The First Contact.
*** The swirling blue maelstrom of hyperspace  stretched endlessly beyond the viewport,
Impatience
a mesmerizing cascade of light bending  and warping as the Consular-class light
cruiser surged toward its destination.  For most aboard the Radiant Dawn,
the journey had been spent in quiet  contemplation or professional focus.
Both of which were never a strong  side of young Anakin Skywalker.
The fourteen-year-old Padawan sat in the  co-pilot’s seat of the forward observation deck,
his foot tapping against the polished  floor. His eyes darting to instruments   and screens, every few seconds. “How much longer?” he asked for
the third time in the last five minutes. Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi, stood with
his arms crossed behind his student. He  sighed in exasperation, shaking his head.
“The navicomputer says exactly  what it said before, Anakin,” he
pointed out. “You endured few days of travel  already. You can endure a few more hours.”
“I don’t know Kenobi, your padawan  seems ready to explode at any minute,”
Aalya Secura, chuckled looking up from a data pad. “He was very enthusiastic about joining this
expedition. He just didn’t know he will have to  train his patience,” Kenobi answered with a smile.
Knights shared a quiet chuckle  at the padawan’s expense.  Anakin scoffed in irritation. The new star systems  appeared in the Outer Rim, or well, technically
beyond it. They were located in the wild  space, slightly below the galactic disc.
There were no mapped hyperspace lanes  leading to new systems, so the last
stretch of the journey was especially slow. They were traveling for almost a week now,
and they didn’t even know what would they  find - or if they find anything at all.
“I know, master, but this uncertainty is  eating me alive!” Padawan moaned. “We could
be jumping between dead systems for weeks,  or be faced with giant space monsters or
completely new civilization!” His voice carried  an undercurrent of excitement rather than concern.
“We can also fall into a black hole, or  be shredded by whatever anomalous force
that spat out over 500-star systems out of  nowhere…” Dainis Vel Orrin, the captain of the
Radiant Dawn muttered, with far less enthusiasm. Obi-Wan arched an eyebrow. “I suppose that would
be one way to make first contact… in pieces.” Seated nearby, Plo Koon let out a deep,
modulated hum of amusement. The Kel Dor  Jedi Master, ever the voice of patience,
turned from the viewport. “Anticipation is  natural, young Skywalker. But the unknown
is best faced with clarity, not restlessness.” “I just want to see what’s out there,” Anakin
muttered. “So many stars appearing  out of nowhere? That’s incredible!
What kind of tech could even do that?” Across the bridge, Republic Intelligence
officer Arla Vonn leaned over the sensor station.  “If it was a technology, it’s beyond anything
we’ve ever seen. The reports indicate hundreds  of systems materialized all at once. One moment
there is an anomaly in the region, that can’t  be analyzed by any instruments we have on hand,
the next, the anomaly is gone, but our  galaxy have few hundred more stars,”
she shook her head. “That shouldn’t be possible.” K’Kruhk, the towering Whiphid Jedi Master, rumbled
in agreement. “It defies reason. And yet, here we  are.” His large arms crossed over his chest. “The
Force moves strangely around these systems.  Something is there, but it remains… elusive.”
Remaining Jedi nodded their agreement, they all  felt it. The oddness of those stars. An echo of
sorts, carried on the winds on the universe. Arla  Vonn looked like she wanted to object, but she
knew better than to question Jedi’s intuition. “More reason to be careful,” Obi-Wan said. “We
don’t know who or what we’re dealing with.” Arla Vonn nodded. “That’s why we have escorts.
Radiant Dawn will exist first, then Commander  Tekan’s Judicial fleet will move into formation,
behind us. No sudden moves, no miscommunication.” Plo Koon exhaled through his mask. “Let us hope
the unknown greets us with the same caution.” Anakin, turned to stare at the spiraling tunnel
of hyperspace. “I’m sure there will be  something amazing out there!” He smirked.
Obi-Wan shook his head with a weary smile. “I  fear what your definition of ‘amazing’ entails.”
*** [Two hours later]  *** The bridge of the
Arrival
Radiant Dawn hummed with the rhythmic pulse of  its systems. Captain Orrin, cleared his throat.
“We are nearly there. I got confirmation  from the rest of the fleet. We should be
exiting in formation. Time to exit -  half a minute. Be ready for anything.”
Standing near the forward viewport, Anakin  shifted impatiently, his arms crossed. His
foot tapped against the durasteel floor. Last two  hours were a torture, but his patience, if one
would call it that, was about to be rewarded. That didn’t stop him from tapping his foot.
Obi-Wan, far more composed, let  out a sigh, but said nothing.
Aayla Secura chuckled from behind them.  “Excited to see what’s out there, Skywalker?”
Anakin smirked. “How could I not be? We  will be first to see what’s out there.”
In the back, Plo Koon, K’Kruhk and Arla Vonn  were quietly conversing with Rann Tekan,
who was commanding their escort fleet. The  safety of the mission rested on his shoulders,
and the sheer magnitude of leading a fleet into  uncharted space showed in his focused expression.
Names and signatures of all vessels flickered on  a display. This wasn’t a standard survey mission,
after all. This fleet, the first to be sent into  the region, consisted of no less but 24 vessels,
led by a modified Dreadnought  Class Heavy Cruiser – Judicator,
that acted as the flagship of the fleet. Judicator alone would be more than enough to scare  off most pirates and other scum of the galaxy.
But it wasn’t alone, and even  through not all ships in the fleet   were dedicated military vessels, they  were all armed and ready for trouble.
“Exiting to real space,” called navigation  officer. “Three… two… one, exit.”
The Radiant Dawn exited hyperspace  with a smooth, calculated deceleration,
its sleek red hull cutting through the  cold darkness of space. Moments later,
the rest of the fleet, with the towering shape  of Judicator appeared behind it. Two Hammerhead
cruisers flanked either side of the flagship.  Four CR-70s and another four CR-90 formed up
behind them alongside six DP20 gunships,  protecting the support ships of the fleet.
Two CSS-1 Corellian star shuttles  were the core of the support fleet,
surrounded by four Barlzor-Class Freighters and  another four Gozanti class armored transports.
It was a formidable fleet, by the Outer Rim  standards. More than enough of firepower,
to scare of some upstart warlord or  pirate. And that’s before they could
even launch the complement of no less than  36 starfighters at any sign of trouble.
So, as the fleet formed up, on the edge of  the system, everyone felt quite confident.
But this confidence was shattered within  the first few minutes of the arrival.
“I’m picking quite a lot of comm traffic,”  Arla Vonn stated from her consol, her brow
furrowed. “Not on typical frequencies, some  are definitively encrypted… unknown languages
and codes, unknown energy signatures…” She  pulled out a death stick from between her
lips and let out a breath filled with  smoke. “We clearly aren’t alone here.”
“Confirmed. I’m piking up multiple  unknown signatures orbiting the nearest   gas giant,” Captain Danis Vel Orrin muttered in  agreement. “And some of them are quite large.”
Plo Koon walked closer to the viewing  port and spoke in a calming voice.
