These Shattered Stars -- Logs

The Tanaab Conference Center is still off-limits to most people but Zero has no problem getting back to it. Other than the slightly unusual aspect of a small ship parked on the grounds, it appears normal and quiet. Zero lets himself into the suite and sits down on the bed in the room off to the side where he's most often left his things. He rubs his eyes a bit. "Anyone home?"

Freyja has outlined her idea about using Khar Velosi to scout out the planetary forest to the other Jedi. "Basically I thought -- why not let them out to stretch their legs while on a basic Balmorran guest oath? They can play all they want, we can scoop up any sniper cells they find during the day, and then maybe that night we could have a cookout or something. They're mostly carnivores, and I have their medical stats on my medkit, so if there's some large edible herbivore on Tanaab, perhaps a few of those could be used? Do you think the hotel could handle that?"

At Zero's comment Freyja smiles, murmuring over the link, Always, sweetheart. We're out in the lobby talking about feeding lots of carnivorous aliens. Want to come join us?

Manishsha looks at Freyja in wonder, saying, "I'm not sure if I should be impressed or terrified. That's both brilliant and awful. It's a huge chance they'll cause an incident, but also a chance to gain a lot of goodwill and trust for both sides, and to find anything else lurking in the wilderness." Sarn says, "I think it's a fantastic idea! Let me talk to the hotel and Ghang's staff and see if we can't make it happen. There is some risk, but I think it more than manageable."

Freyja grins a bit confusedly at Manishsha, "Er... I don't understand, Watcher? It just seemed like the best use of resources for all of us, to accomplish our current shared goals, you know?" She adds curiously, "Is this like when Sith lord Ghang complimented me -- it's something most folks don't do, or... or something?" Her tone at the end of her sentence is a bit uncertain sounding. She's not sure why Manishsha seems so impressed currently.

Zero opens his mouth, then closes it. "How did... Oh. Of course." He shakes his head. Seeking/desire/company/friends. Thoughts are bleeding out when he speaks. Of course that's easy to interpret. He takes a deep breath. I may make a very brief appearance, dear. I've spent all evening fighting this comlink and the HoloNet, and trying my best to cover my tracks. Is Manishsha there? I should tell him what I've learned as well... then I think I may come back here and sleep. He rubs his eyes. For a week.

Fhazil sends, And miss the party? with his mischievous grin.

Zero hmms. If you're that interested in partying, you can come up here and wake me later. Freyja giggles softly over the mental link! He yawns. Or one of you three can. I'm in no condition to be choosy.

Manishsha says, "Any time you have potentially hostile people on-planet, there's an expectation that you'll want to have as few of them in as small a space as possible. Half-a-thousand giant, furry, toothed, carnivorous monsters will not for a restful population make." He looks at Vakkal and adds, "No offense, but that's what the populace will think." Vakkal just grins toothily at the diminutive Jedi. Manishsha grins and looks back at Freyja, "See? Like that!"

Freyja smiles in quiet calm, "Well then... we should make sure they're trustworthy, neh?" then adds cheerfully, "Oh, they're not that big!" She cheerfully ruffles Vakkal's ears, adding, "I'm a few inches taller than Vakkal, and he's tall for his people!" She tilts her head to regard Vakkal, then adds thoughtfully, "I'll grant you the furry, toothed, carnivorous part though..." She giggles.

Manishsha says, "You're a pretty big monkey from my point of view, Freyja," and grins again. Freyja laughs aloud!

Sarn says, "We can do that. And we can clear people from the immediate area; it's mostly done already. I don't think it will be a problem. And it will be good for them all to get some shore leave. Let me talk to the hotel and Ghang, and I'll see to it."

Freyja says, "All right! Let me know if I can do anything to help." She grins, adding, "If not... I may just go out to play in the forest too! Vakkal and I had our fun interrupted before, after all."

Vakkal perks right up at this idea, "That would be fine with me."

Sarn says, "I've done something like this before, and I'm familiar with the Balmorran oath you mention; it's a good idea too. Let me talk to all the parties involved and see if we can let this happen." He smiles, "No time better than the present," and strides off to find the hotel management and make their day just a little more complicated.

Zero sighs softly, looking in the mirror and feeling suddenly incredibly tired and, nonsensically, incredibly old all of a sudden. "Pfeh," he says. "Nonsense." He puts down the comlink and datapad on the desk and picks up his sword. He starts to take off his sash, then pauses, feeling Kuwatuara in the small of his back. On second thought... maybe you and I ought to stick as close together as we can for now, no? He pulls up his hood and lets himself out of the suite to join the others.

Freyja grins amusedly, leaning companionably against Vakkal as she watches Master Sarn stride briskly off. "Nothing like having a goal, eh?" Then she blinks, sending worriedly, Zeriza? You all right, sweetheart?

Yeah, I'm okay... just tired... and talking to my lightsaber. Which would be strange, if it didn't talk back to me sometimes.

Freyja giggles quietly, and the others can feel her soft, warm, deeply happy surge of contentment to 'feel' her Family of the Heart all close, safe, and together. Fhazil adds, I'm sure if they want to go out and romp some more, we can entertain ourselves here, Zero. Or am I missing something?

Zero steps into the lift tube; touches the Lobby key. Actually, there is something I probably should talk to you all about, but... later, in private. I don't know that Sarn or Manishsha need to know about this just yet, on top of their other concerns.

Freyja smiles at Manishsha, "Well, unless you need us, I think we're going to wander off and entertain ourselves for a while, hai?"

Manishsha says, "I think everything is well in hand at the moment. If we need you, we'll call on the comm. Go and take it easy while I try to keep Sarn out of trouble." He grins and meanders off, looking for his wayward companion.

Freyja waves to the Kushiban, then heads for someplace comfortable and secluded on the hotel's ground floor. Zero meets them there a bit later, and finds the three of them curled comfortably up on a huge overstuffed couch, with ample room for another. It's the closest thing Freyja could find to nice, normal Balmorran furniture. Hotel staff have served some nice cool drinks, and Freyja hands him one as he comes in. "Hey, sweetheart. What'd you find out?"

Zero takes one and sits down, leaving his hood drawn. "I believe I know where our comlink is transmitting to now, and I can tell you that Kalatis has most certainly dug deep into his pockets for his signals intelligence security. Easily the best work I have seen yet. I didn't expect it to take hours, but... anything short of utterly oblique would certainly been found out."

Freyja raises a faintly surprised eyebrow, but simply waits until Zero's had a chance to take a sip before she gives him a gentle hug, then starts quietly massaging his tense shoulders in a style taught to her by the hetaera she learned from on the moon of Zhar. He'll tell when he's ready. Zero sighs softly, tilting his head a bit to one side. "Thank you. It seems the Senator is hiding on a little backwater called Garqi. Or at least that is where he's routing his communications."

Freyja considers for several moments, not slacking her strong, slow massage, then ah!s, "Near Dantooine, hai." She hmms, then says slowly, "Odd... I'd think he'd have... I don't know, bounced it somewhere else, or something? Can you do that -- bounce a signal from one receiving planet to another?"

Zero says, "Oh, he did. Repeatedly. I was all over the HoloNet tracking him."

Freyja says, "Ahhh... I understand. So what you're saying is he already has bounced the signal all over, and Garqi is the final destination."

Zero says, "He had... relays on relays, and though I believe I found all of them, it's possible he had another. But yes... I believe the endpoint was Garqi."

Freyja considers, then murmurs, "I wonder if any of the Jedi there could pick him up quietly, before he's had two or more weeks to escape."

Zero says, "I did a bit of legwork on the place, and all of the relays and holding organizations related to his usual front companies and cover identities. If I did not already know most of them, I would never have been able to make the connection." He puts the drink down and pulls his hood back, brushing his hair out of his eyes. "I also received another communication while I was busy with the comlink."

Fhazil cheerfully snuggles against Zero and says, "Really? Anyone we know?"

Freyja smiles, leaning to gently kiss Zero's ear once the hood comes down. Then she sits back and continues quietly and happily massaging his shoulders. She's pleased he seems to be relaxing a bit. Zero says, "The Path left a message for me."

