Xid had just finished getting his trousers on- his tunic forgotten since the material was too damp to put on without risk getting ill-when he heard a sound. Someone was entering the bunker, their eyes making his neck hairs raised on end and created a tingling sensation across his flesh. His fingers tightened in reaction as he assumed a new Sith had chosen him to be their newest plaything. The thought brought a depression to his focus before he shoved it to the side, trying to prevent it from stirring unwanted feelings and braced for the worst. In the back of his mind he was hopeful it was merely another Jedi checking up on his well being through he didn’t have a single, plausible excuse to give.

Saying it was a nightmare sounded rather weak for a Knight who went through the trials and made it, if barely, into the next stage. Sela, his heart pounded hard against his chest, would’ve been disappointed in his reaction even in this setting.

Slowly inhaling, Xid turned to face the person who had entered his space. All color dropped from his skin and sweat chilled him to the bone, his eyes widen in shock to see a ghost from his past materialize into his worst nightmare. Talija. For a moment, he thought his hand wouldn’t grip the frame hard enough to prevent him falling face down upon the ground as he just stared at her. A knot in his chest coiled more and more inside him, seeming bent on cutting off any air within his lungs, giving him an unlimited sense of time to absorb her image. Her blue hair, white skin, pointed ears, and reassuring smile were all genuinely her. There was doubt she was actually here and pain and guilt twisted within his mind at those undeniable facts, through her being her wasn’t his fault he still felt responsible for it. Like being connected to him was enough for his rotten feelings.

When she spoke, his mind snapped into place. “It’s been what, three years hasn’t it? What are you doing here?”

Xid hadn’t bothered to cover up his scars, mostly light and many new to Talija’s memory. He hadn’t even considered what she would think about his navel scar as he was distracted. Or the most recent which was discoloring his ribs and making him flinch with each step toward her. His hand held tightly to the frame in hopes to hid his weakness.

What was she doing here?

It was a question she had asked herself since her capture— when the Sith Troopers had bursted through the walls of her transport vessel and tested her mettle… so to speak. She didn’t have many answers for the question, even for herself; answers she wish she had. She wished that she had done more for the passengers that weren’t worthy enough to be pet prisoners like she had been— she wish she had been stronger, faster, smarter. But she had let them get hold of her and bind her with Imperial chains. How many had fallen to Sith saber and blaster pointlessly so? What kind of religion would slaughter innocents upon a civilian vessel?

“Balmorra, if my memory is correct… though it’s a bit hard to think clearly after that Sith Trooper hit me in the back of the head.” She admitted, moving her right hand against the spot where the blaster rifle had made impact with her skull. It still hurt… though it was more of a dulling pain instead of an intense one. Though it didn’t bother her much; she had been through far more body-breaking experiences and even training when she was younger and a padawan of Laureli Xchal. The mental strain of being captured had probably affected her in making her ‘weaker’ or maybe it was that she had been still recovering from her injuries at the hands of the Sith on the transport. It was the only logical conclusions she could make.

“I suppose me being here is like any other Jedi.”

She thought back to the transport she had been on for a moment, thinking to answer his question directly and simply.

“I was on a transport, the Enteliis— the Sith decided they liked how it looked, I guess.”

She looked down for a brief moment before returning to look at him. She wasn’t happy of her weakness; though she imagined Xid felt quite similar himself given his injuries at the hands of the Sith. Talija looked at his wounds, but kept her calmed and exhausted expression. She couldn’t imagine she would get much sleep on the Kaggath in the coming days. But at least she had a familiar face to put a name to and one she considered a friend as well.

“You look like you’ve been through hell, Xid. I saw the fight with the Trandoshan.”

“I was rather young back then. How time has gone by and I still don’t feel any wiser.” Xid commented, his teeth bit his lip while he paused. His breathing was already heavy as he didn’t take his eyes off her, trying to shake the worry and pain in his expression. His curls were plastered to his forehead by the sweat coating his face, making his wounds sting from the cut near his jawline to his shoulder.

At mention of the bump on the head, he showed concern. “Yeah, Troopers and Sith alike seem to enjoy head blows. Through I have to say, blaster hits are much worse as is Force Lightning.”

He felt immediately stupid for his careless and insensitive question, namely when Talija couldn’t answer his obvious question. He even had a hard time trying to figure it out through he knew more than she did. It reminded the Knight he had to talk to Tolun, see if the older Knight held any details or valuable information which could lead to answers on their captivity. Even if the Sith merely wanted to turn them then why not kill the weak ones? Only the strong deserved to live, at least according to Jedi teachings about Sith, and it wouldn’t make sense to keep all of them still breathing.

The teenager raised his eyes, meeting hers, as he heard her words explain how she came here. Originally, for a brief moment, he had wondered if she was caught back on Coruscant. Somewhere hidden in the temple then was slowly transported here by the Darth’s lackies. It was only a theory but one quickly made moot when she mentioned the transport, shattering his thoughts need for an explanation.

When her words mentioned the Trandoshan, he sighed.

Gradually he lowered himself to the bunk underneath where he was trying to balance himself as he leaned over, seeming on the verge to lose whatever meal he had managed to consume during the day. It wasn’t much really so the action would’ve been quick if he had a mind to allow it. Right now, he didn’t want anymore weakness to show. Gingerly, and with some struggle, Xid swallowed his collecting acid at back of his throat then cleared it with great effort. “Yeah, he’s known as Lord Sish. He’s not known for being gentle and this isn’t the first time I ended up taking him on. At least this time he didn’t pin me underneath a droid.”

His voice tried to be humorous about the experience but knew he failed miserably. He paused, adjusting his position to ease the pressure off his ribs, as he redirected his attention to something better. Causally he gestured for Talija to take a seat beside him while he continued. “Punishment was never my strong suit, but I’ll be alright. I just didn’t expect a Trooper’s widower to beat my ribs is all. Though, you weren’t hurt were you? Since you came onboard?”

Mostly Xid was curious if she had met Darth Nyiss, their current warden. He recalled Nazca’s encounter and through Talija showed no physical symptoms, he didn’t want to assume something hadn’t happened before now.

Avix was quite pleased at the food Kennith was able to procure and happily sat down with a pleased expression on his face. He very rarely cracked a smile as the food looked tasty and it appeared he had made a new acquaintance. Such pleasantries were quite rare with a Jedi as he often worked with commandos or alone. In his curiosity he couldn’t help but inquire to find out more about Kennith. “ So tell me Kennith what is it exactly that you do for the order?”

“This and that. Find people. Find objects. Other things to keep the criminals from breaking the republic. The usual for investigators.” he answered, munching on his steak while looking at the much simpler fare of the other Jedi. “Oh, and I retrieve what I find too.”

Avix listened intently while he fumbled for a pocket in his robes that had a small container of a hot sauce. He casually put the sauce in his soup and took a sip. “Interesting… I can’t say that I’ve ever met an investigator and where are my manners, I have failed to introduce myself… Forgive me... My name is Avix Veir it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“We tend not to stay around the temples and enclaves much. Not many criminals to find there. Or much crime for that matter.” Kennith was pleased to learn the other Jedi’s identity, even if the name told him nothing useful. “So, what do you do, Avix?”

Avix was mid way through a chewing before he paused to swallow as it was rude to talk with one's mouth open as his master's lessons of etiquette were still ingrained in him. “Well I do quite a bit of clandestine operations for the order. I’m either alone or working with commandos… The order tends to not assign me on missions where I cooperate with some of the more conservative types in the order.” he said with a sigh alluding to the fact that he was a shadow. This was often a point of contention for him as when he told others of his line of work they tended to judge him a bit, especially for his liberal adherence to the code.

“Those bores? Who cares about their opinions? They complain every time they hear I’ve done something they consider ‘questionable’. I keep tellin’ them it was necessary for the job, but they keep complainin’.” Kennith wasn’t sure at first what sort of Jedi this Avix was. He clearly wasn’t an investigator, and since he often worked outside the regular rules, that kinda indicated he might be one of those Shadows. Very useful on this mission.

Avix was relieved when Kennith let his opinion be known about the conservative sects in the order. “Those squares are why we are in this predicament to be honest as they are quite predictable… I have done my fair share of things that would make them cringe or be deemed unworthy of the order… I do hope some of them do not slow us down for the upcoming mission as this is quite risky and am wondering why we are going to try and save these few jedi. It seems like a waste of resources if you ask me but I digress it was deemed important by the order and shall do my best to make sure it partially succeeds.” he said with a sigh as he took a drink from his cup.

“It. Is. Not. A. Waste.” Kennith answered, quite firmly. “My niece Lea was taken captive by the Darth responsible for this two months ago. I will see her rescued.”

“I see… So you have a personal reason to get involved. I do hope she hasn’t fallen as that would be most unfortunate.” he said with a sigh avoiding eye contact with Kennith and staring into space over his right shoulder implying what would need to be done.

“She’s a strong girl. She’ll hold out against anything the Sith can throw at her.” he replied, confidently. After that, he cut another chunk of the steak, which he chewed thoroughly to get all the tasty juices out of.

“I do hope so as I’ve seen those creatures twist the best of em into a monster that is barely recognizable. Rabid dogs that need to be put down if they refuse to come back to the light… But you know your niece and it would seem that she will fight, however I do worry about the others as the quality in jedi hopefuls has dwindled in this time of war and the newer initiates are easily seduced.” he replied solemnly as he took another sip of his soup.

“I’ve not had many encounters with such, but I guess you know well enough there. How easy is it to kill the average Sith?” he then eyed the other Jedi’s meal. “Is that stuff even edible?”

