"The implications of war." Korin turned from the newly locked door. "That's what we're here to discuss." Korin's eyes fell across the other Jedi that were in the bay. They were a motley crew; all in need of a good night's sleep.
"Every spectrum of the order is here." Korin approached the group. "Krii'nek, the Watchman. Dedicated to protecting life and the force."
Krii'nek winced and growled as the Medical Technician peeled another shred of burnt robe from the stub of his arm. A low growl issued from his throat and Krii'nek made eye contact with Korin.
"Joran, a Jedi Fencer. Much like myself and Tyridac, a Jedi Weapon." Joran Bender finished wiping some soot from his face and sighed as he tossed the towel to the side. His eyes showed the fatigue that he must have been feeling and Korin could sympathize. He too was very tired from the ordeal they had just gone through.
"Malukai, the Jedi Hunter. He and his Padawans represent the part of the Jedi that are dedicated to the destruction of those who follow the Dark Side." Korin smiled as he looked to the three Jedi Hunters. Malukai sat simply on the floor with his saber in his lap. Both of his padawans were at his side, Gila's leg was in the grip of another one of the Med-techs. He was busy filling the gash in Gila's leg with bio-foam. The bioorganic material bonded to the dead skin and, in affect, cloned it into working tissue again. Soon, Gila would only have a small scar to remember the wound.
"So we have to decide what it is we are going to do with our abilities." Korin took a seat next to Tyridac. The young Knight was busy running a comb through his hair; grains of sand were pouring from his scalp. All of the Jedi that were in the group needed to bathe.
"What exactly are we supposed to decide." Malukai brought his eyes up from the saber in his lap. His eyes searched Korin for some kind of answer but couldn't find any. It was going to be a long time before Korin even understood all of the emotions that were running through his head.
"That's what I am not sure about, my friend. I have no idea what conclusion we should come to. I don't even know what exactly my emotions are telling me." Korin's eyes fell on Malukai and the two Jedi stayed locked in each other's gaze.
"Korin, my friend, you misunderstand my question. I am asking what exactly a handful of Knights are capable of deciding? What gives us the right to decide what the Jedi Order will do?"
"You see, even that I do not know." Korin ran a hand through his hair. His fingers came out with bits of sand and dust. Korin grimaced; being this dirty was almost unbearable.
"And even if the Council allows just us to go, what difference do you think we could make?" Joran Bender shifted his seat. His eyes didn't leave their place. Joran was transfixed by something deep in his thoughts. His mind was elsewhere in the galaxy.
"Are you denying that our part is in this war?" Korin managed to draw Joran's eyes from their spot deep in thought. Joran looked at Korin, displaying an expression that no one in the bay could place; an expression that only Korin and Joran shared. Joran's mouth was pressed into a thin line and his eyes were narrowed.
"That is something for you and I to discuss in private." Joran punctuated his sentence a little more than he intended. The others in the bay shifted nervously, as if they didn't know how to take the moment the two Jedi just shared.
"I lost it down there." Krii'nek broke the silence of the bay. His eyes were transfixed on the stub of his arm. The burnt flesh was a stark reminder of what exactly Sullust had cost the Jedi. Already, the price seemed too steep.
"That's very apparent, my friend." Korin walked to where Krii'nek stood. The Bothan's thin frame tensed.
"I don't mean my arm, Korin." Krii'nek raised his arm, what was left of it, and continued. "I mean my inhibitions. I lost the control that I have prided myself on. I sunk to their level and I became a killer. I became everything my training dictated I shouldn't." Krii'nek lowered the stump slowly. His muscles twitched as nerve-endings fired to nowhere. It would take a long time before he came to accept that he no longer had a lower arm. "I killed them, friends. I killed troopers barehanded. I squeezed the life out of them until my hands were drenched and my claws ached." Krii'nek looked into Korin. Looked deeper than he ever had.
"When you found me, I was ready to give up everything I had and declare an Ar'krai. It wasn't until you spoke to me that I remembered what I was." A tear welled up in the Bothan's eye and he quickly quelled it. "If this could happen to me it could happen to others. The ways of the Dark Jedi are too tempting when you are at the end of your rope."
Joran winced at this. The memories of his Fencing Student's defection still fresh in his memory. "That's really who we are fighting, isn't it?" All eyes fell on the Jedi Fencer. "The Dark Jedi, the Sith, not those troopers but those Knights we faced on the roof-top. Those troopers carry a mantle that they do not live up to. A legacy, I guess, they don't understand."
"A legacy they wouldn't want to be a part of if they knew." Tyridac finally spoke. The contempt was so close to the surface that all in the bay could sense it.
