The Dark Academy on Korriban

"Oh, I was asking, not offering. But please do. I may still change my mind."

She tapped her cheek in thought.

"I am not good at making sacrifices. It's not a professional behaviour for a contractor. Striking bargains is."

"I'll have to try hard not to get fleeced." He smiled, "If you come across some juicy information... keep me in mind. I'm a fan of intangible gifts much more than things that can be owned or misplaced."

"Such a hungry mind you are, Syl."

She teased with a grin.

"But of course."

He chuckled, "Anything else I can answer for you? Surely Korriban's climate is not the only question you have about your surroundings now."

"Aplenty and none. It's been a long day, and I heard Lord Zash wants our assistance tonight."

She stretched and yawned in a girly way.

"How about we set a commlink channel so I can ask you about things when they come up?"

He pulled out his communicator and opened the application necessary for such an exchange. "Of course."

She did the same, just with more allure.

"Ah, by the by, what are your areas of expertise?"

He smiled, "In the broadest terms? Interpersonal relations."

"Truly broad. Sounds a bit like... indiscriminate? Though that in turn may be a good thing when considered... in broad terms."

She laughed softly.

"So I get you come to know people and get things from them rather than by your own hands."

"You could say that I guess, though it certainly is an unflattering way of putting it. I have no skill in computers or sleight of hand, but I do have an ability to deal with people. It's a different type of subterfuge, but challenging enough to keep me entertained."

"Oh, I don't doubt you're getting a lot of fun with your cunning."

She pursed her lips once again, the wiggled her finger, having caught the signal of his commlink and registered it.

"I wonder if I am able to see the noose of your undeniable charm coming. So far you've been light on me. Just a few elegant innuendos."

"No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it is ripe for execution." He said with a coy smile.

"And with women I find it far more effective to ease into things rather than trying to force my way into their... hearts. Charm over coercion is the more effective path."

"Execution sounds too technical, and... morbid? I'd prefer something like culmination."

She pulled her lip inside again, and let the lekku crawl forth.

"I am looking forward to more of your charm at work, Syl."

He bowed nobly, "Anything that would please the fair Miss Moyr."

He chuckled, "I was quoting an Imperial strategist. It should be altered, if I want to be a bit more charming, you're right."

He pulls out his datapad and opens up a note, "Note to self: The gorgeous Twi'lek woman Moyr Ahaya would prefer I don't attempt to charm her with Imperial Military Doctrine."

He grinned with a facetious boyish charm, "One step at a time. I'll get there someday."

"I have some confidence in your spiking learning curve, Syl."

She looked at the holopad, the endings of her lekku plaiting over her sternum.

"Do you make notes about every girl you meet in there? Are you not afraid someone could hack into it and learn your secrets?"

"I only make notes for the ones 'worthy of note'. So... there's only you in here so far." He said with a smile.

"And even if my secrets are hacked, there's a bit of a difference between book knowledge and practical knowledge learned through experience."

"So you're just getting started, I see."

She chuckled softly, unfolding the lekku and casting them over her arms. They were rarely resting.

"So instead of hacking your datapad, finding a way to penetrate your thoughts is a wiser course of action?"

"It is where I tend to keep my more juicy secrets and thoughts. But I tend to think that it is a bit harder to penetrate than a computer, since I am the only one with the ability to keep people out or let them in." He replied.

"Certainly, the approach must differ. But nothing is impossible through the mastery of the Force, now is it?"

She leaned against the counter.

He nodded, "Developing one's defenses can't be neglected for just that reason. Even for a pretty face and the prospect of what certainly would be an enjoyable roll in the hay."

"I'll take it as a piece of wisdom, Syl, you cautioning me against hayrolls with the pretty-faced."

She smiled coyly, nodding.

He smiled, opened his arms and turned his hands up, "You of course shouldn't refrain from hay-rolling universally... there are certainly pretty faces you should make exceptions for. Passion is crucial to any good Sith, you should never deny yourself the opportunity to grow stronger through a good release of passion; just need to control it, direct it and make it the most fulfilling experience possible."

"I smell something."

She let her nostrils vacillate for a moment as she was trying to pin down the smell with focus on her face.

"I think it smells a lot like a self-serving argument."

She smiled sweetly.

"Remember what I told you about hate? Same goes with passion. I keep it focused where I mean it. It's a bit like with lumination. There are light bulbs, and there are lasers."

He smiled, "That is exactly at what I was saying. Passion that builds sentimentality, the laser blast to your chest. Passion that builds desire and strength, the light that leads the way forward."

He then smiled, "And if you find someone in this Academy that ultimately isn't self-serving, you let me know. I enjoy manipulating the weak-minded as much as the next guy; as long as they have utility."

"Ah, this subjugatory language returns."

She shook her head lightly, the lekku travelling along.

"Business is not about what ultimately is, but what can be in a meantime. Quid pro quo for a benefit than you wouldn't otherwise get."