Freyja sits up, startled, "They did?! Oh, how interesting!" She continues running her strong, slender fingers along the wiry musculature of one of Zero's shoulders, adding, "What did they say?"

Zero laughs softly. "They want me to do something. I suppose you could call it my Trial." Freyja looks interested, nodding for him to continue. Zero grins lopsidedly, "Oh, nothing important. Just destroy the Atarangi Rewari."

Freyja considers that seriously... then shakes her head, "That can't be just your Trials, sweetheart. That's something we'll all have to work together closely to accomplish. The swords' creator told us that. The Silver Path is dangerously wrong if that's precisely what they said -- that you had to destroy it alone." She considers again, then adds, "Do you have a copy of the transmission on you, sweetheart?"

Zero says, "Oh, they didn't say I had to do it alone. They'd rather I had help -- just that it gets done. I suppose we were going to do it anyway, no?"

Freyja sighs in quiet relief, her breath warm on the back of Zero's neck, "Oh, good." She smiles, lightly trailing a golden finger along his pale skin, then nods, "Hai, we must, or it will haunt us like a fear avoided." She grins, "May we see the transmission also?"

Zero says, "Of course. It's on the ship. There is... one thing that confused me, though."

Freyja says, "What's that?" She glances at Fhazil, adding quietly, "Call the transmission up on your datapad for us, would you please, sweetheart?"

Zero sighs a bit and sits up, leaning back gently against Freyja. "The Adept phrased her instructions so... I don't know. Divisively? There was a great deal of talk about choosing sides, picking the Silver Path or the Jedi Order. I suppose that's to be expected from a thousand years of hiding, but... still. It felt strange. Perhaps I misunderstood her. Reading my own general paranoia into others now."

Freyja smiles, wrapping her bare golden arms loosely and comfortably around Zero's lean form resting against her, and settles her chin lightly on his shoulder. "I'd guess it's a bit of defense also. Watcher Manishsha seemed so shocked I'd turn down a Sith lord... but I think he didn't realize two things. One -- I think the Sith lord was just being polite... and two -- I have little to gain, but everything to lose... by joining the Sith."

Freyja gently strokes her fingers along Zero's forehead, brushing away pale strands from his eyes, "I bet that's what Adept Merroukah was doing too -- trying to warn you how important it is for us as a triat to hold resolutely to our respective roles. To put it bluntly: if I were to turn to the Dark I'd shatter the triat, fail you and Vakkal and Fhazil, and shame my family. Equally, if you turned to the Light... we'd lose our balance without you. You know?"

Zero mms softly. "Perhaps that's true."

Freyja smiles, gently rubbing her cheek along Zero's, "Hope so. Feel a little better, sweetheart?"

Zero mms. "A little. I'm just very tired... I haven't had to concentrate so hard for so long in a while. Would you all mind if I retired a bit early? I'd like to be alert when the Khar Velosi assault lands in the morning."

Freyja laughs softly so as to not deafen Zero, then grins, "Hai, sweetheart. I suspect we all will want that." She glances at Fhazil hopefully, "Got that transmission yet, Fhaziza?"

Fhazil has been fiddling with his datapad. He says, "Okay, got it," and hands it to Freyja, adding, "Hit start when you're ready."

Zero mms. "I think I will sleep in one of the side rooms tonight, so you all can play if you'd like."

Fhazil snorts and says, "Don't be silly, love."

Zero blinks. "Pardon?"

Fhazil says, "I said, 'don't be silly, love' as in, 'don't be silly, there's no reason we'd want you to go away rather than be warm and happily cuddled with us, oh man-who-we-love.'"

Zero ohs. "Well. All right, then. Can't argue with logic like that."

Freyja giggles softly at Zero, then smiles a thank you to Fhazil as she sets the datapad where everyone can see it before hitting start. The short message from Merroukah plays, then shuts down. Absently Freyja says, "That was... interesting. Correct me if I'm wrong, guys, but that sure sounded to me like the Order is going to offer a chance to pass our tests!" She pauses, considering, then adds musingly, "Well, I suppose the Sith lord Ghang could offer to test us, but I doubt that'd be appropriate, neh?"

Freyja grins, settling back a bit as she adds, "That's... a bit exciting to hear! I wonder if this means my family or Master Roakkana have sent someone or something along after us that will arrive in the next few days?" She pauses, then adds a bit less excitedly, "Also sounded like the Shadow Devil is close." She muses silently a bit, then sits up suddenly, "Oh, Hela take it! Did anyone think to check the Mjolnir for how many people arrived here in it?!"

Zero says, "Khoud said he'd given it to another. But not whom."

Freyja settles back into a more comfortable pose for Zero to lean against, "Sorry, Zeriza," then sighs quietly, "Hai, that titled person -- Knight-something-or-other, on the Bloodeagle. As I recall though, Watcher Manishsha said there were three acolytes, which would mean all the rooms were filled." She muses in silent worry for a while... then sighs.

Zero says, "Knight-Cardinal. What a pompous title."

Freyja says, "Knight-cardinal, right." She hugs Zero slightly in worry, adding, "You know what this means, guys... he or she may still have a battleship at their disposal. If they're turning up soon, we're going to have real potential for disaster -- far more than a few Khar Velosi downside will create. We're going to have two fleets at each others' throats!"

Zero says, "We also have a gun that will blast it to nothing."

Freyja says, "Hai, but that won't fix things -- it'll just kill a whole lot of well-meaning, deceived Republic navy. That's not right."

Zero says, "It isn't my first choice, mind you... but if it came to firing the Godhammer or losing, say, another entire city to the Bloodeagle."

Freyja winces, and Zero can feel her tighten up with worry. Then she murmurs determinedly, "Well... we'll just have to prevent that now, won't we." She sighs, then adds, "We should warn Master Sarn and Watcher Manishsha of this possibility."

Fhazil says, "Let's not make trouble we don't have to. If they turn up we'll deal with them, as will the Malice and the Jedi here. If not, we don't have to worry about them. If we're gone, they aren't likely to bother the planet, are they? Regardless of how crazy they may be acting, it's Sith they're crazy about, and if none are here who will they fight?"

Zero says, "I would just as soon deal with the Shadow Devil personally. For that matter... we may as well tell Manishsha what exactly that blade might do. If it were public knowledge that the Calefactors had a Darkside artifact at their heart it might provoke the Order into taking more action."

Freyja nods, "Hai, there's that too. We should head out of here as fast as we can with the Malice, I think, once the rest of their fleet has turned up. That, and find out who can pick up Kalatis on Garqi." She leans back to comm Manishsha, to update him and Master Sarn.

Freyja updates the Kushiban regarding the probable location of Kalatis, as well as the strong possibility the Calefactor Knight-Cardinal (complete with dangerous artifact) will be turning up soon... possibly at the head of a Republic fleet.

Manishsha's concise reply is, "Oh, joy. I'll do what needs doing. Thank you, Padawan."

Freyja grins, then asks, "So... are there any Jedi on Garqi who could quietly pick him up? We should update the Sith lord too, hai?"

Manishsha says, "I don't know off the top of my head; I'll have to get on the 'net and find out. I will do that, though." Freyja nods, thanks the Kushiban, reminds him to feel free to call on them if necessary, and logs off.

The rest of the evening is quiet and restful, although there seems to be a burst of activity around the hotel, with several deliveries being made and some decorating being done outside. Late in the evening Sarn lets everyone know, "We will be having a transport of Khar Velosi land here very early in the morning, to go exploring. They'll return to the conference center by dusk, and the center will hold -- get this -- a Tanaabian Luau. They could do one on short notice, and with mostly meats to eat. The Khar Velosi will be able to spend the night in the center, mostly filling it, and will return to the Malice the next morning, after a meat-heavy continental breakfast buffet." He adds, with apparent glee, "The conference center's events manager is outdoing herself."

Freyja laughs delightedly, and asks Master Sarn to convey their impressedness and pleasure with the hotel staff's dedication! Zero is still trying to absorb the apparent surreality of this situation.

