Chapter 9

The Knighting/ Something More than Words

That evening, as Robin triple-checked his lines and parts for the Knighting ceremony, it really hit him that he would be Jedi Knight Robin James Stace from this day forth. His spirits were high. The whole shebang would include food, drink, singing, dancing, and general merriment abound. Skywalker, Solo, and the Staces were going together as one group, meeting and leaving from Luke's place.

Robin was glad that his knighting would warrant a party for the whole Order, not just for those at the Coruscant Main Temple and Academy. The new Sith-related problems had stressed the members of the Order a great deal, especially the higher-ups who shouldered greater responsibility, so this was a good excuse to cut loose. People knew not all Sith were bad or maniacally inclined, but those who were were causing or had caused major problems that unfortunately painted most, if not all, of the Kesh Sith in a negative light. A handful of bad seeds had tried to ruin the whole bag of apples. Robin hoped to have a chance to prove that the Jedi and the Sith could coexist; the two were once one, and they could be that again.

The young man's reverie was broken when someone knocked at his door. "Come in; I'm just trying to get my cloak to sit right." Jaina walked into the smallish changing room and had to admit the new robes suited him perfectly, even if his cloak wasn't quite right. "Let me help you with that," she offered, taking pity on him, and Robin flashed a thousand-watt smile, glad to see a friend and very thankful she'd help him get his new cloak fastened correctly.

"Custom job on these? Midnight blue suits you," Jaina observed, silently and subtly appraising her friend as only a woman with a healthy appreciation for the opposite sex can; she was very discreet about it though, as it was not the first time that she was attracted to a colleague or the first time that she had checked out Robin's physique without him knowing; she was only human, afterall. "Thanks! Yeah, Luke had them made for me well in advance." Robin said, trying not to get frazzled by their very close proximity. From his point of view, Robin had been honest; that was custom for him as the only current paladin. Luke deemed Robin's Paladin status "Top-Secret" until the time was right or Robin himself felt comfortable sharing such sensitive information with the public. Without his training, he'd be blushing redder than Jaina's own ceremonial garb, (the deep, vibrant red of autumn leaves, in case you were curious). "That's a lovely shade of red; it suits you brilliantly," Robin said, deciding that one compliment deserves another. At that moment, Jaina was extremely grateful for her Jedi teachings on controlling outward emotional cues. She hadn't received such an open compliment from someone other than her family in a very long time.

Finally, after what felt like an hour of twisting, turning, and some light swearing on both of their parts, Robin's cloak sat correctly over one shoulder as the ceremony dictated, his Master's former lightsaber clipped to his belt. Somehow Jaina had, amazingly enough, caught her sleeve in one of the fastenings, so when Ben came to check on them, being the young, puberty-riddled person that he was, assumed that romance was in the air; he left with a smirk and muttered, "I'll buy you two five more minutes." Chuckling was heard following his departure. Luckily, it didn't take long to extricate Jaina's sleeve, and the two friends awkwardly and silently agreed to do their best not to speak of the moment again, at the very least not tonight, as it was a serious night despite the festive atmosphere.

They didn't know that Ben was completely aware that nothing had happened between Robin and Jaina, at least not yet. Though Ben did hope that something would happen between the two. It was widely, silently, considered a match made by the Force. (There were naysayers, naturally). Both Cindy and Ben's Aunt Leia wanted their kids together so badly that they'd conspired to put the two in more intimate situations, enlisting their friends and family to help. (That's why Jaina had been sent to check on Robin in the first place, rather than Luke, Ben, or his mother.)

Ben was hit with a surge of inspiration for helping his cousin and Robin have more one-on-one time. Ben could be just as unbiased as his cousin, (or more, depending on who reads his review). The truths we cling to often depend on one's point of view. Everything would be recorded for posterity and on the record by Artoo. He would have to run the idea by his dad; he already had a gift for Robin's knighting and wanted to double-check that it was… appropriate given the significance of the occasion. Rare was the individual that his father had personally knighted who didn't go on to achieve great things.

