The natives see it as an obstacle to their lifestyle, whilst outsiders perceive it as a diamond in the rough. Regardless of the opinion, Menat Ombo is the most technological settlement on New Tython. Crammed with tall and slim towers, alleys and market squares have randomly developed where the necessary room is. You might turn a corner and see a vendor selling smoked meat from the indigenous animals, and the next corner could be a home. The merchant stalls are almost always temporary, folding easily with several clippings or a really good show of strength. Above the awnings of the stalls, buildings of various shapes and sizes crafted of sand and stone and earth create a set of interconnecting rooftops in some parts with wide gaps in the others.

It is easy to get lost in the crowds of people. As you leave the central market, countless alleys splinter out and lead to quieter sections of the city. The streets are kept tidly by maintenance droids. and the air is clean. At night, the city and marketplace are well lit, and the lights from the scattered inns create a welcoming ambiance to the twilight air.

In the snow white clouds above the city of Menat Ombo, a shuttle glided in and out of the bodies with a delightful grace. It’s soft engines hummed effortlessly as the shuttle itself began to slowly descend from the clouds into view of the city. The midday sun gleamed from the chrome hull, which caused the pilot to quickly pull down his sun visor and grunt at the warmth of the sunlight. In the rear of the shuttle, Lexiconus Qor sat silently on the floor in a meditation pose while his holocrons slowly orbited around him. His peaceful and undisturbed expression displayed a calm and warm demeanor about the Sith, which was unusual to see for the pilot. He shivered slightly at the thought of the Sith being so statuesque, as it usually meant they were planning an attack or waiting for one. The Quarren chuckled softly as he could feel the tension from the pilot’s Force essence, it was palpable for the Battlemaster and something to manipulate. But today was not about manipulation, power and greed but more of self-discovery and reflection of skills. The pilot began to enter the authorisation codes as he started to pull the shuttle into landing, he looked back at the Quarren once more and hesitated to disturb him.

“Something on your mind, Lieutenant?” Qor softly said as he was in light meditation.

“Aye sir, the city has authorised our landing, it will take about half hour sir. Also the Proconsul is messaging you.” The pilot replied, as he watched a portable holocommunicator join the orbiting holocrons. It became activated as the Proconsul of Scholae Palatinae, Eether, stood and watched in confusion at Qor meditating. “Yes Eether? I heard through the grapevine you wanted to speak with me.”

“Lexiconus, please look at me while i’m talking to you. It’s rude to distract yourself.” The Proconsul replied in an unsatisfied tone, he wasn’t happy with this immediate leave for New Tython by Qor but it wasn’t something he wanted to stop. The Quarren opened his cerulean eyes as the Holocrons plummeted and bounced around on the ground, while the holocommunicator quickly snapped close to Qor.

“Of course Eether, I apologise. Why are you contacting me this late at night? You should be sleeping on a work night.” The Quarren let slip the slightest of playful grins that caused Eether to scrunch up his face and grumble to himself.

“Very funny Squid. Just tell me why are you going to Odan-Urr territory? You may run into some distasteful crowds of the Sith.” He hated being tagged to a singular faction such as the greed and tyranny of the Sith, but to Qor it was one of two nouns that best described his philosophies. To explore the other philosophy, he decided to approach the Jedi and find out what it truly meant to be one of them, to walk in their Light and see serenity rather than passion.

“I’ve came to speak to an old adversary, that is all. He is waiting for me here as he promised. I shouldn’t be too long in my mission, just a week or two away to have a fruit tea and some lunch. I will be back holding a fresh and new perspective on the Force. Please keep Kyo and Blade out of my office?” Qor grumbled at the vision of his apprentices running through his items in search of more power, wealth and knowledge. He could already imagine Kyo looking for every single piece of credits, shoving them in his pockets as he collected the shiniest components for his lightsaber. While Blade would simply plant traps and explosives everywhere in the hopes of destroying him while he was unaware. Their collaboration of ingenuity and innocent evil would most likely get them killed one day, but that wasn’t the Quarren’s concern right now.