At an odd hour, almost too late to be calling, a call comes in from Master Roakkana. Freyja almost pounces on her datapad, hastily setting it up in their rooms so everyone can see and hear. "Hai! Master Roakkana! How are you?!"

In some ways the image of the Wookiee looks very good. His fur is thick and healthy, and he may have gained a little weight. On the other hand, he seems a little tired as he says, "Hello, my child. I am well. Your family is an excellent host, and they have made sure I am well taken care of. In addition, their security is excellent and has been a pleasure to work with. There has been little chance of anything unpleasant happening."

Freyja sighs in quiet relief, then smiles, "I'm glad to hear it, Master. We're all fine here too. I have some encoded downloads for you and my family, but that can wait a bit." She adds with great sincerity, "I cannot thank you and Jedi Diath enough for taking care of my family, Master Roakkana. Things have been... very... odd, as you know, and not having to worry about them is a huge load off my mind!"

The Wookiee smiles self-deprecatingly, "Oh, any Jedi would have done it; it's the right thing to do. Your sister seems intent on making sure I meet pretty much every person she's ever met, and on inviting me to every meal possible. I wasn't sure there was such as thing as 'too much hospitality,' but she may have found that point... at least for tired old Wookiees. It has left your Mother, Father, and husband to the more interesting tasks of running the household uninterrupted."

Freyja winces amusedly, then apologizes, "I'm sorry, Master... she does mean well, you know? Well, of course you do -- it was you taught me to look for the good in folks. So did you meet the Knight-Cardinal?"

Roakkana laughs, "There are many who would only dream of the luxury I find myself in; you have no need to apologize. She does mean well, of course, and I would never suggest otherwise to her. I'm pleased to be able to distract her from the rest of your family for a change."

Freyja grins a little sheepishly, "I admit, there were times I also wished we had that luxury. The luxury of having Syffie distracted, that is." She giggles quietly, then smiles, "Still... I think you deserve some nice, relaxing downtime!"

Master Roakkana says, "No, I did not have a chance to interact with the Knight-Cardinal in any way. Once they realized what had happened, he was whisked away. I couldn't say if it was by his handlers or by his own decision. All I found out is he seems to be quite a young man, even by humanity's standards."

Freyja blinks, a bit startled, "A... young Human? How... odd."

Zero hmms softly. "That makes sense, actually."

Freyja adds a little sadly, "Poor fellow... I'm glad we spared Valsha that. I've been close enough to not having any life due to handlers, that I'm very glad to have escaped it."

Zero says, "Khoud said he'd given it to one who could make the most use of it. Who better than a youth? Someone who can grow into the thing's power rather than have to unlearn all of his Jedi training... and who easier than a youth to be broken by the thing's will?"

Freyja shudders slightly, then says quietly, "I hope we can save him." She sighs, then adds, "Any idea if he was sent off this way? Also, have Mother or Father sent anything we should be expecting soon?"

Roakkana says, "That's a very valid point, Zero. It would be best to separate him from the unpleasant blade as soon as possible, before it can bend him to its will any more. I hope for his sake he will part with it and keep his life."

The Wookiee asks, "No, not that I know of, Freyja. Why do you ask?"

Zero is silent for the moment, thinking. Freyja grins, "Oh, 'cause things have been interesting here. Kalatis gave horrible advice to the Chancellor, so the poor Vice-Chancellor was woefully unprepared." She gives a quick review of occurrences up until now, then adds, "So we'll be leaving for Ziost in maybe two, three days, when the Sith fleet arrives -- and hopefully before the Shadow Devil's fleet arrives."

Roakkana says, "Part of this I had heard from one of the Jedi there... but not that you're leaving for Ziost. This is tricky news. I had been hoping to meet with you soon, and in person." He frowns a bit, then says, "I wonder if that could be arranged anyway."

Freyja adds a little worriedly, "I hope someone can catch Kala- er... what?!" She blinks startledly at the Wookiee, then eagerly adds, "Really?! How?"

The Wookiee says, "The usual way, actually; I would ask. I will talk to Sarn about it and see what arrangements we can make."

Freyja tilts her head puzzledly, "But Master Roakkana -- it's a two week transit at the very least! How can you possibly get here in... in..." She falls silent, thinking... then takes a deep breath, "Right. All things are possible in the Force." She smiles at the Wookiee (albeit a little uncertainly), "I shall expect you then, if that is what the Force needs, Master."

Master Roakkana laughs, then says, "Your faith in my ability to perform miracles is wonderful, Freyja, but I don't know how to get there faster than that. I would have to ask the Lord Ghang to live without you for a while until I could catch up. As I said, I will discuss it with Sarn and see how possible he finds it. It may not be, regardless of how much an old Wookiee would like it to be, but that does not mean I will not try."

Freyja smiles, wishing desperately for a moment she could give her strong, warm, wonderful Master a long, confidence-returning hug... she nods, taking a deep breath, and simply says, "We will await your decisions, then. I don't know how Sith lord Ghang will take it. He's not been, um... that interested in having Master Sarn swapped out for another, according to the Order's demands." Her small smile is wry as she adds, "Not that I can blame him..."

The Wookiee says with a tiny hint of fierceness, "Good! It shows the Sith Lord has some sense and has realized Sarn -- for all his odd habits -- is absolutely the best Jedi I'm aware of for this work. Any other I fear would be under the political thumb of one of the various factions which fill our Council lately -- where Sarn is too concerned for the truth and success of what he does. Do everything you can to help Sarn, for he is beset upon by all sides of the political landscape of today."

Freyja nods quietly, "We have been, Master Roakkana." She pauses, then admits a bit embarrassedly, "Well... he was a bit, um... startling initially, but after that, er... shaky start, we have consistently done our best to be helpful."

The Wookiee adds, "Even if that means going to Ziost before I can arrive. I won't worry as much about Fhazil and Vakkal, but I have great concerns for you and Zero, Freyja. It is not that I think you will not be strong, and will not do what you must... but that I fear the Sith will assume you weak and corruptible, and work harder to do this."

Freyja looks curious, "Why do you think they will assume this, Master?" She adds cautiously, "I, ah, I take it this is what astonished Watcher Manishsha when he heard I wasn't interested in Sith lord Ghang's offer of teaching?"

Zero hmphs. "Assumptions do not make truth." Freyja nods in silent but emphatic agreement with Zero.

The old Wookiee says, "A pair of unescorted apprentices, in over their heads, far from their Master? They'll assume you'll be malleable and easily swayed. Consider their success on Marnaas and other places, even when the Masters were present."

Zero says, "I would not call what we did to them on Marnaas a 'success,' myself."

The Wookiee says, "What you did? No. What they did before you arrived?"

Zero says, "A gain you cannot hold onto is no gain at all."

Freyja says, "Oh, I understand." She thinks a bit, then giggles, "Actually, I think they consider me a strange 'mysterious golden Jedi,' Master!"

Roakkana asks wryly, "How is this incorrect, Freyja?"

Freyja grins -- then laughs delightedly at Roakkana's kind comment! Then she describes the sensationalist holovid she and Vakkal saw, adding, "Apparently Jedi have 'strange magics,' according to them! It was all... very odd." She grins.

Zero says, "My point, of course, Master, is not to be obstreperous. Just to assure you that if this is the sort of idea they have, they are about to be forcefully disabused of it."

Freyja nods, still smiling, "And Zero's right. But if you'd rather come along, then I'm all for it!"

Roakkana tells Zero, "True, but how will they know this? The learning of it will be difficult and unpleasant for all parties. It would be best were they not to even try." Freyja listens curiously. Ghang's offer was quite polite, to her way of seeing it, and his acceptance of her declining quite gracious. She wonders what more, um... emphatic Sith might be like.

The Wookiee says, "I don't think I'm ready for a trip to Ziost, myself, but there would be other things we can do. As I said, I'll speak to Sarn and see what he can do."

Zero says, "I am not worried. If they're so dishonorable as to attempt such a thing in a diplomatic proceeding, well.. that's their loss of face. I am not going to turn; Freyja is not going to turn. How they react to that is up to them."

