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Reality Fault

Realms: These Shattered Stars Logs

Interlude XXI

Upon awakening, the new ship's "day" lies ahead of the four travelers, with nothing planned, no new messages from their host, or new crises which demand their attention.

Freyja enjoys herself (and also takes her time) bathing, as she has a lot to think about. She's got a few things she'd like to do today... she wants to get a new blaster, and it'd amuse her to get one from the Sith, as long as it's easily rechargeable in the Republic as well. She grins, imagining the likely scenario of a Jedi bearing a Sith blaster, "Where'd you get that?!" "Ohh... off a Sith..."

Freyja considers -- she also wants to ask Ghang if he'll give her a recording of the evidence the Sith have against Kalatis and Khoud. She'd love to talk with him further about various wildly ranging subjects, but she knows the likelihood of that occurring. One doesn't expect the Lord of the Third Fleet to simply drop everything to chat with some random Padawan, after all.

Freyja sighs a little worriedly as she rinses. She also needs to figure out how to handle things with Vakkal... things are different now. Should she not touch him? Will he not want his ears or ruff stroked any more? Is walking around in the nude now an unpleasant tease for the poor guy? She really doesn't want to hurt his feelings at all -- and she needs to sort out her own feelings about him, too. Plus, she wants to learn more about Bright Sith in particular, and Khar Velosi in general, if she can. She should be the best liege lady she can to him, while she's doing her best to figure out just what else he might be, to her.

The question of blasters appears to be a straightforward one, with Fhazil answering immediately, "We can get one from stores. Even if they won't give one to you, I'm sure I can get one, and by the time they wonder what's happened to it, I suspect we'll be elsewhere."

Freyja laughs! "So is this how commerce works on Sith battleships? Folks just pass things around as needed, neh questions asked?"

Fhazil says, "There's official channels, and then there's commerce. Official channels say you go to Stores and requisition what you need. That's what we'll do today. If they agree that someone in your position needs what you're asking for, or your superior has approved it, you get it. If not, you can try to convince them by quoting the regulations, or bringing in high enough approvals."

Freyja smiles quietly, her blue eyes half-lidded. This part of trade she understands all too well. "Then let's go, hai?"

Fhazil continues, "However, commerce is where you ask someone you know, who either can requisition it, or who already has it. You trade them something, often the difficult-to-manage currency called 'favors,' and you get what you need but, according to the rules, don't really need or shouldn't have."

Freyja grins again -- just what she expected to hear. Vakkal asks, "Would you like me to try and contact Lord Ghang's office before we go, Freyja? If you want to discuss a recording with him, we might be able to get an appointment." He adds, "And we might not."

Freyja nods, "Hai, that'd be smart -- always best to have plenty of lead time when applying for interviews with bureaucracy. Thank you, Vakkal."

Fhazil says, "Yeah, good plan." Vakkal nods, and says, "I've seen how the Lord's schedule fills up. Give me a moment and I'll contact them." Vakkal steps to the comm link in the entryway to make the call.

Zero sits cross-legged in the front room wearing just his loose trousers, shard-sword settled across his lap, exercising deep meditation as the unexpected (and unlikely) period of relative quiet permits. If he can hear the conversation, it's not obvious, but the other two-thirds of the Triat can feel his thoughts, as silent and far away as they are, like a very deep and very still pond. He's listening, even if not with his ears. The mention of Ghang leaves a considerable ripple in his mind. His question comes back more as a concept than a real string of words, as he comes, gradually, back to the here and now; Lord / evidence / need me?

Freyja watches the use of the comm link with interest, wondering if she could maybe try using it later. At the thought from Zero she blinks puzzledly, looking over at him, Evidence? Oh... neh, sweetheart, we're asking him for what he has.

Zero echoes back dim assent. understood / be here / in case of need.

Fhazil's reply drifts back, gently and also in vagueness so as not to disturb the meditating brother. The thoughts mostly convey, Don't need, merely like a lot.

Freyja grins with quiet warmth at her beloveds, then turns back to watch Vakkal's use of the comm link. Zero's lips quirk gently. feel the same / always

After a few moments Vakkal comes in and says, "I spoke to one of the Lord's assistants. His schedule today has filled up. She suggested that if we sent a message, he might be able to find time to reply by message, but that a meeting was probably out of the question at any sensible hour."

Freyja curiously asks, "What's a sensible hour to a Sith, please?"

Fhazil says, "That's admin-speak for 'He might call very late, if he's read your message.'" He grins and adds, "I suggest you send one."

Freyja grins, "Not sure that'd be a problem, but let's not press it. Can we just ask him for a holo or something of the evidence he has against Kalatis and Khoud?"

Vakkal says, "Difficult to say. If you're usually awake, it's probably sensible. If the Lord is typical, he'll sleep only an hour or two a night, and may try the comm or send a messenger in the dead of night. It is not considered rude or improper to ignore or refuse such meetings; it does say the subject at hand wasn't that important. A message asking for such, and why you're concerned about it would be my recommendation." Fhazil nods.

Freyja blinks slowly, then says, "He sleeps... only an hour or two?! How in Valhall can he survive on that? Does he meditate a lot instead?" She wonders with silent interest what it'd be like, following a messenger through the twisty, ancient-stone-looking halls of the Malice in the dead of night, with preternatural quiet all around... to see a fully restored Sith lord! She grins to herself -- the stuff of holovids and nightmares, she guesses!

Fhazil says, "He'll meditate in little snatches throughout the day, which keeps his mind sharp. While he's riding the tram or the lifts to get places, while he's waiting for someone who's running behind, or in a chink of time that actually remains unscheduled."

Vakkal adds, "He often schedules a quiet block in the middle of the day, which is either additional sleep, meditation, or some form of workout. Usually after the morning meetings, but before the afternoon. He says it helps him think about the issues at hand and clears his head."

Freyja nods, "That makes sense, then. I was wondering how he could possibly survive with a blight wound if he wasn't getting enough sleep and meditation... but that explains it." She smiles, "So, after Vakkal's left a message, shall we go blaster hunting?"

Fhazil adds, "It's one of the reasons many people are so dedicated to him. Nobody works harder than he does."

Zero registers that after a few moments, and take a moment to opine, hard man / strong will / admirable warrior

Vakkal asks, "Would you like to approve the message, or shall I just write something appropriate?"

Freyja understands quite clearly why it was she met Ghang early in the dawning on Balmorra. He does the same thing she does, obviously... he escapes the endless crush of people for just a little bit, to clear his mind in a place of beauty... just as she did, out riding. She shakes her head, "You'll know how to phrase it better than I, Vakkal. Go ahead, please?"

Vakkal nods and does so, using very correct language. He signs it, 'Vakkal of Haus Rigg, for Freyja Rigg of Haus Rigg.' He looks at that for a long time before he sends it, thinking about all of the things it means, and what it might say to different people. After a moment of triple-checking that he's used the correct honorifics for a Lord from a senior member of another Lord's household (for this is the closest he can place Freyja in the Sith social standing), he sends the note.

Vakkal comes away from the comm, saying, "It is sent. I'll make sure to have my comm on if his office contacts us." He adds, "That being done, I'm ready any time you are," and smiles brightly.

Fhazil says, "Gee, maybe I should put some clothes on, huh?" and scrambles off to the bath for a moment.

Freyja looks around once that's done, "So... are we ready to go blaster hunting?" She smiles, sensing Zero's focus, and sends softly,
Look at its color and it changes
but the changes never show,
the blossoms of a man's heart in this world.

Zero inhales once, deeply, and exhales, gesturing with one hand, "Rise, sword." The blade rises smoothly out of his lap as he stands slowly, picking up the scabbard. He inhales and gestures again. The blade slides quietly into its scabbard. He opens his eyes and stretches a little, rolling his shoulders. "Someone," he smiles, "has been studying."

Freyja's smile is quietly happy as she watches, "Someone had lovely motivation for doing so." She sighs with quiet enjoyment, looking between the three wonderful main men in her Family of the Heart... then says happily, "Shall we go have a nice walk?"

Zero grins a bit, and slips on his split-toed socks and soft-soled shoes. "I suppose I can tag along. Why not? As quiet as it's been, I'm worried when we get to Tanaab the planet will explode."

Freyja laughs ruefully. "That's... about what I'm expecting, hai -- a terrified planet, two armed fleets, and a batch of fanatics. What a recipe for disaster..." She heads out the door, shaking her head slightly.

Vakkal says seriously, "That would be bad." Fhazil was about to kid Vakkal for not knowing when Zero is kidding, but stops when Freyja talks. He says instead, "I'm trying not to think about it. Cooler heads will prevail, right?"

Freyja's quiet murmur floats back over her shoulder, "Sure hope so... we intend to do our best, after all..."

Zero pulls on his tunic and sighs softly. "I can only hope so." He sits down on one of the chairs to try and quickly retie his long braid while Fhazil dresses.

Fhazil has also taken a moment to clean up and dress. With everyone ready, he says, "Let's try something. We'll ask Quartermaster on this deck first, and see if we can get Freyja one of her own." He grins, adding, "If that fails, I'll get one on another deck. This way." Making sure everyone is ready, he heads off.

Freyja grins amusedly at Fhazil, "Opportunist," but cheerfully follows along once he passes her.

Realizing the absolute impossibility of accomplishing the task of braiding his hair with anything resembling completeness in the available time, Zero gives up, pulls the small ornate band from the end, and shakes it out. "Tch." Picking up his long outer robe and sash, he ties the appropriate knots, settles Kawatuara in the small of his back, and follows the others.

Vakkal follows, staying to one side and slightly behind. He comments, "It'll never work," but goes along readily, especially since there's such an easy fallback plan.

Freyja giggles at Vakkal, then grins, falling into step behind Zero. He can feel her hands lightly pulling his hair together as they walk, then swiftly and easily plaiting a braid. She grins, leaning to look at the side of his face, once she's done, "Got the band handy, sweetheart? Or was that just a chance for me to get to run my hands through your hair again?"

Fhazil is feeling happy this morning. Not only did he wake up to a distinct lack of crises, insanity, death, doom, and disaster, he woke up with his two wonderful lovers, and gets to spend the whole day doing nothing important with them. Even Vakkal is happy. It's one of the first times in a very long time that this has really sunk in to him. When Freyja has finished fondling Zero's hair, Fhazil will take their hands and nearly be skipping down the hallway.

Zero smiles softly over his shoulder. "I have it. Though I'm tempted to let it down again, when you put it that way." Freyja grins, lightly touching Zero's cheek with her free hand, then accepting and tying in the decorative hair band. She giggles cheerfully at Fhazil's exuberance, her own mood lightening appreciably. Zero says, "Fhazil, if your step picks up any more you'll be floating. While that's not unusual for us, I'm curious -- what's gotten into you today?"

Freyja laughs, "Wasn't me!" She pauses, reflecting on last night, then turns slightly pink, "Er... much... sort of... um, never mind. So!" She grins sheepishly at Fhazil, "What Zero said!"

Fhazil laughs, then says, "I don't know, brother. I've just sort of realized how..." and then he has to stop and laugh and hug Freyja. He says, "Where was I?"

Zero says, "You were realizing something? Besides Freyja's irrepressible honesty?"

Freyja giggles, cheerfully returning the hug, then adds, "On your way to find a blaster on this deck?" She giggles again, ducking her head a little so her fiery-gold hair swings down to shield her face slightly.

Vakkal comments wryly from behind, "And if you go skipping into Quartermaster's, they're going to wonder what you're up to."

Freyja laughs again, her head turning so her ice-blue eyes sparkle at Vakkal, "Oh, but don't we always wonder that?"

Fhazil chuckles, and tries to contain at least his walk a little. He says, "We're almost there. I didn't lose that!" He giggles, then adds, "I just woke up and it sort of hit me that not only did I wake up with these wonderful people around me -- there were no disasters, emergencies, horrors, or other unpleasantness immediately coming."

Vakkal grins and answers back to Freyja, "Yes, but we know better than most that he's usually up to something."

Freyja smiles quietly, her eyes thoughtful, "Let's hope it stays that way, hai?" She studies her three friends for a moment, really looking at them and realizing just how dear they all are to her. She must be mad to risk such happiness to a war! -and yet... she knows she could do neh less. Perhaps that's why they're currently so happy -- because they have a long, hard, difficult haul before them.

Freyja considers a moment, then smiles quietly. If that's the case... then she intends to savor every instant of sweetness they have. She takes the hands of her beloveds with quiet determination, smiling at them both, "But for now... Fhaziza is right. It's a lovely day, even if we can't see the suns, and I intend to enjoy every moment of it."

Zero grins lopsidedly to Freyja, perhaps sensing her intention. He just says simply, "It's our lot in life to have an interesting and possibly short span; our work might mean other people on a thousand thousand other worlds don't have to face the same choice to risk what is dear to them." Freyja nods quietly, leaning to gently nuzzle Zero's cheek -- then heads on down the hallway with them, in silent happiness for the moment.

Fhazil slows down and says, "Okay, we're almost there." He points down the hall and says to Freyja, "Go around that corner, and there will be a window on the left. If there's a line, wait in it. If not, go up to the counter and ask for what it is you want. Answer any questions they have for you, and see if they'll give you one. If they will, great. If not, be polite and come back here. We'll stay here."

