These Shattered Stars -- Logs

The Vice-Chancellor says, sounding somewhat resigned to his fate, "Well, this certainly isn't what we expected when the Chancellor's good friend Senator Kalatis discussed this meeting with him. The Senator reassured us there was nothing to fear and the Sith probably wouldn't even come." He shakes his head and adds, "He couldn't have been more wrong."

Freyja's eyes widen -- then she clenches her fists and says with fiercely repressed frustration, "Oooh -- that awful, awful man! If I ever get my hands on Kalatis, I... I'm going to give him such a smack!"

Sarn and Manishsha look pained by this revelation, and Sarn says, "Another place we've been carefully misled. This is disturbing."

The Vice-Chancellor looks confused, and asks, "Something is amiss with the Senator?"

Freyja gives a chuffing, irritated sigh, folding her arms, and adds, "He has much to an-" then she goes still, "Neh, wait, we made a promise so the Sith Lo- oh!" She whirls for the door, adding over her shoulder, "Aaah... back in a moment!" A moment later she's dashed around the corner, racing out the door leading to the Sith quarters, hoping she can catch up with Lord Ghang. The trailing edge of her pale cloak and her fiery hair are the last that's seen of her.

The corridor into the Sith's wing of the hotel is reasonably short, and opens on to a lift lobby. Ghang and his aides are boarding the lift, and having someone come out of the conference room startles the aides, who react by drawing blasters.

Vakkal follows Freyja, saying, "Freyja, wait!" and trying to get between her and Ghang's guards. Fhazil also steps to the doors of the conference room, looking down the hall at his former Lord. He watches, and keeps anyone else from coming into a tense situation and making it worse.

Freyja blinks a bit startledly, coming to an abrupt halt at sight of the blasters... then smiles ruefully, holding her empty hands out palm up, "Your pardon; didn't mean to startle. Um... may I speak briefly with the Sith Lord Ghang?"

Ghang's aides look confused for a moment, but Ghang says, "Come, Padawan Freyja. We will talk." He reaches out to catch the lift door and holds it for her.

Freyja's head tilts slightly in surprise at the unexpected courtesy extended to her -- then she smiles, her golden face lighting up in genuine pleasure as she paces quietly forward. Her hands stay politely in view as she does so, adding, "Thank you for your patience, honored Sith Lord." She steps into the lift, moving back out of the way so Vakkal doesn't have to crowd anyone either.

The elevator is reasonably full with everyone aboard, and Ghang seems to take quiet delight in confounding his aides. As the lift rises, he says, "So, Padawan Freyja, to what honor do I owe this surprise visit?" and smiles pleasantly.

A worried query from Fhazil, So, did you both get shot yet?

Freyja grins mentally, sending him back a gentle, reassuring hug, Neh, sweetheart, and please don't worry so. I think so far the Sith lord finds me amusing, oddly enough. She also finds Ghang's amusement quietly entertaining, but she answers Ghang readily, "Two things, if I may, Sith lord Ghang. The first is due to something Fhazil said, about how my oath request would likely be seen by Sith -- as a flat declaration of belief in a lack of your honesty."

She looks up, studying the smoothly impassive face with quiet interest as she adds, "If this was the case, I should like to apologize for the unintended impression. On Balmorra this is simple courtesy between negotiators who are sapients of honor and good family. It means merely they both now trust the other to speak not just the truth... but the whole truth."

Freyja wonders thoughtfully if she did indeed hear the whole truth from the Sith Lord. Still, she decides, she's done the best she can to allow him to not inadvertently break his oath. She certainly wouldn't be upset if he quietly let her know now he had more to say, for instance... she can understand his not wanting to speak utterly plainly in public.

Lord Ghang's aides look uncomfortable at this -- perhaps at several things -- but Ghang himself considers a moment. He finally says curiously, "I see. If you do not trust someone to speak the truth, why do you trust them to be speaking the truth after they have sworn? It would merely be another lie, which if I understand would have been your concern in the first place. Why would one more lie not be assumed?"

Freyja says, "There are many who feel it is not a lie if one allows another to make incorrect assumptions from one's words -- to in effect speak only a partial truth. I don't personally agree with this -- I consider it lying -- but," she grins ruefully, "I don't have the job of defining universal morality." She considers a moment, then adds curiously, "I've also been told Sith lords often do this -- tell truth but not the whole truth. Is it offensive to admit to this?" She adds clarifyingly, "Your pardon -- is it offensive of me to admit I've heard this?"

The lift slows, and the doors open. Two of Ghang's aides step out first, covering the empty lobby. Ghang says, "Come," leading the way down a corridor once it has been secured. Amn Noss meets the party at the doors to a room and follows, walking with Vakkal, as the Lord heads for the conference room in which he met Freyja the day before. He asks, "Why would it be offensive to discuss the rumors others have given you?" He opens the door, and gestures for Freyja to enter.

Freyja nods politely; her training says he has the right to enter first. She's touched by his courtesy, even as she wonders with faint amusement why he puts up with her. Maybe he meant it about wishing to train her? She answers thoughtfully, "Well... I would not consider it so, honored Sith lord -- but I am not Sith, so am still doing my best to learn as quickly as possible what is considered courteous and what is not, in the Empire." She smiles, adding, "Always wise to do so in dueling cultures and regarding cultures one's about to visit, hai?"

The Lord follows Freyja in, trailed by the two Soulguards. He shoos the other aides off, then says, "Please, have a seat, be comfortable." He finds a chair for himself where he can both see Freyja, and out the window. "I would not consider it so either, but there are those who take offense at any perceived slight or suggestion they are not perfect. There are those who use half-truths as a weapon, and others who use outright lies. There are even a few who use the whole truth, wielded maliciously as a tool." He watches the young Jedi's reactions to this as he adds, "Any tactic you can imagine has been used in the Moot, and by many other Sith. This includes honor, honesty, and truth."

