The New Guy

[Matatek Sel Vissica]

"And a dream alone will get you no closer to reality."

Vissica drew back with her other hand, then drove a closed fist up into the pit of Hal's stomach to knock out his breath. Upon hearing the wheeze she was expecting, she dropped the Nehantite to her feet in a heap.

"Push-ups. Fifty."

The Selonian's whiskers buoyed up a bit as she turned back to the dais.

"Cadet Rayner obviously wants a challenge. Knight Sturkov, perhaps you can stand on his shoulders."

[Halajiin Rabeak]

Stars exploded in Hal's vision as the wind was driven from his lungs. Without oxygen, his muscles would not behave in anything resembling a reasonable fashion, and he found himself crashing, doubled over on the floor as he gasped and wheezed for breath.

Told you.

Still worth it.

His body itself did not share the joke, as he fought for enough oxygen to keep from blacking out. He'd expected some sort of physical reprimand, but certainly not that. In the back of his mind, Hal held on to a trick which would save him, but around so many knights, he didn't know if he dared use the Force at all, lest his skill be discovered too soon. Limbs burning, and the edges of his vision dim, Hal decided he had no choice, as the big, beautiful Selonian appeared ready to return to him and administer further encouragement. Disguising his effort by slamming his paws down on the floor, and pushing his booted footpaws back into place for a push-up, he gathered as much oxygen as he could directly before him and crammed it down his throat to re-inflate his lungs, hoping to pass off the burst of Force energy as just an expenditure to bring himself out of his fetal position.

It worked. Lungs still burning, and his stomach sore, Hal launched into his push-ups, struggling not out of show, but from true physical impairment as he attempted to maintain form while struggling through his punishment exercise.

[Alexia Sturkov]

"With pleasure." Was Alexia's only response as she pushed off the wall and strode across the polished floor to where Kyle laid stretched out on the floor. Hardly a challenge, Alexia thought as she stepped up on the furry creature's back. Her desiccated body hardly weighed that much in comparison to even other humans her own height. She imagined Redtails had at least a few kilos on her. Regardless she settled in, digging her standard issue boots into Kyle's back. Balance was never a strong point for her, but with the force as her crutch she easily stayed aloft.

She toyed with the idea of using the force to press herself down, but that would just be cruel. He was here to learn. Breaking him so soon would kill the fun.

[Halajiin Rabeak]

Despite his winding, Hal had made it to eight push-ups before Alexia stepped up onto his back. Had he not been fully extended in the up position, her added weight - while a bit lighter than he expected - would surely have sent him to the floor. Easing down slowly, the Nehantite's muscles trembled, and the first push back up found him grunting, teeth grit and bared as he fought to endure his punishment.

He would do it, he told himself. He would show them that he was a real man, worthy of respect, and not some prisoner to be mistreated and tortured. Halajiin Rabeak would fight the good fight, and give the big, sexy otter the fifty push-ups she demanded of him. Well, Kyle Rayner would, at least.

Kyle Rayner turned out to be something of a wimp, much to Hal's dismay. Too much free time and not enough gym time had sapped his endurance, and by the time he reached fifteen push-ups, his arms were trembling, muscled burning. Eighteen and it was all he could do to keep his muzzle from being crushed against the floor with each dip. At twenty-one, he found his weighted limit reached.

It was his left arm that gave out first, and he did not have the strength left in his right to recover. With a "Hwummph!" Hal crashed to the floor, his lungs still aching from their lack of oxygen, while his brain spun, his muscles having used most of what he'd been able to take in. Paws clawed at the smooth, polished marble beneath him, but he could not muster the strength to push up while Alexia stood fully upon his back. This would not be taken well, and he knew it.

Will you listen to me, next time? Please?

I sure better. But it was still worth it.

[Palara Iscandar]

"Your flippancy does you no favours, Cadet." Iscandar's voice may have carried a bit of smugness in it. The twilek Imperial Knight's heavy lidded gaze drifted over the other assembled cadets.

"Any ozzer questions?"

[Matatek Sel Vissica]

"When do we get a lightsaber?"

