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Realms: These Shattered Stars Logs

Interlude XXIV

As the afternoon lazily drifts into evening, the quartet washes up (with much splashing and giggling) in the little stream, then dresses and heads back towards the hotel. The little faux is delighted to ride along on Zero's shoulder, her bright eyes darting about in fascination and her little nose sniffing incessantly.

From the hotel an interesting tableau appears, with long, trailing shadows cast by the setting sun. The broad, powerful felk strides along with his horned head held alertly out, his long tail swishing somewhat nervously. Flanking him are two pale, slender men with flowing hair the color of the moon, and a dark-furred, strongly built Khar Velosi. All three move with the easy, relaxed, alert stride of warriors, and are crowned with thick wreaths of bright flowers.

Astride the big beast is a woman in black leather, with bare golden arms and hair the color of molten fire pouring down her back. Halfway to the hotel the woman stops, feeds the felk some tasty nibbles, rubs his ears, and sends him back to the forest with her thanks. Then she turns and joins the three men... and they continue peacefully on towards the hotel. The approach of this group doesn't cause too much attention; a few curious Khar Velosi watch them approach and words pass between them, but no one stops them. Most of the people at the hotel have their attention on the luau, as it is reasonably notable.

The space between two of the hotel's buildings is normally concrete walkways with grassy areas between them, and a large berm covered in local plants to offer some color and separation of the buildings. Now, brightly colored lights have been strung all around it, and across the buildings, and torches on the tops of two and a half meter tall poles burn with aromatic smoke in many places.

A long set of heated tables has been set up, where uniformed hotel staff serve some roasted meat to energetic, curious, and seemingly friendly Khar Velosi -- the meat is Tanaabian Plains Hogs, as it turns out -- and traditional side dishes. Warned of the nature of Khar Velosi, the ratio of meat to other food is rather high on the meat side, and this seems to suit the Khar Velosi just fine. A large fire is burning in a big metal pan on short legs that's been set at one end of the berm, throwing warmth and light out in to the gathering night.

Tables, some pressed in to service from other parts of the hotel, and looking a little out of place on the lawns, and chairs have been set around for people to gather and eat. Freyja grins over at Vakkal, waving a hand in the general direction of the cooking food as they approach, "See? Enough meat!"

Khar Velosi, still gathering from the forest, turn up and look at this in happy wonder, surprised at the light and the scents of meat which greet them at the hotel. The hotel staff is happy to serve them drinks, although water and fruit juices seem most popular. The traditional Tanaabian Luau drink is available -- a milky white punch with some fruit showing in it -- but the Khar Velosi don't seem to like it much.

The hotel is also playing some odd music from loudspeakers in the landscaping, which are shaped vaguely like rocks and let music seep forth everywhere. It is not loud, but clearly audible. It is also slightly discordant, with odd stringed instruments providing a long, sustained set of lower notes, and very fast percussion providing the melody. It's likely there's a native dance which goes with it; it's certainly lively enough for that.

The Khar Velosi don't seem that interested in the tables and chairs, and it isn't long before some of these are moved out of harm's way to open up more space in front of the big fire on one of the stretches of grass. Seeing this, the hotel will shortly put the unwanted ones away, perfectly content to keep up with their new guests' preferences.

Fhazil sniffs the air, "Mmm, that smells pretty good." Vakkal nods, "Yes. If it tastes like that too, the other Khar Velosi will be very happy indeed."

Freyja grins again, "Well, then... shall we eat?" She heads for the food, looking around with curiosity and wondering where both the other Jedi and Lord Ghang are.

As the four travelers get closer to the buffet, it becomes clear the hotel has droids serving and loading the heavy platters on and off the tables. Plates, meat, bread, some odd long thin green vegetables that look more like noodles, and a place to eat are all easily gathered. While they are collecting some of the savory, spiced meat from the serving droids, a Khar Velosi comes up and says to Freyja, "Good evening, Teacher."

Vakkal turns, slightly warily, and his expression does not soften much when he sees this is Rhal, one of the males who had been so very suspicious of him on board the Malice. Freyja looks over also, then brightens and replies in the culturally polite form, "Hunter Rhal! How nice to see you again. Have you eaten? How fares your clan?" She puts her plate of food down to reach out a hand and gently run her fingers along the back of his ear in the friendly greeting of a clan mother to another clan's hunter.

Rhal is pleased with this correct greeting, and returns the appropriate greeting of hunter-to-foreign-clan-leader. He says, "It is good to see you again as well, Teacher. I fear I did not think to ask you your name when we met before, but I was concerned with other things." He smiles, adding, "I have eaten, and well, thank you. The food was better than any of us ever expected, and we are very grateful for the chance to try it."

Freyja beams, "I'm very pleased to hear this! We hoped Lord Ghang would be willing to allow you all to come down here for a day." She adds interestedly, "Have you had a chance to meditate on the teaching, and share your wisdom with others?"

Vakkal loses some of his worried look when he sees the other Khar Velosi is going to behave -- and behave properly -- but he does not go off guard. Fhazil watches Vakkal's reaction carefully, then stands close to him, casually making sure he's there if needed. While it appears Zero is doing nothing more than playing with a very excited faux and feeding her little bits of roast, he too is listening.

Rhal says, "We have all considered your story, and shared it with others. There are few who would have been able to tell such a thing as well, but we would be fools to ignore it." He grins, "We may be overprotective and clannish sometimes, but we do try not to be fools."

Freyja laughs, then grins at the other Khar Velosi, "This is true, hai -- as I have seen from how Sith Lord Ghang speaks of his people." She smiles, picking up her plate and adding, "I am greatly pleased to hear my teaching spoke to your thoughts and your souls. Perhaps we will see reflections of it in how the People behave tonight. I would love to dance with the various clan members -- and I would be deeply touched to see the People here recognize my chosen clan males with kindness, sharing, and friendship tonight." She courteously uses the correct native translation for the Khar Velosi species, rather than referring to them by the Sith name of their planet.

Rhal says, "If there is dancing then you may be able to do just that -- I for one would be happy to try. I believe you will see different behavior from the People, for we have taken your words to heart." The ship-bound Khar Velosi turns to Vakkal and says, "To you I owe an apology. Lord Ghang told us Vakkal of Khar Velos is dead, and we did not listen. I have accused you of being this outcast person, when you clearly cannot be. I hope you can accept my humble apology and forgive me the error of my ways, Vakkal of Balmorra." This apology is accompanied by a warrior-in-submission gesture, where Rhal drops to his knees and put his hands behind his back, looking up, exposed, at Vakkal.

Freyja blinks startledly, then smiles with quiet warmth at Vakkal, waiting for his acceptance of the gesture. Vakkal is quite startled. He sets his plate down on the edge of the serving table so he can return the traditional gesture -- an embrace -- with a very Human-looking peck at each cheek, which is actually a symbolic bite at the throat. Vakkal says, "You have done no wrong, and I bear you no ill, Rhal." Freyja knows that's one of several traditional acceptances -- the one of most-accepting forgiveness. Rhal smiles and returns to his feet.

Freyja's eyes are bright as she thanks Rhal for taking her teachings so deeply to heart, and she is practically glowing with happiness as she hugs first Vakkal, then Rhal. Once she's picked up her plate again she cheerfully adds, "I look forward to the dancing later, Hunter. For now, the feasting of the successful clans, hai?"

Rhal smiles, "Yes, Teacher. I will look forward to it, and let you and your clan enjoy your repast." So saying, he makes his exit.

Freyja beams at Vakkal, her eyes bright with emotion, "So... how do you feel, beloved?"

Vakkal says, "That's a good word," then hugs Freyja happily, murmuring, "You've given me everything, Freyja. I don't know how to describe what these things mean."

Freyja smiles, softly nuzzling his cheek as he hugs her. Her mental whisper is gentle, You have told me, at least a little, sweetheart... when you shared your emotions and memories with me. How could I not try my best, when you trusted me so intimately?

Vakkal returns a gentle nuzzle and a warm wash of happiness and contentment. After a moment Fhazil says, "Why don't we go find some grass to settle on before we hold things up here too much?" He's gentle, though, and nobody's unhappy; folks just move around them, grinning at them in a friendly way.

Freyja grins shyly at Fhazil, then nods, collecting her plate and following the others to a clear patch. Dinner is shared -- a little messy, fun, and giggly for Freyja. She's having a truly lovely time, being intimate with four of her dearest, and laughing at the astonishingly cute antics of the little faux kit trying to get just one more teensy piece of roast please please please!

Eventually the faux gets sleepier than she is hungry, and she climbs up into Zero's lap, turns around three times, and determinedly goes to sleep there. Since Zero is leaning on Fhazil, and Fhazil is leaning against Vakkal, it would be tricky for any of them to leave without upsetting her. Freyja, on Vakkal's other side, is mostly unencumbered, although warm and cuddly since Vakkal and Fhazil are both easily at hand.

