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Realms: These Shattered Stars Logs

Chapter Nine, Part Four

Freyja is lying in a pleasantly scented, warm, relaxed, well-massaged and slightly furry pile with her friends. She lazily thinks over the last few hours... then contentedly decides teaching her friends about the hetaerae's relaxing and erotic massage was a really excellent idea!

Freyja will, several nicely savored moments later, reach out one free arm to snag her comm. She checks with the hotel staff to see if Sarn is up yet -- he's not, which is what she expected -- and so she asks them if it's possible to prepare an option for the Jedi Master to use, should he wish to do so, later?

She also takes a moment to explain Sith furniture to the staff, so they know what she's suggesting. While she doesn't lay out all her reasoning, she hopes preparing a more Sith-like seating arrangement for the negotiations will hopefully make the Sith feel more comfortable, offer Sarn more options and information on the Sith without committing him to anything, and give the over-nervous hotel staff something to do.

Zero stirs a little, from where he lies stretched at length, his cheek against Freyja's belly. "Mmm. Working already?"

Freyja grins down at Zero, lazily ticking his cheek with a curl of her fiery gold hair, "Is it work if it's fun?"

Fhazil snuggles against someone and sends, Mmm. Furry. Warm. Vakkal chuckles quietly. Freyja giggles softly at Fhazil's non-verbal comment, sending back a warm emotive purr.

The hotel staff is happy to deliver a message. As Freyja works, a message arrives from Manishsha. Zero shifts a little, not to stand so much as turn to nuzzle at Freyja's amber-skinned navel. "I suppose not." Freyja thanks the hotel staff politely, then takes the call from Manishsha. She grins contentedly at Zero, lightly stroking his pale face with slender fingertips as she answers.

Manishsha's message is straightforward, "We have contained Khoud, and have his ship buttoned up at the space port. Let me know if you want to talk to him or see it."

Zero shifts enough to roll onto his belly and curl his arms lightly around Freyja's waist, gently kissing at her skin with no particular destination or hurry. Freyja blinks -- that was terse! Then she realizes it's just a message... and thoughtfully considers. "Guys, did you hear that from Watcher Manishsha? And... do we think it'd help Khoud at all to see him?" She mms lazily, distracted by Zero.

Zero mmms softly, and replies in between kisses, "Well... it might not... do him much good... to see me, anyway. I did scare the... mm. Life nearly out... of him."

Fhazil murmurs, "Help him? I can see how it would taunt him, frustrate him, upset him, or even drive him insane, but help him?" He moves enough to look over at Freyja, curiously asking, "What did you have in mind?"

Freyja is getting a slightly distractedly smoky look in her gaze, although she tries to answer coherently, "Uhh... what...? Oh, right... uh, neh, not really. Mostly I was intere- ooh! Mm, that's nice, Zero... um... where wa- oh, right. Wanted to see the big gun, you know?" She sighs contentedly... then a moment later giggles, "Oh, that was a terrible pun, wasn't it? Sorry about that!"

Zero busies his lips otherwise, so as not to make a too-easy reply to that straight line. "Mmhmm," he says articulately.

Fhazil grins suggestively but doesn't say anything. Vakkal says, "Um," and then, "The ship might be interesting. I'd worry about your safety with Khoud."

Freyja lets Manishsha know they would like to see Khoud's ship. The comm image of the smaller Jedi shows he is clearly tired and had a long night. However, he obviously has caught some sleep somewhere along the way, for he's merely tired and not exhausted. He tells them he'll meet them at a particular time at a particular hangar of the spaceport.

Several hours later, Freyja, Fhazil, Vakkal and Zero meet him outside that hangar bay. The small Jedi has cleaned himself up a bit, still looking tired but also presentable. He greets them pleasantly and says, "I'll be curious to hear what you all make of this." So saying, he keys them through into a large bay of the spaceport.

This is a dry-dock, a huge hangar open to the sky where very large ships can be completely dismantled if needed. This one is quite deep and has a lot of heavy-lifting equipment in it to move engines or other things around. It looks somewhat odd with only one medium sized ship sitting in it.

The ship is only a little bigger than the Platinum Eclipse, perhaps two decks high -- enough for four good-sized cabins on each deck, and a storage deck below. The ship is painted black and gold, and has the name Mjolnir painted on it in a rakish style.

Freyja grins amusedly, "Ah, the hammer of gods." Her grin gets wicked as she adds, "Of course, Torren is sometimes seen as the, ah... simpler of the deities, more prone to violent but often misguided passion than to thoughtful solutions..." She looks down at the diminutive Kushiban, "So... is this the weapon then, Watcher Manishsha?"

Zero scratches his head faintly, forcing his hood to fall back off his head. "You know... that isn't a standard space-frame. Or rather, if it is, it's been... modified somehow. But I couldn't say... Fhazil? Are the engines in the wrong place? Or am I imagining that?"

Fhazil says, "Huh," and looks critically at the ship. "Hammer of the Gods, huh? I guess he meant to hammer on the Malice." At Zero's question, the Sith human gives the ship a long look. He agrees, "There is something funny about it, yes, but I don't know what. The proportions are all wrong... and... I don't know."

Zero nods faintly, eyes narrowed. "Something... hmm."

Freyja grins again, "Can we go climb around in it?"

Manishsha says, "Yes, this is the weapon. And yes, it has been heavily modified. Come, I will show you." He moves towards the boarding ramp, which is down. Freyja follows the Kushiban, studying the ship curiously.

Zero follows along, speaking softly to the others, "At first I'd thought he'd commandeered some sort of planetary defense weapon -- an ion cannon, or something of that nature. But there's nothing like that on Tanaab."

Rather than having eight or so spacious cabins, a bridge, and some storage, as was expected, the ship seems to consist of a very cramped, highly functional bridge, with a compact galley and two small cabins, each of which has two bunks. Freyja blinks, looking around, "All right, this is unusual... is everything else dedicated to the weapon, or something?"

Zero says, "Manishsha... I was about to say this explains the unusual configuration of the engines, but... where are the engines? For that matter, where's the engineering deck? There should be a bulkhead right here."

Freyja adds amusedly, "Not the high-class luxury ship one might expect from a high ranking Jedi sector military liaison!" A moment later she adds cheerfully to Manishsha, "Neh offense, Watcher!"

