raze_flyn

Disclaimer and Notes on Chapter One

The Training Camp
Chapter Nineteen
Jenica Maral

She emerged from the woods where she’d been swimming to see Master Nextor talking with Cadet Sho. Her curiosity got the better of her and she headed toward them. “Meditate on what I have told you and remember that it is your decision one way or the other.”

“Thank you for your advice Master Nextor,” Cadet Sho said and then turned toward her. “Do you need to speak to the Master Cadet Maral,” He said easily and she knew he would never tell her what he and the Jedi master discussed.

“No I was merely on my way back to the camp from a swim,” She said quickly. She watched as he gave her an unreadable look and then gave a nod of farewell to the Jedi. He began to walk away toward the area where the other students were just before the camp. “Do you mind if I walk with you?” She asked catching up with him.

“Not at all,” He said smoothly but she could tell something was on his mind. “I believe I may have been out of line my criticism of your relationship with the Jedi.” He gave her a stern look. “All right I was out of line and I appologize for it.”

“You are forgiven,” He said easily. “I can understand why you have those concerns even though they are unfounded.” He walked steadily with no hesitation in his steps. “No matter what my future career may be my actions here will not affect my life negatively.”

She felt a moment of foreboding at his word choice but she couldn’t figure out why. “You are not the least bit worried about your future carreer prospects?” She asked hoping to find out why his words filled her with such fear for him. “Surely you hope to be placed well when you take your vows of service.”

He looked as if he was about to answer her when they reached the area the others were in. She watched as his Jedi lover made excuses to stop talking to Master Codi and hurried over to talk to Cadet Sho. She wasn’t the least bit surprised when he took his leave with the other man leaving her alone.

She made her way over to Master Codi and asked, “What did Padawan Lasek wish to talk to you about?” She asked hoping it would shed some light on what was going on. She had a feeling his talking with Master Codi at the same time Cadet Sho was talking with Nextor wasn’t not a coincidence.”

“He was asking about his great grand father’s deeds,” Master Codi said with a smile. “I am a bit disappointed that Cadet Sho and Padawan Lasek believe I am that easily distracted.” He said shaking his head. “I suspect you have also noticed that Cadet Sho is not as invested in the Imperial Knights as he should be?”

“Yes, I have,” She said feeling a bit stupid that she had assumed Master Cod hadn’t noticed it. “I am worried that Cadet Sho might choose to leave the Imperial Knights when we return to the Academy.”

“That is certainly a possibility,” Maser Codi said shaking his head. “It is my hope that by the end of this camp he will have gotten any doubts out of his system but if not then while it will be a loss to the Imperial Knights none of you are irreplaceable.” He said looking away. “Do you know of any Imperial Knight who might be able to sway Cadet Sho’s affections away form the Jedi this is one of the first relationships I have ever seen him engage in?”

“No, as far as I know he has never gotten involved with any other Imperial Knights,” She said shaking her head. “I know he had a few relationships with civilians who lived near the academy but they ended quickly.”

“Then we will simply have to hope he makes the decision to stick to his commitment and becomes an Imperial knight,” Master Codi said with a sigh. “It is frustrating that we can do nothing else but that is life.”


“I understand master,” she said though privately she didn’t She could see why Master Codi didn’t interfere directly since it might push Cadet Sho more firmly to the Jedi’s side but there had to be other options. “I think I shall go speak with Master Nextor,” She said after a moment recalling something she knew was a major debate amongst the jedi.

“Do not mettle too much Cadet Maral,” the Imperial Master said. “It can often back fire on you and you should be focused on working well with your partner for the final test.” He said giving her a stern look. “I know you dislike being matched with a Ssi Ruuvi but she will not suffer any repercussions if you perform badly you will.”

“I know and I am doing my best to work with who I have been given,” She said knowing it probably wasn’t completely true. “I just have to ask Master Nextor one thing and then I will return to preparing for the final test.”

“Very well,” Master Codi said and dismissed her with a nod. She turned and headed back toward the direction she had come so she could seek out Master Nextor and ask him directly his opinion on attachments. They had come close during the first day at camp but the Iron Knight hadn’t revealed his actual stand on the issue. Perhaps the issue of attachments would give her some leverage to have a discussion with the Jedi Padawan that was the problem.

“Master Nextor, may I speak with you,” She asked once she had made it back to where the Iron Knight was. She was a bit surprised to see the Iron knight standing in the middle of nowhere but the Jedi had done strange things before. “I have a question about Jedi policies.”

“I will gladly answer any of your questions,” Master Nextor said turning toward her. “That is what I am here for to share Jedi philosophy and knowledge with anyone who asks.” She made a note about how that was phrased.

“I was wondering if you could explain something in detail to me,” She said choosing her words carefully. “I know the Jedi order has a long standing debate on how much attachment is allowed and I was wondering if you could explain why?”

“That old dragon is of interest to you?” Master Nextor asked after a moment. “The Imperial knights have no such debate as long as loyalty to the empire comes first there are no issues for you all.” She was sure he knew the real reason she was asking but he wouldn’t confront her about it.

“That is why I want to know,” She said once more doing her best to pick the right words. “I just want to compare how the Jedi view issues of relationships to how we Imperial Knights do.” There that was well done.

“Very well,” Master Nextor said sounding tired for a droid. “The debate has raged nearly as long as the Jedi have existed over how well one can serve the force while distracted by other things,” Master nextor looked away. “Attachments are also unpredictable as they can lead a Jedi down the dark path threw their inability to let go.” That sounded promising. “Of course they can also be a source of strength a way back from the darkness.”

“So are Jedi who have attachments more likely to fall to the darkside?” she asked curious if he would say as much. “Also master if I may ask where do you fall on this debate are you for allowing attachments or not?”

“There is some evidence that is the case though it is mainly in times when the order disallows attachments and they have no where to turn for advice,” The Iron Knight said still sounding tired for a droid. “However there is also a much better track record for someone coming back to the light in Jedi that have had attachments.”

The Iron knight began to walk away. “I believe attachments are inevitable and that to try to suppress or avoid them is foolish.” He turned back toward her. “I believe the Jedi order should prepare our students to deal with them in a healthy way and to be able to let them go when they have to.” He then turned back to look at her. “And now I have a question for you Cadet Maral.”

“Of course sir, what is it,” She asked falling back on protocol. It was expected that she treat the Jedi master like another of her instructors at the academy. She wondered what possible question the Iron Knight could have from her.

“How would you deal with your attachment to the empire if it suddenly wasn’t worthy of your respect?” The Iron Knight asked giving her a stern look. “I ask this because I have just recently received a report from the Jedi on this trade dispute between the Empire and The Hapes consortium.” He looked directly at her. “Both your Empire and the Hapans are being very stupid about things.”

“How dare you insult the Empire,” She said angrily and then saw the droid shake his head in disgust. “Do not pretend you did not mean to make me angry with that remark you knew it would.”

“Yes I knew it would,” The Iron Knight said quietly. “And you spectacularly failed to prevent your anger at the insult from affecting you.” He stepped toward her. “That is the danger of attachment which you are succumbing to regularly.” He stepped back and turned away. “You are so concerned with the Empire losing a valuable asset that you do not even consider what may be best for Rath Sho and the Empire..”

She stared after the retreating Iron Knight in shock and anger. She couldn’t believe she had allowed him to bait her that effectively. She resolved to have nothing more to do with any jedi except the one she had to work with for the rest of this blasted training camp.

To be continued...

REVIEW HERE

Disclaimer and Notes on Chapter One

The Training Camp
Chapter Fifteen
Tor Varga

“Do you have forest like this on Ossus,” he asked the Jedi he was currently walking with. His attempts to befriend his partner had failed but he had become quite comfortable around Kale, Swa-lu, and Mak. Another benefit was that he was now able to actually consider Rath a friend and not just the one he got along the best with of his fellow Cadets.

“There are some similar ones yes,” Swa-lu said as she ducked below a lambet crystal tree. “The vong created forest on Ossus however have merged with the remaining natural and transplanted plants from other worlds to create some differences.”

“This is as far as we can go,” Mak said as he came back. “There’s a sign warning folks to stay back the deadly vong plants begin at that point.” He recalled their masters informing them they were free to explore the forest but to stop and turn back if they saw those signs.

“That is another difference,” Swa-lu siad as they turned back. “The forest on Ossus were created initially as a test to heal worlds this was created as a barrier to keep people away.” She looked concerned he thought it was hard with Ssi ruuvi facial features. “I understand the final competition is a trek threw the forest to the valley,” She looked away. “I hope that it is safe.”

He wondered if her nervousness came from her partner. He couldn’t blame her it was easy to see that Cadet Maral did not like being paired with her and probably wasn’t the most reliable person to have around. “According to Master Nextor the event is as safe as possible and there are emergency communicators if you get in real trouble.” Kale said from behind him. “As far as I know in all the years this has been done there’s never been a serious injury or death so things should go fine.”

He privately shared Swa-lu’s worries his own partner was not the most reliable and even after a week of sticking to Imperial Knight training he still seemed not to take things seriously. If he was going to gamble he wouldn’t put money on his or Swa-lu’s chances to win the competition.

“I have to ask is all Jedi training so free form,” Rath asked suddenly. “I mean since switching the Jedi method we have been given a great deal more time to ourselves than you would ever see amongst the Imperial knights.”

“It’s because we are all nearly knights,” Kale said speaking up. “There are plenty of heavily structured classes for the students just starting out but when you reach a certain level it switches to more one on one with your master.”

“By the time you are ready to be knighted you debate philosophy a lot with the older masters before finally taking your trails.” Mak added in. “The more advanced you are the more your expected to learn and grow on your own.” He looked away. “We will all most likely begin preparing for the trails after this is over.”

“And after that we’ll begin being sent around the Galaxy as needed,” Kale said after a moment. “Not to mention choosing our own padawans.” He looked off into the distance. “That does worry me a bit having the responsibility of helping train another Jedi.”

“I don’t think that part will bother me very much,” Swa- lu said after a moment. He glanced over at Mak but he didn’t add anything to the debate. He knew that as a member of the royal family his duties would be different than the other Cadets but they would not be given as much responsibility as the Jedi for the next generation. “When do Imperial Knights receive thier first apprentices?”

