Rectangles aren't Squares (Cain)

[Squee]

This… was insult to salted wounds. And the thousandth time since leaving Korriban, she scowled harshly at her datapad. She found the cause of her annoyance glaring back up at her. It was the epicenter of her current problem, and the content sent aftershock shudders of revulsion through her mind. Given her task and where it led her, Tesa regretted bowing her head to the Overlord. If she had known this was going to be part of the first task as partners.

Well, she could change it. Tesa tilted her head, studying her work on the smaller screen, and then shifting her torso to peer at the bigger screen, eyeballing her fraudulent words. She’d thought over another kind of pairing, but the feeling hadn’t been natural. It was also leveling Jack above her, and Tesa had no room or desire to allow it. Though she disliked making them equal as well.

Sighing, she clicked a confirmation, set in a password, and then finalized their new identities. She had made them prospective investors, but she hoped to make them doctors shortly. Or something of the like. She hadn’t any lab coats or any idea what the paperwork would look like, since she’d never had a reason to enter medical centers before. Yet, just her luck, it was rumored that gentle Jedi Healers visited these centers.

This had been Jack’s idea. For some reason, he wanted a full conversion of faith. Flip-flop their spectrums. It was imminent failure, she could feel it. Changing the mind did not take over night. It took weeks, months even, to change the will of a person. Likely he just wanted to test his powers. Tesa felt they had better chances seeking out promising Force sensitives on the street. If they found the desperate and hopeless, they would readily agree to whatever she and Jack had to say. But no. And they were going to return from this detraction empty-handed. Fine, let the man be proved wrong.

She took the two important chips, their synchronization complete, slipping one into the small handbag she was carrying. They’d landed not long ago. She checked the time. Twenty minutes ago. He’d had plenty of time to get ready. Whether he had or not…

She eased herself upward out of her chair, pausing briefly to close and lock her personal quarters. “Makura!” Her voice rolled down the hall, sharp and impatient. “I told the dockmasters a half an hour. And the hotel maybe an hour.” It probably wouldn’t take them that long. She checked in her handbag for the fifth time to be sure she had everything she needed, a minor ring of paranoia that she would be unprepared. “And we have to get to the bloody hotel before I can do anything further, so get your ‘Mr. Androsal’ self out here.”

Tesa only hoped he was going to be as miserable as she. Or, better yet, more so. She’d thought of all kinds of pairings that would make the best sense. She’d thought simple partners, but if this hotel expense was coming out of her own pocket, she wasn’t paying for two rooms. And because she refused to pay for two rooms, it had ruled out the brother/sister option. They could have pulled it off, too. They looked similar enough. She could have just made him the butler and had him remain on the ship, but she didn’t trust him alone. And she couldn’t make herself his secretary because she simply, physically, could not make herself beneath him.

Tesa flicked open her suitcase and checked all the equipment inside. An extra set of clothing, datapad, connector links, scanners, her grays, lightsaber, little poison… All there. She checked it again. All was present. She closed it and locked it again. She dove a hand into the pocket of her black slacks and withdrew the circular jewelry she’d put there. Yes, she regretted bowing her head to the Overlord. With a grimace wrinkling her nose, she fitted the jewelry over her left ring finger. “Makura!”

It was the best way to have a single room for a single night. She’d move them tomorrow, when they could move into a less expensive place as doctors. Then they could have two rooms. It also made them more or less equal. The most repulsive option, but Tesa knew how and when to bite her cheek. It was only for quick intervals. She could do it without vomiting, she was sure. She’d done worse. She just couldn’t think of another time right now. That was all.

She took her suitcase and moved toward the back to lower the ship’s ramp. As the ramp touched ground, she was greeted by the sight of two men. One of them sporting a datapad, and another in nice, clean trousers and jacket.

“Ms. Androsal?” Tesa felt something wither inside her as she nodded politely. She indicated her suitcase to the cleaner man as she twisted around.

“Jack!” she called out, nicely, almost in a singsong voice. It hurt. “Come along!” she stepped down the ramp to pay the docking fee.

[Cain]

So far, everything was moving along quite to Jack's liking. After leaving Korriban he found himself crammed into a rusty sardine can with a homicidal Sith woman, he spent a restless journey warring against the nightmares which ceaselessly haunted his own head, and now Jack found himself preparing to play a little dress up with his lovely wife "Ms. Androsal". Yes, by Jack's standards, this was a good day. His stop on Korriban had yielded exactly what he had wanted, and now that he was finally free from the Dark Overlord, his thick headed cronies, and that dank, blood soaked, hell hole, Jack at last would be able to continue on his own terms.

He had been surprisingly fortunate on Korriban to have not only survived, but to have entered into the Sith's inner circle right under their own noses... no, it wasn't luck. There is no luck. Jack had beaten them. He had gone into their house, played their game, and now was in complete control. He had overestimated the Sith, that was all.

"Makura!"

Jack's self satisfaction was shattered by the shrill voice which called to him across the ship, inducing a cringe. There was still the matter of what to do with this Tesa Yarum. After a good deal of contemplation, Jack considered her a necessary evil. She was quite clearly an overly indignant, willful, and vulgar woman, each qualities which Jack found extremely unbecoming. But this didn't mean that Tesa Yarum couldn't prove useful. Just how useful, Jack intended to see for himself.

The mission had been Jack's idea from the start. The idea of Sith traveling the galaxy and recruiting Force sensitives was nothing new, but intentionally seeking out Jedi to convert was an endeavor few Sith had the vanity to even consider. The math was simple to Jack; the Jedi were gathering all of the most gifted Force adepts when they were young, leaving the Sith only the slimmest of pickings among those who had fallen through the cracks. The real future of the Sith lay with the Jedi. There would be no victory in simply crushing their Order, but to turn them, to make the fall... the very thought brought a rare grin to Jack's face.

"Makura!"

Tesa's voice called out again to Jack who huffed and stood up from his bunk, positioning himself in front of the mirror as he adjusted the final few buttons on his suit. Jack's disguise consisted of a fine linen jacket which had been buttoned all the way up, revealing only the collar of his undershirt which Jack preferred to leave up. His trousers bore a single crease down the center and his shoes had been polished to a mirror shine. Jack's entire ensemble was colored black.

Jack had been able to cram all of his possessions into a single bag. Inside was his normal clothing, his lightsaber, his katana, and of course a carton of cigarettes. Jack removed a pack and tucked it inside his front pocket before gathering his things and emerging from his private quarters. Running a hand through his hair and letting out a yawn, Jack stumbled to the back of the ship where Tesa was waiting to lower the ramp. He flashed Tesa a faux smile before the light from outside poured into the ship and they were greeted on the dock. Tesa moved out first, handing her luggage to one of the men. Jack hung back on the ramp, observing her interactions.

"Jack! Come along!" she called back, her tone doing nearly a complete 180 from before.

Jack forced another grin, lazily strolling down the ramp before the man with the luggage became impatient and moved to meet him.

"Your bag, Mr. Androsal," the man asked politely, receiving no response from Jack whose attention was focused on Ralltiir, his head slowly scanning the horizon, "Mr. Androsal?"

"Hm? Oh, that's me," Jack replied with the base minimum of enthusiasm before tossing his bag at the man. The weight of the luggage caused the man to stumble slightly as he was forced to drop Tesa's things in order to catch it, "Try not to break any of my things," Jack chided, grabbing his cigarettes from his pocket and tapping the pack against his left palm as he quickened his pace in order to catch up with Tesa.