Fhazil says, "I'd hate to do a long jump in this thing." Vakkal is cramped in the small hallway, and comments, "A Wookiee would never fit. Even I'm having trouble."

Zero says, "And there are no viewports either. It's like a coffin." Freyja ews quietly under her breath at Zero's comment. Disturbingly apt, now she thinks about it.

Manishsha smiles, "You have it exactly, Freyja." He moves onto the bridge and works a control, saying to Zero, "It's not accessible from inside. Watch."

Freyja watches interestedly, scrunched up in a corner of the tiny bridge so others can see too. Zero thinks about that for a moment, and then recognition dawns across his features. "Not from the- oh! Now I see what they've done!"

The little Jedi works controls and enters a code on an unusual set at the console. There is a deep, meaningful humming of heavy motors moving large equipment. From the inside, the sides of the ship can be seen to move. It takes almost two minutes before they finally stop, with a dull thump, and are followed by a large whine and a pneumatic hiss.

Zero says, "Of course... that's how they did it. There was no such weapon on Tanaab -- they brought it with them."

Freyja just... blinks, watching wide-eyed, and says, "Holy Hela's brassy ti- er, excuse me... wow!" Vakkal, who's looking in from the hallway, can't see any changes. His ears tell him things are changing, and he puts a hand flat on the metal wall, feeling. Freyja sends what she's seeing to Vakkal. Fhazil simply says, "Stang."

Zero nods, "My thoughts exactly. Pneumatics, even. Crude but... efficient for what they intended to do with it. Gods below, if there were any more of these..."

Freyja blinks again, getting a worried look. "The last place he was... was Balmorra... oh, dear!" To the Kushiban she says, "Did he swap ships there?" She sighs, looking to Zero, "If it was built on Balmorra... there will be."

Manishsha says, "We've got it in here so we can open it without scaring anyone. It's darn impressive from outside. Come on." So saying, he hops down and out of the ship, with Vakkal taking the hint and going out first. The sides have slid down, revealing the engineering section of the ship, out of the way of a huge cannon. The beam emitter must be thirty feet across, and the accumulators take up what would be two large cabins. There is a lot of machinery to allow the huge cannon to be aimed.

Freyja follows the Kushiban out... then just stares, head tilted back to study the huge, impressive, darned clunky and unwanted thing.

Fhazil says, "This is... devious." Vakkal nods, and adds, "The Smiths would approve."

Zero nods softly as he crosses under the shadow of the gigantic weapon. "I was right. They brought their gun with them. They landed it, and then they commandeered the power station and used it as ammunition."

Zero says, "The ship's engines could never support this... this... gigantic boomstick, for lack of a better term. So they hijacked the power grid."

Manishsha says, "Yes, Freyja, he did change ships there. He apparently picked this up there, and came here as fast as it would go; his pilots tell me he had the hyperdrive on overload to get here faster. We don't know who made it, or how many, but the images are now being spread to law enforcement around the Galaxy. These are dangerous!"

Fhazil walks around the ship, slowly, staring.

Zero says, "Manishsha, is it an ion weapon? Some kind of hell-spawned blaster cannon? What in the Thousand Hells does it fire?"

Zero says, "At this juncture, if you said 'hellfire' at this point I would have to at least entertain the possibility."

The bunny-Jedi confirms, "That's correct, Zero. And, because he's a Jedi and claimed he needed it, they let him. Between the power drain, and his insane attack on the equipment, half the city was out of power."

Freyja folds her arms, looking disgusted, "This is so overblown! Did Dosen Military make this compensative phallic symbol?" Dryly she adds, "It'd certainly be his style..."

Manishsha says, "I'm told it's a blaster, very similar to a hand blaster, only much, much bigger. The technician also said something about efficiency being terrible, and overheating being probable, but I don't think they cared."

Freyja adds to the Kushiban, "May I climb up there and check some stuff? I may be able to identify the maker haus?"

Zero can only think, Balmorran, eh? Close to Sedrak. Don't you point that at my planet, jiehu.

Vakkal says, "It's a portable planet-killer."

Manishsha says, "If you can tell us anything about where it came from, Freyja, we'd be happy to know it." He gestures at the huge, heavy, metal construction, and adds, "I doubt you'll hurt it. Be careful."

Zero says, "I think that is a good idea. We really need to know how many of these got out."

Freyja murmurs silently to Zero, If I had my way, Eimyr Dosen would be arrested and disowned, and his Haus married to another of higher rank, so the name was forever lost! There's a sharp, tight, very disapproving feel to her thoughts -- Zero can feel Freyja is ashamed of this thing coming from a traitor on her homeworld.

Zero reaches out and gently touches Freyja's cheek with the backs of his fingertips. Calm, lovely one. We'll take care of this, the way we always do.

Freyja nods, stepping back a few steps, then raising on her toes and looking expectantly to Vakkal, "Hand up, please?" Vakkal clasps his hands together before him as Freyja takes a couple of running steps towards him -- then steps into his cupped hands and is easily tossed upwards, to land with a lightly chuffed, "Hoi!" on the top of the huge beam emitter. She leans over to look over the edge, her fiery golden hair falling down like a wave past her face, and grins, "Need a hand up?"

Zero sighs a little, one hand on his hip, the other holding his sword as he surveys the monster. He turns to the Watcher, "On a positive note, if they are interdicted in space, there's no way they could possibly stand up to space battle. A starfighter wing would cut it to ribbons. And it can be taken easily on the ground, with all of its equipment so exposed when in firing position. These beasts will need surprise to be effective... surprise or heavy battlefield support."

Zero says, "It really is just an impressively overgrown artillery piece."

Vakkal makes a running leap of his own, and scrambles up next to her, pulling his weight up with raw strength, and standing by her, saying, "Not yet."

Freyja grins cheerfully at Vakkal, rolling lithely to her feet, "All right!" A moment later she gets a determined look, "Now. Let's figure out who's responsible for this abrogation of responsibility!"

Freyja giggles softly and whispers cheerfully to Vakkal, so no one else can hear, "Showoff!"

Fhazil says, "True, brother. But since nobody's looking for them, and they can be hidden as personal ships, so very small, they might get other places."

Vakkal murmurs, "Not entirely." but doesn't deny it."

