The Dark Academy on Korriban

Finally put together for the day, Kristal made her way through the Admin building with the direct intent on finding Captain Harad. There was something she witnessed on Yavin IV that stayed with her every day. Someone she knew that would understand what she was feeling right now, and maybe even someone who might be able to answer some questions that were burning in her mind.

It was odd, walking these halls so different from when they had originally left. Soon she would be Sith... but at such great a cost.

Captain Harad has his door open and was filling containers with his effects from his office. He has served for over three decades and now he was having to sum up a lifetime of service into neat boxes for shipping. It was emotional even if he did so with his normal stoicism. On his desk was a holo portrait of his family, a smiling wife and three daughters of varying ages from pre-teen to adult.

He puts some books in a box and says, “My lord, you look well all things considered.”

"Captain," she addressed with their customary formality. Stoics, as they were.

Walking more inside the office than simply standing in the doorway she aimed to keep out of his way as he packed at least. Though the Holo portait did catch her eye. It seemed in this last week she was witnessing quite a deal of Harad's more personal business.

"I've had three days of rest. I saw you in the tent after the battle. Certainly a memorable end to your service."

“Been in many scrapes in my years of service that one could have gone much worse. Glad I got out of with just some scars,” he says putting more books in the box.

“Lost my arm on my second tour, a rocket shot by dissidents hit out transport. Commander was killed instantly and my arm was a mess. Hours from any support, just four of us behind enemy lines. Transport carried eight plus crew. You never know how far you can go until a situation like that. It changes you,” he says looking distant.

“But the Empire won’t give up on you. I am sure Darth Marr will see to that and get you back into the fight. We need good Sith like you, my lord.”

"Nothing quite puts mortality into perspective like it," she said. Remembering the moment, how she felt when it had happened. That base need for survival kicking in like it never had before.

"You words are reassuring Captain. I was hoping to ask you about your arm in truth." Kristal glanced to the hallway quick, feeling a need for privacy with it but rather than close the door and make it feel awkward that way she just took a few more steps into the room. "How.. what is it like?"

“To be honest, when it happened it just happened. I didn’t have time to think about the consequences. It was later that it set in, and really the most unsettling bits was the phantom pain. Feeling things for a limb that was gone. It’s different from the sensors of a cybernetic replacement, harder to explain. I felt incomplete for a while even after the replacement. A soldier has to trust their own body, hard to trust something that just gets slapped on by a surgeon,” he says honestly.

“Now, it’s just who I am. I am not sure how long that will take for you, but you are a soldier, a damn good one. I don’t expect it to be long.”

"Thank you, Captain."

"For your words and what you've shared with me. It's been difficult adjusting, to be honest with you. Hearing that someone else understands is.. I needed that," she said, indicating the picture after she finished admitting that. Feeling a bit reassured.

"I hope you do not find it an intrusion, but this is your family?"

“My loving wife Giselle, and my daughters; Yasmine, Helga, and Tonya. My wife works as a legal consultant for Czerka and Yasmine is at university. If nothing else keeps me going, knowing that my family is depending on me is enough to keep me doing what I do. Now, I am not sure what to do,” he says looking at the portrait.

“Maybe I will get into private security or consulting. My wife would want me to take it easy of course.”

"You've earned the right to take it easy, if you can manage it," she said with a soldiers humor.

"My Father would have liked you if you ever met. Invited you to his study and you'd probably talk about your daughters for hours... how old are they?"

“I’m not ready to go fishing my life away yet, my lord,” he says calmly.

“This old soldier has some life in him.”

"If there is anything I might be able to do for you to that end Captain, don't leave it unsaid."

He is quiet and then says, “If my lord wishes it, I would be honored to serve in her command. I have an extensive experience with Republic tactics and have served in Black Ops, Boarding Operations, and large scale tactics.”

“If she will have me.”

"To have a man with your expertise and service would be my Honor Captain Harad. Certainly considering placing yourself under the command of a fledgling Sith is far below a man of your merit."

"Therefore I must be sure this is something you want. Truly want. The road ahead of me will not be a simple one and I cannot allow you to move forward with doubt. Consider your family."

“My days of service are not over, my lord,” he places another book in the box.

“When you believe I can serve you, send word and I will be ready.”

"As you wish Captain."

"I will leave you to your packing, but before I go I have a request. Your Cybernetics... I admit I haven't learned much of the abilities of our Doctors in that field. Is there a... model," she says, unsure if that was the best way to refer to it. "of Cybernetics that is the best? Any design that you would personally recommend?"

“Veritech is a brand I have trusted for years. I recommend it, my lord,” he says with a nod.

"Veritech," she repeats for herself.

"Thank you Captain," she says, turning toward the exit but stopping half way.

"If I am to be honest, I am glad this will not be our last good bye."

Captain Harad stands at attention and says, “I am honored, my lord.”

There was a moment where Kristal remained, looking to Harad. After it she offered a firm nod and made her exit.

Korriban had hit her like a truck, but the future was looking bright. Brighter than she could have imagined two days ago.