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Reality Fault

Realms: These Shattered Stars Logs

Interlude XX

Tanaab's spaceport is a sprawling affair, mile on mile of cargo in transit, or waiting for transit; sorting machines, and vast warehouses. This is the side of a commercial spaceport that most travelers never see; a tourist rarely sees the dull machinery of day-to-day operation as they are carefully passed through the far brighter paths of endless shops and cantinas designed to make sure that when they return to space, at least some of their credits remain. Standing next to Freyja at the end of a long empty corridor, with a vastly high ceiling as it enters one of these warehouses, Zero smiles a bit. "Interesting, don't you think? I always thought of it as the hardest kind of maze; the kind that has no solution because it evolved all by itself."

Freyja looks around curiously, then smiles at Zero, "I know some so-called mazes were built more for philosophical exploration than puzzle resolution, so wouldn't it make sense there could be other different types as well?" She grins, "Evolving mazes... interesting thought!"

Zero nods, his hands clasped behind his back, the hem of his long blue robe brushing back and forth as he walks. "These warehouses, they change constantly as cargo comes in and out. And some of these containers have been here a very long time. Either through accident or design..." He smiles, and shrugs. "Either way, the configuration is never the same twice. With a big port such as this, it's possible to travel the length and breadth of a city and never see the sky."

Freyja asks curiously, "Why would containers stay here? Surely that's counterproductively expensive for the shippers?"

Zero nods, "Certainly it is. But accidents do occasionally happen. And then there are those who aren't meant to leave; or perhaps not right away. Using vast warehouses such as these is a common way for crime lords to smuggle wares... if a container with a manifest of 'agricultural tools' is "lost" at the right time, leaving a few trusted men to spirit away the cases of arms inside, nobody notices if a "forgotten" container has a little bit of damage."

Zero smiles lopsidedly, "Our friend the Senator had me smuggled into Ord Mantell that way, once."

Freyja nods quietly, "I've heard of that before, hai. Smuggling live 'product' that way is dangerous, though... you have to be very careful the shipping container isn't accidentally sealed off by being too closely packed with others nearby." She sighs softly, adding, "My haus tries to avoid that sort of thing. Too costly in lives." She looks to Zero, tilting her head and smiling serenely at him, "Not what you brought me here to discuss, though, hai?"

Zero laughs softly, "No, it's not a very pleasant way to travel... and you can't get away with it anymore in places like Coruscant. They scan for such things ever since they realized how much slaver traffic had been passing through... at the time my greatest fear was that I would accidentally be packed in with one of them. I don't know how I would have handled a week locked in the dark being able to hear them but not to help." He sighs a bit, "Being a criminal with the disability of a conscience is a certain way to lead a short career." He smiles ruefully, and then nods to the question. "But. You're quite right, I didn't bring you here to discuss more of my dishonorable past career."

Freyja smiles quietly, putting an arm around Zero's shoulder and leaning gently against him. Zero leans gently in against his lover. "Actually, what I brought you here for was to ask you a few simple questions. Specifically, I saw you watching Fhazil and I show off for the Sith on the Malice... and I noticed the look on your face."

Freyja says, "Mmm?"

Zero smiles, "Tell me, what did you think when you saw us fight?"

Freyja is a bit distracted by the scent of Zero's hair, but she focuses on the question and answers thoughtfully, "Hm, what was I thinking... if I recall correctly, I was tremendously proud of you both, and rather pleased I'd be associated with you both." She considers a bit more, then grins and adds, "Oh, and I was a bit startled at Force use in a duel. Why do you ask?"

Zero mms, "Well, to address your startlement, I've noted that the Sith pride themselves on lack of restraint, I rather thought they'd be impressed with the show of bravado, and I'd not read or heard anything in their tradition that specifically proscribed it, as it does in the Jedi Temple school. A gamble, I admit... but one that paid off." He smiles, "I ask, because I caught the smile you gave us, when we left the ground. He pauses, and asks, simply, "What I would like to know is.... would you like to learn to do it too?"

Freyja nods in agreement to the statement regarding bravado, then smiles ruefully, "I suspect I'm quite the disappointment to the Sith... little in the way of bravado and probably far too much restraint, to their way of seeing it." She grins, tilting her head back to study the arching support beams overhead, "Well, I guess I already know the technicalities of how to do this... but I admit I've never actually tried it. It looks like fun, too..." She considers but a moment longer, then turns to look at Zero, her expression alight with mischief, "Sure, why not? Let's do it!"

Zero gives Freyja a little smile. "Well. You know all my bravado is just a tactic... I suspect if the Sith knew it was just bait, they'd either be impressed with the strategy or furious I was having them on." He takes a few steps down the hallway. "I'm sure you know the basics of this technique. Just... let the Force flow through you, the way the Master taught you to dance, and to guide the enemy's intention away and around you. Just relax." Freyja giggles at that visual of the Sith, then nods as she follows Zero. Her eyes slowly pale into the cool silver-blue of ice as the Force wells up inside her, and her steps grow lighter and more floating as she awakens to the music inside her.

Zero continues to walk alongside Freyja, his voice soft. "When you jump, your senses tell you that at a certain point, you again grow heavy, feeling the pull of the planet beneath you, and must fall. But we know that our senses are not the extent of the way the universe truly is." He smiles, "When you jump, can you not feel the flow of the Force, following your intention, rising above you? The Sabre's Edge has taught me that the Force is the means by which we step through the illusion of the world. All that holds you to the ground is your expectation. The key lies in realizing that this critical moment, when gravity claims you, will only come because you expect it."

Freyja's eyes are half-closed with the sensuous pleasure of the Dance, and Zero is starting to 'feel' the music flooding her senses in his own mind as well. She spreads her arms in a graceful pirouette, her hooded cloak floating lightly about her, and then her swirling continues right up along one slanting support beam of plas-steel. Her black-leather-clad legs seem to soar into long, bounding steps heading directly up towards the ceiling; she seems oblivious to the height.

Zero tosses his long braid over his shoulder and gracefully leaves the floor, zigzagging betweeen a pair of vertical supports. The Force swirls through him and in his wake, a stream of ghostly silver that swirls in his passage like a breath of wind or water. He pushes off from the wall and across Freyja's path, gently sweeping her up in his arms. He carries her with him, turning gently, his robe floating around the two of them, before alighting on the top of one of the containers, the edge of the vast maze of the warehouse. He smiles, explaining, "I thought the music might have carried you away a bit. Even though we can deny the illusion, we have to abide by the world's rules sometime... it's hard work, and even we can tire. And the world doesn't care if you run out of room at ten feet or a thousand."

Freyja laughs with quiet delight, putting her arms around his neck and leaning her head against his. Her eyes shine with both pleasure and the Force; she's still humming quietly until he stops. At his words she nuzzles dreamily against his cheek, murmuring, "You look so beautiful in colors... have I told you that already, Zeriza?"

Zero smiles gently, stroking Freyja's hair away from her cheek. "You haven't. But I'm pleased you like it. I thought it was time I started behaving like a Knight of the Silver Path and not a common daitu from my homeworld with a little knowledge of the Force." Zero adds, "And that included looking at least a little respectable." He grins.

Freyja mms distractedly, lazily nibbling along one of Zero's ears. He can feel her dreamy thought, You are certainly not commonmmmm...

Zero laughs softly, pulling her close. He kisses her shoulder gently, "Mm, let me ask you my next question, my love... and then I'll happily be silent while you do as you will with me."

Coupled with the coherent thought is the less coherent emotional enjoyment Freyja's feeling... held closely by someone she loves, she's letting the sensuality of the moment overwhelm her somewhat. "Mmmm...?"

Zero closes his eyes and smiles, gently caressing Freyja's back, his robe's folds half-fallen across her. "You trust me, yes? When you left the ground... there was never any doubt that I would never let you fall, was there?"

Freyja pauses, again seriously considering her beloved's question... then she smiles serenely again. This is an easy one, "Hai, sweetheart."

Zero smiles and nods softly. "Good. I ask you not because I doubted for a moment, but so that you will keep it in mind when I ask my next question. You know, in your deepest heart, Freyja, that I would never lie to you..." He looks her in the eye to say this; "You can see into my heart, Freyja... you know there is nothing that I would hide from you." He squeezes her hand gently. "I could feel it in you, after the duel... you still feel doubt about yourself. About who you are, the beauty you have been blessed with, the worth of your actions, even the beauty of your heart. I could tell, because your heart is open to me, too. I felt the shadow of your sister on you." He smiles ruefully, then bends his head to kiss Freyja's lips, once, gently. "You know that I, and Fhazil, would never deceive you. So trust us... when we tell you that those feelings are not necessary. That you are beautiful. That we will both love you until all the stars die. And that you need never fear being second to anyone again."

After a moment he adds, "Syf Rigg has the HoloNet. You have the whole galaxy, Freyja... and you did it all yourself. What you have accomplished can't be measured with numbers or captured by holocameras. And no one will ever take it from you."

Freyja blinks, returning the kiss automatically even as she thinks furiously, her mind fascinatedly engaged by Zero's comments. She's silent for several moments, her icy blue gaze far away even though her body is warmly and fully in the present here-and-now of Zero's arms... then she murmurs slowly, a bit wonderingly, "The whole galaxy... me? What a lovely thought... do you really think so, Zeriza?"

Freyja considers analytically for a moment, and Zero can feel her thoughts. True, she does still have self-doubt -- she won't deny that. Still, it's a rather breathtakingly exciting thought to think of herself as... as a child of the entire universe! And yet, is that dangerous hubris? She doesn't wish to go there. She's the Light mantle for her triat, and she doesn't want to harm them by accidentally slipping away from the Light... so does that make self-doubt a good thing? or... is it like emotion, perhaps... something you should not allow to control you, but which you also shouldn't stamp ruthlessly out of your psyche? An interesting new thought occurs to her: perhaps it should be self-questioning, instead of self-doubt?

Zero smiles again; in the time it's taken him to accept his growing up and taking responsibility for his life, his smile has taken on a serene sincerity. His expression tells Freyja everything, and leaves no doubt at all. "My love. The redemption of a lost killer and a mad warrior... the safety of the settled lands of my home world... the unification of your own. These are all things you have accomplished. And now you'd redeem the entire galaxy; you would throw yourself into the Hyperspace War for no other reason than to see its end. Yes. I really think so." His thoughts are calm and still as she thinks, and he lets her ripple across their surface for a few moments. Finally his reply comes; Accept who you are, Freyja. You can only succeed if you know yourself... the key is to know yourself without passion. To simply accept the facts of who you are. And that includes all the good in you as well as that which you wish to improve. A warrior once wrote that no one can create weakness in you, it must exist inside you: Only you can make yourself invincible. He asks, softly, "Do you understand?"

Freyja is very still in Zero's arms, considering both her thoughts and Zero's thoroughly and carefully. She doesn't want to fall easily into either unquestioning belief or hubris simply because it's more fun to do that than to ask oneself difficult questions -- and her lovers deserve neh less from her than her total commitment, after all. After a long moment Zero can see Freyja's lips move as she speaks, her gaze still far away in rapt consideration, although he 'hears' the words more clearly in his mind, As is the garden... her thoughts slowly light up with understanding and enthusiasm, -such is the gardener! Hai, I understand now!

Zero smiles gently. "I can see that you do."

Freyja blinks, the focus of her gaze returning to Zero. With quiet startlement she asks, "Do you always do that -- know exactly the right thing to say to me -- or have I just not noticed before?"

Zero's smile breaks into a broad grin, and he shakes his head gently. "I wish the Force had seen fit to tell me all the answers. All I've ever done is given you the benefit of my own experiences, and the insight the Saber's Edge has blessed me with. Either way, though... I can't tell you how happy I am to know it is what you need to hear." But then, he doesn't have to. She can feel it in her heart.