“No promises, as Kyo has already found your crystal safe. Just in the process of cracking it now, he hasn’t worked out his lightsaber can cut it yet. Why are you visiting this person? Surely he’s going to be cautious about a Sith being near him?” Qor gave a soft smile as he reminisced the last time he saw the Jedi Vanguard Xantros. Their experience in the icy caves of Hoth was an insightful one for both parties, and yet the Quarren regretted it coming down to combat. But the single major factor that made Qor curious about this Jedi was not his pacifist nature, or the fact he was a Duros but the merciful decision of leaving the Quarren alive and with plenty of food. It beckoned Qor to at least show some gentleman's respect towards his saviour, learning about the Light Side of the Force would be an additional bonus in the meantime.

“Ah it’s alright I can replace those. I sort of owe him something in return for saving my life. I will speak to you soon, it is time to land.” The Quarren shut off the communications as he heard the shuttle rumbled and hissed, as the landing gear unfolded. He slowly stood up and used the Dark Side to pack away the holocrons back to their locked, while he brought his lightsaber out of a jar of water and placed it inside his emerald waistcloth. The hull of the shuttle suddenly slammed down as it landed firmly into a locking docking bay, while the ramp winded itself down. The pilot began to rush himself out in order to find the nearest men’s room, while Qor tied his cloak and lifted his hood up. Taking a slow pace down the ramp and across the spaceport, the Quarren brought up the holocommunicator and inputted the codes for Xantros, who appeared onscreen in his Jedi robes. Seemingly in a busy alleyway, Qor nodded in respect as he continued to walk through the main exit.

“Vanguard, I have arrived at your city and will make my way over to you soon. Where should we rendezvous? I am feeling parched.” The Battlemaster said to the Duros who was just browsing the market stall of fruit when he was listening and stood with a wreath of something alien.

“Come to the Visulu marketplace and meet me in the main square by the fire dancers. We will explore this region and find ourselves a comfortable inn.” Xantros disconnected the communication as Qor put the device away, beginning to step into a nearby taxi cruiser. The vehicle swiftly took off from the spaceport and quickly dropped the Quarren off into a busy square of market stalls, shouting sellers and bustling inhabitants with a diverse range of appearances. Everything from Human, Umbaran, Gungan, Gand, Kaleesh and even Zeltrons rivered their way through the alleys and rickety stalls. Qor slithered himself through the crowd and towards the signs that read Main Square in Basic, with his arms trying to protect his lightsaber and his bag of credits. While the Quarren wormed his way through the increasingly tougher crowds, he noticed a pack of small monkey-like animals patterned is a diverse range of colours athletically leapt and ran across the market. The pink, yellow, orange, green, red and blue creatures all enjoyed their acrobatic activities up until Qor started pacing himself through their playground. A pink and yellow creature immediately jumped on him, crawled down to his side and leapt off towards the main square. It caused the Quarren to flinch and protect his face for a split second, but he became relieved to know it vanished.

Finally, Qor came to an opening in the trapping alley to see the main square of the marketplace that was decorated expensively with fabrics, fumes of all types of flavours, and children prancing around with toys. It seemed to the Quarren that this place was unchanged for thousands of years, as the buildings around him seemed ancient in design, while the music from entertainers told a story from generations past. In a clearing of the crowd, Qor witnessed Xantros standing and waiting for him while the pink and yellow creature sat happily on his shoulder. The Jedi laughed proudly as he petted and gifted the creature with fruit, as Qor approached and stopped infront of them.

“Welcome to the Visulu market, Lexiconus. I believe this is yours.” Xantros said as he slowly put his hand out, and sat in it was the familiar coral lightsaber that Qor kept in his waistcloth. His hands patted across his hip region to find it missing, and he looked up to grumble harsh words at the mischievous creature. With a flick of his wrist, the Duros tossed the lightsaber into a nearby fish barrel and shook his head in disbelief.

