Ah, the first chapter of the year, and the second chapter since I came back. As usual November and December are a challenge to write. But it is time to reignite the fires that have somewhat diminish. hopefully, I can recapture your attention. We will see...
First Impression
Devin pov
"It's not that simple, while I can achieve this, I promised the current Nathran that upon my return that I must choose a suitable lover. But warned that if I were to bring back anyone who is not Falleen to be my lover that he would have to fight the other Ta'Shir, including myself. Only when he proves his skill will he be allowed in." she says as she looked at me seductively. "So, you want me to play your husband as to permanently stave off suitors and as a means to become the next clan leader,"
I said to her slightly annoyed. "No. I don't want you to play the part of a husband, I want you to be my husband. Your love, your power, your dominance. I want it all." She says as she got up and walked over to me, gliding her hand across my body. I can tell she is using her pheromones again and she is concentrating it on me.
"I see, and why me. I am fairly sure you know I have enough lovers as it is. I'm also pretty sure that need me as your husband. You have a patriarchal clan, even if you become the next clan leader, they would look to your husband with the ruling authority than you, and that's with a Falleen husband. If I were to agree to be your husband and you become the leader, you would most likely have a faction in your clan who would try to overthrow you. It would civil war."
I explained as she walked behind me and place her hands on my shoulders. "Even if there was to be a civil war, it would be our way. The people are free to uprise if they deem their leader incompetent. But you alone can stop them without even thinking about it. As the Nathran, I would be the face of the clan. I'll have access to the knowledge and facilities that would have been previously inaccessible to me, and you, my dear future husband, will have access to all this plus the finest group of warriors I have to offer."
She says in my ear as she slid her hands down my chest. I got up and walked over near the window as my skin was starting to burn. Her pheromones are strong, I'm glad she is directing them at me because she could become very problematic if she directs them to someone else. I turned around to see she was behind me, looking at me as prey. "What do you hope to gain from doing all this, you're going extremely far just for power," I asked.
"Well the main reason why I would go this far, is that I predict that while the Falleen race will live a prosperous future, that we will hit a point when we stray from the right path and destroy ourselves. To prevent this I would have an alliance secured to make sure that someone with strong connections and an even stronger military force can keep us honest. I want my people to be safe, even from themselves." She says as she walks up against me, placing a hand on me as she looks directly into my eyes.
I'm starting to become lightheaded from all the pheromones she is releasing. "Why are you trying so hard to seduce me, couldn't you convince me to help you without using your ability. Though I'll admit the incense was a nice touch to help me relax before assaulting me. But seriously, why." I asked.
"Because in my travels, I have never met someone who could resist me for so long. Usually, most others fall on their face with this but you…you are taking the full brunt of it without being swayed. You make me want you even more, just so I see you lose control over me." She says as she places both of her hands on either side of my face and starts to lean in for a kiss. I placed one hand over hers and placed the other on her waist. Just as she was about to kiss me I spun her around a pressed her back against the wall.
I made sure to quickly grab both of her hands and restrict them against the wall. While I had her restrained against the wall, I was still too close. She was surprised to be sure but she still wanted to kiss me. Since I restricted her hands she wrapped a leg behind me and pulled me against her. Her dress rode up and I could tell she wanted me as she pressed her waist against mine. It would be so easy to lose control and ravage her, but I think being a tease would damage her more.
So I leaned in, not to kiss, but so I could whisper in her ear. "I'll consider being your husband if you enter your second year here, but you have to be on your best behavior and not to use your pheromones whatsoever unless I give you permission to do so," I told her as I kissed her neck, she practically melted after I let her go. "Wait."
She says walking after me. "Every time you used your pheromones without permission, is a year you have to wait. I'll look forward to your performance this year." I said as I walked to the door, but I noticed she had locked it. I unlocked the door and closed it just in time, I could feel her lust towards me increasing.
She will be a problem, I have to be on my toes with her. I made my way into one of the observation decks on the imperium and luckily no one was inside. I sat near the window where I decide to pass out. I couldn't act tough anymore. Though I could have sworn as I was passing out I heard the door open. But I was too exhausted to care.
