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_ "Rangers, just like Jedi, never truly forget where they come from. We pledged our loyalty to the ideals of the Jedi and the Republic, pup; but despite my marrying your father... I'll never forget that Ekibo was my home, and that the Trianii are still my people- I'd do anything to help them." _

~Kane Surnahm

"You guys ready?" Kajex asked the other 3 Jedi. He stood in front of the tomb guardians, the wolves staring at him curiously and making no sound as Syrra, Locke and Keris took up positions on all sides, with Locke at the back.

Locke nodded. "I could handle this myself- but it'd be best if Syrra and Keris aided to ensure this pack knows we mean them no harm. Just _coax_them, don't push hard; they're already stressed enough as is," he said quietly, glancing off to the side with a pained expression. Kajex followed his gaze, wincing as his eyes fell on the unmoving bodies of the 3 tomb guardians they had failed to preserve- Thresher had slain two of them, while Rook had killed another. The pack, unable to communicate to them and lacking anything more than basic intelligence, had already mourned for their fallen brethren, a few of them howling sadly before they gathered together for comfort.

Locke sighed, trying to put on a brave face as he held his paws out. "Let's hope they're receptive to this." With an expression of mild concentration he breathed in slowly, his eyes scanning the pack as they seemed to straighten up and look around curiously. One by one they turned to Locke, their inquisitive stares penetrating the white wolf as he lowered his paws. "Alright now... let's get you pups on your feet." Kajex watched with great interest as they rose, compelled to obey the white wolf's gentle requests. Even with half-lidded eyes immersed in focus, his brother smiled gently as they complied, nodding. "Very good... we're going to leave this place- I'm sure you've been here long enough." A couple of the wolves' tails started to wag, but half of them looked apprehensive, whining fearfully. "You don't have to be afraid," he assured them. "My pack will be watching over you, protecting you. We only want to help you," he said with confident certainty, gesturing to Syrra and Keris.

The women took it as their cue to aid him, raising their paws and concentrating together as they poured a gentle influence on the pack of tomb guardians. The pack turned and looked to either side as if noticing them, their tails wagging appreciatively as they accepted their gentle coaxing. A warmth filled the Sentinel's chest as the group started to move slowly, with Talrik leading the way- the wolves followed him cautiously as he guided them out of the Black Tomb.

"'bout damn time," a voice near the door muttered.

The Sentinel's expression darkened at the words as he turned to see Wiyuk, standing next to Miles and a handful of security officers. His comment did not go unnoticed by a few of the tomb guardians, either- whether they were quickly beginning to understand basic, or recognized the irritable tone as a complaint concerning their presence, a couple of the group chuffed in his direction with colder expressions, though they kept up the pace as they followed Kajex's pack out of the chamber.

Kajex watched as Locke glanced back at him with a significant look, before disappearing down the corridor and leaving only Miles, Rook, Wiyuk and the security personnel behind (in addition to the now-sleeping ysalamir in the rucksack Kajex was now carrying). Once he was gone, he returned his attention to Wiyuk. "You could have waited upstairs, Guild Head," he responded shortly.

"Not if I wanted to do damage assessment," Wiyuk snapped. "In only a day of investigation, your damned team has done irreparable damage to the ruins and reduced my potential profit from it! All because you couldn't catch one fucking guy with a laser sword!"

"I already told you," Kajex responded through grit teeth, "the infiltrator was a very skilled Sith Knight. We were hard-pressed to subdue these tomb guardians without killing them that he was able to escape."

"Whereas if you'd just cut them down, your Sith thief would've been in captivity or dead and this entire debacle would not have occurred!" Wiyuk spat. "I don't give a damn about retarded, dirty mutts locked in a tomb- you had a job to do and you fucking blew it!"

Few people in Kajex's life had ever inspired white-hot hatred, but Wiyuk was certainly stoking the fire with his words and attitude. He took in a deep breath, glaring at the grim-faced human. "I did have a job, yeah- it's called comporting myself as a Jedi, and as far as I'm concerned I did a damn good job, especially given the circumstances. I don't give a flaming fuck about your profits- I'm concerned with saving and safeguarding lives. I'm not surprised the concept is foreign to you, I don't doubt for a second the rest of your guild is going to be very happy about you skimping on their official safety protocols. If they're anything like a standard construction crew's, then your mining operation here is the equivalent of a 4 thousand year old death-trap."

"No kiddin'," Rook spoke up, peering at the guild head critically. "Nearly broke my neck tryin' to get down here, even with Kaj's descent rope. Could've definitely used yer repulsor carts to get down here safely, and that's not even standard for construction crews, either."

"The runt's right," Miles agreed, folding his arms. "I've been a soldier more than half my life, I've never had to work harder to descend a mine shaft before. Your descent angle was too steep and prone to water erosion, making it dangerous even for a repulsor cart- the fact that it suffers flooding so easily is also a safety hazard. If you manage to get through this without your ass getting penalized for cutting corners, Wiyuk, I will be _very_surprised- if you were in the Imperial Army you'd be getting your ass reamed for incompetence."

"I happen to be running a business, whelp!" the human hissed.

"Then why are you getting riled up?" Kajex asked. "I'm sure my brother told you that the Republic was going to compensate you for any damages the ruins suffered- you aren't losing a goddamn datary for what happened here today."

"Though he may very well lose his job."

The Sentinel turned abruptly in response to the new voice- a gray-haired Bothan male wearing mining gear and a leather jacket stood at the entrance to the tomb, looking around at all of them before walking in- he was followed by a few better-dressed humans holding datapads. Sparing a brief, cold glance at Wiyuk he strode to the wolf, holding out his hand and giving him a warm smile. "I'm Guild Leader Arvest- it's a pleasure to meet you, Sentinel Surnahm, we're glad to have you here."

Kajex blinked, but managed to smile back, shaking the Guild Leader's hand. "Er, thanks. Wish I could say that sentiment was constant, but given what's been happening here lately I suppose it was childish to expect it."

"Let's not be silly," the Bothan assured him. "You've done fine work here. Apart from a few shattered artifacts and structural damage, this facility looks remarkably intact. And I appreciate you having your priorities right- even if Mel here doesn't," he added, frowning at Wiyuk.

The human looked like he was at a loss for words, though he managed to address his superior. "Arvest...? I-- you.... why are you here?" he said weakly.

"I told you I would be monitoring the situation closely. Coarser Starport informed me the moment the _Gold Rush_made landfall, and as I expected you did absolutely _nothing_to keep me informed of the Jedi team's progress. Between that and the complaints I'd been receiving over the last week from your own workers, citing concerns about a lack of pay and safety measures for the excavation site, I had a mind to come in and investigate the situation myself. And I would have, had I not been required to keep in touch with the Republic liaison back on the Southern Continent," he said coolly.

