These Shattered Stars -- Logs

Freyja does some research, wondering if there're any nice, large, rideable animals in the open space. The best times to go, she thinks, would be very early morning or late twilight. That should be fun for her and Vakkal... and if she can find a suitable animal, she won't even hold Vakkal back! Also, if Vakkal is more comfortable outside... maybe they could try touching the face of the goddess together. She thinks she's ready for that. She hopes Vakkal is too.

The front desk has some information about the local area. The hotel is quite isolated, surrounded by rugged forest. Apparently the conference center was built in an area uninteresting for farming -- high, forested lands. In the winter there is apparently skiing available. Construction has been finished for several years, and animals are often seen near and in the conference area, usually at twilight and sunrise. Few really dangerous animals are known to bother people. The area contains a large, potentially dangerous carnivore or two, but they usually avoid people -- stay away from their young and they'll stay away from you.

The far end of the hotel's manicured grounds is open to the forest, and ski slopes are accessible by aircar. There aren't any riding animals mentioned, but there are a couple of large herbivores that would be large enough if they could be convinced to do it. The locals usually leave them alone.

In addition, the hotel has a set of hovercycles available for rent. These small, agile, one-man craft allow exploring in areas that hikers couldn't get to, and make a wide range available to visitors. A tracking system to aide in search and rescue is available, and the front desk politely urges anyone going out in the wilds to carry one "just in case."

Freyja considers, wondering what Vakkal would enjoy most. She decides the best thing to do would be to just ask him -- and so she does. "Vakiza, I was thinking it might be fun for the two of us to go wandering either tonight around twilight, or tomorrow morning around sunrise, out in the commons surrounding the hotel. Do you have a preference on when? Also, would you prefer going a-foot, and I could talk some large beast into carrying me so you don't have to hold back... or using hovercycles?"

Vakkal smiles, "I'd like to go out with you, Freyja. That would be very nice. We could go out in the evening if you expect to spend the night out there, or in the morning if you'd rather sleep here in the hotel. The hotel might be more comfortable." He smiles at that, adding, "I'm not the one who'll have to worry so much about being cold." He looks out a window, considering the green forest visible outside, then adds, "If I knew the area, a good run would be good. As it is, I'd be worried about really opening up and letting go in the forest. You can't see far enough ahead to know what you're getting into if you go really fast. Hovercycles would be just fine with me, and are much less likely to slip and break their leg than I am."

Freyja nods thoughtfully, studying the terminal's projected information. "All right then, sounds like you'd prefer hovercycles in the morning. I'll reserve some for us." She does so, a little wistful at not getting the chance to try riding, but more interested in Vakkal enjoying himself currently than in persuading some shy, balky animal to do something it didn't really want to do.

Freyja wakes herself up before sunrise (a trick she's known since childhood), and gently runs a hand through Vakkal's ruff to wake him pleasantly. She smiles as he opens his eyes, sliding carefully and lithely out of the bed so as to not wake her other two paramours.

Vakkal yawns and wakes slowly in the pre-dawn darkness. He lets the light-footed Freyja move out of bed before he gets up, then joins her, moving silently and carefully. Fhazil murmurs, "'Bye, Freyja. Have fun," and turns over to snuggle up with Zero. That apparently settles that, and the two can make their way off. Freyja giggles softly, blows her beloveds a kiss each, then tiptoes out.

A few moments later the two of them are outside, dressed and ready to go. Freyja politely collects one of the tracking systems for each of them so the locals don't worry, then grins at Vakkal in the cool, damp pre-dawn light, "So... you are familiar with hovercycles, hai?"

Vakkal says, "I can handle one fine, yes." The hotel's cycle-lot is lit in strange, bluish lights, which give everything an eerie cast and make the darkness feel colder than it actually is.

Freyja smiles and nods, shrugging her all-weather poncho a bit closer about her shoulders as she strides over to the two hovercycles reserved for them. In the foggy pre-dawn, even her shining, fiery golden hair has a muted cast. She swings a leg easily over her cycle; her sleek black leather outfit seems made for cycle riding. She revs up the craft, standing on the pedals for a moment and adjusting the poncho as the little machine lifts into the air. A moment later she settles into the saddle, glancing over her shoulder at Vakkal, "Ready?"

Vakkal has fired up his own cycle, and the moving air ruffles his fur. He nods at her, grinning toothily. Freyja grins gleefully as she looks back at the light trail. A moment more to make sure the helmet is secure and her gloves are comfortable -- and she's off with a small roar, her poncho and her ruffled mane fluttering behind her like a banner.

Vakkal follows Freyja, as he has been doing lately. The rush of air makes him grin widely, and he works at keeping her in front of him and slightly to one side. He admires her beauty and grace while riding even this mechanical beast. She rides a hovercycle the same as she rides any creature -- swaying easily with its movement; keeping her center of gravity close to its; occasionally laughing with the sheer delight of speed, movement, and the grace of enjoyable physical activity.

The dark carpet of trees flows by below the hovercycles, with the occasional flash of a clearing or stream passing below them. Their lights cast beams of brightness into the woods below, occasionally startling some early-rising creature with their sound and brightness.

Freyja smiles, trying to avoid too much startlement for the poor creatures. She has carefully studied maps of the area, and now deliberately heads for an isolated area where normal bipedal pedestrians are unlikely to go -- but where a hovercycle can easily lift to. She's hoping the view will be nice too, but more important is privacy and, hopefully, a nice thick bed of fallen leaves. Cuddling down into those is always warmer -- and she's got some useful equipment in her saddlebags and utility belt too.

A good spot presents itself: a clearing uphill from the conference center that is made up of a flat bed of rock sticking out of a hillside. The trees on the hillside offer privacy and cover, as well as ground cover. The rocks offer a place to land the hovercycles, and make it trickier for someone on foot to get there -- they'd have to circle around and come down from above. A stream burbles down the hillside, passing on one side of the rocky outcropping with a cheerful, watery sound.

Freyja brightens at sight of the clearing. They've ridden for a while... perhaps Vakkal would now like to watch the sun rise with her. She swirls the cycle up the side of the hill, rising momentarily above the rocks before slowly settling with a whoosh of displaced air and a flurry of her poncho and her hair. She turns off the cycle, then sits back in the saddle, looking up to watch Vakkal join her.

Vakkal lands easily next to her and shuts off his noisy cycle. From the edge of the forest, hard by the outcropping, a dark ripple of trees can be seen, with the conference center's lights a flickering ghost off in the distance. On the far horizon a glow of light marks where a city must be. Past that it is the cool, still quiet of early morning. The canid's nose works furiously for a moment, and he says softly, "What a nice place."

Freyja beams, taking off the helmet and shaking out her bright mane of hair. "You like it? Excellent!" She dismounts, opening a saddlebag to pull out an armload of blankets, "Shall we watch the sunrise together, and maybe nibble some breakfast?"

Vakkal says, "Yes, it's a good spot." His nose works, and he says, "I can scent things from all over, from here. And I can see all the way down the valley. It will be beautiful when the sun is up." He moves to the hovercycle, adding, "That would be nice. Is there anything else we need?"

Freyja smiles, "Just the breakfast bags... and ourselves." She's already spreading out a few blankets so they can cuddle up, stay warm, and nibble food together while watching the sun come up. A moment later she's tucked herself into the little blanket nest she's made, holding a corner invitingly open for him.

Vakkal brings the warm bags from the hotel's kitchen with him, and is all too happy to join Freyja under the blankets. He snuggles up to her, adding his warmth and fur to the insulation of the blankets, and settles back against the hillside to watch the sun rise.

Freyja pulls out some heated drinks... then grins, blushing faintly despite herself, and tucks one back into the bags. Vakkal's her beloved and, she hopes, soon to be her lover and paramour. She doesn't mind sharing a drink with him... she would like to be truly intimate with him, and this is a Balmorran way of expressing that. She takes a warm sip of the heated drink, then passes it to Vakkal, wondering if there's something similar for the Khar Velosi which the two of them could do together as well.

Vakkal takes the drink from Freyja and sips at it himself, carefully not spilling any. He closes the lid on the cup, both so he won't spill the thing and so it will stay warmer, then snuggles up close to her. He'll keep hold of the drink, but make sure it's in a place where she can pick it up if she wants some more.

Freyja smiles with quiet happiness as Vakkal shares a drink with her. Then she leans a bit to slide an arm about him also, and slowly, enjoyably nuzzle his furry cheek. She murmurs softly, Pretty wolf, is there anything the Khar Velosi do that's like that? -the sharing of drinks on Balmorra, I mean? If so, I'd be happy to do that with you?

Vakkal smiles at the nuzzle, and sighs quietly at her. He opens his eyes and admires her in the slowly shifting, still-pre-dawn light, and tells her, The marking of cheek scents, as you once did to convince overly-concerned passersby that I was truly part of your clan, would be the closest thing that comes to mind.

Freyja beams, her eyes sparkling, and happily repeats that gesture. Once she's rubbed her cheek against his, she gently rubs her palms against his cheeks too, for good measure! she cheerfully informs him.

Vakkal grins at this, and leans forward to return the favor, gently rubbing his cheek along hers. As he comes back, what is almost the back of his jaw rubs against her, leaving a warm, slightly damp mark on each side of her face. To make such a mark leaves him looking very satisfied and somehow happy, as if she's given him something he never expected to have again.

Freyja giggles, hugging him, I'd cheerfully lick you, but I think I'd just end up with a furry tongue -- yours is better suited to grooming furry people than mine is! A moment later she adds more thoughtfully, I've been thinking, sweetheart... I can't pick up scent like you can, but if I understand correctly your scent tends to follow your emotions, hai? So... if I can keep a quiet, background empathic link with you, maybe that way we can get the same effect as you have with your scenting. Would you like me to try it?

Vakkal grins and replies, You don't need a furry tongue -- ick. He does lean forward and nuzzle and then lick cheerfully at one of her ears, adding, But I don't mind a bit.

Freyja giggles, tilting her head, Tickles!

Vakkal stops being silly and tickly at Freyja's comment and settles against her, replying more seriously to her second question, That might be nice. I'm certainly happy to let you do that. He settles and lets her try her Jedi magic. A moment later he can feel her gentle touch in his mind, looking for the right sort of 'feel' to make a link with. She's searching for almost non-conscious reactions to share empathically with him -- very basic, almost gut reaction feelings.

Freyja gently does her mental search, but finds herself oddly distracted by her snuggly, furry companion. His scent is warm and comforting, and she loves languidly running her fingers through his fur as she conducts her slow, almost lazy wandering through her partner's mind. Partly, too, she doesn't want to be isolationist in return, and so she takes the time to let him curiously touch her mind also. Still, some small time later, she realizes she's found the right place -- she feels the shivery tingle of pleased sensation from him as her fingers stroke along his fur.

Freyja sighs in quiet pleasure, then gently weaves Vakkal's thread of emotion to her mind, so she feels his deep emotional reactions as he does. Since those emotions are what cause his scent to change, hopefully this will serve to notify her of his feelings the same way her scent notifies him -- and the poor man won't have to always depend on words!

Vakkal, a little unused to the idea, takes the same time to be able to try and open himself to Freyja's feelings of the moment. Perhaps because she is so very close to him, and so very cuddly and comforting -- or perhaps it is because she has already meant so much to him -- he has little trouble realizing her feelings at this time, and finds her enjoyment of his fur and closeness to be both rewarding and slightly intoxicating. He likes making her happy and feeling good.

Freyja sighs quietly, her eyes half closing at the delicious emotional wave of pleased sensation washing over her. From there it's an easy, natural step to experimenting... to slowly, enjoyably exploring what makes the other tingle or quiver or gasp, what causes happy sounds and movements, what shared pleasures they can discover. The emotional feedback swirls between the two of them like ardent washes of color and scent and heat, building and glowing brightly, both of them utterly unconscious of anything but the other's growing delight and excitement, cocooned in the closeness of the entangling warmth and softness of the blankets.

The sunrise silently colors the sky, changing inky black to dark blue, to lighter colors, then an amazing spray of reds, golds, and oranges, with beams of golden morning light edging the trees in gilt and making Freyja's hair look like molten fire. The silence of the night lifts with the morning song of birds.

Vakkal finds it very easy to lose himself there with Freyja, letting her reactions give him direction and guidance, and trusting in her to follow his similar reactions. His own pleasure builds at being able to explore that which she likes, and he is delighted to let her discover what is good to him in return.

The beams of sunlight spill liquidly over the horizon, rippling like water across the hilly land and lighting up the thick forest like the shaggy pelt of some huge, recumbent, slumbering beast. Thick, soft tendrils of fog cling tightly between the furry evergreens, while Light washes color across passion-blurred vision in an almost religiously awed wonder of glowing beauty... and with the joyous paean of morning birdsong souls tangle in ecstasy... and the couple united reach out as one to touch the glowing morning face of the goddess.

The warmth, togetherness, and closeness linger. Vakkal slowly regains himself, in no hurry to move away from Freyja's warm, golden beauty. Her breath gently ruffles the fur of his cheek, and he enjoys the way she feels against him: her rich scent, the soft sounds of her breathing and relaxing with him, the warm colors of her beauty. He does eventually listen to the forest around them, not having entirely forgotten his role as protector, but soon gives that up, as nothing threatening seems nearby.

Freyja relaxes comfortably, stretched out along Vakkal's furry warmth and drifting in the quiet euphoria of afterglow. She's oddly touched by the mental bind between them. She can feel the emotions keenly just now... Vakkal's happiness is a bright fire within him, burning deep and powerful and strong, centered on her. It's humbling to be the focus of such intensity... something she wants to be worthy of, just as she feels when touched by the rich depths of passion Fhazil and Zero inspire.

Vakkal settles in softly, enjoying Freyja's contentment above and beyond any physical feeling, and is very pleased and satisfied to be a part of that. He has never been so sure of anything as he is sure that what he feels now is right, and that wanting to help keep Freyja warm, happy, safe, and content is right. Her enthusiasm and goodness give her boundless energy, and that he can make her feel so very good brings him a surge of satisfaction and pride of his own.

