"[i][b]I did not mean to draw comparisons between Katarr and Malachor… my homeworld still exists. It is… intact. The planet was not destroyed, it remains… it orbits, dead in space, but nothing lives on its surface. It echoes, but there is no one left to hear it.[/b][/i]"
[i]~Visas Marr[/i]



Cold. It was a sensation Locke was still unused to. Cool, he could handle; chilly was fine; frigid was acceptable. But the cold he was feeling, the cold he always felt when forced to kneel before Inquisitor Voyde, was a sensation he felt he would never be able to condition himself to ignore. The robes and armor he wore would have felt stifling anywhere else, but here, he might as well be naked and his fur shorn for as cold as he felt. He had, in the past, called Voyde a frail old man; a buffoon; an ignorant fool; sightless; inept. Yet for all the insults, Locke didn't dare forget the power the Sith Inquisitor still possessed. Shrewd, cunning, cruel, and completely ready to sacrifice his pawns.

The dull hum of the Star Destroyer's engines only added an ominous tone to the environment as he stared at Locke, the wolf keeping his head bowed. Lately, the wolf had minded his tone, bit back his comments and obeyed every command he was given. But now, by his hand, 2 Jedi were dead, their bodies still warm as their lifeless corpses lay before him. He had been commanded to do it to 'demonstrate his loyalty'.

He had done it to save a life, instead. And yet shame and self-loathing still filled him.

Voyde sat in his throne-like chair, grinning at the wolf- it was a grotesque expression, one that twisted his face and revealed the monster beneath the frail exterior. "I feel it, apprentice."

Locke closed his eyes tight, holding back a whine.

"Your... [i]guilt[/i]. Your self-loathing and shame."

The wolf said nothing. The last thing he wanted to do was open his mouth or eyes, knowing what might happen if he did.

"... For all your skill in lightsaber combat and Force ability, and for all your cleverness, you have always been... lacking." The Inquisitor stood. "I have kept you only because of those brief moments where you show that you are not beyond hope. It has only ever been those moments when I have completely dominated your will, that you have truly shown your uninhibited prowess and potential- capable of the darkest feats of bloodshed I have ever seen, slaughtering whole towns of innocent..."

"Stop..." Locke whispered hoarsely, ignoring the consequences of talking back.

"In those moments, you have become the ideal Sith, Knight Locke- the one who strikes fear into your foes and causes their blood to freeze before you spill it." He stepped away from his seat, slowly striding down the steps to where Locke knelt and the bodies lay. "To display complete mastery of the dark side and demonstrating absolute power... perhaps Palpatine would have done well to take you as his ideal apprentice, instead."

"Stop it," Locke said, a little louder. Tears of rage had formed in his eyes.

"But now... I am far prouder of you than I have ever been, my apprentice," Voyde stated mockingly. "You have made great strides. For this time, I didn't need to dominate your will in order to convince you to murder two unarmed Jedi."

"[i]SHUT UP!!![/i]"

It happened in a matter of seconds. One moment Locke was kneeling, snarling in rage and anguish; the next he was flying through the air with his lightsaber drawn and ignited, aiming a lethal strike at Voyde's head with a strangled battle cry; a moment later, he was repelled, thrown in the opposite direction as tendrils of blue energy coursed through his body. It was a torture he'd been subjected to frequently over the last 15 years, and even know, it was still torture. Locke writhed, howled as agonizing, unadulterated pain assaulted every nerve and organ in his body- and while this happened, Voyde cackled cruelly.

It was over eventually. Locke could never tell how long such torture lasted- it might only be a few moments, or a few minutes. It didn't matter, as the result was still the same; the wolf remained curled up on the floor as his body gave off smoke, the smell of burnt fur and ozone wafting through the air as he whined and moaned from the high-energy treatment. He felt like crying out for somebody, anybody, to help him and get him medical assistance.

"But nobody will come, my apprentice," the inquisitor said mockingly. Not even in his own mind, was Locke safe anymore. "One such as you has done far too many misdeeds, taken far too many lives, to be granted a 2nd chance. Not even your Jedi friends would ever find it in their hearts to forgive the atrocities you've committed."

"S-shut up... you f-fucking..." Locke wheezed, still jerking every few seconds. The last thing he wanted to hear was what Kajex, Syrra and Talrik would think. He knew what he'd done was intolerable, even to them. He had complied. Unwillingly, perhaps, and under the threat of his own apprentice's life- but he'd still complied.

He could feel Voyde staring at him, eyes narrowed. "I could end it all right now, you know. Take your life immediately, toss your body into the vacuum of space and let you suffer whatever eternal torment you believe awaits scum like you."

"I wish you would," Locke admitted, pain still keeping him from moving. "But then nothing would stop you from torturing or killing Keris and Miles..."

"So you believe you alone are the only thing that stands between them living or dying? My poor, misguided student... you seem to be laboring under the delusion that their lives [i]haven't[/i] been hanging in the balance until now- that I don't possess the means to end their miserable lives at any moment of my choosing." Voyde cackled again. "Don't misunderstand- a whore though she may be, you've taught her well. But compared to the rest of the Children of Syn, she's merely an insect at this point, easy enough to crush under my finger."

"You... don't you fucking... dare..." Locke growled, finding enough strength to stir, his paw still clenched around his lightsaber.

"Silence, whelp," the Inquisitor commanded casually. With the flick of his wrist Locke went flying again, slamming into the wall with bone-fracturing force and falling into a coughing, groaning heap on the floor. The wolf tasted blood in his muzzle, coughing and feeling a trickle of it dribble down his chin. He raised his head just enough to see Voyde return to his seat.

Voyde's cruel eyes gazed at the injured Sith Knight. "Killing you would be far too easy for you, and it would not solve my problems. You see, for all the Jedi we have fought and slain in the course of our efforts to regain the knowledge of Sorzus Syn, it is the trio you have failed to kill, and have in fact let live willingly, which has had the most negative impact." He leaned forward. "You get to live because these three trust you not to hurt them, which gives you the sweet advantage of having the knife they won't see at their back. Now, knowing you, you'll probably give them a chance to defend themselves- fighting with 'honor', as it were. And you'll probably even let one or two of them go and lie about how they escaped. Which, surprisingly... I'm fine with."

Locke looked up disbelievingly. Panting slightly, he forced himself upright, onto his hands and knees, eyes narrowed at his master. "What... is the catch...?" Locke asked distrustfully.

"I know you've spared Captain Surnahm repeatedly because it's apparent you are of the same species. Perhaps you think it some form of escape, that knowing you belong to a race of wolves means you don't belong to the Sith. It is a delusion, but one I'm more than happy to make you shatter on your own. To that end... it is him alone whose life you will take."

Locke growled weakly. "That... doesn't make sense, you bastard... there's nothing important about him, he's--"

"--More than you believe him to be, whelp. Unlike you, I bothered to find out as much as I could about him. There's more to him than you expected."

"Even if that... were true..." Locke struggled to breath, feeling as if his lungs were draining themselves of oxygen. "Why him? Why not... Syrra? What makes him so important... that he, above all others, needs to die?"

"Slay him, and I may tell you. Refuse, and your whore and Imperial aide will die. Do what you must to dispatch him- lure him into a trap, challenge him directly, I care not. Do what you will with his compatriots, they are of no concern to me as long as they don't have him as their leader." He raised a finger. "One more thing... when he's dead, you will find a pendant around his neck. You have seen it before, yes?"

