[IC] Star Wars: Forged By Fire (KOTOR)

[vancexentan]

Ken stepped out of enclave and was about to go into the dunes but suddenly a hand was on his shoulder, a firm hand on him that he knew all too well. A hand that had both pointed out many things and had punished him for all of his failures. The closest thing to an uncle he had ever had in his life time and a great friend. He turned around and slowly looked upon the battle scarred face of his old master Org Gle. The Weequay jedi master had scars on his face, hands, and even his robes were clearly knitted back together. A jedi master who had more in line with some of the greatest battle masters of the order than he did with Ken's kind. A firm but honest jedi who's passion with the force was only rivaled by his strong work ethic. His dark brown robes and his light tan short and black pants mixed oddly but he didn't care about fashion. "Ken it has been too long I thought you were going to meet me." The Master said with a firm and gravelly tone. It was like the master ate rocks when he talked but Ken supposed a jedi as rough and tough as him probably would sound like he did.

"Master....I'm sorry. I just wanted too get away from things. I just had a rather unpleasant experience." Ken said and he would've said more before the master pulled the younger jedi in for a rough hug as the man patted Ken's back with strong and repeated slaps. "You can tell me later my boy but for now let me just take this in. I have been without a good partner for a long time." Org said as he chuckled softly and Ken smiled hugging his master back. He knew Gle would never in his life admit to missing his former apprentice but he probably did. The man was as hard as a boulder with all the insides of a cotton ball. "It has been far too long master I should've sought you out first. But I'm glad you're here now and I wish events would allow me to go with you more often but I am a diplomat now not a warrior." Ken said with a grin as the master let him go and snorted while laughing. "As if you could if you wanted to! You wouldn't be able to handle what I do in a million years! You're still too squishy. Maybe when your skin gets harder and you develop a proper battle technique you'd be out there with me. But NOOOOO you had to join the consulars and waste your time reading books. Bah." Gle said with a haughty grin as Ken shook his head and laughed. "Not all of us can be Weequay berserkers master. Besides maybe you'd learn something more than how to bludgeon something to death. Remember that time on Utapau when you almost got us caught because you couldn't open that door?" Ken said remembering the time where he and his master had gone to Utapau to track down some sort of black market dealers and found them in a hidden hideout somewhere in one of Utapau's many cliffs.

Org and he had done well in infiltrating the base but his lack of computer skills hadn't enabled him to hack the door which nearly made the master gut the machine to pieces and carved through the door with his saber. A young boy named Ken had managed to actually open the door with the hand of an Astro-Mech Droid. It didn't take too long and they'd manage to get proof of the area's existence and some of the supplies before reporting it to a nearby Republic ship and returning to Coruscant. "The door had it coming and besides you took too long fiddling with it. Let's not dwell too long on that particular event. Or must I remind you about that time with the cannocks on Nar Shadda?" Ken figited and remembered that particular event even less fondly than that because of that particular mission's events that had nearly killed both of the jedi. "Perhaps it'd be best if we just got and sit down for a bit then." Org said as he took his former apprentice's arm and pulled him as the jedi knight followed his master towards a nearby clearing in order to meditate away from all the other jedi. Truth be told ken was glad things ended up this way. His master may not be graceful but he was a good man.

[Sohtem]

Xeviiy Sinclair
Leon Athos
Coruscant

Xeviiy gave a weak smile to Anna when she gave her some reassuring words as well as resting her hand on her shoulder, “Y-Yeah, probably just tired.” She trailed off at the end. As the three of the walked out the building and began heading towards the temple, Xeviiy didn't say much, rather she just stared at the ground as they moved, Leon looking to Anna when they both noticed she wasn't her excited and eager self that they had met earlier.

Leon couldn't help but try and figure out what was going with Xeviiy and said to her, “So do you want to talk about what happened in there? You seemed...worried, scared.” Xeviiy bit her lower lip, upset with herself that she let her mind trick her as well as freezing up to a nonexistent enemy. She placed her hand to her chest, gripping it as she remembered the vision in her training, how it had felt so real to have her chest cut, “I...It was a training session, the practice was to teach me some important lessons, I thought I had been okay with it, but I guess that wasn't the case.”

Leon nodded his head and then rested his hand on her shoulder, “I understand, so what ever this lesson was, I take it you pushed it to the side instead of reflecting on it?” Xeviiy seemed to be surprised he knew how she had acted with that training lesson, “Yes, but how did you know that?” She asked as she drew her attention from the ground to him. “I was the same way and it's the same with many Jedi, if something is traumatic enough, it can come back to you unexpectedly.” He responded to her, understanding what it was like to have a Jedi lesson effect him because he didn't sort it out right away.

“It was a man, his image kept switching with yours and I froze...” Xeviiy trailed off, her head returning to the ground once more. “It's alright Xeviiy, just take some time back at the temple to sort it out, I'm sure it won't bother you anymore after that, I trust that you're a good Jedi, but there's also the mission coming up that we have to worry about, it's important and we need everyone to be alert and prepared and if this happens again, it could put you or others in danger and I don't wish to see you or anyone else get hurt.

“I will, thank you for your words, I'll try and be ready for the mission, I won't be an anchor to you guys, I promise.” Xeviiy responded.

Leon gave a small smile, “Don't worry kid, I don't doubt that for a second.”

They soon arrived at the temple, heading inside, Xeviiy turned to them and bowed, “Thank you for the a small tour of the Republic HQ as well as for the sparring match, I'll try to do better next time.” She then turned back around and started to head towards the section of the temple to where her chambers were.

“I look forward to a rematch...Oh yeah, what's your master's name? I wish to speak to her before me and the Lieutenant head back.” He spoke to her, wishing to find out what her training lesson was.

“Her name is Kasari Sorreast, she has slight dirty blonde hair, shouldn't be too difficult for you to find her.” Xeviiy responded with a half wave as she continued on towards the area the had her room.

As she passed through different sections that were for different ranks of Jedi, she couldn't help but pause at one door, there was someone on the other side, they had a slight familiar presence, but she couldn't place it, her curiosity getting the better of her once more, she slowly approached the door, pressing a button on the side panel and the door slid open, revealing a female Cathar before her.

“Oh, forgive my intrusion I just sensed someone a bit familiar in here, wait I remember now, you were in the room speaking to my master when I was in that vision that woman put me in.” Xeviiy spoke to the meditating Cathar, a little curious as to what she had discussed with Kasari; though the vision wasn't too far behind in her thoughts either, but perhaps a small conversation could help her relax before she took the time to reflect on how things unfolded and how to resolve the turmoil she had felt earlier that day.

Leon began his hunt for the woman that Xeviiy described, Anna was curious as to why they were still there looking for the padawan's master and was unable to hold her question back, “Sir, why are you looking for the girl's master instead of heading back?”

“I'm curious as to find out what kind of lesson she had.” He merely responded as he continued to look out for Kasari.

“Does that really matter? I mean she was probably just tired and that's why she froze up when you were sparring.”

“It matters because if she was forced to face something, something she wasn't prepared for, it could have a lasting impact on her that lasts for a while, that's why we have to find her master and no, she didn't freeze from fatigue, you heard her, she kept seeing some man in place of me, something about her training scared her and it flared up when we were sparring.” Leon answered, a little irritated what it could possibly be.

“I see, well do you think she should still be on the mission then? I mean she's still just a child, plus if whatever training she did is effecting her, then she could put the mission at risk.” Anna responded, no doubt concerned about such an important decision.

“Yes, she should still come, the Jedi aren't ones so easily deterred from things like this, I've had days like she's having and I'm still whole, have faith in the padawan like I have faith in you.” Leon glanced back at her, giving a small smile. He understood Anna's concerns, but he knew that you had to have faith in people, even if it seemed like they perhaps weren't suited for the task, it could easily be the same with Anna, she didn't have any combat experience and whilst this wasn't a mission to start a fight, no doubt others would prefer someone with combat experience, but Leon believed Anna could do it and that's why he was trusting that Xeviiy would be able to handle it as well.

Anna let out a sigh, “Alright sir, I'll have a little more faith in the kid and trust her to be an asset on this mission...” She responded, pausing for a moment before continuing, “...so that was pretty impressive when you sparred with her, I couldn't really imagine you with a lightsaber, you just don't seem to have the look or feel of a Jedi.”

He let out a small chuckle, “Yeah, well when you bulk up in the Republic, it's easy to seem like you don't belong with the Jedi, but thank you, I'm glad I was able to impress you.”

“I suppose so.” She gave a small giggle, then added, “The weapon of a Jedi is impressive, i'm surprised you gave up the Jedi Order so easily.”

Leon glanced back at her once more, “It wasn't easy, it was actually really hard to do.” He was quite for a second, then said, “Well how about you see it up close.” He chuckled, taking it off his belt and then lightly tossed it to her.

“Wow, it's a lot heavier than I had expected.” Anna responded when she caught it, looking over the chromatic weapon.

“Well the hilt is a bit heavy, but the blade itself is actually incredibly light, it's weight distribution is sort of opposite that of a vibroblade, so instead of the weight in the blade, it's in the hilt and as a result, it can be difficult for non force users to wield the blade effectively.”

“Well don't you just swing it for the most part, like any other bladed weapon?” Anna asked quizzically as she handed his weapon back to him.

Leon shook his head, “Anyone can swing a sword or a lightsaber, but a true combatant can wield sword in an effective way, only those that are either incredibly disciplined or able to use the force can use a lightsaber to where it is an extension of the person, does that make sense?”

Anna scratched her head a little, “I think so.” She merely responded, not fully understanding how a lightsaber that was a sword was somehow different from the other bladed weapons that were manufactured, but she trusted Leon's words.

Leon soon spotted a dirty blonde haired woman that seemed to fit the description Xeviiy made, “Well I can explain it more after were done here.” He responded to Anna once more and then started to get the attention of Kasari, “Hey, Master Kasari Sorreast, I wish to speak to you for a moment.” He shouted to her, beginning to make his way towards her.

[Tsar Gatto]

Moryr Ruzim
Coruscant

The Force. The force was everything and everywhere, never before had Moryr felt so in tune and so connected to the mysterious power that permeated every single faucet of the galaxy around her. As her meditation had begun it had felt like it always had, though in comparison to how she now felt it was if she had only scratched the very surface of the deepest depths of a vast ocean that was deeper than she could even begin to comprehend. She had felt and focused on first herself, on her own connection to the force – a thin strand that bled with her every fibre of being and had its own unmistakable feel and touch to it, like a familiar friend or something more. Beyond that she had felt the Jedi within the temple, a shining beacon atop the unmistakable hum of life that was Coruscant and the concentration of energy that it held, a mix of good and bad, light and dark, but of course the light blotted out what little darkness she felt. That was not what had surprised her, or rather humbled her.

With her new found peace she had found the connection she was experiencing had deepened and she could feel much much more than the lone planet, so difficult to comprehend and make sense of to begin with its vastness staggering. In some ways it made her feel like she was nothing more than the most insignificant speck of sand amongst a beach of practically infinite size, though in many other ways it served to highlight the importance of each individual life form no matter how large or small, how it was so difficult to prioritise one over the other despite what may have at first felt like an easy choice.

As her meditation deepened she had found the feelings and thoughts that assailed her more strange and alien than ever before, like the force was pouring into her – no through her. Time had little meaning to her and she was unsure for how long she meditated as she eventually began to attempt to discern her own path through the force, to find some guidance of what path she should follow as Master Kasari had suggested. Somehow amongst the infinite depth she felt a familiar presence, a presence she could never fail to recognise as if it were her own. She had no idea where physically it came from, but the presence of Mudarr was unmistakable. Initially she had thought of pulling away from it, from keeping herself true to the commands of the council, but instantly that felt somehow wrong to do, as if the force itself was showing her something that she needed to see and so she embraced it. As she did so she became aware of again, familiar feelings that surrounded him, or rather the feeling of him. It dawned upon her that these were the presences of her kinsmen, of the Cathar of her homeworld.

‘He is home?’ she thought briefly, but before she could ponder such things further her mind was suddenly assailed by a sudden feeling of pain, of suffering and of death. Her sensations were overwhelmed at the feelings, though it felt as if they were somehow delayed, somehow whatever was happening was not happening at this exact moment but rather an echo, a shockwave of some kind that was being carried in all directions tearing at the very fabric of what she felt was the force itself. She could not contain nor did she want to contain the feelings, but at the same time felt unable to pull away as the continued to flow through her as the sensation of life being smothered out hit her again and again like some sickening pounding of waves against the shore that was her mind. She was thankful they were but an echo, for to have felt them undiluted would have surly been too much for her. With the feelings came a mix of images, of smoking trees lit ablaze from the sky as those within attempted to flee in futility, the images of great war machines raining from the sky and most piercing of all, of the sheer rage and anger radiating from Mudarr as he was amongst the maelstrom she was presented with.

As soon as the feelings had come, they stopped. Leaving the Cathar sat with her knees folded on the floor of her room – her meditation returned to what she would have normally expected as she panted. She broke away from the contact and as she sensed to sever the deeper connection to the force the last thing she felt was that of the padawan Xeviiy. As Moryr opened her eyes the doors to her room opened reviling the woman stood before her.

“Oh, forgive my intrusion I just sensed someone a bit familiar in here, wait I remember now, you were in the room speaking to my master when I was in that vision that woman put me in.”

Moryr smiled, after what she had just witnessed she felt the presence of Xeviiy surprisingly calming, sensing that they both had unresolved issues swirling within them. Standing as she did Moryr assured “It is no intrusion, Xeviiy. I am Moryr, and you are quite correct that I found myself earlier a witness to the vision you were subjected to.” Moryr was glad her voice came, as her throat felt dry and she felt shaken to the very core, though she quickly tried to regain her composure.

Moryr gestured for Xeviiy to enter into the room as she moved over to the small table and pair of chairs that were beside the large window which dominated the room, the clear sky beyond the Jedi temple seeming as peaceful as they always did.

“I must admit I find it curious that you should find me at the exact moment you did, similarly to how I found myself drawn to that training room which you occupied earlier this day” she admitted as she bent down to recover a moderately sized ornate box from under the table. She set about opening it and removing and intricate set of cups and saucers along with a ceremonial teapot, one of the few items that she had brought from her homeworld when she joined the order. “Can I interest you in some Yarba tea? It is somewhat an acquired taste though I have always found it to be most calming in troubling times” she offered as she set about brewing a pot. Moryr tried to avoid thinking about her homeworld and what she had just seen, the thought that it may have all been true simply too much to bear thinking of.

Moryr sat as she waited and asked “So, Kasari told me of the point of the exercise you went through with Master Arren Kae and the reasons behind this, may I be as bold to ask if you found it of help? When you left it seemed that there was much weighing down upon you”.

Moryr listened to Xeviiy intently, pouring out the tea when it was prepared and taking up a cup for herself. It was difficult for the Cathar to supress the many questions that were assailing her in regards to her own vision and meditation, though she felt at the moment that such things were not to be taken lightly at all. Of course her first and foremost thoughts lay upon her previous Master Mudarr and if she could be sure that those feelings of such rage and darkness truly belonged to him, for if so it did not at all bode well for either him or the order. She had never even seen him slightly angered before, one of the many things she had always admired, no loved about him. She snapped her thoughts away as she again focused upon the padawan before her.

[Lucky Knight]

<redacted, for terribleness>

[Sohtem]

Xeviiy Sinclair
Coruscant

Xeviiy entered the room when Moryr permitted her, “Yes, well I was heading back to my room when I felt your presence, I’ve always been a little too curious and I couldn’t place where I had felt you before until I finally saw you.” She responded. Heading over to the table once she started to pull out box from under the table, curious about it until she saw the cups and saucers that went with them and had a pretty good idea what was in the box that Moryr pulled out.

