by ancient Sith rituals so they might be employed against their enemies."

"Which no doubt makes them dangerous," Bast growled. "Surely your Jedi wisdom would suggest that ending their warped lives would be for the best, yes?"

The suggestion prompted Syrra to find her words and stand, looking her blood-mother in the eyes. "This is not a Jedi teaching, no. The Kanj'Isha can be healed, and in doing so they can be allowed to live their lives peacefully, not as slaves. They are as much victims as our own people were, cast on the battlefield to be fodder so that the Sith might escape and do more carnage. They need treatment and compassion, not death."

"Be that as it may, their fate is not in your hands, my child," Bast countered. "Your kindness is admirable, but do not let it blind you- our people must take precedence. Action must be taken against all threats."

"You're right, Matriarch Bast," Ja'Murah interjected. "Something must be done to remove any danger to our people. But while the fate of the Kanj'Isha is indeed not in Knight Syrra's hands, neither is it in yours." Her gaze at the older Trianii was cold and focused, but after a moment she turned and gestured to Pakka. "They're in his."

The Trianii commander blinked, looking surprised at having been brought into the discussion as a pivotal figure. "Wait, mine?"

"He is only a sinth!" Bast objected, her composure falling briefly.

"True, you are only a sinth," Ja'Murah conceded with a smile, "but you are also the highest-ranking Trianii Ranger here, and you are officially on assignment on Pouma V- which means your command falls under my jurisdiction until I release you back to your trisector. The local Trianii Ranger forces have the authority to judge, investigate, and execute on sight at their own discretion, but in special cases they can appeal to the local yu'nar for direction; they are also obliged the hear out any objections made by the yu'nar."

"As brave and capable as he may be, the decision should not rest on him alone!" Bast argued, clearly looking irritable at the suggestion that a mid-rank Trianii commander would have greater authority than her in anything.

"Whether or not it should does not change the fact that it does," Tai-Su said, regarding Bast with a cocked eyebrow. "I served the Rangers for thirty years, and I'm well aware of our functions. If Sinth Pakka remains as the current ranking Ranger on Pouma V, then it is indeed his responsibility for what happens to Ranger prisoners." She paused for a few moments, then cleared her throat, gesturing to the commander. "Well?"

He blinked, then jumped in his seat as he understood he was expected to speak. "Oh- oh! Uh... right now, madam?"

"Yes, right now!" Tai-Su said with a look of minor exasperation.

"Ah, yes... right." He cleared his throat, sitting up a little straighter. "Er, well..." He sat in silence for a few moments, caused Syrra to worry in that time, but when he finally spoke, it was with the same air of authority he generally adopted around his Rangers. "I agree to Matriarch Bast's request where it pertains to the three Imperial prisoners, provided the NRI is allowed to interrogate them first. Depending on the severity of their actions, they will be dealt with accordingly- at least one of them will likely be executed for having murdered higher-ranking Ranger officers," he added darkly. "The others may be treated more leniently depending on how cooperative they are once interrogated."

"And the... Kanj'Isha, is it?" Tai-Su asked, to which Kajex nodded. "What do you intend for them?"

"My understanding is that they are a naturally Force-sensitive race," Pakka continued. "Due to this, we would be better served if the Kanj'Isha are turned over to Sentinel Kajex Surnahm--"

"You mean the NRI," Nett interjected.

"No, I mean Sentinel Surnahm," Pakka repeated with an edge in his voice. "Matriarch Bast has a point in saying these slaves might still pose a threat to others, so I will turn them over to people who have earned my trust. You have not earned that trust; the Sentinel and my cousin, Knight Syrra, have; as have the rest of his pack, the Black Tomb pack, and the Antarian Rangers that fought at our side. For the time being, the Kanj'Isha will remain imprisoned in the cells where they can be observed and treated while being kept out of sight. When the week is out, they will be released to the Sentinel and his team."

"And preferably restricted from the settlement altogether," Bast muttered.

Ja'Murah frowned. "I'm told these poor beings may have been interred here for over three millennia."

The elder matriarch's face had become impassive. "I fail to see the point."

"By Trianii religious rights, one could argue that, as their presence on Pouma V precedes our Trianii settlement... this planet would actually belong to them," the younger matriarch said slowly and clearly.

"What is this nonsense?" Bast asked, her impassive visage vanishing once again as she scowled. "You have been granted a divine charge to watch over this settlement and protect our people- your every interruption and request against the wisdom of your elders seems to run against your sacred station!"

"Does it?" Ja'Murah challenged. "In times like these, we need allies- not enemies."

"As inspired and noble as your intentions are," Tai-Su cut in, a warm smile on her face, "it does not sound like these Kanj'Isha are in an ideal position to lay any claim on the planet. While I would certainly side with you and even encourage you to find a balance between your duty and your compassion, perhaps it would be best to allow them to leave with the Jedi for the time being. It may be they have no interest in Pouma V; but if they do, you can work out the details later."

The young matriarch sighed, but nodded. "I concede to your wisdom. Thank you, Matriarch Tai-Su."

"Then it's decided," Syrra said, breathing a little easier- not everything had panned out in their favor, but she could not deny that things could have been much worse. "For the time being we'll be working with Baarok Pharmaceuticals and repair as much damage as we can; the Imperial prisoners will be transferred to the Inspired so an NRI liaison can conduct their interrogation; the Kanj'Isha slaves will remain at Ranger headquarters until we leave, at which point they will also be transferred so they can undergo medical treatment and therapy to undo the damage done by the Sith. Once the week is up the prisoners will be transferred back to the Trianii Rangers."

She glanced at Kajex for a brief moment, her heart skipping as an idea came to her. Hoping it would fly, she looked up at Matriarch Bast. "Afterward, we'll have to return to Ekibo in order to pick up some of the civilian crew of the Inspired before we can leave the system entirely. I ask that you allow us a temporary pass to land at my uncle's estate once our week is up."

The matriarch's eyes narrowed, but after a few moments she nodded. "Granted, my child. I will give you three days to do what you must, as I've no doubt Sentinel Surnahm will want to set his affairs in order at his residence."

"I'll want all of you, the Gold Rush included, to return to Yavin 4 once you've finished things on Ekibo," Luke said. "I think it's about time I had a look at the Kanj'Isha myself, particularly since the New Republic Relocation Council will want my own detailed assessment to better help in choosing a settlement for them. It's been a long time coming, and your people shouldn't have to wait any longer," he informed the wolf twins.

The three matriarchs exchanged looks before nodding. "Very well," Bast said, regaining her composure once again. "In the meantime we will continue to send supplies to the settlement; food, medical supplies and housing units. We expect construction teams to be formed and ready to deploy to your settlement by tomorrow morning." She looked directly at Luke. "Have you anything to add, Jedi Master?"

"Only a suggestion," he replied. "You may want to have someone restrict access to the Sith ruins Knight Simetra and Knight Garrett found, until someone can properly investigate them. It's likely the Sith took what they wanted from it, but there's no telling whether the site holds deeper secrets. Best not to risk it."

"Agreed," Bast nodded. "Then if there are no further issues to discuss, I believe our council here is concluded."

"Very well," Valsa replied. "Matriarch Ja'Murah, know that the prayers of our people here on Trian are with you and your settlers. You've done exceptional work despite your age- my faith in your ability to do more remains."

"Thank you," Ja'Murah said softly, bowing.

"And thank you, all of you, for your help," Tai-Su added. "Do not think of this as banishment- think of this as a temporary necessity."

"We understand, Matriarch," Luke replied with a calm smile. "May the Force be with you and the Trianii."

With that, two of the holoprojectors went dark- leaving the one between them still active. Bast remained with them, her eyes peering at each of the talk's participants. They lingered for a few moments on Ja'Murah, though the younger matriarch did not avert her gaze. The barest hint of a scowl traced her features as they fell on Kajex and Locke, the wolf brothers making no attempt to hide their glares. Her eyes flicked to the side at Luke, but if she was hoping her gaze would unsettle the Jedi Master, she was mistaken- his expression was calm, almost passive and unconcerned.

They fell last on Syrra. The Trianii Jedi hadn't seated herself after standing, and as she stared back she was determined to stand up to whatever Bast had left to say. After a few moments, Syrra broke the silence. "Something to add, Matriarch?"

