BAC Doomsday, 1800 hours, conference room B

The members of Arcano Signum mumbled to one another as they took their seats, their Imperial uniforms tattered and stained. While a few faces were recognizable, many of the members of Gladius seated were new and naïve, curiously scanning the room and the higher-ranked Jedi. What was common was that they all looked grim and weary from the weeks of fighting and missions, though they tried to remain optimistic as four people entered the room. One of them, Quaestor Apollo, immediately took his place near the side wall, his bright blue eyes scanning the room coolly.

While an older man in a second lieutenant’s uniform and an Omwati in a colonel’s uniform took their seats, a tall Epicanthix took a standing position between them. Her dark hair was pulled back, and she was dressed in a uniform which designated rank was hard to decipher due to its nearly black color, as it was covered in grime and blood. The older man, Scion, offered her a glass of water, which she accepted gladly and sipped from before speaking.

“Members of Arcano Signum,” she began, “it is good to be here as your new commander. I know that I have a large responsibility to take on after our previous Tetrarch, who is seated beside me.” She beckoned a hand to the Omwati, Dralin, who nodded. “As Arcano Signum has now been changed into a training team as well as a powerhouse for our most powerful members, we have a lot of business to take of.

“I recognize several of you already and I’m glad to know that you have agreed to stay on the team during this time of change,” the Epicanthix continued, scanning the room and observing the new members, “and I know that many of you are probably wondering who I am and why you’re here. Allow me to make the answers as brief as possible.

“My name is Ronovi Tavisaen. I am a Guardian and your Battle Team Leader, and as such, I am here to guide all of you younger members on the path to become powerful Dark Jedi who will serve our House with iron fists. There will be many opportunities to hone your skills and gain higher prestige…of course, if you are all willing to cooperate and be a part of the team.

“As my purpose is to train you to the best of my ability, I would like to see all new members individually in private conferences. They will take place in a smaller room, and you will be escorted one by one there to speak with me. There I will give you your personal tasks and assignments.

“The rest of the team I shall remain in contact with to explain our forthcoming missions and assignments.” There was some grumbling, but Ronovi held up a hand. “I know many of you are already exhausted from the events that have taken place on Prakith, but don’t forget that Scion, Dralin, Apollo, and I have also been hard at work. I would hope that you would be eager to continue your steadfast involvement on the team so that you may progress even further in House Gladius.

“I hope for nothing more but your hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm on this team. Until the individual conferences, we are adjourned.”

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I would like to say that I am deeply honored to be your new Battle Team Leader and promise nothing but my best effort in making this an excellent training team. As I am new to this position, Aedile Dralin and Rollmaster Scion will be helping me in various tasks, so it’s best to remain in contact with all three of us so we know your activity.

I know that it’s difficult being a new member of the Brotherhood. This is why this team exists: To help you in your promotions, participation, and future recognition. Our goal is to help newer members to the rank of Protector before they are instituted into the Master-Apprentice system should they not be a master already.

Working alongside me will be a Flight Leader. This individual will be a great help in various aspects of the team, such as suggesting competition ideas and monitoring each member’s activity. The person who we believe to be the most suited for the position has already been selected and will receive a message in their e-mail about it.

The trick is to not get overwhelmed and to have fun. I will be sending you all personal e-mails, as stated in the written story. Also, in about a week I will be holding a comp for Arcano Signum, so you will receive information on that as well.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at [Log in to view e-mail addresses].

In Darkness,

Guardian Ronovi Tavisaen, Obelisk Sergeant of Arcano Signum

“One of the first signs of understanding is the wish to die.” - Franz Kafka