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Realms: These Shattered Stars Logs

Interlude II

The land-speeder rockets back to the monastery. Even as it arrives the other Jedi are loading extra supplies onto an ancient ground truck, preparatory to going into the city to assist in whatever way they can. There is a lot of shouting and movement, though the two Padawans manage to get Fhazil Taas into the infirmary without trouble.

Roakkana is directing the flow of traffic competently, without giving any indicator of what happened in the city. It's almost like it's an unspoken treaty: for the time being he won't come out of the monastery and Methel-ssa won't interfere with the recovery operations the Jedi are helping with.

Quiet has been asked to keep security on the monastery and Roakkana, once everything has settled down, places the Duros Jedi consular at the door to the monastery with a blaster carbine, leaving Freyja alone for the moment. Alone -- in an infirmary which is literally filled with Sith. Jiosch and Vakkal remain unconscious, and Dhaasul is meditating. Fhazil Taas is himself in poor condition, partly due to his manhandling earlier. But he's still alive, and stable, at least. And Dhaasul made no comment when the Sith apprentice was brought in other than to look incredulous.

Freyja discussed with Roakkana, on the way back to the monastery, her suggestion to try binding the Sith apprentice with his word, rather than physical or chemical bonds. Gaining his permission to try, she makes sure the "icky" sword (along with the strange, slender tube gun) is handed off to Zero to tuck away wherever he's keeping their growing arsenal of confiscated weaponry.

Freyja grins tiredly at Dhaasul when they carry in Fhazil Taas, then concentrates on making sure the injured human is tucked carefully into a bed and still all right. She'll let the anesthetic wear off naturally, and try talking to the human then. For the nonce... she looks over at the Mandragolan and inquires politely, "Dhaasul, might I sit on the end of your bed and chat with you for a bit? I want to wait until Fhazil Taas wakes up... and I'd rather discuss philosophy with you than sit in silence."

Dhaasul nods, managing to sit up a little. Unlike Vakkal and Jiosch he, at least, is not missing major portions of his body mass. "Certainly, Padawan Freyja. Might I ask, though, why you're waiting for that one to wake up? And why he hasn't been thrown into the system's star yet?

Freyja smoothly slides onto the bed so as to not disturb the healing Mandragolan, then settles cross-legged so she can easily see the still-sedated Fhazil Taas. She glances at the unconscious human a touch grimly, then looks back to the Mandragolan, "Well... I want to ask him a question. I..." She thinks a bit, then says seriously, "He's still alive because we don't do that, Dhaasul -- we don't kill helpless opponents. If nothing else, it's a terrible waste." She sighs softly, then adds slowly, "You know them better than I. Do you think Fhazil Taas will keep his word, once given? Do you think the Sith lord is likely to attack the monastery in order to retrieve her apprentice? And... by what title did the apprentice call the Sith lord?"

Dhaasul shakes his head quietly. "There you have forgotten the most important lesson about the Force during times of war, Padawan Freyja. Every Force-user -- Jedi, Sith, and otherwise -- is never unarmed. Every one. The Force is ally and weapon, steadfast companion and shield. It is always with us. A Force-user is never unarmed." He looks at Fhazil briefly, a mildly wry expression. "That being said, however... Fhazil is indeed a man reasonably of his word, even when there are easier ways. He's very keen on personal honor. Or personal image -- nobody was ever sure which."

Freyja grins, listening. She doesn't bother correcting the Mandragolan, as she doesn't mind being underestimated at all -- she's quite aware of the danger of an awake Force user. However, she'd very much prefer not to be stuck with only two alternatives -- killing or keeping the Force user constantly sedated. Dryly she thinks, Both are rather... hard on the system...

"As to Methel-ssa coming to retrieve him... I felt what she was doing earlier. She expended a great deal of energy. It will take her time to recover, and in the meantime she will be making a more subtle plan than attacking the monastery." He thinks for a moment. "And I believe that Fhazil would address his Lord by 'Master' or 'my Lord.' He had an odd sense of humor, however, and in the excitement of a moment would hail her as 'your Excellency,' in anticipation of her rule over Marnaas."

Freyja nods consideringly at Dhaasul's words, unsure still if the Sith apprentice had somehow already found out about her family, or if 'lady' was just a general honorific to him. She thinks a bit, then says slowly, "Dhaasul, may I ask a somewhat personal question? I don't know how things are going to shake down with the Sith lord's apprentice, and if it gets ugly I'd like to know ahead of time who I need to be defending. So... who do you wish to side with, please? Do you want to return to the Jedi, or would you prefer to remain Sith?"

Freyja wonders for a quiet moment how she and Fhazil Taas would be reacting to each other, if it had been the Savalli Kho rather than the Sith who had first awakened him to the use of the Force. She sighs quietly, pushing that thought away... might-have-beens, can-never-be's... no use wasting time on that...

Dhaasul lets out a breath. "It is rather time to make a decision, isn't it? After speaking with Talmon, though, I think he did the right thing. I will accept my punishment as a Jedi, though I intend to go into hermitage when this is over. I've much to think upon."

Freyja beams happily, leaning forward to gently touch the Mandragolan's cheek -- she's afraid a hug might squeeze him painfully. She's quite genuine as she says, "I'm so glad to hear that, Dhaasul! I hope you'll let us come visit you sometimes?"

Dhaasul looks flatly surprised by the rather affectionate-seeming contact from the Padawan. "Ah... perhaps, Padawan Freyja. I will be certain to somehow get word to you and Master Roakkana of what world I will be on. I am not anticipating the Tribunal will be nearly as hard on me as they will be on Talmon."

Freyja nods gravely, then glances around the room full of (mostly unconscious) Sith, "It's... been rather strange all around. I can't help but wonder what could drive people to thirst for such revenge, for literally thousands of years. On the other hand, I'm starting to have some serious doubts about the sometimes stringent demands on the psyche made by the Jedi too... is that any more balanced?" She smiles slowly, a hint of pride in her voice as she adds, "I think, upon reflection, I'm also quite pleased everyone here didn't die, but rather is getting a chance to review their choices... including me, in a way."

"You mean, the Oath of Fire? I really do not know, Padawan Freyja. The first I heard of them was when Methel-ssa revealed them to me not long after I joined the Sith. Or rather, her Sith. There are, I suspect, deeper secrets than merely revenge within the Oath."

Freyja nods slowly at the Mandragolan's words, looking thoughtfully over at the slowly healing dog-Sith with a touch of pity in her eyes. Then she lets her gaze unfocus for just a moment to study the patterns of the Force weaving through his mind. Does he have, as she suspects, a knot of darkness in his mind, put there by someone else to block his potentiality to heal, and to cause him madness -- which would make him more useful to Verg?

Vakkal's surface mind is quiescent; somewhat alien to her. The feeling of the pattern of the Force within the Sith is mildly disturbing. She does find a twist or core of kinked lines of the Force within that mind though -- perhaps the source of the darksider blight or stain that makes the Sith's passage through the world akin to that of a bulldozer rather than... well, anything else, really.

Freyja ponders thoughtfully... could that be it? She'll have to ask her Master later. She looks curiously at the Mandragolan, "Dhaasul, did the Sith and her apprentice know how, um... how stained, how, er... vaguely nauseating they seem and feel to Jedi?"

Dhaasul hmms? "I think most Sith on the front lines realize it. Some curse it since it marks their position -- seeing the way a half-dozen Jedi guardians can converge on an unwitting Sith is almost surreal. Others relish it. Those are usually the most powerful Lords of War."

Freyja nods thoughtfully, and the rambling but friendly discussion on the nature of the Force and its users continues. A short while later Freyja is interestedly saying, "All right, so we're agreed it's not that clear-cut -- obviously there are bad Jedi, and equally obviously there must be Sith who aren't utterly evil, or they wouldn't consider keeping their word important. Good/evil, Light/Dark, rigid rationality/rampant emotion, superego/id... it's too enforcedly binary, too simplistic. People are more complex than that."

"So I have a theory I want to bounce off you. To be rigidly at either end of this spectrum seems to require extremism, or at very least selective repression of part of one's normal personality. I found myself wondering what the middle ground is... the 'gray' spot on the spectrum, if you will. So I went looking in the library."

Freyja grins cheerfully, "I think I found something that might be applicable. Listen to this!" She quotes, reading from her data-pad, "I understood that within the soul from its primordial beginnings there has been a desire for light and an irrepressible urge to rise out of the primal darkness. The longing for light is the longing for consciousness." She looks up interestedly at the Mandragolan, "What do you think? Sound interesting? Want me to go on?"

Dhaasul seems a bit dazed by the philosophical discussion -- it's clear that while he understands the Force to be an integral part of who he is, he hasn't thought too deeply upon it as either a Jedi or a Sith. "Er... certainly, Padawan Freyja."

Freyja beams, then tosses her long, thin braid casually over one shoulder to continue reading from her notes, "Um, where was I... ah, here we go." Her voice changes to a more 'teaching' tone -- much like a higher version of her Master's -- as she reads, "Central to this philosopher's proposals was the idea of the ideal state of consciousness as an integrated whole. Since the mind was seen as separate from consciousness, he invariably used the term 'psyche' to indicate the union and interaction of the conscious and unconscious. He saw the latter as ideally being in dynamic equilibrium with the former."

"The conscious mind's actions are explained through the concept of the 'persona,' which everyone exhibits to some degree. Apparently personas mask a person's true desires and feelings in social situations, in order to hide parts of themselves which would be socially unacceptable to reveal." She looks up, adding thoughtfully, "I think a good example would be the Jedi persona, which is the calm, rational, emotionless public image they portray to everyone." She looks back down at the data-pad to continue, "However, hiding or repressing one's true self can become dangerous since one may become lost within the self-created image, trying to follow the desires they have created in this image rather than their true self. This prevents self-realization, which is the development of a complete, whole sense of self, adapted to both the inner and outer worlds; the two in harmony." She sighs softly, murmuring quietly, "Sounds like a worthy goal..."

A thoughtful moment passes; then she continues, "Repression of the true self causes conflict in the psyche, manifesting as the 'Shadow,' or that part of ourselves we do not like to acknowledge. Interestingly, the Shadow contains both morally objectionable tendencies and creative instincts. We are at once confronted with the philosopher's bipolar opposites. No one can be complete without their shadow, and the philosopher pointed out it is as useless to deny the shadow as repress it. Immediately we sense the necessary dynamic between opposites."

Freyja takes a breath, then continues reading fascinatedly from her notes, "Trying to portray ourselves as nobler or better people than we are inevitably leads to immense strain and eventually disillusionment. For many people, of course, it takes great courage to acknowledge their shadow. If this part of the psyche is kept repressed for too long and not brought to the conscious to be faced and altered, it can subtly influence behavior, be expressed by some outburst or neurosis or, in the worst case, surfacing in a psychotic rage of emotion." She looks up interestedly again, "Sounds familiar, doesn't it?"

Dhaasul takes this in with quiet comprehension, mulling it over. "And what of species who do not match quite that psychology? Or is it to apply whole-cloth to all species?"

Freyja considers for a moment, then says slowly, "There does seem to be a certain uniformity of psychic reaction amongst all the Force using species, does there not? Some may be better at it than others to some degree... but there are no species that simply cannot use it, that I know of. And that 'degree' seems to be based mostly on cultural training... which is something the philosopher acknowledges as an integral part of the psyche."

Dhaasul says, "Part of why I ask is that each culture and species holds different things in higher regard than others, and each has unique members. The Wookies, for example, are well-known as having the capacity for incontrovertible rage -- yet not once since I've been here or, I would say since you've known him, has Master Roakkana given vent to that rage." Freyja nods, listening.

Dhaasul says, "I only say that with a thousand species in the Galaxy, if not more, would such a philosophy apply to all of them?" He considers for a moment. "Perhaps not all, but perhaps most... and if so, that would explain much about the Order and the Hierarchy as well..."

Freyja nods interestedly again, then adds, "It could easily apply to each individual. I find myself wondering if it could be applied in a slightly more general sense to the Force as well. For example, each individual has their personal anima and animus, which is gender related, and their shadow. Could this somehow be expressed within Force users as well, as a means to help them balance their various abilities and means of use of the Force? It would avoid the arbitrary binary situation we have now, with Light-Jedi and Dark-Sith... but who would be the Grey-something-in-between elements of each team?"

"Could such a team even exist, or would the Darksiders all break the trust necessary for this to succeed? Would this require teams that were all of the same species, so that the same cultural and genetic background applied to them all? Would it require at least one female and one male, with the gray individual's gender not being as important?" She smiles a little ruefully and adds, "Or... am I just daydreaming foolishly that there's a more balanced way?" She grins, adding explanatorily, "I've been reading about the Kono. They tried teams with limited success... they called them 'triats'. I don't know why, though."

Dhaasul blinks. "The Kono? I heard something about them a long time ago from my master. He said that the Kono disappeared after the Heresy Wars."

Freyja nods, "They were a long time ago." She sighs softly, glancing at Fhazil Taas to check up on him as she adds, "I wish there were more openness about what variations folks have tried, and what worked and what didn't. Sometimes I think the Sith and Jedi both are being too rigid in their interpretations of what it takes to be part of their Force- using groupings."

Dhaasul is about to answer when a weak and weary voice, preceded by a groan, says, "Noooo arguments from me about that..."