Freyja laughs softly, her eyes shining with Light, then pulls his head gently close, drawing him into a slow, sweet, lingering kiss of sharing and pleasure. Zero curls his arms gently around Freyja's waist and presses close, keeping his promise to finally be silent for a bit.

Freyja's booted feet alight gently, but she's unaware of that, lost in the rapture of dreaming closeness and warmth. The kiss is a thanks: a rejoining, returning, reassurance, relief... exploration of shared new thoughts and beliefs and realizations... it lasts for an eon or so; slender, warm fingers framing pale face with gold, strength shared and holding dear and close, savoring of the sensuousness of the moment and the eternity... and then, slowly and lingeringly, the kiss concludes... and Zero can feel the upwelling of joy between them; the freely shared laughter of the endless passion of life -- and Freyja whirls, light and airy as a butterfly, her scarlet hair a floating banner behind her and her thoughts rippling with delight, "Catch me?!" and darts to the nearest slanting support, flying up it for speed before she leaps for the two vertical supports Zero used only moments -- or perhaps an eternity -- before.

Zero laughs softly, and reluctantly lets her go, leaving a single empty arm outstretched as she leaps away. He opens his eyes slowly, letting himself come back to the moment as the Light washes away from him. He can feel the flow of gold that traces Freyja's path, and leaves the container with a high bounding arc. "You could never lose me so easily," he says, and laughs again, echoing dimly in the canyons of plasteel.

Freyja's half-laughing words -- or are they song? -- float delicately behind her, like a trailing ribbon for Zero to pull them both close with,

"...take a walk with your sister the moon
Let her pale light in to fill up your room...
You're sliding down
She'll be there when you hit the ground,
It's all right, it's all right, it's all right,
She moves in mysterious ways!
To touch is to heal
To hurt is to steal
She's the wave
She turns the tide,
She sees the man inside the child
It's all right, it's all right, it's all right,
She moves in mysterious ways!
"

There is an easy, unadulterated joy to Freyja's movements, as much as to her song: she takes Zero's words to heart and believes in herself -- she is Light, and Life, and Creation! Zero follows, his high, leaping path carrying him quickly along as he pushes from upright to upright. This is a familiar technique to him, and he navigates as easily in three dimensions as two. He chases Freyja without chasing her, his path gliding gradually ever closer to hers until he springs up from beneath her and is following alongside as they race across the tops of the stacks and through the web-work of supports.

He darts in to kiss her -- to touch her cheek, and back out -- weaving in and out of her path, flashing her a smile utterly untroubled by doubt or worry as he zips ahead across a wide gap with hands clasped behind his back, still facing her. They come together inevitably, even as they try to part. As long as her Light burns, he is the cool and balanced Way, the guide by which she can fly and the guard on which she can always rely.

Freyja laughs delightedly, mentally returning the brushing kiss, shifting to physical when they are close enough, the light caress of her lips as warm in thought as actuality. Her darting, floating dance is less coolly serene than his, right now -- the hot, fierce joy of discovery/sharing/pleasure/sensuality burns very brightly in her, almost effervescently buoying her up in happiness. Her movements are more dance than run; she pauses sometimes to laughingly pirouette about a sturdy upright, sometimes to whirl her cloak out in aerobatic courtesies to her graceful partner, out of sheer enjoyment of the moment.

Zero's long blue robes billow behind him as he goes, his movements sure and quick and with an easy confidence. Freyja can feel his pleasure; the pride in himself as a Silver Knight, to have come so far... the pride of a martial artist so perfectly sure in his movement... the pride of a lover in seeing his paramour so simply, honestly happy. He flips gracefully over a staggered tier of uneven containers, end over end, his hands still tucked behind his back -- once, twice, again -- before he comes to a stop atop the highest stack, his robe settling around him in dark sapphire folds. "I always keep my promises, Freyja," he smiles to her. And in her thoughts echo the words, Until all the stars die... and even beyond. I'll always love you, Freyja Rigg. Forever.

Freyja lands lightly next to him, her cloak billowing as it follows a second later, wrapping closely about her willowy body. Her face is alight with excitement still, but her silver-ice-blue eyes are joyously serene as she slowly straightens and smiles at him. He can feel the heat of her presence like a palpable caress -- and a moment later the caress is repeated as she gently presses her slender, leather-clad form against him, holding him close and warm. Her thoughts are like rippling water, calming even as she gently kisses him again, I will look forward with joy to forever with you, Zeriza, beloved... but I will always most savor the passion and pleasure of you in the here and now.

Zero curls his arms gently around Freyja again, his lips brushing against hers as he draws close. That is the best thing about eternity, my lover and my love. No matter how long you live... you can only ever live in the right now.


In the small hours of the Malice's "night" cycle Zero returns to the Platinum Eclipse -- partly out of a protective instinct to check up on the ship that is both home and vehicle, sanctuary and sometime-escape for him -- and partly to find some silence in the perpetual bustle of a combat-ready warship. He makes a circuit of the little courier ship: checking connections in the cockpit, looking in on Freyja's plants, giving the engines a very quick once-over, and perusing the hold briefly. In his own mostly-empty quarters he looks at the long, black case on the small table, regarding it silently for some minutes. He opens it, removing the still-scabbarded sword left to him by Zhang, the first Silver Knight he'd ever met. He thinks, regretfully, of Marnaas and the Inspector's terror of the Jedi Order... such that she took her own life rather than risk compromising her secret order. He lifts the blade out, and unsheathes it a few inches, regarding the segmented blade. He examines his reflection... and makes a decision.

Zero closes the scabbard again, and takes it with him as he leaves. The triat is gaining respect now, however grudging... and to take Zhang's weapon with him would bring honor to her and her sacrifice; to show that they too are deserving of respect. The Triat has been on his mind a great deal lately, and so as he sits down in the common room to meditate, he thinks first of his partners.

Zero reflects that some people have been left behind, in his rush to forge this bond he now shares. On Balmorra, Piper and that poor, sad-seeming aristocrat who cornered him at the reception... but more pressingly, he wonders about Vakkal. Has he neglected Vakkal? It would not come as a great surprise. Although, he thinks, Vakkal has not openly said so. On the other hand again, he thinks ruefully, I might not be so forthcoming with someone that tried to cut me in half, either. Zero hmphs, and opens his eyes. "Nonsense," he says to no one in particular. He stands and, tossing his braid over his shoulder, descends to the hangar again. "Besides... I did apologize." He grins a little to himself, and heads into the Malice's corridors.

Zero returns to the quarters the Malice has lent them, pausing briefly to admire the appointments again. More, he thinks, than he deserves... more than he's ever known. How strange to come so far in so little time... then he shakes his head to clear it. Focus, now. You are distracted easily tonight. He enters the quarters, and looks around; Vakkal is sitting in the main room, reading. "Vakkal? I was just looking for you."

The canid looked up as the door opened, and Vakkal is looking alertly at who comes in. He does not appear to be expecting any trouble... but he also does not appear not to be. He smiles, "Hello, Zero." He carefully blanks the screen on his datapad and sets it down, adding, "You found me."

Zero notes the datapad. "I hope I've not interrupted?"

Vakkal shakes his head, "Just looking over some of the Haus Rigg protocols for soulgu... er.. hauskarls. Nothing that can't wait."

Zero says, "Ah, I see. I was about to take a short walk around this level before bed. I was actually hoping you might join me."

Vakkal pauses, considering the safety of Freyja, his primary responsibility. The idea that someone will attack her in a VIP's cabin aboard the Malice is only slightly away from "preposterous." He looks at Zero and says, "If you'd like. Freyja won't get in to any trouble for a few minutes."

Zero smiles a bit. "I was about to say, I don't think any trouble will befall her other than temporary wrinkling if she stays there much longer." He gestures to the door. "Lead the way. I'm sure you know the floorplan better than I... although I don't have any particular destination in mind."

Vakkal stands and stretches, arching his back cat-like, then says, "This deck isn't terribly exciting, but it should be a quiet enough place to walk." He picks up his sidearm, light saber, ID, and other pocket fluff, and says, "Let's go this way." and leads Zero out in to the corridors.

Zero follows Vakkal out into the corridors. "Actually, that is just what I was hoping for. I wanted to talk to you for a little while, if you don't mind."

Vakkal smiles, cocking his ears quizzically, "Why would I mind?" They walk down the long corridor of cabin doors.

Zero follows alongside with his hands folded, still holding the shard-sword behind his back, his braid and the hem of his robe swishing rhythmically as he walks. "Well, I don't really know how to indirectly broach the topic I want to talk about. I've noticed recently that you've seemed... preoccupied? I would go so far as to call it tense, on a low level. I'd initially thought it was due to coming back to this ship. But then you had words for me, after the demonstration at the reception, and I've been reflecting on it. I know your devotion to Freyja, and I have never doubted it. All the same, something seems... amiss with you lately -- and I flatter myself to think that I might be a more neutral and less emotionally loaded outlet than Fhazil." He smiles a little at that, and ends simply, "With that said... would you like to talk about it? If you don't, I'll say nothing else about it, if you'd prefer."

Vakkal glances down at the floor as they walk, his ears drooping, but not to the flattened down of angry. Looking back up at the corridor they're walking in for another moment, and then back to Zero, he says, "I'm sorry if that came out too strongly. It wasn't that what you'd said wasn't right or wasn't true or even wasn't a nice thing to say. It just seemed only to scratch the surface of what can be said about Freyja... and I know you know that. I'm not always sure she does."

Zero smiles gently, "I wasn't upset, Vakkal. It made me worry, yes, but for your sake. I don't think that I've said so properly, but I want very much to be your friend. The circumstances of our meeting notwithstanding, I know you're an honorable, loyal man, and I'm glad that you're with us." He brushes an unruly forelock behind his ear. "She doesn't. I have been telling her in every way that I can think of, for over two years... and in the years before that, when we only worked together from time to time, I thought them without saying them. But I still have never quite convinced her. I think, maybe, that she's coming to understand now." He tilts his head slightly, "But... I do wonder. I've never seen you quite like this, Vakkal. Has something changed for you?"

Vakkal chuckles, and comments while glancing away at a sign, "Here I'd have expected Fhazil to have said something first. Either he's completely distracted himself, or I've been less obvious than I feared." He leads around a corner, down a corridor which contains nothing but many intersections of other corridors, and then looks back at Zero, "There's been a couple of things that have happened on-board that have given me a lot to think about, yes."

Zero grins a little. "Freyja has recently accused me of telepathy. I will choose to take that as a compliment. Though I do suspect Fhazil has been a bit caught up in events as well." To the latter comment he nods, "I had suspected something like that. Do you want to talk about them?"

Vakkal says, "It's been a little odd being back among people I know." For a moment it looks like he will leave it at that, but he continues, "Freyja and I ran in to an old lover of mine."

Zero nods. "And Freyja's being there complicated that for you?"

Vakkal nods. After a moment he says, "Yes, it did. Perhaps not how you might have expected it to, though." He adds, "I ceartinly wasn't expecting this complication."

Zero says, "Well, I have a certain... speculation, but it's your turn to speak if you want to continue, I think."

The two men have reached the end of this corridor, and Vakkal points to the left, saying, "This way." A few steps later, he says, "Well, it sort of came as a surprise. I... I hadn't really been thinking about sex, in a very long time. It's been years since I'd seen another Khar Velosi, and I never expected to see any again. I'd sort of gotten used to the idea that there wasn't any of that sort of companionship in my future." He shakes his head, and says, "Leave it to Saleyn to drop a bomb in that carefully thought plan."

Zero says, "She propositioned you?"