Zero finds a place off to one side of the hallway, out of the way, and waits with folded hands. Freyja nods thoughtfully -- then grins and gives Fhazil a quick cheek rub too! After that she steps around the corner, looking curiously to see if there's a line.

There is no line. Freyja can walk right up to the counter at the window, which is labeled as the Quartermaster's. Within a moment or two of her arrival, a tall, heavyset Arkanian comes into view, comes over to the window, and says, "Yes?"

Freyja thinks a moment, then says politely in Aurabesh, "I have come for a heavy blaster, please."

The Arkanian switches to Aurabesh easily, "Heavy blaster." He checks a computer console behind the counter, then asks, "Identification number?"

Freyja says, equally politely, "I cannot give you that; I am sorry."

The man behind the counter notes her politeness, and her refusal. He says unemotionally, "I cannot issue you weapons without an identification number to issue them to." Vakkal walks around the corner, not looking at Freyja, goes past her, and then leans on the wall next to the window, as if he's waiting in line. He sends to her, Didn't want to be too far away. The Arkanian ignores him.

Freyja sends thoughtfully, Apparently an identification number is necessary. Is it polite to make one up?

Fhazil's answer comes back, You can try it if you like. They're usually nine digits. Worst case, he'll refuse you the weapon, and we go down to another deck.

Freyja thinks a bit, then nods, "All right." She rattles off a nine-digit number, then looks inquiringly at the quartermaster.

The quartermaster's fingers rattle it into his console as she speaks, he is barely looking at it. He apparently types numbers a lot. The console feeps; he looks over at it. After a moment he asks politely, "Ma'am, can you repeat that number, please? There must be some mistake here."

Freyja looks interested, "What mistake?"

The quartermaster replies, "Well, this says you're a male Massassi. A dead male Massassi." He looks over the counter appraisingly, and adds, "That is clearly incorrect."

Freyja laughs! "I quite agree." She grins, then adds, "Well, would you like me to repeat the number? I'm not sure that would be any more convincing the second time around, but I will, if you'd like?"

The Arkanian continues, "So if you can repeat your number I will re-enter it. It is quite common for these long numbers to be given or entered incorrectly." He is being polite, although he's not terribly engaged, interested, or thinking anything much of this. Apparently it is not uncommon.

Freyja cheerfully repeats the number. Since the number starts with 3, as the cube of 9 (for the nine digit number), and she's simply multiplying by two as she goes, and cutting off at 9 digits, it was easy for her to remember. "Three six one two two four four eight nine."

Once again, the Arkanian enters the number on his console. This time he goes more slowly, and reads it back to her in a flat, uninterested voice, "Three, six, one, two, two, four, four, eight, nine." The console feeps again. The supply clerk says, "I'm sorry, ma'am, but this is still showing you're a dead male Massassi. I cannot issue equipment to dead crew members."

Freyja grins, "I quite understand. Is there any way to convince your machine I'm actually a live female Human?"

The Arkanian replies, "I'm sorry, ma'am, but there's nothing I can do here. You will have to speak to your superior, who will have to file some paperwork with Administration." He sounds completely uninterested in this process.

Freyja smiles and nods, "All right. Thank you for your time." She turns and heads back around the corner, also not watching Vakkal. She wonders with quiet amusement if the Arkanian is already on the communicator, reporting the very live, female, Human former Massassi... or if she's just being paranoid.

The Arkanian says, almost completely on auto-pilot, "You're welcome, ma'am." He adds, "Next, please." Vakkal steps up, "A six of Marjanda Blue Milk, please." Freyja hears the Arkanian's tired, bored reply, "Sorry, soldier, but I have no refrigeration unit here. You'll have to go down to deck..." and the rest is lost as she rounds the corner. It isn't long before Vakkal comes along again.

Freyja grins at her friends, then says in mock indignation, "Now, do I look like a dead male Massassi to you?!"

Zero replies, entirely deadpan, "I certainly wouldn't be sleeping with you if you did."

Fhazil says, "No, I would never sleep with a dead, male Massassi."

Freyja laughs aloud, her tone rueful, "Eeeeeeew!" Then she snorts in amusement, "All right, that's quite enough of that! Onwards to the next deck!"

Vakkal rolls his eyes, but does not grace that with a reply. Instead he says, "C'mon." Fhazil chuckles, and leads again. A walk, a trip on a lift, and some more walking lead them back to the shooting ranges. A Quartermaster's office, probably stuffed full of weapons, is near the entrance to the ranges, and it's there that Fhazil stops.

"I must admit," Zero finally says, quietly so as not to be overheard, " I am curious as to when this errand will devolve to outright theft."

Freyja looks curiously at Zero, "How do you mean, Zeriza?"

Fhazil has to wait in line a moment while others collect ammunition, power packs, a scope -- until his turn comes up. He asks for, "One of the new heavy blasters, please." The clerk asks for and gets his ID number, which the computer accepts without question. It is just a couple of minutes before the clerk returns with it. Fhazil says, "I should have asked, but I'll need a holster too -- and one of the universal charging kits. You never know what weird place they'll send me next."

The clerk nods, saying, "The whole ship's going to Tanaab. Who'd have thought?" He goes off to fetch those reasonably simple things.

Zero smiles a bit. "Never mind. Fhazil has, once again, proven me wrong."

Freyja looks thoughtfully at Vakkal, "Didn't Terin say I had a little credit left? I can not collect that, so it's not theft."

Vakkal says, "Not quite, Freyja. The 'credit' you had there was with her, as favors for what you gave her, so it's not so directly transferable. In addition, I don't think she'd give a non-crew member weapons. Clothes are not a threat; guns might be."

The clerk returns, and Fhazil thanks him, collecting his request and returning to the group. Leading them around a corner towards the ranges, he hands the items to Freyja and tells Zero, "Now it's theft." Neither Fhazil or Vakkal seem bothered at all by this minor breaking of ship's rules.

"Oh." Freyja accepts the heavy blaster and rig a little dubiously, but when neither of the other two seem worried, she says, "So... it's all right, then?"

Zero says, "The very universe cringes at the depth of our iniquity."

Vakkal just shrugs, and Fhazil says, "It's understood that it goes on, and people do what they need to do to get their jobs done, even if Quartermaster says they shouldn't. Technically you or I or both of us could be reprimanded by our superior, but I doubt it will be an issue."

Freyja gives Zero a faintly amused glance, rolling her eyes at his comment -- then giggles at a sudden thought, looking down at her sleek black leather body suit, "Clothes aren't a threat? Well, wolf-feathers... there goes that plan!"

Vakkal does manage not to choke at Freyja's last statement. Fhazil just leers. Zero says, "Threats take many shapes and sizes... some shapes more pleasing than others." Freyja nods thoughtfully, considering Fhazil's words... then giggles cheerfully at her friends as she buckles the holster rig onto her belt. She checks the blaster, carefully setting it to stun, then holsters it also.

Fhazil laughs, then says, "Okay, let's go make sure this is aimed right and all works. I see the factory seals on it, so it's brand new."

Freyja says cheerfully, "Sounds good to me!" as she follows Fhazil to the shooting range.

The shooting ranges are not full, but not empty. The four of them don't attract much attention as they enter, as it's a busy, noisy place. Vakkal leads them down to the far end to an empty range, and settles in to watch the door and Freyja's shooting.

Freyja takes a moment to familiarize herself with the new weapon. While a blaster requires certain standard pieces, it is a Sith-created weapon, and has a slightly different sensibility. She should make sure she understands it completely now, rather than finding out something isn't what she expected, in a firefight.

Freyja carefully takes the blaster apart, naming the pieces as she does so, so the two Sith can see and correct her if she's wrong. She also removes the safety block in the muzzle, and a few 'new item' style stickers, which make her smile -- how very like the Republic! The mechanism finally lies open before her, as it would if she needed to adjust or tune it. She can see the power unit can be removed for replacement, either to insert a new clip in the fight or to repair a blown one... it's admirably straightforward and familiar.

Freyja pauses as she disassembles the blaster, her slender golden fingers going still... then slowly picking up the power cell. She examines it carefully, a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. It looks... disturbingly familiar... Zero says, "Freyja? Is something wrong?"

Freyja is pretty much ignoring the blaster laid out before her -- lenses, heavy power accumulator, and so on. Instead she says softly, "Guys... look at this." She holds up the cell for the others, "See? Doesn't it remind you of Balmorran-made ones? There's even a place, here on the cell, where the company logo probably used to be, and was filed off. You can see the smooth spot in the finish, compared to the slightly textured space around it."

Quietly Freyja says, "I don't think I'll have any problem charging or replacing this power cell. It may as well be Balmorran." She clarifies, "They copied, or swiped, Republic power cells."

Zero says, "Tch. Considerate of the former Count to make it easy to reload the weapon that's going to blow his legs off. Figuratively speaking."

Freyja sighs quietly, taking deep breaths to calm herself, then says steadily, "How could they do this? How?! How could they so betray their people, their oaths, the trust placed in them?!"

Fhazil says, "Oh. Well." He looks a little out of sorts, adding, "I'm sorry?" Vakkal says, "They could easily have found blasters after a battle and stolen the design."

Freyja takes a deep breath, then nods gravely to Vakkal, "I hope that was the case. The question still stands, though... unfortunately." With slow, deliberate care she starts reassembling the weapon.

The canid adds, "Were they to have inside information about how something works, in fact, don't you think they'd make it their own? Since they don't understand it, they just copied it exactly."

Freyja nods a touch grimly, "Hai... but that still doesn't explain how they developed the ability to visually hide their ships, or meld sapient and machine, in only three to five years. It's..." She shakes her head a little frustratedly, "It's technically impossible! I wish I knew how they'd done it..."

Zero says, "Perhaps they were offered money. Perhaps they thought they were supporting the winning side. Perhaps they were blackmailed. But do remember the head of that particular snake has been cut off -- or at least, has run off without the rest of its body."

Freyja gives a soft, quiet snort of laughter at Zero's comment, amused at the visual of a snake's head bouncing frantically along, leaving its bemused body behind... then shakes her head slowly, still smiling. Is that what Sithstain is all about? Will they ever catch Kalatis and Khoud? Will she ever be able to find out about the prophecy uttered by the Sith farseers? She grins quietly to herself -- is there anything she doesn't want to know? Probably not, she amusedly acknowledges.

Fhazil asks, "Would you rather have one of the older weapons? Or should we tune this one?" He looks uncertain as to how he can help.

Zero produces a small roll of cloth from inside the folds of his robe. "This might help."

Freyja turns her ice-blue gaze to smile at Fhazil, gently touching his cheek with the backs of her slender golden fingers, "Neh, sweetheart; don't worry. It was just a shock, that's all. We might as well continue using the best equipment we can find. A tool is just a tool, after all... it's how it's used that matters." She looks inquiringly at Zero.

Zero smiles, "More tools. For tuning your blaster, lovely."

Freyja smiles her thanks at Zero, carefully opening the cloth and laying out the little tools. She takes up the blaster, eyeing the targets at the far end, then murmurs, "All right... let's see how you work, little gun, mmm?"

Freyja spends several minutes carefully aiming and firing, then examines the results. She tchs quietly. The weapon works well, but the sights are completely off. With some adjusting by the guys, and further testing by her, the group is finally satisfied with how the weapon works for Freyja. She grins once they're done, examining the weapon after she's re-set it to stun. "Is it just me, or do the Sith have more of a thing for stylish, sort of dangerous looking equipment?"

Zero smiles, "I rather like it, actually."

Fhazil says, "Why would you want a boring weapon?" Vakkal adds, "If I can intimidate them with it, I might not have to shoot them with it."

Freyja grins, holstering the blaster with a flourish, "Ha-ha! Fear me -- I've got a blaster, and I'm not afraid to brandish it!" She giggles, her eyes sparkling irrepressibly.

Nobody else in the shooting range pays any attention. Vakkal says, "I suspect you'll be quite notable when you get home. I hope the Jedi have a sense of humor."

Freyja grins again, "We'll see!" She adds cheerfully, "All the good ones do, of course!"

Fhazil says, "So, sweetheart, does that satisfy your urges to maim and destroy, or do you want shoot some more things? We could go for a walk in the 'park' instead."

Freyja snorts amusedly at Fhazil, "Bright Lady forbid I should step on your avatar-ish toes, my dear!" She giggles, "Sure, a park would be lovely! I didn't know there were any!"

Fhazil laughs, then says, "Oh, no, it's one of the things I love about you, Freyja. You're not so timid and afraid that you think weapons are just scary and dangerous. Maybe you'd rather not use them... but you want one, and want to know how to use it, and will when the time is right. I think that's wonderful." He beams at her.

Vakkal says, "No, there are no parks aboard. That would be unmilitary, messy, unstructured, and a waste of valuable time and space aboard the ship." He adds, "This way," and prepares to lead.

Freyja blinks a bit startledly at Fhazil -- then grins delightedly, hugging Fhazil with enthusiasm! A moment later she leans back enough to smile, "I don't know why you think that's wonderful... but I'm glad you do!" She grins, following Vakkal with one arm still about Fhazil's waist, "Ahh... is there anything on this ship which isn't strictly dedicated to military hierarchy... and isn't really?" She grins cheerfully -- she quite understands how important appearing to break the rules is for sapients sometimes.

