The days continued to pass by, as Pine spent more of her time training. However, over this time she was starting to realize that a Gem's stamina wasn't as great as she once thought. Still, this was only a slight inconvenience. She was currently in the archives alone oddly enough. She assumed Fenn would have been here to keep an eye on her, but she was left alone. Pine knew Cassus wouldn't be here as he was asked to help Ver'alor Parjai with some paperwork. She was honestly glad about this. The two never interacted unless it was necessary.

Pine knew this didn't give her a pass from her studies, so she continued learning about the new Mandalorian culture, and the recent history of the galaxy. She stared at the holographic screen projected from the desk, absorbing everything that scrolled by. However, her reading was interrupted by a familiar boisterous voice.

"So the Shiny has taken a shine to our great culture."

Pine rolled her eyes under her helmet.

"Hello, Lucius."

"Glad to see you remember me. We didn't get to talk much before the simulation."

Pine turned off the screen and turned to face the towering soldier.

"So why exactly are you here?"

"It is a public archive."

Lucius jokingly said.

"And Fenn asked me to."

"What, why? Aren't he and Cassus meant to be my overseers?"

"Said he wanted to help Cassus, so I'll be filling in for him."

"Very well."

Pine said calmly as she returned to reading. However Lucius could tell Pine was annoyed, or to some degree bored. He noticed the slight fidgets or the occasional annoyed sigh from the Gem as she read.

"Credit for your thoughts?"

"What?"

"You haven't pick-up any slang, have you."

Lucius could practically feel the eye roll.

"It's not important. I'm already trying to learn Mandalorian history and culture."

Pine's voice was partly strained as she spoke, and Lucius quickly picked up on it.

"What I mean is what's on your mind. You clearly aren't all too enthused about these studies. What, not one for reading?"

"That's not the issue. Peridots were designed for information, recording, and analysis."

"That still doesn't answer the question."

Pine once again turned her attention away from the screen to address Lucius.

"While I understand the need to learn about your culture to better work with the other soldiers, I don't think this is what I should be focusing on. Compared to training, I don't see the need for this."

Lucius's hands clenched as his voice became grave.

"Our history and culture are intrinsic to the improvement of our empire. It is our culture that instilled values of honor, courage, and loyalty within us, and it is from our history we learned to better improve our future."

"Then please, enlighten me to how this could possibly improve my own abysmal combat capabilities."

Pine asked sarcastically. Everything seemed to go silent, but then Lucius got up and walked over to the shelves. Pine was at first confused, however, Lucius swiftly returned and inserted a data chip into the holoprojector. As the screen came online Pine saw what her squadmate had retrieved. A data bank of Mandalorian combat techniques and battle tactics.

"If it's combat knowledge you want then you may find this more helpful."

"Aren't I meant to be studying culture and history?"

"And we are a warrior culture, with a history of honing our combative craft. I also have a few chips on weapon mechanics if you're interested."

Pine noticed a joking smugness in Lucius' tone.

"Um, Thanks."

Pine said somewhat awkwardly, feeling that she had partly insulted him earlier. Nonchalantly Lucius replied,

"Don't mention it."

Before sitting back, and beginning to read something on the adjacent holo pad next to Pine. The two didn't really talk much more after that, but the atmosphere wasn't as bitter as before.

Elsewhere in the base, an annoyed Cassus had just finished delivering files to his Ver'alor and was being tailed by an equally annoyed Fenn.

"Look all I'm saying is to take this less personally."

Cassus just glared at his brother.

"That alien will be treated just like the rest of us. The Alor'uus who trained us didn't exactly go easy."

"Yes Pine should be treated like all the other soldiers, and as such should be given the same amount of respect."

"Would you rather I coddle the Gem?"

"We both know that's not what I mean."

Fenn quickened his pace to keep up with his brother.

"My issue is that you seem to be taking this personally."

"Did you just forget about everything we did to get through training?"

Cassus stopped in his tracks, causing Fenn to nearly bump into him.

"I will not treat her like some special stray."

