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

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Rellik's expression shifted, something between thought and faint amusement.

"Great philosophers say the Force seeks balance," he began. "Yet most of the galaxy still fights to prove their way is the only correct one. They chase victory and call it balance. The Jedi and Sith have been at war for almost thirty thousand years, both claiming to be servants of the Force. If either of them were right, wouldn't it have worked by now?"

He took a few slow steps around the interior hall of the crucible. A wide open space with students and more walking about.
"As long as there are Sith, the Jedi will never know peace. As long as there are Jedi, there will always be Sith. Each creates the other, then calls it destiny. It's a loop they can't seem to see beyond."

He paused, then looked toward Aknoby again.

"The Jedi call balance their goal, but they deny justice whenever it demands conflict. And the Sith speak of freedom, yet they chain themselves to the very thing they claim to master."

A small, dry smile crossed his face.

"The Sith Code says 'Through victory, my chains are broken. The Force shall set me free.' But if the Force is what sets them free, then what are they really? Tools. Instruments of something they don't understand."

He folded his hands behind his back.

"That's why the Diarchy exists. We don't serve the Force, we balance ourselves first, between all teachings. Then we make our own destiny for no being of medichlorians nor anyone else but ourselves. And in doing so, we remain free."

Aknoby

 

[Aknoby]

Something inside Aknob stirred with surprise and curiosity, in sync with the boy as never before. The young Chiss scratched his chin thoughtfully and smiled broadly at Rellik.

"And how are these studies, I mean for those who already walk the path of the Force? Laphisto has already taught me about true balance, I'm curious how I will continue my studies and practices in the Brotherhood!"

He speaks in an excited tone, already wanting to begin, but Rellik notices something beyond the boy in the Force coming from the boy, something still quiet but as curious as the Chiss.

Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

"It's good that you've taken the time to study balance with Laphisto," he said. "He's a great teacher, and one of the few who understands our discipline fully. We share much in our philosophy. It's why the Lilaste Order and the Diarchy have always stood as allies."

He turned, motioning for Aknoby to walk beside him. Their steps echoed evenly through the great hall.

"You've already chosen a path that many never reach. You understand that balance isn't about taking sides, but about mastering yourself within them. Here, our focus builds on that foundation. The Diarchy values growth of the individual and of the collective. When one thrives, all rise with them."

They passed beneath the glow of the skylights, the floor below reflecting the afternoon sun.

"As a member of the Lilaste Order, you've seen war and responsibility. That's admirable," Rellik continued. "Here, we nurture the same virtues through mentorship. Young leaders take missions together, some simple, some dangerous. Each learns to guide, to adapt, and to lead. You'll find no rigid hierarchy here. Advancement isn't dictated by years, but by effort."

He paused for a moment before adding, "When you feel ready, you may challenge for rank at any time. Study, serve, prove yourself in the field, and the Crucible will open more of its archives to you. Every level grants deeper access to the library, to our forges, to knowledge that has built entire generations of leaders."

Rellik glanced toward him again, his voice quiet but firm.

"Use that same drive that got you to learn directly from Laphisto and I am sure I will see you in the deeper sections of the library and we may study together."

Aknoby

 

[Aknoby]

He listened attentively to Rellik, narrowing his eyes slightly until he looked like an ordinary Chiss, coldly calculating his words.



The Crucible really sounded different from the Lilaste Order, which made him curious to see it in practice.

"Leaders, huh? Interesting."

He also wondered how many of the other students would see him as a rival. There was no denying that unity could bring power, but it was still a union of individuals, not machines. The challenges made the boy even more interested.

"And where do I start?"

He asks Rellik, smiling again.





Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Rellik nodded once.

"Then you begin where all do, as a Tiro of the Brotherhood. Every journey in the Crucible starts there. You'll train under our instructors to learn discipline, control, and the ways we bring the Force into service of order. You'll study both body and mind, as you did with Laphisto."

He began walking again, his tone even and instructional.

"Realistically I believe you could probably pass the test for that rank already."

They passed a group of initiates meditating near the sparring circles.

"Once you've proven loyalty and understanding, you'll advance to Legionarius. There you'll choose your focus - combat, intelligence, or administration. Each path serves the same purpose: stability. Those who are great though learn a dedication but leave themselves fluid to all paths. There is never a fault for being even more skilled."