Freyja says, "Good point. Ghang would be quite torqued off at something like that!" She adds with cheerful interest, "So what is Master Sarn going to do?" then blinks at a sudden thought, adding worriedly, "Master Roakkana, neither Zero nor I want a new master, please!"

Roakkana smiles, "I must assure you I would not be pleased about it either. And while it would be their loss of face and their detriment to the peace conference, it is the loss of either of you that concerns me more."

Zero says, "That I promise you, my Master, will not happen." Freyja grins, quietly reassured. She's not sure exactly what Master Roakkana is so worried about... but she knows all who are involved -- her friends and herself -- will do their best. Can't ask for more than that.

Roakkana smiles, "Never fear, my Padawans. I will do my best not to see you thrown to the winds of fortune on your own. I would be both remiss in my duties as Master, and personally saddened to hand your training to another, and I am not sure it would be such a positive thing for you or them. If worst comes to worst you will do all do your best, and you will be traveling with dependable, competent Jedi, who will also do their best. That isn't so bad. This doesn't mean I won't try and have my way to make it better." He grins cheerfully, adding, "So, everything is fine, regardless of how it works out."

Freyja nods calmly and smiles, "Hai, we will do our best, Master Roakkana, you know that." She pauses, then cheerfully adds, "Oh, one last thing to tell you about!" She grins mischievously, describing the planned Khar Velosi visit the next day.

Roakkana says, "Interesting!" then asks, "Did you perchance have anything to do with this planetfall, Freyja?"

Freyja tries to look innocent -- but fails utterly when she grins mischievously again! "Ahh... well, hai. It did seem the most logical way to make everyone happy and accomplish our goals." She giggles, adding, "What can I say? If Sith lord Ghang can try seducing me to the Dark side, why can't I try cheerfully seducing him to the Light as well -- just by being nice?"

Roakkana shakes his head, smiling, and says, "It has you written all over it, Freyja. I cannot argue with your conclusions or your methods, as unusual as they are. I approve and hope it goes well. While others would worry, I would be pleased to accept any Sith into the house of Light."

Freyja beams, then says happily, "Hai, me also! That's what happened to that captured Sith lord, I found out, too -- he turned Bright!"

Fhazil comments, "Can you blame him?" and grins.

Master Roakkana laughs and says, "No, but not just because of Freyja -- because I believe in the Light and that it is a better, healthier, and more positive way to use the Force."

Freyja giggles at Fhazil! then thinks a bit before adding, "May I fire off the encoded messages for you and my family, Master Roakkana? The nitty-gritty details are in there for more ammunition for you all should the Order try to simply hush up Master Sarn's discoveries and conclusions regarding Kalatis and Khoud."

The Wookiee says, "Yes, that would be helpful. Some more hard data would be welcome, and the more ways we can keep this from being buried the better off we are, I suspect."

Zero sits down tiredly next to Vakkal and leans gently into him. Vakkal supports Zero easily, putting an arm around him as they listen to the Jedi Master, being warm and furry at the tired human. Zero rubs his cheek gently against Vakkal's shoulder and closes his eyes, trying hard not to fall asleep or develop a headache. He grins a little. This is helping.

Freyja nods, suiting her actions to her words. A few minutes later when everything's been sent, she sighs, smiling at the Wookiee. "I miss you. When this is all over, I look forward to us all having some time together to relax, Master Roakkana." She adds a bit shyly, "I... even set up the Eclipse's hold so it would be nicer for you."

Roakkana says, "It will always be a pleasure to hear from you, or of your accomplishments, Freyja, long after you are a Master in your own right." He smiles, adding, "Your kindnesses are always appreciated."

Freyja blushes faintly, smiling down at her hands in her lap for a moment. Then she looks up and says with quiet sincerity, "I hope to stand next to you sometime soon, Master Roakkana, to take my tests. I know you worked very hard with me and Zero... I'd like to see you honored publicly for that some day."

Roakkana smiles, "We can both look forward to that day, Freyja. You and Zero have both been excellent students, and I will be very pleased to see you recognized as the Knights you truly are."

Freyja beams again, inordinately pleased and momentarily speechless at her Master's kind words. Finally she simply says, "Well... is there anything else we should be doing, or you want to know, Master? I don't want to tire you."

Zero grins a little. "Provided we live long enough to see three consecutive days with no galaxy-shattering crises, for Freyja's Trials." Freyja giggles softly over her shoulder at Zero, her ice-blue eyes bright.

Master Roakkana says, "Unless you have any other news, I should sign off and have a look at this information you have sent, and to wait another half an hour so I can be guaranteed to wake Master Sarn."

Freyja laughs softly, then simply blows the Wookiee a kiss. She'd rather hug him, but unfortunately that won't work just now. "Thank you for calling, Master Roakkana! Give my love to Leif and Mother, please, and tell Father I'm doing my best to make everyone proud? Oh..." she grins, "and good luck with Syffie!"

Roakkana says, "I believe I can bear that strain, Freyja." He smiles, "I will give them your best. Good evening, and may the Force be with you all." So saying, he signs off.

Freyja sighs quietly, her gaze on the blank datapad for a moment... then she sighs again, turning to give a big hug to anyone in reach. She really misses Master Roakkana. Fhazil is hugged, and returns the hug with warmth, saying, "You know, when most Jedi say that I don't ever expect they mean it to apply to Dark Force users. I don't feel that way about Master Roakkana."

Freyja smiles, gently rubbing her cheek against Fhazil, "Hai, he means what he says. It's one of the things I admire so much about him."

Shortly before dawn the next morning a heavy troop transport lands at the conference center, plainly visible in the pre-dawn darkness. A troop of Khar Velosi forms in neat ranks in front of the ship. Lord Ghang addresses them via a PA system from the ship, asking them if they understand and accept their orders. They cry out as one, "YES, LORD!" in Sith, and then charge off into the forest. Mere moments later there is nothing but the pinging of the cooling ship, Lord Ghang, two of his aides, Master Sarn, Watcher Manishsha, Zero, Freyja, Fhazil, and Vakkal.

Zero's cloak blows in the morning breeze, or is it the wake of the departing host? There is a long, long silence. Finally he says, "Well... that was impressive."

Freyja giggles, watching, "Now that's probably the fastest they've dispersed in a long time!" She turns to Vakkal, her eyes alight, "So... wanna go play too? I can try calling one of those large, um... felk, they call them?"

Lord Ghang comes over to the watching Jedi, trailed by his aides and smiling widely. He says, "Not only will we find anything unusual in this section of forest, you have made my Khar Velosi very happy."

Freyja laughs delightedly, "Wonderful! Oh! That reminds me-" she looks at the others, "Did anyone tell Sith lord Ghang about the commlink info?"

Sarn says, "It is our pleasure to be able to do so. They understood the terms of our agreement?" Ghang says, "Perfectly; no hunting, no scaring the locals, stay within 50 clicks. They're all carrying transmitters, and will behave." Freyja smiles quietly and reassuringly at Master Sarn. She's pleased he'll get a chance to see for himself Sith are indeed honorable.

Lord Ghang answers Freyja's question himself, saying, "Yes, I have been informed, and have informed my superiors. I did have a question or two, though."

Freyja nods, reassured, then glances interestedly at the Sith lord, "Sure! Also, um..." how to put this without tipping off any of his aides... "-any news on your side of the issue?"

Ghang says, unperturbed, "That issue is still under investigation. I will let you know when I know more." He then asks, "Watcher Manishsha told us a possible location for Kalatis had been found. How do we know this is Kalatis and not some other Sith-hating Republic citizen?"

Zero says, "I know Kalatis' operations quite well. All evidence points to cover identities and front corporations operated and owned by Senator Kalatis. It's him."

Lord Ghang sounds impressed, asking, "You have inside knowledge of the Senator's private activities?"

Zero nods softly. "I do. I was... employed by him at one point."

Lord Ghang says, "I see. That is very interesting indeed. It would be a shame to let this possibly helpful knowledge go to waste." He looks at Sarn, "Wouldn't you agree?"