“I regrettably have… The typical sith is just as predictable as the typical Jedi. However the more cunning of those creatures are quite formidable and have left me with some scars. However I’ve yet to lose a limb… Knock on plasteel.” he said jokingly as he knocked on the table and took another sip of his soup with a grimace on his face. “Well it is not the worst and my hot sauce sure does help in adding some flavor. I figured I’d take a break from using my ships kitchens and see if this ship's galley would be better than the others. Anyway consider yourself fortunate you don’t have to deal with them often… It can be trying on one’s soul to say the least.”

“The stupidity of criminals can also be trying. Trust me.”

“I’d take criminals any day over those beasts… So tell me what is your opinion on the team assembled so far? I already know the land whale is going to get in my way.”

“Why do you believe he will be in the way? Other than his obvious size, that is?” the investigator asked as he stuffed the last piece of steak into his mouth, “I’ve talked with him, but can't say I know him well…”

“Well from his rhetoric it is quite clear that he is one of the more conservative types and will object to methods that aren’t honorable… Such ideals are the reason we are at this point in the war. However Lyric is quite sensible so I’m sure he’ll give some perspective to the idealist land whale. Although being on a team with these kind of individuals worries me as I’ve seen time and again be responsible for the failure of numerous missions.” he said with a sigh as he took another sip of flavorful gruel.

“Avoiding such is why I normally work alone. But of course I can’t exactly assault a Sith Warship to rescue anything from two-three to more than twenty prisoners alone. But of course, for us to do that, we’ll first have to track down said ship. I think we Jedi would look rather foolish if we happened to assault the wrong Sith warship…”

After swallowing the last piece of steak, he started to rise. “It’s been nice talking, but I really should be going. Got contacts to check up on and information to review before we land on Tatooine.”

“Well let’s hope that this contact can point us in the right directions… But It was a pleasure talking to you as well and do look forward to working with you. If you ever want to chat I’ll be on my ship.” he replied as he remained seated to finish his soup in silence

Talija nodded as Xid reflected on the past; when they had encounter each other during her time with her first master, Laureli Xchal, before she had fallen to the vicious machinations of the Sith. But her master was with the force now and very much still a part of her. She wondered what guidance she would give her in this instance as her student fell into chains by the antithesis of their faith. The Sephi girl took a deep breath as she closed her eyes for a moment— not at the sight of Xid, but at the burden of the past and how Talija hated that this is what had become of her. Still, everything happened for a reason… there was no chance in the force; only fate. The trials she would be expected to endure were obscure, but she knew they were here. She opened her eyes as she continued to listen to Xid’s inquiries and comments.

“As it would be.” Talija remarked as Xid spoke of the pains of blaster fire and force lightning.

The pain Xid’s body had to go through must’ve been terrible indeed. Could she endure similar hardships? She had been always more combat-oriented and hardier than Xid, but the dark side always found a way to crawl under her skin and taunt her. That much she knew for some time. The fact she could deny it control of any emotions was impressive; a fact her second master saw in her. She wondered how the trials on the Kaggath would challenge her.

As Xid motioned for her to sit beside him she did so.

“I was always the more resilient one.” She chuckled. “But, outside of some mental strain and the dulling pain at the back of my head I appear to be fine enough.”

“Lady Lansha, as she called herself, attempted to get a reaction out of me— to see how devout to the light I was… I think. She masked kindness with sinister intent, and even as I defiantly debated theology with her she didn’t let her fury come out. At least not until the end, when she gave me an opportunity to attack and I refused to take it.” Talija remembered, sharing her thoughts with Xid.

Had it been a victory against the Sith? She wasn’t so sure; but she did know she did what a Jedi asked of the faithful. She didn’t flinch in the shadow of darkness as evil peered into her soul. She debated with the enemy, showing them logic and true kindness; it had not been Talija’s fault it was rejected. After all, it would be much more difficult to redeem individuals who eagerly tortured child and elder— innocent and religious rival alike.

“She was weak— she may have held my chains, but she was the one who was the weaker. But as are all slavers— holding the chains only temporarily until the slaves refuse them. Surprising the Sith don’t realize that… or care.”

Jayda hadn’t stopped Zanna, her eyes watched carefully as the Sith departed leaving her alone. Her nostrils flared to the sulfur scent filling her lungs and gradually being torn apart. Each component divided into independent aspects where she registered for the future, her mind deepening into a predatory state she allowed her mind to dive into. Her hearts rattled in her chest at her intended plan surfacing. The added risks followed, urging her mind to find another solution while she inhaled to sooth over her instinct to survive. A hunt already had a way to drag up feelings she sometimes denied and for the moment, absorbed the adrenaline surging in her veins even when the pain was dulling the effect.

It was a chemical boost thanks to the physical reaction, the moments ticking by in natural fear that heightening her senses, increasing her strength and sharpening her reactions. At least, as long as she controlled the flight and edged it into a fight one. Something that was harder than it use to be.

Letting a time pass, untouched by her reaction, Jayda’s purple eyes flickered open. They directed themselves to the console acknowledging her work wasn’t yet completed. There was still some tape to alter and edit, even delete. Hunching her lithe figure over the buttons she quickly clicked her long nails across the surface with surprising gentleness, each delicate movement wasting little energy in her goal. First off, she refused to leave any evidence of where she had been from the second she arrived on the ship to the present, nothing reminded. Odd as it seemed she knew if anyone talented with reading body language seen the tapes, it would reveal her discomfort and weakness in the most painful way.

She had enough of a target on her back currently with Lady Lansha’s attention on her.

Her second task, and most important, was to collect all the video featuring the Sith who were currently onboard. Including recent arrivals. Jayda knew she would have to update the information much later since it seemed sith were able to come and go freely from the vessel. A fact that would make keeping tabs fully on who is a threat in her radar difficult but she would manage. In addition, studying their bodies, reactions, and behavior would give her something more than she already had. Enabling her to study a threat possibility before it targeted her later.

Disappointingly, one of the Sith, a Lord by the way she held herself, seemed to isolate herself within her room. A habit, Jayda vaguely noted and pushed her frustration away, she practiced too. After finishing up, she took the flash drive with her on departing the security room.
It was time to get serious.



After getting food into her weakened system and resting, Jayda’s condition had drawn some benefit. Gingerly, she eased her body upright into a sitting posture while her eyes looked toward the end of her bunk. Every muscle was stiffening and her mind examined her condition with each slight movement, expecting the pain that came. Her loose hair got into her vision forcing her to shift the strands with a single hand and examine her wounds, noting the change in appearance.

They had stopped bleeding, scabbed over and now, likely thanks to Zanna’s goo, appeared to be half a day old. Not the few hours old it really was. Arching her eyebrow, she rolled her clothing back down to cover the evidence while she carefully slid her legs over the mattress edge and applied pressure to her soles. Mindful about her weakened muscles, she worked herself to standing completely on her own. The balance was difficult but not impossible causing her to tilt back while she steadied herself, placing a hand upon the frame for a more sturdy brace.

When she sure she could stand, Jayda let go. She stepped toward the dresser where several Sith robes, all interesting close to her size, were kept. Casually she pulled it single handed open and with carefully watching eyes. Her lightsaber was still in her other, ready to jerk up in her defense, before she allowed a calm to wash over her frame. No trap. No sign of danger.

Retrieving a set of black trousers, tunic and over robe, Jayda slapped the drawer closed quickly. The click rang in her sharp ears as she flinched, forgetting to focus elsewhere. She let the sting pass before moving again to get dressed. In fresh clothing, it was hard to tell she was ever seriously injured in her encounter with the various events during the day. Her hand reached back and quickly tied her hair back into the familiar braid, fingers retracing her habitual ritual, before tossing it behind her shoulders.

Her body’s movements easily slipping into hiding her status as she exited her room.

Now it was time to find Sish.



“Lady Lansha, I know that Sith. I’ve already met her. She was the one that allowed a meeting between the widow and me. I think, if I examined her right, she’s a manipulator that feeds off emotional stress and control. However, she’s not likely to be effective in a fight.” Xid stated, slightly relieved it was one of the milder Sith encounters. He wasn’t sure what he would’ve done if she had came back worse than himself. His eyes lowered to examine his twisting fingers roping themselves through each other in his lap. It eased his tension through he felt it showed his stress far too easily and upon that thought, stopped.

“Lady Lansha isn’t built for physical combat so you’ve won easily. Even possibly explored some hallways, something which a few us might’ve done already, and helped with the escape plans.”

His body, oddly, slanted toward where her weight sank into the mattress slightly. It was comforting sensation that he drew strength from and found he missed her presence more than he realised at first. Over half the prisoners he knew, strangely, and seemed knowing him brought greater danger which made him wonder what great purpose would it serve on board this ship. Nothing but misery he guessed.

Inhaling, he tried to smile his worries away. “Through, I’m really glad you’re alright. We’ll need your strength to get out of here after all.”

At mention of chains, his smile grew a bit more and added. “Sith tend to benefit themselves more than anything though they try to fool themselves into thinking otherwise.”

His expression, while less grim than before, turned to Talija as he spoke. “Do you recall anything from your arrival and by chance where you walked? Would you know it if you found it again?”



“Large Gage class ship? Rumored to be runned by high and powerful Sith through I can’t say I know the details.” Karlie paused as he watched the Jedi settling down, his nerves still influenced by Kenneth's earlier actions to calm him. Strangely he wasn't irked anymore about it, his body leaned against the workbench edge while waiting for them to take a seat. Then thinking a moment, an unpleasant thought crossed his mind.

“Janglor might through. He’s gotten a few Sith customers and possibly one could’ve been aboard that ship. However, he won’t give up a customer.” He set down his own cup and continued. “And you’ll have to locate him. You’ll need to find a loose lip errand girl, that bitch Jeik would know where he’s at since she makes deliveries.”