"By the Manda, I don't want you to do that."

Fenn hiss out.

"Just at the very least talk to Pine, and get along. We can't have you trying to kill each other in the middle of a war zone."

"That's beside the point. The Gem was in a professional role before. It most likely understands this is simply how things are handled."

Fenn rolled his eyes.

"You are missing the point."

"I don't know why you care so much about the Gem."

"Because I know to show my peers respect. You barely use Pine's actual name, and refer to her by her race."

"Again this is exactly what the Alor'uus did when we were in training."

"The Alor'uus called us by our ranks, and still treated us as Mandalorians."

"The Gem is no Mandalorian."

Cassus said sternly, but by this point, Fenn had grown tired of the argument.

"I won't force you, but we can't let this get in the way during combat. Now come on, I believe we have to continue Pine's training."

Cassus nodded.

"Very well then. What is it we have to cover today?"

"Jetpacks I believe."

"Great…"

Cassus began to massage his temples.

"This is going to go horribly."

"Not if we get a good teacher."

Cassus just gave his brother a confused look, so Fenn reassured him.

"Just trust me."

Once again The hours ticked by. Pine left the archives to meet up with her overseers, but Lucius decided to spend his remaining off time in the archives. Pine made her way to the barracks walking through the busy halls. However, when she arrived, Pine saw 1 other with them. The green Gem recognized the bright red scarf wrapped around her neck.

"Antonia."

"Hello Pine."

The two soldiers gave each other a respectful nod, as Fenn walked up next to Antonia.

"Today we are to instruct you in the use of flight-based combat and to ensure that things go smoothly we have enlisted the help of the squad's best aerial soldier."

Pine nodded, trusting that Fenn and Cassus would have more knowledge of the strengths of her squadmates. As usual, Cassus was the one to push the group along.

"Now that introductions have been done, I believe we should make our way to the training grounds."

"Of course."

Fenn responded happily as they made their way out. As they walked through the halls Pine noticed that Fenn seemed to be keeping an eye on his stony-faced brother. Pine paid no mind to this and opted to focus on the upcoming flying practice. She had flown before using her enhancers, it was one of her favorite things to do when she was still working in the kindergarten, but the spinning blades of her old enhancers worked differently from the jetpack now attached to the back of her suit.

The soldiers had made it to the training area, and signed in, but continued through it to another set of large double doors at the opposite end. Before Pine was a rather open room with a ceiling that stretched high above them. In various sections of the room had pillars that reached the ceiling. Hoops and targets were suspended in the air above them. It stood as another example of just how large the interiors of the enclosed cities were. Fenn turned on his heels and said dramatically,

"Welcome to the Aerial Combat Training Center. It has all the basic things you'd need for jetpack training. Cassus and I will be here to watch, but Antonia will be the one to instruct you."

Pine nodded and joined Antonia at one of the training courses, with Cassus and Fenn standing on the sidelines.

"So assuming you didn't rewire the jetpack the same mechanics should apply. Now, do you know how to get the thing started."

"Yes, mam."

Antonia briefly paused the lesson when Pine said that.

"No need to act so formal. We're both Verd'ika after all."

"But you're my senior and teacher. Am I not supposed to use those terms?"

Antonia shook her head.

"Not really. You can still use it as a sign of respect, but I prefer not to be called mam. I ain't that old yet."

The soldier tried to crack a joke, but it just left Pine feeling a bit awkward so Antonia continued the lesson.

"Ok let's just try to get you off the ground first. Just activate the pack, and try to remain still. The slightest shift of weight can send you flying."

Pine nodded and hit the button on her wrist to activate the jetpack. Carefully the Gem was lifted into the air and now hovered a few feet above the ground.

"Good, now use your legs to shift your weight."

Pine did as she was told, and seconds later the gem found herself careening towards a wall.

"Crap!"