As I started to wake up I noticed I was on a soft surface, I felt unbelievably relaxed, which was awesome considering what state I was in when I passed out. I would have thought someone had found me and moved me to my room, imagine my surprise when I was still in the observation room with our resident zeltronian, laying in her lap no less. "Oh, hello Miss Veron," I said as I sat up.
"Hello sir, excuse my actions but you seemed incredibly taxed so I had locked the door and began easing your body while you slept. I hope you don't mind." She says as she stood up. "I don't mind at all, as a matter of fact, thank you. I really needed it." I told her as I stood up myself. "If I may ask, what did that fallen do to put you in such a state?" she asked.
"While I can't divulge the private affairs of others, she tried to convince me of the benefits of helping her. She tried her best, and a weaker mind would have fallen to her temptation." I said to her. "Is she that dangerous sir?" She asked. "Extremely," I warned. She looks at me with a serious face. "Then I will train to make sure she is no longer a threat to you or anyone else." "You don't need to do that," I said to her.
"Your right, I must. I can't let her run around doing as she pleases. If you would excuse me Lord seer, I must go train." She says with annoyance in her voice. She left in a way where I know for a fact that she was mad. This is going to be an interesting year. The next day was the official start of the school and the beginning of the first year.
The first week went off without a hitch, but I guess that was to be expected since they are with their teachers they are familiar with. However, the second week proved to be interesting as the Jedi initiates were nervous learning under Godor. But they seem to take it pretty well, Godor tells me that Anua, our resident Bothan, is very hostile towards him. He personally found it amusing and told her that if she wants to fight, to come to find him anytime.
I have to admit, at least she is consistent with her attitude. Now the Sith initiates…they didn't ask anyone. Linlet, Jenael, and Akhrirar all openly tried to attack Elyn on the first day. Lightsaber activated and everything...thought she was weak. Of all the teachers, you pick the one who was my first apprentice and the fastest ones as that, second only to Telanna.
Elyn told me that she knocked all three of them out cold before they took a half step to attack, and taught the other half that day. What was even funnier was how all well behaved they were the next day. I was worried about Elyn when it would come with the Sith, but I see I should be more worried about the Sith.
But now to the fun part, joined classes. Elyn and Godor have both decided that this would be the best time for them to pick out their partner to train and learn with. One light side initiates to one dark side initiates. I have to admit though, the teams that came out were surprising. Vessand and Norc'etushi'ligie or Cetushil, Akhrirar and Groboch, I heard Chani practically forced Theni to be her partner, much to Theni's annoyance. I personally found it funny.
Anua and Las paired up, Zoey and Avik, and finally Jenael with Lizdefa. I'll admit, I'm a little concerned with that last pairing but it is done. Six teams of two consisting of a Jedi and a Sith, this next part is going to be fun as I had Elyn and Godor gather the students near me. "I hope you are satisfied with your partner, they are the ones who you will entrust your life with. To that end, each team will come up to fight each other in hand to hand combat." I said shocking some while others were excited.
But to my surprise, Jenael raised her hand for a question. "Yes?" I said to her. "Why must we fight hand to hand instead of using lightsabers?" she asked.
"Good question, the way thing stands there are a lot of people who are well versed in attacking and disabling a force user, most time when they acquire their lightsaber their combat ability drops to a meager level. I plan to rectify this by having you practice on each other. Your goal is to be able to fight your partner without holding back for an hour but to do this everyone needs to find and exploit the weakness in everyone. Everyone is strong and weak in some place or other, I want you to practice to the point where there is no weak member of this class."
"There is no wrong way to train as well so feel free to ask your partners or other students for advice on fighting style as well. Whenever your ready to begin step forward with your partner, and no lethal or debilitating blows, I want everyone to be able to function the next day."
But it seems no one wanted to step up first. "Well since no one is sure if they want to start first, Elyn…Godor, when was the last time you two spared?" I asked. "It's been a while since I get to knock her around," Godor says with amusement. "Please last time I check I was winning with a score of eighty to seventy-nine." She says with a smirk. "Then let's get started so I can tie the score back up," Godor says as he gets ready. "With pleasure"
Elyn responded as she got into position. The other students backed away to give them some space. "No holding back, first to land a solid hit wins…Begin," I said as the two dashed at each other. As they collided, there was a huge shockwave. Every punch, block, and kicks were met with such tremendous force that everyone felt it. The students were in shock by how strong their teachers were, and I don't blame them. Most force users don't see many hands to hand combat, so this was a learning experience for a lot of them.
