Interlude IV: Indiscretions and Repairs

(Senator Riyo Chuchi's Private Apartments, Senate Apartment Complex, Senate Tower District, Coruscant, Coruscant System, Corusca Subsector, Coruscant Sector, Core Worlds)

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(Jedi Master Kellian Ordo POV)

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He honestly hadn't even made the offer to grab a drink together with the intent of getting into bed with Chuchi.

He was trying not to have any more indiscretions, he did not want to sire another child. Communicating with Mara was stressful enough as it was. Now that they'd met he had been forced to be part of her life. That wasn't a bad thing of course it just meant that his life became incredibly more complicated than it already was.

''So what happens now?'' He asked Chuchi.

''I'm under no illusions Master Jedi, I know nothing can ever come of this. But…I would not be against you visiting me again.'' Says Chuchi.

''I'd like that, but….we'd need to set a couple of ground rules. For me it's simple, firstly, I want you to call me by my name. Secondly, no one can know about us. Third, we keep our politics out of this thing of ours. Lastly, I'll provide you with a secure communicator, if you want to discuss us, use that. Anything you want to add?'' Kellian says.

''I guess my rules would be that you just be honest with me when I ask you to and that you let me know when you're around and available. Don't just come and go like a ghost in the night.'' Says Riyo.

''Alright, but my job is very demanding and requires me to effectively be on call at all times. So long as you can understand that, I'll have no issues coming back to you.'' Kellian tells the blue Senator.

''I understand.'' She said.

''So, what are you doing today?'' Asks Kellian.

''I have a holo-conference with the new chairman for Pantora Baron Papanoida and the Speaker for the Pantoran Assembly. A debrief for the events on Orto Plutonia. After that, I have to take part in a session with the Senate.'' She informs him.

''They've already elected a new chairman? That was fast.'' Kellian notes.

''My government has very clear lines of succession. In the event the current Chairman dies or is forcibly removed from power, the Vice-Chairman or Chairwoman must succeed them immediately until either a new chairman is elected or their appointment is made permanent. Given the power and authority invested into the Chairman of Pantora by my Government, the Assembly is keen to make Baron Papanoida the new chairman permanently. But he's hesitant to do so.'' Chuchi says.

''I should probably report back to the Temple. I do owe the Council an explanation in regards to my encounter with Dooku before we met.'' Kellian admits.

''But?'' Asks Chuchi.

''I'm loathe to leave such pleasant company.'' He says with a sly smile as he begins to kiss her neck.

''I have to contact the Pantoran assembly, soon.'' Chuchi says.

''Fair enough, it was worth a shot.'' Kellian says, getting up and dressing himself.

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He'd arrived at the Temple early and headed straight for the High Council Chamber. He'd been able to delay his report in order for him to get a drink with Chuchi. That Drink had been pure Netra'gal. It was probably a bad idea to give anyone a full-strength Black Ale to be perfectly honest.

The thing was he hadn't even considered the matter, he simply asked for his usual, lesson learned he guessed, but oh what he'd give for an AI assistant. Bastion sadly - advanced as he was - was best utilized as a caretaker of his Storehouses. He was no assistant. Nor did Bastion have any desire to be his assistant, besides it raised too many questions.

How was he supposed to explain that he'd saved an Anomid Technology Collective legend by having the Gree turn him into a sentient machine? That violated so many of the old laws instituted in the Republic's history. Some laws are so old and outdated that you'd have to read an actual physical book just to find the reference to the law you'd need to look up.

In any event he was not surprised to find Master Windu was already there…

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Kellian said not a word, he simply meditated and used the force to dismantle and rebuild his lightsaber. It was a good exercise and it kept him familiar with all The parts of his lightsaber and how it all came together.

Speaking of which, he was considering cutting down on what he carried in terms of Lightsabers. More Lightsabers than he needed hanging from his belt. The fun of being a walking Collection had gone away.

If he got a chance he'd speak to Hyuang and maybe they'd make a class of it. Ahsoka was still at the Temple so he supposed he should also speak to Master Cin about the possibility of inviting younglings and other Padawans to watch, it'd be a lesson in Lightsaber Construction as much as Lightsaber Combat.

Because as important as each lightsaber was, it went against his guiding principle of versatility to take as many with him. Granted he hadn't had them with him on Chandrila, but there was also the fact that the new Crystal he'd acquired put things into perspective. This Crystal was purified by him so it could never be bled again and it would be stronger than even his Master's pontite Crystal. The catch however was that it would only ever be at its strongest with him.