Freyja sighs contentedly, looking around at the scattered clumps of Khar Velosi. She's very happy with how things have gone so far. Hopefully the Khar Velosi will enjoy the dancing later, and go back to the Malice in an extremely good mood -- and share the information of how nice Republic folks can be with the rest of the Malice' crew!

Then she wonders idly where the other two Jedi and the Sith lord are. Have they had a good evening too so far? Manishsha meanders up as if in response to Freyja's idle wondering. He smiles, "Well, all my worry was for naught. The Khar Velosi have been excellent guests, and seem perfectly happy to be here. I've even talked to some who speak Aurabesh and were willing to talk to the scary Jedi. Sarn's still talking to them."

Freyja giggles at the Kushiban's comments, then nods, "Hai, we talked to some too. On the whole they've politely kept mostly to themselves. I figure the dancing later will cause more mixing." She giggles, "Bet Master Sarn's just thrilled to be able to talk to a new species about their culture, hai?" Curiously she adds, "D'you know where Sith lord Ghang is?" She adds more seriously, "Thank goodness there weren't any other sniper cells."

Manishsha settles and says, "Yes, that's right. Sarn's in seventh heaven about now, and surprised his being a Jedi Master hasn't put them all completely off. As far as I can tell they don't seem terrified of that, which is good." He adds, "I think Lord Ghang is around someplace. He was earlier. He'd been talking to Khar Velosi in the Lobby earlier, where it was a little quieter."

Freyja nods and smiles, "Well, there's only one of him, and an awful lot of them, and he's not done anything to spook them... so I'm not surprised they're willing to talk to Master Sarn. He's nice." She thinks a moment, then curiously adds, "Wonder what Ghang's talking to them about?"

Manishsha adds, "Yes, no more snipers. No real surprises at all, which is a good thing for everyone. Some of the Khar Velosi did apparently spend half the afternoon following a Great Cat around, or something with a name like that, but they swear they just followed it around to keep in practice. I believe them."

Freyja giggles, "Ah, the scary mountain catta, hai! One of the little green rattatosk-like guys told Vakkal and I about them."

Manishsha says, "I don't know what Lord Ghang and the Khar Velosi were discussing. I don't speak Sith. It could be the plan to overthrow Tanaab tomorrow, but I seriously doubt it."

Freyja grins... then looks mischievous, "Wish we could hear it, or a recording!" Then she looks a bit sheepish, "All right, that's nosy of me... sorry."

Manishsha gives Freyja an odd look, then says, "One of the green what told you? And what good would it do you to hear..." He stops, then says, "Oh, I see. Don't tell Sarn, or he'll make you teach him too."

Freyja says, "Teach him what? How to talk to animals?" She grins a little ruefully, "Don't know if I could teach him, really. It just... well, happened one day, you know?"

Manishsha says, "No... how to speak Sith." He looks at the relaxed Fhazil and Vakkal, then says, "I hadn't thought of that, but you've had ample time to discuss that, haven't you?" He sounds quietly impressed.

Freyja says, "Oh!" She blushes faintly, then adds softly, "Don't tell, please. We don't know if it will make a difference on Ziost or neh... so we're just staying quiet about it for now."

Fhazil says sleepily, "She made me teach her! It's not my fault! She said if I didn't... she'd ask and ask and ask and ask until I told her everything we heard. And she tickled me..." Zero snickers. Freyja grins, her blush getting darker.

Manishsha laughs brightly, then says, "Yes, I can see how that would be a terrible threat." He calms a little and says, "I won't mention it, no. The less they think we know, the happier I am."

Freyja smiles and nods quietly, then curiously asks, "So... has Ghang had dinner yet?"

Manishsha says, "Yes, he ate very early, and is now talking to whomever wants to talk to him in the Lobby. Apparently many of the Khar Velosi are taking the chance to have some informal words with their leader. I suspect he's usually busy and not immediately available to them. He and an aide and his soulguard have been seeing them in ones and twos. I don't see a queue forming, but I suspect there's an unspoken order at work as to who sees him when."

Freyja ahs and nods. She thinks that's incredibly nice of the Sith lord, to make himself available like that to his people -- even if he did foil her half-thought plan to bring him something to eat, and see if she could hear anything interesting while she was there!

Manishsha says, "I know Randal was talking to Lord Ghang all afternoon before the Khar Velosi came back. I thought it was preparing for this, but who knows what he might have worked in. He said he wanted to talk to you privately before we leave Tanaab. I suspect he'll be around eventually, or catch you tomorrow."

Freyja looks interested and nods, "All right, that'd be fine!" She grins, adding, "I suspect we all have quite a bit of planning to do... especially if we're to head off for Garqi first, and join you all at Ziost later."

Manishsha stands and says, "I suspect that is what he wants to talk to you about; I haven't heard that possibility mentioned to Lord Ghang yet, though. Randal's working on it."

Freyja nods, then waves as the little Kushiban hops away. To the others she interestedly says, "So... how're you guys on trying to go find Kalatis, hm? I sure hope there're some Jedi there we can hand him over to... I really don't want to take him to Ziost without a Republic trial first."

Zero says, "The same is really true for Balin Khoud, too. I don't know how that's going to pan out. Will Lord Ghang be willing to take us all with him and leave Khoud behind?"

Freyja says, "Hai, but Khoud's already being held by the Jedi, and the Sith Lord's already agreed to wait for his body until we're done with him first." She grins ruefully, "So to speak..."

Zero says, "Hopefully the same will be true with Kalatis."

Vakkal suggests, "Why would it be any different?" and Fhazil says, "It's not in the Empire's best interest to hurry that along, is it?"

Freyja nods thoughtfully, looking around, "Hai. Still... someday I truly want to find out why the Sith farseers are so tweaked by those two." Then she grins at Fhazil, "True. The Sith Moot doesn't strike me as the hasty types, at least so far."

A feminine Khar Velosi voice says, "Oooh!" and then they hear the sound of someone bounding over. Vakkal looks up and says quietly, "Incoming."

Freyja laughs, melodramatically shielding her head with both bare, upflung arms, "Aiieeee! Enthusiastic Khar Velosi-ness!" She giggles, sitting up to grin at the energetic female, "Heiyo, Saleyn! You've met Vakkal already -- here are my other clan males, Fhazil and Zero!"

Saleyn bounds over and sits down next to Freyja with a, "Hey, I heard that!" directed at Vakkal. She grins widely at Freyja and gives her a warm greeting hug/nuzzle before she continues, "You have a lovely clan, Freyja. I wish we were staying longer. I'd try and get you all to come spend the night with me and some friends." She grins lasciviously at them all, particularly Vakkal.

Vakkal's ears redden. Freyja laughs again, half at Saleyn's irrepressible good nature and half at Vakkal's reaction! She grins, adding, "Thank you, Saleyn, you're very kind. I consider myself quite fortunate -- very blessed! -as far as my clan-mates." Cheerfully she adds, "I suspect we'll see each other again sometime, since it looks like we all may be going to Ziost at some point!"

Saleyn smiles, "We shall see. If we've learned anything, it's not to worry too much about what orders will come next." She moves over to give Vakkal a warm hug/nuzzle, probably longer than it should traditionally be. Vakkal doesn't seem to mind much. She then moves to greet Fhazil as well, saying, "I think we've met, but it's nice to see you've got a good clan-mother." Fhazil grins and happily returns Saleyn's greeting. Zero is a little less comfortable with this, even though Saleyn is quite uninhibited about snuggling up closely to the Human. Once she's satisfied, she pauses and says, "Oh! Hi, there! Who are you?" and tickles the sleepily blinking faux under the chin.

Freyja grins, "A new adoption, it looks like. She apparently decided Zero is 'new-mommy'!"

Saleyn laughs happily and says, "That's so nice!" and hugs Zero again. Once done, she bounds back over and settles next to Freyja, cheerfully snuggling up to her and saying, "So how did you ever find such a beautiful family, hmm?"

Freyja blinks at that question, then grins a bit bemusedly, "I... well... I don't really know, Saleyn!" She thinks a bit, then says a touch uncertainly, "Well... my namesake on my homeworld is the Bright Lady of Golden Fortune -- at least that's one of her titles." She grins, "As Light Mantle of the triat, maybe I'm lucky enough to embody that a bit better than I'd hoped?" Her grin gets mischievous as she adds, "Golden Freyja did always bring fortune to whomever she'd last taken to her bed, after all." She winks cheerfully at Vakkal, who turns a charming pink around the ears again!

Saleyn laughs again and snuggles up with Freyja, putting her between herself and Vakkal, and giggling, "It would be easy to want to join you, even without that kind of benefit." She settles in and is warm and relaxed, asking, "So, do you know what happens next, Freyja?" The female Khar Velosi's sharp eyes never stop, looking about constantly at Freyja, Vakkal, Zero, the fire in its big fire-pan, the crowd, or the serving-droids.

Freyja relaxedly murmurs, "Next? As in the universe, or as in tonight? For the former, don't really know... but for the latter I think games and dancing?"