Bast stared at her in silence for a few moments longer before breathing in and sighing, a reluctant smile on her muzzle as she spoke with sincerity. "You have your father's spirit, Syrra. Regardless of how I feel about your choices in life... he would have been proud of you."

Whatever she had expected to hear, Syrra was unprepared for any reference to her father to be brought up- much less in a positive way. She nearly swayed again, her throat suddenly tight and her chest feeling constricted. For a moment she thought perhaps Bast was trying to use the Force to choke the life out of her- until she realized the surge of emotions welling up within. Once again, the ability to speak proved difficult, and when she finally did, it was with a subdued voice.

"I..." She paused, swallowing. "... Thank you, Matriarch."

Bast nodded, then turned her gaze to Kajex. "As for you..."

The wolf stood straighter, his gaze still hard. "You know me. Say it straight or don't say it at all."

She shrugged. "As you wish. Ill-suited though you are to be my daughter's mate... I suppose her father would have approved too. So with that in mind, I expect you to be competent enough to keep her protected. Are we clear?"

The wolf smirked. "I don't need your permission. But if that's all, then you've nothing to worry about."

She smirked back. "Good. Keep up the good work- just do it elsewhere."

And with that, the projector went dark.

It took less time than Syrra expected for things to improve. True to her word, Matriarch Bast had sent a team of the Trianii core world's best engineers, and food and housing units with them. A combination of Force abilities and construction equipment leveled the few buildings that had taken the most severe damage; everyone was surprised to learn that despite the fires, battles and destruction, most of the city was actually intact, if unkempt from the chaos. Even better, although the main reactor components were blown apart, the reactor itself was essentially untouched; and after a day and a half of work it was removed and housed in a replacement grid unit, restoring power throughout the settlement and allowing many of the healed and grieving Trianii to return to their homes.

Despite the lingering pain, Syrra slowly became aware of a positive energy permeating the city. Though constantly exhausted from her duties as a healer, such duties only lasted until the third day, when Olraa informed her that there were few left to heal. The only recovery left for the people of Navio City was in their morale- and Syrra found herself surprised that it was growing.

This was in no small part due to a drastic change in perception towards the Jedi- where once there had been tolerance and mild gratitude for their help before the battle, now there was a deep respect and a feeling of a debt the Trianii were more than willing to pay, for even after there was nobody left to heal, the Jedi, Kanj'Isha and Antarian Rangers found more ways to help. Miles and Talrik had sat down with Pakka and the Trianii Rangers, discussing at length the common tactics utilized by the Imperial Remnant, compiling the information on data disks so the information could be spread to other settlements; Locke and Keris spent the majority of their free time checking in on the wounded and joining Ranger patrols, imparting knowledge in the event the Trianii should find themselves facing Sith; the Black Tomb pack found themselves forging deeper friendships for their bravery despite only being students. Where once lingered the occasional indifference or fear of the offworlders and their unusual ways, there was now a greater acceptance and kindness as they worked diligently where they could.

The only packmember of Gold Rush who was struggling to feel the same, unfortunately, was Kajex.

It wasn't for lack of trying. He worked as hard everyone else; lending his specialization in mechanical repair and programming; cooperating with the technicians to ensure everything checked out; and touching bases with both packs as they worked. While Syrra was technically the liaison to the Trianii and Jedi, it was still Kajex leading both packs. But she had been with him long enough to know, even without their bond, when the smile he was using was a veneer to cover the lingering sting he was still feeling. What little time they had together was only a minor salve to what he was feeling- in the midst of so much work, they had not had a chance to sit down and talk.

It was now the fourth day of rebuilding, and everyone was gathered around a great, elongated pyre beyond the city limits. The Trianii Rangers had made it their duty to dig a two-meter deep, three-meter wide trench, stretching a hundred meters long with its base filled with firewood and tinder. On one side stood the Jedi packs, the surviving Antarian Rangers, Master Moarn, Knights Tay, Simetra and Garrett, Lode Squadron, a pair of grieving humans, and an active holoprojection of Master Skywalker; beside them stood Pakka, Roc'nir, Ja'Murah, and a few off-world matriarchs who had traveled to Pouma V to pay their respects or who were present through holoprojection; and opposite both groups, on the other side of the pyre, a massive crowd composed of Trianii and the Jedi, who stood silent and respectful.

Between them, atop the pyre, lay the four hundred and fifteen casualties of the Battle of Pouma V, all silhouetted beneath sheets of red cotton. Only one body was not among them, her form resting beneath a white sheet with the red insignia of the Antarian Rangers, between two strong Trianii Rangers. And between both Jedi and Trianii representatives stood Syrra; the bridge between both groups, she was adorned in robes of white, the glowing golden pendant on her chest seemingly brighter than it normally was.

She stepped forward, breathing in and applying a Jedi calming technique as she approached the speaking platform. She had noted with some apprehension that the event was being broadcast to the rest of the Trianii core worlds; she had needed a moment to prepare herself from the revelation that everyone from Ekibo to Fibuli would know her name and hear her words. With a calming exhale, she lifted her head and spoke.

"<A warm day to you all. For those whom I have not had the chance to introduce myself to, my name is Syrra Surnahm. I am a former Trianii Ranger cadet, and now a Jedi Knight and healer of the Jedi Praxeum. Before we proceed with this event, I would like to give those present some context to one of the fallen before us,>" she started, gesturing to the lone body.

"<As many of you know, I did not come alone. I was assigned to Pouma V with my friends and allies, some of them Jedi and others Antarian Rangers; people I have known since my time training as a Padawan. We came in hopes that we could help our people, to protect them against a great, pervasive hidden threat. We came also to establish a bond with the Trianii through compassion and trust, hoping that in these dark times we could stand together. Without warning, that bond was put to the test; a malicious and unprovoked attack by the Sith and the Imperial Remnant was launched on the people of this settlement.>"

"<We did not stand idly by. Every capable fighter among us stood fast against them, with blade and blaster, with cunning and courage. The cost was significant, and yet all those who fell fighting such evil paid that price gladly, saving many lives in the process.>" She gestured to the lone body before her. "<This woman was Lyllian Baker, an Antarian Ranger from Dantooine. She fell in battle, in service to the light, when she protected a Trianii cub caught in the crossfire.>" She turned to the pair of humans behind her, who nodded and offered tremulous smiles. "<At Matriarch Ja'Murah's suggestion, and with the approval of her parents, she will be laid to rest with our dead, that she might safeguard their transition into the next life just as she did while living. If there are any objections to this, please speak.>"

She waited a full minute, her eyes scanning the crowd and hoping no one would contest this decision. Pride for her people welled up once that minute had passed without a single objection, and she nodded to the two Trianii at either side of Baker's body. Without a word, and with gentle grace, they lifted Baker's platform and placed it in an open space between the bodies.

It took a moment for Syrra to continue speaking. "<As Trianii we are taught that Kunik, the goddess of death, judges us all when we come to her at the end of our lives. Those who live in peace and those who serve to keep the peace will transition into their next lives, or into What Lies Beyond. Little is known of the Beyond, other than it is a place of peace. In this we find solace, knowing they will wait for the rest of us.>"

There was a moment of hesitation before she continued. "<For me... that belief extends into of the Force- that we become one with the spirits and energy we are composed of. From the moment we are born to the moment we die, we spend our lives forging connections, growing, learning, bonding with others. When death claims us, those we've bonded with feel it, and grieve more deeply than others. In those times, however, we must continue to draw strength from others; to show our compassion, demonstrate our courage, and go on living, holding the memories of our loved ones within; and knowing that in the end, we will leave others behind, yet be received by those who wait for us.>"

A warmth bloomed in the crowd before her. Those present to hear her words paid close attention, heeding them with hearts and minds. The words came easily- it was almost done, but for one last lesson to impart. She nodded to Locke and Keris, and at once both strode forward and ignited their lightsabers; at the same moment, four Trianii Rangers stepped forward with them, torches in their paws. As one, the six dipped low and ignited the tinder beneath the pyre.

As the fire spread quickly, she continued. "<In the time that follows from now, hold close the fondest memories of those who have left us. Join with others in compassion and friendship; for though the pain of loss may linger, the joy of companion makes such pain worth bearing. Remember we are a part of a larger universe, and to seek to reach out to others.>" She paused, glancing at Kajex- the wolf seemed to swell with love and pride, knowing what her next words were, and nodding in encouragement.