“It can be a few years,” He answered honestly. “There simply aren’t enough cadets to go around for everyone to start out right away.” He shook his head. “Some of us might start teaching at the Academy immediately after Graduation but most will get body guard duty for one of the Moffs or their family”

“I’ll probably be assigned to one of my more important cousins or maybe given the job of watching over my Great Grandmother.” He really hoped he’d get one of his cousins he didn’t want to imagine having to be around his Great Grandmother the entire time. “I’m hoping for my cousin.”

“I think anyone would be,” Rath said as close to a joke as he’d ever heard form the other man. “I have no idea where I’ll end up.” He looked away. “My master has suggested I might end up at the Academy or I could be sent to Saijo as a recruitment tool.”

He didn’t blame Rath for not being happy at the prospect of being used as a recruitment tool. However, given how well Force Sensitive nagai took to Imperial Knight Training it was understandable that they’d want more recruits. “I’m hope you get an assignment you can live with,” he said. He didn’t ask the question he wanted to ask about how he was planning to deal with the upcoming separation from his new paramour.

“Guys, we probably want to turn another direction,” Mak said speaking up. “I smell Geela and that Cadet Quest up ahead and they aren’t meditating.” He glanced around and noticed that the others were starting to turn.

“You guys go on ahead I need to speak to Geela about something,” He said stepping forward. “I’ve been putting it off but I have to make sure that Silas told her about his relationship with my brother and now is a good a time as any.”

He saw them exchanging knowing looks and they veered away while he kept going. He made an effort to make his steps heavy so that they’d be aware he was coming. He wanted to speak to her but he wanted to avoid walking in on them mid coitus. “Hey Pal, Back off this spot is occupied,” Silas said as he approached. He could see that Silas still thankfully had his shorts on. “Oh it’s you I should have known.”

“Hello Silas,” He said and then turned toward Geela who was using Silas cape to cover up. “I just have to make sure that you are aware that Silas is involved with my twin brother in an open relationship.”

“I knew,” She said and then gave him a suggestive leer. “I didn’t realize how open minded you were Silas why don’t we let Tor join us for an interesting afternoon.” He stepped back in shock from the Khill woman’s suggestion.

“I’ll pass,” He said and made his leave ignoring Silas smirk and cat call that he didn’t know what he was missing. He was still sure Silas had no actual interest in men aside from the potential advancement of being married to a member of the royal family. He set off to catch up with Rath and the others.

He realized that in his haste he had gone the wrong way and would have to pass back by Geela and Silas which he was not going to do. He just picked a direction heading back toward camp and started going figuring he’d just head back to the barracks and meditate for a while. He was startled when he came upon Master Nextor holding a small cube.

“Cadet Varga may I help you,” The Jedi said placing the cube down on the ground. “I was just in the middle of updating my holocron.” He glanced over at it as he had never seen a personal holocron before.

“No master,” He said quickly. “I was on my way to the barracks to meditate.” He glanced back at the small holocron. “If you will forgive me master I have never seen a personal holocron before the Imperial Knights only have one large holocron.”


“Yes, the one at the Imperial Academy was made by a Jedi defector who joined the Imperial knights,” Master Nextor said shaking his head. “She eventually married into the royal family so she would be your ancestor.”

“Yes, my great grandmother mentioned her when she showed me the holocron once,” He said which had been an honor since most cadets didn’t see it until they were recording their vows into it. “She was proud of the fact that since it was built it has held the entire life story of every Imperial Knight who has ever lived.”

“Or at least the official Imperial version,” Master Nextor said after a moment. “I say this to you not as a criticism against your empire but because I feel you need to know it.” The Iron knight looked directly at him. “The official story on several Imperial Knights that I knew personally does not match up with how they actually died.” The Iron knight did a droid’s version of a sigh. “I know that the official story in the holocron is the official lie as well thanks to one of Codi’s predecessors who looked it up for me.”

“In what way did the Empire lie?” He asked curious. He didn’t have trouble believing it, he knew enough about the nature of government but he was curious how they lied. “I would like to know,’ He said when Master Nextor remained silent.

“Look at my holocron,” he said and an image appeared of an Imperial Knight. He appeared to be a bald human. “This man died saving hundreds of lives and he did so be ignoring an order from the Emperor.” The Iron Knight shut off the holocron. “If he had survived he would have been court martialed and punished but because he died the Emperor retroactively changed his orders since no one else had heard except for me and the Imperial Knight I convinced to betray his Emperor.”

“You could have revealed the truth,” He said wondering why the Iron Knight didn’t. “You could have contradicted the Emperor and let everyone know the truth.” He felt irritated that one of his ancestors had chosen to lie to save face.

“Yes I could have but even if they believed me what good would it do,” Master Nextor asked. “The truth could not bring him back and would only have cost more lives when it was revealed that your Great Grandmother’s father was going to let that colony world burn at the Kligsonite’s hands.” It was a terrible realization as which Emperor the Jedi was talking about sunk in. “In fact the belief that he would not let a colony fall rallied the empire around him and made it possible for the Empire to survive until his daughter took the throne after his sudden unexpected death.”

“Your saying it was alright for him to lie,” He said in shock. “That it was a good thing.” He watched as master Nextor nodded. “I’m sorry but that doesn’t seem very Jedi to me.” He looked away. “I thought the Jedi believed in truth.”

“In a perfect galaxy we would always be able to tell the truth,” Master Nextor said. “However, it is a not a perfect galaxy and sometimes a lie is better than the truth.” He turned his droid head to look at the Holocron still displaying the image of the Knight. “The Emperor’s lie saved countless lives because it bound the Empire together and made it so the Emperor had to fight for worlds that he might otherwise have let fall.” The Jedi master’s voice changed slightly as he continued to speak. “It is often necessary to be pragmatic about a lie and ask yourself if it saves lives or not.” The Jedi picked up the Holocron. “There have been lies that led to wars and lies that ended them which is better served by having the truth exposed?”

“I guess the lie that led to a war,” He said. “Since exposing the other lie might cause the war to begin all over again.” The Jedi nodded. “But then how do we tell the difference when it is alright to lie for the good of the galaxy and when is it wrong?”

“There are two answers to that,” Master Nextor said giving him a strange look. “There is the Jedi way which is to listen to the will of the force and the Imperial way which is to listen the will of the force as embodied by the Emperor.” The Iron knight turned away from him and picking up his holocron began to walk away. “I suggest you think hard about which way you will follow.”

He watched the Jedi Master walk away and felt a sense of foreboding. He wondered why Master Nextor would say that to him. He was an Imperial Knight cadet and a member of the royal family he had to choose the Imperial Knight way didn’t he. He walked faster as he headed toward the barracks he needed to think about his. He arrived to see Master Codi looking disturbed.

“Ah Cadet Varga,” Master Codi said turning toward him. “I need you to guard the door of the shuttle we arrived in I have to make an important call.” He said sounding irritated. “The Hapan Queen Mother has rescheduled the summit again this time until next week as she wants to go over the security arrangements again.”

He took up a guard position at the door because it was his duty. He knew that no one in the camp could possible be a Hapan informant but it was protocol to have a guard when discussing arrangements. He also knew that since Master Codi was a specialist in security he was being consulted on the demands of the Hapan Queen mother that kept getting more ridicules. He wondered if they’d even get the conference underway before the camp ended.

“What are you doing,” Iella Sallin said surprising him. He felt guilty but shook it off to quickly say. She glanced at him and then turned to look at the shuttle and he almost thought she was going to try to go past him.

“Master Codi has requested I stand guard while he is in conference.” He ignored the suspicious look she gave him. The woman always seemed to be suspicious of the Imperial Knights. “Can I help you with anything.”

“No you cannot,” She said and turned and left the area. He watched her go wondering why it seemed there was one on both sides who disliked the other. He glanced up as Master Codi exited and stared at the woman’s retreating back.

“She is why I asked you to stand guard,” The Master said shaking his head. “She is Hapan and connected to one of the prominent families.” The elomin master watched her go with a dark look in his eyes. “Watch her closely from now on Cadet Varga,” The master commanded.

“Yes sir,” he said. He hadn’t known that Padawan Sallin was Hapan but it really changed nothing. He had only interacted with her briefly but he was fairly sure that she was just as dedicate dto the ideals of the Jedi as Master Codi was to the empire. As a result he doubted she was a spy.

Still the master had ordered him to watch her so he would carry out his orders. He found himself wondering what Master Nextor would make of those orders and chastised himself for allowing himself to question his duty.

To be continued...


REVIEW HERE

Disclaimer and Notes on Chapter One

The Training Camp
Chapter Thirteen
Jenica Maral

She found that she really hated Jedi Training. After the eventful visit by the great Master Sa-vin and his family the camp had returned to what she supposed was normal and they’d finished out the week of Imperial training style with very little problem. Which meant that this second week was dedicated to training the Jedi way.

What she had learned so far was that she was shocked the Jedi ever learned anything. Half the classes were just debating philosophy with the old Iron Knight who had a maddening ability to construct problems for which there was no clear cut answer. The Iron Knight also refused to accept just doing as ordered by the Emperor as an answer immediately asking what if they had no way to know what the Emperor wanted and immediate action was required.

Then there were the huge periods of time where they were left to their own devices and allowed to learn on their own. She found the lack of structure extremely irritating. “This is certainly a waste of time,” Cadet Berus said from where he and Dass Streng were sitting near her during yet another obnoxious free period.

“Yeah I don’t know how the Jedi get anything done,” Cadet Streng added looking away. “I also can’t stand my partner but at least I didn’t get stuck with a Fluttie like you did Maral.” He said referencing her pairing with a Ssii Ruuvi.

“I wish the Jedi were more discerning about the species they allow into their ranks,” She said acknowledging her own dislike of the species and it’s history. “However, I am paired with her so it is my duty to do the best I can with her.”

“I suppose I still wish I’d gotten nearly anyone but that Bothan,” Cadet Streng said shaking his head. “He doesn’t even get why I don’t like him asking why I’m holding him responsible for the actions of other members of his species as if they aren’t all the same.”

“You should control your prejudice against Bothans,” Cadet Berus said speaking up. “There are some admirable traits about the species though admittedly they are inferior to humans.” She knew he wasn’t adding that baseline humans like her and Cadet Streng were inferior to an Arkanian like him.

