These Shattered Stars -- Logs

As they near the end of their hyperspace journey, the computers are more and more accurate in their estimation of just when the ships will emerge. Most astrogation computers can calculate an exact time of emergence about fifteen minutes before the moment. Thus, with a quarter hour's notice all four of the Platinum Eclipse's riders are in the cockpit, watching the star-lines of hyperspace. Then suddenly the astrogator chirps, there is the five-second warning, and the star-lines recede.

The ship before them seems at the same time ancient and vibrant.

Sith battleships are intimidating. They are large, blocky creations, each one unique from the rest. Their hulls have a faintly pitted, uneven texture -- a result of the process used to temper the armor -- which lends them a stone-like appearance, an impression only heightened by the hieroglyphics etched in meters tall glyphs on their flanks. They are slightly asymmetrical, and each seems subtly unique, the only standard being the quartet of ion engines at their stern.

Malice is no exception, though it is probably larger than most line ships in the Sith fleets. A darkly glittering city, hanging in deep space with only the light of distant suns to illuminate its hull, its topside and underside littered with spires, its flanks decorated with bas-reliefs and glyphs. If one dimension weren't significantly longer than the other two, it might be hard to tell which direction it was facing.

And alive...! Seen through eyes of the Force, it would be a horror to any orthodox Jedi. There are a large number of the Force-awakened aboard, and all of them are Sith. Emotions are given lease here, and the crews, while dutiful, also live their lives brightly and fiercely. Here are the strong, proud, martial emotions that cling to the ship as if it were another layer of energy shielding. To Freyja, raised on the mythologies of her ancestors, it is as if Valhalla were given shape as a starship.

Freyja straightens with interest, her eyes bright and fascinated as she regards the ship. Her voice is soft, "Oooh... is this what you meant, Fhaziza, regarding really living life?"

Fhazil nods slowly, looking at the Malice and smiling. "Yeah. Exactly how. There's a lot more Force-awakened there than on Ziost. And they're all soldiers, but... I think you get the idea."

Freyja grins quietly, intently watching the huge, ancient-looking ship, half expecting the few circling starfighters to really be fierce eight-limbed beasts with proud, laughing riders... she shakes her head once. It's a pervasive thought, but she really needs to clear her head. A ship full of Sith soldiers... and she the only Lightsider for light-decades, as far as she knows. Oh... and female too. She wonders how much that will matter to the Sith.

Freyja murmurs more seriously, "I think... I shall be polite and mute within the Force, just as you and Vakkal did in Republic space." She sighs softly. She'd love to scan in wide, delighted sweeps through the Force, to see what exactly Fhazil means... but she can imagine the commotion that would cause.

Zero thinks about that, silently. He finds himself weighing the positives and negatives of both viewpoints, Light and Dark. He leans back and folds his arms across his chest, thinking, wondering if there's a way for him to help the others cut through the negative aspects... there's so much to think about still.

Far in the distance two more battleships, clearly the consorts to Malice, hold their positions. Gunships -- bulky craft with wings shaped like those of swooping hawks -- move constantly in patrol sweeps around the ships. Slender, graceful starfighters in the curious H-shaped profile when viewed from the front, scream about in quadruplets.

One flight of gunships and another of starfighters angle over to join the couriers. Encoded challenge-response codes are exchanged, then a simple instruction from the battleship: "Platinum Eclipse, you are invited to land in the primary dock, starboard side. Please follow the flight path."

Freyja says politely, "Roger, Malice, and thank you for the invitation. Eclipse out."

Freyja watches with still, silent fascination as Zero pilots the Eclipse into the huge, looming, martial city in the sky. It's probably home to Fhazil and Vakkal -- or was at some point. Zero's probably comfortable anywhere, being a Graysider. What will they think of her, though? She is technically the enemy. She smiles faintly... she doesn't really feel enemy-like... but then she's never understood being feared either. Well... either way, should be interesting.

The Lord's shuttle is already winging its way ahead to the battleship, preceding them. On Zero's board the glide-path shows clearly, and he follows it easily enough. The Malice's hull looms ahead of them. Like most major capital ships, it's even larger when viewed close up. The vaguely stone-like hull stretches off into the distance by the time the Eclipse's nose penetrates the forcefield into the dock.

The dock itself is large, reaching clear across to the other side of the ship and divided into smaller areas by force-fields and large blast doors. Starfighters are suspended from racks lining the ceiling overhead -- hundreds of the sleek craft ready and positioned to be released at a moment's notice. Gunboats occupy larger niches in the forward bulkhead, angled for easy launch even though they are significantly larger than the starfighters. Overall the support structure is a slate, utilitarian grey, though the bulkheads are lined with that stone-like plating and the deck is a glossy, reflective black. Banners are hung from stanchions, wild and martial and proud, perhaps commemorating battles or commanders.

Zero gently speaks to his partner, through his silent mental connection to her. He is comfortable in a lot of places, but a lot of it has to do with being a drifter for so long... when you don't know any real home, you learn to adapt to a lot of places. That he represents a compromise in the Force is just an added balance. He guides the small courier in along the beacons with practiced smoothness. But these days, my lover, I feel comfortable anywhere you are. There's nothing we should have to fear anymore.

Freyja blinks, listening and deeply touched. He's right, really... she is home. She doesn't need to stress over how the Sith see her. The people she really cares about are here, with her -- and she already knows how deeply they connect and support each other. She smiles with quiet joy at Zero, and even though she's seated behind him, he can feel her warmth and happiness at his kindness like a loving blanket wrapped around him in a slow hug, that slowly spreads to Fhazil and Vakkal as well.

Fhazil responds, embracing Freyja back; the group can feel not only his enjoyment at seeing the ship, but also the warm, close comfort he has with the other two, which almost overshadows any other feeling. Zero exhales quietly and leans back a little, though his hands remain steady on the controls.

The Sith shuttle has already landed and its party disembarked; as the Eclipse comes in for a landing more features are visible. There are line after line of Massassi warriors arranged, bearing long-shafted pikes. Platoons of Arkanians and Khar Velosi hunters flank the Massassi columns.

Though they can't hear it, the Khar Velosi are in unison shouting something to Ghang, who stands before them. "An infrequent tradition in the Empire," Vakkal provides. "Early in our role as a fief, our loyalty to our Lord was in constantly tested, and so it became tradition each time we are gathered before the Lord we repeat the oath: 'Our blades, our claws; our Lord, our Empire.'"

The hunters are setting back down, and Ghang is turning to the Eclipse as it touches the deck. Two columns of Massassi form up alongside the exit hatch as deck technicians hurry forward to properly secure the ship following landing. Zero says, "Seems like everything about the Empire is designed to be impressive to look at."

Vakkal provides, "Tradition and ritual. They can be powerful tools to maintain stability and pride in one's culture."

Freyja looks fascinated, watching and nodding at Vakkal's explanation, murmuring quietly, "Oh, hai, definitely..." She's done the same -- at her own wedding, in fact. Freyja's as dressed up and formal as she can get, considering all the clothing and jewelry she currently has on is what she was going to wear to the Balmorran Council. Still, there's a certain quiet comfort in knowing she looks good, even if exotic to these people -- and won't shame her friends or family.

Zero says, "Well. Let it never be said the Empire does anything small."

Freyja smiles, rising and smoothing her greatcoat down as she studies her friends. They may be few in number -- neh platoons of Massassi or assorted other species -- but she thinks they look very fine indeed. With a quiet smile she murmurs, "Well... time to meet the Lord of the Malice, hey?" She raises her chin slightly and paces out with pride, side by side with her friends, to the airlock.

Zero says, "Yeah. Let's be off. Time to do what we came for." Freyja checks to be sure she's politely muted, and waits until everyone is ready... then taps the airlock door's button to open it. It opens with a quiet hiss of escaping air, and she looks out with silent, avid curiosity.

Outside the airlock the troops as one come to straight attention, the butts of their pikes coming smartly onto the floor. The deep, subsonic thrum of the ship's systems felt through the deck just adds to the eerie stillness. There is no band, there is no music, and the Massassi are quite silent. At the end of the short walk of flanking Massassi, Lord Ghang and his party -- the same ones from Balmorra, though with several more officers in attendance -- await with apparently infinite patience.

The uniforms and such are elaborate, much different from the simple, nearly unadorned blues of the Republic Guard. They carry with them a faintly rough quality which would lend an almost primitive air, if a slightly closer glance didn't show the sharp hemlines and subtly tailored cuts to the mostly natural-fiber clothes.

Ghang, of course, is noticeable if for no other reason than for his sheer aura. "Be welcome aboard my ship," he says to them, inclining his head. Again as one the Massassi perform some sort of salute with the pikes.

Freyja smiles quietly, her aristoi face very clearly on as she steps lightly down onto the deck plates of the Malice. A moment to be sure her friends are with her and comfortable -- then she strides down the gauntlet of honor guard to where Lord Ghang waits. She looks up at him and, as a courtesy, gives the gesture she remembers Vakkal and Fhazil giving when they first met Master Roakkana. "Thank you, Lord Ghang, for your kindness. We accept your offer of hosting with pleasure."

Zero bows politely to Ghang, giving a slightly different bow than usual to him; he closes one hand over his fist before himself at about chest height, and carefully maintains eye contact until he's straightened up again. "We are grateful for your hospitality, Lord Ghang." Zero explains silently to his friends; this is a more martial greeting, the closest thing his culture has to a formal salute.

Freyja's silent mental assent thinks that's a nice touch. She's offered the closest thing she knows of to a Sith-native salute also. She hopes with quiet amusement to her Sith friends that they all did it right.

Ghang gives a faint smile, and returns the salute. From their vantage point some of the advisors (the ones who were not with Ghang on Balmorra) are looking with some carefully masked concern at the group. "We shall be at Tanaab in ten days," he says. "Master Balin Khoud violated the ceasefire by his very presence. The number of Jedi Masters at the talks on Balmorra had been purposely limited. I can only imagine he had some overriding need to be there."

Zero says, "We shall see, I suppose."

Freyja ah!s silently, as a puzzle is solved for her. She nods politely, "I understand." She can't help a slightly amused glint in her eyes at the concern directed their way. The idle thought occurs to her to wonder if the Sith group that visited Balmorra felt the same amusement.

Nevertheless, her demeanor remains carefully polite as she adds, "Hai, we shall see, although I would hazard the guess his 'overriding need' was to stop the peace talks. It will be interesting to see if he attempts the same at Tanaab..." she pauses, then adds carefully and clearly, "-or if he will hope the Mandalorian strike team hired to attempt assassination on the Sith Lord Ghang will accomplish that goal for him." She stands quietly, hands tucked into opposite sleeves, after that one, and waits for reactions.

Subtle, Zero observes, wryly.

Freyja grins internally, Hey, loosen the rein there, sweetheart. How does one politely mention things like this? 'Pleasure to meet you, mind the assassin?'

It's not him I was thinking of so much as the... rather open audience. It may not be the sort of thing he wants getting around. Regardless, it did need to be said one way or the other, and in the end one may be as good as the other...

Freyja murmurs mentally, Well, hopefully it'll gain us a little breathing room here on the Malice. Last thing I want is glowering giant Massassi dogging our every footstep, on orders from some over-assiduous officer of the line.

That revelation has quite an effect on the entire Sith party, their concern turning to varying degrees of anger, cold calculation, and resolution, though of course Lord Ghang is utterly impassive. It even seems to cause a stir in the nearby Khar Velosi, a soft murmur sweeping their ranks. "Mandalorians, you say."

Look at it this way, lovely-- you'll hear them coming every time.

Freyja blinks mentally at Zero, Hear? How do you mean?

Zero's amusement resonates palpably though the link, Just having a little fun at the expense of our red-skinned hosts, my love. Don't take it seriously.

Freyja grins mentally again, Cheater! You better explain this later, you tease! With that, she concentrates on the moment at hand, nodding politely to Ghang's comment.

Zero says, "The right lies in the right ears, and the right number of credits in the right hands... these things can be arranged fairly easily on the Rim, these days."

Freyja murmurs almost sotto voce, "Unfortunately..."

Zero says, "Fortunately, the Mandalorians are not a people well-disposed to being manipulated. The right lies can get the matter started, but just one or two true words can put it well out of practice." Freyja's small smile is just barely short of smug at that comment. Zero adds quietly, "...and I can't seem to stop myself from saying a true thing or two, given the opportunity." Freyja's small smile turns into a grin in spite of itself at that one!

Ghang nods slowly. "Indeed. Well. We thank you for the warning. And you are entirely correct, Jedi Satau. I am afraid we will have much to discuss -- but your journey was long, and I believe my Soulguard has many words for me regarding the Mandalorians. Lieutenant Naahm," an Arkanian in officer's garb steps forward, "will show you to guest quarters."

Zero bows again, hand over fist, and smiles-- just a little. "I am pleased to have brought you... interesting news, Lord of War." Freyja is quietly surprised and pleased. She'd expected they'd be staying on the Eclipse, due to the Malice probably being both full, and battle-ready. She bows slightly next to Zero, then glances at the Arkanian, wondering a little wistfully if there's a real bath!

Zero's thoughts still hum with amusement as he adds to the other triat links, I don't think I'll tell his Lordship that where I come from, the phrase 'may you live in interesting times' is considered a dreadful curse. Freyja is a well-trained Balmorran aristoi... so the snort of laughter is purely mental, and not reflected in her demeanor as she silently nods to the Arkanian officer.

A smile tugs at Ghang's lips. "'Interesting' is one way of putting it. Please follow Lieutenant Naahm. He will see you settled in and will be available should you need anything. For now I ask your indulgence in excusing me. You are welcome to dine with us this evening, or take your meal privately."

Freyja murmurs politely, "You are too kind, Lord Ghang," as she looks to Lt. Naahm with quiet interest.

Zero smiles, "That is very kind of you, Lord."

Freyja gives Zero a dryly amused glance as they follow the Lieutenant, You're silly, then adds to Fhazil and Vakkal, How're things for you guys? Is everything going smoothly, or have we missed something important... yet? Fhazil tells them that so far everything has been going perfectly according to protocol -- perhaps a little more casual than is normal in a case such as this, but mainly that's because of the slight rush.

Ghang nods again and, with a salute to them, departs. Naahm is a slender Arkanian with midnight-black hair, and the pale quartz-clear eyes of his race. "This way, please," he says, gesturing to one of the exits from the dock.

Freyja nods politely to Naahm, following without comment. She's quietly relieved to hear that. Casualness means any small gaffes they perpetrate are more likely to be overlooked. That worry assuaged, she looks around with interest, carefully remembering the path from the Eclipse to their guest quarters. Not that she expects to need it... but she's always been trained one can never be too careful.

Naahm is not terribly talkative, though he does give what seems to be a fairly typical description of the Malice. In the Republic this is usually a rundown of how long the ship is, its crew, its capability, its age, that sort of thing. In the Empire it's more a matter of ship's history -- and if they're interpreting the dates right, Malice is about eight hundred years old.

Zero is fully impressed. For any space-frame to last so long it must be built like a monument... though considering its architecture, that nearly goes without saying... Freyja listens with fascination as she follows. She wonders what section they're being put into. If the Sith are anything like the Republic when it comes to hierarchy (and from what she's seen so far, they're much more assiduous about it), then their quarters will say something about how they're seen here.

They travel through what must be a mile of corridor lined with that stone-like metal, lit evocatively as much for ambience as convenience. The occasional banner made fast to the bulkhead declares or commemorates something, and the bas-reliefs seem to show every iota of Sith history or philosophy, if all the possible corridors on this ship are so decorated.

Even with the near-ancient feel of the ship, there is some hint the Sith are not technologically backwards. At one point they pass a pair of vaguely Massassi-like technicians -- though they are shorter and wirier -- with one of the stone-metal panels carefully removed for access to components set in the fairly conventional-looking cable duct behind it. Massassi soldiers travel bearing pikes, some of them with pennons; officers converse while wearing cloaks and sandals; swords and similar weapons -- some with a touch of blight -- are carried by the Force-awakened.

It is these last who perhaps show the most consternation. More than a few corridor conversations between Sith Force-sensitive or Force-awakened persons grind to a halt as Freyja and Zero walk by. Eyes go to them and watch with a mixture of curiosity, suspicion, interest, somewhat subtle appreciation and interest, and wariness. At no point are they accosted, however -- they are simply watched.

Freyja smiles courteously each time, her calm gaze almost demure. She knows she's politely muted, and walking with a Sith Journeyman, Lieutenant, and Khar Velosi. She does not need to flaunt what she is -- a Jedi (even if only a Padawan) on the invading Sith battlefleet's flagship. Zero greets every stare with a serene and very faint smile, and the hint of a nod. He wears his hood back, a gesture of open intention, though he carefully keeps the lie of his robe such that Kawatuara is concealed as much as possible.

Standing straight and wiry, this is a pale-skinned Human, maybe in his early twenties, with a strong though not bulky build. His hair is a mass of choppy white spikes, growing a bit long and wild, a thick braid at back curled around his neck to hang over one shoulder. His features are sharp, his expression calm, although his wide, almond-shaped eyes hold back something akin to wry amusement in their violet irises.

Around his long, spare frame is wrapped a long, hooded robe of dark sapphire fabric with slightly wide sleeves and a flowing cut that causes the lowest edge to float behind him as he moves, open over a close-fitting tunic with a low Mandarin collar, trimmed with very minimal ornamentation in a dark jade color. His loose pants are cut the same, just a little wide for his frame, belted with a wide grey sash, into which is tucked a long-handled twin lightsaber. His shoes are simple and soft-soled.

Indeed the only noticeable bit of ornamentation he wears is around his neck: a black choker from which hangs a small silver medallion inscribed with the bisected wheel of the Saber's Edge tradition of Zhar. His bearing is collected, his posture easy and loose, and the hint of a smile on the corner of his lips reveals only the faintest suggestion of a pale and faded scar.

Zero gently reassures Freyja, sensing her quiet caution, You are doing precisely the right thing, lovely. Walk with a straight back and high head, and simply follow our guide and look as though you know precisely where you are going. Act the part of aristoi, or Jedi Knight, either one will present the face that will place you at home among the martially inclined.

Freyja smiles with quiet pride at Zero, pleased she's not doing anything to embarrass her beloveds. Her demeanor is such that her companions can tell -- she's still in aristoi mode, and will probably continue in that mask whenever in public on this ship.

The route Naahm takes them through is fairly direct. This portion of the ship seems much like the rest; the suite they are ushered into is quite different, however, from what one might expect even VIPs aboard Republic military ships to be given. It is slightly cool but comfortable, with a wide open design. The furniture is low to the ground, padded for comfort but not overly plush. The couch has a massive bas-relief on the wall behind it, depicting what seems to be the accession of a pureblood to a noble title.

The room is arranged generally in an athwart-ships manner, from port to starboard with the entrance -- a pair of doors made from some very heavy wood which open and close at approach -- on the starboard bulkhead. The forward bulkhead, however, opens out onto a somewhat circular area: a crescent of bulkhead walls lined with heavy clear-steel that grants an unimpeded view of the starscape outside the ship.

In the center of the area is a short circular dais with an elaborately embroidered rug or mat covering it. A faint scent of alien, but not unpleasant, incense used long ago hangs about this area. Freyja's eyes widen slightly. This is quite impressive, for a military ship! Her friends can hear her quiet, surprised murmur, Gracious. Is this standard for non-military enemy guests during peace negotiations?

Zero raises his pale eyebrows. "Quite impressive... your Lord honors us thoroughly." He realizes belatedly that he can't think of anything else to say about this. He was not expecting something so... lavish.

Freyja looks around with interest. Softly she murmurs, "Can't be a Sith standardbred's room -- furniture is too low..." She smiles with sincerity at the Arkanian, her face relaxing into quiet warmth for the first time, "Please thank your lord for us, Lt. Naahm. We are deeply honored."

Zero bows to the Lieutenant, "Indeed. This is... quite more than expected."

Naahm smiles a bit. "Actually... it is. The low furniture is a traditional design from Ziost. At that, though, this is a room normally given to visiting Lords. Usually there are a number of visiting admirals or generals and their staffs aboard to confer on strategy with Lord Ghang. For this journey there are no such visitors, and so this section of rooms is unused." He demonstrates the use of the terminal, cunningly and quite discretely set into the table in front of the couch, and how to contact him if they need anything.

Freyja tilts her head with interest at the Arkanian, then looks around with a smile, "This is traditional? I hadn't realized. How nice! Very homey feeling." She observes the information about the terminal, nodding as she watches, and thanks the Lieutenant once he's done. She also checks -- will he be sending someone to escort them to dinner when the Lord is ready, or will Journeyman Fhazil know?

Naahm says, "I will do so, if you choose to dine with the Lord this evening."

Freyja glances at her friends with an inquiringly raised eyebrow. In her experience it's courtesy to dine with the captain of the vessel on the first night at the very least. Shall they? Zero smiles a bit, "We would be most honored to join the Lord. We will await your summons."

Freyja nods, then turns to the Lieutenant, "Thank you again." Naahm nods and departs, the doors closing behind him.

Freyja sighs softly, turning slowly as she looks around the rooms. The others can feel her quiet wonder. Who'd have ever thought she -- the embarrassingly plain eldest of Baron Rigg of Balmorra, and shy little Padawan to Master Roakkana -- would be here... a guest of the Fleet Commander of the invading Sith fleet -- on his very flagship?!

Zero smiles broadly as he stands facing the broad starscape. "I can safely say now the Force has been... very good to me." Freyja grins quietly over her shoulder at Zero, then goes back to regarding their surroundings, her eyes still wide with wonder. She wanders slowly and thoughtfully through the rooms, looking at them all and seeing what she can find.

There is another pair of rooms, as well as a fresher. The bedrooms are identical, with low beds sized for two purebloods. The fresher has less of a bath and more of a meditation pool, the commode tucked neatly behind a screen. Freyja oohs happily, finding the meditation pool, and the others hear her call, "Hey, how long until dinner? I found a pool!"

Zero says, "A pool-" He catches himself and shakes his head. "I should not be surprised... we'll never get her out of there now." He smiles to himself, meditating before the sweep of passing stars.

Freyja is already unbuttoning her formal outer coat as she eyes the pool with pleasure. She giggles at Zero's comment, cheerfully calling back, "Oh, sure you know how!" She grins with wicked cheer as the others 'feel' the end of that sentence -- which she does not verbalize, in case there's some sort of recorder on in the room! Zero just grins his little grin.

Freyja trots through, half dressed as she heads for the bedrooms. Cheerily she waves, "Don't mind me! Just making sure I don't mess up my one and only suit of clothes!" She neatly folds and tucks the clothing away, and carefully removes all the jewelry as well.

As she does so she pauses -- she's going to need more clothes. Hm... perhaps someone on this ship will be the approximate right shape and size, and would be willing to barter some good working clothes for a piece of her jewelry? She can't give away either her Haus security bracelet or the ring she received from Leif... but the rest is just nice jewelry.

Freyja eyes some of her hair combs thoughtfully. Hm again... well, fortunately the Sith seem to like ornate, runic-looking decorations. Hopefully they'll like gold and gems too. She grins, tucking the combs away and running her fingers through her fiery gold mane, shaking her head to loosen it. She'll worry about more clothes later -- for now, a nice hot soak! She paces back through the suite with another grin and a wave, completely nude, "There we go -- feel free to join me if you'd like?"

Zero smirks faintly, torn away (if that is indeed the correct term) from the view. "Have we ever said no?" Freyja's rippling laugh drifts from the bathroom... along with some quiet splashing.

It's shortly after the group has been shown to their rooms on the Malice. Freyja thoughtfully looks up from the curious Sith data-terminal she's studying, and asks Vakkal if he can take her to see the Eclipse. She wants to be sure her roses and lilies are getting watered properly, please? Vakkal nods and can certainly show her the way. He remembers the layout of the Malice quite well.

Freyja bounces lightly to her feet, pleased, "Excellent! I think a nice stroll would be nice..." she pauses, looking down at her distinctively expensive clothing, and adds dryly, "-and maybe we can find someone off duty who'd be willing to barter a bracelet for some good work clothes, do you think?"

Vakkal grins wryly. "If they are still aboard, and still working in the quartermaster's department, I think I have the right person in mind to help with that...."

Freyja brightens at Vakkal as she follows him out, "Really? Oh, that'd be lovely, thank you!" She hums quietly and happily to herself as she paces along through the stark, stony-looking halls, smiling at any passersby.

The on-duty crewmembers they pass don't react too strongly, but Freyja does draw some quiet attention and long, wary looks. Her bright smile and cheerful attention to them when they do notice her does not seem to relax them at all. Vakkal draws less attention, his presence doing more to reassure them than the attention of the particularly strange stranger.

Freyja wonders with faint startlement if maybe the Sith regard smiling as a sign of foolishness, or weakness. That might explain why they're always so grim looking? She murmurs softly to Vakkal at one point, when no one else is around, "Vakkal... is smiling bad among the Sith?"

The path Vakkal leads her back to the Eclipse is much the same that Lieutenant Naahm led them along from the ship the night before. Unlike any Republic ship, the Malice has an ancient feeling about it, heightened by the stone-like plating on the walls. They have a faintly unhewn appearance, where they aren't carved into bas-reliefs. Once the two reach the dock, they see their ship has been placed neatly out of the way in one of the stalls for a gunboat.

He shakes his head, "No, it's not. But you're different here, Freyja. They've probably been briefed that the Lord has guests aboard, and ship scuttlebutt would say it is a group of non-Sith Force-awakened. And considering where the Lord was just at, they probably know you to be a Lightsider."