Saleyn settles a little and says, "Oh, I wouldn't expect you to know for the universe. I don't even know if I'd expect Lord Ghang to know that. But for tonight, dancing sounds good." Her eyes glitter in the firelight as she grins and asks, "Do you think your clansmen would dance with me, Freyja? I'll be good and bring them back, I promise!" She giggles cheerfully.

Freyja chuckles lazily, looking around and noting most of the Khar Velosi have finished eating and are generally relaxing -- and it's gone to full dark, with the feline-style eyes of the Khar Velosi occasionally flashing a lovely lambent green in the firelight. "Well, why not see if you can get the musicians to start up for the dancing, mm?"

Saleyn says, "Oooh, good idea!" and gets up as if to dart off and accost them this very moment. She looks around, ears perked curiously, then looks down at Freyja and asks, "Do you know where they keep them?"

Freyja says, "Neh, but I bet the droids do." She points, "Ask that one, perhaps?" She grins at the others as Saleyn dashes off, then pulls her fire-streaked hair back so she can dance more easily, "The respite is but temporary, you know... dancing soon, aiyah!"

Vakkal says, "Sometimes I have to wonder why I don't just enjoy having her around. She's a lot of fun -- but so embarrassing!" Fhazil chuckles, "If only I'd known how much she liked Humans before!" Vakkal pokes him, and Freyja snorts amusedly.

It isn't long before hotel staff comes out and starts doing some things in groups. Whether or not this is because of Saleyn's interference is unclear, but things begin happening.. Music starts off to one side, a couple of live musicians playing along with the background music. A couple of brave and athletic hotel staff also try to exhort some of the Khar Velosi to dance. Saleyn is one of the first to dance, and her exuberance and charm -- not to mention her utter lack of personal space -- soon have several of the Khar Velosi dancing.

Freyja grins and cheerfully joins Saleyn, dragging Vakkal along, "Oh, c'mon! You'll like it, really! 'Sides, Zero doesn't dance, and Fhazil's being snuggled by him." She giggles, "All right, so I had to drag you out from under him... still!"

Khar Velosi dance well. They seem to have all the endurance in the world, being able to run all day, and able to move along smoothly and quickly. Some of the Tanaabian dance steps require some jumping, which the Velosi are not as good at, but they try it cheerfully. The lawn begins to show the effects of clawed dancers, but nobody seems to mind. As well as dancing, another group has gotten the attention of some different people. They're talking to them and laughing, singing a cheerful singsong while trying to get them to dance under a pole.

Freyja dances with gleeful abandon, weaving light-footedly between the dancing Khar Velosi as necessary, and occasionally happily rubbing up against Vakkal, who is happy to be rubbed against. The dance seems to encourage that anyway, and Freyja's cheer soon makes it clear to the other Velosi they should not be rude, but don't have to stay away from her.

The hotel's staff -- trained xenosociologists all -- are also clearly willing to indulge in the rather warm caresses the dance encourages, laughing merrily. Vakkal dances happily with Freyja, and no less happily (if a little surprisedly) with the other Khar Velosi there. The dance seems to mix everyone together, getting everyone to know everyone else. There is a lot of laughter and broad furry forms rubbing cheerfully against one another.

Freyja is deeply enjoying herself. The firelight and the diffused lighting from the hotel light the scene in dancing golds, scarlets, and the occasional flash of silver, and she knows on an intellectual level many would find this a terrifying and Hela-cursed place, full of leaping, fanged, furred aliens... but to her the moment is transcendent. The music sings down to her very bones, calling forth the atavistic joy of movement and pleasure, the inherent truth of shared pleasure and sapience.

Freyja sings along softly with one of the songs she vaguely recognizes from one of Syffie's pseudo-historic holovids,
"Would that you could meet the sun and the wind
with more of your skin and less of your raiment,
For the breath of life is in the sunlight
and the hand of life is in the wind,
Who art thou, O Fairest One! Auspicious One!
You whose hands hold both delight and pain?
Both the shade of death and the elixir of immortality,
Are thy grace, O Mother!"

Oddly appropriate, she thinks, that such a song should occur tonight, amongst the so-called 'primitive' Khar Velosi and in the Republic -- and in peace.

The dance continues a long time, what with the Khar Velosi' long endurance and the hotel's cleverness at being able to use recordings if the musicians need a break. The big fire burns down slowly, and the music begins to be slower as well. Even Khar Velosi finally slow down, and many slip off to the rooms that wait for them in the hotel, the hotel's night-staff able and willing to help with whatever they need. The dance thins and breaks up amidst much laughter and clapping.

It seems the other group is still going strong, though, and many of the dancers go over to sit and watch, settling in companionably warm groups on the ground. Freyja will gladly end up there, watching as she's curled up snugly with her beloveds. She's not familiar with this... a sort of stick dance, it looks like?

Zero finds Freyja and Vakkal, and is happy to curl up with them also, a sleeping faux curled up on his shoulder and in his hood. Saleyn and a friend of hers also join them. Fhazil is not immediately visible, only noticed when the crowd watching the dance with the pole roars with Khar Velosi approval. Freyja blinks, then grins! Figures Fhazil's dancing here -- he always was the roguish acrobat, unable to resist a challenge!

The "pole dance" is actually sort of a challenge. Saleyn bugs someone nearby and comes back with the answer, "It's a contest -- who can get under the pole with it set the lowest. They've apparently been doing them all night, with the winners collected up for this last round. Fhazil's one of them, as is -- of all people -- Lord Ghang!"

Freyja's eyes widen in startlement -- then she giggles incredulously, "Lord Ghang?! Oh, my -- this I gotta see!"

One of the hotel staff and a Khar Velosi who looks a little older and more sedate are watching as a Human goes under the pole. The exercise looks easy... until the observers see how they have to get under it. The challenged must walk under the pole while leaning over backwards. Touching it or the ground is not allowed. A young Human, one of the hotel staff apparently, bends over backwards and easily shuffles under the pole. It is still pretty high; about Freyja's shoulder height.

The contest goes pretty well. Randal Sarn is also competing, standing and cheerfully talking to two Khar Velosi who were the other winners. Each contestant -- Sarn, Ghang, the two Khar Velosi, and the hotel staffer -- bend over backwards and make their way under the bar with laughter and encouragement from the crowd. After the last one finishes, the person overseeing the game calls out, "Now, that was way too easy, especially for this group! What say we make it harder?" The crowd claps and whistles encouragement.

Freyja grins, shaking her head in incredulous amusement. It's somehow weirdly appropriate, though, that the varying Forces should find enjoyment in such a friendly, fun form of confrontation.

Grinning at the expected positive response, the referee turns a knob on the side of the bar, and it sinks downwards about fifteen centimeters. He looks back at the crowd and says, "That look good, or should we lower it some more?" The crowd laughs, and cries of, "Lower! Lower!" are easily heard. Acting as if she's given in, the referee says, "Ohay, we can do that!" and lowers the bar again, letting it settle down another fifteen centimeters. Its antigrav hums quietly and the ref says, "Ohay, let's see how we do!"

The competition goes easily -- everyone again passes this second level. The bar is lowered another fifteen centimeters. One of the Khar Velosi falls this time, not being as flexible and balanced as the others. The referee applauds brightly, then pulls the Khar Velosi over to give him a little keepsake from the hotel and asks the crowd to cheer his efforts. The crowd, easily manipulated by this master show-woman, does so, and the now-disqualified contestant goes to sit down. It appears friends in the crowd happily welcome him too.

The woman from the hotel who's running the competition keeps things moving, and over the course of several more rounds the hotel staff member and then the other participating Khar Velosi lose their balance and their place. They are each given a little bauble from the hotel and cheered for their efforts. Freyja grins, happily falling into the crowd's ambiance. She cheers with the others as some of the contestants are successful, and with the crowd groans in sympathy when some of the contestants fail.

Lord Ghang, Fhazil, and Master Sarn are the last left. Ghang looks energetic and smiles brightly; Fhazil looks as if he's ready to take on the world; and Sarn looks happy, if a bit tired and a little like he's not sure how he got where he is now. Manishsha watches warily from the sidelines.

Freyja giggles in spite of herself -- she's delighted to see Fhazil having a good time with his former lord, and (quite frankly) astonished to see the Sith Lord relaxing and enjoying himself so! She wonders a little curiously why the Kushiban seems worried, though, smiling and tilting her head to indicate he's welcome to join them if he wishes?

The little Kushiban is probably worried at what will happen if Sarn wins. How would Lord Ghang react? The bar has gotten quite low, and all three of the Force users make it under a couple of times in a row. Sarn, the least militant and flexible of them, finally falls to the ground. The crowd says, "Awww!" then cheers and whoops as Sarn is helped up. The Human bows to the crowd, then waves happily. He accepts his little trophy and leaves the ring smiling, with Fhazil and Ghang applauding.

Freyja grins and cheers, waving to Sarn along with the others. She's not surprised the poor guy didn't make it, what with the amount of sleep he's been getting recently. She grins, leaning to whisper to the others, "I'm betting Fhazil will win -- he's shorter and leaner than the Si'yul!" She grins internally, a bit mischievously, wondering if her half-joking commentary about Fortune coming to her lovers will bear through!