"What's the rush, sunshine?" Jack commented under his breath once he was sure he was close enough for Tesa to hear, "The Jedi aren't going anywhere. It might do you some good to stop and take in your surrounding every once in a while." Jack plucked a cigarette from the pack and stuck it onto his bottom lip, "Bloodstripes. Corellia's finest." Jack's hand felt around his hip frantically for a moment before he remembered that he wasn't wearing his lightsaber.

"Bloody hell," he fumed, spinning around sharply to face the poor man following along and still struggling with the luggage, "You have a light?"

"No smoking in the hotel, sir." the clerk shot back, this time a hint of indignation in his voice.

Jack's eyes narrowed on the little man, rolling the unlit cigarette along his bottom lip as he stared daggers through him. He could feel the fear welling up inside him, but to the man's credit he gave no visual cue to his uncertainty.

After a long staring contest, Jack finally snatched the cigarette from out his mouth, "Very well..."

Once Jack and Tesa had settled into their room, Jack made quick work of his luggage, gathering up his weapons. His katana was short enough to fit under his jacket on his back, the hilt just barely hidden behind his raised collar. Jack also wasted no time utilizing his lightsaber to light up a Bloodstripe before tucking the weapon into the waistband of his trousers.

"Well, customs around here is a joke," Jack quipped, taking a long drag on his cigarette and exhaling with a satisfied sigh, "Now for the tricky part. I assume you have a plan for getting into the medical center."

[Squee]

The collar bugged Tesa. He’d nearly botched his own name, the lousy, ungrateful man. She may not have cared for him all that much, but they were stuck together. She wouldn’t give him a fake ID only to abuse its purpose. She was not going to be discovered on his account, nor was she going to protect him if he deemed his life worth so little.

And she hated it when he tossed his things at the luggage man. Her own suitcase bounced on the duracrete and Tesa choked on her cry. Those were her things! Expensive things! Nice things! Things she’d paid for! She threw a glance of warning Jack’s way, fighting the overpowering urge to pull down his collar, yet at the same time could not be bothered to touch him. She also wanted to remind him how husbands with pretty wives should act like. With her tongue squeezed between her teeth, she avoided speaking at all. Tesa waved off the man’s apology, reminding him to be gentler with a small, forced smile.

"What's the rush, sunshine?" You get what you ask for, Tesa. She looked over her shoulder quickly, then at Jack. “Unlike you, I have the drive to get things done and I’m eager to see all my effort go to waste on this plan of yours.” She gave him her nicest smile, one that would convince any other she held joy in her heart if they didn’t know any better. She was both looking forward to and dreading this recruitment failing. In the end, she figured she’d have the right to say that… well, that she’d been right.

From landing pad to a small transport, all of Tesa’s arrangement, they arrived at the fantastic hotel when she’d said they would. While waiting for someone to grab their luggage, Tesa couldn’t tolerate it anymore and braved tugging Jack’s collar down. She had to try, though knowing the man as briefly as she did he would probably pull it back up just to spite her. Then she’d dragged him along while she finalized their room, making it abundantly and suggestively clear, slipping her arm around Jack’s and smiling widely, that they were not to be disturbed unless called upon.

Once they were up to their room, Tesa paused in the doorway and requested that someone bring her a fan. The door shut and Tesa’s face dropped as she stormed across to her suitcase. “If any piece of equipment is broken, the repairs or replacements are coming out of your credits,” she threatened hollowly. “Take care to respect my things, Makura.” She picked up her suitcase and scooted it onto the desk, then flicked it open, and checked her things. All whole. A knock on the door, and it was the fan she requested.

His addiction to cigarettes disgusted her. He was attached to them, a vice that aided him, a dependency she disapproved him. Just as he hungered for strength through power. Power was a trap. It was nice to wield it, yes, but power was a double edged sword and its attraction stronger than brothels and death sticks. Power could not be the single thought, the single drive of a human being, because then it possessed a person and nothing can satisfy the bottomless thirst for power. Jack was possessed. Tesa knew it. And she couldn’t decide, and the indecision infuriated her to no end, whether she even wanted to attempt to break him of it.

Well… no, Tesa didn’t. Because he was a foolish man. The only reason she would was because it was possible she was bound to him for a long time. Maybe not. Hopefully his stupidity would kill him and she would be free to laugh and return to the Overlord with joyous news.

Tesa threw open a window, set the fan, and turned it on to filter out the smell of cigarette smoke. She couldn’t work if she had a headache. Tesa sat down in a chair and pulled off the heels she’d worn, disliking how they left marks on her feet, and then yanked the pins from her hair to churn her dark hair across her shoulders, sighing softly.

“A plan? Well… no not really. All I know, is we’re getting out of this hotel and getting into a cheaper one tomorrow. That’s the… definite part of the plan.” Tesa had reopened her suitcase and took out a metal bird. She rooted around the back of its head briefly, toggling its activation switch, and its red visor burst into life.

“Mistress Tesa! I must warn you against immediate sh—“

“Yeah, yeah, I know. I can make us doctors.” The last comment she shot over her shoulder.

“Your pardon?”

“Not you, Sane,” she hissed at her avian droid.

“Oh. You much mean the man violating some fire hazard rules and/or laws. Does he know his collar is turned up?”

Tesa scowled, but didn’t answer as she leaned back into her chair, slouching a bit, sighing and coughing at the smoke. “I can make us doctors, but it probably wouldn’t be very good, and we’re not really doctors. But, either way…” she pursed her lips. “I don’t have disguises for any sort of medical persona. Or the faintest idea what credentials look like… So, no, no clear plan or path yet.”

[Cain]

Jack observed his partner carefully since their arrival on Ralltiir. She was a fascinating Sith specimen, almost Jack's complete opposite. Tesa was apparently quite high-strung, constantly at odds with her surroundings, almost as if she wasn't comfortable in her own skin. Equally obvious was her disdain toward all things Jack. He found it amusing, especially when something as trivial as his collar raised her ire. And then there was the fan...

Jack had left his collar down after Tesa manually adjusted it until he unpacked his katana and fastened it to his back under his jacket. To hide the handle Jack raised his collar again, not acknowledging the comment by Tesa's over sized toy.

“I can make us doctors, but it probably wouldn’t be very good, and we’re not really doctors. But, either way… I don’t have disguises for any sort of medical persona. Or the faintest idea what credentials look like… So, no, no clear plan or path yet.”

Jack did not answer immediately, instead falling back into an armchair and letting his body go limp as if he were intending to pass out right then and there. Slouched in his seat, Jack flicked the ashes from the end of his cigarette onto a nearby table before sticking it back on his bottom lip and taking a heavy drag, "You could stand to relax some, dear," Jack commented with a long exhale, "Investors from all over the galaxy pass through this system on a daily basis. So long as we remain inconspicuous, and well dressed, there isn't a soul on Ralltiir that would assume us to be anything less. And as for our credentials," Jack waved his left hand in front of his face, "I've got them right here,"

A Jedi wouldn't be hard to spot on a planet like Ralltiir, the way they dressed. Jack had it on fairly reliable information that Jedi frequently visited the medical centers on Ralltiir, mainly healers who would come to volunteer their services. Being non-combat oriented Jedi, a healer would make easy prey. It was all a matter of being in the right place and selecting a suitable target. The only variable Jack was uncertain of was how the Jedi might react to the presence of the dark side, an aspect of their identities that neither Jack nor Tesa could hide.

After finishing his cigarette, Jack stuffed the butt into the hardwood of the table to his right before straightening up with a labored grunt and leaning himself forward, "The Force will lead our prey to us," Jack explained, "We need only to be patient. From there, the chess game begins..."