Ben had worked hard and finally completed his friend's family tree, incorporating the archives' full information and thus filling in previously blank spots with individuals of particular note in Galactic history. But Ben knew some might paint Robin's lineage, or even the man himself, in a less than flattering light. "Hey dad? Can I run this idea by you?" Ben asked his father as he was preparing. "If it's about the Stace family tree, I recommend caution. Besides, it's better as a personal gift anyway. Hurry up and ready the full ceremonial kit. We're supposed to be there in an hour." Luke said, causing Ben to groan. Luke just laughed at his son's obvious distaste for the pomp and ceremony; if he was honest, it wasn't his favourite aspect of Jedi culture, but special care was required as Robin was being knighted early and by Luke himself.

"It's a semi-private affair, then a party, and probably an unofficial after-party for the die-hards. Don't complain… you should have seen it the first time I knighted someone. That was very groan-worthy. Just be happy that you don't have to knight anyone yourself yet. It is even more work and responsibility." Luke said, grinning at his son. "I also want to talk to you about tomorrow," Ben told his dad as they prepared for the evening. "Oh? Go on, shoot, son." Luke replied, interested in his son's perspective. Ben began explaining: "Well, I was thinking..."

Robin and Cindy had left ten minutes early to give his nerves time to relax and smoke a spliff with his mother on their way over, which always helped Robin calm down. He was dressed correctly and knew his parts. Cindy had also grown close with the Skywalkers and Solos, for which Robin was grateful. Cindy had also told him in confidence that she would probably join the ranks of the Jedi Order within the year; working security for Lando's company had only been a temporary thing anyway, a chance for her to "find herself," which she hated saying or even thinking; it was so damn cliché while she was anything but. Cindy was wearing one of many dresses she'd received as a gift from Lando when she had performed particularly admirably on the job. Most of them were so out there that she never pictured herself wearing them, but this one was tolerable. Cindy had never really liked fancy dresses to begin with, and Lando's taste, while incredibly expensive, was also incredibly gaudy. Now that she had a small fortune in dresses and gowns she'd likely never wear, she figured she would sell them.

Cindy briefly toyed with simply telling her son about how everyone saw him growing closer to Jaina and vice versa, as well as mentioning the romantic tension between the two, but decided that his nerves could use the break and that he probably didn't need to be thinking about girls right now. (That overt role was Ben's joyous honour.) Everyone else arrived promptly ten minutes later, and Robin was ready.

It wasn't long before the other attendees arrived, and Holo-calls were made to every Jedi school in range, which would in turn web outwards again to even more academies, all the way out to the Outer-Rim territories. When everyone was seated and quiet, Luke stepped out and stood at the podium on stage. "Thank you all for coming tonight to witness the ascendance of Padawan Stace to Knight Stace, but I have one thing I must first do. Robin Stace, rise and join me up here, please." Robin did as Luke told him and decided to take the initiative, kneeling before Luke with his head bowed. Luke smiled before continuing. "Robin Stace, I confer on you, by the powers vested in me by the Force and the approval of the Grand Council of the Jedi Order, the Title of Child Of the Force; a title given to those Jedi with the most potential for greatness. You exemplify the true spirit of Order and the Will of the Force, in ways that we should all strive for." The audience let out a quiet collective gasp of surprise at Luke's ringing endorsement.

There were whispers about how the title had been largely unused except by the Skywalkers. Anakin Skywalker and his well-known fall and eventual redemption were the stuff of legends. Luke drew out a small box and opened it, revealing a biometric lock with a midichlorian count as well, (picture an iPhone with a needle and incredibly advanced technology; it's not that different). "This will register your new title in the annals of Galactic history," Luke explained. Robin stood and placed his thumb on the device; it took a sample of everything from blood and flesh to bone marrow, which Luke quickly healed for Robin. Luke drew out another box, which was smaller, and opened it. Luke withdrew a beautiful medal of white gold on blued Durasteel, depicting a white lightsaber, and pinned it to Robin's chest. "Wear it proudly," Luke said. (White is purity and/or healing among Force-users, especially Jedi and Sith. The medal is suggestive of purity in the Force, reflecting its wearer.)

The Knighting itself was a pretty brief affair, despite the extra ceremonial details. Robin had kneeled once more, then Luke asked The Question: "Who do you serve?" Robin replied honestly, "I serve the Force, Master Skywalker. Unto my last breath. I shall not lose myself, I swear it." Then Luke drew his spare lightsaber and hovered the blade over each shoulder. "I dub thee, in the name of the Force, The Order, and myself as your proud Master, Knight Stace. The Shadow's Bane is your current moniker for fieldwork and your reputation. Your records can be changed or added to in the future according to your deeds. Titles hold surprising psychological power… each one." Luke divulged to Robin.