Locke struggled to remember. Brief images of moments with his wolf kin accompanied the warmth of that temporary companionship as he struggled to remember the piece of jewelry. A memory from half a year ago resurfaced, when he had used the Force to see the saboteur on AS-303- a brown longcoat instead of a black one, he was armed and dressed not unlike many human smugglers, he bore no marks or flair to symbolize anything of whatever culture they belonged to...

… Except perhaps the small, simple jeweled amulet around his neck.

Locke's eyes snapped open. "I've seen it."

"Bring it to me. Do that, and I won't have your woman or your aide killed. Fail... and there will be no place in the universe they will be able to hide."

The white wolf stared at him. Deep inside, he knew Voyde would never honor that promise. But in the offer was a chance Locke knew he must take.

"... As you wish... Master..."





"Locke?! What's wrong, sir?!"

It had been a very long walk for the wolf, pain jolting through him with every step. A sensation not unlike breathing in molten steel filled Locke's entire right side, such that even his expertise in the dark side only numbed the sensation partially. He wanted to feel nothing but complete hatred for the old man, for hurting him like he did, and for demanding that he take the life of someone he considered a friend in exchange for leniency against the only 2 people in his life he had grown to trust deeply. But the hatred was diluted also by the fear that gnawed at him, fear of losing Keris; of having to murder Kajex; of failing to do so and automatically forfeiting the lives of Keris and Miles; of Syrra intervening and losing her life instead.

The shame of his actions, murdering two unarmed and restrained Jedi, did nothing to help. Before that point, he had killed 5 in a fair duel. It was his way, meeting them honorably and ensuring they did not suffer long. What he had been forced to do felt unclean, unworthy. To safeguard Keris' life, he was ready to do anything- even damn himself. So he avoided going straight to the star destroyer's infirmary, instead making a beeline for the hangar bay, where his ship awaited. He deserved that pain, to bear it for a while- but upon reaching the top of the ramp of the Scimitar-class vessel, his strength gave out and he had toppled into a heap.

Immediately, Miles had rushed to his side, looking grim as he rolled the wolf onto his back and looked him over closely. Locke was aware that he was using his sight through the Force to locate his injuries, wincing visibly as he scanned his chest. "You're in bad shape, Locke- two broken ribs, minor burns... what happened in there?"

Locke managed a weak smile. "I was... punished."

Miles frowned sympathetically. "That explains why Keris was in pain earlier," he suggested as he helped Locke onto his feet and supported him as they made their way into the ship's interior. "She seemed to feel you in danger, got a taste of whatever they were doing to you in there. Told her she shouldn't go to you or else they might try to hurt her, too."

"Thank you... Miles..." the wolf managed to groan softly. "You were right... her life would have been at risk." He whined as his aide helped him into a seat. "The fact is... we're all at risk..."

Miles sighed. "I know. At least 3 Sith or Dark Jedi have been keeping tabs on the ship since you left. They don't trust you- or me, for that matter." He paused, striding to a nearby medical cabinet and pulling out a few bacta and anesthetic injectors. "They stopped after the first few times when they noticed I could easily see them, but they keep trying to be secretive about their movements. No attacks, though."

"That will change soon, if I'm not able to follow through with my orders," Locke said. He raised a paw as Miles held up a painkiller injector. "Not right now... just the bacta."

"It's going to hurt like a bitch," Miles warned as he folded back a part of the wolf's robes and administered the dose directly to his side.

"Yes, well... it's no more than I deserved, Lieutenant," the wolf responded quietly, breathing deep. "Once you hear what our task is, I'm sure you'll agree." Before he could respond, the passenger hatch near the back of the ship slid open and Keris ran out, a look of fear on her face as she saw her lover in pain.

"What happened to you!?" she cried out, looking stricken as she knelt next to his knee and grabbed his paw. "I felt you in so much pain, I thought Inquisitor Voyde was killing you! I wanted t-to come to you and s-save you, but I..." She trailed off, tears having formed in her eyes as Locke rubbed her ears soothingly.

"Voyde was not hospitable today," Locke answered. "He doesn't like my recent performance, he's been... harsh, as a result." This was an understatement, as Voyde had been exceptionally cruel in how he had tortured Locke- for not all pain the inquisitor had administered necessitated bodily harm. "He's been stepping up his method of keeping me cowed, as a result. And... he's not as much hinted as stated outright that both you and Miles are at risk of his wrath."

"But why?" Miles asked, looking confused. "Over the last 6 months, you've collected some of the greatest prizes the Sith could have asked for, to further whatever their aims are. Granted... present company excluded, I wouldn't trust the Sith as far as I could throw them; but after the work you've put in and relics you've delivered, what reason do they have to target you?"

Keris stared at the wolf with a expression of dawning comprehension. "... This is about Captain Surnahm. I'm right, Master... aren't I."

Locke hesitated a moment, noticing the troubled look in the vixen's silver eyes. After a few seconds, he nodded. "Voyde hasn't forgiven me for sparing Kajex's and Syrra's lives back on AS-303. In the time they've been allowed to operate, they've managed to get away with 2 lightsabers belonging to revered Jedi Masters, a handful of useful artifacts which could have been useful for the Circle's kolto experiments, have disrupted a fully-funded Black Sun operation and in the process prevented a full-scale search for another useful relic, and have killed at least a dozen Dark Jedi and one Sith knight... not that I'm particularly unhappy about Ulfric being dead, but there you have it. He's been a constant disruption to the Circle's efforts... so now I, and by association you two, are tasked with ending his life."

There was silence from both of them. Miles stared at the wolf critically, regarding him with a serious expression; Keris looked apprehensive, unsure, perhaps even unhappy if the ears against her hair were any indication. The two cast glances at each other, and it was Keris that spoke first.

"... Do... do we really need to?"

Locke smiled. "You never did develop the killer instinct expected of a Sith apprentice, Keris... and for that, I'm glad. The last thing I would have you become is the monster I've already turned into."

Keris frowned, her green eyes lingering on the wolf. "You're not. What happened back then... it wasn't you."

"Yes, Keris... it was. It was my failure to resist Voyde's control, and my subsequent failure to turn away from everything that I've done and become. No matter how many times I try to act noble, to legitimize my actions... I'm no better than my own master." He swallowed. "20 minutes ago... I killed two unarmed, restrained Jedi. I beheaded them. My only justification for doing it is that it was their lives for both of yours. Had I not... you would both have been killed instead."

Miles frowned. "And so would you, and the Jedi prisoners as well, Locke. The alternative would have been a far worse outcome, without any forewarning. If you're telling us the truth, then you ended their lives as painlessly as possible instead of drawing it out- you were at least merciful enough to give them that. I don't believe for a moment that your master would have let them live if you had refused to kill them; just as I don't believe for a moment that you're a monster. Even if you were, not nearly on scale with the rest of these Sith."

Keris nodded. "You aren't. A monster would not have freed me from captivity on Nar Shadaa- it would have raped me and slaughtered me like a piece of meat. Because of you, I'm better now. Not... perfect, I know that..." she said softly, looking ashamed, "... but you gave me a second chance at life. It's harsh and cruel at times, but with [i]you[/i]...? There's a little warmth in it that I look forward to every night, a little comfort that helps me forget, at least long enough for me to sleep, what side we're on." She squeezed his paw. "If you were the beast you claimed to be, I would fear you. But I love you."

Locke found himself lacking words to express his gratitude and shame, looking away. "You deserve better."

"Fuck what I deserve- [i]I want you[/i]."