Freyja will finally sigh contentedly, admiring the now-blue sky with half-closed eyes of much the same brilliant shade of blue. She brushes back a curling strand of golden hair so it won't tickle Vakkal's nose, then relaxedly remembers their breakfast. She reaches one golden arm out from the blankets to drag the bag close enough for food retrieval. There follows a slow, pleasurable breakfast of shared nibbles, giggles, nuzzles, a bit more quiet, exploratory enjoyment, and finally, in the warming glow of bright morning sunshine, a quietly sated, happily shared silence.

It is a very long time after the two have discovered joy for one another again, when Vakkal murmurs softly, Thank you, Freyja. I never imagined I would ever again find someone who I could truly love, and who would feel the same about me.

Freyja smiles softly, her eyes shining bright with shared emotion, and rests her cheek against his. Her drifting mental thread is more emotion than word, Never give up on love, sweetheart...

The sun has fully risen into the sky, and the morning's birdsong has faded off into the pattern of full daytime. Vakkal's sharp hearing has heard the occasional rustle of something nearby, but it wasn't anything large. He assumed it was one of the curious little fauxes or something similar, and didn't worry about it much. He sits up a little, stretching, the blanket sliding away from his fur somewhat.

Freyja grins lazily, running slender golden fingers through his fur, then pushing her own hair back as he sits up. She looks out over the hillside before them, bright with sunshine, "Mmm... lovely day, hai?"

Vakkal nods, looking around carefully, "Yes, it is." He smiles and asks Freyja, "Would you like to walk a little, or do you want to go back to the hotel?"

Freyja laughs, rolling onto her back and stretching long golden arms over her head, luxuriating in the sensation, "Go back already? But we just got here!"

Vakkal had intended to glance down and smile at her, but winds up looking for much longer than he'd expected. He chuckles and leans over her, letting fur caress much of her, and nuzzles gently against her cheek, carefully letting his scent mingle with hers. "I'm in no hurry, but there might be things the other Jedi need from us sometime today." He settles next to her and adds, "It's still early. We aren't in any hurry at all." He also knows the comm in his bag would demand his attention were they to be needed.

Freyja mms contentedly at Vakkal's gentle touches, then chuckles softly, patting the bag next to them, "We have a comm, and an excellent mental link. We're never too far away, pretty wolf." She eventually sits up herself as well, gathering up their small bits of trash and neatly stuffing everything into the breakfast bags. Then she rises, moving gracefully to stand on the rock outcropping, looking out over the hillside. Golden skinned and silhouetted in gold, her fiery gold hair riffling slightly in the light morning breeze, she gazes thoughtfully out for several moments through both Force and clear morning light.

Vakkal helps gather everything up, folding blankets and putting them back in the pouches on the 'cycle. He walks over to the other side of the outcrop of rock and looks down the burbling stream, which slows a little as the ground levels out below them. He says, Tracks in the mud of the stream just downstream from us. We apparently didn't disturb the neighbors.

Finally Freyja turns, the Force a quiet, joyous fire within her. Her willowy form moves with lithe grace as she smiles at Vakkal and moves to her clothing, "Hai, sweetheart... a walk would be lovely." At his mental touch she murmurs, What species' tracks?

Vakkal decides his clothes might be a good idea too, and goes back to find them. I don't recognize it. Something small and four-footed. Once dressed, he suggests, I'll show you.

Freyja nods, slapping the last seal closed on her boots and then rising, All right! She neatly settles the saddlebags on the cycles, then grins, Lead the way, my hunter!

Vakkal grins a big, silly grin, apparently all too pleased to be "my hunter," and leads the way. That consists of moving around to the other side of the rock and over the stream at a narrow place, then downhill a little, to where some tracks are clearly visible in the drying mud. Freyja bounds lightly and sure-footedly after Vakkal, as pleased as he is that he liked the phrase. She'd guessed... but she's deeply happy she guessed right.

Freyja crouches next to Vakkal, studying the tracks without stepping on them. Even her untrained eye can tell avian tracks -- three-toed feet appearing suddenly and hopping around quite a bit before vanishing just as suddenly. She puzzles over them for a while before it hits her -- this is a quadrupedal evolutionary theme on this planet, rather than the hexapedal she's used to. The bird wasn't hurt or damaged, as she'd initially guessed -- it only has two legs! Interesting...

Freyja glances around at Vakkal's silent pointing, noticing the other set of tracks -- something between catta and frehkee-sized, with feline-like tracks containing pads and claws. It doesn't seem to have been chasing the birds, though... merely coming for water. Curiously she murmurs, Could that have been one of those charming little green egg-eaters we saw the first day here, Vakiza?

Vakkal's answer is confident, I don't think so. This looks a little bigger, and has sharper claws. He points out the shape, adding, Those are cutting claws. The one we met had slightly duller claws, probably more suited to digging. This is a different animal. He adds, Were you a normal Human by yourself, having something like this so close might be something to worry about.

Huh, interesting! Freyja looks around, wondering if she can see or sense it, then curiously asks, Can you tell how old the tracks are? At his next words she blinks, I should? Whyso?

Vakkal answers, You don't have to; you're a Jedi and you're with me. Were those things not true you might worry; it's big enough to hurt you. It likely eats meat with those claws. But as a Jedi you're capable of taking care of yourself, and I'm more dangerous than it is anyway. The big canid looks at the tracks and sniffs the ground, adding, This mud is still drying. These were probably made this morning, shortly before or after dawn.

Freyja grins, lightly stroking her golden hand down Vakkal's sable fur, pleased to have him here with her. Then she looks around again more interestedly, letting her senses extend out within the Force to see if the track-maker is within 'touch.'

No creature like that is within range now. There seem to be a lot of little things in the trees and bushes around (most of which are out of sight), not far off and seen only through camouflage, like the myriad green-and-grey songbirds. Vakkal looks downstream and gestures a 'follow me.' Freyja brightens, straightening to pace lightly and silently behind her companion, looking around often with alert fascination.

The noise of the stream hides any little sound Vakkal and Freyja make as they approach -- if any. A rustling along the stream ahead reveals some action. A medium-sized bird, all black, is sitting on a branch and making raucous cawing noises, apparently at a bush, as it hops up and down the branch in irritation. After a moment Freyja can understand, "No! No! NO! Go away! No!" The bush rustles suspiciously.

Freyja covers a giggle, her eyes brightening with mirth, and shares that thought with Vakkal -- then studies the bush with great interest. Can she 'feel' anyone/thing there? She lightly touches Vakkal's thoughts again, sharing what she senses -- a small quadrupedal mammal warily watching the bird. She remembers it being referred to as a 'faux' in the notes the hotel sent her last night.

After a few moments of insisting, "No! No! NO!" rather loudly, the bird quiets and settles for hopping up and down on its branch, glaring. After that it flits back up to the nest hidden in the small branches near the top of the tree. It isn't long before the little faux, green fur quivering and tail tip twitching, creeps out from under the bush and towards the tree.

Freyja stands still next to Vakkal, one slender hand resting lightly on his shoulder as she watches in delighted fascination. She whispers, This isn't the bigger track-maker we saw earlier, is it?

The green animal makes slow, stealthy progress to the tree, and works its way up the trunk until its forepaws are fully extended and it's standing on its hind feet. With a quiet scrabbling it tries to get higher into the tree. Vakkal watches, replying, No, too small. Freyja looks surprised, watching. Surely those blunt little claws aren't designed for climbing? The creature must be after the big black bird's eggs, she'd guess. How will it get up the tree?

That quiet scrabbling is enough to alert the crow, who caws, "No!" in irritation and dive-bombs the faux, flapping madly and trying to peck and claw at the green vulpine's ears, while insisting, "No! Stay away! My nest! NO!" The faux whimpers one, "Hungry!" and then gives up, vanishing back into the bush.

Freyja awws softly, then runs slender fingers along the seal of one of her belt pouches. Moving slowly and carefully, going still when necessary so as to not scare any of the participants of this little tableau, she finally pulls out a bit of sandwich. That was quite enjoyed by the other little faux the other day, she remembers. She lets the sandwich piece fall near the underbrush, then goes quietly still again, smiling.

The crow isn't happy to see another interloper though, and flies around Freyja crying, "No! Go away! My nest! Go!" and being generally pesky. Freyja giggles softly, murmuring to Vakkal, Perhaps we should move on a bit?

Vakkal, watching the bush, replies, Yes. And being no fool, the little faux has found your snack while the crow chased you. He gestures and leads further downstream.

Freyja grins, pleased, Good! She giggles at the crow's irritation as she pads silently after the big canid Sith. Are we tracking our medium-sized clawed friend now?

Vakkal replies, Not really. Did you want to? The stream probably has several interesting things along it, but we can try and find the other animal if you like.

Freyja considers, then smiles sunnily, Neh, let's just wander where the Force and the stream take us -- it's a lovely day, after all!

Vakkal nods and moves along the stream, mentioning, If I see the tracks again, we'll follow them. A gray-green streak distracts him as a small, very fast animal come shooting out of some brush, runs across a shallow part of the stream, and then climbs straight up the trunks of one of the trees.

Freyja starts, then laughs softly, Hoi! Just like a rattatosk! She adds thoughtfully, All green, though... all of them are greenish. Huh... I wonder what's so dangerous, that eats them so much they need to hide so from it?

The little animal, realizing neither Vakkal nor Freyja seem likely to dart up the tree after it, appears on the end of a slender branch and chitters cheerfully at them, watching them watch it. It settles back on its haunches and licks at its front paws, grooming with frenetic energy -- as it seems to do everything.

Freyja giggles, Whoa, it really is like a rattatosk -- how cute! A moment later her eyes light up, Which might mean... it knows what's in the vicinity! Let's ask it if it's seen the medium clawed track-maker, shall we?

Freyja pauses a moment, the Force-glow around and through her intensifying a bit, causing her eyes to gleam pale silver-blue. A thoughtful moment of communication between the two, then Freyja grins at Vakkal, Well, now! Our little friend here is quite the knowledgeable one indeed! She giggles, translating for Vakkal, He says, 'Hai! Big scary hungry nasty mountain catta! Eats fauxes and even rattatoska if it very hungry, or we very slow. Stay away! Scary, scary!' Her eyes are bright with delight.

The tree-squirrel hasn't got much attention span, because Freyja hears, "Ooo!" and it goes darting off, jumping from tree to tree as it scurries along the overhead canopy of branches. Just out of sight, both Force users can hear it scramble down a tree and go rustling about in the underbrush. Freyja laughs softly, not wanting to scare the little creature but still enormously delighted by its energy and enthusiasm.

Vakkal listens, and shakes his head amusedly. He notes something, then tells Freyja, Here's more of the scary, scary mountain catta's tracks. Do you want to see if we can find him, or let him be?

Freyja smiles, We're just wandering peacefully. If we find him, yay! If not, we're still having a lovely day, hai?

Vakkal nods, Hai, and leads on, continuing to follow the cheerful burble of the stream. The local rattatosk can be heard darting along, shadowing the strolling strangers and curious about what they're doing. It darts back and forth in the trees overhead. At one point it pauses and cries, "Hey! You!" then, "Whee!" and chases another of its kind along for a while.

Freyja laughs aloud in spite of herself, gleefully translating for Vakkal. The two rattatoska continue their game, vanishing for a few minutes to track some elusive snack or to chase one another along back and forth over the stream. It isn't long before there's a third, giggling happily. Freyja is giggling also by this point, bouncing cheerfully around Vakkal as well, gleefully ruffling his fur as she dances by.

They continue like this for a few more minutes, the steepness of the hill slowly flattening. It certainly lends a cheerful and carefree air to the morning's stroll. That changes somewhat when one of the rattatoska comes darting back up the stream after having gotten ahead, crying, "Ow! Ow! Not nice!"

Freyja goes still, unwittingly moving much like the animals she hears in her head, carefully studying the land ahead of her with both normal and Force-enhanced senses. Vakkal can even feel her gentle, unwitting 'touch' to see if he's scenting anything unusual. It's... a little odd to feel someone else non-consciously trying to borrow your nose!

Vakkal doesn't object; Freyja can have pretty much any part of him she wants. He sniffs slowly about, thinking, What happene... at Freyja until he interrupts himself by adding, That rattatosk's tail is smoking. It's been burned. On closer examination, something has singed the tip and the fluffy bunch of fur on the tail. Vakkal's ears stand straight up as he adds, Hey! I smell people. And machines. And electricity. Up ahead.

Freyja looks quite startled -- something with flame ahead?! Then she frowns, getting a determined look and striding swiftly forward, already shrugging out of her poncho. Wildfires on Balmorra can be quite dangerous -- and due to careful weather management, they're now only caused by foolish people! Vakkal sends, Freyja! Stop! Wait!

Freyja looks over her shoulder, What? If there's a free-range fire, it needs to be stamped out quickly, sweetheart -- we should hurry!

Vakkal replies, It's not that kind of flame. The only smoke was from singed fur. I wouldn't have gotten that if we weren't so close. But there's a camp there... this whole area's supposed to be cordoned off to "protect" the Sith. Whatever zapped the rattatosk was fast enough to do so, which means it's pretty darn fast! It's probably an automatic field or droid. Do you really want to charge into it at full speed?

Freyja goes abruptly still at that, Oh! I understand now. She considers, then looks back at Vakkal, What should we do? What's the best way to sneak up on things like this? She adds worriedly, Oh, dear... so these are illegal intruders?

Vakkal steps behind a tree, sending, Probably. It might be a guard post, which would be no worry. Caution is probably the best plan anyway. Keep a tree between you and where the rattatosk came from; move slowly. It only takes a couple of trees to make someone completely invisible. He peeks around the tree he's behind, then sidles up a little closer, hiding behind another tree. His grey fur blends with the shadowed side of the trunk and he stands very still.

Freyja nods silently, watching alertly. After some observation she pulls her poncho back on, reversed so the darker side is up, then slides behind a tree and stands still, orienting herself to both Vakkal and whatever it is up ahead. First, she thinks, a careful scan through the Force.

Freyja takes her time, letting her senses reach out through the Force and passing on what she learns to Vakkal. She 'feels' a clearing ahead, and four people -- one on the ground and three clustered together, seemingly hovering in midair. There's also a big spot of mechanical energy which she'd guess denotes a generator of some sort, although it's oddly muted in some way she's not seen before. A circle of electrical energy surrounds the clearing like a sort of fence -- only the barest suggestion of one, though, with a few brighter points defining its edges. Softly she whispers, What do you think they're doing? I wonder if I could persuade a bird to fly up and look down at this...?