Vakkal says, "Oh, no, that would never be proper. Every corner of this ship is designed carefully and to maximum effect." He grins, "On paper, we're going to part of the waste treatment and life support system. The fact that it's filled with warm, full-spectrum light, water, and plants is, of course, irrelevant."

Zero says, "Everything in its proper measure, I suppose..."

Freyja laughs! -almost skipping in anticipation, "Sounds lovely!"

Fhazil is busy being cheerfully hugged, and happy. Vakkal chuckles, "Don't let the tight-asses hear you say that. The idea of a big park on the ship would make them terribly unhappy. They had enough kittens over the idea of the rec decks with workout rooms and things. Took Medical stepping in and demanding them because of the length of the trips to get those. This is a quiet conspiracy between Engineering, a few in decision-making places, and pretty much everyone else on board. And, while useful and functional, it is quite nice." He does add, "No room to hunt, though."

Freyja says thoughtfully, "Wow. Are the Sith looking deliberately to make their soldiers insane with either boredom or battle fatigue, or did they not realize just how tediously terrifying war and interstellar travel can be?" She grins, patting Vakkal's arm, "Neh worries -- we can go hunting again on Balmorra once the war's over, if you'd like?"

Vakkal says, "I think it's more they don't care. They think it more important to look strong and appear to be iron, unbreakable warriors, than to actually have things that work. Because there's a whole lot of people who have to live in this ship who don't care about that image as much, things aren't nearly as 'strong' as those Lords wish they were." He adds, "Lord Ghang is not one of the ones who feels it's more important to look strong than to be healthy. He knows about most of these things and trusts they're being built in ways that won't compromise the ship."

Freyja nods, saying firmly, "Good for him. Aristoi and commanders who are indifferent to the emotional and physical needs of their people... end up without people!"

Zero says, "Emptiness and fullness, as they say."

Vakkal says, "Not in the Sith Empire, apparently. They collect in the Moot and rule their holdings with an iron fist, and a network of sub-officers lets them think their iron views are uncontested."

Freyja pauses, thinking carefully, then looks at her Sith friends, "Guys... are you telling me most of the kurasai in the Sith Empire are there because they know neh better?!"

Vakkal asks, "What do you mean? How would people 'know better' than what their Lord needs from them?"

Freyja considers, then says slowly, "Well... if aristoi rule with iron fists, and not even using velvet gloves... the kurasai, the people tend to leave for kinder, more thoughtful lords. So are you saying all the Sith lords are heartless -- but the people don't leave because there's neh place else to go -- there are neh kind or thoughtful lords?" Curiously she adds, "Is that why Lord Ghang has Khar Velos -- because even if other people wished to flock to him, they're not allowed on a deliberately primitively maintained planet?"

Fhazil says, "Oh, it's not quite that bad. Between most of the worst of the hard-asses and the bulk of the people are a layer of sub-Lords who jockey for position and power. Those keep the worst of the harshness from the people, and let the old, powerful Lords of the Moot rule without having to dirty their hands with people outside that small circle. The sub-Lords do usually keep in mind more of what the people need. The only real pain for the people exists when they have a Lord's direct attention."

Freyja looks interestedly at Fhazil, "Like we do with Ghang?"

Fhazil says, "Lord Ghang is not typical." Vakkal adds, "Lord Ghang is quite young by the Moot's standards, and something of a hothead and rabble-rouser. He's not well respected there, because he keeps dealing with all of 'those people' himself."

Freyja laughs aloud at the idea of Ghang as a hothead! She grins, "Great Lady, how do they see the Dark Lord himself, then?!"

Zero deadpans, "I'd imagine with a title like 'Dark Lord,' the honorable Master Sadow has probably cultivated quite a reputation."

Fhazil says, "They fear the Dark Lord and do not understand him at all, Freyja. His methods are invisible and unclear to them. And he tends to deal with them with the heavy hand, making his displeasure known quite clearly."

Zero says, "The interests of inter-tradition diplomacy aside, I would just as soon not come to his attention just yet."

Freyja nods with quiet amusement at Fhazil and Zero, "Hai, I think having the Shadow Serpent himself not know about us just yet would be quite fine with me also."

Vakkal says, "It may be that that is how the Dark Lord controls the Moot so well." Fhazil says, "I don't want to know enough to know."

Vakkal smiles at Freyja, "Regarding hunting -- I'd like that a great deal. I hope you'll do me the honor of accompanying me."

Freyja blinks in surprise -- then brightens, "You would? I mean, you wouldn't mind -- er, rather, that I wouldn't get in the way? Oh, that'd be so nifty, Vakkal -- I'd love to!"

Vakkal laughs, "Of course I would! I'm more sorry that you'd be unable to really hunt with me than I would be to have you along."

Freyja thinks about that, then says curiously, "Define 'really hunt,' please?"

Vakkal grins, "To hunt with only your own strength, speed, and skill as your allies; to chase, grapple, and finish your chosen prey. It is a fulfilling, exciting thing." He adds, "You can follow on one of the big slaypneers and shoot, but that is far, far different than the thrill of the hunt, the frenzy of the chase, and the final triumph of having overcome -- to live and hunt again."

Freyja considers for a quiet moment, then smiles thoughtfully at Vakkal, "I... think I could figure out a way to do so. I might depend more on my wits, and tools I'd made, than on my strength or natural claws," she grins, holding out a slender golden hand, "-I have so many of them... but seriously, there might be a way for me to do that -- once the war's over and we have time to play again."

Vakkal's ears perk up, "You can? You could? Really?" He smiles, his ruff rippling in excitement, and adds, "That would be wonderful, Freyja. I... it would be wonderful."

Freyja smiles at Vakkal a bit cautioningly, "Well, please keep in mind I'm not much of a runner, Vaki, nor am I fanged or anything. I'd probably simply do my best to use animal psychology against the intended prey... use a handcrafted weapon or drop on one from out of a tree or something, you know? Sort of like you did on Balmorra, but with less physical exertion -- because I already know they're stronger than me. It'd be like..." she pauses, thinking, then nods, "It'd be like getting a slaypneer to do what I want. You can't force them... you have to get them to think you're not there at all, and it was all their idea, you know?" She grins mischievously, "Just like would be wisest with a Sith lord, hai?"

The four perambulators finally arrive at the not-Park. There is a set of airlock-like doors which open to a warm, overpoweringly green space. The floor runs at a slight angle, getting steep at one side and running high up the wall, and is covered in grass or something very similar. There are a large number of shrubs and vines growing on racks and trellises. They are all over the room, and in U shapes about five feet to a side, making many small, green nooks.

Water runs down a set of switchbacks on the far wall, and then across the center of the room in a narrow stream. While it looks maintained, it is not lined, and lets water seep into the ground on either side. Sprinklers above the plants occasionally mist different groups, as sensors nearby indicate they should. It's a combination of park, greenhouse, science lab, and quiet green place to go sit.

In addition there is a reasonable breeze being forced through the room, against the flow of water, from huge vents on either side of the room. It's obvious they are intended to collect moisture, and perhaps a slightly less mechanical feel from the room.

Freyja stops, inordinately pleased. A small, happy, "oooh..." escapes her as she looks around, slowly drinking in and enjoying the life and energy of the place. Zero blinks a bit in the sudden light. "That's... quite impressive."

There are a few voices over the water, but nothing that's clearly heard. Vakkal gestures toward the hill and leads upwards a little, passing a couple of the green bowers. One has a handful of different people in it, sitting on a blanket and playing a game of some sort. One has a couple sitting very close to each other and not saying anything. A third has four Khar Velosi sharing a meal out of a sack. One of them gives the passing group an odd look, but nobody bothers them.

Fhazil chuckles to Zero, "It is, kind of. But any single space that three departments at once can claim is being used effectively is considered a very good thing, and this qualifies. On paper the tiles are dry and boring, but when you come in it's pleasant."

Freyja bounces lightly on her toes, "Oh, this is lovely!" She laughs, raising her arms and pirouetting happily, her fiery-gold mane flaring out around her, then darts after Vakkal, "Makes me feel like dancing!" She giggles, adding cheerfully, "Don't worry, I won't embarrass anyone!"

Zero says, "I must say, Fhazil, that this ship impresses me more by the minute."

Vakkal nods, "The first time someone suggested we come here I thought they were insane. 'Let's go to Waste Treatment/Air Purification!' Everyone was all excited." He chuckles.

Freyja giggles again at Vakkal's comment, then says a little wistfully, "We should have brought a picnic and a fling disk!"

Vakkal comments, "I've seen video of that. I'm not going to catch them with my mouth."

Fhazil grins, "It's a big ship. If you've seen it in a town, it's probably here. It's just finding it that's the trick. Sometimes things aren't labeled how you'd expect."

Zero grins a bit. "I suppose I would have chalked it up to their being very enthusiastic about sanitation."

Fhazil chuckles to Zero, "And on a ship that's not entirely a bad idea."

Freyja laughs aloud at Zero's comment, skipping along next to Vakkal, and adds to him, "Aw, you're silly! I meant like we played with on Coruscant, remember? It's a great game -- anyone can join in, and neh one loses!"

Vakkal grins and finds a warm place to lie on the ground. He does so, staring up at the big lights overhead. Other people seem not to be around (even though they can't be far), because of the enfolding of the leaves, the twisting of the path, and the susurrations of the waterfall and stream. He adds, "I do remember, and it was fun. It would be better with more room to run."

Zero actually has to shade his eyes for a few moments until they adjust. "Full-spectrum light, and freely-running water. Now the water is a problem, but full-spectrum light... hmm..." Immediately he starts to think of how he might rig some small, full-white light in the Eclipse. "I am put in mind of how I might improve our modest little home."

Freyja feels energized in places like this -- she wanders happily around the little open area, gently touching and scenting the plants, seeing how healthy they are... kneeling by the stream to watch the bubbles rippling through the chuckling water... running her fingers lightly through the grass, savoring how it feels... laughing and turning her face up when a sprinkler goes off over her head. She's very happy, almost radiating pleasure and Light. She wishes a little wistfully there were some animals or birds or reptiles around... but is happy just to have Life and greenery around her for now.

Fhazil nudges Zero, and says, "We could go find a picnic. There's a kitchen not too far from here, which, conveniently will do take-away orders."

Freyja rapidly realizes the plants are healthy but carefully restrained -- if they get the slightest bit brown or out of place, they are trimmed back by the staff. This is a controlled environment, and as much as they are enjoyed, they are also used as part of the ship's systems and monitored closely by technicians. She understands the why of it... but wishes there were some... some flowers -- that'd be nice! She looks around hopefully -- any flowering plants here?

Freyja sighs quietly -- neh flowers. There aren't any bees to pollinate them, and they don't produce as much oxygen as the leafier green plants. She'd guess, too, even if there are technicians who might like flowers, they haven't found a good excuse yet, or the right kind of plant to do it with. She grins quietly to herself, then -- she's so greedy! She should be happy with the plants here, really.

Zero taps his chin a bit, wandering mostly without aim while he thinks. The others can sense his thoughts moving, the 'wheels turning,' so to speak. A smallish tank in a corner of the cargo bay, some extra conduit... if only there were more time. And a driveyard. He blinks when nudged, shaken from his reverie, "Oh! Er, all right. Yes, let's bring the others something -- I have a project I want to discuss with you on the way." He grins.

Fhazil grins, "Okay." He sends, I think Zero and I will go and fetch us all some lunch. Will you two be okay here?

Freyja grins and waves at Fhazil, We're fine! She glances inquiringly over at Vakkal, Hai?

Vakkal sits up and make sure Freyja hasn't gotten too far away. He stands and goes over to be closer to her, responding, That would be nice, brother. Thank you.

Freyja sighs happily, turning to glance at her companion, "This is nice, Vakkal -- thank you for bringing us here." A moment later she thinks interestedly, I wonder if I could... well... feel the plants...? She looks around, then settles cross-legged in a clear space. Her ice-blue eyes are getting a little pale with the Force as she smiles inquiringly up at Vakkal, patting the grass next to her. Vakkal smiles and goes and sits next to the pretty lady.

Freyja relaxes, letting the Force rise up around and through her like water through this area. She rests her palms on the grass, 'reaching' for a sensation of how this area is doing. Is there any place which needs a little 'encouragement,' or someplace which should be helped to grow away from a particular direction?

Compared to the brilliant sparks of Light which denote sapients, or even animals, the plants here are far less illuminated. Also, plants aren't her specialty, and so there's not the sense of refinement and depth she gets from other forms of life. She can still feel the plants, of course -- they're plants, all around her, alive and healthy... but not exuberantly so.

Perhaps it's because they're so ruthlessly tended and they can't really grow wild. Perhaps the light or the water isn't quite right... although she doesn't think that's the true reason. Perhaps it's just they're all in a tiny little box inside a slightly bigger box that flits around in the vacuum of space or, worse, hyperspace... and they don't like that much. She can't really tell. Still, they're alive and healthy. She and they both have at least that to be thankful for.

Freyja sighs quietly after several minutes, laying back on the grass and stretching out her long, leather-clad legs. She puts her bare golden arms behind her head and crosses her booted feet, then grins lazily up at Vakkal, "Come here often?"

When Freyja comes out of her Force-view, Vakkal is sitting facing her, watching her patiently and making sure no one bothers her while she's distracted. He smiles when she blinks, her eyes normal, and watches her lay back. He says, "Used to. Reminded me of home a little."