The Miralukan lieutenant nodded. "When I took on this assignment, I scarcely expected to become friends with you, Locke. Whatever else you may be, you've comported yourself as a good man, and I'm happy to serve under you. You've made tactical and moral decisions thus far I have been comfortable with- you would have served as an inspiration to your followers if you had been a commander in the Imperial Army. My loyalty is not to the Circle of Syn, or whatever machinations they've set in motion- my loyalty is to you. Not as an Imperial associate... but as a friend."

Locke smiled. "Thank you, Miles... for everything."

"Not at all, Locke," Miles responded, smiling back. "So... we know what you've been commanded to do. What are your orders?"





"2:25, kid, you're doing great!"

Talrik Lye grunted as he sprinted through the Jedi training grounds, vaulting over toppled stonework and rolling under half-opened hatches with his rifle in hand, quickly getting to his feet and raising the weapon. A movement to his left- he turned and fired once, sidestepping quickly and moving into the cover up a toppled pillar. The blaster bolt exploded against the opposite wall and he leaned out quickly, acquiring his target in a split-second- a lone, busted up battle droid with a training blaster. It had barely raised its weapon before its head exploded into shrapnel, completely obliterated by the fox's weapon.

"Keep moving, you're near the end of the course!"

Talrik took in a short breath and moved on- the course was specifically designed for Jedi, not Antarian Rangers, but the point was for him to show he was capable of keeping up. Though he had never personally run the course, he had followed Syrra's progress from observation points every time she decided to run it herself. Where the loose stones that Jedi were supposed to wrench out of the wall using the Force were a series of handholds leading up to a platform the led deeper into the ruins. He skipped half of it easily, leaping up part of the wall and kicking off of it, catching one of the upper handholds and hoisting himself up the rest of the wall quickly, jumping onto the platform and continuing.

Before long he found himself at a long hallway with a hatch at the end. Knowing full well this was a part of the course meant to test Jedi agility, sprinted forward, knowing he would never reach the door before it closed. That, of course, was not the point- the door shut before he was even halfway through, but by that point Talrik was already reaching for his datapad. 3 months of slicing practices with Kajex were quickly put to use as he hooked in and parsed through the terminal's basic security coding as quickly as possible.

His ear twitched- sound behind him caused him to drop low and draw his pistol as three remotes floated in through nearby windows. One shot blew the first probe apart; a second shot glanced off another and disabled it; the third probe managed to fire a shot that the fox sidestepped easily before he turned it into slag. Holstering the weapon with precise deftness he returning to slicing the terminal, managing to get through the rest of the code 10 seconds later. Stuffing the pad back into his satchel he moved through, keeping his rifle up as he jogged past more ruined stonework.

He saw the end, a pedestal with a lever attached to it in the middle of an open field, moving for it immediately. Before he was halfway to the platform, he heard the snap-hiss of an activating lightsaber, jumping and rolling out of the way as a blue blade slashed down at where he had been moments earlier. He glanced up to see Syrra charge at him, ducking a slash at head level and grabbing at her wrist, wrenching her weapon arm away long enough for him to trip her up. She hit the ground on her side, snarling in pain as Talrik stomped her elbow and forced her to release her grip on the energy sword. As soon as it rolled from her fingers he kicked it away and sprinted for the pedestal, wrenching the lever back.

"[i]TIME![/i]"

Talrik looked up.

"... 4:47:06." Matthias looked down from his observation point, grinning down at the Amaran- beside him, Kajex, his mother and his younger brother were standing with expressions of pride painted on their features. "25 seconds slower than our best operatives... and 2 minutes [i]faster[/i] than every other candidate here today. If anyone had any doubts that you could be a Ranger, you put them to rest."

Talrik could feel the grin on his face. "Thank you sir," he panted, relaxing and leaning against the pedestal. He turned to Syrra, who was back on her feet rubbing her arm, but otherwise looked satisfied as she approached, her lightsaber floating back to her paw. "Sorry about having to step on your arm like that," he offered sheepishly.

"Forget it," Syrra said warmly as she hugged the fox, "it was a good way of getting me disarmed properly. You really did great, love, I'm proud of you."

"That makes two of us," Kajex called from above, looking down from the observation wall with his arms folded. "You did incredible, Talrik- really raised the bar for new recruits. I mean not that I didn't think you'd do so well, I've seen how you work, but you showed everybody here what you're capable of."

"What happens now?" Talrik asked the Ranger Captain.

"You're finished- no need for any more 'testing'. You were the last one to run the course for today, but as you've already passed you're clear to have the rest of the day to yourself. You can check in with the armory to pick up some gear if you'd like- Master Skywalker mentioned you might be sent out soon on another mission."

The fox nodded, watching as Kajex climbed down the stonework to meet up with them. "Either of you two hungry?" the wolf asked. "Noodle bowls are on me!"





"So, what d'ya think Luke is going to have us do next?" Talrik asked through a muzzleful of noodles, vegetables and meat, as their eating sticks clattered into their bowls. "Things have been a little quiet for us lately, it's almost unsettling."

Kajex nodded, swallowing his food before answering. "I managed to get a word with him as you two were heading out to the training grounds. He's worried- Children of Syn sightings and rumors have been popping up in multiple places and only 2 or 3 followers have been captured. Doesn't help that he's had to divide his attention between the Circle's shenanigans and the Black Fleet- I know a lot of Jedi have said they'd help him out, but... I get the feeling he wants to stay out of this one, or his sister is making him stay out of it."

Syrra leaned back, frowning as she chewed thoughtfully. "Personally, I'm ready to get into the thick of it, shut this operation of theirs down. I don't like some of the reports I've been reading, when I consider everything we've learned."

"Like?" Talrik asked.

"We told you about the kolto experiments, right?" The fox nodded. "One of the things Jurah was investigating was the effects of a particular stone, the Healing Crystal of Fire. He told us about how kolto reacted to it and essentially became a solution to cheat death- brought a crushed ship pest back to life even after it'd been dead for a day. And the more I think about it, the more I get unsettled- what if these dark siders and Sith are trying to find a way to use that research to bring back Sorzus Syn herself?"

Talrik's eyes widened. "Is that even possible?"

"You didn't hear about the Disciples of Ragnos Crisis last year, did you?" Kajex asked, to which the fox shook his head. "I read up on it maybe a couple of weeks after I came here with Syrra. It was a cult that was made up of Empire Reborn scumbags, looking for a way to bring back a Sith Lord named Marka Ragnos. He died some time before the Hyperspace Wars, but he had lived a remarkably long life for a Sith and was especially renowned for his swordplay. The Disciples of Ragnos came across an artifact that belonged to him, the Scepter of Ragnos, which had the power to drain Force energy from certain 'hot-spots' throughout the galaxy. Their goal was to siphon as much of this power as they could, imbue their followers with the energy to become more powerful and corrupt them to the dark side, and then pump as much of it into Marka Ragnos' corpse and bring him back to life. Crazy thing is... they pretty much succeeded, though Ragnos only came back as a tangible phantom shortly before being defeated and entombed again."

Syrra nodded. "I'm wondering if they're getting the same idea here. Marka Ragnos was renowned for his combat ability and control over the Force, like you said- the Disciples tried to bring him back using his scepter, which also held his war sword. The Circle, on the other hand, is focused on kolto and Force artifacts, which to me sounds like Syn's interest in Sith alchemy being used to potentially bring her back. And the idea of an ancient Sith Lord creating bioweapons to use against the New Republic is... pretty damn scary, actually," she said with a shudder.

