Maldecka wanted to scream. She and Orgus had been travelling with Malsept and his Mandalorian mercenaries for several weeks now. In two more they would be able to return to the Jedi temple.

However, this morning, Malsept mentioned how Maldecka had killed a Sith while Orgus was still on his own mission. Normally nothing Maldecka would worry about.

The problem was that Malsept asked about the way Maldecka zeroed in on the Sith and couldn't stand down. He mentioned the glowing eyes too. And of course, Orgus was able to recognize it as the signs of a Force Bloodhound and now he's a bundle of strong emotions about the whole mess.

And Maldecka was mad.

Frustrated and not sure how to let the emotion go, Maldecka went down to the combat pit to workout and clear her head.

When she arrived, she was surprised to find Orgus brutally attacking one of the punching bags.

Maldecka watched for a few minutes, noting the swirl of emotions around Orgus as he worked.

Then she spoke, "Master Orgus? I would like to spar."

Orgus stilled the punching bag as he looked over his shoulder, "I don't think that's a good idea Maldecka."

The use of her full name convinced Maldecka that it was a good idea, "No. Let's spar."

She ignited both her lightsabers to solidify her point.

Orgus turned and gave her a long look. Narrowing his eyes, Orgus pulled his own lightsaber over to his outstretched arm. A quick salute was all the warning Maldecka got before Orgus was on the offensive.

She parried and blocked and gracefully gave ground until they crossed the middle of the sparring area.

Then she twisted her legs and began her own offensive, driving Orgus back with one lightsaber while blocking with the other, "You're wrong to be mad."

Orgus suddenly struck downward in a blow amplified by the force, "Oh really? And why, pray tell, should I not be mad that my padawan willfully hid something like this from me?"

Maldecka spun on her foot to land her other food on Orgus' side, "Because you were the one who pushed me and Zarro away in the first place!"

Both pulled back for a second. Maldecka could feel their mutual anger and frustration like static in the air.

Suddenly Orgus was striking again, "I needed to keep you both safe! It was the only way…"

"Great job with that." It was out of Maldecka's mouth before she could think about it. Regret at the obvious hurt on Orgus' face fought with Maldecka's anger at the events of the past two years.

Orgus must have let his own anger win, because suddenly he was striking with twice the speed and power, "I tried to get to Zarro in time. I did everything I could. I chose the best possible option under the circumstances by sending you two away!"

Maldecka's own anger made her more than a match for her Master, "You didn't tell us anything! I only barely knew why and you told me to not tell Zarro. He was hurt by your actions. He wanted to help you hunt the Rot. And when he needed you, you were still pretending you could make us disappear by sending us on wild missions!"

Maldecka could see Orgus' anger flare even higher but she didn't want to stop, "I know he sent you messages after we discovered that I am a Force Bloodhound. I know you ignored them. That hurt him more than the initial brush off. And now he's comatose. And it's your fault."

Orgus pulled back his attack so suddenly that Maldecka nearly lost her balance. She regained it just in time to see Orgus giving her a strange look. Maldecka's own anger burned brighter at Orgus' sudden calmness.

Furious, Maldecka leapt to the offensive. Orgus calmly parried her blows. Maldecka could feel the exhaustion in her arms.

Suddenly Orgus struck and disarmed Maldecka. He pushed her down as both lightsabers clattered into separate corners.

Maldecka could only blink from the floor as Orgus held a ligtsaber at her throat and held down her right arm with his foot.

Orgus took a deep breath before beginning, "It is my fault. I won't apologize for sending you two away. But I should have responded when Zarro was begging for my help. I should have let you both know how widespread the Rot was getting. I should have done a lot of things. But I didn't, and now we are here. Hacking at each other when we should be unified against our enemies. More than that, I am failing you as a Master for letting you harbor this anger for so long. That changes today. I won't lose another Padawan to my hesitancy to teach properly."

Maldecka was speechless. She knew Master Orgus had a padawan before her. But that padawan chose to convert to a Sith. Orgus wasn't to blame for that. And yet, Orgus self-exiled himself for several years because of it. And here was Maldecka letting her anger rage away like she was a new initiate.