Freyja raises an eyebrow, shifting to stand closer to Zero, with her arms folded, "What does that mean, please?" Her tone is quite polite, though.

Master Sarn replies smoothly, "I do, Lord. It is a shame indeed he and his companions have been given other plans already, or we might have already sent them to look into this."

Freyja's other eyebrow rises. Why does this smack of a set-up, mm? I think this has been discussed previously!

Zero hmms. My right hand never knows what their left is doing anymore. Freyja grins.

Lord Ghang smiles at Master Sarn and says, "I see. Well, I will take that under advisement." He tells Freyja, "It means it would be a shame to have Padawan Zero going to Ziost when he might be so much more effective in helping to locate the wayward Senator. That is, after all, one of our highest priorities."

Freyja studies the Sith lord silently, somewhat torn inside. She'd very, very much like to see Master Roakkana... on the other hand, she would really love to see legendary Ziost! She sighs softly internally, wondering what it is the Force itself most needs. They'll need to meditate later, she can tell.

Zero lets his hood shadow his face for the moment, keeping his expression unreadable. That actually isn't a bad idea... if I could get Argent to come and watch my back... perhaps even Uri and Phelan... that would be wonderful, if the Four could put this to rest together. Freyja simply nods silently and lets her body language ease into a less firm stance.

Master Sarn says, "In the meantime we are happy to offer our hospitality to you and your crew here on Tanaab. We have a special event planned for tonight which I hope you and your crew will enjoy."

Freyja grins quietly at that, then looks back inquiringly at Vakkal, Go run or neh, pretty wolf?

Ghang says, "Yes, tell me more about this 'loo-auw' you mentioned. I am not certain I understood properly." He and Sarn move off, discussing the historical significance of the giant communal barbeque. Manishsha says, "Well, nothing to do until the afternoon. I think I'll sleep." He advises, "You stay out of trouble, if you can!" and hops back into the hotel.

Vakkal replies, Are you sure you want to go out with the Khar Velosi about? And would you like to bring Zero and Fhazil?

Freyja giggles at Manishsha's comment, then lets her senses reach out... any of those large 'felk' around? To the others she says, "Vakkal and I were thinking of going out to have fun too. Do you want to come along?"

Fhazil says, "I'd be happy to join the two of you, if I wouldn't be a third wheel." He grins cheerfully at this.

Freyja laughs at Fhazil's comment, cheerfully saying, "Drag him along, would you please, Vakkal?" Fhazil doesn't need much dragging and comes along happily, keeping up with Freyja easily, although Vakkal could be off and farther.

The sun slowly makes its way over the horizon, brightening the world and bringing green and life back to the forest. Freyja cheerfully trots off with some of her friends towards the forest, the early morning sunshine making her hair shine like molten red gold. She'll try for another felk in a bit. For now... just the enjoyment of exercise, of stretching her legs and moving gracefully and smoothly is pleasure enough.

Zero elects to remain behind for the moment, standing with hands folded behind his back and looking up at the sun as it rises, with just the wind and the grass and the light for company, for now. He recalls the last words of a warrior who died in battle; a poem he left behind, fearing his body would not be so fortunate, "...if you feel lonely, look to the rising sun. You will find me there."

Freyja smiles over her shoulder at Zero, her scarlet hair blowing past her golden face. She can slightly 'feel' some of his current emotions, and she gets the sense of something lovely and ephemeral, treasured like the sun, in his thoughts.

Freyja will dart in under the shelter of the trees and continue for a while with her friends, finding the exercise deeply gratifying. Finally she pauses, panting lightly, and 'reaches' again. She wouldn't be worried on Balmorra about two riding a slaypneer, but she's not sure a Tanaabian felk can carry both her and Fhazil -- she'll have to check once it arrives. She grins, 'feeling' the hot, bright, gleeful sparks of many, many Khar Velosi as well.

Freyja ah's softly as she senses a very surprised felk as well -- although the surprise is more at the number of predators it scents in its woods today, than at her gentle call through the Force. She starts walking forward towards it in the distance, as it turns hesitantly towards her.

The felk responds to Freyja's gentle mental call, and after a few minutes it finds the three wanderers. It looks warily at Vakkal and sidles towards Freyja, muttering, Not want eaten. Any worries about two being able to ride this animal are dispelled easily; it's a big creature! The felk is a large herbivore with short horns, a broad back, and a long flowing tail, which it lashes behind it in mild agitation. This big male is brown with green spotting, and intelligent-looking brown eyes.

Freyja smiles, holding her hands out for him to scent and gently reassuring him, "You're safe, handsome. They're not hunting... but if you will, we'd like a lift from you, hmm?" Once he's done snorting softly at her fingers (and giving one very wet slurp of his large tongue -- fingers not tasty, alas), she pets his nose and rubs at the base of his horns, causing him to grunt quietly with pleasure.

Freyja grins over her shoulder at Fhazil, "So, shall we?"

Fhazil looks awed by this large animal. "What? You must be kidding! It'll eat us!"

Freyja laughs aloud, her eyes sparkling, "This guy? Valhalls, neh! He's more worried about being eaten!" She grins, moving to stand by the large beast's shoulder, and cups her hands, "C'mon, I'll give you a hand up!"

Fhazil approaches warily. When the big felk just looks curiously at him with a kind of, "What's your problem?" look, he decides Freyja hasn't, in fact, lost her mind, and climbs up on the high shoulders with her help.

Freyja giggles at Fhazil's look, then nudges him to slide back. Once there's space for her as well, she gets a hand-up from Vakkal, then shows Fhazil how to hold on. After that she grins down at Vakkal, "All right, as fast as you like, lover!" Freyja pats the elk comfortingly on the shoulder as it starts a long, rangy walk -- then she giggles and pats Fhazil's thigh comfortingly too as he starts and grabs her at the unexpected (to him) movement!

Vakkal grins and takes off into the trees like a shot. Fhazil says, "But..." then stops, as the felk responds to Freyja's simple commands, and gets the idea that it should find the other one.

Freyja laughs a little breathlessly, "Fhazil, don't squeeze all the air out of me!" then leans into the felk's increasing speed, tugging Fhazil's arms so he also lowers his center of gravity with hers, to be closer to the felk's.

Fhazil thinks to himself, I must be insane! and then, But I do get to cuddle up behind Freyja like this.... hmm... and concentrates on enjoying the ride while letting his sweetie breathe at the same time.

Freyja has a manic grin on her face, and her ice-blue eyes are afire with enjoyment. She sways easily with the felk's long-legged canter, and Fhazil can soon catch the rhythm of the movement himself as well... despite the silky scarlet wave of her hair brushing periodically across his face.

Vakkal runs, opening up and letting loose with good speed pretty much in a straight line, although he tends to avoid the other Khar Velosi. Freyja and Fhazil follow on the felk, which keeps up well for being such a big thing. It leaps over things Vakkal goes around, and thunders through some of the lighter brush with ease.

Freyja grins, letting her recognition of large animal physiology and movement mentally help Fhazil in knowing when to lean, when to bring his legs in tightly to hold on, and when to loosen up and flow with the movement. It's like a dance of teamwork to her, graceful and pleasurable, something she enjoys to her very marrow.

Fhazil would be hard pressed to say he enjoyed this to its very marrow, but it is exhilarating -- and very rewarding -- not even considering the closeness it gets him with Freyja. At a lull he sends to her, Don't you ever tease me about taking on a landspeeder with only a single shot again -- not after you do this more than once!

Freyja giggles, then cheerfully returns, Why not? Isn't this more fun than that?

Fhazil replies, Not the point! This is just as crazy! This is a strange wild animal! Who knows where it'll take us?

Freyja says happily, Neneh, this isn't crazy. Crazy is trying to ride the Sedraki beasts that belonged to the potentially hostile natives -- before I had the ability to talk to animals! She laughs, a liquid ripple of joy, as she adds, Wasn't that more like crazy, Vakkal?

