The Dark Academy on Korriban

A large group of massassi approach the encampment with the beating of drums and the roar of war beasts. The massassi are in full war regalia with menacing face painting. Four carry a large litter, upon that little is a large sith woman… or perhaps massassi but her features are definitely more sith like and for some very familiar.

Captain Harad and Jaina Von are there to greet this procession.

The massassi set the litter down and the woman climbs down and smiles and says, “Greetings people from the stars, my warriors have brought me tales of your strength and I was bound to come and greet you all myself. I am Jug’tih, Queen of the Gunda; and we shall stand with you against the hated Yubashi.”

“I didn’t know your kind spoke Basic, if you want to help go ahead. Captain,” Jaina Von says calmly.

Captain Harad speaks, “Sharing of basic intel and general troop strength and deployment should make this a bit easier to coordinate, will you be handling that or have you appointed someone?”

“I have a Datapad we were able to trade with one of your Sith, it has the information you requested,” Jug’tih states and one of the massassi males produces a Datapad and offers it.

“We will drink deeply of our enemies.”

“Indeed,” the Captain says taking the datapad.

Layne had come out to see what all the fuss was about. It took her a few moments, but eventually she pieced it together.

This is her new base of power? Ugh...

She didn't like this. Too many unknowns. Too many ways things could go wrong.

Somewhere, not far away, but out of the way and paying no attention, Zeno was balancing in a handstand. He was focusing his rage and contemplating the lessons of Gyn Hothe and Lord Zash. His mind was roiling with information and emotion with closed eyes and an open mind, controlling the release of anger from within himself. It was tumultuous and savage, but he seemed to be trying to sharpen it like a blade.

The massassi queen smiles and then adds, “I will establish a command tent here while the rest of my forces get in position to harass the incoming Yubashi.”

She barks orders and the massassi find an open space and begin putting together her command tent. She glances at Layne with a smile and then watches her people work.

After a bit, Zeno folded over into an arch before rising up to his feet, garceful as a cat in his movements. He moved to approach Jaina Von and bowed his head. "Instructor Von."

"Zeno," she nods waiting for him to speak.

"I have heard only mutterings of a coming battle since awakening this morning," he says to her. "If that is to be the case, I look forward to proving the effectiveness of your teachings."

“A battle is coming, I’d rather see the results of your training,” she says.

“It won’t be me fighting your battle but you. You’re ready, you don’t have much choice.”

"You will see the results," he replies with a nod. "The only one who can kill me is you. And that's only going to last so long. I expect you to face me every chance I get to visit Korriban with Lord Zash. One of these days I'll live through a match."

“I am sure your Lord will keep you busy,” she says honestly.

"Undoubtedly, but she also seeks history and lore. Plenty of that on Korriban that I'm sure I'll get the chance to face you again once I've grown stronger from experience," he replies.

“I won’t stop you, you know where I will be,” she says calmly.

"You, more than any, have been my most valued instructor," he replies bowing his head. "It will be an honor to fight in battle with you."

Somewhere not far off, her attention no longer on the arrival of the 'native' queen; Layne rolled her eyes upon seeing Zeno talk to Jaina.

Ugh, probably kissing ass.

“Just doing my job, Zeno,” she says with a nod.

Zeno had been aware of the presence of Layne after he had finished his meditations. But after that she was quickly forgotten. He was done with that dog until the met in the future and would simply kill her then when there would be no repercussions.

"Of course Instructor Von," he replies. "I will return to my meditations and practice. There is apparently a battle to not die in coming."

"You die, you fail," she says with a slight smirk.

"I won't let you fail me. I've worked too hard for that to happen," he replies with his own grin.