Three is a Crowd

[General Dan]

Aboard a Y-7 Transport, somewhere in the Outer Rim

The Dauntless wasn't far from the exit jump, and Dan began to adjust an intercept to return to the mother ship. His passenger sat alongside him, taking in the view. Sacorria was a relatively untraveled clod in space, and the girl next to him certainly hadn't taken in the galaxy to the extent that he had. Nevertheless, he'd had his eye on her for a long time, preparing her for a day such as this one.

"Are you ready for this?"

It was a question that, no matter what answer was given, he already knew the answer to. She wasn't.

"Keep close to me. We may be surrounded by smiling faces, but I suspect enough enemies to stay alert."

[Saricia Ask'lan]

Like a child, her nose was pressed against the side port, staring off in the vast emptiness of space with eyes full of wonder and terror. Saricia was a mere peasant seamstress on Sacorria, her family a long line of simple farmers ... Well, that was merely an illusion for her family's protection. In reality, she was special. Ancient blood was within her veins and it was to embrace that heritage instead of denying herself her birthright since Mother took ill...

"Keep close to me. We may be surrounded by smiling faces, but I suspect enough enemies to stay alert.

Saricia pulled away and nodded in silent obedience. It wasn't as if she knew what to say anyway, and played with a lock of raven hair, suddenly feeling a deep sense of apprehension as they approached the rest of the fleet.

She did feel small and plain sitting next to Dan in his perfectly pressed, crisp, uniform that was colorful with ribbons and medals - there meaning lost upon the young girl. Staring down into her lap with a frown, she picked at her white dress that had lost its luster over the years from washing and work and felt exceedingly inadequate.

Perhaps that was the source of her trepidation? Or was it something more. She silently admitted her fear of stepping onto such a large space cruiser; Dan's ship was the first one she had ever been on and this was the furthest she had been away from home. There was so much to fear from change and the unknown, but Saricia had accepted the decision to leave... So why were the hairs on the back of her neck rigid with danger ...

[General Dan]

Dan watched her as he opened communication with his flagship.

"Dauntless, this is Dan. Prepare the secondary landing bay for my arrival."

He muted the comm as the flight officer responded with his acknowledgement.

"Breathe."

As if to acknowledge the obvious command, he smiled reassuringly.

"You will be fine. I've made arrangements to have you at my side for special duty."

The Y-7 began to slow, orienting itself to come alongside the enormous Mon Calimari warship. Along the grey cured hull, a sliver of blue-white light illuminated a hangar deck.

"Take time to observe, and ask questions discretely."

[Saricia Ask'lan]

Thin lips were drawn inward before Saricia exhaled a shaky breath. "Yes, Master."

Any shred of confidence she portrayed was feigned as the Dauntless passed through the force field and into the hangar bay. The repuslors whined the Y-7 to a stop, hovering 3 meters over the designated landing markings about, Dan cut the power slowly until they safely touched down with a perfect landing.

She was fine when they had passed through the field, but the ship vibrating to life had startled the young woman. Saricia had dug her nails into the arms of the co-pilot seat, eyes tightened in fright. The poor girl was unaware that their journey had finally come to an end.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Activity in the hangar bay was at its' normal level as the Lupine stood off to the side, her eye watching as the Y-7 gently set itself down. Dan had said to meet him, and despite her curiosity at what this was all about, s'Il had only agreed wordlessly. She patiently waited as the ship went through its' shut-down procedures.

The soft white of her robes seemed out of place here, and were offset by the intricate jewelry she wore; each piece brought back from Scwartzweld. Her hair had been left down to fall past her shoulders, yet despite it all the slowly deepening lines around her eyes had begun to manifest themselves. A product of the Darkside, her physiology had given her renewal as well as it could. The change was minute, but plainly obvious to her. She looked no different to all but herself... and Dan no doubt.

[General Dan]

Dan rested a hand over one of Saricia's tensely-gripping hands.

"Come on now."

He rose to his feet as the gangplank lowered, escorting his new prodigy to her new home. Waiting below on the landing deck was Lok. He greeted her with a smile, keenly interested to see how this first meeting would transpire.

[Saricia Ask'lan]

She peeked an eye opened and saw through the transparisteel to see humans and aliens going about their chores diligently. Saricia glanced up at Dan and nodded stiffly, thankful that the landing was over. She wasn't so naive to forget that she was traveling in a much larger ship, but it was far harder to discern any shifts in flight with the massive compensators keeping the ship steady.

The native Sacorrian followed Dan dutifully down the gangplank until her feet gave pause, noticing the woman in the white robes. The hairs on the back of her were erect in suspicion and with a quick inhalation of breath, her eyes narrowed between submission and challenge. Dan had told her there were still others like her; Lupines, but they were rare. Saricia wasn't prepared to meet another like her and fell upon her Master's orders, remaining silent at his side.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

She watched as the boarding ramp descended. Watched as Dan appeared. Watched as...

Stiffening somewhat, s'Il imperceptibly squared her shoulders back, ears tikking back ever so slightly as her eyes narrowed. Even as the two came down the ramp she could already smell what was in the air. It was unmistakable and startling, and her nostrils flared for only a moment before she reigned in her first instincts. Even so however, the Losstarot lifted her chin, staring past Dan and meeting the eyes of this young woman.

This Lupine.

By the Bloodline where did she come from?!

Her scent was strong, traveling across the distance between them with ease.

