The Dark Academy on Korriban

Almost two months had passed since they had arrived at Korriban. It was nothing, and it was everything.

His arms were folded behind his back as he stared out of the window into the blackness and pinpricks of the stars. Two lightsabers hung from his belt, testament to his skills and adventures. His thoughts flicked between memories: drinking with Gerry at the sixes; fighting droids with HK; digging up Darth Jerkface with Thy Yulani; the Dark Lotus Stance and Koro's vision; the light going out of Akir's eyes as he killed her.

There was more. He saw many things as he stared out into space. Many things and none. There was an opportunity on Yavin to do something that no-one else had done, and he was going to take it.

Jaina watches the stars quietly, hands held behind her.

He sensed her before he saw her. They had become friendly in the past few weeks, enough that he felt an affinity for her. His head turned from the stars towards her and he moved over to stand at her side.

"What do you see, my Lord?"

"Lots of stars, lots of black," she says in her usual manner.

"You?"

"The last time I was asked that question I thought I was seeing the past. Now I'm looking for the future, but the echoes of the past are all around me."

He turned to look at her and smiled slightly. "Also stars, and the abyss."

“Your training is nearly over, is that what you mean? Future after you become Sith?” she asks focusing on the stars.

"I think so, yes. It is hard to see, but something awaits me out there."

He looked out at the view and tried to sense what was to come. But foresight was not quite within his grasp.

"I'm not sure if I thanked you yet, but I have appreciated your lessons my Lord. They have deepened my insight into the art of combat."

“As long as they keep you alive on Yavin IV, I will feel I have done my job,” she replies.