Freyja blinks, her head swiveling abruptly about to again study the groggy Fhazil Taas... then she grins, sliding smoothly off the bed, "Ah, you're awake. Take it easy... you really hammered yourself against that wall." She checks the Human carefully, making sure nothing's shifted internally or externally.

Fhazil gives a slight, wry snort, which makes him wince even more, though he obeys the suggestion not to move around much. "If the wall would just have gotten out of the way like I would have wanted it to..." He's been well splinted, and is generally not going to move anything that should not move. "Though I'd remind you politely, Lady, that I'd have landed with feline grace and agility had I not been plucked from the air by a blaster bolt." He tries to sound moderately wry, but the rasping of his voice and the weariness evident in it takes some of the effect out.

Freyja grins at the Human's words as she works on him, but doesn't say anything until she's done and satisfied he's doing all right. Then she settles back and takes a deep breath. "Well. You seem to be healing nicely, Fhazil Taas. I would suggest you avoid rolling to your right, as that's where the majority of your injuries are located."

Freyja takes another breath, then says firmly, "I'd also like to ask a favor of you. I'd like to ask you to promise you won't attempt to hurt anyone here or escape, while you're in our monastery and healing." She adds with a hint of sternness, "I also suggest you not make that promise unless you're willing to abide by the spirit, not the word, of your promise." She pauses, watching him intently to see his reaction, and lays light, cool fingers of thought on the Force to sense more clearly his general surface emotions and current motivations.

Fhazil nods, at least a little bit before he grimaces. "Ouch. You've my word in the spirit, Lady, the word of Fhazil Taas, formerly of Corellia, now of Ziost. I'm not going anywhere anytime soon, and I'm not going to do anything to anyone while I'm here. And if it helps, I intend to make my departure from here without anyone getting hurt, either. I'm grateful for your ministrations." He looks around, frowning abruptly. "Methel-ssa didn't...?"

Freyja looks a bit relieved, then tilts her head inquiringly, "Didn't what?" She waves a hand, "She's not here, if that's what you're asking. You already know Dhaasul, and..." she grins, "-while I suspect you've not been formally introduced, I think you've met Vakkal and Jiosch before. That's all that're here currently." She takes a moment to send a short, relieved telepathic message to her Master: He promised.

Fhazil waves a bit to the two unconscious Sith. "Oh, two of the Oathers. This should make for an interesting stay." His voice doesn't carry any sarcasm. To Dhaasul he nods and says, "Well met, brother -- though I suspect that's not an appropriate greeting anymore."

Freyja grins silently, her ice-blue eyes sparkling. She's still very happy Dhaasul's chosen to leave the Sith. Dhaasul shakes his head a little, "...no. No, it isn't, Taas."

Fhazil nods, then rubs his eyes, wincing. "Ow. Well, that is your choice. Actually, I was wondering if Lord Methel- ssa didn't attempt to raze the monastery. I'll be moderately disappointed if she didn't... but only moderately, mind you."

Roakkana's reply is an acknowledgement, with an elegantly interwoven query as to whether Freyja needs him there. Freyja quietly reassures her Master that all is fine... although considering his level of skill at this talent, he may well pick up her almost nonconscious and slightly frustrated desire to learn how to do this better, so she's not stuck with only one or two word telepathic messages!

Freyja's smile broadens a bit, with a hint of pride at Dhaasul's response. A moment later she says gently, "The, er, Oathers won't be waking up any time soon. They were foolish enough to attack Zero Satau directly..." her tone gets a bit wry, "-which is why I got stuck patching up holes in their chest cavities." She laughs softly -- then shakes her head, all the humor sliding from her face and her voice getting very, very dispassionate, "No, she did not attempt to raze the monastery. Instead she attacked the innocent bystanders at the port. The loss of lives is still not completely known, considering she blew up a fuel depot and dropped a freighter on the commercial sector." She studies the Human silently. She doesn't find any humor at all in what the Sith lord did. She hopes the Human doesn't either, but isn't holding her breath.

Fhazil nods. "Zero Satau? Is he the greysider, then? I'll have to remember that-" He looks sharply at Freyja -- a little too sharply, in fact. "Yaaaouch!" he exclaims, wincing as he rubs his neck with his only free hand. But he pays it no further verbal mind as he says, "She did what?"

Freyja studies the Sith lord's apprentice, then says very, very calmly, "When you went down she headed our way. When I stunned you, in rage she pulled a freighter out of the sky onto the port's commercial sector. Her rage kept growing -- she blew up the fuel depot and lit up the city's horizon as we headed for the port. I do not know what precisely she did at the port as we sent off the ship, but I do know there were several explosions." She considers saying more... then simply falls silent as she just studies the apprentice. She's not sure why he's Methel-ssa's apprentice... but his reaction to this should shed some light on his choices, perhaps.

Fhazil looks in horror at Freyja, finally letting his head fall back with a *thump*. "Frozen Perdition," he mutters. "I knew Methel-ssa sees all things as viable targets in a war, but this...! This is just wrong. If for no other reason than that the people of Marnaas aren't just going to accept her as their leader after that." He looks upward. "Above and beyond the atrocity of it," he mutters quietly.

Freyja feels a small gust of relief slip through her -- so he doesn't approve, thank goodness! -- but simply moves to offer a drink and some painkillers to Fhazil Taas. All that sudden shifting around is going to give him a massive headache, she suspects, considering his head injuries. She murmurs a quiet reassurance when he looks at the pills in her hand, "They're just painkillers, not knockout pills."

Fhazil is still dazed, and it's likely his look at the pills was just out of confusion. "Oh! Thank you... er... what is your name, Lady?" he asks, taking the painkillers.

Freyja giggles, then grins, "Freyja. Padawan Freyja." She's oddly reassured to discover the strange Human Sith has no idea who she is.

Freyja's eyes are striking, a thoughtful and disconcertingly direct ice blue. Her serene face is framed by a thick, soft brown mane cropped pragmatically short but for one long, thin braid in the back. Long legs and well-tanned shoulders and arms reveal the strong, supple musculature of an athlete. The sturdily practical clothing on her tall, eye-catching form consists of snug breeches, a cropped athlete's top, the taped wrists of a swordswoman, and well-worn, sure-footed, soft leather boots.

Freyja adds gently, "You really are rather banged up, Fhazil Taas. Lying still to heal would be a very good -- and painless! -- idea."

Fhazil nods, swallowing the painkillers. "A pleasure to meet you, Lady Freyja. As I had said earlier, I am Fhazil Taas of Ziost." He doesn't quite make it sound important; he still sounds very much subdued. "And you're very much right. 'Bounced against a wall'? More like was bounced there. By a gundark. Using a starfighter as a club. Or at least that's how it feels..."

Freyja says equally gently, "It's just Padawan Freyja, please. And medpacs are wonderful, and the internal surgical foam is pretty sturdy... but it's not designed to take constant use. Um..." she pauses, then grins in spite of herself, "Would you lie more still if I told you the litany of your injuries, or will you just take my word for it?"

She carefully doesn't mention her last name, or that she actually is by right titled Lady, as the inheritor of the Rigg Barony. She wants to focus on her skills and worth, amongst the Jedi -- not on things she gets simply through accident of birth. Instead she curiously asks, "Ziost? Is that really the capital of the Sith Empire? Have you been there? Why'd you leave the Sith Lord Ghang S'yiul for Sith Lord Methel-ssa?"

Fhazil smiles wryly, lying back carefully. "I shall take your word for it. Besides, hearing the list of what I've done to myself this time would be just too depressing. Or at least more depressing." He half-closes his eyes. "And as you wish, Padawan Freyja, but 'Lady' seems much more becoming for you. Yes, I've been to Ziost; that was where I first met both Methel-ssa and Ghang S'yiul." He grins slightly. "Oh, you've heard of him? Yes, I was his apprentice for a time. He was injured at Ord Kystra, and asked Methel-ssa to become my master instead. It was a bit of a change -- Ghang S'yiul has always been a Lord of War, while Methel-ssa is only recently of War."

Freyja flushes faintly at the compliment, but says nothing. Instead she looks curious as she shifts so Dhaasul can participate in the conversation too -- it would be rude to shut him out, after all. "Is that like being a Jedi guardian as opposed to a Jedi consular? Are there any, um... diplomatic Sith?" She covers a grin, wondering if that's like asking if there's any 'military intelligence.' As she does so, she studies the white-haired Human curiously, now he's not regarding her, wondering if she can see in his face what caused him to join the 'evil' Sith, and not to join the Jedi.

Dhaasul is remaining steadfastly and fascinatedly quiet. Fhazil nods. "Somewhat. You could say they're Lords in service to the Empire for the purposes of pursuing the war against the Republic." He grins a bit. "Lords of State are probably the closest thing to what you're talking about."

Freyja says, "Hm. That's why they're doing their best to conquer planetary governments, then?" She wonders momentarily why the Jedi never run planets... would they necessarily do a better job, though, than the Sith? -or would they too just be more Xim the Despot types? Even more curiously she asks, "So... why'd you join the Sith? Why didn't you join the Jedi?"

She tries to remember as she listens to Fhazil Taas... were his eyes any clearer of the madness while she was talking to him about Methel-ssa's depredations? -or could this madness not be related to Dark use at all, but rather be something that's always afflicted him or his family? She taps a query into her data-pad, then leaves it to run while she continues this weirdly fascinating discussion.

"Well, it makes some sense. It wouldn't do to conquer a planet if there's nobody to make things run." Fhazil grimaces. "I'd hoped Methel-ssa had realized that, but now she's just shot herself with her own weapon. Marnaas will never be hers now. Even if not refused by the people of Marnaas themselves, the Moot won't let her have it. Lords of State are usually a lot more reserved and thoughtful; unless she's under pressure from someone..." His eyes are quiet, bereft of any of the mad excitement-of-the-moment, and he turns them to Freyja as she asks him her questions. "Why? Well, in the past several thousand years, who has been the one group of people to make their impact on the galaxy as a whole? Just the Jedi. And then the Sith came along and shook everything up."

Freyja nods, listening in fascination. Fhazil says, "I had some ability to use the Force, but I looked at the Jedi and cringed. They're good, they do good work, but if I wanted to be a monastic ascetic, I could do that with a lot less effort. No, I didn't want to spend half my life studying philosophy and theology and debating the whichness of the why. It may sound selfish, and I've been told that before, but I wanted to make my mark on the galaxy. I didn't just want to support a status quo." He sighs in frustration. "And it was going fine until Methel-ssa went and... well. I don't know why she did it. She was always very quiet and calm, the epitome of a Lord of State. I could understand her being upset about loosing the little Oather Human-" He looks curiously up to Freyja. "Uh... I don't sense her around. She did make if off-world?"

Freyja nods... then says slowly, "Who would pressure Methel-ssa? I mean... it must have been someone pressuring her. She did most of her damage before we shot at her, after all. At least, as far as I know she did."

He nods. "I figured that. I still don't know why she would... well, do what she did, if that happened. As for who would pressure her, I wouldn't know. Lords of War usually are pretty open about their information to their immediate underlings -- it's hard to go out to take out a tiny listening post and possibly die if you don't know that it'll help an offensive all along the front. Lords of State try to be subtler. Usually."

Freyja pulls her data-pad over and taps in requests for information on the damage done to the port, then leaves that to run on its own too -- she doesn't want to miss anything the apprentice says. "So... there might be a Lord of State pressuring her? Do you know who 'the Red' is?" She's astonished to realize the madness seems to fade when the Human is calm. So... maybe insanity really is a characteristic of extended Dark use of the Force?!

Fhazil blinks. "'The Red'? I've never heard that before. And she might be getting pressure from the Moot."

Freyja looks puzzledly thoughtful, "You've never heard her use the phrase 'Scion of the Red'?"

Fhazil frowns, shaking his head. "No, never. I heard her say 'The Scion will be ours' while we were planning this operation, but that's all. When did she say that?"

Freyja smiles internally, noting the lack of reaction to the statement that they'd shot at Methel-ssa. Obviously that's not part of the reason the peculiar Sith lord went wild with rage. Good... she'd worried about that. "Um... after we got away. It was part of a, ah..." she grins ruefully, "-rather annoyed sounding telepathic message." Well, more like icy with fury than annoyed... but no matter.

Fhazil frowns. "Huh. I'll have to ask her about that. Usually she's the epitome of calm and reservation."

Freyja blinks at a sudden thought, then says a touch indignantly, "Hey, that reminds me! So why is it so astonishing that I'm Master Roakkana's Padawan?" She thinks, but does not say, Be damned if I let you go quietly back to her, Sithling!

Fhazil blinks. "Oh! Just that with the way you'd carried yourself at the head inspector's house I'd have thought you were a full knight yourself. Your blaster shots were... pretty bloody accurate, to say the least."

Freyja says, "Oh." She relaxes a bit, realizing no insult was meant to her Master, then smiles ruefully, "Well... it was an emergency, and Master Roakkana was depending on us." She thinks, then adds, "In that case, was it you that pointed the thugs at us again on the way back here with the inspector?" She grins a touch mischievously, adding, "Nice swoop..."