Vakkal replies, Let me see if I can get a little closer and see. So saying, he moves forward again, peeking around a different tree. He replies, I don't quite know what to make of this.

Freyja nods worriedly as she follows, moving slowly and gracefully to another tree also to peek cautiously around it. She murmurs softly, Me either. This can't be good, I fear.

Freyja can now see as well as Vakkal. There is a ring of upright stanchions, each about eight feet tall, which surround the clearing. They have blue lights on the sides and hum subtly. Vakkal informs Freyja, Those are ion shields. Unless they've got a much bigger power source than I see here, those wouldn't be enough to kill a man -- just zap him a good one. I bet they've put them up to keep animals and things out.

Freyja nods thoughtfully, studying the stanchions carefully. She thinks they look pretty solid -- Vakkal might be better at pushing them over than she. She doesn't think she'd like to try leaping through that field either -- not only would it hurt a lot, but it'd be pretty darned noticeable as well, as the field flared up around them. For now, though, she turns her attention to the sapients. What are they doing, and what species are they?

Inside the protective ring a generator sits, also humming quietly. It is under a strange roof which is also plugged into the generator, and has red lights flickering on the underside. There is a small portable shelter where one of the sapient forms seems to be, at least according to the smudge in the Force. Next to the shelter is an unremarkable portable latrine. On the other side, taking up almost half the clearing, is a strange sort of vehicle.

Freyja raises a thoughtful eyebrow -- so this is a long-term project! The vehicle looks like an air-lifter, like you'd see anywhere moving cargo. It's powered down and sitting on its landing gear. In addition, it has some additional stabilizers spread out, making it a very firm and solid base.

A hydraulic lift rises from the bed of the lifter, with an odd cage or little shelter at the top. It can apparently be raised and lowered on the hydraulics. It's currently sitting so the top of it barely clears the tops of the trees. The top of this little shelter, and the top of the air-lifter, latrine, and portable shelter, are all disguised with camouflage netting.

It's difficult to see from this side, because it's facing away from the two Force users, but it looks like fresh greenery and branches from trees (or a reasonable facsimile thereof) has been mounted on the forward-facing side of the lifted cabin -- which appears to face the conference center. The three remaining life forms are inside the shelter on top of the hydraulic lift. It's impossible to see what they're doing from here.

Freyja blinks, carefully watching and trying to figure out what's going on, then frowns thoughtfully, considering. Whoever these folks are, they're working very hard to not be noticed... and they're aimed at the conference center. Softly she murmurs to Vakkal, I can't tell what they're doing. Can you? Are any of them talking or anything? Also, we should alert the guys at the conference center.

Vakkal fades back a little, keeping to trees, and replies, Nobody's saying a word. I can't tell if it's a guard emplacement to make sure nobody comes up unannounced, or if it's some sort of spying group. If we could see in the front of their blind we might know better. It depends on what they're looking out at the world with.

Freyja nods, All right then, we should move so we can see the front. She's silent as she drifts to another tree, then adds, We could just ask them what they're doing, if we can't tell by observation.

Vakkal replies, moving carefully, And they could just shoot us the moment they saw us. If this is a known guard post, Manishsha and Randal will know of it. If not, they'll want it undisturbed, don't you think? Otherwise the spies or snipers might just flee.

Freyja smiles, Let's check, then. I'll ask Fhazil to ask Watcher Manishsha. She quietly alerts Fhazil over the link, explaining what they're seeing and doing, and asking him to check with the Kushiban to see if these are folks who're supposed to be here, or not. Then she grins, cheerfully reassuring Vakkal, What could they shoot us with? Blasters? We're carrying our lightsabers.

Vakkal reaches into his bag and shuts off his comm link. He suggests Freyja do the same, adding, If they were asleep when we came in, they likely have no idea someone's out here. If we fly back to the conference center, they'll hear us and could flee.

Freyja silently agrees, shutting off her own comm as well. Vakkal answers her previous statement with, Enough blasters and they'll eventually get us. A grenade would do nicely as well. I'd rather not risk that, if we don't have to. Freyja smiles and lets the subject go -- she's no desire to worry Vakkal unduly. Instead she keeps drifting slowly, tree by cautious tree, towards the front of the lift, to see if she can see what's up there.

Fhazil takes Freyja's message with some concern, telling both of them, You be careful! then going to find things out.

Freyja whispers, Thanks, Fhaziza, then turns her attention back to the here and now.

As Freyja and Vakkal come around the edge of the lift, they can see a couple of sets of big lenses -- recorders or binoculars. There is also a long rifle sticking out of the center of the disguised front, dark metal glinting dully in the morning sun. Vakkal sends to Freyja, Uh-oh.

Freyja, staring worriedly upwards, nods mentally even as she tries to see or 'feel' more information about what's going on. Where are the three in there? Is one of them on the gun? Where is the fourth individual -- still in the shelter?

The resonances in the Force suggest there's someone at the rifle, which probably has its own sights that are not yet visible on the ground, and someone looking out or working a recorder on each of the big sets of lenses. The fourth person is still in the shelter and may be asleep.

Freyja frowns. This gun is big enough she doesn't think she could just grab it in the Force. She knows they're still a couple of miles from the center but, properly mounted and using the right hardware, she'd guess it's not too bad a shot from here. This looks like it was carefully and solidly put in place -- likely tripod-mounted to the blind and maybe even mechanically aimed. It's a very big gun... and it looks like it could be very, very accurate.

She blinks suddenly, adding to Vakkal, Sith Lord Ghang mentioned the Dark Lord possibly being worried some other lord might try something. Could these be Sith? Can you sense any Force using abilities?

Vakkal closes his eyes and concentrates. He sends back, I don't get any feeling of Force users. That doesn't mean it's not Sith, or paid for by the Sith.

The morning dawns early, as mornings are wont to do. Fhazil and Zero awaken slowly, snuggled up together in the hotel room. Vakkal and Freyja made their exit in the very-early morning, and things have been quiet since then. Zero murmurs something in his sleep and turns, pressing into Fhazil's arms.

Fhazil is almost halfway awake when he feels Freyja's mind reaching out to him. Expecting nothing more than happy morning cheerfulness from one of the loves of his life, he is rather startled to hear she and Vakkal have found something outside the conference center. He sits up in bed, "Hey, Zero, something's up," then throws a robe on, adding, "Be right back," before leaving the room in a hurry.

Zero sits up slowly with a muted groan, muttering, "...'s the worst line you've ever tried on me, Fhazil...."

Fhazil doesn't reply because he isn't there. He returns in a few minutes, saying, "Hey, Zero, you awake?" The little Kushiban is with him, hopping easily into one of the room's chairs and saying, "Good morning, Zero."

Zero blinks himself awake, brushing the sleep from his eyes and managing a cursory bow before sitting up and drawing his legs up crossed, pulling the covers over his lap. "Watcher Manishsha... is something wrong?"

Fhazil sends off to Freyja, Freyja, Manishsha says nothing like that should be there, and that you should be careful. He lets Zero in on the conversation too.

Several miles away Freyja grins at that message, returning a cheerily teasing, Everyone keeps telling me that. Sheesh, it's like you expect me to walk into a Sith lord's ambush, or something!

Manishsha says, "Fhazil got a message from Freyja which says they've found a hidden camp outside this facility." Fhazil fills Zero in, "They found a clearing in an ion shield, with a camouflaged platform to watch the hotel. Nobody knows who they are."

Zero winces, irritably, "Oh, by all the gods below." He glances around, looking for his somewhat-hastily discarded clothes. "We should be down there..."

Fhazil replies to Freyja, No, I'm just being selfish, and want you to come back. I'm not as worried with you and Vakkal finding something like this as I would be if I were the one who found it.

Freyja laughs! -then returns, Let's not delve too deeply into the peculiarities of not quite trusting one's own reactions there, which you just revealed...

Manishsha grins at Zero, "I thought you'd understand!" The little, rabbit-like Jedi looks at Fhazil and adds, "Can you ask Freyja and Vakkal if they'll wait for us to arrive? If, as they say, there's only four people, we can surprise and outnumber them."

Fhazil is also getting dressed. He goes over to the window but does not open the shades, wondering exactly what can be seen from the unknown outpost. He sends the message to Freyja and Vakkal, Manishsha suggests you wait for us to join you. With five of us, we should be able to immobilize them pretty quickly. I suspect he wants them all alive.

Zero finds his pants, dressing as quickly as he can. He sighs a little, then smiles wryly, "We seem to be of the same mind on a lot of things, Manishsha. Maybe after the Order's done declaring me anathema, they'll make me a Watcher." He ties on his sash and extends his arm, hand open, to the chair in the corner of the room; with a moment's concentration the scabbarded shard-sword flips itself into his grasp. "Fhazil, I'm ready to go when you are."

Freyja smiles, We're holding, sweetheart. We can't even see what species they are, but I suspect taking them won't be difficult -- we can't detect any Force users among them, and the ion shield is only 8' high. Sneak carefully, though, please. There's a very large weapon up there.

Fhazil shares this with Manishsha, who asks, "Are they carrying a tracker of any sort? If they can fade off a little until we can join them, we can hook up with them more quickly."

When this is relayed, Vakkal replies, We have the hotel's tracking devices. Can you use those?

When he hears this, Manishsha says, "That should be fine. Let me go get their tracker, and we'll meet up with Freyja and Vakkal. Meet me in the lobby." So saying, the Watcher leaves.

Freyja will fade back as requested with Vakkal, waiting someplace not in the weapon's line of sight for their friends. Fhazil looks at Zero, and asks, "What have we gotten ourselves into now?"

Zero says, "Whatever it is, you might want to put on some pants."

Fhazil says, "Eep!" and does so, also adding his tunic and boots. He collects his saber, then says, "C'mon."

Zero makes certain that he has both of his weapons -- Kuwatuara tucked safely in his sash, and the shard-blade in his hand. "It's always something..."

In the hotel's lobby Manishsha is working a small device. When the two human men approach him, he says, "They're not far from here at all. We can just run on out there. Let them know we'll be twenty minutes or a half an hour, and we'll head out."

Zero nods, "Of course." He closes his eyes, sending to the others, We're going to approach on foot, Freyja, Vakkal... we should be there between twenty and thirty minutes. Hold tight until then.

Freyja cheerily replies, We'll be waiting, sweetheart! See you all soon.

Manishsha says, "Let's go around the hotel and stay hidden in case they're watching." He leads the way through a side entrance and across the hotel's grounds, keeping a building between the three moving Jedi and the unknown camp. Once in the cover of forest he works his way around the conference center's grounds until it's a straight shot by the tracking device.

It's somewhat surprising how fast the little Watcher can move. A normal human would have a hard time keeping up with him, but Zero and Fhazil are both trained and in shape and have little trouble. The trip takes a little longer because of the detour around the conference center's grounds, but Manishsha, Fhazil, and Zero arrive at the quiet spot in the trees where Freyja and Vakkal are waiting after about thirty-five minutes.

Freyja beams, waving as she spots them coming, then moving to cheerfully hug Zero and Fhazil. She keeps her voice low, though, "Heiyo! How are you all? Want to go have some fun catching bad people?"

Manishsha nods, "A good idea. Let's go have a quick look at what they've got, and see if we can think of the best way to rain on their parade."

Fhazil returns the hug, commenting with a gently kidding tone, You smell like Khar Velosi this morning, pretty lady. Did this big guy treat you right? Zero is concentrating on the distance, looking for signs of detection or attack.

Freyja laughs softly, rubbing her cheek gently against Fhazil's, You don't smell enough like one, silly -- and isn't the question whether I treated him well enough or neh? Her eyes sparkle teasingly, but the others can also feel her deep, quiet pleasure -- things are more certain and happy in her small Family of the Heart now.

For no visible reason, Vakkal's ears pinken. Fhazil chuckles quietly, and kisses Freyja's nose. Manishsha watches this interplay curiously, saying nothing. Freyja adds softly, "This way, Watcher." She starts drifting silently and slowly from tree to tree, adding quietly, "I was thinking it might be easiest to toss the most accomplished mechanic over the ion shield and let them drop the generator... then see what rattas we flush!"

Freyja grins with quiet pleasure at her beloveds as she goes. Zero continues to watch the far horizon. "That would be Fhazil or myself, I think," he murmurs.

Freyja nods to Zero, "Hai, my thought also. If you preferred, we could toss both of you, so you both have back up. I'd actually prefer that, myself?"

Manishsha replies quietly, following, "Perhaps. I hope we can get in without exposing any of us like that."

Freyja glances curiously at the Kushiban -- then has to stifle a sudden laugh! "Oh, of course -- digging! I didn't think of that initially!"

When the stealthily moving party gets back to where the hidden camp is, the view of the camp becomes obvious to those who hadn't seen it before. One notable thing has changed, though.

The camp is still in a clearing, and still has a set of poles around the outside edge of the clearing, which glow with blue light and put up a protective ion screen. There is still a portable shelter set up on one side, and a portable latrine next to it. A small generator covered by a strange little shield still runs in the center of the clearing. There is still a large air-truck landed in the other half of the clearing, and it still has the odd stabilizers extended on either side of it. The bed of the truck still has a vertical lift in it, the front of which is still camouflaged in greenery. Camouflage netting still covers all the equipment.

The change is the lift is no longer raised up with its peak just above the tops of the trees. Instead, it is lowered down and resting on its stops. A door on one side is open, and a pair of what appear to be Humans are standing on the ground next to it. One of them mutters, "Gadz, Leen, hurry it up. Break's over."

Freyja watches the Humans as she intently scans with the Force, to see where the other two are -- and if there are any more now. Her scan reveals nothing new regarding the sapient life signatures. There's still one in the shelter, one named Leen who is in the latrine... and two Humans standing in plain sight.

Vakkal quietly murmurs, "The grass isn't dead. I'd guess they've been here between one and two weeks." Freyja glances curiously at the big canid Sith, then at the little Kushiban, "How long have folks known this meeting would be here, Watcher?"

The Watcher murmurs, "Between one and two weeks. Maybe a couple more days for a very few more people. Problem is, one of those is Balin Khoud."

Freyja says, "So Khoud could have alerted someone here if he wished." She's silent a moment, pondering, then adds quietly, "As could have the Sith lord Ghang, actually."

