Kul’tak shifted nervously in the shuttle’s rigid seat, the training saber at his side a new weight to get used to. Having passed the trials that would begin his foray into the ranks of Clan Plagueis, the young Zabrak was eager to prove himself in the upcoming tests. Of course, his time on Iridonia had not allowed him much in the way of a technical education--he found it difficult to perform quick mathematics and critical thinking--and so he hoped to perhaps improve those deficiencies in the Shadow Academy. But where to start? From he’d been told, all were allowed to take what classes they wanted at whatever time it pleased them. In that case, it might be beneficial to begin at a point he could build off of. A combat related degree, perhaps? His budding strength in martial arms may prove useful in a learning facility after all.

The Zabrak realized the older man across from him was staring. His blue eyes marked the Zabrak’s acolyte robe and he nodded pointedly.

“You’re from Plagueis? We’ve been getting a few new journeymen lately from what I hear. I take it you’re beginning your time aboard the *Paladin*?”

Kul nodded. Ever since his “indoctrination” into the dark clan, where he’d been broken down, it was hard for him to carry a decent conversation. He’d lost a part of himself then, but couldn’t remember what exactly.

“Excellent! Always a pleasure to see a new mind wanting to learn a thing or two. Have you decided what you’d like to pursue first? Most new journeymen like to get into the histories a bit, to learn about where our systems and beliefs originated.”

The Acolyte stared out of the small porthole to his left, the hulking VSDII and headquarters for the Academy coming into view.

“I’m not sure, to be honest,” Kul finally replied. “I considered looking into the history of the Sith, but feel my strengths lie with my combat ability.”

The man’s eyebrow rose, slightly stretching the scar running down his left cheek. He scratched at his stubbled chin.

“Hmm. A fighter, eh? Then you may find the introductory notes on the Antei Combat Center to be of interest. Once you’ve completed the qualification exam, you could challenge opponents from your own clan or from the other ones to duels to prove yourself in the eyes of the Brotherhood. A nasty business, in my opinion, but to each their own.”

The Zabrak’s hood nearly slipped off as he jerked his attention to the man across from him. His curiosity was written under the intense gaze of his orange eyes.

“You mean There's a place I can fight freely like that?”

The man chuckled at the youngling’s eagerness for violence.

“You certainly chose the right clan, then.”

He paused as the Zabrak’s face darkened.

“Ah. You were with the group of slaves that came in this past month, I take it? Apologies, but you'll need more than a desire to kill to survive in Plagueis, boy.”

His gaze lighted upon the large destroyer as it dwarfed their smaller transport. The other passengers began to prepare their personal items for departure. The man brushed off his cloak, which Kul noted was highly professional appearing. Expensive cloth with chain adorning the chest and collar.

The vessels locked together with a loud hiss and Kul’s excitement continued to rise with the noise as passengers began to hustle their way to the exit ramp. He could actually study the martial arts at his will! It made sense, Iridonia had similar facilities for those who did extremely well during their *Selenoren.* Alas, Kul had been denied that opportunity due to being brought to the Brotherhood.

The Zabrak nearly leapt off the transport as he tried to find a marker that could direct him to the Novice Halls. As his head swiveled, he caught sight of the man again standing beside him. He offered a hand to the Zabrak, who shook it once firmly.

“I look forward to seeing your knowledge grow, Acolyte. By the way, I never got your name?”

“Oh, sorry. Kul. I'm Kul’tak Drol.”

“A pleasure, Drol. My name is Dacien Victae. But you can just call me Headmaster.”

As the realization hit the Zabrak his eyes widened, causing the man to laugh as he marched away. He threw up a hand in farewell and disappeared behind a blastdoor marked “To the Headmaster’s Office.”

As Kul continued on his own way, amused and annoyed at the same time (*How did I not realize?*), another thought crossed his mind.

*How did he know I was from Plagueis?*

The Zabrak sighed and realized he had much more to learn than he had originally thought.