"Now stand and take a bow," Luke said happily. Robin did just that, first seeing his mum smiling ear to ear while trying not to cry; then his friends and supporters, as well as some of the rank-and-file Jedi he passed in hallways. It was a fantastic knighting ceremony, or so people said. The Force also seemed to agree that today had been good. Robin was congratulated by many, as was Luke, for his wisdom in choosing to teach Robin. The future felt bright for all.

That night in Grand Lord Darish Vol's chambers on Coruscant

Grand Lord Vol felt it; a fundamental change somewhere had occurred or was still occurring. This sense had lasted less than a moment, yet it left Vol feeling incredibly vulnerable, a feeling he detested with all his being. He decided to contact his mole within the Jedi. "What is thy bidding, Master Vol?" An-Dru answered with a slight tremor in his voice. Vol frowned at his naive young pawn's holographic image.

"Something's wrong." It wasn't a question but a statement of fact, and An-Dru knew this, grimacing slightly before launching into explaining and defending himself. "The Grandmaster expelled me from the Order. It wasn't my fault! If not for…" An-Dru's tangent was interrupted before it could truly gain momentum by a seethingly furious Darish Vol. "Enough! No excuses… just take responsibility. The odds are that you deserve it. What about before your expulsion? Did you glean anything?" Vol asked An-Dru, who gulped in fear.

"Padawans don't have much security access, so I'll send what I can find. The only thing that stood out was a new student named Robin Stace; he started in expert-level classes, but he doesn't even have a full year of experience. We duelled, and somehow he won, even though I did not fight clean." An-Dru tried to explain what had happened. For an instant, his foe had disappeared completely; his movements were so fast that An-Dru couldn't keep up. "Hmm, interesting. It usually takes years to master one lightsaber form, but he mastered the first three and almost the fourth. Has or is anything significant happening tonight?" Vol demanded answers; he would find the source of his increasing unease, and he would either corrupt it or destroy it. "Just the bastard's Knighting Ceremony!" An-Dru couldn't help but spit in rage.

Vol was silent as he thought about the situation, something that always bugged the speck of a man that was An-Dru. Young An-Dru was a useful pawn, but… limited. He would be dispatched eventually, but for now, Vol pretended to be his teacher. It was very entertaining to play mentor after a long and boring day schmoozing people of influence and power.

This knighting must have been important for The Force to stir as it had; stirring was putting it lightly; calling it a momentary quake would be more accurate. "Study and record his movements, but do not engage. He's beaten you in a practice fight where you cheated and still came out practically unscathed. He'd probably kill you. I know I would if I were him, and if you were honest with yourself, so would you. If you're captured, then you're as good as dead, disavowed. If you accept and follow my commands, great power shall be yours, and if you're willful enough, eventually your vengeance as well." Vol had long since learned how to manipulate those like An-Dru who were driven by personal vendettas. An-Dru gasped at the mere mention of vengeance. "All too easy", Vol silently mused before severing the connection.

Meanwhile, the post-knighting party was a blast; people talked, laughed, and drank, and there were two areas reserved for dancing; one played elegant music for ballroom style, while the other had more modern nightclub-type music and dancing. Robin nearly gasped upon learning about the karaoke scheduled for later, towards the end of the festivities. (He's truly horrible; trust me, you're lucky it's not included in the story).

Robin watched everything from a corner, sipping champagne out of a champagne flute. He smiled at the revelry in the air. "It's your party, yet all you're doing is people-watching," his mother said, having sidled up to his position. "You know me, I'm hardly a party man." Cindy smiled at his response. "He's engaged in the conversation; that's good," she thought before continuing. "I know. But it's rude for the man of the hour to waste a good party like this." Cindy said knowing Robin was practically OCD with politeness. (There are worse character flaws; it's true. But Robin is one of the protagonists, so it's expected that he'll have more good qualities than bad or strange ones. But he has his share, I assure you!) Robin gave his mum an amused look and finished his drink. "You know me too well, mum. Or maybe I've become predictable?" he said with a shudder at the mere thought. "You're never predictable. I'm your mother; I'm supposed to know you as well as you know yourself… sometimes better." Cindy replied with a chuckle.