Freyja smiles a little puzzledly at Vakkal, "Er, is that -- I mean, does your propaganda say Lightsiders are as bad as our propaganda says Darksiders are?" As they enter the ship docks, she looks faintly relieved to see the Eclipse. It is 'home' to her now, after all... she didn't really think the Sith would harm it, but she had worried a little. She lightly bounds over to the ship, her shining silk coat flaring somewhat dramatically, and cheerfully codes them in.

A moment later she's in the triat's main bedroom, kneeling next to the large, pretty pot and happily crooning to the plants, "Well, heiyo there! You all look wonderful, hai... good, good, I see the waterer's working wonderfully..." She does a little bit of pruning, then is done, pleased with how well the plants are doing.

Freyja rises, turning to Vakkal with a smile. She's got an Alderaanian rose in full bloom tucked into her shining fiery-gold hair, and a gorgeous Ossus lily in her hand. "So, I'm ready... shall we go visit the person you know?" Cheerfully she adds, "Want a flower? The plants say they're past full growth and ready to fall." She reaches to tuck the lily behind Vakkal's ear, then pauses, "Hm... your ears are rather mobile, though... maybe someplace else?"

Vakkal's ears twitch, flatten, and rotate a bit, and he grins. "Yes, they are fairly mobile. Uh, I'm not at all sure, really..."

Freyja giggles, watching Vakkal's ears and the slight wrinkling of his nose. She grins, "I'm reading the scent's a bit much for you too, hai? That's all right -- I'll tuck it, umm..." She looks down at herself, then smiles, "Here." She tucks the smaller lily into one of the chest buttonholes of her outer coat, then looks up and grins, "How's that? You'll be able to find me by scent alone!"

Freyja smiles at the flowers as she follows Vakkal out of the ship and locks it safely up again, "Remember when I got these, Vakkal? It was that dinner with Captain Thorne." She grins, almost dancing along next to him, her coat skirts flaring, "Wasn't that a fun night?"

When the two of them emerge from their ship, Freyja can feel the unmistakable tinge of Sithstain on the Force around her. Coming out of one of the other entrances to the deck, a tall thin angular man of some humanoid species has stopped cold and is staring at Freyja. Any approach he might have made is stopped cold yet again when he sees Vakkal escorts her. He looks, if an alien's expression can be trusted, mildly concerned and a bit astonished.

Freyja blinks interestedly at the man, murmuring in an aside to Vakkal, "Who's that, do you know?" She adds softly but amusedly, "He must be good if he can 'feel' past my muting!"

Vakkal glances over briefly, but shakes his head. "Not sure. He wears the sash of an apprentice, however. Probably relatively new to the ship or the Lord's staff."

Freyja nods, "All right." She glances curiously at the man again, wondering what species he is, and smiles politely at him as she murmurs to Vakkal, "I'm guessing he's not going to want anything to do with me, then. So... quartermaster's?"

Vakkal adds, "While I expect he's been briefed that there are guests aboard, or heard rumors, it's quite another thing to bump into such a thing face to face." With a bit of a grin he adds, "It's not as if you are dressed unobtrusively, either. Perhaps he was just wondering who you were."

Freyja giggles at Vakkal, her eyes dancing, "Hey, it's not like we were given time to plan our wardrobes!" She pauses, then adds a bit worriedly, "Did you do the same thing -- leave most of your clothes at the mansion? Do you need some clothing too?"

Then she grins, shaking her head wryly, "Gracious... you make it sound like Lightsiders must just... I don't know... scream and leap or something, according to Sith propaganda!" She bites her lip, trying not to laugh at the sudden mental image she gets -- of her shrieking and leaping at a clump of Sith, all scattering with varying looks of horror and shock. Er... ignore that, please! Silliness attack... Her small giggle is strictly mental, as she disciplines her face to calm.

Vakkal nods cheerfully. "Yes, but fortunately the huskarl's uniform is quite hardy. And almost self-cleaning, like any good, modern duty uniform. Though I could probably do with a change." He considers her words for a moment, then says soberly, "Freyja... they do expect it. More than one company of Jedi have thrown themselves at the Malice when the ship was otherwise occupied in battle, attempting a decapitation strike at Lord Ghang. Wasn't that what most Republic citizens are taught about the Sith?"

Freyja blinks. She considers that a moment, then says carefully, "Er... hold on, I'm getting my propaganda mixed up here. Are you saying the Republic is taught Jedi should throw themselves at Sith, or that Sith expect Jedi to do so... or that Republic citizens expect... umm..." She pauses, then says a little indignantly, "Hold on, you guys did throw yourselves... uh..."

Freyja tilts her head, thinking a bit more, then smiles ruefully, "All right, so we both do it. Nevertheless, if I were going to do that, I certainly wouldn't do so in Balmorran formal wear -- it's just not designed for good leaping and screaming!" She grins, obviously teasing.

Vakkal makes a quiet sound and nods. "Mm-hmm. Both sides have their share of... how to put it... not 'zealots' like the Oathers and the Calefactors, but those who do see it as the good fight worth fighting." He grins. "Well, perhaps it isn't. Not unless you intend to take them by distraction, first..."

Freyja laughs delightedly, cheerfully swirling around Vakkal in a dance step, arms raised in a graceful pirouette, "Hah, gotcha! All right, maybe not..." She giggles, "Aaaanyways! Shall we go find some good work clothes?" Then she grins a little guiltily, surreptitiously glancing to see if she's horrifically shocked all the Sith present. Well... I guess they all think Lightsiders are wyrding anyway... not like I can make it that much worse, I guess?

Watching the two unknown people, the concern over what may happen is overridden by curiosity at the woman's dance steps, and the Khar Velosi's apparent unconcern with this. The unknown apprentice walks up to the two of them, "Excuse me... is everything all right?" His voice is dry and breathy, and his eyes are an odd shape and unusual color.

Freyja tilts her head and grins, curiously studying the man, "Hai, as far as I know." She glances inquiringly at Vakkal, "For you also?" then cheerfully adds to the man, "Why do you ask?"

Vakkal nods assent, and the newcomer says truthfully, "It is not often you see dancing on the flight deck, nor such... unusual... people." He looks at Freyja while he says this last, although not unpleasantly. He gives a slight smile and adds, "My name is Kaltach and I am a junior officer aboard," and then something truly unpronounceable, "the messenger ship." He gestures to a sleek looking vessel with odd bulges on it, in another resting place. He says, "I do not mean to cause offense, merely to make sure you were where you were expecting to be. Having people wandering lost on the flight deck is dangerous."

Freyja covers a small giggle at the man's initial comment -- she quite understands that! She looks curiously at the other ship, then interestedly asks, "What's a messenger ship?"

Freyja adds belatedly, "Your pardon, kura- er..." she studies the man again, then says cautiously, "Ah... apprentice...? Kaltach." She smiles, adding, "I hight Freyja and this is Vakkal, and we are of Haus Rigg of Balmorra, and I am Padawan to Master Roakkana of Kashyyyk." She thinks a moment, then adds cautiously again, "I've been informed a Padawan is roughly equivalent to an apprentice... I think?" She cheerfully finishes with, "And Vakkal is my Soulguard. A pleasure to meet you. Who's your Master?"

Kaltach is humanoid and could pass as a human if people weren't looking too closely. His eyes are set a little far apart, and are slanted downwards slightly. The irises are vaguely amber, with a larger pupil than one might expect, and the occasional flash of red behind them suggests good low-light vision. His skin tone is pale, almost grayish, although that could be because of the industrial lighting on the deck. He about fifteen centimeters under two meters, and thin.

Freyja is rather fascinated -- this is a species she's not familiar with at all! Must be unique to the Sith Empire...? To Vakkal she whispers mentally, What species is he? Is it a Sith only species? Vakkal replies he's not too sure; he's seen the species before but, like the Republic, there's a number of species in the Empire he's never heard of. It's likely the man is from a less populous race whose world is held by fief to a lord other than Ghang.

Kaltach bows to Freyja, then Vakkal, as they are introduced and says, "It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance, noble lady and sir." He looks back to Freyja, apparently getting a little more confident the visitor isn't someone who shouldn't be there, and is asking questions he can answer -- at least until she reveals what she is. That gives him food for thought, and they can see him thinking deeply. He says carefully, "My Master is Lord Shu Fan. I do not know..." and then he trails off.

Freyja looks interested, but waits silently and politely for the man to finish his sentence.

When Freyja merely looks expectant, Kaltach gathers his wits about him and says, "I do not know what it is appropriate to say, Lady Freyja. I would hate to upset or embarrass you or either of our Masters." Pausing a moment, he says, "It would seem safe to answer your first question, and explain the messenger ships. They're used as couriers to get important people and things to places they need to be quickly, either from one cruiser to another or from cruiser to planet."

Freyja smiles, "If it helps, we are but two apprentices chatting, hai?" She grins a little mischievously, "I won't be upset if you won't either?"

The thin man smiles a little in return, "That sounds like an excellent plan. I..." He stops, then asks, "May I ask you a question? It's something I don't understand about the Jedi. Perhaps it would be impolite of me, though -- I'm not sure."

Freyja grins cheerfully, "Ask away! At worse I'll politely decline to answer. After all... I was sure the Sith ate babies when I first met them." She grins, her tone gently teasing on that last one.

Kaltach says, "Um, then, how could you? I mean, give up everything like that?"

Freyja looks both interested, and a bit puzzled, "I don't know. What did I give up?"

The Sith apprentice says, "I was taught the Jedi path banishes emotion, and lets the Force dictate action. How can you live life with no emotion? What's the point of living then? It's always been made to sound cold and horrible." He looks a little abashed, adding, "You certainly don't seem to dress or act that way, and I'm quite surprised."

Freyja says, "Oh, that." She smiles, "I don't know, really. I don't have any trouble with listening to the Force as best I can to try to do what needs to be done, rather than just self-aggrandizement... but I think what the true Masters were trying to say was to not let emotion rule you -- not that you had to bottle up all your emotions. I'd think that was dangerous. Bottle up anything long enough... and it will come bursting out some day -- often when you least wish it to, in a way you really don't like."

She's silent a moment, remembering the poor Templar who slashed off his own foot... then she grins at the apprentice's final comment, swirling her skirt out on one side in a graceful bow, "Why, thank you!"

Kaltach looks thoughtful, until the bow distracts him for a moment. He blinks, swallows, and asks the canid, "Are all Jedi like this?"

Freyja giggles, her eyes dancing as she waits for Vakkal's response. He replies crisply, "No." With a grin, he adds, "I'll let you decide if that's good or bad."

Freyja laughs aloud! then grins, "So... Lord Khon Shu Fan, hai? Isn't he the one with the beautiful daughter married to the Dark Lord?" Curiously she adds, "How's Dantooine doing? Are those pesky manuses still bopping around there? Will the lord really be simply withdrawing his people once the war's end is negotiated?" She pauses, then grins, "What did you bring in the messenger ship?"

Kaltach looks a little surprised at the question, but answers easily, "Lord Fan's daughter is beautiful -- that cannot be argued -- but she is not married, much less to the Naga Sith, although I understand it is a possibility." The other questions make him look less sure of himself, and he says, "Please forgive me if I do not know or should not discuss the others with you."

Freyja looks a bit curious, "She's not married to him yet?" She considers a moment, then nods thoughtfully, "Well, if I were getting stuck with only one person for the rest of my life, I guess I'd be leery of getting tied down at all swiftly too..." She smiles, gracefully shrugging one shoulder, "Please do not answer if it makes you uncomfortable. I was merely curious about things Lord Ghang had said to me, which made me, er... somewhat doubtful, and I sought to verify them."

The apprentice says, "Those things are outside my experience, Lady Freyja. As to being stuck with one person... what do you mean?"

Freyja adds wryly, "I've, ah... become aware recently much of what I was taught about the Sith is, um... inaccurate." She grins dryly, "Hai, that's a good word." A moment later she adds, "Oh, I was simply referring to what I've been told Sith marriage is. Apparently marriage to the Sith means you're stuck with just that one person for the rest of your life... for all, simply all of your ever-changing needs -- and that person is stuck with only you." She shudders slightly, causing several fringes to sway interestingly, "Poor things. Not something I'd wish even on my enemies."

Kaltach says, "That seems a good word to describe some of the things I've been told of the Jedi, as well." He looks at Freyja curiously, and says, "How else would it be done?"

Freyja smiles, her gaze a bit far away with happy memory, "Gracious, where to start... well, how about having paramours for mutual love and emotional support, and a hus-bond to help you manage the economies of the family, and an extended family for help raising children and joyous celebration of rituals, and a Haus for protection and patronship? How could one person do all that for you, and you for they?"

Freyja smiles, adding, "I realize it sounds normal to you, but I was quite shocked to learn once one attains, er... what was it, Vakkal? Was it journeyman status?" she looks back at the junior officer, "Anyway, I felt so sorry for the young journey-sapients -- practically thrown out of their Hausa upon attaining that status!"

Freyja rubs one slender golden hand along her arm, adding slowly, "It always sounded so... so lonely being a Sith Lord... at least according to what I'd heard and read."

The apprentice thinks about it, and says, "I... I'm not sure. It sounds both good and terrifying. Having to trust so many others with so much would be... extremely difficult. I would think it easier to be self sufficient." At the last, he looks even more scandalized, "But... no, you've already said, not to mention demonstrated, that Jedi don't give up all emotion. I've been told you'd have to give up all your friends and family as unneeded excess of emotion. Who'd want to do that?"

Freyja blinks a bit confusedly at Kaltach... then giggles, "This is one of those things where we've each been told the other side does the same bad thing, right?"

With a bit of a smile the apprentice says, "Along with the baby-eating, yes; apparently so."

Freyja grins, adding, "You trust lots of people, constantly!" She waves a graceful arm about to indicate the ship docks, "If they weren't trustworthy, we wouldn't be in here... we'd be breathing vacuum!" She smiles again, "So... isn't it better to choose whom you will trust, don't you think?"

"Ah, that's different," says Kaltach. "The engineers and operators are trusted, but not solely, and not with the really damaging things about you. Yes, we trust them. We trust them enough to have secondaries and backups and overseers and fault-detectors and fail-safes. I don't trust any single one of them to hold my life in their hands." He adds, "Some of the pilots and gunners on the small fighters do, but those people are very close to each other. I'm not sure I could do that."

Freyja nods encouragingly, "And how is that different than trusting your family of the Heart, and your Haus, and so on?"

Kaltach says, "I'm not sure I have an answer for that. It seems different in that when you choose a life-partner, that one person knows enough about you to do anything to your life they liked. You must trust them not to. That is difficult. Doing that with more than one person at a time would seem to be exceptionally more difficult yet."

Freyja listens thoughtfully, then says slowly, "Then... I would say you have answered my other question, regarding loneliness." She gently touches his shoulder in a slowly moved, hopefully non-startling commiserative gesture, "I'm sorry."

The apprentice isn't startled at the movement, but is quite stumped by the words. He thinks hard, then says, "I'm not sure I understand." He adds, "I am sure that you've given me a lot to think about." About then his communicator feeps. Freyja smiles quietly, but doesn't interrupt the communicator.

Kaltach says, "Excuse me," picks it up, and says, "Kaltach here," into it. A little voice can be heard to chide, "I can see you on Security, flirting with the pretty girl. Knock it off and get back up here. We've got work to be doing." The apprentice says, "I'm sorry, sir. I didn't realize how long I'd been. I'll be right up." The communicator feeps off, and the apprentice says, "If you will excuse me, Lady, I should return to my duties."

Freyja politely stifles her grin and simply bows, "It has been a pleasure speaking with you, Apprentice Kaltach. Perhaps we shall meet again."

Kaltach says, "You've given me much to think about. It has been a pleasure." He bows, and says, "Good day to you," in a vaguely formal way, and makes his way off.

She does grin at Vakkal after he's turned away though... a touch guiltily. I didn't mean to get him into trouble. Shall we head for the quartermaster's?

Vakkal's reply of It didn't sound like he was in terrible trouble to me -- merely being chided. Were it really that dire a fate, I doubt a girl, even a pretty one, would have stopped him. And think of what questions he'll have for his Master? comes back promptly. The canid resumes leading Freyja to the quartermaster's section.

Freyja giggles at Vakkal's comment, Hai, that's true! I hope he has as much fun learning more as I got to have.

Freyja smiles quietly to herself, walking along with Vakkal. He can 'feel' the general train of her thoughts... she still doesn't understand how the Sith seem to... well, sort of shed all their familial associations? -but she's glad the Sith she knows well don't feel they must abandon all caring for others. She's rather fascinated, too, to find out how the Jedi are seen by Sith. Neh wonder they view them with horror! She'd be shocked too at someone so callous and cold.

However, she has no final answers, and so her thoughts slowly fade into a favorite piece of music over time. Eventually her pace next to Vakkal becomes more her usual light-footed half-dance, as she hums with quiet happiness to herself. Soon, aside from the rich scent of roses, there's a faint, rhythmic jingling from her clothing as well, at her regular swaying step.

The quartermaster Vakkal is thinking of has a set of offices just off of one of the recreation areas. Much of the recreation is martial -- sparring of many different types and other forms of training. There are also people playing a number of unusual games, some with spectators and some without. A couple of people look up and wave at Vakkal, but nobody comes up to him or Freyja. The dress here is a little more relaxed, but still very subdued compared to Freyja's finery.

Freyja pauses to regard the martial area with bright, fascinated eyes. She's quietly pleased, internally, to see not everyone is afraid of Vakkal. She'd previously gotten the impression he'd had very few friends on the Malice, aside from Fhazil. She hopes he's enjoying the chance to see old friends again. She smiles hopefully at Vakkal, "Do you suppose they'd let us play and practice here too? I bet Zero and Fhazil would be thrilled at the chance?"

Vakkal says, "As long as they played by all the rules, there wouldn't be any problems. People always enjoy new people to try their skills against." He points to a door opening on to the area, adding, "We're almost there."

Freyja says, "Oh, good!" She follows Vakkal, curiously adding, "Is all of the exercising here structured into games?"

Vakkal says, "Much of it, but not all." Freyja nods thoughtfully. She'll have to see if there's a place where a single person can work out. She's not sure her style would do well here, and she's a little insecure about it, considering how insignificant it was to Lord Ghang's ego.

Opening onto that deck is a small office, and Vakkal leads Freyja in. It consists mostly of a counter with a terminal of some sort on it, and a bored looking Arkanian sitting behind it. She's fairly human in appearance, but has white hair; a pale, almost dust-colored complexion; and eyes which are solid white. Despite this, she seems able to see perfectly clearly, and demonstrates so by saying, "Vakkal! I haven't seen you in ages!" and brightening right up when he comes in.

Freyja smiles with quiet happiness. She's pleased they came, even though she'd initially had doubts. It's nice to see her friends get to see old friends again. Vakkal smiles and says, "It has been a while, hasn't it?" He introduces Freyja, using her full title. To Freyja he says, "This is Terin. If she's still the scamp she was last time I talked to her, she'll be able to help us out."

Freyja grins, putting her hands together in the gesture she's seen other Sith do for greeting, "Haiyo, Terin; it's a pleasure to meet you." Terin looks somewhat blank at Freyja's greeting, and Vakkal translates to Sith from Aurabesh. The Arkanian ahs and nods, smiling brightly to Freyja. While Freyja now speaks both regular and courtly Sith, thanks to Fhazil and Vakkal, she sees no reason to advertise that. She smiles warmly in return.

In Sith, Terin asks, "What brings you this way, Vakkal?" Vakkal translates this for Freyja over their mental link before he replies, "I was hoping you could help me find some different clothing for Freyja. What she has on is not entirely appropriate to what she finds herself doing aboard ship." Freyja waits silently, watching with interest.

Terin, who apparently speaks only Sith, says very clearly and particularly, "You know I can't dispense things that aren't for crew use." Vakkal seems to know the right reply, which is, "Oh, of course not." He sends to Freyja what is being said, and, Show the nice lady what you can offer her, please. Freyja smiles at Vakkal, then lays a gem-encrusted gold bracelet on the counter.

Terin looks impressed, and examines the bracelet closely. She reaches over and flicks the terminal off, then says to Vakkal, "What do you need?"

At Vakkal's inquiring glance, Freyja murmurs to him, "I was hoping for some sturdy, simple work clothes. Leather's good, if they've got any? -and some all-weather protective cloak or poncho style thing, and maybe some good, sturdy boots that cover the knee?"

Terin listens to the request and drums her fingers on her teeth for a moment, thinking. She says something to Vakkal and opens up a door in the counter, flipping the top back, and gestures to Freyja. Vakkal says, "She'll help. She wants you to go with her so she can measure you and you can pick out some things. Do you want me to come or to wait? You'll just be in the back room."

Freyja brightens, pleased to see the woman seems to feel she can help. She grins at Vakkal happily, "Thank you for translating! Whichever makes you happier, please." Then she slips through the opening in the counter, following the woman.

The back room is a small room with another terminal, next to a chute and some shelves with varying things on it. Vakkal comes in and stands by the door, watching. Terin says, still in Sith and mostly to be reassuring, "This will just take a few minutes." She measures Freyja, occasionally gently pushing her to stand in a slightly different way. Then, she goes over to the terminal and works on it. After a moment she gestures to Freyja and points at the display. She asks, "This what you wanted?" Vakkal translates.

Freyja isn't particularly worried about Terin measuring her -- she's had this done innumerable times to her by kurasai tailors. She looks interestedly at the terminal's display, then thoughtfully says, "Can you make it a bit less loose, so there's less chance of clothing catching on anything? And... if it's leather, I won't need the sleeves." She grins at Vakkal, adding, "If anything, I'll need it sleeveless, so I can shed heat better."

Terin listens to Vakkal's replies, and says, "Okay, hold on," and works the terminal some more. This time the results are much more to Freyja's liking, and Terin puts in the needed requests. She turns and cheerfully asks Vakkal, "You want one too?"

Freyja grins at Vakkal, "Get something nice for yourself too, Vakkal!" Dryly she adds, "All that jewelry might as well do some good. I have far too much, as it is... Mother insisted."

Vakkal looks at the screen, then laughs, saying, "Be awful with fur. Too tight, too hot. I could use a regular duty uniform, though." Terin giggles and says, "Too bad, too," but works the controls some more. She puts in another couple of requests as well, before asking, "Anything else? Other people? More styles? Underwear?"

Freyja replies, once that's translated, "Just the boots and the cloak as well, please?"

The woman grins and says, "Already put in." Almost before Vakkal can translate, a chime sounds and she goes over to a chute where things have been delivered from elsewhere on the ship. She flips through them, checking that they're right. She hands one to Freyja, and asks via Vakkal, "You want to try this on?"

Freyja brightens, "Oh, that was fast!" She grins, her arms full of clothing, "Hai, please -- the sooner I'm in working clothes again, the more comfortable I'll be."

Terin says, "Easiest way to do that is to have Vakkal there turn about and block the door." The chime sounds again, and she says, "Ah!" distracted by another arrival.

Freyja giggles at Vakkal's translation of Terin's comment, then cheerfully starts changing clothes. Vakkal's seen her in the nude, and he'll warn her if she needs to cover up due to someone else arriving. There's a certain child-like glee in getting to wear things her parents wouldn't really approve of, too!

Freyja straightens up a moment later, after slapping down the seals on each boot, and happily smoothes her hands down her hips. She looks up at Vakkal, her eyes alight with enjoyment of the moment and her scarlet-gold hair in a shining tumble across one shoulder, "Well? Does it look all right?"

Terin works by the delivery chute, folding things and putting them away. When she turns around, she comments, "Oh yes, that's very nice." She asks, "Is it right?"

Freyja beams at Terin -- she's very pleased! At the translated query she says, "I think so. Let's see, shall we?" She stretches her arms over her head, then stands on one leg as she raises the other, describing a slow, almost 360 degree circle of movement. The leather simulacrum gives nicely, and she repeats the gesture with the other leg, then bends down gracefully to touch her toes. Her silky hair swirls in a long fall about her feet as she does so, then arcs in a sudden scarlet waterfall of movement as she abruptly straightens up. She beams again, "This is lovely! Thank you so much, Terin!"

Vakkal translates, and Terin smiles, "That's good." She hands a soft-sided carryall to Freyja, "Another one, and something to put your other clothes in." The second one she hands to Vakkal, saying, "And a couple of duty uniforms for you."

Freyja is quite touched by Terin's kindness, so she smiles as expressively as she can and carefully enunciates in Sith, "Thank. You."

Terin smiles and says to Freyja, "Yes. You're welcome, good, good." and then to Vakkal, "I'm still shortchanging her a little. If she needs anything else you come right back here, okay?" Vakkal assures Terin the lady will keep it in mind and is very pleased with what she has gotten. Freyja grins quietly at Vakkal as she stuffs her formal clothing and jewelry into the carryall. She's delighted to not have to carry all that stuff around all the time... it's rather like being able to shed a too-tight mask and be oneself again.

After making sure Terin understands how pleased with the clothes he and Freyja is, Vakkal starts leading them back to their rooms. This takes them on a different path through the big cruiser. They start out walking the other way down the rec area, with Vakkal enjoying Freyja's cheerful exuberance. She's almost skipping in her new clothes, her new carryall slung over one shoulder, singing happily (if quietly) to just the two of them. Her hair is a scarlet swirl of movement and shine against the black leather, as she moves.

Not far from the end of the rec hall a voice calls, "Vakkal! Shalmar told me she saw you!" A female Khar Velosi emerges from the crowd, waving to Freyja's escort and trying to catch up to them. Freyja blinks startledly -- is that a friendly native of Vakkal's birthworld?!