The longer those two fought the fast they went to the point where you almost couldn't see their hands. Until finally there was a blow that knocked them both back. They looked at each other both out of breath. "Lucky shot," Elyn says admitting defeat. "You went too wide on that one punch, it left you open for a split second," Godor says as they walk up to each other. "I was distracted, I'm not used to doing this in front of an audience other than Devin." She explained.
"I admit it was a little unnerving but it might be something we have to do from now on. Still, that was fun." Godor says with a raised hand. "Yea, next time you won't get off easy." Elyn challenged as she high five Godor. "So anyone feeling inspired yet?" I asked and Vessand and Cetushil stepped up. They both got into position and looked ready. "You have one hour to fight and learn each other, begin," I said to them as they started their sparing session.
They both obviously trained by themselves as they attacked and blocked each other with near precision, I believe they will complement each other well in the future. As I was watching the fight unfold, I get a message from Jaina that she wishes to speak to me about a potential asset. I told her to come to find me in the main hall with the other initiates. When she arrived the first fight was finished with both of them being on equal footing, which is impressive in a way.
Akhrirar and Groboch are next I believe, though I believe Akhrirar has the advantage as far as skills though, they both got into position and I said Begin. Just as I predicted though, he is more skilled than Groboch. What surprised me though is that he is helping Groboch learn some moves to use why they fight, I wouldn't have expected that from him. "Boss," Jaina calls to me. "Jaina, how are you doing today?" I asked her. "I'm doing well sir and yourself?" She asked.
"I am doing well thank you, but you shouldn't be so formal with me. You and I are too close to be needing to do that." I told her. "That may be boss, but I would rather do so in private and trusted company. Seeing as how we have several strangers present. I rather not be blatant with our relationship around them." She explained. "I suppose that is true, we wouldn't want any unneeded attention upon us. In any case, you mention you wanted to speak to me about a potential asset you wanted to discuss with me?" I asked her.
"Word of your experimental academy has spread Galaxy wide, they hear of your attempts to combined two legendary factions into one order, they wish to join you and fight for your cause," Jaina says to me. "Jaina I already have an army of soldiers at my back who by definition is the best, what need of I to recruit others?" I asked her.
"Your army is indeed large, but it is not enough if you wish to protect several planets in the future. If we were to bring them to our school, train them up, we could release them back to their homeworlds to establish a garrison on each planet. From the most remote worlds all the way to the core systems, you will have both a base and a staging area to deploy your elite army. Though if we train them well, we won't need to intervene at all." She explained.
"While that would be a tremendous idea, it would equally be costly. A base needs supplies, the people would need food and weapons, we put a huge strain on ourselves if we were to even start the operation, much less maintain it." I told her as the hour was up I told the two to stop fighting. Chani and Theni were next, and I can tell they were raring to go. "Begin," I commanded, and they both went at it like savages, they were out for blood but they need to hold back lest their fight would be interrupted.
"I have solutions to all of that, including the training but you may not like it," Jaina warned. "Explain," I said to her. "As far money and resources go, I have someone in the banking clan inner circle, who willing to endorse such an extensive project…a Muun, and a Neimoidian." She says. "The banking clan? Are you serious? They are hard to trust at best and treacherous at worst. Why would one of the inner circle endorse me for anything?" I asked.
"I was told that when you're ready to begin to let me know, all they would ask is a chance to meet you in person," Jaina says. "Even if I thought that was a good idea, there still a matter of building bases on practically every planet from the core worlds to the most remote planet. Even with all the resources I need, it would take time." I informed.
"Not if we used abandoned bases and remodeled them, we could also use a number if not all the Revanites bases on some worlds until a custom made one is built. It would cost less and suit our needs." She suggested. "Is this coming from the same women who investigated the Revanites, and exposed them for hiding secrets?" I asked.
"It is sir, while I dislike them for what they are, they have quite a few things we could use. Also with people under our influence working in the base, they would have a harder time hiding anything else from us. Despite them saying they would share 'everything.'" She says. As the battle ended in a draw, as they were both tired. Anua and Las were up next. They both had a look like they didn't want to take it seriously, I can expect a boring sparing session out of them. "Begin," I said, but as I expected they are just going through the motions.