Zero says, "That, my friend, must change, and quickly. The Republic needs to be looking for them... before they get their chance."

Freyja grins mischievously sideways at Vakkal from where she's now crouched, checking various parts of the weapon for nameplates or other identification, such as can be always found on Balmorran quality droids. A moment later everyone can feel faint puzzlement radiating from her, "Interesting... all the normal identification marks are absent. It's all quite blank..."

Zero says, "Obscurity is the only defense they have, since the Calefactors lack the support capability-- yet-- to field them openly. We must take away that defense."

Freyja frowns determinedly -- not only is neh proper identification a mark of shame and lack of pride in one's haus' work, but it's also about half a dozen or so major violations of Balmorran codes! Absently she mutters under her breath, "Oh, we'll just see about this, my friends...!" as she starts searching in earnest. There are patterns, technical 'habits' if you will, which many major Hausa use. If she can find some of those...

Fhazil says, "Surprise is lost. Hopefully they won't be able to use these again." He shudders, "If they get one to, say, Dantooine, things could get messy. They could cut all the defenses in half."

Freyja says, "Hah! Hide from me, will you! Damn reprobates!" Her voice, drifting down from above, is triumphant, "Found 'em!" She points out to Vakkal some interestingly distinctive features -- such as a special crosshatch pattern used on some of the supports and flooring, "Look! This is definitely Dosen work. See this? They claim these patterns strengthen supports and flooring, and increase traction for users, while using less metal. Not only that, they consider it a haus characteristic, and refuse to let others use it."

Zero says, "Precisely why we must make sure the Republic and the Order know what to look for. And... perhaps a trip back to Balmorra is in order, as well, before any more viciously machined surprises come of it. We clearly have traitors within the Republic's industrial complex."

Freyja pauses, considering... then adds slowly, "You know... this was probably used by mistake, too. Probably something like the plans said flooring, so they ran over to Materials and got some... and didn't think it'd be wisest to use plain. Either that... or it's a setup."

Manishsha grins slowly, and says, "I am so very pleased I followed my instincts and brought you here." He calls up to Freyja, "Do you think it would be best to have a team of experts to find if there are any more carelessnesses like this? Could this be faked?"

Freyja trots over to the edge of the emitter, kneeling on the edge to look over again, "Hai, that'd be an excellent idea, I think! You should know if it's only me saying this, they'll simply claim Haus Rigg made me do it to harm their family business." Her smile is grim as she adds, "However, if their connections to Kalatis are exposed, along with the accusations against them by the Sith, and an objective team notes all these marks... they'll have far less of a leg to stand on."

Freyja considers, then adds, "If this was faked, they had to buy a brand new ship to rip out the flooring for this, in order to frame Dosen. I'm guessing a good team of specialists could tell if it was re-used or neh."

Manishsha nods, and says, "Good! Can you help me make arrangements for that? Your insight on how to handle this and give it the attention it deserves?"

The little Jedi adds, "We'll be sending out images of the closed-up ship, and telling law-enforcement they're dangerous and to notify us immediately. Hopefully we'll find any that are already skulking around."

Zero says, "They'd have had to modify an existing space-frame as well, Freyja, to accommodate the monster. Perhaps there's some common Balmorran design they made use of that could be traced to them."

Fhazil nods, and says, "Likely there's several things like that, and the floorboard patterns. Hopefully they'll all point to the same place."

Freyja adds cheerfully, "I'd be happy to, Watcher Manishsha!" She thinks a moment, then adds thoughtfully, "I'm going to have to send a message home to Mother and Leif, too. If Baron Dosen truly did this, he will fight fiercely on every front to prevent his deposing, and to keep his haus from being lost to another." With a sly smile she adds, "And... I think I know just the haus to marry his Arving off to!"

Zero says, "It's impressive that it can fly in atmosphere at all, come to think of it. It must weigh an unbelievable amount."

Freyja nods to Fhazil and Zero, "Good points -- thank you!" To the Kushiban she says, "We can make a list of things to look for, for the team, if you want?"

Manishsha says, "Hopefully the team will know what things to look for, but I'm sure suggestions and what you've found will be helpful. If there's anything I can do to facilitate this, it is high on my priority list." He adds, "Even before sleep, or asking Khoud, 'What were you THINKING?'."

Zero says, "Oh, I know what he was thinking."

Fhazil points out to Zero, "Look. There on the frame -- there's extra anti-grav engines. It'll help in the atmosphere. And it's got a huge hyperdrive on it, for a ship this size. It must still be a dog to pilot, though."

Freyja pauses, the humor washing away from her face... then she just nods soberly. "I am so very happy we were able to confuse him. Losing the Malice would have been a terrible blow to the Order's honor... and losing the city the Malice fell on would have been a tragedy."

Zero smiles to Fhazil. "I was thinking more along the lines of a cow. A great, floating cow."

Vakkal harrumphs! and says, "What's wrong with dogs anyway?" He mock-glares at Fhazil, who says, "Oh, foo! It's an expression." He also concedes, "Yes, maybe a cow. Ugly."

Freyja takes a moment to slide lithely down the side of the emitter, landing lightly on her feet and shaking her head so her fiery mane falls back into place. Then she smiles at the Kushiban, "Just let us know what we can do to help, please?"

Zero scratches the back of his head absently, still shaking his head at the sheer audacity of the thing. "Hammer of the Gods, eh? It's appropriate. Big, square, heavy, ugly... and viciously suited to its job."

Freyja giggles at Fhazil and Vakkal, sliding an arm around Vakkal's waist as he lands next to her, "You're not a... a 'dog,' or whatever -- they're like frehkees, right?" She grins, nuzzling his furred cheek gently, "You're our pretty wolf."

Manishsha says, "Yes, Freyja. Losing the Malice would have been very bad. And, had it left orbit, it very well could have destroyed a city, and perhaps sent the whole planet in to economic ruin - this is a farming world. That much smoke and debris in the air could affect the crops."

Vakkal would purr if he could.

Freyja nods to the Kushiban, still resting her head against Vakkal's, "Hai, Fhazil dreamed it. Like Brentaal, he said."

Zero asks Fhazil, "What do you suppose it sounded like?"