His payment was suppose to be among the deliveries today but he doubted Janglor would get as it was possibly spend already. The bad part with the alien, he wouldn't go after the messager. It was the source he targeted. Recalling the threat made, Karlie leaned back and was about to ask the Jedi how long they intended to stay when Melloch’s robes gave off a loud sound and drew a suspicious look. The whale like alien excused himself then informed him about two new arrivals to come.

He scowled at the thought, his eyes looked to Kennith as to blame him. The shopkeeper started to clarify his intentions in a firm, frustrated tone. “Now wait a minute, this is getting out of hand. I say I would provide information, not-”

Karlie never got a chance when there was a kick at the door, his teeth snapped shut and expression tightened defensively. He watched as Melloch went to open the door, the pair exchanging greetings. The raptor hooked a foreclaw then pulled back the hood to reveal a snout, Karlie unable to tell the gender so to be safe he dubbed it a he until otherwise informed.

Letting his fear and anger fuel his words, the man snapped at Melloch. “Let them in quickly before someone sees. You've already gotten me into enough trouble as it is!”

Talija nodded as Xid told of his own meeting of the “Lady” Sith she had dealt with. His words made sense to her as he spoke of his own perceptions of her— though they did make her any more at ease, but she imagined a lot of the tension on the Kaggath was from the large swaths of unease that the dark side created. It would be difficult for any follower of the light to not feel uncomfortable by the waves of dark presence on the prison vessel.

“Presumption is the thrall of ignorance.” Talija commented as she shook her head. “Sith are intelligent, clever— they know how to strike where I do not. I never presume victory. Not after Cyrillia.”

Talija’s eyes narrowed at the thought of the Skirmish of Cyrillia; the battle she lost her first master and the first time she fought a skilled Sith combatant. Imij’turutu, a twi’lek, as she recalled— as fast as she was strong. Had Imij’turutu not been full of arrogance and pride they would’ve killed her easily and she would not be having this conversation with Xid on the Kaggath. Talija didn’t believe she was doubting herself at this moment, but it would’ve been hard to not see her pride and confidence shaken from her usual collected determined and resilient self. The Talija Xid knew.

As Xid drew closer to her she could feel her anxiety leave her for a second; a sort of comforting feeling. Her expressed lightened and she oddly felt a little at peace despite her demeanor.

“I’m glad you are well, too. I was worried when I… saw the footage with— you called him Sish.”

Talija nodded at his inquiry. “I may be able, I was still pretty distracted given the injuries and wounds I gathered during the siege of the Enteliis… but I think I could. I remember the room she took me to and the hallway that led to my exchange to this ship.”

Xid noted the subtle hints. Immediately his ears caught the shaky tone and lacking pride, his mind too aware of the flaws for his own taste. All of it was very similar to his own causing his top teeth to bite his lip and almost draw blood. It was odd to see them in another Jedi, especially one he knew had every right to be confident in her abilities.

It made him realize he was limiting himself after the time he spent with Ithor, the prisoner on Belsavis having a more psychologic effect than he wanted on how far he push his potential. Each time he wondered if he was going too far and it was enough to get him to hold back. In the end, it would do much more harm than good with the escape. In the end, it was going to be something he regretted and risked all their lives.

“Don’t ever doubt your strength, Talija.” Xid blurted out, his voice firm in his reply. “Not assuming is good, but confidence in your knowledge of what you can do is another. We all have tasted something to make us different then we were.”

He sighed, recalling his own fear, and took a risk at admitting it. He lowered his voice to where the camera wouldn’t pick up the sound. “I learned, in the worse way, what my own talents are able to accomplish. Truthfully, I’m terrified about my potential and won’t fully use it. So, don’t let them shake you alright? Else they win.”

Xid turned to the topic of his fight against Sish, his body straightening upright next to her. “Yeah, I ended up being caught by him when I tried to obtain some droids for defense. He’s more of a predatory with a taste for maiming and pain. So I knew when he aimed to take Shiri, after seeing her kiss me, she was going to get seriously hurt.”

A hand scratched his head back in a nervous gesture while he continued. “I-I couldn’t let that happen. It was my fault for not realizing she was going to kiss me and stopping it.”

He was quiet for a moment, letting the awkward moment pass before turning to a more cheery matter. The fact she recalled the path was wonderful and gave him an idea. “You, know. I can get us out of here, as in out of this cell through the shafts. It won’t be hard as the doors will pop open when your fingers press into the dividing slit.” His figure was already rising to his feet as his hand jerked out, balancing against the bunk post. He continued through gritted teeth to finish his instruction. “Once you get a grip, you can trail up to the upper part where a trigger will release the door. If you got out, could you help me map the corridors?”

“Logically speaking, I suppose you are right. But I cannot help but to think back at what I’ve done wrong and what the force is trying to teach me.”

In part, it sounded like the Talija Xid knew very well. Logic. Objectivity. Resilience. But there was still this fractured vulnerability that she had the strength to admit. Talija as extremely faithful to the religion they both followed and had stood as a confident member of the order in times past; even when she had lost her master and been subjective to sadness and grief. She wanted to return to before she set foot on the Enteliis, to garner the strength she had found drained by her experiences and her doubt.

“But… this has helped.”

Talija admitted, as she let out a calmed half-laugh.

As she listened to his story with Sish her expression became quizzical as she heard of this Shiri character and something that had happened. She reddened a little as she thought of the encounter, not understanding what that could be like. He quickly changed topics after the mention— telling her about some sort of way they could get an edge on their Sith captors. He was right that she needed to center herself completely before acting on the knowledge that they could do so. She watched and listened to him intently.

“I could try, yes. At least later, when I am more focused on the task at hand.”

She didn’t want to admit her comfortability here… exchanging dialogue and company. She hadn’t remembered the last time she talked to anybody from the academy in a less formal setting. She had no friends other than Xid that she had carried over into Knighthood. This confused her though, considering her feelings being put at ease over simple company shared. The force felt strong right now, stronger than she had felt in some time… what did it mean? Why did she feel flustered when he touched her or when he mentioned this Shiri individual?

What was going on in her head? Had the Sith implanted some emotional thoughts somehow?

Xid’s lips widen, and for the first time, it actually was fully genuine. Even his eyes lightened at knowing he had made someone’s day better and relaxed from his anxiety a bit. Much better than floundering to seek the correct words and ultimately failing, feeling worthless in the end. He was getting sick of it the more it happened truth be told. Through being in a metal cage didn’t help him to change it or would it help his allies, and friend he held dearly, to keep their moral. The sooner they left the better.

“Well, at least there’s a win for me.” He answered up in a cheerful mood, his facial muscle softened into pride he had managed something positive in this situation. His fingers tightened on the post as he managed to steady himself. His soles flatten upon the floor and chilled his bare skin, making him shiver a bit.

Hearing her positive attitude was enough to strengthen his determination, his arm gaining a bit more strength and pressed firmly on the post. “Trying is better than giving up isn’t it?”

He found it rather strange anyone would hang on his every word, bring importance to their existence. Like a teacher to a student, something believed he would never be good at it. In addition whoever heard of a Knight being younger than his Padawan? He snorted at the thought making his side hurt, the motion rippling through his muscles causing his side to hurt with pain. His arm wrapped about the injury as he hissed in regret. “Oow, that was a bad idea. Laughing… ow.”

He gingerly lowered himself back down for a moment’s rest while the pain faded, his breathing heavy and face crunched up to show what he wanted to hide. "Give me a second, before I break my ribs more, to get my breath. Then I’ll show you how to open the door and see if we can get you into the halls. The sooner we get out, the better.”

Shiri was dreaming, a nightmare almost. Nazca had been turned into a children's toy but still acted like her normal self, Xid was a young child, and all the Sith wore dresses and danced around as if they were at a party- even the Trandoshan wore a bright pink frock. It was all quite strange and unnerving. As she began to regain her consciousness, the dream seemed to merge with reality, until she realized that the Sith before her was very much real and her hands were bound behind her back. She tried to sit up as straight as she could before speaking, but her body wasn't cooperating with her fully- a side effect of the gas maybe? "H-hi. Didn't kn-know the Sith liked to watch us sleep, although I bet that would explain the ca-cameras wouldn't it?"

Jewel’s expression at the comment changed quickly to one clearly stating ‘I’m not impressed.’ She strode back to her chair, settling once more into the comfortable leather. “You should be more thankful Shiri. It is by my good graces that you have been saved from the claws of Lord Sish. I’m sure you’ve seen his handiwork demonstrated on other prisoners.” Her tone was similar to her expression, though not yet dangerous. Her rage was kept well in check after having so successfully cowed Lea.

“Not a f-fan of jokes? Fine. Sorry if I seem low on gratitude at the moment, this isn’t exactly an ideal situation for me.” Though she was being sarcastic her voice didn’t show it much. This Sith seemed to be on the edge of her patience already and it probably wasn’t a good idea to push her further.

“On the contrary.” Jewel said, dismissing the comment. “This is a much better situation for you than you would otherwise be enduring. You may recall that Lord Sish tried to take you. I’m sure you've seen what happens to a Jedi under his claws. He seeks only to cause pain. I will not hurt you.” Jewel spoke levely, not concealing anything in her words. “Unless you do something foolish, of course.”

“I only want to help you.” She stated.

Help from a Sith. Not sure that's any help all. Shiri thought as she pieced together an answer. “Well, who's definition of foolish counts most? Nevermind, it's probably yours. I don't think it foolish to say however that I don't totally believe you when you say you won't hurt me. There's more to hurting someone than just physical pain, and as far as I know the point of these sessions is to try and get us to see the ‘error' of the Jedi way. So you at least intend to hurt my morals.”