"I may have to consider that Idea after all, but who is going to train them? I will have my hands full with teaching these students." I asked. "About that…" Jaina drags off like she is hesitant to say. That is never a good sign. "Some friends from my past mentioned they would like the opportunity to join and work with you, in exchange for an asylum from you." She says in a hushed voice. "Your past...you mean with Death Watch?" I said in a very quiet voice. "Yes…" she confirmed.
"And why would they want to work with me? The better question is, why would I want to work with them?" I asked slightly annoyed. "Sir, they were all born into it as I was, they didn't have a choice and wished for a better life. As ironic as it is, working with you has made me famous in public and notorious in the underground. They have seen what you're capable of and deemed you the person who can break them free of their curse so to speak. I can vouch for them personally; they are very skilled and can teach the recruits."
She says to me. "Oh, I do not doubt their abilities if you are recommending them to me. But why should I trust them?" I asked her. "Sir, I cant give you a single reason to trust them, all I ask is that you allow them a chance to prove themselves to you. They have even have an abandoned base of operation that could be used to train the recruits. They report to me and I in turn report their progress." She says to me. She seems really adamant about this.
I looked over to the fight to see Anua and Las getting serious, they were both evenly matched and couldn't get a solid hit on each other. "Enough, the match has ended in a draw. Next fighters come up." I can tell they didn't want to stop but they backed off. Next up is Zeoy and Avik are next, while Zeoy seems ready to go…Avik seems ready to run. "Begin," I commanded. But as soon as I told them to begin, Avik started to run fast…and Zeoy seems to run almost happy to chase him.
I am starting to see why I was uncomfortable around her. I can tell the Avik is no fool and can sense danger from her. I would stop the fight but I'm curious to see if he will outrun or Zoey or will Zoey catch him…let's find out. I look to Jaina as she is still awaiting my answer.
"I want you to send me extensive info of the entire process to me later, from recruitment to training to be introduced to our military, I won't agree on the use of Revanites bases until I see the leaders home base. Also, I would like to see your Mandalorian friends personally if you can have them come here. I'm not entirely convinced that this is a good idea, but you are the most cautious person I know. If you are willing to take this risk then I want to know in detail what you have planned. I also wish to see those people from the banking clans you wish to introduce me to. Once I am satisfied with what I need to know, I will give you the go-ahead for this…recruitment."
I told her. "Thank you, sir." She says as she turns to leave to make the arrangements. As soon as she left Avik surprised everyone when he manages to get the first hit. Even Avik was surprised and Zoey was quite visibly upset that she lost. But she regained her composure and returned to her group. Avik carefully avoided her and returned to his group. Time for the final group, Jenael, and Lizdefa.
They walked up and got ready. I expect that Lizdefa will have a hard time against someone as aggressive as Jenael, but we will see what happens. "Begin," I said. Jenael rushed in as usual, but Lizdefa stood firm, blocking and deflecting Jenael strikes. But Jenael was relentless and picked up speed, approaching the same speed when she was sparring with me. But Lizdefa was keeping up, she was completely focused on anticipating, deflecting, and blocking every strike.
The spar was not as intense as Elyn and Godor, but I believe those two…with a little bit of training, they will be stronger and more powerful than the rest. This kept this up for almost the entire hour for they were starting to slow down as the way they were fighting was extremely taxing for them. Jenael started to become sloppy and Liz took this opportunity to go on the offensive.
With Jenael tired she at a disadvantage, but she was by any means no easier to take down, I can sense her tapping into the force to keep up. If they kept this up Jenael would have eventually lost, however… "Enough," I called out. They both stopped mid-strike. "Time's up, return to your group," I told them. As they return to their respective groups, I got up and walked between them both.
"Well done, now you know each other's strengths and weaknesses. For the rest of your time here, your job is to exploit each other's weakness and make it a part of their strength. This is your class project for the next four years. Your goal…is that each team can defeat your current teachers. Until all members of your class have beaten the teachers, you will not advance in a grade."