Kajex raised an eyebrow. "Pardon me, Guild Leader... but would it be inappropriate for me to assume that Wiyuk here is in a substantial amount of trouble?"

Arvest nodded, looking grim. "You bet your ass, kid. And please, you're welcome to call me Arvest- Wiyuk here will need to call me 'sir', because he's the one in deep shit right now."

The frail-looking human stammered nervously, wringing his hands. "Arvest, I-- I was protecting m- our investme--"

"D'ya need a sonic drill to blast the debris out of your ears, dumbass?" Arvest barked with a strict voice. "I just told you to call me 'sir'! And I know _exactly_what you were 'protecting', Mel, with your grandstanding speeches to the community telling folks to work hard and diligently and not rat you out for all of the corner-cutting you've done, stashing leftover credits into your account! Then you restrict access to the repulsor carts so they're only used while excavating under _your_watch, preventing anybody else from staking claims on unexcavated areas and delaying mining by 3 weeks- all while denying your workers pay!"

"That's not--" Wiyuk started, but Arvest held up a hand and glared at him, silencing the human.

"I don't want to hear it. You're very_lucky I'm not having you arrested right now. The fact is I'm gonna need you around for a few days as it is. The NRI made landfall 10 minutes ago and they're on their way as we speak. Your new orders are to stand aside and assist them with _everything_concerning these ruins; which means you need to get your sorry ass topside to greet them. And if I hear that you treat them with anything _less than sycophantic politeness, I'll push the case file against you up to the fuckin' forefront of the court's attention and have your ass in a prison cell before the week is out!"

Wiyuk looked pale, his eyes darting to Kajex. The wolf scoffed and shrugged. "Don't look at me, you jerk- you're the one that did this to yourself." Wiyuk looked back at Arvest, then nodded submissively and lumbered toward the corridor, casting a longing look at the tomb and the treasures he probably felt he was being deprived of.

Arvest watched as he left, then sighed and returned his attention to the wolf. "Sentinel, I wanna offer you my deepest apologies for any bullshit you've had to put up with. I'm told one of your crew members was nearly killed in battle, I'd called a medical unit over to have them treated as a means of helping out- though apparently your Jedi healing arts got her back on her feet," he added, looking relieved.

Kajex nodded. "She's fine now, but yeah... that was a closer shave than I would have liked. I just wish everyone could have been preserved in the end," he said sadly, looking back at the dead tomb wolves.

Arvest glanced at them, his expression softening. "I'm sorry, kid. Were they family?"

Kajex didn't respond immediately- the logical answer was 'no', but to pretend that their lives weren't meaningful to him would have been dishonest. If anything, the parallels between him and the tomb guardians made it hit closer to home. "I don't know... but that doesn't make their deaths any less painful- they, my brother and I might be the only ones of our kind left in the universe. I went out of my way, put people at risk trying to spare them- I didn't want them dead, not when they only attacked out of fear and pain. This place, this... tomb... it's ancient, and they're about as old. I kinda have some idea of what it's like to be put to sleep for a while and wake up and find out things have changed, but... not on the order of 3 or 4 thousand years."

Arvest nodded but smiled. "Buck up, kid- you saved a lot of them anyway, and maybe that'll make all the difference. Maybe you didn't beat the bad guy this time, but if you put a stop to a little bit of evil, that's a win, right?"

The words brought a smile to Kajex's face. "When you put it that way... yeah, I guess it is a win."

Guiding the pack to the repulsorlift had proven to be more difficult than Locke had anticipated. Having trained himself to speak eloquently to civilians and command authority with his voice in order to better coordinate Imperial officers was one thing- speaking gently and soothingly to this pack when they likely did not understand a single word he uttered was quite another. And while he had trained to dominate the minds and wills of others in a futile attempt to shield his own mind from Inquisitor Voyde, he struggled to use a gentler persuasion as he led the wolves through the ruins.

Yet a combination of Syrra and Keris' aid had helped, which was a relief as the oppressive dark energy that surrounded them was a threat to the comfort levels the pack was experiencing. Every so often, Locke injected a sliver of honest hope into their minds to ease their tension- that once they reached the surface, they would be rid of this place for good. This reassurance aided Locke's efforts as they crossed the burial preparation chamber, where a couple of the younger-looking wolves cringed and whined fearfully at the sight of ancient desiccated corpses.

But in the end it, Locke felt it was worth it. Getting them onto the repulsorlift was simple, as they seemed to know right off that the light overhead was a sign of their freedom, their tails wagging anxiously as they ascended up the steep mineshaft. The look of utter joy on their faces as they stared up and blinked in the bright blue sky brought a broad smile to the albino wolf's face. Despite being at least as old as Locke and Kajex, and more than likely only a little younger, the wolves joined together and began to embrace each other in relief, completely unconcerned that they were barely dressed and, in the case of the rather comely-looking females, completely bare-chested.

The outpost's population certainly seemed to notice, a few of the more prudish inhabitants either coaxing their children back inside or casting their eyes away with red faces. This didn't last terribly long, as the NRI had seen fit to send dropships to both drop off their team of Republic and Jedi scholars and archaeologists, and pick up Kajex and his pack, along with Arvest and the temple wolves. This was only slightly more difficult, as the pack had clearly recognized the vessel as a moderately-armed troop transport and had reacted fearfully, getting behind Locke and peeking out from around him until he telepathically reassured them that the vessel was safe and would not hurt them.

15 minutes later they had reached the NRI's Dreadnaught Heavy Cruiser, the_Inspired_- and despite knowing that he and Kajex would have to debrief the two Jedi Masters about their failure, it was hard to feel like the entire mission had been a disaster. The more Locke thought about it, the wider his smile became- and the looks on Syrra's, Keris' and Talrik's faces were no different.

"You know... the bad guy stole an artifact and got away, and I nearly died in a fuckin' Sith hole, so I guess our first mission with you guys is technically a failure," Keris said softly, gazing at the tomb guardians as they rested in comfortable bunks in the medical wing. "But... this feels like a really big win, doesn't it Syrra?"

"It really does," the Trianii acknowledged warmly, putting at arm around the vixen's waist and nuzzling her. "I'm glad the cost wasn't so great in the end."

"The cost may still be high- only time will tell if Knight Thresher managed to get away with anything particularly significant," Locke said softly. "But as far as I'm concerned, the welfare of these poor souls is a higher priority, and getting them somewhere safe makes this mission a success. Hopefully, Master Skywalker will agree."

Talrik leaned into the viewport, nose pressed against the glass gently. "Can't imagine he wouldn't. They scanned in okay; Kajex was right, they were all Force-sensitive, though I guess the fact that they were able to handle lightsabers with any proficiency made that obvious."