Vakkal says, "What?" and turns. He smiles, "Saleyn!" Then he stops and explains in Aurabesh, "Freyja, this is Saleyn. She is one of a very few Khar Velosi who -oof!" At that point he is hugged rather firmly, and stops. Freyja smiles, watching quietly.

Vakkal is distracted by the friendly greeting, which includes not only a very firm hug but a sort of sniffing nuzzle, which he returns. After a moment his mental voice reaches Freyja to explain, Saleyn is one of a very few Khar Velosi who won't much be bothered by me. Her parents were also quite unwelcome on the home world, and were also rescued by Lord Ghang. She's been raised pretty much entirely on the ship and among those who don't care, so the presumed slight against me bears less weight, if any, with her. Eventually he manages to untangle himself from her, although he's smiling happily.

Freyja makes mental notes about how the Khar Velosi greet each other. If Vakkal likes that, she's happy to use that instead! She's still grinning as she watches. She's not sure if she should greet Saleyn also, so she'll wait and follow the other woman's lead.

Saleyn finally lets up and says, "It's very good to see you again, Vakkal!" He smiles, "It's good to see you too. Let me introduce you to..." as he says this, he gestures to Freyja. The female Khar Velosi looks at Freyja, and steps back a bit, "Oh! Vaki! I didn't know you had a new lover. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt." Her grin turns conspiratorial as Vakkal's ears redden, and she says, "A Human, too. I didn't think you had it in you."

Freyja's eyebrow raises as Vakkal flushes, but she manages to keep her expression a calm smile... although Vakkal can hear the mental giggle! She murmurs with mental amusement to him, Now this is something you and Fhazil never mentioned...!

Vakkal's mental translation for Freyja falters a little as he flushes and says, "No, Saleyn, it's not like that." He performs introductions, introducing Saleyn, a member of the Malice' crew and long-time friend, to Padawan Freyja Rigg of Balmorra. Saleyn smiles and bows to Freyja, "Good hunting and safe bedding to you." Vakkal translates, then makes the introductions again in Aurabesh.

Freyja smiles and politely returns the bow to Saleyn, "A pleasure to meet one dear to one dear to me." She grins mentally, You don't have to translate that directly if you'd rather not, of course.

Vakkal's reply comes back, Well, I guess it didn't seem that important. Saleyn and I were lovers off and on for some time, and friends for much longer. I should have expected to see her here, but have been a little busy.

Freyja doesn't comment -- she's got some new things to think about! What an interesting greeting -- quite evocative of what the Khar Velosi consider important, she'd guess? Also, Vakkal seemed almost upset at the suggestion he had a Human lover... is that a bad thing? She wouldn't have thought so... but then she's not a Sith either. Maybe she can ask later, when he's not quite so... twitchy feeling.

Vakkal translates that fairly directly, although using a different idiom which makes a little more sense in Sith. He also explains that he's Freyja's Soulguard, which causes Saleyn to say, "Oh." She grins at Freyja, "You're a very lucky person to have Vakkal as your guard. It would take an amazing act to make him fail in that important of a duty."

Freyja smiles at Saleyn and, once that's translated, she says quite genuinely, "Hai, I rather agree. I'm still tremendously honored he considers me worth guarding."

Saleyn nods, "I'm glad you understand how special Vakkal is." She gives the other canid another hug and a brief nuzzle, and murmurs, "I couldn't possibly interfere with your important work, Vaki, so I'll just have to be content with telling you I'd be happy to spend another night or three with you while you're on board."

Freyja blinks at that, and carefully guards her thoughts to herself. She's personally rather astonished at herself -- her first emotion was a flare of jealousy! That's certainly not what she expected... she'll have to take some time to quietly analyze her emotions later.

Vakkal is translating all this for Freyja. To the other woman he says, "I'm glad to hear you still think fondly of me. If I were able, I would probably take you up on it, but I would hate to shirk this sacred promise I've made." Saleyn says, "And I couldn't ask you to, but it's sweet of you to say." Seeing Freyja watching, and thinking she's not understanding this, she adds, "You take care of her, Vakkal, and of yourself. Come see me when you can, and we'll look forward to that." She bows to Freyja and moves off, smiling what Freyja might recognize as a bittersweet smile.

Freyja watches silently, then looks at Vakkal. Her tone is somber, Vakkal... Vaki. Is that the affectionate form of your name? She sighs quietly, then continues, I... am not completely cognizant of the emotional situation there, but I can say one thing.

Freyja studies Vakkal's face silently... how odd. Her first view of him -- snarling, mad eyed, and underlit with a red lightsaber -- was so shocking, almost bestial looking... and yet now, knowing the man, she can't really match that face with this well-known and much-beloved one. She sighs quietly, not pleased at her confusing churn of emotion, and simply says, I'm not your jailor, Vakkal. If you truly wish some time with her, please... go. She adds quietly, Or later, if you wish.

Vakkal watches Saleyn walk away. He answers the easy question first, Vaki is a nickname that a very few people have used. I suppose you could consider it an affectionate form, although I hadn't thought that much about it. There's a moment's pause where he considers before he continues, but he does, I'm not sure I'm completely aware of the emotional situation there, either, Freyja. Were I not your Soulguard, I'm not sure what I would have done about that interaction.

As the female vanishes in to the crowd, he looks back at Freyja and continues, I'd gotten used to the idea that I would not be able to have a lover when I left here last time. I'm not sure I want to have to do that again.

Freyja studies Vakkal silently for a few moments more, then says quietly, Is that what you want? Your Path has changed quite a bit since that time, I know. She touches his shoulder gently, asking the same question she's encouraged him to answer often during the time they've been together, What do you want, my brother?

Vakkal looks at Freyja and shrugs a little as he replies, I... don't know yet. I'm still discovering the possibilities, much less able to choose a path. He adds a moment later, I can't thank you enough for asking it, though. He says aloud, "Come on, we should go."

Freyja smiles and gives Vakkal a slow, gentle hug. Hai, we should.

Vakkal relaxes slowly into the hug, and sends quietly to Freyja, It would be all right if you called me Vaki, if you wanted to.

Vakkal leads Freyja back towards the group's rooms, leading her across the recreation deck in another direction. He is obviously thinking about the encounter they've just left, but is still alert to the people around him. He makes sure to answer any questions Freyja may ask him, and to explain anything really interesting they may see along the way.

Freyja is thoughtfully silent for most of the walk across the recreation deck. She's still (somewhat startledly) mulling over the new things she's just learned -- and interestedly watching the Sith engaged in active sports. Learning what someone considers fun can often be illuminating.

Freyja and Vakkal pass through one section which seems to be oriented towards team sports. If the subtle insignias are any indicator, the shipboard troops train, eat, mingle, and play together. Most of the games appear to have little in the way of audiences, but this particular court has several tiers above the sunken court. The court itself is box-shaped, longer than it is tall or wide, with a clearsteel covering over the top. The game itself seems to be between a platoon of Khar Velosi and a platoon of Arkanians; other members of the platoon seem to be gathered in the bleachers fairly freely with no division between platoons, though within the court it's much more distinct.

On each end of the boxlike court is a stone-like ring, and like perhaps half a thousand similar games it appears to be a cross between an ancient Human game called jai alai and Alderaanian cross-sticks. Each team member has a short stick or rod at the end of which is a small basket or net. The ball fits neatly in the basket and can comfortably pass through the ring. Obviously, the purpose of the game is to get the ball through the opponents' ring as many times as possible, though a score can apparently be made form anywhere in the court, leading to a number attempts at long-range hurls and bank shots. A few even make it.

Freyja is silently studying the game's layout when she finally figures out how to phrase a question which has been bothering her somewhat, although she's a bit too shy to verbalize it. Instead she mentally whispers, a little hesitantly, Vakkal? Umm... are Humans... well, disgusting smelling, or icky, or something, to people from Khar Velos?

Vakkal blinks a couple of times, and looks at Freyja. His mental reply is, No... Humans have a unique odor, but nothing offensive or off-putting. Not strongly defined like a Wookiee or just plain horrible like a Jawa... It's clear he isn't quite sure what to make of the question.

Oh... good... Freyja looks down at her new boot toes, and adds a little sheepishly, I, um, just wondered if... you thought Humans were nasty or something. I mean, well... um, it was what Saleyn said, you know? When she assumed we were lovers, and said she didn't realize you had it in you...? She looks assiduously at the two sports teams, realizing quite well her face is a bit flushed with embarrassment. She hopes Vakkal doesn't think she's stupid, or laugh at her for asking... well, he probably won't, but she still feels a little self-conscious.

She doesn't try approaching the game at all, though, sticking close on Vakkal's heels. She doesn't want to cause him the discomfort of having a whole amphitheatre of Khar Velosi stare at him in disgust or dismay or something. Freyja's had that predicament herself, although never in such quantity. She wouldn't inflict it on a friend for the universe.

Vakkal continues to look at Freyja with a confused look, and takes her mood and obvious embarrassment seriously. It takes him a moment to frame a reply, and he sounds a bit sheepish himself, I... No, that wasn't it at all. She was actually quite surprised that I'd be bold or brave enough to consider such a thing with a Human. They're considered a little, um, exotic and energetic in their tastes.

After a pause Vakkal adds, Particularly one as striking as you. It was probably easier for her to accept I'm your Soulguard than it would be to think of me as your lover.

Freyja blinks, giving Vakkal a startled look as she accidentally blurts out, "They what?!" Then she covers her mouth, turning a warmer shade of gold as she whispers, "Oops... sorry!"

Freyja bites her lip, trying not to giggle at herself for her faux pas, and tries again, I'm sorry, Vakkal; I'm a dope. Um... let me make sure I heard that right, though? You're saying Humans are considered... exotic?! She grins faintly, trying to imagine herself as strikingly exotic. It doesn't quite link up in her head yet.

Vakkal turns fully and looks at her, smiling. You mean your long golden hair, your icy blue eyes, your lovely tanned bare skin, the tight clothing, the rounded and separate fingers? Those aren't fascinating and beautiful? He grins and adds, Don't forget energetic. I'm sure Saleyn was stunned at the idea I could even try to keep up with the reputed desires of a Human woman.

Freyja just stares at Vakkal. She's stunned. A moment later she blinks, suppressing the rather strong urge to look behind her for whomever Vakkal is really speaking to. He keeps looking right at Freyja, though, ears cocked curiously as he watches her. Freyja? Have I upset you?

Uh. What?! Freyja blinks again, trying to marshal her thoughts at Vakkal's query, Neh-neh, I'm not upset, I'm just... uh... She blinks again, a faintly amused, faintly rueful grin finally curling up the corners of her lips, You're serious. Truly?

The dog Sith nods and sends, Yes, I'm serious. Saleyn was astonished to see I would wind up with someone exotic like you. I'm sure she could never imagine me being that much of a rogue to consider asking such a thing.

Freyja breaths softly, "Wow..." then smiles a bit wistfully at Vakkal, I'm sorry, Vakkal. I really am being an ungrateful jerk. She steps forward a bit, gently hugging him again, Thank you. What you've said is really, truly kind, and I do appreciate it. I just... well, I've never really been told things like that before, and... well, I didn't expect it from you. She sighs softly, gently nuzzling his cheek fur as she adds, I didn't know you thought I was nice looking. I mean, the red-gold form you showed me in your memories was... was so pretty! -but... well, I wasn't sure it was really you seeing me, you know? It might've been how I wanted to see me...

Freyja's silent a moment, then sighs softly again, her warm breath gently ruffling his fur again as she adds softly, I like you too, Vakkal. I... thank you. It's nice to hear you think I'm nice.

Vakkal stands very still and gently puts his arms around her too, smiling a little. He thinks to her, Freyja, I think you're a beautiful person, and that includes how you treat people, how you act, how you look, and even how you smell. It was partly the great respect I had for how you treated two potentially dangerous enemies who you had at your very mercy that made me who I am today. That's part of you, just as much as your golden skin and long hair. The Sith grins and adds, And from the scents I think many of the other Humans we've met thought you were attractive too.

Freyja beams -- Vakkal can even feel her sparkle internally, mentally, at his praise -- his opinion of her means a lot to her. She contentedly rubs her cheek against his, smiling happily as she considers that she might well just be a darned nice person -- and it's all right, it's not hubris, to think that! Then her normal raging levels of curiosity kick in again, and she asks puzzledly, Wait... how can we be considered that energetic as a species, when your species is sturdier, usually stronger, and faster on land? And... define exotic, please?

Vakkal hasn't closed his eyes at the gentle rubbing, because he wouldn't want to leave his Lady unprotected in public, but she can tell he relaxes a little more into the rubbing. His return thought is, As far as energetic, there are things that humans have more stamina at than we do. Also, most Khar Velosi have only met a few humans -- deserters, converts, and others -- most of whom are, rather like Fhazil, filled with fire and spice in everything they do. As far as exotic goes, you humans are reputed to have a great deal more variety in how you, er, do things, not to mention some of the wonderful things you can do. The last sounds a tiny bit distracted.

Freyja makes a tiny, stifled snort, her eyes bright with restrained delight, as she tries not to giggle at the image Vakkal's giving her -- of a species which thinks cheery madmen like Fhazil are the norm! She giggles softly, her breath warm against Vakkal's fur again, Oh, goddess, do I have to do back flips with a hand cannon over speeders, or will they just settle for knowing I'm a Human?

Vakkal notes, Oh, his reputation will have preceded you, don't worry. I'm sure there's other miracles you can perform instead.

Freyja laughs aloud in spite of herself at that, although she does quickly turn her head so she's not deafening poor Vakkal! Then she hugs him gleefully tight, murmuring just to him, "Thank you, Vakkal. I really mean that -- this may not seem like much to you, but it means an awful lot to me." She smiles at him, her eyes sparkling... then gets a mischievous glint in her eyes -- and lightly kisses him on the tip of his pointy canid nose!

Vakkal is pleased by the hug, and just a bit surprised by the quick kiss. He murmurs aloud, "You're not teasing me, are you?" but gently.

Freyja giggles at his expression, then cheerfully answers, "Er... depends. Is teasing nice? If so, hai! If not... neh!" She grins, gently rubbing his cheek again with hers again, and replies to a previous comment of his, "And in regards to the scent of other Humans showing they're interested... that's nice! But they're not my Family of the Heart... those are the folks I really want to help feel good." She smiles quietly, her blue eyes distant with happy memory, "You, Fhazil, Zero, and Master Roakkana... those are the folks I want to have be interested in me -- that I want to help feel happy."

Vakkal goes back to the silent mental communication, Mmm, it's nice. He adds, Fhazil, Zero, and I, I can assure you, are interested in you in just about any way you can think of. Master Roakkana seems very proud of you, but I don't think you're his type. This does not mean you do not make him happy.

Freyja giggles again, taking Vakkal's large, clawed hand in hers and walking with him, Silly! Being interested means love and friendship -- not always just sex. She grins mischievously at Vakkal, So I take it you buy into those interesting stories from Khar Velos about Humans too, mmm?

A moment later, walking away from the room of Khar Velosi (and the potential for making Vakkal uncomfortable if they notice him) she gets a thoughtful look, Hey, Vakkal? Do mostly Sith lords have Soulguards? Are there Sith ladies, or is any ranking female called lady? And... is that why Apprentice Kaltach called me lady? I was worried for a bit he was referring to my Balmorran title -- but I can't figure out why an apprentice would know that, you know? She frowns thoughtfully, then adds a little wistfully, I wish I could feel good about people calling me Jedi Lady... but I've not yet earned either of those titles -- neither Jedi Knight nor hetaera.

She smiles, adding quietly, Although the hetaerae training has been really useful in helping you guys feel nice. She runs the fingers of one hand lightly through Vakkal's heavy ruff fur, in the back, as they walk -- she knows he likes that.

Vakkal is easily led away from the others of his own race as he replies with a mischievous grin, I've no first hand experience to say otherwise. To her other question he replies, Yes, it is mostly Sith Lords who have Soulguards. Most have one, some a few, and Shen Ravos has many. A few have none. There are female Sith Lords, but the title is 'Lord' just as it is for the males, and they are no less powerful. The word 'Lady' is, particularly in Sith, a generic term of polite respect, and I suspect they're using it to err on the side of caution to someone they don't know. I find it slightly odd you take so much umbrage to it. He does like the feel of her fingers, adding, It's things like this that contribute to the exotic reputation... don't stop on my account.

Freyja smiles a little ruefully, Well... I didn't earn the title of Balmorran lady. It was just an accident of birth. That's why I ask folks to call me Padawan when we're not on Balmorra, and I can be me -- I really earned that title, darnit! Her mental tone is a little fierce -- she's keenly aware nepotism doesn't guarantee skill, and being skilled and self-sufficient is important to her. She's seen far too many useless aristoi to respect titles gained by accident of birth.

She giggles in spite of herself at Vakkal's other commentary, and he can mentally feel her happiness glowing inside her. She'd been feeling somewhat... superfluous and unimportant recently. It's nice to be reassured as to how others see her.

Vakkal replies, That makes sense. Perhaps you should assume, unless you're on Balmorra or talking to someone who knows your ancestry, that they're not referring to you as a Balmorran Lady, but merely as a respected woman? Wryly he adds, I doubt you're likely to run in to any tridee sycophants out here.

Freyja whispers curiously, Any what sycophants? Oh! She grins ruefully, You mean my sister's fans, hai?

Vakkal replies, Tridee, er... holovid -- yes, your sister's fans.

Freyja grins quietly -- then laughs aloud with sudden delight, raising Vakkal's hand and twirling in a gleeful pirouette under it, "Hai, that's so! That's very true -- none will know her here!" Vakkal can feel her mental sigh of relief -- she's heartily tired of being compared unfavorably to her so-wondrous little sister. Then she beams at Vakkal, almost skipping as she paces lightly next to him, So! Where shall we go next? Is it allowed to wander the ship, or will you get into trouble if I'm found wandering around with you?

Vakkal does not stare at the skipping, exotic, energetic, effervescent human, really -- or so he tells himself. He does answer her question, Any of the public areas should be fine, but I wouldn't want to try and go anywhere sensitive. That might be... Vakkal's thought is interrupted as he does a mild double-take at someone he sees, and he asks, Would you like to meet someone interesting?

Freyja brightens, whirling lightly to stare in the same direction Vakkal's looking, Sure! Who? A moment later she giggles, You need to ask?!

Vakkal is leading Freyja towards a door where several crew are emerging from what might be a locker room or some equivalent. His thought to her is, I thought it polite to maintain the fiction, even as he's raising a hand and addressing one of the people there, saying, "Pardon me, sir?" in Sith. Freyja grins at Vakkal, following quietly after him, her eyes bright with interest.

The person Vakkal is addressing is a pureblood Sith about Freyja's height, somewhat on the lean and wiry side. While not as imposing as some, he exudes a quiet air of confidence and competence. He wears a dark uniform and seems to command respect amongst the people he is with. When Vakkal speaks he raises a hand to the canid and finishes what he was doing. Only then does he turn to address Vakkal and Freyja.

The pureblood's rank insignia -- at least what Freyja has come to recognize as rank insignia -- is more elaborate than that of the soldiers leaving the room about him. He looks carefully at Vakkal with bright yellow eyes for a moment, then breaks into a tooth-filled smile. "Vakkal!" he exclaims, and launches into a cheerful Sith greeting that Vakkal mentally translates. "Lord Ghang had told me he'd hoped to see you on his trip to Balmorra. I've just returned from the rest of the fleet myself at Tanaab, and I hadn't expected to see you walking the halls of the Malice." His eyes turn to Freyja. "And who is your friend?"

Freyja smiles, putting her palms together and bowing politely over them. Vakkal returns the greeting, appearing to be honestly cheerful. He says in Aurabesh, "Sir, this is Padawan Freyja, guest of the Lord Ghang, who has graciously allowed me to become her Soulguard. I wanted to introduce her to a real Soulguard, but I see you have been promoted to Executor. Congratulations on your deserved promotion. I am pleased to see you again as well. Since we last spoke, many unusual things have occurred. I will admit even I am a little surprised to be walking these halls again." To Freyja, also in Aurabesh he says, "Milady Freyja, this is Kang Nael, formerly Lord Ghang's Soulguard."

Kang's brows arch interestedly, and he replies in Aurabesh, "Hello to you, Padawan Freyja. The Lord has spoken with me on occasion about you and the others, though it is a surprise to meet you here aboard his battleship." He casts a glance to Vakkal. "And... he says he is your Soulguard?"

Freyja brightens, "Oh! You're the person who helped Fhazil leave safely for the Republic!" She beams, adding, "Thank you so much, Executor Kang! So... what is an Executor?" Then she blinks, giving Vakkal a slightly startled look, "I already know a 'real' Soulguard, Vakkal -- you." At Kang's comment she looks back to him and grins cheerfully, "Well, I hope what you heard from Lord Ghang was, um... at least noncommittal... and hai, it's a surprise to me also to be here!" At the man's last question she straightens, visibly proud of Vakkal, and says clearly and simply, "Hai, I have that honor."

He smiles a little. "An Executor is what some Republic feudal systems would call a 'viceroy.' I am an extension of the Lord's responsibility and authority. Where I am, there he is." He considers the two thoughtfully for a moment. "It is interesting, Padawan Freyja, mainly because in the Empire one does not often see those who are not Lords with a Soulguard. In fact, there are some Lords who do not have Soulguards."

Freyja nods with polite interest. She's still unsure as to how to react here... should she mention her rank on her homeworld? Even if she does, it's most likely not going to be either relevant or impressive to the Executor -- it's not like her father owns the world or anything. And if she doesn't mention it, is she appearing pretentious, and possibly embarrassing Vakkal? That she doesn't want.

Kang smiles a bit wider. "And though Lord Ghang is not one for expansive words, since becoming his Executor I can afford to be more verbose than he. It was very impressive, what you did -- healing him of his blight. This much he communicated to me, and I am glad to have the chance to thank you personally for what you did."

Freyja blinks, stunned for the second time that night. Then she blinks again, and collects herself to give a gracious reply, "I'm very glad to hear the Lord was pleased. I... admit, I was not sure initially." Hela, that's an understatement -- he bloody well attacked me, and didn't react much at all later! She hastily hushes her internal voice and smiles politely.

He continues: "Without the Lord, their portfolio cannot be advanced. Without Lord Ghang in his full form, the last vestiges of the Oath of Fire cannot be eradicated. That it was a Jedi who did so makes it all the more remarkable. If I may ask, why did you take the risk?"

Just as hastily, she mentally reviews the man's words again, checking to be sure there's not a hint of the Lord feeling indebted to her... then sighs softly, internally, when she decides it's still safe. She shakes her head slightly, a bit bemused, "Your pardon... whose portfolio, please? And... 'full form'? What does that mean, please?"

Freyja takes a deep breath, focusing carefully on this conversation. It's going to take some fast thinking, she can tell already. Let's see... I'm not detecting any embarrassment in Vakkal, so I guess the dodge regarding aristoi status worked... hm, maybe a viceroy is a mouthpiece for the lord too -- which would indicate my guess regarding them being quite isolated is possibly true too, if they can't afford to be seen thanking anyone, and must have others do it for them...

On the contrary, Vakkal looks quite pleased to know that his ward has pleased Lord Ghang, and reassured by the words of the Executor. Freyja remains attentively listening as she thinks furiously.

"Lord Ghang's portfolio, of course. Lord of Khar Velos and Lord of the Fleet are both important positions that cannot be empty for very long, especially now. And while he would not admit it, the blight was crippling him -- at least a little bit. He would not survive another duel the likes of which he received that wound in the first place."

Freyja nods silently, unsurprised to hear that. She wonders if the Sith duel a lot for positions such as those held by Lord Ghang. If so, he's lucky he wasn't challenged... and anyone thoughtlessly challenging him now will probably get a nasty surprise. She says very carefully, "Was... the lord aware of that, ah... medical situation?"

"Acutely aware. But there was no way he could say that. While the days of political assassinations are long over, he still has some political enemies, and not all of them are Oathers. And even amongst his allies and neutrals, he would be watched as if this were a test. He was passing this test... but over time it would drain him, and at some point there would be an assassin or a challenge to his capability to remain a Lord of the Fleet."

Freyja nods quietly again -- again unsurprised. Neh wonder the Sith lords always 'feel' so lonely to me. She pauses, checking to make sure she's covered everything, then adds thoughtfully, "So, by portfolio you mean successful completion of... let's see... both the invasion and lordship of Khar Velos?" Curiously she adds, "What does he have to do to be successful at being lord of Khar Velos, if he's busy conducting a war?"

Kang smiles. "That's why he has me. Ghang's portfolio encompasses not only Khar Velos and the Fleet but also a number of ceremonial positions and planetary fiefs. Khar Velos is simply the most important of his planetary holdings. As for the invasion, it is not solely his. There is no lord who has as their portfolio anything directly related to the war with the Republic. He is a Lord of the Fleet, and is responsible for his fleet's efficient operation. Since this is the highest priority thing he has, he attends to it personally. He left me with the dealing of other matters, and his appointed moffs to govern his planetary holdings."

Freyja makes a small 'ah!' of understanding, then says politely, "You are too kind to refer to me as a Jedi, honored Executor. I am, however, but a Padawan." She thinks a moment, then adds ruefully, "Actually, I had neh idea what the risk was. I wanted to do it because I felt it was the right thing to do. I was going to explain what it entailed, but before I could -- he simply agreed to it! So I assumed -- erroneously, I now realize -- he knew already."

She politely doesn't mention what happened afterwards, figuring it isn't really relevant to the conversation. That she got genuine thanks from a Sith (even if from an intermediary) for actually doing something she's been told is utterly impossible for the Sith is good enough, really.