"<But more than anything... remember that the Force flows through us, from us, and around us- and most importantly, that it flows between us.>"

The pyre burned bright and hot, but the warmth Syrra felt from the crowd as they took in her words was like a salve on the lingering pain in each of them. Through the smoke that rose into the sky, she could see sighs of relief, a few small smiles, and Trianii leaning against each other. She breathed in again and sighed, her eyes closed.

"<May Kunik receive these souls swiftly- and may the Force be with them all.>"

As somber as the funeral had been, moods lightened immediately after everyone returned to the airfield; for while nobody forgot for a moment the fallen of the battle, the Trianii culture stood strong. To celebrate after a funeral was not only common, but in fact was encouraged by the gods themselves- to celebrate the lives of those who had moved on, and to celebrate the lives of those who remained. To the Trianii, it was important to remember that while the Imperial Remnant and Sith had succeeded in their operation, the Trianii had fought back and protected many lives, safeguarding the settlement; to the Trianii, it was in many ways an important victory.

It was quickly apparent that everyone present at the funeral had heeded Syrra's words, as the Jedi were invited and drawn into the celebration. Food and drink were passed around, fires lit with ceremonial dancing and singing, and littered throughout the settlement were Jedi and Antarian Rangers mixing with the populace, hearing their stories and offering their thanks for coming to their aid and fighting at their sides during such a dark time.

But as day approached night and the celebration continued, one among the Gold Rush pack was nowhere to be found- not until Syrra looked.

"Locke said I might find you down here," she said, stepping into the ziggurat's prison floor.

The wolf smiled at the sound of Syrra's voice, leaning forward in the bench he was seated on, staring into the cell before him. "Somebody had to bring them food and drink from the party outside," he said softly, as Syrra approached him slowly. Within the cell, several of the Kanj'Isha were seated around a holoprojector, watching it intently and leaning into each other for comfort while they ate and drank. Beside the door was a tawny-pelted, green-eyed female wolf, who noticed the Trianii's approach and smiled with a wave.

Syrra smiled back and returned the wave before coming to a stop next to him. Her songsteel paw slid along his shoulder and squeezed. "Didn't have to be you this time," she said softly. "It's been you every day since they were put in here."

"Well, I wanted to observe them, too," Kajex said fairly. "We've been doing a lot of work helping the Trianii, but I haven't forgotten for a moment that these pups need help too. I just... feel like I should be responsible for them."

She nodded. "Any stray thoughts?"

He shrugged. "They know they're not in danger. They know that I'm trying to help them, and that they need to wait until they're released. I haven't told them anything in particular through the Force, just that it'll be some time before we can move them to somewhere they can be helped. They seem to know that others were suffering, and needed to be helped first."

"As long as they're comfortable and safe now, they should be fine here, right?" she pressed.

The wolf sighed, shrugging. "The honest answer is yes. But at the same time I just want to do right by them and get it done soon. Just... gotta be patient, though."

The sat in silence, watching as the wolves brightened and reacted positively to a vast wooded planet that seemed the very picture of peace. A pang of sadness tingled through Syrra as she realized these Kanj'Isha had likely never known a peaceful life. A few moments passed before she realized that same pang had not been just her own- Kajex was regarding them sadly, wringing his paws together.

She touched his wrist, slid her paw into his. "What's really wrong, love?"

He didn't speak immediately, staring at the tawny wolf. "I guess... it just kinda hit me," he started. "Meeting and teaching the Black Tomb pack has been an outright joy. Thank the Force none of them were hurt during this attack, but..." He trailed off, swallowing. "Things could have been a lot different. I keep remembering that they're only seven of ten we were able to save on Dakua. I got lucky this time, saving all ten with only a couple of them getting injured." His eyes flicked to the wolves in question, their wounds having already been healed days prior. "But we still have ten more unaccounted for."

"You're worried you won't be able to rescue them," Syrra said, nailing the topic precisely.

"Among other things," he admitted, swallowing. "It would be way too optimistic to assume that every Kanj'Isha we come across, in addition to the ones we have thus far, is going to survive this fight against the Circle. Three have already died, and we never got to meet them. Hell, I nearly died while on-mission. It's just... hard to acknowledge that we might never be able to find the rest, and that they'll be vulnerable even if we find a fraction more. I'm trying not to fuel that fear, nor give into it, but... what with recent events..."

"The stress is getting to you," she finished for him, nodding and leaning against him. "I don't blame you. You're right to be realistic about it, but you shouldn't see this as a source of worry for you. See it as a source of joy, more than anything else. A little more than a year ago it was just you and Locke. Now we have Rexxis, Kentoh, the 'Rah twins and everyone else; and more than that, you're giving them the tutelage and skills needed to survive so that when they do strike out on their own and carve out a place for themselves in the universe, they'll be able to defend themselves." She nodded towards the pack within the cell. "And we can do the same for them, if they want us to."

"Yeah..."

"The last thing you want to do is let your fear prevent you from teaching effectively," she said, sliding her arm over his shoulder and leaning against him. "Don't think of it as all this counting on you- you've got me, too. And the rest of the pack," she added, nuzzling his cheek.

He let out a genuine, warm chuckle, turning and meeting her eyes. Syrra smiled up at him, watching the pain recede from his golden eyes as he held her. "Thanks, kitten. I'll be alright."

"I know you will," she replied, leaning in and kissing him briefly. "Now come on up topside- we've still got plenty of grilled food and drink, but we're running outta stories to tell, and I know you've got some to share. Don't worry about the pups, I'll come down here myself to check on them as well."

He grinned and nodded. "Alright. I'll be up in a bit. Just give me another ten minutes."

The Force bond between her instructor, lover and mate was enough for her to know he would be true to his word, and that the brief moment of talking had done much to disperse his fears; but as she made her way out of the ziggurat's detainment wing and back towards the funeral festival outside, she also knew he was not completely content. It would take some time for him to find his peace, and that would not likely happen until the two could spend a night alone, recuperating after everything had happened. Even she couldn't deny that there was a rawness in her nerves, a tingling in her joints and tips that spoke of the stress she had undergone. She had grieved properly, and was coming around strong- but complete recovery would take time.

So lost in her thoughts, she nearly didn't see Ja'Murah lingering at the entrance until she was within arm's distance. With a soft gasp and a backpedal, Syrra moved into a bow. "Sorry, Matriarch, I didn't see you there."

The gold and black-speckled feline smiled gently and sighed, gesturing her to follow her outdoors, her footsteps graceful as she seemed to glide in her loose, white robes. "Really, Syrra, you're going to need to learn to relax while I'm around. I'd like to think we've known each other long enough and been through enough to be considered friends."

The Trianii Sentinel managed to smile back. "You're right. I guess it's just reflex at this point, trying to get over my mother's instructions."

Ja'Murah nodded, adjusting her dress for a moment before taking a seat on the steps, patting next to her as an invitation. "Having spoken to your mother several times, I know the feeling. This last time... I don't regret that I interjected so rudely," she admitted. "Especially since she tried to take Kajex's people away from him. That, I would not have stood for even if I weren't a matriarch."

"Thanks for that. I know Kajex appreciates your speaking up for them," Syrra assured her, sitting next to the slightly younger feline and staring out into the airfield. Nighttime was near, the sky above a glowing orange transitioning into purple, the stars beginning to show; beneath it, several fires burned, the ash mixing with the sounds of music and the smell of cooked meat and vegetables. Her keen ears picked up Locke's voice ahead, the white wolf imparting the tale of how he had met Syrra and Kajex, and how the both of them had saved him from his enslavement from the Sith. To her relief and satisfaction, the Trianii listening in seemed to be regarding his tale with sympathy and acceptance.

"How is he?" Ja'Murah asked.

"Worried," Syrra admitted. "Less so now than he was earlier, but he'll need some time to refocus and get his mind off things. If I had more opportunities to soothe him I'd gladly take them, but... suffice to say we've been busy lately."

"And all of Navio City's survivors thank you for prioritizing them first," Ja'Murah said, reaching over and rubbing Syrra's paw. "I've been trying to think of ways to properly reward you for your courage and compassion."

"Thank you, but with all due respect it's not necessary," Syrra informed her with a smile. "Jedi aren't exactly prohibited from being rewarded, but it's still best to avoid strong materialism."