"Not proficient enough that you couldn't combat them," Locke responded, squeezing his shoulder and regarding him with pride. "You did well today, Talrik, you definitely put those stun sticks of yours to use. You're half the reason we were able to save 7 of the 10, I was very impressed with how well you performed- it's easy to see why Kajex trusts you so deeply."

"Thanks, Locke," the fox said appreciatively. "On that note, where's Kaj?"

"Right here," the Sentinel wolf responded from the other side of the corridor they were standing in- Rook followed at a distance, looking around the area with interest while Miles sauntered in, looking fairly relaxed. "Guild Leader Arvest is talking with Master Solusar about how the excavation was going, I just stuck around to give them the general outline of what to expect," he explained as he reached them, adjusting the rucksack he'd taken from Rook as the creature within chittered quietly. "All things considered, the tomb wasn't trapped too heavily, which is good- it'll give the digging crew less to worry about."

"Yes, I found that a bit odd," Locke mused, folding his arms and leaning against the viewport. "Sith tombs tend to be very well-guarded, I can't imagine why the bodies interred in the site didn't have much in the way of defenses."

"Not that I know much about Sith or burial tombs," the Selonian cut in, "but you gotta figure if you're being buried with a buncha treasures, you either skimp on the defenses because you're stupid, or you're setting it up for it to be taken later- and what little I do know about the Sith is that they weren't stupid."

Locke frowned. "You think the tomb was designed specifically to be stolen from later? How does that make sense?"

The albino otter shrugged. "The only alarm I had to get past was the one that idiot foreman set up- far too easy t' slice. The whole time I was tailin' you guys, I didn't see a single pressure plate or tripwire. And I read the mission briefin' before you guys did, I remember reading that they came across a stockpile of phrikite."

"Yes, for reinforcing the tombs," Syrra pointed out.

"Is that it?" Rook asked skeptically. "And not have any defenses to protect a big-ass stockpile of super-rare phrikite in the slightest? Everybody was fightin' all over the place, knockin' shit over, breakin' pillars and disturbin' the dead; and yet the absolute worst thing that happened is your wolf-buddies woke up from their long-ass nap. And no offense intended to whatever the fuck you guys are," she added to Kajex and Locke, "but they weren't exactly effective guardians."

The group was silent as they mulled on her words. If Locke had to be honest with himself, the young woman's argument wasn't completely without merit. His response was measured, but hesitant. "... Until the archaeological team does a thorough analysis, there's no way for sure to know how well-trapped the tombs were- but you do bring up a few salient points, I must admit. It would explain the dark side aura we were feeling while we were in there- it was hard to sense anything with any real clarity. Anybody trying to feel out the ruins from the surface probably wouldn't have felt a thing, either."

"Makes sense- it was hard for me to 'see' down there," Miles commented. "Had Talrik's C-rifle pointed at the corridor Thresher was coming through and I didn't even see him coming until he was nearly on top of Syrra and Keris, too close to take the shot. Here you go, by the way," he added, holding the fox's prized weapon out by the sling. "Wish I could've fire a shot with it, she felt so nice to carry," he said longingly.

"You'll get another chance in the future," Talrik promised him with a smile, looking almost ready to hug the rifle as he slung it over his shoulder. "So are we up, Kaj?"

"Not yet. These tomb wolves kinda threw a wrench in the works, Master Solusar is talking with the rest of the Jedi Masters via holonet connection to figure out what to do."

"Shouldn't he be talking to you and your kin here?" Rook asked with a frown, looking between him and Locke.

"Perhaps," Locke answered, "but we trust their wisdom." The otter snorted, causing him to frown. "You disapprove. Perhaps you'd care to explain?"

She eyed him critically for a moment. "Just a personal opinion of mine- but I don't exactly consider it smart to let anyone that ain't yer kin, tell you what should be done with yer own kin. If it were me, I'd force myself into the talkin' just to make sure my people don't get fucked over. Even Jedi aren't perfect- they've fucked up in the past enough times that it's damn near impossible to tell if they're bein' straight with you," she finished coldly.

While Syrra regarded her with what looked like disappointment, Keris and Kajex looked thoughtful, and Locke seriously considered her opinion, wondering if there were some experience she was basing this on. Before long he found himself nodding reluctantly. "Kajex and I will be sure that we have a say in what happens to them. I have to concede that Jedi are capable of making mistakes, as I'm sure Kajex knows."

The Sentinel nodded. "I trust Luke's Order better than the one I was raised in- but yeah, I'm with Locke on this one."

Before the discussion could continue, the ship's intercom came to life. "The crew of the Gold Rush is requested at Medlab Beta."

"Padawan Syrra- as usual, it's good to see you again."

The Trianii stared at her former mentor, the veridian-scaled reptilian Master smiling warmly at her. Once she seemed certain her eyes weren't playing tricks on her she approached, embracing the elder Jedi warmly. "Master Moarn, I didn't expect you to be here!"

Moarn returned the embrace happily before stepping back, nodding politely to Kajex and the rest of his team. "Master Skywalker assigned me to the archaeological efforts concerning this Sith ruin you came across- but I'm told I may be able to aid more with a recent development," he added, gesturing to Locke and Kajex. "For now, please take a seat and we can get to debriefing everyone while plotting out our next move." The crew complied and moved to the table- already seated was Master Kam Solusar, a middle-aged Jedi with short, white hair. Kajex noticed that their newest member seemed hesitant to join them. Moarn coaxed her with an open claw. "You as well, miss- I expect you'll want to explain what you were doing and what you intend to do for now."

The otter frowned as she approached. "So... I ain't bein' arrested?" she asked as she took a seat, reclining and putting her boots on the table.

Master Solusar shook his head. "We have no control over the intricacies of bounty hunting in this part of the Outer Rim, ma'am. Moreover, Moarn tells me that Padawan Syrra has vouched for you, and he trusts her judgment on this matter. Still, we'll be questioning you in case you possess any pertinent details we may need to know." He turned his attention to Kajex. "Now, Sentinel- I'm told that this mission is _technically_a failure, in that a Sith Knight was able to infiltrate the ruins and escape with an unknown relic. That said, this may yet prove to be more of a win, depending on what we find- to say nothing of the discovery more members of your species. So please, start from the beginning."

For the next 2 hours, the crew went over the mission in detail, starting with their arrival at Coarser Outpost; the difficulties in dealing with Wiyuk; the general unease the populace faced while excavating the site; Syrra picking up on Knight Thresher's presence the night before they entered; Kajex, Talrik and Locke entering the ruins, while Rook followed at a distance, shielded from Force surveillance due to the ysalamiri she was carrying; detailed investigation of the site itself; the discovery of the tomb guardians; and the battle between themselves and Thresher, followed by his escape.