"As for being successful in the lordship of a fief, you of all people should know noble leadership is an ongoing thing -- not something that can be said at some point, 'This is finished.'" His tone is not mocking or insulting, but is polite and courteous and matter-of-fact.

Freyja raises a faintly amused eyebrow, her aristoi mask sliding across her face. So... he was fishing for some mention of her birth rank. She smiles bleakly internally, thinking, Tough. The Order is -- or should be -- forthright. If you wanted to know my rank, you should have just asked.

Kang smiles, "It isn't often I get to see Jedi being the humble protectors we hear so much of. I can more readily begin to understand how they might gather the respect they apparently have." He adds wryly, "Of course, most of the Jedi I've met have been busy trying to drive off our forces with starfighters or lightsabers, which is not usually a good place to discuss philosophy."

Freyja blinks -- then laughs in spite of herself! She grins, remembering both Vakkal and Fhazil's initial (and explosively dramatic!) meetings with her, and wryly agrees, "It does tend to, ah... inhibit that cozy chatty feeling, from what I've seen." She smiles more sincerely, adding, "Thank you for the lovely compliment, honored Executor."

Kang smiles and nods. "Hardly the best place, no. Especially with the almost traditional enmity between Light and Dark." He looks at Vakkal for a moment, then says curiously, "Speaking of which, Vakkal, I sense you've changed -- and not only in becoming a Soulguard. Have you somehow become Bright, as well?"

Freyja grins a bit proudly at Vakkal, although she keeps her mute nice and snug around her. She certainly doesn't want to alarm every Watcher equivalent on the ship. She's immensely pleased he's now walking a Path of his own choosing, though!

Vakkal answers, "Yes, Executor. During a relatively normal assignment I was shot with a blaster by a Jedi who I'd disregarded, as I was paying attention to the closer one with the lightsaber. I didn't really expect to wake up again, and when I did it was in a Jedi monastery's infirmary, with that same Jedi doing her best to keep me alive. The experience was... enlightening."

The Khar Velosian adds, "Well, it was a little more complicated than that, but that's the relevant part." Freyja politely covers the grin, although Vakkal can see her eyes sparkle with amusement at his extremely brief explanation!

Kang nods slowly. "Mmm. Marnaas. I was still Lord Ghang's Soulguard when we received news of that. Enlightening indeed." He smiles. "We walk an unusual path in the Dark Empire, Vakkal. Being a Soulguard is a fine role for our ilk."

Freyja is still smiling at Vakkal... but a second later she blinks, her head swiveling around abruptly to study the Sith sharply. Did he just say what she thought he said?! With careful courtesy she asks, "Might I ask what, ah... 'ilk' you refer to, please?"

Kang looks to Freyja. "The Bright Sith. I am given to understand Dark Jedi are not tolerated at all in the Order. The Bright Sith are... tolerated somewhat, but those who are find ourselves in roles such as Soulguard."

Freyja's eyes widen slightly, and her tone is a bit impressed, "You... are a Bright Sith -- and yet still are..." She blinks again, then says a bit bewilderedly, "Soulguard?! Bright Sith are trusted so, in the Empire?!"

He smiles a bit. "Executor now. But yes, once Soulguard. Because our focus is external and we lack what you call Sithstain, Lords find it good to trust so much to us. Mind you... it is vanishingly unlikely I or any Bright Sith will ever sit in the Moot. And there are some Lords who will never completely trust us. But so long as we keep to the basic tenets of the tradition and Hierarchy... and a Dark Lord is in power who acknowledges the need for us... then we are tolerated and sometimes more than tolerated."

Vakkal says, "Considering where my liege lives, I suspect I will have a more unusual path than most, Executor. Your long service to Lord Ghang makes your loyalty unquestionable, which makes you a perfect candidate for Executor -- but I'm not sure any such route exists for me in the Republic." He smiles and adds, "I'm not sure I'd want more, though."

Freyja considers that for a moment... then looks up and smiles with quiet warmth at Kang, "That's so nice. I'm glad to hear that." She pauses, then says a little unhappily, "Er... I'm afraid most Dark Jedi are... well... a little mentally messed up? I've heard them referred to as being 'burned' by the Light." She grins at Vakkal cheerfully, then adds ruefully, "Well, the odds of my having a planet's welfare put into my hands are, I suspect, vanishingly small... so hai, I don't think Executor is precisely what we'd be able to find for you."

Freyja considers for a moment, the slender fingers of one golden hand brushing her hair back, then looks up at Kang again, "I've taken training specifically to try and help Dark Jedi. I don't know if I'll be able to help any... but at least now I can try." She grins ruefully, "It can't be any worse than trying to heal a Sith lord of blight, surely?"

Kang nods to Vakkal. "Your path will be unusual but, as with all such paths, worthwhile." He nods to Freyja then, "Yes, we hear about them. Some of the Bright Ones who heard of them, when contact was made with the Republic, attempted to reach out to them. The effects were... generally embarrassing, occasionally disappointing and, every so often, fatal."

Freyja nods slowly, her eyes reflective as she murmurs, "I'm sorry..." She pauses, then adds softly, "Would it be all right... just to peek? To see if you 'look' like Vakkal? Or would that alarm everyone Force-aware on the ship?"

Vakkal comments, "I'm glad enough just to have survived meeting your family and the head huskarl, lady. I don't need anything harder!" Freyja giggles at Vakkal -- she quite agrees, in regards to meeting her father! -- then gives Kang a hopeful look.

Kang nods, "Well, what you attempted to do with Lord Ghang is best equated with cauterization. The body feels the burning; the first reaction is to eliminate the pain. It's instinctive, primal -- which unfortunately we Sith are trained to act upon. I daresay a Jedi who places control over their awareness in the Force with their conscious mind would not have reacted that way at all." He smiles a bit. "But of course, Padawan Freyja. Feel free to do so."

Freyja looks faintly puzzled as she considers that. Finally she says slowly, "I... do not think I understand; I am sorry. Could you explain what you mean by placing control over Force awareness with consciousness? Isn't that what controlled Sithstain is?" She adds with quiet seriousness, "Oh, fear not -- I learned my lesson well, concerning healing Sith lords. Or blight."

"Quite the opposite. Sithstain by its nature is not consciously controlled. Tamed, reined in, manipulated yes, but never fully controlled. It is the expression of the self-oriented world-view of the mainstream Sith tradition, combined with the leasing of control of the person's awareness in the Force to the subconscious -- to the emotions and instincts."

Freyja considers that slowly, her head tilting slightly. Finally she thoughtfully says, "You are telling me... the Sith are always on the edge of losing emotional control?"

"Of emotional control? No, not at all. And... what lesson was that, Padawan Freyja?"

Freyja says almost absently, "Don't do it," then returns to the subject puzzling her, "I... don't think I quite understand then, yet? The Sithstain is predicated on emotion and one's personal desire, hai? And... it's not completely controlled?"

"Not quite. It is an expression of the Sith's view that they are the center of their world, and are constantly attempting to control or protect themselves from any threats within that world. This is why Sithstain is peculiar to the Sith tradition, and why Bright Sith do not have it. Even so, the Sith tradition also mandates the control of the Force by way of emotion and feeling, letting the subconscious mind have lease over the person's awareness of and control through the Force. When combined, the Sithstain becomes almost an extension of the person's subconscious."

Freyja nods strongly once, "Hai! That I understand. But... if control of the Force for the Sith always proceeds from the non-conscious mind, then... how is it ever controlled? And if it can be controlled, isn't that conscious?" She blinks, suddenly getting the traditional 'lightbulb over the head' look, "Oh! I understand, I think -- you think Jedi control the Force with their conscious minds, hai?"

"It is confusing, I know. It is an involved topic, but unfortunately I must go and brief the Lord on the state of his Fleet now. I would like to talk more with you about it, however, preferably with one more familiar with the theosophy of it in attendance as well."

Freyja blinks at the abrupt cut-off, then politely says, "Ah. I am so sorry to have bothered you." She wonders what she said that made him turn off... then shrugs mentally. More interestingly to her, she wonders if it'll be acceptable to at least take a peek at him as he leaves... then (somewhat recklessly) decides what the Hela -- he said it was fine. Very carefully and cautiously she lets the mute slowly down. She peeks cautiously around her with the Force, ready to dodge madly at an instant's notice.

He shakes his head. "No, Padawan Freyja. It isn't a bother. If anything I am sorry I have to go, but there are -- well, I cannot speak of the disposition of the Lord's Fleet, but perhaps it is enough to say it is likely this ship will be moving to Tanaab very, very soon. I would very, very much like to speak with you more, however, about Sith theosophy -- but as I said, with someone who is more familiar with its intricacies than I am."

Freyja smiles -- that particular ship disposition is no surprise to her at all, considering the peace negotiations are supposed to be there. She simply says politely, "I look forward to speaking with you there, since as far as I know the peace negotiations are to be resumed there."

The immediate area's appearance in the Force opens up to Freyja's sight, and she can see much clearer the patterns of the Force around her. Like Vakkal, Kang is Bright -- he feels like a Darksider but completely lacks Sithstain. Freyja smiles again, although more genuinely this time, as she compares the Force appearance of the two men. Softly she murmurs, "Oh, that's so pretty... he looks like you, Vakkal." Her eyes are pale and alight with the Force; Vakkal can tell what she means, even if the Executor may be slightly confused.

He nods. "They are, but... there are some brewing complications. I suppose it is safe to say there has been an increase in Republic probe droid activity in that system by about two-score-fold." He grins softly, noticing Freyja's comment. "There is nothing quite like the aura of a Bright Sith, or so I have been told."

Freyja nods with quiet happiness to his reply. She is, unfortunately, not surprised to hear of the droid infestation. She whispers softly to Vakkal as she scans the two men, I knew healing blight might hurt... I'm so sorry it's so horrible to them, though. I would have thought having the blight would be worse... but I guess not.

Freyja lets her vision clear to normal and smiles at the Sith lord's Executor, bowing slightly, "I am, alas, unsurprised to hear of the, ah... complications. I hope your lord may at some point speak with us again, before we hit Tanaab? -and thank you -- it has been a fascinating discussion."

Kang takes his leave, giving Freyja the way he can be contacted over the ship's internal com-net for later and assurances she will not be rebuffed, though he asks for some time to complete his briefing with Ghang. With that he makes his way to elsewhere aboard the ship.

Vakkal replies to Freyja's comments with, I'm not sure that's right. Blight is a terrible, grinding pain. Having it removed is apparently quite traumatic, but then it gets better. The question now is how to manage that spasm so it doesn't lash out and hurt the person administering the cure.

Freyja turns to walk next to Vakkal as they leave the room, now the Executor has departed. Her mental voice is slow and thoughtful, That's what I'd have thought too... but they seem to almost expect I should have expected to be attacked -- for trying to help!

Her mental voice is dry, Perhaps it's naive of me, but where I come from, chirugeons don't expect attempted murder, or the calm belief it's their own fault for trying to aid someone injured. Even when they know the person is out of their mind, the injured person usually at least apologizes later!

Softly she adds, I don't see how a Sith lord could be restrained, either. It'd take at least another Sith lord to do it. I get the feeling they don't trust each other that much. Ghang's Sithstain nearly had an autumlas when it noticed how close I was. She adds a little sadly, We were pretty ineffective against the Revenant, too, all things considered.

Vakkal leads Freyja back out to the lighted walkway. It seems busier now than it was, and he looks at a chronometer, and says aloud, "Shift is about to change. It'll get busier here soon." To her mental musings he says, I suspect each of us is more effective now, and has a better idea of how to react. We've been through a lot.

Freyja looks around curiously, wondering if anyone will notice her slight, cautious shrugging aside of at least a little of her mute. She watches the people walking briskly by with quiet puzzlement, trying to figure out how the Sith are somehow more alive than people in any other place. At Vakkal's comment she sighs quietly, feeling vaguely disheartened, and simply murmurs, I hope so.

There do seem to be more people out now than just a few minutes before. While Freyja and Vakkal talked to the Executor, things seem to have gotten a little busier. There are a few more people going from place to place, more spectators at the games, and almost all the challenge-areas having people playing at them. Vakkal keeps an eye on the crowd, but none of them seem intent on any mischief. He asks Freyja, "Would you like to go get a bite to eat? We could try and find Fhazil and see if he'd like to join us? If I recall, he was working out in one of the gyms."

Freyja says, "Sure, that'd be fine. What's he working on? Just general exercising, or getting to know folks again?"

Vakkal replies, "He said he was just going to go and work out, but it could be either." He leads Freyja to a comm-terminal, adding, "I'm not sure he's any more anxious to resume old friendships here than I am." He calls Fhazil's communicator, and gets no reply. A query suggests he's in a gym not too far away, and Vakkal asks, "Shall we go see, or shall we just leave him a message to meet us somewhere?"

Freyja gives Vakkal a rather puzzled look, and shifts to a mental sending, He doesn't... you two didn't have... She falls silent, thinking furiously... and then it hits her -- of course Vakkal and Fhazil would be solitary friends. They were both probably considered some sort of treacherous or unstable. She snorts in disgusted amusement at that. The local Sith labeling two of the most honorable men she knows as untrustworthy strikes her as patently ridiculous. She murmurs quietly, "Leave him a message, so it's his choice, please."

Vakkal leaves a message, saying, "Freyja and I are out and about. If you're free, we can meet and have lunch. Let us know if you want to meet somewhere or if I need to come rescue your ass again." The last is said with good cheer; then Vakkal signs off and clears the comm for the next person. His reply to Freyja is, He doesn't what? We didn't have what? We weren't lovers, if that's what you mean.

Freyja grins amusedly at Vakkal's message, then replies, Neh, silly, I already know that. I asked on Marnaas, remember? I meant you two didn't have lots of friends here to renew friendships with, that's all. The next person in line, a scruffy looking human woman in a wrinkled uniform, is looking oddly at Freyja. She doesn't seem alarmed or upset, merely looking.

Freyja nods politely to the woman, wondering what's wrong that the woman looks so disheveled. She adds to Vakkal, I was just thinking it'd be easy for you both to be labeled untrustworthy by the suspiciously inclined, that's all... and of course then I thought how stupid that would be of them.

The woman, caught looking, says embarrassedly in Aurabesh, "Er, hello. I'm sorry to stare. It's just that you have such long, beautiful hair." The woman's hair is cut fairly short, and a sort of light brown color.

Freyja smiles, her eyes warming, "Really? Thank you... that's very kind of you to say." Then she blinks, adding, "How'd you know to speak Aurabesh?"

The woman looks pleased that Freyja isn't unhappy about being addressed, and says noncommittally, "Oh, I've been a lot of places where they speak it." She gestures at Freyja and adds, "And I thought you were likely a foreigner. I don't think any of the crew would dress like that, you know? So I guessed Aurabesh would be best." She smiles and adds, "I may be perpetually late for things, but that does not mean I don't look at the people around me. Especially such pretty ones."

Freyja grins cheerfully, "True, I am not crew. Well, thank you." She nods politely to the woman again, smiling, then follows Vakkal off. She grins quietly to herself, noting amusedly to Vakkal, The funny thing is my hair looked much like hers about 2 years ago. I doubt she's likely to go to Sedrak to change hers, though.

The woman smiles, "Don't you let your friend there talk you into anything you don't want to do." She winks and says, "I hear tell these Khar Velosi are quite the tumble, though." As Freyja moves away, she finally makes her com-call, saying in Sith, "Hello? Yes, yes, I'm late again... overslept..."

Freyja laughs, her eyes gleaming with amusement over her shoulder at the woman for a moment. She grins at Vakkal, catching up to him, and comments dryly, "Should I even ask?"

Vakkal's ears are a bit pink at the tips as he mumbles, "Apparently we have the same reputation among the humans that they have among us." The idea seems to surprise him. Freyja giggles quietly, but doesn't tease poor Vakkal any further.

Vakkal hadn't gone far, but had also decided one woman wasn't a threat to Freyja; he could handle her. Once he's over his slightly embarrassed look, he says, "Let's head towards the gym Fhazil is at." He grins, "If he calls, we can be right there. I'd say we'd surprise him, but he expects it from me by now." As they begin to walk through the crowd -- the going is much slower now as many more people are off-shift -- he replies to Freyja's last mental question, I don't think many of our day-to-day acquaintances would label us as untrustworthy for vanishing. More likely they'd think we're dead or missing. The officers might, but not after the Lord accepts us back. So, if the Lord hasn't, that wouldn't be a problem. Why would you think they'd assume we couldn't be trusted?

Well, the Khar Velos folks don't seem to like you much, and Fhazil's a runaway from the Republic. Were I the head of a business, my immediate thought regarding Fhazil would be to wonder why he expects me to trust him, when he wasn't trustworthy to his last clients. After a moment of thought she adds dryly, Of course, it's different for Force users.

The canid replies, True. But we've both sworn to the Lord and been accepted by him. That's not something easily done unless you mean it. The Empire's forces are a little different than a business. Most business owners can't tell if you're lying, and aren't empowered to shoot you on the spot if you are. Freyja nods in understanding.

Vakkal says to Freyja, "This is the gym." His communicator feeps, and he grins, answering it. Fhazil's tiny voice comes from the unit, "I'm a bit tied up. If you're really bored you can come watch, but I'd recommend we meet." Vakkal grins at Freyja and gestures to the door of the gym, pointing inside. He puts a hand over the comm and mouths, "Go in; find him?" to her.

Freyja nods again, slipping silently into the room. She wonders idly if Fhazil will like her new 'look.' She looks around curiously, wondering what Fhazil's up to.

Freyja finds herself in a large rectangular open space, with a reasonably high ceiling. The floor is covered by a resilient and somewhat springy matting, and there are six squares (two rows of three) marked out on the floor. Each of those squares contains another piece of soft flooring, which has a circle marked in it and a couple of lines run across opposite corners. Three or four benches line the long walls. The door to the hallway is on a narrow wall, with some other doors on the far wall. Fhazil is standing next to one of the mats with his back to the door, making his call and apparently being stalled by his helpful brother.

He's wearing a pair of loose white pants and a loose white top, tied with a belt. There are other people in the room, some sitting on the benches and watching, a cluster of them at the other end of the room looking at a large board on the wall, and some near the other mats. A strip of hard flooring leads all the way around the edges of the room, and the benches (apparently for spectators) are not on the softer surface.

Freyja smiles, bowing slightly in the doorway as respect to what appears to be a dojo of some sort. The mats offer a good landing surface for martial arts, she'd guess, from the look of it... be nice to work out on. She strolls to where folks are settling their equipment, to let her duffel slide off her shoulder there. A moment to unseal her boots, and she's politely barefoot as well. She looks around curiously as she walks over to Fhazil, wondering if some kata are about to start... and if so, what style.

Freyja tilts her head curiously, examining Fhazil's belt. Alternating white, black, and red vertical stripes... she has neh idea what that means, except that he's probably not a beginner. Curiously she says to Fhazil, "Heiyo, Fhazil. What style is this?"

Fhazil hasn't reacted to her yet, and is saying on the phone, "Yeah, right. So what are you blathering about, brother?" when he's interrupted. He turns when he hears Freyja's voice, and has started to say to the comm, "Very funny, Vak..." when he stops and just stares.

Freyja smiles curiously, tilting her head at Fhazil, "Hai?" A moment later she grins, "Well, at least you didn't fall down this time?" She giggles softly.

Fhazil says, "Wow... you look great, Freyja," in something like awe. At her remark he grins, "Hey, I guess I'm improving." He comments, "Very funny, brother mine," and hangs up on Vakkal, although she can hear the canid's bark of laughter over the comm even as Fhazil does so. He tosses the comm back towards his bag, sitting under the closest bench, and asks Freyja, "Did I tell you you look great in that?"

Freyja grins, her eyes lighting up, and cheerfully hugs Fhazil, "Thank you! I figured it'd be good work clothes, but I didn't realize I'd be getting so many lovely compliments!"

Fhazil returns the hug quite happily and mumbles, "Presuming you don't mind distracting half the males and some of the females in the room, they'll be great work clothes." When he eventually extracts himself from the hug, he adds, "I encourage such behavior," and grins. He says, "You asked a question while my mind was busy being blown... what was it?"

Freyja giggles at Fhazil's comment -- she thinks it's cute! -then replies, "I asked what style this was? I've never seen a belt like that before?" A moment later she wonders a little startledly if he was telling the truth, and with surreptitious casualness takes a long look at the folks in the room behind her. Are they staring?

Vakkal wanders in, walking around the matted area and staying on the hard surface. He has no trouble finding his brother and his ward. Fhazil says, "You could have warned me, you know! I nearly fell over... again." Vakkal just grins. Freyja giggles delightedly and grins at Vakkal.

She's attracted several looks, none of them hostile. Most of the people who do the looking are males, who admire for a moment and then realize not only is she apparently quite friendly with Fhazil, but she's accompanied by a quite-competent-looking Khar Velosi... and they decide not to risk raising that ire. This obviously does not mean they didn't enjoy the looking, however. Fhazil says, "This is Kai Kervol, an ancient martial art from I forget where. Been around the Empire for ever. This belt means I'm a referee, actually."

Freyja nods thoughtfully, studying the belt. If he's a referee he's got to be at least competent in the style. She looks up at Fhazil and smiles, "In that case we shouldn't be distracting you, hai?" She leans forward in his arms to give him a gentle nuzzle on his cheek, then murmurs, "Talk to you later, Fhaziza. Have a good time, hai?"

Vakkal says, "I didn't think you were good enough with Kai Kervol to referee." Fhazil replies, "I wasn't expecting to, but this is the junior leagues, and they wanted refs who weren't from the school. I'm good enough to do that, and happy to go ahead and do so. Be a shame if they had to cancel the tournament for lack of referees." He looks back to Freyja and returns the nuzzle and a gentle kiss on her cheek, saying, "I'll do that. We're on the second-to-last round, and they've been pretty short. Do you want me to find you when we're done?" He seems in no hurry to get Freyja to move away.

Freyja mms with quiet happiness, "Hai, come find us, if you'd like?" She hugs him again, then steps away, not wanting to be rude to the students gathered for the competition. One last curious glance at the audience, and then she collects her boots and duffel, heading quietly out with Vakkal.

Fhazil says, "Okay. Where?" Vakkal says, "The reputable place we've never been thrown out of." Fhazil laughs, says, "Right! See you in a bit," hugs Freyja again, and lets her go. The students have been coming out of the far doors, and while it doesn't look like they've slowed anything down, signs are they're getting ready to start again when Freyja and Vakkal leave.

Once they're outside the room Freyja gives the big canid an amused glance, "You love doing that, don't you." He grins and leads Freyja in a definite direction, commenting, "I'm glad they don't move things around on this ship much."

Freyja grins at Vakkal, "I imagine it'd be somewhat difficult to do so?" A moment later she sighs quietly, looking around. She's glad Fhazil can help here... she wishes there were something useful she could do too.

Vakkal takes Freyja to a nearby ship cafeteria, saying, "The one reputable place Fhazil and I were smart enough not to get thrown out of." It's a cafeteria such as seem to exist almost everywhere. Vakkal is happy to suggest different dishes from the array there, and adds, "There's one other place we've never been thrown out of. I'm not sure what you'd have to do to get thrown out of there, though. It's not a nice place."

Freyja says, "Mm? Is it on this ship?"

Vakkal adds mentally Take a Jedi Master there -- maybe that'd do it. Probably just cause a hell of a fight... He says, "No, not on board." The room is crowded, but Vakkal finds a table they can sit at. It's square and has four chairs, one on each side. Vakkal offers one to Freyja, smiling.

Freyja smiles and thanks him a little distractedly, but seats herself gracefully as he tucks the chair in behind her. Then she sighs quietly, looking around. She's still somewhat troubled by a number of things, not least of which is trying to define what makes the Sith more "alive" than Republic folk. It bothers her to think her home deadens people.

Vakkal sits next to her. They're both able to see the doors and much of the crowd, which seems well-behaved and organized. About half of the people are in uniform, but the others are dressed in various other things, most of them practical and comfortable. Other than the strange languages and array of species, it's a little hard to see this is a warship of the deadly Sith Empire. It could be a cafeteria full of people pretty much anywhere.

Freyja looks around curiously, then murmurs to Vakkal, "Are there a lot of non-military on this ship?"

Vakkal says, "A few, but not many. They try and keep civilians off the warships, particularly when they're on active duty. Warriors understand better the risks of being in a contested area. There are a few staff members from other Lords aboard, and other levels of politics which will be 'civilian' or as non-military as Sith politics gets, and a few positions which were outsourced to civilians, but on this ship it will be mostly be military, by a large percentage." He pokes some of his food slowly and asks, "Why do you ask?"

Freyja nods quietly as she looks around, then looks back at Vakkal, "Was wondering how many of those here were civvies like me, I guess." She sighs softly, then adds silently, I'm sorry. I'm just feeling a little... well, out of place, I guess. She sighs softly again, determinedly taking a bite of food, I know I'm just being melodramatic, sorry. I'll try not to be such a downer.

Vakkal answers cheerfully None of the people here are like you, Freyja. He looks at her and can see she's serious and feeling a little down. He adds, They aren't that different, are they? They have dreams and goals and jobs and responsibilities and likes and dislikes. Isn't that how everybody is?

Freyja smiles quietly at Vakkal's first comment, although it doesn't really look like it reached her eyes. At his second comment she is silent for a long while, quietly poking her food around on her plate. Finally she says slowly, I... would have thought so... but I keep getting told or shown otherwise. I still can't figure out why they're supposed to be more alive than folks in the Republic... and to be quite frank, I find that extremely disturbing. I think it would be horrible to find out one was-

Freyja cuts off suddenly, closing her eyes for a moment as she's hit with a particularly painful realization. A moment later she says with tightly restrained slowness, I... really hate finding out I'm doing more harm than good... that I'm causing horrible pain when I'm trying to help. I... don't want to keep finding out that's what I'm doing, Vakkal. That... it really hurts to discover that.