Freyja stands politely by the chair she sat in last time, one slender golden hand resting lightly on the back, until the higher ranking Sith lord is seated -- then she smiles and settles herself comfortably cross-legged in the chair. A moment to savor the feel of the sunshine on her shoulders, and then she considers the Sith lord's words with interest. Vakkal move unobtrusively to stand in a corner where he can keep an eye on Freyja. Amn Noss moves to a corner opposite the room where she can watch over Ghang, but seems to be more interested in looking at Vakkal.

Freyja finds it quite wonderful the Sith lord is willing to chat with her about philosophy, even as she carefully makes a mental note not to bore him. She smiles finally, looking up, "So far the Moot sounds much like the Republic Council -- and I've seen examples of all this in the Balmorran Council as well. It sounds like sapients are just sapients, at least on the inside. I'd dare venture, from your words, the main difference is the use of poison in the Moot."

Curiously Freyja adds, "Do the members of the Moot carry antidotes with them, or something -- or can they use the Force to negate a poisonous attack?" She wonders if it would be discourteous or not to repeat what she's heard about Sith lords in general... and if she'd get back an honest response. She grins internally -- she's such a troublemaker! She needs to be careful to curb that impulse just now.

Lord Ghang says, "That seems to be a very true observation. I think many of my staff are surprised at how much alike people are." The Lord glances at Noss, then back to Freyja, adding, "I also fear many of the Lords won't believe it." He listens to her question about poison and replies, "Some have antidotes. Some use the Force, or have staff who can use the Force to cure it. Others go to great lengths to prevent it in the first place. It is merely one of those things you learn to worry about, as you learn to manage any other ambush."

Freyja wonders if the glance at Noss is any indication of Noss' feelings on the matter. Freyja smiles faintly -- perhaps so, but Noss is correct in at least one fact. It's Vakkal who is more likely to be aggressive -- not she. She's more likely to not believe she's actually being attacked initially, she suspects.

Freyja nods thoughtfully at Ghang's words, "I see." She's pleased -- this verifies her thought that it'd be wise to learn how to negate poison before meeting Sith in any number. In response to his other words, she adds, "Hai, it would not surprise me to find many Sith Lords and Jedi Masters disbelieving of this." Her small smile is rueful, "It is only because Fhazil and Vakkal have spoken so highly of you that I am as open and forthright as I am. I would not be so with other Sith lords. I don't know them at all, and it would be unwise, I suspect."

Lord Ghang asks, "Would it be any less unwise to be so with the head of a Balmorran House who you did not know, or with an unknown Senator?"

Freyja thinks a bit, considering those words. Then she finally grins, "Well, neh, of course not. I may not wave it like a banner, but my Haus pulls weight which I alone do not -- and so were I to meet with a Balmorran head of Haus or a new Senator, I'd have information already gathered and presented to me by my Haus' people." She adds dryly, "Whether I willed it or neh." She adds quietly, "Nor does one ordinarily speak in a fashion as to shame one's Haus... or expect attack, in the Republic."

Ghang asks, "If you do not expect attack, why is your family's home so well guarded?"

Freyja says, "Oh, I meant when speaking, honored Sith lord. I don't expect someone to, say, pull a dagger and attack me just for my words, while chatting." She tilts her head thoughtfully and adds, "Would that be a valid expectation on Ziost as well?"

Lord Ghang smiles slowly, "That depends entirely on where you are and whom you are speaking to, Padawan Freyja. I recommend you be sure someone knows where you are, and everyone knows you're expected. This will lessen the risk of such attempts."

Freyja smiles quietly, accepting the valid rebuke, "Hai, I shall do so, and thank you." A moment later she thoughtfully asks, "So what do you use in the Moot, honored Lord? Complete truth, partial truth, something else entirely?"

Lord Ghang answers, "I use different tactics with different people, as I deem most effective with those persons. Why tell the unflattering truth to someone who refuses to believe anything you say anyway?"

Freyja nods thoughtfully, folding her slender golden hands on the table in front of her. Why does the Sith Moot consider this man a hothead? Is he just young and with many jealous of his success, perhaps? Politely she says, "Eminently reasonable. May I then ask you to announce your proofs against Kalatis and Khoud before we leave for Ziost? That will give the unbelieving more time to verify your words, after all... which hopefully will speed up the capture of Kalatis as well."

Lord Ghang says, "After the events of the last few days, I'm surprised any more proof against Khoud is needed. He attacked a ship at a peace conference before apparently losing his mind." He looks at Freyja for a moment, considering before adding, "You're right, though, in that it might be easier for your people to do their work while they're still here. I shall seriously consider it."

Freyja says, "Well, it is in regards to Kalatis that I currently speak, not Khoud. Plus I'd like to see the treasonous Hausa justly cast down." She grins, adding, "Thank you -- I would appreciate that, considering that was our initial justification for attempting a peace conference in the first place."

Lord Ghang smiles, and says, "That is true. Even with all that has happened, it is good not to forget why we are here."

Freyja nods, then is silent for a moment. Finally she says slowly, a little wistfully, "I wish, though... well, neh, that's not likely." She looks up and asks politely, "So, if I may, since I did not wish to ask this publicly... what do you think are the Dark Lord's reasons for this new requirement in the negotiating process, Sith Lord Ghang?"

Lord Ghang asks curiously, "Do you not believe the reasons I gave in the meeting today?"

Freyja looks faintly surprised, "Of course I do, honored lord, but you said you gave the reasons he told you, hai? I didn't ask you what you thought -- just what he'd said."

The Sith Lord smiles, "Ah. Well, any other reasons I might suggest would not be anything anyone had told me; they would be my inferences and suspicions, and of perhaps only questionable value. I will share them with you if you ask."