Fhazil nods and murmurs, "Yes, he could have. This isn't really his style, though. He usually plays straight for negotiations like this."

Freyja nods to Fhazil, "Oh, I meant it more as in some other Sith lord attempting something to sabotage the peace negotiations, sweetheart." She glances around, locating folks, then says quietly, "So... do we want to try grabbing them all now while they're seriously out of position... or wait until they're back up in the lift?"

Zero hmms softly. "The generator's controls are visible from here. It's a lever. One of us could disable it from here... then lie in wait for them when they come down to check it."

Freyja nods, "Take them out one at a time? That'd work too, if we don't want to sneak up on them right now. Or... why not disable it now? That'd certainly confuse them, and cover any entrance attempt we made?"

Zero says, "I was thinking the time between their noticing and reaching the ground would be time enough for us to secure them before they can get into range."

Freyja says, "Having the lift down is good, too -- neh one aiming at the conference building."

Manishsha murmurs, "I think having a moment of surprise is to our advantage. If we can disable the generator, and then get in close to the lift and lower it, we'll be in position to take them as they have to come out."

Freyja eyes the others worriedly, "Guys... they're out now -- and more importantly, the lift with the gun is down! Do we want to wait for them to get back into position?!"

Zero says, "They can't fire with the generator off, love."

Freyja says, "We don't know that, Zeriza. We only know the aiming might be off. Why not turn it off now? One of them's relieving themself, and the other two will be distracted by the generator's failing. And I think the fourth is sleeping."

Manishsha grins a little maliciously and says, "There seem to only be four of them, and they aren't expecting anything. I don't see sidearms." He nods, "That makes sense. Power the generator down, wait for them to turn to look at it, then rush them."

Zero sighs quietly. "I don't like to rush headlong into these situations, but... I see I am outvoted. Fine then; I'll deactivate the generator. The four of you be ready to strike them."

Freyja says, "Why don't Fhazil and Zero take out the two who'll be by the generator? The Watcher can probably hold the latrine door closed... and Vakkal can knock out the sleeper. That'll leave me to keep an eye on everyone's backs. Is that all right?"

Manishsha nods, "That sounds good to me." Vakkal nods in agreement, murmuring, "Whenever you're ready." Freyja looks inquiringly at Fhazil and Zero. Fhazil grins, a little of his usual manic glee coming into his eyes, and says, "I'm always up for rushing in." Vakkal rolls his eyes expressively at this revelation.

Freyja murmurs softly, "Moment, please... let's unite first?" Her eyes pale as she lets the Force swirl more closely within her, and she takes a slow, deep breath. Softly she adds, "Actually, let me do the push on the generator, Zero-love, so you're not distracted, all right?"

Zero says, "As you wish. Let's get this over with quickly... the sooner this is ended the better."

Freyja says, "Hai." Fhazil concentrates for a moment, opening himself to Freyja and Zero and working to share their essences. The Dark Force flickers around him, controlled and mastered by his will, blending smoothly with the other two. Soon the triat is re-established, and Freyja's fiery golden mane ruffles softly in the invisible breeze of the Force moving around them. She turns to face the generator, reaching out a hand as if to pull a lever. Before her the Force emulates her gesture... and she murmurs quietly, "Be ready, my friends..."

Manishsha watches Freyja's change, feeling the Force flow around her, and then picking up around the other two members, Fhazil's darkness radiating and Zero's grey nature smoothing and calming the whole to be somehow more than it would be were they not together. The little Watcher pays close attention.

Across the clearing the lever on the generator moves smoothly downwards. Equally smoothly, the muted hum of the machine powers down... and falls silent. Several clusters of cables neatly unplug themselves from the generator as well.

As the generator shuts down, the humming of the ion field dies and the stanchions go dark. There is a subtle hissing as the lift's hydraulics begin to lose pressure as well. The two men look startled, then stare dumbly at the generator for just a moment before beginning to move towards it. One says suspiciously, "I've never seen that happen before."

Freyja grins quietly, her eyes gleaming silver blue. She doesn't say a word -- she doesn't need to. Fhazil moves in, aimed at the one who said something, trying to run silently for a traditional flying tackle and immobilization. He's found it quite effective in the past at keeping someone surprised and from reacting well, and it sounds like just the ticket now.

Zero unlocks his shard-blade with the thumb of his left hand -- and then he's gone, closing the distance so fast he seems to not touch the ground so much as glide across it. The shard-sword sings a high, wailing note as it suddenly blossoms, the Silver Knight whipping it in a short, vicious circle; the point-shards whip themselves around the target's ankles, flinging him over and off balance.

In the heartbeat of time it takes for the blade to open, it's folded again, locked into sword-form and resting at the end of its circular arc -- pointed directly at the fallen soldier's throat. Zero raises a finger to his lips and says instructively, "Ssh." The lingering, intermittent arcs of dim blue locking energy that dance across the edge of the blade and fade are, perhaps, more instructive still.

Vakkal bounds to the portable shelter and vanishes inside. A brief struggle and a quiet "Awk!" comes from it, and that is all. Manishsha runs, light on his feet, to the latrine door and blocks it shut. He can't reach the lock mechanism easily, but can wedge the door shut. He says clearly, "Stay right where you are."

Freyja quietly follows her companions to within the circle made by the stanchions (in case the ion shield should somehow go up again), drifting silently to a shadowy spot by the side of one of the temporary buildings. Her senses are extended and alert, both within the Force and without, to provide back-up security for the triat and their friends.

Fhazil plows into the second man, who is staring at the first and just starting to realize bad things are happening. They both go down, landing under the now-dark and quiet cover over the generator. Fhazil winds up sitting on the other man, holding his arms pinned to the ground and grinning manically.

Zero sighs quietly. Without looking away from his current target he murmurs, "You shouldn't tempt him by resisting. He's completely insane."

Fhazil helpfully giggles, slightly madly. The man he has pinned freezes. From the latrine comes a querying voice, "Hey... um... guys?" Zero clears his throat, "Just sit tight, and no sudden movements, please," he calls out in reply.

Freyja's part of the triat smiles, seeing the four possible enemies down for the count. She turns to move and look within the lift's covered area. Is there an easy way to disable the weapon entirely? After that... questioning, she suspects.

Freyja studies the weapon layout, then smiles again, reassured. It's a precision blaster rifle, complete with power cell and generator connection. She calmly disconnects both of these leads. Now the weapon is not fire-able until they're reconnected. She steps out of the lift's cover and moves over to crouch next to the one Fhazil's pinning, studying his face thoughtfully. Then she smiles... a warm, friendly, kind, helpful sort of smile, that scared men really like seeing on pretty women, "Don't worry, he won't hurt you as long as you're truthful."

Zero murmurs to the Watcher, "Someone should make certain he isn't about to try and blind-fire out of that latrine... could you watch this one a moment? I'm going to go try and talk that one into quiescence lest he surprise us."

Vakkal emerges from the portable shelter with a man who is in some disarray. He's wearing no shirt and seems completely startled. The fact that he's being held in a headlock by a huge, furry alien with giant teeth and claws does not help him remain composed.

The Watcher says, "You in there. Finish what you're doing and come out slowly with your hands up. Or you'll regret it." Having so said and given the man a target, he moves off to one side with his light saber at the ready. It will be the first thing the man sees when he opens the door.

Zero kneels down next to his target, blade held close to the man's neck. "Please don't get up. If you do, this will explode into a small cloud of razors and sever your head." He smiles reassuringly. "Have you any weapons on you? Blades? Cesta? Or anything you might simply wish to let me know about?"

Freyja murmurs to the others, "I'll do a quick search of the area. Be right back." She moves smoothly and quickly through the little encampment, making sure everything is powered down and will stay that way for a while. She also searches for any other weapons, and anything which might give a clue as to the motives of this strange set-up.

The man in the latrine says, "I'm going to come out," and the door opens slowly. He steps into the light, blinking, keeping his hands plainly visible. Manishsha says, "Step down and sit here with your hands where I can see them." The Human does so, moving slowly. He isn't sure what happened, but he sees his companions down and an angry bunny with a lightsaber. The saber isn't lit, but he decides he doesn't want to see it get lit, and does as he's told.

Freyja comes back out a few moments later, carrying several things which she lays out for the others to see: four blasters, the charges for them (which she neatly tucks into a belt pouch, so the blasters are currently useless), a comm-link tuned to something she doesn't recognize, some general supplies, and of course the big cannon, which has already been disabled. She smiles at the others, her eyes glowing palely, "Isn't this interesting?" She looks at the four men and inquires sweetly, "Would one of you be so kind as to explain what's going on here?"

The man Zero has pinned so effectively squeaks, "No weapons on me, sah," and stares at him in quiet terror. Apparently the idea of having his head at the center of a cloud of razors is not appealing.

Zero smiles, "Good to know; thank you. Do answer the lady, won't you?"

Zero's man trembles at him, but that's about all he says. The one Fhazil is still sitting cheerfully on manages to grunt, "He's the leader." With a nod of his head, he indicates the one Vakkal has by the throat. Manishsha's man nods in agreement with that.

Zero glances up, "Oh. Well, then, don't keep us all in suspense -- my lovely friend asked you a question."

Freyja turns her gaze to Vakkal's prisoner and smiles again, "Vakkal, would you be so kind as to not strangle the Human for a moment, please?" She adds cheerfully, "If he doesn't feel like talking you can continue as you were, of course."

Vakkal looks surprised at this, and looks down at the man he's holding. Realizing only then the man is getting kind of blue around the edges and has stopped squirming so much and begun concentrating on trying to breathe, Vakkal loosens his grip a bit. The man in question spends a few moments inhaling. Vakkal murmurs, "Whoops."

Freyja tchs softly, then politely waits for the man to gather enough air to be able to speak. Over the link Vakkal can feel her quiet amusement. She's heard of really good 'good cop/bad cop' teams before... but it's like they're all on the same wavelength today -- even more so than usual! Zero says, "Please excuse our friend. He's very enthusiastic."

The leader finally does get enough air to breathe, and his color improves. He says, still breathing heavily, "We're watching the conference center. We were told to gather all the information possible on the people there, and to return it to our patron."

Freyja nods, murmuring encouragingly, "Who is...?"

The man coughs and says, "I don't know. He signs all of his messages 'K' and has only talked to us in writing or through an intermediate. He pays cash."

Zero's smile jacks itself up just a little. Gods below, he really is that stupid... and getting hard up for good talent!

Freyja smiles ruefully, "I see." Sounds like either Kalatis or Khoud, I'd guess. She continues sweetly, "And what information does the rifle enable you to gather, please?"

The man looks uncomfortable, then says, "That order came in the last couple of days. If we were to have a clear shot at certain people, he wanted them removed. The bonus he offered was staggering." He points weakly at Manishsha and adds, "I think you were one of our targets."

The Kushiban smiles and bows to the leader, not quite mockingly. Freyja says, "Who else? And where are these orders kept, please?" She murmurs over the link, Everyone has patted down their prisoners, hai?

The captured man says, "Datapad next to the rifle."

Fhazil replies Nothing here but a startled man.

Zero replies, This one is clean. And might soil himself if I touch him.

Freyja nods, "Thank you. If I pick it up or access anything on it, will I need to bypass some security, or is it open?" She giggles mentally at Zero's comment.

The man says, "We didn't have time to lock it; it's open."

Zero says, "And I trust it has no ugly surprises? If it shocks or otherwise disturbs my friend, I'm going to let my large friend here squeeze your head again."

Vakkal grins enthusiastically at the man he's holding, who winces and says, "No, it's not."

Freyja says, "Excellent." She moves to retrieve the datapad, then hands it to Zero, "You're the best at this; I can watch this person." She smiles sweetly at the Human on the ground, "You wouldn't want me to get upset, I know."

Zero rises slowly and takes the datapad. He points the blade's tip at the ground; the sword shrieks again as it extends, driving its tip into the ground and then retracting to sword form again, resting upright a few millimeters from the prisoner's head and humming quietly with the sudden vibration, leaving Zero with both hands free to work. "No, he wouldn't." He glances down from the pad at the prisoner, "Aiyah?" So saying, he returns to his quick study of the datafiles.

Freyja settles peacefully next to the prisoner, her eyes glowing faintly and her heavy gold mane occasionally drifting in an unfelt breeze. Zero hmms. "Yes, it's our old friend again. Tying up loose ends in the form of... our Watcher friend, Master Sarn..." he pauses to glare at the prisoner, "OUR MASTER Roakkana -- you little nerf-herder -- of course Lord Ghang, one of the Honored Lord's aides-de-camp... ah, and Master Khoud. It's so nice to see my old employer hasn't grown sentimental in his age."

Zero sighs a bit and shakes his head, "He really is desperate for talent." He glances down at the prisoner, "Consider yourselves fortunate to have been found by us and not by a professional squad of troubleshooters. You might also consider this a good time to contemplate alternative employment. Professionals, unlike we mere dilettantes, wouldn't be letting anyone walk away from this alive."

Freyja murmurs serenely, "Now why only one of Sith lord Ghang's aides... and why that one?" She glances inquiringly at Fhazil, to see if he has any ideas. She smiles, but doesn't comment on Zero's choice of words. Instead she simply adds, "The comm-link might be an excellent clue to the former Senator's location?"

Fhazil looks at the picture and shakes his head, saying, "I don't know him." Nor, it seems, does Vakkal.

Freyja nods to the two Sith, "We'll just have to ask, then... unless Watcher Manishsha has a suggestion?"

Manishsha asks the leader, "Is there any regular communication you're supposed to be making, to show you're still on the job and things are all right?"

The leader shakes his head, "We were told that if we left position, our employer would 'just know.' I have no idea how they're doing that or if it's even true."

Zero studies the datapad a few moments more. "It might at that, but I will need to have a thorough look at it, perhaps with some specialized equipment that I generally don't bring with me into the middle of a field. I do, however, happen to have some in the hotel."

Freyja smiles quietly, but doesn't say anything. Instead she mentally asks Zero to share with her the image of the Sith aide Kalatis wanted dead.

Manishsha pulls out his commlink and calls for a lift, including how many people need picking up. All four prisoners look uncomfortable when they hear that they'll be taken away. Manishsha counters this with, "Tch, silly men. If you don't know how your employer is monitoring you, how will you know how his retribution will come? At the worst, you'll be safer in our hands. I promise nothing horrible will happen to you. Jedi don't do that."