Freyja opens her eyes to look at Vakkal again, fighting an absurd urge to cover her face and just cry. She wishes suddenly she could just go home -- and realizes just as fast that's never going to happen. Hiding under the covers has never worked... it just temporarily feels better. She may feel torn up inside, but she's still going to have to face the consequences of her actions... however well-meaning they might have been.

Vakkal looks confused, and then more so at Freyja's words. He glances at the room to make sure nothing is out of place, and then moves over closer to her and tries to put his arms around her in what he hopes is a reassuring and not giant-wolf-eating-you-terrifying way. He replies, Freyja, what's wrong? Why are you talking about hurting people? What pain do you cause? I don't understand. What's wrong?

Freyja doesn't look at all alarmed by Vakkal's closeness, not being the type to judge someone by how they look on the outside. Instead she sighs again, leaning her head against him and closing her eyes, I don't know, Vakkal... well, I guess I do. I just wish... well, I guess I'm scared.

She rubs her eyes, then miserably continues, I don't know what I'm doing here any more, Vakkal! I can't feel it in the Force -- I can't feel what's right to do any more! And worse -- I'm starting to wonder if I even can any more. I thought healing Ghang was the right thing to do... and I very nearly precipitated destruction of the peace negotiations. I had neh idea how badly I was hurting him!

She blinks tears back, adding, Can you imagine how much it must've hurt, for Ghang to tell someone else about it?! She rubs her eyes again, whispering miserably, "I wish I knew what I was doing here..."

Vakkal sits there with Freyja and is warm and reassuring at her. He replies gently, Can you imagine how much the blight was hurting him, for him to be desperate enough to let a Jedi that close? Can you imagine how important it is that it's healed, for Ghang to tell someone else about it? Important enough that the Lord can admit he was hurt... because he overcame it. And all because of you. You have helped save the lives of all the officers aboard this ship, and the careers and futures of most of the rest of the entire crew -- or do you think it's easy on those who are loyal to a Lord when he finally falls to weakness and is supplanted by a younger, hungrier one? If the Lord was overthrown by another, it's likely there would never be peace either. I think you're doing amazing things, Freyja.

He offers her a clean napkin, if she wants it, and asks, "And, how is that different than most of the people who went before? You did what you thought best when push came to shove. Can you do any more?" Mentally again he adds, What would Master Roakkana say?

Freyja sighs, accepting the napkin and wiping her eyes. "I guess, Vakkal. It's just... I can't see what I should be doing; I can't easily tell what the Path of the Light is. I used to be able to. I'm so scared I'll impetuously do something I think is right -- and find out I've screwed up again." She gives him a miserable look and in reply to his last question says softly, "I wish I knew, Vakkal. That's part of what scares me... I'm not sure." She adds silently, I'm not even entirely convinced Ghang's happy. I don't know what happiness looks like to him.

The Soulguard replies, I don't think you've screwed up once, much less doing it again, Freyja. Most people usually aren't sure. All you can do is to do your best, and keep doing what you think is right. That way you don't have to live with the idea that you did something you knew you shouldn't. Isn't it easier to live with 'I learned, and know better now' from a mistake than, 'I knew better, but did it anyway'?

To Freyja's last comment, he replies, The Lord is often somewhat reserved. It's part of who he is and why he's a good Lord; while he can open up and let out his emotions and the Force, he doesn't always. He listens and thinks and plans. It may make him seem a little cold or withdrawn, but he isn't. He's just careful about when he lets himself go, and for what. That seems to really bother you. He's not hurting any more. He's happy.

Freyja is silent for a while... then finally just nods and smiles tightly at Vakkal, I'll take your word for it, I guess. She straightens, takes a deep breath, and picks up her fork. "We should eat... need to keep our strength up."

This conversation, even though mental, has taken a little bit of time, as did getting here, finding food and a table. The room has started to thin out, and Vakkal has been keeping an eye open. Apparently two short matches didn't take any longer than this -- even as Freyja is speaking, Vakkal has noticed Fhazil coming up.

Fhazil says brightly, "Hey, you! Get your hands off..." ever happy to twit his brother-in-arms, but he stops cold at the look he gets from Vakkal, which says volumes. The unhappy Human woman doesn't help any and he sits down, asking, What happened? Is everything all right?

Freyja nods and smiles politely at Fhazil, Hai. I'm just having an attack of nerves, sorry.

Fhazil looks to Vakkal, and gets confirmation. Fhazil sends, What's wrong? Is there something I've missed? What can we do to help you feel better?

Freyja smiles tiredly, Neh, it's not your fault or problem. I'm just feeling a little... out of place and useless. She sighs, pushing her food around a bit more, then doggedly eats some more. A moment later she adds, I don't like not being able to 'feel' what's right. It worries me. And... I don't understand things here. Everyone seems to see things differently than I do, and I hear them just fine... but it still doesn't seem to match up in my head the way they seem to think it should. It's... discouraging.

Fhazil sends, Things are very different here. I've had years to get used to it, and all my Force training in it. Vakkal grew up with it. I'm not surprised things confuse you. I'm sorry that we don't see they're odd, but they're what's normal for us. What have we missed, lovely lady? What's bothering you? It must have really been wearing on you, because I've never seen something like this weigh down your usual energy.

Freyja smiles unhappily as she shrugs one shoulder, Guys... I'm sorry I'm bothering you. I really don't know anyone except me can snap me out of this... it's just me worrying. I don't know how to explain it any better.

She thinks, then says slowly, I don't understand what's going on -- this culture certainly has me floundering, and I don't like it -- I've had training all my life in always being poised neh matter what, and yet I feel all off balance. I don't know what, if anything, I have to offer the Sith except their fear, hate, and pain. I find that personally repugnant. Worst of all, at least to me... I can't seem to feel anything with certainty in the Force.

She sighs, wishing she had some appetite, and adds dispiritedly, I wish I had some clue what was going on... I don't know what I'm doing here.

Fhazil replies, If it helps, I must admit I found some of the things the Jedi did confusing and astonishing. I'm not sure why they do them, but I try not to let it bother me. They do them, and it seems to work. Amazing. Vakkal adds, Yeah. Things like healing fallen Sith they'd just finished shooting. I must admit, I'm surprised I ever woke up.

Fhazil grins at his brother, but then sends, What fear, hate, and pain have you brought Sith? He gestures at the room full of people, adding, None of these people fear or hate you. The canid interjects, A couple of us feel strongly otherwise.

Fhazil ignores Vakkal, and asks her, Do you think it could be blocking out the Light getting to you? Is damping for so long bothering you? Vakkal asks, What's confusing you? before he realizes the other male is still going, and stops lest they confuse Freyja any more.

Freyja smiles slowly, her eyes flicking back and forth between the two men. At the pause she murmurs quietly, You're both very sweet, you know. She sighs quietly, I suspect I could accidentally cause plenty of pain just by clearly being a Light user here and now... I seem to be hurting folks accidentally quite a lot, and... her tone gets suddenly fierce, -and I hate that! I hate hurting people I'm trying to help -- I hate not knowing what the Hela is going on!

Freyja stops, visibly pulling herself together and taking several deep breaths before she adds wearily, I guess what bothers me the most is I don't know what I'm doing any more. Why am I here? I can't tell any more, and it's intensely frustrating. A moment later she adds quietly, I muted for longer than this on Sedrak.

Vakkal finally starts nibbling at his lunch again -- it's crunchy, whatever it is -- and lets Fhazil take over the important job of sitting with an arm or two around Freyja. They do the change smoothly, without missing a beat, and with no apparent words between them -- merely long association.

Vakkal simply says, I don't know what to say to help you feel better. Fhazil adds, Nor do I. I don't know who you're accidentally hurting, or what's going on all of a sudden that I'm missing, but I'm very sorry that you're unhappy. He strokes her long hair gently and adds, Whatever happens, you don't have to do it alone. We're all together, and I don't know anything that would prise Zero or Vakkal or I from you. I wish I knew better what was worrying you, but that's about the best solace I can offer.

Freyja smiles tiredly, leaning against Fhazil, I know. I appreciate it, truly. I just... wish I felt needed here. I wish I knew what I was doing, what I had to offer, here. A moment later she adds with quiet firmness, And I think that's enough about me being down. So. What does one do on a battleship when one isn't crew, for the next week and a half or so?

Vakkal blinks and asks, You're worried you're not doing what you're supposed to be doing? You're a guest of the Lord's. You're a honored passenger. You don't have to do anything.

Fhazil strokes Freyja's hair some more, and says aloud, "Well, when I'm feeling frustrated and stuck, it often helps to go get a stick and beat the snot out of someone. We could go find a gym and do some staff practice."

Freyja murmurs dryly to Vakkal, That... is not encouraging. She sighs quietly, then nods at Fhazil, "That might be a good way to get rid of some excess energy. Is there one we can lock the door of, so neh one else can come in by accident?"

Vakkal looks somewhat confused, unsure why Freyja is sure she's shirking duties she hasn't really got. On staff practice, however, he's on much firmer footing -- he nods. Fhazil says, "I don't think that would be a problem at all. We can go check one out, key it for the four of us, and leave Zero a note to come by and let the big dog here beat him up too." Vakkal says, "Hey!"

Freyja grins quietly, but just nods, pushing what remains of her food aside. "That'd be fine."

The three of them go and practice for a while, finding a small room and some stout staves. Vakkal and Fhazil are more aggressive and swing better, but Freyja is very good at not being where they were swinging. The practice lets all involved work out a little frustration and some spare energy. At a pause, Vakkal notices Freyja's communicator's message light is on. He calls it to her attention.

Freyja is feeling much better, smiling again rather than feeling morose. There's nothing like a good physical workout to shed frustration, she knows! She also gets the occasional mischievous grin when she notices Fhazil being somewhat distracted by her moving in her sleek new leather suit! She looks over curiously at the communicator when Vakkal points it out to her, then brightens, "Oh! Must be Zero -- moment, please!" She trots over, setting the staff down, and cheerfully checks for the message.

Fhazil is a little distracted, yes. When the Jedi bends over to pick up the communicator, and while she's distracted, his eyes never leave her. Vakkal notices this and grins, but says nothing. Yet.

The message is from one of Lord Ghang's aides, inviting Freyja to a personal conference with the Lord at a particular time, and a request to confirm her acceptance as soon as possible. The time is not long from now, but not close enough that she hasn't got time to clean up before she goes.

Freyja gets a faintly startled look and re-listens to the message. It doesn't change its content. Freyja looks up puzzledly at the other two, "Um... guys? Is Lord Ghang in the habit of... inviting people for personal conferences?"

Fhazil stops admiring and says, "That's a little unusual. The Lord must have something to say to you." Vakkal nods, and adds, "Very carefully worded, too, although I would expect no less from him or his staff."

Freyja says, "Huh." She smiles, already keying in a polite affirmation as she speaks, "All right, then. What does 'personal' mean to the Lord, please? Just me? Me and Vakkal, but neh one else? The triat?" Then she pauses, looking a little worried, "Wait... are these usually good or bad meetings? I mean... well, does he tend to lecture irritably, or something?"

Fhazil smiles, "Ah, politics and politeness with Sith lords." He explains, "A private meeting would be yourself and the Lord, and probably his guardians but not yours." Vakkal adds, "This would make me very uncomfortable, although probably for no reason."

Fhazil nods and continues, "A personal conference means his immediate staff and yours are welcome and expected. This means your usual Soulguard and maybe a highly placed personal aide. It is, however, off-the-record and not for significant business. A private meeting would be all of the above people, but on the record and probably recorded. A meeting, or an open meeting, would have other people -- perhaps any aides of any lord interested in the subject -- and they would be advised of the scheduling of such a thing."

Vakkal adds, "These meetings can go either way, although a bad meeting is usually called a "review" and usually reserved for those in their subordinate chain -- which you, m'lady, are not."

Fhazil adds, "If you're uncomfortable with it, you can always refuse -- because you're busy, don't want to see him, or for no reason at all."

Freyja gets a distant, thoughtful look as she rapidly assesses and catalogues the data. Interesting... much like Balmorra, in the sense of the varying shades of meaning and intention... Then she smiles at Fhazil, shaking her head, "Neh, this is fine. I just like some idea of what I should be prepared for. Is this something I should dress up for? Is this too dressed-down?"

Freyja adds thoughtfully, "So... Vakkal and a highly placed personal aide." She grins curiously at Fhazil, "Want to be an aide for the meeting, or neh?"

Fhazil swallows hard when asked what Freyja should wear. Vakkal says, "This outfit will be fine for a personal conference, Freyja, and the other clothes you have at hand are probably overly formal. When he is not in public the Lord does not stand too much on formality."

Fhazil nods to this, and immediately answers Freyja's second question, "I don't think that would be a good idea. Lord Ghang knows me already." He adds mentally, And if there's anything you need to know, you can always ask. Vakkal comments quietly, "...and it would not be very seemly to have your aide unable to stop staring at your ass."

Freyja nods thoughtfully, her gaze flicking back and forth as each of them answers... then she gets a slightly incredulous look at Vakkal's last comment -- followed by a delighted (and still slightly incredulous) laugh! She grins cheerfully at Vakkal, "You're good for the ego, you know that?" then grins at Fhazil and just as cheerfully swirls her hips in a simple dance step, "And so're you!"

Fhazil blushes, just a little, "You helped her pick this deliberately, didn't you, Vakkal?" Vakkal grins at his brother but says nothing. Fhazil says, "Feh! I suspect you're enjoying it as much as I am, you hairy pervert." Vakkal's only response is to grin a little wider.

Freyja giggles, gathering up her equipment, "You're funny -- c'mon, both of you! Let's go clean up." As she walks with her friends back to their apartments, she comments curiously, "You know what I wonder? Why is one of the Sith lord Fan's messenger ships here -- and what did it bring, aside from one of his apprentices?" She pauses, then adds thoughtfully, "I wonder how Dantooine is doing too... that's where Methel-saa got posted, as I recall."

Vakkal replies, "The Lords send things and staff back and forth all the time. It's hard to say what it might have brought, or who." Fhazil adds, "We'd probably have heard of more security if the Lord were here himself, though, so I suspect it's just staff. Probably armed with very boring documents for things."

Freyja grins, "Some armature!" She paces silently and thoughtfully along with her friends, then murmurs quietly, "Hope things have gone well for Lord Methel-saa... I think she truly meant well, even though I didn't agree with her definition of 'well'..."

Vakkal nods and makes a 'bleh' face, which would be quite frightening if one thought he were mad at you, what with all of those canine fangs. Fhazil says, "As far as Dantooine goes, I haven't heard anything specific. I suspect Methel-saa is her subtle and thoughtful self, which is probably good for the population and bad for the Jedi there." Vakkal adds, "I have heard the resistance on occupied worlds has been a little more active since the cease-fire." He shakes his head, adding, "Rude of them, really."

Freyja raises an amused eyebrow at Vakkal, then grins, gently poking him in his furry side, "It's not like they've been invited to crumpets and chai, or anything! They probably consider it rude to take over their world, don't you think?" Her tone is gently teasing.

The Soulguard comments, "Well, if you're going to put it that way -- yeah, maybe," and shrugs. Freyja laughs softly and lets it go.

The three reach their rooms and pause to clean up, not getting too distracted in the process. The most notable comment comes from Vakkal, "Do you know what I miss most in the Republic? Full body hair dryers." He looks happy -- dry, extremely fluffy, but warm and happy.

Freyja giggles at Vakkal, helping him brush his fur down and tidy, and makes a personal mental note to have a Wookiee hair dryer installed in the Eclipse the next chance they get! Vakkal gets his fur under control, and Freyja and Vakkal set off to meet Lord Ghang.

The walk to the designated offices is straightforward, leading to a set of administrative offices near the bridge. Many of the officers have an office here, and a lot of the ship's management and planning occurs nearby. Lord Ghang has an office suite -- not large as offices go, but quite reasonably sized for the ship.

Vakkal speaks to the administrator at a desk in the outer office -- a large, well muscled Massassi who wears a neat uniform and a blaster. One would think this person solely for security, except for the efficient, brisk, and professional way he seems to be managing several more administrative tasks. After a moment's talking in to his headpiece, he smiles and says, "Lord Ghang is ready for you now." He presses a button, opening the doors behind him.

Vakkal gestures, and will follow Freyja in to the room. Freyja walks into the room with quiet confidence, looking around in interest. She's taking Zero's advice, and has her aristoi 'face' on, since she's not sure precisely how carefully formal she should be.

Lord Ghang's inner office is a reasonably sized, L-shaped room. The longer part of the L comes off of the outer office, and contains a holo projector, a couple of surprisingly comfortable-looking couches, a collection of cushions, and a low table which has a tea service set on it. The lighting is indirect and dim. The walls are covered with heavy, dark tapestries, which depict things ranging from the myths of Khar Velos to space battles. The floor appears to be stone, although it is warm to the touch.

The shorter part of the L has a chair at far end, which puts the person sitting at it facing out into the room but out of sight around the corner, and apparently completely surrounded by more holo projectors, all of which are dark. It is clear a lot of work, both practical and social, is done here. It is also clear the Lord spends a lot of his time here, and has made the room to be a place where he can both think and meditate.

Freyja brightens slightly, interestedly examining the tapestries of the myths of Khar Velos which hang on the walls of the long end of the L-shaped room. She thinks it's rather nice Lord Ghang has those -- it shows he's interested in and cares about his people.

Freyja grins cheerfully at Vakkal, gesturing gracefully at one of the tapestries, "That story's my favorite -- I liked how the two of them outwitted the Plague Demon!" Then she pauses, noticing the Sith Lord waiting for her on one of the couches in the long arm of the room. She smiles and gives the polite Sith greeting gesture, the way she's seen both Fhazil and Vakkal do.

"Greetings, Lord Ghang. Thank you for your kind invitation. How may I be of service?" Because it's almost automatic for her, and he was (however briefly and explosively) a patient of hers, her non-conscious mind is also observing and assessing the Sith standardbred's physical appearance, checking to see how his vital signs appear, and if he's healing or healed well.

Lord Ghang is sitting on the end of one of the couches, relaxed and calm. He is wearing a light colored, belted tunic; light grey breeches; and old, comfortable-looking sandals. He smiles when Freyja comes in and gestures to the cushions or couch across from him, saying, "Welcome, Padawan Freyja." He smiles what appears to be a genuine smile of happiness, "You know the Khar Vhelosi myths! Few off the planet do."

He lets her admire the tapestries as long as she likes, then says, "Please, join me," when she turns back to him. To Vakkal he says, "Hello, Vakkal. You may join Amn." He gestures to cushions in alcoves on either side of the door. Amn Noss, masked as usual, is seated in one -- not hidden, but not making a point to be seen. Vakkal bows slightly to the Lord, then moves to sit on the other side of the door, nodding wordlessly to Noss.

Freyja smiles in reply, turning towards the low couch across from the Sith lord -- then pauses for a heartbeat, a faintly puzzled look crossing her face for a fraction of a second. When did she hear about the Khar Velosi myths? She doesn't remember Vakkal telling her... but she also knows she just told the truth. That one is her favorite of the stories, mostly because she likes the way the two natives cleverly worked together to beat the odds.

Freyja blinks again even as she's gracefully settling herself, as another startling fact occurs to her -- the Sith lord actually looked genuinely pleased! The tall Sith gestures to the tea service and asks, "Would you be kind enough to share some tea with me, Padawan?" He looks inquiringly at her.

Freyja smiles cheerfully, a bit relieved some sort of tea ritual seems to be pan-cultural -- this she knows. She slides forward a bit on the couch, settling neatly cross-legged. Then, with the proper slow, graceful gestures and meditative mind-set, she prepares and pours the tea, then offers a cup to the Sith lord. She's pleased to note he looks completely rested now, full of energy and life.

Interestingly, to her he also seems comfortable and relaxed, here in the heart of his flagship. Even if he didn't seem precisely uncomfortable while alone on Balmorra, she can tell he's more confident here. It's like he knows exactly what to do in almost any situation. She wonders with quiet interest if she'll ever feel that way. She knows she can look like it... but she also knows it's mostly training, and not true, deep, utter self-confidence on her part.

Once Ghang has accepted his cup, she picks hers up, then silently savors and appreciates the steaming scent of the tea, as she waits politely for him to sip first.

The Lord smiles at the graceful and thoughtful actions of the Human woman, accepting his cup and waiting for her to have hers. He also takes a moment to enjoy the scent and the steam and warmth of the cup in his hands; simple but reassuring things. He takes a sip of the tea, and lets the Jedi taste her cup before he lowers his slowly to his lap, where he holds it carefully as he says, "Thank you, Padawan, that was very nice. I was not expecting so beautiful a ritual, and am happy to see such a simple thing can be enjoyed by both Empire and Republic."

Freyja looks quietly pleased, "Thank you, Lord Ghang." She considers a moment, then adds with a smile, "It's one of many things, I'm sure, which can be enjoyed by both. I would like to think we have more in common than not." She is internally quite happy. As opposed to terrified and murderous Sithstain, this peaceful moment in time is far more what she'd hoped for, in regards to Sith lords. If they can share and appreciate this... maybe they do have more in common than not.

Lord Ghang sips from his cup, then replies, "It seems to be so. Sometimes it is a shame the things that are so different between us cause such strife, and cause so many of both sides so much loss." He seems sincere, but before things can get too melancholy he gestures to the tapestries and says, "Do you like my decoration?"

Freyja smiles, looking back up at the tapestries, "Hai, very much. I didn't know the Khar Velosi wove, though." She pauses, then realizes with a bit of surprise they don't weave, actually... which would imply Ghang must care so much about his people he had them made to order! There's a slightly impressed tone to her voice as she adds, "Did you have them custom-made for you, to illustrate and remind you of your adopted home world?"

Lord Ghang nods, "It's true the Khar Velosi don't go in for this type of craft." He sets his cup carefully in its place on the table, then stands and walks over to one of the tapestries, slowly running his fingers across the pictures there, over the woven surface. When he stands, he does so with catlike grace, and his movements are soft and swift. It's almost as if he can't help himself but to move like either a dancer or a very careful and wary fighter -- nor, it seems, does he mind doing so.

He continues, looking back to Freyja, "Even if they did, I don't know that I'd want to risk nice, hand-made artwork aboard something as dangerous as a battleship. These were all designed on a computer by an Arkanian artist and produced specifically for me. Should I need a replacement, I can but order it."

He gestures to another tapestry (a less clear one) and says, "This is the Velos system, where Khar Velos is. These represent the planets, and this is a stylized star map of it." The map isn't good enough to be readable -- probably deliberately -- but the effect is striking nonetheless. He asks Freyja, "Do you think I'm a fool to have these things with me here?"

Freyja gets a fascinated look, rising smoothly and moving to stand next to the lord, so she can examine the tapestry herself as well. Her fingers brush gently across the woven patterns, appreciating the gesture of having a touch of home with one at all times. At his question, however, she turns and gives him a genuinely confused look, "A fool? What an odd question. Why would you think that?"

The Lord, who towers over the smaller Human, does not move away as she approaches. He looks down at her from his height and says, "Some of the other Sith Lords do. They say it shows I'm not strong, and not ruthless -- that I'm weak and am being used by the Khar Velosi." He looks back at the tapestry and adds almost wistfully, "I have not been able to get them to see the Lord needs his people as much as the people need a strong and thoughtful Lord." With his unexpected speed, for such a large being, the Lord has returned to his couch, and considers the tapestries from a bit further away. He adds, "It helps me remember what I'm doing here, and why I need to always win."

Freyja silently, fascinatedly studies the Sith lord, from where she stands still by the tapestries. Once again she's powerfully struck by how desperately lonely most of the Sith lords must be. How horrible, to feel one must not care for one's people... and how odd, that the emotional Sith should feel that way.

A moment later she remembers her manners and adjusts her gaze so it's not quite so fascinatedly, piercingly direct. As she re-seats herself, she quietly murmurs, "How... terribly sad. Do the Sith not believe power comes from below, then?" She adds musingly, almost puzzledly, "So... are the lords supposed to simply use their people, but not give anything back?"

The Sith Lord does not seem bothered by Freyja's gaze. He replies, "Many do not, Padawan. They see power as something you seize from others. What they do not see is that if all you do is seize power from others, eventually you will run out of power to seize. Thus they squabble amongst each other, and among those who would build and create rather than just steal and destroy." A pause for a contemplative sip of tea, and then an answer to the second question, "Some don't give anything back. They are not often long successful. Most assign those 'tedious' duties to an underling, who is rewarded for growth and profit, and that is how their power base grows -- at least until one who is hungrier steals it away, one way or another."

Freyja's soft voice is a quiet mix of fascination and incredulity, "Only... only take? Nothing given back? Oh... the poor people! Why do they put up with it?" She pauses, then with horror realizes the answer to her own question, and almost whispers, "Oh... they have neh choice, do they?"

Freyja adds quietly, "Hai, eventually you run out of power to seize... or someone more powerful seizes it from you, if those are the only options one can think of..." She wonders silently if Khon Shu Fan is one of those lords, and has assigned the 'tedious' task of pacifying the Dantooine people to Methel-saa, as an underling. If so, she hopes for the sake of the people that Fan soon out-strips his reach!

Lord Ghang sets his now empty cup down and says, "You will be a good Lord for your people someday, Padawan." He smiles, "I did not expect to be discussing the finer points of government this evening, particularly with someone so perceptive and agreeable."