“Ah yes, morals.” Jewel began skeptically. “You Jedi are very fond of the idea that you are moral and upstanding individuals.” She continued, a tone of mocking in her voice. “It may seem to you that they are every bit as noble as they like to think. But they do not teach you of their own history. Did you know, that in the last great war against my people, a situation not unlike the one you were captured in arose. The Republic had beaten the Sith back, forced us to our homeworld, and shattered our armies and fleets. They had Korriban in their grasp. Do you know what they did?” Jewel asked, looking between Shiri and Lea expecting one of them to answer. This wasn’t quite what she had planned, but it was still an effective path forward. Not to mention she greatly enjoyed showing Jedi how hypocritical their order was.

At that, Lea knew her time to speak had come. That tale was one she knew. “I do.”She said, a bit curious about whether the Twi’lek had noticed her presence, something she doubted. “The republic did their best attempt at speciocide, at exterminating the entire Sith species.” Her voice held no clear judgement or regret. All it contained was pure fact. As if she were reading from a datapad.

She looked at the Twi’lek, as if gauging her reaction to that particular truth. “It was ordered Supreme Chancellor Pultimo. The Sith who escaped his speciocide founded the Sith Empire of today, planning to repay the republic for their efforts. So in principle, the great galactic war is the legacy of the Republic. Did you know this tale, Shir'Inilim?”

Shiri was about to say something but someone else answered the Sith before she could. Looking over she saw Lea, who she had not noticed was there until just then. Looking around the rest of the room to see if she had missed anything or anyone else, she listened to what Lea said, not sure how to react about Lea being the one to say this. “No, I haven't heard of it before now. I'm guessing you only know about it because you've been held captive here longer than the rest of us, but you don't actually believe that's all to the story do you? There's a reason for everything, even if the reason has been lost to time.” Shiri finished speaking, keeping an eye on the Sith to see her reaction, but keeping most of her focus on Lea, a small question on her face.

“Oh. No. The story is longer, more intricate... But I can’t remember everything in it. I spent days trying to prove it wrong during my early captivity. I failed.” Lea said as she answered the Twi’lek.

“Time after time, our own masters, or rather, their predecessors in particular, have struck out against anyone who deviated from their view of the Force. Though I dislike killing and death, I can understand how the Sith chose to strike first after what they have gone through. How would you have reacted if someone had slaughtered everyone on Ryloth, even the women and children, under orders from the Supreme chancellor? Would you have gone and begged them for mercy or have treated them as if nothing had happened to your people?”

“Yes Lea. The Republic rained fire down upon us, blasting all semblance of civilisation from the surface of Korriban. More importantly, the Jedi stood idly by, allowing the extermination to occur. The reason? They could not allow the Republic to know that it was members of their own order that had shaped my people into what they were. Fear that the Republic might turn on them quickly overrode their precious morality.” For the most part, what Jewel said was true. She knew the Jedi did not keep nearly as accurate records of that time as the Empire did, so the small amount of conjecture in her statement would certainly not be arguable by such young Jedi.

Shiri listened halfheartedly to what Lea and the Sith said. Taking it all as opinions rather than fact made it easier to debate and keep calm, she didn’t know anything about this so anything she said would just be speculation on her part. She had to get to a topic where she had some ground. “First, ‘what if’ means nothing without the ‘why’; and considering that there is no reason why something like that could happen to Ryloth, the Republic would only be creating a reason for people to turn against them. Second, I don’t believe I have the right to do anything for Ryloth as a home planet because I haven’t considered any place a ‘home’ since I was very young, and have very little attachment to most others of my race.” I take a breath and meet Jewel’s eyes. “What I want to ask is why the Jedi and Sith are enemies in the first place, and what you mean by the Jedi shaping the Sith?”

Jewel looked darkly towards Lea for having posed the question and with it, distracting Shiri. Still, Shiri had asked the right question. She took on a teaching tone and answered. “Before the Jedi, my people, who you know as the ‘red Sith’ lived on Korriban, hurting no one and keeping to themselves. But you see, the Red Sith are naturally Force Sensitive. Eventually, a small group of Jedi, expelled by their own order into the depths of space, landed on Korriban. They found the Sith people, and before long, using the Force and their advanced technology, ruled over them as gods. Their descendants are responsible for shaping Sith culture even today. Even now, the Sith have not forgotten this. But the Jedi would not dare acknowledge that they are responsible for us. They would rather see us wiped from the galaxy to hide their shame. Does your order still seem so moral and pure, knowing its history? My people have done what we have done, I will not attempt to hide the blood on our hands. But we do it only to bring a lasting and absolute order to the Galaxy, while the Jedi seek to maintain the status quo, and hide their own mistakes. They care for image, we care for results.”

Lea squirmed a little under the dark look of the Sith lord, but felt relief when it did not involve any pain for her. It was not that the pain was intolerable, but rather that it was.. well, painful. The pain Lord Jewel gave was not the same as what had been dealt to her previously in her captivity. It felt purposeless. Made from unbridled rage, rather than the controlled fury of Darth Nyiss.

Knowing full well that she could in no way speak so that Shiri alone heard her, Lea saw no need to whisper. “You really should pay attention and listen, Shiri. Lord Jewel is not worth angering. She is more powerful than either of us.” Having said that, she turned back to the Sith Lord, not having any interest in facing her rage once again. She could have answered the Sith Lord, but felt it would work better if Shiri answered her. She had heard the story before, Shiri had not. It was blatantly obvious to her that the Sith Lord wanted an answer. She hoped it was as obvious to the twi’lek.

Shiri listened as Lord Jewel answered her question, ignoring the jab at the Jedi that came after. “Ok, let’s pretend I believe that... Why couldn’t they keep staying on their own planet, not harming anyone? You only said the banished Jedi ruled over your people, did they force them to become monsters?” After a moment of careful thought, Shiri turned to Lea. “She may be physically stronger and have better control the Force than us, certainly she does considering her title; however we are the only ones who can decide what we think, Lea. She can surpass us in every other way, but so long as we keep our resolve we can match and even surpass her in power.”

“It is understandable that you do not wish to acknowledge your own orders hypocrisy without time to consider the facts.” Jewel said levely, refusing to rise to the taunt explosively. “But you know little of power. Even the most wilful of subjects can be broken in time. Resolve alone does not bring power. And you should be more careful of those you trust. You are quite fond of the one called Xid are you not? Are you aware that you are competing with Lea for his affections? She is quite the seductress.” Jewel’s hand moved deftly over the controls on her gauntlet, activating the screen in the room to display some of Lea’s somewhat clumsy attempts to get close to Xid. “It must make you Jealous.”

Lea’s reaction was immediate and double-edged. On one hand, seeing it from another angle, or rather multiple other angles, she saw how she had unknowingly been making advances towards Xid. It made her face redden somewhat. On the other hand, she felt anger at the Sith Lord informing Shiri about it. Quickly pulling herself together, she sent a glare at Lord Jewel. She did her best to keep her anger controlled, but did not act on it. Her master had taught her all about controlling such. She would not act before it was appropriate.

Jewel felt the short burst of anger from Lea through the Force. It was pleasing to see the girl finally reacting that way. When she glared over at her, Jewel turned and momentarily smiled in a calculated, superior and smug manner. Just enough to make the anger lasting. She then turned back to Shiri.

Shiri shrugged, looking past the pictures to the Sith’s face, ignoring the taunting images. “Changing the subject? Fine. I did know, but she seemed more clumsy than anything. It helps her that Xid’s about as clueless as she is. I was jealous when I first found out, and acted stupidly, but now I’ve had time to calm myself and think.” She glanced at Lea. “I figured we’d compete eventually, but not on this ship.”

At first, Lea did not know how to react. She did not have an answer to give to Shiri. From what little her master had taught her about the matter, patience and thinking didn’t really help much in the matter of the heart. The fact that Shiri did not plan to compete on this ship was not something she counted on as likely. There was no reason Darth Nyiss would let them get away anytime soon. Even if they did manage to get off the ship, where would they go?

To Coruscant and the ruins of the Jedi temple? To some other republic world? Considering how easily she had been taken captive those many weeks earlier and how the Sith had struck at Coruscant, she could not conceive of any world being beyond Darth Nyiss’ reach. But if Shiri had no interest in competing now, perhaps that meant she would not try to contest her over Xid? She had her doubts about that. It was one thing to say something, quite another to actually mean it.

Jewel was quite displeased with the answer given by Shiri. Why did Jedi have to be so emotionless and robotic? She had always known, in theory, that this was how they were, but she had met droids with more emotion than these people seemed to let themselves feel. Rather than wonder how they had ever managed to oppose the strength of Sith hatred though, she turned to what she could use. Jealousy clearly was not a valid tactic to push with Shiri, at least not yet.

“You wanted to know why there was a war in the first place. Fear. The first war, was started by fear. My people, you see, are naturally inclined towards the dark side. It is who we are. What we are. We cannot help it, it is not a choice we make, it never has been. But the Jedi do not care about that. So we struck first, to defeat them before they could wipe us out. We failed, obviously. They burned Korriban and everyone on it to a cinder. Fortunately, not all of our people died that day. You may judge us wrong for striking first. But remember that we have shown mercy to your people… The Republic citizens of Coruscant do not burn for the actions of the Jedi. The Jedi never showed any such restraint for the civilians of Korriban.”

Lea had heard it all before. Some of what Lord Jewel said added up, other parts seemed paraphrased, if not outright wrong. But she didn’t know if that was the Sith Lord lying intentionally or if she didn’t know better. While she could’ve spoken up about it, she had a feeling that all it would end in is pain for her, as Lord Jewel seemed quite vindictive. She’d been in pain quite often these past two months, but that didn’t make it all that much easier to handle.