Vakkal nods, "She did. That put me off stride, and I think it bothered Freyja too. It is not what really got to me, though."

Zero says, "If Freyja was bothered, then I would suspect that it was for your sake, and not because this woman offered sex to you. But I was not there, so that is just my thinking. Tell me what the real problem was, please?"

Vakkal says, "I don't know why Freyja was bothered. She did tell me I should follow up if I wanted to. I didn't; as I told her, I'm not sure I'm ready to have to think about that level of social interaction with this group of people who I'll have to leave again." A few more paces down the hallway go by, before he says, "No, what really bothered me was that Saleyn saw Freyja, and said, 'Oh! You're with a human! I didn't think you had it in you!'." He does not go into more detail.

Zero arches an eyebrow. "'Had it in you'?" He thinks about that for a few moments. "Well, I suppose Humans are just as exotic to the non-Human as they are to us." He shrugs a little, then turns his head as he walks to make eye contact with Vakkal. "But I get the impression that wasn't the sticking point. It was the implication of intimacy, yes?"

Vakkal says, "You're right about the perception about being with humans." He admits a little glumly, "I suspect Saleyn doesn't think of me as a very adventuresome partnet, so she was quite astonished at the very idea. I'm not sure Freyja understood that, either." He has not answered the more interesting question.

Zero says, "She may not have. But then, she's never been a Khar Velos, either... nor has she been in a position to say how adventuresome, either. It's an aspect of you that she's never seen." He does not press the other question for now. "Do you regret how things went with Saleyn?"

Vakkal says, "Not directly, no. I told her that I wasn't interested, and was able to do so without upsetting her. I'm glad of that; I wouldn't want to have left her unhappy or hurt."

Zero nods. "And indirectly?"

On one side of the corridor is a section door, which is closed. Vakkal keys it open and steps through, looking ahead. He gestures to Zero to follow. Zero finds himself with the Khar Velosi in a "c" shaped room, barely wider than the corridor, with some windows out to space on one side, and a couple of chairs. The room has the feel of nothing official, and is unoccupied. Another bulkhead door, at the far end of the "c," is closed. Vakkal moves in and sits down, finally saying, "Saleyn got me thinking about things I had managed not to notice. Primarily, how attractive Freyja is, and how close the relationship she and I have is."

Zero nods softly. He sits, carefully flicking the edges of his robe to keep them out from under him as he seats himself, settling the sword across his lap. "Do either of these things make you uncomfortable?"

Vakkal stares at the hyperdrive-smeared stars outside, "Not as such. It leads to a worry that I might do something inappropriate now that I've noticed that Freyja is a possible lover. I had managed not to notice somehow, and now I can't ignore it. I have to wonder if she'd be interested at all, or if she wouldn't be able to trust me any more should she realize I might feel this way. That would be awful! I have to wonder if it's an appropriate thing for a soulguard or a hauskarl to be thinking about his mistress. Would Haus Rigg be unhappy? Would it cause stress or unhappiness for Freyja? I don't know enough about Balmorran people to say... and even if I did know someone I could ask, I can't until we're out of hyperspace."

Zero nods again, and looks with Vakkal out at space beyond. "Could I ask a possibly obtuse question, Vakkal?" Vakkal nods. Zero looks from the window back to Vakkal, "Do you trust her?"

Vakkal looks at Zero and answers unhesitatingly, "Yes, absolutely. One does not turn Bright or Soulguard for someone one does not trust. I trusted her before I ever spoke to her."

Zero smiles again. It's an easy smile, a very relaxed one. "Good. There's no love without trust... and I believe you without question." He glances back out at the stars. "You know what I was, before the Master turned me to the Force." He pauses a moment, looking a bit distant, before continuing, "She didn't... not at first. When we went to my homeworld... that was where I finally confessed that I cared for her. And I was faced with the unappealing task of having to say, in essence... 'I am a murderer, Freyja, and I love you.' In saying that, I had to trust her not to revile me, or to hate me, or to run away. I could only tell her the truth, and trust her not to be overcome by it." He looks back from the window. "Freyja is the only person who can answer these questions for you, Vakkal. I can only tell you the things I know to be true, and offer my best guess to what I don't. I will tell you this; nothing you could say would ever make Freyja hate you, or ever trust you less than she does at this moment."

Zero says, "Of everything we've spoken about, the only thing that would upset her is the fact that you are unhappy. I can't answer the question of Haus Rigg, or what Balmorran people would do. I'm also inclined to regard them as secondary to what happens in your hearts, Vakkal. I think you should speak to her and be honest with her. She will always do the same for you. I say this to you as your friend and as hers... and if you would like me to help -- to be there, to listen, to speak, anything -- I will do that happily for you... and if you would like to be alone, it will be as if I was never there -- until you're ready for me to come back." He adds with a gentle grin, "I'll even take Fhazil with me, if you'd like."

Vakkal listens and then considers for a while, his gaze drifting to the slowly changing smear of stars. Finally he looks back at Zero, "Zero... thank you. Thank you for listening, and for telling me what I should have been able to see already. It means a lot to hear it, and it will be much easier to talk to her about it." He adds, "I wasn't sure what you or Fhazil would think, and that worried me a little too."

Zero smiles. "Thanks aren't necessary, Vakkal. I love Freyja and Fhazil very deeply, and you are a very good friend. I could tell that something was bothering you... and she could too, although I don't know that she could tell precisely what it was. I had guessed, but I thought the best way to know was simply to ask. I was hoping I might help you with whatever the problem was... that is, after all, what a friend does. As for what I feel," he says, brushing another unruly forelock out of the way, "I think that you and Freyja should do what is in your hearts. I've been willing to share my heart with her and with Fhazil, and I trust them both. If this is something that you feel in your heart, then I will support you both, and most certainly welcome you. I cannot speak for Fhazil, of course, but his opposition to your happiness seems as likely as my learning to breathe outside the ship."

Vakkal says, "I... I don't know what to say. I was worried that if I did anything I would risk upsetting the people who mean most to me -- the three of you are pretty much everyone who'll have me at this point. I've burned my bridges with my own people, and even with Lord Ghang and the rest of the Sith. I would never have suspected that I was more likely to cause unhappiness by not doing something, and simply worrying about it." To Zero's last statement, Vakkal smiles a little wryly, "You're probably right about that. I wasn't so worried about what he might do or say... thank you, Zero. Your support means a great deal. I will do my best not to have it be misplaced."

Zero laughs quietly. "You would be surprised how much you learn about other people when you find yourself in love with them." He rises and tosses his braid back. "I'm very glad to know that I've helped. For a very long time I was just a boy with a lightsabre and a staggering social dysfunction. I am a Knight now. It's long past time I started acting like one." He grins. "As for your trust, I have no worries about that. I know you'll do what you think is best for everyone. Why don't we go back now?"

Vakkal stands, "Well, today you certainly sound like a Knight, my friend." He smiles, "Back would be good. There's something I should talk to Freyja about, although I think alone might be best."

Zero claps Vakkal gently on the shoulder. "Then I shall follow this small, black cord tied to my heart and go find Fhazil, and make sure he has someplace else to be for awhile. When you're ready, you know how to call me."

Vakkal nods and sends, I do. I will. Thank you again.

Zero disappears into the narrow corridors with a smile. To himself, he thinks, Do I really sound like a Knight? Good. Today... I finally feel like one.


Vakkal walks slowly back to the triat's cabin suite, thinking about several things after his talk with Zero. That talk gave him much food for thought, and much encouragement to resolve his inner conflict, before it drives himself and everyone around him crazy. Walking slowly back, he not only realizes he must do so, but how he could do it. He pauses at Quartermaster's to get some simple things, and then goes back to the group's cabin, slightly nervous. If all goes well, Freyja will still be in the bath, meditating.

Vakkal finds things as he left them. He is able to do the few, relatively simple preparations he can think of doing. One consists of making sure what he picked up is easily at hand, but out of harm's way. Another consists of thoroughly brushing out his fur, which takes a moment and pulls out more of the grey fluff than usual. He grins, thinking, I must be nervous. He makes sure his clothes too are brushed and clean. He then resumes his seat and the datapad, to wait for Freyja to emerge on her own. To keep from fretting, fidgeting, or pacing, he resumes reading the long, dry Haus Rigg policies.

Freyja's mental touch is very light and almost dreamily relaxed, some time later, asking Vakkal if there's anyone else in the common room. Upon being reassured, she wanders through a few moments later, "Heiyo! Back in a bit..." She's a willowy golden nude but for the towel over her head, with which she is absently rubbing her long, fiery-gold mane dry. She hums quietly and contentedly to herself as she heads for one of the bedrooms to dress. Vakkal tells her, Nobody here but us. and then watches her walk through the room. The only really notable (but also personal) thought he has at that is along the lines of, How could I have not noticed?

Giving Freyja only a moment or two, Vakkal stands, picks up the small box he got earlier, and follows her, tending to stay to her left. Freyja can be seen and heard through the open doorway as she wanders around, singing softly to herself again,

"In your eyes
the light the heat
Your eyes
I am complete...
in your eyes
the resolution of all the fruitless searches
oh, I want to be that complete
I want to touch the light, the heat I see in your eyes...
"
She casually pulls on her black leather one-piece suit, then sits on the edge of the bed to pull on and clip her knee-high leather boots. As Vakkal enters, she looks up with a smile, "Mmm?"

Vakkal pauses a little away from Freyja, just out of arm's reach. He seems a little unusually hesitant, but her smile and small encouragement bring him the rest of the way forward. Wordlessly, he offers her the small box. The fluttering of the fur around his ruff betrays his slight nervousness. Freyja tilts her head slightly, a faintly puzzled smile crossing her features... but she finishes securing her boot, running both golden hands lightly along it to double-check, then sits up and accepts the closed box. Curiously she opens it, brushing a wayward strand of scarlet hair back as she wonders what Vakkal's nervous about. Does the box contain something he's gotten in trouble for, or something?

Freyja blinks. The box contains, of all things, what looks like six chocolates wrapped in foil. She looks up, still confused, but smiles, "Thank you, Vakkal. Ah... what is this for, please? Did someone give us these, or something?" She delicately picks out one of the foil-wrapped things with slender golden fingers, carefully unwrapping it to check. "Oooh... it is chocolate, yum!" She takes a careful, small bite, savoring the flavor. Her response to the taste is a slightly muffled, "Mmmm..."

Vakkal shifts his weight back and forth, his fur rippling with his movement, "I... it is traditional for the male to give some edible delicacy to indicate interest in kergh vlor... which does not translate well. Nor does the set of associated scents which goes along with it, which I can only assure you are indeed here."

Freyja goes still in mid-nibble, her gaze traveling up to Vakkal's eyes. She notes his nervousness again, and searches her memory for any hint of the meaning of the word. Thoughtfully she inhales, wondering if she can get any helpful scents... er, not unless they're chocolate, she wryly realizes. So she hms thoughtfully. She can actually scent Vakkal a bit, now she thinks about it, which is unusual around the usually fastidious Vakkal. She doesn't know what the scent might mean, though... just that he's in some strong emotion, perhaps? She considers what she knows of the Khar Velosi language. Despite not translating well, she does know the word, at least roughly -- it denotes the petitioning by an eligible male to join a female's mating circle. There are a number of other connotations, though, as well... which can't be clearly determined from this context. The word is usually used when discussing other people's actions, too -- the actual petition itself is usually wordless, and the usual gift is freshly killed game.

Freyja continues chewing, swallowing the bite of chocolate, then puzzledly regards the half-eaten chocolate in her hand, and the remainder in the box. Has she committed some faux pas? Was this intended for some lady Vakkal is inter- oh! She blushes deeply, looking up at Vakkal, "I'm so sorry, Vakkal. This was for Selyn, wasn't it? I didn't realize I shouldn't eat it."

