Etah stood in the center of the small stage, surrounded by a human and a Barabel. The stage itself was in the dinning facility that was pretty much the epicenter of the Galeres Barracks. The Dark Jedi soldiers of the house ate there and met there for briefings, but this would be something different. "Galeres has been without its Troika for too long," the dark skinned Sakiyan whispered to his human companion.

"Agreed," replied the human known as Timeros.

The black skinned Quaestor turned to his equally black skinned Barabel companion and quietly said, "Gather them, and bring them here, Aedile."

"As you wish," the short armored figure said before turning and disappearing.

The dining facility the Dark Jedi of the House Galeres were gathering in was spacious but also fairly drab. The tables and chairs were made of some kind of dark brown wood and though they still looked new, it was obvious they had seen heavy use. The floor was the dull gray color of the duracrete it was made from and there were more than a few particles of dust resting on its surface, kicked up by the boots of the Dark Jedi entering the area. Etah remained at the center of the stage, garbed in the now familiar Shadesworn robes, the human next to him and the Barabel approaching him in various dark colored robes.

"Greetings," Etah said, letting his voice echo powerfully across the room. "Galeres has a tradition of forming a Troika, a group of three individuals to assist the summit and stand as living symbols of what our House Represents to the Dark Brotherhood."

The Sakiyan paused briefly. "For more than a while now we have gone without appointing these positions or awarding our unique awards. Now that I have been charged with guiding House Galeres, we will return to these traditions."

The Krath Archpriest paused for applause before continuing. "To that end I request the presence of Malidir Trepidus Erinos Arconae, Maaks and Xuthen, right now," Etah finished.

After the three names were called, the sound of scooting was followed by the tap tap tap of boots on the deck, ringing out through the room as the three aforementioned individuals rose from their seats and began approaching the stage as requested. A light chatter rose from amongst the crowd as a human male, a human female and a young Miraluka male moved to join the human, Sakiyan and Barabel already on the stage. After the dark face of the Quaestor stared at the now occupied crowd for a few moments, a menacing hiss from the Barabel convinced to crowd to quiet down so that the assembly could continue. The three stood together on the left side of the speaker, the Aedile and Roll-master standing on his right.

"The First Blade of Galeres" Etah began, "Is aggressive, powerful, vicious and fearful, an undisputed master of the blade and a combatant with few equals. They are harbinger of the House Summit's wrath, and an avatar of all that Galeres represents," the Sakiyan gave a short pause. "There was only one possible selection.... Malidir Trepidus Erinos Arconae."

The Quaestor gave another short pause, as Malidir stepped out from the far side of the line and came to rest facing Etah. The dark-skinned Equite handed his much respected companion some kind of rock or gem. "The symbol of the office is the Shard of Garrida. a rare and powerful lightsaber focusing crystal," the dark skinned Equite said dismissing Malidir with a nod, back to the line he had been standing in previously.

"The Prodigy of Galeres is traditionally a lower ranking journeyman, new to the Clan who impresses the House Summit with drive, ambition, tenacity, intelligence and ability. The position has been held by such luminaries are Legorii Kryotek Entar and today the title is extended to Maaks, the destined leader of Arcona's next generation."

Etah reached behind him to pick up a piece of armor. Facing the Miraluka he lifted the armor and its long cloak and fitted it over the young Protector's shoulders. "This is the refurbished armor of an ancient Sith Lord and gives its wearer access to all fighters, shuttles, bombers or gunships in the Arcona fleet along with certain ground units," the Sakiyan dismissed his blind subordinate with an ironic nod, sending him back to the line he had come from.

After the roar of applause died down "the Adjunct of Galeres," Etah began as the room quieted down.

"While the First Blade and the Prodigy serve as examples of the present and future of the house to the entire Brotherhood, the Adjunct works quietly behind the scenes to aid their House, serving not only as aide but also adviser. The person filling the position is supposed to be very experienced Dark Jedi, both in leadership and in the Force. The person most qualified for the position, is a recent re-arrival to the Clan who has the full trust and support of the Clan and House Summits. Archpriest Xuthen, please approach," the Sakiyan said quietly but forcefully.

As the human female approached him, the dark skinned Quaestor handed her an simple unadorned ring that would serve as the symbol of her office, giving her access to computer systems and areas within the barracks off-limits to others.

The Quaestor nodded, and Xuthen moved behind the Sakiyan rather than over to the other members of the Troika.

"Zakath, JScumm, Celahir Erinos, approach!" the Quaestor called out authoritatively.

The Barabel standing next to the human behind Etah approached and spun in front of the Archpriest, joined shortly by a young green eyed human with facial tattoos and a taller, more severe looking middle aged human. Xuthen handed her leader a blue piece of armor and Etah approached the Barabel and fitted the dark blue pauldrons of command over his Aedile's head, the pauldrons resting on either shoulder. The process was repeated, first with JScumm, the middle aged man and then with Celahir, the young man with green eyes.

Etah stepped back and gave a meaningful nod, all three returning to their previous positions. "The Pauldrons of Command simply signify a military command. JScumm is obviously Commander of the Clan's Elite Battleteam, the Blue Mist Squadron and Celahir is Sergeant of the crack special operations Soulfire Strike Team."

