A good fight deserves a drink [D3, LA]

[Sylvain Torsin]

"Of course I have met such addicts... But subjugating one's mind and will to such a substance can be considered worse than death by some. I see some validity to that point... and see some validity to yours." He replied.

"I have no desire to combat you on who or what is 'right'. So if you wish to claim whatever insignificant renown you wish over this topic, then please, go ahead. My advice is meant to help you do your work more efficiently and effectively, nothing more. It does not change the fact that you will be the instrument providing individuals with something that is ultimately self-destructive. Perhaps being a tool is what you have become accustomed to and therefore you no longer see any issue with it... but I find that to be a rather sad state to be in for someone of your ability."

[Layne Hoshin]

"I fail to see how getting morally outraged over me selling off some spice I found is supposed to help me be more effective at my job of literally *murdering* people," she said, and followed it up with a big gulp from the drink.

[Sylvain Torsin]

"Is that what you consider your job to be?" He asked.

[Layne Hoshin]

"Are you under the impression Baras sends me to deliver flowers?"

[Sylvain Torsin]

"And you only see yourself as Baras' assassin? That is the extent of your ambition... your place in this Empire and galaxy?" He asked.

[Layne Hoshin]

"There's too many people among our class who think they're ready for more than gruntwork. Ambition without ability is just suicide waiting to happen."

[Sylvain Torsin]

"If you are content with perpetual grunt work, then I will not seek to help you develop those other abilities you may not be as proficient in. You are an efficient killer, perhaps that is where you feel you are meant to stay." He nodded and took a sip of his drink.

"But if you are not content with that... you will eventually need to learn how influence and subtle persuasion and coercion can be as effective tools as any other in your arsenal. I merely suggest you start preparing sooner rather than later." He added after downing the liquor.

[Layne Hoshin]

"Yeah well," she took another drink, "the problem with taking advice from a manipulator on the art of manipulating, is that they're probably manipulating you somehow. What are you playing at, trying to trigger some kind of moral crisis? Killers or not, Sith wouldn't give a damn about the ethics of selling spice."

[Sylvain Torsin]

He chuckled, "Whatever you may believe about me... I wish to build up those around me, because I feel on the aggregate the Empire becomes stronger as its members become stronger. And I know what it is to be Baras' apprentice. He isn't the most forthcoming of masters much of the time."

[Layne Hoshin]

"Well, at least on that there's no doubt you're telling the truth." She filled up another glass, Sylvain's too if his was empty, and raised hers.

"He's coming what.... day after tommorow?"

[Sylvain Torsin]

He nodded, "Have you accomplished the task he set out for you yet?"

[Layne Hoshin]

"Is that a serious question?"

The sarcasm was thick enough to cut with a vibroblade.

[Sylvain Torsin]

"It appears you were successful then. I'm glad it was no one I knew... otherwise I would have heard of it." He chuckled.

"Then you should be looking forward to his arrival I take it?"

[Layne Hoshin]

"Oh, so looking forward," she said, with more sarcasm.

"You're not? Don't tell me you failed to accomplish what he tasked you with?"

[Sylvain Torsin]

He chuckled, "Mine were never going to be accomplished on that time frame. The talks will continue for several days after this I would assume. I spoke with him yesterday on the progress of things. It appears he will have work for us both when he arrives."

[Layne Hoshin]

She shrugged at the mention of more work. That was entirely expected.

"I take it things are well then, with Shaisha. Keeping her in check, and all that."

[Sylvain Torsin]

"Well enough. She appears to be doing other things at the moment. Vowrawn doesn't have her directly interfering with our Master's business. Simple enough to reconnect with her since it was her birthday yesterday. Went out and enjoyed a game of huttball. You give that a try yet?" He asked.

[Layne Hoshin]

"No, but I did make money off of betting on a match with some of our fellow graduates in it."

[Sylvain Torsin]

He nodded, "You should give it a try. I think you'd enjoy it. Maybe you can join Kris, Shaisha, and I next time we play."

[Layne Hoshin]

Now it was her turn to chuckle. Or something approaching one, at least.

"I'd feel so welcome in your little clique."

[Sylvain Torsin]

"It was never us who made you unwelcome." He replied with a smile and a sip of his drink.

"But perhaps your Ghost-father was to blame for that bad first impression."

[Layne Hoshin]

"You just can't let that go, can you?"

Now, at least, she seemed slightly amused.

"Jealousy is not a good look."

[Sylvain Torsin]

He chuckled, "I suppose I am not entirely beyond envy just yet."

[Layne Hoshin]

She took another drink.

"If you guys'll play, then sure. Fine. Whatever. Put me on the team. Why not."

[Sylvain Torsin]

He chuckled, "Your exuberance is contagious."