"It might've been easier to hunt him down if all of us were there to do it," Kajex finished softly. "But Syrra had to tend to Keris, and... I didn't want to kill any of the temple guardians, it took 3 of us to subdue them."

Master Solusar regarded him kindly. "If I were in your boots, I'd probably have done the same thing. Take this as an indication that you've performed as a Jedi should, by providing aid to those who needed it and rectifying an injustice. It might've seemed like a tough call to make, but I for one think you made the right decision."

"As do I," intoned Master Moarn. "I'm certain Master Skywalker would agree that subduing and rescuing the temple guardians should have taken priority over this Knight Thresher." He turned to Locke. "You said you knew some of the Circle of Syn's personnel. Is there anything you can tell us about this Sith Knight?"

Locke nodded. "I can. Mind you, I didn't know him personally but he had a reputation nevertheless. I mentioned a human that was in the Circle, Inquisitor Dette. He has only 1 student; a Karkarodon who I know was taught in Makashi, assassination techniques, and deception through the Force. What his real name is, I couldn't say, but his code-name while he still operated with Imperial Intel was Thresher. It was given to him because of how he 'harvests' important intel and material when it is time for them to be retrieved- as well as his propensity for hunting down his targets ruthlessly."

"A dangerous skillset," Master Solusar remarked. "What can you tell us of his training and upbringing?"

"Bits and pieces, things I picked up from stray discussions," Locke answered. "What little I know of his origins, he was definitely a member of the Blackguard- a pseudo-Sith cult that studies multiple Force cultures and teachings to gain what they believed to be a better understanding of the Force. In many ways, I would consider such a study a noble pursuit of knowledge, but the Blackguard often sought that route in pursuit of power. For Thresher, that understanding of the Force apparently means 'make it suffer to death'. Inquisitor Tesque admired his propensity for torture, but Dette was chosen to train him because he's a capable relic hunter, just as I was- though I'm sure Dette wanted him as a student because he has a desire for the 'finer things' in life."

"Was he a rival to you?" Kajex asked.

"Not really. On some level I think he even respected me for my efforts- but he would still have demanded unwavering loyalty to the Sith. Nevertheless, I noted that he never made an attempt on my life back in the tombs, though it's likely because he was focused on you. By now, I expect Inquisitor Voyde knows you are the de facto leader of our team, not merely because he knows you as a starship captain- and he'll know you're a Jedi by now, there's no escaping that, either. In fact, I think he knew even before we defected."

"You think Thresher was sent specifically to murder Kajex?" Syrra asked.

"No, actually," Locke responded gravely. "If he'd known better, I think he would have tried to murder you, Syrra."

"Why her?" Moarn asked.

"The pendant," Kajex responded, and Syrra fished it out from her robes. "It was what I gave her as an engagement item, and it still has the shard from the Healing Crystal of Fire in it. None of the Circle knows that I've given it to Syrra, and I seriously doubt they know I have another one in my lightsaber. If they had, they would have targeted both of us, or more likely, they'd have gunned for Syrra on the basis of her still being a student- to their downfall," he added, smiling at his fiancee.

"Then you both should mind yourselves while you conduct missions and continue your training," Moarn insisted firmly. "The next thing we should attempt to figure out is what it was this Sith Knight stole."

"I still don't think he stole it," Rook muttered as she sharpened a knife.

Moarn gave her a quizzical look and Locke explained. "Our newest associate here believes that the tomb may have functioned more as a repository for relics the Sith might have planned to utilize later, rather than a proper tomb. She bases this on the fact that we only ever triggered one trap the entire time were were down there, and there didn't seem to be more."

"We won't know that until we've thoroughly investigated the ruins," Moarn replied, addressing Rook. "Although, the ease in which this Knight was able to abscond with whatever relic he retrieved might indicate you're correct. Was anybody able to see what he took?" Everybody shook their heads. "I see... I suppose it's enough to know that whatever it is he took, it was likely something the Circle wanted. Obviously, this is less than ideal, but as we've established you had pressing matters to attend to that you were right to focus on."

"What about the ship he took?" Master Solusar asked.

"It was mine," Rook stated clearly as she slid the knife back into the sheath around her left calf. "Or rather, it was my old man's ship. A Kom'rk-class transport registered under the name No Dice, with a black-and-white paint job. If you guys end up tracking where it is, I wanna know where it is so I can find the Sith bastard that stole it and shove my glaive up his a--"

"Miss, you have our word that we will locate your vessel as soon as we're able; and if possible, it will be returned to you," Kam assured her. The Selonian frowned, still looking slightly irritable, but merely nodded without a word.

"What will happen to our people?" Kajex asked abruptly. "I want to know. I want to help." He glanced at Rook, who seemed to nod approvingly.

Master Solusar gazed at him for a few moments. "You've provided them aid already, though I can understand why you'd like to help further. Nevertheless, would you be willing to accept that there are others who are better able to give them the help they need?"

The Sentinel hesitated for a moment, considering the question before nodding- his meager suggestions before they'd come topside would not be enough. "Who did you have in mind?" the wolf asked.

Master Moarn smiled. "I would like to undertake this task, if you feel you can trust me. I may not have had a Padawan before Syrra, but then again I have no intention of teaching them anything concerning the Jedi or Sith- just general education all adults should possess."

Relief ran through Kajex as he nodded. "Yeah, absolutely- if you're okay with it."

"Actually... this might be exactly what I need," Moarn answered softly. "To learn patience and compassion on a deeper level, to those who need it best. I believe I can do this, Sentinel; though I would be glad for your aid whenever you're able."

"Kajex mentioned flash-learning," Talrik supplied. "I thought that only worked on clones, though."

"You are correct that flash-training worked best on clones," the Jedi Trandoshan replied, looking thoughtful. "However... there may well be a means by which I can use such programs to accelerate their education, if I were to supplement it with a few key Force abilities. Nothing too strenuous, and the process might take months, if not years; but from what I sensed from these unfortunate souls, they seemed very inquisitive- which might make them more receptive to education."

"What about language?" Locke asked. "It wouldn't be much use to teach them anything if they lack any knowledge of Basic."

"That shall be the easiest hurdle to overcome," Moarn answered. "A close analysis of each captive wolf showed that their brains are not unlike most sentient species- in many ways, they are similar to Trianii," he added, gesturing to Syrra. "All 7 individuals have suffered what appears to be deliberate neural damage to key parts of their brain, specifically areas that regulate language and memory. It won't be difficult to treat them, and if they possess the means to speak in any language that we know, it will be a large step towards educating them."

"Would it be possible for us to visit them?" the Sentinel asked. It seemed such a childish request, but he took comfort in the fact that nobody present appeared to look judgmental, and Locke also looked hopeful at the idea as well.

"I would insist that you visit as often as you are able," Moarn replied warmly. "It would likely be of great value to them to have others of their kind watch over their progress.