The Sakiyan paused briefly, taking a breath of air, as he turned to Zakath. "When I was Aedile of the House Galeres and I had no clear military command, I was awarded the Pauldrons and given a platoon of Selenian Rangers to command by Quaestor Dash. They have served me and Arcona well in many conflicts hence but unfortunately my present duties as Questor prevent me from being an effective battlefield commander. So their command with be transferred to you," Etah informed his subordinate.

"Xuthen will make award announcements," Etah said as Xuthen stepped forward and he walked next to his fellow summit members. The sharp female voice broke through the thick weariness of a crowd unfamiliar with her. "I am Xuthen, Adjunct of Galeres. Celahir Erinos, Dathka Zhar-Khon, JScumm, Timeros Caesus Entar Arconae, Tirano Yamayura, Wolvie "the Jackal" and Xathia. Approach!" Her voice echoed through the facility, the command compelling though less forceful than Etah's own. Celahir and JScumm approached again still wearing their Pauldrons. Timeros stepped out from beside Etah and stepped to the far right of the long line forming, just slightly distant from the others.

Xuthen reached for something behind her, grabbing a dark grey garment that looked rather like a skirt. In reality it was a Kama, a protective garment worn around the back of the waist to protect the wearer’s legs from shrapnel, a garment reminiscent of the armor worn by the Thyrsus Sun Guard.

"The Kama is awarded for major contributions to a conflict" Xuthen said to all those assembled in the dining facility, as she went down the line handing out the garment to each person called. When all were passed out Xuthen dismissed those assembled so she could begin the next phase of the awards. Timeros returned to his place beside the Barabel and everyone else stepped off of the stage and returned to their former seats, save Xathia. Curiously enough she moved to the far right of the front of the stage and stood there.

"Archer Merchant, Raith Xderon, Xar'Kahn and Zakath, approach!" Xuthen called out again, the Barabel behind her and the Wookiee and two humans in the crowd began readying themselves to join Xuthen on the stage.

As the Barabel, the Wookiee and both humans assembled in front of Xuthen, four droids presented themselves. The slate grey droids instructed their new owners that they were Archivist Droids and could assist them in their training, helping them research obscure texts, translating ancient tomes even useful as a protocol/general servant droid, being able to manage housework and culinary duties. "The archivist droids are awarded for contributions to a conflict by journeymen members of the House." Xuthen said, her voice echoing across the room. "Thank you," she told the four members recently awarded, informing them to return to their former places. Zakath returned next to Timeros and Etah, the other three walked back into the crowd.

Etah stepped forward putting a hand on Xuthen's shoulder. As he stepped into center stage, Xuthen stepped back and stood beside Malidir and Maaks on the other side from the House Summit. "I would like to announce the last three Dark Brotherhood awards relating to the last Great Jedi War. Due to a transition in Master-At-Arms policy I decided three deserving members could be further awarded for their contributions to our historic success in the last Great Jedi War."

The Sakiyan halted for a second. "To that end, JScumm and Tirano Yamayura have been awarded a much deserved Steel Cross and Dathka Zhar-Khon was awarded an equally deserved Dark Cross. After requesting these awards I noted that all three men were part of the same Battle Team and decided to alter Galeres tradition," the Quaestor said, looking around the crowd of Dark Jedi.

"JScumm, Tirano, Dathka, please approach," Etah requested. "The Blue Mist Squadron is a new battle team in the grand scheme of things, the Cabal Cronal having existed in its stead when the Galeres traditions were last honored. Therefor I have designated these three men to be awarded Blue Mist Flight Wings. A skill badge worn on their outer garments that displays their skills in flight and establishes them as rated officers, giving them more authority and privilege within the Arconan Armed Forces. Henceforth, the Blue Mist Flight Wings will only be issued by the Sith Commander of the Blue Mist and will be awarded for loyalty and long term exemplary service." As he enunciated the last word, the three Pilots came to stop in front of him and the Quaestor pinned the Wings on the right side of each mans chest in turn, politely excusing them when the act was complete.

As the three men sat down, their simple metal wings sparkling under the ceiling lights, Etah cleared his throat. Xathia walked toward the center of the stage and Xuthen stepped from behind him, walked around the Sakiyan and stood in front of the Quaestor, beside Xathia. "Turn around" Etah Commanded. "The Shadesworn Training Scheme is now in effect ladies and gentlemen, all Equites will choose between being a Shade Warrior or a Shadow Knight and if one does not choose, it will be chosen for you. Xathia and Xuthen are our first fully functional Shadesworn pair, the first of many and the dawn of a new day within the Clan Arcona. Expect to see great things from them in the future." Etah turned around to his Barabel companion and simply stated, "release them," as he exited the stage and began to walk away.

Summery

Troika

The First Blade of Galeres: Malidir (Shard of Garrida)

The Prodigy of Galeres: Maaks (Mantle of the Prodigy)

the Adjunct of Galeres: Xuthen (Signet Ring)

Pauldrons of Command

Zakath

JScumm

Celahir Erinos

Kama

Celahir Erinos

Dathka Zhar-Khon

JScumm

Timeros Caesus Entar Arconae

Tirano Yamayura

Wolvie "the Jackal"

Xathia

Archivist Droid

Archer Merchant

Raith Xderon

Xar'Kahn

Zakath

Blue Mist Flight Wings

JScumm

Tirano

Dathka

First Functional Shadesworn Pair

Xuthen

Xathia