“This history lesson is interesting enough, but someone’s already covered that with me in far greater detail over the past couple of months… Do you have anything that’ll be new to me? And no, whatever pain you feel like dealing isn’t new.” Lea said as she looked questioningly at the Sith Lord.

“I told you before, I’m not here to deal pain.” Jewel snapped at Lea. “Though you should not assume I cannot imagine new pain to inflict. I may not, but a more sadistic Sith may take that as a challenge.” Jewel spoke with a warning tone in her voice, as if she was herself considering doing just that. Rapidly changing the subject though, she addressed Lea’s other point. “I am curious to know where you learned these things, but that will wait. No. Your purpose here is finished.” She then pressed several buttons on her gauntlet and a pair of guards entered, picking Lea up and hauling her roughly out.

Lea did not have time to answer the Sith Lord before the two guards grabbed her and pulled her away. A few minutes later, they dumped her in the prison once more. She did not try to fight them, but she did after a short distance manage to get her feet on the ground and was thusly able to walk on her own, rather than being dragged like a sack of vegetables. She found that somewhat more dignified, and she could vaguely sense appreciation from the two troopers, as that meant less of a burden for them.

Talija nodded as the discussion seemed to level both of them. It was hard in situations of desperation like this, thinking of the ways a situation could end bleakly holding on to a hope that may seem unrealistic. But if there was no effort than there was no success. She was pretty sure that even a Sith would tell her that if she did not try then her chains would never be broken; though they’d probably tell her it with toxicity and discontent. Her thought process however was broken when Xid echoed her thoughts, a fact that caused her lips to curl into a wide smile.

“I seem to have forgotten who I am and what I stand for.” Talija commented in reply.

As Xid’s laugh wrapped itself in pain her smile dropped for a second into another expression of concern. Her fluttering emotions were still not in check and unlike before in the academies and on the battlefield… she didn’t keep control of it. Her mind was all too distracted; and for a former padawan who witnessed her master’s own death before her eyes this situation shouldn’t have been the most distracting and dreadful. It brought thoughts to her about what the force was trying to tell her and how she should proceed. She had been very devout and for a familiar friendship to disorient her was conflicting. Was it the Dark Side telling her something? or was it the Light? Things were never so clear and she had read a few instances of ‘Gray’ philosophies during her brief turn under her second master.

Talija took another light breath, her shaken anxiety seemingly void.

“They must’ve inflicted much. But we saw worse before.”

She paused for a moment. “Take all the time you need.”

Denso had decided to go into meditation within the cell. It helped calm his mind, especially since there had been so much going on of late, he needed to relax, even if it was just for a short time. His abduction alongside his lover, the wretched Sith splitting them up, it was the last time he had seen her. The thought of her being dead or mutilated by the Sith scum brought emotions to the Jedi that he had promised to kill off. He regained his composure with a deep breath, feeling the Force flow around him. His body ached but his mind was still sharp as a rock.

Then he was done, and rose from his meditation, feeling like himself again, friendly funny Denso Halsa, loyal Jedi Knight. His eyes scanned his surroundings, he didn’t know how long he would be in here with the others, at least there were others. Solitude pained him, the others seemed to be Jedi like him, he could sense it in them. Then his eyes fell upon a tired looking human girl, she was large in stature, almost his height, and he was not a short man. He could see the scars on her, they reminded him of his own.

“Another scarred Jedi like myself. I’m guessing the Sith did it? Damn Sith, they are sadistic as they are crazy.” Denso said as he approached her, then brought his fingers up to touch his broken nose, cringing at the touch. He still smiled, pain was nothing new, he just made a mental note not to touch any of the recent scars.

After having walked around the prison complex Kara had decided to isolate herself from the others. She did not really feel like engaging in conversation with them as she didn't know any of them. She had initially set out to find Koren but when she couldn't find him she opted to meditate for a while. While Kara wasn't the most spiritual of Jedi, she thought that a meditation would help her to clear her mind. Easier said than done of course as all Kara could think of were either how to get out of here or about what Xid had told her. But, eventually and after much focussing, she finally entered a state of meditation… or was it sleep? Sometimes she honestly didn't know the difference.

After meditating for a while Kara heard someone close to her speak out against a “Scarred Jedi”. She opened her eyes and saw a rather big fellow looking at her. He was a Kiffar and seemed to be about as big as Kara. The first thing that crossed Kara’s mind was that she would have loved to spar with this guy. Obviously that would be a bit hard with them being imprisoned and such.

“Ha, you can say that again.” Kara said with a smirk as she kept looking at the Kiffar. She now saw that he had a broken nose and apparently it still stung as he cringed when he touched it, which made her chuckle. “Seems like you know all about that don't you?” A smile formed on her face. “Or did you fall down some stairs?” Kara said in a joking fashion. After she said that Kara got off the ground and to her disappointment noticed that this guy was just a bit taller, but only just. “So,” she said to the Kiffar, “with whom do I have the pleasure?”

“I’m Denso Halsa, Jedi knight, now Jedi prisoner.” He said to her with another smirk, he was still able to find humor even in the worst situations. From just a glance at her frame he assumed she was quite the capable fighter.

“The nose break was after I laughed at one of my captors on my previous place of capture. He told me that if I smirked at him again when he tried to interrogate me that he’d ‘break my damn nose’. Thankfully I saw the punch coming and felt the Force flow over me, Crucitorn is a hell of a technique. Still broke my nose, but the impact didn’t hurt.”

“The aftermath stings though, not that badly. I like to think I’m tough,” Denso said, then realized he might have been talking too much about himself, almost bragging. “So, what is your name?”

Kara listened to the Kiffar, who was apparently named Denso, as he introduced himself. He went on to talk about how his nose got broken and it made for quite an amusing story. When he asked Kara for her name she smiled at him and stretched her arms out, she had been sitting still for almost an hour after all. While she was stretching she noticed that she was straining her tunic. As she had noticed earlier it was a tiny bit too small, though small isn't the right word for it as it still covered her up completely. Tight would be a better description, especially around the shoulders and arms.

“Pleased to meet you Denso Halsa, Jedi Knight, now Jedi prisoner” Kara said with a smirk. “My name is Kara Paan and I am a proud member of the Jedi Guardians.” She cast her eyes down for a moment. That was of course before she was captured. She still felt bitter and ashamed about her defeat but she quickly recollected herself and looked back at Denso and quickly tried to think of something else.

“You look like a man who can fight so I’m wondering if you served in any of the major combat zones before?” A silly question of course considering the man’s scars, but she wasn't really good at small talk so she had to think of something and this was the first that came to mind.

“Yeah, I almost always chose to fight in combat. There’s nothing I enjoy more than the thrill of battle while alongside the best soldiers in the Republic. I didn’t enjoy the killing, rather the unity of it all. A talented battalion of soldiers and a Jedi can change a battle from a lose to a victory.” Denso replied, he was proud of his contributions to the war effort as a veteran.

“I fought my first battles alongside my master, that was long ago, I graduated to full knight and went back into combat. Wouldn’t have it any other way.” Denso added. “Did you see combat too?”

Kara nodded in agreement as Denso told about how he enjoyed the thrill of combat, she could certainly sympathise with that thought. When he asked her if Kara saw combat she tilted her head slightly sideways with a grin on her face. “Oh absolutely, I’ve served on several fronts, most notable of which is probably Alderaan. Though I mostly stuck around my master after I became a knight, we made a good team afterall.”

Her grin disappeared at the end of that sentence as she still hadn't gotten used to her master being slain by a Sith. She tried to hide her sadness by continuing. “I’m pretty good at fighting in Form V and thanks to my physique, so I don't expect me to fight with a lot of flair. But hey, it gets the job done.” She said with a smirk. “And I agree with what you said earlier, the whole reason why you fight thing, I’m of a similar mindset. There’s nothing quite like standing on a battlefield and I enjoy every moment of it.” Some might of course say that you’re mentally insane when you say something like that, but those are just some minor details.

“Exactly. I don’t know many Jedi that share our mindset, but some of them have to. War is a terrible thing, some have to fight on the frontlines in order to help the right side win it.” Denso said with a nod, her and him seemed alike. He was about to speak again when he sensed something through the Force, a powerful presence, like ice on his skin. He turned towards the lift and noticed a cloaked figure exiting it, three armed guards behind them. It was a Sith.

Lady Lansha stepped out of the lift, a smile on her face. She had come to ‘speak’ with more the Jedi. This time her eyes narrowed on two towards the back end of the room, Denso and Kara. She hadn’t met them yet, they both were scarred and beaten from previous imprisonments.

“Greetings, I don’t think I noticed you two here the last time. Why don’t you follow me out of this cramped prison?” She asked them, more of a demand than an actual question. What she had planned for them no one knew.

Xid’s mind flinched and retracted from the pain, his nerves screamed. This wasn't his best impression and worse part, he knew it and hated himself for it. Having only rested only a few minutes, the bags had started to collect under his blue eyes and give him a tired appearance that he much doubt inspired confidence. Even worse was Talija’s admittance about herself drawing a twinge of guilt in him over being helpless to heal it.

Mental issues were much harder to fix than physical, like analyzing and sorting data compared to welding structural damage. Xid's thoughts turned to his side when it felt hot to the touch, recalling Tolun Fi’s prognoses and how they usually leaned to infection. A sharp flare of worry spiked in his heart. He hoped it wasn't so or else his chances of survival might've fallen drastically.