"Good, that's... that's good," Kajex said distractedly, sighing.

There was a pause in which the Sentinel could feel every eye on him. A part of him was well-aware that Locke shared his thoughts and feelings on this matter, yet for some reason Kajex wondered if his own reaction was stronger given his past. The last year of his life had been a whirlwind of positive emotions and the development of a new, if unusual and sexually-active, family- and now it felt like that family was close to getting bigger, a thought that scared him as much as it made him hopeful. A thought occurred to him; that perhaps Luke had been right, and his species_was_ close in nature to a social canine species.

"Sentinel Surnahm," Kam said softly, "I can understand why you're concerned for their well-being. This entire situation is unprecedented, and I'm certain you must be feeling great fear for what will happen to them- but you have my word, not a single one of them will not be harmed while they remain on this ship."

"Jedi may be charitable," Kajex replied, "but what about the NRI? This is their ship, after all- I don't expect their stay to be free of charge."

"The NRI have agreed to aid in helping your people, in exchange for analyzing their biology."

"No." Kajex stood up, fury building in him. "They're not going to hack apart our dead!"

Kam raised a hand, gesturing him soothingly. "Kajex, please be calm; you need to be rational about this. It's not comfortable, and I'm not going to pretend that it's pleasant to think about- but if we expect to effectively treat your species, then--"

"You don't have to," Syrra said abruptly. "My uncle provided me with an extensive report on Kajex's biology, and I'd be glad to submit them to the NRI- just as long as they don't disturb the dead. They... they deserve something more proper than that," she finished quietly, looking to her fiancee with sad eyes. Had Kajex's throat not tightened at her offer, he would have thanked her profusely- instead he merely nodded, grateful.

Master Solusar nodded. "Very well- I'm sure that will suffice, and it works as a middle ground between what the NRI would like and what Kajex wants for them. Nevertheless, they will want to perform regular blood tests, body/brain scans and mental evaluations, just to ensure they are in good health and to log into the Republic's species database, in lieu of any costs incurred while they stay here. Eventually, they will be settled into the universe at large, when they are ready. Or better still, as they're all capable of using the Force, they might consider training at the Praxeum- if they choose to, of course."

"An excellent idea," Moarn agreed, "once they've reached a level of proficiency with their education, obviously. Perhaps we might even have their kin teaching them," he suggested, gesturing to Kajex and Locke. "Until that point, Sentinel, you have my word that I will do everything in my power to prevent them from coming to harm from anybody- be they Jedi or Sith."

Kajex settled down with a deep breath, nodding. "Thank you, Master Moarn." He returned to his seat, then began to chuckle. "Guess I picked a good time to get the Gold Rush some extra crew space."

"Speaking of crew- that bring us to the last topic to be discussed," Master Solusar said, looking to the Selonian. "Perhaps you'd like to tell us who you are and what you intend to do?"

The otter stretched out. "Ryan O'Keefe, Rook for short. Been working as a bounty hunter the last 3 years. 'Bout a month ago, I got contacted via holonet about a potential client on Ekibo. I heard about the planet before; nothin' happens around there, it's a backwater farmin' planet. That alone interested me, 'cuz I didn't know rich folk lived on it. Ended up meeting with Matriarch Bast, who now I know is this cat's old lady," she said, gesturing to Syrra. "Gave me a sob story about how her daughter had been deceived by some asshole wolf captain who intended to take advantage of her Jedi daughter's political future. In retrospect, the story didn't add up- but she did offer a solid price."

"Have you any intention on following through with your job?" Master Moarn asked.

"Pfft, fuck no- she gave me only enough credits to cover getting an ysalamir offa Myrkr. The cunt didn't wanna pay anymore than that, not even half up front- she expected me to finish the job before I got anything. And it's not like I didn't get the feeling she didn't care much for off-worlders, either- she must not, seein' as she lied to me about why I was hunting this guy down in the first place."

"Yes, well... that's my mother for you," Syrra sighed.

"So what do you intend to do now that you're no longer working the job?" Kam asked.

"Syrra here's hired me to look out for her boyfriend," she responded. "For double her mother's fee, room and board on her fiancee's ship, I'll play as a hired gun- at least until I get my ship back. After that, the price comes out to 2 or 3 jobs I wouldn't mind taking on, and then I'm out."

"And how do you expect us to trust you?" Miles asked.

She narrowed her eyes. "I already told these two- I'm a Mandalorian. We speak our minds, and we mean what we say, even if ain't always pleasant. If I take on a job, it's because I expect my client to be straight with me- to be honest about what I'm doin' and why. And when I say I'll do a job, I intend to do it. If I don't, it's only because I haven't been dealt with honestly." She turned to Syrra and Kajex. "Bear that in mind, right? I'll do what I'm paid to, but the trust you show me is the trust you'll get in return."

Kajex nodded. "As expected of a Mando'ade. We'll deal with you straight."

"Well, if that's settled and you have no desire to press charges, there's no reason to take her into custody," Master Moarn said. "I think that's about all that needed to be discussed. We'll let Master Skywalker know the situation the next time he contacts us- he's currently still on Coruscant after the recent Senate bombing."

"For now," Kam followed up, "your crew is free to return to Yavin 4, or to upgrade your ship. We'll contact you immediately if your team is needed."

"Alright, so if we're already at 7 of us, an extra 7 would bring the crew to 14; and we're already one bunk short with Rook being added, so I'll need to factor that in." He glanced at the Selonian. "You can rest up in the lounge, the couch is actually fairly comfortable--"

"Kaj."

"-- As for this little guy," the wolf continued, patting the rucksack, "I think if I cleared out one of the storage compartments at the rear of the ship and bolt down the nutrition frame to the far wall, he should have enough space to crawl around- though I dunno where I'm gonna find extra Olbio tree branches for him to climb through if he gets bored. Need to figure out how many extra rooms to order in, so everyone has a bunk without it feeling cramped--"

"Kajex."

"-- Then there's the refresher; I might need to follow through and switch to sonic shower pods to save on water usage and give everyone privacy. Thankfully those don't cost as much, but... think I'll still hang onto the standard shower in my quarters. If you still want that bunk in the armory/workshop room, Miles, you're getting it; that'll be easy to set u--"

"Kajex!"

The Sentinel jumped, turning in place to see the crew of Jedi and fighters staring at him, some with amused expressions, with Syrra and Locke smiling warmly. Now certain she had his attention, Syrra approached him and wrapped her arms around his midsection.

"Love, you need to be calm about this. I know you're scared, happy and excited about everything that's happened in the last 24 hours- it would make anybody's head spin, which is why you need to keep yours on." She nuzzled into his chest. "Don't think for a moment that I haven't accepted everyone currently on this ship as a member of our family- minus Rook, no offense," she added.