Rellik paused

"I believe in you. You seem like a good kid Aknoby. You are strong. Do not hesitate to reach out and ask for direct guidance from myself. I would be happy to oblige when I have the time."

He looked over at the chiss and gave a large smile. One that closes your eyes and gives you crow's feet wrinkles. A jolly man.

Aknoby

 

[Aknoby]

He nods slowly as he listens.

"Well, they'll probably be tough on me in the loyalty test."

He says with a smile as students pass by, looking curious as to why the young Chiss is there talking so casually with Rellik.

"Well, I... I believe Laphisto sent you the report about my secret?"

He stops walking and becomes serious.

Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Rellik's demeanor shifted subtly as the conversation turned serious. The warmth he carried before faded, replaced by a firm calm that came from experience rather than fear.

"Laphisto told me there was… another dark presence within you. Similar to Saurav'ix within him. I'm glad you have come to me about this," he said plainly. "I wasn't going to rush you or corner you. You're young. You deserve time to learn, to grow, to enjoy yourself here without someone hovering over you. I figured I'd just watch quietly, see what this was, and step in only if it ever became a true threat."

He stopped walking, turning fully toward the Chiss.

"But if this isn't something you wanted, if it's a danger to you, or influencing you, we can remove it."

There was no edge in his voice. Just conviction.

The Diarch looked Aknoby directly in the eyes. His smile gone now. A serious expression settling over his features as though he weren't just looking at the young man in front of him, but past him and into whatever lingered behind.

Aknoby

 

[Aknoby]

'He's not dangerous, he used to be, but now he's curious about Diarchy. He even seems to remember something he faced in his era.'

He smiles serenely.

'But if anything happens, I'll tell you. I think he's more curious about what I'm going to learn.'

Aknoby laughs softly, looking at Diarchy.

'That said, where do I start? I think I would pass most of the initial tests, and I've already fought Diarchy.'

He tilts his head slightly, curiously looking at Rellik.

Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

The first thing Rellik noted was danger.
He used to be dangerous.
That line mattered more to the Diarch than anything else the boy said. Whether he realized it or not.

Sith spirits didn't stop being threats. They just changed shape. They stay dangerous until bound, consumed, anchored, or destroyed. It has some goal or purpose. For now it is either bound or feels safe to this young man.

Only after that did Rellik catalog the other pieces: the mention of an era, meaning this ghost wasn't some nameless shade, but a figure with history… and the admission that it was "curious about what I will learn" which always meant access. Access to knowledge. Access to power. Access to the Diarchy's archives, eventually.

Predatory curiosity always began with information.

These were all silent calculations, stored the way a Diarch had to store such things. Quiet. Measured. Rellik had lived through worse: gods sealed in weapons, spirits bound to artifacts, ancient wills that tried to take his mind in small increments until the moment of strike.

Nothing in his expression changed.

He was not allowed to flinch at shadows. Not as the head of the Crucible. Not as Diarch of a sector. His responsibility wasn't to fear anomalies, it was to identify them early, observe them carefully, and decide when intervention was necessary.

So he simply made a mental note.

He motioned toward the nearest sparring circle. Opting to take Aknoby to the physical side of things while the Diarch calculated how to handle the force aspects now that the ghost was involved.

"Everyone wants to rush to the blade. But that comes later. First, tell me what you see in these students. One practices Soresu and follows the lightside and the other Ataru and the dark side..." He put a hand on the Chiss's shoulder. It was a slight test. If the... man could see things others his age could not.

Aknoby

 

[Aknoby]

The young Chiss waited for the man to respond, knowing he had dropped a metaphorical bomb, or perhaps not so metaphorical after all.

He walked with Rellik and looked at the students, taking a minute or two to respond because he was enjoying watching the training.

'Soresu, he will try to be patient and look for an opening to attack, but if he does not defeat him in a single blow, he will be pushed back on the defensive again or lose his only chance and soon face a barrage of attacks if he lacks aggression in his attack, but he may also never get out of that defence and begin to yield to the pressure of the blows or the pressure of his own mind.'