Cadet Streng looked annoyed but he didn’t say anything. She glanced around noticing that the three of them were the only Imperial Knights who had ditched their jedi partners. “Some of the others are getting too close to the Jedi I think,” she stated with complete conviction. She was especially surprised to see the two Chiss students sitting with their Jedi partners. “I cannot believe Nitin and Prellon are enjoying this farce but they continue to interact with their Jedi partners during this free time.”

“They are probably simply hoping it will help them during the final competition,” Cadet Berus said with a frown. “My own partner spends her time enjoying Cadet Quest.” Cadet Berus said with a frown.

“Yeah I know that Bothan won’t shut up about it,” Cadet Streng said with a snarl. “He keeps asking my opinion on it since his Jedi training conflicts with what his parents taught him about interspecies relationships.”

She thought it sounded like the Bothan Jedi Boceta Long had issues that should have disqualified him from coming on this endeavor. She recalled what the Iron Knight had revealed about what happened during most of these training camps. “I think Cadet Sho is making the largest mistake,” She said. “I mean Cadet Quest is simply sleeping with the Khill female for something to do, but Cadet Sho is actually romantically involved with his Jedi partner.”

“Ah true enough,” Cadet Berus said. “I mean the part Sephi Jedi is attractive enough for a mixed species mutt but I fail to see what could make Cadet Sho so infatuated.” She wasn’t so sure Cadet Berus was being honest there. She knew he was still upset about not being able to see the full genetic break down on the Jedi Padawan.

“If I might have your attention everyone,” The Iron Knight’s voice called out softly. “It is time for us to gather and have a lesson.” She repressed a shudder and shot a dark look at the other two Cadets with her before going back to her partner. She wondered what philosophy question they were going to be asked now.

“We will be discussing visions of the future,” The iron knight said surprising her. “I’m sure all of you have experienced at least a bit of precognition even if it was only limited to a vague feeling of something going wrong.” She could attest to that ever since this camp had begun she’ d been plagued by a sense that something wasn’t right here. She shot a glance at Cadet Sho and still felt the foreboding that his place in the Imperial Knights was being endangered by the man standing beside him.

“I am going to tell you something that most find shocking,” The Iron knight said in the droid voice that didn’t suit his words. “You have all heard the warnings to be mindful that the future is always in motion and that trying to prevent a vision you might be bringing it to pass so it is best to keep yourself rooted in the present.” She felt herself nodding this was well known policy amongst the Imperial Kights. “I am going to tell you that it is a lie.”

She found herself staring at the Jedi in shock and a glance around showed all the Jedi were staring at him in shock as well. “Now it is true that the future is always in motion and it is true trying to change what you can see can lead to it.” She wondered if the Jedi had lost his mind because he’d just contradicted himself. “However, it is a lie that we tell our selves that we must ignore such visions for fear that we might bring them to pass.” He turned toward them. “During the Kligsonite invasions a jedi had a powerful premonition that we would lose the war unless someone managed to destroy the Original Core Droid world.”

She hadn’t known that exactly how the Jedi had shattered the Kligsonite fleet was not something that had been revealed to the galaxy at large. “Many Jedi lost their lives trying to full fill that vision while others ignored it and kept fighting conventional ways.” The Iron Knight turned toward them. “Both were wrong as they failed to find the proper balance.” The Iron knight turned toward them. “The balance is the key you must be mindful of the future but live in the present it is a difficult balance to strike but essential to dealing with visions.” The Iron knight turned and said, “Yes Cadet Berus?”

“I was wondering if you can tell us how the Kligsonite’s were defeated it’s not something covered by Imperial History.” Cadet Berus asked with a curious expression on his face. She had to admit this was the most fascinating lecture the Jedi had given and she would also like to know.

“A droid saved us all,” The Iron Knight said. “It was an old droid an antique by modern standards but it was brave and had a truly illustrious history.” She found herself frowning thinking that a droid could have stopped the invasion of the insane droids carrying out Kligson’s last command. “He infiltrated Kligson’s original vessel and managed to assume control of much of the droid armada.” The Iron knight said sounding sad. “He took the bulk of the Kligsonite forces out of the main galaxy where the plan is to transform them into a true sentient droid species.” The iron Knight turned back toward them. “If he succeeded or failed and only led them to their destruction we will not know in our life time.”

“But there are still kligsonite raids on occasion,” Cadet Berus said speaking up. “Surely if this droid had succeeded they would have stopped.” She couldn’t help but agree it was a nice fairy tail a heroic droid taking the crazy Kligsonites away to try to make them a true sentient species but that was all it could ever be.

“I told you,” Master Nextor said. “He took the bulk of the Kligsonite armada away.” The Iron Knight set down. “The earlier attempts to destroy the main station had caused the Kligsonites to begin to fracture groups were breaking off to avoid receiving a shut down signal if Kligson’s original moon was taken or destroyed.” The Iron knight looked serene. “The bulk of the Kligsonite’s vanished in the wake of that heroic droid’s actions what remains are scattered remnants that are not currently a real threat.” The Iron knight then dimmed his droid body’s optics as if he was closing his eyes. “Unless of course something was to organize them again.”

She glanced at Padawan Baldor the gifted seer to see her paling. She wondered if the padawan had foreseen such a vision and that was why the Iron Knight was bringing this history up. “Do you think that is likely to happen?” She asked the Iron Knight curious if the Jedi would reveal why he made that statement.

“It has been a century since the Kligsonite crisis and over the last ten years there have been rumors,” The Iron knight said. “However, I will state that no Jedi, Imperial knight or intelligence officer for any Galactic government have found any evidence of the remnants grouping together.”

“What about Seers having visions,” She asked careful not to look at Padawan Baldor. She had attempted to talk to the firrerreo about her precognitive abilities but the other woman made a point of avoiding her.

“There have been no visions of a renewed Kligsonite threat,” Master nextor said as serenely as a droid could. “However, even if there were tomorrow the point of my lesson would remain if you spend all your time focused on the future seen you will fail in the present.” The Iron knight turned around. “That is all for now feel free to resume learning on your own.”

The groups began to break up so she headed to find the firrerreo she was going to get an answer this time. She wanted to know what the seer saw that made her go so pale at the Iron Knights words.

To be continued...


REVIEW HERE

Disclaimer and Notes on Chapter One

The Training Camp
Chapter Eleven
Kale Lasek

After the others had left he’d begun to get self conscious meeting his biological great grand father and sisters was a great deal more intimidating with out anyone else around. It certainly didn’t help that the old sephi was staring at him with a hard enough focus to actually make him want to step back. “I have investigated Metallos and found the report the Jedi who raised you filed with the authorities there.” The old man said giving him a hard look. “However, I can find no evidence that my grand daughter and her pirates were ever based there.” He continued to stare at him as he said, “is there anything you have neglected to tell me about the circumstances of your ending up with the Jedi.”

“I’ve told you everything I know,” he said simply. “If you want you can contact my parents on Ossus and ask them I was only a baby at the time after all.” He watched the old man narrow his eyes at his tone but he didn’t care.

“He is right, Grand father,” The non imperial knight sister said. He marveled at a bit that he didn’t even know their names. “He was so small that mother wouldn’t let Tana or I hold him yet.” She said and he guessed that made the Imperial Knight Tana. “Besides this is a happy occasion the baby brother we thought lost is alive and well.”

She stepped forward smiling and gave him a sudden hug. “You’re pregnant,” he blurted out sensing the life growing in side of her. She smiled at him and nodded. He then had his hand shaken once again by the Imperial knight guessing that she like the old man wasn’t the hugging type.

“Perhaps I am being too forward boy,” The old man said after amoment. “I am simply trying to determine if your mother is still alive as well as any possible Aunts, Uncles and cousins.” he said. “Delara, recalls Uncles and Aunts but we are unclear if they are maternal, paternal or were simply honorary.”

“Sir there is a priority call for Knight Sa’vin from the Emperor’s office,” the shuttle pilot said interrupting. He watched as the Imperial knight sister, Tana he reminded himself and the old man headed inside the ship.

“Sorry about them,” Delara said giving him a smile. “Grand father considers it his duty to locate any surviving members of our family.” She said giving him a curious look. “Tana, doesn’t really remember our parents as she was barely out her toddler years so she has mainly only known our Great Grand Father’s way of doing things.”

“You remember them though?” He asked curious and wondering if that was why she seemed warmer than either the old man or the other sister. She nodded. “I never really thought much about where I came from.”

“You look a great deal like our father,” She said giving him a curious look. “Even without the blood test results that alerted us to your presence I would have known we were family just by seeing you not to mention hearing your name since you were named after our father.” She then paused a moment and seemed to come to a conclusin. “I have to ask the Jedi who raised you were they good parents?”

“The best,” he said with no hesitation and saw her smile. “You’ll have to meet them some day,” He said and meaning it. He still wasn’t sure how he felt about his new Great Grand father or the Imperial knight sister but this sister he could definitely see in his life.”

“I will look forward to it,” She said and then smiled. “I also look forward to introducing you to my husband Dax,” She said smiling even brighter. “He couldn’t come on such short notice but once you are done with the training camp we should be able to arrange a visit to Ossus or you can come to Csilla.“

“I’ll look forward to it,” he said. He didn’t get to say anything else as the old man and Tana returned looking annoyed. “Bad News,” He asked curious what could put them in such an obvious mood.

He could tell they didn’t want to tell him as they turned toward Delara to tell her instead. “We will not be able to head straight back to Bastion,” Tana said to her sister. “The Emperor’s meeting has been moved up so we will have to rendezvous with the fleet first.”

“I understand,” Delara said calmly. “I hope the Emperor’s meeting with the queen mother is productive.” He remembered his master talking about the trade dispute the Empire was having with the Hapes Consortium but he hadn’t paid much attention. The Jedi were not really welcome in the affairs of either Hapes or the Empire.

“Kale, I would like to speak to you alone for a moment so shall we take a walk,” The old man asked interrupting his thoughts about Hapes and the Empire. He glanced at Delara who gave him an imperceptible nod so he nodded his own head and started walking. “You are not comfortable around me are you?”

“Not really,” he admitted honestly. “I never expected to find any biological relatives and even if I had I don’t think you’d be what I was expecting.” To his surprise the old man actually laughed and gave him a weak smile.

“I am not surprised,” the old man said after a moment. “My first thought when I heard about you was to come here planning to offer you a place in the Imperial Knights but I can see now that would be foolish.” He gave him a strange smile as he looked him up and down. “I can see that you are a Jedi threw and threw you would never make it as an Imperial knight.”

