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Reality Fault

Realms: These Shattered Stars Logs

Interlude XIX

Later that night, after Freyja's recovered from farseeing to Master Roakkana, she considers her notes on Kalarba, on her datapad. It's been... quite interesting, in a rather peculiar way. She's certainly learned a lot... although she wishes she could have helped some of the folks here more. Still... live and learn. If they're lucky, the diminutive Watcher will stir up quite a bee's nest of reaction in the Order -- and in the end many, many more people will be helped.

Freyja idly and absently nibbles the end of her braid, thinking. The Arkanian Padawan's not called back, so she won't worry about that. She'd like to make some nice gesture to the folks here who she's touched, however, even if she'd not been able to do as much as she'd have liked for them.

Freyja smiles at a sudden thought, then happily decides on a plan of action. First, a call to the captain of the constabulary, to see if she can bring a present to the former manager of spaceport security, Hira Koss.

The constable seems surprised, and frowns slightly. "Present? That's highly unusual for Jedi to be sending.. presents to accused criminals. What sort of present?"

Freyja says, "Well..." she sighs quietly, looking down at her hands, then back up at the captain. "It's... it's just I know what it's like to have a dream -- an all-consuming, wonderful, beautiful dream -- something worth giving your all for. I think... I think that's what she was doing -- trying to give her all for her dream. I don't think she chose the right path to that goal... but that doesn't mean the dream itself was bad, you know? So... I guess I just don't want her to give up hope... if that makes sense?""

Freyja adds, "I was just going to ask the courtesan if he knew of anything from her house that was of personal meaning to her... then ask you if I could bring it to her." She smiles quietly, "That's all."

The constable listens quietly, then lifts his shoulders a little. "Well, all right." He gives an address, apparently the municipal penitentiary. "You're cleared to visit the house, and I'll let the duty officer there know you'll be taking something off the premises. You know of course not to send anything that might be a weapon or something that can be used to aid and abet an escape attempt?"

Freyja gives the captain an amused glance -- of course she knows that! -but simply nods and politely replies, "Certes." She wonders curiously if the captain knows just how often she's visited Koss' house in the last two days... then mentally shrugs. She's not brought or taken anything from the house. Perhaps that's all they're watching for.

Freyja will look up the courtesan's contact information, then give him a holo-call next.

The man's contact information is easy enough to find. It's not exactly on the front page of the community directory, but the Silver District listings are quickly discovered, and with a little investigative work Freyja finds the contact information for the man who was with Koss.

Freyja knows it's late, but perhaps he's not booked tonight, since he was with Koss only a few hours ago. She'll try contacting him.

A few moments later, a male of some near-Human species with a faint pattern of silvery-blue scales and black eyes appears on the screen. "Yes? How can I help you, milady?

Freyja blinks. The courtesan she saw was rather nicely feather haired, and had startlingly golden colored eyes. This is quite definitely not him. "Ah, heiyo. I am looking for the individual who was with Hira Koss tonight? He had striking golden eyes?"

The man glances off to the side. "Oyei. You would be asking for Veir. He's... not well right now." The scaled man's voice drops. "He was really fond of Koss, you see. This has been very hard on him."

Freyja sighs quietly, "Oh, dear. I... am truly sorry to hear that." She thinks a moment, then says carefully, "Well, will you ask him if he is willing to talk to one of the Jedi? I would like to do something for Koss, but I don't want to hurt him... so perhaps best if we let him decide what he'd like to do, please?"

The scaled man makes a quiet sound. "Well.. what sort of thing? I can ask him, when he's feeling a bit better, and get back to you?"

Freyja shakes her head, "I fear I will be leaving planet tomorrow. However, if Kuras Veir knows of some small thing which had personal meaning for Kuras Koss, I have permission to retrieve it from her house and take it to her. Can he tell me of anything like that?" She pauses, then adds softly, "Would he like to go with me to take it to her?"

"I think that'd be really hard to arrange. I'll ask him, though, and see if there's anything he might remember that she might like. He's just... really not up to talking with other people right now."

Freyja nods quietly, "I understand, kuras."

Freyja says, "Would you like me to wait?"

He nods. "Please. This will only be a few minutes." He stands, and moves off-screen.

Freyja nods and waits relaxedly.

The silvery-blue-scaled man returns after several minutes. "He says there was a book she had bought on Ryloth a few years ago, Songs of the Heat Storm. He says she always enjoyed that one, and might like it now."

Freyja smiles, "Oh, good. Would you tell him thank you for me, please? -and..." she pauses, reflecting, then says quietly, "I hope he is better soon."

He nods. "I will. And I do, too. Thank you."

Freyja will politely bid the man good night, dismiss the holovid, then make a note of the book to retrieve. Then she sits back and considers, lazily stretched out on the couch with her arms behind her head. Finally she grins, sitting up and going in search of Fhazil. She knows Zero will be busy retrieving appropriate star maps, as well as obscuring their intended trail... but Fhazil will be free for a bit still.

Fhazil is sitting in the commons, scrolling through what looks to be public military reports and jotting notes on a datapad. He looks up as Freyja enters. "Oh, hi. Got all done that you wanted to?"

Freyja smiles lazily, her eyes bright with just a touch of mischief, "Almost." She settles comfortably cross-legged next to him, and casually asks, "So, it just occurred to me -- you don't have any formal wear for Balmorra. So... would you rather wear something Balmorran? or... well, what's formal wear on Ziost for a Human male?"

He chuckles softly, blanking the screen and setting it to the side. "No such thing, really, at least on Ziost. I wore a high-collar jacket, trousers, and boots of Alderaanian pattern, and that was pretty acceptable as formal wear. It made a bit of a stir, actually. The Arkanian style at the time was decorative armor. Showing up as, well, near-Arkanian with no armor was taken as a sign of huge confidence." he grins. "Or ego. Of course I didn't realize this until Lord Ghang told me, after the first ball I'd been to...."

Freyja laughs! then grins mischievously, "Let me guess -- you kept the style anyway, didn't you?"

Fhazil nods, "Oh, of course I did! That in turn started a trend, actually. Arkanian dress armor started being a lot less ostentatious. Still very well kept, but not nearly as elaborate.

Freyja chuckles quietly, considering... then smiles again, her eyes bright, "Well then... that means we should be able to just rent you some formal wear here for tomorrow, hai?"

HE blinks. "Formalwear? Tomorrow? What's tomorrow?

Freyja rises gracefully and heads out of the room, deliberately letting her walk sway a little more than usual. Her eyes are sparkling with mischief, and her grin is downright wickedly amused as she replies teasingly over her shoulder, "For our date, of course!"


Freyja has arranged with Vakkal to let Fhazil be the one wandering around with her. She can't help giggling at the usual good-natured, grumbling implications from Vakkal of what will occur to Fhazil should Freyja even stub a toe, as well as Fhazil's airy assurances that all will be wondrous, as it is he who'll be watching over Freyja.

Freyja does a number of things right away -- first she carefully picks three of the flowers from the blooming hybrid plant growing in her cabin, from the original flowers gifted to her by Thorn, and makes sure they all have small water repositories on the end of their stems. Then she heads on out with Fhazil, enjoying the lovely, briskly windy day. First she'll find a good place to rent nice formal wear for Fhazil; then send off the encoded message to Staster for her parents, concerning the wedding plans. Then she heads for the constabulary, where the Jedi stay.

Freyja settles on a bench outside the constabulary, by the small park-like area there. The greenery is nice, and it gives her a chance to carefully calligraph on a piece of paper, 'As the stations of the Bendu Wheel turn, ascending and descending, so do our fortunes within the Force. May we someday have the fortune to be able to help you, as you have helped us. Our thanks to you.'

Freyja rises, carefully folding the little piece of paper around the Ossus lily she holds, and says to the guardian at the door, "May I have this delivered to Jedi Master Nifalu, please?" She'd go in herself, but considering the young Padawan didn't call her, it's possible Master Nifalu doesn't want Damra talking to the 'dangerously heretical' Freyja. That being the case, Freyja will remain politely outside the constabulary so as to not accidentally run into the Padawan again -- which might negate Master Nifalu's wishes.

The officer at the front assures Freyja she will get it to Nifalu.

Freyja thanks her politely, then leaves with Fhazil. As they're walking along, she takes his hand, smiling at him.

Freyja knows things are very dark, what with the war and the Calefactors hunting them... but there is a quiet, bright joy in her heart at being outside, in the sunlight and the wind, with one of her beloveds. Happily she says, "So... how are you doing?"

Fhazil smiles warmly back, and nods. "Good. Good, all in all. Looking forward to the resolution of all this."

Freyja nods thoughtfully, "I also." She's silent for a while, pacing along silently through the city crowds with him... then joy rises again, and Fhazil can hear her singing softly to herself as she walks with him.

She grins up at him, singing one of the verses more clearly, and almost dancing herself next to him,
"Do you know my soul?
Did we meet in a star's womb?
or dance with the wind?
"

Fhazil listens to Freyja's singing with a smile. As she finishes, he says, "That's beautiful. Where is it from?"

Freyja grins, "It's part of a very long Balmorran prose poem. It's a love story! -very popular on long winter nights for the bards to sing." Her grin gets mischievous, and she runs her slender fingers through her surprisingly long, gleaming hair in a deliberately provocative manner, singing to Fhazil,
"Sly grin and warm eyes
Suggestive words and posture --
The signs of a flirt!
"

Freyja giggles, twirling airily around Fhazil in a light dance step, her fiery golden hair matching the graceful arc of her outstretched arms. Her fingers trail lightly, teasingly along his shoulders while she's behind him, and she ends up right in front of him, her delighted face inches from his. Her bright blue eyes are half-closed and smoky as she breathes softly, "You like?"