Fhazil merely says, See what I mean! like it makes sense. Vakkal mentally laughs, but is too busy and too happy running to make real words. Freyja grins widely, aglow with happiness herself as well. Fhazil can 'feel' her abandonment to the sheer sensual pleasure of the moment, flowing smoothly through the thick forest with her beloveds.

Eventually Vakkal tires and slows, finally stopping next to a small creek in a little valley. He likes the water and cheerfully wades right in, although it's barely knee deep. One end of the valley is barren and clear, due to a landslide churning up all the topsoil. The stream has pushed its way through the blockage and burbles merrily on downhill.

Freyja leans back as the felk follows, then slows, panting and heading determinedly for the water as well. She bounces off lightly before it steps into the water, then takes a moment to wipe most of the sweaty felk hair off her legs. She grins up at Fhazil, still on the felk, which is now standing in the water and drinking in long, slow gulps.

Fhazil asks, "Should I come down now?" and looks somewhat awed.

Freyja looks around, doing a slow, complete circle to see the entire valley. Her voice is quietly happy, "What a nice place... lots of potential, don't you think?" She giggles in spite of herself at Fhazil's comment, and grins over her shoulder at him. Wisps of breeze-blown, fiery golden hair frame her face, "Hai, sweetheart, if you'd like. We'll probably be here a bit." She shrugs out of her all-weather poncho, then her boots, standing and wiggling her toes with a sigh of pleasure. Then, slowly and almost meditatively, she raises her arms over her tilted head, bare arms and tumbled mane shining in the sunlight.

Freyja hums softly to herself, a quietly joyous smile spreading across her face, her eyes closed to more thoroughly feel the sunlight on her golden skin. Fhazil slides down from the felk and lands with a thud, then staggers a few feet away and sits down hard. He says, "Oof," and lies down in some grass.

Freyja grins quietly at the sound, then turns in a slow, swirling circle, lost in the lovely sensations of finally being outdoors again. She sings softly a simple, rhythmic tune, her hips swaying and her feet starting to pick out the steps despite her,
"Adorn yourself, my daughter,
For adornment is a celebration of beauty,
And beauty is the Light of life.
Beauty balances the sometimes harsh realities
And brings grace, serenity, and purpose.
So adorn yourself, my daughter,
Be the jewel in the ring of life...."

Vakkal walks out of the water and sits down by Fhazil, sniffing curiously at him before asking, "Are you dead?" When Fhazil murmurs, "No, but I'm going to ache tomorrow, I can just tell," Vakkal replies, "Oh, good. Take your mind off of it; watch Freyja. She's beautiful." Fhazil opens his eyes, and after a few moments says, "Yes, she is." They simply watch the lovely woman dancing in the sun.

Freyja dances for quite a while, completely oblivious to the passage of time. Sometimes she hums or sings, sometimes she mostly hears the music in her mind... she's completely lost in the here-and-now of emotion, like an animal or a Force adept who is truly one with the Force. Lithe and graceful, a slender shape of jet and gold topped with dancing flame-red hair, she lets the Force and the valley's potential itself draw her into a deeply soul-satisfying expression of her personal totem -- the Light.

The two males who've come out here with her simply stare in enjoyment, but they knew she was beautiful. The felk does not run away, and watches curiously when it isn't nibbling. The changes that happen are subtle; things in the un-damaged end of the valley shift and get greener and healthier, and the barren rockslide blisters with green grasses and flowers. They sprout as if by magic; instead it is the Light and life of the Force, spread through the aspect of Life and Creation's joy and presence, turning a bare, sun-baked rockslide once again into verdant valley greenery.

She's not just a pleasure to watch -- she's almost compelling, alluring, speaking atavistically on an emotional level to her observers. After a while the two watching men can clearly see the effects of her dance. Bright emerald grass ripples away from her steps, and when she laughs, tossing her hair, flowers seem to leap forth in bloom. Ferns unfurl fiddle-headed leaves from beneath her as she momentarily lies by the stream, and the encircling trees themselves seem to reach down boughs with thicker, more verdant and sun-limned leaves.

A number of birds and the green ground squirrels turn up, to race about the trees, watching and being present for the dance and power of the Force. Birdsong fills the air along with the spurts of restless activity from the squirrels. Freyja laughs, holding golden arms out as she whirls in the dance for the little creatures to dart or fly along with. Her golden face is alight with happiness, and her eyes aglow with Light.

Eventually some other Khar Velosi turn up, a giggling and happy pair. They're walking up the creek and are surprised to see the two humans with the other Khar Velosi there. They approach a little warily, watching Freyja's dance, to ask Vakkal in Sith, "Did we find natives by accident? Have we gone too far?" Vakkal tells them, "No, these people are from the conference center; you're okay." They watch the dance in surprise and delight.

The dance continues, and the two visiting Khar Velosi watch in fascination, lingering closer and closer to each other; they are a male and female, and a gentle scent of arousal becomes detectable. The female snuggles up to the male and asks Vakkal, "You want to cuddle too?" The male Khar Velosi is less obviously distracted, and watches Freyja in some fascination. His jaw drops slowly as he realizes he can actually see the plants growing behind the dancing Jedi.

Vakkal smiles, "No, I'll stay here. You two go have fun. It's a beautiful day for it." She giggles and says, "If you insist." She pulls cheerfully at her partner, who says, "Huh? Oh. Ooh!" and they go happily off.

Freyja's dance finally slows, whirling to a delicately poised end. She's done, she thinks... she's ready for a breather and, now she looks around, the valley is practically aglow with Life as well. Lush, green, and flowering... she studies the little place thoughtfully, and then a small, contented smile curves up her scarlet lips. She sweeps a graceful bow to the patient felk, who snorts amiably once and then continues hungrily cropping grass.

Freyja grins, stepping lightly over to the two men watching her, and sinks down to curl up closely with them. She's warm to the touch, and Vakkal can catch her scent strongly. The two men both cuddle up with her, wordlessly letting her know they think she's beautiful. Eventually Fhazil says, "That was an amazing thing you did. The whole valley's green now."

Freyja sighs happily and lets her actions speak for her, gently pulling Fhazil's head down to hers so as to curl her hands warmly behind his neck and draw him into a long, slow, increasingly passionate kiss. She may have completed one type of dance for the Light and Life... but now there's a smoldering fire within her for another style of Life's endless dance.

Once Freyja, Vakkal, and Fhazil have left, Zero is able to contemplate the forest in peace, and on his own. He stands by himself... watching the sun rise and climb, letting the wind tug at his hood and cloak, letting his mind empty... experiencing each moment in the jeweled now. He doesn't drift from this reverie for a long time, until he hears some distant conversation, perhaps Khar Velosi or hotel employees.

He lets his eyes open slowly and casts his gaze out across the broad open fields and the nearby forest, reflecting as he does on a koan he has been contemplating:
Injustice cannot conquer Principle
Principle cannot conquer Law
Law cannot conquer Power
Power cannot conquer the Force.

Zero thinks to himself, The Force has been at work in me in overt and subtle ways. It's changed me... I am another kind of being now from the man that I was. Spiritually and physically advanced, but still with so much to learn. He ponders the most recent gift of the Force; or is it simply a revelation of new knowledge? This incredible capacity for speed... he wonders. How far can he push this new truth?

Zero looks out over the broad, swaying grass that leads out to the forest. This, he thinks, is a clear invitation. Just so long as he doesn't trample a furloughed Khar Velosi... he grins and concentrates briefly, his body ever so slightly tensed in anticipation of movement. When he finds that spot, the moment of perfect concentration, he moves -- and then he's gone.

Zero is running at full tilt, and as his awareness expands to accommodate his burst of incredible speed, the world seems to stretch and distort as if his perception of moments were dilating. For a moment he feels as if he isn't touching the ground at all, but rather running across the swaying tips of the grass itself.

The animals in the forest seem unaware of Zero's passing, as if he's not disturbing the calmness of their world any more than would a passing breeze. The forest seems to part before him and close behind him again, unruffled and unchanged by his passing.