He nods, smiling a bit. "I imagine so. We usually get the impression of Padawans being squirreled away in a school somewhere. There aren't many Padawans on the front lines." He coughs a little. "Well, uh... thank you. And it made sense you'd bring her back to the monastery. And before you say it, I'm presuming she's included in the promise I gave earlier."

Freyja says very firmly, "Absolutely, she is. Everyone here is. That's what keeping the spirit of your promise means -- no sneaking poison because you didn't specifically say you wouldn't; no slipping quietly out a window because I only mentioned doors; none of that at all! You are to stay right there in that bed, and concentrate on nothing but healing." Her voice brooks no argument whatsoever! She takes a breath, then adds more dryly, "I fear to disappoint, but I am not a squirrel, no." Her eyes narrow at another thought, and she adds with renewed firmness, "And you are not to assume you are healed until I tell you that you are!" She doesn't quite glare at her possibly recalcitrant patient... although it's close.

Fhazil says dryly, apparently unperturbed by Freyja's vehemence, "I did just say I had given my word in the spirit of the promise." His expression screws up a little. "Poison? Feh. Where's the honor in that? Oh, wait... sorry, Lady, I forgot. Most Sith go in for that. I tell you now for true that I do not, and even if I did, I would not violate the spirit of a promise. I'm a journeyman of War, not State, nor am I a Hand or anything else for whom dirty tricks are de rigueur."

Freyja puzzles through that statement, then gives the Human a very curious glance, "You must be... a very unusual Sith, Fhazil Taas." She half-automatically murmurs, "Padawan," even as she makes a mental note to remember all this fascinating information for transference to Master Roakkana later. "And... what's a Hand?"

"I'm flattered, Lady -- er, Padawan Freyja, as you wish. But no, I am not that unique unfortunately. Or fortunately, depending on who you ask. The Lords of War on the front have traditions of honor and discipline on the battlefield or bridge dating back thousands of years." He grimaces a little. "A Hand. A Hand is a Sith given absolute authority to act in the name of someone, in whatever way they see fit. Lords of State often have them, Lords of War less so, but they're usually very highly trusted taskforce commanders. I wouldn't have minded being Ghang's Hand, but that would have had to be years in the future, not any time soon."

Freyja frowns thoughtfully, trying to remember... do Jedi have anything like that? She's not sure. And if not... what a pity. Surely that would indicate a level of trust and closeness that could only benefit the Jedi involved? Hm... which raises an interesting question... she looks up at the apprentice again, "So... are they close, then -- Hands and their, uhm... commanders, I guess? Emotionally, physically, through the Force, anything like that?" She pauses, remembering the statement that dirty tricks are de rigueur for Hands, and adds regretfully, "Or... are they just the hatchets for their commanders?" She reflects that she certainly wouldn't mind being Roakkana's Hand, if that means the less brutal option she initially thought of.

Fhazil hmms? "Oh, reasonably close, I imagine. You can't really use fear to control someone who's far away from you most of the time, and has the skills to utterly disappear from civilized society. There's some link through their Force as well, I'm sure. They're hatchets, but more often than not -- at least in War -- they're confidantes, advisors, lieutenants. It's been said that a commander who ignores his Hand deserves to loose his hands. It's, er, a bit of a pun actually when said in Sith.

Freyja rests her chin thoughtfully on her fist. "What an... interesting concept... so... Lords of State are more likely to stab you in the back than Lords of War? Are the members of the Moot all Lords of State? Do only Lords of State get to rule planets?"

She slides her free hand along her belt, coming to rest on her belt pouch. She remembers Fhazil Taas' brooch, which she absently put into her belt pouch so as to not lose it as she was doing her best to yank him forcefully back from death. She remembers the brooch itself too: nothing apparently very special -- no family crest or cameo -- just an odd, distinctive geometric pattern of dark metal. It had felt light and, unlike the Oath of Fire brooch, reasonably nice and finely crafted. She closes her hand around it consideringly -- she should return it to its rightful owner.

Fhazil seems as fascinated by Freyja's curiosity as she is of the Sith. "That's what those of us in War believed, sure. It's true in the Republic, at any rate. You find more corruption in the politics than in the military -- though it's there, of course. Some Lords of War are right bastards. But supposedly the Moot's above all that. Lords of War, State, Smiths, and the others ultimately answer to the Moot. And there are planets held by War, but their Lords usually move on after a time and hand over the planet to another Lord -- most really aren't comfortable with being sedentary rulers."

Freyja withdraws her hand from the belt pouch, holding out her hand with the brooch on it, "Here... this is yours." She tilts her head thoughtfully, "Um... do you mind my asking all these questions?"

He blinks, then smiles. "I was wondering what had become of that. Thank you!" He accepts it and, rather mindless of whatever pain it causes, fastens it at the collar of his hospital tunic. "Not at all... if you don't mind me asking some in return. Such as... why did you become a Jedi?"

Freyja tchs absently as he fumbles one-handedly with the brooch's pin, "Here, let me do that, before you slash your jugular open and waste all my work on you..." Her tone is more gently teasing than irritated as she neatly re-fastens the brooch, then settles back. A bit self-consciously, she considers his question, "Um. Why'd I become a Jedi." She studies the apprentice with a thoughtful sideways glance, then says carefully -- and rather non-specifically, since she has no desire to be either laughed at or considered a 'prize' to be won, "I... thought I'd like to demonstrate my personal sense of worth -- to myself and to others. I wanted to be something I'd earned... not something created by the needs of others." She adds slowly, "At least initially. Now... I feel like I can make a real difference in the lives of others, for the better. I like that."

Fhazil looks mildly sheepish as she adjusts the brooch, and listens attentively to her explanation. Freyja grins as she waves a hand around the infirmary, "At the very least, I think I made a difference to the folks here!" She's more than willing to lighten the mood and shift the focus of the conversation away from her personally.

Fhazil grins quietly and nods. "I know I certainly have you to thank for that. And I can understand about one's personal sense of worth. I knew a lot of others on Corellia who would go out and do some pretty incredible things to prove themselves to themselves. It's important to do that. If I can ask... how long have you been a Jedi? Have you been with your master for all that time, and how much of it was spent being squirreled away in a praxaeum?"

Freyja smiles at the 'thank you,' pleased -- she gets them rarely enough from patients that it's very nice to hear. At his questions she considers, counting on her fingers, "Um... well, I was just barely 13 when Master Roakkana first stopped by the estate, noticed me, and asked me if I'd like to go with him. After that there was a year or two in the praxaeum, and we've been together since then. So, total, that's umm... about five years now." She adds with obvious pride, "He's a great Jedi." A moment later she adds curiously, "Why do you ask?"

"Curiosity, really. I'd have gone crazy after just one year, I think. The Jedi who found me tried his best, but he didn't really make it sound terribly appealing. They also found me a little late -- I had already started the CorSec Academy and was dead-set on that route. If they'd gotten to me a few years earlier and didn't make it sound like it was a hell crafted specifically for Fhazil Taas..." He grins and shakes his head. "'Estate'? Let me guess... Alderaan? Kuros?"

Freyja blinks, going very still for a heartbeat... then laughs gracefully, "Oh, I knew I had someone with a sense of humor waiting for me to get through the praxaeum, so it was worth it. Plus it was the most appealing choice I'd ever been given. I could find out once and for all, all under my own power, if I was a complete waste of time -- or not." She asks, with a charmingly fascinated-seeming interest learned from watching her sister operate, "So what was CorSec Academy like?"

"Oh? That would be your master, then? Funny -- I'd never have thought Wookies would make good Jedi. Most Wookies I've known could get a rage on quicker than you can say 'You lose, please play again.' I knew one Wookie in CorSec who was pretty easygoing, all in all, but when the concussion blasts started flying he was a terror. Half the perpetrators he brought in were just trying to get away from him to the 'safety' of a cell. I half-think he did it on purpose..."

Freyja knows, a little frantically, that if she tells him she's from Balmorra, he will know her family name is Rigg, and he will know she's at least closely related to nobility there. Balmorra has no other human nobility on it other than the Rigg Barony, and he would have studied or at least known about the corridor of major systems between the Empire and the Republic Core. And Balmorra, being a huge droid-producing world, would be considered a "major world" even if Forsetti Rigg's holdings weren't the largest on the planet. She's relieved when he talks about his schooling, laughing quietly in the right place in his story.

He shakes his head. "CorSec Academy. It was hellish, rough -- I really don't do well in classes. Fortunately it was only a few months, and we moved on to practical training. That's where it got much more bearable. I retained all the schooling, but it was hard. I was told I wasn't the first student to find the classwork harder than the practical, but I was the first in recent memory to almost fail his classes while acing the practicals."

Freyja blinks again, straightening and wondering a bit bemusedly if that comment about perpetrators was a tease at her incessantly preaching at the Sith that are brought in... then hastily turns her focus back to the present, concentrating on keeping him distracted from asking about what planet she's from. "Er... so what are practicals, please?"

"Oh, the active stuff -- physical and procedural. Room sweeps, evidence analysis, footwork, range time. I know what you mean about wanting to make a difference, though. My first couple of months as a ranger, it was great. I was helping out the community there, despite the crime lords' activities, and I thought we were making progress." He shrugs a little. "Then I spent some time as an observer aboard a Republic cruiser doing anti-piracy patrols out towards the Rim, the Sith came... and everything changed."

Freyja grins a little shyly, adding, "Classes were always easy for me... I was the smart one. I'm sorry it was difficult for you. I know that's no fun, to be left behind." She's honestly fascinated now, "The Sith... that's right, you were there in the early days of the war. Goddess... so did one of them talk to you, or something? -persuade you to steal the droid freighter and go to them?"

Fhazil says, a little wryly, "I almost envy you, Freyja. If I'd been able to do classes easier, I'd likely have been able to be an officer in the military. Then again, no disrespect to them, a lot of them are stepping up and doing a fine job on the front, but at that time I'd have just been doing anti-piracy patrols and helping out the trade cartels." Freyja grins cheerfully -- she's not used to being envied just for herself, rather than for her family connections! It's... oddly rather nice!

He arches an eyebrow, grinning. "I think you have me at a disadvantage. You seem to have read a file on me somewhere. No problem, really -- it's an interesting feeling knowing that. We were boarded by Sathau Dakk's Massassi, and when we got back to the Core they spirited me away to Had Kathalim and the Pinnacle. People from the Republic and Guard Intelligence and the Jedi Watchers took a month or two to question me about what happened. They called it 'debriefing' but blasted if that wasn't the most intense briefing I'd ever been to. And I was getting cabin fever there -- you've probably never been to Had Kathalim, but if you do, pack a sunshade and a vacuum suit -- it's an airless world in close proximity to a white dwarf. You can't go onto the sun side surface 'cause you'll be roasted alive by radiation; you can't go onto the dark side 'cause you'll be frozen solid in minutes flat. It was worse than being in the Academy -- it was like my graduation tests drawn out over two months."

Freyja laughs softly, then admits, "It's only three paragraphs of speculation, really. I'm sorry if that's rude of me. I didn't mean it so." A second later she blinks, wondering if Fhazil Taas understands exactly where he was, considering how casually he mentions it. The Pinnacle on Had Kathalim is the headquarters for Republic Intelligence -- and its exact location is not typically known!

She says cautiously, "Ah, no... no, I've never been to Had Kathalim." She adds curiously, "So... how'd the Sith get to you, then, if you were there?" She notes interestedly that if Fhazil Taas is telling the truth, Kuuna's report is incorrect, and the Human wasn't taken back to Corellia, but rather to the Pinnacle. Now why would Republic folks lie to a Jedi about that? she wonders.

The Human nods wryly. "Neither have I, and I'd rather not go back there! Can't go outside the Pinnacle, can't go outside your assigned room, 'for your own safety, Ranger Taas.'" He shakes his head. "I think they finally let me go just because they saw I was getting fed up. Anyway, it was when I finally got back to Corellia that I met someone, and we talked a lot of times. They belonged to the Shadowguards of Ziost, and that's when I decided to go over to the Sith." He grins. "I'm sure they'd have preferred I just got hold of a small ship instead of hijacking a droid freighter, but why do things in half-measure? Freighter droids make poor company, by the way. They're not bright enough to carry on a long conversation outside of an occasionally sarcastic, 'While you're hijacking us, Sir, please check the manifold on the hyperdrive; it's coming loose and if it does that will end your little joyride right quick.' That was the only kink in my plan."

Freyja says, "What's a Shadowguard?" She covers a grin at his description both of his deliberate flamboyance, and the trials he faced in his choice of traveling companions.

Fhazil says, "I guess they're the Sith equivalent to the Jedi Watchers and Republic Intelligence. They're of Ziost because supposedly they're only neutral arbiters between the members of the Moot, placing the Empire above personal rivalries. I would imagine they're just as susceptible to bias as anything, but they do seem to give us reasonably good intelligence. Reasonably." He rolls his eyes. "You curse your intelligence providers every time you drop out of hyperspace onto a 'minor military outpost' with 'minimal defenses' and instead find an armed-for-wampa fleet carrier."

Freyja grins again, then considers carefully. She feels a bit guilty about being deceptive as to who she is... but she sure doesn't want to get pestered for an introduction to or autograph from her sister or father either. She says slowly, "So... was there nothing you missed when you left the Republic? Nothing at all?"