Even though Freyja's singing causes some people on the street to glance over in curiosity, Fhazil laughs. "So you're flirting with me? What's there to not like?"

Freyja grins, her eyes bright as her arms curl around his neck, "But of course -- flirtation is fun! Mmm?" She tilts her head to let her lips softly brush his.

Fhazil grins, wrapping his arms lightly around her waist so as to let her move about as freely as she will. "You'll not hear an argument from me to the contrary.

Freyja grins, her eyes sparkling... then lets the kiss slowly deepen in sensuous intensity, holding him near. Warmth, strength, softness... her eyes slowly close with enjoyment... closeness, reassurance, desire... she can 'feel' both their emotions, his like a quiet echo of hers. It's intoxicating and delicious. The reality of her beloveds is far sweeter than imagination was ever able to provide.

A short while later Freyja and Fhazil finish their kiss -- mostly due to a need for air! Not wanting to offend the locals, they continue on their way, still happily hand in hand.

Freyja's next stop is at Koss' house, where she leaves another Ossus lily for the Darksiders there, as well as her best wishes, and collects the book for Koss. The penitentiary is the next stop, where the book and the final Ossus lily are handed over for the Twi'lek woman, along with the neatly calligraphed message, 'Good dreams are worth waiting for, and there are many paths to a worthwhile goal. May the Force be with you.'

After that, Freyja and Fhazil head back to the Eclipse, still very much enjoying the pleasure of each other's company. Also, Freyja wants Fhazil and herself to have time to dress up a bit for the date, especially since she's made reservations at a nice restaurant. She doesn't get to eat fresh food often, and a chance to do so with a beloved is simply not to be missed!


Some time later, back at the ship, Freyja almost dances out of her room, twirling gracefully in a pirouette in front of Fhazil and Vakkal, "So, nice? Good enough to go out to dinner with?" She giggles, her bright eyes dancing with fun.

    Freyja's willowy form is stylishly clad in a thigh-length kimono of icy, rich blue silk which matches her brilliant, intense eyes. The subtle gold and platinum embroidery embellishes ancient, pre-Republic calligraphy. A darker blue obi, intricately beaded in a delicate pattern, holds the kimono closed and elegantly defines the curves of her waist and hips, while her long, svelte legs gleam in smoothly form-fitting, sheer, dark silk. Her golden skinned face, framed by a thick, wavy mane of fiery gold hair, glows with serene happiness in the Light. Her walk is strong and sure, swaying with lithe grace.

Fhazil turns and in almost the same motion falls out of his chair as he lays eyes on Freyja. He manages to recover, though, grinning as he stands, ad bows. "Good enough to go to dinner in the Senatorial Rostrum, the High Palace of House Jinn of Alderaan, and the Sith Court of Ziost."

He adds merrily, "Though if we were to go to all three in the same night, we'd have a lot of traveling to do."

Freyja laughs delightedly at Fhazil's reaction, immensely pleased, and wraps her arms around him in a lithe, close hug, "You're so nice! Good for the ego..." Eyes half-closed with pleasure, she lightly rubs her cheek against his, "Mmm... you look very elegant also, my dear! So... perhaps we can do Alderaan and Ziost later, and just dine on Kalarba tonight?" She grins, her eyes dancing with mischief.

He laughs, embracing her warmly and closely. "Kalarba will do for now, certainly," he says, his lips brushing her cheek lightly

Freyja mmms happily, pushing her hair back and savoring the warm tingle she gets when her beloveds are close. A moment later (she's certainly not going to rush lovely moments like this!) when he straightens a bit, she'll take his hand in hers and head for the airlock, "I made reservations at a nice local restaurant... and there should be a rickshaw droid waiting for us, too, outside!"

Fhazil smiles, and nods, taking her hand as he steps out with her. "Dinner sounds wonderful," he says, smiling. "Especially food that's not been reconstituted." After stepping outside and to the patient rickshaw droid, which is happily bleeping to itself, he holds out a hand to help her up into the cozy seat. The late afternoon sun casts a hazy orange hue to the city.

Freyja steps lightly up into the rickshaw with Fhazil's help. She feels warm and well loved... it's a wonderful feeling! Times like this she wishes she could share with the entire universe! Still, the next best thing is to share with her beloveds. She grins a little mischievously, thinking about what she's got planned for the evening, and snuggles decorously up next to Fhazil once he's seated, saying to the droid, "The Silver Lotus, please?"

Freyja sighs happily as she watches the city go by, one hand resting companionably on Fhazil's thigh, "Fresh food sounds simply wonderful!"

The droid blitters, and trundles off at speed towards the Silver District. Fhazil comfortably leans a little into the snuggle, his arm warmly about Freyja's shoulders as the city meanders by at a good clip. "Silver Lotus?" he asks. "Sounds romantic." Of course, it's just coincidence his breath lightly tickles her ear as he says that.

Freyja giggles softly, letting her fingernails trail lightly and tinglingly along his leg, "Doesn't it, though?" She doesn't let more than that slip, though, preferring to surprise him.

He grins softly, not quite letting his reaction to the light touch of her fingernails have a visible effect on him -- other than the slight change in his breathing. As they arrive at the restaurant and he steps from the rickshaw to help her down, he grins again. "Ah, I'd almost forgotten...." From beneath his jacket he produces a corsage of blue and white flowers. "Would you permit me, Freyja?" he asks, with a smile.

Freyja blinks, then lights up, "Oh, how lovely!" She beams at Fhazil, stepping down to stand next to him, "Please do?"

Freyja sniffs appreciatively as he carefully pins them onto the left chest of her dress.

He smiles, and sets about pinning it neatly to her dress. "I had no idea where we were going," he confesses," but I figured it couldn't be anywhere where flowers for the lady would be inappropriate."

Freyja beams at him again when he's done, her eyes sparkling, and stands on tiptoes to kiss him lightly on the cheek. "You're a sweetheart. Thank you, Fhazil!"

He smiles, "You're very welcome." He offers his arm again, bowing and smiling. "Shall we?"

Freyja will happily tuck one hand into Fhazil's arm and stroll into the restaurant with him, to let the maitre d' know they've arrived for their reservations.

The Silver Lotus is arranged in, nicely enough, a lotus pattern, with several concentric rings that go downward as one nears the center of the restaurant, while in the center is a flower-shaped fountain with silvery water.

For Freyja this is a personally exhilarating moment. She knows how to stride into a room as if she owned it; that's something she learned years ago as Balmorran aristoi. But to glide into a room with a beloved, in full confidence of one's own personal loveliness and desirability... that's a new and wonderful experience for her, which she savors with great enjoyment. It's visible in her demeanor too -- head high and eyes bright, she practically glows with happiness at being there with Fhazil. Though Freyja doesn't realize it, several heads turn to watch them pass by, and people smile at the obvious chemistry between the two Humans. As the old saying goes, 'everyone loves a couple in love!'

They are seated by slightly obscuring greenery, which gives an impression of graceful and dimly lit seclusion, on one of the concentric rings. Quiet, discreet music trails through the air, lightly counter pointed by the dancing plinks and rippling of falling water in the fountain. Freyja smiles at Fhazil as he holds her seat out for her until she's comfortably settled, then steps to seat himself as well. They're handed menus, then left in peace to make their choices.

Fhazil, at least, doesn't carry himself with (obvious) pride, at least not the kind that takes pride in having a beautiful girl hanging off his arm. Rather, his pride is more that he's there with a beautiful and intelligent and wonderful lady whom he loves and whom, he knows, loves him. The seating is nicely secluded and comfortable in the warm restaurant, the chill of the encroaching evening kept at bay. The restaurant is modest, only four or five levels deep, but intimate for each table nonetheless.

Freyja studies the menu, then looks up at Fhazil, "So... what sounds good to you? Would you like to try some of the wine?" As she speaks, she slides off one of her slippers under the table... then gently runs her toes up the side of Fhazil's calf. Her expression, however, like her tone, is utterly guileless.

Fhazil almost drops the menu. "Er, what? Pardon? oh! Wine sounds... sounds perfect," he says, with a smile, not quite squirming and certainly not drawing away.

Freyja giggles softly, her eyes sparkling with mischief, then innocently asks, "All right. Any particular vintage you prefer?" With slow sureness, the tickling toes slide back down Fhazil's calf... then just as slowly up the other side...

Fhazil clears his throat a little, almost taking a quick glance around. "Well, ah... the Naboo vintages are supposed to be very good...."

Freyja grins lazily, perusing the menu again, "Hmm... Naboo... lovely place. Don't they wear that light, silky, midriff-baring clothing in the summer there? ...ah, here we are! There's a lovely '41 rosé we could try, mmm?" She looks up at Fhazil again, internally delighted at the half shocked, half pleased expression on his face.

Fhazil smiles wryly to her, though he is managing to keep his composure, more or less, and is certainly not complaining. "Inspired by the Human Balmorrans who colonized it a few hundred years ago, if I recall."

Freyja says, "Oh! So they were!" She giggles again, not quite able to pull off the entirely guileless effect, then adds with teasing promise, "Maybe I'll show you some of those styles while we're on Balmorra, mm? Would you like that?"

He chuckles softly. "If you wish, I'd like that." He grins. "I'd show you styles from Ziost, but we've never been anywhere where the temperature drops below freezing... and I think even Vakkal would complain if we set the ship to icebox temperatures for even a little while...