Zero lets himself settle into the feeling of place, riding on the flow of the Force through him and around him, moving in graceful, sweeping arcs through the woods. He glides on and on, brushing across the most slender of branches and the great trunks, higher into the canopy of leaves.

Finally he breaks clear into a broad, sun-dappled clearing, halfway up the length of a broad-leafed trunk, and grins, letting the Force carry him into the air. "Hya!" He barely seems to notice the gentle landing, alighting on his feet near the center of the clearing, cloak floating around his slender frame. He finds himself breathing quickly, and smiles, marveling at the changes the Force has wrought in him.

The quiet of the forest settles around Zero, uncomplaining of his dramatic and abrupt entrance, and apparently satisfied by his presence there. A quiet breeze blows through the meadow and flirts cheerfully with Zero's pale strands of hair. Zero smiles and turns to glance over his shoulder at the way he came, wondering idly how far he's come. He flicks his long queue into his hands, untying it and letting it fall free down his back. It's a beautiful day and beautiful time... no need, he thinks, to stand on formality here.

A small cry comes from the far end of the clearing, brought to Zero by the vagaries of the breeze. It sounds lost, lonely, and unhappy. Zero blinks softly and takes a step closer, wondering what might be making that sort of sound. It isn't precisely the sort of cry he'd expected from a forest populated with suddenly liberated Khar Velosi.

The sound comes from the base of one of the trees at the edge of the clearing. As Zero approaches it stops, but if he remains still for a moment it comes again. Zero slowly edges closer. If something or someone is injured here, he should see to it.

The sound is harder to find than a person would be, but after a few moments Zero finds a small, green quadrupedal form peeking out from a hole under the roots of the tree, crying sadly and piteously. Zero crouches down slightly, tilting his head. He doesn't think he recognizes the creature... He murmurs softly, "Who are you, little one? What's happened?"

The little animal hides from Zero by darting back into the hole. However, when Zero doesn't try and eat it, it comes back out, listening to the sound of his voice. The critter looks very thin and cries sadly at Zero again.

Zero holds out his hand slowly, and holds it there for the little creature to smell. "It's all right," he says, "I won't hurt you." He smiles, though carefully doesn't show his teeth, "It's all right. If you can't trust a Jedi, who can you trust?" He tries to ignore the sudden, painful irony of that statement coming out of his mouth.

The little animal does come out, very slowly, and sniffs cautiously at the much larger human's fingers. It looks up at him with its yellow eyes, and cries out again. It sounds lonely, unsure, and hungry. Zero nods gently. "That's right. You can come out. What's happened to you? You don't seem to be eating well."

The small animal looks up at Zero's voice and nuzzles gently at his still outstretched hand, whimpering softly. Zero smiles and gently strokes the little thing's head with his fingertip. "Are you lost?" He sits down carefully against the tree. "Perhaps I can help you."

The little animal appears to be a baby, puppy or kit probably being the right word. It's got some canine features and some feline. In this case it's got large ears and oversized feet, and a tail that looks like it will be bushy if it has a chance to fill out. Once Zero has stilled, the lost thing tries to crawl up into his lap.

Zero smiles and pets the little thing gently. "You look like a dakang," he says softly. "Freyja would love to meet you." The green critter makes a curious noise and looks at Zero expectantly when he talks to it. It doesn't seem to mind being petted. It would probably like food better yet.

Zero smiles and reaches into his overcloak, again slowly so as not to startle his new acquaintance. He has a little bundle of rations he carries around for short trips such as this, and under the circumstances he is happy to share. The small green animal sniffs cautiously at the ration, then tries to gnaw on it somewhat ineffectively but enthusiastically. It settles in closely and messily devours some of the travel rations.

After a little food the little animal starts to look very pitiful, and to drool a little. It nuzzles at Zero's fingers, licking gently at them and looking hopefully at him.

Zero hmms. He offers the little faux a tiny morsel of food to distract it momentarily from his hands, then looks around near the base of the tree. "Ah," he says, finding a small hollow in the root, "here we are. Just what we need." He pours out a small quantity of water into the depression in the root from a flask tucked under his sash. "There. Try that."

The animal moves over to the root, still standing on Zero's lap, and laps the water up, then looks up at him hopefully. Zero grins a bit. "Of course, of course. Here." He continues to tap out water for the faux until it's satisfied. That takes a few minutes. Once it has, though, the little animal settles into Zero's lap like it wants to stay there, and snuggles in to sleep.

Zero remains where he is for now, and leans back against the tree. "Actually, little friend... that seems like a fine idea." He looks around and, neither hearing nor seeing anyone in particular, he pulls his hood up over his head and leans back against the tree, closing his eyes.

An afternoon nap is a pleasant and restful thing. Zero is woken up an hour or two later by the little faux sniffing around his lap and nibbling up the crumbs of the rations left behind from earlier. Zero glances up at the sky; the sun is almost directly overhead. It's been a couple of hours at most. Good, he thinks, not too much time passed.

He glances down at the faux and offers his hand. "Still here, eh? Well... you don't seem to have any friends around here. Do you want to come with me? Freyja will be happy to meet you. If you're lost, maybe you can tell her where you're trying to go." The faux wags cheerfully and licks Zero's fingers. It then tries to climb up his chest and into one of his pockets.

Zero snickers softly. "Guess that's a yes." He picks the little creature up carefully in his arms. "We'll go find Freyja. I think we'll walk, though," he says, rising slowly and letting his instinctive psychic bond guide his footsteps, "I don't think you'd like my usual way of getting around."

The little green animal -- Zero notes it's a girl-faux -- settles right in to being carried, looking out at the world with sharp eyes as he walks easily through the forest. Before too long she clambers up one arm and leaps onto his shoulder, settling there so she can look out at the world from such a vantage point. Zero grins. "Just like a dakang. She's going to love you."

Zero walks for a while, skirting around the sounds of some happily distracted Khar Velosi, with the little faux riding along on his shoulder. Eventually she lies down there and seems quite content. Zero hms. "Apparently, little one, we're the only sleepy ones on the planet today."

When Zero enters the newly greened clearing, Freyja, Fhazil, and Vakkal aren't particularly active... but that may just be timing. A large, horned, four-footed animal looks up from the stream it's drinking from to regard Zero curiously. The faux on his shoulder says, "Yiff!" at it and it goes back to what it was doing. Zero looks at the little creature and says, "You see? I told you so. It's just us."

The three are curled together in a sable, moon-pale, and golden tangle, with a flame-gold swirl of hair across the emerald green grass. Clothing is casually tossed nearby. Freyja lazily rolls her head to see who just walked over, then smiles slowly at sight of Zero. She's still got smoky bedroom eyes as she purrs with unconsciously sultry pleasure, Mmmmhiii, lover...

Fhazil has looked up at the motion, and Vakkal is as always wary of someone coming near Freyja. They're not concerned; they knew this was Zero. Fhazil adds, Save us, brother, she's more than only two of us can handle! at which point Vakkal begins giggling uncontrollably.

Zero says, "Could have fooled me." Freyja laughs softly, reaching out one golden hand to gently tug Fhazil's hair.

The faux is looking curiously at this new creature; she's never seen anything like it before. And it talks! She watches curiously, apparently unconcerned. Zero turns to his little friend. "We call this the act of mating," he says in a documentarist's voice. "Freyja happens to be better than average at it."

Freyja laughs again, then grins with warm, contented pleasure at Zero, and he can feel her empathic invitation to come join them. Zero settles down on the grass next to the pile and leans back on his palms. "Don't mind the big one here," he says to the faux. "He's harmless. For the most part."

The faux apparently listens intently, and then hops down into Zero's lap. Freyja chuckles quietly -- a liquid ripple of enjoyment -- and trails the slender golden fingers of one hand languorously across Zero's pale fingers. Zero smiles and twines his fingers with his lover's. "I'm very fond of this one," he says to the little animal.

Again the faux appears to listen intently, watching carefully. Freyja smiles quietly, her steady gaze on Zero lighting up with a strong and smoldering warmth... as well as a tingly awareness of and familiarity with her lover's body.