Or theoretically with someone bound through a Force Bond to him or one of his descendants. The Crystals were not sentient but they were loyal, and supposedly according to Fallanasi records within the Temple Archives, they could be loyal to members of the bloodline of the one who'd purified them. However, it was also stated that the longer such a Crystal that was purified was passed down through the generations, the weaker it became.

Which was why the council tended to entrust such Crystals to the Aing-Tii monks or the Fallanasi themselves in times when the Council expressly forbade attachments and subsequently cracked down hard on Jedi who violated their stance on attachments.

''Assembled we are, time to speak on the events of Orto Plutonia and Chandrila it is.'' Master Yoda says, to which Kellian promptly finishes his reconstruction practice.

''Where do you wish for me to begin?'' Asks Kellian.

''Start with the beginning if you would be so kind.'' Kenobi says.

''So be it. As Master Windu and Kenobi are aware, I look on my latest Padawan. And as I do with every Padawan I take on, I make a Pilgrimage to Chandrila's Crystal Caverns to the Tomb of Jedi Master Allana Cortess, the Third and Last Barsen'thor. However, this time was unusual.'' Says Kellian.

''Meaning what exactly?'' Asks Ki-Adi Mundi.

''We've all heard of the Force Ghost Phenomenon. I encountered such a Ghost. I genuinely believe it was Master Cortess however. The Ghost knew details that only a restless spirit would be able to.'' Says Kellian and the other masters are skeptical.

''Like what?'' Asked Shaak Ti.

''She knew about my prior visits with Padawans past and you Master Windu. But that is only part of the reason why I believe she was genuinely Master Cortess's ghost. She spoke of the circumstances of her death, she died failing to rid the galaxy of Kastos Ren's power, but kept it from him and his disciples.'' Says Kellian.

''Remember the zealotry and darkness of the Knights of Ren, I do. A great shadow their path leaves behind.'' Says Yoda.

''I believe she fully awoke because Dooku brought them with him to confront me. I knew Dooku was coming because of a backdoor in Separatist comms. So I brought my top two commando teams with me for a hard target extraction if needed. But because the Knights of Ren were coming Master Cortess manifested and asked me to finish what she could not.'' Says Kellian.

''And what was that?'' Asks Kenobi.

''To purify the Crystal of Kastos Ren. It seems she was able to steal away the Lightsaber Crystal of the Dark Warrior. I believe she did so because of the fact that the Lightsaber of Kastos Ren was carried by the leader of the Knights of Ren.'' Says Kellian.

''Success you found, feel a greater connection within you, I do.'' Yoda says.

''I did.'' Kellian admits, before disassembling his main lightsaber to reveal his new Crystal which he promptly reassembled to reveal a newly colored blade.

''And how did you lose your hand?'' Asks Windu.

''Dooku - to my great surprise - used Trakata against me. Taking advantage of a momentary distraction to sever my hand.'' Says Kellian as he removes his temporary prosthetic to show his stump.

''Given us much to ponder, you have. Leave us to deliberation you should.'' Yoda says after the Council grows silent for a short period.

''So be it Master.'' Kellian says as he goes to seek out Master Drallig.

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(POV Shift: Ahsoka Tano)

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Ahsoka was bored out of her mind. She was left behind while Anakin and Master Kenobi were on Orto Plutonia with Kellian. Now it seemed like Anakin was trying to arrange for her and Rex to join some fleet for a short duration. It felt like she was being excluded, but that wasn't too bad. If Anakin wouldn't teach her, she'd find someone who would.

''Ahsoka did you hear?'' Asked Roan Tiyell, a former Clawmouse clan mate.

''No?'' She asked hesitantly.

''Master Ordo has returned to the Temple and is putting a class together with Master Drallig and Sinube.'' Says Roan excitedly.

''Really?'' Asks Ahsoka surprised. She wasn't aware Kellian had returned to the Temple, never mind that he was putting a class together.

''Yeah, so hurry up or you'll miss it.'' Says Roan as he runs out the room.

''I guess some things haven't changed. He's still as excitable as ever.'' Ahsoka muses quietly.

Maybe she should go? If Kellian was putting a class up with Master's Drallig and Sinube, then it should be worth attending. Master Drallig was the Council's Battlemaster after all, which meant this class would likely be lightsaber-oriented. She would always be on the lookout for ways to improve her form.

Going to her dresser, Ahsoka picks up her lightsaber, before clipping it to her belt.

She would attend this class she decided.