Fhazil says carefully. "You never answered my question earlier about what world you're from." He adds quickly, "If it was something unpleasant that made you leave, that's all right, I can understand that. I shan't pry into that." He shakes his head cheerfully. "Miss it? Not really, no. I get nostalgic about CorSec sometimes, and I miss Corellia in the spring -- but that's just physical. Ziost has its own beauty, too, as does deep space. Someday I'm sure I'll miss the peace, but I wouldn't have kept that either if I'd stayed in the Republic. This war will wind down eventually. There'll be some sort of settlement, the Moot will explode into squabbling rivalries for a fortnight, and things'll turn to relative normalcy."

Freyja flushes slightly at being caught in her deception -- then blinks at the casualness with which the Sith apprentice regards what may be a decades-long war! "Er... wait. You've joined the Sith, but you don't even expect them to win this war?! How did you intend to make your mark on the universe if you just expect things to end with a settlement?" A touch indignantly she adds, "Did you think to not rule a planet, but just defeat a lot of them? What about all the folks that die in that process? And what happens when even that is old hat to you?"

Fhazil looks surprised briefly, then grimaces slightly. "I don't expect either side to win this time. Both sides as they are now are too fractious. Jumping womprats, look at what Methel-ssa did. Above and beyond the wrongness of it, things like that are going to just make people more and more angry, and make it so that everyone and their noncombatant brother is going to be jumping into the war, and I don't know if I've made myself clear on that, but it's one thing to take arms against others who've also taken up arms, it's another thing entirely to go after people who have no reason being caught up in that business! You think I like the idea that this war could just run down into a stalemate? I hope I'm wrong! I'd rather that the Sith fleets and Republic Guard have it out, keep the civilians out of it, and be done with that, but the Moot has other ideas and like it or not for the time being Naga Sadow lets them be in charge to keep an internecine war from adding to our problems."

He sighs, then lies back, wincing. "No, I don't like the turns the war has taken in places. Unless I miss my guess, you don't either. But before you think that I'm just 'letting it happen,' I'm going to get to the point where I can make this a straight-up fight; no bantha fodder like what Methel-ssa did. I'd be willing to bet that you would like to see the war resolved in your own way too, but aren't -- yet -- in a position to do that."

Freyja hesitates... then nods slowly, acknowledging the validity of the Sith apprentice's point. She pauses, then says unhappily, "Still... it's almost like you fell into being a Sith." Ruefully she murmurs, "What a shame it wasn't one of the Savalli Kho that found you first..."

"The... pardon?" Fhazil Taas frowns slightly, the heat from his words evaporating. "Who are the Savalli Kho?"

Freyja sighs, shaking her head once sharply to clear it, "Sorry, I was wool-gathering there... so- ah... oh. The Savalli Kho are a sect of Force users." She pauses, then gives a small grin, "I'll show you the file on them later, if you'd like. But where was I... ah, right." She gives the Human a somewhat confused look, "So... you joined the Sith both to make a name for yourself... and to keep the war just between militaries? Um... wouldn't it be easier to somehow prevent all the fighting, instead?" She pulls her data-pad over to her, bringing up the file on the Savalli Kho, should Fhazil Taas say he'd like to see it. She adds puzzledly, "Why are the Sith attacking us?!"

He nods, "I would sometime, yes, please. And no need to apologize." He purses his lips, then shakes his head. "I joined the Sith because that's where I felt most comfortable. Well, more comfortable, which might not be saying much. I joined the Lords of War because that was where I felt I was best at, and the Lords of War believe in stand-up fights with an enemy, not sneaking around here and there and throwing assassin droids, poisons, and alchemical monsters just for the sake of fear. As for stopping the fighting... same thing. Neither you nor I are in a position to stop it right now."

Fhazil thinks, then shakes his head. "I've heard a lot of different reasons, both when I was still a ranger and when I became a Sith. Resources, failing agriculture, desire for new worlds to take into the Republic or the Empire, trade disputes, botched first contact, ideologies -- even one that said the Sith want to wipe out the Jedi, but I don't believe that one. The Oath doesn't seem to have that much power."

"As near as I can tell, La- er, Padawan, the reason given to the Lords of War is complex, involving dwindling resources on the part of the Sith, trade cartels on the part of the Republic, a military incursion by both, and some really bad chemistry between the Sith and the Jedi. I believe that the truth is close to that, but that there's more to it than that."

Freyja says, "Like what?" Her tone is puzzled, "Do you know?"

"I don't know, I have only suspicions. Some Lords of War might want to fight for glory more than they want peace. Some Lords of State might want to just cause chaos to further their plans. Some Senators might see it as a way of boosting the Republic's economy, or moving the Republic out of any sort of stagnation. The Lords of Smiths... well, who knows what they might want -- they're on Korriban all the time, tending the tombs and overseeing the smiths, sorcerers, alchemists, and engineers under them. The only group I'd be honestly surprised to hear about any involvement in the start of the war is the Jedi Council."

Freyja grins at the comment regarding fighting for glory, her gaze momentarily sardonically amused... and then she gets carefully emotionless as she realizes her own father may be one of those agitating for war -- what a horrible thought! At the rest of Fhazil Taas' commentary she nods thoughtfully, then holds up the data-pad so he can read the short file on the Savalli Kho while she considers his perplexing words. She wonders how he'll react to the information concerning the id and superego... will he consider it unnecessarily limiting, as she's starting to, or not? Will he find it inspiring? Or will he just find it amusing?

Fhazil takes some time to read through it -- it doesn't seem to require a visible effort on his part, and he doesn't seem to get antsy while reading. After several minutes he makes a quiet sound. "I'd never heard of them before." He adds wryly, "They must have had some great parties. They're still around? I mean, they haven't disappeared?"

Freyja studies the Human Sith apprentice as he reads, wondering perplexedly how to find out more about the Kono triats... and how the Kono knew which Darksiders to invite into a triat. Might her Master have some suggestions? She blinks, refocusing on the present to consider the apprentice's questions, "I... honestly don't know, Fhazil Taas. I'm sorry. I've just started these lines of research recently, due to the current events."

Fhazil nods thoughtfully. "I almost wish I'd heard about them before, but hearing the way some Jedi and Republic soldiers spit out the word 'darksider' makes it sound almost like there'd be no difference between joining the Savalli Kho or the Sith." He grins lightly, "And if their seminary lasted longer than a year I'd worry about getting through it."

Freyja laughs! "Well... different folks have different reactions, of course. Plus the, er... uncomfortable-" that's the politest way she knows to put it, "-'feel' of a darksider may be the same, regardless of whether it's a Sith or one of the Savalli Kho. I've no idea, myself."

"Uncomfortable-? Oh. Sith stain. Darksider blight. Yeah, it takes some getting used to if you don't know what it is." He grins. "I think it's the one thing that keeps Sith honest and cordial with one another in the Moot. If one gets angry, he just drops his control over it and the entire room goes into nausea and vertigo... actually some use it as a sign of their power when they're angry. I remember the assassin whom Methel-ssa questioned after what happened at the inspector's house. She not only brought the full strength of her... her personality onto him, the guy was on the ground retching." He frowns slightly. "Huh. Again, I knew she was displeased, but I wouldn't have expected that from her... anyway, I've been trying to keep it down for you. I hope it hasn't been bothersome."

Freyja looks first puzzled, then fascinated, "You can... tone it down?!" She blinks as another realization hits her, "Wait... Methel-ssa was already slipping then? So whatever is pressuring her must've been doing so since well before we were there!" She sounds relieved -- she was not happy with the thought that she was, however indirectly, responsible for the carnage in the city.

"Er, sort of. It involves a lot of conscious thought. I can't really do anything with the Force while doing that. Lords might be able to, if they're skulking around and don't want to be noticed, but it's not something that can be done easily. As long as I'm not doing anything else I think I can keep it bearable for you." He nods to the others. "Jiosch and that other one are unconscious and have been for a while. Their own stain is pretty unnoticeable right now."

Freyja blinks as yet another fascinating thought hits her. If it's based on control and presence... then perhaps there's some form of it (hopefully less nauseating) that a Jedi can use too! She'd love the ability to calm a room just by her presence. That'd be a wonderful skill to learn. She murmurs absently, lost in thought, "Vakkal."

Fhazil frowns. "Now that you mention it... I imagine she already was. At least since before I came to Marnaas. Ah, Vakkal, thank you. Vakkal?" He blinks. "Vakkal? Of Khar Valos? I was wondering where he disappeared to. He was studying under Lord Ghang before another Lord convinced Ghang to let Vakkal study under another Lord. I didn't know that Lord was Qatto Verg, though."

Freyja blinks startledly, "You know him?" A moment later she says with sudden intentness, her ice-blue gaze fixed thoughtfully on the apprentice, "Was he a healer then?"

Fhazil nods. "For a few months, yes. We were both Lord Ghang's apprentices. He kept to himself, mostly, but he was great with a lanvarok. A healer? No, not that I could tell. I guess it just wasn't his choice of specialty. Why do you ask?"

Freyja chuffs a disappointed sigh, "Well, wolf-feathers! I guess that theory's shot. I was wondering why he wanted to be a healer, and speculated that he'd been mentally blocked or messed up through the Dark, so he couldn't heal... thus ensuring he'd go mad with frustration and make that much better a fighter for Verg." Equally disappointedly she adds, "I guess he's not going to be as loyal as I'd hoped too, considering he's had more than one Mast- ah, lord. I'd been wondering, since Verg exploded himself, if we could persuade him to transfer his allegiance to someone who wouldn't use him like a disposable cog... like Master Roakkana. He did help make sure Vakkal lived, after all."

Freyja considers how oddly different some of the Sith seem to be -- not homogenous at all -- almost Republic-like in their variety! She smiles ruefully to herself -- better not to share that thought with other Jedi, she guesses. "Fhazil Taas... what do you know of the um, Oathers? Have you heard about them exploding in black bile that knocks out anyone near them?" Her voice is suddenly intent and hopeful as she adds, "Do you know anything about how to fix that effect?"

"A healer? Vakkal never wanted to be a healer, at least that he told me. Lanvaroks and healers don't generally mix well. And loyalty is a funny thing, Padawan. It has to be earned; it can't just be assumed or given away. Lord Ghang knew that." He looks oddly at Freyja saying that Verg 'exploded himself,' though shakes off that expression. "I know only what we've seen here and what Methel-ssa told me. I admit it was an odd feeling knowing that the Jedi and Sith have a common ancestry, but that's so far in the past it almost wouldn't bear thinking about if not for the Oath. I think they're touched in the head to carry on a grudge like that, but then again, I'm not an Oather." Unseen, Dhaasul hides a look, remembering his own assessment of Fhazil as "touched."

"As for... exploding? Into black bile? I've heard of some Lords who go down like that to take their enemy with them, but it's rare. Either most fallen Sith Lords prefer to go out with dignity, or they just can't do that. I imagine Naga Sadow could, he's probably powerful enough. But I've never seen it happen, except maybe once. Riga Nom Thal's battleship Thunderer was beset on all sides by Republic cruisers and was threatened with capture. The bridge section exploded with the Force -- I was in a fighter just a few kilometers away -- and it had... kind of... a black look to it, but it was all Dark side energy. The Republic captured the ship, but not him."

Freyja nods, looking faintly disappointed. She'd not expected the information on how to help Kuuna... but a hint on where to look next would have been nice. Ah, well. "Hm. All right. Well, Valsha said he wanted to be a healer but couldn't be... that's why I asked." She smiles quietly, although her eyes are carefully emotionless, "Oh, I quite understand loyalty, like respect, is earned and not demanded, Fhazil Taas." She pauses a second, numerous incidents from her life at home flashing momentarily before her eyes... then falls silent. She finally says, with careful courtesy more due to her extensive diplomatic training than to anything the Human has said, "I have run out of questions to ask, currently. Do you have anything you'd like to ask?"

Fhazil looks quietly at Freyja -- the moment of remembrance seems not to have been lost on him -- but he makes no comment about it. "I wonder why she said that. I've never known him to want to be a healer." He grins teasingly. "That was certainly the most pleasant interrogation I've ever had. If you'd been my case officer at the Pinnacle, I think I wouldn't have been nearly so insane with needing to get out of there as I was. I have none, except... well, I realize now that my perceptions of what's happening might be different than yours. Padawan, how long do you think this war between the Sith and the Republic will last?"

Freyja blinks, Fhazil's gentle teasing bringing her nicely back into the present, rather than the unpleasant past, and her quiet smile is more genuine, even if it isn't happy, "I really don't know, Fhazil Taas. I don't have enough information to make a good estimation. If it weren't for those that apparently actually want war, on both sides, I'd be quite pleased to say it wouldn't be that long. But..." she chuffs a quiet sigh and adds simply, "I can't say that, in honesty."

Freyja muses for a minute, her chin on her fist again, then says slowly, "I know this, though... even if you manage to keep the fighting just between the various militaries, there are people -- probably on both sides -- who will see this battle as a matter of principle. They believe in their right to live their own lives, and not be ruled by another Xim the Despot -- and that's how they'll see the Sith, here in the Republic. And it's tough to remind soldiers they should only attack other soldiers... when civilians are throwing rocks at them." She softly adds, "That being said... I still wish you luck in your goals... and I will still do my best to stop the fighting, even though I don't yet know how."