"I had something a little more considerate in mind than material reward," Ja'Murah replied with a giggle. "Particularly for your Padawans, but I'll leave that for later. For now, I was hoping you might be interested in a suggestion I have for you and Kajex, as a means of helping the both of your find some solace as well as allowing me an opportunity to adequately express my thanks."

"What did you have in mind?" Syrra asked, her head cocked curiously.

"Well... before I say it," the matriarch started slowly, a deep blush forming in tandem with her shy smile, "I'll ask first that you keep an open mind."

Syrra stared at her, a smile forming on her muzzle after a few moments. "Very well. By all means," she purred softly, "let's hear it."

It was day six, and while there was still work being done in repairing the city's damaged spots it was quickly becoming apparent that things were getting back to normal- or at least as normal as it could get after such a battle. The craters and ruins of the airfield had been repaired, its perimeter now lined with durable housing units in a high wall. The few buildings that had taken hits from the improvised drop pods had been or were being reconstructed, with only one badly shattered building being demolished. No injured remained, and although many still bore scars those who had lost limbs were now sporting agile, well-constructed prosthetics. A unified effort from the Trianii and Jedi had caused a quick enough turnaround that the Jedi were now finding themselves with little more to do other than establish deeper friendly bonds with the settlers.

Nevertheless, Kajex was still trying to find things to do and people to help him with it, finding himself at the entrance to the Gold Rush's lounge with half the pack in the middle of a card game.

"Kentoh, did you let Tay know Master Moarn wanted to see him?"

The youth looked up from his hand with a wan smile. "I already told you I did."

"Right. Miles, is the trauma unit restocked with new bacta tanks?"

The soldier sighed, but smiled as well. "I went to Olraa earlier and got them myself- we've got a full ten canisters to work with, we're fine."

"Oh... good." The Sentinel paused, looking between all of them and feeling a bit awkward as he searched for another question. "... Locke, did you--"

"Yes, brother, I did in fact feed Taito and installed the new overhead branching for him to play with," the white wolf chuckled. "Now sit your ass down and try to relax. You're going to burn yourself out if you don't."

"You do seem a bit restless, Master Surnahm," Rexxis agreed. "You're usually more laid back than this. I'll fold."

The alpha sighed, leaning against the hallway arch. "Sorry. I guess I'm just getting antsy since we're leaving tomorrow. And I haven't seen Syrra since this morning," he added, ambling up to the holotable.

"She said she was gonna talk to the matriarch for a bit," Rook told him, glancing down the hallway as footfalls thumped up the ramp. "Probably just to thank her with a lunch. I'll call the bet."

"I raise three decicreds," Miles muttered. "She's on her way back, I can see her about a block away- might take a few minutes, she's stopped to talk to a couple of kids."

Kajex arched an eyebrow and glanced behind him. "Then who just came up?"

"It's Talrik- trying to hide something," he said a little louder with a grin. "Come on out, kit, there's no point in hiding from me. Show us what you got."

An audible sigh wafted around the circular hall, before the fox's footsteps could be heard again. The Antarian Ranger rounded the bend holding something behind him, his ears flattened in embarrassment. "Hey guys," he said quietly.

"Hey kit," Kajex replied. "Whatcha got there behind you?"

He cleared his throat, swallowing as he reluctantly drew it out of hiding- in his right paw was an expertly-constructed recurve bow, fashioned from hardwood and braced in several places with high-density plasteel. "Rangemaster Nedira heard we were leaving tomorrow and wanted me to stop by the shooting range. She wanted to part as a friend, so she gave me her bow as something to remember Navio City for."

Rook grinned. "That's pretty gonzo, mate. After what you did out there she must've thought you earned it. I'll raise five decidreds," she added, the table beeping an affirmative.

"Seems a bit low-tech for you, doesn't it?" Miles asked skeptically.

"Shit no," Rook chuckled. "You must not have been paying attention to him out on the range, my boy here can nail a bullseye from sixty meters. And that rangemaster was using explosive arrows, she really lay the hurt on those Remnant bastards."

"'Your boy,' am I?" Talrik chuckled, looking less embarrassed as he took a seat next to her, as another set of footsteps clambered up the ship. "Anyway, it's more a memento than a weapon I intend to use in a scuffle, but once we get back to Yavin 4 I'll have enough space to work with it, just as a hobby. Deal me in next hand, yeah?"

Miles nodded. "We will- you up for a game, boss?" the Miraluka asked.

"He's got a job to do," Syrra cut in, rounding the hallway and leaning against the curve with a smile. "I've been talking with Ja'Murah and she wants to talk with both of us. We might be out for a bit."

The wolf let out a disappointed whine. "Aww... I mean, now that I know everything's ready for when we leave tomorrow, a couple of hands didn't sound too bad..."

The Trianii chuckled beckoned to him. "C'mon, pup. I'm still the liaison to the Trianii, so you gotta cooperate with me. Don't worry, I'm going to make it up to you."

The wolf perked up, a smile forming and his tail wagging as he followed. "Yeah? Alright then, let's go see what she wants."

It didn't take long for Kajex to notice something was amiss. Fully expecting Syrra to explain what it was Ja'Murah wanted to see the both of them for from the get-go, he had waited until they reached the yu'naret'al to press Syrra for more information. The Trianii merely smiled and shook her head, beckoning him to follow without a word and intriguing the wolf further. A part of him was amused by the fact that he'd taken his lessons on shielding her mind to heart, hiding her intentions from him adequately enough that she had more than enough time to thump his nose with her tail when he tried to sense her motives, prompting him to chuckle as they entered the lift up to the matriarch's office.

As they ascended up the building, her paw slid into his and she sighed. "Kajex, I want to apologize for these last few days."

He cocked his head, a pang of worry and confusion hitting him. "For what?"

"For the lack of time between us," she said, leaning against him. "There were a lot of times when I just wanted to be selfish and curl up with you, and just ride out the stress and aching with lovemaking. To take them would've been selfish, but we spent so much time helping other people that we didn't really even get a chance to heal each other emotionally, you know?"

The wolf gave her a gentle smile and took her other paw in his. "Don't be silly, kitten. The both of us did what we needed to do, and we would have tended to each other when the time was right. Even if I did feel the same way at times," he admitted with a chuckle.

"I... had a suggestion in how to make it up to you," the Trianii said tentatively.

He cocked his head. "What's that?"

She hesitated, looking up at him. "When we were talking to Bast, I told her we needed time to get the civilian crew off Ekibo. It was a little bit pointless, they came in their own shuttle, but Bast didn't know that. The truth is... I had my own reasons for not telling her about it."

"Why was that?" the wolf asked, curious.

"... Because I want us to get married there," she said softly, looking shy but hopeful.

A flush of adrenaline coursed through the wolf at the words, a wide smile spreading across his muzzle. "You do?"

"Kajex, this last week was just another in a long line of close calls," she said seriously, though she smiled sincerely. "I lost my paw, you were nearly killed on Kunik, and we all survived another Sith attack. I want you, me, Locke and Keris to finally commit to our union and have that one golden moment to draw on in our darkest moments. The timing couldn't be more perfect: we have everyone in one place at the same time, it's the one place I wanted this to happen, and we're not likely going to be able to return anytime soon. Master Moarn and my mother were right- we've been putting duty to the Jedi before ourselves too often. I want to be just a little selfish and put our love first for a change."

"I feel you there," the wolf replied. "Still... what about the new pack?"

"It'll take a while for them to recover, just like the Black Tomb pack," she reasoned. "We can get back to them afterwards, and help them out."

"Fair poi-- hey, what about a honeymoon, though?" he objected. "I mean, not like I could offer you much but... I would want to give all of us at least one week of not putting up with the Circle of Syn at the same time."

She giggled as the lift came to a close. "You know you don't need to, love. But I'm sure we'll think of something pleasant for the four of us, after we return to Yavin 4 and let Master Skywalker know. Part of the reason I was here for a while was so I could contact my mother and let her know- and so I could ask her to see if she could find a dress for Keris, since I knew her measurements."

"Intimately, no doubt," he growled playfully, nuzzling and nipping her, making her chirp and giggle while the lift door slid open. "What's the other reason?"

She grinned, pulling away from him and beckoning him out of the elevator with a wink. "Follow me, and you'll find out."

With equal parts confusion and eagerness he followed, taking a moment to adjust his robes quickly as Syrra buzzed the door. A pause followed, then a voice answered. "Please enter, Jedi Syrra."