He pushed away the thought for strength and reached a hand out to the post, pressing against it. His fingers gripped the cold surface while he hoisted himself up. Bone seemed to mimic wet noodles, losing their solid mass and tried to crumble under him.

Xid inhaled sharply. His weight shifted and body slouched over the end abruptly. Quietly, a cursing escaped alongside his breath. His voice returned to normal levels upon replying to Talija's last statement, the Knight’s tone a serious one. “The bad part, time is something we don’t have. I'll be fine. After we’re done, I'll have Tolun or Lea look over my wounds later.”

At least if he could manage to explore the hallways without collapsing in them that is. Part of him was terrified he would easily get caught and end up getting killed, bother were high possibilities in his current state. However, unless Talija forced him off, Xid wasn't about to let her go alone. It was times like this he wished Navi was around as the droid could do much more than a few prisoners who were watched around the clock.

He edged out into the main cell block, slowly, keeping close to metal wall and avoiding colliding with anyone nearby. His boots thumped over the plasteel with each step a she drew closer to the door. Time trickled away at painful pace, at this rate it would take him him ten whole minutes to finally reach it!

It didn't help Xid was counting the seconds and tracking them since he moved from the bed, his mind upset at his sluggish progress.

How he could he make to an escape vessel like this? At least within a time limit, and not slow the rest of the group down? These questions entwined with others as his eyes caught brief glimpses of what some of the others were doing.

Naturally, Tolun Fi was in the medical area still cleaning up the mess and salvaging what he could from the earlier incident, creating a sour tug in Xid's stomach. Alat was still tied. Pity filled his eyes on seeing his friend's figure laying across the bed, meditating on his back while his wrists and ankles were bound together. Arix hadn't spoken since their shower event and he assumed it was due to mental issues over his loss. Some Jedi didn't handle loss well, Xid’s mind trying to surface happier times with his own before she was taken away.

Sish left Miasa's room, switching his lightsaber to the other hip. His stump of a shoulder still hurt, but the pain only made him stronger. This wasn't the first time he had been delimbed, though he hoped it would be the last. He knew how to compensate for his lack of an arm. Still, it never hurt to go and shake off the rust and reacquaint himself with this new weakness. So Sish went to where he was most comfortable on this damned ship. The training room. His thoughts began to roam as he practiced one armed Juyo, Djem So much more difficult with one arm. Traps and rules everywhere. The Jedi are protected by the Darth, and the other Sith are too cowardly to attack me directly. Poisons, framing, the list goes on. It'll be good for Jayda to get a taste of what the real world of Sith is like. Provided she's strong enough to survive this, she'll be even more ready when she finally manages to kill me. I wonder if anyone has cleaned up that robot armed apprentice's corpse. Sish's mind continued to run on this tangent, mindlessly going from topic to topic as he went through the motions of Juyo, quickly going back into old habits and styles of fighting to compensate for his missing arm.

Sish turned as he heard the door open, his nostrils flaring as he took in the familiar scent of his apprentice. He gave a grin towards Jayda. "Before you say anything, I'm getting a new arm. It'll be within the next few days, and no Sith is brave enough to attack me directly. Your vengeance investment is safe."

It appeared to be an ordinary day for Lani as she was tasked with maintenance on the tractor beam. The thing hadn’t been checked since two weeks before the initial foray onto Coruscant and was long overdue for basic maintenance. The Corporal who was initially assigned was lax in their duties and was punished accordingly. Now looks like I have to clean up the mess that wretch has left me... Petty Officer thought to herself as she checked on the terminal to assess the damage. Well looks like this will take a day to fully get back to optimal efficiency she thought to herself begrudgingly as she loathed lengthy maintenance work but it needed to be done to not invoke the wrath of her superiors. Within a few moments the tractor beam was down and with that she went to work oblivious to what she had potentially enabled.

It so happened that the air ducts above that particular location were not empty. In fact, the vent just above and behind Petty Officer Lana’s head held the small countenance of the small droid known to some as Navi. After visiting the prison complex without the pleasure of being truly reunited with its master, he had left the area, hoping to find a way for Xid to depart this place. Analysis of the Ship systems indicated it was not a healthy place for his master.

It had taken Navi hours of searching to find anything useful. The ship systems were too secure to easily sabotage. He had searched the vessel for many hours, hoping to find a way past the security, all without success. It might have been chance that led him here, to a smaller control room on the engineering deck. He looked out through the vent, focusing one of his lenses upon the large monitor before the human technician working there.

“Tractor beam control” was the text on top. That immediately drew his interest. If his master was to get out somehow, disabling that system would change the odds of a successful escape from 1:324522 to 1:4823. He began the calculations for how he was to subdue the human and seize control of the system. That was the logical choice.

As some of his processors calculated that, he kept reading the text on the monitor. “Initiate full maintenance cycle? Yes / no” he read. Had he had a mouth, he would have smiled. That was just what his master needed. He prepared to force the vent open, subdue the human with a carefully aimed liquid cable shot and activate the maintenance cycle when the human pressed the button to activate it.

Navi stopped his action just as he was about to slam his legs into the vent, his small mind realizing it was no longer necessary. A plan began forming in his mind. He quickly recorded what the monitor stated as a simple holo, then chirped once before realizing that was a bad idea. The system would be down for maintenance for the next 30 hours. More than enough to get his master out. That was the most important thing.

Before the human below could realize where the noise came from, he scurried off down the air duct, seeking one or more of the escape pod corridors. The odds of getting to those safely were 261.03% better than the odds of securing a vessel in the ship’s hangar. He would have to map a safe route from the prison as well. He had much work to do and only 30 hours to do it in.

Sish turned his head at the sound of the doors opening, a new, unfamiliar, scent flooding into the room. “Ah. My new apprentice.” Sish turned to Jayda, his grin growing more predatory. Jayda, meet Corr Halcard. Your fellow Apprentice and compatriot. ” The gleam in Sish’s eye suggested that the Pureblood was anything but a compatriot to Jayda. He turned to face his newest apprentice.

“I’ll be getting an arm soon, but first let it be a warning. Don’t forget who rules this ship, and don’t damage the Jedi when you’re taking them away for interrogation. If you’re not strong enough to take one by force, take troopers with stun blasters. Darth Nyiss will not tolerate any violations of her rules. Do your best to not displease her. I’m a Lord and it cost me an arm.

“We’re here on this ship to train the two of you to become stronger Sith. You need three strengths to do so. Martial Strength; Self explanatory, how well you can kill, or subdue, things. Emotional Strength; Perhaps you’ll have to kill children. Perhaps elderly or people begging for their lives. You must be able to do anything. Other Sith will sense any unwillingness as a weakness and exploit it. Force Strength; Self explanatory. How well you can use the Force.”

Sish turned off his lightsaber, clipping it to his belt. “Let's see how strong you are, Corr. There are some prisoners I’m sure will be able to put up a fight.” He gestured to Jayda. “You’re coming with us.”

“You really do have a death wish.” Jayda growled, her eyes narrowed and voice irritated. “You just lost your limb because you couldn’t control yourself and now, you’re eager to try again? I can’t imagine she would forgive you losing your temper a second time.”

Her vision flickered to the exposed socket, her anger filled her hearts to pump rapidly. She was already pressing her back against the wall across Sish and seemed to dare him to argue. Truthfully, she knew he wouldn’t. With his arm ruined, her mind was already determining the damage to his promise and how easily he would hold up within a ship full of Sith who were more willing to kill him than aid him. His odds weren’t looking good.

Jayda was already surveying the other apprentice with a distasteful look. Suspension filled her nerves already making her mind more aware and jumpy at the new arrival, her head tilted in his direction slightly. Her other hand rested near her lightsaber and could easily flick it up should something come at her. Either from Corr’s or Sish’s direction. Since this Red Sith was Sish’s new apprentice, it no longer meant Zanna would be safe sleeping in her quarter but then again, it also meant she wouldn’t be getting much sleep either.

She made a soft snort as she waited for Sish’s reply.

Corr entered the room, hood up. He immediately spotted his new master and his fellow apprentice and sensed a tension between the two. He purposefully walked over to them, respectfully bowing his head. “My lord.” he simply said and nodded to Jayda as she was introduced. He could tell that she hated him, but he could also tell she was dangerous. It was the norm for most Sith, but he was disappointed that he was unlikely to find an ally in her. Corr mentally surveyed Sish, his reputation definitely preceded him. A ruthless Trandoshan with a history of ‘teaching’ his apprentice harshly. He would have to be careful. He nodded and said “I am eager to begin. Lead the way.” Corr pulled off his hood, revealing his short brown hair as a loose strand popped off from the rest and hung over his forehead.

Sish shrugged. “It was either get angry and stop them from escaping or don’t get angry, have my lightsaber stolen, and likely get executed. Which would you have prefered?” He grinned again. “At least you’re starting to learn how to survive on this ship. Come along, the both of you.” Sish turned and walked out of the Sith training room, heading towards where the non-Jedi prisoners were kept. In short order, he had gathered three Republic soldiers, all unarmed and in relatively good condition. Given the fact they’d been tortured for any information they had. He also had another prisoner, a child, brought along behind them.

He gestured to Corr. “Kill them. Without the Force or your lightsaber. Republic Soldiers! If you win, I’ll ensure that you and one other of your choosing gets off this ship alive and well.”

Corr unclasped his cloak and threw it to the side. He stepped forward and opened his arms in a welcoming gesture. One soldier growled and threw a punch, which Corr easily dodged. He grabbed the soldier's forearm and quickly and deliberately jammed his open palm against the soldier’s elbow as hard as he could. While he had only done this technique one other time back at the academy, it worked beautifully. The soldier screamed out in pain as his arm was broken. By this time, the other two soldiers were closing, angrily. Corr knew he couldn’t take them on all at once. He tossed the soldier he was holding at one of the two, sending them both toppling. The third came at him hard and fast, with two hard jabs, sending Corr stumbling back a bit. Corr growled and tackled the third to the ground and started to viciously beat on the soldier’s face with both fists.

