[D3 EM] A sinister breakfast

[Alysele Cortess]

Alysele sat the canteen, glaring at the mush that was today's breakfast. The pain from her left shoulder didn't recede like she hoped it would, and frankly, eating with it was a pain and a half.

Her right hand, while trained to fight with a saber if needed, was not practiced a the "spoon to plate to mouth" maneuver.

So, here she was starving, and afraid to eat, for fear of looking like a child.

The world was cruel.

[Nekoinu]

Jedi Master Garrick Lorne came to the cafeteria to fetch his morning meal. It may have amused some that he still wore his armor until the last moment. When he saw her, he paused for a moments.

A deep breath.

He then walked over to her. "I heard what happened to you, Lady Cortess. You fought well, I imagine. That is what I have heard of you."

[Alysele Cortess]

Alysele looked up from her staring contest with her breakfast. "Master Lorne." She knew him, or at least of him. "Thank you. I just did my duty." She frowned. "What did you hear exactly?

[Nekoinu]

"I heard you fought with a nikto. A strong one, at that." He gazed awkwardly at a chair. "May I join you?" A pause. "Do you need assistance?"

[Alysele Cortess]

"Please, sit." It's not like she's going to deny the presence of a master. "...No, thank you." Her voice was determined, and she scooped up a tiny bit of mush with her right hand, carefully navigating it.

It was a success! It was also very, very slow.

"He was big. And wearing armor that resisted my saber."

[Nekoinu]

"Ah. Then he is great threat. Did that catch you off-guard, Lady Cortess?" he asked with concern. He shook his head and let out an uncomfortable sigh. "You look like you could use help, Lady Cortess."

[Alysele Cortess]

"The armor did. I have heard of such material, but to see it on a random nikto on Nar Shaddaa." She looked down at the plate. "Perhaps not so random."

She looked up at him, frowning. "I.." what does one say to a master in such a situation. "Thank you?"

[Nekoinu]

"There must be more to him. Perhaps I should find him and deal with him myself." A pause and then he shook his head. "I believe it must be your destiny to face him. I hope you fare better next time."

He nodded and used the Force to lift the spoon to her. "I used to be too proud to allow others to help me. I, well... hm..."

[Alysele Cortess]

Aly smiled. "Thank you Master Lorne. I would rather face him again myself. I am not the only one who left that encountered with some lasting injuries. He hits like a rancor, but is clumsy like one too." There was pride and mocking in her voice as she spoke. "Next time I will make sure that he doesn't get to escape again."

She looked at the spoon, and tentatively tried eating from it. Talk about weird.

"Used to?" she asked.

[Nekoinu]

"Next time you will know his techniques. However, he will know the same," he advised.

Garrick Lorne continued to use the Force to help her. It was awkward but likely less than him hand feeding her.

"I thought I was invincible. That first cost me my arm." He held out his robotic right arm. He did not bother using synthflesh. Instead, it was interlaced fully with his armor. "When I believed that was my only failure, I lost both of my legs." A pause. "Do you know Arali Zian? Unnecessarily unruly but she possesses a great mind. She was instrumental in ensuring my survival that day."

[Alysele Cortess]

"I know Arali. She's..." An outcast? A washout? A failure? Annoying? Too chirpy? "She has a great mind. A great mind that does not like many constraints."

She observed his limbs... yeah, that was a scary prospect. "You are advising caution for me? When facing the same opponent?"

[Nekoinu]

"She is intelligent and I wish she would put it to better use. The Republic could have used another capable commander."

The Jedi Master tightened his mechanical fist and nodded. "Yes, exactly. I would prefer you be unharmed." His concentration on the spoon faltered for a brief moment before he continued with it.

[Alysele Cortess]

"Mhm, I'm not sure she would be a good commander. She has a way about.... annoying people. At least from my experience." Which was limited. And included ambush attacks.

Aly looked at the spoon with some distress. Maybe I should diet. "Thank you... any suggestions on that?"

[Nekoinu]

"I know exactly what you are referring to," he remarked, "I tried to train her better than that. However, I am certain you know of my constant failings." A small laugh. "Any padawan of mine knows that they are in for a challenge."

Lorne paused. "The two reasons why I am still alive are allies and training."

[Alysele Cortess]

She frowned. "Actually, I don't know much. About those failings." Of course, she did hear rumors about him making a master without a trained padawan, but... rumors are rumors.

"Then perhaps you can train me sometime? A new perspective would be appreciated."

[Nekoinu]

"I have never trained a padawan to be a knight," he explained plainly, "The Force has never willed it to be so."

A pause, including the spoon. "I am unsure if my technique would be suitable for you. I rely on my strength to overpower my opponents. I am certain you rely on more finesse."

[Alysele Cortess]

"Oh." so, it was true. "I am sure the Force had good reason." Wow, very convincing.

She stared at the spoon. So creepy. Finally, she teared her eyes away and looked at Garrick.

"Perhaps some sparring then. My opponent was the same, relying on size and strength. More experience versus such an opponent would be appreciated."

[Nekoinu]

The hulking man scoffed. "Whatever the reasons, I cannot change them now."

He sat there in contemplation, though at least this time the spoon continued as normal. He took a breath, one of mantra and calm. "I would be reluctant to harm you," he admitted, "Although one of the training sabers may work."

[Alysele Cortess]

She understood regret. Understood it well. It was close, like a sibling that you grew up with, and learned to tolerate, for the sake of your family.

"Training sabers would work. I feel that the movements are the most important now." She took another spoonful of mush. "Have you ever tried Makashi?"

[Nekoinu]

"I have tried every Form at least once. Djem So was the greatest fit for me. As I mentioned before, strength is my greatest advantage. Djem So's aggressive style suits me well."

[Alysele Cortess]

Aly nodded. "Master Fehraro was a prodigy in Makashi, and I seemed to have a knack for it, so it stuck. I never really tried other styles." She quirked a smile. "Have you sparred with him?"

[Nekoinu]

"Your master and and I have had our duels. He has excellent form and typically bests me in contact sparring. However, I am unsure if he could handle my personal lightsaber if I swung with all my might."

[Alysele Cortess]

"He is good at dueling. He.. taught me well. In that regard." She looked away, ignoring her food for now.

"Do you see value in trying different forms? To complement my existing specialty?"

[Nekoinu]

Garrick Lorne set the spoon back down gently. "He was always busy with his battles, much like me," he stated plainly.

"I believe you should master Makashi first. It would suit you well, Lady Cortess."

[Alysele Cortess]

"Yes, quite busy." She couldn't quite hide the bitterness from her voice, but she tried to move on. Like she has been trying her whole life.

"Perhaps... I feel that I should try to broaden my experience."