[i][b]"It is often the smallest gestures, the thoughtfulness in doing things that others might find meaningless, that show our truest qualities and make the largest impacts."[/b][/i]
[i]~ Unknown Jedi Master[/i]


The scene was thick with tension as the revelation that there was another like Kajex was laid bare. Silence remained between the two wolves as the mercenary struggled to find words, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. His entire life had been spent not knowing who or what he was, such that he had eventually given up interest in ever finding out- but things had changed.

After a minute of struggling, Kajex settled on the only real question that seemed to matter to him at the moment. "Do you... know what we are?" he asked hopefully.

Locke shook his head solemnly. "I wish I could tell you I do... but no. All I can say for certain is that you are the only other one of our kind I know of besides myself. That you would ask me that question suggests that the answer to it must be of some importance to you, correct?"

The mercenary paused, considering. If it was a question of the cost it would take to have that answer... "It's not that important. If you figure you can put a price on whatever answers you could offer me, I can do without," he said with a frown.

The Sith knight raised a silver eyebrow. "No? Not even if I were to guarantee that every one of these prisoners and their Jedi leader is given safe passage off this station? Their experiments on kolto and their effects can, I have no doubt, easily be pursued without their help, but [i]you[/i]..." he trailed off and stared directly into the mercenary's eyes. "You represent perhaps the only chance I possess towards answering my origins- and yours, no doubt."

Syrra growled, limping up behind Kajex. "And you think I would just let you take him?" she challenged, holding her borrowed lightsaber up- the albino wolf did not draw his, merely considering the Trianii carefully.

"If it were to safeguard your people? I should think a Jedi, more than anyone, would recognize the value attending to the needs of the many over the one."

Jurah called out. "I am not so selfish for my own freedom, to ask another to take my place!" Several other felines cried out their support, and the majority of them nodded to each other.

Locke frowned slightly. "Very noble of each of you. But you speak as if you had other viable options. You face no fewer than 30 blasters, armed with perhaps a dozen of your own. It would be as easy as telling my men to set their weapons to stun and opening fire to subdue each and every one of you, Captain Surnahm included- and then you would be no better off than before."

"One of us has died already, has given their life so the rest of us may escape." A few prisoners turned to see Olraa limp forward, her soft yet clear voice rumbling through the hangar as she stood next to Jurah. "I would rather join him in death than allow even one of us to remain a prisoner- even a non-Trianii whose only connection to us is his compassion."

Locke smiled. "As I said- very noble. If it [i]must[/i] be that way, I can arrange it, but I would rather it not come to that. And as for you, Padawan- I find it especially brave you'd consider dueling a far more skilled opponent in your injured state."

Syrra smirked. "You say that like I haven't noticed you're suffering from internal injuries."

The Sith knight inclined his head. "I concede that I'm feeling rather tender. Your friend here is to be thanked for that." Kajex said nothing in response, still scowling at his albino counterpart, who merely smiled back politely. "And I confess that part of my deal has much to do with not desiring a duel with you. As it stands now, the odds of you defeating me are clearly in your favor. In a healthy state, however... well with all due respect, I would easily cut you down, I'm afraid." He nodded to the mercenary. "But we're getting off-track. We have yet to hear from the man himself. The decision is his alone, after all."

"Well, as Syrra said," the gray wolf started as he regarded Locke with distrust, "the word of a Sith doesn't hold much weight to those of us who know any better. Don't get me wrong, I think you really do want to know more about... [i]us[/i]. Who and what we are, and where we come from. But beyond that? I don't believe for a moment that you'd let these prisoners go."

Another period of silence stretched between them as Locke regarded the darker-furred wolf critically. "How am I to earn your trust, then?"

Kajex shrugged. "Well, that's the million-credit question, isn't it. We're at a bit of an impasse; I can't trust that you won't gun down my friend and her people if I come with you, and you're hard-pressed to prove that you won't."

The Sith Knight nodded, disappointment in his features. "Then I suppose there's only one thing to do, then."

The captain tensed, already aware of how out in the open he was- even with Syrra by his side with an active lightsaber, it would not be enough against 30 guns.

"... Lieutenant. Order your men to withdraw and return to the barracks."

A visored soldier at the far right of the firing line looked up in bewilderment. "S-sir?"

"You heard the order correctly, Lieutenant," he repeated patiently. "This is how I intend to gain their trust. Have them inform any active engineers that our hyperdrive control chamber requires immediate attention, if they have not tended to it already."

Kajex traded an astonished glace with Syrra, who likewise seemed unable to believe what was happening. Whatever Kajex had been expecting the Sith wolf to do, it was not to leave himself completely outnumbered and outgunned. He could hear puzzled mutters from the prisoners behind him, matching the gray wolf's confusion.

Within seconds the firing line had marched off, save for the lieutenant- Locke raised an eyebrow and the lieutenant explained his presence. "Apologies, my lord- but I have my orders from Captain Holt."

Locke's brow furrowed. "Indeed. I'll have to reserve time to discuss certain matters with [i]him[/i] as well. For example- why he ordered our soldiers to shoot on sight when I gave explicit orders to not engage. Very well then." He returned his gaze to the mercenary.

"Why?" Kajex asked, trying to wrap his head around the white wolf's decision.