---

The officer greeted the passengers of the next ship to land on Ralltiir as they descended the ramp onto the dock. Kyo Sartori wore the traditional brown and tan robes of the Jedi Order, and like most Jedi, he traveled light. The only belongings Kyo brought with him were the clothes on his back, his lightsaber, and the life support kit he carried on his belt. Close behind Kyo was his former master, Si Quan, who also was garbed in traditional, boring Jedi robes. Though they were both fully grown men, compared to Master Quan, Kyo seemed puny.

Awaiting the Jedi's arrival were a pair of doctors, distinguishable by their lab coats, a male and a female. While Master Quan paid the officer the docking fee, Kyo strode forward to greet the doctors, extending a courteous bow.

"Welcome back to Ralltiir, Master Jedi," the male doctor said, returning Kyo's bow, "as always your presence is greatly appreciated."

"Forgive me if I dispense with the pleasantries doctors, but as I'm sure you're aware, time is not on our side," Kyo glanced over his shoulder then at Master Quan who was just catching up to join the conversation, "The injuries you described to us earlier certainly do fit the pattern, but I will need to see the patients myself if I am to know for sure that there are Dark Jedi on Ralltiir."

Behind Kyo, Master Quan stood quietly, his eyes closed as he gently rubbed the whiskers on his chin, "There is something here," he finally interjected, "something malicious, waiting below the surface. Are you sure you'll be alright, Kyo?"

Kyo turned back to his master again, this time a reassuring smile on his face, "Don't worry, Master. I know you have other business to attend to. I can handle things here. Besides, I'm only here to heal the victims and to render my opinions on the cause of their injuries. If it appears that the Force is involved I will be sure to inform you and the Council immediately."

Si Quan returned his former Padawan's smile and gave a quick nod, "I believe you'll do fine. May the Force be with you, then."

"And with you, Master,"

Kyo watched as Master Quan returned to the ship before turning to follow the doctors back to the medical center.

[Squee]

Relax, yes, of course. Relax and let you take advantage of me. I think not. Tesa turned her face to scowl at Insanus, as if her unhappiness were all the droid’s fault. Her hand swooped up to pass over the bald, metallic dome of her droid’s head. Its feet clicked gently as it continued to look between her and Jack, probably assessing their mental stability as well as cooperative levels and deriving from the suffocating tension that she did not enjoy his presence. Tesa had kept Insanus in the dark, literally, until now. She’d wanted to avoid the persistence and sure statements and the accurately invading questions for as long as possible. There would be further suffering later… unless she switched Insanus off again.

Why can’t I just switch offyou! she wondered, her eyes flicking back up to Jack. Golden embers smoldered suspiciously as he modeled off his “credentials” and explained himself. Tesa’s fingers paused their gentle petting across the droid, then gave a soft snort and then petting continued, refusing to say anything to him.

She hadn’t known if being simple investors would work in medical centers. Doctors and visitors and patients went into centers. Investors and business people? Not particularly. So what would be the excuse to visit a medical center? Especially medical centers that were on the better end of things? Of course, she could always research those centers that wanted new investors to partake of them. Fine. That would work. The Jedi would be easy to find after that; simply follow the blaring, calming presence thrust amidst the terror and death.

You will have to control yourself, she thought. The very notion of walking amidst some afraid to die sent tiny and excited shivers trembling across her skin. It brought vivid memories to her senses, and she suddenly craved to feel the suffering of someone dying. The submersion was as lovely as smelling a flower and as tasty as chocolate covered strawberries. Tesa clenched her teeth and her eyes drifted half closed, and her hand wrapped gently around Insanus’ back. The tightness of her jaw and the coolness of the metal brought clarity as Tesa forcibly blinked the wondrous memories away.

She’d think of something to prevent her from slipping into an intoxicated haze. Something from letting Jack see this patchy weakness of hers. She needed to be exceptionally hyper wary and protective around a mind talented man as Jack. Tesa breathed a large sigh and rubbed gently at her temple as she redirected her mind to Jack’s suggestion.

“As long as you can convince them of both of us.” Tesa said, slightly bitter. She knew how to suppress the wills of people and how to remove certain memories, but she was unskilled at tricking the mind. “Not quite sure how to wiggle my hand and make people believe I’m acceptable. That’s why I wear disguises and make proper credentials.” My way is a little more exciting as well.

“However, I’m moving us. Tomorrow. Enjoy this hotel’s private vices tonight, because they’ll superior to tomorrow’s hotel room. If we have to stay that long. We’ll just… be less fancy investors. Right?” Tesa glanced at him to make sure he understood as she entered her passcode into her datapad. She didn’t think she’d have to look very hard for the medical center. They could probably spit and hit one on this planet.

“Mistress? Is there some way I can be of service to you?”

Her fingers ghosted over the droid’s beak. “Yeah. Annoy him.” She flicked fingers at Jack. The avian droid paused, his red eyes pulsing and fading once. To Tesa, it looked as if he was considering her command.

“Mistress… That is not Mr. Maruhuey. His presence is alive whereas Mr. Maruhuey’s is dead. You are feeling all right? Of course you are, no odd behavior, speech pattern and tone that of which when you are both working and aggravated by other subjects, animate or object. So, what is this?”

“Jack, this is Insanus. I’m considering taking him with us as soon as he’s up to speed on our mission. He has a unique ability to… tell when one is a Force sensitive—“

“Not the extent of my abilities.”

She shot the droid a glare. “Orrrr… he simply makes an excellent information gatherer and storage device.”

Insanus’ metal talons clicked as he moved, a noise she always noticed. “Mistress, I require a surname. Mr. Jack is very informal.”

Tesa pressed her lips together. “Makura.”

“Mr. Makura. How did the gum get across the road?” Tesa smirked suddenly, wondering if he was finally carrying out her wish as she found a suitable and close medical center to begin their search.

“Do you want to sit here and answer riddles all night? Or answer them while we check out this center?” She was shuffling her feet back into the pinching shoes.

[Cain]

Jack loosed an audible sigh, rubbing his temples to quell the pounding in his head. He didn't care for droids, and the screech of Tesa's metal bird was already grating on his ears. A droid that could identify Force Sensitives? How redundant. Any Force adept worth his weight in salt could detect a sensitive from a crowd. In Jack's mind the bird's only real uses were making noise and drawing unwanted attention. He could only hope the opportunity would arise to scrap the over grown paper weight sooner than not.

“Mr. Makura. How did the gum get across the road?”

Jack scowled slightly, though his look failed to deviate much from his already glum default expression. Bottling his irritation and ignoring Insanus again, Jack responded to Tesa, "No time like the present," he said with a grunt, hefting himself up out of the recliner. While Tesa readied herself, Jack stepped to the room's large transparasteel windows and drew back the curtains. The view of Ralltiir's financial district was stunning with with planet's sun settling behind the city's skyline, and several of Ralltiir's many moons dotting the darkening maw above. The late day rush hour traffic had just begun to congest the skylanes, and the interweaving of speeder lights cast a wide net over the cityscape.

"The traffic looks pretty rough. We'll have to walk. I hope those shoes are more comfortable than they look," Jack commented with a grin, turning back toward Tesa, "It will also give us some time to further discuss the details of our assignment."

As much as Jack had learned about his partner through their close encounter in the Sith Temple, there were still more questions than answers concerning Tesa Yarum. Ever since they had left the Temple on Korriban Jack had been considering the words Tesa had spoken to Iniquitous. Her seeking to satisfy a want of companionship among the likes of the Sith of all people seemed always too ludicrous to be true. There had to be more to it than she was letting on, Jack was almost sure of it. If Tesa were to have taken his answer to the Overlord at face value then she would be missing a very large part of the puzzle. It was only logical to assume the same of Tesa. After all, she was just like him. A thinker.