Freyja brightens noticeably, "Hai, please!" She adds explanatorily, "Currently you're the only Sith lord I know who's willing to talk to me. It would be foolish of me not to learn as much as you're willing to teach."

Amn Noss glides quietly across the room to stand near Vakkal. Her movement is quiet and slow; her hands are visible and empty, and she appears non-threatening. Vakkal's nose twitches, and then he glances over warily.

Freyja also glances casually towards the unexpected movement... she can easily tell Noss isn't being threatening or dangerous. She's (rightly, Freyja hopes) not concerned about an attack here. She appears, in fact, more interested in Vakkal than in Freyja. From what Freyja can tell through both movement and the Force, the lithe Soulguard thinks Vakkal's quite the fuzzy hunk. Freyja blinks, hastily turning back to face Ghang as she covers her sudden grin.

Just as easily, she realizes some of Ghang's motivations also. He's not working hard at converting Freyja, or seducing her, or anything. Instead he's enjoying the unusual discussion with an intelligent person who asks probing questions very unlike those he's used to. The fact that she's cute as a button doesn't hurt at all either.

Freyja is glad she's still covering the grin as she hastily yanks her startledly amused thoughts back into order and focus. She can't be giggling as she's asking the kind Sith lord for his reasoning -- that'd give entirely the wrong impression!

Lord Ghang's eyes flick to the movement of his Soulguard. He watches her stop next to Vakkal, and decides not to do anything about it. To Freyja he says, "Well, I could make several suggestions, yes. You might not like all of them."

The humor is quite under control now as Freyja says calmly, "Honored lord, just because I do not like them does not mean I cannot learn from them."

The Lord says, "The first is he's moving to protect the peace conference. I would not be surprised if the Dark Lord is unhappy about it being so far out of his sphere of influence, and is doing this at least in part to make sure it remains safe. This seems more likely after the attack on the Malice."

Freyja nods, listening carefully and silently. She would be delighted if that were the case -- the Dark Lord wanting to preserve peace would be a truly excellent sign.

Lord Ghang continues, "The Dark Lord is always interested in new ways to use the Force. The rather powerful combination of Light and Dark I witnessed the day before yesterday which was used to stop Khoud, very likely raised his curiosity. He may want a chance to find out more. What better way than to get those people where he can meet them?"

Freyja nods again. That one does not thrill her... but she knew it was quite possibly just a matter of time until the Dark Lord had heard of what they can do. She thoughtfully opens her mouth to say something -- then firmly hushes herself. Let the Lord talk!

Lord Ghang continues, "Less attractively, the Dark Lord may wish to have the conference on hand so that if it goes badly, he can crush them as an example of what happens to those who resist. Other Lords would be more likely to push him to do this, but I cannot imagine the idea has not occurred to him."

Freyja goes quite still. That one hadn't occurred to her... but unfortunately it does make perfect sense, in a twisted way.

Ghang says, "I am certain, too, Naga Sadow understands your position on Balmorra. Your presence there could possibly be used as a bargaining chip in getting cooperation from that planet, or from some of the people there. Again, I see this as something other Lords would be more likely to do, but something Sadow must have thought of. Considering the oaths you ask for, I don't see either of the last two as being too likely. I mention them for completeness."

Freyja wonders if Ghang himself would also be a victim of that crushing. Oddly, she hopes not... it was her, after all, who pushed him to stop warring and try for peace. Wryly she thinks to herself, Not very good at self-preservation sometimes, are we?

Freyja nods silently at that last bit. She wonders if Sadow knows what a faulty bargaining chip she'd really be. Her parents have a helpful son-in-law, a grandchild probably already on the way and, if worst comes to worst, another child entirely... at this point, if one is brutally truthful, Freyja's expendable to Haus Rigg. Not that we need to be announcing that everywhere...

Ghang also mentions, "On the converse, he may be moving the proceedings there to keep other, more greedy Lords from trying to take advantage of any of these perceived weaknesses -- or he might have heard some Lord might take action. This would quell any such thoughts on their parts."

Freyja looks thoughtful. That would be a... well, a kindness of sorts, which she'd not thought of, too. Ghang says, "I can only think of one other thing, and it is rather a trifle. I'm not sure I should even mention it." Freyja raises an interestedly inquiring eyebrow.

Ghang watches Freyja as he says, "You see, the Dark Lord has a weakness for certain..." Here the Sith pauses, looking for words. He finally says, "Well, I believe the word would be 'disreputable'. The Dark Lord enjoys reading certain disreputable news services, which pander more to sensationalism and gossip than factual news. Usually these are harmless, but there was one article that may have caught his eye..."

Freyja looks both curious and a bit blank. Then she tries not to giggle internally, thinking, The Sith have naughty news?!

Vakkal silently asks Freyja, And how does the good Sith Lord know this?

Freyja coughs! Then she grins mentally again, Hey, he was your lord, not mine! Do you have any idea what he's talking about?

Lord Ghang looks a bit embarrassed, actually. "I've learned to follow these same newspapers, so as not to be surprised by some of the more... tawdry... things Naga Sadow sometimes seems to know. Perhaps the simplest thing to do would be to show you."

Freyja grins, looking both bemused and intrigued, "All right."

Ghang gets a pocket comm out and asks, "Please bring me a datapad." A moment later one is delivered to the door. Noss accepts it and looks it over, then offers it to Vakkal, who shakes his head to indicate he doesn't need to check it. Noss delivers it to Ghang, then returns to her place next to Vakkal. She may be standing a little closer to him now.

Freyja gets up and pads around so she can watch, one slender golden hand resting lightly on Ghang's shoulder. Interestedly she says, "What is it?"

Ghang fiddles with the controls for a moment, then connects it to the display unit on the conference table. The far wall of the room lights up with an article, and the windows slowly darken to blackness as the lights fade. The article is clearly visible on the wall.