“To carry a weapon into a peaceful place is to expect a fight, you will have it back when we leave. Now, let’s go find some good, hot food and share what the Force truly does to us.” Xantros said as they duo slowly begin to walk through the crowds, Qor felt slightly confused at first of why his weapon seemed to be confiscated, but he wanted to learn of the Force and that meant sacrificing a physical weapon.

“I wanted to thank you for your help on Hoth, I wish to repay you soon.” Qor replied as they both looked at a basket of what seemed to be skewered meat, while Xantros chuckled softly.

“Let’s start with dinner and we’ll see how that goes.” The Jedi replied, for once the Battlemaster seemed to enjoy his company. He actually enjoyed sentient company.

A week earlier, office of the Consul of Clan Odan-Urr, New Tython

"It is completely unacceptable!" spoke A'lora Kituri, the Consul of Clan Odan-Urr, when she heard that Xantros, the Rollmaster of Clan Odan-Urr, invited Battlemaster Lexiconus Qor, the Aedile of House Imperium, to New Tython, in order to discuss differences between their philosophies.

"I believe that it is completely acceptable," replied Xantros calmly. "I have saved his life, when we met in caves on Hoth, and I am responsible for him and his fate."

"What do you mean?" asked the Consul.

"I have saved himself and though he is a follower of the dark side, I see a piece of light in him," explained the Duros. "This invitation and whole discussion is aimed to make him abandon the ways of the Darkness and to join our ranks. At least, I hope so."

"Your hopes may put us in great danger," said Kituri. "If he learns more about defense systems, we will be severely exposed to attack from Scholae Palatinae."

"We are vulnerable to attacks anyway," reminded her the Jedi Vanguard. "If you do not remember, I will remind you that I was one of the followers of the dark side, who have invaded New Tython few years ago. If they wanted, they could crush us with easy, even though we have gained some additions to our fleet."

"Very well, then," replied the Togruta. "However, if you anything wrong happens, you will also be punished for his crimes."

"I am aware of this, but I am convinced that it will not be necessary. I will make sure that he will do nothing that would threat us," spoke Xantros.

Present time, Visulu Market, New Tython

„Take this one,” pointed the Duros to a skewer with several small pieces of red meat. „It has been made from the most delicious local meat. You will like it.”

„Thanks,” replied the Quarren, took the skewer and ate it. „It is indeed delicious.”

„I believe that it would be wise, if we exchanged one question for one question, am I right?” asked Xantros.

„Yes,” agreed Lexiconus. „It seems to be quite reasonable.”

„Very well, then. Your my guest, so you have the right to ask the first question,” replied the Jedi Vanguard.

„What have you found here, among the Jedi of Clan Odan-Urr?” asked the Sith Battlemaster.

It took Xantros a moment to think about his interlocutor's question, but soon, he answered, „I have found a shelter here. A place, where I can redeem myself and pay for my past crimes as one of the Krath by serving weak and poor people. A small measure of peace, which slowly heals wounds of my soul and heart. The goal, which has given brand new sense to my life, which previously was nothing more than a pathetic existence in the neverending quest to satisfy my hunger of power. Knowledge, which provides me with tools, which are necessary to bring eternal peace to the Galaxy, allowing its inhabitants to live freely and without the fear for their own lives. Friends, who support and respect me despite of my horrible past. I can trust them, because I see that they trust me too. All these things were inaccessible for me in the times, when I was a Krath and a member of Scholae Palatinae, yet when it had been a House, as the dark side encourages its followers to rivalry and mutual hate, unspoken suspicions and constant betrayals, Is it a satisfying answer?”

„I will have to think it over, when the time is appropriate,” replied the Aedile of House Imperium. „What is your question, Xantros?”

„Do you have to follow the teachings of the dark side, in order to bring peace in the Galaxy? Why?” asked the Rollmaster of Clan Odan-Urr, in order to determine the extend of Qor's loyalty to the dark side and to cast doubts in his interlocutor's mind.

As the pair paced slowly through the bustling Visulu marketplace, Lexiconus Qor considered Xantros' question. One one hand the Quarren didn't want to give out too much information concerning Scholae Palatinae's current affairs. On the other hand, he respected the Duros. Reassuring him that he violence was not an answer would go a long way. Qor's face twisted in a grimace as he yawned.

