Nar Shaddaa

Sylvain completed making a Dromund Kaas style breakfast from the leftover ingredients he had from the day before. He had sent a message to Hala Moraal asking for a coordination meeting to discuss the negotiations going forward, and felt it would be kind of him to prepare the woman a meal for her troubles. He had his intel data pad available on the table and served up portions for he and his guest while he waited for the appointed time.

A few seconds after the hour, the keypad on his door chimed.

"Colonel Moraal to see Master Torsin," came the older woman's voice through the intercom.

"Come in Colonel." The voice replies as the lock opens for her.

As she entered Sylvain, dressed in military uniform bowed to the woman and smiled, "Good morning. Thank you for coming."

The colonel entered, dipping her head respectfully towards him as she crossed the threshold. Then her eyes narrowed slightly. She sniffed the air, then smiled.

"Good morning to you as well my lord. How may I be of service?"

She was in uniform, but not the flashy full dress of the day prior. The medals, too, were missing, but her rank, insignia, and the code cylinders remained.

He smiled and motioned for a seat at the dining table, "I was wondering if you'd be willing to share your impressions from the proceedings yesterday. I have a feeling that we will be working together over the next week or so to help move these talks along. I found your insight and contributions to the discussion to be helpful, and wished to pick your brain as it were on ideas going forward."

He tilted his head, "Are you hungry? I made a Dromund Kaas style breakfast."

"For all the talk of wanting to make the Republic's government distinct from the Jedi, they still seem extremely willing to let them do the heavy lifting when it suits them," she groused while cracking a smile.

"I am, actually. I hadn't been to the mess hall yet. It smells quite good."

He nodded, "Please have a seat."

He sat down across from her and nodded, "That senator from Coruscant was quite the self-important type I'd say. A self-made noble." He chuckled. "Such a detached world view. She has no idea about herself or her own society's strengths... Nor that her partner yesterday has training in the force."

He took a bite of his food and chewed for a moment, "So, Colonel what is your personal stance on the relative pros and cons of a potential peace agreement.

"A truce allows us to consolidate our winnings and rebuild for the next phase of the conflict, both in terms of manpower, materiel, and our industrial base. That said, without a common enemy for distraction some of the more conflict minded Sith Lords may set their sights on one another. While that can be productive in isolated conflicts, the farther they spread the more collateral damage is incurred," Hala explained, nibbling on the food while she talked.

"I didn't realize Ms. Tssilla could call upon the force. Interesting... And ironic. The Coruscant senator also admitted to me in private that she was proficient at 'skulduggery', her word. Not very proper for so high minded a member of the Galactic Senate?"

"She is... an unusual one. I don't see much of a venue towards a cease-fire through her... Not through her efforts at least." Sylvain replied.

"Ms. Tssilla on the other hand... she seems to be a bit more amenable and capable." Sylvain replied.

"And I must say I agree with your assessment. That makes me quite happy to hear actually, given our delegation lead seems to have potentially different objectives on his mind."

"Darth Xevious' intentions are unknown to me. It's possible he could have been trying to simply antagonize them and it's possible he wishes to see the war through the destruction of the Republic in this phase.... All I can do is my best in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. But I certainly would not mind getting to know Ms. Tssilla better. She was quite enjoyable to speak with."

Hala lifted a napkin to her lips then replaced it in her lap. And, with her mind seemingly on pause she began to eat enthusiastically. Far more so that she had been the other day.

Sylvain nodded, "I have arranged to speak with her later this evening over some drinks. Extending an olive branch of sorts."

Sylvain took a sip of his juice before asking, "So who is it you are reporting to while here Colonel? Are you assigned to Xevious' detail?"

"Them you're sure to have a pleasant evening, she seems lovely company."

Hala reached for her own glass and took a measured sip after Sylvain asked his question.

"I don't directly report to any one person here, my lord. I am here on detached duty, technically outside the local chain of command. If you have a complaint though, I can provide you with my superior and you may file it formally if you did not simply wish to deal with it here."

He shook his head, "No complaints Colonel. Quite the opposite. I tend to know that most of the time valuable assets like yourself aren't moved around without someone of intelligence having a say in it. I was wondering if your assignment was officially attached to anyone, but I suppose your answer is 'no' even if it were the case."

Hala's lips melted into a half smile. Not the pleasant one she had worn during the luncheon but more genuine even if it didn't have quite the warmth.

"My official assignment has been known to change from time to time as befitting the needs of the moment my lord. Its easier if these things aren't burdened by an official record. Saves the poor bean counters the confusion when things aren't the way they expect, even if they don't mind the result."

Sylvain matched her smile, "I think I understand quite well the type of asset you are then Colonel. One in my business picks up on some of these cues simply enough."

He took another bite of his food, "Very well then. How are you finding Nar Shaddaa?"

"Cramped, dirty, and unruly. And given the less than entrenched nature of the situation, we are operating from less of a position of strength than I would care and I've been involved with more field work than I normally handle nowadays. It's charming," she said with a shrug.

"And yourself my lord? Hopefully enjoying it, or if not then the suffering is not too painful?"

"It's been enjoyable enough. The Huttball match last night was refreshing. A pleasure to see several old acquaintances of mine, and make a new one in you." He nodded his head.

"And here I worried my age was showing, underperforming along side a team of relative superstars," Hala chuckled.

"I'm glad to have met you as well, my lord, though I found yesterdays talks more enlightening about you than the game last night. Perhaps that's my assumption that physical feats are near trivial for anyone who has the Force as their ally, and I'm aware it's somewhat untrue."

He smiled and teased, "I hope that isn't an off-handed remark about my relatively less impressive physical attributes. I'll choose to take it as a compliment that you found this boy of a man at least somewhat capable of having a coherent conversation."

"It is not my lord," she said, stiffening for a moment before the tension passed and she relaxed.

"It is that I tend to find a person's mind more curious and intriguing than their body. Blunt instruments are common and cheap, but I try to take notice when someone presents as something else and can follow through with it."

He chuckled again and smiled, "Then I hope to continue to 'follow through' as much as I can. I enjoy having conversations and connections with intelligent individuals like yourself. It is my hope that we can build on our mutual curiosity to create a responsive relationship of support and benefit."

"So what is your objective for the talks if you do not mind my lord?" Hala asked innocently, returning to her breakfast.

"I aim for peace. I do not think long-term peace is possible, or even desirable. But I have seen the reports from the armies across the galaxy which come into the Minster of War's office... We are stretched too thin." He replied.

"And do you have any inkling whether or not Darth Xevious' words yesterday were his true thoughts or just for the benefit of the senators?" she asked politely.

He shook his head, "I do not yet know. He did not seem fond of me though. I fear my connection to my own master may create obstacles in ascertaining exactly what Xevious' objectives are."