Freyja blinks once, then grins a little self-consciously, "Your pardon. I suspect you had some other subject you wished to discuss, hai?" She adds with quiet amusement, "I doubt I'll be anyone's lord except through birth title... and someone else has been arranged to handle that, so the Order does not expel me." She thinks a moment, then adds dryly, "If, that is, they haven't done so already."

The Lord's smile seems genuine as he says, "No pardon is required at all. Were I in a hurry, I would have been more direct." To Freyja's additions he says, "It would be a shame if you did not share your apparent wisdom with people somewhere, Padawan Freyja. But I did have something else in mind when I asked you to come see me."

Freyja smiles at the compliment, but waits in polite silence for the lord to speak. Ghang picks up the teapot, and offers with a gesture to pour some more tea for Freyja. He says, "I have been thinking about the great favor you did for me on Balmorra, and about what happened afterwards."

Freyja looks a bit surprised, both at the extremely kind gesture of a Lord pouring tea for a lowly Padawan, and at his comment about Balmorra. She holds out her teacup with a smile, and waits interestedly for him to continue.

Ghang refills Freyja's cup, and then his own, and sets the teapot down again, carefully observing a ritual Freyja doesn't know. He explains his words, "I was not, as you may recall, at my best at that moment, and I did not explain well to you what had happened, why it happened -- nor did I apologize for allowing it to happen. Nor did I correctly express my gratitude for your selfless act. I suspect you do not know how important it truly is."

Freyja tilts her head thoughtfully, listening... then smiles politely, "You have nothing to apologize for, honored Lord. The incident was my fault; as your host, I should have been more careful." She firmly mashes down the sudden burst of curiosity his words inspire in her!

Ghang smiles, "It is a lovely thought, but not correct." A little more directly he says, "You had no way to know what might happen should I lose control of myself, and I knew exactly what could happen. I was merely sure no such thing could possibly happen, which was foolish pride on my part. That pride nearly hurt us both badly, and you have my deepest apologies for not listening to you, and for not being as thoughtful and careful as a Lord ought to be, particularly around someone who can not know the danger of the forces they could encounter."

The Sith Lord adds, "You were careful; you warned me and did everything you knew to prevent any harm. I was a rash fool and, while I cannot undo that mistake, I can do my very best not to make it again." He also wryly notes, "Two of my better advisors -- both ones who know it is often most important for a Lord to hear the news he least wants to hear -- made sure that I understood this, once they had found out."

Freyja is silent for a moment, surprised and touched at Ghang's directness and honesty, and not sure what to say. She remembers how much he liked brevity, and just smiles, although this time the smile is warm and genuine, "Thank you. I'm very happy to hear what I did was something you were pleased about... and I am truly sorry you were so hurt." With a touch of unhappiness she adds, "Believe me, I would never have deliberately hurt someone so."

Then she grins at his comment about better advisors, her eyes sparkling, "Hai, those are the hardest to find... and to listen to!" She adds a little curiously, "May I ask why you thought nothing would happen, though? Was it because you thought perhaps what I suggested was impossible? Or... have I misunderstood, and this is something the Sith often do?"

The Lord chuckles at her comment regarding advisors, "That is true, which is why I try to listen to the few I have very closely." The Lord answers Freyja's question by explaining, "No, this is unheard of. What I was sure of is there was no way this would be traumatic enough for me to lose control of myself. My self-control is very, very good. When my physician -- amazed at the impossible curing of the blight -- heard the story, he told me I was a fool for having tried something unknown yet possibly painful, without a scarsmith."

Freyja says uncertainly, "A... what, please?" She doesn't know why, but the name sounds rather unpleasant to her. Then she brightens suddenly, "Oh! So it did heal up fine, then?" Happily she adds, "May I check?" A moment later she adds a bit sheepishly, "Er, that is, if you don't mind?"

The Lord says, "A scarsmith." At her confusion he says, "A scarsmith is a specialized kind of healer, who can effectively hold the Sithstain of even powerful Lords. It is not a pleasant process to have done, and I have been told it is a less pleasant process to do, but there are some things for which it is necessary. I would say, with some confidence, this would be one of them." Ghang's mood lightens a little as he says, "Doctors are all alike," and takes his tunic off to let the Human examine him.

Freyja says a bit puzzledly, "'Hold' Sithstain? I... don't understand?" She doesn't hesitate at all to move swiftly around the low table and settle next to the Sith, however. She may not get a second chance to check him, and the chirugeon in her wants to be sure the healing is complete. She grins at his comment about doctors... but doesn't let that slow her examination down at all!

Freyja sets her medkit in his hand for an internal check, then gently runs her fingers over the shoulder area, carefully examining it visually as well. A moment later she sits back with a satisfied look on her face -- Ghang is completely healed, as far as she can tell. She glances at the medkit interestedly.

As he is examined, Ghang explains, "I'm not entirely clear on the details, not being a scarsmith, but it was explained to me as slowing the body's reaction a great deal with drugs, and then holding the Sithstain. To prevent it reacting too badly it is apparently partly absorbed by the scarsmith, who then has to manage his own and the resistance of the patient. While the scarsmith wrestles with the patient, it is apparently unable to react to much else. It is grueling to have done, and usually leaves the scarsmith completely exhausted."

The Sith lord looks at the smaller Human sitting next to him, and says, "Perhaps this time, I will be able to convey the true meaning of what you've done for me." He gestures to the tapestries of Khar Velos on the wall and asks, "Do you see that?"

Freyja blinks up at the Sith lord, slightly aghast, "They... ew! Er, I mean how unpleasant!" She pauses, then says slowly, "Oh... I see, now. Neh wonder Sith lords are wound so tightly." She wraps her arms around herself, momentarily cold with the imagining of how frighteningly painful as well as lonely being a Sith lord appears to be. Softly she murmurs, "Is neh one trustworthy? Ever?" then sighs quietly, "Your pardon; I ramble," as she turns to look at the tapestries again.

Ghang says, "On the contrary; there are those who are trustworthy. I trust many of them with my life every day. As you said, that comes from below." He sees her look at the tapestries, and says, "Do you know what that represents? Do you see what it is I look at and fear for?"

Freyja wonders silently to herself how many Sith lords can even trust, if they consider this one 'weak.' Bemusedly she also wonders why the Sith seem to fear the loss of emotion they project on the Jedi -- when it appears to be them who're stamping out most of their own emotions! A second later she mentally chastises herself, studying the tapestries assiduously and looking for some common theme between the mythos of Khar Velos and the illustrations of space battles.

A moment later, Freyja wonders thoughtfully if she should be including the space battles in Ghang's inclusive gesture. After a heartbeat of thought, she murmurs softly, "You fear for your people, should you not be sufficient to protect them... and you remind yourself constantly of your duty to do so."

Ghang says, "That's the essence of it. Those images represent the entire population of Khar Velos, and all the Khar Velosi on all the worlds -- something over fifteen million people. Not only that, these tapestries represent the incredibly fragile, and surprisingly gentle, culture these people made for themselves. Their oral culture will be casually destroyed by a dictator who wants more productivity and ships them all off planet." He looks at the tapestries on his wall, and adds, "I had a simulation run, too. There's a good chance that if too many are shipped off-planet, the species could become extinct. They need their home world."

Vakkal tries very hard not to look horrified at this news, and mostly succeeds. He can feel Freyja's gentle reassurance -- a quiet, warm mental hug. She may not be able to help his people, but she'll do her best to help him if he needs it.

Freyja sits silently, studying the tapestries. If the Sith lord is watching, he can see the emotions cross her face... a small pang of sadness for the Khar Velosi... and additionally, pity for the Sith lord. She's faintly surprised to realize she's not at all surprised at how much empathy she feels for Ghang at that moment -- she'd be worried and horrified also, if it were her people. Softly she murmurs, "Can't you even name your heir?"

Lord Ghang says, "Yes, we can, and we do. There are other ways to make sure things go to who you want them to go to, and I have several arrangements in place to try and prevent anything untoward from happening -- even should I vanish today, without warning." He looks back at the tapestries and says, "However, that will all come to naught if certain things happen." He looks at Freyja, asking, "Can you perhaps begin to see how I take what I do very seriously?"

Freyja's lips quirk up in a humorless smile, "I actually cannot see how any good and competent lord, either Republic or Empire, could not take the welfare of their people with seriousness... but then I've also been told I am an idealist." She sighs, looking away from him, and adds quietly, "What are the certain things, if I may ask?"

Ghang says, "If I were to be dishonored badly enough, no one would want to be seen honoring our agreements, particularly if the dishonor involved my death and I wasn't there to remind them of their own promises. If I were to be forced to willingly give Khar Velos to another Lord, no one would contest it. If it were simply invaded and taken from me through brute force, the chance anyone would fight that directly is low. There are other things that could happen then. These are not terribly likely, but are also not impossible."

Freyja's head whips around to stare at Ghang again, her eyes wide with horror, "Your friends would... simply abandon you?! What sort of friends are those?! How could you possibly be so dishonored? I know Fhazil and Vakkal -- you taught them! How could you-" She bites off the sudden spate of horrified indignation, and takes a deep breath... then another. A moment later she adds carefully, "Your pardon, please. I am not familiar with how things are done in the Empire. I'm sure what you describe is, for the Empire, um..." she struggles for a word, then finally simply concludes with a puzzled sounding, "er... proper, normal?"

"They are not friends, Padawan, but allies -- and those have long been fickle." Ghang continues, "On Balmorra I did not do a good job of conveying my gratitude, and I hope to rectify that now. That wound was killing me. Slowly, painfully, but it was killing me. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow -- but soon. I would make a mistake, or fail a challenge, or miss something because of the pain, and I would be thrown down in disgrace. This is one of the few things that would destroy my work, and I could not see a way to prevent it."

Freyja just... blinks, shocked beyond words. A moment later she whispers softly, "You have... neh friends?!"

Ghang continues, "I was already planning to transition Khar Velos to a Lord who I hoped would do what was right, and then to go out in a desperate blaze of glory. It was the only way to avoid being dishonored, and avoid having all the things I have worked for destroyed." He says, "You gave me hope and life back. There aren't words to convey what that means to me, and I can't explain what it means for all of those millions," and he gestures at the artwork on his walls, "or even explain to them what almost happened."

Ghang is speaking quite intensely now: a huge, impassioned man, "So, yes, Padawan Freyja, what you selflessly did means a great deal to me, and to millions of people. I will never forget it, and I will do my best to make sure the Sith and the Khar Velosi never forget it." He finishes and leans back a little, realizing he's become more intense than usual, and much more than he allows himself in public. He watches Freyja's reaction carefully.

Freyja has no words left -- she's deeply shocked still at what a horrible fate seemed in store for the Sith lord, and how much Sith lords seem to live uniform lives of silent but sometimes violently explosive desperation. It hasn't quite registered yet she is the reason it won't be happening, nor that it's probably just the hetaera training which is making this so painfully empathetic for her -- she's still horrified to her very core.

Finally she says the only thing she can think of, although it frustrates her somewhat how inadequate the words are to describe the pain, the suffering and fear and hopeless desperation she's hearing... she whispers, "I'm so, so sorry."

A second later Freyja blinks and shakes her head, realizing how that sounds, "Neh, not about the hope -- about the pain!" She stares at him in puzzlement, wondering how one could live that way... then with a sudden, fierce flare of protectiveness, she realizes Fhazil could have faced something like that some day -- but he won't, he won't! Not if she has anything to say about it!

Lord Ghang looks at Freyja, not quite understanding her words. The fearless, unshakable Sith Lord looks somewhat trepidatious, concerned that he's said something wrong and unable to read the complex and diverse array of expressions crossing his visitor's face. Her addition makes him feel a little better. "Padawan Freyja, any amount of pain would have been worth being able to save my people. The pain was the least important thing in the world." He obviously does not yet understand.

Freyja hesitates, not sure what to say, then picks her words very carefully, "Lord Ghang, I do not know if I can explain this very well, because there are some things about the Sith I haven't yet been able to wrap my head around... and I know from Fhazil there are some Jedi things which he can't quite grasp yet either. But... but I keep trying, because if there's going to be peace between the Republic and the Empire, there has to be someone who can talk intelligibly to both sides."

She takes a deep breath, organizing her thoughts, then says slowly and honestly, "I am deeply happy to hear you are pleased at the healing. I confess, initially I was not sure. That, however, isn't why I was so shocked a moment ago." She pauses, wondering if she can explain this... then gamely gives it her best.

"What I don't understand is... well, sometimes it seems the Sith have this view of the Jedi as cold, emotionless, ruthless, distant... as these distant, painfully isolated monsters, in a way, you know? And yet... when I look, it's the Sith I see who seem so desperately, painfully alone... and the Jedi, I know they have their own misconceptions and fears which they also project on the Sith, their enemies... and I can't help but wonder if we're both projecting that which we hate and fear in ourselves onto our enemies, as a sort of... sort of a purge, or a reason to dehumanize our enemies, if you'll pardon the word choice there, so it's easier to kill them..."

She pauses, looking up at him and struggling to contain the hurt and fear and aloneness she can feel so clearly -- so much she's not sure where it's coming from -- and whispers, "How... how can the Sith live like this? Can they not feel each other's pain? Can they not tell how they wound each other?!"

Ghang listens Freyja's outpouring of words and intensity. He considers for a long moment before he says, "In some ways I suspect we're more alike than many, in both organizations, would like to admit. I also suspect you're getting an incomplete picture of the Sith by looking at just the Lords and the politics. Most of our society isn't quite at each other's throat the way the Lords are."

He pauses, looking like he could say something that maybe he shouldn't, and decides to say it anyway, "Presuming our intelligence is correct -- and considering how effective our techniques have been, I suspect it is -- a similar level of destroy-or-be-destroyed exists in the Senate on Coruscant." He adds, "It may be, because we have combined the power of your Jedi with the power of your Senate, we have created a single, horribly self-destructive class, rather than two which must play off of and protect one another."

Freyja is silent for a long moment, studying him... then says softly and emotionlessly, "Are you saying your people have been influencing the Senate on Coruscant towards violent resolution?"

Ghang answers immediately, "I am not saying that at all. I am not aware of any Sith activity directly with the Senate. I am merely suggesting that some of the politics of the Sith Lords resemble those of your Senate, while some of them resemble the Jedi, and some are a unique issue." He adds quietly, "Unless the Jedi have been very good at hiding their revenants from us, we do have some of our own, unique, issues to cope with."

Freyja sighs in quiet relief, rubbing her face with both hands. Then she pushes her heavy mane of fiery gold hair back, straightening with a sigh, "I do not know, Lord Ghang; I am but one small Padawan." She considers, then adds slowly, "However, I have never heard anything -- anything at all -- about Jedi revenants."

Freyja's silent a moment, thinking hard, then continues slowly again, "I know Fhazil feels the Force is the means to selection of good government... but from the experiences of my home world I worry about unrestrained power over the powerless, residing in generationally indifferent hands."

She sighs again, adding a bit wistfully, "I wish I had the answer. All I can say is what I've learned and seen... and what I've seen is once the aristoi forget power comes from below, it is but a matter of time until indifference, cruelty, and greed cause the people to become desperate -- to the extent that death is welcomed, not feared. That is why I still feel aiding good lords," she remembers Ameil and firmly adds, "-neh matter their homeworld! -is the right thing to do."

Freyja looks at the huge Sith lord, and for just a second it would seem a small, gentle expression of pity crosses her face. Softly she says, "I am glad I could aid you. I wish... there were more I could do... for you and for your people." It's not clear if she means only the Khar Velosi, or the Empire itself.

Ghang listens, and considers. "You've already done a lot, Padawan Freyja. You've healed me. Too, consider just where you're sitting, and why. You're sitting with the commander of an invading army, on his flagship, so you can try and stop a war that is good for no one. These are not insignificant things, and there are few brave or resourceful or strong enough to do them, much less all three. I hope you can see that."

Freyja is silent for a long moment, considering. Finally she murmurs, with a small, tightly rueful smile, "Well... I don't want you to invade my home, or kill my friends or family. But if I never ask you not to..." Her words trail off and she falls silent, thinking again. Finally she looks up at him again and says a little desperately, "I'm not sure it's a matter of braveness or strength or anything, really. I just... we have to stop this... somehow. I don't know how yet... but I -- we -- we're all trying as hard as we can."

She looks away and rubs her eyes surreptitiously, then turns back to look at Ghang again. Her demeanor reflects the desperate determination in her voice as she says quietly and firmly, "Please don't invade and destroy my home. I don't know how else to say this... but I wouldn't do that to you. Please don't do it to me either."

A second later Freyja sighs, picking up her half-forgotten medkit from Ghang. She's acutely aware of how clumsy that sounded, and what a probably rude conversation killer it was. Quietly she clicks the medkit on her belt, not looking at the Sith lord as she murmurs, "Your pardon... you're doubtless busy, and I should probably go."

Ghang listens and frowns a little. "Padawan Freyja, I can't promise not to do such a thing. I don't want to, but I would be lying to you if I said such a thing would not happen -- and I won't lie to you." He adds, "We're trying to end this war, though. All I can say is I'll do my best to do so, both for my people and yours. I'd hate to deprive them of their good leader."

Freyja nods silently, her voice muted and still not looking at the big Sith, "I know. In your place I couldn't promise either." She wonders for a moment what caused her to say such a crazy thing, when she knows he can't stop what's happening any more than she can.

Ghang says, "Before you go, Padawan Freyja, I do have a little something here for you."

Freyja turns her quiet blue gaze to the Sith lord at that, wondering what he's talking about. She has the medscan of a healthy Sith standardbred, and that's all she asked for, if she remembers correctly. On the other hand, he did mention giving her something to explain what had happened... but she thought he'd intended to do that after the war?

Ghang pauses for a moment to put his tunic on and belt it again, but explaining as he does so, "Some of the Empire's races have a tradition of offering a small gift to someone they've offended or been thoughtless to. It's a lovely tradition, from a gentler and kinder time, which Lords don't get to practice often. While I was thinking about what had been said when you healed me, I recalled something I thought you might enjoy having."

He leans back and reaches down under the sofa both of them are sitting on, lifting up a small wooden box. It is perhaps eight inches by three inches, and three inches deep, with a hinged lid and a simple brass-looking clasp and hinges. He presents it to her, "For you."

Freyja gets a faintly surprised look, but smiles faintly, accepting the little box with careful hands. Her voice is soft as she murmurs, "Thank you. It is a custom in parts of the Republic also." Gently she lifts the clasp, then raises the lid to see inside.

Freyja studies the contents of the box with silent interest. It is lined with cloth, and contains a cache of hexagonal coins. She lifts one out with slender golden fingers, examining it curiously. It's about two inches across, and like the rest of them it is made of some dark metal, with a symbol stamped on each side of it, highlighted in some silvery metal.

There are quite a few of them -- 37, as she later discovers. The coins don't fit precisely into grooves or anything, but they also don't just slide around completely loose within the box. They seem to stack in loosely, sliding back and forth a little with a small metallic noise; it makes the box heavy-feeling. A book the same size as the box apparently slides into the bottom, from the outside of the back of the box.

Freyja looks up at the Sith lord in fascination, the dark coin gleaming slightly between two of her fingers, "What are these? They appear to be like... well, similar to Balmorran rune stones?" A moment later she tilts her head at the coin, "Oh! Are these the... the runes you mentioned contained the Warmth-bringer?"

The Sith smiles, "I thought you might remember, yes." He slides a little away from her on the couch and says, "Empty them out here, and let me show you something."

Freyja smiles in return, then gently turns the box to empty out the coins. They slide out with a small, musical, metallic sound onto the cloth of the couch. She sets the box aside, then gently spreads the coins out with careful fingertips, so she can see them all.

Ghang says, "There are a few who are superstitious about these, but most think of it as a silly, old fashioned game. Even those who don't take it seriously won't handle another's rune set without permission." He looks at her and says, "Just in case." He points out one of the coins to her, not quite touching it where it lays, "This is what my Sithstain called you: the Warmth Bringer."

Freyja says slowly, wonderingly, "These are... attuned somehow to their owner?" Carefully she lets her mute down a tiny bit, studying the runic coins in fascination, to see if she notices anything odd. She gently picks up the Warmth-bringer, looking at it closely with both her eyes and the sight of the Force.

Lord Ghang shrugs, "I don't really know. Those who would be superstitious claim they'd be cursed were you to handle them without permission, and most others simply don't risk it. Perhaps with more authentic coins, made somehow differently, it might be true, but I've never heard of it. Of course, I haven't done a lot of checking."

The coins sparkle dully in the dim light of the Sith's office, and seem large in Freyja's hands. The symbols pick up the light and run it through the coins like quicksilver, but they feel like metal coins, and the Force does not seem to react to them unusually.

Ghang adds, "In fact, I don't know much about these, really. I looked them up on the HoloNet. They're a Sith form of Tarot apparently. I had to look up these next two symbols. If you wanted to know more, ask on rec if anyone is interested, and maybe someone will know." He continues, "You said one of your partners was 'The Saber's Edge.' This coin," and again he points but does not touch, "is that. It's also apparently known as 'The Blade Of The Knife.'"

The Warmth Bringer rune appears to be rather esoteric looking, rather like a very stylized version of the Sith hieroglyphs, but no image immediately leaps to mind when looking at it. Freyja looks up in surprise, "The Sith have a Holo- er..." she pauses, then mutters amusedly to herself, "Neh, of course they would."

She smiles ruefully, adding to the Sith lord, "I don't think I have an account. Could Fhazil set one up for me?" Scanning over the runes, she wonders if she can see one that looks like an idealized version of the crystal dark-hydra cocoon she was in when Ghang's Sithstain surrounded her. Then she smiles again at Ghang's words, picking up Blade of the Knife and laying it gently on Warmth Bringer, in her palm. She looks down at the coins again interestedly, "Which would represent Fhazil?"

Ghang says, "The terminal in your quarters will have a guest account set up, and Fhazil should still be able to log in with his account." To her question he replies, "You asked me that then, and I didn't know. As I said, I looked it up, because I thought you'd want to know." He points out a third coin, "The name is 'Walker In Dusk.'"

Freyja looks pleased, gently picking that one up and laying it on top of Blade of the Knife. She murmurs softly, "Warmth Bringer and Walker in Dusk, with Blade of the Knife between as balance. So... what do you have to tell us, mmm?" She puts her palms together, the three coins between them, and closes her eyes, calling on the Force as she does so. What visions, if any, will they give her?

Lord Ghang looks a little oddly at the Human as he can feel her (to him) strange and exotic use of the Force around him, smoothing away the very essences of power he creates with his emotion, will, and sheer mental demand that it do as he bids. It is both not powerful enough to be threatening to someone of his power, and creepily eerie to feel the smoothing and flattening of the Force around him. He tries to get used to it while he can.

Freyja hms thoughtfully, considering. The wise women she's known always said to ask a question... perhaps that's it? She's not asking a good, clear question. She thinks a moment, then with her eyes still closed she forms the question crisply and cleanly in her mind as she whispers the words she's thinking, "How do we stop this war, with as few losses as possible for both sides?"

The Force moves through the coins and around them, just as it does for other things, but the three coins together might be different. How so she can't yet say, or even if she's sure it's there. Perhaps these coins aren't used to her yet. Or perhaps this isn't quite the right way to ask.

Freyja frowns thoughtfully, opening her eyes... then grins, "Guess I should read the instructions first?" She looks interestedly at the other coins, still holding the initial three in one golden hand, then points a slender finger at a coin resting on the couch. "That one... it looks vaguely like that sort of... crystalline cocoon your Dark-hydra made around me."

She looks up curiously at Lord Ghang, and there's no heat or anger in her voice -- just wonder, "What was it trying to do to protect you, please? Eat all my warmth, or constrict me, or something else?" She adds thoughtfully, "It mentioned something about those in the coils usually lying, but we weren't, as I remember?"

Lord Ghang smiles, "There are some directions and descriptions of all the coins in the book there. It is in Sith, but Fhazil or Vakkal should be able to help you with it." He replies to the other question as directly as it was asked, "Usually the response is to squeeze the life out of them, to crush your presence. What it might have talked about, I don't recall. It wouldn't surprise me if it could tell you weren't lying, though. The Sithstain is a very... primal sort of thing."

Freyja smiles ruefully, "Well, it refused initially to believe me. I guess I can understand that, though, if it's as primal as you say. I know my frehkee would attack someone he thought was hurting me, even if the pain was for a good reason." She pauses, then adds a bit sheepishly, "Er, not that I'm trying to say Sithstain is like a frehkee..." Well, that was smooth! she thinks wryly to herself, and quickly adds, "Is that -- the primal nature of Sithstain -- how you could tell Vakkal had turned Bright, and that I was somehow involved?"

Freyja belatedly tries to remember what it was the Sithstain had talked to her about. A moment later she exclaims, "Oh! I remember now, hai. It -- your Sithstain -- was trying to persuade me to blast the blight away from you. It was very unhappy when I didn't -- said it couldn't see me as a kindred spirit because of that." She adds with quiet amusement, "If I had blasted the blight, though, I suspect I would have damaged you. The only thing I have to blast blight with is Light... and while the Light is incredibly forgiving, I'm not sure your Darkness within would care for that."

Ghang answers, "No, it probably wouldn't have liked that any better." He adds, "I'm not sure it would be quite the same to call you, a Jedi, a kindred spirit to Sithstain. It depends on what that means to whoever said it. If it said it, I'm not sure you'd want to be a kindred spirit to it."

