Laphisto gave a small nod at Aknoby's words, one ear flicking as though catching some unheard note. His gaze shifted toward the sealed door, a low rumble resonating in his throat not anger, but awareness. He let the Force wash across his senses like a tide, the world sharpening into layers of presence and intent.
There, beyond the bulkhead, another spark flickered. Familiar. Uneven. He pressed against it with the same careful probing touch he had used when he had first met her, brushing gently at the edges of Cora's consciousness. Her emotions were raw, jagged, an open wound that bled into the current of the Force. He said nothing, choosing instead to let the silence stretch, but the faint narrowing of his eyes betrayed that he was not ignorant of her eavesdropping.
His clawed hand rose, settling at his chin as he leaned back, considering. It was not yet time to call her out not while the boy sat across from him, tense and fragile as glass. Better to keep the balance of the room intact, for now. He reached for his glass, taking a slow drink before setting it down with deliberate care.
With his other hand, he pulled the pitcher closer, the movement smooth, unhurried. He poured a third glass, the steady trickle of water the only sound filling the chamber. Without a word, he slid it toward an empty chair at the table, the gesture subtle but unmistakable.
Laphisto tilted his head slightly at the boy's mention of the red desert, his ear flicking in thought. "
That is the only red planet I know of," he admitted, voice low and steady, though there was no denial in his tone only room for possibility. "
But the galaxy is vast, and I've no doubt there are others who may know more. We'll see what turns up."
His clawed hand rose to his vambrace, talons tapping across the controls with practiced precision. The commlink crackled to life, his deep voice carrying cleanly across the channel. "
Commander Tarain. Reach out to the new recruits. Tell them this consider it a test. Find me any mention of a red world, Korriban or otherwise. Cross-reference myths, archives, whispers whatever they can lay their hands on. First come, first serve. I want them reporting to Meeting Room D-8. Let's see just how resourceful our youngest can be."
The order was delivered without fanfare, yet there was the faintest edge of humor as he released the switch. A low chuckle rumbled from his chest, the sound carrying easily through the chamber as his golden eyes flicked briefly to Aknoby, then back toward the door.He didn't need to say it aloud; he already knew who would come running. Cora would hear the summons, and he had no doubt she'd seize the chance to be first through that door, eager to prove herself. The third glass of water waiting on the table was no coincidence. Patience, after all, was also a lesson.
Aknoby
Cora
Laphisto