“Thanks,” he said and saw the old man smile grow even wider. “If you aren’t going to try to recruit me for the Empire why did you want to talk to me alone?” He was curious what the old man was up too.

“You remind me of my son,” The old man said sadly. “I am going to tell you something that no one except your sisters know.” He gave him a sad look. “I will not ask you to keep it a secret because no one will believe you if you tell them.”

“I guess I can understand that,” he said giving the old man a curious look. “I know the official story, Rath told it to me yesterday.” He said causing the old man to raise his eyebrow. “I wondered about it though so I’d be glad to know the real story.”

“The truth is I didn’t hunt my son down to kill him,” The old man said after a moment. “The truth is I had a offer of amnesty for him and his wife signed by Empress Artis herself.” He knew he was staring but that was a shocking pronouncement. “I underestimated my son I thought if he and the love he betrayed his duty for were safe he’d come back to me.” He sounded so sad. “But he was loyal to all of the pirates not just his wife he refused and I offered to let them go.”

He couldn’t bring himself to say anything as it was the complete opposite of the story Rath had told him and he wondered how this could have happened. “He refused and admitted that he was prepared to die because as long as he was with them the Emperor would never stop hunting his new family.” He looked so old and sad at that moment that he found himself reaching out and placing a hand on the old man’s shoulder. “He forced my hand after that attacking so that my ship had no choice but to return fire which resulted in his death.” He looked away and frowned. “I retired after that and agreed to maintain the official line that I had hunted him and his pirate group down for the good of the Empire.”

“Why agree to that?” he found himself asking. “I mean what good does the lie do since all it did was make it seem like you agree with sacrificing everything for the Empire.” He saw the Old man look away and wondered if the Old man was really gald he’d agreed to that.

“At the time the official report was made I was depressed and didn’t care what they said,” He said shaking his head. “I am glad however that I made that deal because since officially I had destroyed all the pirates the Empire stopped hunting for them and if it had not then I doubt either your sisters or you would have been born.”

“I suppose I understand,” he said though he still wasn’t sure. “I wouldn’t want to have to make a choice like that.” He admitted after a moment. He saw the old man watching him shrewdly and then the old man laughed.

“You’re a Jedi you aren’t likely to be put into a position where you are asked to lie for the good of a single world government,” the old man said. “Not that it couldn’t happen it is simply a lot less likely since your not answering to your single authority embodied in one person.”

“Yeah that’s true,” He said laughing. “I do know I’ll have tough questions of my own to answer though.” He pulled a few small ball bearings form his pocket and began to spin them above his hand with the force. “I know some of the questions the masters pose don’t have a right answer.”

“Why are you doing that with the ball bearings?” The old man asked looking down at his hand. “It seems kind of childish.” He said though there was no judgement in his voice which was a relief. He closed his eyes and thought back.

“When I was younger I had major problems leaning to lift things with the force I could lift huge weights but I tended to send them too high and crash them into things.” He looked down at hte ball bearings. “My parents taught me to do this so I learned the fine control I needed.”

“Your sisters were also exceptionally strong in the force at a young age,” the old man said with a curious expression. “Far stronger than me or my son every were,” He looked thoughtful. “I have suspected for some time that either your maternal grandmother or someone in your biological father’s family was a force sensitive of incredible untapped potential.”

“Many considered it a waste when Delara choose not to accept Knight training and instead entered the Diplomatic corps.” The old man laughed. “Despite having a top level Midicholorian count she would never have made it as a Imperial Knight.” The old man then turned back. “We should return you and your sisters need a chance to get to know one another and we do not have much time.”

He nodded and followed after the old man feeling slightly better about him after their talk. He continued to spin the ball bearings though the simple familiar exercise helping him stay centered and relaxed.

To be continued...


REVIEW HERE

Disclaimer and Notes on Chapter One

The Training Camp
Chapter Nine
Jenica Maral

She sat in the dark watching as both Rath Sho and Silas Quest slipped out of the barracks long past Curfew. She had seen Cadet Quest slip out first and had been about to report him when she noticed Cadet Sho walking out without even bothering to hide what he was doing. She was most disturbed by Cadet Sho’s actions he had always been an exemplary student who respected the rules.

She got up herself and headed out of the room ignoring the voice in her head that told her to simply wake Master Codi and leave the matter to him. She was outside soon enough and didn’t see any sign of either of them “And who are you meeting?” A voice asked and she turned to see Master Nextor the Iron Knight.

“I’m not meeting anyone,” She said defensively. “I was gong to remind two my class mates that it is past curfew.” She said feeling self conscious even as she made the statement. The fact the Jedi master began to produce a mechanical laugh made her feel worse.

“So your one of those,” the Jedi said simply. “You do not approve of your fellow apprentices fraternizing with the enemy.” She found herself repulsed by the Jedi’s knowing tone that was clear even in the mechanical droid voice. “Students have been sneaking off during these camps as long as they have been around I should know I’ve over seen more than most.”

“I don’t not mean any offense by this but Imperial Knights are held to a higher standard than you Jedi,” She said with as much conviction as she could. “I was hoping to convince them to return without having to involve Master Codi but if I must I’ll go back inside and wake him.”

“If you wish but it will not solve anything,” The Jedi said and she felt annoyed at the condescension. “I am sure Master Codi remembers his own time at this camp and what he did during his visit.” She found herself staring at the Iron Knight in shock. “I am very old Child and I have supervised many of these excursions I supervised the camp your master attended.”

“I didn’t realize,” she said feeling stupid for not realizing it. She knew the Shard who made up the Iron Knights could live for centuries but she had never considered how old the Jedi in front of her must be. “Who won the competition when Master Codi attended?” She found herself asking.

“Master Codi and his partner a Zelosian Jedi by the name of Sate Chin who now sits on the Jedi Council,” Master Nextor said. “ You remind me a great deal of Galen Artis who also disapproved of Jedi and Imperial Knights fraternizing he was most disappointed when Codi who had fraternized won.”

She found herself once more surprised. “Master Artis lost but he’s the head of the academy out ranking Master Codi?” She had always assumed having heard they attended the camp together that Master Artis had won since he outranked the Elomin and winning was said to be an important step in your career.


“Master Artis is a member of the royal family it is considered natural in the Empire for him to outrank his fellow classmates regardless of his accomplishments,” Master Nextor said. She glanced at the Iron knight wondering if the Jedi was judging the Empire but found it impossible to tell. “Here comes one of the ones engaged in fraternization now,” The Jedi said pointing out Silas Quest and the Khill Jedi woman. “I do not approve of her choice of partners but I do believe Geela has the right to make her own decisions.”

She saw Silas freeze when he saw the two of them standing there talking. “I will be heading back inside Master Nextor,” She said turning and heading back to her bunk. She’d let Silas sweat while she debated if she should tell Master Codi or not. If the Iron Knight was to be believed he had carried on his own affair while at the camp.

As if reading her thoughts Master Codi walked over to her and asked, “Did you have an enlightening talk with Master Nextor,” He asked giving her a stern look. “You are not to repeat anything you heard to the other cadets.”

“I won’t Master,” She said as he walked back over to his own bunk and resumed the appearance of sleep. She should have known if she sensed their departure and woke up that Master Codi would have as well. She also realized that he was allowing them denial ability because had done the same thing during his tenure.

She was unsure if she agreed with this decision but it was not her place to question it. She still felt a sense of dread concerning Rath as she felt he was not the type to get involved in a meaningless fling. If he fell hard for a Jedi then there would be problems later down the road. She knew of a few Imperial Knights who had succeeded in having a relationship with someone outside the Empire but their career prospects weren’t as good. The only real success she knew of was Tor Varga’s master and rumor had it that he hadn’t been the first choice for his master but one forced by circumstances. She respected Rath and foresaw a great and promising career for him amongst the Imperial Knights she didn’t want to see that ruined by a fling with a jedi.

She resolved to try to talk to him at some point tomorrow and try to suggest he end whatever fling he’d begun for the good of his career. She closed her eyes after coming to that decision and resolved to get to sleep so she would be well rested in the morning.

To be continued...


REVIEW HERE

Disclaimer and Notes on Chapter One

The Training Camp
Chapter Seven
Jenica Maral

She sat in the Imperial barracks meditating. She had declined to go with the Jedi and her fellow Imperial cadets preferring the solitude of the barracks where she could be alone. She was doing her best to put the unpleasant fact that Cadet Berus had embarrassed the Imperial Knights with his behavior behind her.

She did hope that he learned his lesson after this and kept his scientific enquiries to himself. She closed her eyes and focused on feeling the force flowing threw her. She was just beginning to put the annoyances of the camp so far behind her when the com unit in the barracks chirped.

She got up and went to check and saw that it was a priority message for Master Codi so she left the barracks and headed out to the training area. “Master Codi there is a priority message for you in the barracks,” She said once she approached.

“Thank you Cadet Maral,” The Elomin Master stated. “Please stay here and supervise Cadet Berus while I take it,” He said and left her alone watching Nick Berus who continued to straighten up the camp.

“Could you give me a bit of help while he is gone?” Cadet Berus asked once the master was in the barracks. She didn’t bother to respond and he got the message. “I just wanted to know his genetic make up is that so wrong?”

“You embarrassed the Imperial Knights,” she said letting a hint of anger show in her voice. “Master Codi might have chosen to accept the lie that you didn’t injure him on purpose to get the blood but everyone else sees threw it,” She said darkly. “You have put us is a position where the Jedi have the moral authority and that is worthy of punishment.” She could understand why Master Codi had accepted the lie it mitigated some of the damage. Painting Berus as only opportunistic and not someone who would injure another just to force compliance.

Suddenly Master Codi emerged from the barracks looking disturbed and fixed a glare on Cadet Berus. “It appears your actions will have consequences that none of us could have foreseen,” He said glaring at Berus. “Now if you will excuse me I have to inform the Jedi of our high ranking guest who will be arriving as soon as possible.” He fixed his gaze on her and said, “Cadet Maral go find the Padawan Lasek and bring him back to camp immediately Master Edor Sa-vin wishes to speak with him over holocom.” He turned back to Berus and glared. “Keep cleaning.”

She followed behind him as he headed toward the Jedi barracks. “Ah Master Codi I take it you have recieved word about Padawan Lasek’s long lost relatives.” She watched Master Codi freeze in shock. “Come inside my friend and I will explain how I know.”