The otter shrugged as she sauntered into the lounge and gave the environment an appraising look. "None taken, not like I'm gonna stick around longer than it takes to make sure your ma ain't gonna cut yer boyfriend's head off." She plopped down into the couch, reclining in it and giving the ship an approving look. "For a bird as old as hell, she's pretty nice on the inside, Surnahm."

"Yeah, and hopefully I can keep it looking nice when I get it upgraded in the next few days," he sighed, still feeling anxious. A sensation of Syrra's warm paw on his face calmed him down.

"I understand how important this is to you," the Trianii assured him. "That's why I'm going to help you pay this thing- it wouldn't be a strain on my resources in the slightest."

"Nor mine," Locke added. "They mean just as much to me as they do you, brother- and it's not as if what credits I've saved over the years is being saved for anything of significance. Syrra's right, though; you should try to remain calm. Our kin is in good hands." He gestured to everybody. "Right now, I suggest we all spend some time relaxing and resting up. Rook, you are more than welcome to any food we have, as well as use of the shower units- I'll run off to storage and grab a pillow for you."

"Cheers, Snowdog," Rook replied with a thumbs-up. "Got anything to do on this ship, though?"

"Card games on the holotable," Kajex answered.

"And literature on the consoles," Syrra added.

"And music," Talrik said.

"And classic holovids," said Miles.

"And porn," finished Keris with a grin.

The otter stared at all of them. "... You got a weird-ass family, Surnahm. Kinda cool, but weird."

"Feeling better, pup?" Syrra asked as she held Kajex from behind, as he stood at the rear storage room.

The wolf sighed appreciatively, leaning back and kissing her muzzle. "Yeah, I'm good. Just, everything today has been... overwhelming. We nearly lost Keris in battle, Thresher got away, and Locke and I found out we really aren't the only wolves left in the universe." He smiled. "And to top it off, I got a pet," he added happily, gesturing to the nutrient frame he'd bolted against the room's wall, where the ysalamir was napping peacefully. "Never got to have one of my own. I always considered having a droid or something onboard because of my skill in mechu-deru; helped me to learn droid binary language. But just like everything today, having an ysalamir on board is just... unprecedented."

Syrra nodded. "You did good today, hon. And to be honest, seeing you so excited, planning things out? It made me wonder what it would be like if you ever managed to get me pregnant."

He chuckled, turning off the overhead light while keeping the hatch open. "Yeah? How's that?"

She grinned. "Just the enthusiasm, the sheer joy of knowing you'd be a father, trying to plan things out for his children, make room for the baby and ensure nothing less than the best care for them in the universe- everything you did today concerning your kin is what I'd imagine you'd do for our children... if we could have any," she finished softly, as memories of their night at the lake resurfaced.

He held her close, smiling. "Maybe it's not beyond hope for us."

She nodded. "If, eventually, one of the females you rescued is receptive to being a surrogate..." she started to say.

Kajex shook his head before she could continue. "I'd much rather exhaust all other options first, before asking one of them to be a surrogate." He nuzzled her. "I want any kids we have in the future to be our kids. And it's not like we need to have any in the end- I'm fine with our white beads remaining white."

She brightened at his words and nuzzled back. "True. Thought if we can find someone that could help us, then we should look into it- when we're both ready, of course," she added. "I'd like to spend a few years as a Jedi first, mind you."

"And I wouldn't want to change your plans in any way," the wolf replied, giving her an affectionate squeeze. "No need to rush."

"While we're talking about 'plans'- did you want to unwind tonight?"

"You have no idea," Kajex responded with a heavy sigh. "After everything that's happened today, I'm ready to pull you and Talrik into bed tonight- only Talrik's decided to bunk in with Miles."

"I can work extra hard to make up for his absence," she purred, pressing her nose into his neck affectionately. A moment later, she drew back and covered her face, sneezing loudly and startling Kajex.

"Whoa, are you okay, kitten?" he asked.

She nodded. "I'b fide!" she managed to blurt out, nose still burning as she rubbed it. "Ugh... you're covered in dust, love- I insist on you washing off before we head to bed."

He chuckled. "Alright- wanna try the crew showers this time? More space to play around in, and I'm pretty sure Locke and Keris have turned in."

"Kajex Surnahm... you are a dirty, rotten liar, and I love you deeply," Syrra said, blushing hard and hiding her beaming face in the gray wolf's chestfur.

"Don't give me that- you wouldn't have agreed if you actually believed me," he replied playfully, squeezing around her waist. "And it's your fault for not sensing them before I opened the hatch."

Locke and Keris grinned as the engaged couple began to pull each other's clothing off; the former Sith couple were already nude and damp beneath the showerhead- and clearly aroused, as Locke's deep red prick stood at attention. "Kajex, what an unexpected and pleasant surprise. I had no idea you were coming," he lied quite transparently. Syrra peeked up at him, her face growing redder as she spied his erect member and giggling into her fiancee's fur.

"Kaj... why?" she asked shyly, nuzzling into his chest. Talrik was one thing, as she had bonded with him closely in the months leading up to intimacy with him; but while she trusted and cared for Locke just as deeply, she'd only privately entertained the idea of sleeping with him and Kajex, and only recently had she confessed to her fiancee that she was interested.

"Well, because we've all had a rough day and need some way to burn off the tension- and we trust each other that deeply, or at least I hope we do," Kajex answered.

"Does this have to do with... me and Keris?" she prodded, smiling at the vixen- Keris beamed back at her.

"Partially," the gray wolf responded as he pulled his shirt off. "You've told me before, if only in private, that you wonder what it would be like to sleep with Locke- having first-hand experience, I can tell you he's really good at it. You're welcome to say no if you'd like, but if want to, then now's your chance," he suggested, as he pulled her upper robes and chest-binders away, her ample breasts in plain view. She glanced at Locke again and turned away, giggling again as Locke arched an eyebrow in interest- he was clearly enjoying the sight.

"And... what about you?" she asked softly. "If you're letting me have a moment of intimacy with Locke, then... did you want to be with Keris for tonight?"

"Yes- but I won't, if you don't want me to," he said seriously, though he still smiled as he held her paws in his. "Just remember, Syrra- I'm engaged to you. Nothing is going to take that away, not even my own twin and his significant other. I trust you enough with Locke that I know I won't lose you to him."

"And I've no intention to take you from him," Locke added.

"I trust Locke the same way, hon- I know he won't run out on me to be with you, as sweet as you are," Keris assured, her arm around Locke's waist. "And I wouldn't do that to you, either. But... I'd be lying if I said I haven't thought about what it'd be like to fuck your fiancee- with your permission, obviously."

Syrra finally pulled her face away from Kajex's neck, purring softly. "Rook was right- this is a weird-ass family. Alright, I'm game."