Fhazil says, "Awww! We don't get to keep them?" and Vakkal grins toothily down at the leader, who says, "Um! We'll go with you, I think, sir."

Freyja grins, then murmurs severely to Fhazil, "Not after what happened last time!" She doesn't mention what that was, of course. Being bandaged up and cared for by her probably wouldn't scare the men that much, she'd guess.

Zero says, "I said was sorry."

Vakkal chuckles menacingly at the leader, and says, "Awww, you don't get to come play with us!" The leader blanches. Freyja tchs quietly, settling into an almost meditative cross-legged stance. Her mental giggle belies her serene outer demeanor.

Zero hmms. "Well, I seem to have found everything a cursory search is going to reveal. But we have time to deal with this more thoroughly now." He hands the datapad back to Freyja, and pads back to where his sword is still sticking in the ground. He makes an upward gesture with his first two fingers, "Rise." The sword does as asked, rotates once quickly to shake the dirt from it, and then slides into the scabbard which Zero has offered it.

Freyja murmurs quietly over the link, Interesting... Kalatis doesn't know about the triat, or he'd have included us on the hit list, don't you think?

Zero replies, Or else he has a different countermeasure in mind.

Freyja nods silently, Possible. Still, he's tried that once already. Sort of a testing of our abilities, you might say... and it didn't work then either. She sighs softly, still deeply disappointed in the Rodian former Senator, and rises gracefully. Softly she murmurs, "Won't the Vice Chancellor be interested in hearing what his 'good friend' is up to..."

It isn't long before a large aircar comes circling in, landing at the far edge of the clearing. It's one of the large people-movers from the conference center, piloted by a nervous-looking hotel staff member. Sarn disembarks and says, "Let's get them out of here." He and Manishsha move them aboard the van. First Sarn with his lightsaber in the back row of seats, then two of the prisoners, then Manishsha in a row, two more prisoners, and two rows in front of them for Freyja, Zero, Vakkal, and Fhazil.

Vakkal asks, "Freyja, do you want to go back with them, or hike back up and get the hovercycles? I'm sure the hotel can send someone to fetch them if we stick together."

Freyja smiles, her eyes mostly returned now to their usual calm ice blue, "Let's go get them, shall we? Won't take long, and it'd be considerate of the hotel staff, I'd think?"

Zero takes a breath, smoothes out his over-robe, then smiles, "Oh, did you have cycles? Why don't I go back and fetch them. It's been forever since I've ridden."

Freyja blinks at Zero, "You can drive two at once?"

Zero grins, "I like to ride them enough that I don't mind walking back for the second."

Vakkal says, "It will be quite a walk. Freyja and I can fetch them."

Freyja laughs, her eyes sparkling, and hugs Zero, "All right, sweetheart -- have fun, then!" She bounds lightly into the air car and turns to cheerfully wave at Zero, "Don't take too long, or we'll come looking for you! Oh!" She pauses, pulling out her tracer, and tosses it to Zero, "There you go! Enjoy!" Then she smiles, "C'mon, Vakkal. I think it's like you getting to run -- for him to get to play with hovercycles."

Zero smiles and catches it one-handed. "Want to come with, Vakkal?"

Vakkal considers, then says, "I think I'll stay with this lot, just in case." He looks in and grins toothily. The leader in particular winces. Vakkal tells Zero where the cycles are, then adds, "If you need, the hotel will send someone back with you to get the other."

Zero smiles, "All right then. I'll see you in a few minutes. Do try to go easy on them." He waves a bit and watches the speeder depart. "Well," he says to nobody in particular, "It's probably best if I didn't tell him about Marnaas and the swoop incident, anyway." He smiles, shrugs, and tosses his queue over one shoulder, heading off to fetch the bikes.

The hotel air car lifts off and flies on in to the hotel. Sarn and Manishsha take charge of the prisoners, saying, "We'll keep them here until more permanent space is available. They'll be comfortable, unless they're fool enough to try and escape." Manishsha adds quietly to the prisoners, "You wouldn't want us to let that big dog fellow over there loose to hunt you all down, would you?"

At the mild looks of horror, not at all hurt by Vakkal's manic grin and Fhazil's giggle, Manishsha says, "So, be good and stay where we put you, and he'll leave you all alone." They are taken away. Vakkal, Fhazil, and Freyja go up to the room, where they have time to shower and change clothes.

Freyja hmfs softly, muttering under her breath, "We don't call him a bunny!" but her tone is more good-natured than anything else.

Vakkal comments, "If it would mean nice, docile prisoners, I'm sure Watcher Manishsha would be happy to have us call him a bunny."

Freyja grins at Vakkal, hugging him one-armed as they walk along... then she giggles, "Watch out for the killer bunny? I don't know, Vakkal... it just doesn't sound that terrifying, you know?"

Vakkal smiles, "Well, true. Maybe bunnies are scary on his world, or something. Blood-sucking vampire bunnies." He giggles brightly at the idea of Manishsha as a blood-sucking vampire, though.

It's just over an hour later when Zero rejoins them. When he walks back into the lobby, Freyja's seated at a large wood-paneled thing with a faintly bemused expression, talking to the others, "Well, it looks and sounds like a very nice, well-kept pianoforte..." she ripples her fingers along the black and white keys, producing a pleasant musical chiming, then adds curiously, "-but... why did they stick it up on these tall legs, and add pedals down there?"

Fhazil says, "Maybe it sounds funny on the floor."

Zero enters the hotel looking windblown and rather pleased. "One day, I am going to go back to Marnaas and retrieve that swoop. One day before I die, mark my words."

Freyja hmfs at Fhazil, "They most certainly do- er..." she pauses, considering the large musical instrument, then tilts her head puzzledly, "Why would they make it badly, though?" She looks up and beams at Zero as he enters, "Heiyo, sweetheart! Did you have a nice time?"

Fhazil looks up and grins, saying, "Oooh!" Vakkal merely rolls his eyes, and looks put upon.

Freyja raises her hands, then brings them down strongly on the keys, playing a dramatic, forceful set of chords. She giggles, adding, "The hero returns triumphant!"

Vakkal laughs, "Just what we need! A soundtrack of our own."

Zero says, "I was thinking 'On the Commander's Orders.' It's very popular on Sedrak."

Freyja beams gleefully at her friends, brushing back her hair, "Well, why not, if we've got a lovely pianoforte here?" She tilts her head at Zero, then grins, "I'd play it if I knew it!"

Fhazil says, "Yes, but won't it be rather hard to carry about with us?" Vakkal adds, "And don't you think the hotel would mind?"

Freyja laughs! -then cheerfully trails her fingers along the keys again in a light-hearted, almost teasing ripple of music. After that she says, "So... now what? Did you meet Master Sarn or Watcher Manishsha on the way in, Zeriza? Any new news?"

Zero says, "I'm not sure you can play it on this instrument. Anyway... no, not any news from them, but I have had a few ideas on what I can do with the commlink, and perhaps the datapad, with the computing equipment on the Eclipse."

Freyja says, "Oh, that'd be wonderful! I'm certainly quite interested in what further information those might contain." She produces the datapad again, offering it to Zero, "Here you go. And... perhaps Sith lord Ghang might be interested also in what's happened today."

She looks towards the wide doorway into the rest of the hotel, adding curiously, "I wonder what he does all day long here...?" She considers thoughtfully for a bit, then pulls out her comm and grins mischievously at her friends, "Shall we ask him to meet us for a spot of tea or something?"

Vakkal says, "Lord Ghang?"

Freyja says, "Hai, of course! Aren't you curious about the aide too?"

Fhazil says, "That'd work for me. He'd be happy to come and see us. I bet it'll give security hives."

Freyja says, "And wouldn't it be polite to let him know what's occurred? -as long as the Jedi don't mind?" She hms, then nods, "I'll check first with Master Sarn, how's that." She calls the Jedi Master on her comm.

Zero smiles a bit. "Lovely idea... though I really would like a shower, and to sit down with my tools for a few minutes to consider the problem. Why not arrange a time in one of the hotel's common areas? Surely they must have a lounge or a restaurant or something. That way we can give security sufficient warning to keep them from dying of apoplexy, and I can consider the comlink for a bit."

Freyja nods to Zero, "Hai, and you could listen in while working, and we'd be sure you'd eaten." She grins cheerfully, "That'd be nice!" She asks Master Sarn via the comm link if it'd be all right for them to meet the Sith lord for tea in about an hour in one of the hotel's common areas, to let him know what had happened that morning.

The commlink finds Master Sarn, who replies, "I was just wondering how to share this information with him. If you think he will take it well this way, then I'm all for it. I'm sure any resources of the hotel we need are available." A few minutes later Sarn returns the call, saying the hotel is ready and he'll be there, and to let him know if the plans change.

Vakkal hears from Freyja a gently mischievous, Well... some of what happened this morning, at least! She giggles softly, then thanks the Master, confirms, and disconnects. After that she makes a comm call to the Sith lord's rooms. Vakkal's ears pinken again, and Fhazil leers cheerfully at him. Freyja laughs softly, reaching to gently draw Vakkal's head down to hers, where she kisses him lightly on the tip of his black nose.

The Lord's comm is answered by one of his aides, who finds the Lord. Lord Ghang is pleased to accept the invitation and will be there. Freyja thanks the Sith lord, then asks him if he'd like to bring a particular aide with him? She describes the one she means, and grins mischievously, "He and you both, Sith lord, might be interested in some of the news we have."

Over the comm Lord Ghang asks, "What news, and why?"

Freyja blinks, wondering suddenly if the aide is really an Oather... softly she murmurs her thoughts to the others, adding, If he is truly an Oather, we should be prepared. To the Sith lord she says politely, "I assure you, honored Sith lord, we will tell you everything at the meeting, and hopefully you will be pleased." She smiles, adding, "Is that acceptable?"

Lord Ghang replies, "That will be fine. I will join you."

Freyja says, "Thank you, honored lord." She closes down the connection after he does, then smiles at the others, "We're on! Go get comfortable and clean, Zeriza, and we'll all meet again for the tea, all right?" She puts the comm away, then flexes her fingers and grins gleefully at the keyboard before her, "And while you're gone... I'll see how rusty I've gotten, hey?"

Zero nods and grins. "Knock them dead, lover." He turns, robes floating behind him, and waves over his shoulder as he pads down the hall to the lift.

In the room, Zero enters the suite through the room keyed for him... he sets his blade down on the bed, then begins to lay out his small toolkits on the desk. Better to work in here, he thinks, than to clutter up the room they're sharing. He drums his fingers on the desk a moment, looking at the datapad and comlink... then shakes his head. "Time for that in a moment."

He disrobes, and on his way to the shower glances at his reflection in the mirror. He pauses, looking at the faded tracery of scars. "If I were a petty man, Kalatis, I would blame all these on you. Fortunately, I have the advantage of enlightenment. And you have the burden of an endless number of graver crimes. I'll find you this time." He puts the thought out of his head for now, untying his queue to shower, and have a go at the initial stages of slicing the comlink.

Zero sits down at the desk again, having showered, and cracks the cases on the two little devices with his security kit. He takes a breath, studying the circuit matrices and the comlink's transmitter in particular. This is going to require more specialized equipment than what he carries in his utility, he realizes after a few moments... he'll need the Eclipse's HoloNet terminal and a few hours with his microtronics tools. Still... it is a lead, and possibly a good one. He stands and begins dressing quickly, not to keep the others waiting.

Freyja spends a very pleasurable hour quietly playing with the big musical instrument. She's no performer, but she does very much enjoy the opportunity to create something lovely and peaceful which others can, if they wish, also enjoy.

The time flies before the meeting, and the hotel staff prepares a nice tea, with some little, mild sandwiches and several kinds of tea. Randal Sarn joins the group in the lobby fifteen minutes before the Lord is expected, and claps politely at Freyja's performance, saying, "Bravo! That was very nice indeed, Freyja. You have no end of surprises for us."

Freyja sits silently at the pianoforte, her hands resting on the keys as the last notes drift sweetly away. At the applause she blinks absently at the Jedi Master, her head still full of wonderful, much-loved music... then blushes a bit and smiles, giving a polite nod, "Thank you, Master Sarn. I confess... it was as much a meditation for myself as anything else."

She rises, brushing back her hair, and adds with a grin, "Still think it would've sounded better without the funny long legs!" then tucks one hand into Fhazil's arm and one into Vakkal's, "Shall we? I imagine Zero and Sith Lord Ghang will join us soon?"

Master Sarn nods, "Music is a wonderful balm," then adds, "Yes, let us be on time for the Lord." He grins and gestures for Freyja to lead, then follows her, Vakkal, and Fhazil to the hotel's restaurant. A table has been set up, and hotel staff stands ready to take orders.

Freyja is a bit startled at the Jedi Master gesturing for the Padawan to go first, but she politely nods and does so... then waits courteously for the Jedi Master and the soon-to-arrive Sith lord to seat themselves first. She smiles quietly at the chairs, wondering if Ghang, like her, occasionally wishes for the simpler, easier comfort of normal furniture -- or at least what she considers normal.

Zero arrives shortly, hair cascading over his shoulders, not having bothered to take the several minutes it would require to retie his queue. "I hope I've not kept anyone waiting," he says as he enters the lounge.

Freyja smiles with quiet happiness as Zero enters, holding out an arm to him, "Neh, sweetheart. The Sith lord's not yet arrived. Would you like me to braid your hair?"

Zero smiles, "Oh, would you mind?"

Freyja chuckles, accepting his hair tie from him and starting the braid with swift, skilled, slender golden fingers. When the attention of others has turned elsewhere, she leans to also gently kiss him on the neck, never letting the growing braid slip.

Lord Ghang is the last to arrive, showing up with Amn Noss and no one else from his guard or aides. The arrival of such a powerful person without his entourage is almost anticlimactic. It is certainly not threatening. The Lord smiles pleasantly and says, "Good afternoon, everyone."

Zero sighs happily while he passes the time with Freyja's attention, sitting up a bit and settling into more proper mien as the Lord approaches. Freyja looks up and smiles in welcome, then glances past the Sith to curiously notice the aide in question is not present. She waits politely while the Jedi Master and the Sith lord exchange pleasantries and seat themselves, then also sits.