Fingernails dug into the palm of her hands, knuckles white as her fists remained hidden in the sleeves of her robes.

Without thinking, her body language had become resolute and commanding, her eye piercing as she allowed her gaze to pick apart this new arrival.

[General Dan]

With a slight look of self-satisfaction on his face, Dan broke the ice.

"Well, I suppose I don't exactly have to dispense with the first introductions. You two ladies seem to have a nose for that sort of thing."

With that initial surprise out of the way, he got down to more conventional introduction.

"Lok, this is Saricia Ask'lan, a person of some talent that you may have guessed. I'm recruiting her to be my intelligence attache in light of Mr. Laprovik's unfortunate situation."

He looked to the younger brunette, and gestured at s'Il.

"Saricia, this is Loklorien s'Ilancy, Jedi Knight and life-long friend."

[Saricia Ask'lan]

Her lips drew taunt and nostrils broadened at the aggressive stance this Lok fell into. It was obvious that Saricia's surprise was mutual. She felt like a specimen, who's layers were being peeled away by that scrutinizing eye. It was unsettling, particularly with the other eye a blank canvas from battle.

She had never felt so small.

"Hello." It was all she could bring herself to say, but offered a polite bow of the head, eyes to the floor, to show some respect - mainly for Dan's benefit.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

The initial surprise that s'Il felt remained ever-present, but the Lupine softened her posture. It had been out of sheer surprise that instinct took over her at the sight of another like herself. Did she have her House Brand? Arya had not, and it'd given s'Il a bit of a disappointed feeling to think that she very well could be the only one left who carried the weight of her House on her own flesh.

Through that disappointment however, there still burned a small ember of hope that this young woman... Saricia Ask'lan, had her brand. It would tell which of the Houses she came from, Greater or Lesser.

She was dimly aware of Saricia's greeting through the haze of her own thoughts, but it was a look from Dan that brought her back to the forefront.

Her eyes closed and she inclined her head, hands moving to clasp together in front of her as she chose the use of a rather archaic acknowledgment.

"Cousin. It is good to see you well."

[General Dan]

"I figured it was high time that we had some extra help, and somebody else we can trust to work toward our plans."

Dan began to walk toward the exit and bade the two women to follow him.

"I've already put word in for Commander Thals to meet with us at Raajaf. She'll help with the vetting and training so we can have her groomed for our new Intelligence liason."

[Saricia Ask'lan]

s'Ilancy's greeting was crisp and reeked of formality. Saricia wasn't expecting to be referred to as Cousin, but the use of such language made sense. So was it out of mere ritual she addressed Saricia so? Or perhaps her greeting was genuine.

She followed as requested, features creased in confusion to the term vetting. The rest of what Dan said she was familiar with, but often his language was flavored with terms that were lost on the sheltered Sacorrian. Space travel, military jargon, training! It was so overwhelming and made her head ache ...

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Her expression neutral, s'Il fell into step beside Dan as the trio made their way from the hangar. What sort of game was Dan playing at now? Someone they could trust? How long had her master known this young woman?

Her gaze remained fixed straight ahead, a facade of calm over a whirlwind of tumultuous thoughts. Whatever elation was to be had over the appearance of Saricia was drowned out by a sudden influx of insecurities that she was ill prepared for.

[General Dan]

Dan continued walking with the two ladies, suddenly concious of a lack of any conversation.

"You know, when I thought about pairing you two together, I wasn't prepared for how chatty you'd both be."

He gave them each a funny expression as they continued onward to the lift that would carry them to his command deck, and to his own suite.

[Saricia Ask'lan]

Saricia opened her mouth to retort with something as easily witty but the effort it was in vain. She clamped her mouth shut and stole a glance at the other Lupine, still at a loss for words. It was still difficult to discern if her presence here was welcomed or not. There was no mistaken the conflict felt towards her and doubts began to surface. She wondered if accepting Dan's offer to study her heritage proper and being more disciplined in the Force was wise. Centuries of Lupine blood flowed inside her veins, a great legacy to be had, but was it really worth leaving the simple life at home? Dan had been charming and showed a great deal of warmth towards her over the years, but this other one was about as friendly as a gundark ...

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

She caught sight of the look Dan cast her way, but continued her silence for a few moments longer. For her, it was easy to hear the underlying tones masked beneath his light-hearted words, and the Lupine knew that it would be best to offer... something.

"Your journey was uneventful, I trust?"

[General Dan]

"It was. I arranged a meeting with a few local system insurgencies. There's nothing firm yet, but we may have a few more active supporters join the cause. Hopefully, our next offensive will finally break that levee. We're this close to finally making a push towards winning this war."

Dan looked to Saricia.

"Then we'll finally be able to live in peace."

[Saricia Ask'lan]

Saricia brightened and her smile was sincere. He knew exactly what to say to bring her back around and focus on the mission.

"I hope I won't be a disappointment and help make that a reality." The native Sacorrian truly meant those words. If her unique abilities could help Dan achieve his mission, then the fear of leaving the comforts of home would be only a small sacrifice.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

To once again be so young. s'Il felt her features soften at the sound of Saricia's voice, and it took the elder Lupine back to a time when she had happily gone from system to system with Dan. Always at his side, always in his presence. That slow-burning passion that he'd drawn from her after Zem's disappearance had only grown stronger as the years passed.

Now? Indeed, now. Did she still cling to the mistaken emotion she had for him?