She would not allow them to continue without sharing a deep kiss with her fiancee, who was more than happy to oblige. Despite her deep, honest feelings for Kajex, she couldn't deny that she was becoming more comfortable with her sexuality than she would have admitted a year prior; so when she drew away from him and slid into Locke's arms, sharing a kiss with her fiancee's brother, the act didn't repulse her- it only aroused her further. A thrill ran through her as his paws slid across her body, rivulets of hot water pouring down her fur. Not 3 months ago, she had been ready to fight and kill the wolf currently treating her to erotic touches with his lips and paws; now she was giving herself to him freely, moaning as she pressed her breasts and inner thighs against him.

"Take good care of me," she mewled softly.

"You have my word, kitten," he replied, as he pressed her against the shower wall, squeezing her rump and kissing against her neck before trailing down- moments later, she felt a sharp tap against each of her knees. The Trianii complied gladly, whimpering as she leaned back and spread her legs apart for the albino wolf. Within moments of offering herself, she felt his warm, soft and long tongue delving into her cleft; the sensation caused her to squeak briefly, hiding her face in her arms as she tried to stifle her moans. But when Keris moaned next to her, it became much more difficult to keep quiet. Kajex was on his knees as well, pinning the Amaran with her back against the wall and her legs hanging over each shoulder, his paws supporting her curved backside as he treated the vixen's moist snatch to a series of deep kisses. The sight of her fiancee eating out her once-rival and current best friend did not inspire any jealousy- it only served as a massive turn-on.

The two women mewled and moaned as their swapped lovers stimulated their slits, tongues slurping and circling around their clits and making each female writhe each time this occurred. Syrra's heart raced as she pressed back against Locke's assault, his muzzle firmly grinding against her netherlips as warm shocks of burning desire stoked the heat in her loins. To her right Keris had one paw on her muzzle, trying to stifle her moans, while the other groped and squeezed her breasts firmly, alternating between the two and pinching her nipples between her fingers. Yet even while dizzy with lust, Syrra thought she could detect an undercurrent of friendly competition between the two wolves, as their tongues delved deep into their current partner's tunnels.

There was no denying that Locke was as skilled at lovemaking as Kajex was, at least where it concerned oral sex. As the minutes passed, Syrra became aware that Locke was measuring his efforts to keep Syrra continuously aroused without forcing her past the point of orgasm. Kajex appeared to be treating Keris similarly, reducing the vixen to needy moans and short, moments where she begged for the Sentinel to let her cum. Syrra's cheeks burned delightfully when Kajex's answer was to swat her backside hard, eliciting a blissful cry from the Amaran (and soft chuckles from Locke). She made a mental note to ask Kajex to treat her that roughly. Everything the four did only made the scene hotter to the Trainii; the atmosphere only heightened the experience, the heat of the water running down their bodies making her feel like they were on the surface of Dakua, preparing to breed each other beneath the warm jungle rain, a feeling that could only be described as deliciously carnal.

It wasn't long before their netherregions were sopping wet with saliva, female slickness and shower water; both males ceased their efforts as the two panted with need, their pouty folds glistening. Keris slid down the wall, letting out a long, satisfied sigh as Kajex set her down to her rump gently; Syrra, on the other hand, struggled to remain on her feet, her knees nearly giving out before Locke held her from behind, nuzzling into the back of her neck as he held her carefully.

"Are you enjoying this, kitten?" he murmured gently into her ear.

She mewled, nodding. "Y-yeah... gods, if this is what Keris gets every night..."

"I... don't notice... any difference," Keris panted, as Kajex slid his fully-engorged prick alongside her muzzle with a smug expression. "Then again... that's a good thing," she admitted. Syrra watched as the vixen dragged her long, soft tongue- one that Syrra was intimately familiar with- against the surface of her fiancee's ebony prick, moaning as she sampled her partner's musky flesh with enthusiasm. Syrra shivered as she got to her knees, finding it difficult to tear her eyes away from the wolf holding her head firmly in place and thrusting his length between vixen's lips. Rather than push away from the rough treatment, Keris' eyes glazed with desperate, sexual need and she grabbed his hips encouragingly, whining needfully as the wolf muzzle-fucked her.

Yet her attention was eventually drawn away as she glanced back up at Locke, her eyes falling on his throbbing red wolfmeat. She chirped nervously- there absolutely no difference between his cock and Kajex's other than the color, but she wondered briefly if Locke would take her too rough. She needn't have worried- the white wolf reached down and caressed the side of her face kindly, smiling. Encouraged by the affectionate gesture she got down to it, purring as her lips traced his length and zeroing in on what she knew to be key sensitive parts of Kajex's maleness- which she was pleased to learn quickly were also Locke's sensitive parts. The kiss on the tip of his head, the gentle nip against the middle of his underside, the way she circled her tongue around each of his balls before dragging it up his sheath and the entire underside of his price; everything that drove Kajex crazy with the year of sexual study she'd undertaken, drove Locke crazy as well, the white wolf whining slightly with his tongue hanging out.

She was not content to stop there; she'd learned so much from Kajex and was eager to treat Locke to every lesson. Her tongue swirled around the tip of his prick, the sweet, salty taste of precum spreading across her taste buds before she wrapped her arms around his legs and slid all ten inches of thick dogcock into her muzzle with a deep moan. She could feel a powerful shudder run through the white wolf's body, a sharp gasp issuing from his lips as she worked her lips and tongue against his throbbing shaft. Putting as much focus as she could towards gauging Locke's gnetle thrusts, she moved in time with him, suckling his rock-hard red shaft as it slid back and forth past her lips. Before long, her chin was dribbling with his copious output of precum, the tool hot and throbbing powerfully against her palate; all the while, her left paw worked her tender mound, rubbing her clit to keep her arousal high. Behind her, she could hear the sound of Kajex's balls slapping against Keris' chin, the vixen letting out unabashedly slutty moans, muffled by her fiancee's hard wolfcock.

It wasn't long before Locke's restraint started to ebb away, either. Having either become impatient or eager, his attitude seemed to change abruptly, signaled a lusting growl rumbling in his chest as he held the Trianii's muzzle where it was. Tightly-controlled jerking thrusts followed, the feline's nose poking repeatedly into Locke's musky pubic fur and intoxicating her with the incredible scent- it made her loins salivate as she allowed her senses to take control, her rapid heartbeat carrying arousal throughout every nerve in her body. Hot patches of desire built in her chest and lower belly, weakening the feline's efforts- but just as she nearly passed out from the incredible sensations, Locke pulled away and got to his knees, a look of concern on his face.

"Am I overwhelming you?"