Antonia shouted as she quickly chased after the Gem. Fenn and Cassus prepared to intervene, but Pine was completely calm. This wasn't the first time she was flying in a dangerous situation. As the Gem was speeding toward the wall, she quickly curled her legs causing her body to flip back. Pine's feet impacted the wall, and her trajectory turned, sending Pine flying right above Antonia. Then almost on instinct, A strange feeling began to run through her. A feeling she recognized. Much to her squadmates' surprise Pine was suddenly able to move through the air with unrivaled precision. Cassus just stared confused while Fenn gave his brother an 'I told you so' smile. Antonia simply landed with a smile.

"Well aren't you a natural. Why don't you show us your landing."

Antonia demonstrated her own skill, quickly diving to the ground then pulling up and landing on her feet. Pine gave a slight salute as she tried to copy the same movement. Her dive was well executed, but when she pulled up to land the Gem found herself spinning in the air before crashing on the back of her helmet. Antonia and Fenn flinched slightly, as Cassus facepalmed and mutter under his breath.

"Such precision in the air, yet you can't stick the landing."

The three of them walked over to ensure Pine hadn't been injured while the Gem stood up with a groan.

"So have you used a jetpack before, or was that just some precise flailing."

Fenn joked.

"I'd like an answer as well. It usually takes soldiers months to get a handle of these things."

Antonia asked.

"Well, Gems have the ability to shift the light concentration and density of their forms. This allows our bodies to adapt to the gravity of any planet we go to. I just used a similar technique to consciously shift my weight, so I had better precision in the air."

Cassus raised his brow.

"Then why exactly couldn't you stick the landing?"

Pine's voice became a bit embarrassed.

"Well, when I saw Antonia pull up from a dive to a landing I tried to emulate it by shifting my form.-"

Pine was then cut off by Cassus.

"I assume you had shifted to much weight, causing you to overdo it and crash."

"Yes…"

Cassus sighed.

"Well, that explains why your movements were so sudden. You need to be more disciplined when you use this ability of yours. Being able to turn faster means nothing if you can't remain stable.-"

Cassus himself was then cut off by a loud cough from his brother, and so the Alor'uus let out another sigh.

"But this will make your training easier. Good work."

That last part actually caused Pine to meet Cassus' eyes as if she were genuinely surprised.

"Um thank you, sir."

Cassus just nodded as he pulled up a screen on his visor.

"Training can continue later. We need to continue our own assignments and Pine has to train with Jaster. Dismissed."

Pine saluted as the group split up. The Gem waited near the entrance of the training area for Jaster. Mere minutes later the Ver'alor arrived. Pine noticed a slight smile on her superior's face.

"So I hear you adapted well to the jetpack."

"Yes Sir. I was able to-"

"Shift the weight of your form. Cassus filled me in on his way to the barracks. Quite a useful trick."

"Yes Sir."

Pine nodded as the two situated themselves at their usual training area near the back.

"Now then let's continue with the attack drills. I want to see fast attacks."

Pine nodded and went through the attack patterns that had been drilled into her. Jaster continued to shout commands at her as she went through the motions.

"Dodge Pine. you won't always be punching a bag."

"Your attacks are too repetitive, attack at different angles."

"Push with your punches."

It went like this for 20 minutes, before Jaster gave the signal to stop.

"Good, you're improving. Now we'll spend these last few minutes sparring. 19 seconds is the time you have to beat."

"Yes Sir."

The two positioned themselves at opposite ends and began to circle around each other. Much to Jaster's surprise Pine didn't go for the first attack and opted to wait and see if he made a move. Jaster was the one to close the distance and go for a jab, but Pine quickly bobbed to the side and went for a hook to Jaster's side. The veteran pulled his arm back block pines attack, and then he struck the Gem in the stomach. Pine knew Jaster would follow up with a strike to the head so she quickly began to back away, causing Jaster's fist to fly right in front of her visor and giving both of them a bit of breathing room.

"Your technique has improved."

"Learned it in the archives."

"You were meant to be learning our culture."

"And from what I've been told Mandalorians have a warrior culture."

Jaster gave a slight smile.

"You're right, so why don't I show you the true skill of a warrior."

