Hey,

Sorry for my infrequent updates and incredibly slow writing.

I had to really think about this chapter and where I wanted the story to go.

There may be a few character twists in future chapters but, you'll be pleased to see the Mandalorians getting up to mischef (oops! Spoiler alert).

Enjoy this chapter (and more to come)

-ChocFreakles

Lux's POV

Back on Carlacc...

After a week of training Commander Fitz finally took our squad inside the one of the rectangular snow dusted grey shipping containers on the left side of the training ground. As a squad we entered the containers through a small doorway at the back of the complex. The entry room was wide and the grey glass reflected our faces as we walked past; following Fitz who took us downstairs, along a long tunnel and up onto a container floor. The containers themselves were much bigger than we all expected them to be. The shipping container itself was a small arena and double storey with an audience viewing area; with a large balcony draped woth the clan symbol looking out over the arena. The balcony had a small amout of seating with large plush chairs and room to stand up. The roof of the arena was netted with thick rope, metal bars, other floating obstacles and even bear traps.

"Intermediate squads..." I heard Commander Fitz angrily mumble to himself. "They don't even bother to clean up after jetpack training.

"SQUAD!" Fitz barked.

We all lined up in position.

"Throughout the week you have not only learnt how to fight but, how to fight well and with honour like a true Mandalorian. Indeed, you all have mastered your art on dummies and droids, but now you will learn and master the art of fighting against one another." Fitz explained in an authoritative voice as he began to split us up into pairs. "The first recruits to fight are Kobe Jo and Lilac Oron!" Commander Fitz proclaimed.

Kobe and Lilac walked towards the circle in the centre of the arena and shook hands. I looked at Clark whose expression seemed uneasy as he watched his twin sister walk backwards; away from Kobe. Waiting almost patiently for Fitz's loud whistle. I lent over to let Clark know that I was sure that Lilac would surely win. The whistle blew before I could speak. Lilac ran so fast, she almost flew at Kobe; punching him in the jaw. Kobe tried to retaliate, but Lilac blocked all his moves with her fast forearms. She almost danced around Kobe, ducking quickly to doge his heavy punches and kicking him where he least expected it. Before Kobe knew what was happening Lilac had elbowed him in the shoulder and kicked him in the head with so much force that he fell backwards, hit the floor and stayed down for a good minute.

While Fitz applauded Lilac for her strength and agility, a medical droid who was waiting on the arena sideline floated towards Kobe to check that he was alright. I looked at Fitz who was now facing the rest of the squad and barking at us again.

"Next up, Shae Hadson and Lux Bonteri!"

A cold shiver ran down my spine and my heart began to pump as if I was sprinting. I tried to look confident as I walked into the boundary of the circle in the middle of the arena. I stood there next to Shae and waited for the medical droid to get Kobe into standing position. In a way I felt sorry for Kobe. He looked really beatened up and had a bad limp on his right leg and a black eye comming on. I knew that as a Mandalorian and especially as part of the Death Watch I could not show any sign of sympathy towards someone who fails. I held my head up high and directed my thoughts away from Kobe and towards my oponate. I needed to keep my wits about me.

The few minutes that it took to take Kobe out of the perimeter of the circle felt like hours. I had began to feel uneasy and I had this uncomfortable feeling that somebody was watching me. I quickly glanced around the arena and the audience viewing area; sure enough I was right. Our squad had captured the attention of the Supreme Comander Pre Vizsla and his second-in-comand Commander Genreal Bo-Katan Kyrze who were sitting on the balcony with their helmets off, watching the squad. I wasn't sure wether I sould feel honoured that they were watching us fight. However, their presence made me feel uncomfortable.

I was sure that the Supreme Comander Pre Vizsla had noble intentions. Yet, I was unsure about his second-in-comand Commander Genreal Kyrze. She seemed uncanny, sly, incredibly intelligent and almost fox-like. I remember when I first joined Death Watch she took me into the medical bay and took a sample of my blood 'for the Clan's records' she had said. I looked back at them and felt their eyes resting on me.

I looked at Shae who was standing tall next to me. Proud to have the Supreme Commander watch him fight against annother recuit for the first time. He must of noticed my nervousness because he turned around to face me.

"May the best warrior win," he said blutly as he held out his hand.

Reluctantly I shook it and began to slowly walk backwards. Then the whistle blew.

Bo-Katan's POV

From my comfortable seat on the balcony next to Pre I watched the fight. Shae Hadson moved and tried to smash Lux Bonteri. Bonteri must of figured out that he was better to consistantly move around his oponate and attack where the opponate least expected it rather to throw big punches and have them miss. Bonteri wasn't much to watch when he was fighting, he needed more practise to turn his hand-to-hand combat from bashing up an opponate to an art. Shae Hadson was a lot better at this then Bonteri. When Hadson fought he moved around, but also threw powerful punches. He was emotionless and hit Bonteri where it hurt. To my suprise Bonteri was incredibly determened and when I expected him to bail out, he continued to fight. The fight continued for a lot longer then I expected.

"This squad is much more better then I expected them to be," I whispered in Pre's ear.

Turning to look at me he replied "I did tell you, they are the best of all the recruits. Their orientation has been fast tracked; they are now learning important skills and will soon be preparing for The Game of Trials."

I nodded. "We need to keep an eye on a few of them."

"Oh, I've already got my eyes on them," Pre Vizsla replied watching the fight, as he laughed under his breath. "Who do you suggest we give attention to."

"Lilac Oron, the winner of the first fight."

Pre turned his head and curiously looked at me.

"I can already tell she'll be a good soilder, she just needs to be given some experience," I said. "I want her to join one of my squads for the pre-Trial hunt."

Pre Vizsla nodded his head and smiled."Request granted."

"Shae Hadson..."

"Yes, I agree with you," Pre replied as he watched the fight. "Hadson is blunt, emotionless and ruthless, some good qualities to have in a solider; especialy when that solider is faced with dirty work..."

I smiled. "And Bonteri"

Pre scoffed at the idea. "Why overstreach Bonteri, I mean look at him down there. Yes I admit, this is only his first fight and he has the determination to become a Death Watch solider but, we are having enough trouble trying to make him fit in amongst his squad. Bonteri isn't ruthless enough to be taken to the next level."

"I thought that maybe we could organize some more psychological training to help Bonteri in the Game of Trials." I replied trying to reason. "I feel that a level playing field would save us and your leadership from much scrutiny from your own troops, Supreme Commander."

"Good point Bo," Pre Vizsla smiled, as the fight ended and Bonteri was knocked to the ground. "You really do know how the troops feel about 'fairness'."

"If you did teach me anything sir, it's that life isn't fair," I said, remembering my first lesson with the now Supreme Commander. "And that True Mandalorian's never play on a level playing field especially with enemies."

"I'm glad you remembered," Pre replied as he got up off his chair and walked towards the edge of the balcony ready to jetpack off. " I want to talk to the squad, I am looking forward to seeing their performances at the Game of Trials. Oh, and Bo." Pre Vizsla's light sky blue eyes turned to look at me. "Forget calling me sir, call me Pre."