"Amazed to see a Sith back down, are you?" he replied. "The answer, Captain, is that unlike many other followers of Sith teachings or inept Imperial commanders, I actually give a damn about the lives that are lost under my command. It may be difficult for you or your Jedi friend to believe," he acknowledged, gesturing to Syrra, "but I assure you that I don't take needless slaughter lightly."

"That's a first, for a Sith," Syrra scoffed, still glowering at him.

"You'd be surprised, Jedi," Locke responded casually. "But all I wish, Kajex, is for you to agree to come with me. I can overlook the fact that you took the lives of a few soldiers because you did so for a reason- you were rescuing your friend and the prisoners. Moreover, some form of retaliation is to be expected. The lieutenant here informed me upon my arrival to this station weeks ago, that the previous station commander put nearly every Trianii that was captured to death before I arrived."

"Someone has to answer for that," Olraa growled. "Some of those dead were our family."

"And you have my sincerest apologies for that," offered Locke, head bowed solemnly. "It was a needless waste, and I've since had the commander executed for his actions. If the Remnant is to comport itself in any respectable way, it will not do so slaughtering innocent civilians- certainly not in regions in which it holds no jurisdiction. I'm not the only one who feels this way. There are many in the Remnant who are non-Sith that feel as I do."

"And what happens after?" the mercenary asked. "If I agree to come along and entertain you, what will you do with me afterwards?

"Afterwards...?" The Sith knight seemed to consider this. "I suppose once we've talked, I'll just... let you go. Return you to the embrace of this Jedi who seems so fond of you."

Kajex stared at him. Every perception he had about the Sith and the Empire was not reflected in the figure before him. He glanced at Syrra, hesitating as she caught his look, then took a step towards Locke.

It was the only step he had taken when hangar exploded in light and fire.




If he had blacked out, then it had only been for a matter of moments. The first thing he saw when he opened his eyes was the floor- the blast had knocked him face-first into the deck. He picked his head up, seeing the Sith Knight spread eagle some several meters away; beside him, the lieutenant staggering to his feet and reaching out to the injured white wolf; turning his head he saw Syrra, her stolen lightsaber deactivated and a deep gash across her forehead. He shook his head, trying to clear the spots of light in his eyes, watching with dim interest as flecks of blood were thrown from his muzzle.

He crawled slowly to Syrra's side, glancing back at where the prisoners had been- most were still on their feet, but a few of them were bleeding, bearing minor wounds. Jurah was staggering on unsteady feet towards the both of them, Calya on her hands and knees. Kajex returned his attention to his lover, shouting out her name as he got to her- he could barely hear his own voice, ears still ringing. She did not move. Panic start to set into Kajex as he struggled to roll her on her back, the Trianii stirring only slightly.

Sound steadily returned to him as he tried to pick her up, but Jurah had reached him and forced him back down, pointing outside the hangar. Kajex followed his finger to the stars beyond and gaped- outside the hangar was a Republic-class Star Destroyer, trading fire with the station's outer defenses. A stray shot must have breached the hangar's magnetic field, Kajex realized- sure enough, he spotted a tremendous hole near the lip of the hangar bay, still glowing from the shot.

He felt a paw grab his coat and saw Syrra struggling to sit up, wincing in pain and holding her side once more. She was hurt, but now very much conscious. He grabbed her wrists, getting to his feet and helping her up as his hearing returned to normal- alarms were blaring once again, a panicked voice announcing the attack needlessly. He released her once Jurah reached her side and helped support her again, stooping to pick up the lightsaber Syrra had stolen and sprinted past Locke, sparing a concerned glance to him as he punched in the codes.

"Everyone get in the [i]Roulette[/i], we're flying out of here. Syrra, take the captain's seat and warm her up, just like I taught you!"

"Kajex, wait- the mag-clamps!" Syrra pointed to the 4 magnetic braces still holding the [i]Roulette[/i] suspended a few feet in the air.

"Just get in, I'll take care of it!" Another explosion had rocked the hangar. "And get that Republic warship's attention on the comm, tell them to cease fire!"

Most civilian fusion cutters would have failed against any active magnetic ship clamps, yet Kajex was unsurprised when he activated the vixen's lightsaber and tore through the first restraint, cutting slowly and thoroughly through the durasteel plating and circuitry beneath it. A dull hum above his head signaled to the captain that the [i]Roulette[/i] was powering up, just as he reached the second restraint. He looked back, eyes falling on the troop lieutenant as he dragged the unconscious Sith Knight across the hangar. Kajex felt a spreading relief as he saw that they were safe.

A flash of light and another explosion- the wolf's blood ran cold as another turbolaser shot splashed inside the hangar and tossed the lieutenant and Locke into the air, the pair rolling across the hangar like rag dolls and stopping next to one of the empty cargo containers that had once been in the [i]Roulette's[/i] cargo hold- Kajex barely noticed that most of the few belongings on his ship had been removed, now scattered around the hangar, only registering that fact as Locke lay still next to the smoking remains of the red and black chair Aarn had allowed Kajex to take.