"Yeah, last thing we need is a buncha zombies running around the galaxy and infecting everything they bite," Talrik agreed. "Not like it could happen, but then again I've heard some messed up stories about creepy bioweapons experiments. I wonder if Sith alchemy was what gave them that idea in the first place."

Kajex looked between the two, sighing as he finished his food. "Hey, c'mon- let's not talk about this anymore. This is supposed to be a good day, right? Talrik kicked some ass showing new recruits how its done and we've pretty much got a day to ourselves- we should be trying to party, shouldn't we?"

Syrra grinned. "That's what Card Night is supposed to be for," she reminded him. "But I get what you're saying. So, as long as we have another 6 hours before people start dropping by to lose their credits... should we take ourselves to the showers, or do you want to stick to the bedroom?"

Talrik chuckled. "As nice as that sounds, I'll pass. I'm feeling pretty tuckered out after that run earlier, I'm gonna get a nap in before you fire up the sabaac table, if you don't mind."

Kajex smiled, ruffling the fox's hair. "Fair enough, we'll wake you once people start coming in. Guess it'll just be me and Syrra, then?" he asked, licking Talrik's muzzle.

Talrik nodded, licking back. "Yeah- I don't mind, you guys haven't had much time with each other lately, you should get back into it." With a long, whining yawn and a strained stretch, he got up to his feet. "You guys have fun, alright?"

"Rest well, love," Syrra said as she kissed his cheek, purring as the action was reciprocated.





"Hon...? Are you okay?"

The wolf looked up at Syrra. He had been drifting off, shoulders slumped and staring into the distance, feeling apprehensive, uncertain, even a little afraid. And like always, he knew Syrra would latch on to these worries, ask him what was on his mind. He knew he could let it slide, close his mind off through years of mental conditioning so she would never know when something was bothering him- and thus sever the connection, the bond with a woman he loved and wanted to hide no secrets from, save one. If nothing else, it gave him comfort to know she was always ready to hear what was on his mind, always ready to talk.

She smiled. "That is what is known as 'devotion', Kajex."

The wolf managed to smile back. "You're getting good at reading me, kitten."

Completely nude, she sat next to him at the end of the bed, putting a paw on his bare leg. "I'm starting to think Locke was right, about us being bonded through action- and love. I only wish you were able to read what was on my mind... but then, you usually have a means of getting me to open up when you think I'm down." She nuzzled him. "Every bad day I've had since you've been in my life... hasn't felt like a bad day, to be honest."

He nuzzled back. "Hot chocolate tends to help. In most sentient races, the tryptophan found in chocolate causes a rise in serotonin, a natural mood lifter; which is meaningless if you don't have anything to be happy about. And for a long time, I didn't have much to be happy about." He kissed the side of her muzzle. "Not til you, at least. So... does that mean that we're 'right' for each other?"

Syrra cocked her head. "Before I answer that... what brought about you wanting to ask me that question in the first place?"

Kajex hesitated. "I... had a word with Master Skywalker, a couple of days ago. He didn't want to tell you anything unless he had my approval first. I told him it was stupid to want to have my opinion about your progress as a Jedi when he's the top dog around here, but... he insisted on having my opinion anyway." He took her paw. "He asked me if I thought you were ready to take on the Jedi Trials."

Syrra's eyes widened. "Does he think I'm ready?"

"He asked because he felt the time was approaching, yeah," Kajex admitted, a pang of guilt running through him as he saw the elation in her features. "When he did... I said you weren't ready, though... not yet."

The pleased expression disappeared quickly, replaced with worry. "You... don't think I'm ready to be a Jedi Knight?"

The wolf swallowed. "It's not that I don't think you're powerful or capable, don't get me wrong."

Syrra sucked in a calming breath and let it out. "You were assigned to be my instructor. If you have any sort of reservations, love... I'd like to believe they're good ones. So what is it that I'm missing?" she asked calmly.

Kajex paused for a moment, getting up and getting into the bed properly, putting his arm up on his knee as he struggled to articulate what he felt was needed. "I've read how long it takes to become a proper Jedi Knight around here- and how long one could expect for it to take in the past. Around here, it can take between one and three years- now, maybe that's just because Luke is a terrible judge of skill and character, and thus is too stupid to know who to knight and who needs more training... but I personally don't believe that for a second. I think he's an excellent judge of character and skill, and I think the people he's chosen as masters are definitely worthy of their positions. I think if he knew for sure you were ready, he'd tell me, and I think he's right when he suggests that you're getting close- just... not [i]quite[/i] there yet."

Syrra nodded. "Whereas in the past it could take decades to become a Jedi Knight, right?"

"Only because the training was so vigorous and intensive, yeah," Kajex acknowledged, still feeling nervous. "And it was also more restrictive and cloistered. The way Luke is running things is the way I think it should've been done back then. The Jedi were supposed to be at the service of the galaxy, but back then... I was alive back then, I seem to remember them only taking on jobs when the Republic itself wanted them to- and then you'd never see a Jedi outside the Temple ever again." He stopped. "I'm getting off topic- you asked me what it is you needed. And the answer is... you need to [i]not[/i] need me."

Syrra blinked, crawling up next to him. "I don't understand."

"I'll be clear, then," he said, putting a paw to her face and hoping he could relay what the issue was without angering her. "Every day we're out there, as much as I try to hide it, I worry about you. Talrik too. It hasn't gotten to the point where I can look at you and say 'she doesn't need me, she can handle this job just fine.' And I feel terrible for saying that. I'm not sure whether it's because I'm assessing your skills incorrectly, or whether I'm coming to that conclusion because I'm being blinded by my relationship with you, or whether you really don't have what it takes to handle things alone." He sighed. "Maybe I'm just scared of losing you... maybe I'm just holding you back because I'm afraid of losing someone close to me again."

Syrra regarded him sadly, sliding beside him and putting an arm around his shoulders, pressing her nose into her cheek. "Hey..." He turned, looking into her sapphire eyes. "If it helps... I don't think it's so bad."

He cocked his head. "No?"

She smiled. "The idea of being a Padawan for the rest of my life, just so you can stay with me indefinitely, training me endlessly while we share in adventure, drinking Corellian ale every night, intimacy throughout the week, playing cards on the weekends with good friends, and knowing I'm spending that life with the people I love the most? It's... not a bad dream to have, really." Her paw slipped into his. "Maybe a year ago, I would've kicked aside that dream for the opportunity to be a Jedi Knight, laughed in your face derisively for suggesting it. But now...? I'd be [i]completely[/i] content without it."

Kajex smiled, feeling more at ease. "You still have to grow, be recognized for your talents. I shouldn't be holding you back if I'm doing it just because I'm a coward..."

"Then I'll prove it to you," Syrra said, laying on her side and pulling Kajex down with her. "I'll get stronger. Earn your trust. Help you overcome that fear."

The wolf sighed, kissing into her neck. "I love you, kitten..."

She purred, smiling up at him. "I love you too. So why did you ask if we're right for each other?"

"Because I meant what I said about proposing to you when you're ready, and I want to know if you think we're far enough in this relationship for it. Because I think the answer is yes."

"And I agree," Syrra responded, love in her eyes.