The little Watcher watches the interplay between Freyja and Vakkal curiously, but says nothing. He finally asks, "He dreamed about Brentaal? What about it? Many don't even know about it."

Fhazil says quietly, "You don't want to know. The impact itself was anticlimactic... but the screaming afterward... that was horrible."

Freyja politely lets Fhazil choose whether or not to answer that one, simply smiling and nuzzling Vakkal lightly again.

Zero touches Fhazil's shoulder gently, "The cannon, Fhazil, that's all I meant... you needn't think about Brentaal."

Fhazil says, "Oh!" and looks over at Manishsha. He makes a judgment call, then briefly explains his knowledge of Brentaal, how he got it, and his recent dream. The Kushiban considers for a long time, and says, "That's very interesting, Fhazil. Thank you for sharing that with me."

Freyja also gently runs a hand down Fhazil's back in silent encouragement. She knows how much he was horrified by both those dreams, and she's a little sorry she'd brought such a painful memory up again.

Fhazil puts his arm around Zero and leans against him. He tells Manishsha, "They were very powerful images. If the Jedi of the time feel that the Brotherhood would casually do things like this, then I can understand their revulsion. Sith would try and avoid it... and many of the things I was shown... today. I'm not sure I think the Calefactors would, any more."

Zero curls his arms around Fhazil's waist gently, supporting him.

Freyja will smoothly change the subject to give Fhazil any time he may want or need to collect himself after that. She starts talking to the Kushiban, making a list of questions and notes for the inspecting team. She also makes notes for herself on what to tell her family, so they're protected (and can potentially protect Balmorra as well) against Dosen's potential death throes.

Manishsha says quietly, "I'm not sure either, Fhazil. That's why they're so frightening. We'll make it better." He then turns to Freyja and conspires in not being melancholy with her.

Freyja also ruefully notes to the Watcher that she and the others can't think of any benefit to Khoud to be gained by meeting with any of them. Unless the Jedi bunny can think of a reason to talk to Khoud, she sees neh reason to so torture Khoud?

Zero says, "Perhaps we should select the technicians from politically neutral Houses, as well... we needn't give them any more political ammunition."

Freyja nods to Zero, "Hai, that's a definite requirement!"

Zero says, "Or from offworld, even, if they could be provided with the necessary information to make the distinction as to whether this was a frame-up."

Zero says, "Ideally from Coruscant, but I don't know if the subtleties involved in discerning the craftsmanship would be too complex to grasp in a short time... that would be your decision, I think."

Manishsha says, "If you don't have anything to say to him, then we'll leave the man alone. He's being kept sedated much of the time anyway, until more senior people can arrive to look after him. At the moment it's only Randal and I who can manage him in the Force, and I'm not sure of that."

Freyja nods quietly to the little Kushiban, "I wish him well in turning once again to the Light, poor man."

Vakkal comments, "I'm confident Lord Ghang could contain him, should it come to that, but I suspect that would be... uncomfortable." Manishsha merely shudders, and says, "Yes. That would be problematic."

Zero says, "Yes, and let's not trouble him further in cleaning up our mess; he already seems to consider that his burden, if you'll recall his words in the conference. No need to fan that particular ember."

Zero says, "I'd rather not give the Honored Lord any reason to feel we owe him anything; no offense intended, but this is a political game we are now playing."

Freyja will compose a good, definitive list for the inspecting engineers, and gives it to Manishsha. Then she composes a good, informative letter to her family, including information on contacting her should they wish to find members of the haus whose lands are now owned by Rigg due to legislative mandate. She thinks it would be a great boon to hand over Dosen's properties to someone more responsible, who will care for the people more than the bottom line.

Zero also suggests a few names from Kuat Driveyards and Sienar Fleet Systems, two respected shipwrights.

Manishsha works with Freyja to get all the things they'll need put in motion, the ride back to the hotel being full of note-taking and details, and then going away to file reports and stir up trouble via comm. The four wayfarers are left to their own devices at the hotel.

Zero makes a single departure from the suite late in the evening, promising to return quickly, having forgotten to do something he'd intended to do from the start-- a forgivable oversight under the circumstances, he hopes. He heads back to the ship's mooring and boards the Eclipse, sitting down at the HoloNet terminal there. The hotel's terminals are lovely, he thinks, But a good slicer never puts complete trust in anything he hasn't built himself... He brings the terminal's most secure protocols online, and begins a very, very oblique process of leaving a single text message in a 'blind drop' system somewhere deep in Nar Shadaa's sprawling metropolis. It reads, "A-- K2 out of play. No sign of the prey. Keep your eyes open... K1 up to something nastier than usual. Replies in usual place. Let me know you're still alive. --Z" With that, he makes doubly sure his tracks are covered, then shuts down to return to the suite and, he hopes, the arms of his companions. He reflects that one s

should always use every weapon at one's disposal, and there is no better weapon for this sort of fight than Argent Ling. Well, he thinks to himself with a smile as the lift doors hiss closed around him, Excepting perhaps his best student. Of course... I have quite a bit of help. The best in the galaxy.

When Zero returns, a message has arrived on the hotel room's comm unit, containing an agenda for tomorrow's conference, and a request for all four of them to attend.

The morning dawns slightly overcast and cooler. The meeting begins as scheduled, with the Republic and Jedi waiting for the Sith to arrive. Ghang and his staff are punctual and polite. Manishsha and Sarn are both there, both looking much better after some sleep, and Sarn seeming calm and relaxed.

Freyja notices the furnishings are the same as before. That's fine -- she'd intended the suggestions to be an option for the Jedi Master to choose from if he desired. She settles cross-legged in the chair assigned to her and looks around in interest.

Polite greetings are exchanged, and the meeting gets underway. It begins with Vice-Chancellor Etk Caas offering an official apology for the attack on the Malice and states that neither the Republic nor the Jedi Order agreed with or condoned such attacks.

Freyja thinks dryly, ...or even knew of...

Zero thinks ruefully, his self-deprecating roll of the eyes hidden by his hair and the deep shadow of his hood, ...and furthermore apologize for passing out on the floor during the battle. Gods below, Wulong would laugh himself to death if he knew.

Freyja grins at Zero, Hai, isn't that my role? Hmf!

Zero grins back, What, to laugh at me? I hope not. I can at least beg off on Order business to get away from my father... I'm stuck with you!