Orgus stepped back and turned off his lightsaber. Then he held out his hand to Maldecka.

Maldecka reached up and took it.

They both stood and took measure of each other as Maldecka pulled her lightsabers to herself.

Glancing up Maldecka realized that Malsept and most of the crew had ended up watching the match. Maldecka considered leaving this and putting the weight on Orgus to fix it. But that's the coward's rout.

Instead Maldecka rolled her shoulders and bowed respectfully while pushing words through the bond. I was out of line Orgus. I apologize for not informing you of my nature and for letting my anger get out of control.

Orgus blinked in surprise. Then he returned the bow. I was out of line too Mal. I've let your training slide and I should have been more attentive to the specific training you need. But from this point on, no more secrets.

Maldecka and Orgus lifted out of the bow. Grinning Maldecka spoke aloud, "Yes Master."

Both turned as Malsept coughed politely, "If you two are done trying to kill each other, then suit up. We have a client coming on board that we need to entertain in ten minutes."

Maldecka clapped on the last part of her armor just as their potential clients arrived. Orgus was grumbling under his helmet. It was designed with horns to help Orgus pass as a Zabrak from the Sunset Tribe.

Maldecka stood beside him as they prepared to follow Malsept into the meeting room. Hesitantly she reached across the bond. There is another secret I should probably share with you Orgus. I don't think it will actually impact anything.

Orgus kept his signature carefully blank as he responded, I'll be the judge of that.

Maldecka calmed her heart as the door opened and they walked in behind Malsept. I've been in contact with an Imperial named, "Aikell?!"

"Maldecka?" Aikell had shock in her eyes as she stood beside a tall Zabrak with Sunset Tribe tattoos on his face. Both were dressed in Imperial grey uniforms.

The meeting room was silent as everyone stared at each other.

Orgus scoffed, "Not going to impact anything she says."

The Imperial Zabrak spoke to Aikell after appraising Orgus and Maldecka, "How do you know a daughter of the Sunset tribe?"

Maldecka couldn't help but notice that Aikell's poker face had greatly improved since they had last been face to face, "Sir, you know how. And I suspect that she is why we are here today at all."

The Imperial's only sign of approval was across his Force Signature, though MAldecka suspected that Aikell had no idea.

Malsept angrily stepped forward, "Do you have a contract for us or not Tanno."

Tanno offered a raised eyebrow to Malsept, "No, but I have brought ten thousand credits to appease your base motivations and compensate you for your trouble."

Malsept offered a sneer back, "Well thanks for your generosity Brother."

Tanno turned his back on Malsept to instead face Orgus and Maldecka, "You are no brother of mine; but you have your uses. Though I was under the impression you only lead six of the tribe astray with your silver platter promises. Who is this?"

Orgus lifted his head up. Maldecka had no doubt Orgus was glaring daggers under the helmet, however she wasn't sure if it was Tanno or Malsept on the receiving end.

Malsept interrupted before Orgus could reply, "He's from the same tribe as the little sister. Now get off my ship boot-licker."

Maldecka panicked. She really wanted to find out how Aikell had ended up out here and how a member of the Sunset Tribe ended up an Imperial.

Orgus stepped forward and clapped a hand onto Tanno's shoulder, "We've got it from here Malsept. Go count the credits and give Mal her fair cut. I'll handle him if he tries anything."

Malsept looked like he considered arguing but instead retreated from the room with the rest of the crew. Only Tanno, Orgus, Aikell and Maldecka remained.

As the door closed Tanno looked pointedly at Orgus' hand. Instead of removing it Orgus flipped him and tossed him into a chair.

Maldecka could feel the weight of the Force that Orgus applied to ensure Tanno stayed in the chair.

Tanno frowned as he looked more curiously at Orgus, "I was under the impression that Maldecka was one of the most recent additions to the Jedi from our tribe."

Orgus let his body posture speak for him.

Finally, Tanno sighed, "You must be Zarro. That explains the fake horn helmet since you're a Cathar. I mean you and your padawan no harm. But If my apprentice and yours insist on continuing their short messages to each other then they should have a less traceable means, don't you think?"

Orgus tilted his head, "What are you suggesting?"

