[center][b]Master Kasari and Arren Kae Coruscant[/b][/center] The intensity of the vision raged on, and Master Kasari began to wander through the ebb and flow of Arren Kae’s energy. There was more to this vision than simply a vision. Quietly, Kasari began to wonder whether this was a vision at all or if it was actually a memory, altered for the purposes of Xeviiy’s training. But, whose memory? Was this Arren Kae’s? Kasari’s student was struggling within the confines of a life or death battle, and she could feel the conflict within Xeviiy. “Your own connection to the force is impressive as well, Moryr. I don’t doubt one day we may see you sitting in her seat, following the path as a master to teach and uphold our values. If there are any questions you have in need of answers, perhaps you can come to me. Or, maybe Arren can provide answers. Her methods may be unorthodox, but she has a way with un-clouding the mind by forcing us to navigate through the hard questions of life and the force.” Her attention went back to the vision before them all when one focused enough and joined into the well of force energy Arren Kae emitted. The mother and daughter took Xeviiy’s thoughts as wise words. They ran away from the farm in order to find a place to hide, grabbing the dead mercenary’s blaster as a means to defend themselves. With a grunt, the merc eventually re-found his balance after the force push. He recognized her growing confidence and couldn’t do anything about his hostages getting away. There was nothing else to do now other than kill the Jedi and then kill the remaining witnesses. “They won’t get far. Once I’m finished with you, their blood is next. Stupid Jedi, all you had to do was wait and nothing would have happened.” He gripped his vibrosword tightly, setting his feet into a battling position. “You might have a lightsaber and Jedi training behind you, but I can tell you’ve never actually fought. There isn’t any blood on your hands. You reek of innocence.” The mercenary charged, but first he kicked up a cloud of sand towards her face. His form sliced through the cloud of sand and his sword came crashing down at her once more. [center][b]Anna Sparvic Coruscant[/b][/center] Anna smiled. That compliment meant more to her than Leon could possibly know, to hear her commanding officer suggest her own qualities were needed more frequently within the Republic. “Thank you.” She managed to reply back and continue along with him. There was no way she was going back to the office at this point, especially at the mention of the Jedi. “The Jedi Temple?” Her voice raised in excitement. “There’s no way I’m going back now. Not that I would in the first place. Someone has to make sure you don’t get into trouble, and as a secret; I hate paperwork too.” She paused. “The Jedi, I’ve never actually been to the temple before. I’ve heard so much about the powers of the force and the absolute importance they had during the Exar Kun War. The Republic database says so much about Nomi Sunrider and her history during that fight. She’s kind of a personal hero. Did you ever meet her or any other Jedi during the war? What were they like? Are they just as amazing as the stories say?” The lieutenant blitzed him with questions, one after another without tiring. She had so many questions and a zest for learning. Paperwork was not the work she wanted nor was suited for. Her heart was set on the field just as much as his, or so Anna felt. After a moment, her excitement settled but the beaming curiosity remained glimmering in her eyes. “You know what this means, you know? You’re going to have to give me a tour. Of what you know, anyway.” [center][b]Jedi Council Dantooine[/b][/center] Vrook, Vandar, and Dorak all sat within the council chamber at their seats looking over Markus as he entered the circle. The holograms of the Coruscant masters present looked on as well. Atris, Zez-Kai Ell, Kavar, and Lonna Vash. Lonna’s face turned into a brief moment of surprise to learn that Markus truly was alive. She knew the masters had told her this news already, but seeing was the final step to making her believe. “Greetings, Markus. It’s good to see you again, and good to see that you are alive after all this time.” Vandar spoke. “It’s safe to say we were all surprised by the news. Good news is always welcome.” Kavar joined in. “Any message to let us know you weren’t dead would have been nice, however.” Lonna stated coldly. “Perhaps after a month, or two years even, five would have been nice too. Nineteen will have to do.” A certain amount of bite in her words. “Control your emotions, Lonna. I’m sure he has his reasons.” Zez tempered her. Lonna sighed. “… Forgive my frustration.” Vrook raised his hand. “Now, we know why you are here Markus. Here on account of the disturbing video of a Mandalorian invasion. We have decided that it is indeed a war invasion, and the Republic outer worlds will be next. But, there is more to this than we know. Everyone on the council senses something behind this, something dark. Because of the unkown nature of this threat, the Jedi will not be fighting this war. However, the Republic must be made aware of this news.” Lonna spoke again. “This is why we’ve selected you to deliver the evidence to Republic headquarters on Coruscant. We have not decided yet whether you are to remain a Jedi or if it would be best that you go into a sort of exile to meditate upon the things that trouble you.” She tried to remain as professional as possible. “That is not all.” Kavar entered in. “Upon delivering the evidence, we suggest you bring a team of Jedi with you to the outer rim. You must find knights of high caliber, not padawans. This is a stealth mission of extreme precaution. Investigate. Find out what you can, and then come to us. We will make further decisions at that point.” [center][b]Aria Blair and Alek Garrus Dantooine[/b][/center] “See how Ken moves?” Zhar asked. “Precise, and patient.” Aria noted, watching him closely. The way he held his saber, his footwork. She watched his eyes analyzing Alek’s stance and footwork, it seemed remarkable to her that he’d have the mental fortitude to defend against powerful strikes and not lose focus. His immense calm had to be linked to his connection with the force, and Aria found herself understanding why Ken Grant was so well spoken of. She even found herself in awe, of both of them. Alek’s resolve was strong, and there was no backing off of his assault. He pressed onward, and his saber strokes came down in a flurry. A string of slashes and slices that didn’t seem to have an end. “He’s waiting. For an opening in Alek’s attacks.” “Yes. If his defenses aren’t broken down first.” “I don’t think that will happen. His form is excellent, to me it looks like Alek’s energy will wear thin before he gets through that defense.” “Perhaps you are right. How would you go about it, Aria? I know you’re a defensive fighter, but think like a duelist.” “I’d try to mirror him. Right now, I don’t feel like I’m as skilled. But, I can read and predict. I’d try and force it to come down to which one of us can read the other quicker and make the right move. Alek relies on the blitz, but I don’t think he sees the full game.” “If that didn’t work out?” “I’d use Juyo. Ken seems to rely on predicting the opponent’s moves. But I wonder if he’d be able to stand against a form based around unpredictability and powerful aggression.” “You do have a gift for combat, and understanding it my padawan. Your words are sound, and wiser than your age. But, Juyo contradicts you as you are now. Could you use it well enough?” Aria paused. “I, I don’t know. We never really know what we can do until we must.” “Indeed.” Master and apprentice returned to watching the match in silence as the continued spins and acrobatic power Alek exhibited was incredible. He had firm control of his body, and the power behind his attacks did not waver. At least not yet.