Fhazil nods quietly. "You're voicing my concerns much better than I could have." He blinks in surprise, then nods. "And good luck to you with yours. Here's hoping that we both can find what we're looking for."

Freyja smiles with slow rue, and doesn't say anything. She's still not entirely sure what it is she's looking for. Some variant or version of the Force, useable individually or collectively, either would be fine... which doesn't leave the users mentally unbalanced and which helps them work together in mutual support -- now there's a goal worth pursuing... if only there were some way to be sure there was a solution!


Some time later Zero enters the infirmary, looking a bit less ragged than he did on his way in. He isn't wearing his jacket, and there are dark shapes of perspiration showing on the chest and the small of the back of his white shirt, but he seems a bit more together after having had a few hours to collect himself. He folds his arms behind his head, stretching, as he looks around the quiet room. Seeing Freyja awake with Taas, he pads over in their direction. Freyja smiles and waves, then introduces them, "Zero Satau, this is Fhazil Taas." She considers, then decides not to be more explicit.

Fhazil notices Zero enter immediately, and his brow furrows a bit. "Zero Satau... the greysider? You... I don't know, seem different somehow." He gives a wry smile. "Good shot, by the way."

Freyja tilts her head thoughtfully at Fhazil, then turns to look curiously at Zero, wondering what's different. Zero grins lopsidedly. "Thanks. Nice job with the speeder; you nearly had us. You know my name, then?"

"Thanks! I bit off more than I could chew, which is probably just as well. Trying to cut the land-speeder in half down the middle would have looked impressive. It was too much for me to have even tried." Freyja arches an eyebrow, glad that plan didn't succeed. Likely she or Valsha would have gotten badly sliced.

Zero nods, "I was actually fairly sure I killed you. Freyja's a remarkable healer... so far she's managed to undo almost every kill I've executed since we got here. And a few of her own." He grins a little with the unbroken side of his face.

Freyja laughs! -then murmurs dryly, "Dear me, the disappointment..."

Zero says, "Seems like we've all been given to fits of extremes these past few days. That incident with the swoop bikes would have got me arrested, on Coruscant."

Freyja grins cheerfully, stretching herself with casual grace too, arms over her head, then chuffs happily. Once she settles back she says, "I like not having folks die on me. Can't talk to dead folks." She makes a mental note -- she really must practice more with the weapons, considering how things have been going lately.

Fhazil chuckles quietly. "Well, forgive me if I admit I'm personally glad you didn't kill me." Freyja smiles, then curiously studies the Force around Zero, wondering if he's less 'gray' now or something. It's almost too subtle to see; there's a slight change in Zero's presence within the Force, but not anything that can really be quantified.

Zero grins. "I won't hold it against you. Under the circumstances I'm glad things turned out as well as they did for all involved. Today could easily have been a real disaster. I'm sure that's cold comfort for the Port Authority... but all said it could have been worse."

Fhazil grimaces. "It pretty much did, form what Padawan Freyja was telling me. I can only assure you that if I had been there when Methel-ssa did what she did to the spaceport, I would have tried to stop her."

Freyja falls quiet, considering. She'll have to ask Master Roakkana about it later... she just nods gravely once at Zero's commentary. Zero says, "Then she did lose control? That would make sense, I suppose. Totaling the only viable landing zone doesn't make planetary conquest any easier." Freyja covers a rueful smile.

The Sith apprentice says, "I don't know what happened. Padawan Freyja noted that she may have been losing control even before then. I had thought Methel-ssa to be much more staid and reserved. Her species usually is."

Zero says, "Well... it hasn't been a banner week for either side, all things considered. I can certainly understand the urge to lose one's temper. I'm still amazed I walked away from that situation with nothing more than a bad headache." Freyja nods once in silent and fervent agreement.

"Well, for what it's worth I think it better to come over to the Sith of one's own volition, instead of out of impulse and slipping into the Dark. It's... how can I put it... less messy that way. Converts... sometimes have some odd emotional baggage."

Zero murmurs dryly, "I can scarcely imagine why..." Freyja blinks at Fhazil almost blankly. How can he say that, considering his own conversion was almost accidental? And... why did he say that? Is he trying to persuade us to join him?! She raises a slow and sardonic eyebrow, considering the Sith apprentice.

Dhaasul says wryly, "Oh, thank you, Fhazil."

Fhazil tchs, "Hey, now, I didn't mean you, Dhaasul. I know you were following your sister."

Zero says, "I'm afraid my interest in the Sith is purely technical. Interesting equipment and some fascinating fighting styles... but I'm afraid my days of building someone else's empire are behind me." Freyja grins, watching the interplay between Fhazil and her sibling Padawan. Good for you, Zero!

Fhazil notices the look Freyja gives him and blinks a little confusedly. "Er... oh. Well, good! Seeing an independent-minded person is never bad, no matter which side they're on. There's nothing wrong with feeling that way. Just don't build someone else's republic, either." He blinks and rubs his head. "Sorry, I think those painkillers are really starting to kick in..."

Freyja giggles... then has the grace to look embarrassed at laughing at someone else's apparent discomfort. She murmurs sheepishly, "Sorry..."

Fhazil smiles wryly to Freyja, rubbing his forehead a bit. "You're the one who gave them to me..."

Freyja nods quietly, "You needed them. You'd been shaking your head and flopping around a bit in reaction to my news about your Sith lord. I was surprised you weren't making your ribs shift already... and I'm pleased your head didn't start bleeding again."

Zero sighs a little. "Someone else's Republic." Ah, funny you should say that... "No, I wouldn't worry about that either... I've been in the unique position of seeing this conflict from several possible angles. I'd love to learn more about the Sith technological advantages, and about that fascinating blade technique... but I feel the same way about the Jedi. For people like you and I, whose place is to fight... in the end, regardless of the tools one uses, we're all responsible for the ideas we choose to fight for." Freyja listens in fascination to Zero. This is a depth, and a side to him, she'd not yet seen. She's very pleased she can be here to see it.

Fhazil nods. "Well. Yeah, that's very true. Ideas and goals. A lot of people forget that fighting is a means to an end. Perdition, when I was a ranger most perpetrators didn't pick fights with CorSec just for the fun of it. They did because they had reasons, goals, even if it was desperation. And we fought them back, because they resisted arrest." He shrugs a little. "It's choices. What are your ideals and goals, and if you're willing to fight for them; be willing to take the consequences of them. It sounds like you already know that, though."

Zero says, "It takes some people longer than others to reach that last part... but yes, I think I do know."

Freyja gives the Human Sith a frankly bemused look. "For Goddess' sake. Here you are, talking about the validity of goals, yet you're willing to fight to, in essence, enslave an entire world to Methel-ssa's whim." Her tone is confused, not hostile, "How in the Midrealms do you reconcile that?"

Fhazil replies, "Who said anything about enslavement? Methel-ssa's more than proven she shouldn't lead, except maybe a pack of orbalisks. What she did isn't leadership, it's carnage. I wouldn't want that, and a lot of the Lords of War would agree."

Freyja's eyes narrow, "All right, what would you call forcing an entire planet to live by the whim of one uber- powerful individual?"

Zero says, "Perhaps I'll make another round of the battlements and come back at a better time."

Freyja eyes Zero exasperatedly, "If you want to say something, do!" Zero folds his arms and waits for Taas to make reply.

"'Forcing'? I'd call that wrong. Earning, now, that's another story." He rubs his head a little. "Look, maybe a lot of the other Sith are right and I'm an aberration on how they perceive the order of things, but I know that worlds can have a respectful, efficient hierarchy of responsible nobles. Frozen Perdition! Balmorra does, Alderaan does, Koros does. It's possible. And it can be made to happen. As I've said, that's my goal."

Freyja opens her mouth to make indignant reply... then pauses, considering. She's not sure she should embark on a discussion of the respectful efficiency of Balmorra... her view is somewhat prejudiced. She falls silent, thinking and hushing up so Zero can talk. Zero says, "It could be said, I suppose, that the Republic already functions under such a hierarchy. It might also be said that there are a host of problems that come with such an arrangement. Obviously, or we'd all not be here having this conversation, mm?" Freyja smiles with a touch of rue.

Fhazil lets out a breath. "Yeh, I won't argue that point. Every system can be improved, Empire and Republic both."

Zero says, "No political system is without problems. If there was one, I'd have been unemployed years ago. I suspect that we all would." Freyja gives a soft, chuffing sigh of agreement. She's not sure what her family would be if they weren't nobility... but it's certainly kept them busy in the here and now.

Fhazil looks curiously to Zero, brow furrowed a bit, and nods. "Yeah," he says finally. "After twenty thousand years I'm sure someone somewhere would have found it if it existed."

Zero says, "I continue to hope it's just not happened yet... under the circumstances, though, I continue to support the one I think does the best for the most people. Until a better one comes along, anyway. Paradoxically, despite my dependence on it for livelihood in recent years, politics have never interested me much. I suspect they aren't much more than a means to an end for our guest here either. Why don't we give our convalescents some time to recover; I'm sure the returning Jedi will have questions of their own. It's going to be a long day for all of us before it's completely over."

Fhazil smiles wanly, and inclines his head. "A pleasure meeting you both, Zero Satau, Padawan Freyja..."

Freyja nods slowly, remembering the devastation in the city... and wondering a little worriedly just how messy it's going to get here, when the Moot and the Council arrive en masse. She nods politely in return, "You also, Fhazil Taas. You and Dhaasul should rest. Call if you need anything."

Zero gives an odd little bow; he bows his head and holds out his hands, palms out, as he bows. "Taas. A pleasure to speak with you, and I hope your wounds heal quickly."


In the dojo, some time later, Freyja's sitting and panting softly after a good, head-clearing workout. She has a dipper of water to drink, then splashes another dipper-full over her head, letting its drenching help cool her down. She settles cross-legged with her back against one wall and grins tiredly at her sibling Padawan, "Thanks for the work-out, Zero... I needed that."

Zero grins and folds his hands behind his back. "My pleasure. It's a damn sight more engaging than working with those Marksman toys."

Freyja laughs softly, then says ruefully, "I need to do more marksmanship myself." She wipes her face off with a towel, then says curiously, "So... what do you think of our newest, ah... patient?"

Zero smiles, "We can work on that." He eyes one of the little Marksman spheres, lying deactivated on a shelf nearby. He picks it up and rolls it back and forth on the inside of his arm, balancing it from wrist to elbow and back. "Taas? Interesting man... I have to admit, I see more than one disturbing parallel with myself, and I don't just mean our attractive hairstyles." He smiles crookedly.

Freyja grins, then says a bit perturbedly, "I... yes, I know what you mean. He's so... so polite and rational, compared to the revenge Sith! And did you notice? When he's not using the Dark Force, his eyes aren't mad."

Zero says, "No, I can't say I noticed. But it does certainly make sense. And I'm not surprised he's more in control of his faculties. Anyone given completely over to genocidal revenge fantasies likely won't be a fabulous conversationalist." Freyja giggles in spite of herself! Zero adds a touch grimly, "I'm surprised we've not had to kill that lupine. I expected him to be a problem."

Freyja says, "Well, that's what gives me some hope for Vakkal. He apparently was a brother apprentice with Fhazil Taas to their first Sith lord. Verg was a trade-off later, apparently." She adds quietly, "Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could persuade him that Master Roakkana was responsible for his continued life -- and he transferred his loyalty to Master Roakkana?"

Zero says, "Oh? That's interesting... certainly would be a relief to me, if that's the case. I certainly didn't relish the idea of doing the honors... twice."

Freyja nods a touch grimly to Zero, "Me either." She adds hopefully, "And it is true, really... Master Roakkana said to bring him into the monastery."

Zero nods, "Roakkana may be considered unorthodox, but thus far the Jedi concept of orthodoxy is a bit more militaristic than I expected from a supposedly philosophical organization. And the Master's judgment so far has been nothing short of prescient. I certainly support his decisions." He moves his arm suddenly, bouncing the Marksman unit off his bicep and into his hand. He activates it and lets it hover around him for a few moments. Finally he grins and says, "I think it fair to say that our training has diverged rather a lot from the Temple-goers on Coruscant, don't you?"

Freyja nods ruefully, "I would get into so much trouble if I babbled about my recent studies and thoughts to a Templar!" A bit more quietly she adds, "And... so would Master Roakkana. We'll need to be careful. We don't want to cause him any problems."

Zero sighs and shakes his head. "I'm surprised that the Jedi would employ insurgents like that. Internally, even. It seems to me that the closer one gets to the Core, the more calcified the Order becomes." He sighs a little bitterly, "But it seems the Republic is sliding in that direction as well, doesn't it."

Freyja lightly taps at the hovering marksman ball as it passes low by her, sending it swinging around to the other side of Zero. She watches it, musing, "I'm really beginning to wonder if Master Roakkana is waiting for me to have some philosophical breakthrough or something..." She looks up at the standing Zero and nods gravely, "It scares me, in a way. The Templars seem able to self-justify any breaking of their own freely chosen, freely sworn oaths. That's... creepy."

