Private An interesting prospect

[Diarch Rellik]

The Crucible of Bastion was never silent. Even at dusk, its halls breathed with the faint rhythm of training blades, the disciplined footsteps of initiates, and the low chant of tutors guiding meditations in the library. From the central spire overlooking the stairs that lead to the great doors of the Crucible, the Diarch watched. The transports touch down in the courtyard. The boy's shuttle was right on time.

He'd seen the name appear on the schedule earlier that morning, Aknoby, Lilaste Order. Recently promoted. Things Rellik had already known but he had asked Laphisto to please send him down for a conversation with the Diarch. Rellik remembered him from the duel with Laphisto and Reign, a flash of blue among the chaos in the arena stands, then later on Aurora Station, standing stiff among the new ranks. Lastly he had been there at the trip to the waterpark.

When the shuttle doors lowered, Rellik turned from the view and began the walk down. Entering the large center commerce area where one could easily go to the library, arena, or study halls. The giant doors opened before him, letting the evening air spill in. The Crucible overlooked the capital of Bastion - Ravelin as it was built into a mountainside. It would take the young Chiss warrior some time to hike the stairs to the entrance but that was the point. Even arriving at the Crucible took effort.

As Aknoby approached Rellik would wave and call out to him.

"Thank you for coming my friend. It is nice to meet you!."

Aknoby

 

[Aknoby]

Aknoby watched everything from the shuttle. Bastion was incredible, and now he was approaching one of Bastion's most incredible structures, the Crucible. The structure was huge.

The young Chiss descended the ramp, listening to the familiar sounds of lightsabers in practice. It was comforting, and he could also hear the voices of the teachers.

The Sith ghost inside him was curious. He decided not to draw attention to himself yet, but it stirred something inside him.

Aknoby sees Rellik, smiles, and walks over to the Diarchy.


"I appreciate the invitation. Laphisto thought I was going to leave the Order, but he understood that I am coming here to study."


He laughs softly and looks at the adult, waiting for what would come next.

Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Rellik gave a small nod, the faintest trace of approval crossing his expression.

"Laphisto has a habit of assuming, It's good that you set him straight." he said, the words edged with dry humor.

He turned slightly, gesturing for Aknoby to follow as he started toward the open archway leading deeper into the main hall.

"You'll find the Crucible suited to study and I am glad you sought it out. Knowledge is a great source of improvement and power. There's always something happening here, the way we are structured is that you are welcome to work on what you want when you want. As a member of the Lilaste order that gives you certain privilege's actually. You can join all of the training, debates, and classes without being restricted by our ranks."

They passed beneath one of the tall skylights, the afternoon light cutting through in long beams across the stone floor. Rellik slowed his pace just enough for conversation.

"You said you came here to study," he continued, his tone steady. "What is it you want to focus on? Philosophy? The saber? Something else?"

Aknoby

 

[Aknoby]

Giving a slight laugh at the remark about Laphisto, the boy follows Diarchy, listening with curiosity and a little excitement. He thinks for a moment about the options given by Rellik.

"Training with the saber is always good, the more the better. I also know little about Diarchy's philosophy, so I think knowing that can guide me to what else to study."

He says this thoughtfully and looks at Rellik again after his choices.





Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Rellik listened quietly as the young Chiss spoke. When he finished, the Diarch gave a slow nod and stepped toward the center of the hall.

"The Diarchy's philosophy isn't built on light or dark," he began. "It's built on control of self, of action, of what we build together."

"There's a code we teach here. everything we are stems from it."

He spoke each line evenly, no emphasis on any one part.

"Through Control, we bring Order.
Through Order, we build Bonds.
Through Bonds, we achieve Strength.
Through Strength, we claim Dominion.
Through Dominion, we bring Lasting Peace."

He let the silence hang for a moment before continuing.

"Control comes first because without it, everything else breaks. Once we find control and order in ourselves, our lives - then we can build bonds with others without being the weak link. Through those bonds we will find more strength than ever alone. With that shared strength we can build our dominion." He paused briefly, his tone softening. "Peace is only real when every one of those things holds together. And under our control we can give the galaxy the peace it has truly never had."

Rellik looked back toward Aknoby.

Aknoby

 

[Aknoby]

Aknoby listened attentively to Rellik and became thoughtful, nodding his head slightly.

"Hmm... that makes sense, and it seems much more comprehensive than groups that emphasize only one side of the Force, and the idea of peace for the Galaxy seems like something big."

He spoke, and his fragmented memory seemed to want to show him something to do with war, causing the young Chiss to close his eyes for a few seconds.

"Right, it seems that..."

He paused and looked at Rellik.

"It seems like a great philosophy."

He crossed his arms, waiting for more.

Diarch Rellik