The door clicked, allowing the Trianii Jedi to twist the handle and open the door, allowing Kajex to enter first before following behind him. The wolf's brow furrowed as he scanned the meeting hall, noticing Ja'Murah was not at her desk. Turning to question Syrra, the Trianii shook her head and smiled, gesturing to the first door on their right. The door locked behind them with another click, just as they opened the next into a chamber Kajex had never been in.

It was very well-decorated, or perhaps more accurately well-cultivated, as the room itself held little in the way of decoration; rather, the room was lined with many potted plants along the walls and in the middle of the room, a skylight giving the chamber full illumination. The gentle trickle of water could be heard in three parts of the room, to each side and along a wall near the back, where each stood a small statue of a nude female Trianii pouring a vase of water into the planters. Warmth flowed through the room, and the pleasant aroma of flora filled Kajex's nostrils, instilling a calmness in him that made his muscles relax slightly as he scanned the room in interest. The calmness evaporated as he laid his eyes in the center of the room.

He had not noticed it at first partially due to it being circularly-lined with carved wooden walls, but mostly because the sheets were a rich velvet green, giving the impression that it had been a raised grass platform instead of a plush bed. As soon as he laid eyes on Ja'Murah, he sucked in a breath and backpedaled- the cheetah-speckled Trianii had forgone her usual high-class dancer's attire; had indeed forgone any attire whatsoever. She made no attempt to hide her full breasts from his sight, her six pitch-black nipples hardened with arousal. A heavy blush painted the space above her shy smile as she stood up to greet him.

"Welcome, Kajex," she said, adopting a shy yet coquettish posture, her hands behind her back. "Well... what do you think?"

It took a moment for the wolf to respond, and even then only after a few moments of stammering. "I- er-- well... honestly...? It's a very... well-maintained greenhouse," he said, scratching his head and looking away with a wild grin- one that disappeared as Syrra folded her arms and smiled widely.

"None of that, you silly dog. You know she wants you to tell her what you think of her body," she said, punching his shoulder playfully.

"I... well... she looks gorgeous," the wolf chuckled nervously. "She almost has your body, Syrra, though a tad shorter. I just would like to know why I'm getting a full view of your body, ma'am."

The matriarch grinned and pressed a switch on the side of one of the planters; the door behind them clicked, locking them in. "Your fiancee mentioned your worries and concerns, and how she longed for a way to give you comfort. By now she's told you her intentions for marriage once you leave, yes?" He nodded. "Well, when she informed me of the idea, I knew that alone might bring your mood up. Yet at the same time, I wanted the opportunity thank you for your heroism. And as I suspect that your relationship with your pack is more than just familial, I wondered if perhaps physical intimacy might be a suitable reward, as well as a sufficient means of improving your mood."

The wolf swallowed. "I mean, if Syrra is okay with..."

"She already broached the topic with me a couple of days ago," Syrra purred, having pulled apart her robes and exposed her bare breasts from the wolf. "I love and respect you such that I would never get jealous of you sharing your body with another woman we both trust and admire- as long as I'm allowed to join in and play," she added, leaning in and licking his cheek as Ja'Murah sauntered up to him and leaned into his other side.

The young matriarch blushed furiously as she eyed Syrra's breasts, aiding the Trianii Jedi in unclasping the bewildered yet excited-looking wolf's belt and upper robes. "I've had to conceal it from all others given my 'divinely assigned' station, but... I am not unfamiliar with female intimacy. Nor is Syrra, she tells me," she giggled. "So if this situation is to your satisfaction, I would very much love the opportunity to spend this afternoon and evening in your company."

A new element seemed to ride on the aroma of vegetation in the air, wafting into the wolf's nose and stirring a deep craving in his loins. A low, pleasant growl rumbled in his chest. He took a moment to shake the feeling off, shivering as the two Trianii continue to strip him of his clothing. Before he could muster enough mental clarity to answer a pair of Trianii lips intercepted his muzzle, catching him before he could speak. He sighed and leaned into the kiss deeply, his shameless tongue erotically delving her muzzle and joining against it. His arm curled around a slim waist and pulled the Trianii in as blood pumped into his loins- his trousers fell to his ankles, allow him to push his swollen sheath against her hip and causing her to flinch. So clouded with lust, it wasn't until he heard the Trianii chirp into his muzzle that it finally registered which Trianii was actually kissing him.

Perhaps her scent was as potent as it was because it was so new, being the only other Trianii Kajex had ever breathed in so deeply; to him, Ja'Murah's aroma was nothing short of incredible. She moaned into his muzzle again as his sheath grazed against her belly and he pulled her in closer, her breasts pressed against his body. With a strained flex he rolled his hips up, dragging his sheath and heavy balls up against her body, as if to show her what she would soon receive. But then Syrra's scent hit his nose and the level of his arousal doubled, a groan escaping his lips as he pulled back, panting as if he'd run ten full miles non-stop.

In that moment of vulnerability the Trianii Jedi struck, catching his muzzle in another kiss. Without relinquishing his grip around Ja'Murah, who was now licking and nipping his neck erotically, he twisted his torso and pulled Syrra up close against him, his loins grinding and throbbing against her firm abs and hard brown vestigial nipples. The scent of the woman who had chosen to be his mate, who had accepted his last name gladly, was in its own way far more potent than Ja'Murah's. It took him a moment to realize that it was stronger now than it had been when they'd made love only a week prior. The moment he broke the kiss, he spoke.

"You're... Syrra, you're--"

"In season," she finished for him, blushing heavily. "I have been for the last few days, suppressing it through the Force. And I'm not the only one," she purred, leaning forward and catching Ja'Murah's muzzle in a kiss as well.

Despite her face nearly turning a cherry red the matriarch did not shy away from the kiss; indeed, she gladly matched its intensity, her tongue fighting for control against Syrra's. The sight was more than a little arousing, causing the wolf's tail to wag excitedly. The kiss ceased, leaving the two felines panting and purring softly as they leaned against each other and nuzzled.

"You naughty kitten," Kajex muttered, his eyes narrowed as his mate. "You knew your seasonal heat would get to me."

"Of course I did. I know almost everything that makes my puppy tick," Syrra boasted with a sultry voice, licking the corner's of her muzzle enticingly. "Mica and Sa'Rah were very forward in telling me that for any Kanj'Isha the desire to breed is so hard-wired that it's less of a kink and more of a natural impulse. You have two female Trianii in season, both of them eager to be bred by handsome, athletic wolf like you; both of them ready to beg for your pups. Ignore the reality of it, the fact that you can't impregnate either of us; look at Ja'Murah right now and answer me a question- if you could fuck a Trianii pregnant; if she did ask you to pound her raw so thoroughly that she would become pregnant; would you reject her offer?"

He did as Syrra demanded, his head swimming as he stared into the matriarch's amber eyes. There was no concealing the desire in her eyes, a fire dancing within that bespoke of her desire of raw physical intimacy. Her words were breathy, pleading, an undercurrent of aching need lingering within. "If you need to hear it from my own lips... then I will gladly submit my womb for your pups. Pour your seed in me... claim my heat..."

At that he finally reacted. He'd been ready to say yes the moment he knew Syrra was going to be a part of this. With a loud growl his paws snaked up their backs, and in half a heartbeat he'd grabbed both young women by the scruff, making the both of them gasp and mewl from the assertive treatment. They squirmed, their claws raking into his fur as he forced them onto their knees, the pair trembling and panting as they were came face to face with his thick wolf cock, the ebony tool throbbing and dripping with precum. It did not matter to him that interbreeding went against all possibility and logic; the idea of impregnating both willing females did not demand any modicum of logic- just a submission to his own natural urges, to be led into a role-play where both females were willing to play their parts.

And he was certainly willing to play his.

"Alright, I'm game," he growled huskily, releasing his grip on their scruffs. He'd not done it out of violence or maliciousness; but he knew full well what Syrra's kinks were too, and was more than happy to share that dominant aspect with Ja'Murah. If the smile on her face were any indication, she had clearly enjoyed the rough handling. "But if we're really going to do this, Ja'Murah, you're going to want to get familiar with a Kanj'Isha's cock. Get a good look at it."