Freyja laughs softly, then brightens, leaning forward, "Oh! I have something for you -- neh, wait, we should decide on dinner first, hai?" She scans the menu thoughtfully, making some suggestions to Fhazil -- and not teasing him with her toes, so he can think and answer coherently! It's quite obvious Freyja desires some good fresh food, too... her choices include salads with fruit, tasty sauces with vegetable garnishes, and a bit of meat.

Fhazil chooses a dish which has perhaps a bit more meat than Freyja's, but which also seems to have more spices. It is strongly reminiscent of the Sith meat which was served at the dinner formally welcoming Freyja home to Balmorra.

Freyja looks pleased, "Oh, that'll be nice too! Would..." she pauses, realizing what she was about to say... then grins a little shyly, "Would y-you... like to share?" To her, publicly sharing food and drink is just as erotic as teasing her beloved with her toes. She knows he may not see it quite precisely that way also... but she can 'touch' him lightly with the information, should he ask about her slight flush.

He blinks for a moment, gathering Freyja's information, then grins, and nods. "That'd be good, certainly," he replies, smiling. "Is there... any particular way to go about it? I wouldn't want to cause too much of a scene...."

Freyja grins a bit sheepishly, her flush deepening a bit and her head tilting slightly to allow a silky curtain of fiery hair to fall between her and the rest of the room, "Neh, just... um, just sharing is fine. You're welcome to try from my plate too...?"

Fhazil smiles, and nods, "Thank you," he says, smiling warmly.

Freyja grins, her eyes getting rather bright, and reaches to take one of Fhazil's hands, turning it palm up as she reaches into the back of her obi for something. She places a small, brightly wrapped package into Fhazil's palm, adding, "This... is for you. I wasn't able to get you something on Sedrak, so... well, I hope you like it." Her slightly nervous flush isn't going away any time soon, although there's also restrained excitement in her grin, "Vakkal said you might...?"

He blinks in surprise, then smiles to Freyja warmly. "You didn't have to! Your memory has always been warm enough on the coldest of nights. But... thank you." he gently unwraps the small package, and takes in a small gasp when he sees the small raven stone carvings. "Oh, Freyja, this is wonderful! Thank you!"

Freyja beams -- then blinks and blushes even more at the lovely compliment, forgetting what she was about to say.

A moment later she grins with shy delight, "I... thank you so much, Fhazil!" She hesitates, then adds happily, "Look under the first one, please?"

Fhazil lifts up the first one, smiles at its mirror image below, and looks up. "One for the both of us?"

Freyja nods happily several times, "Hai! It's like the ravens who ride on the shoulders of Grandfather Wolf. They're called Thought and Memory." She beams, pulling out a black silk cord and adds, "Which do you prefer? I have something so you can make it a necklace or bracelet if you want. Or you can just keep it as an amulet?"

Fhazil grins, "Black is fine, as a necklace. So I can always feel it on me, and not loose it even by chance."

Freyja is quietly delighted as she gently knots the silken cord through one of the pendants, then leans to hang it carefully about Fhazil's neck... accidentally giving him an excellent view of her cleavage as she does so! She settles back, still beaming, and shyly adds, "I keep the other one... so we're united by thought and memory." A moment later she softly murmurs, "You... really like it? I... I know you think marriage on Balmorra is a little... strange... so I wanted to give you something to let you know how I felt...?"

Fhazil is far too polite to stare down into Freyja's cleavage; besides, there are much more wonderful things about her to look at. Though he can't resist, as she settles it around his neck, gently kissing her forehead. "Thank you," he says. "I... do admit marriage on Balmorra is.. different, compared to how it is on Corellia." He gently takes her hand, his fingertips gently brushing the back of her hand. "I know how you feel, Freyja. And I hope you know how I feel. The... bond between us is something so few people get the chance to share. There's no doubt in my mind." He smiles. "But a symbol of that, of what we share... it's always wonderful to have a reminder of that."

Freyja relaxes slightly, her eyes as warm as her smile, "Oh, good. Thank you, Fhazil. I'm glad to hear that. I..." she looks down at her hand in his, then back up at him, and confesses, "...well, I worried a little."

Fhazil nods, smiling. "I know. I didn't deal with it well, to be honest. It's... still a little odd to me, to look at marriage that way. But in the end it doesn't change who you are, who I am, who Zero is, or how we all feel."

Freyja blinks, looking up at the discreetly appearing waiter, then smiles and orders dinner. The more unusual words flow easily from her; then she turns back to Fhazil with another quietly happy smile, "I'm glad to hear that. I admit, I thought I'd never really have a Family of the Heart..." she laughs softly, shaking her head a bit, and adds, "And now I have Master Roakkana, Vakkal, Zero, you... considering how kind he's been, I may even have Leif there too -- if he wants, that is." She curls her fingers lightly around Fhazil's, eyes bright with happiness, and he can 'feel' her inner surge of joyous passion. She considers herself quite the luckiest woman in the universe tonight.

He smiles and gently squeezes Freyja's hand. "I'd certainly like to meet him if we're on Balmorra for long enough." He grins. "Though probably best not to introduce who I am to him. You might get all sorts of odd looks, as wonderfully chaotic as that might make things!"

Freyja laughs! "Oh, they'll figure out you and Zero are my paramours quickly enough!" She thinks a moment, then giggles mischievously, "That alone should make you quite popular with my sister -- she'll want to know all about you both!"

Fhazil's reaction is a bit of a twitch. "... Oh. Is there any way I can avoid that fate?" he asks with a grin.

Freyja nods cheerfully, "Sure! We can wrap you up and say you have a terrible contagious disease!" She pauses, then adds with mock thoughtfulness, "Of course... you wouldn't be able to run away then if she decided to nurse you back to health..."

He grimaces. "Oh, dear. Thank the Force we're only there for a week. I think I'd rather be mobile and be able to run rather than stuck in a single place where she can get me...."

Freyja giggles again, then sits back with an expectant smile as the waiter returns with the bottle of wine. One short ritual bottle-opening later, and she grins a little nervously at Fhazil, "So, um... would you like to take the first sip?"

Fhazil smiles. "Actually... I was wondering if we could... exchange glasses, or if we need to wait until after we take a sip from our glasses first...."

Freyja brightens, "Oh! Hai, that'd be nice too, if you'd like?" She takes a deep breath, then carefully slides her wineglass over to Fhazil, with two slender golden fingers.

Fhazil smiles, a little shyly, and slides his own glass over to Freyja, skirting it lightly around hers in such a way that when he lets go of it, his fingertips brush gently and lightly against hers.

Freyja smiles and flushes a bit again, but then carefully lifts Fhazil's wineglass to her lips, taking a small, decorous sip as she watches him.

Fhazil's gaze is fixed with Freyja's as he takes a small sip from her glass, his smile warm and loving. Finishing the sip and setting the glass down, he whispers almost silently, "I love you," barely heard over even the quiet sounds of the restaurant.

Freyja sighs quietly, deeply moved as she still watches Fhazil with the wineglass to her lips. Her eyes are very bright with happiness... then she smiles with slow warmth, kissing the edge of the glass goblet before she sets it gently down in front of Fhazil.

Freyja's smile gets mischievous, however, once she picks up her own wineglass again. She takes a slow sip, her bright blue gaze intent on Fhazil... then with lazy pleasure she slowly licks her lips at him, just as she did long ago when she first wore this lovely dress -- and Vakkal warned her not to break Fhazil!

Fhazil almost (but not quite) loses his composure and drops his wine glass right there! The edge of it clinks against his dish, in fact, garnering a curious, brief glance from the Duros at the next table over. He smiles sheepishly to Freyja, repositioning himself and setting the wineglass down properly. "You're dangerous when you do that, you know...."

Freyja giggles delightedly, inordinately pleased, "Thank you!" then blinks, "Drat! Erf... I don't do sultry well, I fear." She grins, her eyes sparkling and obviously not terribly worried by her inability to sustain 'sultry' for any length of time, "Oh, well! I'll just have to work on it, hai?"

Fortunately for Fhazil's composure, dinner arrives soon thereafter. After happily nibbling at the delicious meal for a while, Freyja gets a thoughtful look. A moment later she looks up at Fhazil and says, "I... have a small question for you, please? It's not critical, just curiosity on my part. But... well, basically, when we read about Sith Lords, it's always: Sith Lord, followed by name one, then name two.

"So my question is -- is name one or name two the surname? I ask because I'd been assuming it was name one, and the Lords referred to each other by last name... like Sith Lord Ghang. However, I suddenly remembered it always seems to be Sith Lord Ravos, not Sith Lord Shen... and then I remembered Sith Lord Khon Shu Fan and his daughter, Fan Nuit.

"So... is Sith Lord Ghang just very informal, and prefers to go by his first name? Do descendants of Sith Lords put the surname first, but the actual lord puts their surname last?" She grins mischievously, adding, "Is there balm in Gilead?"

Fhazil grins, then says, "Regarding Sith names... well, it varies hugely, sometimes even from family to family. Lord Ghang and a number of other Lords of War prefer their given name to their family or clan name. The situation with Fan Nuit is different. In this case, her father's use of the family name 'Fan' is an affectation. Because of the relatively low numbers of the Sith population, female purebloods wield not inconsiderable power. Fan is the name of Fan Nuit's mother's family. I had it written down once explaining what all those family name issues were all about..."

Freyja grins at the mental image of Fhazil busily taking notes, in order to better understand his newly adopted culture, then says, "Huh. Interesting... and useful to know. So Sith Lord Khon Shu Fan is first name Khon, surname Shu, married name Fan?"

Fhazil says, "Well, his name is actually Khon Shu -- two words but both a personal name. His family name is Fan."

Freyja says, "Ah. So he took his wife's family name?"

