The Dark Academy on Korriban

"That makes sense. This place is different from a military unit," he replies. "I hadn't considered that at the time. When fighting as a unit, quick changes of command are not uncommon and the unit understands the chain."

He lifts his head from the shower and nods to her then looks her in the eye. "Thank you. I'm certain I must have looked like an ass now, considering that." He sighs and puts his head back into the stream of water.

"But back to your other point as well. You are right that far too many are concerned with creature comforts. Soldiers understand better, but too many live in the lap of luxury hiding behind the Empires forces. Money that could be put to use to provide that much more of an edge to our front lines."

"This is an academy yet, one to train each and every one of us to either become weapons and perhaps even a few leaders. Taking command of such is not an easy task. Certainly when half of the other Acolytes seem more determined with earning cash salvaging scrap than improving themselves."

"Personal interest and creature comforts ruin the core of the Sith, or at least the potentials we share this space with. I wonder how many will survive Korriban to simply be killed in the field of battle. I dread to think some forget where this all leads."

"While I agree to a certain degree with those out salvaging scrap to gain money is something of a waste, it is not necessarily. It all depends on the purpose of those actions," he says.

"I myself have sought wealth for the purpose of improving my equipment for battle effectiveness. Or supporting the research and development of new technologies. We have some very bright engineers here."

"Perhaps," she admits the sense there.

"However, so does the Imperial Military and I am sure these individuals may be bright Engineers but they will be Sith. If they cannot survive as such they will not be of much use to anyone. It is a harsh judgement, assuming the worst of them. Of that I am aware but it is a possibility that has often crossed my mind when dealing with some."

"I agree. But making use of their talents to potentially create something of use for the sith, even if they one day perish due to not focusing on sith studies means that the Empire as a whole can at least get something out of them," he replies. "Slaves, citizens, soldiers and sith all die the same. It's about how they can assist the empire in the time before they perish. I too will die, but if I can kill 2 jedi before I meet my end then that is a net gain for the Empire."

"Yet if their studies were focused on now, perhaps that discovery or development may be relegated to the future but they may very well survive to create even more. We are Imperial, we will be Sith, there is far more than that we should be able to accomplish. However, this is a mute point. Not one that we can alter by merely discussing it here. It will be, as it is."

"But that is where you are wrong," he replies. "We cannot change them directly with this conversation, but we can evaluate the status of the situation and find ways in order to enact change when we hold power of our own in the future. It is as it is. But we can work so that it will not necessarily be as it is. This conversation can have great purpose if you have the determination to work towards solving the problems it has identified."

He takes a deep breath. "And so here we are, an animal and a poor conversationalist, sharing civilized thoughts on how we wish to see our Empire changed for the better."

"Surely the world may come crashing down under the weight of such an unlikely occurrence," she quipped.

"A shame, certainly, that such people have quite the list of changes to make. Both lists of which have far more merit than they should if this was all running as smoothly as it should."

"Sometimes the world must crash and then be rebuilt stronger," Zeno replies. "I don't think that such is necessary for the Empire. I think we are still on a path that can be improved. But it would not be the first time the sith have been reborn stronger." It may have been a quip but he apparently found a bit of wisdom in it.

"Most notably of those times the Sith were exterminated, or at least thought to be. I cannot allow myself the thought that we are not on a path that can be improved, the alternative is unacceptable. There would be far too much death otherwise."

"Concurred," he says looking up from the water. "It is a strange place for it," he says as he stands and approaches her. "But I'd like to propose that if either of us find some area for improvement in the way the empire functions we will call on the other to see what resources we can pool in order to fix that flaw." He doesn't enter her personal space, but he is naked all the same.

It only made it easier to not catch accidental glances as far as she was concerned. Of course, there was that air about her that continued to suggest him remaining in peak physical health was best done by continuing to observe those boundaries.

"I've made note of you Zeno. Be sure that if I need you, you will receive that call. In turn, of course, I can aid in the same. However, do not believe for a moment I will act without all of the pieces on display. I do not suffer betrayal."

"I am growing tired of betrayal as well," he says with a nod before offering a hand.

There needn't be words to follow that. Just a firm nod, and a firm shake.

There needn't be any words. But there were going to be some.

"You really should grab a stool and just enjoy the water," he says returning to his seat. "I promise you won't regret it."

"Perhaps not, but I do intend on finding time to sleep eventually and I've a few other quick things to see to."

"Very well," he says with a shrug. "But if you never take time to relax then you'll end up wearing yourself out and being less effective when the time comes to act on behalf of the empire. Decadence is one thing, a refreshing break is something else entirely and completely healthy."

"Careful now Zeno, worrying for my health already and we have only just met," she could tease a little when it seemed fitting. As it would seem.

"I've had my refreshing break recently, if I were to sit about and lounge in a shower after a night with a friend I would be too far gone into that decadence."

"As you will, Kristal," he says, since they're now on a first name basis apparently. Which makes sense given their state of comfort in the current atmosphere and state of dress.

"Maybe some other time. Though I suspect not on Yavin. It was pleasant speaking with someone that knows how to have a proper conversation."

"It was, interesting, speaking with you," she said as she leaned off of the corner of the stall.

With a firm nod, "Till then, Deathwright."

First name basis fit the tease, but keeping appearances was always proper. Even if, or especially if, there was a bit of respect gained for Zeno Deathwright here.

"Back to Deathwright then?" He shakes his head with a smile. "Kristal, Kristal, Kristal. I insist, Zeno is more appropriate. If you insist I call you Serasai I will but I believe we are of like enough mind and certainly acquainted enough now that I'd prefer you use my chosen name."

There was a confident smile as she took a step away, one toward the door without turning around and still facing him.

"Till then, Zeno," she corrected herself, amused.

She hadn't stated an insistence...

"Of course, Kristal."

With a light incline of her head, she turned and made her way out.

"You still there Veers?" he asks, listening for the sounds of the other woman, placing his head under the shower but keeping his eyes open. He hadn't heard a thing from her.