“What’s your opinion, commander?”  He asked into empty air.
The form of Ran Tekkan appeared as a  hologram before them. A well built man,
in his early forties didn’t look too  pleased by what he was seeing on the scans.
“Whoever is here, they didn’t notice us just yet.  I don’t see any of the signatures breaking off to
investigate us, and I’m thankful for it. I see  over a dozen of ships that dwarf my Judicator.”
“How much bigger?” Anakin asked by impulse. Kenobi furrowed his brow in irritation, but before  he could scold his student, Tekkan answered.
“Many are at least twice our size. Some  even bigger. Can’t get a clear reading
at this distance,” Commander answered and  let out a breath. “How should we proceed?”
Kenobi looked down at the  sensor screen, before he spoke. “The Radiant Path will move first. Your  fleet will follow us, giving us a bit of
space. We will travel slowly and not  make any sudden movements. We will
approach that gas giant and attempt  to establish contact,” he proposed.
“Let’s hope they aren’t the type of people who   shoot trespassers,” Captain Orrin let  out a cynical mutter under his nose.
K’Kruhk gave the captain a stern look, which  was ignored, before he turned to Kenobi.
“Sounds like a good plan. I will  call for protocol droid to join   us. They should be able to help with  translation of the newcomers language.”
“Very well,” Plo Koon nodded his head  in agreement. “Let us meet them.”
In moments, fleet formed up and moved deeper  into the system. The further they went,
the more signals appeared on their sensors.  Everyone was looking at the screens with
interest. The data didn’t match anything  in the database. Even energy signatures,
while similar in some ways, were  completely different in others.
And that was before they got  close to the purple gas giant.
“By the Force,” Aayla let  out, unable to look away.
Not a single person in the cockpit could. Two space stations, each resembling two  mushrooms stitched together by their stems,
First sight
orbited the gas giant and it’s  raging storms. A small fleet,
counting only five vessels stood near them,  taking a defensive formation around them.
Which was ironic, because the  smallest of their number was   far larger than Republic flagship. One  big vessel, leading the alien fleet,
was five times longer than the Judicator, not  to mention it was almost as wide as it was long.
Vessels were painted in dark green and gray.  Blue lights shone on the hull. Massive turrets
silently turned in the general direction of the  Republic fleet, but no target lock was detected.
Anakin swallowed loudly. He  expected many things… but not this.
“Master… something isn’t  right,” he said after a moment.
Kenobi glanced at his padawan. He hadn’t shared  Anakin’s unrestrained enthusiasm. Instead,
the Jedi Knight’s sharp eyes were studying  the fleet, looking for any sign of movement.
“Steady yourself, Anakin,” Obi-Wan said calmly,   his eyes still locked on the viewing port.  “We’re here to understand, not to fight. Let’s
talk to them before making judgments.” Anakin shook his head. “That’s not
what I meant,” he almost snapped  back. “Don’t you feel it master?”
All jedi looked at the Chosen One  with confusion. Unsure what he meant.
“Reach out,” Anaking said, almost pleaded.
They did so… and in a moment, they realized what   Anakin sensed sooner than any of  them. Or rather… what he didn’t.
“I can’t sense them,” Plo Koon stated, confused.
Arla Vonn looked up from her  consol. “What do you mean?” “Our sensors show that there are life signatures  in those ships… but we can’t sense them. Or at
least, they don’t have the same presence as other  living beings I encountered,” Plo Koon explained.
Aayla nodded her head. “True. It’s less than a  whisper… there is life there, just… different.”
K’Krukh crossed his arms. “Another riddle  to be solved,” he said in a deep tone.
“And we can only solve it by contacting  them,” Kenobi added straightening up,
and turning towards the protocol droid.  “Any progress on the translation matrix?”
Droid perked up at the question. “Still gathering   data. But I should be able to  send a simple worded message.”
“Let’s use open channel and try to make first  contact,” Plo Koon decided. “Tell them that
we are a survey mission of the Galactic  Republic, and that we come in peace.”
Protocol droid nodded, before connecting to the  main console and sending the message. There was a
moment of stillness, as both fleets eyed each  other. The tension in the air was palpable.
“The unknown fleet is attempting to establish a   direct connection,” Arla Vonn said,  as something beeped on her console.
“On screen,” Plo Koon commanded,  and it was done in a second.
Misidentification
What greeted them was an image of a  Humanoid alien, with blue-gray skin
and a strange breathing slit in her forehead  in a Y shape. Alien was definitely a female,
judging by her features. She wore green-blue  robe with white highlights and wide round hat.
She was about to speak, when her  eyes widened the moment she noticed   Kenobi and other Humans in the cockpit. She  cleared her throat, and made a slight bow.
"Salve in nomen Magni Bonis. Meum nomen est  Por'El Sa'cea Nia’Tel. Quis est vester propositum
hic?" She spoke in a strange language. The Republic delegation looked at each other  in confusion, and then at the protocol droid.
“What did she say?” Kenobi asked in a whisper. “Unknown. This language doesn’t match other  unencrypted communications we picked up,”
the droid responded. “Then why she is using this language?” Aayla
asked, crossing her arms while  looking up at the unknown alien.
“She did seem to recoil when she saw  you,” K’Kruhk noted, looking at Kenobi.
“But why would she do that?” Anakin asked,   looking up at the massive jedi  with confusion written on his face.
“I’m sure we will find out in time,” Plo Koon  stated in a calming tone, before looking at the
droid. “Translate my words',” after getting  a nod, he turned towards the screen. “We do
not know the language you spoke just now. But  our droid can learn yours, if you give them a
chance. If you send us a translation matrix for  your language, we will do the same in turn.”
Vonn glanced at him and wrinkled her  nose. “Do we really want to do that?”
“Ensuring that we understand  each other is most important   right now,” Plo Koon countered  and Vonn didn’t try to argue.
The alien seemed surprised by what she  heard, when translated words reached her.
She then turned to someone beyond the scope  of the camera and spoke in her native tongue,
making a few signs with her hands.  A moment later a data package was
received by Republic vessel and not long  after, another package was sent back.
It took moments for droid and drone minds to adapt  new information into existing databases. And so,
Welcome
the next moment that diplomat spoke, they  heard her words translated into galactic basic.
“Greetings travelers. My name is Por'El  Sa'cea Nia’Tel, but you can call me
Silent-tide. I’m a member of the Water Caste  and diplomat of the Tau Empire,” her voice,
was smooth like silk. “I bid you welcome  in the name of the Greater Good.”
Vonn raised an eyebrow. “That sounds  promising,” she muttered, looking at Plo Koon.
"Koh-to-yah, Por'El Sa'cea Nia’Tel,” Ancient Jedi   started. “I am Jedi Master Plo Koon of  the Galactic Republic. We come in peace.”
The Water Caste gave him a perfect  smile. “I’m glad to hear that,
Master Jedi. May I know what is  the purpose of your arrival?”
“We were sent, by the Galactic Senate  and Chancellor of the Galactic Republic,   to investigate the appearance of hundreds of star  systems,” Plo Koon explained. “Our task was to
survey those stars and establish contact with any  new civilization that arrived with those systems.”