Jaster once again presses forward, much faster than before. Pine was on the defensive as she dodged and blocked each of Jaster's strikes. In an attempt to gain ground Pine grabbed Jaster's arm as he went for a hook. Pine expected Jaster to counter with a strike from his other hand, but instead, She felt Jaster grab her own arm. The Ver'alor then delivered a sharp kick to Pine's leg causing the gem to fall with a loud thud. With Pine knocked down the match ended, and Jaster pulled Pine to her feet.

"Not counting that pause during the match you lasted around 1 minute. A rather large improvement."

"Thank you, sir."

Jaster still picked up on the bitter tone in Pine's voice.

"You should be pleased with how far you've come. Not many are able to learn so quickly."

"It's still not enough."

"But it will be soon."

Jaster assured her.

"You have a few minutes before you're set for another simulation. Take a break, Pine. Dismissed."

"Yes Sir."

Pine saluted as Jaster took his leave. Pine was about to spend her last few minutes in the shooting range to practice, but before she went through the doors she stopped. Her gaze lingered down the hall for a few moments before she made her way to the archives to study.

The hours passed and the time came when Pine was set to join her squad in the simulation. The soldiers were in the same groups as before, so she was once more with her overseers, Lucius, and Antonia. Lucius was the first to make small talk as they waited for the Ruus'alor to return with their orders.

"So how was your training with the Ver'alor?"

"It went well. Lasted 1 minute this time."

"Well aren't you a prodigy. You'll make a fine soldier."

Lucius gave Pine another strong pat on the back, but the Gem had grown used to them.

"Congratulations are not yet in order."

Cassus said coldly.

"Not until the shiny has survived its first battle."

The atmosphere grew colder. Pine just gave a silent nod and prepared her carbine. Lucius went over to talk with Antonia, and Fenn glared at his brother. Minutes later a Ruus'alor entered the room and the soldiers immediately stood at attention.

"This course will train you for mountainous terrain. Your mission is to reach the target at the end of the simulation and shut it down. You are allowed to use anything within your arsenal to complete the mission. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes Sir."

The squad said in unison, and the Ruus'alor nodded.

"Head to the elevator. You are dismissed."

The soldiers entered as asked and descended to the simulation. Just as before cold air rushed to envelop the group, but now they were faced with a claustrophobic sight. Ahead was a tight ravine. The pillars had shifted to create tall mountainous walls with only a few platforms near the higher levels. Cassus turned to the group.

"Activate Jetpacks. Watch for snipers."

"Yes Sir."

And in seconds they were in the air, flying through the ravines of the simulation. Pine was doing fairly well and kept herself stable. But the flight was interrupted as blaster fire started to fly past the soldiers.

"EVASIVE ACTION!"

Cassus shouted and the soldiers scattered. They dodge through the hail of bolts that were being fried from droids positioned along the walls. Antonia fired back with deadly accuracy taking out several droids. Cassus and Fenn tossed EMPs out taking down chunks of the droids. Pine was struggling to hit anything while in flight, so she tried a new tactic. Pine darted towards a droid nest and proceeded to charge right through them knocking a few down to the floor below. The droids that were left fired at Pine, but failed to notice the EMP that she left behind. It went off shutting down the enemies. As Pine rejoined the group, Lucius gave her a thumbs up, but Cassus' voice came through the radio.

"You can't just charge the enemy like that! Stay Close!"

Pine gave no retort as they continued through the simulation. It wasn't long until they made it to the target. A droid fortification with an antenna tower at the top. The soldiers were met with twice as much firepower and were forced to land and take cover. Pine end up slamming into a wall but still could get up. Fenn landed next to her.

"You ok?"

"I'm fine."

The two quickly ducked behind cover as blaster fire rained down on them. Cassus called over the radio.

"Rocket Droids!"

The soldiers peaked from behind their cover and saw what looked to be B2 droids rocket into the air, and begin approaching them.

"Antonia!"

"On it!"

Antonia fired from behind cover and shot down the flying droids. She then flew out and struck some of the snipers lining the tower. Lucius joined her shortly after and shot at the droids on the tower. Cassus once again contacted Fenn and Pine.