Horrified, he quickly slashed the second mag-clamp and deactivated the borrowed weapon, sprinting as fast as he could across the hangar to where Locke still lay. He ran past Syrra, who had limped back down the ramp, shouting to Kajex in confusion as he moved beyond the ship. The lieutenant seemed to be in enough a good shape that he had crawled back to the knight, looking up warily as Kajex approached. Without a moment of hesitation, the mercenary grabbed Locke's upper body and hoisted him back- the lieutenant supported the knight's legs as they shuffled back into the corridor that Kajex and the prisoners had used minutes before.

Locke was stirring, eyes opening slightly and looking up at Kajex. "What... happened...?"

Kajex breathed out, relieved the knight wasn't dead, though he couldn't quite understand why. "The cavalry arrived."

"Cavalry...? Ah... New Republic support, I take it..." he winced. "I suppose this means you won't be staying after all." He smiled ironically.

For reasons known only to himself, the gray wolf's heart sank. "No... I guess not. I, ah... I've got a girl to get back to, and I don't want to find out if she's the jealous type. But I hope you believe me when I say that I feel bad for leaving you hanging."

The knight grabbed his wrist feebly. "A question."

"What is it?"

"Did you trust me?"

Kajex hesitated. "To not harm me, and to let me go after we were done?" There was a pause as he considered his answer. "... I think... yeah. I was ready to trust you."

Locke smiled warmly, letting go of the other's paw. "Then... that will suffice for now. It is my hope that we'll see each other again." He heaved, coughing up blood, his white chin and neck now stained with red. "Preferably under more... [i]amicable[/i] circumstances."

Kajex nodded, looking up to the lieutenant. "Make sure this guy gets out of here alive. He might be Sith, but... I'm not interested in seeing him dead." The lieutenant nodded. "Do that, and maybe we [i]will[/i] see each other again," he said softly. Glancing at the weapon in his paw, he offered it to the injured knight. "I think this belongs to your apprentice. We left her alive- I'm giving it back to you and [i]hoping[/i] that she doesn't use it to hurt my friend in the future."

Locke laughed painfully, wincing again as he took the lightsaber. "No promises, I'm afraid. She may yet be set against us, though I assure you she will only be my enemy through circumstance- as will you." A pause, another smile. "No hard feelings."

The mercenary couldn't help but smile. "Fair enough."




Syrra stood at the foot of the ramp, heart racing as Kajex rushed to the fallen knight's side. A part of her feared that it would get him killed- another understood why he was doing it, and despite her trepidation, her respect for Kajex was keeping her rooted to the spot. She felt that she would have killed the Sith if she were in his boots, but she had enough personal reservations after Locke's chivalry and respect that even she wasn't completely sure she would.

But the situation was still dire- communications with the Republic warship were being jammed, and Syrra was still trying to hail them via wireless headset. Every second Kajex was out of the [i]Rushin' Roulette[/i] was a second the warship was still firing- the hangar was now littered with burning pieces of shrapnel, machined ship parts and rubble. All the prisoners were on board and cowering throughout the ship- the wolf was the only one left. "Kajex, we can't stay! I can't get the Republic on the comm, if we stay any longer they might blow this place with us still in it! We still need the other two clamps removed!"

The wolf was already back on his feet, sprinting for the ship, but something caught his attention to the right and he stopped short, ducking towards patch of flame and stooping to pick something up.

Before his actions could even confuse her, another blast shook the hangar, a turbolaser blast piercing the mag-field and exploding against the ceiling. A deep squealing sound could be heard, followed by a thunderous snap as a massive support beam and part of the ceiling above it came loose, right above the kneeling captain- he was looking up, seemingly frozen in place. She watched, completely helpless as the beam swung from the ceiling, gouging into the hangar deck and bending out of shape, twisting and snapping as it collapsed directly on top of him.

"NO!"

A blast of smoke obscured her vision and emergency lighting activated, blocking any sign of Kajex from her vision- but she felt a tremendous wave of pain radiating from where he had been moments before. Limping towards the debris as fast as her injuries would allow, she starting crying out his name falling to her knees as she struggled to search for him. That every action she had performed to safeguard his life could be swept away in a moment was impossible to her- she refused outright to believe he was dead. Flames licked at her jacket and robes as she shuffled into the wreckage reaching in to touch some part of his body, some sign that he was still intact.

A bloody, trembling paw reached out and took hers.

The smoke cleared just enough for her to see Kajex beneath the debris, bleeding badly from several deep lacerations- below his left hip, a jagged piece of durasteel jutted out; below his right knee, his trousers were torn, an open-wound fracture poking out from his flesh. The beam had him pinned immovably to the deck. He stared at her sadly, saying nothing, but she could see the look of tired defeat in his golden eyes- eyes which during their lovemaking moments danced with life and joy that made her smile; eyes that were now filled with loss, vulnerability and pain, the eyes of a man ready to give up and die.

"... I'm going to get you out of here," she whispered, fighting back her tears.

Kajex winced, shaking his head. "There's no way..."

She shook her head, refusing to hear any argument, "No... I didn't hide you away just so you could die on me. You're either coming with me, or we're both dying here."

"Don't be... a fool, Syrra," he breathed, though his grip on her paw tightened. "You have to get your group out of here, now," he pleaded. "Just leave me behind and go..."