When she was offered some tea, Xeviiy nodded with a small smile, beginning to take a seat at the table, “Oh, I’m sure it’ll be fine, my mother brewed all sorts of teas when I was younger, so I’m sure I won’t dislike this one.” She responded when Moryr said it was one that was an acquired taste, it probably wouldn’t be that bad, she had some pretty bitter teas in the past, so she could probably manage the one being brewed.

Xeviiy listened to Moryr’s question as the tea was being served, taking a cup for herself, though she didn’t touch it right away, more fiddling with her hands as she stared down at them in her lap, “Well, I think it helped, I mean I was able to finally fight of my own accord, though it was sort of a forced situation and the man I killed in the vision, well even though it was for the greater good of that family, it still didn’t feel right.” She paused for a moment, “I was planning to think about it later, then I came across the two Republic officials, they were talking to the council about...” Her head lifting up a bit as she remembered what the masters had told her, knowing she couldn’t reveal what was discussed, “...important matters, I was allowed to go with them and was inspired to spar with one of them who was a former Jedi, it went well at first, but that man soon started to replace the officer I was facing in lightsaber combat and I was almost killed because of it.” She finished gripping at her hands tighter.

It was a good few seconds before she realized she had blurted out her whole story in one go, rather than trying to ease it in, but it really had her flustered, “I apologize master, I didn’t mean to lay so much information on you in one go.” She gave a faint smile, trying to hide what was troubling her, not because she feared the man, but rather was fearing how it could affect her if she didn’t resolve it, she didn’t want to put the upcoming mission in danger because she was hallucinating and causing problems for the other Jedi and Republic officers that would be on the mission as well.

---

Iri Asichi
Dantooine

The blue sky on Dantooine seemed rather peaceful as a gentle breeze flew through, a slightly tall, dark violet haired woman was standing at a training ground spot as she had her eyes closed, taking gentle, yet large, deep breaths, enjoying the sense of peacefulness on the planet, taking in the force and feeling it throughout her entire being.

“Hey master, are you going to be teaching us today or just standing there?” A young male twi’lek asked, a couple of the other younglings clearly feeling the same way.

“Are you so eager to lose today?” The blue skinned woman asked with a small smirk as she glanced back at the green twi’lek.

“Well, no master, but you’ve been standing there for a while and we were just wondering if we were going to have practice today.” He responded, feeling a little embarrassed for being called out.

“Yes, we will be having practice today Vra’siret, but one thing that you young ones must learn is that a Jedi is always patient and doesn’t rush into conflict, training or otherwise.” She paused for a moment to face them, “Now let’s get ready for practice, I’ll need two volunteers to go to the opposite ends of this training area, who wants to be first?” She asked, glancing around at some of the students who weren’t particularly eager to raise their hands.

Then Vra’siret raised his hand, “Very good, anyone else?” Iri asked as she glanced around before Vra’siret interjected once more, “Master, are you going to be picking a padawan soon? Surely I’d be the best one to learn under you.” When that was brought up however, the other students soon began to speak up, they too wishing to become her padawan. Iri had been a Knight for a good while now and still had yet to take on an apprentice, she felt she wasn’t ready for the task yet, so the masters suggested she teach some young students first, get a feeling for it and then perhaps she would be ready to take on a learner, she agreed to it and that’s how she was here now.

“My padawan? Well I hadn’t really considered it to be honest, furthest thing from my mind.” She teased with a smirk.

“Everyone knows that you haven’t taken on a student yet, but you’re exceptional with a lightsaber, one of us wishes to become your student, please consider it master.” Vra’siret responded with a determined expression.

“Hmm, well I suppose I could consider it, but how would I know any of you are ready to become my student?” The blue skinned woman with yellow eyes and gold marking on her face spoke, grasping her chin lightly with her thumb and index, pretending to ponder over how they could prove themselves.

“I know, we could spar against you, if one of us makes contact with you, that person becomes your student.” Vra’siret responded eagerly to her.

“Alright, well then who ever wishes to try and take me on, step forward.” Iri agreed with a smirk in the corner of her mouth. Though when it came to the students choosing to step forward or not, only four of them actually did so, the others knowing how well she could use a lightsaber and didn’t feel they had the skills yet to even stand a chance against her. Not surprising of course, Vra’siret was the first to step forward, followed by a female togruta, a male wookie and a male human.

Iri lead them over to the training area, the sun shining down on them as they all took their position, Iri in the center while the students were at four points around her, one by one they activated their practice sabers, two sets of blue and green ejecting from the hilts. Iri pulled her double bladed saber off her waist, activating it as two amethyst colored blades ejected out both ends, she then turned the power knob on her blade down to it’s lowest setting, it was still slightly stronger than their practice sabers, but not by much, so the worst they would get is slightly worse burns, welts or bruises, but nothing that would seriously injure them.

She took her Niman pose, readying herself for her students to make the first move, “Well, let’s begin then, shall we?”

With that the young female togruta made the first move, going in with a strong attack as it slammed down onto one end of Iri’s blade, the young male then followed up, moving in to her side to make a hit, Iri quickly slid the girl’s blade off her own and then gave her a small push with the force to send her skidding a few feet away, then quickly blocked the boy’s attack with the other end of her blade.

“Very good Noka,” She addressed the young togruta and then focused her attention on the young human who still had his blade locked with hers, “You as well Sanjun, catching your opponent off guard is a good strategy, perhaps you all may have what it takes to become my apprentice.” She teased with a smirk before pushing his weapon off hers.

“Oh were good enough, and I’ll prove it right now!.” Vra’siret shouted as he then began to charge in, leaping into the air and then clashed his blade down on hers, the wookie, Vrol, coming up on her back side which she blocked just by slightly shifting her weapon to where it blocked his attack and still blocked Vra’serit.

“Raw power isn’t what a Jedi should rely on to fight an opponent, they need strategy and patience, something I don’t think you have quite yet.” She taunted some more before pushing her blade against theirs, forcing her students off her once again.

Vra’siret was about to say something when he suddenly thought about how Iri could block two attacks but not anymore, at least not without leaving herself vulnerable to a fourth attack should she block a third one, that gave him an idea, “Hey, Noka, Sanjun, Vrol, come here, I’ve got an idea.” He shouted to his fellow peers, the three of them glancing between one another then quickly made their way over to him as Iri patiently waited for them to talk, whilst you couldn’t do this in a real battle, she would allow it, she was glad they were trying to come up with a plan to beat her, it showed they were trying to think like a Jedi.

“Okay, so what’s this plan you’ve got Vras?” Noka asked with an arched eyebrow.

“Well you know how master Asichi has those two blades?” He responded.

“Yeah? What about them?”

“Well if two of us attack her, she’ll block them an-”

“Have her block our attack? That’s your big idea?” Noka interrupted, thinking this plan was foolish.

“I wasn’t finished yet stupid, when she blocks the attack, the other two of us will attack her from her sides, she’ll probably be able to block a third attack, but the fourth one I’m sure will hit her.” Vra’siret finally finished with a proud smile on his face.

“Actually that could work.” Sanjun jumped in, rubbing his chin as he thought it over, Vrol giving a small roar off, indicating he too thought the idea was rather smart, Noka giving off a slightly irritated look, though she did agree that the plan seemed like it was sound and it had a chance of working. “Are my little strategist done with their plan?” Iri asked with a smirk as the four of them turned to face her, “Oh yes master, we’re ready.” Vra’siret retorted with a determined smirk of his own.

He and Vrol soon ran over to her sides, preparing to make their move whilst Sanjun and Noka then began to charge her, their blades quickly crashing down against the both of hers, then Vra’siret and Vrol began to charge from her sides, she glanced between the two, So that’s their plan huh? Well not bad, but I think I’ll show them my surprise. She then turned her blade in combination with the force to create small blast that pushed Noka and Sanjun away, Vra’siret thought they had her, that attack wouldn’t allow her to block either one of them now.

“We have you now master!” Vra’siret yelled as his and Vrol’s blades got ready to strike her, A small smirk hit her face once more, “No, I don’t think so.” She whispered, then she twisted her hilt, the center of it clicking as they unlocked and then she extended her arms out, Vra’siret’s eyes widened as she turned her one blade into two, blocking both of their attacks just in time. “Two individual lightsabers? You can turn your weapon into two individual lightsabers!?” He shouted in astonishment as he struggled against one of the lightsabers in her right hand.

“That’s right my young student, it comes in handy for such battles as these, but it was a good plan, I will give you that, however it’s time to finish our playtime.” She retorted, indicating that she hadn’t even been trying against them.

“Yeah right, we still have you out numbered, one of us will hit you eventually.” The twi’lek boy responded as he grimaced, both trying to push against her blade as well as the fact that she had a counter to his plan all along and on top of that, she didn’t even seem to be trying with any of them.

Noka and Sanjun soon began to charge in once more, determined to make contact with their teacher, “Watch and learn.” Iri merely responded before pushing the two off her blades yet again, blocking her students’ attack that shocked and awed the ones watching on the sidelines as a flurry of light clashed against one another. Then in that same moment, she saw her opportunity, her blades made as light a contact as possible on Vrol and Sanjun’s chest and then with another quick motion one made contact with Noka’s ribs whilst the other hit Vras’s shoulder, before finally she extinguished the amethyst colored blades, the four students not moving for a moment, then finally collapsed.

“Well it looks like none of you shall become my apprentice today, but there’s always next time.” She lightly chuckled as Vras let out a sigh, “Darn it, we were so close.” He slammed his fist down on the ground before starting to sit up, as did the others. “You had a good strategy, though you’re a tad too cocky when it comes to your combat, I know you’re talented with a lightsaber, but being overconfident in your skills is exactly what will get you killed, or worse.” Iri responded back, she could see the potential all of them had, but if they were full of themselves, she knew they wouldn’t make it as Jedi.

“But you’re cocky and you fight with a lightsaber exceptionally well.” Vras interjected, finding the lecture a tad hypocritical.

“Or I merely appear that way on the surface young one, did you ever consider that?”

“What do you mean?” He asked, slightly confused.

“Well when I seemed cocky to you, what did you feel?”

“I guess I felt slightly irritated and wanted to prove to you that I was just as good.”

“Right and even throwing you off a little allowed me to gain the advantage, because that small irritation can grow larger and larger until it blinds, same as overconfidence and that is this lesson as well, a Jedi must never let their emotions overcome them, you will feel them during the heat of battle, but you mustn’t let them take over and blind you from thought, understand?” She smiled as she rested her hand on his shoulder.

“I think so master, I’ll try to remember that.” Vras responded, clearly being a little more humble.

“Alright everyone, that’s enough of this lesson for today, it’s time to move onto history, so let’s go.” She motioned as she began to lead her small amount of students back inside, some of them letting out a groan, clearly not wanting to learn what they felt was boring, Iri unable to help but show a small smile, remembering how she was a tad like that when she was learning with the Jedi.

[Gwynbleidd]

Aria Blair
Dantooine

The serenity of the Dantooine life force provided no comfort for the padawan. She passed through the hallways of the enclave without so much as a sound other than her boots brushing against the floor tiles. Aria could not be bothered to respond to the sound of her own name; for she could not hear it. Rather than the cool, gushing water trickling over the rocks in a nearby stream or the laughter of sweet innocent younglings; Aria heard silence and only the voice in the back of her mind. Rise. It said. What did it mean?

Dorak, Vandar, Vrook, Zhar… There were many masters to whom she could turn for answers, especially Zhar. But, an inner feeling stirred at the thought. It didn’t feel right to go to him, or anyone else.

An unsettling truth gnawed upon the deep corridors of her mind then. Master Zhar was incapable of giving her the answers she sought.

There was only a single person she could turn to, one Master who looked beyond the traditional teachings. But, she was on Coruscant. Aria would have to take leave of her training with Zhar temporarily to seek out what these dreams meant. No, visions; as Arren had told her. She remembered reading the message earlier.

Visions? Of the future, or perhaps the present?

Not many Jedi she had read about had such an ability as to see the future. What did it mean? Were those people actually dying?

Aria shivered. Flashes of screaming innocents being butchered unceremoniously across bloodstained earth crept back up on her. The horror was beyond her comprehension.

Lost amidst the stream of images, Aria no longer walked the path of Dantooine with any regard. She looked around; where was she? The people with the feline faces laid in craters; the corpses were fresh. Aria could smell the rotting meat burning from blaster fire smoking up. There were screams, though many had died down. She saw lines of them, cuffed and linked together. They walked in a straight line as the Mandalorian invaders marshaled them like cattle.

Another group lay down on the ground. Five in a line as a Mandalorian in a crimson battle suit used his blaster and shot them each in the head one at a time. The brutality reached out to her, a cold metallic glove glistening with scarlet blood. At the touch she gasped.

It was cold. So cold.

That’s when Aria bumped into Iri, jolted out of the daydream. Dazed, confused. Aria stumbled against a wall before regaining her balance and seeing the woman.

Master Kasari
Coruscant

When she had heard about Xeviiy being placed into a information gathering mission with the Republic to seek out what the Mandalorians were up to, Kasari had to hold down her agitation. This seemed irresponsible. She had seen her padawan struggle with a difficult test administered at the hands of the one Jedi Master who could provide the questions of faith a brutal Mandalorian warrior could.

Despite her anger, Kasari accepted the other masters had good reason to do so; and Xeviiy played a part in her assignment. All actions had consequences, large or small. This was how things were, and how they would always be. It was a taste for her apprentice, but she hoped it would not be one that would weigh too heavily on the girl.

After a period of meditation, Kasari wandered the temple processing her thoughts one to the next and how to move in an efficient manner. Her thoughts were interrupted soon after.

Judging by the look of her and Anna, they were both Republic soldiers.

“Ah, you must be Commander Leon and Lieutenant Sparvic. I’ve recently discovered that my apprentice will be serving under you. No, I’m not rather pleased about these events… But, I feel better knowing she’s following an experienced soldier and a former member of our order. I assume this is about Xeviiy, what can I do for you Commander?”

[Sohtem]

Iri Asichi
Dantooine

“Aww come on master, do we have to go to history? It’s so boring, just a bunch of old guy wars and boring politics.” Vra’siret asked as they were making their way back to the enclave.

“Now I thought you had been interested in it when you were first being taught it.” Iri responded, a small smirk hitting her face.

“Well I thought we were going to be learning about cool Jedi wars and stuff like that, but it’s just a bunch of boring stuff like the origins of the Jedi Order and the such, what about all the exciting wars with Jedi and Sith clashing with one another? Why aren’t we learning about that?”

“It’s important to learn where our order comes from, how it began, who the most influential Jedi of the order were, we focus on all aspects of our history, not just the parts that seem exciting, such interests and impatience can lead to the dark side and I’m sure you don’t want that, right?” Iri responded, understanding why he was eager for the more exciting parts of their history, but also knew that such teachings helped practice patience.

Vra’siret let out a sigh as he rested his hands behind his head, “No master, I understand, just it seems like we’re always learning in the Jedi, day and night and it gets us a bit restless.”

Iri glanced over at him and then to her other students before stopping and turned to face them, Vras quirking his brow when she did so, “You’re right, you all do work hard and I understand what you’re all feeling, tell you what, we’ll forget history for today, you all can spend this time to relax, doing whatever you wish.” She spoke to them all with a smile.

“Won't the other masters be upset with you though if we skip it?” Noka asked.

“We get a chance to have some free time and y-” Vra’siret started complain at her before Iri placed her hand in front of him.

“Well it’s true that they might, but we’ll just keep it a secret between us, yeah?” She responded with a smile as she rested her hand on the togruta’s head.

The students let out a small cheer, quickly hugging her before they ran off to different parts near or inside the enclave, “You all have an hour, remember that.” She shouted to them before continuing her walk, perhaps she could get a nap in, she didn’t get to do that often, it’d be a small reward to herself for teaching so well.

She then noticed Vras was still following next to her and couldn’t help but say, “I thought you would want to hang out with your friends instead of your boring teacher.” She spoke as a small smile hit the corner of her mouth.