Vakkal looks blank for a moment -- then shakes his head, "No, Freyja, it is for you." He pauses, and adds, "I meant what I said about Selyn before. But her comment to me about you was harder to ignore."

Freyja looks confusedly at the chocolates, then back at Vakkal, "Her... comment? About me? I'm sorry, did I miss something?"

Vakkal smiles, "I think it was actually me who missed something. Let me see if I can explain." He sits down next to Freyja, but turned so he can face her on the bed, and begins to do so, "You remember how I left Khar Velos, yes?" Freyja nods, setting the chocolate down in the box to listen. Vakkal has all her (somewhat puzzled) attention.

Vakkal says, "When I left, I ran away from all the family I ever expected to have. Lord Ghang saved me from their vengance, but it left me alone. While I had things to do and to look forward to in the service of the Lord, the idea that I would have a family was something I had to leave behind." He sighs, "So, leave it behind I did. For several years I worked in the service of the Lord, and didn't meet any other Khar Velosi who weren't cold to me because of my past. The idea of a family, and of sex in general simply faded from mind, and I didn't think about it. It was not part of my life."

Freyja nods in understanding -- this she's gathered over time, in bits and pieces, from his actions and from what she's heard from Fhazil. Vakkal says, "For a while, here on Malice, I did spend some time with Saleyn, who didn't care about my past, and reminded me that sex could be fun. However, she was never interested in anything more than that, and she could tell I missed having family and clan. We drifted apart even before I transferred away."

Freyja nods slowly, then says confusedly, "But... you told me, Vakkal -- you said it yourself! -that I smelled wrong!" She opens her mouth to say more, then pauses. A moment later she blinks, a rueful grin crossing her face, "All right, that came out so wrong...! Uhh... that I... that my scent wasn't the one that cued you? Is that better? What changed?"

Vakkal says, "You don't smell like a Khar Velosi, no. However, this does not mean you smell bad... and honestly, much more than smell is invloved. Let me see if I can explain. After the Malice, I spent time fighting in different places. Fhazil and I spent a long time together, as bunkmates. Many of the sets of bunkmates were lovers -- gender and species didn't seem to matter much -- but I never did. I hope Fhazil wasn't disappointed. I fought with others too, and the same things happened. It didn't bother me to see it happen around me, but I wasn't interested. It just wasn't on my mind."

Freyja covers a small self-conscious grin at Vakkal's insistence she doesn't smell bad -- that is, actually, a relief to hear from someone as scent-oriented as a Khar Velosi. She nods interestedly, listening carefully again to try and understand. The canid says, "It got farther from mind on Marnaas, actually. When I wound up being a member of the Oath of Fire, I assumed that I was pretty much as good as dead. Worse, it took away the things I had been able to work towards, and left me as a pawn in their larger game. Zero's vibroblade was almost a relief."

Freyja looks a little unhappy at that, gently putting one small golden hand on Vakkal's larger furred one, "That changed, though, hai?"

Vakkal nods, "Even before I woke up you managed to comfort me, and to make some of the anger and frustration at the impossible situation I was in more bearable -- not to mention having healed me. You also saved me from the Jedi and the Sith both there, by taking me into Haus Rigg. It took me a while to realize what you'd done, and what that meant... and it took me longer to understand that all of those people regarded me as family in some way or other. Realizing that you would do that for me meant a huge amount. It meant enough that I became Bright, as much to my surprise as anyone's."

Freyja smiles warmly, relieved to hear Vakkal's pleased about that... although there's also still a hint of worry in her eyes. He seems so... tense? She wonders if there's something bad associated with what he's trying to do. She gently squeezes his clawed hand and nods, "Go on?"

Vakkal says, "As much as the idea of being part of something larger meant to me, I had so long been out of practice thinking about what it was like to be intimate with someone you truly cared about, that it never even occurred to me. All the time we've spent together, and all the things we've done, and all of you that I've seen... I managed to miss so much of your physical beauty and your sensual attractiveness. I understood your kindness, intelligence, thoughtfulness, strong sense of morals and rightness, and I thought all of those things were great and admirable qualities. But I missed how simply beautiful you are."

Vakkal chuckles and adds, "Fortunately for you, Fhazil and Zero didn't." Freyja looks a bit startled, considering this sudden burst of information. Vakkal says, "We came back here to Malice, and I saw my own people again... and this time I didn't have the loneliness and the loss of family, and they couldn't hurt me with it any more. That was very fufilling. But it was only when Saleyn assumed you and I were lovers that the idea ever occurred to me. It left me flustered there because I had to deny it, while suddenly realizing that I wanted such a thing." He admits, "I haven't been able to get it out of my head since, and I'm afraid I've been staring like an idiot."

Freyja blinks again, utterly floored. She'd been thinking so carefully about Vakkal as a brother, as per what she assumed were his wishes. To have that mental mindset suddenly turned upside down requires a hasty bit of thought reshuffling! She's silent, thinking hard... then suddenly blinks again. Oh, dear... Zero and Fhazil. What will they think? She doesn't know... but she also knows she wouldn't hurt their feelings for the entire universe. She takes a deep breath, then sends gently, a little worriedly, Zeriza, Fhaziza... er, have you a moment? I've... just gotten some, um... well, unusual information from Vakkal...?

Zero's thoughts are laced with a little bit of wry amusement, I think I can guess...

Freyja blinks startledly again, Er... you can? then curiously adds, What do you guess?

Zero smiles -- and even though he's somewhere across the ship, the idea of him smiling echoes back across his link to Freyja, Vakkal loves you... and very much, I might add.

Freyja's blue eyes widen a bit as she absently stares at Vakkal. Her thoughts are a little indignantly amused as she sends to them all, Did everyone see this but me?!

Zero responds, Not exactly. I have to confess to conspiracy, my love. You see... I was the one that told him he should tell you.

Fhazil's reply makes it clear that Freyja is not alone in her surprise, Vakkal what??

Freyja's reply almost matches Fhazil's exactly, You what?! Her eyes get, if anything, wider with astonishment -- then she makes a half laughing, half growling sound, reaching out and grabbing a handful of Vakkal's thick cheek ruff and shaking him gently, where she knows it won't hurt. Exasperatedly she thinks at them all, Oh... you! You are all terrible, you know that?!

Vakkal (who was fearing that Freyja's hesitation was her worrying about how to refuse gracefully) is rather startled! He says something intelligent along the lines of, "Gnrrk?" and looks very confused.

Zeero grins, his words coming to all three of the others, Well, is that unreasonable? Something was clearly bothering Vakkal... and so I asked him to walk with me while you were in the bath, Freyja, and if he wanted to talk about it. He is my friend, after all... and he was afraid of hurting me, or Fhazil, or of making Freyja uncomfortable... or of scandalizing Haus Rigg, given his circumstances as hauskarl. I told him that you were the only one who could answer his questions -- I can only guess -- and that moreover if you were upset, then it would be for his sake before anything else... and that most importantly, he should do what is in his heart, and trust you not to hurt him. My trust was not misplaced, nor Fhazil's, after all... He waits a beat before asking, Was I wrong about any of these things?

Freyja's thought is tinged heavily with amusedly resigned acceptance of her friends' conspiracies... she knows she'd do the same to help them all, after all. She grins dryly, All right, I see everyone here knows what's going on but me... and maybe Fhazil. So, Zero (you fink!), you get to update poor Fhaziza, and then I want to know what he thinks of this... and I'll try to make sure I've not just given poor Vakkal here a heart attack! She giggles softly, pulling Vakkal into a hug as she says cheerfully, "Shall we start over please, Vaki? I was so sure you were working up the courage to tell me you wanted to leave with Saleyn... I need to re-adjust my thoughts and make sure I understand properly, all right?"

Fhazil is too busy laughing to frame sensible words, but his amusement is clear to all. The people in the room with him -- if any, besides Zero -- must think he's lost his mind. Finally he gets across to the others, Well, leave it to Freyja to bring you out of your shell, brother. Elsewhere, Freyja laughs aloud at that!

Zero smiles serenely, and decides now is as good a time as any to start wending his way back toward the quarters... but he takes his good time in starting. I think Fhazil's got a firm grasp on the situation now, yes...

Freyja grins, her thought rueful, I guess that clarifies Fhaziza's thoughts on this, hai. All right, you guys just shoo! for a bit, and I'm going to talk with Vakkal, hai? She's still grinning, her eyes bright with amusement as she turns back to Vakkal, releasing him from the hug. "So... where were we?"

Vakkal blinks at the mental words, his ears pinkening a little as he sends out, I have far better friends than I ever suspected. He responds to Freyja by saying, "I was just going to reassure you that I understood if you wanted nothing to do with it. It seems we were both thinking the worst." He is released, although seems in no hurry to run away, as he adds, "I was trying to demonstrate and make clear my desire to be closer to you. As much as the Khar Velosi tradition isn't quite right, it was the best I could think of... so I was giving you chocolate." He adds, "That is a traditional gift for human courting, is it not?"

Freyja giggles, a bit pink herself, and hugs Vakkal again, "Hai, it's fine!" A little shyly she adds, "I, ah, actually hadn't ever received any before... at least from someone who was sincere -- thank you!"

Vakkal smiles, "I guess you can't say that any more." He very carefully strokes Freyja's long, fiery-golden hair, watching her carefully to see how she reacts.

Freyja smiles and nods, then sighs quietly, relaxing a bit herself and taking a moment to reflect. She's glad Vakkal wasn't offended at her assumption he was interested in leaving with Saleyn... then she remembers something Zero said and looks up at Vakkal with a smile, "That's why you were so intently reading that boring, dry old compendium about Haus Rigg's rules for huskarls, hai? You were worried about family honor being compromised?" She considers a moment, her small smile quietly warm, "That was sweet of you..." Very carefully, she leans a bit against Vakkal, unsure how he'll react. She adds softly, remembering another comment from Zero, "Neh, I would never deliberately harm you, Vakkal... Vaki."

Vakkal smiles and nods at her question. He responds to being leaned on by putting his arm around her and supporting her weight, and being furry and slightly warmer than human norm at her. At the nickname he smiles and replies, "I know. I was more worried about accidentally hurting or upsetting you. Zero convinced me I should say something." Freyja sighs softly again, relieved both to know her paramours are not jealous and upset, and that Vakkal seems comfortable now -- and he is indeed comfortable there with Freyja leaning against him. He remembers something she said, and asks quietly, "Did you really think I would leave you for Saleyn? I never even thought of that possibility."

Freyja's tone is a little sheepish, "Well, er... well, I mean logically I know it wasn't likely, but, um..." She falls silent, trying to figure out how to explain, then finally half-sighs, half-smiles as she shrugs, "I don't really know how to explain it, Vakkal. All my life people have wanted to be near my sister... have wanted to know me in order to get closer to her... or have said with apparent sincerity they weren't interested in her, only to be utterly charmed at first meeting her." Her voice is genuine as she slowly adds, "I admit... I was rather surprised at how Zero and Fhazil reacted to her... um, anyways... so I guess on some level I thought once you'd met Saleyn again, and started seeming so distracted, and nervously avoiding my eyes sometimes... well, I guess I just assumed it was going to happen again?"

Vakkal resumes stroking Freyja's hair, his other arm around her and nearly surrounding her in his own grey fur. He considers, then says, "Your sister? The overly energetic, frivolous seeming one? I guess a lot of the people there did seem impressed with her, and she did sing nicely enough... but she isn't half the person you are. But if that happened, I can see how you can be worried about it." He strokes some more, letting the ball of his hand slide gently down the side of Freyja's face, and adding, "It isn't going to happen this time, though. You've given me everything I needed, even when you didn't understand what those things were. All Saleyn could offer is sex. There's no contest, Freyja."