But she was already pulling at him, tears streaking her face as she tried to extricate her lover from beneath the debris. He would not budge, even as she used every ounce of strength trying to draw him out of the wreckage. Hope seemed to drain out of her spirit at a rate matching her plummeting endurance. She stopped. Rather than expend what little strength remained trying to pull him out, she drew in closer to him, trying hold him in her arms as she wept. The wolf brought his arms around her and squeezed her gently, eyes closed as they both awaited the inevitable.

The wreckage above them groaned violently. Syrra braced herself, waiting for the moment when the rest of the ceiling would fall upon them and crush them.

It didn't come.

A rush of air whirled around them as slowly, almost impossibly, the massive scrap lifted into the air, the environment surrounding them brightening as the hangar's emergency lighting system shone red on them. Syrra looked up, watching as the debris shifted in the air and off to the side, dropping to the floor with a tremendous crash many meters away. She searched around for an explanation, anything that would elucidate what had happened. Her eyes flicked to a distant corridor, and she found her answer.

On the other side of the hangar, leaning heavily on the troop lieutenant, Locke had his paw raised, a half-lidded expression of concentration on his features. His head drooped slightly for a moment, paw dropping back to his side as the enormous toll it must have taken on his severely injured body caused him to nearly pass out. Weakly, his head lifted again, staring directly at Syrra.

[i]Take him home.[/i]

Syrra stared at him. [i]...Why? Why would you save us...? [/i]she asked.

Even from the other side of the hangar, she could see Locke smile. [i]He did the same for me. You spared my student. I know what it's like... to fear for the ones you love...[/i]

A wave of understanding washed over her. It was difficult to decide at that moment how she felt about the Sith Knight- but her next thoughts were sincere all the same.

[i]Thank you... so very much...[/i]

[i]You haven't much time left- go![/i]

She growled, trying to find the strength to move again, but before she could summon the energy to get up, strong paws lifted her back to her feet. She looked up, seeing Olraa staring back down, still injured but very much alive; behind her, Jurah and Calya were hurrying, both of them taking Syrra from the towering Trianii Ranger and helping her back to the [i]Roulette[/i], while Olraa lifted the injured captain into her arms and hobbled behind them.

"Get me to the cockpit..." she groaned as they clambered up the ramp. "And tell everyone... to strap in."




The lieutenant watched carefully as the group returned to the vessel. "They've taken cover inside," he informed the gravely injured knight. When he did not respond, the officer firmly rocked the Sith. "Sir?"

Locke opened his eyes, looking weary but pleased. "Oh... excellent."

"They're still locked in place," the officer noted, as the ship began to struggle against the two remaining magnetic clamps. The Jedi seemed to be intent on pulling the vessel free.

Locke chuckled softly, the chuckle quickly turning into a violent cough- he expelled more blood from his muzzle. "I still have... another trick to offer..."

He reached for his belt, withdrawing his lightsaber and igniting it, a deep, royal blue blade of light extending from the handle. Holding it horizontally at arm's length, he released the handle, concentrating on the Force- the weapon did not drop to the floor, floating midair for only a moment before whirling in the air rapidly and speeding towards the [i]Rushin' Roulette[/i], flying above the vehicle and slicing through the clamps that held her down. The restraints buckled, then tore loose from the ceiling of the hangar as the ship sailed out of the hangar and into the void, just as Locke's weapon returned to him, the blade deactivating as it landed in his grip.

The two stood silently, watching it speed away until it flew beyond their ability to see it clearly. Locke shifted slightly. "...Tell me again, what was your name, Lieutenant?"

The officer unclipped his visor, letting out a breath before throwing it off and running a hand through his short raven-colored hair. He turned his attention back to the injured knight, and it was here Locke's eyes widened in interest, noticing immediately that the near-human officer that held him up possessed no eyes.

"Miles Lohess, my lord." Even without eyes, the soldier could see through the Force that the knight was staring in mild interest. "I know. Not exactly the kind of station you'd see from my kind, is it?"

Locke groaned, but grinned at the Miraluka soldier. "Don't be absurd- who am I to question another man's life choices, particularly the choices of a man who saved my life?" He stiffened slightly, standing a little straighter. "You could have shot the captain."

"I value my life- and as it happens, I agree with your decision," Miles replied. "What are you orders, sir?"

"Leave me here, go to the detention block and locate my apprentice. Bring her to me. Inform Captain Holt... to jump into hyperspace as soon as we are able- I suspect the warship will only be able to pin us for so long." Miles set the Sith knight down in a sitting position against the corridor wall, then rose and bowed, starting to move away. "And another thing..."

"Sir?"

"When everything is back in order... or at least as much as can be after today... I should very much like the opportunity to speak with you- about Captain Holt's ineptitude... and your commendable loyalty."

Miles nodded, allowing himself a small smile. "As you wish, sir."




"Republic vessel, this is Jedi Padawan Syrra, copilot of the [i]Rushin' Roulette[/i]- cease fire immediately and deactivate your gravity wells, I have Trianii civilians onboard this ship, over!" No response- Syrra's headset hissed with static. She was still within a kilometer of the asteroid base. "Republic vessel, do you copy?"

A turbolaser glanced off the portside shields, jostling the ship violently.