There is a large image -- actually a vid segment -- of Freyja dancing with Lord Ghang. The title screams in Sith, "Jedi Corrupts Sith Lord!" and the article goes on at length about how a mysterious golden Jedi managed to stupefy an entire room of officers. There are several quotes from the officers, all of which boil down to several variations of, "The dance was very pretty, and the visitors were very polite and well behaved." The few times the paper really interviews someone, the tone always ends up with the paper pressing, "How could you let them do this to you?" and the answer being, "What are you babbling about?" The newssheet's conclusion is they were all mind-controlled.

Freyja starts and straightens, both hands going to her mouth as she stares in astonishment. Lord Ghang, presuming Freyja can't read Sith, says, "Apparently the little demonstration we had aboard the Malice left a significant impression on a number of people. While you and I know it was a harmless display of a beautiful dance, those who prefer sensationalism have tried to spin it into something much less wholesome."

Freyja just stands there, reading the article... then continues to just stand there for a while. After a bit she makes a curious, slightly choked sound... then another muffled noise, a bit louder this time... then finally she simply dissolves into peals of laughter!

Vakkal turns and reads, frowning. Ghang says, "Most everyone knows you shouldn't believe anything you read in these rags, but many people read them anyway. Even if nobody takes the idea..." The Lord looks at her rather curiously. Freyja turns half-away, not wanting to embarrass the Sith lord or anything, but having trouble with just how incredibly silly the whole thing is!

Freyja finally controls herself enough to get the laughter down to choked giggles... then finally she wipes her eyes and, still grinning, asks, "Great goddess... you had HoloNet reporters at that dinner? Why didn't you say so -- we'd have been even quieter for you if so!"

Lord Ghang sighs, and says, "We didn't have any such thing. Some crewmember must have liberated security camera footage and sold it to them. If I find out whom, I'll be very cross with them." Then he mildly asks, "I gather you don't find terribly frightening the idea of half the Empire looking at you as a terrible seducer of Lords?"

Freyja blinks at the Sith lord -- then bursts out laughing again, almost collapsing into her chair! Her words are a bit garbled with laughter, but she does manage to gasp out, "Oh, goddess! Oh, that's funny -- me, the seducer?! Oh, my Lady, Syffie'd just die!"

Freyja finally manages to choke back the laughter again, covering her mouth with both hands until she can get out relatively successfully, "Your pardon, your pardon... I really don't mean to be rude -- it's just so incredibly out of character! Folks at home wouldn't believe it, that's for sure!"

Lord Ghang continues to look bemused. "Truly, Padawan Freyja, there will be a few credulous people who will be certain you have seduced me, and I am under your terrible Jedi spell." He smiles, adding, "While I can imagine worse fates, I hardly find the idea that amusing."

Lord Ghang notes, "Considering some of the holovids available of your sister, it will be easy for people to believe you would do similar things. I know, as does anyone with any sense, she is an entertainer and her work is fiction, but it is easy to take those things out of context."

Freyja glances at the article again, catching the line, 'What are you babbling about?!' and has to choke back laughter again. At Ghang's words she does manage to force it down and sit straight again, an apologetic look on her face. "I'm so sorry, truly. Er... give me just a moment to breath, please? I... haven't laughed so hard in a while..." She suits action to words, taking several breaths and concentrating on... on something serious, dammit!

Lord Ghang smiles, "Here I was concerned you would be angry about such suggestions being put forth, even in this highly dubious source."

Freyja whews finally, pushing her heavy fiery gold mane back with both hands. "All right. Terribly sorry, truly." She takes another deep breath, then smiles, "Right. So... all right. Is this going to cause you trouble? Is there anything I can do-" She pauses at Ghang's words... then has to clap both hands to her mouth again, so as to not start giggling helplessly again!

Freyja closes her eyes, concentrating... deep, slow breaths... iiiin... ooooout... there we go... serious thoughts... riiiight... She sits up again, opening her eyes and taking another deep, slow breath. Then she smiles ruefully, "All right, I think I've got it under control now. Don't tease me any more, please, all right? I don't want to break down into laughter and be useless again."

Lord Ghang gives the human a moment to compose herself, smiling a little. He says, "I mention this because I am certain the Dark Lord will have seen it. While it is also certain he will disregard the idea that you have corrupted every member of the Malice' crew, I did have to wonder if he wouldn't be rather entranced by the holovid. He did ask me for more information, and more pictures of all of our guests."

Freyja blinks in silent startlement at that, then considers... then turns to look at the video again. What did her dancing look like, then? She hopes she didn't step on Ghang's toes or robe or anything. She doesn't remember doing so...?

Her dancing looks like a graceful, golden Human being watched by a silent crowd, and then sweeping a Lord off of the side and dancing with him in perfect, calm, beautiful grace and harmony. There was no suggestion of clumsiness at all.

Freyja sighs in faint relief at that, then turns back to the Sith lord and smiles. "Well, let's think. Hai, you don't have to worry about -- oh!" She blinks, looking startled, "Wait... did you mean 'seduce' in an ideological or in a physical manner?"

Lord Ghang says, "Both, actually."

Freyja blinks again, thinking as her ice-blue gaze goes off into the distance. Finally she says, "Well, my paramours know that's not the case, and everyone else would probably be utterly delighted if I ideologically seduced a Sith lord... so I'm covered. So... we have to worry about your reputation, not mine, hai? So... what's likely to come of this? The Sith aren't exclusionary with sexual reputations, are they? And again, is there anything I can do to aid?" She grins quietly to herself, "Heh... mysterious. That's so funny..." then looks back at the Sith lord.

Lord Ghang answers, "Oh, I don't think there's any real concern. Two months ago this same set of idiots ran an article which claimed I was trying to mate with Khar Velosi, including doctored vids and supposition over who the children were. This is nothing to be concerned about."