Freyja looks up, her wondering gaze pale as ice and alight with the Force, to see if she can see any of those multiple Dark, red-eyed heads. Lord Ghang finds the Force-lit gaze a little perturbing, but holds his ground. This person is on his side. And he will not be afraid of a Padawan. He's a Sith Lord.

Freyja smiles at Ghang's reply, her gaze still on the Sith lord, not realizing it has any effect at all on him. She asks thoughtfully, "Can you 'feel' Fhazil and Vakkal always, then? Is that how you knew of Vakkal's change of path? How did you know I was there also, if I may ask?" She doesn't see any of the hissing snake heads or glowing eyes. The Lord is muting his Sithstain, so the snake heads appear to be near by him, around him but asleep and quiescent, only twitching gently in its apparent slumber.

Freyja smiles, one slender hand brushing a curling strand of fiery golden hair back behind one ear, and the Force light fades from her eyes as she continues to watch the big Sith lord. She wonders if the Dark-hydra is still upset with her, or if any of the heads would... she doesn't know what imagery to use... let her scritch it under the chin? She covers a small grin -- that's probably not something she should share with the Sith lord, for fear of accidental offense, but it still makes her smile! She'd be happy to do so, too, if that's what Dark-hydra heads liked, she thinks.

Lord Ghang suspects the young Jedi is feeling better; her supply of questions and enthusiasm has returned. He smiles, "I can feel them if they're within the same sector, or maybe two, as I am. Any further and I would have to make a serious effort and use some deep meditation. Vakkal's change is obvious to anyone who can see him in the Force, particularly if they know him well as I do. I could sense it as soon as I got close enough, and it was obvious when I met him."

Freyja nods interestedly, then says curiously, "What do you feel when we're linked up in the triat? Can you feel Zero and I also?"

The Lord considers before replying, "The Triat is like a huge searchlight shining out in the Force. It's as visible -- maybe more visible -- than any single Jedi Master or Sith Lord. It's powerful and different than either of those. If you know what you're looking for, you can sense the individuals who made it up, or if they reach out individually to you, but they're mostly lost in the triat as a whole." He adds, "Does that make sense? It's a tricky thing to describe."

Freyja listens silently to Ghang's words, her eyes bright with interest -- then grins suddenly and nods once, "Hai, it does, and thank you! I've been wondering what it looked like from the outside." Her voice is a little wry as she adds, "The only people who've seen it so far, that I could ask, were too often Jedi politely asking us to leave."

Freyja adds thoughtfully, "I suspect Master Roakkana can do that too -- feel me and Zero within the Force. I'd not had a chance to ask him about it yet, though." She sighs quietly, adding, "I was rather upset when we were chased off Balmorra so precipitously."

The comment about being asked to leave makes Ghang laugh aloud, and he says, "Oh, I'm sorry, I shouldn't laugh -- but I find that terribly amusing."

Freyja grins a little sheepishly at the Sith lord's laugh, "Well... they were trying to be nice, truly. The one in particular I'm thinking of was pleased we'd slain a particularly effective assassin of Jedi -- but he'd gotten a mandate from the Calefactors to arrest us instantly!" She adds a little wistfully, "I think he was a little afraid, too. He didn't want me talking to his Padawan."

Freyja starts neatly collecting the runic coins together and replacing them in the box. She's not happy at her previous outburst concerning not attacking her home, especially since she knows quite well Ghang can promise nothing. However, hopefully her rapid acceptance of his graceful attempt to change the subject will suffice.

It was not lost on her, after all, that Ghang did not answer her query regarding having any friends. She suspects his comment regarding the effects of the combined power of (in effect) the Jedi and the Senate, which the Moot has, does indeed cause the 'single, horribly self-destructive class, rather than two which must play off of and protect one another,' as he described.

Freyja is not surprised she 'got it in one' on the meaning of the tapestries to him, either. He strikes her as a good lord. She just thinks it's a damn shame there are Sith lords so shallow and mean-spirited they cannot even see how the good of their people is their good also.

Ghang watches the Human woman put the coins away, considering for a moment before he speaks. He finally says, "A moment ago you said it must be terrible to be alone, and to have no friends." When she has looked up at him again, he continues, "I don't think I am in as quite as bad a situation as you envision. For instance, there are a few Sith Lords I do consider a real friend, although most of them are not in a position to help protect my assets should I fail. They would if they could. I have many more friends whom I am responsible for, and who would do anything to prevent such a thing. Again, they don't have the leverage needed to protect the larger assets which I control, but they are dedicated people who would help me in any way they can. The desperation of the position I was referring to was one of politics, not friendship." He cocks his head and asks, "Does that make sense?"

Freyja considers for a moment, then nods slowly, her ice-blue eyes thoughtful, "I guess so. In some ways, though, I'm not sure the Republic Senate is as... as bad, as difficult, as your Moot." She pushes her fiery-gold bangs back, then smiles and murmurs dryly, "In the Senate, the poisoned daggers in the back are metaphorical or verbal. I've been given to understand that is not always the case -- in the Moot." She adds quietly, "I'm glad to hear you have friends, though. It's a terrible thing to be completely alone... and I'd also gotten the impression that was the goal most Sith lords aspired to."

The Lord says, "I'm not sure the metaphorical daggers are any less awful than the real ones. At least with a real one you don't have to live with the consequences of a truly hideous mistake; you don't have to watch the things you fought for undone, and the people you worked to protect killed." Freyja raises an eyebrow, but politely doesn't mention what blight does -- since the Lord is, of course, already acutely aware of what he narrowly missed, by his own admission.

Ghang adds, "Completely alone? I wouldn't say that's the goal they aspire to. Many seem to go that direction, as they realize how difficult it is to figure out who can be trusted, but the most successful want to gather people to them, even if just to expand their power base."

Freyja nods again, listening with quiet interest. "There is a saying among my people, by a wise counselor. It goes something like this: 'There are two ways to inspire the kurasai to follow -- fear and love. Fear is faster in the short run... but eventually something the kurasai fear more than you will come along, and you will be cast down. Love is more difficult -- you must be worthy -- but surer in the long run... and in the end, when other aristoi send their minions to whisper of rebellion and disobedience to you, it will be your kurasai themselves who will root them out.'"

She smiles quietly, reflecting on the saying, then adds softly, "I've always tried to aspire to the latter, and to be sure good people would be there for them, since I could not always be there for my kurasai." A moment later she curiously adds, "Is that why the Sith Lord Ravos has so many Soulguards?"

Ghang says, "This was a wise counselor indeed. This is true amongst the Sith as well. There are a great many Sith who rule by fear, and they usually have a brutal and short rule. Those who try and lead their people through love, or at the least respect, often do better. Their downfall is usually a ruthless one who feels they're weak for not using enough fear. Either way is filled with turmoil." Ghang smiles and adds, "Some see that turmoil as an opportunity, though. Everything affects everything else."

Freyja sighs quietly, "There is that -- the counselor wasn't part of a society where might in the Force means right. I suppose that turns everything on its head, societally speaking..."

To Freyja's last question Ghang replies, "I'm not sure who Lord Ravos has all those guards for. It could be to protect him from others, or it could be to protect the others from himself. In addition, many Lords use Soulguards as a kind of elite guard to run errands or do things they can trust to no one else. Some even use Soulguards as an excuse to keep spies or assassins close to hand. Lord Ravos has business in many places... perhaps his Guard helps him with that business by more than guarding. I suspect they are all rarely seen together." The Lord adds, "A prudent person would not pry too deeply."

Freyja blinks a bit startledly, "The Soulguards... protect others from him?! How... odd... does he not have enough self control or something?" She pauses, suddenly remembering Fhazil talking about a duel site where the Lord Ravos had defeated someone. A year later the site was still sickening, according to Fhazil. She adds thoughtfully, "Well, we only saw thirteen of them. Are there more?"

Ghang says, "Should a Lord lose control and be taking actions that would harm his greater holdings, a Soulguard may take action to stop them. More importantly, should a Lord become a revenant, the Soulguard will probably try and make their death truly final. In this they protect others from the Lord."

Freyja nods, "I knew that, but still... I mean, thirteen of them?!"

Lord Ghang says, "Perhaps he is particularly concerned with this. Perhaps he is just something of a showman and wishes to impress those around him who don't know better. I wouldn't use the Soulguard for that, but there are many things Lord Ravos and I would disagree on."

Freyja thinks for a moment, then says slowly, "That's it, isn't it... that's why people are so astonished to find I have a Soulguard. It's never occurred to them a member of the Jedi Order might need one in case of revenants or something, right? And then it never occurs to them the Jedi Order don't have a problem with revenants?"

Ghang shifts a little on the couch where he's sitting, so he can face Freyja better, and answers, "There are several reasons people are so surprised. The issue with Jedi not fearing revenants is one -- I certainly have never heard of Jedi with something like that, although it might be a common problem."

Freyja smiles ruefully and shakes her head, turning a rune coin over and over in her fingers as she regards it... dark coin against golden fingers, flip and flash of quicksilver rune, then dark against gold again... quietly she murmurs, "Neh. As far as I know, death means you become one with the Light, and is to be welcomed -- not feared." She studies the swirling Warmth Bringer rune, then softly asks, "What other reasons do you know of?"

Ghang says, "Generally an apprentice wouldn't need one, because they wouldn't have the power at hand to cause serious damage or to become a revenant. There's also the financial aspect; most Sith can't afford to support one until they are somewhat established in their positions. And, until they've been in those positions a bit, they generally have less need of one, as few would bother trying to hurt them." He smiles, "I'm not sure those are true with you, though."

Freyja tilts her head and grins sideways up at the Sith lord from behind her shading scarlet bangs, her ice-blue gaze half amused, half teasing, "A very valid point, that, hai." She flips the dark coin in her slender fingers again, musing thoughtfully, "A poisoned dagger in the back may prevent you from seeing your work cast down, true... but doesn't it also remove any chance of recovery, unless you have a poison-negating Force user near by?" She pauses, then murmurs, "I wonder how the Moot might be split, or re-made, so there were two classes playing off each other, as you noted regarding the Republic Senate... but which needed each other to survive?"

A moment later she adds curiously, "You do have poison negaters, hai? Or are they rare? Hm..." She's silent for a moment, then nods once, slowly, "They must be rare, then, hai? -or the Oathers wouldn't depend so on poison?" She quietly adds, "Which certainly makes Vakkal's reluctance to simply waltz back on board the Malice quite understandable too..."

Ghang says, "The problem with having a poison-negating Force user nearby is they're a Force user, which may make them dangerous in a whole different set of ways. We do have poison healers, but you have to know you've been poisoned, and you have to be fast enough to help someone. Different weapons have different applications; sometimes a lightsaber is the answer, sometimes a blaster, and sometimes poison. Poison can be used in a room full of Force-sensitives, and not give the user away."

Freyja blinks... then grins and shakes her head amusedly, "I had neh idea one had to be so specific in the selection process of eliminating one's rivals!" Her smile becomes less amused and more grim, "I thoroughly dislike Republic politics -- and they're not trying to kill me. I think I shall endeavor to avoid becoming embroiled in Empire politics."

The Lord chuckles, "That may be one reason why Vakkal was concerned, but I suspect there are others. He has a past it might not be entirely unpleasant to leave behind. Your offer of a position as Soulguard -- I heard the word 'huskarl' on Balmorra, which seemed to have different meaning -- is good for him in many ways." He looks over at the attentive Khar Velosi and smiles a little fondly, "Hopefully it will see him live longer."

Ghang smiles wryly at Freyja's last comment and says, "Just because they aren't trying to kill you doesn't mean they don't have many different kinds of weapons at hand. And I suspect they do more killing than they admit."

Freyja says with quiet pride, "Regardless of which title is used, Vakkal has been exemplary. I am quite proud to have him by my side." She slots a few more of the coins neatly away, then nods once and sighs quietly. With quiet puzzlement she asks, "I admit, I do not understand how your people can use blighted weapons. Is it truly a worthy goal to them... to slowly and painfully... cripple and destroy each other?!"

Vakkal tries not to look embarrassed at the kind words from either of these people he holds in such high regard, or astonished at what the Lord says about his leaving. He shakes his ruff a bit self-consciously and thinks about that. Freyja grins quietly at him, her mental tone gentle, S'true, you know.

Ghang says, "Only to those who enjoy cruelty. To most others it's a fallback position should the stroke not be fully successful. Many choose not to use them." He adds, "Some of the more traditional see a lightsaber as being a much more damaging and unpleasant weapon."

Freyja blinks in astonishment, "Really?! How so?"

Ghang asks, "What can defend against a lightsaber?"

Freyja grins, her eyes brightening as they hit a subject she actually knows something about, which isn't potentially painful to anyone, "Oh, that's easy -- they should be used with delicacy anyway, not as straightforward bludgeons. And defend against them... well, I've heard the Sith swords can do that -- and so can another lightsaber! Ah... not being there, that's a good defense too..." her grin gets mischievous, "Umm... flashing wit?"

Freyja giggles, cheerfully flipping another coin into the box, "All right, maybe not flashing wit." She thinks a bit, answering more seriously, "I've heard some of the Sith armor can turn one too, but I've never seen that?"

Ghang laughs. "Flashing wit, yes, that's my favorite defense. However, if someone gets close enough to touch you with one, and you don't have one of your own, it's a good chance you're going to get cut, if not killed. Some things might slow it down, but most won't stop it. At least with a blighted sword anyone can defend themselves, should they be a good enough fighter. Usually those who'd wield one are very good swordsmen, but that is not so terribly uncommon."

Freyja nods, her demeanor quite sincere, "Hai, that's it precisely -- the weapon should not be drawn and lit up unless the wielder knows what they're doing!" She smiles, "That's the point... they're not toys. I'd think there'd be less dueling that way too, neh?"

Ghang mutters, "Some Sith armor can, but it isn't perfect, and it's very expensive. And, much that claims to be that good isn't. Most would be very wary of trusting it with their lives." Freyja nods, quite understanding that wariness. Ghang adds, "No, they're not toys. However, they're a great way for a mediocre swordsman to kill better swordfighters who don't have them. They give much power to those who haven't worked to master it."

Freyja says, "Huh." She considers that, then says curiously, "So why not simply insist one must be a good swordfighter before receiving one?"

Ghang comments, "It may be the Jedi understand this better than Sith. In a pure saber-match, many Jedi would be better than a Sith fighter of equivalent experience. The problem for the Jedi seems to be that few Sith are willing to keep things nicely pure, and insist on doing things a Jedi sees as 'cheating'."

Ghang adds, "What Smith would turn down an expensive commission, particularly if it means an obnoxious Lord will overextend themselves and get themselves killed? This is one of the more devious weapons the Smiths have."

Freyja nods, "I can see how expectations would differ wildly, hai." She blinks, considering that, then shakes her head, "That's the utterly wrong reason to have one, definitely!" She considers a bit incredulously for a moment... then smiles, glancing at Amn Noss, then back at the Sith lord, "Why don't you wield one, if I may ask?"

Ghang says, "There are many reasons. One is I simply prefer the sword. It is, in its own way, more impressive and commands more respect. Another is, as I said, many of the traditionalists view lightsabers as inferior, and I don't need to antagonize them even a little." He grins a wolfish grin and adds, "And I'm very, very good with a sword. I wouldn't be nearly as effective with a saber."

Freyja looks puzzled. To her a lightsaber means many, many different things, and would be far more effective and pleasant to use -- and then understanding hits, "Oooh! I see now!" She grins cheerfully, "Lightsabers mean something very different in the Republic... and I always forget you don't make your own."

Ghang looks puzzled, "You make your own lightsaber? Why wouldn't your Smiths do that? Some of the more experimental or interested Sith are involved in the construction of their sabers, but that's not required."

Freyja grins cheerfully, "Oh, hai, we all make our own -- to show we're ready to take our tests of knighthood! That's one of the reasons Master Roakkana told Zero and I, I think, that he considers us to have passed our tests, even though we can't actually go take them right now." She smiles, adding, "We don't have a caste of Smiths, per se... although there are Jedi who enjoy mechanical experimentation." She grins with pride at Vakkal, adding, "I made Vakkal's lightsaber for him, in fact, as a thank you gift."

Ghang looks a little surprised at this news. "But then every Jedi knows how to do this? What keeps them from doing so? Why is the Republic not filled with sabers? And what makes sure they're good ones?" At the news that Freyja made Vakkal's saber, he looks over at the canid, considering, but says nothing. Finally he says, "That would make the lightsaber mean something different, yes. Interesting."

Freyja smiles, "Hai, they do know, and they don't make a lot of them because they only need one -- one good one." Then she brightens, "That reminds me!" She sets down the coin she's been playing with and reaches for her medkit, checking it interestedly, "Let's see if there's anything new I'll have to carry, if I'm to be able to heal a Sith at all..." She falls silent, thoughtfully reading the scan from Lord Ghang.

Ghang says, "Interesting. Different. If every Sith knew how to make sabers, you'd find them lying in the gutters."

Freyja blinks, a bit startled, then smiles, tilting her head as she waits for the medical analysis to conclude, "Seems a bit of a waste, or lack of respect, neh?"

Ghang chuckles, "Most people in the Empire would be more concerned with the public safety hazards than of a lack of respect to the weapons." Freyja laughs, although there's a bit of incredulous lack of understanding in her eyes. She's not quite grasped complete self-centeredness.

Freyja's medkit beeps softly, and she looks down interestedly at the analysis. Sith physiology appears to be quite hardy, and resistant to any number of pathogens. It exhibits pulmonary redundancy with multi-chambered lungs, but has an only three lobed heart. It is about 125% the size of a comparable human heart, however -- not surprising considering the size difference between the two species. The lymphatic system seems to have been originally developed to remove a great deal of toxins from the body, but apparently much of it has lapsed due to evolutionary disuse. Freyja mmms thoughtfully, then murmurs, still studying the data, "Did the Sith homeworld originally have a large amount of trace toxic elements in the environment?"

Lord Ghang says, "Nobody knows."

Freyja continues scanning the medical notes, discovering the Sith standardbred chin tendrils are some kind of pheromone sensory organ, which ties into the taste/olfactory sensory centers. Aside from that, physiologically they may appear to be near Human, but genetically they seem to be incompatible with her species -- at least not without extensive genetic engineering.

Freyja nods once again, pleased, as she clicks the medkit back onto her belt, "Odd. Well, that's still good news, in a way -- doesn't seem there's anything unusual I need to be carrying for just in case. Out of curiosity, what do the..." she pauses, not sure what word to use, and gesturing under her chin to explain, "um... tendrils? What are those sensors for, if I may ask?"

Ghang expands on his previous comment, "Our home world is lost in history and myth, deep in our past. Our best guesses are now an uninhabitable ice ball, something which is now an asteroid belt, and a world which has suffered a number of apparently natural ecological disasters in the last three thousand years or so."

Freyja says, "Huh... fascinating." She grins, "Well, it's not like Humans know their homeworld either, any more." She pauses, a considering look on her face as she studies Amn Noss for a moment... then she looks between the Soulguard and Lord Ghang, saying politely, "May I, in case of emergency, ask what species your Soulguard is?"

Lord Ghang says, "Our," and speaks a Sith word which translates most closely to 'beard,' "is a sensitive receptor of scents and other pheromones. I can often tell what people of certain species are feeling by what I can sense." The Lord considers as he looks at Amn, who nods almost imperceptibly, before he replies, "She is Massassi."

Freyja looks fascinated, "Truly?! Oh, is this like the Khar Velosi nose -- a 'symphony of scent'?"

Ghang smiles and says, "A symphony of scent... I like the phrase. However, I don't think applies, because it isn't exactly scent as such; more a feeling or extra sense of who and what is around. We do not get incredible detail, as do our friends the Velosi."

Freyja tilts her head to give the Soulguard a smile and fascinated look -- shortest Massassi she's ever seen! -- then smiles ruefully, looking back at the Lord, "Ah... well, in that case, if you have any Massassi that don't unduly mind letting a Lightsider near them, I'd very much like a good scan or two of them too... especially since I'm going to guess if there is an emergency she's going to get hit before you do."

Her voice is pragmatic as she adds, "That's why I have good scans of Vakkal too." She's just stating facts, to her way of seeing it -- politics are ugly, but there's no sense in hiding from that.

Lord Ghang says, "I can't object to someone worrying about my staff. I'll see if we can find someone you can take a scan of, who won't mind."

Freyja looks pleased, "Thank you very much! I appreciate it. I can't tell you how frustrating it is not to have good scans. I was truly fortunate Lord Methel-ssa didn't need aid -- or I'd have been just guessing, and that would not have been good."

Freyja grins, adding to her previous comment, "Well, it's actually Vakkal's phrase." Her eyes light up as she adds, "It really does feel like that, too! Quite amazing." Curiously she adds, "So what do you sense about Humans, if I may ask?" More musingly she adds, "I wonder if we have any senses you don't have..."

Ghang asks curiously, "What makes you say it feels like that and is amazing? I've never known Vakkal to be so evocative in his description, that one would go to that length?"

Freyja says, "Oh!" She pauses, glancing at Vakkal a little uncertainly, Do you want to tell him about what happened, or shall I just say we shared a dream of sorts?

Vakkal's answer comes back, I trust the Lord, but will leave it to you to decide if you want to tell him. He's talking to you, after all. Telling him we shared a dream is perfectly appropriate, or as much more detail as you feel comfortable sharing.

Ghang answers Freyja's next question by saying, "Every race has their own unique feeling in the beard, and that feeling changes based on how they are reacting -- some more than others. Khar Velosi, who use scent a lot, change a great deal depending on their mood. Humans change less than that, but more than others. It's difficult to describe what it feels like. Unless you've got some secret that I'm unaware of, a human has no senses a Sith also doesn't have."

Freyja laughs, then grins, her blue eyes dancing with mischief, "Well, not that I know of... but if I did, would I tell?"

The Lord chuckles, and says, "And, would I believe you?"

Freyja giggles quietly, "All right, that was just silly. Anyway... so how did it happen, let's see." She considers, then says carefully, "Vakkal and I shared a... well, a dream of sorts. In the dream I appeared as he saw me -- as a red-gold Khar Velosi." She grins at Vakkal, wrinkling her Human nose slightly, "Amazing amount of data in scent that I never knew of before!" Her mental voice is a little shy as she happily adds, Was very pretty too... thank you, Vaki!

Lord Ghang looks interested, "That's very unusual, although not unheard of for a Bright, if they are attuned to another person." He advises, "Be careful, or you could allow the same to happen in reverse. I wouldn't sleep with him if you had anything you particularly didn't want him to know."

Vakkal smiles just a trace at Freyja's words, but goes blank again at Ghang's admonition. Freyja looks puzzled, "Your pardon? Oh! You mean in my past." She considers a moment, then smiles and shrugs relaxedly, "Too late? When it's cold we've all frehkee-piled for warmth... and I do try uniformly not to do things I'd be ashamed of."

Ghang takes a moment to untangle 'frehkee-piled,' then answers, "Well, it's not a guarantee anything would happen, but not to have anything to worry about does make it much easier. I recommend it, particularly with your Soulguard. I can think of few more important to be open with."

Freyja looks puzzled again, "Er... your pardon again, but are you recommending sleeping or not sleeping, please? With the Soulguard, I mean?"

Ghang says, "I'm recommending you not have things to hide from your Soulguard. The side effect is there won't be any unpleasant surprises if you wind up asleep with him. The risk -- only a very mild one -- is you may have another shared dream like the one you describe, or perhaps the reverse, where he sees how you really see him. If there's nothing to hide, then this would not be a great trauma."

Freyja ahs, and smiles, "I understand now. Neh, as far as I know I've hidden nothing from Vakkal." She tilts her head interestedly, brushing her red-gold mane back as she smiles at Vakkal. She'd thought his species was very much a part of him, of who he was... interesting. Would she see him as Human in a dream?

Ghang says, "I hope you continue to be able to say that."

Freyja's eyes widen slightly as a sudden thought occurs to her. She looks at the dark coins in the box in front of her, then at the Sith lord. Fascinatedly she asks, "Have you ever shared a dream with one of your Soulguards of a different species than you -- and just, um... just known stuff about their culture later?!" She beams at Vakkal, "That would explain how I know the Khar Velosi myths, don't you think, Vakkal? You didn't tell them to me while I was asleep or something, did you? I don't remember that at all...?"

Lord Ghang says, "I've never had the experience, myself. As I said, it's unusual, and not all Soulguards are Bright." He adds, "It could be, though. If you've remembered a dream, it's possible the stories or other facts came to you the same way."

Freyja grins at Vakkal, pleased. She thinks it was terribly kind of him to share so with her! Vakkal smiles back, although he's not entirely sure what he may or may not have done. Happy Freyjas are a positive thing in the world, though, and he's happy to reinforce that idea. Then Freyja blinks at another thought, turning to look back up at the Sith lord, "Um... this may sound odd, but... well, have you ever thought about suggesting some of the Khar Velosi start a colony on another world -- just in case?"

Lord Ghang sighs heavily and says, "At the moment, the concern is getting the population on Khar Velos itself back to optimum levels. We recruited heavily from the younger generation, and may have upset things quite a bit. Simulations and projections show it is under control, but there is not a lot of population growth right now, and there needs to be before we can seriously consider moving enough population for a viable colony."

Freyja's lips form a silent 'oh' of worried comprehension, and she nods slowly. She smiles at the Sith lord, although there is still concern in her eyes, "Well, at least they know you're doing the best you can, hai?"

Lord Ghang says, "We are. We're monitoring and watching better, and we're encouraging Khar Velosi to settle after their tours of duty on other places, if they would rather stay in a technological society rather than going home. Some do. We're not recruiting heavily for a while -- maybe a couple of generations." He looks intently at Freyja and adds, "This does not mean bad things for the Khar Velosi. It just means they can't diversify quickly, and we have to work for and plan for the long term."