"You should ask Jaina to dance! She's over there just doing nothing, looking bored as hell. Unless maybe you're too rusty? I'm definitely dancing, and it's been longer for me than you." Cindy chuckled and left to mingle with some other party-goers.

Robin glanced over at Jaina and noticed her tapping her foot and swaying a bit; it would be imperceptible to most but not to those who knew her. Robin took a big breath and walked up to her smiling as he offered her his hand. "Care to dance? I'm not sure why nobody has asked you yet. Are people blind?'' She took his hand, and they linked elbows while they meandered to the dance areas, speaking all the while. "You're a flatterer," she said with mock accusation and amusement in her voice while sporting a smile. "No… never. Flattery implies a degree of falsehood or lies. Compliments, on the other hand, are my specialty. They only require the truth," he replied, grinning. They had a good rapport, and the banter was fun. It was easy enough with all the time they spent together training and studying; even some harmless flirting had occurred between the two in the time since Robin enrolled at the Jedi Academy. (By then, it had been eight months.)

"Ballroom or nightclub?" he asked. "Ballroom." Jaina answered, which surprised him a little; she didn't seem the type. "Alright, cool," he replied as they went to the ballroom dance floor. There they danced a simple waltz, which was a little awkward at first with the physical contact and very close proximity. Robin had one hand on her hip, while the other held her hand.

As they both got into the groove of it, their dance skills grew with confidence. They noticed a small crowd gathering, more dancers likely, yet at the same time it felt like they had both forgotten that anything else was there, as though reality had ceased. They danced to a tune only they knew. one born from so many practice bouts and training sessions; dancing was essentially simple footwork, just like with a friendly duel or training. It was a beautiful, hypnotic dance. It looked like a lovely and reasonably reserved affair, (nothing fancy,) but the beauty was in its simplicity. Cindy, who had been watching, later swore that it felt like a very energetic dance; via the Force, it was likened to energy resonance, two energies feeding each other, each growing because of the other.

After their dance was done, they took a breather. Warmed and flushed by the dancing, they sought fresh air on one of the many balconies. "I'm glad that you picked ballroom dancing. It's the only kind that I can do." Robin said quietly with a light chuckle, which surprised Jaina; she didn't see him as the type for ballroom dancing; practically nobody was in her social circles. "I'm glad I picked it then. You're a very talented dancer, Robin." Robin smiled at the compliment. "Thank you. You're very good too, Jaina. That dance sure was something. Did you feel it too? The energy? I've danced, but I've never felt that energetic or invigorated afterwards." Robin spoke with a little excitement in his voice at the mystery of the dance and its energizing effects. Jaina knew he liked mysteries, especially those potentially linked with the Force, and she couldn't help but chuckle at his enthusiasm. Then she noticed something new, but welcome.

She could sense Robin passively now, which was fantastic news for fieldwork. His presence was strangely large, yet it was comforting rather than oppressive or imposing, as a few peers had described how his presence had made them feel. Jaina pondered on how her uncle and cousin, and even her parents, had all changed in subtle ways since meeting and returning with the Stace family. Maybe they somehow innately helped people change for the better; it had been nothing but improvements as far as she could tell. Jaina knew that her dad liked Robin since their initial meeting, which was rare in itself, let alone to instantly win his approval. "I can sense you now! Finally!" Jaina said, whooping while doing a tiny victory dance, and as she finished dancing, she found herself kissing Robin in celebration right on the lips.

They were both a little wide-eyed with surprise and shock until Jaina took the initiative, deepening the kiss just a little to tease the young man. It was obviously his first real kiss based on his reaction, so she figured she'd make it extra memorable for them both. Robin was hardly a statue for long, though, and he returned the kiss with equal vigour, even snaking an arm around her swan-like neck to pull her closer. (Please finish already, right? Yeah, I'm with you, Reader, it's almost painful. Blame the Author, I only narrate).