Tanno frowned, "I'm well versed in military and criminal encryption. What do you think I'm suggesting? Usually I go through the tribe to contact anyone in the Republic I care about, but in this case a one to one seemed more practical. Especially given the Jedi business. I also wanted to see her for myself. Building a strong network of allies can be hard for young agents. They sometimes choose more for foolish reasons than to amass a strong web."

Orgus released the Force hold on Tanno, "Step out. We'll let the girls talk for a bit without us hovering over them."

Tanno nodded and amiably left the room calling out, "Two hours Aikell."

Maldecka felt like she could breathe again as Orgus loosened his hold on the Force in the room.

Orgus turned to Aikell and held out his hand, "I understand you are friends with my Padawan?"

Aikell took the offered hand and gave it a good shake, "I am, Master Orgus. I am also very sorry about Master Zarro."

Maldecka could feel how startled Orgus was that Aikell knew, and didn't correct Tanno.

Orgus left the room verbally silent, but offering begrudging approval through the bond to Maldecka.

Aikell and Maldecka stared at each other in silence before both began to giggle.

Aikell was the first to speak, "Of all the ways to cross paths again. And what on earth are you dressed as?"

Maldecka struck a pose, "A Mandalorian obviously."

Aikell laughed, "A short Mandalorian. Is it Jedi business?"

Maldecka nodded. They had agreed to not talk shop to each other, it made the friendship easier.

But Maldecka had to know, "Can I ask what you are doing here? Why are you with Tanno?"

Aikell looked uncertain for a second. But then she sat at the table and motioned for Maldecka to sit too.

Aikell looked at the ceiling like it held all the answers, "I killed a Sith, and there were witnesses. I should have been executed when I arrived on Imperial soil. Instead one of the witnesses hushed everyone up and recommended me to Tanno. He pulled me from the technical academy I was at and started me on an aggressively paced path through all the training for a sniper in the Intelligence Agency. Sometimes he pulls me into the field to be his assistant and to learn how field work goes."

Maldecka lifted an eyebrow, "Do you want to be doing this?"

Aikell laughed slightly, "I don't know, but I really don't think I can say no. He's currently protecting me from execution, I can't really argue with that."

Maldecka smiled, "I never properly thanked you for that."

Aikell waved her off, "You were busy. Orgus seems to be pretty calm about this, did you tell him about me?"

Maldecka shook her head, "About one second before he met you."

The two girls shared a silent moment.

Aikell leaned forward, "I know we don't talk shop, but I've overheard things. Things that concern me. Why are you and Orgus here instead of at the temple? And what exactly is wrong with Zarro? You never explained beyond comatose."

Maldecka leaned back in her chair, thinking. Aikell was both her friend and an apprentice to a spy. That made trusting her very difficult.

Maldecka dropped her gaze to the table top and took the risk, "Zarro is in an induced coma from a Sith artifact wrapped around his chest. He was sent on a mission that was compromised by someone within the order. Master Orgus and I are helping to hunt down and destroy this internal Rot. And simultaneously looking for the key to the Sith artifact on Zarro."

Maldecka kept her gaze on the table as she heard Aikell shift in her seat.

"That's awful."

Maldecka couldn't help the laugh that stumbled from her mouth, "That's one way to phrase it."

Aikell shifted some more, "Aren't you going to ask?"

Maldecka lifted her gaze, "Ask about you knowing anything about the Rot? No. I don't want to challenge your loyalties. You're too good a friend."

Aikell got a look on her face, "You are ….so" Aikell trailed off before beginning again, "I'm glad to be your friend. I'm glad to have someone who is blunt and honest and not using me for their own ends. Thank you Maldecka."

Maldecka smiled, "That bad huh?"

Aikell gave an exaggerated sigh and dropped her head into her hands, "Spies are the worst people in the galaxy. Everything either means the opposite or is a thinly veiled come-on. So many mind games."

Maldecka grinned, "They kind of sound like politicians."

Aikell lifted her head and gave Maldecka a brilliant smile, "You going to back that up? Because I can tell you stories..."

Orgus, Malsept and Tanno did not have as charming a time. Mostly it consisted of the following:

"So, how does it feel to be a Zabrak for a while? That helmet has got to be doing a number on your fur Zarro. You can take it off you know."