Zero asides quietly to the animal in his lap, with a grin, "However, she may want you to take a seat with the other spectator in a moment, if you don't mind." The faux looks at Freyja, looks at Zero, makes a little 'chrrup' noise, then hops down from Zero's lap to go lap happily at the water in the stream. Freyja giggles softly! Zero smiles. "Agreeable sort, isn't she?" He turns to Freyja, "And how are you, my love?"

Fhazil murmurs, "Aroused. I think the Force turns her on."

Freyja mmms lazily, still working her way back from that emotionally overwhelming center of ecstatic pleasure... to being verbal again. She giggles softly and pokes Fhazil gently, and words come again, "Silly... it's Light, Life, and Fertility, remember? You weren't complaining moments ago!"

Zero says, "Well, I think that answers my question..."

Fhazil stretches and says, "I'm still not complaining!" Vakkal adds, "Get him back to the others, and he'll be bragging." Fhazil pokes him, only vaguely not gently, and says, "Not about Freyja I won't."

Freyja grins lazily, letting her gaze return to Zero as she murmurs, "Little faux? S'a baby still... neh dam?"

Zero settles down on his side, propping his head on his hand. "Not that I could see. It was hiding, actually; it seemed rather underfed. And under-hydrated, too. I gave it a little food and water... I hate to see anything suffer."

Freyja awws softly, her gaze drifting to the little creature. It seems to be contentedly stalking what looks like a dandelion puff, however, so she doesn't worry about it, instead reaching one golden hand out to gently draw Zero closer. "Mm... so, aren't all those clothes kind of hot, lover...?"

Zero grins slyly, leaning closer. "A bit... help me with this knot, won't you?" Freyja chuckles and starts the slow, gentle, loving steps of the oldest dance once again.

The little faux seems to ignore this, and stays unnoticed and out of harm's way, except for once when it apparently stalked the bug it was chasing right into the stream. It leapt out with a yip, splashing, and then an indignant glare at the water. A brief shaking, and all seems well with the world. Eventually, the little green critter will be found curled up sleeping on Zero's clothes.

The afternoon wanes, the shadows stretching out long as the sun heads down towards the horizon and the lovers, content and satisfied, begin thinking gently of a different fleshly delight... food. Fhazil yawns and stretches, and Vakkal sits up slowly, licking his chops and saying, "I hope they have plenty of meat at the luau tonight."

Freyja mmms softly from where her head is pillowed against Zero, then murmurs, "Got some nibbles in my utility belt. Can you reach it from here?" She adds lazily, "The raw veggies aren't for us, though... I brought a handful as a thank you for the felk."

Zero yawns softly, not bothering to get up. It's been a long time since he felt the sun on... well, everything. "I believe Sarn used the phrase 'meat-heavy,' what, twice? Three times?"

Fhazil says, "Something like that, yeah. Although I have a hard time with the mental image of Khar Velosi eating danishes and orange juice at a hotel's continental breakfast."

Zero smiles a bit, gently stroking Freyja's hair. "So do I, honestly. Something tells me the breakfast will be a slightly-smaller barbecue."

Freyja laughs quietly, then grins at Vakkal, "I think there'll be enough meat, sweetheart!"

Vakkal has found his own clothes first, and says, "I think I have something in here, too. I usually do." Fhazil looks over and says, "Aww, that's cute." He points to the ball of green fur on Zero's clothes and says, "I think it likes you, Zero."

Zero smiles, turning his head to look. "I think she does too. Well, I did feed the poor thing... and told her I'd introduce her to my friend who can talk to her."

Vakkal grins, "We'll just have to go find out."

Freyja giggles at Fhazil's mental image of breakfast, then grins at Zero, "I wondered how you'd coaxed her to foll- er, well, to ride, I guess?" She grins again, then holds out a golden hand, murmuring to the little creature, "Hello there, kitling. How're you feeling now?"

The faux looks up curiously at Freyja and mrrfs, "Hungry. Thirsty. Found!"

Freyja laughs softly, translating for her friends, then grins, "Come over here, little one, and we'll rub your ears -- how's that? And you can tell us what's happened to you recently, mm?" She hasn't bothered to move much -- it's very pleasant to lie peacefully with her lovers and be gently stroked, and return the favor with contented pleasure.

The faux does as suggested, and has her ears rubbed. She tells Freyja, "Slept. Fell in water. Was wet. Came here with new mommy. Found! Not alone any more!"

Freyja's grin widens as she turns her blue gaze towards Zero, "Oh, my. Did you know you're 'new mommy'?"

Zero sighs softly and smiles, "I suspected."

Freyja chuckles quietly, her stomach rippling slightly with the movement and causing the little faux to bounce a bit where she's sitting partially on Freyja, and to look around a bit startledly. Freyja gently rubs the large, delicate green ears until the kit settles again. She muses thoughtfully, "I wonder what 'fell in water' really means. There haven't been any storms recently that I know of here. Could her dam have had an accident?"

Zero says, "Maybe. Although she did fall in the stream just now."

Freyja says, "Hai, but she said that -- oh, wait, that was chronologically backwards." She falls silent, considering, then asks the little kit, "What was before 'found,' kitling?"

The faux looks unhappy and softly tells Freyja, "Alone. Hungry. Scared. Mommy-faux gone, not come back, very long time."

Freyja sighs quietly, gently stroking the soft green fur, and repeats for the others. Zero mmms softly, "Poor thing."

Freyja says, "It's possible one of the mountain cattas caught her." She looks at Zero seriously, asking, "Can you be a good new-mommy, sweetheart? If you're willing to take this on, I know I at least will be happy to help... but you should be aware the kitling will take a lot of care initially."

The little faux settles against the stroking and says sadly, "Not want alone any more." Freyja winces in silent commiseration at the baby's comment.

Zero sighs a little. "I'd hate to leave the poor thing alone... I don't see what choice I have, do you?"

Freyja says, "Mm... well, we could research alternatives if you don't really want to do this, Zeriza. Parenthood of any sort shouldn't be entered into lightly, I think." She smiles, adding, "Personally I think you'll do fine... I just don't want you to have unpleasant surprises later, you know?"

The faux is watching Zero carefully with her yellow eyes, wordlessly pleading as only a kitten can. Zero smiles a little. "It's not that I don't want to... but I don't know if she'd be happy having to live inside our ship, for one thing... I'd feel better if she had another faux to take care of her, really. But, well..." He smiles a bit and strokes the little creature's ears. "What do you think?"

The faux replies by nuzzling at Zero's fingers with a little mrrping sound which Freyja can understand as, "Ooh. Happy!"

Freyja thinks for a bit... then turns to look at the little faux, carefully projecting an image of the ship to it, complete with borrowed scents from Vakkal if she can. She's trying to see if there's any shock or fear or dismay at the possibility of living in such an environment.

First, Freyja gets a questioning thought of, "New-mommy there?" When she includes the impressions of Zero, herself, Fhazil, and Vakkal aboard, the faux seems delighted, and mentally tries to sniff in all the corners and find all the dark hidden places and little lost things.

Freyja laughs with quiet delight, sharing the imagery with the others as well. That's the best way she knows to answer Zero's excellent question. Zero says, "Well, all right then. Why not? You did say you missed having animals nearby. And it might be nice, after all. I certainly can't leave her alone here in good conscience."

Freyja grins mischievously, and the others can 'feel' her thoughts, planning nice things to add to their home, to make it more cozy and comfortable for them all. Maybe more plants, more pillows and tapestries in the open area to make more little dark hidden places... she beams at Zero, "Oh, good!"

Zero smiles a little. "It'd be too cruel to leave her behind."

The others 'hear' Freyja's further planning, Oh, and toys... must get some fun things for the faux to play with, with us! Then, a bit bemusedly she asks, "Er... what's her name, Zeriza?"

The faux looks pleased to apparently have made others pleased, and settles contentedly on her side on Freyja, nuzzling Zero's fingers. Zero smiles. "Good question. I'll have to think of one." Freyja giggles, tremendously pleased at the tiny new addition to their little family!

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

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