“I chose the Dark Side because it gives me the ability to destroy those who mean harm and terror to our local cluster. I have the necessary tools to dispatch threats who are toxic to their environment, poisonous to the youthful minds and a persistent worry in the back of my Emperor’s mind.” The Quarren said with a clear conscience. While some words came out in Quarrenese, the Duros knew what the message meant. Xantros pondered on the answer with a thoughtful concern, he understood the need of serving justice to criminals but the capital punishment wasn’t something he agreed with. The Duros thought that negotiating with the unlawful and gaining their trust, may lead to a confession. Better yet, it may save them from a life of crime and villainy. Ever since he had come here, Xantros was seen as a helper to the people of lesser fortunes. His work on the streets with the poor and desperate helped him reflect on who he really could become. The Duros now thought that maybe, just maybe, Qor would also enjoy such a life.

“Maybe you could serve justice in another way. Instead of committing murder, end this long trail of blood?” The Quarren scoffed and shook his head. Silent, he continued walking through the square. A local jewellery seller was more than thrilled to show off her various wares to the duo. They decided to indulge her and stopped. Curious, they browsed her goods for a moment. Many emeralds, rubies and sapphires were strung together into fashionable necklaces and belts. Two silver tiaras sat close to the vendor. One had a large diamond embedded in it while the other wore a pink topaz for a centrepiece. Xantros sighed, he knew the real value of these products.

“They’re made of glass. These people cannot afford to buy such precious gems. So they pretend these baubles are the real deal,” the Duros whispered so that he would not to offend the vendor. Much to his dismay, she did hear him. Her smile sank instantly and her eyes welled up. He winced.Qor noticed her reaction too but slowly paced away. The Sith did not burden themselves with such petty concerns. To coddle the weak was a foolish and fruitless endeavor. The Quarren turned his attention to another vendor, this one selling robes.

“Why stop at glass, when diamonds and sapphires could be within their reach?” The Quarren stopped by one specific robe that caught his interest. aHe ran his clawed fingers over the rugged white fabric. It was rough to the touch and more than a few threads were broken. This robe, much like the rest of this pitiful marketplace, was well beneath him. Meanwhile, the jeweller looked around to check if the Quarren was truly gone. Quickly she put her best pearls back on display. She knew some sea creatures could be addicted or offended by them and she wasn’t about to take a chance with such intimidating a figure. Xantros nodded knowingly but his thoughts were elsewhere. He too wondered why he should become a servant when a master in trade and practice was so much more rewarding. The Duros walked in the Quarren’s wake, stopping to glance at the very same robe. He repeated Qor’s actions and ran a finger across the fabric.To him it was a perfectly acceptable piece if not for the holes and broken threads. This robe had, much like him, clearly been through a lot. Another metaphor that Xantros could use.

“Because we all eventually grow old and diminish. Our bodies become slower to practice while our minds grow more powerful. You can only run two miles when last month you could run five. It is an eternal struggle against time, one which we all face. I am simply trying to show you a prosperous path; a fruitful alternative to the Dark Side.” The Duros said with wisdom twinkling behind his ruby eyes. As they studied one another, Sith and Jedi, it became clear that Xantros was getting through to Qor. But there was lingering doubt in his soul. The Quarren knew all too well the consequences that he would face were he to renounce the Dark Side.The Emperor would not forgive such transgression. Neither would his Quaestor, Kell Dante. Their teachings on his leadership were harsh, but they bore fruit. To obey and listen were always the key factor.

Qor wanted to pursue the only branch of knowledge he truly cared about: the studies of medicine and that of healing through the Force. To choose the trivial life of a pilgrim healer might inflict offense to his superiors, one deeper than treachery or attempted assassination. The work he did presently as a combat medic post-battles were always a productive experience, as the wounded and broken in the aftermath were mostly willing to speak. Some required a bit of persuasion. The tightening of his grip on their windpipes. The subtle but effective twisting of broken bones, or even poking and prodding infected wounds were always a successful way of interrogation. Qor was good at what he did. But it was healing the sick, or studying the unknown infections and diseases that littered this galaxy that truly reached him. Now in his current capacity, he didn’t even patch up his victims, his brethren. With a heavy sigh, Qor walked towards a red clothed stall built into the sandstone terracing at the back of the Visulu marketplace.