The Kushiban leads Sarn over to what he considers a "safe" spot. His surety of this declines greatly when Saleyn asks Freyja, "What's your friend's name?" and slides over to snuggle up to Sarn, saying, "Hi!"

Freyja laughs, then grins and properly introduces them, "Jedi Master Sarn, this is Saleyn, whose proper title I fear I do not know." She grins and adds mentally to Vakkal, Neh, we are not going to use 'the Lascivious!' as her title, silly!

Vakkal tells Freyja, I agree then leans over and gestures to Manishsha, saying, "Don't worry, she won't hurt him." Saleyn says, "Oooh! An Jedi Master!" She realizes she's snuggling him and gets a little nervous, saying, "Uh, hi."

Sarn smiles and returns the hug and a Khar Velosi nuzzle -- apparently he's picked that up sometime through the evening. He also gives a Khar Velosi greeting, "It is good to meet you, fair Saleyn." The intonation sounds traditional, and Saleyn's relaxing suggests she's not worried about him being angry any more. She says, "On board ship, I am 'engineer,' which is very boring. I'd rather be your friend."

Vakkal snorts, and has to cover his inexplicable laughter with a mild coughing fit. Sarn takes this to mean... something, and says, "I'm happy to know you too, Saleyn. I hope we can all be friends someday." Freyja giggles! Saleyn's funny, to her. Who better to promote Freyja's theory of sexually happy people not being that interested in killing other folks -- than someone who really, really enjoys sexual fun?

The competition has continued while this goes on, Lord Ghang and Fhazil both making it under one more notch. Ghang is looking tired by this point, and says something to Fhazil, who grins. The ref lowers the bar, and they go again. Almost immediately Lord Ghang tips over backwards and lands on the ground, laughing cheerfully. Fhazil helps him up, while the ref is already talking to the crowd, getting a big round of approval for the Lord and, oh yeah, the winner! They're each given a sparkly thing of the same size from the hotel's gift shop, and with that the game ends. Fhazil looks around, then heads over, smiling cheerfully. Lord Ghang waves to some people and makes his way off too, but towards the hotel.

Freyja laughs, happily cheering Fhazil -- well, actually she realizes she's just cheering along with the crowd because it was fun. She smiles, considering that. It was fun -- a lot of fun. She's quietly pleased. The Khar Velosi will probably never know precisely how this affair came about, but it doesn't really matter to her. What matters is... Sith and Jedi came together and had a lovely, fun, sharing evening. That's what's important, she thinks.

Fhazil comes over to his beloveds and finds someone to snuggle with. Freyja and Vakkal look warm and inviting, so he cuddles up with them. Freyja grins and hugs Fhazil, giving him a kiss on the cheek in congratulations. He looks over at Saleyn, blinks twice, then says to Vakkal, "Is that Master Sarn?" Vakkal nods, and Fhazil settles back, slowly trying to wrap his head around that one. He gives up.

Freyja giggles, "Hey, you were the one doing the, uh... the stick dance with the Si'yul!"

Vakkal giggles, and Fhazil says, "I can't believe you just said that. I also can't believe it wasn't an euphemism for something else." He adds, "It's harder than it looks. I was surprised to see Lord Ghang come play. I was also surprised to see Master Sarn. I was a little worried it would get ugly, but everybody seems happy enough." He looks over at Sarn, who definitely seems happy. Saleyn seems happy too, but all that takes is for someone new and interesting to pay attention to her, which she has.

Freyja grins mischievously and nips Fhazil's ear, then murmurs, "Aren't you lucky I brought you good fortune then, mmm?" She giggles and cuddles up warmly with him, contentedly relaxing for the evening with her beloveds and some friends.

Much later the morning inexorably comes, as mornings usually do. This wakens four sleeping people and a green vixen, and they all spend a while stretching in luxurious happiness and warmth, and just generally enjoying each other's presence.

Eventually, though, the comm bleeps for attention. Vakkal slithers out of bed to answer it, and is heard to say, "Yes. Yes. Okay." He comes back and says, "That was Master Sarn. He'd like to have breakfast with us, if we can. I told him I'd ask, but I expected we'd be able to."

Freyja mms lazily, stretching all the way out to her slender golden fingers and toes, like a cat... then sighing contentedly and curling up against her lovers again, "Hai, s'fine with me. Bath first, though!"

Vakkal says, "I told him we'd see him in an hour and a half." That turns out to be plenty of time for a bath and the rest of the pleasant morning snuggling. At the appointed time the four travelers (plus one green faux) turn up at Sarn's conference room/office. Sarn greets them, seeming happy and well rested.

Freyja grins as she settles in her chair, "Master Sarn, I had neh idea such... athleticism was required to accomplish your elevated status within the Order!" She giggles, teasing gently. Then she curiously adds, "Did you know why Watcher Manishsha looked a bit worried for part of the stick dance?"

Sarn smiles, "You do what you have to do, young Padawan. The suggestions put forth by the Khar Velosi lady you introduced me to were far more athletic." He pauses, then says, "Manishsha was concerned for the chance of negative reactions should Lord Ghang not win, or should something happen to start that crowd of aliens towards unhappiness. I felt there would be nothing to worry about, as they were well-behaved and sensible the entire time they were with us."

Freyja laughs regarding Saleyn's suggestions, then smiles, "I would agree there seemed little need for worry." Then she amusedly asks, "I wonder if the Si'yul was worried for the same reason?"

Sarn says, "Let us order some food." He takes notes of what people want and sends that off to room service. He then answers Freyja's question, "I don't know; I didn't feel I could ask him. I do know I hadn't planned to do anything so silly, but one of the hotel staff suggested it. I believe they also suggested it to Lord Ghang, never thinking we'd both do it. Luckily it worked out well."

Freyja giggles delightedly, "Well, good for the staff members then!" She grins, adding, "I take it the Khar Velosi are enjoying a meat-heavy breakfast even now, before heading back to the Malice?" She curiously adds, "Why didn't you feel you could ask the Si'yul what he felt about his people's probable reactions?"

Sarn is told by the hotel staff that they're busy, so come to the buffet like everyone else. He chuckles at that, then says, "We've been invited to join the hotel buffet today." He answers Freyja's question by saying, "Oh, I might have asked him that. I wasn't as worried about his people's reactions as I was about his, and that's a little too personal to ask, and sounds a little too much like 'I don't trust you.'"

Freyja says, "Ah! Hai, that does sound different." She giggles at the hotel's response, standing to head out for the buffet with the others as she cheerfully adds, "Well! Sounds like they're finally relaxing around us all -- good!" She glances inquiringly at Fhazil and Vakkal, "I'd have guessed the Si'yul would be fair, even if he didn't want to lose. Hai/neh?"

Fhazil says, "Yes, I'd think that would be the case, particularly for something as clearly recreational as this. But how could Master Sarn know?"

Freyja grins, "He couldn't. I was just curious as to whether or not I was guessing correctly." She almost skips down one sun-lit hallway on the way to the buffet, adding cheerfully, "Yesterday was lots of fun!"

The whole group goes down to the hotel restaurant, which is full of buffet. Most of the Khar Velosi take their food outside so as to sit on the grass in the sunlight -- both of which are hard to come by on board. Freyja thinks that's a wonderful idea -- she also misses sunshine and grass! Soon she's comfortably flopped out on the ground, giggling as she feeds round, blue, little grape-like things to her lovers and herself.

Sarn takes a healthy helping, like the other Humans but a little less meat-heavy than the Velosi, who seem to want almost entirely that. After he's had a few careful bites he says, "It was a good day, and a good night, yes." A bright, familiar laugh sounds, and Sarn blinks and looks around nervously. It seems he's picking up habits from Fhazil and Vakkal now.

Freyja giggles, rolling over to rest her head on Vakkal's knee and grin up at the approaching Khar Velosi woman, "Heiyo there, Saleyn! How're you and your brethren doing this lovely morning?" She adds cheerfully, "Any sign of the Sith lord yet? Did you get a chance to talk with him yesterday in the lobby too?"

Saleyn smiles, "We are well. This has been a very nice change from waiting for nothing to happen aboard the ship." She beams at Sarn and says, "Hello, too-stuffy-Jedi-Master," then nuzzles him cheerfully. He actually pinkens a little; this seems to be a common effect Saleyn has on people.

Freyja laughs aloud at Master Sarn's new appellation! Once her attention is unburdened, Saleyn answers Freyja, "No, I didn't, but I didn't want to. My friend Ton did, though."

Freyja says, "Oh, he did?" Curiously she asks, "What were folks talking to him about? There's nothing wrong, is there?"

Saleyn, having apparently already eaten, sits down cheerfully in Sarn's lap, picks up his plate, and begins feeding him. Sarn says intelligently, "Oof!" at having her there. She is actually more careful than she looks; most of her weight is not on him and he could probably get away if he really felt the urge.

