After a long day dealing with idiots Marr finally gets to relax at home with his family. Spending his evenings with Satele and Avner make it all worth it. Since becoming the head of the council Marr has been working more than he would like.
After showering and finding Avner, Mara and Satele in the gardens he decided now would be a good time to bring up what was discussed today.
As soon as Avner saw him he stumbled out of Satele's lap and ran. "Dada!" The cutest sound he could make.
Marr kneeled down to scoop him up and put him on his shoulders like he does every night.
"What's the matter ?" Satele asked him before he could even finish walking over to her and Mara. They were, like most nights, having a little picnic with Avner outside.
"Can we talk in private?" Marr asked. Trying not to sound concerned.
Mara and Satele exchanged looks. Marr handed Avner over to Mara And walked down the path with Satele.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothings really wrong."
"Then why do I sense Confliction in you?"
"Obviously the council knows about Avner and they been hounding me about bringing him in." He put his hand up to stop Satele before she could protest. "I know he's just over one and he doesn't know any better yet but I don't think it's a bad idea. But you know I won't if you don't want to."
Satele stopped. Mind racing of all the possible reasons why they want to meet him. "Why? Why do they want to meet him ? I don't see any other Sith bringing their kids before the council ! Why our son? Why Avner ?" She demanded.
"I don't know. I think some are curious to see what he looks like, being my son. But I honestly don't know. They just ask and have been asking for some time for you to bring him in."
"What do you think we should do?" She looked up to her husband with worried eyes. Pleading for an answer.
"I don't sense any… negative or harmful intentions from any of them. I kind of believe they would like to meet him. Knowing his bloodline."
"What if they feel threatened by him? Try to …"
Marr immediately stopped her. "I will strike anyone down who tries to harm him. You know that."
"I know. I know. Im just…"
"If you don't want to I'll say no."
"If you honestly believe it'll be ok then we can at least try but im bringing my lightsaber !"
Marr laughed at her Hostility, her motherly instincts that he loved so much. She would lay her life down for their son just as he would. "I would be disappointed if you didn't."
They walked back to Mara and Avner were and Marr kissed her before heading back in. "I'm going to send an message to the rest of the council and schedule a meeting , say lunch tomorrow?"
"I'll bring him up after his nap."
"Dada, I come too?"
"How can I say no to dadas big man?" As he swung him back up to his shoulders and headed inside.
Mara looked at Satele. "What was that about ?"
She looked down at her hands. "The council wants to meet Avner." Her tone was confusing. Was she asking a question, was she mad, displeased?
"And is that bad?"
"I… I don't know Mara. I'm worried yes but Marr has ensured me that it will be ok. But I can't help but feel off about it."
"You know he would destroy this whole galaxy for that boy. As you would. You have the right to worry. He's your baby."
"I know. I just hope Avner doesn't do any of his new 'tricks'. " Satele gave Mara that look. A look Mara knew.
Avner just at a year and a half was doing 'tricks' for everyone. His strength in the force was amazing already but Satele worried about his training. He needed a teacher, more than one at that. Marr already agreed they'd ask Vowrawn and when the time came they'd ask Revan.
Satele figured if he was going to meet the whole Dark council tomorrow she'd ask Vowrawn then. Maybe they could start subtly training him.
Marr left early like he normally does. Kissed Satele and Avner goodbye, gently enough not to wake them and headed for the citadel.
Darth Vowrawn and Darth Marr have been friends for some time now. So it was a little easy for Vowrawn to notice when something was wrong. Darth Marr never, normally paced his office if something wasn't wrong. "Is there something the matter Darth Marr ?" He genuinely asked.
"Do you know what this whole meeting Avner thing is about ? Other than you no one else here has met him and Satele and I are both a little nervous."
"My dear friend I honestly have no idea. Jealous maybe, curious. Satele goes on and on about how he's is your spitting image. I know many are curious on what your face looks like." In his sarcastic Vowrawn way. "Jealous that I've got to meet him and they haven't."
"Ha ha, seriously. Satele has been a nervous wreck since I asked her last night."
"I don't think there is anything to worry about but she's a mother. She's going to worry the rest for her life."
"They should be here in a few, care to walk me with to meet them?" Darth Marr asked.