In the very bottom of her heart she knew that she did. Perhaps that - moreso than the sheer deception - was where the Sith's victory truly lay. He made her love him. And it was that which fed this new jealousy. Had he decided that it was time set her aside in favor of one younger? Her only solace was that she was the only one between the two Lupines that had given him a child.

The thought of Teagan made her grip a small steel messenger tube nestled in one of the pockets of her robes. It was a letter from their daughter. Thoughtfully sent to them from Zem, s'Il had received it in Dan's absence, and had not yet shown him.

"Peace will come when the Force wills it," she spoke absently, her voice gentle.

[General Dan]

"Well, we can see what we can do to hasten that along."

They entered his suite, and Dan made sure they were both seated before taking a seat of his own at his desk. When the door closed behind them, he spoke.

"I have a mission for both of you. I intend to start our work right away."

He activated a holodisplay.

"This is Kievan Restall. He's captain of the Gallant, one of our Nebulon-B warships. I have reason to believe that he's considering defection."

[Saricia Ask'lan]

Saricia visibly blanched at the thought of a mission straight away! She barely had been trained and already Dan was sending her out in to the field. And with her?

She tried to not look more interested in the device that showed the transparent man. Her eyes fixated on Restall's image, burning his face into her mind and asked, "Why does he want to join with the Imperials?"

To forsake ones mission was unfathomable to the young Lupine, but her life had been one of humble service and respect. It was still difficult for her to understand how much pressure the soldiers on either side were under. Some of the Rebels did not have the will to defy the lure of money and false promises from the enemy.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Watching the image, s'Il pursed her lips in thought as she ran over in her mind Dan's desire for them to work together so soon. To her it was ill-advised; she needed to know Saricia beyond the abrupt and unexpected greeting they'd shared so soon before, and the elder Lupine found herself unable to be completely angered at the other woman. No, that anger was gifted to Dan. No doubt he'd spoken soft words to her as he'd done to s'Il herself.

It was enough to make her draw her tongue over front teeth before leaning back in her seat.

"No," she started in a level voice.

"It is too soon. You must allow us time to settle."

[General Dan]

Dan eased back into his seat and struck a conciliatory expression.

"Time to settle?"

He looked to each of them.

"Well, I can afford a little. But I do want to make sure that we act soon. This is a delicate situation. Will one week be a sufficient introduction?"

[Saricia Ask'lan]

She had her own reservations about this mission, but Saricia was willing to do what was necessary and prove herself to Dan. It would have been difficult, yes, but the young Lupine was quite certain that she and s'Ilancy would managed to work together and complete their objective. But that was the short-sightedness of youth and lack of training speaking.

The older woman challenged his authority and Dan conceded. It was strange to see that and Saricia didn't think she would have the courage to do that for quite some time. Not until she was more acclimated with galactic affairs and some training.

"That is fine," she relented, wondering what it s'Ilancy would be like once they were alone with one another. The idea frightened and angered her.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"A week will be sufficient."

In all truthfulness, it was more than she had expected him to give, but s'Il would not waste her time with picking apart the graciousness of his offer. Instead, she idly pulled the steel courier tube from her pocket, holding it in her lap for a moment while unscrewing the cap and pulling a small rolled up paper from within.

"Have you set aside quarters for her?"

What didn't need to be said was the obvious. She will not be sharing space with us.

[General Dan]

Dan nodded.

"She'll be staying on the officer's deck. I'll have someone bring her effects there soon. From there, I can help with whatever either of you might need, as far as mission-specifics."

He handed each of them a holoslip.

"Saricia, you'll be under Lok's command, but we'll both assist with your training."

[Saricia Ask'lan]

"As you wish," Saricia said, taking the holoslip obediently but unsure what she should be doing with it, slipped it inside the leather satchel at her waist.

"Did ..." she wet her lips and looked at the Jedi with an apprehensive tilt of the head, "... did you want to start now?"

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

The holoslip she'd received was tucked away as she leaned forward to deposit the rolled up letter (http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh126/silancy/letter.jpg) Teagan had written to both parents in Dan's hand.

"From our daughter," she explained simply.

Sitting back in her seat, s'Il turned her eye to Saricia, who was looking at her like some lost youngling. In any other situation the elder Lupine would have reached out to try and comfort, but a sudden possessive nature was demanding that boundaries be established. Still, she wasn't so brutish as to refuse the woman some sort of kind gestures.

With a soft voice, she spoke.

"We can, or if you would rather, we can get your belongings moved to your new quarters so that you may rest. That I leave to you."

[General Dan]

Dan took the letter, unfurling it in his lap as he slipped on reading lenses. He scanned it a moment, and a small smile crossed his features before rolling it back up.

"Thank you." He nodded to s'Il.

"Will you ladies need any special facilities for, well, whatever you Lupines do?"

Implicitly, he figured that s'Il would be able to help Saricia explore some of her heritage as part of her orientation. That would be one small but significant aspect of her development into his hand.

[Saricia Ask'lan]

Saricia couldn't hide her surprise at the letter. More specifically, the child that they shared. When Dan mentioned that he was close with this Jedi, he certainly had left out a few details.

"I um ..." the skin around her eyes clenched back and forth, a feeling of uneasiness queasily passed through her stomach, when s'Ilancy addressed her. Saricia was increasingly becoming aware of how childish she was acting. Her mother would be lashing her with a vicious tongue right about how an Ask'lan is never meek or timid!

