The Dark Academy on Korriban

"He asked about my mother and... like I said I cannot be sure.. seemed to know that she had been absent from public affairs for a reason. A crafty man like him says more in what he doesn't say than what he does. He tested me on the Sith Code and cautioned me on the possible conflict of interest between my house and the Sith... He also mentioned Layne Hoshin; that was in reference to me potentially becoming his apprentice which most likely means he is looking to Layne as a possible frontrunner."

Her mood soured as she heard that name.

"Maybe, though he could just be using her, as she is so far a rather controversial aspirant here... be careful though, as it might mean he could try to set her up to kill you."

"She certainly seems willing to do so, even if he doesn't put her up to it..." Sylvain said.

"Damn... I don't know enough to do anything... and yet this is going to stick in my mind all day."

Shaisha placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a comforting squeeze. "Take some time to think about this."

"There are plenty of places to start to learn more; we could try to gain information from your father's attache, either directly from him or from his files. It will probably be easier than going after Baras' stuff."

He nodded, "His name is Ensign Nadeen..."

"Right," she nodded, taking that name to memory. "Done quietly and hopefully without his knowledge, or press it out of him?"

Shaisha considered Syl the final decider in the matter. It was his father, after all, and she didn't want to overstep.

"Probably better for now if he is unaware... Better for me to play the role of the over-eager aspirant longing for acceptance, rather than someone who is far more intelligent and strategic." He replied.

She smirked. "Then consider me your agent for now. Guess it can work to our advantage for the moment that not many of the Lords seem to be keeping an eye on me... that I know of. Though I won't rule out the possibility that he knows of my relation to your family."

Now that was a thought she didn't like.

"It is certain that they would know the connection, but you are sure to see far less scrutiny than I... I have another friend who may be able to help... She's proven to be resourceful... but hardly reliable." He said.

"I wish all were like you and Kris... then there wouldn't be need for this waste of time and resources." He shook his head in exasperation.

Shaisha chuckled. "You've had good time to win us over with your charms, Syl. I can't speak for Kris, but..."

Her hand squeezed his shoulder once more. "... You guys are more or less the only family I have."

He smiled and nodded, "Thank you Shai. You've helped me focus my mind a bit and figure out what needs to be done."

He took on a look of strength and purpose, "Let me know if you find something the moment you do. I'll see what can be ascertained from my sources."

"I'll have to do it after this morning's round of studying. Besides, I need to plan my angle of attack." She gave a smile.

"Be careful."

He chuckled, "Never thought I'd hear you say that."

Shaisha grinned. "Well, this isn't exactly the same as playing around a nest of vine cats. Going to be more at stake here than a crashed speeder, torn clothes and a few scrapes a skilled medical droid could easily fixed."

He smiled and nodded, "You be careful too."

Grabbing her hand that rested on his shoulder he squeezed it once affectionately and prepared to leave.