Freyja thinks about that for a bit... then says slowly, "Do you... ever miss it, Vakkal? The jungles, the hunting?" She hesitates, then adds, "Um... maybe even the people and the camaraderie, a little? If... you don't mind my asking, that is?"

Vakkal nods, "Sometimes, yes. But other things also demanded my attention, and I wanted to see other worlds and places." He smiles, adding, "And now I have people and camaraderie again, even in other worlds and places. And the Force. What more could someone want?"

Freyja grins happily at Vakkal, relieved at his answer, "All right. I just... well, wanted to be sure, you know?" She falls silent for a bit, then says softly, "Umm... Vaki? Can you... tell me more about Bright Sith?"

Vakkal says, "Well, um. What do you want to know? You know that most Sith use anger or hatred or some other strong emotion - jealousy, lust, fear, greed can all work - to fuel their ability to manipulate the Force. A Bright Sith uses their strong feelings for or about someone to do the same thing."

Freyja considers, then says carefully, "I... know about the Bright Sith using strong feelings about or for someone to use the Force. I guess... what I'm really asking is... is what does that mean for you and me? I just... want to be sure I'm doing it right, you know? -er, if that makes sense? I mean... well, I want to be sure you're happy, and you're doing what you think is right, and... um..." her voice gets a little self-conscious, "...well, um, how do I help that happen, please?"

Vakkal smiles, "Oh, Freyja. That, right there, is a huge part of how I became the way I am now. You do so much and care so much for other people, and want to make sure they're happy, healthy, safe, and protected. Like how you adopted a foreign stranger of unknown past to your family, because you thought he needed the protection. It's why you'll make a good leader for Haus Rigg, and it's probably why you're such a successful and devoted Jedi, not to mention a big piece of why Fhazil and Zero are crazy about you. Unless you change all at once into a thoughtless, mean, selfish, shallow person, I don't think there's anything you need to do to make yourself better, or that would make it any easier to be Bright about you."

Freyja tilts her head slightly, feeling rather self-conscious, and smiles uncertainly, "Um... well, thank you, Vakkal. I just... well... I guess I worry. I, ah... I want to -- to actually be as nice as you all think I am, though, you know? ...and sometimes I worry I'll miss something? And... well, I don't know very much about Bright Sith, except they're like Bright, and Sith, you know?" She grins a little sheepishly, "I know that sounds silly... it's why I was asking, though -- so I can understand better, in case there's anything special you want or need, you know?"

Vakkal shakes his head, and says, "You're nicer and better than you think you are, by far, Freyja. You treat everyone well, and are concerned for everyone, even when they aren't your direct responsibility. You are honorable, thoughtful, witty, intelligent, and beautiful. All I need for you to do is to keep being the best person you know how to be. And I'm happy to help you do that, because you're so very pleasant and rewarding to be around."

Freyja blushes, taken aback and unsure how to reply to that. Softly she simply murmurs, "I... thank you, Vakkal..."

Vakkal just smiles, "I could do no less for you, Freyja."

Freyja smiles and falls silent, thinking. Vakkal's devotion is almost frightening -- she isn't sure she deserves it, despite what he's said. Still, Zero helped her see herself a little as a truly wonderful person... perhaps... perhaps she just needs to... to let the idea settle... ferment a little. Could someone like her really be that wonderful? -that inspiring? She'd really like to be so... but she wants to truly be so -- not just pompously assure herself it's all true. She meditates quietly on Vakkal's words, letting them roll around thoughtfully in her head.


Fhazil walks with Zero out through the big double doors, and down a corridor, obviously with a destination in mind. He says, "So, what mischief were you thinking back there?"

Zero walks alongside, tapping his lips thoughtfully. "It occurs to me that the Eclipse, thanks to a few wise purchases made possible by the generosity of Haus Rigg, has both an extremely efficient power system and very powerful drives. Which means we have a modest surplus of power to use; thus we could hang a few aftermarket things on the system without taxing it. I know that Freyja is a bit discomfited with the sonic unit in the fresher..."

He pauses and grins, "Then again, who isn't? More to the point, I think a second recycling unit would be a negligible addition to the power system. If we could find a small tank someplace it would be easy to secure in the back corner of the cargo bay..." He laughs softly, "I'm sure you know where I'm going with this."

Fhazil says, "A hot tub?"

Zero smiles, "I was thinking a shower, but if we could find the space for that I think Freyja would have us elevated as gods in the Balmorran pantheon."

Fhazil grins, and says, "A shower? Why think small?" As they walk, he adds, "We'd have to find space for it; probably by adding a bulkhead in the cargo area and using some of that space, and perhaps some other internal space. That would require a lot more changes, and a shipyard." He adds, "I'd be for it, though. Mmm. Warm water. Better, warm water with Freyja in it."

Zero hmms. "You know, that's an excellent point. I think we could reconfigure the bulkheads off of the common area and juggle the existing space a bit. If we just had a little time, and a safe port to put down for a few days, we really could improve the Eclipse quite a bit. And why not? It is, after all, our home."

Fhazil asks, "We've got another week in hyperspace. I don't know if we can get the help we'd need here, though. Should we ask, or wait until we are someplace a little more predictable? I'd hate for something to happen and have the ship be a mess." He also adds, "We must make a point to ask someone in Engineering how they get the drains to handle fur, too."

Zero says, "I think we should wait. The spaceport at Tanaab is positively massive; we could put down there for a while, I think. So, expand the water system. I would like to spend a little time tweaking the fire-control system from stock; it can be optimized for our hardware with a few hours' work. What else? A navcom might be wishful thinking, but if we're going to dream," he smiles, "why not dream big?"

Fhazil says, "Hmm. Well, that is an interesting thought. I don't think we've enough cash resources handy to consider a power plant upgrade, so we'll have to be careful to get power from other places or keep the systems balanced. Tanaab would be a fine place to do this." He sighs and adds, "I don't think we could make this a surprise, though. We'll have to tell Freyja, and maybe get her input and approval before we go having the ship hacked upon."

Zero says, "Yes, I doubt that we'd be able to hide the moving of walls. Still, for the time being a second water cycler is a negligible addition, and I think we might be able to add full-spectrum lights, for the common room at least, without much trouble. Something like bigger shields or a navcom would entail a plant upgrade, though. I suppose for now we ought to focus on making the most of what we have. Perhaps after this is over, when we've become rich and famous, we can consider more involved home improvements." He laughs softly.

Fhazil says, "Lights and a bigger recycler, sure. I don't think we can plumb in a shower without causing quite a mess, though." He chuckles, "Is that famous or infamous?" He and Zero queue up in a line at the kitchen.

Zero grins, "Same difference, really." He scratches the back of his head absently. "Well, it would take at least a day's work to get all the appropriate access crawlways open, lay the necessary conduits, add the second cycler, do a leak test and then put it all back together. Commensurately more time if we actually go through with moving bulkheads... that would be at least another day, probably two if we wanted to take our time about it and not rush."

Fhazil answers, "Moving bulkheads would probably be several days. One of them's a support surface. However, the plumbing might not be as bad I think. If we could sneak the recycler and the shower in, that alone would be a great improvement."

Zero sighs faintly, "Ah, for seven crisis-free days and a pirate-free port to work in. You're probably right about the bulkheads -- is the cargo side a load-bearer? That complicates things. Still, I agree if we had the extra piping and the cycler, we could add a water jet to the fresher unit in a day. As far as I know, standard freshers have the hook-up already there."

Fhazil is distracted for a moment by ordering -- he and Zero pick food for the four of them, and ask for it to go. Again, Fhazil's ID number is plenty to get four lunches, with nobody considering that remotely odd, particularly this close to Air Purification. Once they have the hot food in hand, they start wandering back to the not-park, taking a slightly different route. Fhazil returns to the thought he was thinking, "I didn't know that. That would make it easier."

Zero nods, adjusting his load a bit to balance it better, "I'm fairly certain most freshers these days will accept a standard connection -- something I picked up from my tramp-freighter days. We should be able to just drop the extra equipment right in... the hardest part will be adding the extra piping and the cycler..." he grins conspiratorially, "and then cleaning it up so Freyja can't tell."

Fhazil says, "Probably take four days. A day to get the bulkheads open and things exposed and understood, a day to do the work, a day to fix what we missed, and then a day to get it all buttoned up again." He considers for a moment, then asks Zero, "Think we'd be able to do that on-board? Getting most of the parts wouldn't be too bad -- fittings, tubing, pipes -- but the tank might be hard."

Zero nods. "The tank and the extra cycler. We might not want to run it more than once after it's working, though; we have the ice-reclamation boom but we probably ought to have it filled to full pressure after we give it its maiden voyage. I suppose you're right about the timeframe, too... I hadn't considered that we can't seriously surprise her if we work on it all day." He grins crookedly, "She'd never believe we'd, ah... wandered off together for quite that long. Not without her, at least."

Fhazil chuckles, and says, "Not for four days in a row she won't. She'll want to play too, and we'd both be too worn out to move. We'd need an excuse or something, or to do it in shorter pieces, which means longer to do it. Maybe we shouldn't try and surprise her; she'd help, and we could get more done."


Vakkal looks up as someone approaches. It is another Khar Velosi, who comes up the path carefully and slightly noisily, obviously not wanting to startle anyone. He says in Aurabesh, "Excuse me, lady? Could I talk to you for a moment, please?" He is standing out of reach, with both hands empty and plainly visible.

Freyja's eyes re-focus, then get a curious look as she studies the Khar Velosi. She sits up, crossing her legs gracefully, and nods to the alien. To Vakkal she silently murmurs, Aurabesh... interesting. Wonder what he wants?

Vakkal responds to Freyja, I don't know. He doesn't look upset or aggressive, and his scent is calm. The unknown Khar Velosi hesitates a moment, then sits near her, seeming a little uncomfortable. He says very softly, "Lady, my friends and I thought there was something important you should know, if you don't already."

Freyja smiles encouragingly, "Hai?" A moment later she looks a bit sheepish, "I'm sorry -- am I shining or something?" She politely dims down her Light in the Force.

The Khar Velosi murmurs quietly to Freyja, "I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this, but the Velosi you are with now is a criminal. He is a dangerous man, a krr-th-ch'ar." Freyja can trans late the word only as "distasteful clan-killer" but there are overtones of even more sinister things. The unknown canid continues, "As best as I can say it in Aurabesh, a murderer. For your safety I suggest you stay away from him." He has been watching Vakkal closely.

Vakkal has remained calm. His fur is unruffled and his claws are sheathed, although his ears have flicked back for a while, but he gets even that under control. He remains silent and still. Freyja blinks, then just stares silently at the Khar Velosi for several moments. Her eyes are, slowly, getting icier, but aside from that she doesn't move.

The stranger says to Freyja, "Your friend there was outcast from Khar Velosi for the worst kind of crime imaginable to our people." The last sentence finally makes Vakkal look unhappy, but he says nothing. The stranger keeps watching Vakkal, then finally notices and understands Freyja's coldness. To that he says, "We thought you should know. We can only recommend you stay as far away from this dangerous lunatic as possible." He seems earnest and well-meaning, and slightly afraid of Vakkal.


Zero says, "You have an excellent point. And I was thinking there has to be a scrap-dealer of some kind on Tanaab -- if worse came to worst we could build a tank. We might consider doing that anyway; it would give us a bit more control over where and how it was situated. Why don't we just surprise her with some home-improvement ideas, and plan from there? That might-" He pauses, and frowns slightly. "Do you feel that?"

Fhazil says, "Feel what?"

Freyja can't imagine how anyone could say anything like that about Vakkal -- not the person she knows! Still, the stranger seems well-meaning... ah. That's what she'll say. Gently she murmurs, "I fear you have the wrong man. This is not Vakkal of Khar Velos." She reaches out to put a hand on Vakkal's shoulder, "This is my brother and Soulguard, Vakkal of Haus Rigg on Balmorra."

The reply is quick and decisive, "I don't believe that possible, lady. I fear he has already deceived you."

Zero says, "...something... negative. A Force-whisper. Anger, perhaps?"

Fhazil says, "Uh-oh. Where? Whose?" He looks around nervously, wondering if they're being followed.

Zero frowns again. "Just a vague impression. Cold anger, though. Not violent. Maybe we should hurry back. Just in case."

Fhazil says, "Freyja or Vakkal would let us know if there were a problem, wouldn't they?" He leads the way back towards the room of greenery, although the two schemers are still a little ways away.

Freyja's eyes narrow at the insult -- if she had mobile ears, they'd be pinned back! -even as she realizes the Khar Velosi doesn't know telling an aristoi they're lying is grounds for demanding a duel of honor. Instead she calls up everything she can pull from memory on the Khar Velosi -- she needs a powerful symbol, something so terribly clear and unequivocal that it can't be mistaken by either wolf here.

Zero nods, "I'm sure they would, but-" He blinks and straightens up a bit. "There was nothing vague about that!"

Freyja's icy gaze doesn't leave the earnest but mistaken alien... but her hand closes on Vakkal's cheek ruff, gently pulling his head close to hers. With quick, decisive movements she swipes her cheek and chin line along his muzzle, once on each side. She remembers now -- clan matriarchs do that to greet and scent-mark the males they're bonded with -- there is no clearer sign of favor and trust she knows of amongst the Khar Velosi! Then she glares silently at the alien, eyes narrowed, her hand still clenched gently in Vakkal's fur.