Freyja, glad of her own shadowing hood as well, discreetly brings up a hand covered in a voluminous fold of her poncho to hide the giggle!

Lord Ghang says, "I understand that your organizations did not arrange or support this attack, and your apology and genuine concern are noted and appreciated." He also says, "Your immediate and effective work to interfere with this, and your willingness to share information about what happened and how it was done support your apology. I am pleased to be able to accept it and to say that we can continue negotiations."

Vakkal sends with mock-indignation, I'm trying to listen to history being made here, can you two please flirt some other time?

There's a small cough under Freyja's hood again, although she seems to manage to compose herself immediately thereafter.

Zero smiles at his lover, and then sighs gently at Ghang's words. Well... at least he's made it official now. Gods above will that there's nothing else to go wrong and we can just sit here like good little functionaries.

Freyja nods silently in response to Zero's thought, neatly folding her hands in her lap and looking decorous again.

Master Sarn says, "We are very relieved to hear this, Lord Ghang. We are interested in bringing this war to an end, and want to work with you to make this happen."

Lord Ghang says, "We were prepared to withdraw if you had Khoud and Kalatis ready for us to take back to the Dark Lord. Our offer to hold our advance until you can collect them in your own space is still acceptable, as long as we can count on their being delivered to us." After a heavy pause he adds, "This should be easier for you to do now, yes?"

Freyja's small smile is rueful, as she wonders where Kalatis is now.

Fhazil watches his old master. Ghang isn't kidding. He wonders, What can they do about this?

Zero thinks to himself, Well, if Argent gets overzealous and kills him, at least it absolves the Republic of the necessity. A shame we haven't got enough time to wait for him, wherever he is.

Freyja looks over suddenly at Sarn, wondering if he's been informed of Ghang's intended patience regarding having bodies delivered to him.

Freyja thinks about that. Then she pulls out her comm and composes a terse, discreet question about that to Sarn, sending it to him.

Sarn replies, smoothly, "Having Khoud in custody does not make it any simpler for us, I fear. We are constrained by the Republic's justice system. I cannot give them to you, Lord Ghang. Isn't it enough that their aggression against you has stopped?"

Ghang simply says, "No. We can, however, wait for the Republic to figure out what to do with them, if that would be helpful."

Zero sighs gently beneath his hood. Ah, but that isn't the point, Sarn, not to Lord Ghang...

Freyja covers another smile, and simply waits for Sarn to respond if he can.

Sarn looks at Fhazil, then Vakkal, Zero, and Freyja. He looks at Etk Caas, then back at Lord Ghang. He says, "That's a very interesting point, Lord Ghang, which I had not completely considered. We will need to discuss this with the Senate." Ghang nods, and says, "As long as Khoud is restrained, I can wait for your decision. Should he escape, or be set free, we will be forced to resume our search for him."

Freyja's returned look at Sarn is guileless -- then she looks pointedly at her comm, then at him again. Hopefully that'll help him understand.

Sarn does manage to look at his comm, briefly.

Zero glances at Sarn briefly, then returns to watching the assembly. Oh, I suspect there are drugs enough on planet to keep that from becoming a problem...

Freyja murmurs silently, Sure hope so... for the sake of the people. Khoud I'm less worried about.

Sarn's eyebrows rise as he looks back at Ghang, asking, "Will a delay while we discuss this with the Senate be a problem?" Ghang says, "Not as long as Khoud is confined, and the search for Kalatis continues." Sarn nods, and says, "Then we will have to speak to you again, perhaps in a day or two."

Freyja smiles slowly, with some relief.

Lord Ghang says, "That will not be a problem. I did, however, speak to the Dark Lord via the HoloNet, and he is no longer entirely comfortable with our having these discussions at a place that is not as well secured as it could be."

Freyja grimaces faintly. She can't blame the Sith for worrying... but she does wonder what the dread Dark Lord of the Sith Empire considers secure. Plus, what have they got still... some two weeks to a month until the fleet returns?

Sarn manages to keep his face blank. The Vice-Chancellor says, "We have secured this sector as well as is possible, Lord Ghang. Only Balmorra and Coruscant are better protected, and I would be very surprised if the Dark Lord would be any more comfortable to have your forces at either of those places. Here, you could easily overpower us, and escape, but that would not be possible elsewhere."

Freyja's eyes widen in sudden, irritated horror -- NOT her homeworld, dammit!

Freyja's face goes calmly blank a moment later. The only other alternative she can think of is in the Empire itself... and that's where she's guessing they're going to ask for.

Fhazil sends, Nicely done. Convince them not to go to either of those places.

Lord Ghang smiles, slowly. It is a predatory smile, one of someone who has an answer to a hard question, an answer that the person asking the question won't like.

Zero narrows his eyes, No, that's exactly what Ghang wanted. He knows damn well Coruscant is out of the question and Balmorra's too politically hot now... he's just waiting to close the trap now.

Vakkal sends, Uh-oh. and looks over to the Jedi and Republic dignitaries. Sarn is looking thoughtful, and Etk Caas expectant, and apparently confident that he has Ghang boxed in.

Zero keeps his face impassive. Mentally, though, he winces. No, no, now he has you, and you cannot even see it...

Freyja folds her arms and simply waits, her face expressionless, with the faint smile of a polite but bored aristoi.

Lord Ghang says, "Your words are true, and we would not be any more confident on either of those places. The Dark Lord has some curiosity about these proceedings, and would like to be able to take part in them, if his presence were required. The only way that this can happen is if we move them again, to Ziost."

Freyja mentally counts for how long until the explosion...

Zero closes his eyes and exhales gently. Killed with a single stroke. He played you like a hand of sabacc, Etk Caas...

Vice-Chancellor Etk Caas' jaw drops. Vakkal tries not to roll his eyes. Sarn is obviously thinking, but Manishsha beats him to the punch, by saying, "I'm not entirely sure that we would feel comfortable in that environment, much as you might be uncomfortable on Coruscant, Lord Ghang, and we would hate to impose on your hospitality for as long a period as this may take to complete."

Freyja smiles grimly over to Zero, Three seconds. This is why Force users don't rule here.

Oddly, Fhazil gets a little half-grin, and sends, Wow! Ziost! Maybe I can show you all why I loved it there so much!