"... to be honest, I'm not entirely sure what we need. All I ever knew was of my Dama and Ss'oku," she said and looked away with an unspoken pain. "Dama taught me little. Just enough to survive."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

A nod, and s'Il eased herself up to her feet. One knee gave a slightly audible crack, and she allowed a mild sigh to escape her lips. By her people's standards she was nowhere near being considered elderly, but living with those who's lives did not continue for so long had a way of making her feel old. It was only a trick of her mind however. A subconscious thought formulated by what those around her felt.

It was strangely uplifting to hear the words Dama and Ss'oku uttered from someone other than Teagan; as if the Lupine species as a whole was just beginning to reach back up to pull themselves into their place among those who populated the rest of the galaxy. She smiled at the words.

<"Your mother would have told you everything if she could,"> the Lupine spoke, lapsing into their own native tongue. Dan would still be able to understand and speak up if he felt so inclined.

<"You were taught to learn the Houses, yes?">

If she had, that meant there was a strong possibility that Saricia carried her House Brand.

[General Dan]

Dan listened to the exchange with a sense of assuredness.

<"Perhaps after the mission ends, you could show Saricia the libraries as well?">

He figured the opportunity to share mutual heritage would be an excellent way to both train Saricia and to fulfill Lok's longing need for cultural identity.

[Saricia Ask'lan]

Saricia nodded at s'Ilancy's question, fluent in their sacred language Bast'yr, the young Lupine understood every word spoken. <"Yes I do. Before I could even speak, Dama drilled the symbols into memory.">

Her ears visibly twitched in curiosity to what Dan suggested. <"Libraries? There... there are still written documents about our people?">

She was invigorated by this news and hadn't realized that she was standing in shock.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

A wry smile, and s'Il gently placed the courier tube on Dan's desk without a sound.

<"The Great Library is on Schwartzweld, in my House's estate.>"

It didn't need to be said what that meant. The Great Libraries of each bloodline were always kept in the sprawling manors that belonged to those of the Apex Lupines, the Loveloxx and the Losstarot. But, s'Il opted to drive the point home anyhow.

<"... House Losstarot.">

In her anxiousness, the Lupine turned to Dan.

<"She has her House Brand?">

[General Dan]

Dan shook his head to indicate he did not know. He looked to Saricia.

"Do you?"

He had left that up to Lok to discover. Whether or not she was of noble lineage, it was still a profound discovery.

[Saricia Ask'lan]

Saricia nodded, her sense of pride returning with a stiff protruding chin. "Yes. Ask'lan has been our name for several generations, but my ancestors changed it from Kroenen to protect us from the Guardians."

That was all her Dama afforded as an explanation after her father was killed by a Guardian. Some how, they had tracked their small family down on Sacorria. Dama managed to maul his murderer in vengeance, but she had never been the same since. The years continued to warp her unaccepting mind, making her confused and disorientated, a shell of her former existence.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Curiosity got the better of her then, and s'Il moved to close the distance between her and Saricia. Slowly she reached out to the back neckline of the other woman's white dress.

She'd said she was Kroenen, the last of the Greater Houses.

Fluidly she moved her hand, and with a strange sense of expectant elation, s'Il felt down her spine until her fingers came into contact with an inconsistency in the flesh. It was a crescent moon, with the distinctive patterns of the Kroenen crest below.

This woman was without doubt of the Greater House Kroenen.

Satisfied, s'Il pulled away. This confirmation was enough to push aside her initial discomforts, though it certainly did not excuse Dan from her ill feelings for his trickery. Though, a part of her was unsurprised in a way.

She turned to regard him for a moment before speaking.

"One week."

[General Dan]

Dan nodded.

"I'll make all the arrangements that you require."

Rising from his desk, he began to escort the two guests from his office.

"I can already tell that you're both going to get along quite well."

A smile.

"Let's get you escorted to your quarters, Saricia."

[Saricia Ask'lan]

Saricia was petrified and angry that this Lok had the audacity to touch her as she did! Words failed her as her would be teacher's hand slid down the length of her spine, tracing lines around her family's crest. It was appalling to be viewed like some specimen.

When she pulled away in satisfaction, the young Lupine glared her displeasure, yet said nothing to voice it.

"Yes, please" she droned out. "I've suddenly grown quite weary from the trip."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

A nod in agreement, and s'Il followed dutifully behind Dan as he led the way out. It wasn't hard to tell that her action had been a large discomfort for the other woman, but for now she showed no signs of apology. It was the way of things.

She herself had no reservations in bearing her own brand for Saricia, but she would wait until the other was comfortably ensconced in her new living arrangements. Books would need to be gathered, though that task could wait until Saricia had rested and bathed.

As they walked, s'Il gave a look to the back of Dan's head. Cautiously she asked the question that had been ever-present in the back of her mind.

"How long have the you known each other?"

It was a dangerous question in its' own right, yet one that demanded an answer.

[General Dan]

"For a year."

"I followed up on a rumor sifted through intelligence gleaned off that Imperial lackey, Karrnage. Of course, that data was rather raw and poorly refined. I doubt he would've ever been able to find her with it, without also referencing against the records in Schwartzweld."

[Saricia Ask'lan]

"But on the way to Sacorria, Dan was attacked by Imperials. He managed to make ... <"Oh how do you say it?"> The jump into hyperspace?" She looked to Dan who nodded that was the correct basic.