Fhazil finally feels the cold disdain, and then a sudden surge of hot protectiveness, and says, "No, not at all." He sends ahead, Is everything all right?

Vakkal is, in fact surprised. He's very tense -- her hand on his cheek makes him start -- but once he realizes it is she he does not pull away. Her 'marking' of him is unexpected, and he tries not to stare dumbly at her, but to have a defiant look at the interloper. He's not sure he succeeds.

The response from the stranger is one of disgust, his nose wrinkling and his ears going back. He stands, "I see. It will be a shame to hear of your grisly death in the news. Don't say no one warned you." He turns and walks away, ears back and fists clenched.

Freyja growls quietly after the other, "We are under guest-oath here -- otherwise your insult would not be born. Do not warn me of what you do not understand!"

Zero sends a somewhat concerned, Freyja? Vakkal? What's wrong? We felt a disturbance -- we're on our way back now.

Vakkal watches the other stomp away, trying to hold his firm and disdainful look. Once the 'helpful' Khar Velosi has rounded a corner, he looks at Freyja and says very softly, "Thank you, Freyja." He is not sure what he might do next, and does nothing rather than doing one of the several things that came to mind.

Freyja takes several long, deep, slow breaths, letting the anger subside. She's a little startled at how suddenly furious she'd been -- how dare he treat Vakkal so?! She sends quietly to the others, Nothing... everything is fine... now. Your pardon for the lapse of control on my part, please.

Zero stops dead in the hallway and looks at Fhazil. "Lapse of control?" Then he starts walking again, very fast.

Then Freyja blinks at Vakkal, realizing she's probably pulling the poor man's fur! She hastily releases, looking a little embarrassed, "Sorry about that," as she tries to brush the fur back into place. A moment later she sighs, then just pulls Vakkal into a quiet, tight hug.

Vakkal doesn't seem to mind. He carefully returns her hug, resisting the urge to mark her in return, as much as he might like to at this moment. He trembles a little as he murmurs, "You didn't have to do that." Freyja sighs quietly, one hand slowly stroking his ruff where she knows he likes it. She still feels a little heartsick she didn't react faster. Poor Vakkal! He says to Freyja, "I'm sorry you had to listen to that. I hope my past doesn't hurt you so again."

It doesn't take a hurrying Zero and Fhazil long to reach the garden room. They come in from the other side, and have to cross the whole thing to reach where they left Freyja and Vakkal, finding them quickly. Zero is instinctively scanning the open area for opponents. He looks around, finding none, and asks, "What happened? We felt something... I thought there'd been a fight or something."

Freyja looks up at the other two as they arrive, her eyes tired, and mentally invites them to settle together with her. Softly, tersely, she explains what happened... and apologizes to Vakkal for her slow response. Vakkal stares, nearly dumbfounded, at an apology, "Freyja... you... I... but..." and runs out of words.

Freyja sighs quietly, "It's all right, Vakkal... you have nothing to apologize for." She's silent for a bit, then ruefully adds, "Well, now I know better than to let them keep blathering on like that. Plus, next time I can call them out immediately when they imply I lied." A little grimly she adds, "If that doesn't shut them up -- a foot to the groin should do it."

Vakkal says, "But, Freyja! You have nothing to apologize for either. You could simply have said, 'I am aware of this. Thank you for your concern, but the situation is well in hand,' and that would have been that. I... there is no clearer way to have shown them you think their opinion worthless."

Freyja smiles quietly at Vakkal, although it doesn't yet reach her eyes, "Hai. It was."

Fhazil comments, while opening the bag with the food in it, "Actually, just above the groin works better with Khar Velosi." He looks up and adds, "Don't ask how I know this, okay?"

Freyja grins a little tiredly at Fhazil, "Neh sheisse... there you were, surrounded by angry bar patrons, doing a flip over a bar table, blaster pistol in hand, and accidentally hit one there with a bottle? -and he folded?"

Fhazil says, "Actually, it was a pair of them involved in intimate action, one of whom objected to having been interrupted." He looks embarrassed and adds, "Here I was hoping you wouldn't ask."

Vakkal is too distracted to even tease his brother. He says to Freyja, "I hope that wasn't entirely for their benefit." He sounds uncertain, hopeful.

Zero shakes his head. "Tch. How thoughtless... what a foolish thing to do, to pick a fight here of all places, and with us." He sits back on the grass and politely offers Fhazil a bite; half to change the subject, and half to let Freyja answer Vakkal's perhaps more pressing query.

Freyja stifles a snort of amusement at Fhazil, carefully not asking just why he'd interrupt a couple so -- then turns back to Vakkal at his comment. She is silent for a moment, thinking... then she says quietly, "I would... would like it to be... a part of our day, hai. I just..." she looks down at her lap, her hair falling forward in a scarlet wave that hides her blush, as she says softly, "I... would like not to rush, please? To... let it develop naturally? I need to... to re-think how I see you, if that makes sense?"

Fhazil blinks at the forkful of food, and then a, 'Duh!' look crosses his face. He eats it, opening his container and offering a bite to Zero also, to give Freyja some room if she wants. Zero sits down next to Fhazil and gives the other two a bit of space also. He leans gently against Fhazil. This reminds me. I love you, too. I don't believe I said so, today.

Fhazil smiles and replies, I don't know if you said it or not, but you did let me know. I'm fairly well in love with you, too.

Zero grins a little. Just checking.

Vakkal smiles and quietly, carefully brushes Freyja's long hair back out of the way, his clawed hands being very gentle with her. "It would make me very happy to be closer to you, in any way you feel comfortable with." He adds, "I think so. I'm not going anywhere, or going to make any sudden moves or changes. Please let me know what you're comfortable with, and I will be a very happy Khar Velosi."

Freyja looks back up at Vakkal, then smiles slowly... this time it reaches her eyes. Quietly she says, "Thank you, Vakiza. I appreciate your patience with me. It's just... this has been quite -- quite sudden, and unexpected." A moment later she blushes again, adding, "I hope you weren't upset about... about the scent marking? I didn't mean to be a tease or anything, really." She adds a little hesitantly, "I, ah... I'll understand if you want to rub it off?"

Vakkal finally smiles again when he sees her really smile. He says, "Upset? Not at all. Surprised, yes, but not upset." He adds, "Would it bother you if I didn't?"

Freyja's smile is shyly pleased as she shakes her head once, closing her slender golden fingers around one of his large, furred hands. "Not if you didn't want to, neh."

Vakkal says, "Well, that's that, then." He sits there contentedly holding Freyja's hand until something bothers him.

Freyja sighs in quiet relief, then smiles at the other two. Her voice is softly happy, "So, you going to keep all the food, or what?"

Zero smiles, "Just letting you say what needed to be said, lovely." He offers her some of his food. "With that out of the way, shall we all eat?"

Fhazil says, "Nope, we brought plenty." He shows them what he'd picked up for each of them and adds, "I suspect you could probably taste either of these two, as well." and grins at Freyja cheerfully. Vakkal doesn't feel inclined to move away until Freyja does, but he looks contented as can be.

Freyja grins quietly, accepting some food, sharing with her dear friends, and letting the area fill with peace and Life and Light for her again. She's with most of her family of the Heart; all is well. If necessary, she'll make it well... for them.

Vakkal eventually seems to come back to his senses, and happily shares the meal the others brought back. He sits in the faux-sunlit room and enjoys their company more than he has perhaps enjoyed the company of any other people before. He sends to Zero and Fhazil, I very much hope you aren't unhappy with what is going on here. I hope you can be as glad I am here, as I am that Freyja has the two of you.

Zero just smiles his quiet, unhurried smiles. I told you when I advised you to do this, Vakkal... I want you to be happy, as does Freyja. My advice to you now is to relax, to enjoy it, and to take things as they come. Everything in due time.

The meal shared between the four is leisurely, tasty, and relaxing. However, Freyja spends some time thinking while they're eating, and after the meal is over she asks Fhazil and Zero if they'd mind if she and Vakkal went for a walk? Fhazil says, "Of course not, love." He and Zero both give her a warm hug and kiss before she gets away, and she and Vakkal are soon free to meander where they will.

Freyja looks around the little green grotto one last time before they leave, then sighs in quiet happiness. As they're walking out she smiles at Vakkal, "Thanks for bringing us here. It's nice. Fake stone and plasteel only go so far for the soul, I think."

Vakkal smiles, "I thought you'd like it. There are four of them, one in each quadrant of the ship, and many people spend some time there."

Freyja smiles ruefully, "Can't blame 'em. If anything, I'm surprised they weren't planned in from the very beginning." She walks along quietly and observantly, a little uncertain as to how to broach the confusing and variegated subjects she wants to work out with her brother and friend and... more, perhaps?

Vakkal says, "They would have been more obvious if the highest Lords weren't quite so adamant about everything being functional, but they were designed in." He watches the crew walking past, and asks, "Would you like to see another one of the 'not really here' places?"

Freyja looks interestedly back at Vakkal, "There are more? Neh, of course there are... there must be, hai?" She grins, "As the old saying goes, Nature will find a way!" She laughs softly, taking his large, furred hand in her smaller golden one, "Sure, let's see it!"

The dog Sith smiles happily at she takes his hand, and says, "One of the better ones is this way." He begins walking with her down a long corridor, which looks much like the quarters on their own deck. Traffic is light. Freyja hums quietly to herself, relaxing a little. She's not going to be tense about this; that'd just make everyone unhappy, she guesses. She'll figure out a way to bring it up eventually -- or he will.

Vakkal says, "There are a lot of little places on-board which aren't in good position to serve any official purpose, or don't have good access, or are listed as 'access panel service corridors' but are really quiet, private little lounges where people can meet. Why waste the space?" The two wait for a lift.

Freyja nods thoughtfully, then glances at Vakkal, "This place is really a city -- almost a maze, isn't it?"

The lift doors open, the car empty. They board and Vakkal keys in a floor, the car starting into motion. He says, "While most cities are mostly flat, this one is a maze in all three dimensions. You can get good and lost in the access tunnels that run all through the ship. Trying to take one of these ships hand-to-hand is very difficult, because the defenders have the better access and knowledge of those corridors, and the invaders must breach every bulkhead while being harried all the way. It's one of the worst situations the Sith ever face, fighting aboard their own ships."

Freyja grins, "Oh, it definitely depends on the city -- Coruscant, for example, isn't flat at all! Most of it is below ground, and you've seen how many levels there are above ground too." She wrinkles her nose wryly, adding, "Too many, if you ask me. Folks should be able to get out into the open and breath free air and feel the sun and wind on their faces, I think."

Vakkal is watching Freyja carefully, but not saying anything overly revealing or personal. He is still holding her hand, though, apparently quite happily. Freyja thinks a moment about the rest of Vakkal's words, then shrugs, "A smart general wouldn't try taking a city like this hand-to-hand, actually." She considers, then says, "Incapacitate the engines; then I'd suggest starving them out, or doing something to the air or water supply. Poisoning the air or water would be kinder, since it's faster, and with care you'd just anesthetize them." She looks curiously at Vakkal, adding, "Why do you say that?"

The lift stops about mid-way through the decks, at the ship's midpoint. Vakkal waits for the doors to open, then leads Freyja down busy corridors, heading past any manner of things. He tends to the right, walking far out to the edge of the ship.

As they walk, he replies, "If you have the time you can starve them out. A ship like this is usually provisioned for the full compliment for a year or more, and can carry much more if such an action is expected. Most of the crew can move to individual suits, so even on battery power and internal reserves you can keep air and water available to them for months. Food is trickier, and one of the more successful tactics is actually to capture stores and to disable Quartermaster's. But those stores are centrally located and a hard fight."

He explains, "If the Force users get involved, you can wind up with blight in the darnedest places, too. It gets ugly." After a moment he says, "Not only are the fights hard and bloody, but nobody likes having to fight their own friends."

Freyja blinks puzzledly at Vakkal, "Wait. Are you saying the Sith fight each other through these huge city-ships? Why?!" Then she blinks again, "Whoa... you're right! Blight through these areas would be really horrific! How long does it take to finally dispel enough to not cause nausea and sickness?"

Vakkal says, "We have rarely had other opponents, Freyja. Most of our warring has been internal struggles between the Lords. Usually it does not come to outright fighting, but it is not unknown. There have been thousands of years for them to squabble, after all." Her next question he answers with, "Sometimes it's easiest just to close the section and work around it. Some of these ships are old, and have belonged to many Lords. Usually though, as I say, they're transferred peacefully."

Freyja winces slightly, realizing just how bloody and horrible such a conflict would be. She looks around, imagining how a Sith lord would stride through, casually tossing aside the poor unfortunates who had to confront him... maybe she's not that interesting in having that much to do with Sith lords, she thinks. Her tone is a little subdued as she murmurs, "How... horrible for the poor kurasai..."

Vakkal says with feeling, "Yes."

Freyja sighs, her gaze traveling around as she says, "How many sections are closed on this ship?" Then she pauses, her worried gaze turning suddenly to Vakkal, "Wait... why do you say it that way? Have you been in one? A bloody inter-lord squabble, I mean?"

Vakkal replies, "No, I've only read of them... but they are truly horrific sounding."