"Move up!"

They flew off to another position while Antonia and Lucius provided covering fire. Pine's attention was focused on trying to hit the droids, but she saw one throw a stun grenade over to Cassus, whose attention was one the droids firing at him. Quickly Pine flew over and grabbed Cassus just before the stun grenade went off. Both of them tumbled to a lower part of the ravine, right under the tower.

"What Was That!"

Cassus berated.

"I was trying to save you! You would have been hit by the Stun Grenade!"

"And you crashed both of us right under the enemy!"

Cassus then turned his attention towards the droids that were beginning to surround the pair. Pine began to fire at the droids above while Cassus was slowly taking down the rocket droids. The short Gem still struggled to hit the droids above. Most of her shot flew right past them, but then Pine finally struck one of the droids in the head causing it to fall.

"I Hit One!"

Her self celebration was short-lived as Cassus quickly pulled her back so she wouldn't be crushed by the droid she had just shot.

"Focus Shiny!"

They continued to fire until Lucius swooped in and took out the remaining droids. However, as Lucius began to land next to them several stun bolts impacted his back. Antonia quickly took out the snipers responsible, but they weren't out of the woods yet. Cassus radioed to Fenn.

"Lucius is down."

"I got him covered."

Fenn met up with the pair and gave a quick salute. Cassus then radioed to Antonia.

"Keep us covered. Shiny with me!"

They flew into the air mere inches from the wall. Antonia shot any droids Cassus or Pine didn't take out as the two ascended. Pine and Cassus made it to the top of the tower and quickly despatched of the droids stationed there, however, a few Rocket droids had made it past Antonia.

"Pine shut it down! I'll cover you!"

The Gem nodded and quickly ran over to the antenna. It was rather obvious what Pine was meant to do as she spotted the lever on the side of the antenna, but before she could pull it she felt a sharp kick that knocked her to the side. When she stood up she had to dodge again as an electric staff swung past her.

"Shiny!"

Cassus called.

"Just keep me covered I got this."

Pine was now fighting the Magnaguard Training droid one on one. The Gem was forced onto the defensive, as one strike from the electro staff would take her out. With the aid of her jetpack, she was offered far more mobility allowing her to dash away from any of the attacks, but she didn't have a clear shot at the lever. She had continuously backtrack as the droid pushed its advantage. Pine was on the edge of the tower, and Cassus was still fighting off the Rocket Dorids. The Magnaguard gave one final swing as Pine jumped off the building. The Droid looked over to see where she went, only see Pine rocket right towards it. Pine's helmet collided with the head of the droid knocking it to the ground and disarming it. Without anything between her and the target, Pine pulled the lever deactivating the antenna and ending the simulation.

The group made their way out of the simulation and were given some praise by the Ruus'alors who were watching. They could finally take a break as the other simulations were coming to an end. Pine was immediately approached by the rest of her squad.

"Didn't get hit this time around. Nice job Pine."

Fenn said jokingly.

"Shame I wasn't there to take down the Magnaguard. That would have been a challenge."

Lucius lamented, but Antonia spoke up.

"Sorry bout that. Guess I missed a few."

Fenn gasped in mock surprise.

"Antonia Vyn, missing? Unheard of."

The group got a good laugh in before Cassus entered the conversation.

"Just got word from the Ruus'alor. We've been given the clear the leave."

The soldiers nodded and said their goodbyes to Pine as they made their way to the Barracks. Pine was also beginning to leave when she heard something that made her stop dead.

"Pine."

The Gem turned on a dime and looked at Cassus in surprise.

"Thanks for the save."

There was a brief silence before Pine gave a quick salute.

"No problem Cassus."

#Author's Note: I'm still alive. Sorry for the long hiatus but with school ramping up and College Apps I've been busy. I can't say I'll be uploading often, but I can assure you I have draft chapters in the works. I'm also thinking of rewriting older chapters. Criticism is always welcome so I can improve my work, and please only use messaging for the purpose of criticism or reviews of my work.