Leaving the station had been simple once the overhead magnetic clamps had been destroyed, but repeated attempts to reach the warship had gone unanswered. The Republic ship had activated its gravity wells the moment they had exited the hangar, locking the ship's nav-computer and preventing any attempts to jump to hyperspace, and was now trying to focus its fire on the [i]Roulette[/i].

Olraa had taken the copilot's chair, checking the ship's systems. "Your captain's vessel has already repaired its communication systems- the base must still be jamming our signal. Give it a moment, cub, we'll be out of range soon."

Syrra's heart was hammering hard enough that she could barely remain calm even as she tried to maneuver the vessel out of the warship's fire. She kept glancing back every few moments, down the cockpit corridor, nerves riding on a hair-trigger. They exploded as she heard a tortured howl echoed through the ship- she jumped out of the pilot's chair, starting to make a run for the lounge, but a pair of strong arms wrapped around her.

"You cannot go back there," Olraa stated calmly.

"He needs me!" Syrra cried out in response, trying to wrestle out of the much larger feline's grip.

"And you will go to him, after you have safeguarded our lives. You are our only liaison with the Republic- they will listen to a Jedi, even a Padawan, but you must remain here."

Syrra continued to struggle, but exhaustion was already setting in- everything that had happened in the last 2 hours was wearing down on her, such that it seemed that her arrival on the station seemed like a lifetime ago. A burst of static on her headset caused her to freeze. Silence hung in the air for seconds as more warship fire battered the vessel's sturdy defenses.

Before too long, a powerful female voice burst into the channel. "Unidentified vessel, stand down! We will not hesitate to target and destroy you if you don't cut off your approach!"

Syrra jumped back into the pilot's seat as anxiety washed over her. "Republic vessel, this is Jedi Padawan Syrra of the Jedi Praxeum, currently piloting the [i]Rushin' Roulette[/i]- cease fire immediately, there are Trianii civilians on my ship, do you copy!?"

There was a pause as Syrra's nerves tingled, waiting for a response. The turbolasers stopped and she released a breath she hadn't been aware she was holding in.

"Padawan Syrra? This is Captain Ryse of the Republic Cruiser [i]Lightscreen[/i]. Jedi Master Luke Skywalker received your transmission and had us scan the hyperspace vector you sent us- we detected the station coming out of hyperspace 2 hours prior. What is your status, over?"

"[i]Lightscreen[/i], I have severely wounded civilians on my ship- unless you have a medical bay capable of supporting at least 20 people, I need you to lower your gravity wells and allow us to jump to Ekibo! I have family that can tend to their wounds!"

There was a pause. "Padawan Syrra, the station is continuing to make attempts to jump to hyperspace. If we lower the interdiction field, it'll bolt the moment that you do." Another pause. "We're here on Master Skywalker's request- we're to comply with any order you give us. You assume responsibility for the station's escape if we drop the field, do you copy?"

Syrra grit her teeth, almost prepared to shout obscenities, until she felt Olraa grip her shoulder. "Steady, young one. You must reign your fear in and take control." The larger Trianii's calm expression and soft, deep voice seemed to pacify the Padawan's anxieties. She breathed out and started again.

"Captain Ryse, lower the gravity wells. Let the station escape, its destruction is not a part of my mission. It'll be my tail on the line- the welfare of these civilians... and my friend... is my top priority, over."

There was another, longer pause as the Trianii waited- the lack of firepower did nothing to sooth her still-jangled nerves- until they could get medical attention for Kajex, Syrra felt like she could find no peace.

"... Padawan Syrra, we have lowered our interdiction field. You're clear for hyperspace- good luck." Sensors on the pilot's console confirmed her report, the navigation system no longer locked out.

Syrra nearly passed out from the wave of relief she felt hearing the response. "Thank you, Captain Ryse. Setting a course for Ekibo- give our regards to Master Skywalker, tell him to expect my return after I've recovered." She closed her eyes, speaking more to herself than to the captain. "May the Force be with you."

Syrra's temporary co-pilot turned her attention to the navigation systems. "I can take control from here, cub. I am not new to piloting a starship. You should go to see your mate, now."

Syrra winced, but smiled weakly. "He's not my mate," she replied.

The former Ranger cocked her head curiously. "No? You were ready to fight a well-trained Sith Knight on his behalf to keep him out of captivity. You were ready to die alongside him rather than leave him behind to his fate," Olraa said, smiling softly with a warm glow in her eyes. "Perhaps you should ask yourself; if he is not your mate then what is he to you, that you would be compelled to do such things?" The Padawan found herself unable to reply, the question stunning her. But it seemed Olraa did not need her to answer, as she returned her focus to the nav-computer.

Syrra staggered slowly down the corridor, bracing herself against the wall as the ship lurched, the rushing vibration of hyperspace flowing along the ships hull. When the vessel was steady again, she continued, limping into the lounge. Over a dozen Trianii were spread out throughout the lounge, a few of them laid out on the deck, injured but stable, while others did what little they could to mend their wounds. The Jedi couldn't understand why they weren't using the few bacta canisters the [i]Roulette[/i] still possessed, until her eyes fell on Kajex.