The corridor the two have been walking down has gotten less and less populated, is now only intermittently lit, and feels disused. Doors and corridors open off on one side, but not the other. Vakkal says, "Last I checked, there's about thirtysix locations closed due to blight, but most of them are pretty small, the size of one intense conflict. This ship isn't as old as some." He reaches a control panel in the wall, which he looks at closely. He smiles, and says, "Oh, good, nobody home."

Freyja whispers in quiet horror, "Thirty-six... Bright Lady..." She looks around, feeling vaguely discomfited, "Where are we? Why does it feel so... so abandoned here?" She considers... well, there are unpleasant, sad, and forgotten places in Republic cities -- why not the same in Sith battle-cities, she supposes?

The Khar Velosi works a control, and a panel slides out about ten centimeters, then down, revealing a meter wide by meter high, roughly square hole, about halfway up the corridor wall. Dim safety lights lead down the upper right hand edge. Freyja's eyes widen slightly in startlement -- this is far more isolated than she'd expected! She peers cautiously but curiously through the hole in the wall.

Vakkal says, "We're right out at the edge of the ship; this is the main bulkhead and skin. This opening actually is considered to be outside the ship. This is storage and crew quarters. This shift is on-duty at this time. This maintenance access goes out about two meters. Look for an opening on the left side." He offers to help her up.

Freyja touches the wall, running the slender golden fingers of her free hand along the faux stone. Her voice is quietly wondering, "This is the outer wall? How... strange..." She steps up with Vakkal's assistance, looking to the left curiously.

Vakkal smiles, "There has to be an outer wall someplace, doesn't there?" He waits for her to move ahead, then works a control, which slides the panel up behind him.

Freyja grins back over her shoulder at Vakkal from where she half-crouches in the tunnel, then looks down it with interest. She can tell there's still good air-pressure, and it doesn't smell stale... still, the concept of being in the skin of the ship is interestingly weird. She easily drops to hands and knees, due to the tunnel's height, and starts forward down the tunnel.

The access tunnel comes to an abrupt end about five meters out. On the left, as Vakkal suggested there would be, there is an opening about a meter high and two meters wide. Once Freyja crawls through it, there is plenty of room to stand.

The room she finds herself in is about two and a half meters wide, and triangular; the floor is level. The inside wall is flat and almost vertical, leaning back slightly, while the outside wall is curved around to meet it five meters or so overhead. That wall is made up of great pillars which have thinner wall segments between them, and some unrecognizable mechanism at the top, along with a few conduits. Dim safety lights run along the inside edge, giving a little light to the odd, quiet space.

Freyja blinks interestedly, staring around as she waits for Vakkal. The space feels very mechanical and is obviously intended to be used for some purpose in running the ship. Everything about it feels hard and unfinished, as if no crew would spend much time here. This makes the loose pile of cushions and pillows collected by one of the pillars in a drift of unexpected color even more out of place. Vakkal follows Freyja and says, "Over here," as he gestures to those cushions. His voice echoes oddly.

Freyja follows Vakkal, still looking around in puzzled fascination. "What is this place, Vakkal?"

Vakkal smiles, "Let me show you before I explain." He settles on a cushion, patting one next to him, "It's okay, I promise."

Freyja grins, settling comfortably next to him, "Oh, I wasn't worried about it not being, er... 'okay.' I was just wondering about all this." She doesn't mention -- it doesn't occur to her it might need mentioning -- her absolute conviction he wouldn't take her someplace it wasn't all right to be, without at the very least warning her.

Vakkal leans back against the wall between two of the stanchions, and encourages Freyja to do the same. When she has, he smiles and says, "Watch." He works a control next to him on the giant pillar. Behind them there's a quiet whine as protective shielding slides away. Freyja, who has leaned back next to Vakkal, abruptly sits up with a quiet gasp of interest and amazement.

They're leaning on an incredibly thick glasteel panel, and the shielding is opening -- sliding away to either side as it splits from the center. The star field, warped and stretched into elongated marks by the hyperdrive, surrounds half of their view, and the great bulk of the ship -- grey stone-like turrets, artificial hills and valleys -- fills the other half of the view, like a huge, space-borne mountain.

Freyja stares around, her head craned back to see as much as she can, and her mouth open in delighted astonishment. Finally she simply murmurs, still staring upwards as she does so, "Oh, my... Vakkal... this is... simply beautiful!"

Vakkal looks at it for a long moment before he says, "It's a big thing, isn't it?" His voice echoes in the odd shaped room -- then he giggles, which lightens the mood. He explains, still looking out, "This is part of the damage control system. Should the external cameras be blocked, damaged, or otherwise unavailable, there are places like this that crew can come and make a visual inspection of the ship."

He points at slight color changes that run in lines up and across the ship, adding, "You can tell what section something is in by reading the markings there, so you can report back where trouble lies." He adds, "There's also a small airlock at the far end of this tunnel, used for emergency access, rescue, or certain repairs."

Freyja blinks, focusing on the ship -- it'd initially been the hyperdrive-smeared stars which had riveted her interest. She studies the immense side of the city-ship for a while, then smiles, "The Malice isn't quite what I'd call beautiful, I admit... but it has a certain leviathan grace of its own, true." She lets her curious gaze explore the visible nearby terrain of the ship for a few moments... then she says softly, "A battle ship... do the Sith have anything of this size not dedicated to War?"

Vakkal says, "I think few would call it 'beautiful.' Kind of impressive, though, to think about how much power it takes to hurl something this huge into hyperspace, and to let it move between the stars." He looks at her in the light of the smeared stars from the sky, and says, "There are planets which aren't dedicated to war, but I'm not aware of any vessels this large. Cargo haulers are big, but not this big." He cocks his head curiously and asks, "Does the Republic have things this big not for war?"

Freyja blinks, caught by Vakkal's statement. In astonishment she asks, "Most Sith planets are dedicated to War?!"

Vakkal says, "Hmm?" He thinks about what he said, then says, "Oh. No, most of them are not dedicated to War. In fact, I don't think any planets are wholly dedicated to War. Planets contribute to support their Lord, who will have many interests. Some of their resources may go towards war, but not all of them. There's a lot of people to feed and clothe, and most resources really do go to that."

Freyja sighs softly, somewhat relieved to hear that. A little subdued, she looks out along the grey, battle-scarred flank of the huge battle-leviathan she's in, and answers honestly, "I... don't know the Republic has anything this big, Vakkal..."

Vakkal says, "They tell us the Republic battle cruisers are this big, and that we should avoid a direct confrontation." He adds in a low voice, "From what I understand we expect we'd completely destroy the cruiser and all of its support ships -- but our crew would be devastated, and the ship too damaged to go home. It is not what either side would call much of a victory, and nobody wants to see it happen."

Freyja nods slowly, "I... see. Well, I've only been on a Republic battle cruiser once, for a formal party, and we were shepherded around carefully to give the best impression... so we didn't really see much of importance."

Vakkal adds, "This is the surplus of a thousand worlds, Freyja, all stacked into one giant vessel, at the command and dictate of a dozen Lords. It took almost two hundred years to build, and has been in service for many two hundreds more after that. You do not build something like this quickly or trivially, and it is a major piece of Lord Ghang's holdings. Others of our ships are much older, and have been through many more Lords and conflicts -- built, rebuilt, repaired, and refitted many times. Most of the huge ships have outlived all the Lords."

Freyja slowly leans back on the pillows again, turning her gaze back to the stars. It's a little sad, a little horrific, to think what really outlasts all the politics and squabbling of the Sith lords... is a battle ship. She bleakly hopes, if her name is remembered at all, it's not for being an adherent of War.

Vakkal watches Freyja, then asks, "Freyja? You seem unhappy. Have I done something wrong? What's bothering you?"

Freyja blinks, turning her gaze to Vakkal and smiling automatically, "Oh, neh." She pats his arm lightly, then looks a little wonderingly back up at the stars, "I was just thinking... wondering what it's like to know one of your tools will far outlast you... and how history would recall me, if at all."

Freyja sighs, stretching her long limbs slowly and deliberately, to rid herself of melancholy. "They say once you join the Force, it's like oblivion. I can't help but wonder, though... is it truly that, or is it simply we cannot understand the complete truth? We don't explain death to children... are we but children compared to those who have joined with the Force?"

Vakkal says, "Hmm. What's the point of working on something if it won't outlast you? You seem to work for Haus Rigg, and to hope for the best so the Haus continues, yes? That's how many of the people onboard Malice feel about her. The ship is their family, their clan, and they work mostly for it."

He adds, "As to how history will remember you, that's not sure yet. You'll be remembered as the Jedi who got the Sith to stop warring, as the Jedi who revealed the corruption in the Sith Empire to the Sith, and the corruption in the Jedi Order to the Jedi. Or maybe you'll return to Balmorra and be remembered as the leader of Haus Rigg who brought two huge houses together, and changed the direction of the planet for the better. Or more likely, both." He chuckles and adds, "Or maybe they'll just remember you as the Jedi who wouldn't stop asking questions."

Freyja giggles in spite of herself, her mood lightening, "Ah -- the nosy one!"

Vakkal smiles, "Well, it's done well for you so far, hasn't it? It got you to meet your Master, to find the triat, and to find Fhazil and Zero."

Freyja smiles, "Well, neh, regarding Master Roakkana -- he spoke up for me when my father was being belittling, once, and then took more of an interest in me when he noticed Light glow in me. The rest, though... true, it has done well, I hope, for us all."

She considers a bit more, then adds thoughtfully, "Interesting. I admit, I'd like my tenure to be as peaceful and prosperous as possible, and not dedicated to war... but when you put it that way, I can see how even a war ship could be clan-like to those who live there. I imagine generations live here, even as other generations live on planet, hai?"

Vakkal nods, "Yes, whole families live here for generations. It's not a rule, but quite common. In addition, when one of these huge ships shows up in a contested area, it really usually calms everyone."

Freyja smiles ruefully, "Ah... like a room-sweeper blaster rifle, hai. Or, as a former security guard/friend of mine used to put it -- aural crowd control! Quite the distinctive warm-up whine they have..." She looks curiously at Vakkal, "So... this must've been home for several years for you and Fhazil, hai? Where'd you go during that time? Was it always war with the Republic while you've been aboard Malice?"

Vakkal says, "Yes, I was transferred to the Malice when it went to the Republic to fight. All the others I knew were thrilled to be going aboard the big ship; it is a very comfortable berth. I was more treipidatious."

Freyja says, "Why's that?" She smiles, adding, "I know you and Fhazil both have been to Ziost, too... you must've traveled quite a bit?"

Vakkal says, "We've been there, but not on a long assignment. This ship stopped there with the Lord en route to the war, and we all had a chance to visit the central world. It was almost a tourist stop. I think Lord Ghang stretched his stay out deliberately to give the whole crew time to have shore leave."

Freyja grins, "Aww, that's nice of him!" She thinks then adds, "Er... I guess? I've heard Ziost is... sort of... intimidatingly Dark -- is it?"

Vakkal says, "Ziost has many places which have been held by very powerful Lords for thousands of years. Those places have kind of a... resonance with the Dark, perhaps. It is a very deep and powerful feeling." He adds, "It's also actually a little dark; its sun does not put out as much visible light as some do. The word might be confusing sometimes."

Freyja smiles, "It's not confusing to me, but then sometimes I can almost hear the capitalization on the word, if that makes sense?"

Vakkal says, "Yes, it does. Sometimes it's clearer than others." He adds, to her previous question, "I was working somewhere where there were pretty much no other Khar Velosi. I was not sure how I would be accepted by my own people, and the ship refused to berth me away from them."

Freyja says, "The... ship refused?!"

Vakkal says, "Quartermaster and Administration felt it would be too much trouble to put me in with other races, particularly when they had Khar Velosi-ready quarters and supplies on this vessel."

Freyja says, "Oh." She gets a faintly wry look, "That must've been..." she sighs quietly, remembering Fhazil's story of the time on Ziost when some of the other apprentices had... how did it go... ah, hai -- they'd jinxed the... the required warmth machine-thingie in Fhazil and Vakkal's assigned room. She remembers Fhazil saying it was the coldest night of his life! -and thinking herself that was horrible of the other apprentices, "well... a whole lot of neh fun."

Vakkal says, "There was a period of adjustment, yes. I could not respond at all to the... practical jokes, I think the words are... or I would prove to them I was the violent, dangerous lunatic they had been warned. Nor would it have been prudent to turn them in to officers directly."

Freyja winces slightly, remembering a few unpleasant practical jokes she'd been the butt of -- even as she realizes how much worse poor Vakkal must've had it! She sighs, turning on her side and hugging him close. Her voice is a little muffled against his fur as she murmurs softly, "I'm sorry, Vakiza, that you had to go through that..."

Vakkal smiles and returns the hug, letting her linger as long as she likes. "Well... it was not without its positive moments. I discovered the best way to get them back was to cause the worst of the pranks to happen in places which could not be ignored, usually immediately in front of their officers. The only hard part was that I had to, usually knowingly, cause myself to be humiliated. At that point, though, I didn't care what anyone thought -- and knowing they'd get in trouble for their antics was worth the minor discomfort." He adds, "Things soon settled down."

Freyja sighs quietly, "Still... it's neh fun, I know... and it must've been far worse for you."