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(POV Shift: Cin Drallig)

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Kellian had come to see him about putting on a class for the younglings and Padawans in the Temple. Regarding Lightsaber Construction and their subsequent applications in combat when utilizing special features.

As the resident Battlemaster, it was up to him to give the go-ahead. Which he did, simply because it would also mean he would have the opportunity to discuss the rarely brought up unique applications for equally unique Lightsaber variations within the seven forms of Lightsaber Combat. That was a lesson he'd sadly been forced to put on a hiatus due to the greater need for Jedi who were more heavily trained in the core forms of Lightsaber Combat. It was even more important of a need considering their losses at Geonosis. The need for more highly trained fighters and duelists outstripped any such need for exotic lightsaber specialists.

''You ready Master Cin?'' Master Sinube asks him, as more and more padawans and younglings enter. 

''I am, the only question is whether or not Kellian is.'' Cin says.

''More ready than you might think, old master.'' Says Kellian, remaining somewhat sarcastic, yet respectful nevertheless. ''Let's begin.'' Says Kellian, flashing someone a smile within the crowd, though Cin is unable to see who it is.

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(POV Shift: Ahsoka Tano)

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Kellian arrived and his eyes immediately found her, and he sent her a smile, one she returned.

''Greetings, thank you all for coming. I'm glad not everyone here is a Padawan or Youngling. My name is Kellian Ordo, and as many of you are aware, I am both the youngest and most knowledgeable Lightsaber Smith after Master Hyuang. I have some time on my hands, so I asked Master Drallig to make this class available. Today we will be discussing what many in the Galaxy see as our identity, the Lightsaber. We will be covering the advantages and disadvantages of each individual variation can prove helpful or problematic. First, we shall start with something simple. The Curved Hilt Lightsaber, notable wielders include myself and Count Dooku.'' Says Kellian, before turning to Master Drallig.

''The Curved-hilt allows for precise movements as well as near-perfect flexibility when engaged in lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat. It is also more complex and gives the creator of such a hilt more of a challenge in aligning its crystals, as well as requiring a minor variation in holding the grip. Curved hilts needed to be held more in the palm, farther away from the fingertips. The hilt's curvature also gives the wielder more power when delivering overhand strikes and would change the angle of the attacks by the merest fraction of a degree; this was usually just enough to confuse and disorient an unsuspecting opponent, as evident when Master's Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi quickly lost to Count Dooku in their duel on Geonosis.'' Master Drallig explains.

''Obviously, this makes it so that some techniques were more difficult when using a curved hilt, but many others became far more effective. This hilt design was not limited to Form II; its advantages in dueling carried over to every form including Form V, as in the case of Anakin Skywalker who as a duelist has used a curved hilt with Form V to great effect: during his first duel against Asajj Ventress, after being disarmed, he stole one of Ventress' lightsabers and defeated her with it, despite having no training with the weapon. Unfortunately, curved-hilt lightsabers were generally more difficult to use in blaster-bolt deflection. This, coupled with Form II's weakness in this area, makes a Makashi user wielding a curved hilt particularly vulnerable to blaster fire. There are ways to overcome this defect, however.'' Kellian continues, and Ahsoka notes that every so often his attention is drawn to her.

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(POV Shift: Kellian Ordo)

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''That lasted longer than I anticipated.'' Kellian said as he took a cup of Gatalentan tea and had a few sips with Master Sinube and Drallig. ''But I'm not unhappy that it did. We covered a lot of content and were able to keep them engaged. Not an easy task for Younglings and Padawans.'' Says Kellian.

''Indeed, But you did well Kellian.'' Sinube replied.

''Indeed, I would appreciate it if you were to take up a position at the Temple as an instructor at some point. After the war is over maybe.'' Drallig says.

''Hehe, I'm a little young I think Master. Ask me again in ten years if I'm still alive.'' Says Kellian with a slight laugh.

''One's mortality is often more immediate than one might think, Master Ordo. No one lives forever, but that doesn't mean we must make light of our own lives.'' Sinube says.

''I wasn't. But the fact is that I'm not even out of my teenage years, and while I have begun training my third Padawan it's not lost on me that I could have - should have - waited a lot longer before taking on my first Padawan. Arli inherited a little too much of my bravado than I would have liked I can admit. My one saving grace is that I managed to instill some sense of patience and diligence in him. Kept him from getting himself killed.'' Kellian admits, his mood turning somber as he remembers his first Padawan.

''Couldn't we all be that way.'' Sinube says wistfully.