Jack checked is weapons one more time, making certain they were concealed before leading the way out of the hotel room. The board was ready, the pieces were set, and Jack's opponent was skilled. Now it was only a question of what to do with the first move.

"Forgive me for being forward, Tesa, but if we're going to work together, I have to ask," Jack began, tilting his head back and glancing over his shoulder at Tesa as he walked, "Why exactly did you accept Iniquitous' offer to become an apprentice? It doesn't add up. After all, if you were looking for a place to call home I'd imagine the last thing you'd want to do is fly all over hell's half acre with me."

---

"Is this all of them?

"Yes, Master Jedi. All were admitted within the last five days."

Kyo stood over the blackened body of the victims, the scent of burnt flesh still hanging heavy on the air. The Ralltiir medical center's burn ward had received a strange influx of patients recently, all bearing similar electrical burns over much of their bodies. There had been nearly twenty victims in less than five days. It was too much to be coincidence.

"So?" the doctor asked, "Do you think the Sith could be behind this?"

Kyo pulled back the gauze covering one of the patient's burns, his face tightening with concern as he inspected the wound, "Doubtful," Kyo answered, "it's unlikely the Sith would venture this far into the interior. And even less likely they'd be so transparent..." No, but the burns were consistent with wounds caused by Dark Side energy. There was a good chance it could be him...

"Sir?"

Kyo shook his head, dismissing the thought, "It's possible the wounds could have been made through the Force, but I'll need more time to be sure. I should meditate on this. If you don't mind doctor."

"Of course," the doctor responded, lowering his head and leaving Kyo alone with the patients.

Settling himself down in the middle of the burn ward, Kyo closed his eyes and began to concentrate. In quieting his thoughts he could almost instantly perceive the Force was disturbed. It was just as Master Quan had warned, something was out of place. Anything outside of healing the victims was beyond Kyo's authority, but that didn't matter. He had to find his brother. He had to stop Ryuu.

[Squee]

“Mistress, it would appear Mr. Makura is a rather grumpy sort. He has no mood for my riddles.”

She finished pinning her hair to fall more to one side fashionably. Tesa held out cupped hands and Insanus hovered from the table into her palms. “How does that riddle end?” She lifted her hands to her shoulder, where the avian-shaped droid took perch.

“Usually the gum is stuck to the chicken’s foot, but with that face, I would say Mr. Makura has gum on the bottom of his new shoe.” Tesa tsked and patted her little droid with a smile was twisting across her face. Yes, right now, she adored her little Sane. “You always choose the grumpy men, Mistress. Can’t you find one that will cuddle me?”

“I’ll think on it. Hatch.” A thin section of Insanus’ breast popped open and Tesa slid a small chip into the slot after checking it. She then slid another in her datapad. After a brief, indecisive moment, Tesa grabbed her lightsaber and tucked it into her purse with the datapad. “All right, let’s go,” she stated, the lock on her case clicking with finality. She slid the purse over her shoulder, mumbling about how she hated the things as she followed Jack out of the hotel room.

It was the first word that Tesa knew she was going to have to talk about something. She’d learned that anyone who began with “forgive me” meant she was going to have to find words to talk. Generally it was then an assessment of situation: describe patiently, converse happily, et cetera. But Jack was the last person she wanted to discuss anything about. Much less her personal reasons about her decisions. For long moments, Tesa churned over whether or not to explain herself to him. She did not owe him any favors so perhaps she would keep silent. The question was not general, though, but specific in something he already knew. He would find further depth in any answer she’d give him, of course, but at least it wasn’t something new that he was trying to lever out of her. Tesa was quite amused that Jack believed she’d lied to Iniquitous. During this time of silence, he must be thinking she wasn’t going to answer him by now.

“I think you’re mistaking being with you as home.” Tesa had repositioned herself by his side while they walked. “Which, of course, it isn’t. I hope you’re extremely disappointed. You also do not believe my answer should be taken seriously. A home is a place you return to. A home is a place you can be yourself. Calling what I do home may seem odd because I share it with other people, but other people who share my practices. Anywhere else I go, I must hide under a guise, pretend to know something different than what I know. Our practices are not popular, or have you not noticed? Say we are on the highest tier of criminal. At “home”, we are not. Do you understand now?”

“Mistress is an odd woman, Mr. Makura. You will soon understand.”

Not that I particularly want him to. But Tesa pinched the tip of her tongue. “As for Iniquitous…” I should give him a false lead. And sprinkle it with some truth. “… I do not know yet. Perhaps some good will come of it. Good for me, that is. It also means that while I hold the position as his apprentice, nobody else does.” As well as firsthand knowledge of my fellow apprentice. I will know. I will always know. And no one will believe they have an edge over me.

No one except Iniquitous.

[Cain]

Fighting the sleep in his eyes, Jack marched forward, plowing a swathe through the throngs of Ralltiir rush hour commuters. Jack listened carefully to Tesa's long winded response, paying more attention to her tone than what she was actually saying. It was quite obviously a defensive response, apparently the word "home" held a very specific meaning with this one.

While elbowing his way through the crowds, Jack's gaze wandered back and forth between the buildings towering overhead on either side of the street. He seemed to be paying very little attention to where he was walking and a dark skinned man in medical scrubs suddenly bumped into his shoulder. The doctor shot Jack a dirty look for his carelessness, but Jack paid him no mind at all.

The Ralltiir medical center loomed ahead, lit up as the last rays of daylight slipped below the horizon. Pausing a moment to peek up at the structure, Jack spread himself out through the Force, gently brushing all of the souls that crowded around the medical center. This was a part of the operation that required true finesse. When dealing with Jedi one could not afford to do anything clumsily. It would be a terrible shame if they had traveled all the way into the Core for nothing, though Jack was more than confident in his abilities.

"I do understand," Jack called back over his shoulder at Tesa, his body language still suggesting his mind was elsewhere, "and you are quite right, a home is a place where you can be comfortable in your own skin, a place which reflects who you really are. It is fascinating; I wonder what kind of a person could find such a place on a dead, dusty wasteland inhabited by the worst sort of vulgar cretins the galaxy has to offer. Either someone who is very naive... or someone who isn't being completely honest with themselves," Jack smiled to himself, "I haven't decided yet."

As the wheels in Jack's mind cranked, they took in the second part of Tesa's response, "As for Iniquitous… I do not know yet. Perhaps some good will come of it. Good for me, that is. It also means that while I hold the position as his apprentice, nobody else does."

Still staring up at the medical center, Tesa's statement wriggled into the back of Jack's consciousness and took root. An eye brow raised and Jack tilted his head back, glaring over his raised collar at Tesa, "Indeed," Jack responded, a coy smile on his face that was hidden from sight, "I see there are some things we can agree on."

Moving swiftly now across the plaza in front of the medical center, Jack bypassed the main entrance and stepped right up to a door clearly marked as "Employees and Medical Personnel Only". It was firmly locked with a data pad reader to the side.

"For most of us though, it isn't finding a home that is the hard part," Jack commented, fishing through his jacket and producing a data pad. Upon inserting it into the reader, the image of a dark skinned doctor appeared on the monitor, "it's getting through the door."

Inside the Ralltiir Medical Center Kyo was in the process of healing his last the patient when a sudden chill ran up his spine. Kyo was seated on the floor in deep meditation when the uneasy feeling washed over him. It was slightly jarring, causing Kyo to immediately straighten up, but just as quickly as it had came, it promptly vanished. Most would dismiss such a thing as little more than a slight chill, but a Jedi knew better.