Freyja gives Fhazil a wry glance, Oh, hai, we'll be invited, and have so much free time on our hands.

Freyja blinks, going utterly still at a thought... then sends slowly to the others, Oh, dear... do you suppose it's our fault this is happening?

That he wanted to meet us, after what we did?

Zero smiles gamely as he's able. A full system, with clusters. And Cass is left holding a single pair of suns. He never saw it coming. To Fhazil's enthusing he replies, Well, better this way than on a ship of war, I suppose. To Freyja, he simply says, I do not see how, beloved. We only intervened as a reaction to Khoud's assault-- Then he goes silent. He had not considered that Sadow would want to bring his personal attention to bear on them...

Freyja thinks a moment, then says dryly, I'm not sure I'm ready for that... 'pleasure'...

Lord Ghang says, "I understand your concern, but you have no need to worry. The Dark Lord and I will both guarantee your safety while you are on this endeavor, and I promise you will be safely returned once it is complete."

Freyja bites down hard on her immediate reply to that statement.

Caas finally says, "I... we... that..." Sarn interrupts him by asking, "Who in our staff would we need to bring for correct support? This could be complicated, and needlessly complex."

Zero thinks simply, This was unforeseen. With a brief exhalation, he closes his eyes and stills his thoughts; he lets the calming ripples of his thought wash over the others as well. Now is the time for calm thought, if they are to weather this turn of events.

Lord Ghang says, "The people in this room will suffice. Anything else you need will be made available, including full HoloNet access."

The Lord adds, "The Dark Lord will be greatly disappointed if we are unable to finish this discussion, and if we are forced to continue this unpleasant and expensive operation to reach our important goals."

Freyja rolls her eyes under the hood. First the carrot, then the stick. I wish the Sith lords didn't always feel the need to use sticks.

Freyja sighs, then leans forward and murmurs, "Jedi Master Sarn, may I ask a few questions of the honored Sith lord Ghang?"

Fhazil replies, He wasn't getting the replies he wanted, and he's tired of playing around. I suspect this was not his decision, and he's doing it because he has to. He might not even feel it's a good idea.

Master Sarn nods, "Of course, Padawan Freyja." Manishsha watches closely, having missed nothing. He idly paws his datapad, making notes or looking something up or making a recording -- it is not clear.

Freyja says, "Thank you, Master Sarn." She turns to the Sith lord and asks just as politely, "May I ask a few questions of you, Sith Lord Ghang? Rather, ah... straightforward ones, as you have always encouraged, which are my thoughts, and not to be attributed to anyone else here?"

Lord Ghang nods, while his staff looks somewhat confused.

Freyja nods, composing her thoughts for a moment. Then she says politely, "I am originally of Balmorra. Native decorum there dictates if I am to ask an oath of honesty of you, I should first extend to you the same courtesy -- of swearing I shall answer any questions you may have with complete and total honesty, even if all I may say is I am not able to answer that question. I do so now: I, Padawan Arving Lady Freyja Rigg of Balmorra swear I shall answer with complete honesty any and all questions put to me by the Sith Lord Ghang Si'yul, Lord of Khar Velos and Commander of the Third Fleet, in this our current negotiations today." She touches her slender golden fingertips to her heart, her forehead, then her lips, turning her hand palm up towards the Sith lord... then says quietly, "Will you so swear also, Sith lord Ghang?"

Lord Ghang says, "I so swear." His staff looks mildly astonished, and he stills them with a glance.

Zero laces his fingers together against his lips. Always too direct for politics. She would have made a wonderful leader. How lucky I am.

Freyja takes a deep breath, nodding once as she carefully sorts through questions. She needs to stick only to what is absolutely necessary -- and not indulge her rampaging curiosity! She pushes back her hood, then says clearly, "First, please -- why is the Dark Lord doing this? Neh one does anything for only one reason, after all. He may have concern for your safety, true... but he wasn't too worried for you during actual wartime. So... why, and why now?

Lord Ghang says, "I assure you that the Dark Lord has been concerned about his people during this war, but felt the risk presented to our people was too great to ignore. We have had casualties on what was supposed to be a 'safe' trip, and this is to be avoided. He also wishes to be closer at hand should his input or assistance be needed, and he cannot travel here. He asks now, because now is the first time we have had a reasonable chance to communicate with people who had demonstrated that they could be trusted and who really meant the things they are saying."

Freyja considers that carefully for several heartbeats. Finally she looks up and asks straightforwardly, "Do you think this is a good idea? In our place, would you do it?"

Freyja tilts her head thoughtfully, wondering if Ghang quietly didn't give all the truth there. She's betting the Dark Lord does have maybe a tiny shred of interest in meeting the Jedi from Marnaas too, after all.

Lord Ghang says, "The Dark Lord did have to convince me that this was the right thing to do, but I cannot argue with his conclusions." He adds, unhesitatingly, "And, I would do this in your place. In many ways, I am doing so now."

Freyja frowns, considering further. If he didn't say that, and it was part of the reasons, he would break his oath. It's incumbent on her to help him as much as she can... quietly she adds, "Are those reasons you gave all the reasons the Dark Lord gave you?"

Lord Ghang says, "Those are all the reasons I was given, Padawan Freyja. If the Dark Lord has others, he has kept them to himself."

Freyja nods, faintly relieved. Instead she says, "May I ask what qualms you had, honored lord?" If they're to help all they can, best to know all the things the Sith themselves think can go wrong.

Fhazil mentally whispers to Freyja, That means the Dark Lord almost certainly does have other reasons, and Lord Ghang didn't ask, because he didn't want to know.

Freyja nods mentally to Fhazil, Indubitably. But pushing the Si'yul on that would be rude... and possibly counterproductive.

Better to ask the Shadow Serpent himself, if he is as fond of forthrightness as the Si'yul is.

Zero hms. Somehow, I have a hard time believing that.

Freyja smiles, oddly warmed by her friends' closeness... and quietly happy to have such people on her side.

The Sith Lord replies easily, "I was concerned over giving the location of Ziost, and concerned for a large number of organizational issues. I was concerned for your health and safety, particularly as I would likely be responsible for it and would bear the brunt of any failures. You have been uncommonly generous with us here, and we have been made as comfortable as possible, and I would be shamed to do any less. The Dark Lord assured me that all the resources we need to guarantee these things are available to us."