Water Caste remained silent for a moment,  as if she was listening to something only
she could hear, before she spoke  up again. “I see. In this case,
I welcome you to the Sept of Fi’rios. The Tau  Empire welcomes you with open arms. We shall
escort you to Fi’rios Prime. Please follow Eternal  Accord. We will guide you to your destination.”
Kenobi didn’t miss that she didn’t specify what   their ‘destination’ would be,  and he wasn’t the only one.
“And where is that destination?” K’Kruhk  asked with a slightly tilted head.
“Tio’va Ka’lis. Capital city of  the Sept. The high dignitaries
will welcome you there,” she  reassured in a calm voice.
As she spoke, the biggest of  the vessels started to move.   Two smaller ships breaking from the  formation and following behind it.
“Please, follow us,” Silent-tide  said in melodic tone.
Orrin glanced at Plo Koon, and got a nod of  confirmation as a response. The captain of the
diplomatic ship scoffed, but said nothing,  keeping his cynicism to himself for once.
“Commander Tekan, follow us,”  Plo Koon turned to the hologram.
“Acknowledge sir,” middle age man nodded and  moments later, the entire fleet followed behind
the Radiant Dawn, that was following  the massive shape of Eternal Accord.
Kenobi turned to the screen, where  the channel to the diplomat was   still open. She was keeping an eye on  him. And for as sweet her voice was,
her smile didn’t fully reach  her eyes when looking at him.
“If I may, Por'El Sa'cea Nia’Tel. My  name is Obi-Wan Kenobi. Jedi Knight
of the Republic. Can you tell me why did you use  that strange language when seeing me?” He asked.
Water Caste diplomat titled  her head slightly. “I… it was
my understanding that Gothic  was the language of Humans.”
Everyone on Radiant Dawn looked  at each other in confusion. “What is Gothic?” Anakin asked after a moment.
“It’s the language of the Imperium  of Man…” Silent-tide said,
similarly confused by their reaction. The Jedi looked at each other, still  clearly confused. Arla Vonn cleared
her throat. “I studied Republic  history and never heard of any
Imperium of Man. I do not believe such  state ever existed in Skyriver galaxy.”
Water Caste blinked, struggling to keep her  shock and disbelief, before composing herself.
“I see… and you never heard of the God Emperor of  Mankind?” She asked as if to be sure of something.
The Republic delegation shook their  heads and exchanged perplexed looks.
“Never heard of the guy,” Aayla stated firmly. “Sounds like a self entitled asshole,”  Dainis Vel Orrin muttered, quietly.
“...I see…” Nia’Tel said after a  moment, rubbing her chin. “It seems
there will be much to speak of…” she  trailed off, clearly deep in thought.
It was at this moment when  Arla Vonn decided to gain   a bit more information from the unknown alien.
“Excuse me, but would be willing to  answer a few questions?” She asked,
crushing the death stick under hear boot. Nia’Tel smiled. “Of course.”
“How is it possible, that you  recognized us as Humans?” She
asked. “I’m quite certain the Republic  never had contact with your empire.”
“Currently, I don’t have a satisfying answer  to this query,” Water Caste answered smoothly.
“But I’m sure my superiors, who will welcome  you, will be able to answer your question.”
The Republic Intelligence officer clearly wasn’t  satisfied with that answer, but didn’t push it.
“I see. Then, before we meet with your superiors,  can you tell us more about your people?” She
asked, keeping one eye on the viewing port  and slowly growing shape of a distant world.
The Tau
“Of course,” Water Caste bowed. “My species are  known as Tau. We are five tribes. Five Castes.
United by singular purpose. The Greater Good. The  idea of unity, harmony, stability and betterment
of all,” she spoke in melodic tone. “I’m a Por,  a Water Caste. My role is that of diplomat,
trader and administrator. Then there  are other Castes. Shas, the Fire Caste,
they are the warriors and defenders. Fio,  the Earth Caste, the engineers, doctors,
builders and farmers. Kor, the Air Caste,  serve as our pilots and messengers. And, Aun,
the Ethereal Caste, are the great unifiers and  spiritual leaders of the Empire. The philosophers
who united ancient warring tribes of our Homeworld  and showed us the path towards unity and peace.”
The Republic delegation exchanged looks. A Caste   based societies were nothing new in  the galaxy, but they usually were
more difficult to work with. That’s what they  thought, at least, before Por’el continued.,
“All Castes are equal in our system. We all have a  purpose. A place in the Great Machine. We all, are
equally subservient to the idea of the Tau’va,”  she announced with smile filled with pride.
“That’s interesting,” Kenobi nodded to himself,
wondering the specific of this  Greater Good she spoke of.
“Sorry, but I have a question as well,” Anakin  asked, looking at the diplomat. “You said that
Por - is the name of the Water Caste, but  you have Por in your name as well,” he noted.
“Very perceptive,” Silent-Tide smiled. “Yes,  my full name is Por'El Sa'cea Nia’Tel. Por
is my Caste. ‘el is my rank, currently  I’m fourth rank out of five, meaning
I’m a high ranking member of the Water Caste.  Sa’cea is the Sept of my birth. Nia’Tel is my
personal name - Silent Tide,” she explained.
Anakin eyes widened a bit. He didn’t  expect that the Tau would introduce
themselves by Caste and Rank first. Not to  mention place of birth. It was… unusual.
Aayla rubbed her chin. “I  see. And who is the leader
of your Empire? Do you have a king? A monarch?”
“The Tau Empire is ruled by  the High Elemental Council,
made out of representatives of all castes  and member species of our Empire and Ethereal
Council to guide us. Though, if you're  asking if we have a head of the state,
this role is currently taken by The Ethereal  Supreme, Aun’Va, the Master of Undying Spirit.”
Aayla exchanged looks with others. She  didn’t miss the subtle indication that
the Ethereals were really in  charge. But, at the same time,
it wasn’t anything new in this galaxy  for some to be more equal than others.
“When we reach Fi’rios, you will meet with  the local ruling Council,” Water Caste added
after a moment, before looking to the side.  “Speaking of which, we are nearly there.”
Fi'rios
All eyes turned to the image of  the Fi’rios prime and the fleet   in orbit. Anakin’s eyes widened as he  saw a massive shape of nothing less,
but an Orbital city. He saw the amount of traffic  coming out and into the mushroom-shaped construct,
that was dwarding some stations that surrounded  Coruscant itself. Over two dozen, smaller
constructs could be seen behind the window.  Some were shipyards, some logistic stations,
majority were clearly military in nature… But  that wasn’t the most striking thing in orbit.
It was the fleet of ships stationed there. Or  rather fleets. Anakin immediately recognized two
different types. Less numerous, warships,  shaped like rays and other sea creatures,
and far, far more numerous, long blocky vessels,  that seemed to be some sort of cargo ships.
There were at least two dozen of military vessels.  Probably over hundred vessels total in orbit
if one counted the merchant ships… Through,  even those vessels were armed, just as well,
if not more, than Trade Federation’s Lucrehulk.