Vissica's head turned at the impudent question, this time from an older teenage Chiss. He had a sturdy look to him for his age, and the Selonian slowed her pace to deathly still as she neared him.

"When do you get a lightsaber?"

The Selonian's eyes narrowed as she repeated his question back at him. To his credit, he remained eyes foward.

"I mean, we're recruited for our force talents, right? So, how long does it take for us to get a saber of our own."

Vissica snatched up a paw full of the boy's collar, wrenching him off his feet as she dragged him by the toes of his boots to stand clear from the other cadets, and next to where Hal now struggled.

"Cadet..."

The towering Selonian slouched momentarily to get a look at the Chiss' name badge.

"...Kawran wants to know when he will get a lightsaber."

Vissica released the Chiss, allowing him agency back on his own two feet. Standing to her full height, she surveyed the cadets, looking for any weakness to correct.

"A Cadet of the Imperial Knighthood gets nothing. You are entitled to nothing. That which you have is what you have earned. You are here because you have potential. If you squander that, you will find your stay cut short."

Leveling her severe expression back to Cadet Kawran, Vissica's whiskers sprang upward in a wry expression.

"You want a lightsaber, cadet?"

With a soft growl in her chest, Vissica reached over her shoulder, unclipping the hefty grip of her greatsaber from it's scabbard. She held the weapon aloft in her broad, open paw for the Chiss to inspect.

"Then take it."

[Halajiin Rabeak]

Thank goodness someone was dumber than us.

He didn't get hit.

Yet. He didn't get hit *yet.*

Should we let him? We might be able to use a friend.

You make an uncannily good point. Tell you what, you get the muscles back in order, I'll see if I can handle this.

Blunt clawtips tapped against the polished marble floor. Deep breaths slowly lifted Knight Alexia, and the Nehantite's arms locked into place. Strength re-gathered, the mongoose shoved up. Twenty two. Twenty three. He would perform all fifty push-ups, and while he was at it, perhaps save a young man from a very grave error.

"Don't do it, kid," he grunted through grit teeth. "Trust me. Not fun."

Twenty eight, twenty nine, thirty. Halajiin's body was going to be sore, come morning, but Kyle Rayner was not going to give up in front of the Knights. That would be suicide.

[Alexia Sturkov]

The Chiss looked down, regarding the furry creature with something akin to disgust. Not surprising, Alexia thought, considering his xenophobic culture. It was also a culture of pride, and he was in the spotlight now, confronted by his teachers while his fellow cadets watched. He could either risk his career or lose face with his colleagues.

In typical Chiss fashion he stuck out his well defined jawline, set his gaze forward, and reached out firmly, without hesitation, and took the lightclub in both hands and stepped back. No sooner had his grip become solid than she yelled out at him "Cadet, defend yourself!"

Using the Nehantite as a springboard, Alexia launched herself into the air, a smooth airborne somersault, that landed her at the front of the class, between Vissica and the Chiss. He raised the weapon clumsily, it was too big for him, and felt along the body for the ignition plate. Before he could find it Alexia reached out with the force and snatched the hilt from his hands, causing it to fly across the small space and smack loudly into her hand. Her other hand raised up in an open handed uppercut, fingers tensed. The Chiss grabbed at his throat, scratching frantically at fingers that weren't there, even as his boots lifted off the ground.

"Remember Cadets; a lightsabre is not your only weapon. The power of the force is your greatest asset, along with your training and your devotion to the Empire. A lightsabre is but a channel; an extension of yourself. Only a fool relies on martial power alone. To succeed you must use every tool at your disposal."

It was surprising to hear it coming out of her own mouth; a mixture of the Truth the Empire had shown her and the words of her old master, Southstar, given manifest from her own lips. She was drawn from that reflection by the choking sounds from the Chiss. She wondered if he had turned more blue from the lack of oxygen. Released the cadet he crumpled to the ground, hacking and coughing for air.

"Want for naught, ask for naught. Becoming an Imperial Knight is an honor, and a great service to the Empire. You have been selected for candidacy. Nothing more. You must earn a place in the ranks." She handed the lightclub over her shoulder to the much larger Vissica behind her. Then she stepped aside, falling back in line with the other Imperial Knights.