"Locals pointed him towards my ranch and came under false pretenses that he needed a place to hide for a few weeks." It was the most she had spoken since arriving, but Saricia felt comfortable in speaking about this. Even thinking about that short time brought a smile to her face. Having someone to speak to besides her mentally unstable Dama was a pleasure she latched on to once he proved trustworthy. "I don't blame him anymore. He needed to be sure about me."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"How forward thinking of him."

There wasn't exactly an element of acknowledgment in her airy tone, but never-the-less s'Il thought over the answer. For now it was good enough.

A discrepancy still nagged at her though, and the Lupine folded her hands together as they walked. She'd not known of Karrnage until Milivikal brought him to her attention, and that had certainly not been a year ago.

"You knew of the Colonel before I did, then?"

[General Dan]

"I did, although, not in the detail that we later learned. Intel has kept a watch over him and other Imperial scientists for years."

Dan looked at his companion.

"Call it a bit of intuition."

[Saricia Ask'lan]

It was Saricia's turn to voice a concern, which had been nagging since Dan had revealed his true intentions towards her. "You never did explain why he, and other Imperials, wanted us captured..."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

It was a question that she'd asked Karrnage himself, though his answer had been less than completely satisfying.

"The Empire has interest in all things that they feel might benefit their further control over those around them. Which places us in a precarious position, of course."

She had her own suspicions, but the Colonel had never given any concrete evidence to them. Perhaps when she next visited Schwartzweld he would be more open to such discourse.

"When we visit the Great Library," she went on, "... we can discuss the matter with him."

[General Dan]

Dan bristled slightly at the suggestion.

"I still don't trust him. He's a fanatic."

He looked to Saricia.

"Colonel Karrnage was and likely still is a player in the Empire's New Order. He specialized in origins of what might be called arcane race, which Emperor Palpatine was obsessed with."

[Saricia Ask'lan]

Saricia merely nodded to them both, having absolutely no idea what was being talked about. They spoke in generalities, which made her feel even more frustrated.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Sensing the younger Lupine's confusion, s'Il offered an explanation to what Dan had just spoken.

"Arcane races; you and I are such a people. We are no longer, in essence, and therefor a bit of an anachronism. It is only through the good graces of fate that what few of us that are left are now in a position to grow. The Colonel is an expert on the ancient peoples that once were, and the Empire in turn has shown an interest in the secrets that such races may have to offer.

"They wish to use and exploit our natural abilities for their own conquests."

She allowed Dan to lead the way into a lift, and after the doors had closed, went on.

"Now however, the Colonel is in my employ, and is working to solve the mysteries of how we became unable to continue our lineage; as well, why it came to be that I had a child when I should not have."

[General Dan]

"And it's my opinion that anything he helps you uncover is eventually going to make it back to Imperial Intelligence, if it hasn't already."

Dan had tolerated the bizarre work relationship the two had, but he was approaching the limits of it.

"The Empire views this as weapon technology. They wouldn't hesitate to potentially weaponize Lupine genetic markers. While there is some use in extracting his own knowledge on the subject, it's still something that needs to be carefully handled."

[Saricia Ask'lan]

It was a lot to take in, but the explanations provided gave Saricia some clarity on s'Ilancy. As a Jedi and the Apex of a dying race, she saw herself as the savior to the Lupines - almost in desperation, though Lok was reserved right now. Saricia knew better, especially after their short conversation in Dan's office.

The Empire's involvement was not a surprise, but the younger Lupine had to side with Dan's assessment of working with Karrnage. If his loyalties were to Imperial rule, surely he had loose lips. Though, admittedly, she had to wonder how it was possible that Dan and s'Ilancy were able to conceive a child. That question alone was almost enough reason to forgive the Jedi for placing some trust in the enemy.

That was when the doors to the lift opened.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

In deference to Dan and his position of dominance over herself and Saricia, s'Il remained where she was, allowing Dan to lead the way out of the lift. With a gracious bow she indicated Saricia to go ahead of her, and exiting last, the elder Lupine adjusted her pace so that she walked now beside the Kroenen Lupine.

House Kroenen.

In her mind the surprise at having her master give to her such an amazing discovery was the cruelest of two-edged swords. Another Lupine... another woman.

Still, she wasn't quite willing to relent on the matter of Karrnage.

"He belongs to me now.

"I changed him."

[General Dan]

Dan paused, looking back to her. He allowed himself some surprise, but didn't push a confrontation.

"Some people just build model starships for hobbies."

He shook his head with a bemused grin on his face.

"Well, I have no intention of letting him return to the Empire. Just try not to have too much fun."

[Saricia Ask'lan]

Saricia listened and watched the Dan and Lok's exchange, noticing that as much emphasis the conversation was about Karrnage, the Jedi was still mainly focused upon her, unsurprisingly. The younger lupines cheeks twitched with trepidation as they soon reached her quarters, uncertain of how civil their conversation would remain once alone.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

s'Il slowed to a stop as they approached the door to Saricia's new living quarters. With the week that Dan had allowed them, she knew that it would be prudent to learn as much as she could about the young woman. It would be of the utmost importance to assert her dominance, but the elder Lupine suspected that such a thing would need to be done gently despite her initial reactions thus far.

A look was sent to Dan.

It would be best now if he left them alone.

[General Dan]

"Well now"

Dan stepped back from the door with a polite smile.