Vakkal rolls his eyes at that suggestion. Freyja blinks startledly, "Mate with..." then she giggles again in spite of herself, "Oh, Lady! These people must be truly bored!" A moment later she blinks, "Children?! Surely they don't think anyone would really believe that?!"

Lord Ghang smiles, "No one with any sense would, no. This does not prevent them from suggesting it, nor does it prevent idle, curious speculation. Next week a new load of impossibilities will come out and distract the gullible. There is nothing really to worry about."

Freyja grins, still tremendously amused, and cheerfully adds, "Besides, anyone who knows me wouldn't say they were under my 'terrible Jedi spell' -- wouldn't I do simply great Jedi spells, not terrible ones?!" She covers another giggle, still grinning.

Ghang says, "The Jedi would think it great; the Sith would think it terrible to have Lords seduced to your will." He does not seem to understand.

Freyja ahems, sitting up straight again even though she's still grinning broadly, "All right, all right, sorry, that was a bad joke. Anyways! So... I take it the Dark Lord finds these sorts of things amusing?"

Lord Ghang says, "Yes. The Dark Lord finds these things amusing. He also has seen the holovid, and has asked for more information and vids of all of you. He saw the fight demonstration as well. It could be he is merely curious to meet such interesting sounding people. And, in his slightly bent sense of humor, he is not above taunting the reporters. He has an odd sense of humor, particularly to those he views as foolish or gullible."

Freyja smiles ruefully, resisting the urge to roll her eyes as another potential headline crosses her mind, 'Jedi Corrupts Dark Lord!' Amusedly she murmurs, "Oh, dear... and here I'd been warned it's always wisest not to trifle with the attentions of princes. Well... hopefully he'll get bored soon, and we can negotiate to our hearts' content, hai?"

Lord Ghang says, "Oh, I can't imagine the Dark Lord would let his enjoyment of twitting the tabloids interfere with our discussions. Of all the Lords, Naga Sadow understands when personal interest is correct, and when it is best to do what is needed."

Freyja smiles, but doesn't explain her trepidation. Instead she simply says, "Well, it's a bit... odd, but I guess that's a viable reason to want to move the negotiations to Ziost." She grins, adding ruefully, "I imagine the furor will die down pretty quickly then anyways, since if I recall correctly there are a lot of intelligent and beautiful Sith ladies there, hai? -and if there's one thing which I bet holds common across both Empire and Republic, it's that neh lady likes being shown up!" She smiles serenely, pleased to have figured out a way to successfully fade into the background -- she doesn't have the clothing nor the desire to make a splash in the Sith court.

Lord Ghang says, "This seems to be true. If you would like my advice, I would suggest you never underestimate these ladies in any way. To be blunt, watch your back."

Freyja murmurs dryly, "My personal assumption was it would be wisest to never cross them, too. I'd like to be quite unnoticeable while on Ziost."

Lord Ghang chuckles, "A laudable goal. An impossible one, but a good one."

Freyja grins ruefully, gracefully shrugging one shoulder, "We intend to do our best. What can you do?"

Ghang says, "I think you don't stand a chance. I'm not sure you fully grasp what your party will look like. A pair of Jedi Masters, one of a species no Sith has ever seen before; a Republic Vice-Chancellor; and a Jedi Padawan who happens to be a powerful Lady of a Republic Planet. The same Lady is escorted by a Jedi Padawan and a Sith Journeyman, both of whom are strikingly handsome and one of whom is a war hero; and an infamous Khar Velosi murderer. Do you see this as being a quiet entrance?"

Freyja blinks, then thinks a moment, not bothering to correct the assumption that Watcher Manishsha is a Master. Finally she looks up at the Sith lord and says quietly, "Is this a mistake? I don't want people to get hurt again over this... but what you've just described sounds more like... like a challenge, than a peace negotiation party."

Lord Ghang replies, "Similar things can be said about the people you will be negotiating with, Padawan Freyja. When you deal with powerful people, groups like this form all the time. I think trying to turn down the Dark Lord's invitation would be a mistake." He adds, "If you want my opinion on what might help, I would be happy to discuss that with you, but I won't force ideas upon you."

Freyja adds a little fiercely, "Vakkal is not-" she pauses, realizing the words are technically true, then adds firmly, "That may be true, but it's not the whole truth." She takes a slow, quiet breath, then nods once, "Hai, I would appreciate any help you might offer, Sith lord Ghang. I'd like things to be as calm as possible... for all of us."

Ghang says, "I know Vakkal is not merely a 'terrible clan-murderer,' but that's what the official record says, and that's what the media will say. I would not have accepted Vakkal if I thought that's all there was to him; I'd have had him shot."

Freyja nods slowly once, her eyes grave. She folds her slender hands in her lap, reminding herself to serenity. Just because people see them oddly doesn't mean she should panic or over-worry.

The Lord says, "I can only recommend you make sure your party is prepared for the attention you are likely to receive. Be expecting to be feared, to have the worst possible things said, and every possible miscommunication to the public happen. Warn the others, and be ready for it."

Ghang notes, "I suspect the two Masters, and perhaps even the Vice-Chancellor will be prepared for this, but the junior members of the group must expect it. You must stop underestimating yourselves in both what you can really do and in what people will think you can do. You must be able to prove you're here to do the things you say you are, and you are the people you claim to be -- not the fearful things most Sith will think of Jedi as."

Freyja mutters a little frustratedly, "How are we supposed to stop underestimating ourselves, when we still have neh idea what we can do?! And how do you 'prove' you're there for peace, if you're not allowed to be peaceful?!"

Lord Ghang says, "Those are the hard parts. I can suggest you must be confident of yourselves and sure, and you must be peaceful even when antagonized. You might ask your Master these questions. I know what I would tell my own students."

Freyja's ice-blue regard is keenly interested, "What is that, if I may ask... so I may pass your words on to Fhazil?"