Sarn and Manishsha listen. When Vice-Chancellor Etk Caas seems to be about to interrupt, Sarn puts a hand on his arm and shakes his head no, stopping him.

Freyja nods slowly. She'd been worried the responsibility for the Republic folks would be dumped on poor Ghang -- here is confirmation of that fear. She sighs once, quietly, then says with careful politeness, "Would it aid thee, Sith lord, were we to swear Guest Oath while on Ziost, and for thee and the Dark Lord to swear Host Oath?" She thinks it nicest to include the Dark Lord in that.

Freyja blinks at herself, realizing she's sliding into aristoi formality. Focus, she thinks in quiet remonstration to herself.

The Sith Lord answers, "I would hope that such things would be taken as a matter of course, but it might make everyone involved more comfortable were those things to be stated explicitly. I would have no concern about doing so, particularly with you and your friends involved." He gestures to the Republic staff, and the two older Jedi, adding, "You wouldn't let them break their oaths, would you?" and smiling wryly.

Zero thinks quietly, I would be more inclined to take Ghang's oath than Sadow's. I believe that Ghang has only one word, as any warrior should; but Sadow is, first and foremost a politician. And they have more words than a lexicon. I'm sure they don't call him Dark Lord for no reason, either.

Freyja looks unsmilingly at the others present, considering. Finally she says quietly, "Honored Sith lord, I would first explain what the oaths entail, then ask them if they were willing to swear such oaths, before we departed for Ziost. However, I would gladly do my best to aid those, who swore willingly, to keep their oaths, hai." She's silent a moment, then looks up at the Sith lord again, adding, "It is not ordinarily part of the Haus Oaths, but would you be willing to add a clause stating you will protect the non-Force users against any attempts to use the Force against them?"

Lord Ghang says coldly, "If I were to discover anyone attempting to sabotage these sensitive discussions in such a way, I would feed their brain to their next of kin -- possibly still warm. An oath to make that clear would not be an undue burden. I assumed it came with "safety" or "freedom"."

Freyja looks faintly relieved.

Vice-Chancellor Etk Caas looks mildly horrified.

Vakkal sends, My, I haven't heard that punishment used in a while. Fhazil adds, Yeah, he means it.

Freyja takes another breath, then says, "I have but two more questions, honored Sith lord. First, may I ask that we all swear to the spirit of these oaths, and not merely to their words?"

Lord Ghang says, "I can speak for myself, and say yes. I would have to confirm that with the Dark Lord, but would be happy to do so if you require."

Freyja nods, then hesitates, wondering how to ask her last question. Finally she simply says, "Honored Sith lord, please forgive my last question... but if you are asked by, ah..." she considers, then says politely, "ah, a ranking member of your society... to do something which would require you to break your oaths... what would be your decision, please?"

Zero sighs faintly, and feels faintly sorry for the Vice Chancellor. The Honorable master Caas is far, far out of his depth. I don't believe he was ready for this... if we manage to normalize relations with the Empire, we shall have to work more closely with the Republic in helping to mediate diplomacy with the Force-aware.

Freyja would dearly love to ask one other question... but it's her curiosity speaking, and she knows it. She won't abuse the Si'yul's patience with her in that fashion... so she simply swallows the burning curiosity and watches the Sith lord silently.

Freyja spares a quick mental nod for Zero's thoughts -- they're quite perceptive.

Lord Ghang says, "I would tell them I could do no such thing; I had given my word. If they didn't like this, they could challenge me and whoever was stronger would win. A true Lord would not demand I do such a thing, and would find another way to reach their goals."

Zero ahs quietly. One word. As I hoped.

Freyja sighs quietly, then rises and bows to the Sith lord. Once she's straightened she says, "Honored lord, esteemed Vice Chancellor, Jedi brethren... I have neh further questions. I thank you all for your patience." She sits back down to think about the information she's gotten.

Fhazil notes, Yes, one word. But an implied warning that the other Lord would continue to try, in other ways.

Zero mms, It was not implied so much as explicitly stated. But -- we should be taking that for granted in the environment we are about to enter, aiyah? The politics of the situation are about to change.

Freyja nods quietly at her friends' commentary.

Freyja blinks, then hastily adds, "Your pardon, please! I almost forgot." She rises and formally states, "Sith Lord Ghang, I release thee from thy oath of honesty to me, with thanks. Wilt thou do the same?"

Ghang says, "Thank you, Padawan Freyja. I freely release you from your oath to me."

Freyja bows again, then seats herself.

Master Sarn says, "Lord Ghang, this is an amazing and unusual offer which we must consider and discuss with our respective organizations. The suggestion of Guest and Host oaths makes this easier to consider, but we still must discuss it. May we have the time to do this?"

Freyja smiles a bit ruefully. That is really the only thing Master Sarn could do at this point, isn't it. Poor Vice Chancellor!

Lord Ghang replies, "Yes, but I suggest you have made your decision within the next four days. I do not wish to rush you, but this is when the incoming Sith fleet will arrive, and the sooner they can depart, the happier everyone will be."

Freyja's face goes utterly still. A Sith fleet?!

Vice-Chancellor Etk Caas finally finds his voice, and says, "Incoming Sith Fleet! What have you done? How could you do this?!"

A moment later she blinks -- where were they hidden, to be so close?!

Master Sarn says, "Vice Chancellor, please let the Lord explain." and then looks expectantly at Lord Ghang.

Zero nods softly. Etk Caas is in over his head. Master Sarn has, I think, shouldered the responsibility of holding this together-- wait, a fleet?

Lord Ghang says, "Now, you can't expect the Malice not to call for help when the planet fires upon it, can you? And our agreement was the fleet would be at least five days away... and that is how far away our fleet was."

Zero thinks, Surely, this show of force is unnecessary. What do you hope to gain by this, Si'yul?

Freyja frowns, her ice blue eyes getting distant as she tries to figure out if this is a breach of the Sith lord's oath. It was only the Malice which was supposed to be here. For the remainder of the Sith fleet to be only a total of 5 days away... it must've been there, already aimed for the planet, all along. The nearest other planet would be 2 weeks away. She sighs, suddenly understanding -- the rest of the fleet was waiting outside hyperspace, 5 days' journey away. She understands now... and Ghang has not broken his word.