No, that comparison didn’t give them justice.  Anakin was a starship enthusiast, he knew
of impressive creations of Kuat Drive Yeards.  The Mandator I and Pretor-class battlecruiser.
He even had a chance to see them with his own  eyes, during one of the missions with his master.
He remembered the awe he felt seeing those titans,  the same awe he felt now. His eyes grew as wide as
saucers as they passed near one long behemoths.  It was hard to judge their size by eye alone,
but Anakin guessed they were only slightly smaller  than marvels of engineering created by Kuat.
In fact, there were many ships out there,   that could be classified as  Dreadnaughts or Battlecruisers.
Many of them resembling the Eternal  Accord they were following right now.
It was hard to comprehend. This was the first  system of this Tau Empire they encountered,
and they just had a handful of dreadnoughts  hanging around as if it was no big deal.
“Wow,” he muttered, to himself,  awed by the size of the tau vessels.
He wasn’t the only one taken aback by the naval  might on display. There wasn’t a person there,
who didn’t eye the gigantic  vessels with quiet worry.
“I’m counting 11 dreadnoughts in the system,  22 battlecruisers and 70 Star Destroyers...”
Rann Tekan said with a slight tremble to his  voice. “By the core, it’s an entire flotilla,”
he turned to the image of the Water Caste. “Why  would your empire need that many warships?”
Silent-tide tilted her head, as if  not fully understanding the question,
before answering. “It is not my sphere  to speak of the needs of the Air Caste,
but let’s just say that where we came from,  those vessels are a necessity,” the Water Caste
seemed to be only partly deaf to how ominous that  statement was. “Everything will be explained in
time. But now… I welcome you to Fi’rios prime.  You shall be guided to the surface shortly.”
On that note, the screen went dark as  the connection was cut. The members of
the delegation looked at each  other, before Plo Koon spoke.
“Let’s follow their instructions and find out  what are the intentions of this… Tau Empire…”
***  [One day later] *** Nia’Tel moved with unusual speed  through the corridors of Halls of
Elemental Council
Harmony. A building dedicated to study  of the many aspects of the Tau’va.
She didn’t sleep well last night, and yet, she  moved as quickly as her dignity allowed her.
When the Storm, surrounded the empire,  she feared the worse, when it lifted,
she felt relief… until it was noted that the stars  they saw on the night sky, weren’t theirs. It was
unbelievable. Entire Empire, or most of it, was  transported into completely different galaxy.
The Tau knew of the bizarre  anomalies in their home galaxy,   but there wasn’t an Earth Caste,  who could explain what happened.
Thank the Tau’va for the Ethereals, who  brought back some sense of peace to the masses.
They spoke of hope, of shared  purpose and opportunity that
came from this situation. Be  it old galaxy or the new one,
the purpose and the mission of the Tau didn’t  change. And as before, they would endure. She
kept that hope in her heart, as she spoke with  the delegation from that mysterious Republic.
By the wisdom of the Aun, she was tasked with  the role of a guide for Republic delegation,
after they finished speaking with the Council.  She was responsible for showing off the capital
and few nearby installations. But it was  tiring job, and the things she learned,
make her head spin. She spoke with her bondmates  at length to the late hours of the night.
Then, in the morning, the summons came. Ones  she couldn’t ignore in any way shape or form.
She straightened up, as she reached the door   she was looking for. She let out  a big breath… and stepped in.
Six other people were already present. A Fireblade of the Fire Caste, was standing at  attention on the left side of the room. A helmet
and modified pulse carbine hanging by his side.  His face was one of scars and time. His left eye,
while looking like flesh and blood at  the first glance, was a cybernetic.
She recognized the warrior. She made a  handful of propaganda videos using his name.
Ashen-blade – the most decorated Fire Blade of  this generation of Fire Warriors from Fi’rios.
He was older than he looked. In fact,  he belonged to the first generation of
Fire Warriors born on Fi’rios after  it was established. It will be his
writings and teachings that will define the  sept’s warriors in the generations to come.
Then there was an Earth Caste, surrounded by a  number of drones. In fact, he was sitting on one,
while operating holographic keyboard and looking  at a number of holographic displays. He wore some
kind of engineering exo-skeleton. Heavily  personalized if she had to take a guess.
She bristled at the Fio’vre, who seemed to  be fully consumed by whatever he was doing,
rather than showing proper reverence for the  place and a person that was with them in the room.
The Air Caste, a Kor’ui, looking from the  markings, at least seemed to behave properly.
She was sitting in a locus position and was  in deep meditation. She was… unremarkable
in every sense of the word. And yet, she  was here… why, Nia’Tel didn’t yet know.
On the opposite side of the room, stood a massive  Tarellian warrior. His scales shone like emeralds,
revealing numerous scars covering  his body. He was tall, very tall,
well over two meters in fact and clad in  dark-gray-green armor. He held a massive
square shield with runes of his people in one  hand, and massive power halberd in the other.
She heard of him. The warrior  serving one of the mighty Aun.
His name was… Harkosh-Va - the Blood Oath Keeper.
Despite his name and looks, the beast seemed…  stoick, for the lack of the better word. Almost
as if he and the Fireblade were in some kind of  contest of who could look more like a statue.
And then there was the cheerful shape of a  Niccassar psyker, floating near the ceiling.
It was a male and a massive one at that, over  three meters tall, if she had to guess. He was
bigger than average Niccassar, that’s for sure.  His white fur blended with his silver robes,
yet contrasted with his big crystal azure eyes. Sa'heeras the Wanderer was his name. He
was a known follower and proponent  of seeing the Tau’va as a religion.
She felt something touch her mind, a passing  presence, almost as if it was a reassuring
hand on her shoulder. The mind-science,  she knew. The Niccassar were adept at it.
She didn’t fully appreciate the Wanderer  and his interpretation of the Tau’va… but
she didn’t doubt his loyalty. He wouldn’t  be chosen, if there was any doubt at all.
She stepped closer, knelt and bowed her head,   before the last and most important person in  the room. The one who sat on a stylized rock,
surrounded by small sand garden.  He was slowly carving runes into a
block of wood with a small ceremonial knife.  Precision and grace in every move he took.
He looked up and smiled. “Greetings, Sister  of Water. We’ve been waiting for you.”
Aun’Ni’On - Lifesight - a Seeker of the Ethereal  Caste. One of the blessed Aun. He looked young,
vigorous, yet his skin was marked with passage of  time and power of the elements. He wasn’t pristine
like some Ethereals she had the honor to see.  No, there was, a note of brutality to him. His
green-gray robes, were old, he clearly was using  them for quite some time. There were stitches
here and there, strange runes and talismans, even  hidden pieces of armor, if she wasn’t mistaken.
A ceremonial blade-staff laid in the sand  bellow him. The symbol of his authority.
Silent-tide made a sign of awaiting student,   before speaking. “I came as quickly as I  could, mighty Aun. I apologize for the delay.”