''We'll at any rate I better go see the Cybernetics division. I need a proper replacement and I already gave them the design schematics before I returned to the Temple. Hopefully, they will have it ready.'' Says Kellian as he finishes his cup of Gatalentan tea.

''May the Force be with you Master Ordo.'' Master Drallig tells him.

''And with you Master. Both of you.'' He returns before leaving.

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(POV Shift: Mace Windu)

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The account of Kellian's encounter with the Knights of Kastos Ren troubled him deeply. The last time the order had encountered them, nearly fifty Padawans and over a hundred innocent civilians died. In what was known as the Distant Star research station disaster. The Knights of Ren killed nearly everyone and practically crippled Master Tyvokka. He recovered, but it would be decades before his fellow Council Member recovered mentally.

If Dooku was employing them, and they were now gunning for Kellian, then perhaps they had an opportunity to finally end the threat posed by the Knights of Ren. But they could not afford to be overzealous, Master Tyvokka was dead, and had been dead for just over twenty years. Ever since that incident, the Knights limited their operations to the distant Outer Rim and Unknown Regions. If they were back, then a lot of people needed to be warned. The Chancellor for one needed to be apprised, then the senate oversight committe on military matters, and the little think tank Kellian had put together.

Speaking of which, he had some reservations about Kellian's group. He understood the necessity, and agreed with the overall goal. But it was a very thin line between working to systematically take down separatist leadership and becoming little more than an assassination unit. Already he had heard stories of Clones bred specifically for Assassination or black ops. He needed some degree of reassurance that Kellian was keeping his morals intact in his efforts. Thus far he had little cause for doubt, but it didn't hurt to be careful. And Kellian was always a special case, his way of doing things and solving problems had gotten his former apprentice in more than one spot of trouble over the years, but it had also provided results more often than it had produced trouble.

An example would be when he and Kellian on one of their last missions together as Master and Student had been sent to deal with a Gen'Dai causing problems on Dubrillon. As it turned out, it was actually a Dashade. Which amounted to the same thing when it came to threat assessment. This Dashade had been cheated out of rightful payment for services rendered by the then-current King of Dubrillion, Darryk IX Drayen. Kellian proposed a simple enough solution, but one that was hard-won. Both in result and getting both sides to agree.

The Dashade had a strict honor code, and they placed their own honor at the heart of that code, thus it was often a simple matter of appealing to said honor and offering simple solutions, and naturally Kellian offered a simple solution. A duel, if they won, the Jedi would cover half of the costs of what the King should have paid the Dashade with the King paying the remainder. If they lost the King would have to pay triple. It took Kellian actually offering the King his own Corusca Gem Lightsaber Crystal as a token of appreciation for his agreement for the King to even agree. He himself had tried to argue with Kellian, the loss of a Lightsaber Crystal wasn't a loss of their strength, but the truth was that it was not within his authority to offer that. Nevertheless the deal was struck and ultimately the Dashade was paid his fee and left.

The King had wanted the Dashade dead, the Dashade had only wanted to be paid and allowed to move on, but the King's Assassins had forced the Dashade to respond with violence, and thus it became a Jedi matter. 

Kellian had been reprimanded more than once for his conduct by him, but the truth was that as much as his words had been insulting, they had pushed the King far enough that he was prodded into admitting his guilt in the matter. The fact that Kellian had been streaming that dialogue onto the Dubrillion broadcast holonetwork had forced the King to work with them or lose face with his people. It still confused him as to how Kellian had acquired access to the Network so quickly, but it had earned them the favor of the Princess. Something that had proven instrumental when the King looked to renege on the agreement they'd brokered.

But even that had it's issues, his conversations with the royal princess had bordered on flirtatious and began to cross the line of what he would tolerate while still remaining true to the Jedi Code. How much things have changed now though, say what he will about the King, but he was a republic loyalist. It was his daughter who led Dubrillon into the arms of the confederacy. Their ally was now an enemy.

Which only reinforced his need to make sure that Kellian was staying on task and within the rules. He wasn't as emotional as Skywalker, but he was still a teenager and a Mandalorion to boot. Mandalorions could be as brutal as a Hutt Crime Lord, but they were also one of the most emotional branches of the Human species. And Kellian - like Skywalker - was a latecomer to the Jedi. Which explained his conduct as a Padawan to a degree, he'd formed bonds with his family. He wasn't desensitised to family life like most where and was thus more at risk than others for the lure of attachments and eventually the Dark Side.

Even so, he hoped that his doubts and fears were for nought.

He owed Kellian some benefit of the doubt.