Another kiss was planted into her neck and she purred again, laying back for her lover with her paws holding his arms- one paw left that hold as she felt the wolf shuffle, shifting his position so he could slide his right paw down her body. Their lips met, locked against each other as that paw caressed down her toned belly. Years of training as a Trianii Ranger could not reduce the fluffiness of her fur covering that firm area; nor, apparently, could it dull the pleasurable sensation of the wolf's fingers dancing against her vestigial teats. Even after half a year of sex with Syrra, his touch hadn't failed to stimulate that area, her stomach trembling and back arching as she moved into the motions receptively and letting out rich moans. He wasn't even all the way down to her nethers, and Kajex could see she was growing wet from the way his fingers circled around each sensitive nipple, the way he pinched at them playfully.

Syrra hadn't remained idle, however. She had moved one paw from his arm so she could begin to stimulate his sheath, rubbing the soft fur between the sheath-slit and his balls to coax his prick out of hiding. Her tender affections had an immediate affect, the tip of his length peeking out as if it were a creature timidly peering out of his den- more stimulation followed and his length began to pour out from the sheath, inch after inch of throbbing, hardening wolf dick obeying her touch and erecting itself as she squeezed around the base, drawing a lazy growl from Kajex. Beneath her fingers, she could feel the steady pulse of blood that engorged his prick with each heartbeat, her arousal mounting as it slowly reached its 10-inch fullness.

It wasn't long before she was pumping the flesh slowly, purring as she watched Kajex thrust into her firm grip and rubbing her palm into the surface of his turgid maleness. Her thumb grazed the tip, intercepting his precum and smearing it against his length, gradually creating a thin layer of natural lube against the head. When she paused, it was only because she had moaned out and writhed around when the wolf had reciprocated her ministrations, his large paw sliding down her bellyfur, past the fluffy pubic tuft above her clit and into her slick slit. Her hips reacted instinctively, raising up to meet the touch; her paw reacted reflexively, squeezing her lover's hard cock as she shuddered from the bliss that shot up her spine.

"[i]Hhnn![/i]! Kaj…" Her half-lidded eyes gazed up at him, her breathing remaining gentle as she moaned for him. He felt a tug near the corners of his muzzle as he smiled warmly down at her- he was glad she had kept her eyes relaxed and half-concealed by her eyelids, otherwise he felt he'd lose himself in them and forget to focus on her pleasure. Yet he remained dutiful, digging his digits into her cleft and testing the sweltering folds- they seemed to suck his fingers in, trying to draw them in deeper even as he attempted to draw them back. He grinned as her thighs closed around his wrist the moment he tried to pull his paw away, and it was this, more than anything, that he took as an indication that she was good and ready for him.

Yet he was not interested in simple missionary, as comforting as it could be. As soon as he was able to pull his paw away from the panting feline he picked her up, the Trianii chirruping in confusion as she was lifted into his arms, settling onto his knees. He pulled her into a kiss, his grip sliding her down his body and forcing her into a kneeling position in front of him, growling into her muzzle as her burning cleft caressed against his thickness. She moaned as she felt the shaft slide against her folds, failing to penetrate her while succeeding in stimulating her and fanning the flames in her heated loins, a perceptible heat washing over his prick as her crevices dripped and quivered with need.

He broke the kiss, putting his forehead against hers as the held each other. "Always wanted to try this position," he admitted as she used her knees to lift up and settle against him, the wolf using his own knees to leverage himself vertically against her. A groan escape his throat as she finally impaled herself on his length, an erotic glint in Syrra's eye as she seemed to deliberately drop herself onto his cock, gasping and mewling as she felt the tip snugly pressed against her cervix. The bump against her womb made her dizzy, forcing her to wrap her arms around her wolf lover's neck as she swayed backwards, rolling her hips into his body and grinding against him with need.

He responded quickly, thrusting up and counter-matching her movements as they began, Syrra lifting her hips up and sinking back down. The sensation felt new, different- being upright changed her perception even if the feeling of incredible pleasure remained consistent. She moaned, arching her spine and throwing her head back erotically as her ample breasts were thrust into the wolf's face. He needed only a glance at her exposed, vulnerable tits to be compelled to lean in and nip at them playfully, burying his muzzle into her chest as he continued to buck up into her, each thrust causing each breast to jiggle as the shock traveled up her body. He took a moment to position his nose in her cleavage, inhaling deeply and shivering as her natural scent, the aroma of her body, filled his senses. It was less what she smelled like and more that it was her scent, something to commit to memory with fondness.

The sound of their lovemaking was quiet, gentle, but not without sporadic cries of bliss as the Trianii bounced in the wolf's lap. The sound of the firm impact of her inner thighs against his hips was matched only by how much force she put into it, each blow causing the wolf to grunt as he jerked his hips upwards. He lifted his head from her breasts and made the happy mistake of looking into her eyes, immediately becoming lost in those wells of deep-blue sapphire. He could hear her moaning gasps, smell the scent of raw sex in the air and feel both the ache in his balls as they prepared a heavy batch of spunk in addition to the squeezing pressure of her inner walls fluttering against his hard cockflesh- yet none of that compared to the warmth in his chest that came when she stared back into his eyes. In however long their eyes were locked into that gaze, everything else seemed to fall away, nothing else seemed to matter but the lover they were holding. Those eyes told him everything- that she loved him, that she was ready to spend the rest of her life with him; that she would bear his children; marry him; grow old with him; fight with him; cry with him...

[i]… Die with him.[/i]

In that moment, Kajex knew he was looking into the eyes of his mate.

A sharp spike in pleasure brought them both out of their trance, Syrra mewling as she doubled over and leaned on the wolf's shoulder for support, gasping and whispering each time she descended down his prick. "G-gods, Kaj... breed me..." she mewled, rolling her hot crevice into his cock as she shuddered. "P-put a litter in me..."

Kajex groaned, the impossible thought of his mate's belly swollen and gravid spurring him on, compelling him to push the feline onto her back, laying her on the bed as he bore down on her, drilling his wolfcock into her sweltering folds repeatedly. Her arms clung to him and held him close as he attempted to fulfill her request, even if it was an impossibility. Nothing mattered more in that moment than to at least try, to show her he wanted it as much as she did. When his knot finally formed, he was already as deep inside her as he possibly could be, locked in place by the vice-grip of her vaginal walls.

Or so he initially thought.

Whining deeply, he pulled his hips back, desperately to keep thrusting, growling as Syrra's snatch refused to let him go without a fight. Yet after a few seconds struggle, they both cried out as he popped out of her crevice, Syrra writhing beneath him and yowling as if she had experienced an orgasm, Kajex yipping as the sudden release and pop accompanied an incredible wave of ecstasy in his prick. He grit his teeth, meeting resistance as he tried to reinsert the thick bulb of flesh into her folds, looking at Syrra as she struggled to get it back in. Another mewl sounded as it popped back into her depths, another whine as Kajex's endurance took a solid blow from the incredible sensation. He knew each time he kissed the knot against her netherlips, her clit was enduring incredible pressure from it.

And he did not stop. Minutes wore on as he continued to breed her, wearing her endurance down through knot-fucking. Syrra screamed and mewled as multiple orgasms rocked through her, her arms weakly wrapped around the wolf as hot tears of bliss ran down her cheeks. The ache in his balls had become unbearable, what little strength he had left ebbing away as he knotted her a final time. Her arms wrapped around his waist and prevent him from drawing away, the Trianii reaching up and cupping his cheeks- he lust-hazed eyes gazed into his golden eyes as she sent a single, telepathic message into his mind.

"[i]It's time."[/i]

His snarl was not unlike a roar as bliss tore through his loins, his cock throbbing and balls pulsing as he complied. There was nowhere else for his hot seed to go but deep into her fertile womb, plastering the chamber a pearly white in just the first jet. The second jet completely flooded the chamber, causing Syrra to gasp and roll her hips receptively, mewling and begging wordlessly for more. He complied, but with little space the left the third jet splattered out from around the seal of his knot and against his balls and both their inner thighs.