When he had taken the gut-shot only 4 days before, there had been blood- not enough that it would have made him pass out, but enough that Syrra still cringed every time she thought about it. But now she could hardly believe he was still moving, albeit barely, with the deck slick with a pool of his blood as he lay on the lounge's only couch. He had been stripped bare like the last time, his longcoat and the rest of his clothes set aside, looking less like apparel and more like a mound of red rags- next to it, a giant shard of durasteel Syrra recognized as being the piece that had been embedded in the wolf's thigh.

She steadied her breathing as best she could, limping to the wolf- Calya and Jurah was tending to him as best they were able, their paws red with the captain's essence. Once she was near, Jurah looked up, his face grave. "He has lost a lot of blood, though that goes without saying... he may also be suffering from internal bleeding."

"Will he...?" she choked out, unable to finish, dreading the answer.

"... I cannot say for sure, Syrra. I'm sorry. Even bacta has its limits when the time frame is so limited. He needs surgery." He cleared his throat, standing. "Apart from the bleeding, he has a compound fracture in his lower right leg that needs to be adjusted- if it becomes infected, it will have to be amputated. The shard of durasteel completely shattered his left femur, and can't be healed with bacta without an alloy support connecting the remaining shards. And we still need to determine if he's hemorrhaging internally, which given the trauma he suffered is very likely." He paused, looking away. "I wish I had better news to give you."

Syrra felt cold, trembling as Kajex looked up at her. "Can I speak with him alone?" Jurah and Calya said nothing, choosing to nod and move away. She crouched next to the wolf, putting a paw on his chest. He took her paw, smiling- the expression confused and scared her.

"Syrra... do me a favor."

"Anything," she said without a moment's hesitation.

"If I die..."

Her blood ran cold and she felt weak at the words.

"... bury me in a hole big enough to fit the [i]Roulette[/i] in."

She stared at him, silent, eyes wide. He grinned- and she coughed out a shaky laugh. "You... cheeky son of a bitch..." She leaned in, nuzzling into his chest. "How are you feeling?" she asked gently.

"All things considered... I could probably still die, but I really don't think I will," he said weakly- but as they stared into each others eyes, she could see that glint of joy and life once again. It was all she needed to see to know he would be fine. "I'm sorry I left you hanging back there... if I'd hurried, this probably wouldn't have happened." He grimaced slightly, shifting his position. His other paw was clenched tight- the Padawan could tell he was in a lot of pain despite his reassurances.

"Why did you linger behind?" she asked, feeling the stirrings of confusion and crossness.

Kajex smiled warmly. "I saw something on the hangar deck and I grabbed it. They took almost everything that was mine off the ship... I figured... you probably wanted this back."

He turned her palm up, raising his clenched fist and sliding a small, blue jewel into her paw.

She stared at it, shaking as hot tears blurred her vision and rolled down her face- it was the sapphire Iaora had given her at the beginning of their journey. "Kajex..." she said slowly, smiling despite her tears, "... why? Was it... really worth risking your life?"

Kajex nodded, still smiling. "I know what it's like to value something a parent has given you, that you'd do anything to hold onto it." He lifted a paw to his pendant, the gold and orange gem glinting within the silver disc.

She leaned in and kissed him, the wolf reciprocating weakly. Eventually, after nearly a minute she broke off, snuffling slightly and wiping her face. "We keep this up... one of us is going to die trying to save the other. That can't be healthy," she said, nuzzling him.

"If this is going too fast for you... what's going on between us..." The look on his face told her he would wait, slow down for her, but she had her response ready.

"Of course it's too fast- and it's going fast in the direction I want it to go," she said, smiling wide.




Knight Locke only ever felt suffering worse than he was currently experiencing in his life, as an apprentice to a cruel Sith Master- that same pain had forced him to learn the ancient Force art of Crucitorn, the disconnection of self to nullify his physical agony. Despite this skill, he had required the aid of both Lieutenant Lohess and Keris to reach the station control room, which was buzzing with activity as the staff hurried to give and take reports or monitor damaged and undamaged systems. Before him stood a tall, corpulent, smooth-faced human in an officer's uniform, glaring at the Sith Knight as if his very presence was an offense. Locke only smiled back politely.

The aged officer looked him over briefly, though his expression was enough for Locke to know that Holt was only interested to see if the Sith would soon be dead. "You said you wished to speak with me, [i]sir[/i]," the captain intoned.

"I do, Captain. I want a status report detailing where we stand with the base and our personnel," Locke said evenly, his head drooping slightly.

"I will debrief you eventually." He waved to another man. "Lieutenant, escort our Sith guest to the infirmary and--"

A nearby control panel exploded out of nowhere, seemingly for no reason. Locke raised his head and smiled again at Holt- his eyes, however, were cold. "This will not wait, Captain. You will give me a status report. Now." His tone was pleasant, despite the dark shadow that lingered in his silver-blue eyes.

Holt seemed to hesitate, looking at the destroyed console screen and clearing his throat. "Very well." He drew himself up to full size, easily towering over the white wolf. "Our static defenses are almost completely destroyed. Several levels throughout the base have suffered hull breaches, but our crews have mitigated the worst damage. Our hyperdrive remains intact, and we have modified the system so that it no longer requires the control chamber's console to operate from here. 2 shuttles have been destroyed, one has suffered minor damage, but the remaining 3 were untouched during the attack. We have taken a total of 132 casualties from a combination of the Republic's interdictor warship attack, the escape of the Trianii scum, and the sabotage of the captured ship's escape pod. The Remnant has been contacted and a Star Destroyer will arrive within 3 hours to further assess our situation."