After he finished healing the final patient, Kyo quickly gathered up his things, fastening his life-support kit back onto his belt and moving swiftly through the medical center halls. It's Ryuu Kyo thought to himself, It has to be. It can't be coincidence. At his frantic pace, charging down the hall, Kyo hardly noticed the well dressed man coming toward him until they collided. As Kyo's butt hit the linoleum, his life-support kit burst open, sending medical supplies scattering across the floor. Dazed, Kyo looked up at the man he'd run into. He was dressed typically for the many investors that flocked to Ralltiir, say for his oddly popped collar.

"Excuse me sir, I'm terribly sorry," he said, kneeling down to help Kyo gather his things

"No, no, it was my fault," Kyo conceded, stuffing the last of his gauze back into his life-support kit before picking himself up and brushing off his robes.

"You're a Jedi, aren't you?" the man asked, "My apologies, but I noticed your laser sword when you fell down. I don't suppose there are many doctors on this planet packing that kind of heat."

"You might be surprised," Kyo responded, his tone somewhat dismissive as he tried to nudge his way past.

Maneuvering himself into the Jedi's way, the investor extended his hand, "My name is Mr. Androsal, and behind me here is my always radiant wife.

Kyo was taken aback by Mr. Androsal's forwardness, offering an unsure hand to shake his, "Um, pleased to meet you. I'm Kyo Sartori. You will have to forgive me, Mr. Androsal, but I am in a terrible hurry."

"There is nothing to forgive," Mr. Androsal assured, staring through Kyo as if his gaze could burn through his flesh and see the walls behind him, "however, I do think it would be in your best interest to stay and talk to us for a moment, Mr. Sartori. The source of the that shiver you felt earlier won't be going anywhere anytime soon, I assure you."

Androsal's words snagged Kyo like a hook, reeling in his undivided attention. Kyo regarded the man in front of him with a look of bewilderment, almost disbelief, "Who are you?"

"If you don't mind," Androsal said, directing Kyo toward one of the unoccupied rooms, "let's find someplace we can speak in private."

[Squee]

When the dark man bumped into Jack and Jack rudely ignored the man, she apologized kindly on her partner’s behalf. She silently prided herself on her ability to switch vocal tones so easily, as she often did. The man, still irritated as he stormed by, only gave her a stiff nod. Something was wrestling with the man, distressing him beyond than not receiving a courtesy apology. When she faced front again, she was frowning. Probably a bad day at work.

When Jack finally replied, Tesa snorted a laugh. “For starters, you and I are also among the vulgar sorts. We are no different than those back home. That would be lying to one’s self.” It was amusing how he was examining her response as some sort of lie. At least he was telling her he thought so. “We lie,” she plucked on the sleeve of his outfit to demonstrate her point. “We manipulate,” she continued, nodding her head toward the medical centers. “Or we plan to. And I’m sure we’re both drawn blood. By all means, a prison should be our home, but what place is a home if you don’t choose it? As for agreeing…”

Insanus jumped in, “When you put two people in the same room, there’s room for at least two or three agreements. Now that we’ve found one, perhaps you’ll find the other one or two?”

The voiced stats appalled her but Tesa didn’t let the grimace show, merely shushed her droid and reminded him to speak when spoken to. And perhaps we agree, Jack, but I’d much rather not. But while we do, I hope it’s because you think I desire a wealth in power. Then she had an epiphany. Even if Jack were to be disposed, another just like him would be the replacement. She would never agree with anyone whole-heartedly and she’d always find them stupid and beneath her. Tesa found herself suddenly plodding behind Jack, annoyed at this revelation, and trying her hardest not to grumble.

It made her wonder what was wrong with the bloody universe. But that was a contemplation for another time in a quieter area and when she wasn’t on some madman’s quest to seek out a Jedi. She truly hoped Jack would take the lightsaber through his throat. Then she sucked back a breath and pushed her irritated muses away. She must dabble in the image of a darling wife.

She followed closely behind Jack’s shoulder, occasionally entertaining a curious interest in something about the center and relaying it to her… husband. She saw the hustling man coming down the corridor, and noticed when Jack shifted, as if to place himself in that man’s path. She kept her eyes pointedly elsewhere until the two men collided. With a startled gasp, Tesa reached out and steadied Jack. She turned sharply on other man to act on her husband’s behalf, “I’m sure eyes serve to watch where you’re walking.” But then Jack apologized, to which Tesa huffed lightly and stood to the side while he helped the other man pick up his equipment.

Laser sword. Amusement flickered her lips and was gone. She nodded politely when she was introduced and lifted her hand out to the man, now known by the name of Kyo. As Jack spoke and baited Kyo with his words, Tesa knew they’d reached the point of this mission she dreaded. She had to let Jack lead completely. She hadn’t the faintest clue of how he wanted to make attempts at convincing a Jedi to join the Sith cause. So far, it just seemed like he wanted to talk to the other man. She wondered the success rates a Sith has always had in talking a Jedi out of his niche.

She smiled, keeping unsuspicious, as Kyo glanced at her before turning towards the room Jack gestured toward. Tesa let Jack follow after before coming in last. She closed the door and then looked at Jack: “Go ahead. Do what you do best.”

[Cain]

“Go ahead. Do what you do best.”

Jack chuckled, seating himself opposite Kyo at one of the round tables in the room. The area they'd entered was a break room, a lounge where the staff might congregate during lunch. With Tesa standing by the door, Jack settled himself, fighting to conceal his level of amusement with Tesa's comment, "Patience, my love," Jack responded simply, keeping his eyes forward. He absolutely delighted in the tension between himself and his partner, as well as playing up the contemptibly ironic identities she herself had chosen for them. Jack couldn't help but wonder if some semblance of masochism wasn't driving Tesa's actions. It would certainly provide a better answer as to why she decided to stick with Jack, and to cast them as a married couple of all things, as opposed to the longwinded cryptic explanation she herself had given.

Kyo interrupted Jack's enjoyment of the moment, beginning the conversation rather bluntly, "My time is valuable, and I'm guessing yours is as well. So let's get the obvious out of the way first, shall we Mr. Androsal? To begin with, you're Force adepts, aren't you?"

"Hard to get much more obvious than that," Jack answered, easing back in his chair.

As Jack's posture slumped, Kyo straightened himself up, leaning forward across the table, "And second, you're not Jedi," There was something off about these two, something unsettling that led Kyo to believe they were quite a bit more than they appeared. Exactly what, however, Kyo could only guess. Despite his uncertainty, the fact was there was a strong chance that these people knew something about the recent rash of attacks on Ralltiir. Or even perhaps about Ryuu, "So, I suppose I'm wondering just exactly what is it you're doing here?"

Jack responded with a smirk as he reached into his jacket. Kyo could sense no hostility within the man across from him and gave no reaction, "Very astute, Kyo Sartori," Jack said, drawing his cigarettes from his jacket pocket and sticking one on his lip. Since Kyo had settled down across from him Jack had been carefully feeling the Jedi out, using the Force to brush at the outer edges of his consciousness in an attempt and detect anything he could about his opponent’s disposition. This Jedi was on edge, he was experiencing a strange sort of anxiety, almost guilt even that Jack could not quite find the source of. Any attempt to dig deeper would certainly draw Kyo’s attention and cause him to raise his defenses. Jack would have to work with what little he had, “We were trained by Jedi, but we do not operate under the Order,” Jack chose his words carefully, speaking in half truths and technicalities to reduce the risk of the Jedi sensing his deception, “to be perfectly honest, we’re here for you, Kyo. We’re here to help you.”