But at this point she was already staring wide-eyed at the wolf's throbbing tool, her face crimson. "By the gods, it's... I don't think any but the most robust of Trianii males are as large," she murmured with a tone that was half fear and half thrill. Yet despite whatever apprehensions she might have had, she still reached out to cup the wolf's balls, generating a throaty groan from him. She leaned in, tongue slipping from her muzzle, the barest hint of hesitation passing her face before she turned her head and slid her tongue along the underside of his shaft, the slightly coarse surface scraping along the subtle cumvein and dragging upwards. A barely audible moan escaped her lips as it slathered against his precum, the matriarch clearly enjoy the subtle sample of his seed.

She chirped as Syrra moved in behind her, gasping as the Trianii Jedi slid up behind her and cupped her ample tits, teasing her with gentle, erotic kisses meant to stir her loins; something her tail was already starting to do, as the strong, fingerless appendage snaked between Ja'Murah's legs and caressed her netherlips. Spurred on by the act the matriarch continued her oral treatment, kissing and licking the wolf's throbbing maleness with a growing measure of eagerness. Within minutes she was stroking the turgid shaft firmly with both hands, washing his balls dutifully and inhaling his scent simultaneously. Kajex did not need to guide her actions in any way beyond reaching down and petting her ears with encouragement- the feline noblewoman was eager to prove she was worthy, and as far as he was concerned she had passed.

Still, he allowed Syrra to have her fun, watching as she massaged the matriarch's breasts and caused them to swell slightly as they reacted to the arousal. Ja'Murah made no attempt to draw away from Syrra's teasing, grabbing the wolf's legs and pushing her hips back, rubbing her sensitive folds and clit against the tail. He was certain she would have moaned more audibly if she had not decided to go a step further in her oral attentions, sucking the wolf's cock. As it was he could still clearly hear her desperate whimpers as she filled her muzzle with his maleness, slathering his precum along his shaft and swallowing the excess gladly.

Without warning Syrra chirped out loud and shivered, moaning as she ground back against Ja'Murah's backside. The wolf grinned as he noticed the matriarch's tail wrapped around the Jedi's leg; apparently not content with Syrra being unmolested, she had begun to reciprocate the Trianii's efforts. The grin widened as they pushed the tips of their tails into each other's unprotected clefts, mewling in unison.

It was hot enough that a surge passed through the wolf's loins, a grunt ringing out as a brief measure of his seed escaped his shaft and poured into Ja'Murah's muzzle. The heady taste caused her to pull back abruptly, but before she could swallow he grabbed her muzzle firmly and shook his head. "Don't swallow, kitten. I'm sure Syrra would love to have a taste. Let's see the two of you share."

She obliged eagerly, turning her head and catching Syrra's muzzle in another kiss, this one deeper than the last. The Trianii Jedi's eyes closed as she savored the taste of her mate on the matriarch's tongue, pressing her bare body against the other female's and leaning her back as if she were a dominant lover. For her part, Ja'Murah merely accepted the kiss, wrapping her arms around Syrra and allowing herself to be washed away into the ocean of lust Syrra was pulling her into. So when Syrra shifted position, hooking her other arm under the matriarch's legs and picking her up, Ja'Murah did not struggle, allowing herself to be carried to the bed while Kajex followed, his arms folded and his cock slick and hard as he grinned at the pair.

"Prep each other up," the Sentinel ordered, prompting Syrra to break the kiss and look back up at him. "I want her cunt good and soaked when I give her what she wants." Syrra grinned back up at him and nodded obediently, setting the younger woman on the bed and climbing in with her. Dazed and lust-drunk, Ja'Murah could only pant and shiver as Syrra crawled atop her, lifting her legs up and apart. The wolf felt a wave of warmth flow through him as he saw Ja'Murah's sopping-wet cleft, but while he was certain she was more than ready to take his length, he was keen on watching Syrra having her fun first. The moment the Jedi's plump mound slid against the matriarch's netherlips, Ja'Murah finally reacted with a blissful yowl, rolling her hips up desperately to grind back against Syrra.

With the sun high overhead, pouring light from above; the green sheet beneath the rippling with their movements; the sound of trickling water in several parts of the room; the heat building from physical exertion; and the sight and scent of vegetation and flora; Kajex could imagine he was watching a primal pair of Trianii lesbian lovers in the middle of a tropical forest, grinding and mewling together, their soaked clefts kissing each other erotically as they licked and kissed each other. Syrra reared back suddenly, sliding one leg beneath Ja'Murah's left left, and another over her right; it took little more than arching her back and rolling her hips forward for her to grind her pussy against the matriarch's causing the both of them to let out passionate chirps as they writhed and humped wildly.

Ja'Murah was the first to cum, chirping a high note as Syrra brought her to bliss. She arched her back, claws digging into the velvet sheets as her loins exploded with honey, splattering against Syrra's cleft and drenching the bed beneath. As her body went limp Syrra hit her own apex, gasping as her drenched nethers poured with nectar. The Trianii Jedi panted, blushing hard as she struggled to remain upright. With a deep breath and a moment to close her eyes, her breathing slowed; and while Ja'Murah continued to pant and mewl, Kajex watched as the Trianii regained her endurance, sighing as she reclined on her side, admiring her work with a satisfied smile.

"You're up," she told him, groping one of her tits with one paw and slowly rubbing her clit with the other. "She's good and ready for you."

He believed it- Ja'Murah was still trembling, letting out little mewls as she panted. Nevertheless, Kajex was interested in treating her right, and so upon getting into the bed did not immediately mount her. Rather he slid in next to her, leaning in and kissing her neck, his right paw sliding down her body and between her legs. He found himself amazed at how hot her loins were, half-expecting to burn his fingers as he slid them into her cleft, generating another loud moan. He grinned, moving his kisses lower until they reached her perfect breasts, kissing the ebony peaks capping each golden mound, each nip punctuated by a high-pitched chirp.

"Syrra loves when I do this," he muttered softly, making the Trianii behind him purr loudly in affirmation. "So... I wonder what'll happen if I..." He trailed off, dipping lower and planting his lips around her top-left vestigial nipple. The effect was immediate- she arched her back and cried out, gasping as he suckled the teat, moaning incoherently. A pause to give her the chance to get her breath back, and once again she was reduced to moaning, as his tongue and lips assaulted her top-right nipple. He only ceased when, upon reaching the fourth, she came again, soaking his gray-white paw with nectar.

He drew it away from her heated depths, his fingers connected to her snatch by several sticky strings of her thickened juices; he applied this nectar to his prick, slathering it along his shaft until a thick veneer of his precum and her honey glazed the ebony flesh, before getting into position on top of her, waiting as she drew in deep breaths. Before long, she seemed to regain her senses, a purring rolling through her chest as she recognized the wolf above her.

"You... and your mate... are incredible," she mewled weakly.

"We've had plenty of practice," Kajex said fairly. "And you seem to like the things she enjoys." He leaned in, touching noses with her affectionately. "Do you need a moment?"

The matriarch nodded, taking in deep breaths- until the wolf reached out and cupped her tits. "H-hey, just please give me--"

But he didn't give her a chance to finish, pouring the Force through his palms and into her body. Behind him Syrra grinned as she saw Ja'Murah gasp and relax, her heavy breathing slowing almost immediately. The younger Trianii mewled quietly, looking confused as she sat up. "I... what was that?" she said, no longer out of breath.

"I used the Force to revitalize you, restoring your endurance," the wolf said happily, his tail wagging. "It's a skill I've known for decades, but my mate really helped me nail it down so I could apply it to others." With his paws still in place he pushed her back down onto the bed, the matriarch moaning as he squeezed her breasts and growled into her ear playfully. "Now... I think I've waited long enough to breed one of you. You understand that by the end of this, you will be pregnant."

It clearly didn't matter that this was just him playing out the role of a breeder, it still had the necessary effect while sending a clear message- that he was going in raw, and had no intention of pulling out until she was panting like a pregnant bitch. The younger woman nodded eagerly, purring as the wolf slid into position between her legs. He hesitated only a few moments to grind his length along her belly, giving her a very clear idea of how deep his prick was going to be buried in her and causing her to moan and smile wildly, before drawing his hips back and guiding the tip of his wolf cock to her swollen, slick netherlips. With a gentle rock of his hips he sank three inches of his length past her trembling folds, marveling at how searingly hot her loins were, how her inner walls clenched around him and tried to pull him in, suckling his flesh as he buried into her cleft. Ja'Murah mewled as the wolf plowed further, arching her back, wrapping her arms around his neck and surrendering her body to him. With a strained growl he speared the rest of his shaft into her sweltering depths, groaning as his hips ground heavily into the moaning Trianii beneath him.