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(POV Shift: Shaak Ti)

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Shaak was watching as Kellian was fitted with a knew hand, his hand - unlike Anakin's - was not given electrostatic fingertips that simulated a sense of touch. It was certainly stronger than Anakin's though, it's vital components where encased by a Doonium shell and given an Electrum finish. It was a simple thing that was also apparently given the capability of an electrostatic charge. He was always looking for an edge, she'd always liked that about him. His looking for advantages had on occasion grown tiresome for her, but it was entertaining at least.

''Satisfied?'' She asks him.

''For the moment. I'll need to have a couple of replacments made, but it's enough for me.'' He tells her.

''I do hope you'll take it easy from now on.'' She says to him.

''We'll see. I'm going to be joining some manouvers and retrofits on the warship leveler. Should be enough time to get used to things. Besides, I'm due some simple duty after the last mission.'' Kellian says.

''Then let us hope the Force is so gracious.'' She says, causing a small smile to blossom on his face.

''I still say the Force hates me.'' He says with some small amusement.

''And I've always told you that the Force is it's own existence, he does not love or hate as we do.'' Says Shaak.

''Why are you here Shaak?'' Kellian asks as they're left alone by the cybernetics division.

''Is it wrong I was worried about you?'' She asked him.

''On the surface? No, but our relationship is quite unusual Shaak. We both bear the scars and the memories of the Ambrian Scourge disaster.'' He says, and despite the light tone their conversation had had till now, Shaak can admit to herself that Kellian's words struck her deeply. The Ambrian Scourge Disaster had… created memories they and others wished they never had. For Shaak herself…great shame. For Kellian… a sobering experience.

''We do.'' She admits quietly.

''And so does Luminara. I don't regret what happened, but I can't ignore what happened Shaak. It'll haunt me for the rest of my days as I'm sure it does and will for you.'' He says, and she quietly nods her own head in agreement, not trusting herself to speak.

''Have you… felt his presence at all?'' She asks carefully.

''Hard to say, I remember what we did, his voice, his goading, but how what we did went to what we remember… I don't think I'll ever remember it until he's finally vanuished.'' He says to her.

''Take care of yourself Kellian. May the Force be with you.'' Says Shaak, taking her leave.

''And with you, Shaak.'' He replies to her.

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(POV Shift: ???)

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Three times he'd been bested.

Three long slumbers he'd felt at the hands of Jedi filth.

No longer.

His revenge needed to be long and methodical.

Perhaps he should start with a broader plan, focus on infecting non-affiliated Force-Sensitives first. Move from there, it would delay the detection of his vengeance and allow him a greater chance of vengeance than his last three attempts. He simply needed a vessel for his power, for his….poison.

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(POV Shift: Riyo Chuchi)

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It'd been a long day, and Riyo was pleased to be able to enjoy herself for her long day.

''How was it?'' She heard Ordo ask her.

''Taxing, but Papanoida agreed to take up the chairmans seat. As for the senate, that's another story. There are riots on JanFathal, the Senate agreed to send a team of Jedi and Republic Intelligence to investigate.'' Said Riyo, sounding tired.

''You want something to eat? I got some nerf steaks I can heat up for you.'' Ordo offered her.

''Please. I doubt I could even ask for a meal to be prepared.'' She says flopping onto her bed tiredly.

''Coming right up, why don't you take a trip to the refresher and relax a little bit. I'll have the meal ready for you when you're done.'' He tells her, and she takes the hint. The refresher would give her some modicum of personal relaxation and would also allow her to wake up her body. As comfy as the chairs were, sitting down for an extended period tended to put parts of her body to sleep. Standing up for extended periods did little to change that.

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(POV Shift: Talisibeth Enwadung-Esterhazy)

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The class her master had put on had been informative, she was deeply interested in the potential of a cross-guard lightsaber. The Lightsaber would work well with her physical style of combat, and if she ever made the transition to Makashi, then that gave her an edge as well. The Second Form of Ligthsaber Combat was not her specialty, rather she was a Form V Specialist, with a modicum of Form IV training.

''Talisibeth, report to the training room, you and I will do some practice drills.'' Says her Master over comms.

''Yes, Master.'' She said dutifully.

''You have half an hour.'' Came the simple reply.

This should be fun…

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(POV Shift: Kellian Ordo)

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Kellian had had to bolt from Chuchi's private apartments when a pantoran senatorial aide entered the apartments. It was frustrating, having to leave like that, but it meant he would be able to get some extra training in. And at the very least an opportunity to train Talisibeth up further.