Fhazil nods. "He did, yes. Note that Fan's family has the tradition of the family name being first. Knowing which family or clan or lord likes their names in which order is part of Sith noble social protocols." Freyja nods in silently fascinated interest, making a mental note to herself to be sure to research that further later.

A pleasantly relaxed, enchantingly languorous dinner is enjoyed by the two. Freyja teases just enough to keep them both anticipatorily purring, but not so much as to instigate a dining accident, which they both find deliciously entertaining. Later the two head back to the ship, leisurely linked arm in arm, for a delightful culmination of their 'date.'


Departure from Kalarba is uneventful, and unfortunately comes before Caul and Argent can reach them, though there's no helping that. Still, a discreet message has been left for them as to how to contact the diminutive Watcher, should they so wish, and how to reach the group on Balmorra. Refueling, launch, and final preparations for entry into hyperspace are all completed without a problem.

Freyja finds, oddly enough, that wandering the star systems has become a rather lovely affair for her. There's the usual training, meditation, and practicing -- the triat wants to be able to link quickly and smoothly, after all, even if not in physical contact; and keeping basic martial skills up is a must. However... something has changed for Freyja. The Platinum Eclipse has become home for her now. Most of her personal Family of the Heart is present on the ship; all that's currently missing is Master Roakkana, and they're headed towards him. Added to that is the fact that her beloveds are there. She's never had so much time off, let alone time off with people she dearly loves -- she finds it an irresistible combination!

Zero spends most of his time at the helm, usually just watching the sensors. He doesn't trust the Calefactors not to attempt something in hyperspace. Despite that nagging worry he seems mostly relaxed... even if he does occasionally fall asleep in the pilot seat now and then.

It's late one 'night,' and Zero's once again sitting in the big pilot's chair at the helm, watching the streaming nothing of uninterrupted hyperspace. Incongruously, he catches the sharply distinct, pleasing scent of steaming hot and freshly made tea... just as a mug of it is placed next to his hand. Behind him, Freyja's low voice is quietly amused, "Sleepless again?"

Zero mms softly, and nods. He smiles wanly, taking the cup. "They usually are, on board ship. Old habit."

Freyja says, "Who usually are?"

Zero says, "The nights. Sleepless. What about you? Something on your mind?"

Freyja says, "Ah." There's the faint creak of leather as Freyja seats herself behind him in the commo chair, "Neh, not really. Just making sure you're all right, silly." Her tone gets slightly mischievous, "Is the pilot's chair really that much more comfortable than a warm bed with us?"

Zero sighs a little and smiles. "Someone's got to make sure we aren't waylaid by the Order... or by the Sith. Maybe it's antique paranoia, but I feel like someone ought to be watching our backs lately."

Freyja chuckles quietly, and Zero can hear the faint creak of the chair behind him as she leans forward and rests her arms on the top of his chair, resting her chin on her crossed hands. She grins down at him, the smile evident in her voice as she teasingly comments, "Surely paranoia never goes out of style?" A long, curling lock of fiery golden hair falls like streaming silk past her face, to gently tickle one of his ears.

Zero leans back a bit and smiles up at her a little tiredly. "It sure does like to stick with you, at any rate."

Freyja laughs softly, letting the slender golden fingers of one hand lightly caress the line of Zero's jaw, "Forgive me then, if I choose to stick to you like paranoia?" She giggles at the silly turn of phrase, her eyes bright with amusement as she gazes down at him.

Zero mms softly, and closes his eyes. "Well," he grins a little, "I never complained before." He reaches up and touches her fingers gently. "Are you trying to tell me I should get out of the cockpit?"

Freyja laughs softly again -- then blinks, getting a thoughtful look. Her fingers lightly touch Zero's face, tracing the line of his lips... and then she says slowly, "Zeriza... I just had an idea. Would you like me to try removing your scars? You seem so self-conscious about them. Maybe I could heal them for you, if you wished?"

Zero blinks, once. "You... think you can do that?"

Freyja smiles with quietly affectionate warmth down at Zero, "Hai, lover. I've already done it, in fact... for Master Thann. I'd certainly be willing to try again for you."

Zero nods softly, thinking about it for a few moments. "Well... maybe..." He looks away momentarily. "Maybe... just the one on my face... that'd be... that'd be great."

Freyja's soft smile grows a bit, into a slightly mischievous grin, "Well, in that case... then hai, I am trying to tell you -- you should get out of the cockpit and come to bed!"

Zero laughs softly, and slowly peels himself out of the pilot seat. "Well," he says, "How can I argue with that?"

Freyja grins, rising herself and stepping around the seats to make room for Zero to leave with her. It's then he notices she's completely nude, her slender golden form gleaming faintly from the cockpit lights and the fall of her hair streaming scarlet down her smooth back. She picks up his mug of tea, as well as her own, and winks at him over her shoulder, "See? Argumentation is so illuminating!"

Zero smiles a bit. The sight's very pleasing to him; although maybe not surprising... ever since Sedrak she's been trying to find excuses to go around ship nude. Not that he's complaining in the least, of course... who would? He wanders off in pursuit.

Much, much later Freyja sighs in languorous contentment, entangled in now-sleepily-relaxed pleasure with her beloveds. Remembering her promise to Zero, she smiles languidly and lets her head droop down to his. Her scarlet hair is a silky caress across his pale features as she traces slow, dreamy, warm kisses along his face. Her deeply relaxed thoughts can be felt more as emotion than words to her beloveds, relaxation/rest/sweet repose... caressing/calm/forgiveness... peaceful loving... healing, dearly beloved...


The jump goes without a hitch, and there is no incident of any kind, not even a blip on the sensors. A few weeks later the ship is winging its way down through the atmosphere of Ameil's world. Freyja grins quietly to herself as they land, remembering the somewhat explosive greeting they'd received last time. Then she sighs quietly, hoping they can somehow expose Kalatis, so Captain Thorn doesn't have to stay 'dead' for very long.

They are given landing clearance fairly quickly, and as far as prices for berthing fees and fuel go they're given an extremely good price... for Hutt Space. It's still more than what they would pay for in the Republic, but not nearly as much as they would normally pay. Zero mms, "I bet I can guess what you're thinking, Freyja..."

Freyja grins at Zero, "Hai?"

Zero finishes securing the fuel line. "You're thinking about what happened the first time we came through here, right?"

Freyja laughs! "Hai. And that I hope we can expose Kalatis and his cronies soon, so Captain Thorn doesn't have to stay 'dead.'"

Zero grins a little. "I wouldn't worry about it. We're here to drop some credits... a Hutt is always ready to do business. As for Senator Dead Man, don't worry, I know a few people back in Republic space who are probably dying for a little challenge." He smiles, "Slicers will do just about anything for fame or credits. And what's higher-profile than a Senator's computer?"

Freyja tilts her head thoughtfully, then says, "As long as it exposes truth, please? To fight deception with deception seems... somehow wrong to me. Let his own actions doom him, you know?"

Zero says, "That's the point, lover. We'll let the experts make sure that everything we know finds its way into the hands of a Senator... or Senators... of, shall we say, stronger moral fiber, aiyah?"

Freyja grins, giving Zero a quick hug, "Hai, then! And hopefully the Watchers will be pulling strings by then also... and maybe your friend Argent will be too." She wraps her Padawan's braid neatly around her hair again, in the same disguise as last time... although this time her hair is a much longer mane of flame. She giggles, adding, "Didn't Kuras Gendoj Jukun seem almost pleased to see us again? Bet you our ship isn't kidnapped this time!"

Zero grins. "Like I said... always ready to do business. That's what I like about Hutts. They're so... consistent."

Freyja laughs again, then gets a concentrated look as she practices her Huttee, the syllables almost expectorant, "Always ready to do business! Hutts... so consistent!" She grins, "How's that?"

Zero hehs. "I'm sure Ameil will take it as a compliment."

Freyja giggles, "Hope so! Or the majordomo... we are asking for something unusual, after all."

The mos has been rebuilt since the last time they were there. The fortress has been repaired, as have the dormitories in the paddies -- and they appear to be of somewhat better quality this time around. There is a bit of a slightly calm, casual air, the reason for it being confirmed when a flunky responds to the request for a meeting with Ameil that the Hutt is off world currently, but that Majordomo Orfune would be pleased to see them in the fortress. Freyja bows politely and replies that they're available at the majordomo's convenience.

    Freyja glows in the light; a willowy, long legged, golden skinned woman, her frost-blue eyes bright with serene happiness. She moves as lithely as a dancer, strong and sure, pragmatic in well-fitting breeches and a laden utility belt. Her face is shrouded by the hood of her cobalt-blue Balmorran long-coat, which is snugly buttoned to the hips, although unruly wisps of her fiery gold mane dance free despite her best efforts. The brilliant scarlet and gold edging embroidery make the coat appear alive with dancing flames, flaring around her well-cared-for leather boots.

A time is set up in the early afternoon for a meeting with Orfune in the fortress. When the group arrives they are quickly ushered by a Barradan to the majordomo's office. The red-hued Twi'lek is already waiting there patiently, and rises as the group arrives, smiling. "Welcome back," she says in pleasantly accented Aurabesh. "I admit I had not expected you to return by this route, but it's pleasing to see you again."

Freyja bows politely in greeting, then straightens, smiling, "You did not? Why so, if I may ask?" She adds cheerfully, "And thank you for the welcome -- it is a pleasure to see you all again also!"

Orfune smiles. "You're very welcome. Please, sit." She indicates the series of chairs set to the side of the room, not the ones set before her desk. After settling in comfortably to her own chair, she smiles warmly. "I just got the impression, the last time you were here, that you might not be passing through this way on your return to the Republic, that's all. So... what may I do for you?"