Locke nodded, eyes closed as he listened. Once Holt had finished, he looked back up, his smile fading slowly. "Tell me something, Captain. Why is it that you only [i]now[/i] have a handle on the situation, when only 2 hours ago you needed me to offer you guidance?" He raised a paw. "No- guidance that you [i]rejected[/i]. How do you excuse your ineptitude for this entire incident, justify the choices that you've made which have led us to this point?"

The captain looked flustered, outraged at the words. "You--! How dare you imply that I--"

Locke cut him off, no longer smiling, his tolerance for this excuse-laden mule nearly depleted. "Enough. Keris relayed my orders to run a thorough scan on the captured vessel to a squad of troops moments after she sent another to escort the Jedi prisoner. Lieutenant Lohess tells me you belayed that order and returned them to their post, despite having enough available engineers to do so."

Holt glared. "The ship was secure and the Jedi was taken prisoner- there was no need to scan the vessel for--"

"--A saboteur," Locke finished coldly. "One that successfully infiltrated our base, disabled the use of our hyperdrive and coordinated the ambush of 8 men and a trained Sith apprentice, in turn leading to the escape. One that might have been apprehended if you had followed through with my command." There was a tense pause, the wolf's eyes glowing with anger despite his impassive expression. "And worse, none of this would have occurred if you had not been in a hurry to capture the vessel in the first place when it inadvertently triggered the ion asteroids. I'm told [i]you[/i] gave the order to jump to their location to capture them."

"They had discovered out operations, what was I expected to do?!"

Locked growled softly. "Exactly what I had ordered you when you told me that the ion asteroids had discharged and disabled a ship in the process- [i]nothing[/i]. We already had the prisoners we needed in order to investigate their research as well as a general outline of their experiments- we lacked the details, information we could have obtained if we had simply waited for the Remnant to contact us again. Because you defied my order to stay, it was easy for both the Jedi and the saboteur to recognize our operation as being a part of the Imperial Remnant. By jumping to their location, you caused the base to expel Cronau radiation and give our position away to a Republic warship- the Republic is now aware that we are knowingly operating in the Wild Space Region. Their attack, which has taken the lives of over 100 soldiers and technicians, is the result of your inability, or more accurately your unwillingness, to follow orders from your superiors."

The Captain's mouth opened and closed wordlessly, trying to voice the obscenities he wished to use. " You dare call yourself my superi--"

"Spare me your remonstrations!" Locke snarled, glaring back at the captain. "I will take responsibility for my own failures in this incident, just as I expect every other man and woman on this station to reflect on and acknowledge their own errors. You, however... you alone wish to be absolved of your mistakes, born out of a desire to defy me and my masters."

"I'll not be talked down to by some damned dog, collared by a cult of superstitious nonsense!" Holt yelled.

The albino wolf's face was contorted with rage, baring his teeth while his neckfur bristled. "Your last act of defiance," Locke continued quietly, "involves my orders to report the location of the prisoners as they were moving, and to not engage them- and my order to bring the saboteur to me alive. I gave you these orders [i]directly over the comlink[/i], Captain! Because of your disobedience you nearly had the saboteur, this Kajex Surnahm, killed in a firefight, forcing him and his allies to shoot down several soldiers- soldiers who were directed [i]by you[/i] to engage at will and take none alive! Had Lieutenant Lohess not been in charge on the deck and demonstrated his loyalty, they would have ignited a firefight between the Trianii prisoners and our soldiers, causing even [i]more[/i] unnecessary casualties! Their [i]blood[/i] is on [i]your[/i] hands, Captain- and instead of acknowledging the stains you bear, all you wish to do is [i]wash them[/i]!!"

Not a single staff member was speaking by this point- all eyes were turned to the Sith Knight and the captain, nobody daring to say a word lest their rage be inflicted on them. Holt seemed to be at a loss for words- not out of shame, but outrage. Locke glanced at the silent men and women, his expression softening as he saw fear in them. He staggered forward, addressing them.

"How many among you would consider yourselves loyal to the Imperial Remnant?" he asked evenly. Heads turned to each other in confusion and trepidation as they considered his words- one by one they all raised their hands. The wolf nodded. "How many among you defied my orders by listening to your captain?" There was a hesitation among them. "Please. I implore that you be honest with me." A handful of them reluctantly raised their hands.

"What do you mean by interrogating them like this?" Holt sneered.

Locke ignored him. "Thank you. Now, how many here heard the transmission from the Imperial High Command, the very day that I arrived, that any order that I give supersedes any order on this station- even those given by Captain Holt?" All of their hands shot up in response, even Lieutenant Lohess'.

"This has gone on long enough!" bellowed Holt, stepping forward and bringing his face within an inch of the wolf's. Keris drew her lightsaber, but Locke threw his arm out warningly before she could activate it and she stepped back, looking furious. Holt paid her no heed as he continued to roar into Locke's face. "I was assigned this post as a replacement for my predecessor based on my credentials! I expect to have any orders I issue to be followed [i]without question[/i], no matter what literal son of a bitch your damned Sith cult decides to send to supplant my command!"