“There was no delay Sister of Water. You  arrived precisely when you were expected,”
The Seeker said in a calming melodic tone, before  looking up, at every single person in the room.
“As you all already know, our Empire has been  transported to a new galaxy. One where the rules,
that we are used to, don’t fully apply. The…  Galactic Republic, as they call themselves,
an entity that unites most of the Galaxy,  found us first and thankfully wants to
establish diplomatic relations with the Tau  Empire. Normally, a Water Caste delegation
would be sent to accomplish this task… but  this is not normal situation,” he took a
deep breath. “I was tasked, by great Aun’Va  himself, to form an Elemental Council, that
will act as a delegation of our Empire to this  Republic,” he made a sign of a council of many,
united by singular goal. “You are the ones chosen  by ME, that will help me accomplish this task.”
As the Ethereal spoke, the people around  him were more and more focused on him.
Not that it was a surprise. The  Ethereals had this… aura to them.
The field of absolute authority,  that made everyone listen to them.
They were, the guiding light of the Empire. The Tarellian was first to speak. “I go,
where you go,” Warrior answered  simply. “My Oath demands it.”
“Yes, but I wish for more than your  blade and shield on this mission,
Harkosh-Va. I require your mind and opinion as  well,” Aun’Ni’On said making a sign of weight
put on the scale. “This Elemental Council will  demand much of us. More than strength of blade.”
“Be it strength of blade or  mind, I do not falter. I go,
where you go. Such was the Oath made  in blood. The Oath that I shall keep,”
The emerald giant stated with the same stern  simplicity and single-minded devotion to duty.
“Good,” He looked up at Niccassar.  “What about you Wanderer?”
The massive xeno, that resembled a  polar bear floated down, hovering
just a dozen or so inches over the ground.  Thinking for a moment, before answering.
“Those… Jedi, that the Republic sent. They share  my gift and my curse. They intrigue me, as does
this new galaxy. I shall travel with you Seeker of  Truths,” Mighty Niccassar said in a friendly tone.
Seeker gave him a nod and glanced at the young  Earth Caste, who seemingly couldn’t sit still,
still clicking something on a  holographic keyboard. He made   a sign of a gleeful discovery  and smiled. A Human expression.
“This Fio'vre Fi’rios Temu’Wei,  will be honored to serve in this
Elemental Council,” Earth Caste spoke  with the Human smile on his lips.
Nia’Tel almost chocked. This was the  infamous Foremind? She heard of him.
Few in the Sept didn’t. He was known as excentric  genius with almost rebel like mentality. He was
both overly social and yet, remained unbonded  to any one group. Even as a Water Caste,
she heard that he stole funding and parts  from other projects, in the name of creating
a new type of drone, though what purpose  it would have remained unknown to her.
“I will be glad to have you by my side,  then,” Seeker turned his gaze to Ashen-blade.
“I will serve by your side, wise Lifesight.  My blade will serve this council,” Fire Caste
responded with voice made of steel,  making a sign of righteous blade.
Then the Ethereal turned to her and  made a sign of awaiting teacher.   She signed back with the gesture  of unworthy, yet eager student.
“I would be honored to serve by your side,   mighty Aun. My voice belongs to the Council,”  She announced, straightening up with pride.
At the end, Ethereal turned to the still  meditating Air Caste. She was young,
youngest of the group, if Silent-tide  was to take a guess. A mere Kor’ui… but,
if she was chosen by the  Seeker, she had to be good.
“This Kor’ui Ksi’m’yen Tor’Eia will be honored to   serve this Council,” the Air  Caste spoke in a quiet voice.
Silent-tide titled her head slightly. So the young  Air Caste wasn’t from Fi’rios, but neighboring
Ksi’m’yen Sept. Not that Nia’Tel was in position  to criticize this. She was from Sa’cea after all.
Tor’Eia - Far Horizon. Not bad  name for the Sister of Air.
No matter. Her origins were of  little consequence. They were all
part of the same Council now. She was in no  position to argue with the will of the Aun.
“Our task, my friends, is monumental,” Aun begun  is a melodic tone. “We are in the new galaxy. New
reality. Those stars don’t belong to us… not yet,”  he made a sign of unavoidable destiny. “Our task
will be study of this… Galactic Republic. To  judge their strengths and weaknesses. Equally
important is the task of establishing positive  diplomatic relations with this superpower,
that held a position of a hegemon for at least  one thousand years… if words of the Jedi are to
be believed,” he looked at his Council.  “What is your current opinion of them?”
The Seeker didn’t need to wait long for an answer.
“Their fleet wasn’t too  impressive,” Far Horizon noted,
speaking in quiet tone. “I know they said  they are a survey team, but even then,
there wasn’t even one vessel that could  be considered an escort class among them.”
“What few soldiers stepped out of the  ships weren’t too impressive either,”
Ashen-Blade added, signing her agreement with  Far Horizon. “They remind me of low quality
Guardsmen. They aren’t like Cadian Stormtroopers  or Brimlock Dragoons, that much is certain.”
“They were commanded by the Jedi. Even though they  were from a completely different organizations,
everyone was deferring to them,”  the massive Niccassar chuckled.
“From what I observed from  afar, they admire them.”
“Strange, seeing they wear no armor,
and don’t have much in terms of  weapons,” Tarellian warrior noted.
“Not true,” Foremind smiled mischievously.
“They are armed. The scans showed that every Jedi  carries a small tube like device. From what I’ve
managed to gather, those are fusion blades. But  small enough to be carried by an individual.”
“I didn’t see any batteries nor energy packs.  How do they keep them powered?” Harkosh-Va asked.
“That, my scaly friend, is something I  would very much would like to find out
for myself,” Earth Caste chuckled. “The  same goes for their solution to Faster
than Light travel. Getting hold on that  technology, should be our top priority.”
“Seeing that they seek peaceful  coexistence, I’m sure we will be
able to establish a positive relations and get  as much information and technology out of them,
as possible” Nia’Tel smiled towards  Temu’Wei. “Though… I must say,
the most intriguing thing about this  galaxy, is that Gue’la exist here as well.”
The rest of the Council  nodded their agreement. Truly,
this was one of the biggest  mysteries of this new galaxy.
“Indeed,” the Seeker nodded his head and made a  sign of two mirrors. “A great mystery, but also
something that will have to be explained to the  Republic. Many Gue’la call Tau Empire their home.
We must make sure that there won’t be any  confusion, regarding origins of Human population
in Tau Empire,” he stated firmly. “That why  I contacted Rogue Trader Francesca Dominica
Blackthorn, to lend me two of her retinue to this  Council. I was hoping for them to be with us here
now, but apparently one of them decided to sneak  out and go on a little unauthorized adventure,
and the other is currently in pursuit. I  observed their movements for a time now,
and I believe I know where they  will end up,” he stood up. “Come,
friends. Let us meet the remaining  two members of our Council.
Nia’Tel furrowed her brow. ‘What kind of irresponsible  Human was chosen to join them?’