Freyja nods, still idly curious as to why the majordomo might think that, but politely not pushing -- Orfune's treating them with great friendliness, and Freyja appreciates that. She gets right to the point, both because she knows the Huttee seem to prefer that, and so as to not waste the helpful majordomo's time, "Well, we did have something we'd like to ask of you, if we may. We were wondering what it might cost to purchase false ship's ID?" Her smile is faintly rueful, "We need to move quietly through Republic space, and we, ah... rather attracted attention on our last stop."

Orfune nods, considering. "That's quite a tall order, you know. Depending on the registry you're looking for. Republic registry is... difficult to forge."

Freyja nods, her expression still rueful, "Hai, we realize we're asking for something difficult. However, we hoped perhaps we could work out some mutual deal which would leave us both happy, and allow us to move through Republic space for at least... umm... maybe three or four more stops, before we're not worried about it any more." She gives the Twi'lek an inquiring look, "Does that sound at all doable?"

Orfune arches a brow and nods slowly, smiling. "Well, we know better than to ask you to do anything blatantly illegal. And your caution is justified. You certainly did well in coming to us."

Freyja smiles just as slowly, "You are too kind, honored majordomo; thank you. We thought much the same."

Orfune smiles. "Our pleasure. Well, the first order of business is, what would you feel comfortable doing for us in exchange for the fixed ship's registry beacon?"

Freyja gives a thoughtful, gusty sigh, tilting her head as she thinks, "Well... ah, I was hoping you could help us there, perhaps? For example, what sorts of things do you and the honored Ameil need done? Anything of a diplomatic or self-defensive nature? We'd be happy to pay for some of the work too, but if that's what you'd prefer I'd like to ask if we could defer payment for at least a few months... so there's neh computer trail for a slicer to immediately find, you know?"

Freyja doesn't bother mentioning what might come nosing around here if there was such a trail. She gets the feeling Orfune's savvy enough to figure out for herself that she might not want people or things hanging around her world, which give Jedi pause. Zero's thoughts touch Freyja's with a taste of irony, I never thought I'd miss Kalatis' big fat anonymous expense accounts...

Freyja grins internally at that, then replies, Perhaps we should try setting one up, later? Do you know how it's done?

Zero doesn't. But he adds with characteristic satisfaction, But I know people that do...

Orfune smiles. "As you no doubt know, most of our... commerce with the Republic tends to be smuggling. Of course we cannot arrange for you to do that. Payment is... somewhat difficult. Traditionally no electronic credit transactions are conducted in these cases. It's far too easy to follow the trail, and the Republic takes a dim view of forging of their registry beacons. Such a trail endangers both you and us, so we'd rather avoid it."

Freyja nods, trying not to grin. She can bet payment is difficult! Probably about as difficult as paying Sith... which, now that she thinks about it, they still need to figure out how Kalatis' cronies were doing that! "I quite understand, honored majordomo." She thinks a bit, then asks carefully, "Ah... how does one, um... complete such a transaction -- if I may ask? Is there a way we might try that method?"

Orfune says, "We provide money laundering services to cover up such exchanges. The money is paid out for relative insubstantials and sent through a chain of fronts and other services, folding the paper trail into a hundred other transactions that can be traced directly to neither of us. This usually incurs several fees. We would be pleased to waive those fees in light of what you've done for us in the past, though of course it still leaves the faintest possibility of the funds being traced. Normally we thus prefer an exchange of services. It's less tangible, and hard to trace back to us if your ship is caught and examined."

Freyja considers, then nods, "An exchange of services would probably be best, safest, and easiest for you, then. All right, shall we try, then, to figure out what would work for us both within that realm, honored majordomo?"

Orfune nods and smiles. "Aye, that is probably best. Safest and easiest for you as well." She steeples her fingers before her. "Very well then. We cannot very well ask you to smuggle anything illegal, or even quasi-legal."

Freyja murmurs apologetically, "We're sorry... but hopefully there is something else we can help you with?"

Orfune smiles. "It's all right. It's merely unusual. Hmm... Let me ask you this, then: what would you be willing to do? There are a number of small tasks we could ask of you which would be made easier by a ship carrying a false flag, but you may be... disinclined to perform some of them. All things considered, it's better for us if there is something you're willing to do."

Freyja nods, then bites her lip, worrying a bit. Finally she says slowly, "Well... how is this? Could you mention a few of them, and we could first promise not to mention them to others... then we could pick out the one or ones we'd feel comfortable doing?"

Zero says, "You can trust our discretion in this, of course." Freyja nods.

Orfune nods in reply, "Certainly. And I can even provide only enough details at first that you need not make such a promise. The first item that always seems to come up is, of course, loan collection. Or more to the point, loan repayment collection." She smiles, "Or as some of us put it, proactive loan default prevention."

Freyja says, "Oh!" She blinks, considering... then smiles, "Well, if you don't mind us using persuasion instead of, er, force..." she hopes no one else realizes what a dreadful pun that was! "-and for those who are behind due to greed rather than misfortune..." she looks at her friends inquiringly, "What do you think?"

Orfune says, "I should point out the Republic typically makes little effort to ensure payment of loans that are made even legitimately. Their view is that all funds we make use of are 'tainted' -- that is, they have had, at some point in their history, use in illegitimate transactions."

Freyja nods quietly, "Hai, I am aware of that, honored majordomo. I... am sorry for that particular ethnocentrism on the part of my people." A small smile quirks up the corners of her lips as she adds, "However, it is our hope to help the Republic realize there is more than one way to use the Force... perhaps we can aid Republic-Huttee relations at the same time." She adds quietly, "I do not suggest you bank on that, however. I suspect it will be a long, slow path to tread for us all."

"That's quite all right, Freyja. Following their reasoning, they're entirely correct. Most funds in use by the Hutts can, at some point, be traced back to what the Republic would consider illicit transactions, but which in Hutt space are entirely legal."

Freyja nods, "I quite understand." She grins, "Although I suspect quite often it's a case of, as the old saying goes, the pot calling the kettle black!"

Orfune chuckles softly. "Perhaps. Though as you say, it will be a long time. The particular loan we are interested in is someone who is in the Tiparan sector, a few sectors gal-south of the Core. This person owes quite a great deal, and as you've no doubt noticed by the state of repair of the mos and fortress, we lack the funds to hire a Mandalorian or a bounty hunter."

Fhazil and Vakkal listen cautiously. Vakkal is not at all sure what to make of this, while Fhazil's previous CorSec training takes hold with old adages that talk a lot about just how far you can trust the Hutts. Freyja frowns, trying to place the sector in her mental map, to see if it will be prohibitively time-consuming to do this. "Um... I am remiss. I should have mentioned we are on a bit of a tight timetable. Would we have to bring the creds back to you?"

Freyja adds over the link, I'm guessing this person is financially padded enough to risk ignoring a Hutt... and thus this won't be a pushover. However, if they're that rude, I'm also guessing we won't have any moral qualms about this. Please sing out if you think of something I've missed, though, about these situations!

Orfune shakes her head. "Not directly, no. We can arrange for you to transfer them to a courier we already have in the Republic. This courier cannot... persuade the would-be defaulter to pay; he lacks the physical and mental ability, and the training. He is there only as a courier."

Freyja nods thoughtfully, then says, "That... potentially seems viable. May I ask what other things you need done as well, before asking for too much detail on any one of them, however?"

"Let's see... there is a variety of courier work, but if you are on a tight schedule that might not be feasible." She seems to be going over a mental checklist. "A number of other loan collections. A ship repossession -- you might not want to do that. Those can get extremely ugly and involved."

Freyja covers a grin, remembering their arrival last time, then says politely, "Hai, they do seem to be, ah... occasionally explosive!"

Zero adds to the link, Ship repo is a little like walking into a gundark nest with a chunk of raw meat strapped to your face. I don't recommend that one.

Freyja grins in rueful agreement at the mental comment, Me either. I know how I'd react if someone tried to take my home! Hela, we all would, I'd guess. Then she says, "Hm. I'm going to guess the loan collections are all on other planets, hai?"

Orfune nods, amused. "Hmm. Yes, they are; several separated planets. There are other tasks... but mostly they are smugglings, employee retrieval, and at least one, ahem, 'arranged incident' against in-Republic holdings of the Hutt who caused the mess the last time you were here. Patently illegal by Republic anti-mercenary laws, of course."

Freyja looks a bit puzzled, "What is employee retrieval, please?"

Orfune purses her lips. "One of a few things. Retrieving an employee who has not completely fulfilled their contract before resigning. Retrieving an employee incarcerated by Republic law enforcement. Retrieving an employee who is currently a refugee from Republic law enforcement."

Freyja says, "Oh." She considers for a bit, fascinated by the theoretical implications, then says curiously, "Which is this one, please?"

Orfune smiles a bit. "For our protection and yours, let's just say that this particular one breaks several Republic laws as it is."

Freyja nods interestedly, then looks at her friends, "Well... personally I'm thinking loan collection, then, under the stipulations mentioned before. What do you think?" She is quite curious about the 'particular one' -- is it the employee who broke the Republic laws, or would retrieving the individual do so... or is there something else she's missed entirely? -but politely doesn't ask. If Orfune thinks it wisest for them not to do that one, Freyja's willing to trust her on it.

Fhazil considers. A lot of old buddies of mine in CorSec would say that a deal with a Hutt is a devil's deal, but we don't have much of a choice.

Freyja giggles over the link, Of course we do! We are not required to get the false ship's ID -- it'd just make things much easier. She grins as she adds, I will note I have acquaintances in the Order who'd say much the same about Sith... and yet, here we are, and you're stuck with us!

