The Dark Academy on Korriban

"And when I tell you of what more I've learned, what will you do with that information?" she asked, feeling that this was perhaps the place where she'd seen if he could be a friend, or something else.

"That depends on the nature of the information. Whether this is a threat to be removed before it harms the Empire, or an unexpected ally. It's hard to say at this point, although a threat seems more likely."

He looked at her thoughtfully. "Something tells me this the sort of situation that will require an alliance to resolve."

Her expression was equally thoughtful as she regarded Jo'ren. He had stood with Vengean, Baras' master... still, I don't see how Baras could turn it to his advantage, somehow.

"An alliance, then," she nodded. "I will get in touch with you when we get planetside on Yavin. I need to check some sources first to cover some holes in my knowledge."

Jo'ren nodded and finished his beer. "Alright, that sounds good. My gut says to limit the number of people you bring in on this. Fewer people knowing about it means less chance she'll find out and have time to plan a response."

He smiled. "Got to admit I'm looking forward to the jungle."

"Agreed," she said simply and took another sip of the wine. It was almost empty, but it would do for today.

"I wonder if it's anything like the jungles on Dromund Kaas..." Shaisha mused as he shifted the topic.

"Twice as wild and three times as deadly." He winked at her and ordered another glass of water.

"I've been reading up. Surprised the shit out of Lord Savas..." Thanks old man. I think.

"You surprised Savas?" she raised an eyebrow, then let out a brief laugh. "I wish I could've seen that."

"So you've been preparing yourself for the trip, huh? Intending to maintain your record of fastest student to move from the spaceport to the headquarters?"

"A man's gotta have goals." He grinned and drank half of the water.

"Yeah, something like that. After Sinea's vision I figured it wouldn't hurt to know what we're getting ourselves in to. Pissed off Massassi sound like trouble, even for a bunch of almost-Sith... Should be a fun trip!"

"Sounds like it will be quite the thrill," she said with an excited grin herself. "We could all use the excersise in fighting powerful enemies together, for when we will face the Jedi on the field of battle."

He pointed at her with a big finger and smiled. "Exactly! I guess that's the point. Survival and combat in a hostile environment against an enemy that wants to kill us."

At least, he assumed the Massassi wanted to kill them, it was hard to say what they would want. "Apparently we're related to them, distantly."

"Hm, yes, to the ancient Sith," she nodded. "A worthy challenge, is what that sounds like to me."

"Don't know how we ended up like this though, and they ended up like... well, them. Did you find anything on that in your studying?"

"Something about Naga Sadow taking them with him and performing experiments on them." He shrugged. "But supposedly they were a bit bigger and bulkier than us already, and pretty resistant to most things. Except lightsabers of course, although I'm sure they'll have some sort of ancient sith alchemical weapons."

A thoughtful nod followed. "Yeah, a worthy challenge."

"Careful, I might think you've lost your touch as a big strong warrior and turned into some bookworm," she teased him with a small laugh, and a playful poke in his side.

Jo'ren turned to Shaisha, sighed a little, and stuck his tongue out at her. It was entirely comical, but he feigned an aloof air and returned to his drink as if it had never happened.

"Such a scandalous accusation. I think I'll make someone run 40 laps around the training grounds just for that. Aspirant #34672."

"Oh, so you've earned power to boss around lesser subjects now?" she asked, pushing away her empty glass and signalling for a glass of water for herself. "How did this come to be?"

"I've got the skills. The Master of Arms asked me to help. So that's what I've been doing these last three weeks." He sipped his water and looked at her. The new insights into combat that Koro's book had supplied him with were leading him into uncharted territory. But he had no intention of sharing his new knowledge. Not yet anyway.

"Power is very becoming for you," she smiled appraisingly and picked up the glass of water.

"Seems a lot of the students keep trying to test themselves against the Master of Arms when they get the chance. Then end up limping away."

"Why thank you." He laughed at her next comment. "Yes, it's quite entertaining. I've seen several of our fellow students face down unconscious in the sand because they decided today was their day to defeat her. She's impressive. I've learned a lot from her."

"And which of these fellow students have impressed you the most then in these attempts?" she asked before taking a moment to savour the cleansing feeling of water down her throat.

"Honestly? It takes a lot to impress me. She has destroyed the best among us without breaking a sweat." He shrugged. "And I include myself in that statement. Naturally."

She leaned a bit closer. "What about killing Death's Shadow? Surely that must count for something on the Impress Jo'ren-scale?"

He wobbled a hand. "Hard to say, I didn't see it. Great teamwork though, no doubt." He gave her a teasing smile. "What do you think it's worth on the 'Impress Jo'ren Scale'?"

"Hmmm... impressed enough that I get some special treatment when we can find some time on Yavin?" she said, her voice a mix between teasing and hopeful.

Jo'ren tapped the side of his head. "Hard to see. The future." He winked. "But I guess if you get beaten up and come looking for me, well, I'd probably acquiesce to your demands."

His smile suggested it would be just fine by him.