Learning the Inbetween

[Kaziki Halcyon]

"Anything. Even something as benevolent as a sense of honor can be carried too far, become a weakness. A chink in the armor where the owner sees a shield... I would be remiss if I didn't use the flaws of our enemy to ensure our victories. More so if I didn't reveal those weaknesses when they exist in our allies." Kaz was looking off into the distance as he spoke, as if at that very moment calculating some grand event that would come to pass with his gentle attentions properly attached. "There's nothing in all of life like that dawn of realization slowly brightening in an opponent's eyes as a well wrought plan plays out its final steps around them."

"Don't be sorry." He waived a hand between them to physically dismiss the whole concept. Kaz was thinking nothing of it and neither should she, apparently. "Our Siri can be very, very familiar with people she trusts. Her manner tends to suggest things that aren't necessarily so. It's a habit she got into in her former situation, she has come to terms with it and thus there is no great need to attempt to alter her." Siri had been a slave, a dancer in a less than reputable entertainment establishment Kaziki Horn had been obliged to visit once. While there he'd been discussing the design problems of a vessel design he'd invested in (incidentally the Corroded Serpent) with one of his disguised Antarian Rangers and she'd blurted out something the Ranger had assured him was quite insightful.

Ever the impulsive type Kaz had bought out the girl's contract and offered her a free ride directly home or a position with the crew of the vessel she'd been so inspired by. She'd taken the job, obviously. "We'll work on your deduction but let me worry about the reading. I'm the one who enjoys it, after all. You worry about the doing. We'll sharpen your lightsaber skills because occasionally that is the best solution to a situation and now that I've met you... I would be most distressed if you weren't there after we win this galactic duel." His smile was genuine and friendly.

The better we know one another, the easier it shall be to fight and work together. "Oh, absolutely correct. The only possible reason to stay at a distance would be if you were here in a capacity that considered me subject, rather than partner." Good to have an indicator that she wasn't a knowing spy. It didn't guarantee that she wasn't a spy, or that she was actually unknowing, but it was a step in the right direction for Kaz's peace of mind. "Time should tell the story of how we grow closer, oddly effort seems counter productive to the goal in that particular endeavor."

Her response to puzzles brought out something he hadn't shown her so far. "Something you can sink your teeth into so to speak? How very intriguing..." Kaz's smile had evolved into a smolder. And you, Kaziki Halcyon, are nothing if not a challenge. "I endeavor to frustrate."

[Kura Nuhok]

Kaz clearly knew what he was talking about when it came to knowing what made people tick, and Kura felt that she was most likely in safe hands when it came to them knowing their enemies - and their allies. "I am afraid that I shall have to very much rely on your superior skill and knowledge in that area," she replied, nodding just the once. They each had their areas of strength, and, as long as they knew when to rely on the other, they should get along just fine. She arced an eyebrow at his mention of the dawning of realisation in the eyes of an opponent. "As you saw in mine just now?"

Feeling strangely relieved about the whole situation with Siri, Kura did nothing but nod dumbly as Kaz explained the situation with her. At least there would be no further misunderstandings there, and she had no need to worry that another woman might be jealous of the time that she would be spending with Kaz. "I am sure that I will become used to it in time."

The relief led to Kura relaxing slightly. "You are correct. I feel far more confident in the practicalities than in the theory of matters," she agreed. "I would be most grateful to leave such things to you." She smiled warmly as Kaz asserted that he would help her hone her skills with the saber. "I would rather like to still be here to see the aftermath also," she replied. It felt as though there could be the beginnings of a friendship there.

Surprised that Kaz might have even considered that she was there to study him, as opposed to be his partner, Kura shook her head vehemently. "Why would you think that," she asked, confusion in her voice. "I have been sent here to be your partner, and, to the best of my knowledge, there is no other hidden purpose to my assignment." She would be mortified if there was, in fact.

That blush crept back as Kaz looked at her, his smile almost indecent as he commented on her sinking her teeth into...something. "I am nothing if not tenacious," Kura replied, her voice low and soft, locking her eyes with his. "And I am certain that you have the ability to frustrate me. However, I do not envisage that lasting for too long... do you?" Kura tossed him a casual grin.

"After all, frustration can only last for so long before evolving into a resolution... do you not think?"

[Kaziki Halcyon]

He nodded once, simply and frankly at her question. Working over allies even had the added bonus of being able to study the after affects of one of his smashing finales. Some of them were even willing to discuss the minutiae of their end of things with him, a bonus for sure. As for the rest? Well, there was some amusement there as well. "Oh, I'm sure it's only a matter of time before she presses her assets up against you as well. She'll be helping me teach you to dance, as part of working on your role here as well as improving your foot work. She also pulls duty as my combat controller from time to time."

He chuckled as she agreed that being there after the war was a good idea. That almost seemed like it could go without saying. For his part Kaz had no doubt he would be there... the trick was whether he'd be remembered as hero, villain, or at all. At least she'd decided to let him do the thinking. That would keep things flowing smoothly toward the events he needed to take place, the events he'd foreseen in his deepest meditations. "I did mention picking on the Masters, yes?" Kaz responded curiously to her next inquiry. "The Corellians have been separate of the Order, even more so than most of the camps. There is a bit of distance between us and our nominal leadership. They might not be entirely trusting of us... which is fair since we aren't entirely trustful of them."

"Indeed," he said as he moved off a few steps turning to face her from a bladed stance. "I can see frustration giving way to determination... very quickly." He ignited his saber and performed his razor perfect Makashi salute and flourish.