Lord Ghang says, "I would suggest to him he go off someplace and figure out exactly what it was they can do, and exactly how it works. Is it wise to have a weapon you don't know how to use?"

Freyja sighs, "Neh. But we don't have much urge to practice with Khoud's weapon either... and for the same reasons."

Lord Ghang says, "Even a weapon that big must have had a firing range. And even you can find one."

Freyja smiles ruefully, "So in less than four days we must discover our limitations -- if any, and without alarming anyone to the point of random aggression? You don't ask for much." She considers a moment, wondering what ships will go to Ziost and how, then adds, "How long, and how many jumps, is the trip to Ziost? Or wait, neh... it'd be damn unwise to try practicing there..."

Lord Ghang says, "I don't think you have the time now, although you never know. We'll see how things go." If he has a reason for saying this, he doesn't mention it.

Freyja sighs, drumming her slender golden fingers lightly on the desk as she considers, "Hai... we'll figure something out, I guess."

Lord Ghang says, "Even if you aren't sure... act strong, and as if you do know. It will keep the dogs away." He glances over at Vakkal and adds, "No offense, Vakkal."

Freyja considers a bit more, then nods once, frowning thoughtfully. So they're going someplace where people will be terrified of them, to push for an unwanted peace. They have to learn exactly what they can do as a triat, at the same time as they're doing the above, and doing their best to avoid too much notice of the touchy-proud, jealous, and insane Sith Lords -- and their manipulative, sometimes malicious leader. Just bloody great... it's not that I mind the Force trusting in us... it's that sometimes I wish it didn't trust in us quite so much!

Freyja nods quietly at Ghang's words, "I will tell him what you've recommended." She sighs, pushing her heavy fiery-gold mane back from her face, and adds a little tiredly, "But for now I think it might be wisest if we withdrew, and gave this some thought." A whole bloody lot of thought! Lady bless, we are in so deep!

Lord Ghang says, "You are always welcome, Padawan Freyja, as are Vakkal, Fhazil, and Zero."

Freyja blinks, then wonders if she heard that correctly. If so, she's rather touched he's extended such a kind open welcome to them all. She smiles a little ruefully, "I wish I knew how to... oh, I don't know... how to work out some kind of constant friendship or alliance or something -- so it could help Fhazil feel less awkward." She politely doesn't mention Vakkal, since he's present. "Still, thank you very much, honored Sith Lord. I shall pass your words on to the others."

Lord Ghang says, "Was there anything else you wished to discuss with me?"

Freyja smiles, shaking her head, "Neh, thank you -- you were kind enough to allow me to relate the two main issues I was worried about." She rises, realizing with a touch of mischief that it probably wouldn't do to have some sort of non-conflict agreement between the Sith lord Ghang and themselves... that'd appear far too close to the sensationalist headline regarding a mysterious Jedi seducing a Sith Lord! She grins quietly, giving a small, polite bow, "Thank you for your time and patience, honorable lord," then heads for the door.

Ghang says, "Good afternoon, Padawan," and dismisses them. Vakkal follows Freyja out, with Amn Noss following him and closing the door behind her. As soon as the door is closed the Lord's Soulguard says in a soft voice, "Excuse me, Padawan Freyja?"

Freyja, already deeply lost in thought, turns around with an absent look in her ice blue eyes, "Mm? -er, hai, Soulguard Noss?"

Noss comes up close to Freyja, with Vakkal watching carefully, and asks, "I have not been able to help but notice what a strong and handsome fellow Vakkal is. Would you be upset or offended if I asked him to join me for some intercourse some time while things are quiet?"

Vakkal's acute hearing has no problem hearing this, and he stops very still, his ears beginning to pinken. His fur fluffs out and a tuft or two drifts away.

Freyja blinks at the expressionless armored mask, quite taken aback. Is the woman mad?! A moment later she bewilderedly wonders if it's her fault -- is this what being the avatar of fertility does to the folks around her?! A moment after that she chastises herself sternly -- it's not like she's the center of the universe, for Valhall's sake -- and Vakkal is quite handsome in his own right, after all! Finally she says carefully, "I... don't know. Is... do ladies of the Empire, ah... ordinarily make open requests like this, in front of the person they're interested in, but without asking them?"

Over the link she bewilderedly asks, Vakkal... am I missing something here?! Er, I should try that again, shouldn't I... is this something you want to do?

Noss says, "Ah, well, no, not usually. I didn't want to ask him and discover it would have upset you." She glances back at Vakkal, then tells Freyja, "I'm not asking you instead of him... I just thought I'd ask you first. If he's not interested, that's something else entirely."

Freyja nods slowly, to give herself time to think -- and Vakkal time to answer. Vakkal's ears are quite red at this point. He stares stupidly at Amn Noss. His mental reply to Freyja is, I've just discovered that I'm wanted by some of the most wonderful people in the Galaxy. Why would I want to be with anyone else?

Freyja smiles quietly, warmed by his reply. She glances at him, noticing the set and color of his ears, and (more ruefully) noticing his starting to blow his coat with alarm -- that's going to take a lot of brushing! -then looks back at Amn Noss and smiles. "I think, please, I would prefer we let Vakkal be with who he would like to be with. But thank you, honored Soulguard, for your consideration and kindness in checking with me first." She gives a small, courteous nod, then heads for the lift again.

Vakkal finally finds his tongue and says softly, "Amn... I'm flattered, but not interested. Things are confusing enough already that I don't think I need to be getting tangled up with another Lord's Soulguard. I... hope you're not offended."

Ghang's Soulguard's body language shifts somehow, and she shakes her head a little, saying, "I'm not offended, Vakkal. It's a sensible worry. I hope both of you can forgive my impetuousness."

Freyja glances over one bare golden shoulder, her blue eyes smiling, "Neh, nothing to forgive, honored Soulguard. Caring isn't an offense."