The moment he drew his hips back the matriarch's legs wrapped around his hips, trying to draw him back in with limited success. A strong grip on her waist gave him the means to pull her in good and close, testing her pliable pussy with a few strong thrusts. No pain registered on her face as he began to pound her cleft good and hard, the cocktail of precum and female nectar making each intrusion slick and easy despite how tight she remained. A grin broke across his face as she rolled her hips up into his, her intensity unlike anything he'd ever experienced before- this was a woman who preferred the intensity of lovemaking over its passion, her noble facade being cast away in favor of a wild, youthful energy that bespoke of her desire for intimacy. Every thrust into her soaked nethers was met with a counter-thrust that caused his prick to drill deeper, the tip brushing her cervix nearly every time; every touch of his fingers along her nipples made her writhe and twist, moaning for more. His paws slid further up her body, palming her breasts once more, and without warning she cried out, experiencing another orgasm, her vaginal confines squeezing hard around his cock in a futile attempt to milk seed from his balls. With her folds clamping around his entire length he growled, experiencing enormous waves of heat and bliss channeling through his loins and up his back, like a slow, warm electric tingle through his nerves. He slowed down in response, intent on outlasting her climax as she came down from sexual nirvana.

Tears were in her eyes, her face a mix of exhilaration and shame. "I... I'm sorry Kajex, I just- it was so much..."

He silenced her with a gentle kiss, cupping her face as he continued to piston his hips gently into hers. "None of that," he chided her. "You're keeping up really well, and I intend to give you exactly what you asked for."

"T-thank you," she said, shivering and holding him close, as Syrra crawled up next to them and lay beside the younger Trianii.

"How long have you been without a male?" she asked, as the wolf started kissing into her neck and building back up to his original pace, his balls slapping lewdly against her curved rump.

"Gods... it's been years!" she mewled desperately. "And never with anyone so thick!"

The sincerity of her praise was not without effect, spurring the wolf to increase the rhythm of his breeding. Helping matters was Syrra, who had now leaned in to stifle Ja'Murah's moans with her muzzle, a paw rubbing her slim belly as the wolf's cock drilled into it. His endurance wasn't going to last, not with the sight of two beautiful feline lovers kissing, the carnal atmosphere fueling his desire to breed, and the feeling of Ja'Murah's flexing, fluttering inner walls clenching around his throbbing length as the sides slid and scraped through the tight passage, bringing her to yet another orgasm. For all his willpower, the desire to impregnate won out- slowly, inexorably, the thrusts became much more difficult. Where once he had been holding back to give Ja'Murah as much pleasure as possible, now he was intent on throwing Jedi technique to the wind, allowing his knot to swell.

For the first time since they'd started, a jolt of panic and fear ran through the matriarch, mewling in surprise as she finally noticed the change in his girth. "Huh, wh- ahn! What is he--"

Syrra shushed her gently, giving her a reassuring nuzzle. "Easy, Ja'Murah, it's just part of his body- the knot at the base is growing," she purred.

"What... does it do?" she mewled.

"It makes it so that as much cum as possible is poured into your belly- to make sure nobody else can claim your womb until you're good and pregnant," she murmured into the younger Trianii's ear, licking her cheek. "Don't worry, kitten... I'm gonna help you relax. Believe me, it'll feel amazing."

Her words had the intended effect, the matriarch calming down as she allowed herself to be bred, a nervous, wild smile on her face as Kajex leaned in and began to grind his knot hard against her swollen folds. She let out a cry of pleasure, chirping as the thick girth squeezed against her clit; the effect was enough that she gripped harder around him, preventing his knot from going any deeper. A whine escaped the wolf's muzzle as he desperately struggled against her vice-like interior, his efforts to seal her cleft futile and rapidly wearing down his already low endurance.

Salvation came from Syrra's paws, as she got up and moved in behind Kajex. "Aww... poor puppy. You wanna cum into this sexy kitty? Gonna knock this kitty bitch up like a good boy?"

"Y-yeah," he moaned, shivering.

"Leave it to me," she purred, cupping his balls with one paw while her songsteel paw slid up Ja'Murah's body, just above her clit. "You'll be pouring your puppies into her womb in no time."

It was no empty promise. He could feel the rush of the Force flowing down her arm and into Ja'Murah's tight pussy; with a chirp and a yip, the matriarch's cleft loosened and allowed Kajex's swollen knot to slip into her tunnel, to the sound of a thick slurp as she resumed grinding around his girth. Locked in her searing hot pussy with no means to move, he ground his hips hard against her backside, a strangled cry ringing out as his balls finally erupted. The immense pressure of his load was enough that a delightful ache burned along his distended cumvein, the channel throbbing as his thick, potent seed blasted from the tip and flooded the matriarch's unguarded cervix. She arched her back and mewled in response, clinging to him as he filled her slim belly with multiple loads of hot spunk, the excess painting his knot alabaster and dribbling from the imperfect seal down his balls and her ass, staining the base of her tail.

It was with weak arms that he only barely managed to hold himself upright when the wave finally receded into a steady stream, panting heavily with Ja'Murah as she clung close to him. He was dimly aware that Syrra was helping to keep him upright, her arms around his upper chest and pulling him back up to his knees. He shook his head, clearing it of his fatigue and intoxication, groaning softly as his eyes fell on the matriarch's belly. There was a noticeable curve along it where once there had been none, a result of his thick knot and enormous output. A shameful whine poured from his chest as Syrra nuzzled him.

"What's wrong, pup?" she asked, kissing his cheek.

"For a full week we never made love, and now... it should have been you first," he mumbled, feeling equal parts sexually satisfied from having bred such a tremendously sexy kitten, and guilty that it had not been the woman he was going to marry.

Syrra shook her head, looking not the least bit concerned. "I have you to myself almost every day. Nothing will ever change that. And remember, this moment here was for you, for Ja'Murah to express her thanks physically."

"It's true," the matriarch panted, smiling up at Kajex. "Don't think of this as me stealing anything from Syrra- think of it as a gift, a memory to share with you. Besides... if you've been backed up for a week, you must surely have more than what you just poured into me," she purred, stretching out with a pleasant sigh, twisting her sexy, agile body around for his enjoyment. For several minutes the trio cuddled in relative silence, bonding closely as the wolf's nuts twitched. Eventually the flow stopped completely, Kajex letting out a sigh of satisfaction.

"She's beautiful, isn't she?" Syrra purred as she helped keep Ja'Murah in place long enough for the Sentinel to draw his hips back- with a grunt and a pop, his softened knot popped out of the cheetah's cleft. A pleasant chirp passed through her lips, a deep purr following as she ran her paw along the subtle curve formed by her flooded womb. "Check your handiwork, hon," she whispered into his ear. "She already looks like she's swelling with your child. It's fitting, in my opinion."

"Damn, Syrra," the wolf shivered, arching an eyebrow as he sat back with a chuckle. "It's almost mean of you to take advantage of my kink the way you have."

"Oh hush- you have two women right here who will gladly submit to you, so you don't get to complain," she teased, sliding into his lap and touching noses with him, while his cum-stained, alabaster-slick prick throbbed against her belly. The knot had deflated, his length now softer and more pliable. "Seriously, though... I'm having a lot of fun."

"The feeling is mutual," the wolf sighed, nuzzling her. He inhaled deeply, taking in the smell of her body, a strong current of comfort coursing through him as he held her in his arms. He raised his head with the intent to speak, but the words died on his lips as his golden eyes stared into her blues. After a week of hardship and recovery, it had suddenly dawned on him that the one thing he wanted most, solace in the arms of the woman he'd fallen in love with over a year prior, was finally before him.

"After over a year of being together," he finally said, "I still can't believe how far we've taken this. And I don't regret a moment of it, I love you so much."

"I love you too- and I regret nothing either," she murmured with her forehead against his, smiling broadly. "Now let's make another memory. Fill me up, love... breed me like a bad bitch."

They moved in tandem, lips touching again in a tender kiss as the wolf got to his knees while Syrra's paw slid down her body and grabbed his cock, giving the slightly-floppy length a few firm strokes. He groaned deeply as blood filled his loins yet again, the fire in his balls stoked back to its former intensity as the urge to breed yet another female threatened to overtake him. Yet he was not idle; his paws cupped her ass and squeezed it as they kissed and ground against each other, the Trianii mewling into his muzzle as her breasts and nipples pushed deep into his fur. A warmth seeped against his chest, prompting him to pull back in confusion, his eyes brightening as he saw a trickle of white beading along the Trianii Jedi's chocolate-colored nipples.