"You can go to hell, Boot-licker."

"I wasn't talking to you; I was talking to the jedi. Maybe some fish will draw you out? Kitty want some fish?"

"Meow."

Maldecka led Aikell down to where the airlock was, figuring that was where Malsept would take Tenno.

Aikell bumped into Maldecka's shoulder as they walked, "Don't take two months to reply next time. I was starting to wonder if you were dead."

Maldecka bumped Aikell back, "Malsept and company have been keeping a close eye on me. Your boss is right about that at least, we need more secure communication."

They rounded the corner to see Tenno and Malsept inches from each other, glaring daggers at each other.

Orgus turned and nodded at Maldecka before returning his gaze to the grumbling tribesmen.

Tenno suddenly swept his leg out to trip Malsept. Malsept caught his balance and used his momentum to push Tenno toward the airlock. Tenno rolled with the push with an easy smile on his face.

Malsept snarled, arms flexed and held out slightly, "You've paid us and seen what you want to see, now leave before I ask the Jedi to stick you to the ceiling again."

Tenno tugged his shirt back into place and tossed a grin over toward Orgus and Maldecka,"Don't let Malsept spoil you toward me. I really am just helping facilitate further communication between Aikell and Maldecka."

With that Tanno spun on his heel and strolled through the airlock, "I'll be in touch Jedi. Come Aikell."

Aikell pulled Maldecka into a quick hug, whispering, "If I hear anything, I'll send it your way."

Maldecka was stunned, "You don't need to."

Aikell offered a blinding grin to Maldecka, "Exactly, stay safe."

Aikell then nodded to Orgus, "Sir. It was nice to meet you."

Orgus nodded back, "Agreed Imperial."

Maldecka watched Aikell follow Agent Tanno. Then the airlock closed and disengaged.

Malsept huffed at the door, "Sometimes I really hate the Tribe and all its little branches. Not you Girl. The Jedi are alright, but some of the Imperial guys..."

Orgus stepped forward and held out his hand toward Malsept, "Your about to like them even less."

Malsept held out his hand and received several tracking devices, "Damn him. I want a full scan of my ship."

Orgus and Maldecka watched as Malsept lead his crew off to inspect the ship.

Maldecka rolled her shoulders as Orgus turned to face her.

"Any other surprises Kid?"

Maldecka smiled slightly and let her shields on the bond drop a bit, "Not that I can think of Orgus."

Orgus slumped slightly and pulled off his helmet, "What am I going to do with you? A Force Bloodhound being friends with an Imperial who didn't blow my cover to her mentor. Did Zarro know about this?"

Maldecka felt a small spike of sorrow, "No, I met Aikell on my first solo mission."

Orgus frowned, "Oh."

Maldecka wasn't sure what to say, so she stayed silent.

Orgus shook his head and laughed as he pulled Maldecka into a hug, "Your training just got a whole lot more complicated. Zarro got to do the easy part of training a padawan."

Orgus pulled back and held Maldecka by the shoulders, "You will work hard, you might even start to hate how hard I make you work. But you will study, and learn and develop instincts to help you navigate your incredibly broad and complicated universe. You will learn how to balance on the knifes edge of grey between the light and dark sides of the Force. And I will help you, any and every time you ask and even when you don't."

Maldecka let her gratitude and confusion bleed through the bond, "I didn't know there was a Grey side."

Orgus smiled with his mouth alone, "Very few do, and they usually don't talk about it. Because it's not a side, it's a compromise. And that compromise can be very costly."

Maldecka thought of the first time she met Orgus, the anger and frustration he carried. Still does in some ways.

Then she thought about Aikell, and Malsept, and Zarro and the thrill mastering a new lightsaber form, and the overwhelming joy of bringing justice to the galaxy, and the visions in the crystal cave.

Orgus glanced at the doorway, hearing Malsept returning to check on them, "Do you believe in Destiny? Do you believe your only options as a Force Bloodhound are to die in battle or to fall to the dark side?"

Maldecka rolled her shoulders as Malsept got closer, "No. When do we begin?"