Freyja blushes a bit, still struggling mentally somewhat with this new view of Vakkal, and unsure if it's disloyal not to defend her sister -- who, she dryly notes to herself, may have done so as a child, but now doesn't really seem to see any need to reciprocate as an adult. She sighs softly, sitting up and taking one of Vakkal's large, clawed hands in both of hers, picking her words carefully, "Vakkal, I... this is a very new way of... of thinking of you. I mean... well, I've tried so hard to... to not seem grabby or possessive of you, you know? So... I... I'm tremendously flattered -- your words are really far, far nicer than I think I deserve, believe me! -but... can we go slow first, please? Give me some time to... to get used to this new you? I... I need to figure out how to... well, how to be around you again, you know? I don't want to be a nasty tease, or hurt you by accident..." She looks at him closely, her smile a touch anxious, "Is that all right with you?"

"You would be possessive of me? I would have never thought it." Vakkal seems both fairly surprised and quietly pleased by this. He smiles, "You can be however you want around me, Freyja." His smile turns a little more wry, "I'd think that I would be the one who should be careful not to hurt you." As he says this he stiffens his figers a little, and very gently brings out the claws on the hand she is holding. He lets them relax, and adds, "Slow is fine. I'm happy enough to know that I've managed to say what I had to say, and I can stop worrying you'll be unhappy or angry. I'm quite content to move at whatever pace you are most comfortable with."

Freyja smiles as Vakkal bares, then sheathes his claws. Her voice is reflective, "Odd though it may sound, I'm far less worried about physical than mental hurt -- I know which pains more in the long run." She sighs quietly, relieved Vakkal is still not upset with her... then grins, turning a bit to reach for the box as she adds delightedly, "You got me a gift! That's so nice!" She turns back, holding the box, and picks up the half-nibbled one. Then she pauses, inquiring interestedly, "Do you like them?"

Vakkal continues sitting with Freyja and makes sure she can move freely, leaning back a bit and stopping his slow, gentle stroking so she can do so. He smiles happily and seems terribly pleased that she so likes such a simple thing, "They make you happy, so I like them. I think they're delicious as well, although chocolate is a bit of an intoxicant for Khar Velosi."

Freyja giggles, still a bit flushed as she offers the one she'd taken a bite of. She doesn't know if Vakkal remembers what this means on Balmorra, but even if he doesn't, perhaps he'll take the gesture in the spirit it's meant, "Well, want to share just part of one then?"

Vakkal smiles, "I would be very pleased to." He takes the candy she has offered and nibbles -- very daintily for someone with the astonishing dentition he has -- about half of it away... then offeris the remaining quarter back to her with a smile, "Mmmmm."

Freyja is a rather bright red by now, and carefully watching the little piece of offered candy rather than meeting Vakkal's eyes... but she accepts the chocolate, her fingers brushing lightly against Vakkal's as she does so. A moment's hesitation while she takes a deep breath... and then she eats the last remaining morsel. With faint amusement, her internal voice teases her -- is she the only person she knows out in the universe that has this terrible urge to blush when sharing food?! Vakkal watches and notes the blush. He beams, seemingly content to sit there grinning like an idiot.

Freyja laughs, her normal mental equilibrium slowly returning, and puts a hand on Vakkal's chest, pushing gently so he'll lay back on the bed. Once he's done so she flops out comfortably next to him, like she was wont to do on Sedrak, and sets the box carefully on his chest. She grins mischievously at him, carefully unwrapping another chocolate as she says, "An intoxicant, eh? Sometime we'll have to let you have as many as you want then, hai?" She grins again, taking an appreciative nibble of the chocolate she's holding, then muffledly adding, "'ot ri' 'ow, vo', ri'?" Vakkal snorts a quiet laugh at that!


Fhazil is in one of the firing ranges: catching up, helping someone he knew from long ago adjust the sights on a new blaster, and blowing the hell out of some targets. Zero meets him there after a brief mental check of, are you busy? and where are you? sorts of questions. The range has several long aisles leading off of both sides of a hallway. The hallway has windows leading out to the aisles, and a movable wall with target and sensors on it to shoot at. There are about six of these on each side of the hallway, with narrow partitions between each one. The sound of blasters and people talking is loud, but not overpowering. Fhazil waves Zero on down, "Over here, Zero!"

Zero smiles and waves in acknowledgement, passing unhurriedly down the aisle and casually evaluating the shooter position and posture of the training Sith, occasionally pausing to glance downrange and check someone's grouping. He smiles once or twice, quite impressed, and he offers advice here and there if noticed and acknowledged -- simple things such as, "Your posture is too rigid. Relax a bit; blasters take some getting used to after slugthrowers, I know." Once or twice he nods approvingly, "Impressive margin of accuracy. Are you a designated marksman?" and so on. Sharpshooting is something Zero has had plenty of experience with, and he doesn't mind taking time to discuss tradecraft, even if it is a trade he's mostly given up. After some minutes he makes his way down to Fhazil, "Ah, there you are. Quite a capable group of soldiers here, Fhazil. Their work is impressive."

Most of the shooters don't recognize him, but are open to friendly discussion and advice from someone who is confident and apparently qualified. One of the people there -- an older Arkanian -- watches closely and nods approvingly as Zero passes by him, where the Graysider has apparently been working with a young Massassi. It seems the instructor approves of the mixture of advice and approval, and is not bothered at all to have a stranger coming by and doing so -- particularly when it agrees with his judgements. Fhazil watches his acquaintance fire off another round or two, asking, "Is it a little low?" as Zero arrives. When his brother gets there, Fhazil introduces Zero to the Massasi he is assisting, "Zero, this is Donal. Donal, my brother Zero."

Donal nods, "A pleasure to meet any brother of Fhazil's, sir."

Zero smiles and gives Donal a brief, short bow, bringing up the hand holding the sword and closing his other hand over it at chest-height. "Donal. I hope Fhazil is giving you sound advice."

The Massasi grins, "Yes, he is -- except for when he isn't. Luckily, I know him well enough to know when he's putting me on." He grins, adding, "Adjusting new sights is not terribly complicated, either. Mostly he's telling me about the time he's spent away from us, or some whoppers he claims to be true." Fhazil looks indignant, "Hey!" which causes Donal to add, "Naturally, I don't believe a word of it!"

Zero laughs softly and flicks his braid back, "Well, don't let him talk you into the uses of particle blast wands." He gives Fhazil a good-natured grin, "Those have yet to work for him."

Fhazil begins to look indignant, "Now-" but Donal cuts in, "That look on his face says you must be right, Fhazil." He grins at the spluttering human, asking Zero, "How long have you known Fhazil?"

Zero hmmms. "It's been, what... two years, now? A little more than that? Since we first met, that is... although the truth, if it would be known, is that we didn't really get to know each other until some months after that. We met in... ah, somewhat strained conditions."

Fhazil snorts, "You could say that -- I was on the business end of your blaster! I don't know if I was more worried about that, or about you hitting me with the landspeeder."

Donal watches, "For some reason, I'd believe that."

Zero smiles nonchalantly, "Actually I believe Freyja had the last shot. I just softened you and the rabble you brought with you up a little bit." He grins, "I really did batter that poor Kel Dor." Zero rolls his eyes ruefully, "And the Wookiee. And the Rodian. And Vakkal."

Donal says, "Fhazil, your brother seems to tell stories like you do. I'm not sure I should believe him, either."

Fhazil grins, "You shouldn't! Except that part, which is entirely true."

The Massasi shakes his head, and asks, "Why were you shooting at Fhazil?"

Zero says, "He sent seven men to kill me and the other Jedi on board. Of course, once he finally bothered to show up, he spent most of his time flirting with her. Until we started shooting at him, that is. Then he ran. While flirting."

Donal steps back and leans against the divider between this range and the next, with a quizzical look on his face, "Other Jedi?" The flirting, running, and sending of minions he apparently does not find worth commenting on. Perhaps it's expected.

Zero nods, "Yes, there is another on board with us. I'm sure you'll recognize her when you see her, she's... hard to miss." He smiles enigmatically.

Fhazil grins, "I told you you'd never believe it! There we were on Marnaas, and Methel-ssa was trying to subvert the local Jedi monestary. Doing a pretty good job of it, but another faction got involved and things got really confusing. In the middle of it I met this handful of terribly interesting Jedi, mostly by waking up in ther hospital. Vakkal wound up there too." Zero clears his throat at that and looks mildly contrite.

Donal listens to both of them, then says wryly, "This makes sense... up to a point. Marnass makes sense. Methel-ssa subverting Jedi, and doing well at it makes sense. Fhazil flirting with a pretty girl -- regardless of her alliegance -- makes sense. Even getting shot and waking up in the infirmary makes some sense." He gives Fhazil a dry glance, "So how did they get here?"

Fhazil looks innocent, "That's a long story, and you won't believe it. I'm not sure I believe it, and I was there for most of it."

Donal looks curiously at Zero -- maybe he'll be more forthcoming? Zero asks, "Were you asking how we got to Marnaas? Or how did Fhazil and Vakkal end up in the infirmary?"

Donal just snorts at Zero's answer, then asks, "If you're Jedi, why are you calling Fhazil your brother?" He looks suspicious, "Somewhere along the line, something must have changed!"

Zero smiles a little, "Well... if the truth be known, I am not strictly a Jedi." He indicates his blade, "I am a Silver Knight, and if that name is unfamiliar to you I would not worry overmuch... it isn't a very well-known order. Suffice it to say that I and my Jedi companion are both somewhat more liberal in our views of the Force than most of the non-Imperial Force users I'm sure you've met."

Fhazil grins, "Vakkal and I both realized that listening to this little batch of Jedi would probably keep us alive. From there it wasn't hard to reach the point where we wanted to spend more time with them -- and one thing led to another, and here we are." He cheerfully adds, "Don't worry about them! They promised not to cause any problems."

Donal looks wry, "They promised? What good will that do?"

Fhazil replies cheerfully, "The Lord will be very disappointed if they break their word -- or if we break ours and harm them while they are our guests!" Donal does not look convinced.

Zero sighs inwardly at the back of his mind, Ah, Inspector Zhang. I hope you will not think I am dishonoring your sacrifice... but it is time for us to come out of hiding. We are an honorable tradition. I will prove it to the galaxy. He smiles a bit and nods, "Yes, Freyja was quite insistent on letting the two of them live, and as it happens, they aren't bad company." To Donal he simply says, "There will be no trouble. My word may mean little to you, but our actions will speak."

Fhazil adds, "The Jedi is originally from Balmorra. Since she'd rather not see her home world invaded, I suspect they'll be good."

Donal smiles, "Ah, well -- that's different." To Zero he says, "Fhazil and I have been aiming new sights on this. It has been tedious work."

Zero says, "A blaster rifle? Hmm." He squints downrange a bit. "It is somewhat low, isn't it?"

Donal says, "Yes, I think so too." He uses a small wrench to make a minute adjustment, then asks Zero, "Would you like to try? Latest in heavy blaster. If I can ever get it aimed, it should be pretty nice."

Zero nods, "Certainly. I'd be happy to." He tosses back his robe, tucking his sword into the back of his sash for the nonce. He picks up the blaster rifle and examines the sights, checks the action. He raises the weapon and sights downrange. "You were trained on a slugthrower, yes?"

Donal says, "Some time ago. Why do you ask?"

Zero nods softly. "Slugthrower habits are terribly hard to break. I had an awful time with my first carbine." He slips his finger into the trigger housing, takes a careful shot, "Blaster bolts have no ballistic properties at all. They simply go -- until they dissipate or strike something. They are entirely unaffected by wind or gravity... when you have been trained to fire a bullet, we make so many minute adjustments without really thinking about them, that it becomes a process of unlearning what you know when firing a weapon like this."