“I agree with what you say. I need to get out of this before I am killed or discarded. I want to be the healer that people can respect and count on. That is simply not the way of the Empire.” The Quarren noticed a wooden, wind-beaten sign hanging from a sunroof overhead. It depicted a small tea-glass with green fluids steaming from inside, as an elegant hand twirled the spoon inside. The Aurebesh under it read Star Creds which seemed to be the popular franchise for selling hot beverages in the Cocytus System. The duo stepped inside, away from the light and sandy wind. They approached a malnourished teenage boy with a shamrock-coloured mohawk.

“Good morning sirs. Welcome to Star Creds. What can I get you today?” His voice crackled in different pitches as he spoke in a bored tone. Qor was unsure what he wanted to try today, so he motioned for Xantros to speak for them.

“Two Zeltros apple teas would do the trick, if you please?” The Duros offered a smile to the boy. Qor pulled his hood down. The boy was taken aback at the sight of a Quarren, a species they did not often encounter on New Tython. Ever the professional, he managed to compose himself to work at the till.

“That’ll be forty-seven credits please, sir.” His crackling voice weakly replied. The price was far steeper than Xantros remembered. His fists clenched up while his ruby eyes glared softly. Qor could swear he felt a pinch of the Dark Side leak from the Duros’ aura.

“Last week it was twenty-seven for the same order. Are you trying to rob me, boy? Twenty-seven will be fine.” Xantros said as he slowly waved his hand, the Light Side persuading the boy’s mind. But he snapped out of it as the till prompted him with a warning sign to pay quickly.

“But sir, your order comes up as forty-seven on my monitor.” Grumbling in Durese, Xantros turned to Qor who could only shrug.

“Zelosians are idiots, what can you do?” The Quarren whispered to the Duros, while a small and calculating smirk grew across his face.

Xantros sighed with despair and spoke, "Fine, we will pay. Still, be sure that the tax office will get interested in your company."

The boy hit the till with his fist. "I am sorry, sir," he spoke. "It seems that we have experienced a malfunction. You were correct, the price of your order is twenty seven credits."

The Duros smiled to the Zelosian and paid for both himself and his guest. "I am glad that the prices have not changed since my last visit here."

"So, where did we stop?" asked the Vanguard, while the boy served them two cups of Zeltros apple tea.

"I agreed with your words," answered the Battlemaster.

"Yes, I can recall now," spoke Xantros. "There is always a choice. You may abandon the path of violence and anger. There is also a path of peace and serenity. Many say that your way demands strong will, in order not to get destroyed by your own feelings, but it requires even more willpower to walk the path of the light."

The Duros suddenly stopped his speech and put a tea bag on the table. A second later, it was launched in the air and hit the Zelosian boy precisely at his nose.

"Never ever do this again," spoke the Vanguard. "Has no one taught you that it is rude and unsafe to eavesdrop someone's chat? You may never know, whether you may eavesdrop someone dangerous, who will not tolerate such impoliteness."

Xantros sighed and observed as the boy went to the back of the coffee shop. Then, he continued, "I sense great potential in you. You will demonstrate it, if you decide to renounce the teachings of the dark side and join us, the Jedi on New Tython. Do not be afraid, we have sufficient means to protect you from your current leaders and assassins, who may be hired by them."

Qor nodded, but remained silent, pondering his interlocutor's words.