"I'm sure you ladies have lots you want to discuss without me being a third wheel. I'll be on the bridge if you need anything."

With that, he walked off, leaving the two lupines to bond.

[Saricia Ask'lan]

Saricia looked back and forth between s'Ilancy and the door, afraid to admit ignorance as to how the door opened. Words failed to come without the guidance of Dan and she remained in silent apprehension.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

A curious if not bemused look to Saricia, and s'Il reached out to depress the door's opening panel. And when it'd opened, she gave a slight bow to the Kroenen Lupine to indicate she enter first. Common courtesy after all.

There was much that needed discussing between the two - what her parents had managed to teach her of their people, what she knew of the Houses, the Great Migration, the Leh-beni, everything.

Everything... including Dan.

[Saricia Ask'lan]

The room was so simple and sterile. There was no fresh smell of grass, just as the touch of humidity clinging to the air from morning dew was gone. The small baying cries of the Kudri often echoed in the background back at home that her ears almost hurt from the silence. She hadn't felt so alone since leaving Sacorria until stepping into this room that held no little warmth, especially with the other Lupine present within.

Slowly, her head turned and gazed at s'Ilancy over her shoulder, almost looking like a timid child waiting for scolding she knew was coming.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

As the door shut behind them, s'Il turned to Saricia, noting the look that she was being given. For the briefest of moments it made her proud; made the Apex blood in her veins race at the thought of such a submissive gaze being sent her way.

But, just as quickly she flushed the thought away. Now was not the time for her to come down with a heavy heel. That would come later. Gentleness was required now, and the Elder Lupine would readily comply.

The two were alone, and walking past the Kroenen, s'Il relaxed her posture so that the younger one would feel more at ease.

Such instinctive nature.

"Calm yourself Saricia. I'll not make a child of a Greater House uncomfortable. I promise."

As if to solidify that fact, s'Il lowered herself into a leather sofa, gesturing for her new host to do the same.

[Saricia Ask'lan]

Saricia allowed her arms to fall to her sides, but still felt uneasy around the older Lupine. Her movements were stiff and guarded as she took a seat onto the matching chair opposite s'Ilancy.

"As you wish," she stated plainly.

She was hot and cold in the matter of seconds and Saricia felt it difficult to really sit comfortably in a strange place, with a strange elder Lupine. Regardless of s'Ilancy's openness, she wanted more from her but the young Lupine wasn't sure if she'd live up to such high expectations.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

A single eyebrow rose at that, but otherwise s'Il said nothing. Instead, she stared curiously at Saricia.

Finally, she spoke once more.

"I must admit to a healthy amount of shock at your arrival. I'd not expected any other of our Bloodline to have survived."

She leaned forward then, elbows resting on her knees.

"We are both in a rather delicate situation, you must understand."

Her gaze softened, and she let her head fall forward.

"I never concerned myself with seeking out the other strongholds, and for that I apologize. If I had, we would've met sooner."

Another moment of silence.

"Tell me of you mother."

[Saricia Ask'lan]

Saricia looked into her lap and played with her fingers nervously. It was difficult to talk about her mother.

"Dama was a kind and caring soul while father was alive, with much love to give in her heart. She had hair the color of wheat and eyes so green you thought they were carved from Sacorratian emeralds." The young Lupine looked up with identical eyes that she had described. "She taught me to sew and cook, in between language lessons of course. But when the Guardian came and killed father, she turned feral and became crazed! I ... I didn't see the fight. She made me hide in the barn with the Kudri, but I could hear everything."

Even after all these years, it was difficult to disclose the simplest of explanations. She vividly remembered huddling against the warmth of Vaka, her favorite of the the herd, burying her head as tightly as she could into her thick mane to drown out the blood curdling screams ...

Saricia blinked in embarrassment at her dampened eyes. "Mother was never the same. Father's death and the kill drove her mad. The change was slow at first, but bit by bit, I watched the light die from her eyes everyday until ..."

She sighed and took a heavy breath. "Now she does nothing except mumble incoherently. Marta, she's a friend of our family, was helping me take care of her, and is still doing so since I've left ..."

s'Ilancy could not mistake the guilt in Saricia's voice.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

s'Il looked up, taken aback by Saricia's last words.

"She's still alive then... ?"

The younger Lupine's story was a tragic one, her father's death at the hand of the Guardians much like her own. Her mother's descent into madness was a familiar one, and not unsurprising.

"Insanity is an unfortunate commonality with our later generations."

Leaning back then, the elder Lupine shed her robes, laying them to the side. She wore the traditional garments that belonged to the Jedi, and reaching up to rub at her neck in thought, s'Il leaned back more comfortably.

"It is a tragic thing for any Lupine to be put down by a Guardian; I've met two in my years, and the first time was... unfortunate for the both of us."

Such green eyes...

"I am truly sorry for your loss."

[Saricia Ask'lan]

"Unfortunately. The Gods would be kind to end her suffering since I'm too weak to do it myself ... " she said, trailing off as the once sane pleas of her Mother echoed in her mind.

Kill me please, Sarsha! I can't live like this! PLEASE!

Shaking her head, she returned to the present. "But thank you for your sympathy. I often wonder, still, how things would have turned out if that Guardian never came to our home."

Saricia found herself scooting forward, drawn to s'Ilancy like a fly to fire. "What was it like?"