"But make no mistakes, your teacher will learn from you as well, if one team uses a trick to gain the advantage…the others will have a harder time doing the same. They will be instructed to not go easy on you, they will go at you as though they are trying to kill you. The stronger the individual the stronger the class. Those who do not pass by the final exam will be held back a year to test with the next group of students." I told them. They took this info in and began talking with each other.
"Your respective faction ships will be dock with the Imperium from seven am to twelve am. What you do with the time on the main ship is up to you. However, I recommend from excessive exploring as we of this ship want to see if you all can be trusted. If not, you will be sent back to where you came from, and if you resist…I will personally make sure you won't return anywhere." I said as I looked at all of them in the eye to make sure they knew exactly what I meant.
"Now, on that note, when you fight your teachers there is a bonus. If someone can fight and defeat both of their teachers by themselves they will personally receive intel that will help them in their fight with their next teachers, however, you are not allowed to share that intel with anyone for any reason. Anyone caught sharing intel with the others will have the intel revoke, and bump down a grade. However, if everyone in your class manages to fight both teachers by themselves, everyone will be given complete intel on their next set of teachers. As well any privilege you wish to have as a class."
I explained to them. It will be interesting to see how they develop in the coming months. I started to walk towards the exit but stopped.
"Oh yea, before I forget…both the Jedi initiates and the sith initiates must pick two people among their group who you feel would be good leaders that you would be willing to follow. The leaders of those groups also will form something of a council, a way to find a middle ground between yourselves. Our, teachers, are here to guide you along your path to increase your knowledge and your skills."
"However, any problems that arrive between you two must be dealt with between you two. If the problem escalates, my crew will intervene. The head leader of the Jedi and the Sith will also form a partnership as they must learn each other intimately how to work with other leaders. Their vice leaders must be there to keep the rest of the group in line and relay orders from their head leaders. I noticed someone on the Sith side raise their hand. "What is it Akhrirar," I said without turning around.
"You would have us follow orders and behave like common soldiers. Why?" he asked. I turned around and looked at him. "That's a good question. Does anyone here know the answer? Anyone?" I asked everyone. "Sir!" Cetushil said as he stood at attention.
"You're having us our two sides having two leaders each in which the rest of the group must follow, and the leader of those two groups, have overall command of both teams. The only reason you would do that is that you plan to have us lead either in two small teams or one large force for a mission. For this purpose you having us act as soldiers because you want us to learn to be efficient. But it's more than that isn't it sir?" He said.
"Very good, quite perceptive of you. You also right there is more to it. The purpose of you acting like soldiers is that an untold amount of soldiers die or get destroyed because their commanders don't know how to properly lead them. So I'm going to put every last one of your command skills to the test. Even if you are not a leader of the group you're in, chances are you will have soldiers under you."
"Which is why I am training you now on the basic so that when the time comes you won't be a hopeless wreck like I know some of you would be. Your second year will consist of a test to see how well you can lead your clones into battle against impossible odds when you yourself don't have your lightsaber. But that is for those of you who pass this year. For now. Train, learn, and use what we gave you to succeed. I am looking forward to seeing how you all progress."
I said as I left the room to let the teachers do their jobs. Tarkim and Shaak were both waiting for me outside. "Don't you think you set the bar too high for them," Shaak asked in concern. "I agree with the amount of work you have given them is…staggering. What are you planning? Tarkim asked curiously.
"For better or worse, these students are the future leaders and ambassadors of this school. Therefore, a tempo must be set, expectations high, and habits made if they are going to succeed in securing this school's future. You both know of the dangers that await them out there, I promised them the means to become stronger because they will need it to survive. I have faith that they will always rise to the challenge. But I imagine that is not why you have come is it?" I asked them.
"We have reports of a large fleet is mounting to attack us, intel says that a rogue faction of the separatist has broken off to challenge you. They plan to intercept them before they reach our location, but we might still be looking at a good number of them coming our way." Tarkim reported. "Oh, I figure this would happen sooner or later. Have the Togorian Fleet meet up with us. Prep the ships and troops, it won't matter how many come, we will be ready." I order. "Yes sir," Tarkim says as he rushes off to carry my orders.
Well then... the students have their assignments and they know what they have to do. Will they rise to the Challenge..or will they be crushed by the pressure. We will see you soon.