She was curious but spying was beneath her so she headed off to find the Jedi that her master had sent her to find. She ran into her partner the Ssi Ruuvi and the feline alien Jedi as she approached the river bend. “I am looking for Padawan Lasek where is he?” She watched them exchange glances.

“He’s just off the next bend of the river with Rath,” The feline alien said. She thanked him and then headed off in the direction they had indicated. She noticed Cadet Quest in the process of making out with the Khill Jedi woman and resisted the urge to scold him. As improper as she found fraternizing with Jedi it was not against the rules.

“What’s the matter?” A voice asked and she found herself face to face with a member of the royal family. She knew that technically royal or not Cadet Varga did not out rank any of them but respect for the royal family was ingrained in all Imperial knights.

“Master Codi ordered me to find Padawan Lasek,” She said as an explanation. “It appears that the unauthorized blood test that Cadet Berus ran has tripped some flags in the system.” She wasn’t surprised when he fell into step behind her silently.

They rounded a corner to see Cadet Sho and Padawan Lasek stretched out on the bank of the river laying next o each other. “Padawan Lasek you are needed back at camp,” She said ignoring how close to each other they were. They did not appear to have begun an intimate relationship like Cadet Quest and the Khill woman but they did appear closer than two people who just met should.

The blond human sat up and shook his head. “I guess the consequences of that blood test are making themselves known,” He said standing up and she was shocked at his apparant knowledge. “We’ll lets go see if your guess about her vision is right or not Rath.”

“Vision?” Tor Varga asked before she could. She listened then as the human revealed that one of his fellow Jedi was a powerful precognitive. He didn’t reveal the name of the apprentice but she did know that the precog was a female student.

On the way back to the camp she began going threw the candidates trying to identify the precog. She eventually settled on the Firrerreo apprentice because she hadn’t been at the river and she knew her partner without being called yesterday. Her guess seemed confirmed when she returned to camp and saw the Firrerreo standing with the Iron Knight and Master Codi. “Padawan Lasek,” Master Codi said, “Master Edor Sa-vin of the Imperial knights would like to speak with you over holocom.”

“Looks like you might be right Rath,” The Jedi apprentice said and then turned back to Master Codi. “Of course I’ll speak with him.” She watched as Master Codi led him away toward their barracks. She glanced at Tor and saw him looking toward the barracks but neither of them dared follow.

She decided that had been a wise move when Master Codi reappeared shortly there after to take up a guard position at the door. Still though she would like to know what was going on and a glance over at Berus who had stopped working to watch showed he was just as curious.


To be continued...


REVIEW HERE

Disclaimer and Notes on Chapter One

The Training Camp
Chapter Five
Tor Varga

“Do you really run this far every day?” His partner the Togruta he was paired with asked as they completed another circuit around the training area laid out by Master Codi. He could feel his partner drawing on the force and wondered why he was unlucky enough to get the only Jedi that seemed unable to keep up with the physical demands so far.

“Yes Dev,” He said trying to be patient. “Imperial Cadets have to be in peak physical condition to be able to complete task without drawing unnecessarily on the force.” He knew the Jedi stressed physical fitness as much as the Imperial knights did and Dev did not appear to be in bad shape he just obviously hadn’t put the effort into his physical stamina that the other jedi had. “There are only three more laps around can you make it?”

“Yeah I can make it,” Dev said as he felt the Togruta Jedi still drawing on the force to refresh himself. He hoped the Togruta would manage to finish. He glanced around trying to gage the fitness of the other Jedi and was once again slightly disappointed that his partner seemed to be the only one having to draw on the force.

He put aside his disappointment he had no control over who he had been matched with only how he performed in the partnership. He would simply have to do his best to pick up the slack for his partner and hope that Dev had some hidden depths that would make themselves known in time.

“Looks like your partner is having difficulty as well,” Silas said as he caught up with them. “I think My partner would be having similar problems if we ran long enough for his species to tire naturally.” He said pointing out the huge green alien who was lumbering along behind everyone else. “I mean his natural stamina out classes us all but he made remarks that make me think he doesn’t exercise as a much as one of his kind normally would.” He did his best to ignore Silas and not wonder why he was suddenly being so friendly. “I wish I’d been paired with that attractive firrerreo girl.”

“I doubt she’d give you the time of day,” He said keeping a tight clamp on his annoyance. “Especially when she learned you were sleeping with my brother.” He did his best not to feel pleasure when Silas stumbled slightly. “I know you and my brother have an open relationship so I don’t care if you sleep with any of the Jedi but you will tell them up front that you are in such a relationship.” He kept his voice neutral as he went on. “I will not have you disgracing the Imperial knights by luring a Jedi into bed under false pretenses.”


“You have nothing to worry about,” Silas said recovering his composure quickly. “I am always up front about my motives in a relationship.” Silas gave him a condescending look. “If you were on good terms with your brother you would certainly know that.” After saying that Silas increased his pace to get out of range for conversation.

“That guy is a real winner,” Dev said from behind him. “I feel really bad for Tuc being paired up with him.” Dev smiled then which made the Togruta look a bit silly as he said, “You right by the way Tasha would shoot him down no problem she’s been shooting me down for months.” He couldn’t help it he smiled and felt a bit better about having Dev for a partner. He was impressed that despite drawing the force a few times the man did not seem ready to drop so it looked like things would be okay. “You should really talk to your brother about his taste though,” Dev said after a moment.

“I have to respect his choices,’ He said as it was the most diplomatic thing he could say. He absolutely refused to bad mouth is brother to this stranger but he didn’t want to damage their uneasy partnership by snapping at him to mind his own business. “After this is unarmed hand to hand combat training how are you at that?”

“Not as good as Tuc is,” Devi said smiling again. “But then there’s a reason his people are readily accepted into Mandalorians.” Having heard about what Mandallian giants could do on the battlefield he wasn’t surprised by that statement.

“I believe it,” He said shooting a glance at Silas partner bringing up the rear. “What about the Ryn who was so good with the light saber?” He asked recalling how disturbingly good that Jedi was with a lightsaber.

“Ferfer, he’s as good at Hand to hand as he is the saber,” Dev said shaking his head. “The guy never takes a break just works from dawn to dusk on being the best at everything.” He could tell Dev found it strange but he found it incredibly commendable. He felt a bit of jealousy of Task for getting paired with such a dedicated worker but he quickly let it go jealousy would do no good.

“Everyone assemble over here,” Master Codi’s stern voice snapped bringing an end to the jogging and calling them over to the training mats. He wondered if they’d get paired with their partners or if they would be shuffled. “We will be doing some simple hand to hand to three falls,” Master Codi said looking around. “I will leave the choice of match ups up to the Imperial Cadets because they have experience with this,” He said looking around. “Would the Jedi apprentices please each take a position on one of the mats.”

He watched as the Jedi did as instructed he immediately began to decide who would be the best work with. He knew given the choice most of the Imperial Knights would probably not choose their current partner. “Cadet Streng you are up first,” Master Codi said and he realized that Master Codi was doing this to give the higher ranked cadets more of a challenge.

He watched as Streng chose the female Khill to grapple with. “Cadet Berus,” the master said and he was really surprised when Berus chose the blond human who was paired with Rath. He got the impression the human had expected it and saw him look over at Rath nodding. He wondered what was the back story on that interplay. He watched as Task was called and selected the Ryn which was surprising. “Cadet Varga,” the master called and he stepped forward and he walked forward and choose to face the Bothan Jedi. He had considered picking his partner and going easy on him but that would do neither of them any good.

He watched as Silas unsurprisingly chose the female firrerreo as his partner. He hoped she took the opportunity to discourage his interest. Soon enough all the others had chosen and he wasn’t surprised to see Rath Sho had got stuck with the Mandallian giant. “Now begin,” Master Codi said and he found himself dodging the hands of the Bothan Jedi. He had expected the Bothan to be reasonably good at hand to hand but he did notice the Bothan kept twitching slightly for his light saber. He’d seen it before in Imperial Knights who disdained the hand to hand combat preferring to rely on the elegance of a light saber.

He waited for the next twitch and struck dragging the Bothan into a simple throw and being rewarded with the first fall of the match. He knew it wouldn’t be that easy to get the second or the third fall. “You will not do that again,” The bothan stated simply and he felt the Bothan drawing on the force. He didn’t have time to react as the Bothan returned the favor leaving him flat on his back with a burst of force assisted speed.

He had been expected an Imperial Knight style grapple where use of the force was discouraged but he realized that Master Codi had not said anything about that to the Jedi. He drew on the force himself and realized that was going to decide this match which of them had the greater skill with the force. He waited until the bothan locked arms with him to tug the mat under the bothan’s feet with the force letting him dump him onto his back. The bothan surged to his feet and used the force to knock him flat on his back tying them up.

He circled his opponent warily the next fall would decide the match. He was startled by a rather loud curse form one of the other mats and the Bothan seized his chance and dumped him. He got up looking around to find out who had cost him the match. It wasn’t hard to find the blond human Jedi paired with Rath had a bloody scratch down his arm while Nick Berus had blood all over his clawed arkanian digits. “Cadet Berus, Padawan Lasek go get cleaned up,” Master Codi said clearly annoyed at how the exercise had ended. “The rest of you give me ten more laps around the course.”

“Master Codi I believe Cadet Berus did that on purpose,” Rath’s voice rang out as he addressed their master. He wasn’t the only person to freeze and turned back to listen to the conversation before starting the run.

“Is there a reason that you accuse Cadet Berus of deliberately faking an accident with his claws?” Master Codi said in a neutral tone. Despite the neutral tone he got the impression Master Codi was not happy with the allegation in front of all these Jedi.

“Yesterday, He expressed interest in running a genetic analysis on Padawan Lasek’s DNA” Rath said calmly. “Padawan Lasek refused and today there is an accident that gives Cadet Berus access to a blood sample.” He could certainly see where Sho was coming from but he had the feeling Master Codi wouldn’t.

“I will look into it,” Master Codi said after a moment. “All you get running,” He said and left the area. He noticed that Rath Show was not satisfied but he began to run so the audience did as well. He wondered about Berus and if he really would intentionally injure someone to get a blood sample. It felt wrong to even think of accusing a fellow Imperial knight of such an action but he knew it was foolish to discount an accusation just because the accused was a fellow cadet.