“Oh you’re not boring, master, besides I figured I should get used to how it’ll feel to follow my master when I become your padawan.” He grinned back to her, clearly still determined to become her one and only student.

“Confident, I’ll give you that, but best be sure you’re not over-confident, that can lead to being arrogant and that’s not what we Jedi are my very eager student.” She chuckled slightly, knowing the masters would be a little more stern than she was, but she could see he just wanted to prove himself, but she honestly didn’t know if he was meant to be her padawan or if she was ready to take on a student full time yet.

She suddenly felt something bump into her, looking over she saw the dark haired girl “Oh, I’m terribly sorry, I should be more careful with where I’m going,” she started to speak to her and then noticed that she seemed to have something on her mind, something that was troubling her, “I don’t mean to intrude on you padawan, but it seems as though you’re troubled by something, perhaps I could help.”

“Who’s she, master?” Vras interjected, eying Aria up and down, “Hey, who are you?” He then addressed her directly, his tone a little aggressive, clearly not liking that Iri’s attention was being diverted and was interrupting his time trying to convince her to take him on as her apprentice.

“Vras! You don’t not ask for someone’s name like that, now apologize.” Iri quickly spoke up, she may have been laid back, but she wouldn’t allow her student to be rude to another.

“But master, I was just curious wh-” Vras tried to plead his case before being interrupted.

“It is her discretion if she wishes to tell us her name or not, but your tone is not an acceptable way to ask, now apologize.” Iri responded in a still slightly strict tone.

Vras then turned to face Aria, bowing his head a little, “I’m sorry if my tone was rude, I didn’t mean for it to come across aggressively.”

Iri nodded her head, “Good, now let’s discuss what’s on your mind if you wish, yeah?” She smiled to Aria, heading over to a shaded tree, laying down against it’s trunk as a gentle breeze swept by, rustling the leaves as the small amount sunlight that got through seemed to shimmer, quite relaxing really.

---

Leon Athos
Coruscant

“Well I can assure you that we’ll take good care of her, she’s a great Jedi really, already better than me at her age.” Leon responded to Kasari and then added, “I’m curious as to know what sort of training she went under today, see she had wanted to spar with me after finding out I was a former Jedi, no doubt eager and I figured it would be a good way to seem how much I remembered...” He smiled, pausing for a moment, “...it went alright at first, but then she just froze up in the middle of my attack, I just managed to deactivate my lightsaber before it hit her.”

“She said that her vision kept switching between Major Athos and some man from earlier today, I just figured her training made her tired and that’s why that happened.” Anna added.

“Right, that as well, minus the whole fatigue thing though, I think whatever training she was put through she wasn’t really prepared for and then she had confirmed she didn’t take time to process it, look I’m not judging the order’s methods on how to train future Jedi, but I am concerned for her, I don’t want her, the mission or anyone else to be put in danger.” Leon spoke, slightly rigid and firm, no doubt the Republic shining through him in regard to his demeanor.

“Well I believe it’s just a bit of fatigue, it may or may not be, but the Major does bring up a good point, this mission is very important and Xeviiy can’t be a hindrance, otherwise she’ll have to stay behind.” Anna once more added onto Leon’s words.

He glanced over at her, then back to Kasari, remaining silent because he unfortunately agreed with Anna, he knew how missions like this were and on a few occasions there were people who lost it and put everyone and the mission at risk, eventually Leon had picked up on who may be a problem and would keep them on shuttle duty or would swap them out and her certainly didn’t want to do that to Xeviiy, but he would for the necessary completion of the mission if he had too.

[vancexentan]

The simple serene quiet of the plains of Dantooine were as expected, calming and soothing to the soul. Ken sat legs crossed and his face placid as he let the force do as it would with his body. His hands were laid flat out on his lap. His senses heightened and his emotions calm he felt the calm force of the light side wash over him. To his direct left sat his master whom had taken a much more by the book stance. It brought back memories simple ones but genuinely ones that young Ben didn't think he would ever forget. The day at Coruscant when he would finally receive a master. Master Nim praising his work ethic. The training among the wookies on their home world. Org and he simply sat together in silence. The need to catch up replaced by the remembrance of a familiar ritual. Two friends simply resting enjoying each other's company for what it was worth. Org would normally talk more but it seemed he sensed Ken's apprehension from earlier and had opted not to talk or ask about it. In Ken's mind it'd probably come up only if he wanted it too. Org only helped Ken when he asked for it. Training forced onto someone or words of wisdom not asked would be lost on a mind not seeking it out. Or at least that what Ken was taught by Nim before Org took the reins over on Ken's training.

Ken remembered the moment all too well. He was in his learner's outfit and he had gotten out of bed. He had no lightsaber at the time so he had walked around the temple with little else but his clothes on his back and a book in hand. However this time around he had finally be called upon with the other padawans to talk to their new masters. Ken had expected too be rejected. Too untrained, so much more to learn, and he hadn't even truly become well acquainted with Shii Cho. But he had quickly come to learn how to control the force however. It was hard to concentrate. Hard to levitate a chair like the ones in the council room. It was hard too let his emotions flow without constraint. Too let the force guide his hands and not his mind. But Ken had done better than his students. When he had finally entered the room the padawans met their masters some knew their new masters others didn't. He thought Nim would take him but he was wrong. He had gone up to Nim asked him and wondered why. A Weequay had approached him asked him his name. Confusion met with an uneasy pit in his belly Ken told the master his name. Org Gle was his. Gle told him he'd be the boss of him from now on and if he wanted to be a real jedi he'd need to train a lot harder. Excitement but sadness mixed he asked Nim Zhos why he'd not be training him. Nim told him Ken would do better under Org not him. Nim was not the right man for the job and besides Nim's personal feelings would get in the way. Ken was wary but curious he looked at the rough looking creature called Org. Org told him the days would be rough and hard and full of pain. But if Ken got through it he'd be a guy worth remembering. Ken was unsure. The duros grabbed him by the shoulder told him it would be for the best. Ken looked him in the eyes for a moment and the nodded. Then he bowed to his master and the man told him not to bow it was demeaning. Then he took him too a room for dueling and fought with Org for the better part of the day so the man could get a lock on how to start training. He earned many burns, bruises, and hurt that day. But he was better for it.

[Gwynbleidd]

Hundreds of men and women ran about in haste upon the warship, and all Varen Del-Kar could think about was his vision. He remembered the soft rustling of trees amidst a great jungle, a jungle with darkness blacker than the deepest cavern. Beasts growled, and the insects clicked and scratched and buzzed. A single fire, and a man in black. Varen remembered demanding the stranger’s name but receiving no answer. It was an odd sort of dream, where two sat by firelight but shared no words. The only thing the stranger did was point to the flames.

Varen followed the pale, skeletal finger and watched. He watched flames lick and dance against the dark, and within the light he saw the future. Warriors, his warriors. There were blades, there was fire, and there was death. A promise of glory and either victory or death with the highest honor. This, this was a good vision.

A promise of the times to come, a promise of the ultimate test for a Mandalorian. With the clans beaten and scattered, his dreams had all but faded. The cloaked man’s fire was a manifestation, he realized; the flames were his words. A glimpse into the future, and the power to become the ultimate leader of his people.

Varen accepted.

Dark, obsidian steel armor, a grand golden helmet passed down from one conqueror to the next. The hulking mass of a sentient being observed the expanse of space, seeing but one thing. Opportunity. He saw a stretch of planets and soldiers, and opponents to test his might against. His resolve for a battle of the highest order could not be sated, and that vision turned a dream into a crusading reality.

“Mandalore.” Came the name that would forever replace his original identity. It was the way things were, the way they must be, when the call of the title falls upon a man; a man must answer. And he answered.

“What of the plan, Commander, is everything moving as it should?”

The commander, clad in golden tan armor nodded. “Yes, Mandalore. Feraxis does not suspect an attack, however their Royal Fleet orbits the city as usual. We are in range for hyperspace warp.”

“Can we warp behind the fleet?”

“Mandalore, sir?”

“Don’t waste my time, simply answer the question.”

“We… we could, but the risks of crashing into the fleet are there.”

“The Royal Armada of King Haergeras is a supremely capable fighting force, despite a frontal assault they do not expect. At least, that’s what’s been written. This will be the first attack on a planet in Republic territory, and Feraxis is considered a bastion of military strength and power. Not only this, they have valuable minerals for weapons. I’ve selected this very moment on purpose, Commander. It was shown to me that here will be the place the sword falls first. It won’t be enough to fight head on despite my knowledge our fleet is superior. We must break them in two, scatter them in a crazed panic. The entire galaxy will be watching the events that unfold today, and I want to send them to their beds with fear in their hearts. The Mandalorians have come, and our victory will not be denied… Prepare the hyperdrive, and set our fleet’s course behind the Royal Armada’s projected position.”

Overcome by fear, and a rising sense of warrior pride, the Commander understood why the man before him was the one true leader of all the clans.

“It will be done. For Mandalore!” He placed a fist over his chest and took his leave.

The Mandalore dropped down into a kneeling position and put his fists together. He went into a deep warrior’s meditation.

“My name shall be written upon the stars in a trail of fire and blood.”

Kale Jerikko
Dantooine

The inside of Kale’s room was no different from any single Jedi’s residential space. A square room, nondescript with a bed and a desk, and a window for looking out over the peaceful fields of Dantooine. From padawan to master, the order did not care for luxury or the concept of rank besides what came with time and gained wisdom from training. In other forms, each member was equal, and the desire for gaudy things exemplified greed inherent in the dark side.

However, the one feature in this room was Kale’s storage of alcoholic drinks from various cantinas all over the galaxy. Most Jedi tended to be non-drinkers, but Kale still had the wilder side of his padawan days within him. Moments to be merry and share drinks with friends was of value. Good conversation cannot be replaced by anyone since the conversation will never be the same.

He hadn’t had a talk with Markus in a long time.

“Please, sit.” He gestured to one of the chairs by his table.

Kale popped open a cabinet that was filled to the brim, like he was a private bartender. “I’ve been saving this for the right time.” He grabbed a bottle and two glasses, filling them with ice. “It’s the finest Tarisian ale, aged well, and straight from the Taris Upper City. Just don’t tell the council that I could have purchased them a better archive droid had I not bought this.” He chuckled.

Liquid cascaded over the ice, causing the ice to float to the top of the glass. He sat down next to his old friend and held his glass up.

“Here’s to old friendships becoming new again.” Kale took his first sip. “So… What was it you wanted to talk to me about?”

Master Kasari
Coruscant

Kasari felt a pang of regret as Major Athos shared his story about her padawan. She sighed in response, “Perhaps it was too early for me to push her into the training that I did. It was not a usual method I’ve ever entertained, but Xeviiy may be the most talented padawan I’ve personally trained with here on Coruscant. She has a gift with the force, and a child-like drive that I envy somewhat. She’s learned much, and learned quickly over her time with me, but as a Jedi it is an imperative to understand the importance of saber combat.”

She glanced to Anna before pointedly looking at Leon. “You were once a Jedi, and you’ve experienced one of the most terrible wars of our time. The Sith threat is one that is ever present, and should never be taken lightly. Xeviiy lives in a world where she remains naïve. She believes all problems won’t have to be solved with her weapon, that she can talk anyone out of a battle and the ensuing chaos. So, over time she’s been a bit more rebellious against combat teachings; sometimes to the point where I felt she wasn’t actually gaining anything due to her willful rebellion against the teachings internally.”

Her thoughts passed over the silver white hair and the mysterious gaze of Master Arren Kae. Hearing from the Major made Kasari feel something of guilt. She did not agree with Kae’s methods, but they provided tremendous results like the padawan prodigy on Dantooine.

“I don’t know if you ever knew Arren Kae before you left the order, but I sought her out for help. She’s a Jedi Master among our order. Her intelligence goes beyond what I can ever hope to know, her connection to the force is something to behold, and when she wants to make a point she can cut through your own beliefs with more force than a lightsaber. I’m afraid that’s what happened to Xeviiy. Arren, within a supervised training session, was able to provide a vision-like trance. She took Xeviiy to a different place where a mercenary had killed a husband, a daughter, and his own ally. Xeviiy had to protect the mother, and living child. She tried to fight the man, and eventually succeeded but not without fatal wounds and the cost of two lives. Arren believed Xeviiy’s lack of resolve cost the husband his life. Not fighting has its consequences too. So, if Xeviiy is seeing someone other than you in training; it’s the mercenary from her training dream. Perhaps you could look for Arren to discuss this further… With Xeviiy going on your mission, I am incapable of joining your squad but Arren has a will of her own that the council doesn’t always approve of. I believe whatever is troubling Xeviiy can only be overcome with her help, even if I myself question the woman’s methods.”

[Sohtem]

Leon Athos
Coruscant

Leon couldn’t help but smile a little when Kasari was describing Xeviiy, he saw and knew what she was talking about it that regard, “Yeah, I know what you mean, though I haven’t spent a lot of time with her, I have seen hints of her abilities with the force as well as that child-like drive what with her being curious, but in that same light, I can see her also trying to be more adult, perhaps it’s why she basically put herself on this mission; I think she understands the importance of fighting when it’s needed but rather not resort to it, an admirable effort I agree, but not one that is always possible.”

“Yes, it was a terrible war,” Leon paused for a moment, thinking about how the war damaged everyone, both physically and mentally before continuing, “I don’t however think Xeviiy can be blamed for her beliefs, currently we’re in a time of peace, none of the young ones have to worry about a war as large as the one with Exar Kun was. Had I been in the war that I am now, I’d probably strive for a peaceful solution as well, rather then plunging head first into war, I’m not saying knowing how to fight isn’t important, just that I can see why some would have peaceful ideals such as your padawan, plus if I’m remembering correctly, Jedi are supposed to always strive for peaceful resolutions first before going into battle.” He let out a small chuckle with a partial smile.

Leon was starting to understand Xeviiy more, little by little through of both her personality as well as her master and how she was being taught and could understand her viewpoints and wishing not to fight. Fighting was a difficult thing to become acclimated too, even more so when it came to taking a life, such as in war and there were two things that always followed after you took your first life, either you’re able to live with it or you weren’t. Leon was in the former category, but that didn’t mean he didn’t think about who he’d killed during the war and hoped that the younger generation, such as Xeviiy wouldn’t have to experience something like that as well.

“So that explains it, I guess such an event would leave the girl troubled, especially if she didn’t take the time to process what she experienced.” Leon spoke, finally understanding fully why Xeviiy had reacted as she had when they’d been sparring. “Also I would look forward to speaking with Arren Kae, I believe I met her once when I was in the order, though it’s been a long time and I barely remember a lot of my time in it, would you happen to know where she is?”

Whilst they were talking, Anna was looking a tad troubled, mostly due to the fact of the causality of the discussion going on, unable to hold back her tongue, “Wait, how can you two be so casual about this? That poor girl could be traumatized because she was forced into a situation like that, I’m surprised she was as stable as she was when we met her!” She blurted out before realizing what she said, readjusting herself by straightening out her uniform.

“I-” Anna tried apologizing before Leon gently interrupted her, “Lieutenant, I understand how you’re feeling about this, but the Jedi way of teaching is different, there are certain aspects of it that I don’t approve of, but I wouldn’t tell them how to run their order, just as how the Republic wouldn’t like it if they tried to tell us how to run our military.” Leon could empathize with how Anna feeling currently, but he wasn’t about to reprimand Kasari for doing what she thought was right, nor would it solve what’s already happened.

“I apologize master Jedi, my colleague and I know it isn’t our place to judge how Jedi conduct their business, we’re just concerned for your student’s well being is all, she’ll definitely be a fine addition to your order when she passes her trials, that I can see.” Leon bowed a little, knowing that Kasari was probably regretting subjecting Xeviiy to that form of training, perhaps before she was ready and didn’t want to pile on any more guilt.