Zero takes the lightsaber from his belt and ignites it. "Pattern six, please," he tells the little sphere as it passes near his head, and walks toward the middle of the floor. To Freyja he says, "I suppose that this war represents something of an ideological struggle for the Council. If it's true what we've been told about the origins of the Sith Empire, then this would seem to be a decisive conflict over who was, in essence, the stronger argument." He turns, blocking a shot from the Marksman, turns, deflects and turns again, keeping the Marksman to his right, mostly practicing his footwork.

Freyja watches quietly, sitting cross-legged at the side of the room. Finally she says slowly, "Decisive... what if they're both wrong, Zero? What if this isn't just a binary, good vs. evil, light vs. dark issue?"

Zero bounces a shot back at the Marksman, eliciting an indignant bleep. He licks at the scar on his lip, replying softly, "Then a lot of people are dying for no reason, Freyja."

Freyja shudders once, then muses silently for a while, not really paying attention to the practice in front of her. Finally she murmurs, "So... the question becomes are they wrong, and if so, how to prove it to them, yes? And how to prove for ourselves whether or not they're wrong, too, I think."

Zero head-fakes the Marksman, slipping underneath it and moving the saber over his back to deflect the coming shot as he rotates his facing to keep the little droid in his view. "A more incisive question might be how one convinces the Jedi Council not to do something they've set their minds to do. They're as bad as Senators; worse, since they've no constituency to answer to. Moreover... how does one convince the Sith Empire's masters that they shouldn't wage their war of conquest?"

Freyja considers that for a long, quiet moment. Finally she says a little hesitantly, "Offer them something they'd like better than conquest? I don't yet know what, though. Maybe a more effective means of using the Force, or better trade concessions?"

Zero says, "I don't think we were ever trading with them to start with, but... ah, who am I to say? I can't judge what a Sith Lord would or wouldn't want any better than I can say what a bantha's favorite color is." He sighs and grins lopsidedly. "I'd assume it was brown, though." He nods to the sphere, "That's enough, thank you," and plucks it from the air.

Freyja grins, then says, "Well, experimenting with the Force might be useful. I don't know yet... but I'll keep considering it. I can't help but wonder if the Dark/Light split is hampering both extremes of the bipolar ends."

Zero extinguishes his saber and shrugs. "We're going to find out, one way or another... aren't we."

Freyja nods slowly... then looks up thoughtfully at the Human, "Zero... will you help me? I want to do some experimenting, and I'll need a partner to do so. It'd be under Master Roakkana's watch, of course...?"

Zero arches an eyebrow. "What sort of experiment?"

Freyja says, "Well, I don't know yet... but I've been thinking about the nature of the Force. Theoretically, if the extremes are only partially correct, then perhaps an extreme matched with a more central view would be stronger in gestalt than the individual components, you know? I'm not sure yet, but I'm starting to wonder if maybe a Lightsider and a Graysider working in concert would be better than either working individually but side by side."

She hesitates, then adds worriedly, "Also theoretically, the strongest team or unit would be one that was a threesome, with a Dark, Light, and Graysider... but I don't think we know any Dark we trust that much." She adds a touch uncertainly, "At least, that's what the Kono thought...?"

Zero sighs softly and grins, "And here I'd hoped you were coming onto me." He tucks the lightsaber back in his sash and asks, "Well, what is it exactly that you're trying to accomplish?"

Freyja gives Zero a slightly startled look -- then laughs softly, "No, Zero, I'd be much more direct, and much more self-conscious if I were doing that." She grins, then nods, her tone getting thoughtful again, "Well... the Dark side is supposed to be easier and faster. Plus we were speculating that a better use of the Force might persuade the two factions not to fight... so... why not see if we can figure out a better way to channel the Force?"

Zero says, "Yes, but to what end? So far, I've only learned to affect the Force as it affects myself... what is it we'd be attempting to channel it toward?"

Freyja smiles ruefully, "I don't know yet, Zero. Isn't that the nature of experimentation, though? To see what develops?"

Zero holds out his palm with the Marksman drone in it. He narrows his eyes a bit... the drone moves just an inch or two upward above his palm, wavers, then plops back into his hand. "This is about all I can do in the world outside myself, so far... but if it's meditation you wish to do, that much I can certainly help with."

Freyja says, "I don't know yet, Zero. But I suspect the first thing we should try is bouncing this idea past Master Roakkana." She considers for a moment, then adds, "See, there's this philosopher I've been reading about that thinks the balanced mind isn't just emotion or just emotionlessness... he seems to think all the parts of the mind need to be considered and recognized and brought into balance. Well, if individuals could do that, why not a group of them? An anima, an animus, and a shadow... a Light, a Gray, and maybe someday a Dark, all working together. Would they be a stronger gestalt?" She glances at Zero and adds frankly, "Does this just sound crazy, or what?"

Zero smiles a bit apologetically, "I'm afraid psychology isn't something I've studied. But I defer to your and the Master's knowledge, I'll do what I can to help."

Freyja bounces up lightly to her feet, her energy returned now she's had a chance to rest a bit -- and now she has a new problem to gnaw on! She grins, "Wonderful! Let's go find Master Roakkana then, and ask him what he thinks, and if he knows how to pool abilities and Force use!"

Roakkana wanders by the door to the dojo briefly, then a moment later he's circled around and stands in the doorway. "Did someone call my name?" he asks cheerfully. There's a weariness about him, however, one that makes the Wookie seem at least most of his 400 years of age.

Zero says, "Somehow I just can't be surprised."

Freyja brightens, "Master Roakkana!" She happily trots over to get him a stool, busily explaining her speculations. Once she's done she finishes with, "So... how does that sound? At all feasible, or way off on the wrong track?"

Roakkana seems to be listening with only half his mind, nodding as Freyja explains what she wishes. "I... believe I understand what you mean, child. It's rather audacious, and dangerous. I can say with surety the Jedi Council would not approve... which is probably sufficient reason to explore it, though very, very carefully. If memory serves me correctly, it was distantly similar experimentation that saw the rise of the Dark Jedi, before the Heresy Wars."

Freyja blinks, looking suddenly worried, "It was? Oh... uh, I thought it was something the Kono had tried... er, Master, is something wrong?"

Zero says, "You do seem rather tired, Master. Have you slept at all?"

Roakkana sighs and shakes his head... then reconsiders and says simply. "Yes, child. And I fear, Zero, it is not simply lack of sleep. I have just returned from a long chat with Inspector Shang. By luck or the Force I came upon her room as she was attempting to kill herself. She feels partly responsible for the devastation which Methel-ssa wrought today, and in a sense she is. That recognition is often too much for some beings to bear. It took quite a bit to convince her to not release herself; to come back and help make things right somehow. I fear that, between the battle with Methel-ssa and this, I have not exactly had the most invigorating of days!"

Freyja looks aghast, "Kill herself?! Thank goodness you were there!" A moment later she adds, "Um... Master Roakkana, maybe we could, ah... discuss this more in your quarters, while you were having a nice drink or something?"

Zero blinks, but says nothing for a moment. "A good thing you happened by when you did, Master." He takes a breath. "I suppose we're all weary, in our respective ways. It has been rather an... eventful few days."

Freyja will, if Master Roakkana lets her, gently urge him back to their quarters to rest, and get him something to eat and drink. Roakkana chuffs a little. "A good idea, child. Let's all go. It is at times like these," he says, standing, "-that I remember a little tap café on Ossus which had the most delightful Oglak tree bark coffee. But that is for another time. Come; let us go, and then you can tell me of what you two intend."

Zero grins. "I'm actually wondering that myself."

Freyja doesn't bother talking about Force theories or experimentation until the Wookie is tucked in comfortably someplace and looking slightly less worn. It doesn't take long; Wookies are very hardy, and once in the presence of the two Padawans and talking with them he seems to regain some energy and alertness. With the majority of the monastery's residents off at the spaceport, the place is quiet and they are undisturbed. Zero seems to perk up a bit too, forgetting for the nonce that he hasn't slept himself. He sits up a little, waiting to hear the Master's reply on this... it's all quite new to him.

Freyja is relieved to see her Master recover... and once he seems more alert she'll try again to describe the reading she's been doing about the theories concerning the Force, and how minds (and perhaps groups of individuals) can achieve greater self-realization and ability within the Force through true balance of their psyches. "So... does that make sense, Master Roakkana? What I can't seem to find yet is just how it is the individuals join and improve themselves through the gestalt."

The Wookie considers it carefully. "It... does make some sense, yes. And it would explain much of the Kono's reasoning for developing the triat. As to how it can be done... I do not know. That is one of the secrets the Templars hold closely, for many to act as one within the Force. A Templar manus of five knights trains constantly together; in pairs, in threes, in fours, and as a whole, for a long time together before they are declared a true manus. I suspect, however, that what you are suggesting is something dissimilar; something in which three people who believe in a multiplicity to the Force might work together in balance towards a certain goal." He is thoughtful for a moment. "I do not know how that would be done. That is a secret that the Kono held. And there are no more Kono."

Zero hms. Freyja frowns, "Well, wolf-feathers! I was hoping you might know." She rests her chin on her fist, thinking furiously, then says slowly, "Well... do you have any possible suggestions on what might do it, Master? Touch, maybe? Some sort of link through the Force?"

Roakkana considers for a moment, then a slight smile alights on his features. "Touch is certainly a start, particularly for persons at your level of skill. The Force knows no physical boundaries of distance or barriers, but it takes much time to train ourselves to likewise not know them. It is gradual. Hmmm." He taps his chin slightly, looking at each of his Padawans carefully.

Freyja looks more hopeful, watching the Wookie alertly -- then blinks at a sudden mental connection, "Oh! Master Roakkana -- Inspector Shang! Maybe she knows -- didn't the Silver Path come from the Kono?!" At the same moment, Zero says, "Freyja... do you suppose that this is something we should ask the Inspector?"

Roakkana's smile widens as both Padawans get the insight at the same time. "Excellent. Yes, the Silver Path came from the Kono. If Inspector Shang does indeed claim connection with them then there is the chance the Silver Path still exists after all this time. Mind you, it is even more likely the Silver Path she claims identity with is something newer. However, it might not hurt to try."

Freyja nods, then adds, "Is she all right to try asking now?"

Roakkana thinks, then nods. "Yes. Right now she is seeking a way to make restitution for her actions. The talk she and I had is fresh in her mind. This might give her that purpose."

Freyja looks pleased, "Excellent! Why don't you continue resting, Master Roakkana, and Zero and I will go talk to her?"

Zero says, "Why don't we propose it to her... and make preparations, if she agrees, to do it in the morning? That way all of us will be fresh. No point in going out on a limb if we're too tired to do it right, hm?"

Freyja nods, "Good point."

"Thank you, child. Just... be gentle with her, both of you. I realize it is easy to find fault with her for the events of the past few days. She has much to answer for. But her death, by her own hands or another's, will accomplish nothing. If for no other reason than there may be other members of the Silver Path out in the Galaxy, covertly aiding the Sith for whatever reasons they might have."

Freyja looks faintly surprised, "Of course, Master."

Zero says, "If anything, Master, the past few days have made it very difficult to assign blame to anyone, save perhaps Methel-ssa. We'll be gentle."

Roakkana nods, smiling quietly. "It needed saying, even if not for your benefit. Good luck."

Shang is in her assigned room, reading quietly and very somberly from a computer screen. There is no evidence in the room of any sort of struggle or suicide attempt. The only thing at all amiss is the slight indentation, about Zabraki female-sized, in the sheets on the bed. In fact... it's even hard to sense her through the Force -- something that becomes apparent as the two enter the room at her invitation and face her. She stands as the Padawans enter, inclining her head. "Hello, Padawan Freyja, Zero Satau."

Freyja nods politely, "Inspector Shang. I'm glad to see you are well." She glances at Zero, then adds a bit hesitantly, "We have a favor to ask of you, if we might?" She wonders puzzledly how someone could... sort of erase themselves in the Force.

Zero bows slightly. "Inspector."

Shang slips back into her chair. If anything, she is more reserved and distant -- "hollow" might be a more aesthetic term -- than before. "What may I help you with?"

Freyja explains succinctly their desire to try experimenting with somehow working together as a team within the Force, the way the Kono occasionally did, then adds, "The problem is I can't find anything that tells how this was accomplished. I was wondering if you knew?"

Shang listens to Freyja's description carefully and quietly. "You're speaking of the triats, aren't you?" She turns her level, somehow empty gaze to Zero. "And you would be the balance of her triat, the gray-mantle? Who would you have as the dark-mantle?"

Zero says, "I'm afraid we haven't got one at the moment." Freyja looks suddenly fascinated -- the triats are still so well known that there are known titles for the members? She draws a slow breath, hoping Shang will keep talking.

Shang nods slowly, folding her arms. "I see. You would need to garner the assistance of one. What the Silver Path knows of the triats requires three mantles, two from each side of the Living Force and one walking the Saber's Edge of the center." She looks seriously at the two in turn. "You must also realize that if you are discovered studying this, you may both very easily be declared heretics by the Council, and both you and your master will be hunted through the galaxy by the jealous Templars." She levels a finger at Zero. "You most of all. The Council frowns on Grey Jedi."

Zero grins a little. "It wouldn't be the first time I've done something not strictly legal."

Freyja says quietly, "We know that, Inspector. We'd gladly say we did it without the knowledge of our Master, but... I don't think we're good enough to pull that off." She hesitates, looking at her fellow Human, "Um... Zero, you don't have to do this if you don't want to...?"