What little more followed after that was almost completely ignored as Kajex whined quietly, kissing the feline deeply as they held each other. It didn't matter if it was impossible to him- he'd try the rest of his life to give her what she wanted. He sighed into her lips as he felt her paw run down through his hair, breaking off only so he could resume catching his breath. When he drew himself away, he found himself staring down at the face of a sexually-satisfied Jedi padawan, the Trianii moaning delightedly as a paw caressed her belly gently. "If only..."

Kajex swallowed, his heart fluttering as the vivid image of a pregnant Syrra ran through his head. "If... there were ever a way to give it to you... I mean, if you ever... ever wanted to..." His ears folded back as he stared hopefully at her. "Not that I know for sure if there is, mind you, but... do you... would y--"

"Yes."

His eyes widened as he stared at her- but the look in her eyes told him everything, that she meant it. Her smile, the look of complete adoration- she didn't even need to say anything past that point.

"I would gladly be the mother of your children, Kajex Surnahm."

As he responded by lunging into her and kissing the laughing Trianii, sharing in affection and imbued with the spirit of a man who was ready to propose, he felt absolutely nothing- not Matriarch Bast, not the Sith, not even the end of existence- could ruin the happiness he felt.





"Everything is ready, sir," Miles said morosely, leaning into the cockpit and looking at the back of the white wolf's head. He sighed, hesitating for a moment. "... Locke, I need to object to this course of action- not as your aide, but as your friend. I don't agree with what it is you intend to do. And if Keris knew, she wouldn't agree either."

Locke nodded, sitting back in the pilot's seat and idly running a finger across the emitter of his lightsaber. "I know. That's why we're not telling her- all she knows it that we're leaving to fulfill this task. You understand why I'm doing this, right?"

"... No, Locke. I don't."

The wolf nodded, saying nothing for a moment, staring out the cockpit of his ship and out into the vast sea of stars. When he finally spoke, it was distant and sad, as if he weren't truly speaking to Miles at all.

"... When I first started out training to be Sith, you can imagine much of it was against my will. The way of the Sith is brutal, unforgiving... violent. It was traditional for a master to weed out the unworthy of their selections... but not personally. No, it was their candidates that were forced to do it, and though I may have been the favored candidate, I was by no means the only one, nor the youngest one. Voyde possessed several students that he trained simultaneously- about 20 in all. The oldest was 22, I believe, while the youngest was 7. And as was tradition, the harvest began after a year's end, when we were all given lightsabers and told to murder each other."

Miles strode forward, getting into the co-pilot's seat with a look of sympathy on his features. "Who was she?" he asked softly.

Locke shook his head sadly. "I regret that I never knew her name. She was a human, a very violent and angry one, but even back then, untrained, I was able to feel her pain, the source of her hatred and anger. She had been... violated. By her parents, or her kin, I think. I wish I knew more, wish I could have helped her... I wish the thing I remember clearly about her wasn't what it looked like as her head rolled across the floor... after I... murdered her," he said shakily.

Miles looked away. "Do you blame yourself?"

"I was 16 at the time, Miles; more than twice her age and older than three quarters of the candidates that had gathered then. I could have rallied them all together, played the leader, encouraged them to turn their weapons against Voyde. Even if it resulted in everyone's death, it would've been a better means of achieving freedom from him." Locke closed his eyes, pausing for a few moments. "But when the room was finally silent and the blood had stopped flowing... I alone was left alive, a testament to my skill- or my own personal corruption. She... she hadn't been the first life I'd taken in my life, but hers is the one I regret the most. I think that had been the trigger. Everything past that point, I remember clearly, but at no point do I remember controlling myself completely. I had killed 5 in a rage and grief I had never known in my life."

Miles said nothing, waiting for Locke to continue. How long the Sith knight had kept them to himself... Miles knew the answer- only Keris likely knew everything about him, and perhaps not even everything.

"My... 'success' ensured my survival, as well as me being eternally damned. I refused the first mission I was sent on- a cleansing of a Rebellion outpost on some backwater planet on the Outer Rim. Voyde had accompanied me and only laughed at my refusal, throwing me out of a moving starship above the outpost as Imperial bombers destroyed their vessels and stranded them. I had no support, no guns at my back to help me, but the rebels didn't shoot immediately. They gave me a chance to surrender. Which, after a fashion, I did- my will was surrendered to Voyde, my mind completely dominated by his orders."

Locke bent over, anguish on his face. "It was a slaughter. Every dark emotion in me, every fibre of hatred that existed in my mind, came into the forefront and fueled my assault. Everyone, everything died. Men, women, children and the infirmed. I don't even remember if I fought back, but I'll never forget the face of every person I murdered that day... all because I lacked the strength to fight back."

Miles swallowed. "But... how could that be your fault, Locke?"

"... Perhaps it isn't. But if, underneath all of this, that is all there really is, then there's no sense in me being anything else."

"... Locke, this is the first time you're choosing to be evil." He stood, regarding the Sith knight sadly. "If this, to you, is you only option... maybe you're right."

Locke smiled as a tear rolled down his cheek. "I suppose. So... will you keep to your word about Keris?"

Miles looked away. "... I swear, I'll do as you say. For you, Locke."





[i]Kajex.[/i]

[i]You know who this is.[/i]

[i]I need you. I need your help.[/i]

[i]I can't tell you everything... it's too dangerous right now... but I need your help. Syrra and Talrik, too.[/i]

[i]You're the only one I trust right now.[/i]

[i]Come to Katarr.[/i]

[i]… [/i][i]Please... I'm begging you...[/i]





He had been wrong.

He shot up in bed, cold sweat on his brow and gasping heavily as if he had outrun a stampeding rancor on foot. The tingle of the fur on the back of his neck standing up in agitation sent a shiver down his spine as his eyes darted around in the darkness, as if trying to locate the source of the words that had awoken him. Beside him, Syrra stirred, her eyes snapping open as she looked up at him. He swung his legs out of bed and sat at the edge, wiping his face as his heart raced.

He felt the bed move as Syrra crawled to him, her voice full of worry. "What's wrong, Kajex? Another nightmare?" she asked as she wrapped her arm around his shoulders and sat next to him.

The wolf shook his head. What he had experienced was not a nightmare, he was certain of that. He panted, trying to calm himself down, but he knew it was to no avail. "No... someone is calling out to me through the Force. Calling for help."

"Who?"

"... Locke."





"What's the plan, alpha?" Talrik asked as he sprinted out of the armory, carrying blasters and field equipment into the lounge. "Do we know what we're facing?"

Kajex shook his head as he started going through everyone's satchels. "He didn't say. I think he was being watched or followed, he seemed to indicate that it wasn't safe to articulate what was going on. But he didn't want me to come alone, he wanted you guys to come with."

Talrik frowned. "It could be a trap."

Kajex shook his head. "I trust Locke, kit. I know, it's fucking stupid- he's a Sith and we're on the Jedi side, it should be a trap, but... I don't believe for a moment he'd try to hurt any of us. Even if it is a trap, I don't believe for a moment he's the mastermind setting it up." He hesitated. "He's my friend, Talrik. I'd ask him to be a part of this pack if I knew he'd say yes."

Syrra squeezed his shoulder. "I believe you, Kajex. And I trust him too. If you think this is the right course of action, I'm with you 100%."