Donal watches the human fire, and then looks downrange at the target, "Very nice."

Fhazil nods, "It no longer appears too low."

Donal works a control, and the target slides farther away, "Closer, yes. Try again. Let's see if it's on yet."

Zero smiles a little, "I like the design. Was a Smith responsible for this? Its action is quite smooth." He pauses, takes another shot, then another and another, for grouping. "I'm sure if it's of Sith make then they've made it twice as durable as need be, no?" He grins.

Donal nods, "Yes, the Smiths have released these to War now." To the second part he replies, "Of course; it has to stand up to soldiers." He grins.

Freyja sends to Zero and Fhazil, Zeriza, Fhaziza... er, have you a moment? I've... just gotten some, um... well, unusual information from Vakkal...?

Zero laughs quietly. "I cannot deny the wisdom of your Smiths." He straightens up, handing the weapon back to Donal carefully. As he replies, Zero's thoughts are laced with a little bit of wry amusement, I think I can guess...

Fhazil gets a strange look on his face, then picks up his comm, looking at it and clipping it back on his belt, "Donal, I think Zero and I should probably go." By the time he says it he has a stranger look on his face, and is staring at Zero. He does not explain.

Freyja sends to Zero and Fhazil, Er... you can? What do you guess?

Zero nods, "Mm, yes, it is about time, I suppose. We should tend to the other errands that require our attention." He bows again, slipping the sword from out of his sash again and straightening his robe, "Donal, it was a pleasure. I hope that your weapon will serve you faithfully." He begins shepherding Fhazil toward the exit, expecting that in a very few seconds, he's going to need to be somewhere very much less public. He smiles... and even though he's somewhere across the ship, the idea of him smiling echoes back across his link to Freyja, Vakkal loves you... and very much, I might add. To himself he thinks, Oh, here it comes now...

Fhazil gets a strange, poleaxed, and kind of bewildered look. He murmurs, "Yes, must go. 'Bye, Donal. Good luck," and is led away. He suddenly looks much, much more confused.

Freyja sends, a little indignantly, to all three men, Did everyone see this but me?!

Zero manages to get Fhazil out the door and into the corridor, before he has to drop the second bomb; Not exactly. I have to confess to conspiracy, my love. You see... I was the one that told him he should tell you. Zero turns to Fhazil, "Now, before you say anything-"

Fhazil's reply makes it clear that Freyja was not alone, Vakkal what??

Freyja's reply almost matches Fhazil's exactly, You what?!

Fhazil manages to splutter, "What... I mean... Vakkal?!" He's thinking hard about this!

Freyja thinks with exasperated amusement at them all, Oh... you! You are all terrible, you know that?!

Zero thinks to himself, Well! That could have been worse. He makes a placating gesture with his free hand to Fhazil, "Calm down, first... breathe," and tries his best to keep Fhazil from having some sort of thrombosis in mid-stride. He answers Freyja with not a little amusement at the fuss: Well, is that unreasonable? Something was clearly bothering Vakkal... and so I asked him to walk with me while you were in the bath, Freyja, and if he wanted to talk about it. He is my friend, after all. He was afraid of hurting me, or Fhazil, or of making Freyja uncomfortable... or of scandalizing Haus Rigg given his circumstances as hauskarl. I told him that you were the only one who could answer his questions -- I can only guess -- and that moreover, if you were upset then it would be for his sake before anything else... and that, most importantly, he should do what is in his heart and trust you not to hurt him. My trust was not misplaced, nor Fhazil's, after all... He waits a beat, before asking, Was I wrong about any of these things?

Zero adds, to Fhazil, "The answer is no, I'm not." Fhazil shakes his head and splutters again, and then stops cold and does think about breathing. Very important not to forget this. Zero says, "He was -- that's right, in and out -- terribly upset, you know. Deeply now. He was -- in, good -- practically losing his fur, he was so agitated. Out now. Very good." Fhazil manages to stagger out of the shooting range and into the corridor, where less people are. He continues gaping -- then says to Zero, "No, you're not." A grin spreads slowly across his face, "That sly dog!"

Freyja's thought is tinged heavily with amusedly resigned acceptance of her friend's conspiracies, All right, I see everyone here knows what's going on but me... and maybe Fhazil. So, Zero (you fink!), you get to update poor Fhaziza, and then I want to know what he thinks of this... and I'll try to make sure I've not just given poor Vakkal here a heart attack!

Zero says, "Well, I don't know about sly. The poor fellow was miserable until I gave him the heart to say what he felt. I rather think he felt like he needed our approval, you know?"

The idea sinks in slowly, and Fhazil begins to chuckle. He nods, "Well, think about it. He's caught between desire to be with someone who is admittedly wonderful, and the desire not to hurt her -- or his good friends." The idea seems to sink in slowly, but gains ground as it does. Fhazil begins to chuckle, and then to laugh. He's too busy laughing to frame sensible words, but his amusement is clear to all. The people in the corridor -- if any, besides Zero -- must think he's lost his mind! Finally he gets across to the others, Well, leave it to Freyja to bring you out of your shell, brother!

Zero smiles serenely, and decides now is as good a time as any to start wending his way back toward the quarters... but he takes his good time in starting. I think Fhazil's got a firm grasp on the situation now, yes... "Come on, then, they'll think you've had some kind of psychotic break. We should give them a bit of time to themselves to work this out."

Freyja's thought is a rueful, I guess that clarifies Fhaziza's thoughts on this, hai. All right, you guys just shoo! for a bit, and I'm going to talk with Vakkal, hai?

The passersby have started to look concerned at the laughing man! Fhazil manages to stop shortly, and leans against the wall, breathing deeply, his face lit up with cheer. Zero sighs a little, with a grin, and resists the urge to say, "Move along, nothing to see here."

Vakkal sends out a quiet, and slightly embarrassed, I have far better friends than I ever suspected.

Fhazil says incredulously to Zero, "You knew about this, and didn't tell me?"

Zero shrugs, "I didn't have the chance -- we had our little talk a bit less than ten minutes ago. Vakkal was apparently quite heartened by the advice I gave him." He adds with a little grin, "But people are often motivated easily when you tell them what they already know."

Fhazil shakes his head and grins, "That sounds like Vakkal! Once he's sure of something he rarely messes around getting to it." He adds, "The idea is going to take some getting used to, though. I mean... Vakkal!" Apparently the idea that someone would like Freyja doesn't surprise him a bit.

Zero says, "Well, imagine how she must feel. She's been considering him Vakkal the faithful hauskarl all this time. The step up to Vakkal the Third Bedmate is rather a large one. Although I have to say, if I was destined to start sleeping with people I attempted to kill, I'm eternally grateful the trend started so late in my career. You have no idea of the size of the blaster bolt I dodged there!"

Fhazil laughs, "Yeah, when you put it that way, it is a big change! But... I've never known Vakkal to think about anyone that way. For him to say he loves her... that's a big deal." He grins at his brother, "I can only imagine your dance card would be full."

Zero says, "Full of terror, Fhazil. You have no idea." He flicks his braid back and starts down the hall again, "Nobody wants to wake up next to a Gammorrean. Not even other Gammorreans."

Fhazil chuckles, but is still obviously considering this new news. Some further repercussions trickle through, and he wonders about many details. "Come on, let's walk... or people will stare -- particularly after my laughing jag." He ambles consideringly down the corridor, going nowhere in particular, "I guess I have to think about how I feel about this. I mean... that's a big deal."

Zero says, "Well, I think once they've had time to discuss it between themselves, we can all discuss it as a group. I'm sure they'll want to, after all. It's as big to them as it is to us. Still, I'm pleased, really. I'd rather felt he was being neglected. I felt guilty leaving him to guard the door the first night we were with Freyja, even. I mean, it's not as if he didn't know. Gods below, I'm sure he could smell it on us. We weren't particularly subtle about any of it."

Fhazil nods, "Yeah... we'll have to... and I know what you mean. It's not like there was any chance in hell he didn't know -- exactly what I was thinking. But what do you say to that?" He continues thinking, adding, "There are few others who could be with her and not have me worrying a little for her safety, either. I trust him, and he'd never hurt her. But wow!" He sighs, "Even though she's quite capable of taking care of herself, I still worry sometimes. She does these insane things! I've been glad Vakkal's been with her."

Zero says, "Well, look at it this way; it's the elimination of at least one awkwardness. I could hardly look him in the eyes the next morning. What do you say to someone that knows what you sound like in bed and wasn't in it with you?" He pauses and grins, "I killed a Rodian by driving in the opposite direction he was going. She talked me into picking the locks on Methel-ssa's bedchamber so we could ask if the lord was up and around yet... and you chose to -- what was it? Oh, that's right: leap over a landspeeder when I tried to kill you by driving in the opposite direction." He folds his arms, "The sanity card will not play with us! Honestly, Fhazil, I think we've all left good sense long in the past... but we are also four reasonably lucid and more than reasonably capable Force-users. We should give each other more credit, I think. Well... mostly reasonably lucid. Most of the time."

Fhazil grins, "True, true -- to both points. She's had her own drinks at the well of insanity, too. She brought Sith Force users in to a Jedi monestary and held them there by saying, 'please.' She broke in to Methel-ssa's lair... and she charged a revenant!" He laughs ruefully, "More credit, and all the support we can offer." After a few minutes of walking, he adds, "I dunno, though. I'm almost jealous."

Zero says, "Why? It's not as if she's giving either of us up."

Fhazil shakes his head, "Not that. Not at all; if anyone deserves a chance to be closer to Freyja, it's Vakkal. He's an incredibly good person, particularly with the strength of conviction she's given him by giving him a family again, I think." After a moment he smiles wistfully, "No, it's me being selfish, and wondering why it was her and not me, with all that time we spent together in the forces."

Zero blinks. That, he had not expected. "Really? Fhazil, I had no idea." He folds his hands behind his back as he walks. "I honestly didn't realize you felt that way about him."

Fhazil muses, "We were literally bunkmates, for ages." They walk down the hallway as he continues, "It was common for bunkmates of all sorts to be lovers, or not. He's always meant a lot to me." He shrugs, "You can only have your life saved so many times before you start to really care. I know he cares a lot about me, too... or he'd have never done any of the crazy things he did." He smiles a little ruefully, "But, he's finally opened up to Freyja, which is very good... so maybe he'll be able to relax enough with us too. That would be nice."

Zero mms, nodding. He considers some moments, before replying, "Well, it seems I'm simply full of meddlesome advice this week, between Vakkal, Freyja, and any marksman that would stand still long enough for me to evaluate his shot grouping -- so may I offer you some advice as well?"

Fhazil's slightly bittersweet smile brightens, and he laughs. He puts his arm around Zero, "Of course, brother. I'm all ears."

Zero curls his arm around Fhazil, "I would submit to you that the very nature of our relationship precludes us from keeping anything from each other. We are quite literally inside each other's heads. And not just that; I've always given my heart equally to Freyja and to you. I'm sure that Vakkal will do the same. So I wouldn't worry overmuch about it being 'not you'. If anything, this is most likely the first step to 'all of us.'"

Fhazil brightens further and laughs again, "Yes, this is true -- and I'm very glad. It's something I thought I'd lost, and am very pleased to know might not have been." He kisses Zero on the cheek, "Thank you for making sure I saw clearly."

Zero shakes his head, and ruffles Fhazil's hair gently, "It's what I'm here for."

Fhazil chuckles, "And here I thought you were here to shoot at all the loudmouth punks, and chase all the women. Or wait -- maybe that was me."

Zero says, quite unruffled, "Well, one of us should definitely do it."