Saleyn answers Freyja's question by saying, "Oh, this and that. When will we be leaving, what shift will so-and-so be on, did we get parts for this to get fixed, etc. Mostly concerns they're having that they aren't sure are getting attention. A note from Lord Ghang gets that attention." She sits and strokes Sarn's long, grey hair with clawed hands as she adds, "Unlike many Lords, Lord Ghang really does want to know. It's one of the reasons he's so well-liked by those who work for him."

Freyja blinks startledly, still a little taken aback when people she knows aren't lovers are so intimate with their food -- then she sternly reminds herself it's simply different for other cultures! She smiles and nods, "Hai, I'd gotten that feeling from folks... and from him, actually." She sighs quietly, adding a little worriedly, "I... hope the Sith lord is not, um... unique amongst Sith lords, or I fear we will have little to fruitfully discuss on Ziost."

Saleyn looks a little downcast at that, saying, "They are not all as thoughtful of the people who do much of their work, no." She brightens, adding, "This does not mean the conversation will not be fruitful."

Freyja worriedly twirls a small strand of fiery gold hair back and forth between her fingers, wondering if there's any possible preparation they could -- or should -- be doing before leaving. Then she curiously asks Saleyn, "You've been to Ziost, hai? Have you met the Dark Lord himself?" Saleyn laughs and says, "While I've been to Ziost, I have never had the honor of meeting the Dark Lord." She smiles and leans warmly against Sarn, adding, "I have been told he is a beautiful and thoughtful Sith Lord who respects everyone around him, even his enemies. An outcast, low-born, odd-race girl like me can only dream of meeting one such as he."

Freyja blinks, digesting that odd statement slowly. Also, she'd never heard anything about the Dark Lord being beautiful before -- just scarily intense. Finally she says puzzledly, "Outcaste? Odd race? I... don't understand, Saleyn? And... how could a conversation be fruitful if the lords involved don't care about the people they're speaking for?"

Saleyn smiles, "Outcast, as in 'thrown out of Khar Velos,' like your Vakkal. I'm not welcome there any more than he would be were he still alive. I refused to bow and scrape to the Clan Leaders and refused to give up the things I had learned on board Malice. My home is Malice, and my family is her crew. I'm an odd race to be meeting the Dark Lord. I'm not Sith or Massassi, or even Human or Arkanian. I'm a member of a servant race. We're not respected because there aren't many of us and our home world is primitive."

She looks at Freyja's face and adds, "It's not as bad as it sounds; I have people who care about me and work to do, in a place I'm wanted. That's all any of us need."

Freyja just stares in silent startlement. She has neh idea what to say. Finally she confusedly says, "A... servant race?! How unconscionably rude!"

Sarn murmurs, "That's not how it has to be, you know."

Freyja says, "And... well, hai, it doesn't! We have aristoi and kurasai on my world, but -- but that doesn't mean we're not all keenly aware how dependent we are on each other! And they're not our property or anything!" She takes a few deep breaths, collecting herself -- she knew intellectually there had to be attitudes like this in the Empire, but it's still a shock to come face to face with such a graphic example.

Finally Freyja says indignantly, "Look, you tell your people -- and Lord Ghang, too, 'cause I'm not trying to sneak anything -- you tell them if they want another place to stay and live and grow and thrive, that they should come to my family lands, all right? That's just -- I mean, that's just horrible, to be considered that way!" She folds her arms, looking upset. "Sorry. I just... I'm sorry, I just feel that's so wrong to think of people that way!"

Saleyn says, "Oh, Khar Velosi aren't property or anything, and I don't think it's written anywhere that we're servants -- but everybody knows it. The Khar Velosi belong to the Lord of Khar Velos. We're all just very happy it's a good Lord, like Lord Ghang."

Sarn comments softly, "See? I told you I wasn't the only one who would help you if you wanted it. All you have to do is ask."

Freyja gives Sarn a startled glance -- then laughs! "Oh, dear... I guess I'm sort of transparent, hai?" Her tone is rueful, but then she looks back at Saleyn and says firmly, "I said the truth, though. You ask Vakkal if you've any questions about me or Balmorra or my keeping my word, hai?" She adds thoughtfully, "I bet the Sedraki nomads would like you too... just off the top of my head. You'd have to check with them and the Sedraki natives like Zero to be sure, of course." Then she blinks as something registers, looking keenly back at Saleyn, "What do you need help with?"

Saleyn smiles, "You are very kind, Padawan Freyja, and I doubt not at all you mean every word you say. But what can any Khar Velosi do when it might mean destruction for the rest of her people? Even if they don't much want me, I can't do something that puts them at risk of reprisal, and I can't get them all to come with me. I've known too many good Khar Velosi who would be very hurt if their families were to be taken from them."

Freyja says, "Oh, I'm not suggesting a mass migration. That wouldn't be good for the Sith Lord, or your people. I'm suggesting if you or other Khar Velosi on the Malice have finished your term of service but don't want to go to the planet Khar Velos... well, if you're looking for a safe tribe and family to belong to, maybe you guys should consider my Haus." She smiles, pulling out her datapad, "Here, I'll make a note to my family. They know your species, so just tell those that genuinely want a good place to live and make home to inform my family I sent you, all right?"

Saleyn answers Freyja's question about help, "I don't need help. Master Sarn let me know that if we wanted to stay here or to leave the Empire, there are those who would help me. And just as he proved he wasn't too stuffy a Jedi to be a lot of fun, he did convince me he was right. You only echo what he said. Jedi Manishsha did as well. I wasn't sure someone so small could sound so very intense, but I've seen it. Even were I to take you up on that offer, though... I'm not enough to do any good, am I?"

Freyja looks up puzzledly from her datapad at the young female, "Your pardon? I don't see what you mean regarding not being any good?" She blinks as another part of what Saleyn said registers, and turns a wicked grin at Master Sarn! -then politely looks away, although she's still grinning at the sudden mental image she got from Saleyn's words!

Saleyn says, "I... maybe I should go. I'm obviously causing some distress." Master Sarn runs gentle fingers up her back, then rubs softly at a spot on the back of her neck as he quietly says, "No, Saleyn, you're not any trouble at all. We just want to make sure you and all of your people are all right." The female Khar Velosi leans against him, "Mmm..."

Sarn doesn't look at Freyja, lest he blush for days; instead he keeps watching Saleyn. After a moment she says quietly, "I'm not enough Khar Velosi to matter. I can't make our people safe from an angry Lord, or be sure they can survive a disaster on a new place... I can only cause them risk."

Freyja says, "Oooh..." She falls silent, understanding now, and considers. Finally she says, "Well... we can at least do one of those thing, hai? We can make sure Sith Lord Ghang is all right with this." She rolls to her feet and grins cheerfully at the others, "Let's ask him! He mentioned to me he was encouraging the retiring Khar Velosi to settle elsewhere as well. Let's find out if he'd mind some of them going to Balmorra, to my home, hai?" She trots off to find out where the Sith lord is, not waiting for the others to recover from their shock. She's beaming slightly -- she thinks this is a great idea, and hopes the Si'yul will like it too.

The startled cry of, "What?!" comes from at least two people, if not more. Sarn, Saleyn, Fhazil, and Vakkal are all looking after her with a very similar shocked look on their faces. Freyja giggles quietly to herself -- she's getting used to that reaction to her suggestions! A bit more seriously (and bemusedly) she wonders why Saleyn and the Khar Velosi seem to have such a poor opinion of themselves. She's found them to be honest, cheerful, strong, loyal, and kind. What's wrong with that?

Ghang is standing at the boarding ramp of the troop carrier the Khar Velosi arrived in, smiling and waving at troops, being on hand as they count noses to get people back to Malice. Freyja steps up to a discreet distance from the Sith lord and gives a small, polite half-bow, "Good morning, honored Sith lord. I've had a thought which I hope you will approve of, which I'd like to share with you at some point, if I may?"

Lord Ghang says, "Would you like to discuss this now, or would more privacy be to your liking?"

Freyja thinks a bit, then whispers to Vakkal, Should something like this be privately discussed?

Vakkal, who has managed to keep up with Freyja despite being flabbergasted, thinks, Yes! If it's something he hates, you can both pretend it didn't happen, if it were done in private.

Freyja ahs! and grins reassuringly at Vakkal, then turns back to answer politely, "Perhaps privately would be best, honored Sith lord?"

Lord Ghang smiles, apparently a little relieved, "I will be free later this afternoon. My staff will schedule something and send a message for you. Will that be acceptable?"

Freyja beams delightedly, "That'd be wonderful, and thank you, honored lord!" She bows politely again, withdrawing so she doesn't distract him from his people, and rejoins the group sitting on the grass, "There we go! We can ask him later today." Cheerfully she adds to Saleyn, "Hey, don't ever feel you're not enough! Were it not for you, I wouldn't know a thing about this, nor have known to ask!"

Saleyn is still sitting with Sarn, who seems to be making no move to leave. She looks confusedly at Freyja, "But... how can one be enough to make sure the rest are safe? You'd need thousands, or hundreds of thousands. I read the math once; biology isn't my area."