Regardless of Locke's even tone when he had addressed them, the command staff seemed to shrink away from the knight as he turned his eyes to them. "I'm certain by now that it's very clear to the staff who is in charge, and why. You are relieved of your command, Captain. An officer who is incapable of following orders is ill-suited to give them."

Holt roared, lashing out with a giant fist and landing it directly into Locke's midsection, causing the knight to stagger back and kneel in pain. This time Keris did activate her lightsaber, but it was the lieutenant who waved her back as Locke blocked Holt's overhead hammerfist blows, catching both wrists in his paws easily.

The scene changed rapidly. Holt moved as if to pull his arms out of the knight's grip, but jerked violently, his expression turning from rage to a wild fear. Locke looked up at his attacker with his ears folded back, a fanged, murderous expression on his muzzle. Violence and pure animosity were apparent in the deep growl that rumbled from his throat as he started to stand. The command staff watched in fear as what appeared to be an electrical discharge coursed between both men's hands- a discharge that was blood red in color. Holt started to moan in horror as his legs buckled. "Wh-what are you... doing to me?!"

"[i]Retaliating[/i]," the wolf answered simply, hatred etched in every crease in his face. He was no longer hunched over as if injured, but standing tall and strong. Holt started to scream, writhing as Locke continued to draw out his life force rapidly. The staff backed away, some turning their eyes to spare themselves the sight- Lohess' expression was grim, yet he said nothing. Keris had lowered and deactivated her weapon, watching in fascination as her master finally brought the captain to his knees.

Once he had knelt before the Knight, Locke let go- a thin vapor of smoke was rising from where he had grabbed Holt's wrists, which were now smoking and bleeding as if the flesh had been seared and stripped. Holt fell over, gasping and blubbering, holding his hands up as if to shield himself from the Sith he had attacked.

Locke breathed in deep, feeling fully rejuvenated, staring down at the captain in complete disgust. "I could easily have this incident reported to the Remnant. They would gladly charge you with treason and leave the details of your punishment to my discretion- there are more than enough witnesses here to confirm that you attacked an injured Sith Knight and spoke poorly of the Children of Syn. I [i]could[/i] end you right now- and I assure you, Holt, that it would be the [i]furthest[/i] thing from an easy death."

Holt looked up fearfully, too scared to move.

Locke sneered. "But I won't. As I told Captain Surnahm and his friend, the Jedi Syrra- unlike [i]you[/i], I actually give a damn about the men under my command. Even disloyal sacks of excrement such as yourself are not exempt. You'll live so that you can know the shame of your actions, and all that it entails- and so you can serve as a reminder to others of what happens when one fails to take responsibility for their actions."

He turned to the command staff, which cowered back reflexively as he looked them over. "None of you will suffer any punishment for following this officer's orders over my own. He suffers only for attacking me. I will not waste my Sith training by abusing those under my command simply for not agreeing with my orders. But I will take issue with those who blatantly circumvent them for no other reason beyond petty dislike, moreso if those actions lead to unnecessary damage or death. Am I clear?"

The command staff stood at attention and saluted in unison. "Yes sir!"

Locke nodded. "Very well. Continue with repair and keep me up to date with casualty reports. Inform me when the Remnant Star Destroyer arrives. And someone get this sniveling mess into a prison cell." He turned his attention to Lohess just as a pair of troops rushed to escort the still-blubbering former captain out.

The lieutenant stepped forward. "Permission to speak fr--"

"Miles, as far as I'm concerned you can say whatever the bloody hell you want and I would be fine with it," Locke said with an affable smile.

"Thank you, sir. I just want to say that I'm impressed with your style of command. It reminds me of Grand Admiral Thrawn."

Locke bowed his head. "I'm glad you agree. Now, as I said, I wanted a moment a speak with you- and as I no longer require a trip to the infirmary, this seems as good a time as any."

"Sir?"

"I read your record after you demonstrated your honesty to me when I first arrived- an impressive combat record and advanced training in reconnaissance. I was actually disappointed some fool thought it useful to post you here, wasting your talents. I apologize for not keeping your name in mind after that point- I wasn't expecting you to be a cut above the average, and I'm glad to be wrong. I'm certain there are many people throughout the universe that possess your qualifications- but very few, I think, who would go out of their way to save another man's life. Rest assured that I will recommend you for a Medal of Valor- safeguarding a Sith Knight's life is not something easily dismissed."

"I... thank you sir," Miles said in surprise.

"I also wish to ask if you might be interested in serving under me in a more... [i]direct [/i]role."

Miles paused, then shook his head. "I'm sorry- I have no interest in any sort of Force training. I'd like to remain a soldier."

Keris stepped forward, smiling. "He already possesses a student," she informed him evenly. "You misunderstand- he wishes for you to serve as more of a guardian role."

"Quite right, Keris. I have use for skilled individuals as yourself- and in the coming weeks, I expect I'll need a capable field operative and assistant." He paused. "If you would prefer not to, I would still be more than happy to aid you in being reassigned to any field in the Imperial military that you wish."

The Miralukan looked between the both of them, beginning to smile. "Well then... I guess I'm interested. Tell me more."