Kyo faded back into his seat, unsure of what to make of Jack’s words, “You’re here to help me?” he questioned, glancing over Jack’s shoulder at Tesa, “Does Master Quan know about this?”

The question caused Jack to pause for only a fraction of a second as he reached into his jacket looking for a light. In that moment, as pure force of habit caused his fingers to brush up against the cold metal of his lightsaber, Jack thought better of drawing his weapon, “Do you have a light?”

“This is a hospital,” Kyo answered with a frown.

Jack smirked, “Of course…” he snatched the cigarette from his lips and quickly tucked it back into his jacket pocket, “No, I don’t believe Master Quan is aware of our mission,” The mention of Master Quan’s name caused a subtle, yet undeniable rise in the anxiety within Kyo. The near intangible spike immediately drew Jack’s eyes to Kyo’s and his mind rapidly began to pour over the possible meanings.

Why would mentioning this Master raise this feeling of anxiety? Perhaps something happened to this Master and the mention of his name invokes painful memories… or, perhaps this Jedi is afraid of this Master Quan. But why would you be afraid of a Jedi Master… unless you’re doing something you probably shouldn’t be…

Jacks thoughts raced to explain the anxiety and guilt felt by Kyo. Both solutions that Jack was able to deduce seemed equally plausible, so his next question would have to tip the scales one way or another, “Does Master Quan know why you’re here?” Jack shot back.

The question coaxed an emotional response from Kyo that even an unskilled Force adept would have been able to detect. Kyo was surprised by Mr. Androsal’s apparent clairvoyance. He had known about the touch of the dark side Kyo had felt while healing the burn victims, and he seemed now to know about Kyo’s intentions to exceed his mandate on this mission. Could he know about Ryuu too? “No,” Kyo admitted hesitantly, “Master Quan thinks I’m here just to heal burn victims.”

Chekmate. Jack was barely able to contain his satisfaction as he finally straightened his posture, “But you have other plans, don’t you?”

The Force was then suddenly disturbed and Kyo hesitated. Jack glanced back at Tesa as Kyo shot up out of his seat, a slight sense of panic in his movements and his voice, “We’ve wasted too much time talking. Master Quan has already returned. He’s probably wondering where I am. I have to go.”

Jack clinched his teeth and a low inaudible growl leaked out. He'd had this Jedi right where he wanted him. To lose him at this point was a sour pill to swallow.

As Kyo rushed around the table toward the door, Jack maneuvered himself into the Jedi’s path, “Take this,” Jack handed a simple slip of paper to Kyo that had several numbers written down on it, resembling a HoloNet frequency, “Let us know if you should change your mind.”

Kyo only gave a quick nod, stuffing the card into his robes before hurrying out of the room. After sensing him move far enough away, Jack fell back into his chair and immediately went for his cigarettes, lighting up with his lightsaber blade as he threw his feet up onto the table, “Don’t worry,” Jack began, sensing Tesa’s critical stare, “That HoloNet frequency I gave him was the one for your ship. So if he should give it to the Jedi Council, I’ll be in no real danger.” Jack paused, keeping his eyes locked on Tesa’s as he took a long draw from his cigarette, “I’m kidding.” he chuckled, exhaling smoke.

[Squee]

Tesa remained nearest to the door, visibly projecting her lack of trust in this Kyo as Jack talked to him. She had resolved to simply let Jack talk to the Jedi. This was his brilliant planning after all. If he talked himself into a whole, she wanted to be able to get out of it. It was simply another rational excuseto stand beside the door. If things go badly, she was out of here. Tesa felt no obligation to put her life on the line if Jack screwed up the situation, and she hoped she made that clear.

Yet she would remain here as long as Jack seemed to have control. She monitored both men with a harsh, brittle stare. Insanus disapproved of her widened stance, with her hands folded behind her, on her lower back. She could tell by the way the droid shifted on her shoulder, talons plucking lightly at her shirt top. Likely she would hear something about how her body language affects others in the room. It was true that if she were as relaxed as Jack, this Kyo Jedi would probably find a greater comfort in being in their presence. As it was, Tesa had no intention of showing her guard was off. Jack could incorporate this into his little plan, or he could fail. Unless he demonstrated the ability and the courage to find and act upon the third option. Tesa doubted he would.

She wandered back and forth in front of the door occasionally, more for the benefit of moving her ankles. They were beginning to ache. Her eyes were settled mostly on Kyo, memorizing his face, the way he stood, and noting any distinguishing features. The most interesting about his physical appearance was his rounded, soft-looking face. The poor man. Would he ever grow old of it, or would he simply be one of those unfortunate souls who forever looked like an overgrown infant?

She got the most information from his Force signature. The way he felt in the Force told her many things, including his distinguished individuality. He was, of course, a huge contrast to Jack’s presence on the surface. She ignored generalities of darker and lighter, allowing the Force to feel like it was crawling over the surface of her skin, familiarizing herself with Kyo’s presence in the Force. It was just like getting over the awkwardness of standing barely an inch away from someone. Getting over the fact she could feel them shift close to her, breathe near her or on her, the warmth of their body.

Kyo shot up out of his seat, disrupting Tesa’s understanding of Kyo’s presence. His panic had been sharp and sudden enough that it dislodged her, emotions blinding the facts. She blinked, visibly leaning back and drawing in a large, audible breath. She offered a half smile to Jack when he glanced over to her. There was a small bloom of satisfaction nestling deep in her chest. This panic in the Jedi must have been caused by Jack. And if the Jedi was panicking, then it is possible Jack could be failing. That was cause for a small and personal celebration.

Perhaps Jack was not failing. Tesa had no way of properly knowing, considering she had not heard what Jack had been saying while she had been studying Kyo. Perhaps he knew how to compensate for this sudden surge of panic within the man. Maybe that was the point. It was hard to control those factors, though. She knew from experience. So she decided to revert to best case scenario: Jack was failing.

With no intention to impede Kyo as he made swiftly to the door, Tesa stepped further to the side. However, Jack paused the Jedi for only a moment more to hand him a little card and inviting the Jedi to contact them any time. Then the Jedi Kyo left.

Tesa immediately riveted attention to Jack. “Problems?”

“Don’t worry.”

“Mmm… right,” she stated with a slight smirk, twisting her upper body back and forth, looking oddly comfortable and satisfied.

““That HoloNet frequency I gave him was the one for your ship. So if he should give it to the Jedi Council, I’ll be in no real danger.”

“You did what!?” she stepped forward and slapped her hands on the table. “Excuse you! That’s not my ship, that’s our ship, since you so conveniently are using it right now! You are therefore also in danger, unless of course you want me to simply leave you behind on this planet when I go. Which. Can. Be. Arranged.” She finished snarling.

When he stated it was a joke, Tesa threw herself back upright, scowling heavily. “Fool,” she spat disdainfully. In a quick motion, she forcefully swept his feet off the table in an attempt to upset his balance; a sort of revenge to satisfy her. “Get your feet off the table. The last thing this place needs to do is to sanitize your dirt.”

With a loud, angry sigh, she folded her arms, turned slightly, and leaned her body against the table. Tesa glared at the door as she restored her internal order. The last thing she needed was Jedi on her tail and to acquire another ship for their return to the Korriban. It was such a pain last time she had to do that.