The Girl
*** Not that far away  *** Lina Vos, laid flat   on the dome shaped roof of the Tau building. It  wasn’t exactly ideal to climb on, but, it allowed
her to get close to a place where majority of the  mysterious Republic delegation stayed on Fi’rios.
It was nice diplomatic building,  walled off from the rest of the city,
to ensure no diplomatic talks will  be disturbed. They had a nice garden,
recreation area, even a  swimming pool! Lucky bastards!
Why can’t SHE have a swimming pool? She was in   service of a Rogue Trader for crying  out loud! She deserved some luxury…
Well, to be fair, she was a psyker  and until not that very long ago,
the probability that she will attract  attention of some dark things from the Warp,
was fairly high. But that was in the  past now. The Warp was… placid. Quiet.
No more damn whispers or nightmares!  Now, she could have some fun!
That’s was partly the reason why she decided to  sneak out of the Rogue Trader residence and track
down this delegation from the Republic. She felt  that she could do it, without endangering anyone!
She could finally let some  of her power loose. Show off
her talent as a biomancer and do  this without constant oversight.
The second part was that… she felt something.  She didn’t tell anyone, but since the voices
went silent, she started to… feel things. It  wasn’t something like predicting the future,
or reading other people’s mind. She was no  diviner or telepath… as far as she knew at least.
No. This was somehow connected to her  biomancy. She felt… pull for the lack
of the better word. Something was pulling  her towards this place. She didn’t knew
what exactly. It wasn’t demons, of that  she was certain. It felt… different,
and the wards tattooed on her  body, didn’t counter this feeling.
Some kind of instinct, one she never felt before,
was pulling her in one direction, and for  whatever reason, she didn’t want to deny it.
Her enhanced hearing picked up a  noise. She turned around and scoffed.
A shape of very muscular,  very angry Human soldier,   wearing colors of Blackthorn dynasty,  was getting closer with every second.
“How can this old fart track me?”  She asked herself with irritation.
Dain Marrek was relentless in  his pursuit and he was making   good time. Where Linna could enhance  her speed and agility using the Warp,
Marrek was a beast of muscle and cybernetic  augmentations. Not to mention, he had decades
of experience over the young psyker, not only  in pursuing his targets… but hunting psykers.
She shuddered, remembering the stories  and rumors she heard regarding old hound.
She didn’t want to think how painful the  punishment will be… if he catches her.
She turned back towards the nice, decorative  building for foreign dignitaries… clever Tau,
always ready for anything. She  eyed the distance between the
roof she was laying on, and… the swimming pool.
It was a long jump… and even further drop.
She stood up and clapped her hands.  “Well. Better to ask for mercy,
rather than forgiveness,” she  muttered to herself - and jumped.
Calm
*** In the Residence for Foreign Dignitaries  *** Anakin   licked his lips and put down, cup filled  with some, really nice tasting juice.
“You know what, master?” He turned  to look at Kenobi. “For once,
I want negotiations to go as long as possible.”
His master let out a snort, before  drinking a bit more of hot, refreshing
liquid. “I couldn’t agree more, Anakin.  The Tau proven to be very accommodating.”
It was true. They not only got  a building all to themselves,
the Tau made sure they were as comfortable as  possible. They even modified one of the chambers,
so that master Plo Koon didn’t  need to wear his mask inside.
The building was free of Tau in fact.  Only their funny looking disc shaped
droids were present. Bringing food, helping  communicate with outside world and more still.
Master K’Kruhk smiled, throwing one more red  grape into his mouth. “When I joined this mission,
I expected we will be sleeping in tents and  caves. This is truly a pleasant surprise.”
“Not counting the fact they are listening to  every word we say,” Arla Vonn glared at a drone
that poured more liquid into her cup. The drone  beeped in fright and zipped out of the room.
“Of course they are,” Aayla smiled to  herself, swiping at holographic display,
starting to read publicly available  information of one of the Septs of the Empire.
“You saw their fleet. Wherever they came from,  it’s not a pleasant or accommodating place.”
“Not to mention defenses on the planet,” Plo  Koon added, rubbing his metal mask. “Turrets,
bunkers, shield generators. This isn’t  just a typical planet. It’s a fortress.”
Arla gritted her teeth. “Then why they  don’t let us get access to the information
of the things they fight? Any attempt of  accessing this kind of data is blocked,
and I don’t want to risk hacking into  their datanet… not yet and definitely
not here,” she glanced at the drone  that was tending to the plants outside.
“Maybe it’s connected to the fact they  know what Humans are,” Anakin proposed.
“Maybe… maybe not,” Kenobi winced a bit.  “For now we will have to be patient and-”
Kenobi went quiet, furrowed his brow  and turned towards the window leading   outside. All the jedi did the same.  Arla looked at them in confusion.
“What? What’s going-” SPLASH! Something landed in the swimming pool, spilling  water in every direction. A little drone, that was
cleaning nearby, beeped in alarm and floated  away in confusion. Jedi sprang up, tensing,
yet not drawing their sabers. Their premonition  warning them of the surprise, but not of a threat.
Arla Vonn was pointing at the swimming pool  with her pistol, her eyes narrow and focused,
but she relaxed slightly, seeing  that Jedi didn’t draw their sabers.
Anakin was ready for anything,   part of him glad that there will be some  excitement on this mission after all.
And while he expected many things, a young human  girl wasn’t one of them. She grabbed the edge of
the pool and spit the water out of her mouth,  before noting Jedi standing behind a window.
To everyone’s surprise, she smiled and waved a  hand in friendly manner before - Anakin could
barely believe it - rocketing herself  out of the pool in one smooth motion.
before
She was wearing gray and blue clothes, that  cling closely to her body. She had short
black hair and striking purple eyes that  seemed to shine. He noticed that she had
tattoos on her body, on few pieces exposed skin.
And he noted one more thing - she was  Force sensitive. No doubt about it.
Plo Koon relaxed and opened the  glass door with a hand gesture.
The rest of the Jedi followed  behind him, trusting his insight.
“Hello~!” The young girl smile grew as she spoke
in heavily accented Tau language.  “You are from the Re’public, yes?”
Plo Koon turned around, waiting  for a protocol droid to join them.
The droid translated girl’s word’s  and only then did Plo Koon answer.
“We are.” The gir’s eyes widened a bit,  as she stepped forward. Her
eyes darting between them. “You have the gift?” Anakin furrowed his brow.  “Gift? What gift?” He asked.
The girl furrowed her brow in turn,  as if that was stupid question to ask,
before grabbing her chin and thinking for  a moment. Then she snapped her fingers,
grabbed a towel that a very helpful drone  delivered to her - clearly concerned
that someone who was wet wasn’t drying  themselves - and quickly drying her hands.
The Jedi looked at each other in confusion as  she checked if her hands and arms were dry,
before turning towards the  wall, and taking a wide stance.
And then, without a warning she thrusted  her hand forward, two fingers extended - and
fired a lightning from the tips of her  fingers. This time everyone jumped,
as the lightning bolt hit the wall,  burning a sizable black mark there.
Two drones beeped in distress,  flying towards the wall,   already trying to fix it, just as the  girl turned back to the Jedi and smiled.