Fhazil chuckles softly over the link. True. Well, I know the way Republic law enforcement works. It's mildly illegal to convince someone to pay a debt which was taken from illicit funds, but you don't go to the Hutts unless you're bankrolling something illegal anyway.

Freyja nods thoughtfully at her friends, then turns back to the Twi'lek, "I'm thinking we're agreed, then." She considers a moment, then continues, "It will take a while to accomplish this, won't it? Hm... do you need the ship present for the entire process? If not, and there's a loan collection that's nearby, we could try that while we're waiting... and then try the one in gal-south on our way out. Would that be acceptable to you? And cover expenses?" Over the link she dryly adds, and give us a bit of practice on an easier first try...?

Orfune nods, "It will take a few days to properly install and test the new transponder. We'll set up a switch mechanism where you can switch from one to the other, if you wish. Unfortunately, there's nothing nearby that we can't handle or hasn't been handled already."

Freyja says, "Ah. Well, wolf-feathers." She considers, then asks, "Will the gal-south one cover costs?"

Orfune nods. "Absolutely. It's just very deep in the Republic, and we can't get our normal loan collection agents in that deep. A completely different ship such as yours, which is a common Republic design as it is, would have an excellent chance of reaching the would-be defaulter. So the tasks will indeed cover all costs."

Zero says, "Well then... looks like we have a deal, aiyah?"

Freyja looks faintly relieved. She grins at Zero, then at Orfune, "As Zero said. Er... can you give us more details, though, please?"

Orfune nods, leaning forward a little. "Certainly. The person in question approached Ameil for a loan of ninety thousand credits. With interest this has gone up to one hundred and thirteen thousand, three hundred and fifty nine and three tenths credits. We aren't sure what their intended use for this money was, but the loan interest due date came and went four months ago. We have reports he is comfortably living on the world of Fargohsen. He is fairly well monied, so the reason for the loan would of course have to bankroll something that is not permitted by the Republic's laws."

Freyja nods thoughtfully, unsurprised her initial assumptions were correct. "All right. So he owes 113,350 creds." She pulls out her datapad and makes some notes, "We'll need a copy of the agreement, as well as relevant personal data for the loan taker and the courier, please?" Half under her breath she mutters, "Hope we can find out what the loan was for... that might make things far easier..."

Orfune nods, "We'll make that available for you, certainly. We have a deal, then?" She looks carefully and specifically at each of the group.

Freyja types for a moment, then looks up and blinks, "Er... I take it the taker has paid at least some of this...?" She can't believe the Hutt are charging less than 10% a month!

Zero pauses. "Hey, that's right. That's an incredible rate on a-" He pauses, catching himself before he says 'Hutt loan.' He instead finishes with, "On a loan that size."

Orfune nods. "Yes, he paid off the base amount that he took out, and has refused to pay the interest accrued." She smiles slightly, letting them recalculate based off of this new data.

Freyja grins at Zero, then looks back at Orfune, "Ah, I understand. Hai, I've seen that before." She frowns, "Welshers. Pfooie." She refigures, then does a silent internal whistle which the others can hear, adding, This was a very desperate person. That's an outrageous interest rate!

Zero hms. Yeah, that sounds a little more like it... Ameil's still kind of low-balling this person, though, as Hutts go...

Freyja blinks, looking up a little sheepishly, as it registers to her Orfune is patiently waiting for an answer, "Ah! Hai, honored majordomo, we will do our best to make this debt collected." She considers, then adds thoughtfully, "Even if we have to come back from our pre-determined date to do it." She looks carefully at the Twi'lek, "Is that acceptable to you?"

Orfune smiles. "As it is, you won't have to deliver the creds to us -- only to our courier. Thank you. And in return we will provide you with, and install, a flawless, foolproof, selectable registry transponder loaded with an airtight false ship identity."

Zero offers the Twi'lek his hand. "Then it's a deal." He doesn't know why he adheres to that funny tradition of sealing a deal that way... he thinks to himself that it's likely his father's influence. Wulong's an old-fashioned sort... always insisted on it.

Freyja sighs in relief and smiles, "Excellent. Thank you very much, honored majordomo; may the Fo- er..." she pauses, wondering if that's appropriate, then smiles. Of course it is -- the Force is there for everyone, after all, "May the Force be with you."

Orfune inclines her head. "You are doing us a great service in this. We're glad to repay you in kind." She tilts her head to the side a little at the offering of a hand, but the moment passes quickly; it's bad business to not recognize the gestures of a hundred thousand cultures for sealing deals of various sorts. She takes Zero's hand in a firm but not at all crushing grip; her hand is warm, as if her body shed heat quickly and efficiently. "It is, indeed, a deal."

Zero says, "Excellent."

Freyja smiles, watching, then adds, " We can download the other information later. Um... may I ask one last question, honored majordomo? Have you received any messages from Captain Thorn?"

Orfune's expression darkens a bit, and she shakes her head. "We have heard nothing of him. We have an... unconfirmed report that the Mandalorian finally caught up to him, but we're working on confirming that. Until then, we're holding out hope that he's managed to evade them."

Freyja nods, looking pleased, "Good, I'm glad to hear it's unconfirmed." She smiles quietly, "I have a lot of faith in him. I'll believe he's dead only when we see the body, and cannot touch him in the Force."

Orfune considers Freyja's words for a moment, then nods. "As will we all, certainly." She smiles. "He is a good person, and we look forward to seeing him again someday."

Freyja grins, "Me too!" She tucks her datapad away, then does a small, seated bow, "Thank you for your time, honored majordomo. Shall we simply wait until you contact us, concerning the ship?"

"If you like, we can have technicians begin installing it immediately, though it will take a day for them to actually get to where they can board your ship to install it. We'll have them contact you when they're ready to board."

Freyja nods, checking over the link with her friends that this is acceptable to them as well. Zero, you'll be watching just in case while they're on the Eclipse, hai?

Zero mms, Naturally. I'll be doing a thorough systems check before we put to space again as well, just to be sure.

Freyja's mental 'voice' sounds a little relieved, Oh, good. It's not that I don't trust Orfune... but I know her. The contractors I don't. She agrees with Orfune's proposal, thanks her again for them all, then gracefully withdraws with her friends. Once they're outside the fortress-like building, she stretches her arms over her head and grins at her friends, "So... free time on our hands! Shall we start researching this project? ...or have a lovely fresh food dinner?"

Zero grins. Don't worry. I'm not taking any chances with our home. He adds, "I'm for dinner, myself. Enjoy ourselves while we still can."

Freyja gives one emphatic mental nod at that! Then she grins, linking her arms through Fhazil's and Zero's, "Onwards and food-wards, then!"

The next few days pass quickly. Orfune's people arrive on the morning of the second day, and spend the rest of the day installing and testing the new transponder. Before departing that evening, they instruct the group in how to switch between the legitimate and false transponder codes, and a quick and dirty lesson in what to do if they're boarded by inspectors who want to examine the transponder. Mostly it consists of how to bribe the inspector, though there's practical instruction for how to make the transponder look like it's never been tampered with in its life, and the proper way to trip the concealed switch that goes from one code set to the other.

Freyja nods, listens carefully, and takes copious notes for herself. She knows Zero's the person who'll be actually doing the transponder work, but she should be prepared to handle inspectors if necessary. She's quite fascinated too on the Hutt perspective on bribery -- she adds it to her own personal information about how to properly bribe, and considers writing it up for her family's use also.

Zero is impressed. The work is quality, and he can't find a single flaw in the installation... nor any unwelcome surprises. It's a solid piece of engineering. Freyja is quite relieved to hear Zero's assessment -- she gives him a cheerful hug once he's done pronouncing it. "So... we're all set to go now, hai?"

Fhazil nods. "It looks like it. We have one stop and then this loan collection to do on our way to Balmorra."

Zero says, "Looks that way. We should be ready to weigh out anytime."

Freyja sighs in quiet relief, "That... and farseeing Lord Ghang, if we can. Oh!" She grins, "That reminds me -- I thought of a possible planet to hit first, for adding Light, after meeting Lord Ghang. Do you think we could help the folks on Dantooine?" She grins, adding, "Just a thought! We can consider it more later, hai?"

Zero says, "Well, we can certainly think it over."

Fhazil blinks. "Dantooine is... strongly held by the Sith, though..."

Freyja smiles, "Not that strongly held, Fhazil, if Templar manuses keep drifting through, and the people riot due to starvation. Or has the new planetary governor-Sith lord fixed that? I remember she swore to fix the starvation problem...?"

"Mmph... good question. We'll have to research that when we hit the HoloNet."

Freyja nods, "Plus I'd like to find out about what happened on Kalarba after we left. So... anything else to do on Tynnea, or shall we start our mad dash for Balmorra?"

Zero says, "I think it's time we headed out."


Freyja spends some time thinking, reading up on some research, and talking to the others. At the end of that she makes some purchases. For all three she buys some utterly plain, unmarked clothing -- complete body suits and heavily hooded cloaks, which will help shroud their identities on Fergohsen. For herself she purchases a voder which can translate Huttee to Aurabesh, and which can come out in a male-pitched voice. She also purchases the equipment for three sets of disguises... one to make her look like a Twi'lek, one set to make Zero look like a Zabraki, and the appropriate tools to make Fhazil into a very dark-skinned and dark-haired human.

For Vakkal she purchases a heavily hooded cloak also, but apologetically asks him if he'd please stay and keep an eye on the Eclipse while they're dealing with the loan defaulter. She'd prefer to have him along, but he's just too distinctive otherwise!