Freyja pulls out her datapad again, her slender golden fingers dancing over the pad for a moment. Then she nods, then looks up at Saleyn again, "All right. If the Si'yul agrees, here's what you say to my family: 'we are neh longer midstream and we wish to change slaypneers.' Got that?" She adds firmly, "Neh, you cannot protect everyone -- neh one can! -but you do the best you can for the most you can. That's the best you can do. You cannot expect more than that, hai?"

Saleyn looks helplessly at Vakkal, "Am I not making sense, or is she always this optimistic?" Vakkal says, "She's always this way. You get used to it. Actually, it's wonderful."

Freyja laughs softly, then smiles at Saleyn, "May I tell you a story native to my people, Saleyn? I warn you, I always get teary-eyed when I tell it -- I find it very moving."

Saleyn says, "You tell your story, then I'll tell you my concerns, and we'll see if they make our points."

Freyja nods, drawing a breath to settle herself and give the story the honor it is due... then she starts talking in a curious, unconscious singsong -- an interesting amalgam of Balmorran and Khar Velosi story-telling tradition. "A man is walking along a beach, and he sees the tide has gone out and stranded many, many starfish on the beach. He thinks what a tragedy all these poor creatures will die, and continues strolling along the beach."

Freyja says, "He sees a girl as he walks along, and the girl is busily throwing starfish back into the ocean. He comes up to the little girl and gently explains to her the realities of life -- she cannot possibly save them all; it is hopeless; her actions will ultimately make neh difference."

Freyja says, "The little girl is silent for a long time, thinking hard. Finally she stoops, picks up a starfish, and throws it into the ocean. The man exclaims, 'Did you not understand me? Your actions make neh difference in the grand scheme of things!'" She pauses, feeling the usual upwelling of emotion she gets at this story, and takes another deep breath. Then she continues, "The little girl looks up at the man and says, 'Hai, I understand. But you ask that starfish... if I made a difference.'"

Freyja smiles a bit at Saleyn, rubbing her eyes and saying, "Sorry... I get a little emotional about things like that. I always loved that story."

Saleyn smiles, "That is a nice story. It helps me understand why you believe so strongly in what you do." She pauses for a moment, then says, "But I'm not sure it addresses the concerns I have." She shifts on Sarn's lap, leaning her back against him and pulling his hands around her waist, holding them there warmly.

Looking more directly at Freyja this way, she says, "My fear is that Khar Velosi leaving will make some Lord jealous -- Lord Ghang or another Lord; it hardly matters -- and they'll throw a couple of planet-buster bombs at our one little world. It's not an outrageous fear, either. If that were to happen... well, I don't think that Vakkal and I could repopulate the species by ourselves, y'know, as much as we might try. When I say, 'It's not enough,' I mean it isn't enough people to keep us alive. Not that I'm not enough, or not important... but that until a certain number leave, there's a great risk we'll be stranded, or even cause the destruction of our own species."

Freyja nods encouragingly, "Hai, I understand this, and I think Sith lord Ghang does also, and that it worries him. As I said before, this is something we'd discussed somewhat. But that's not a problem, truly. If necessary, if you wanted to tell folks about this offer and they wanted to settle with Haus Rigg -- if necessary, we could keep the enclave small and secret, or publicly have Ghang's blessings, or whatever! The issue isn't whether or not to do it, any more -- it's how to do it and cause neh bad repercussions for your people. You understand what I mean?"

She curiously adds, "What do you mean by stranded, though?" She smiles, "My family wouldn't prevent you from leaving, if you so wished, any more than they'd do that to any other member of the extended family." She adds dryly, "We have a really big extended family, too -- just ask Vakkal."

Saleyn says, "I meant we'd be stuck on a world with no possible future for our species, even if we hadn't been the cause of it directly." She adds, "Perhaps if Ghang were willing to hide it and it were secret, it might be possible. I don't know why Ghang would encourage it, though. Send away some of his best workers? To the enemy during a war? Whyfor?"

Sarn says, "We hope we can avoid a war. We don't want to be your enemies." Saleyn chuckles, "No, you want very much to be my friend, don't you?" Sarn blushes again.

Freyja laughs ruefully! "Oh, dear, I've not been clear, have I! I meant after the war, Saleyn -- I don't want your people branded traitors or anything!" She sounds a little hurt as she puzzledly adds, "Why would you consider a nice enclave on another world to be neh possible future for your people, though?"

Saleyn leans back against Sarn, snuggling there and mrrping quietly at him, then says to Freyja, "I would think that would be a possible future, yes. What I don't see is a way to safely get there -- even after the war -- that does not put the rest of our people at risk. If I'm wrong... well, that'd be nice, yes. I'd be happy to come live on your world. If your Haus treats people as well as you're treating Vakkal and these other two handsome fellows, then I'm sure there are many who'd feel that way. But how do we get them there without causing a disaster?"

Freyja looks a bit blank, feeling like she's missing something really obvious. "Well... in a ship? I'm sorry, I... I haven't quite grasped what you're worried about, Saleyn. I mean, if other Sith can move safely and sneakily through the Republic, I'd imagine you and yours could too?" A bit confusedly she adds, "Are you talking about... I don't know, a space ark or something?"

Zero ambles up alongside Freyja. "What handsome fellows? Freyja, have we been replaced?" He grins.

Freyja laughs, reaching up to take Zero's hand as he settles next to her, "Neh, silly... you're one of the handsome fellows, didn't you know?" She grins mischievously at Zero, gives him a quick kiss, then looks back inquiringly at Saleyn, "Are you truly saying any of the People moving into the Republic will cause some Sith lord to explode and destroy all the rest of the People?"

Zero says, "Truly! I had no idea." He smiles a bit. "It's a bit unnerving, you know -- these two Khar Velosi women have been eyeing me all night. I'm not sure they know I've seen them; I'm afraid to look, really. It's a bit like being sized up as prey." He settles down next to Freyja, smoothing out his robe. "Moving? Freyja, what have you-" He pauses, looks at Saleyn, Sarn, and then back to Freyja. "Never mind."

Freyja says, "I mean... well, wouldn't they worry about upsetting Sith Lord Ghang?"

Saleyn says, "Maybe it is too obvious to me, and I'm not even saying it. Yes, of course we'd get there in a ship. That's not the hard part. The hard part is keeping horrible things from happening to Khar Velos while people trickle over." She nods, "Any notable number very likely could. The Moot's politics are precarious things. Lord Ghang might have to do such a thing, or others might do it to him. I don't know and can't say. It is, however, a worry we're all aware of. Between that and plagues, it's something all of the females know -- must have kits! Even me, who isn't wanted there."

Freyja giggles at Zero's comment, then grins and deliberately, slowly licks her lips at him. She can't hold in the giggles after that, however! Zero says, "...and how exactly am I to interpret that?"

Freyja ahs softly at Saleyn's explanation, the giggles evaporating in deep thought... which evaporates in turn at Zero's comment! She grins wickedly at him, "Oh, I'm sorry -- thought you wanted to be sized up as prey!"

Saleyn says, "If they were doing it to hurt Lord Ghang -- no, they wouldn't worry. If Lord Ghang was forced to do so to prevent loss of other things, or to keep himself from being regarded as a traitor and killed and tortured... those things can happen." She grins lasciviously at Zero and says, "Oh, never let it be said I didn't do my part there. Lucky for you I'm too tired to do more than admire today, though."

Freyja nods to Saleyn, "All right, now I understand. So it looks like our issues are getting Sith lord Ghang to approve this; keeping the enclave small or dispersed, and secret... and um..." She takes a deep breath, then says firmly, "And, should we ever meet the Dark lord, we'll just have to ask him to give his blessing for that, hai?"

Zero arches a brow and smiles his enigmatic little grin. "I had no idea I was so pleasing to the Khar Velosi aesthetic. Perhaps I shall have to do without my robes later."

Freyja laughs! then grins at Zero, "Tease!"

Zero says, "You say that as if you think I won't."

Freyja considers that, then grins ruefully, "All right, so I cheat a bit saying that. I did dress like the Sedraki nomads, didn't I? So neh, you're not truly a tease."

Saleyn says, "And me leaving the planet soon!" She sighs melodramatically, then adds, "Why not start now?"

Zero smiles a bit and folds his hands in his lap. "One crisis at a time; let us settle this and then we can discuss it."

Saleyn looks back at Freyja, idly running one of Sarn's hand through her fur as she says, "And... Freyja... if you do mention this to the Dark Lord... and he does approve... I will come."

Sarn looks terribly torn by a couple of things. He says, "Normally, I'd assume this wouldn't be something to come up with the Dark Lord, but can only suspect it's now on the agenda for certain -- at least if he meets Freyja." He murmurs something to Saleyn, whose ears (for once) pinken.

Vakkal informs the others (due to his better hearing), Master Sarn said to Saleyn, 'Myself, I hope she meets the Dark Lord. But I'm prejudiced now.'

Freyja grins cheerfully, "Hey, I don't blurt stuff like this out at first meeting! I wait until invited for tea first -- then I blurt!" She giggles, watching Sarn being nice to Saleyn, then awws! quietly in a mental whisper to Vakkal. She adds curiously, I wonder what he's prejudiced about, and why that should embarrass Saleyn? -oh! I get it -- he hopes Saleyn will come to the Republic! She beams, adding, That's so sweet!