“You better hope he doesn’t go and rat out that there’s a couple of potential ‘evil ones’ wandering about. Hunting him down to ensure our minimal notification sounds problematic and unappealing. I would not like to, since I currently have no quarrel with living Jedi.” Her chin lifted and she looked over at Jack. “So that makes this primarily your problem. What exactly are you doing? I want to know. The sooner I know, the better off we’ll be. But tell me while we get out of here.”

[Cain]

Jack couldn't contain his satisfaction, though the Jedi had gotten away for now, by his estimation there was still a high probability of success. On top of that, the flustered disposition of his partner was constant source of amusement, but this time it wasn't Tesa's frayed nerves that Jack found entertaining.

"What exactly are you doing? I want to know. The sooner I know, the better off we’ll be. But tell me while we get out of here."

With a soft chuckle Jack rose lazily from his seat. There was very little urgency in his movement, though this was nothing new from Jack. Panic was about as foreign to Jack as pants were to a Wookiee, and whether it was due to lethargy or ignorance was anyone's guess. In Jack's mind, at least, there was no real danger, not for the time being. This Master Quan had come for his Padawan and so long as he should find him there was no reason for Jack or Tesa to fear being discovered. Kyo wouldn't discuss their meeting with his master, of this Jack was nearly certain. The boy had already deceived Master Quan once, there was no reason to believe he wouldn't do so again.

Much more interesting was the question Tesa had just asked. On the surface it was quite clear what Jack was doing; he was attempting to turn a Jedi to the dark side. This is what he'd told Iniquitous, what he explained to Tesa on their way to Ralltiir, and what he'd attempted to carry out with Kyo. The fact that Tesa would ask this question suggested that she suspected he had an ulterior motivation, and of course he did. Few Sith were without one, and this was generally understood, if not directly addressed. Tesa, however, presented the question quite plainly, and to Jack that was most amusing. For a moment he contemplated actually laying it all out there; his ambition, his dream. It was a fleeting temptation. Such candor tended only to generate problems. Knowledge is power, and power is a dangerous thing to share haphazardly. It was a lesson he and Auren had learned the hard way. Tesa was not so different than Jack's old apprentice. There was still that same neediness, the same profuse want of attachment. It was an ideal wholly unsuited for survival among Sith, one that could only end in destruction. The way Jack saw it, as she was now Tesa was a foundering ship. So long as this was the case, Jack would invest nothing of value in her.

Finally, Jack stepped forward and led the way back out into the hall, scanning the hall with his eyes and his senses to make certain there were no others near by that might overhear their conversation before he spoke, "Oh, you're clever enough, Tesa," he responded, "I'm sure you've figured out by now that what we're doing here is as much for my own benefit as it is the Sith. I don't suppose that would be too much of a leap for you to deduce."

Jack moved swiftly through the exit and back out into the crowded streets of Ralltiir. He spoke to Tesa, keeping his eyes forward, and sifting his way swiftly through the gauntlet of commuters,"If you wish to know what I have to gain from pursuing such high profile targets, the answers is simple. Knowledge. Knowledge, in all its forms, is a weapon. Thinking of it in this way, what I am doing is disarming my enemies while at the same time arming myself." Be my enemies Jedi or Sith, Jack thought to himself. To Jack there wasn't a great deal of difference between the two. Jack's explanation of his intentions may have been a bit of an oversimplification, but he hadn't said anything he didn't believe, Tesa would find no deception in his words. Hopefully it would satisfy her for now.

[Squee]

Absolutely frackin’ stupid.

Yet Tesa restrained from pinching her nose, as she tended to when she had a flare of irritation. The man was stupid and his stupidity made her feel like such a genius. She had only meant what was he doing currently. With the mission. How he was going about converting this Jedi. What was his next move. She wanted the immediate future, not his ultimate plans and goals.

Wait… His ultimate plans? At least a hint into them. A hint that he had them. Of course he had them. All the other Sith had them. For whatever purpose. Most goals these Sith made were simply unattainable or folly, and therefore they were destined to fail. It was usually fairly easy to guess what the Sith’s goals were anyway; power, control, or eradication. Which one are you, Jack?

Power was a natural lust. There was power in position. Power in the Force. With power came wealth, so most said anyway. Nearly all Sith desired power, and Tesa desired power in the form of control. Control of herself and her abilities, and even over other people. She wanted control to be her power because sometimes she felt things were too wild and those things needed order. She could believe Jack wanted power, and this farce with the Jedi was his way to prove his power and control.

And even Tesa wanted to be rid of something. Stupid people, for one. The galaxy could benefit from a few less idiots. Like Jack. Most Sith found Jedi to be stupid, an idea Tesa couldn’t bring herself to share. They hated the Jedi, and fed off that hatred, and would like nothing more than to exterminate them. Easier said than done, and an unattainable goal. Why did fools think that if they could no longer see the enemy, he wasn’t there? There were simply too many Jedi, and some were bound to slip through before the fist squeezed tight. Sometimes eradication led to an easier access of power and control, but it was sloppy and inconsistent because of the loose ends – the Jedi hidden in the ashes of their deceased. Why did the Sith care so much about whether the Jedi lived or died?

Jack felt he was arming himself. Did he want numbers on his side? Do you want the Sith, Jack? Nearly every damn person in the Temple does. Why would you want that so badly? It’s nothing but the spotlight and work, because instead of Iniquitous guiding you, you now have to guide. I’ll tell you one thing, though: I surely won’t bow to you. Establishing trumps usurpation.

“Hmph. What could the Jedi have in knowledge that you could potentially want? Other than maybe holocrons or datacrons, but Jedi don’t carry such things in their pockets.” A Sith seeking power would want the holocrons. “How are you arming yourself? It’s dangerous work to turn a Jedi.” A Sith seeking to prove his power through control would want to express his might over the biggest target. Are you arming yourself physical or mentally? Better to let him think she was only considering the physical option. “Danger I would rather not toy with. Don’t think it hasn’t crossed my mind to leave you here, especially if you take longer than I anticipate.” Now tell me if you plan on killing him.

“So, I ask you, where are you going with this, so I can make sure this gets done as fast as possible.” So I have to be around you less.

[Cain]

Crowds were just one of the many things in the galaxy that Jack could do without, and it may have been enough to ruin his mood were it not for Tesa following close at his heels. She continued to question him despite the slew of cryptic answers he offered in retort. Jack couldn't contain a smile as she pressed him about the Jedi.

"Tesa, you disappoint me. For one thing, there are ways to obtain Jedi knowledge beyond a simple datacron." Jack tilted his head back ever so slightly and tapped his temple. "However, more to the point, a man such as I who would consider his mind to be his best weapon would do well to keep it open. Despite being a Sith, I've not yet been so blinded by pride to think even those beneath me have nothing to teach."

Another faint tremor in the Force washed over the edges of Jack's senses. The Jedi had left... or at least, the Jedi Master had. Jack's senses were not yet attuned quite well enough to monitor the comings and goings of a presence as small as Kyo's. Whether the young Knight had gone with his master or remained behind, Jack was still confident. The boy would seek them out, it was only a matter of time.

“So, I ask you, where are you going with this, so I can make sure this gets done as fast as possible.”

Quietly Jack drew a cigarette from his breast pocket and placed it between his lips. He would wait for a more discrete opportunity to use his "lighter".

"You're free to leave whenever you like," Jack stated plainly, his voice slightly muffled by the Bloodstripe still pinched between his teeth. "It makes no difference to me. If you'd feel better back on Korriban, digging in the dust with power hungry mouth-breathers for a thousand year old Sith's refresher seat, be my guest. As for me, a year was long enough to see that place for what it was. A dead end. You stick with me though, I promise you, you'll go places."