The departure from Tynnea is innocuous enough with no problems or incidents. The arrival at the next planet in their itinerary is the acid test of their new false ID, and it seems to work without a problem; the dilapidated condition of the hull and lack of any markings adds to the legitimacy of the Platinum Eclipse being a five-times-older ship called the Vicarious Scamp out of Duros Tert. Aside from fuel and supplies being taken on, there is something just as important to Freyja: this world, being within the Republic proper, has access to the HoloNet -- which she hasn't had access to for literally months.

Freyja's research into what rumors might be making the rounds turns up the usual assortment of asinine theories, crackpot ideas, intriguing half-truths, and the occasional gem. The Order seems, if observers are right, to be undergoing some mild internal issues. There are shifting balances of power, alliances, and reorganizations. On the outside it's all very cordial and friendly and there's nothing preventing the Order from conducting its business. However, within, the two factions are almost diametrically opposed.

There is, of course, no talk of any actual fighting between the two factions; indeed, for the most part they cooperate so well (or seem to) that most people hardly realize the Order is going through such pains. Freyja draws in her breath slowly, absorbing the news with fascination, and crossing her fingers the Watchers are winning!

One is more or less a kinder, gentler Order. They contribute to fighting the Sith when and where need be, but their focus is more on the interior of the Republic and within the Order itself. Some rumors have circulated that they are carefully considering a change in leadership of the Order, which has brought them some criticism from observers.

It is believed the Watchers are a part of this faction, though of course they provide intelligence regarding the Sith to the Order as a whole, still. Freyja lets her breath out just as slowly, cheered by the news, even though there's no clear indication of who's winning. If she can think of some other way to help them... she certainly will.

The other faction is dynamically pursuing the war against the Sith. Well-organized, with a formal hierarchy and great coordination between its warriors, this faction -- consisting mostly of the Order militant and a few of the more martial traditions of Jedi -- has rallied against the Sith and has handed the Sith some of the more dramatic defeats since the beginning of the war.

While it hasn't been called the 'Army of Light' directly or officially -- an Ossus master was said to have become rather vehement at the idea -- there are rumors circulating that certain groups within that faction have been searching for a 'Red General' to take up that role again. Understandably enough, Master Balin Khoud, Prior of Balmorra Sector (which is in the direct path of the Sith lance-thrust to Coruscant), is at the forefront of this faction, and is currently coordinating the Jedi with the Republic Guard in preparation for the defense of the sector.

While they are apparently staunchly neutral in this, the Templars are said to be taking a strongly cautious and careful stance, especially in light of the attention they have been getting lately from the popular media. They are believed by some to be quietly supporting the first, more introverted faction, though there is little proof of this.

Other rumors have been circulating about severe investigations into the office of Senator Kalatis. The threat to the senator's sector by the Sith, however, is making any such investigation difficult, as the senator's supporters are calling those investigations 'ill-timed' and 'of poor taste in this time.'

Freyja frowns, absently chewing on the end of her Padawan's braid. She's still utterly confused on how Balin Khoud could possibly not know of Kalatis' treason -- especially since she's just as utterly positive he would emphatically not support anything which might aid the Sith. There's no way she can conceive of selling battle droids to the Sith being seen as anything but treasonous!

There aren't many other rumors regarding the Republic as a whole. Things are quiet on Balmorra; the Republic Guard, at first against the wishes of just about everyone involved but shortly welcomed, established a tight gauntlet around Balmorra and has established tracking of every shipment. The Guard is severely concerned about the droid appearances in the Sith armies, and is working to staunch whatever flow of combat droids to the Sith that there is. However, Sith droid units appear to be consisting mostly of shadow-droids now, and not the typical Republic battle droids or war-droids.

Freyja is quietly cheered also to hear there's only searching for a Red General. Sounds like Valsha's still safe! She's also surprised, but still tremendously pleased, to hear the Templars appear to be supporting the Watchers. Good for them! If that's truly the case, she was wrong about them, and should apologize to Cassandra -- if they ever get a chance to meet again. She hopes so... she'd like to chat with the Templar during peacetime, to interestingly compare and contrast points of view on the Force.

There isn't too much more to go on. The Sith advance is steady. New star fighters and bombers churned out by gal-west Republic industrial worlds are being organized into effective strike groups rather than being thrown randomly at the Sith; someone in the Guard Supreme Command is keeping their wits about them. Still, that places the Sith a few months out of Balmorra Sector.

Freyja looks deeply unhappy, but doesn't let herself get bogged down in depression over the apparent impending destruction of her home. Instead she does a bit of research, trying to find out just what precisely is meant by the term 'shadow-droid.'

The shadow-droids are a fairly recent Sith innovation -- disturbingly recent. The Sith have taken Republic droid technology and somehow merged it with their alchemy to form weapons that are less actual droids and more power armor. Mortally wounded Sith soldiers, who would otherwise be looking at reconstructive bionics consisting of over half their body, volunteer for the shadow-droid program. They aren't implanted in a shadow-droid so much as the shadow-droid is built around them.

Once this is done they are alchemically infused with the power of the Dark side of the Force in a dangerous operation which actually sees a great amount of success. The resulting constructs are faster, more agile, more accurate, and harder to hit than any typical war droid -- in fact, than any crewed combat vehicle. And since they are typically built roughly on the pattern of the Viper war-droid, they stand about as tall as a small house and are, essentially, a heavy tank on legs with three times the firepower.

Freyja shudders silently. It's hard for her to imagine what emotional condition these poor people must be in, to volunteer for something like this -- something that means they'll never again be able to be who or what they once were. Never to touch a loved one, never to feel the sun on one's shoulders or the wind lifting one's hair... never to smell flowers or hear the slow roar of the ocean...

Freyja wonders why the Sith healers don't help them more. Hopefully it's not due to the Sith lords desiring more of these sad monstrosities in their armies. She shudders again, and turns to another section of the news. What's up with the Darksiders on Kalarba? It's been a month and a half... perhaps their trial's started?

The Kalarban trial has made quite the headlines in that corner of Republic-influenced space. While most worlds on Balmorra's side of the Core aren't paying much attention to it -- they have the Sith to worry about -- the Kalarban trial has become a milestone in the annals of law.

The trial is somewhat bogged down. It is believed the Kalarban government is purposely slowing it down, but not to a standstill. There are larger issues, and the Republic is apparently having a hard time dealing with the self-determination Kalarba is expressing. More than that, local Hutts are apparently starting to take a much keener interest in Republic client state politics than they ever have before.

Freyja blinks puzzledly, wondering why the local Hutts care. Who are they in that area, anyway? The list of Hutt families in that area are a confusing mass of consonants and vowels that Freyja has a hard time keeping track of, even with her command of Huttee. The general consensus is if Kalarba gains as much self-determination as it's looking for, it may spark a feeding frenzy amongst the Hutts for Kalarba's unprotected markets. Freyja blinks again, wondering if there's some sort of halfway point for Kalarba. She hopes so. She's happy to see them gain their independence, if that's what they truly desire... but not at the cost of their economic freedom!

Other client states in the region have already voiced their support for Kalarba, sparking a wave of nationalism and sovereignist attitudes -- along with touching off new waves of anti-Republicanism. The Republic, in that region at least, is running the very real risk of seeing their client states become independent states.

House Doukun, of the feudal world Cularin, is considered by the Alderaanian nobility to be a renegade house after a failed non-violent attempt to claim the principality for their own some two thousand years earlier. They have already thrown their significant financial and industrial holdings into support of the advancement of a sane, sensible, proactive establishment of a confederation of 'independent stars' and former Republic client states.

Freyja is slightly relieved to read that. Perhaps that will help them to keep the Hutts at bay as they try for their much-longed-for independence. She wonders, though, why the trial's being delayed. The trial itself is being held up from conflicting pressures from the Kalarban government; the presiding judge is reportedly getting irritated with the in-fighting going on in the council over the issue, and is spending as much time levying 'obstruction of justice' and 'contempt of court' charges against what seems like a full tenth of the planetary political community.

Freyja grins, reading with faintly amused fascination. She hopes the Darksiders and the associated Jedi will be patient. She wonders, though, if even Haus Doukun can bring the independent worlds together competently. All her personal experience and research has shown independent, isolated cultural groups or worlds tend to be prickly-proud, obstreperous, and quarrelsome, even in the face of a common enemy.

She considers a moment... then speculates dryly to herself that it will probably take a generation for the Hutts and the Republic to have divvied up the still-squabbling survivors between them -- unless the little worlds somehow find some outside means of aid. Not outside enemy -- outside aid. She sighs, taking a deep breath... then starts searching for any news -- either around Kalarba or Balmorra or points in between -- on her companions, her family, and herself.

There is remarkably little on their little group. It seems whomever is trying to find them is being remarkably tight-lipped about it. There is brief mention in one of the Balmorran Sector society journals which speculates the Arving Lady Freyja Rigg should consider getting married soon before the Sith get there, though the columnist's reasoning appears to be non-existent.

Freyja giggles quietly to herself at that one. She's vaguely relieved to hear there's nothing outrageous out there about them, though. She wonders thoughtfully how to keep Fhazil out of the public eye while they're on Balmorra. As one of her paramours, he's going to get attention! Perhaps some sort of face covering or hood...? She wonders quietly too who precisely is hunting them. She'd like to know... but not by being caught.

Freyja continues her quietly enjoyable news search -- it's weirdly comforting to read about home; to know it's still there, however threateningly close the Sith are. Hm... anything about that new group of Order trainees on Balmorra? -or on the Templar manuses? Especially on that world the Sith Lord Methel'ssa was put on. What was that... Dantooine? Hai, that was it... oh, and she's curious about any news about the various Sith lords she's 'met' in various ways.