As soon as he finished Avner popped in so fast not even Marr noticed him coming. Startling them both. "Dada! I here! Your work!" Avner yelled with so much excitement Satele could hear him down the hall. Since he ran so fast as soon as Satele pointed to Marr's open office door.
"Incredible." Vowrawn murmured.
"Up,up !" Avner begged Marr with his tiny arms stretch out high.
"He's getting faster." Satele pointed out as she walked in.
"And big." Vowrawn added while standing to greet Satele. "How are you today my dear?"
"Oh I'm … alright. Ready to get this over with." She sat down next to him and placed Avners bag on the floor next to her. "How are you? How's your secret project?" She gave him a nudge.
"Oh I'm wonderful especially when I get to hide and work on my secret project." He nudged her back. "It's coming along , we are delayed yet again but soon, soon I'll reveal what I've been working on."
"If you two are done I believe we have a meeting to get to." Darth Marr carried Avner to the elevator with Satele and Vowrawn strolling behind them.
Not all Dark council members were on Dromund Kaas. Some like Jadus, Acharon, Baras, and Decimus would be joining via Holo.
Vowrawn entered first followed by Marr carring Avner and Satele on his other arm.
Nox, Mortis and Rictus all stood once seeing the boy and welcomed them all. The rest of the council followed lead.
Marr took a deep breath. "Avner, I would like you to meet the rest of the Dark council." Marr started to walk in the direction of the council members. "This is Mekhis, she's the head of the sphere of technology. This is Aruk, the head of the sphere of Sith philosophy. You already know Vowrawn. This is Rictus, the head of the sphere of Mysteries." Avner was in Awe as Marr introduced them. "This is Decimus, the head of the sphere of military strategy. Baras, the head of the sphere of military offense. Mortis, the head of the sphere of laws and justice. Jadus is the head of the sphere of imperial intelligence. Ravage, the sphere of expansion and diplomacy. Acharon, the sphere of biotic sciences. And this is Nox, she is the head of the sphere of ancient knowledge. Council, this is our son Avner."
As soon as Marr introduced Nox she removed her helmet and instantly smiled at Avner. "Hello Avner, it's very nice to meet you."
"Dada friend?"
"I am. We all are."
Mekhis didn't even try to hide her animosity. "I'm not sure why you talk to this child like he'll remember anything."
Before Marr or Satele could say anything Vowrawn let out an annoyed laugh. "Are you that naïve Mekhis ?" Before continuing Vowrawn walked over to her. "This child will be far more knowledgeable than any of us. Avner isn't even two years old yet and listen to how well he talks, how fast he learns things. He'll be greatly than anyone of us. You blind old bat." Vowrawn has grown to care very much for Avner. Insulting him especially so young boiled his blood. "Sit down before Marr rips your throat out."
"I would do as he says Mekhis." Mortis added. "You are blind if you can't not sense the power from him."
"Dada I power ?"
"Yes Avner, you are very smart and strong."
"Like you ?"
Marr let out a small rumbling laugh. Which shocked the entire council. Anvers next move shocked Satele and Marr just as much as Marr's laughing did the council.
Avner wiggled out of Marr's hold and ran, with speed that awed them all, back over to Nox.
Nox looked down to the doe eyed little boy looking up to her , hands reaching up for her. "Up!"
Nox didn't even hesitate. She picked Avner up and hugged him like she's known him his whole life.
Satele walked up to Marr smiling. "Wow, he's never been so open to a stranger before." Quietly, not to disturb what Avner was going to do.
Marr and Satele watched as Nox sat down in her chair with Avner. "Tricks?" He asked "tricks?" Very eagerly.
"You want me to do tricks?" She asked looking up to Marr and Satele.
"He means The force Nox." Marr told her.
"Oh, would you like me to show you my favorite?" Before Avner answer Nox stood up and sat him back down, walked down a couple steps, for safer distance, and made lighting dance in her hands.
Avner sat there in awe. Mouth open with a huge smile. Watching the purple lighting dance around her hands. "Hurt?"
"Me ? No but if you touch it yes Avner it will hurt."
He was so excited. He loved learning and seeing new tricks. "Dada do that too?"
Marr lifted his hands and lighting danced in his as well. His more blue.
"A lot of us can do this. Not everyone but most."
"Why are we wasting time showing a child lighting?" Mekhis interrupted. "He's not going to remember any of this nor is this even relevant!"