Up until this point, neither had made a move on the other, not out of obliviousness, (despite what many thought,) but out of a willingness to sacrifice for the beautiful friendship that they shared. They were both incredibly stubborn, sometimes even dense people. Neither realized that their friendship would always be, so they both held back or made lame-ass excuses to themselves about why it could never be romantic. The dance was step one toward freedom. Step two was the quiet, private, romantic, yet not overwhelmingly so, balcony; intimacy without expectations. Step three had definitely been an act of the Force in some capacity pushing them together; their moms and others like Ben had helped, without either of them being the wiser.

The pair pulled apart quickly. As passionate as the moment had been, it was also short, but all the sweeter for it. "Wow. I've wanted to do that for, well, a long time." Jaina said, her glassy eyes reflecting his own as well as his astonishment at her confession. "That was amazing." Despite being dazed by the kiss, Robin was able to communicate. She went back inside, surprising him. Robin thought there would be a talk or something along those lines. She was already across the room, obstructed by the crowd, when he followed her inside a moment or so later. "She'll talk to you when she's ready. She's like her mom; you can't push her or she'll push back, if only to be contrary," a voice said from behind, mildly amused. Robin knew that voice and felt a little nervous, but he turned to face Jaina's dad, and despite his slight feeling of nervousness, he managed to smile.

Robin was surprised by his own calmness; he was at a two on the nervousness scale. "Captain Solo, it's…" "Exactly what I think, and I told you to call me Han. I don't care how formal the environment is. But no worries, kid." Han grinned his famous grin at the young man who may have helped lower Jaina's walls. She'd needed them to cope with losing her baby brother, and later killing her twin brother Jacen after his fall to the Dark Side, but now... things appeared to be changing for the better, (don't worry, you'll get a full explanation in time; you have not missed anything. This is just how the story must go.)

Han remembered how hollow his daughter had been, her spirit nearly broken. The mind can only take so much trauma, and as a result, Jaina had withdrawn into herself. Pain and loss couldn't reach her, which was a good thing for a time, but she was numb to happiness, joy, and life in general. Jaina had spent so long just going through the motions, and Han and Leia had convinced Jaina to try therapy, but it wasn't helpful enough, though they had explained Jaina's mindset and situation. But like both her parents, she was stubborn and turned a blind eye to the issue out of fear. Jaina essentially had a form of PTSD but chose to ignore it, believing the cost was worth it to protect herself from pain. Until she acknowledged her fear and loss, she would forever be stuck with the agony of losing her younger brother and killing her twin brother. She'd since been forbidden from field work by Luke until only recently, limited to the Academy and streets of Coruscant out of concern for her wellbeing.

"Come with me somewhere quiet to talk. Enough blaster fire over the years does a number on the hearing." Han explained as he led the slightly apprehensive young man to a quiet corner with leather chairs. Han poured them both a beautiful Correllian whisky, then took a sip with Robin following suit. The drink helped Robin relax. "Let the record show that you and my daughter have finally acted on your mutual affection. I approve, by the way, and not just because I won a bet." Han chortled quietly while writing something down on his comm-link, then sending the message.

A part of Robin wondered why Jaina had run; he supposed he'd gone too far, which he found confusing since she kissed him first and he'd only reciprocated. "Of course, now you probably feel like she ran from you. She didn't; she just needs space and time to think and process. I was on board with you from day one, and my opinion of you has only grown better. You kids are good for each other. You're good for each other as friends, and maybe even better once you are more than friends. Even if you had no romantic feelings of any kind, you're a good person, and you'd have given her much-needed closure, and helped her move forward. Thank you, Robin." Han said. It was rare that he didn't call Robin "kid" so he knew that it was a genuine, serious thank you.

Han took a liberal sip. This wasn't an easy topic to broach, but Robin needed some context to truly understand Jaina's situation. "She's been in a bad place ever since her younger brother, Anakin, died in war just a few years ago. Anakin was named for their grandfather, Leia's father… My son was a hero to everyone… and he rests as One with the Force. Jacen, Jaina's twin brother, fell to the Dark Side out of despair and desperation at the loss of their brother Anakin. Jacen, in a desperate attempt to improve the galaxy by any means, became the secret mastermind behind starting the last big war in a twisted bid to unite the galaxy and stop the conflict. He believed that his brother's sacrifice to bring peace was going unappreciated and unanswered. He would have forced the galaxy to its knees and called it peace if he could. Jaina… she was forced to kill her brother. Luke could have killed Jacen, but he was afraid it would result in him going to the Dark Side, and his fears were not without merit. Jacen also killed Luke's wife, Mara Jade-Skywalker… and furthermore, attempted to convert Ben to the Dark Side as his Sith Apprentice, or, barring that, kill him. The duty of killing her brother fell to Jaina, as she is the Sword of the Jedi and the one least likely to fall to the Dark Side. She also broke off her engagement last year. His name was Jagged Fell, and they seemed to love each other, but it was a one-sided love… when the public eye wasn't on them. Jaina needed support, but instead, she was pressured to recover from her loss and pain as well as to look good for his precious public image. The bastard put his career as a politician first, above even her well-being. Because of him, we almost lost her too, just in a different way." Han said, his voice breaking ever so slightly.

