The headmaster is a patient looking man in his late middle years. This educator's demeanor is fatherly, even if it can be somewhat formal at times. Not today. He has come out from behind his massive desk for this conversation. He leans back against it now with his arms crossed, looking down at the bruised student who sits in the hot seat before him.

"Titus, your mother will be here soon. But let's you and I take this time to have a chat man to man, shall we?"

The sullen youth doesn't respond.

"Son, I know that you're new to us and that you are new to an all-male learning environment. We expect an adjustment period for new students. And here at this school, we cut boys some slack. We understand high spirits and we tolerate some aggression. It's natural in a growing boy. But we will not tolerate a repeat of today. Have I made myself clear?"

"They started it."

"I realize that. But you had a choice of whether to engage or not. Learn to pick your battles more wisely." The headmaster wags a finger and shakes his head in reproof. "Fighting boys four years your senior is not a wise move. You're lucky you weren't badly hurt."

"I won, didn't I?"

"Fighting should be the last resort, not the first one."

The boy smirks. "This is a military academy, isn't it? I thought fighting was your thing."

The headmaster ignores this sarcasm. "Our academy has a long and proud tradition of raising boys to go on to all sorts of careers. These days, most of our graduates go on to university, not the military. Quite a few go on to be business leaders like your father." The headmaster leans forward now over his surly pupil. "Cade Biggs did not become CEO of Kuat by picking fights and brawling with his colleagues. Learn from your father's example. He is an excellent role model."

The boy looks unimpressed by this admonishment. But the headmaster is experienced with this sort of thing, so he continues. "Titus, I want you to go home tonight and talk to your father about what happened today. Ask him how he would have handled the situation. Can you do that for me?"

"Dad's away on business. I think. He's always away."

"He's a busy man with important work to do. Titus, that will be you one day if you work hard and stay focused." The older man thinks a moment. "If your father is gone, then perhaps your mother can advise you. Can you talk to your mother?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Mom hates fighting. She gets really angry about fighting. She says fighting is rarely the answer."

"She is right," the headmaster agrees. "Violence tends to cause more problems than it solves." The older man looks the boy over a moment. "Titus Biggs, you are fortunate to live in a time of relative peace. Your parents and I did not enjoy that experience. I recall your mother's accent from when we met. She's from Coruscant, right?"

"Yes."

"I thought so. Then perhaps that explains why your mother has strong views against fighting. Was she there during the siege?"

"Maybe. I don't know. Mom never talks about the war."

"Then take it from me, son. War is an ugly thing."

"Whatever. War is good for Dad's business. Dad loves business."

"He loves you too, I'm sure," the older man says gently.

The boy looks away. "I guess."

"Ah, here is your mother." The headmaster pushes off the desk to stand erect. He shoots a prodding look at the boy who reluctantly now also climbs to his feet. The older man's smile is a little tight as he welcomes the newcomer. "Mrs. Biggs, do come in. Thank you for coming on such short notice."

"Please, call me Rey."