“See? That’s my gift! Biomancy.  What’s your gift?” She asked.
The jedi were stunned for a  second or two, before Aayla,   her eyes narrowed and her body tense  spoke. “How did you summon lightning?”
The girl pouted, clearly irritated that  she didn’t get the answer to her question.
“I’m a biomancer. My gift connects to my body.  Electricity inside body, can be controlled and
directed,” she spoke in the same thick accent,  pointing towards the burned part of the wall,
that two drones were fussing around.  “What you are? What is your gift?”
Aayla relaxed a bit, hearing her  answer, before looking at the   others. “I… didn’t feel any anger from  her. I think she is telling the truth.”
“Indeed. Her technique seems more similar to   Electric Judgement than Force  Lightning,” Plo Koon nodded.
As the girl continued to wait, clearly  inpatient, K’Kruhk stepped forward.
“I do not know your classification of the  gifts we posses, but I can use my force
abilities to strengthen my body. I can survive  and heal from significant injuries,” he stated.
The girls eyes seemed to shine  at that. “You are biomancer!   Like me!” She laughed. “I am very strong too!”
Anakin raised an eyebrow  at that, looking at, well,   fairly athletic looking, but only sixteen or  so young girl. “You don’t look that strong.”
Her eys turned to him, a mischievous  flame there. “You don’t believe? I show!”
“Show, wha-AAAAAAA!” Anakin started to ask, before  the girl unexpectedly grabbed him and threw him.
Not with the force, but with enhanced muscles.  He was thrown like a rag doll and fell into
the swimming pool, without grace or dignity,  slamming into the water surface face first.
When he emerged from the pool, he saw his master,  Obi-Wan Kenobi bent over and laughing with tears
in his eyes. K’Kruhk was letting out a belly  laugh that seemed to shake the air. Aayla was
trying to hide her smile and failing horribly.  Arla Vonn, the stoic intelligence officer was
grinning from ear to ear. Even Master  Plo Koon, was struggling to not chuckle.
Embarrassed, wet and humiliated,  Anakin used the force to jump out
of the pool and land safely near the girl.  She eyed him as he did so, before speaking.
“Didn’t enhance body?” She asked. “No,” Anakin shook his head.  “I used the force directly.”
“Telekinesis,” she nodded her head.  “And a good one at that. Strong.”
Anakin raised an eyebrow. “Stronger than you?” “Don’t make me throw you again,”  the girl warned with a cheeky grin,
before extending a hand. “Lina Vos.” “Anakin Skywalker,” the Choosen  One shook her hand in greeting.
The rest of the Jedi followed suit, introducing  themselves one by one. After they did,
Anakin slowly dried himself off, a helpful  drone, equipped with a dryer of all things,
started floating in orbit around him,  drying him to the best of its ability.
“So, Lina, was it?” Kenobi started, and when girl  nodded, he continued. “What are you doing here?”
“Oh! I heard of your arrival.  That you have the gift,   like me! And then I felt…  something,” she answered.
“What did you feel?” “Like… a pull,” Lina made a strange sign  with her hands. “Like something was asking
me to go here… but it wasn’t like most  things that were asking me before.”
“Before?” This time it was Plo Koon who spoke. “Before the Storm. Before we got transported  here. To the new galaxy!” The girl exclaimed.
The Jedi exchanged looks. They were told  that the Tau aren’t native to this galaxy,
and while they didn’t fully believe it,  they felt no deception from the young girl.
“Before, when things asked, they burned  themselves on my tattoos,” she revealed
strange markings on her body. “They protect  me. Keep darkness away. Still could hear
them. Whispers. Promises. Threats,” a  shadow of fear passed on her face. “But
not this time. Tattoos don’t burn. No  whispers. Just, pull. Like an instinct.
A need to go somewhere,” she tried to explain.  “And It brought me here. Wasn’t easy.”
“How so?” Anakin asked, feeling that he was at  least partly less wet than few moments before.
“I had to escape my-” the girl started when  sudden premonition hit all the Jedi present.
Moments later a dark shape  jumped over the wall and crushed
one of the drones repairing it on it’s way down. All eyes turned to an armored and  armed Human figure. It was a man,
the storm
a Human. He wore unusual, and clearly  heavily modified armor, painted black
and blue. His left arm was mechanical  cybernetic made of dark black metal.
He was armed. Very well armed. He had a massive  pistol and some kind of sword by his side.
As he slowly rose up, ignorant of the sparkling  ruin of the drone beneath his armored boots,
he straightened up, revealing  that he was almost 2 meters tall,
and all muscle. Though he was older than  Anakin expected. In his late forties if
he had to guess. His face was  marked with scars and hatred.
His eyes immanently locked on  Lina, who cowered under his gaze.
“Girl…” the man growled as he stepped forward,  ignoring the distressed beeps of a drone, who
looked down at it’s destroyed companion. “You have  some nerve to sneak out, run away from me all day,
damage my comm bead with that stone throw, and  then make unauthorized contact with the unknown
force,” his hands rested on the weapons. “Give  me one good reason, why I shouldn’t shoot you.”
At those words, jedi did grab their sabers, but  didn’t activate them. This man was a threat…
but not to them. His anger  was solely focused on Lina.
And Lina was afraid of him - to her  core. Which was surprising to Anakin.
The man felt dangerous, but he was no force user.
“I’m sure we can resolve this situation  without violence,” Obi-wan Kenobi,
ever the negotiator stepped forward,  imposing himself between the man and Lina.
Warrior’s eyes narrowed, as his attention  moved from his target to Kenobi.
“This doesn’t concern you je’di. Step away  from the girl. It is my task to retrieve and
punish her,” his hands grabbed his  weapons more firmly. “I will do so.
If I will do it stepping over grass,  or your bodies… is up to you.”
Anakin felt a chill run down his spine. This  man wasn’t bluffing. He was confident enough,
to look at no less than five jedi  and say that with confidence.
“We have diplomatic immunity,” Kenobi said,   his stance changing in such way, that he could get  a hold of his lightsaber in the blink of an eye.
Man grunted, with something that approached  amusement. “As far I’m concerned. You loose
it the moment you try to keep what belongs  to my mistress away from her,” he growled.
Anakin’s blood turned from ice to lava,   as rage flared within him. “Belongs?  You mean to say that Lina is a slave?”
The man turned his eyes to Anakin and shook   his head. “Slave? No. Servant?  Yes.” Was his simple response.
“And such practices are tolerated within Tau  Empire?” Plo Koon asked, clearly intrigued.
The man snorted. “The Tau have no say in this.  My mistress is Francesca Dominica Blackthorn,
a Rogue Trader. Her dynasty decided to change  the alliances and work with the Tau, but,
she did so with assurances that she will keep  her autonomy and much of her privileges,” the man
explained. “Me? Her? We signed a pact and made an  Oath to Blackthorn dynasty. They take care of us
and in turn, we serve them faithfully,” his gaze  turned back to the girl. “Which begs the question,
why did you sneak out and seek out those je’di?  Is your loyalty really that fragile girl,
that you betray the one that saved your worthless  hide the first chance you get?” He growled.