Satele had already had it with her and before Vowrawn or Anyone else could say something she walked over within touching distance. "For someone who pushed Darth Marr so much to bring him here why do you care what the other show him? Hmm? You don't even know him! He'll do more than remember this. I wouldn't be surprised if he turned around and shot lightning at you!" Satele rarely got pissed like this anymore. Not after having Anver. But her motherly instincts also pushed her harder.
"I don't! We are wasting time showing a child stupid lighting and talking to him like he's the next emperor!"
Without even thinking Satele pulled back and punch Mekhis right in the jaw. Thankfully Avner didn't see her do this, thanks to Nox keeping him distracted.
Darth Marr was on them before Mekhis could even look up. "That's enough, you are dismissed Mekhis." After watching her get up and leave he added, "This meeting is dismissed, Unless you wish to stay."
A few of the Lord left and clicked off the holos. Vowrawn, Mortis and Nox of course stayed. Along with Decimus, Ravage and Aruk.
"I apologize Darth Marr." Satele shamefully said. Slumping her head.
"Don't be. I think we're all sick of her mouth." Mortis added. "Your son is incredibly smart for his age. I'm very interested in his future. You both should be proud. Thank you for bringing him Satele."
"I can see he's having fun. Nox is a natural."
"Natural child maybe." Aruk spat.
"Aruk, do you always have to be annoying ?" Nox calmly asked as she walked over holding Avner. "Or are you just trying to get one Satele's good side since you insulted her countless times about Revan?"
Aruk didn't even respond. Knowing Nox was right.
"Thank you for bringing him, it has made my whole day. He's delightful." She told Marr and Satele. "Thank you for being my new friend Avner, if you ever need anything you can count on me." She hugged him and gave him back to Marr. "Unfortunately my comm has been going off so I must depart. I hope you see you again soon Avner, goodbye."
"I'm afraid I have to as well. I have a meeting I can't reschedule." Mortis also added. "But please Avner come back anytime. I too am here if you need anything." Mortis smiled at the boy. Which surprised Vowrawn a bit.
"Well I'm free the rest of the day and I would like some caff and food, how about you Avner?" Vowrawn asked the boy holding out his arms for him.
"Caff yucky." Avner said making his yucky face and a gagging noise.
"Do you guys have time for a late lunch ?"
"I unfortunately have a meeting with some Moffs so you guys go ahead."
"We just ate before we came but I'm sure Avner wouldn't mind some ice cream , would he?" Satele asked Avner.
No answer was needed. His happy scream and laughing was enough for Vowrawn and Satele to know he did indeed want some.
While they were out for caff and ice cream Satele decided it was a good time to ask something that she's been meaning to ask for a while. "I wanted to ask you something Vowrawn and please know it's ok to say no."
"Oh? Go ahead my dear."
"I was wondering if you might help me?"
"Help you? With ?"
"Training." She explained. "You know, I was newly knighted before coming here and I don't exactly get much… action here." Pausing, unsure how to word this. "Marr takes it easy on me in our training sessions no matter how much I ask him not too."
"So you're asking me to train you?"
"I still do not wish to… I'm not a Sith. Vowrawn that much is clear but I'm also no longer a Jedi. But I still feel like I could use some guidance. All this power, things I still don't know how to do…"
"My dear, I will gladly help you in any way I can. But we should also talk to Mortis and Nox. They both may be of some help. "
"Do you think they would considering my past?"
"Your past is why I think they will. I can arrange a meeting with them if you would like?"
"If you don't mind. I feel like I need all the help I can get before whatever Revan was talking about is going to happen."
"Have you spoken with him lately?"
"Not as of late. Honestly we've hardly talked since Avner's been born. It worries me sometimes but I feel like I would have felt his death if he died."
"Maybe he is simply letting you enjoy your time with your family."
"Which I appreciate but he too is my family. I just…"
"Satele in the time I've known you, you have shown nothing but strength and loyalty. Whatever this darkness is that's coming you won't face it alone. You'll have Avner. Marr and the rest of the council backing you. If Revan is right he'll be here too. It's ok to be scared or worried. Emotion isn't always a weakness."
"I understand, I do. I just wish he would let me know he's ok."
"Maybe you should ask him." He shrugged at the idea.