Realizing her manners, she blushed at her curiosity, but she couldn't help wonder if that held the truth behind her lost eye. "Fighting the Guardians I mean..."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"The Guardians are an incredibly proper people who have given themselves their titles out of some sort of misguided feeling of authority over us. They act as agents of peace and order, risen from the ashes of their ancestors - our servants.

"Back then they weren't called as such; they are the Leh'beni, and were meant to serve us in every capacity."

Realizing she'd gone off on a bit of a tangent, s'Il shook her head.

"But to do battle with one is... " How to describe it?

"It is not advisable no matter how disciplined you are. They've adapted well to our weaknesses, and often use silver and cortosis as weapons."

She thought of Mr. Dust - had it really been so long ago?

"The one that I crossed with was young; maybe sixteen, but he was skilled regardless."

[Saricia Ask'lan]

"Everything you've told me is what Dama had said." She leaned back with an unsatisfied look to her face. "She spoke only in vagaries as if even speaking of the Leh'beni would bring about some curse upon our family."

Nostrils flared in anger. "As if it mattered in the end."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

At that, s'Il burst out laughing. It was the first true outward sign of emotion that she'd displayed since the two had met.

"A curse?"

Her laughter died down to a light chuckle.

"By the Bloodline no, the Leh'beni are not a curse; merely an annoyance that must be dealt with carefully.

"They aren't any reason to speak in whispers for fear of them jumping out from the shadows and taking your pelt."

With a healthy amount of mirth in her eye, she gazed long at Saricia.

"They're rotting from the inside out; they think that we're gone, that they've done their duty in eradicating us from existence."

[Saricia Ask'lan]

Saricia sat there stunned with disbelief in her eyes. s'Ilancy had regarded the younger Lupine with aggression and sympathy. To hear her laugh with honest amusement came as a surprise. It was a pleasant one at that in which she responded with a shy smile, "I figured as much, but my Mother was so paranoid about my safety. With good reason since it was a miracle that I was conceived."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

With a mirthful glint in her eye, s'Il stared at Saricia.

"And indeed it was.

"The last full generations were given one final reprieve; one more chance to have a child of their own before fate snatched their existence away."

At this she leaned forward once more so that the two were closer. There was a wicked smile upon her features.

"But we're not the last. We've outsmarted fate and have a long road ahead of us. I have already had a daughter, and now - once again - I am to have another child. A son."

[Saricia Ask'lan]

"By the Maker!!" Saricia gasped and without even thinking, grabbed s'Ilancy's hands with her own. "This is such wonderful news!"

Realizing what she had done, the younger Lupine backed away, releasing the hold on the Jedi. "You've been blessed not once, but twice! But ... but how?!"

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Her smile was genuine, though bolstered not by Saricia's joy, but rather by the thought of giving Dan another child. This she kept to herself however.

"I truly don't know how it happened; only that it did."

The feel of Saricia's hands on her own was enough to cause her a sense of foreign kinship. Not only was the nearly mesmerizing scent of another adult Lupine flooding her olfactory senses, but the touch! It was so close to wondrous in its' own way.

A dancing look shone in her eye.

"I'll not question the good graces of fate."

Another few moments of silence between them, and s'Il reclined in her seat once again.

"But enough of that.

A glance around at their surroundings. The qarters were spacious in their own way, comfortably furnished. She made a small mental note to allow Saricia a few possession from home - Schwartzweld.

"Dan has given you a comforting setting."

[Saricia Ask'lan]

Saricia took a moment to glance about her quarters with new eyes. It was nicely furnished and would be adequate to her needs. The young Lupine knew it would take time for it to feel like it was truly hers. Perhaps after unpacking her belongings and personalizing the room would help some.

"Yes. It is generous, but I will admit me being homesick. I know it will take time but I'm used to the life of open lands and freedom. Not being ... boxed in between durasteel that protect me from the death of space beyond those walls."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

s'Il gave a nod in understanding.

"I can sympathize with your feelings, I truly can. Those of our kind are not entirely used to such surroundings, but it does not mean that we cannot bring the trappings of home with us to ease the sensation of such unease.

"Books I have found to be particularly soothing, as is continuing my own journals."

The Lupine tilted her head to the side, a curious look in her eye. Had Saricia started putting her own life's story to paper?

"Have you begun your own writing?"

[Saricia Ask'lan]

"No," she admitted and turned away, embarrassed by her admission. Father would have scolded her many times over for not keeping a journal, as would have Mother, if her mind were all there. "Dama is a handful and the farm ... All the chores. I'm just too drained to care ..."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

That she'd not begun was a minor surprise, but also knowing the burden that the girl had endured, not entirely unexpected.

"Well, now is as good a time as any to begin, I would think."

Another moment of thought, and s'Il went on.

"You will have ample time to yourself while you are here, and your privacy will be maintained for as long as you wish.

"In time, it would be prudent for us to visit home - Schwartzweld."

[Saricia Ask'lan]

Nostrils flared. Saricia finally had enough of this talk of home. She did not appreciate Lok speaking on her behalf as if her personal feelings regarding the Lupine homeworld in the same reverence. "Sacorria is my home, not Schwartzweld. Please try and remember that."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Such a reaction was unexpected, and s'Il set her jaw, lips drawing into a thin scowl. The Lupine rose to her feet in a sudden show of dominance, and she leveled an authoritative finger at Saricia.

"Sacorria is not your home. It is an exile world that was chosen for your House; nothing more. Schwartzweld is your home - it is our home, and you would do well to remember that."