Han took a calming breath and gave Robin a look. "Since you have no knowledge regarding Fell, I can tell you now that I never approved of him... Jaina withdrew even more because of him. For a while, the walls around her heart and mind were good, strong, and protective, but after some time passed, they were deemed detrimental to her overall well-being and state of mind. Jaina was in a prison of the mind, you might say. Doctors, healers, and even those with the Force all agreed she needed time and a catalyst of some kind. Something that could change her perspective and move her mind forward, past her losses and trauma. I'd say you're a damn good catalyst." Han said, winking in approval. Robin was furious and lamented that Jaina had to go through any of that. He was amazed by not just her strength, but her parents' strength as well. They really had a lot in common, him and Jaina. (Super parents away!)

Han paused in his speech so they might both have a sip or two of the whisky, thinking about how best to phrase what he wanted to say. "As long as you keep her happy, you have my blessing to date her. Leia's too, I'm sure. Just no grandkids for a while, okay?" Han said, chuckling in an attempt at lightening the mood a little.

Han leaned forward, motioning for Robin to do the same, and whispered in his ear. "Don't ever hurt her, and if you do, do everything to make up for it, ok? Own your mistakes." Robin nodded and replied, "Yeah Han, I got it. Thanks for the explanation. I'll let her take the lead; she'll let me know when she's ready to talk, and I won't push." Robin finally addressed the captain by his first name in public, though it had an even clearer note of respect than when Robin called Han Captain Solo. The two talked and drank, exchanging stories of piloting adventures. Han had a great deal more to draw upon, though they also talked about the piloting club, Rogue Squadron, and the Jedi forces, all of which Han worked with now and again; they were all subjects Robin had a vested interest in, which made conversation far less one-sided, (thank god.)

After an hour or so, Han dismissed himself to find his wife, just as Luke and two persons unknown approached. One was a humanoid dressed like a priestess, and the other was dressed as a monk of the Bo-Ran school of thought and Force-study. "Knight Robin Stace, congratulations on your fast promotion. I've heard that you're a prodigy; just don't let it go to your head," the woman chuckled. Robin stood and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Sister of Dathomir, Lady Harmony; it took me a moment to place a name to your face. It's an honour to meet one of the high echelons of the Witches of Dathomir." Her smile became a little predatory as she appraised Robin like a piece of meat. Such was the way of the Witches of Dathomire's culture; even with all the progress they'd made, it was still primarily a woman-dominated school of Force study and thought. Their culture was changing towards equality for all genders, just incredibly slowly. Robin could not show fear or push back too hard against the Witch; her high status made her either a terrible foe or a fantastic ally.

"Perceptive of you to recognize one of a higher station, a useful and often underappreciated gift. Most impressive. You project neither fear nor disrespect, simply acceptance. Luke did well finding and teaching you. Oh, the many great things I could teach you…" purred the witch. Robin shivered in fear briefly, (Most old-school Witches view men as instruments or tools first, and people second, if at all. You can probably imagine such a scenario and understand his fear better,) though he controlled his reaction enough for it to not be noticed.

Robin smiled politely, grateful for a reason not to be the total centre of attention. He turned to the monk, bowing in their direction. "You must be a member of the Bo-Ran Monks. Forgive me; I don't recognize you from my readings and studies." Robin said apologetically. "You wouldn't recognize him… yet. He's the newly elected Grandmaster of the Bo-Ran Monks. Bo-Ran monks are humble to the point where they only make public appearances for the big things, such as crowning a new leader of a public Force organization, or a knighting by me. His name is Drex Tate, and his promotion is in effect in three days, at which point everyone will know his name." Luke explained. The monk nodded at Luke's explanation after returning Robin's bow with one of his own, though the returned bow was no less deep than Robin's had been despite Drex possessing a higher social status and rank.