"I'll try later but there's something else I would like to ask you. Something Marr and I both want to ask you."
"Yes?"
"Marr said it's been some time so again, please say no if it's too much."
"My dear calm down and ask me."
"Would you take Anver as your apprentice?" She blurted out.
"I'm honored. Truly. May I ask why you or Marr aren't?"
"We will to an extent. Marr as you know is very busy and we both know Avner is going to need more than us."
"I would love to. Really. I'm honored! I love that boy like he is my own. Just say the word when you think he's ready."
"Thank you Vowrawn. You have really become apart of our family over the years and we truly appreciate you."
"Of course my dear, of course. But I feel like Avner is getting tired." vowrawn pointed to the sleeping boy next to Satele. "You guys should get home. I'll walk you to a taxi."
Nervousness washed over Satele, making it impossible for her to sleep. She had spent so much time training in her years with the Jedi to use the light side of the force. Now, she'll be asking not one but two Sith Masters to help her use the dark side. She knew Marr wouldn't push her the way she needed. She needed a new teacher. Or teachers.
Asking Nox and Mortis wasn't what was making her nervous. It was how Marr would react to it all.
Would he be mad she didn't ask for his help? How would he feel about her drawing dark side powers?
Ya, he was a Sith so really he should like the idea. But he loved her the way she was. The dark side is very corruptive. She didn't know if she would be strong enough to resist all its temptations.
Satele knew it was worth the risk if her son and the rest of the galaxy were safe from the Emperor. Especially if everything Revan told her about him and his plans were true. He had to be stopped. If that meant Satele needed to use all of the force and so be it.
Satele was dressed and ready to go before Marr even woke up. Vowrawn had scheduled their meeting with Nox and Mortis pretty early. Marr's alarm startled her. Pulling her from her deep thoughts.
"What are you doing up this early?"
"I have a meeting this morning so I figured we could ride together."
"A meeting ? With who?"
She stood, following him into the closet. "Please let me explain before you go all dark lord on me." He didn't respond. He just gave her a confused look and continued to get dressed. "I asked Vowrawn if he would help me, train me really. He has suggested we also ask Nox and Mortis." She put her hand up as he opened his mouth. "If everything that Revan has told me is true I'll need to use more than my Jedi training. I didn't ask you only because I know you won't push me the way they will and force forbid I hurt you while you were trying to teach me… I would never forgive myself."
He folded his arms over his now armored chest and signed. "You might be right but Satele I… I don't know how I like this idea. What if they hurt you during your training? What if you hurt yourself? Not that you can't handle it. Just I know how you are. You haven't fully let go of being a Jedi. I don't expect you to." He paused and rubbed his face. He wasn't sure how to word what he needed to say without making her mad. "I want to be present during your training. I won't interfere unless I feel you're in danger. Please?"
"You have to let me push myself or there is no way I'll be able to balance myself. You are far too busy honey, Please let me do this."
He didn't like this. He didn't like not being able to be there. But he knew she was right. He needed to let her do this. "As long as everyone is on the same page. Fine." He pulled her in for a kiss before finishing getting dressed. "I'll order us breakfast once we get to the citadel. I have some work to do while you're at your meeting. Or do you plan on coming home after?"
"Ms Marsh has volunteered to keep Avner as long as I need so I don't mind spending some time with you at work. But we need to go before we're late."
Mortis and Nox were just settling in Vowrawn's office while he went to Intersect Satele from Marr.
"Satele?" Nox was surprised to her walk in after Vowrawn. "Is everything ok?"
Before answering Satele settled into her chair, as did Vowrawn. "There's something I would like to ask both of you." Both raised their eyebrows in Curiosity but allowed Satele to finish. "As both of you are aware of my past with the Jedi. I didn't get as much training as I would have liked before… leaving the Order. I asked Vowrawn already but I was wondering if perhaps…" Satele was starting to get nervous. What if they said no? What then? Vowrawn touched her arm with brought her out of her thoughts. "… perhaps both of you would be open to training with me as well?" She let out a deep breath.
Nox wasted no time at all. "Absolutely! Here I thought is was going to be something bad!"
"What did Marr say about you asking us? Does he know?" Mortis asked. "Have you ever tried tapping into the dark side?"
"Marr does know and he's fine with it. As long as we set some boundaries. I have… used the dark side a few times. My old Master, before he was killed, was in the process of teaching me how to weld both sides, like Revan did."