He said in a tone of analysis very typical of the Chiss.

'Ataru, in his continuous attack, can force his opponent to make a mistake in defence or calculation, and he can also use various feints or try to be creative with his movements, BUT he can become extremely tired and start to lose speed and make mistakes.'

'What one has in excess, the other lacks, whether it be patience or aggressiveness.'

Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Rellik listened without interrupting, his eyes staying on the students even as Aknoby spoke. The boy's analysis wasn't surface-level. He wasn't guessing. He wasn't parroting something he'd heard.

Interesting

When Aknoby finished, Rellik's hand, still lightly resting on the Chiss's shoulder tapped once, almost thoughtfully.

"You understand far more than the motions," he said quietly. "Most initiates can tell you what form they're watching. Very few can tell you what the form is doing to the person inside it."

His gaze shifted, following the Soresu student's slow rotation around the circle.

"Patience turning into hesitation… aggression turning into exhaustion. You saw that. You saw both ends of the thread."

Rellik stepped forward, motioning subtly for Aknoby to follow. The sparring circle opened a little as the students paused, sensing the Diarch's presence but not daring to speak.

"But now," he continued, "tell me something harder."

He turned his head just enough for the Chiss to see his eyes.

"When you fight, without the spirit, without the noise, do you lean toward patience or pressure? Toward calculation or momentum? Toward control… or instinct?"

A slight tilt of his chin, almost challenging.

"It is one thing to read others, Aknoby. It is another to read yourself."

He waited.

Aknoby

 

[Aknoby]

"I need to confess I already knww Atar, Shien and Jark'ai before Laphisto found me,he teach me makashi byt the way, so it was not a difficult and Zinay teach me Niman so was easy to read this fight"

He smiles with the question.

"In the past I would be pure agression,what was very dangerous in the past, but with Niman Iearned I can change,I can be agressive or defensive how I want, I can have fun on my adversary account too."

His smile turns in a mishievous grim.

"Sometimes I go control sometimes I go instinct but... I prefer control myself now a days instinct was more the old me, no memories and no place."

He gesture to everything.

"Now I don't fight only for myself I can't throw myself to pure instinct only...about pressure,depends what is happening around.."

Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Aknoby had been trained before Laphisto.
Multiple forms.
Control reclaimed from a past full of aggression.

That meant history.
And deliberate shaping.

And the way the boy spoke about "fun at an adversary's expense" that, too, was a marker. Controlled aggression was still aggression. It just wore a better face.

Preference for control was good, but preference wasn't discipline. True control didn't shift with pressure. If the environment decided his conduct, instinct still held sway. Instinct tied to a forgotten version of himself… possibly tied to the thing living behind his eyes.

Progress and cracks, both visible at once.

Rellik didn't show any of that.

Instead, he nodded.

"You've adapted," he said. "You've studied, reshaped how you approach a fight, and learned how to hold yourself instead of letting instinct run you. That matters."

He crossed his arms lightly.

"Just remember that old habits don't disappear. And influence doesn't always announce itself. If you've built control, keep building it. Don't let it be situational."

His tone stayed simple, clear.

"But you don't need to prove you can hold your own in a practice circle. You've seen war. You've been taught by more than one blade."

Rellik looked toward the corridor leading deeper into the Crucible, where the command offices were, where operations actually moved.

"So instead of drills, I'd rather see you apply all of that where it matters."

He stepped forward, pace relaxed but purposeful, and glanced back to Aknoby with the faintest smile.

"I want you to come with me on a mission. See how the Diarchy operates firsthand. Real choices. Real stakes. It'll tell me more about you than any sparring match ever could."

A simple gesture followed, inviting the Chiss to walk beside him.

"Pack light. I'll send the details and launch window later today. And if you want guidance while we're out there, you ask."

There was no heavy tone, no intimidating weight.
Just opportunity.

Aknoby

 

[Aknoby]

Aknoby listened to Diarch, sensing something in the air but nothing worth mentioning. He continued listening and smiled excitedly.
"It will be interesting, a different way of acting than Laphisto."

He spoke with interest and curiosity.

"Light? In short, I can't take my basilisk?"

He asked, genuinely curious, since he didn't know what kind of mission they were going on.

Diarch Rellik