Despite her own diminutive stature, s'Il allowed her essence in the Force to permeate every corner of the quarters so that her superiority was unquestionable.

"You are a Lupine," she hissed angrily, "... begin acting like one, and not some Leh'beni whelp."

[Saricia Ask'lan]

Out of respect, Saricia did not stand but she did not back down either. "And you need to understand that the years have changed our people. I've lived my entire life on Sacorria. My entire existence had been that world. The people there showed me compassion as if I were their daughter, especially after Dama took ill."

It felt like as if any moment her heart was going to burst through her chest with how rapidly it pounded. "I openly accept and welcome your tutelage, but you should appreciate I won't forsake the generosity shown to my House either."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"You are not being asked to forsake anyone."

Her voice was even, her tone low. It was almost a dangerous sound, and if one listened carefully enough, they would be able to detect the faintest traces of a growl lacing the undercurrents of her vocal range.

"In time you will come to understand that Schwartzweld is the true home of all our souls - what pitiful few of us are left at the very least."

It would not do to upset herself, and the elder Lupine seemed to return to her gentler side, the harsh lines of her features fading away into nothing.

"We do not change with time," she said finally, lowering herself to once more sit.

"We simply exist within. It is our duty to preserve our past; we are bound to it by our very blood. When the time came to leave Schwartzweld, our forefathers were adamant that, while the Houses were separated, they remain true to the homeworld. As a member of a Greater House such, you are bound by duty to the bloodline to honor that as am I."

The barely imperceptible growl had gone from her voice, replaced now with firm yet understanding words. Even her own accent, an odd and clipped lilt - which s'Il had spent years hiding - became more pronounced.

Being in such company was drawing more of her tightly guarded mannerisms out of her than she had initially expected. Before, she would only exhibit them while in the privacy of hers and Dan's home, but now, so close to another of her kind who was not only of her own bloodline, but a Greater House as well, she found herself allowing those carefully hidden habits emerge.

[Saricia Ask'lan]

Slowly the younger Lupine felt her muscles relax, her guard lowering as s'Ilancy fell back into the couch and spoke to her gently once more. The Losstarot's words vexed her visibly and Saricia struggled with words that became caught in her throat. Old traditions that were embedded into her blood could find no reason but to agree with her Elder. But then there was the part of her that rebelled against it since for more then half her life, Dama failed to guide her in the ways of her people and any interest slowly faded away ... until Dan arrived.

"I apologize," she replied, staring at some discernible point on the far wall. "I went with Dan because I was curious about my heritage. I just ..."

She sighed and chew on her lip nervously before continuing, "I just didn't know what to expect here and it's much to take in all at once."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

For as much as Saricia was reeling, trying to understand and decipher all around her, s'Il was finding herself in much the same predicament. She acted on pure instinct, yet without the experience of those who had come so many years before - those who lived their lives surrounded by their own kind.

Arya was a Loveloxx, Teagan her own daughter, and Vega simply broken. To be with what she considered a new and whole piece of her was something she was wholly unaccustomed to, yet a challenge that she welcomed.

She looked thoughtful, her eye on Saricia.

"It is a lot, yes. But it is not so difficult to overcome, I promise you."

Turning about to gaze at the other woman's packed belongings, s'Il gave a questioning sideways look back to her host.

"Your parents kept their House texts, that much I do know.

"Did you bring any with you?"

[Saricia Ask'lan]

"Of course," she replied with a timid smile, "It was the first things I packed."

Saricia felt some of her awkwardness being replaced by a swelling pride as she stood. Much of her new life was rebelling against her past, and that always felt even more prominent from the significant burden of carrying the House tomes. Oh how it weighed heavily upon her shoulder and heart. However, equally felt was the humility that went along with it. To have been chosen to safe guard the lineage was something to be proud of, regardless of her own insecurities.

"Here," she said as the pack was placed almost reverently on top of the table. Saricia then knelt and slowly unzipped the pack, making sure that binding nor paper got caught within the zipper's teeth. Once opened, Saricia spread open the leather pack gently and looked to s'Ilancy with a tight smile. "Please..."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Sliding forward from her seat, s'Il carefully reached out to take the first book into her hands. It was a white leatherbound tome, with gold trimmed edges; the great book of Houses, it was the one text that each family had in their possession. She set it gently on the able, then began to pull out the others. A smaller book of parables, other family histories, even more than a few personal journals that had been penned by previous Kroenen Lupines. They all smelled familiar to her, with a slight tinge of something else - it was a smell that she identified as Kroenen, as Saricia as well put off the same scent.

One of the pirvate journals she opened, thumbing carefully through the pages and scanning over the flowing handwriting.

A few moments later, she looked up to Saricia with a ghostly smile.

"These are wonderfully cared for."

Slowly, the Lupine closed the journal and set it atop the rest. She stared at the stack of books in quiet contemplation before going on.

"What do you hope to learn in coming here?"

[Saricia Ask'lan]

A question she could answer without pause. It was refreshing and confidence kept her voice strong. "I knew where I came from, but I didn't realize about my latent Force abilities until Dan came to Sacorria."

Her intuition about others, how the weather would change and she was able to save her crops where others lost due to flooding, and how easily she could persuade someone to see her point of view above theirs unintentionally... Dan had picked up on it straight away.

"He said I could do more with my talents for the good of my people." Saricia answered plainly, not sure what the elder Lupine was reaching for.