"I see, and what boundaries does he want set?" Mortis was very very curious. Surprised really that Marr would agree to this.
"He doesn't want me getting physically hurt. But I know my limitations and I need the training."
"I have no issues helping you but I also don't want to be on Marr's bad side if something happens to you. Not that I would intentionally hurt you, I actually generally I like you, but learning the dark side after being custom to the light could be challenging."
"It a challenge I'm willing to take."
"So it's settled then." Vowrawn voiced. "I can give you my schedule and we can set times and days for training."
"As will I." Mortis added. "Have you thought of where?"
"I can talk it over with Marr but I don't see why we can use are training room."
"At your house?" Nox seemed a little too eager.
"Yes? Would that be alright?"
"I've never seen Marr house and I've know him for many years."
"He's a private person but I don't see why he would say no. Especially for me."
"Talk it over with him and let us know and we can work out a schedule."
"Thank you, all of you. I appreciate you all taking the time to help me."
Nox and Mortis left and went on with their days. Vowrawn also had went on with his day so Satele decided to hangout with Marr while Anver was with the girls. They rarely got time to themselves anymore. Even though they were at the citadel Satele enjoyed her time with him. Seeing him in his roll of Darth Marr, laughing at him yell at moffs. It was a nice change.
Marr wasn't too happy about letting more people know where they lived or actually inside their home but he knew it was best and safer for Satele to train at home. Vowrawn started working with Avner on smaller things that the young boy could understand. Starting him young would help in the long run Satele told him. He didn't think it would hurt considering Avner was already using the force at such a young age.
For months Satele learned all sorts of new force techniques and rituals. Studied many old Sith and their powers. Satele really enjoyed the knowledge she was being given. She loved to learn. She was fast at it too.
Satele trained with all three of them for about a year before they decided Satele didn't need their help anymore. Sure there were things she could always learn but she was surpassing them.
Marr was even surprised with her progress. She had very little, minor injuries but that was due to her impatient stubbornness. But he was very proud of her.
He would be lying if he didn't say that he was worried. The dark side can be very corruptive. He didn't want her to embrace that side. But she handled it very well. Not perfect but well. She was learning the dark side without falling. Which was basically unheard of.
Anver was also learning faster than any of them expected. Satele was right about him. He needed more than them. He needed training young. He however, was just like Satele. Stubborn but smart. Strong and big just like Marr.
Marr was proud. Of both Satele and Avner. But worried. He worried for The future. They were still waiting to hear from Revan. Waiting and preparing. They didn't know when the former emperor would try to attack.
Satele sat in meditation after training with Marr. It was a rainy day. Like a lot of days on Dromund Kaas. But something seemed off by today. She didn't know what. Until blackness took over her.
'Hello Satele.'
'Revan? What, where have you been? Are you alright?'
'Relax my dear. I'm alright. I've been preparing as you have.'
'You know?'
'I've checked in on you from time to time.'
'And you couldn't let me know you were alright? Damnit Revan! I've been worried sick about you.'
Revan laughed. 'You sound like Bastila.'
'It's not funny! I've been worried.'
'I promise I'm alright. I just wanted to let you know I'm proud of you. I'm proud of Avner as well. He's …'
'Strong, and stubborn like you!'
'That he is. But he's smart and fast learning like you.'
'He's amazing Revan. I can't for you to meet him.' She paused. 'Do… do you know when? What's going on yet?'
'It's not time yet, I need more time. I promise to check in more. And Satele ?'
'Yes?'
'Congratulations.'
'On what?'
'You'll know soon enough. I'll speak with you soon, I promise.'
Before Satele could even say anything she was waking up in the grass. Marr standing over her, arms crossed. Half worried half Amused.
"Revan."
That's all she had to say for him to understand why she was laying in the grass.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"He didn't really say much. He's proud of Avner and I and our progress." She slowly sat up. Feeling lightheaded.
"Was that it?" Marr extended his hand for support.
She slowly reached up. "He's said congratulations and then was gone." Marr yanked her up, too fast. Satele got wide eyed and threw up right on Marr boots. Before even looking up she knew. "Oh no." She murmured to herself hearing Marr laugh.
Marr knew. He knew before Satele. Before Revan told Satele. "Took you long enough."