Vakkal shrugs, "It's no fun, true. It's also over, for which I am quite grateful. Now I travel with you, and no one in your house seemed to have the slightest inclination to rig my bunk with firefighting foam." He adds quietly, "I have to wonder if that isn't because they're afraid of me, though."

Freyja grins -- he can feel her cheek against his fur, in fact, "Neh... it's because I have this... uncanny knack of finding out who does stuff like that! And wonder of wonders... they always seemed to have a small but embarrassing accident." Demurely she adds, "How was I to know I was using the Force frivolously?"

Vakkal chuckles, "If you were teaching them a lesson they needed to learn, in a way that wouldn't hurt anyone, was it really frivolous?"

Freyja grins sheepishly, "Er... well, hai, according to Master Roakkana. He was right, too... if I'd been smart, I'd have been using the Force to just sidestep the practical joke!"

Vakkal says, "Hmm. Well, so you learned. Everybody learns. I did learn to use the Force for that, too. The other guys wondered how I stopped several of their tricks, until one of them saw me do it."

Freyja smiles at that -- she figures she'd have gotten the same realization sooner or later. For a 10 year old, she supposes she did fine, all things considered. She idly runs a hand down Vakkal's ruff, realizing he's fairly calm... so she says thoughtfully, "Erm, Vakkal... may I -- well, is this a pretty private area? If it is... would you like a backrub?"

Vakkal says, "This is a private place, yes. You didn't see it, but I flipped the 'privacy switch' on the control panel. It isn't on ship's plans, and it isn't hooked up to anything, but when it's turned on you don't bother people who are here unless you're on official business, which is exceedingly rare. Even then I suspect they'd try and give folks some warning." He adds, "And a backrub would be very nice, Freyja."

Freyja looks pleased, sitting up and shrugging out of her poncho and boots, "All right! Strip down for me, please, and make yourself comfortable?"

Freyja knows pretty much how Vakkal looks under the fur, due both to her medical attentions to him early on in their relationship, and to his having been quite wet on more than one occasion. However, being nude with someone you think of as a sibling, as opposed to someone you consider a potential lover, is just... different. She hopes this will help her feel more relaxed and comfortable with him as a potential lover... and help her decide how she feels, too. She's worried about being an accidental tease, after all.

Vakkal shifts enough to get his uniform off, making sure his comm is on and easily findable. He stretches out on the floor, having to move out from between the vertical pillars and into the center of the narrow space. He smiles at Freyja, "I'm all yours."

At Vakkal's words Freyja smiles a little uncertainly, gently shifting him a bit to make sure he's on a nice blanket, and not on metal or stone floor or anything cold like that. She takes a deep breath, then unzips her body suit. Giving a good massage is hard work, and she knows she'll heat up some, but she's not quite ready to take it entirely off yet. She's still feeling a bit unsure of herself in this new situation with Vakkal.

Vakkal says, "Oh, good idea," and moves to help with the blanket. He lies on it, his head facing the entrance, and seems relaxed again. His ears flick round at the unzipping sound, but he doesn't say anything.

Freyja rubs her hands together a bit to warm them up, then kneels by Vakkal's head to start the massage. Her voice is quiet, "Do you mind if we talk a bit while I do this, Vaki?"

Vakkal answers, "Of course not, Freyja. You're nice to talk to." Freyja smiles, starting to gently rub around his ears and broad forehead with her slender fingers. She's silent for a while, taking care with what she's doing -- the face is a good place to be paying attention while massaging, after all.

However, once she's moved to firmly working down the thick, heavy muscles along the back of Vakkal's neck, she murmurs almost musingly, "Vakkal... I have so many questions. I feel so uncertain sometimes; so worried I might screw up and hurt you... what is a clan exactly, please? I have memories you've shared with me of what a clan mother is, and I used them earlier to tell that silly Khar Velosi to hush up and go away... but was that right? Did I do it correctly? How do you say things without scent? And... well, all my life I've been taught to never refer to another as mine -- as a possession. But... well, sometimes I get the feeling you like feeling like... like you're mine?"

Her strong, golden hands don't slow or hesitate, although her voice does, "Is that... am I understanding what you want, Vaki? Am I doing it right?"

Vakkal mmms quietly when she rubs his ears, and relaxes under her strong fingers. Khar Velosi are very muscular, so getting them to relax is a big deal -- something they don't do well on their own. He listens carefully to Freyja's questions, and has to think a moment before he answers, both because he's very relaxed and because he's thinking carefully.

His answer comes after a moment of thought, "A clan is your extended family. It seems to be a little like the Haus is on Balmorra, although there's less responsibility at the top. The clan leaders make sure everyone is fed and trained and getting along, and that the group doesn't interfere badly with other clans. The mothers run the clans, with help from their mates. The males don't push the women around because all of their sisters, aunts, and cousins will turn up angry -- probably along with their mates. Usually the 'head' is assigned by status or experience, and standing isn't too much contested."

Freyja nods slowly, listening with interest even as she shifts around to settle so she's kneeling over Vakkal, to continue working down to his muscular shoulders. Massaging those, she knows, takes putting her back into it!

Vakkal continues, "What you did earlier sent a very clear message to the other Khar Velosi; it showed them I was one of your mates and you wouldn't take any guff from them about it. That applies to male and female both, and to the marked in question. That kind of mark lasts most of a day, so isn't very permanent and will have to be renewed. To miss a day is concerning, to miss several a snub. To have it renewed keeps the males reasonably close, and reassures them that all is well."

Freyja smiles, quietly hoping Vakkal feels fairly comfortable about having her scent on him. A massage means there'll be a lot of touching by her, after all.

Vakkal sighs quietly at the massage, then adds, "You did it just fine, although you startled me with your vehemence as much as you startled them." He explains, "There is an implied suggestion that goes along with marking someone like that, that sex with them would be welcome at an appropriate time." He also adds, "And no, I don't expect to hold you to that if you don't want to."

Freyja blushes faintly. She'd realized that, but done the gesture anyway. She feels faintly guilty now at having so poorly contained her upset with the other Khar Velosi.

The big canid continues, "Between that and how I offered you the meal, you've seen two of the more important Khar Velosi patterns. We're straightforward people." He sighs happily at the massage, then adds, "As to how we can communicate without scent -- there are several ways. You do have a scent, which I know reasonably well. I know you get a lot more than many people would from my stance and other signs, even if you do lack the scent. And there's always words." He adds, "Khar Velosi isn't very good at words for some of this, so we might have better luck with Standard Sith or Aurabesh."

Freyja sounds a bit puzzled, "How you... offered me the meal? You mean lunch, earlier? Oh! Do you mean the chocolates?"

Vakkal chuckles, "Yes. Without knowing the scents, I guess you didn't even realize it was anything particularly unusual. You're doing fine, though. Despite not having scent, and being a different species, you've still managed to show your dedication and care to those who mean something to you, and to make me think you're a very desirable clan leader to be associated with. And that you're very attractive, even if you're not furry."

Freyja grins a little sheepishly, absently brushing a trailing lock of scarlet-gold hair back, "Thank you... that's sweet, Vakkal." She falls silent, considering as she continues working the heavy shoulder muscles... well, that and she's getting a bit breathless -- Khar Velosi muscles aren't easy to work thoroughly!

Vakkal murmurs, "I can't say I want to belong to you the way your blaster belongs to you. I want to belong to you the same way Zero and Fhazil do, to be a truly important part of your life. I already am yours, you know, the same way that the Piper and Magnussen and the other members of Haus Rigg are. While they don't belong to you, they are associated to you, and value that association. As do I -- very much."

Freyja puzzles silently over that one. Kurasai are just that -- kurasai. They're her responsibility, her duty... but even though they are 'her people,' she's always been taught one doesn't call them that to their face. She'd never really thought them, or her paramours, to be 'hers' -- like a cherished possession -- and yet... she's their lady, or their paramour... is that any different?

And yet, she's found she usually doesn't even refer to Zero and Fhazil as 'her' paramours... she'd always worried about possibly offending them by doing so -- that they might consider her to be taking them for granted, or something similar... should she refer so to them? Is she being too delicate? Is she possibly accidentally offending by being so? She finally slowly asks, between strong pressure and working of Vakkal's musculature, "How... how does a clan mother refer to her mates, please? Both to their faces and to others?"

Vakkal says, "By name, if she's talking about them as an individual, or referring to them as 'her mates.' It's not quite like a title, but it's not an insult. It isn't seen as a form of ownership -- more an acknowledgement of worth and that they are desired there."

Freyja murmurs quietly, "I see... I think..."

He adds, "I believe Balmorra uses the paramours as a vaguely similar concept, although they don't usually seem to want kittens with the paramours."

Freyja blinks -- then giggles as she realizes what Vakkal means! "Neh, not usually!" She continues massaging, finally confident Vakkal's shoulders are relaxed. She works down the torso and spine slowly and thoroughly.

Vakkal grins a little himself, then says, "The clan-mother would be happy to have kittens from any of her lovers, or she wouldn't have them there. Presumably each of them would also like to see her have his kittens. They may all assume whatever kittens she has are theirs, or they may not. That depends on how identifiable they are, and how much each male cares about specific kittens being theirs. Many males just like kittens."

Freyja smiles at that -- she thinks that'd be far nicer than one particular male deciding only his own offspring were important. While she's heard of that, she always thought it peculiarly shortsighted.

Vakkal continues, "Most males respect their mate's other males, at the very least. After all, she likes them, so how bad can they be? Some get along better than that, although not as many seem to like each other as much as Fhazil and Zero. That isn't unheard of, though."

Freyja sits up, fanning herself for a moment and shaking her hands out before she continues down Vakkal's rump and legs. "I think that's nice." She knots up her long hair, then says a little breathlessly, "Vakiza... I've been, well, sort of monopolizing things here. Is there anything you want to say or do?"

Vakkal thinks about that. He says, "I've been able to see the family you have and how they live, myself, and I know your clan-males already. I know how I feel about you. I want to make sure you understand how you feel about me, and that you're happy, however that works out."

Freyja doesn't answer immediately, instead taking a minute to rise and peel off the now-over-hot leather body suit. She tosses it aside, then settles as before and continues firmly working Vakkal's rump and leg muscles. Wryly she reminds herself, as she puts her back into it again, that she did offer to massage someone she already knew was a runner... finally she asks a little self-consciously, "I, um, hope my family doesn't seem too awful to you...?"

Vakkal mrrfs at the new rubbing. In a very relaxed way he says, "Your family isn't awful at all. They support you in doing the things important to you, even if they don't understand them -- and they're proud of who you are. Even your father is, regardless of how badly he communicates it." He adds, "And you've made your sister jealous."

Freyja blinks -- that one actually makes her pause for a moment! Then she laughs, resuming working her strong golden fingers along Vakkal's muscles, "Lady, how I used to long for that!" She smiles, her tone also relaxed, "I think I can see Father being bad at communicating pride, since he's always preferred adrenaline while living vicariously through his children, and Syffie's life is more exciting and glamorous than mine. How in Valhall could Syf be jealous of me, though?"

Vakkal says, "I wasn't sure what it was, myself, but I thought something was up. So I asked the other huskarls, and they laughed and explained it." He adds, "You do know the huskarls know pretty much everything that goes on in the house, don't you?"

Not waiting for a reply to that, he says, "Syf thought she had the more exciting life. She's a very popular singer, yes? However, you came home surrounded by people with real power, who really wanted to be around you, and who you were helping very closely. And you're prettier than she is, which apparently surprised her a great deal. It actually surprised a lot of people. One of the other huskarls kept laughing over the comms every time another young man asked Syf to introduce him to her elder sister."

Freyja blinks, and for the second time she's so startled she stops massaging. Her tone is incredulous, "Your pardon?! Are you serio- neh, of course you are..." She falls silent, thinking hard for several moments. Absently she starts massaging again, still thinking... then finally she says in slow wonder, "Well, I'll be... switched! Were they really asking to meet me?!"

Vakkal says, "Yes, they were. Someone showed me pictures, and told me you must have been the ugly duckling. When I didn't get it, they explained." He adds, "I didn't understand a lot of things, which some of the huskarls apparently found entertaining or endearing or something, but they always explained, even if they did grin while they did it."

He resumes, "I didn't see it, but your sister was apparently much more attractive as a girl and young woman than you were. She certainly seemed to prefer the foreground more than you did, they said. Then you went off to become a Jedi and came home only rarely. This time when you came home everyone was very surprised. You were tall, beautiful, gracious, self-assured, and completely in command of yourself in any situation. You impressed a great many people. Your sister was pretty, but you were beautiful." He adds, "You practically sparked on camera, too, particularly in the more extravagant of the dresses."

Freyja chuckles softly, quietly happy... even if the young men weren't that interested in meeting her, even if she hadn't looked good... it's finally, slowly, deeply, and truly hitting her: she's blessed with some truly remarkable, wondrous people in her life -- who think the universe of her! She leans down, wrapping her arms along Vakkal's sides for a warm, leisurely hug, and murmurs softly, "I'm really fortunate, aren't I, for people like you and the guys in my life." She's silent a moment, then says quietly, "I hope Leif is fortunate too."

Vakkal says, "And yes, about half of the men under the age of fifty in the room expressed the desire to meet you. A few were fool enough to admit, in your own home, they thought you'd be easy pickings because you obviously knew nothing of intrigue. They were all disappointed at their inability to flatter you -- you hardly seemed to notice them. The huskarls were glad they didn't have to interfere, and pleased you handled them so well."