The other two started to untangle themselves, the one with a broken arm rolling to the side groaning and the other getting to his feet and charging Corr. Corr anticipated this, but he kept beating on the soldier, whose face was purple by now and was almost certainly unconscious. But the soldier was faster than he thought and the soldier slammed into him, sending them both tumbling. Corr leaped to his feet and quickly surveyed the scene. The soldier he had just attacked would certainly be down and out for a while, the one with the broken would get to his feet, but he would be slow. All he had to worry about for the time being was the one he had just been tackled by.. He positioned himself in his unarmed combat stance, for a particular maneuver that would put the republic soldier out of commission for good. But only if he timed it right.

The soldier got to his feet and stared at Corr with hatred, but Corr recognized it for what it was. Blinding anger. This fool was not thinking clearly. The soldier put his fists up and started to circle Corr, looking for an opening. But so was Corr. He blinked and took a swing. This was Corr’s chance. The Red Sith caught the swing and twisted the man’s arm, and put as much force as he could on his right foot, swinging the soldier over his shoulder and slamming him onto the ground. The soldier gasped from the shock of the impact. NOW! Corr slammed his foot onto the soldier’s throat, effectively cutting off any air passage and doing some significant damage to his windpipe. The soldier flailed about as he tried to get Corr off, but the sith was holding with all his might. After about a minute or so, he stopped and Corr knew he was dead. The man with the broken arm had started to get up. Upon seeing his two comrades, one dead and one beaten to a pulp, he started to back away from Corr, fear in his eyes. Corr allowed himself a sinister grin. He loved to see the fear in their eyes. He started to walk towards the soldier flexing his hands. The man stumbled backwards and fell on his ass, he looked back to see a wall. That’s when Corr striked. He bounded half the room in a single leap and wrapped his fingers around the man’s throat in an iron grip and squeezed with all his might. The soldier’s eyes bulged out of his skull as he clawed at Corr’s face with one feeble hand, but the sith simply ignored it and stared into the man’s eyes, making sure the soldier knew it was useless to fight it.

The soldier eyes widened as the life was squeezed out of him slowly. It was a little over a minute. The desperate scrambling turned into feeble tugging as he finally faded from the world. When Corr let go, there were purple finger prints on the man’s neck. Corr groaned and got up, turning to the third of the trio, who was unconscious but not dead. Corr walked over to him and turned him over onto his stomach. He then grabbed a handful of hair on the back of his head and lifted up, slamming his face down on the floor. He did it again, harder. And again. And again. And again. And again. Until there was a pool of blood and his face was no longer recognizable. Corr slammed his face into the cold floor for the last time before dropping him and falling back onto the floor, panting heavily. He slowly got to his feet and looked towards Jayda and Sish, “Looks like they’ll be stuck here for a while.” he said, walking over to his cloak and picking it up, his boots tracking the third soldier’s blood across the room.

While her eyes maintained their sight on Corr, the Red Sith making a coarse and rough go at brawling, she spoke to the Lizard in a venomous way. However, her tone wa careful not to sound anything above her normal distaste for him. “What’s the point of this?”

She bluntly ignored the other apprentice as she shifted her eyes away from the ending. In her mind, he wasted too much energy and effort in movements which could’ve left him exhausted if he was fighting more than three. On this ship, that was all too possible. Her eyes focused on Sish for the answer but her hand has always been resting alongside her lightsaber.

“You’re injured. I have to assess his martial prowess somehow. Anyone can kill with a lightsaber and the Force. It’s easier to see how talented he his at killing overall without weapons.” Sish commented absently, watching the fight. “Brutal. Frightening. That’s who you’re going to have to beat. I doubt he’ll just let you kill me.” Sish turned to regard Jayda, a familiar grin on his face, as Corr finished the last soldier. “Consider him another stepping stone on the way to killing me. If you can kill him, you might just be strong enough to put up a fight against me. If you can’t kill him, he’ll kill you and I’ll train him. Fairly simple concept now. You’re in a race. Become stronger than him and kill him before he becomes stronger than you.” Sish turned back to face Corr, a satisfied grin on his face. “Excellent. Jayda will show you to your new quarters, and we’ll work on the rest of your testing tomorrow.” The Trandoshan began to turn, but paused. “One more thing before we go.”

He gestured to the door behind them. It opened to reveal the child, a young girl, being escorted in by a trooper. “Kill her.”

Jayda’s fingers tightened into a ball upon hearing Sish’s command echoing in her head. Her eyes widen in surprised then quickly snapped back into its normal default. However, she began to stir and shift back toward the door instead of approaching the child. Memories, long and painful, whirled in her mind as she tried to empty her conscious out. She couldn’t bare to watch this happen again. Her fingers trembled and she could feel her whole figure intensify with the anger pounding at her very control, her breathe inhaling softly to keep her temper.

Sish’s voice hissed at the Zabrak’s back. “Don’t look away. Cowards and weaklings look away.”

“I’ve already killed one for you. Let your new pet killed this one.” Jayda snapped quietly in a sour tone, still walking toward the opposite doors.

“Then you should have no problem watching. Watch it, or I promise you I’ll make the one you killed look like nothing compared to what I’ll do to this one.” Sish replied in a dangerously calm voice.

The Zabrak’s feet abruptly stopped in her tracks, her body still threatening to drown in her hatred, as she forced herself to turn about. Her eyes lowered to the floor at first begin to rise and watched Corr approach the young prisoner. The girl easily could see the mixture of helplessness and anger twisting in Jayda’s head.

Corr looked at the girl, grimacing. He pulled his cloak on and fastened it, pulling the hood up. He was about to ask why, but then he realized it didn’t matter. “Very Well, My Lord.” He pulled out his right lightsaber, walking slowly towards the child. She looked up at him fearfully. His hard eyes softened as she stared up at him, he kneeled down in front of her and put a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Goodbye, young one.” He activated his lightsaber, the red blade piercing her tiny form. A dull shock registered on her face as the energy blade rammed through her heart. She slumped over on the blade and Corr deactivated it. He caught her before she hit the ground and carried her, standing up. He handed the child to the trooper, turning back to Sish, hooking his saber on his belt.

The watching Apprentice flinched when she heard the lightsaber turn on, the Red Sith sending the lightsaber through the child’s fragile body and catching her on her fall downward. There was little doubt the girl was dead in Jayda’s mind while she tried to ignore the swelling emotions filling her. Part of her wished she could’ve choked and died on them, ending this torture. She managed not to react to the scene, her face gave no signs of being affected, and even better she had not interfered. Something she was worried about when she was forced to face this nightmare.

Sish, after a brief surprised glance at Jayda, nodded. “Good. Jayda will show you to your quarters.” He turned around and left.

Corr watched him go and turned back to the trooper, who was still holding the dead child. “Make sure she is buried properly. Take her back to her family if she has one. If not...I’ll make arrangements personally.” The trooper nodded and marched away. He turned back to Jayda, his hard eyes returning. “Well then. After you.”

Jayda didn’t move for several moments, her eyes stared forward into space. Corr’s words finally broke through causing her head turn his direction. She acknowledged him for the first time since the child’s death but didn’t say a word save one. “Fine.”

The tone lacked something as she turned on heel, her foot leading her out through the hissing bulk doors. Her boots clipped in a steady pace while they silently moved through the corridors toward the Sith quarters. Her hands clasped into balls and tightened enough it felt like no blood poured through them, the skin darkening in color slightly. Confusion and pain were all she could feel, the scene playing over and over in her head never leaving her alone, as they drew nearer.

When they finally arrived, she raised a single arm to gesture him inside.

Corr walked in, casually inspecting the barracks. Just like all other Sith Living Quarters. He turned to Jayda, obviously sensing her distress but unsure of what to say. “It’s a nasty part of the business. But sacrifices must be made.” he said simply, turning back to the room, looking for storage containers.

Jayda’s eyes sharpened at his words, her anger held deep. “You had the fortune of not knowing your victim.”

Her voice had taken on a bitter, almost vicious tone, before she sighed. Taking a deep breath she tried to ball her anger, worry, and confusion into her hearts where they swirled in place, then packed it away for another time. One where she would gladly release upon the very cause of her misery and avenge her brother. She then added more. “However, thank you for making her end quick. It’s more than Sish would’ve done if I had disobeyed him.”

Corr removed some items from his belt and pockets and stuffed them in a duffel bag with the imperial logo on it, hanging from his bunk. “I saw no reason to make the child suffer. The universe had dealt her a raw hand. Though your thanks may be premature, we will most likely be enemies in the months to come.” He tightened the bag and took off his cloak, throwing it on the bed, his full head of hair produced one strand of brown hair popping out and hanging over his forehead. He crossed his arms and leaned back against the wall, inspecting Jayda. His brow furrowed as he pondered what this Zabrak was doing here. She was not here to rise in power, that much was certain. Sish had a reputation, but she seemed to have even more personal problems with him besides him hurting her. And that comment about not knowing the child. As if she knew the child she killed…

“What are you doing here?” he asked bluntly.

“That’s all Sish teaches is suffering.” Jayda answered as she noted he was honest at least. Her figure moved toward her bunk where she leaned against the post end and watched him carefully. She slowly pulling her mind away from the memory but she was still very rattled. It was likely to haunt her again after she managed to bury it once, and mentally cursed the Lizard for bring it back. “As for what I’m here, Sish said he would make me strong enough to kill him one day. Through from what I’ve seen, it doesn’t seem I will get the chance if he keeps it up.”