"Me too," Talrik said. "I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to suggest that Locke was behind this, or aiming to stab us in the back. I just want us to be careful."

The wolf nodded. "Okay... then here's what we're going to do." He looked to the Trianii Padawan. "Syrra, I need you to find anyone who was expecting to show up for sabacc night and tell them tonight is off, an emergency has popped up. Let them know that we're heading to Katarr and that we might need some backup- tell them to follow after an hour. Try to find Kyle Katarn and Corran Horn- they'll know how to handle the situation best."

Syrra nodded. "I'll be back soon, love." She sprinted toward the ramp and out of the ship.

"Talrik, get down to the Ranger armory and pick up a flechette weapon and concussion grenades. If we're expecting Sith involvement, we'd better at least be prepared. Tell them to coordinate with Kyle and Corran, and arrive at the same time they do."

"I'm on it. What about you?" he asked as he moved to the ramp.

"... I need to speak with Skywalker."





"... Do you still have it?"

"Of course. Did you need it?"

"... I'm afraid so."

"You are afraid, it's true. Can you handle it?"

"One way or another, I'll have to. For him, at least."

"..."

"What is it? Spit it out."

"You realize she'll know, after this."

"... Yeah, she will. I'm not ready for it, but then, I wasn't ready for all of this to happen, either."

"Will you come clean?"

"There won't be any point hiding it. I'll have to... regardless of the consequences."

"... Then here you are. May the Force be with all of you."





Kajex hadn't said more than a handful of words as they left. He had only bothered to check in with Syrra and Talrik before moving to the cockpit and lifting off. Sensing that he needed space to himself, Syrra had remained in the lounge, nerves on edge at this impromptu rescue mission. It was unlike anything they'd done in the past. At least with an official mission, they had resources to draw from, intelligence to make plans around and a specific goal in mind. But while Kajex had made it clear they were not going to leave Katarr without Locke onboard, there was next to nothing to say about what to expect about where they were going.

The only thing that came to mind was Kajex's story of the planet; of the genocide and devastation that took place during the First Jedi Purge; the lifelessness of the planet that followed, and the wound in the Force that had been left in its place.

[i]"[/i]Bran used to tell me that when events of enormous destruction happen, it leaves 'wounds' in the Force... that many lives in so short a moment, they don't just cease to be. They leave behind pain and suffering."

She swallowed. It was vague, and yet at the same time the sound of it seemed unsettling, terrifying. It was not merely how Kajex had described it, but the trepidation, the fear in his voice as he described it- something about the way he had said Bran had come back looking like a man haunted by something he'd fear for the rest of his life. It was not an exaggeration, not to Kajex.

The tension was enough that although she and Talrik shared many nervous glances at each other, they did not say anything either. She knew Talrik, like her, was ready to follow Kajex into hell itself, to die alongside him- and she could sense the fear in him as she wondered, as she did, whether that time had finally come.

It had only been 2 hours after leaving Yavin 4 that they came out of hyperspace. It was at that point Syrra felt it was safe for her to approach, walking slowly towards the cockpit- her footsteps were echoed by the Amaran, as they entered. The wolf did not look back at them, his eyes focused on the gray and brown planet before them.

"... Is that...?"

Kajex nodded. "Katarr. You can feel it, can't you, Syrra."

She whimpered slightly, shivering. She felt the Force flowing through her, but there was something wrong with it. She could perceive an irregularity, like a numbness that was simultaneously painful- akin to a dull throbbing sensation masking a terrible wound, such that her nerves felt like they needed to scream, though they were restrained. She hated it.

"... I feel it."

"And somewhere down there, our friend is in trouble," Talrik said. He looked to the wolf. "How are we going to find him?"

"Easy- I already know where he is," the wolf responded quietly.

"How—"

"Syrra, keep an eye on the scanners. We're on the right side of the planet, on the eastern continent."

"But—"

"Anything?"

She frowned at him, glancing at the scanner. "Nothing within range. No energy signals on the surface or within 100 kilos around us, and... I can't feel where he is. So how--"

"I'm bringing her in. Should be a city near the coast if I remember right. That's where he is."

"Kajex, have you [i]been[/i] here before?"

A few moments passed before he shook his head, his face bearing a troubled, distant look. "... No. Never."

His pause did not assuage her concern. "Did Locke show you where to land?"

Once again he shook his head again. "No. I just know where I need to go," he said simply. He said nothing else as they descended rapidly, the planet swelling as they approached, the ship jostling slightly from turbulence as they pierced the exosphere.

"Then what's going on?" Syrra asked, steadily becoming more agitated and angry. She wanted him to tell her the truth, and was close to shouting at him when he turned his eyes to her.

Only hours prior, she had looked into those eyes and seen happiness beyond words in his golden irises, a fire of life and wild joy that had made her heart sing and her mind feel at ease. Now it was gone. In its place was a dull pain, a sadness she had seen several times in the past, always in his darkest moments. She had seen it the first night they had made love, as she had focused on them, hidden behind the veneer of cheer and confidence- when beneath it all, they were speaking of pain, sorrow and immeasurable loss. The sight quelled her desire to shout at him.

"Syrra... I swear that when we reach the surface and find Locke... you'll know."

She didn't argue. She merely nodded.





It was haunting, seeing what remained of the planet. Beneath them they could see the ruins of the unnamed city as they drifted overhead. Nothing stirred on the surface. The vegetation was dead, likely petrified after so many years of lacking life. Structures were toppled over in some places, but much of the infrastructure was intact, even if non-operational. Speeders were littered through the rudimentary stone streets, skeletons curled over their dashboards or slumped over to their sides- or at least what looked like skeletons. They had not decomposed properly. It seemed that even bacteria and other organic life had ceased to exist, and thus their dried-out husks had been subjected to what little weather effects remained.

They reached the coast soon enough, Kajex having found a shelf of rock next to the ocean cliffs that overlooked an expanse of rocks littered across what was otherwise a half-basin formed of stone some several hundred meters long and about half as wide. Caves were gouged into the rocks beneath the and around the lip of the bowl. Somehow, Kajex had been right. Another vessel had landed on the opposite side of the basin.

And in the center were three figures. Even from so far, Syrra could see Locke's white fur beneath his black robes and armor.

Kajex stared out the viewport, his eyes on those three figures. "There they are," he said simply. He glanced at Syrra. "Are you going to be okay?"

She shook her head. "Something bad is going to happen, Kajex."

"... Probably," he acknowledged.

"I don't want you to die, and I don't want you to kill him."

The wolf sighed, rubbing his temple . "I don't want either of those things to happen, either. For now, they haven't done anything. Miles could have had a rocket launcher aimed at my ship, or Locke could have had the Imperial Remnant ambush us in orbit. I know he's being straight with us right now. Let's... let's just hear what he has to say, alright?"

Syrra swallowed nervously, but nodded. They both got up and made for the lounge.

Talrik handed them equipment as they headed down the ramp, the wolf locking up behind them. He nodded and they wordlessly started making their way down the half-bowl. There was a smell in the air, akin to that of a dusty tomb- a sickly, dry-like scent in the gentle breeze of the wind. Aside from the crashing waves below and the slight wind in the air, it was deathly silent, dead grass shifting stiffly and crunching into dust underfoot as they approached the Sith knight, his apprentice and his aide.