"We can't say that for sure, you especially, Tyridac." Malukai shifted his position to better regard the young Knight.
"What do you mean?" Tyridac regarded the Hunter with confusion.
"I mean that when your-"
"Malukai, no!" Korin stifled the Jedi Hunter.
"What, Korin, he deserves to know."
"Know what?" Tyridac asked.
"I agree with Malukai." Krii'nek slumped onto a crate to rest his legs.
"As do I." Joran spoke.
"Know what?" Tyridac asked a little louder. No eyes went to the Jedi Knight. They stayed on Korin Nayreese.
"I do not argue against that, I simply disagree that now is the time for him to learn about it."
"When would that time be, exactly?" Joran leaned forward, boring into Korin with his eyes and question. "Do we have the right to dictate when the truth is told?"
"In this case, yes." Korin waved a hand in dismissal of the information that they wanted expressed.
"Guys, what is it I need to know!" Tyridac was just short of yelling the last sentence. The other Jedi finally looked at him. Aside from Gila, all of the Jedi wore looks of sympathy. Sympathy Tyridac couldn't place.
"Your brother was leading the siege of Sullust." Malukai spoke bluntly. The information bounced off of Tyridac and his mind struggled to absorb it. "Your brother is responsible for Krii'nek's suffering; the suffering of all of those people on Sullust-"
"Malukai," Korin cut him off. Korin shared the pain that was starting to build in Tyridac's heart. "Stop, please."
"Why?" Malukai waved a hand at Korin. "When were you planning on telling him? He deserves to know."
"I'm not doubting that. It was my obligation to tell him."
"An obligation you failed to meet." Malukai spat.
"That can't be." Tyridac said softly. He refused to believe what was being said. His mind couldn't even begin to grasp what was happening. It was like everything was falling apart, like his world and his life were disintegrating around him.
"It is, young one." Malukai stood. "Now you need to decide, Tyridac, what you will choose; your family or your training."
"What?" Tyridac's face twisted into a mask of uncertainty. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying, that if you want to remain with us, you have to denounce your brother." Malukai let his hand travel down to the hilt of his saber, making sure that Tyridac saw every inch of movement. "And if you choose unwisely, I will make it the last mistake you ever make."
Tyridac didn't say a word to the threat. His hands stayed at his side, his fingers curled into tight fists. The anger and sorrow built in his body. He could feel the white-hot tendrils of anger brushing against his nerves. Anger at being questioned in his devotion. Anger at what his brother had done. Anger with Malukai's claim. His muscles twitched and started, craving him to release all of the anger he felt. In turn, he could feel the icy touch of sorrow in his mind. His brother's betrayal cut deep into him. Tyridac knew, in the back of his mind, even as he went to create his saber. He knew. The absence of his brother felt through the force was all he needed to confirm that something had happened.
Without speaking, Tyridac snapped his hand up and let his anger and pain fly forth. A solid wall in the force struck Malukai straight in the chest. Propelled through the force, the Jedi Hunter flew back across the bay and toppled a stack of supply crates. Ulonis and Gila were on their feet within an instant. Their light-sabers ignited with an all too familiar snap hiss.
Reaching out with the force Tyridac caught the part of his soul that was tied to his saber. He summoned the saber through the force and it flew from his hip. The saber hit his hand and the golden blade flashed to life. Tyridac held the saber straight out at the two younger Jedi.
"Stop this!" Krii'nek shouted, his gravely Bothan voice added an air of malice to the command. "This bickering will cease right here and now."
Krii'nek stood at the point of the golden saber. His fur bristled as Tyridac's saber hummed inches away from him. Krii'nek made eye contact with the furious Jedi Guardian. "Now." He growled.
Tyridac was finally brought back into awareness by the Bothan's hissing command. His face melted from anger to surprise. "I'm sorry." He apologized as he thumbed off his golden blade.
"I know." Krii'nek said. He stepped forward and put his remaining hand on Tyridac's shoulder. "It is ok, my friend."
Tears started to well up into Tyridac's eyes. His saber slipped from his fingers and clattered to the floor, narrowly missing the Bothan's exposed toes.
"See, I told you." Malukai was struggling to stand amid the tumbled containers. "Notice the behavior just like his brother. I've never been wrong about those who fall. I warned you Korin."
Korin stepped around one of the gray crates and paused in front of Malukai. The Jedi Guardian made eye contact with the Hunter and held it for a long moment.
"I told you." Malukai said at last, unsure how to proceed.
Korin's fist flashed up in an instant; connecting squarely into his jaw. Malukai huffed as he spun back through the air. The toppled crates caught the Jedi Hunter and broke his fall, before the cold durasteel had a chance. Malukai's apprentices rushed to their fallen master's side. They helped him into a sitting position.