Qor let out a huff of impatience and stared at the steaming rolling from his cup, his mind muddled to think of a reply. The soft white puffs of steam warmed his face but it didn’t calm him, it was not like the Quarren to be angry. The idea of taking asylum with the Jedi on New Tython was very profitable, with functioning hospitals to study in, acres of wild lands to explore and a Jedi archive at his disposal. Qor questioned his motives of staying with the Empire, as he had a sense of loyalty to the power he had acclaimed. Scholae Palatinae was a powerful unit within the Brotherhood, with ties spreading across the entire sector of space it colonised, the idea didn’t seem logical to leave.

“Rollmaster, it’s not that I do not honour your offer of sanctuary within Odan-Urr. I infact would grasp the chance like a young Quarren boy, but there’s no power or authority here for me to enforce. If I force myself to abandon the reputation and structure I have built myself around, just for a poor man’s life, what would I gain from that?” Qor spoke out, as his eyes met back with Xantros’. He could see the smile fade from the Duros, who rubbed his bald head and mumbled something to himself.

“Boy! Two Duro spice cakes with extra jam!” Xantros shouted out as he leaned back and threw his arm in the air. The Zelosian teen quickly replied “Aye aye sir!” As he rushed back into the kitchen. While his sipped his apple tea and licked his lips, the Duros grew a smile again while his gaze seem to fade somewhere else.

Xantros then chuckled as he said “I haven’t had spice cake in many decades. Used to practically live off the stuff when I was a boy. Running down the corridors of the orbital space station, passing messages to officers. Just so I can get my reward of that delicious and moist cake. I’m lucky to see the stuff now.” The Zelosian servant strode back out of the kitchen with two plates of spice cake, while he tucked a jar and a spoon into his apron pocket. The teen rushed over to the table and set the plates down with a heavy clang, as he whimpered apologies in Zelosian. He placed the jar and spoon on the table as he spoke. “I will just leave this jar with you sirs, help yourselves, it’s on the house!” Xantros’ eyes lit up as he beamed a smile towards the boy, then patted his arm before he left.

“Tell me Qor, is there anything you miss about childhood?” The Quarren sipped his tea lightly and broke a piece of the moist cake off, before nibbling on the soft texture. His tastebuds flared up with the spices of something similar to cinnamon and sugar. The Quarren spluttered into his fist and coughed heavily, he was surprised at the intensity of the flavour.

“Well,” Qor said before he coughed to clear his throat. “I used to live nearby a giant coral reef which was home to a rainbow of coral plants, sponges and many fish. The coral itself was so large that the machines used for mining had to go around them, they didn’t take the risk of falling deep into the reef’s rocks. Myself and a friend called Kaara used to swim through the branches and check for budding plants. These would be the coral who have matured and been pollinated by passing fish, so they were ready to release the spores for planting. I remember she would slap the coral by the trunk, then lift her shirt and the spores would fill her shirt right up. They tasted amazing and were wonderful stewed. I wish I could have wild coral spores as much as I did.” The Quarren grew a smile as his sight faded off to a distant memory, his hands stroking the warm glass of the apple tea.

Xantros nodded and smiled back. “You gave it up for this life, of a Force-User, sacrifice is part of life.” He replied.

Qor sighed with despair as he was drawn back to reality, as he took a large gulp of his apple tea to finish it. “I was taken from that life, forced to be something I was not. If I went back it would cause upstir in the family and there’d be trials and such. I’m not even sure who is Sovereign of Dac anymore. Sure, i’d love an idyllic life, but not before I have got my big breakthrough, my name in the history books and spoken of in honourable topics. I’m just not ready to settle yet.”

Qor cut another piece of the cake off as he sighed, his smile was gone and he felt a sense of need. To achieve the improbable or to conquer something great, whatever his legacy would be the Quarren desired it the most. But he needed a guide or a mentor, Xantros fit the bill.

Xantros nodded. He understood Qor's attitude well, as he had a quest to accomplish too. He wished to bring peace and prosperity to the Galaxy. It was his utmost goal, which would probably take him many years, assuming that it was possible to achieve. However, there was also something else. Vague impressions about a place, where he could find peace for himself and call it true home. Somewhere in the Galaxy he was going to find not only quantum of solace, but also a way to develop himself and to settle a base of operation to help him achieve his utmost goal. He thought for a moment, eating the rest of his cake in silence.