Doubt started to set into Syrra mind as they came closer. There was no charge, no acknowledgment between them from a distance once they were within sight. Her paw desperately wanted to reach for her lightsaber, wanted to grip it just so she wouldn't have to waste precious seconds drawing it. But Kajex had touched her shoulder, somehow catching on to her intention and shaking his head. She relented, though her nerves remained on edge.

After a few minutes of working their way past the massive boulders and stonework, they reached the Sith trio. There was no smile on Locke's face, nor on Miles' or Keris'. Syrra frowned at them all- there seemed to be shame in their features. Her eyes met Keris' and they stared at each other. She felt a gentle, scared whisper in her mind.

"[i]I'm sorry, Syrra... I'm so sorry.[/i]"

These words, spoken through the Force, scared her more than anything else in her life had ever done.

"So..." Kajex sighed. "We're here."

Locke nodded. "So we are."

"... Nice day."

"No, Kajex... it really isn't." Locke cast his eyes downward. "I suppose you're wondering why I called you down here."

Kajex nodded. "You want me to come here so you could kill me."

Syrra's head snapped into Kajex's direction, he eyes wide. "W-what?!" She felt pain in her chest as she looked to Locke. "Why?! Locke I... [i]why[/i]?"

He did not look up. "My master, Inquisitor Voyde, knows that I've been abusing a loophole. He told me I was to kill you, Kajex, and your followers if you should get in our way. I deliberately interpreted that at face value- at no point did I consider any of you three to be in our way. So he closed the loophole; gave me a direct order to lure Kajex in and take his life."

Talrik frowned. "That's not like you, Locke. I mean... dealing with us straight, yeah, but... you've never once tried to hurt Kajex."

Locke nodded. "I hate killing people. I've done so much of it throughout my life, I feel like I'm not meant for anything else. But with this order came a threat. My refusal would cost me the lives of both Keris and Miles. And while I regard all three of you as my friends... I'm sorry to say I place a higher value on Keris' life than on yours."

Keris looked away, tears running down her face. "I'm sorry, Syrra..."

The Trianii regarded her Sith counterpart sadly. "This wasn't your fault, Keris."

Kajex frowned. "That's not it, Locke. Come clean with me. What's the real story?"

Locked sighed. "I have no intention of hiding anything. I mean what I say when I say that I put Keris' life higher than your lives. I put it higher than mine. The truth is that Kajex is my only target. I was promised that his death would secure the well-being of both my companions."

"You don't really believe your master would uphold this deal, do you?"

"... I don't know." He glanced at Syrra and Talrik. "Which is why I wanted your pack to come, too. I'm not sure it's safe for either Miles or Keris to remain with me. In the event that I should die, I want you both to take them to Yavin 4."

Keris spun around, shock on her features. "What?!" she yelped. "You didn't... you nev-- WHY!?"

Locke turned his eyes to his lover. "Because Inquisitor Voyde will stop at nothing to hunt you down if I fail, my love. The Jedi Order will keep you safer than I ever could. With what you know, you could turn the tide, undo whatever they intend to do in the future."

"If that's your intention, why don't you just leave?" Kajex asked.

"Because it's too late for me, Kajex. Everything that you see in me... that's a cover. It's no more real than the dreams we have every night. Beneath it all is a grotesque, irredeemable, evil son-of-a-bitch who will always be a danger to the people he loves, and will always be on a leash."

"I don't believe that for a moment, Locke."

The albino wolf smiled sadly. "I appreciate you saying that, Kajex. But regardless of what you do believe... this is the choice I'm making."

Keris and Syrra looked at both wolves, at each other. Syrra could see the hesitation, the fear on the vixen's face. The Trianii stepped forward. "There's no need for this, Locke... we can help you, I know we can."

"With what?" Locked asked calmly. "Syrra... in the course of my life, I have killed 252 people. Men, women... even [i]children[/i]. My last two victims were unarmed, restrained Jedi, whose lives I was ordered to take to safeguard the lives of my companions for a little longer. I could have found another way, done something differently, refused... and I didn't. You have never, ever seen what it looks like when I surrender myself to the dark side. Something like that... it doesn't become erased without it killing you. As kind as your offer is, I know better. Redemption costs life. It did for Darth Vader, it did for the Dark Jedi Yun." He drew his lightsaber. "So I'm committing to an alternative choice."

Syrra stepped in front of Locke, anger surging through her. "You'll have to kill me first, Locke."

The Sith Knight shook his head. "No... I won't. Because Kajex is going to accept my duel... isn't that right?" he asked, staring at his gray-pelted counterpart.

There was a pause as Kajex stared back, before he nodded. "Yeah... I'm going to handle this, Syrra. Please step back."

Syrra turned to him, fear on her features. "He'll kill you, Kajex..."

The wolf managed to smile sadly. "He'll try. And I won't make it easy for him."

"But... what if Miles and Keris...?"

Miles stepped forward, putting his hand on the Trianii's soldier. "Ma'am... Locke gave me explicit instructions that neither Keris nor myself will harm either you or Talrik. And we will not intervene, either." He glanced back at Locke. "I don't like this any more than you do, I tried to talk him out of it... but he's made his choice."

The Trianii glanced at the vixen. "What about you...?"

Keris wiped her eyes. "I hate all of this. I hate this plan, I hate Locke for not telling me what he was going to do... I hate being a member of the Sith, having to hurt other people just to stay alive. I hate the idea of having to kill you, Syrra. I was wrong about you. You're a bitch... but I don't want to see you get hurt, and I don't want to try hurting you. If you find that hard to believe... I don't blame you. But I swear that I won't get in the way."

Syrra said nothing, trying not to break down in response. She turned to Kajex. "Why do we need to do this? Why did you bring us here if you knew he was going to try to kill you?"

The wolf shook his head. "There needs to be a conflict. This Inquisitor of Locke's will be expecting it. If he's powerful enough to sense Locke now, the way a master-student bond works, then more than likely he'll know if we try to fake it. Sith are masters of deception- they can see a con when someone is trying to pull one. It has to it least be legitimate... isn't that right, Locke?"

The white wolf inclined his head. "There is rarely a moment when he doesn't know what I'm thinking, when he puts his mind towards watching over me. Even now... I know he's in my head, trying to see what's going on. I struggle against it, but... there's little point now."

"Why don't we just [i]run[/i]?" asked Talrik, his ears flat against his head in anxiety. "This Inquisitor wouldn't hold it against Locke if we bolted and he pursued us, right?"

Kajex sighed. "I told you weeks ago, Talrik... I'm going to try my hardest to get Locke to come around. And this is probably the best chance I have."

Syrra swallowed. "I told you that if there was anyone in the universe who could bring around a change in Locke... it was you."

Kajex smiled. "I know."

She paused, swallowing. "If you're going to do this... you'll need this," she said softly, as she held her lightsaber out, offering it to the wolf.

The wolf stared at it for a few seconds. He reached out... and pushed her paw back. "I don't need it."

Syrra frowned, alarm and confusion setting in. "Then how do you expect to fight him, without a lightsaber or the Force?"

Kajex said nothing. His fingers drifted down his longcoat, pushing back the jacket and exposing his hip. On his belt was an aged, polished silver hilt with a brown leather handgrip. Her eyes lingered on the weapon, widening at the sight of the weapon gracefully sliding free from the belt hook as if guided by an invisible string, hovering gently into the wolf's palm.

She staggered back, dizzy from the revelation and finding it difficult to breath as he smiled blandly.

"I have both. I've [i]always [/i]had both, Syrra."

She dropped her weapon, watching as a bright gold shaft of light shot from his lightsaber.

"I'm a Jedi Sentinel."