Zero smiles, "I'd rather do it and know, than spend my life wondering what might have been." He finds himself silently hoping Fhazil Taas doesn't become the course of last resort.

Freyja flashes a relieved grin at him, her bright blue eyes sparkling for just a moment; then she looks back at the Zabraki woman, "Can we start training with just the two of us? And maybe add in the Dark, uh, mantle later?" She can't, off the top of her head, think of a single genuine Darksider she'd trust as far as she can throw them. She crosses her fingers that the training will allow for that.

Zero's answer actually elicits a ghost of a smile from the Zabrak. "No, I don't suppose it is. Very well. I admire your courage. Maybe you two can find a way to heal things that the Silver Path cannot." She leans forward a little, seeming a little more animated. "Know this, then, the both of you, would-be bright-mantle and gray-mantle. The Templars stole the art of the triats from the Kono during the Heresy Wars and have used it in their own way, the formation of the Templar manuses. Some of the Sith would kill worlds to gain that knowledge as well, so choose your dark-mantle carefully. They must follow the precepts of the Dark side and yet not be one to betray you; from the depths of their heart they must be trustworthy to you and trusting of you in turn. The Jedi, especially the Templars, must not learn you have this knowledge that you seek; neither can the Sith."

She is quiet for a bit more, studying each Padawan. "And one more thing. You must promise, not to me but to the Force you wish to serve -- the whole, Unified and Balanced Force -- that you will create a balanced triat. You may start learning the art of the triat as you are now, but you must not neglect the dark-mantle for long. If I am sounding harsh, then it is only because it is a harsh thing you are asking me. You are asking me to betray oaths of silence I would have never broken if I did not believe that you two might succeed where the Kono and the Silver Path faltered and fell."

Freyja listens intently, nodding occasionally... then looks worried, "Ah... may I ask what happens if we don't have a balanced triat, please? So we know what we're trying to avoid?"

Shang smiles, but it is mirthless and doesn't reach her eyes. "It is hard to say. Each unbalanced triat faltered and collapsed in its own unique way. Without the dark-mantle to help balance the bright-mantle, the triat's course will be drawn inexorably into the Light. It will begin to dominate your destiny, every waking moment of every day, until even your dreams are of nothing but the Light, and you will find yourselves -- you first, Freyja, then you, Zero -- subsumed into the light. A glorious departure for Jedi, but ignominious and ultimately futile for those seeking balance."

Freyja bites her lip a bit nervously and glances at Zero. She doesn't want to do that to him... or dishonor her Master so. She sighs softly, wondering if someone like Dhaasul would do...? No, wait, he's going back to the Jedi... she frowns. She really doesn't know how one gets a Darkling to trust. Zero says, "I understand, Shang. But... if I may, what is my part to be in this? I'm afraid I don't quite understand my place in all of this... or in a lot of things... just yet."

Freyja listens to the Zabraki woman explain, while her thoughts wander. Not Jiosch -- he's too full of anger, she thinks. Fhazil Taas... he hasn't given any indication of interest since waking up. Maybe it was all show? The dog-Sith... hm. Does loyalty correlate to trust? She wonders idly if she can lightly touch, with the Force, any of the Sith in the next room... their reactions to such might be... enlightening, she thinks dryly.

Shang looks carefully to Zero. "The Saber's Edge is an unenviable place to be. In any given case you must look at the situation and channel the Force through the group to the best direction. This will unfortunately put you in conflict at times with both the dark-mantle and your friend, Freyja. You must balance out the creative impulses of the bright- mantle with the destructive impulses of the dark-mantle, and wield both as you might a sword or scalpel."

"In theory a lightsider and a darksider can work together, form a gestalt for a time, but the two urges are so different that they eventually come into conflict. The light seeks creation and order. The dark seeks dissolution and chaos. Even in gestalts between light- or dark-siders with greysiders, they have their own issues, though these are less severe. The bond you two share would be beneficial. However, for a proper and full triat you must have the dark-mantle. You, Zero, are the bridge across the Saber's Edge."

Zero says, "It's all a bit much to take in. I didn't know I had a color when I woke this morning. I'll do my best." Freyja grins ruefully at poor Zero.

Shang smiles a little, and it actually carries some warmth to it now. "When the time comes, Zero, you will not have to know what to do. It will just happen. Ultimately," she looks between both Padawans, "-it is what is in your hearts. If you both truly seek to heal things, to learn more of this multifaceted thing we call the Force, to help others to understand, and to put an end to both the depredations of an empire of darksiders and the lightsider cries of 'Heresy!', then you will simply know what you must do, and you will do it. Your will and the Force will be in alignment. The Templars... they know so little of what they hold..."

Freyja sighs quietly. She truly hopes it's as easy as the Silver Path woman is implying. A moment later she wonders a bit morosely how they can possibly hide this. They can probably conceal Zero's grayness, but won't a Darksider show to Jedi? Even as she's considering these gloomy thoughts, though, she's also attempting to touch the three Sith through the Force -- just a touch -- well within her capability, any Padawan's capability, really, to test the mental reactions of that touch.

Freyja is silent for a moment, her usual sharp gaze a bit unfocused. Jiosch's unconscious mind reacts by recoiling as if burned or chilled, or maybe even in horror, then putting up a solid wall of thought that the gentle probe Freyja sends cannot breach.

Vakkal is, perhaps not surprisingly, canine in reaction: his mind snaps and snarls at her touch like a fierce dog on a leash. Having handled fierce canids before, Freyja waits, unafraid, for Vakkal to calm down and realize she offers him no harm... slowly the sensation is one of returned curiosity, wondering what this touch is, where it comes from... once he relaxes she gives him a quiet reassurance, then gently withdraws. Though his mind tries to follow back to Freyja, he is unconscious and weak, and his probing thought returns to him sullenly.

Fhazil is still awake; Freyja can almost sense the slight start he gives at the touch. Curious, he seems to examine it; then, Freyja? Freyja blinks at being recognized by Fhazil Taas, then realizes with internal amusement that she'd half-expected him to be asleep, so she could touch, be gone, and no one the wiser. Well, she's caught... her internal grin is a bit sheepish. She's not quite good enough to speak 'clearly' to him, as she gives a 'feel' of confirmation to his query. A mental moment later she experiments, trying to form a query within an emotion as to how he's feeling -- is he all right?

Fhazil, a little confused, conveys a sense of affirmative. It's clear enough he isn't used to communicating this way. Freyja is faintly relieved he's not expert at this form of communication... it'd be just too embarrassing! She hesitates, then tries forming a mental query again -- no worry by him at her doing this? As she does so she also quietly half- listens to the conversation before her.

Shang glances at Freyja and her smile becomes a little unpleasant, but only a little; more like pitying. "No," she says, as if reading the girl's previous thoughts. "It won't be at all easy." She straightens, sitting back a little. "Zhar," she says simply.

Zero blinks. "Zhar? What in the galaxy could you want with that miserable place?"

Shang says, "Just by saying that name in this context would be enough to bring down the price of breaking my oaths upon my head. On one of the moons of Zhar are the remains of the Silver Path, where I was taught what I know: the importance of the Balanced Force, the use of the shard-blade, and the knowledge of the triats. I do not know how to form one personally. But I have pointed the way for you to those who do."

Freyja's eyes widen slightly at Shang's words, although she concentrates on not accidentally passing her rather startled thoughts on to poor Fhazil... one thought at a time, she ruefully reminds herself. Zero sighs. "It would have to be a place like that, wouldn't it. No one in their right mind would go there, so of course no one looks there."

Freyja murmurs softly, as if lowering her voice will keep Fhazil from hearing, "Why would they accept us? How would we convince them to train us?"

Shang smiles wanly. "Can you blame them? Sometimes even they have felt they weren't in their right minds to go there." She glances to Freyja, then says to Zero, "You may as well tell your friend the very bad news about going to Zhar." Her tone is not unsympathetic.

Zero makes a noise that sounds vaguely like 'eurgh.' "Freyja, you don't know where Zhar is, do you?" Freyja shakes her head, unable to really verbalize much and still hold the fragile contact with the Human in the next room.

Zero says, "It's a gas giant beyond the Rim. One of its moons, Gall, is a miserable little smuggler's den. It also happens to be in the middle of Hutt Space."

Fhazil seems mildly confused by this means of communication -- it's a concept he can grasp, and understands, but apparently doesn't use much. He doesn't seem able to understand the concept Freyja is trying to get across to him. Freyja tries again... first a concept of worry, then recognition of its lack in Fhazil... then a query. After that she nods once to Zero. She's not worried -- she knows Zero's a fantastic pilot.

Zero blinks. "You're... taking this rather in stride."

Shang gives a slight gesture. "I cannot guarantee that they will accept you. If you bring my blade with you and a letter I will give you, however, they may take that as enough proof. That an armada of the Order does not follow you will be further proof. That you are there will be enough -- should be enough -- to demonstrate your convictions. And that you crossed Hutt Space to be there will be enough to seal it. That is one of the reasons they based themselves there. Partly as a test, partly because it's so remote, partly because if it cannot be bought, sold, or stolen, the Hutts have no interest in it."

Freyja raises an eyebrow, then smiles ruefully and shrugs slightly to Zero. A moment to form the sentence, then, "We're leaping. No fear."

Zero says, "It's the Hutts between here and there that I'm worried about... but nothing ventured, nothing gained, I suppose. Once I collect my last... retainer, perhaps we can worry about buying them off if that becomes necessary."

Freyja makes a small mental side note -- find out more about the Hutt! Then she returns more of her attention to Fhazil. She's guessing she and Zero will have to choose between Vakkal and Fhazil... and although it disturbs her, she's not willing to try this without taking the Inspector's advice and having a Dark mantle. Ruefully she thinks, Funny how it's always easier in theory than in practice...

Eventually, Fhazil gets the gist of Freyja's mental rebus, and he seems to acknowledge that he's doing fine, with a complex undertone of being flattered she asked, and also a sense of novelty at this means of communication, though he doesn't seem to mean to send that undertone. Freyja frowns a bit at Fhazil's response, realizing he missed entirely her query as to why he wasn't worried she was doing this. Blast... this is harder than I thought. Maybe I should just call this quits now.

Shang laughs quietly, very quietly. "Such faith and courage! You two may yet find what you're looking for. For what it is worth to you both, you have my hopes for success." She becomes more sober. "I also do not envy you your journey, because it will not end at Zhar. Oh, no, not at all."

Freyja grimaces faintly at Shang's words. Raven's teeth, now what... Zero says, "Quite frankly, Inspector, I don't care what the Jedi say... dark, light, or in between -- where the Force is involved nothing is ever easy."

Shang catches Freyja's expression and shakes her head. "Freyja, you should know that what you're about to do is going to be very disturbing to a great many people, foremost among them being the Templars. The journey will not end at Zhar; in fact it never ends. This is a new leg of your journey." She smiles a little. "Don't let my words worry you. If you go to the third moon of Zhar you will find the way to form a triat. What you do with that knowledge comes next."

She looks to Zero. "No, unfortunately. And that's the pain of it." She pauses. "I owe you both a debt of gratitude. This has not by far allowed me to make restitution for what I've done, but it may have helped to... set things aright." She adds, a little more quietly, and not without emotion, "I'm glad I did not..." She shakes her head quickly, then smiles. "If there is anything else either of you need, before or after your trip, if I am still available to you I will do what I can to help."

Zero says, "If it helps, Shang... from what I gathered from Taas, even the Sith did not expect Methel-ssa to do what she has done. In the end, the only real blame lies with her. So long as you can help things get back to normal here... then you're working for the balance."

Freyja studies the strange woman impassively... and the sudden curious thought occurs to her, Why don't the Silver Path have any triats? She politely withdraws from contact with Fhazil Taas, then takes a deep breath, centering herself again. Fhazil seems bemused, but not terribly so; if anything there is some concern for Freyja in his thoughts as she withdraws from his mind, as he picks up on the confusion of thoughts she currently has. Freyja feels slightly disoriented still, as if part of her is still in the other room, and part here. She'll let Zero talk until she feels together again.

Shang shakes her head. "But I let her and Qatto Verg onto this world. After what happened today it will be hard to trust myself to truly work towards balance. However... talking with you... it has given me strength, and hope... and faith. I may not ever make full recompense for bringing pain to Marnaas." She smiles a bit. "But as they say, the journey itself is the goal."

Zero says, "Someone's got to help fix it. If not you, who?"

Inspector Shang is quiet for a moment. "You are right. I have to try. And... and leaving this plane of existence," the Zabrak actually has a catch in her throat as she says it, "-is just running away from it. Death is not an end. Death is never an end."

Zero grins, "You rather took the words out of my mouth."

Freyja wonders a bit bemusedly why Fhazil's concerned for her... does he know something she doesn't? She blinks, forcing herself into the here and now, and murmurs quietly, "I am glad you will stay and help us... I am sure we'll need it... probably desperately... at some point."

Not long after those words are spoken, there is the sound of the main doors opening, the rumble of the ground truck outside, a rising commotion through the halls. The agitated voice of one of the younger consulars rings through the halls, "Master Roakkana... Master Roakkana!"

Zero sighs. "Oh... blast. Always something."

Freyja winces silently, then sighs, rising smoothly and bowing, "Please, will you excuse us, Inspector?"