Anna too bowed to Kasari, realizing her outburst was inappropriate and uncalled for, she felt lucky that Leon was her CO, no doubt if it was someone else, they would’ve harshly reprimanded her for speaking out of line, especially to her superior and a Jedi no less, “Yes I’m sorry for my outburst.” She added on to Leon’s apology. Leon gave a small smile to her before looking back to Kasari, “So, where did you say we could find, what was her name? Arren Kae, again?

[Lucky Knight]

“...you don't think I'd be fool enough to stick around here, do you?”

Going My Way?
The Aundus-Valay, Above Zetrea
Outer Rim

“Captain Cyrarr Kul,” sang a sibilant human voice with utter sincerity, “if you do not have this ship operational in the next five minutes I will put a blaster bolt through that thick skull of yours and I'll make it as painful as possible.”

And she held the barrel of her pistol to his head to prove it wasn't beyond her. One slender finger rested against the firing pin, and her other hand hovered near the other blaster at her waist; he would be aware of both and would no doubt be considering exactly how far she'd be willing to go to speed him up. But then, he would also know that if she shot him she'd be bantha fodder herself, and so he just grumbled a bit and continued on as if she wasn't there.

Irritating. Ruuana wasn't used to being ignored. She withdrew her weapon and puffed out her cheeks, then holstered it in a smooth, unbroken motion. Beneath her feet the ship's deck rocked and rolled and somewhere beyond the cozy little spacecraft's hull she thought she could hear the sounds of another massive explosion perforate the Aundus's once-beatific facade.

If there was any sort of humor in the Four Hearts of the Galaxy – which was unlikely – it would be directed at those who'd thought the massive opulent ode to excess was a good idea in the first place. Content with their shipyards and their warfleets, the Zetrean brainiacs imagined that the galaxy would bend before them and that they'd be safe from harm, safe to show everyone just how rich they were, and how respectable they'd become.

If thine credits shimmer in thy account, then verily they art ripe for the plucking.

Someone said that. Probably. Or maybe she'd imagined it? Pah. Whatever.

A row of lights flared to life on the console before her white-maned Cathar companion and he let out a stoic grunt of joy. Or so she assumed. Hard guy to read, this Captain Cyrarr. Very firm, very manly. Pride of the pack or whatever. Ruuana didn't much care of folks like him usually and she'd done her fair share of mockery at their expense, but right now he was basically the only thing keeping her in the black. How the mighty are fallen.

“Tick tock,” she murmured, looking out beyond the Captain to the expanse of stars beyond the viewport.

Sweeping arcs of turbolaser fire stitched the stars together above Zetrea, raining a nightmare of crimson and emerald light into and through the ships that battled between them. Plumes of molten slag and flaring chemical flares marked a thousand silent graves as their pilots fought and died amidst the chaos, their screams echoing nowhere save in the darkness of space.

Chills ran up and down her spine. It was horrifying. Even at a distant remove like this she could almost feel the terror. If the lunk in white armor taking up the pilot's chair would hurry up and get the damn ship working, she'd be out there amongst that terror in short order. Depending on the piloting skills of a foot soldier with a field promotion. It was all sorts of comforting. Honestly.

She turned from the viewport and blew a strand of curly hair from her eyes, absently pulling out both blasters and spinning them, an old habit to calm the nerves. Her father would be furious if he could see her doing it, but he was pretty damn far away now. And … probably wouldn't be seeing her again. Not for a while, at least. Wasn't exactly the time for a homecoming. Not with this enemy fleet tearing Zetrea apart.

No, she could only hope he survived. And her mother, too. And her brothers. All those morons who hadn't the sense to flee at the first sign of danger. Not that there'd been much warning. Too much to consider. She entertained a number of what-ifs and why-fores for a while longer, only returning to the Captain when another blare of electronic humming pulled her back.

She tapped one of his ears with a blaster barrel, the appendage flickering at her touch. “How about now?”

“Now,” he grunted. A massive hand soared out and slammed up a lever and the ship shuddered, whirred into a roaring blast of its ion drive, lifted just off the ground – then came back down and went nowhere.

“Not good?” Ruuana asked.

The Cathar soldier snarled. He reached out, pulled the lever into its starting position, then pushed it back. Again the ship shuddered and the drives kicked in, but again it went nowhere. “Impossible.”

“Are you sure you know what you're doing?”

Her compatriot slammed his fists into the command console a few times. Then stood and kicked the console's underside, eliciting only the solid thunk of his white combat boot as it met solid plasteel. So much for that, huh? She laughed at him then, and he didn't seem to take too kindly to it, but what could he do? He knew who she was. It wasn't like he was going to tear her limb from limb or anything.

A moment of silence passed between them. “So,” Ruuana said. “Do we want to maybe commandeer a different ship?”

“Best one in the hangar,” he replied.

“Well sure. But I bet I could hotwire my way into another one. All I need is a hydrospanner and a little bit of silver tape...”

She trailed off as she caught the tail end of a noise she couldn't quite place. The Cathar, too, seemed taken aback by it. They both waited until it came round again, and around it came: A knocking at the door, so to speak. Pardon? There, again – a knock at the loading ramp of the ship. As if someone was politely requesting the door be opened. Interesting.

Without much to say, she led the way. Blasters in hand and her soldier friend in tow, Ruuana slipped her slender frame through the homey ship and its circular passageways to reach the ramp, and, with a nod to Cyrarr, she hit the ramp's button with the butt of a blaster. Both sprung up into firing positions as the ramp descended, but wavered a bit when she beheld exactly who it was who'd found manners somewhere in the dying hulk of the Aundus.

A tiny little Jawa in robes far too decorative and gaudy to be anything but a misguided fashion statement, and a tall human with onyx skin, a level stare, and a blasted lightsaber in his hand. And, oddly, seemed utterly soaked in sweat. Okay then. They was a strange pairing, she'd grant them that, but it wasn't like she was doing much better.

“Yes?” she asked, breaking the silence.

At which the Jawa performed the most flawless of Zetrean Court bows. He straightened into a regal posture when it was complete, palms outwards in the stance of a supplicant. She laughed again.

But the Jawa brushed off her humor with deadly seriousness. “Humble Leej introduces himself, and his honorable Jedi companion Krata-”

“Kujata,” the supposed Knight interjected.

“-Kujata, of the large and famous Order of the Jedi. Very close personal friend to Leej and scourge of all enemies of the galaxy, yes? Big time, Leej and friend. Very big time.”

Ruuana looked from one to the other, then back. “And I assume your very big time mouth is about to ask for a ride?”

“Just so,” the Jawa replied graciously, if a little brusque.

Cyrarr rolled his eyes and gestured at them with his blaster rifle. Can I shoot them? She shook her head just a tad. Not yet. Not yet. Maybe in a minute. She wanted to see where this would go, and it wasn't like the damned ship was going anywhere.

“And in return?” she asked. “You don't seem to be in a very good negotiating position.”

“Leej is wealthy business man, and good friend is Jedi. All kindly beings help Jedi, is it not so? Is it not duty of the good, and of the honorable?”

“That's not exactly a convincing argument. You don't seem to be much of a businessman, and your friend has a lightsaber but that doesn't make him a Jedi. Hearts Aflame, I could grab a pair of those stupid things and wave them around like a ninny, but that doesn't make me a Double Jedi, does it?”

Rankled, the Jawa slipped a hand into one of his sleeves and withdrew a silvery cylinder. The yellow suns of his eyes narrowed and seemed to glow a bit brighter. “Oh, Leej could find other ways of convincing lovely lady with splintered glass tongue...”

But his companion put a hand on Leej's shoulder. “I really don't think that will be necessary.”

“Leej does not give a Krayt Dragon's deadly dangling deathstick what kindly one thinks!” He flipped a switch on the cylinder and an electrified barb telescoped out, arcing with vicious light.

It complemented the dull red of the emergency lighting, Ruuana noted. She pointed her blasters squarely at the small but clearly dangerous little fellow. “Try it, pipsqueak. I'll roast you like a Gizka kebab.”

The theoretical Jedi spoke up. “I propose an alternative. If you let Leej here board your ship, I'll let you go.”

“You'll let us go?” Cyrarr chimed in, chuckling. “You and what army?”

Brilliant red light hissed to life from the hilt in the warrior's hand, flooding the hangar with a deeper sort of crimson. “Well, a single Jedi is a pretty good army on his own. But I wasn't being metaphorical.” He grinned. “I'm literally keeping you here. You did realize your ship wasn't taking off, right?”

Ruuana blinked. “What?”

“The Force, ma'am. And it's really damn exhausting, so I'd appreciate if you'd just clear the way so I don't have to keep doing this. Might actually burst something, or give myself a hernia of some sort – I'm not a damn Consular, you know.”

Not one to impress easily, Ruuana scoffed and affected her best doubtful stare. “Prove it.”

From the belt inside his long, tattered cloak another lightsaber emerged, carried by some unseen hand to float about a meter to Kujata's left. It spun in lazy circles there for a moment, and then he stretched out his free hand and it soared into his grasp.

A real Jedi, huh? Well alright then.

She lowered her blasters, and Cyraar did the same.

“Welcome aboard,” she said, and before the words were even halfway out her mouth the Jawa was already on the loading ramp and trundling towards the ship. His companion made no move to follow. Instead, he returned his lightsabers to his belt and hooked his thumbs into it as well, as if thinking very hard very suddenly.

As he wiped a handful of sweat from his brow the Jedi gave his Jawa companion a half-hearted salute. “Take care of yourself, Leej,” he laughed. But it seemed to Ruuana to be a halfhearted laugh; a little bit empty. A lot shallow.

The Jawa turned and his whole body indicated some sort of colossal frown. “Jedi wishes to die? Leej could have obliged, or the armored warriors that Jedi slaughtered.” He huffed. “Kindly one should not be stupid. Come on to ship, idiot.”

Not one to really give two ounces of care when the whole of the Aundus continued to implode around them, Ruuana cleared her throat loudly. “You have one last chance, Jedi. Going once...”

But he'd already begun to turn back towards the entrance to the hangar. Leej stood there for a moment longer but Ruuana didn't bother giving him any more chances, and instead hit the loading ramp switch again as Cyraar made his way back towards the pilot's chair.

Moments before the loading ramp sealed itself Ruuana saw the Jedi turn back with a look of sudden realization.

“Oh,” he exclaimed. “Hey, wait! Leej, you still owe me money!”

“Lies,” the Jawa muttered as he passed Ruuana. “Vicious, unfounded lies.”

Her last glimpse of Kujata was of the laugh he caught himself up in. A laugh that actually felt real this time.

[Gwynbleidd]

Master Kasari
Coruscant

Kasari understood Major Athos concerns with absolute sincerity, a squad member with a lack of focus could be lethally dangerous when engaged in a mission that might include combat. She had been apart of group Jedi task forces amongst small missions to help the general public in the past, so Kasari had experience with team mentality. A group only stood as strong as their weakest leg, and sometimes many of the legs of that table were faulty; it was up to the group to find the fragile points and mask them or fix them.

“Your concerns are my own, Major Athos. I have absolute understanding of your worries, especially because I’ve taught Xeviiy since she was a child. Practically raised her. I did not select her for this mission, and I don’t like it. It’s out of my hands now, but I will do whatever it is that I can to help make sure her mental wellbeing is exactly where it needs to be. And, Lieutenant, I also harbor your feelings as well. Arren Kae is not wholly accepted for her teachings amongst certain aspects of the order. She’s unusual, harsh, and far removed from a lot of classical Jedi thought. Her affinity with the force, and her deep connection with the light is not something that can be cast aside rashly; there’s always a danger of the next Exar Kun rising, and that would be a terrible day for all of us.”

She paused to wonder about the mystical silver haired Jeid’s whereabouts upon Athos’ request.

“The Room of a Thousand Fountains, at least, that’s where I saw her heading to. If you rush, perhaps you will catch her. Otherwise, I’d suggest her quarters on D436 or ask around to see if anyone else has seen her.” She paused, looking at the ground. “Xeviiy is a great student, Major. Make sure she returns safely, make sure you all return safely. I have a feeling things are going on that we don’t quite understand.”

Aria Blair
Dantooine

Aria kept her balance despite the surprise bump thankfully knocking her from her recurring nightmares. The look on her face made it seem like the padawan had no idea where she was. Dantooine appeared to be a foreign place, as foreign as it ever had. Even on the one place she could call home, Aria touched the inescapable feeling that what she was seeing was changing her.

It didn’t make sense. She shook her head and glanced back and forth to see padawans and Master Iri. Aria found herself able to muster a warm smile at the padawan, remembering what it was like to be that young and so unafraid of anything: all the questions in the world, demanding all the answers with a defiant child-like fury of pent-up enthusiasm.

She was thankful for the interruption.

Aria returned the bow politely. At any other time, the padawan would have shot the child a challenging, playful quip. But today was different, “It’s alright, I’m Aria Blair if you’d like to know so much. I’m Zhar Lestin’s padawan.”

She accepted Iri’s invitation and went over to the shaded tree. Aria wasn’t sure of what to say or how to lead her questions. There were too many, and more piled above her to the point she drowned in a sea of no answers.

“Have you ever had visions before, Master… Iri, right? I’ve had dreams, but the fear of a nightmare or the reality of a dream quickly escapes memory. This, the images in my mind of late are not going away. They linger.”

[Sohtem]

Leon Athos
Coruscant

Leon let out a small chuckle, “Yeah, the little squirt sort of imposed herself on the mission, but I have this feeling that she’s going to be quite valuable on this mission, otherwise I would’ve objected to her coming on the mission with us, plus I’ll be sure to watch out for her, make sure she doesn’t get into any sort of trouble, you have my word on that.”

“I wish to apologize again master Jedi, I didn’t mean for my outburst to be so blunt, I just find it hard to believe that the Jedi would allow such teachings, from what little I’ve read on the Order, that didn’t really seem to come up as a teaching method.” Anna responded, feeling that the method used to teach Xeviiy was far excessive, but she wasn’t about to lambast a Jedi, well at least not again anyways.

“Thank you master, I bid you farewell.” Leon merely said as he bowed to Kasari, Anna quickly doing the gesture as well before the both of them left the company of the Jedi Master and headed through the temple to the room she had mentioned.

There was a moment of silence between the two as they walked, Anna still feeling a bit remorseful of her outburst finally said, “Permission to speak freely, sir?”

Leon gave a simple nod and then Anna added, “I’m sorry for my outburst back there Major, I didn’t mean to cause disrespect to you or the Jedi Master, I just...well even with our training, rarely are our men ever put in danger, let alone psychological danger.”

Leon let out a gentle sigh, a small smile accompanying it, “Lieutenant, don’t worry about it, neither of us were offended, I have the same concerns and you even heard Master Kasari, she doesn’t approve of the methods of this Master what was her name again?” Leon paused, trying to remember the woman they were just told about.

“Arren Kae, Sir...still forgetful as always.” Anna spoke, finishing his sentence for him.

“Yeah, that was it and hey, I may be forgetful, but I remember the important things and that’s what counts.” He chuckled.

They soon entered into The Room of a Thousand Fountains, Anna’s eyes widening in awe at the tranquility of the area, “Wow, this is amazing, I didn’t know the Jedi had spots like that.”

“Yeah, there’s quite a few spots like this, it’s good for meditation and sparring, trouble is, it can sometimes be difficult to find people in here, even as a Jedi and my skills sensing with the force are a tad rusty, guess we’ll just have to do it the old fashioned way.” He responded as they began to walk through the greenhouse. Anna continued to take in the scenery, seeing multiple Jedi either meditating or practicing their combat forms, sparring or simple just enjoy the space for what it was, relaxing and peaceful, she knew that if she was a Jedi, this would definitely be one of the places she would visit constantly.

---

Iri Asichi
Dantooine

Iri closed her eyes as she enjoyed the shaded area, not speak for a moment and then said, “I’m very sorry to hear that Padawan, if these dreams you are having are constant, they could be visions of the future, but you must be cautious when trying to interpret them.”