Fhazil grin!, "We'll take turns. Freyja can shake her head disapprovingly and send the other one after us to haul their ass out of the fire." A little further walking along with his lover, and Fhazil has relaxed and is feeling better with this new concept sinking slowly in, and appearing to be all for the good. He asks idly, "What shall we do now?"

Zero laughs softly, "That would hardly be a change from the status quo! As to what to do, well... we should give them some time to talk, so I suppose we should find something to do for an hour or so." He grins lopsidedly, "I already know what the first suggestion is, but the quarters are in use."

Fhazil snickers, "We could always find a practice room and, er, practice! But then what?"

Zero snickers faintly, "You're incorrigible, Fhazil. Is there any other training going on here? Perhaps we could observe. After the show we put on, I doubt anyone would object too much if we wanted to watch."

Fhazil responds cheerfully, "I may be incorrigible, but that doesn't mean it isn't fun to try!" He answers the other question more seriously, "Well, there's always various blaster, group formation, hand-to-hand, and martial arts drills going on. I'm sure we can observe, but I don't know if we can get too close. Most of the instructors don't want too much disruption."

Zero nods, "Well, I don't want to disrupt or anything -- just have a look. I'd be fascinated to know what sort of technique the Sith forces employ." He smiles, "Plus I don't think Freyja feels we get quite the respect we deserve. I'm sure she'd be pleased if we reported that our demonstrations made some impression among the troops. So don't think of it as disruption, more like... intelligence gathering."

Fhazil says, "Most of the forces are doing drills, which are boring and I think are the same for pretty much any military anywhere. If we want to talk to people, we'd be better off in rec, where we can interact with folks. There's always independent classes and practices and stuff going on. There's also less drill seargents around."

Zero says, "Capital idea."

Fhazil says, "That's this way, then," and leads the way back to the rec decks. They aren't a full deck, but are multiple decks high for higher access, and more areas to watch. Fhazil says, "So, we can go find something to just watch, or we can go see if we can find an open gym to get closer to people in. Interested in anything in particular? Martial arts? Sabers? Swords?"

Zero says, "Let's see if we can find an open gym, then. There are usually a few people standing around waiting their turn at the ring or strip; we can do a little of both that way. Perhaps someone will be practicing sabre forms. I remember hearing someone express surprise that we actually build our own."

Fhazil grins as he leads the way, "Yeah, that is wierd. Over here." Zero follows along in no great hurry. It's been a good day so far.

Fhazil leads to an open practice area. Practice sabers are available and mandatory. Various padding and protection for all the species is available and encouraged. The floor of the room is padded, as are the lower portions of the walls. There are half a dozen sets of people working out. Three of them seem to be pairs practicing various moves, with neither of them being visibly in charge. One is obviously a student and teacher, with the instructor having a long-time hand at things and easy grace that the new student lacks. Two of them are groups of three people; of those, one appears to be two students and a teacher, the last appearing to be three reasonably competent people practicing at once, apparently for the uniqueness and challenge.

Zero hmms. "Let's take up a couple of practice weapons, so we don't appear to be wasting space here?"

Fhazil nods, "We'll need to if we want to talk to people much." Getting practice sabers is no problem. They are asked to check their real sabers, blasters, and swords, though. Fhazil does not think this is a problem. Zero doesn't mind; he understands the practice of safety completely. He willingly relinquishes Kuwatuara and the shard-blade. He has no worries; if needed, they will find their way back to him.

Fhazil asks, "Do we want to talk to folks first, or perhaps warm up?"

Zero says, "Let's warm up, hm? Wouldn't do to sprain something and have to make our grand entrances to the quarters limping."

The two brothers-in-arms warm up, practicing with each other for nintey minutes or so. One of the pairs tires and leaves, freeing a little more room on the floor. Others watch the unknowns carefully -- the instructor in particular. The practice blades are lighter than usual, and slightly unfamiliar... but easy to get used to even after the iconic blades.

Elsewhere, Freyja has spent some time just relaxing and chatting with Vakkal, wandering around the ship a bit with him and getting to sort of 're-know' him. She's pleased he seems happy to do so -- she'd worried a bit as to whether her scent would say something she didn't want it to, or if he'd get bored or something. However, it's about that time she and Vakkal decide to see how the other two are doing. The three men can feelt her gentle, inquisitive mental touch, asking if they're busy?

Zero responds, Not particularly; just warming up on one of the practice floors. We were giving you two some time to yourselves... you're welcome to join us if you'd like. Fhazil knows the way.

Freyja brightens a bit, asking Vakkal if he'd like to go see the guys in one of the martial arts practice rooms? Vakkal seems perfectly content to go along with this idea. He has been enjoying spending time with Freyja. Despite having only done so for a day or two, having to hide his attraction made him crazy. Now he's inordinately pleased not to have to any more! Being able to think silly things like, 'Wow! She likes me!' as they walk around is good for him. He sends, You're on 11D? and Fhazil confirms this. Vakkal replies to all of them, I know where it is. We'll come on down.

Freyja heads down with Vakkal, looking around curiously as they enter the practice room. To her friends she sends, Heiyo! Having fun? Vakkal comes in with Freyja, and lurks quietly. His effectiveness as a lurker is somewhat defeated by his less-than-serious grin. Freyja grins cheerfully, pushing her heavy fiery-gold mane back with one hand and waving with the other at Zero across the room.

Zero takes a step back, and lowers his sabre as a sign of ending the bout. He turns and smiles to Freyja, "Just passing the time. I'm sure Fhazil's far advanced of me in the single-edged forms."

Fhazil grins, "Oh, I dunno about that! Plus it's usually Vakkal who cleans my clock, anyway."

The Khar Velosi comments, "That is the strangest idiom. Do many humans have dirty clocks?" Freyja giggles, wending her way around the edge of the room so they're closer to the two practicing Humans.

Zero grins, "It does occur to me that mostly it's only Freyja and I and you and Vakkal that train together. When we get back on the Eclipse we should rotate a bit, don't you thi-" He pauses, blinks, and then snorts at Vakkal's comment. He adds with a laugh, "I honestly couldn't tell you, Vakkal. I've never had it done to me."

Vakkal too walks around the edge of the mat to his friends, "You've never had a dirty clock, or you've never been defeated?" He adds, "I find that hard to believe. Everybody is terrible when they start." The golden-skinned Human woman looks with interest at the others there as well, noting relative skill levels and weapon choices. When she stops, settling into a relaxed crouch with her bare arms resting on her leather-clad thighs and her back resting against the wall, she's as close to Fhazil and Zero's practice pad as they can easily get. She grins amusedly up at Vakkal, knowing quite well how that goes, then looks back at the other two.

Zero says, "A dirty clock. I've been beaten rather savagely several times, actually. But I tend to think of them in terms of vicious beatings or stabbings rather than in terms of dirty clocks."

Fhazil grins, and Vakkal also smiles, saying, "Good. I was afraid you'd gotten cocky, and we'd have to try and find someone to remind you how it feels. Never good to think you can't be beaten." He adds, "That's what I was thinking that time on Marnaas, actually." Freyja grins a little sheepishly at Vakkal's comment, pushing her bangs back, and studiously examines the other practicing martial artists.

Zero says, "You were there the last time someone put my lights out, as I recall. When we fought Hrrajak, remember?" Freyja winces slightly, remembering. Zero pauses. Whoops. He realizes that perhaps just blurting out the Oather's name out loud might not have been a good idea.

Fhazil shudders at the name, and looks around. Nobody seems to have been listening, or they didn't know the name. Fhazil sends, Hopefully all these students are too new to the service to know that name. Freyja nods silently, her eyes quietly wary as she looks around.

Zero rolls his eyes a bit. All this week I was doing so well. Now watch me commit a diplomatic incident.

Freyja smiles, her eyes warming as she looks up at Zero, You're doing fine... and Hrrajak wasn't popular here either. He was an Oather, remember?

Zero grins a bit, Well, yes, but I also hadn't intended to attract the attention of anyone wanting to see how they measure up to the Oather-slayers.

Vakkal also looks around warily, but nobody seems to react. He sends, Sometimes I take great comfort in the fact that I'm the only one who hasn't been disarmed in practice arenas. Usually it involves Fhazil, but I see I'll have to learn to make expectations for Zero as well.

Freyja blinks at that thought, then looks curiously at Fhazil and Vakkal, Do folks here even know who revealed the Oath to the Sith?

Fhazil answers Freyja, I hope not. Vakkal looks quite uncomfortable, and nods, That about sums it up, yes.

Freyja nods at their answer, then grins mischievously at Vakkal, Disarmed? Excuse me -- as long as I have my wits about me, I'm never disarmed! Disarming, perhaps... She giggles softly.

Vakkal replies easily, There's a time and a place for wit, and I'll always be happy to stand behind yours. There's also a time and place for teeth and claws, and I'm often glad to have mine.

Freyja grins at Vakkal, then curiously asks, But... wouldn't folks here be pleased with whomever revealed the Oathers -- unless they themselves were hidden Oathers?

Zero grins at Vakkal, Fingers, palms, feet, knees, elbows, forehead and teeth. Nobody is ever really unarmed. Freyja nods to Zero, smiling quietly. Fhazil just smiles at Zero. Toothily.

Zero smirks, "Don't flash those at me unless you plan to use them!"

Fhazil grins, then answers Freyja's previous query, Not if they thought the person alive had broken an oath. Even if it wasn't their oath, some think that a terrible crime... and some might sympathize with them, even if not with their end.

Freyja blinks, then puzzledly asks, Wait... are you guys saying there are those here who still don't know there are Jedi aboard?!

Fhazil answers, Probably. It's a big ship, and there's what, one of you? Two if you count Zero. Vakkal and I aren't that notable here.

Vakkal adds, People may have heard about the demonstrations, but they probably won't think of it with just Fhazil and I, or even Zero. He adds, You, however, may draw more attention, being so different.

Zero nods, Well, mostly it would seem the rank and file were unaware. Freyja nods a bit bemusedly, sitting quietly and watching as she ponders. Zero hmmms. You know, that instructor has been eyeing us for some time now. Do you suppose he saw it?

Freyja glances curiously up at Zero, Saw what?

Zero nods in the man's direction, Our demonstrations.

Vakkal sends back, Maybe. Have you given him any reason to think it's you? I can think of a way to do so, but you won't like it.

Oh! Freyja also looks curiously over, adding, Don't know, Zero. Um... do we want to make that clear, though, if folks are this hinky about Oathers and Jedi?

Zero hmms, It's also possible he just noted that my blade technique is completely alien to Fhazil's and the rest of the ship. It occurs to me that to a learned eye, my fighting style and yours are going to stand out like lit sabres. Freyja nods amusedly to Zero, turning her empty hands up demonstratively.

Fhazil adds, The students might just be noticing the babe in leather... but if he's heard of the demo, he'll definitely remember Freyja's contribution. Zero decides to just wave in acknowledgement. The man has clearly seen them, so Zero feels he can at least be polite.

Freyja grins amusedly up at Fhazil, I can't imagine he'd be that impressed by a dance. He's a soldier, not an aesthete.

Zero glances at Freyja, He's a male.

Freyja laughs softly, her eyes dancing at Zero, Well, thank you... that's a lovely compliment!

The instructor seems to have needed little more encouragement than the wave. He says a word or two to his students, setting them to practicing again, then comes over to the unusual group, heading towards Zero.

Fhazil adds enthusiastically, What he said! just as Vakkal sends, Heads up. Freyja blinks, then straightens to her normal willowy height, stretching her golden arms once over her head... then subsiding into a smilingly relaxed pose, hands clasped behind her back.

Zero grins lopsidedly. Just my opinion, lovely. He smiles and gives the approaching instructor his small hand-on-fist bow. It's always me. You can never be unobtrusive with four feet of white hair.