To everyone surprise, Lina stepped  forward, still scared, still shaking.
“I don’t betray mistress.  She took care of me,” she   made a sign of unity over her heart. “I swear it.”
The man seemed to pause for a moment,  relaxing only by a fraction. “Then
explain yourself. The severity of your  punishment will depend on your answer.”
Anakin was growing angrier and  angrier, but a hand on his shoulder,
placed there by K’Kruhk stopped him from making  any sudden movement. Lina cleared her throat.
“I felt… a pull. An instinct. Something  told me to-” before she could finish,
she had pistol aimed at her head and  a shimmering blade at her throat.
Anakin blinked. The man was fast! Way faster  than any normal Human should be. All Jedi
present had their lightsabers ready in their  hand, yet not one blade came to life. Not yet.
They were diplomatic delegation  and outside the boundaries of the   Republic. They didn’t have authority to stop  the man… but that didn’t mean they wouldn’t.
The man ignored them, fully focused on the girl.  “You listened to the whispers of the Warp and
expect mercy, girl?!” He growled. “Who knows  what taint flows through your veins already?
What seed of corruption was placed within  your mind?! I killed witches for less.”
“It wasn’t darkness!” The girl protested.  “The tattoos didn’t react to it! Not one bit!”
“We are in a new galaxy you IDIOT! How can you be   sure that the corruption doesn’t take  different form here?” He spat in anger.
“Corruption?” Plo Koon asked.  “What are you talking about?”
The man’s eyes narrowed, as he looked  at the jedi. “You are psykers and you
know not of the corruption? Ha! Either you  are as ignorant as those Wind-whisperers I
massacred three decades ago, or you  are corrupted already… even if you
don’t show it outwardly. But that’s  no proof of innocence. Not to me.”
Poor fools
“You massacred Force Sensitives?”  K’Kruhk asked, his eyes narrowing,
his muscles bulging as he tensed. “Is that what they call Psykers in these parts?”
Man asked with a raised eyebrow. “Yes. I  did. Better to slaughter bunch of untrained
unsanctioned psykers than let them turn  into monsters… or summon them instead.”.
Jedi looked at each other with concerned  looks, before Plo Koon spoke. “The Jedi
Order serves the Light Side of the Force. We  stand against the darkness and corruption.”
“Light side?” Man chuckled. “Of you poor  fool. There is no light side of the Warp.
It’s all darkness, horror and corruption,” he  spat. “Only psykers who understand that fact,
can be allowed to live,” his eyes turned to Lina.  “And you have forgotten that lesson. You let the
WARP guide you. You let the corruption in, because  of your stupidity!” He leaned in closer. “In the
name of Blackthorn dynasty and for the sake  of peace and stability, I sentence you to-”
The wisdom
Anakin tensed, ready to jump forward and save Lina  from this madman, when a new, voice, reached them.
“That won’t be necessary, sir Marrek,”  the newcomer stated. “Lower your weapons.”
Anakin turned only to see… a male  tau. He wore well made robes and
held a bladed staff in his hand. His  eyes were full of kindness yet aura of
authority surrounded him. Four more tau  stood behind him. As well as something
that resembled oversized Trandoshian and…  a floating bear that was… force sensitive?
The floating alien turned his gaze towards Anakin  and briefly touched him with his mind. Few images,
mostly of the beautiful void,  flashed between Anakin’s eyes.
Marrek, the man who was threatening Lina,  scowled at the sight of them and was about
to speak, before a drone floated to him and  displayed a hologram text before his eyes.
He read it once, twice, spat on the ground and  withdrew his weapons. Lina taking a big breath,
not trying to hide her relief.  She turned to the Ethereal,   recognizing the characteristic gem like  element in his forehead and bowed deeply.
Marrek straightened up and gave  short nod. “Are you sure of this…
wise Seeker Lifesight?” The man  asked, a scowl of disgust on his
face. “The girl is touched by the-” He  started, but the Niccassar cut him off.
“Untainted by the Warp,” the massive alien said in   calming tone. “No seed of corruption is  in her body. I can see it,” he assured.
Marrek seemed surprised at that, but seeing  the markings and rank of the xenos psyker,
he didn’t argue. He had more  authority than him in those matters.
“Even so, the girls is inexperienced-” he started   to argue again, only for the  Seeker to cut him off this time.
“Talented, insightful, communicative and most  importantly - kind,” the Seeker’s eyes bore
into the human warrior. “Despite all the hard  training andabuse she experienced, as a psyker.”
The man grimaced, but didn’t deny the Ethereal,  who turned towards the Jedi and smiled.
“Greetings, representatives of the Republic. My  name is Aun’Ni’On. But you can call me Lifesight.
I am member of the Ethereal caste and head  of this Elemental Council,” he gestured
towards his companions. “I was tasked, by High  Elemental Council, Ethereal Council and Supreme
Ethereal Aun’Va himself, to lead an Elemental  Coundil, which is to represent the Tau Empire
in our talks with the Republic,” he announced.
Attention of the jedi turned towards  him. Anakin glanced over the gathered   Tau and aliens once more time, noting  that Linda slowly joined their ranks.
He recognized Silent-tide amongst them,  but no-one else. Plo Koon stepped forward.
“Can I assume, that the Council will speak with  the Authority of the Tau Empire?” He asked.
“Yes. You are correct, master Jedi,”  The Seeker smiled. “Our council will
be made out of 9 members. Five Tau  and four allies of our Empire.”
“Nine?” Aayla asked. “But you  are only eight in number.”
“Ah, yes,” Seeker smiled before turning his  gaze towards the man who was threatening
life of Lina moment’s before. “Sir  Dain Marrek will be joining us.”
A small drone flied over, handing warrior a  scroll, which he opened, read and cursed under
his breath. He looked up at the Council,  then at the Jedi and let out a breath.
“I do hope I will get a bonus for doing  this,” He muttered walking over to join
the rest. “And Lina… I was planning to keep your  punishment to after your return. Rejoice. I will
put you through a hard training, that  the next time you will try to escape,
maybe just maybe, you will have  enough of skill to actually succeed.”
Lina Voss cowered slightly before him  and lowered her head. “Understood.”
“Good,” he turned to the Seeker.  “I believe it won’t be a problem.”
“Not as long as Lina agrees to  receive it,” the Seeker stated simply.
The girl looked up at the Seeker, as  if considering if to take that out,
but one glance from Marrek made it clear,  that the sooner she endured the punishment,
the sooner he will forgive her  transgression. “I accept it.”
Anakin winced at that. Unhappy with  that resolution, but said nothing,
as the Seeker turned to speak  with the Jedi once again. “Now then, representatives of the  Republic. I believe you have many
questions and I will try to answer all of them…”
That day, Anakin would learn much about   the Milky Way Galaxy and Lina Voss  would learn much of the Skyriver Galaxy.
Yet not one of the people present,   could yet comprehend - how the arrival of  the Tau would change the fate of this galaxy…