Vakkal hurries to stay with Freyja, thinking to her, I'm so sorry about that... I have no idea where that came from. Noss bows to the departing two, saying, "Luck to both of you," as the doors close.

In the lift and heading downwards, Freyja leans back against a wall, her slender hands clasped behind her, studying Vakkal with assiduous fascination, as if she's never truly seen him before. "Why are you sorry, pretty wolf?"

Vakkal's ears are still a little pink as he replies, "I'm sorry about having even inadvertently put you in a position to be asked such an embarrassing question." He blinks and looks away, then after a moment looks back to add, "Anyway, I can't think of anyone I'd want to be with more than you and the others."

Freyja muses thoughtfully as the lift doors open, "I don't think I appreciate you enough, Vakkal..." She tucks his hand into her arm, and heads for a public terminal. "Let's see... wild open spaces... do they have any around here?"

Vakkal leads Freyja past a terminal, saying, "Why don't we leave the Sith part of the hotel, before the others worry?" He leads her back to the conference room they started in, where Fhazil, Zero, and Manishsha are waiting. Fhazil is sitting in front of a datapad and opposite Manishsha, apparently losing a game.

Freyja says, "Mm, hai, wise idea." Her tone is still thoughtfully, almost calculatingly musing -- until she sees the other three and lights up with a smile, "Heiyo! What's up?"

Zero is reading from a small folding book, the cover picked out with hand-brushed Sedraki characters. He glances up from his book, "Ah. There, you see?" He sets his book down and rises to go to Freyja. "Nothing to worry about. Well, perhaps not nothing, but... no excuse to go none-for-twelve to Manishsha."

Fhazil looks up from the datapad, and his face floods with relief. He says, "Freyja!" and bounds over to hug her.

Freyja beams, enthusiastically throwing her arms around Fhazil, "Hey, silly sweetheart -- now didn't I tell you not to worry?" She nuzzles him with pleasure, then grins and loops an arm happily around Zero too, drawing him close as well.

Vakkal says simply, "Everyone says you're crazy, but she tops it, I think. Sith Lord's lair, remember?" Freyja laughs cheerfully, leaning to stick her tongue out at Vakkal.

Zero smiles and hugs Freyja gently, then Fhazil, and kisses each before padding back to sit down across from the little Watcher. "Shodan, then? Shall we?"

Manishsha comments, "Oh, he doesn't need an excuse to go zero-to-twelve against me! He can do that any time he wants." He adds, "We are very pleased to see you all right, Freyja. I hope Lord Ghang is well?"

Freyja nods and bows politely to the little Kushiban, "Hai, honored Watcher." She looks at the others, adding, "He had some excellent advice too, I think. Want to hear it?"

Manishsha says, "While I'm happy to listen, because I'm nosy, would you like me to go so you may have a private conversation?"

Freyja says, "Neh, I think this was for all of us really, Watcher Manishsha."

The small Jedi smiles to Zero, "Another time. Let us listen to the lovely Freyja's imparted wisdom." He changes the datapad over to note taking mode.

Zero folds his fingers under his chin. "All right." He turns to Freyja, listening.

Freyja says, "Well, first he explained to me what we'll look like to the Sith: two powerful Jedi, one a Master and the other of a species they've never seen before; a Lady of a powerful Republic world, escorted by a..." she has a little trouble getting it out, but takes a breath and speaks clearly nonetheless, "a dangerous Khar Velosi murderer; two handsome Force users, one of whom is a war hero and the other is a Sith Journeyman... and the Vice Chancellor of the Republic."

Freyja says, "Then he recommended we make sure our party is prepared for the attention we are likely to receive -- expect to be feared, to have the worst possible things said, and every possible miscommunication with the public to occur. He also said I should warn you all, and we all should be ready for it."

Manishsha considers, also giving Vakkal an appraising look. Zero snorts faintly. "A war hero? While I find the idea flattering, it's a great overstatement... as, I imagine, would be calling Vakkal a murderer."

Vakkal says, "Fhazil, remember the Dark Tentacle News? They had Freyja dancing with Lord Ghang on the front page, with holovid. Spun it as Jedi corrupting a Sith Lord, very scary. Nobody with any sense believed a word, but the vid was hard to ignore." He looks at his feet at Zero's comments.

Freyja sighs, adding, "Then he said he suspected the two Jedi and the Vice-Chancellor would already be prepared for this, but that we," her gesture includes the triat and Vakkal, "-the junior members of the group, must expect it to come, and must stop underestimating ourselves, both in what we really can do, and in what people will think we can do -- and that we should be able to prove we're here to do the things we say we are, we are the people we claim to be, and we're not the fearful things most Sith will think of Jedi as.

Freyja gives Vakkal a first amused, then startled look, "Wait... that was scary? I thought... I thought it was a joke...?"

Vakkal says, "They tried to tell people it was scary. Only idiots would believe them." Fhazil quips, "Problem is, there's a lot of faithful idiots in the world."

Zero shakes his head. "The upshot of all this sensationalism being that we must, at the end of it, be simply who we are, and not the expectation of what we should be." He sighs faintly and rolls his eyes, "Tabloids." He picks up his book again, murmuring, "Cultivate the mind and be not deceived by tricks and feints. They are the domain of magicians, not the Knight."

Vakkal adds, "There's a lot of people who read it for pure entertainment value, though. I know of no Lord who reads it for any other reason, for instance. But they claim it's real, true news."

Freyja blinks, silently considering that startling revelation. Finally she says slowly, "Well... let me finish what I was telling you. Umm... so then I asked how we were supposed to stop underestimating ourselves when we still have neh idea what we can do, and how we could 'prove' we wanted peace, if we weren't allowed to be peaceful... and he replied that we should be confident and sure of ourselves, peaceful when antagonized... and he said I should ask Master Roakkana about that, and here's what he said he'd say to his students: that he would suggest Fhazil go off someplace and figure out exactly what it is we can do, and exactly how it works... because it's not wise to have a weapon you don't know how to use -- and even if we aren't sure, we should act strong, as if we already do know." She looks worried now, "I... admit, it's now I'm starting to worry about this..." She adds softly, "That's the last of it..."