Freyja giggles, Or a bit more of red-gold? then focuses on the approaching man. Fhazil manages not to stere at Freyja, but mostly only by worrying about the approaching instructor.

Vakkal replies, And a completely foreign style.

Zero tries not to smile too much, That too.

The instructor is a Massasi; he bows in return, then says, "I don't believe I've seen you here before." He gestures and adds, "Or your friends, although they have been much less... remarkable in method."

Freyja grins, nodding politely in return, but unsure how to respond. Zero smiles and acknowledges the instructor, "Sah. You flatter our technique, sir. I hope we have not disrupted your instruction." Freyja hastily checks her mute, making sure she's not 'glowing' within the Force.

The instructor says, "No, you haven't... particularly if you would be kind enough to spar with me for the benefit of my students." His voice and his manner are both polite and respectful, but there's something about him that's on edge.

Zero says, "Both of us?" Freyja's demeanor shades slightly into puzzlement, but she simply watches silently, figuring she'll be eventually enlightened.

Fhazil steps up, "Sir, I would be happy to-" -- and is interrupted by a curt gesture and a glare from the instructor... who then turns back to Zero, "It would be clearer if you would do so alone, sir. I would appreciate it very much."

Fhazil frowns a little and backs off. Zero nods, "All right... certainly, if you wish. I'd be happy to help." Freyja raises an eyebrow, not sure what that was all about... and unsure she's happy about it. She glances inquiringly at Zero... then nods silently to herself.

Vakkal moves off to the edge of the mat, his practice saber shut off. His thought flicks out to all of them, This should be no trouble... and you've got backup if it is.

Zero gives Freyja a mental reassurance, I don't know what his intention is, but to decline at this point would be rude. He carefully implied my technique was superior... to refuse to help could be construed as arrogance. He's a good eye for protocol, whoever he is. Freyja nods silently to Zero's comment, even as she keeps carefully watching the instructor.

The instructor claps his hands sharply twice, and calls to his students, "Attend!" The two he was working with stop and shut their sabers off. Two others also stop and the instructor nods at them too. The four students approach, and he says to them, "Watch this carefully. I expect it to move very fast, and perhaps be very short. I will try and call out the numbers of the stances we practice, so you can see why we show them to you."

Freyja shifts as if to lean a companionable shoulder against Vakkal -- then remembers he's backup. She should stay alert too, if he's watching this closely. She half-closes her eyes, gently touching the Force, letting it well up within her. Her pale eyes start to grow a little paler. She keeps a cautious awareness up for anyone startling or suddenly staring at her as well. Zero smiles pleasantly and bows politely to each of the students before taking a step back and letting his sabre point toward the ground, "I am ready when you are."

The instructor raises his sabre to a guard position, his voice matter-of-fact, "On your guard." Zero responds by taking a somewhat defensive posture, his sabre held relatively low. The instructor waits a beat for Zero, then declares, "Begin!" He springs toward the smaller Knight as if on rails, moving smoothly and assuredly and with great speed. Zero's practice weapon cuts up to intercept the blade once, again, three times, in quick succession near to his head. "ONE!" The instructor declares.

Zero is forced to adapt quickly; the instructor leaves him absolutely no time to catch his breath, pressing the attack and forcing him to give ground. Zero responds by dropping back in a defensive 'katarn' stance, one leg bent beneath him, the other extended in front of him. As he drops, he rotates his sabre in a quick reverse arc to bring the point up beneath the instructor's low line -- he springs back to a ready posture, raising the blade over his head. The instructor dodges smoothly, backing up slightly as Zero uses another series of broad, sweeping rotational movements to bring his own sword up to an aggressive posture. The instructor recoups quickly, setting his stance and declaring, "TWO!" Then he attacks again, meeting Zero's force with force.

The instructor switches to an aggressive, two-handed technique that incorporates lightning-fast thrusting movements to keep Zero's spinning weapon at bay. The assault and retreat is fast, and leaves Zero little opportunity to press the attack until he again switches tactics, using a sweeping diagonal motion to catch the instructor's weapon and slide it up and out of line -- then gliding in on the advance while bringing his own blade in for the kill.

The four students watch in quiet awe. Not only is the battle quick and intense, but their master -- who has been so impossible to best and shown such skill -- is having a very hard time fighting against this strange tactic from this unknown person. They watch with intent astonishment.

Zero has little time to savor his advantage -- as the instructor reverses his blade, swinging it inside Zero's and giving it an oblique push along its length that sends it sliding out of line -- with a vibration that makes Zero's wrist and upper arm ache. Freyja smiles faintly, her stance relaxed, watching still through half-lidded, silver-blue eyes. She doesn't think there'll be any trouble. Fhazil too watches intently; carefully. Vakkal keeps an eye on the fight, but also on the others in the room... noting their positions relative to him, to Freyja, to Zero and Fhazil, and to the door. So far everything has been a perfectly respectable bout, though. This does not mean he lowers his guard.

"THREE!" As his opponent advances on him Zero grunts softly, surprised. He hasn't met a blade master of this level of skill in a long time, and most certainly not with this level of aggressive, explosive power! The instructor presses his opening. Zero takes what he sees as his sole opportunity and rolls with the momentum -- ducking under and to one side, under the instructor's arm and around, letting his practice weapon graze along the attacker's exposed flank without pressure -- with a sabre, none is necessary. But once they've passed, he raises his hand, "A hit, sir, fair and excellently done." The students look at one another, somewhat perplexed. It sure looked like the master just lost the bout...

...but Zero just acknowledged a hit.

The instructor glances at Zero askance, "That was a kill."

Zero nods, "So it was." He indicates the back of his sleeve and a swath of his long braid, still faintly luminescent from the passage of the practice weapon, "But I would have spent some time in the bacta tank for my victory. I must acknowledge your superior point control."

The instructor bows to Zero, "Your match, sir." Zero bows deeply in return, and the instructor turns to his students and inquires, "What three important lessons did we learn?" There is a long silence, the students in quiet shock; someone just beat the instructor! Freyja grins quietly, her eyes slowly returning to their normal hue. The instructor catches his breath, then says, "First! You saw the techniques I am teaching you as they are meant to be applied. You see how each of those motions deflects a strong and unerring attack, and why they are important to know so that you can do them easily and faultlessly."

Vakkal too relaxes a bit; it appears this instructor is perfectly good at this, and perfectly content to be beaten by someone of superior skill. Fhazil smiles, Fantastic fight, Zero.

Zero flexes his fingers a bit as he switches his practice weapon to his other hand, and smiles, Amazing. This man will produce swordsmen of an incredible caliber. The vibration of that parry nearly disarmed me. Truly a master.

The instructor lets his statement sink in for a moment before he continues, "Second, you saw that it is more important to win the fight than to score a single good point. Yes, my opponent may have spent time in the bacta tank... but I would have been a dead man. Little good it does to be a clever corpse." The instructor finishes, "Third, you saw the value of watching your opponent closely. When you see someone who uses techniques you do not know, or who is far above you in skill, you should know that ahead of time -- so you can get help, or run away." The students stare at this in quiet shock, surprised as they can be that their instructor is advising that they flee. Admittedly, the alternative seems more unpleasant.

Zero listens, adding to his friends, I must stop to thank him for having a match with me once he's finished. It's a great honor to duel someone with such a developed technique. Simply amazing. Freyja grins quietly, her gaze gently amused from beneath her fiery-gold bangs as she watches. Even as the instructor is educating his students, Zero is enthusing to his friends on the quality of his opponent.

The instructor adds, "In addition, keep in mind that this fight was solely a lightsaber fight. Were our guests to have used the full set of powers I expect they have, and in a real fight, then none of us would have left the room." He smiles slowly at the shock this gathers, then adds, "If, that is, I am correct, and these are the Lord's guests among us -- the Jedi who travel with us to Tanaab." He turns from the stunned surprise of his students to smile at Zero, "Am I correct, sir?"

Freyja covers a small smile. Perceptive of the instructor. Zero too smiles and bows again, "You are correct, honored instructor... and I must thank you for honoring me with a friendly match. Your swordsmanship is fearsome; like nothing I have seen in many years."

The instructor bows in return, "The honor is mine. While most of my students were not at the demonstrations of the other night, many have heard the descriptionsw and were impressed. I was in attendance, and was certainly so." He glances back to the watching students, "I don't think they really understood until just now what was described to them." He bows to Fhazil as well, and says, "Your skills, sir, were excellent as well, but not of the Jedi style, of which we so rarely see such a fine example in our training."

Freyja leans back against the wall, relaxing and folding her arms as she listens. The Master's sparring -- and actually losing! -- and his unusually lengthy speech have stopped all the other bouts going on. Everyone is watching politely and quietly. Most of the students are just this side of flabbergasted that they got to see this up close, and that it was actually more impressive than the tales that had spread.

Fhazil bows to the instructor, "You are too kind, sir."

Zero smiles and nods in turn to each of the students, "Your master is without a doubt among the very best swordsmen I have been fortunate to know. Take his lessons to heart; learn even a fifth of his skill and your swordsmanship will be unmatched." He grins amiably and indicates the length of his braid that would have, had the sabre been live, amputated, "I was lucky, this time, that all I might have lost was my queue."

Vakkal watches quietly, but has relaxed now. The instructor bows to Zero, "You have been thoughtful and helpful. I hope someday all our dealing with Jedi may be so positive." The Massasi turns to Freyja, and bows deeply to her, saying, "And, you must be the very exotic and lovely lady who danced for us, and enthralled and enchanted most everyone present. I am honored, Lady."

Zero tosses the length of hair over his opposite shoulder so it curls around his neck to hang somewhat less obtrusively. He smiles, "I can only hope the same, honored instructor." He steps back and offers Freyja a hand if she'd care to stand.

Freyja smiles, straightening to accept Zero's hand and step forward, then bowing politely, "You are too kind, honorable instructor." She looks curiously at the staring class, wondering what they think of Jedi now.

Zero offers his thought: That at least some of them are fearsome combatants, that some are beautiful, that some are even personable. But more importantly, that they are not monsters or faceless enemies. If you really wish to end the Hyperspace War... I think this is how you start. Freyja nods silently at Zero's comment... then deliberately smiles, making a graceful dancer's 'courtesie' to the assembled class.

The instructor smiles, then turns to his students and gestures. They all bow with quiet, respectful attention, murmuring, "Thank you, sir." He replies, "Very good, class," then bows to Freyja, then Fhazil, then Zero again before he turns away -- his politenesses complete, and his class hopefully educated.

Zero smiles, "Well... I think, all said, that this has been a rather productive evening... wouldn't you say?" He offers one last suggestion, with a bit of a grin, Who wants to end it on this high note and return to the quarters?

Fhazil says, "I think so, yes." He shakes his head as if to clear it, adding, "I was a little afraid that would not go well. But I'm very glad to have been wrong."

Zero says, "Simple courtesy goes a long way, I've noticed." He grins ruefully, "If this keeps up I might actually become a diplomat. Gods below, the very idea..."

Vakkal responds right away, You all feel free to. I don't need to rush in to anything in a hurry. I'm quite happy with how the day has gone, just as it is. I couldn't have asked for more.

Zero grins widely at Vakkal, My friend... I don't know what you intend to rush into, but I plan to rush headlong into bed and collapse. I just fought the most difficult bout of a year!

Fhazil's retort to Zero (and all the others) is a cheerful, Like that's ever stopped you. He adds more generally, You do whatever feels right, Vakkal. We're all happy you're here with us. Freyja grins mischievously at Zero... then smiles quietly at Vakkal. She's not quite sure how to thank him for letting her take as much time as she needs... so she just gives him a quiet, warm mental hug.

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

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