The hotel's staff very quietly begins to serve a traditional Tanaabian afternoon tea, which makes it slightly different from anyone's exact expectations. It's close enough, and the hotel staff smooth enough, that the service isn't going to be a concern. As soon as they withdraw Lord Ghang says, "This is a pleasant but unusual meeting. Padawan Freyja said you'd had an eventful morning."

Freyja grins, her eyes sparkling a bit, and glances at the Jedi Master to see if he wants to relate it, or have her do so. Zero smiles a bit. "A day in the life of a Jedi, it would seem." He politely lets Sarn take the initiative if he wants it, though.

Master Sarn smiles, "It seemed a nice change from the conference room, when Padawan Freyja suggested tea. Considering I missed all but the end of today's excitement, I think it would be best if Padawan Freyja or Soulguard Vakkal relates it to us."

Vakkal looks more alert at hearing his name, and seems a bit concerned about speaking, although not as much as he could be; he knows the Lord, and Master Sarn has seemed very reasonable. He looks at Freyja, though, happy to let her describe the events of the morning.

Freyja has a sip of tea, then cheerfully tells the Sith lord how she and Vakkal were hiking early this morning, shortly after dawn... and the whole story comes out from that quiet beginning. Once she's done she has another sip, then adds, "We thought you might find this interesting, Sith lord Ghang. We also wondered if you had any idea why that particular aide was of such interest to Kalatis?" She nibbles a tiny sandwich as she interestedly watches Ghang.

Lord Ghang listens attentively, occasionally sipping his tea. When the Padawan finishes speaking he has one more little sip, then sets his cup down very carefully on its saucer, considering before he replies. He finally says, "No, I do not know. I would like to find out, however. I would ask you to keep his presence on that list quiet for a while until I have had a chance to look into it myself. I would hate for him to become forewarned, if he should not be." While he has said this very calmly, there is a subtle sense of irritation and unhappiness with this aide emanating from the Lord.

Freyja nods silently, although she's quietly interested in this... unexpected reaction. She adds, "Would you be interested in any further information we may discover?"

Lord Ghang says, "Yes, I would be. Since you say there may be more information forthcoming, may I assume that the individuals involved have been placed in custody of some sort?" Master Sarn says, "Yes, they are in our custody, and we will be questioning them in detail." Ghang nods at this, accepting the information wordlessly.

Freyja smiles, "Well, I meant more regarding the equipment?"

Zero thinks for a few moments, finally sharing, Perhaps not unexpected by his way of thinking, Freyja... after all, Khoud was on the list as well. Ghang may be worried that this aide was a loose end Kalatis intended to be tied, rather than a strategic target.

Fhazil adds, In addition, if this person had business with Kalatis, Lord Ghang will want all the details. Were it to get out that he were wanted by that worthy, he could hide or make himself otherwise unavailable. Lord Ghang does not want that.

Lord Ghang asks curiously, "Was there anything terribly exotic in the equipment? Camping gear, a generator, a man-lift... am I misunderstanding something?"

Freyja says, "There was a comm unit still linked to an unknown distant location." She nods mentally to Zero, Hai... but didn't you get the feeling too that Ghang was irritated with the aide... and not irritated with Kalatis for being after this aide? Thoughtfully she adds, I wonder if he is indeed an Oather... and how to tell...? She's silent for a moment -- and then the others get a faintly repulsed feeling as she realizes the most likely way a Sith lord is likely to gain knowledge from an underling.

Lord Ghang says, "Ah! Yes, that is interesting. If it will lead us to the hidden Senator, then we will be very pleased indeed!" After a pause he says, "I presume you will have your most capable staff attending to this?"

Freyja smiles quietly, but answers politely, "Of course, honored Lord."

Lord Ghang beams, "Excellent! I will very much look forward to any results from that. If we were able to take news to Ziost with us that we had Khoud and Kalatis both captured, or even have them aboard, I am confident that negotiations would be much easier for you."

Freyja raises a faintly amused eyebrow over her teacup, murmuring courteously, "We should expect them to be painful and unproductive otherwise?"

Zero smiles a bit. "Tch. Don't tease the Sith Lord, dear," he says teasingly, blowing the steam from his cup.

Lord Ghang replies easily, "I would not go that far, Padawan Freyja, but I can say having our immediate goals at hand would be a very positive development."

Freyja's gaze drops to her teacup, although there's a hint of gentle mischief in her emotions as she murmurs, "Your pardon, Zeriza, honored Sith lord." Her smile is emotionlessly serene on the outside, however.

The Lord smiles, "No such pardon is required for the asking of a simple and not irrelevant question."

Freyja nods politely, then adds quietly, "While it might be nice to have them both captured and aboard, I'd guess it's unlikely to occur when we have but fou- er, three days now, before the rest of your fleet arrives to escort us to Ziost."

Lord Ghang nods, "True, true, but I can continue to hope. Even the news of a possible way to find him is welcome."

Freyja glances sideways at the Jedi Master, wondering if he's gotten news about going to Ziost from the Order. She hopes Master Roakkana calls soon, also. Master Randal Sarn speaks up, saying quietly, "Are you certain you wish to leave so quickly? I have word from the Jedi Council that they would be delighted to send a more senior Master than myself to conduct this delicate business."

Freyja gives the Master a somewhat startled, then worried look. That doesn't sound good! Curiously she says, "More senior Master? Who, Master Sarn?"

Zero says, "Ah, yes, to relieve you of your work. And subsequently plunge all of us into war. I believe I shall have my hands full enough with the Vice-Chancellor as it is."

Freyja's eyes half-close warily as she considers... then nods wryly to Zero, "I'd have to agree. It'd have to be a damn good Master to be yet more willing to talk to Darksiders than Jedi Master Sarn." She murmurs dryly over her tea, "Or one about to Fall..."

Manishsha looks as if he's about to say something, but changes his mind and says instead, "A rather more direct version than I would have said, Padawan Zero, but it very much echoes my concerns with such a change."

Freyja grins quietly into her tea. Zero mms, "Well. I shall phrase myself more obliquely in the esteemed Vice Chancellor's presence. I have a certain ingrained cultural raw nerve for political functionaries who don't... function." Freyja giggles softly.

Master Sarn replies, "I have not been informed of who might replace me." His voice gets somewhat quiet as he adds, "Nor have I been given much of a choice in the matter."

The Sith Lord says, "Unless they can be here in the next four days, there will be no one but you to go." He sips his tea delicately and deliberately before he adds, "You may convey to the Jedi that the visiting Sith would be very disturbed and mistrustful of such a sudden change. And you may convey that as strongly and directly as you see fit."

Freyja grins at Ghang's words, then cheerfully adds to Master Sarn, "I think the Council's forgotten one important point. It's not their choice who goes in your place any more!"

Sarn says, "They seem unable to understand this. Since they have little choice in the matter at this time, I am not greatly concerned by their stubbornness and obliqueness."

Freyja shifts her teacup to one small golden hand, and uses the other to brush back an errant curl of fiery gold hair as she smiles at the Jedi Master, "Not your problem, then, is it now? -anymore than their irritation with the triat is ours, I guess."

She looks over at the Sith lord to ask, "So, we said we'd keep you up to date on developments regarding research into the comm which is still linked to, we think, Kalatis. May we ask you to keep us up to date on your developments also?" She waves her free hand to indicate everyone in the room, adding, "I don't know about everyone else, but I'm quite curious as to why Kalatis wanted one of your aides dead, after all!"

Zero says, "I can think of one or two reasons, but how he might have got the information to make such a decision is beyond me."

Lord Ghang replies, "I don't know yet what connection there may or may not be between Kalatis and that member of my staff. I intend to find out, and to take appropriate measures. I am concerned they were involved in things I would disapprove of, and I want to know the answers before they have a chance to hide or cover any tracks. It may be nothing, but I intend to find out. You can be assured I will let you know what I discovered, and if this person was acting against my orders or my word then he will be dealt with appropriately."

Manishsha replies, "We appreciate your keeping us informed of your findings, Lord Ghang."

Freyja beams at Ghang, "Thank you!" She glances at Zero thoughtfully, "We should check the datapad for what the snipers sent out about us all. There can't be very much, considering it's been only about 3 or 4 days... but it'll give us an interesting window on their perspective, I think."

Zero nods. "I will let you know as soon as I make any headway."

Lord Ghang says, "Since we are speaking of the actions of Kalatis and Khoud, and since it has been pointed out to me that it will be easier for you all to disseminate this through your channels before we leave, perhaps now would be a good time to share with you the information I have been able to collect about the actions of these two dangerous people."

Freyja pauses for a while, studying her tea as she gently swirls it around the delicate little cup... then she looks up startledly as Ghang speaks. Her expression rapidly changes to one of relief, and she smiles, glancing at the Kushiban and whispering, "Better vid this!"

Sarn and Manishsha look very interested, and Sarn says, "You are right to say it would be easier for us to work with this information before we leave." Manishsha adds, listening to Freyja, "Would you allow us to record your statements, so we can make them available to others?"

Freyja settles back in her chair, pulling her legs up into a comfortable cross-legged seat to listen intently. She's sure there will be things they don't yet know about Kalatis, along with what they already know.

Ghang says, "I have already recorded them for you. Allow me to have them brought down." He signals to Amn Noss, who works her comm to the Sith on the floors above.

Master Sarn says, "That is very thoughtful of you, Lord Ghang." Freyja sighs in quiet relief. She knows the two other Jedi will most likely be shocked and horrified... but better to have this out in the open once and for all.

It only takes a moment for one of Ghang's staff to arrive with a datachip and a projection unit. Ghang says, "This should be all the information you need. This copy is for you to do with as you see fit." He places the chip in the unit, and plays it back for them.

Freyja sips her tea and nibbles the occasional little sandwich as she half-listens to the holovid of the Sith lord, and half-watches the other two Jedi. She tilts her head thoughtfully, wondering how they will react once the vid is concluded. Lord Ghang also spends the time watching the Jedi in the room, carefully gauging their reactions.

The vid is of Lord Ghang, who introduces himself calmly and explains in brief what this vid is -- evidence of the wrongdoing and dangerousness of Balin Khoud and former Senator Kalatis. The vid then spends about thirty minutes going over the known crimes and infractions of those two worthies, with what evidence the Sith have been able to gather, including reconnaissance and satellite photos and some detailed forensic data.

The two Jedi who are least prepared -- Manishsha and Sarn -- both watch the video very closely. They are very impressed and quietly horrified by some of the things on the screen, although both seem to believe all the things as very possible, particularly when well documented. Freyja is relieved to see they don't seem inclined to argue about it. There will be far, far too many others who will, after all.

There are a number of unpleasant but not surprising issues on the recording. Kalatis had bugs on Zero and his other "troubleshooters," as well in various places in the Jedi Temple and the Senate on Coruscant. There were also a few hints of large financial transactions between Kalatis, Khoud, certain already besmirched Balmorran companies, and various subgroups of the Sith. Most damning was a set of plans, apparently discussed with Khoud and approved by him, on the most effective conquering of Balmorra itself.

Freyja is initially shocked, hissing softly, "Logi-spawn!" Then she falls quietly, icily silent at the information concerning Balmorra, listening as intensely as she can -- this information is going to her homeworld as soon as she can make contact. Zero arches a brow. Conquering? So now crime lord isn't enough -- now he fancies himself a warlord? What gall.

The recorded Lord Ghang finishes by saying, "Naturally, we are most concerned about these two individuals. It is clear, however, they were not working alone and had some support from different places in the Republic's infrastructure. It is our hope you will take this most seriously and address these weaknesses before they threaten you -- or us -- again."

Freyja considers silently, then looks at Ghang also. Now more than ever she's quite curious about the exact words of the Sith farseeing. These were plans to conquer what was quite possibly the most difficult planet in the Republic -- and the Sith just handed the plans over to the Republic and the Jedi?! They must be astonishingly fearful of what Kalatis and Khoud represent!

Currently, Manishsha defines "angry bunny." If it wasn't previously clear this was something to be concerned about, any doubts are completely removed from anyone watching. He mutters darkly in his own language before saying vehemently, "Lord Ghang, you are absolutely correct that this is intolerable. If we were not leaving with you for Ziost at once, I would take this information and demand these issues be addressed. As it is, sending a copy and urging action will have to do."

Freyja smiles quietly in relief... although she hopes the fluffiness dies down relatively quickly! Jedi Master Randal Sarn, on the other hand, looks tired. He says, "This is indeed dire news, and we must do everything we can to make sure that it is taken with the seriousness it deserves." Freyja eyes the Jedi Master thoughtfully, wondering if he's yet gotten enough sleep.

Lord Ghang replies mildly, "Considering the events of the last few days I'm surprised this is so shocking to you." He looks at the Human Master and asks, "Do you not think this information will make a difference?"

Freyja raises a curious eyebrow at the Sith lord, "If you found one of your trusted lieutenants was working with the Jedi on invasion plans for Khar Velos... you wouldn't be a bit shocked, Sith lord Ghang?"

Fhazil sends wordlessly, Do you think Balmorra will listen? Ghang has effectively prevented Khoud's plans from working by revealing them. Do you think it will help?

Freyja murmurs to Fhazil, Balmorra will listen. Father will insist on it. Her voice gets dryly amused, They'll listen because if necessary, Father will personally ram the chip and the play-back device down the throat of each Haus head, one at a time -- especially after the information about the Mjolnir! She adds with fierce pride, They'll listen -- because they are Balmorran -- their pride demands still they shall stand!

Sarn says, "Shocked is not my concern. As Lord Ghang points out, after the events of the last few days it should not be as surprising as it is. I am more worried about how to get this message to people who can and will listen, in a way that they will not consider it suspect, tampered, or otherwise untrue. Considering those same events we've been through, I'm not sure any of the Jedi present will be taken as seriously as they should be." He adds, "I hope very sincerely, Lord Ghang, that my ability to convey this information gets it the seriousness of attention it deserves. I can only do my best."

Vakkal comments wryly over the mind-link, So your father's good for something after all?

Freyja grins quietly into her tea, Oh, hai... if it requires stiff-necked, tenacious, rigid, aristoi pride that won't ever let go -- Father's your man!

Zero and Fhazil's thoughts echo together: Ouch.

Freyja giggles softly, then adds cheerfully, So, you see? I come by it honestly!