"In... the best way... possible," she panted, stroking the side of his face affectionately. He sighed in relief and the two shared a deep kiss- the tender moment cooled the heat in her chest to a moderate warmth. Locke was a good man, and it had long passed the point where he needed to prove that he could be trusted, but this was different. She loved Kajex, and Talrik and Keris; Miles's preference for men would prevent them from being anything more than good friends, but in Locke she could see the same qualities that she saw in the wolf she'd chosen to be her mate. It seemed impossible not to love him, too- and it only took a moment for her to understand what she was feeling, culminating in a desire to tell him.

But she didn't need to convey any of this in spoken word. As soon as she moved to say it, he put a paw on her lips and smiled.

"I know- as do we all."

She blinked and glanced at Kajex and Keris, the vixen cuddling in the gray wolf's arms and nodding, her eyes and smile filled with love and affection for both Syrra and Locke; Kajex's expression was no different, other than he mixed it with a slightly smug and charming grin that brought a chuckle from within Syrra. But as much as she wanted to bask in the warmth of the unusual family that she loved so deeply, she was more than ready to continue.

Moments later, Syrra found herself on her hands and knees, her rump in the air and tail swept out of the way as she willingly presented herself to Locke- in front of her was Keris, in exactly the same position, the vixen biting her lip seductively as she glanced back at Kajex, who was giving himself a few healthy strokes to keep his erection alive. She would have risked a look behind her, where she knew Locke would be doing the same thing; but before she could do so she felt the white wolf's enormous maleness brush against her cleft. Doubling over as the pulsing tip spat precum against her vulnerable slit, she braced her paws against the refresher floor pushing back the moment Locke drilled his wolf prick into her depths.

The thick, throbbing cock almost seemed to force a long mewl from her muzzle, a needy moan of hot lust that was mirrored from the vixen at precisely the same moment. Both wolves' hips slapped against their partner's backsides in perfect unison as they set a rhythm they followed resolutely. To Syrra, it was almost as if it were still Kajex fucking her; the shape of Locke's length was a perfect copy, and the way he used it was no different. As he jabbed repeatedly into her unprotected cunt, the powerful blows making her backside tingle and his balls bouncing against her sensitive and exposed clit, Syrra felt a warm, shaky paw touch her wrist- Keris had reached out and her fuschia-colored eyes were gazing at her best friend and female lover with an expression of incredibly deep desire.

Still subjected to the powerful and deliberately-paced thrusts of both wolves, the two females managed to summon enough physical strength to lean forward and press their muzzles together, each tongue probing between the other's lips. Syrra arched her back as Locke brushed a paw down her spine, sending her a whisper of encouragement into her thoughts. There was a sensation she couldn't ignore as she expressed deep intimacy with Keris while being bred by the wolf behind her- it seemed almost as if she could feel their heartbeats through their bodies.

Before she could use on this, Locke grunted and his rhythm faltered for a moment. The Trianii let out an abrupt, surprised mew as the albino wolf drew his length out of her sopping wet honeypot, sat back on his knees and turned her around. She caught on immediately, lifting herself up into his lap immediately and sinking onto his cock without a word. She glanced back just in time to see Kajex reposition Keris as well, the vixen now on her back with her arms around the gray wolf, chirping as he slammed his hips back home and bred the willing vixen, her legs wrapped around his waist. Grinning at the sight and hoping the vixen was enjoying herself as much as she was, Syrra turned back to Locke and moaned, using her legs to ascend from and descend to his lap. Locke's response was to lean in and begin kissing the feline's bare breasts, admiring her body and treating it to kisses.

"Kajex tells me... that you're sensitive here." His lips touched on one of these vestigial nipples and she chirped, jerking in his lap. "I see that he was being honest with me," he teased, his paws squeezing her rump in encouragement. She giggled, marveling at how they would not react to any sensation of cloth rubbing against them, yet would send shocks of incredible bliss through her body when a lover touched them. Knowing full well his grin was due to her reaction, she braced herself just in time to endure his kissing and suckling, all the while continuing to bounce on his prick. Desperate to reach orgasm, she started grinding into his lap, gasping as her netherlips met considerable resistance- Locke's knot had formed, and was kissing hard against her swollen folds.

"You're close, kitten," he whispered into her ear. "So am I. We can end this in the best way possible, with a load of seed assaulting your bare womb... show me what you want, kitten."

The words drove her insane. Spurred on by the erotic suggestion, she mewled and moaned, wordlessly begging for the wolf's knot. Locke growled, throwing his head back as the feline bore down on him. Syrra only paused as she heard an audible pop behind her, followed by Keris screaming in ecstasy, but she had no time to dwell on it as Lock achieved his own goal, the white wolf pulling the feline down hard and thrusting upwards, finally breaching past the tight entrance to her cleft and securing his knot deep in her folds. Syrra's scream matched Keris' volume and pitch as they writhed, and she knew the vixen's womb was being flooded with hot wolf seed, just as the Trianii's was. Gasping and mewling, the feline arched her back and nearly went limp, weakly riding Locke's cock as she experienced a mind-shattering orgasm.

She was certain she hadn't blacked out at any point, but her senses became a blur; the only thing she could feel with any clarity was Locke's potent and copious amount of seed pooling in her womb, as well as the throbbing length that continued to pump more of it. Still, she could feel herself being lowered to the floor carefully, her backside touching against the warm refresher floor. A deep purr rolled through her body as she blindly reached out for the wolf and drew him into a passionate kiss. She loved Kajex deeply, knew in her heart he would never be replaced; but she was adamant on showing Locke that there was a place in her heart for him too, and the smile on his face seemed to indicate he knew it.

Once she'd recovered enough, she shifted her position enough to spare a glance at Kajex and Keris, her chest fluttering delightfully as she saw the two whispering to each other affectionately, their noses pressed together- it was a moment of love between the two of them that Syrra did not mind in the slightest, though it brought a question into the forefront.

"Locke... would you and Keris like to join us in bed?"

The white wolf chuckled. "My brother is going to want to snuggle- I insist on it."

She laughed and kissed him again. "And to think... there was a time when I considered fighting you to the death."

"I'm glad it never came to that," he responded, nuzzling into her neck. "Otherwise I would never have known my brother, nor the incredible woman he fell in love with." He glanced up to his lover and brother, looking wistful. "I wish I would've known you both sooner. But maybe it was better this way."

"How so?"

He smiled. "If I'd had you both from the start... I don't know that I would have valued you so highly. The contrast of being raised by Sith, unloved and abused, makes what we have now all the more precious to me." He stared at her. "I'd die for you and my brother, and Keris."

"As I would for you," she answered honestly, smiling. "Let's hope it never comes to that."

They shared a few more moments, nuzzling and kissing, before a voice cleared itself at the hatch. All 4 of them jumped at the sound, looking up.

Rook had her arms crossed and an eyebrow arched in amused interest. "Holy shit. You guys sure as hell know how to unwind."