The Dark Academy on Korriban

Repeatedly and intentionally misconstruing my words to serve her own argument... What a fun personality trait...

Sylvain sighed inwardly at the woman's comment.

"If that is how you choose to see the world, I hope it is of use to you. As someone who hates to see good skill go to waste I would only offer my opinion that this new society you exist in functions quite differently than the one you come from. You may wish to one day see such 'subjugation' not play a role, but to ignore it now when it has real and immediate implications is to be naive to the point of foolishness."

He shrugged, "It would be a shame to see such a charming prospect go to waste."

"That was a rather serious remark, wasn't it? I should give it due thought and consideration then."

She laced fingers together over her stomach as she leaned with her back against the bar. Her expression was serious, lekku lay still.

"The rules structuring my new environment are not in my favour, except one: those who win and gain power get away with breaking them. I have never played by the rules others crafted for me. Never. I don't 'wish' things here to be different. I don't 'ignore' them. I deliberately defy them in available ways. I circumvent them and eventually alter them to accommodate me."

And then she winked and laughed, as if it was all a joke.

"I kid, I am just a foolish brat who may not comprehend the gravity of being trained to be Sith."

"I hope so... for your sake." Sylvain sad simply.

"If you are fortunate enough to live in a world that no one has any control over you... You'll be more spoiled than the richest noble in Alderaan."

He shrugs his shoulders, "There are webs of control all around us that we do and don't perceive. The very air you breath, the language you use... all of these are systems of control. No one can stand outside of them and remain in the world of others. And unless you are far more powerful than all of the other acolytes here... you'll find that the instructors can and will impose their will on you often."

He then smiled weakly, "That you don't allow others to break you is an admirable talent... and that you constantly try and use systems for your betterment... that too is admirable. But I truly do hope you consider the fact that you are no longer a smuggler, and this world operates quite differently."

A drumroll on the counter.

"It... it wasn't the life I would glorify as some radical freedom, you know? When push came to shove, it was just the better of two things, and it proved such for a time. At the very least I want to secure a real choice, even if it's just choosing how I die."

She looked across the mess.

"Do they have anything with alcohol here?"

She shook her head and poured herself some more water, then took a rich sip.

"Oh, you just don't know how it is. To be born a Twi'lek, I mean. With the prevalent opinion, oozing even from the mouths of your own family, that the best you can do in life is to get sold as a sex toy to some fat Republican pig and thus line the pockets of an even uglier Hutt scum. Floating along, like some crap down the sewage. Because it's the easiest, safest way that ruffles no feathers. I fuck easy and safe. And I pluck the plumage if need be."

Sylvain nodded, "You are right. I don't know what that is like. I had my own difficulties and obstructions to overcome, probably much more different from yours than they are the same. But ultimately that is irrelevant. I'm not saying there is not justification for you to believe the way you do, I'm sure your experiences have shaped who you are and that has worked for you, but you must be cognizant of the fact that now is the time to adapt. Your ability to do so will determine your success or failure."

He smiled a bit warmer, "From all indications it appears you have it in you to be able to adapt and thrive. That is encouraging. You have great potential... which is why I am being such a jerk about this. I think there is much you can do and would hate to see it wasted in the flash with a slash from an instructor's lightsaber."

He then chuckled, "And I'll take care of the alcohol tomorrow... Sorry I can't help now."

"It's all right, I suppose I can wait a bit."

She smiled pleasantly, shifting crossed legs to put the other one on top.

"And strategise how to adapt to the circumstances."

Sylvain reclined back a bit in his chair, "What I would do.... hmm..."

He thought for a moment, "I'd probably find people who are different from me in skills and social position. Diversify your power portfolio."

Check.

She inclined her head, coyly.

"Indeed, I should start looking around for people like that. After all, how much real life skill my prior engagements could have taught me?"

She couldn't help the faintest of smiles from wandering across her lips.

"I couldn't tell you." He said while still thinking.

"I'd probably stay away from associating with other non-humans or non-Siths. It's far too easy to dismiss you all when you're clumped together. You stand out much more even if it is just as 'that slut that hangs out with the Minister of War's son'."

He frowned, "Unfortunately I cannot be counted on in times of dire need either since I have other obligations... but exchanges in information and strategy on cheating the tests... I can probably help."

"So my path to greatness can unfold by association with you, and disassociation from those who may be sharing my goals and outlooks? That's a bit counterintuitive, I must admit. I wonder if what you've just said about it is slutshaming or slutpraising."

She smirked, and her lekku swang symmetrically left and right.

"You're very kind to offer information-sharing to me, Syl. If you want to know something in particular, I may look around too."

He shook his head, "No. I specifically said you can't rely on me for your success. I'm merely telling you, if you hang around with what is perceived to be the 'wrong' crowd you will resign yourself to anonymity or engender animosity from many influential people."

He shrugged, "You asked for strategizing and I offered a bit of small advice. Feel free to ignore it if you deem it irrelevant."

He smiled, "I don't need to share my advice if it is unwanted."

"I do like listening to what you have to say, Syl."

She charmingly remarked.

"And I wouldn't be a proper noble if I didn't like to hear myself speak." He said with self-deprecating charm.

"Though watching you watch me has its own appeal." He said with a wink. "Like being watched by a hungry nexu cat; exciting, if not intimidating."

"I didn't know I am this ugly. Truly, your compliments are not what I am used to."

She stifled a chuckle with her lekku.

"You'll get accustomed to them eventually, I hope. I have no intention of stopping." He said with a smile.

"That is good to hear. I like resolve."

She slipped off the chair, making it a sensual exercise while looking straight at him with her golden eyes.

"Call me about the dinner sometime in the morning."

He nodded and smiled, "I look forward to our next meeting."

"So do I, Syl. Sweet dreams."

She winked, then turned around and walked away, not too fast.

/exit

"Good night." He said with a smile.

I wonder if it's worth the effort... Hopefully she'll prove her usefulness soon.

Sylvain finished putting away his tray and left the Mess Hall.

/scene