He noticed that Rath’s actions had caused a shift in the running order with the Jedi congregating in one location and the Knights another. He also noticed that Rath was closer to the Jedi with the Ssi Ruuvian and the feline alien actually near him. This was why he hated being a member of the royal family some times. He could take no action because as a royal he couldn’t be seen siding with either member in any disagreement that didn’t directly affect the empire.

Even if Nick Berus had faked the accident it would be up to Master Codi to discipline him and his getting involved to try to mend fences with the Jedi would only complicate things unnecessarily. He was supposed to just sit back and do as he was told by the ranking members of his family and the Imperial Knights.

As the laps continued he found himself wondering how his brother would have handled the situation. He had no doubt his brother would get involved but would his brother side with Rath or with the bulk of the Imperial Knights. He knew it would probably depend on how well he liked the Imperial Knight accused. His brother seemed willing to tolerate a great deal from Silas that he would never tolerate from anyone else.

“I have spoken with both Padawan Lasek and Cadet Berus and I am confidant that the injury was an accident.” Master Codi said returning with a dark frown. “However Cadet Berus did opportunistically run a genetic scan on Padawan Lasek’s DNA,” He could tell Master Codi was extremely disappointed by that. “He will not be seeing the results of that scan I will turn whatever results come back from the Imperial databases over to Padawan Lasek to do with as he sees fit,” Master Codi said. “All of you are being given the afternoon free except for Cadet Berus who will be working here to put away the equipment and then to set up for tomorrow.”

He noticed the Jedi were heading toward where their master had been waiting back at camp so he followed. He wanted to make sure there wasn’t going to be any more trouble now that Berus had been punished. He noticed Rath Sho and several other Imperial Knight following along. It looked like almost all of them had the same idea.

They all arrived to see Padawan Lasek already talking with Master Nextor. “I have already discussed this matter with Kale and Master Codi and the matter is resolved,” Master Nextor said apparently anticipating the questions. “I suggest you all go enjoy the afternoon off,” Master Nextor said and then turned to point off to the west. “There is a river nearby perfect for swimming and washing off the sweat of this mornings exertions.”

The Jedi cheered up immediately and all began heading toward the direction the Iron Knight had indicated. He glanced over at his fellow Imperial knights and saw that most of them were unsure. Of course eventually they all started following after the Jedi some quicker than others. He waited until everyone was well on their way before he approached Master Nextor. “Master may I speak with you,” He asked.

“You may Tor Varga,” The Iron knight said fixing his optics on him. “Your master’s wife told me that your master speaks highly of you.” He felt self conscious when he realized his master had told his wife about him. “What do you wish to speak to me about?”

“I would like to ask your opinion on a few things of a private matter and I’m unsure how to begin,” He found it was hard to find the words to say what he wanted to say. “It is just I cannot speak to any of my fellow Cadets or Master Codi about this.”

“You may talk to me as if I was your master and I give you my word no one else will hear about it,” Master Nextor said with sincerity. “Just start from the beginning and I will listen to your concerns.”

“It has to do with my brother and the expectations placed upon us by being part of the Imperial Royal family,” He said feeling a bit of relief to be able to talk to someone about the thoughts that had been swirling since the incident with Berus.

To be continued...

REVIEW HERE

Disclaimer and Notes on Chapter One

The Training Camp
Chapter Three
Jenica Maral

She felt stiff as she set in the shuttles seats in between Prellon the Chiss and Dag Feskin the green Nikto. She approved of seating them by the assigned rank they had earned in the trials to qualify for this camp but she was irritated with herself for coming in behind the chiss. She had known Rath would take the top spot he always did in competitions but she had beaten both Chiss before.

“Okay apprentices,” Zholl Codi the Imperial Master assigned to preside over the Imperial half of the training camp spoke up. “As you all know this camp is a joint exercise with the Jedi Order for apprentices on the verge of knighthood.” He turned to look over them. “You are the best of those who volunteered to represent the Empire and you will be expected to do so well.” She joined the others in shouting an affirmative. “Now when we arrive you will be paired with your partner Jedi and engage in a brief Light saber duel to get acquainted with each others skills.” He looked over them sternly. “I want you to win but do not do serious injury it is to first fall only.”

She looked down at her dark skinned hands and then closed her eyes to focus drawing the force into her. She hoped she wouldn’t get matched with too exotic a sentient by the Jedi as unlike the Imperial Knights who were predominantly humanoid she knew from stories the previous class of Cadets had brought back that there was no guarantee of a humanoid partner when Jedi were involved. She shuddered as she remembered one Cadet’s horror story of being paired with a Celegian Jedi apprentice and losing every physical competition.

“We are here,” Master Codi announced as she felt the ship touching down. She opened her eyes and stood up falling into her place in line easily. “It appears the Jedi are already here,” He said as the cargo doors opened to reveal the Jedi lounging about an already assembled camp sight in groups. She glanced around searching for the Jedi master who was to accompany them but all she saw were apprentices and what looked like an antique droid modified for light saber practice.

To Her surprise the droid spoke up greeting Master Codi by name. “Padawans this is Master Zholl Codi of the Imperial Knights who will be supervising the training camp with me.” The droid gestured toward the Elomin and she watched as all the Jedi stood up and bowed respectfully.

“Apprentices,” Master Codi said drawing her attention to him. “This is Master Nextor of the Iron Knights and the Jedi who will join me in supervising this training camp.” She bowed as expected of her even while she was dealing with her surprise. The Iron Knights were legends who had been around since before the birth of the Empire. “I will call you up one at a time to meet your partner and engage in a brief light saber duel to first fall.” He looked to the head of the line. “Rath Sho step forward.”

The Iron Knight seemed to be staring at Rath as he walked forward to join the masters. After what seemed like a long moment the droid finally called a jedi out. “Kale Lasek,” The droid said pointing toward a handsome blond human who walked forward smiling brightly. “Begin,” The Jedi droid said stepping back quickly. She was shocked at how quickly the match had begun but both Rath and the Jedi had acted instantly.

She was a bit surprised to see the Jedi using two blades a standard blue length lightsaber and a green shoto. She began to look forward to this match with greater anticipation Rath was very good but Jar’Kai duelist where not common in the Imperial Knights. She watched as the two clashed in a flurry of blades. As they dueled back and fourth she had to admit the Jedi was almost as good as Rath which she found worrying since the Jedi had no clear rank order there was no way to know if he was the best or not.

As the fight progressed she realized that as good as the Jedi was Rath was still slightly better and it was only a matter of time before he knocked the Jedi on his backside. As Rath batted the blue blade away at a bad angle for the Jedi she knew all he had to do was wait till the too short shoto passed and then step in and end it. She was so sure that was what was going to happen that she was shocked when the shoto blade suddenly extended to full length causing Rath to have to twist awkwardly away from it. She was still staring in shock as in that moment the Jedi dropped down and swept Rath’s legs out from under him while he was off balance winning the duel.

“That was a risky maneuver to pull you could have killed him,” The Iron Knight said as the young blond Jedi readjusted his apparently duel phase shoto to it’s normal length before deactivating it and putting it and his other saber on his belt.

“I knew he was good enough to dodge,” The Jedi said as he leaned down smiling to help Rath up. “Your one of the best I’ve ever seen with a light saber.” She saw Rath smiling as he accepted the other man’s hand to stand up. She was surprised Rath was taking his loss so well.

“Stand behind us please,” Master Codi said before turning back to the line. “Nitin you are up next.” He called and she watched as the female Chiss headed forward. She turned to see that one of the Jedi was already walking forward a young near human woman with gold skin and two tone hair.

“This is Tasha Baldor,” The Iron knight said not seeming surprised that the young woman had volunteered herself. She watched this second battle curious to see if this Jedi was going to be as good as the last. It became clear very early on that while the Jedi seemed to have great reflexes and could parry nearly any attack she wasn’t as good at attacking and all too soon Nitin sent her flying onto her back.

Prellon was called next from the Imperial Knights and she watched the Chiss male striding confidently up to face his challenger. She guessed based on his confidence that he assumed the Jedi were also going by rank. She felt he might be right when the Iron knight called for Maks Reyal and a feline alien with rosette spots walked forward looking nervous. As soon as the match began however the feline lost all nervousness and demonstrated a skill level that rivaled the first Jedi. She watched as he easily defeated the very startled Prellon.

“Jenica Maral,” Master Codi called her name and she went forward looking back the gathered Jedi and found herself hoping she didn’t get matched up with the blue Ssi-ruuvi student. She found it slightly repulsive that the Jedi could let species like that into their ranks.

“Swa Lu,” The droid voice said making what she dreaded come to pass as the blue saurian figure walked forward to join her in the ring. She shot a glance at the Iron Knight and got a sense that they had done this intentionally sensing her thoughts. She ignored the surge of irritation putting it out of her head to focus on her opponents weak points. She assumed with a saurian body type the Ssi Ruuvi would be vulnerable on the side as long as she avoided her arms and tail.

She ignited her silver blade and watched as her opponent ignited her blue one. She was surprised at how quick the Ssi Ruuvi moved and realized that this fight was going to be more difficult. She was a bit startled to see how well her opponent was guarding her side. She realized that to win this she was going to have to take some risk and catapulted herself up into the air planning to land on her opponents back. To her shock and horror the Ssi Ruuvi sprung forward into a summersault causing her to land in a vulnerable position which got her feet swept out from under her by the Ssi Ruuvi’s tail.

She suppressed a curse as the match was over and she got to her feet. She walked behind the masters as quickly as possible feeling irritated with her poor showing. She ignored the Ssi Ruuvi who took the place beside her and focused on the next match. Dag Feskin was up next and she hoped he would give the Imperial Knights another victory thanks to her loss the Jedi were in the lead.

The red haired woman introduced as Iella Fallin activated a green double bladed saber which was another variant that was not common amongst the Imperial knights. She was good but Dag was better and soon enough she was dusting herself off and walking with Dag to join them.

Silas Quest was the next of her team mates to be selected and he got mached up with a huge Mandallian Giant by name of Tuc Tinto. She was not on good terms with Silas as he had propositioned her several times even after she made it clear she wasn’t interested. Still she felt slightly sorry for him going up against someone that large and powerful. The huge orange light club he wielded was nearly as tall as Silas himself. She had to admit she was impressed when Silas actually managed to win the fight by out maneuvering his opponent.