Freyja smiles politely again, although she sighs internally, feeling sorry for the Khar Velosi and Lord Ghang. She's not sure what she can do to help, though, aside from get the war ended as speedily and painlessly as possible. Instead she gently changes the subject, "May I ask about another one of your titles, Lord Ghang? Your Executor said you were Lord of the Fleet, but also that none of the lords had as their portfolio anything directly related to the war with the Republic. I was wondering what that meant? I mean, how can there be an invading fleet with neh lords associated with the war...?"

Lord Ghang looks a little surprised by this, "I would say it would be quite the coincidence to win a war by accident, yes. This is most definitely not the case. I can only suggest the Executor misspoke, and meant none of the Lords had only the war in their portfolio. Aurabesh is not his best language, and perhaps he got a negation or count wrong. Many Lords have responsibilities, and are making different contributions."

Freyja says, "Oh!" She thinks a moment, then grins ruefully, "I understand now." Not that it makes things tonnages better... but at least we're not losing by accident now... Curiously she asks, "Is that why one of Lord Fan's messenger ships is here, with some of his apprentices?"

Lord Ghang replies, "Lord Fan had some information for me regarding another project he and I are involved with, and was not comfortable sending some sensitive information by message or 'net. Instead, his trusted staff came, and we were able to work out some complex details. And now his ship is with us in a sensitive area, and he is waiting to leave until we're in secure space."

Freyja says, "Oh." How... disappointing. She sighs quietly, guessing the Sith lord is highly unlikely to divulge data concerning sensitive projects to her. Instead she simply asks, "How is Dantooine doing? Are they still troubled by manuses? Did Lord Methel-ssa manage to feed the people?"

The Lord answers, "I've been a little out of the loop for a bit, but last I heard Dantooine was doing well. The manuses are continuing to harass our forces, but their security is better now and losses have gone down somewhat. Methel-ssa did feed the people. As I understand it she had to import food to do it, but letting them starve would do no one any good. In my opinion she's in a terrible position, and I don't envy her it at all."

Freyja blinks, "Er... how is her positio- oh. Is Lord Fan treating her like an underling or something?"

Lord Ghang replies, "Not that I'm aware of. I'm simply referring to her strategic situation. As I understand it there was no good place to set up a secure environment that could both do the things needed and not be harassed by manuses. They could be secured or entrenched, and needed both. I believe she has managed to mitigate this somewhat."

Freyja looks fascinated, "How so? And has anyone, er... well, I know this sounds wyrd-touched, but has anyone tried talking to the people, or the manuses?"

"If I know Methel-ssa, she will be working to convince the people the Sith are who they want as their leadership. It is one of the few ways to fight the manuses, because they won't attack the people in town," the Sith explains. He adds, "And I believe she managed to get a secure installation constructed in town by hiring locals to reinforce existing buildings."

Freyja nods thoughtfully, musing, "Makes good sense to me." She looks up at the big Sith and adds quietly, "I realize she'd probably not be thrilled to hear it, but I'm glad she was given a second chance."

Ghang looks quizzically at the little human and asks, "Why do you think she would not be thrilled to hear it?"

Freyja says, "Well, um..." she gracefully, if self-consciously, shrugs one shoulder, "we were... sort of involved in the mess there...?" She sighs quietly and adds, "I know Fhazil wants to earn a planet someday... I don't know what we'll do then, though. Do we help him, get out of his way, what?"

Ghang says, "It is a war, is it not? Someone usually loses, and from what I heard Methel-ssa was lucky to get away with her life, much less losing the planet. Did you do something dishonorable that you think Methel-ssa would hate you for having done?"

To her second comment, Ghang says, "I don't have a good answer to that one. What do you want to do? Are you sure Fhazil still wants this? He is not in the same position he once was... that was pretty much the only way forward for him."

Freyja says, in reply to the query about Methel-ssa, "Oh, neh... but I've been told repeatedly it's extremely foolish to let a Sith lord feel at all obligated to you. I... don't know how she feels, so I figured best to be cautiously wary about her." She listens to the big Sith's comment regarding Fhazil, then shakes her head, "I don't know that either, I'm afraid... although I do know he seemed to really want to try using the Force-awakened to govern a planet, as if it were somehow the answer to all the issues of poor government." She smiles ruefully, "I don't know if it's that simple, really... but then I've not lived in a society where might in the Force makes right, either."

Ghang says, "As far as Methel-ssa is concerned, if she heard a former adversary wished her well, she would either not care, or be satisfied to know she had not done anything dishonorable herself. She might have her own feeling about you related to what happened. Since I don't know what happened or how she might feel about you, it is difficult to say how she would react to you."

Freyja smiles, guessing Ghang doesn't know about her and Zero entering Methel-ssa's lair -- to see if the Sith lord was all right, because Freyja felt responsible somehow!

Ghang's voice takes on a slightly familiar, mentoring tone as he says, "As far as Fhazil and planetary government goes, perhaps that's something you will spend time doing. It may be it needs doing. It may be that other things demand his attention first. New interests and capabilities may open up new paths." He looks at Freyja and considers a moment, adding, "I suspect that whatever he does, he'll want your input and assistance. Ask him."

Freyja smiles again, although this time it's more quiet pleasure at the thought of being able to help her paramours. Ghang asks her, "What might you have done to upset Methel-ssa? I'm terribly curious what has you so concerned?"

Freyja simply says happily, in response to Ghang's suggestion she talk to Fhazil, "I shall." At his next question she grins a little sheepishly, "Uhm... well. I didn't think it that unusual at the time, but from Fhazil's reaction it was." She pauses, then explains with a smile, "Well, short version was I insisted on going to check up on the Lord Methel-ssa, to be sure she was all right and something I'd done the night before hadn't hurt her. So... Zero and I, with information from Fhazil, went and checked her." She grins, "It's the only scan I have of her species still."

Lord Ghang looks quite surprised. "You went and checked? In her stronghold? To make sure she was all right?"

Freyja starts looking a bit embarrassed, "Er... well, hai." She grins sheepishly at Vakkal, adding, "Fhazil apparently thought I was insane."

Ghang asks incredulously, "Because you were... worried about her?" It's not certain, but it sounds like he's having a hard time imagining the idea.

Freyja says, "Well... hai. I'd guessed it was Verg's spirit causing the problems in the town, and Master Roakkana said bemusedly at one point he thought he'd heard her crying in the Force... and I wondered what would cause a Sith lord to cry... so I tried farseeing what had happened. I was in the Force, and she turned up, but he was... was in her."

She shudders, adding, "Disgusting thing... anyway, he tried to persuade me to Fall, but he was pretty clumsy and... well, at one point while she was fighting him I couldn't think of anything to do except throw Light at him, as much as I could. So... I did, and she abruptly vanished -- and then he was really upset and turned to me-" she grins proudly, "And that's when Master Roakkana and Zero turned up! I was sure glad to see them."

Freyja smiles, adding, "And then the next day I wondered if I'd hurt her, not Verg, and that's why she'd vanished so abruptly. So I, er... well, I pretty much badgered Fhazil into telling me how to get there, because I wouldn't let him get up yet -- he was still healing -- and... we went!"

She grins, "That's all! Well, that and she was there alone -- we'd captured all her apprentices, and I thought neh good aristoi should be stuck with only thugs to aid them. Well, and she was asleep, and I checked with the medkit to be sure it was truly just sleep, not injury. She woke up and was very courteous..." she grins, "And then we booked on out of there!"

The Lord listens in amazement, then says, "Fhazil may be right. This does not mean it was not the right thing for you to do, but it was incredibly foolish and dangerous." After Freyja's story, the Sith Lord adds, "I can't imagine Methel-ssa being angry, Freyja. And I hope your Master is very, very proud of you."

Freyja covers a giggle at the comment about Fhazil, then smiles, "That was what I told Master Roakkana, hai -- it felt like the right thing to do." She thinks for a moment, then smiles with slow happiness, "You think so -- that Lord Methel-ssa would not be angry? That would be nice."

She hugs herself quietly, still smiling, "I think he is... I hope so, at least. I would very, very much like the honor, some day, of standing with him at the Temple in Coruscant, after having passed my knighthood tests. I know he feels we've succeeded in them through our questing, but... well, I'd just like him to be able to say I earned the title legitimately as well."

Ghang reiterates, "I can't see it. Embarrassed -- maybe; grateful, maybe; startled, confused -- absolutely... angry I just don't see." After listening to Freyja's desire about Knighthood he smiles, "I should wish you to fail, Freyja, because you're an enemy, but I really don't. Anyway, I suspect you have enough challenges facing you before you'll be knighted, from what you've said."

Freyja gives Ghang a curiously interested look, "What good to you would my failing the Jedi knighthood tests be?" She wonders if she has any similar not-well-wishing for the Sith lord -- then smiles ruefully. That's an easy one -- she doesn't want him to win the war. Admittedly, she doesn't want the Jedi to win either... but that's probably a very fine line to worry about, from his perspective.

Instead she simply adds, "It will be some time, I suspect, before we can go to the Temple without instantly facing charges of heresy. The knighthood trials can wait until then." She grins, adding, "I just tell myself it's good for my humility."

The first question is answered, "During the war, every Jedi has been counted as a threat. Getting that Knighthood moves you from 'possibly dangerous' to 'dangerous -- eliminate.'" Ghang chuckles, "And here I thought you were trying to deceive me about your abilities, by claiming to still be a Padawan."

Freyja blinks startledly, then laughs, "Gracious, neh!" She grins puzzledly at him, pushing her long fiery-gold hair back, and adds, "Why didn't you just ask, if you wondered that?"

Ghang shrugs, "I didn't so much wonder as assume." He adds, "It's what a Sith would do."

Freyja's silent for a long moment, obviously thinking hard -- that's a very curious thought to her. What are Sith like? She's going to have to understand them at least a little, if she's going to help end the war, she suspects. Finally she asks, half shyly and half thoughtfully, "Um, so... may I ask, since I probably won't get another chance to... what's the Dark Lord like? He's like the ultimate Sith lord, hai?"

Ghang says, "The Naga Sadow? Hmm." He considers, then replies, "He is a well-respected leader, and his decisions are usually good. As I am in charge of my system and fleets, so he manages the Empire at a high level. He is a fierce fighter in hand-to-hand combat, and uses a powerful Sith sword. He is one of the more powerful Force users I have ever encountered. He also understands strategy and tactics, and knows when to talk rather than to fight. Personally he is a bit aloof, but not condescending."

"When Marka Ragnos died Naga Sadow assumed the position with little argument, because no single Lord was as good as he was, at as many things as he was. If a Lord's fleets were more powerful, Sadow would fight him with the Force. If a Lord could be bested with the Force, Sadow would counter him with politics -- and so forth. Usually he didn't destroy a challenger, but showed them the error of their ways and convinced them to help him instead."

Ghang pauses, considering, then adds, "It may sound as if I speak excessively glowingly about this Lord, but he has done great things for the Empire, and for me personally."

Freyja smiles, "I see. I admit, I find this reason for hope. Thank you for telling me this." She personally also far prefers the strategy of turning former enemies into friends!

Ghang says, "I should perhaps also tell you that you might be very careful not to cross the Dark Lord. Bad things happen to people and places that do. Usually they're seemingly unrelated things, but they happen nonetheless."

Freyja smiles, unsurprised, "Ah. Then I would guess he's chosen Lord Fan's beautiful daughter as his Lady, and none shall gainsay him?" To her slight surprise... she feels a little sorry for Fan Nuit.

Lord Ghang chuckles, "I don't follow the daily gossip of that sort because I'm usually far from it, but I'm not sure I would say he has chosen Lord Fan's daughter. I believe there are several trying for his attentions, and he appears to be in no rush to choose. Lord Fan's daughter has usually gotten what she wants, but I wouldn't bet on her getting this if it's not what the Dark Lord wants. But nothing was definite last I heard."

Freyja nods once, her thoughts far away as she considers for a quiet, pensive moment. She gently runs one slender golden finger along the smooth dark top of the runic coin box as she does so, adding softly, "Aside from our oaths of hosting and guesting to each other, I do not know if I've changed, or neh, in your eyes tonight."

She smiles up at the big Sith lord then, with serene, ice blue eyes. "I have something for you, though. You asked if I thought you a fool, earlier tonight." She curls her black-leather-clad legs under herself, leaning back and choosing her words carefully, "I do not, nor do I consider you weak. When I look at you, I see a man powerful and fearless enough to let vulnerability show; a man who knows the welfare of his people is also his welfare... a man willing to die, in fact, in order to safeguard his people."

Freyja gazes steadily up at the big Sith, "How could any sane sapient consider that other than courageous? But equally, I see your people have as much rightful hold on you as mine have on me -- our lives are not ours to squander any more than we may squander their lives." She smiles, "Let us not waste second chances, please. Let us do our best to end this war with honor."

Freyja rises smoothly, tucking the box under her arm and bowing politely, "I should withdraw, lest I wear out my welcome, for you have been more than kind. I leave you with a bit of prose philosophy from my people, which I hope you will find as interesting as did I."

Freyja pauses, then quotes slowly and with genuine feeling, "
In any one who dies, there dies with them
their first snow and kiss and fight...
No people die but worlds die in them."
Then she bows courteously, "I hope to see you again at dinner tonight, Lord Ghang. Thank you once more for your thoughtfulness today." With Vakkal, she slips quietly out.

After leaving Ghang's office, Freyja paces along quietly next to Vakkal as he leads her out of the small maze of intersecting corridors and offices that is the organizational/logistical brain of the Malice. She waits until they're in the more commonly used corridors, then looks around thoughtfully. Not many folks are in the halls, since it's getting on towards dinnertime.

Freyja waits until they're in an empty section of hallway, then pulls Vakkal to the side, out of the way of any passers-by. She carefully puts down the pretty box she's been given, then turns and gives Vakkal a close, quiet, warm hug.

Freyja doesn't say anything... but Vakkal can feel her concern and care, both for him and for how he must feel concerning the news he's just gotten about his people. She can't think of anything to say which wouldn't just sound trite or pointless, and she doesn't know how to help them any more than Lord Ghang already is... so she just offers Vakkal warmth, closeness, and caring.

At the appointed time Naahm arrives to take the four to dinner. On the walk there he explains there is very little in the way of strictly formal ceremony aboard ship for meals, though there are a few traditions. The obvious one is, of course, to rise when the Lord or any guests arrive or stand to depart. He notes they should not be too startled when everyone rises at their arrival. He also notes casually that they will not be asked to demonstrate anything following the dinner, as they are guests.

Freyja gives the Lieutenant a curious glance, "Demonstrate what, please?"

"Pardon? Oh! For meals such as these, formal but not state or social affairs, following the dinner the aspirants, apprentices, and journeymen seek to show off what they've learned. Normally they're practice forms, sometimes fiendishly difficult ones, but one can gain accolades and notice for something that is other than the norm. It's not unlike the Corellian 'dining in' military tradition, except instead of relating humorous anecdotes and rounds of toasts, it's more -- appropriately -- martial."

Zero smiles, "Curiosity is only natural. This is a thing neither of our sides have seen before. Though, with luck, perhaps we will be seeing more."

Freyja says, "Ah." She nods once, continuing to pace gracefully along with her friends and the lieutenant, and muses, "'Appropriately martial.' Hmm... well, I fear I'm not well versed in the military sciences -- let alone the Sith military traditions." She smiles politely at the lieutenant, and wonders if she dare take a small peek to see if he's Force aware. Hm... neh. It'd be rude, and probably deeply alarm all the Watcher-equivalents on this ship.

Tall and elegantly willowy, Freyja's lithe walk reveals a poise and fluidity that could melt an iceberg. Sparkling golden coins swing simultaneously, as mesmerizing as the silken fringe on the richly ornamented sash accentuating the gentle sway of her supple hips.

Jeweled, belled bracelets jingle softly on Freyja's slender wrists and ankles, while glittering, delicate gold toe- and finger-rings highlight her small, graceful, golden-skinned feet and hands. Intricately wrought jewelry rivals the sumptuous, glossy embroidery on her long, shimmering, silk outer coat and trousers.

There is only one glowing flower this time in Freyja's fiery golden hair -- a soft ivory lily from Ossus, sweet-scented and bursting in bloom. Aside from that, Freyja's simply pinned her rippling mane up in silken swirls, opulent golden hairpieces gleaming within. Her high-boned face wears no makeup; her only adornment is her own natural beauty, and the quietly alert gleam of intelligence in her serene, ice blue eyes.

Naahm chuckles a little. "Well, this is a battleship, and the vast majority of Force-sensitive aboard are in service to War. You will see. One of my duties is to be cultural attaché; I assure you that you most likely won't find it disturbing."

Freyja smiles quietly at the Arkanian again, her quiet gaze gently amused, "Ah, I see. Are you yourself Force-awakened?" She adds thoughtfully, "In service to War... do you have any in service to State, or any Smiths aboard?" She wonders with quiet wariness if State is particularly susceptible to Oather infestation. Wryly she suspects, so her friends can 'hear' as well, any Oathers aboard won't be able to resist the target they all present.

Zero quietly hopes they make their presence felt, if so... for the Oathers to tip their hands here on board the Malice would be suicide -- and he would not mourn their loss very greatly. Freyja grins internally at that. She's hoping much the same -- she brushed up on her poison negation for that very reason, in fact!

Lieutenant Naahm smiles and nods. "I was an aspirant in service to State, and then was apprenticed to Lord Darth Khaam. Shortly before I was due to take my Acolyte Trials, the war began and I was taken in by Lord Kali Yir of War. I will be taking my Marauder Trials in three or four years. There are a few journeymen here in service to State, serving as liaisons mostly. There is only one in service to Smiths -- an apprentice who is being tutored in hyperdrives by our chief engineer."

Freyja nods in quiet interest, murmuring, "Best wishes on your Marauder Trials, then, Lieutenant -- if that is the appropriate thing to say?" She's guessing he can't yet pick up on what -- or who -- he's escorting around. She wonders who Lord Kali Yir is... an almost Balmorran name, she thinks with amusement!

"It is, and thank you." He smiles over to Fhazil. "People are still talking about your trials, Fhazil Taas. They're wondering how it came to be that it changed your eye color." He does not, however, pursue any sort of questioning, instead going on to mention the meal should prove edible to everyone present.

Freyja grins quietly at Fhazil. She's wondered that herself, actually. Considering it's happened to the entire group, though... she'd guess it's something the Force needs or will need, in some way. She smiles politely, nodding at appropriate points at the Arkanian's pleasant conversation, and follows him to the dining area. She's curious to see if it also is as interestingly ornate and baroque as the rest of the ship so far.

As they were warned, the wide doors they are led through lead into a hall where a great many people are in the process of standing. The hall is of the same style as the rest of the ship, if a bit taller -- deep, but very much wider. The center of the room is dominated by a roughly circular table shaped a bit oddly, being a little more than knee height if a normal chair were set at it. As it is, the chairs are correspondingly lower. The far half of the table is solid, while the nearest half is separated from the far half, and moreover split midway as well, leaving a sort of path leading from the doorway to the "head" of the table. The head is also further shaped oddly, forming a smaller slaypneershoe shaped bump.

The apex of the entire table is a large seat, undoubtedly for the Lord, with a number of other seats. To either side of the table are additional tables for other, lower-ranking officers. Behind the large chair against the back of the room is a bas-relief depicting the Malice, though it looks significantly different, as if it were much younger when the relief was first made.

The officers standing are in Sith uniforms and clearly demonstrate the demographics of Ghang's corner of the Empire. Pureblood and Massassi seem to form at least sixty percent, with purebloods in the minority. The rest are mostly an equal mix of Arkanians, Khar Velosi, and Hkkal; there are a further few examples of Qatto Verg's species, and some Republic races -- though no Humans. And while there is still some politely quiet conversation elsewhere in the room, Freyja and Zero and the others are hit with the full attention of a large number of Sith being focused on them.

Freyja has done this way too many times. She's ready -- relaxedly poised, head raised in aristoi pride -- when the doors swing open on them. She gives a small nod to acknowledge the courtesy of the kura- er, neh, they're military, right -- the courtesy of rising for them, then paces after their guide with quiet dignity to the seats indicated for them. Zero just smiles his gentle, cryptic smile, and lets it wash over him. Surprise, he thinks, And so unimpressive we are, at last... but maybe not the last you'll ever get to see.

There are some polite, if mildly wary, nods from the nearest officers in return to the gestures. Naahm indicates for the group to follow him as he leads them to the seats arrayed near the Lord's seat. All the while, as they walk up along the outside of the table, there are pauses, glances... not too many narrowed eyes, but certainly many curious looks -- and in their wake quiet murmuring. More than a few of the younger Arkanians -- and a few of the older ones near the head of the table -- seem to watch Freyja and/or Zero quite attentively and not at all with displeasure.

Freyja thanks Naahm quietly as she gracefully seats herself, tucking sash edges and coat hem neatly under her crossed legs, then looks up and smiles politely in greeting to the officers seated at the strangely shaped main table. She makes a mental note -- if the conversation goes well, she'll have to ask about why the table's designed the way it is. Thank goodness, she thinks dryly, they tend towards a more Balmorran style of furniture -- she should have no trouble with tripping or anything.

Freyja wonders thoughtfully, though, why it's the oldest, as well as the youngest, Arkanians who seem to be watching them closely. Curiously she scans, wondering if there are many women aboard the ship. Zero seats himself quietly, carefully making sure his long coattails are not in the way. He absently flicks his long braid back over his shoulder with one hand.

Since Arkanians are near Human -- almost startlingly near-Human, in fact -- it's not hard for Freyja to tell the Arkanians seem to be about evenly split between male and female. As the troupe seats themselves, the officers in the room then proceed to sit as well.

Freyja is pleased there's a relatively equal mix of male and female. While it's not the case on Balmorra, she knows of some Republic planets who have a strange aversion to having one or the other gender in their armed forces. Things like that always lead to twisted behavior, in her experience. She's glad she won't have to worry about that in Sith space. Or rather, the Sith military fleet. She corrects herself mentally -- this is Republic space. Shestudies the officers around the main table with interest, unsure as to whether she should introduce them or not. Perhaps best to wait for Ghang to arrive.

The officers are of a slightly different demographic at this end of the table. There is one Massassi -- or someone who looks like a Massassi -- and several more Arkanians, as well as two purebloods and one Khar Velosi. Most seem to have seen many years of service, considering their apparent age. They appear to be the equivalent of majors or colonels, or possibly even brigadiers, to use equivalent ranks in the Republic Guard. Naahm makes polite introductions; all of the officers are unfailingly polite though they do seem somewhat wary of the troupe. None, however, are rude.

Freyja is equally courteous in return. She's not surprised. It's been her experience one never attains any high rank without learning self-control. Zero folds his hands politely in his lap. This seems normal... but the real test, he believes, will be in how the rank and file perceive them.

Freyja smiles and thanks the lieutenant once he's completed introductions, then glances at Fhazil, wondering if he'd like to introduce the triat -- it is rather his right, really, as ranking Sith in the group. She wonders thoughtfully if all the ranking officers here are Force-aware. She'd guess so... she knows, even though she prefers not to do it, how easy it is for a Force user to manipulate a non-Force user, after all.

Freyja whispers quietly, Fhazil, if you introduce me, would you, ah... not mention my being Arving lady? Just Freyja Rigg of Balmorra, Padawan to Master Roakkana, is fine? She's guessing most of the folks here either won't know the Balmorran Haus of Rigg -- or wouldn't believe the heir was here on their ship. And she's proud of her family, even if she could cheerfully shake her father by the lapels on occasion!

Fhazil picks up on it immediately, beginning the introductions with Freyja, then Zero, introducing them as Jedi 'awaiting their Knight Trials.' "This should be quite an honor, then," one of the older Arkanians says with some cheerfulness. "Not many who've yet to take their trials sit at the Horn."

Freyja smiles politely, "Indeed? What is the Horn, if I may ask?"

The officer, Coronel (his rank) Nazra Iolaan, gestures to the oddly shaped part of the table. "This is the Horn, Jedi Rigg. The Horn of the table, reserved for the Lord and the most senior officers -- and guests of the Lord as well, of course."

Freyja nods slowly once, "Ah, I understand. Hai, it is an honor." She considers, then politely adds, "Please feel free to call me Padawan Freyja, honored colonel." Aside from that, she says no more. She can't figure out what to say to these ranking officers about her background that wouldn't sound either unbelievable or bragging.

Freyja grins internally as she suddenly realizes what would be an interesting Demonstration for her to give -- and just as quickly she realizes it wouldn't be appropriate. Pity... but one simply doesn't go about asking Sith lords to open their shirts, she'd guess!

Freyja is perhaps saved from anything more embarrassing by the odd effect of the persons seated by the doorway spontaneously standing. The others shortly stand as well. After a moment the group realizes they can feel Ghang's aura as he approaches, such that by the time he appears in the doorway the entire room is standing for him, silent and respectful. Freyja rises gracefully with everyone else, watching with interest. Zero stands smoothly, his hands clasped in front of him. He smiles. And now the really interesting part...

Ghang pauses at the entrance to the hall briefly, then gives a single nod to the entire room, before striding to his seat. Before sitting he pauses and says, "Today we have guests among us. Let them be welcomed as comrades in arms. As many of you know, it is with their help this final phase of the war has come about. They share with us the goal of War, to end war honorably." There is the sense of a wave of assent through the Force, as most if not all of the officers present incline their heads towards Ghang. Then he sits, and they follow suit.

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Last modified: 2002-Jul-16 16:14:54

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