Jack re-entered the lobby of their hotel mid sentence. His voice, adjusted to be heard over the background noise of Ralltiir, shattered the tranquil silence just inside. Despite a few dirty looks, Jack moved straight for the reception desk. His target was a stack of matchbooks emblazoned with the hotel's insignia. Snatching one up for himself, Jack slumped his body against the desk bringing him uncomfortably close to the receptionist. Only she recoiled while Jack struck up a match and used it to finally light his cigarette.

"Excuse me, sir..." The young human woman said, her voice soft and timid.

Jack plucked the Bloodstripe from his lips, wafting a trail of smoke into the air above him. He glanced back at the young woman with his normal sleepy, slightly annoyed expression. He said nothing, allowing the irritation in his gaze to act as a retort.

"I'm sorry, sir, but you are Mr. Androsal, are you not?"

"What of it?" Jack asked, taking a drag from his cigarette and blowing out another long stream of smoke.

The reception coughed, choking on the air while swatting away the smoke in front of her with her hand, "You have a holo-call, sir. I told the caller you weren't in your room, but he insists it's urgent."

Jack chuckled softly, flicking a few ashes onto the desk's polished surface. "Who insists it's urgent?" He asked.

"Um, I believe his name was Mr. Satori."

"Mr. Satori," Jack called out, letting his voice carry again as he tilted his head back towards Tesa. "Did you hear that, darling? Our good friend Mr. Satori is calling." Another quick hit of tobacco and Jack turned back to the receptionist, "What a gentleman," he said softly, the words escaping his lips with wisps of smoke. "We'll take the call upstairs, thank you."

With that, Jack hefted himself back upright and made a motion for Tesa to follow as he moved toward the lifts.

[Squee]

Mentally, then. The Jedi themselves were not of any importance to him, it was in what they knew. Still, what was so important from the Jedi that he risked death to obtain it?

Her curiosity, she realized, was overcoming her better judgment. Her need to know his plans aggravated her because she couldn’t ignore the urge to know all things and it amused him. Perhaps it was better this way, though, since Jack and she were apprentice “siblings”. If she was going to be forced to work with him, he shouldn’t be a stranger to her.

But if/when the situation plummeted and he was discovered, she knew exactly how to behave to skirt away from lightsaber point alive. Tesa would leave Jack to his doomed fate, she decided, but it would be fun to watch him fail in the mean time. Apprentice siblings they may be, Tesa wasn’t going to die for his cause.

Entering the lobby, Tesa decided it best to keep her comments herself until they were in the lift. However, he diverted for the receptionist desk. When he snatched up the matchbook, she sighed, lingering back a good couple of yards. She pitied the receptionist, who tried not to show her discomfort at Jack’s closeness, but her body held a slight bend away from him. Jack was making her life, and her breathing, more difficult than it had to be.

During his conversation with the receptionist, Jack turned to specifically mention that the Jedi had contacted them. “Yes, that’s very good to hear,” she replied pleasantly. Tesa mouthed an “I’m sorry” to the receptionist, tilting her head at Jack.

Tesa hesitated at Jack’s gesture, then ground her teeth as she followed like a beckoned pet. Once the lift doors closed, she frankly stated, “I am a lady. I don’t dig in dirt. I never have.” She wavered slightly as she stood on one leg, removing one heeled shoe, and then the other. “You’re a fool, Makura. A rightly damned fool. An insult for an insult.”

Slowly, she reached toward his collar, as if to fold it down again to quiet her screaming pet peeve. Her fingers violently twisted into the collar instead and jerked him close to her face. “You make me very angry,” she sneered, ignoring the smoke. “Half a mind I may have to leave, but I guess you should know that I won’t, because I don’t do things halfway. Don’t take my good graces for granted, Makura. Run, play tag with the Jedi, and I will watch. When things get nasty, know I’ll let you perish. I owe you no allegiance. I don’t even owe you favors.”

Tesa stepped back, gently straightening his collar back up the way he liked. Her voice soothed out, “But you owe me two now: one for this bloody mission and a second for ignoring your collar up this way.” The lift began to slow. “Go flirt with Mr. Satori. Ms. Androsal won’t mind at all.” Easy as that, Tesa’s face lifted into a wry smile. Though she wished she had knocked his head against the wall for good measure.

[Cain]

“You make me very angry. Half a mind I may have to leave, but I guess you should know that I won’t, because I don’t do things halfway. Don’t take my good graces for granted, Makura. Run, play tag with the Jedi, and I will watch. When things get nasty, know I’ll let you perish. I owe you no allegiance. I don’t even owe you favors.”

Tesa's sudden outburst had caught Jack off his guard. It wasn't so much what she'd said, but how she'd gone about saying it. Jack didn't like to be touched. His revulsion was mitigated, however, by Tesa's words. As she released him one may even have discerned a soft smile forming in place of Jack's default scowl. Couldn't have said it any better myself, Jack thought. Now if only she'd learn to regard the rest of the Sith in the same manner...

"You're finally beginning to speak my language," Jack replied flatly, unflinching even as Tesa adjusted his collar and threw in a couple of extra verbal jabs for good measure.

"Any other way simply would not do."

The doors parted at last drawing Jack out into the hall. With a haphazard stroll he led the way back to their room. The holo-communicator in the corner was already buzzing.

"Mr. Satori," Jack announced with feigned surprise as the Jedi's two foot tall image materialized over the comm unit. "What a pleasant surprise it is to hear from you again so soon. I take it this means your master has given our partnership his blessing..."

Kyo froze for a moment before finally shaking his head. Jack struggled to contain his grin.

"My master has left Ralltiir," Kyo answered finally. "I didn't tell him about our meeting, nor my intentions. Master Quan has never approved of my interest in finding my brother ever since he left the Order."

"Yes, I can see why a Jedi might find that sort of thing disagreeable." Too easy, Jack mused before continuing. "Relationships, especially with family, can be fraught with emotions."

"I have no choice," Kyo sighed. "I don't expect you to understand, but... it's important."

"I agree," Jack countered quickly. "Emotions are indeed powerful, but, when controlled, nothing to be feared."

Kyo perked up a bit, "Master Quan says that attempting such control is dangerous. Many Jedi better than myself have tried only to fail."

Jack nodded slowly, "Wise words. Your master is correct to caution you. The Force is a powerful tool, capable of many equally great and terrible things. Such territory is not to be tread upon lightly. Although, if lesser men had never attempted to walk where others had failed, we'd all still be living in holes in the ground knowing nothing of the Force. That is what we call progress, my young Jedi friend."

A puzzled expression formed on Kyo's face. What Mr. Androsal said made sense, but he knew Si Quan would not approve.

"What exactly is it you can do to help me find Ryuu?" Kyo asked, bringing the conversation back on topic.

"We will show you the Force for what it really is," Jack answered, tossing himself back onto the sofa, his body conforming to the seats curved shape as if it were jelly. "Remove the rose colored glasses... in a manner of speaking."

"Why?"

"Because, you cannot save your brother until you have tread where he has failed."

Kyo's body shook. This was wrong. He could feel it in his bones. Something was off about Mr. and Mrs. Androsal. There was a coldness about them unlike anything he'd felt from a Jedi before. They were like Ryuu. However, perhaps that was exactly what he needed. The Jedi would have him forget his brother entirely. He could not accept that.

Against all his better intuition Kyo nodded. "Very well," he said in a whisper, barely able to muster the words.

Jack gave Kyo the docking bay number for their ship before flicking off the holo-communicator. He sat silent for a long moment, his body slumped all the way down into his seat until only his head remained propped up against the back.

Finally he turned toward Tesa, "That's one."