She blushed hard, gasping. "S-sorry, it's just... it happens sometimes when I'm in season and I'm s-so turned on," she whimpered.

He said nothing, the sight doing as much to turn him on as her songsteel paw pumping his shaft was. With a smile and a playful growl, he reached up and palmed her breasts, his fingers pushing against the mounds. Syrra chirruped, breathing hard as her nipples reacted and a gentle trickle of milk poured down the curves of her breasts and down the wolf's paws, the fur growing damp. With little hesitation he dipped low, pressing his lips against her right nipple and drawing the liquid in, causing his mate to mewl as he suckled her; the sweet, light cream held a pleasant taste he had not expected, one that he did not hesitate to swallow.

He grinned up at her. "I may have found my new favorite 'creamer,' for the next time we have a cup of hot chocolate," he teased.

"Sh-shut up," she giggled, looking away with a pleased look on her face.

"She's deep in her season," Ja'Murah said with a sultry purr, leaning in and sampling her left breast. Syrra mewled against as her lupine and feline lovers attacked the runny, milky peaks, suckling her breasts as if she were a nursing mother and prompting her to rub and pet their ears encouragingly until they both stopped, leaving her panting and red-faced.

"She's that horny, huh?" Kajex asked, licking Ja'Murah's cheek affectionately.

"Mmm, more than just horny," the matriarch replied, leaning into Kajex and wrapping one arm around him, while the other continued to rub the pseudo-baby bump in her own belly. "She craves the essence of someone worthy, her body is aching for someone to quench her thirst for potent seed. Were you to claim her womb as you did mine right now, you would without question sire her pups. Her heat is yours to take- breed your mate."

Already spurred on by the knowledge that his mate was more than ready to be bred, he cupped her rump again and hoisted her upwards, the Trianii moaning as the movement caused his slick cock to slide against her clit. With her knees planted on the bed to either side of his lap the Trianii descended, gasping and moaning as she impaled herself on his cock.

If there were any differences in tightness between Syrra and Ja'Murah, Kajex was unable to discern it, his girth splitting her netherlips apart such that they were wrapped tightly around; just like the matriarch, Syrra twisted and rolled her hips around, causing his slick member to stir around in her burning cleft and sending delightful shocks of bliss zapping through their loins. So slow was her descent, so eager was her desire to draw out the pleasure, that it took a full minute before she'd swallowed every inch of wolf cock in her moist pussy, her soaked netherlips kissing his sheath as they clamped around the base. For a full five seconds the two kissed and ground against each other, Kajex groaning into her muzzle her powerful inner walls rippled and flexed around his throbbing maleness, goading more precum from the tip of his prick and spitting it into her tunnel.

It was Syrra who moved first, using her raised position to ascend from his lap before allowing her hips to fall back into her seat. She broke away from him, paws gripping her upper arms as she leaned back and the wolf reciprocated by keeping a firm grip on hers. She fucked herself on his prick, chirping and moaning as she rode his lap like a racing saddle on a bucking beast. The wild ride was energetic enough that her milky breasts bounced, catching the wolf's eyes as she heaved them forward and up; every bounce caused droplets of the cream to flick into the air and splatter against his chest and face. The erotic scene before him was enough to force a rumbling growl in his chest as he finally acted, rolling his hips up into her to meet each descent she made. Each time she impaled herself on his cock, he would thrust up and spear up into her, and before long he could feel his tip reach the deepest recesses of her pussy, brushing the narrow entrance to her womb. Her back arched as her rhythm shifted, rolling her hips into deep grinding motions that caused his sheath to kiss her clit and his balls to squeeze firmly against her rump.

A tendril of thought brushed against the wolf's mind and in a heartbeat he had caught it, pulling it into focus. The sensations between them amplified as Syrra touched him through the Force, sharing the intensity of their lovemaking. But in a moment she was overthrown, the wolf aggressively pouring his control over her and cowing her into submission. The effect was instantaneous, with Syrra mewling weakly as her grip on his arms slackened. He caught her easily before she could fall over, giving him the advantage he sought; she had challenged his control by forcing the rhythm and position, and now he was taking that control back from her, bucking his hips harder into her cleft as she writhed and yowled.

Beneath her submissive mindset was a glint of satisfaction, the knowledge that he had stepped up and was now intent on the singular thought of knocking her up. Her struggle was only halfhearted as he pinned her against the warm green sheets, grunting and growling as he pounded her breeding hole, his hips battering her upturned backside with bruising force. The tendril between them lingered as she was rendered incapable of coherent speech, using thoughts and emotions alone to convey her desires- more than anything, she wanted this.

And he was all too happy to give it to her.

His paws left her waist, sliding along her legs until her calves were in his paws; with his body pinning her down he lifted her legs up over his shoulders, just as Ja'Murah slid in next to them to watch, her paws playing along her lower nipples. Within seconds she was writhing and crying out his name, the position causing his cock to dig hard against her g-spot again and again. Every thrust was accented with the crack of his hips against her rump, his soaked balls slapping lewdly against her ass. The ache in his loins burned hotter, balls twitching as the desire to cum grew as seconds passed. All the while Ja'Murah let out small whimpers, clearly enjoying the show in addition to her self-teasing.

"Y-you're close," Syrra moaned, her sapphire eyes glazed over with lust and love for the wolf while tears streaked down her smiling face. "I want all of it... flood my heat, Kajex."

"All of it?" he growled, straining to hold out as long as possible- his knot has swollen back to full size and was now threatening to slide into its rightful place. "You're ready for a whole litter, kitten?"

"Yes!" she cried out. "Knot me! Cum in me!" she begged.

She was already well-practiced in loosening herself up to take his knot, only resisting his attempts because he enjoyed the struggle; but she made no attempt to bear against him, partially because the moment she had pleaded for his seed she had been thrown into a hard orgasm. He struck at the right moment, slamming his hips in hard just as her orgasmic nectar slickened his knot and tore past any lingering resistance. She chirped passionately and arched her back, grinding against him as she rode out an intense, mind-breaking climax, her vaginal walls rippling around his throbbing knot and cock, sapping away the wolf's remaining stamina.

His snarl was nothing short of feral as his balls throbbed powerfully, pumping a massive amount of hot seed through his aching prick. His dull claws dug into the sheets as he ground his cock as deep into his mate's folds as possible, his pulsating girth flexing against Syrra's tight vaginal walls as they squeezed around him. With no way to go but forward his burning essence filled her fertile womb, thick gouts of his potent spunk blasting from the tip of his cock. Every throb of his length distended the thick cumvein underneath as it channeled the tide into her belly, and even as the flow decreased he could feel the subtle change it had left in the purring, panting feline in his arms.

The haze of lust clouding his mind lifted slowly, but when he finally looked up it was to the sight of a tired, smiling Trianii. Without a word between them, working only on thoughts and emotion, the two leaned in and kissed, their tense bodies trembling as they held each other close.

"I'd give you every pup, kitten, if you asked it of me," he whispered, panting hard.

"Jedi aren't supposed to be selfish," she purred, nuzzling his cheek. "But... I wouldn't say no to you trying."

Ja'Murah sighed pleasantly, drawing their attention as she smiled up at them. She was laying on her side, a paw still caressing her cum-flooded lower belly. "When I saw your devotion beads, I'd hoped the love between you was truly genuine- just the way you smiled at each other made me think you were a fitting couple. Seeing it now in person... I'm being completely honest when I say that one should feel blessed to know the love you two share."

Kajex grinned, holding Syrra close and settling down into the bed next to her, the Trianii laying her head on his chest. "Thank you, Ja'Murah. And I'm glad we could both share a little bit of that with you, too."

"As am I," she purred. "Now... as long as you two are still tied together, and as I'm sure you'll want a breather- since I doubt the three of us are done- maybe you'll indulge me with something?"

The wolf cocked his head in interest. "With what?"

"Well... I did say I wanted to set aside some time to hear the story of how you two first met," she giggled. "What better a moment than now?"

The two Jedi blinked and glanced at each other before laughing.

"We'd be glad to share," the wolf chuckled.