Her interest perked up at the next match Tor Varga was a member of the royale family and due to those duties hadn’t been able to participate in the full ranking challenges but had still managed to rank seventh so she was curious how good he might actually be. His Togruta challenger Dev Guri seemed unconcerned. She realized soon enough the Togruta was an idiot not taking the fight seriously and ended up losing quickly.

“Dev you must take things more seriously,” the Iron knight said with as much exasperation as a droid vocator could produce. “Ferfer Tobian you will be up next,” the Iron Knight said calling one of the Jedi up before the imperial knight challenger for the first time.

She watched the Ryn walk forward even as Master Codi was summoning his Zabrak opponent Obran Task. This was another challenge that surprised her as even though he was one of the lower ranked among them for other reasons the Obran had always been an incredible duelist. However the Ryn almost seemed to be dancing around Obran it was frightening to watch how easily he beat him. “Ferfer is the best of us all with a lightsaber,” The Ssi Ruuvi next to her said in a whisper.

She refused to acknowledge the statement even though it appeared to be true. She doubted that even Rath on his best days could have kept up with that Ryn. It put aside any claim that the Jedi were lined up by rank and made it clear that they were being paired up in whatever arbitrary order the Iron Knight decided.

She watched the next match warily and was relieved when Arkanian Nick Berus easily defeated the Khill female Geela Sedaya. That meant that currently they had five wins and the Jedi four which meant complete victory for the Imperial knights was left to their lowest ranked cadet. Dass Streng an incredibly handsome dark skinned human who barely made it into the selected group. He was actually ranked eleventh but another Cadet dropping out had let him in.

She knew as soon as she saw his opponent the last Jedi Bocetta Long was a Bothan that he would lose the match. She didn’t know all the details but she had heard that his family originally from the Alliance had lost everything to a Bothan swindler and had to move to the Empire to find work. She had seen him around the few Bothan Imperial knights enough to know that he wouldn’t handle being paired with a Bothan well. She wasn’t surprised when he lost because he got too aggressive trying to beat his opponent.

“All right everyone,” Master Codi said speaking up loudly. “The camp officially begins tomorrow with the first week being done as if this were an Imperial Academy so I expect you Cadets to inform your Jedi partners what to expect afer you unload the ship.”

“I suggest Padawans that you assist the Imperial Knights in unloading and setting up their camp while Master Codi and I discuss arrangements for the final week of the training camp.” The mention of the final week reminded her that after the first week they’d have to learn like Jedi and then during the final compete in a series of exercises with the team that performed the best being awarded as the winners.

She didn’t know what that meant for the Jedi but within the Imperial Knights it was a high honor and was very good for your future career prospects. As unhappy as she was with her Ssi Ruuvi partner she needed to work well with her. She began to look for her but found her working beside Rath and two other Jedi. The feline humanoid and the blond human partner of Rath’s. She recalled how surprising the skill level of all three had been with the light saber. The fact they appeared to be close to each other laughing easily explained it.

She made her way over and asked, “May I join you?” Her partner bobbed her saurian head and moved aside to let her join them. She was immediately struck by how comfortable Rath was around the Jedi and she felt a sense of foreboding.

“I have never seen someone with your body type move like you did Swa-lu,” Rath asked of her Ssi Ruuvi partner as they were moving a few of the crates that would set up into the barracks. She was curious if her suspicion about the source of her partners skills was correct.

“I have spent a great deal of time working with Kale and Mac to master my body’s advantages and disadvantages,” her partner said. She was pleased that she had surmised correctly. “I have to say you are the first person to try landing on my back,” the Ssi Ruuvi said turning toward her. “I will have to be mindful of that tactic in the future.”

“Your skills were impressive enough that I was forced to take a drastic action,” she said wondering if the Ssi Ruuvi was mocking her. She turned her attention back to unloading the shuttle and getting things set up.

All too soon it was all done and the masters told them to separate and get to know their partners. She found herself walking silently with the Ssi Ruuvi unsure how to go about getting to know her. She glanced around at the other pairs searching for an idea. She noticed that most of the other pairings seemed as uncomfortable as she did. The only pairing she noticed that was really getting along was Rath and the blond human. She was a bit surprised at how close they were standing to each other talking to each other. “Your friend does not have much respect for personal space does he?” She found herself asking the Ssi Ruuvi.


Swa-lu’s large blue head turned to look immediately at the blond man and Rath. “Kale’s adoptive mother is a Zeltron so he tends to crowd in on people sometimes.” That would certainly explain it. “Your friend doesn’t seem to mind though,” The Ssi Ruuvi said with a slightly musical laugh. She had to admit the Ssi Ruuvi was right and that surprised her. Rath had never been standoffish but he was always very proper with other Imperial knights he shouldn’t have let the Jedi stand that close.

Of course she realized that could explain it. He didn’t have to be proper with the Jedi because he was not an equal. She found that made her feel slightly better and decided that outlook would allow her to work with Swa-lu. “So that we have the best chance for winning I have to ask what area of expertise are you best at?”

“My talents primarily lie in healing,” Swa-lu said which she had to admit surprised her. “I have worked hard to become as good as I am at combat but my natural affinity has always been to heal.” The Ssi Ruuvi said anticipating her questions. “And your strengths are?”

“I’m very well rounded,” She said quickly. “I excel in virtually all the skills necessary to be an imperial knight though healing is probably my weakest area.” She had no problem helping herself with her own healing abilities but she had always seemed to have something of a block with healing others.


To be continued...

Review Here

Disclaimer: Star Wars and it’s expanded universe belong to Lucas film and several other companies working under licence from Lucas film. I am just borrowing the concepts and setting of the world for my own and possibly the enjoyment of other fans.

Note: This is part of my Galaxy of Chaos AU future fic series. Most of the cast is OC since it is set far in the future though there are references to EU characters scattered about. This fic will contain het as well as same sex pairings among the cast.

This is set 20 years after The Enslavement of Berloc Ironfirst.

Galaxy of Chaos: The Training Camp
Chapter One
Tor Varga

Tor Varga headed through the halls of the Imperial Knights headquarters on Bastion searching for his twin brother who had missed their monthly dinner last night with their great-grandmother. As usual when his brother pulled this stunt he had to listen to her go on about what a disgrace his brother was and that he should do something to straighten him out. He felt simultaneously jealous and irritated that his brother could so easily blow off his responsibilities as a member of the royal family.

He paused outside his brothers private quarters and felt a sense of dread. He hoped his brother was alone the last time he’d dropped by his quarters unannounced he’d found his brother with a pair of Twi’lek dancing girls. He reached out and pushed the alert button to let his brother know he had company. He realized his brother wasn’t alone the moment the door cracked only partially open revealing his brother’s messy long black hair and blood shot blue eyes. “I’m kind of busy right now, can the lecture wait until later?”

He ignored his customary reaction of disgust at seeing his brother’s unkempt appearance ever since he’d started closely cropping his own hair his twin brother had seemed determined to let his grow wildly. “No, it can’t so tell whoever is in there to get dressed because I’m coming in.” His shirtless brother stepped aside opening the door to allow him in. He was glad he wasn’t going to have an argument out in the hallway this time. He got a shock when he saw who his brother was entertaining. “Silas,” he said forcing himself to keep it a light as possible a greeting to the blond haired grey eyed Imperial knight who was getting dressed quickly.

“I should go pack after all we are leaving soon,” he said and after a quick kiss with his brother the other high ranking apprentice was gone. He found himself staring at the door with what he knew had to be a confused expression on his face.

“Go ahead give me the lecture about corrupting other apprentices and how I’ll ruin Silas career if word of our debauchery gets out,” his brother said darkly. He turned back toward his brother and frowned. He wasn’t surprised to see his brother with a man. He’d seen a parade of sentients of several genders and species coming out of his brother’s bedroom over the years. “Well go on get it over with.”

“I can’t pass judgement on whom you choose to get involved with,” He said watching his brother look genuinely shocked. “Who you choose to see is entirely up to you Corvin.” He watched as his brother smiled at him for the first time in a long while. “I am surprised however that Silas enjoys the company of men,” He said choosing his words carefully. “In all the years I’ve known him he’s never given any indication he has taste in that direction.”

“I don’t think he really does,” His brother said challengingly. “He’s a lot more into it when there’s a woman involved with us.” He wasn’t going to give his brother the satisfaction of reacting to that. “I think he’s angling to join the royal family and the disgrace whose ninth in line for the throne is his best bet.”

He watched his brother give him a knowing smirk at the appalled look on his face. “Look Corvin I didn’t come here to fight,” He said honestly. “I just came to tell you that our great-grandmother expects you for dinner tonight since you missed last nights.” He watched as the fight went out of his brother. “Please, just go see her, I know she can be irritating with her lectures on what it means to be a member fo the royal family but she is our great grand mother.”

“Fine, I’ll go listen to Former Empress Azia Artis tell me everything that’s wrong with me,” Corvin said smiling slightly. “But you have to do something for me.” He felt his face fall it was never good when his brother asked for a favor but he nodded his head. “While you’re on that trip don’t give Silas a hard time if he sleeps with any Jedi we have an open relationship.”

“I won’t,” he said feeling a slight annoyance. “I still don’t get why everyone who isn’t going to this thing thinks it’s just an excuse for Jedi and Imperial Knights to have sex with each other.” He knew he was glaring at he continued, “This is a joint training exercise that has been done once every three years for the last eight hundred years it is not and has never been a dating game.”

“Grandma, gave you contraceptives didn’t she?” His brother said laughing. “I bet she gave you a handful and warned you not to let any royal bastards happen.” He knew his blush had given it all away. “I knew she would that’s why I didn’t go, besides it was much more fun to say a private goodbye to Silas.” He sobered up. “Relax, I know it’s important to you and that it probably is just a training exercise but those of us who don’t get to go have to amuse ourselves somehow.” He smiled slightly. “And talking about you elite students having freaky relations with Jedi amuses us.”

He wondered not for the first time if his brother was jealous. His brother hadn’t volunteered to try for one of the ten spots available but you never knew with Corvin. “I should really get going I have preparations to make.” He said feeling guilty that his once close relationship with his twin brother was so strained. “I’ll see you again before I leave.” His twin just nodded and motioned for him to leave.