"Congratulations, young man. You know, we may be pacifists, but we Bo-Ran enjoy a martial challenge too. You and my apprentice should duel; I bet you could teach each other a little something in the ring. Assuming work and missions place you near our main school, or we visit Coruscant again," Drex said with a smile. "Thank you, Grandmaster Drex. It would be my pleasure to someday duel your student." Robin replied politely as he realized that Luke was networking him, building a support system, and securing him potential allies for his career as a Jedi Knight. The night continued like this, with Robin meeting various people of note for a few more hours before the party was done.

By the time the final hour of the night rolled around, Robin was exhausted and knew that he'd have a hangover the next day, but the Force could stop his headaches and allow him to function, which was good since he'd be assigned his first mission the next day. Robin bid goodbye to the die-hard partiers, finding Ben and Luke along the way, and they supported Ben's weight together before dumping him in the speeder cab and going home. They were reasonably sure Ben was not totally drunk but exhausted. They would return the following day, when sober, to retrieve Robin's '67 Impala-Speeder. Robin didn't drive as much as on earth, but he still drove it around for both Jedi business and personal pleasure at the freedom driving gave him.

"I'm assigning your first mission the day after tomorrow; I figured we'd both need the recovery time," Luke said to Robin with a light laugh, while the excitement caught up with Robin and his eyes began to droop. "Han won the bet. I thought that you would've made the first move, not Jaina. The man knows his daughter well." Luke mused quietly as both Ben and now Robin were asleep in the cab. Einstein came out to greet them, jumping in the cab and back out with Robin draped on his back before proceeding to dump his charge, gently dragging him by the collar and back inside, as if saying, "I got him; Ben's yours." Luke couldn't help but chuckle at the thought; he must have had a lot more to drink than he realized.

Meanwhile, at the Sith temporary headquarters on Coruscant

Vol continued his games, moving the politicians, influencers, and authority figures to his tune. Promises of power for some, immunity from crimes for others, and so on. At the moment, he was in a meeting with one of the leaders of the Imperial Remnant, (the faction of Imperials who neither stood with the Emperor during his reign nor with the Rebellion, kind of like Germany after WW2 except the Imperial Remnant still had military allies with the New Republic and were members of the Galactic Alliance with the same voting rights on Galactic issues as the others, like NATO but way better), and the favourite for the upcoming political battle to determine the next representative for the Imperial Remnant in the Galactic Alliance. "So what can I do for you, Sith Grand Lord Vol?" the young up-and-comer asked politely, albeit guardedly. Vol couldn't help but smile; his pieces were falling into place everywhere, just as he had foreseen. "Why, Mr. Fell, it's not what you can do for me but rather, what I can do for you. I know that you're a winner, and so am I. I can guarantee your political victory. Work with me and my people, and you'll never lose."

Jagged Fell was wary but open to the Grand Lord of the Sith, listening with rapt attention. "Now, I know that you understand that nothing is free, but what we're asking for is no more than the same courtesy that's delivered to the Jedi Order. I understand the Sith and the galaxy, in general, have had a rocky history." Vol said demurely. "The Sith have tried to conquer the Galaxy many times, and even succeeded for a time. What makes you different?" Fell asked skeptically. Vol's smile grew imperceptibly. "Good, he's thinking about the deal; that's steps one through five right there. It's too easy, especially when they do most of my work for me." Vol thought with an imperceptible smirk, it helped that everything was being recorded for blackmail purposes. Even if Fell rejected the Sith as personal allies, he could still be controlled for their ends.

Soon, the political arena would be championed by the Sith. The first target Coruscant, the heart of the galaxy, would become theirs, and then the rest would follow or be destroyed in their wake. "What makes us different is that we don't want to destroy the Jedi. Besides, is it fair that we should suffer for the sins of our ancestors?" The Jedi were important to the plans Vol had already set in motion; one might even say… necessary. It was an unpopular opinion with many of the other High Lords, a sentiment he shared, but they still deferred to his authority. He needed to keep it that way; failure wasn't an option for the Grand Lord of the Sith.