Lord Ghang continues watching Sarn carefully. Manishsha says, still inflamed, "How can they ignore this?" Sarn replies, "It would be easy. All they have to do is convince themselves our Sith guests have subverted us to their own needs, and the information would be ignored. It might even strengthen Kalatis and Khoud's positions."

Freyja says quietly, "Your pardon, Jedi Master Sarn... but I do not know if they will be able to ignore it quite so effectively when the Baron Rigg starts demanding explanations for Jedi secrecy... and the Mjolnir. I would be quite pleased to coordinate with you how this information should go out, if you feel it would help."

Sarn says, "I have to wonder if the information shouldn't be given to the Republic itself, rather than to the Jedi directly. Either way, because of how it was delivered some Jedi will refuse to believe it." He sighs and adds, "I wonder how much of Khoud's attack against us was deliberate and how much was simple madness."

Freyja nods, "Quite so, Jedi Master. The Jedi are the servants of the people, after all... therefore it would make perfect sense to me to have the people demand an accounting. Not us, not the Sith... the people." She adds with a wry smile, "It's been my admittedly limited experience in my short life that the Republic takes quite a bit of goading to get rolling. However, once it finally does get rolling..." she glances thoughtfully at the Sith lord, then back at the Jedi Master, and dryly concludes, "things get... crushed."

Zero says, "Such is politics... and the mentality of large groups."

Manishsha says, "Come now, Randal. What is this concern you're having here? You really think this can be discredited?"

Freyja grins, cheerfully adding, "It just so happens some, ah... entity has been sending information on Kalatis' malfeasance to the Rigg barons for um... let's see, about two years now? This is not the only information available, honorable Jedi Master."

Sarn says to the small Watcher, "At this point, Manishsha, it wouldn't surprise me." He looks at Freyja and says, "True. Is this what we want to do, even if it is the Jedi Order they will be intent on crushing?" He sighs and looks at his tea, then shakes his head.

A moment later he looks up at the carefully watching Sith Lord, and says, "Forgive me, Lord Ghang. Hopefully Manishsha and Padawan Freyja have this correct -- and mine are merely the concerns of someone who has been punished for doing their best work at what they have trained for many years to do. I am not certain my judgment of some of the persons in charge of the Jedi Council is sound at this time."

Freyja says firmly to Sarn, "I am, Master Sarn. May I suggest you ask Jedi Master Mynas Molburth why he didn't join the Council when invited?" She adds just as firmly, "It appears to me you've not yet been punished, Master Sarn... neh more than we have. If we must ride the crest of the stampede in order to survive... then so we must, and ride well, until the fury subsides." She gives a polite half-bow to the unhappy Jedi Master, adding politely, "Aside from my own Master Roakkana, I could not ask to ride in better company, honorable Master."

Zero folds his arms, watching silently. Manishsha looks concerned at Sarn's outbreak, saying, "We'll talk about this later," to the Human.

Lord Ghang says, "So, Master Sarn, do I gather you have lost your faith in the Jedi Order?" This is said lightly, but it's clear Ghang is watching closely.

At this question Sarn sits up straight and says clearly and with some energy to Lord Ghang, "No! I believe strongly in the Jedi Order! I have some concerns over the motivations of some of those who are responsible for making decisions for the Order -- but the Order itself I believe in."

Freyja also gives Ghang a shocked, somewhat indignant look at his comment about losing faith in the Order -- but at Sarn's response she remains politely silent.

Lord Ghang says smoothly, "Of course, Master Sarn; forgive me for misunderstanding. I understand your position and your concern. It is, in my opinion, a healthy concern of almost any group of leaders -- that people are watching and thinking about their actions will keep them from going too far down what their own definitions would describe as 'the wrong path.'" He smiles, adding, "It is interesting to see the similarities between Jedi and Sith."

Freyja studies the Sith lord silently for several seconds... then, oddly, she grins cheerfully, her eyes sparkling with amusement! Zero hms softly. Fhazil has been quiet through most of this, not interrupting those who are much more affected by this surprising news, but Lord Ghang's latest comment makes him look surprised, then look consideringly at Sarn and Manishsha.

Master Sarn finally smiles, replying to Freyja's earlier comments to him, "Thank you, Padawan Freyja." He looks back at the Sith Lord and says, "I will do my best for as long as is required. My goals are to bring an end to this war without sacrificing that which the Jedi and the Republic hold dear. Even though we have this new information, and I personally have my own concerns, I do not see that being an unreachable goal."

Freyja curiously asks, "Sith Lord Ghang, do you have someone -- an aide, perhaps? -- who would be willing to talk to Master Sarn and the rest of us about what proper behavior on Ziost is?" She adds a little wistfully, "And... do you suppose there is any chance of my getting to see or hear the original Sith farseeings?" She wonders with wry amusement if the Sith lords really have anyone except the other Sith lords whose opinions mean a damn thing to them.

Lord Ghang answers Freyja, "I am certain simply being polite will be enough for you. Anything you do which is unusual will be attributed to you being foreigners, and left at that. Since you are concerned about it, I will try and find someone who can assist with that role. As to the farseeings, we can ask more while we are there. There has been some difficulty in getting that information, which I had planned to follow up while I was there in person."

Freyja thanks the Sith lord politely, obviously pleased. She sips her tea for a moment, then reflectively murmurs, "You know what I wonder? I wonder... Kalatis is such a careful, cover-his-bets kind of man... did we catch but one of many sniper cells, or was there only one?"

Zero sighs bemusedly. "This is why I can't sit with my back to a door any more... or a window." Vakkal's ears go back, and he looks very unhappy at that idea. He looks around the restaurant nervously, eyeing all the windows. Freyja grins at Vakkal despite herself. She is not so blindly cheerful, however, that she doesn't gently extend her awareness within the Force for any of those split-second warnings of impending incoming attack.

Lord Ghang says, "A worrisome possibility. What could we do about it, though?"

Freyja thinks a moment... then, surprisingly, giggles, "Oh, that's easy!"

Lord Ghang says, "Oh?" Fhazil looks worried, as if he knows that tone, and Manishsha says incredulously, "Easy?"

Freyja can't help giggling at Fhazil too -- then grins cheerfully at the others, "If between one- and five-hundred happy Khar Velosi on shore leave in the forest can't find them... then neh one can!"

Sarn opens and closes his mouth, rather like a fish. He probably wants to say, "But you can't do that!" but doesn't want to in front of the Sith Lord. Manishsha just stares. Fhazil laughs and says, "And they'd be in for a rude surprise if they were there!"

Freyja grins at the two Jedi, "Only with careful permissions, of course, surely? I mean, they shouldn't hunt -- they'd decimate the forest, and that'd be careless and thoughtless. They shouldn't leave the forest, or approach any who don't appear in the same sort of set up as the snipers we found... but aside from that, surely allowing them a chance to stretch their legs would be lovely for them?"

Lord Ghang grins a slow grin and asks, "Vakkal, do you think your brethren would enjoy some time exploring this area's forest? Not exactly the comforts of home, but some space off the ship, yes?"

Vakkal replies by saying, "They are lovely forests, my lord. I'm sure they'd appreciate the chance."

Freyja looks very pleased. The thought of being trapped on a ship -- even one as large as the Malice -- for far, far too long, when one has a real 'feel' for the outdoors, and has only a few greenery-filled rooms to express that... well, she certainly feels for the Khar Velosi stuck that way!

Freyja hopefully asks, "So... do you think they'd be willing to make those agreements, Sith lord Ghang? They'd be, in effect, guests of the Tanaabians, and should act accordingly, of course... but as long as they're willing to keep the spirit of the promises instead of just the words... perhaps they could help us all out that way?" She adds with mock-injured dignity to Fhazil, "See, all my ideas don't always involve crazier things than you'd do!"

Fhazil shares with the mind-link, Couldn't prove it by me yet. Five hundred happy Khar Velosi? Yipe. Vakkal gives the mental equivalent of a raspberry to his brother.

Lord Ghang looks at Manishsha and Sarn, "I am certain my people would appreciate such a chance, and they would find any hidden items in the forest quite well." Manishsha is busy giving Freyja a dark look which can almost be translated as, "You planned this, didn't you?" Sarn says, "Let me speak to the locals and find out how they feel about this, Lord Ghang. Personally I don't have any issue with it as long as they'll agree to stay within a certain range of the conference center, and perhaps to carry a tracker."

Freyja laughs aloud at Manishsha's look, then grins and shakes her head, "Truly, the thought only occurred to me as we were coming back in from the forest, honored Watcher." She grins mischievously at Fhazil, What, you have something against happy Khar Velosi? You'd prefer them cranky and shedding instead?

Zero chuckles softly. "Three days until the ship arrives? I'm sure that's plenty of time to cause a diplomatic incident somewhere."

Lord Ghang laughs, then says, "I'm sure it is!" To Sarn he says, "Please let me know as soon as possible if we can grant a few of the Khar Velosi aboard Malice some shore leave."

Freyja is the one to give a raspberry this time! -to Zero, and then she adds cheerfully to Ghang, "I'd be happy to help, or talk to them, or whatever would be most useful, honored Sith lord!"

Fhazil answers Freyja, In large groups, I prefer Khar Velosi nice and calm and serene, actually. Freyja giggles mentally at Fhazil! She looks very pleased. The Sith will be happy, the Khar Velosi will be happy -- the Tanaabians won't be happy, but they won't be hurt -- and any further snipers will be very unhappy! This works well, as far as she can see.

Master Sarn says, "I will let you know before the day is out, Lord Ghang. I know just the people to speak to."

Freyja cheerfully licks the last bits of delicious warm cheesy bits off her fingers from the last sandwich she'd been nibbling... then looks up interestedly at the Sith lord. "Sith lord Ghang, may I ask some, um... somewhat pointed cultural questions about Sith lords and the Empire? If you'd rather I not, I'm quite happy to hush as well, of course?" Zero pours more tea, and without needing to ask, tops Fhazil's cup off as well.

Lord Ghang sips at his tea, then says, "Ask, Padawan Freyja. We shall see what I can answer." The tea, and the idea of Khar Velosi searching the forest, seem to be making him relaxed and mellow.

Freyja takes a moment to sort her thoughts, then musingly says, "Well... I've heard certain things about the Sith lords and marriage which made utterly neh sense to me. I was wondering if you could clarify, and let me know if my speculations were wildly off base or neh."

She grins, her eyes alight with the enjoyment of learning new things, and says, "We've heard the Sith females are courted by the Sith lord males, and the males are um... emancipated from their families, while the females usually stay with their families. We've also heard the Sith species pair-bond for life, in a marriage that saddles them with not just financial responsibility for each other, but also emotional, spiritual, Force, sexual, offspring-creation and raising and maintenance... and every other responsibility you can think of... because their idea of marriage is only one person is allowed to one person!"

Freyja's opinion of that rather demanding, horrific state is obvious in her somewhat shocked tone, but she tries hard to be polite sounding as she continues, "So... it's my guess if this is the case, it's actually rather dangerous for a Sith lord to marry, hai? 'cause he only gets one shot at happiness with a lady, and if he ticks her off enough... he may just end up dead!" She looks inquiringly at the Sith lord, "Is this the case? Is this why you're not married? Are children an issue for you, considering you don't get to keep them or bequeath to them?"

Freyja curiously adds, "I'm guessing you don't have children, from the complete lack of reaction to the modified vids you mentioned, but how do you tell if you're compatible genetically with some lady you're interested in? We've also heard the Sith aren't wildly fertile, after all?"

Lord Ghang, sipping from his teacup, puts it down and says, "My, you don't ask light questions once you get thinking about something. Let me see..." Freyja considers that statement -- then beams, looking pleased. To her, that's a compliment!

Ghang says, "To address your questions in reverse order: no, I do not have children nor am I married. I have not found the right Sith lady to begin having a family of my own with. I am but young, and am still building a portfolio truly able to host and protect a family properly."

Freyja nods, unsurprised. Ghang Si'yul seemed the careful planning sort to her, for all he seems to have a Sith Moot reputation as a hot head. She calculates mentally, then looks puzzled. Young? According to her medkit information, he's at least middle aged!

The Lord continues, "As to fertility... no one appears to be as fertile as you humans!" He grins, adding, "A careful Sith will make sure he or she will be genetically compatible with a partner before things get too serious with them. Relationships are arranged on a careful balance of family alliance, genetic compatibility, and personal interaction. They can take a very long time to grow and mature."

Freyja grins at the comment about fertility, then nods thoughtfully at the rest. She knows she, at least, wouldn't be at all interested in linking up for any length of time with someone who might, in a fit of pique, simply toast her!

Lord Ghang sips from his tea again, and looks at Freyja. He gestures idly with a hand to her paramours and says, "I can see how you might be disturbed by the idea of being with 'only one person' for everything." He smiles, "It is not quite that simple with the Sith."

The Lord tries to explain, "While we do marry one person, and generally stay with them for life, they are not the only person in our lives. We find assistance with our responsibilities from aides and underlings, and we work to do our business without letting that interfere with our relationship with our families. In addition... the rules of sexuality are perhaps more flexible than they might appear at a glance."

Freyja looks perplexedly interested.

Lord Ghang comments, "Our families are long-standing and powerful entities. You can do the things you want, as long as you meet the requirements for prestige and income that are expected by your family. You don't want to anger them, or another one, or the results will be devastating. This does not mean you fear them unreasoningly; they are predictable and dependable, and will help you. Occasionally that is shown as motivation through fear, but they do intend it as help."

Freyja nods, "Hai, this I can understand -- in some ways it's a bit like the Balmorran Hausa, I'd guess. But... how does this apply to sexuality?" She considers a moment, then adds confusedly, "...unless you mean you can marry someone you know you can't breed with, and you'll adopt the offspring of a coupling which one of you has later...?" She adds bemusedly, "I'd gotten the impression that wasn't acceptable, though?"

Lord Ghang says, "Most of the time you'd adopt a child from another branch to cover your own infertility, but it's not something talked about. As to the rules of sexuality being flexible... let me just say that what you don't know won't hurt you, and you're safest not to look too hard. And that is a very well-known and rarely stated belief."

Freyja blinks, looking a little startled, then gets a very, very considering look. Lord Ghang smiles, "In addition, few complain about simply recreational sex, where no pairing can occur. Since Sith are reasonably compatible, this means some of the odder species, or same-sex pairings. Many Lords' aides are closer than merely underlings."

