Critter Consultant (D4, EE, The Menagerie)

[Nekoinu]

"Looking for? In what regards? If you mean with you, I was hoping to conclude the original intention of the today's luncheon: deepening your connection to the Light Side of the Force."

[Galen Sol]

"And?"

[Nekoinu]

She smiled. "I believe I have made ample progress."

[Galen Sol]

"What is the next step?" he asked.

[Nekoinu]

"Introspection," she replied, still smiling.

[Galen Sol]

"Is that something we can do together?" he asked with a grin.

[Nekoinu]

"I can guide you if you wish," she said with a nod.

[Galen Sol]

"I'd like that." he nodded. "What will we be contemplating? Just my own state of mind?"

[Nekoinu]

The Miraluka nodded once more. "Yes. As I mentioned before, there is always room for mastery when it comes to being aligned with the Force."

[Galen Sol]

"I was hoping for more insight into your thouggts, but I will follow your guidance." he nodded again.

[Nekoinu]

"More insight into my thoughts? What would you like to know in particular?"

[Galen Sol]

"You have a unique perspective." he shrugged. "I'm curious as to what you think of the things you encounter. The people of Nar Shaddaa. The creatures surrounding us here. The man before you. Am I a project? An ally? A friend? Are my charms simply tolerated? Or, do you appreciate them?"

[Nekoinu]

"Nar Shaddaa is a vibrant place full of people much different than I. It is like Coruscant but more indulgent. As for my opinion of you, I believe 'prospective pupil' may be the most apt descriptor. Friend may also work."

Her smile grew wider. "To say I appreciate your charms would be misleading but nor do I simply tolerate it." A pause. "I cannot recall the last time someone attempted to woo me. However, the reason for my caveat is that I cannot reciprocate any romantic feelings you may hold for me."

[Galen Sol]

"I suspected as much and I respect that." he nodded. "It will be hard not to think of what might have been, though. I wasn't really looking to woo or corrupt you, but I do find you beautiful and alluring. It could have been nice. Now, I wonder if you would if you could."

"As for being your pupil." he added. "I'd like to learn. About you, about the Jedi and about the Force. Nothing I've seen, however, has made me interested in joining the Order."

[Nekoinu]

"That is not my path in life," Lyshea replied gently, "I do not seek to be attached to any individual in such a way." Still she smiled warmly. "Perhaps it would have been as you said: 'nice.'"

The Jedi Master nodded. "I can teach you. Others may not be pleased by that decision but that has not stopped me before."

[Galen Sol]

"It doesn't actually require attachment." he shrugged. "That can certainly develop, but its often just about momentary comfort and enjoyment. Those moments can be difficult to find."

"Regardless, I would like to learn."

[Nekoinu]

"Oh? Romance on Nar Shaddaa is different than what I have encountered elsewhere."

Lyshea smiled. "You already have learned. You have learned to see past the darkness that would cloud your vision and thoughts."

[Galen Sol]

"It's not just here. People everywhere have different views of intimancy, which doesn't always involve romance." he explained.

"Will you teach me more?"

[Nekoinu]

"I would think that intimacy would be one and the same as romance," she noted. "For it to be otherwise is foreign to me."

She nodded. "Of course. Was there something in particular you were hoping to explore?"

[Galen Sol]

"They are associated, certainly. But, romance is about emotionally bonding with someone over a long period of time. Intimacy can be a part of that, or it can be an independent experience of mutual attraction and appreciation, without the long-term bond."

The dual conversations had begun to amuse him.

"The truth is, I know very little of what I may be capable of. I can get a sense of what's around me or of someone's feelings. I can influence those emotions. But, I don't know what else may be possible."

[Nekoinu]

"The Force is part of life but not all beings utilize it," she replied as a means of metaphor. "That is the way I understand, at least."

The Miraluka bowed her head. "That is a start, Galen Sol. Those abilities may be expanded upon or you may learn entirely new ones."

[Galen Sol]

"And, some choose not to." he nodded. "But, may change their mind."

"Are your abilities similar to mine?"

[Nekoinu]

"Are you hoping that I will change my mind?" she asked with a calm smile.

The Miraluka nodded. "Yes. I have explored many means of using the Force. Some of my abilities are more trained than others.'

[Galen Sol]

"If you wished to explore that path, it would please me to do so with you." he smiled. "But, I understand and respect that it is something you do not want. I appologise for dwelling on it for so long."

"What ability were you using to examine my mind?"

[Nekoinu]

"People change. We are in a constant state of change. I do not think it is likely that I will change in this regard. However, if I do, I will be sure to inform you of such." She bowed her head. "There is no need to apologize. I am not offended."

Master Mersl smiled. "I was attuning myself to you. It is likely related to your ability to sense the presence of predators in the wilds."