He left the room feeling a mix of relief and guilt; he still wasn’t sure how his relationship with his twin brother had gotten so strained the last few years. “Apprentice Varga wait a moment,” A voice said and he turned to see the Elomin Master Zholl Codi who would be over seeing the ten Imperial knights gong on the training mission.

“Yes, Master Codi,” He said stopping to bow respectfully. He hoped nothing had gone wrong with the training exercise because he was looking forward to it a great deal. He felt a sense of dread as he waited for the Elomin to speak.

“I need you to go help Apprentices Sho and Task with loading the shuttle for our trip,” Master Codi finally said. “After the three of you have accomplished that task you need to seek out your masters and receive any final instructions from them.”

He nodded and then began making his way down to the dock they were scheduled to leave from. He arrived quickly enough to see the Nagai Rath Sho and the Yellow Zabrak Obran Task already hard at work loading the supply crates lifting them with the force and settling them gently down in the cargo bay of the shuttle.

He quickly joined in after saying a quick hello to both of them. He got along well enough with Rath Sho but rarely ever spent any time with Task. He knew from experience that the Zabrak almost never spoke unless he had something to say. He knew some of the younger apprentices thought the Zabrak was actually mute.

“Looking forward to the training exercise,” he finally asked once they were nearly done loading the shuttle. He wasn’t surprised when Rath said a quick affirmative and Task only nodded his head in agreement. He supposed that was as much as he was going to get since having actual friends was hard for him because of the fact he was a member of the royal family. He supposed he understood why his brother would put up with someone like Silas just to have someone to interact with.

Once everything was done, he bid them a quick good bye and headed to find his personal master Delmon Kalar a Lethan Twi’lek. He found his master easily enough as he knew this time of day duty permitting usually saw his master meditating in the Pelleon gardens. He arrived to find his master dressed in traveling clothes which surprised him. “Master Kalar I am here for any last minute instructions.”

“Always by the book as usual,” His master said opening his eyes and smiling at him. “You already know all you need to for this training camp just enjoy yourself.” He stood up and stretched. “You might make some actual friends among the Jedi after all that’s where I met my wife.”

His master didn’t talk about his wife much since she was a Jedi and while it wasn’t against the rules it was certainly frowned upon. “Are you going somewhere while we are going to be away master,” He asked not feeling comfortable talking about his master’s wife with him. He hoped his master wasn’t going on a dangerous mission alone.

“I’m going to Ossus to see my newborn son for the first time,” Master Kalar said smiling. “My request for leave was delayed until you left for the training camp.” He felt guilty when he heard that. “Don’t blame yourself it’s your Uncle’s policy that keeps me from taking you to Ossus on a stop over during a mission.”

He knew that it wasn’t technically his fault since his Uncle barred taking apprentices anywhere near Ossus. “Why does Master Artis even allow this training camp to continue if he’s so concerned with keeping Imperial knights away from the Jedi?”

“Galen, wouldn’t even dream of trying to cancel it as long as his grandmother is alive.” He had to suppress a smile at his master’s words. “You know how much value she places on the traditions of the Empire.” He certainly did it was why his great grand mother had stepped down from the throne like tradition dictated on her 80th birthday after all. “Don’t worry about anything on this trip just have a good time and learn what you can.”

“I will master,” He said. “I hope you enjoy your visit with your family.” He took his leave then heading back to his quarters to double check that he hadn’t forgotten anything. He didn’t expect to have forgotten anything but it never hurt to double check.

To Be Continued...


Review Here

Disclaimer: Star Wars and it’s expanded universe belong to Lucas film and several other companies working under licence from Lucas film. I am just borrowing the concepts and setting of the world for my own and possibly the enjoyment of other fans.

Note: This was originally The Prologue for The Training Camp. However, it doesn’t really fit as a prologue to that specific fic but more as one for the Entire Galaxy of Chaos future fic verse.

This is set more than 1600 years after a New Hope and deals with a very different Star Wars galaxy. I know EU canon will probably eventually render this AU so I’m going on and giving it the label.


Galaxy of Chaos:
The Enslavement of Berloc Ironfist

Berloc Ironfist, looked out at the lush green hillsides of Korriban as he made a sweep around the hospital wing that had been reserved for Mandalore. The current leader of their people was depending on the medical expertise of the Yuuzhan Vong healers to retain his position. He had plenty of enemies so it was important that none of them get close to him while he was being treated for a rare degenerative nerve condition.

“Greetings Mandalore Ironfist,” a voice called and he froze turning quickly to see a strange blonde woman standing casually behind him. He trained his gun on her as he took in her appearance. She appeared to be a baseline human but appearances where often misleading. “You have nothing to fear from me Mandalore.”

“I am not Mandalore,” he stated simply keeping his weapon trained on her. “Identify yourself or I will kill you.” There was something about the woman’s presence that unnerved him and he was sorely tempted to simply kill her and be done with it. If it wasn’t for the fact that the Vong were extremely touchy about violence committed on their healing world, he would do it in a heartbeat.

“You are not Mandalore yet,” she said ignoring his gun as she turned toward the hospital. “That old fool in there will live another ten years after which he will die gasping for breath after naming you his heir apparent.” She turned back toward him and smiled. “After you get off duty come to the Skywalker Memorial gardens, all your questions will be answered there.”

Before he could say anything or take any action she was gone. He was about to radio it in when news came that the Vong healers had finished their work and Mandalore had come through fine. He scanned the area one more time before heading back to the hospital to get new orders. He decided not to report the disappearing woman until he had more answers.

He was having second thoughts by the time he was relieved of guard duty and heading toward the Skywalker Memorial Garden. He wasn’t sure he should be doing this alone but something stopped him from calling in back up. He glanced at one of the statues of the famous Jedi scattered around the gardens. He knew the Vong had a major case of hero worship when it came to the Jedi, especially to the Skywalker line. He didn’t know why the statue of the woman standing there with a determined look on her face caught his attention but he found himself staring at her and thinking she was almost familiar looking. A quick glance at the plaque showed that was impossible since she had died more than a thousand years ago.

“Mari Skywalker,” the woman’s voice said from behind him. “It is not surprising you should be drawn to her as your origins are intimately connected with her.” He ignored her as he continued to stare at the statue. “She is considered the last of the direct line of Skywalkers,” She said with a knowing smile. “She died facing the last remnants of the Sith achieving what many believe was a final lasting victory against their teachings.”

“Enough of this,” he said letting his irritation show. “I don’t know why you insist on bringing up ancient history, or why you’d say I’m intimately connected with a woman who died thousands of years ago but I’ve had it just say whatever you came here to say.” He felt the sting of shame after that outburst. He’d let his unease show and he hated showing weakness of any kind.

“What do you know of Korriban,” the woman asked smiling darkly. “Do you even understand that before the Vong took their revenge on the sith by eradicating every trace of them they could find that this world was the Sith’s home world?” He knew all that already Mandalorian society had been tied up with the sith so often over the millenia that he had learned quiet a bit about them. He personally thought it was fitting that the Vong framed by the sith had razed the Sith burial world to the bare bedrock before remaking it into the galaxies premier hospital world. “I can sense your thoughts little man and you know nothing the Sith were great once and we will be so again.”

“You are claiming to be a Sith?” He asked resisting the temptation to laugh. “So you are a representative of a dead order of pathetic magicians who got wiped out by the Vong and Jedi.” His unease was being replaced with pity as he realized she was insane.

“Mock me at your peril Mandlore,” She said darkly. “My master served under Palpatine the greatest sith whoever lived.” He couldn’t help it; he actually laughed in her face as the sheer ridicules nature of her boast. “Do not laugh at our master,” she said angrily.

“Are you insane Palpatine lived more than sixteen hundred standard years ago,” He did his best to suppress his chuckles. “I’m sure there are races that could live that long but the Jedi would have dealt with any survivors of Palpatine’s empire centuries ago.” He like most Mandalorians didn’t think too highly of the Jedi but even they couldn’t screw up that badly.

The anger that was clear on the woman’s face suddenly vanished and she turned back toward the statue of the female Skywalker. “Mari was pregnant when she died,” She said flatly. “The master was the one who actually killed her after she had taken down the survivors of the scattered sith fragments.” She turned a cruel smile on him. “All so he could gain the genetic material of her unborn child.” She continued to smile at him as she added. “Incidently you are one of twelve clones of that unborn child that we seeded Mandalorian society with twenty-five standard years ago.” She then outright laughed as she went on. “You Mandalorians and your quickness to adopt played into our hands perfectly.”

“You are insane,” He found himself saying. “Even if your master killed this woman why would he wait more than a thousand years to clone her offspring.” He began to carefully move toward his weapon once more feeling unease replace the pity he had felt earlier.

“Why don’t you take off your helmet so we can talk face to face,” She said casually and to his completely shock he found himself obeying. “This is why,” she said producing a small vial filled with a slimy creature with multiple tentacles. She smiled at him. “You’ve been in its presence long enough now for it to take control.”

He realized she wasn’t kidding when he tried to put his helmet back on only to find he couldn’t. “Why are you doing this?” He asked hoping to keep her talking long enough to figure out how to get out of this mess. He thought about shooting the creature only to find suddenly he couldn’t move his arms.

“The master needs the next Mandalore to be the centerpiece in his grand plan for the galaxy,” She said smiling. “So this parasite was created, it is a wonder of sith alchemy, Vong biotech and centuries of research the only problem is it takes a thousand years to grow and must be a 100% genetic match with its target.” She looked insanely proud as she approached him. “So he waited a thousand years and seeded Mandalorian society with twelve clones knowing he would use whichever one was the most successful.” She ran a cold hand down his face. “Congratulations you get to live all the rest of the surviving clones are being hunted down as we speak.” She looked even more deranged as she added. “A few of the failures did us the favor of dying early.”

“I’ll never stop fighting and I’ll beat this parasite someday,” He vowed as she uncorked the vial. She only laughed at him as she grabbed his jaw and forced it open. She pushed the vial into his mouth and suddenly there was a sharp pain at the back of his throat. He tried to scream but couldn’t as a terrible pain filled his head. He was suddenly somewhere else on a dark world watching as a horrible monster rose from the water. He realized it had to be the master she was talking about. Even as he realized this was taking place entirely In his mind he still found himself giving into utter despair. He knew looking at the abomination that was twining its tentacles around him that he would never be free.

The End.

Review Here