Freyja looks a little puzzled, "'Simply recreational sex'? Are you saying having sex with partners outside of marriage is acceptable? I thought that was incredibly taboo, considering annoying your spouse could get you in a world of hurt?" She looks suddenly worried, and hopes the aide Kalatis wanted dead isn't one of those 'closer' kinds of underlings... because if the aide has betrayed the Sith lord, that might well be incredibly hurtful.

Lord Ghang says, "Sex isn't a problem. Pregnancy is a problem. If there's no way there will be a child, then the issue doesn't arise. It would be foolish of me to have sex with, say, you, but there would be little risk of an accidental child with, say, Vakkal." Vakkal blinks twice and then decides not to think about this too much.

Freyja blinks with astonishment also, "Er... what?!" She stares at the Sith lord and says, "How in Middlegarten could we have offspring?! We're diff-" She falls silent then, studying the man in utter fascination. Finally she says slowly, "The Sith can breed outside their species?!"

Lord Ghang says, "For some humanoid species, yes, the Sith can cross-breed. We're very flexible that way."

Freyja just... stares speechlessly. It's both fascinating, and utterly unexpected! Finally she says, "That's... wow! I mean, that's just..." She falls silent again, then looks at Fhazil, "Ahhh... I understand now! That's what you were referring to -- hai? Here I thought you meant Sith that weren't Force awakened... but you meant non-Sith too!"

Fhazil blinks, then says, "Oh. Yes, that's what I meant. I'm sorry, I thought you'd understood that." Lord Ghang smiles enigmatically.

Freyja has a wonderfully, fascinatedly bemused look for several seconds. Finally she shakes her head sharply once, and grins, "Wow! I'll have to look more into that later. For now, though, I think it would be polite to stick to the questions I've asked."

Randal Sarn is listening very carefully, obviously learning many things no one has ever hinted at before, and making connections in the back of his head as fast as he can. If you could read his mind it would probably be thinking, I wish I had some paper to take notes on! Manishsha is also curious, but not as burningly so.

Freyja thinks for a bit, then grins ruefully at the Sith lord, "I must admit, I'm relieved to hear there are releases outside of marriage for the Sith aristoi. Otherwise I'd worry about constant in-fighting and sudden deaths being so common as to not even merit discussion, you know?"

Lord Ghang smiles, "It would be very damaging, yes. We do find ways to relieve that pressure. Many do so with their wives as much as possible, though. It makes things less complicated."

Freyja nods thoughtfully... then grins and cheerfully adds, "And I'd think new and ancient blight spots all over one's manse would get annoying after a while!" She covers a small giggle at that particular mental image, then cheerfully adds, "Thank you so much, Sith lord Ghang, for indulging my curiosity! Is there anything you'd like to ask of me in return?"

Lord Ghang says, "Nothing leaps to mind at the moment. If I think of things, may I inquire later?"

Freyja smiles, "Please do."

Lord Ghang smiles contentedly, "I'm happy to have been able to sate some of your apparently boundless curiosity. You would make an excellent student, and I'm sure your Master is proud."

Freyja laughs softly, then does a small, seated half-bow, still smiling, "You are too kind, honored Sith lord, and I thank you for Master Roakkana as well. If it counts, his reply to the same comment, put to him by Sith lord Shen Ravos, was in the affirmative."

Sarn is still thinking furiously, but Manishsha says, "Thank you for being so open with us, Lord Ghang. I'm sure we all appreciate it, even the incurably curious among us." Ghang smiles at that and says, "I know the feeling."

Freyja giggles softly, then looks thoughtfully at the Sith lord. Inquiringly she says, "So, does your, um... 'beard' help you tell if ladies are genetically compatible with you? And... how do you know if the lady is suitable in other ways, too?"

Ghang says, "'Genetically compatible'? No, it isn't that perceptive. That requires a blood test. In ages past it was pure experimentation, with marriage being announced as soon as offspring were certain."

Freyja blinks, feeling vaguely sorry for those poor folks of another time, who had neh way of being sure this was a good match or neh.

Lord Ghang says, "As to suitable in general... it's a complex question. Research into their families, discussion of less-sensitive issues with them, how they act, how well they dance, how well they shoot, what their favorite flavor of ice cream is, many things contribute to answering that question. The 'beard' helps as much as my eyes or my hearing, but it's mostly my brain, and how we feel together on as many issues as possible."

Freyja nods thoughtfully, considering for several moments. Finally she says slowly, "It all sounds very... well, very time-consuming and... and chancy. So many things you have to match on for the rest of your lives, or... or disaster."

She falls silent again, still thinking... then slowly adds, "It sounds like what you need is some sort of, um... something to let you know this might be an appropriate one to be with -- someone who could be compatible with you. Not something that forces you together, but something that sort of... well, hints at you. Gives you good chemistry, urges you to take another look at each other." She turns her ice-blue gaze back to the tall, dark Sith lord and adds, "Does that make sense?"

Lord Ghang smiles, "Such a thing would be a lovely boon indeed, if I understand. A way to help realize a particular someone might be a good partner, and for them to realize the same thing about you, you mean?"

Freyja grins, "Hai! A blessing through the Force -- for the chancy Sith! Why haven't you tried something like that?"

Lord Ghang looks curious, and says, "A what? How could we try something we've never heard of? I don't think any Sith knows how to do something like that... it would be very risky."

Freyja blinks, "It would? Why?" Then she gets a fascinatedly thoughtful look and falls silent, thinking furiously.

Lord Ghang says, "Trying any new use of the Force is very dangerous. If you lose control, you can blight yourself, your workspace, or worse. Even learning new things for the first time is risky."

Freyja looks utterly astonished for a few seconds -- then laughs, "Oh! It's a Sith thing, I get it! That doesn't happen to Jedi usually, as long as we let the Force lead us to results." She considers the Sith lord for a moment, smiling... then, her eyes bright with interest, she says, "Want to try?"

Lord Ghang looks at Freyja and says slowly, "You would try... something new... for me? You would... help a Sith Lord like this?"

Freyja gives him a half-bemused, half-amused look, "Your pardon, Sith lord, but haven't I already?"

Lord Ghang says, "Yes. Which is why I'd ask if you do it again. It was not entirely without risk last time."

Sarn and Manishsha look confused. The bunny says, "Pardon me? What do you refer to?"

Zero murmurs conversationally, "She repaired the Honored Lord of a lingering war wound."

Manishsha looks impressed, saying, "That is a worthy thing to do. Why would that be a risk?"

Freyja says, "Mm, good point." She considers for a moment... then looks up and smiles, "Well, I don't see why you'd have to be non-conscious this time. It's up to you, honored Sith lord." She grins mischievously, adding, "To be quite, quite too blunt, I know very few who are happily sexually satisfied at home... who want to go out and kill other people and take their stuff."

Ghang smiles, "So you'd rather see me happily satisfied, than with the urge to kill and pillage, yes?" He seems amused by this.

Freyja giggles but doesn't answer. Sarn murmurs, "What an unusual way to go about improving relations with our enemies."

Freyja laughs aloud at that! -then grins at the Jedi Master, "Well, wouldn't it be nice if the Dark Lord himself felt that way too?"

Lord Ghang laughs at this too, then says, "Yes, it is. And yes, I think that would be wonderful, Padawan Freyja. If you can make this possible thing happen, then you may be very welcome indeed among the Sith. At least among the unmarried ones."

Freyja grins delightedly, her eyes sparkling, and bounces to her feet, "All right! Let's try then!" She moves to stand next to the seated Sith lord, putting her at about eye level with him, and considers, mumbling to herself, "Let's see... I'm the Light Mantle, and that's the emblem of Creativity, Fecundity, Life, and Light... all right, let's embody Light then..."

Sarn says, "You're going to do this here?" He looks around the restaurant, closed to all but the Jedi and their party, and Manishsha says, "Why not?"

Lord Ghang asks, "Is there anything I should do?" as he leans back in his chair, watching Freyja carefully.

Freyja falls silent then, closing her eyes and spreading out her arms. She starts swaying gently in smooth, graceful moves that ripple slowly down her lithe body in rhythm with her gentle humming. Everyone in the room can 'feel' the Force swirling around and through Freyja -- she can feel it herself as it grows, as if it ripples her cloak's edge. The glow manifests around her, to the Force aware, like a halo of Light, with flashes of restless silver lightning chasing through her rolling, fiery-gold stormcloud of hair.

Lord Ghang tries not to wince at the Light force around him. He smiles a half smile, thinking about what some of the other Lords would say. Fhazil admires openly; he can do that. Vakkal pokes him. Zero watches quietly, just smiling faintly.

Freyja 'reaches' gently out through the Force to her triat members, just enough to keep her balanced and not overwhelmed with Light. Her head falls back as her hands sway up and then over her head, her palms at last ending up about a foot apart. Her gentle humming changes to a soft, wordless song any hetaerae would immediately recognize as a song of Life, of Fertility... and around each hand a swirling sphere of Force Light starts to grow, dancing with her and flowing slightly down her arms as well.

Freyja opens her eyes, looking at Ghang -- and he can see they're aglow with silver blue light, enough that it's hard to tell the pupils and iris apart. Freyja's almost afloat in Light right now, and it's her triat who are anchoring her in the here and now. She smiles at the Sith lord, reaching her glowing hands out and (if he lets her) taking his in each of hers. Lord Ghang lets the Jedi take his hands, and watches her carefully.

Freyja steps forward, putting one of her hands, covered by his, over his heart. The other hand rests about his metaphysical Third Eye... and the Light continues to dance and swirl around her. Softly, thoughtfully she murmurs, "The Light is I, and I am the Light. I am the servant of Life and Light, of Creativity and Fertility... let this Light engender Life."

"Let there be knowledge, let there be a gentle urging, a beneficial chemistry, between you and the right Lady for a long, happy, and productive life together. When you meet the right Lady, you both will feel this -- let there be a generosity of spirit between you both... may the Force be with you both!" She falls silent then except for the wordless humming again, and simply lets the Light of the Force swirl around and through her, to give it time to create what it needs for this to occur, if it so wishes.

The Sith Lord sits and listens, letting the Light play around him. He keeps his Sithstain under control, soothing its concerns with thoughts of beautiful Sith Ladies, and of the cool and peace this gentle use of the Light lets sink into him. He doesn't move until Freyja moves away, lest he break something.

Freyja finally brings both her hands together, to settle the Sith lord's hands together in his lap. Then, still humming, she steps away... and a few moments later the Light gently fades back to the normal soft glow she has about her. She takes a deep breath, then smiles, "Whew. There. We'll see if it worked in due time, I suppose." She tilts her head at the Sith lord, "How do you feel?"

Lord Ghang pauses and thinks for a moment. He finally says, "I feel good. We'll see what happens, won't we?" Then he smiles and says, "Thank you, Padawan Freyja, for being willing to help an enemy find happiness.'

Freyja sits back down in her chair and pours herself another cup of tea. That was a bit more tiring than she'd realized it might be. Well worth the effort if it works, though! she thinks amusedly to herself. She smiles, "Ah, hai... although I'm sure you've realized it's more an effort to change an enemy into a friend." She grins a bit mischievously, "Much like a Sith lord being interested in finding new students, hai?"

Lord Ghang says, "Much more effort than the usually prescribed method of turning enemies into corpses." He chuckles, adding, "And what is wrong with a Lord who wants to have the best and the brightest students to teach?"

Freyja chuckles, her eyes still bright, and gives another polite, seated half-bow. Manishsha looks quietly horrified at this revelation, and Sarn looks at Freyja in wonder. Freyja gives the other two Jedi slightly confused looks once she realizes their reactions. Did she say something wrong?

Zero says, "Corpses are generally less interesting to talk to." Freyja giggles at Zero's comment in spite of herself!

Lord Ghang laughs, then says, "True! But they rarely complain about property rights."

Zero says, "I must concede the point to the Honored Lord."

Freyja leans to murmur very softly to the Kushiban, "Did I say something rude according to your culture? If so, I do apologize, honored Watcher."

Manishsha replies equally quietly, "I thought for a moment you were suggesting Lord Ghang had tried to lure you away from the Jedi."

Freyja looks curious, "Hai, he did mention once he thought it a shame he'd not been ruler of Balmorra a decade ago, around when I first showed Force awareness. I thought it quite the compliment, although I was quite happy with Master Roakkana, and so informed him. Should I not have said that?"

Manishsha shakes his head in the negative, saying, "No, no, it was just the right thing to say. I'm mostly surprised he would make the offer if he were not sure of acceptance... and the strength you showed by refusing. You are a credit to the Order."

Freyja looks puzzled again, "He was probably just being kind, honored Watcher. Fhazil and Vakkal were both his apprentices previously, after all. And... how did I show strength? I told the truth -- Master Roakkana is very dear to me, and a constant inspiration." She smiles, adding sincerely, "It's easy to follow someone like him."

Manishsha says to Freyja, "Trust me, you are a credit to your Master and to the Order. I'm sure Master Roakkana is very wise and very much worth studying with, but there are many who would have been tempted by the offer a Sith Lord made."

Freyja looks fascinated, "Really? Why?"

Manishsha murmurs, "Because of the power and the lure of the forbidden and exciting, rather than long, dry self-control and study. You are a more special person than you know."

Freyja grins, "But it's not dry, Watcher Manishsha! It's fascinating and rewarding and exciting -- and when you finally get it, it's wonderful!" Without meaning to, her voice rises slightly -- this is a subject she's passionate about!

Manishsha grins and murmurs, "We'll talk about it later, Padawan. I can tell it is."

Freyja beams, "All right! You should meet Master Roakkana -- then you'd understand!"

The surprisingly pleasant tea party meanders through calm, surprisingly relaxed, and friendly conversation, until finally the group disperses in quiet contentment.

Zero has a thought as the group turns back up toward the lifts. "...what's going to happen when a hundred and fifty Khar Velosi who've been shut up in a ship are let loose... in the woods?"

Freyja giggles at Zero, "Can't you imagine?"

Zero says, "Yes. Yes, I can. The pillars of Heaven will shake."

Vakkal says, "Once you stop thinking dirty, assume they'll all want to stretch their legs and run a while. Then you'll have a better idea." Freyja giggles, and leaves it at that.

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

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