Vras was clearly confused by what Iri meant and said, “What do you mean master? Aren’t visions just pictures, how hard could it be to read into them?”

Iri opened her eyes, siting up she said, “Visions aren’t usually a whole peace, they’re usually fragments and those fragments can be vague, say you had a vision I were to die, what would you do?”

“Well obviously I would stop it, I couldn’t lose a master as great as you.” He quickly responded.

“Ah, but in doing so, I end up dying, had you done nothing, I would’ve been fine. You see young one, visions aren’t clear cut, sometimes trying to prevent a vision can in fact cause it to come true, that’s why they must be examined carefully and even then, it’s not always guaranteed that it’ll be deciphered correctly, understand now?”

“Ohhhh, okay, I get it master, so are you saying even the Jedi Council wouldn’t be able to interpret a vision fully?” He asked eagerly.

“Well they would like to claim otherwise, but yes, even the masters on the Council haven’t always been able to interpret them correctly, but don’t tell them it came from me, yeah?” She gave a small wink with a chuckle, vras himself giggling a little as well.

Returning her attention to Aria, she said, “So the best that you’re able too, do you think you could tell me what this dream of yours was?”

“I thought you said it was a vision, master?” Vras interjected.

“I didn’t say they were visions, I said they could be, are you going to be like this the entire time we’re talking my rambunctious student?” She teased.

“Alright master, I get the hint, but I just can’t help it, I like hearing about all this stuff, it’s much more interesting than boring history class,” He paused for a moment, realizing that he had been talking a bit too much once more and then turned to Aria, bowing his head to her, “Apologies again, I keep taking the spotlight from you, please continue.” Iri giving a small smile, perhaps this young one was learning something after all, well time would tell as they say.

---

Xeviiy Sinclair
Coruscant

Xeviiy, whilst grateful to have someone to talk too, she felt she wasn’t really getting anywhere with it, she was still reflecting on the sparring match with Leon and how everytime she did, there was always that flash between the man in the vision and him. She soon finished her tea and gave her thanks before exiting the room and then started to wander through the halls of the temple, there was no point in her going to her room for some rest, she knew her mind was far too ablaze with activity to allow her to rest.

Eventually she came across the training room, she looked to it before deciding to enter it, the lights coming alive, revealing it being empty save for her, well this was actually pretty nice, perhaps she could work out what was troubling her in here. She glanced at a training dummy and then to her back, drawing her hilt from her back with the force and then ignited it, her turquoise blade extending out quickly, “Well perhaps training on this dummy will help me clear my head.” She spoke aloud to herself.

She began a flurry of attacks against the dummy, sparks flying off it as her blade made contact with the metal, it seemingly going well at first, until the man from her vision appeared once more, causing her to pause for a moment, her hand shaking as she stared at the still man, placing her hand to her chest as she remembered when she had been slashed there, “Why? Why am I seeing you? I beat you, I’m not afraid of you,” She spoke quietly to herself, pausing for a moment before she gripped her shaking hand into a fist, then shouted, “I’m not!” Sending another flurry of slashes at the dummy, these ones filled with both anger and fear as the man just seemed to brush off her attacks with his armor until a slash combined with the force knocked the dummy onto the floor, finally breaking Xeviiy out of the illusion she was seeing, collapsing to the floor with heavy pants.

“I...am afraid,” She finally admitted to herself as she tried to catch her breath, “But why?” she added, her head perking up as she remembered the family member that had died that she could’ve saved and then how she and the man both killed each other, “I can’t be afraid of death, can I?” She asked herself, finding it difficult to discern if her guess was accurate or not, all she had to go on were books and couldn’t exactly diagnose whatever was going on in her head herself.

With her breathing returned to normal, she returned her weapon to her lower back, crossing her legs and then began to meditate, “Perhaps the force can help me understand what I’m afraid of.” She said aloud to herself again, taking in the calm and relaxing energy around her, peaceful to the point where her exhausted body gradually tilted to the side until she was laying on the ground, fully asleep.

[Gwynbleidd]

Admiral Firion Levalle had earned his rank a thousand times over, in truth he probably deserved to be king of Feraxis. Haergeras was the man, the title he’d sworn to defend at all cost. The king, the planet, and his people. Firion remembered how Haergeras had grown into a man, the two of them becoming unlikely friends. One born into royalty, and the other nothing more than a spec amongst the crowds of Feraxis’s royal city.

With thanks to a hard-working mother, Firion found himself into the pilot’s academy and tested at the top of his class consistently. The only man close to his prodigious talent was that of Haergeras. Through tests, and races across the hallways, the two challenged each other. With each passing competition, their skills became honed. Haergeras was the sword, and Firion was the strategy. The two together were fabled upon the stars as legends in the Exar Kun War.

However, today is not yesterday.

Long days of peace proved fruitless for Haergeras who watched over a planet from his throne. His fleet’s skills slowly diminished although still greater than any other armada within Republic space. He had grown arrogant about the impenetrable defense of his kingdom.

Firion did not share this lack of discipline. His mind was iron and steel, ever lingering in the past of death and destruction. He remembered that it was not just the Sith who were a terror, but their allies like Mandalore the Indomitable. The Mandalorians were to be watched and never trusted. Unfortunately, Haergeras did not heed his advice and allowed the Mandalorians to settle in unknown space without so much as a spy to record their actions.

The Admiral took note of rumors of planets nearby being struck by furious fleets and firestorms that consumed lives in the millions. He believed them, but Haergeras did not. Today, they received a secret transmission from the Republic regarding one of those attacks. Haergeras’ had fear in his eyes for the first time Firion could remember, and the Armada was on full alert.

Only, it was too late.

“Ships incoming, ships incoming, warp detected!” A crewmember came running down the bridge to the Admiral.

Firion’s head whipped around. “Shields up! Prepare the firing cannons, we’ll give them hell before they get through our line. Fire upon there location!”

“We can’t.”

“What do you mean we can’t?”

“They’re coming in from behind us, Sir!”

His stomach dropped, but he did not show his fear.

“Sir?”

“Full power, put the engines on full throttle, engage the fighters to buy us some time for turn around maneuvers!”

“Yes, Admiral!” He took off, running down and shouting out the commands. Every member of the ship ran back and forth to different stations, it looked like panic.

The Admiral rushed to his command post, the time of peace had ended. War had come.

---

Hundreds of fighter class ships swarmed out of the hyperspace warp, locusts of death reigned crimson fire upon the nearest cruiser in seconds in a rain of fire that obliterated it in seconds. An overwhelming fleet of destroyer warships flooded through next, one after another, only one of them warped too close and smashed into a capital class ship. The collision rippled in space as debris rocketed in all directions.

Corpses spun and bounced against durasteel as death already littered the battleground. Fire and blood.

The bright flames flickered against the golden visor of Mandalore. Underneath his helmet, he wore a triumphant smile. Flashes of blaster beams, the burning of ship engines, and explosions reflected his crusading vision in his ambitious gaze. The glory of his dreams was tremendous, but to witness the reality was something more.

He stood from his meditation as his command ship neared the FRS Haergeras, the crown jewel of the Feraxis Fleet. Flowing, torn red cape trailed as he walked down the bridge to the elevator.

On the dock of his ship, hundreds of soldiers awaited his command. The rally master Uruk Dar-Zhen awaited him in his maroon battle suit. He held his closed fist to his heart, and immediately an entire battalion of Mandalorians followed suit. This was the loyalty that stabbed fear into the hearts of the galaxy.

“Hail Mandalore!” Uruk yelled.

“Hail!” A hundred blades in unison.

“Rally Master, report.”

“Yes, Mandalore. The FRS Diamond was turned into dust on impact with the Jericho. Thousands dead. But, the front line assault of fighters immediately wiped out the Defender. Without her, the Armada’s defense is nearly broken, all that is left is the Swordhand. Shall I call in the order for the fighters to hit her next?”

“No. The shield of Haergeras is shattered, and the Swordhand will be too far away to do anything about it. Send the frontal assault squadron towards the Swordhand but do not engage, simply distract. I want every last man here on a ship or a basilisk and ready to board the Haergeras.”

“Board the Haergeras?” Uruk was stunned.

“We will board one of the greatest warships known in Republic space, and then I will slay the legendary Admiral Firion Levalle myself in a show of power. With complete command of their capital ship, we will break Feraxis’s spine and force them to surrender without destroying the resources on planet.”

Hearing Mandalore speak, Uruk found himself flooded with pride. This was his commander, this was his Mandalore. A true warrior to the end.

“It will be done, Mandalore. Feraxis will cower in the face of our might!”

“So they shall.”

Uruk turned to his men.

“Get to your ships, we’re boarding the Haergeras!”

A roar of approval, thunderous.

“For Mandalore! For Glory!” Uruk cried out.

“For Mandalore!”

Varen Del-Kar raised a fist, and his loyal blades answered.

---

Aria Blair
Dantooine

“Your student reminds me of myself, Master Asichi.” Aria commented with a grin towards Vras. “It’s good to want to know things, but don’t discount the history of the order young one; how else would we know not to make the same mistakes if not for knowing the dark places those who came before us tread?” She posed the question, something for the eager student to ponder while she could confront the nature of Iri’s question.

This was the second master she’d gone to about her dreams, the second master who posed the possibility of them being visions, premonitions of the future. Arren was certain, and Iri only gave the possibility. A hope latched onto the idea of simple dreams, nightmares after a hard time confronting the nature of battle, or something. Something had to be troubling her, her secret.

Yet, that cold claw digging into her heart spoke an icy truth. They were no dreams.

“I saw…” Aria felt her heart sinking at the memory, the familiar cold causing her to shiver. “They looked like Mandalorians. Thousands of men armored from head to toe chanting in the name of glory, their blaster fire scorched the ground in front of them no matter who was there. Men, women, children. I saw people with cat-like faces screaming, running in terror as the ships blocked out the sun above. Blood stained the color of the water, and when it was all quiet there was—“

“The Mandalorians attacked!” A voice came, a Jedi padawan near her age running outside to alert everyone who could hear. His brown robes billowed in the wind. “They’ve entered Republic space, Feraxis is under attack!”

Aria’s head sharply tuned upwards, and she felt herself frozen still.

“Excuse me, Master!” She said abruptly, finding an innate ability to jump from the ground and run inside where a large gathering of Jedi were watching with horrified eyes at what was taking place on the holo-feeds.

That same Jedi kept running to deliver the news. He found Org Gle and Ken Grant and repeated the message. “Feraxis is under attack! Mandalorians in Republic space!”

Aria watched, in silence like she was trapped in her own bubble drowning in the quiet. She could not hear the shocked gasps as a ship collided in explosion with another. Could not see the hands covering mouths as fighter ships tore through the hull of another. The shivering horror in their eyes at the sight of dead people floating about within the darkness of space.

Arren Kae
Coruscant

She lifted her head from her meditation. An echo in the force as thousands of dead souls etched themselves into the fabric that stitched each individual Jedi together. Her reflections upon Aria’s words were disturbing. Arren’s padawan had a vision that put fear into the girl, and shortly after this dreadful feeling of death. Arren scrolled into a holofeed newscast to witness the destruction above Feraxis.

War.

Arren Kae glanced at the students strolling through the fountains, the one’s whose connections were not yet strong enough to feel what she was feeling. They laughed, talked, meditated; ignorance is truly bliss. Many of them had their lives, full of experience ahead of them.

Now, now Arren saw a path unfolding in which a generation would be lost. Sabers were needed, and it was inevitable that many of their lights would burn out.

The Master stood up from her seat and began to move, it was time for the council to assemble and ponder on these events. Decisions were to be made, and swiftly. But, as she went she picked up the thoughts of two Republics soldiers passing by. Her reach dipped into their minds. Looking for her, it would seem.

She walked up to Leon and Anna, and met them with her steady gaze. “Whatever questions you have, they will have to wait Major Athos. The war has started. Follow me.”

[vancexentan]

Ken was meditating peacefully when he felt the presence approaching of a young jedi he was panicked but Ken couldn't understand why. "Master-" Ken said as he continued to sit down calmly as Org gruffly replied he could feel it. "Just another padawan whose's training is probably going to hard." Org told his former apprentice as he stood up and brushed the dirt off his robes. The rough jedi master looked at the boy as he approached and Org asked him what was the matter. However the blood in Ken's veins froze. The boy repeated the words once more before either of the jedi spoke Gle grabbed the boy by the shoulder and held him firmly. "Calm boy there is no emotion there is peace. Go back to the council and the other jedi. We must talk about this. This will involve the republic now that a planet has been assaulted. As a guardian and a master jedi I must be there. Come Ken." Gle shouted to his student. Ken sat there for a moment longer before he got up and shook his head. He regained his sense of self once more. "Master...I hope this isn't true and it's just a rogue faction. The galaxy has seen enough death it doesn't need more." Ken stated as the guardian grunted. "If only it were that simple my boy." Gle said as the trio quickly made their way towards the jedi temple as fast as they could. "I will make sure no one does anything stupid. The council will be the final verdict on this. Not the hot heads. I know there are some who want more out of life here. But don't fall sway to their words Ken. Think openly." Org Gle told his past student. "I know master. I believe the rest is 'and let the force guide your hand.' I'm perfectly aware of your speeches master. You pounded them into me enough for one life time I would say."

[Sohtem]

Xeviiy Sinclair
Leon Athos
Coruscant

Leon and Anna continued to search around the area they were in until they saw a woman approach them, taken aback a little by how she seemingly told them to follow her out of the blue, not that it was uncommon for Jedi to know about people through the force, but Anna still found it strange nonetheless and was ready to speak up when Leon simply started to follow the woman, Anna following close behind the two of them.

“War? The Mandalorians have attacked?” Anna asked, slightly loud, quickly covering her mouth, though she was lucky in that no one really heard her.

“Damn it, I was afraid of this.” Leon spoke, a slight look of frustration on his face.

“Sir? What do you mean?” Anna asked, seeing the slight worry and frustration on his face.

“I felt something faintly through the force, though I wasn’t sure.” He responded, furrowing his brow.

“Shouldn’t it have been easy for you to determine? You were a former Jedi”

“I was, but I haven’t really used the force since the Exar-Kun War and my connection to it has...dimmed I guess you could say.” He responded once more, unsure if what he was feeling was accurate, though he was suspecting it, especially since at the same time, the woman he felt was Arren Kae approached them and told them to follow before any real discussion could be had.

Meanwhile back in the Jedi training room, Xeviiy was still asleep, though with her unconsciously feeling the force, she heard faint screams and what sounded like metal being torn apart, getting louder and louder until it felt like it was right in her ear and startled her awake, quickly sitting up from where she was laying. She looked around the room as her heart beat rapidly, slowly getting up as she rubbed her eyes, not sure why she heard it, perhaps it was just her head playing tricks with her whilst she slept, though this feeling through the force didn’t go away, at least not entirely.

She decided that it’d be best if she left and finally went to her room, no doubt any masters that saw her sleeping there would tell her it was a place to train, not sleep. As she exited out the room, she noticed not too far away, Leon, Anna and Master Arren Kae, she quirked an eyebrow, they had seemed to be in a rush and Xeviiy quickly made her way over to them.

“Hey, what’s going on?” Xeviiy spoke loudly to them as she caught up, keeping their pace as they continued to walk towards the council.

Leon glanced over when he heard Xeviiy, giving off a small smile, “Hey kid, glad to see you, you look better.”

“Hey, I’m not a kid, now tell me what’s going on.” Her cheeks puffed slightly, clearly not liking being referred to as a child.

Leon gave off a small grin that quickly faded, “The war with the Mandalorians has started.” He spoke quietly to her, not wanting others to hear and cause a panic.

Xeviiy was partially surprised, merely saying, mostly to herself, “So is that what I heard?”

“Heard what?” Leon asked, raising a brow at her odd comment.

She looked at him and said, “Well I had been in the training room, trying to sort out...you know and then tried meditating to calm myself, I guess I fell asleep, but whilst I was asleep, I heard faint screams and metal tearing apart, it started to sound like it was right next to me and then I woke up, having a faint feeling in the force, not consistently, more like pings if that makes any sense.”