Shang frowns slightly as she looks up. "Indeed. If I may ask a favor of you two... please, do not tell the Sith I am here. I've been hiding from him -- from them all, but particularly him; Methel-ssa's. I trust your protection. But it may spare you from further grief."

Freyja looks a bit puzzled, but nods, "Do you mean the apprentice?"

Zero says, "Don't worry. We haven't gotten too friendly."

Inspector Shang nods. "Yes. Fhazil Taas. I... have seen him, and in the Force he is... unusual amongst Sith. But what he knows may come back to Methel-ssa inadvertently."

Freyja gives another puzzled look at Zero, then nods to Inspector Shang, "All right." She adds as an aside to Zero, already heading for the door, "We should move... Master Roakkana will probably need us."

Zero says, "We don't know what sort of back door into his thoughts she may still possess. I understand, Shang." He looks up, "Oh... yes, of course." He bows slightly. "Thank you for your trust, Shang. We appreciate your help. Please, try and rest in the meantime." With that, he heads for the door.

Shang says, "Then good luck to you both, and may the Force guide you and protect you upon all your paths."

As she almost runs through the infirmary, Freyja throws a quick smile of reassurance to the (apparently?) concerned Sith apprentice -- then she's out of the room, heading for her Wookie Master to be of aid if needed. Fhazil looks extremely concerned, but at Freyja's brief appearance to smile his expression warms a bit and he nods, reassured for the most part, though still concerned and curious -- this time about the commotion.

Out in the halls Freyja and Zero reach Roakkana just as he is entering the main hall. Kallos is helping in Master Mynas, who, oddly, has a shallow gash over his temple on his triangular head. He seems conscious and in good mind however, bubbling animatedly. As Roakkana arrives Kallos bows slightly. "Master. For some time we assisted in recovery efforts. Then some citizens of the city were stirred up and shouted invectives against us, saying we were the cause of the Sith's displeasure and blaming us for the destruction. Though Master Mynas attempted to calm them, one threw a rock. We called upon the Force to guide any further projectiles away from us and made our way back here at the recommendation of the Port Authority, for our own safety."

Mynas bubbles loudly for a moment, shaking his head. His Padawan translates, "The Master says that he could understand the peoples' feelings, and hopes that the ill will will fade in a day or so. He still wishes to go and help them somehow, perhaps quietly."

Freyja blinks, utterly bemused that the populace would be so completely mistaken in what happened... then she frowns suddenly, wondering just how subtle the Sith lord is. She steps forward, pulling her medpac out and murmuring quietly, "May I be of assistance, Master Mynas?"

Zero blows out an irritable breath. "Of all the stupid..." He shakes his head. "I guess we can't blame them. Although I rather wish they wouldn't blame us as well."

Roakkana manages to look at the same time unsurprised and yet surprised at this news. "In a sense they are right, but for the wrong reasons. If Methel-ssa were not the being that she is this would not have happened. Unfortunately, telling that to people who have lost their homes and perhaps families does little good."

Mynas blinks to Freyja, then seems to express Sullustian cheer, bobbing his head in affirmation. "Master Mynas is thankful, Padawan Freyja." The girl's voice trembles a little; she's apparently still shaken by the crowd's reaction.

Freyja smiles at the nervous girl as she gently takes care of the wound, once the Sullustian is seated. Then she sighs, stepping back and putting the medpac away, "You should rest for a day or two, Master Mynas, just to be sure." She adds to the Wookie, "Even Fhazil Taas, her apprentice, was shocked at what the Sith lord did." She adds slowly, "While Master Mynas is resting, Master Roakkana, may I speak with you and Zero? I should update you on my discussion with the Sith apprentice." Among other things, she thinks amusedly.

Zero says, "Yes, I think we've got rather a lot to talk about..." Freyja gives Zero a rueful smile of agreement.

The Jedi in the room take Freyja's news with a mixture of confusion, disbelief, and interest. Roakkana simply nods, looking a little grim. "Indeed. Any sentient being would be." He seems to say this a little loudly, as much for the benefit of the room as a whole. "Very well," he adds in a more normal tone. "Leave the truck loaded and move it into the bay. Have the evening watch place a light in the tower, to show any who look here that while we have withdrawn our presence in the city at their request, we still stand watch as best as we are able. Prepare for the evening meal in two hours, and afterwards, tonight, we will meditate together upon this."

Freyja looks faintly relieved, following the Wookie closely as he withdraws for their quarters. She has a lot to tell him and Zero both. Master Roakkana starts to move towards his quarters, then stops and turns back. "And for the sake of the Force," he adds, urgency in his voice, "-always remember Methel-ssa is the enemy. The people of the city, we are they and they are us, as has always been the case, bound together in the Force. Do not see them as new opponents. They never have been, and they never shall be." With that, he ushers Freyja and Zero to the quarters.

Freyja finds that a disturbing statement from her Master... but she simply files it away as obvious-but-must-need- saying, and settles down to debrief on the conversation with Fhazil Taas... which she does... at length. Finally she takes a deep breath, then chuffs gustily, concluding with, "And... that's when Zero came in." She looks at Zero, adding, "I was lightly touching the three Sith while you were talking to Inspector Shang, since that's currently all we have to hand for potential Dark mantles." She wrinkles her nose in distaste, "Not Jiosch. He's too full of anger and hatred."

Roakkana finds it a fascinating conversation. "I'd heard that the military Sith -- those who serve the Lords of War, as you say -- were... different in many ways. Perhaps they channel the destructive impulses of the dark side in that manner: rigid discipline, controlled devastation, ordered anarchy, of sorts. A whirlwind sharpened to a fine point instead of a gale-force wind sweeping the entire plain. That would explain the many different personalities of Sith we have recently encountered -- the fanatics of the Oath of Fire, the normal reserve and the huge capacity for rage Methel- ssa evinced, the discipline and honor Fhazil Taas claims, the ideological indecision of Talmon and the Mandragolans..."

Freyja nods a touch unhappily. The Wookie says, "Ah. I take it that talking with Inspector Shang bore fruit?" Freyja nods again, more slowly, then looks at Zero to explain further.

Zero says, "That it did... she seems to have placed a great deal of faith in us. So much so that she instructed us to seek out more of her people around a gas giant in Hutt Space."

Roakkana's brow would disappear clear under a receding hairline if he were human. "Hutt space? By the Lower Forests... she's certainly not asked for much, has she?"

Zero grins ruefully. "That was my impression as well, Master." Freyja smiles tiredly, listening... she wonders idly if either the dog Sith or the apprentice will try reaching back to her somehow.

Roakkana makes a thoughtful sound. "If you feel that is a journey you must make... I will not stop you. I would encourage you, in fact, if you believed it would help. I... I admit to a... no, not a fear, a conce- oh, yes. A fear. A fear for you. With the knowledge you're seeking, the Templars -- but I'm sure she's already given you more than sufficient warning about them, I imagine."

Freyja nods quietly, her face utterly impassive. Zero says, "As I told her... it won't be the first time I've done something illegal."

Freyja murmurs softly, "Zero... tell him about her comments about the extreme necessity to have a 'Dark mantle' as well."

Zero says, "Oh, that. Yes, she rather emphasized how important it was to have a darksider of some kind included. Apparently that makes me the 'gray' side... what that means I'm still not certain. But yes... apparently without a third we can't proceed."

Freyja says, "Or at least... not for long, without destroying ourselves."

Roakkana falls quiet as he takes in that news, glancing to both Padawans. "A darksider. And we've an infirmary full of probably exactly the wrong kind of darksiders." He makes a quiet, thoughtful sound.

Freyja says, "We do? How so, Master?"

He sighs heavily. "I would... not want to see either of you destroyed. But if the courage of your convictions is true, then I should not selfishly stop you." He looks to Freyja, some of the wryness returning to his tone. "Well, I had said 'probably.' All of them we have encountered in rather... unpleasant conditions. In fact," he adds, "-all of them have been rather bluntly shot by Zero. While Fhazil does not seem to be holding that against you, Zero, Jiosch and Vakkal might not be quite so... aheuhmmm... accommodating."

Freyja blinks... then has trouble stifling a small giggle. Zero says, "Technically, Master, I cut Vakkal nearly in half." He clears his throat. "Ahem. That is to say, I can understand where they might not be glad to see me."

Freyja smiles ruefully, "He's like a fierce dog; snapping ferociously at my mental touch until he realized I meant him no harm. We'll see how he wakes up." She looks worried, adding, "I... have hope he won't be irrational, after what Fhazil Taas said about him being a sibling apprentice with him for a while..." Her voice trails off a bit uncertainly... she has trouble considering the alternative currently, especially after how hard she worked to keep him alive, and how much thought and time has gone into caring for him and hoping he'll be all right.

Roakkana looks at Freyja carefully for a few very long moments as she lets her voice trail off. Finally he nods. "All the same," he says quietly, "-your journey need not begin tomorrow, or even soon after. I suspect there will be some things to take care of before we may find some way to get you both to Zhar. Also considerable preparations must be undertaken very cautiously indeed."

Freyja nods slowly and unhappily, then says quietly to Zero, "So far Fhazil's reacted the least um... aggressively to the mental touch." She pauses, then adds even more quietly, "So far..."

Zero says, "Well, then... perhaps that should be the next thing we concern ourselves with. Let the Master and I deal with making preparations to get us off world. I expect he has access to greater resources than I; and you can canvas the other darksiders... since you're far more perceptive than I am. I, for my part, will make sure that the means we employ will get us through Hutt Space without attracting their somewhat greasy attention."

Freyja looks more worried, realizing Zero's depending on her to chose a... a "good" Darksider. Does such a thing even exist?! Then she senses it at the edge of her perception; Fhazil is attempting very hard to reach her in the same manner she did. If she strains some she can sense Vakkal as well, not quite reaching towards her, but his subconscious attention definitely turned in her general direction.

Freyja smiles suddenly at the realization Fhazil's 'reaching' to her -- good, that means he's strong, right? -then gently touches cool mental fingers to his reach, suggesting no strain... relaxation... calm... she wonders if she can lightly soothe Vakkal as well. She's pleased they both seem so strong, but doesn't want either of them to hurt themselves while they're supposed to be healing. Carefully she reaches her 'free hand' towards the dog Sith... it's all right, relax, calm, he's safe...

Fhazil is fascinated by this sense of perception; not that it's alien to him but that it seems so unusual. The canid Sith is a little more complex and yet at the same time more simple. She senses a faint tension in him as she reaches towards him, a faint trembling -- fear? tension? -- but the tension eases once she does touch him. The faint consciousness there remains for a little bit, letting itself entwine with Freyja's perception, before slipping into a much less alert, and yet also comforted and quiescent state, like curling up at a warm fire, deep within his mind.

Roakkana nods uncomfortably to Zero. "Indeed. I may perhaps be able to do something in that vein. You would certainly need a good ship, but not one so good that it would attract attention from the Republic and the Hutt. You-" He breaks off, glancing curiously and a little concernedly to Freyja.

Freyja smiles a bit absently but reassuringly at her Master, murmuring only, "Fhazil." She's glad the dog Sith has relaxed, but is a bit disturbed to realize she's got this weird protective feeling now when he's all curled up there around her mental fingers... like he's her responsibility now. She firmly reminds herself she can't do that... she just can't, not when he might still wake up insane. She takes a deep breath, then wonders why unusual? to Fhazil Taas.

Roakkana nods quietly, while Fhazil manages to get across the idea that he's simply never done this before. But there's a complex thought-pattern there... like he hasn't but he has but not in quite this way. Freyja inquires with gentle curiosity... different how? She wonders if it's more that someone else has always done the initial 'reach'... or he's usually not asking politely? She feels faintly guilty at that thought -- then brightens at another thought. Maybe she can make a clearer connection if it's a bit stronger? She'll try communicating that desired intent while trying to figure out how to... to... curl her mental fingers more securely around his mental touch.

Fhazil is, sad to say, really inept at this sort of thing. It's clearly a matter of concentration for him, not merely strength, though Freyja's grip on his mental touch is surprising to him at its relative adroitness, and also relative strength. She's not insistent -- if he backs off she lets go. Also, after some experimentation she quietly lets him know she's got to stop now... this takes effort and is tiring!

Freyja leans back, rubbing her face tiredly, and smiles at the Wookie and the Human, "Whew... well, it looks like both Fhazil and Vakkal are at least strong enough to be Dark mantles. They both, er... 'reached' me themselves. Well, Vakkal almost did... he is unconscious currently, after all." She yawns hugely, then blinks, looking a bit startled, "Ah... sorry about that!"

Zero grins. "Why don't we sleep on it -- take advantage of what little rest we can get, while we can. We have an awful lot to think about."

Freyja nods gratefully, too tired to realize Zero's giving her an out... and simply curls up where she is, on the end of someone's bed. Her eyes are already drooping, and her voice is a little slurred, "S'fine by me..."

Roakkana nods. "It will take time, although I hope not too much time. After what Methel-ssa has done both the Sith and the Republic will be taking an extreme, and perhaps unfortunate, interest in Marnaas. I daresay," he adds a little grimly, "-for the first time in many thousands of years a company of the Army of Light may be formed, on this very planet's surface. And may the Force protect us all in that event."


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