There isn't much on any of those topics. Interestingly, the first batch of trainees who were under training at the commandery on Balmorra have graduated and have been sent to the front as members of the Order militant, as most of the commanderies are a part of that section of the Order.

The Sith advance is hindering effective news from behind the front lines, and by now Dantooine is very far behind the lines. There is some speculation in the war journals that the Sith are not having a great deal of trouble in pacification of local populations, which seems to indicate the Lords of State are taking the business of keeping the people happy very seriously and are going about it properly.

Freyja winces slightly at the news she's getting. Is it that easy to 'pacify' the former folk of the Republic? Do they care so little for their lost freedom? Bright Lady... are the people so cheaply bought? -and if so... are we wrong to fight the Sith? Would they be better care-takers for the people than we are?

Freyja sighs quietly, resting her face in one hand for a moment. It hurts to think she might be that delusional... to think her Haus and training has all been wrong. Perhaps she should face that possibility, though, painful as it might be. Her ego should not stand between her people and their happiness.

Freyja sighs quietly again, pushing the entire subject aside for the nonce. She doesn't have enough data, really, to tell. Perhaps if she can get onto one of the 'pacified' worlds she can find out more... but for now, she just doesn't know. She checks instead for any further news of any of the Sith Lords. Sometimes rumors of this or that ship belonging to Sith Lord So-and-So turn up in the news... is there any now?

Freyja sighs again as she searches the news, wondering what's up with the Sith. They were advancing so slowly, so carefully... and then they found out about the Oathers, slew them all -- and started a veritable explosion of attacks across the Republic. Was she wrong to warn them about the Oathers? Did she bring too much Darkness into the Republic already -- and consequently doom it through her well-meaning but misguided actions?

She discovers one very interesting bit of news. Ghang Si'yul's battleship was spotted with an attendant group of warships and gunboats by a probot. From the estimations, it is believed that Lord Ghang's forces will be spearheading the assault into Balmorra Sector. Freyja reads the news about Sith Lord Ghang's fleet with a faintly numb feeling. So... it won't be hard to find him, she supposes -- he's on his way to... to destroy her home, and everything she cares about and loves. She bites her lip, fighting an absurd urge to cry.

Maybe it's Freyja's mood; maybe the poring over battle estimations and maps; and maybe a bit of knowing how a Sith thinks from her time with Fhazil... but staring at the holo of the Front and the sharp cusp it makes, oriented at Balmorra Sector, makes her realize something...

It is not a perfect line between Sith space and Coruscant.

Freyja blinks... then rubs her eyes and checks again, this time with a proper three-dimensional map.

At first, before the Oather purge, the front expanded slowly and steadily. Apparently the conquest was proceeding according to a carefully planned timetable -- but how long does it take to carefully schedule the conquest of thousands of worlds...? But after the Oather purge things went faster. The Sith forces focused, narrowed their actions, became the 'lance-thrust to Coruscant' that a lot of military analysts have been proclaiming. The Front became a mirrored hyperbolic curve with the cusp, as it stands now, being just a few months from Tanaab. This, of course, is how the current blitzkrieg, to use an old Corellian language term, moves so fast.

But Freyja knows, from her farseeing, from talking with Fhazil, and from her memories shared with Vakkal, where Sith space is. She can probably find the location of Ziost and Korriban on a star chart to within a few hundred light-years. And the cusp originating from the heart of the Sith Empire is not pointed at Coruscant at all.

Freyja frowns confusedly, staring at the star map and forgetting to feel weepy and depressed. Now why would the Sith be so intent on Balmorra? Would Fhazil or Vakkal have any idea? Or is it truly Balmorra? She frowns again, and tries to more closely analyze where the Sith arrow of conquest is pointing. Could it be Correllia or Alderaan which they're after?

Freyja can't be sure -- it's hard to tell at this scale, and she wouldn't know what to look for at a larger scale --but if it's a straight-line the Sith are following, the only worlds of any significance within six months' time of the cusp are Commenor and Balmorra, and possibly Nubia with its shipyards.

Freyja blinks again, quite confused. Commenor may be the commercial route in and out of Balmorra... but why on Midgarten would the Sith feel any need to follow it? And if not... why are they aimed at Balmorra? Do they need the droid production... neh, surely that can't be it, if they're always using shadow droids now... but then what?

Freyja sits and stares in puzzled fascination for several minutes at the map. Shouldn't the military strategists have seen this already? And if so... why aren't they saying anyth- oh, wait! She grabs up her holonode connection again, searching for any military strategy news. What're the latest projections for the Sith advance?

The latest publicly available projections from the Kashyyyk Institute for Strategic Studies still have the Sith aiming for Coruscant. It's very subtle -- just looking at the maps the Institute has in their journal, and the angle of their projections, one would think Coruscant would be clearly in their path. But to Freyja it seems like, after the purge, the Sith decided to make a beeline somewhere.

Freyja stares at the mapped Kashyyyk projections for a long, silent, bemused time... then sighs and shakes her head. This is most passingly strange. Either the Kashyyyk military strategists are certain Coruscant is the ultimate target... or for some reason they want people to think that, or... or maybe they don't want people to know what the target really is...? -or... Hela, maybe they have no bloody idea and Coruscant just makes sense for them?

Freyja frowns determinedly, bringing up the star maps she's got next to the Kashyyyk ones, and sends a call, Vakkal? Fhazil? Do one of you two have a moment, please? She's out of logical possibilities now. Perhaps some Sith can shed light on this apparent conundrum?

Vakkal is working with Zero on the refueling, but Fhazil seems free. A minute later he ambles in and leans over Freyja's shoulder, looking at the holo as he gently puts his hand on her back. "What's up? -oh, the Front..."

Freyja non-consciously leans back slightly, quietly comforted at his closeness, even as she murmurs (a bit abstractedly), "Look, Fhazil, please? Is it just me... or does it look like Corruscant isn't the target of the Sith advance? ...like it's more... well... Balmorra, maybe, or Commenor?"

Fhazil tilts his head to one side... then to the other... then reaches forward, and spins the map around a bit, frowning. He keys the controls and places a marker somewhere in Sith space. "Ziost," he murmurs wryly. "It's supposed to be a secret but I'm sure the Republic knows where it is after five years of fighting." It's as Freyja expected; the push, if it originated from, at, or near Ziost -- is not aimed at Coruscant. And in a moment Fhazil is nodding slowly. "No... no, it doesn't.... I mean, they'd have to take some... some kind of parabolic course to go from Balmorra Sector to Coruscant..."

Freyja looks with avid interest at Ziost's location -- she can't help the sudden rush of curiosity, even as she worries about the Sith advance! Then she looks back at the rest of the map, nodding, "Hai... so you see it too? So... that begs the question, then -- why Balmorra?"

Freyja is oddly reassured Fhazil sees it too, quickly and easily. She'd been wondering if it was just her worry and unhappiness causing intense paranoia or something. She adds a little absently, "Oh, thought you'd like to know, Fhaziza -- Lord Ghang's leading the invasion, so it should be easy to reach him."

Fhazil says, "Why anything in Balmorra Sector? There's... let's see, Tanaab, Balmorra, Commenor... important places, but no offense, love, if they're looking to hit Coruscant then they're not heading in the right direction. There's a large Republic military presence in Balmorra Sector besides, and they're not going to move. We like to hit where the enemy isn't."

Freyja nods, "That's it precisely, Fhazil! That's what's bothering me! Why are they doing this? And why aren't the Republic military strategists saying anything about it?!"

Fhazil says, "They've got to know about it -- hey! Maybe that's why there's so much military force in Balmorra Sector. They know what the Sith are after, or they've already projected it."

Freyja thinks for a bit, then turns her gaze from the star maps to fix Fhazil with a determined, puzzled stare, "Fhaziza... it's not that which really confuses me. That's not what I'm asking about. I'm asking -- why Balmorra? Why would the Sith want Balmorra so?!"

Fhazil shakes his head. "I don't know, Freyja. I really don't. But it's something important, something big, if the Sith are willing to go in to fight where the other side knows they're coming."

Freyja nods, reaching out to pull him a little closer as she turns her gaze back to the star maps. "All right. Thank you for at least trying to clear this up some." She falls silent, regarding the puzzling information before her and hugging Fhazil for quiet comfort... then grins suddenly, her eyes going bright with mischief, "Oh, I know, Fhaziza! When we try farseeing your lord... after you've spoken to him, can I ask him a question?"

He steps closer, in the same motion wrapping his arms gently and warmly around her, then blinks in surprise. "I... think that'd be fine. What question, though?"

Freyja giggles, hugging him with a bit more happiness now she has a plan, "I'll ask him what it is he wants on Balmorra! I mean, wouldn't he of all those in the invading force have to know why Balmorra?" She grins again, adding, "And perhaps blatant honesty will interest him, after having to deal with Lords of State?"

Fhazil looks at Freyja a bit in shock. "That... that could be a dangerous question, Freyja. That we'll be talking to him at all will be risky; I sure his battleship has wards around it. He... he might not be too amused by the question..." The prospect doesn't seem to fill him with fear -- he's curious as well -- but it does make him a little wary.

Freyja smiles with quiet confidence, "Fhazil, life is risk. I mean, think about it -- we're going to be flying into a battle zone! So... if my asking is dangerous, but might save the lives of some of my people... how could I not ask? And I'm happy to assure him this is my question -- not yours."

Fhazil smiles quietly and nods. "I understand. Who knows. He might be impressed enough the Arving Lady of Balmorra's Haus Rigg is contacting him."

Freyja laughs softly, "For the second time, in a way! All right... thank you, sweetheart, for not minding." She grins enthusiastically, "I'm looking forward to this!"

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