"Well, I guess it is the time to continue our walkabout," spoke the Vanguard. "I would like to tell you something that shall not be heard by ears of... undesired people."

"Well, it sounds interesting," replied the Quarren. "Is it something that will help me secure my position in the Brotherhood?"

"We shall see," said the Duro, "We shall see. Still, we need to find a more suitable place to talk than this café. There is another café, which is usually almost empty, as it has been designed for more private talks. The stuff is very discreet and understands the need not to evesdrop someone else's talks. Still, only authorized guests are allowed to visit it."

"And you are an authorized guest?" asked Lexiconus.

"Of course, I am," answered Xantros with a polite smile.

The two Force users left the café and started a casual chat about local cuisine, while they walked on the other side of the Visulu Marketplace, where they could see a small doorplate with a plate of seafood engraved on its surface.

"Here we are," said the Vanguard. He entered the café first and whispered few words to the waiter, who was standing nearby. The human nodded and showed the guests the way to a table in far corner of the main room of the restaurant.

"We may talk freely now," spoke Xantros, as the waiter went to the kitchen to bring the Duro's order.

"So, what do you want to tell me?" asked Qor.

"I have had some visions in the last weeks, since I started to feel a bit more comfortable on New Tython," explained the Duro. "They are very vague, but I can draw some conclusions from them. There is a planet somewhere in the Galaxy. It has remained uncharted on any map of the Galaxy so far, but I have heard legends about a planet, the inhabitants of which believe in something known as Unity. It sounds like a different point of view on the Force. As it has been uncharted so far, very few people are actually aware about its existence and even fewer know its location."

"How is it related to me?" asked the Battlemaster, though he was indeed curious.

"I do not know the location of the planet, but I can sense that it is somehow tied to my future, possibly our future," explained Xantros. "If we managed to find it, we could definitely make a good use of it. Though, it might be necessary to completely change our lives and attitude to many matters."

"I see," replied Qor, when the waiter brought two plates of fish, which was not known to the Quarren. "What is it?"

"It is the best local species of fish," spoke the waiter. "We call it qossilli, which in basic means living pearl, as it is extremely rare and expensive due to the fact that it is protected by law and we can fish only a small percentage of its population."

"Who is going to pay for it?" asked the Quarrent.

"You are my guest, so do not worry about the costs," answered Xantros. "Just try it and enjoy its taste, while thinking about my proposal."

Qor wasted no time and dug into his qossilli savagely, his tentacles wrapping and severing the head shortly before other tentacles stripped the bones of flesh. He shoved the white meat into his mouth feverishly, with a look of glee and odd slurping sounds coming from his enjoyment. While the skin and organs of the qossilli were beginning to make a mess, the Quarren couldn’t help but notice Xantros staring silently at him. Qor slowly looked up and halted in his exciting feed, slightly confused and worried.

“What’s the matter? Did you want some?” The Quarren said, as he offered the broken fishhead to the Duros. Xantros shook his head and continued eating his own qossilli with a fork and fish knife.

“It is a lovely meat, sweet texture with a hint of smoky aftertaste.” The Vanguard said, which Qor could agree on. The soft meat fell apart on his tongue and diluted his watery mouth with sweet juices which tasted as close to heaven as it could. Swallowing it was easy, and the crescendo of the smoky treatment came out wonderfully once he could breathe again. It was delightful, flawless and held so much protein for Qor. The Battlemaster felt comfortably persuaded.

“So about this planet, I take it your libraries would have something about The Unity in it? Maybe in the Arca Praxeum?” Qor spoke curiously, he already knew vast amounts on the capital of New Tython already, but he was interested to hear what the Jedi knew about the subject. Xantros nodded in agreement as he finished a large chunk of qossilli.

“Oh quite certainly. The library of the ‘Praxeum is thousands of years old and the first structure we discovered. Dating before 5000 BBY, so there’s a strong chance The Unity would be illustrated clearly in their tomes. It’ll just take a long time to translate.” The Duos chuckled to himself as he began to lick the knife clean of flavour.