Freyja laughs aloud at Vakkal's last comment, then says incredulously, "Surely they didn't really think any aristoi wouldn't be trained in intrigue?!"

Vakkal says, "I wasn't on the conversation monitors -- you do know that your father has staff with directional microphones monitoring most of the house when there are large gatherings, listening for possible danger? -so I don't know exactly what they said. I guess they presumed you the innocent, hidden daughter, unaware of her charms." He adds, "The last, at least, appears to have been true."

Freyja sits up after a moment and smiles ruefully, "Hai, well, I'm getting better... and hai, I knew when I was young that eavesdropping on the huskarls was the hardest, but also the best way to learn things." She grins quietly to herself, then shifts to sit next to Vakkal, taking one clawed foot into her lap and starting to work on the muscles there, careful not to inadvertently tickle.

Vakkal continues, "Leif has you in his life, and in a way where you will protect and support him when he needs it. I'm sure he's aware of how valuable that is, or that he will by the time you see him next. Your mother will make sure if no one else does."

Freyja nods quietly, "Hope so. Mother does tend to cave when Father gets obstreperous, though..." Then she giggles softly at a sudden thought, "Gracious, whatever did they think of the Sith lord walking in?!"

Vakkal chuckles, "The Sith Lord arriving stunned them all. I think it's part of what made Syf -- that, and Master Roakkana and the obvious respect for you of the other Jedi -- realize your actions were deeper and perhaps more meaningful than hers. That, and you were so beautiful." Then he ooohs quietly at the foot rub, "That's very nice, Freyja."

Freyja smiles serenely, "How strange..." then grins at Vakkal, "You always like this part best, I think. You should wear boots less if you're truly more comfortable barefoot, you know? I certainly wouldn't mind."

Vakkal mms quietly, then says, "Where not to wear boots is very dependent on the flooring. Aboard ship, at least in private, is a good place not to, but other places are more uncomfortable."

Vakkal continues, "There is also a low-altitude radar network around the house, and identifying transmitters in all the slaypneers that identify which ones they are to the house. They tie into the networks of the surrounding factories. Supposedly it's to prevent armed incursion, but I was told it had been put to good use for a long time in keeping someone from having to follow certain nocturnal riders. You may have been alone, but you were never out of sight." He adds, "I hope that does not disappoint you."

Freyja laughs softly, her tone calm, "Neh, sweetheart, I knew. There wasn't any place closed to me once I was old enough. Trust me, you've not told me anything new or horrific about the manse." She smiles, adding, "I admit, initially I was furious... but then I realized if one of the slaypneers were accidentally injured while I was out riding, I'd have trouble getting help for them quickly." She grins, adding, "I also admit, my own welfare didn't occur to me for several years."

Vakkal says, "Oh, good. Some of the other huskarls weren't sure if you knew. Apparently Syf was mortified when she found out some of the protections, and no one wanted to upset you. I guess they didn't all know you already knew." He adds, "Why would you be furious?" He doesn't seem surprised she'd thought first of the big animals which mean so much to her.

Freyja says, "Oh, that I was being tracked like a pet -- that's how I first saw it. I did spent some time trying to figure out how to bypass the transmitters... but when I realized it'd take surgery to remove them from my slaypneer, I wasn't willing to hurt him so -- and I knew neh one else would do the medical procedure for me." She points out with pragmatic amusement, "Besides, how could I not know about the low-level radar, and yet be aware of the geosynchronous satellites?"

Vakkal says, "Well, Syf hadn't noticed any of it, and was horrified. She apparently never did get over some of it, and said she didn't want to know." He adds, "No one was tracking you like a pet. They were guarding the most valuable things on the property."

Freyja blinks slowly as she puts down one foot and picks up the other, "She hadn't... but how could she not know?" Curiously she asks, "Did she just find out?!"

The canid says, "Well, you can see the satellites at sunset, but the radar's invisible. I thought the integration with the surrounding factories particularly well done, myself. It's a very impressive system. I still don't know all the capabilities; I've simply decided I'll ask one of the more senior staff and they'll know."

Freyja smiles at Vakkal's quietly thoughtful compliment, even as she carefully starts massaging his clawed toes. Vakkal adds, "I don't know exactly when she found out. It was apparently while you've been gone, but that's not a very exact measurement. I'm not surprised to hear you asked, though." He grins, "That nosy thing again, maybe."

Freyja giggles softly, "Well, there were a few things puzzling me, and when I couldn't find out on my own I butted into rooms I knew only the huskarls worked in, at a time when the youngest and most experienced was on duty -- and just asked!" She grins mischievously, adding, "I kept asking what this button did -- and when he initially wouldn't answer, I'd cheerfully tell him not to worry, I'd just push it myself and find out!" She giggles again, adding, "So he told me some of it, and I figured out a lot of the rest on my own. He's a nice man. I hope I didn't get him into trouble."

Freyja finishes Vakkal's other foot, then says softly, "So, um... would you like me to do your front now?"

Vakkal says, "I highly doubt he got in trouble for not letting you do horrible things to the security system once you were there, particularly if it was a senior person with good judgment." He shifts on the floor and rolls onto his side, to look down at her.

Freyja grins a little self-consciously. Vakkal's nose works for a moment and he looks carefully at her, realizing apparently slowly she's wearing nothing. He says, "I'd like that, Freyja, if you want to. What do you want me to do? Anything?"

Freyja thinks for a moment, then says carefully, "I... guess hiding nervousness isn't going to work with someone with your sense of scenting. I, um, would like to... to take a moment to get to know your body -- er, if you don't mind?" A little anxiously she adds, "Tell me if you're at all uncomfortable, please?"

Vakkal replies quietly, "I think 'mind' is about the opposite of what most people think of when someone they like very much would like to touch them, Freyja. I will let you know, I promise."

Freyja nods once a little tightly, then takes a deep breath and smiles. "Well... then, um, then I'll start, all right?" She settles cross-legged next to him and starts massaging the front of one of his legs. This she's done before; it's not nerve-wracking and will let her relax before she moves.

Vakkal says, "That's fine with me." He looks like he'll say something else, but doesn't.

Freyja smiles, looking up at Vakkal, "Go ahead? I'd rather you talked to me, instead of worrying about what you were thinking, please?"

Vakkal says, "You seem a little tense, and I was just wondering if there was anything I could do to help you relax. I'm not sure what, though. I was going to say you shouldn't do anything you didn't want to, but I decided you wouldn't do that anyway."

Freyja grins quietly, glancing sideways at Vakkal, "Hai, true." She looks back at Vakkal's legs, then softly adds, "I... just thought maybe it'd be better for us both to be -- to be familiar with each other's bodies well before any intimate or emotionally vulnerable moments, you know?"

Vakkal sits up a little and smiles, "That is a good idea. I think it's very wise of you, and I'd like to be able to return that favor sometime as best I can. However, I don't want you to go ahead with something that's making you uncomfortable." He cocks his head, then asks, "Would it help if I told you what I was thinking?"

Freyja looks up immediately, relief on her face as she nods, "Hai, it would! I... well, I don't want to speak via the link, because I'm afraid I'll... well... sort of meld with you -- er, have you ever made love with another while in a telepathic link?" Her voice is a little worried, "Do you know how the minds all tend to sort of swirl together when you touch the face of the Goddess? I... figured I should warn you about that, um, just in case?"

Vakkal sits the rest of the way up, "I can't say that I have. I suspect it's not something most people have done, or even can do." He smiles, "I'll keep it in mind. If it means being closer to you, then it sounds wonderful."

Freyja smiles quietly, then adds, "And I'm not doing anything I don't want to do. I'm more worried about doing something inappropriate in your eyes while I try to get to know you better."

Taking a breath or two, Vakkal says, "I'm concerned I'll do something inappropriate as well, Freyja. Most of the Khar Velosi habits are much less complicated; you're not likely to do anything wrong. I'm much more worried I'll do something foolish and upset, frighten, or hurt you. I don't know what you might want or expect." He asks, "Maybe you could tell me?"

Freyja blinks -- it's never occurred to her she might be opaque to him! "Er... I... whoa." She falls silent, even pausing on massaging Vakkal's legs now he's sat up. A moment later she looks up, a grin on her face, "I love it... so while I was angst-ing about upsetting you, you were worrying about upsetting me?"

Vakkal chuckles, "Of course I was! You're the one who has to use these words for everything. I'm sending all the message a Khar Velosi needs, pretty much accidentally, and you don't see them and I don't know what you expect or how to read what I am getting from you or what you expect me to do or when."

Freyja smiles even as she sighs slightly, "I'm sorry, Vakkal. Believe me, I wish I had a good nose like yours." She falls silent again, trying to figure out how to handle this situation so poor Vakkal doesn't feel pressured or worried any more. Finally she looks up thoughtfully, "Um... when you're transmitting with scent, does it show in your thoughts at all?"

Vakkal shrugs, "I don't know. Probably a little, but the thoughts you can read of mine are more conscious than the near-unconscious scents. Aren't they?" He looks terribly curious. Freyja gets a curious look also, and Vakkal can feel her gentle mental touch, trying to empathize more than receive words.

Vakkal relaxes at her mental touch, and smiles to her. She finds a huge ocean of trust, and the desire to be able to make her at ease. There is also the desire to be closer to her, but it is slightly timid, as if he's not sure she's comfortable with that idea. The hot desires of sex and the physical body that are so visible with Zero and Fhazil are there, but different, as if the fires are banked and long dormant.

Freyja feels sudden relief -- she may not know Khar Velosi scent communication, but this she can understand! She sighs, smiling and relaxing, then shifts to lie next to Vakkal. She pats the blanket next to her, mentally inviting him to lay down with her, so they both can take a moment to leisurely get to know each other.

Vakkal moves to be by her side, smiling at her and watching her carefully. He responds to what seems to make her the happiest and most comfortable, trying to carefully gauge and read her reactions. He asks aloud, "This helps, yes?"

Freyja nods, lightly running one hand down his chest, ruffling the fur, I guess it's like scent, for me. I can read it easily, and you can too. Do you like it?

Vakkal smiles and replies, I very much like not thinking I'm going to upset you and not know it. He watches her fingers run through his fur, sending a gentle wave of pleasure her way.

Freyja smiles, relaxing enough to lay her head on Vakkal's chest, watching her golden fingers against his dark fur. She's mostly experimenting right now, re-learning him as someone it's all right to think sensual thoughts about, running her fingers through his fur and finding out how he's shaped, and moves, and feels, and what he likes.

Vakkal's pleasure at Freyja's closeness and exploration is clear. He could quite contentedly lie with her and let her explore for hours, or at least until she gets cold. He watches her graceful movements carefully, not yet touching, but still getting used to having this person be so close to him.

Vakkal smiles as Freyja slowly lets her gentle touch answer not only some of the concerns and questions she had about what feels good to him, but those of how he responds, and if she thinks the two of them can be together. Very gingerly at first, he lets his warmer-than-human hands do the same for her, moving slowly enough that both of them remain comfortable and pleased. Nothing worse than a little giggling and a lot of comfort and assurance that things are not as different as they could be comes out this gentle exploration.

Vakkal's thoughts aren't too coherent, particularly at certain points, but Freyja has the clear feeling Vakkal is quite relieved she is feeling interested and attracted to him, and that his alienness didn't keep her away. He is also clearly enjoying the feel of fingers in his fur, and of being close to her, and happy that he can indulge her hedonistic streak in grand style.

Freyja smiles, her former worries slowly melting away into a close warmth. She doesn't know what the scent means, but she likes feeling Vakkal's fur against her skin, happily inhaling his scent and enjoying the warm rumble of his own pleasure at her touch. From having so carefully kept her thoughts about Vakkal totally asexual, it's a relief and a joy to let her senses fill with him, without guilt or worry.

The careful, cautious exploration grows into more of a laughing game, especially once she 'feels' some of his own previous worries. He wasn't sure she'd be able to think of him as anything sexual, being, after all, an alien, and more like her frehkees than Human men. She's deeply touched when he shares with her his desire to do anything for her, including leave, if that's what she needed him to do.

Freyja giggles when she realizes he was not as concerned about physical worries because, being the thorough type, he looked it up before he asked her. She's quite pleased to feel the reality of it is much more pleasant than he expected, though.

Vakkal can also 'feel' her half-dreaming thoughts as she happily plays with him. She's slowly relaxing and relieved, starting to be able to think of him as a potential lover now. She'd been so very carefully thinking of him asexually, due to feeling a bit guilty at how sensuous she found his fur and touch, that it was a bit of a shock to find out it all suddenly could be changed! He smiles when he 'feels' that being somewhat like her frehkees is a bennie for him -- she doesn't think of them sexually, but she does simply adore the fur and snuggling. For her, that's where she'd go for love and closeness when she was deeply hurting as a child.

Vakkal eventually leans in close to her and rubs his cheek against hers, right at the corner of the chin, pressing gently against her and leaving his scent behind. He leans back and looks at her, nearly beaming as he asks, Feeling better?

Freyja smiles in quiet warmth, her eyes lazily dreamy, Hai, pretty wolf. Thank you for being slow with me.

Vakkal snuggles her close into warm fur and replies, Slow was easy. Thank you for being with me at all.

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