[Halajiin Rabeak]

Forty-eight, forty-nine, fifty! Free from his burden, Hal burned his muscles through the remainder of his punishment while the unfortunate Chiss learned the hard way how unforgiving the Empire was. Easing himself up from the floor, Hal smoothed out his clothing and adjusted his cap as he rejoined the ranks of his fellow cadets. There could be no mistaking he was no longer in the Jedi Order, despite the message about the Force being your ally. The Empire did not value compassion, courtesy and thoughtfulness, as his old Order had, instead placing priority on obedience and blind ambition.

Perhaps they would be able to make the model student out of Halajiin Rabeak, yet, as the soft-touch approach clearly hadn't worked for him among the Jedi.

I should have helped the Chiss up.

Are you insane? First, he's not really within arm's reach. Second, you'd surely get another punishment, and third, you'd embarass him in front of everyone else.

But it's sort of my fault that he got picked on.

No, it isn't. He asked a stupid question. Not as stupid as YOURS, but still stupid. Besides, if you're not the only one getting disciplined in front of the group, it means you won't be their sole target of bullying. If someone else decides to be a complete imbecile, we're in an even better place.

I still feel bad for him.

Then work on that later. Forge a bond, or something. I think almost all of these cadets are younger than us, so it's going to be really important to make ties, so we're not "the old guy."

I never in my life thought I'd be "the old guy."

We're one hundred and thirty-one. We're definitely "the old guy," whether we like it or not.

Well... at least I've still got my looks!

...why do I even try?

While the two halves of his personality bickered, the cadets fell into order, and the whole scene regained its former semblance of military structure. Ha, if only his dad could see him now. Halajiin Rabeak in the army; that would be the day, his father had always said. And yet it was so much more precarious than that, as Hal did not fight for the army he found himself amongst, but instead acted as an enemy combatant needing to play along until fortune smiled upon him and he could make his escape. How deep into the serpent's lair would he have to delve? Tailtip flicking in worry, Hal prayed it would not be far enough to come face to face with the cobra within.

[Palara Iscandar]

Iscandar stepped forward, eyeing each cadet intently; when she came to Rayner, she stepped away a bit. The little Shistavanen was adorable, she admitted within herself. The Chiss had closed his face quickly.

She wanted them to meet the Kaleesh.

"Right, face!" she shouted. All the cadets turned. "Remember, questions will be asked of you. Zis is a test."

"Being tested the day we enter?" one of the humans grunted quietly. "Intense."

"You expected anything different from the Knights?" a female Chiss, slightly younger than the disgraced Kawran, murmured.

"March!"

They were brought into the Atrium, and Iscandar began to speak.

"Ze Citadel, where you will be living and learning until you become a Knight or are discharged, was formerly ze 'eadquarters of ze Imperial Inquisition, and before zat was ze Grand Temple of ze Jedi. Zere are levels still untouched; do not enter zem. Wizzout proper training, you will likely die, due to at ze very least rare but documented cave-ins. Zere are almost five 'undred Knights in training or out in ze field at zis moment. You are expendable, if inconvenient to find a replacement for. Do not die needlessly."

She stood quietly for a moment, letting the trainees and students go around the small group standing in the middle of the Atrium.

"Any questions?"

[Halajiin Rabeak]

Falling into line, Hal attempted to march in sych as best he could, his footpaws padding along where everyone else's boots thumped upon the polished floors. Despite his attempts to keep himself in line, however, the Nehantite found his head practically on a swivel, taking in the familiar structure around him as its new history was presented. Occasional glances showed he was not the only one doing so, some looking in awe while others merely observed the architecture in passing. Meanwhile, he took in the information which was presented.

Five hundred Knights in training vastly outnumbered anything the Jedi could put together, causing his heart to sink, but the fact that they were still "in training" at buoyed some hope within him. But more than that, the Empire still hadn't managed to fully explore the temple was astounding at the very least, and Hal simply had to know what they hadn't come across, yet. A question bubbled up in the back of his mind.