When it looks like Caas will say something again, the Watcher puts a gentle paw on the Malastare's arm. Master Sarn says, "That does sound like a reasonable response." He says it calmly and levelly, but it is clear he is not happy about it.

Freyja considers, then says thoughtfully to the Sith lord, "Will they be coming in firing, or will they attempt to reach you first, honored Sith lord?"

Lord Ghang says, "They will come in ready for the worst, but won't fire until they have evidence of it. Malice will be broadcasting alerts not to, so there should be no trouble. They may, however, disturb local commerce."

Zero steeples his fingers, closing his eyes. Excuse me a moment, my loved companions. He concentrates, finding Etk Caas' mind in the swirl of tension and emotion that fills the conference room. Honored Vice Chancellor... I know you can hear me. I hope you will forgive my intrusion into your thoughts. Please, be at ease for the moment, and do not fear. I ask that you allow us to handle this situation, as it is our place to do. I promise you that the Jedi here will not enter into a situation from which they cannot escape, and we will, as the knights of the Republic we both serve, make certain of your safety. But please, do not goad the Lord Si'yul... I beg your leave to allow the Jedi to handle this.

The Vice Chancellor is reassured by the voice in his head, which is good, because the comment about disturbing commerce would have upset him a great deal. He sits back in his chair, watching the Force users in the room, and beginning to realize exactly how far in over his head he is.

Lord Ghang says, "So, yes, please do go communicate this with your organizations. I hope we can reach an accord soon and move this conference, so we may resolve these issues and end this war."

Zero smiles a bit. I thank you, Honored Vice Chancellor. Please, let us deal with this, and when we have time I shall help you, if you wish it, to better deal in diplomacy with the Force-aware. We all must, in our own ways, do our parts now.

Freyja runs her golden fingers through her hair, pushing it back out of her face. What a day!

Freyja sighs silently as the niceties of closing the negotiations for the day go by, leaning back in her chair. Goddess, but she would love to be able to dedicate some time and effort to trying to farsee Kalatis' location! She'd really like to see him pay his debt to the Republic... in full.

Master Sarn says, "Thank you, Lord Ghang. We will inform you very soon." Manishsha adds, "I move we adjourn this meeting now, to attend to this critical issue."

Zero mms. "Seconded," he murmurs very quietly so as not to be overheard.

Freyja grins a little ruefully, thinking to the others, I was so good today -- I didn't ask a single one of the burning questions I had for Ghang while we were being honest!

Lord Ghang says, "Seconded. Let us reconvene once you know your answers." So saying, he stands and leaves, taking his aides (who are somewhat surprised and quiet themselves) with him.

Freyja watches that departure with some interest, then murmurs to the others, Is it just me, or were the aides as surprised as we were?

After Ghang leaves, there is an expectant moment of silence, and then Master Sarn says, "Well. How do you all feel about a nice vacation on Ziost?"

Fhazil sends back, They looked somewhat surprised. I think the Lord's use of the truth as a weapon amazed them, and that he would agree to such unreasonable demands so easily, and then not be burned by them left them stunned.

Freyja adds quietly, I am so very glad Ghang didn't agitate for return to Balmorra. I would have had to politely withdraw -- that, I couldn't have condoned.

Freyja smiles.

Zero exhales deeply and sinks back in his seat. He stands, smoothes out his overcloak, and pads to Vice Chancellor Caas. He bows politely in the open-palmed Sedraki fashion, and says, "Honored Vice Chancellor. I am Zero Satau. I believe you know me as a voice in your head. Shall we discuss diplomacy?"

Vakkal adds, I'm not sure his aides knew about Ziost, either. I suspect there will be some fierce but quiet discussion tonight.

Freyja says, "Pack your woolies, honorables. Ziost is constantly snow-covered."

Freyja curiously sends to Fhazil, What unreasonable demands, sweetheart?

Fhazil nods, and says, "She's not kidding. And... bring things to read. It's a very long trip from here."

Freyja smiles again, her eyes a little tired. Well... maybe she can try farseeing Kalatis on the way...?

Fhazil replies, That he speak the truth. You practically said, "I don't trust you; you're lying." which is often true, but a shocking thing to say in public nonetheless.

Freyja tilts her head thoughtfully, considering Fhazil's reply... then finally says, Interesting. On Balmorra it's considered neh more than good practice. I see we're more different than I'd hoped.

Manishsha says softly, "Padawans, you may wish to contact your Master. I do not think that it would be wise to try and convince the Sith to leave you behind, or to get them to allow another Master to attend." He adds, "I am sorry we have entangled you in this political morass."

Freyja's small smile is rather quirky, and doesn't reach her eyes, "Honored Watcher, hold yourself neh to blame for our entanglement. We did it to ourselves, for we did only but what we thought right within the Force."

Zero, still facing the bewildered diplomat, simply replies ruefully to his companions, Hardly a shock. Morass is our operating mode. Freyja nods politely to the Kushiban, then pulls over a comm terminal to take his advice and try calling Master Roakkana. She's looking forward to seeing him again!

Fhazil replies, I'm still not sure what to make of Balmorra, Freyja-love. It's either wonderful or terrifying. Vakkal answers, It's both.

Freyja grins, sending a mental kiss to Vakkal, Thank you, Vakiza! then adds to Fhazil with a grin, Hmf! It's... it just is, you know?

The Vice Chancellor replies, "Hello, Zero Satau. I thank you for your counsel, and your reassurance this evening. I... I was not told to expect such a serene and urbane, yet treacherous and subtle opponent. I have to be more careful."

Freyja covers a small grin at the Vice Chancellor's words, then leaves a polite request for Master Roakkana to call them here at his convenience. Zero sighs a little, with a wry smile. "I suppose not. But I think that we have information that will be of use to you. Let us talk, Honored Vice Chancellor, about the Empire..."

Vakkal tells Fhazil, so they can all hear, Imagine a whole planet full of people like Freyja. That can only be wonderful, right?

Freyja giggles softly despite herself, then adds to Fhazil, And we already know you consider Syffie terrifying, hai?

Fhazil replies, That's exactly what I was talking bout! Terrifying! Vakkal grins cheerfully, and answers, But worth it, I think.

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