''Talisibeth, report to the training room, you and I will do some practice drills.'' he said to her over comms.

''Yes, Master.'' She said dutifully.

''You have half an hour.'' He said simply, choosing not to give her a shorter amount of time, it'd take him ten minutes to get back into the temple at any rate. Even by speeder, it'd take ten minutes, if not longer. Traffic was always long and and backed up at the current hour.

It was going into sunset, which was during a rush period to get home by a great many members of the workers population of Coruscant.

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(POV Shift: Ahsoka Tano)

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Ahsoka was revewing the footage of Kellian's lessons, she was revewing what he and Master Drallig said about the Lightsaber hilt variants. The Curved-hilt that was employed by Dooku and that hairless harpy Ventress both had been dificult to defend against, and the lesson had been informative as to why it was difficult. The hilts curvature had changed the angles she'd normally use for blocks, counters, and attacks which had confused and disoriented her. She was curious about how she could counter those and was trying to observe how Master Drallig countered Kellian's strikes.

It wasn't a perfect solution, she'd need to train herself against the training droids within the Temple to get some firsthand experience against Form II duelists using those Lightsabers. In the end though, she also needed to speak to Kellian about it. He was a Makashi Expert, and they were closer than others, so she was likely to get a more favorable chance to learn from someone.

Not that Master Drallig was unapproachable, but she barely knew him, and she was both on a first name basis with Kellian and had been tutored by him in the past. Perhaps she should go up against some Droids just for the practice while Anakin was on his return to Coruscant from the Mid Rim.

If only to clear her head a bit.

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(POV Shift: Kellian Ordo)

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''Listen closely Talisibeth, I have a rendezvous with a comrade in the next few rotations. So I wanted to get a couple hours of training done with you since our original time of training was cut short. Follow my movements and we'll practice together before doing a practical duel. We'll start with a walkthrough of the basic Makashi movements. Makashi relies on excellent footwork, elegance, and precision bladework. Your use of Form V is not an inadequate counter, but it lacks the bladework and positioning needed to overcome it. Aggresion is niether an advantage or disadvantage here. The key to overcoming a Makashi expert with Aggression is to using your aggression in the seconds between when your blades meet.'' He explains to her, walking her through the movements of Makashi.

''I'm not used to holding back my strenghth.'' Talisibeth admitted.

''Then focus that strength elsewhere. You have an instinctual, but slight bit of skill in battle precognition, and you are also skilled in rudimentary hand-to-hand. Through our training together, I will instruct you in the arts of the Bakuuni Hand, trained as I was by Grand Mistress Aurelia Taovanna. For now, focus your energy on building your mental resistance, and letting the Force guide your feet. When I'm satisfied by your progress, we'll begin with the teaching of Bakuuni Martial Arts.'' He tells her, before continuing to walk her through Makashi.

''What makes Count Dooku so skilled Master?'' Asks Talisibeth, giving Kellian pause.

''Dooku is an exceptional teacher. His greatest skill is Makashi, because he eschewed all other forms and focused on sole mastery of it. One might argue that limits him, and yet…Master Fisto is also a Master of One, specialising in the First Form of Lightsaber Combat. For me, one who has been trained in all the forms of Lightsaber Combat, eventually, I had to make a choice. My expertise lay in Niman, Makashi, Djem So, and Soresu. I have training in Jar'Kai and I'm a skilled Martial Artist. I cover my faults and weaknesses in Saber combat, and I also use Trakata. Trakata is the art of rapidly blinking your Lightsaber on and off in order to bypass an opponents defences. But it should only be used sparingly.''  He told her.

''Which is why he caught you off guard?'' Asks Talisibeth.

''No, Dooku has never used Trakata, not against me or anyone else. The fact he did, is…disconcerting.'' Kellian admits.

''I see.'' Tallisibeth says.

''Focus, Tali, we have a short window of time.'' Kellian says a fter a few moments.

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(POV Shift: Ahsoka Tano)

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She wasn't a vouyer, but watching Kellian lead Scout through the movements of Makashi had provided her with insights that the lesson he'd led and the footage of said lesson had not. She'd done her best to make a recording of it so as to work with it later.

She was not ready to beat Dooku, but it would hopefully give her an edge against Ventress who'd been trained by Dooku…

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(Author's Note:)

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Am I satisfied by this chapter? Not especially. But it will do for the moment. Right now though, it's time we head into book canon. The following chapters will cover the novel Star Wars: No Prisoners.

That'll hopefully last approximately five chapters at least. But we'll see. Until next chapter folks.

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