“Sounds like you were connected to the force whilst you were asleep, I must say it’s impressive, most padawans can’t feel such things, what with being so young and I’ve been having the same feeling as well, guess if I’d be able to discern it better if I had stayed on with the Jedi.” He gave a halfhearted chuckle, though he didn’t find the situation funny.

“Well I’m sure the masters are feeling it a lot stronger than me, it just feels like the quietest of whispers every now and then and it’s...frustrating not knowing exactly what it is.”

“I hear ya, perhaps we’ll find out when we get to where were headed.” He simply responded.

Anna glancing between the three of them and being both amazed and a little down that they’re able to feel such things through this mystical power and she can’t.

“Something wrong, Lieutenant?” Leon asked, noticing the look on her face.

“Oh, it’s nothing sir, just impressed that all of you can feel this, feel a bit left out, hehe.” She partially joked.

“Oh don’t worry about it Lieutenant, I’m not even a Jedi and the squirt is still a Padawan, the only one who probably truly feels what’s going on is the Jedi before us, besides you’ve got your own talents that the Jedi in here would be jealous of.” He gave grin to her, Anna unable to help but smirk at her doofus of a boss, but she was grateful for what he was trying to do.

“Yeah, you shouldn’t compare yourself to a Jedi, Republic soldiers have just as many skills as Jedi do, it’s how you use them, not how unique it is.” Xeviiy added on top of what Leon said, understanding how Anna was feeling, there were some things her peers could do with either lightsabers or the force that she couldn’t.

“So where are we headed?” Xeviiy chimed in once more.

“If I had to guess, I’d say it’s to see the Jedi Council, based on the direction were headed...you ready for this? If we are heading into battle, you’ll need to be focused.”

Xeviiy nodded, “Yes, I believe so, I believe I’ve narrowed down what was causing and have accepted it, I shouldn’t have anymore problems.” She partially lied, though she was accepting of what happened, death still lingered on her mind a bit, but for now, her head should be clear for any fighting she might have to encounter.

“Well that’s good, because I won’t lie to you kid, war is hell and everyone needs to be able to count on one another in a fight, if you become scared and immobile, you become a liability and a detriment to the people around you.”

“I understand Major, I won’t let you and the others down, you have my word.” Xeviiy responded, determination in her voice, she wouldn’t let that vision rule her, she knew the importance of what was about to happen and didn’t want to let anyone down.

Leon gave a small smirk, impressed by her resolve and determination to be an asset, to be someone that could be relied on without needing to be worried about, it was on Leon’s mind at first, but now after seeing her, he felt she was going to be alright, now all they truly needed to worry about was this damned war that was potentially happening.

---

Iri Asichi
Dantooine

“Yes, he can be a bit...blunt, but overall, he’s a good student, should mind his manners now and then, but I can’t complain about him.” She grinned, Vras giving off a slight pout that that tried to hide a grin to no avail.

Vras looked to Aria when she began explaining to him the importance of the Order’s history and then lowered his head, thinking over what she said, “I suppose you are right, I just...don’t always like the boring parts of it.”

“Yes, but all of it is important my student, even the less exciting stuff, remember that.” Iri gently said, Vras giving a nod to his teacher.

Iri was about to address what Aria had said when she heard the shouting of someone who mentioned Mandalorians attacking, Vras was eager to get to his feet, beginning to run over to the holo-feed. It might have been her training and being a Knight, but she didn’t rush over like the others, rather she made her way over to it in a gentle manner.

‘Rushing into things will not change what’s happening, especially if you are far away from them,' She heard her master’s voice in her head as she thought about his teachings, perhaps they did have some impact on her afterall.

“Yeah yeah, I hear ya, old man.” She spoke to herself with a slight grin before finally making her way over to where the others were, glancing at the feed. Her brow furrowed, this was just awful, she knew the Mandalorians could be viscious this was just a massacre.

She noticed Vras and then the other students gathered around before returning her attention to the feed, “Young ones, head back to your rooms, now.” She merely spoke, not turning her attention away again.

They all looked at her in surprise, Vras quickly speaking up, “But master, we need to see what’s happening, so we can hel-” Being cut off before he could finish his sentence.

“No, you all are too young to help first off, second is that this is something you’re not ready for and is too graphic, now return to your rooms at once, this isn’t up for debate.” Iri responded in a slightly sterner tone, the young students lowering their heads a bit before heading towards the building where their rooms were, Iri continuing to look on, though if anyone looked at her, they would see her knuckles white from grasping her sleeve so tightly, clearly frustrated by the furthering events.

“Unbelievable, Master Asichi should let us watch it, we can handle it.” Vras grumbled to Noka, Sanjun and Vrol.

“Well if you want to watch it, we can back in my room, I managed to modify the local holo-feed that we get from the masters so that it can receive outside transmissions.” Sanjun smirked, the others looking to him with a big smile, “Yeah we want too, come on, let’s hurry before we miss all the action.” Vras said, the four of them quickly rushing to Sanjun’s room where they surrounded a table where the holo-feed projected and then turned it on, watching in shock as the carnage the Mandalorians brought continued.

“T-This is horrible, how can people do such a thing?” Noka asked aloud, unable to draw her eyes away.

“Remember in class that day, when they were being discussed? They’re a proud warrior race, Mandalorians, they seek battle and glory and honor, but there’s nothing honorable about this, they’re just beasts.” Sanjun responded, Noka and Vrol looking to Sanjun whilst Vras merely clenched his fist as he looked on.

“They have to be stopped, we have t-” Vras spoke up, looking to the three before Sanjun interrupted, “We can’t, I don’t like this anymore than you do, but Master Asichi is right, were too young for this, I mean we’re not even Padawans yet.”

“Yeah but Master Asichi trained us, she’s the best and I’m sure we could be of help.” He responded, trying to make his case.

“Just look at the feed Vras, that was just with ships alone, imagine what would happen to the four of us.” Noka interjected, trying not to raise her voice as she pointed to the feed, bodies and broken ships drifting slowly in space.

Vras lowered his head, “Look guys, I know I’m hardheaded sometimes, but clearly the Jedi are going to be needed for this, Master Asichi will no doubt be fighting against them, she’s amazing, but you said it yourselves, this is a fierce enemy and she may need our help, I won’t ask you guys to put your lives in danger, but I want to help, no I have to help, Master Asichi probably feels the same way and I won’t let her down.”

Sanjun gave off a small smirk, “Well, when you’re not being a pompous jerk, you make a pretty decent speech, alright, I’m in.”

Vrol was next to be vocal, giving off a roar, indicating he too would help their master against the Mandalorians, leaving only Noka who the three turned their attention too.

She glanced between the three of them, “So you all are just ready to die against these...monsters, what are you crazy?” She Spoke, pausing for a moment before giving off a chuckle, “Well I must be crazy as well if I’m agreeing to this, alright, I’m in.”

“Good, now we need to make a plan for sneaking aboard whatever ship Master Asichi gets on, I know for a fact she won’t let us go willingly, especially if how she was with the feed was any indication, this is risky and could get us kicked out of the Order, we need to be sure about this.” Vras spoke to them.

They all gave a nod, clearly determined, regardless of the consequences, they had to help the Republic against these foes and if not for the Republic, then at least for their master, “Alright good, now let’s get to planning.” Vras said, the four of them talking a plan amongst each other as the feed continued to play in front of them, this would certainly be dangerous for the four of them, not just war, but the consequences should they return alive.

[Gwynbleidd]

There was a reason why Admiral Firion was known as ‘Hellfire’ amongst his enemies and friends. Over an icy planet, Werven, in the heat of the short-lived and bloody Exar Kun War, his strategies decimated the Mandalorian fleets. His positioning was brilliant, hyperspace warps utilized with surgical precision, and the Mandalorians never knew which way he was going to move.

Predictability meant death for the troops under a general, and efficiency under duress was his specialty. He blazed the skies with fallen enemy cruisers that day, and the icy blue above Werven was scorched crimson for hours. Hellfire had come.

And now, he had come again.

“Fleet has completed its spin, Admiral.”

“Report!”

“Swordhand is too far away to lend any meaningful support, Diamond and Defender are dust, Admiral.”

Any chance at victory was slim, if at all. In truth, Firion knew defeat was inevitable in the face of the numbers and damage already inflicted upon the ships in his command. He did not show a single break in his resolve, the mask of his leadership held firm.

FRS Tiger was locked within a firestorm of a duel between two Mandalorian cruisers. The offensive machine the Tiger was held up admirably, putting serious holes in the durasteel shielding of both ships. He pondered for just a second.

“How long would it take to overload the Tiger’s power core?”

“Sir?”

“Answer the question!”

“Thirty minutes, sir.”

“Send immediate orders to the Tiger for every possible personnel to evacuate the ship, hit the escape pods straight down planetside. Overload the core, and drive directly in the middle of both Mandalorian warships.”

The officer opened his mouth in disbelief, like the Admiral had just sprouted wings.

“Y-yes sir!”

After the order went out, the com-links between Tiger and Haergeras flashed an incoming message. Firion accepted the message and saw the familiar face of his old academy instructor on the other end, Commander Shaiwon Orr.

“I’ve just received your orders, Admiral.”

“You don’t approve?”

A loud laugh, and Firion smiled like he was in on the joke.

“Goddamn kid, you’re the most insane damn Admiral I’ve ever seen. The plan’s brilliant. I’m just calling in to-“

“To say you’re going down with the ship.”

“Yes, Admiral. It’s been a hell of a time piloting by your side, best student I’ve ever had.”

“It’s been an honor learning from you, Shai. I don’t give a shit what you say, you’re still the best.”

“Good to hear, even if it’s bullshit. I’ll see you on the otherside Hellfire. Commander Orr out.”

The coms went dead. Firion watched the battle unfolding as the largest cruiser of the Mandalorian fleet was headed right for him with a battalion of ships crushing through his fleet like a hammer over a field of glass. He called his officer back to his side.

“Does the Swordhand have time to get in range?”

A flicker of understanding showed on the officer’s face.

“I’m on it!”

When he was out of sight again, Firion directed all his attention on the oncoming wave of destruction headed towards him. He always wondered how he might die, and defending his home seemed the best way for it to happen. Firion wished he could send a message to his wife along with his two sons. A final farewell, but the chance did not lend itself to him. That’s the way it was sometimes, one moment laughing with family around a warm fire, and the next he would be gone. Not everyone captured the elusive moment of closure, not everyone received those goodbyes, and he seemed content with it. He lived a good life, and that was enough.

Yet, life still had its surprises. His fighters and ships poured blaster fire on the incoming Mandalorians, peppering them with superheated plasma. He had expected to been blown to pieces by torpedoes by now, yet it hadn’t happened except for a single torpedo smashing into the Haergeras with brutal precision incapacitating the ship for any escape.

“What’s going on?” He asked.

“They’re boarding, Admiral.”

He must have looked crazy, but Firion laughed anyway. Mandalorian honor, he pondered. They were going to let him go down fighting.

“Get my armor, my blade, and my gun.” Firion commanded. “Let’s give them Hell!”

His men cheered.

---

Waiting was always seen as the worst part of combat by many Mandalorians. The agonizing silence before the loading bay doors opened and a cascade of blaster fire and grenade explosions marked the beginning of battle. Most warriors he knew hated the wait, the patient sitting within their fighters. They all knew an intense battle was raging outside over Feraxis, and every single soldier under his command was burning to get out there.

But for him, for Mandalore, the silence was delicious. He could smell blood in the air, the metallic taste of the thrill kissed his tongue, and the pounding of his rush forcing up into his chest. It was glorious.

He sat atop a Basilisk War Droid, newly made for this exact war. The Republic had not seen what these machines of devastation could yet do, and he was eager to show them. This was his statement, his exclamation point in the history of the galaxy. Hundreds of men waited in the hanger atop droids or ships, looking for his command and his command only.

Mandalore raised his sword. The hangar bay doors opened and the vacuum of space rushed forth.

The sound of breath in helmets, flames of explosion flickered against visors. Mandalore slashed through the air and every fighter and basilisk dropped out into the battle. Mandalore felt the free-fall of his droid cutting through the void as he dropped towards the Haergeras watching as a well-placed torpedo left it incapacitated; a wounded kath hound to be put down.

For those who didn’t know, they would look at Mandalorians atop these metallic hurtling beasts as men with a death wish. Suicide. That is, until those beasts opened fire with shocking lethality. Rate of fire and power behind the turbo laser rounds cleaved fighters in half. Extendable claws lashed through space and tore wings off, sending pilots hurling to their final fiery resting places.

Firion’s maneuvers were impressive, the amount of calm order returning to the fleet amidst panic declared the Admiral as a worthy adversary. He understood why Indomitable respected him and lost to him, but he couldn’t help but feel disappointed by the fact that it was still a definitive route. A massacre in its own right as he targeted three incoming fighters and ripped them to shreds in a single line of fire.

This was Hellfire? Varen’s armor wasn’t even scorched yet. He hoped for a greater fight than this, but it would do. With precision fire he opened up a hole inside the Haergeras and landed inside. The shock of his landing sent Feraxis soldiers spinning, falling against corridors of the ship as simultaneous landings of his army boarded the command ship.

Blades were drawn. The clang of vibroswords rang thick in his ears, explosions deafened him. A soldier charged towards him and Mandalore gripped him by his throat, lifted him up and cracked his neck with a show of brute strength. The cold corpse crumpled to the steel floor. The defenses within the Haergeras were valiant, but the never-ending onslaught of oncoming Mandalorians broke their lines. The ferocity of their war cries and bloodied blades stained the ship red.

Before the command bridge, three Feraxis Knights stood clad in their golden and turquoise armor. Vibroswords out and ready to hold the line until Mandalore shouted.

“Hold!” And his men stopped. “Who wishes to strike these three men down? Rally Master?”

Uruk was behind him the entire time, cutting down foes and watching his leader’s back. But, the entire time he couldn’t help but admire his leader’s poise. Mandalore hammered his opponents like he was the rumble of a destroyer cannon, thunder made into flesh. His strength gave him strength, and the clan was only as powerful as their leader. Uruk felt he could do anything.

“I will honor your name with their blade, Mandalore.” He stepped up to the knights. The soldiers raised their swords, bellowed, and stomped their boots against the floor. Uruk struck first to frenzied cheers, his blade clashed against the knight in the center. He whirled around to deflect an oncoming slash, dropping down in a roll to evade the third attacker before raising his shoulder and leaping up to crash his armor into the knight’s helmet. The two of them went crashing against the wall and Uruk heard the sound of bone on metal, the wet tear as he withdrew his sword and it dripped with fresh blood.

He smiled under his helmet. Two left.

---

He could sense the dread amongst his remaining men, nearly a hundred of them on the bridge. Firion wore the turquoise and gold armor of an admiral, heavy shielding but made with renown Feraxis metal alloy that could bend and provide the flexibility of light armor. His sword was not yet drawn, rather he waited at the front of them all with a plasma gatling gun held in both of his hands. Firion did not flinch in the face of the thunderous echo of Mandalorian boots stomping with their war chants.

Instead, he faced his men. “I thought this was a war, I guess it’s a concert.”

His men laughed. He hadn’t lost them, not yet.

“Sons and daughters of Feraxis. This is our end, but not the end of Feraxis. Our story ends on this ship after the battle coming beyond that door. But I want you to remember this, another story comes after ours. The fleet of Haergeras may burn today, but may rise again tomorrow and burn the Mandalorian scourge from the galaxy. We die today, so we can live tomorrow!” He roared, and proud soldiers echoed his call.

Smoke from the door, plasma chewed away from the other side. Bangs of explosives. The enemy was coming.

Firion turned around to face his end, his gatling gun trained on the entrance way. He raised a fist to his chest and smacked his armor. Thud! Thud! Thud! It turned out, Firion was not alone at all in his end. His rhythm was matched by the final few behind him.

Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! His loyal soldier’s cries sounded up behind him.

“Give ‘em Hell boys!”

The door opened, Mandalorian blades charged and Firion opened fire. His stream of blaster fire created a sea of death. Seemingly endless blue-clad armored soldiers fell to his defense. The spray cut off limbs, splattered blood, smoke clouds lifted from the heat of the weapon. No commanders, no rally masters, the pawns thrown against the front. Until at last the weapon ran out of bolts and overheated.

Firion backed off, and his soldiers took the front and volleyed with their own blasters. Mandalorians were torn to pieces, but soon they took positions and fired back. The bridge was a bloodbath, and the Feraxis men proved they were no cowards. They were warrior born as any Mandalorian.

When swords were drawn, Uruk and Varen stepped inside and cut through swaths of Feraxis troops. Uruk had earned his golden commander armor for the three knights he slew singlehandedly behind them.

Mandalore spotted Firion, and Firion spotted him. A tense moment of silence as they worked their way to eachother. Hellfire cut down two warriors as Mandalore broke through a wall of five men with terrifying ease. Firion remembered Mandalore the Indomitable, and he heard the reports of the clans calling this man Mandalore the Ultimate. The name was earned, he could tell. Not just by his presence of command, or his immense size. This Mandalore was a freak of nature, a warrior prodigy.

But, he would meet him in battle nonetheless.

When all of his men were cut down, the Mandalorians formed a circle to watch as the two legends clashed swords. One legend had a written history, and the other was building his name on a conquering trail.

Uruk considered himself an excellent swordsman, but he had to admit that Hellfire Levalle was as fierce as any man he had seen. Perhaps not what King Haergeras was in his prime, but he was not defeated by Mandalore. That alone earned Uruk’s respect, earned all of their respect. Firion was the first man he’d seen not fall to Mandalore’s sword in the first minute of a duel.

Mandalore the Ultimate was younger, stronger, faster, and undoubtedly a better fighter. Yet, Firion knew he had seen more battles in his own time. He used his tricks to his advantage, lulling Mandalore into a sense of security before landing a strike against the man’s helmet. The helmet earned a small dent from the hit.

His opponent was not surprised, rather he seemed pleased. Mandalore roared in delight. “Finally, a worthy opponent. So far you’ve disappointed me, Hellfire. I’ve thought your name was just smoke, and nothing more.”

Just wait a few minutes longer, Firion thought. “Give it time, you’ll know soon enough.”

It felt like an eternity, the two of them fighting. But no matter how stalwart Firion’s defenses were, Mandalore pressed forward with merciless confidence that broke his lesser skill. A flash of movement and his sword was in the air, and then another, Firion felt the hot stab of steel piercing his body.

He choked, coughed blood. The crusaders erupted with victorious cheers as Firion looked on outside, watching as the Swordhand found itself within range of other Mandalorian ships. The Tiger approached the center of two others, and the coms aboard the Haergeras bursted to life with the cackling of the crazy old man.

“Tell me how this tastes you Mandalorian sons of bitches!” He laughed like a maniac all the way, and Firion chuckled when the entire ship erupted from the overheating core. A blue-white blast as the Tiger took two Mandalorian ships with her. The Swordhand opened up with a central cannon, a hidden weapon developed by Firion himself. It had the name for a purpose, as a great plasma beam bursted forward in the shape of a sword; one continuous laser cutting through three cruisers and hundreds of fighters. It lasted for but moments until the Swordhand was finally taken down. But, the damage was done. Firion had inflicted heavy casualties in a battle where he was expected to get massacred.

Firion’s laughter died when he collapsed to the ground, looking up at the Mandalore who now knew why the Admiral was known as Hellfire.

---

The display of destruction blazed through the sky, and the flames bathed Mandalore’s gaze. He expected to feel enraged by the sudden explosions, but instead a tremendous rush of thrilling victory surged through him. This, this was Hellfire. A warrior who did not leave his post, a commander whose men did not flee, a fighter to the end who intended to cause maximum devastation despite inevitable death. It was he, Mandalore, who had slain this man.

His own men even seemed to recognize it, slamming their chests with their fists in the wake of a successful capturing of the Haergeras. They had taken the flagship of the perhaps the greatest fleet of the known galaxy.

Death was in his wake, a trail of corpses. His men and his enemies lied in a pool of blood together, unified in the fires that forged them. If all of the Republic provided this kind of resistance, he would reach the highest peaks of honor.

“Commander.” He remembered to call Uruk.

Uruk burst with pride at the sound of his new rank. “I’m at your command, Mandalore, always.”

“Set up a transmission with King Haergeras. It’s time to discuss terms.”

King Haergeras popped up on a holo-feed, and Mandalore made sure the audio of their discussion was spread across all local channels. Every network in the galaxy picked up the transmission and relayed the words between both lords.

“You call that honor, Mandalore? Striking a foe behind his back?”

“War is war. Did you expect me to run straight on and have my invasion end before it could really begin? Kill more, lose less, that is what all leaders must do. We do not retreat, but we shall win at all costs.”

“You’re a shade to your predecessor.”

“And you’re past your prime. I’ve broken your fleet, and you have no defense. You can surrender or die, it’s that simple.”

“No chance of that. You’ll have to bloody my palace corridors with your men if you want to take my kingdom.”

“Who said anything about coming down?”

“You wouldn’t bomb the palace with the city so close by, many will die.”

Mandalore spoke with a measured, eerie calm. “King Haergeras, do you surrender?”

“Burn in hell.”

“So be it. Glass the palace.”

“Wha-“ Mandalore cut the transmission.

The whole galaxy watched the lasers paint the palace with their targeting systems. In mere minutes, the grand palace was rubble. Bodies and blood. King Haergeras was dead, and thousands of soldiers and innocent civilians were slaughtered in the fire.

---

One Week Later

Aria Blair
Dantooine

The council chamber had never been packed before, for this was the first time in a long time since the master allowed knights and padawans to sit in on a session. Aria and many others waited out for an entire week to see what the council would decide. Nervous energy rushed from one person to the next as they listened to the words of different students.

Aria had not spoken, though her stance was firm. A week ago, she did not know what she wanted and felt conflicted by the things she had seen in her dreams. The Mandalorian attack showed her that she could see, she could see what was happening before it happened.

Her skills were not meant to sit in idle wait as a war happened around her, Aria could not sit and watch by as entire fleets were massacred, as civilians were fired upon without hesitation. The final words of the Mandalore haunted her every day since. It was like he wanted Haergeras to say no, like he wanted an excuse to burn the palace to the ground.

They had to go to war, there was no other choice. The Mandalorian threat was too powerful for them to go unchallenged. Greatest warriors marching to war without the esteemed jedi to match them, it seemed wrong to her. Aria felt an inner sense of resolve, a duty, a code exclusive to herself.

Had she been living a lie all this time? Ignoring her natural duelist talents, her sense of presence that captured many friends. No more.

When Master Zhar spoke at last, she felt her rage coursing with the flow of all the students.

“The council has decided, for the best interest of the Jedi and the preservation of the galaxy itself that we must wait out the war for now and not engage. This-“

He was shouted down. Students roared their anger.

“They murdered children!”

“Did you see how they fought, did you see the palace ruins?”

Some students tried to fight against the expressive majority, but their voices were silenced in the tidal wave of chaos. It wasn’t until Aria stepped into the circle of the council chamber and raised her lightsaber into the air did everyone become quiet.

“Aria?” Zhar spoke, “Time for speaking has concluded, the decision is –“

“Enough!” Aria barked. The masters were taken aback as her voice carried with an echo of power. This was not the Aria they all knew. “I think we’ve heard enough, Master Zhar, heard enough to know that the council’s wishes do not echo the wishes of the Jedi that you teach. I can tell not even all the masters in the order agree with this sentiment.”

Vrook exploded. “Who do you think you are? You brash, arrogant child! You’re nothing but a padawan who can’t control her emotions. What do you know of the dark side or war? Nothing!”

All eyes turned on her, for Vrook had a point. Aria wanted to bark back at him and knock him down, and she knew she could, but the girl sighed. She refused to give into the instinct of anger.

“I was with you that day, all of you.” Aria ignored Vrook, and looked around at the crowd gathered. The decision, the moment, it was all on a holo-feed transmitting back to the council chambers on Coruscant. Every Jedi from both major enclaves were collectively watching Aria address the Jedi and the council. Aria made sure to look at the camera, as though she were reaching out to the Jedi on Coruscant as well. “I was with you that day when the Mandalorians attacked Republic space. I watched them destroy a fleet, I watched them kill men, and I watched them murder thousands of defenseless people. Did all of you feel that cold, choking terror? A hand of frozen glass sinking into your skin… I’ve felt it, in truth I have seen visions of the Mandalorians raiding planets the past few weeks, and now I see the truth. They were always coming, and we have waited and waited while they have built their numbers so they could kill us all, to destroy the Republic.”

Vrook shot up out of his chair and tried to yell out at her. “This is—“

“Hold your tongue, Old Man!” It was an easy and low shot, well beneath her. Aria regretted saying it, but it worked to her desired effect. There were laughs in the crowd, and Aria suppressed a grin. “I’m not finished, you’ve had your turn. You see, it’s natural to be afraid. The masters are too, and they would have us believe that if they do nothing that it will have no consequences. That no one will die, that no one will be murdered. And if we dare speak with our own voice, we will be asked to quiet down. Is that not what you want me to do, Master Vrook?”

There was a deadly silence, and Vrook sat down for he had no words to strike back with.

She held her lightsaber and looked at her smoothly, individually crafted hilt. “We are Jedi, we are the paragons of justice in the galaxy, the protectors of the innocent. Are we to sit and watch as the innocent die?”

“No!” A loud wave of answers.

“Are we to sit and watch as the Mandalorians pillage and burn?”

“No!”

“Are we to sit and watch as the Republic collapses?”

“No!” The crowd of padawans and knights was deafening, Aria’s energy was electric and infectious. Her fire spread, alighting the hearts and minds of those gathered. The masters were stunned frozen, as though they were watching the ghost of Exar Kun walking around the council circle. Resurrected to finish what he started.

Aria waited for the crowd to calm, and when it was quiet once more she spoke. “My saber will be an arm for the Republic, a tool to dispel these monsters from the galaxy. Who of you, brave Jedi, will join me?”

Nothing, a bubble of silence akin to Dantooine’s heavy winter snow drowning the planet in a blanket of cold sleep. Until, Alek, the recognized and massive Jedi guardian stepped inside of the circle. He raised his saber high, unignited.

Alek had almost left the chamber in his outrage before Aria took the floor. He didn’t think much of the girl until he watched closely, until he felt the swirling pools of her power resonating within and then becoming a hurricane that swept the room into her corner. She said what he felt better than he ever could, he had never considered himself a follower, but he believed in what she said.

“You have my lightsaber, Aria. I will fight with you til’ the end, to the day we butcher those animals!” His fury echoed the students, and they roared in approval. One after another provided their loyalty.

It was a day the council would never forget.

Two Weeks Later

Aria Blair
Coruscant

She had been used to a large following of friends, but her arrival to Coruscant was unexpected. A vast following of padawans and knights all stood in awe, watching Aria. That’s the girl, they said. That’s the girl who stood up against the council. That’s her, that’s her.

Aria didn’t know who ‘her’ was, the rousing speech came from somewhere inside of her, from a place she didn’t know existed. Her gentle calm, her firm hand, and biting insults, Aria hated to say she enjoyed the power of the moment. Control of her own destiny. They say the force guides and a Jedi walks upon the predestined path, and for a long time Aria believed it. But now, for the first time, she believed the path could be manipulated.

Republic soldiers, captains, sergeants, commanders, all of them showed up with soldier shuttles to transport enlisting Jedi to major command posts and battleships. The council explicitly stated that those who went to war were subject to investigation afterwards, and a strong chance of banishment from the order.

Nevertheless, Aria, Alek, and hundreds of others enlisted anyway, most of them with the desire to fall behind Aria’s lead.

It was there on Coruscant, that Aria discovered her master would be joining her. Arren Kae openly defied the council, a Jedi master joining with no hesitation at her student’s request created a devastating problem for the council. It leant the young Jedi credibility, and another piece to the puzzle that was her growing mystique. She needed Arren now, for she had not completed her training.

“The council is full of fools.” Arren said. “Do not worry about their decision, you have seen what they wish they could see, known what they wish they could know, and done what they cannot understand and never will. I follow you of my own free will, because I believe in your choice.”

Aria remembered that, and she always would. Arren’s approval, her commitment to being loyal to Aria meant more than any of the kind words from the hundreds of Jedi who wanted to meet her. And she needed it today especially, because today was her first mission.

She’d been assigned with multiple others on an excursion to world outside of Republic space, Cathar, the homeworld of the Cathar race. Aria looked in the database, and she recognized their cat-like faces from her dreams. This was where she was meant to be, and all doubts were silenced.

The young, now nineteen year old padawan marched into the line towards the ship noticing a man and a woman together. Anna and Leon. Arren stepped forward first. “We have met once, and now again it seems Major. I wonder what else fate has in store for us in the future. I’m here to supervise the Jedi in your unit, I don’t believe you’ve had the chance to meet my padawan yet.”

Aria stepped up and held out her hand. She was tall, and stood as though she were in command.

“Aria Blair.”

[vancexentan]

One Week Beforehand...

Ken sat silently alongside the rest of his knights and his master in the room. He had been wary of the verdict. War would cost them much, and many lives. The jedi were protectors though and the galaxy may have need of them. However Ken knew better. They could be used in other ways. Lives could be saved on dead worlds. Refugees aided with the help of the force or by the hilt of a lightsaber. Knights could be sent to ward away marauders and thugs attempting to pick apart the remnants of planets decimated. They didn't need to stoop to war in order to save people. They didn't need too fight the mandalorians in order too protect the weakened peoples of the universe. The jedi were protectors of the light, saviors to the needy, and defenders of justice and democracy. They were no generals. They were not commandos. They did not seek war. It sickened him that there were a good number of jedi who AGREED with this whole sentiment of war. That was why when Zhar had stood up and spoken to the vast majority of the jedi on Dantooine that Ken had felt relief. But that girl....that god damn padawan...of course she had to open her mouth. She had started to preach to everyone and everything. Ken, for the first time in his life, had to restrain himself from pulling his saber from it's place on his belt and ignite it. This dumb girl would have them all dead and destroyed to satisfy her anger!? Her blood lust!? That was the mark of a hot headed rogue, and a dark jedi! This couldn't stand he would-Ken felt the firm grasp of a hand on his shoulder and he looked down to see one of his fellow knight grip him firmly. The knight shook her head and Ken backed down and let the heated discussion continue and the more he listened the more he wanted to scream out that she was wrong.

After the knight Alek had joined he had known for certain where his true path laid before him. It was clear as day and night where his true allegiance laid. He had remained seated and refused to move before the rest of them had left. And when the council started to talk Master Org Gle rose and told Ken to follow him. He had something for Ken too do. Ken felt a deep despair in his gut and he knew where this would be going. He looked back as he walked away. Hoping the mission wasn't what he expected.

====

Two Weeks Later on Coruscant

The return home for the young jedi knight...or former knight was something he expected more from. He was no longer a jedi. No longer a protector, and no longer a healer. He was now a soldier enrolled in a cause of righteous proportions...it sickened him to the core to call himself a possible captain for the Republic. A soldier was not what he was born to be, and a hero to the Republic? He never wanted to be remembered for his actions. His only wish in life was to help other to protect those who needed to be protected. Now he wielded his white blade and aimed it in order to take the lives of a bunch of bastards. Not because he wanted too but because he needed to do so. A calmer head was needed in the midst of this chaotic storm. He stood with these children and he looked at them staring in awe of the girl, the padawan called Aria...and he called her a false prophet inwardly. But outwardly he would easily call her a protector and true jedi. If only because he must...He had discarded his jedi robes for something more suitable for his position. A commoner's clothes. He had kept his gear that he had used when he called himself a jedi however and his belt still was heavy with the hilt of his curved hilted saber. He knew for better or worse this group may decide the fate of this 'war' the mandalorians had called for.