Zero says, "I must admit, Freyja, I am a bit confused."

Fhazil hugs Freyja, "Ignore the tabloids. They're noisy and will make idiots think dumb things."

Freyja hugs Fhazil back, not letting go as she nods to Zero, "Hai, I also... but what's confusing you in particular?"

Manishsha says, "Lord Ghang must like you all, to be willing to give you this much advice and input. I am pleased to hear it, and very glad you will be with us."

Freyja gives the Kushiban a small, faint, worried smile. Zero cants his head to one side slightly. "If I may ask, how is it you feel we have been perceived so far? To be specific, would you say that we have conducted ourselves in a way that projected weakness?" He smiles a bit, "Given that fainting in the conference room was not the most valorous act I've ever committed, nevertheless..."

Freyja considers for a while. Finally she says slowly, "It... has been my experience there are those who are insecure, or who have something they feel they must prove... who see courtesy as weakness, and inner quiet as fear. Perhaps that's what the Sith lord refers to?" She tilts her head thoughtfully, brushing a fiery curl of hair back, then seats herself next to Fhazil, one arm still around him as she adds ruefully, "I... guess I've been a little insecure too...?" A bit sheepishly, "I've been working on it, truly..." Then she adds, "Um, and I think he was referring more to Sith lords we may meet on Ziost?"

Manishsha comments, "If you had done half the things Randal said, then no, you did not look weak, Zero. Not after what you'd done."

Freyja looks curiously at the little Kushiban, "What did Jedi Master Sarn say we'd done? Did he or you see something we didn't?"

Fhazil hugs Freyja, "But you're so very good. I wish you could see that."

Freyja blushes, hugging back as she gives Fhazil a simultaneously pleased and embarrassed sideways glance -- then adds a bit hastily to Zero, "Ah, and Sith ladies too -- we shouldn't ever underestimate them, and we should watch our backs."

Manishsha says, "He was watching closely what you did; I had my mind on communications. After Freyja apparently helped him have enough energy to try a second attempt, he was made very aware of what went on there. You all did a great deal. Nor did you see the results of your work on the other end. I'll try and get some holovids."

Fhazil says, regarding the Sith ladies, "Oh, I'll second that recommendation," then mutters, "And if any Sith Ladies try and take you away from me, I'll be very unhappy." It's not entirely clear whom he means.

Freyja looks a bit puzzled at both comments, "Vids? Er, all right... and, um, why would a Sith lady want me, Fhazil? I had the impression they could pretty much have any Lord they wished for the taking...?"

Zero smiles a bit, "Thank you, Watcher. My point, Freyja, being that what is necessary here is simply not to be perceived as weak by the Lords. I would argue, and you can certainly take my words for what they cost you to hear them, that we have been doing everything necessary. We have been courteous when the situation demanded. We have been terribly direct when the situation demanded -- so direct that Khoud may never recover. And more importantly, when quiet no longer served its purpose, you stood and addressed Ghang personally for the answers required. In short, Freyja... I would argue we are already on the correct path."

Freyja blinks at Zero... then, slowly, her face lights up with a lovely, relieved smile, "Truly? Thank you, Zeriza... that's a relief to hear."

Zero smiles a bit. "We are doing our best. The Force cannot ask us to do any more than that."

Fhazil says, "If they think you're powerful or interesting or a threat to them, they might want you." He looks at Zero and adds, "That goes for you and the fuzzy guy too."

Freyja nods gravely to Zero... then blinks again, looking back at Fhazil, "They... 'collect' people?!"

Zero smiles, "A threat? Me? Tch. Nonsense." He waves his book at the others, "I am a scholar."

Freyja says, "How... bizarre. I'm not quite used yet to thinking of might making right... rather than making responsibilities."

Fhazil says, "They'd rather have you with them than against them -- and an ally is better than an enemy or a body." Manishsha listens carefully, being inconspicuous -- which is easy for an over-large bunny-looking creature. It is not every day he can get advice on the Sith from a friendly Sith. He considers calling Sarn, but decides to just tell him later.

Freyja is silent for a moment. Finally she says slowly, "Heya! That explains why the Dark Lord's not yet married then! I... understand, I think." She's silent another moment, then adds dryly, "I do not envy him this dance he's tangled in, if so."

Fhazil says, "No, I can't envy him either. He may have the best and the brightest around him, but the risks of having them there are serious. He must be a peachy dancer, to mangle a metaphor."

Freyja grins ruefully, "Well, we'll just have to convince them all we're not interesting partners -- that's all there is to it!"

Vakkal says, "If it's not already too late. And if it is, we'll just have to make the best of it." Freyja gives Vakkal a ruefully worried glance -- but says nothing. Vakkal gives himself a little shake, sending some stray tufts down. Manishsha tchs companionably about that. Vakkal says, "You were looking for a comm unit, Freyja. Do you still want one?"

Freyja blinks, then smiles and shakes her head, "Neh, I was looking for a terminal to do a little research on the local area. I was wondering if there was any open wild space nearby... so we could go a-wandering there perhaps? And to check out the local wildlife, so we're not unpleasantly surprised while doing so."

Manishsha says, "This is a hotel. Ask the front desk."

Freyja blinks... then grins, "Well... all right." She suits her action to her words, moving over to a comm to call the front desk and ask. The front desk is happy to provide information. Apparently it's easy. This conference center is built in the middle of a hugepiece of undeveloped forest, which has an opening. They send maps and details of the wildlife to the four's hotel rooms. Freyja is extremely pleased! She thanks them all, and reviews the notes carefully, making plans for later.

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

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