"You-" Malukai struggled to speak. "You idiot!"
"Don't ever question the devotion of Tyridac. Ever!" Korin yelled. All of the anger he fought to contain was boiling to the surface. Joran was at his side, sending waves of calm at him; it did little to help.
"At the next jump point I want you off of this ship." Joran said. His voice a cold edge.
"What?" Malukai shifted uneasily on the deck.
"You heard me. I am acting commander and I want you to be gone."
"You can't kick me out. We're on the War Council. Like it or not we have to work together." Malukai swung his arms in protest.
"You are the last person I want to receive a lecture from, when it comes to working together I think I know what I am doing." Korin spoke a little more calmly this time. He could feel the white-hot anger ebbing out of his limbs.
"This is ludicrous. How are we supposed to work together if you are kicking me out."
"Explain your actions to the council. I'm sure Renbe'cul will be sympathetic." The edge was sharper in Joran Bender's voice, this time around.
The Jedi Hunter's eyes widened. It was no secret that Renbe'cul had warned Malukai not to question anyone else on the War Council. The Jedi Hunter was suspicious of everyone, chief of who was Tyridac. Ever since the realization of Ithica's fall, Malukai has shared his protests with Tyridac to anyone that would listen. Sadly, that was a wide arrange of people.
"I'm done with this. Done with this council, done with this war, and I am done with you!" Malukai stood and stormed out of the bay. Gila and Ulonis looked awkwardly around.
"Go be with your master." Krii'nek spoke as he slumped back down to the crate he was sitting on earlier.
"We don't wish to be with him. We would rather stay here and help you in your mission." Gila said.
"You have an obligation to your master first. Now, go, be with him." Korin waved the two padawans out of the bay.
Gila had almost made it to the door when he stopped and turned back towards the three Jedi. "How will we contact you if we need to talk."
Korin stood for a long moment. He didn't really have an answer to Gila's question. Luckily, it was Joran that made the decision.
"Here, there are only 5 of these but I'm sure Korin can make me another." Joran tossed the transmitter to the young Jedi and looked to his Guardian friend. "Right."
Korin stared for a long moment then nodded. "Yes. It's simple to use and works off of the holo-net channels."
"Thanks," Gila said, smiling. "Well be in touch."
With that, the young Jedi Padawan exited the bay. Korin couldn't help but feel heaviness on his heart. The day had been long and the price that the Jedi had paid was steep. Korin wanted nothing more than to drift off and be done with thought for a while.
The remaining Jedi sat in silence for a long time, no one bothering to state the emotions that everyone knew were felt.
It was finally Krii'nek that spoke. "My fur is filthy."
Joran chuckled. "Mine too."
"Your fur?" Krii'nek snorted.
"I am as intrigued as Krii'nek. Please, elaborate." Korin turned to face the crowd.
"There are a lot about Kiffar that you don't realize." Joran let a smile creep across his face. The Jedi Fencer paused for a moment, then burst into laughter. "No, but I do need a shower."
"I will agree with that." Korin stood. "Let's reconvene tomorrow before we reach Courascant. I'll ask Captain Zereez to add his opinion to the discussion."
"Sounds good. Let us depart then." Bender and the rest of the Jedi started to saunter out of the bay until Korin stopped.
"Where's Tyridac?" The Jedi Guardian searched the bay, the young Jedi was no where to be seen.
"I thought he was here. He must have slipped out when we were giving Malukai what-for." Krii'nek sniffed the air. "You want me to find him?"
"No, I can do it. Go get cleaned up. I'll see you all tomorrow at 0900." Korin drew Tyridac's saber, from the floor, into his hand. The Jedi went from the bay and separated to their quarters. Korin walked through the ship, reaching out to feel where his once-Padawan had secluded himself. The younger Jedi must have been deep in thought because he was easy to spot within the force.
Korin finally found him sitting in the galley, secluded at a table, as Korin suspected, deep in thought. Korin went to the Galley Hand and ordered whatever was good to eat. The Hand grinned at Korin and confirmed his suspicion that "good" was a very loose concept. The young man went off to fetch the food and Korin returned to his friend.
It was odd now to think of Tyridac as an equal. For the last part of his training, Tyridac had been a student. Now he was like a brother, a friend. Korin shook his head as he sat across from the Jedi Guardian. That was another odd title for him.
There was a long silence as the two Jedi simply sat. Finally, Tyridac looked up and met eyes with his once master. "I screwed up, didn't I?" The tears had dried in Tyridac's eyes but their after-effect was still present.
