The Dark Academy on Korriban

The halls were silent but they still seemed to vibrate to an unknown pulse

Things are freaky here

She sat at a study desk and poured herself into understanding Darth Charon's works. At her side she had her trusty datapad where she was writing notes and inscribed her criticism.

“Charon’s work is dense but impressive and very comprehensive. A favorite of Lord Savas,” Lord Zash says as she drifts into the chamber wearing a stylish gown with a plunging neck line.

“I would not have pictured you as an academic, aspirant.”

Oh

Baesal took a quick breath to boltster herself and rose to give the lord a proper greeting

Play it cool

''Lord Zash'' she said with a bow

''It is no surprise then if I tell you that it is Lord Savas who...ahem...recommended that we peruse the texts''

She put a hand on Charon's works

''While you are correct that I am normally no academic, I do wish to understand the Force in a more learned manner.''

Work, design, prototypes...focus on that

“You are far too smart to do anything on a whim, so what is your angle?” she says with a smile.

“Surely you have to see how self destructive many of the Sith are and self destructive the order has become.”

OOC: Flipping a die for bad things.

What is she trying to do? Lure me?

''I thank you for the compliment Lord Zash, it is certainly high praise comming from someone as knowledgeable as you are...''

Baesal frowned as her neurons fired and her eyes looked around the museum. This also had the added benefit of not looking in Zash's eyes directly

''Hum...My angle here? I merely want to understand the Force and the Sith force use traditions better in order to use it in more novel ways...''

She omited the last question, hoping Zash would be more interested in her 'novel' ways

Lord Zash laughs and says, “Novel ways? Do tell. Though I am still intrigued by your take on the Sith Order, an outsider like yourself can see things that many of the old dogs cannot.”

Good, no treasonous talk then

"While politics is an interesting topic, I am not educated enough to voice a valuable opinion."

Her left hand rested on her utility belt

"As somewhat of an engineer I prefer the use of precise terminology for efficiency and clarity... which brings us to those 'novel' ways. I am not much of a religious minded person so I seek to understand and use the Force more like any other force in physics. I think that the Force could be used to power engines or even droids...other applications would be possible but research is nescessary."

“How novel, the Rakata utilized technology melded with the Force. They are nearly forgotten by many people but their technology remains. I have come across their technology and ruins in my travels. I have exploited their knowledge for my gains,” she says with a smile.

“Would you like to inspect such technology?”

Baesal rose an eyebrow expecting it would not be so simple

"Is that so...and what would it cost me, Lord Zash?"

She cocked her head

"I mean no disrespect but it is like you said: if I am too smart to do something on a whim then I have no doubt that this is far more true for you..."

Faint footsteps announce the arrival of another aspirant who, hearing mention of Lord Zash but nothing else from the prior conversation, appears near the conversing Sith.
The Mirialan pauses, bowing her head slightly. "Good..." She pauses to check herself before misspeaking. "Good afternoon, Lord Zash." Sarna also nods to the unknown aspirant, but she avoids saying anything else until Zash responds.

“Aspirant,” she says to Sarna.

She looks to Baesal and smiles, “Well you seem so interested in my knowledge I figured you would enjoy peeking at more of my secrets. Curiosity is the gateway to power, and you my dear… and your friend have been most curious.”

What..how?

Baesal was half expecting this...but the word Zash used

Friend

Zeno? No, he did not know...unless...maybe.

Her eyes squinted

Is she in my mind?

Knowing Zash, things might get ugly but she had no choice

''I am sorry? Certainly we are not the only one here to be interested in your knowledge...You are quite popular after all.''

If she wants to know she'll know

For the first time in the conversation she smiled

''But even if we did 'accidentaly' stumble on some of your secrets...Why would we believe you will share anything freely? Would you have a proposition for us?''

“No, it’s a good play. Find a weakness and exploit it, I commend you,” she says sweetly.

“You want to survive this place at least, that seems like some incentive.”

You have no idea

''I'm curious Lord Zash...how did you know?''

“Now that would be telling, love,” she says with a smile.

“The better question you should ask yourself is why are you still alive.”

She crosses her arms

''I cannot assume your motivations Lord Zash...nor can I assume you do not plan to kill us at a later date for this...''

A little actually

...but if I was in need of formulating an hypothesis I would posit that, coupled with initiative, we are two different and uncommon specimens. From what I observed, the majority of the students are focused on fighting, a large minority are already dabbling in more obvious aspect of the force but only a very few both shares our specialities, are outsiders and have proven somewhat decent.''

She shrugs

''Then again that is only from my perspective and the information I currently have.''

“Analytical, we could use more analysis within the Sith,” she says honestly.

This surprised her but it could make sense

''Which links back to the first question you asked me, am I wrong?''

She did not want to say it since they were joined by someone else

“I see much of myself in you, Baesal. More so you than the others, but don’t piss me off, because the things I like… I’m not afraid of destroying them. You should learn that lesson. Never covet something so much you can’t be rid of it,” she says with a smile leaning forward and brushing her cheek.

“Never.”

She should have been afraid...but she was not. Wary but not afraid.

''A quite practical attitude Lord Zash. If you don't mind, I will still consider your warning as a compliment from your part and a valued lesson.''

She glances at her pad and Darth Charon's works

''If I could opportune you for a moment longer, might I ask you if you could recommend a Tome on Sith Alchemy?''

“Sith Alchemy is a dangerous and advanced subject, aspirant. Check out Darth Grei’s Codex of Sorcery, volumes 1 and 2. You can skip 1, the core of what you need is in 2 but if you read volume 1 you can impress Lord Savas,” she says.

''I thank you, Lord Zash. I will begin study after Darth Charon's works.''

She smiles, finished with that conversation.

(ooc:Spending Day 3 destiny for a good thing to happen!)