Saleyn's comm feeps once, and she sighs, leaning against Sarn. She says, "If I don't go now they'll wonder what happened to me, and people will be unhappy." She disentangles herself from Sarn, then gives each of them good-bye hugs and such. Freyja smiles, her hug and nuzzle warm for the worried woman. Sarn gets a particularly long nuzzle from Saleyn -- at the end of it he says, "Yipe!" Saleyn nuzzles him again, murmurs, "'Bye, lover," and walks away, looking somehow less jaunty than her usually effervescent self.

Fhazil replies to Freyja, Yeah, I think he does want her to come here. I wonder how he feels about that.

Sarn watches Saleyn walk away until she's out of sight, even as she says a word or two to Lord Ghang, who waves her aboard the ship. The Jedi Master absently rubs his shoulder.

Freyja sighs quietly, watching Saleyn depart, and murmurs, "Poor Khar Velosi." She looks at Vakkal, adding quietly, "They know, don't they? Maybe not the actual data... but they've figured out somehow, even if non-consciously, that it's a losing numbers game on Khar Velos?" Then she looks thoughtfully at Fhazil, How do you mean, sweetheart?

Vakkal says, "They may. The ones in science are more likely to know, which Saleyn is, and knows more who are. They're no fools." Freyja nods quietly, putting an arm around Vakkal to gently hug him close.

Fhazil replies, Well, here he is a Jedi Master, and he gets his bones jumped by a big dog and now can't help but care about her. Does he wonder if it's just lust? Is he happy about it? Does he care? Will it affect his work or his judgment? Is he worried about that? Will it cause unhappiness and strife -- beyond his own? Does he know how she feels about him?

Freyja gives Fhazil an exasperatedly amused look, She is not a dog-frehkee! Then she looks thoughtfully at the Jedi Master, adding, "Forgive my nosiness, please, Master Sarn, but I worry for Saleyn and would not see her hurt if I can help it. May I ask how you feel about her?"

Fhazil replies, You know what I mean! And I know she's not a dog-frehkee. I've never once even flirted with a frehkee, and I'd jump in the sack with Saleyn in a minute.

Freyja gives Fhazil an incredulous, half-smiling/half-shocked stare for a moment -- then firmly looks back at Master Sarn. Zero glances surreptitiously over his shoulder at Fhazil's comment, as if reminded of something. He doesn't think it, but the emotional resonance is clear: aretheystillthere?

Sarn pulls his hand out from under his robes; it is a little red. He stares at it for a moment, then comments to no one, "She bit me." After a moment he looks up at Freyja, "I think I'm an idiot. I also think I'm falling in love, which often goes along with 'idiot.'"

Freyja nods cheerfully, "Hai, they're a very oral race, I've found!" She smiles, leaning to rest a hand lightly on his, "Love isn't idiocy. It's... letting go of the idiocy of social expectations, I think."

Vakkal looks at Sarn and says a little sharply, "She did what?" then "She drew blood?!"

Freyja blinks at Vakkal, then looks more worriedly at Sarn's hand, "Surely not...?"

Sarn says mildly, "I know what my own blood looks like, really. It's just a cut." Freyja pulls out her medkit with her free hand, quietly taking care of the small cut. She glances at Vakkal a touch worriedly over her shoulder... she also knows what that means to a Khar Velosi, for a female to draw blood like that.

Vakkal says, "My," then looks at the ship. He looks back at the older Jedi, "Master Sarn, that's a very old Khar Velosi gesture. It's a form of goodbye reserved for trueloves, not just lovers, when they're being separated. Usually it was warriors going off to fight and not expecting to come home alive. Whatever you did last night, it meant a great deal to Saleyn." He notes, "The symbolism was not to forget the other as long as the bite still hurt, and that over time the loss would heal as did the wound."

Freyja sits back, the slight wound cleaned and bandaged, and sighs quietly. She wishes she knew some way to lighten Saleyn's mental load... the poor woman seems almost crushed by it, despite her emphatic insistence on constant gleeful sexual flirtation to hide her worries.

Master Sarn says, "Oh." He then says, "Most of what we did was talk; I said many of the same things Freyja did. I... I did say some other things too, but only after we'd talked a very long time. She is a remarkable person. I really didn't expect it to go where it did, or as far as it did."

Freyja smiles quietly at the older Human, "Master Sarn, I suspect it had a lot to do with your treating her like a worthwhile person." She grins quietly, adding, "You sure you've not had some hetaerae training?"

Zero says, "One would think in a civilized time such as ours that would be a quality less difficult to come by." Freyja nods with quiet sadness to Zero.

Sarn says, "Not that I'm aware of, no. Although I will admit I did treat her like a worthwhile person." He grins and adds, "And I'd do it again, too!"

Freyja chuckles, then sighs quietly again, "Well... I hope the Si'yul likes the idea."

Sarn nods, "Yes, I do too. Hopefully it's because it's a good idea and not my being selfish." He looks at Freyja, then Zero, then Vakkal, then Fhazil, and back to Freyja before saying, "I guess she said some things to me I hadn't heard or even thought in a long time, too. And I missed them. And I wonder why someone else had to say them." He stares at nothing, thinking.

Freyja tilts her head, brushing a wind-blown lock of fiery-gold hair back behind one ear, and says quietly, "May I ask if it had to do with emotion, Master Sarn? What she said, I mean?"

Zero says, "I would imagine it had to."

The Master nods in thought and finally says, "Yes, you could say it did. She reminded me of the fire life could have, and of the joys that can bring." He continues looking at nothing as he adds, "Is that a bad thing for a Jedi to be reminded of?" He looks at Freyja and asks, "Have I succumbed to Darkness; led down the path of rampant emotion?" The question is probably rhetorical.

Zero says, "The question, I would guess, is whether 'having emotions' and 'rampant' are one and the same, as the Order seems to believe."

Freyja smiles and shakes her head, "One of the readings on the hetaerae said something I particularly resonated with." She pulls her datapad, and a moment later reads aloud, "The hetaera asserts that instead of suppressing vision and ecstasy, they should be cultivated and used. Because sensation and emotion are the most powerful sapient motive forces, they should not be crushed out, but harnessed to the ultimate goal. Properly channeled, they can provide an unparalleled source of energy, bringing benefits to society as well as continually increasing ecstasy for the individual. The Light deals in love, and love needs objects. One cannot love nothing. Love means care; and care carried to the limit is perhaps the ultimate social virtue." She looks up and smiles at the older Human, "Never give up on love, Master Sarn."

Sarn says, "What kind of a life would it be to do that? Yet isn't that what we ask people to do? When put that way... it does sound horrible. No wonder many of the Empire are afraid of us. We're making ourselves monsters. They might be right about that."

Freyja adds gently, "Maybe you should call Master Roakkana also, Master Sarn. He would not want you worried and doubting in Ziost, neh more than he wishes us to appear less than we are, and thus tempt the malicious into unnecessary testing of our resolve." She adds a little sadly, "I'm not a proper hetaera, any more than I'm a proper Jedi Knight. I wish I were... I'd help you myself if I could, but I fear you'd worry we were both just deceiving ourselves."

Sarn nods, "I was just thinking the same thing -- that I should speak to another Master, and that yours might be an excellent choice." He adds, "As far as 'not a proper Jedi Knight' goes, you're better than many I've met who assume for all the worlds they are, and have been told so."

Freyja smiles quietly, although it doesn't reach her eyes, "I hope so, Master Sarn... for all our sakes. Master Roakkana was saying Padawans might likely draw the attention of those who'd wish to test us, and who weren't smart enough to realize both that we were well capable of taking care of ourselves -- and that the Si'yul would be very upset."

Sarn says, "We should finish our conversation." He glances at the Sith troop ship, then says, "Shall we go try and get that finished?"

Freyja says, "Oh! Hai, hai, sorry to interrupt that."

Sarn laughs and says, "Breakfast interrupted that, and I suspect the person I spent last night with did far more to interrupt us than you have, Freyja. And honestly I can't complain a bit." Freyja grins cheerfully, following the Human Master back into the hotel.

Once in the conference room Sarn says, "I had asked for a private meeting so I could ask you all about your desires and goals for the next little while."

Freyja looks a bit puzzled, "Your pardon, Master Sarn? Our desires concerning what, please?" She grins confusedly, adding, "Our goal is mutual honorable peace between the Empire and the Republic. For me, at least, that's not changed?"

Zero says, "Not for myself, certainly."

Sarn says, "No, that has not changed. However, how we reach that goal is not yet carved in stone. Let me put it bluntly: do you want to come with us to Ziost, where you may or may not be effective, or do you want to remain here to try and help round up Senator Kalatis?"

Freyja looks a little puzzled again, "The former senator is on Ganqi, Master Sarn. To get there would take us at least two weeks, and he'd doubtless know by then -- unless we've been more careful than I know -- something was up with his former sniper team. While I know I'd be happy to help if we can, how would we be of any use in capturing him? He'll be long gone before we arrive."