"We all have in one way or another. It's not a question of whether or not we have screwed up recently, it's whether or not we are better for having made a mistake."
"I don't feel much better. Kinda worse actually." Tyridac sat back as their food was sat before him. The meal was a simple Nerf Meat and Corellian Sprout combination. The Nerf meat was stringy and bland at best and the sprouts were the bane of many a young child. Tyridac sniffed at the meal and then regarded Korin with a suspicious gaze.
"Read my mind, kid." Korin raised an eyebrow and looked down at the questionable food. "Perhaps we can take solace in the fact that it is supposed to be good for us."
"Perhaps. But if I die, I'm blaming you!" The two Jedi laughed for a moment, then began to eat the meal that was presented to them. The Jedi didn't speak for the rest of the meal and they didn't need to. They were brothers. They were closer than many other Jedi in the order, save Bender. They shared more than just feelings; they shared the pain of Ithica's turn. That brought them closer than anything else could. And it would be that pain that would keep them sane.
"The battle was quite a success. If I may say so myself. We brought Sullust to its knees and they didn't know what hit them. I think we should continue on to more core-ward worlds." The ever-cocky Captain Lukilo leaned far back in his chair. His bushy mustache made him look more like a commoner than a military man. Indeed, Ithica would have preferred him a commoner. Then he would be out of his hair.
"You would blunder core-ward and single handedly loose us this war." Captain Lorgan scoffed. "You're strategy is inane at best. I would sooner punch a rancor than assault Courascant."
"You saw how their ships scurried around, trying desperately to put a dent into us. They mean nothing. We would crush them." Lukilo sat upright now, his angry eyes meeting with Ithica as he riposted. This was getting tiring for the Sith Knight.
"What about the damage to the Day and Night. The only ship that pulled back without a scratch was the Flagged Truth. Last time I checked, your command crew was either dead or burned. What would happen if the Republic retaliates with the entire star-fleet? We would be picked apart. You and I both know that."
Captain Lukilo was furious. He was almost fifteen years older than Lorgan and was questioned at every junction by the younger captain. "Listen, boy, you know little of war. I know what this fleet is capable of. We would win."
"This fleet, old man, wouldn't last a chance in an all out assault on the core."
"Stop! I have listened to your complaints quite long enough. I have no need for commanders that do nothing but squabble like children." Ithica cast a baleful gaze to Lukilo who avoided his eyes. Disgust welled up in Ithica's throat for the weak-minded fool.
"This coming from a child." Lukilo said under his breath.
"What was that?" Ithica stood and walked around the table. "You have something on your mind that you need to discuss with me?" Ithica was less than four feet from the angry Captain. "If so, then please, speak your mind."
The Captain hesitated, then spoke. "I don't think that you have any authority to tell Lorgan and I how to act when you are so much younger than us."
"I see." Ithica turned. A wonderful hatred coursed through his veins. Ithica turned again to Lukilo. "I have no need for commanders who question me." Ithica turned and raised his hand to the Captain. With just a small amount of pressure, he collapsed the man's windpipe. The captain tried to scream but all that came out was a short squeak. Ithica smiled, reveling in the waves of pain washing off of the man.
Lukilo slumped to the ground and gagged. Lorgan turned his head. His stomach churning. Lukilo fell face first onto the bulkhead. One last sigh is all that Lukilo left for the world. The man's body lay uselessly on the floor. Ithica's smile faded. "Dead so soon, old man." Ithica laughed hard. The man was dead and Ithica couldn't have been happier.
"Lorgan, good Lorgan, let us continue our talk. Where were we going to strike next?"
Lorgan met Ithica's eyes. The Captain paused, for what, Ithica didn't know. "The Tatoo system. That is our target."
"Very good, I will leave the detail planning to you. I have another matter to attend to. Can you handle it? Or, should I find someone else?" Ithica leaned in to Lorgan, letting all of his malice flow in waves to the Captain.
"I can, Master Ithica." Lorgan gulped.
"Good, then see to it." Ithica turned and began to walk out of the briefing room. "Oh, and Lorgan."
"Hmm?"
"Don't die, I want you there when we march on Courascant."
"I won't milord."
"Good, and don't fail me." Ithica faced the man from the door. "Or you will find Lukilo's death mild by comparison to what I will do to you." Ithica cackled as he exited the room. His laugh seemed to echo all throughout the Flagged Truth. Everyone that heard the laugh, winced as though bitten. Before the month was out, the galaxy would know to fear the Sith Knight. The force twin.
The trapped soul. Something deep within Ithica wept. No one who looked upon the Sith Knight would ever have known.