[Sohtem]

Xeviiy Sinclair
Leon Athos
Coruscant

The past few weeks had been quite hectic, reports of the Mandalorians continuing their attacks across different star systems, the latest, as far as they knew, being Feraxis. Not to mention the speech by the Padawan on the holo-feed causing an uproar for some of the Jedi, instilling the hunger for war, to defend the Republic, though it was quite obvious some of the younger Jedi just wanted to fight for glory and honor on the battlefield and the Council saw that.

Xeviiy had been present with the Major and Lieutenant when the young Padawan had been giving a fiery speech, she’d be lying if she said it hadn’t had an effect on her, she felt a tad strange about it really, she was hungering a bit for battle, but at the same time, she also didn’t want to fight, she wanted glory yet peace. It was a strange conflict for her, two halves pushing against one another, ’War isn’t the answer, all life is sacred’ One said in her thoughts for reason, Death is the only way true peace can be had, those beasts must be crushed!’ The other retorted, trying to justify her sense to go to war.

No doubt a lot of Padawands and Knights were feeling this turmoil, though it seemed like others had a quick resolve, more towards the latter. It wasn’t until about two weeks later that everyone had been assigned to different parts of the galaxy, checking for Mandalorian attacks, or ensuring that if the Mandalorians did come, it wouldn’t be easy for them.

Anna and Leon had been assigned with some Jedi, however as things were escalating over the past few weeks, Xeviiy was told to stay on Coruscant, but the inspiration from Aria’s message didn’t listen and she snuck herself on the ship with the other Jedi and Soldiers that were heading out. She’d be in trouble, but she was finally listening to what the masters had wanted, for her to fight and that’s what she didn’t understand, she was now ready to fight to defend those that needed defending, but the Council had now told her to wait, it didn’t make sense to her, isn’t this why she was taken to become a Jedi? To fight and protect the weak and innocent? It didn’t matter, she was here now and she was going to go through with it.

Leon along with his Lieutenant Anna had been waiting patiently as everyone prepared for the trip, though he was still a military dog of the Republic, he still had his lightsaber on his waist, the familiarity of it having prevented him from putting it away once more. He didn’t really think he’d be using it though, he hadn’t used it since he was a Jedi, aside from when he sparred with Xeviiy, not to mention there were other capable Jedi, but it still was nice having the comfort of it with him.

He saw two people approaching them, the woman he met once before, Arren Kae and the Padawan who had given her fiery speech, Aria. “Ah yes, Master Arren Kae was it?” He gave a gentle smile to the woman, though something felt off about her and the time before when they first met, but he just chalked it up to the adrenaline of war. He had been taken aback a bit by the woman that stepped forward, Aria sure was confident, that he could tell, “A pleasure to meet you, that was quite the speech you gave.” He responded as he extended his hand out, shaking her hand.

Leon and Anna remembered the speech that Aria gave those short weeks back, it had inspired Anna and Leon to some degree, but he could also understand the Jedi’s plea for caution until the situation could be assessed; it was different for a soldier, they had to do what their superiors said, but the Jedi, he knew they didn’t believe in instilling force on their students and other members, perhaps that’s why it was so easy for some Jedi to answer the call to war with little repercussions of the current moment.

Xeviiy moved through the crowd of Jedi and Soldiers that were there, she couldn’t believe she was going to be apart of something like this, she was nervous but that was quickly overtaken by excitement, she managed to spot Anna and Leon, as well as the Jedi Master that she had trained with and the woman from the holo-feed. She quickly made her way over to them, “Hey Leon, Anna, I’m here!” She shouted to them, Leon and Anna both glancing over to the other Padawan heading their way.

“What are you doing here? I thought the Jedi forbade you from coming?” Anna asked her, shocked that she was here.

“Oh, uh, yeah, you see...the Council thought I might be needed for...for my healing, yeah yeah, that’s it, for my healing.” She spoke, clearly stumbling to find a somewhat believable excuse.

Leon smirked, giving off a small chuckle, “Uh-huh and did they know that they thought this before ‘sending’ you.” He spoke, giving air quotes on the sending part.

Xeviiy giving off a mischievous grin in return, “Well I did say it to the through the door, perhaps very quietly, but if they couldn’t hear me, it’s their own fault.” She teasted.

“Alright, well I don’t see the harm in you coming, but make sure you listen to what we say, this is serious and everyone needs to be at attention, okay?”

Xeviiy gave a nod with a smile, glad that Leon wasn’t sending her back.

“Major,” She said in a stern tone, “You know this isn’t a good idea, your superiors could get a lot of flak from the Jedi should she be discovered she tagged along with us and you know what that means for you.”

He gave her an innocent smirk as though he didn’t know what she was talking about, “I don’t know what you mean Lieutenant, all I see is the people that are supposed to be here, if someone comes along that’s not supposed too, how am I to know without checking every single person?”

She cocked an eyebrow whilst giving a look that said she didn’t believe him, Xeviiy stiffing a laugh with her had covering her mouth. “Very well Major, but don’t say I didn’t tell you so.”

“Duly noted, Lieutenant.” He merely responded.

Xeviiy soon turned her attention to Arren and Aria, she still wasn’t sure about Arren’s training methods, but they seemed to be effective for the most part, Aria though she was inspired by and bowed her head to her, “Hi, I’m Xeviiy, I have to say it’s quite impressive how you stood up to the Jedi Council, most Jedi would’ve been too nervous to do so, let alone inspire all these people to face the Mandalorian threat.” She said, clearly showing admiration for one of her peers.

---

Iri Asichi
Dantooine

Iri had seen Aria give her speech, belittle the Council and whilst she could understand her need to protect people in the Republic, she didn’t condone how she had conducted herself, she didn’t like what the Jedi Council did sometimes, but she respected them and to insult them in such a way, well she felt it was brash and childish thing to do.

She had been given the assignment to join Aria and the others on Cathar, she was one of the few Jedi to be assigned to this war, though her capacity was mostly to give updates and help keep the other Jedi in line, the battle hungry ones who couldn’t wait for their blades to meet fresh bodies, though she had a feeling if that was the next planet to be attacked, she’d be doing more than just being a bystandard, war was a messy business and she had been lucky enough to avoid it, the only closest thing being was when her master saved her and the other slaves and that had really just been a small battle.

Whilst she was loading items she’d need for the trip onto a transport ship the Jedi were providing, Vras, Noka, Sanjun and Vrol were enacting their plan to join their teacher, Aria had inspired them as well and they couldn’t just sit by whilst others were fighting for the good of everyone and they were. They watched as their master went back and forth, taking supplies into the ship and then Vras used the force to knock over one of the supplies that was a few feet away from the ship, this grabbed her attention and she went over to investigate, giving the four of them the chance they needed to sneak aboard.

“Huh, could’ve sworn I set that down properly, oh well, no sense in delaying.” Iri said to herself as she picked the item up.

“Okay, go go go.” He whispered to them as he waved his hand, taking the back as they went up the loading ramp, just making it inside as Iri turned around to get the rest of the supplies in. The four of them found some supplies that provided enough ample cover for all of them to hide behind, their hearts were racing from excitement.

“Okay guys, this is it, now we can’t be discovered, at least not until we make it to our destination, otherwise Master Iri will send us right back to Dantooine, understood? So we need to stay quiet.” Vras whispered to the other three.

They all gave a nod, understanding the importance of it all and then within a few minutes, Iri finally boarded herself, the docking ramp closing behind her as she headed towards the cockpit, taking a seat as she pressed buttons and flipped switches, the shuttle rumbling as it powered up and then lifted up, it’s feet retracting in as it’s wings came out, taking off through the sky and soon, into space. Iri then punched in some coordinates into her nav computer, then seeing the stars stretch before her until she entered hyperspace.

“Well, it’ll be a bit before I make it to Cathar, wonder if the other group from Coruscant will make it before me?” She spoke to herself before shrugging her shoulders, it didn’t really matter, they both had the same landing zone, so whether she got there first or not was irrelevant.

---

Antares Solborne
Nar Shaddaa

The streets of Nar Shaddaa were highly active as many people from many distant worlds were arriving as refugees, the Mandalorians made themselves public and were tearing a path of destruction out on the Outer Rim, causing many people to flee their homes and try and find safety and shelter elsewhere and no place was really better for that than Nar Shadda. It didn’t have many rules or regulations, well at least none that were really followed, it was a criminals paradise, either for getting lost or trying to avoid someone.

A silver haired man had been walking through the streets, taking a path through the red light district, enjoying the view of women that were offering their ‘services’ as a companion for a night and as much as he would’ve liked to indulge in a night of debauchery, he had other plans, he was meeting with a group of representatives from the Exchange, knowing where the actual organization was, was almost impossible to track down, they certainly liked the shadows, then again, with an organization as large as theirs, no doubt people, namely the Republic would be on the look out for them.

After going through various sections of the area, he eventually made it to a building, that seemed run down and abandoned on the outside, but after entering a code into a keypad, the door opened up, revealing a fairly nice looking room. Inside were five men, all making exchanges with one another, either payments or other matters, one of them happened to spot the silver haired rogue and he drew, not yet aiming it as he approached.

“You got a lot of nerve showing up here after what you did Antares.” He growled.

“Hey, I know things got a little heated between us, but I figured that was in the past and we could friends.” He gave a false smile, almost patronizing.

He then pointed his blaster at him, “You ran off with the cargo you were supposed to deliver over on Taris, give me one reason why I shouldn’t blast you right now.”

“Well if you did that, then I wouldn’t be able to give you my apology.” He smirked, pulling out a fairly large bag of credits, extending it out to the man.

He took the bag, opening it, his eyes widening at the amount of credits that were there, much more than what the item to be ship cost, “Why are you giving us so many credits? Even with the interest that would be added on, it wouldn’t add up to this much.” He leered at him a bit.

“Well I know how important that shipment was and I did feel bad about it, so I figured what was owed was enough, now should your boss get that, he wouldn’t have to know about the extra credits and that could go to whomever.” Antares spoke vaguely, clearly intending to be a bribe for the man.

He smirked at Antares, “Well I’d say that your debt has been paid back in full.”

“Glad to hear it Jesadr, now I was hoping we could discuss work, was wondering if you have anything for me.” He wrapped his arm around the man’s shoulder, heading over to a bar area with him.

“You’re looking for work? You seem to have a lot of credits, I figured you’d be set and were just settling things with the Exchange.” Jesadr responded, still a little leery of the man’s intentions, though Antares had already played his hand, what he hadn’t said about the credits was they were stolen from the Hutts, so should they come after him, they’ll just be lead to the Exchange and they can kill each other rather than him.

“Nope, the majority of my credits are there in that bag and I need some good paying work, got anything for me?” He simply responded as the bar droid served them drinks.

“Well...we might have something, I’m sure you’ve heard the news of the Mandalorians attacking the outer rim?”

“Yeah, what about them?” Antares asked as he took a sip of his drink, quirking an eyebrow.

“Well someone wants an important item delivered to the Cathar system, they’re willing to pay big for it, sound like something you’d be up for?” Jesadr responded, taking a sip of his own drink.

Antares grasped at his chin with his forefinger and thumb, pondering the job offer, “Well if I’m heading to a war zone, then I’ll want extra compensation for my efforts.” He smirked.

“I would think running off with previous cargo would be enough.” Jesadr grinned back with an intense look on his face.

“Well I clearly paid you back for that mistake, besides if you had anyone for this, you’d just be telling me to piss off, so clearly no one is willing to take this job, no one suicidal at least.”

“And you think you can make this delivery rather than other people clearly more skilled at then you?” He retorted, taking another sip of his drink.

“Well I have managed to get through battles that the Republic was in, I’m sure you’re familiar with some of them, so yes, I can, no one in the galaxy is a more skilled pilot than me.” Antares gave a determined smirk.

“Fine, the job’s yours and you’ll get paid extra for this, the cargo can be found at docking bay seven, oh and another thing, don’t look inside the container, just take it to it’s destination.” He said as he finished his drink.

Antares gave a lazy, two finger salute before he took his leave, heading to the docking area, “Hey six, take the ship to docking bay seven, got some cargo that needs to be delivered.” He spoke into a communicator, a droid responding back with various beeps in return before taking off with the ship and over to the docking area.

The man was Antares Solborne, born on Alderaan and to a wealthy family, but that life didn’t fulfill him so he made his own as a smuggler, acquiring various debts over the years and burning and rebuilding a lot of bridges. If he didn’t know how to go after people’s desires, he probably would’ve been dead a long time ago, but his luck was still holding out, so that was good enough for him.

As he made it to the docks, he found some droids guarding the shipment, the container was fairly big, but it would still fit in his ship. The ship in question happened to land nearby as he made his way over to the droids guarding the cargo, they quickly raising their weapons to him, ready to fire, “Easy now, I’m supposed to be delivering that.” He said as he raised his hands up, one of the droids using his built in communicator to confirm Antares’ story, they quickly got confirmation and then helped him load it onto his ship.

He heard some rattling and banging going on in the container, but just figured it was an animal or something, that’s what it was a lot of the time, rich people wanting exotic pets. He soon started making his way to the cockpit as a small astromech droid rolled up beside him, making various beeps to him. “Oh, it’s just a delivery mission for the Exchange.” He responded as he took his seat, powering up his ship.

The droid made more beeps that sounded like anger as it’s top spun and it shifted from one leg to the other repeatedly. “Yeah, I know I was in trouble with them the last time, but I squared things away and we need the credits, so get the hyperdrive ready, would ya?” The droid simply giving a low wooing noise, indicating that this wouldn’t end well, knowing his master and then went about calibrating the hyperdrive, the Crimson Phoenix soon taking off of Nar Shaddaa, entering hyperspace towards Cathar.

[Gwynbleidd]

Aria Blair
Coruscant

She simply shook her head in the face of Leon’s compliment. “I don’t think I did anything great. Not yet, Major.” A rush flowed through the air. Aria felt the sensation of excitement tingle over her entire body. War had come, and she was about to go. She did not know what it meant, or what it would be like. No amount of studying Exar Kun and other conflicts within the Archives could tell her what it was like to be in the middle of combat. Dueling practice was one thing, but there was no threat of death. Only once did Aria remember the feeling of fighting to kill, and it was a memory she would like to forget.

Would war be like that time as well? Aria hoped not.

Arren boarded the troop transport and awaited her student, patiently meditating in her own thoughts. Aria appreciated the silence, Master Kae always seemed to know when Aria needed to share her thoughts or if she needed things to be quiet. Now was a time of quiet.

It thrilled her to see so many Jedi signing up with the Republic. There seemed to be masters who were enlisting as well, an outward display of defiance in the face of the high council’s decision. Aria wondered if it was her words that did it, or if certain masters were only coming for the purpose of protecting their padawans. Even so, it was better to have numbers than not.

Soon, Aria met Xeviiy, adding onto the list of Jedi who wanted to talk to her about the speech on Dantooine.

“Aria,” she said, “I like to think that if I didn’t do it, someone else would have. If you were there, who knows, you might have too.” Aria scanned over Xeviiy and the crowd and also noticed that Ken Grant was there amongst them. “Ken!” She was surprised. “I didn’t expect you to be here. Thought you would have wanted to live by the council’s decision, but maybe there’s more to you than I thought.” Aria glanced back and forth to Xeviiy and Ken. “Xeviiy, this is Ken Grant. Ken, this is Xeviiy. I guess we’re all going to have our backs out there. This is good, Ken is incredible. I don’t know many other Jedi other than my master who I’m comfortable fighting with me out there.”

Arren spoke from inside of the troop transport. “I do believe it’s time we set off to Cathar, Major. No sense in delaying.”