Sarn says, "True. But perhaps there will be a lead there you can follow. Or perhaps the Jedi closest can get there before he leaves -- that's in progress and we don't know how it will play out. It's almost irrelevant. The reason I ask is this: I'm not sure what you, or any of us really, will be able to do on Ziost. I think by going we strangle ourselves and are most likely going to be ineffective."

"I believe I can convince Lord Ghang you should go after Kalatis and be involved with that search. He knows you, he trusts you, and I believe he'll find our efforts more effective if you are involved. In addition I believe you will do your best to find what is going on, where I'm not entirely sure I can trust every other group in the Order at this time. There are political forces in play which I do not trust at all, and which do not trust me at all."

Freyja says, "Well, if we can delude Kalatis into thinking all is well with his snipers, by sending clever forgeries, perhaps he'll remain there still?" She considers, then says cautiously, "Define 'strangle ourselves,' please?"

Master Sarn says, "This, too, is true. I was going to ask if Zero thought he could send an all's well signal or otherwise convince Kalatis no move was needed." He explains, "By 'strangle ourselves' I mean I believe we will be greatly limiting our effectiveness. We will be constrained in where we can go, what we can do, whom we can see, and what they'll say to us. What good does this do to getting this war ended? Manishsha and I can go and sit on our hands, instead of sending four Jedi to do the same amount of fretting and worrying. That's about all we'd be good for."

Freyja looks a bit taken aback, "I... had neh idea you considered this so pointless a journey, honored Master. I, um... well, perhaps I was being naive, but I thought we would be going to talk about peace...?" Appalled, she asks, "Do you really think this is going and can go neh-where?!"

Sarn says, "Oh, talk about peace there will be! But I suspect it will go along the same lines as it has here. We'll say, 'Peace is good!' and they'll say, 'Kalatis and Khoud.' And we'll say, 'No, peace!' and they'll say, 'Kalatis and Khoud.' Ghang has been unwavering on this, and he has suggested that will not change just because we're on Ziost. I don't think it a waste to go either, but I do think it overkill to have four Jedi go when one or two will do. In addition, you have been remarkably effective at the things you've done, and I would hate to waste that potential. I have already spoken to your Master about my feelings of your capabilities."

Freyja says, "Oh." She considers.

Finally she says, "I take it you'd like us to go get Kalatis, so the peace talks can go somewhere?"

Sarn says, "I think that would be a positive thing, yes. And I think you've got as good a chance or better than many other Jedi -- especially if you're free to move about and to do that." He adds, "Mind you, I won't order or even ask you to do this. That's up to your Master. I have spoken to him about this, though."

Freyja says, "Um... well, will anyone know to expect us there? I mean, apparently you and Watcher Manishsha are the reason we weren't just scooped up right away here, you know? I'd rather not take Fhazil, or Vakkal, or even Zero -- even though he's a Graysider, not a Darksider -- someplace where the Order will have us attacked and try to separate us."

Sarn says, "Your own Master, who is more than capable of keeping you out of trouble, would be involved to make sure things didn't get too sticky, just as he did getting you here. He might even be able to travel with you, although he said something about protecting your familial duties. Perhaps he meant to bring them as well."

Vakkal sends, Ack, not Lady Syf! and a mental shudder.

Freyja laughs softly and shakes her head, "I doubt he'd do that. Not only is Father probably in full bore in the Balmorran Council even as we speak, with Mother hastily patching things up diplomatically behind him... but Master Roakkana's not the type to put someone unprepared into danger." Her small mental reassurance to Vakkal is highly amused!

Freyja grins, adding, "Having Father demanding answers is probably the most useful thing we can have in our backfield right now as it is. If anyone can drag the truth, kicking and screaming, out of hiding behind the Order and the absent Count Miz... it'd be Father!"

Sarn says, "If I can get a chance to discuss it with Master Roakkana, and to get Manishsha and Lord Ghang to agree to it, I would be most comfortable if Manishsha were to escort you. Not because I don't think you or Master Roakkana are not capable on your own, but because I think you'd have less trouble with a Watcher at hand. I'm not sure any of those worthies will agree to the idea yet."

Zero hmms softly, thinking. "Now that I have the main communication route more or less mapped out, I believe I could send a false all-clear to Garqi. Of course, if they are expecting code words or some other sort of challenge... I think it best we interrogate the snipers a bit more first."

Freyja says, "Sure, that's fine with me, Master Sarn." She glances at her friends inquiringly, "What do you guys think?" She looks pleased at Zero's comment -- that's the safest, most productive, and wisest route to take, she thinks. She adds softly to Fhazil, If this would make you uncomfortable, sweetheart, do please feel free to say so. I'm sure neither Master Sarn nor Watcher Manishsha would want to do that to you.

Fhazil says, "Myself, I'd rather be doing things, and I have the suspicion Master Sarn may be right about what we could usefully do on Ziost at this time. The cynical Darksider in me says, 'Ooh, look! Hostages!" but I know Lord Ghang better than that. He wouldn't think just that." Vakkal nods, "I was thinking much the same."

To Freyja Fhazil replies, I have no qualms, love, about going after the people the Sith were here to stop in the first place. If I get to do it with you, so much the better.

Freyja beams with pleasure at Fhazil's mental reply, then laughs softly. "Funny... I was thinking how much fun it'd be to wander around Ziost, exploring and maybe seeing if we could find out why the Sith are purportedly so much more alive than Republic citizens." Her tone gets gently teasing, "Am I the only one who doesn't think 'prison!' when faced with the prospect of Ziost?"

Fhazil says, "I don't think, 'prison!' I think 'boredom' -- at least until the talks can go somewhere." Freyja looks a little surprised at that from Fhazil, considering how much he loves the place.

Zero says, "Having been in prison briefly, I can't say a diplomatic conference approximates my experience."

Freyja blinks again at that, then grins wryly. Well, now! I must be missing in the experiences department!

Sarn says, "A gilded cage is still a cage. An honored and respected guest who cannot leave is something of a prisoner. Usually for a good cause, and a comfortable prisoner, but stuck nonetheless."

Zero hms. I can't recommend that one to you.

Freyja grins at Zero amusedly, Just teasing, sweetheart.

Fhazil says, "I don't think there's a chance they'll let us wander around to all the good places while we're there on this official duty." Vakkal comments, "This means we won't get thrown out of all the pubs." Fhazil says, grinning enthusiastically, "Yeah! What fun is that?"

Freyja giggles at Fhazil and Vakkal, "Oh, so they'll have forgotten the coordinated howling? -or is it the swinging from the chandeliers they'll have forgiven?"

There is a low whine from outside, then a throbbing sound, as the Sith troop transport lifts up into space on its antigrav engines. Its shadow passes over the building, and Sarn turns for a moment, watching it leave. Freyja watches in silent interest, wondering what both Master Sarn and the Sith lord are thinking just now. Sarn turns back and says, "All right, then. I'll discuss this with Manishsha, Roakkana, and Lord Ghang, and let you know the results of those discussions."

Freyja smiles, "Well, I'm supposed to talk to the Si'yul this afternoon some time. Would you like me to say something then?"

Master Sarn says, "I've been working on bringing discussion around to the idea. Please let me bring it up with him in the meeting I have scheduled for later."

Freyja nods, "Of course, Master Sarn."

Sarn adds, "I want to have another discussion with your Master, and with Manishsha about this as well, before we go ahead with Lord Ghang."

Freyja nods again, and adds sincerely, "Talk to Master Roakkana about the Force and emotion, please? He's extremely helpful and wise in that matter, I've found." She smiles, adding, "And you're neh monster, Master Sarn."

Sarn smiles, "I will while I have him on the vid, Freyja. I've known him a very long time and, too, I've seen he's very wise." He nods at her second comment, adding, "I appreciate that. I have to make sure I don't become one."

Freyja says firmly, "You won't. I'm sure of that... you care too much."

Sarn says, "Thank you. And thank you for having the idea to bring the Khar Velosi down here, and getting it in motion. I believe they had a nice trip and will have positive things to think about the Republic, and that's important." After a hesitant pause he decides to say nothing more.

Freyja smiles, guessing he's fallen silent due to his self-doubts concerning Saleyn. She doesn't tease at him, though -- she just reaches out to gently pat his hand and say, "We should leave you to your duties -- we've taken up far too much of your time already. May the Force be with you, Master Sarn."

Sarn nods, "Thank you, Padawan Freyja." He looks out the window, considering.

Zero bows politely. "Until later, Master. We will look forward to hearing the outcome of your conference with the others."

Vakkal waits to be last out, and says from the doorway, "I know you made a serious impact on at least one Khar Velosi, Master Sarn, and that she will have good memories of the Republic regardless of what else happens." So saying, he closes the door and leaves the Jedi Master to his thoughts. Freyja withdraws with her friends, still smiling quietly, almost dreamily. She thinks it's simply lovely to see folks she likes falling in love!

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

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