She saw little point in hiding her dislike or lie about the truth, since it was clear as day. There was likely more questions to come and so, naturally she waited for the next one. However, not all she would give every single detail.

Corr shook his head and said “Well, good luck with that. You’d have to become pretty strong to defeat him in combat. Not to mention the legion of Sith that would come after you. Well, that is if you directly killed him. While I wouldn’t do it personally, there are other methods.” Corr took an energy bar from his pack and took a bite out of it.

“They will only come after me if they could prove it, which I know there’s other methods. They won’t do me much good if I don’t have the skill to end if should it fail..” She stated clearly, through mentally she added the fact she didn’t intend to stick around. After all, her father had taught her how to hid her force from the Jedi. So the Sith wouldn’t be any harder. Or so she reasoned to give her comfort. “I’m not an idiot after all or suicidal.”

Corr smiled and took another bite of his energy bar. “Well, it seems you got it all figured out.” he replied sarcastically. He studied her face for any more clues, but she was giving up nothing. “So, why do you want to kill Sish anyway? I mean, I get you don’t like him all that much, but to kill a guy because you don’t really like him? A little cold.” He was joking, of course. Corr was sure Sish had done something awful to Jayda, but he wanted a response.

Jayda let the sarcasm roll off her back, her expression ignored it. It took a few moments of silence to pass before she finally decided to answer. “He killed someone precious to me. I tried to fight him, ignoring the dead Jedi, and ended up being tossed out a high building.”
Corr nodded in admittance “A fair enough reason, I suppose.” He finished off his energy bar and crumpled up the paper and threw it towards the trash bin, using the force to propel it across the room. “Do you know Inquisitor Zanna? I heard she was on this vessel.”

Several choice words were spoke in Ul’Zabrak under Jayda’s breath when she heard Zanna’s name. It would mean their deal was unable to be altered since the Sith knew the female and any chance she had to escape it was nulled. Rolling her tongue in her cheek, Jayda raised from her lounging position then answered him. “Yes, she is. I believe last I knew she was going to the quarters shared by all the apprentices not attached to Lords on the ship.”

“I don’t think you need me anymore.” She started to walk out the door, the conversation done unless he asked anymore questions.

Corr let her go, grabbing his cloak and draping it over his shoulders. He watched her walk out, thoughtful.

Meditation. It had been a big part of his life since he was five years old, it connected him to the Universe. Allowed him to become engrossed in the flow of life, time and space. More recently it had been his escape, when even his dreams betrayed him Meditation and trust in the Force had been a universal constant. When sleep was no longer a possibility he had found a way to use the very Force that gave life throughout the galaxy to rejuvinate his body and mind as if he had just had the deepest sleep one could imagine. Though it wasn't at all surprising, when he entered a meditative state with his new Padawan that in a few minutes she had fallen asleep.

He chuckled slightly as she sat there lopsided. There was something about her view that he felt the Jedi were lacking and what was what he found intriguing about her. The way she viewed things was truly interesting, it wasn't evil in no way shape or farm. Though one could argue that it wasn't extensively good, this was someone who had been put through the grinder time and time again and still managed to retain a sense of self. Which could possibly be why he felt such a duty of care, he had been in a similar situation and hadn't been lucky enough to escape unscathed. She hadn't asked to be a part of this, she was chosen to be part of it. She could have easily have become a free woman after whatever happened to her on Nar Shadda had happened. Instead she was brought to the Jedi Temple and caught up in the sacking of Coruscant and the Jedi Temple itself.

Koren placed one arm in the crook of her knees, and began lifting her. The other arm he caught in her shoulder to refrain from dropping her or dragging her. He did it in the most gentle way possible, before then walking through into one of the bunk rooms. He sighed as he placed Nazca gently down on an adjacent bunk. Then with a nod he climbed onto the bunk above. Sitting in the middle of the bunk he crossed his legs and closed his eyes and raised his hood, letting out his breath he took a second as his lungs began to want air. Then he took a breath in slowly, he let it fill him up completely. He focused on nothing but his breath, it was such a little thing but it interacted with everything. He let it go, slowly, letting his worries pass over him.

He was part of the Force, and the Force was part of him.

~Meditation Timeskip (More might be added here after GM consult)~

Koren opened his eyes, and slid of the bed. Landing gracefully he focused on the Force and himself. Barely making a sound as his feet touched the ground. Some may scorn at such a use of the Force claim he was showing off. Though he felt, like his actual showing off in the arena earlier, that it served an important purpose. He needed to keep his mind quick and his abilities at peak capability. If he were to let himself slip now, then when the Sith finally slipped up in their duties to try and keep them prisoners, he likely wouldn't be able to act on it. That was something he couldn't let happen, the second the Sith messed up. He would be there to take advantage of the opening...

Or rather, he'd like to think so. There were thousands of other variables to take into account. He could be taken by a Sith, incapacitated or otherwise indisposed. Though no need to dwell on that, he had some exercises to perform. Just because they were prisoners didn't mean they could do anything. Feeling the Force flow through him, the energy it had renewed on him. He was about to walk away when he heard the elevator open behind him. Why the elevator opened was soon revealed to him, he felt her presence before he saw her. The unmistakable taint of the Dark Side of the Force, though there was a light nearby. He recognised the way she felt in the Force before he saw her. Kara Paan. An old sparring partner, the last time they met must have been - No. He shut down the thought the second the pain returned, the moment of anguish on his face lasted no longer than that.

The last thing he wanted to do was to show a hole in the armour to whoever this Sith was. Though as the moment past he let out a breath of relief as she mentioned two likely Kara and the Jedi he didn't know. He could intervene yes, but that would likely just lead to complications and complications lead to the pain of others in this scenario. Rash actions were not the way out of the prison, or the way to survive the prison. Everything needed to be thought out and planned lest they fall to some trap or trick laid by the Sith which would be their undoing. So he said nothing, he had to care for and help all the Jedi and despite the fact that he and Kara had not met for years he knew she was strong enough to care for herself and this other Jedi. So he merely lowered his hood and turned to walk into the main prison complex, where he could already feel Xids presence, albeit rather pained. At the least he was up and about.

Khan had been mainly looking for anyone who might be able to tell him more about modifying the training saber for use as a proper weapon in case of a potential escape, not to mention soothing his slightly over-strained knees. That backflip earlier was of course totally worth it though. In any case, waiting and wandering out here had been less boring and crowded than the bunks, so he was in perfect position to see Xid dragging himself out into the hallway towards the showers.

It didn't take an Echani's skill at body-reading to see that the older Jedi was hurting, and badly at that! His mind started reading off pain and injury faster than he could actually process it until it all sort of blurred into a single analysis of 'Pain, lots of pain and determination.' Instantly the etiquette hammered into him by his mother and her corps sprang into mind and powered his limbs before he'd registered the conscious thought. An older warrior was injured and as such unless the situation was hopeless it was his duty to provide support in whatever way was required of him! Thus almost as soon as Khan had registered Xid's presence, he had already run over and helped the Jedi throw his arm around the younger Echani's shoulder while bracing him with his own arm and trying his best to sync his steps to Xid's movements. Hopefully it would take some of the weight and difficulty off of walking and help him move easier and faster. Not to mention it looked like he was hurting a lot, and this just seemed right.

Even with all of the training though, curiosity got the better of Khan and he immediately started whispering questions to Xid under the guise of supporting him.

"Where are we going? Is this an escape? How were you injured and can you walk faster? I doubt you just need a shower but do you need help with that? Also um, I found a training saber, would that help?"

The last he said after the first excitable burst of chatter was over, as if just remembering it as he helped Xid walk.

The troopers half-dragged, half-led Lea back to the prison, taking no detours. They sent her up the first available turbolift, into the self-same room Lea had chosen a bunk in. There they released her arms and returned from whence they had come. While she wasn’t particularly tired, Lea had quite a bit to think about, so she decided to head for her bunk.

Of course, before she could get there, she spotted where someone had put the older woman, Nazca. She was fast asleep. She didn’t know what Darth Nyiss had done with the woman, but she had always been curious. She walked up to the bed, not actively trying to avoid making noise, but neither actively trying to wake the woman.

There wasn’t much to see. She could see a few faint pinpoints that might be needle marks, but couldn’t say for sure whether those were from today or from earlier. She could not see anything blatantly wrong, but she’d heard the noises after the soldiers had brought her back. Something had probably been done to her.

Casual observation was well and good, but Lea knew that as a healer you only got so much from it. Sometimes you just had to touch to get a better idea. Being careful not to disturb the sleeping woman, she gently poked and prodded a bit, but got no reaction. Her stomach was a bit harder than Lea was used to, but not enough to be a cause for worry. In fact, as she continued prodding, she could not find any obvious signs of why she had been like she was.

She was just about to give up and climb up to her bed when she by chance touched Nazca’s wrist. Suddenly the feeling she got wasn’t of flesh. That hand was artificial! She looked closely at it, marvelling a little at the craftmanship, for if she hadn’t known better, she could’ve sworn it was flesh and blood.

Ever curious, she carefully poked the palm of the hand. She jumped back, letting out a loud yelp when that caused instantaneous pain in her finger. She took a step forward again, then tried poking the hand with a different finger, at the end of the thumb. Again, she found that it hurt. She was more prepared, so she didn’t jump back, but you could never truly be prepared for pain. Something was very strange about that hand.

The sleeping Nazca must’ve felt something as she rolled over slightly in her sleep, but Lea did not think it was pain. She decided she would have to think a bit more before studying Nazca again. She stepped back, turned around and jumped up to her bed, where she sat down to meditate and think.