"What… you knew?"
"You eating fruit all day long, Boobs are bigger and you get this glow about you. I'm just surprised it took you so long to figure it out."
"Have I been that distracted?"
Marr took her in. "It's ok. You've been working hard."
"Ok? Are we ready for another baby?"
"Anver is 5 now."
"5 and wild! Oh Marr another baby… what …"
"Sweetheart, relax. Everything will be fine. I promise."
"I better go see Ms Marsh… even though she probably already knows too."
Marr laughed. "Probably. She's making dinner with Avner now. Why don't you come shower with me? "
Satele didn't even answer. Tears started to fill her eyes. Another baby. Was she ready for another baby? Thinking of being pregnant again made her anxiety rise. She started to breathe heavy. But Marr pulled her back.
"Hey, it's not going to be like last time. It's going to be ok. Satele I promise. It's not going to be like last time."
"It's not going to be like last time." She repeated. Hugging him back.
"I promise. Now come shower with me and we can break the news to everyone at dinner."
So they did. And Satele was right. Ms Marsh already knew. Making her feel even more dumb for not noticing. But Marr was right too. She's been working hard. For years she's been training every day. Learning everything she could about both sides of the force. She's even traveled a few times with Vowrawn and Nox.
She couldn't help but think about Anvers pregnancy. How traumatic it was. But Marr reinsured her over and over that it wasn't going to be like that. That she wouldn't leave Dromund Kaas this time. He'd make it as comfortable and relaxing as he could.
Everyone was excited. Especially Mara. Her and Fox were expecting their first baby. Which made Satele feel better that she wasn't pregnant alone.
Ms Marsh was over the moon. Both Mara and Satele were like daughters to her and they were both giving her more grandkids and keeping her busy. Since both of her daughters had moved out after getting married themselves she was rather lonely. Anver however loved spending time with her and she was even more excited to have more babies to spoil.
Marr was more excited than Satele but he understood and tried his best to help her. She eventually came around and was excited. Being able to enjoy her pregnancy and delivery was something she was more than thankful for.
Mara eventually gave birth to a boy, Cade. Human like Fox. Eyes as blue as Mara's skin.
Satele gave birth to twins a few months after. Boy and girl. Theran and Sarai.
Anver was excelling in his training. Just as everyone knew he would.
Marr and the rest of the council signed a peace treaty with the Republic. Ending the Great Galactic War.
Satele was upset after hearing about the destruction of the Jedi temple on Coruscant but knew that wasn't Marr's fault. She was thankful for the war to finally be over. They were able to spend even more time together as a family. Even able to take a few vacations away from Dromund Kaas.
With the war over Marr was able to be more active and present in the kids lives. Which he noticed Laney was also force sensitive but noticed Theron was not. This sparked some confusion in him and Satele. Considering the two were twins wouldn't they both be either sensitive or not ?
Satele became even more protective over Theron as the years went on. He would be teased by friends for not being force sensitive like the rest of his family.
But that didn't stop him. He trained with Mara and learned how to be an expert with blasters and most other weapons. He advanced in the academy and eventually became an agent for the Imperial intelligence department. This made Satele and Marr very proud.
It's also where he meet a special Sith lady he very much liked. Lana Beniko.
Sarai excelled at the academy as well. She however was force sensitive and was sent to Korriban. This was a great honor for Sith. Satele had eventually accepted the fact that her children would most likely be Sith considering they were raised on a Sith world and well their father was in charge of all Sith.
Marr was very over protective of her. She was the baby baby and the only girl. He took extra time to train with her. He knew she was very powerful and he wanted to pull out all of her greatness. So when the time came for her to leave the academy no one was that surprised that she'd be going to Korriban just like Avner did.
Marr spent a lot of time there while the kids trained as requested by Satele of course.
Cade was not force sensitive. But he was the best of both his parents and he too excelled at the academy with Theron. But instead of going into Imperial intelligence he went to officer school and followed in his father's footsteps. Making both of his parents proud.
Cade and Theron grew up close. Stayed friends threw the academy and even when they picked different careers. They were like brothers.
Mara, Fox, Marr and Satele couldn't express how proud they were of their kids. To see the men and woman they were becoming. Everything was so nice for so long.
That all changed after the Republic had had enough. Thus starting yet another war.
The Cold War.