Don't you dare ask something stupid.

It won't be stupid! I don't like pain, remember?

That is debatable, considering your track record for earning it.

Hal raised his paw, waiting to receive the okay to ask his question. "Will we be provided with a map or information detailing which levels we are not allowed to go into, so that we don't do so by accident?"

That... was actually a very good question. Hal's higher reasoning nodded its head in approval.

[Palara Iscandar]

The cadets around Hal shifted in awkward judgement; if they could have scoffed and rolled their eyes, they would have.

"Zere is no need to raise your 'and... Cadet," Iscandar said, still having trouble viewing the Nehantite as a real student. "Do not interrupt a teacher, wait for zem to ask for questions, and ask. During class sessions, ze proper protocol is to stand and wait to be called upon. In answer to your question, zere are no levels zat are open to cadets below ze fifth subfloor. If a door is locked, it is for a reason. Ze only time you will be asked to open a locked door, you will be given a code to open it. I warn you about untouched floors because we are not yet done repurposing zose floors for use by ze Knights, and zey still 'ave Inquisitional defences and old projects below, and curiosity is a constant. You are warned. Unaut'orized entry into zose floors and areas will be punished harshly, including death."

She allowed that to sink in for a moment.

"At zat point, 'owever, death is more a kindness zan a punishment."

[Matatek Sel Vissica]

As the throng of cadets began their guided movements through the sanctioned levels of the temple, Lady Vissica fell into a four-footed gait, her large paws clacking on the floor as she paced the students. For matters of coursing distance, a Selonian moved better on four than two. It gave the Knight an appearance of a very large hound of a sort, standing lower than all around her at the shoulder.

"Cadet Khoovi."

The Shistavanen's ears pricked as he heard his name called.

"When was the Jedi Order founded?"

[Palara Iscandar]

The little Shistavanen started, but stared forward and regained his stiff posture.

"It is unknown exactly when the Jedi Order first came together," the puppy said loudly. "However, the Jedi Order was well established when it first came to serve the Old Republic about five thousand years ago, with traditions described as 'ancient' and refined rituals and philosophies."

[Halajiin Rabeak]

"As a protective order, yes, over five thousand years ago. But as a religion, the Jedi Order was founded over seven thousand years ago," Hal spoke up. "Little documentation has survived from those earliest of days, but it appears to have started as a religion founded upon the peace of inner self, and awareness of the universe. In time that led to the discovery of manipulation of the Force, and in turn it bred peacekeeping warriors the like of which the galaxy had never seen. After there was dissent in the ranks, it was decided that a formal order with a governing council should be established. It was that way prior to their service to the formal government of the Old Republic."

He could feel all eyes upon him, but there was only silence in the chamber as the echo of his final words died out. Swallowing back the lump in his throat, the Nehantite attempted to finish his summary without giving away that he knew more. "Maipulation of the Force, however, was not confined specifically to the Jedi in those earliest of days, as other groups and orders which focused on meditation discovered their own abilities at around the same time. The Nightsisters of Dathomir are the most notable exceptions to the Jedi to learn the powers of the Force without outside intervention. It is believed that the Jedi Order succeeded in establishing dominance purely through its diplomatic ties among its council members."

[Matatek Sel Vissica]

Vissica ceased her pacing, eyes fixed upon Kyle Rayner as he gave an elaborate answer to say the least. Were this any other cadet, she would insist on a lengthy interrogation as to exactly how he'd acquired so much contraband knowledge. However, Kyle Rayner was far from just another cadet. The Nehantite apparently had learned a great deal from his old master.

A snort, and a thump of her tail along the floor preceeded a simple, "Very good, Cadets."

[Halajiin Rabeak]

All eyes were upon him, some more icy than others, but Hal just smiled as he clasped his paws behind his back. As usual, his stance and form weren't correct according to military precision, but it wasn't like he'd gone to boot camp like the rest of these cadets, right?

So far the whole Cadet thing had been a breeze, other than those push-ups. How hard could it all really be?