“I just want you to know, I caught this batch of fish you’re eating. It pays to be a Jedi like me.” He winked at the Quarren, who now seemed aroused by Xantros’ skills and his taste seafood cuisine. But Qor saw a problem in their plan.

“Do you know anyone who can translate these tomes? Because I know we both don’t speak Harakoan or any earlier languages.” The Quarren replied, he could see this puzzled the Duros, who mumbled with the fork’s fingers in his mouth.

“Perhaps the archaeologists down there know the language, which is why they uncovered it in the first place. I’m sure there will be an expert or two on hand to help. The point is,” Xantros ate another piece of his fish quickly, then looked around to inspect for eavesdroppers. Satisfied there was no one, he leaned in closer and began to whisper. “The Grand Master will not tolerate the Jedi influence for much longer. He has already moved to exterminate the undesirable races, it wouldn’t be long before we Jedi are made undesirable.” For once, Qor agreed with the old Duros, the Grand Master was beginning a massive agenda to make the Brotherhood an elitist group, reserved for a very small bracket of the Galaxy. Weakness and dilution of his members wasn’t an option, only the best tactics are passed on by survivors he thought. But the Quarren questioned who would these survivors be. It became more and more clear that even people with scholarly strengths or non-Humanoids may also be targets. The list was endless, this worried Qor further. He needed to protect himself and Xantros began to be a more viable option.

“I see your point, so are the Jedi going to make a move on evacuating?” The Battlemaster queried Xantros, desperate to know if this unnamed planet would be the contingency plan for all of the Odanites. Duros looked around and clicked his fingers quickly.

“Drinks, waiter!” He turned back to Qor and shrugged. “I’m not sure, but it’s a good plan as any, maybe even we could start our own unit.” Qor admired the sound of a fresh start, but this wasn’t a good enough reason to just polarise his teachings to the light. He wanted a valid reason, something that he could rely on and devote his time to, the Dark Side was risky and life-threatening but it opened paths and abilities even the Jedi weren’t going to accept. The duo couldn’t remain limited to one side of the Force in order to practice and meditate on. They needed balance, above all else.

“I can accept this offer but on one condition only.” Qor replied as Xantros begin to smile, it seemed to the Quarren they reached a middle-ground.

“Name it.” The Duros grinned politely as he rested back on his chair in patience.

“We both use the Light and the Dark Side. Balance the Force between us and walk that blurred line together.” Qor used his open palms to present this option, by clasping them together in unity, it delivered a strong message. All Xantros could do was bite his lip in reservation and think through this option through.

The unity. A follower of the dark side and a disciple of the light side walking the same path to find a legendary planet and started a new chapter in their lives. Something that even Xantros only had dreamed about and had never actually expected to happen. However, it was so close and the Vanguard was about to accept Qor's proposal, despite the fact that it was in the contrary to his believes, when his communicator beeped. It was an urgent message. The Duros tooked the communicator out from a pocket and his green face went pale, when he read the message.

"Battlemaster, our joint adventure must be postponed," spoke the Jedi. "You need to leave New Tython at once."

"Why?" asked Qor.

"I have just receive the message that I need to go meet with the rest of the Clan Summit at once and assist them with evacuation of New Tython," explained Xantros.

"What?"

"We have been warned that the Grand Master has decided to mark the Jedi as the undesirables of the Dark Jedi Brotherhood," answered the Vanguard. "New Tython will be subjected to orbital bombardment within few hours. I am needed elsewhere and if you value your life, be somewhere else."

Qor looked at the leftovers of the fish, which he would gladly eat, but spoke, "Very well, then. Thank you for the talk. I shall go now, then."

"I will make sure that you will receive the top priority for leaving the planet, so you wil get the clearance to set off immediately, when you contact the control tower," said Xantros.

"Thank you," replied the Quarren. "I hope that we will meet again."

"I hope so too," spoke Xantros and left the café without any further delay, as he had a lot to do, if he wished to save as many people as it was only possible before the upcoming destruction of New Tython.